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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 9: 26 - 31 1 John 3: 18 - 24 John 15: 4a, 5b
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Our readings today teach us what it means to bear fruit as disciples of Christ. We hear in each of our readings that it is from the Lord that good effects will be produced in our lives.
In our first reading, we hear about disciples that were preaching the Good News and defending the faith. The work they were doing was “with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.” It was not their work alone, but the work of God.
We must ask ourselves, ‘how is God bearing fruit in my life?’ and ‘have I invited the Holy Spirit to work in me?’ The more we try to produce good effects in our lives, the more we will become disappointed if all we are relying on is our own efforts. It is only by inviting the Holy Spirit into our everyday moments that we will see goodness poured out.
Jesus clearly tells us how to do this in our Gospel. He says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” We can remain in Christ by staying faithful to His commandments and frequently receiving the sacraments. And our day to day moments should be a reflection of those commitments.
That could mean opening our day with a prayer of thanksgiving, smiling at those we see on the street, asking God for help as we begin our workday, praising God in moments of trial, taking time to listen to our spouse after a long day. To remain in Christ means, in all that we do, we do it with the Lord.
When we live a life like that — as a branch never separated from its vine — God will produce bountiful fruit in our lives.
(©Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
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Tue, April 30 @ 9:00 am Matthew Samder (RIP) Tue, April 30 @ 6:30 pm Carly Zelantini (INT) Wed, May 1 @ 9:00 am Angela Stewart (INT) Wed, May 1 @ 10:30 am Matthew Tiberio (INT) - Senior Care Centre Wed, May 1 @ 6:30 pm Joan Bath (RIP) Thu, May 2 @ 9:00 am Joe Murphy (RIP) Thu, May 2 @ 1:30 pm Fr. Andres Pacoli (INT) - Senior Care Centre Thu, May 2 @ 6:30 pm Joseph family (INT) Fri, May 3 @ 9:00 am All Souls in Purgatory Fri, May 3 @ 6:30 pm Glenn Kevin Abayon (RIP) Sat, May 4 @ 9:00 am Ian Rowan (RIP) Sat, May 4 @ 5:00 pm Michael & Molly Metcalf (INT) Sun, May 5 @ 9:00 am Nicolas Lamadrid (RIP) Sun, May 5 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, May 5 @ 5:00 pm Kathleen Sumalpong (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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NOVENA TO THE HOLY TRINITY
As we approach our Parish Renewal Gathering, we invite you to join us in praying the Novena to the Holy Trinity starting on April 25 to May 3, 2024. Please find the attached Novena prayer that you can view or print. This is a wonderful way to pray as a community which we can all do from our computer or mobile device.
If you cannot read the image above you may download it at this Link or click on the image above.
Let us seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit, surrender to God’s divine plan, and pray for our special intentions in supporting our pastor Fr. Andrew, the Parish Renewal Team, and all of us within the St. Albert the Great community in our mission, ultimately contributing to the spiritual renewal of our entire community.
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Registration is now open for Coming Alive Camp 2024!
There are limited spots available and camp usually fills up in about a week. The link will remain open until camp is full.
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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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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).
NOTE: The SATG Catholic Women’s League started a 2024 campaign in conjunction with Canadian Blood Services to increase awareness for the need of blood donors. As part of this campaign, we had Canadian Blood Services complete a site inspection in the hopes St. Albert the Great Parish could become a donation site. Unfortunately, the church elevator and ramp do not accommodate the movement of their equipment. Despite us not being able to be a donation site, the CWL continues to encourage all eligible parishioners, their families, and friends across Canada to make a blood or plasma donation this year. Our CWL parish team name is “St. Albert the Great Catholic Women’s League” through www.blood.ca if you wish to join our team. Our team has made 6 donations so far! There are several donation sites across the city that change based on site availability. The Acadia Recreation Complex and Southview Church in Walden are currently the closest sites to our Parish.
Thank you for your continued support!
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COME AS YOU ARE UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
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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 dry pasta and
canned soup.
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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"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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10K HIKE TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR LIFE
Our CWL members will be doing the hike on behalf of Fr. Andrew and Fr. Krys and we welcome parishioners to join us. Pledge forms are in the narthex or pledge online at www.calgaryprolife.com.
Team Name: St Albert the Great
IF PAYING BY CHEQUE OR CASH, PLEASE USE THE HIKE FOR LIFE ENVELOPES PROVIDED IN THE NARTHEX.
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The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) includes friends and family who have a unique relationship with the Oblates and their missionary works, especially with the Oblate Province of OMI Lacombe Canada. We are called to be partners with the Oblates in serving the poor through our prayers, finances and participation in missionary activities.
The OBLATE KENYAN MISSION WILL CELEBRATE the 27TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. On the Feast of the Ascension, May 11 - 12th, we will welcome a young Kenyan Missionary Oblate, who is serving in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, in Larmudiac, Kenya, to be with us and speak at all the masses. We will have several lay persons who are members of MAMI with us during the weekend. At the end of the liturgy, one will be asked to share why he/she is a MAMI member and has chosen this Charity above others.
Fr. Joseph Nzioka KYULI OMI will celebrate and greet parishioners in the hall after Masses. Lay people who have visited the Kenyan Mission recently will also share their experience through pictures and stories. There will be an opportunity to enjoy a time together, view pictures, listen, ask questions and celebrate twenty-seven years of a great Canadian partnership with the poor of Kenya.
There will be no special collection for the mission during the masses, but you will be receiving a brochure about MAMI, encouraging you to become a partner and consider membership in MAMI (Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate).
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MOUNT ST. FRANCIS RETREAT
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Christ is risen! Alleluia!
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
- 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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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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Please be vigilant: Our bishops, priests, deacons, and religious do not request gift cards or cash through emails or texts. If you receive such requests, they are highly likely to be a scam. Protect yourself by ignoring these messages, and do not respond. For the safety of our community, report any suspicious activities to the parish office. Your awareness and action can help prevent these scams from spreading.
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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
"Getting up in the middle of the night and driving to Adoration for 3 am was an amazing experience. While meditating on the actual presence of Christ right before my eyes, I was struck by how more acute and aware my senses and attention were at this dark hour," shares one parishioner during the 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations. The response to this initiative has indeed been extraordinary. Over the last month and a half, more than a thousand parishioners have come to adore Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
- St. Gerard's, Calgary - Tue, Apr 30 at 6 am to Wed, May 1 at 10 pm
- St. Anthony's, Calgary - Fri, May 3 at 3 pm to Sun, May 5 at 7 am
- St. James', Okotoks - Fri, May 24 at 4:30 pm to Sun, May 26 at 8:30 am
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Vocations Rally
Thank you for attending our diocesan Vocations Rally on Good Shepherd Sunday. We truly appreciate all the effort you made in inviting the faithful to participate from your parish. Please keep an eye out for photos and videos from the Vocations Rally which will be shared via Faithfully and social media next Monday!
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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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Catholic Education Week | May 5-10, 2024
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In the month of May, we celebrate Catholic Education Week in Alberta, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2024, “Courage to Lead,” reminds us of our call and responsibility to live and uphold the teachings of our Catholic faith, even amidst the challenges of the world around us.
Let us celebrate Catholic Education Week (May 14-19) this month with the provincial theme "Courage to Lead” (c.f. Micah 4:5). This Week also provides a special opportunity to thank each one of you for your extraordinary service to Catholic education. May God grant us the wisdom, courage, and strength to fulfill our sacred duty with courage and love, knowing that He walks alongside us every step of the way.
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National Family & Life Week | May 13 - 19
Celebrate National Family & Life Week from May 13 - 19 with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Diocese of Calgary. Get the pastoral kit with resources like a message from Bishop McGrattan as CCCB President, official logo, catechesis, prayer intentions, daily activities, graphics, and pastoral suggestions for a Mass. This year's theme is “Love hopes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
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Miscarriage Care Ministries
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.
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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
Jesus is promising, and advancing God’s covenant by expressing His desire to be joyful, to know our deepest desires and be intimate within our hearts. Christian writer John Shea said “The true vine lives simultaneously in the flux of time and in the eternal now.” We do this by answering a daily call to live in the house of love and to ensure that each branch in our families, parishes and communities remains healthy and connected to the Vine that “causes all things to work together for the good of those who trust in Him.” As John expresses perfectly, “from the least to the greatest all will know the Lord.” - How strong is Love in your family, your parish, your community, your workplace?
- What branches in your parish are not bearing fruit?
- When have you witnessed near complete joy in your parish life?
(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. Gerard's, Calgary - Tue, Apr 30 at 6 am to Wed, May 1 at 10 pm
- St. Anthony's, Calgary - Fri, May 3 at 3 pm to Sun, May 5 at 7 am
- St. James', Okotoks - Fri, May 24 at 4:30 pm to Sun, May 26 at 8:30 am
Women’s Conference “Worthy and Made New” 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
GrACE Summit 2024: Courage to Lead 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.
Holding to Hope - Young Professionals Silent Retreat An opportunity for young professionals to unplug and disconnect from our busy lives, and experience the beauty in resting in silence, as they engage in personal reflection, prayer and meditation. The weekend will also include reflective talks and short supports to guide you in your silent reflection/prayer/meditation time.
Hike for Life - May 11 Come show a public witness for LIFE, because "Every human life is precious and valuable from conception until natural death." What does it mean to show respect to every person at every stage of our life? Calgary Pro-Life will have seating for those who can not walk and provide entertainment throughout the morning event. More
Tolkien's Faith and Works - May 11 Explore the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world through a Catholic lens at our immersive conference! Join fellow enthusiasts as we explore the themes of faith, morality, and redemption woven throughout Tolkien's works. Don't miss this unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of Tolkien's imagination from a perspective that resonates with the heart of Catholic teachings. Engage in insightful discussions, forge new connections, and deepen your understanding of faith and fantasy.
Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition - May 24 St. Michael's Parish in Calgary invites you to the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition, with exhibits designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, before his death from Leukemia at the age of 15. His intention was to bring a greater awareness to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The exhibition is comprised of 169 panels with historical descriptions and an extensive assortment of photographs and artwork of Eucharistic Miracles that took place throughout the ages in various countries of the world and which have been recognized by the Vatican. When: May 24 to June 2 at St. Michael's, Calgary. More
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
Careers in the Diocese
Catholic Pastoral Centre Your Application package must include a completed Application of Employment Form, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. Parishes in the Diocese of Calgary Your Application package must include a completed Application of Employment Form, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position. April, May & June 2024 Calendar Highlights - Apr 27 | A Day with the Sisters - Divine Mercy Centre, Calgary
- Apr 27 - 28 | White Elephant and Plant Sale - St. Gerard, Calgary
- May 3 - 4 | Beloved Daughters Women's Conference - St. Michael's, Calgary
- May 3 - 4 | Catholic Women's League 102nd Annual Diocesan Convention - Calgary
- May 10 | GrACE (Grateful Advocates for Catholic Education) Summit 2024 - Edmonton
- May 11 | Tolkien's Faith and Works - Clear Water Academy, Calgary
- May 10 - 12 | Christian Young Professionals (20's-40's) Silent Retreat - Mt. St. Francis
- May 11 - 20 | Corpus Christi CWL Clothing/Textile Recycling Drive - Corpus Christi, Calgary
- NEW! May 11 | Dinner & Entertainment - St. Gerard, Calgary
- May 11 | Calgary Pro-Life Hike for Life - Prince's Island Park, Calgary
- May 11 - 12 | Calgary Pro-Life Mothers Day Rose Sale - most Calgary parishes
- NEW! May 12 | Knights Breakfast Sunday - St. Mary's, Brooks
- NEW! May 22 | Sisters of Providence - Come and See - Calgary
- NEW! May 24 | Miscarriage Ministry Information Session - Pastoral Centre, Calgary
- NEW! May 24 to June 2 | The Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibition - St. Michael's, Calgary
- NEW! May 31 - June 2 | Women's Weekend Retreat & June 7-9 for Men's Weekend Retreat - Mount St. Francis
- NEW! Save the date: Sat, June 1 | Mary's Festival at St. Mary's University
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.
Other Diocese information can be found at this link.
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