First Sunday of Lent
February 26, 2023 | St. James Parish, Okotoks
“It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:10
Tempted between the riches and power of this world and service to God, Jesus chose service to His Father.If we wish to truly follow Jesus, we, too, must decide to turn away from worldly power and riches and put God at the center of our lives. Lent is our time to prune ourselves of earthly things, and develop and nurture heavenly things. Lent is time to repent and let go of the other “gods” we have put before God.
Mass on Thursday, March 2nd will be held at 10:00am
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Tuesday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 12:00pm
Friday (St. Michael) 9:30am - 10:30am
STATIONS OF THE CROSS -- Meditate upon the Passion, the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross. Each Friday during Lent, meet in the church at 7:00pm (at St. James) or at 6:00pm (at St. Michael) to pray the Stations of the Cross.. All ages are welcome, and booklets are provided.
Just a reminder to all confirmation candidates and their families -- your next confirmation meeting is this Wednesday, March 1st, starting at 6:30pm in the Hall. Please be ready to start at 6:30pm so we can get out on time.
2022 OFFERING Receipts
Your financial offerings receipt for 2022 is ready for pick up in the Narthex this weekend or during the week at the office. If you don’t find yours, please contact the office during the week. Thank you and God bless.
Email safety reminder
Email safety reminder
Please always be diligent with any emails coming from St. James Parish staff and Clergy. We will never contact anyone by email for help financially, asking for gift cards or any other personal request. Please phone us directly to confirm that any emails sent are genuine.
Pancake breakfast
Pancake breakfast
The Knights of Columbus is hosting a pancake breakfast after the 9am mass this Sunday. A freewill offering of $5 a person or $20 a family to attend.
Parish Photo Directory Update
Parish Photo Directory Update
Thank you to all parishioners for participating in the directory. All participating families will receive a complementary copy of the directory. Extra copies are available for a cost of $20.
Welcome to Project Nazareth FAMILIES
Welcome to Project Nazareth FAMILIES
Please set aside one hour on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10:30-11:30 to join together in prayer, discussion, learning and fun. We will meet as a whole group in the Parish Hall for prayer. The children will meet with the Youth Team for fun, while the parents have an opportunity to share their experiences with Project Nazareth. This will be followed by a short video about Prayer in the Family and an opportunity to share perspectives with small groups. We are so looking forward to meeting you and your family. No need to RSVP; all are welcome! If you and your family would like to join the project, registration is still open. Please go to www.ProjectNazareth.org. To be included in the family evening events at the parish, please fill out the slip at the Hospitality desk.
A Lenten Journey into Silence
A Lenten Journey into Silence
An introduction to Christian meditation. A 6-week hybrid course, located in the St. James Church, St. Andre Room every Tuesday from Feb. 21 - March 28 at 7:15 - 8:15pm. Free registration www.bit.ly/Feb2023meditationcourse. Contact the meditation coordinator, Andrea at andrea711@gmail.com or 403-999-3398.https://youtu.be/zB2PPDsl0yA
Sound and Media Ministry
Sound and Media Ministry
We are looking for individuals to help with adjusting sound as needed and running the PowerPoint slide on weekend Masses. Training will be provided. For further information and to sign up please contact Catherine at cklug4@icloud.com
Easter Vigil Choir
Easter Vigil Choir
Easter Vigil choir rehearsals will take place every Sunday evening from 7:00-9:00 during the season of Lent. First rehearsal will begin Sun. Feb. 26 from 7-9pm and will run every Sunday at the same time until Easter. Please contact Catherine at cklug4@icloud.com to sign up or for more information.
Youth Mass:
Youth Mass:
St. James Youth Ministry will be hosting a Youth Mass on Sunday, March 5th at the 5pm Mass.
Children Sunday Liturgy
Children Sunday Liturgy
will be resuming on Sunday, March 12th mass during 9am mass at St. James. Parents are welcome to join and help out..
The diocesan goal of the TIA 2023 is the usual $2 million. Of this, $1.4 million will be used to fund various diocesan ministries, Vocations, Care of retired priests, Mission Council, Elizabeth House, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, and to help support partner organizations and agencies like the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).
For the next four years, $600,000 of the proceeds each year will go to support local or regional healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.
This year, our Parish goal is $46,856.
You can drop off your donation for TIA through the Parish Office or donate online via catholicyyc.ca/TIA For more information about TIA, please visit the Diocesan Website catholicyyc.ca/TIA.
Let us continue to foster a more compassionate world through acts of charity and love, and thank you for your continued support!
