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Be sure to
check this entire page
as each area updated
regularly!
(newest stuff isn't
always just at the top!).
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 Click
here for a copy of the weekly bulletin (Adobe
Acrobat Reader required)
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SPECIAL EVENT PHOTOS!
Click HERE!
The
Community
Meal resumed on Friday,
November 13, 2009!
Students looking for volunteer hours please contact Sal Badali at
905-271-0266.
Garage Sale!
St. Mary Star of the Sea is holding a garage
sale on May 29, 2010! We need volunteers to help!
The KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS JOHN PAUL II COUNCIL 11955 St. Mary Star of the
Sea Parish is holding a garage sale on MAY 29, 2010. You are needed to
serve on a planning committee. You will be working with the CWL ladies,
the K of C men and any interested groups of St. Mary’s parish to help
organize this event.
If interested, please call the Church at (905) 278-2058 or Grant
Knechtel, Grand Knight of the Knight’s of Columbus of St. Mary’s at
(905) 278-0864.
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 INTERACTIVE
WORKSHOP
Is it time for a SECOND OPINION? The recent ‘Financial Crisis’ has
left many wondering if they will be able to meet their financial goals.
Together with your spouse, or a good friend, attend an interactive “second
opinion” workshop which will help you understand your financial
situation better. Hosted by experienced Financial Advisor, Gerry Son Kee
of Raymond James Ltd., together with featured Guest Speaker, Jennifer
Cheung, Regional Sales Manager of Hartford investments on Wednesday,
February 24, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. for 07:00 p.m. start at St. Mary Star of
the Sea (Parish Hall).
R.S.V.P to Mary Richmond at (905) 891-5222 Ext. 252
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
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EUCHARISTIC
MINISTERS NEEDED
More Eucharistic ministers are needed to participate in the celebration
of our Sunday liturgy. Please spend some time in prayer to see if you
are being called to be active in this important ministry. No extra time
is involved beyond your attendance at the mass of your choice. Please
contact the parish office and leave your name and telephone number and
you will be contacted.
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 So,
are YOU going to Heaven?
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 Coffee
Sunday! Its back!
Are you new to the church
and would you like to meet some people at the church?
Are you a regular parishioner who would like to stay after a service,
and meet others you have sat beside and never really talked to?
Are you one of those people who comes to church and as soon as it is
done, whisk away without taking a moment to speak with your fellow
parishioners?
Yes, Church is about God... and spending time with Him in reverence for
all He has done for us... but church is also about the people. WE
are the church... and we as brothers in Christ should get to know one
another... and not let life just keep us busy and isolated from one
another...
Please join us for coffee and donuts, fellowship and friendship,
after all the masses on the weekend of September 5th and 6th downstairs
in the church hall. This is a very good opportunity to meet your fellow
parishioners!
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HOPE FOR
HAITI
After learning about the devastating effects of the earthquake in Haiti,
the students of St. Luke’s wanted to do something to help. The Student
Government quickly organized a week long fundraiser full of events to
help raise money for the people of Haiti. Staff and students were asked
to make a minimum donation of two dollars to participate in various
activities such as “Super Hero Day”, “80’s Day” and “Crazy
Colour Day”. A “Teachers Versus Students” volleyball game, wrapped
up the fundraiser in the gym on Friday afternoon. We also had a school
liturgy to pray for the people of Haiti on Friday morning. One of our
teachers had participated in an outreach program in Haiti a number of
years ago and she did a slide presentation which brought more reality to
the devastation.
The response from the students, their families and the staff was
overwhelming. As donations for Haiti came pouring in, the School Council
offered to match the school’s donation up to $1000.00. In addition to
this, the Student Government also offered to donate the $700.00 they had
raised selling Candy Grams in December. Thanks to the generous spirit of
the St. Luke community, the school was able to raise a total of $4400.00
for the people of Haiti. Social justice issues are a priority at St.
Luke School. We are a community that supports the needs of our global
community. We hope that our donation will raise the spirits of the
people in Haiti.
DOUBLE
your GIFT!
ShareLife Community Challenge- make double the difference!
First-time donors to ShareLife — double the impact of your generosity
through the ShareLife Community Challenge!! A generous donor has pledged
to match all new and increased gifts to the 2010 ShareLife campaign, up
to a total of $500,000. Your first-time gift to ShareLife will be
matched dollar-for-dollar this year. For example, your $50 donation will
result in a $50 matching gift, resulting in a $100 contribution toward
the work of ShareLife agencies. ShareLife social service agencies
identified more than $800,000 in unfunded needs this year — your
contribution could help shorten waiting lists, open new shelter beds,
and serve more meals for those in need around us. For more information,
visit www.sharelife.org. Please give generously. YOU CAN WORK WONDERS!
SHARELIFE - HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
The ShareLife Office is accepting monetary donations to support disaster
relief efforts in Haiti assisting in the provision of food, shelter,
clean water, and medical supplies for those affected by the earthquake.
Working through the Catholic Church's official relief body, Caritas
Internationalis, funds will be channeled through our partners to Caritas
Haiti. Those wishing to help through a financial contribution may do so
in the following ways:
- Online through ShareLife's website: www.sharelife.org,
- by phone through the ShareLife office at 1-800-263-2595 or
416-934-3411
- through the parish, making cheques payable to:
ShareLife - Parish Name - Haiti Earthquake Relief
We offer our prayers for the thousands of families affected by the
earthquake. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to serve those in need,
both here at home and around the world.
SHARELIFE - OTHER DISASTER RELIEF
The ShareLife Office is accepting monetary donations to support disaster
relief efforts in the Philippines and Indonesia, assisting in the
provision of food, shelter, clean water, and medical and cooking
supplies for those affected by the storms, flooding and earthquake.
Working through the Catholic Church's official international relief
network, Caritas Internationalis, funds will be channelled to Caritas
Philippines (NASSA). Initially, NASSA is providing aid for a total of
10,000 families (50,000 people) in seriously affected areas. Those
wishing to help through a financial contribution may do so in the
following ways: - Online through ShareLife's
website:www.sharelife.org . By phone through the ShareLife office
1-800-263-2595 or 416-934-3411. Through the parish, making cheques
payable to:
1.)
ShareLife - Parish Name - Tropical Storm Ketsana Relief - Philippines
or
2.) ShareLife – Parish Name – Sumatra Earthquake Relief - Indonesia
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to serve the poor both here and
around the world.
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REFUGEE
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM - UPDATE!
Our joint Committee and our Refugee families are blessed with a warm,
generous, supportive group of parishioners. Our families have been here
for three months and are working hard to meet the challenges of
adjusting to a new country, culture and climate. They have experienced
their first signs of snow, and like most of us appreciate its beauty and
wonder best from indoors. The families are very appreciative of all that
both parishes have been doing for them, from financial support and help
in budgeting and money management, to support in understanding what it
means to live in Canada.
The adults continue to attend school to learn English. Two of the
children, Ruaa aged 12 and Maryam aged 4 have had their first parent
teacher interviews and are progressing well. Much gratitude is due to
Mike Sourial, an Arabic speaking parishioner at St. Mary’s, who is
tutoring Ruaa in mathematics twice a week. Ruaa also gets extra help
once a week with her English skills. A heartfelt thank you from the
sponsorship committee to those who came to meet and welcome the younger
family on December 6th after the 11:30 mass for Coffee Sunday and
Mini-Bazaar. We will bring the older family to St. Mary’s once they
feel more comfortable speaking English. Mazin the younger father
attended a job fair at St. Christopher and also met some of the
parishioners there. Sanaa the younger mother is preparing for the birth
of their third child mid-to-end of January.
To you the parishioners they send Blessings and Gratitude for Christmas
and all through the Year. Qays, the older father sends us emails which
he writes in Arabic and the computer translates into English. We
received this from him just before Christmas on behalf of the families:
“I offer my sincere congratulations to you and all members of
the church on the occasion of Christmas and New Year. I wish you
progress and prosperity in your lives and on this occasion thank you for
your interest in our family and your dealings with us – Ask God to
help you in your service to humanity” .
URGENT : An infant car seat is needed as the young family is
expecting their new baby boy during the month of January. If you can
donate one please contact the parish office immediately. Infant clothing
will also be gratefully accepted. Thanks.
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Canadian Catholic
Organization for Development and Peace.
Last year 14,422 mining action cards were signed in the Diocese of
Toronto, and approximately half a million cards were signed in parishes
across Canada. St. Mary.s parishioners should be very proud of their
contribution of 550 mining action cards that were sent to Paul Szabo and
Prime Minister Harper last March 2009.
On April 22, 2009, Bill C300 requiring mandatory corporate
responsibility for the activities of Canadian mining companies abroad,
passed a second reading in Parliament by a vote of 137-33. The bill is
to go to a consultative committee and then to the Senate for another
vote.
Our actions do made a difference! Development and Peace is now in year
four of their 5-year 'Life before Profit' Campaign. This year's
initiative is `Food Sovereignty'. In countries of the Global South,
small-scale farmers are being forced to compete with large
agro-corporations for farming land. Farmers and farming villages that
previously were self-sustaining are now required to grow single crops
for agro-fuels that go to consumers in developed world. As the demand
for agro-fuels increases, so does the price of food; but the
availability of food decreases, thereby causing a rise in worldwide
poverty and hunger.
Development and Peace is again asking parishioners across Canada to sign
action cards to be sent to the Prime Minister and our local Member of
Parliament. This year's action cards are asking that the issue of `Food
Sovereignty' be brought to the G8 Summit meeting held in Muskoka this
June. St. Mary.s Development and Peace committee is planning to sign
action cards at all masses the weekend of February 27/28.
More information will follow as we approach this weekend.
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FIRST FRIDAY –
ALL DAY ADORATION
- March 5, 2010 –
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament beginning with Mass at 9:00 a.m. and
continuing through to 1:30 pm, then approximately 4:30 pm to 7:00 p.m. You are encouraged to take this
opportunity to come by the Church any time during the day and spend an
hour with our Eucharistic Lord. All are invited to join in Benediction
at 7:00 p.m.
If you can commit a half hour, an hour or more of your time, please sign
up on the sheet on the bulletin board by the main doors of the Church or
call Mary Lloyd Knechtel at 905-278-0864.
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OFFERTORY GIFTS
VOLUNTEERS
Thank you very much to the families and individuals who continue to
volunteer to bring the bread and wine to the altar during Offertory.
Your participation truly enriches our Sunday liturgies.
A new blank fall, Advent and Christmas schedule has now been posted on
the bulletin board by the Lakeshore Rd. Doors of the church. If you are
interested in bringing up the Offertory Gifts, please write your name on
the schedule for a date that you are available to help.
We also invite individuals and families who would like to light the
Advent Wreath to sign up for a Sunday of your choice during Advent.
Please remember to introduce yourself to the ushers before Mass begins
on the day that you are either lighting the wreath or bringing the gifts
to the altar.
This ministry is not a demanding one; it only involves a few minutes of
your time during Mass, and it’s a rewarding experience for both adults
and young people. Please write your name on the posted schedule for a
date that you are available to help out. All that is required of you,
will be to introduce yourself to the ushers before Mass begins on the
day that you are bringing the gifts to the altar.
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SPIRITUAL
DIRECTION
Looking for a
companion and guide on your spiritual journey?
We are inherently social beings, needing one another for survival and
growth in every area of life. That is especially true in pursuing a
spiritual life.
If you want to grow spiritually, then meeting regularly with a spiritual
director will be helpful to you in many ways. It will keep the spiritual
life in the forefront of your consciousness. It will make you a little
more accountable. It will give you an opportunity to take stock of your
life regularly, looking for how God, ever comforting and challenging,
moves you toward growth.
During a spiritual direction session, director and directee together
look for God’s activity in all the areas of your life, especially
where the action is right now. A director will provide caring,
compassionate listening and honest responses.
If interested contact Maureen Teixeira at 905 277-3020.
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The Year for our Priests!
Pope Benedict has declared this year the Year for Priests, to highlight
the value of our priests.
The Parish Council invites you to submit a memory of one of the
priests you have known, and how that priest was important or helpful in
your life. Our intention is to publish these from time to time in our
Sunday bulletin.
This weekend we have a contribution from Betty:
" I would like to remember dear Father Faustus McKenna, a first
cousin to Father Lawlor. He was a good friend and summer neighbour to
the family growing up in Keswick. Father Faustus gave my husband his
Catholic instructions. He married us in 1946 and as we prepare to
celebrate our 64th Wedding Anniversary we have many blessings to be
grateful. God bless you dear, the late Father Faustus McKenna.."
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DEVELOPMENT AND
PEACE
“But God has so constructed the body… so that there is no
division in it, but that the parts may have the same concern for one
another. If one part suffers, then all the parts suffer with it; if one
part is honoured, all the parts share its joy.” 1 Corinthians 12:
24-26
Thank you again to parishioners for signing the action petitions last
weekend. Approximately 570 parishioners signed both petitions that were
delivered to the appropriate offices.
In June 2010, Canada will host the G8 Leaders’ Summit at a resort in
Huntsville Ontario, and shortly afterwards the G20 summit in Toronto. As
host, the Canadian government will set the agenda of this Summit. It’s
an opportunity for the Canadian government to influence other members of
the G8 and G20. Let’s pray that our voices and those from parishes and
schools across Canada help persuade summit leaders to support Food
Sovereignty for all. Please also keep the small-scale farmers of Global
South in your prayers.
If you are interested in becoming a member of St. Mary's Development and
Peace Committee, please contact the parish office at 905 278-2058 or via
e-mail at st.marystarofthesea@bellnet.ca
, and leave your name and reason for the call, and
we will contact you.
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Wanna volunteer? Help some people?
If your New year’s resolution was
to volunteer some of your time to help those in need, the St. Mary’s
St. Vincent De Paul Society are looking for new members this year.
Your commitment is under 3 to 5 hours a month. We have one weekly
meeting at the Church that runs approximately an hour and the rest of
the time we take turns each week in pairs of two members answering the
call of your fellow brothers and sisters in Port Credit who call the
church in need of assistance. This lay ministry, through the church is
very fulfilling in that you make an immediate difference in the lives of
those who call the Church for help when they have nowhere else to
turn.
If you are over 19 years old, and able to volunteer a little bit of your
time or know someone who may be interested in volunteering, please call
the St. Mary’s St. Vincent De Paul Society at 647-628-2058 for more
information.
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LECTORS AND USHERS
WANTED:
Lectors (must be a good reader) and ushers are wanted for the last
Sunday of every month. Community Meal volunteers are doing a wonderful
job. Sal will call you to remind you if you have signed up. Call Paolo
416-268-7017/Sal 905-271-0266 for info.
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SHEPHERDS’ TRUST
COLLECTION envelopes
are inserted in this week’s bulletin for the Shepherds’ Trust
collection which will be taken up at all Masses next weekend November 14
and 15. Please clearly print your name, address and donation amount on
the envelope.
As parishioners,
we have reaped the benefits of our priests' unselfish service to
ourselves and our families for generations. Called by God and
consecrated to the priesthood to care for His people, they have
faithfully served and continue to serve our families, in our churches,
schools, hospitals, nursing homes, missions and on our streets.
The Shepherds' Trust does more than
bridge the gap in our priests' retirement years; it says thank-you in a
very tangible way for the blessings we have received.
Please visit
our website and assist in in assisting our Shepherds.
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MARRIAGE PREP
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER - April 16 — 18, 2010
For further information or
registration please contact Cora & Mike Bryce (905-896-2958) or cora-mikebryce@sympatico.ca.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Good Marriages are like
dependable cars — they need attention. Refresh and rekindle your love
for each other by treating yourselves to a marriage enrichment weekend
at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, or give a weekend as a gift. The
centre offers comfort, excellent cuisine and an inspiring program. The
next weekend is March 5 - 7th.
For
information call 905-829-0116 or 905-278-5229.
Marriage Course
- St. Marys
We are now looking for couples who would be willing to be trained in
order to facilitate a marriage course here in the parish. Couples
who would be interested in this ministry should be practicing Catholics
and be married (in a stable marriage) for at least 5 years.
For more info, pls
contact Fr. Neil at 905 278-2058.
WORLDWIDE
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Consider giving each other or another
couple that you know the gift of a weekend away from daily pressures;
time to be with each other and with God on a Marriage Encounter. The
last weekend session was held October 2—4, 2009.
For more info or registration please contact Cora & Mike Bryce
905 896 2958.
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Altar Servers!
We need Altar servers! For all masses! Pls help! The
only requirement for this volunteer service is that you have received
your first Holy Communion and First Reconciliation! As long as you have had these sacraments, there is no age limits! If
you are interested, pls call Katie at 905 844-4747. Thanks!
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EUCHARISTIC
VISITATION TO
TRILLIUM
HOSPITAL
We are still looking for
volunteers to join us in visiting Trillium Hospital, Peter Street
Long-Term Care Facility, Regency Retirement Home or the homes of several
parishioners. You do not visit all locations. You will be sent to the
location of your choice. If you have a strong personal faith, a
compassionate attitude and a sympathetic, nonjudgmental ear for
listening to others, then maybe Christ is inviting you to join this
ministry. Don’t hesitate, please call Maureen Teixeira at 905 277-3020
for more information and to join the Eucharistic Visitor Ministry. Names
and phone numbers can also be left in the parish office. Training and
mentoring will be provided.
MINISTRY
TO THE SICK AND SHUT-INS
The Eucharist is brought weekly to the sick and shut-ins who have
requested this service. Sincere thanks to all the volunteers who are
part of this ministry for your prayerful dedication to our parishioners
in hospital, in the Regency Retirement Home, at Peter Street Long Term
Care Nursing Home or in their homes who cannot attend church due to If
there are any parishioners who are presently confined to their home
through sickness or old age or are admitted to hospital and would like
to be visited by members of the Eucharistic Visitation Ministry, please
notify the parish office. Procedures at Trillium Hospital have been
changed, making it very difficult for our volunteers to get a list of
our parishioners who are in hospital during our visits. Therefore, we
now have to depend on your informing us of the names and room numbers of
family members who would like to receive a visit in hospital. Please
remember to pray for the sick and elderly in our parish as they continue
to be a vital part of our parish community.
Click here to find out more on
Eucharistic visitation
Holy
Communion Ministers, Lectors and
Collection Counters Volunteers needed!
If you are interested in serving as a Minister offering Holy
Communion
at an 11:30 AM mass on Sunday morning, pls call Lorraine Howard at 905
891-8103.
Servers are on duty on a rotational basis, so the commitment is not for
EVERY Sunday morning.
In 1972, the church gave laymen and women the privilege of proclaiming
the Word of God at mass. Although we may feel unworthy or unable
to do this most important, work, know that God chooses `imperfect
instruments' to do His work and serve Him.
If you wish to proclaim the word of God at a mass and serve as a Lector,
please write your name on the bulletin board lists posted at each door.
Your name will appear every third or fourth week at the Mass of your
choice. Instruction is given to those beginning this ministry to benefit
their proclaiming Scripture effectively.
Collection counters are volunteers responsible for the timely and
accurate counting and depositing of the collections at all weekend
masses. The commitment is to count once a month needing about 2
hrs to do so. Personal reference checks and a criminal record check will
be undertaken. Contact Fr. Neil to discuss.
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R.C.I.A
- Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults!
Are you a non-baptized adult or baptized in another Christian tradition, interested in exploring or joining the Roman Catholic Church?
Are you an adult baptized as a Roman Catholic but have not received First Communion or Confirmation?
Well,
we have a program here at St. Mary Star of the Sea that can help you get
started! Its called the `Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults',
or `RCIA'.
Through
weekly discussion, teaching, reflection, sharing, and prayer, we
explore the
Catholic
faith; it's history, sacraments, moral and social teachings.
If you would like more information about the RCIA, call the Parish Office and set up an appointment with Fr. Neil
McMillan - 905 278-2058... or
speak with the RCIA leader via e-mail, John Scerri by clicking here
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 The
Craft Ladies meet every Wednesday
from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.....
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The Liturgy of
the Word with Children
Supporting the vital role of
parents…… BRINGING GOD’S WORD INTO THE HOME. The celebration of the
Word with children offers parishes a natural way of involving parents in
the Christian initiation and formation of their children at home.
LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN MINISTRY
The vision of the “Directory for Masses With Children” and the “Order
for the Christian Initiation of Adults” as it applies to children brings
a new focus on parents and significant adults in the lives of children. It
acknowledges the child’s personal relationship with God, and draws on
the Bible and liturgy to nurture that relationship. We are always looking
for adults who are interested in assisting in this ministry. Call Fr. Neil
at 905-278-2058. Be prepared to attend a workshop in September in
preparation for being a leader in this Ministry.
The following people have been instrumental in making this Ministry a
success. THANK YOU!! Cristina Caparas, Vivian D’Onofrio, Roseanne
Hickey, Violet Lopez, Catherine MacIntosh, Alvie Malicdem, Angela Nugent,
Sandra Presciutti, Anica Purai, Antonia Codispoti, and Fr. Neil McMillan.
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Off-site events !
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PILGRIMAGE
TOUR TO HOLY LAND, JORDAN AND EGYPT
April 12, 2010 (14 days) Fr. Edward Ewczynski will be
the Spiritual Guide. Price $3,249. More information on the pink leaflet
at the back of the Church. Call 905-412-2242 or 1-800-565-3619.
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Voices of Light’ concert
by the Mississauga Festival Chamber Choir
Saturday, on March 27 at
8:00 pm at First United Church,
151 Lakeshore Rd. West, Mississauga;
Tickets: Adults - $20; Students and Seniors - $15;
Contact: info@mississaugafestivalchoir.com
or call Lisa at 905-274-0601.
Set in the stunning acoustics of
the sanctuary of Port Credit’s First United Church, the
"Voices of Light" concert marks the debut of the
Mississauga Festival Chamber Choir.
The concert features as its centre piece the Berliner Messe
(Berlin Mass) by the Catholic Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. Sung
in Latin, this work for choir and organ has a mystic quality,
using tones and intervals in various ways to create each movement
of the Mass.
The second half of the concert features three sets of music, which
follow a path of darkness to light. The first set journeys from
despair to hope to joy with Afro-American spirituals; the second
set is taken from international musical influences, including a
traditional Cuban criolla, a new interpretation on a 16th century
Italian madrigal and a joyful compilation of South African freedom
songs; the final set features movements from three sacred masses:
Requiem by Canada's Eleanor Daley, the Gabriel Fauré Requiem and
the final movement from Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna.
Please join us in this celebration of song for the Lenten/Easter
Season.
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TREAT
YOUR CHILDREN TO A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE !
Send them to the TEOPOLI Summer Experience (TSE).
It
is a 12-day Catholic residential summer program for youth, ages 6
to 16 in the Muskoka area of Ontario. Activities include swimming,
canoeing, sports, art, music, drama, culture, theology, daily Holy
Mass and rosary. Since 1973, the TSE has provided a life-long
spiritual formation to thousands of children. For more information
visit our website www.teopoli.org
or call Joe at 416-243-7319
CHECK
THIS OUT — LifeSiteNews.com
“To those without access to the internet, The Interim newspaper
continues to be a great source for news on the culture wars from a
life and family perspective. In fact, many of those who long onto
LifeSiteNews.com each day also find The Interim to be an
indispensable source of critical, in-depth analysis.” Jim
Hughes, May 2009 Letter.
25th
Annual Third World Experience - call for next one!
This was an opportunity to
meet child labourers in the Dominican Republic, working on sugar
cane plantations. This trip was last held from June 28-July 5th.
It was open to teens and adults. The
group ran a summer day camp for the children of the cane
fields, held a Christmas-in-July dinner for them, and took them to
the beach one day (a rare outing). The approximate cost of the trip
was $1000.00. The trip was led by a Ms. Stella Petrone, a retired Catholic religion
teacher who has been leading these trips for 25 years. For more
information, please e-mail her directly at PetroGlor@Aol.com for
the next outing.
New
Beginnings -
Widowed / Separated / Divorced?
Separated, Divorced and Widowed Support Group: We are a group of separated, divorced and widowed persons who come together to share with one another and to support others who may have suffered similar losses - to know that we are not alone in our grief Meetings:
These are held every 3rd Thursday of the month, @ 7:30pm - 9:30 pm in St. Christopher's Parish, 905-822-1171
1171 Clarkson Rd., Mississauga.
The facilitator is Jerry Roberts and his phone number is (905) 279-2074.
Widow / widower support group - 8 week session -
(Wednesdays at 7:30 pm) - last held on Feb 27, March 5,12,
19, 26, and April 2, 9. . 2008. For more info call 416-222-1101 Ext
107/258
Support Group - Separated and Divorced Catholics
Catholic
Family services of Toronto - another series for
`Families and Individuals experiencing Separation or Divorce'.
The program was offered Feb 21, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8:30
pm at their central office at 1155 Yonge Street (Summerhill subway
station). It was also offered at their north office at 5799 Yonge
Street (Finch subway station).
For more info or next session, call Ian Singer at 416 921-1163 (central
office) or Mario Esposito at 416 222-0048 (North office).
Mary
Centre
The `Mary Centre' delivers
integrated support services and creates new opportunities for the
benefit of the developmentally challenged, their families and the
community in which we live. We offer many services / programs to
these folks in the Peel region and Toronto, among which the
`Integrated Seniors Program' is one of them. Mary Centre is also
one of the 34 agencies supported by Sharelife. For further
information call Carol Chung at 416-630-5533 Ext 227, or view our
website at www.marycentre.com
FAITH
CONNECTIONS - Theology on Tap! (Young
Adults get-together)
March
Events
THIS
MONDAY, March 8, 7:00 pm
Food
is part of the relationships between us, the Earth, and God.
"Fruit of the Earth and the work of human hands," food
nourishes us both physically and spiritually. A physical and
spiritual appreciation of our daily bread is essential. Special
guest: Fr. Jim Profit, S.J., Executive Director
of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph.
Refreshments
will be provided. Suggested donation: $5. Please
RSVP by replying to this e-mail, or call Vanessa
at 416-222-1426 ext 276.
Monday,
March 15, 7:00pm
Special
guest: Sr. Jacqueline de Verteuil, CSJ.
Each
of us as Christians are called to mystagogia. Throughout our
lifetime we continue to unveil the mysteries of the fulness of
Christ in our lives.
—
At the Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave,
Toronto.
Tuesdays,
from February 16 to April 27, 5:30pm
“Is
there more to life than this?” Faith Connections, Alpha
Canada, and the downtown Christian ministries invite you to find
out at Alpha in the Pub for young professionals
(21-39). Complimentary pub grub; cash bar. It's not
too late to invite a friend who wants to explore Christianity!
—
At Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub, 181 University
Ave, Toronto.
P.S.
You can watch
a video excerpt from Marie-Lauren Gregoire's talk on
"Spoken Word as Testimony" at Theology on Tap.
Find
more events on our complete
events calendar; you can also submit
your group's events!
Weekend
Retreat - Single Women - A
journey of freedom - women who search for God. Single
women, 18-40, last had a retreat weekend on May 30 - June 1, 2008, given by a team of Sisters of St. Joseph. For information on
the next weekend, call Sr. Dorothy: 416-927-0720.
Also, see a flyer on the bulletin board.
SEEING
WITH HEART ;
Catholic Parents of Lesbian Daughters and Gay sons.
Day of reflection - last held -Saturday June 13, 2009 - cost was $40.00 . Scarboro Missions - 2685 Kingston Road - For
more info, call John Montague, 416 523-6449.
YOUNG MEN AGES 21-35 - Ever think of the
Priesthood?
Have you ever considered becoming a priest missionary? Interested? Please join us at Scarborough Missions to learn and discern more
at Scarborough Missions Centre, Scarborough, Ontario.
For more info, please call Father Mike Traher at 416-261-7135 ext. 250. Email:
mtraher@scarboromissions.ca
It may change your life forever.
Vita Manor -
A call for
volunteers!
If you have two hours a week and a heart for new mothers, then we need
your help! We are looking for good hearted and enthusiastic individuals
to help new mothers - Please call us for
details! 905 858-0329
Each year we raise awareness and donations for Vita Manor, a home in Mississauga for young women who are pregnant. Donations of new baby clothes, formula, toys, diapers, bottles etc. will be greatly appreciated.
WALK IN
CLINIC - for STRESSED or DEPRESSED individuals!
Have you suffered from a
traumatic event or abuse? Do you think counselling with someone
who could help is now something to consider? Don't let it
keep going on! Its time to do something about it, and put an
end to the constant depression and unhappiness!
A walk-in clinic is located at 165
Dundas Street West at Confederation Parkway - Tel 905 897-1664 Ext
101. A website you can check out is www.cfspd.com .
Don't let stress or depression keep taking the zest from your life
! Its not shameful to ask for help - we all have to at one
time or another! So call.... or come see us!
You're always most welcome!
C.L.I.M.B. 2007 - now open for Participant Registration
C.L.I.M.B. (Catholic Leadership : Identify Motivate Believe)
- is a leadership program designed by the Office of Catholic Youth (OCY)
for young people throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto. Young people will have the opportunity to
develop a deeper understanding of their own gifts, and be encouraged to
put those gift at the services of their parishes, schools and families
and communities.
The program is open for young leaders in the ages of 15-19. Anyone wishing to be involved in
the program is to e-mail their name, address, phone number and school to
John Dawson at johnd@ocytoronto.org.
For more information check out their website at www.ocytoronto.org
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The Alpha Program
Are you interested in
learning more about the Christian faith?
Are you new to religion and have heard alittle about God and Christ
lately, and it has peaked your interest? Do you want to know more
about all this religious stuff and see what it is all about, without
being hassled and pinned down by some bible-thumping religious people?
Or are you a long-time member of the church and would like a refresher
on Christianity and get a chance to meet others in the parish, where you
can brush-up on your doctrine and maybe even help some newer people out?
If so - why not join the Alpha program!
The Alpha program is 10 week (one-night-a-week) program in which you
would learn about Christianity; who Christ was, what he did for us, and
what this faith is all about! Alpha is an
opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly
setting, which includes ten meals and an amazing weekend getaway that
comes halfway through the 10-week course.
Usually a night session starts with meeting people in a casual setting,
then partaking in a meal, and then watching a video on Christianity. The
speaker on the videos is named `Nicky Gumbel', and he truly speaks from
the heart and advises you on the different aspects of Christianity... it
is a very good program, and is helpful both to the new, and to those who
have been Christians for long long times.
For more information on the general Alpha Program, visit the Alpha
website by clicking here!
Webmaster's side
note - " The
Alpha Program is a really good program which not only allows you to
learn more about the Christian faith and what its all about, but to
simply get out there and meet others. I did it a few years back
and really enjoyed it ! When someone originally suggested it to
me, I thought ; `Ah - this is an elementary course - too basic for
me'... but I was wrong! And I enjoyed it so much I not only
completed it, but came back a second year as a helper with the teachers
/ leaders ! And for those who are new - we had a fair number who
were really new and knew very little about the Christian faith - and its
very basic and easy and people won't clobber you over the head and force
stuff on you... and if it gets too weird for you - no
worries! You can
always bow-out whenever you want - no pressure, no guilt, no
hard times.
As for me - I learned alot - I met alot of nice people, enjoyed
the socializing, and the meals were good too! And their free!
;0)
So why not give it
a try as well? It's a good time, easy paced, non stressful and non
pressuring. Take my word for it - you won't lose!
Rick Neubrand
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10:00 AM Choir
Singers are needed for the 10:00 Sunday Mass. Help us prepare the music
for the celebration of Advent and Christmas. Rehearsals are every
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. New members are invited to contact the office, or
Fergus Egan at 905-272-3055 (day) 905-270-4832 (eve).
If you love to sing, please come and join us! We are always
looking for new members!
We always sing Sundays at the 10 AM mass from October thru June. Rehearsals are every other
Thursday at 7:00 pm in the church, and one hour before mass.
Newcomers and families are always welcome.
Contact Richard Lavor through the parish for more info.
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OFFICE OF CATHOLIC YOUTH
It's time to CLIMB!
Are you ready for a leadership program designed specifically for young Catholic leaders by young Catholic leaders? Prepared to get hands-on training, giving you the skills you need to serve the community, your parish and school? Ready to roll up your sleeves and learn by doing, with speakers, service projects and sharing with others from across the Archdiocese? More importantly, are you ready to CLIMB to the summits of our faith?
If you are 15 - 19 years old and are ready to take Catholic leadership to a whole new level, we invite you to join this year's CLIMB. For more details, information and to register for the program, visit
www.ocytoronto.org
Last registration deadline was March 17, 2006. The CLIMB began Saturday, March 25 for the first of four monthly sessions. For more information on
CLIMB and any next sessions, you can also contact Tim Lee Loy at:
tim@ocytoronto.org or (416) 599-7676.
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LEGION OF MARY
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Enthronement
or Renewal
If you would like the Legion of Mary to do an Enthronement or Renewal of
Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at your home and/or would like
to have the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima for a week,
please call the parish office 905-278-2058 and leave your name and phone
number .
WHAT ARE WE ALL
ABOUT?
LEGION OF MARY - Interested in learning more about your faith? Then why
not come out to a Legion of Mary meeting held every Wednesday evening @
7:45 pm in the Parish Hall. As Jesus said to His disciples “Come and
See.” If you would like the Legion of Mary to do an Enthronement or
Renewal of Enthronement of The Sacred Heart of Jesus at your home and/or
would like to have the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima for a
week, please call the parish office at 905-278-2058 and leave your name
and phone number.
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EUCHARISTIC VISITATION TO THE
SICK & SHUT-INS
“Truly I tell you, as often as you did it to these the least of my
brothers and sisters you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40).
As the above quotation from Scripture
points out, it is important to serve God by seeing Christ in our
neighbours, in this case in those who are sick and/or elderly. Our
compassionate, caring presence affirms our own faith and the faith of
those to whom we minister.
The Eucharistic Visitor represents the parish community when visiting
those in hospital, nursing or retirement homes, and their own homes.
Since the person cannot be present when the community gathers for the
Eucharistic meal at church, the lay Visitor takes a portion of the meal
to the sick and shut-ins and repeats some of the prayers which were used
at the community gathering. This portion of the meal is the communion
host and it is carried in a small vessel called a pyx, part of a “kit”
which includes a small crucifix, a small bottle of holy water, a white
linen cloth and a book of prayers entitled Communion for the Sick.
Whenever possible, the relatives of the sick person are invited to share
in this reception of the Eucharist. We visit Trillium Hospital, Peter
Street Long-Term Care Facility, Regency Retirement Home and the homes of
several parishioners. Family members of those who cannot attend mass
because of sickness or old age can notify the office and request that
the Eucharist be brought to their loved one. Visits are mainly made
after the Eucharistic liturgy on Sundays but other arrangements are
possible.
Presently, we need more volunteers for our ministerial team. If
you have a strong personal faith, a compassionate attitude and a
sympathetic, nonjudgmental ear for listening to others, then maybe
Christ is inviting you to join this ministry.
Don’t hesitate, please call Maureen Teixeira at 905 277-3020 for more
information and to join the Eucharistic Visitor Ministry. Names and
phone numbers can also be left in the parish office. Training and
mentoring will be provided.
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Morning Light Ministry is a Catholic ministry that offers information and support to bereaved parents who have experienced the death of their baby through ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. We welcome bereaved mothers and bereaved fathers to come and share their stories with other bereaved parents in a
faith-centred, hope-filled and loving atmosphere.
Please contact us if you have any questions or plan to attend as space is limited.
Phone - 24 hour phone number is 416-765-2155,
email - morninglightministryparent@rogers.com
and
website - http://ca.geocities.com/morninglightministry@rogers.com
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 Youth Events :
Youth Ministry
For more info, contact us at breakthrough_mississauga@yahoo.com
ATTENTION YOUTH — MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
Here are 2 upcoming events which will be of particular interest to
mature teens and those in their 20’s; however people of all ages are
welcome:
1- Friday, March 5 @ 8:00 pm at Holy Rosary Church. The Office of
Catholic Youth and Holy Rosary parish welcome Brother Emile of the
community of Taizé for an evening with the prayer and music of Taizé.
This is a very beautiful, calming and sensual prayer experience.
2- Palm Sunday is recognized internationally as the World Day of Youth.
The Office of Catholic Youth invites you to the World Youth Day Palm
Sunday event on Saturday, March 27. 6:00 pm — St. Paul’s Basilica:
praise and worship, catechesis, small group sharing, witness talks. 7:45
pm — Procession with World Youth Day Cross and Palms to St. Michael’s
Cathedral with Archbishop Thomas Collins, and music by recording artist
Susan Hookong- Taylor.
Call Sal (90-271-0266) if you are interested in car-pooling, or would
like more information.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-
FOR YOUTH MASS
The recent Parish Survey
contained a suggestion that a Mass for youth be provided, possibly on a
Sunday evening. In response to this suggestion, it is proposed that 3
such Masses take place during the course of the school year. Presently
needed are young people who would be willing to serve on a committee
that will plan these liturgies. If you would like to help, please call
Father Neil at 905-278-2058.
The Youth Group will be arranging many spiritual and social events for the youth; this includes Liturgical Celebrations and Concerts, Talent Nights, Sales and other fund raising activities for different causes.
As part of their community service efforts, the youth group is also going to adopt the Senior's Home on Peter Street and will be arranging Sing-Along Nights and Get-together evenings for the Seniors.
We will also be arranging for the youth of St. Mary's to take part in various Archdiocese events that are organized by the Office of the Catholic Youth.
Any volunteers who would like to be a part of the organizing committee for the Youth Group are invited to attend the weekly meetings as well. For further information please contact us at
breakthrough-mississauga@yahoo.com
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Looking for volunteer hours for High School?
We can help -- Community Meal, Children's Liturgy, and more. Call
Fr. Neil at 905-278-1446. Altar Servers needed at all Masses. Please contact Veronica at 905-842-5547 if you are interested.
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Are you interested in serving on the Altar? Children and youth who have celebrated their First Communion are invited to participate on the altar in this special ministry. Call Veronica at 905-842-5547 for more details.
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High School Student Volunteers for Community Meal Program - are you
a high school student and wish to help the less fortunate? Need some
community service hours? Why not give us a call? Although we
are not currently running this program, it will be running in the fall
again shortly. If you would like to assist, pls call us !
No one - youth or adult - may volunteer in this program unless they have completed a Volunteer Information Form as
part of the parish's Screening Program. Call Maureen
at 905-277-3020 for more information.
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 A Prayer for Vocations
Loving and Generous God, It is You who call us by name and ask us to follow You.
Help us to grow in the Love and Service of our Church as we experience it today.
Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future.
Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ's Mission of love and justice.
Bless the Church of Toronto by raising up dedicated and generous leaders
from our families and friends who will serve Your people as Priests, Deacons,
Religious Sisters and Brothers,
Missionaries and Lay Ministers.
Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call.
Amen.
If you are interested
in becoming a priest, or as an ordained or consecrated person, pls call
Fr. Liborio Amaral or Sr. Christina at (416) 968-0997.
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Children's
Liturgy: CHILDREN'S LITURGY MEETING
If you are interested in helping at any of the Sunday Masses please call Fr.
Neil at the office at (905-278-1446) for more
information. We currently have a rotating volunteer schedule. High School students are welcome for their Community Volunteer Hours.
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Bible Studies: Current study -
Book of Samuel 1
Morning group series - every Thursday at
9:30 AM
You are welcome to join us at any time. Come and participate, you will find lively discussion as well as interesting readings.
Contact: Mary Louise at 905-891-6144 or the church at 905 278-2058.
EVENING BIBLE STUDY
Evenings:
Sunday at 7 pm - 9 pm, see posters for current study and dates
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Attention all young people! |
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Have you received First Communion? Would you
like to assist on the Altar with Father Neil? St. Mary Star of the Sea offers training and support to new Altar Servers. Please consider giving your time to assisting at Mass.
Contact Veronica at 905-842-5547 or Hope at 905-823-0880.
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Marriage
Encounter
Good Marriages are like
dependable cars — they need attention. Refresh and rekindle your love
for each other by treating yourselves to a marriage enrichment weekend
at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, or give a weekend as a gift. The
centre offers comfort, excellent cuisine and an inspiring program. The
next weekend is March 5 - 7th, 2010. For information call 905-829-0116
or 905-278-5229.
Marriage encounter is a weekend of marriage enrichment, which strengthens
married relationships. It is designed for couples that have a good
marriage and would like to make it better, and can also help those couples
which are experiencing some difficulties in their
relationships.
If you are also interested future
events,
pls call Kathleen Smith at 905 278-5229.
MARRIAGE
COURSE - LOOKING FOR NEW TEACHERS -
We are now looking for couples who would be willing to be trained in
order to facilitate a marriage course here in the parish. Couples
who would be interested in this ministry should be practicing Catholics
and be married (in a stable marriage) for at least 5 years.
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OTHER
SPECIAL EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO WEBSITE.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
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Contact:
Sr. Thérèse Meunier, Director, or Vanessa
Nicholas-Schmidt, Assistant Director
