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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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FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
Sirach 3: 2 - 6, 12 - 14 Colossians 3: 12 - 21
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Today, we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Just as the Holy Family is holy, we are also called to be holy. This holiness is achievable by living as disciples of Christ.
St. Paul calls us to put on “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” Let us “give thanks to God the Father” by being good stewards of His love and mercy to all our family members.
Today's Gospel says a lot about trust and surrender to our Lord. When Simeon and Anna prophesized about what was to come, Jesus' parents were “amazed at what was said about him.” We can imagine that two parents would be taken back by these words! Yet, the Holy Family surrendered their lives to God and had unwavering faith and trust in His plan.
God’s plan will fulfill our hearts more than we could have ever imagined. Like the Holy Family, we just need to trust, surrender and be attentive to God’s voice.
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Mon, Jan 1 @ 9:00 am Jim Barker (RIP) - The Solemnity of Mary Mon, Jan 1 @ 11:00 am Yegha family (INT) - The Solemnity of Mary Mon, Jan 1 @ 5:00 pm Morales family (INT) - The Solemnity of Mary Tue, Jan 2 @ 9:00 am Doreen and Lawrence Wassill (RIP) Tue, Jan 2 @ 10:00 am Gloria Maguire (INT) - Senior Care Centre Tue, Jan 2 @ 6:30 pm Tannis Teskey (INT) Wed, Jan 3 @ 9:00 am Neil Power (RIP) Wed, Jan 3 @ 10:30 am Alane Boudreau (INT) - Senior Care Centre Wed, Jan 3 @ 6:30 pm Special Intention Francine & Family Thu, Jan 4 @ 9:00 am Kevin Brill (INT) Thu, Jan 4 @ 1:30 pm Frank Verwimp (RIP) - Senior Care Centre Thu, Jan 4 @ 6:30 pm Perpetua Eway (RIP) Fri, Jan 5 @ 9:00 am Amanda Fink (RIP) Fri, Jan 5 @ 6:30 pm Danielle Baillargeon (INT) Sat, Jan 6 @ 9:00 am Vincent & Suzanne Ducut (INT) Sat, Jan 6 @ 5:00 pm Gerardo Apuzzo (INT) - Vigil of the Epiphany Sun, Jan 7 @ 9:00 am Roque Suares (RIP) - Epiphany Sun, Jan 7 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) - Epiphany Sun, Jan 7 @ 5:00 pm Rosie Skaria (RIP) - Epiphany
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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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New Year’s Masses
New Year’s Eve Sunday, December 31, 2023 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh 9:00 AM - 10 AM 11:00 AM - 12 PM - Livestreamed
Vigil of The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2024 The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Livestreamed 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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PARISH OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
The Parish Office will be closed at the end of the day Friday, December 22, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024 inclusive for Christmas Holidays. The Office will re-open on Tuesday, January 2 at 9:30 am.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS IN 2023
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires that for gifts to be receipted in 2023, donations must be processed online, received by or post marked by December 31,, 2023.
In order to receive a tax receipt for the 2023 calendar year, your cash, cheque or electronic donations must be received by December 31, 2023. Donations mailed in to the church must be post marked December 31, 2023 in order to go towards your 2023 tax receipt. Donations received at any of the January 1, 2023 New Year Day Masses will go towards your 2024 donations.
We are always trying to control our expenses. Instead of sending your tax receipt by Canada Post we prefer to send out your tax receipt by email. If you wish to have your tax receipt sent by email then please send an email to donations@stalbertthegreat.ca requesting that you wish to receive your tax receipt by email. This request will also provide us with your current email address to where we will send the tax receipt. Thank you for your cooperation.
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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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Cherie Baruss, principal at Baruss Legal, brings 20+ years of expertise in the legal sector and 22 years of success she attributes directly to God. Tim Berlando, from our Parish, is hosting this free Estate Planning Event January 13, 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm at St. Albert the Great church in the Main Hall downstairs. Estate Planning can make a difference to our Families. Cherie feels blessed to help clients craft their wills/estate planning because she believes in leaving a final legacy of love to those left behind. When dealing with legal red tape, it's good to have scissors.
Having the proper planning in place is key! We have an opportunity to ensure that our families truly benefits from plans put in place before we’re gone. Bring your questions and concerns on the 13th. The time to plan is now! Newlyweds, nearly-weds, older-weds, and single folk, EVERYONE is welcome.
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Poinsettias have been donated in memory of those people named below who now rest in peace in the arms of our Lord:
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Come As You Are UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
Discovery Faith Study - New Year's Resolution!
If someone asked you what the "Good News" was, would you be able to articulate it, clear and simple? We talk about the "Good News" all the time but do we know what it is? We can't effectively share our faith unless we are absolutely clear on this matter. That's where the DISCOVERY faith study comes in. DISCOVERY is a 6-week study and invites participants to encounter Jesus Christ through a simple but challenging look at the Gospel message - the Good News. If you desire to know Jesus better, so that you can share your faith with others in your life, this is the BEST first step! Our next DISCOVERY study takes place in January 2024. Make this your New Year's Resolution and sign up NOW for 2024.
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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 $87,673.01 towards our goal thanks to your generous contributions.
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NEW CANADIAN FAMILY MINISTRY OF HOPE
As our sponsored family gets closer to transitioning from being refugees to becoming members of our parish, we wanted our ministry name to better reflect this. This is why we have renamed our ministry the New Canadian Family Ministry of Hope.
Mt 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
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Also, 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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DR. EDWARD SRI's 5-WEEK BIBLE STUDY COURSES
Dr. Edward Sri's 5-week Bible Study course on, "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass" will run Wednesday evenings over Zoom from 6:30 - 9:00 pm on January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Cost for the workbook is $39.00
His other 5-week Bible Study course on "No Greater Love - A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion" will run Wednesday evenings over Zoom from 6:30 - 9:00 pm on February 21, 28, March 6, 13 & 20, finishing just prior to Holy Week. The cost for the workbook is $39.00.
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The meetings are held on Saturdays @ 7:00 am at St. James Parish in Okotoks.
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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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"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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Parish Christmas Schedule
Parish Christmas Mass schedules have been shared with all the faithful through Faithfully. - Parish Christmas Mass Schedule (Nativity of the Lord & Solemnity of Mary) is now available on our websites at catholicyyc.ca
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Thank you for thinking of us at this Advent/Christmas season. We grow in our Christian faith when we show others the love of Christ to people through building parish communities and offering programs that nurture our faith. We are truly grateful for your support.
Reminder: In order to receive a tax receipt for the 2023 calendar year:
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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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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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Inspiration Unplugged presents: The Saint John's Bible
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Please join us for our third installment of the Inspiration Unplugged Catholic Lecture series! Come learn about and experience The Saint John’s Bible! Brad Neary, Director of the Heritage Program, will share the history of the original manuscript as well as details of the full-sized printed version, referred to as the Heritage Edition. The Saint John’s Bible is the first-handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years!
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Join experts Dr. Christopher West, Sister Helena Burns FSP, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, and internationally acclaimed songwriter, Mike Mangione, as they introduce and reflect St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. - When/Where: Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW Calgary)
- Register online
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In this 18-week God-centered program, participants find strength in healing after separation or divorce, fostering growth through mutual understanding and connection. - When/Where: Every Tuesday, from Feb 13, 2023, 7 pm to 9 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 – 17th Avenue SW, Calgary)
- No fee registration | Limited spots available
- Register now at catholicyyc.ca/transitions
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From St. Mary's University
Apply now Applications are now open for Fall 2024 in all BA/BSc programs and the helpful admissions team at St. Mary's is ready to guide you through the process. Get a head start on building the foundation of your future by applying to St. Mary's University today at stmu.ca
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Sunday Bulletin shorts Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. This celebration is assigned to the Sunday within the octave of Christmas. The Gospel for today is taken from the Gospel according to Luke and is part of Luke’s Infancy Narrative. Today’s Gospel describes the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple and shows Joseph and Mary as devout Jews, following the prescriptions of the Law of Moses. The Gospel alludes to several aspects of the Law of Moses: circumcision, the dedication of the firstborn son to the Lord, and the purification of a woman after childbirth.
According to the Law of Moses as presented in the Book of Leviticus, a woman was considered ritually unclean during her menstrual period and for a prescribed period of time following the birth of a child. After the birth of a son, a woman was considered ritually unclean for 40 days. After the birth of a daughter, a woman was considered unclean for 80 days. In order to be restored to ritual purity, a Jewish woman performed the appropriate rites of purification and made the prescribed ritual offering.
Today’s Gospel notes that Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, in accordance with the Mosaic Law. At that time, he was called Jesus, the name he was given by the angel Gabriel. On the 40th day after Jesus’ birth, Mary performed the appropriate purification rites and made her offering at the Temple. Although the Law of Moses required an offering of a lamb, those who could not afford a lamb could substitute two turtledoves or two pigeons. In this scene, Luke identifies Joseph and Mary as being poor, and indeed throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus will show special concern for the poor.
Another Jewish rite referenced in this Gospel is the dedication of the firstborn son to the Lord. In remembrance of the feast of Passover, when the firstborn children of the Israelites in Egypt were saved from death, the Law of Moses prescribed that all firstborn males of Israel should be consecrated to the Lord. In this tradition, Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, Luke reports that Mary and Joseph encounter two devout Jews, Simeon and Anna, who recognize the infant Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hope for redemption. In Simeon’s words we find a prediction of Mary’s witnessing of Jesus’ death on the cross. The Canticle of Simeon, also called by its Latin name, Nunc Dimitis, is prayed at night prayer, or compline, during the Liturgy of the Hours.
(Reflection: Loyla Press)
Resources for children GrACE Newsletter Please find attached GrACE's December 2023 Newsletter. The GrACE team wishes you the very best for the Advent season and a happy Christmas! Transitions In this 18-week God-centered program, participants find strength in healing after separation or divorce, fostering growth through mutual understanding and connection. When/Where: Every Tuesday, from Feb 13, 2024, from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 – 17th Avenue SW, Calgary). No fee registration | Limited spots available. Register now at catholicyyc.ca/transitions
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
Inspiration Unplugged presents: The Saint John's Bible Please join us for our third installment of the Inspiration Unplugged Catholic Lecture series! Come learn about and experience The Saint John’s Bible! Brad Neary, Director of the Heritage Program, will share the history of the original manuscript as well as details of the full-sized printed version, referred to as the Heritage Edition. The Saint John’s Bible is the first-handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years! When: Wed, Jan. 24 2024, McGivney Hall – M100 (St. Mary's University, Calgary) from 7 to 9 pm. More information & Registration | Download Posters Applications are open for Fall 2024 at St. Mary's University Applications are now open for Fall 2024 in all BA/BSc programs and the helpful admissions team at St. Mary's is ready to guide you through the process. Get a head start on building the foundation of your future by applying to St. Mary's University today at stmu.ca The Stories We Tell Join researchers and church leaders to interact with recent research findings from four congregational case studies across Canada. When: Saturday, Jan 13 at 8 am MT (10 am ET). To register, visit https://bit.ly/ambstorieswetell24
Theology of the Body Conference Join experts Dr. Christopher West, Sister Helena Burns FSP, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, and internationally acclaimed songwriter, Mike Mangione, as they introduce and reflect St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. When/Where: Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW Calgary). Register online. For any questions, please contact theologyofthebodyconference@gmail.com | Download Poster in PDF | JPG
Airdrie Dream Vacation Raffle 2024 The Knights of Columbus in Airdrie invite you to participate in their Airdrie Dream Vacation Raffle. Proceeds go back into the community through the Knights of Columbus (Council 8045) in Airdrie. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to airdriedreamvacation.ca Sunday Mass at Calgary Hospitals Great news! The celebration of Sunday Mass has resumed at three hospitals in the City of Calgary on the First Sunday of Advent. Patients, family members and friends, and hospital staff are now able to avail themselves of this pastoral outreach in the following facilities: Sundays at 3:30 pm - Foothills Hospital Chapel Sundays at 3:00 pm – Peter Lougheed Hospital Chapel Sundays at 3:30 pm – Rockyview Hospital Chapel Calgary Couple's generosity supports Elizabeth House Thanks to a generous Calgary couple, Elizabeth House can run a special year-end matching campaign again. This presents a fantastic opportunity for you to double your gift and its impact. Don't miss out on this chance - it's available until Dec. 16! Double your gift at catholicyyc.ca/donateelizabethhouse
Career Opportunities
December 2023 to February 2024 Calendar Highlights - Dec. 30/31 | Feast of the The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Sunday Mass) - Mass Finder
- Jan 1 | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - Parishes in Calgary | World Day of Peace
- Jan 2 - 8 | Season of Christmas
- Jan 5 - 7 | Young Adult Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Jan 6/7 | Epiphany of the Lord (Sunday Mass) - Mass Finder
- Fri, Jan 12 | Fun Night with Sisters
- Sun, Jan 21 | Vespers and the Study of the Life of St. Francis - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Mon, Jan 22 | Enlarge the Tent Series continues - Online
- Tues, Jan 23 | Grief Share Program - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Wed, Jan 24 | Inspiration Unplugged - Catholic Lecture Series - The Saint John's Bible - St. Mary's University
- Thurs, Jan 25 | Benedictine Spirituality - Online
- Fri, Feb. 2 | The Presentation of the Lord (Feast) - Mass Finder
- Fri, Feb. 9 | The Theology of the Body Conference - Holy Spirit, Calgary
- Sat, Feb. 10 | Open House at St. Mary's University, Calgary
- Tue, Feb. 13 | Transitions, for healing after separation or divorce - Catholic Pastoral Centre
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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