Dear Friends of FCJ Christian Life Centre, 

 

Each day at the FCJ Christian Life Centre, we meet people who are searching: seeking clarity, peace, and a way to live with hope in uncertain times. The world can feel noisy, divided, and overwhelming, and our programs offer a chance to step back, listen, and reconnect with what matters most. At the same time, we host groups and non-profit organizations, providing space for teams to reflect, plan, and strengthen their work in service to others. Whether supporting individuals or groups, our goal is the same: to inspire hope and help people grow in awareness, compassion, and purpose. Your support helps us continue with this work. 

 

Through retreats, spiritual direction, and formation programs, you help people engage with what truly matters, not to escape the world’s challenges, but to meet them with courage and compassion. We’ve seen retreatants and others find the inner strength to forgive, the clarity to serve, and the wisdom to respond to injustice in their families, workplaces, and communities. We’ve also witnessed groups and organizations leaving with renewed focus and energy, clearer about their mission, and inspired to bring hope, compassion, and justice to the communities they serve. This sacred space in the heart of Calgary still exists because we are sustained by the generosity and faith of our community, by people like you!  

 

From January to October 2025, the FCJ Centre has been a source of hope and support for thousands of people and groups: 

• 10,375 individuals engaged in programs, retreats, and services, finding guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. 

• 471 sessions accompanied individuals on their journey with Christ through spiritual direction.  

• 65 private retreatants stayed a total of 279 days, gaining clarity and a deeper connection with God. 

• 169 groups with 6,891 individuals strengthened their work in service to others. 

• 94 in-person programs served 801 participants. 

• 50 online programs were offered to 254 participants. 

• 42 groups with 887 participants were co-facilitated or co-hosted with other groups and organizations 

 

Growth highlights include 26 new private retreatants and 15 new groups. That quiet transformation is the work of God’s grace, and you are part of it. 

 

Each of these numbers reflect real lives touched, hope shared, and communities strengthened. Your support makes this possible, helping the FCJ Centre continue to guide, inspire, and support all who come through our doors. 

 

On this Giving Tuesday, I invite you to continue walking with us. 

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Looking ahead to 2026, our goal is to raise $250,000 and to welcome at least 30 monthly donors who can help cover the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating our large facility.  

Every donation helps us keep the Centre operating, the grounds cared for and peaceful, and our programs and retreats accessible to all who seek support, guidance, and hope. 

 

If you’re able, we invite you to support the FCJ Centre again this year in one of these meaningful ways: 

• Make a one-time gift or add an extra month to your regular giving. 

• Become a Friends of the Centre monthly donor and help sustain our ministry throughout the year. 

• Contribute to our Endowment Fund to ensure the Centre’s mission continues for generations to come. 

• Include the FCJ Centre in your will, leaving a legacy of faith and care. 

• Make a memorial gift to honour someone who has touched your life. 

 

You can give online, by phone, or by mail, whichever method you choose, your generosity touches countless lives in quiet, meaningful ways. Your tax-deductible donation directly supports the ministry that happens here each day. 

 

To close, as we await the coming of Christ, may your heart be filled with hope and gratitude. Through your generosity, the light of Christ shines in our community, touching lives in ways seen and unseen. Thank you for your support, for your belief in the Mission of the FCJ Centre, and for helping to bring Christ’s presence to others through your prayers, donations, and volunteering.