st. james church & st. michael’s church · 11/12/2013  · resume january 8, 2014. st. james...

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PARISH OFFICE & STAFF Office & Mailing Address: 30 Elma Street West Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1J7 Phone: 403-938-3122 Fax: 403-938-0524 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon and 1:003:30 pm Closed 3rd Friday of the Month St. James Church Address: 338 Avenue & 32nd St. East Pastor: Fr. Jaroslaw Dziuba, SDS (Fr. Yarek) [email protected] Appointments are to be arranged through the Parish Office. EMERGENCIES ONLY: Fr. Yarek at 403-613-2680 Please speak clearly and state your name and phone number. Dominical Vicar: Fr. Stephen Smith Deacon: Deacon Ken Waddle; [email protected] Religious Education & Youth Ministry Coordinator: Sr. Lucille Field, S.I.T.G. [email protected]; [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Deborah Quinlan Part-Time Secretary: Vi Lake Bulletin Deadline: Thursday, 12 Noon. Send to: [email protected]. Parish Website: http://stjamesparishrc.com F IRST S UNDAY OF A DVENT D ECEMBER 1, 2013-Y EAR A St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church MASS SCHEDULE WEEKLY SUNDAY MASSES 9:00 a.m. Black Diamond 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Okotoks WEEKDAY MASSES Okotoks: Tuesday 7:00pm;Thursday & Saturday at 9:00am. Mass is held in the Chapel unless otherwise noted. Black Diamond: Wednesday & Friday, 9:00am Weekday Masses can be cancelled for pastoral reasons. MASS INTENTIONS (Dec. 1 to Dec. 7) Sunday 9:00 am Theresa Savoie 11:00 am t Dennis Steciw 7:00 pm People of the Parish Tuesday 7:00 pm ThanksgivingFelicya Wednesday 9:00 am t Joyce Reilander Thursday 9:00 am Jaymee Aitkenhead Friday 9:00 am t Olga Chambers Saturday 9:00 am t Mary Feddema First Saturday of the Month 9:00 am St. Michael’s, Black Diamond Reconciliation Tuesday after Mass Okotoks: Sunday evening only 6:30 to 6:55pm or by appointment 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 Sacrament of Marriage Phone the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance to set a date for marriage with the Parish Priest.

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Page 1: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

PARISH OFFICE & STAFF

Office & Mailing Address:

30 Elma Street West

Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1J7

Phone: 403-938-3122

Fax: 403-938-0524

Email: [email protected]

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)

[email protected]

Appointments are to be arranged through the

Parish Office.

EMERGENCIES ONLY: Fr. Yarek at 403-613-2680

Please speak clearly and state your name and phone

number.

Dominical Vicar: Fr. Stephen Smith

Deacon: Deacon Ken Waddle; [email protected]

Religious Education & Youth Ministry Coordinator:

Sr. Lucille Field, S.I.T.G.

[email protected];

[email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Deborah Quinlan

Part-Time Secretary: Vi Lake

Bulletin Deadline: Thursday, 12 Noon. Send to:

[email protected].

Parish Website: http://stjamesparishrc.com

F I R S T S U N D A Y O F A D V E N T D E C E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 3 - Y E A R A

St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church

MASS SCHEDULE — WEEKLY

SUNDAY MASSES

9:00 a.m. — Black Diamond

11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. — Okotoks

WEEKDAY MASSES

Okotoks: Tuesday 7:00pm;Thursday & Saturday at

9:00am. Mass is held in the Chapel unless

otherwise noted. Black Diamond: Wednesday &

Friday, 9:00am

Weekday Masses can be cancelled for pastoral reasons.

MASS INTENTIONS (Dec. 1 to Dec. 7)

Sunday 9:00 am Theresa Savoie

11:00 am t Dennis Steciw

7:00 pm People of the Parish

Tuesday 7:00 pm Thanksgiving—Felicya

Wednesday 9:00 am t Joyce Reilander

Thursday 9:00 am Jaymee Aitkenhead

Friday 9:00 am t Olga Chambers

Saturday 9:00 am t Mary Feddema

First Saturday of the Month

9:00 am — St. Michael’s, Black Diamond

Reconciliation

Tuesday after Mass

Okotoks: Sunday evening only — 6:30 to 6:55pm

or by appointment

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

Sacrament of Marriage — Phone the Parish

Office at least 6 months in advance to set a date

for marriage with the Parish Priest.

Page 2: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

Page 2 S t . James Par ish

YOUTH ACTIVITIES AT ST. JAMES The SJY Group is meeting at the YOUTH GARAGE located behind the parish office on 30 Elma Street on Dec.5 from 7-9pm. This will be our last evening before the new year so come and join us for some Advent Activities and winter games. All grades 7-12 invited.

ADULT ACTIVITIES AT ST. JAMES CHURCH Bible Literacy 101 Advent meet Dec. 2 , 7:00-8:30pm. Men’s Prayer Group –Every Monday from 7-8pm. Lectio Divina Prayer Group—at 7:00pm on the first

and third Wednesday of the month. Contact Tara at 982-5050.

Couples for Christ—Christian Life Program–every Sunday at 3:00pm.

Book Club Social on Dec. 10 after the 7pm Mass. Please join us for open discussion and your wish list for readings in the new year. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Moms’ Group — Mothers of all ages come join us on Wednesday from 10:00-11:30am at St. James Church. Child care is provided. Come drop in or contact Linda Bryson at [email protected] Dec. 4 - meditation and reflection with Sister Lucille Dec. 11 - "Mothering; Full of Grace" series, DVD #4 Dec. 18 - December's HOT TOPIC with Allene Christmas Break. Resume January 8, 2014.

St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning with Mass at 7pm and meeting to follow. For more information contact Gloria at 403-995-4548.

K of C—St. Michael’s The Knights are holding a Christmas Specialty Bake Sale after Mass on December 8th. For more information or to help, please call Ken at 403-933-4320.

K of C—St. Michael’s Church, Black Diamond Meetings: Every 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 pm at the church. For information call Steve Dookie, Grand Knight, at 403-933-5757. 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. Annual fees are $30.00 and can be brought to the meetings or dropped off at the parish office. For information contact Patrick Lamontagne, Grand Knight at 403-899-7472.

Christmas Eve Choir— If you are interested in singing as part of the Christmas Eve Choir for the mass at 9 pm, please call Donna at 403-254-1756.

Coffee Sunday Black Diamond: 1st Sunday each month Okotoks: 3rd Sunday each month sponsored by K of C

Magic of Christmas Our visit date is December 14th. If you would like to nominate a family or individual who would benefit from a visit, please contact Kelly Bailie at 403-938-5484. If you would like to make a donation, drop boxes are at Village Lane Dental or Monkey Mountain Toys and Games. Thank you for your support.

Parish Offertory Envelopes 2014—The envelopes are available for pickup. They can be found in alphabetical order.

PARISH ACTIVITIES

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE 2013

St. James Church, 338 Avenue and 32nd Street, Okotoks

Christmas Eve – December 24th – 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Christmas Day – December 25th – 11:00 am

Holy Family – December 29th – 11:00 am and 7:00 pm

New Year’s Eve – December 31st – 5:00 pm

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2014 – 11:00 am

St. Michael’s Church, 402 Government Road, Black Diamond

Christmas Eve – December 24th – 11:00 pm

Christmas Day – December 25th – 9:00 am

Holy Family – December 29th – 9:00 am

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2014 – 9:00 am

Page 3: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

St. James Par ish Page 3

Weekly Collection

Report 2013

Nov. 24th

Collections

Budget

Over (Under) Budget

Year to date

Collections

Year to date Budget

Over (Under) Budget

Operating Fund $ 9,056 $ 10,253 $ (1,197) $ 546,919 $ 494,903 $ 52,016

Together in Action (TIA) $ 1,155 $ 865 $ 290 $ 29,074 $ 42,462 $ (13,388)

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 2013 is to sell

$11,000 per month or $132,000 annually

which will contribute $10,000 towards the

Parish.

Actual

November 24-30 $ 1,000.00

Year to date $ 109,975.00

Proceeds to the Parish $ 8,248.13

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, 403-938-3122, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm to have a form mailed or emailed. Forms are also available on the information table in the narthex—check the Registration Binder (Blue).

Praying with Heart and Body Want some more personal God-Time? Then come try our weekly Praying with Heart and Body class. Praying with Heart and Body is a spiritual discipline, much like prayer, fasting and meditation. Praying with Heart and Body was designed for facilitating the worship and celebration of God through physical movement. No registration is required. Praying with Heart and Body classes are held every Monday from 7-8pm at Holy Trinity Academy starting November 25th. All parishioners and schools’ staff are welcome to attend, no experience necessary. The cost of class is $5:00 per session. Please bring your own yoga mat. Contact Pamela McLean @ 403-938-5725 or [email protected] with any questions.

Christian Women's Fellowship Breakfast Time to make your reservation for the CWFB. On Tap Oil and Vinegar from Okotoks will share their business story with us and Carol Johnson from Black Diamond will be our guest speaker and her topic is Solitude and Franciscan Hospitality in the remote part of the Yukon. Date: Thursday December 12 Time: 9:00am-11:00am Place: St. Michael's, Black Diamond Cost: $7.00 Payable at the door — RSVP by Dec. 9th For more information or if you are new to our group please phone Sheila at (403)995-9808.

ADVENT RECONCILIATION

All parishioners of St. James and St.

Michael’s are invited to celebrate the

Sacrament of Reconciliation. The

communal celebration of this

sacrament, with individual confession

and absolution, will be held at St. James Church on Tuesdays, December 4th, 11th, and 18th, 7:30-8:30 pm. Also Tuesdays, after

the 7pm Mass.

THANK YOU A great big thanks to all who saved their bottles and donated to the St. James Youth Group. We made $242.65 from September to October.

Page 4: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

Page 4 S t . James Par ish

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

2013-2014 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 One: January 7 & January 14, 2014 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 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 403-938-3122.

FIRST RECONCILIATION 2013

Reconciliation Dates: December 4 or 11 or 18 from 7-8 pm with Fr. Yarek or Fr. Steve OR Parish Advent Reconciliation on December 17th at 7:00 pm

CONFIRMATION 2013-2014 December 4th, 11th or 18th or Tuesday

evenings 7-8pm Families and candidates are

encouraged to go to reconciliation prior to receiving Confirmation.

Sunday, January 26, 2014, 9-10:30am followed by 11am Mass DYRT Confirmation candidate retreat Parent Session: link between Baptism and

Confirmation Candidates hand in their Mass Journal and

assigned project. Saturday, February 1, 6:30-8:00pm. Candidate and sponsor rehearsal at St. James

Church Sunday, February 2, 2014 - CONFIRMATION MASS AT 11:00AM. Candidates and sponsors arrive by 10am. Gift Bearers will be selected from the candidates.

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 $25.00.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 7:00pm Mass Fr. Yarek’s homily to parents based on the

Eucharist Sunday, May 25, 9-10:30am followed by 11am Mass DYRT retreat for 1st 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 – FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAYS Parents choose which Sunday and they must

notify team or parish office at the June 8th class.

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 One: February 8, 2014 Session Two: May 10, 2014 Session Three: October 25, 2014 Registration fee is $60.00 per couple.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 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 403-938-3122.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Teens (RCIT) This program is designed for all youth from grades 6-9 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 403-938-3122.

Page 5: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

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, DECEMBER 1, 2013 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‘Tis not the season for instant gratification The finest and most challenging gift Catholics can give themselves today is to postpone the season of tinsel and twinkling lights and embrace wholeheartedly the quiet time of purple and blue: Advent. It’s the annual struggle to “delay gratification” when the whole world seems to have plunged into “pre-celebrating” Christmas. Savor the deliciousness of waiting, anticipating. Remember how thrilling it was as a child to look forward? Step into the world of Isaiah and God’s promises, the world of Mary, overshadowed and overtaken by grace, the world of John the Baptist announcing, “Prepare!” The celebration will come later.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44 (1). “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 ADVENT WEEKDAY Keep an ear to the ground Humility tends to get a bad rap in our society. After all, why not brag a little about what you’ve achieved instead of only listening to others talk about their success? Why admit you need help when society places such an emphasis on self-sufficiency? Humility can be associated with being weak. But the root word of “humility,” humus (“earth”), suggests otherwise. It speaks of groundedness, of knowing who we are and whose we are—the beloved of God—and feeling secure in that knowledge. With humility comes the freedom to be yourself and allow others to do the same. How can you embrace humility and freedom in the course of your day today?

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11 (175). “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 MEMORIAL OF FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST Show some respect As appreciation for unfamiliar traditions has increased, especially in recent years, missionary methods have changed. Living 500 years ago, however, Jesuit priest Saint Francis Xavier was a missionary well ahead of his time. Not only is it estimated he converted more people to Christianity than anyone since Saint Paul, he insisted that missionaries adapt to local customs and cultures and learn the native language before discussing matters of faith. His method provided a model for modern evangelization. Show similar respect for differing beliefs in your conversations about faith.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24 (176). “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 MEMORIAL OF JOHN DAMASCENE, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH OR ADVENT WEEKDAY Your cup will overflow God does not send us away hungry. Remember this promise of faith the next time you find yourself feeling empty. During times of spiritual dryness, trust that you will be fulfilled. As Saint John Damascene observed, as created beings, humans are subject to flux: “By flux,” writes this seventh-century church doctor, “I mean . . . depletion, for dry things and wet things and spirit suffer depletion, and require repletion.” The best thing you can do to restore your soul is to continue to pray and do good works. As you feed others, you will soon find yourself satisfied.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37 (177). “I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 ADVENT WEEKDAY Give it all you have Many a Christian saint began their holy path in life by turning away from wealth. Saint Francis of Assisi is probably the most famous example, but there were others. They took literally Jesus’ command to sell what you have and give to the poor. You may not need to get rid of everything you own to be of service to God’s kingdom—though some downsizing and donating couldn’t hurt. A spirit of self-emptying for God and others will probably be enough.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27 (178). “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 MEMORIAL OF NICHOLAS, BISHOP Stock up for the holidays Saint Nicholas, a Greek bishop of the fourth century, is said to have heard of the plight of three unmarried daughters who had no money for the dowries—a situation that could have led to a life of destitution for these women. Being too modest to help the family publicly, Nicholas threw purses filled with gold coins through their window or, in another version of the story, dropped them down the chimney. Yet another rendition says that one daughter washed her stockings and hung them near the fire to dry—and then bags of gold fell into the socks. Heard that one before? Hold onto the little customs of the holidays. They are links to long ago.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31 (179). “They went out and spread word of him through all that land.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 MEMORIAL OF AMBROSE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Reset your skills Imagine you’re one of the adults getting ready for Baptism in your parish’s RCIA or OCIA—and you’ve been chosen bishop! Then, a week after the big day, you’re on the job. That’s what happened to Saint Ambrose in the fourth century. A lawyer and, like his father, a government official, Ambrose put his strength of character and negotiating skills to work, standing up to emperors and generals and averting wars. He was also a scripture commentator and renowned homilist and mentor to Saint Augustine, who would eventually join him in the ranks of those considered doctors of the church. Be ready to use your gifts when they’re called upon.

TODAY’S READINGS: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 (180). “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

©2013 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: [email protected]; WEBSITE: TakeFiveForFaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permitted with following line: Reprinted with permission from Prepare the Word (©2013), PrepareTheWord.com. Scripture quotes come from the New American Bible Revised Edition.

Contributors: Clarissa Aljentera, Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Page 6: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

“Faith comes by Hearing” Romans 10:17

“Welcome Home and Catholic Refresher” video series

Join Fr. Barron for:

“Conversion”

“Following the Call of Christ”

December 6—Part 2

at St. James Church

7:00-8:30pm

Everyone is welcome

Cost: $2:00 per evening

Page 7: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary Announcements from the Catholic Pastoral Centre for

December 1st 2013, First Sunday of Advent

Office of Liturgy

Rejoice in God’s Mercy. In addition to the regular parish schedule, the sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at

parishes throughout the Diocese of Calgary all the Wednesdays of Advent from 7:30 – 8:30pm: December 4;

December 11; December 18, 2013.

Vigil for the Protection of Human Life: Come pray for the protection of human life on December 12, the Feast of

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas and of the unborn. A celebration of the Vigil for Life with Evening

Prayer and Benediction will take place at 7pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fr. Greg Coupal, rector of the cathedral,

presiding.

Life and Family Resource Centre (LFRC) Please Take the Opportunity to Respond!

POPE FRANCIS SEEKS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE SYNOD 2014

Prior to the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis is consulting Catholics from every diocese in the world about the Synod’s

theme. This is our opportunity to actively take part in the preparation for this Synod whose purpose is to proclaim the

Gospel in the context of pastoral challenges facing the family today. Read the Letter from Bishop Henry on our

website.

How to participate?

Online – Use the online survey prepared for you here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/synod2014

E-mail – Download MS Word document in our diocesan website (www.calgarydiocese.ca) and see “Message from the

Bishop.” Send completed questionnaire to [email protected]

Post Mail. You can either Download the MS Word document from our website (see above) or ask for a hardcopy

from your parish priest. Send completed questionnaire to Life and Family Resource Centre (120 17th Ave SW,

Calgary T2S-2T2).

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Life & Family Resource Centre at 403- 218-5504 or e-mail

[email protected].

“For Better & For Ever…” Marriage Preparation, a program offered by Life & Family Resource Centre of the

Calgary Diocese. This program consists of a 2 hour Monday evening orientation and a Friday evening/Saturday day

session. Upcoming Dates: Jan 20 & Feb 7-8. For information or registration contact 403-218-5505, email

[email protected].

Transitions, a 15-week program for the newly separated or divorced runs every Tuesday from 7:00 – 9:00 pm starting

January 28, 2014. Call 403-218-5505 for more information or to register.

Social Justice Ministry MISSION MEXICO WEEKEND: December 14/15. Bishop Henry has again declared the Feast of Our Lady of

Guadalupe as Mission Mexico Day in the Diocese of Calgary. Mission Mexico is an outreach project of Catholics in

the Diocese of Calgary to marginalized communities in southern Mexico. In September 2013 the area was devastated

by Hurricane Manuel, which washed homes, fields of crops, and families down mountainsides with torrential floods.

This year, in addition to funding culturally sensitive, dignity-affirming initiatives in health, education and human

rights, in partnership with a number of accountable on-site agencies, Mission Mexico seeks to assist those still left

homeless and hungry by Hurricane Manuel. We are asking every parishioner in the diocese to contribute a loonie on

Mission Mexico Day to support this missionary outreach. At Masses on December 14/15 a special collection will be

received for Mission Mexico.

Page 8: St. James Church & St. Michael’s Church · 11/12/2013  · Resume January 8, 2014. St. James Catholic Women’s League—Okotoks Our next meeting will be held January 14, 2014 beginning

Adopt an Acadia Place Family for Christmas - If your parish, school, or group would like to adopt a needy family

that is part of the diocesan Acadia Place: A Place to Call Home project, please contact Michelle Luisy at 403-671-

6537 or e-mail [email protected]. Gifts will be distributed to families on December 19th from 5:00 –

8:00pm at the Acadia Place Christmas Party at McDougall United Church. Please Notify Michelle by Dec. 1st if

you would like to adopt a family this Christmas.

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - SSVP has started their Christmas Hamper campaign in parishes. Please support

their efforts to provide non-perishable food items and gifts to local individuals and families in need. Please contact

your local parish if you would like to assist.

Philippine Typhoon Haiyan Relief - It is estimated that 9.5 million people are in need across nine provinces and

600,000 people have been displaced from their homes. The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and

Peace has a long history of working in the Philippines and they are currently working with Caritas Philippines -

NASSA to coordinate the distribution of food, water, and shelter in the affected areas. The Diocese of Calgary is

accepting donations for this Philippine Typhoon Relief effort. The Canadian Government has announced it will

match these funds. All Philippine Typhoon Relief funds must be forwarded to the Diocese before December

8th.

Donations can also be made as follows:

Cheque: By sending a cheque payable to your parish earmarked "Philippine Typhoon Relief" OR by sending a cheque

payable to the Diocese earmarked "Philippine Typhoon Relief" and sent to the Pastoral Centre, 120 17th Ave S.W.,

Calgary AB T2S 2T2.

Online: Use PayPal or Credit cards to donate by clicking the Donate Now button on our website. After stating the

donation amount, you will be asked where you would like the fund to be directed. Please put "Philippine Typhoon

Relief".

Thank you for your generosity and solidarity with the people experiencing hardship in the Philippines!

Feed the Hungry 1) Feed the Hungry is looking to expand the team for 2014. If you are interested in becoming an Assistant

Coordinator, please contact Kira Dawidowski at [email protected] or 403-218-5532. Applications

are being accepted until December 13, 2013. Previous experience with the Feed the Hungry is an asset but is not

required. The Assistant Coordinator is a paid position with the hours of from 2pm – 7pm Sunday afternoons once or

twice a month. They are responsible for ensuring the Sunday meal runs smoothly. This includes welcoming volunteers

and providing orientations and leadership for them, ensuring guests are being treated with dignity and respect as well

as the take down and cleanup of the hall and kitchen after service has been completed.

2) Feed the Hungry is looking to expand its Area Leader Volunteer Program for 2014. If you are interested in

leading an area (dessert, front door, centre table, main entrée, beverage, and hamper/hospitality) as a volunteer once

or twice a month please contact Kira Dawidowski at [email protected] or 403-218-5532.

Applications are being accepted until December 13, 2013. Previous experience with the Feed the Hungry is an asset

but is not required. As a program of the Diocese of Calgary; Feed the Hungry is dedicated to strengthening its Area

Lead Volunteer Program.

As a program of the Diocese of Calgary, we are dedicated to strengthening the Feed the Hungry Program. It is the

policy of the Diocese for its programs to screen all employees and senior volunteer positions and to conduct

appropriate Screening Practices.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information email [email protected] Or contact Carol Hollywood or Jane-Rose Ediau, Library & Archives, 403-218-5510; Fax: 403-264-0526 Address: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 120 - 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2T2