Mothers And Fathers In Action (MAFIA)

A parents group that supports and encourages active participation of young families within the parish.  They have several social events interspersed with guest speakers and lessons for both their children and for themselves.  They participate in Sacramental Prep Classes (primarily as supports) and Liturgics especially when it comes to the involvement of children

Young Families with children aged 0 to Grade 6

meetings, gatherings =
2/month

Children’s Liturgies

A catechetical Homily is scheduled whenever there is no Sunday School.

Children

Less frequent than scheduled, but scheduled on Long Weekends.

Sunday School

A weekly program where children Aged 3 through grade 2 are invited to learn about the gospel / theme of the day and create a craft during the Div. Liturgy.  Currently this program begins after the children hold candles at the reading of the Gospel, and they return after a short time (20 min+/-).

Little Children

3-4 Sundays / month

First Solemn Communion Program

Sacramental Prep for children who are to undergo their first Reconciliation and Solemn Communion.  This is a 10 - 12 week program that runs from after the Nativity of Christ till Palm Sunday.  It runs for 2 hours a week.  Homework is assigned to help involve the parents.

Children in Grade 2, and their families.

2 hours/ week,

10-12 weeks/year

Children of Mary

An elementary school program designed for young girls which encourages them to be active in liturgical life, build community, and to understand their faith.  This program runs in conjunction with Altar Servers.

Children in grade 2 though 6, with older teen leaders

1.5 hours - 2/month

Altar Servers

An elementary school program designed primarily for young boys which encourages them to be active in liturgical life, build community, and to understand their faith.  This program runs in conjunction with Children of Mary.

Children in grade 2 though 6, with older teen leaders

1.5 hours - 2/month

Youth

A program for teens which aims to encourage and challenge them to grow spiritually and become active within the parish community

Students in Junior & Senior High

3 hours, 1 or 2 / month

Young Adults

Events are aimed at gathering Young Adults to help them bond as a community and grow spiritually.

18-35 years

2-5 events/year

Bible Study

Weekly exploration of Sacred Scripture based mostly on Jeff Cavin’s Bible Study programs, with supplemental materials found in the Orthodox Study Bible, “All the stories of the Bible” by John Walsh, The New Interpreter’s Bible, and others including Byzantine Liturgical and Iconographic sources.

Adults

1/week, during the academic year

Open Icon Studio

Time for people to work and pray with  iconographic projects with the assistance and direction of Fr. Bo (an Iconographer)

Adults

1/week, during the academic year.

Annual Icon Workshop

A workshop for people interested in iconography where they pray and write a traditional Byzantine Icon

Adults

1/year

Baptismal Prep

4 group sessions are provided a year for those preparing to baptize children.  For those who are unable to attend group sessions “private” sessions are arrainged.

Parents of Newborns & young children

4/year + as needed

Marriage Prep

 Marriage prep is designed to help couples become ready for the Sacrament of Marriage.  The full course is one weekend long.  However those who are unable to attend get to work with the priests “one on one” for several sessions.

Engaged Couples

1/year course + as needed

RCIA

Preparation for Adults (and teens) who are interested in learning about the Ukrainian Catholic Faith and potentially receiving the Sacraments of Initiation.

Adults

weekly 3 hour classes, 24 classes/year.

Parish Library

We have a library of books dealing with Eastern Spirituality, Scripture, etc…  This library is open to all during regular office hours and on Sundays (although it is not supposed to be used during services).  This library does contain a children’s section.

All

open daily

Bulletin Articles, Bulletin Boards & website

Frequently catechetical materials will be posted in the parish bulletin, on bulletin boards, and/or on the parish website

All

irregular, perhaps 2/month

Online Catechetical Videos

Videos produced to educate both children and adults about the faith and traditions of the church.

Children and Adults

infrequent at this time, but plans to become regular in the next years.

Guest Presentations

Various presentations by guest speakers about various topics.

All (Primarily Adults)

infrequent, perhaps 2-3 /year

Adult Faith Formation in conjunction with Newman Theological College

It is our hope to have a group of people work towards getting their certificates in Eastern Studies along with the distance education program being organized by Sr. Zoe at Newman Theological College in Edmonton.  Students can study together and then get extra resources from the parish.

Adults

Anticipated:

See program at Newman Theological College

Regular Liturgies

Daily Divine Liturgies with Vespers on Saturdays, and three Div. Liturgies on Sundays

All

daily

Prayer Services

Molebyns, Akathists, Rosaries, Stations of the Cross, Jesus Prayer…

All

1/month on average

Sunday Morning Rosary

Every Sunday at 10am a rosary is lead by a volunteer for those who wish to pray together.

All

1/week

The “10:30” Choir

Our main choir, lead primarily by Linda Dudar, which sings primarily at the 10:30 Sunday Div. Lit.  They also assist at weddings and funerals and some feast day services (Christmas, Holy Week & Easter)

primarily 10:30 Sunday Liturgies, weddings & Funerals

1-2/week

The “5pm” “Youth” Choir

This new group, lead by Eugenia, is primarily made of children and young adults.  They sing before, during and after the 5pm Sunday Liturgy.  It is envisioned that they will soon be taking a larger role in singing the responses to the liturgy which is currently recited.

the 5pm Sunday Liturgy

1/week

Open Icon Studio

Time for people to work and pray with  iconographic projects with the assistance and direction of Fr. Bo (an Iconographer)

Adults

1/week, during Academic year

Icon Workshop

A workshop for people interested in iconography where they pray and write a traditional Byzantine Icon

Adults

1 week or 1 weekend / year

Icons, Spiritual Books & items

Our “ARK” Store is filled with Icons, Bibles, prayer books, chotke & rosaries, as well as other gifts and trinkets.  Many of these items inspire an active prayer life in the home.

All

Open weekly after Sunday Morning Services.

Prayer Chain Ministry

A large group of volunteers are forwarded nearly daily (if not multiple times daily) prayer requests.  These intentions are then to be prayed for by all individuals on the chain

All

daily

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Knitted shawls (small blankets) are prayerfully created and shared with individuals going through tough times.  These shawls are blessed publicly once a month at a Liturgy before distribution.

All (primarily knitters & recipients)

ongoing

Children of Mary & Altar Servers

In addition to the Catechesis mentioned above, Children of Mary and Altar Servers assist and serve at Liturgical services on a regular basis.

Elementary students who have completed their FSC, and older youth

weekly

Lectors

A group of ordained Lectors regularly help with the distribution of Eucharist at Sunday Divine Liturgies

Adult men.

weekly

Liturgical Volunteers

In addition to helping the parish become welcoming by greeting and handing out bulletins, liturgical volunteers assist with reading the epistle, holding candles during the Gospel, doing the collection, and ushering during Sunday services.

All (including children)

3x/Sunday

Reconciliation

Opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession are available before Sunday and Feast day Liturgies from about 30 minutes before the service begins (and often longer if needed).  Confessions are also available on request assuming a priest is available.

All

weekly

Baptisms, Weddings, Anniversaries, Annointing, Funerals

As needed

All

As needed

Charity Subcommittee

Coordinates and markets the efforts of all parish charitable activity

Pass it On

A massive annual used clothing drive spearheaded by our parish that gathers clothes from our parishioners, others around our parish, other charities, and at least 5 different schools, then sorts and distributes them to over 1000 people free of charge.  This is the biggest “free clothing giveaway” in the city of Calgary

Poor & New Imagrents

1/year

Men’s Dinner

A large annual fundraiser to support the parish and charity endeavours.

Men, primarily business.

1/year

Helping Others Network

Distributes used furniture and clothing to those in need

Those in need

Ongoing

Support Network

Provides support, encouragement and help for various difficulties / situations with appropriate referrals to services.

Those in need

Ongoing

International Trust Fund

Invests donations and distributes earned income to international charities in the developing world.

international charities

funds distributed at end of financial year

Family Support Trust Fund

Invests donations and distributes earned income to families within the parish who are in need.

local parish families

as needed

Calgary Pro-Life

Provides a presenter who travels to schools and groups to educate and raise awareness amongst students and staff of Pro-life issues

students

ongoing

Hike For Life

The annual walkathon fundraiser for Calgary Pro-Life

All

1/year

Snowflakes for Zambia

Raises funds to build schools for orphaned and at risk children in developing countries.

developing countries

… not sure if it has had a project in the last 3 years since I have arrived

Co-op Gift Cards

Provided by the Knights of Columbus and distributed by the pastors to those in need in and around the parish.

Those in need

Ongoing

Inn From the Cold

Monthly participation in housing the overflow from the city’s homeless shelter.  This major initiative has been shut down by the shelter’s management due to security concerns.

homeless

Finished

Supporting the Melkite Community of St. Basil

St. Stephen Protomartyr building and community has welcomed a new Melkite mission: the Parish of St. Basil.  They have regular Sunday service at 1pm, and somewhat regular services and meetings throughout the week.

Melkite Catholics

Ongoing

Youth projects

collecting food for the food bank, socks and underwear for clothing drives, backpacks for “Bridge of Hope”, and many other initiatives to increase awareness and help with charitable projects.

youth helping others

typically 3-4 / year

Household item distribution

A room full of sheets, towels, pots, pans, dishes and other household items has been collected for the distribution amongst those in need.  Initially this was a response to the Syrian Refugee crisis, and is now expanding to others in need as well.

Those in need

ongoing

Sponsorship of a Syrian Refugee Family

Our parish is providing complete financial assistance to a Syrian Refugee Family including rent, furnishings, household items, and financial support for one year.

A particular family of Syrian Refugees

for 1 year.

Helping “Bridge of Hope” Backpack Project

In the fall of 2015-16 academic year, 86 backpacks were collected and filled with gifts for orphans in Ukraine.

orphans in Ukraine

1/year

Medical Mercy Fundraising and awareness

Our parish collect funds and provides assistance in fundraising to this group which collects medical supplies, medical professionals, building materials and funds for healthcare in several countries including Ukraine, Tibet and others.

healthcare overseas

1/year

Plus 50 Club

Parish Seniors

Seniors

1/month

Knights of Columbus

Adult Men

Men

2/month

UCWLC

Adult Women

Women

2/month

Youth

Under 35

under 35

1/month

MAFIA

Parents with Little Ones (up to grade 6)

young families

2/month

Word of God

Word of God is proclaimed every Sunday, every feast day and every opportunity when the D. Liturgy is celebrated. That includes also other liturgical services.

All

Every Sunday, feast day, Divine Liturgy or other liturgical service

Bible Study

Led by laity

All

Sunday School

Catechesis is offered to young children who attend our Sunday school program and also Summer Day Camp.

Children

Every Sunday, Summer Day Camp

Homily for youth and children

Homily offered for youth and children.

Youth and children

Last Sunday of the month

Missions

Missions are held twice a year in Great Lent and in Advent.

All

Great Lent and Advent seasons

Organization Reflections

Offered by parish priest or a layperson at the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada and Brotherhood of Ukrainian Catholics branch meetings, and Knights of Columbus meetings by Father or lay person.

Women, men, Knights of Columbus

Monthly meetings

Divine Liturgies

Besides celebrating the D. Liturgies on Sundays and feast days we have Midweek D. Liturgies on Wednesdays morning and of course feast days

All

Sundays, Wednesdays, feast days

Pre-sanctified Gifts

During the Great Lent we celebrate the D. Liturgies of Pre-sanctified gifts

All

Throughout Lenten period

Rosary & Moleben

During month of May we pray Rosary each Wednesday and sing Moleben to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

May Wednesdays

Reflection and Prayer Night

Faithful are invited to pray and meditate in silence for one hour.

Last Friday of the month

Food Product Bees

We offer many opportunities for parishioners and non-parishioners to come and meet each other during our food products bees.

All

Pyrohy Suppers

Once a year we offer to the community Pyrohy Supper.

All

Annual

Child Sponsorship

Through Parish organizations we sponsor a child in Africa through World Vision

Children

Ongoing

Coats for Kids

Provide coats for Kids

Children

Annual

Marian Centre

Provide monetary assistance to the organization; helping to feed the poor

The needy

Ongoing

Hope Mission

Provide monetary assistance to the organization

The needy

Ongoing

School Lunch Program

Provide monetary assistance to the organization

Children

Ongoing

Kids Kottage

Provide monetary assistance to the organization

Children

Ongoing

Benevolent Fund

For those in need of immediate financial assistance

The needy

As required

Disaster assistance

Financial and other assistance provided in response to natural and other disasters (e.g., Fort McMurray fire, Ukraine)

Those affected by disasters

As required

Kerygma and Word of God

Word of God is proclaimed every Sunday, every feast day and every opportunity when the D. Liturgy is celebrated. That includes also other liturgical services.

All

Every Sunday, feast day, Divine Liturgy or other liturgical service

Bulletin Scripture Readings

Scripture Readings in weekly bulletin – for Sunday and following Sunday; with footnote commentary

All

Weekly

Parish Council Directorates

Creation of two directorates on parish council: Youth Catechesis (Sunday School) Directorate and Adult Faith Directorate

Children, youth, adult

Bookstore

Book and Icon resources for spiritual reading, faith formation and catechesis

All

Ongoing

Adult Directorate:

Bible Study

Ukrainian Catholic Initiation of Adults

Adult Faith Presentations

Baptismal Preparation

Marriage Preparation

Advent Missions

Shroud of Turin Presentations

Christ – Our Pascha catechism presentations

Bulletin resources

Parish website

Upgraded sound system

FORMED

Men’s Group

Mom’s Group

Icon Writing Course

Bible Study on Tuesday nights (led by Don Hucal); proposal to do Bible Timeline for 2016-2017 (English and Ukrainian?)

Preparation of adults for Baptism and/or Chrismation (Ed Hecker, Fr. Peter Babej);

Series of five consecutive weeks on various faith topics or book presentations: “The Way of the Pilgrim” (Fr. Michael), “Mere Christianity” (Fr. Michael), “The Divine Liturgy” (Fr. Peter); “St. Josaphat Art and Architecture” (Fr. Peter). In process of planning other presentations for 2016-2017

Baptismal Preparation (Fr. Peter and Fr. Michael) – with each family preparing for the baptism of their child. Currently working on creating workbook and catechetical plan for a 2-3 session program.

Marriage Preparation – once a year; however, considering shifting it smaller group program over the course of 8 weeks (regular weekly meetings)

Missions – introduced Advent Mission with good success, despite decreasing participations on missions as a whole; will consider holding missions for Advent and the Great Fast in 2016-2017.

Shroud Presentations (Ed Hecker) – on a request basis

New UGCC Catechism – will plan to have presentations on the catechism, possible a series of several weeks

Weekly Bulletins – various catechetical and informative articles are included every week

Website – catechetical material posted on website. Future possibilities: podcasts, sermons, short catechetical explanations.

New sound system with assistance for hearing impaired

Platform for catechetical materials, presentations and films is made available for parishioners

Men’s Group (Fr. Michael) meets on a regular basis for faith sharing and fellowship

Mom’s Group (Kim Bombak) – will begin a new season in 2016-2017, offering mom’s with small children an opportunity to meet, catechesis and fellowship

Icon Course (Fr. Damien), with possibility of a second course in the fall

Adults

Adults

Adult males

Adult females

All

Weekly

As required

Five consecutive weekly sessions annually

As required

Annual

Annual

As required

In planning

Weekly

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Biannual

Youth Catechesis Directorate

Sunday School

Y-Disciple Program

Children’s Summer Camp

After the 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, beginning at 10:30 a.m. (after Holy Communion); pre-school program begins after the Small Entrance

One group has successfully formed over the past two years; hope to begin a second group

Summer Camp

Preschool to Grade 5 children

Youth

Children 5 – 12 years

Weekly

As required

One week in English;

One week in Ukrainian

St. Josaphat Choir

Children’s Choir

Youth

Altar Servers

Under the direction of Dr. Melanie Turgeon

Under the direction of Solomia Babiak

Youth Choir – this is a new initiative for 2016. Under the direction of Solomia Babiak, we are working on forming a liturgical kryllos choir for youth.

Under the direction of Fr. Michael Bombak

All

Children

Youth

Children and Youth

Weekly

In planning

Weekly, feast days

Great Matins and Vespers

Introduction of Great Vespers and Great Matins on Sunday and Feast Days

All

Sundays, feast days

Pew Books

Printing of New Pew Book – in colour, with explanation of the Divine Liturgy

All

Ongoing

Rosary

Introduced on Sunday; will continue to teach the devotion to parishioners

All

Sundays

Apostleship of Prayer

Coordinated by Fr. Michael – prayer for weekly intentions

Weekly

Presanctified Liturgies

Presanctified Liturgies celebrated during Lent

Wednesdays and Fridays throughout Lenten period

Open Church

Church open for prayer on Wednesday evenings – with Divine Liturgy at 5:30 pm; discussion continues on how we can make the church open and available on a week night (to comply with Particular Law)

All

Wednesday evenings

Divine Liturgy Music

Updating of Divine Liturgy music notation – to be implemented at Cathedral

All

In planning

Funerals

Piloting new liturgical book and practices

All

Ongoing

Cantors Course

Future plans for Cantors Course

All interested adults

In planning

New Particular Law Directives

Have implemented directives of the new Particular Law for Liturgy and celebration of Holy Mysteries

All

Ongoing

Parish Liturgical Calendar

Publication of Parish Liturgical Calendar – to encourage greater liturgical participation

All

Ongoing

Baptisms

Introduction of Saturday Baptisms and Churching on Sundays

All

As required

Pilgrimage to Holy Land

Pilgrimage to Holy Land

All

In planning

Reconciliation

(Confession) available at each Liturgy

All

Weekly

Molebens

Celebration of Molebens

All

As required

Financial support for the needy

Monthly Collection for the Needy (last Sunday of each month); funds collected are used to support Bissell Centre, Hope Mission, Mustard Seed, Marian Centre, Catholic School lunch programs

Needy adults and children

Monthly

Divine Liturgy at Seniors Facility

Divine Liturgy at Shepherd’s Care on a monthly basis

Seniors

Monthly

Food drive

Food bank collections

All needy

Ongoing

Marian Centre

Visitation and assistance at the Marian Centre

Needy

As required

Clothing drives

Collection of clothing for the needy

Needy adults and children

Every two years in the fall

Hamper program

Collecting for, and supplying, hampers

Single mothers

Every May

Pastoral visits

Asking lectors to assist with Communion Home Visits

Home-bound

As required

Youth lobby groups

Organizing youth to form Lobby Groups (Lydia Doschak, Fr. Michael) to visit and speak with Members of Parliament in defense of the dignity of human life (issue of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide)

Youth

As required

Annual parish celebrations

Praznyk

Theophany Dinner

Easter Brunch

All

November

January

April

Parish social activities

Parish Picnic (June)

Sunday Coffee Social

Greeters at the doors

Use of hall and church basement for community events and programs

All

Annual

Weekly

Weekly

As required

Future initiatives

Training of cantors

New lectors (Eucharistic ministers)

Seeking new volunteers for positions on parish council

Financial accountability and stewardship

Organization membership is in decline – need work to revitalize

All

As required

Scripture studies

Limited to reading at liturgical services; may hold sessions in 2017, depending on success of catechism study

All

Every Sunday, feast day, Divine Liturgy or other liturgical service

Children’s catechetical instruction

Fairly regular catechetical instruction for children

Elementary school children

Ongoing

Christ – Our Pascha catechism study

We will go through our Ukrainian Catholic catechism with each week’s topic announced ahead of time. Guest “facilitators” will be invited from time to time. A general topic for each meeting should engage more discussion.

Adults

Weekly, beginning in the fall

Divine Liturgies

Besides our regular Sunday Eucharist, at Dormition we also have one evening Divine Liturgy when a feast day falls on a weekday (these are limited to the Twelve Great Feasts).

All

Weekly, feast day evenings

Presanctified Gifts

Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts once a week during the Great Fast.

All

Weekly throughout Great Fast period

Parastas/Sorokousty

Parastas/Sorokousty offered

All

A number of times during the Lenten period

Marian devotion (маївка)

We have renewed May devotions to the Theotokos (маївка) with a Moleben once a week during the month.

All

Annually throughout May

Expansion of liturgical life

Dependent upon the availability of singers and/or participants for practice sessions

All interested

In planning

Baptisms/Marriages

At this time there is very little going on at Dormition Parish with regards to marriages and baptisms.

All

As required

Reconciliation (Confession)

Beginning in September, the first Sunday of each month, priest will be available at the confessional prior to Divine Liturgy

All

In planning

Food bank

At Dormition Parish there is a permanent, continuous collection for the Food Bank. Greater donating needs to be encouraged. These donations (both of food and funds) are passed onto a Catholic school in the area to give parishioners a concrete goal and add relevance of our parish community to our local (geographical) community.

Needy adults and children

As available

Book Club

Reading and discussing as a group a pre-selected book, such as the Psalms of Mercy or Fr. George Appleyard’s Light of the East.

All adults

As required.

Bible study

Six month (11 Biblical books) DVD Bible Study series on Salvation History

All

Divine Liturgy In Slow Motion

Selecting ahead of time one section of the Divine Liturgy to discuss and ask question on as we celebrated Divine Liturgy with an “inter-active” approach.

All

East2West

Lecture series has been undertaken with our Roman Catholic neighbours. Each year a topic is chosen to highlight our unity in diversity as Catholics. Topics have included “Eucharist: Divine Liturgy and Mass”, “Christian Initiation”, “Healing Mysteries-Sacraments.”

All adults

Annual

Sacramental Preparation

Children preparing for their 1st Confession and Solemn Holy Communion.

Adults preparing for Crowning/Marriage.

Children

Adults

As required

Children’s Liturgy

Sunday morning catechesis (when parents are available to lead)

Children

As available

School and classroom visits

Visits to local Catholic schools

Children

As required

Divine Liturgies

Divine Liturgies celebrated

All

Weekly, feast days, weekday

Other services

Molebens, Akathists, on a regular (monthly) basis. Third Hour, Matins, Vespers.

Parastas and Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgies

Services celebrated

All

Annually throughout Great Fast

Family Prayer Sheets

For Philip’s Fast and for Great Lent & Holy Week

All

Annually through Phillip’s Fast, Great Lent and Holy Week

School Liturgical celebrations

Celebrating Divine Liturgy in our local Catholic Schools.

Children

As required

Visitations

Regular visitations by parishioners to home-bound parishioners.

Homebound adults

As required

Food bank

Food drives in support of the Food Bank.

The Needy

Ongoing

Special collections

Special collections both through the parish/eparchy and the wider civic community (e.g., Red Cross)

The needy

Ongoing

Renovations/upgrades

Our planned renovations and upgrades to our parish hall can also be considered at this point. The improvements to the hall are for parish use and other groups in the wider community who are not part of the parish.

All

Ongoing

Leadership stewardship

At its meeting in early May the PPC began a discussion on the possibility of initiating a stewardship initiative in the parish in 2017.

Sunday school

Children

Every second Sunday

Sunday evening prayers

Prayers for families

All (open to district)

Annually, during Advent and Lent periods

Christmas and Year end Sunday school outing

Prayers, activity, pot luck

Children

Two times per year

St. Nicholas feast day

Related activity

All (open to district)

Annual

District Lenten mission

Held annually

All (open to district)

Annual

Bridge of Hope UCWLC/CWL supper

Held in spring or fall for both women’s organizations

Women of the district

Annual

Catholic school mass and reconciliation

Priest concelebrates this district event

Children

Annual

Akathist hymn

Sung before every UCWLC meeting

All

Monthly

Pre-sanctified gifts vespers

All

Throughout Great Fast

Sorokousty

Service for the deceased

All

Throughout Great Fast

Holy Friday Ecumenical service

All

Annual

Confession/

reconciliation

Celebrated in three major churches of the district

All

During Advent and Great Fast

Blessing of Homes

After Theophany

All

Annual

Retreats

24 hours women’s retreat and day retreat

Adult women

Poustinya house

Myrnam

Adults

Monthly

Live-in society

Seniors services

Celebrated in nine lodges and long term care centres

Seniors

Monthly

Gaining Momentum Society

On Board of Directors, Second Harvest

Christian Inter-church gatherings

Love your city event

Annual

Week for Christian Unity Services

Participate in six of the eight days available, St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic church hosts one.

Annual

Ministry to the poor

In our neighbourhood, e.g., back street boys, persons with disabilities

The needy

As required.

Charity fund

Hospital visits

Alberta March for Life Association 

Sit on board of directors

Spiritual direction

Inclusion Alberta

Church history and Iconography

At pyrohy fundraising events, the community at large is given tours that include church history and iconography.

All

Biannual

First Holy Communion Preparation

Children of recent immigrants are invited to attend our First Holy Communion preparation courses.

Children

As required

The Bible and the Virgin Mary: A Journey Through Scripture program

Members of Assumption and St. Stephen parishes attend our 12-session The Bible and the Virgin Mary: A Journey Through Scripture program. Father Mykhaylo Bohun presented the first 6 sessions during our Lenten Mission, and he will continue the last 6 sessions beginning in November.

All

12 sessions

Christ – Our Pascha catechism training

Assumption will assist St. Stephen Protomartyr parish in hosting one of 6 two-hour sessions on the English translation of the New Catechism. The Very Rev. Stephen Wojcichowsky will present the sessions beginning in November.

All

6 sessions

Christmas Vertep and Easter Sviachene programs

Dobrodika Anna Bohun produces and directs parish families in vertep at Christmas Kutia, and parish children at Easter Sviachene.

Families with children

Annually at Christmas and Easter

Altar Boys Program

We reach out to young parishioners through our Altar Boys program.

Youth

Weekly

Choirs

Assumption parish has two choir programs: one English and one Ukrainian, which are open to all. Our choirs sing at Divine Liturgies, from door to door at Christmas, at care centres, and Ukrainian-Canadian commemorative gatherings in Calgary’s downtown plaza.

All

Weekly Divine Liturgies and other events as required

Sharing facilities

Assumption parish is offering our church to Melkite Greek Catholics for services such as weddings, when St. Stephen is not able to accommodate them.

All

As required

Since 2014, The Holy Trinity Geez congregation had held Sunday liturgies at Assumption. Following reassignment of their Roman Catholic priest by Bishop Henry, the congregation is now attending Assumption parish Divine Liturgies, and recently celebrated their praznyk here.

All

As required

Evangelization

Assumption welcomed 19 new parishioners from 2015 to present day: 8 anglophones, and 11 immigrants from Ukraine.

All

Ongoing

Ukrainian School

We invite all parish newcomers and immigrants to engage in our Ukrainian School, where they meet long-time parishioners.

All

Ongoing

Tourism Calgary

Assumption parish has partnered with Tourism Calgary, receiving various marketing benefits including a web-link to descriptions, photos and video to engage viewers from around the world. We provide tours for regional schools and church groups, most recently from First Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas and the RCIA. In 2016 during a Knights of Columbus convention in Calgary, Assumption parish provided tours for all Knights attending the convention.

All

Ongoing

Pastoral Care program

Following the closure of the SSMI mission in Calgary, Assumption parish council created a Pastoral Care Program for shut-ins and elderly parishioners in care facilities.

Seniors

As required

SSMI Recognition

With St. Stephen and Roman Catholic clergy, Assumption parish organized and hosted a farewell event for Sr. Laura, SSMI. The event was attended by several SSMI representatives, including Sister Patricia (SSMI Provincial Superior, Christ the King Province, Canada), and all in our larger community touched by Sister Laura’s mission.

All

One-time event

Choirs at Mundare Vidpust

Assumption organizes bus transportation to and from Sts. Peter and Paul Vidpust, Mundare, where our parish choirs sing at the Divine Liturgy. Parish council arranges reduced bus travel and dinner costs for Ukrainian youth.

All

Annual

Easter Basket program

Our parish choirs assemble and deliver Easter Baskets for shut-ins.

Shut-ins

Annual

Homilies

A short homily at each liturgical service. Fuller homily at the Sunday Liturgy

All

Weekly and at other liturgical services

Bible Study

Bible Study at Camrose. This year's topic: "The Father's Mercy" (by Fr. Mitch Pacwa from EWTN)

All

Throughout year

Catechetical sessions before organizational meetings

5-10 min catechetical session at the beginning of pastoral council or UCWLC meetings

Organization members

Monthly

School programs

Work with the chaplains at the two Catholic schools in Camrose

Children and youth

As required

Sacramental preparations

Sacramental prep: Baptism, First Holy Communion, Marriage (if Cathedral or Archdiocesan courses not practical)

Children, youth, adults

As required

Sunday Divine Liturgies

Schedule makes provisions for a Liturgy to be served in each of the three areas of the District - West (Calmar area), Central (Camrose area) and East (Holden area)

All

As available

Outreach Divine Liturgies

Liturgies at five senior's lodges, two extended cares and one hospital

Seniors and hospitalized

As required

School Assemblies

Attendance at seasonal prayer assemblies at the Camrose Catholic schools

Children, Youth

As required

Sorokousty

Weekly Sorokousty services during Holy Lent in Camrose. One additional Sorokousty in the West and East areas of the District

Marian Devotions

May devotions: Wednesday Moleben in Camrose

All

Annual

Ecumenical services

Ecumenical prayer in Camrose: Lenten ecumenical services, take part at the Christian Unity service, Advent "Journey to Bethlehem" prayer in the downtown area, Christmas "Longest Night Service" for those who are troubled by loss or depression.

All

Advent, Great Fast and other occasions

Visitations

Pastoral visitation team when visiting the Lodges, extended care facilities, hospitals for liturgical services: help bring residents/patients to the service, help them during the service, respond to the prayers

Seniors, hospitalized

As required

Pyrohy fundraisers

Pyrohy luncheons for fundraising;  pyrohy-making brings in members from the Roman Catholic parish to help out and socialize

All

Monthly

Food program for inner city residents

UCWLC takes their turn (one month commitment) to make and serve soup and sandwiches on Thursdays for the Camrose inner city residents

The needy

One month

Carolling

Caroling in two senior's lodges, an extended care and local area shut-ins: Thorsby Parish

Seniors, shut-ins

Annual

Remembrance Day

Participation at Remembrance Day activities in Holden and Thorsby

All

Annual

Ecumenical program

Ecumenical activities: Autumn prayer of thanksgiving walk - Daysland, Involvement in the Women's Day of Prayer - Camrose and Holden, Outreach activities to neighbouring Christian parishes - Camrose

All

Ongoing

Homilies

Delivered

All

Sundays and feast days

Missions

On a rotating basis at the two churches

All

Annual Great Fast

Sacramental preparation

Because we are a small parishes and don't have very many children Catechism for Solemn Holy Communion and First Confession is offered every 2^nd year and is taught by the Catechist volunteer.

Marriage and Baptism preparation are offered when needed.

Children, adults

Every second year

As required

Catechetical programs

Meetings with bible movies and catechism lessons are offered for the children on a regular basis. Young adults meetings with Bible movies with some moral themes, are offered and well attended. These are done by the pastor.

Children, youth

Monthly

Bible studies

Offered periodically.

Adults

As required

Parish newsletters

Printed with announcements concerning our parishes, Troparion and Sunday readings. Usually some short teaching articles would be included.

Weekly

Sunday Divine Liturgies

Every Sunday and Feast Days, Divine Liturgies are offered in both churches. Before Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning first or third hour is recited.

All

Weekly and feast days

Outreach Divine Liturgies

During the weekdays, Divine Liturgy is celebrated in six nursing homes.

Seniors

Monthly

Marian Devotions (Mayivka)

Celebrated during the week and rosary prayed before Divine Liturgies on Sundays

All

Annually throughout the month of May

Presanctified Gifts

During the Great Lent Divine Liturgy of Presanctified gifts is served with Sorokouste.

All

Annually during Great Fast

Confession (Reconciliation)

The holy sacrament of confession is offered by appointment or every Sunday before Divine Liturgy, during the Great Fast on Saturdays and during Lenten missions.

All

Weekly, by appointment and during Great Lent

Sacrament of the Sick

The holy sacrament of the sick is offered as needed but on Lazarus Saturday is served in one of our churches for all those who are in need.

All

As required, and annually on Lazarus Saturday

Baptisms

The holy sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in two parts, first part on Saturday with the holy sacrament of confession for the parents and the godparents. On Sunday,  Baptism and Chrismation are incorporated into the Divine Liturgy.

All

As required

Welcoming parish

Parishioners and visitors are greeted and welcomed as they enter into our churches. Two people greet our parishioners, give them weekly newsletter and assist them if they have any needs.

All

Weekly on Sundays

Food bank

Christmas and Great Lent collections donated to the Marian Centre.

The needy

Twice annually: pre-Christmas and Great Fast seasons

Outreach

Pastor and UCWLC members visit the sick and shut-ins.

Visiting seniors in the nursing homes is done by the pastor and volunteers.

Sick, shut-ins, seniors

As required

School lunch program

Special luncheon soup and bun is served in neighboring school once a year.

Children

Annually

Fundraisers for disasters

Very often different fundraisings are done for world wide tragic events, and are always successful.

Victims of disasters

As required

Christmas greetings and gifts

Christmas greetings are mailed to all parishioners every year by the pastor and UCWLC members are delivering small gifts to shut-ins in their homes.

All, shut-ins

Annually

Homilies

Regular sermons during the Saturday evening and the Sunday liturgies, about 10 minutes long.

Brief 3-5 minute sermons during Feast day liturgies

All

Weekly Divine Liturgies,

Feast Days

Bozhi Dity (Sunday School)

Bozhi Dity Sunday school for children aged 3-8 years during the English language Liturgy on Sundays.

Children

Weekly

Sadochok (play school)

Sadochok program for 3 and 4 year-olds.

Children

Ongoing

Sacramental preparation

First Holy Communion preparation program for 7 year old children.

Baptism preparation requires a meeting with the parents. 

Marriage preparation requires meetings with the priest and also a marriage prep course (which is offered elsewhere).

Children

Adults

As required

Guest speakers

Women’s league and Knights of Columbus occasionally have guest speakers

Members

As required

Youth programs

Youth retreats held to prepare for Christmas and Easter, occasional guest speakers at youth meetings.  (Youth aged 13-20 years old).

Youth

As required

Acolytes

Acolytes have regular practices

Youth

Ongoing

Children of Mary (Bozhi Dity)

Children of Mary have regular meetings learning about Mary and praying

Children

As required

Children’s summer camp

Two-week summer camp at Pigeon Lake.  Catechesis changes every year, focusing on a theme.  This year, the theme is the Mother of God.

Children

Annual

Mission

Annual parish Lenten mission

All

Annual during Great Fast

Divine Liturgies

Four Sunday Divine Liturgies: 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Sunday

(during the summer and on greater occasions, only one divine liturgy at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning).

Daily divine liturgy at 7 a.m. from Monday to Saturday

Friday morning, there is an additional divine liturgy at 9 a.m. in the residence chapel

Holy Days of Obligation have Divine Liturgies at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 7 p.m.  Combined attendance between all liturgies can go as high as 280 people on the better-attended feast days, usually in winter.  We announce the holy days of obligation ahead of time in the bulletin and we also announce them ahead of time from the pulpit and emphasize them.

Minor feast days have divine liturgies at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

All

Weekly and feast days

Daily

Weekly

As required

As required

Confession (Reconciliation)

Confessions available during all Sunday Divine Lliturgies.

All

Weekly, feast days

Rosary

Rosary is recited before the 11 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

All

Weekly

Utrenia (morning prayer, Matins); Vespers

Utrenya (morning prayer) following Divine Liturgy from Monday to Friday, Saturday evening vespers at 6 p.m., Sunday morning Utrenya at 8 a.m.

All

Daily

Sorokousty

Sorokousty services at 7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent (then no 9 a.m. liturgies on Fridays)

All

Weekly throughout Great Fast

Grave Blessings

Graves blessed regularly during Easter season at four cemeteries, plus other occasions on request

All

Annually during Easter season, and on request

Outreach

Divine Liturgies celebrated at care homes

Seniors

During Advent and Easter seasons

Marian Devotions / Moleben

Daily Marian Moleben celebrated in evening

All

Daily throughout May, except Sundays

Rosary

Daily evening rosary

All

Daily, throughout October, except Sundays

Sacramental services

Baptisms, weddings, sacrament of the sick and funerals celebrated on request

All

On request

Soup Kitchens

Knights of Columbus volunteer at soup kitchens

The needy

Several times per year

Inner City School Holodomor Lunch

Knights of Columbus serve Holodomor lunch at an inner city school once a year

Children

Annual

Food bank

Food bank collection on the last Sunday of each month

The needy

Monthly

Charitable donations

Surplus from Lenten mission donations donated to various charities

The needy

Annual during Great Fast

Social issues

Letter-writing protest campaign done this year regarding assisted death

Legislators

As required

St. Basil’s Cultural Centre

The Church hall (St. Basil’s Cultural Centre) is used for parish meetings and functions, but it is also rented out to the wider community for its needs, eg., banquets, weddings, meetings, etc.  The Church hall is also the home of the parish Ukrainian dance school.

All

Ongoing

Ridna Shkola/ Рідна школа

The Ridna Shkola at St. George parish includes catechetical instruction for children aged 4 through 11 years, typically 80-90 pupils in total, taught by four catechists—two priests and two lay people. The program spans six levels of instruction, and while particular emphasis is placed on children at the second level preparing to receive their First Solemn Holy Communion, instruction continues through the elementary school years.

«Рідна школа» при парафії св. Юрія включає катехитичне навчання для дітей віком від 4 до 11 років, всього 80-90 учнів, яке провадять чотири катехити—два священики і два миряни. У програму входять шість ступенів навчання. Особлива увага зосереджується на другому ступені, коли діти готуються до Першого Tоржественного Причастя, але навчання продовжується протягом всіх років початкової школи.

Children/ для дітей

Throughout the year

Youth Discussion group/зустріч mолодi

The young people of the parish meet on a monthly basis for instruction and discussion led by the pastor.

Молодь парафії зустрічається раз на місяць для навчання та дискусію, якою провадить отець-парох.

Youth/ Молодь

Monthly/ раз на місяць

Adult Catechesis/ Kатехитичного навчання дорослих

Catechesis for adults includes monthly screenings of religiously themed documentary films after Sunday liturgies. Since September 2012 the parish has also operated a lending library for self-guided study. The library includes books on Christian faith, theology, prayer, the lives of saints, history, family life and religious literature, as well as a selection of children’s books.

До катехитичного навчання дорослих входять щомісячні просвітлення науково-пізнавальних та документальних фільмів на релігійну тематику після недільних відправ. З вересня 2012 р.Б. в парафії працює бібліотека для самостійного катехитичного навчання. До бібліотеки входять книжки про Христову віру, богослов’я, молитву, життя святих, історію, сімейне життя, та релігійна белетристика, а також збірка книжок для дітей.

Adults/ дорослих

Monthly/ щомісячнo

Scramental preparation/

готування до вінчання

The pastor conducts preparatory classes for parishioners preparing to marry.

Отець-парох провадить лекції для парафіян, які готуються до вінчання.

Adults/ дорослi

As required/ коли потрібно

Divine Liturgies/ Божественні літургії

On Sundays St. George Parish celebrates two Divine Liturgies, a solemn liturgy sung alternately by the church choir or by the congregation led by cantors, and a second recited/sung liturgy, also led by a cantor.

Щонеділі парафія св. Юрія відправляє дві Божественні літургії—торжественну, яку співає церковний хор або вся громада під проводом дяків, і читану/частково співану, якою також провадить дяк.

On major feast days the parish celebrates two Divine Liturgies, a sung liturgy in the morning, which is preceded by a matins service, and a recited liturgy in the evening.

На великі свята відправляється співана літургія з утренею вранці, та читана літургія увечері.

On the remaining days of the week a Divine Liturgy is celebrated in the morning.

У будні дні Божественна літургія відправляється щоранку.

All/всі

Sundays, Feastdays/ Щонеділі, великі свята

Weekdays/ будні дні

Vespers/вечірнi

From September through June a vespers service is celebrated every Saturday evening.

З вересня по червень щосуботи відправляється вечірня.

All/всі

Saturday evenings/ щосуботи вечір

Presanctified Gifts and Sorokousty/ Літургія предшеосвячених дарів i Сорокоусти

During Lent the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts is celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the Friday service is followed by Sorokousty.

Під час Великого Посту у середу та п’ятницю відправляється Літургія предшеосвячених дарів, після чого в п’ятницю також відправляються Сорокоусти.

All/всі

Wednesdays and Fridays during Great Fast, Sorokousty on Fridays/Під час Великого Посту у середу та п’ятницю,  в п’ятницю Сорокоусти

Marian Devotions (Moleben)/ молебень до Пресвятої Богородиці

In May a moleben to the Mother of God is sung every evening.

У травні щовечора відправляється молебень до Пресвятої Богородиці.

All/всі

Evenings throughout May/ щовечора y травні

Assistance to inner city charities/ фінансовi i добровільнi підтримки

Located on the edges of Edmonton’s inner city, St. George parish seeks to help the city’s destitute by financially supporting the Marian Centre and the Mustard Seed. Members of the parish youth group also volunteer their time at the Marian Centre. Parishioners regularly contribute foodstuffs for the Edmonton Food Bank at a collection point located in the church building.

Парафія св. Юрія знаходиться на краях міського центру Едмонтону, де проживаються багато убогих та безхатченків. Тому парафія намагається допомогти нужденним фінансовою підтримкою «Марійського центру» (згромадження «Madonna House») та громади «Гірчичне зерно». Члени парафіяльної молоді також добровільно працюють при «Марійському центрі». Парафіяни звично приносять продукти для «Едмонтонського харчового банку» до пункту збору, що знаходиться в церкві.

The needy/ нужденнi

As required/ коли потрібно

Charitable donations outside Canada/ Допомогa поза Канаду

The parish women’s league is particularly active in charitable activities. For many years it has sponsored needy children in Ukraine. It also gives material support to orphanages in Brazil and Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war in eastern Ukraine this assistance has been expanded to include families displaced by the war and is distributed in collaboration with the Holy Spirit Seminary in Lviv.

Парафіяльна Марійська дружина особливо активна у харитативній сфері. Протягом багатьох років вона «спонсорує» потребуючих дітей в Україні. Вона також надає матеріальну допомогу сиротинцям у Бразилії та Україні. Після початку війни на сході України цю допомогу також надають вимушеним переселенцям через Духовну семінарію Святого Духа у Львові.

The needy/ нужденнi

As required/ коли потрібно

Assistance to Amputees and Pope Francis’ call for assistance to Eastern Ukraine/ допомогa покаліченим i збірки для східної України зорганізованою Папою Франциском

Working with CNEWA and the Military Chaplaincy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the parish raised funds to acquire a prosthetic leg for a Ukrainian paratrooper maimed in battle near Luhansk, and during its last St. Nicholas concert, the parish conducted a collection for the Help Mykola Fund of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to assist in the treatment of a young amputee who lost three limbs to a landmine near Mariupol. During the recent collection for eastern Ukraine mandated by Pope Francis, the parish heeded the call of Patriarch Sviatoslav and the Eparchy of Edmonton to join in the effort and raised some $13,000 for the collection.

Співпрацюючи з організацією «CNEWA» та Військовим капеланством УГКЦ, парафія зібрала кошти на протезування українського десантника, який був покалічений під час бою на Луганщині, а під час останнього свята св. Миколая відбулася збірка для фонду «Допоможіть Миколі» Канадсько-української фундації, щоб допомогти лікувати молодого хлопчика, який втратив руку та обидві ноги під Маріуполем. Під час нещодавньої збірки для східної України зорганізованою Папою Франциском, парафія відгукнулася на заклик Патріярха Святослава та Едмонтонської єпархії приєднатися до неї і зібрала приблизно 13.000 дол.

The needy/ нужденнi

As required/ коли потрібно

Building projects for the Church/ будівельнi проекти Церкви

The parish has been involved in a number of building projects for the Church, including the installation of new windows at the Ivano-Frankivsk Seminary (a project of Aid to the Church in Need), the building of a new parish church in Elbląg, Poland, and especially the construction of the Patriarchal Sobor in Kyiv, for which the parish has raised more than $100,000.

Парафія не раз долучалася до різних будівельних проектів Церкви, у тому числі до встановлення нових вікон в Івано-Франківській духовній семінарії (під егідою організації «Церква в потребі»), будівництва нового храму в Ельблонзі в Польщі, та зокрема для будівництва Патріяршого Собору в Києві, для якого парафія вже назбирала більше 100.000 дол.

As required/ коли потрібно

Bible Studies

Adults

September to May, biweekly on Tuesday evenings

Sacramental preparation

Baptismal preparation with each family preparing for the baptism of their child.

Families

As required

UCWLC Catechetical

5-10 min catechetical session at the UCWLC meetings

Members of UCWLC

Monthly

Missions

Successfully re-introduced two-day mission, will consider a three- day mission during the Great Fast in 2016-2017.

All

Annually during the Great Fast

Parish bulletins

Various catechetical and informative articles are included

All

Weekly

Parish website

Catechetical material posted on website

All

Ongoing

Mom’s Group

Begins a new season in 2016-2017, offering mom’s with small children an opportunity to meet, catechesis and fellowship

Mothers of small children

Bozhi Dity/Sunday School

Pre-school to grade 3. The Sunday school program takes place during the Divine Liturgy. All the children come back to the church at the exchange of the Kiss of Peace.

Children pre-school to grade 3

Weekly, except June to August

Sacramental preparation

Solemn Holy Communion and First Reconciliation preparation program for children.

Children

As required

Homily for youth and children

First Sunday of the month - Homily specifically preached for youth and children.

Youth, children

Monthly

Youth meetings

Youth, grades 2 – 9

Monthly

Young Adults meetings

Ages 16 up

Monthly

Choir

St. Nicholas Choir

All

Weekly and feast days

Roaary

Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

All

Weekly

Presanctified Gifts Liturgy

Pre-sanctified Liturgy – Once a week (Wednesday or Friday) during Lent

Weekly (Wednesdays or Fridays) throughout Great Fast

Sacramental preparation

Introduction of Churching (if the baptism is on Saturday) to be on Sunday with all the parishioners present

Families

As required

Reconciliation/

Confession

All

Weekly or by arrangement

Molebens/Marian Devotions

Molebens celebrated in conjunction with the UCWLC meetings and once a week in the month of May

All

Monthly, once per week during the month of May

Food Bank

Collection box in church vestibule

The needy

Ongoing

Mustard Seed

Parishioners prepare a meal at the soup kitchen and serve dinner once a year.

The needy

Annual

Food service

Parishioners prepare sandwiches at the parish and deliver to Marian Centre and Bissell Centre once a year

The needy

Annual

Clothing Drives

Clothing drive youth project

The needy

Annual, during Advent season

Pastoral Visits

Pastoral Visits – Fr. Julian and UCWLC Outreach Group

Sick and shut-ins

As required

Sacramental preparation

Preparation for Baptism, Marriage, Holy Communion

As required

Update of resource materials

Update: some Liturgical books, Moleben, Jerusalem Matins, Xresna Doroha books

Vertep

All

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Our parishioners took part in the Pilgrimage Tour to the Holy Land

All

One-time event

Divine Liturgies

During Liturgical year all Sundays and Holy Days are honored (90 services).

All

Weekly and feast days

Mission

Also we have Mission Days during the Great Lent,

All

During Great Fast period

Confession/Reconciliation

Confession days

All

Marian Devotions

Molebens to Blessed Virgin Mary

All

Way of the Cross

Way of the Cross (Xresna Doroha).

All

Charitable Support

Orphans, Home of Hope in Ukraine, Donations to Equador, St. Mary Center, Fort McMurray

Needy

As required

Youth involvement

More youth involvement needed in parish council, choir

Adult programs

Some adult programs to be designed in cooperation with church council

In planning

Church maintenance

Parish council looks after parish finances and maintenance such as plumbing and electrical;

48 Families involved in church cleaning and decorating

Participation

Parishioners involved in parish council, UCWLC, BUC

Seasonal social activities

Sunday coffee (prepared by different Families),

Spilne Sviachene

Sviat Vechir

Easter Baking

Organized Bishop's Tea

Weekly

Annually

As required

Celebrations

2015: We celebrated 65^th  anniversary of our parish and the UCWLC, and

Welcoming parish

Welcome of Visitors: tried greeters

Homilies

Almost all sermons throughout the year are given with a Scripture Study approach.

All

Weekly, feast days

Solemn Holy Communion program

We have a Solemn Holy Communion Program each year, which averages about 1 to 3 children a year.

Families

Annual

Catechism program

Liz Greening gives the Catechism Program.

The pastor gives a couple of classes to both the children and their parents for this program.

Families

Sacramental preparation – baptism and marriage

When parents come to have their children baptized, the pastor would have at least one, three-hour class for them.

When adults come for baptism, the pastor gives several (6-12) three-hour classes.

When couples come for marriage classes, at least one, three-hour class is given.

Families

Couples

As required

Missions

Every year a missionary is invited to give missions (a continuing catechesis) to the parishes during lent.

All

Annual, during Great Fast period

Divine Liturgies

Every Sunday there are two Divine Liturgies celebrated at the Lamont District.

One Divine Liturgy is also celebrated on the six major feast days in the year together with their various blessings (i.e., water, candles, flowers, fruit, paska, etc.).

All

Weekly, feast days

Rosary

The Rosary is recited by the faithful before every Divine Liturgy.

Outreach Divine Liturgies

About every six weeks, two Divine Liturgies are celebrated on a Tuesday; one at the Lamont Lodge for the seniors and one at the Lamont Hospital for the sick.

Seniors, hospitalized

Every six weeks

Other Services and 24-hour adoration

Every First Friday, at 7:00 pm there is a: Rosary, Confessions, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of the Sick, followed by a 24-hour adoration in the Church.

The Adoration ends at 7:00 pm on Saturday.

All

Monthly

Holy Week services

All the services are offered during Holy Week; Holy Thursday, Great Friday, Great Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

All

Annually

Blessing of graves

All graves are blessed at all the cemeteries in the weeks following Easter.

All

Annual

Sacrament services

Baptism, Chrismation, Sacrament of the Sick, Funerals and Weddings are celebrated upon request.

All

As required

Knights of Columbus projects

The Knights of Columbus (the Roman Catholics and the Ukrainian Catholics are together in one council) often do projects in our community.

They provide for resources for the Catechism Program offered at the Lamont Elementary School.

All

As required

Outreach

A lector at Lamont visits the sick each Sunday with Holy Communion (about 10 to 12 people).

A Lector at the Krakow parish takes Holy Communion to his mother once a month.

Sick and shut-ins

Weekly

Blessing of Homes, Feast of Theophany

Every year after the Feast of Theophany the pastor with a driver goes to every home to bless it with Holy water.

Everyday a different driver goes with the pastor after each home was phoned to let them know that they were coming the next day.

All

Annual

Catechesis

Lloydminster does have potential for catechism for the children and youth from Ukraine, since most are recent immigrants, but we are looking for parents from Ukraine to teach. Hopefully

something can be started in September.

Children, Youth

In planning

Homilies

At Lloydminster at every Divine Liturgy, my homily is both in English and Ukrainian.

All

Weekly, feast days

Evangelization

I keep reminding all the faithful that ‘We are now the Lord’s Disciples’, and with Spiritual guidance and enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, we are to be ‘Beacons of Light’ to others, thus we all have a very important role to play for Christ

and His Church. I feel this message is slowly taking root.

All

In development

Divine Liturgies

At the present time in both parishes, besides the Sunday Divine Liturgy, there are no programs specifically for children, youth, adults, or parents/families because most parishioners are 50 or more years old. I do encourage all

to participate in singing, because ‘Singing is Praying.’

All

Outreach Divine Liturgies

There is a Divine Liturgy in Vermilion for those in the lodge and nursing home once a month.

Seniors

Monthly

Liturgy Language

At Lloydminster at every Liturgy some of the Liturgy is also sung in Ukrainian since those from Ukraine usually outnumber the Canadian group.

All

Weekly

Outreach

What is spiritually happening in the communities of?  Not enough evangelization is happening in Lloydminster and Vermilion. Need to have more out reaching to the faithful in the communities.

All

Coffee and Fellowship

At Lloydminster practically after each Divine Liturgy, except for July & August, there is coffee and fellowship which is fairly well attended. This gives me an opportunity to speak one-on-one

with the parishioners which is certainly beneficial.

At Vermilion parish there is coffee and fellowship on the 1^st & 3^rd Sunday’s which I cannot attend as I am one the road to Lloydminster.

Weekly

Biweekly

Homilies

Do to the fact that rural area does not have regular services every Sunday, part of the homily is combined with catechesis and it seems that sermons take forever. Young people do not have patience if it is not entertaining.

All

When Divine Liturgy held

Divine Liturgies

Our parishioners, that are our senior members, who for the years have been faithful members in our district church community are very much still active. They put all efforts to be present for all the scheduled services praying at Divine Liturgy, listening to the Word of God, and receiving Holy Eucharist regularly in their mother parish. Some of them also travel to attend services in neighboring parishes.

Many of them do not have a way to come to church due to age and transportation limitations and that number is rapidly increasing. I could say that 80% of our active members attend regularly.

Number of active members in each parish varies. Some of them have only five members and most active would be up to 25 members/persons. Average age is between 65-85 years old.

Only two churches in the district have children and few younger parents that come regularly to church. Other younger couples are occasional attendees.

All

As available

Divine Liturgies to Seniors and shut-ins

Biggest boost for me are our elderly shut-ins and in lodges, and all members who come to sing with us, and for whom church was for many years center of their daily worship. They very much appreciate once a month service at their place of residency and reception of Christ in Eucharist. Many times thankfulness is expressed through tears of joy in their eyes and times big hugs or kisses.

Seniors, shut-ins

Monthly

Divine Liturgies, Feast days

Major feast days that have extra services attached to them, are also reason why young people are not so much interested in the church. Usually young people visit church when services are normally longer, for example Easter, Christmas, or Jordan (when we have included very small parts of Great Complines, Utrenia, Litia, water and baskets blessings with anointing with oil at the end) or during the Lenten Sundays (Liturgy of St. Basil) or graveside services or Divine Liturgy with Baptism. For them seems that priest is prolonging instead to shorten service on those events (it is longer than regular Sunday service in their parish).

All

Other services

There are differences in funeral services, eulogies and wedding or christening ceremonies due to lack of uniformity among clergy. Complain is to their parents or grandparents, who are our regular attendees. With them whole family could be upset and priest is at times questioned about it.

All

Our seniors are still living in the spirit of service and volunteering and try to do everything in their power to upkeep their church community, building, services, and encourage others to come. Younger generations do not have time to commit themselves to an extra hour for church or service.

Communicating and sharing all receiving information with the district members is mostly via e-mail or announcements at the end of Divine Liturgy.

In young generation, who do not live any longer in the area, we might not experience much growth, however there is still very much need to bring Christ to those who are left there, especially elderly. They appreciate every visit and communion with Living Christ in Word, Eucharist, and serving priest.

Sunday School

Sunday School lessons are given three of the four Sunday monthly liturgies for children 3 to 7 years of age after the Gospel reading.

Children

Three times per month

Divine Liturgies – children’s, English, bilingual, weekday

The first Sunday of the month is a children’s liturgy and homily given specific to the children. 

There is also a St. Nicholas Children’s Christmas Liturgy.

The second and third Sundays are in English. 

The fourth Sunday of the month liturgy is a bilingual liturgy where the faithful respond in Ukrainian.

There is also a regular Wednesday, weekday liturgy at 7:00pm at the parish residence basement.

Children

All

All

All

First Sunday of month

Second and third Sundays

Fourth Sunday of the month

Weekly

First Solemn Holy Communion preparation

We have First Solemn Holy Communion classes beginning in January and ending in March with two parent sessions. 

The parish also invites the Ukrainian Bilingual Program to register their children if they don’t belong to a Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Families

Annually, January to March

Outreach Divine Liturgies

We also have every second Tuesday of the month a liturgy for the residents at Summerwood Retirement Seniors Village and ministry for the faithful living there.

Seniors

Monthly

Catholic school services

There is also Moleben and Thanksgiving services and liturgies throughout the year in the various Catholic schools in Sherwood Park and the surrounding community.

Children

As required

Parish feast day celebration

Following the St. Nicholas Children’s Christmas Liturgy, there is a visit from St. Nick, and a pot-luck dinner for the parish.  The parish also celebrates its parish feast day with a pot-luck dinner.

All

Annual

HIHO – Happiness Is Helping Others Outreach Program

Food drives, clothing drives, turkey hampers, driving the elder to church, prayer chain, etc.

Needy

Ongoing

Fundraisers:

Pyrohy Workbee, Malanka,  Fall Dance, Golf Tournament

Parish “Pyrohy Workbee” usually every Tuesday of the week from October to February with fellowship and a social during and after the workbee. The parish also offers a “Pyrohy Supper” to the surrounding community of Sherwood Park.

There are two other major fundraisers for the parish “Malanka” and a “Fall Dance.”

Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser with a number of young married men, who volunteer their time, energy, talent and ministry by reaching out to the community and friends in recognizing the fundraiser is for St. Sophia Parish – a different approach to the catechism of our church – a light!

All

Weekly, October to February

Annual

Annual

Welcoming Parish

Each Sunday we have a set-up team, which welcomes all people coming the church.

All

Weekly

Smokey Lake Sunday School

New Kiew Day Camp

Only two of my parishes have   

any youth or young adults. In Smoky Lake, Sunday School was provided once a month. I had anywhere from 2-5 children between the ages of 2-4 years of age. I had a teacher from the Catholic School in Waskatenau doing lessons with the kids, but she has since moved and at present there are no lessons for the children. I am thinking of having a class with them one Saturday a month starting in September.

In my parish of New Kiew the parish priest, parents and young adults do a day camp for the children in the community for a week in July. There are 20-30 children that attend this camp. Each year the camp has a different theme. This year’s theme is on the life of the Saints.

Children

Monthly, currently none but another format in planning

Annual

Homilies

In my homilies I strive to apply the gospels teachings for today’s society.  I often ask the question, “how can the gospel lesson teaching be applied to our lives in the 21 century.”

Divine Liturgies

Parish life on the farm parishes is different than in the urban parishes. In the Smoky Lake District, services are held twice a month in Smoke Lake parish and once a month per parish with some of my parishes having services six times a year and two parishes only four times a year.

The five parishes that I serve have liturgy once a month. Smoky Lake parish has services twice a month. Two of my parishes have liturgy six times a year, two parishes have service four times a year and one parish has service three times a year.

I also alternate the celebration of the feast days at different parishes.

At the beginning of the Liturgy I introduce the theme for the Sunday’s Gospel reading. During the liturgy we exchange the kiss of peace.

All

Varies: Twice a month to three times a year

Evangelization

I also encourage my members to do a little evangelizing by asking their neighbor, friends and adult children to join them for liturgy. I’ve also encouraged my people to support each other by attending church service in the neighbouring parishes. I ask the question, “if you are saved, don’t you want your neighbours and friends to be saved and come to know your Jesus?”

All

Ongoing

Welcoming Parish

At the beginning of the liturgy I welcome all of the parishioners and introduce any guests that may be visiting the parish.

All

At Divine Liturgies

Pastoral Visitation

In my ministry I have found that Pastoral Visitation with Holy Water is vital. It gives me and my parishioners an opportunity to develop a better fellowship with each other. I try to spend about half an hour at each home in which they get a chance to ask me questions they may have, or make suggestion, and for me to get to know my parishioners a little better.

All

As available

Food bank, Smoky Lake

In the Smoky Lake parish we participate in the Food Bank Program.

Needy

Ongoing

Mother’s Day Fashion Show

In my Smoky Lake Parish we host a Mother’s Day Fashion Show for the community.  It has been very successful and the ladies of the community look forward to this event.

All

Annual

Fall supper, Stry

Stry Parish host a fall supper, which is well attended by the members of the community.

All

Annual

Potato Pancake Supper, New Kiew

This past year New Kiew parish sponsored a potato pancake supper, which was a big hit.

All

One time event

Smoky Lake UCWLC

My Smoky Lake Ladies League will be hosting a potato pancake supper this fall.

Children’s  catechesis and First Holy Communion Instruction

We now have a children’s program which includes First Communion Instruction.

Children

Bible studies

There are several Bible Study sessions during the year with the viewing of a DVD.

All

Several during year

Divine Liturgies

Regular celebration of Liturgy of St. Basil was reintroduced.

Regular Liturgies at retirement homes.

All

Seniors

Weekly

As required

Akafist

Akafist to the passion of Christ for Lent on Wednesdays.

All

Weekly during Great Fast season

Sorokousty

Sorokousty as usual.

All

During Great Fast season

Marian Devotions

May Devotions are celebrated 3 times weekly.

All

Three times per week

Rosary

Rosary before daily Liturgy and before first Sunday Liturgy. Daily Rosary during Oct.

All

Daily weekdays and first Sunday of month

Daily during October

Vespers

Vespers Saturday afternoon and for Holy Days.

All

Saturday afternoons and Holy Days

Charitable donations and Food Bank

Financial support to the needy. Regular Food Bank collection.

Needy

Ongoing

Pyrohy suppers

Regular pyrohy suppers attended by many various people from the town and surroundings.

All

As required

Safe Environment Program

Initiated with Andrea Leader, now needs follow through.

All

Ongoing

Homilies

At Sunday and feast day Divine Liturgies Also, occasional homilies at Divine Liturgy on Fridays.  A short sermon is given at the monthly meeting of the Knights of Columbus and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada.

At Wednesday moleben’s/akathist

All

Weekly (Sundays), feast days (12 major plus minor)

Molebens weekly (Wednesdays)

Mission

All

Annual, during period of Great Fast

Sacramental preparations

Preparation for First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion is offered once a year and is taught by the catechists.

Baptism, Marriage and Funeral preparations are offered when needed.

Children and families

Annual

As required

School programs

Preaching on specific topics to the teachers and children of the Catholic Schools is done on an ad-hoc basis.

Children and teachers

As required

Children’s Camp

During the summer months there is a two/three day children’s camp.

Annual

Divine Liturgies

Divine Liturgies are offered on all Sundays and feast days of our Ecclesiastical Year and on Fridays.   

The Parish Priest participates in the services at both St. Mary and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Churches when services are offered for the teachers and/or students of the Catholic Schools.

All

Children and teachers

Biweekly (Sundays, Fridays), feast days (12 major plus minor)

As required

Moleben/Akafist

Moleben/Akathist is celebrated on Wednesdays,

‘Akathist to the Divine Passion of Christ

All

Weekly (Wednesdays)

During Great Fast season

Rosary

Every Sunday at 9:30 a rosary is lead by a volunteer for those who wish to pray it.

All

Weekly

Presanctified Gifts/Sorokousty

During the Great Fast, Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and Sorokousty is offered on Fridays and

All

Weekly, during Great Fast season

Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion and Confession (Repentence)

The Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion are incorporated into Sunday Divine Liturgy. The Holy Mystery of Repentance is offered on Sundays before or after Divine Liturgy, at the time of Lenten Mission, on a special day before Christmas and upon request.

Children and families

As required

Annointing of the Sick

The Holy Mystery of Anointing is offered when needed.

All

As required

School program: Reconciliation/Confessions

The parish priest also helps with Confessions before Christmas and Easter at both churches.

All

Biannual

Fellowship

Every Sunday two families prepare sandwiches and/or baked goods, coffee/tea/juice to be served to the people after Divine Liturgy. 

All

Weekly

Food bank and other charitable programs

Food items are collected during the whole year. Collected food is donated to the Food Bank.

From time to time there are other fundraisers that bring people of God together to help those in need.

The needy

Ongoing

Visitations

Visiting of the sick and shut-ins is offered by the parish priest.

All

Ongoing

Pyrohy supper

Twice a year a pyrohy supper is offered to the people of Red Deer. There is a lot of work prior to it which builds the church community.

All

Biannual

Sunday School

Each Sunday we have a Sunday school for children 3-12 years of age. This program takes place during the Homily and the children return to the Divine Liturgy during the Insistent Litany. We use the ‘God with Us’ program.

Children

Weekly (Sundays)

Children’s Homily

Once a month the children stay with the parish and participate in a children’s homily.

Children

Monthly

Altar Servers

Children between the ages of 6-13 years regularly have practices which incorporate time set aside for prayer, scripture reading and catechises.

Children

Ongoing

Adult formation programs

Adult formation events, Bible Study classes

Adults

Ongoing

Myrrh Bearers

Myrrh Bearers Young girls group for ages 6-13

Children

Ongoing

Youth Group

Ages 12-18.

Children

Ongoing

Liturgical Year

Our goal for this coming year is to help faithful grow in their understanding of the Liturgical Year.

All

In planning

Divine Liturgies

Prayer is the foundation on which the parish stands and so strive not to neglect it. We offer on a weekly basis fully cantored Sunday Divine Liturgy and Saturday Great Vespers. Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers for every major feast day. This translates to two to four weekly services depending on the Liturgical calendar cycle.

Our goal for this coming year is to include Sunday Morning Matins at least once a month.

All

Two – four weekly services

As required

In planning

Moleben/Akafist/

Daily Vespers

All

Weekly during Great and other  Fast seasons (Wednesdays)

Presanctified Gifts

All

During Great Fast season

Marian Devotions

May Devotions are celebrated 3 times weekly.

All

Daily (Wednesdays)

Church cleaning/maintenance; church committees

The parishioners have the opportunity to serve one another and the community by participating in Church cleaning/maintenance and volunteering for Church Committees.

Needy

Ongoing

Fellowship

After Divine Liturgy fellowship offered.

This coming year we would like to expand our fellowship gatherings from a monthly to weekly coffee and a monthly Agape Meal.

The youth of our parish are an integral part of this plan to expand our fellowship to a weekly basis. They will be baking goods in the kitchen to be offered for the community fellowship. The money raised from the fellowship will be used by the youth to offer charity to those in need (children in hospital, homeless, international causes etc.)

All

Monthly

In planning