Christmas Message

As we celebrate this holy feast of Christmas, the words of the Angel spoken to the shepherds are proclaimed anew: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy . . . a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord." The Church makes these words her own as she announces to all people the joy and peace that were born on Christmas morning.

These words of the Angel led the shepherds to search out the infant Jesus and to encounter Him in the presence of Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family. So too for us, the words of the Angel invite us to contemplate the joy and hope of this Christmas day. God has sent us a Savior, His Son who brings us lasting peace.

And so: Do not be afraid! Our Savior is born. Let us adore Him, with Mary and Joseph,
through our fidelity to prayer, especially in the celebration of Mass. And with the Angel of the Lord, the shepherds, and the whole Church, let us make the message of Christ's birth known to all, especially by our love for one another.

May the Lord Jesus continue to bless you and may our Mother Mary and Saint Joseph watch over you always.

Advent Begins

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 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.

The Season of “In Between”

The geese are flying. The leaves are changing. The nights are cooler. The daylight is a little less. Yes, in deed, Fall is here. Fall is a beautiful season, but kind of “in-between”. In between the glories of summer and the gusts of winter. During Fall we recall the sunny, hazy, lazy days of summer. A lighter load, slower pace, smaller scope of things to do. We marvel at the beautiful flower beds, crisp water scenes, longer days and warmer nights. Then, in the in between, we also think about winter. For those into sports - skies and ski dos come out. Those not into these begin to get their reading list ready and their “trip down south” plans set. Fall really is in between.

What do you do with the “in between’s” ? Those in between times in your spiritual life I mean. Those times in between the glorious “summers” and the gloomy “winters” that come into all our lives. Those seasons when everything is a blessing and those moments when life is a burden.

One things I like about Fall is the time to ponder, pray and prepare that the “in between” affords. To ponder the glories that God has put into my life (family, friends, faith). To pray over the glooms that gust through my life (sadness, sickness, struggle). Praying for the strength in the “in between” to appreciate the one and get through the other. Jesus did the same. Scripture tells us that several times in His ministry He “withdrew to a place by Himself”. He wanted an “in between” moment. It is ok for us to want one too. Christ took the inbetween as a moment to reflect upon the Father’s will, to ensure that His mission was on track and that his priorities were in balance. He also took the time to pray for those who were on the journey with Him. What a great use of the “in between”.

So enjoy the Fall. It is in between. Take it in. Ponder, Prepare, Pray. Bask in those summer glories. Batten down for those winter glooms. Rejoice - a new season is here !

New Bishop for Hamilton Diocese

Friday morning, the Vatican announced that the Holy Father appointed Bishop Douglas Crosby, currently Bishop of Corner Brook Newfoundland and Labrador as the Bishop of Hamilton.

The Holy Father also accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Anthony F. Tonnos, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law which sets the mandatory age of retirement for Bishops at 75. Bishop Tonnos, who turned 75 in August, has led the Diocese of Hamilton since 1984.

Bishop Crosby was born on June 28, 1949, in Marathon, Ontario, after becoming a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Bishop Douglas Crosby was ordained to the priesthood on September 27, 1975, at the Holy Canadian Martyrs' Parish, Ottawa. After serving as CCCB General Secretary from 1996 to 1997, he was ordained Bishop in Ottawa on January 2, 1998, and installed two days later as Bishop of Labrador City-Schefferville.

In 2007, he was named Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador, which comprises all parishes and missions in the former Diocese of St. George’s on the Island of Newfoundland, in addition to those in the territory of Labrador which had previously been part of what used to be the Diocese of Labrador City – Schefferville.

Bishop Crosby has been very involved in liturgical questions both nationally and internationally. He is currently a member of the CCCB English Sector Commission for Liturgy and the Sacraments, and has previously served as the Commission’s Chairman. As the previous CCCB representative on the International Commission for English in the Liturgy (ICEL), he has also served as its Secretary and Vice-Chair.

The Diocese of Hamilton has a Catholic population of 559,290 in 155 parishes and missions, served by 122 diocesan priests, 88 priests who are members of religious orders, 24 permanent deacons and 281 religious Sisters and Brothers.

We offer our prayers and best wishes to Bishop Crosby on this new pastoral assignment as well as giving thanks for the lengthy service of Bishop Tonnos. May he enjoy a well deserved retirement! One would expect an auxiliary bishop to be appointed to assist Bishop Crosby in his ministry - the timing of which only the Vatican knows..

Fall 2010 - Untold Blessings

As we begin the Fall, we will begin a new tradition in Padre's Posts....once per month postings. In the past I have tried to post every week, however it is becoming a little more difficult to do that, however, I committ to posting once per month for sure. We hope soon to begin thru the parish an Electronic Newsletter - this will also be a great source of keeping everyone "posted" on the great things happening at St Mary of the Visitation Parish, Cambridge.

UNTOLD BLESSINGS
In St. Matthew’s Gospel (6:25-33), we are reminded that God has planned “untold blessings” for all of His faithful. When I pray about our Family of Faith, I see these blessings constantly being sent forth. God is blessing our community - with growth, with new ample facilities, with vision for our future, with appreciation for our past.

As the signs of Fall arrive, let us spend some time thinking about God’s Untold Blessings. They are present everyday, but we have to know how to see them, how to appreciate them, how to envision them and how to seek them for our life !

We have planned a schedule full of opportunities for your entire family, not to add to your calendar, but to help you take notice and experience God’s Untold Blessing for you. Whether you are a child, teen, young adult, older adult, couple, single, widowed, man, woman, mother or father, new parishioner or you have been here for a while...there really is something for everyone - I hope that you come be with us !

May Our Lady of the Visitation continue to be our inspiration, model and guide.

Summer Time

I am not sure if you know this or not, but one of the first inate desires of a new born child is to walk. Once the baby discerns they have feet - they want to use it - thus the reason why a child kicks in the womb.

When I was attending the Grade 8 graduations last week at our parish schools one of the common comments from parents was - just seems like yesterday they were walking for the first time on their own. All parents here - can related to the feeling that there is nothing as exciting as watching your baby go from a snuggly little lump you cradle in your arms to a roller, then a crawler, then a "cruiser," and finally a walker?

Babies seem absolutely driven to get on their feet. No matter how many times they tumble and topple, crash and burn, bump and bruise. Standing upright, walking and running with a straight back and straight legs is their goal. It is this posture that sets us apart from all other living creatures on earth. Or is it?

There is another position that reveals even more about the uniqueness of being human. Standing up defines our most remarkable physical gift. Kneeling down reveals our most miraculous spiritual gift. If you're a disciple of Jesus, to move up, move down - knelling is a spiritual gift we have. The future is on our knees; not on our feet. Insects crawl; fish swim; birds fly; humans pray. Praying, with body, heart, mind, and soul, is the hallmark of humanity.

We spend just one year learning how to stand on our own two feet, it can take us a lifetime to learn how to get back down on our knees?

In our Gospel Jesus sends His Disciples out on their own for the first time - not on a Vacation per say - but to walk on their own - to go forth. They had graduated of sort from being a crawler or cruiser who simply followed Jesus along the way -to a person who was now ready to walk on their own. Yet its interesting that Jesus said to them in our Gospel - don’t take much with you ?

★ Not sure about you but before I go any where - I make sure I have everything I need
★ Before I go on vacation - I make sure I got all my stuff packed
★ Before I even go for an evening walk - I make sure I have anything I might require with me

But Jesus says - you are going for a different type of walk - not one on your own; you are going for a walk and I will be with you - - not physically - spiritually. Just because you have the ability and the freedom - doesn’t mean you can do on your own - walk carefully with me - depend on me and spend some time not only upright but also on your knees

The summer time is a time of walking - we do lots more of that in the summer than any other time of the year - no doubt - evening strolls - vacation outings - beach or shore side adventures. It is all there; and sometimes that freedom gives us the tempation to think - well - we don’t need our knees - yet Jesus said to His Disciples - as you go forth - on a mission - you can walk now on your own - but don’t forget to depend on me - now that you know how to walk; don’t forget how to kneel.

Maybe as His Disciples today who are on Mission everyday thru Baptism
Maybe during this season in which we will do a lot more walking
Maybe during this time and age in which we will do lots on our own

- we might not also forget

The future is on our knees; not on our feet.

That our salvation is found not only in what we do during the walk - but also in the times we choose to kneel

  

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Parish Feast Day - giving thanks

Last weekend was just Amazing! The goodness that this parish showed towards its neighbours (especially those in need) was wonderful. Parishioners of all ages worked together as we were able to provide a van load of items to Michael House, a truckload for the St. Vincent de Paul Store, and several car loads of household items for Bridges Shelter. This while another group prepared a wonderful supper at the Out of the Cold Program, serving and feeding about 80 people. On Saturday evening, a beautiful Marian Crowning Mass with the memorable presence of children in First Communion attire, bringing forth flowers to honour our Blessed Mother. On Sunday, our Kids Khior offered us a wonderful gift at our 9:30am Mass and at our 11:00am Mass, couples celebrated their Anniversaries of Married Life.

A Parish Feast Day tells not only of the patron we celebrate, but of those who are celebrating. The Feast of the Visitation is about welcome, caring for our neighbour and nourishing Christ within. The Parish of Our Lady of the Visitation definitely is about welcoming others (we do that every weekend). But last weekend, there was no doubt we demonstrated the care and love of neighbour. As a result of both, Christ’s presence was nourished (within us and in those we helped). It was what a Feast Day should be.

Mother's Day

The month of May has traditionally been devoted to Mary. This month highlights the special sharing of our Blessed Mother in the paschal mystery of Christ, her Son. We are called to imitate Mary in her openness to God's will, in her prayerfulness of spirit and in her quiet dedication to the purpose and mission of her Son's life. Let us pray to God through Mary that every person may model her discipleship and her devotion to Christ, her Son. Our May Crowning Celebration will take place during the 5:00 p.m. Mass as part of our Feast Day celebrations on May 29th. This celebration is a part of our Parish Feast Day celebrations.

Our Parish Feast Day is a wonderful occasion to gather to give thanks - First and foremost, to Almighty God for all the blessings which He gives to us as a parish family. We also gather to give glory to our patroness, Our Lady of the Visitation, for her faithfulness to the Will of the Father in bearing the gift of God’s Son: Her faithfulness in becoming and being who the Father was calling her to be. May this Parish Feast Day inspire us to take time to consider, reflect on and become who the Father calls us to be, so that faithfulness can also be our mantel.

PRAYER FOR ALL MOTHERS

Eternal God, we ask Your blessing upon our mothers.

Bless all mothers who labour in the home for their families; give them courage and strength when the going gets rough.

Bless those mothers who are preparing for the birth of their child. Give eternal joy to our mothers whom you have called to be with You in eternal life.

We bring this prayer to Mary, the Mother of Your Only Son, so that she may intercede with Jesus our Lord who answers all our prayers. AMEN.

Praying for our Holy Father

PRAYER FOR POPE BENEDICT XVI
Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd, Benedict, a spirit
of courage and right judgment, a spirit
of knowledge and love. By governing
with fidelity those entrusted to his care,
may he, as successor to the Apostle
Peter and Vicar of Christ, build your
Church into a sacrament of unity, love
and peace for all the world. Amen.
V/ Let us pray for Benedict, the pope.
R/ May the Lord preserve him,
give him a long life,
make him blessed upon the earth,
and not hand him over
to the power of his enemies.
V/ May your hand
be upon your holy servant.
R/ And upon your son,
whom you have anointed.

Holy Week Celebrations

HOLY THURSDAY - MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
On Holy Thursday we commemorate the Last Supper that Christ had
with his Apostles. At the Supper he anticipated his death and offered
them his Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine.
He commanded his apostles to repeat this action saying “Do this in
Memory of Me”. At the beginning of this Mass, the tabernacle is
empty, since we are remembering the First Eucharist.
This evening we also remember the “New Commandment” that Christ
left us at the Last Supper, “Love one another as I have loved you”.
Some parishioners will have their feet washed by the priests to
remember how Christ humbled himself and washed his disciples feet.
As Christians we are called to humble ourselves and serve others. It
is only by frequently receiving Jesus in Holy Communion that we can
be transformed into his likeness and love as he loved. After this Mass
is concluded, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the lower level of the Church for prayer and adoration. This is to recall
Christ’s Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane where he went to pray
with his disciples. Peter, James and John fell asleep. Christ asked them
“Could you not spend one hour with me?’ We spend time in prayer
and adoration this night to make reparation for all the times we have
fallen asleep and failed to keep vigil with Christ. We are pleased to welcome Bishop Ustrzycki to lead us in this celebration which begins at 7:00 p.m..

GOOD FRIDAY
On Good Friday, we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross for
our salvation. There will be two celebrations on Good Friday, 11:00a.m. and 3:00 p.m. On this day our parish also sponsors a Fishy Fry from 4:00-7:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. We also mark the Stations of the Cross (lead by our youth) at 7:00pm.

HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday remains a day of mourning, fasting and prayer – joining
Christ in his descent among the dead. We commemorate the
“absence” of Christ by refraining from celebrating the sacraments
during the day.

We mark the custom of blessing the food for Easter celebrations at 1:00pm


EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil, which begins at 7:00p.m., is the highest point of our Liturgical year. On this night we commemorate Christ’s Glorious Resurrection from the dead.

The evening begins in complete darkness – to represent the darkness that
covered the world without Christ. The Easter fire is lit at the back of the
Church and blessed. From this fire we light the Easter candle, which
represents the risen Christ emerging from the tomb and enlightening the
world. The congregation carries small candles of their own which are lit
from the Christ candle. As the presider reaches the front of the Church,
he chants an ancient hymn known as the “Exultet” announcing the
Church’s joy at the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Vigil continues with a series of readings from the Old Testament,
beginning with the Creation of the world, and summarizing the whole
history of Israel. We reflect upon all of the great deeds God has done for
us throughout history. Before the New Testament Reading and Gospel,
the Glory to God is sung – and the lights in the Church are raised to full
power as we hear of the greatest deed of God – the death and resurrection
of his Son, that has saved us from sin and death.

After the Homily, the Baptismal font is blessed and together the
congregation renews its baptismal promises. It is Jesus Christ, risen
from the dead, who gives the baptismal water the power to forgive sins.
Those who have been preparing to become Catholic receive the
Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. They will make their First
Communion that evening as well. We are welcoming 11 new members into our faith this evening.

While it is true that the Easter Vigil is the longest rite in our Liturgical
Calendar (2 ½ hours), the solemn and celebratory spirit makes it move
quickly. It is an opportunity to support those entering the Church and to
reflect on our own Baptism and Confirmation. While it may be difficult
to attend with small children, it is a wonderful opportunity for older
children to witness the richness of our Catholic Faith. The vigil Mass is
usually less crowded than the Masses on Easter Sunday. Please plan to
attend with your family this year.


EASTER SUNDAY

The Easter Sunday Mass is the model for all of our Sunday Masses
throughout the year – each and every Sunday is like a “little Easter” –
where we participate in the death and resurrection of our Lord. On
Sunday Morning, we continue the joy that filled the Easter Vigil. We
will renew our Baptismal promises and the presider will sprinkle the
congregation with Holy Water. The victory over sin and death that we
have received in Christ must permeate the rest of our year.

Lenten Parish Mission

The countdown to our Parish Mission is on. A Parish Mission is a time of GRACE. It is a time in which, as a parish family, we dispose ourselves to the blessings of God bestowed upon us so that His Grace can enter our hearts. A Parish Mission is a time of GOODNESS. We take time to reflect upon the goodness of God within our lives, and in the life of our parish family, and seek a greater portion of that goodness. A Parish Mission is a time of GODLINESS. We find ourselves more open to seeing the presence of the Lord in our midst and to seeking to imitate Him. I encourage you to join us for our Parish Mission.

PARISH MISSION - LENT 2010
Freedom and renewal in Jesus
Guest: Father Graham Keep

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Eucharistic Adoration
Who do people say that I am?
Exposition will take place in the Church following the 11:00a.m. Mass. The Church will remain open during the day for quiet prayer as we begin our Mission.

7:00 p.m. Benediction with Homily
Reception to follow in Parish Centre.

Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Solemn Vespers
Who do YOU say that I am?

7:00 p.m. Vespers Service
Reception to follow in Parish Centre.

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
Celebration of Eucharist
Healing for mission!

7:00 p.m. Celebration of Eucharist
Reception to follow in Parish Centre.

Wednesday March 24th, 2010
Celebration of Reconciliation
Un Bound and Set Free !

7:00 p.m. Penance Celebration (Six visiting priests present)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
A program for children aged 3-8 will run each evening in the Parish Centre. Please bring your child directly to the Parish Centre before the start of the Mission. This program will be led by some of our Children’s Ministry Leaders.

Haiti Update

I am delighted and overwhelmed at the magnificent response of our parish family to our appeal for the victims of the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti. The special collection resulted in $17,495.00 and some 2,348 Haiti Health Kits for the Sisters of St Joseph of Hamilton Diocese and their medical outreach ! There has never before been such an outpouring of generosity and love through a special collection for our brothers and sisters who have lost so much. Such generosity will be a blessing for the people of Haiti but it will also be a blessing for those who opened their hearts.

My heartfelt thanks.

Lent Begins

Each year the church invites us to reflect on how we live our Catholic faith. Lent is a time for us to reflect and to review our life in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Gospels. One of the prayers that may be used as the priest imposes ashes on our head is the words of St. Mark Gospel, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”, Mark 1:15

As we begin our journey through Lent, I encourage all Catholics to continue our traditional Lenten practices: increased prayer, appropriate fasting, penance, and a continued effort to undertake and to foster charitable giving.

During our journey through Lent, I encourage each one of us to reflect on how we conform our lives to the principles and to the values of the Gospel. How good it would be if each one of us spend some time reading the Gospel and reflecting on how we conform our lives and attitudes to the Heart of Christ.

Our Holy Father Pope Benedict in his Lenten message spoke about the culture of justice and reminded us that evil and injustice many times comes from our own hearts. It is my hope that we would all place special emphasis during this Lenten season on the virtues of justice and charity. That we would respect each other for who we are, “children of God created in his likeness and image”; and that in all our relationships that we would treat each other as Jesus treated the people with whom He had contact with, and as revealed to us in the Gospels. Let us continue to look to Jesus as our hope and as an example of how we should live our lives for He is “the way, the truth and the life.”

Catastrophic. Devastating. In ruins.

These terms cannot begin to describe the destruction that the 7.0 scale earthquake has caused in the island nation of Haiti, and especially its hard-hit capital, Port-au-Prince.

In many areas nothing is left but widespread devastation. The major infrastructure has been destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are expected to be dead. Survivors are in shock and wandering the streets, homeless, hungry and hopeless. Haiti needs massive amounts of supplies to care for the millions of people affected from the quake.

We must respond at once to prevent enormous loss of life from thirst, starvation, disease and untreated injuries.



How You Can Help Haiti
In response to the recent devastating earthquake, St Mary of the Visitation Parish will be working hand in hand with the Sisters of St Joseph of Hamilton Diocese (who are present in two hospitals in Haiti) and Canadian Food for Children with partners already on the ground in Haiti.

You can get involved in three ways:

Pray: for the people of Haiti and for relief workers. A special Prayer has been prepared and all in the parish are united in this prayer - copies available

Give: Make your donation out to St Mary’s and designate it for Haiti Relief. We will be partner with the Sisters of St Joseph of Hamilton Diocese who have assured us that 100% of donated funds will be going to Outreach Efforts in Haiti where they have been present in two hospitals for over 20 years.

Spearheaded by our high school youth group - Da Crew- we will Assemble Haiti Health Kits. All parishioners will be invited to gather these over the next two weekends and Canadian Food for Children will transport them directly to Haiti.

Haiti Health Kits:


Canadian Food for Children is able to be most efficient by having a precise system for kits. Please follow these instructions exactly and don’t add anything to your kit as this will delay shipment.

Place these items inside a sealed plastic bag:

1 washcloth

1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)

1 bath-size bar of soap

1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)

Box of adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

Drop off kits at the "Donation Station" located in our Parish Centre. Members of our High School Youth Group - Da Crew - will be present to collect these and ensure they are packed and sent to the Canadian Food for Children.


Please help the nation of Haiti recover from this terrible blow by making a donation



Our Schools & Youth are Helping Haiti !

Our parish, which already along with Our Lady of Fatima School, sponsor three children - Darby, James and Franceska in Haiti, remains committed to finding information and providing for the needs of these three children.

Our two parish elementary schools of Our Lady of Fatima and St Elizabeth are working with the parish in a collaborative effort to raise funds. Our Lady of Fatima School has established a goal of $3,000 to be raised before the end of the month to help the Sisters of St Joseph.

Our Children's Ministry and Kids Klub will be holding a special "Pennies for Haiti" appeal. The goal of $500 to be raised

Our High School Youth Group - Da Crew - is spearheading the Haiti Health Kits appeal