Bulletin: Sixth Sunday of Easter
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
Motherhood for All
May 10, 2026
Motherhood goes beyond maternity. Motherhood transcends life itself. In fact, it is far more spiritual than physical. The essence of motherhood lies in the spiritual bond between the mother and the child. Such spiritual bond can actually exist without the biological relationship of mother and child. And the task of mothering is not limited to mothers. The task of nurturing, caring, and educating is shared by all in the community. This is the reason the term ‘mother’ is also referred to a school as ‘alma mater’, to mother earth or mother church. Motherhood presents to us a reality that is beyond the physical, biological, or earthly. Motherhood reminds us of the reality of the human spirit in a culture that is presently engrossed with the purely material and physical. Motherhood is a kind of heroism that actually reminds us of spiritual redemption, rebirth, and resurrection.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we remember with devotion Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother. But we are not to portray the motherhood of Mary and of all mothers as idealized in most greeting cards.
Behind the sweetness and serenity of most Marian portraits are the bitter moments and turbulent experiences she has to go through as a mother and as a believer. To romanticize motherhood can place a heavy burden on mothers who feel hopelessly overwhelmed by the stereo-type image of being unconditionally self-giving and highly effective on the domestic and other fronts. We are to present motherhood in a way that mothers can be authentically human with a variety of strengths and weaknesses.
The responsibility of nurturing those around us is not exclusive to mothers. It is a responsibility we can all assume as individuals and as a community. To truly respect these qualities of mothers, we must maintain that they are equally valid for all of us.
Motherhood is a call to transformation of this world into a more loving place. It is a vocation not only for mothers but for all the rest of us.
Fr. Edmund, fredmund@saintmichael.ca
“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” Even in our darkest moments, God is with us. As in the poem by Mary Stevenson, “Footprints in the Sand”, at the times we cannot see God’s support. He is quietly carrying us. For those of us who suffer the impacts of violence and abuse this can be of comfort. Let’s support God’s efforts by reaching out to those in need in our communities.
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)
A Message from the Diocese
Because of your generosity, greater impact is taking place across the diocese. In Year 1 of the Multiply the Hope Matching Campaign:
• $4 million matched for parish loans
• $3 million matched for repairs and maintenance
This means parishes are receiving support in times of need, critical repairs are moving forward, and communities are growing stronger in their life and mission. Multiply the Hope continues through the end of 2027, and even though the initial response has been strong, $4.9M in matching funds remains available for parishes across the Diocese. Bishop McGrattan has encouraged each parish to take part in this once-in-a-generation initiative by fully embracing the campaign. Learn more: www.catholicyyc.ca/multiplythehope
Potluck Sunday
Potluck Sundays for St. Michael Community are on the first Sunday of each month at 6:00pm. The last Potluck Sunday before summer is June 7, and then will take a break for July and August. This is a free event. Please bring a main dish, bread, salad, pickles, vegetable tray, or dessert to share with others, and bring your food ready to serve. The first Potluck Sunday in the fall will be Sunday, September 13, 2026.
SMILE! You’re Wanted in Our New Parish Pictorial Directory!
Only Two Weeks Left for Pictorial Directory Photos! NEW APPOINTMENT TIMES!
The pictorial directory campaign ends on Saturday, May 16! Whether you are a new face, or a long-time parishioner, we want you in the directory! New appointment times are available on May 12–15, from 2:30 to 8:30 pm. If you haven’t already, please sign up for a quick, FREE portrait session. You will receive a high-quality printed directory, and an option to purchase your photos, with no obligation.
How to Register for a FREE PHOTO SESSION:
Online: Visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/837754yq/
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
46th Hike for Life
Please join Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew in support of the Calgary Pro-Life Association’s 10K Hike For Life at Prince’s Island Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026. You can join the St. Michael’s team, start collecting pledges and hike on your own, or you can make a donation to St. Michael’s Catholic Community on behalf of Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew, or any other team member from now until June 30. All donations go directly to Pro-Life to support the Respect For Life programs. St. Michael’s CWL will be collecting pledges on behalf of Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew in the Narthex after all Masses on May 2nd and 3rd or you can donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/s/jP4P8f
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.
Week-at-a-Glance: (Sat. May 9 – Mon. May 18, 2026):
Saturday, May 9:
Pro-Life Hike for Life: Prince’s Island Park, 8:30am-12:00pm
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 9:30am-3:00pm (Registration Required.)
Sunday, May 10:
Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am & 11:00am
Filipino Catholic Society Meeting: St. Michael’s Room, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Monday, May 11:
Bible Studies: St. Nicholas Room, 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 12:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm (Registration Required.)
Rosary Group: Day Chapel, 5:20pm
CWL Meeting: St. Michael’s Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm
RCIA: St Nicholas Room, 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 13:
Men’s Ministry: Theater, 6:00am-7:30am
Coffee Wednesday: Narthex, 9:30am
Women’s Ministry: Theater, 10:00am
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm (Registration Required.)
CCCRS Prayer Meeting: Day Chapel, 7:00pm
Thursday, May 14:
Moms & Tots: St. Nicholas Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Knitting Ministry: Library Room, 10:00am-12:00pm
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm (Registration Required.)
Mass with Pentecost Novena: Day Chapel, 6pm-7pm
Friday, May 15:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm (Registration Required.)
Mass with Pentecost Novena: Day Chapel, 6pm-7pm
Saturday, May 16:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 9:30am-3:00pm (Registration Required.)
Sunday, May 17:
Cancelled – Children’s Liturgy
Canceled – Coffee Sunday
Monday, May 18:
Office Closed—Victoria Day
Cancelled—Bible Study
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Sixth Sunday of Easter, 10/05/2026, 823.27 KB