CLAPTON, BLUES AND CONVERSION

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1 +- Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 22, 2013 CLAPTON, BLUES AND CONVERSION You cannot serve both God and mammon. (Lk.16: 13) Mass Times Weekday Eucharist Monday to Friday: 7:30 am Weekend Eucharist Saturday: 9 am Sunday Vigil: 5 pm Sunday: 8 am 10 am 12 pm 7:30 pm Civic Holidays: 9 am Ministry Centre Hours Monday Thursday 9 am to 4:30 pm Friday 9 am 3 pm Saturday 2 pm 6:30 pm Sunday 9 am 1:30 pm Recently some friends gave me the autobiography of Eric Clapton (Eric Clapton, The Autobiography, N.Y., Random House, 2007) I generally shun the biographies of the rich and famous, but his story interested me. Eric Clapton is perhaps the best blues guitar player in the world, I have been a long-time fan of his music, and I knew nothing about his life. So I picked up the book. I wasn't disappointed. The book gives all kinds of insights into the inner world of rock music, but, more importantly, Clapton tells his story with a wonderful intelligence and disarming self-effacement. This isn't a cheap celebrity, egotrumpeting book, but a story of art, youth, restlessness, search, falling, neardisaster, and life-saving conversion. And its real interest lies exactly in that latter element since, as Heather King puts it, sin isn't interesting but conversion is. Clapton fans won't be disappointed either at how seriously he takes his art. Throughout his whole career, however fuzzy his head may have been about other things, he was always clear and single-minded about his art, the blues, willingly sacrificing popularity and money for the sake of his craft. For him, art is pure, something near to God, and is meant always to remain pure. His words: "For me, the most trustworthy vehicle for spirituality had always proven to be music. It cannot be manipulated, or politicized, and when it is, that becomes immediately obvious." Those are the words of a good artist, but his real struggle was never with art but with his obsessions, addictions, ego, and sobriety. Success came to him early and the world of rock-and-roll bathed him in a culture of alcohol, drugs, and irresponsibility. He was soon an addict, with everything in his life other than his music spinning out of control. Eventually grace intervened and, during a second trip to an alcoholic clinic, he found grace and sobriety. Here are his own words: 1300 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON M3C 2K9 Tel: Fax:

2 Nevertheless, I stumbled through my month in treatment much as I had done the first time, just ticking off the days, hoping that something would change in me without me having to do much about it. Then one day, as my visit was drawing to an end, a panic hit me, and I realized that in fact nothing had changed in me, and that I was going back out into the world again completely unprotected. The noise in my head was deafening, and drinking was in my thoughts all the time. It shocked me to realize that here I was in a treatment center, a supposedly safe environment, and I was in serious danger. I was absolutely terrified, in complete despair. At that moment, almost of their own accord, my legs gave way and I fell to my knees. In the privacy of my room, I begged for help. I had no idea who I thought I was talking to, I just knew that I had come to the end of my tether; I had nothing left to fight with. Then I remembered what I had heard about surrender, something I thought I could never do, my pride just wouldn't allow it, but I knew that on my own I wasn't going to make it, so I asked for help, and getting down on my knees, I surrendered. Within a few days I realized that something had happened for me. An atheist would probably say it was just a change of attitude, and to a certain extent that's true, but there was much more to it than that. I had found a place to turn to, a place I'd always known was there but never really wanted, or needed, to believe in. From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night to express my gratitude for my life and, most of all, for my sobriety. I choose to kneel because I feel I need to humble myself when I pray and with my ego, this is the most I can do. If you are asking me why I do all of this, I will tell you... because it works, as simple as that. In all this time that I have been sober, I have never once seriously thought of taking a drink or a drug.... In some way, in some form, my God was always there, but now I have learned to talk to him. You are never more of a mature adult than when you get down on your knees and bend humbly before something greater than yourself. I read those words in a catechism book when I was a little boy and knew, already then, that they contained a truth that perennially needs to be asserted in the face of human pride. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin says something similar. At a certain time in your life, he says, you realize that you have only two choices: genuflect before something greater than yourself or begin to self-destruct. Eric Clapton, I think, would agree. Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI

3 PARKING UPDATE STEWARDSHIP We have received the report on storm water diversion from the City of Toronto and are waiting to meet with City staff to review the report and confirm approval on the next steps. We are most grateful for the donations we have received to support the parking expansion. If you have questions about this project, please speak with Friar Paul. Stewardship A way of living Sunday Offertory Collection Thank you for your generous donations and support of our parish. Regular Collection: $ 9,004 + Pre-Authorized Giving: $2,980 = $11,984 Expenses: $14,340 YOUTH MINISTRY YOUTH FAITH FORMATION Youth Altar Server Appreciation BBQ Sunday, October 6, 1 pm In recognition of our amazing altar servers, our Youth Ministry is hosting a BBQ. Jonathan and Friar David will be cooking up a storm and each of our altar servers will receive a special gift from our Catholic Women s League. If you are an active altar server contact Jonathan to RSVP so we know how much food to prepare. Sacramental Preparation for Reconcililation and First Communion Tuesday September 24, 7 pm, Main Hall This is the first meeting for young parishioners preparing for Reconciliation and First Communion. Contact: Jonathan Nix or Friar David if you have any questions. ADULT FAITH FORMATION Are You Interested In Becoming a Member of the Catholic Faith? We invite you to join an inquiry meeting on Thursday, September 26, from 7 to 8:30 pm in the Ministry Centre.These inquiry meetings are informal gatherings during which participants reflect on the Lord s presence in their lives, as well as begin the process of discerning the possibility of the Lord s call to full sacramental initiation in the Catholic Church. This spiritual journey respects the freedom of the individual, as well as his or her religious background, if any. If you know of someone who might be interested in becoming Catholic, we encourage you to pass this information on to them. For more information, contact Friar Dan at , ext. 233, friar.dan@st-bonaventure.ca. Theology & Tea Fall-Winter Session Tuesdays, at 9:30 am, Francis Room Theology & Tea resumes September 24. This season will focus on Meaning and Authenticity: applying the teachings of Canadian theologians Bernard Lonergan and Charles Taylor.

4 SOCIAL MINISTRY St. Vincent de Paul News Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul: September 27 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization of lay people founded in Paris in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam and his companions. Placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, it is inspired by his thinking and his works. It seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are suffering. It does this by a person to person involvement of its members. Thank you for your contributions to our poor boxes, which help our Conference continue this important work for and among the less fortunate. Humanitarian Relief for Syria The Archdiocese of Toronto are accepting donations in the following ways: online by phone through the Development office , through the parish; make cheques payable to: name of parish Syria Humanitarian Relief. Second Collection September 29 Needs of the Church in Canada Your donations support the national assembly of Catholic Bishops the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in their pastoral ministry, in the fields of catechesis, ecumenism, interfaith relations, social justice, liturgy, doctrine, relations with Indigenous peoples, international aid and family life. SUPPORTING EACH OTHER IN PRAYER COMMUNITY LIFE Prayer Requests Private Prayer: contact Friar Boniface, x 500. Prayer Network: contact Nimfa Chua, Your request will be shared with over 20 parishioners who make up the Prayer Network. Members pray daily for requests and intentions are held in confidence. Please let the Prayer Network know when a situation has been resolved so that members can offer prayers of thanksgiving. New members are welcome; call Julie Flood, Remembering Loved Ones Lord Jesus, we place our beloved ones in your hands as we praise you for your mercy and love. Let us pray for all the deceased members of our parish and loved ones, especially George Mayer. May they rest in peace. Good News from Friar Mark Steed Many thanks to all of you who prayed and sent notes and cards during my recent challenge with cancer. My doctor informed me last week that there are no more signs of malignancy and with regular observations and some preventative chemo I should be OK. It was good news indeed and a great relief to hear. So again my thanks for being with me during this time of wonder and anxiety. Our prayer now needs to be one of gratitude to our Christ and his new Saint Kateri. Much peace and many blessings, friar Mark." CWL News & Events Annual Flea Market Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am, Donation Drop Off: Oct. 24 & 25 This is the CWL signature fundraising event which supports various charities. We welcome gently used items in good condition: clothing, housewares, small appliances, toys, sports

5 equipment, electronics, books & jewellery. Homemade goods such as salsas, chutneys, hot sauces and jams are welcome. Contact: Tracy MacInnis , Catch the Fire "Be who you are meant to be and you will set the world on fire Saturday, October 19, 10 am to 4 pm, registration 9:30 am, Main Hall This workshop aims to renew members' enthusiasm for the League, introduce new members and answer questions for those contemplating membership. There is no cost; however you need to register ahead of time so that the CWL know how many participants to prepare for. To register contact Lucia Vacca, lucia.vacca@sympatico.ca, Presented by The CWL Toronto Diocesan Council. Bonnie Tunes School of Music Register Now for Fall Session Information and registration forms are on our website. Life Chain Sunday, October 6, 2 pm to 3 pm Parishioners are invited join the annual Life Chain at the corner of Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue.This is a prayerful, peaceful, witness to the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. Workshop on the Art of Discernment Given by a team of men and women religious at Loretto College. Suggested donation is $25, including lunch. Contact Sr. Ann McGill, amcgillfcj@yahoo.com, to register or for more information. Registration deadline is September 27. THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH 7:30 am Lawrence Higgins Monday September 23 7:30 am Roy Leach Tuesday September 24 7:30 am Luke Chaisson Wednesday September 25 7:30 am Zebbie Deangeles Thursday September 26 7:30 am Helen Mitchell Friday September 27 9:00 am The Friars Saturday Dante Amoroso September 28 All Souls Angela Rossi Andrew Javier Reconciliation Vanessa Ballin 6:00 pm Brownies/FR 9:30 am 7:00 pm 7:30 pm Theology & Tea/FR Preparation for Reconciliation/MH Scripture Sharing/OR 8:00 pm Alcoholics Anonymous/FR 7:00 pm RCIA/MC 9:30 am 10:00 am Christian Meditation/OR Al-Anon/BR 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 8:00 am Parishioners Sunday 10:00 am Richard Ross September 29 12:00 pm Mary Angela O Connor 7:30 pm Personal Intention BR Bonaventure Room FR Francis Room MH Main Hall OR Oak Room MC Ministry Centre Sanctuary Lamp Carmella Chaisson Vigil Lamp Carmella Chaisson

6 MINISTRY CENTRE CONTACTS ARE YOU REGISTERED? ON EVERY WEEK HELP ELIMINATE HUNGER Bring a donation of non-perishable food to church for our local Food Bank. There is an ongoing need for: canned vegetables, meat, fruit, fish, soups & stews; powdered milk; fruit juice; chicken & beef soup bases; rice & pasta; pasta sauce; cold cereal; peanut butter; sugar; cooking oil; tea; instant & ground coffee. SCRIPTURE SHARING An opportunity to share faith & life experience. THEOLOGY & TEA Join the faith discussion. September to May. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP Follow the ancient tradition of the prayer of silence to attain harmony of body, mind & spirit. RCIA INQUIRY PROGRAM An opportunity to discern & discuss the call to become Catholic. SUNDAY COFFEE Join us after the 10 am mass for coffee. It s a great opportunity to meet other parishioners. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS The only requirement for members is a desire to stop drinking. The purpose is to stay sober & help others achieve sobriety. AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP A fellowship of men, women & children whose lives are affected by the compulsive drinking of a family member or friend. Members share experiences, strengths & hopes. Pastor Friar Paul Lininger, OFM Conv. friarpaul@st-bonaventure.ca Associate Pastor Friar Dan Quackenbush OFM Conv friar.dan@st-bonaventure.ca Pastoral Associate Friar David Suckling OFM Conv friar.david@st-bonaventure.ca Sacramental Minister Friar Canice Connors OFM Conv caniceofmc@aol.com Deacon Rev. Sal Badali deaconsal1994@hotmail.com Parish Manager Connie Durante connie.durante@st-bonaventure.ca Pastoral Assistant Jeanette Williams jeanette.williams@st-bonaventure.ca Youth Minister Jonathan Nix jonathan@st-bonaventure.ca Franciscans Business Administrator Norman Bell norman.bell@st-bonaventure.ca It is important to register in our parish community. Registration identifies you as a member of our parish. Only registered and active parish members can celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage at St. Bonaventure. Recommendations to be a baptism or confirmation sponsor or for a position in the Toronto Catholic School board can only be provided to parishioners who are registered and participating in our parish community. Registration forms are at the back of the church. Please take one and complete it today. UPDATE YOUR PARISH INFORMATION Please call the Ministry Centre, , if you have any changes to your mailing address, or phone number.

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