It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Ward of High River, AB, announces his passing on November 24, 2024, at the age of 86 years. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his kind heart and warm spirit.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 206 9 Ave SW, High River, AB.

Advent is a liturgical season in the Catholic Church that marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year. The term “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It is a period of preparation, anticipation, and hope, focusing on the coming of Jesus Christ.

Advent has a dual focus:

• First Coming: Remembering and preparing for the historical birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.
• Second Coming: Anticipating Christ’s return in glory at the end of time (Parousia).

 The season emphasizes three key themes:

• Hope(for Christ’s coming),
• Peace(of Christ’s reign),
• Preparation(through repentance and spiritual growth).

Traditions of Advent:

 Advent Wreath:

• Symbolism: A circular wreath made of evergreen branches symbolizes eternity. Four candles are placed on the wreath, one for each week of Advent. Each candle represents one theme: Hope, Peace, Joy (pink candle), and Love.
• Weekly Lighting: A new candle is lit each Sunday, culminating in the lighting of the Christ Candle at Christmas.

 Liturgical Colors: 

• Violet (Purple): Signifies penance, preparation, and royalty.
• Rose (Pink): Used on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) to represent joy and anticipation.

 Advent Calendar:

• A daily calendar leading up to Christmas helps mark the days and often includes small prayers or activities to foster spiritual reflection.

 Rorate Masses:

•  As mentioned earlier, these early morning Masses honor the Virgin Mary and emphasize the light of Christ coming into the world.

Advent invites all of us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. This involves prayer, penance, and acts of charity. It’s a time to reconnect with the core of the Christian faith and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming human. In a world often filled with uncertainty, Advent fosters a sense of hope in the promise of Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom. Similar to Lent, Advent calls for a spiritual renewal and examination of one’s life, encouraging repentance and transformation.

Advent is a season of joyful anticipation, spiritual preparation, and deep reflection on the mystery of Christ’s coming. It reminds the faithful of the light of Christ breaking into the darkness of the world, bringing hope, peace, and salvation. By engaging in Advent traditions, Catholics strengthen their faith and prepare their hearts to receive Christ more fully at Christmas and at the end of time.

A Rorate Mass is a special Advent liturgy in the Catholic Church, traditionally celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It takes its name from the opening words of the Introit (Entrance Antiphon) in Latin: “Rorate caeli desuper” (“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above”), taken from Isaiah 45:8.

Key Features and Symbolism:

                  1.             Timing:

The Rorate Mass is celebrated early in the morning, often before dawn. The symbolism reflects the Advent theme of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, both in the Incarnation and at the end of time.

                  2.             Candlelight:

The Mass is typically held by candlelight, symbolizing the darkness of the world before the birth of Christ, who is the “Light of the World.” The gradual increase in light as dawn breaks mirrors the coming of Christ’s light into the world.

                  3.             Marian Focus:

The Mass emphasizes Mary’s role in salvation history, particularly her “yes” to God, which brought Christ into the world. Special Marian prayers and hymns are included.

                  4.             Liturgical Vestments:

The celebrant wears white vestments (instead of the typical violet of Advent), signifying joy and purity, in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Historical Background:

Originating in medieval Europe, the Rorate Mass became a deeply rooted tradition, especially in German-speaking and Eastern European countries. It is still popular in these regions, with many faithful gathering in the early hours during Advent for this solemn yet hopeful celebration.

Spiritual Significance:

The Mass serves as a reminder of:

• The need for spiritual preparation during Advent.
• The expectant waiting for Christ’s birth.
• The role of Mary in the Incarnation.

It’s a beautiful tradition that invites reflection on both personal faith and the collective anticipation of the Savior’s arrival.

In our parish Rorate Masses will be celebrated at 7:00 AM on

• 7 of December 
• 14 of December
• 21 of December

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