Remembrance Day Service in High River

Members of our parish community took part in this year’s Remembrance Day Service at the High River Legion Branch 71 on Tuesday, November 11. Representing the St. Francis de Sales CWL, Faith Chair Gloria Smorang and Past President Susan Horn placed a wreath on behalf of the Catholic Women’s League. Deacon Larry Driver also participated by laying a wreath on behalf of the Knights of Columbus.

As we honour the sacrifices made for our freedom, we are reminded of our ongoing call to serve those in need. The Food Bank continues to rely on our generosity. Non-perishable food items may be dropped off at any time in the church hall and placed on the table with the red tablecloths.

“Whatsoever you do to the least of My brothers, that you do unto Me.”
— Matthew 25:40

Beginning Saturday, November 15, 2025, our CWL will be collecting non-perishable food items in support of the High River Food Bank. The Food Drive will run until Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when all donated items will be delivered to the Food Bank.

Donations may be dropped off anytime in the church hall and placed on the table with the red tablecloths.

As we enter this season of giving, let us remember the words of Jesus:

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”
— Matthew 25:40

Thank you for your generosity and support for those in need within our community.

CWL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL – FINAL REMINDER

A friendly reminder that Sunday, November 23, 2025, is the last day to renew your 2026 CWL Membership.

The membership fee is $40.00, payable by cash, cheque, or e-transfer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Fees will be collected before and after all Masses in the church hall.

We warmly invite you to renew and continue to be part of a community where friendships are nurtured and lifelong memories are made.

Sunday School Program Age Guidelines

Our Sunday School program is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old. This age range has been chosen because the materials and activities we prepare are most suitable for young children. Additionally, a wide age difference can make it difficult to engage older children, who may become bored with lessons aimed at younger ones.

Children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should remain in the church with the congregation. This allows them to grow in understanding and prepare for full participation in the Eucharist.

We hope this explanation helps everyone understand why our Sunday School team has established these guidelines.

World Day of the Poor – November 16, 2025

Each year, on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates the World Day of the Poor. This special day was instituted by Pope Francis in 2017 to remind us that, as followers of Christ, we are called to live out His love in concrete ways, especially toward those who are most in need.

Pope Francis encourages Christian communities to "become an ever greater sign of Christ's charity for the least and those most in need." This day is not only a time for reflection but also an invitation to action. It challenges us to look beyond our own comforts and consider how we can reach out with compassion, generosity, and solidarity.

In our parish, the World Day of the Poor is an opportunity to reflect on the many forms of poverty around us—material, spiritual, and emotional. It calls us to serve with humility and love, whether through volunteering, offering a listening ear, or simply showing kindness to those who feel overlooked or forgotten.

Let us take this day as a reminder that Christ’s love is expressed through our actions. By helping the poor, we are not only assisting those in need but also encountering Christ Himself in our brothers and sisters.

As a parish, let us pray for all who suffer from poverty, and let us open our hearts and hands to be instruments of God’s mercy and compassion in our community.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."— Matthew 25:35

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast Day: November 21

This week, the Church celebrates the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that honors Mary’s early life and her dedication to God. According to tradition, Mary was presented by her parents, Saints Joachim and Anne, at the Temple in Jerusalem when she was a young child. There, she was consecrated to God’s service, growing in wisdom, grace, and holiness.

Although the Bible does not describe this event directly, the account is found in early Christian writings and has been cherished by the Church for centuries. The feast reminds us of Mary’s unique role in salvation history and her complete openness to God’s will. From the very beginning, Mary’s life was marked by faithfulness, prayer, and a heart dedicated to God—a model for all Christians.

As we reflect on this feast, we are invited to consider our own dedication to God. Like Mary, we are called to offer our lives in love and service. This presentation is not only about Mary’s story but also about our journey of growing closer to God, trusting in His plans, and preparing our hearts to be faithful instruments of His grace.

On this day, we celebrate not only Mary but also the promise that God calls each of us to holiness from the very beginning. May her example inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love.