Bulletin: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted 2023-09-22 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

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The Parable of the God’s Unfairness

September 24, 2023

The Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno has a story about the origin of Hell. The setting is the afterlife and the action unfolds outside the great diamond walls of Heaven. A long line of people wait to be processed before being admitted into Heaven. Suddenly there is a flurry of excitement. An angel who has come out of heaven spreads an astonishing piece of news among the people nearing Heaven’s gates. His announcement spreads like wildfire among the thousands of future saints. The electrifying report is about what God is like. The rumor of what he is like is breathlessly shared from mouth to mouth and reaches the end of the waiting line. That rumor says simply this: “He admits everybody inside!” When the angel confirms with a powerful megaphone for all to hear his wonderful words, some people lined up for heaven immediately rebelled at the idea of sharing Heaven with a bunch of sinners. And that was when Hell was created — to accommodate those who could not accept that fact that God was not fair but also lavishly gracious and generous. 
 
This Sunday’s parable is for the benefit of his critics who objected to his offer of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness to those openly recognized as sinners and therefore in their eyes unfit for God’s reign. That prostitutes and tax collectors should receive forgiveness without earning it was as absurd as paying all workers equal wages, regardless of how long or hard they have or have not worked. The logic of the parable is that everyone gets what they need to survive because of the owner’s compassion, not because they have earned it.  
 
If sinners convert at the last minute whereas I have tried to serve God all my life and we all find ourselves in heaven because of God’s gracious grace, why should I complain? All of us get what we do not deserve. Can I really afford to face a fair God, a God who would be infinitely just? If God decided to deal with me with strict justice, where would I end up? The reality that God is not fair is actually the basis of all our hope. On Judgment Day, our hope is that we won’t be confronted with the sad reckoning of our sins but instead we will find a father ready to welcome us with open arms.   
 
As we try to appreciate God’s love and forgiveness in our lives, let us pray that we have true contrition for our sins: “Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness and truth”.
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Whether we are the victim or the abuser we have access to Heaven and to God. It depends on our repentance and faith. We may have suffered a lot here on earth but we still have to repent our sins and hone our faith to enter the Kingdom of God. We may feel that those who abuse should never be allowed the same access, but they always have a choice to repent, bring God into their lives and start to live a life faithful unto God.

 

Announcements:

 

Sacraments

Registration for all children’s Sacraments are now open! If you would like more information, or would like to register your children for Baptism, First Reconciliation/ First Communion, or Confirmation, please visit the Sacrament section of our website. 

 

Sacrament Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for volunteer catechists to teach the children First Reconciliation and First Communion. If you are interested and would like to learn more, please reach out to Francesca at sacramentprep@saintmichael.ca

 

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

If you or someone you know is an adult interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Don at

bryantdon40@gmail.com for more information, and to register for RCIA.

 

RCIA Sponsors Needed!

RCIA is beginning on Tuesday, September 12 here at St. Michael’s, and we are looking for Sponsors for our new catechumens and candidates. In order to be a Sponsor, you must be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic over the age of 16. If married, you must be married in the Catholic Church. Sponsors are asked to attend sessions every Tuesday night from 7:00pm-9:00pm, and accompany their candidate to Mass on Sundays. If you feel called to be a Sponsor, please contact Francesca at sacramentprep@saintmichael.ca 

 

Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions can now be booked online at saintmichael.ca, the link is on the homepage next to the Mass schedule, or directly via: Mass Intentions Booking Form. The parish office will follow up on booking requests before any Mass Intention is confirmed and scheduled.

 

Altar Server Training

Sunday, September 24 after 11am Mass

The next Altar Server training session will take place on Sunday September 24th after the 11am Mass in the main sanctuary. This occurs on the 4th Sunday of every month. If you or your children are interested please send an email to altarservers@saintmichael.ca or request access to the Altar Server group on Flocknote.

 

Bible Study

Mondays starting September 25 at 7pm

“Letter of James: Practical Solutions for Sanctifying Everyday Circumstances”. Looking for an anchor to hold you steady through the storms of life? Want the secret to finding joy during trials? James, one of the most practical books of the Bible, is a collection of teachings on these issues. This study takes place over 11 “in-person” sessions (no Zoom) here at the church every Monday at 7 pm, beginning September 25. To register or to get additional information, please contact Augusto Bitter at abitter@telus.net. 

 

Pastoral Council

We hope that you had an enjoyable summer!

We will be meeting on September 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm in St. Michael’s Room.  As this is the first meeting of the season, all are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to the parish office by September 25.

 

40 Days for Life Prayer Campaign

Wednesday, September 27

St. Michael is once again part of this prayer campaign. Over 5000 babies are killed at the Kensington abortion facility every year. 40 Days for Life is a prayerful, respectful campaign that seeks to bring awareness to the inconvenient truth that abortion kills innocent human beings. Our prayerful presence during 40 Days at abortion centre’s around the world draws attention to the plight of preborn children and seeks God’s help through intercessory prayer. Will you join us?  Sign up and be a loving, prayerful voice for the preborn babies who have no voice but ours.  We know from the testimonies of many that these campaigns save lives. St. Michael’s day to pray this campaign is Wednesday, September 27. Please join us and signup online at 40 Days for Life. Click on the “SIGN UP FOR VIGIL HOURS” box and choose an hour or more on Wednesday, September 27. Please sign up for a time slot between the hours of 9 am to 4pm. Up to four persons can sign up for each one hour time slot. Signs are provided and you will not be alone. Questions? Call Karen at 403-870-7080.

 

Feast of St. Michael

Friday, September 29 at 6pm

All are invited to come celebrate the feast of our patron, St. Michael the Archangel, on Friday, September 29. There will be a Mass at 6 pm, followed by dinner put on by our Knights of Columbus. Wine will also be served. There is no cost, but free will offerings are warmly accepted. This will also be an opportunity to thank and celebrate all of our volunteers, as well as to gather as a Catholic community. To sign up please find the registration link on the St. Michael home page next to the Mass times. Kindly RSVP on or before Wednesday , September 27 to allow for food planning. https://forms.gle/oj2VonVz4kZJzdhN8

 

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul 

Special thanks to all St. Michael parishioners for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! If you have lost your job please contact us for food support.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS. If you are interested contact us by email SSVP@saintmichael.ca or phone 403-249-0423 ext 122 

DONATIONS OF NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS can be dropped off in the SSVP Food Chest in the church Gathering Area or make arrangements by e-mailing us at SSVP@saintmichael.ca. Currently we are looking for:

Cereal, pasta sauce, crackers, pancake syrup, canned fruit.

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 by email SSVP@saintmichael.ca or phone 403-249-0423 ext 122.

 

Christmas Hamper Program

Save the Date! Our 2023 Christmas Hamper Assembly and Delivery date has been set for Monday December 18th. Sign up for all volunteer needs will happen on the weekend of November 18/19.  Come visit us this weekend at the Volunteer Ministry Fair. We can be contacted at christmashampers@saintmichael.ca 

 

Partnership of Hope

A presentation on previous and new incoming sponsored refugee families, and how you might be able to help will be held next weekend September 30th and October 1st at all Masses. 

 

Priest Study Days—Cancellation of Daily Mass

October 3, 4, 5 & 6

The priests will be away on study days from October 3-6, weekday masses will still be celebrated by a visiting priest.

 

Kids Kingdom

Kids Kingdom will be cancelled Thanksgiving Weekend October 7 & 8. 

 

Blessing of Pets

Saturday, October 7 at 2 pm

In honor of St. Francis’ feast on October 4, all are invited to bring their pets for a blessing on Saturday, October 7 at 2 pm, outside the church’s main entrance. To ensure their safety, please make sure that your pets are leashed.

 

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, September 23, 5 pm – Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, September 24, 9 am – Fr. Jose Bustalino

Sunday, September 24, 11 am – Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, September 24, 5 pm – Fr. Jose Bustalino

 

Calendar of Events for September

September 5 | Tuesdays | Rosary Group | Day Chapel | 6:30-7pm

September 7 | Thursdays | Coffee Thursdays | Gathering Area | After 9 am Mass

September 10 | Sundays | Coffee Sundays | Gathering Area after 9/11 am Masses

September 12 | Tuesdays | Grief Share | Room 143 & 144 | 7-9pm

September 12 | Tuesdays | RCIA | Green Room | 7-9 pm

September 13 | Wednesdays | TMIY | Gathering Area | 6-7:30am

September 14 | Thursdays | Moms & Tots | Green Room | 9:30-11:30 am

September 14 | Thursdays | Knitting Ministry | Library | 10-11:30am

September 14 | Thursday | First Communion Parent Orientation Night | 6-7 pm

September 16/17 | Saturday & Sunday | Ministry Fair | Gathering Area | After all Masses

September 19 | Tuesday | Guardian Angel School Opening Mass | At School | 10 am

September 20 | Wednesdays | Women’s Ministry | Childrens Main Theatre & Green Room | 9:30am-12pm

September 20 | Wednesday | St Joan of Arc School Opening Mass | St. Michael Church Sanctuary | 10:30 am

September 21 | Thursday | Pastoral Zone Meeting | St. Michael’s Room | 11am-12 pm

September 23/24 | Saturday/Sunday | Ministry Fair | Gathering Area | After all Masses

September 25 | Mondays | Bible Study | Green Room | 7-9pm

September 26 | Tuesday | PPC Meeting | St. Michael’s Room | 7-9 pm

September 26 | 4th Tuesday of every Month | SVDP Meeting | St. Gabriel Room 143 | 7-9 pm

September 27 | 40 Days for Life Prayer Campaign

September 28 | Thursday | Women’s Ministry Retreat | Day Chapel and Gathering Area | 7-9 pm

September 28 | Thursday | John Costello School Opening Mass | At School | 10 am

September 28 | Thursday | St. Michael School Opening Mass | At School | 1:30 pm

September 28 | Thursday | Pastoral Care Meeting | St. Michael Room | 7-9pm

September 29 | Friday | Feast of St. Michael/Michaelmas | Sanctuary – 6 pm | Reception, Gathering Area – 6:30-8:30pm

September 30 | Saturday & Sunday | Lectio Divina 2024 Fundraiser-Bake Sale | Gathering Area | After all Masses

 

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 24/09/2023, 732.37 KB

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