'Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.'
Psalm 54:4
From Fr. Colin
As most of you are aware, the province recently declared a state of emergency in regards to the pandemic. This will affect us as a church in a number of ways. The biggest effect will be the reimposition of a limit on how many people can be in the church at any one time, along with the requirement that people from different households be at least two metres apart. Masks continue to be mandatory.
I certainly understand the disappointment in having to go back to these measures, particularly after things have been going so well over the past few months; however, I also know that, through all the hard work and sacrifices people made during the previous restrictions, we will, in the grace of God, have the strength and determination to come through these as well.
In order to make things simpler this time around, there are a few changes from the last time. Rather than registering for masses we will be using a “first come first served approach.” Once the ushers have determined that we have reached capacity (determined mostly by proper spacing), then the doors will be locked. Pews have been marked off with ribbons, however there are no markings (X’s) on the pew itself. Please follow the instructions of the usher along with your own best judgement in order to maintain social distancing. We have all been through this before, so while it is disappointing, it shouldn’t be as difficult this time around.
We are going to continue with Adoration through the week. Because of social distancing, however, I would ask that there be no more than six people in the chapel at any one time. Please consider coming back at a different time if the chapel is full. Small groups can still continue to meet as long as social distancing is maintained, though for obvious reasons we are unable to have social events in the building.
Prayer is the only real tool to get us out of the pandemic, so please continue to pray about the situation, & to pray for the parish itself. Remember that despite all of this, the church remains open, masses & other sacraments continue to be celebrated, and adoration continues. Through the mercy of God, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary & the protection of St. Joseph, we will get through these latest challenges.
May God continue to bless you,
Fr. Colin
New Covid Guidelines
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN!!!
We have received a directive from the Diocese with respect to the provincial guidelines coming into effect September 16, 2021.
Places of Worship - effective Thursday, September 16, 2021
- Capacity limited to 1/3 fire code occupancy.
- Masks are mandatory.
- 2 metres physical distancing between households or 2 close contacts for those living alone.
Rather than registering for Mass as we did in the past, we are going to try a ‘first come, first served’ approach to determine the number of people allowed into the church for any one mass. As before, only the front main doors will be open. Once our capacity is reached, no one else will be allowed in and all doors will be locked. Physical distancing is required, please follow the ushers’ directions when being seated.
Cool Treats for
Everyone!!!
Cool Treat Weekend - Sept 18 & 19
Enjoy a free ice cream treat after any mass this weekend!
Everyone is welcome - not just those who attend mass.
Come by with your family to pick up a treat! Please wear your mask.
Hosted by St. Bonaventure Parish & the Knights of Columbus Council 7432
Knights of Columbus Garage Sale
CHURCH PARKING LOT
Saturday, September 25
8 am to 12:30 pm
Proceeds from this huge garage sale help charities supported by our local Council.
Household items, clothes, sporting goods, toys, & books
will be collected beginning this week!
Monday - Friday, September 20-24 from 6 - 8 pm
at the trailer in the church parking lot.
Items not accepted: construction materials, baby cribs, baby/child car seats, appliances & furniture.
Sign-up is
ongoing…
Volunteer at your
convenience
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration will continue with the new guidelines as follows:
- no more than 6 adorers in the chapel at one time, appropriately spaced
- please wear your mask at all times
- sanitize your hands upon entry
Thank you for your cooperation. If you feel you have an hour to spend in the Adoration Chapel once a week, the Blessed Sacrament can never be left attended, we require adorers to commit to the same time every week.
To volunteer for a specific hour of prayer & adoration, please contact coordinator Heather Burdeyney: heather.burdeyney@outlook.com; 403-278-0394.
High School Re-Naming
The Calgary Catholic School District invites you to help choose a replacement name for Haysboro Catholic High School (formerly Bishop Grandin High School) by completing the survey found in this link
The names on the survey were chosen by the naming committee, after consultation with Indigenous communities, because they have some significant connections to the Catholic Church and/or the Catholic School community & speak to the spirit of truth & reconciliation.
Please note that it is distinct practice to avoid selecting a name that is the same as an existing Calgary Catholic School. A listing of current school names can be found on the districts website at www.cssd.ab.ca.
One submission per person. The survey closes on September 21, 2021.
St. Bonaventure Adoration Chapel
The Adoration Chapel is open during the summer on Mondays
after morning mass until 6 pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Ride for
Refuge
St. Bonaventure is being represented at Ride for Refuge this year by the Subasic Family & “Bonaventure Alpha Team Bravo”. This team is riding over 10 km on October 2nd for Elizabeth House (a diocese run home for pregnant & parenting teens). This will be the 6th year that Bonaventure Alpha Team Bravo has ridden for Elizabeth House. The donations from St. Bonaventure Parish for this team have raised over $10,000 for Elizabeth House in those 5 years!
This year we will be running the concession at the Knights of Columbus Garage Sale on Sept. 25th in support of the ride, stop by & see us! You can buy a cookie, a hotdog, or just make a donation to this worthwhile cause!
If you can’t make the garage sale, stop by the parish office & leave a donation, or go to: http://ride.wiith.me/bonaventureatb
Sunday Readings - Reflections
Diocese of Springfield
“I’m Better Than You.” Our lives are filled with all manner of put down, one up manship, Top Dog behavior. When the disciples were caught in a similar conversation by Jesus, their response was silent. Perhaps, from embarrassment, even shame – especially after his teaching. He said to them and to us, be last, not first, be of service, be open to receive.
- Who needs to be first at something this week rather than me?
- Whom shall I serve because they need some help?
- Who will I receive with joy as I would a child or grandchild?
Crisis line for Indian Residential School survivors & family:
1-866-925-4419
Catholics for Truth & Reconciliation (Facebook group)
Digging for the truth about Canada's Residential School graves: In this special three-part series, C2C Journal writer Hymie Rubenstein sorts through the heated claims and allegations and sets forth what is actually known about the unmarked graves at Canada’s former Indian Residential Schools
Pope Francis' message on the Kamloops Residential Schools.
Bishop William McGrattan's message on Kamloops Residential Schools.
A Catholic Response
Call to Action 48 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Delegation to the Holy See: diverse group of Indigenous people to meet with Pope Francis
Diocesan Resources
- Diocesan Events Calendar
- FCJ Centre - Retreats, Programs, Counselling, Spiritual Direction - here
- The Year of Amoris Laetitia Family Video here. Guide here.
Sunday Updates from the Diocese
complete bulletin here, including
- Employment opportunities in the Diocese of Calgary
- Totus Tuus Rosary Making at Holy Spirit Calgary. More information here
- Blessing of Pets October 3 - 3 pm at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre west side. Visit the grounds from 2:30 to 4 pm. Pets must be leashed or crated.
- 40 Days for Life September 22 - October 31: Fall campaign kickoff
- Pray for The Seeds of the Word's new mission in the Philippines
- Love More 2.0 Concert for retired priests. For tickets call Nonie Ramos at 587-435-2509 or visit www.catholicyyc.ca/lovemorebenefit to donate
Our Sunday Mass Times
Saturdays at 5 pm
Sundays at 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 noon & 7 pm
(please note the time changes)
- Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces.
- You do not need to register to attend mass.
- The dispensation of the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues.
- The sign of peace is to be exchanged with a bow, not by a handshake.
- Collection baskets will remain in the Narthex to drop off your donations.
- Holy Communion will be distributed by the priest (center aisle) & 2 communion ministers (side aisles).
- There are limits to the number of attendees for funerals, weddings & baptisms, please check with the office.
- Tuesday & Thursday evening masses at 7 pm will remain throughout the summer.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available
- Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30 - 8:50 am (before morning mass)
- Saturdays from 4 - 4:45 pm (before the Saturday mass)
- Or by appointment
To book an appointment for confession, please email Fr. Colin (frcolin@stbonaventureparish.ca) or Fr. George (frgeorge@stbonaventureparish.ca) or call the church office 403-278-7556 during office hours.
Livestream Masses
Livestream of masses from our diocese, around the world & on TELUS Optik TV Ch. 877 (choose Diocese of Calgary tile logo).
Please know that our parish community is here for you.
If you or your family need spiritual or emotional support, or if you would like a priest or parishioner to call you, please contact the parish at 403-278-7556 or reply to this email. If you require assistance with food hampers from St. Vincent de Paul, you can contact the parish office to connect to the SVDP Society.
Parish Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am - noon
The church is open for prayer Monday - Friday mornings after mass until noon.
Parish Office: 403-278-7556 or info@stbonaventureparish.ca