Bulletin: Third Sunday of Easter

Posted 2023-04-21 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

Download bulletin PDF

 

Our Blind Spot

April 23, 2023

The blind spot, also known as a scotoma, is the place in the visual field that corresponds to the lack of light-detecting photoreceptor cells of the retina where the optic nerve passes through it. Since there are no cells to detect light on the optic disc, a part of the field of vision is not perceived. By analogy, this term is extended to any given area which cannot be seen or reached with available equipment. The expression blind spot is therefore applied to an area of human experience in which we fail to exercise understanding or judgment. 
 
In the gospels, the disciples of Jesus and practically most of their contemporaries had this blind spot when it came to the correct understanding of what kind of person the future Messiah would be. Scriptures has an abundance of description of the Messianic era and of the Messiah, especially the expectation for the messiah to be a king. But who would associate suffering with kingship? Scripture passages also indicate that the future Messiah would be a suffering king, as found “in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms” which the disciples and their contemporaries did not see and understand. Subconsciously, as it were, these passages were blocked from their awareness because kingship is usually associated with glory, not suffering.  
 
Like the early disciples of Christ, we also have the same blind spot when it comes to seeing suffering as part of the Messiah’s life and character. We are often scandalized because tragedies disrupt our lives, as if good Christians should never suffer. 
 
When we reflect on the value of suffering, we should realize that a world without suffering would not be a very good place to be. Jesuit author Daniel Liderbach writes: “If there were no misery or anguish in the world, then one might find that there would be a correlative absence of those moral virtues that persons develop as they respond to suffering. Such a world might lack compassion, unselfishness, courage and determination. Such a world might not be a world in which persons as we know them would choose to live”. 
 
We have to be grateful and appreciative that Jesus came to us as a suffering Messiah and not as a triumphant one, thus giving meaning and depth to our own suffering. Do not be afraid!
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
As we rejoice this Easter let us assist those who suffer the long-term effects of interpersonal violence in all its forms. As we continue to seek the Risen Lord in our lives let us seek ways to end abuse in our communities and homes. Do not be afraid also to confront violence in every aspect of your lives.
 

Announcements:

 

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.

 

Fr. Edmund’s Anniversary of Ordination

Friday, April 28 at 7 pm

Come and celebrate Fr. Edmund’s 44th year of Ordination on Friday, April 28 with a Thanksgiving Mass at 7 pm followed by fellowship/reception of coffee and cake.

 

Saturday Night Lights with Michael Chiasson & Access 52

Saturday, April 29, 6pm

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

 

Pastoral Care Ministry Update

Augusto Bitter, our coordinator and his wife Emilia are now looking for volunteers to work in this important ministry. You may wish to join us as a new volunteer, resume your previous (pre-pandemic) volunteer activity, to join another area of this ministry, or to help us recruit others who may respond to your invitation to serve. For details, please reach out to him at abitter@telus.net or 403-804-5047.

 

Together in Action 2023

Thank you to all parishioners for your generosity and sacrificial giving in helping St. Michael’s continue to reach our TIA goals. This year’s goal is $121, 243, and the campaign theme is taken from I John 3:18: “Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” In a shared act of faith, let us join together and pool our resources to bring the Gospel message to a world in need. The TIA beneficiaries include local charities, ministries in support of parish life, Catholic missions serving across Canada, Mission Council work internationally, and Development and Peace efforts promoting social change and justice for all of our neighbours at home and abroad. How you can help: parishioners are now able to make donations by debit from a chequing or Visa and Mastercard account using St. Michael’s process, or by designating to our TIA campaign any contribution to St. Michael’s. For parishioners donating through United Way designations, please check to ensure that St. Michael’s Church (Registered Charity # 107909939RR0026) and TOGETHER IN ACTION are recorded on the pledge form.  

 

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.

 

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

 

“TRAiD for MAiD”

Tuesday, May 30 – 7pm

True Assistance in Dying: why is MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) embedding itself in our country? St. Michael’s Catholic Women’s League will be hosting Dr. Peggy Thomson-Gibson, MSCM. FRCP(C), as she presents on how to “Defend the Faith without Raising our Voice” to shed the light of faith through prayer, action and sacrifice on Tuesday, May 30 at 7:30 pm in St. Mary’s Chapel. All are welcome to attend this timely event.

 

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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Third Sunday of Easter, 23/04/2023, 714.34 KB

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