The theme of the season of Advent is sometimes described as a period of waiting for the birth of Jesus. However, today's Gospel reading suggests something different. John the Baptist did not tell the crowds to wait for the Messiah. He told them to prepare for the Messiah through acts of repentance. If Advent is a time of waiting, it is not the sitting in the doctor's office kind of waiting. It is a busy time of preparation, more like the waiting we might do when preparing for dinner guests. Our challenge is to not make this season a frenzied time, but rather a time of joyful anticipation and making ready for God who comes to dwell among us and changes our lives with the gift of salvation.

    As you gather as a family, talk about the preparations your family is making during the season of Advent. Reflect together on these activities, not only on what you are doing but why you are choosing to do these things. Read together today's Gospel, Luke 3:10-18. Consider how Advent is a time for making ourselves ready to receive Jesus in our lives. Could your family make some changes in your Advent activities so that each person is well prepared to celebrate the gift of salvation at Christmas? Conclude in prayer together that your family will be able to live the spirit of Advent. Sing together an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or pray together today's second reading, Philippians 4:4-7, as you light the third candle on your Advent wreath.

This special day remind us of our call to walk in solidarity with marginalized communities in southern Mexico, providing vital support for education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Let us come together to share hope and transform lives through our generosity.

The Diocese thanks you for the prayers, support, and assistance you have offered for the funeral of our beloved Bishop Henry. The prayers for Bishop Henry were beautifully celebrated on Monday and Tuesday this week.

Watch the recorded live-stream from the Funeral Mass.

Prayer
Lord, hear our prayers.
By raising your Son from the dead, you have given us faith.
Strengthen our hope that Frederick, our brother,
will share in his resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
R/. Amen.

To request a Mass intention please visit the parish office downstairs during office hours, call  403-257-6054 or email  secretary@stalbertthegreat.ca  

Our parish serves over 9000 families, intentions are limited to two per family within the three-month period.  Thank you for honoring this system. Contact the office with questions.

This is the weekend that the bulk of our Christmas hampers will be delivered and we are SO excited!

Imagine the anticipation of those families and for at least a short time, a sense of relief. 

Thank you everyone! Many volunteers have stepped forward with their time and energy to make this a success. Next week we will provide final numbers for our Christmas Hamper Program 2024.

May God bless our amazing community.

Donors, please consider switching the delivery of your tax receipt from Canada Post to email.  If you do, please email svdp.satg.donations@gmail.com  

You will receive a confirmation email of the switch.

Join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rockies for a series of special Novena Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From December 16 to December 24, we gather in prayer and devotion, seeking Mary's intercession as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christ's birth.

Mass Schedule:

Come, experience the beauty of this sacred tradition, and deepen your faith as we await the coming of our Savior. All are welcome!