Bulletin: Third Sunday of Easter
What you need to know from this weekend’s bulletin:
Life in Brokenness
April 19, 2026
The Emmaus story contains the central theme of our faith: that the Messiah has to be broken and from the brokenness, He would be the source of healing. The two disciples tell the eleven and their companions, how Jesus is made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Two broken-hearted disciples are approached by the risen Christ whom they thought to be a lonely traveler, a stranger. Then, Jesus opens their minds by sharing about Scriptures, by breaking the Word of God. Finally, they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. Three kinds of brokenness are involved in the process towards the recognition of the risen Christ in the Emmaus story: broken hearts, broken word, and broken bread.
The disciples were broken-hearted after Christ died on the cross. We have to acknowledge our broken-heartedness in order to discover our courage and strength. We have to accept our woundedness in order to be healed. We have to accept the truth of our failures and frustrations in order to face the future with its promise of new life. It is difficult to recognize the risen Christ when we don’t see the brokenness of our humanity. Our failure to identify our own crosses with the Cross of Christ makes us incapable to see them from the perspective of the resurrection. A broken, humble heart is necessary for a true relationship with the risen Christ. Our Christian life is like this journey to Emmaus. Our heartbreaks and difficulties can sometime make us fail to recognize the risen Lord in the strangers we meet in our earthly pilgrimage.
The disciples on the road to Emmaus describe their experience with the breaking of the word in these terms: “Were not our hearts burning within us… while He was opening the Scripture to us?” This same fire characterizes our encounter with the Word of God when our minds and our hearts are truly receptive to His message, when we lift our minds and our hearts to God.
Our Eucharist is rooted in this breaking of bread referred to in the Emmaus story. Our Eucharist becomes Christ’s memorial of His love and presence for His disciples. Our Eucharist is realized through the breaking of our lives for the love and service for others. As grains of wheat and grapes are broken to become bread and wine, we have to be broken for others to accept the saving power of Christ’s resurrection.
Fr. Edmund, fredmund@saintmichael.ca
Why can’t she leave? For the victims to say “No!” to violence, they must see what is happening as violence. Many do not name behavior as abusive because it would shatter their desperate efforts to have a normal life. When overwhelming evidence crumbles denial, then other difficult emotions may emerge. They may resist telling people about it because they do not want to be stereotyped or labelled. They can feel overwhelmed at the difficult choices that they now face. Even when violence is named, there are many factors that make it difficult for people to leave abusive relationships. Things like fear and low self-esteem, poverty, children, community pressure, disability, racism, age, and location can play important roles in a person not reporting abuse. Recognizing these factors can allow us to “see” those in need and reach out to them with support and kindness.
Announcements:
Please see this weekend’s bulletins for all announcements:
Together in Action (TIA)
The Together in Action 2026 campaign begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The theme for this year’s TIA is inspired by the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2:18) This year’s TIA also marks the final year of the financial commitment of the Diocese to the National Indigenous Reconciliation Fund, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives across Southern Alberta. Our target goal this year is $121,243, same as last year. We thank God for your generosity! All surplus funds this year will go to our Building Fund to help pay our loan.
Multiply the Hope (MTH)
A Message from the Diocese
Because of your generosity, greater impact is taking place across the diocese. In Year 1 of the Multiply the Hope Matching Campaign:
• $4 million matched for parish loans
• $3 million matched for repairs and maintenance
This means parishes are receiving support in times of need, critical repairs are moving forward, and communities are growing stronger in their life and mission. Multiply the Hope continues through the end of 2027, and even though the initial response has been strong, $4.9M in matching funds remains available for parishes across the Diocese. Bishop McGrattan has encouraged each parish to take part in this once-in-a-generation initiative by fully embracing the campaign. Learn more: www.catholicyyc.ca/multiplythehope
Reflection on the Holy Father’s Call for Peace, Human Dignity, Moral Responsibility in Public Life
Please see the reflection from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) on the public witness and the call of Pope Leo XIV to leaders and all people of goodwill for restraint, respect, and a commitment to peace rooted in human dignity. https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/reflection-on-the-holy-fathers-call-for-peace-human-dignity-and-moral-responsibility-in-public-life/ . We stand in solidarity with the Holy Father and pray for peace.
SSVP Food Drive
Please support the SSVP Easter Share Sunday Food Drive for families in need. Pick up food lists and donation envelopes after Mass on April 18 and 19 and return food and donations on April 25 and 26. Thank you kindly!
Ladies’ High Tea!
The Catholic Women’s League at St. Michael Catholic Community is excited to invite you to celebrate the women who have shaped our lives, offering love, guidance, and unwavering faith. We will be hosting a special high tea style event on April 26 from 1:30-3:30pm for mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers, and your best female friends, too. Dress in your Sunday best, pull out your fancy hat or fascinator, and come partake in a lovely afternoon! There will be an assortment of delicious sandwiches, desserts, tea, juice, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance as this event has limited capacity. Adults $20 and Children $15. You can register at: https://forms.gle/VBGfc9165yFyUFoTA
Fr. Edmund’s 47th Anniversary
Join us as we celebrate Fr. Edmund’s 47th Anniversary of priesthood. There will be cake and coffee on Sunday, April 26 after the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses. See you there!
SMILE! You’re Wanted in Our New Parish Pictorial Directory!
Saint Michael Catholic Community is updating its pictorial directory, and we want YOU to be part of it!
·Why? To help us connect, put names to new faces, and celebrate our community, in a spirit of renewal.
·When? Tuesdays – Saturdays, April 21 to May 16
·Where? Rooms 143 and 144
What you get: A FREE high-quality printed directory and an option to purchase your photos (there is no obligation)
How to Register for a FREE PHOTO SESSION:
Online: Visit https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/837754yq/
In-Person: Volunteers will be in the Narthex to help with on-line sign up after Masses April 11 & 12 and April 18 & 19.
Volunteers are needed to help with the sign-up process and with registration at the photography sessions. Please click this link if you are able to VOLUNTEER https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054EA8A623A7FD0-62867253-parish
Hike for Life
Please join Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew in support of the Calgary Pro-Life Association’s 10K Hike For Life at Prince’s Island Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026. You can join the St. Michael’s team, start collecting pledges and hike on your own, or you can make a donation to St. Michael’s Catholic Community on behalf of Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew, or any other team member from now until June 30. All donations go directly to Pro-Life to support the Respect For Life programs. St. Michael’s CWL will be collecting pledges on behalf of Fr. Edmund and Fr. Andrew in the Narthex after all Masses on May 2nd and 3rd or you can donate online at https://www.canadahelps.org/s/jP4P8f
Vacation Bible Camp 2026:
“Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God”
* SMCC 5-day Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) 2026 has limited spots available (50) for all students/minors aged Kindergarten (6yrs.) to Grade 12. * Online registration is now open. * Thank you to those who have already engaged with our Parish Volunteer Coordinator, Gladys. Please contact Gladys at gdoh@saintmichael.ca to begin/continue the parish volunteer engagement process.
Week-at-a-Glance: (Sat. Apr. 18 – Sun. Apr. 26, 2026):
Saturday, April 18:
Parish Renewal Conference: Sanctuary, Mass 9am, Sessions 10am-3:45pm
Sunday, April 19:
Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am & 11:00am
Monday, April 20:
Bible Studies: St. Nicholas Room, 7:00pm
Tuesday, April 21:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm, Registration Required
Rosary Group: Day Chapel, 5:20pm
RCIA: St Nicholas Room, 7:00pm
Wednesday, April 22:
Men’s Ministry: Theater, 6:00am-7:30am
Coffee Wednesday: Narthex, 9:30am
Women’s Ministry: Theater, 10:00am
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm, Registration Required
CCCRS Prayer Meeting: Day Chapel, 7:00pm
Thursday, April 23:
Moms & Tots: St. Nicholas Room, 9:30am – 11:30am
Knitting Ministry: Library Room, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm, Registration Required
Adult Confirmation: Library, 7:00pm (pre-registration required)
Friday, April 24:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 2:30pm-8:30pm, Registration required
Elevation Youth Group: St. Nicholas Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm (last session)
Saturday, April 25:
Parish Pictorial Directory: Room 143 & 144, 9:30am-3:00pm, Registration Required.
Saturday Night Lights (Gr. 7-12): Sanctuary, 7:00pm
Sunday, April 26:
Children’s Liturgy: 8:30am and 10:30am
Coffee Sunday: Narthex, after 9:00am & 11:00am
Fr. Edmund’s 47th Anniversary: Narthex, After the 9:00am & 11:00am Masses
Altar Server Training: Sanctuary, 12:00-2:00pm
CWL Ladies Tea-Time: Narthex, 1:30pm-3:30pm (Pre-Registration Required)
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Third Sunday of Easter, 19/04/2026, 858.45 KB