Bulletin: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
God is within us!
June 21, 2026
In the Mission Discourse, Jesus declares: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…” clearly predicting that some of his followers will be killed or severely persecuted in the course of history. And He also adds that, not a single sparrow falls to the ground without God being aware of it. But the sparrow falls… He also adds that, even the hairs of our head are all counted. But as we all realize, receding hairline happens. In other words, God does not act like a genie, preventing bad things from happening. This straight-forward statement from Jesus should dispel once and for all this genie-myth. God is not a magical genie and there is no magic lamp capable of conjuring Him.
“God is within us, calling us to faith, luring us to go on living, to believe that there is meaning in life despite what happens to us. When things happen that we have no power to change, God experiences it with us. At that moment all the power of the universe is at our disposal to do the one thing that only we can do: rise above it, live through it, give meaning to our experience, find purpose in life in spite of or because of what has happened.”
“We have lived too long with the erroneous belief that God changes things. We’ve made God into something God is not, ‘a fixer of things’, the magical genie of those who rub God the right way. God does not change things or circumstances and events. God’s grace is not addressed to circumstances and events. Rather God’s grace is addressed to people as they face life events and live in their circumstance. We witness the presence and power of God when a person’s spirit is changed and empowered to live with meaning and purpose, come what may. The perpetration of evil is proof of the depravity of humanity. Rising above evil, transcending it, is proof of human goodness inspired by divine grace.” (Horace O. Duke)
In other words, God does not magically remove suffering from our lives. But He gives us strength to bear it and to profit immensely from it. He did not protect His own Son from suffering, but through suffering He made Him strong enough to save the world.
Fr. Edmund, fredmund@saintmichael.ca
Father’s Day is a celebration to complement Mother’s Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers, forefathers and father-figures. We wish Happy Father’s Day to all fathers in our parish and encourage them to be part of the solution to end family violence. June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous Peoples.
Announcements:
Please see this weekend’s bulletins for all announcements:
Mass Intentions
Mass Intentions for 2027 will open up September 1, 2026 and are booked in-person at the office.
Pastoral Council Meeting – May 2026
Pastoral Council had its last business meeting before the summer break on May 26. As usual, it was a full agenda, including an update on plans for two Stewardship weekends in September (12 & 13 and 19 & 20) and plans to reintroduce Alpha in 2027. If you would like to attend one of our meetings as an observer, or if you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to info@saintmichael.ca. The meeting minutes for May 2026 will be published after Pastoral Council approval at our next meeting, scheduled for September 2026. The minutes from the Pastoral Council meeting on April 28 can be found here. We hope you have a relaxing summer break and safe travels wherever you are headed.
SSVP Summer Share Sunday Food Drive
Please support the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Summer Share Sunday Food Drive for families in need in our community. Pick up food lists and donation envelopes in the Narthex after all Masses on June 20 and 21 and return your food and financial donations the following weekend on June 27 and 28. Thank you for your generous support!
Healing Mass at St. Michael
A Healing Mass will be held on Friday, June 26, 7pm at St. Michael Chapel. There will be the blessing of water and olive oil, anointing and laying on of hands, as well as prayers for intentions. This Healing Mass is a way for our community to come together in Christ for healing, comfort, and strength. If pastorally required, this can be celebrated every last Friday of the month. Everyone is welcome.
Coffee Connections
The last Coffee Wednesday will be Wednesday, June 17 and will resume Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The last Coffee Sunday will be Sunday, June 28 and will resume Sunday, September 13, 2026.
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.
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.
Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle (May 25 – June 2, 2027)
This is an opportunity to visit the places of St Paul’s ministry. Join Fr. Edmund in this religious pilgrimage as we strive to be missionary disciples. For details, email efvargas@shaw.ca or text (403) 874-2015. https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1442759
St. Michael Event Schedule
Week-at-a-Glance: (Sat. Jun 20 – Sun. Jun. 28, 2026):
Saturday, June 20:
No event.
Sunday, June 21:
CANCELLED: Coffee Sunday
African Mass 2026: Sanctuary, 12:30pm
Monday, June 22:
No event.
Tuesday, June 23:
Rosary Group: Day Chapel, 5:20pm
SSVP Meeting: Room 145, 7:00pm
Wednesday, June 24:
Office Closed – Pastoral Zone Meeting
CANCELLED : Coffee Wednesday
St. Michael’s Prayer Group (CCCRS): Day Chapel, 7:00pm
Thursday, June 25:
No event.
Friday, June 26:
Healing Mass: Day Chapel, 7:00pm
Saturday, June 27:
No event.
Sunday, June 28:
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, After the 9am & 11am Masses
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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 21/06/2026, 788.35 KB