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
30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Exodus 22: 20 - 26
Thessalonians 1: 5C - 10
Matthew 22: 34 - 40
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
Today’s readings are all about love — the radical love of God for His people and the radical love we are called to live out in response. The stewardship way of life is nothing more and nothing less than the practical application of loving God and neighbor in our daily lives.
Jesus sums up the message of all the prophets, as well as the purpose of all God’s laws in today's Gospel passage, from Matthew. It is a message we have likely grown up hearing — but it is so beautiful and so challenging, it bears repeating again and again. It is Christ’s response to a question about which commandment is greatest. His answer reveals both the greatest and the second greatest commandments.
He says, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... The second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
How is the second like the first? What do the two commands have in common? Love.
Love God first and love neighbor as self. This is the heart of the stewardship way of life — simple enough for a child to understand, challenging enough to be the life’s work of every “grown-up.”
Jesus sums up the message of all the prophets, as well as the purpose of all God’s laws in today's Gospel passage, from Matthew. It is a message we have likely grown up hearing — but it is so beautiful and so challenging, it bears repeating again and again. It is Christ’s response to a question about which commandment is greatest. His answer reveals both the greatest and the second greatest commandments.
He says, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... The second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
How is the second like the first? What do the two commands have in common? Love.
Love God first and love neighbor as self. This is the heart of the stewardship way of life — simple enough for a child to understand, challenging enough to be the life’s work of every “grown-up.”
MASS INTENTIONS
Tue, Oct 31 @ 9:00 am Henry & Eva Retzlaff (INT)
Tue, Oct 31 @ 6:30 pm Adam Fiselier (INT)
Wed, Nov 1 @ 10:30 am Darlene Keester (RIP) - Senior Care Centre
Wed, Nov 1 @ 10:30 am Darlene Keester (RIP) - Senior Care Centre
Wed, Nov 1 @ 6:30 pm Abraham and Cosmelita Romero (RIP)
Thu, Nov 2 @ 9:00 am Osvalda Ferreira (RIP)
Thu, Nov 2 @ 1:30 pm Marie Elizabeth Renaud (RIP) - Senior Care Centre
Thu, Nov 2 @ 6:30 pm Patrick Honish (INT)
Fri, Nov 3 @ 9:00 am Clifford Plettell (RIP)
Fri, Nov 3 @ 6:30 pm Paul Cloutier (RIP)
Sat, Nov 4 @ 9:00 am Archbishop Adam Exner O.M.I. (RIP)
Sat, Nov 4 @ 9:00 am Archbishop Adam Exner O.M.I. (RIP)
Sat, Nov 4 @ 5:00 pm Candelaria/Santiago Family (RIP)
Sun, Nov 5 @ 9:00 am Armando Marenco (RIP)
Sun, Nov 5 @ 9:00 am Armando Marenco (RIP)
Sun, Nov 5 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT)
Sun, Nov 5 @ 5:00 pm Felipe and Concepcion Dalman (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
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:
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TRAINING SESSION
Friday, November 3, 2023
Is God calling you to become an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister? Perhaps it’s been a while since you last served.
We will be holding a training session for both those who would like a refresher and those who are new to this ministry.
The training session will be held on:
- Friday, November 3, 2023 at 7:00pm after the evening Mass.
Please direct any questions to volunteers@stalbertthegreat.ca
Eucharistic Ministers must be fully initiated in the Catholic faith.
LECTOR MINISTRY TRAINING SESSION
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
What do you call a man or woman who stands up in a Catholic church and lends his or her voice to God? A LECTOR. If you are being called to proclaim God’s word, then please consider joining the Lector Ministry and fulfill that calling.
We will be holding a training session for those who are new to this ministry and those who would like to have a little refresher training.
The training session will be held on:
- Wednesday, November 8 at 7:00pm after the evening Mass.
Please direct any questions to volunteers@stalbertthegreat.ca
PASTORAL CARE IN OUR PARISH
Our parish has a number of pastoral care ministers that are available to bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. Pastoral care is a ministry of healing and presence to those parishioners who are sick, elderly, dying, homebound and bereaved. Our ministers are available to make home visits, as well we have ministers that regularly attend the South Calgary Health Campus.
If you or a loved one are a parishioner in need of a pastoral care visit at home or at the South Calgary Health Campus please contact the parish office at 403-257-6054.
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CWL PIEROGI AND SAUSAGE FUNDRAISER
The St. Albert the Great Catholic Women’s League is doing a pierogi and sausage fundraiser this year to help raise money for our vulnerable people in our communities.
The pierogis are made by a small Ukrainian family company in Saskatchewan called Prairie Gourmet perogies and are the closest option possible to homemade. These food products are simply amazing and like nothing you would find in a grocery store.
To order all you need to do is go to the link below:
We will have order sheets and people to help place your order after each Mass the weekend of November 4 and 5 and we will also have a book called “Witness of Charity” available for $20.00 as well.
The orders will be ready on November 19. There will be a truck in the parking lot from 10 until 12:15pm. This is the same day that our wonderful Knights are hosting a pancake breakfast and their bottle drive so that everything is more convenient for you. If you can’t pick up your order on the 19th please don’t hesitate to order we will find a solution and you can email Laurie at satgcwl@gmail.com.
These are a great gift to give out as well as to place on your dinner table. Let’s help as many people as we can this Christmas season.
YOUTH GROUP IS RE-STARTING!
Calling all Youth for fun games, activities and learning about our faith in an atmosphere of fun, interactive play and discussion!!
Youth Group is a great way to meet new friends and learn about our parish community and our connection to Christ.
ALL-Youth and teens from Grades 6 and up (approx. ages 11 – 20+) are invited to meet up on Fridays starting Oct. 27, Nov 24, & Dec 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, plus many weekend parish volunteer dates in-between.
FYI: Youth Leader nights (Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 1) alternate with the ALL-Youth group nights.
Where: Church basement main hall
When: starting Friday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Who should attend: all Youth Grades 6 and up (approx. ages 11 – 20+). Parents are welcome to stay and observe or drop off their child by using the sign-in/sign-out procedure.
Snacks will be served.
More Youth Group information and the sign-up forms can be found on the Youth Ministry web page at this link or you can contact youth@stalbertthegreat.ca or call the Parish office at 403.257.6054 for any Youth Group information.
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:
- 9 am - Sunday, October 29 - Prince of Peace, Msgr. Smith
- 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 $67,892.43 towards our goal thanks to your generous contributions.
REFUGEE FAMILY DONATION UPDATE
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
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The countdown is on to the 2023 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Program! On Saturday Dec 16 we will deliver Christmas Hampers to 225 families in our community. The cost of this program will exceed $70,000
Would you like to sponsor a family?
Family of 3 Food and Gifts $375
Family of 4 food and Gifts $525
Donations can be made: cash, cheque or e transfer to svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com
You generosity is greatly appreciated
Also, St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs Canned vegetables & KD .
Please drop your donations in the St. Vincent de Paul box in the Narthex. Thank you for your support!
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 .
Simbang Gabi 2023
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.
Couples for Christ - LIVELOUD: ENCOUNTER
Couples For Christ invite all of you to an amazing event called LIVELOUD: ENCOUNTER.
Bring your family and friends!
When: Saturday, October 28, come join at St James Catholic Church in Okotoks (338060 32 St E, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2) for a night of faith, fellowship, and worship.
Mass (anticipated) starts at 5pm, followed by the Liveloud Expo with various small Catholic shops on offer. Concert starts at 7pm, followed by Eucharistic Adoration around 8:30pm.
See event details in this link: https://www.catholicyyc.ca/news.html#event=76987282;instance=20231028170000?popup=1
To buy your tickets, please follow this link.
Click on the images above to connect to Mary's Meals website.
You Are Called
Click on the above image to view the renewl web page.
Last call: Are you going to the Renewal Gathering?
Bishop McGrattan will be coming to our Calgary to have Mass with us, share a meal together, and discuss how we can experience renewal in our personal lives, our parishes, and the Diocese. There is no cost to attend but your registration helps us in the meal planning. Register online at catholicyyc.ca/renewal or call Monica at 403-218-5521.
CALGARY
Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 am (Mass) to 1 pm, at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church in Calgary.
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
The 4 Constitutions of Vatican II Webinars
In preparation for Jubilee 2025, the year 2023 is dedicated to Vatican II. The CCCB Office for Evangelization and Catechesis will host a webinar series, "The Four Constitutions of Vatican II", inviting the faithful to reflect on the meaning of these documents for the life of the Church today.
- "Sacrosanctum Concillium" — Msgr. Murray Kroetsch, PH, VG (Tue 7 Nov — 11:00-12:30 pm MT)
- "Dei Verbum" — Bishop Yvan Mathieu, SM (Tue 14 Nov — 11:00-12:30 pm MT)
- "Gaudium et Spes" — Sr. Donna Geernaert, SC (Tue 21 Nov — 11:00-12:30 pm MT)
- "Lumen Gentium" — Dr. Catherine Clifford (Tue 28 Nov — 11:00-12:30 pm MT)
If you wish to attend any of the webinar sessions or to be notified when session recordings are made available, please register here.
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
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.
Beach Carnival
Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly fundraiser at The Beach YYC, Calgary's exclusive indoor beach facility, in support of Elizabeth House. When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm at The Beach YYC, Calgary. By purchasing a ticket, you're not just securing a day of beach games and fun, but also helping Elizabeth House raise $10k for operational expenses. Please share this event with your family and friends!
- Get tickets
- How to sponsor the Beach Carnival?
- Download images: Square | Poster
Sunday Bulletin shorts
The Law of Moses contained 613 regulations, and in theory, all were to be observed with equal fervor. But religious teachers saw some as more important that others, some being “light” and some being “heavy”. The lawyer who asked Jesus what he regarded as the greatest commandment wanted to know how the Torah (God’s law) is to be put into practice in daily life. Jesus responds by removing the love of God and the love of neighbour from any list of religious laws and observances. He puts love of God and human love on the same plane, making them the background and texture of all teaching and behaviour.
- How do we show our love for God? How would we describe it?
- How do we think we measure up when it comes to loving our neighbour?
- Why is love of God and love for neighbour bound together?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children
Kid's challenge this week: Make a poster together as a family. Write the words Love God in the centre of the poster and write the words Love Neighbour near each of the four sides of the poster. Read together today’s Gospel, Matthew 22:34-40. Talk about how Jesus taught us that our love for God is revealed in the love that we show to other people. On the poster, use pictures and words to show some of the ways that your family shows their love for other people. Pray together that your family will continue to express your love for God by loving others. Pray the Act of Love. (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
Catholic Education Sunday
GrACE invites all those committed to Catholic education, through the unity of the Holy Spirit, to be advocates and witnesses for our schools’ successes and their future.
- Please find attached GrACE's September 2023 Newsletter which was circulated to over 1900 GrACE Advocates on September 28, 2023.
- Catholic Education Sunday Poster (PDF)
Dinner & Fundraiser for Sacred Heart Church in Strathmore
Dinner & Auction fundraiser to raise funds for Sacred Heart's new church. There will be supper, silent auction, and entertainment! When: Sat, Nov. 4 - from 5 pm to 11 pm at Strathmore Civic Centre, Strathmore. More info
Create your own wreath for Advent
Come and learn about beautiful Advent family traditions, while making a family advent wreath. Supplies will be provided with registration. When: Wed, Nov. 8 at 7 pm - FCJ Centre, Calgary. Register
Come and See the Life of the Franciscans
Young men (18-40 years of age) who are discerning their vocation are invited to the "Come and See" event on Thu, Nov. 9 to Sun, Nov. 12 at St. Francis Friary, Edmonton. The experience will consist of the following: Masses, fraternal prayer (liturgy of the hours), personal time, inner city experience, presentations, dialogue with postulants (men in their first year of Franciscan formation), and interaction with the Franciscans. To Register, or for more information, email carlos_ona.ofm08@yahoo.com
Vocatio - Nov. 11
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, 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.
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. Participants must be pre-approved by their Pastors and/or Pastoral Care Coordinator. Please contact your parish for screening requirement. When: Saturdays, Nov. 11 and Nov. 25, at Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW, Calgary). Fee: $50/person. Lunch and workbooks included. To register, complete the registration form by Nov. 3 - or call 403-218-5521.
Memorial Liturgy for those grieving a loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth
Join Bishop McGrattan in an annual prayer gathering to commend our children communally into the embrace of our merciful God and to support those who are grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. When: Tue, Nov. 14 at 7 pm, St. Mary's Cathedral. More
Craft Sale at Holy Spirit, Calgary
The Holy Spirit CWL council is hosting a Craft Sale, with a showcase of local handcrafted gifts. Admission: $2/adult, 1$/senior, free for children under 12. When: Sat, Nov. 18 from 10 am to 3 pm - Holy Spirit Church, Calgary. More info
Inspiration Unplugged: The Filthy Feet of Sacred Service
Come to "Inspiration Unplugged - The Filthy Feet of Sacred Service: What Happens When Prayer Gets Off Its Knees" - Anchored in a reflection on the Washing of the Disciples' Feet, Dr. Troy Davies will take us on a tour of the 'soul of service' using examples drawn from the awe-inspiring work of Alberta's own Catholic Social Services. When: Thu, Nov. 28 at 6 pm to 8 pm - McGivney Hall, St. Mary's University, Calgary. More
Retreat for Religious Educators
St. Gilbertine Institute invites Catholic educators, homeschoolers, and parents to a weekend retreat with four excellent speakers on the following: Primary Educator, Homeschooling by Heart, Classical Education, and Catholic Educator. Fee is $80 (early bird rate before Nov 1). When: Nov. 24-25 at St. John the Evangelist, Calgary. Register
Career opportunities
- Assistant Coordinator (Casual) - Feed the Hungry
- Administrative Assistant, Tribunal (Part-time; 6 month contract)
- Ecclesiastical Tribunal Caseworker (Full time)
- Family Faith Life & Sacrament Preparation Coordinator (Full-time) - St. Luke's Parish, Calgary
- Administrative Assistant (Part-time) - St. Augustine/St. Joseph, Taber/Vauxhall
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.
