Dear beloved parish community,

As we gather to celebrate Family Weekend here in Alberta, it brings me great joy to extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. This occasion is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the vital role that families play in our lives and in our faith community.

Family Weekend is not just a time for celebration; it is a moment to recognize the sacredness of family life, which is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith. Families are the domestic church, where love, faith, and values are nurtured. As Pope John Paul II beautifully articulated, the family is a "community of love" that reflects God's love for humanity. This weekend, let us honor the bonds that unite us and the love that sustains us.

I encourage all families to take this time to come together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. The love and support that family members provide to one another are invaluable. As we reflect on the importance of family, let us remember the words of the Pope, who reminds us that "the family is the place where we learn to love." May this weekend be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness.

As we celebrate Family Weekend, I offer my heartfelt blessings to all families in our parish. May you experience joy, peace, and love during this special time. May God bless each of you abundantly, and may your families continue to be a source of strength and inspiration in your lives.

Let us turn to Our Lady, the Mother of all families, and ask for her intercession as we celebrate this weekend. Amen.

The Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 through the Apostolic Letter *Aperuit Illis*, is celebrated annually on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Its purpose is to deepen the devotion, understanding, and love of Sacred Scripture among Catholics. This celebration highlights the central role of the Word of God in the Church’s life and mission.

Meaning and Purpose:

1. Encounter with Christ:Sacred Scripture is not just a collection of writings; it is the living Word through which we encounter Jesus Christ. The Sunday of the Word of God reminds us of the unity between Scripture and the Eucharist, both nourishing our faith.

2. Invitation to Study and Pray:Pope Francis emphasized that this day is an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on the importance of reading, studying, and praying with Scripture so it becomes a transformative force in our lives.

3. Mission and Witness:The Word of God is not only meant to be heard but lived. This celebration encourages us to embody the teachings of Christ in our individual lives, our families, and our parish communities.

Importance for Individual Life

• Spiritual Growth:Spending time with Scripture helps us grow in faith and allows God’s Word to guide us in our decisions, struggles, and joys.
• Personal Conversion:The Word calls us to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s will.
• Daily Prayer:Meditating on Scripture daily strengthens our relationship with Christ and gives meaning to our lives.

Family Life

• Foundation of Faith:When families gather to read and reflect on Scripture, it fosters a shared faith and values rooted in Christ.
• Source of Unity:Praying and discussing the Word of God as a family can build deeper relationships and promote understanding and forgiveness.
• Teaching Children:Parents can use this opportunity to introduce children to the stories, teachings, and values of Scripture.

Parish Life

• Community Focus:Celebrating the Word of God as a parish reminds the community that Scripture is at the heart of liturgy and evangelization.
• Bible Studies and Lectio Divina:Encouraging participation in communal study or prayer of the Bible strengthens the parish spiritually and fosters fellowship.
• Mission Outreach:A parish deeply rooted in Scripture is inspired to share God’s Word through acts of charity, justice, and mission work.

Pope Francis summed it up: *“The Word of God opens our eyes and allows us to emerge from individualism, which leads to suffocation and sterility. Celebrating this day helps us re-center our lives, families, and communities around Christ, the Word made flesh.

The liturgical year is a central element of the Catholic Church's life, enabling the faithful to deepen their faith by celebrating key events from the life of Jesus Christ and the history of salvation. As the Christmas Season concludes, during which we celebrated the incarnation of the Son of God, we now enter Ordinary Time – a period of contemplation on the daily life and teachings of Jesus.

The Main Seasons of the Liturgical Year:

1. Advent Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. It lasts four weeks and has two aspects: recalling Jesus’ first coming in Bethlehem and anticipating His second coming at the end of time. Advent is a time of reflection, prayer, and conversion.
2. Christmas Season This season, which has just ended, begins on Christmas Eve and lasts until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It celebrates the incarnation of the Son of God, His birth, and His manifestation to the world (Epiphany). It is a time of joy and gratitude for the gift of the Savior.
3. Ordinary Time (First Part) The first part of Ordinary Time, which we are now entering, begins after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and lasts until Ash Wednesday. During this time, the liturgy focuses on the public ministry of Jesus and His teachings. It is a period for applying Christ’s words to everyday life and deepening our relationship with God.
4. Lent Lent is a time of penance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, lasting 40 days. It begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in Holy Week, leading to the Paschal Triduum. During this season, the faithful prepare to commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
5. Paschal Triduum The Paschal Triduum is the most important moment of the liturgical year, beginning on the evening of Holy Thursday and ending on Easter Sunday. During this time, the Church commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the Passion, the Crucifixion, and the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection. The Paschal Triduum is the heart and climax of the liturgical year because it encompasses the most significant events of salvation history.
6. Easter Season The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday and lasts 50 days, concluding with the Feast of Pentecost. It is a time of joy in Christ’s Resurrection and reflection on the mystery of salvation.
7. Ordinary Time (Second Part) The second part of Ordinary Time begins after Pentecost and lasts until the Solemnity of Christ the King. It is the longest season of the liturgical year, dedicated to deepening our relationship with God through daily life and faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.

The Significance of Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time, despite its name, is not a less important season. The term “Ordinary” comes from the Latin “ordinarius,” meaning ordered. During this time, the faithful focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, allowing His words to influence their daily decisions and actions. It is a time of spiritual growth and practical application of the Gospel in daily life.

The Most Important Liturgical Season

While all seasons of the liturgical year hold significance, the Paschal Triduum is considered the most important. It is the moment when the Church relives the central mysteries of faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. These events form the foundation of Christianity and offer the faithful the hope of salvation.

Thus, the liturgical year serves as a journey through which the Church guides the faithful toward a deeper experience of faith and an encounter with God in various aspects of spiritual life.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who dedicated so much time, energy, and talent to make this Christmas and New Year celebration such a beautiful and memorable occasion.

A special thank you goes to our Music Ministry, whose uplifting and inspiring melodies filled our hearts with joy and reverence. Your dedication and passion brought an extra layer of grace to our worship, and we are truly blessed by your commitment.

To the Decoration Committee, thank you for transforming our space into a true reflection of the beauty and holiness of this season. Your attention to detail and creativity created an atmosphere that helped everyone feel the warmth and peace of Christ's presence.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Deacon Larry, ensuring that our services were meaningful and spiritually enriching. Your hard work and devotion allowed us to fully celebrate the sacredness of this time, guiding us through powerful moments of prayer and reflection.

Thank you all for your contributions, your spirit of service, and for making this holiday season so special for our entire parish community.

Wishing you all continued blessings in the New Year!

I would also like to personally thank each and every one of you for your heartfelt prayers, thoughtful cards, and generous gifts. Your kindness and support mean so much to me, and I am truly grateful for the love and care you’ve shown during this beautiful Christmas season.

May God bless you abundantly in the year ahead, and I look forward to sharing many more moments of joy and fellowship with all of you.

Lord God, we thank You for the year that has passed. We thank You for the gifts of life, for health, for the moments of joy and growth, and for the challenges that have brought us closer to You. We ask for Your continued blessing as we enter this new year. Grant us peace in our hearts, and strength to face the challenges ahead.

May Mary, our Mother, guide us as we seek to follow You more faithfully. Help us to trust in Your plan, to love one another, and to be faithful witnesses of Your love in the world. 

As we begin this new year, I wish all of you peace, health, and joy. May the grace of God be with you in every step you take, and may Mary, our Mother, watch over you and lead you closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessed New Year to all of you! May 2025 be filled with God's blessings, and may you experience His love and peace in all that you do.

Fr. Marius

Report from Helping Hands

Overview

The St. Francis de Sales Ministry has provided vital support to individuals and families in need during the months of August through December 2024. Our mission to assist those who are struggling financially has been upheld through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers.

During this period, we were able to help a total of 7 individuals and families. The assistance distributed is as follows:

• Financial Support: $5,098.40 was paid out to cover bills, rent, and mortgage payments.
• Fuel Assistance: $550.00 in fuel cards was distributed.
• Grocery Support: $1,000.00 in grocery cards was provided.

The total assistance provided for this period amounts to $6,648.40.

The individuals we supported expressed deep gratitude for the aid they received, which helped them navigate challenging times. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community.

We strive to respond promptly and compassionately to every request, ensuring that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible. This would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donors.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to this ministry. Your generosity enables us to continue this vital work, bringing hope and relief to those who need it most. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.

The St. Francis de Sales Ministry remains committed to serving our community with compassion and efficiency. As we move forward, we look to strengthen our efforts and expand our outreach to assist even more individuals in the coming months. Thank you for being an integral part of this rewarding journey.