The Catholic Women’s League will be collecting non-perishable food items for the High River Food Bank beginning November 13 to December 11. Food items can be brought in anytime and placed in the Christmas boxes located in the church hall. This weekend, grocery bags, along with a list of items that the High River Food Bank has requested, will be handed out at the end of each Mass. Thank you for helping those in need.

The November Meetings, which are usually held on Wednesdays, have been changed. Please mark your calendar: CWL Executive Meeting- Monday, November 4th at 1:00 pm. CWL General Meeting- Friday, November 8th, immediately following the 9:15 Mass. We hope to see many of our CWL members in attendance as this is the day we have our Election of Officers for our New Executive.

CWL Members It’s that time of year once again. Beginning the weekend of October 19th and ending on the weekend of November 24th the CW L will be collecting membership fees before and after Mass. The fee this year is $40.00. Payment can be cash, cheque or e-transfer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Knights of Columbus Council 9521 Grey Cup 2024 Charity Pool sales ended last weekend. The event was a complete success with all tickets/squares being sold. The prize payouts will be distributed after the

Grey Cup result on Sun Nov 17, 2024. Our K of C members wish to thank all the Parishioners for generously supporting this Charity Fundraiser. It is planned that net proceeds will be distributed to the Handi-Bus Society of High River who provide such a tremendous service to the elderly in our community and especially the physically challenged of our Parish.

Why in the Catholic Church are we encouraged to pray through the intercessions of the saints and not directly to God?

In the Catholic Church, we are encouraged to pray through the intercession of saints, fostering a deeper sense of community in prayer and connecting with the “Communion of Saints.” Saints, united with God in heaven, support us by joining their prayers with ours and bringing our intentions before Him.

This practice is uplifted for several reasons:

1. Communion of Saints: Catholic teaching emphasizes that all baptized Christians form one body in Christ, encompassing those in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory. Just as we seek prayers from family and friends, asking saints to intercede reflects our spiritual connectedness.

2. Role Models in Faith: Saints exemplify holy lives rooted in Christ’s teachings. By seeking their intercession, we draw inspiration from their virtuous examples as we strive to follow Christ more closely.

3. Spiritual Family in Heaven: Saints are seen as loving spiritual family members, eager to help us grow closer to God. Through their intercession, we access their love and wisdom, which they graciously share from their place in God’s presence.

4. Unique Patronages and Special Intercessors: Different saints are associated with specific causes and challenges, such as St. Christopher for travelers and St. Jude for difficult cases. Praying to these saints for particular needs fosters a personal connection in our requests to God.

Ultimately, all prayers are directed to God. Saints are not separate gods or intermediaries who replace our direct connection to Him. Instead, praying through the saints enriches our prayer life, making it a shared and communal experience rooted in the love and support of the entire body of Christ, both on earth and in heaven.

Remembrance Day, observed every November 11, is a solemn reflection and gratitude day in Canada. Today, we honor the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces and remember the lives lost in wars and conflicts. For Catholics, Remembrance Day holds special significance, resonating deeply with the Church’s values of Peace, sacrifice, and prayer for the souls of the departed. Here are several reasons why Remembrance Day is significant for Catholics in Canada.

1. Honoring Sacrifice and Selflessness

The Catholic faith teaches that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others, as expressed in John 15:13. Remembrance Day honors the sacrifices of those who risked, and often gave, their lives for the protection and freedom of others. In reflecting on their bravery and self-giving love and service for the greater good.

Catholics are called to recognize and honor these acts of selflessness as examples of living out the Gospel. By remembering the courage and dedication of these individuals, we are are reminded of the profound value of service and the importance of standing up for the protection of others.

2. Praying for the Souls of the Departed

Catholic tradition holds a deep commitment to praying for the souls of the deceased. In the Church, November is already designated as the month for remembering and praying for all who have passed away, especially those in purgatory. Remembrance Day is an opportunity for Catholics to offer specific prayers for soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who carry the wounds of war.

Masses, moments of silence, and personal prayers for the deceased on Remembrance Day provide Catholics with a unique opportunity to fulfill the Church’s call to pray for the repose of souls, hoping that God will grant them eternal Peace. These prayers reflect the Catholic belief in God’s mercy and the hope of salvation for all people, particularly those who died amid the turmoil of war.

3. Commitment to Peace

We place a strong emphasis on Peace. Rooted in Jesus’ teachings about peacemaking, the Church advocates for nonviolence, justice, and compassion. Remembrance Day not only commemorates past sacrifices but also calls Canadians to strive for a future free from war. For Catholics, it is a reminder of the Church’s mission to promote Peace as a core Gospel value.

Catholic social teaching speaks of a “just peace” that is grounded in justice and the dignity of every human being. Remembrance Day encourages Catholics to reflect on how they can actively work toward Peace within their communities and on a global scale, honoring those who have fallen by dedicating themselves to building a more just and harmonious world.

4. A Time of National and Communal Unity

Remembrance Day provides an opportunity for us, regardless of background, to come together and reflect on shared values and history. For Catholics, who are part of a global community yet deeply connected to their local society, this is a meaningful day to express solidarity with their fellow citizens. Through the symbols of poppies, ceremonies, and moments of silence, Catholics in Canada join others in a collective act of remembrance, prayer, and hope.

Participating in these traditions is a way for Catholics to express their faith in the public sphere while contributing to a national moment of remembrance. This aligns with the Catholic teaching on the importance of community and the role of faith in public life, reminding Catholics of their duty to engage with and support their broader society.

5. Drawing Inspiration for Personal Vocation

Finally, Remembrance Day serves as a source of inspiration for personal vocation. In honoring the sacrifice of others, we are reminded of our own call to serve according to our unique gifts and circumstances. Whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or advocating for those in need, Catholics are encouraged to find ways to contribute to the common good, inspired by the valor and dedication of those who served.

In reflecting on the sacrifices made by soldiers and veterans, Catholics may discern ways to live out their faith more fully in their own lives. This can include acts of charity, community service, or simply treating others with greater compassion and respect, particularly those who suffer from the scars of war or violence.

Conclusion

For Catholics in Canada, Remembrance Day is more than a moment to recall history; it is an invitation to pray, honor, and renew their commitment to Peace and service. Rooted in the values of sacrifice, prayer for the departed, Peace, community, and personal vocation, Remembrance Day allows Catholics to connect their faith to the lives of those who served and died in the cause of freedom. By observing this day, Catholics remember the past and find renewed strength to contribute to a future marked by compassion, justice, and hope.

The Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary outlines the locations where indulgences can be obtained, including places in Rome, the heart of Christianity, shrines in the Holy Land, notable international shrines, episcopal cathedrals in all dioceses, and churches designated for Jubilee celebrations by bishops. This ensures that no one is excluded from experiencing the grace of the Jubilee.

According to the decree, all truly repentant individuals can obtain a plenary indulgence for themselves or for the departed. This applies to those who receive the sacraments, pray for the intentions of the Pope, go on a pilgrimage or visit holy places, and engage in works of mercy and penance.

The Guidelines from the Apostolic Penitentiary state that to receive a plenary indulgence, one must be in a state of grace. One can achieve this through participation in the Holy Mass, the celebration of the Word, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Way of the Cross, reciting the Akathistos hymn, or participating in a penitential celebration that concludes with individual confession.

Additionally, those unable to participate in pilgrimages or travels for valid reasons, such as the elderly, sick, cloistered nuns, or prisoners, can also receive a plenary indulgence. They can do this by reciting the "Our Father," making a profession of faith, and offering their sufferings for the salvation of the world.

The decree emphasizes that to obtain a plenary indulgence, individuals should engage in acts of mercy and penance, refrain from trivial entertainments and distractions, give alms to the poor, and support religious and social activities dedicated to the defense of life.

A Gift for Souls

As we approach the November celebrations, let us focus on a positive and supernatural perspective. We should remember our loved ones not only by adorning their graves with chrysanthemums and lighting candles. The best gift we can offer them is our prayers and the practice of remembrance, particularly through the gift of indulgence.

During the first eight days of November, the Church provides a valuable opportunity to assist souls in purgatory with indulgences. The most significant gift for their salvation can be attained by visiting graves or cemeteries and fulfilling the usual conditions for obtaining a plenary indulgence, which include being in a state of grace, having no attachment to sin, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Moreover, individuals who cannot physically visit a cemetery or church due to illness or disability can still gain this indulgence. The sick can engage in a spiritual pilgrimage to the cemetery. To receive a plenary indulgence for the deceased, they should cultivate this intention within themselves and participate spiritually in visiting the cemetery. They can also spiritually receive Holy Communion if they are unable to do so in person.

God, in His mercy, looks at the heart of each person and understands every human limitation. 

May this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day serve as a reminder, amidst November's reflections on the often somber realities of this world, that "we do not have a permanent city here, but are striving for the future" (Hebrews 13:14). Let these celebrations inspire us to worship the good God, who is always "marvelous in His saints" (cf. Lumen Gentium 50), and invites us to follow in their footsteps, striving to be "holy and blameless in His sight."