The Gift of Hope - Saint Michael Catholic Community

FEBRUARY 7 & 8 2015
FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARYTIME
The Gift of Hope
All of us, at some point in our lives, experience suffering. Whether we lose our job and livelihood, or a beloved family member, there are times when our lives seem to break down. We
are faced with something that we are powerless to change, which no amount of tenacity can
overcome. We are helpless, and life for a time becomes a burden, which may seem too heavy
to carry. Without the comforts and joys we are used to, life loses its luster. For those without
faith, despair creeps in. When suffering, why go on? What sort of God would allow this?
It is in these times, that our faith is truly tested. It is in these times that it is proven whether we
really have hope for eternal life. When we can no longer go it alone, where we turn, shows
where we have placed our hope.
The words of our Lord in the Gospel highlight how his mission was to bring us hope. It is interesting, that while he travels from town to town healing the sick and casting out demons, he rather focuses on the fact that his purpose is to preach. While his miracles certainly point to the
life to come, what he promises is not relief in this life, but relief in the next. Christ preaches the
kingdom of God where the drudgery of this life finally comes to an end. Our hope cannot lie in
the things of this earth, because they are passing and will never truly fulfill us. As much as we
may enjoy the good times, fortunes change, and the challenge is persevering through the difficult. The cross is something we will all bear, and it is the reminder that this life is not an end in
itself, but a path to heaven. While there will be the joy of Christmas at many times in our life,
the sorrow of the cross follows. Hope is the gift which allows us to enjoy the goods of life without depending on them, and endure the challenges in life without being consumed by them.
We do not know who or what the Lord will bring into our lives, nor do we know for how long. It
is in recognizing every moment as a gift and never taking our blessings for granted, that we
nurture a spirit of humble gratitude. While we will feel joy and sorrow, they will never overcome
our great hope in what the Lord has prepared for us. It is only prayerful attention to the Lord
that will heal the beautiful world that God has entrusted to us and bring the peace and harmony
that Jesus came to offer us.
February 15
No Kids’ Kingdom
Contact Alison at 403 249 0423 ext 125
or astraface@saintmichael.ca
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
All are invited to Mass on Thursday Feb 12 at 7:00 pm to recognize
the efforts of all health care professions, pastoral care givers and healing ministries who strive to restore health to those dealing with illness
and disease. Healing service to follow the Mass.
OFFICE CLOSED
February 16
No Step
Contact Alison at 403 249 0423 ext 125
or astraface@saintmichael.ca
Contact Rikka at
rborras@saintmichael.ca
Ages 18 to 35
Contact Jessica at
dmcyoungadults@saintmichael.ca
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday Feb 15 for the Family Day
Long Weekend. There will be No Mass in the evening and no Rosary
Group. The Office will reopen on Tuesday.
KIDS’ KINGDOM/STEP
Please note, there will be no Kids’ Kingdom on Sunday Feb 15 and no
Step on Monday Feb 16 due to the Family Day Weekend.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Knights of Columbus are having a pancake and sausage breakfast for parishioners after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses on
Sunday Feb 22. All are welcome to join St. Michael Parish Community
for a delicious meal. Donations will be accepted at the breakfast with
net proceeds given to the charitable work of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society in our local community.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (SSVP)
January has been a busy month. Request for assistance was received
during Christmas week, 2 calls on January 2nd.
January activity: 7 visits, 19 hampers (12 calls in 2014) serving 29
adults and 17 children, rent - $600, utilities - $638, transportation $285 ($150 in 2014), special dietary needs - $377.
A mother of 2 young children was helped with donations of furniture,
house-wares and linens upon leaving a women's shelter.
NEEDS: Stage 2 car seat. Please contact Paulette at 403 242 4481.
COMMUNION FOR THE SICK
If you or someone you know is sick or homebound, please call the
Parish Office to request a visit from a Home Visitor. Pastoral Care
Ministers bring the Eucharist to those who cannot attend Mass.
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
The Parish library has been up and running for two years. All are invited to visit us on the north end of the church building. There is a good
selection of books, music, talks, and videos from Catholic and Christian authors. Also a gentle reminder, as we do not charge overdue
fees, please return or renew any items borrowed. Watch for details on
an upcoming book sale.
KIDS’ KINGDOM COORDINATOR
St. Michael Catholic Community is seeking to fill an opening for a Kids’
Kingdom coordinator. This is a part-time, term opportunity commencing in mid-March. The position is ideal for someone who has a heart
for children and loves to see them grow in their faith. For more information, visit our website: saintmichael.ca>About>Employment. Please
forward your covering letter and resume to dquan@saintmichael.ca by
February 15, 2015.
CWL VALENTINE'S COOKIE EXCHANGE
All ladies are invited to CWL’s Cookie exchange, party and
meeting on Tuesday Feb 10 at 1:30 pm at the Holy Name
Church Hall, 2223 - 34 St SW. If possible, bring at least a dozen
Valentine-themed cookies. Some will be served and the rest
sold at $5 per dozen, assorted.
MOUNT ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTRE
Lenten Retreat on the weekend of February 20-22. To register
please contact Louisa Gagne at redlodge6@xplornet.com,
403 224 2335 or Linda Schultz at linschz@hotmail.com,
403 245 8549.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
40 Days for Life Rally with Speaker Steve Karlan, Director of
North American Outreach on Saturday Feb 21 from 3:00 pm to
5:00 pm at St. Michael Church. Hear exciting news, ask questions, share your ideas. Please confirm your attendance with
Jairo at 403 870 3905 or 40daysforlife.calgary@gmail.com.
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
The Coldest Night of the Year is a fantastically fun, familyfriendly walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry,
homeless and hurting in 65 communities across Canada.
The 2, 5 and 10 km walk is held on Saturday Feb 21, and provides participants the opportunity to experience a hint of the
challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness while
raising much needed revenue for their favorite local charity. For
further details, please visit info@blueseaphilanthropy.org.
SYNOD OF THE FAMILY
Bishop Henry is sending out an invitation to take part in a
second survey on the family. The diocese is seeking your input on the vocation and mission of the family. Find out about
the survey on our website: www.saintmichael.ca. Copies of
the survey are also available in the gathering area.
calendar
Monday February 9
STEP
Theology of the Body
Mass
Rosary Group
Tuesday February 10
Mass
ELL Morning—Intermediate
ELL Evening—Beginner
Grief Share
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
9:00 am
10:00 am
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Wednesday February 11
That Man is You!
Mass
Catholicism Study
Knights of Columbus Executive Meeting
12 Step Program
6:00 am
9:00 am
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
Thursday February 12
Mass
Mom’s Group
Walking Toward Eternity
Mass Followed by Healing Service
RCIA
9:00 am
9:30 am
7:00 pm
7;00 pm
7:00 pm
Friday February 13
Mass
Eucharistic Adoration
Youth Alpha
9:00 am
9:30 am
6:30 pm
Saturday February 14
Reconciliation
Mass
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
Sunday February 15
Mass
Mass
Mass
9:00 am
11:00 am
5:00 pm
THANK YOU FR. JULIAN
Congratulations to Fr. Julian on the 38th anniversary of his ordination on Friday Feb 13. Thank you Fr. Julian for answering
God’s call and for your faithfulness in giving your very self for
Christ’s people. Thank you for being our Pastor, our shepherd
and for guiding and nurturing our spiritual lives. May you be
blessed today and always for your service to the Church and
may you know that you have our love and gratitude.
A VIEW OF OUR FINANCES
GIFTS FOR LAST WEEK
General Donations
$39,331
Building Fund
$6,673
$275
Belize
$365
SSVP
$190
TIA Donations to Date
TIA 2015 Levy
TBA
Outstanding Bldg. Loan
$8.1 million
# of Pre-Auth. Debit Enrollment
335
Thank you for your generosity!
Mass Intentions
Feb 7 Intentions of Beischel Family
Feb 8 Lito Bautista +
Intentions of Martin Brigidear
For Everyone
Feb 9 Intentions of Julia & Tim Gill
Feb 10 Brian Simpson +
Edward Emile Belich +
Feb 11 Tony Koob +
Cameron Ross + (Cedars)
Feb 12 Marie Schloesser-Rehmann +
Stephen Careen +
Feb 13 Lourdes Javier +
Andrew Schmidt +
Feb 14 Kathleen Wood +
Feb 15 Audrey Moore +
Intentions of Noel &
Silvia Marcelo
For Everyone
5:00 pm
9:00 am
11:00 am
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
9:00 am
9:00 am
9:00 am
10:00 am
9:00 am
9:00 am
9:00 am
9:00 am
5:00 pm
9:00 am
11:00 am
5:00 pm
Ash Wednesday, February 18:
9:00 am Mass and anointing with ashes
7:00 pm Mass and anointing with ashes
Parish Mission, Sunday, February 22 to
Wednesday February 25
7:00 pm
Wednesdays in Lent:
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Reconciliation
7:00 pm Stations of the Cross followed by Mass
Fridays in Lent:
8:00 am Reconciliation
9:00 am Mass
7:00 pm Stations of the Cross followed by Mass
Saturdays in Lent:
8:30 am Mass, Prayer and Meditation
3:30 pm Reconciliation
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Maria & Frank Aiello
Arsenia Ahmed
Don Albert
Don Allen
Nelly Arboleda
Judy Arsenault
Ilir Berisha
Joffre Blanco
Peter Boyko
Martin Brigidear
Ruby Burian
Joyce Capogreco
Elizabeth Chandless
Brian Chisholm
Bob Christy
Debbie Clark
Lauren Cook
Christian Cruz
Ana Rivera Diaz
Evelyn Donlevy
Ida Doreen
Martin Dvorak
Alvaro Fernandez
Baby Foulonneau
Luz Ma Gonzalez
Phillip Harnish
Rudolph Klassen
Betty Kobacs
Nicolas Leonzon Jr
Jamee Mazuryk
Pat & Molly Mooney
Carrie Morrison
Ram Narayan
Eric Nissen
Albert Okopie
Jose Paez
Dale Palin
Eve Renaud
Ana & Carmen Rivera
Virginia Rode
Judylina Ruelan
Helly Salloum
Krista Schaan
Ron Schell
Joanne Smith
Linda Soltys
Warren Stepaniuk
Clemencia Valencia
Rena Van de Geer
Juliana Villanueva
Henry Vos
Tony Zembiak
Angie
Ann
Bernie
Catherine H
Carol
Johanne
Muriel
Nina K
THE SOULS OF:
Millie Hall
Alice Lim
Frances Murphy
IN MEMORY OF:
Deceased Members of
Cervantes Family
Quintas & Doris Chan
Rolando Cruz
May God’s healing love
surround them in comfort
THE VOCATIONS CHALICE
SEMINARIANS
will be presented to:
Please pray for:
Ian and Rosemary Gardner
on Sunday February 8
at the 5:00 pm Mass
Mark Drapal
Quinn Gomez
Philip Holy
Jonathan Klimow
Shane Lambert
Andrew Peloso
Derek Remus
Kevin Toews
Pilmaiken Murillo