Gospel Reading
John 18:33b-37
Jesus is questioned by Pilate about the charge brought against him that he is “King of the Jews.”

Understanding today’s feast of Christ the King may be particularly challenging. While most of us do not have direct experience with kings or royalty, we have a sense of who they are. We know that royalty have sovereignty over their kingdoms. We know that those who are subjects to royalty offer them allegiance and honor. To understand how Christ is our king, we extend and magnify what we know to be true of the best of human royalty. Christ’s kingship extends to all places, all people, and all times. Christ manifests his kingship through his death on the cross in which he offered salvation to everyone. Those who can see with eyes of faith recognize Jesus to be our heavenly king.

As you gather as a family, recall that this Sunday is the last Sunday in the Church year and on this Sunday we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Talk together about what it means to be a king or queen. How do those who are subjects behave toward royalty? Invite children to role-play what one does in the presence of royalty. Read today’s Gospel, John 18:33b-37. Ask your family to discuss these questions: Does Pilate treat Jesus like royalty? (No.) What does Jesus say about his kingdom? (It is not of this world.) Talk about how your family shows honor and obedience to Christ our King. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer and ask God to help your family act in ways that show you recognize and honor Christ as King.

This year, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on the inspiring theme for the XXXIX World Youth Day: “Those who hope in the Lord… will run and not be weary” (Is 40:31). Rooted in the promise of hope and endurance, this message connects us as “Pilgrims of Hope” in preparation for the Great Jubilee.

World Youth Day, celebrated locally each year on the Solemnity of Christ the King, provides an opportunity for young people and the entire Church to grow together in faith, hope, and community. This year's celebration, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, unites us with dioceses and eparchies worldwide as we journey toward two significant events: the Jubilee of Young People in 2025 and World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, in 2027.

We encourage you to take time to explore Pope Francis’ inspiring message, and other resources prepared by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. Let this year’s celebration renew your faith, strengthen your hope, and inspire you to journey forward in this season of Renewal.

Office Hours:  Mon - Fri: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

Pastor:  Fr. Andrew Maruszczak, SDS  

Phone:  (403) 257-6054  Ext: 222

Email:  pastor@stalbertthegreat.ca 

Assoc. Pastor:  Fr. Krzysztof Sobanski, SDS 

Phone:  (403) 257-6054  Ext: 230

Deacon:  John Walsh  john.walsh@calgarydiocese.ca

Deacon:  Joseph Gingco  joseph.gingco@calgarydiocese.ca

To request a Mass intention please visit the parish office downstairs during office hours, call  403-257-6054 or email  secretary@stalbertthegreat.ca  

Our parish serves over 9000 families, intentions are limited to two per family within the three-month period.  Thank you for honoring this system. Contact the office with questions.

This week we would like to CELEBRATE our St. Albert the Great Parish RCIA Volunteers. This group of dedicated volunteers supports those wanting to start their journey to become Catholics. This group consists of Catechists, Volunteers and Sponsors who all work together to support those journeying to become catholic.

Please say a prayer of thanksgiving for them and the wonderful work that they do as volunteers. 

From all of us here at SATG Thank You for everything that you do! May God continue to bless you and your acts of service.

We are full!

Thank you to all parents who signed up their children for our 4pm Children's Christmas Eve Mass. All roles have been filled.

ADVENT STARTS DECEMBER 1st - Make sure to visit the Narthex welcome desk to pick up a copy of our FREE advent devotionals and activities booklets. 

These will also be available at the entrance tables throughout the Parish over the next few weeks.

Join us this Advent for “Renewed in Hope,” a three-day mission from Dec 3 to Dec 5 here at the Church starting each evening at 7 PM.  Mass on all three days will be at 6 PM and Reconciliation will be available from 6 PM to 7 PM.

Renowned speakers Brett Powell, Bishop Scott McCaig, and Mary Rose Bacani Valenti will join us live via Zoom, leading us in reflections on discipleship, community, and family life.  This is a wonderful chance to renew our faith and find hope together as we prepare for Christmas.  All are welcome!

St. Albert the Great Parish is EXCITED to host Mary's Nook & BellaVita Jewlery the weekend of December 7th & 8th for an Advent Pop-up Event! If you are looking for Catholic gifts now is your chance to support local and the Parish. A percentage of the weekend sales will be donated back to the Church! 

We are three weeks away from bringing Christmas joy to 235 families. Your financial help will allow us to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables along with the regular food hamper items, AND we will be able to give gift cards to these families so they can make their family Christmas a happy one, too.

A few more drivers/teams are still needed to help us deliver the Christmas Hampers on Saturday December 14^th. Sign up sheets are in the Narthex after masses and our members are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Please take a tag from one of our Giving Christmas Trees in the Narthex and purchase a gift card (Superstore, Canadian Tire or Walmart) for us to add to our Christmas Hampers. The cards are to be brought in by Sunday December 8^th and given to any of our members or placed in the collection basket.

If you are interested in sponsoring a family you can e-transfer your sponsorship to svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com 

Your generosity in bringing Christmas joy to many families is greatly appreciated! 

Proverbs 22:9  The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

May YOU be richly blessed for bringing Christmas Joy to our many friends this year.

 Thank you for your support!

Donors, please consider switching the delivery of your tax receipt from Canada Post to email.  If you do, please email svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com  

You will receive a confirmation email of the switch.

Please consider supporting Elizabeth House this holiday season! 

St. Albert the Great Knights of Columbus will be collecting donations of the Essential Items listed below until Dec 1st. Donations can be placed in the Donation boxes located in the West side of the Narthex. 

For more information about Elizabeth House please visit: Helping pregnant women & mothers | Elizabeth House Calgary 

Notices in this section have been approved by the parish office, if you would like to have something added to the e-bulletin please email  bulletin@stalbertthegreat.ca

Please join us for an 8-part study with Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith, who will examine biblical wisdom as it relates to daily life.   Drawing on the wisdom literature of the Bible, “Wisdom: God’s Vision for Life” will teach you how to actively seek sound guidance and increase your sense of peace in navigating life.

Classes will be over Zoom on Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., beginning on January 8, 2025; cost of the workbook is $35.00.  

For more information, please contact Lucille Paplawski at:  paplawski@hotmail.com or (403) 479-1211.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach to faith formation. In a retreat-like atmosphere, with hands-on materials designed just for them, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.  The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and Liturgy, touch each child's heart and lead to deep contemplation, prayer and joy.
 
A Level 1 Training Course for catechists will be offered at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary. The course is a minimum commitment of 90 hours, with readings and written work required.