Bulletin: Palm Sunday

Posted 2023-03-31 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

Download bulletin PDF

 

Gethsemane: Trust & Betrayal

April 2, 2023

For our Palm Sunday reflection, let us re-visit the Garden of Gethsemane in our Christian life.  
 
Gethsemane refers to a garden across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem, close to the Mount of Olives. Jesus and his disciples went there often. It was a safe place, a place of refuge; a place to rest and receive spiritual strength and renewal. But it is best known as a place of betrayal. Judas knew where to take the soldiers & guards whose mandate was to arrest Jesus of Nazareth. The garden that had offered shade in the heat, refuge from the crowds, sustenance for the human spirit, and privacy to communicate with God was the place where the beloved teacher was betrayed, wounded by someone who was loved and trusted.
 
The Garden of Gethsemane reminds us that we can be wounded and betrayed by those to whom we are closest and whom we trust. A parallel can be drawn between the experience of betrayal in the Garden and the experience of domestic or family violence.
 
Family Violence is manifested in various forms: degrading comments, manipulation of financial resources to intimidate, the use of physical strength to bully and, ultimately to injure or kill. These are only a few in a long list of its manifestations. The form may vary but the result is the same. Domestic violence exchanges the natural bonds of love and nurturing for the unnatural relationships of aggressors trampling mercilessly on the dignity, rights, and aspirations of those they have promised to love and cherish.
 
The Garden of Gethsemane represents more than just pain and human anguish. It also signifies hope, renewal, and strength to combat even the greatest challenges that betrayal can bring. The story of betrayal in the garden reminds us that there are resources both within and beyond the human person that can transform a woman or man, girl or boy, from vulnerability to strength, from fear to calm, and from desperation to hope. 
 
To respond to a victim of violence is to support that individual in finding the inner strength to leave the garden… and to work through the pain and betrayal to human wholeness. It offers hope while never diminishing the reality of the pain. It provides the basis for growth and independence without denying the fear of the unknown.
 
As we begin our own journey into Jerusalem, let us be aware of the consequences of our decision to enter our own world of trust and betrayal. Let us ask our Lord to share with us the strength of will to recognize and face the challenge of suffering and pain that would be the result of our own difficult efforts to carry our own crosses.  
 
As we begin our Holy Week, let us ask the Lord to grant us the humility and kindness to realize that life is not really about increasing its speed, or that the race is not always to the swift. Let us ask the Lord to help us steady the harried pace of our lives so that we can focus on the vision of the life that Christ has promised us through His death.
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
As we welcome Jesus this Palm Sunday, let us remember to welcome all around us as well. Jesus has always reminded us to take care of everyone, especially those who are most in need of our love and prayers. Some live in families and communities that are abusive, some are homeless, some are elderly and neglected…. Reach out to them all.

 

Announcements:

 

Important Security Alert! 

The church security system is armed and monitored outside of scheduled hours of opening. If you require access to the building outside of office hours please contact the office. Anyone entering outside the scheduled hours will trigger the alarm and a call will be made to the monitoring company, which may result in a police response. 

 

Children’s Liturgy Coordinator Position

St. Michael’s is looking to hire a Children’s Liturgy Coordinator to plan and oversee the implementation of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word Ministry. Please click on the link below if you are interested in applying for this position:

https://www.catholicyyc.ca/uploads/6/5/5/7/65570685/childrens_liturgy_coordinator__march2023_.pdf

 

Confessions

Please note: There will be NO Confessions on Friday, April 7 or Saturday, April 8. 

 

Palm Sunday: April 2

Regular Sunday Masses: 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm

 

Holy Thursday: April 6

Mass at 7 pm followed by Adoration until 12 pm. There will be NO 9 am daily Mass.

 

Good Friday: April 7

Liturgy at 12 pm, 3 pm (live-streamed)

 

Easter Vigil: April 8

Mass at 8 pm. We will welcome our new members of the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

 

Easter Sunday: April 9

Regular Sunday Masses: 9 am, 11 am (live-streamed), 5 pm.

 

Parish Office 

The Parish Office will be open regular hours from 9:30 am to 12 pm on April 4-6. We will be closed on April 7 for Good Friday.

*Live-streamed 11 am. Mass can be accessed at saintmichael.ca/Mass and on our Youtube Page. Once the live-streamed Mass has finished, the video can be viewed on our Youtube page. For a list of all live-streamed Masses in the diocese, visit catholicyyc.ca.

 

Divine Mercy Novena

Begins on Good Friday

Jesus asked St. Faustina to pray a Novena to the Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday and ending on the following Sunday (the FEAST of Divine Mercy.)  “On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy “.

 Please pick up a copy of the Novena –available at the entrance of St. Mary’s chapel from Palm Sunday to Good Friday or download from St. Michael website. https://saintmichael.ca

 

Blessing of the St. Mary’s Chapel on Divine Mercy Sunday

Sunday, April 16, 1:45 – 2pm

Please join us for the blessing of the chapel on Divine mercy Sunday April 16- 1:45 pm to 2pm before the Divine Mercy Service.

 

Divine Mercy Service 

Sunday, April 16, 2-3pm 

In a revelation to St. Faustina in October 1937, Jesus requested daily prayer at 3 pm to honor the hour of his death and to implore mercy for sinners. “If only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of my death. This is the hour of mercy for the whole world… In this hour, I refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion” (Diary, 1320). The Feast of the Divine Mercy will be celebrated in our church on the Sunday after Easter Sunday, April 16, starting at 2 pm and ending at 3 pm when we honor the hour of Christ’s death on the cross. You are invited to a reception at the gathering area after the service sponsored by Fr. Edmund and the parish council.

 

Spring Market

Sunday, April 23, 10-3pm

St. Michaels is excited to be hosting a Spring Market for unique local Catholic vendors Sunday April 23 from 10-3 pm in the Mezzanine.  Come and shop for sacrament gifts, religious jewelry, art work, icons, children’s books, and much much more … Any questions please ask Colleen Joy at the gift shop after masses, or contact Rikka at Marysnookbusiness@gmail.com.

 

Saturday Night Lights with Michael Chiasson & Access 52

Saturday, March 25, 6pm

All students for life (Grade 7-12) are invited to an amazing youth experience on Saturday, March 25, 6-8pm after the 5pm Mass. This will be followed every last Saturday of the month: April 29, May 27 & June 24, 6-8pm.  

To register please  go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/591820590317

 

St. Michael Catholic Community Pastoral Council

The members of Pastoral Council would like to extend a thank you to all volunteers at St. Michael! Your dedication to our catholic community is appreciated!

 

A meeting of Pastoral Council was held on March 28. Some of the highlights from our meeting:

– Our new assistant pastor, Fr. Ajeesh, was welcomed by Fr. Edmund and members of pastoral council.

– We are advertising for a Children’s Liturgy Coordinator. Please see the link in the bulletin. 

– Divine Mercy Sunday, April 13. Blessing of the Chapel followed by Divine Mercy Liturgy and reception.

– Thursday morning coffee after Mass was approved. Watch for further details.

– Save the Date to Celebrate: Fr. Edmund’s anniversary of ordination – April 28 at 7:00 pm

 

If you would like to read the minutes from our most recent meeting, or any past meeting, please go to: www.saintmichael.ca/bulletin

Questions? Concerns? Please reach us at 403-249-0423.

As the Lenten journey nears its end, Pastoral Council wishes you a Blessed and Joyful Easter.

 

43rd Annual Hike for Life

Saturday, May 13 

Please join Fr. Edmund in support of the Calgary Pro-Life Association’s 10K Hike For Life at Prince’s Island. You can join the St. Michael’s team, start collecting pledges and hike on your own or you can make a donation to Fr. Edmund or any other team member from now until May 13. All donations go directly to Pro-Life and will be accepted until June 30th. All funds raised will go to support the Respect for Life program.

 

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 February we helped 16 families. If you have lost your job please contact us for food support.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A TREASURER: If you have an accounting background and are interested in volunteering your talent, please contact us by email SSVP@saintmichael.ca

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.

 

Moms and Tots 

Thursdays, 9:30am

Moms and Tots is every Thursday 9:30 to11:30 am in the St. Nicholas Room. Moms and their little(s) are invited to join us for coffee, social, and fellowship. Guest speaker Debbie Wagner will give her faith testimony of her conversion to Catholicism at age 46 and then proceeded to be a constant beacon in the church and even CWL president in 2020/21. 

 

Women’s Conference by Beloved Daughters Ministry

May 26-27 

Join Beloved Daughters Ministry for their first annual women’s conference entitled, “Restoring the Feminine Heart.” Conference will be held from May 26-27, 2023 at St. Luke’s Parish (Calgary, AB) and guided by guest speakers Heather & Jake Khym of Life Restoration Ministries. For more information visit: www.beloveddaughtersyyc.com

 

Holy Land Pilgrimage

November 13 to 21, 2023

Holy Land Pilgrimage Alert! The deposit ($600) due date for the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr Edmund this coming November is May 7, after which reservations will be based on availability.  Deposits are refundable until May 14. 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.

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