Bulletin: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted 2023-09-15 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

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The Force of Forgiveness

September 17, 2023

In the final episode of George Lucas’ Star Wars trilogy, The Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker gets re-united with his father not by giving vent to his hatred but by resisting it and offering love and forgiveness. The dark side of the Force is defeated by the young Jedi’s love and bravery, instilled by his masters. The Force is with those who love and forgive.
 
In many epics, including the Hindu Bagavad Gita, bravery belongs to those who forgive, to those who offer love for hate.
 
Hanging on the cross in Calvary, Christ utters a prayer of forgiveness for the very people who have brought him excruciating pain and eventual death: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” These loving words summarize Christ’s basic attitude towards relationships.
 
Our Christian life is bound to be a journey of forgiveness. Fear and violence are to be confronted with the loving force of Christian forgiveness. Our Christian community has to be a community of the forgiven and the forgiving.
 
Let us consider this basic Christian option to become a forgiving person, just as Christ was forgiving until the last breath of his life. Let our attitude of forgiveness become our legacy to a world that is full of hatred and indifference.
 
Let our forgiveness become not only an occasional act, but a permanent attitude.
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
Both survivors and abusers may minimize the violence and reinterpret what occurred in order to excuse or erase the violence. In order for a victim to say “No!” to violence, they must see what is happening as violence. Despite these advances in societal awareness about family violence, denial is still a common characteristic of abused people. Many do not name behavior as abusive because it would shatter their desperate efforts to have a normal life. When overwhelming evidence crumbles denial, then other difficult emotions may emerge. They may resist telling people about it because they do not want to be stereotyped or labelled a “victim”. They can feel overwhelmed at the difficult choices that they now face. Even when violence is named, there are many factors that make it difficult for people to leave abusive relationships.

 

Announcements:

 

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 2023

Starts Sunday, September 10th, 2023 

Program starts at 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM (doors open 15 minutes prior to start-time for sign-in/ name tags). Please Note: Children’s Liturgy of Word is designed for children 3 years old (preschool) to grade 3. Questions? Please contact Children’s Liturgy Coordinator – Mrs. Dixon cdixon@saintmichael.ca.

 

Help Wanted: Kids Kingdom Volunteers

All volunteers will need to complete paperwork and, in some cases, safe training modules. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator (Marvin) mmatthews@saintmichael.ca.

 

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.

 

Women’s Ministry

Wednesdays, starting September 20 at 10 am/7 pm

“Elements of the Catholic Mass” – is designed to help the faithful better appreciate the beauty of the Mass. Featuring Fr. Douglas Martis, former director of the Liturgical Institute, the program consists of beautifully produced short videos, followed by group discussion”. This is a 10 session study, with in person sessions on Wednesdays from 10:00 am -12:00 pm and online through zoom on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Please click on this link to register https://forms.gle/7YjviW7r5FQuh99C8

 

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. 

 

Parish Library

The Parish Library is currently seeking a mature, dedicated volunteer with knowledge of on-line library programs who is willing to assist with cataloguing an extensive backlog of donated books. Please contact Joan Dvorak at 403-286-4982 for further information if you can help.

Also please note that the Library is currently not able to accept any  donations at this time due to space restrictions, and will not be accepting any future donations of textbooks, magazines, pamphlets, or materials written by non-Catholic authors. Thank you for your co-operation. 

 

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 center’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.

 

Women’s Ministry

Wednesdays, starting September 20 at 10 am/7 pm

“Elements of the Catholic Mass” – is designed to help the faithful better appreciate the beauty of the Mass. Featuring Fr. Douglas Martis, former director of the Liturgical Institute, the program consists of beautifully produced short videos, followed by group discussion”. This is a 10 session study, with in person sessions on Wednesdays from 10:00 am -12:00 pm and online through zoom on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Please click on this link to register https://forms.gle/7YjviW7r5FQuh99C8

 

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 

 

Priest Study Days—Cancellation of Daily Mass

October 3, 4, 5 & 6

Masses will be cancelled on October 3-6 as the priests will be away on study days. 

 

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 16, 5 pm – Fr. Jose Bustalino

Sunday, September 17, 9 am – Fr. Jose Bustalino

Sunday, September 17, 11 am – Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, September 17, 5 pm – Fr. Edmund Vargas

 

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 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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24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 17/09/2023, 747.41 KB

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