Bulletin: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
God’s Call to Ministry
February 6, 2021
Duc in altum, that is, put out into the deep (Luke 5:4) introduces the apostolic exhortation of Pope John Paul II, Novo Millennio Inuente. It has been the rallying cry for Christians in facing the challenges of this new millennium.
The commissioning of Peter as “fisher of men” speaks of Christ’s invitation to us, as forgiven and empowered sinners, to take courage as we respond to God’s call to ministry.
We have to allow ourselves to set out into the deep in our relationship with God and be transformed from that depth. Like Peter’s life which radically changed when Jesus got into his boat, we can let God get into our boats. Our call to service and ministry is as real as Peter’s, and so are the risks. Our response to God’s call may require us to undergo some purification to be ready and willing. It may take a miraculous catch of some sort to help us realize God’s serious intent.
We have to follow God’s will in our lives, even in the face of difficulties and challenges, knowing that God guarantees a safe landing, but not necessarily a pleasant passage. Putting out into the deep requires our obedient faith that conquers all our fears.
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah wrestles with this tension as he recognizes his own sinfulness and human limitation during an experience of God’s holiness and majesty in his holy temple. The depth of his experience of God’s presence makes him respond: “Here I am. Send me!” Both Peter and Paul recognized their own respective unworthiness and sinfulness in a more dramatic way as they experienced the intimacy of God’s presence in their lives. Such personal experience of God’s love and mercy inspired them to heed His call to build and lead his Church.
We respond in the context of community, to which we come with our weary and broken spirits in the celebration of the sacred mysteries that bring us healing and strength. Our recognition of our own unworthiness and sinfulness leads us to the love and forgiveness that God bestows through the ministry of the Church.
Together in Christ, let us have the courage to put out into the deep in our relationship with Christ, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the sacred mysteries that we celebrate as we gather in His holy name.
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
Announcements:
Key Card Changes
Our door system will be undergoing an upgrade the week of February 7. All key cards currently in circulation will no longer work after February 6. Any parishioners with a key card for ministry or program purposes will need to come to the office for a new card starting February 15.
CWL Membership Drive
St. Michael Catholic Women’s League’s 2022 Membership Drive will be held this weekend, February 5 and 6. We invite our current members to renew their memberships and welcome all ladies 16 years of age and over who are interested in becoming a member to join the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Please stop by our table after mass to find out more about the CWL and to pick up a membership form. Your support can make a difference – for God and Canada!
Confirmation
Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation is now open for anyone grade 6 and up. For more information or to register, please visit our website at https://saintmichael.ca/confirmation/
CWL 3rd Annual Fish For Fridays in Lent Fundraiser
January 11 to February 7
“Fish for Fridays” Lent Fundraiser, will be on-line ordering January 11 to February 7. Orders to be picked up at the church on Tuesday, February 22, just in time for Ash Wednesday on March 2.
To place an order, please visit: https://fundforward.ca/collections/st-michael-cwl-lent-2022.
Women’s Ministry Bible Study
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 10 a.m. starting January 26
Symbolon: Part 2, Living the faith. This is a 10 session study, via ZOOM. The study begins on Wednesday January 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday January 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register, please email womensministry@saintmichael.ca.
Catholicism 101: What Do Catholics Believe?
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. starting February 1
Starting Tuesday, February 1 at 7p.m., this ten-week online course presents the central beliefs, teachings, and practices of the Catholic church. Each 1.5 hour session includes a short video from the Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained series and small group discussion. Contact Mark Richards at 403-836-0545 for more information. Go to saintmichael.ca/events to register.
World Day of the Sick Mass
Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m.
Fr. Edmund will be celebrating a healing Mass in observance of World Day of the Sick, on Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Wild Goose Bible Study
Mondays, starting February 28
“The Wild Goose” is a study on the Holy Spirit. He desires a relationship with us that will take us on the greatest adventure imaginable, a journey to the very heart of God. This is a 14-part series, featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka. It will be via Zoom, every Monday at 7 p.m. and will go from February 28 until June 6. To register, use the Flocknote link: register or contact Augusto at abitter@telus.net.
Alpha Online
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. starting February 2
Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. It will run on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. beginning February 2 via Zoom. Gathering once a week over an eleven-week period, Alpha welcomes people from every walk of life, wherever they are on their faith journey. We will have time for connection, a talk, and small group discussion. Many are looking for meaning in their lives during this time and Alpha is a great place to start! Come and bring a friend! Call Mark at 403-836-0545 with any questions. For more details or to register go to: https://saintmichael.ca/alpha/.
Alpha for Youth (Grades 7 to 12)
Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting February 2
Alpha for Youth provides an opportunity for students in grades 7 to 12 to explore the Christian faith together in a friendly and fun environment. We will gather together weekly on Zoom for 9 weeks and have time for connection, a video talk, and small group discussion. For more information, see this Alpha Youth Series trailer at https://youtu.be/_fyjL4NsAfM or call or text Sara at 403-701-9928.
World Day of the Sick Mass
Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m.
Fr. Edmund will be celebrating a healing Mass in observance of World Day of the Sick, on Friday, February 11 at 2 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Special thanks to all St. Michael parishioners for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! During the month of November we helped 18 families (25 adults and 9 children). We continue preparing for this year’s Christmas Hamper distribution.
We are looking for new members. If you are interested, contact us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca or 403-249-0423 ext 122.
Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off in the SSVP food chest in the gathering area. Currently we are looking for: cereal, pasta sauce, canned vegetables and canned fish/meat.
Monetary donations can be deposited in the drop-box in the food chest or by online donations through the St. Michaels Parish website https://saintmichael.ca/giving/. Please indicate funds are for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the drop-down menu.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca or 403-249-0423 ext 122.
Indoor Social Gatherings
Due to provincial temporary measures, indoor social gathering after Mass or in the parish halls is not permitted. Please refrain from socializing in the Church after Mass.
Mass Schedule for this Weekend
Saturday, February 5, 5 p.m. – Fr. Raul Hernandez
Sunday, February 6, 9 a.m. – Fr. Raul Hernandez
Sunday, February 6, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Fr. Edmund Vargas
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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 06/02/2022, 661.53 KB