We often cite Jesus’ quote from today’s Gospel of Mark: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”  This was not a suggestion from the Lord.  It was quite frankly a command, and it is one which still holds for each of us. Being an evangelist, being a disciple, being a steward is not a matter of choice for those of us who are Catholic and Christian. It is something the Lord expects of us.
 
Often, we may like to spend time debating how to do that, but that does not lessen the fact that it is something we are supposed to do.  We need to acknowledge that even the original Apostles and followers of Jesus did not do that immediately.  We learn that they stayed in Jerusalem for some time, and it seemed to be only when the Church and its followers were persecuted that they began to reach out and truly share the “Good News.”
 
Once Christians accepted that charge from the Lord, they did indeed take the Word of God to all corners of the earth.  Look at the Church today.  It is incredible how this Church has grown from one Man/God and a small group into what it is today.  That does not, however, get us “off the hook.”
 
As much as we may argue about how to carry out this command from Jesus, the fact remains that our very lives need to stand as a representation of what it means to be a Christian, what it means to “love one another,” what it means to live and to work as a disciple of Christ.

Tue, May 14 @ 9:00 am       Cheryl Elford (RIP)

Tue, May 14 @ 11:00 am     Fr. Wilbert Chin-Jon (INT) -  Senior Care Centre             

Tue, May 14 @ 6:30 pm       Fernando, Jemin & Diego Hafalla (RIP)     

Wed, May 15 @ 9:00 am      Lucia Imbrogno (RIP)    

Wed, May 15 @ 6:30 pm      Darryn & Izack Lorenson (INT)

Thu, May 16 @ 9:00 am       Rozalia Budzinski (RIP)  

Thu, May 16 @ 6:30 pm       Lucille Bath (RIP)

Fri, May 17 @ 9:00 am         Ippolito Inbrogno (RIP)

Fri, May 17 @ 6:30 pm         Buenaventura Vivas (RIP)
Sat, May 18 @ 9:00 am        John Michael & Jaime Sullano (RIP)      

Sat, May 18 @ 5:00 pm        William Moore (RIP)
Sun, May 19 @ 9:00 am       Denes Molnar (RIP)

Sun, May 19 @ 11:00 am     St. Albert the Great Community (INT)

Sun, May 19 @ 5:00 pm       Clark family (INT)

Coming Alive Camp filled up very quickly this year, and as a result the registration form has been closed.  We are currently looking for more adult volunteers so that we can open camp for more children.  If you would like to be added to the waitlist for camp or to volunteer, please email Liisa at  comingalivecamp@gmail.com. 

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 .

Our parish needs four women 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 May 2024 Press Release can be found by clicking on  this link .

The St. Albert the Great CWL would like to thank all our parishioners who participated in the Lenten Baby Bottle Project.  The results were incredible.  We collected a grand total of  $4942.73  which will be shared with  Calgary Pro-Life, Elizabeth House, Basically Babies, Mary’s Meals, and the Kara Program.  This was truly a cause that we all worked very hard for and again we are honoured to have you as fellow parishioners.

"They were all together in one place."   Come prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost with an evening of renewal and Adoration.  We will share testimonies of the Holy Spirit, and encounter the Lord in Adoration with music.  Confession and Prayer Ministry, including prayer for a renewal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, will be available. Food and Fellowship, too!  Friday, May 17th from 7  -  9:30 pm. 

"For all the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward them with eternal life", Lord hear us.

 

 

Food insecurity is growing at rates not seen in Calgary and its impact is felt in every community.  Our conference is experiencing a 69% increase in food requests since 2021.  The need is great.

 

 

Cost of the hampers: $17,055.00 for food and $2160.00 in gift cards were given to these families to purchase meat and dairy for a total of $19215.00. 

 

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. 

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

     St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs:

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!

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.

In preparation for the great feast of Pentecost, let us ask for an outpouring of grace into our hearts, and implore the Holy Spirit to send the grace of renewal to all the parishes in the Diocese of Calgary. 

Novena to the Holy Spirit starts this Friday, May 10, 2024. Visit page 

Novena will be shared on social media starting Friday, May 10, 2024. 

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!

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.

Join the Catholic Pastoral Centre and be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in our community!  We are currently seeking passionate individuals for the following positions:  

For detailed job descriptions and application process, visit our Careers page

You belong!  Let's strengthen our family life!  Families: please sign up to receive quick, short, and easy-to-do daily prayer and suggested activities for each day of the Family & Life Week (May 13 - 19).  Together, let’s weave moments of connection, laughter, strengthen bonds, foster joy, and create cherished memories.  Who knows, maybe your family will win the mystery prize - which will be announced on May 19!  

Resources for the Family & Life Week
Celebrate the Week of Family & Life from May 13 - 19 with CCCB & 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). 

Download Toolkit in English | French

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.

"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. 

Come and pray before the Lord | catholicyyca.ca/40hours.  Come and pray with us at the upcoming 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations: 

Read Fr. Derek's updates 

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

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.  

Join us at Mary's Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2024! 🎉  Experience a day filled with live music, delicious food, exciting games, and family-friendly activities.  From Face painting, to a dunk tank, to a marketplace and beer garden, there's something for everyone to enjoy!  This event is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Calgary, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, and God Squad Canada.  Don't miss out on the fun - Get your tickets today!  stmu.ca/marysfestival   

The Renewal Leadership Team is gearing up for a significant milestone: the Diocesan-wide Pastoral Renewal Survey, slated for early June 2024 in all parishes. This survey allows parishioners to reflect on their spiritual journey and provide crucial feedback to help the parish and Diocese understand their needs.  It's a vital part of the parish renewal process, offering insights into strengths and growth opportunities.  

The conclusion Mark’s Gospel includes the commission to go out and proclaim the good news to all creation.  In the power of the Risen Christ present and active among them, the missionary apostles will spread the news with signs and wonders. Jesus who has ascended from them has remained with them.  The presence of the Lord remains with us to this day when we proclaim the gospel through our words and deeds. 

“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 devotion:  

St. Bonaventure's Parish invites you to celebrate the Month of Mary with their parish community - every Friday at 7pm in May with Rosary prayer to honour Our Lady of Fatima.  All are welcome! 

Corpus Christi CWL invites you to donate your clean, unwanted clothing & textiles of all types for their textile drive on Saturday, May 11 to May 20, from 1 pm to 7 pm - Corpus Christi Parish Hall Parking Lot (5931 4th NW, Calgary).  Please ensure all textiles are delivered in clear secured bags.  Do not bring items that are wet, mouldy, oily or paint-covered.  Only textiles (no rags, suitcases, books or other garage sale items).

"As Christians, we cannot proclaim Christ as risen without first coming to the Cross," shared Bishop McGrattan.  As requested by many who attended the Good Friday liturgy at the Cathedral, here is the Bishop's reflection on the cross and suffering. Read more 

After the passing of his daughter, Mark Anderson was left with the biggest hole in his heart until a friend helped him see that "where there is death, there is new life also," and took him to attend Mass.  And he could not stay away.  After attending the Holy Thursday Mass at the Cathedral last year, Mark knew he would be baptized the next Easter.  Read Mark's story 

Join us at Mary's Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2024! 🎉  Experience a day filled with live music, delicious food, exciting games, and family-friendly activities.  From Face painting, to a dunk tank, to a marketplace and beer garden, there's something for everyone to enjoy!  This event is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Calgary, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, and God Squad Canada.  Don't miss out on the fun - get your tickets today!  stmu.ca/marysfestival  
 

Our Lady of Victory Camp is a week-long, overnight summer camp, owned and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton.  Our mission is to support families and youth ministry initiatives in the Archdiocese and beyond by creating a place for young people to Encounter Christ, Encounter Community, and Encounter Creation.  When: July - August 2024 - various camps for Gr. 4 - 12 - Registration is open 

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. 

For detailed job descriptions and application process, visit our Careers page

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 

Parish Livestream Masses in the Diocese of Calgary is available at:.catholicyyc.ca/livestreammass