Bulletin: Second Sunday in Advent
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
Our Baptismal Character
December 5, 2021
The significance of St. John the Baptist in our history of salvation is that he heralded the coming of Christ by proclaiming a baptism of repentance. His baptism is the forerunner of our Christian Baptism which gives us the Christian life. Baptism leaves an indelible mark on the soul of the baptized, which we refer to as the baptismal character. Baptism characterizes the baptized, setting us apart, giving us the mandate to share with others the faith we have received. We are marked with the sign of faith.
Baptism begins the process of integrating the baptized into the community which reaches its fulfillment when we share the Eucharist. Baptism is the first step of a three-step process of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which are also referred to as the Sacraments of Initiation. It is in the Eucharist (at Mass) that we share full communion with the Church.
Baptism, through the renewal of our baptismal promises, reminds us that we shape our lives by the choices we make. The renewal of our baptismal promises gives us the opportunity to reflect on the direction of our lives and to strengthen our resolve to be Christians. The words of the rite are richly symbolic. They ask us to choose between slavery to sin and the freedom of being God’s children, between darkness and light, between the glamour of evil and the simplicity of truth. Ultimately, they ask us to choose between Satan and Christ.
We often refer to Baptism as a Christening, which means joining to Christ. Through baptism we are united to Christ. We become Christians, members of the Church. The original meaning of the word “Christ” is anointed one. In the Scriptures, someone chosen for a special role such as priest, prophet or king was anointed with a fragrant olive oil. When the followers of Jesus eventually recognized him as the Messiah, they began to call him Christ, which means God’s anointed one. In Baptism, we are also anointed with Holy Chrism to express our unity with Christ and to show that we are called to share in Christ’s work as priest, prophet and king.
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
Stocking Tree
Fill a pair of socks with essentials for daily living such as: underwear, mitts, gloves, toques, Kleenex packets, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, bandages, shampoo, razors, shaving cream and, if you have room, candy bars. Hang the stockings onto the Stocking Tree in the Sanctuary. These stockings will be delivered to the Drop-In Centre on Monday, December 20. Thanks for your generosity!
Poinsettias in Memory of a Loved One
Parishioners are invited to help decorate the Sanctuary this Christmas by purchasing a poinsettia in memory of a loved one. Order forms are available in the gathering area. You can drop off your completed form along with your payment ($30/poinsettia) in the collection basket during Mass or at the parish office by Wednesday, December 15.
Advent Penitential Service
Our parish penitential service will be on Wednesday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Come and prepare yourself for Christmas, starting with Mass at 6 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. No sign up is required.
Simbang Gabi at SMCC
Join the Filipino community on Saturday, December 11 starting with carols at 6:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 7 p.m. Simbang Gabi is a nine-night series of traditional Filipino Masses in preparation for Christmas. Other churches are hosting Masses as well. The Simbang Gabi at SMCC is an opportunity for our Filipino families to welcome other Filipino families from other parishes into our community.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we will be having an extra daily Mass on Saturday, December 11 at noon. All are invited to attend. Fr. Raul to preside.
“The Promise” Advent Mission
Join Michael Chiasson and the Access52 Team for a one-night mission designed to prepare and inspire your Advent experience on Wednesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. The night will be filled with inspiration, talks, stories and music. Free event. All ages welcome.
Text to Donate New Number
Our text to donate number has been updated to (833) 768-0514. Please save this number if you donate using this method.
SSVP Christmas Hampers:
Hamper Night is on December 14
We are happy to announce that we will have Christmas Hamper distributions this year. Due to COVID restrictions we will be having a smaller event, but we need your assistance more than ever as requests for help at Christmas are coming in. SSVP is working to meet the needs and deliver hampers while maintaining the safety of our volunteers and recipients. This year, we’re unable to handle food donations but we will process Angel Tree gifts. SSVP will purchase all required food from our wholesaler and would welcome your support for this in the form of monetary donations. Donations to SSVP may be dropped in the collection basket, placed in a green SSVP donation envelope and dropped off at the church in the SSVP locked box located in our collection bin, or made online: Donate Now – St. Michael Catholic Community (canadahelps.org). Please select Society of St. Vincent de Paul (including Christmas Hampers) in the “Funds” drop-down menu. Tax receipts will be issued in January 2022 for any monetary donations.
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of hamper assembly volunteers for Monday, December 13 and Tuesday December 14. Volunteers are also required for delivering hampers: 2 adults min per car. We can pair you up if you are volunteering without a partner. Those volunteering to drive will be required to sign a Model Code of Conduct form Volunteers for the above positions can email hampervolunteers2021@gmail.com.
Angel Tree
Thank you to everyone who participated in purchasing gifts! Over 80 families with kids will get gifts this year as part of the Christmas Hamper program!
2022 Contribution Envelopes
Next year’s 2022 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.
Lectio Divina Books
Lectio Divina Books for Year C (2021-2022) are now available at the stand next to the gift shop or at the parish office. Free will offering.
Indoor Social Gatherings
Due to provincial temporary measures, indoor social gathering after Mass or in the parish halls is not permitted. Please refrain from socializing in the Church after Mass.
Mass Schedule for this Weekend
Saturday, December 4, 5:00 PM – Fr. Raul Hernandez
Sunday, December 5, 9:00 AM – Fr. Raul Hernandez
Sunday, December 5, 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM – Fr. Edmund Vargas