Bulletin: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
The Story of the Donkey
March 29, 2026
There is a story about a poor farmer who had a donkey which was so 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 donkey. 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 to 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 farmer did. Soon, two men approached and asked to take the animal. “It will carry nothing,” the farmer warned the takers. “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. Jesus stroked the sweet animal’s face and then mounted it without trouble. So, it was on that day we celebrate today as Palm Sunday, riding on the back of this tiny donkey, the Son of God led His followers into Jerusalem.
There is one lesson in this story that is central to our Christian life. The donkey, the rejected animal, is a figure of Christ Himself, Who is to be later rejected by His own people and eventually become their Savior. In Scriptures, Christ is referred to as the “stone rejected by the builder that has become the cornerstone…” (Mt 21:42)
The people and circumstances we tend to reject are the same people and circumstances that become our salvation. God chooses the weak to confound the strong: He chooses the foolish to shame the wise. (1 Cor 1:27)
When God strokes our faces, we realize our limitless possibilities. When we submit to God our own faults and failures, we are filled with His grace and blessing. It is in our weakness that God’s power is at work in us.
As we join Jesus in His triumphant entry to Jerusalem, let us take with us our wounds and weaknesses so that He can transform them into a source of our healing and strength through the power of His resurrection.
Fr. Edmund, fredmund@saintmichael.ca
Healing Lines
“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” As we welcome Jesus this Palm Sunday, let us remember to welcome all around us as well. Jesus has always reminded us to take care of everyone, especially those who are most in need of our love and prayers. Some live in families and communities that are abusive, some are homeless, some are elderly and neglected, some are discriminated against…. Reach out to them all.
Announcements:
Please see this weekend’s bulletins for all announcements:
Together in Action (TIA)
The Together in Action 2026 campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The theme for this year’s TIA is inspired by the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2:18) This year’s TIA also marks the final year of the financial commitment of the Diocese to the National Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives across Southern Alberta. Our target goal this year is $121,243, same as last year. We thank God for your generosity! All surplus funds this year will go to our Building Fund to help pay our loan.
Multiply the Hope (MTH)
Beloved Faithful: Multiply the Hope is a diocesan initiative of last year’s Jubilee Year. With the matching program, the Diocese will match any contributions to the Multiply the Hope campaign to be applied against the outstanding St Michael Central Fund Loan (i.e. mortgage). To accelerate the repayment of the outstanding balance, we would encourage you to consider re-directing any building fund contributions made (either on-line, by text, pre-authorized payment or directly) to Multiply the Hope instead. Thank you for your continued generosity. God bless. Fr Edmund
CCCRS Prayer Meeting
Join us as we begin our weekly prayer meetings starting Wednesday, March 25, 2026 featuring praise and worship, bible study, and intercessory prayers. The prayer meetings will be from 7:00-8:00pm in the Day Chapel. “The expectation of the righteous shall not be cut short.” (Proverbs 23:18). All are welcome. Come and be blessed!
Pontifical Collection for the Church in the Holy Land on Good Friday, April 3, 2026
The Good Friday Collection helps to maintain the Church of the Holy Land by providing educational, pastoral, and social support of Catholic youth and families committed to living their faith in the land where Christ lived, and by maintaining the Holy Sites that are so important to the faith of Christians everywhere. At the request of the Holy See, this Pontifical Collection will be taken during the Good Friday celebration on April 3, 2026. Those who are unable to attend the service, or who prefer to contribute online, may use Credit Cards, Interac, or Canadahelps, accessible at: www.commissariat.ca, in the “Support Us” link.
Divine Mercy Celebration
Sunday, April 12, Reconciliation: 1:15-2:00pm, Service 2:00-3:00pm.
Please join us in this Divine Mercy celebration: Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Divine Mercy praises, Homily, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoration/Meditation, and Benediction. Please Note: incense will be used during the celebration. Refreshments will follow the service. Click here for a copy of the Novena.
Fr. Edmund’s 47th Anniversary
Join us as we celebrate Fr. Edmund’s 47th Anniversary of priesthood. There will be cake and coffee on Sunday, April 26 after the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses. See you there!
SMILE! You’re Wanted in Our New Parish Pictorial Directory!
Saint Michael Catholic Community is updating its pictorial directory, and we want YOU to be part of it!
·Why? To help us connect, put names to new faces, and celebrate our community, in a spirit of renewal.
·When? Tuesdays – Saturdays, April 21 to May 16
·Where? Rooms 143 and 144
What you get: A FREE high-quality printed directory and an option to purchase your photos (there is no obligation)
How to Register for a FREE PHOTO SESSION:
Online: Visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/837754yq/
In-Person: Volunteers will be in the Narthex to help with on-line sign up after Masses April 11 & 12 and April 18 & 19.
Volunteers are needed to help with the sign-up process and with registration at the photography sessions. Please click this link if you are able to VOLUNTEER https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054EA8A623A7FD0-62867253-parish
Vacation Bible Camp 2026:
“Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God”
* SMCC 5-day Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) 2026 has limited spots available (50) for all students/minors aged Kindergarten (6yrs.) to Grade 12. * Online registration is now open. * Thank you to those who have already engaged with our Parish Volunteer Coordinator, Gladys. Please contact Gladys at gdoh@saintmichael.ca to begin/continue the parish volunteer engagement process.
Lent and Easter Schedule
Palm Sunday: Sun. Mar. 29, Regular weekend Mass times
Holy Thursday: Thursday, April 2, Mass 7pm, Adoration 8pm – 12am
(Note: there will be no 9am Daily Mass on Holy Thursday)
Good Friday: Friday, April 3, Services 12pm and 3pm
(Note: Confessions 8:00-8:45am on Good Friday)
Easter Vigil: Saturday, April 4, Mass 8pm
(Note: there will be no 5pm Mass and instead will be at 8pm)
Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5, Masses 9am, 11am, & 5pm
Office Hours:
The office will be closed on Good Friday, April 3, and Easter Monday, April 6.
We will reopen on Tuesday, April 7 with regular office hours.
Week-at-a-Glance: (Sat. Mar. 28 – Sun. Apr. 5, 2026):
Saturday, March 28:
Palms available.
Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday):
Palms available.
CANCELLED Children’s Liturgy
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am & 11:00am Masses
Monday, March 30:
No event.
Tuesday, March 31:
Rosary Group: Day Chapel, 5:20pm
RCIA: St. Nicholas’ Room 7:00pm
SSVP Meeting: Room 145, 7:00pm
Wednesday, April 1:
Men’s Ministry: Theater, 6:00am-7:30am
CANCELLED Coffee Wednesday
CCCRS Prayer Meeting (new): Day Chapel, 7:00pm
Thursday, April 2 (Holy Thursday):
CANCELLED Daily Mass 9:00am
CANCELLED Moms & Tots
CANCELLED Knitting Ministry
Holy Thursday Mass: Sanctuary, 7:00pm
Adoration: Day Chapel, 8:00pm
Friday, April 3 (Good Friday):
Confessions: 8:00am
CANCELLED Daily Mass 9am
Good Friday Services: Sanctuary, 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Saturday, April 4 (Holy Saturday):
Easter Vigil Mass: Sanctuary, 8:00pm
Light Reception: Narthex, 11:00pm
Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday):
CANCELLED Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
CANCELLED Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am & 11:00am Masses
CANCELLED Potluck Sunday & Name Tag Sunday: Narthex, 6:00pm
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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, 29/03/2026, 869.08 KB