From Fr. Colin
Coming out of the celebration of Christ’s birth, and in many ways still celebrating his manifestation to the world, the readings at the beginning of Ordinary Time direct us to reflect upon the universal nature of this revelation and thus the unity we are called to have as the Church.
Christian unity, which is certainly a goal in and of itself, is also ultimately the means by which we can truly present the gospel to the world and reveal the light of Christ to those that sit in darkness and despair. It is how we continue to manifest Jesus Christ to the world.
Next weekend begins our Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which helps us to focus upon this task. Our divisions, however, hinder us in this regard. As the Decree on Ecumenism from Vatican II states: “without doubt, this discord openly contradicts the will of Christ, provides a stumbling block to the world, and inflicts damage on the most holy cause of proclaiming the good news to every creature.”
We pray for unity, then, so we can properly proclaim the gospel.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world
January 18 - 25
The Week of Prayer is a time set aside for Christians to recognize that the divisions between our churches cannot be separated from divisions within the wider human family. Praying together for Christian unity allows us to reflect on what unites us & to commit ourselves to confront oppression & division amongst humanity.
- The importance of unity among Christians & the responsibility of the people of each parish to work for this unity should be emphasized throughout the week. All members of the parish are encouraged to have a deeper understanding of ecumenism.
Eight Days of Prayer: Scripture reflections on the theme of "Do good; seek justice."
Think Ordinary Time is ordinary?
Meaning plain, unexciting?
"Like all liturgical seasons, Ordinary Time is meant to be lived! We aren’t passive receptors of the liturgy – or at least we shouldn’t be. We are called to be active participants! Participating in Ordinary Time means participating in the everyday life of Jesus."
Resources to learn about this liturgical season and to find ways to get "caught up in Christ" in our everyday life":
Meals on Wheels
needs volunteers!
Did you know that a group of parishioners has been delivering meals for Meals on Wheels for about 45 years? They do it every Tuesday morning from 10:30 -11:30 am for 1-2 months a year.
If you are interested, contact Carmen at 403-703-8516 or paradisn@telus.net.
Consecration to the
Holy Family
Families today face many struggles, both through cultural pressure & through the personal struggles that accompany family life. By persevering, families have great capacity for love & joy, a joy that is strengthened through the peace & truth found in Christ.
Each family in our parish is invited to consecrate themselves to the Holy Family, to devote themselves to the ideal model of family love set by Jesus, Mary & Joseph. To assist families in living out this joy of Christ, the K of C Supreme Chaplain has composed a prayer. In this prayer, we ask for the aid or intercession of the perfect son Jesus Christ, Mary the perfect mother, & Joseph who is a model for every Father.
After all Sunday masses
January 21 & 22
The Knights thank parishioners
for donating their refundable beverage containers to the Bottle Drive this past weekend. With your generous efforts over $1,400 was raised to support our charity programs.
A list of our supported charities for the past year is posted on the bulletin board behind the hospitality desk in the narthex.
The Knights plan to hold another bottle drive in late April or early May 2023.
With your support, the Mission Council raised $5300 to help our brothers & sisters in our home & international missions.
Please consider putting aside your used & unused greeting cards for donation to the Mission Council card-making program. You can drop off the cards at the Parish Office or at the Catholic Pastoral Centre during business hours.
The Pope's Prayer Intention for January 2023
Pope Francis has chosen to send a message to educators with a unique proposal: “add new content to their teaching: fraternity." For the Pope, educators are witnesses of fraternity who not only pass on “their mental knowledge, but also their convictions, their commitment to life.” Watch the Pope's message
Mother Teresa Film
Showing at St Cecilia's Parish
Readings for Sunday, January 15
First Reading: Isaiah 49.3, 5-6 I will give you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation.
Responsorial Psalm: Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.1-3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel: John 1.29-24 Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Hour of Prayer
Every Thursday after the 9:00 am Mass there will be an Hour of Prayer in the Prayer Room. Everyone is welcome. Call Marie or Chic at 403-271-8587
for more information.
