Bulletin: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
The Next Reality
November 16, 2025
Our extreme experiences in life make us feel the emptiness that lingers when we face the end of our life as we know it. They make us become sensitive to life’s basic issues, especially physical as well as spiritual survival. Being at the edge of this earthly existence, we are inspired or forced to confront the next reality, beyond physical life and beyond the network of our personal relationships. True religion is born and built on tested faith, applied hope and activated love, often ushered in by the extreme circumstances of life.
The gospel selection indicates that we are almost at the end of a liturgical cycle. The last days of a year always feature evaluations or reports on what is going on. Jesus gives us today a report on the last days. It seems that all would go wrong: revolutions, fights among nations, natural disasters, extreme weather disturbances, signs in the skies, betrayals and a litany of all other apocalyptic fears. Jesus explains that the end has to do with His appearance in glory, the moment that He will declare: “I am He!”
Yet, Jesus speaks about endurance and perseverance, words that do not refer to just a moment. These words refer to something that takes time, something that lasts. The end will surely come. It is matter of time. As it were, Jesus has sowed the seed and lit the light. Now it is the time of development, growth and fermentation. We have become impatient and even intolerant with waiting. We have to change… We have to develop endurance and perseverance. So much in us has to change. We have to be more patient in allowing God’s grace to work in our lives and in our world. By God’s grace and our perseverance, we will secure our lives to the end. The current anxiety over the end of the world is similar to the expectation of the Thessalonians about Christ’s imminent return. This end-of-the-world syndrome has to be approached with the same recommendation prescribed by Paul in his letter to them. During Paul’s time, the expectation of Christ’s imminent return was construed as an excuse for giving up productive work, a license for social irresponsibility and an alibi to act as pious busybodies. Paul’s rule that “anyone unwilling to work should not eat” was invoked in the context of this mentality.
We still have to continue to tackle today’s tasks and challenges. After all, eternity is shaped by today’s efforts. Today’s gospel exhortation is courageous constancy amidst fear and anxiety. In all our troubles, we have to see the opportunity to witness to our faith, confident of God’s grace and our ultimate redemption. We have to live our life in accordance with will of God. We have to more conscientious with doing His will in everything we do or plan to do in this journey from our earthly life to the eternal life Christ has won for all of us.
We have to become enduring witnesses to Christ’s resurrection and its promise of eternal life until we come the moment when we behold Christ’s glory by living our life with perseverance and endurance amidst difficulties and challenges.
Healing Lines
Reflecting on the end of our own life and the end of the world, we continue to pray for those who are upset because of their fear for the future, for people, especially children, who are abused in their homes or place of work and for those who love and hate us. We have to work for the coming of God’s kingdom in our world through our respective professions or state of life. May our Eucharistic celebration, that relives the endurance and perseverance of our Lord Jesus in his suffering and death on the cross, inspire in all of us, these same virtues of endurance and perseverance as we continue to tackle of daily tasks with their inherent difficulties and challenges. May the Bread of Life we all share in Holy Communion transform us into a people who work towards the life that Christ has won for us through His resurrection.
Announcements:
Please see this weekend’s bulletins for all announcements:
Advent Renewal Diocesan Retreat (Day Chapel)
Saturday, December 6, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Coffee and muffins will be served in the Narthex at 9:00am.
Were you tired and worn out before Christmas last year? Did you spend enough time preparing for the true reason for the season? If you could have a “do over” would you take it? This year, why not begin your Christmas preparations with a half-day Advent retreat that will renew your spirit of listening as you enter the holy season of Advent. Join Archbishop Terrence Prendergast for a reflective diocesan retreat on how the living Word of God shapes our hearts for discipleship and mission. He is the author of Living God’s Word: Reflections on the Sunday Readings (Years A, B & C), a three-volume series based on his Gospel reflections originally published in The Catholic Register, Canada’s national Catholic newspaper. The archbishop is full of guidance and wisdom that will aid us all in our journey through Advent.
Fall Fundraiser
We are launching a parish-wide fundraising sale of high-quality protein products to help support our increasing needs as a community as we continue to witness God’s love and compassion in our midst. With any purchase, you contribute to our Church’s finances while enjoying some delicious food over the Advent and Christmas period. There are over 60 products to choose from! Your orders must be placed by Sunday, November 30 and can be picked up on Tuesday, December 9 from 4:00-5:00 pm at St. Michael’s Church. Please go to this link: St. Michael’s 2025 Fall Fundraiser – Fund Forward
Elevation Youth Group (Gr. 4-6)
Youths in Grade 4-6 are invited to join our brand new youth group: ELEVATION youth! Join us on Fridays from 6:30-8:30pm in the St. Nicholas room for devotions, snacks, games, faith, and fun! The program will start on November 7, with the final schedule coming out shortly, and will run until the spring. Pre-registration is required and capacity is dependent on volunteer availability. Click here to register or email youth@saintmichael.ca. All are welcome! We are also looking for volunteers to supervise activities, help with games, and provide a small snack for the group each week. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Gladys Doh gdoh@saintmichael.ca or our group leader Abigail Lewis at youth@saintmichael.ca.
Children’s Nativity Pageant: “Joy to the World”
Our annual St. Michael’s Children’s Nativity Pageant will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary. Attention ALL CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES and KIDS’ KINGDOM FAMILIES: “Casting Call” online registration is now open!! Please register your child/youth in order to participate in this timeless family tradition HERE.
First rehearsal/costume fitting/info session is scheduled for Sunday, November 16 following the 11:00am Mass in the Guardian Angels Room. Final Cast List (registration cut-off) will be Sunday, November 23 (Feast of Christ the King). Questions? Please contact Mrs. Caroline Dixon (Children’s Liturgy Coordinator) cdixon@saintmichael.ca or call 403-249- 0423.
Christmas Hamper Program
“You, O Lord, are my hope.” (Ps 71:5)
Hamper Day: Monday, December 15, 2025.
Today the Church marks the annual World Day of the Poor and this scripture inspires our response. Here’s how to help:
Volunteers: Next week (November 23/24), members of the Hamper Organizing Committee will be in the gathering area after all Masses to answer questions and assist with signing up volunteers. Help is needed with preparing and wrapping gifts, setting up the hall, assembling, restocking, hamper loading and delivery to recipients. Watch for a QR Code to our sign-up page, which will be posted on the website next week. Volunteers are asked to ensure they have completed the necessary paperwork to register as a volunteer. To check if your volunteer requirements are up to date, please contact Gladys Doh gdoh@saintmichael.ca.
Gifts for Children: Our hampers include gifts for all school-aged children, via the Angel Tree. The Angel Tree will be available in the narthex after select Masses on the weekend of November 22/23, and again on November 29/30. Help us by signing out an Angel and provide a child’s special gift to be included with their family’s hamper. Referrals: Referrals for a hamper are accepted from parish schools, and through the SSVP intake line at 825-417-1720
Donate: We provide this program only through the generous financial support of our parishioners. Donations may be made: *the collection box, noted for Christmas Hampers, *online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/33185
Tax receipts will be issued in Jan 2026.
Questions: christmashampers@saintmichael.ca
Elevator Upgrade
An elevator upgrade work will be underway for two weeks (November 10-21). The elevator will be taken out of service for the entire time. We apologize for the inconvenience… Those who are interested in supporting this special project ($61,766.14 +tax) may contact the Office or Fr. Edmund for details.
An Evening for Parents – “Things We Wish Our Kids Knew”
Join us for an inspiring evening with international bestselling author and speaker Michael Chiasson on Thursday, November 27 from 7:00-9:00pm. This event is part of the Access52 Book Tour and is a powerful opportunity for parents to connect, reflect, and be encouraged. This is a free event and you may register with the QR Code in the bulletin or with the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/book-tour-calgary-tickets-1871877829979?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Saturday Night Lights
Youths in grades 7-12 are invited to an evening of music, food, friendships, and talks hosted by Access 52. Dates for the evenings are November 29, January 10, February 14, and April 25. This is a free event. You may register by scanning the QR Code or visiting the website https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/saturday-night-lights-youth-group-october-25-tickets-1708730341449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile .
Together in Action (TIA)
This year’s goal is $121,243 and currently, we have reached 73% of this target amount. Thanks to your generosity, we reached this target amount last year. All surplus funds will go to our Building Fund to help pay our loan.
Week-at-a-Glance: (Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 – Sun. Nov. 23, 2025):
Saturday, November 15:
Seeds of the Word Fundraiser: Narthex, after all weekend Masses
Sunday, November 16:
Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am Mass & 11:00am Mass
Seeds of the Word Fundraiser: Narthex, after all weekend Masses
Monday, November 17:
Bible Study: St. Nicholas’ Room, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Tuesday, November 18:
Rosary Group: Day Chapel, 5:20pm
RCIA: St. Nicholas’ Room, 7:00pm—9:00pm
Wednesday, November 19:
Men’s Ministry: Theater and Narthex, 6:00am-7:30am
Coffee Wednesday: Narthex, after 9am Mass
Women’s Ministry: St. Nicholas Room, 10:00am-12:00am
Thursday, November 20:
Moms & Tots: St. Nicholas’ Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Knitting Ministry: Library, 10:00am-12:00pm
Friday, November 21:
Elevation Youth Group: ST. Nicholas’s Room: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, November 22:
Catholic Education Sunday: Narthex, after all weekend Masses
Christmas Hamper Sign-Up & Angel Tree: Narthex, after all Masses
Sunday, November 23:
Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am Mass & 11:00am Mass
Catholic Education Sunday: Narthex, after all weekend Masses
Christmas Hamper Sign-Up & Angel Tree: Narthex, after all Masses
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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16/11/2025, 697.25 KB