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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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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER)
Acts 4: 32 - 35 1 John 5: 1 - 6 John 20: 19 - 31
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Today, we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ! Our readings today reveal how we can live out the joy of Easter all year long in our day-to-day lives. Our Gospel portrays the third day after Jesus’ death when Mary of Magdala visits Jesus’ tomb. Once she saw the stone removed, she ran to tell Simon Peter and John. They ran to the tomb as well, and upon seeing, they believed. We can tell the relationship that these disciples had with Jesus because of the way they responded about Him — they “ran.” Mary didn’t see the empty tomb and think, “someone else will figure it out.” Peter and John didn’t hear the news and think, “I will check on it later.” They each responded with conviction as they “ran” for Jesus. We must ask ourselves, “Do I have a relationship with Christ to the point where I am running to Him each day?” The way these disciples responded is how we should respond to Christ. We must avoid complacency, and as intentional disciples, we must stop rationalizing our choices by telling ourselves we will someday get around to putting God first. Every moment throughout our day is an opportunity to respond to God in gratitude, compassion and eagerness. And although there will be moments when we do not “feel” like responding to Him, it is in those moments when we faithfully respond anyway that matters the most. Let us celebrate this glorious day with prayer and feasting, for Christ is risen! And let us strive to carry this Easter joy with us all year long by how we respond to Christ each day. Happy Easter!
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Tue, April 9 @ 9:00 am Michael O’Brien (RIP) Tue, April 9 @ 11:00 am Mass cancelled - Senior Care Centre Tue, April 9 @ 6:30 pm Emily Soriano (INT) Wed, April 10 @ 9:00 am Osvalda Ferreira (RIP) Wed, April 10 @ 6:30 pm Robert Downey (RIP) Thu, April 11 @ 9:00 am Michelle Diment (INT) Thu, April 11 @ 6:30 pm Joseph family (INT) Fri, April 12 @ 9:00 am Ignacio Migo (RIP) Fri, April 12 @ 6:30 pm Irene Kuprasz (INT) Sat, April 13 @ 9:00 am Sharon van der Sloot (INT) Sat, April 13 @ 5:00 pm Sister Pauline Magnan (INT) Sun, April 14 @ 9:00 am Onome Oghor & family (INT) Sun, April 14 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, April 14 @ 5:00 pm Louise Brill (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! - April 6 & 7 - Bottle Drive this weekend (April 6 & 7) is in support of our Coats for Kids initiative. Last year we donated 6 boxes of winter jackets (72 coats!) to SVP at SATG and to Ukrainian Refugees. This year we are hoping to get at least six boxes again, but we really need the parishes support as each box of coats is $345. https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/charity/coats-for-kids/index.html
- April 9 - The Eucharist, a Thanksgiving
- 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: Existing donors are already donating enough blood. Fact: Half of all Canadians are eligible to donate blood yet, less than 4% of those who an donate sustain our national blood system. Each year, over 100,000 new donors are needed to help meet the needs of patients in Canada.
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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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DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY SERVICE
Join us on Sunday, April 7 at 3 pm to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. There will be a Liturgy including a time of Adoration during which the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung. This day reminds us of the merciful love of God, through the mystery of His death and resurrection. The novena leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday (beginning Good Friday) can be found here: Divine Mercy Novena
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NEW CANADIAN FAMILY MINISTRY OF HOPE
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We have been in touch with our sponsored family, they have been cleared medically and are just waiting with anticipation for their travel date to come to Canada. In the meantime they have sent the following message to us for Lent.
"Dear ones: The word freedom is beautiful, we long for freedom to be able to worship at Mass one day soon. It is hard for many to imagine such a life that we live, but we are facing our difficulties. We see Christ by our side in our darkest and loneliest days. Jesus is the light and freedom in our lives. We thank you all for praying for us and giving us hope".
As our sponsored family gets closer to transitioning from being refugees to becoming members of our parish, we wanted our ministry name to better reflect this. This is why we have renamed our ministry the New Canadian Family Ministry of Hope.
Mt 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Also, thanks to the generosity of St. Albert the Great parishioners we have met our stated goal for fundraising for the refugee family!!
If you were a monthly contributor, please contact the office to stop or redirect your donations.
We will update you soon on the family's arrival as well as other ministry needs to prepare for welcoming the family to Canada. Thank you so much for your generosity to this ministry. God Bless.
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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
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"For all the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward them with eternal life", Lord hear us.
March was a record month for hamper requests for our conference. Hamper requests/deliveries are up 35% over last year. Our dedicated members were very busy contacting the families, scheduling hamper deliveries,shopping for groceries, stocking the food shelves, paying the bills, packing hampers and delivering the hampers. Many thanks to the students, parents, teachers and staff at Divine Mercy School for running a food drive for St Vincent de Paul in March. Over $2500.00 in groceries were collected and donated and we are very thankful for your generosity. Hampers delivered: 83 Number of Adults served: 182 Number of Children served: 125 Cost of the hampers: $22,893.00 for food and $3070.00 in gift cards were given to these families to purchase meat and dairy for a total of $25,963.00. 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 pancake mix and
pancake syrup.
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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MOUNT ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTRE COCHRANE, ALBERTA (Temporary Contract: May 1 – August 30, 2024; 40 hours a week)
This Summer Position primarily attends to grounds keeping, minor repairs and maintenance and setting up and cleaning up of various events. This position reports directly to the Franciscan Local Minister and works closely with the Maintenance Manager.
The preferred candidate is a post-secondary student Salary: $17.80 hour, less required payroll deductions
You can find more information on this position by clicking on this link .
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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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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. 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.
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Nearly a thousand people gathered for the solemn Outdoor Way of the Cross at St. Mary's University. We extend our gratitude to all the staff, volunteers, and attendees who participated in the prayer. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment, and may God bless you abundantly!
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Men's Renewal: Life Compass Workshop
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Men: Here is an invitation for you to join the "Life Compass" Workshop Retreat at St. Anthony's, Calgary. Ideal for men seeking a deeper sense of identity, purpose, or those feeling lost about their next step. Experience fellowship, spiritual growth, personal value clarification, and goal setting. Includes a full day of activities, follow-up mastermind, prayer time, sacraments, materials, snacks, coffee, and a hot lunch. Empower yourself to create a guiding LifeCompass.
When: Sat, Apr 13 from 8 am to 4 pm.
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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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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
How does one come to belief? This is a contemporary question every bit as much as it was for the early church. The Thomas-story within the “Pentecost” story (with the disciples locked in a room out of fear, then Jesus defying locked doors, and breathing the Holy Spirit into them) is encouraging for all who struggle with an inability to hope and trust. Rather than condemning Thomas for his lack of faith, Jesus simply offers Thomas what he needs: “touch my wounds and see for yourself.” - How has the risen Jesus broken through your locked doors?
- Share a “Thomas” moment. How have you found your way out of doubts?
- Thomas leads others to the wounds of Christ, where is Christ’s body wounded in our world?
(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. 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
Pope Francis' Easter Message "He is the Way: the way that leads to life, the way of peace, reconciliation and fraternity" On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis delivered his Easter message and blessing, "On this day when we celebrate the life given us in the resurrection of the Son, let us remember the infinite love of God for each of us: a love that overcomes every limit and every weakness... May the light of the resurrection illumine our minds and convert our hearts, and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected and loved." Read now
Come & See | Mass & Healing Service CCCRS invites you to the Holy Eucharist and Healing Service on Friday, April 12 at 6:30 pm to 9 pm - at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary with speakers from the Charismatic Renewal Services of Canada (CRSC): Brian Sullivan and team. All are welcome! More info
ABLAZE - Youth Ministry This is an invitation for all youth in Gr. 9 to 12 throughout the diocese to join ABLAZE Youth Ministry Formation with Father Troy. When: Friday, Apr. 12 from 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Bonaventure Parish, Calgary. More info
Couples Retreat Join a transformative couples' retreat hosted by the Seeds of the Word Community. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your bond through prayer - Mass, confession, engaging talks, interactive Q&A sessions, and more. Don't miss out on this chance to nourish your relationship. When: Sat, Apr. 13 at St. Luke's Church in Calgary, from 9 am to 4 pm. Child care available. $50/couple. To register, call 587-892-9673 or register online here.
Men's Retreat: Life Compass Workshop Men: Here is an invitation for you to join the "Life Compass" Workshop Retreat at St. Anthony's, Calgary. Ideal for men seeking a deeper sense of identity, purpose, or those feeling lost about their next step. Experience fellowship, spiritual growth, personal value clarification, and goal setting. Includes a full day of activities, follow-up mastermind, prayer time, sacraments, materials, snacks, coffee, and a hot lunch. Empower yourself to create a guiding LifeCompass. When: Sat, Apr 13 from 8 am to 4 pm. Register at: buildmylifecompass.com/calgary | Download posters
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
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. Register at catholicyyca.ca/pastoralcare or call 403-218-5521.
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 Career Opportunities Your Application package must include a completed Application of Employment Form, a resume and a cover letter describing suitability for the position.
March & April 2024 Calendar Highlights - Apr 7 | Divine Mercy Sunday - Ascension Parish, Calgary
- Apr 7 | Divine Mercy Sunday - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Apr 9 | Calgary Pro-Life AGM - St. Anthony's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 12 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Bonaventure, Calgary
- 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 - Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary
- Apr 13 | Men's Renewal: Life Company Workshop - St. Anthony's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 13 | Couples Retreat - St. Luke's, Calgary
- NEW! Apr 13 | Holy Trinity CWL Mini Retreat - Holy Trinity, Calgary
- Apr 13 | CRSC Conference "Come and See" - St. Thomas More, Calgary
- Apr 13 - 14 | Sacrament Fair (Faith Gifts) - Holy Name, Calgary
- Apr 14 | Knights Breakfast Sunday - St. Mary's, Brooks
- NEW! 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
- Apr 27 | Beach Carnival Dodgeball Tournament for Elizabeth House - The Beach YYC
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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