Bulletin: Third Sunday of Advent

Posted 2022-12-09 by @saintmichaelyyc

 

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

 

Download bulletin PDF

 

Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday!

December 11, 2022

This Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday, symbolized by the pink candle of the Advent wreath, is the celebration of our joy of realizing that Christmas is at hand.  
 
We rejoice at the nearness of our celebration of the event that has made God present in our humanity. We rejoice at the fast approaching celebration of Christ’s birth that has made God present among us, in the sacraments and in prayer, in our daily life and in the signs of the times, in other people and in occasions of serving one another. We rejoice at the promised gift of God’s only begotten Son taking on human form through the Blessed Virgin Mary that renewed our world from within, bringing about an abiding source of supernatural life and liberation from sin.
 
Our reason for great rejoicing is Christ’s presence in our midst which began on the first Christmas Day. We see and feel Christ’s presence in people whose lives reflect His love, mercy and forgiveness. Although harder to see and understand, God is also with us in pain and suffering.  
 
Our readings today urge us to move forward as we rejoice in the signs of God’s presence in our midst. And we are called upon to live as a sign of Christ’s presence in our daily life, in the midst of our difficulties and the challenges that we face in our journey of faith.
 
As we hasten towards Christmas, let us offer the gift of Christ’s presence to our loved ones as well as to those who need most our love. Let us be more generous with our gift-giving, knowing that we give on behalf of Him who gave up his life for our sake.
 
As Christmas approaches, let us re-learn to welcome Christ not only in our hearts but also in the lives of others, especially those who are struggling to gain their human dignity in the midst of poverty, sickness and need for love and comfort. The joy of Christmas is rooted in sharing Christ’s love and presence with others in community. The birth of the Emmanuel, which means God is with us, highlights the continuing presence of God in our world through the life we live as followers of Christ. May this season strengthen us in our witness to Christ’s presence in our midst.
 
FrEdmund@saintmichael.ca
 
 
Healing Lines
 
God knows that we are lovable and capable, but sometimes we don’t feel that way about ourselves. We can be tempted to let our mistakes and failures define us. Since abusive behaviour often springs from how we respect ourselves and care for the image of God in us. Question of the Week: What is one thing you can do for yourself on a regular basis that will make you feel good about yourself and make your life more balanced and harmonious?

 

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.

 

Confirmation

Registration for the 2023 Confirmation program is now open! To register your child(ren) in grades 6 and up for the Sacrament of Confirmation, visit our website at https://saintmichael.ca/confirmation/

 

Together in Action (Formerly Bishop’s Appeal)  

The parish target for 2022 is $121,243, we are still short by $93,585.50.  With only one month left in the year, please consider making a contribution to help us meet our target.

 

Gift Shop

Don’t forget to check out St. Michaels gift shop after mass on Saturday night and Sundays… lots of Advent calendars and candles, and Christmas ornaments and Nativity sets to help celebrate the season of Christmas! We also have a beautiful selection of rosaries and jewelry, and wonderful books for both adults and children. 

 

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.

 

Advent Reconciliation

Thursday, December 15 

Our parish Advent Reconciliation will be held on Thursday, December 15. There will be several priests available to hear confessions starting from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Come and prepare yourself for Christmas spiritually with the sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

Stocking Tree

We will not be collecting stockings for the stocking tree this year. If you wish, you can make a donation to SSVP, or donate to a charity of your choice.

 

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.

 

Knitting Ministry 

Thank you to all who are knitting for our project! Just a reminder that the deadline to drop off any items is Thursday, December 15. There is a “knitting donations” box in the gathering area beside the SSVP donations. 

 

GriefShare

January 17 to March 2, 2023 

Have you lost a loved one recently, or know someone who has? The grief support ministry invites individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one and would like to participate in a Grief Share Program in the new year. The program consists of a video seminar (Christian based with personal stories from Christian experts who have experienced grief), group sharing with participants/facilitators and a personal workbook. The program runs every Tuesday, 7 pm to 9 pm from January 17 to March 7. There is a fee of $10 for the workbook. Free will offerings will also be accepted. To register or for more info, please contact the Parish Office at 403-249-0423 or info@saintmichael.ca.

 

Christmas Hampers 2022 Donations

We will distribute hampers to 170 families at the cost of $54,000. The parish has “advanced” $29,000 to cover the required amount while we wait for contributions from parishioners. Please consider supporting this outreach effort as part of being a “missionary” community.  

 

Christmas Hamper Outreach

Volunteers Needed! 

Hamper Day Monday, December 19

Referrals: We currently have more than 145 referrals for hampers. Referrals are accepted from parish school counselors, and through the SSVP intake line at 403-249-0423 extension 122.    

Support Us: 

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 is how we meet requests for children’s gifts. Please return your Angel Tree Gift no later than Monday December 12th. Gifts are being wrapped by our volunteers on Wednesday December 14th.   

Volunteers: 

Thank you to all our faithful parish members who have volunteered. We will be in touch about your assignment.  Note: To volunteer or if you need to cancel please contact Marvin Matthews MMatthews@saintmichael.ca

Food Donations: Thank you to our parish schools for their food drives in support of SSVP. SSVP provides support to families year-round.  Food donations received this month are used by SSVP to address late hamper requests and after-Christmas hamper needs.

 

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, December 10, 5 pm Mass: Fr. Edmund Vargas

Sunday, December 11, 9 am Mass: Fr. Edmund Vargas

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

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Third Sunday of Advent, 11/12/2022, 605.87 KB

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