Mother – A Light in Times of Darkness

In today’s world, which increasingly rejects Christian values, the role of the mother becomes not only a challenge but also a mission. The reality we live in is flooded with moral relativism, ideologies that blur natural roles, and a growing crisis of the family. In this context, being a mother is not just a biological matter – it is a vocation, a spiritual battle, and a testimony of faith.

Mother as Defender of Life and Faith
The mother stands on the front line in the battle for the souls of her children. In a world that glorifies self-fulfillment and comfort, she chooses sacrifice, selfless love, and daily dedication. She defends life from conception to natural death. She teaches prayer, forgiveness, and responsibility. She – often without recognition – becomes the home’s “catechist,” “psychologist,” and, above all, an icon of God's love.

Mother – The Teacher
Today, a mother must not only raise her children but also form their conscience. In a culture that blurs the line between good and evil, truth and falsehood, she must courageously say, “Yes – yes, no – no.” Her life, rooted in the Gospel, becomes countercultural – a quiet but powerful protest against moral manipulation that destroys human identity.

Motherhood as a Vocation, Not a Project
Modern narratives often portray motherhood as a limitation, an obstacle to professional development, or even a form of enslavement. Meanwhile, the Church reminds us that motherhood – both physical and spiritual – is one of the most beautiful vocations. A mother does not give up on herself but offers herself out of love. She is not weak – she is strong in grace.

Mary – A Model for Every Mother
In the face of attacks on the family and motherhood, the mother has a powerful example – Mary, the Mother of God. Her life, full of humility, silence, and unwavering faith, shows that a woman’s strength does not lie in dominance but in service. Mary did not seek recognition but faithfully fulfilled God’s will – even when it meant suffering at the foot of the Cross.

Hope for the World
In times of chaos, confusion, and broken families, it is the Mother who can be a point of reference. Her faithfulness, prayer, and presence are like a lighthouse on a stormy sea. Through her quiet daily choices, she builds the future of the Church and the world.

On this Mother’s Day, we thank all Mothers – for their steadfastness, love, prayer, and silent fight for the souls of their children. You are the heroines of our time.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is a special time of prayer for priestly and religious vocations. It is a day when the Church throughout the world turns its eyes to Christ—the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, leads them, and lays down His life for them.

In today’s world, filled with noise, haste, and confusion, we need shepherds—people who are courageous, in love with God, and ready to serve others. Priests and consecrated persons are not “superhumans”—they are just like us. Their vocation, however, is born from a deep relationship with God and the desire to bring His love where hope, peace, or meaning in life are lacking.

Prayer – the Power that Brings Forth Vocations

Vocations don’t come out of nowhere. They are born in the hearts of young people, but they mature in an atmosphere of prayer. Jesus Himself said: “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). This is not just an encouragement—it is a direct command: we are to pray and cry out to God for priests and religious.

Many of us remember a time when every few years someone from our parish entered the seminary or religious life. Today, things look different. But does that mean God has stopped calling? No. Perhaps we have stopped praying for vocations with the same fervor as before.

That is why, on this Good Shepherd Sunday, we ask—let us not forget to pray. Let us pray especially for vocations from our own parishes, from our own families. Perhaps God is already preparing the hearts of some of our children or grandchildren to follow Him. We need both communal and personal prayer—rosaries, adoration, sacrifices, and acts of charity. This is the spiritual foundation of vocations.

We Need Shepherds

Without priests, there is no Eucharist, no sacraments, no proclamation of God’s Word with power. Without religious sisters, many quiet but powerful witnesses of love—service to the sick, the lonely, and the poor—would be missing. The Church needs shepherds, who like Christ, will lead the people of God.

So let us pray: Lord, give your Church holy priests and consecrated persons! Call them from our parishes, from our families—people who are courageous and willing to follow Your voice.

Let prayer become our strength. For it is prayer that changes hearts and opens heaven.

Fr. Marius will be away on his annual priestly retreat from Monday, May 12 , through Friday, May 16. During this time, there will be no weekday Masses from Monday to Friday. We kindly ask you to keep him in your prayers as he takes this time for spiritual renewal and reflection.

Please note that Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will still take place on Thursday, May 14, as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayerful support.

SFDS Game Night Some parishioners had a great time at game night on April 25th! Join us for next game night, it will be fun! Our next game night will be May 23rd!

We are, once again, inviting you to be a part of our Fundraising plant order this spring! As always, there is a great selection of hanging baskets and potted annuals, with several new items this year.

Prices are the same as last year! Here are the instructions for our group. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me. Supplies are limited, plants are in high demand, and this platform is open to other groups as well, so for best selection, order early!

The password will be activated and the website will be open for orders starting on Monday, April 21st and will remain open until May 16th. Do not submit any orders after this date - our group code will be closed at that point and you will not be able to link to our group.

Please read through all of the instructions below. The most important step is the GROUP CODE. Please ensure that you understand the instructions before proceeding. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you!

Instructions: Click or copy the link to find your way to the Greenhouse Effects website: www.greenhouseeffects.ca Click "Shop" and find the Fundraising Program. Click "Shop Now" and enter Guest Password:GE125 This will give you access to the online store for ordering. There are 32 Hanging Basket mixes and 80 individually potted plants for you to choose from.

Once you have made your selections, continue to your Cart. This is where you will enter your GROUP CODE: Francis25 in the promo code box.

This is very important. The purpose of the code is to link your purchase to our group. The code does not provide any further discount. However, please ensure you complete this step! Thank you!

From here you can proceed to Payment. You will go through the usual steps for an online purchase, and be asked for your GROUP CODE once more. Once you submit your payment you are all ready to go!

Your order will be processed and delivered to St. Francis Parish, High River, for pickup on May 20, 2024. Happy shopping!

There will be a SFDS Helping Hands meeting in the church hall on Thursday, May 8, at 10:30 pm. If you are interested in joining SFDS Helping Hands, or would like to know more about it, you are welcome to attend.

Report for the months of January—April, 2025 The St. Francis de Sales Ministry has helped a total number of 11 people for the months of January to April, 2025. We paid out a total of $15,321.51 for bills, rent, or mortgages, as well, we gave a total of $1125.00 in fuel cards, and $2200.00 in grocery cards. The total assistance we have given this period is $18,646.51 It is rewarding to be able to assist these people who are genuinely struggling. The help we give is so appreciated. We try to listen and give help as much as we can as quickly as possible. A huge Thank You to all those who have made a donation to this rewarding ministry.