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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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
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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 !
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 !
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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.
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.
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