PARISH BULLETIN * December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (Year A) Page 1 Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (A) ST. MATTHEW PARISH AND MISSIONS Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew Church Caroline - St. Joseph the Workman Church Evergreen - Jesuit Martyrs Church Evergreen Caroline Bulletin QR Code INTRODUCTION TO THE LITURGY OF THE SUNDAY We are to love the Lord and one another each day as we await the coming of the kingdom. We do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will return. We must place all our hope and trust in Jesus, follow in his ways, and set our sights every day on the coming of the kingdom. We are reminded to love the Lord Jesus and one another while revealing the joy of following the path of Christ each day. The first reading reminds us that a fundamental way we live in love and unity with God and one another is to practice Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches, Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. CELEBRATION OF ILLUMINATION FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE - DEC. 11, 2016 at 09.00 AM We welcome all children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion and their families to the Celebration of Illumination SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the opportunity to reflect on the areas in our lives where we have failed to be the people God has created us to be and to bring these failures to God in humility and confidence that God loves us. In Evergreen and Rocky Mountain House we hold two communal celebrations of reconciliation during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. Always some priests from other parishes are available for confession at these services. It’s because of God’s promise of grace that we can take a hard look at our sins. Lord invites us to transparently confess our sins, our brokenness and our emptiness to Him. Take a time and come to the church to confess your sins to the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the ways you have failed to love your God, to love your family, to love your neighbor and to love yourself. We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance. Some sins are plain to us; some escape us, some we cannot face. Forgive us; set us free to hear your word to us; set us free to serve you. ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICES AND INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE December 14, 2016 – Wednesday 07.00 PM EVERGREEN December 14, 2016 – Wednesday 07.00 PM CHRISTMAS NOVENA Begin Dec. 16 th and recite each day for nine days Divine Infant, after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem, You wished to extend Your infinite mercy to the whole world by calling the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Your crib, which was in this way changed into a royal throne. You graciously received those holy men who were obedient to the divine call and hastened to Your feet. They recognized and worshipped You as Prince of Peace, the Redeemer of mankind, and the very Son of God. Show us also Your goodness and almighty power. Enlighten our minds, strengthen our wills, and inflame our hearts to know You, to serve You, and to love You in this life, that we may merit to find our joy in You eternally in the life to come. Jesus, most powerful Child, I implore You again to help me: (here mention your request). Divine Child, great omnipotent God, I implore through Your most Holy Mother's most powerful intercession, and through the boundless mercy of Your omnipotence as God, for a favorable answer to my prayer during this Novena. Grant me the grace of possessing You eternally with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with Your holy angels and saints. Amen.
Transcript
PARISH BULLETIN * December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (Year A)
Page 1
Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew
December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (A)
ST. MATTHEW PARISH AND MISSIONS Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew Church
Caroline - St. Joseph the Workman Church Evergreen - Jesuit Martyrs Church
Evergreen
Caroline Bulletin QR Code
INTRODUCTION TO THE LITURGY OF THE SUNDAY
We are to love the Lord and one another each day as we await the coming of the kingdom. We do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will
return. We must place all our hope and trust in Jesus, follow in his ways, and set our sights every day on the coming of the kingdom. We are reminded to love the Lord Jesus and one another while revealing the joy of following the path of Christ each day. The first reading reminds us that a fundamental way we live in love and unity with God and one another is to practice Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches, Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.
CELEBRATION OF ILLUMINATION FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE - DEC. 11, 2016 at 09.00 AM We welcome all children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion and their families to the Celebration of Illumination
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the opportunity to reflect on the areas in our lives where we have failed to be the people God has created us to be and to bring these failures to God in humility and confidence that God loves us. In Evergreen and Rocky Mountain House we hold two communal celebrations of reconciliation during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. Always some priests from other parishes are available for confession at these services.
It’s because of God’s promise of grace that we can take a hard look at our sins. Lord
invites us to transparently confess our sins, our brokenness and our emptiness to Him.
Take a time and come to the church to confess your sins to the Lord in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind the ways you have failed
to love your God, to love your family, to love your neighbor and to love yourself.
We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance. Some sins are plain to us; some escape us,
some we cannot face. Forgive us; set us free to hear your word to us; set us free to serve you.
ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICES AND INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE December 14, 2016 – Wednesday 07.00 PM
EVERGREEN December 14, 2016 – Wednesday 07.00 PM
CHRISTMAS NOVENA Begin Dec. 16th and recite each day for nine days
Divine Infant, after the wonders of Your birth in Bethlehem, You wished to extend Your infinite mercy to the
whole world by calling the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Your crib, which was in this way changed into a
royal throne. You graciously received those holy men who were obedient to the divine call and hastened to Your
feet. They recognized and worshipped You as Prince of Peace, the Redeemer of mankind, and the very Son of
God. Show us also Your goodness and almighty power. Enlighten our minds, strengthen our wills, and inflame
our hearts to know You, to serve You, and to love You in this life, that we may merit to find our joy in You eternally
in the life to come. Jesus, most powerful Child, I implore You again to help me: (here mention your request). Divine
Child, great omnipotent God, I implore through Your most Holy Mother's most powerful intercession, and through
the boundless mercy of Your omnipotence as God, for a favorable answer to my prayer during this Novena. Grant
me the grace of possessing You eternally with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with Your holy angels and
saints. Amen.
PARISH BULLETIN * December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (Year A)
Page 2
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
Date and Time Greeter(s) - Gifts Bearers Proclaimers Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Dec. 10, 2016 at 07.00 PM Pat Gerry 1 Laverne Froese 2 Orville Kittleson H. Ernie Murias C1. Leo Pelletier C2. JoAnne Como
Dec. 11, 2016 at 09.00 AM Carla Marks 1 Sandra Vavrek 2 Catherine Bolton H. Karen Boston C1. Sarah Cubby C2. Joyce Donald
Dec. 17, 2016 at 07.00 PM Brian & Pauline Morrison 1 Faye Boyle 2 Laurier Nobert H. Ernie Murias C1. Leo Pelletier C2. Annette Valstar
Dec. 18, 2016 at 09.00 AM CWL and Knights of Columbus will serve in ministries today
Dec. 18, 2016 – Sunday After 11.00 AM Mass CAROLINE Annual Christmas Tree decorating event
In Loving Memory of JÓZEF (JOSEPH) KLER (1954 - 2016)
Joseph passed away last Sunday, during the Celebration of the Eucharist in Rocky Mountain House, at 9.40 AM.
FUNERAL MASS: Zębowice - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Wednesday - December 07, 2016 at 01.00 PM
LITTLE FLOWERS GIRLS’ CLUB Dec. 11, 2016 - After 9.00 AM Mass
The Little Flowers' Girls Group has been busily baking some beautiful goods to sell at our bake sale fundraiser. We
will have a table set up in the foyer of the church December 11, 2016 following 9.00 AM Mass. Please stop at our
table and pick up some goodies to share with your loved ones this holiday season.
ATTENTION PARISHIONERS IN EVERGREEN
STUDY OF MARY
We resumed our study of Mary starting on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. As before we gather at 10 o'clock before Mass in the church hall classroom.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAM Sunday – December 11, 2016 06.00 PM - 07.15 PM
St. Matthew Church - Rocky Mountain House Lesson 04 The presence of all candidates is very important and expected.
RCIA CLASS
Tuesday – December 13, 2016 07.00 PM – 09.00 PM
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEETING All members are invited!
Thursday - December 15, 2016 7.15 PM No Mass at 6.30 PM (Mass at 9.00 AM)
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – THIS WEEK
Friday – December 16, 2016 09. 30 AM – 01.00 PM (Private Adoration) Mass at 09.00 AM
ALTAR SERVERS’ PRACTICE Friday, December 16, 2016 - 03.30 PM
Altar Servers’ Practice will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 3.30 PM. All children who have received First Communion are welcome to come and learn what is involved in altar serving. RMH – St. Matthew Church ALL ALTAR SERVERS ARE INVITED!
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING & CHURCH CLEANING CAROLINE PARISH
Sunday – Dec 18 2016 After 11.00 AM Mass Annual Christmas Tree decorating event.
All are welcome! Light refreshments will be served! Monday - Dec 19, 2016 11.00 AM Church cleaning for Christmas! All are welcome!
THANK YOU! SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY
A Big Thank You to all the generous folks in St Mathew Parish
We had an overwhelming response to our request for donations for our Syrian Refugee family. It was truly amazing to see all the furniture, clothing, toys, household items, Christmas decorations and money, come pouring in. We are happy to report that the family is well on their way to settling into our community. They have rented a home; the children are enrolled in school: Maickl is in grade 5 at St. Mathew and Nancy in Grade 9 at St. Dominic. Their parents Aadel and Mary are taking part in English as a Second Language training at the Rocky Learning Centre and 3 yr old George is happy to play with his new toys and learn his English with the help of games and apps. In the months to come our job as sponsors will be to help the family integrate into our culture, help them to become proficient in English and to help find employment so they can become self-sufficient. Moving to Rocky will have its joys and challenges (ie this lovely winter weather), but the family is grateful to be in a safe and peaceful community. They look forward to a bright future in our wonderful country. Merry Christmas from the Tanous Family and “New Beginnings Sponsorship
Group” Del Rieder, Trina Hobmaier & Suzanne Spierenburg
PARISH BULLETIN * December 11, 2016 – Third Sunday in Advent (Year A)
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CHRISTMAS CHURCH CLEANING - RMH Monday, December 19, 2016 10.00 AM – 02.00 PM
Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew Church Volunteers would be greatly appreciated!
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE In the parish office
Parish Christmas Cards are for sale at the Parish Office during the week during office hours or on the weekends after each Mass. Thank you!
MANGER PROJECT Gifts for Jesus
As the Wise Men who brought gifts to baby Jesus to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us follow their example by filling the manger of gifts in support of mothers bringing life anew, into this world. May God Bless you all in this Advent act of love, as we await with joy the birth of our Lord, Christmas! On November 27/2016, the first Sunday of Advent you will notice in the foyer a manger filled with paper straw. Each straw has an item written on it that is needed to fill 10-12 baby care bags. These bags will be given to new mothers throughout the year 2017. Please feel free to take a straw or straws each week and kindly return your gift of love to be displayed surrounding the manger for the duration of the Advent. After Christmas, these bags will be prayerfully assembled with love and ready for distribution in the coming year.
UPDATE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE - LORD’S FOOD BANK - CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
This November, 396 hampers were given out, and 6 households received assistance from us for the first time. The Turkey Drive is in full swing in the Mountaineer and we have raised almost half of our $60,000 goal! We thank all of you who have been so generous in giving. This money will cover the Christmas Hamper program, as well as build a good start to our operating budget for 2017. Your support and prayers are treasured by us and make a difference in many lives in our community. I especially want to thank all those who have volunteered labor and expertise to paint our dining hall and renovate our kitchen: Andrew Thompson, Adam and Natalie Stodolka, Glenn and Julie Stone, Ken Schellenberg, Ryan Tollenaar, Dave Frost, Alyssa Babe, Mallory Jones, and Doug Steinky. Their work will allow us to meet even higher standards of Food Safety, and they have created a more functional space for current and future programs! CHRISTMAS HAMPERS: Registration: Nov. 17 - Dec. 15, 2016 Assembly: Tue. - Wed., (Dec. 20 - 21, 2016) 9.30 AM Distribution: Thu., Dec. 22, 2016 9.30 AM - 3.00 PM
EVERGREEN – COLLECTION OF FOOD BANK ITEMS
Each Sunday at Evergreen we collect non-perishable food items for Eckville Food Bank. Each Wednesday the items will be picked up by Eucharistic Minister going to the Manor and dropped off at Eckville Town Office.
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Thank you!
These bright red flowers were known as the 'Flowers of the Holy Night'. The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. Anyone can give special monetary donation toward the purchase of the flowers for the decoration of the sanctuary for Christmas. Just mark your
donations “For flowers at Christmas”. Anyone wishing to donate the actual flowers for the Church at Christmas can drop them off in the office
by noon on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.
CAN YOU HELP? Youth Ministry Our parishioner going to Australia
My name is Liam Standish and I am going to be serving on the Australian National Evangelization Team (NET) in 2017. I have been very involved in our parish’s youth ministry program for a number of years. I hope to take what I have learned from my experience working with youth to NET as well as bring back what I learn on NET to the youth of Rocky Mountain House. I consider this a very important calling. My financial commitment to this program is $7,600 which must be raised prior to beginning my training in January. I would appreciate your prayer support as well as any donation that you may be willing to give. Please see me at church, contact me at [email protected] or call me at 403.597.1198. Thank you! Brochures are available at the entrance of each church!
WALKING TOWARDS ETERNITY - Bible Study in RMH Starting in January 2017
God wants to speak to you. He wants to speak to you in a very intimate way. The emphasis of this study is to engage the word of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the graces that come in the church as we talk about the topics of anger, greed, hopelessness, fear, the appetites, loneliness, shame, and envy. Topics that probe your heart, and give you hope as to where you can go with your life. Positive change is possible - as nothing is impossible with God! You are invited into an intimate and life-changing encounter with Christ. Join us in January on Sundays for, "Walking Towards Eternity: Engaging the Struggles of the Heart." An 8-week study, $22. Register at the parish office by
December 15 or contact Lisa Sembaliuk 403-846-7137 for more information. For more info visit: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4IIVjdL9aw
Tuesday to Friday 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM & 01.00 PM - 04.00 PM
Contact Information Phone line to office 403.845.3457 Phone direct line to Fr. Leon 587.333.4500 Fax line to office 403.845.7177 Email address to office [email protected] Email address to Fr. Leon [email protected]
PARISH MINISTRIES
Parish Pastoral Council Lauren MacKenzie 403.845.2836 Ministry to the Sick Ernie Murias 403.845.4860 Called to Protect Ernie Murias 403.845.4860 RCIA
Kristin McKenzie Karen Carmichael
403.845.0017 403.846.2168
Youth Group Peter van Kampen 403.848.0955 Prayer Line Knights of Columbus Ken Standish 403.598.3263 CWL Catherine Bolton 403.845.5742 Bible Study Roxane Melvin 403.845.3127 Together We Serve Annette Valstar 403.845.4956 Families of Nazareth Karen Boston 403.845.4047
SUNDAY MASSES
Saturday 07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House Sunday 09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House Sunday 11.00 AM Evergreen Sunday 01.00 PM Caroline
WEEKDAY MASSES
Monday No Mass Tuesday 06.30 PM - St. Matthew Church, RMH Wednesday 09.00 AM - St. Matthew Church, RMH Thursday
10.00 AM - Jesuit Martyrs, Evergreen 06.30 PM - St. Matthew Church, RMH
Friday 09.00 AM - St. Matthew Church, RMH
MONTHLY MASSES
First Wednesday 08.00 AM - St. Matthew School, RMH First Wednesday 11.00 AM - Eckville Manor, Eckville First Friday 10.30 AM - Clearwater Centre, RMH Third Wednesday 08.00 AM - St. Dominic School, RMH
REQUESTS FOR USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES
HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PASTOR
AND BOOKED THROUGH THE PARISH OFFICE.
SACRAMENTS BAPTISM OF CHILDREN
Contact office if you want your child to be baptized in our parish. Preparation Class is mandatory. For more info, call office.
CONFESSIONS
Rocky Mountain House - Every Saturday from 6.15 PM to 6.45 PM Evergreen & Caroline - after each Sunday Mass by request
Two Reconciliation Services - in Advent and in Lent. Anytime by making appointment with the priest.
MARRIAGE
Contact office if you want to celebrate Sacrament of Marriage in our parish. Preparation is mandatory. For more info, call office.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Every Friday in St. Matthew Church - Rocky Mountain House 9.00 AM MASS 9.30 AM - 1.00 PM ADORATION
Every First Thursday of the month in St. Matthew Church - RMH 6.30 PM MASS 7.00 PM - 8.00 PM HOLY HOUR ADORATION
PARISH WEBSITE WWW.SMPRMH.CA
Saturday December 10, 2016 – 3rd Sunday in Advent
07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Grace Toudal Sunday December 11, 2016 – 3rd Sunday in Advent
09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Mary Small 11.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: For all members of our parish communities 01.00 PM Caroline – St. Joseph the Workman Church Intention: Repose of the souls of Mickey & Don Ellis
Monday December 12, 2016 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
No Mass Tuesday December 13, 2016 – St. Lucy; virgin, martyr 09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church TIME CHANGE
Intention: For the special intention of Karen Boston Wednesday December 14, 2016 – St. John of the Cross; priest, doctor
09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Len Kjorlien Thursday December 15, 2016 – Weekday in Advent 09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church TIME CHANGE
Intention: Repose of the soul of Grace Toudal 10.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: No intention requested Friday December 16, 2016 – Weekday in Advent
09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: In thanksgiving
09.30 AM – 01.00 PM ADORATION St. Matthew Church, RMH
Saturday December 17, 2016 – 4th Sunday in Advent
07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Ed McKenzie and for blessings for his family Sunday December 18, 2016 – 4th Sunday in Advent
09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Jeanice Giroux 11.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: Repose of the souls of the members of Dickson family 01.00 PM Caroline – St. Joseph the Workman Church Intention: For all members of our parish communities
