WE WELCOME, WE WORSHIP, WE WITNESS

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1 WE WELCOME, WE WORSHIP, WE WITNESS January 14th, nd Sunday in Ordinary Time World Day of Migrants and Refugees You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 19:34). Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age (Matthew 25:35-43) Holy Family Office (902) Office Hours Monday Friday 9 = 12 pm Noon Father Craig Christenson Parish Priest/Moderator of Cumberland County Glenna O Quinn Parish Coordinator Evelyn Currie Office/Finance Manager Laurie Perry - Caretaker Deacon Howard Gotell This weekend celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Most of us don t truly understand what it means to be a migrant or refugee. Most of us have never had to live in a climate of uncertainty from war or situations where food is a scarcity for years and years. Nor have we had to leave everything we have because of massive destruction from weather or violence. We have had our share of challenges and losses but we also live in a country of abundance, opportunity and the resources that can help us to make it out of a bad situation (for the most part). As I was reading about this recognized World Day, I couldn t help make a very loose comparison between the lives of migrants and refuges, to that of a lot of Christians today struggling in their lives, facing horrible situations and yet haven t a home with the Lord. There is an increase of Christian hate in the world and the number of Catholics who have left their faith, yet, they are many also trying to find a safe home where they feel they belong, feel welcomed and supported as the war of life around them takes shots at them. No one is free from the possibility of a life being turned upside down in a second. Suddenly the entire world we know, is at risk, we need those around us to shelter us, feed us, support us and care for us during times of loss and distress. We all need (at low points in lives), someone to say come and see where you can be safe, happy, loved... It is easier, sometimes to hear stories of the world around us, and lives being destroyed or lands being destroyed and think, that it is distant from us. But the truth is, we are all alone sometimes in this world; sometimes, surrounded by many. We are all looking for a safe home, warm food and a community. We are all looking to find our home in a world that is sometimes dark and alone. The world s hunger is getting ridiculous, there is more fruit in a rich person s shampoo, then on a poor person s plate. Quote from Unknown. This week as we journey throughout our days, take time to think of those who are migrant workers around the world and most specifically, those who live and work in Cumberland County, coming great distances looking for opportunity for their families and trying to make a home in a new world. Let us think of those who live their lives as refugees, searching for a new place to call their own, wanting to raise their family in a real home or looking for loved ones who have been torn apart due to war. As well, let us take time to consider those who have felt lost from their home with Jesus, those who have struggled with their faith, lost their faith or in need of the works of those around them, to help them reconnect with their faith home. Being lost, being left behind or being without faith in Jesus are all tragedies that can happen to us. Let us work this week to be the home that others can feel safe and loved in, be the place where they are supported, encouraged and raised up to be who God has meant for them to be. Let us also be the people who open our doors, welcome in and help those who are looking for a new home from whatever war in life they travel from. May God be with us in all that we do, and may He show us who is needing our love, respect and safety this week. glenna xo WELCOME AND BLESSINGS If you are not of the Catholic faith, we welcome you to our Family. Feel free to come up at Communion, cross your arms and receive a blessing from Fr Craig or Deacon Howard. Please Park in Holy Family parish spots, not the PRIVATE parking for apartments. Help Us Be Good Neighbors! Thank You!

2 PARISH LIFE, FAMILY LIFE Faith Development News: YOUTH STEWARDSHIP: LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS: Family Session: JAN. 21st 10 am Family Mass: JAN. 21st 11:15 am Grades presented at the Family Mass on Jan. 21st are: Pre and Primary Class with Leanne & Dianne Grade 6 Class with Juanita & our beloved John Please make every effort to have your family with us for the Family Session and Family Mass. It really is a FAMILY TIME! SACRAMENTS DATES FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: Reconciliation/Gr 2 May 5th, 2018, Saturday at 10 am Confirmation May 20th, 2018 Sunday at 11:15 am 1st Eucharist /Gr 3 May 27th, 2018 Sunday at 11:15 am Friendship Club: On January 17th from 1 3 pm, we will be having our 3rd Club day and we are looking forward to many new faces. The Friendship Club is 2 hours of music, snacks and new friendships being made. Each month we have board games out to use, the Dutch Shuffleboard for those who like a bit more action and competition. We have the crib board, decks of cards and we also try to have an activity or craft that can be done. The Friendship Club is every 3rd Wednesday each month and the next dates are February 21st and March 21st, so you can mark your calendar!! Come out and join in the fun. All are welcomed, men & women and we look forward to making new friends with you! January Session is FULL!! 2nd Session is Filling quickly too! We are now setting up another Living Your Strengths for February and we have 8 spots available and hope you will say YES! Please contact the Office as soon as possible to register You will need to pick up the book and complete a short survey before the session begins, so check in with us today! Who you are, is the gift from GOD to You, Who you BECOME, is the gift to GOD from You! Welcome Home Are you looking for a new parish, or returning to your home after some time? We welcome you home and hope you will continue your faith journey with us. Please fill in the form, drop in collection basket or bring into the office, and our Welcome Home Team will be in touch! Senior Outreach: We have a wonderful team of parishioners who are helping us to continue, and grow, our Senior Outreach Program. We are now taking names from our community of those who might like to have a 1 hour visit from our team, a phone buddy to check in and say hello or maybe just to play a hand of crib or two. These visits are a way for us to check in on our neighbors and make sure they know that they are still very important to our community.even if they are not able to be here every week. Some of you are doing this already, and not part of our team, however we KNOW that there is a huge need for support to those who may not have family near by, spending their days at home alone (or in nursing homes) or maybe just in need of some social interaction to brighten their day. This is available for both men and women and we need your help to make sure that we are covering the needs that are out there. Contact the office with information of someone we can visit, or if you would like to join the team! Thank-You, from the Ministry of Care & Compassion Holy Family New Parishioner Registration Form Name(s): Phone Are you on Facebook? Yes / No Address Would you like church envelopes? Yes / No Would you like information about Pre-Authorized Payments? Yes / No Welcome to all Newcomers Place this form it in the collection and If you have any questions call us at (902) Our Welcome Committee will be in touch with you!

3 CWL NEWS: There is no Regular Meeting in January for the CWL members. CWL Executive Meeting will be on January 17th at 10 am in the St.Charles/Nativity Room. Presented on December 31st at the 11:15 am Mass, were the CWL Bursary Winners. Gillian Moore, Makenzie O Quinn and Brianna Ward. The awards were presented at the Mass by CWL Convenor Pauline Kelligrew. Makenzie O Quinn was also awarded in the Fall, the Provincial CWL Marguerite Burns Bursary. This was awarded to 5 applicants across the province. Thank you to the CWL for their continuous support of the youth and those in studies. Little Rock Scripture Studies: 15th Year! PARISH LIFE, FAMILY LIFE Knights of Columbus #2916 Knights Breakfast February 10th, 2018 Join us for the next Knights Breakfast on February 10th from 8-11am. Cost is $6.00 for a delicious and filling breakfast, served with love! Regular Meeting 4th Thursday of Month (returning for January 25th at 7pm) 4th Degree Meetings 1st Thursday of Month (returning February 1st at 7pm) Christmas Blessings Father Craig and Deacon Howard receiving Christmas gifts from the Knights of Columbus Ron White and Rick d Entremont. We are preparing for our next Scripture Studies where we will be learning more about the Psalms I from the Bible. This study also helps us to learn more about how to pray. Little Rock is a scripture study program, offered on either Tuesday Night at 7 pm or Thursday Morning at 10:30am for 7 weeks as part of our Faith Development for Adults. The 1st week starts on Tuesday Feb. 6th and will run until the last class on Thursday, March 22nd. The Book of the Psalms is a unique collection of the song-prayers of Israel. To study Psalms is to study prayer, ultimately to enter into prayer. The study will challenge participants to reflect on their own prayer and life experiences. Psalms I focuses on a selection of twenty-eight psalms divided into three categories: Psalms of Descriptive Praise Psalms of Trust or Confidence Wisdom Psalms For more information please contact the office or Viola Corbett at or to sign up for the Scripture Study Sessions. Mary, Mother of Mercy Prayer Group: We invite you to join Prayer Group Nights on Thursday Nights at 7pm in the Church. Together we join music, fellowship and prayer to support, encourage and be in our faith with each other. As we continue to grow and as new people come to find out what we are all about, we have had to move to more space in the church for our gatherings. This is a wonderful blessing. All Are Welcomed! BINGO takes place each Sunday and Monday at 6:45 pm at Knight s Hall 5 Robie St. Everyone is welcomed to join in the BINGO fun. Society of St. Vincent de Paul: MISSION - The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is: To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy. VALUES - The Mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul implies that as Vincentians we; see Christ in anyone who suffers, come together as a family, have personal contact with the poor and help in all possible ways. YMCA Community Kitchen: Every Wednesday beginning January 10th the YMCA will be preparing a delicious and nutritious lunch for any who would like to attend. There is no cost, freewill donations are welcomed. As well, you can help in the preparing and cooking of the meal. For those who are interested, you can assist and learn new skills for preparing meals and this will start at 10 am on Wednesdays and then the lunch will be served from 12 1pm. Contact Alison at or alison.lair@cumberland.ymca.ca Liturgy Ministry Workshop: THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all who attended the Liturgy Workshop. We truly appreciate you taking time from your days, to come and freshen up your skills and knowledge of your ministry role. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of the Liturgy Team or Chris Manuge at

4 Collection Weekly Update Weekend January 6th / 7th Envelopes $3, Loose $ Pre-Authorized $1, Children $9.30 Christmas Donations $90.00 Initial/New Year $ Total: $5, SSVP $ LENTEN NEWS & HEADS UP: February 13th 4 6pm CWL Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper more details to come. Ash Wednesday: February 14th 1/ 12:10 pm A scaled down service with communion. to allow those who want to come to the service on their lunch break will have the time to attend and return to work on time. 2/ 7 pm Ash Wednesday Mass for the regular Ashes distribution and Mass. Being Good Stewards all GOD s Things! Holy Family Parish LOONIE DRAW Have You Played the LOONIE DRAW yet? It s Easy and Fun! Get your number and play for the year and join the fun! This has been a simple fundraiser for our community, and the profit has helped us provide new things to our community, (one example; covering the costs of the WORD AMONG US Daily Meditation booklets for Advent and Lent. These have been truly enjoyed and have added to our Seasonal Celebrations.) Why not take a turn at the fun, and help to support our community at the same time!! Sign up before or after MASS each weekend or drop into the office to get started!! Thankyou for supporting your faith family!! Jan.7th Winning #124 Winner MICK HUEY $ was his winnings and a great start for January. Next Draw on January 14th. WHAT TO DO?? -Numbers are sold before/after Sat/Sun Mass. Your number can be played weekly at the office. -Pay each week, prepay for a few weeks or pay to the end of December Numbers removed, if not played for 6 months. House rules are available at the office. Meetings and Happenings JANUARY 2018 Jan.14th 6 pm M&M Choir Practise Church 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Jan. 15th 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St Jan. 16th 11:30 am TUESDAY LUNCHEON MacIntyre Hall 1 pm Finance Council Meeting Driscoll Room Jan. 17th noon LYS #1 Session for January Driscoll Room 10 am CWL Executive Mtg St.Charles/ Nativity Room 1 3 pm FRIENDSHIP CLUB MacIntyre Hall 7 pm R.C.I.A Landry Room Jan. 18th 10:30 am Senior Outreach Team Mtg St.Charles/Nativity Room 7 pm Prayer Group CHURCH * New Space 7 pm Youth Group MacInyre Hall Jan. 19th 9 am Weekday Mass Church 7 9pm Chase the Ace MacIntyre Hall Jan. 21st 10 am FamilySession:Pancake Breakfast MacIntyre Hall 11:15 am Family Mass Church 3 pm Christian Unity Service Church 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. Jan. 22nd 6:45 pm Knights BINGO Knights Hall, 5 Robie St. 7 pm St Vincent de Paul Meeting St. Charles/ Nativity Room Jan 23rd 11:30 am TUESDAY LUNCHEON MacIntyre Hall Jan. 24th 7 pm R.C.I.A Landry Room Jan.25th 7 pm Prayer Group CHURCH * New Space FUN-RAISING For the FUTURE!! Direct Withdrawal (PAR) or Offertory Envelopes? Both options for giving, and supporting your parish programs and services, and are great! Both provide an INCOME RECEIPT at the end of the year, whether you donate $50 for the year or $500. The automatic withdrawal from your account (PAR) is simple and easy. It also helps with continuing your donations whether there is a storm cancellation or you are away on vacation. This can be set up quickly in the office or pick up a form in the gathering area. Choose One Today and let us know how we can help you. Chase The Ace - Jan. 5th Winner : Paul Cormier who took home $ There are 36 Cards remaining. The Next ACE Draw Jan. 19th/18 JACKPOT ESTIMATED: $ 6, Entertainment Line-Up January 19th Drew Polegato & Katherine Hatheway January 26th Andrew Melanson

5 January 21st, 2018 Readings Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: Jonah 3: 1 5, 10 2nd Reading: 1 Corint hians 7:29-31 Gospel: Mark 1: PRAYER LINE In need of prayer support? Start a prayer chain of love and support for a loved one or for prayers for yourself, call or Post your intentions on the Prayer Wall or in Prayer Box in gathering area. Special prayers can be included in Prayers of the Faithful at Mass call the office. WHY PRAY and WHO REALLY NEEDS OUR PRAYERS?? At Mass each weekend, we present to our parishioners special requests for prayers. One prayer request each week is for those who are ill, facing surgery or experience a health crisis. Prayers Work and if we have the names of those who are suffering, our community will join together in their name, asking for GOD s grace. We ask you to help us by letting us know if you have a loved one in hospital, the nursing home or at home who is ill? We can pray for them and/or set up a visit with them. Please contact our Office and an Outreach team member will follow up with a visit, a call or spend sometime with them providing social interaction and another connection to the outside community. Let us Help! Prayers, Blessings and Family Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Masses and Lay Led Services Jan. 13th 4:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Joggins Mass for Colin Curleigh by Joyce Murray Jan. 13th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service Jan. 13th 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Vicky Pereira by Anne Pereira Jan. 14th 9:00 am St. Brigid s, Parrsboro Lay Led Service Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Weekday Masses and Lay Services Our Deep and Sincere Condolences...To all Parishioners who have experienced the loss of a loved one and to the friends and family of; John Boyle David Richards, Jan. 14th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Mass for Clara Harnett by Holy Family CWL Jan. 14th 11:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service Jan. 14th 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Alice Melanson by Nancy Ralston Jan. 19th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Jean Harris Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Masses and Lay Led Services Jan. 20th 4:00 pm St. Paul the Apostle, River Hebert Mass for Jim MacDonald Jan. 20th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service Eternal life grant onto your child O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. As a prayerful reminder of a loved one, light a candle in the gathering area, for 75c and support the youth activities here at Holy Family. Jan. 20th 6:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Erna (Sealy) Terrio from her grandchildren Jan. 21st 9:00 am St. Brigid s, Parrsboro Lay Led Service Jan. 21st 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led Service for Those In Need: Cumberland County Mass and Lay Services Jan. 17th 9:00 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for Ross Holmes, Sr. Please keep these individuals and their families in your prayers at this time: KEVIN LANE DAVID SMITH PHIL LEBLANC CHRISTINA MACKENZIE PAT FRENETTE MARGARET MARTIN May these individuals, and all others in our families who are ill, be able to find healing, peace and comfort from the Lord. May they know that their Holy Family family is praying for them and May they experience the Grace of God in their illness and the healing of the Lord s hands, as He holds them in care. Jan. 21st 9:00 am St. John the Baptist, Springhill Mass for Dorie Casey Jan. 21st 11:15 am Holy Family, Amherst Mass for the life of Jean (MacDonald) Crowe, whose birthday was Jan.1st.

6 Christian Unity Service: January 21st at 3pm This year s Unity Service hosted by the Ministerial Association, is being held here at Holy Family next weekend on Sunday, January 21st at 3pm. This is a wonderful yearly celebration with other Christian communities in Amherst and Surrounding Area, to show our unity in our belief of Jesus and our eternal life with His Father in Heaven. Our community has always turned out to support this Service. Let us join our brothers and sisters in Christ knowing "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20 Lenten Update: Last Year s Palm Branches: Please remember to start bringing in your Palm Branches from last year, that you might have at home. Last year s palms are used in preparing the ashes for our Ash Wednesday Service and Mass. Drop off in Gathering Area in bin provided. COUNTY and COMMUNITY LIFE Support Needed: FOOD BANK Amherst Food Bank is in need of some items and has asked us to communicate to our parishioners. There is a need for Hamburger Helper, Canned Pasta and Pasta Sauce. If you are able to help with this need, please bring to our gathering area and put in the large flower pot that we use for the Food Bank donations that come in each week. If you have any questions, you can contact our liason, Louise Tower at Thank you for your continuous support of the Amherst Food Bank. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. - Isaiah 58:7 NEWFIE NIGHT: Our Famous Newfie Night will be hosted on February 9th, at the Friday Chase the Ace night from 7 9 pm. There will Newfoundland food to sample, music to make your toes want to dance and there is always a few surprises that make you want to come back again for the next one! Book Your Calendar Now...so you don t miss out!!! ARCHDIOCESE AND OUR WORLD LIFE World Day of Migrants and Refugees: January 14th The phenomenon of migration today is a providential opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel in the contemporary world. Men and women from various regions of the earth who have not yet encountered Jesus Christ or know him only partially, ask to be received in countries with an ancient Christian tradition. It is necessary to find adequate ways for them to meet and to become acquainted with Jesus Christ and to experience the invaluable gift of salvation. - Pope Benedict XVI, 2012 Let us all take time this day to pray for all those who are Migrants and Refugees all over the world. Let us pray that they find their home here on earth, where they are loved, respected and living the life of freedom. And help them to remember that we are all passing through on this earth, to get to our real home with God. Amen The Steubenville Youth Conferences, an outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville, are a series of 21 conferences across North America that bring 50,000 teens and their leaders closer to Christ every summer. Our mission is to build the Church by evangelizing youth and their leaders and invite them to embrace the heart and mission of the Catholic Church. Steubenville Atlantic, Canada's first Steubenville Youth Conference, is presented in partnership with the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth and the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The event is held annually in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The 2018 conference dates are July 6-8, 2018.