SAVE OUR CHURCHES ASSOCIATION
Upcoming
SOCA AGM
Sunday, May 4, 2025, 2 to 4 pm.
Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall
639 - 12B Street North, Lethbridge
We cordially invite you to our Annual General Meeting! We’re eager to see you as we present key updates over the past year and talk about our future plans. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
SOCA Memberships are $5 and may be obtained at the door
Mass at St. Patrick's
St. Patrick's is open for Rosary, Mass and Meditation
the First and Third Saturdays of each month
from 9:00 am - 12 noon
Doors Open - 9 am - Rosary - 9:15 am - Mass - 9:30 am followed by Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary
Come, and spend some time with Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
St. Patrick's Day Mass, 2025
UPDATES
St. Patrick's doors were opened once again in celebration of our patron saint. St Patrick's Day fell on a Monday this year, with Mass beginning at 5 PM, Fr. Kevin Tumback led a heartfelt service attended by 250 members of our community. While attendance was slightly lower than in previous years, the spirit of worship and song filled our beautiful church, creating a truly moving experience for all. We look forward to these all too rare occasions when we all can come together in praise and worship within the bosom of our mother church.
Work has begun to repair and upgrade St. Patrick's as promised by Bishop McGrattan. The old Mother's Room is in the process of being converted into three handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Work to repair the front steps should proceed when the weather improves and the contract is tendered.. Planning is in the works to purchase and install a new elevator using the existing space on the east side of the church. SOCA is advocating for St. Patrick's Church to be fully reopened, including the basement for social gatherings and meeting space. We continue to need your support in the achievement of these goals.
Exciting Developments Unveiled:
Bishop McGrattan’s Vision for
All Saints Parish in Lethbridge
April 7, 2024
Bishop McGrattan convened a town hall meeting at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on April 7, 2024. He came to share his decision on the future of All Saints Parish based on the findings and recommendations of the East Lethbridge Community Parish Assessment Project (ELCPAP) which were provided to him earlier in the year. Bishop McGrattan's pronouncements outline a roadmap for growth, sustainability, and unity within our parish community.
Here are the key highlights of Bishop McGrattan’s decisions:
1. Preservation and Modernization of St. Patrick’s: Recognizing the historical significance and cherished traditions of St. Patrick’s, Bishop McGrattan has committed to a comprehensive modernization plan. Over the next five years, St. Patrick’s will undergo renovations aimed at preserving its legacy while ensuring it remains a vibrant center of worship and community life.
2. Updates and Maintenance for St. Basil’s and Assumption: Bishop McGrattan has emphasized the importance of maintaining the spiritual homes of our parishioners at St. Basil’s and Assumption. A dedicated plan for updates and ongoing maintenance over the next five years will ensure these sacred spaces continue to serve our community with grace and reverence.
3. Financial Commitment for Renovations and Maintenance: To support these crucial initiatives, Bishop McGrattan has allocated $3.5 million for renovations and maintenance across all parish facilities. This investment underscores the Diocese's commitment to ensuring our churches remain safe, functional, and conducive to worship.
4. Forward-Thinking Approach: Bishop McGrattan has projected the lifespan of our current churches until 2034, highlighting the need for proactive planning and investment in the future. In line with this vision, he has underscored the necessity of constructing a new church facility to meet the evolving needs of our growing parish community.
5. New Church Construction Plan: The Bishop has outlined a comprehensive plan for the construction of a new church, with an estimated cost of $34 million. While $7 million has already been raised, Bishop McGrattan has set a target of raising 75% of the remaining $27 million over the next 5-10 years before commencing construction. Upon the opening of the new church, St. Basil’s and Assumption will be respectfully closed, while St. Patrick’s will continue to serve as a cornerstone of our parish.
6. Healing and Unification: Recognizing the importance of healing divisions and fostering unity within our parish community, Bishop McGrattan has initiated a five-year plan as part of the Diocesan Renewal Initiative. This plan will focus on fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and collaboration among parishioners to strengthen our bonds of faith and fellowship.
7. Feasibility Study for New Church: A feasibility study will be conducted to assess the size, location, cost, and capacity of the new church. Co-chaired by the Diocese and Parish, with oversight from a third-party professional, this study will inform the development of a fundraising plan based on its findings.
We are immensely grateful for Bishop McGrattan's visionary leadership and commitment to the flourishing of All Saints Parish. As we embark on this journey together, let us unite in prayer, solidarity, and shared purpose, trusting in God's guidance and grace.
In Faith and Gratitude,