Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6
John preaches repentance and baptizes in the region of the Jordan. 

    During the season of Advent, we choose to add many activities to our family's schedule to prepare for our celebration of Christmas. John the Baptist reminds us that our repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas. Parish communities often offer a communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season. Your family might choose to participate in the communal celebration of the sacrament, or you might seek out this sacrament on an individual basis.

    Read together today's Gospel, Luke 3:1-6. Talk about how John the Baptist called upon the people to prepare the way of the Lord through repentance. Together as a family, prepare a simple reconciliation service in preparation for Christmas. Gather in a prayerful space, perhaps around the family Advent wreath. Read again from today's Gospel, Luke 3:1-6. Invite each family member to pray silently, asking God to forgive his or her sins. Pray together the Act of Contrition. Then celebrate God's forgiveness by sharing the sign of peace with one another.

The Most Reverend Frederick Bernard Henry, Seventh Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, died on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 81 years.
 
In living out his episcopal motto, “Dabo vobis pastores” (I will give you shepherds), Bishop Frederick Henry was a true spiritual father to the laity and the clergy of the dioceses he served.
 
Frederick Bernard Henry was born in London, ON, on April 11, 1943, the eldest of five sons in the family of Leo and Noreen Henry. After finishing high school, he entered St. Peter’s Seminary in London, ON, and was ordained to the Priesthood on May 25, 1968. He served as Associate Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Windsor, ON, before being sent to further his studies.
 
In 1971, he earned a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and in 1973, a Licentiate in Theology, specializing in Fundamental Theology, from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father Henry was an Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at St. Peter’s Seminary from 1973 to 1986. He also became Dean of Theology and Rector of St. Peter’s Seminary from 1981 to 1986. As Rector, he oversaw the updating and reorganization of programs in theology and formation, as well as a major addition to the seminary’s library to accommodate its growing collection. He was named a Prelate of Honour by Pope John Paul II in 1985.
 
Frederick Bernard Henry was named Auxiliary Bishop of London and Titular Bishop of Carinola by Pope John Paul II and was ordained to the Episcopate on June 24, 1986. He was installed as the Fourth Bishop of Thunder Bay, ON, on May 11, 1995 and as the Seventh Bishop of Calgary on March 19, 1998. Due to health concerns, his request for an early retirement was granted by Pope Francis on January 4, 2017, after serving as the Bishop of Calgary for 19 years.
 
During his tenure as the Bishop of Calgary, the Diocese experienced significant growth, including several economic downturns and increased immigration. These developments led to the construction of several new churches, the establishment of programs addressing poverty, and the continued expansion of Catholic school divisions. He was known for his strong stance on social justice and life issues, working closely with leaders of other faiths to foster bonds of friendship and mutual understanding, united toward the common good.
 
Bishop Henry is survived by his brothers, Dave (Sharon), Leo (Maureen), Larry, and Rick (Darryl); 11 nieces and nephews; and 21 great-nieces and nephews.
 
The Reception of the Body will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. followed by public visitation until 4:00 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB). The Funeral Vigil will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.
 
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with the Most Reverend William T. McGrattan as principal celebrant. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery (3157 Erlton St SW, Calgary, AB). A reception will follow in St. Mary’s Parish Hall (221 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB).

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

*Correction to typo for mass Intention Fr. Matthew Schneider. 

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.

All 2024 tax receipts will be sent out by email. If you have changed your email address, or your physical address, we need the updates before the end of December. If you had someone visit you this past year who made a donation to the parish, please let them know to email donations@stalbertthegreat.ca so that a tax receipt can be sent to them. If you have made your donations by EFT but have not registered with the parish, please do so as I need your information for your tax receipt. 

Please register here.

Thank you for your generous donations throughout the year, they are greatly appreciated.

St. Albert the Great Parish is EXCITED to host Mary's Nook & BellaVita Jewlery this weekend 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!

Join us in supporting Mission Mexico Day on Dec 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Mission Mexico Sunday on Dec 15 in the parishes. These special days remind us of our call to walk in solidarity with marginalized communities in southern Mexico, providing vital support for education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Let us come together to share hope and transform lives through our generosity.

On Wednesday Nov 27th our church was filled with joyous and festive music. An Evening of Carols performed by the Stampede City Chorus joined by a number of our Parishioners, was perfect prelude as we begin Advent. 

Those in attendance were treated to a beautiful evening of entertainment, and in turn opened their hearts donating over $1200 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in our Parish.

 
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this such a special evening.  

Please check out our ministry board in the Narthex to see if anything catches your eye.
 
Here is a list of our most needed positions.

RCIA Sponsors
Mother’s Group Coordinator
Sunday Children’s Liturgy Volunteers to run 11:30 AM & 5:00 PM Programs
Sunday Social 11:30 AM Bakers & Volunteers

SSVP CHRISTMAS HAMPERS        

We are preparing to pack up the Christmas hampers going out for delivery next Saturday. The 235 families will receive their Christmas hamper in a week! 

We are a truly blessed community to have received your many generous donations of food, gift cards, money and time. You have a couple of days left to drop off your gift cards, either directly to our members at the back of the church before and after weekend masses, into the regular collection basket or at the church office. The cards will be sorted and sealed into the hampers before the weekend deliveries. 

Donations can be made via e transfer to svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com

Bakers needed! Once again, we are fortunate to have 60 students from 6 schools along with many other volunteers helping to prepare and assemble the Christmas Hampers this coming week.  A donation of baking or snacks are welcomed for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to keep our hungry volunteers going. Baking and snacks can be dropped off at the church kitchen during office hours.

 

Did you know that we also collect toothbrushes for hampers? Many people are now using electric toothbrushes and still receive a new toothbrush after being to their dentist. If you are not going to use those new unopened toothbrushes, please consider donating them to us throughout the year.

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.

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

Become a catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program for children aged 3–6 and help nurture their relationship with God through hands-on, retreat-style faith formation. A Level 1 Training Course will be offered at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary, on February 13–18 (Part A) and July 14–19 (Part B), 2025. Register by January 10, 2025, at cgsac.ca/courses-1 

For more information, 

contact Katy Morrison at katymorrison1@mac.com or 403-370-9487.

The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees has set Friday, January 31, 2025, as the date of a by-election to fill two vacant trustee positions in Wards 4 and 7 and Wards 11 and 12. This by-election is required by the Education Act and is an opportunity to ensure Trustee representation for all wards in the City of Calgary. Eligible voters include Canadian citizens aged 18 or older as of January 31, 2025, residing in Wards 4 and 7 and 11 and 12, who share the Catholic faith.

Details on candidates can be found at:  https://www.calgary.ca/election/for-voters/2025-ccsd-by-election-candidates.html

More information on voting opportunities, including times, locations, and identification requirements, will be provided in early 2025.

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.