SAVE OUR CHURCHES ASSOCIATION
Upcoming
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration is held the First and Third Saturdays of each month
from 10:00 am - 12 noon, at St. Patrick's Church.
The next exposition of the Holy Eucharist will be held on August 3 (9:30 am).
Come, and spend some time with Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
UPDATES
Exciting Developments Unveiled:
Bishop McGrattan’s Vision for
All Saints Parish in Lethbridge
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,
St. Patrick's Day Mass
Sunday March 17, 2024,
St. Patrick's Church
St. Patrick's opened its doors on a glorious Sunday morning to celebrate Mass on the feast of its Patron Saint. It was standing room only as parishioners once more flocked to worship God in their beloved church. The celebrant was Fr. Santiago Torres. Mass at St. Patrick's will again be offered on September 24, the day of its Consecration.
Please pray for the full reopening of St. Patrick's Church. Parishioners showed their continued love and support of St, Patrick's by filling the church to capacity on the two Masses offered last year (despite the Church being closed for the past 12 years). By your presence at Holy Mass let us continue to show Bishop McGrattan that we want St. Patrick's Church to be fully reopened.
January 18, 2023 - Bishop McGrattan Makes A Suprise Visit To All Saints Parish
Bishop McGrattan made a surprise visit to All Saints Parish Advisory Council on January 18, 2023. There was no formal notice of his coming or the purpose of his visit. Bishop McGrattan has had no communication with the Parish or SOCA acknowledging the March 12, 2021 decision of the Vatican's highest court, the Supreme Tribunal. Despite being the Petitioner in the case, SOCA has not received a copy of the judgment until it was recently posted on the All Saints website. The Court ruled that Bishop Henry had illegally closed St. Patrick's Church in 2011 and that it was to be reopened after 10 years of closure. SOCA has written the Bishop on at least two occasions asking how and what he planned to do in response to the ruling, receiving no response.
In a slide presentation, Bishop McGrattan outlined his plan to address the decision of the Supreme Tribunal. He proposed "a renewed consultation process to assess the future pastoral needs of All Saints Parish" and to come up with a "Made In Lethbridge" solution. Bishop Henry also proposed a similar process in 2006 which proved to be disingenuous. Bishop McGrattan asked that a committee be formed entitled the East Lethbridge Parish Assessment Project (EPCPAP) and that it be headed by Fr. Kevin Tumback. The committee's recommendations are to be sent to the Bishop for his decision by December 31, 2023
Bishop McGrattan went on to say that he would comply with the ruling of the Supreme Tribunal and reopen St. Patrick's Church - two times per year, once on St. Patrick's Day and on the day of its dedication (September 24). He also stated that the Church must be made safe for parishioners to enter, but that no financial support would be forthcoming from the Diocese for its cleaning and repairs.
SOCA has declined to participate in the East Lethbridge Catholic Parish Assessment Project believing that the Bishop's decision to only open St. Patrick's Church two days per year is in contravention of Rome's ruling. It is preposterous to believe that the Supreme Tribunal would consider St. Patrick's opening for 2 days per year as meeting the terms of their sentence. SOCA holds that St. Patrick's must be fully opened as it was before its illegal closure in August 2011.
SOCA also believes that Fr. Kevin is biased against the reopening of St. Patrick's and that he will not conduct a fair hearing of his committee. Throughout the past 20 years, the views of parishioners opposing the closing of their churches to build a new church have been dismissed and ignored by their two priests and two Bishops. To this time they have shown no indication that they intend to alter their plans even to the point of opposing the sentencing of the Tribunal.