Resources
Events & Resources
- First Sunday of Advent - Bulletin Shorts, free to use
Mass Readings | Be Alert! Watch! We begin this new liturgical year as the old one ends: alert, on the watch, looking to the end time (that is, the return of Jesus Christ) while still living in this middle time of grace. In our watching, we make the words at the center of the Isaiah reading our own: “Would that you might meet us doing right.” Let us be faithful gatekeepers – of our thoughts and of our acts – actively looking for the face of the Lord.- How will I maintain hope as I wait for Jesus Christ?
- What will I say?
- What will I do? The Works of Mercy can be a start.
- Source: Diocese of Springfield
- Waiting & Watching is a special Advent experience for youth in Gr. 7-12
With the effects of the pandemic on our spiritual and social life, we recognize the need of young people for encouragement and hope — a need that is further amplified with Advent & Christmas approaching. Waiting & Watching is a special Advent experience we’re excited to host for youth in grades 7-12. Together with Michael Chiasson and Access52, this evening will feature music, prayer, testimonies from other youth, and inspiring talks that will help set our hearts for Advent and Christmas. When: Friday, December 11 at 7 pm in the main sanctuary. Join us via live stream at saintmichael.ca. - CWL Annual Advent Retreat
The Catholic Women's League is hosting their 14th Annual Advent Retreat this Saturday, Nov. 28 beginning at 10 am, and it will be livestreamed from St. Peter's in Calgary. The retreat ends with Bishop McGrattan celebrating Mass at noon. Livestream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/calgarydiocesecwl - Volunteers with the Calgary Seniors Resource Society
Calgary Seniors Resource Society has been mobilizing volunteers to provide essential services to seniors for more than 25 years, especially now as the COVID-19 situation continues. Find opportunities to help seniors during these difficult times. Volunteers can help in various different ways, check calgaryseniors.org/volunteer-with-seniors - St. Anne's Haven in Lethbridge
The Government of Alberta issued a news release to announce that construction is underway for Covenant Care’s newest supportive living centre, St. Anne’s Haven, in Lethbridge. See video announcement featuring Covenant leaders and Minister of Health Tyler Shandro. For more information about St. Anne's Haven, click here - Prepare the Way - Online Advent Retreat with Scott Hahn & friends
Join the free virtual events from St. Paul Centre, an Advent retreat with Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Chris Stefanick and many other great Catholic speakers. When: December 5, at 7 am MT. Register here - Lectures & talks with Dr. Bernard McGinn on Mysticism
Join distinguished historian Dr. Bernard McGinn as he delivers the Chair of Christian Thought Swanson Lecture on Christian Spirituality. McGinn considers the meaning of “mysticism”, a word that for many indicates something bizarre, uncanny, peculiar. He argues that mysticism means an ever deepening awareness of God’s presence in everyday life. These talks are hosted by the Calgary Public Library & Department of Classics and Religion, U of C.- Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 pm to 8 pm | Register here "Perspectives on Prayer from Meister Eckhart and Julian of Norwich"
- Friday, Dec. 4 at 2 pm to 3 pm | Register here "The Compassion of the Mystics"
- Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 pm to 3 pm | Register here "What is Mysticism? An afternoon with Dr. Bernard McGinn"
- Five quotes from the Saints to help you deal with disappointment
Disappointment is an inevitable part of life, and it can be hard to handle these setbacks with grace. When your hopes and expectations are dashed, the feelings of sadness and frustration can feel overpowering. Fortunately, we have the examples of the saints to guide us here, as in so many other ways. Read more - Over one hundred new candidates to sainthood
Pope Francis has authorized the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate 8 decrees, including a decree on the martyrdom of 127 Spaniards. With the decrees, Pope Francis has taken 134 persons a step closer to sainthood. Read more - The true meaning of Advent
What is the true meaning of Advent? What is the best way to prepare for Christmas? You’re free to do what you know will help you prepare the best, but if decorating and so forth does not help you prepare for the coming of Christ, you can be the judge of whether it’s worth doing. Listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz talk about the true meaning of Advent here - Advent in Two Minutes
What is Advent all about? How is Advent different than Christmas? In a brand new version of their classic 2-minute video, Busted Halo explains the significance of this special season in the Church and why the experience of waiting, hope, and preparation is still so important in our lives today. Watch video