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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 60: 1 - 6 Ephesians 3: 2 - 3a, 5-6
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Today, we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. The Gospel account of the three magi traveling to meet Baby Jesus is one that we know well. Yet, when we pause to reflect on this moment when these men met Christ for the first time, we recognize that there is much to be said for us still today. When the magi entered the house, it says, “they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.” Clearly these men knew that they were in the presence of their King. They also came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which symbolize Christ’s kingship, divinity, and humanity. Christ is still manifesting Himself to us today. We enter God’s house weekly, and we are in His presence. When we meet Him, do we offer Him our gifts — our time, talent, and treasure? As Christian stewards, we are called to respond with love, reverence, and gratitude. Let us prepare our hearts to receive Christ’s many manifestations in our lives. We just need a grateful disposition to receive them.
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Tue, Jan 9 @ 9:00 am Jack Greeley (RIP) Tue, Jan 9 @ 11:00 am Gloria Maguire (INT) - Senior Care Centre Tue, Jan 9 @ 6:30 pm Doreen and Lawrence Wassill (RIP) Wed, Jan 10 @ 9:00 am Erlinda & Rizalino Garcia (RIP) Wed, Jan 10 @ 6:30 pm Kaitlyn Vaz (INT) Thu, Jan 11 @ 9:00 am Roger Amos (RIP) Thu, Jan 11 @ 6:30 pm Arthur St. Cyr (RIP) Fri, Jan 12 @ 9:00 am Bernice Hurtubise (RIP) Fri, Jan 12 @ 6:30 pm Lesley, Karby & Chan Fung Kwan-Special (INT) Sat, Jan 13 @ 9:00 am Sharon van der Sloot (INT) Sat, Jan 13 @ 5:00 pm Domingo Alonso (RIP) Sun, Jan 14 @ 9:00 am Susan Joan Fraser (RIP) Sun, Jan 14 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, Jan 14 @ 5:00 pm Chinonso &Iffy Amaechi (INT)
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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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TAX RECEIPTS FOR YOUR GENEROUS 2023 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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January 9th after the 6:30 pm Mass - The eucharistic teachings
January 17th at 7 pm - The KofC annual basketball free throw for all children aged 9 - 14 will be held at St. Albert the Great school. Posters are located on the bulletin boards in the Narthex.
January 20 & 21 - A KofC bottle drive will be held. Please bring in your recyclable bottles and cans to help fundraise for our upcoming charity needs for 2024.
February 4 - The KofC will provide a pancake breakfast after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses supported by the charity fundrasing proceeds collected by them to date.
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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.
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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2023 Summary
532 Regular Hampers delivered January-December 233 Christmas Hampers delivered in December
We brought food and gift cards to 2780 neighbors in our community : 1282 Children and 1498 Adults
Our mission of charity would not be possible without the generous support of our parishioners, schools and the community at large.
Thank you for your prayers, support and donations. Happy New Year !
Current Needs
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs ketchup and soda crackers. Please drop your donations in the St. Vincent de Paul box in the Narthex. Thank you for your support!
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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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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 The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.
(Reflection: Loyla Press)
Resources for children 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
January & February 2024 Calendar Highlights - 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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