Parish Schedule   29 March - 4  April

Sunday, March 29

9:00 – 10:00 AM – Mass (Vulcan)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Mass 
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Confessions
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Mass

Monday, March 30

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Confession
9:00 – 9:45 AM – Mass
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Chrism Mass - St. Mary's Cathedral

Tuesday, March 31 

6:00 – 7:00 PM – Confession
7:00 – 7:30 PM – Mass

Wednesday, April 1

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Confession
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Mass

Thursday, April 2 - HOLY THURSDAY

8:00 – 9:15 AM – Confessions
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Mass
7:00 - 8:30 PM - RCIA
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Adoration & Benediction

Friday, April 3 - GOOD FRIDAY

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Mass - Vulcan
7:00 – 8:35 PM – Mass - High River
8:35 – 12:00 PM – Adoration

Saturday, April 4 - EASTER VIGIL

10:00 – 10:30 AM – Blessing of the Food
8:00 - 10:00 PM - Easter Vigil

Every year, as we enter Palm Sunday, we are invited to take part in one of the most visible and meaningful moments of the liturgical year: the procession with palms. But a common question arises: Is this procession necessary?

What does the Church say?

The Church provides three forms for the beginning of Mass on Palm Sunday:

1. The Procession – the most solemn form
2. The Solemn Entrance – simpler, but still ceremonial
3. The Simple Entrance – used when neither of the above is possible

So strictly speaking, the procession is not absolutely required. The Mass remains valid and complete even without it.

Then why have a procession at all?

Even though it is not strictly necessary, the procession is strongly recommended. Why?

Because it is not just a “nice tradition.” It is a living proclamation of the Gospel.

On this day, we do not only hear about Jesus entering Jerusalem — we become part of that event. Holding palms, walking together, singing Hosanna, we join the crowd that welcomed Christ as King.

But there is something deeper.

A moment of truth

The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” on Sunday would soon cry “Crucify Him!”

The procession gently confronts us with a question:

Am I truly following Christ — or just going along with the crowd?

By taking part in the procession, we are not acting out a play. We are placing ourselves inside the mystery of Christ’s Passion.

When it is not possible

There are situations where a full procession cannot take place:

• limited space
• weather conditions
• pastoral or practical concerns

In such cases, the Church wisely allows other forms. What matters most is the spirit of participation, not the external form alone.

More than a ritual

The palm branch we carry is not just a symbol of victory — it is also a sign of commitment. It reminds us that following Christ means walking with Him not only in moments of joy, but also on the way to the Cross.

Conclusion

So, is the procession necessary?

• No — not in a strict, obligatory sense.
• Yes — in its meaning and spiritual value.

Whenever possible, it should be embraced, not as a mere custom, but as a powerful act of faith.

As we begin Holy Week, let us not stand on the sidelines.
Let us walk with Christ — from Hosanna to the Cross, and ultimately, to the joy of Easter.

Each year, the Church invites us into the most sacred days of our faith: the Holy Triduum. These are not simply three separate liturgies, but one continuous celebration of the mystery at the heart of Christianity — the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why is the Triduum so important?

The Holy Triduum is the center of the entire liturgical year. Everything we believe as Christians flows from these days:

• On Holy Thursday, we receive the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood.
• On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness the depth of God’s love.
• At the Easter Vigil, we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death — the triumph of light over darkness.

To fully enter into this mystery, it is not enough to attend only Easter Sunday. The Church calls us to walk with Christ step by step — from the Upper Room, through Calvary, to the empty tomb.

Not just attending — but participating

The Triduum is not something we simply observe. It is something we live.

When we come:

• we keep watch with Christ,
• we venerate the Cross,
• we renew our baptismal promises,

we are spiritually united with these saving events. This is why participation in the Triduum can be a deeply transforming experience.

A special joy: welcoming new members

During the Easter Vigil, we will have the great joy of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. Through the Sacraments of Initiation, they will become fully united with Christ and His Church.

Their journey reminds all of us of our own baptism and invites us to renew our faith with gratitude and commitment.

Our Parish Schedule

We warmly invite you to join us for these sacred celebrations:

• Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
  📍 5:00 PM - Vulcan
  🕰 7:00 PM - High River
• Good Friday (Celebration of the Passion of the Lord)
  📍 3:00 PM - Service - High River
  🕰 6:30 PM - Stations of the Cross , High River
• Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday Night)
  📍 8:00 PM Easter Vigil - High River
  🕰 9:00 AM Easter - Vulcan
• 🕰 11:00 AM Easter - High River
• 🕰 5:00 PM Easter - High River
•  

Invitation

These are the holiest days of the year.
Make space for them. Come and experience them fully.

Walk with Christ through His Passion…
so that you may truly share in the joy of His Resurrection.

You Are Not Alone – Grief Sharing Support Group. 

A Christ-centered path to healing after loss.

If you are walking through the valley of grief, we invite you to take a step toward healing in the loving presence of Christ and the support of a faith-filled community. Beginning April 13, our parish will host a grief sharing program, grounded in Christian compassion and understanding. The sessions are video based and will take place every Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 for nine weeks.

• April 13.  Is this normal?
• April 20  Your grief journey  
• April 27   Loneliness and sadness
• May 4     Self-care
• May 11    Fearful and overwhelmed 
• May 18   Anger and regrets
• May  25  Grief and your household/friendships
• June 1     Questions for God, stuck in grief
• June 8    Hope and resilience, what do I live for now?

 Grief sharing is more than just a support group – it is a spiritual journey.  Through scripture, prayer, group discussion and gentle guidance we will seek to discover the hope and comfort that only God can provide.  Together, we will reflect on the healing promises of Christ, who said “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

This group is a safe and welcoming space where you can speak freely about your loss, listen to the stories of others, and begin to experience God’s peace, even in the midst of sorrow. If you feel called to take part in this ministry of healing, please contact the parish office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Parish Schedule   22 - 28 March

Sunday, February 22

9:00 – 10:00 AM – Mass (Vulcan)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Mass 
3:00 -m3:45 Vigil Prayers (RIP Terence Hamer)
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Confessions
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Mass

Monday, February 23

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Confession
9:00 – 9:45 AM – Mass

Tuesday, February 24 

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Confession
9:00 – 10:00 AM – NDC Senior High Mass at the Church
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Confession
7:00 – 7:30 PM – Mass
7:30 - 8:30 PM - Liturgy Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 -THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Confession
9:00 – 10:00 AM – Junior High Mass at the Church
3:30 - 4:00 PM - Mass at Manor
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Confession
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Mass
7:00 – 8:30 PM – KofC 4th Degree Meeting 

Thursday, February 26

8:00 – 9:15 AM – Confessions
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Mass
7:00 - 8:30 PM - RCIA
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Adoration & Benediction

Friday, February 27

8:15 – 9:15 AM – Confession
8:45 – 9:15 AM – Rosary
9:15 – 10:00 AM – Mass (Grade 1)
9:00 - 11:30 AM - Tops Group East Hall
5:00 - 5:30 PM - Stations of The Cross - Vulcan
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Stations of The Cross - High River

Saturday, February 28

8:00 – 9:00 AM – Confessions
8:30 – 9:00 AM – Rosary
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Daily Mass
4:00 – 5:00 PM – Confessions
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Vigil Mass (PALM SUNDAY)
6:00 - 9:00 PM - Game Night