Growing Together @ STL
November 28th, 2025
Dear St. Luke Families,
As we gather at the start of this holy season, I am filled with joy and gratitude to welcome you into the first week of Advent at our school. Advent is always a time of hope and expectation — a season when we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. With the first snowfall dusting our grounds this week, the world outside seems to pause and quiet — as though creation itself is waiting with us.
The soft white of snow under the glow of the streetlamps feels like a gentle invitation to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare internally. I hope you are enjoying the beauty of this first snowfall as much as I am; it reminds me of how Advent calls us to prepare — not only for Christmas, but for the deeper coming of Christ into our lives.
Looking ahead, there are many wonderful events to anticipate here at school:
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Our Advent wreath lighting at our GIFT celebrations on Monday's at 11:52AM. Parents are welocme always
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Schoolwide service projects in early December to assist families in need in our community — a practical way for us to live out Christ’s love. (Break the Rules, Days of Christmas)
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Our ST Luke Advent mass on December 10th at 5:45 at OLPH Parish. The Advent Concert will follow where our students will share their gifts of music, bringing warmth and joy to all.
These events, I pray, will help us grow as a caring community rooted in faith, hope, and love — virtues at the heart of Advent.
A Word on this Sunday’s Gospel (November 30, 2025)
This coming Sunday marks the First Sunday of Advent — a new beginning in the liturgical year. The Gospel reading appointed for the Mass is Matthew 24:37–44.
In it, Jesus reminds his disciples (and us) that the coming of the Son of Man will be like in the days of Noah: many were going about their daily lives, unaware of what was about to come.
He calls us to be watchful, alert, and ready — not out of fear, but out of hope. Advent invites us to stay awake spiritually, to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” as another reading this Sunday says.
As a school — as a family in Christ — may we heed that call. May this Advent season awaken in us a deeper longing for God’s presence, a readiness to welcome Him, and a commitment to live in love, mercy, and service.
May the peace of this season fill your hearts and homes as softly as the first snowfall covers the earth.
Blessings to each of you,
Kristie Phelan
Principal, St Luke
Our Grade 2/3 class is excited to share that we have adopted a cow named Lily as part of our learning this year! Students will be exploring topics such as animal care, life on a farm, and agriculture in Alberta. Throughout the year, we’ll receive updates and fun facts about Lily that connect to our science and social studies learning.
We look forward to sharing our discoveries with the school community!
Many Hands Make Light Work - Please consider Volunteering!
Volunteers needed for Christmas in the Country! Please consider signing up for a volunteer shift to support this fundraising community initiative! Sign up Here
Greenery Fundrasier Pick up is happening Thursday, Dec 4th at STL from 3:00-4:30 PM!
Thank you to our wonderful Parent Council who continue to work so diligently on fundraising to support our student body at STL! They have contributed huge amounts to support student activities, student learning and wellness initiatives in the school! Thank you for the continued support in making STL a wonderful place to live, learn and grow!
December 1 - Crochet Club and GIFT Assembly
December 2 - Break the Rules Day! Fundraiser for Lurana Shelter and Dress lijke an Elf today!
-Basketball Try Outs
December 3 - Early Out at 1:42
December 5 - Break Out Room FieldTrip 7/8
December 10 - 5:45 Mass and 6:45 Advent Concert (K-8)
Why Do We Go to Mass?
We go to Mass to be strengthened, nourished, challenged, forgiven, loved, united, and sent forth.
We go because God meets us there — and He loves us enough to invite us back every week.
There are many reasons we, as Catholics, go to Mass, and each touches on something deep about who we are, what we believe, and what we need. Here are some of the most meaningful reasons:
1. To encounter Jesus in the Eucharist
Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. At Mass, we don’t just remember Him; we meet Him. Receiving the Eucharist strengthens us spiritually, nourishes our souls, and unites us more deeply with Christ.
2. To hear God’s Word
At every Mass we listen to Scripture — not just privately, but as a community. God speaks through His Word, guiding, challenging, and comforting us. Sometimes a reading or homily hits exactly what we need.
3. To pray as a community
While personal prayer is essential, Jesus also said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Mass brings the whole Church together — young and old, joyful and burdened — to pray as one family.
4. To receive grace
The Mass is the greatest prayer of the Church. Simply by being present and participating, we receive grace — help from God that strengthens us to grow in virtue, face hardships, resist temptation, and live as disciples.
5. To step out of the noise and into God’s peace
Life is busy, loud, and often stressful. The rhythm of the Mass — its prayers, silence, readings, and ritual — offers a sacred space where we can breathe, refocus, and let God calm our hearts.
6. Because Jesus asked us to
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me.”
The early Christians immediately began gathering every Sunday, the day of His Resurrection. Keeping the Lord’s Day holy is a commandment not because God needs our time, but because we do.
7. To grow in love
The Mass forms us. It teaches us gratitude, humility, forgiveness, and compassion. It sends us back into our homes, schools, and workplaces ready to love more generously.
8. To be part of something bigger than ourselves
When we go to Mass, we join not only our parish, but the universal Church — millions around the world and the countless saints in heaven. It’s the whole Body of Christ worshipping together.
We would be most grateful to welcome all of our families to Mass on Wednesday, December 10th at 5:45 before our Advent Concert. We hope to see you all there.
STL School Council
FACEBOOK - Join Us!
If you haven't already, please join our School Council and Parent Association Facebook Page! We are excited to offer this official space to share news and updates about events, fundraising, and more!
Questions or Want to Volunteer?
If you are interested in helping with Christmas in the Country or have questions for St. Luke's School Council, please email stlukeparentcouncileics@gmail.com
OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish)
Masses at OLPH will be livestreamed. Please join using this link. https://www.facebook.com/olphsherwoodpark/videos/
Visit OLPH Website for more information about the parish and in regards to sacramental preparation.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is administered by Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sherwood Park. Please contact the parish for confession times and more information.
Clergy: Reverend Jim Corrigan, Pastor
Mass Time: Sunday 11:00
Email Address: StFrancisAssisi.Tofield(at)caedm.ca
5523 - 50 Street Tofield, AB T0B 4J0
See map: Google Maps
Phone: 780-467-5470
St. Luke Catholic School
Principal
Email: Stl@eics.ab.ca
Website: stl.eics.ab.ca
Location: 22139 South Cooking Lake Road, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Phone: 780-922-5920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlukeeics
Twitter: @stlcs_EICS