Bulletin: First Sunday of Advent

Posted 2022-11-25 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

Download bulletin PDF

 

Our Ministry of Presence

November 27, 2022

Advent focuses on Christ’s coming and presence into our lives.  
 
We re-visit His presence in the sacraments, particularly in the Eucharist. We re-commit our faith in the Vicar of Christ on earth in the person of the Holy Father, the successor St. Peter as first among equals as Christ’s apostles. We re-affirm Christ’s presence in our midst as we gather in His holy name.  We see His face present in the faces of our fellow human beings, redeemed by His own blood, especially in the poor and the needy. We reckon His presence in the flashes of insight that open our eyes to His awesome power. We mirror His beauty and order in the beauty and order of His created world. The vastness of the galaxies and the intricacy of the human anatomy illustrate His impenetrable knowledge and understanding.
 
Our Advent celebration is our liturgical response to renew our faith in these various levels of Christ’s presence in our lives. The season is about re-discovering Christ within ourselves. Advent is a time to be more aware of Christ’s presence in our search for healing and reconciliation in the midst of human brokenness and division. The Advent season is a period of re-strengthening our belief in God’s becoming man. It is an opportunity to re-examine the far-reaching implications of the Mystery of Incarnation in our challenging journey towards Christian maturity.
 
May this season prepare us to transform our own presence to others into Christ’s presence to them. May our ministry of presence fill the absence of love and compassion in lives of so many in our midst. Like the presence of Christ, our ministry of presence is far more precious than all the presents we can give those whom we claim to love and care, especially this season.  
 
In a very real way, our ministry of presence relates to our sense of hope for this life and life after. Advent affords us to reflect on our readiness for the final moment, while striving to live this life in the best way possible.
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”  As things begin to get busy this time of year, we need to guard against increased stress and short tempers. Be sure to take care to keep a healthy perspective on the pressures and remember the true meaning of this time of year.
 

 

Announcements:

 

2023 Contribution Envelopes

Next year’s 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.

 

Together in Action (Formerly Bishop’s Appeal)  

The parish target for 2022 is $121,243, we are still short by $93,585.50. Please consider making a contribution by the end of the year.

 

Simbang Gabi at SMCC 

Saturday, December 17

St Michael’s Church is hosting the traditional Filipino Mass (Simbang Gabi) on Saturday, December 17, at 7pm starting with carols at 6:30 pm. Filipino families or individuals who are interested in helping with our Filipino Night reception, following the Mass, may email Fr. Edmund at Fredmund@saintmichael.ca or text 403-874-2015.

 

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.

 

Advent Recollection

November 26-27

Please join us in the Day Chapel for our Advent Recollection (retreat) celebrated by Fr. Edmund on Saturday, November 26, 1 pm to 3 pm, or Sunday, November 27, 1 pm to 3 pm. 

 

Giving Tuesday

November 29

Giving Tuesday marks a global movement dedicated to charitable giving. As we approach the end of 2022, please consider St. Michael Catholic Community as a recipient of your year-end charitable giving! To donate, visit saintmichael.ca/giving or e-transfer to isupport@saintmichael.ca.

 

Steve Bell Concert

December 2

St. Michaels is pleased to be hosting Steve Bell in a solo concert on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30pm. This will be an evening of story and song featuring music from his latest album, “Wouldn’t You Love to Know,” as well as Steve Bell classics and favorites. Tickets are $25 and are available on-line at www.stevebell.com/events, or from the parish office. Visit www.stevebell.com/events for more info.

 

Knitting Ministry 

We invite everyone in the parish to join us in our fall project of knitting/crocheting hats, scarves, neck warmers, mitts for the needy (mostly adults). Last year we collected almost 100 beautifully made items which were donated to and gratefully received by several charities serving the homeless. There will be a collection box in the gathering area with an end date of Dec.15. Thank you for helping us meet this ongoing need!

 

Christmas Hamper Outreach

Volunteers Needed! 

Hamper Day Monday, December 19

Referrals are coming in and we especially need cash donations, as detailed below.  

Referrals: Referrals are accepted from parish school counselors, and through the SSVP intake line at 403-249-0423 extension 122.    

Donate: 

Monetary donations help us offset the costs of our food (purchased at wholesale prices), and each hamper includes a grocery gift card for the recipient to purchase their turkey. 

Donations may be made through: 

-the collection box, noted for Christmas Hampers

-depositing the green envelopes located in the SSVP donation bin/lockbox in the gathering area

-online at saintmichael.ca/giving.

Please include your clearly printed name and address – tax receipts will be issued in January 2023

Gifts for Children: The Angel Tree will be available this weekend and next. Our Angel Gift Tags hold a child’s special request. Shop for that special gift and return it to be enclosed with the hamper going to the family.   

Volunteers: Thank you to all our faithful parish members who volunteered. We will be in touch about your assignment. More delivery volunteers are needed for the evening of December 19th. Importantly, those delivering are required to have an updated Police Check on file, and complete Praesidium training. Note it can take up to 4 weeks to process but this can be completed online. To volunteer please contact Marvin Matthews MMatthews@saintmichael.ca

Food Donations: Christmas Hampers contain a standard list of goods and quantities, purchased wholesale, at a substantial cost saving. SSVP provides support to families year-round, and food donations received this month will be used by SSVP to address late hamper requests and after-Christmas hamper needs. Thank you to our parish schools conducting food drives in support of SSVP.

 

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul 

Special thanks to all St. Michael parishioners for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! During the month of October we helped over 20 families.

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)

 

Christmas Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve

4:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 10:00 pm


Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day

9:00 am, 11:00 am

 

Saturday, December 31, New Years Eve

5:00 pm


Sunday, January 1, New Years Day

9:00 am, 11:00 am, 5:00 pm

 

Mass Schedule for this Weekend

Saturday, November 26, 5 pm Mass: Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, November 27, 9 am Mass: Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, November 27, 11 am & 5 pm Masses: Fr. Edmund Vargas

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First Sunday of Advent, 27/11/2022, 733.27 KB

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