The Feast of Christ the King celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, is one of the newest but also one of the most significant feasts in the Catholic Church. It was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 through the encyclical Quas Primas as a response to the growing secularization and changing social and political conditions following World War I. Today’s world, though different in many ways, faces similar challenges, making the solemnity of Christ the King as relevant and vital as ever.

Modern society struggles with a crisis of values and identity. Moral relativism, political strife, and increasing social polarization impact both individuals and communities. Recognizing Christ as King is a reminder that at the heart of Christian life is Jesus as the source of all values and principles. It underscores that true love, justice, and truth find their origins in Him, transcending worldly divisions.

In today’s world, which grapples with power abuse and struggles for dominance in political and economic spheres, the Feast of Christ the King offers a different model of leadership—one based on service and love. Christ is not a ruler who imposes His will through force. His kingdom is a kingdom of peace, humility, and dedication. This example serves as a guiding light for believers and anyone striving to act for the common good.

Many people today experience a loss of belonging and purpose. The Feast of Christ the King helps believers renew their identity as members of a community that acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior. It invites them to embrace the mission of spreading His teachings in today’s world, bearing witness to His love and presence in everyday life.

This solemnity emphasizes the importance of defending the place of faith in the public sphere. Christ the King calls for professing faith not only privately but also within society. In an era where religion is often pushed to the margins, this feast becomes a call to bold witness and commitment to faith.

By celebrating the Feast of Christ the King, the Church proclaims that the world’s history is moving toward fulfillment in God’s plan. The ultimate purpose of humanity is not earthly rule but participation in God’s kingdom, where Christ reigns as King of all nations. This message of hope strengthens believers in difficult times and serves as a reminder that evil does not have the final word.

The Feast of Christ the King is a unique opportunity to renew faith and remember who is the true Ruler of our lives and the world. Contemporary challenges require a witness grounded in the Gospel and the power of Christ the King. In this sense, the feast is not merely a liturgical commemoration but a call to action in spreading His kingdom of peace and love in today’s world.

Saint Andrew the Apostle,

St. Andrew, known as the “First-Called” (Protokletos) in the Christian tradition, holds a revered place in the history of the Church as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Saint Peter, his life, teachings, and martyrdom have inspired generations of Christians. His influence extends far and wide, with various traditions, symbols, and customs honouring his legacy worldwide.
St. Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a town near the Sea of Galilee, and was a fisherman by trade, like his brother Simon (later known as Peter). According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah when John pointed to Him as “the Lamb of God,” and he became the first apostle to follow Christ. Andrew then introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, demonstrating his role as a connector and evangelist from the beginning.
Following Christ’s resurrection and ascension, Andrew traveled widely to spread the Christian faith. According to tradition, he preached in regions such as Scythia (modern-day Eastern Europe and parts of Asia), Greece, and even as far as modern Russia and the Black Sea. This missionary work is why Andrew is considered the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland, Ukraine, and Romania.
St. Andrew was martyred in the Greek city of Patras around 60 AD. Tradition holds that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross, commonly known as the “St. Andrew’s Cross.” According to legend, he requested this form of crucifixion, deeming himself unworthy to die on a cross like Jesus. The image of the diagonal cross has since become one of the key symbols associated with St. Andrew and is notably featured on the flags of Scotland and the United Kingdom.Traditions and CustomsThe veneration of St. Andrew is deeply rooted in many cultures, and his feast day, celebrated on November 30th, marks the beginning of Advent for many Christians, particularly in the Western tradition.

• In Scotland: St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his feast day is a national holiday marked by celebrations that include music, dance, and feasting. The Scottish flag, featuring the white X-shaped cross, pays homage to St. Andrew’s martyrdom.
• St. Andrew’s Eve Traditions: In many European countries, St. Andrew’s Eve is associated with folk customs, particularly related to marriage and fortune-telling. For example, in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe, unmarried women traditionally perform rituals to learn about their future spouses. These practices include pouring hot wax into water to interpret the resulting shapes or placing shoes in a line toward a door, symbolizing a potential marriage journey.
• Pilgrimages and Relics: Numerous churches around the world are dedicated to St. Andrew, and many claim to house relics of the apostle. The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Patras, Greece, is believed to be his final resting place and remains a major pilgrimage site. In addition, the tradition of spreading relics of St. Andrew has led to their presence in places like Amalfi, Italy, and St. Andrew’s Church in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• The Prayer of St. Andrew: Many faithful recite the St. Andrew Novena starting on his feast day, continuing for nine days. This prayer, often known as the “Christmas Novena,” invites Christians to prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ.St. Andrew’s life exemplifies qualities of humility, evangelization, and devotion to Christ. As the “First-Called,” he showed a readiness to follow Jesus immediately and a commitment to bringing others to Him, even when he worked quietly in the background. His martyrdom reflects a deep love for Christ and a willingness to endure suffering for the faith.St. Andrew’s legacy challenges Christians to embrace their faith courageously, to witness with zeal, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the journey is difficult. His example continues to inspire those who seek to live out the Gospel and share it with the world.

Dear Parishioners,

We are thrilled to invite you to purchase our 2025 parish calendar! This unique calendar not only helps you organize the upcoming year but also beautifully showcases the life and moments of our parish community through stunning photographs.Your support of this calendar goes beyond just staying organized—it makes a real difference. All proceeds from sales will be donated to support pro-life initiatives, reflecting our commitment as a parish to defending and cherishing the sanctity of human life at every stage.Let this calendar serve as a daily reminder of our shared faith, community spirit, and dedication to life-affirming causes. Thank you for standing with us and making a positive impact through your support.With prayers and blessings,
Sugested price is 10$

Blessings

Fr. Marius

Mazovia Polish Song and Dance Association Fundraiser. The Polish Song and Dance Association will be at St. Francis de Sales on November 24th, after mass for their Fundraiser. You can pre-order items by calling Majka at 403-540-5794, and pick them up on Nov. 24th, or purchase items at the church the day of. If you have any questions, please call Majka.

Come join us in building fellowship through an evening of intellectually stimulating board games. Discover a world beyond mass-market titles like Monopoly, Sorry!, and Uno. Modern-day board games rely less on a lucky roll of the dice or the flip of a card and more on good design that rewards thoughtful analysis and good decisions. These games can be a good alternative to chess, cribbage, or bridge. Fri. Nov. 22/24,6:00 PM–onwards in the Church Hall

Loose Itinerary:

• Board gaming 101 orientation plus Q&A (~15 min.)
• Icebreaker game (~30 min.)
• Main-event gaming (remainder of evening)

To get the most out of the event, please arrive at the start time so you don’t miss the orientation, Q&A, and snacks. Latecomers may need to wait for enough players to start a game. Please note: Modern games are not too ys, and some are like Fr. Mariusz’s motorbike, which is very expensive. Thus, attendees are asked to treat the games with care and respect. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information or to RSVP, contact Rhona-Mae Arca at 403-803-6835.

2025 Missals The 2025 Sunday Missals are now available in the church hall. A donation is greatly appreciated.