Rev. Fr. Esper Antoun - Pastor Deacon Michel Kassas – Assistant 504, 30th Ave. N.W 9809, 76th Avenue Calgary, AB T2M 2N6 Edmonton, AB T6E 1K6 Phone: Phone: THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE VIRGIN MARY November 2008 Day 23: Sassine, martyr & St. Amphilokos. Day 24: Saint Catherine, virgin & martyr. Day 25: St. Clement 1st, pope of Rome. Day 26: St. Peter, Patriarch of Alexandria. Day 27: Saint James the Intercissus Day 28: Steven the new martyr. Day 29: Saints Satorinos & Sisinios, martyrs.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE VIRGIN MARY A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Bless me Father. (Galatians 3:15-22) Brothers and Sisters: I give an example from daily life: once a person’s will has been ratified, no one adds to it or annuls it. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring; it does not say, “And to offspring's,” as of many; but it says, “And to your offspring,” that is, to one person, who is Christ. My point is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. For if the inheritance comes from the law, it no longer comes from the promise; but God granted it to Abraham through the promise. Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring would come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator. Now a mediator involves more than one party; but God is one. Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Praise be to God Always. Prayer on the Feast of the Annunciation Holy Spirit, You spoke to Mary through an angel to invite her to participate in the plan of salvation. Though she questioned how it was possible for her to become the mother of the Messiah, and she knew she faced rejection from Joseph and others, she gave You her yes. With the help of her prayers, I want to become fully willing to say yes to my part in giving Christ to the world. Encourage me when I don't understand what You're asking. Bless me with the grace of hearing the call and the courage to trust in Your plan. Let it be done unto me according to Your will. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me. Amen.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE VIRGIN MARY A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke ( Luke 1:26-38 ) The Evangelist said: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. This is the truth. Peace be with you. This is the Truth, Peace be with you. Our Lady of Good Help – Edmonton Our Lady of Peace – Calgary

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE VIRGIN MARY Intercession Prayers “Let it be with me according to your word.” We put before you Father, your Church in the whole world, and its shepherd: our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI (Sixteenth), Mar Joseph our Bishop and all your priests and deacons, so the Church becomes holy and bears witness to the saving word of Jesus, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. We pray to the Lord. R/ Lord have Mercy. 1- With the Holy Father’s prayer and that of the Church in the world, we ask you Lord, to put an end to the terror in the world through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. We pray to the Lord. R/ Lord have Mercy. 2- “Let it be with me according to your word.” We remember before You, Father, the faithful community here present. May it continues to be a temple for your work, so we become children and servants of your Church following the example of the Virgin Mother Mary, offering ourselves in total obedience to your will. We pray to the Lord. R/ Lord have Mercy. 3- “Let it be with me according to you word.” We put before You, Lord all those who are participating in this Eucharistic Celebration. Grant us the openness to listen and hear your word. Dispel the fear and doubt from our hearts and grant us the obedience to your will. We pray to the Lord. R/ Lord have Mercy. “Let it be with me according to your word.” Lord, we beseech your mercy for all the faithfully departed, who lived in the hope of Resurrection, especially (…). Accept our offerings on their behalf and give them eternal rest in your kingdom. Forgive their sins and ours. We pray to the Lord. R/ Lord have Mercy. Christmas is Near! Our Lady of Peace Parish Calgary & Our Lady of Good Help Parish Edmonton have the Joy to announce for you that “Christmas is near!” Please, all the parishioners are invited to help and support the Churches to have a gracious and wonderful Christmas together Families and for our great Children! Please join us!