St. Mary's Church

Cochrane, AB

"The Spirit Flows Through Us"

St. Mary's celebrated its "125th ANNIVERSARY" on NOVEMBER 21, 2020. The book, "St. Mary's Centennial Celebration 1895-1995" is now accessible in digital form at "100 Years" in the menu at the top of this page.

NOTE: As of May 28th, 15% of our church seating capacity (or 85 people) is once again allowed. To PRE-REGISTER for in-person Mass attendance— Wednesday and Friday (9 am), Saturday (4 pm) and Sunday (10 am and noon), click HERE.

Pre-registration and social distancing will be required. A list of congregants in attendance is recorded at each Mass. Alberta Health Services (AHS) Covid-19 entry questions will be asked of each attendee, and there will be sanitizing of the premises after each Mass. Please note you must wear a mask while in Church. Also remember to enter by the main (front) Church doors.

If you register and then afterward find you are unable to attend, be sure to cancel your registration either online (at Flocknote) or by contacting the Parish office by email (secretary@stmaryscochrane.ca) or phone (403-932-2944) prior to the deadline (Friday 11:30 am). If your decision not to attend comes after the Friday deadline, email Fr. Dennis at dennis.vavrek@franciscanfriars.ca to cancel your reservation and allow someone else to have your seat(s).

A Letter from the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) with regard to re-naming Bishop Grandin High School—read below:

CCSD-Grandin-Letter-06-04-21.pdf

Read also the Bishop's Letter regarding the 215 Children of the Kamloops Residential School:


Bishops-Letter-215-children-of-the-Kamloops-Residential-School.pdf

Fr. Dennis Vavrek, ofm

dennis.vavrek@franciscanfriars.ca OR contact him at the Parish Office: 403-932-2944

FOR EMERGENCIES: call Mount St. Francis Retreat at 403-932-2012 OR call Fr. Dennis' cell at 780-668-0145



MESSAGE FROM FR.DENNIS


LET’S TALK ABOUT ANOTHER VIRUS

The latest news and statistical information are now pointing to the good news that we are nearing the end of this lengthy Covid-19 pandemic – at least we should be past the worst of it.

My response is a somewhat guarded, “Alleluia!” Yet, as we seem to be winning the war with one virus, the media is now reminding us that our Church is still dealing with another virus called sin. Yes, some of Church’s institutional structures have been sinful. The news about the 215 graves discovered at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, BC, is a grim reminder that our Church has done some awful things in the name of Christ.

Dorothy Day, one of my favourite saints, once wrote, “As to the Church, where else shall we go, except to the Bride of Christ, one flesh with Christ? Though she is a harlot at times, she is our mother.” Yes, the Church is full of sinners, myself included, which often leads to Church structures becoming sinful. Parishes and the Church universal are not perfect. Our Roman Catholic religion has, and still can, offer less than a healthy religious system. But which Church or religion is perfect?

Religion can be abusive of others, it can hurt and damage people, and worst of all, it can distance one from God. Yes, the Church is sometimes dysfunctional and hurtful – and by the way, all families are somewhat dysfunctional and messy. But I love my Church. In fact, I love all my families - my birth family, my Franciscan family and my faith family at St. Mary’s. Without these families I am an orphan. And so, given the choice, I’d prefer an imperfect mother to no mother at all!

A leader of a large parish once went to Jesus to complain about the church. He said to Jesus, “They are a mess. They are uncommitted, mean, hypocritical, and judgmental. They don’t care what you say or even about you and your love for them. They are a stiff-necked people, and they don’t deserve your love.” Jesus answered, “Be careful … she’s my wife. The Church is Christ’s bride, and is greatly loved, despite her unfaithfulness.

The Church isn’t a gathering for saints, but a recovering group of sinners.

The only qualification to be a member is to be unqualified – a sinner. And the only vaccine for the virus of sin is God’s tremendous mercy and love.


Peace and all good,

Click HERE to watch a video on the distribution and reception of Holy Communion at Mass during COVID-19

MASKS ARE NOW MANDATORY at all indoor public gatherings in Cochrane—this includes during Mass and all visits to St. Mary's church.

PARISH SUNDAY OFFERINGS . . . Please remember that while we are in the pandemic situation, collection will not be taken during Mass. TWO COLLECTION BOXES WILL BE IN PLACE, one in the Gathering Area (entry point) and one at the West Doors (exit point). Please keep supporting our parish with weekly or recurring donations. Offering envelopes may be dropped off in the receptacles provided at the church when you come to Mass. Or you can support the parish through online giving. See information in the Bulletin from Greg Braganza (accountant for St. Mary's). There is also a plan for sending donations to our parish at https://www.catholicyyc.ca/give

Grocery Cards Fundraiser

Despite COVID-19, our profits for 2020 = $9300.00! Mid-point this year the profits are lagging somewhat at $3234.00. Thanks to all who have been getting their "contact-less" Grocery Cards from the Parish Office to use for family shopping at Co-Op, No Frills, Superstore, Safeway, Sobeys, and/or Save On Foods!! Get more information from Helen Stock (403) 932-2782 OR at hy.stock@gmail.com. Further details under "Stay Informed" —> News or OnGoing Events.

Need Someone to talk to?

Deacon Ron is available by appointment for anyone who would like to talk with him. Call the parish office at 403-932-2944 to set up a time for your chat.


Fr. Dennis is available for Confessions or just to talk. Please call him to make an appointment 403-932-2944.

If you need help during the pandemic . . .

– St. Mary's parish has two groups available to help the most vulnerable and those who are stranded due to the impact of the coronavirus, including those who have been asked to self-quarantine. If help is needed, reach out to one of the groups/teams mentioned below to run errands, do your grocery shopping, and/or pick up prescription drugs.

– Lean On Us — LeanOnUs2020@gmail.com

– Charitable Pandemic Response Team— nicksimoni@yahoo.com

MASS TIMES

WEEKEND Masses (as of May 28th)

WEEKDAY Masses

NOTE: Live-streamed daily Masses and/or Sunday Masses can be accessed from the Diocesan website during the COVID-19 pandemic HERE.

CONFESSION-Fr. Dennis is available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or if you just need to talk. Please call him to make an appointment. 403-932-2944.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays 11 am - noon (one hour only). 20 people are allowed in the Chapel. A seat may be reserved HERE.

Location

Find us just south of the town centre and east off Hwy 22 at James Walker Trail & River Heights Drive, Cochrane, Alberta. To get "traditional directions" click HERE.

To PRE-REGISTER for ATTENDANCE AT MASS (weekday or weekend) click HERE. Please note, you don’t need to be registered with Flocknote to sign up for Mass.

Address: 10 River Heights Drive, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0N8

Phone: 403-932-2944

Note: Postal Code on the map is incorrect!

OFFICE HOURS:

  • Mon. – Thurs. 8 am - 2 pm

  • Fri.: 9 am - 1 pm

  • Closed All Stat. Holidays

New to the Parish?

– WELCOME! We extend a warm welcome to new parishioners. Please take a moment to fill out a printable or online NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION FORM. Registration will ensure you're included in Parish communications. If using the printable form, you may scan and EMAIL or FAX (403-932-4587) to our SECRETARY or just drop the hard copy into the collection drop-box next time you're at Mass.

– For a brochure explaining CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP (Time, Talent, Treasure), click HERE.

– A MINISTRY is a great way to become actively involved in our parish community. For more INFORMATION on our ministries, click HERE. To volunteer in one of our parish ministries, click HERE for an online or printable VOLUNTEER/STEWARDSHIP sign-up form. Complete and return the printable form by placing it in the collection basket at Mass or drop off your form at the Parish Office.

MISSION STATEMENT: We are a community of faith trusting in God's love, open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit working within each member, attempting to model ourselves on Christ, and called to serve Him in others.