Christmas and Holy Family

This is a combination of my reflections from Christmas and the Feast of Holy Family:

Christmas night is radiant with Light, Radiant with Hope, it is filled with joy: JOY-FULL.  In this dark time of year we celebrate the coming of Christ the Light - the light conquers the darkness

Light from LightTrue God from True GodBegotten – not madeBorn of the Virgin Mary

Last Saturday I was busily wrapping gifts for My family for Christmas. Fr. David looked – and I imagine he might have thought

“Blessed is he who knows few peopleFor they will spend less time wrapping gifts…”

Yet it was in the midst of that afternoon of tedious wrapping that I was aware of my Joy in being able to give different gifts:

• Noise cancelling headphones – for a nephew flying to China
• Hockey Tickets for my other nephew & Brother in law

And if I had this much Joy in such little things – how much more Joy God must have in gifting us! Giving us life!
On Christmas we hear the familiar Story of God’s Presence – Presence with a C.  And while for many its about Celebrating Presents with a T (under the tree) there is nothing wrong with any of those T presents - yet we need to remember the ultimate presence – with a C is Jesus – here – in our midst TODAY

God – is not watching us from a distance… God is right here in the midst of our lives in our joy – in our sorrow – in our difficulties and stresses, in our hoping and our longing – GOD is HERE

Christ Jesus – here – in our midst TODAY In each other – in you and Me – In the word proclaimed, And here on this altar – in Bread and Wine - the very Body and Blood of Jesus – the Christ – the longed for Messiah – God’s own Presence with a C.

In Christmas we celebrate the marriage of heaven and earth and pray that we may come to share in the divinity of Christ who has humbled himself to share in our humanity.

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You have read my reflections on wrapping Gifts & Joy.

And well - if you know me at all - I can be 1 dimensional. So why were these gifts wrapped on Saturday? No, I’m not that organized, I am the master of "Just in time" delivery. I wrapped them on Saturday because my Dad was coming Saturday Night to pick up my brother, his wife, and their son who were flying into Toronto Airport from Shanghai, China. So we had talked about Dad taking the gifts back to Kingston – in his van where there is more room – and my Ford Escape would be less crammed on Christmas Day with my Sister, my Brother in law, and my other nephew.

I texted him while he was stopped at Wendy's Saturday afternoon for a snack – everything was in the back of my Escape - he could even have a bottle of washer fluid.  He texted back - his next stop was for some Salt.  So I asked him to get some for the Church.

He came into mass and announced that Bolton had NO SALT, and that he didn’t need windshield washer fluid.

He was in a rush after Mass to get to the Airport. (Even thought the plane was landing at 6:45 pm - and they would be another hour before getting through immigration and luggage pick-up.

I go out after Mass and look in the back of my vehicle and what is there – all the wrapped GIFTS! What the heck??? So I slam the hatch window shut - and it shatters into 1000 pieces all over the gifts…(that were not supposed to be there!) I was so mad at my Dad… look at what HE now puts on me!

So I call him – and start off asking about the presents. What gives? Why did he not take them? He was completely oblivious - completely forgot about them...  

And in the first reading we hear:

My child, help your father in his old age,
   and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
even if his mind fails, be patient with him

Families. Incredible things. A place where we are accepted, loved, nurtured,  &  lovingly tested.  Its really all about Balance. They both give us balance & call us to Balance.

If you think about it - we get all worked up and angry with family members because they matter,  because  we love them.

Getting angry with someone is a sign that we love them!   

Years ago on the west coast - I visited a Giant Sequoia Forest. The guide said that the roots of the sequoia are very shallow. That was a surprise. How could such gigantic trees stand up with shallow roots? The first wind would knock them over - right?  The guide explained that the Sequioas interconnect their roots and their branches - then when there is fierce wind, they interlock & support each other. 

What a lovely image for this Family of Faith: Holy Family Parish.

Even if our own families have not provided the security and balance we need, here gathered at the table of the Lord, we can be interconnected in our roots and our branches - and thus hold each other up when we are buffeted by the winds of life!

Peace

The Last week before Christmas

This last week before Christmas is always busy in Parish.  We had our "Longest Night Mass" on Wednesday Dec 18 (even if it was not quite the longest night).  This mass - part of our ministry of Consolation and Hope - helps those who come to the Christmas season with less Joy than others because of an experience of grief, or loss.  That loss can be the death of a loved one, it can be the loss of a Job, it can be the loss that occurs when a relationship "dies" in separation or divorce.

We also had the Sacrament of Reconciliation not only on the day of confessions - December 11, but also on December 19th with some priests coming from Brampton, Mississauga and King/Schomberg to help, and for that Fr. David and I are grateful.

My Brother, Sister in law, and nephew all flew in Saturday Evening from Shanghai - where they are living for a year while Chris and Maria work at an English school there. My Dad drove from Kingston Saturday afternoon, and came to Mass in Bolton, delivering some Tourtiere and coffee cake (mmmm good!) before heading to the airport to pick up the travelling trio.  They travelled directly back to Dad's house in Kingston - where they will live for the next 2 weeks before heading back to China on January 2nd.
They made it home trough the Icestorm - with no accidents.

Let us pray for all who are travelling these days - and all who are working to clear ice and snow for travellers as well as all the workers repairing broken power lines!
Peace

I was supposed to publish this on Sunday afternoon - best plans of mice and men!

Prayer of Pope Francis

This week the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was transferred from its regular day - December 8 - to Monday December 9th because the 8th was the Second Sunday of Advent.
On this feast of the Imaculate Conception, known in Italy as the Immacolata, Pope Francis made the traditional outing to Rome's Piazza di Spagna to venerate a column with a statue of Mary erected in 1857 to celebrate the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed by Pope Pius IX three years earlier. 
Pope Francis composed a special prayer for the occasion:

Holy and Immaculate Virgin,to You, who are the honor of our peopleand the solicitous custodian of our city,we turn with confidence and love.You are the All Beautiful, O Mary!Sin is not in You.Awaken in all of us a renewed desire of holiness:may the splendor of truth shine in our word,may the song of charity resound in our works,may purity and chastity inhabit our body and our heart,may all the beauty of the Gospel be present in our life.You are the All Beautiful, O Mary!The Word of God was made flesh in You.Help us to remain in attentive listening to the voice of the Lord:may the cry of the poor not leave us indifferent,may the suffering of the sick and of those in need not find us distracted,may the loneliness of the elderly and the fragility of children move us,may every human life be always loved and venerated by us all.You are the All Beautiful, O Mary!In You is the full joy of the blessed life with God.Makes us not lose the meaning of our earthly journey:may the gentle light of faith illumine our days,may the consoling strength of hope orientate our steps,may the infectious warmth of love animate our heart,may the eyes of all of us remain well fixed there, in God, where true joy is.You are the All Beautiful, O Mary!Hear our prayer, answer our supplication:may the beauty of the merciful love of God in Jesus be in us,may this divine beauty save us, our city, the whole world.Amen.

God Bless you as we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent: 
Gaudete Sunday.  Peace

Cookie Bake off! Coming Soon!

Coming Soon - Monday December 16th 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

at The Exchange - 55 Healey Road, Unit #10, Bolton

A COOKIE BAKE-OFF

Featuring Fr. Larry baking Sr. Carmelita's famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - against Michelle Stubbs from The Exchange team!

You need to register for this event (since space is limited) 

by calling Kim D'Eri at (905) 584-2300 xtn 202

As you know Holy Family Parish is a strong supporter of The Exchange and its efforts to integrate health and wellness with food support for all of Caledon!
Hope to see you there!

A Brother in China!

Outside Chris, Maria, and Michael's Apartment on a normal day this Fall

When I came to Holy Family Parish 6 Years ago (in 2007),  my brother and his wife (Chris and Maria) went to Suzhuo, China (near Shanghai). Chris was working for the School Board in Kingston, Ontario, and was teaching Chinese students the Ontario Grade 10 Curriculum. Maria did some teaching of younger students as well. 
This year they are over in Shanghai again - although in a different school - and this time they have their 5 year old son - Michael - with them.
You may have heard of the pollution problems that China has had and does have on the News recently.  Here is what my brother recently posted:  

Here is firsthand the difference out of our apartment window on a clear day compared to today.

Saturday Morning's picture outside the same apartment (near Shanghai)

Incredible eh?  Thankful for Pollution Laws here in Ontario!

December 6th - Feast of St. Nicholas

Today I had the pleasure of celebrating Mass at St. Nicholas School - to celebrate the feast day of St. Nicholas!

Historians generally write that much of what is said about Nicholas is legend. At Nicholas’s time (late 3rd - early 4th century) there was no investigation and no authentication of claimed miracles before canonization took place. Attributing miracles and wonders to a person was a way of expressing people’s conviction about the holiness of the person, and enough to qualify him or her for sainthood.

There are many stories of miracles attributed to the intercession of St. Nicholas. One of the most popular tells of his generosity to a prominent citizen of Patara, near Myra, Turkey. The man had lost all his money and as such could not provide a dowry for his three daughters. Without a dowry, women of that time could not marry, and instead might be sold into slavery. On three separate occasions, Nicholas tossed a bag of gold coins into an open window in the man’s house. The coins landed in shoes left by the fire to dry. These unexpected gifts allowed the man to provide dowries for his daughters.

This legend led to the modern-day custom of hanging stockings by the fire at Christmas. In our Christmas customs, the gifts of gold coins are memorialized by hanging oranges or gold balls as decorations, and Nicholas’s generous gesture was remembered by gift-giving.

In the early 1800s, the character of St. Nicholas began to develop into a more secular symbol of Christmas, especially evidenced in 1823 by the publication of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” a poem attributed to Clement Moore. Moore’s depiction of the jolly saint is quite a departure from the image of a fourth-century Turkish bishop. Whatever the historical basis of Nicholas of Myra, he has proved to be an enduring figure and symbol of the Christmas season. The elements of wisdom, generosity and kindness found in his story provide an excellent model for us during this time of year. Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, jolly man or gentle giver, he models the gifts we share in his name.

Peace

Reconciliation Available! - Day of Confessions approaching - Wednesday, December 11, 2013

To return to the Lord with integrity, we benefit greatly from celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year, we will provide the opportunity for all Catholics to avail themselves of this sacrament. 

On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, we will be celebrating a Day of Confessions throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto. Preparation for and the celebration of Confession allows us to set aside disruptive ways, to be renewed in heart and spirit, to be reconciled with our God who abounds with gracious, gentle tenderness. 

Here are some sample Examination of Conscience resources

In our parish, the schedule for confessions is as follows:

• 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.  @ the Church
• 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., @ St. Michael's Secondary School
• 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. @ the Church
• Mass - 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
• 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. @ the Church

Peace

Welcoming Fr. David

Last Sunday we said farewell to Fr. Damian - and wished him well as he went off to St. Monica's Parish in Toronto. Ohhh the chocolate that left Bolton!

This Sunday, as we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent - we welcomed Fr. David Gikonyo, IMC to our parish. Born in Kenya, Fr. David spent the last 15 years in the United States: some of that time at Catholic University in Washington, DC studying Psychology; and the balance in New Jersey working for the Consolata Missionary offices. With Rythmic clapping he has introduced himself and part of his Kenyan culture. I am looking forward to his thoughtful presence here in Bolton.
This week has a full calendar in the Parish - including Confirmation Parent / Candidate / Sponsor meetings, Light up for Christ, and Adoration Friday!

Peace

The Exchange - Silent Auction

Last Friday evening Caledon Community Services had a Gala - "The Lounge" for the new community hub called The Exchange.  Holy Family Parish was a key Sponsor for this event - and Deacon Robert, Lydia and I had our picture taken with Monty Laskin (CCS-CEO) and Fionna Ott (CCS Dircector of Fundraising).

There is still time to bid on items for the "online auction" Click on the image below:

 Peace

My own Crazy Train

While I still have to tell my friends and relatives from outside of Canada that I am near Toronto - not in Toronto - and he is not my Mayor, I have been living my own crazy week or so!

The news that everyone knows now - Fr. Damian is leaving to be Pastor of St. Monica's Parish - was weighing on my mind as I went up to the Ontario Liturgical Conference from Tuesday to Thursday last week.  It was held in Sudbury, and I was on the Organizing Committee for the conference portion of the event - which was on the topic of "Changing Trends and the Order of Christian Funerals."  I was also a presenter for one section of the agenda - The Art of the Presider and relationships with Funeral Homes.

On the way home - I was pondering how utterly exhausted I was - when my car broke down on Highway 400 & Hwy 12 - near Wabashene. The vehicle lost power, was sluggish, and the check engine light was on.  I spoke with Fr. Damian - my go to guy for car stuff, and saw that my heat gauge was on H so he said not to drive it, to have it towed.  So thankfully the passenger in my car had CAA Gold - and I was able to get a tow to Barrie, to a Ford Dealer.  
I rented a car in Barrie to continue my trip home, where Fr. Damian said there was no hot water nor heat in the rectory! I was home around 7 pm (only 3.5 hours later than I expected!)

We called for a hot water repair (We did have issues with the tank's Gas valve in the summer) and that repair man inspected the Gas Meter - where the Gas was turned off.  The meter was replaced on Wednesday, and no one was home - so they could not restart / inspect the Gas appliances... so they left the Gas off!
I now had to wait for an inspector from the Gas Meter replacement Company to come... that was within 1 hour thankfully, and he checked the water tank pressure release valve, which leaked for a short time but eventually stopped before he left and all was well.

I got a call from the Ford dealership Friday Morning that it was the Radiator which had a hole - and there was no coolant.  So $700.00 later there is a new rad and I go back to Barrie to drop off the rental, and pick up my repaired vehicle.

Friday night, after the Edge, I came home - and the entire carpet was soaked in the basement - where my room is!  The pressure release valve from the hot water tank seems to have released!  It took some time mopping, and squeezing and lifting the carpet to get things cleaned up... but now everything has reset!

So far this week is going much better!

Look forward to seeing many people at the farewell for Fr. Damian on Sunday Nov. 24 at 3-5 PM.
Peace

The Exchange

One of the most exciting things to happen in Caledon this year is the opening of "The Exchange" this month.  For well over a year the Board of Directors of Caledon Community Services (of which I am a member) has been supporting the lead work in preparing for the opening of this new Community Hub.  Not simply a food bank, The Exchange will offer services from a number of groups and agencies to all segments of the Caledon population. You could think of The Exchange as a destination with a focus on nutritious food and community programs. With access to healthy, fresh food, and information on how plant, prepare, preserve, and enjoy it - this "communal kitchen" is set to transform the way our community is engaged in these matters.

Holy Family - as a Parish - is committed to The Exchange and its mission of improving the health and wellness of hungry families in the Bolton Area!  I encourage you to help The Exchange by supporting the Annual CCS Gala's ONLINE Auction! Click on the image below and see if you can figure out which Items I donated!

Peace

More on Cardinal Zen

A model of human rights — and of holiness

By: Father Raymond J. de Souza 
in the National Post
From Rob Ford to Mike Duffy, it has been a surreal period in Canadian public life: A cure for cancer would have been hard-pressed to get press coverage. Nonetheless, it was a shame that no attention was paid to the awarding of the Diefenbaker prize to Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kuin last week in Vancouver.
Formally called the John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award, it was instituted by Canada’s department of foreign affairs and first awarded by foreign minister Lawrence Cannon in 2011. The decision to offer an international prize for human rights, with a strong emphasis on religious liberty, is part of the government’s commitment to raising the importance of human rights in Canada’s foreign policy.
Naming the award after the Conservative John Diefenbaker was partly a partisan balancing of the ubiquity of the Liberal Lester Pearson in foreign policy lore, but also a good reminder of Diefenbaker’s Bill of Rights, the first Canadian statutory protection for human rights. The constitutional protections offered by the Charter of Rights in 1982 were not the beginning of human rights in this country.
Last year, the current foreign minister, John Baird, gave the prize posthumously to Shabbaz Bhatti, the Pakistani minister for minorities who was assassinated for his opposition to Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws, often used to persecute Pakistan’s Christian minority. The Diefenbaker award is thus a concrete sign of Canadian solidarity with those persecuted for their faith.
For Canada to give potential offense to the Pakistani government is one thing; to do the same in regard to China requires rather more foreign-policy courage. And so John Baird ought to be congratulated for giving the award to Cardinal Zen, the retired Catholic bishop of Hong Kong and a leading global advocate for religious liberty in China. China does not permit Cardinal Zen to enter the mainland anymore, but they cannot silence his voice in Hong Kong. Thanks to his status as a cardinal and recognition from governments such as Canada’s, his voice is amplified throughout the world.
The importance of his voice was made clear in 2008, when Pope Benedict XVI chose Zen to write the meditations for the Good Friday stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome. At one of the most dramatic Holy Week ceremonies, an event broadcast worldwide, Benedict wanted Cardinal Zen to bring the voice of China’s Christians to the whole world.
“Obviously, we are not alone at the Colosseum this evening,” wrote Cardinal Zen in his introduction. “Present in our own hearts are all the ‘living martyrs’ of the twenty-first century. When we think of persecution, let us also remember the persecutors. As I was drafting the text of these meditations, it frightened me to realize how un-Christian I am. I had to make a great effort to purify myself of uncharitable sentiments towards those who caused Jesus to suffer and those who are causing our brothers and sisters to suffer in the world today. Only when I confronted my sins and my own lack of faithfulness, did I succeed in seeing myself among the persecutors, and then I was moved to repentance and gratitude for the forgiveness of our merciful Master.”
Cardinal Zen is known for his courageous honesty in denouncing the Chinese regime. Here, though, was another kind of honesty: acknowledging that the persecution of the body can lead to a corruption in the soul of the persecuted. Purification is necessary, as difficult as it is to extend charity and mercy to one’s persecutors. In that, Cardinal Zen, is a model not only of human rights but holiness.
“Pilate appeared powerful, he was in a position to determine the life or death of Jesus,” wrote Zen in 2008. “He enjoyed that ironic reference to the ‘King of the Jews,’ but in truth he was weak, wretched and servile. He was afraid of the Emperor Tiberius, he was afraid of the people, he was afraid of the chief priests, while nevertheless despising them in his heart. He handed Jesus over to be crucified, knowing that he was innocent. In his vain attempt to save Jesus, he ended up granting freedom to a dangerous murderer. To no avail he sought to wash those hands, dripping with innocent blood. Pilate is the image of all those who wield authority as an instrument of power, having no regard for justice.”
So it is in China, and Cardinal Zen is one of those willing to say so. It is a matter of pride for Canadians that our government is willing to stand with him.

Peace

Cardinal Zen

With all of the news stories about the Mayor of Toronto, and the Senate in Ottawa - this news story has probably been missed by many people: 
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, accompanied by Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, presented this year’s John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award to His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Zen, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong on October 31, 2013.  
“With this award, Canada honours Cardinal Zen for his unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy and religious freedom in China. Cardinal Zen has remained steadfast in his defence and promotion of human dignity,” said Baird. “His calls for justice, human rights and reform have earned him international acclaim and a reputation as the ‘new conscience of Hong Kong.’

“I am deeply impressed by this man and his belief that ‘a path will appear when enough people walk on it.’
“Canada stands with the defenders of human rights for all—people who courageously seek to promote and protect fundamental freedoms around the world.”

“Freedom of religion is a universal right,” said Ambassador Bennett. “Cardinal Zen has defended that freedom both in Hong Kong and in mainland China. He has been vigilant against violations of religious freedom on the mainland and has criticized the unilateral ordinations of Catholic bishops by government officials.”
Peace

4 Mondays in a Row

Today marks 4 Mondays in a row that I have not had a regular day off! I am not complaining - even though it sounds like it! This came to mind when one of the staff that asked me about this - as I was asking him to put the Paschal Candle in the centre of the church - in front of the Altar, preparing for the Funeral of Maria Grguric on  Monday Morning. Fr. Damian takes so little time off - I am glad he is enjoying a small amount of time off.  It also expalins why I don't worry about the extra day or two often tacked on to a holiday - before returning home. 

Less than two weeks ago I was at St. Michael's Secondary School for the Awards night - and I neglected to write up some of the awards here!  Our Holy Family Parish Award went to Asia Grzesiuk who not only attends LifeTeen weekly - but also is involved as a CORE team member for our EDGE program! 
The Catholic Leadership Award was given to Lexi Hesketh-Pavilons who went on the Dominican Mission Trip last year.  
Nicholas Chrobok won the grade 10 Highest average award, as well as taking subject awards in 8 different courses! Impressive!


The Religion department head seemed genuinely surprised when I told her that I never went to an awards night when I was in High School.  I was no where close to being on the Honour Roll!

Congrats to all the winners!

Many Items

The carpet replacement is now complete in the church,  and the sacristy.  There are a few detail points that the installer is working on - but things are looking really good! The Sacristy also was repainted by Josef Schweighofer and Rob Gordon. 

The facing for the steps was also installed this week - and they look terrific! Thanks to Joseph Steko and John Florian for working on that.  Vince Limina is working on the very last pieces - that will go along the bottom edge of each facing piece.

Finally for this update - I have a picture of the 3 Servers who were recognized at the Altar Server awards with Bishop John Boissonneau in October. As the picture was being taken - the Bishop asked the servers if this photo would be on Fr. Larry's Blog! They said yes - and so here it is!

Congratulations Colleen, James and Daniel!

Peace

Our world needs Changing

To be sure there would have been more than 2 people in the temple during the day - it would have been filled with devout people who went to the Temple 3 times per day to pray. Perhaps it is these extremes that remind us that wherever we stand – we stand in need of God.  All of us – those in the front and those in the back, those wearing Mitres and those with baseball caps. We are complex, each of us a bundle of contradictions. There is a saint and a sinner in each of us. And that’s the person – the whole person that Jesus is calling us to recognise: calling us to stand before God in Honesty & Humility

Matthew Kelly from "Dynamic Catholic" recently said:

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempersWider freeways, but narrower view points We Spend more, but have less We have bigger houses, but smaller familiesWe have more conveniences, but less timeMore degrees, but less common senseWe have multiplied our possessions, but have reduced our valuesWe have been to the moon and back, but we have trouble crossing the street to meet our neighbourWe have split the atom, but not our prejudiceWe have more leisure, and less funMore kinds of food, and less nutrition

Our world needs changing – and yet there is hope:Every day the Catholic church feeds more people, houses more people, clothes more people, visits more imprisoned people, takes care of more sick people, and educates more people than any other institution on planet earth could ever hope to. There is hope!
The Church needs game changers – not spectators! 

God emptied himself - to come among us in the flesh.
The life of Christ, on the Road, in the Temple,  on the Cross, and at our very banqueting table, the Altar, reminds us of God’s humility. And having been schooled in that humility at the table, we are equipped to be witnesses of that humility in our world! 

Peace

Saturday 3 PM

Well it is not quite done - yet it is ready to use for Sunday! There are many busy beavers scurrying around to reset the church.  I am not sure why it looks green from this angle - maybe just the high power lights and my phone's camera!

The final pews are being attached as I write this... and the entrance looks great.  I know that the men working - Steve, Rob, Adam and others have had in mind the Funeral we have on Monday - as well as the Sunday Masses!

And my Dad said - Oh yee of little faith!  I had faith - just seasoned with a little doubt!
Peace

3PM Friday

It feels like they are making alot of progress today!

This is standing at the entrance - looking towards the Sacristy (on the left).  By the way - Josef Schweighofer (Our Grand Knight) is painting the Sacristy this afternoon!

Here is a picture from the entrance - looking toward the right - the Choir area and Organ you can see in the background!

Saturday Morning will involve re-attaching the balance of the pews!
Peace

Carpet - Friday Mid Day

They have started to re-install the pews!

Next they have moved the final set of pews together to Grind and prep the last portion of floor - including the entrance area.

I think they will be working lat tonight and some time tomorrow morning - But they are confident! I am still like Thomas!!!
Peace

Carpet - Day 4

The progress continues on the carpet - with the 2 "wings" - side sections of the church being worked on today as well as the altar area.

Still praying that they complete the work before Saturday Noon - I hear they will not have the Sacristy done this weekend.
Peace

Carpet - Day 3

Here we can see Steve installing carpet on Wednesday Morning - Meanwhile Adam is out of Sight removing the carpet from the area in front of the Image of Mary - Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

The dark area is the adhesive - which surprisingly is not really smelly, despite it being a high strength adhesive!
Peace

Carpet - End of Day 2

Well the carpet installers have been working hard - and they have finished about 1/4 of the church - and have prepared the next 1/4 with the grinding machines.  That pile in the middle of the floor is the glue residue left from the back of the 31 year old carpet!  

This picture was taken just before Lydia and I took the Green Banners down - to prevent any more dust getting on them!
Peace

Carpet - Day 2

Here is an update on the carpet replacement:
The installers do have to do some grinding of the floor to remove the original glue that was placed to hold the first carpet some 31 years ago - but not as extensive as originally thought. So this is both bad and good news!  We are writing people's names on the back of tiles - and these are being installed - even as I write this note!
Here is the picture from around 10:00 am today - the large dark area - that is the glue / bond already spread on the floor and you can see the first pallet of Carpet tiles has already been laid.

Pray for Steve, Adam & Rob - they are on their knees in the church all this week!
Peace

Carpet Day 1

It has been a hectic few days at the parish. We had all three of our Youth Ministry programs active this weekend - so that meant that we had over 200 young people engaged through these Ministries in the space of 28 Hours!  Wow!
Edge on Friday Night - Rooted on Saturday Morning - and Lifeteen on Saturday Night!
In addition - we had a Wedding Saturday and funerals Friday and Saturday Morning, and a lunch meeting Friday with Urszula - the chaplain of St. Michael's Secondary School!  Then on Sunday afternoon we had Baptisms in the Church and Parent / Candidate meeteings for Sacraments in the Parish Hall.  After those meetings we had to "Un-Assemble the Church" to get ready for the Carpet Installation this week.  With the help of our Property Committee, our Sunday Staff and some Knights of Columbus - we were able to have everything finished by 5:15 pm Sunday. For the coming week will be celebrating all of our Daily Masses in the Parish Hall.

Here is a picture from Monday Morning - the pews were out quickly for 1/2 of the right hand side of the church!  They will have to grind the floor to get the glue from the first carpet off of the cement pad that is our church floor.

Peace

Saint Johns Bible 2013

Wednesday evening I went to Regis College at the Toronto School of Theology - at U of T for an event celebrating the reception of the 7th and Final Volume of the St. John’s Bible. I went with our youth who were trained to be page turners.

It was a Catholic Who’s Who - with Most Rev. Terrance Prendergast, the Archbishop of Ottawa, and Phil Horrigan, the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, and George & Gloria Allen - the donor's of the Heritage Edition of the Bible to Regis College.

There were 3 priests who talked about the Illuminations in both the Old Testament and New Testament. One said: 

There is no place where God’s Word is not present.

Even in darkest panels – there is a line of Gold or Platinum.
Here is an Example - from the Suffering Servant portion of Isaiah:

God is present in surprising ways in the Scripures today: the foreigner Naamann and the Samaritan who returns to thank the Lord.  God can also be present in surprising ways in our lives – in the darkest panels – God is alive:

• Even when our Spouse is unfaithful;
• Even when we have to Bury a child;
• Even when a friend suffers depression;
• or when a Child is addicted to drugs.

Having an Attitude of Gratitude – allows us to see that Gold or Platinum thread in the panels of our lives - the presence of God!

Each Sunday we come to encounter the Lord
The same God who healed Naamann – foreigner
Same Lord who healed the Samaritans
Here we are nourished – in Word and Sacrament
We receive communion – and are strengthened and sent forth
More important than what we get – is what we give
Not just little white envelope – though its important
What we give – is our praise and thanks.
Always & everywhere - during ups and downs
mourning and rejoicing Wedding & Funeral

This is our best way of giving Thanks the Eucharist – where we are joined to Christ & sent out to announce the hope of the Resurrection.  Thanks be to God!

Thanksgiving 2013

Now my brother in law (Ian) has started to get on my case about the lack of a Blog entry for almost a month!  Usually it is Stephanie who is all over me about that!

I had 2 weeks of holidays where I visited Barcelona, Avignon, Nimes, Reims and ended in Paris.  Barcelona is home to a magnificent church that has been under construction since the early 1900's and is still not expected to be complete until 2026!  Sagrada Familia (Holy Family!) was designed by the famous architect Gaudi, and the roof was closed in only 3 years ago - when Pope Benedict consecrated it as a Basilica.  

It was a great visit.  Maybe I'll get back there for the completion - planned in 2026! 

My Dad, Fr. Scott, and a few friends then travelled to Southern France - Avignon and Nimes.  In the 1300's there were 7 Popes who lived in Avignon (The time period called the Avignon Papacy in History classes).  We visited the "Palace" and the "Pont-d'Avignon" made famous in song.

We stayed in Nimes - which has one of the best preserved Arena's from Roman Times (Smaller - but better preserved than the Coliseum in Rome.)  Nimes was actually an important Roman city in the time of Jesus - and was a "Northern Frontier" city.

Then we travelled North to Reims the centre of the Champagne District - and the place where Clovis - the King of the Francs was Baptized on Christmas Day 498.  (So much for RCIA and Easter Sacraments!)  The trip ended in Paris - and people came home over the last few days in dribs and drabs! 
A great time was had by all - especially me - since often people were picking up the tab for my meals - as a Birthday Present!

The ability to travel, to see the world, and to enjoy family and friends - a few of the many things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving!
Peace

Sunday Reflection

This portion of Luke’s Gospel gives us Images of God - as shepherd and woman - and of God’s ridiculous pursuit! Ridiculous – because it makes no sense ... For the Shepherd – it would have been foolish to leave the 99 and search after the 1 missing... And the image of God as a Woman – sweeping for the coin and then throw a party – it make no sense! until we learn that perhaps it was a coin from her betrothal hedress.

Yet the God Jesus comes to reveal, is not an efficient – corporate – SWOT Analysis God (Strengths / Weaknesses - Opportunities / Threats).  Jesus reveals a God who pursues us, has pursued each of us - for we are each and together precious in the sight of God. Each of us is worthy of nonsensical pursuit!

EVERY CHILD 

HAS KNOWN GOD
NOT THE GOD OF NAMES
NOT THE GOD OF DON'TS
NOT THE GOD WHO
EVER DOES ANYTHING WEIRD

BUT THE GOD WHO KNOWS
ONLY FOUR WORDS,
AND KEEPS REPEATING THEM, SAYING:
"COME, DANCE WITH ME"
In Baptism - in This Eucharist God, 

who delights to be in our presence, is saying:
COME      DANCE       WITH       ME!

St. Mary's Nobleton

St. Mary's Parish in Nobleton is hosting the Bratislava Boys Choir this coming Saturday evening.  Although I cannot go - I encourage people to consider this event as a fine evening of music and song!

Peace

Praying for Peace

This past Sunday - in the Angelus Pope Francis spoke about the developing situation in Syria:

Dear brothers and sisters, I wish to add my voice to the cry which rises up with increasing anguish from every part of the world,... it is the cry for peace! War never again! Never again war! Peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected.
There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming. I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me. How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake in that martyred country, especially among civilians and the unarmed! I think of many children will not see the light of the future! With utmost firmness I condemn the use of chemical weapons: I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heart. There is a judgement of God and of history upon our actions which are inescapable! Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.
With all my strength, I ask each party in this conflict to listen to the voice of their own conscience, not to close themselves in solely on their own interests, but rather to look at each other as brothers and decisively and courageously to follow the path of encounter and negotiation, and so overcome blind conflict. With similar vigour I exhort the international community to make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace in that country without further delay, a peace based on dialogue and negotiation, for the good of the entire Syrian people.
May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and be let themselves be led by the desire for peace. To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men and women of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

At Holy Family we will have Adoration on Friday Evening - and we encourage people to Fast and Pray for peace until the parish mass at 5:00 pm on Saturday.

After that Mass we will have a reception to wish our Refugee family well before they move to the Hamilton area at the end of September.
Peace

St. Michael's Grade 9's: Called to be Saints

This past Wednesday we had a full day retreat for the incoming Grade 9's at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School.  The retreat day ended with a Mass for the Students and their Parents / Families

In the Homily I asked the Students Questions like:

Do you like to wear Jeans?

Wear Tennis/Running Shoes?

Do you like to eat Pizza Hot Dogs or

drink Coke or other Pop?  

Listen to your iPod? Go to the Movies?

Do you like to Dance?  Like playing sports?

Then I used a quote that has been attributed to Pope Francis 

from World Youth Day - but in fact it seems to have been circulating around the Internet for a few years. Some think it might even have originated with Pope John Paul II.

We need saints without cassocks, without veils.
We need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. 
We need saints that go to the movies 
   that listen to music, 

     that hang out with their friends. 
We need saints that place God in first place 
   ahead of succeeding in any career. 
We need saints that look for time to pray every day 
   and who know how to be in love 
      with purity, chastity and all good things. 
We need saints - saints for the 21st century 
   with a spirituality appropriate to our new time. 
We need saints that have a commitment 
   to helping the poor and to make the needed social change.
We need saints to live in the world, 
   to sanctify the world and to not be afraid 
      of living in the world by their presence in it. 
We need saints that drink Coca-Cola, that eat hot dogs, 
   that surf the internet and that listen to their iPods. 
We need saints that love the Eucharist, 
   that are not afraid or embarrassed to eat a pizza 
   or [have a pop] with their friends. 
We need saints who love the movies, dance, sports, theater. 
We need saints that are open sociable normal happy companions. 
We need saints who are in this world 
   and who know how to enjoy the best in this world 
      without being callous or mundane. 

Regardless of who said it, we do indeed need saints for the 21st century – and we can be those saints!
Peace

Edge Camp 2013

Greetings - From an Exhausted Priest!

I know I have not Blogged in a while.  I have had many things going on - and it seemed I was not often in the office.
In this past 4 weeks we concluded Holidays for 2013, I spent some time with my Brother, Sister in law, and nephew before they went to China to teach, and I went to the Edge Adventure camp 2013.

Our Holydays was another success with over 650 Camper slots over the 6 weeks of Camp!  Congrats to the team of Counsellors, CIT's and Admin Staff who made this our most successful year ever!

My Brother Chris is a teacher in the Kingston area, and 6 years ago he and his wife Maria went to a school in Suzhou (near Shanghai) to teach.  This year they are going to do the same (For possibly 2 years) this time with a 4 1/2 year old son - Michael! They will be in a different and smaller school, closer to Shanghai. They were supposed to leave from Toronto on August 15 but the Visas could not be arranged in time because the letter of invitation for this new school did not arrive on time... Plus they had to get a whole battery of Physicals and Doctor's Notes and Lab tests.  There were some crazy few hours when it looked like we were going to pull an Amazing Race type of journey and try to get Visa's all in 1 day... but then I found out that their flights had already been re-booked to this past Sunday - August 25.  After more letters and Visa office visits - All was settled and they did indeed fly off to China!  (And they arrived safe and sound and have a McDonald's next to the School they are teaching in!)

Edge Summer Camp!  WOW!  I thought all these years I was doing the sacrifice by staying back and looking after the parish while the Associate went up to camp!  Was I wrong!  Being at camp is the hard part!  Leaders typically do not get to bed until after 12 Midnight and I was up at 5:55 to attend the Morning team meeting at 6:30 am... So Sleep deprivation - here we come! On top of that there are 6 activity periods each day with Activities like Swimming, Mountain Biking, Zip Line, Kayak & Canoe, Hiking, just to name a few...  Each afternoon there was Praise and Worship, and Mass.  On Sunday Afternoon we had Bishop Boissonneau up to celebrate the Eucharist!  On Friday we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and in the Evening had a big Carnival! Each of the other evenings was like an Edge Session with a Gathering Activity, a teaching, some reflection time on the teaching, and a conclusion.  The theme this year was Radiant Joy and we probed the Joy of being a Child of God, the Joy of being Forgiven, the Joy in seeing God, the Joy in sharing God, and the Joy in choosing God.  It is neat when many of the Edgers say that Adoration was a high point for them in the week!
This week - well only 6 days - was AWESOME!!!  God is Good - ALL the time!  All the Time - God is Good!

Pope Francis speaks to Reporters

On the plane ride back from Rio de Janeiro to Rome This past Sunday, Pope Francis spent over 80 minutes taking questions from reporters.  This may be common for politicians campaigning, it is not common for the Pope! The following are highlights of that Q&A with the pope; a full transcript has been promised soon. 
(This is from John Allen, a correspondent for the US publication: National Catholic Reporter).

The Vatican bank

"I don't know yet how to fix the IOR [Institute for the Works of Religion, better known as the Vatican bank] ... some say it should be a sort of ethical bank, others that it should be an assistance fund, others want to close it altogether. I've heard all these voices, but I don't know. I will trust the work of the persons working on it, of the commission. [Note: Francis has established a five-member commission to investigate the Vatican bank.] ... What's important is transparency and honesty. It must be like this."

Security

"The climate [in Rio de Janeiro] was spontaneous ... I could be close to the people, greet them, embrace them, without armored cars. During the entire time, there wasn't a single incident. I realize there's always a risk of a crazy person, but having a bishop behind bulletproof glass is crazy, too. Between the two, I prefer the first kind of craziness."

Cardinals and austerity

"Everyone has to live in their own way. The cardinals in the Curia, at least the ones I know, don't live like wealthy people. They have fairly modest apartments. But in a general sense, austerity is necessarily for all those who work in the service of the church."

"There are saints in the Roman Curia, among the cardinals, priests, religious, sisters and laity. They work hard, and also do things that are often hidden. I know some who concern themselves with feeding the poor or who give up their free time to work in a parish. As always, the ones who aren't saints make the most noise ... a single tree falling makes a sound, but a whole forest growing doesn't."

Resistance to reform

"If there's resistance [in the Vatican], I haven't seen it. It's true that I haven't done a lot yet, but so far I've found helpful, loyal people. I like it when someone says, 'I don't agree with you,' and I have found that. People will say, 'I'll say what I think, but you do what you want.' I've found that attitude in the Curia. That's better than those who say, 'That's great, that's great,' but then say the opposite later ... maybe people like that are there, but I haven't run into significant resistance."

Travels

"I can tell you that I'm going to Cagliari on Sept. 22, and to Assisi on Oct. 4. I'd like to be able to join Patriarch Bartholomew I [of Constantinople] in Jerusalem, who has invited me for the 50th anniversary of Paul VI [referring to a historic meeting between Pope Paul and the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1964].' The Israeli government has also invited me, and I believe the Palestinian Authorities has done the same. We're thinking about it, but I'm not sure yet. I think a trip to Asia can be done, especially because it's a continent Benedict XVI did not get to, though he wanted to ... maybe Sri Lanka, maybe the Philippines, I'm not sure."

"I wanted to go to Constantinople for the feast of St. Andrew, but it wasn't possible."

The Charismatic Movement

"We talked about the statistics regarding Pentecostals with the bishops on Brazil in a meeting yesterday. I'll tell you something about the Charismatic Movement ... at the end of the '70s and in the '80s, I wasn't a big fan. I used to say they confused the holy liturgy with a school of samba. I was converted when I got to know them better and saw the good they do. In this moment of the life of the church, the movements are necessary. They're a grace of the Spirit, and in general, they do much good for the church. The charismatic renewal movement isn't just about winning back a few Pentecostals, but it serves the church and its renewal."

Women in the church

"A church without women would be like the apostolic college without Mary. The Madonna is more important than the apostles, and the church herself is feminine, the spouse of Christ and a mother."

"The role of women doesn't end just with being a mother and with housework ... we don't yet have a truly deep theology of women in the church. We talk about whether they can do this or that, can they be altar boys, can they be lectors, about a woman as president of Caritas, but we don't have a deep theology of women in the church."

"On the ordination of women, the church has spoken and said no. John Paul II, in a definitive formulation, said that door is closed."

Benedict XVI

"I love Benedict XVI. He's a humble man of God and a man of prayer. When he resigned, it was a great example ... some say to me, how is it possible to have two popes in the Vatican? I heard a beautiful phrase that it's like having your grandpa at home, someone who's wise, venerated, loved and listened to. If I have a problem, something I don't understand, I can ask. On the Vatican leaks scandal, for example, he explained everything with simplicity and a spirit of service."

Divorced and remarried Catholics

"This theme always comes up ... I believe this is a time of mercy, a change of epoch. It's a kairos moment for mercy ... In terms of Communion for those who have divorced and remarried, it has to be seen within the larger pastoral context of marriage. When the council of eight cardinals meets Oct. 1-3, one of the things they'll consider is how to move forward with the pastoral care of marriage. Also, just 15 days ago or so, I met the secretary of the Synod of Bishops, and maybe it will also focus on the pastoral care of marriage. It's complicated."

The Jesuits

"The Jesuits have a vow to obey the pope, but if the pope is a Jesuit, maybe he should have a vow to obey the superior general ... I feel like I'm still a Jesuit in terms of my spirituality, what I have in my heart. In three days, I'll go to celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius. Also, I think like a Jesuit."

John Paul II/John XXIII

"John XXIII was the figure of a county priest who loves all of his faithful and knows how to take care of them. He was a great bishop, and also a great nuncio. When he was in Turkey, he was responsible for so many false baptisms in order to save Jews ... he was courageous. He had a great sense of humor and a great holiness. Some in the Vatican didn't like him, and when he would come in they would make him wait, but he would always pray his rosary or read his breviary. He truly cared about the poor ... once when Casaroli [the cardinal Secretary of State] returned from a mission in Eastern Europe, he reported to the pope, who asked him if he was still working with school kids. When he said yes, John XXIII told him never to abandon them. He called the council, and was extremely docile to the call of God."

"John Paul II was a great missionary of the church. He carried the Gospel everywhere. ... How many trips did he make? He felt the need to carry the words of the Lord, like St. Paul. He was great. Putting both together is a message to the church, that both were extremely good. Causes for both Paul VI and for Papa Luciani [John Paul I] are also underway."

The date for Canonizations

"Dec. 8 had been talked about as the date [for the canonizations], but the problem is all the people who will want to come from Poland, not all of whom can fly. Many will take buses, and by December the roads are iced. We have to rethink the date. I've talked about it to Cardinal [Stanislaw] Dziwisz [of Krakow, Poland], who gave me a couple of possibilities. One is the feast of Christ the King this year [late November], and the other is the feast of Divine Mercy next year [shortly after Easter]. I have to talk to Cardinal [Angelo] Amato [prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints] about it."

The Ricca case

"I did what canon law requires, which is to conduct a preliminary investigation. We didn't find anything to confirm the things he was accused of, there was nothing. ... I'd like to add that many times we seem to seek out the sins of somebody's youth and publish them. We're not talking about crimes, which are something else. The abuse of minors, for instance, is a crime. But one can sin and then convert, and the Lord both forgives and forgets. We don't have the right to refuse to forget ... it's dangerous. The theology of sin is important. St. Peter committed one of the greatest sins, denying Christ, and yet they made him pope. Think about that."

Gay lobby

"There's a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I've never seen it on the Vatican ID card."

"When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn't be marginalized. The tendency [to homosexuality] is not the problem ... they're our brothers."

While the last few entries gained alot of press in the main stream media, there are many instances in this exchange of how Pastoral the Pope is, and how he cares for God's People.