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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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2 Chronicles 36: 14 - 16, 19 - 23 Ephesians 2: 4 - 10 John 3: 14 - 21
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It has been said many times over and in a variety of ways that stewardship is based upon gratitude. Gratitude for what, we might ask? For the variety of blessings each of us receives, understanding full well that each of us is gifted in different ways and perhaps even in different measures. However, there is one gift in which we all share equally. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). It is difficult for us to even conceive of the magnitude of that multifaceted gift, from God’s unconditional love for us to the extraordinary gift of his son Jesus to the fabulous gift of everlasting life. Stewardship calls us to appreciate all of God’s gifts, but if we only focus on the gifts listed above, our gratitude should know no bounds. Pope Francis has said, “God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. We all have the ability to understand and receive God’s gifts.” We need to recognize God’s gifts and especially during our preparations for Easter, find ways to show and live out our gratitude.
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Tue, March 12 @ 9:00 am Grant Kay (INT) Tue, March 12 @ 11:00 am Bishop Eugene Cooney (INT) - Senior Care Centre Tue, March 12 @ 6:30 pm Meagan Siselier (INT) Wed, March 13 @ 9:00 am Jack & Louise Brill (INT) Wed, March 13 @ 6:30 pm Florian Juca (RIP) Thu, March 14 @ 9:00 am Joya O’Louglin (RIP) Thu, March 14 @ 6:30 pm Alexandree Kahtalian (RIP) Fri, March 15 @ 9:00 am Hope Brill (INT) Fri, March 15 @ 6:30 pm Jose Trujillo (RIP) Sat, March 16 @ 9:00 am Monica Kuntz (INT) Sat, March 16 @ 5:00 pm Robert & Patricia McNeil (RIP) Sun, March 17 @ 9:00 am D’Mello / Lawrence families (RIP) Sun, March 17 @ 11:00 am Betty McManus (RIP) Sun, March 17 @ 5:00 pm St. Albert the Great Community (INT)
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Please take note that the Stations of the Cross will be held Friday March 15 & 22 at 7:00 pm after the evening 6:30 pm Mass.
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Lector Ministry Training Session
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Wednesday, March 20, 2024
What do you call a man or woman who stands up in a Catholic church and lends his or her voice to God? A LECTOR. If you are being called to proclaim God’s word, then please consider joining the Lector Ministry and fulfill that calling.
We will be holding a training session for those who are new to this ministry and those who would like to have a little refresher training.
The training session will be held on: - Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00pm after the evening Mass.
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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, home bound and bereaved. Our ministers are available to make home visits, as well we have ministers that regularly attend the South Campus Hospital.
Starting Sunday January 14, 2024 there will be a Mass every Sunday at South Health Campus Hospital at 3:30 pm.
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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PARISH SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATORS NEEDED
St. Albert the Great Parish is seeking 2 individuals to develop and manage our social media and other electronic communications. This volunteer position is an excellent opportunity to gain practical digital communications experience while serving your Parish by connecting with and informing our faithful. For more information, please click here .
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The Knights of Columbus council of St. Albert the Great is proud to present in collaboration with our SATG Clergy, “We are the People of the Eucharist”, a Eucharistic Discernment given by Bishop David Motiuk, who is the Honorary State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus of Alberta, available to all parishioners! - March 12 - The Eucharist and Communion with Jesus Christ
- April 9 - The Eucharist, a Thanksgiving
- May 14 - The Eucharist and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
- June 11 - The Eucharist and the Coming of Jesus Christ
- April 6 & 7: Bottle Drive
- May 26th: CWL & KofC joint Mass at 11am
Our KofC council at SATG will be hosting a Fraternal Benefit Event prior to our general meeting on Tuesday, March 12 after the 6:30 pm Mass, to be hosted by our Field Agent Grant Okpere.
This event is open to the parish community to come and learn about the Fraternal Benefits of joining the Knights of Columbus and as we are having an Exemplification on March 23rd after the 5 pm Mass, this is a great time for men and their families to learn what KofC is all about and to join our organization and evangelize their faith; whilst building the domestic church.
FAMILY OF THE MONTH PRESS RELEASE
The KofC Family of the Month for February 2024 Press Release can be found by clicking on this link .
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CWL LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT
St. Albert the Great CWL is thrilled to announce our upcoming Baby Bottle Lenten project for this year, once again using the baby bottle theme. The baby bottle you have taken home is to be filled with loose change throughout Lent, and then returned on Palm Sunday. If you still wish to have a bottle please contact satgcwl@gmail.com. After witnessing the joy and enthusiasm of the past two years, we couldn't resist bringing this fun project back.
We've heard about the friendly competitions within our Parish, and we encourage you to share your stories with us by emailing satgcwl@gmail.com. Your experiences add to the joy of our community.
This year, the proceeds will support CWL supported charities focused on children and youth. We look forward to seeing you this weekend as we begin this family-oriented Lenten activity, filled with fun, learning, and spiritual growth.
Thank you for your unwavering support of our charitable endeavours! God bless.
The St. Albert the Great CWL is teaming up with Canadian Blood Services to promote blood donation within our community. We have formed a Partners for Life team.
The CWL invites you to join the team and make a lifesaving donation! Join our team (STAL0116763) at http://www.blood.ca or use the QR code below. Link your donor page to our Partners for Life Team!
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Hallow, the #1 prayer and meditation app in the world, is partnering with St. Albert the Great parish this Lent! Let’s join together as a parish community in the audio-guided Lent Pray40 Challenge with Jonathan Roumie, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mark Wahlberg, and in addition to other surprise audio guides! We are blessed by this opportunity to further enrich our community through shared prayer.
Join us at a kickoff event filled with faith and fellowship on Sunday February 11th at 10 am in the St. Albert the Great Parish basement. By scanning the QR code, you're not only registering for our kick-off event, but also securing Hallow Premium for just $1! This special offer is extended to all parishioners because our parish is a proud Hallow partner. Even if you are unable to attend the kick-off event, please scan the QR code to join our community this Lenten season as we delve into the richness of prayer with Hallow’s Pray40 Challenge.
Further information will be provided upon registration. Any questions? Reach out to our Hallow parish coordinator, Robe Pettigrew at robe@questsend.ca. We look forward to praying with you!
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Come As You Are UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
Into the Deep: Finding Peace Through Prayer
This retreat is for anyone wanting to begin or deepen their prayer life. What sets authentic Christian prayer apart from the many "spiritual" practices being promoted today? How does one pray? This Lenten retreat will be hosted by spiritual directors Elizabeth Sanesh, Michelle Diment & Tom Diment, together with the Come As You Are team. The weekend will include a professionally produced video series, small group discussions, Adoration and prayer ministry. When: Friday evening, March 22 (7:45-8:45pm) and all day Saturday, March 23, 8:45am-4pm. $20 per person.
Discovery Faith Studies are up and running!
We applaud the men and women who have made the New Year's Resolution to invest in their spiritual life in 2024! There are three men's groups and five women's groups. Please pray for all our participants.
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NEW CANADIAN FAMILY MINISTRY OF HOPE
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We have been in touch with our sponsored family, they have been cleared medically and are just waiting with anticipation for their travel date to come to Canada. In the meantime they have sent the following message to us for Lent.
"Dear ones: The word freedom is beautiful, we long for freedom to be able to worship at Mass one day soon. It is hard for many to imagine such a life that we live, but we are facing our difficulties. We see Christ by our side in our darkest and loneliest days. Jesus is the light and freedom in our lives. We thank you all for praying for us and giving us 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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Current Needs
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs canned vegetables and canned beans .
Please drop your donations in the St. Vincent de Paul box in the Narthex. All non perishable food is appreciated. Thank you for your support!
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THE MASS IN SACRED SCRIPTURE
If you would like to learn more about the Eucharist in the Scripture, join other parishioners to watch the series presented by Dcn. Harlod Burke-Silvers.
The presentations with a short discussion and fellowship will be offered twice a week after the 9:30 am morning Mass on Thursday & Saturday. We will start on Thursday, February 1, with the first presentation. That presentation will be repeated on Saturday, February 3.
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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 . . . "
To have a name added to the Prayer Board, please email secretary@stalbertthegreat.ca and provide the name of the person you would like to add and how long you would like them to remain on the Prayer Board.
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Development and Peace–Caritas Canada supports rural populations in the Global South in defending their rights to life, land, water, biodiversity, justice, health, participation, decent livelihoods, a healthy environment and more. - Resources for Share Lent 2024 "Reaping Our Rights" campaign are available here
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Calgary Catholic Education Foundation
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Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
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Open House Event to Support St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish
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Solidarity Sunday | March 17
The Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 17, is celebrated throughout most of Canada as Solidarity Sunday, where parishes hold a special collection for Development and Peace - Caritas Canada and pray for greater fellowship and understanding amongst people worldwide. Please pray for Development and Peace - Caritas Canada, its members and partners as we strive for God’s kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven. - Suggested action items for families:
- Bring your donation jar to church for today’s Solidarity Sunday collection or donate online
- It's not too late to take on the Solidarity Calendar - download here
- Bishop McGrattan will celebrate the Solidarity Sunday on March 17 at Noon, at St. Mary's Cathedral.
- Resources for Share Lent 2024 "Reaping Our Rights" campaign are available here
- Please include the campaign's Parish Bulletin announcements in your digital/printed bulletins
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God Squad Canada is hosting its 27th annual Men’s Conference called “The Way to the Father” on March 22-23, 2024 at Ascension Catholic Parish in Calgary. Jon Leonetti is a best-selling author, an internationally recognized Catholic Speaker, a radio host, and our keynote speaker. He shares in the joys and challenges that so many of us, as men, do. Jon, along with Brother Simon of the Seeds of the Word Community in Calgary will be educating and inspiring us, ultimately bringing us into a deeper relationship with God the Almighty Father.
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Updates from the Renewal Leadership Team As you may have read in Faithfully, Bishop McGrattan and the Renewal Leadership Team (RLT) were encouraged by the participation of the Parish Renewal Teams during the Orientation and the hospitality provided by the hosting parishes. These efforts were significant and much appreciated.
Renewal resources and guides were shared with Parish Renewal Teams on Thursday, February 29th. The team members are now organizing their first meetings and will soon be busy preparing their own Parish Renewal gathering in their community. Let us continue to pray for our Parish Renewal Team members, may their path of discernment be guided by the Holy Spirit for the renewal of their community.
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A Pastoral Message from Bishop McGrattan on Lent & Social Media
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As we approach Lent, Bishop McGrattan reminds us to take a step back, pause, and reflect on our use of social media. Using insights from the latest CCCB pastoral letter, "Let Your Speech Always be Gracious," and the Holy Father's Lenten message, the Bishop highlights the seven commitments we should make to witness to core Christian values and help build a healthy online environment that serves the common good.
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Journey through Lent Reflections - 4th Week
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) invites you to join their Journey through Lent video series. On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on rejoicing on our journey to Christ.
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Pastoral Care Ministry Training
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The Diocese of Calgary invites individuals who feel called to assist their parish in a healing ministry. This Pastoral Care Training is designed for those who wish to support the sick, elderly, dying, homebound, and bereaved members of their community. Whether you’re a new minister or someone with prior training in Pastoral Care Ministry, this workshop warmly welcomes you.
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Vows within the Seeds of the Word Community
A sacred celebration of vows took place within the Seeds of the Word Community on Sunday, March 3, 2024 in St. Mary's Cathedral. This celebration witnessed Christopher Kokot, now Brother John Paul, professing his first vow, while Brother Paul Andrew and Sister Clarisse took their temporary vows. Read more & view photos
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Sunday Bulletin shorts The image of a serpent raised up on a pole has become a cultural symbol of healing. The Gospel of John is an invitation to look upon Jesus crucified and to see in this image the healing of the world. It is an invitation to bring our darkness into the healing light of the cross. In the glory of the cross we see our sinfulness for what it really is – the bearer of death. In today’s Gospel we are extended the invitation to step into the light and become bearers of life. - Nicodemus resisted stepping into the light. What makes bringing our darkness into the light so difficult?
- It is difficult to see in the dark. Where in your life do you need the light of Christ to help you see more clearly?
- Recall a time when you experience illumination or insight that brought you to see things in a new way. How did this change you?
- Darkness can be social as well as personal. In what ways is our culture the bearer of darkness and death?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children 40 Hours Devotion in the Diocese of Calgary “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38). Pray with us as for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in our Diocese. Come and pray before the Lord | catholicyyca.ca/40hours - St. Luke's, Calgary, Fri, Mar 8 at 8:30 am to Sun, Mar 10 at 8 am
- St. Bonaventure's, Calgary, Wed, Mar 13 at 7 am - Thu, Mar 14 at midnight
- Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, Calgary - Tue, Mar 20 at 7 am to Wed, Mar 21 at midnight
- Holy Spirit, Calgary - Sat morning, Apr 6 to Sun evening, Apr 7 - [time TBC]
- St. Anthony's, Calgary - Fri, Apr 5 at 3 pm to Sun, Apr 7 at 7 am
- St. Martha's, Lethbridge, Fri, Apr 12 at 8 am to Sat, Apr 13 at midnight
- St. Michael's, Calgary - Fri, Apr 19 at 4:30 pm to Sun, Apr 21 at 8:30 am - (followed by Vocations Rally in the afternoon)
- St. James', Okotoks - Fri, May 24 at 4:30 pm to Sun, May 26 at 8:30 am.
Lenten Penitential Services In preparing us as the faithful for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Join our parish’s penitential service and rejoice in God’s Mercy! See schedule at: catholicyyc.ca/lent
ABLAZE Youth Ministry in March 2023 Set your hearts on Fire - ablaze with love for God and His Catholic Church! The following events are available for all youth in the Diocese: - Sat, Mar 9 from 10 am to 5 pm - for Gr. 6-8 | Elevate: FacetoFace at St. Bonaventure’s, Calgary - Sat, Mar 16 (7 to 9 pm) - for Gr. 7-12 | Impact Nights with Access52 at St. Michael’s, Calgary
- Mar 22-23 - for Gr. 9-12 (Boys only) | God Squad Conference at Ascension, Calgary For info, call 403-278-7556 or email troy.nguyen@calgarydiocese.ca
Lenten Penitential Services In preparing us as the faithful for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Join our parish’s penitential service and rejoice in God’s Mercy! See schedule at: catholicyyc.ca/lent
Priestly Vocations Night Have you ever thought God might be calling you to be a priest? Come to the Priestly Vocations Night with Fr. Derek Remus. Mass at 5 pm, followed by Evening Prayer, supper, presentation on discerning a vocation, and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. When: Saturday, Mar 16, from 5 pm to 9 pm at St. Luke’s, Calgary.
Mother Maria of Russia, on Uniting the Cross and the Sword
Solemnity of St. Joseph Mass with Bishop McGrattan All are welcome to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph's Mass with Bishop McGrattan, and celebrate 400 years of St. Joseph as Patron of Canada. Refreshments will follow at the Parish Hall. More: Tue, Mar 19 at 7 pm - St. Joseph's Church, Calgary. More info
St. Joseph's Pilgrim Icon Prayer Service A blessed copy of the beautiful icon of St Joseph, fashioned after the original icon housed at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, will be on display at St Bonaventure church for this special evening service. When: Tue, Mar 19 at 7 pm - St. Bonaventure, Calgary. More info 27th Annual God Squad Men's Conference God Squad Canada is hosting its annual Men’s Conference called “The Way to the Father” on March 22-23, 2024 at Ascension Catholic Parish in Calgary with keynote speaker: Jon Leonetti, an author, Catholic Speaker, radio host, but most importantly a husband and a father; as well as Brother Simon of the Seeds of the Word Community in Calgary. Get tickets here
Live-In Retreat in Okotoks, AB A Live-In is a weekend retreat to grow in faith with Jesus. Organized by the Calgary Live-In Retreat Society, the upcoming Live-In will be hosted on March 22-24 (Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon) in Okotoks. Please contact us by e-mail calgarylivein@telus.net or Phone Don at 403-510-1208 for more information or to register. Youth & Holy Week Missions Regnum Christi Calgary is inviting young people to a week-long event during Holy Week 2024. This event is designed to help young people develop a deeper relationship with Christ and will include a range of activities such as Mass, Adoration, Confession, games, food, live Stations of the Cross, and a Marian procession. The event will be held from Mar 24 - 30 at St. James' Parish in Okotoks. More info & registration 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 Sundays at 3:30 pm – South Health Campus Hospital Chapel Career Opportunities
February & March 2024 Calendar Highlights - Mar 8 - 10 | 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations at St. Luke's Calgary
- Fri, Mar 8| Clear Water Academy Open House
- Sat, Mar 9 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Bonaventure
- Sun, Mar 10 | Knights Breakfast Sunday - St. Mary's Brooks
- Mon, Mar 11 | Lenten Evening Reflection - FCJ Centre
- Tue, Mar 12 | Lenten Retreat - St. Paul's, Airdrie
- Mar 13 - 14 | 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations at St. Bonaventure's, Calgary
- Tue, Mar 13 | Paper Prayers: Collage as prayer - FCJ Centre
- Thu, Mar 14 | Men’s Night: What does it mean to build your life on Christ? - Clear Water Academy, Calgary
- Mar 15 - 17 | Lenten Retreat - St. Mark's, Calgary
- Sat, Mar 16 | Priestly Vocations Night - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Sat, Mar 16 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Sun, Mar 17 | Solidarity Sunday in Parishes in the Diocese
- Tue, Mar 19 | Solemnity of St. Joseph Mass with Bishop McGrattan - St. Joseph's, Calgary
- Tues, Mar 19 | Feast Day of St. Joseph Pilgrim Icon Program - St. Bonaventure, Calgary
- Thu, Mar 21 | Walking with Women in the New Testament - FCJ Centre
- Mar 22 - 23 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - Ascension, Calgary
- Mar 22 - 23 | God Squad Men's Conference - Ascension, Calgary
- Mar 22 - 24 | Live-In Retreat - St. John Paul II collegiate School, Okotoks
- Sun, Mar 24 | Palm Sunday - Holy Week Begins - Mass Finder
- Mar 24 - 30 | Holy Week Mission for Youth Gr. 7-12 - St. James', Okotoks
- Mon, Mar 25 | Chrism Mass at 7 pm - St. Mary's Cathedral, Calgary
- Mon Mar 25 | Lenten Evening Reflection - FCJ Centre
- Wed Mar 27 | Charity of the Cross Retreat - Mt. St. Francis Retreat Centre
- Thu, Mar 28 | Paschal Triduum - Holy Thursday - Parish Triduum Schedule
- Fri, Mar 29 | Paschal Triduum - Good Friday - Parish Triduum Schedule
- Sat, Mar 30 | Paschal Triduum - Easter Vigil - Parish Triduum Schedule
- Sun, Mar 31 | Easter Sunday - Parish Easter Schedule
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 Diocese information can be found at this link.
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