Obituary for Mr. Terence Charles Hamer

Terence Charles “Ter” Hamer passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 6, 2026. Ter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, community builder, and friend. His life was guided by his deep love of family and his belief in leaving the world “A Better Place.” He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Julaine, and their children Coralee Round (Jeff), Tara Naugler (Tom), and Blair Hamer (Catherine). Ter was a proud grandfather to Josh (Brooke), Nathan (Ashley), Evan, Malcolm, Adam, Benjamin, Jada, Bryn, and Skylar, and great grandfather to Macgregor. 
Throughout his life, Ter was deeply involved in the communities where he lived, particularly Yellowknife, where he built lifelong friendships and contributed in many meaningful ways. Coaching hockey, curling, and in lively discussions. Cheering on family was among the many joys that filled his days. Prayers will be held Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 PM, and the Funeral Mass Monday, March 16 at 10:30 AM, both at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in High River. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Calgary. 

Why Do We Mix Water with Wine During Mass?

You may have noticed that during Mass, the priest or deacon pours a small amount of water into the wine before consecration. This is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, and it carries both a spiritual meaning and a symbolic gesture.

1. A Symbol of Unity Between God and Humanity

The wine represents the divinity of Christ, while the water represents humanity. When the two are mixed, it reminds us that Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Through this act, we are invited to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation—the moment when God became man for our salvation.

2. A Sign of the People’s Participation

Water is essential for life, just as humanity is essential in the life of the Church. By adding water to the wine, the priest symbolizes how the faithful join in offering Christ’s sacrifice. It’s a reminder that we are all united in the celebration of the Eucharist.

3. A Liturgical Tradition

This practice dates back to the early Church. It was common for wine to be diluted with water, both for practical reasons and as a ritual gesture. Over time, the Church attached deeper spiritual meaning to this simple act.

4. A Reminder of Baptism

The mingling of water and wine also calls to mind our baptism. Just as water cleanses and brings life, our baptism welcomes us into Christ and unites us with His Church.

In short, this small gesture is full of meaning. It reminds us of Christ’s humanity and divinity, our unity as the Church, and the life-giving grace of baptism. The next time you see water added to the wine, take a moment to reflect on these profound truths and the mystery we celebrate at every Mass.

Every Holy Hour we make so pleases the Heart of Jesus that it will be recorded in heaven and retold for all eternity. It opens up the floodgates of God’s merciful love upon the world.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. It will make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven. A Holy Hour of adoration helps bring everlasting peace to your soul and in your family. It brings us personal peace and strength. It brings us a greater love for Jesus, for each other, and for the poor. Every holy hour deepens our union with Him and bears much fruit..

What we need is for every parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in Holy Hours of prayer...

If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration. Our hours of adoration will be special hours of reparation for sins, and intercession for the needs of the whole world, exposing the sin-sick and suffering humanity to the healing, sustaining and transforming rays of Jesus, radiating from the Eucharist...

Spend as much time as possible in front of the Blessed Sacrament and He will fill you with His strength and His Perpetual adoration is the most beautiful thing you could ever think of doing..

Lenten Penitential Service 2026 If you are not able to make the Penitential Service at St. Francis de Sales, here are some other options you to join in.

Schedule

March 11
7:00 PM – Church of the Holy Cross, Fort Macleod

March 17
7:00 PM – Christ the King, Claresholm

March 18
4:00 PM – St. Paul’s, Brocket
6:30 PM – St. Francis de Sales, High River

March 19
6:00 PM – Immaculate Conception, Standoff
6:30 PM – St. James, Okotoks
7:00 PM – Holy Trinity, Blairmore

March 26
6:00 PM – St. Michael’s, Pincher Creek

Let this holy season of Lent be a time to encounter God’s mercy, forgiveness, and renewal through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.