St. Mary's Church
Cochrane, AB
"The Spirit Flows Through Us"
"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.
We can accommodate 85 parishioners per Mass (based on the most recent AHS regulation). If you register for a Sunday Mass, and if you just can’t attend even though you planned to, please contact the Parish Office before noon on Friday to cancel your reservation. After noon on Friday, please email Fr. Dennis at dennis.vavrek@franciscanfriars.ca to cancel your reservation and allow someone else the space.
We can accommodate 85 parishioners per Mass (based on the most recent AHS regulation). If you register for a Sunday Mass, and if you just can’t attend even though you planned to, please contact the Parish Office before noon on Friday to cancel your reservation. After noon on Friday, please email Fr. Dennis at dennis.vavrek@franciscanfriars.ca to cancel your reservation and allow someone else the space.
Fr. Dennis Vavrek, ofm
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
Deacon Ron Fortier
Deacon Ron Fortier
MESSAGE FROM FR.DENNIS
MESSAGE FROM FR.DENNIS
Dear good and holy people of St. Mary’s Parish,
Dear good and holy people of St. Mary’s Parish,
The EASTER Message: “Running on Empty”
The EASTER Message: “Running on Empty”
The words empty and emptiness are often understood as negative words, and rightly so. It is not a good thing when one is looking for food and the cupboard is empty. One is not a happy camper when the gas tank is empty when you need to get somewhere in a hurry. And who in their right mind looks forward to the experience of emptiness one feels inside because of a broken relationship or the death of a loved one? No one wants to hear the word “empty.”
The words empty and emptiness are often understood as negative words, and rightly so. It is not a good thing when one is looking for food and the cupboard is empty. One is not a happy camper when the gas tank is empty when you need to get somewhere in a hurry. And who in their right mind looks forward to the experience of emptiness one feels inside because of a broken relationship or the death of a loved one? No one wants to hear the word “empty.”
John’s Gospel tells us that on Sunday morning Mary of Magdala went to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty. This is not what she was expecting. Shocked, she ran and told Peter and John. They all raced back to the tomb (Note: And now you know the reason for the title of this reflection!), and when Peter and the “beloved” disciple, John, entered the tomb, all they saw were the empty linen burial cloths.
John’s Gospel tells us that on Sunday morning Mary of Magdala went to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty. This is not what she was expecting. Shocked, she ran and told Peter and John. They all raced back to the tomb (Note: And now you know the reason for the title of this reflection!), and when Peter and the “beloved” disciple, John, entered the tomb, all they saw were the empty linen burial cloths.
The tomb was empty! What happened? Did someone steal the body of Jesus? It was painful enough to see their close friend taken from them, tortured and put to death. But now the body was gone. What was going to fill the deep and empty hole in their lives? The disciples of Jesus didn’t have to wait long for the answer.
The tomb was empty! What happened? Did someone steal the body of Jesus? It was painful enough to see their close friend taken from them, tortured and put to death. But now the body was gone. What was going to fill the deep and empty hole in their lives? The disciples of Jesus didn’t have to wait long for the answer.
The resurrection of Jesus and the re-establishment of the loving relationships with the disciples in the resurrection appearances is what the rest of the story is about. And that story continues in us if we allow the resurrected Jesus into the emptiness of our lives, and allow him to live in us.
The resurrection of Jesus and the re-establishment of the loving relationships with the disciples in the resurrection appearances is what the rest of the story is about. And that story continues in us if we allow the resurrected Jesus into the emptiness of our lives, and allow him to live in us.
Emptiness is not always a bad thing, because emptiness makes room for something or someone else. It can be a good thing. And so I leave you with the question, “If I find myself running on empty, what do I fill my emptiness with?”
Emptiness is not always a bad thing, because emptiness makes room for something or someone else. It can be a good thing. And so I leave you with the question, “If I find myself running on empty, what do I fill my emptiness with?”
Have a safe and joyous Easter and Easter season,
Have a safe and joyous Easter and Easter season,
Letter from Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Letter from Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Re. Ethical Concerns Related to Currently Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
Re. Ethical Concerns Related to Currently Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
CCCB Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Choice - 9 March 2021 - EN.PDFFurther Info re. COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:
Further Info re. COVID-19 VACCINATIONS:
In the interest of sharing information received from the Alberta Government on the subject matter, please be aware of the following information.
In the interest of sharing information received from the Alberta Government on the subject matter, please be aware of the following information.
Phase 2: AstraZeneca (Starting March 10)
Phase 2: AstraZeneca (Starting March 10)
Albertans aged 50 to 64 who do not have a severe chronic illness can either:
Albertans aged 50 to 64 who do not have a severe chronic illness can either:
· receive the AstraZeneca vaccine early, or
· receive the AstraZeneca vaccine early, or
· wait until Phase 2D begins in May to get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine
· wait until Phase 2D begins in May to get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine
Appointment bookings will open in stages by birth year, one year at a time:
Appointment bookings will open in stages by birth year, one year at a time:
· Born in 1957: Starting March 10
· Born in 1957: Starting March 10
· Following years and dates will be announced based on supply
· Following years and dates will be announced based on supply
AstraZeneca has been proven to be highly effective in preventing serious illness and death in healthy adults 18 to 64. People in Phase 2B and Phase 2C are ineligible due to age, chronic health conditions or living arrangements.
AstraZeneca has been proven to be highly effective in preventing serious illness and death in healthy adults 18 to 64. People in Phase 2B and Phase 2C are ineligible due to age, chronic health conditions or living arrangements.
Phase 2 Group A (Starting week of March 15)
Phase 2 Group A (Starting week of March 15)
People in Group A can receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Exact booking dates will be announced the week of March 15.
People in Group A can receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Exact booking dates will be announced the week of March 15.
· Albertans aged 65 to 74, booked in stages by birth year
· Albertans aged 65 to 74, booked in stages by birth year
· First Nations, Inuit and Métis people aged 50 and older
· First Nations, Inuit and Métis people aged 50 and older
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are prioritized for people most at risk of severe outcomes, due to limited supply.
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are prioritized for people most at risk of severe outcomes, due to limited supply.
Click HERE to watch a video on the distribution and reception of Holy Communion at Mass during COVID-19
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.
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
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
Grocery Cards Fundraiser
Continuing through COVID-19, our profits to August 2020 = $6615.00! 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.
Continuing through COVID-19, our profits to August 2020 = $6615.00! 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?
Need Someone to talk to?
Deacon Ron is available for anyone who would like to talk with him Wednesdays or Thursdays between 1 pm and 3 pm. Call the parish office at 403-932-2944 to set up an appointment for a chat.
Deacon Ron is available for anyone who would like to talk with him Wednesdays or Thursdays between 1 pm and 3 pm. Call the parish office at 403-932-2944 to set up an appointment for a chat.
Fr. Dennis is available for Confessions or just to talk. Please call him to make an appointment 403-932-2944.
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 . . .
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.
– 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
– Lean On Us — LeanOnUs2020@gmail.com
– Charitable Pandemic Response Team— nicksimoni@yahoo.com
– Charitable Pandemic Response Team— nicksimoni@yahoo.com
MASS TIMES
MASS TIMES
WEEKEND Masses
WEEKEND Masses
Saturday: 4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am and Noon
WEEKDAY Masses
WEEKDAY Masses
Wednesday and Friday : 9 am
NOTE: Live-streamed daily Masses and/or Sunday Masses can be accessed from the Diocesan website during the COVID-19 pandemic HERE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location
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.
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 map is incorrect!
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon. – Thurs. 8 am - 2 pm;
Fri.: 9 am - Noon
Closed All Stat. Holidays
New to the Parish?
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.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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.