St. Mary Star of the Sea;


   

This page
updated on

August 28, 2010
 

    Be sure to check this entire page
as each area updated regularly! 
(newest stuff isn't always just at the top!).

       


  
  

Click here for a copy of the weekly bulletin  

(Adobe Acrobat Reader required)







CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED!!

St. Mary’s 10 o’clock Choir urgently needs new members Join us for the weekly celebration of the Eucharist and in preparing for the major feasts of the Church year. Contact Fergus Egan 905-270-4832 fegus@egan.on.ca





   NEW!   Christian Contemporary Music links






    
Martyr's Shrine Bus Pilgrimage - Living Rosary Celebration - 
September 19th , 2010

August 27th update!

Well, it has only been one week and we already have about 30 people signed up!  Wow... the bus is filling up fast!  Best sign up on the sign-up sheet at the back of the church (or call me directly at 905 274-5770 and leave a message) if you wish to get a seat on the bus!  The Lord fills our bus each year, so best call or sign up soon!


Once again, we are having our annual `Martyr's Shrine' bus pilgrimage, to the large shrine located in Midland, Ontario.

The Living Rosary celebration consists of an external procession honouring the Virgin Mary, and an outdoor celebratory mass at the Papal Altar. There is also other outdoor and indoor masses which occur at the Shrine, as well as a restaurant, and a gift shop!

The cost of the trip has been maintained at $20.00 again this year, in order to provide an inexpensive opportunity to celebrate with parishioners from around the Archdiocese, in an important tradition!

(In going on this pilgrimage, we use a fully equipped (air conditioned) 56 passenger coach, complete with a washroom and a VCR).

If you are interested in participating in this event, please keep an eye out for the sign-up sheet at the back of the church, which will be posted by approximately August 23rd . This event has always been in high demand, and seating is usually taken up quickly. 

Important things to note!
- Please ensure you include a valid legible contact telephone number for verification of attendance.  If you cannot be contacted in advance to verify your attendance and payment, your name will be dropped from the passenger list.

- Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis, with seats only secured only upon payment

- Payment is non-refundable.

- Seating placement and position on the bus is not reservable, but special needs will be taken into consideration.

For more information, please contact Rick Neubrand at (905) 274-5770. If I am not in, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.  

Thankyou.

Rick Neubrand



Refugee Sponsorship Update - July 24 / 25, 2010
    

St. Mary’s is a caring and loving community always eager to accept a challenge and to open their hearts to help others!

The Refugee Sponsorship Committee wishes to express their gratitude to all parishioners who donated money, household items and their prayer time to our refugee families over the past year. 

We have surpassed our goal of raising an additional $2500.00 during the months of June and July, and to date have raised a total of $13,180.54. Your generosity ensured that the families’ integration into their new country and community was successful and without much undue distress. 

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matt 25:35) 

Refugee sponsorship is our duty as witnesses and followers of Christ. St. Mary’s first experience at refugee sponsorship has been both humbling and gratifying. 
  

Thank you.


    
COINS FOR LIFE, 
Would you or your family put aside your twoonies, loonies, quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies during the next 8-10 weeks, and contribute these savings to help in the struggle to end abortion and to create a culture of life? Containers are at the back of the church. You are asked to return containers and contents on the weekend of September 11 & 12. Remember that every penny helps. Make it a family project. Remember that your small change can lead to a BIG change in our land!!
   
    

Catholic Missions in Canada
Catholic Missions In Canada, founded in 1908, fosters and extends the blessings of the Catholic faith by supporting missions in regions of our country where the population is too small, or the economic situation of the community is too fragile for the people themselves to support their local Church and its ministry. 

For more information please visit Catholic Missions in Canada www.cmic.info/Scarboro


Scarboro Missions
Scarboro Missions, formerly the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, founded in 1918, is involved in mission work overseas. Today, Scarboro priests and lay missionaries work side by side and in cooperation with other mission groups all over the world as they seek to serve in creative and new endeavours where the Gospel has not bee heard, to encounter and celebrate God’s presence in the life, history, culture and faiths of those they meet, to live simply and in solidarity with the poor and marginalized people of the world. 

 Missions - www.scarboromissions.ca




SPECIAL EVENT PHOTOS!
Click HERE!




 

Marygrove Camp for Girls / Ozanam Camp for Boys 

Marygrove Camp is an 8-day residential camp for girls ages 5-13, and the Ozanam Camp is a 7-day residential camp for boys ages 7-12, whose families are experiencing financial or domestic hardship. Situated in Georgian Bay and Stouffville, respectively, these camps (held in July & August ) provide these children memories of a lifetime. 

Each of the 1,100 girls and 600 boys has her/his camping experience fully subsidized through the generosity of parishioners during the annual camp collection, which is held each June in all parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto. 100% of the donations received by the St. Vincent de Paul Society through the collection go toward funding these two camps. Thank you for your over 40 years of support.



     

   


 
If you have a child who will be in Grade 2 or Grade 8 in September, be aware that registration for preparation for First Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation will take place through St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.  

Announcements will NOT be made through schools. Letters and forms, outlining the preliminary preparations, are available at the back of the Church. Please call the parish office to set up an appointment with Fr. Neil McMillan for a family interview. A General Meeting will be held in October, to pass on details of the preparation program. All announcements will be found in the parish bulletin.

  


   
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 Maureen Teixeira or the parish office and leave your name and telephone number and you will be contacted.

EXISTING MINISTERS - Please pick up your schedules for July and August in the Holy Family room.

  

  


So, are YOU going to Heaven?

 
 

Coffee Sunday!   Meet your fellow parishioners!
 
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 Sunday morning masses downstairs in the church hall. This is a very good opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners!
  
  

  

     
PAKISTAN FLOOD RELIEF 
Floods in northern Pakistan have killed over 1500 people so far and displaced an estimated 3.2 million more, with monsoon rains continuing to fall. Houses, bridges and roads have been washed away leaving people without food, shelter and drinking water. Conditions remain so extreme that authorities have not been able to fully assess the extent of the crisis to date.
 
Working through the Catholic Church's official international relief network, Caritas Internationalis, funds are being accepted at the ShareLife office to help victims of this natural disaster. Funds will be forwarded through our partners at Development and Peace (the Caritas representative in Canada) to Caritas representatives in Pakistan. 

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 tel # 1-800-263-2595 or 416-934-3411 
- Through the parish, making cheques payable to: ShareLife- Parish Name- Floods- Pakistan 

We offer our prayers for the millions of people affected by the monsoon floods, those who have died and those who will persevere and rebuild their homes and lives. Thank you for you ongoing efforts to serve those in need, both here at home and around the world.
  
  
CONGRATULATIONS!! Our Share Life total for this year has passed $100,000 for the first time-  $106,230 compared to $ 83,777 last year!   IT IS REALLY QUITE AMAZING! 
On behalf of all agencies that are recipients of ShareLife funding, I extend to you a Big Thank You.

 

     
  

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS 
Our parish Development and Peace group sells Fair Trade products on the first Sunday of every month. These include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cocoa, and chocolate bars. Fair Trade Certified ensures that a minimum (fair) wage is guaranteed to farmers and workers, funding is set aside for community development, sustainable environmental practices take place, and that most products come from small farmer cooperatives. Fair Trade products are available at many supermarkets and coffee shops.  

Thank you for your support this past year!



      

 
FIRST FRIDAYS–   First Friday of each month - ALL DAY ADORATION 
 

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament beginning with Mass at 9:00 a.m. and continuing through 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.



PRAYER FOR PRIESTS
O Almighty, Eternal God, look upon the face of your Son, and for love of Him who is Eternal High Priest, have pity on your priests. Remember, O most compassionate God, that they are but weak and frail human beings. Stir up in them the grace of their vocation, which is in them by the imposition of the Bishop’s hands. Keep them close to you, lest the enemy prevail against them, so that they may never do anything in the slightest degree unworthy of their sublime vocation. 

Oh Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests; for your unfaithful and tepid priests; for your priests labouring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for your tempted priests; for the lonely and desolate priests; for your young priests; for your dying priests; for the souls of your priests in purgatory. But above all, I commend to you the priests dearest to me; the priest who baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who taught and instructed me or helped and encouraged me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way. 

Oh Jesus, keep them all close to your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and eternity. 
 
Amen.

  

  
  
OFFERTORY GIFTS VOLUNTEERS 

Many thanks to the families and individuals who have volunteered to bring up the bread and wine during the Offertory. We encourage all parishioners to get involved in our Sunday liturgies, and this is a simple yet rewarding experience for all involved. All that is required is to introduce yourself to the ushers before Mass begins on the day that you are bringing the gifts to the altar. The new schedule that includes the summer Mass season is now posted on the bulletin board at the Lakeshore doors. Please write your name on the schedule for dates that you are available to help out.

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.

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.
  

 
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 neighbor 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.."




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. 

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.
  



  

  MONTHLY SVDP UPDATE 
Total Poor Box Donations for the month of June: $ 1,013.50 
Total Distributions for June: $ 751.60 
No. of Port Credit Families Visited in June: 15 
The registration of 3 girls and 2 boys from our community to the Marygrove 
and Ozanam Camps, respectively, have been confirmed with 1 girl on the waiting list . 
Thank you for your thoughtful support.

 “Serving the poor is to be our first preference.”

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. 


MARRIAGE PREP

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.
  

  
   
  
  
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!
  

  
  



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.

  
  


    
  
R.C.I.A - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults!

Where are the sponsors?  
Do you know someone who would like to become a Catholic or to be received into full communion in the Catholic Church? 

Are you a Catholic who has missed the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation? 

Or are you a Catholic who would like to become more informed about your faith? 

Well, we have a program here at St. Mary Star of the Sea that can help you get started. It is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For further information, call Fr. Neil at 905-278-2058.

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


 
 

 
 
The Craft Ladies meet every Wednesday
 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.....
  

   


The Liturgy of the Word with Children

Please note that this program will start on September 19th at the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock masses. Looking
forward to seeing all the 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. 
  
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. 

 

     

Off-site events !  
(*** -
Pls note that some are expired already but left on site to 
allow readers to contact people for future events
)
.
 
  

  


MAKE YOUR FAITH COUNT  - SAT SEPT 25, 2010
Join the hundreds who will refresh their spirits at the “2010 Bread of Life—Day of Renewal—Live Your Gifts”.Deepen you faith. Refresh you spirituality. Take the time.. Saturday, September 25, 2010 Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School, Oakville Registration is just $20 and includes a box lunch and full day program. Discover more at www.thebreadoflife.ca

 or Email: info@thebreadoflife.ca

 Call 905.634.5433 - VISA and MasterCard accepted



Salt+ Light Television 
Salt and Light Television is Canada’s Catholic Network, focused on sharing inspirational stories that bring people closer to Christ and the Catholic faith. 

If Salt + Light Television is not available through your local cable provider, you are encouraged to make contact to express your interest. This helps demonstrate a real demand for Catholic programming in Canada and may help convince the television carrier that S+L is a network worth offering. 

Thank you for your help in spreading Salt + Light across Canada. 

Visit  www.saltandlighttv.org
  for more information.



CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES PEEL DUFFERIN 

Come celebrate Spring with us and at the same time help those in need of support in our community. CFSPD provides counselling support to individuals, couples and families in crisis. We provide support to women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. We are facing increasing demands for our service and need to grow to continue to help everyone.

   
  
  

      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.
  
 

                  

  
    New Beginnings - Widowed / Separated / Divorced?

Support for those who are Separated, Divorced or Widowed. Come and join us for an informative evening Tuesday September 7, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Father Fred Scinto c.r. presenting on the topic: First Aid as you enter the Healing Process. There will be an opportunity to reflect on Father Fred’s presentation and to talk and socialize with others facing the same challenges as you. The Location is; Saint Bonaventure’s Church, 1300 Leslie Street, Toronto. For enquiries call James Shaughnessy at 416-921-1163 ext 2246.


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 28,  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 last 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  


 
Marriage Encounter 
A Second Honeymoon is a perfect way to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre offers married couples the privacy, hospitality and program that inspire couples to continue exploring their lives together. 
For more info. call 416-694-1742; 905-278-8879 or 905-278-5229.

          

Summer Events 2010

Singles Mixer

Saturday, September 11, 7:00pm

Faith Connections and the Toronto Catholic Singles Association invite young adults (19-39 years old) to a Singles Mixer! Light snacks will be provided, cash bar! Icebreakers will begin at 7:15pm.

Space is limited: RSVP required by Monday, September 6, 2010. Please contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt by replying to this e-mail, or call 416-222-1426 ext 276

— At a downtown Toronto location (we'll send the address with your RSVP confirmation).

A parish home for Scripture Sound Bytes

Coming up to its three year anniversary, Scripture Sound Bytes is excellently run by dedicated volunteers and supported by St. Christopher’s parish in Mississauga. As such, Faith Connections is delighted to hand over the reigns and SSB will become “St. Christopher’s Scripture Sound Bytes.” Click here to read more!


THEOLOGY ON TAP — Theology of the Body in Relationships

Monday, September 20, 7:00pm

Special guests: Leah Perrault and Brett Salkeld, authors of How Far Can We Go? A Catholic Guide to Sex and Dating.

Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation on theological topics! Munchies provided, cash bar available - come and bring a friend!

— At the Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto

Mass & Lunch with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

Sunday, September 26, 11:00am–1:00pm

Join us for 11 o'clock Mass followed by lunch at Morrow Park with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto! Come out and meet these wonderful women and share stories of faith and life!

Please RSVP by Friday, September 17 by replying to this e-mail or calling 416-222-1426 ext 276.

— At Morrow Park, 3377 Bayview Ave, Toronto

Retreat for Young Adults: VILLAGE EARTH OUTREACH

Register for October 22-24, 2010 weekend OR May 27-29, 2011 weekend!

There is a growing scientific awareness of the earth and of our current ecological crises — how does this connect with our faith journey? Join us for a weekend of exploration, reflection, prayer and celebration at the beautiful lakefront Villa St. Joseph in Cobourg, Ontario.

Click here for more information!

 

Faith Connections needs you!

Faith Connections is looking for volunteers to help out at our 2010/2011 events! Here are some of the opportunities:

Theology on Tap Team – helps to make our gatherings a success by providing hospitality, setting up & taking down, running technical equipment, writing reflections, and providing prayers. Theology on Tap volunteers commit to participating in a volunteer orientation and to being present at Theology on Tap events.

Photography Team – serving young adults by capturing the highlights of the ministry on camera! Photography Volunteers commit to participating in a volunteer orientation and sign up to take photos at a a number of Faith Connections 2010-2011 events.

Hike & Prayer Team – serving young adults by helping to plan and host our Hike and Prayer gatherings. Hike & Prayer volunteers will commit to participating in a volunteer orientation and to helping with six Hike & Prayer gatherings over the 2010-2011 season.

General Hospitality Volunteers – Join us in serving young adults by being willing to help Faith Connections on an as-needed basis. Faith Connections hosts a number of “one time” events with which we need help (e.g. helping to greet people at our Advent Retreat), and we occasionally need help with other ministry initiatives (e.g. helping to give feedback about our website or generate ideas for the ministry).

We are looking for volunteers to help out at our 2010/2011 events. If you are interested please let us know ASAP as we are in the midst of planning our September Volunteer Orientation — click here to learn how you can get involved!

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 - Saturday June 19, 2010    9:00 am—5:00 pm   $40.00 (includes lunch) SCARBORO MISSIONS - 2685 Kingston Road, Toronto. 

For Brochure or information 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!
  
  
  

 
   

    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

 

       


10:00 AM Choir

 

Choir practice is every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm.  New members are invited to contact the office, or Fergus Egan at 905-272-3055 (day) 905-270-4832 (evening).

If you love to sing, please come and join us!  We are always looking for new members!

Newcomers and families are always welcome.


   
CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED!!

St. Mary’s 10 o’clock Choir urgently needs new members Join us for the weekly celebration of the Eucharist and in preparing for the major feasts of the Church year. Contact Fergus Egan 905-270-4832 fegus@egan.on.ca

 

 

       
   


    LEGION OF MARY
   

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?
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.


  
   
    

 


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.


   



      

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


   
   

  
  
A Prayer for Vocations


Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” 

Try it!    Then listen, look, and enter!  

Perhaps priesthood or consecrated life awaits you?

Prayer:
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. Fr. Hansoo Park at 416 968 0997 -or e-mail him at  vocations@vacations.ca  or visit their website at www.vocationstoronto.ca


      

  

Children's Liturgy: CHILDREN'S LITURGY MEETING

Please note that this program will start on September 19th at the 9:00 and 11:00 o’clock masses. Looking
forward to seeing all the children.

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.
   
   
    
   Bible Studies: 

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

    

 
  Attention all young people!   

 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.
  

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 last weekend was 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.

    
    
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON 
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO WEBSITE.  
     
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
        
   

  


Ministry to the Sick and Dying

If you are involved in this Ministry or feel called, pls consider taking this course. 
Call Marilyn for a registration form or details - 905 278-1446

  
  
  
    

            
        

   
Click here
to 
view a few photos from the 
recent activities at the church!


            
      
Knights of Columbus logo Knights of Columbus

If you are interested in becoming a Knight, or knowing more about what the Knights do, feel free to contact the parish office at (905) 278-2058 
or e-mail Father Neil!

 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BAR-B-Q
Join us after the 9:00 and 11:00 am Masses. $2.00 for a hot dog or hamburger and a pop.
             
     
           

 

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please check the CWL Bulletin Board beside the St. Joseph's Room, for time-sensitive announcements. 

Archdiocesan Council Meeting - (unscheduled)
  
Exec Meeting - 
(unscheduled ) - at 7:00 pm (in the church hall)
   

General Meeting : 
( unscheduled ) -  7:00 pm 
  

    
             
Marriage in the Catholic Church

In the Sacrament of Marriage, as willed by Christ, definitive graces are bestowed.  Thinking about getting married?  Have you been married `outside the church' and now wish to have your marriage `blessed' and recognized by the Catholic Church?  Pls call us and see what is involved!  The church should be given one year's notice regarding wedding plans.
  
Feel free to contact Father Neil at (905) 278-2058 else by e-mail at;
st.marystarofthesea@bellnet.ca






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