Bulletin: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted 2023-10-20 by @saintmichaelyyc

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

World Mission Sunday

October 22, 2023

Mission, which means “sent”, is expressive of a maturity in the faith. Christian life is a life that goes beyond the self, beyond our comfort zone, beyond our racial or ethnic boundaries, beyond parish jurisdictions. Faith communities are meant for other communities. The Church has always sent missionaries, to “go into the whole world and preach the Good News to all peoples”. The original missionary is “Jesus Christ, sent by the Father, the first Missionary, who is the Savior of the world. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” Jesus Christ has become “bread broken for the life of the world…”. He is our Eucharist. As Christians, we become the Eucharist for others. We become Christ’s presence to others.

As we celebrate World Mission Sunday, let us reassess our commitment to share not only our faith, but also our resources with others. We do this through our stewardship of God’s gift of life and its resources. Or is our faith not strong enough to feel the urgency to share? Is it too weak not to realize the urgency to share it? As we renew our faith during this year’s celebration of World Mission Sunday, let us make our own resolve to strengthen our faith by sharing it more and more in both little and big ways. As this year’s theme invites us, let us share more of ourselves as well our own resources with others, especially those who are in need.

Our mission as a Christian community includes acting on behalf of justice and peace and working for the advancement of peoples, inspired by the faith that works through the love of Christ in our hearts. To quote Pope Benedict XVI in a message: “Being missionaries means stooping down to the needs of all, like the Good Samaritan, especially those of the poorest and most destitute people, because those who love with Christ’s heart do not seek their own interest, but the glory of the Father and the good of their neighbor alone. Here lies the secret of the apostolic fruitfulness of missionary action that crosses frontiers and cultures, reaches people and spreads to the extreme boundaries of the world”.

Our commitment as an ecclesial community is rooted in our faithfulness to Christ’s love which inspires generous readiness to undertake works for justice and charity. Our missionary spirit is grounded on Christ’s love which remains the driving force of all Christian life, or in the words of Pope John Paul II, “the sole criterion for judging what is to be done or not done, changed, or not changed. It is the principle which must direct every action and the end to which every action must be directed. When we act with a view to charity, or are inspired by charity, nothing is unseemly, and everything is good.” (Redemptoris Missio, No. 60).

In our own individual situation, we have to assess our sense of stewardship, of our gifts, our resources, our time, and our treasure. How do we live the gospel mandate of sharing ourselves by reaching out beyond our own comfort zone?

Mission comes from a Latin word which means being “sent”. We are sent just as the Son of God is sent by the Father. We are commanded to proclaim the Good News of God’s kingdom in our world. We are sent to share ourselves with others, in terms of spending our time, our resources and our gifts, especially with those who need our help and support. May our response to Psalm 33 also be our prayer to God as we re-visit our sense of mission: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place out trust in you”.

FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca

Healing Lines

Faith communities play an important role in addressing the issue of domestic violence. Violence is a multifaceted community problem with social, psychological, spiritual, legal, and economic aspects. Holding abusive individuals accountable, while offering hope for those desiring to change, is an avenue of intervention by congregations. However, first and foremost, faith communities need to be safe places to disclose abuse. Persons of faith who are abused often feel that their spirit has been broken, that God does not care about their life, and that they are worthless in every way. Many persons of faith who are abused would like assistance from both community agencies and their faith fellowship. Let us be the supportive, and caring, people to those in need during this month focusing on Domestic Violence Prevention.

Announcements:

World Mission Sunday: Hearts on fire, feet on the move (cf. Lk 24:13-35)

This Sunday is the World Mission Sunday, and we join our Holy Father in supporting his missions. Together, through our prayers and financial support, we bring the Lord’s mercy and concrete help to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions.

The theme for this Missionary Month this year is “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” (cf. Luke 24:13-35). Pope Francis in his World Mission Sunday message for 2023, called for renewed efforts to spread the Gospel. In a world where so much divides us, World Mission Sunday rejoices in our unity as missionaries by our Baptism, as it offers each one of us an opportunity to support the life-giving presence of the Church among the poor and marginalized in more than 1,111 mission dioceses.

You can donate to World Mission Sunday through our regular donations with a note that indicates it is for World Mission Sunday or donate online at catholicyyc.ca/worldmissionsunday.

Real Votive Candles

Real Votive Candles are now waiting for you to light for your prayer intentions. The candle racks are in the alcoves of the Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy inside St Mary’s Chapel. It is said that when you leave the candle you have lit, the Angels finish up your prayers.

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, October 22 after 11am Mass

Are your children interested in joining the rest of the Altar Servers at the Altar? The next Altar Server training session will take place on Sunday October 22nd after the 11am Mass in the main sanctuary. This occurs on the 4^th Sunday of every month. If you or your children are interested please send an email to altarservers@saintmichael.ca, request access to the Altar Server group on Flocknote, or just show up on October 22nd.

October – The Month of the Rosary

The Catholic Church dedicates October as the month of the Rosary. This is the month when Catholics honour Mary as the Mother of Jesus and our mother, in a special way. We invite family/friends to pray the Rosary, Wednesday to Friday, before Daily Mass at 8:20am. Tuesday, after Evening Mass at 6:30 pm.

The Living Rosary

October 24, 6:30pm

The Rosary group, the Catholic Women’s League and Fr. Edmund would like to invite you to join us to pray the living Rosary. In a living Rosary, each person stands in the place of a bead of the Rosary and leads the prayer when it is their turn. Each person will be holding a torch candle and will light the candle when it is her/his turn. We will be in a circle shaped like a Rosary. Please feel free to pray in your own language when it is your turn. We look forward of you to join us, and to pray the Rosary together as a parish.

St Michael Catholic Community Fellowship Dinner

November 5, 6pm

Save the Date! Our monthly Sunday night dinner is back! Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 5^th at 6 pm (after the 5 o’clock Mass). We will provide the main course and sides. Please bring a dessert and/or Free Will Offering. We hope to see you there!

2024 Missals

Living With Christ Missals 2024 for adults and children are available for purchase at the Gift Shop or the Office.

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: canned soup, canned tomatoes, canned pasta sauce, canned fruit, cereal, and syrup. Please note that we do not need tuna or pasta.

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.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Sanitary countertops have recently been installed in our washrooms. We are also installing the same state-of-the-art sanitary countertops in our kitchen area. If you are interested in supporting this endeavor, please contact Fr. Edmund or the Office for details. You can also make a donation with memo/note: countertops. Hopefully, we can all help maintain cleanliness in our Church we love. May God continue to bless our families and individuals for their continuing support.

“One Starry Night” Pageant (A Parish Wide Advent Event for Families)

Friday, December 8 starting at 6:00 pm

Ready to take your family back in time? Want to make some family memories you’ll treasure forever? And would you like to have an amazing time as you do it? Then please save the date! On Friday, December 8, on the day of The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the KIDS’ KINGDOM proudly presents a 6:00 pm Mass, followed by a Nativity Pageant and “INNteractive” stations for the whole family. Please stay tuned for more information or contact Caroline Dixon, Children’s Liturgy Coordinator, at 403-249-0423, ext.105.

Christmas Hamper Program

Hamper Day is Monday December 18^th. We are accepting referrals for Christmas Hampers through the SSVP Intake line, 403-249-0423 ext. 122. Our Christmas Hamper Volunteer Sign Up blitz for all December 18^th volunteer needs will take place after all Masses on the weekend of November 18/19.

St. Michael Catholic Community Pastoral Council

The first meeting of Pastoral Council after the summer break was held on September 26. All members of the parish were invited to attend. The minutes from the meeting will be available after our meeting on October 24. In the meantime, please read below some of the matters we discussed.

Highlights:

– A memorial Mass will be celebrated for parishioners who passed away during Covid. It will be held on November 2, All Souls’ Day. Please watch the bulletin for further details.

– We are hoping to hold blood donor clinics once again at the church. A request will be sent to Canadian Blood Services.

– The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, our patron, will be recited before Masses starting in October.

If you would like to read the minutes from any past meeting, please go to: www.saintmichael.ca/bulletin Questions? Concerns? Please reach us at (403) 249 0423.

Catholic Education Sunday

Join us in celebrating Catholic Education Sunday on November 4 & 5, 2023. Let us unite with our community to support and give thanks for Catholic education in Alberta. Your dedicated donation will provide enhanced learning opportunities for Calgary and area Catholic students. For more information, please visit https://theccef.ca/who-we-are/news-events/catholic-education-sunday.html

Partnership of Hope

I would like to introduce to you St Michael’s newest sponsored refugee family arriving on November 7^th, 2023.

There are five people in the family. Dad-Mehdi (Matthew), Mom-Negar (Mary), Aryan 11 yrs. (M), Adryian yrs. (M) and Manley 5yrs (F). Originally from Iran, they were called to the Catholic faith and have been baptized. Since then, their lives have been in danger, and it is unsafe for them to return to Iran. They have been living in Turkey as refugees, where they are badly mistreated. Life in Turkey has been very difficult. As refugees they are not allowed to work and any odd jobs they might find are poorly compensated. They are unable to move around freely. They are very excited to start their new life in Canada. To be welcomed and become part of the St. Michael’s Community, to be able to attend church to pray peacefully, to work and have their children attend school. Your help is desperately needed. We are looking for donations of household items, clothing, gift cards for groceries or clothing. Monetary donations are always welcomed. Tax receipts will be issued for gifts in kind.

There are many volunteer opportunities available to help them settle into their new life here. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact: Jocelyn Fitzgerald ; cefitz@shaw.ca; 403-650-9741.

URGENT NEED: We are looking for accommodations for them, if anyone is able to help with that it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me either by email, text or phone if you have anything to donate. Please do not drop items off directly at the Church, as there is no space to handle the items. Thank you for your continued support.

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, October 21 5 pm Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, October 22 9 am Fr. Jose Bustalino

Sunday, October 22 11 am Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, October 22 5 pm Fr. Jose Bustalino

Calendar of Events for October

*Sundays Coffee Sundays – Gathering Area – After 9am & 11am Mass

*Mondays Bible Study – Green Room – 7-9 pm

*Tuesdays Rosary Group – Day Chapel – 6:30-7 pm

Grief Share – St. Gabriel Rooms 143 & 144 – 7-9 pm

RCIA – Green Room – 7-9 pm

*Wednesdays TMIY – Gathering Area – 6-7:30 am

Women’s Ministry – Children’s Theater & Green Room – 9:30 am-12:00 pm

*Thursdays Coffee Thursdays – Gathering Area – After 9 am Mass

Moms & Tots – Green Room – 9:30 am-11:30 am

Knitting Ministry – Library – 10:00 am-11:30 am

October 21, Saturday Baptism Prep – Green Room – 9 am-12 pm

October 22, Sunday Altar Server Training – Sanctuary – After 11am Mass

October 24, Tuesday PPC Meeting – Office Conference Room – 7-9pm

October 24, Tuesday CWL Meeting and Living Rosary – St. Michael’s Room – 5:30-9:00pm

Bulletin: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

World Mission Sunday

Announcements:

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