St. Clare Updates for
Dec. 11-24, 2021
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We are getting closer to our most joyful and beautiful Christmas celebration. In the background is the ongoing pandemic and the new restrictions presented by our local government.
Please pay attention our Revised Christmas Schedule below and the new attendance limits.
Thank you for your understanding and following all the required precautions: keeping social distance, not shaking hands and taking care to ensure that you are properly wearing your mask while indoors.
We all hope for beautiful celebrations and safe festivities. Please plan to come a bit earlier for the Masses as entrance will be on a first come first served basis.
Fr. Maciej
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Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB reinstated the obligation to attend mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation in the summer of 2021.
Also as per the Archbishop’s request and now the new Public Health Order, you must wear a mask when attending mass. And as per the public health order, masks are also required in the Parish Centre unless you are eating or drinking.
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Local Penitential Services |
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Even in the midst of a pandemic, Jesus deeply desires to be reunited with you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During this Advent Season of Mercy, parishes around the Archdiocese are offering increased confession times. Below are the dates where local Penitential Services are scheduled. Other confession times can be found at rcav.org/christmas
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OUR REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE IS :
DAILY MASSES Monday through Saturday at 9:00am and
WEEKEND MASSES Saturday at 5:00pm
and on Sunday at 8:30am, 11:00am and 5:00pm
There is a Spanish mass at 6:30pm on Sunday
We have also added the Morning Office/Breviary at 8:30am from Monday through Saturday. Everyone is welcome to join in.
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Daily Masses Monday through Friday at 9:00am
Weekend Mass at 5:00pm on Saturday
All of these are posted on YouTube and Facebook and can be watched either live or after the livestreaming has ended. If you haven't already, please subscribe to our Youtube page and don't forget to "Like Us". These simple moves makes us easier to find on the web.
You can participate in all of our online masses by clicking on the links provided above or by going to our website, www.stclare.ca and clicking on the link provided.
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We have connected a very limited number of sound receivers to our sound system for people with serious difficulty in hearing. These can be used with either our headphones or your own personal headphones. If you are interested, please call the office at 604-941-4800 or email stclareofassisi@shaw.ca These are the same ones that we had in the hall.
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Wedding, Baptisms and Funerals |
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Since the limitations have been lifted on religious gatherings and worship services, attendance restrictions at Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms have also been lifted. Please contact the office to make arrangements. |
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OUR REGULAR CONFESSION SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:
- Before morning mass at 8:45am and after morning mass at 9:30am, Monday through Saturday. No registration or appointment is necessary.
Confessions are now heard in the Crying Room (by the washrooms on the east side of the church) NOT in the confessional.
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Pre-Authorized Payments
We offer a Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) plan which you can sign up for by completing the form at Pre-Authorized Form and returning it with a void cheque to the office. Pre-authorized payments are withdrawn directly from your bank account on the 1st day of the month.
Please do not forget to sign the back as it is invalid without a signature. You may seal the completed form in an envelope marked Pre-Authorized Payment and drop it in the Collection Basket, mail it or bring it in person. The form must be in the office by the 20th of the month in order for it to be effective on the 1st of the month following.
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In order to help facilitate the offertory for
St Clare of Assisi Parish, the Archdiocese created an Online Offertory page for either one time or reoccurring monthly or weekly donations using a debit or credit card. Click on the heading above to go to the secure page. You can also donate to Second Collections including our Building/Mortgage Fund using this link.
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Donations at Church
If you wish to continue to make your donation at mass, please note that we will not be passing around the collection baskets at this time. Please leave your donation to the church in one of the 2 boxes at the back of the church either when you enter or when you leave.
Second Collections - When there is a Second Collection, one of the collection boxes at the back will be specifically labeled for the that collection. Envelopes should be clearly marked and can be put in either box but cash donations in the Second Collection box will be passed on for that purpose.
Envelopes for 2022 have been issued, please pick yours up in the lobby of the church. If we somehow missed you please call the office at 604-941-4800.
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We are grateful to all those who have supported Project Advance. Each and every gift is important. As of December 9th we had received $206,926. Our goal from the diocese is $49,500 so that means that we will be able to put $157,426 towards our mortgage and sound system.
You can give online at projectadvance.ca, by phone at 604-683-0281 ext. 50323, or in-person at our parish’s office. Thank you so much for your support.
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Ethical Concerns Related to Vaccines |
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Catholics are invited to be vaccinated, both in keeping with the dictates of their conscience and in contributing to the common good by promoting the health and safety of others. All COVID-19 vaccines that are medically approved by the relevant health authorities may be licitly received by Catholics. Since there is currently no choice of vaccine being offered, Catholics in good conscience may receive the vaccine that is available and offered to them. Read more at rcav.org/coronavirus
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Due to Covid-19 the Advent Tree Program at St. Clare's has been adapted so that we can continue to help the groups that we have supported in the past and whose need is as great as ever. If you wish to participate we ask that you donate money for this special purpose and we will purchase appropriate gift cards.
Please put your donation in either one of the specially marked envelopes available in the lobby or in a plain envelope clearly marked “Advent Tree”. Please include your name, address and envelope number and we will add your gift in your annual tax receipt. All cheques should be made payable to St. Clare of Assisi Parish. Envelopes can be dropped in one of the collection boxes, left at the office or mailed to St. Clare’s at 1320 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, BC V3B 4T5.
The generosity of parishioners toward the Advent Tree program has been tremendous over the years, brightening thousands of Christmas’s and while the format this year is different from what was our tradition hopefully at some point in the near future we will once again able to return to our usual format.
Thank you and God Bless.
PS. The groups that we help include, Transition and Safe Houses, Teenagers (some with babies) in the alternative school in Coquitlam, local Seniors in Care facilities that do not have family support, the homeless in the Tri City areas as well as downtown Eastside, Covenant House, and Aboriginal Childrens’ groups from babies to teens. Also through our school district we have several families that require assistance and of course persons and families that come to our parish office for assistance.
Gift cards will be purchased at the recommendation of the people operating these programs and then distributed to needy individuals in their programs before Christmas.
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New Refugee Family Coming |
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We are looking for a suite or house to rent for the refugee family that we are sponsoring, with minimum of 3 bedrooms, kitchen and laundry, in the Tri-Cities or Pitt Meadows, and that is available for minimum 1 year starting Jan 1. If you know about any place with these requirements, please contact Maria Magnusson at maria.magnusson-cwl@shaw.ca
This is all that we are looking for at this time. Thank you.
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New Bible Study - January |
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Advent is just around the corner and the church is moving into a new liturgical year. In year C we cover the majority of the Gospel of Luke in the Sunday readings. Starting on Monday, January 10th 2022 we will begin a new bible study on the Gospel of Luke.
There is no study guide to purchase as we will be exploring the Gospel ourselves in group, by means of reading the scriptural text, self reflection and discussion. To register please call: Leonora 604 461 3116. (This study will be conducted in person not by Zoom).
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
For information on the Knights of Columbus please visit our websites at kofc.org and kofcbc.org. If you are interested in becoming a Knight please email
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The 2021 Knights of Columbus Charity Appeal has begun. Click the link in the document below to buy your tickets.
Did you know that the Grand Prize Winner was from St Clare's Parish last year?
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On the weekend of December 18 and 19, Anna Magnusson will be collecting cash donations for the Orphanage in El Salvador. No tax receipts will be issued for these donations.
Please be generous as these funds are used to purchase these children their Christmas meal and a small present.
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Everyone is invited to join us daily
7:30 pm, Online
Contact
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ADVERTISERS IN OUR BULLETIN
There is an advertiser section at the bottom of today's bulletin. Please support these businesses as they support your parish. Clicking on their ad will take you to their web page.
If you are interested in advertising your company in our bulletin, please contact the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca or call 604-941-4800.
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Food for Thought . . . and for the Soul
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"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!"
December 12 is the third Sunday of Advent and that's the instruction indicated by the rose candle. Those four candles in our Advent wreath represent what founding pastor Fr Craig Scott every year told the young PREP children were "Jesus' four girlfriends", namely Faith, Hope, Charity, and Joy (our rose candle this week).
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Feast of St John of the Cross (Dec 14) |
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St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, OCD, a 19th-century French nun and doctor of the Church, wrote of her own experience of the dark night. Her dark night derived from doubt of the existence of eternity, to which doubt she nonetheless did not give assent, but rather prevailed by a deepening of her Catholic faith. However, she painfully suffered through this prolonged period of spiritual darkness, even declaring to her fellow nuns: "If you only knew what darkness I am plunged into".
While this spiritual crisis is usually temporary, it may endure for a long time. The "dark night" of St Paul of the Cross in the 18th century endured 45 years, from which he ultimately recovered. The dark night of St Teresa of Calcutta, whose own name in religion she selected in honor of St. Thérèse, "may be the most extensive such case on record", having endured from 1948 almost until her death in 1997, with only brief interludes of relief, according to her letters.
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If you wish to book a Mass Intention please email the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca giving the name of the person, whether it is for a living or deceased person, who it is from and if you have any preferences for the the day of the week, a weekend mass or specific date. We will try to book your mass intention as close to the request as possible.
The suggested offering for a mass intention is not less than $10 and can be brought to the office, mailed to 1320 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, V3B 4T5 or dropped in the collection box in the church. Please DO NOT use a collection envelope but put it in a regular envelope clearly marked for what it is for. This offering will go to the priest who says the mass, not to the church.
If you are unable to use email, mass intentions can be phoned in at 604-941-4800.
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NEW FOR 2022 AND BEYOND : Due to the high demand for mass intentions we have obtained permission from Archbishop Miller to have multiple mass intentions on one day per week. As of January 2022 we will accept up to 10 mass intentions for Fridays. For all other days we will only book one mass, and we will honour mass intentions already booked. |
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm
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Please pray for the sick of our Parish
Noah Zanatta, Bob Roy, Loni Cain, Brendan Pace, Gracienda Ramos, Brian Stewart, Catherine Dunne, Lucy Chase, Doreen Allyen, Tyson Ward, Nora Arroyal, Christopher Brown, Joan McDonald, Annabella Cirko, Frank Matchett, Kelly Durkin, Jason Kendall, Bill Clendinning, Chris Mah, Lydia Guzman, Angelo Visentin, June Cross, Katelyn Boudewyn, Karen Morris, Ramon Montecillo, Janice Caine, Nadine Classen, Leanne Theiss, Sierra Osborne, Sebastien Robillard, Sandra Diersch, Lori Dennis, Marcel Quaghebeur, Mazoe Kaufman, Cindy Mazerolle-Kass, Anna Figura, Ed Garcia, Viray Family, Walter Banke, Etheen Lowry, Elizabeth Teixeira, Reema Ferreira, Terry McDonald, Andrew De Boda, Maurice Quaghebeur, Hari Vijay, Peggy Maas, Chad Galitzky, Al Trotter, Pat Dizy, Wieslawa Dziuba, Brett Lawrence, Norman Schuster, Brenda Haines, John Bergen, Brian Wills, Laud Vidal and all recipients of St. Clare’s Prayer Shawls.
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The Poor Clare Sisters are praying for our parish and would be happy to take your personal prayer requests by mail or telephone 1-604-826-2818. St. Clare's Monastery, Box 3370, Mission, B.C. V2V 4J5
They have had contact with some of you with "Go-to-Meeting" but they hope to be able to welcome you again for afternoons of prayer at their monastery. Please let them know if you would like to join them. Thank you.
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Of Interest from the Diocese |
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Simbang Gabi Filipino Mass
“Simbang Gabi” is a tradition unlike any other. A Christmas Marian Novena of Masses, “Simbang Gabi” is a nine-day devotion that honours the Annunciation, the expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and culminating in the birth of Jesus. Centered on the Eucharist, it is a combination of deep prayer, community spirit, reconciliation, hope, love, and the grateful recognition of our redemption. We invite all faithful to celebrate this Promise of Salvation, by attending the Nine-Day Novena Masses (“Simbang Gabi”.) These masses will be available in-person at twenty-four (24) participating Parishes across the Lower Mainland, at different times, and in both English and Tagalog. Wednesday, December 15 - Thursday, December 23. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
St. Monica Christmas Novena
Many parents are grieving the loss of their adult child’s faith in the Catholic Church. Through St. Monica's Mission, A Prayerful Journey of Perseverance and Hope, parents are being encouraged to pray, fast, and sacrifice intentionally for their adult children's conversion. We know that Christmas is a time when those who are no longer practicing their faith often have an openness to coming back to Mass. In the days leading up to Christmas, we will be asking for St. Monica's intercession for all of those who have accepted the invitation to come back to Mass at Christmas but also for those who are not yet ready to return. Begins Thursday, December 16. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
Into the Deep:
Preparing the Stable - Growing in Holiness through the Virtues
For our last Into the Deep of 2021, we will be joined by special guest Scott Hefelfinger from Augustine Institute. Join us for this presentation to gain an understanding of what a virtue is and why virtues matter, to see how growing in virtue prepares us for Christmas and to be empowered with practical ways to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Most of all, we will understand that we don’t undertake this on our own: Jesus comes to help us! Friday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
The Letters of St. Paul - Paul Proclaims the Gospel
St. Paul was one of the first to articulate and proclaim the Gospel. Focusing particularly on Romans, we will explore the major features of Paul’s presentation of the Good News. Just as it did for Paul’s original audience, this message has the potential to reinvigorate our lives. Saturday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
Archbishop's Mass for Life
Join us as we celebrate life on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver. Rosary begins at 11:30 a.m. and Mass is at 12:10 p.m. “May we defend it and promote it from conception to its natural end.” Tuesday, December 28 at 12:10 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
Christmas Blues – Healthy Relationship Series
Why do some people find the Christmas season difficult in spite of wanting to feel otherwise? Past Christmas experiences, loneliness and recent losses among other things contribute to the “Blues.” We will explore some symptoms of this condition and what can be done to manage or even transform them! Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
HRC Young Adults Holy Hour, Happy Hour
We welcome you to Holy Rosary Cathedral for a Holy Hour, a peaceful time to connect with Jesus, followed by a social event for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Come spend time with God, experiencing His loving Presence and bringing your prayers and praises to Him before the Blessed Sacrament. Friday, December 17 at 8:00 p.m. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org/events
Young Adult New Year's Formal
What better way to begin 2 0 2 2 by celebrating together!!! This “Mass-mask-querade” will begin with Holy Mass, followed by a night of great food, drinks (soju anyone?), and faith community! Come dressed up in your snazziest attire, and enjoy music, performances, games, and many blessings for 2 0 2 2! Hosted by CYAS (Catholic Young Adults of Surrey) in collaboration with St. Nicholas’ Young Adult Ministry. This event is 19+. Saturday, January 1 at 5:00 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
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Gardens of Gethsemani Events
December Memorial Mass at Gardens of Gethsemani with Christmas Tree of Remembrance
Please register for our Monthly Memorial Mass at Gardens of Gethsemani for the month of December. We offer this Mass for the repose of the souls of our loved ones buried at Gardens and St. Peter’s Cemeteries in the month of December. At the end of Mass we will have the Tree of Remembrance celebration in which participants can hang an ornament on the tree with the names of their deceased loved ones. Sunday, December 26 at 2:30 p.m. Learn more and register at beholdvancouver.org/events
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Email Fraud Warning - One of our parishioners was emailed this week!!!!
The Archdiocese has received multiple reports from parishioners and priests who have fallen victim to a recent Internet email phishing scam. Imposters, posing as priests and using email addresses that are similar to those of our priests, have been emailing people asking for personal donations, gift cards, and other forms of financial assistance.
Never respond to emails requesting Google Play cards, iTunes cards, or any other form of personal financial assistance, even if it appears to be from a priest, deacon, religious, parish staff or bishop. If you have any doubt, please contact the sender by other means to verify any requests.
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Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Office
The Administrative Assistant (Assistant) provides the Human Resources Director (Director) with a wide range of administrative support to assist in all areas of the Human Resources Office (Office) transactional activities and workflows. This includes recruitment, selection, training and development, benefit administration, event support and other activities that contribute to building an organizational culture that enhances the employee experience; to respond efficiently and professionally to enquires ensuring that service quality is paramount. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Assistant Editor / Reporter, The B.C. Catholic
The B.C. Catholic is the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Our mandate is to share stories that will touch readers’ hearts and draw them closer to Christ and his Church. We are looking for a full-time Assistant Editor/Reporter with a strong background in journalism, excellent writing and editing skills, proficiency in photography/video/multimedia, and solid news judgment with the ability to make editorial decisions from a Catholic perspective. The successful applicant must have superior time management, organizational, and planning abilities, and a desire to collaborate with newspaper and communications team colleagues on a cohesive approach to informing Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Administrative Assistant, Ministries and Outreach Office
The Ministries and Outreach Office is looking for a seasoned administrative professional to provide exceptional support to Coordinator(s) and Project Manager(s) for the successful execution of projects and events as well as the ongoing maintenance of effective programming. This position plays an essential role in the evangelization mission of the church by supporting program development that helps to form true disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Communications Director
The Director of Communications supports the archbishop’s ministry by directing and supervising all communication initiatives of the archdiocese, including strategic communications planning, internal communications, digital communications, and proactive and reactive media relations and issues management. The Director provides strategic communications direction for archdiocesan offices and parishes. This position will report directly to the Archbishop’s Delegate for Operations. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Director of Development
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver is seeking an experienced, dynamic, professional, full-time Director to lead and direct the development initiatives of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Reporting to the Delegate, the Director is responsible for leading the implementation of a comprehensive development program (major and planned giving, annual giving, the Archbishop’s Dinner, donor services and other fundraising initiatives) to secure the financial resources required to support the ministries and programs for the 446,611 Catholics of the Archdiocese. He/She must be committed to the Church’s mission and to the principles of Gospel stewardship. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Operations Manager, Gardens of Gethsemani
This role is part of the leadership team at Catholic Cemeteries, and it is integral in achieving excellence in cemetery operations at all levels, resolving and removing barriers for family services and grounds staff to provide exceptional care for our families. A key responsibility is optimizing the Nexus ERP system to manage all inventory, contracts and records. This role requires high collaboration with family services, outreach, finance, and the director on land development and management issues. The role ensures the efficient and pastoral care of families by optimizing processes and productivity. The position oversees grounds and garden personnel as well as office support systems. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Finance and Accounting Manager, Gardens of Gethsemani
This position supports the financial well-being of the organization. The role fulfills accounting and managerial reporting, oversees banking, trust fund management and loan management as well as supporting quality assurance on family contracts and all compliance requirements with the Consumer Protection Agency, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Archdiocese and acts as the point person for the annual audit. Learn more and apply at rcav.org/jobs
Need for Healthcare Professionals at St. Michael's Centre
Many sectors in our society are suffering from staffing shortages. This is particularly true in healthcare/seniors’ care. At St. Michael’s Centre this has reached a crisis where they are in need of RNs, LPNs and RCAs so they can continue to provide excellent care.
Employment Opportunities
The Archdiocese of Vancouver is blessed to be made up of a committed core of individuals who are eager to serve in ministry. If you feel called to be a part of this team, you can view our current openings at rcav.org/jobs.
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Shalom World TV Network is a 24/7, family-friendly Catholic TV channel and is the recipient of the Gabriel Award for "Best TV Station of the Year 2020", instituted by the Catholic Press Association of North America. It is a commercial-free, high-definition network appealing to young, as well as young-at-heart viewers. Shalom World is an official partner with the Vatican and is authorized to telecast papal liturgies live.
The newly launched channel, ‘SW Prayer,’ is also available 24/7 as a separate stream. This channel is designed exclusively for live Holy Mass, prayer, devotions, and Catholic teachings. Viewers become spiritually enriched and engaged, as they unite their prayers with others joining from across the globe. This prayerful momentum invites God's blessings into our world in these times.
We are pleased to let you know that you can watch Shalom Word TV and SW Prayer from within our parish website absolutely for free. Please go to our parish website https://stclare.ca and click on the image under Shalom World TV on the bottom right of our home page and you can watch the programs live as well as on demand.
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These advertisers support your parish programs, please support their businesses. |
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Clicking on an ad below will take you to their web page |
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If you are interested in advertising your company in our bulletin, please contact the office at stclareofassisi@shaw.ca or call 604-941-4800.
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