Acts 4: 8 - 12

1 John 3: 1 - 2

 John 10: 11 - 18

On this fourth Sunday of Easter, we hear that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep.  Our readings today call us to reflect inward - do we allow Jesus to shepherd our lives?
 
In our Gospel Jesus reveals His radical love for us.  He says, “I will lay down my life for the sheep.”  Jesus tells us that we are His.  We can compare this relationship to that of a loving parent to their child.  The parent gives without much in return and if any evil came near the child, the parent would do anything, even lay down their life for their baby.
 
We are Christ’s - even more so than a child is to a parent.  He created us and sustains our lives each day.  Evil persists in our world, so Jesus willingly laid down His life for us at Calvary for our salvation.  He is our Good Shepherd, whether we remain in His flock or go astray.
 
But just as a baby is happiest in the arms of a parent, so too are we happiest in the flock of our Shepherd.  And just as sheep go astray, we also stray from God, test our limits and even follow false shepherds.
 
Thankfully our Shepherd is a Good Shepherd, and He laid down His life for us knowing every sin we will ever commit.  Therefore, let us examine our hearts and return to our flock.  We don’t even need to find the way.  He is right there always waiting to guide us home.
 
Let us look inward this week and ask ourselves, ‘who is my Shepherd?’ and ‘have I gone astray?’  Name the areas in your life that you have neglected.  Ask Jesus to bring you home.  Pray for His mercy, seek His forgiveness in the sacraments and begin again.

(©Catholic Stewardship Consultants)

Tue, April 23 @ 9:00 am          Tara Cherian (INT)             

Tue, April 23 @ 6:30 pm           Frank Bath (RIP)            

Wed, April 24 @ 9:00 am         Sara Carpio (RIP)

Wed, April 24 @ 6:30 pm         Ramon Catamco (RIP)

Thu, April 25 @ 9:00 am          Heather & family (INT)

Thu, April 25 @ 6:30 pm          Brother Louis Bucher, CFC (RIP)

Fri, April 26 @ 9:00 am            St. Albert the Great Schools (INT)

Fri, April 26 @ 6:30 pm            Bernard Metcalf (INT)
Sat, April 27 @ 9:00 am           Epifania Vivas (RIP)

Sat, April 27 @ 5:00 pm           Rose Craig (RIP)
Sun, April 28 @ 9:00 am          Alexa Clark (RIP)

Sun, April 28 @ 11:00 am        St. Albert the Great Community (INT)

Sun, April 28 @ 5:00 pm          Special Intention

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.  

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. 

You may register for this event using the QR code above or at this  Link  .

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 .

Please click on this  Link  to view the job posting noted above and how you may apply for this position.  Please note that the job posting expires on April 26, 2024.

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.

Please contact Greg Yont at  rcia@stalbertthegreat.ca  .

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!

The KofC Family of the Month for March 2024 Press Release can be found by clicking on  this link .

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.

Myth:  I can’t donate because I have a tattoo.

Fact: You can donate blood even if you have tattoos or piercings.  If you recently got a tattoo or piercing, you must wait until 3 months have passed since your tattoo or piercing.

 

You may register for this event using the QR code above or at this  Link  .

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.  

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!

For more information please email Liisa at  ComingAliveCamp@gmail.com 

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.

"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. 

Donations can be made at svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com

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.  All non perishable food is appreciated.  Thank you for your support!

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

Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.

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!

Upcoming formation opportunities for #renewal are available below:  

A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life

Embark 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

his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-38).  Come and pray before the Lord | catholicyyca.ca/40hours.  Come and pray with us at the upcoming 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations: 

For more information about hosting 40 Hours Devotion in your parish, please contact Fr. Derek Remus at derek.remus@calgarydiocese.ca or click here. 

Here’s what you can expect:

We are truly sorry to inform you of the cancellation of the Elizabeth House Beach Carnival and Dodgeball Tournament.  Our excitement for the event was high, but unfortunately, it did not resonate as we had hoped.  This cancellation is a learning opportunity for us, and we are dedicated to organizing future events that align more closely with what our supporters find meaningful and engaging.

The goal was to raise funds for a vital need - a van to support Elizabeth House clients, particularly mothers and their babies.  Despite this setback, the need for your support remains critical.  For ways to help, please visit our website or contact us. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Diocese of Calgary invites all the faithful to celebrate the joy and beauty of family and life during the National Family & Life Week, May 13 - 19.  They have compiled a list of amazing resources from CCCB to help you make the most of this special week.  

This year's theme, “Love hopes all things,” is inspired by the words of Saint Paul, the Apostle: “[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7).  This theme, linked to Amoris Laetitia, a discourse on love by Pope Francis, guides us towards hope, a theological virtue that renews our relationship with God and others.

The Miscarriage Ministry Committee in the Diocese of Calgary is organizing an information night about its mission and vision.  We desire to be a place of support for those experiencing this unique form of loss.  Join us for an evening of learning about this ministry, assessing the community's needs, sharing best practices, and fellowship.  

John characteristically uses “I am” statements to indicate the revelation of Jesus’ identity (an echo of God’s name as revealed to Moses).  Today we see Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and are reminded of Ezekiel’s contrast between the good and bad shepherd of his day.  Jesus is the shepherd who “knows” His sheep and is willing to give His life for them.  To “know” here refers to a relationship of communion and love, not simply intellectual knowledge.  Being chosen by the Shepherd, however, is no cause for elitism or privilege; rather, there is a greater responsibility that we shoulder as people who are co-shepherds. 

“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:  

Join Beloved Daughters Ministry for their second annual women's conference entitled: "Worthy and Made New" on May 3-4, 2024 at St. Michael’s, Calgary with speakers Crystalina Evert and Fr. Anthony Sortino, LC.  Register at www.beloveddaughtersyyc.com   

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 

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 

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.  

To donate online, visit catholicyyc.ca/donatevocations  

We are fortunate to have publicly funded Catholic education, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our faith-based education thrives.  As Catholics, whether we are Educators, Trustees, Parents, Students, Clergy, or Parishioners, we are called to honour the transformative impact of Catholic education on individuals within our community and society.  We invite you to attend the GrACE Summit - for all Catholics, in recognizing the impact of Catholic education and the transformative role of Catholic schools in both the community and society.  When: Fri, May 10 from 8:15 am to 2 pm, at Corpus Christi Parish Hall (2707 34 St NW, Edmonton). Please click here to Register. 

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.

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

Your Application package must include a completed Application of Employment Form, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. 

Your Application package must include a completed Application of Employment Form, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. 

 

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