Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 Fourth Sunday of Advent

(Liturgical Cycle: Year A)

The Shepherd’s Perspective “The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” (John 10:1-21)

While many of us will gather at St. Patrick’s with friends and family over this Christmas and New Year’s Season, one way or another, we all come from DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE and live out our days in accordance with The Belief System we’ve come to shape for ourselves over the years, one thing we can all agree on is that this is the year 2019 — and SOON it will be the year 2020.

The reason being is because some 2020 years ago an Infant Child was born by the name of Jesus and THE IMPACT OF HIS PRESENCE ON EARTH was so powerful that humanity decided to MARK the passage of human history beginning with his birth. ONLY ONE KIND OF HISTORY EXISTS. The time before His birth and the time after His birth…

Christmas is all about ALLOWING OUR HEARTS TO CONTEMPLATE the Existence of God who became a Human Being in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

Christmas is all about OPENING OUR HEARTS to the presence of ‘Emanuel’ - God among us.

So please close your eyes and LET YOUR HEARTS BE OPEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD for He has something to say to each and every one of us here during this Christmas Season.

“My child, I’ve often heard your questions concerning the PLIGHT OF CREATION at this time.

This message is MY ANSWER to those questions:

• You are concerned about the hungry in the world, millions of starving brothers and sisters, and you ask, ‘Lord, WHAT CAN I DO?’ And I say to you my child, FEED ONE!!!

• My child, you grieve for all the unborn children who never see the light of day on earth for they are taken from the womb… and you ask, ‘Lord, WHAT CAN I DO?’ And I say to you my child, SAVE ONE!!!

• My child, you are haunted by the homeless and the poor who wander throughout the streets, and you ask, ‘Lord, WHAT CAN I DO?’ And I say to you my child, SHELTER ONE!!!

• My child, your heart is filled with compassion for all who suffer pain, sorrow, despair and terminal illness, and you ask, ‘Lord, WHAT CAN I DO?’ And I say to you my child, COMFORT ONE!!!

• Remember my child, 2020 years ago the world was filled with people who have just the same needs as people do today. While my Eternal Son HEALED and COMFORTED those who came before Him, His GREATEST GIFT FOR THE WORLD was when He found himself LYING ON THE CRIB OF HIS CROSS…

• All this He did, OUT OF LOVE for you: TO FEED YOU, TO SAVE YOU, TO SHELTER YOU, and TO COMFORT YOU.”

As the world awaits HIS RETURN IN GLORY surrounded by Hosts of Angels, in this the year 2020 of your Blessed Lord, my Son Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, GO and do likewise.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Blessed New Year to come within the folds of the Protective Mantle of Our Blessed Mother

In Christ, Fr. Jerome Lavigne

PARISH INFORMATION

Weekend Mass Times: Saturday: 5:00pm and 7:00pm (incense will be used) Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, 5:00pm

(Special Needs Mass) & 7:00pm

Weekday Mass Times: 9:00am - Tuesday through Friday 6:45pm - Wednesday (preceded by Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 6:15pm) 6:45pm - Friday (preceded by Rosary at 6:15pm)

Reconciliation: Wednesday: After 9:00am Mass to 11:30am Friday: After 9:00am Mass to 11:30am Saturday: 3:30pm to 4:45pm

Adoration & Benediction: Wed. & Fri.: 9:30am–12:00pm (incense will be used)

7:30pm - Heart of Jesus Holy Hour (preceded by Rosary & Mass at 6:15pm; incense will be used);

2nd Fridays only: 7:15pm – Children’s Scriptural Rosary & Adoration (preceded by Infant Jesus of Prague devotions & Mass at 6:15pm)

Office Hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday Address: 1414 Shawnessy Blvd. SW, T2Y 2L7 Phone: (403) 254-6878 Fax: (403) 256-0963

E-mail: parish@stpatrickcalgary.com

Webpage: www.stpatrickcalgary.com

Facebook: St. Patrick’s Parish Calgary

PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Fr. Jerome Lavigne

frjerome@stpatrickcalgary.com

Parochial Vicar: Fr. Poul

(Fr. Anthoni Poul Raju Narisetti)

frpoul@stpatrickcalgary.com

Deacon: Rev. Mr. Vivian Pinto

deaconvivian@hotmail.com

Parish Secretary: Mary Bartman

parish@stpatrickcalgary.com

Parish Assistant: Mary Wong

assistant@stpatrickcalgary.com

Accountant: Vilma Garcia

accountant@stpatrickcalgary.com

R.C.I.A. Coordinator: Darlene Zeck

rcia@stpatrickcalgary.com

Sacrament Coordinator: Gail Crimi

sacraments@stpatrickcalgary.com

Sacrament Prep. Coordinator: Sofia

Balcorta

sacramentalprep@stpatrickcalgary.com

Youth Coordinator: Lizy Porathur

youth@stpatrickcalgary.com

Volunteer Screening: Claire Hughes

screening@stpatrickcalgary.com

Parish Bulletin: Karla Subero

bulletin@stpatrickcalgary.com

Library: Debbie McCaffrey

library@stpatrickcalgary.com

MASS INTENTIONS: Dec. 21–Jan. 1

Sat., Dec. 21

5:00pm Bołeslaw Mieszkalsi, RIP Thurs. Dec. 26 9:00am Glenn Altura, Birthday

7:00pm Dominic & Suzie Mendes, Anniversary & Thanksgiving

Fri., Dec. 27

9:00am Maximo Fajardo & Lourdes Del Carmen, RIP

Sun., Dec. 22

7:30am Claro & Ludencia Pineda, RIP 6:45pm Fr. Jerome Lavigne, Intention

9:00am St. Patrick’s Parish, Intention Sat., Dec. 28

5:00pm Mike Panic, RIP

10:45am Veronese Family, Thanksgiving 7:00pm Sean Mendes, Birthday

12:30pm Patricia Mallon, RIP

Sun., Dec. 29

7:30am Antonio Sonny Cui, RIP

5:00pm Rizza Eustaquio, Healing Intention 9:00am St. Patrick’s Parish, Intention

7:00pm Raphael, Anthony, Michael & Comfort Robinson-Mekue, RIP

10:45am Tomasa Tantay, RIP

CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY MASSES 12:30pm Oshiokpekhai Family, Thanksgiving

Tues., Dec. 24

4:00pm Maria Tobias, RIP 5:00pm Lyall Anne Collister, RIP

6:00pm Pariag Family, Intention 7:00pm Osemwenkhae Family, Thanksgiving

10:00pm Albert Sicat & Family, Thanksgiving NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY MASSES—DAY OF OBLIGATION

MIDNIGHT Socha, Worobec & Bartman Deceased Family Members, RIP Tues., Dec. 31

5:00pm Paulina Bombassei, RIP

Wed., Dec. 25

7:30am Osemwenkhae Family, Thanksgiving 7:00pm Charles Omere & Family, Thanksgiving

9:00am Dreveny Family, Thanksgiving

Wed. Jan 1

9:00am Phero, Maria & Micaela Nguyen, RIP

10:45am Lyall Anne Collister, RIP 10:45am Stanley & Eriata Dania & Children, Thanksgiving

12:30pm Cecilia Engurube, Thanksgiving 12:30pm Fernando & Teresita Nidoy & Crisostomo Novales, RIP

6:45pm Esperanza & Alfredo Sicat and Ofelia & George Domingo, RIP

MAY GOD’S HEALING LOVE ENFOLD THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Ronaldo M. Atienza, Marilyn Jeanelle Avellano, Al Bauer, Tanya Johnson-Beatty, Arlene Christie, Andrea Cruz,

Maria Da Costa, Denise DeNeve, Greg Fleming, Don & Carlene Galenkamp, Mabelann Gathercole, Jerry Gianan, Jr., Leopoldo Gianan, Teodoro Gianan, Beatrice Gracie, Raymond Hymes, Jr., Jean Juance, Rejanne Livingstone, Bea L’Heureux,

Scotty Langille, Alice Lietz, Joseph Ling, Maurice Lorieau, Bryce MacDonald, Danielle MacDonald, Kym Maksymyk, Maria Luz Mallen, Valerie Meloche, Leanne Morgan, Bob Phillips, Anastasia Phillips, Marek Pieczara, Mary Pontes,

Pedro Quiroz, Javier Ruelas, Dale Stefanik, R. Edward Stroeder, Clara Lucia Tain, Ed Tawadros. In need of Pastoral Care, please call the Parish Office for someone to visit.

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Monday Dec. 23 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED UNTIL JAN. 2, 2020

7:00pm Legion of Mary Fr. Lacombe Rm.

Tuesday Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm & 12 Midnight Church

Wednesday Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am & 12:30pm (LAST MASS!) Church

Thursday Dec. 26 Feast of St. Stephen Mass: 9:00am Mass Church

Friday Dec. 27 9:00am Mass Church 9:30am Adoration & Benediction (incense used) Church Saturday Dec. 28 11:00am Jr. Legion of Mary Bishop Henry Rm. Sunday Dec. 29 — Monday Dec. 30 9:00am Brown Bag Lunches Meeting Parish Hall 7:00pm Legion of Mary Bishop Henry Rm.

Tuesday Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE (Anticipated Masses for Jan. 1, DAY OF OBLIGATION) 5:00pm & 7:00pm Solemn Mass with Benediction & Confessions ‘til 12:00am

Wednesday Jan. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY MASSES—SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm Church Rosary — 5:45pm; O.L.P.H. Novena — 6:15pm; Church World Day of Prayer for Peace MASS—6:45pm Church

Thursday Jan. 2 PARISH OFFICE RE-OPENS Friday Jan. 3 6:15pm Rosary, followed by: 6:45pm Mass and Heart of Jesus Holy Hour Church Saturday Jan. 4 11:00am Jr. Legion of Mary Bishop O’Byrne Rm.

Sunday Jan. 5 EPIPHANY

ST. PATRICK BIBLE STUDIES for JANUARY 2020

Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Roots of

Catholicism

Explores God’s consistent design for our worship of Him and His relationship with us. Learn how the Old Testament Tabernacle can be used as a blueprint for the Catholic Faith and how Jesus fulfilled it in the New Testament. Part I focuses on the elements found in the outer sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the liturgical calendar, the priesthood, Purgatory, baptism, and more. Part II focuses on elements of the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the Magisterium, the Eucharist, incense, Mary, and more. Fulfilled Part I will be offered on Monday or Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. This 7-week study begins on Mon., Jan. 6, or Thurs., Jan. 9, 2020. Part II will be offered after Lent, beginning Mon., April 13, or Thurs., April 16, 2020 for 7 more weeks. You must pre-register. Please specify which evening. Estimated cost $55 includes all materials and online access. Contact Carolyn at 403-256-3411 for details.

DONATE to the PARISH ONLINE! Forgot your collection envelopes again? Never fear. The Diocese of Calgary has made it simple to donate directly to the parish using their online donation webpage. The Donate link is available on the St. Patrick’s Parish website in the “About Us” Menu link (drop-down item). You may also click the Donate button from the secondary menu below the Daily Bible Reading Challenge button. All your contributions are greatly appreciated.

K of C We invite all Knights to come out and assist at the Special Needs Mass every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. The next general meeting is on Jan. 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Help us to help others in our Parish Community! Purchase Co-Op, Safeway, Sobeys, or Superstore gift cards that are available after most Masses. The Knights want to wish all parishioners a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

SACRAMENTS FOR BAPTIZED CATHOLICS Are you an adult (over 18) baptized Catholic that has not yet received the Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion), First Reconciliation (Confession) or Confirmation? Are you baptized in another faith but wish to learn more about the Catholic traditions? For information on how we can assist you with your spiritual needs, please call Darlene Zeck at 403-254-6878 or email rcia@stpatrickcalgary.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAILY BIBLE READING CHALLENGE SCHEDULE for Days 85–100

T O G E T H E R I N A C T I O N 2 0 1 9

St Patrick’s must still raise $12,151.90 required to meet 2019 Together In Action obligation.

Please consider contributing over the course of the next two weeks in helping

to achieve the goal. Envelopes are available in the pews.

Daily Mass Readings for the Week of December 22, 4th Sunday of Advent & Christmas 2019

Sunday: Is 7:10-14/ Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 [7c, 10b]/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24 Monday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14/Lk 1:57-66 Tuesday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 [2]/Lk 1:67-79 Wednesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 [2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14 Thursday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22 Friday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Saturday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18 Next Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

Dec. 22 (Day 85) Num 34-35 | Ps 86 | Acts 19:1-20

Dec. 23 (Day 86) Num 36 | Ps 87 | Acts 19:21-40

Dec. 24 (Day 87) Dt 1-2 | Ps 88 | Acts 20:1-16

Dec. 25 (Day 88) Dt 3-4:24 | Ps 89:1-18 | Acts 20:17-38

Dec. 26 (Day 89) Dt 4:25-5:33 | Ps 89:19-53 | Acts 21:1-16

Dec. 27 (Day 90) Dt 6-7 | Ps 90 | Acts 21:17-36

Dec. 28 (Day 91) Dt 8-9 | Ps 91 | Acts 21:37-22:16

Dec. 29 (Day 92) Dt 10-11 | Ps 92 | Acts 22:17-29

Dec. 30 (Day 93) Dt 12-13 | Ps 93-94 | Acts 22:30-23:11

Dec. 31 (Day 94) Dt 14-16 | Ps 95 | Acts 23:12-35

Jan. 1 (Day 95) Dt 17-18 | Ps 96 | Acts 24

Jan. 2 (Day 96) Dt 19-21 | Ps 97 | Acts 25

Jan. 3 (Day 97) Dt 22-23 | Ps 98 | Acts 26

Jan. 4 (Day 98) Dt 24-26 | Ps 99 | Acts 27:1-26

Jan. 5 (Day 99) Dt 27-28:46 | Ps 100 | Acts 27:27-44

Jan. 6 (Day 100) Dt 28:47-29:29 | Ps 101 | Acts 28

2019 INCOME TAX RECEIPTS Please note: Tax receipts for donations will be available in February 2020 only for those donations received BEFORE December 31, 2019. Donations received starting on January 1, 2020, will be for 2020 income tax receipts. This is a Revenue Canada requirement for registered charities.

CHALICE Chalice is a Canadian Catholic Sponsorship Organization. Chalice invites you to share the blessings of Christmas with children in the developing world. Their Christmas Gift Catalogue offers you the opportunity to purchase a gift on behalf of a loved one and receive an official tax receipt. Thanks to your generous gift-giving, 50,000 children in 15 countries will have increased access to education, health and family livelihood. Gift Catalogues can be found in the gathering area. Thank you for sharing the true Spirit of Christmas with those in need. For more information:1-800-776-6855 | www.chalice.ca.

MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to SERVE! RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) needs volunteers to assist in various ministries. Please consider being a companion to one person who is preparing to join the Catholic faith. If you’re not shy, we are sure you would enjoy being a Facilitator in a 30-minute prayer meeting where the catechumens share their reflection of the Sunday Gospel after the homily. For more information, please call Darlene Zeck at 403-254-6878 or email rcia@stpatrickcalgary.com.

CHRISTMAS MASSES NEED YOUR HELP!

Calling all Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Ushers, & Gift Families:

Please ensure you sign up for one of our many Masses during this busy Christmas

season. Sign-up sheets are at the back of the Church in the main lobby. All the Masses

from Christmas Eve to the New Year’s Day Masses are listed. Thanks for your

generous service.

CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 21 Mass 5:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday, December 22 4th Sunday of Advent Masses 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm,

5:00pm & 7:00pm

Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Masses 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm & 12 Midnight

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Masses 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am & 12:30pm

Thursday, December 26 Feast of St. Stephen - Mass 9:00am

Friday, December 27 Daily Mass 9:00am with Confessions &

Benediction to 12:00pm

Saturday, December 28 Mass 5:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday, December 29 Holy Family Masses 7:30am, 9am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, 5:00pm

& 7:00pm

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve (Anticipated Mass for Jan. 1st) 5:00pm &7:00pm Solemn Mass with

Benediction & Confessions to 12:00am

Wednesday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Masses - 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm

Holy Day of Obligation Rosary - 5:45pm

World Day of Prayer for Peace O.L.P.H. Novena – 6:15pm

Mass – 6:45pm

The Parish Office will be closed from Thursday, December 19th to

Tuesday, December 31st, inclusive.

Normal office hours will resume at 9:30am on Thursday, January 2nd

MASS INTENTIONS

Thurs., Jan. 2 9:00am Ugbaja Family,

Thanksgiving

Fri., Jan. 3

9:00am Anthony Schwarz, RIP

6:45pm Atilano Acebes, RIP

Important note: Christmas Masses can be busy and crowded. Masses will begin as soon

as the church building is full. Ex.: If Mass is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm but the

church is full at 5:30pm, Mass will start at 5:30pm. Please plan accordingly.

ANNOUNCEMENTS CHRISTMAS BULLETIN

DECEMBER 2019

YEAR-END GIVING To get 2019 tax receipts, donations to parishes or diocesan programs need to be mailed (postmarked) or received by Dec. 31. Online donations can be made until Dec. 31 by midnight through iamblessed.ca. Thank you for your generosity!

MONTHLY DONATION Monthly donations are the most powerful ways to support your parish and/or diocesan programs. This helps to ensure that men, women and children with the most need are provided with food, shelter and spiritual growth. Use prayerful consideration to determine the amount you are able to give. A suggested amount could be $25 a month, or your weekly hourly-rate times four. Do you know that you can give a one-time donation or set up a monthly donation online? Visit www.iamblessed.ca

USED OR UNUSED CHRISTMAS CARDS The Diocesan Mission Council send its sincerest blessings and ask that you consider putting aside your used and unused greeting cards for donation to our card making program which supports overseas missions. All donations can be dropped off to the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW, Calgary) in the New Year.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES IN THE DIOCESE Christmas and Solemnity of Mary mass times throughout the Diocese are available on our website: www.calgarydiocese.ca (find the star button on the front page) or directly at: catholicyyc.ca/blog/christmas

TAKE CHARGE AT HOME: GROWING UP DIGITAL | St. Michael Catholic Community invites parents and grandparents to a session on how to raise kids in the digital age. Topics include Internet safety, healthy digital boundaries, and building trusting relationships with your kids, among many others. When: Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 pm at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 85 Street SW). For more info, visit saintmichael.ca/events

COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR (CNOY) WALK Save the date: Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. This is a family-friendly fundraiser to support Feed the Hungry (a Diocesan program) and Bankview Apartments (low-income housing for those at risk of or previously experiencing homeless-ness). This is the 7th year for the Diocese, in partnership with KAIROS Calgary, to host this event in Downtown Calgary. Join 400 others in walking 2, 5 or 10-km routes and raise funds for these two worthy causes. More info at cnoy.org/location/calgarydowntown

SACRED HEART OF JESUS FIRST FRIDAY MASS | St. Bernard's Parish / Our Lady of Assumption invite you to their First Friday Mass on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 at noon, in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The choir will be led by St. John Choir Schola. Where: Our Lady of Assumption (7624 39 Ave NW, Calgary).

GIFT OF HOPE: A RETREAT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED PERSON | LOSS of employment can be trying to our souls and our emotional balance, not just our ? nancial health. FCJ Retreat & Conference Centre invites you to Gift of Hope: A Retreat for the Unemployed Person. When: Jan. 24-25, 2020 (Live In). Where: FCJ (219 19 Ave SW, Calgary). This retreat is free of charge (limited to 20 participants). Register at https://www.fcjcentre.ca

YOU: LIFE, LOVE & THEOLOGY OF THE BODY St. Michael's Catholic Community invites you to YOU: Life, Love and the Theology of the Body program on Wednesdays, Jan 22 to Feb. 26, 2020 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Where: St. Michael's (800 85 St. SW, Calgary). Open to anyone 13+, especially teens and their families. YOU introduces participants to the truth that life is

not, in fact, all about them; it is about going out of themselves to be a sincere gift for others. Sign up at saintmichael.ca/faithformation

MARRIAGE PREPARATION DATES Catholic Family Service provides Marriage Preparation programs for the Diocese of Calgary. Next dates: Jan 10-12, at St. Mary’s Cathedral and Jan 31 to Feb. 2 at St. Albert the Great, Calgary. More info at https://www.cfs-ab.org

NEW PILGRIMAGES 1. Medjugorje, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Czech

Rep., and Poland with Fr. Vincent TuanHa Dates: Apr. 24 – May 7, 2020. Contact Michael at 647-887-4069 ext 367

2. Portugal, Spain, France and Italy Pilgrimage with Fr. Anthony Poul Narisetti Dates: May 27 - June 11, 2020. Contact 905-412-

2242 | group@qstours.com.

3. Medjugorje Pilgrimage with Fr. David Meadows Dates: May 30 – June 14, 2020. Contact: Angie at 403-803-3085 | asteciw@telus.net

4. Medjugorje Pilgrimage with Fr. Yarek Dziuba Dates: June 13-25, 2020 with St. Joseph’s Parish Community. Contact Orlando at 403-245-5010