St. Albert the Great Parish
“O taste and see that the Lord is good” Ps 34.8
10 Prestwick Drive SE, Calgary, AB, Canada T2Z 4J6
Phone: 403 257 6054 Fax: 403 257 6072
Charitable Registration Number 107909939 RR0084
26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Ezekiel 18: 25 - 28
Philippians 2: 1 - 11
Matthew 21: 28 - 32
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
As Christian stewards we are called to a high and holy standard — living as Christ’s disciples every day and with every person the Lord places in our path. But we can move towards this goal in “baby steps.”
Jesus demonstrates this comforting truth through the parable He tells in today’s Gospel from Matthew. It is the story of two sons whose father instructs them to go out and work in his vineyard that day. While the second son agrees to his father’s request, he does not follow through — he fails to obey the father’s will. The first son tells his father, “no.” At least he is honest! And in the end, he reconsiders and obeys his father.
The first son’s honest, less-than-perfect response, is consoling to us Christian stewards. Haven’t we all felt this way at times when God’s will for us seems to be just too hard?
We can be honest with God at these times. He knows our thoughts already, after all. But when we stayed engaged in a real relationship with Him, even if it’s just to say, “I don’t think I can, Lord,” He will supply us with just the grace we need to change our minds and do what He is asking us to do.
We can even take a step backward from time to time because our Father is merciful and kind. What matters is that we keep baby stepping along, assured of the grace we need to more closely imitate the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is the beauty of the stewardship way of life.
Jesus demonstrates this comforting truth through the parable He tells in today’s Gospel from Matthew. It is the story of two sons whose father instructs them to go out and work in his vineyard that day. While the second son agrees to his father’s request, he does not follow through — he fails to obey the father’s will. The first son tells his father, “no.” At least he is honest! And in the end, he reconsiders and obeys his father.
The first son’s honest, less-than-perfect response, is consoling to us Christian stewards. Haven’t we all felt this way at times when God’s will for us seems to be just too hard?
We can be honest with God at these times. He knows our thoughts already, after all. But when we stayed engaged in a real relationship with Him, even if it’s just to say, “I don’t think I can, Lord,” He will supply us with just the grace we need to change our minds and do what He is asking us to do.
We can even take a step backward from time to time because our Father is merciful and kind. What matters is that we keep baby stepping along, assured of the grace we need to more closely imitate the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is the beauty of the stewardship way of life.
TAKE NOTE OF UPCOMING PRIEST STUDY DAYS
All priests of the Diocese of Calgary will be attending Study Days this next week.
There will be no Masses and Reconciliation held at St. Albert the Great on Tuesday, October 3; Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5. Masses and Reconciliation will resume on Friday, October 6 at the usual times.
MASS INTENTIONS
Tue, Oct 3 @ 9:00 am Anyika Ekene Jr. (INT)
Tue, Oct 3 @ 10:00 am Alane Boudreau & Family (INT) - Senior Care Centre
Tue, Oct 3 @ 6:30 pm Janine Woods (INT)
Wed, Oct 4 @ 9:00 am John & Ethel Chimko (RIP)
Wed, Oct 4 @ 9:00 am John & Ethel Chimko (RIP)
Wed, Oct 4 @ 10:30 am Felicidad Balala (RIP)
Wed, Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm Bien Eway (INT)
Thu, Oct 5 @ 9:00 am Thomas Blomme (RIP)
Thu, Oct 5 @ 6:30 pm No Mass
Fri, Oct 6 @ 9:00 am Jose Ferreira (RIP)
Fri, Oct 6 @ 6:30 pm Frank Romeo (INT)
Sat, Oct 7 @ 9:00 am Father Krys (INT)
Sat, Oct 7 @ 9:00 am Father Krys (INT)
Sat, Oct 7 @ 5:00 pm Judy Fiselier (INT)
Sun, Oct 8 @ 9:00 am Quintin Sangre (RIP)
Sun, Oct 8 @ 9:00 am Quintin Sangre (RIP)
Sun, Oct 8 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT)
Sun, Oct 8 @ 5:00 pm Jesus Abainza (RiP)
IMPORTANT DONATION INFORMATION
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS – when making donations by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) please put your full name in the memo line, and your address if it is the first time you are sending an EFT donation. We are receiving donations that only come in from the bank with a first name, and we do not know who it belongs to, or what it is for; donation, sacrament fee payment, etc. Also, you may have the same first and last name as another parishioner, and the address helps us correctly record the donation. Your full name and address ensures that we are recording the donation to the correct person for tax receipts at the end of the year.
DONATION ENVELOPES – we are encouraging parishioners to make donations electronically, however we can provide you with a box of donation envelopes and a sheet of labels to put on them, as the envelopes are not numbered. Please come to the parish office Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and we can provide you with the box of envelopes and labels. If you do not want the labels, when using envelopes, please PRINT your full name and address on the envelope. If you only put your first name “John”, or your last name “Doe Family”, we do not know who to record the donation to and it gets recorded as loose.
PARKING NEAR THE CHURCH
SACRAMENT REGISTRATION FOR 2023-2024
Registration for the sacraments (First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation) is now open at St. Albert the Great Church for 2023 - 2024!
Please click the following link to register:
https://stalbertthegreat.ca/sacrament-registration-form.../
Please register by the end of September.
For an outline of dates for the sacraments, please visit the following link: https://stalbertthegreat.ca/sacrament-dates-2023-2024/
Contact Dan D'Agostino via email with any questions at sacraments@stalbertthegreat.ca
VOLUNTEER FOR THE SACRAMENTS
St. Albert the Great Parish is in need of several volunteers to help with the sacraments in some capacity. There are a variety of roles, and we would be happy to figure out the role best suited to you.
Whether it is assisting with the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, or other sacraments between, consider that this may be an opportunity to which the Holy Spirit is calling you to make use of your gifts and talents.
Please contact Dan D'Agostino through the parish office to inquire how you may be able to help out:
Max dimensions of item(s):
15cm x 5 cm x 5cm (i.e. swimming cylinder) - exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis if requested.
It shall be no greater than 100g in weight for familial submissions OR 1Kg for schools.
These items:
- Cannot be:
- personal clothing
- human or animal remains, cremated or otherwise
- bodily fluids of any type
- Cards submitted must not contain inappropriate language or information and MUST be able to be read by strangers
- USB drives CAN be submitted but must be marked and contained with familial identification in a larger cylinder
- Familial Identification includes:
- Name of submitter and formal names of all people in photos
- Current home address
- Personal email address at time of submission
- Genealogy information can be provided for historical tracing if desired.
- Photos on drives must be appropriate for public viewing
- Familial Identification includes:
St. Albert the Great Anniversary Committee - School Participation
St. Albert the Great Anniversary Committee is proud to have the following schools participate in our weekend Masses on the following dates in celebration of our 25th Parish Anniversary.
We hope all families of the students at these schools come to Mass in celebration with them as they celebrate in the ministries of Welcoming, proclaiming the Word as First Readers and bringing the Gifts during the Mass.
The schedule currently is as follows:
- 5 pm - Sunday, October 15 - St. John Henry Newman
- 9 am - Sunday October 22 - Our Lady of the Rosary
- 5 pm - Sunday, October 22 - Christ the King & Divine Mercy Schools
- 9 am - Sunday, October 29 - Prince of Peace
- 5 pm - Saturday, November 11 - All Saints
- 9 am - Sunday, November 12 - St. Albert the Great, St. Gianna, & St. Marguerite
- 5 pm - Sunday, November 12 - Bishop O'Byrne
2023 TOGETHER IN ACTION CAMPAIGN
Our 2023 Together In Action goal is $78,445 and any surplus funds above our goal will go towards the repair of the main doors to the church. To date we have raised $59,957.03 towards our goal thanks to your generous contributions.
REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE
We are so pleased to let the parish know that the immigration interview for the refugee family went well. The family was approved to come to Canada!! Thank you all for your prayers!! Please continue to pray for their safety while they await their departure for Canada. We expect the families arrival to be sometime within 3 - 6 months, maybe even sooner. There will be lots of help needed from our parish to prepare and welcome them, please stay tuned we will communicate further with you on how you can help once we know their flight details.
REFUGEE FAMILY DONATION UPDATE
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MINISTRY FAIR
Ministries are the foundation of our parish community, providing an opportunity to serve and build fellowship amongst our faithful.
Please join us, the ministries serving our parish will provide important information of their mission, and how you can get involved.
Where: Church basement When: October 21 & 22 following all Masses Who should attend: You and your family!
- Come meet your fellow parishioners and neighbours.
- Enter your name for draw prizes.
- Learn how you can answer God’s call to serve.
Sharing our Gifts and Talents by Serving Others
THE BOOMERS - St. Albert the Great Seniors Club
Invitation to join the Boomers Seniors, a social club which fosters friendships, both old and new in fun filled gatherings. We meet monthly from September to June to share our gifts and talents, social and learning activities and enjoy each others company.
Learn more
Call Yvonne at (403)201-1967 Or email Cheryll: cnandee@icloud.com
HELP HELP HELP - YARN IS NEEDED
A resident of the McKenzie Care Centre is in need of yarn. She generously knits warm toques and scarves for the homeless folks of Calgary.
If you have leftover yarn or find you can afford to purchase a few skeins it would be greatly appreciated.
You may drop off your donations at the SATG Church Office or to the McKenzie Care Centre, 80 Promenade Way SE.
Thank you for your good deeds and God bless your generosity.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul needs
Canned tomatoes and Canned fruit.
Please drop your donations in the St. Vincent de Paul box in the Narthex. Thank you for your support!
SATG 25th Anniversary Online Store is now available
You can find 25th Anniversary merchandise for purchase at this link .
The items are rounded either to the nearest $1, or $5 increment to fundraise for the parish (with the exception on the coffee mugs), with a donation to the parish adder at the checkout page. The first order will be placed on August 16. After August 16th, additional orders will be taken on the next run until October 20th with that next run delivered by November 10th so people can have a chance to have it for the Feast Day celebration on November 15th.
A BIBLICAL WALK WITH THE BLESSED MOTHER COURSE
Dr. Edward Sri's 8-week course on, 'A Biblical Walk With the Blessed Mother' will begin on October 4 (Wednesday evenings) from 6:30 to 9:00 PM over Zoom. Cost of the workbook is $42, and payment can be an e-transfer or cheque, made payable to:
Lucille Paplawski
548 Midridge Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2X1B9
For more information, please contact Lucille at 403-479-1211 or paplawski@hotmail.com."
PLEASE HELP US TELL THE STORY OF OUR PARISH
A small group of the faithful from St. Albert the Great Parish have taken on the mission to put together some recollections and archives going back to the very beginnings of our parish. Our history got away from us and we think that while we’re still able, we need to gather up our memories. We are reaching out to anyone who has been a part of our journey for the past 25 years to help document our past.
We’re not exactly sure of what this is all going to look like, but all stories and memories are important. Can you help us?
Your participation wouldn’t involve a huge time commitment. If you do like meetings and such, we’ve decided to gather once a month to add past events to a giant timeline. But, another way that you might participate is to write down your recollections…events that stick out in your memory or that were really important to your family. You might want to look through your boxes of photos and contribute those or a scan of those. There are many ways that your participation might be celebrated. Whether you walked in the front doors of our church when they first opened 20 years ago, or for the first time a few months ago, you are an important part of our history and we thank you for anything you might do. If you have something to share, please contact us at archives@stalbertthegreat.ca .
PRAYER BOARD
"Because Christ hears and saves those who hope in Him, let us pray for . . . "
To have a name added to the Prayer Board, please email secretary@stalbertthegreat.ca and provide the name of the person you would like to add.
Bishop McGrattan's message re: Vocations
“The radical living of our baptism is a continuous call for every person to follow Christ. It's never static, nor does it focus on self.” ~Bishop McGrattan
In his support for Serra Calgary’s apostolate for the promotion of vocations, Bishop McGrattan talks about the true heart and essence of a vocation - a lifelong commitment to the service of God and the Church, and of our new seminarians.
In his support for Serra Calgary’s apostolate for the promotion of vocations, Bishop McGrattan talks about the true heart and essence of a vocation - a lifelong commitment to the service of God and the Church, and of our new seminarians.
Rosary Coast to Coast
This year is the sixth year that the worldwide Rosary Coast to Coast will be on October 13, 2023. Last year, we received an outstanding response from school and church communities nationwide who sincerely desire to participate in this uniquely beautiful event. Barely a few days away, and we are almost there!
- Those who want to participate as prayer captains may contact us via email at parishionerh@gmail.com
- Prayer captains may lead a prayer group, school, community, church, family, and friends in prayer through the recitation of the holy rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, ideally before our Eucharistic Lord in churches.
- If attending the livestream event is impossible, one can light a candle and pray.
- The Rosary Coast to Coast concept is that we all pray together at a specific hour. The times are:
- 9:30 PM Newfoundland
- 9:00 PM Atlantic
- 8:00 PM Eastern
- 7:00 PM Central
- 6:00 PM Mountain
- 5:00 PM Pacific
- We will list the interested prayer group's event on the website, www.rosarycoasttocoast.ca.
- We will be recording the live event on October 13, 2023, so that individuals who cannot join in at the specified times may be able to do so at a later date of their choosing
- The Zoom live link is:
Vocatio
Have you ever thought of a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life?
Join Vocatio: An event for men discerning the Priesthood and men and women discerning the Consecrated Life. Vocatio begins with anticipated Mass at 5 pm, followed by pizza, presentations and discussions, and Night Prayer. There will be separate groups for men and women. When: Saturdays, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Join Vocatio: An event for men discerning the Priesthood and men and women discerning the Consecrated Life. Vocatio begins with anticipated Mass at 5 pm, followed by pizza, presentations and discussions, and Night Prayer. There will be separate groups for men and women. When: Saturdays, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
- To register, contact Fr. Derek Remus at derek.remus@calgarydiocese.ca or Sr. Dianne Turner at sisterdianne.turner@calgarydiocese.ca.
- Download poster: PDF | PNG
RCIA Workshop
The Diocese of Calgary is sponsoring a workshop for parish RCIA teams, catechists, sponsors, clergy, and anyone interested in learning more about the RCIA process with speakers: Rev. Bill Corcoran and Dave & Sandy Marshall.
When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm - St. Anthony’s Parish, Calgary.
- The topics covered will include:
- Why establish year-round catechumenate?
- How to establish and maintain year-round catechumenate?
- Implications for four “Periods” and three liturgical “Steps”
- Preparing ministries: catechists, sponsors, team and parish.
- To register, complete the registration form at : https://forms.gle/V5cLeCcYChsivYsa9 by Tuesday, Oct. 17
- Download poster - PDF | PNG
The Knights of Columbus of High River
The Knights of Columbus of High River will be selling Apples after the Saturday 5:00 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses on the weekend of Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1 st. Your support is greatly appreciated! (Cash or Cheque accepted)
Enlarge the Tent - with Fr. Tim Boyle
Back for a second series, Fr. Tim Boyle will speak on The Art of Accompaniment, picking up on the theme from the Synod preparation document "Enlarge the Tent."
- Sessions will be available in-person at St. Martha's, Lethbridge, or watch via livestream at stmarthsparish.ca
- When: Every third Monday of the month, beginning Monday, Sep. 18 at 10:30 am
- See all dates in 2023/2024
- Download poster: PDF | PNG
Pastoral Care Ministry Training
The Diocese of Calgary is offering a Pastoral Care Ministry Training for those who feel called to assist their parish in a healing ministry to the sick, elderly, dying, homebound and bereaved members. This workshop is applicable for new or those previously trained in Pastoral Care Ministry.
Note that fee should not be a deterrent. No one will be denied participation. You can contact the Pastoral Ministry Office via email to make other arrangements.
- Locations
- Medicine Hat: Friday to Saturday, Sep. 22-24
- Calgary: Saturdays, Nov. 11 & 25
- Register now at catholicyyc.ca/pastoralcare - or call 403-218-5547
- Download Poster
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre Bessing of Pets
Journeying Together | Hope & Healing
Miscarriages can cause a range of emotions, such as grief, guilt, anger, and loneliness, and it is often hard to find people who understand what you are going through.
The Diocese of Calgary invites individuals or families to join a transformative workshop designed for those navigating the grief of miscarriage. Connect with others who understand your pain, share your experience in a safe and compassionate environment, and learn coping strategies from professionals and peers who had gone through this journey.
The Diocese of Calgary invites individuals or families to join a transformative workshop designed for those navigating the grief of miscarriage. Connect with others who understand your pain, share your experience in a safe and compassionate environment, and learn coping strategies from professionals and peers who had gone through this journey.
- When: Friday & Saturday (Oct. 13 & 14) at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
- Register online at: miscarriageliturgy.ca/workshop
- Download poster: PDF | PNG
Diaconate Ordination | Nov 18, 2023
We are pleased to announce that 12 men will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in our diocese this year! Bishop William T. McGrattan will preside at the Mass of Ordination on Saturday, November 18, at 11 am at St. Mary's Cathedral. All are welcome!
The candidates to be ordained:
The candidates to be ordained:
- John Arbeau, Ascension Parish, Calgary
- Bruce Alan Barnett, St. Martha’s Parish, Lethbridge
- Ferdinand Gayos, St. Albert the Great, Calgary
- Randy Victor Gritter, St. Michael’s Parish, Calgary
- Thomas Hing Cheung Ha, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Calgary
- Brian Kinahan, St. Augustine’s, Taber
- Timothy Peter Lilienthal, All Saints Parish, Lethbridge
- James Arnold Manzara, All Saints Parish, Lethbridge
- Carlos Perez, St. Thomas More, Calgary
- Ricardo Rosero, Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, Calgary
- Andrew Ross, St. Joseph, Calgary
- Reynaldo Tadifa, St. Albert the Great, Calgary
You can learn more about the candidates in Faithfully, "Sacred Service." Please keep these men and their families in your prayers.
Sunday Bulletin shorts
Given the same task by their father, one son asserts his disobedience in words, but then obeys in his actions; the second son obeys with his words, but disobeys in his actions. The question that Jesus poses is pointed and direct: Which son did what the father wanted? All would agree that “actions speak louder than words” and that even if his words were disobedient, the son who did the work as ordered did the father’s will.
- Do our words indicate our obedience to God?
If not our words, do our actions? God desires a full conversion of heart, that our actions (and our words as well) will give evidence of our love for God.
(Source: Loyola Press)
Resources for children
Kid's challenge this week: Sometimes when we are asked to do something, we might say yes and then forget. Other times, we might have no plans to do what we are asked. We say yes, but we don’t mean it. Jesus teaches us that our actions are as important as our words. This week, pray together that your family will experience a conversion to God and show evidence of this in both actions and words. (Loyola Press)
- Colouring page this Sunday
- Kid's Bulletin this Sunday
- Sunday Connection this Sunday (Gr. 1-8)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word this Sunday
Blessing of Pets at Mount St. Francis
The Franciscans Friars invite all pets and their owners to the annual blessing of Pets! Note that pets must be leashed or in a crate. When: Sun, Oct 1 at 2:30 pm - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane. Blessing ritual will be at 3 pm, west side of retreat centre. All are welcome!
Movie Screening: The Letter
The Letter, a thought-provoking new documentary that has been developed with the help and participation of Pope Francis is uniting the Church across the globe in its call for environmental and social justice. When: Wed, Oct. 4 at 7 pm - FCJ Centre, Calgary. Free admission & refreshments.
Evening with Mary at Canadian Martyr's Church
All are invited to attend a very special “Evening with Mary” in preparation for the Feast of Mary, Queen of the Rosary! When: Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at 7 pm at Canadian Martyrs Church, Calgary. Featuring: St. Luke Contemporary Choir and Friends for the recitation of the Holy Rosary, Mezzo-soprano Eswina Ngai, and a reflection by Father Cuong. A free will offering will go towards the Canadian Martyrs special projects’ fund. Download Poster
40-Hour for Vocations
Take part in a 40 Hours Adoration to ask the Lord for an increase of vocations in our Diocese. When: Friday, Oct 6 at 3 pm to Sunday Oct 8 at 7 am - St. Anthony's Adoration Chapel, Calgary. Get code to enter the chapel by signing up
Perogies & Yard Sale at Our Lady Queen of Peace
Come visit the Parish Yard Sale, and see what treasures you can find! There will be perogies and other baking products for sale. When: Sat & Sun, Oct 7 & 8, at 10 am to 5 pm - Our Lady Queen of Peace, Calgary.
Nigerian Thanksgiving Mass
Join the Nigerian Thanksgiving Mass with celebrant Fr. John Gannon. Reception will follow after Mass. Kindly bring non-perishable food items for the thanksgiving. All are welcome! When: Sunday, Oct. 8 at 6 pm - Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary. More info | Download Poster
Candlelit Rosary
In the month of Holy Rosary, St. Bonaventure invites you to their parish candlelit Living Rosary for our Blessed Mother. When: Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 pm - St. Bonaventure, Calgary. More
Holy Spirit Retreat
Calgary Catholic Charismatic Renewal Society invites you to deepen your connection with the Holy Spirit in this weekend retreat at Mount St. Francis. When: Oct 13-15, Mount St. Francis, Cochrane. For more information, contact Doreen at 403-969-0966. More info
Journeying Together: Hope & Healing Workshop after Miscarriage or Stillbirth
The Diocese of Calgary invites individuals or families to join a transformative workshop designed for those navigating the grief of miscarriage. Connect with others who understand your pain, share your experience in a safe and compassionate environment, and learn coping strategies from professionals and peers who have gone through this journey. When: Friday & Saturday (Oct. 13 & 14) at Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary. Register online at: miscarriageliturgy.ca/workshop
Love More 6.0 Concert
Save the date for the annual benefit concert for the care of retired priests in the Diocese of Calgary, and ANCOP. When: Sat, Oct. 14 at 7:30 pm - St. Thomas More, Calgary. More
Like a Mighty River Conference
Calgary Catholic Charismatic Renewal Society (CCCRS) invites you to their annual Conference with the theme "God is more than Able." When: Fri and Sat (Oct 20-21) at St. Luke's Parish, Calgary. For more information or to register visit cccrs.com
"She Sings" | An Evening of Music and Testimony for Women
Beloved Daughters Ministry invites women of all ages to join them for a time of music and fellowship at the Cardel Theatre. The evening will be a showcase of local women sharing testimonies of life and faith through song and story telling. Light snacks and socializing to follow after the show. When: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7 pm to 10 pm - Cardel Theatre, Calgary. More
Career opportunities
- Assistant Coordinator (Casual) - Feed the Hungry
- Sacramental & Youth Coordinator (Part-time/Term) - St. James Parish, Okotoks
- Caretaker (Casual) - St. Martha's Parish, Lethbridge
- Family Faith Life & Sacrament Preparation Coordinator (Full-time) - St. Luke's Parish, Calgary
- Communications & Program Coordinator (Part-time) - Ascension Parish, Calgary
- Camp Director, Our Lady of Victory Camp - Archdiocese of Edmonton
Please visit catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and application details.
Subscribe to Faithfully
If you haven't already, please subscribe to the Diocesan publication Faithfully - to keep you updated with what's happening in our Diocese. Get a snapshot of faith at work in the lives of everyday people in our Diocese and find opportunities to spread the Good News of Christ beyond the walls of our churches. Subscribe at catholicyyc.ca/faithfully
Other Dicocese information can be found at this link.
