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
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
We are reminded today that we will each be called to give an account for the gifts God has given us — our physical, intellectual and material gifts — as well as the gift of time itself.
Jesus illustrates this truth in our Gospel passage from Matthew. He tells the parable of a wealthy man who is about to go on a journey. Before he leaves, the man calls his three servants to “entrust his possessions to them.”
The master in our parable gives to the care of each servant a portion of his money (“talent”) commensurate with that servant’s abilities. The first two prove to be good and faithful servants — they “immediately” put the talents to use, doubling what had been entrusted to them. The third servant reacted to this responsibility with fear — in fact, he did the opposite. He hid master’s talent, burying it in the ground. He took the safe way, the easy way out.
What a tragic response!
This servant did not understand his master at all. He failed to see what a privilege he had been given. The master wanted to give all his servants the joy and satisfaction of helping him grow his kingdom. This is what our Heavenly Father wants for us, too — the incredible privilege of helping to advance the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Let us embrace the stewardship way of life, using all the gifts entrusted to us — Time, Talent, and Treasure — in such a way that at the end of our life on this earth, we will hear these words from our Father: “Well done, my good and faithful servant… Come, share your master’s joy.”
Jesus illustrates this truth in our Gospel passage from Matthew. He tells the parable of a wealthy man who is about to go on a journey. Before he leaves, the man calls his three servants to “entrust his possessions to them.”
The master in our parable gives to the care of each servant a portion of his money (“talent”) commensurate with that servant’s abilities. The first two prove to be good and faithful servants — they “immediately” put the talents to use, doubling what had been entrusted to them. The third servant reacted to this responsibility with fear — in fact, he did the opposite. He hid master’s talent, burying it in the ground. He took the safe way, the easy way out.
What a tragic response!
This servant did not understand his master at all. He failed to see what a privilege he had been given. The master wanted to give all his servants the joy and satisfaction of helping him grow his kingdom. This is what our Heavenly Father wants for us, too — the incredible privilege of helping to advance the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Let us embrace the stewardship way of life, using all the gifts entrusted to us — Time, Talent, and Treasure — in such a way that at the end of our life on this earth, we will hear these words from our Father: “Well done, my good and faithful servant… Come, share your master’s joy.”
MASS INTENTIONS
Tue, Nov 21 @ 9:00 am Darren Ironshirt (INT)
Tue, Nov 21 @ 11:00 am Frank Swoboda (RIP) - Senior Care Centre
Tue, Nov 21 @ 6:30 pm Milagros Ducut (RIP)
Wed, Nov 22 @ 9:00 am Remedios Mangubat (INT)
Wed, Nov 22 @ 6:30 pm Stan Cowley (RIP)
Thu, Nov 23 @ 9:00 am Fr. Julian Studden (INT)
Thu, Nov 23 @ 6:30 pm Katie & Family (INT)
Fri, Nov 24 @ 9:00 am Sister Carmelita (INT)
Fri, Nov 24 @ 6:30 pm Donat Nowaczynski (RIP)
Sat, Nov 25 @ 9:00 am Sharon van der Sloot (INT)
Sat, Nov 25 @ 9:00 am Sharon van der Sloot (INT)
Sat, Nov 25 @ 5:00 pm Yvonne Koll (RIP)
Sun, Nov 26 @ 9:00 am Carla Jane Romeo (INT)
Sun, Nov 26 @ 9:00 am Carla Jane Romeo (INT)
Sun, Nov 26 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT)
Sun, Nov 26 @ 5:00 pm Fernando & Teresita Nidoy (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
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 orders will be ready on November 19. There will be a truck in the parking lot from 10 am until 12:15 pm. 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.
YOUTH GROUP HAS RE-STARTED!
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.
Come As You Are UPCOMING EVENTS
Proclaiming the Gospel and Forming Missionary Disciples for the Renewal of the World!
Contact us at comeasyouare.yyc@gmail.com
NOVEMBER CONNECT NIGHT:
The Art of Discernment
Are you facing a particular decision in your life right now? Whether it's figuring out a job or career, a new ministry, or just wondering how to best respond to a situation in your life, human beings are decision-makers. How to do this in light of God's will?
Come and find out the basic approach to Ignatian Discernment & Decision-Making. You'll leave with practical tools and insight as we equip you to live out your call as Missionary Disciples. Talk, small group & FOOD. Thursday, Nov 23rd at 7pm in the parish hall.
CAYA ADORATION NIGHT
Hi friends! Come as you are and experience God's love in a personal and meaningful way. COME AS YOU ARE is back for a special night of encounter with Jesus Christ through personal testimony, reflection, and musical Adoration. Reconciliation and Prayer Ministry will be available. Cap the evening off with a FOOD and fellowship. Friday, Dec 8th at 7pm, following the evening Mass.
This is a special evening because we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. All are welcome.
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
Thanks to the generosity of St. Albert the Great parishioners we have met our stated goal for fundraising for the refugee family!!
If you were a monthly contributor, please contact the office to stop or redirect your donations.
We will update you soon on the family's arrival as well as other ministry needs to prepare for welcoming the family to Canada.
Thank you so much for your generosity to this ministry. God Bless
SOCIETY OF
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
CHRISTMAS HAMPER PROGRAM
November 18 is the World Day of the Poor, a day that is celebrated around the world whereby Christians are called to acknowledge every poor person and every form of poverty.
This weekend marks the start of the 2023 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Program.
2023 has been a stressful year for many families in Calgary who are dealing with high food prices, rent increases, utility increases. Some have had to choose between paying their rent/utilities or putting food on the table. We have had an increase of 25% in requests for food hampers this year and we expect the demand to continue into 2024.
Christmas is a time for all of us to find ways to spread joy and hope to those many families in need. You can help by taking a tag off the tree in the Narthex and buying a gift card for a family, or sign up to deliver hampers on Saturday Dec 16, or make a donation to help purchase nutritious food for a Christmas dinner.
Our members are at the tables in the Narthex ready to answer any questions you have about the program.
Donations can be made by cash, cheque or ETransfer to
svdp.satg.donations@ gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support of the
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Program
___
Also, St. Albert the Great St. Vincent de Paul currently needs Feminine hygiene items & Cereal .
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 .
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre Upcoming Events
Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre has many events scheduled from now until early December for the Christmas Season. You can find them at this link .
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.
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.
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.
- "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
- Calgary: Saturdays, Nov. 11 & 25
- Register now at catholicyyc.ca/pastoralcare - or call 403-218-5547
- Download Poster
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
Advent Calendar
Warm Stations Volunteers
Are you ready to be a beacon of hope in the chilly heart of winter? The Salvation Army Community Services (Calgary) Mobile Warming Station is in need of volunteers like you!
If you have a burning passion to uplift vulnerable communities and can spare just 2 hours a week, and are ready to brave the outdoors, this is an opportunity that will warm your heart and make a real difference. More info
If you have a burning passion to uplift vulnerable communities and can spare just 2 hours a week, and are ready to brave the outdoors, this is an opportunity that will warm your heart and make a real difference. More info
Winter Gifts for Guests at Feed the Hungry
As the winter chill sets in, let's warm hearts and hands together! We cordially invite you to participate in the "Feed the Hungry winter gifts drive".
Your contribution, be it new mittens, gloves, socks, toques or $10 gift cards from fast food places, can make a significant difference our guests. These tokens of care will be distributed to Feed the Hungry's guests closer to Christmas.
Your contribution, be it new mittens, gloves, socks, toques or $10 gift cards from fast food places, can make a significant difference our guests. These tokens of care will be distributed to Feed the Hungry's guests closer to Christmas.
- The deadline to drop off Winter gifts for guests of the Feed the Hungry is Wednesday, Dec. 6 at St. Mary's Cathedral during business hours. If you have any questions, please email: feedthehungry@calgarydiocese.ca or call 403-218-5532.
Spread warmth & organize a Coat Drive
The Salvation Army is teaming up with the Diocese of Calgary to ensure everyone has a warm coat this winter. Donations of new and gently used coats and other winter wear are sorted and distributed by Salvation Army throughout various programs to be shared with those in need.
If your parish, ministry, or school is ready to make an impact, join us:
- Organize a Winter Coat Drive
- Download this poster and you can use it to organize a winter coat drive in your parish, ministry, school, or community.
- If you need bins placed in your parish/school/community, please connect to Melvin Lopes from Salvation Army at melvin.lopes@salvationarmy.ca or contact Monica at 403-218-5521.
The Living Nativity
Elizabeth House Christmas Wish List
Let us bring a joyful Christmas to the residents of Elizabeth House and help them fulfil their wish list! Elizabeth House currently serves 7 women, 6 babies (one on the way) in residence, and 3 women and 3 babies in outreach. Help us
- If you want to check the current most needed items from the list, please contact Sarah Cormier at sarah.cormier@calgarydiocese.ca
- Donations are accepted from the Wish List on December 14 between 9 am to 12 pm and 1-3 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW, Calgary). Volunteers will be at the Pastoral Centre to accept your donations. Please stop on 17th Avenue in front of the main doors and we will gratefully accept your donation.
Sunday Bulletin shorts
This gospel blends well not only with the texture of faith and good work in the larger section of Matthew’s gospel but also with one of Matthew’s minor themes, the paralyzing effect of cowardice. Rather than being “next world” preoccupied, our faith should help us fulfill our earthly responsibilities and make the world a better reflection of the kingdom of God. We, perhaps, think of the master as being unjust in his distribution but even the one talent was an enormous wealth and talents were distributed according to each one’s ability. The intention was to draw upon the abilities of each and for them to make the best use of the talents.
- God has gifted each of us in so many ways. Name a gift that you have received and how you feel called to use it to serve your family or others?
- Name some accomplishment that has helped to define your life. What does it say to you, to others, about who you are?
What talent that you have been given, have you buried or left undeveloped? Is there some long put-off or half-finished task around the home that needs your attention this week?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children
- Kid's challenge this week: In today’s Gospel, Jesus talked about how our trustworthiness in small matters shows that we can also be trusted to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s not bury our talents! Make a plan to use one of your talents this week to help someone.(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
Vatican II CCCB Webinar Series
In preparation for Jubilee 2025, the year 2023 is dedicated to Vatican II. Reflect on the meaning of the four constitutions of Vatican II for the life of the Church today. When: Tuesdays, 21 & 28 at 11 am - Online/Zoom. Register
Live-In Retreats in Okotoks
Calgary Live-In Society invites you to a Live-In weekend retreat to grow in faith with Jesus. If you have attended your own Live-In, we invite you to serve others in this retreat. When: Nov. 24-26, St. John Paul II Collegiate School, Okotoks. 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
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
Advent Twilight Retreat - Long Time Ago in Greccio
You are invited to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre on Thursday, November 30th for this annual event. Cost is $30/per person. To register, call 403-932-2012 or email: mtfrancis@shaw.ca . More
Having a Mary Heart During a Martha Season
As we enter Advent in preparation for Christmas, we know this is a very busy season. We also know that we must sit at the feet of Jesus but how do we do that? How can we have a Mary Heart During a Martha Season? Attend our Calgary Diocesan CWL 17th Annual Women's Retreat on December 2. Open to all women interested in growing in their faith. Register online at by November 24. For more information, contact Theresa at calgarycwlspiritual@gmail.com.
The Living Nativity
As we prepare for Christmas this year, St James Parish, in Okotoks, invites you to come and walk through the Town of Bethlehem and meet the Holy Family in this live replica of the Christmas Nativity. The Living Nativity will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 8 pm in the field next to the Church parking lot. The address is 338040 32nd St East, Okotoks. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted and given to charity. There will be light, warm refreshments available for a small fee in the Church hall. More
Stories of Portugal - Fundraiser & Fellowship
All are welcome to join our Catholic young people for a night of fellowship and fundraising "Stories of Portugal", as the SFXC World Youth Day pilgrims give witness to and share testimonies of their experience at this past summer’s World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, over appetizers, charcuterie boards and mocktails! When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm, at the Catholic Pastoral Centre. For more information, contact Katrhyn at kathryn.yakielashek@calgarydiocese.ca or call 403-218-5542.
Career opportunities
Please visit catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and application details.
November & December 2023 Calendar Highlights
- Nov. 18 | Vocations Everywhere
- Nov. 18 | Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate
- Nov. 18 | Holy Spirit CWL Craft Sale
- Nov. 18 | Songs for the Faith Journey
- Nov. 19 | Vespers & the Study of the Life of St. Francis
- Nov. 20 | Why Wait? A 5 Week Ignatian Retreat in Advent Life
- Nov. 20 | "Enlarge the Tent"
- Nov. 22 | Charting Refresher: Billings Ovulation Method Users
- Nov. 23 | The Filthy Feed of Sacred Service: What Happens When Prayer Gets off its Knees
- Nov. 23 | Benedictine Spirituality
- Nov. 23 | Walking with Women in the Old Testament
- Nov. 24 - 25 | Retreat for Catholic Educators
- Nov. 24 - 26 | Live-In Retreat
- Nov. 25 | St. Luke's CWL Christmas Market
- Nov. 26 | Seekers Group for Unmarried Women
- Nov. 30 | Advent Twilight Retreat – Long Time Ago in Greccio
- Dec. 1 - 6 | Advent Individual Directed Retreat
- Dec. 1 - 3 | 40 Hours for Priestly and Religious Vocations
- Dec. 1 - 3 | Come to the Manger – Advent Retreat
- Dec. 1 - 3 | Advent Individual Weekend Retreat
- Dec. 1 | L’Arche Calgary – Christmas Pageant
- Dec. 1 | Taizé Prayer
- Dec. 2 | CWL Advent Retreat
- Dec. 2 | Christian Meditation Advent Silent Retreat
- Dec. 3 | Blessing of Christmas Crèches
- Dec. 4 | Advent Twilight Retreat - Lethbridge
- Dec. 4 | Holy Spirit Advent Retreat
- Dec. 5 | Support for the Daily Examen: Moment with God
- Dec. 6 | Bambino of Bethlehem – Day Away Retreat
- Dec. 7 | Christian Meditation Monthly Drop-in Group
- Dec. 8 - 10 | Winter Stillness Retreat
- Dec. 9 | The Living Nativity - Okotoks
- Dec. 9 | Priestly Vocation Night
- Dec. 9 | Stories of Portugal: Hearing from the Participants of World Youth Day
- Dec. 10 | Catholic Advent Market
- Dec. 10 | Seekers Group for Unmarried Women
- Dec. 10 | Christmas at Greccio – Christmas at the Mount
- Dec. 10 | Festival of Songs and Christmas Carols
- Dec. 11 | Advent Carols & Cookies
- Dec. 13 | Praying with Icons
- Dec. 14 | Advent Twilight Retreat
- Dec. 16 | Evening with the Dominican Sisters
- Dec. 17 | Vespers and the Study of the Life of St. Francis
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.
