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 serve a merciful and patient God. In His kindness, He warns us that we will be called to make an account one day for the way in which we made use of the gifts He has given us.
The most precious gift He has given us is His own Son, Whose birth we are preparing to celebrate.
St. Peter describes the loving kindness of the Father in our Second Reading today, saying God “is patient with you, not wishing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Yet, in the same passage we receive this warning: “The Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar... and the earth and everything on it will be found out.”
How are we to assimilate these two truths — the merciful love of God and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of living as His disciple? St. Peter tells us we should conduct ourselves “in holiness and devotion.” Indeed, this is the goal of our Advent “reset” — to return to living lives focused on Christ, in gratitude for all He has done for us.
In our Gospel passage from Mark, John the Baptist instructs us to “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” We must make good use of the gift of time we have been given this Advent season. Let’s be sure to get to Confession, prioritize a daily reading the of Scriptures, and reach out to someone in need with a word of comfort or an act of service.
In this way, we will honor both the mercy and justice of our God, and we will be prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ and give account for all His gifts to us.
The most precious gift He has given us is His own Son, Whose birth we are preparing to celebrate.
St. Peter describes the loving kindness of the Father in our Second Reading today, saying God “is patient with you, not wishing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Yet, in the same passage we receive this warning: “The Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar... and the earth and everything on it will be found out.”
How are we to assimilate these two truths — the merciful love of God and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of living as His disciple? St. Peter tells us we should conduct ourselves “in holiness and devotion.” Indeed, this is the goal of our Advent “reset” — to return to living lives focused on Christ, in gratitude for all He has done for us.
In our Gospel passage from Mark, John the Baptist instructs us to “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” We must make good use of the gift of time we have been given this Advent season. Let’s be sure to get to Confession, prioritize a daily reading the of Scriptures, and reach out to someone in need with a word of comfort or an act of service.
In this way, we will honor both the mercy and justice of our God, and we will be prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ and give account for all His gifts to us.
MASS INTENTIONS
Tue, Dec 12 @ 9:00 am Gerald Cadrin (RIP)
Tue, Dec 12 @ 11:00 am Louise Malo (RIP) - Senior Care Centre
Tue, Dec 12 @ 6:30 pm Donna Guhit (INT)
Wed, Dec 13 @ 9:00 am Amanda Obispo (RIP)
Wed, Dec 13 @ 6:30 am Andrew Marshall (RIP)
Thu, Dec 14 @ 9:00 am Nicole Williams (RIP)
Thu, Dec 14 @ 6:30 pm Juan Carlos Dequina (RIP)
Fri, Dec 15 @ 9:00 am Fr. Matthew Schneider (INT)
Fri, Dec 15 @ 6:30 pm Fr. Matthew Schneider (INT)
Sat, Dec 16 @ 9:00 am Lost Souls (RIP)
Sat, Dec 16 @ 9:00 am Lost Souls (RIP)
Sat, Dec 16 @ 5:00 pm Maria Piro & Margherita Pupo (RIP)
Sun, Dec 17 @ 9:00 am Juan Carlos Dequina (RIP)
Sun, Dec 17 @ 9:00 am Juan Carlos Dequina (RIP)
Sun, Dec 17 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT)
Sun, Dec 17 @ 5:00 pm Benjamin & Madeleine Tchoffo (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.
CHRISTMAS SEASON MASSES
Christmas Masses
Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24
The Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The 4 PM Mass is very well attended. Please arrive early as the doors will be locked when the maximum number of people allowed to attend has been reached. Doors will be opened 1 hour before the start of the Mass.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The 7 PM Mass is very well attended. Please arrive early as the doors will be locked when the maximum number of people allowed to attend has been reached. Doors will be opened 1 hour before the start of the Mass.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Monday, December 25
12:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Christmas Day
Monday, December 25
The Nativity of the Lord
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
New Year’s Masses
New Year’s Eve
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh
9:00 AM - 10 AM
11:00 AM - 12 PM
Vigil of The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
New Year’s Day
Monday, January 1, 2024
The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
SPECIAL ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICE
A Special Advent Penitential Service will be held on
Thursday Dec 14
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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 Campus Hosptial.
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.
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
YOU ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE ORDINATIONS OF DEACONS REY & FERDIE TO THE PERMANENT DEACONATE
On Saturday November 18th two members of our Parish family were Ordained into the Permanent Deaconate: Deacon Ferdinand Gayos and Deacon Reynaldo Tadifa.
They will both begin their assignments immediately. Deacon Ferdie will serve at St. Patrick’s Parish, and Deacon Rey at St. Bonaventure.
While our loss is a tremendous blessing to the other parishes, we invite the St. Albert the Great Parish family to a special Sunday Social where we will have an opportunity to show our gratitude to these two gentlemen and their families for answering the Lord’s call in such a meaningful way.
Please join us in the Parish Hall on Sunday December 17th immediately following the 11:00am Mass for light refreshments and fellowship, courtesy of the Couples for Christ ministry.
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 $77,072.06 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 2023
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
220 families will receive their Christmas hamper next weekend and we are so blessed to have received so many generous donations of food, gift cards and financial donations.
There is still time to return your gift cards or to sponsor a family!! Please drop off the gift cards at the church by Dec 11.
Donations can be made by ETransfer at svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com
Bakers needed!! We will have 60 students from 6 schools along with many volunteers helping to prepare and assemble the Christmas Hampers next week. Please consider donating baked goods or snacks for these hungry volunteers!
Baking and snacks can be dropped off at the church kitchen during regular office hours or after Mass this weekend. Thank you, thank you!!!
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 .
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 renewal 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
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
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
Bishop McGrattan's Advent Message
This Advent, Bishop McGrattan alerts us to be intentional, not to become indifferent and unaware of the very presence of God in our lives. Begin by reflecting on the Bishop’s five questions in the article and step into the Advent season differently this year.
- Read the Bishop's Message now
- Read the latest Faithfully (Dec. 6, 2024)
Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide in Catholic Health Facilities
The statement on the Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide within Canadian Health Organizations with a Catholic Identity is available:
- Read/Download: Statement by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Non-Permissibility of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide within Canadian Health Organizations with a Catholic Identity (PDF)
Mission Mexico Sunday/Day
This year, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe which is customarily Mission Mexico Day in the Diocese of Calgary, falls on Tuesday, December 12. Mission Mexico has always relied on the support of the Catholic parishes in raising the awareness on the work of the Diocese with our sisters and brothers in Mexico who experience poverty and are in need of support and empowerment.
There will be a Second Collection on the Second Sunday of Advent (Dec. 9/10) for Mission Mexico. Direct link to donate online -https://www.catholicyyc.ca/donatemissionmexico.html
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples | Dec. 12
The National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples is celebrated on December 12 every year, on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, who appeared to a humble native peasant, Juan Diego, in Mexico in 1531. The Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council celebrates this day for prayer, solidarity and reconciliation, by issuing an annual message honouring Aboriginal people who were inspired by their Catholic faith.
Reflection from the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council will be available on this page closer to the date.
Reflection from the Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council will be available on this page closer to the date.
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.
Advent Mission: Called to be Missionary Disciples
Each year, Advent invites us to prepare for the greatest event in human history - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. You are invited to St. Michael's Advent Mission with speaker Peter Thompson:
- When:
- Mon, Dec. 18 at 7 pm | Theme: God's love affair with humanity
- Tue, Dec. 19 at 6 pm (Mass followed by Mission) | Theme: Who do you say that I AM? Matthew 16:15
- Wed, Dec. 20 at 7 pm | Theme: His mercies never come to an end. Lamentation 3:22
- Location: St. Michael's Parish (800 85 St. SW, Calgary. Mission will be livestreamed at St. Michael's Youtube page.
Theology of the Body
Join experts Dr. Christopher West, Sister Helena Burns FSP, Fr. Cristino Bouvette, and internationally acclaimed songwriter, Mike Mangione, as they introduce and reflect St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body.
- When/Where: Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 24 St SW Calgary)
- Register online
For any questions, please contact theologyofthebodyconference@gmail.com
Transitions
Transitions provides a God-centered group environment that encourages discussion through an 18-week program. In this supportive setting, individuals can share and discuss their personal journey with others going through separation and divorce.
- When/Where: Every Tuesday, from Feb 13, 2023, 7 pm to 9 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 – 17th Avenue SW, Calgary)
- No fee registration | Limited spots available
- Register now at catholicyyc.ca/transitions
Sunday Bulletin shorts
John the Baptist calls us to repent – that is, to turn round (180 degrees!) and live our lives oriented in an entirely new direction. The path that John the Baptist beckons us to, goes through the wilderness, to the waters of Baptism, and then with the Gift of the Holy Spirit leads us to a very real meeting with Jesus.
- In the Advent message of the Gospel of Mark we witness that a prophet takes risks, often having to speak out against – or live in opposition to – the status quo. Who do you know who has experienced the risk of prophetic life by speaking/living the truth in love? Have you experienced this risk?
- How will you find a wilderness or desert time in this busy season where you might prepare your heart and mind for the coming of Jesus?
- How might you be a prophet during this advent season that others might come to know the true meaning of Christmas?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children
- Kid's challenge this week: John the Baptist told the people that Jesus was coming and helped them be ready for him. People came to John the Baptist to acknowledge that they had sinned and to be baptized. During Advent, we prepare to welcome Christ into our hearts. One of the things that the Church invites us to do during the season of Advent is to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This week, seek opportunity to celebrate this beautiful sacrament in your parish/community. (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
Pope's Prayer Intention for December 2023
Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation. Watch video | Print/Share Poster
Advent Penitential Services
Advent includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. Join us for our Parish Advent Penitential Service and rejoice in God's Mercy! View list of Penitential Services at: catholicyyc.ca/advent.html#penitential
Marian Christmas Stamp from Canada Post
Did you see the 2023 Christmas stamp from Canada Post ? This Vancouver artist Horvath’s latest work holds special importance for him as a Christian. His design for the 2023 Christmas stamp, Madonna and Child, portrays the newborn Jesus cradled in Mary’s arm as she gently gazes down with love. Read more
Donate a Warm Winter Coat
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 the Salvation Army throughout various programs to be shared with those in need. To drop off coats or to organize a Winter Coat Drive in your parish, please contact Monica at 403-218-5521 or email monica.ottenbreit@calgarydiocese.ca
Sr. Carmelita Cusay is retiring
Sr. Carmelita Cusay, FMM, has retired from her position with the Marriage Tribunal as a case worker after 34 years of service. Sr. Carmelita began her ministry in the Tribunal in June of 1989, in addition to the other ministries she had been carrying out in the Diocese. More
Sunday Mass at Calgary Hospitals
Great news! The celebration of Sunday Mass has resumed at three hospitals in the City of Calgary on the First Sunday of Advent. Patients, family members and friends, and hospital staff are now able to avail themselves of this pastoral outreach in the following facilities:
Sundays at 3:30 pm - Foothills Hospital Chapel
Sundays at 3:00 pm – Peter Lougheed Hospital Chapel
Sundays at 3:30 pm – Rockyview Hospital Chapel
Sundays at 3:30 pm - Foothills Hospital Chapel
Sundays at 3:00 pm – Peter Lougheed Hospital Chapel
Sundays at 3:30 pm – Rockyview Hospital Chapel
Calgary Couple's generosity supports Elizabeth House
Thanks to a generous Calgary couple, Elizabeth House can run a special year-end matching campaign again. This presents a fantastic opportunity for you to double your gift and its impact. Don't miss out on this chance - it's available until Dec. 16! Double your gift at catholicyyc.ca/donateelizabethhouse
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
Career Opportunities
Please visit catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and application details.
December 2023 Calendar Highlights
- Sat, Dec. 9 | The Living Nativity - St. James, Okotok
- Sat, Dec. 9 | Priestly Vocations Night with Fr. Derek Remus - St. Luke's Parish, Calgary
- CANCELLED ==> Sat, Dec. 9 | Stories of Portugal: Hearing from the Participants of WYD
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Catholic Advent Market - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Knight's Breakfast in Brooks
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Festival of Carols - St. James', Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Seekers Group for Unmarried Women
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Christmas at Greccio - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Sun, Dec. 10 | Festival of Songs and Christmas Carols, Canadian Martyr's, Calgary
- Mon, Dec. 11 | Advent Carols and Cookies - Holy Name, Calgary
- Tue, Dec. 12 | Mission Mexico Day
- Tue, Dec. 12 | Taize Advent Prayer Service - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 13 | Praying with Icons - FCJ Centre, Calgary
- Wed, Dec. 13 | St. James' School Christmas Concert - St. James', Calgary
- Thu, Dec. 14 | Advent Twilight Retreat - FCJ Centre, Calgary
- Sat, Dec. 16 | Evening with the Dominican Sisters
- Sat, Dec. 16 | Living Nativity - Holy Name, Calgary
- Dec. 14 - 22 | Simbang Gabi Christmas Novena Masses - St. Mary's, Brooks
- Sun, Dec. 17 | St. John Choir Schola's Nine Lessons and Carols - St. Mary's Cathedral
- Sun, Dec. 17 | Vespers & Study of the life of St. Francis - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Sun, Dec. 17 | Cocoa & Christmas Sing-Along - St. Joseph's, Calgary
- Mon, Dec. 18 | Advent Mission with Divine Mercy Sisters - St. Gabriel's, Chestermere
- Mon-Wed - Dec 18, 19 & 20 | Advent Mission with Peter Thompson - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Thu, Dec. 21 | CCCRS Healing Service at St. Luke's, Calgary
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.
