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
There is just one day left until the celebration of Christmas begins. Let’s live this last day of Advent well.
We read in today’s Gospel passage from Luke the wonderful words of the Blessed Mother's “fiat,” her “yes” to God’s plan. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” These are among the most beloved words in the Gospel. But the next sentence is also important for the Christian steward.
After Mary’s fiat, we read, “Then the angel departed from her.” Our Blessed Mother was left with a lot of unexplained details about God’s plan for her! Yet, she followed God’s will perfectly. She gave herself and her life fully to God as a gift. She was the first disciple. We are called to follow her example today.
This Christmas let us resolve to make our whole life a gift to the One Who has given us everything. He will give us all the help and strength we need.
We read in today’s Gospel passage from Luke the wonderful words of the Blessed Mother's “fiat,” her “yes” to God’s plan. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” These are among the most beloved words in the Gospel. But the next sentence is also important for the Christian steward.
After Mary’s fiat, we read, “Then the angel departed from her.” Our Blessed Mother was left with a lot of unexplained details about God’s plan for her! Yet, she followed God’s will perfectly. She gave herself and her life fully to God as a gift. She was the first disciple. We are called to follow her example today.
This Christmas let us resolve to make our whole life a gift to the One Who has given us everything. He will give us all the help and strength we need.
MASS INTENTIONS
Mon, Dec 25 @ 12:00 am Glenn Altura (INT) - Vigil of the Nativity
Mon, Dec 25 @ 9:00 am Leontina Maraszczak (INT) - Nativity of the Lord
Mon, Dec 25 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) - Nativity of the Lord
Mon, Dec 25 @ 2:00 pm Gonsalo & Teofilo Bocarro (INT) - Nativity of the Lord
Mon, Dec 25 @ 5:00 pm Special Thanksgiving Intention (INT) - Nativity of the Lord
Tue, Dec 26 @ 9:00 am Angel (RIP)
Tue, Dec 26 @ 6:30 pm Roque Suares (RIP)
Wed, Dec 27 @ 9:00 am Angel (RIP)
Wed, Dec 27 @ 6:30 am Avelina and Gavino Ronquillo (RIP)
Thu, Dec 28 @ 9:00 am Patrice Teague (RIP)
Thu, Dec 28 @ 6:30 pm Richard Herb (INT)
Fri, Dec 29 @ 9:00 am Ernesto Balaoing (RIP)
Fri, Dec 29 @ 6:30 pm Owen Hopfner (INT)
Sat, Dec 30 @ 9:00 am Ryan Quirke (RIP)
Sat, Dec 30 @ 9:00 am Ryan Quirke (RIP)
Sat, Dec 30 @ 5:00 pm Edward Williamson (INT) - Vigil of the Holy Family
Sun, Dec 31 @ 9:00 am Ann Karbonik (RIP) - Holy Family
Sun, Dec 31 @ 9:00 am Ann Karbonik (RIP) - Holy Family
Sun, Dec 31 @ 11:00 am St. Albert the Great Community (INT) - Holy Family
Sun, Dec 31 @ 5:00 pm Rosie Skaria (RIP) - Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary
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
PARISH OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
The Parish Office will be closed at the end of the day Friday, December 22, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024 inclusive for Christmas Holidays. The Office will re-open on Tuesday, January 2 at 9:30 am.
CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM THE CLERGY AND STAFF
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS IN 2023
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires that for gifts to be receipted in 2023, donations must be processed online, received by or post marked by December 31,, 2023.
In order to receive a tax receipt for the 2023 calendar year, your cash, cheque or electronic donations must be received by December 31, 2023. Donations mailed in to the church must be post marked December 31, 2023 in order to go towards your 2023 tax receipt. Donations received at any of the January 1, 2023 New Year Day Masses will go towards your 2024 donations.
We are always trying to control our expenses. Instead of sending your tax receipt by Canada Post we prefer to send out your tax receipt by email. If you wish to have your tax receipt sent by email then please send an email to donations@stalbertthegreat.ca requesting that you wish to receive your tax receipt by email. This request will also provide us with your current email address to where we will send the tax receipt. Thank you for your cooperation.
PARKING NEAR THE CHURCH
NOVEMBER FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
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.
ESTATE PLANNING CLASS
Cherie Baruss, principal at Baruss Legal, brings 20+ years of expertise in the legal sector and 22 years of success she attributes directly to God. Tim Berlando, from our Parish, is hosting this free Estate Planning Event January 13, 2024 from 2 pm to 4 pm at St. Albert the Great church in the Main Hall downstairs.
Estate Planning can make a difference to our Families. Cherie feels blessed to help clients craft their wills/estate planning because she believes in leaving a final legacy of love to those left behind. When dealing with legal red tape, it's good to have scissors.
Having the proper planning in place is key! We have an opportunity to ensure that our families truly benefits from plans put in place before we’re gone. Bring your questions and concerns on the 13th. The time to plan is now! Newlyweds, nearly-weds, older-weds, and single folk, EVERYONE is welcome.
POINTSETTIA DONATIONS
Poinsettias have been donated in memory of those people named below who now rest in peace in the arms of our Lord:
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
Discovery Faith Study - New Year's Resolution!
If someone asked you what the "Good News" was, would you be able to articulate it, clear and simple? We talk about the "Good News" all the time but do we know what it is? We can't effectively share our faith unless we are absolutely clear on this matter. That's where the DISCOVERY faith study comes in. DISCOVERY is a 6-week study and invites participants to encounter Jesus Christ through a simple but challenging look at the Gospel message - the Good News. If you desire to know Jesus better, so that you can share your faith with others in your life, this is the BEST first step! Our next DISCOVERY study takes place in January 2024. Make this your New Year's Resolution and sign up NOW for 2024.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/NewYearGOODNEWS
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 $87,673.01 towards our goal thanks to your generous contributions.
NEW CANADIAN FAMILY MINISTRY OF HOPE
As our sponsored family gets closer to transitioning from being refugees to becoming members of our parish, we wanted our ministry name to better reflect this. This is why we have renamed our ministry the New Canadian Family Ministry of Hope.
Mt 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Please see the website at https://stalbertthegreat.ca/project/new-canadian-family-ministry-of-hope/ for updated information.
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Also, 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
DR. EDWARD SRI's 5-WEEK BIBLE STUDY COURSES
Dr. Edward Sri's 5-week Bible Study course on, "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass" will run Wednesday evenings over Zoom from 6:30 - 9:00 pm on January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Cost for the workbook is $39.00
His other 5-week Bible Study course on "No Greater Love - A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion" will run Wednesday evenings over Zoom from 6:30 - 9:00 pm on February 21, 28, March 6, 13 & 20, finishing just prior to Holy Week. The cost for the workbook is $39.00.
For more information, please contact Lucille Paplawski at: paplawski@hotmail.com or 403-479-1211.
TMIY - THAT MAN IS YOU
The meetings are held on Saturdays @ 7:00 am at St. James Parish in Okotoks.
You may register at https://programs.paradisusdei.org/join/B2016B .
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.
Parish Christmas Schedule
Parish Christmas Mass schedules have been shared with all the faithful through Faithfully.
- Parish Christmas Mass Schedule (Nativity of the Lord & Solemnity of Mary) is now available on our websites at catholicyyc.ca
Year-End Giving
Thank you for thinking of us at this Advent/Christmas season. We grow in our Christian faith when we show others the love of Christ to people through building parish communities and offering programs that nurture our faith. We are truly grateful for your support.
Reminder: In order to receive a tax receipt for the 2023 calendar year:
- Online donation to parishes or diocesan ministries must be received by Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. To give online, visit catholicyyc.ca/give
- For gift of securities or cheque/mail - click here | For more information, visit catholicyyc.ca/yearendgiving
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.
Inspiration Unplugged presents: The Saint John's Bible
Please join us for our third installment of the Inspiration Unplugged Catholic Lecture series! Come learn about and experience The Saint John’s Bible! Brad Neary, Director of the Heritage Program, will share the history of the original manuscript as well as details of the full-sized printed version, referred to as the Heritage Edition. The Saint John’s Bible is the first-handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years!
- When: Wed, Jan. 24 2024, McGivney Hall – M100 (St. Mary's University, Calgary) from 7 to 9 pm
- More information & Registration | Download Posters
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
In this 18-week God-centered program, participants find strength in healing after separation or divorce, fostering growth through mutual understanding and connection.
- 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
From St. Mary's University
Apply now
Applications are now open for Fall 2024 in all BA/BSc programs and the helpful admissions team at St. Mary's is ready to guide you through the process. Get a head start on building the foundation of your future by applying to St. Mary's University today at stmu.ca
Sunday Bulletin shorts
The answer the people longed for came in an unexpected way, with the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary. That she was asked to be the mother of God was an idea beyond Mary’s understanding, but once she was satisfied that this truly was God’s will, she said “Yes,” and lived that “Yes” all her life.
- How is Mary, as presented in this passage, a model for us all?
- Mary heard and responded to God’s will through the message of an angel. Who are God’s messengers in your life?
- How does Mary’s reply in vs. 38 sum up her life? How does this verse challenge us?
What comfort does this passage offer as we struggle to give birth to Christ in our lives?
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Resources for children
- Kid's Bulletin this Sunday
- Sunday Connection this Sunday (Gr. 1-8)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word this Sunday
GrACE Newsletter
Please find attached GrACE's December 2023 Newsletter. The GrACE team wishes you the very best for the Advent season and a happy Christmas!
Transitions
In this 18-week God-centered program, participants find strength in healing after separation or divorce, fostering growth through mutual understanding and connection. When/Where: Every Tuesday, from Feb 13, 2024, from 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
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
Inspiration Unplugged presents: The Saint John's Bible
Please join us for our third installment of the Inspiration Unplugged Catholic Lecture series! Come learn about and experience The Saint John’s Bible! Brad Neary, Director of the Heritage Program, will share the history of the original manuscript as well as details of the full-sized printed version, referred to as the Heritage Edition. The Saint John’s Bible is the first-handwritten, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years! When: Wed, Jan. 24 2024, McGivney Hall – M100 (St. Mary's University, Calgary) from 7 to 9 pm. More information & Registration | Download Posters
Applications are open for Fall 2024 at St. Mary's University
Applications are now open for Fall 2024 in all BA/BSc programs and the helpful admissions team at St. Mary's is ready to guide you through the process. Get a head start on building the foundation of your future by applying to St. Mary's University today at stmu.ca
The Stories We Tell
Join researchers and church leaders to interact with recent research findings from four congregational case studies across Canada. When: Saturday, Jan 13 at 8 am MT (10 am ET). To register, visit https://bit.ly/ambstorieswetell24
Theology of the Body Conference
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 | Download Poster in PDF | JPG
Airdrie Dream Vacation Raffle 2024
The Knights of Columbus in Airdrie invite you to participate in their Airdrie Dream Vacation Raffle. Proceeds go back into the community through the Knights of Columbus (Council 8045) in Airdrie. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to airdriedreamvacation.ca
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
Career Opportunities
Please visit catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and application details.
December 2023 to February 2024 Calendar Highlights
- Dec 25 | Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord - Parishes in Calgary
- Dec. 26 - 30 | Octave of the Nativity
- Dec. 26 | Feast of St. Stephen
- Dec. 27 | Feast of St. John
- Dec. 28 | Feast of the Holy Innocent
- Dec. 30/31 | Feast of the The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Sunday Mass) - Mass Finder
- Jan 1 | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - Parishes in Calgary | World Day of Peace
- Jan 2 - 8 | Season of Christmas
- Jan 5 - 7 | Young Adult Retreat - Mount St. Francis, Cochrane
- Jan 6/7 | Epiphany of the Lord (Sunday Mass) - Mass Finder
- Fri, Jan 12 | Fun Night with Sisters
- Sun, Jan 21 | Vespers and the Study of the Life of St. Francis - St. Luke's, Calgary
- Mon, Jan 22 | Enlarge the Tent Series continues - Online
- Tues, Jan 23 | Grief Share Program - St. Michael's, Calgary
- Wed, Jan 24 | Inspiration Unplugged - Catholic Lecture Series - The Saint John's Bible - St. Mary's University
- Thurs, Jan 25 | Benedictine Spirituality - Online
- Fri, Feb. 2 | The Presentation of the Lord (Feast) - Mass Finder
- Fri, Feb. 9 | The Theology of the Body Conference - Holy Spirit, Calgary
- Sat, Feb. 10 | Open House at St. Mary's University, Calgary
- Tue, Feb. 13 | Transitions, for healing after separation or divorce - Catholic Pastoral Centre
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.
