'A New Beginning in Hope' - Archbishop Smith's message on the new School Year
Dear friends,
A New Beginning in Hope
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
As the month of September fast approaches, and the start of another school year looms from behind the shadows, we look forward to a new beginning; a year filled with promise and hope. Over the past seventeen months, we have witnessed the state of society and our lives change in ways we might never have imagined two years ago. From the closing of borders to the adherence to strict protocols, life has been challenging, and for some, even devastating.
Throughout the pandemic, we learned many valuable lessons: we learned to depend on the support of family, friends, neighbours, our health care systems, and especially our faith communities. We learned that a world concerned with the plight of others is better than a world centered on ourselves. We learned that even though we could not practice our faith in person, technology made it possible for us to gather and pray virtually. Most important of all, we learned through the sorrow and pain how we depend fully upon the steadfast love and saving help of God, who never abandons us.
COVID-19 is just the latest hardship in a long line of civil unrest and human suffering. Once again, we have seen that, in difficult circumstances, God gives us the capacity to overcome the challenges through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. As we embark upon a new academic year, may we know daily the joy of the victorious help of our Lord.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
We at St. John the Evangelist support our national Catholic parish for First Nations right here in Edmonton, Sacred Heart. There is a great need, and we ask that you share and help as you are able.
Story on CAEDM site: https://caedm.ca/PastoralScene/entryid/899/video-national-indigenous-parish-launches-rebuilding-campaign
You can donate online at: www.sacredpeoples.com/rebuild or send E-transfers to: rebuildsacredheart@caedm.ca
Also, there’s a specific Indigenous Relations page on: caedm.ca/IndigenousRelations
This includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions, which is a helpful resource.
DONATIONS for ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
Please consider PAD or etransfers
SJE.etransfer@caedm.ca
Please include:
- Donation amount:
- Full name, Address and email address.
- Specific Instructions: General Parish Fund or Maintenance or Together We Serve.
We are always grateful for your donations.
Who are St. John's parishioners?
How many people celebrated each of the different 7 sacraments?
How many families are active in your parish?
Were they donating treasure (money) and/or time (volunteering)?
How many families used envelopes and/or donated through other means?
How much money is being donated for “Parish Fund” donations?
These funds pay for the everyday needs of our Church: salaries, power, gas, insurance, maintenance of our over-60-year-old building, and most importantly the celebration of Mass itself.
How much money is being donated for “Together We Serve?
These funds are forwarded to the Archdiocese for disbursement to:
- CSS-Catholic Social Services,
- Development & Peace (Share Lent on Passion Sunday),
- Pope’s Pastoral Works (Good Friday),
- Diocese of MacKenzie-Fort Smith,
- Evangelization of Peoples,
- Needs of the Canadian Church,
- Newman Theological College & St. Joseph’s Seminary (supporting our future priest’s educational needs),
- St. Joseph’s Priests Foundation of Edmonton (ensuring our Priests have a comfortable retirement),
- St. Joseph’s College Ministry (U of A Campus)
Our Parish is a vibrant parish with some Families having two to three generations still able to attend Mass together. Most of our Families bring their children for Baptism. Our Families bring their children here for their First Reconciliation/First Communion/Confirmation Sacraments. Many of our Families have their children returning for Marriage. Our Families bring their loved ones back for their Funerals of Christian Burial. And, most come back to celebrate Easter Holy Week and Christmas. We are asking all who attend SJE to think about how they may help the parish financially. Just $50 per month, which is $600 per year, would help us greatly, but all donations of any size are most appreciated. Remember: there is a tax benefit to all donations, which assists you and assists us.
Another way to contribute to the health and happiness of your Parish is through a donation of time. Do you have a talent or gift that would be very useful for the Parish in the coming months? God gave them that you might share them: we hope you will.
Remember: SJE is not merely our grandparents’ or parents’ Church, it now becomes our Church as well. Your generous donation today guarantees Church that the Church will still be here for you, your children, and grandchildren tomorrow.
Thank you kindly.
Catholic Women's League News
Add yourself to the Catholic Women's League group on Flocknote, and we'll share links for future livestream meetings. To keep up with the Catholic Women’s League on a Diocesan or National level, check out the: Edmonton Diocesan CWL website and CWL National website.
Parish Pictorial Directory Project
Watch this space for more news on our Parish Pictorial Directory.
