St Bonaventure CWL needs your help on June 16

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On Friday, June 16, 7 PM, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Rev. Santiago Torres will be ordained to the priesthood. CWL has been asked by Fr. Cristino and the Diocese of Calgary to organize and assist with the reception following the ordination. Deacon Santiago has been at St. Bonaventure Parish as part of his journey, and St. Bonaventure CWL has offered to take responsibility for the reception.

This reception will be for 500 – 700 people, so we require a team of 40 volunteers.  The reception is in the evening from 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm followed by clean-up. Please go to our on-line volunteer sign up site to volunteer https://volunteersignup.org/CLXJC

Thank you for your anticipated help as we celebrate after the Ordination with Santiago’s family, friends and the Faith Community in Calgary.

If you have any questions, please contact Anita Arduini at or 403-616-5416

 

 

Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles

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June 8-11

We invite you to visit the Church approved photographic International Exhibit of The Eucharistic Miracles of the World, designed & created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 1423-8th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0N1.

Exhibit Details:

Day 1:            June 08, 2023 Thursday 9:00AM to 5:30PM

                        Mass at 11:30AM – 12:30PM

Day 2:            June 09, 2023 Friday 10:00AM – 7:00PM

                        Mass at 11:30AM – 12:30PM

Day 3:            June 10, 2023 Saturday 9:00AM – 8:00PM

                        Mass at 11:30AM – 12:30PM

                        Toonie Soup available for dinner

Day 4:            June 11, 2023 Sunday 9:00AM – 4PM

                        Toonie Soup available for dinner

For more information, please email us at .

Career Opportunities

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There are a number of employment opportunities that are currently available in the Diocese of Calgary:

Visit www.catholicyyc.ca/careers for more information and details. 

The Diocese of Victoria is looking for an Archives and Marriage Office Administrator​​

 

Volunteer opportunities to help Elizabeth House

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Elizabeth House is a life skills program and family-oriented home which welcomes at-risk pregnant and parenting women who need a safe place to live. Help Elizabeth House as volunteers in the following positions: Fundraising Lead; Facility Maintenance (carpentry, handyfolks, renovation); and Marketing & Communications lead. More information

 

Report gives voice to Canada's Indigenous Christians

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A groundbreaking report published by the Ottawa-based Cardus Institute has given voice to Indigenous Canadians who are frustrated by secular society’s unawareness of — or unwillingness to accept — the fact that almost half of them are Christian. The executive director of the Catholic Civil Rights League, Christian Elia, says society should grant Indigenous Catholics the respect and personal agency that is due all Canadians. He said his organization has heard from many Indigenous Catholics who are “growing weary of the ongoing assumption that somehow they have been coerced into the faith, that it is inconceivable that they wish to be Catholic. This condescending attitude must stop.” Read more

 

Latest Personnel Announcements from Bishop's Office

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PRIESTS RETURNING TO THE DIOCESE

  • Rev. Anthony Pudota, currently in his home diocese in India for the past year, has resolved his immigration status and will be returning to the Diocese at the end of this month.
  • Rev. Domingo Bongalos, currently serving in the Diocese of Paranaque, Philippines, has resolved his immigration status and is scheduled to return to the Diocese before August 2023.

PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS

  • Rev. John Gannon, L.C., currently Pastor of Ascension Parish, Calgary, is on a three-month leave of absence. Rev. John Luxbacher, L.C., will be the Administrator of the parish during the leave.

PRIEST APPOINTMENT

  • Rev. Valentine Suum, in addition to being the Associate Pastor of St. Patricks Parish, Calgary, has been appointed Spiritual Advisor for the Legion of Mary.

 

St. Anthony's 100th Anniversary

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Congratulations to St. Anthony's CWL Council on their 100th Anniversary!

St. Anthony's CWL Council, Drumheller, celebrated their 100th Anniversary celebration on April 26: Feast Day of our Patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Several Diocesan Officers joined the celebrations.

St Anthony's Council: A Brief History

Prior to St Anthony's Catholic Women's league, the ladies of the parish had organized themselves as an Altar Society to help with the needs of the parish. The Drumheller sub-division of the Catholic Women's League was organized in 1923 with Mrs. W. Fulton as the first President, Mrs. H. Robinson as Secretary and Mrs. F. Webber as Treasurer. At that time the Altar Society was incorporated in to the CWL and an Altar Committee was formed. The ladies had many fundraising activities although they had many limitations since the hall had not yet been built.

In 1931, a Junior CWL was formed with a membership of about 25. According to records they met until June 1938 doing fundraising and social gatherings.

In 1939, the old church was converted into a hall and the CWL was able to hold meetings and events in the facility. Their activities included chicken and spaghetti dinners, Whist Drives, baking and rummage sales, June teas and fall Bazaars. During the war years, the members kept busy with knitting, making quilts and working in Red Cross workrooms. Each year at Christmas and Easter the ladies solicited the parishioners for donations to create packages for service men and women overseas. At one time 55 parcels were sent. Members of the league also met trains and buses of servicemen and distributed cigarettes and candy.

In February 1949 the property of the hall was sold leaving the ladies to meet in the Waldorf Hotel until November 1950 when the new hall was complete. With the new hall complete, the CWL started a new endeavor to fundraise in the form of banquet catering. Then in January 1959 the hall kitchen was expanded.

In 1975, the CWL in conjunction with the parish sponsored two delegates to attend the national lobby in Ottawa with regards to the right to life. The current St Anthony's CWL is a conglomerate of many CWL councils. As parishes closed throughout the area, several councils have combined with St. Anthony's. Some of these included the Wayne, Rosedale and Delia councils to name a few. Over the years Drumheller has hosted three conventions and many regional meetings. The first was a diocesan convention, hosted in June 1956 with 72 delegates and again in May 1980 with 196 ladies and 6 priests in attendance. In June 1990, Drumheller hosted the Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Convention with over 200 delegates.

Some more recent endeavors have included the white ribbon against pornography, fundraising to support women shelters, support for the new playground at the new school, the hall renovation, pro-life organizations; collecting baby items for mothers in need in the community; and support to the Salvation Army for local needs at Christmas through the annual Bring and Buy. The CWL has also supported Project Rachel, Elizabeth House, and many parish groups including the mother's group, the youth group and God time. These are just some of the contributions St Anthony's CWL has made.

The effects of the WWI reached beyond the events field. The spiritual nourishment that is received through membership reach beyond the events and permeate the community through the works of the women from the Catholic Women's League. The 100 years of service this organization has provided has played a significant role in guiding not only the parish but also the Catholic school and the town of Drumheller.

Taken from history by Virginia Haahr, edited and added to.

 

 

Have you ever been to a Moochigan?

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With the support of various groups and organizations, Jorin Gaudet, a Métis member and Grade 6 teacher at Our Lady of Assumption School in Lethbridge, planned an unforgettable afternoon of activities for the school's 150 students. Get all the exciting details from Alice Matisz, who had the privilege of attending the event and was truly grateful for the experience. Read more

Holy House of Our Lady & St. John

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Holy House Calgary, a Catholic, classically-based school located at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Inglewood, is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. There are openings in Grades 1-8 as well as in our full time high school, The Gilbertine Academy (Grades 9-12). 

Scholarship and tuition assistance available. 

For more information, visit us at www.holyhouse.ca, or email to arrange a tour.

 

Prayers for Peace in Ukraine

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Ukraine's capital hit by "exceptional" Russian air strikes

Please keep Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers. Ukraine’s capital Kyiv has been targeted by massive Russian air strikes that authorities described as “exceptional in density.” The strikes were part of broader attacks that officials said killed at least six civilians over the past 24 hours. Read more at Vatican News

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Let the 20's Roar!!

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Let the 20's roar... and roar they did!

Holy Spirit Parish Roaring 20’s fundraiser, hosted by the CWL, was a huge success! There was so much laughter and chatter. Many of our guests came dressed in period costume which added to the ambiance. So, from the Champagne Reception to the delicious Prime Rib dinner, to the many door prizes and raffle draws and onto the dance floor, it seemed like everyone was having a great time.

A sincere Thank You to our parishioners, friends, and CWL members for coming out to support our fundraiser. After the accounting has been completed, we will know the dollar figure to the fundraiser.

Once again a sincere thanks to all the supporters!

Blessings,
Janet Robbins
President Holy Spirit CWL

 

 

In Memorium: Fr. Gilles LeBlanc

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In Memorium: Fr. Gilles LeBlanc

Join us in praying for Fr. Gilles LeBlanc, who passed away peacefully early Tuesday (May 2, 2023) morning. 

Prayers
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 7 pm
Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 34 St SW, Calgary)

Funeral Mass 
Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 14 St. SW, Calgary)


Father Gilles LeBlanc was born on May 18, 1949, in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. He was ordained a priest on April 26, 1985, at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Paul J. O'Byrne. Fr. LeBlanc began his pastoral assignments as an Assistant Pastor at St. John’s, Calgary, in June 1985, followed by St. Mark’s in Calgary in August 1985, serving until 1987. He then served as an Assistant Pastor at St. Ann's in Blairmore from July 1987 to 1988. In 1989, he accepted a pastoral assignment as Pastor of St. Andrew’s, Vulcan, Champion, and Carmangay, where he served for two years. Later in his ministry, Fr. LeBlanc was assigned at St. Anthony’s in Calgary from 2006 until July 2008. His last pastoral assignment was at St. Patrick’s in Medicine Hat from August 2008 until his retirement in June 2010. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.  

 

Life in the Spirit Seminar

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Join the Life in the Spirit Seminar every Tuesday from May 2 to June 20, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at St. Mary's Parish Hall. This eight-session seminar is an evangelistic tool and formation experience designed to introduce participants to a life in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Register here

 

 

Impact Report of the Diocese of Calgary

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The Diocese of Calgary is pleased to announce the release of the 2022 Impact Report, which highlights the fruits of your generosity and of our work together over the past year. Your financial donation and service have made a significant difference in the lives of those in our community and beyond. 

Please take a moment to read through the Impact Report which you can access from catholicyyc.ca/2022impactreport  We hope that the report will serve as a testament to the incredible work that we have accomplished together and as an inspiration for all that we can achieve in the future. 

On behalf of Bishop McGrattan, thank you for your unwavering support and generosity towards serving our community and spreading the good news of God's unconditional love.


 

Hallelujah

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What started with a simple request from her parish priest has made singer Kelley Mooney a YouTube hit with her revision of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

“We were at Easter Mass in our own parish in Iona, P.E.I., and I had sung a song that ended with the word Hallelujah being repeated,” Mooney told The Catholic Register.  “After Mass, our parish priest asked if I would sing Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah.’ ”

Promising that she would, she looked up the lyrics. But to her dismay, she found that Cohen’s lyrics were not appropriate for Mass.

“So I had a Missalette from church at home and I read through the Easter passage and rewrote the lyrics from the Easter passage,” she explained.

Read more at The Catholic Register


 

Tru Earth Fundraiser

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Tru Earth is a Canadian company working to reduce the use of plastic in everyday life. They are best known for Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent, a new and revolutionary eco-friendly detergent in strip form, that produces zero waste. One year’s supply of laundry strips fits in a small shoe box and replaces 9 plastic laundry bottles!

Brand Highlights:

  • Paraben and Phosphate-free
  • Free of added dyes, chlorine bleach, and 1,4-dioxane, as certified by independent laboratory tests
  • Hypoallergenic and Vegan-Friendly
  • Tru Earth's packaging uses zero plastic
  • Free shipping directly to your home anywhere in Canada or the US

Help make a sustainable environmental impact while supporting CWL. Check periodically for new products and special promotions.

Tru Earth’s fundraising program provides 20% of the sale to participating Councils (see below):


 

Transitions

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Transitions - Jan 17 to Apr 25

The Pastoral Ministry Office of the Diocese of Calgary is offering Transitions, 15-week peer led support group for individuals who are working through the pain of separation and divorce toward growth and new life.

  • Every Tuesday, from January 17, 2023 to April 25, 2023, from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 – 17th Avenue SW, Calgary) 
  • ​No fee registration. Register at catholicyyc.ca/transition

 

Pastoral Care reflections with Fr. Tim

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All are invited to a monthly reflection on ministry with Fr. Timothy Boyle at St. Martha's Parish in Lethbridge. Reflection will be inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis. When: Tuesdays at 10:30 am, starting Sep. 20. Online participation via livestream will be available from St. Martha's Youtube Live page or visit StMarthasParish.ca

Dates & Topics:

  • September 20: “God Accompanies Us”
  • October 18: “Grace Accompanies Every Person”
  • November 22: “Accompanying in Conflict and Complicated Situations”
  • January 17: “Listening to God and the Other”
  • February 21: “Simeon and Anna – Waiting – Grasping the Signs – Finding Our Story”
  • March 21: “Dream Dreams – Build Visions”
  • April 18: “Pope Francis’ Prayer – ‘Jesus, Make My Heart More Like Yours’”

 

Reconciliation and Healing

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4 Seasons of Reconciliation

This is a unique 3-hour online course that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation. This workplace course provides the basic foundation on the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). 

Read more ...