2008 Kids Klub Year in Review

Begun in September 2006 by our Pastor, Father Freitas, Kids Klub is the elementary school aged youth group of our parish community. We have over 50 young people (Grade 5-8) show up twice each month for a Friday night of fun ! In fact our slogan is “If it’s Friday Night, its Kids Klub Night” because we don’t want anyone to miss out. Our focus is fun, but also faith and friendship. Service, and our Service Squad, are a big part of what we do at Kids Klub. Here is a summary

January 2008: We held our Jamin’ Jamaican Night. We conquered the cold with beach wear and fun activities (in door of course) plus we prepared some “Exam Survival Kits” which were to be given to parish high school students before they began their First Semester Exams. These offered some words, and snacks, of encouragement. January would not have been completed without a great Gym Riot, basketball, floor hockey and lots of sporting fun to top off our time.

February 2008 - was Fabulous !: We ventured outside for our Outdoor Gym Riots, some tobogganing and hot chocolate made for some adventurous times. Later in the month we led the Stations of the Cross as we entered the Season of Lent, and Lent would not be complete without our annual Lenten Bowl a Rama in which we raised $911.00 for Share Lent and then to top off the month, a trip to the Toronto Raptors !

Then in March, a Gym Riot brought us back to routine with a few extra special Easter door prizes won and crafts to be made. Speaking of Easter, well April had lots of excitement, Survivor Scavenger Hunt (was a grown up version of an Easter Egg hunt with lots of spunk and spirit; then we had Air Band Night, where teams got together to put on their own verison of Canadian Idol.

May was marvellous as we got rolling with a Gym Riot, with our favourite evening closer - Dodge Ball and then May Madness followed with lots of tournaments, play offs and even Pizza at the end. Then June - well - its was our Trip to Canada’s Wonderland - fabulous !

Our summer hosted “Rock the Block” in August - a three day long of Kids Klub Night - with activities that were really just amazing; Discipleship: It’s the Sweet Life was our theme and we had Mountain Monday with a 24ft Rock Wall, Tuesday Trip Ticket with Ontario Place as the destination, Wet Wednesday with some wonderful, water filled activities. At the end the 25 participants had a great three days.

The Fall got off to great start in September with Kids Kaos and just under 80 young people out for the first evening. The we had our first ever Fabulous Football Frenzy at Forbes Park. This year as part of our focus on Service, we undertook to sponsor an orphan child in Haiti. We introduce the Coin Can and gave Kids Klub members the chance to place loose coins when they come. Kids Klub members also worte cards to our sponsorsed child. During 2008, Kids Klub raised $158.00

Then our first Gym Riot in October had us host the largest Dodge Ball Game ever in Kids Klub history! During October we also held our 3rd annual Blanket Brigade in which we gathered 26 blankets for the homeless at the Bridges Shelter in Galt. This was followed by Power Hour which was non stop action, then a Trip to Playdium which sold out. November had us host the “Battle of the Volleyball” and Wildside Night launch our Faith Factor evenings and our Red Stocking Campaign, which help us collect school supplies for schools in Africa aided by Canadian Food for Children. Some 28 Red Stockings were gathered. We closed off December with St Nicholas Night - which was so much festive fun !

2008 - has been Amazing - thanks to all who are a part of Kids Klub - we can't wait to get going on 2009 !!

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR
Loving and Eternal God,
every good gift comes from You.

As we begin this New Year,
grant us unwavering faith,
constant hope, and love that endures.

Give order to our days, peace in our work,
everlasting happiness in our families,
and joy in our walk of faith.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of God


On New Year’s Day, we celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year. The Church has established it as the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. Who better than the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a model for our beginning a New Year? Our Blessed Lady was the one whose freely given consent allowed the plan of God to unfold. It was she who always centered her life on the Son to whom she had given birth.

The Blessed Virgin Mary has always had a special place in the life of the Church. She is honoured not only for the unique privileges accorded her by God Himself, but also for her personal faith response to the Lord’s Will for her. She remains Mother of God and Mother of the Church. May the pattern of her faith be an inspiration for our lives and growth as a parish.

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds
and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate,
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift,
and good desires come with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry.

May Christmas morning make us happy
to be Thy children;
and on Christmas evening,
bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts.

We make this prayer because of Jesus. Amen!

Advent: Week # 4

The Fourth Week of Advent, a times a forgotten celebration given its proximity to the Feast of the Christmas, send us an important message in question form - Are you Ready for Christmas ?

So are you ready for Christmas - it really does have to be the most asked question at this time of year. People are curious - is there anyone who is more behind than I am for Christmas ? People are interested - how did you get everything done so quickly ? People are intrigued - what have you been doing to get ready ?

Certainly this time of year is busy; the demands seem legion and the requirements long - but are you ready for Christmas ?

How do you know .......is it if he gifts are bought and wrapped, is it if the tree is up, lights working, well - actually no...it’s the Love Factor.... do you understand that this Season is about Love ?

★ That is why the Red Stocking Campaign was so important.
★ That is why Christmas Carolling at St Luke’s was so key.
★ That is why your high schoolers making Gifts for our shuts ins, or our Wize Guys collecting Canadian Tire Dollars, or our St Vincent de Paul helping families, or our Handling the Holidays evenings was so crucial.
★ That is why our reconciliation service was so life giving

They were all designed to remind us of Love: Gracious, Eternal: Sacrificial: Love by a Baby - a baby who changed everything. The baby changed everything.... His birth told us

■ all things pass away, all things
■ all things can be endured, all things
■ all things have a purpose and a plan, all things
■ all things - are not about the wrapped gift - but the gift of Love


If we remember that everything under a tree is about one who lay in a manger out of love- then my friends we are ready for Christmas !

Advent: Week # 3

It is hard to believe that this Sunday we lite the Pink Candle, and are in the Third Week of Advent. This Third Week is when our Children’s Choir has its annual trip to St Luke’s Place in order to sing Christmas Carols for our seniors. It is a parish wide event, aided by our Confirmation students and the Catholic Women’s League all of who help with a reception which follows. For the third year now we had a full house and a truly successful evening. Thank you to all involved

Our Children’s Ministry is looking forward to its Christmas Pageant again this year. Our rehearsals have started - what a joy to have so many children signed up; we are looking forward to the rehearsals this week and its presentation on Christmas Eve.

Our St Vincent de Paul Society aids some 30 families and individuals each month who are in need. We recently held our annual Christmas collection to aid them and were able to collect some $7,123.10 in donations, including from the Knights of Columbus and our Wize Guys, to assist the needy at Christmas. We anticipate being able to help more families than ever before because of the generosity of our parish family. We also packed up our Red Stockings tonight to be shipped by Canadian Food for Children to Africa. I hope to have totals next week for you; but early signs say we may have surpassed last year's total. Thanks to our young adults group for gathering together to pack the stockings.

We are blessed in our parish with a wonderful Youth Ministry. Our Kids Klub concluded a great 2008 where service, as well as fun, was our focus; an average of 50kids turned out on Fridays. Our Activ8 program for Grade 8's just finished a great retreat at Camp Brebeuf with 65 young people looking at what it means to be a Disciple. Our High Schoolers (Da Crew) have been very active this year with a definite “Nerve to Serve” demonstrated, not only with their own weekend at Camp Brebeuf, but also their willingness to serve as Peer Ministers to our Grade 8's and by their recently-prepared gift bags for our Shut-Ins. I wish to thank all of the adult leaders who aid me in our Youth Ministry programs. We are blessed!

Thank you to 30 “Older Adults” who joined us for our Country Christmas Trip. A great time was enjoyed by all (not to mention a great meal). We look forward to a Spring excursion to the Drayton Festival.

This evening we had a wonderfully peaceful gathering called "Handling the Holidays". Led by Sister Mary McIntyre, a trained social worker and spiritual director, over a dozen individuals who are facing the Christmas season with the challenge of grieving the death of someone they loved, gathered together in a spirit of prayer to discuss ways to help us cope and prepare for Christmas with renewed hope. What a beautiful time.

The pink candle is the candle of Joy and Hope - this past week at St Mary's has certainly been filled with such.

Advent - Week # 2

If you are like me the hours and days seem to be flooding into each other at a very rapid pace these days. Certainly while we are attempting during this Season of Advent to do some reflecting and refocusing; we are doing it in the midst of some busy days.

We welcomed this week Father Wayne Lobsinger and Father Frank Reutz. Father Lobsinger offered a wonderful presentation as part of our Tuesday Night Together series. His focus was on Advent: The Season of Mary, and led us to see the life of Mary in truly insightful new ways. Father Reutz led some 30 parishioners who are a part of our small group ministry (Celebrating the Word) in reflecting on their time together this past year as small groups. An Advent social for our small group ministry followed.

Our Red Stocking Campaign has been going on. Now in its 3rd year, every family in the parish is invited to pick up a Red Stocking and to return it filled with school supplies which are then in turn sent by Canadian Food for Children to mission schools in Africa. This gesture permits those schools to not only use these badly needed supplies, but also permits them to take the financial resources, they would have used to buy these supplies, and instead use them for a lunch program. We are partnering with our own three parish schools in this project and hope to collect over 400 Red Stockings by the end of Advent.

An exciting area of our parish life is the need we are experiencing for additional space to meet the needs of our growing community. We are beginning the process of looking into expanding our Parish Centre building. This renovated facility will be modernized to include ample storage, a larger more functional kitchen, expandable gathering space for larger functions (such as funeral receptions or parish socials) and will contain washroom facilities on the same level, accessible both during parish functions as well as Lord’s Day Masses. It will also serve a second purpose; with a video and audio link, it will become a place for accessible seating for families with small children, and others, during Lord’s Day Masses and seasonal celebrations, not to mention a safe passage for our children as they proceed to our Children’s Ministry without battling the elements. It will also contain two small votive shrines to St Anthony and St Joseph. Parishioner Response Forms and Town Hall meetings are on going during Advent to get input before we move forward. We will be entrusting this project to the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our Advent Vespers tonight was attended by some 75 parishioners who came to hear our Youth Choir and Young Adults lead us in song, scripture and silent time before the Blessed Sacrament. We heard a message on Mary’s example of service, surrender and sacrifice given to us during Advent.

Advent has truly been busy - and the time is moving - but so is God's grace in the life of our parish ! Come Divine Messiah

Advent

This Sunday we begin the Season of Advent and a new Liturgical Year. This year our readings will come from the Gospel of Mark. Let's take a minute to look at both of these.

The Gospel of Mark is one of four gospels in the Holy Bible and is the second book in chronological order presented in the New Testament. Mark (John Mark was his full name) was an associate with Simon Peter, one of the 12 apostles that followed Jesus Christ throughout His public ministry on earth. Peter was the name given to Simon by Jesus Christ personally (Mark 3:16). He was very close to Jesus and after the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, Peter was one of the founders of the early Christian church. Although the book was written by Mark, the facts contained in it are thought to be the accounts of Peter during his ministry with Jesus. The consensus among scholars is that the book of Mark was written between 50 and 60 A.D. The author is referenced several times in the New Testament starting in the book of Acts, chapters 12 and 13, in Colossians 4:10, and finally in 2 Timothy 4:11. The book of Mark was probably written in Italy, and perhaps even Rome. This book has 16 chapters and is the shortest book of the four gospels. However, the details of the events and miracles of Jesus in this book are consistent with the other three gospels; Matthew, Luke and John.

The Season of Advent has a two fold nature: it prepares us for Christmas when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to His second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation.

Like many Church practices, the origin of Advent is clouded by the passage of time. However, most research indicates that it began as a penitential season in preparation for the Epiphany. The word “advent” comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming”. One old tradition states that there are four weeks in Advent because there are four comings of Christ - as a man at Bethlehem, in the human heart, at our death and at the Last Day.

Beginning and end, memory and hope, life is a continuing cycle. This is the message of Advent - the continuing possibility of renewal, of building our lives. Renewing and improving ourselves makes a tremendous Christmas present for loved one and ourselves.

May the start of this new Season and Liturgical Year be one of blessing for us all.

November - a month of Fantastic Fun !

The month of November has been an exciting one for Kids Klub members; here is the 4.1.1.



Service Squad: Thank you to everyone who was a part of our first outreach activity - The Blanket Brigade. Some 26 Blankets were collected for the Out of the Cold Program at the Bridges Shelter in Galt, Cambridge.



Coin Can: We have raised a total of $21.67 from our Coin Can so far. The proceeds go to help sponsor a young orphan named James who lives in Haiti. He is sponsored by us thru Christian Child Care International, a Catholic humanitarian agency, with whom we partner. During the month of November we will be working on a card which we will sent to James for Christmas. It will include pictures, notes and a little Christmas good wish



We have had some great events; our Trip to Playdium on November 7th, 2008 attracted 45 Kids Klub members who had a great time - we all agreed it was a great first trip of the year and an awesome way to be together.



The we had one of our favorites; a GYM RIOT on November 14, 2008 here are some of the photos



/>





November’s fun continues with our upcoming WILDSIDE NIGHT on November 28th, 2008.On November 28th, Kids Klub members will receive their Red Stockings which are part of the our annual Red Stocking Campaign - now in its third year ! Watch for details and prepare to return the Red Stockings on December 12th during St Nicholas Night at Kids Klub.





November may have been dreary in weather; but it was fantastic in Kids Klub fun !

The Feast of Christ the King - something for everyone !

The Feast of Christ the King was a Sunday of great celebrations for our parish community. Here is a recap of the busy, but blessed Lord’s Day weekend we had:

Saturday evening - we welcome two children in the Sacrament of Baptism. In the month of November alone we have welcomed 12 children into the Family of God. What a blessing for us as a parish family to have the opportunity to welcome these children and families into the fellowship of knowing, loving and serving Jesus Christ the King thru the Roman Catholic Church.

Sunday morning - all morning starting right after our 8:00 a.m. Mass - our annual Parish Breakfast was on. A little under 300 were served a great breakfast by the energetic members of our Social Committee, aided by some our Confirmation candidates. This yearly social activity is a popular one for our parish - its family time at its best.

At our 9:30a.m. Mass we held one of our quarterly Children’s Masses in which not only does our 25 voice Children’s Choir sing, but we also have children from our parish offer the readings and the prayers of the faithful. The young children in our Children’s Liturgy and Iwannago programs also get involved by using this weekend as a chance to make a special card for the child they are sponsoring in Haiti, and also by bringing forth a small collection - raising $ 87.50 to help with sponsorship. We are so proud of our children; and it is great to have them involved.

At our 11:00 a.m. Mass, in addition to a few musical additions by our great traditional choir, we were able to witness 12 adults who wish to become members of our Catholic faith at Easter taking the first formal step in their journey toward this grace filled moment, by participating in the Rite of Enrollment. The thunderous applause which greeted them at its conclusion was a sign of the commitment the parish was making to welcoming them.

This weekend we also saw unveiled plans for our Parish Centre renovations. I am sure more details will be forthcoming on this site, but everyone was invited to a Town Hall meeting on December 8th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to be a part of the process.

It was absolutely a great Lord’s Day weekend - filled with blessings all around - what a joy to be a part of a Family of Faith with something for everyone !

The month of November is traditionally a month in which we reflect upon those that we love who have returned to be with God and who we trust are in His presence for eternity. Given this focus, I thought it might be nice to share some answers to some questions which come up from time to time:

What should I keep in mind about a Catholic Funeral ?
Did you know that it is our tradition to celebrate the funeral liturgy for Catholics in the church? It is our custom to celebrate the Funeral Mass in the church with the body present. When it is not possible to have the body present, the cremated remains may be brought to the church.

Sometimes family members who are not Catholic or who have abandoned the practice of their faith feel uncomfortable celebrating a funeral Mass in the church on behalf of the deceased. In such circumstances it may be appropriate to celebrate a Liturgy of the Word (without Communion) in the church. A funeral liturgy for a member of our church at a local funeral home is strongly discouraged.

It is important that you (as a practising Catholic) make this information, as well as your personal wishes, known to your family members and those who will be responsible for making your funeral arrangements. It is also recommended that you include these wishes in your will.

Why do we offer Masses for the Dead ?
From the very beginning, the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them, above all, the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, purified, they may have the beatific vision of God. (see Cathechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1032). Indeed, St. Ambrose (d.397) preached: “We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord.”

It remains the custom of Catholics, on the occasion of death, to request that a Mass be offered for the deceased. Although there is no cost for such a request, the usual offering made to the parish in Hamilton Diocese is $10.00. The presentation of a Mass card to the bereaved is one of the most beautiful expressions of sympathy we can offer to those who mourn. It is also a powerful expression of our faith in the Lord’s promise of eternal life and a loving gift to the faithful departed. A Mass for the deceased may be requested at any time and is a fitting way to remember our brothers and sisters who have gone before us on the anniversary of their death and on other special occasions.

Why do Catholics pray for the dead ...is there a purgatory ?
The New Testament and early Christian writings offer some evidence for purgatory. In 2 Timothy 1:18, St. Paul prays for Onesiphorus, who has died. The earliest mention of prayers for the dead in public Christian worship is by the writer Tertullian in 211 A.D. The question of purgatory and praying for the dead was a major issue between Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century. The Council of Trent’s 1563 decree about purgatory reaffirmed its existence and the usefulness of prayers for the deceased, yet it cautioned against “a certain kind of curiosity or superstition...” about it.

The Roman Catholic teaching on purgatory reflects its understanding of the communion of saints. We are connected to the saints in heaven, the saints-in-waiting in purgatory and other believers here on earth. Prayers for the deceased are not a means of buying their way out of purgatory. The Catholic Church’s teaching about purgatory (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1030-32) says that all sin, unfortunately, has a life of its own and may have bad effects even after the sinner repents. Sincere repentance includes a desire to repair the damage done by one’s sins. That may or may not be complete before the person dies. When the world ends at the Final Judgment, there will be only two possibilities: heaven and hell. We who celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection over sin and death look forward to sharing in that victory, and we pray that our beloved dead may do the same.

Catholic Education : A Gift

Today at our 9:30 a.m Mass we had a wonderful celebration with our Grade 4 students. It was an opportunity for us to offer each of them a special gift during the week in which they received their own personal copy of the Bible. This celebration culminated a week in which we have truly been focusing on the gift of Catholic Education.

In fact, this past Friday, November 7th, all of the staff members of our three parish schools gathered together for a celebration of Mass as part of their Faith Day celebrations. It was an amazing sight to be together with these talented Catholic educators. Our focus was to consider how to be Educators of the Beatitudes. I know it is a great joy for me to collaborate with the staff of our schools, it is a great gift to have the chance to interact and minister to the children and parents of our three schools.

This year, as a parish community, we are focusing on strengthening the bond between our parish and school..here is some of what we are doing:

Our Grade 2's are participating with their parents in Church Tours which help them to prepare for their special year of receiving the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation

Our Grade 4's have the presentation of their own copies of the Bibles and a special Scripture weekend in which they receive a gift from the parish

Our Grade 5's, who focus during their religion program on the Diocesan Church, are participating in a special Tour of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Hamilton.

Our Grade 7 students participate in a special Leadership Day at Camp Brebeuf. It is sponsored by the parish and helps our grade 7's to look at leadership as a call from the Lord to become who He is inviting us to be.

Our Grade 8's participate in a parish led weekend at Camp Brebeuf called Activ8..it s a weekend of focusing on Confirmtion, and on the call to be authentic disciples who Activ8 the gifts of the spirit.

We also have special seasonal celebrations at Advent and Easter with our JK/SK students, as well as weekly class visits to all our schools.

The partnership of Catholic Education is an important element of the good news found within our parish community.

All Souls Day

Today is the Feast of All Souls; each year on this day we remember in prayer all those who have died, and in doing so recognize that death is not the end. This day also marks the beginning of a month-long remembrance of the dead, those souls awaiting the end of time when all will gather together in the new Jerusalem. It is a longstanding custom in the Catholic Church to pray for the dead. Of course, we do this at every Mass. However, as a tangible expression of our prayer during the month of November, we write the names of our loved ones who have died in the Book of Life, displayed in the sanctuary. Those whose names are written there will be remembered in a special way during all Masses in our parish in November at our parish.

Tonight we also had a beautifully moving Sunday Night Vespers to which families members of those deceased this past year from our parish community attended. They, along with others, gathered for a service rooted in song, scripture and light as we recalled the lives of 31 members of our community who returned Home to God.

During this month of November will you join me in recalling and giving thanks to God for all those who were gifts to us; may they rest in peace.

Service Saturday Weekend ..Amazing

This has been a totally amazing weekend at our parish. Our focus this weekend was the words of Matthew's Gospel when one approached Jesus and asked what is the greatest commandment; "love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and your neighbour as yourself" was the answer. Actually, it was more than an answer...it was a challenge, a challenge which our parish family took seriously as we embarked upon our Service Saturday Weekend. Let me tell you what went on as 35 sets of hands gave Hope, and hundreds of more brought warmth to those in need:


A total of 17 parishioners were part of preparing and serving a meal to over 70 homeless individuals at the Bridges Shelter (Out of the Cold Program).

An energetic group of 12 parishioners are dedicated to helping the Carmelite Sisters in various areas of repair on their property; a place dedicated to prayer.

Five teens dedicated themselves to going to the homes various shuts in who are a part of our community and raking leaves, cleaning up and just helping out.

One young adult gave several hours to doing light repairs at the Church itself, including a little yard work.

Our parish family also collected 114 blankets for the Out of the Cold Program as part of our first ever parish wide Blanket Brigade (our Kids Klub contributed 21 blankets just on their own)

I have to tell you that I am so proud of our Family of Faith. We took the time to be reminded of the love of God by sharing the love of God with others. It is said that if you want to see if a parish has life, check if it has compassion, well ...we have lots of both.

This Friday was also the graduation evening for our parish high school of St Benedict. I was pleased to be able to offer the opening prayer and also present two awards during the evening. It was a special time for many of our young people - certainly I was a proud Pastor as I saw many of our Sunday regulars receive their graduation certificate and several awards.

I was also very pleased to hear that 51 families came out for our first ever Family Night at the Gym on Friday. Amazing to hear of the reports of parents and children just spending time together; families being together. Thank you to all who came and especially to those who did a great job organizing it...we will do another one very soon.

Such exciting times at St Mary's.... such moments of loving God and neighbour...I feel so blessed to be your Pastor !

October was all about serving !

Well our young adults got right into it by being hands of hope during our parish wide Service Saturday today. We were well represented by Pete, Adrienne and Rhonda as we helped serve a meal to some 70 homeless people at the Out of the Cold Program in Cambridge. It was a great experience and we thank everyone involved.

Our next Catholic Café is set for November 2nd. It begins with Vespers at 6:00 p.m. and then our social after. We will be planning our Advent Outreach project so we hope to have new faces - consider joining us. Also we are getting ready for our first road trip - our Bowling Nite on November 29th. It will follow the 5:00 p.m. Mass that evening - why not bring a friend that evening.

Our Young Adult Group includes college and university age, as well as people in their 20's & 30's, married or single - come join us and get connected !

Serving a Meal at the Shelter

For a small cost of $186.00 along with some delicious donated deserts, a crew of 16 volunteers, consisting of young and older adults, we did as the Lord asks of us and fed 70-80 needy people at the Cambridge Bridges Shelter on Saturday, October 25th.

The 3 course meal consisted of:
Appetizer - Mixed Green salad with strawberries, cranraisens, mandarins
Main course – Chicken, smashed garlic potatoes, glazed carrots, peas and corn
Desert – combination of each donated desert topped with strawberries & a heaping scoop of ice cream.

The day was full of lots of work but also lots of fun! 4 different crews helped to make the day a success!

Crew 1: Preparation:
Kyla, Agnes, Pam, Lynn & Adrianne
- cleaning, cutting and preparing 35 lbs potatoes and 15 lbs carrots. We had a few ladies with orange hands, just in time for Halloween!

Ed & Pete
- cleaning & cutting 80 pieces of chicken – all that chicken we’re lucky none got away!


Crew 2 & 3: Cooking - Meal & Dessert Preparation:
Thanks to a big industrial stove with 9 burners and 2 large ovens the task of cooking and ensuring everything would be ready on time was accomplished!

Kyla, Ryan, Colleen helped with buttering buns and making place settings for 80 people.

Jennifer & Rhonda prepared the chicken with a *special* coating which they seemed to continuously run out off! Mmmm that chicken is going to taste great!

Ed giving the thumbs up after he, Ryan & Rhonda finished preparing the juice.

As the meal is cooking all hands busy on deck, or in this case in the kitchen, doing some other tasks.

In the dinning room tables being moved, salads being prepared and a rendezvous to discuss what to do with the deserts! Oh yes, figuring out what to do with the dessert was harder then preparing the main course …but leave it to the school kids to come together to prepare this special treat! 80 containers filed with a taste of each desert – awaiting its toppings, a little later!


5:15 - Kitchen filled with the aroma of chicken still baking, pots still boiling and panic in the air wondering if it was really possible to put everything together in 15 minutes as John (the weekend cook)assured us it would. Sure enough, calmed by his demeanor, John helped us to bring it all together, glazing the chicken was a fun task and back into the oven they went for another 10 minutes! Lots of time to spare!

Ryan, Jess, Karli & Rhonda all lend a hand in “smashing” the potatoes which were prepared with garlic, butter, sour cream, parmesan cheese and milk…mouth watering. As you can see the potato masher was just a little bigger then Jess!

Colleen draining mandarins; Ed/Ryan/Jennifer preparing to glaze carrots, while in the dining room Karli cleans tables and Nick, Rhonda & Jess top up the salads with strawberries and mandarins with Paula looking on.


Crew 4 – Serving

5:30 Enters the Clients - the dining room once vacant now filled with the bustle of 80 people sitting patiently waiting to be fed. Colleen, Kyla & Jennifer dish up the food while the school kids, Karli, Jess, Ryan, Paula & Nick, eager to do their part, requested that they be the ones to serve giving them the opportunity to meet the clients one on one!

Once the main course is served and eaten toppings are added to the dessert and the kids once again serve the clients (unfortunately with so much activity we forgot to take pictures of the desserts!)

We too, after a long day, are a little hungry so we dish up our own plates and join the clients, what better way to get to know the clients and really find out how the food tastes - and of course how can you resist that dessert and toppings!


Crew 4 – Cleaning Up:

Thanks to an industrial dishwasher and the domestic skills of Nick & Ed the clean up was a breeze. Actually with a lot of the crew staying around til the end the extra hands helped to lessen the load.

A little time to relax and then farewells!

All enjoyed the day and the opportunity to help, a request has already been voiced by the kids of doing this again very soon.

Nerve 2 Serve - Amazing

What an amazing weekend. That is the best way to describe the recent Nerve 2 Serve weekend held at Camp Brebeuf. On Friday evening 16 teens, along with Uncle Bruce, Auntie T and Father Freitas left for the three days, two nights of focusing on leadership and service. Our arrival was great as we got to meet our leaders; Scottie, Wes, Matt, Amanda, Sarah H, Brendan and Dana. They made us feel at home and led us in some great activities to get us going on service. But the best fun of the night was coming when we had a great game of Mission Impossible. Thanks to Matt A - who he saved the night and got us our breakfast guaranteed.

And what a breakfast to start our Saturday - bacon, eggs, bagels, toast, juice, cereal - wow - and we were going to need it - cause the day ahead of us was full - but awesome. We had the chance to look at what makes a good leader and what gifts we have - we designed our own CD's and then had the chance to put some of those leadership skills into play as we undertook some outdoor leadership activities - they are called ABC's - they were great and really brought us together.

Lunch followed, Chicken Burgers, and then it was time for us to fly - High Ropes here we came. What an amazing experience. Then we did a really great group building activity - it was called the Web. Totally made us work as a group. Supper followed and then the Flying Squirrel was the on the agenda.











Our evening was about faith, we went on a night hike and had some time to think about blessings which are around us and how we can become more aware of them; and how we can sometimes miss them. Our camp fire was a great place to just sit and think about all that was offered to us this weekend. We then had the chance to put some of that thought into practice as we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation together.

Sunday morning came early, we did some clean up, had another great breakfast - thanks Sharon ! Then Uncle Bruce and Auntie T (who for some reason has been renamed Tara) led us in making Advent Wreathes - these will be used as a fundraiser to help us with the costs of coming on this great weekend. We then had Mass together as a group - powerful. Father Freitas reminded us of all we did this weekend and invited us to be Grounded in Faith and Rooted in Service. He talked about how the leaders at camp modeled for us the Nerve to Serve - now we were called to service and invited us all to have the Nerve to Serve as Da Crew. This service comes when we realize that we belong to Christ. Lunch helped us muse on all we had done. Each of us got a Da Crew T Shirt and a service pen to take with us. The camp staff saw us off and we all agreed next year is a for sure.

We returned Sunday afternoon with lots of smile, tons of memories, hundreds of stories and of course really tired. We are so grateful to Uncle Bruce and Auntie T, and all the staff at Camp Brebeuf for being there for us. This weekend was totally amazing - and that is because Da Crew is totally awesome.

Nerve to Serve Weekend

This weekend I had the chance to join 16 teens from our parish, along with some adult chaperons, for our annual Nerve to Serve parish youth weekend at Camp Brebeuf. I am so glad that I had the chance to do so; the young people I spend with weekend with were totally amazing in their dedication to learn about service, but so too were the great Young Adults from Camp who led the weekend and were amazing mentors and leaders. So many of the teens have been part of Da Crew (our high school youth groups) since its beginning two years ago. I am so thankful for these young people. Please check out their blog (link to the left) and see the highlights of the weekend.

These are exciting days at St Mary of the Visitation. At times when I check out my calendar I have to admit I get a little nervous, but what exciting times are ahead for us. We begin our Tuesday Night Together series this week. Our Service Saturday Weekend is around the corner, our Dinner for 8 Couples Evening is on the horizon, our Children Ministry and our Kids Klub are in full swing and continuing to grow. Our Sacramental year is about to launch with upcoming parents meetings. Our Grade 7students are in the midst of their Leadership Days and our Grade 5 students are learning about our Diocesan Church by going on tours of the Cathedral in Hamilton. Our adults Celebrating the Word groups are growing...we now have 4 active groups... our Wize Guys men's group is expanding. and our Mother's Group is thriving...and our RCIA has 12 committed individuals who wish to learn about becoming members of the Catholic faith....there is so much happening and it is great....

One last point and I hope to tell you about it next week; this Friday we are having Family Night at the Gym. It is a chance for families to get together and just spend time....time playing games, having fun and just being with each other. I am so excited about this event because there is so much that pulls families apart and here we have the chance to bring them together. Please pray for this activity this week.

Most of all...come join us at St Mary's...we really do have something for everyone.

A Thanksgiving Weekend

This weekend really has been Thanksgiving Weekend in our parish. It has seen the conclusion of our annual Food Drive which seeks to restock the parish Food Pantry. Our St Vincent de Paul Society aids some 30 families and individuals each month. Our food drive, in addition to our monthly door appeal, is the major way of restocking the pantry and permitting us to help those in need. To date, the food drive has been very successful. We are thankful to our parishioners, and also to our parish elementary schools who have aided us.

Thanksgiving Weekend also saw our Children step up. Our 9:30a.m. Mass was an opportunity not only for our Kids Khior to make its debute, but also to see a number of young people act as readers, greeters and gift bearers. Our Children’s Ministry also used thanksgiving as a time to help our little ones become aware of the less fortunate by donating toward their adopted child in Haiti, and also bringing forth a special craft to the altar.

Our 11:00 a.m. Mass saw a young man make his First Holy Communion. It gave us all a chance to remember what we are thankful for – the gift of the Eucharist. Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings people together – it’s a chance to give thanks, to celebrate our many blessings. When we look back at this Lord’s Day weekend at St Mary’s; our Family of Faith did exactly that.

Sunday Night Vespers

One of the focuses of our Family of Faith this year is on Being Connected. We are called to be connected to one another, gathered two or three in His name, seeking to see the Face of God and called to recognize Christ in and thru one another. Tonight we began a special way of being connected in our first celebration of Sunday Night Vespers - and it was a blessed time of prayer.

It was attended by approximately 100 people, of all ages, including members of our High School youth group and our young adults group. The atmosphere was solemn, the music was inviting, the tone reverent. It was time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament which is always Grace filled. It might be good to share a little about what Vespers is and why we are celebrating it.

Vespers is, simply put, the evening prayer of the Church. It is a time of reflection upon scripture, in particular the Psalms, inner mixed with traditional and contemporary song, recited prayer, sung intercessions and a brief reflection; it is a moving and beautiful time together.

Sunday Night Vespers at St Mary's Parish will take place once per month. Why are we celebrating Vespers - well because

✢ Vespers is a beautiful way to end the Lord’s Day.
✢ Vespers is a form of prayer which permits us a little time to think about how God’s Word connects with our lives, to deal with the challenges and see the blessings.
✢ Vespers gives you a little extra “quiet time” before the start of the routines of a busy life.
✢ Vespers is time of seeking the Face of God, connected to one another, in Christ.

I am most grateful to those who came and I look forward to the continuation of this reflective and rewarding time of prayer for our parish family as we continue, two or three gathered in His name, being connected in seeking the face of God

Ultimate Frizbee

Da Crew gathered again for a mighty afternoon of fun...Frisbee fun in fact. We made our way to Forbes Park for an hour of what we thought would be Ultimate Frisbee, but then a few minutes into it ....something happened...our dollar store Frisbee showed why it was on sale...it broke. Unwavering in their pursuit of fun for Da Crew, Uncle Bruce and Auntie T improvised and Ultimate Frisbee became Ultimate Football. It turned out to be a great time. The rules kept changing, but the fun that everyone had didn't. Thanks to all who made it fun.

We then made our way back to the Parish Centre, had a bite of Pizza together and then some free time, including a piano performance by Michael B, a game of silent ball and just some time to hang out, after we talked about the Nerve to Serve weekend that is. We then made our way into the Church for Sunday Night Vespers with the parish, it was good to be there and to finish our time with prayer. Now we start the countdown til the Nerve to Serve weekend at Camp Brebeuf..only 13 more sleeps...til a weekend without sleep but lots and lots of fun. Da Crew continues

The fun continues

Kids Klub just gets better as the weeks roll on....we are going to let the pictures do most of the talking today...but just wanted to say thanks to the 50 kids who are making it out each week for our Kids Klub events. We have been having so much fun together with our Gym Riots, our Fabulous Football Frenzie and now with our on going Blanket Brigade helping the homeless and our Coin Can for Haiti. Kids Klub really is about fun, friends and faith. Thanks to everyone who is part of the Klub. Ok, now let's allow the pictures to speak

A Great Start

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday evening for our Catholic Cafe...I think it was a great start ! For those who missed ...here is the 4.1.1.

Our goal will be to meet following Sunday Night Vespers each month. We will go to Vespers together at 6:00p.m. and then gather for a social right after in the Parish Centre - say around 7:00 p.m. During Vespers some may sing in the choir, other might do a reading and still others just attend.

Our social will be exactly that, but also have a little agenda (something to talk about...it might just be how our week is going or maybe in time a video ..a suggestion was from Father Benedict Groeschel or Father John Corapi).

We have decided that we want to also focus on Service and outreach to the community. Some ideas we are toying with:

Participating as a group in the upcoming parish Service Saturday which is on October 25th. Looking into Amnesty International, Development and Peace and doing some letter writing. Adopting a child thru Christian Child Care International. Take an evening ourselves to help at the Bridges Shelter serving a meal.

Finally, we want to have fun too. So maybe a sports night or theatre trip will be in our future.

So next gathering - its this coming Sunday, October 5th - Vespers at 6pm and then social afterwards ...try and bring a friend. Thanks again to all who came - great start !!!

Baptism

One of the great sacraments of our faith is baptism, the very sacrament that washes us clean from original sin and marks us, forever and always, as a child of God. Recently we have offered to those seeking baptism for their child the opportunity to celebrate that sacrament at a Sunday eucharist rather than at a service on a Sunday afternoon. Some families have taken advantage of this opportunity. Why are we celebrating baptism at Sunday Eucharist?

First, it is an attempt to overcome the notion that the celebration of baptism is a private family event. No sacrament in the church is a private event, they are all intended to be communal, to which anyone is invited. Second, the ritual instructions that are provided for the celebration of baptism remind us that “Baptism should take place on Sunday, the day on which the church celebrates the paschal mystery. It should be conferred in a communal celebration for all the newly born children, and in the presence of the faithful ...” Third, by including baptism at Sunday eucharist it serves to remind as all of two things: one, our own baptism, and two, the responsibility we share with the parents in raising the children of our parish in the practice of the faith. Fourth, it is the hope of our faith that all the baptized will one day share fully in the life of the church, especially by receiving eucharist. By celebrating baptism within eucharist we model to the newly baptized the very celebration of our faith we wish them to one day fully share, namely, they too will one day receive eucharist.

Baptism during Mass occurs after the Homily when the reception of the child takes place, the professing of faith and the general intercessions by the congregation, followed by the actual baptism with the pouring of water, and the anointing with chrism along with receiving the light of Christ and the signing of the senses.

The reception of the child involves the announcing the name of the one to be baptized and the questioning of the parents as to why they are here – this action is actually the gathered assembly saying they welcome the child and desire that they be baptized. The pouring of water washes the child clean from the stain of original sin. The anointing with chrism makes the newly baptized a child of God forever, nothing can take baptism away, especially if they walk in the light of Christ given
them at baptism.

We have been celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism during Mass now since the summer and it has been so well received in our parish, both by the parents who are bringing their child for baptism, (who speak of feeling a part of the community instantly) and also by the parish itself. What a grace to be a part of this Family of Faith.

Fall Kick Off

Well it was a great start for Da Crew…twenty teens came out for a wonderful afternoon together. We got on the bus, with Debby our usual driver ready for another year of taking us to safely to our spots. Our arrival at Erbsville was uneventful, but then we waited, and waited and waited. Thanks to Da Crew for their patience as we got our turn..it was a great time inspite of the wait. Everybody got a chance with Cory having the best lap time. Then..wow..what a great meal at Da Moose… every body had lots to eat... then we chatted about our upcoming year and even had the chance to speak about the Nerve to Serve weekend in October. Uncle Bruce and Auntie T were with us...thanks for their help and for letting us beat them at Go Karts...at least they said they let us.

Thanks to everyone who came out…can’t wait for a great year with Da Crew…lots more coming…stay tuned and stay connected…

Why Be Connected ?

What a great September we have been having. Our Children’s Ministry has started and we had over 60 children involved in our first weekend of programs. Our Kids Klub recently launched and we had over 90 kids show up, some almost an hour early, to be a part of our opening activities. Our High Schoolers came out full of energy as over 20 showed up for our Fall start up. It has been great to see such activity among our children, youth and teens.

But that is not all, our Wize Guys had a great start with an opening bar b q which attracted 18 men from the parish. The ladies were not to be out done though; the Corn Roast, which opened their year, had a great turnout too. It has also been rewarding to see our Celebrating the Word Small Groups start up…four groups are active with a total of almost 40 parishioners involved. This coming week our young adults will begin their Catholic Café and our Mother’s Morning Out will commence.

With the goal of being connected this Fall, it has been great to see so many people in our parish doing just that…getting involved and connected. So why do it – be connected that is – well that was the focus of the final reflection of our three weekend homilies. Week one we looked at What we are connected and decided that it was seeing the face of God. Then week two we asked Who are we connected to and discerned that was it Christ thru and with one another. Today we inquired Why be connected, and determined that it helps us in the midst of the storms of life to not become mesmerized by the whirl winds which come our way, but rather to be focused on the fact that we are loved, called to love, and connected to love. The love of Christ, which leads us toward the face of God, is what gets us thru life toward the place where God wishes us to be, and toward becoming who He calls us to be.

It has been a great start to the Fall….can’t wait for all that God has planned for us as we continue to be connected to His love.

Who are you connected to ?

The last couple of weeks have been rewarding in our parish community;we have been looking at Being Connected. Week # 1 we asked What are you connected to : The Prophet Ezekiel - in a watchtower - taught us that we need in our daily walk with God to honour Him by being connected; not just running to Him when the winds come; but letting Him walk with us and we walk with Him. The Letter to the Romans as our template told us that love is the motivating factor for our walk, and that when we gather as two or three in the name of Jesus, it helps us to be focused and finessed in Seeing the Face of God...after all .....that is what we are connected to.

Week # 2 we asked Who are you connected to: We reflected on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross and reminded that we live in a pressurized society, and that trying to muddle through life on your own is tough - we are going to get blown back and forth every day by the winds of life. We all need a place to belong, we all need a place to share our burdens and to be connected.

Having something for everyone, is not a slogan we have, it is who we are called to be - a people connected to God and to one another. Our relationship with each other has a lot to do with our relationship with God. So we walk seeking to see the face of God...with one another, and thru one another...connected to Christ.

This coming Sunday we ask a vital question atop of the important questions we have looked at already - we ask - WHY BE CONNECTED. We are spending this time doing this because it gives us a chance to re think where we are, and ask if we need to take our walk with Christ to a new level of being connected. Come join us in our journey.

KIDS KAOS.....a great start

Wow ! What a great start...Kids Kaos was awesome ! Kids started arriving shortly after 6pm for our 7pm opening of the 2008-2009 Kids Klub year. Over 90 kids showed up for the first night..with lots of new faces...and many returnees. The evening was action backed.

Soccer and Basketball skills were on in the gym...stack a tower was the wacky game...fresh snacks in the snack station...a HUGE poster to work on in the village..it was non stop, and then at the end....great news....we got to see our schedule for the year (trips and all) and even heard about our first trip Playdium in November. We heard about Service Squad opportunities and even heard that our next Kids Klub will be our first ever..Flag Football Frenzie at Forbes Park. it is going to be awesome !

Just before the Kids Klub prayer...we saw our new Kids Klub T-Shirts and the 25 door prize winners got to be the first to wear them and take one home. We can't wait for the next Kids Klub. It is going to be a great year ! Come be a part of Kids Klub...remember, if its Friday Night..its Kids Klub night.

New Year: Getting Connected

In many ways the return of yellow school buses to our streets marks the "unofficial" end of summer - it really is a sort of whole new season - one might even say "New Year". September brings with it not only an upswing in traffic, but also an upswing in activity; it is the start of so many things, and certainly that is the case even in our parish community. We start a "new year" of offering opportunities for everyone to grow in the path of Discipleship; our goal continues to be as a family of faith to be a place with something for everyone.

Our CWL is getting ready for its annual Corn Roast, our Mother's Morning Out is starting to meet, our four Celebrating the Word small groups are gearing up for another year together, our Wize Guys are hungering for their annual bar b q, our Kids Klub is set for Kids Kaos, Da Crew is looking forward to highschoolers mini golf and go karting, our children are eager to get see our Children's Liturgy and Iwannago underway and our young adults are set for the start of Catholic Cafe.

This weekend we began on the theme of Getting Connected and asking three important question over the next three weekends; What are you connected to? Who are you connected to? and Why be connected ? We ask these questions as we have been hearing in the news the names Gustav, Hannah and Ike. The news this week has been the Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and hazardous weather. While the rain has been heavy, the flooding been extreme - most people agree that it not any of these, which caused the problems, it is actually the wind, which has caused the problem.

The busyness of the Fall can be a wind of sorts. It can blow us in all sorts of directions if we are not grounded or connected to something. Getting Connected really is important because otherwise when the wind comes - the winds of busyness and daily demands and even stress, you get blown in every direction.

I will keep you posted on how our series of reflections go. Til then…consider getting connected - our Family of Faith is a good place to start - consider joining us at the "getting connected place"...there is something for everyone

Champions in Faith

During the past few weeks our televisions have been focused upon the site of the Olympic games in China. I have found myself watching events that I would never watch on a regular basis. As a parish we have been looking at the Olympics in a way maybe we never have been before. We taking the Sunday scriptures for the past month and have been focusing on becoming Champions in Faith. Here’s the recap:

Week 1: With the Scriptures as our road map, we were led in Week One to establish some Olympic Principles: “Run Your Own Race and Fix Your Eyes.” and to not be tempted by the "Golden Apples" along the way, but to be at our best the entire race.

Week 2: We recalled that it is vital to remember that God is in control and we don’t have to Beg for Bronze ... We don’t have to accept whatever we can get (what the world offers is a quick fix, not the answer). The cross and the Eucharist are what awaits us as we seek to be faithful, the prize which awaits us is “gold” - But we have to press on, even in the midst of defeat, suffering or challenge.

Week 3: Settling for Silver is not the road of a Champion in Faith! We are called to live in gratefulness and with persistence. Our road involves talking, but most of all just listening and spending time with God - And we do that because we love Him. And since He is the prize we don’t settle for silver but are persistent in life, even in the face of setbacks and Go for Gold.

Week 4 : Going for the Gold is the road of a Champion of Faith, but along this road we must first decide that we will do the hardest thing - we will take the stand (take the stand for Christ) by the witness we give, and allow His anthem to be sung in our life. Along the road we also have to decide to say the hardest thing “Lord I want what you want.” so that we can see and be the Light of Faith as Champions.

We ended off by asking this - How we Olympic style Champions of Faith ?
- how are we seeking to Run our Own Race and Fix our Eyes on the Prize ?
- how are we ensuring that we are not just accepting the world and thus Begging for Bronze ?
- how are we meeting the task of persistent gratefulness and thus not Settling for Silver ?
- how are we desiring to take a stand and surrender - to hear God’s anthem sung in our life and not play our own song....thereby Going for the Gold ?

It has been a blessed four weeks.

One last thing - thank you to all those involved in our exciting “Rock the Block” activities this past week. Some 25 young people participated. We have put some pictures and a recap on our new Kids Klub Blog which can be accessed at www.stmaryskidsklub.blogspot.com. A special word of thanks to those adults and teens who helped: it was a success because of you.

Day Three: Wet Wednesday

Although everyone looked a little tired today - especially after yesterday's full day at Ontario Place - Wet Wednesday activities were great. We continued with our theme - Discipleship - and everyone started off by looking at what that call really means - to mirror Christ - and started asking how are we are suppose to live it out, even if others (and world) say you are “all wet”.

Each group then got together and created “Want Ads” for a Disciple - saying what makes up a good Disciple. After each group worked on them and they presented them to the entire group. We then talked about how things and people sometimes challenge us -and can discourage Disciples - and say they are all wet.....

So off we went to Forbes Park and played some water games - ya we got wet - but we also learned co operation and helping each other in a number of group games. See part of Discipleship is knowing we are not alone - we call on other Disciples to help us. That is why being part of a parish - a church - is so important - and why Sunday Mass is so vital - because we remember we are not alone; there are other Disciples there to help us.

When we got back - snack was awaiting us - fudgicals- and once we dried off a bit - then we all got new Jobs --- Father Freitas and our leaders Nicky, Mrs Henderson, Matt, Angie and Emily - all told us we were now official Disciples of Jesus - called to go out and mirror Him in our actions and deeds. Father Freitas even gave us official certificates and Nicky gave us prayer cards - Seek, Study and Serve we were told.

Rock the Block has been possible because of the great leaders we have had - our teens: Matthew, Emily and Angie have been great role models and examples of Discipleship. Mrs Henderson has done lots too in helping and providing care to the children, and we are grateful. We owe great thanks to Nicky, a volunteer from our parish, who has given a great deal of her time and talent in leading many of the activities. Her energy and devotion were appreciated by all.

We can't wait til Kids Klub - it too is all about Discipleship. Our first event will be September 12th from 7-8:30 p.m.- we are counting the days.

Hope to see everyone next summer at Rock the Block ! Remember Discipleship - its the sweet life !

Day Two: The Trip

Today was a great day ! Not only was the weather just the best - not too hot...not too cold...but the activities for Day Two of Rock the Block were just awesome. We started off at 9:00 a.m. arriving in our Parish Centre. It was great that everyone came on time. We reviewed yesterdays lesson - that we are invited to be a mirror image of Christ (as His disciples) even in the heavy climbing of life. We learned that today was going to be not only about fun, but also discovery. We were challenged to look for moments and times when we were, and could be, Disciples to one another and to other people. Our venue - Ontario Place.

Debby our bus driver got us safe to Ontario Place in record time, and we arrived at 10:30 a.m. The next few hours were filled with lots of activity and fun. We even developed a new word " Discipleish". We would compliment each other as the day went on if we saw something done by each other which represented the mirror image of Christ. Saying hello to a security guard, saying thank you to an attendant, letting others go in line before us, waiting for each other as we went from ride to ride - they all took on a brand new meaning in the rides, water park, and activities of Ontario Place which filled our day.

At 12:30 p.m. our three groups met up for lunch and then went off again until 5:00 p.m. for some afternoon fun - all in "Discipleish" fashion. Our teen leaders - Angie, Emily and Matt, along with Nicky and Father Freitas were good examples to us and certainly kept us safe as we travelled in our small groups.

As we got on the bus at shortly after 5:00 p.m. we paused for our group photo. A great keepsake of our time. The bus ride home was led by Nicky asking us to share what we saw. Everyone told an example of when someone did a "Discipleish" act. It was great to see everybody smile when their name was called out stating something they did. Everyone got a W.W.J.D. bracelet to remind us that the act of Discipleship begins with that simple question.

When we arrived back at the parish centre shortly after 6:30 p.m., Father Freitas led us in the Kids Klub prayer and we all agreed it was an awesome day - thanks to everyone who came. We can't wait for Wet Wednesday tomorrow and our final day of Rock the Block.

Rock the Block - Day One : The Wall

This summer we are having an event called ROCK THE BLOCK. It has the theme: Discipleship - Its the Sweet Life. Twenty five young people are a part of this great time and today was our first day. Father Freitas and Nikky Kloster are leading us and they along with Mrs Henderson, and three teen leaders; Matt, Emily and Angie all greeted us when we got in. But what really caught our eye was the 24 foot Rock Wall in the Parking Lot ! Wow !

We got to know each other with some games and then got divided into four groups - Smarties, Skittles, Jolly Ranchers and Rockets. Two groups went off to the Rock Wall and Two groups did some activities in the centre. The rock wall was awesome. We met "Captain" and his wife Susan and they got us pumped before we all had several tries to make it up the wall. Disciples never give up in reaching for new heights - the rock wall taught us that.

When the groups switched we went in to the Centre for an activity called "Mirror Image". Jesus ends the Gospel of Mark with the Disciples going out and doing the things that He did. We got into pairs and made a short skit of doing mirror images of our partner - we then presented that to the whole group. It was funny to see some of the things we came up with. Just as we mirrored other's actions by watching them we become disciples of Jesus by watching and following what we see Him doing in the scriptures.

Our great first day came to and end with snack, announcements about Tuesday, our closing prayer and then a little take home sweet - to remember the Sweet Life - Discipleship. We can't wait for tomorrow - Ontario Place here we come !

Day Two - The Day at the Oratory

Day Two of our Pilgrimage could not have started better. The sun rose in its glory just after 6:30 a.m. to reveal a beautiful sunny day. This was followed an hour later with a wonderful breakfast. Every one's hearty appetites were in full display as we got ready for our day. We were on the bus at 9:00am with our first stop being Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. It is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Montreal. Its layout is modeled after St Peter's Basilica in Rome (though scaled down). The picture of the Altar here gives you a good sense of that. During our quick visit, we were given an explanation of the difference between a shrine, oratory, cathedral and basilica. It was good to have that cleared up. Then we made our way to St Joseph Oratory.

As we approach the Oratory at 10:00 a.m. in the bright sunshine we all agreed it was majestic. Upon our arrival we made our way to the Community Chapel where Father Freitas celebrated Mass for us on this the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The focus of his homily was on Mary's openness to the Father's will for her life. Her simple desire to "let it be" became the focus of our day also as we sought in prayer to let the Lord's will for us be fulfilled. Following Mass, a short tour of the crypt area took place, including seeing the tomb of Brother Andre, and then we were given time until 1:30 p.m. to make our way thru the Oratory on our own.

Many had a chance to visit the Basilica Church, to see the Museum dedicated to St Joseph and the Holy Family, to visit the original church built by Brother Andre and to see the simple porter's room where he lived. The grounds were also part of the viewing, and the beautiful carillon at Noon gave an audio background for all we saw.

At 1:30 p.m. the sunshine was covered by a few rain clouds and so we decided to do the Stations of the Cross inside the Basilica Church instead of outside on the grounds. The focus was Discipleship as we reflected on each station in light of the Jesus doing the Father's will, all with the question, how can we be more faithful in doing the same. Following that another hour to visit the oratory followed, this time with a little more sunshine, and so some got the chance to see the outdoor way of the cross and to see the site of the Oratory from the main entrance below. Many also returned to the Tomb of Brother Andre to pray and to remember intentions we had been asked to pray for.

3:00 p.m. came and we prepared to conclude our visit to the Oratory. As we departed we did so with a feeling that we had spent a very special day together. Our road trip home then turned a little quieter for a few hours as many caught up on their sleep and rested from a full day. At 6:00 p.m. we stopped for dinner just outside of Kingston. At 8:00 p.m. we began to prepare for the conclusion of our pilgrimage by thanking our Blessed Mother on this her feast day for the graces received. The bus echoed with the recitation of the Rosary. It was a great way to end our pilgrimage and were home again at 11:00 p.m.

The hours that transpired were memorable, but even more so, grace filled. We agreed, these pilgrimages should continue.

Parish Pilgrimage - Day One

Our first day of the Summer Parish Pilgrimage started off so well. Everyone started arriving at 8:00am at our Parish Centre to drop off bags and to get things sorted. We began with the Celebration of Mass in our Parish Church at 8:30 a.m. attended by all 36 who were going on the pilgrimage and about another dozen parishioners. It was a wonderful way to begin. Father Freitas spoke on the difference between a Trip and a Pilgrimage and reminded us that while during trips we go to see, on Pilgrimages we actually go to discover. He invited us to reflect upon seeking to discover the Grace God wants to give us during this time together.



Then with the help of our two trusty "cabin attendants" (pictured here) who helped load the luggage on the bus, we were off for the 7 hour bus ride with our trusty driver Bill. The ride was filled with laughter and with a couple stops along the way for stretching and some food. At 3:00 p.m. we prayed the Litany of the Divine Mercy.

Our hotel was our first destination as we arrived in Montreal at 4:30pm (inspite of some heavy traffic). We all settled in and agreed we had a great place to spend the night. Then at 6:30 p.m. we were treated to a wonderful Visual and Audio presentation on the history Notre Dame Basilica. It was entitled "And then there was Light", it gave a wonderful history of the Basilica as a place of worship, and also a focual point of the City of Montreal. It was breathtaking when the projection screen, which had been covering the Altar area of the basilica, was dropped and revealed the breathtaking sanctuary in all its glory. Some time to look around and take pictures and then we headed back to our hotel for a quite evening by 8:30 p.m. Many of us then toured the city on our own, or took advantage of the pool or facilities at the hotel.


Day One was great - tomorrow promises even to be better as we make our way to St Joseph Oratory.

Final Day at JTTF 2008

Sunday morning may have been a little cloudy but there was energy in the air. The girls were up way before the guys and packed. Once the van got over to them to get their stuff they loaded up and then the guys did the same, that is after some got marker stains off their face - victims of a few late night pranks. We joined all the teens in the Ruins of St Raphael's Church (a fire there years ago left only the outer stone walls) for some music and then more Praise and Worship by the Mustard Seeds. Then Father James Mallon gave us the closing talk and we also had the final skit by the Disciples on being rooted and replanting ourselves in Christ. I think one thing that really got our attention was when Father James invited up those who might be thinking about becoming priests and wow - over 12 guys from all over the province stepped up to say they would be open to it. They got a standing ovation.

Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Ottawa, and the homily was by Bishop Durocher of Cornwall. His homily was great with stories and a clear message which invited us to never stop asking questions, but to always seek the answers by being rooted in Sunday Mass and in God's word (the Bible). After Mass we lined up for lunch - subs which we took and ate as we left for home.

The ride home was great. Lots of time for laughter and a few pranks. We got caught in a really heavy rain storm and we even got a surprise tour of downtown Pickering led by uncle Bruce - at least that it what we think it was - after all he couldn't have been lost right ? But at least we got another nutritious McD's supper out of it all.

When we arrived at 8:00 p.m. back in H town, the phone calls home started and parents arrived. Auntie T made sure everyone got home safe and sound - with a hug. It was a great time and we are grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to Journey to the Father.

Day Two at JTTF 2008

Saturday morning came really quick, especially for the boys in our group who got only a few hours of sleep in between their pranks and singing. The cows mooing outside the tent at 5am didn't help either. Saturday's breakfast was pretty good - muffins, milk and the sort...then more music from the Mustard Seeds and a skit by the teen leaders there called the Disciples. Mass was our first official event. Father Dan VanDelst led us and encouraged us to be rooted in the Christ by being close to His Word. Then after a break the girls went off to a talk by Angie Regnler on what it means to be a Daughter of God and Chris Bray led the guys in a talk on what it means to be a Man of God. Lunch followed - and what a lunch - hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, lasagna - it was great - plus ice cream for dessert.

Our Saturday afternoon, in the midst of beautiful weather, had us going to two great talks..Father Tom Dowd spoke about "If God is good, why is there evil in the world?" After a short break we listened to Angie Regnier speak on "Judging People". Both were kind of deep but their message was clear. Then we had some free time. Some choose volleyball, football, meeting new people and for others (especially some of the boys) catching up on sleep.

At 3:00 p.m. it was Talent Show time and Jon and Kyle did us proud with their guitar performance of a song from Creed. The photo is above - ya we know its not that clear. Even though Jon wouldn't do his unique version of "Black Bird" - we were really proud of them both for keeping the tradition of Da Crew being in the Talent Show now for two years straight. Supper was great after that...Roast Beef...it was amazing that we could even go up for seconds.

Saturday evening was so powerful. We had Eucharistic Adoration led by Father James Mallon. It was prayerful, and even though we knelt on the grass for almost two hours, it was worth it being in the presence of the Lord. After that many of us took advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation available by over 10 priests who were present, including our own Father Freitas. They were there til Midnight. Music continued in the main tent for a while, and lots of time to mingle with people from different spots. Lights out at Midnight...and after this full day I bet even the boys will fall asleep a little quicker tonight - uncle Bruce will be really happy with that..for some reason Auntie T says she is sleeping real well.

Day One at JTTF 2008

As we begin this new blog it seems like our youth pilgrimage to Journey to the Father is good place to start. Journey to the Father is an annual youth pilgrimage held in St Raphael's, Ontario ..just outside of Cornwall. This is our second year going as a group and we'd like to tell you about our adventure.

We left at 10:00 a.m. Two vans filled with 16 people...13 youth along with our chaperons, Father Freitas and "uncle Bruce and auntie T ". From the start it was an adventure on each of the vans; laughing, singing and sleeping filled the next six hours on the road - not to mention a few unusual smells filled the vans for the next six hours. Father Freitas led the vans and he even let us stop along the way for a nutritious meal at Mc D's. We arrived at JTTF at around 5:00 pm.

Our welcome was great...after registering..we were off to the tents which would form our home for the weekend. Then we had supper, met lots of new people and were off to the Main Tent for Music by the Mustard Seeds. It was amazing to see so many young people - close to 500 there..some from as far away as Texas. It was a little different than what we were use to as seeing people jumping around as they praised God was not the norm for us here in H-town, but we got use to it and joined in as we felt comfortable. We then heard from the M.C.'s for the weekend Jonathan and Katie. They told us to invest our time fully into the weekend ..... to be Rooted in Christ and Moved by the Spirit. We had a skit presented on being rooted in Christ. That was the message too of our main speaker Father James Mallon from Halifax. Then some excitement....a lighting storm came and we headed into two different spots - boys to the Church and girls to the school gym for cover and shelter. We ended up having a great talk on Mary the Mother of Jesus by different speakers and prayed the Rosary together as groups, led by some of the youth present. Then free time..as the weather got better...we had time to check out the sites, eat some poutine and the girls got to get their stuff dried off after they became victim to some of the rain from the storm. We then called it a night and started to get ready for bed at Midnight. It was a good first day...and adventure for sure ....we are looking forward to tomorrow.