Dear Parishioners,

This week is the 1st Sunday of Advent- Happy New Liturgical Year! There are many items in our bulletin this week, so 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.

We are pleased to announce the Mass times for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We will have 200 people at each Mass. Parishionners can begin signing up for Christmas Masses on Monday, December 7 at 2:00 P.M.  As we have been doing throughout this time of pandemic, we ask that you sign-up for Mass through Eventbrite, the link will be found on our web-page.

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 on-line 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.

BEST ADVENT EVER

We invite you to sign up for a great resource to help you have the BEST ADVENT EVER! Experience free, daily video reflections on the Advent Gospel readings and head into 2021 with the happiest, shiniest soul you’ve ever had! Click here to sign up!

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? Joining us for mass online instead? Consider making a cash donation instead. Toques mitts and scarves are also gratefully accepted!

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.

Salvation Army Kettle Program

Check out the latest Blog: Faith not Fear

“Do not be afraid, open wide the doors to Christ.”  St. JPII

As we head into Advent on our way to the birth of Jesus at Christmas, I think back to one year ago when we were going into Advent at this time. Little did we know what 2020 would bring. Now we are going into Advent again, but this is unlike any other Advent that we have ever experienced before. Many of us are apprehensive and worried about our loved ones, our jobs, our future. Many of us are isolated, lonely and afraid.

Click here to read more

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

Arctic Visions 2021- Calendar Fundraiser

We have now sold out of this year’s Arctic Visions 2021 Calendars. We thank all those who purchased a calendar in support of Archbishop Jon Hansen, and the missions in the diocese of McKenzie-Fort Smith.

100th Anniversary Ticket Refunds- DEADLINE SOON

We would also like to remind you that we are approaching the deadline to request a refund for the purchased 100th Anniversary tickets.  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.

Gift Shop

We are happy to announce that the parish gift shop is now open and available for visitors. 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.