First Reading:
Jeremiah 20.7-9
The word of the Lord has become for me reproach and derision.

Responsorial Psalm:
Ps 63.1, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 (R.1a)
R: My soul thirsts for you, O Lord my God.

Second Reading:
Romans 12.1-2
Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.

Gospel:
Matthew 16.21-27
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves.

Announcing Our New Bulletin

Welcome to the newly redesigned bulletin for St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, now delivered through Flocknote. This transition allows us to connect with our parish family more effectively and brings a vibrant, interactive experience to you. Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out a variety of exciting new features designed to enrich your faith and keep you connected to parish life. Thank you for staying connected with our community, and we look forward to growing together.

Ephphatha - Be Opened

From Never to Must

By Michael Gregory McDougall

I was born on May 26, 1936, in Glace Bay, Cape Britain, Nova Scotia.

From an early age, I recognized that God had blessed me with many special gifts. I was born to a single mother, and shortly after my baptism, my grandparents, Marianne and John D McDougall, took me into their home. They had already raised two of my older siblings. My birth mother later married and lived about 10 miles away. I would visit her every Friday and bike back home on Saturday to be ready for Sunday Mass with my grandmother.

When I was about nine years old, I had a dream that my mother was pregnant and that her baby would be still born. I told no one. Sometime later, when I visited her, she greeted me warmly and said she had something special to show me. She led me upstairs to a bassinet and gently picked up a small bundle. “This is your brother,“ she said, “he was born dead. Would you like to hold him?“

Without hesitation, I took him in my arms, held him close and kissed his little forehead. It was a sacred moment and a special blessing. Over the years I came to see that experience as part of my lifelong calling – comforting others through the reality of death and accompanying them as they go home to the Lord.

At the age of 12, I moved to Montreal to live with my older sister and her husband. While in Montreal, I often visited Saint Joseph’s oratory. Those visits were very special to me. I prayed to brother Andre (now Saint Andre Bassett) and was deeply moved walking past the alcoves filled with crutches, canes, and wheelchairs left behind by people healed through faith and prayer.

Then, at 18, while on my way to the Laurentians, I suddenly collapsed at the train station with severe chest pain. I woke up in the Royal Victoria Hospital, where doctors discovered my left lung had collapsed. During my long recovery, I found purpose in visiting and comforting other patients. Even after being discharged, I continued visiting long-term patients – another gift that helped shape my pastoral path.

Later, with only a knapsack, I traveled across the Maritimes, then west through parts of the US, eventually settling in Calgary in 1958, when the city’s population was around 447,000. I began visiting the Children’s Hospital, Holy Cross, and the Colonel Belcher Hospital, spending time with veterans playing cards or pool. It was at the Holy Cross where the religious sisters first instructed me in patient visitation.

Though I attended Saint Mary’s, my spiritual life was faltering. One evening on a walk, I passed the Basilian House. Something—surely the Holy Spirit—prompted me to knock on the door. Father Larry Moran, a Basilian priest, and teacher at St. Mary’s, welcomed to me and invited me in for tea. That meeting grew into a lifelong friendship and spiritual mentorship. Through our weekly conversations, my faith was renewed, and I rediscovered my trust in the Church and in God. Years later, when I was serving in pastoral care at the Rockyview hospital, I was blessed to visit him as a patient. We reconnected deeply, and I often accompanied him to medical appointments until his passing.

Over the decades, my ministry and pastoral care expanded. I had the honor of caring for Bishop Paul O’Byrne until his passing. My wife, Marie, and I celebrated his anniversary and received many blessings through his friendship. I also spent many years with father Jerry Dowling, hospital chaplain at the Rockyview. Father Jerry Dowling spent the last 10 years of his life, walking the floors of Rockyview hospital. He was well liked by all. When he got sick, I would bring him daily communion at home. When he was admitted to hospice, I would visit him when he was able. I would shave him or take him out in his wheelchair. I was honored to speak at his funeral.

Another treasured memory was helping Father Martin Hale, pastor of St. Patrick’s. When his boat motor sank in Mountain Lake, my neighbor, knowing I was a scuba diver, asked for help. The lake was shallow, but filled with decades of bird droppings, making the dive difficult. Still, I spotted the motor, attached to floatation buoys, and brought it up. It was a good day – spiritually and practically.

About 40 years ago, father Joe Rigby, then pastor of St. Patrick’s, encouraged me to take a new  Pastoral Care course approved by Bishop O’Byrne. We began with just five parishioners, but as time went on the program grew to over 30 volunteers.

I also shared many memories with father Eling Estaris, associate pastor at St. Patrick’s, a gentle priest known for his love of children with special needs. On one occasion, he insisted on cooking dinner for us after a fishing trip. When he placed a covered dish before me, I lifted the lid and found four pairs of eyes staring up from fish heads! We all shared a good laugh. Later, when is health declined, I visited him often at the foothills Hospital and at home with his sister. He was dearly loved by everyone at St. Patrick’s.

This year marks my 73rd year of visiting God‘s people, and today, I continue my pastoral visits as often as I am able. God has given me a good life, and I want to use it for his glory.

Your brother in Christ,
Michael McDougall.

Editor’s note: Currently, the pastoral care ministry includes 35 volunteers who visit Catholics in hospital, take Eucharist to them in their homes, and bring Masses to Residents of care homes.  If you feel called to minister in this way, you can find out more about this rewarding ministry by contacting Quentin Goetz at qp.goetz@gmail.com

Would you or a family member like to be featured in "Following in His Footsteps"? Send us your story to communications@stpatrickcalgary.com 

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Beat in egg and shortening. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (do not knead). Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Punch dough down and divide into 4 portions; roll each portion into a 14x12-in. rectangle. Spread 2 tablespoons butter over dough. Fold in half lengthwise; cut into 12 strips. Tie each strip into a knot; tuck and pinch ends under. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake at 400° until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool. Recipe source / printable recipe : Taste of Home

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