Bulletin: Palm Sunday

Posted 2022-04-08 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:

 

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The Story of the Donkey

April 10, 2022

A poor farmer near Jerusalem had a small donkey which was too stupid to do any work. It could not carry anything on its back. So he told his family that he was going to kill the animal. But his children begged him to sell it, rather than harm it. “How can I sell an animal that won’t work?”, the father insisted. His son suggested, “Father, tie the donkey on a tree on the road to town and let it be known that whoever wants it may have it for nothing.” The next morning, that was what the father did. Soon, two men approached and asked to take the animal. “It will carry nothing”, the farmer warned the men. “The Lord has need for it”, replied one of the men. The farmer could not imagine what the Lord would want with such a useless donkey, but handed it over. The men took the animal to Jesus who stroked the sweet animal’s face and then mounted it without trouble. So it was on the day we celebrate today the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on the back of this tiny donkey.  
 
The donkey, the rejected animal, is a figure of Christ himself who is to be later rejected by his own people but would eventually become their savior. Christ is referred to as the “stone rejected by the builders, becoming the cornerstone…” (Mt. 21:24).
The people and circumstances we tend to reject are the same people and circumstances that become our salvation. For God chooses the weak to confound the strong. He chooses the foolish to shame the wise. (1Cor 1:27).
 
When God strokes us on our faces, we realize our limitless potential. When we submit to God our faults and failures, we are filled with his grace and blessing. It is in our weakness that God’s power is at work with us. 
 
As we join Jesus in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, let us take with us our own wounds and weaknesses so he can transform them into a source of our healing and strength through the power of his resurrection.
 

FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca

 

Healing Lines

A reflection on healing and reconciliation from Fr. Edmund

With easing of pandemic restrictions, let’s remember to keep our cool and seek God’s guidance. Extra demands on our lives can lead to a buildup of stress. Our finances may be stretched to the limit and our patience in coping with extra activities wear thin. Whatever the strain, remember any form of abusive retaliation as a means to cope will not solve the issue. No matter what anyone in your family does, they NEVER DESERVE ABUSE! If you have concerns about anger or aggression in your family, seek help. Have a Blessed Easter & safe Easter break.

 

Announcements:

 

Easter Vigil Mass

Saturday, April 16 at 9 p.m.

We will welcome our new members of the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 16 followed by a reception of coffee and cookies. 

 

Divine Mercy Celebration

Sunday, April 24

Please join us for Holy Hour Celebration, starting with confessions at 1 p.m., followed at 2 p.m., by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration/meditation, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Homily, and Benediction.

Please Note: incense will be used during the celebration.

 

Fr. Edmund’s Anniversary of Ordination

Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Come celebrate Fr. Edmund’s 43rd year of Ordination on Wednesday, April 27 with a Thanksgiving Mass at 6 p.m. followed by fellowship/reception of coffee and cookies.

 

Building Stronger Families

Friday, April 29 at 6 p.m.

Monsignor Frederick Dolan of the Opus Dei will facilitate “Building Stronger Families: Revisiting Patris Corde, the Letter of Pope Francis for the Year of the Family” on Friday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church. All families are welcome!

 

St. Michael Choir

The Choirs for the Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses are reconvened. Those interested may indicate their intent by contacting Marvin Matthews at mmatthews@saintmichael.ca.

 

Adoration

On Fridays, after the 9 a.m. Mass, we have been observing the Holy Hour before the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Main Sanctuary. The Holy Hour is preceded by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and concluded with the Reposition. We encourage our parishioners to visit, in their own time, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for private adoration through the South Entrance which is accessible from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. For security reasons, there are cameras to cover any untoward activity in the area and other areas of the church. We have to be more appreciative of the accessibility of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for twelve (12) hours daily. We encourage our parishioners to commit to a weekly hour-long Blessed Sacrament visitation for private adoration. Committed adorers are required to move forward towards a longer adoration period on Fridays or some other special days.

 

Coffee Reception

Beginning in May, we will hold a coffee reception after the weekend Masses: Saturday, May 7, after the 5 p.m. Mass (1st weekend), Sunday, May 15, after the 9 a.m. Mass (2nd weekend), Sunday, May 22, after the 11 a.m. Mass (3rd weekend) and Sunday, May 29, after the 5 p.m. Mass (4th weekend). If you are interested in volunteering for the coffee receptions, please contact Marvin Matthews at mmatthews@saintmichael.ca.

 

Hydrangeas and Lilies in Memory of a Loved One

Parishioners are invited to help decorate the Church this Easter by purchasing a hydrangea or lily in memory of a loved one. Order forms are available in the Gathering Area. You can drop off your completed form along with your payment ($20/hydrangea or $15/lily) in the collection boxes throughout the church or at the parish office by Wednesday, April 13.

 

Columbarium Access

Update, April 10: Access cards have been received and are being programmed. Once they are all programmed we will make an announcement for pickup. The Columbarium door will be unlocked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily to allow for visiting in the meantime. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

 

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 March we helped 39 families (58 adults and 32 children). If you or anyone you know needs assistance, please contact us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca or 403-249-0423 ext 122.

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.

 

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, April 9, 5 p.m. – Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, April 10, 9 a.m. – Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, April 10, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – Fr. Raul Hernandez

 

2022 Lent & Easter Schedule

 

Ash Wednesday: March 2

Mass at 9 a.m., 6 p.m.

 

Lenten Fridays: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8

Mass at 6 p.m.

Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

 

Parish Reconciliation: Thursday, March 31

Liturgy and Confessions at 6 p.m.

 

Palm Sunday: April 9, 10

Regular Sunday Masses: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. (Livestreamed), 5 p.m.

 

Holy Week

 

Holy Thursday: April 14

Mass at 7 p.m.

Adoration following Mass until 11 p.m.

 

Good Friday: April 15

Liturgy at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. (Livestreamed)

 

Easter Vigil: April 16

Mass at 9 p.m.

 

Easter Sunday: April 17

Regular Sunday Masses: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. (Livestreamed), 5 p.m.

 

Parish Office: The office will be open regular hours from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. on April 12 – 14. We will be closed on April 15 for Good Friday.

*Live-streamed 11 a.m. Mass can be accessed at saintmichael.ca/Mass and on our Facebook Page. Once the live-streamed Mass has finished, the video can be viewed on our Facebook page. For a list of all live-streamed Masses in the diocese, visit catholicyyc.ca.

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