Bulletin: The Epiphany of the Lord

Posted 2023-01-07 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

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Of Givers & Gifts

January 8, 2023

The early Church told the story of astrologers who noticed a new star they were sure belonged to a very special person. This story was one way of explaining that Jesus has come not only for the Chosen People, but for all peoples, as St. Paul writes to the Ephesians in our second reading. The magi brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts to the child Jesus. These were material gifts that were symbolic of inner gifts. Gold was a sign that the child was king. Frankincense was a sign of reverence for God and symbolic of the child’s priesthood. Myrrh, a spice for burials, is a sign of humanity and the child’s prophetic mission.
 
The age-old tradition of giving gifts is related to the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord when the wise men gave gifts to the new-born king as symbols of homage. In a way, we give gifts during this Christmas season because we believe that gifts given to others are given to Christ himself. Hopefully, we have come to realize that the greatest gift we receive at Christmas is Christ Himself.
 
At the end of this giving season, it is time to reflect on the inner gifts we can  continue to offer to God and share with  one another. We also have to think and reflect about volunteer work which expresses our gratitude to God who has gifted us with our respective talents, time and treasure. Becoming faithful and generous stewards of God’s gifts is in keeping with our paying homage to our King and Redeemer.
 
Epiphany is a time to celebrate the truth of God’s presence in our midst. Fully aware God’s presence in our midst, we invoke God’s presence in our lives as we begin a new year.  
 
“Lord, God of heaven and earth, you have revealed your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless our homes and all the members of our parish community. Fill us all with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (A prayer for the blessing of homes). 
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
Christmas time is time to remember Jesus as a baby who like other babies was completely vulnerable and at the mercy of the adults in his life. Significantly, God did not take any chances with this child. God takes drastic measures to ensure the safety and protection of the child. As far as the safety of the child Jesus, God acted decisively and timelessly. In our societies today, children (like women and the elderly) remain one of the most vulnerable groups. How do we respond to protect those who are vulnerable?

 

Announcements:

 

Confirmation

Registration for the 2023 Confirmation program is now open! To register your child(ren) in grades 6 and up for the Sacrament of Confirmation, visit our website at https://saintmichael.ca/confirmation/

 

2023 Contribution Envelopes

The 2023 contribution envelopes are now available for pickup in the gathering area. Please look for your name alphabetically-organized, and note that your number may have changed from last year. If you have any questions, call the parish office at 403-249-0423.

 

Baptism Preparation

Our next Baptism preparation course will be on Saturday, February 11 from 9 am – 12 pm. To register your child for Baptism, please visit our website at https://saintmichael.ca/baptism/

 

2022 Sacramental Report

In 2022, 95 Baptisms, 136 First Holy Communions, and 96 Confirmations were received.

Columbarium

We sold 22 Columbarium niches in 2022. There are currently 404 spots left available for purchase in the Eternal Springs Columbarium.

For more information, please contact Francesca at 403-249-0423 ext 126 or fambrosino@saintmichael.ca

 

Children’s Offering Basket 

Each Sunday, a children’s Offering Basket will be placed at the front of the altar during the offertory. Children are invited to place their offerings into the basket. The Children’s Offerings will be for general donations.

 

Knitting Ministry

A huge thank you to all who contributed to our knitting project.  We donated over 100 beautifully made hats, scarves, and neck warmers to Hearts for Humanity, a charity that works with the homeless. Thank you for your generosity! We will resume meeting every 2 weeks on Thursdays at 10 am starting January 12. If you like to knit or crotchet, please join us. Call 403-282-6469 for more info.

 

Day Chapel Renovation

The renovation of the Day Chapel is scheduled for next year. The Renovation includes the addition of two side altars for the Blessed Virgin Mary (current statue) and the Divine Mercy (framed canvas print). The Divine Mercy print is from the original. The two side altars will also have votive candle racks where devotees can light real candles. Thomas Tan will be our project coordinator. The renovation design was done by Architect June Lee. The project has been duly approved by the diocese. The project concept was presented by Bill Tapuska and Peggy Tan, in an effort to place the Divine Mercy and the Blessed Virgin Mary in their appropriate places. The draft recommendations of the defunct Interior Enhancement Committee on the Day Chapel improvements have been duly taken into account. The Blessed Virgin Mary is currently located in a grotto-type make-shift altar at the back corner of the Day Chapel. The project cost is at $98,000 plus taxes, as budgeted by Cougar Construction who won a recent bidding. We encourage families and individuals in contributing to the project. So far, a family has contributed $30,000 for the project. 

 

Holy Land Pilgrimage

November 13 to 21, 2023

Join Fr. Edmund on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, November 13 to 21, 2023, on an inspirational journey that visits some of the most ancient sites in the world. Book now and save $150 per person. Cost: double $5,699, single $6,849 and triple $5,669. For more information visit: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1122663.

 

GriefShare

January 17 to March 2, 2023 

Have you lost a loved one recently, or know someone who has? The grief support ministry invites individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one and would like to participate in a Grief Share Program in the new year. The program consists of a video seminar (Christian based with personal stories from Christian experts who have experienced grief), group sharing with participants/facilitators and a personal workbook. The program runs every Tuesday, 7 pm to 9 pm from January 17 to March 7. There is a fee of $10 for the workbook. Free will offerings will also be accepted. To register or for more info, please contact the Parish Office at 403-249-0423 or info@saintmichael.ca.

 

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul 

Special thanks to all St. Michael parishioners for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul!

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, canned vegetables and canned fish/meat.

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)

 

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, January 7, 5 pm Mass: Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, January 8, 9 am, 11 am & 5 pm Masses: Fr. Edmund Vargas

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Epiphany of the Lord, 08/01/2023, 1.03 MB

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