PARISH BULLETIN * March 05, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent (Year A)

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Rocky Mountain House - St. Matthew

March 05, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent (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

Jesus is the model of love and obedience. It can be difficult to be obedient. Temptations, deceptions and lack of will can contribute to our failures.

When we focus on what love asks us to do, however, we can overcome the obstacles to our desired choices and behaviors. Jesus serves as the model of love and obedience, and relying on him in prayer gives us strength to make the right choices. Genesis recalls the first sin committed by humankind: disobedience to God. The second reading from Romans explains how Christ came to counter that sin of disobedience with his perfect obedience. In the Gospel, Jesus remains perfectly faithful to his Father as he resists the temptations put to him by the devil in the desert.

It begins with ashes. The mark of the penitent. A public sign that we are about to embark on a

conversion of heart. It arrives quickly, nipping at the heels of the joyous promise of the Christmas

season. It arrives so very quickly that it nearly comes as a shock. A painful reminder that in our joy

we have strayed. A startling reminder that our lives, too, will pass quickly. So quickly that when the

number of days He has granted us have been expended, perhaps that, too, will come as a shock.

Lent. A time to turn to God. To repent. To prepare. Lent. Don't waste it.

Jesus, who remained true in spite of temptation, gives us the strength to do the same. We all

know it can be difficult at times to resist temptation. So many things require our time and

attention. And so many more things call to us with the voice of persuasion: promising to make

life less painful, less onerous or less costly. The struggle to make the right choices can be

difficult. Adam and Eve faltered. Given everything in the Garden of Eden, they were tempted

with the possibility of more, and so they committed the first sin of pride, which was

disobedience. They gave in to the temptation before them and set the course of Creation on a

new trajectory. They sacrificed the permanent and eternal unity with God on the altar of the

immediate possibility – false as it was – of being and having more. But Paul tells us today

that though sin entered the world and death came to all, God did not withhold his grace from

us and sent his only Son into the world to redeem us. Jesus countered that first sin of

disobedience with an act of perfect obedience – an obedience that would resist every temptation throughout the whole of his

earthly life. We all face our own deserts with their unique temptations. We find it difficult to obey our conscience and our own

moral compasses. But here’s the thing: we are not fated to disobedience. We have a choice, and we have a model in Jesus and an

advocate in the Holy Spirit. In as much as we share in the life of Christ – through the sacrament of baptism – we can refuse to let

our love be clouded by the empty promises of the devil. But we cannot do it alone. We need to rely on prayer; on the sacraments;

on the charitable interactions and shared faith of friends and family; on our relationship with a triune God who loves us; and,

ultimately, on the grace of our God. In the desert, Jesus prayed. He drew on his faith, and on the Scriptures. And he sent the

devil away. So let us look to Jesus and ask him for help. And be confident that he’ll show us the way.

PARISH BULLETIN * March 05, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent (Year A)

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LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

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

Mar. 04, 2017 at 07.00 PM Lavern & Loretta Leer 1 Annette Valstar 2 Dominic Couve H. Ernie Murias C1. Leo Pelletier C2. Laurier Nobert

Mar. 05, 2017 at 09.00 AM Justin & Marliss Cartier 1 Jim Marland 2 Luke Cartier H. Becky Marland C1. Lori Hughes C2. Joyce Donald

Mar. 11, 2017 at 07.00 PM Jackie Owchar 1 Laverne Froese 2 Leo Pelletier H. Laurier Nobert C1. Leo Pelletier C2. Christine Pugsley

Mar. 12, 2017 at 09.00 AM Steve & Donna Oscar 1 Doreen Quintal 2 Dave Parfitt H. Jim Marland C1. Karen Boston C2. Karen Carmichael

UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR PARISH (for Mass dates and times see the last page of the bulletin)

Mar. 05, 2017 Sun. 09.45 AM – 10.45 AM Evergreen BIBLE STUDY – JAMES (Pearls for Wise Living)

Mar. 05, 2017 Sun. 10.30 AM – 12.30 PM BIBLE STUDY – Walking Towards Eternity

Mar. 05, 2017 Sun. 12.30 PM – 01.00 PM Caroline STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Mar. 05, 2017 Sun. 02.00 PM – 03.30 PM Caroline BIBLE STUDY – The Bible Timeline

Mar. 06, 2017 Mon. 07.00 PM – 09.00 PM BIBLE STUDY – Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John

Mar. 07, 2017 Tue. 07.00 PM – 09.00 PM RCIA CLASS

Mar. 08, 2017 Wed. DAY OF CONFESSIONS (See details on page 1)

Mar. 08, 2017 Wed. 07.00 PM – 09.00 PM YOUTH GROUP

Mar. 09, 2017 Thu. After 6.30 PM Mass PRAYER MEETING – Follow Up of Life in the Spirit Seminar (Everyone is welcome!)

Mar. 09, 2017 Thu. 07.15 PM – 08.45 PM CWL MEETING

Mar. 10, 2017 Fri. 07.00 PM – 07.30 PM STATIONS OF THE CROSS + SOUP & BUNS

Mar. 10, 2017 Fri. 07.00 PM – 07.30 PM Evergreen – STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Mar. 12, 2017 Sun. 09.45 AM – 10.45 AM Evergreen BIBLE STUDY – JAMES (Pearls for Wise Living)

Mar. 12, 2017 Sun. 10.30 AM – 12.30 PM BIBLE STUDY – Walking Towards Eternity

Mar. 12, 2017 Sun. 12.30 PM – 01.00 PM Caroline STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Mar. 12, 2017 Sun. 02.00 PM – 03.30 PM Caroline BIBLE STUDY – The Bible Timeline

STATIONS OF THE CROSS DURING SEASON OF LENT

All our parishioners are invited to walk the Stations of the Cross as a community reflecting upon the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation. This is a real life story, a story of the love that God has for each of us. We are called to walk with our pain and suffering in solidarity with Jesus knowing, through faith and hope, that Good Friday leads us to the Feast of Easter.

MAR. 10 (FRIDAY) - 07.00 PM – ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE ST. MATTHEW

MAR. 10 (FRIDAY) - 07.00 PM – EVERGREEN JESUIT MARTYRS

MAR. 12 (SUNDAY) - 12.30 PM – CAROLINE ST. JOSEPH THE WORKMAN

SOUP & BUNS AFTER ALL “STATIONS OF THE CROSS” IN ST. MATTHEW

Everyone is invited for Soup & Buns after each celebration of the Stations of the Cross in St. Matthew Church in Rocky Mountain House. We will have the following speakers:

March 10, 2017 7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Jim Marland - “Understanding Love” a synopsis of his book

March 17, 2017 7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Cindy Easton - Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter - What shelter offers to women & families

March 24, 2017 7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Rhonda Calattung - “Little Flower’s Virtues”

March 31, 2017 7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Peter Van Kampen - Unknown yet April 07, 2017 7:30 PM - 7:45 PM Catherine Bolton - What McMann Family Services has to offer the community

DAY OF CONFESSIONS WEDNESDAY – MARCH 08, 2017

Archbishop Richard Smith is inviting Catholics across the Archdiocese to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a special Day of Confessions on Wednesday, Mar. 08, 2017. On that day, all priests in all parishes across the Archdiocese will be available all day to hear confessions.

CONFESSION

TIMES

Rocky Mountain House (09.30 AM – 10.30 AM 12.00 PM – 01.30 PM 05.00 PM – 9.00 PM)

Evergreen (03.00 PM – 04.00 PM) No confessions in Caroline!

For fasting to bear good fruit in our lives, its goal must be to help us grow in our love for God.

PARISH BULLETIN * March 05, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent (Year A)

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THURSDAY, MAR. 09, 2017 – After 6.30 PM Mass PRAYER MEETING

Directly after 6.30 PM Mass on Thursday, March 09, 2017 we will have a gathering to sing praise songs, hear a short reflection and pray for each other’s intentions. ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US, especially those who participated in the Life in the Spirit Seminar. Bring your Bible!

THIS WEEK ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Friday – Mar. 10, 2016 09.30 AM – 01.00 PM (Private Adoration) Mass at 09.00 AM

BIBLE STUDY ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE EPIC: A journey through Church History

Course topics: Learn about the major people, places, and events of the two-thousand years of Church history Remember the 12 time periods of Church history using a unique color-coded system Learn the true story of the Crusades Understand the rationale for the medieval inquisitors Discover the revolutionary character of the Protestant Reformation Discover the persecution of Christians in the 20th century Learn about the workings of the Holy Spirit throughout Church history... and much more!

Meetings 10.30 AM - 12.30 PM on Sundays (Discussion, DVD, coffee/tea/snack) Cost $42.00 (workbook, timeline, bookmark)

20 weeks study Registration deadline: March 07, 2017. Please pay and register at the parish office during office hours.

Study Dates: 10 weeks this spring (Mar. 19 – Jun. 04) Breaking for summer & finishing final 10 weeks this fall (Sep. 10 – Nov. 26)

For additional information contact Lisa Sembaliuk at 403-846-7137 Website: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SRIKCG_KP-Q

JAMES Pearls for Wise Living An Eleven-Part Bible Study featuring Jeff Cavins EVERGREEN

James is one of the most practical books of the Bible. Like the book of Proverbs, it is a book of wisdom, a collection of teachings on issues faced by ordinary Christians in everyday life. These teachings speak loudly to all those who feel torn between the competing demands of this world and their faith.

Meetings at 09.45 AM - 10.45 AM on Sundays Starting Mar. 05, 2017 11 week sessions Church Hall in Evergreen

WESTERN CANADIAN CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOL CONFERENCE – Mar. 09-11, 2017

All parents and young adults are welcome to attend the Western Canadian Catholic Home School Conference, March 09-11, 2017 at Providence Renewal Centre, Edmonton. Keynote, Holly Pierlot with Fr. Penna, John Carpay, Karen Hanlon, and a panel of seminarians and religious. Information: www.wcchsc.net , Veronica 780-467-8410 or email wcchscreg@shaw.ca

40 DAYS FOR LIFE PLEASE, PRAY!

Everyone throughout Edmonton and area is invited to take part in the international 40 Days for Life Campaign from March 01 to April 09, 2017, for 40 days of peaceful prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Please consider praying outside of the Women’s Health Options Clinic (formerly the Morgentaler Clinic) during the 40 days between 7.00 AM and 7.00 PM. For more information, contact Karen Richert of Edmonton Pro-Life at 780-425-1637 or email at 40days@edmontonprolife.org. Visit us online at www.40daysforlife.com/edmonton.

ARCHBISHOP RICHARD SMITH MESSAGE FOR LENT 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the holy season of Lent, I make a simple yet challenging request: spend time with the Word

of God. In our considerations of what we shall "give up" during these forty days, let us also determine

to "take up" the Bible and thus seek to be taught, nourished and challenged by God's sacred

teachings. He offers us his Word as a gift of love. Together with the grace He pours out in the

sacraments, His Word shapes, guides and transforms our lives along our pilgrim journey toward the

eternal life God wills for each of us. May we never tire of approaching the Word of God; it is an

inexhaustible font of wisdom and hope. Perhaps some time to read and pray with the Bible could be

created by the sacrifice of a favourite television program or other pastime. To anyone unaccustomed to

reading Sacred Scripture, a simple way to begin would be to concentrate on the Gospel passage

assigned for the mass of the day. Ponder even one line that catches your attention, and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your

understanding of God's will for you that day. How might God's Word be calling me to love more deeply, or to make a small sacrifice

of myself for the sake of another person? I also ask that you consider ways to study the Bible with others, maybe through a Bible

study with family members or fellow parishioners. Perhaps you could begin, individually or as a family, to pray with Scripture

through the weekly mealtime prayers offered by the Archdiocese. Lent is a wonderful occasion of grace, a blessed time in which

each of us is summoned to a careful examination of conscience in the light of God's Word. As we open with reverence the sacred

page and ponder in humility its teachings, may we be led by God's love and mercy to the change of heart he seeks from us.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

+ Richard W. Smith - Archbishop of Edmonton

PARISH BULLETIN * March 05, 2017 – First Sunday in Lent (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 Karen Carmichael 403.846.2168 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 Second Wednesday 11.00 AM - Westview Lodge, 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.

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 March 04, 2017 – 1st Sunday in Season of Lent

07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: For a special intention Sunday March 05, 2017 – 1st Sunday in Season of Lent

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

Monday March 06, 2017 – Weekday in Season of Lent

No Mass Tuesday March 07, 2017 – Weekday in Season of Lent

06.30 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Sr. Cappy Peters Wednesday March 08, 2017 – Weekday in Season of Lent

09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Maureen Tymchuk 11.00 AM Rocky Mountain House - Westview Lodge Intention: No intention requested Thursday March 09, 2017 – Weekday in Season of Lent

10.00 AM Evergreen – Jesuit Martyrs Church Intention: Healing and grace for Leslie Johnson 06.30 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Repose of the soul of Max Hyde Friday March 10, 2017 – Weekday in Season of Lent

09.00 AM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: Healing for Sandra Corazza

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

Saturday March 11, 2017 – 2nd Sunday in Season of Lent

07.00 PM Rocky Mountain House – St. Matthew Church Intention: For a special intention Sunday March 12, 2017 – 2nd Sunday in Season of Lent

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

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT!

Feb. 26, 2017 REGULAR SUNDAY COLLECTION RMH - $2,155.55 * Evergreen - $597.90 * Caroline - $552.50

Feb. 26, 2017 CHILDREN’S COLLECTION (Friends of Jesus) RMH - $17.75 * Evergreen - $00.00

Feb. 26, 2017 TOGETHER WE SERVE COLLECTION RMH - $50.00 * Evergreen - $00.00 * Caroline - $00.00