Although the summer holidays are still in full swing and no one is really thinking about going back to school or other responsibilities, time flies quickly — before we know it, we will be returning to our regular routines.

I would like to remind all parents of children in Grades 2 and 3 that preparations for two important sacraments — First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion — will begin soon.

The first meeting, for parents only, will take place on Saturday, September 13, at 6:00 p.m.

Before we begin our preparation, please register your children through the forms available on our parish website:

• General Registration
• First Reconciliation
• First Holy Communion

Dear Parishioners,

		I want to express my heartfelt thanks for all the emails you’ve sent — for your prayers, your words of encouragement, and the intentions you’ve entrusted to me. Knowing that you are praying for me and that I am carrying your prayers with me is a profound source of strength and comfort. Since leaving High River, I’ve had the chance to travel through Fernie, Yellowstone, and today I park my Harley at Sturgis. While I haven’t visited any official shrines over the past few days, I must say that the most beautiful "Cathedrals" I’ve encountered have been the breathtaking landscapes — reminders once again of the greatness and majesty of God. His creation speaks louder than words and strengthens my faith daily. Along the way, I’ve met many wonderful people — especially at campgrounds — and our conversations often turn to faith. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my belief in God while also listening to people's concerns, struggles, and the ways in which they find strength through Him. These moments have been deeply meaningful and affirming. Please continue to pray for me, as I keep all of you in my prayers each day of this journey. When I find an internet connection, I’ll do my best to send more updates from the road. With motorcycle blessings, Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Antoinette Marie Lewis of Calgary, Alberta, who died peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100 years. Toni was the first member of her family to reach this Centenarian milestone.

A Funeral Mass in thanksgiving for her life will be celebrated on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in High River, Alberta.

Please keep Toni and her family in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

You Are Not Alone – Grief Sharing Support Group
A Christ-centered path to healing after loss

Grief is one of the most profound and painful experiences of the human heart. The loss of a spouse, family member, or close friend can shake the very foundation of our lives, leaving us with sorrow, confusion, and deep loneliness. In these moments, we may ask, “Where is God in my pain?”

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 on  24 September, our parish will host a Grief Sharing program, grounded in Christian compassion and understanding. The sessions will take place every Wednesday from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

• September 24 – Is This Normal?
• October 1 – Your Grief Journey
• October 8 – Loneliness & Sadness
• October 15 – Self-Care
• October 22 – Fearful & Overwhelmed
• October 29 – Anger
• November 5 – Regrets
• November 12 – Grief & Your Household
• January 7 – Grief & Your Friendship
• January 14 – Questions for God
• January 21 – Stuck in Grief
• January 28 – Hope & Resilience
• February 4 – 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 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.) or speak directly with Sharon (Sharon Wallace This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)  who will be facilitating the program.

Remember, grief shared in faith is never carried alone. Christ walks with you — and so do we.

The Month of August in the Catholic Church

A Time of Marian Devotion and Reflection on Holiness

Dear Parishioners,

The month of August is a time of special grace in the life of the Catholic Church. It is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, calling us to deepen our devotion to Our Lady and to reflect on the purity of her heart and her love for God and humanity.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Mary’s Immaculate Heart represents her perfect love, her steadfast faith, and her complete openness to the will of God. Devotion to her heart encourages us to imitate her virtues: humility, compassion, prayerfulness, and trust in Divine Providence.

The Solemnity of the Assumption – August 15

At the center of August’s Marian focus is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15. On this day, we celebrate Mary being taken up into heaven, body and soul. The Assumption is not only a celebration of Mary’s glorification but also a sign of hope for all believers. It reminds us that eternal life with God is our true home.

“The Assumption of Mary is a call to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father and where Mary already shares in His glory.”
— Pope Benedict XVI

Other Saints and Feasts of August

August also highlights the lives of several saints who guide and inspire us in our faith journey:

• August 1 – St. Alphonsus Liguori
• August 8 – St. Dominic
• August 11 – St. Clare of Assisi
• August 14 – St. Maximilian Kolbe
• August 15 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• August 20 – St. Bernard of Clairvaux
• August 27 – St. Monica
• August 28 – St. Augustine
• August 29 – The Passion of St. John the Baptist

A Time for Spiritual Renewal

As summer begins to draw to a close, August offers us a spiritual invitation:
To renew our prayer life, to imitate the example of the saints, and to place our trust in the loving heart of Mary. Let us use this month to grow closer to God and to prepare our hearts for the journey ahead.

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
(Luke 1:46-47)

Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope – A Journey with Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It is with great joy that I invite you to join me and a group of friends as we set out on a unique pilgrimage—traveling by motorcycle to visit various shrines and churches across Canada and the United States. This pilgrimage will not only be a physical journey but also a spiritual adventure, inspired by the lives of the Saints.. In my case the life of Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the founders of the Salvatorian family.

Why This Pilgrimage?

The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year, dedicated to the theme of hope. In the Christian tradition, pilgrimage is a privileged way of praying during such a year. A pilgrimage represents stepping out of everyday life to meet God more deeply—on the road, in the silence of the journey, in the encounter with sacred places, and in the communion of fellow travelers.

That is why we have decided to have this special Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope, visiting important churches and shrines connected to our spirit. These places will remind us of our call to make the Savior known to all people, everywhere and by all ways and means.

How Will It Work?

Each stop will follow a simple structure:

• Learn about the place – its history, significance, and connection to Salvatorian spirituality.
• Reflect on the journey – using selected key words such as logo, courage, clothing, threshold to guide our meditation.
• Pray for hope and vocation – using the writings of Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles as inspiration.
• Offer intentions – before setting out for the next destination, we will pause for prayer, whether the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or another devotion.

The main intention of this pilgrimage is to discover, deepen, and strengthen our vocation—to uncover the best version of ourselves, which is God's version of us. Traveling in the company of saints and fellow pilgrims will help us reflect on this call.

How You Can Join Us

Even if you cannot ride with us, you can still participate spiritually. We invite you to send us your prayer intentions, and we will carry them with us to each shrine we visit. You can send your intentions to:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We will remember you in our prayers at every stop.

A Word of Thanks

I thank God for this opportunity and for all those who helped create this project. Special thanks go to the friends who contributed their time. Special Thanks to God's Squad Canada

So, start the engines, open our hearts, and let’s ride into the Jubilee Year with hope!

Fr. Marius Sztuk, SDS
Salvatorian Priest
High River, Alberta