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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 Charitable Registration Number 107909939 RR0084
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Acts 3: 13 - 15, 17 - 19 1 John 2: 1 - 5a Luke 24: 35 - 48
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In addition to celebrating all Christ did for us this Easter season, we also are reminded of how His sacrifice impacts our lives. Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus should be the center of our lives. This passage begins with two disciples realizing Jesus had just appeared to them. We can learn a valuable lesson from these disciples. To recognize Jesus’ appearances in our lives, we need to know Him. And the best way to know the Lord is to spend time with Him. It can start with just 10 minutes of quiet prayer a day and increasing that each week. We might begin by reading Scripture, books on the lives of the Saints, or even a decade of the Rosary. Yet the goal should be to carve out time each day, in a quiet space, for just you and the Lord. As the disciples mentioned, they recognized it was Jesus in the breaking of the bread. We, too, can better know the Lord through the sacraments, most especially the Holy Mass. The Eucharist is Jesus Himself — Body, Blood Soul, and Divinity. What better way to grow in intimacy with Christ than to receive Him frequently or to go talk to Him in front of the Blessed Sacrament? As we make Jesus the centre of our lives through prayer and the sacraments, we will be able to recognize Him in day-to-day moments. As we are still in the midst of this Easter season, take time to think about what Christ did for us and the changes we should make in our daily lives to help us grow closer to Him.
(©Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
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Tue, April 16 @ 9:00 am Father Matthew Schneider (INT) Tue, April 16 @ 11:00 am Selma Herman (RIP) - Senior Care Centre Tue, April 16 @ 6:30 pm Ron & Carmal Kearney (RIP) Wed, April 17 @ 9:00 am Freddie Dias (RIP) Wed, April 17 @ 6:30 pm Stephen (INT) Thu, April 18 @ 9:00 am Cheryl Elford (RIP) Thu, April 18 @ 6:30 pm Elizabeth Huntley (RIP) Fri, April 19 @ 9:00 am Norman & Lucille Bieker (INT) Fri, April 19 @ 6:30 pm Urban D’Souza and family (RIP) Sat, April 20 @ 9:00 am Czeslaw Waskiewica (RIP) Sat, April 20 @ 5:00 pm Benedicta Ai-Mie Lie (INT) Sun, April 21 @ 9:00 am Chad Cunningham & family (INT) Sun, April 21 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, April 21 @ 5:00 pm Cristeta & Hilario Untalan Jr. (RIP)
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Our 2024 parish goal for Together In Action is $78,445 and any surplus will go towards upgrading the indoor and outdoor lighting in the parish.
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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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Our parish needs six more sponsors to accompany those who are on the journey to become Catholic, through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sponsors offer companionship and prayer that supports the Catechumen or Candidate through the RCIA process. You do not need to be a teacher of the faith, just a fully initiated and practicing Catholic. Many sponsors have said this role has helped them grow in their own faith. The time commitment is to attend some of the weekly Wednesday evening catechesis sessions and ultimately the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
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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! - May 14 - The Eucharist and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
- May 26 - CWL & KofC joint Mass at 11 am
- June 11 - The Eucharist and the Coming of Jesus Christ
FAMILY OF THE MONTH PRESS RELEASE
The KofC Family of the Month for March 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 Baby Bottle Lenten project for this year, once again using the baby bottle theme. The baby bottle you have taken home was to have been filled with loose change throughout Lent, and then returned on Palm Sunday. If you still have a bottle please return it as soon as possible, or 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 has partnered with Canadian Blood Services to promote blood donation within our community. Join our Partners for Life team (STAL0116763).
Myth: A lot of blood is taken. Fact: Every person’s body contains about 5 litres of blood (or 10.5 pints). We collect about 450ml (a pint) of blood during a single blood donation.
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COME AS YOU ARE UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
Connect Night Returns in April!
Are you facing a particular decision in your life right now? Whether it's figuring out a job or career, a new ministry, or just wondering how to best respond to a situation in your life, human beings are decision-makers. How to do this in light of God's will? Join us for Part 3 of this series on Ignatian Discernment & Decision-Making. Don't worry if you've missed the first parts, we'll catch you up. You'll leave with practical tools and insight as we equip you to live out your call as Missionary Disciples. Thursday, Apr 25 at 7pm in the parish hall.
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COMING ALIVE CAMP 2024
Registration will be opening for Coming Alive Camp 2024 on April 27. Camp runs from July 15 - 19 from 8:45 - 1 PM each day at the church. It is open to children entering grades 1 - 6 in September, 2024. They will take part in a faith-based lesson, craft, recreation, and Mass each day. The cost per child is $45. This cost includes a shirt, daily snack, all supplies and a family barbecue on the final day of camp. If you are interested in registering your child, please check the church bulletin on April 27 or take a flyer from the narthex in the church. Students entering grades 7 - 12 may be youth volunteers. Camp usually fills up within a week, so do not delay registering!
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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.
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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
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"For all the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward them with eternal life", Lord hear us. Our work is not possible without the financial support of our parishioners, schools and the community at large. We thank you all for your generosity.
Current Needs
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs cereal and cookies.
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 SEEDS OF THE WORD COMMUNITY
The Seeds of the Word Community will be at our parish on the weekend of April 13th &14th, at all Masses. They will be selling their Lectio Divina Compendiums for $20 and Baked Goods for $10 in support of their ministry and the Community. The Seeds of the Word have been present in the Diocese of Calgary for the past 10 years, doing missions in parishes, schools, universities, and various other groups. All the money raised goes to support all of the community’s activities in Calgary and its missions around the world. We thank you for your generosity in supporting our mission!
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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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Upcoming Word of Life Webinar Evangelizing the Family with Word of Life Apr 17, 2024 11:00 AM MT
Our SpeakerBarbara Austin is the Director of Evangelization at St. Mark’s Parish in Maryland. She oversees all sacramental preparation from baptism to marriage preparation. She also facilitates faith formation, OCIA and manages adult formation.
Join us on April 17th at 11 AM MT as Barbara discusses: - The call to the New Evangelization and the necessity for forming families
- Her story of catechetical revival at St. Mark Parish
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Christ is risen! Alleluia!
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Read Bishop McGrattan's Easter message as we enter the Easter season. "Easter calls us to renew the witness of our faith through the living testimony of our lives. It calls us to move beyond the tomb of human emptiness by sharing with conviction the good news of the Resurrection." Read now
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Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
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Pope's Prayer Intention for April 2024
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- April 2024 Prayer intention: Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
- Watch the video
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Thank you to all volunteers!
This year, National Volunteer Week will be from April 14 to 20, 2024, and we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have on our parish communities!
Our volunteers, the quiet champions of our parish, embody love in action. They uplift those in need, prepare the sacred liturgies and sacraments, maintain our sacred spaces, and nurture our young during their formative years. Their dedication echoes far beyond the Holy Week preparation and Easter Sunday—a constant reminder of the impact one person can have in the lives of many. We’re profoundly grateful for their presence and the grace they bring to our Church.
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” 1 Thessalonians 3:9 | Your dedication and service to the Church and our parish community fill us with deep gratitude. Please know your efforts are seen and greatly appreciated. Blessed by your generosity, we thank you for embodying the heart of a missionary disciple!
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We are excited to share with you the 2023 Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary. As we reflect on the past year, we celebrate the growth, resilience, and profound impact of our actions. This report highlights how, through faith and collaboration, we continue to move towards becoming true missionary disciples in our world today! On behalf of Bishop McGrattan, thank you for your unwavering support and generosity towards serving our community and spreading the good news of God's unconditional love!
Special thanks to photographers Bandi Szakony (St. Elizabeth Hungary, Calgary), Annie Chirka (St. Peter's, Calgary), Yuan Wang, and to SFXC and Feed the Hungry for sharing some of their photos for the Impact Report!
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Upcoming formation opportunities for #renewal are available below:
A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of LifeEmbark on a spiritual journey with the CCCB's engaging webinar series, “A Great Symphony of Prayer,” in response to Pope Francis's Year of Prayer initiative, hosted by Dr. Josephine Lombardi. Crafted by the Jubilee Office in Rome, this series offers deep dives into prayer through specially prepared booklets. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the divine and join a global community in prayer. When: Tuesdays at 11 am MT from Apr 2 to Apr 30, 2024. Register Now
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40 Hours Devotion for Vocations
- St. Michael's, Calgary - Fri, Apr 19 at 3 pm to Sun, Apr 21 at 8 am - (followed by Vocations Rally in the afternoon)
- St. Cecilia’s, Calgary - Fri, Apr 26 at 6 am to Sat, Apr 27 at 10 pm
- St. Gerard's, Calgary - Tue, Apr 30 at 6 am to Wed, May 1 at 10 pm
- St. James', Okotoks - Fri, May 24 at 4:30 pm to Sun, May 26 at 8:30 am
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Couples Weekend April 19 - 21, 2024
To learn more and register, please contact:
or
"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows" St. Francis of Assisi
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Our Church is facing a crisis of vocations - for both priesthood and religious life. Together, how can we strengthen the future of the Church?
You are invited to the Diocesan Vocations Rally, co-hosted by the Benedict XVI Institute of Newman Theological College. It is an afternoon of formation, information, and fellowship on Vocations! Come learn how to build a culture of vocation, whether you are discerning a religious vocation or not. Through the grace of God, the future of the Church depends on us all. Bring as many people from your parish as you can. Lunch is on us. When: Sun, Apr 21, from 11 am to 3:30 pm.
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Vocations Rally - April 21 at St. Michael's, Calgary
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Don’t miss out on the Vocations Rally in our Diocese!
This year’s theme is “Come, Follow Me,” and this gathering is not just about vocations to the priesthood or religious life—it encompasses all vocations! Whether you’re discerning your own calling or supporting others in their journey, this day is for you. #youarecalled.
When/Where: Sunday, April 21, from 11 am to 3:30 pm at St. Michael's, Calgary.
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Here’s what you can expect: - Insights from speakers: Dr. Ryan Topping will share a report on “Meet Our New Priests.” Get a glimpse into the future of priestly vocations! Join us for talks by Fr. Cristino Bouvette, Fr. Santiago Torres, Cedric & Greta De Souza, Bishop William McGrattan, and representatives from the Seeds of the Word community. Engage with religious sisters and priests from across the Diocese. Learn from their experiences and discover how God is working through their vocations.
- Free Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch on us.
- Register now at catholicyyc.ca/vocations
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Elizabeth House's Beach Carnival & Dodgeball Tournament
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Elizabeth House invites you to a Beach Dodgeball Tournament at The Beach YYC (3030, 2600 Portland St SE Calgary)! You can bring friends and family and come spend an afternoon in the sand, or grab a team of 5 or 10 and join the dodgeball tournament on Sat, April 27 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
Friends vs. friends, class vs. teachers, parents vs. kids, let's have some fun for a good cause! All proceeds will go towards purchasing a new van for the Elizabeth House.
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Calgary priest to represent Canada in Rome
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Congratulations to Fr. Fabio DeSouza, who has been selected as one of three priests to represent Canada at the World Meeting of Priests in Rome from April 28 to May 2, 2024.
This selection was made by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) in response to a request from the Holy See for priests actively promoting synodality at their local parishes. Alongside Fr. DeSouza, the representatives include Rev. Pierre Ducharme, OFM from the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Rev. Daniel Ouellet from the Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière. Let's keep Fr. Fabio and his fellow brother priests in our prayers for a fruitful meeting that inspires and guides their continued ministry.
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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.
Note: Participants should receive approval from their Pastor and/or Pastoral Care Coord. Please reach out to your parish for screening requirements. - Sessions: Saturday, April 20th and Saturday, May 4 at Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW)
- Deadline to register: April 15, 2024
- Register now at catholicyyca.ca/pastoralcare
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Young Adults 19 - 30: Hope on the Horizon Summer Mission in Downtown Vancouver
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Join the "Hope on the Horizon" Summer Mission from August 6 - 21, 2024 hosted by the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Catholic Street Missionaries. This event, for young adults aged 19 - 30 in downtown Vancouver, offers an immersive experience into street missionary work. Participants will engage in prayer, service, and outreach to the homeless, alongside training and recreational activities. Food and accommodation included.
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Sunday Bulletin shorts
The word “companions” refers to those who break bread together. There is a special unity among those who share food. The gospels contain many examples of this special bond formed when Jesus shared food. It is not surprising then, that in sharing food, Jesus continues to reveal his presence among us. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were slow learners, but once they grasped the meaning of Jesus’ presence in the breaking of the bread they also grasped the meaning of his suffering and death. - What was the disciples’ first reaction upon seeing the risen Jesus?
Have you experienced similar shock in your own relationship to Jesus? - How has your faith grown from seeing the wounds and scars of another?
- Name a conversation moment you have had recently. What made it significant?
(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 The next dates: - St. Michael's, Calgary - Fri, Apr 19 at 3 pm to Sun, Apr 21 at 8 am - (followed by Vocations Rally in the afternoon)
- St. Cecilia’s, Calgary - Fri, Apr 26 at 6 am to Sat, Apr 27 at 10 pm
- St. Gerard's, Calgary - Tue, Apr 30 at 6 am to Wed, May 1 at 10 pm
- St. James', Okotoks - Fri, May 24 at 4:30 pm to Sun, May 26 at 8:30 am
ABLAZE - Youth Ministry This is an invitation for all youth in Gr. 7 to 12 throughout the diocese to join ABLAZE Youth Ministry Formation - Impact Nights at St.Michael's, Calgary. When: Friday, Apr. 19 from 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Bonaventure Parish, Calgary. More info
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, home bound, and bereaved members of their community. Sessions: Saturday, April 20th and Saturday, May 4 at Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW). Deadline to register: April 15, 2024.
Note: Participants should receive approval from their Pastor and/or Pastoral Care Coordinator. Please reach out to your parish for screening requirements.
Good Shepherd Sunday - April 21 The Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 21, 2024), or widely known as Good Shepherd Sunday is the World Day of Vocations. There will be a special collection for the work of vocations, in supporting the education and formation of seminarians and permanent diaconate program in our Diocese.
A Day with the Sisters For new Catholics: Join the Sisters of Divine Mercy in a welcome home retreat! Partake in sacraments, time to reflect, and time to share. When: Sat, Apr. 27 from 10:30 am to 4 pm at the Divine Mercy Centre (15206 Twp. Rd. 262, Calgary). More info at www.sistersofdivinemercy.org
Young Adults: Hope on the Horizon Summer Mission in Downtown Vancouver Join the "Hope on the Horizon" Summer Mission from August 6 - 21, 2024 hosted by the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Catholic Street Missionaries. This event, for young adults aged 19 - 30 in downtown Vancouver, offers an immersive experience into street missionary work. Participants will engage in prayer, service, and outreach to the homeless, alongside training and recreational activities. Food and accommodation included. For details and registration, visit: catholicstreetmissionaries.org/horizon.
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 April & May 2024 Calendar Highlights - Apr 13 - 14 | Sacrament Fair (Faith Gifts) - Holy Name, Calgary
- Apr 14 | Knights Breakfast Sunday - St. Mary's, Brooks
- Apr 19 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Apr 20 & May 4 | Pastoral Care Training - CPC, Calgary
- Apr 21 | Vocations Rally - St. Michael's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 26 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Bonaventure, Calgary
- Apr 27 | Beach Carnival Dodgeball Tournament for Elizabeth House - The Beach YYC, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 27 | A Day with the Sisters - Divine Mercy Centre, Calgary
- NEW! May 3 - 4 | Beloved Daughters Women's Conference - St. Michael's, Calgary
- NEW! May 10 | GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education) Summit 2024 - Edmonton
- NEW! May 11 | Tolkien's Faith and Works - Clear Water Academy, Calgary
- NEW! May 10 - 12 | Christian Young Professionals (20's-40's) Silent Retreat - Mt. St. Francis
- NEW! May 11 - 20 | Corpus Christi CWL Clothing/Textile Recycling Drive - Corpus Christi, Calgary
- NEW! May 11 | Calgary Pro-Life Hike for Life - Prince's Island Park, Calgary
- NEW! May 11 - 12 | Calgary Pro-Life Mothers Day Rose Sale - most Calgary parishes
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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