November 22nd - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Fr. Edmunds Pastoral Notes…
Thy kingdom come!
The French philosopher Blaise Pascal classifies reality in three orders. These orders, according to their increasing importance and value, are: the order of body (which includes visible things, money and politics), the order of mind (which includes knowledge, understanding and artistic talent) and the order of charity (which includes love, wisdom and grace). The second order is infinitely higher than the first one. The third order is infinitely superior to the two other orders.
Christ’s kingship belongs more to the last order of charity. His kingdom is of a totally different order and reality. In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks to Pilate with a mastery and a majesty which suggest a complete transcendence over the power of Rome.
The greatness of Christ in chains dominates history and the universe. The reality of His kingship belongs to the highest order in the classification of Blaise Pascal. His kingship is that of love, wisdom and grace. No kingdom has a power comparable to the power of love.
In many ways, our becoming church is all about building this kingdom of love, wisdom and grace on this earth.
Christ is king, but He kneels before His followers and washes their feet. He is king who was born in a stable, that is, in poverty and humility. He is king who died on a cross between two criminals to save us from sin and death. We follow His gospel values to the eternal path that will allow us to live forever. We endeavor to love as Christ loves.
Christ reigns over “an eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace” (Preface, Christ the King)
“Almighty and ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the Universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise…” (Opening Prayer)
Healing Corner. A person who is being abused is not easily identifiable. They may be your neighbor. They may sit with you on a committee at church. Maybe they are the parent of one of your children’s friends. They may be your minister. They may be the tenant downstairs, the older person who you visit at the park, or your sibling.
Many who are abused try to let people know what is happening. They may not come out and say the words, but they may drop hints that all is not well. Be aware that violence against anyone is not just a statistic but may be happening to people you know.
Fr Edmund’s Updates…
With the recent COVID-19 restrictions in the midst of ever-increasing cases, we strongly encouraged our in-person church-goers to continue wearing masks throughout their stay inside the church, particularly as you enter and exit the facility, including our offices. Please consider the protection of your priests from becoming infected! Our priests are NOT exempt from wearing a mask when they are interacting in close contact with parishioners, including during Confessions and interviews in our office premises. You may even consider staying at home if you feel that you are not well-enough to wear a mask due to medical reasons, to strictly comply with the mandated two-meter physical distance and to avoid the unnecessary close contact as you try to “socialize” before and after the Masses or services. Your cooperation is required to keep our Masses and other services available. A single infection can mean closure of our church.
Sunday Missals for 2021 (St Joseph’s version published in US) will be available soon. We apologize for the delay. Breaking Bread 2021 copies (pre-ordered and shipped but we can’t use them due to COVIS-19 restrictions) will be available for a voluntary gift to recover costs & US shipping. Advent Gospel Reflections by Bishop Robert Barron will also be available for a suggested donation.
With the new AHS restrictions, weddings and funerals are now capped at total fifty (50) attendees. Celebration of Baptism as well other “essential” meetings is at fifteen (15) attendees maximum. We are currently in compliance with the number of Mass attendees now at one-third capacity, that is, 150 or less. We remind attendees to continue wearing masks, keep the two-meter physical distance, refrain from close contact and stay at home when feeling unwell.
The Christmas Hampers 2020 protocols are in the wraps, especially in adhering to AHS and diocesan guidelines. Volunteers will be updated accordingly. We are looking at ALL options in the midst of ever-changing AHS and diocesan guidelines, including resorting to distribution by vouchers, We encourage our benefactors and contributors to be loving and generous in supporting the financial requirements of this year’s outreach effort. Hampers will be delivered on Saturday, December 19, 9am to 12noon. Preparations and packing will be fulfilled Friday, December 18, 9:00am – noon or 2:30-6pm. The Parish Hall will be temporarily made available for this outreach program. The hall’s rated capacity is 300 occupants but we will limit a total of 15 at a time. It is also equipped with a HVAC system for proper airflow. Ferdie Gayos of the Missionary Families for Christ (MFC) is this year’s coordinator. We thank those volunteers who have already responded to help. More volunteers are welcome and invited to contact Fr. Edmund. An accredited/screened volunteer is required for the hamper deliveries only. Please call or contact Fr Edmund to get the proper accreditation. The traditional Angel Tree will be set up at the back of the church on November 28 for families to help with our gifts for the recipients of our hampers program. We encourage families and individuals to help contribute to the financial requirements of the program. Contributions can be made to the Christmas Hamper program electronically (www.stanthonysyyc.ca/donation or isupport@stanthonysyyc.ca), by mail or in-person (envelopes for Christmas Hampers will be available at the church entrance). If you know of a family or families who need to avail of the program within our parish area, please contact the Office or Fr Edmund directly. May God bless our love and generosity for our families in need in our immediate midst. God owes us in a way for reaching out to His poor in our midst.
For the Pastoral Visit with Bishop William McGrattan on December 11-13, the Pastoral Council, Financial Council, the Knights of Columbus and other organizations and groups are encouraged to schedule a meeting with him. Please forward your suggestions and recommendations on parish issues and concerns directly to the Bishop’s Office through Deacon Dale Laing or through our Office.
For Christmas Eve (December 24), the Masses will be a 3pm (new), 5pm, 7 pm and 9pm (new). An online sign-up will be available on or before December 16. Christmas Day Masses will be at 9:00 am and 10:30 am, and English/Filipino Mass at 5 pm.
First Reconciliation Preparation program has started. Families can still catch up with the program by contacting Fr Edmund directly.
As we wind up with our fiscal year (2020), we appeal to our families and individuals to consider including our church for the Christmas and end-of-the-year giving. Despite current apparent liquidity, we need to shore up considerable cash for the upcoming financial challenges of the new year (2021). Please be assured that we are trying our best to be careful and cautious with our financial management of the human and material resources of the parish.
2021 envelopes are now ready for pick-up. Observing required physical distancing, please proceed to the right front of the church and go into the Office Meeting Room, pick up your 2021 box and exit through the Office doors. If you are a new user or you don’t find your name in the alphabetically arranged boxes, please pick up a blank one and write your name and the box number on the sheet provided.
Our livestreamed Mass on Sundays at 10:30am, has now been available for several weeks at Telus Optik TV Channel 876. According to Telus TV, last Sunday’s TV viewers totaled 65 households.
May God bless you for your continued support for the parish.
We pray for health, healing and holiness.
Please contact Fr. Edmund by phone (403 252-1137) or email (efvargas@shaw.ca) or text (403 8742015) for any need or concern.
| DATE Nov. 22 - 28 | INTENTION | REQUEST |
|---|---|---|
| SUN. Nov. 22 7:15am Latin 9am English 10:30 English Noon Latin | SI RIP SI SI | Special Intention Juan Zabala All Parishioners Special Intention |
| Mon. Nov. 23 7am Latin 9am English | RIP SI | Souls in Purgatory Chris George |
| Tues. Nov. 24 7am Latin 9am English | SI SI SI | Special Intention Huizinga-Van Wuynen Fam Norma Reyes |
| Wed. Nov.25 Noon Latin 7pm English | SI RIP | Special Intention William & Barb Saruga |
| Thur. Nov. 26 9am English 7pm Latin | RIP RIP SI | John & Peter Bertens Souls in Purgatory Special Intention |
| Fri. Nov. 27 9am English 7pm Latin | RIP RIP SI | Nolilon Alcantara Felicisima Africa Special Intention |
| Sat. Nov. 28 9am Latin 5pm English | SI RIP | Special Intention Stella Mae Bantog |
isupport@stanthonysyyc.ca
Now you can conveniently e-transfer your contributions directly to St. Anthony's bank account. Just note in the memo how you would like your contribution directed.
Support St. Anthony's during the COVID Pandemic
Our parish relies on our regular offertory giving for maintenance and growth. We offer many convenient ways for you to make your contributions including: sign in to your to own banking institution and e-transfer the amount to: isupport@stanthonysyyc.ca; or by online credit card donation, or sign up for pre-authorized debit withdrawal; you may also mail your cheques to St. Anthony’s Church 5340 4 St. SW Calgary, AB T2V 0Z5, or drop off your donation envelopes into our donation box in the church foyer when you come to Mass. You are providing crucial support to care for your parish during this difficult time. Thank you for your generosity.
| DONATIONS | BUDGET | COLLECTION | DIFFERENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD - 2020 | $344,644 | $ 323,433.29 | $ (21,210.71) |
| MTD - NOV. | $32,815 | $ 10,948.91 | $ (21,866.09) |
| GOAL | COLLECTION | DIFFERENCE | |
| Christmas Hampers | $30,000 | ||
| TIA | $41,030 | $ 18,095.45 | $ (22,069.55) |
| Turkey Refuge Family | $30,000 | $ 30,000.00 | $ 0 |
Bishop McGrattan has issued a letter on the financial challenges due to COVID-19 We invite you to read the Bishop’s letter which can be accessed HERE
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TELUS Optik TV Channel 876
Note that this is only available to TELUS Optik subscribers. The updated schedule:
All the faithful are encouraged to observe and practice Spiritual Communion, uniting themselves to Christ in prayer.
With a grateful heart, we say thanks to all workers in our critical infrastructure industries and those who courageously help others. These are today's heroes, the people who work tirelessly serving others.
We encourage you to continue to share your gratitude with our everyday heroes, to the many people – men, women, adults and children – who have shown kindness and determination throughout the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pray for them.
Together in Action
Letter from Fr. Edmund
March 2020
Dear Parishioner,
This year’s theme is on Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). In one of his trips, Pope Francis commented that “Mary did not hesitate or think about herself; instead she surrendered herself; she trusted.”
Bishop William T. McGrattan, in this year’s message, writes: “Together in Action is the way for us to bring His mercy and compassion to others. Let it be a way of exalting God, relying on His strength and righteousness as we recognize our total and complete dependence on Him.”
Last year’s campaign reached our goal of $44,787. Our target for this year is $41,030. Whatever is in excess will be contributed to our fund to replace the boiler in our church.
When life leaves us broken.
Novembers Faithfully - When life leaves us broken:
The hope of purgatory
The painful truth is that I never knew my grandfather, at least in any way that a grandchild should. My grandfather went overseas to fight in the first world war, full of pride. But he returned, like so many other young men, broken in spirit. In the years after his marriage to my grandmother, life afforded him little opportunity beyond labour as a brick layer. He tried to be a man of faith, but with every bottle he drank, his sense of worth diminished.
When his body finally became too tired to work, his waning years disappeared before the television screen, his mind consumed by his addiction. Whatever mercy he asked for in his final days, there is no doubt he carried tremendous pain to the grave...
Read Novembers Faithfully online
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We, the parishioners of Saint Anthony's Church, exist to continue the mission of Jesus Christ.
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