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Knights of Columbus Meeting
Hey brothers! Our next K of C meeting is on Monday, September 22 at 7:00 PM in the St. Francis de Sales Church Hall.
All members are encouraged to come out, and if you’ve been thinking about joining the Knights, this is a great time to check it out — you’re more than welcome!
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100 Years of the Catholic Women’s League in High River
This year we joyfully celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Catholic Women’s League Council here in High River.
Our Council was established on October 15, 1925, under the guidance of Mrs. McCrohan, the Diocesan President of Calgary. Mrs. B.F. Kiser served as the first President, with Countess De Foras as the first Vice-President.
To mark this milestone, we invite you to join our celebration. Tickets will be available for purchase after Mass on the weekends for $5.00 each.
Would you like me to expand this into a fuller article with a bit of history, achievements, and gratitude for the CWL’s contribution over the century, or do you prefer to keep it short and simple for the bulletin?
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This Sunday 14th of September, our parish joined the universal Church in celebrating the 70th birthday of Pope Leo XIV, reflecting on the remarkable first months of his pontificate. Elected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native with Peruvian citizenship, has emerged as a shepherd dedicated to peace, spirituality, and closeness to the faithful. Below, we highlight eight defining moments from the beginning of his Petrine ministry, as reported by Vatican News.
On May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received the pallium and Fisherman’s Ring during his inaugural Mass. Visibly moved, he shared his unworthiness for the role, saying, “I was chosen without any merits. With fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who wishes to be a servant of your faith and your joy.” His words set the tone for a pontificate rooted in humility and unity, calling for all to walk together in God’s love as one family.
Just days earlier, on May 8, 2025, the newly elected Pope greeted the faithful from the Loggia of Blessings at St. Peter’s Basilica with the words of the Risen Christ: “Peace be with you all, dearest brothers and sisters.” This greeting underscored his mission to bring Christ’s peace to hearts, families, and the world, a theme that has defined his early papacy.
On the third day of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV made his first trip outside Rome to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. Reflecting on his earlier visits as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, he expressed his deep trust in Mary’s intercession, stating, “I greatly desired to come here in these first days of the new ministry entrusted to me by the Church.” This pilgrimage highlighted his devotion to Mary and his commitment to continuing St. Peter’s mission.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace amid global conflicts. He has offered the Vatican as a neutral venue for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, notably during a July 9 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and earlier discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. His repeated appeals to end the “atrocities of war” in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa reflect a heart attuned to the suffering of the world.
In July, the Pope revived a papal tradition by retreating to Castel Gandolfo for a “working vacation.” The first pope to vacation there in 13 years, he resided in the Barberini Palace, celebrated Masses in local churches, and prayed the Angelus at Piazza della Libertà. Even during rest, he continued pastoral duties, including hosting President Zelenskyy and a Ukrainian delegation, demonstrating his commitment to both spiritual and diplomatic roles.
The Youth Jubilee in Rome drew over a million young people from across the globe to Tor Vergata. Pope Leo XIV urged them to see Christ in one another, proclaiming, “Friendship is about changing the world. Friendship is the path to peace.” After Mass and the Angelus, he spontaneously addressed the youth again, calling them “the salt of the earth and the light of the world,” entrusting them with a mission to transform the world through love.
During a private visit on August 19 to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace in Mentorella—a place cherished by St. John Paul II—Pope Leo XIV prayed for world peace and lit a candle before the sanctuary’s patroness. Meeting with Polish Resurrectionist priests who care for the site, he deepened his connection to the Church’s universal mission.
Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, Leo XIV has prioritized the poor, emphasizing their centrality in the Church’s mission. His actions reflect a commitment to serving the marginalized, ensuring the Church remains a beacon of hope for the neediest.
As we celebrate Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday, these moments reveal a pontificate grounded in prayer, peace, and pastoral care. From his calls for dialogue to his devotion to Mary and his outreach to the young and the poor, he leads as a pastor attentive to the signs of the times. Let us pray for his continued guidance as he shepherds the Church toward unity and peace.
Source: www.vaticannews.va
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Celebrating the Feast of the Canadian Martyrs: St. Jean de Brébeuf, St. Isaac Jogues, and Companions - September 26
As we approach the feast of the Canadian Martyrs on September 26, we use red vestments to honor these heroic witnesses to the faith. Red, the color of blood and fire, reminds us of their ultimate sacrifice and the burning zeal they carried for Christ. Among them, St. Jean de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues stand out as pioneering Jesuit priests whose lives and deaths continue to inspire Catholics worldwide, especially here in Canada where they serve as secondary patrons alongside St. Joseph.
St. Jean de Brébeuf, born in France in 1593, arrived in New France (modern-day Canada) in 1625. A towering figure both physically and spiritually, he immersed himself in the Huron culture, learning their language and customs to share the Gospel. For over two decades, he labored tirelessly among the indigenous peoples, establishing missions and baptizing many. His deep respect for the Hurons earned him the name "Echon," meaning "the one who carries the heavy load." Tragically, in 1649, during conflicts between the Huron and Iroquois nations, Brébeuf was captured, tortured, and martyred by the Iroquois. Even in his final moments, he encouraged his fellow captives and forgave his tormentors, embodying Christ's love.
St. Isaac Jogues, born in 1607, joined the mission in 1636. Known for his gentle yet resolute spirit, he worked alongside Brébeuf among the Hurons. In 1642, Jogues was captured by the Mohawk (part of the Iroquois confederacy), enduring horrific tortures—including the loss of several fingers. Remarkably, he escaped with Dutch help and returned to France, but his heart remained in the New World. Pope Urban VIII granted him special permission to celebrate Mass despite his mutilated hands, calling him a "living martyr." Undeterred, Jogues returned to North America in 1646 as a peace envoy, only to be martyred by those he sought to reconcile.
These two priests were part of a group of eight Jesuits—six priests and two lay brothers—who gave their lives between 1642 and 1649: Sts. Antoine Daniel, Charles Garnier, Noël Chabanel, Gabriel Lalemant, René Goupil, and Jean de Lalande. Canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI and declared secondary patrons of Canada in 1940 by Pope Pius XII, they are collectively known as the North American Martyrs or Canadian Martyrs. Their mission was not one of conquest but of compassionate evangelization, bridging cultures in the name of Jesus.
In a world that often challenges our faith, these saints remind us of the cost of discipleship. They faced isolation, hardship, and violence, yet their unwavering trust in God bore fruit that endures today. As secondary patrons of Canada, they intercede for our nation, calling us to unity, reconciliation, and bold witness.
On this feast, let us pray for the grace to emulate their courage. Join us at Mass in red attire, and consider how we might "carry the load" in our own lives—perhaps through acts of service, forgiveness, or sharing the faith with others. May the Canadian Martyrs pray for us!
Dear Parishioners,
I am delighted to announce that the painting of our church, parish hall, and the interior of our buildings was successfully completed from September 2 to September 15, 2025. During this period, we held Masses in the parish hall, while weekend Masses continued in the main church. I recognize that this may have caused inconvenience, particularly for groups unable to use the parish hall. Your patience and understanding during this time are deeply appreciated.
We are now thrilled to return to our regular routine, celebrating in our beautifully refreshed church. Thank you all for your support and cooperation!
With gratitude,
Fr. Marius
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Dear Friends,
We warmly invite all those interested in exploring the Catholic faith to join our parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program! For many years, our parish has offered this journey of faith for those seeking to learn more about Catholicism, whether you are considering baptism, confirmation, or simply want to deepen your understanding of the faith.
This week, we will begin our RCIA sessions, diving into the foundations of Catholic teachings, spirituality, and community life. Meetings will be held every Thursday, starting September 25 , from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at our parish.
No prior knowledge or experience is required – our RCIA program is open to everyone, from those just beginning their faith journey to those looking to grow closer to God in a welcoming and supportive environment. We look forward to walking this journey with you!
Join us this Wednesday!
RCIA TEAM