Mary Mother of God, New Years & Peace

This prayer was posted on the Archdiocese of Toronto website for the feast of Holy Family - and so I wanted to post it here for our parish to enjoy!

January 1st each year marks 3 events in the Church:

• The Solemnity of Mary - the Mother of God.
• The World day of prayer for Peace,
• and the beginning of a New Calendar Year.

For the celebration of Mary - Mother of God, I wanted to share another video from "Busted Halo" a website that endeavours to use social media to express the truths of the catholic church - and they have a video on Mary - the Mother of God.

Each year - on this first day of the year - the Holy Father provides a statement / letter on the topic of peace - in order to mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace.  How very needed these messages are!  From the domestic front in people's homes, to international relations - I think all violence needs to be confronted with peace.  Here is the text of the Holy Father's message this year:

Finally - on behalf of everyone here at Holy Family Parish - I wish to thank the Knights of Columbus and everyone who helped to make our Parish Feast Day skate such a terrific success.  I think it was our largest turn out since we began this tradition 5 years ago! 

There were over 300 cups of Hot Chocolate served - thanks to the Tim Horton's owner of the 2 locations on Hwy 7: at Gore Road and at McVeen Road.  I think there were over 250 skaters - and close to 350 people at the arena Sunday Afternoon. 

At one point we had 5 members of the parish staff on the ice!

I conclude with the blessing for the beginning of the year from the new Roman Missal:

May God, the source and origin of all blessing, grant you grace, pour out his blessing in abundance, and keep you safe from harm throughout the year.  
Amen.

May he give you integrity in the faith, endurance in hope, and perseverance in charity with holy patience to the end.  Amen.

May he order your days and your deeds in his peace, grant your prayers in this and every place, and lead you happily to eternal life. Amen.
Peace