|
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
|
Jeremiah 31: 31 - 34 Hebrews 5: 7 - 9 John 12: 20 - 33
|
As we are nearing the end of our Lenten journey, our readings today remind us of the goodness that our God has to offer us. In today's Gospel, Jesus announces that the “hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” All that He came to do on this earth was soon to be fulfilled. When we reflect on what Jesus says in this passage, He tells us a great deal about how we should be living as disciples of Christ. He clearly states, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” We are called to detach from our own desires and entrust our lives to all that God has in store for us. Without self-denial, we might miss occasions God has given us to produce good fruit. We have been practicing this throughout our Lenten season through fasting. One way to continue this effort after Lent is by taking advantage of the countless opportunities God presents to us to sacrifice our desires for something much greater — whether waking earlier to spend time in prayer, fasting from a favorite comfort on a weekly basis or taking the time to check in on a friend or family member instead of turning on the TV, just to name a few. It is important that we continue to make room for God and the good things He wants to produce in us all year long. As our Lenten journey soon concludes, may we consider the ways in which we might continue the practice of self-denial by offering small, daily sacrifices to the Lord.
|
Tue, March 19 @ 9:00 am Ibe Family (INT) Tue, March 19 @ 11:00 am Bishop Eugene Cooney (INT) - Senior Care Centre Tue, March 19 @ 6:30 pm Robyn Schedrock (INT) Wed, March 20 @ 9:00 am Sierra Brill-Brust (INT) Wed, March 20 @ 6:30 pm Enrique Gil (RIP) Thu, March 21 @ 9:00 am Bien Awey (INT) Thu, March 21 @ 6:30 pm Marilou & Joel Diwa (INT) Fri, March 22 @ 9:00 am Frank Romeo Sr. (RIP) Fri, March 22 @ 6:30 pm Leena (INT) Sat, March 23 @ 9:00 am Sharon Van der Sloot (INT) Sat, March 23 @ 5:00 pm Joe Murphy (RIP) Sun, March 24 @ 9:00 am Ching Kee & Si Seng (RIP) Sun, March 24 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, March 24 @ 5:00 pm Marie Rocha (RIP)
|
Please take note that the Stations of the Cross will be held Friday March 22 at 7:00 pm after the evening 6:30 pm Mass.
|
Easter Triduum Masses & Blessing Holy Thursday Thursday, March 28, 2024 7:00 PM Good Friday Friday, March 29, 2024 12:00 PM 3:00 PM
Blessing of the Food Saturday, March 30, 2024 2:00 PM
Easter Vigil Saturday, March 30, 2024 8:00 PM Easter Sunday Sunday, March 31, 2024 9:00 AM 11:00 AM – Live Streamed 2:00 PM 5:00 PM Easter Monday Monday, April 1, 2024 9:00 AM
|
Lector Ministry Training Session
|
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.
|
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.
|
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 .
|
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! - 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
The Knights of Columbus 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 .
|
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!
Myth: It’s painful to donate blood. Fact: Most donors including first-time donors, describe only a brief “tingling” sensation when the needle is inserted; feeling a gentle pressure, never pain.
|
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!
|
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 has been cancelled at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.
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.
|
NEW CANADIAN FAMILY MINISTRY OF HOPE
|
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.
|
|
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
|
February 2024 Summary
February was another busy month for our ministry. Food hampers requests are increasing daily in our community.
Hampers delivered - 36 Number of Adults served - 87 Number of Children Served - 59 Cost of hampers: $12,578.00 for food and $1490.00 in gift cards were given to purchase meat and dairy for a total of $14068.00
Thank you to the students and their families along with the teachers and staff at St John Henry Newman School for running a food drive last week for St Vincent de Paul. Your generosity enables us to provide decent food hampers to our neighbors in need.
"For all the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward them with eternal life", Lord hear us.
Current Needs
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs canned tomatoes and juice .
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!
|
"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.
|
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
|
|
Calgary Catholic Education Foundation
|
Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Updates from the Renewal Leadership Team
Fifty parishes and 335 Parish Renewal Team (PRT) members are currently planning their initial meetings and gearing up to prepare for the Renewal Gathering in their parish communities. - PRT will soon receive guidelines and clarifications on collaborating effectively with the Parish Pastoral Council for fruitful renewal opportunities within their parish.
- The Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team is actively collaborating with the Flourishing Congregations Institute in Calgary to develop survey instruments. These instruments are designed to assist parishes in gaining insights into their current realities, enabling PRTs to prepare for the pastoral planning process in the fall.
- The Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team encourages PRTS and individuals to share their renewal journeys through photos and stories.
As we move forward, let's continue to pray for each other and the success of our parish and diocesan renewal.
|
A Pastoral Message from Bishop McGrattan on Lent & Social Media
|
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.
|
|
40 Hours Devotion for Vocations
|
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to pray for vocations: “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). Come and pray with us at the upcoming 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations: - 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.
|
|
All are invited to join Bishop McGrattan on the Outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9 am. We are introducing a new route this year that begins at St. Mary's University and leads us to the Father Lacombe Centre. Remember to dress appropriately for the outdoors. For more information, visit catholicyyc.ca/wayofthecross
|
Journey through Lent Reflections - 5th Week
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) invites you to join their Journey through Lent video series. On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Hagemoen provides a reflection on God’s call to us all to care for one another..
|
Pastoral Care Ministry Training
|
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. Note: Participants should receive approval from their Pastor and/or Pastoral Care Coord. Please reach out to your parish for screening requirements.
|
|
Sunday Bulletin shorts
This week the readings invite reflection on the deep and heartfelt relationship between Jesus and his Father that made possible the sacrifice of the cross. Because of his troubled time of anticipated trial Jesus prayed. In answer, the Father promised to glorify Jesus from the cross where all people will be drawn into him. - Which statement struck us most forcefully, and why?
- What needs to die in you to be fully Christian?
- What cost are you willing to pay to follow Jesus?
- When you look for Jesus, what is it you want to see?
(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 - 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 for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, join a penitential service and rejoice in God’s Mercy! See the complete schedule of Lenten Penitential Services 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 16 (7 to 9 pm) - for Gr. 7-12 | Impact Nights with Access52 at St. Michael’s, Calgary
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
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
Into the Deep: Finding Peace through Prayer Retreat St. Albert the Great invites you to a retreat for anyone wanting to begin or deepen their prayer life with speakers: Elizabeth Sanesh, Michelle and Tom Diment together with the Come As You Are team on the weekend of March 22 - 23, 2024. What sets authentic Christian prayer apart from the many "spiritual" practices being promoted today? How does one pray? There will be video reflection, small group discussions, Adoration and prayer ministry. For more information, contact the parish office at 403-257-6054. More info
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 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
- NEW! Sat. Mar 16 | CCCRS 36th Anniversary - Canadian Martyrs, Calgary
- NEW! Sat. Mar 16 | Marian Retreat - Seeds of the Word - Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore
- 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
- NEW! Mar 22 - 23 | Into the Deep Retreat: Finding Peace Through Prayer - St. Albert the Great, Calgary
- 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
- NEW! Apr 5 - 7 | 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations at St. Anthony's Parish, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 6 - 7 | 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations at Holy Spirit Parish, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 6 | 14th Annual Run for L'Arche, Calgary - St. Patrick's Island
- NEW! Apr 7 | Divine Mercy Sunday - Ascension Parish, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 9 | Calgary Pro-Life AGM - St. Anthony's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 12 - 13 | 40 Hours Devotion for Vocation at St. Martha's Parish, Lethbridge
- NEW! Apr 12 | CRSC Conference "Come and See" Mass & Healing Service - St. Luke's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 13 | CRSC Conference "Come and See" - St. Thomas More, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 13 - 14 | Sacrament Fair (Faith Gifts) - Holy Name, Calgary
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.
|
|