Sunday, December 13th, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
This week is the 3rd Sunday of Advent.
We invite to check out the many news items below. We hope that if you were unable to register to attend public mass that you are able to join us for our live streamed mass at 10 AM. **Please be aware that due to COVID-19, Archbishop Gerard has given dispensation for all Sunday obligations. This means you are not obligated to attend mass, and we will continue to live-stream Sunday mass on our Facebook page until the dispensation has been lifted.
All tickets for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are SOLD OUT. Due to capacity restrictions, we are unfortunately unable to allow attendees without tickets to join us for mass. As an alternative- on Christmas Eve we will be offering a pre-recorded Christmas Liturgy. This will be recorded at the church. Our music ministry will bless us with Christmas music that you will enjoy from home. This Christmas Liturgy will be available online beginning at 7:00 P.M. on Christmas Eve. It will be available the entire evening so you can watch it with your family at whatever time best suits your schedule.
Donation Details for 2021
Donations envelopes are ready for pick up! Please stop by the office during regular office hours (8:30am-12 and 1-4) or after Mass on Sunday in Tranquille Hall this weekend, December 12th to pick up your envelopes. If you are unable to stop by, please contact the office to arrange for someone to drop them off for you.
If you would like to receive Donation Envelopes, please contact the Parish Office.
If you would like to sign up for Pre-authorized Payments for your donation, please click here and complete the attached form and return it with a VOID cheque. If you prefer to donate using a credit card, please click here and complete the Credit Card Monthly Donation form.
New for 2021!!! Sign up for pre-authorized payments or automatic credit card payments of Special Collections – the form is attached. The “Donate Button” on the website will be updated for the coming year to include options for “Building Maintenance Fund” and all “Special Collections”.
All completed forms must be returned to Joanne at the Parish Office. Thank you all for your continued support of the Parish!
LAST CHANCE FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY TICKET REFUNDS
The deadline to request a refund for the purchased 100th Anniversary tickets is December 15th, 2020. If you have purchased tickets and would like to request a refund or would like to donate the cost to the parish and receive a tax receipt, please click here to fill out the “Refund Request Form” and submit both the form AND the purchased tickets to the parish office. Any unclaimed refunds will be donated anonymously to the parish after December 15th.
Dear Parishioners and Clergy
On behalf of our partners in the global south we would like to thank all of you in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan for so generously giving what you were able to, during the special collection on November 22nd, to the Canadian Catholic Organization of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, for our Recovering Together campaign.
Your willingness to walk along with others in the world, who have been so deeply impacted by the crippling conditions resulting from Covid-19, is both inspiring and hopeful. We know that many of you have experienced your own hardships during these last several months and that makes your generosity of spirit even more appreciated and meaningful.
We would also like to gratefully acknowledge His Grace Archbishop Pettipas, the archdiocesan clergy and the volunteers who provided support to this campaign.
You can learn more about the Recovering Together Campaign, and other ways to be involved, on our website at www.devp.org, and on our Facebook page. You may also contact Carmen Michaud, Animator for the Alberta/NWT region at cmichaud@devp.org or Mia Klein-Gebbinck, a local D & P member-rep at miklge@telus.net.
With thanks, Mia Klein-Gebbinck & Carmen Michaud
Sock Sundays
How good does it feel to put on a pair of war, dry socks? Please remember to bring a new pair of socks to donate during Advent. This simple act of kindness benefits many in need in our community. Forgot to bring some to mass? Consider making a cash donation instead. Toques mitts and scarves are also gratefully accepted!
Adoration
Friday, December 18, 7:00 P.M. – 7:45 P.M.
Join us for a few moments of private prayer and reflection in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. There is no need to register ahead, just stop by and enjoy some time for prayer.
Confession/Reconciliation
During Advent we are increasing the time for drop-in confession. Beginning Friday, December 4 confession will be available from 1 P.M. – 3 P.M. There is no need to register ahead, just show up. This increased time will be for the 3 Fridays of Advent (December 4, 11 and 18). Fr. Remi and Fr. Leo are available at other times by appointment.
Becoming Family
Volunteers Needed
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy writing brief letters or cards to brighten someone’s day? Becoming Family is a new SJC program that pairs volunteers with parishioners who might be feeling a bit lonely. If you’d like more info about how to be involved or know someone who might benefit from this program, click this link or contact Fr. Leo at 780-532-2351, ext 222.
Collect your Stamps this Christmas
The Redemptorists will happily collect any stamps leftover from Christmas cards sent in the mail. They are collected and recycled as an annual fundraiser. Simply collect your stamps, put them in an envelope and drop them off at the parish office, or place them in the collection box at mass. The Redemptorists thank you!
Welcome New Parishioners!
Since Covid-19 began we have had to make some changes at the masses and because of this we have had temporarily close the Welcome Table that is normally at the back of the church. Even so, we are always so happy to welcome new parishioners!
Are you new to the parish? Please reach out so we can Welcome You! Individuals and families can contact Christina Stang by phone at 780-532-2351 (ext. 230) or by email at SJC-Family@gpcsd.ca
Gift Shop- CHRISTMAS ITEMS AVAILABLE
We are happy to announce that the parish gift shop is now open and available for visitors and with NEW CHRISTMAS ITEMS AVAILABLE. Come check out the various Catholic goods, such as rosaries, bibles, medals, books, statues, pictures, and more! It is a hidden gem, right in the Narthex of our church. Hours are Tuesdays after the 7pm mass, and Wednesdays after the 12:15pm mass.
Don’t forget to check out our latest Liturgy of the Word with Children video. Each week the latest video is available on Facebook after 10 AM Mass. Join Cheryl this week during the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and participate together as a family.
Click here after 11am to watch.
