Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Transcription

1 O P E N I N SPI R I T T O G O D (BU K Á S - L O Ó B S A D I Y Ó S ) C o m m u n i t y S t. F r a n c i s X a v ie r P arish, Mississ a u g a, O N Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. Luke 1:28

2 WORD SHARING CIRCLE (WSC) REFLECTION GUIDE December 2016 Community Word: The coming of Christ brings joy to the people of God. Theme: We rejoice in the coming of Christ when we await Him in faithful anticipation. Promise: those who love you prosper. (P122:6a) Reflection: This Sunday is the start of the season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord. Jesus invites us to wait faithfully and with joyful anticipation, as His coming brings joy to the people of God. Joy is gladness that comes from grace. The more we understand God s grace, the more we are able to experience God s joy that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete, (Jn 15:11). The gladness comes from fully knowing, deeply understanding, and totally abiding in His word, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. God s delight is more fully realized through faithful observance of the Gospel joy comes from having confident faith in God, (Ph 1:25), as well as in giving/receiving forgiveness of sin by the blood of Christ where there is forgiveness, there is joy, (Rom 5:1), and in the fellowship of Christian love as we work together towards bringing others to Christ s salvation much joy from fellowship, (Phl m 1:7). As we witness to God s unfailing love for us in all situations and circumstances, we will find strength and comfort in His words and continuing presence in our lives. The Lord s instruction is clear. We must pause in the midst of flurry and busyness of our life, be awakened and stay focused on the most important and central point of our life God, and His action in the world each day. What matters is Christ s presence in our lives as our source of inner strength, faith, wisdom, joy and love. Our heart is where Jesus loves to reside, and Advent is the perfect time to make room for His coming. The sacrament of reconciliation is an important part in preparing our hearts to be Jesus dwelling place. We then ask what we need to correct or change to make ourselves ready that, as we welcome Him and He comes to dwell in us, we are able to offer love, harmony and joy to others, to our family, our community, and even to strangers. Then, as God s people enthusiastically await His arrival, we can rejoice and claim His promise that those who love you prosper, (Ps 122:6a). 2

3 Pope Francis: Advent calls us to enlarge our horizons Vatican Radio 27/11/2016 Pope Francis marked the beginning of the new liturgical year at the Angelus for the First Sunday of Advent. On this Sunday, he said, the Gospel introduces us to one of the most evocative themes of the Advent season: the visit of the Lord to humanity. Pope Francis pointed out three visits of the Lord: the first, in the past, with the Incarnation, and Birth of Jesus at Christmas; the second, in the present, as Jesus visits us continually, every day; and the final visit, in the future, when Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Advent encourages us to reflect on the contrast between our daily routine and the unexpected coming of the Lord. The Gospel, the Pope said, is not trying to frighten us, but to open our horizons to further dimensions, giving meaning even to everyday occurrences. This perspective, he continued, is also an invitation to sobriety, to not be dominated by the things of this world but rather to keep them in their proper place. If, on the other hand, we allow ourselves to be overpowered by a concern for material things, we will not be able to perceive what is much more important: our final encounter with the Lord. And so, the Pope said, Advent is an invitation to vigilance, because, not knowing when He will come, we must always be ready to depart. During Advent, Pope Francis concluded, we are called to enlarge the horizons of our hearts, to be surprised by the life that is presented each day with its newness. In order to do this we need to learn to not depend on our own securities, our own established plans, because the Lord comes in the hour which we don t imagine. 3

4 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE On behalf of the leadership of the Open in Spirit to God (BLD) St. Francis Xavier DIP, we bring the greeting of peace and joy to everyone. Truly Advent is the Season of Hope, full of God s grace and blessing. We as members of the St. Francis Xavier Community, are comforted in the knowledge that in our day to day activity, as we meet and worship Him, evangelize and support one another, the Star of Bethlehem extend its gift of light every brighter through each and every one of us. As we declare that we are a community for and in Christ Jesus, we become a gift for one another. Tinsels and gifts of gold and silver somehow fade in the knowledge that we all share in the love within the Heart of Christ. May the peace and blessings of Christmas be yours; and may the coming year be filled with happiness for you and your family. Oh come... Let us adore Him: Christ the Lord. Ed & Lu Dumlao DIP Shepherd Tony & Menchie Villanueva Interim Management Steward Larry & Myrna Nieva Interim Formation Steward Rey & Alma Patricio Interim Evangelization Steward Rey & Mabel Perlas Interim Pastoral Steward Msgr. Edgardo Pan Spiritual Adviser 4

5 2016: BLESSINGS UPON BLESSINGS The current year (2016) has been an incredible one of tremendous growth and development for the OSG-BLD SFX Community. The group achieved District (In Process) status, with the Interim District Council of Stewards at the helm. These dynamic leaders accomplished this landmark within 4 years of the formation of their community in the St. Francis Xavier Parish. Love for their fellow man and a firm belief in the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ must have been the driving force behind their dedication and unwavering commitment. During the year, these leaders achieved their appointed targets of renewing the fire to serve among the recalled disciples, and the twenty-two (22) committed disciples from the fruit of the parish vineyard. The disciples, in question, have completed their CDFP and are currently attending the Discipleship Program, which began in September this year, and is scheduled to be completed early next year, The formation will be wound up with an Aspirant s retreat scheduled for April to be held at an offsite location. It has been a very vibrant and spirit-filled year. Membership numbers have grown through its Marriage Encounter and Life in the Spirit seminars, now totalling 120, an addition of 30 regular members. Every Thursday night has been an unbelievable experience of Praise & Worship. Sharing of spiritual growth, education and training have been stable components of these sessions, ensuring that members received the food to sustain them in their choice towards a more spiritual life a Life in the Spirit. Here are some of the highlights of the year that have helped to make 2016 the incredible year it has been: FORMATION TEACHINGS: SYMBOLON: This is a series of videos that educate Catholics on the true meaning of their faith and was introduced to the Community this year. This powerful tool serves to give community members a better knowledge of their faith and the confidence to defend it in the face of adversity. So far 10 videos have been covered at the end of the year. 5

6 Recollection: Msgr Edgardo Pan, the Parish Priest and the community s Spiritual Adviser, delivered 2 Recollection sessions: one in February and another in June. The topics covered in February related to the areas we should focus on to have recollection in its true sense The Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sacraments of the Living. In Recollection 2, Msgr Pan elaborated on the Immaculate Conception and Assumption and sited sinful behaviors that could easily ruin our chances of being saved anger, lust, infidelity, and being judgemental. Discipleship: Discipleship training began in September this year, and is scheduled to be completed at the end of April The formation will be wound up with an Aspirant s retreat to be held at an offsite location. Leadership Training: Throughout the year, members were called upon to lead P & W sessions which meant preparation of prayers, selection of songs and coordination with the Praise Ministry and the supervisor of the Lectors. The true test of good preparation is in the delivery, leading the P&W with seamless transition from one step to the other, and with an air of authority. In-House Teachers/Instructors: Speakers covered various topics including Christian Love and Overcoming the World and Flesh. VISITING DIGNITARIES: The Community was graced with the presence of 3 visiting dignitaries: the Most Reverend John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto for the Western Region whose main purpose was to promote the Family of Faith Campaign, and 2 esteemed priests from the Philippines: (a) Fr.Efren Momoy Borromeo who conducted an astounding day of healing on August 4th, personally ministering to more than 2,000 faithful; (b) His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila and President of Caritas International. Cardinal Tagle celebrated mass with Msgr. Pan and 15 other priests at St. Francis Xavier Church and met with parishioners and well-wishers in the Main Hall. 6

7 PROGRAMS: Marriage Encounter #3 was held on May th at the St. Martin Secondary School. It was 2 days of exemplary team-work producing an incredible experience for the participants who were led in discussion by Fr. Armand Gallay, Missionaries of Africa, on spousal relations as a Catholic couple. Life in the Spirit Seminar #4 was conducted over a period of 7 weeks, from September 15 th to October 27 th. The seminar boasted 65 registrants and they were not disappointed with the teachings, sharing of experiences of current members leading to their conversion to a more spiritual life, and the vibrancy of Praise and Worship in such a setting. On October 6 th, Fr. Matthias, Chaplain of the downtown Toronto Hospitals, addressed the participants on preparing themselves for receiving God s promise, i.e. the Holy Spirit. The seminar ended with much celebration and fellowship on October 27 th. NEWSLETTER The Vine is the Community s monthly newsletter which is published on the first Thursday of the month, giving members The Word shared with the BLD/OSG Global Community, daily scripture readings for the current month, documentation on activities that happened over the past month, world news relating to the Catholic Church, and information on scheduled events for the SFX Parish and BLD Community. Articles of interest to the Church are also published e.g. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, Father Armand Galay of the Missionaries of Africa, The Artist Duo: Frank & Nelia Tolido (of OSG/BLD SFX), Mother (Saint) Teresa: A Symbol of Love, The Liturgical Season of Lent and messages from the Vatican. The newsletter is also available online on the BLD Toronto website 7

8 (Continued from page 7) RIGHT TO LIFE CAMPAIGN: Members of the OSG-BLD SFX Community took the coach ride to Ottawa on May 12 th together with people representing the parishes of St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph to show solidarity with other pro-life advocates. Although small in number, they fervently represented the hearts and passion of the communities to which they belong. SUMMER PICNIC: On July 16 th, the OSG-BLD Community met for their summer picnic at Richard s Park in Mississauga. The theme of the 2016 picnic was Hawaiian Fiesta. Ladies with long flowered skirts and leis around their necks, swaying to the music added credence to the theme. Lots of food kept appetites appeased and spirits were high with games and fellowship. The colourful pictures of the August Issue of the Vine depict the spirit of the day. Indeed, the community received blessings upon blessings and this has been a year of dedication and achievement led by the hand of the Holy Spirit. GOOD NEWS Let us share the good news and give thanks for the glory of Our Lord Ruwandi Kariyawasam, daughter of Gune & Shalini (LSS #2 SFX & ME #36 Toronto), a 2 nd year Master of Science student at the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto attended the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene conference in Atlanta, USA last November and placed 2nd for the Clinical - ASTMH Elsevier Research Award. Congratulations. Praise be to God! 8

9 EXALTATION My God refreshes, renews, restores. He populated my solitudes With images and words that flow in light and life throbbing love, lifting faith, prodding hope. No moment passes empty of Him. He crowds my mind with freedom, smothers my heart with peace, explodes my soul with gentleness, shatters my spirit with unmeasured joy. My God is without season in His faithfulness. He is the constant, stilling hum in the changing movement of my symphony. My worship of Him will be one endless Season of Refreshment. Sonny de los Reyes Season of Refreshment,

10 December Celebrants Msgr. Pan with Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Feast of St. Francis Xavier 10

11 Photos by Virgie Morato & Mars Sonon Vol. 4 No. 12 December 2016 ME Group Reunion Installation of OSG/BLD SFX Interim DCS OSG/BLD SFX Parish Xmas Dinner/Dance 11

12 SFX PARISH EVENTS December 10, Christmas Story Concert at 7:00 pm. December 15, Parish Advent Reconciliation at 7:00 pm. December 16, Start of the Christmas Novena Masses at 6:00 am followed with breakfast in the parish hall. Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Sponsors Required! Would your family like to bring joy of Christmas to the less fortunate? Most importantly, we want to ensure our Saint Vincent de Paul families have a good meal. To accommodate a variety of food preferences and dietary restrictions, we suggest donating food gift cards from No Frills the only lower cost grocery store within the parish boundaries. For a family of 2-3, we typically recommend $75.00, a family of 4 would be $ Cards in denominations of $25.00 are easiest or us to organize. BLD SFX ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. December 17 - Westbury Retirement Home Carolling 2. December 24 - Misa de Gallo Breakfast Service OSG-SFX DISTRICT (in process) CALENDAR DECEMBER JANUARY 2017 DATE TIME ACTIVITY VENUE Dec pm Christmas Celebration Kalayaan Hall Dec 24 6 am SFX Misa de Gallo Breakfast Service Jan pm Eucharistic Celebration & Fellowship Jan pm Praise & Worship / LWG Jan pm Praise & Worship / Teaching SFX Hall Church / Hall SFX Hall SFX Hall EDITOR: EDITORIAL BOARD: PHYOLA JAMES OSG/BLD SFX INTERIM DCS: TONY/MENCHIE VILLANEUEVA REY/ALMA PATRICIO LARRY/MYRNA NIEVA REY/MABEL PERLAS DIP SHEPHERD: ED/LU DUMLAO 12