St. James Church & St. Michael s Church

Transcription

1 Building and Sustaining one Parish Community St. James Church & St. Michael s Church F I R S T S U N D A Y OF L E N T M A R C H 1 6, Y E A R A PARISH OFFICE & STAFF Office & Mailing Address: 30 Elma Street West Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1J7 Phone: Fax: office@stjamesparishrc.com Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon and 1:00 3:30 pm Closed 3rd Friday of the Month St. James Church Address: 338 Avenue & 32nd St. East Pastor: Fr. Jaroslaw Dziuba, SDS (Fr. Yarek) pastor@stjamesparishrc.com Appointments are to be arranged through the Parish Office. EMERGENCIES ONLY: Fr. Yarek at Please speak clearly and state your name and phone number. Dominical Vicar: Fr. Stephen Smith Deacon: Deacon Ken Waddle; kwaddle@xplornet.ca Religious Education & Youth Ministry Coordinator: Sr. Lucille Field, S.I.T.G. religioused@stjamesparishrc.com; youthministry@stjamesparishrc.com Administrative Assistant: Deborah Quinlan Part-Time Secretary: Vi Lake Bulletin Deadline: Thursday, 12 Noon. Send to: bulletin@stjamesparishrc.com. Parish Website: St. Vincent de Paul Website: stvincentdepaulokotoks.ca MASS SCHEDULE WEEKLY SUNDAY MASSES 9:00 a.m. Black Diamond 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Okotoks WEEKDAY MASSES Okotoks: Tuesday at 7:00pm Thursday at 9:00am 2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturdays at 9:00am Black Diamond: Wednesday & Friday, 9:00am and 1st Saturday of every month at 9:00am. Weekday Mass may be cancelled for pastoral reasons. MASS INTENTIONS (Mar.16-22,2014) Sunday 9:00 am t Hazel Busche 11:00 am t Raymond Gelinas 7:00 pm People of the Parish Tuesday 7:00 pm Dennis Schneider Wednesday 9:00 am t Cheryl Chouinard Thursday 9:00 am t Charles Szymanek Friday 9:00 am t Gundell Forestell Saturday 9:00 am Carmen & James Ostafichuk Reconciliation Tuesday after 7:00 pm Mass Okotoks: Sunday evening only 6:30 to 6:55pm or by appointment; Wednesdays during Lent 7:30 8:30 pm Black Diamond: after weekday Mass or by appointment Solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament St. Michael s, Friday, 9:30-10:30am St. James, Tuesday, 7:30-8:30pm Liturgy Ministry Schedules for St. James & St. Michael s: ministry-schedules/

2 Page 2 PARISH ACTIVITIES LENTEN SCHEDULE St. James, Fridays for soup and buns from 6:00-6:55 pm, followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm St. Michael s, 6:00 pm, Fridays for Stations of the Cross followed by soup and buns. In addition to the regular parish schedule, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at parishes throughout the Diocese of Calgary all the Wednesdays in Lent (March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 and 16) from 7:30-8:30 pm. YOUTH ACTIVITIES - ST. JAMES CHURCH SJY meeting will be March 20 th at JPII GYM for fun/games night from 7-9pm. Please wear running shoes for the games planned. Bring a friend and join the fun. ADULT ACTIVITIES - ST. JAMES CHURCH Men's Prayer and Discussion Group - Meet at 7:30 pm on Monday, meeting room behind altar. Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group meet Monday, 7:30-9:00 pm in the lounge for an evening of praise and worship. Lectio Divina Prayer Group at 7:00pm on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Couples for Christ Christian Life Program every Sunday at 3:00pm. Praying with Heart & Body classes held every Monday from 7-8pm at Holy Trinity Academy Book Club-- March 25 after the 7pm Mass. The book for the month is Unplanned by Abby Johnson. A Lenten story of conversion. The Scriptural Rosary Prayer Group Wednesday, March 26th, 7pm at St. James Church the intention for this month is Family Unity. Moms Group Mothers of all ages come join us on Wednesday from 10:00-11:30am at St. James Church. Child care is provided. March 19 - DVD #7 in the "Mothering: full of Grace" series March 26 - this month's 'Hot Topic' with Allene St. James Catholic Women s League Okotoks Membership fees for 2014 are $ The fees can be dropped off at the parish during office hours or by placing it in the collection basket with St. James CWL on the envelope. We invite all women of the parish to join the Catholic Women s League (CWL). For more information contact Gloria at St. James Parish Together In Action 2014 This campaign has officially kicked off with a goal of $41,663 of which we have achieved $1,333 to date. The contribution thermometer can be found on the St. James web page: stjamesparishrc.com. Should we exceed our total goal we will receive any excess funds back for our Parish s use in identified areas. The building of our Hall and office complex will entail a need for office equipment and furnishings, as well as hall furnishing and kitchen equipment so any excess funds can certainly be put to good use. Your generosity and contributions of $5.00 per week per family will ensure we meet our goal. We encourage you to read the stores of Faith in Action in this week s bulletin (see insert). K of C St. Michael s Church, Black Diamond Meetings: Every 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 pm at the church. Call Steve Dookie, Grand Knight, at Pancake Breakfast: 3rd Sunday after Mass. K of C St. James Church, Okotoks Meetings every 1st Tuesday of the month after the 7:00 pm Mass at the church. For information contact Patrick Lamontagne, Grand Knight at Spring Clean at St. Michael s Church Please join us in freshening up the church after a long cold winter. We will get busy after Mass on Wednesday March 19 (around 10:00am). Contact Sheila Hartman at for more information or to volunteer. ART EXHIBIT OF LOCAL ARTIST Local artist and parishioner, Scott Kelly, will be exhibiting several fine art landscapes the weekend of April 27th at St. James Church. To purchase simply remove the price tag/business card and contact Scott at CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media Week #1 Angels Explained: What You Should Know About the Nine Choirs. Dr. Mark Miravalle, Professor of Theology and Mariology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, teaches on the fascinating subject of Angels. Why did God create angels? How are they different from humans? Are guardian angels found in Scripture? Discover the answer to these questions and many more as Dr. Mark Miravalle explains the nine choirs of angels, their differing roles and hierarchical order, and how much angels can help us if we only ask.

3 St. James Parish Page 3 Sale of Safeway and Sobeys Gift Cards Safeway and Sobeys gift cards are sold at face value every second Sunday after the 11 am and 7 pm Mass as well as at the Parish Office. Cash, cheque, debit and credit card can be used for payment. An average of 7.5% of the value goes toward supporting Parish activities. Our goal for 2014 is to sell $11,000 per month or $132,000 annually which will contribute $10,000 towards the Parish. Actual March 1-15, 2014 $3, Year to date $23, Proceeds to the Parish $ 1, High Country Ministerial Lenten Series The High Country Ministerial Association's Lenten Series continues here at St. Michael's next Wednesday evening at 7:00PM. The subject of the evening will be "Penitence" presented by Rev. Alan Getty of the Anglican Church. Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools- Employment Opportunities We are currently accepting applications for: S - Accounting Manager Catholic Education Centre located in Okotoks S Recreation Coordinator Centre for HOME located in Okotoks. Visit the website at: Diocesan Announcement The Holy Father has requested that the Diocese of Calgary participate in his initiative, 24 Hours for the Lord. Bishop Henry has designated St. Anthony s Parish, Calgary ( th Street S.W.) as the location in the City of Calgary where the Sacrament of Penance will be available within the context of Eucharistic Adoration. Beginning on Friday March 28, 2014, St. Anthony s Parish will be open for twenty-four hours to offer the Sacrament of Penance to all the faithful of the Diocese of Calgary. Friday March 28 Holy Mass at 4:30 PM Eucharistic Adoration 5 PM to Saturday, March 29, at 5 PM Sacrament of Penance 5 PM to Saturday, March 29, at 5 PM Saturday March 29 Holy Mass at 5 PM All Welcome! For more information please call the St. Anthony Parish Office at Coffee Sunday Black Diamond: 1st Sunday each month Okotoks: 3rd Sunday of each month, K of C MOVING ITEMS FOR SALE Fr. Steve and Marilyn are moving to an apartment. There are household items, furniture and art For Sale. Call Marilyn at Weekly Collection Report 2014 March 9th Collections Budget Over (Under) Budget Year to date Collections Year to date Budget Over (Under) Budget Operating Fund $ 7,367 $ 10,553 $ (3,186) $ 114,906 $ 108,528 $ 6,378 Together in Action (TIA) $ 1,101 $ 801 $ 300 $ 2,434 $ 8,010 $ (5,576) Gifting Options Envelopes are great, so is cash, but make it easier by switching to Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD). PAD ensures regular cash flow for the parish and eliminates seasonal ups and down! You can set the amount you wish to donate and to which fund (operating, Together in Action, etc.) each month. We can debit bank accounts or credit cards. Call the Parish Office, , Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm to have a form mailed or ed. Forms are also available on the information table in the narthex check the Registration Binder (Blue).

4 Page 4 SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION 2014 BAPTISM PREPARATION If your child is seven years old or younger you are required to attend two classes on two consecutive Tuesdays. The classes are from 7:00-9:00 pm at St. James Church. Session Two: March 18 & March 25, 2014 Session Three: May 20 & May 27, 2014 Session Four: September 16 & 23, 2014 A baptismal registration form must be handed into the parish office before the start of the session. Baptisms are on the second Sunday of every month after the 11:00am Mass in Okotoks or during 9:00 am Mass in Black Diamond OR by special arrangements with Fr. Yarek. If your child is older than seven years and in need of baptism please contact Sr. Lucille at the parish office PLEASE NOTE: Baptism Sunday will be held after Mass on March 2nd and April 27th only during these two months. FIRST COMMUNION 2014 Usually Grade 2 and up. Please bring a copy of the baptismal certificate if your child was not baptized at St. James or St. Michael s. Registration fee $ Tuesday, May 13, :00pm Mass Fr. Yarek s homily to parents based on the Eucharist Sunday, May 25, 9-10:30am followed by 11am Mass st DYRT retreat for 1 Communion candidates Parent Information - pick up material to help child prepare for the sacrament and to ask questions. Commitment Mass at 11am and 7pm Masses. Parents please attend with your child. Sunday, June 8, 9:00-10:30am followed by 11am Mass Class for parent and child. (Parent/sponsor is required to attend this class in order to take part in the sacrament.) Rehearsal will take place during this time. Sunday, June 15 or June 22 1st COMMUNION SUNDAYS Parents choose which Sunday and they must notify team at the June 8th class or parish office. S t. J am e s P ar is h MARRIAGE PREPARATION Phone the Parish Office at least 6 months before marriage and make an appointment with Fr. Yarek. Marriage preparation sessions are mandatory for those preparing for marriage. Sessions are at St. James Church, Saturdays, 9:00am to 2:00pm on the following dates: Session Two: May 10, 2014 Session Three: October 25, 2014 Registration fee is $60.00 per couple. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Registration is ongoing for all those interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. Inquirers are instructed in the Catholic Faith and introduced to the life of the Church. The sessions are Wednesdays from 7-9pm at St. James Church. For more information please call Sr. Lucille at Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens (RCIT) This program is designed for all youth from grades 6 to 9 who desire to receive the Catholic Sacraments they have missed and for any youth who wishes to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Please contact Sr. Lucille for more information at Faith comes by Hearing Romans 10:17 Welcome Home and Catholic Refresher video series Fr. Barron s CATHOLICISM St. James Church from 7:00-8:30pm Thursday - April: 3, 10 Wednesday - April: 30 Thursday - May: 8, 15, 22, 29 Invite your friends & neighbours

5 take five minutes to feed your faith every day Remove this page from the bulletin and put it where you ll see it each day. Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow a day at a time. SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2014 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT; PENITENTIAL RITE FOR CANDIDATES FOR FULL COMMUNION Are you ready? Some of the people going through the process of entering the Catholic Church have already been baptized in another Christian tradition, and when the Vigil comes around they will be received formally into the church. The preparation these folks are doing takes place in the larger preparation of the whole church known as Lent. Lent is a penitential season: a time to make right your relationships with God and the community. In many churches today the candidates for full communion will participate in a penitential rite. Like all the rites of the church, this one involves not only them but everyone else. They are getting ready. Are you? TODAY S READINGS: Genesis 12:1-4a; 2 Timothy 1:8b-10; Matthew 17:1-9 (25). I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you. MONDAY, MARCH 17 MEMORIAL OF PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY Irish welcomes add up In medieval Ireland under Brehon Law, all citizens were obliged to provide hospitality to strangers, including food, drink, and a place to sleep. Payment often came in the form of stories, songs, or poems. Although Brehon Law was not that long lived, its impact on Irish culture, particularly in the area of warm welcomes, continues to be felt to this day: Irish tourism is a $5 billion industry, and the country, known as the land of a thousand welcomes, is consistently voted a favorite holiday destination by travelers worldwide. Give and gifts will be given to you. Happy Saint Patrick s Day! TODAY S READINGS: Deuteronomy 9:4b-10; Luke 6:36-38 (230). Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. TUESDAY, MARCH 18 MEMORIAL OF CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Give me some of that really old-time religion If you grew up with that old-time religion of the God of fire and brimstone you may be surprised that not all of the old-time theologians emphasized an angry God. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, back in the 300s, was renowned for his emphasis on the loving and forgiving nature of God. Cyril wrote that the Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden [but] comes with the tenderness of a true friend to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, and to console. There s much to learn from this old timer and his old-time God of love! TODAY S READINGS: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12 (231). Do not be called Master ; you have but one master, the Christ. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 SOLEMNITY OF JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Do not be afraid Being a father to any child is a big job. Being a father to God s own Son? Talk about responsibility! But Joseph stepped up and took on the daunting task. Before Jesus was even born, he showed his mettle as a father figure exhibiting extraordinary compassion and selflessness in what must have been a terribly confusing and stressful situation. Joseph may have been confounded by the enormity of what he had to do, but he faced it anyway because he simply trusted in God. That s a role model for all man or woman, parent or not to emulate. TODAY S READINGS: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a (543). Joseph... was a righteous man. THURSDAY, MARCH 20 LENTEN WEEKDAY A rich view of the poor In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Luke made two important points. First, the rich man was punished not because he was a sinner and certainly not merely because he was rich. In his self-satisfaction he was blind even to the existence of the poor and that poor man in particular whom he passed by every day without even noticing. Second, when confronted with his punishment, the rich man treated Lazarus like a servant. Consider the recent remarks of a preacher from Haiti: The poorest neighborhoods in the United States are like paradise to the poor of Haiti. TODAY S READINGS: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31 (233). When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. FRIDAY, MARCH 21 LENTEN WEEKDAY; DAY OF ABSTINENCE Find some creative space As a spiritual practice, abstinence is only as good as what you do with it. Just think of the Pharisees of Jesus day, who fasted twice a week but remained critical of those who didn t. The Jewish roots of fasting and abstinence were partly penitential: to make up for what one did or failed to do sins of commission or omission. It also had a spiritual component: to demonstrate humility before God. All good things come from God for your enjoyment, and without God you have and are nothing. Does your Lenten abstinence make you humbler and more compassionate toward the weakness of others? TODAY S READINGS: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43, (234). The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 LENTEN WEEKDAY The patron saint of entitlement? Writers, artists, and poets have tried to capture the overwhelming love of the Prodigal Father waiting in the famous parable for his errant son to return, when he gets a glimpse of him and abandons all dignity and runs to cover his son with kisses. Less attention is given to the elder son, the obedient, hardworking one who never abandoned his father. Why is he not the focus of the parable? Perhaps because we find his attitude selfish, and yet is not the elder son often the patron of many of us? We may strive to do the right thing but with the expectation that our fidelity entitles us to something. There is another chance for the elder son, though, as his father goes out to meet him, too. TODAY S READINGS: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, (235). My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours by TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; ; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Daily signup and App available online. Noncommercial reprints permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. Contributors: Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Sister Maxine Kollasch, I.H.M., Joel Schorn, Jennifer Tomshack, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

6 LENTEN PARISH MISSION with Fr. Gilles Leblanc at St. James Church, Okotoks Divine Mercy Gateway to Hope and Holiness March 31 to April 2, 2014 beginning at 7:00 pm Monday, March 31 Tuesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 2 What is Divine Mercy? Greatest Attribute of God A World in Need Begin with Mass at 7:00 pm Who is God? Scriptural Portrait of our Father Teach us to Pray Coming into the Presence of God Forgiveness, Healing & Mercy Merciful Heart of Mary, Mother of Mercy

7 Our Lady and our Spiritual Combat We all are drawn to the spiritual warfare with evil and in the tradition of the Church shows these three sources which try to rob us of God's grace and ultimately salvation: the flesh (carnal desires), the world (evil structures, falsehoods etc) and the devil who is the evil par excellence. But in our efforts to fight for good we are not alone. The Lord who taught us how to win the spiritual battles and promised the sufficient grace (see 2 Cor 12:9) is always with those you surrender to Him in faith and charity (see James 4:7). The Dear Lord has also has given us His own Mother to watch over her children and guide them safely to the harbour of salvation. This has been confirmed by the Scripture, Tradition, ordinary teaching of the Church and numerous voices of saints, people and our own experience. There are so many witnesses that there is no space to quote. Let us just read Revelation 12. Our Lady of Guadalupe is a patroness of Americans. However not many people know that the word "guadalupe" or Coatlaxopeuh - was a reference to the battle with evil. "Coa meaning serpent, tla being the noun ending which can be interpreted as 'the,' while xopeuh means to crush or stamp out. So Our Lady must have called herself the one 'who crushes the serpent,'" (pronounced quatlazupe) is the Nahuatl (Aztec language) spelling (see ). Therefore, it is She who will help us to crush both our own evils (here our struggles, weaknesses, temptations and devil's tactics) and the evil in the world. One of the prayers to our Lady is the one under the title "August Queen of Heaven, sovereign Mistress of the Angels" (much less known in comparison to other prayers to the Blessed Mother). It may aid us powerfully in our spiritual combat especially during this Lenten season. I invite you to pray this prayer as often as possible individually or together as a family. - Fr. Yarek SDS August Queen of Heaven, sovereign Mistress of the Angels who did receive from the beginning, the mission and the power, to crush the serpent s head, we beseech you to send your holy angels, that under your command and by your power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks, and drive them hence into the abyss of woe. Most holy Mother, send your angels to protect us. All ye holy angels and archangels, help and defend us. AMEN. (Regina Angelorum: A Bernadine Sister in 1863 was shown in spirit the vast desolation caused by the devil throughout the world, and at the same time she heard the Blessed Virgin telling her that it was true, hell had been let loose upon the earth; and that the time had come to pray to her as Queen of the Angels and to ask of her the assistance of the heavenly legions to fight against these deadly foes of God and of men. "But my good Mother," she replied, "you who are so kind, could you not send them without our asking?" "No," Our Lady answered, "because prayer is one of the conditions required by God Himself in obtaining favors." Then the Blessed Virgin communicated this prayer, bidding the Sister to have it printed and distributed). NIHIL OBSTAT: Arthur J. Scanlon, S. T. D., Censor Librorum IMPRIMATUR: Patrick Cardinal Hayes, Archbhishop of New York, September 5, 1936

8 St. James Parish LENTEN MEATLESS SOUP & BUNS from 6:00 6:55pm Followed by STATIONS OF THE CROSS at 7:00 pm Hosted By: March 21-Knights of Columbus March 28-Catholic Women s League April 4-Parish Pastoral Council April 11-St. James Mom s Group Please join us for our parish lenten meals

9 Stories of our Faith in Action This bulletin insert tells you the story of an organization that benefitted from Together in Action in Funds from this year s campaign will benefit similar causes. Thank you for your support! Recipient Organization: Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace Project Funded: Addressing the root causes of poverty through international development Year Funding Received: 2013 Grant Amount: $214,670 Tell us about how your grant impacted your organization and/or your clients: At DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE, we believe that there is room at the table for all. DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE has joined Caritas Internationalis global anti-hunger campaign called One Human Family, Food for All. This global campaign was launched by the Holy Father Pope Francis in response to the fact that one billion people are suffering from hunger that s 1 in 8 people of the entire human family. Thanks to your generous support, Development and Peace is working to respond to hunger, both in the face of humanitarian crises, but also through long-term solutions. From providing food after a disaster like Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, to long-term support and advocacy for small-scale farmers around the globe, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is working to ensure that all people can put food on their family s table. Together in Action RC Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary Ave SW Calgary AB T2A 2T2 p f Charitable Registration No RR0076

10 Women who work in the Elbaha nursery in Harar, Ethiopia. Photo: Ryan Worms, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE In the Harar region of Ethiopia, the drought from nearly three years ago still poses a serious threat to food security. Development and Peace, in partnership with the Harar Secretariat of Caritas Ethiopia, put in place a cash-for-work project that allows small-scale farming communities to build terraced embankments that help fight soil erosion and collect rainwater on their farms. Farming families also received drought-resistant seeds and various training sessions to improve their agricultural methods. Finally, to irrigate the seedlings in nurseries, rainwater is collected in little ponds during the brief rainy season. These projects are ensuring that communities in Ethiopia are more resilient to climate crises, in order to provide food security. In Mindanao in the Philippines, Marcelino Marcelino Octaviano knew the struggles of being a small-scale farmer. Tilling a family plot of 1.5 hectares was proving insufficient to feed his family so he took a second job as an electrician. Still, he could barely make ends meet. This precarious existence changed when Mr. Octaviano joined the Balugo Farmers Multi- Purpose Cooperative (BFMPC), a small cassava cooperative receiving support from Development and Peace. For Mr. Octaviano, being part of the BFMPC has enabled him to pool his crops with other farmers and supply larger quantities of cassava to larger businesses, which has transformed the living standard of his family. Today, he is the manager of the cooperative. And the prospects for his children seem even brighter: his two daughters are now enrolled in university. Making a difference for hungry people around the world By providing seed banks to help crops last longer, offering agricultural training to improve yields, improving access to land ownership for peasant farmers, supporting farming and fishing cooperatives, and speaking out against land grabs and forest destruction, DEVELOPMENT ANDPEACE is working to make the world more just and ensure there is food for all. Together, we can build a more just and sustainable food system for our human family.