Reminder: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 18-25)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world on January 18-25. The 2022 theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, “We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship him” (Mt 2:2), was prepared by the Middle East Council of Churches, based in Beirut, Lebanon.

• Join the Evening of Prayer at Ascension Catholic Parish (1100 Berkshire Blvd. NW, Calgary). Prayers will focus on the unification of Christians. When: Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 6 to 7 pm.

Announcements & Resources

1. The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 
   Mass Readings  |  Believing the Word of God. We are the Body of Christ (Corinthians) assembling as the graced community of believers (Nehemiah) each week to give thanks and praise, to share in Communion, and then sent to serve.  We are part of the great Communion of Saints to whom is handed down the living Word of God – both the Scriptures and the Tradition as well as the very person of Christ who is the spoken Word of God (Luke).
   1. How will I set aside a few minutes each day to read/reread Scripture?  What is a good time?
   2. How will I look for the unfolding mystery of Christ in little and big ways today?
   3. How will I be “good news” this week by what I say and do?
2. Resources for children: The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
   • Gospel Reflection: Jesus responded to the needs of the world. He shared his message of the Father’s love and forgiveness with everyone, especially those who were in need. He sends us the Holy Spirit to help us continue his mission. Every kind thing we do is a way to serve God’s kingdom. (Loyola Press) 
     • Kid’s challenge this week: Look for a way to be kind and helpful, and pray: “Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue your mission.” (Sunday Connection)
     • Kid’s Bulletin for this Sunday
     • Colouring page this Sunday – Invite the children to colour and to draw one of the good news stories they have heard today, or how they will share the good news with people who are poor in the coming week.
3. Laudato Si’ Action Platform launch | Feb 12
   Join the Canadian Launch of the Laudato Si` Action Platform in Canada. On Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9 AM (MT) with Norman Lévesque, Bishop Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R. (Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith) and the rest of your Catholic family from across Canada to learn more about how your community can engage in the works of Laudato Si`. Register here to receive the online meeting link
4. Mission Council Christmas Cards
   Consider putting aside used and unused greeting cards for donation to the Mission Council card-making program which supports overseas missions. Please drop off your cards at your Parish Office, or at the Catholic Pastoral Centre (120 17 Ave SW, Calgary) during the office hours.
5. Faithful Living: Spending less than you earn
   We must all live within our means. Even with more money, without any clear purpose, we can spend more than we make. Learn simple financial principles that will require some discipline to live faithfully. Read more
6. Holy moments in hard times
   Can we turn ordinary encounters into holy moments? Read Brandon Bailey’s story from St. Mary’s School in Okotoks.
7. Airdrie Knights Dream Vacation Draw
   The Airdrie Knights of Columbus invites you to buy ticket(s) for the annual Airdrie Dream Vacation Draw, with monthly draws starting on April 3. There are over $39k in prizes and all proceeds are going to the charities they support. For more information, visit airdriedreamvacation.ca.
8. St. Francis DeSales, Bishop & Doctor (Feast day: Jan 24)
   Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” When you feel your temper start to flare up, turn to a saint who tamed his hot head and mastered the art of gentleness.
9. Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan 25)
   St. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is exemplary. This is one of the reasons why it’s the only conversion we celebrate with a specific feast day on the liturgical calendar, January 25. Learn how St. Paul’s conversion teaches us to become someone new in Christ.
10. St. Timothy & St. Titus, Bishops (Feast Day: Jan 26)
    Saints Timothy and Titus were apostles of an Apostle. They shared in, and cooperated with, the ministry of St. Paul, who had a direct connection to Christ through a miraculous occurrence on the road to Damascus, a feast commemorated, not coincidentally, the day prior to their feast day. Read more
11. St. Angela Merici (Feast Day: Jan 27)
    Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called “secular institutes” and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Learn more about St. Angela Merici
12. St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor (Feast Day: Jan 28)
    St. Thomas Aquinas is well known for his amazing work in organizing the beliefs of the Catholic Church into his Summa Theologiae. He also wrote a powerful prayer that he reportedly prayed every day, usually entitled, “For Ordering a Life Wisely.” If you are feeling disorganized, here is the perfect prayer from St. Thomas to bring better order to your life.