DIVE A LITTLE DEEPER – LENT 2023
Click Lent 2023 for more resources
Lent has three pillars: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. While we often highlight the first two, almsgiving can sometimes be forgotten.
It’s easy to become too attached to possessions or to our own wants and needs; through almsgiving, we remind ourselves that all we have comes from God, and that it is temporary! We step outside of our own little world and look to those around us, thinking of their needs first. What can we give away? How can we serve others?
How can you practice almsgiving this week?
GIVE TIME
- Volunteer at a food bank or homeless shelter
- Volunteer at the parish as a lector, Eucharistic minister, usher, children’s liturgy leader, etc.
- Set aside time in your week to call a friend or a relative with whom you haven’t spoken in a while, especially a parent or grandparent. During the call, focus on listening to them and loving them
- Do a chore for another family member
GIVE GIFTS
- Donate to your parish or sign up for regular automatic giving
- Support a lay missionary through an organization like CCO or NET
- Sponsor a child through Chalice, or give to Brother Blaise’s Peru mission using the envelopes in the pews
- Give blood
- Go through your closet and find clothes to give away
- Donate quality food or clothing to a ministry like Minwaashin Lodge or the local food bank. Don’t just give the cheapest things you have; give something of quality!
PARISH NEWS
Following the 9am and the 11am Masses on March 26, Annunciation is hosting a parish breakfast to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. Come enjoy a warm breakfast and take a moment to celebrate with our parish family! The cost is a free-will offering.
Click here to see the menu (and which items are gluten-free)!
On March 25th at 7:30 pm, all men are invited to The Forge, an evening of faith and fellowship hosted at Annunciation.
Come encounter Jesus. Bring a friend.
Click here to join The Forge mailing list.
The 2023 Holy Week Adventure is open for registration! On March 31, step back in time and follow Jesus’ footsteps through the week leading up to his death and resurrection. Along the path, you’ll encounter people who’ve met Jesus and become part of an incredible Holy Week experience!
This family event (ideal for ages 4-10) is designed to help you re-experience the Easter story in a tangible and interactive way. Your tour experience will take about 1h15 in length, with tours beginning every 15 minutes starting at 6pm. The cost is $5/person, or $20/family (2 and under are free). Tickets are limited and over half are already sold; click here to get yours today!
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING
Is your child interested in altar serving? Sign up for our next training on April 1st from 12:30-2:30. A pizza lunch will be provided.
LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE
Our next parish Penitential Service is April 1st from 10am-12pm. Come receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and experience the beautiful mercy of God!
To learn more about Confession, click here.
APRIL SENIORS MASS & LUNCHEON
All seniors are invited to join us on April 19th at 12pm for mass, fellowship, and good food. There is no cost to attend, so invite a friend!
Registration closes a week before the event, to give enough time to calculate meal numbers. Click here to register!
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
WOMEN’S CURSILLO WEEKEND
Are you, or someone you know, looking to grow closer to God and to live your faith in community with others? A Cursillo is a short course in the form of a retreat where participants learn, share and have fun together! The next Cursillo for women will be held from Apr. 27-30 at the Centre de L’Amour in Plantagenet. The cost is $280.
For more info, contact Veronica Verner at 613-805-5078.
Register at https://form.jotform.com/10084457319.
CLOTHED WITH POWER CONFERENCE
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services of Ontario (CCRSO) is hosting its annual Spring Conference! This one-day conference is a day of praise and worship, with wisdom being shared by Bishop Scott McCaig and Dr. Ralph Martin. Come be renewed and clothed with power from on high.
Click here to learn more and register. The cost is $25/person.
MARYVALE ACADEMY GALA
Maryvale Academy is holding its biggest and most important fundraiser of the year: the annual gala! This year’s ‘Press On’ Gala takes place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the St. Elias Centre. Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration, and reconnect with the Catholic community over dinner!
Early bird price of $65 until April 6; after, the price is $75. To learn more, buy tickets, and donate, please visit maryvalegala2023.ca.