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Bulletin
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St. Albert the Great Parish
“O taste and see that the Lord is good” Ps 34.8
10 Prestwick Drive SE, Calgary, AB, Canada T2Z 4J6 Phone: 403 257 6054 Fax: 403 257 6072 Charitable Registration Number 107909939 RR0084
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Isaiah 63: 16B - 17, 19B; 64: 2 - 7 Corinthians 1: 3 - 9
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Today we begin the beautiful and holy season of Advent. With all that we have going on this time of year, it’s no wonder Advent that does not always seem to get the attention it deserves. But if we will commit to living this season well, we will experience a deeper conversion to Christ and find real transformation in our lives as Christian stewards.
Why? Advent calls us not only to look back in grateful contemplation of Christ’s first coming, but it also calls us to look forward in preparation for His Second Coming. Advent is a time to reset and regroup, to repent over any misplaced priorities, to turn our minds and hearts back to God while we still have time. We do so not out of fear or guilt, but rather, out of gratitude for Love Incarnate lying in a manger bed.
Whatever we feel God calling us to do this Advent — committing to a daily Gospel reflection, visiting a lonely neighbor, or donating money to those in dire need — there is no time to waste.
Jesus makes this clear in our Gospel passage from Mark. He tells the parable of a man going off on a journey. Before he leaves, he “places his servants in charge, each with his own work.” We, of course, are the servants in this parable, each with a mission to accomplish in building the Kingdom of God. Jesus warns us over and over in this passage to remain vigilant to the work He has given us to do because we do not know when we will be called to give an account for it.
Our lives are a gift. This holy season is a gift. Let us recommit to living the stewardship way of life. Love came down to us as a Baby. And He is coming again. Be watchful!
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Tue, Dec 5 @ 9:00 am Marc Lando (INT) Tue, Dec 5 @ 10:00 am Frank Swoboda (RIP) - Senior Care Centre Tue, Dec 5 @ 6:30 pm Anne McGrory (RIP) Wed, Dec 6 @ 9:00 am Jim Barker (RIP) Wed, Dec 6 @ 10:30 am Ferraro & Lopo families (INT) Wed, Dec 6 @ 6:30 am Olive Songui (RIP) Thu, Dec 7 @ 9:00 am Nicolas Mangubat (RIP) Thu, Dec 7 @ 1:30 am Lesley & Karby (INT) - Senior Care Centre Thu, Dec 7 @ 6:30 pm No Mass Fri, Dec 8 @ 9:00 am Ruth Odwyer (INT) Fri, Dec 8 @ 6:30 pm Pat Johnson (RIP) Sat, Dec 9 @ 9:00 am Sharon van der Sloot (INT) Sat, Dec 9 @ 5:00 pm Frank Drescher (RIP) Sun, Dec 10 @ 9:00 am Aniceta & Reynaldo Miranda (RIP) Sun, Dec 10 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, Dec 10 @ 5:00 pm Florizel Bernardo (INT)
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NOTE: NO EVENING MASS DECEMBER 7 AT 6:30 PM
There will be no evening Mass December 7 at 6:30 PM as St. Gianna School is having an Advent celebration during this time period.
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IMPORTANT DONATION INFORMATION
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS – when making donations by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) please put your full name in the memo line, and your address if it is the first time you are sending an EFT donation. We are receiving donations that only come in from the bank with a first name, and we do not know who it belongs to, or what it is for; donation, sacrament fee payment, etc. Also, you may have the same first and last name as another parishioner, and the address helps us correctly record the donation. Your full name and address ensures that we are recording the donation to the correct person for tax receipts at the end of the year.
DONATION ENVELOPES – we are encouraging parishioners to make donations electronically, however we can provide you with a box of donation envelopes and a sheet of labels to put on them, as the envelopes are not numbered. Please come to the parish office Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and we can provide you with the box of envelopes and labels. If you do not want the labels, when using envelopes, please PRINT your full name and address on the envelope. If you only put your first name “John”, or your last name “Doe Family”, we do not know who to record the donation to and it gets recorded as loose.
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PASTORAL CARE IN OUR PARISH
Our parish has a number of pastoral care ministers that are available to bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. Pastoral care is a ministry of healing and presence to those parishioners who are sick, elderly, dying, homebound and bereaved. Our ministers are available to make home visits, as well we have ministers that regularly attend the South Campus Hosptial.
If you or a loved one are a parishioner in need of a pastoral care visit at home or at the South Calgary Health Campus please contact the parish office at 403-257-6054.
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FINANCE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
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ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CHOIRS NEEDS PIANISTS!
We love our Choirs, don’t we? Right now, the choir leaders that are here have each been providing the power of prayer and music for between 4 and 25 years. They LOVE being able to bring prayer to you. Our Choir leaders are Stewards. As Stewards, we get to take our talents and GROW THEM. Growing the talents means seeking out new vines, new wheat, to grow and return 10-fold to the Lord.
Help us find new vines and the new seeds! What we’re looking for is a few pianists who love to play and can devote a few hours to some practice to help out at a Mass over Christmas. Christmas Carols are all we sing at Christmas, so we know fun will go along in the prayer. We have all the music; we will get you copies as soon as you offer your talent to create more. None of us wants to bury the talent God gave us in abundance.
If you think you can play more after Christmas, let’s have a discussion about it. For now, if you’re interested in creating and multiplying your talent please email me at timothyberlando@gmail.com
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The CWL will be selling advent wreath kits for $25 and replacement candles for $10 over the next two weekends after the Masses in the Narthex.
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YOUTH GROUP HAS RE-STARTED!
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Calling all Youth for fun games, activities and learning about our faith in an atmosphere of fun, interactive play and discussion!!
Youth Group is a great way to meet new friends and learn about our parish community and our connection to Christ.
ALL-Youth and teens from Grades 6 and up (approx. ages 11 – 20+) are invited to meet up on Fridays starting Oct. 27, Nov 24, & Dec 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, plus many weekend parish volunteer dates in-between.
FYI: Youth Leader nights (Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 1) alternate with the ALL-Youth group nights.
Where: Church basement main hall When: starting Friday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Who should attend: all Youth Grades 6 and up (approx. ages 11 – 20+). Parents are welcome to stay and observe or drop off their child by using the sign-in/sign-out procedure. Snacks will be served.
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Come As You Are UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
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Hi friends! Come as you are and experience God's love in a personal and meaningful way. COME AS YOU ARE is back for a special night of encounter with Jesus Christ through personal testimony, reflection, and musical Adoration. Reconciliation and Prayer Ministry will be available. Cap the evening off with a FOOD and fellowship. Friday, Dec 8th at 7pm, following the evening Mass.
This is a special evening because we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE ORDINATIONS OF DEACONS REY & FERDIE TO THE PERMANENT DEACONATE
On Saturday November 18th two members of our Parish family were Ordained into the Permanent Deaconate: Deacon Ferdinand Gayos and Deacon Reynaldo Tadifa.
They will both begin their assignments immediately. Deacon Ferdie will serve at St. Patrick’s Parish, and Deacon Rey at St. Bonaventure.
While our loss is a tremendous blessing to the other parishes, we invite the St. Albert the Great Parish family to a special Sunday Social where we will have an opportunity to show our gratitude to these two gentlemen and their families for answering the Lord’s call in such a meaningful way.
Please join us in the Parish Hall on Sunday December 17th immediately following the 11:00am Mass for light refreshments and fellowship, courtesy of the Couples for Christ ministry.
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2023 TOGETHER IN ACTION CAMPAIGN
Our 2023 Together In Action goal is $78,445 and any surplus funds above our goal will go towards the repair of the main doors to the church. To date we have raised $77,072.06 towards our goal thanks to your generous contributions.
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REFUGEE FAMILY DONATION UPDATE
Thanks to the generosity of St. Albert the Great parishioners we have met our stated goal for fundraising for the refugee family!!
If you were a monthly contributor, please contact the office to stop or redirect your donations.
We will update you soon on the family's arrival as well as other ministry needs to prepare for welcoming the family to Canada. Thank you so much for your generosity to this ministry. God Bless.
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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
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CHRISTMAS HAMPER PROGRAM 2023
Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to deliver Christmas hampers on Dec 16, we have enough drivers now. Please take a tag from the Christmas tree in the Narthex and purchase a gift card for a family. Gift card donations can be dropped off in the collection baskets after Mass, in the SSVP donation box in the Narthex or at the church office.
Or sponsor a family with food and gift cards: $375.00 for a family of 3 and $525 for a family of 5 . Donations are also accepted by e-transfer: svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com . Donations are requested by Dec 10.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated in bringing joy to many families this Christmas.
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PLEASE HELP US TELL THE STORY OF OUR PARISH
A small group of the faithful from St. Albert the Great Parish have taken on the mission to put together some recollections and archives going back to the very beginnings of our parish. Our history got away from us and we think that while we’re still able, we need to gather up our memories. We are reaching out to anyone who has been a part of our journey for the past 25 years to help document our past.
We’re not exactly sure of what this is all going to look like, but all stories and memories are important. Can you help us?
Your participation wouldn’t involve a huge time commitment. If you do like meetings and such, we’ve decided to gather once a month to add past events to a giant timeline. But, another way that you might participate is to write down your recollections…events that stick out in your memory or that were really important to your family. You might want to look through your boxes of photos and contribute those or a scan of those. There are many ways that your participation might be celebrated. Whether you walked in the front doors of our church when they first opened 20 years ago, or for the first time a few months ago, you are an important part of our history and we thank you for anything you might do. If you have something to share, please contact us at archives@stalbertthegreat.ca .
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Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre Upcoming Events
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre has many events scheduled from now until early December for the Christmas Season. You can find them at this link .
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"Because Christ hears and saves those who hope in Him, let us pray for . . . "
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Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
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Click on the above image to view the renewal web page.
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Pastoral Renewal Action Items
Thu, Dec 7, 2023 at 6:30 pm - Online | Welcome Home: How to Make Our Parishes More Inviting You are the parish! There are not enough programs or resources in the world that will make your church more welcoming. No mission and vision statements can ever convey the actual experience of being cared for. It takes the whole parish to welcome others home. Join this exciting online session with Fr. Troy Nguyen, Dr. Lance Dixon, and Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico as we explore ways to truly welcome others home this Christmas and throughout the year. - When: Thursday, December 7 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Online Session via Zoom
- Register here or call Monica at 403-218-5521
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Have you ever thought of a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life? Join Vocatio: An event for men discerning the Priesthood and men and women discerning the Consecrated Life. Vocatio begins with anticipated Mass at 5 pm, followed by pizza, presentations and discussions, and Night Prayer. There will be separate groups for men and women. When: Saturdays, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
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Are you ready to be a beacon of hope in the chilly heart of winter? The Salvation Army Community Services (Calgary) Mobile Warming Station is in need of volunteers like you! If you have a burning passion to uplift vulnerable communities and can spare just 2 hours a week, and are ready to brave the outdoors, this is an opportunity that will warm your heart and make a real difference. More info
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Winter Gifts for Guests at Feed the Hungry
As the winter chill sets in, let's warm hearts and hands together! We cordially invite you to participate in the "Feed the Hungry winter gifts drive". Your contribution, be it new mittens, gloves, socks, toques or $10 gift cards from fast food places, can make a significant difference our guests. These tokens of care will be distributed to Feed the Hungry's guests closer to Christmas. - The deadline to drop off Winter gifts for guests of the Feed the Hungry is Wednesday, Dec. 6 at St. Mary's Cathedral during business hours. If you have any questions, please email: feedthehungry@calgarydiocese.ca or call 403-218-5532.
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Spread warmth & organize a Coat Drive
The Salvation Army is teaming up with the Diocese of Calgary to ensure everyone has a warm coat this winter. Donations of new and gently used coats and other winter wear are sorted and distributed by Salvation Army throughout various programs to be shared with those in need. If your parish, ministry, or school is ready to make an impact, join us:
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Elizabeth House Christmas Wish List
Let us bring a joyful Christmas to the residents of Elizabeth House and help them fulfil their wish list! Elizabeth House currently serves 7 women, 6 babies (one on the way) in residence, and 3 women and 3 babies in outreach. Help us - If you want to check the current most needed items from the list, please contact Sarah Cormier at sarah.cormier@calgarydiocese.ca
- Donations are accepted from the Wish List on December 14 between 9 am to 12 pm and 1-3 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW, Calgary). Volunteers will be at the Pastoral Centre to accept your donations. Please stop on 17th Avenue in front of the main doors and we will gratefully accept your donation.
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Sunday Bulletin shorts During Advent, we remember the historical waiting for Christ’s first coming in the incarnation and, look forward in anticipation to his second coming at the end of time (the parousia). In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us that in this in-between time of waiting we are to remain as vigilant as gatekeepers. Is it possible that the invitation to such vigilant readiness could imply that Jesus may come to us in surprising / unexpected ways? - What does it mean to you that Christ will come again? How will this affect the way you live and your preparation for Christmas?
- How does the Gospel invite you to “wait” for Christ’s return?
- Jesus gives the disciples the task of gatekeepers. What is the task he gives to you as you “wait” for his return?
What are some of the ways Jesus comes/appears to us in daily life right now? What could we do during this Advent season to become more alert in recognizing his presence with us?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children - Kid's challenge this week: During Advent, we do more than just prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Church also wants us to remember that we must keep ourselves ready to receive Christ when he comes to us in our daily lives and at the end of time. What are some things that we can do to stay alert and ready to welcome Christ when he returns in glory? (Loyola Press)
- Colouring page this Sunday
- Kid's Bulletin this Sunday
- Sunday Connection this Sunday (Gr. 1-8)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word this Sunday
Donate a Warm Winter Coat The Salvation Army is teaming up with the Diocese of Calgary to ensure everyone has a warm coat this winter. Donations of new and gently used coats and other winter wear are sorted and distributed by the Salvation Army throughout various programs to be shared with those in need. To drop off coats or to organize a Winter Coat Drive in your parish, please contact Monica at 403-218-5521 or email monica.ottenbreit@calgarydiocese.ca Servants of Christ and of the Church On November 18, 2023, Bishop McGrattan ordained twelve men into the Permanent Diaconate at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Bishop's homily emphasized the role of permanent deacons as Servants of Christ and the Church, reminding us of our own call to service as baptized Christians. Read Bishop's Homily from the Ordination Mass 40-Hour Adoration for Vocations “Could you not spend an hour?” Christ asks. Come, let us adore Him. Serra Calgary invites you to join the 40-hour Adoration to worship the Lord, and pray for the increase of vocations to the religious life in our Diocese. When: Thu (Nov. 30) at 7 pm to Sat (Dec 2) at 4 pm - Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary. More Blessing of Christmas Creches St. Francis created the first creche nativitiy scene in 1223. Celebrate the 800th anniversary with the Franciscans at Mount St. Francis, by bringing your nativity set to be blessed. When: Sun, Dec. 3 at 2:30 pm - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane. Register now at mtfrancis@shaw.ca or call 403-932-2021. More Advent Mission with Fr. Dan Join Holy Spirit's Advent Mission "Preparing for the Greatest Joy" with guest speaker Friar Dan Gurnick. Mass will be celebrated at 7 pm, followed by presentation, refreshment and discussion. When: Mon, Dec. 4 & Tue, Dec. 5 at 7 pm - Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary. More Hear the Angels Sing - High School Choral Festival Come and listen to the High Choral Festival featuring choirs from Bishop Carroll, Bishop O'Byrne, Notre Dame, Bishop McNally, All Saints, St. Francis, St. Mary's and Our Lady of the Rockies. When: Tue, Dec. 5 at 7 pm - St. Michael's, Calgary. More
The Living Nativity As we prepare for Christmas this year, St James Parish, in Okotoks, invites you to come and walk through the Town of Bethlehem and meet the Holy Family in this live replica of the Christmas Nativity. The Living Nativity will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 8 pm in the field next to the Church parking lot. The address is 338040 32nd St East, Okotoks. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted and given to charity. There will be light, warm refreshments available for a small fee in the Church hall. More
Stories of Portugal - Fundraiser & Fellowship All are welcome to join our Catholic young people for a night of fellowship and fundraising "Stories of Portugal", as the SFXC World Youth Day pilgrims give witness to and share testimonies of their experience at this past summer’s World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, over appetizers, charcuterie boards and mocktails! When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm, at the Catholic Pastoral Centre. For more information, contact Katrhyn at kathryn.yakielashek@calgarydiocese.ca or call 403-218-5542.
Career opportunities
December 2023 Calendar Highlights - Dec 2 - 23 | Simbang Gabi in Parishes in Calgary
- Sat, Dec. 2 | Advent Christian Meditation - FJC Centre
- Sat, Dec. 2 | Having a Mary Heart during a Martha Season - Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary
- Sat, Dec. 2 | Women's Advent Retreat - Holy Family, Medicine Hat
- Sat, Dec. 2 | Christmas Concert - Ste. Famille, Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 3 | Blessing of Christmas Crèches - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Sun, Dec. 3 | Come to the Manger Advent Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Mon, Dec. 4 | Advent Twilight Retreat - Martha Retreat Centre, Letbhridge
- Mon, Dec. 4 | Preparing for the Greatest Joy: Holy Spirit Advent Mission with Fr. Dan Gurnick - Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary
- Mon, Dec. 4 | CWL Christmas Dinner in Brooks
- Tue, Dec. 5 | Daily Examen: Moment with God - FCJ Centre
- Tue, Dec. 5 | Cappy Smart Band Concert - St. Gerard's, Calgary
- Tue, Dec. 5 | Hear the Angel Sings - High School Choral Festival - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 6 | Bambino of Bethlehem – Day Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Wed, Dec. 6 | Advent by Candlelight - Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 7 | Welcome Home: How to make our parishes more inviting- Webinar with Fr. Troy Nguyen, Dr. Lance Dixon, Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico
- Thu, Dec. 7 | Christian Meditation Monthly Drop-in Group - FCJ Centre
- Thu, Dec. 7 | Family Advent Fire, FCJ Centre, Calgary
- Dec. 8 (Fri) - 10 (Sun) | Winter Stillness Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Fri, Dec. 8 | Pray the Living Rosary - St. Gerard's, Calgary
- Fri, Dec. 8 | An Evening with Mary - St. James', Calgary
- Dec 8 - 10 | Winter Stillness Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Sat, Dec. 9 | The Living Nativity - St. James, Okotok
- Sat, Dec. 9 | Priestly Vocations Night with Fr. Derek Remus - St. Luke's Parish, Calgary
- Sat, Dec. 9 | Stories of Portugal: Hearing from the Participants of World Youth Day
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Catholic Advent Market - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Knight's Breakfast in Brooks
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Festival of Carols - St. James', Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Seekers Group for Unmarried Women
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Christmas at Greccio - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Festival of Songs and Christmas Carols, Canadian Martyr's, Calgary
- Mon, Dec. 11 | Advent Carols and Cookies - Holy Name, Calgary
- Tue, Dec. 12 | Taize Advent Prayer Service - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 13 | Praying with Icons - FCJ Centre, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 13 | St. James' School Christmas Concert - St. James', Calgary
- Thu, Dec. 14 | Advent Twilight Retreat - FCJ Centre, Calgary
- Dec. 14 - 22 | Simbang Gabi in Brooks
- Sat, Dec. 16 | Evening with the Dominican Sisters
- Dec. 14 - 22 | Simbang Gabi Christmas Novena Masses - St. Mary's, Brooks
- Sun, Dec. 17 | St. John Choir Schola's Nine Lessons and Carols - St. Mary's Cathedral
- Sun, Dec. 17 | Vespers & Study of the life of St. Francis - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 17 | Cocoa & Christmas Sing-Along - St. Joseph's, Calgary
- Mon, Dec. 18 | Advent Mission with Divine Mercy Sisters - St. Gabriel's, Chestermere
Subscribe to Faithfully If you haven't already, please subscribe to the Diocesan publication Faithfully - to keep you updated with what's happening in our Diocese. Get a snapshot of faith at work in the lives of everyday people in our Diocese and find opportunities to spread the Good News of Christ beyond the walls of our churches. Subscribe at catholicyyc.ca/faithfully
Other Dicocese information can be found at this link.
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