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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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11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Ezekiel 17: 22 - 24
2 Corinthians 5: 6 - 10
Mark 4: 26 - 34
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As we enter back into Ordinary Time, our readings today remind us that heaven is our true home and that we cannot make it there without God’s assistance. In our First Reading, the prophet Ezekiel foretells the coming of the Kingdom of God. We can see that Jesus is the cedar that will become refuge for all people. He will humble the proud, lift up the lowly and produce good fruit in the weakened. It is God who does the wondrous works. We often go through life wanting to be in control. We try to solve all our problems, as we think, "I can do it myself." We cling to our own ideas by putting certain events, future plans or even day-to-day moments into a perfect little box, "This is the way I want it." We can even push back in moments of suffering by trying to find every possible way to get out of it. We are "in control." Imagine what life would be like if we surrendered a little more. It is easier said than done — but, oh, how freeing it would be. What if we opened our clenched hands to God and said, “Thy will be done”? We would become free from attachment and more blessed than we could ever imagine. Only God can do all that He promised in our First Reading. We need Him. All we need to do is surrender. To help us on this journey of total surrender, try starting each day with a prayer of surrender, “Lord, I give You this day and all that You have in store for me, my family and friends.” With the guidance of the Lord, surely we will make it home to heaven. (©Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
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Tue, June 18 @ 9:00 am Anton Gross (RIP) Tue, June 18 @ 11:00 am Barry Ian Price (RIP) - Senior Care Centre Tue, June 18 @ 6:30 pm Evelyn Metcalf (INT) Wed, June 19 @ 9:00 am Pia Rubertelli-Bozac (RIP) Wed, June 19 @ 6:30 pm Luciana Rivas (RIP) Thu, June 20 @ 9:00 am Michael Hill (RIP) Thu, June 20 @ 6:30 pm Kyle Honish (INT) Fri, June 21 @ 9:00 am Cosmelita Romero (RIP) Fri, June 21 @ 6:30 pm Norbert Wilcott (RIP) Sat, June 22 @ 9:00 am Robert Meikle (RIP) Sat, June 22 @ 5:00 pm Fr. Cristino Bouvette (INT) Sun, June 23 @ 9:00 am All Souls in Purgatory Sun, June 23 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) Sun, June 23 @ 5:00 pm Doug & Andrea Hunt (INT)
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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 Renewal Survey Extension
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ATTENTION ALL CATHOLICS OVER 18 YEARS OLD!
THIS IS YOUR LAST WEEK TO PARTICIPATE!
Bishop McGrattan would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to all parishioners for participating in the Pastoral Renewal Survey. We received 918 responses from our parish (or 32.6% from the Mass attendance) - and we are thankful!
Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand the needs, hopes, and dreams of our faith community. The more parishioners who participate, the more impact our survey report will have in guiding our parish and diocesan pastoral planning. High survey participation provides a rich, meaningful, and more accurate understanding of our community's current needs.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to complete the survey, we'd love to hear from you. The Diocese of Calgary has extended the survey period to June 21 to allow us to reach more parishioners. Please take 10 minutes to complete the survey before then.
PLEASE NOTE: - To ensure we capture as much feedback as possible the survey deadline has been extended by one week to June 21.
- Visit https://TINYURL.COM/RENEW-P24 or our website at stalbertthegreat.ca to complete the survey.
- If you started the survey but haven't had a chance to complete it, please take a few more minutes to finish and submit it, or simply start a new one.
May God bless the renewal of our faith community. Thank you!
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Update on Parish Renewal!
You are called. You matter. You Belong. There was an amazing turnout of 150 parishioners at the Parish Renewal Gathering May 4th!
To see pictures and read about it, see our article in Faithfully here.
We heard the following feedback from those who attended the Renewal Gathering: - You enjoyed the Gathering and would like to see more events like it.
- You valued praying with scripture/Lectio Divina as a group and sharing your faith.
- You appreciated meeting parishioners you didn’t know before.
- All three pillars of the renewal resonated with you, in particular Strengthening Family Life, as you expressed your desire to form your children in the faith and your concern for family members that have fallen away.
- You long for programs for youth and young adults to learn, grow and keep their faith.
- You would like to receive more formation on the Catholic faith, the Mass, Bible Studies and how to evangelize.
Thank you for sharing your hope for the renewal with us! The Parish Renewal Team will provide a more detailed feedback report in the near future.
Your voice matters!
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BISHOP MCGRATTAN'S LETTER ABOUT THE PASTORAL RENEWAL SURVEY
Read Bishop McGrattan's letter about the Pastoral Renewal Survey at this Link .
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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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COMING ALIVE CAMP 2024 UPDATE
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.
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Men of St. Albert the Great, the Knights of Columbus wants you to change your life this Father’s Day weekend by evangelizing you to become better Father’s, Husband’s, & Brother’s in Christ. You can join KofC by using this link to become a member today of the SATG council. ( https://www.kofc.org/apps/resources/invitation-en.pdf )
The Council will be having an in-person exemplification on Saturday June 29th after the 9 AM Mass in the ST. Albert room.
Change your life & become a better Catholic by becoming a Knight of our SATG Council 12446!
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!
FAMILY OF THE MONTH PRESS RELEASE
The KofC Family of the Month for June 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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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
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This weekend the St Vincent de Paul members will be in the Narthex asking for donations so that we can continue to provide food hampers to the many families in need in our community.
The high cost of food, rent and utilities are leaving families with little to no money for food and they need our help.
Please consider donating this weekend so that we can purchase the groceries needed to fill the hampers in the summer months. Donations can be made by cash, cheque or e transfer at svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com. Tax receipts will be issued in Feb 2025.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
May 2024 Summary
Hampers delivered: 47 Number of Adults served: 100 Number of Children served: 69
Cost of the hampers: $14,805 for food and $1690.00 in gift cards were given to these families to purchase meat and dairy for a total of $16495.00.
Thank you to the students, parents, teachers and administration of Mgr Smith School for running a food drive for us in May.
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.
"For all the benefactors of the poor, that God may reward them with eternal life", Lord hear us.
Current Needs
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs: soda crackers and 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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Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
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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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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
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Stay up-to-date with the latest pastoral announcements from the Bishop's Office, and learn where our priests and seminarians are serving in parishes and ministries within the Diocese, effective August 1, 2024 (unless otherwise noted). Please join us in praying for them in their new assignments and chapters of life!
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ABLAZE Youth Ministry - Impact Night with Access52
Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to a fun and faith-filled youth night with FacetoFace Ministries at St. Michael's Church in Calgary.
When: Friday, June 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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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.
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Faithfully
Some highlights: - Photos & stories from Mary's Festival
- Two emerging Catholic writers from our Diocese
- Christian video/streaming content for children
- Priests/Seminarians announcements
- Eryn's conversion story "This is where I belong"
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The Pope's Prayer Intention - June 2024
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In recent years, the number of forcibly displaced people has surpassed the number during the Second World War. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in 2023, there were 110 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Pope Francis has called for migrants to be accompanied, supported, and integrated.
The Church also encourages people to pray for migrants on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, with the theme for 2024 being "God walks with his People," to be observed on Sep. 29. The Pope's Prayer Intention for June 2024: - Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
- Watch video message now
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The Religious Sisters of the Calgary area communities invite young ladies to "Tea with the Sisters" for a summer kick-off event.
When: Saturday, June 29 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Providence Convent (150 Providence Blvd SE, Calgary).
Girls under 18 are welcome to attend, if accompanied by an adult.
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Christian video/streaming for Children
Navigating TV/streaming content can be challenging for parents today. As Christians, we appreciate guidance and direction from reviews and resources. If you're seeking helpful recommendations for children's content, consider this curated list, thoughtfully maintained and updated by the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. Read now
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A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life
In spring 2024, the CCCB Ad Hoc Committee hosted the first part of a webinar series titled "A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life" to facilitate meaningful participation in the Year of Prayer announced by Pope Francis. Dr. Josephine Lombardi presented four English-language webinars on prayer as part of the series, which are now available for viewing. A guide with reflection questions from Dr. Lombardi’s book, "On Earth as it is in Heaven," has been prepared for viewers.
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CCSD 3-Year Education Plan
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The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees recently approved our 2024–2027 Three-Year Education Plan. This report can be accessed through the following link: https://www.cssd.ab.ca/reports. Our 2024 – 2027 Three-Year Education Plan is organized according to CCSD’s board priorities. This education plan also reflects feedback from shareholders, providing assurance as outlined in Alberta Education’s Funding Manual for School Authorities. All contributions to the process of compiling this report are greatly valued.
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For the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 28, 2024, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has released a Pastoral Toolkit to promote "a Day without loneliness." It includes the official logo, catechesis on old age, Magisterium texts, official prayer, and pastoral suggestions. The toolkit and Holy Father’s Message are available on the Dicastery’s website. Share these resources and use the hashtag #GrandparentsandElderly. - Pastoral Toolkits for parishes, individuals, and family are available in: English | French
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Young Adults aged 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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Cemetery Mass
Bishop McGrattan will celebrate Masses for the souls of the deceased buried at our Catholic cemeteries in Calgary and area. All are welcome! - Tue, Aug 20 at St. Mary's Cemetery
- Wed, Aug 21 at Queen's Park Cemetery
- Tue, Aug 27 at Edenbrook Cemetery
- Thu, Aug 29 at Mountain View Cemetery
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Sunday Bulletin shorts
From small things great things are possible with God. The parable of the mustard seed is well known among Christians as are the other parables of Jesus. One can imagine Jesus surrounded by large crowds of people all wanting to know the great secrets and wonders of the universe that the Son of God must possess, and he speaks in simple parables. - Christ’s parables are often like a parent explaining to a child deep and complicated truths of life. How have you told your children (or people who do not share your faith) about your faith in God and the promise of salvation?
- In what ways has faith grown in you?
- How do you see the presence of God in your life today compared to the faith you had as a child?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
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 devotion: ABLAZE Youth Ministry - Impact Night with Access52 Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to a fun and faith-filled youth night with FacetoFace Ministries at St. Michael's Church in Calgary. When: Friday, June 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tea with the Sisters The Religious Sisters of the Calgary area communities invite young ladies to "Tea with the Sisters" for a summer kick-off event. When: Saturday, June 29 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Providence Convent (150 Providence Blvd SE, Calgary). Girls under 18 are welcome to attend, if accompanied by an adult.
This is where I belong Eryn Minifie's journey to Catholicism began with a deep love for Jesus but uncertainty about what it truly meant. Feeling lost despite being surrounded by loved ones, she started attending Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Community last February. As she joined RCIA, Eryn discovered a newfound fullness in her life. Her transformative experience peaked during the Easter Vigil in 2024 when she was baptized by Fr. Edmund Vargas, affirming her place in His Kingdom. Read more
Catholic Family Conference This annual event brings hundreds of Catholic families and individuals together to celebrate faith and family. It is an opportunity to deepen their faith and to encourage one another in raising Catholic families in very challenging and troubling times. Steve Ray, a well-known convert, apologist and evangelist, Ken and Janelle Yasinski, Brian Holdsworth and Brendan McCauley are the weekend keynote speakers. When: June 28 - July 1, Lac Ste. Anne, AB. For information and to register, go to catholicfamilyministries.com
Truth & Reconciliation Conference "Braiding Together"
Come join RMEC as they engage in critical conversations in response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, exploring our individual and collective journeys as we walk together, fostering authentic and inclusive relationships as we celebrate diversity and work towards healing and wholeness, attentive in heart, mind and soul. When: Oct 18-19, 2024 at the Banff Centre.
Brother Sun - Sister Moon: Walking in Hope Family Day Retreat Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre is inviting you to a day retreat for personal and group reflection, a pilgrimage walk, prayer moments, an outdoor Mass, a picnic lunch, and a BBQ supper. The event will take place on Fri, July 19, 2024, from 9 am to 6 pm. Please note that this is an outdoor event.
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly We will be celebrating World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life has prepared a Pastoral Toolkit to promote "a Day without loneliness". The toolkit includes the official logo, a catechesis on old age, recent texts from the Magisterium, the official prayer for the World Day, and pastoral suggestions.
Captivenia and Archateos Catholic Camps Dive deeply into the beautiful mysteries of our Catholic faith through the following summer camps:
Summer camps at Our Lady of Victory Camp
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. 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. Other Canadian Dioceses or other Catholic organizations may contact the Human Resources Office to request that their employment opportunities be posted here. For detailed job descriptions and application process, visit our Careers page
Spring/Summer Calendar Highlights - NEW! Fri, June 14 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Sat, June 15 | Frassati Hike with Lay Dominicans - meet at 9 am Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore
- NEW! Fri, June 21 | ABLAZE Youth Ministry - St. Bonaventure, Calgary
- Thu, June 27 | Benedictine Spirituality - Zoom
- June 28 - 31 | Catholic Family Life Conference - Lac Ste Anne, AB
- NEW! Sat, June 29 | Tea with Sisters - Providence Convent, Calgary
- Sat, July 6 | "His Building" Golf Tournament Fundraiser for Sacred Heart, Strathmore
- Sun, July 14 | Knight's breakfast Sunday in Brooks, AB
- July 16 - 18 | Soul Care for Women - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- July 20 - 25 | Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage - Lac Ste Anne, AB
- July 17 - 27 | Captivenia Girls' Camp - with Regnum Christi in Foothills County
- Fri, July 19 | Brother Sun - Sister Moon: Outdoor Family-friendly Pilgrimage Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Sun, July 28 | World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
- July 29 - Aug 10 | Arcatheos Boys' Camp - with Regnum Christi in Foothills County
- Aug 10 - 11 | Mount St. Francis 75th Anniversary: Celebrate Sacred Space - Mount St. Francis Cochrane
- Cemetery Mass with Bishop McGrattan:
- Tue, Aug 20 - St. Mary's Cemetery
- Wed, Aug 21 - Queen's Park Cemetery
- Tue, Aug 27 - Edenbrook Cemetery
- Thu, Aug 29 - Mountain View Cemetery
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.
Parish Livestream Masses in the Diocese of Calgary
Other Diocese information can be found at this link.
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