PARISH BULLETIN * January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord (Year A)

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Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew

January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord (A)

ST. MATTHEW PARISH AND MISSIONS Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew Church

Caroline - St. Joseph the Workman Church Evergreen - Jesuit Martyrs Church

Evergreen

Caroline Bulletin QR Code

INTRODUCTION TO THE LITURGY OF THE SUNDAY

God lavishes upon us gifts beyond our merit. Today’s readings demonstrate the gratuitous nature of God’s love for humanity. Recognizing this

benevolence, we, along with the Magi, prostrate ourselves and pay homage by offering our supreme gifts – our faith, hope and love – in the service of our generous, loving God. In the first reading, the prophet reminds Israel that God’s glory will shine on them. They will be a people to be admired by nations and kings. Saint Paul recounts for the Ephesians that Gentiles are co-heirs and co-partners in the promise of Jesus Christ in the Gospel. The Gospel recounts the Magi’s visit to pay homage to the newborn baby Jesus.

As we continue our celebration of Christmas, the Epiphany of the Lord is an integral part. The word “Epiphany” means a “showing forth” or a “manifestation”. The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the “showing forth” or the “manifestation” of the Child Jesus as light of all the nations of the earth, represented by the Magi. The Magi, whether they were astronomers from Babylon (present day Iraq?) or Priests from Persia (present day Iran?) or traders in spice from Nabataean ancestry (present day Jordan?), play an important theological role in St. Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus. That is, the salvation of God in Christ Jesus is for all people, regardless of race or cultural background. Jesus is true to the meaning of his name, God saves. These “wise men” had followed the Star of Bethlehem and by this mysterious light, discovered the true light of the world, Jesus Christ.

The Gospel account of the arrival of the Magi and the events surrounding their inquiry, their gifts, the jealous king Herod and the reaction of the people of Jerusalem serve the remainder of the Gospel According to Matthew. The Feast of Epiphany with its Magi reveals the true purpose of the birth of Jesus, king (gift of gold), and priest (gift of frankincense), who will suffer and die (gift of myrrh), but who will rise triumphant over the darkness of sin and death as light and salvation for the world. The prophet Isaiah in our first reading today proclaims “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you…Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.”

The Feast of Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ as light of the nations, reveals something more. The Lord Jesus was not born and then protected from life. The celebration of Epiphany, in St. Matthew’s account, is filled with the struggle for power, political intrigue, injustice, hatred, turmoil, impending danger, and human suffering of innocent people. That is to say, that St. Matthew demonstrates theologically and spiritually that Jesus was born into the realities of human life. However, truly Human/truly Divine, His love conquered all.

PARISH BULLETIN * January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord (Year A)

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LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Date and Time Greeter(s) - Gifts Bearers Proclaimers Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Jan. 07, 2017 at 07.00 PM Pat Gerry 1 Laurier Nobert 2 Annette Valstar H. Ernie Murias C1. Leo Pelletier C2. Laurier Nobert

Jan. 08, 2017 at 09.00 AM Scott & Linda Collinson 1 Jim Marland 2 Steve Oscar H. Karen Boston C1. Becky Marland C2. Joyce Donald

Jan. 14, 2017 at 07.00 PM Faye Boyle 1 Orville Kittleson 2 Leo Pelletier H. Laurier Nobert C1. Ernie Murias C2. Annette Valstar

Jan. 15, 2017 at 09.00 AM CWL and Knights of Columbus will serve in ministries today

Contribution Envelopes for 2017 are available at the church entries

PLEASE NOTE: individual numbers have been changed. As of January 1, 2017 DO NOT use any envelopes dated from previous

years to ensure you are credited with a tax receipt for your donations. Thank You for your support of our churches!

VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU… from Fr. Kler

I want to take this opportunity and thank everyone for your prayers, Christmas cards, gifts, donations of

cash and food. May God bless you for your generosity and your support! I really appreciate your goodness

and kindness to me at Christmas. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU ALWAYS!

FOLLOW ME - MEETING JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Monday – January 09, 2017 07.00 PM

RCIA CLASS

Tuesday – January 10, 2017 07.00 PM – 09.00 PM

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Wednesday – January 11, 2017 07.00 PM - 08.30 PM

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING All members are invited!

Wednesday – January 11, 2017 07.15 PM

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE MEETING Thursday – January 12, 2017 07.15 PM

CATHOLIC FAITH CALENDARS - 2017 $3.00 EACH

There are so many different calendars out there. We invite you to purchase Catholic Calendar, where we have all the Liturgical Celebrations during the year. The liturgical year gives meaning to just what we are suppose to do with our lives as we emulate Jesus Christ. It is His life and the Paschal Mystery that helps us to understand the reason for His incarnation.

PARISHIONERS ASKED FOR MORE NEW SUNDAY MISSALS 2017 $5.00 each

This complete Saint Joseph 2017 Sunday Missal provides each Sunday's Prayers, Readings, and Responses in a continuous style for easy use and understanding. Also contained in this book are the masses for Holydays from the beginning of Advent through the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This Missal includes the Order of Mass in two colors and large type with the People's Parts in bold type for quick identification. Missals are on display at the entrance of each church. Price - $5.00 each!

WORKSHOP FOR PROCLAIMERS OF GOD’S WORD

Jan. 17, 2017 – 7.00 PM (Tuesday) or Jan. 21, 2017 – 8.00 PM (Saturday)

Explore what is the Liturgy of the Word. The role of readers - Proclaimers of the Word.

Reading Scripture aloud is more than merely reading the words well; rather, we are called to

proclaim fully all the life within those words. This workshop introduces practical information

for our parishioners involved in the ministry of the Proclaimers. Please, attend one session.

NEXT BEAUTIFUL BREAKFAST Jan. 22, 2017 - After 9.00 AM Mass

All parishioners are invited for the Beautiful Breakfast following 9.00 AM on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017

NEXT BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

Thursday, January 26, 2017 - 07.15 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew

Please, register before January 19, 2017. * Email office@smprmh.ca or call at 403-845-3457, if you plan to attend.

PARISH BULLETIN * January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord (Year A)

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“WALKING TOWARDS ETERNITY” - Bible Study in RMH Starting January 15, 2017

God wants to speak to you. He wants to speak to you in a very intimate way. The emphasis of this study is to engage the word of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the graces that come in the church as we talk about the topics of anger, greed, hopelessness, fear, the appetites, loneliness, shame, and envy. Topics that probe your heart, and give you hope as to where you can go with your life. Positive change is possible - as nothing is impossible with God! You are invited into an intimate and life-changing encounter with Christ. "Walking Towards Eternity: Engaging the Struggles of the Heart." Meetings on Sundays from 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM Starting Jan. 15, 2017

8-week sessions Church Foyer in RMH. Contact Lisa Sembaliuk 403-846-7137 for more information. Website: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4IIVjdL9aw

FOLLOW ME - Bible Study in RMH “MEETING JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN”

An Eight-Part Bible Study featuring Dr. Edward Sri Following Christ takes more than simply believing in Him or doing what He asks of us. Jesus wants you to be more than just a believer - He wants you to His disciple and friend. Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John is a guide to a personal encounter with Christ. Follow Me invites you to experience the joy of a renewed friendship with Christ. For additional information contact parish office at 403-845-3457 or Roxane Melvin at 403-845-3127 Meetings at 7.00 PM on Mondays Starting Jan. 09, 2017 8-week sessions Church Foyer

“THE WAY OF IMPERFECTION” – Fr. André Daigneault

"Is holiness reserved for the virtuous and the perfect? Can the poor, the injured of all kinds, the sinners with their wounds and through their falls, hope to aspire to holiness?" Newly published at the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, is an English translation of the book, "The Way of Imperfection", by Fr. André Daigneault.

"The pages of this book will most likely change forever the way you look at holiness. Instead of striving for perfection by our own means and through our willpower, the author introduces us to the way of imperfection; to descend into the heart of one's own poverty to discover God's unconditional love and mercy. God does not love us because we are good, but because He is good."

Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec

Copies of this book are available at the parish office. Contact Karen for more information at 403.845.3457

BAPTISM OF THE LORD – THE END OF CHRISTMAS SEASON

Tomorrow is the end of the Christmas Season. Tuesday begins the longest, continuous season of the Church’s

year, the Season of Ordinary Time. Tomorrow’s feast, the last of the Christmas Season’s feast days, is called The

Baptism of the Lord. We have left Bethlehem, and now encounter Jesus as an adult at the Jordan River where John the

Baptist, at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, baptizes him.

As the Season of Christmas began, so it ends. We Catholics proclaim the same truth at the end of the Christmas

celebration with today’s scripture readings that was proclaimed on Christmas Day and throughout the entire season of

Christmas, Jesus is God, “Son of God, Son of Mary, True God/True Man,” in whom God the Father is well pleased.

Jesus is the world’s light, hope and salvation. Therefore we continue to exclaim “Joy to the world, the Lord is come,

let earth receive her King.”

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES January 15

A World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed in many places in solidarity with the World Refugee

Day promoted by the United Nations and observed since 2001 on 20 June. This January observance was

instituted by Saint Pius X in 1914. “The phenomenon of migration today is providential opportunity for

the proclamation of the Gospel in the contemporary world” (Pope Benedict XVI, 2012).

THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world on January 18-25, which are also the

dates recommended by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. However there has also been a long-

standing practice by a number of communities to celebrate the Week of Prayer on optional dates, in order to

include two Sundays which in 2017 would be January 15-22. This universal week of prayer encourages

Christians of all denominations to meet, to participate in various liturgical and other community activities,

and to pray together that all may be one, as Christ desires. The importance of unity among Christians and

the responsibility of the people of each parish to work for this unity should be emphasized throughout the

week. All members of the parish should seek to have a deeper understanding of ecumenism.

“THE EUTHANASIA DECEPTION” February 08, 2017 – RED DEER

Date: Wednesday February 08, 2017 Time: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (2 screenings)

Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5508 - 48A Ave. Red Deer AB

Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition will be present at the evening screening.

Following the 52-minute video, a discussion will be shared with those in attendance. A Free-Will offering will be given to Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

PARISH BULLETIN * January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord (Year A)

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PASTOR - FR. LEON KLER

Deacon (Ret.) – Bernie Ouellette

Secretary – Karen Boston

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

Box 151 (5208-53 Avenue) Rocky Mountain House, Alberta * T4T 1A2

Office Hours

Tuesday to Friday 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM & 01.00 PM - 04.00 PM

Contact Information Phone line to office 403.845.3457 Phone direct line to Fr. Leon 587.333.4500 Fax line to office 403.845.7177 Email address to office office@smprmh.ca Email address to Fr. Leon pastor@smprmh.ca

PARISH MINISTRIES

Parish Pastoral Council Lauren MacKenzie 403.845.2836 Ministry to the Sick Ernie Murias 403.845.4860 Called to Protect Ernie Murias 403.845.4860 RCIA

Kristin McKenzie Karen Carmichael

403.845.0017 403.846.2168

Youth Group Peter van Kampen 403.848.0955 Prayer Line Knights of Columbus Ken Standish 403.598.3263 CWL Catherine Bolton 403.845.5742 Bible Study Roxane Melvin 403.845.3127 Together We Serve Annette Valstar 403.845.4956 Families of Nazareth Karen Boston 403.845.4047

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday 07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House Sunday 09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House Sunday 11.00 AM Evergreen Sunday 01.00 PM Caroline

WEEKDAY MASSES

Monday No Mass Tuesday 06.30 PM - St. Matthew Church, RMH Wednesday 09.00 AM - St. Matthew Church, RMH Thursday

10.00 AM - Jesuit Martyrs, Evergreen 06.30 PM - St. Matthew Church, RMH

Friday 09.00 AM - St. Matthew Church, RMH

MONTHLY MASSES

First Wednesday 08.00 AM - St. Matthew School, RMH First Wednesday 11.00 AM - Eckville Manor, Eckville First Friday 10.30 AM - Clearwater Centre, RMH Third Wednesday 08.00 AM - St. Dominic School, RMH

REQUESTS FOR USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES

HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PASTOR

AND BOOKED THROUGH THE PARISH OFFICE.

SACRAMENTS BAPTISM OF CHILDREN

Contact office if you want your child to be baptized in our parish. Preparation Class is mandatory. For more info, call office.

CONFESSIONS

Rocky Mountain House - Every Saturday from 6.15 PM to 6.45 PM Evergreen & Caroline - after each Sunday Mass by request

Two Reconciliation Services - in Advent and in Lent. Anytime by making appointment with the priest.

MARRIAGE

Contact office if you want to celebrate Sacrament of Marriage in our parish. Preparation is mandatory. For more info, call office.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Every Friday in St. Matthew Church - Rocky Mountain House 9.00 AM MASS 9.30 AM - 1.00 PM ADORATION

Every First Thursday of the month in St. Matthew Church - RMH 6.30 PM MASS 7.00 PM - 8.00 PM HOLY HOUR ADORATION

PARISH WEBSITE WWW.SMPRMH.CA

Saturday January 07, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord

07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Amanda MacLean Sunday January 08, 2017 – Epiphany of the Lord

09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: For all members of our parish communities 11.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: No intention requested 01.00 PM Caroline – St. Joseph the Workman Church Intention: No intention requested

Monday January 09, 2017 – Baptism of the Lord

No Mass Tuesday January 10, 2017 – Weekday in Ordinary Time

06.30 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the souls of deceased members of the Feser family Wednesday January 11, 2017 – Weekday in Ordinary Time

08.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew School Chapel Intention: Repose of the soul of Philomene Ouellete 09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Tony Kistorma Thursday January 12, 2017 – St. Marguerite Bourgeoys; virgin

10.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: No intention requested 06.30 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Patricia O’Byrne Friday January 13, 2017 – Weekday in Ordinary Time

09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: For a special intention

09.30 AM – 01.00 PM ADORATION St. Matthew Church, RMH

Saturday January 14, 2017 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Amanda MacLean Sunday January 15, 2017 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Cyrille Fournier 11.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: Blessings for Jennie Gorcak 01.00 PM Caroline – St. Joseph the Workman Church Intention: For all members of our parish communities

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT!

Jan. 01, 2017 REGULAR SUNDAY COLLECTION RMH - $2,739.70 * Evergreen - $353.00 * Caroline - $926.00 Jan. 01, 2017 CHILDREN’S COLLECTION (Friends of Jesus) RMH - $22.35 * Evergreen - $8.20

Jan. 01, 2017 MAINTENANCE FUND RMH - $510.00 * Evergreen - $000.00 * Caroline - $100.00

Bishop Henry has served 'exceptionally well' – Archbishop Smith

Bishop Henry, who has led Calgary diocese for the last 19 years, announced in a memorandum sent to his priests and staff on Tuesday, January 3, that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation. In an earlier letter to the Holy Father, the 73-year-old bishop wrote that after considerable prayer and reflection, he had concluded that the time had come for him to retire. Henry, who suffers from a type of arthritis and autoimmune disease for which there is no cure, cited his medical condition as the principal reason. The condition had worsened to the point where he could no longer turn his head sideways. The pain, he said, was wearing him out and limiting his ministry. According to a press release issued Wednesday by Archbishop Bonazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ottawa, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop William McGrattan, Bishop of Peterborough, as Henry’s successor.