Patty Coenen, Coordinator of Youth Ministry Confirmation: We are so PROUD of all our Confirmation candidates! This is the next big step for these teens spiritual journey, which began at their baptism. The Catechism section on Confirmation says that Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Its effects are to: Root us more deeply in divine filiation (being children of God) Unite us more firmly to Christ Increase the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us Strengthen our bond with the Church Associate us more closely to her mission of bearing witness to Christ Help us and more strictly oblige us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed A generation ago, we said that confirmed Catholics were soldiers of Christ. This indicates Confirmation s effects: it configures us for a full & active mission of service to Christ. Next weekend at two huge celebrations, we will witness over 125 young people receive in full, the mark of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the chrism oil on their foreheads just as they first did with holy water at their baptism. They have been preparing since the fall by attending two all-day retreats, doing 10 hours of volunteer work, and journeying on Sundays with a Confirmation journal, where they reflected on the Gospel readings. You might have seen them during Mass writing furiously as the Gospel was being read. We are very proud of all of them for their hard work in recording their responses to the reflection questions. Fr. Bob, Fr. Seejo, and I, really enjoyed reading the journals. You can learn so much from the young people Pastor: Fr. Bob Remark Parochial Vicar: Fr. Seejo John Permanent Deacons: Deacon John Vallely, Deacon George Sebok, Deacon Henry Kling Pastoral Minister: Heather Cushing ext. 260 Coordinator of Youth Ministry: Patty Coenen ext. 258 Business Administrator: Tom Boone ext. 224 Secretaries: Kelly Wilson ext. 201, Sheila O Brien ext. 222 Bookkeeper: Anne Sanderson ext. 229 Building & Property Coordinator: Steve Baldinelli ext. 261 Come as you are, and you will be loved. Responding to the call of Jesus, we will transform the world. The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ January 22, 2017 these days. Some of the reflection questions the teens were asked were: How has your relationship with Jesus matured during this Confirmation preparation journey? Why do you want to be confirmed? Do you have a role model in your life that you look up too? Who and Why? What does it mean to you to be a disciple? What do you think God is calling you to do with your life? These are all good questions that we, too can reflect on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have helped to make Confirmation a success ~ to parents and sponsors who have supported their child in the decision to be confirmed and allowing all of us at Holy Family Parish to be a part of this faith journey. Thank you to the group leaders who led the groups of young people during the retreat days, to the back up crew that kept everything going smoothly during the day, to the teachers who gave of themselves to ensure the Catechesis of Confirmation was taught clearly, and to the Praise and Worship band for bringing such wonderful music to our retreat days. Thank you to all who helped this weekend as well. We will have two celebrations next weekend, one on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. and the second on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Thank you to all who have prayed with, and for our young people as they prepared for this special moment. It is from the love of all of these people that make this day so extra special. Thank you for being such a powerful witness of GOD s love for us all. Sunday Eucharist: Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Weekday Eucharist: Tues. at 6:30 p.m.; Wed., Thurs., & Fri., at 10a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Every Saturday, 11a.m. - 12 p.m. Anointing of the Sick: First Tuesday or Wednesday of each month at weekday Mass or by appointment Eucharistic Exposition & Benediction : First Wednesday of the month. Baptism: Please contact the office in advance for a preparation program. Marriage: Contact the parish priests at the office a year in advance. Catholic Women s League : Mary Van Dyk, President (519) 473-1258 St. Vincent de Paul: Colleen Jones, President (519) 472-0057 X300 Knights of Columbus: Chuck Lutchin - Grand Knight (519) 709-6752 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Address: 777 Valetta St. London ON N6H 2Y9 Tel: 519-472-0057 or 519-660-2920 Fax: 519-472-4758 Email: hfparish@dol.ca Website: www.holyfamilyparish.dol.ca Parish Facebook Account: http://facebook.com/holyfamilyparishyouth Parish Twitter Account: @hfparishlondon
Readings for January 29, 2017 The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Zephaniah 2.3; 3.12-13 Psalm: Psalm 146.6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10 (R. Mt 5.3) Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.26-31 Gospel: Matthew 5.1-12 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ January 22, 2017 In our relationship with Fr. James Mallon, and the Divine Renovation Network, a group of some 12 parishes in the United States and in Canada, we are learning about a new leadership structure. It is very different from what we are now accustomed to, but we are coming more and more to believe that it is the right and only way to offer leadership to the some 3,500 families who have associated themselves with Holy Family Parish. Leadership starts with the pastor, me. As much as I would like to shepherd every parish plan, ministry group and teaching opportunity, and assist with every pastoral situation, including all funerals, schools, weddings, baptisms, counseling, spiritual direction, etc., it is just impossible! As a result, I have gathered around me, three parishioners who help me in the task of leadership. At present, they include, Fr. Seejo, Deacon John and Heather Cushing. They assist me in discerning the many pastoral situations and making the big decisions regarding vision and action. Fr. Seejo, along with Patty Coenen, oversee all of our youth initiatives, from sacramental preparation, school visits, Crossfire, and the forming of volunteers for all of these ministries. Deacon John is largely the overseer of all things liturgical. Heather has oversight for Alpha, seniors ministry, funerals, ministry to the home bound and nursing homes. The leadership task for all on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is to oversee the organization and formation of leaders, more than doing these ministries themselves. In other words, we are developing the leadership of the leadership of the leadership of all who offer their gifts at the service of the parish. We are delegating authority not tasks. One of the outcomes of this new leadership structure, is that I will become less and less involved in the direct formation and oversight of the ministries entrusted to the members of the SLT. This leadership strategy will serve our parish well in the years to come, and help me to stay healthy as I tend to the essential leadership role entrusted to me. You might think of this leadership pattern as that of the Early Church. Jesus had three close partners in leadership: Peter, James and John (Jesus SLT). They were at the center of every significant Jesus event. The twelve Apostles were leaders, vision carriers who helped to form the intentional disciples, the 72 disciples who were sent to do ministry with the entire church, the disciples. Talking about changing leadership, Tom Boone, our interim Business Administrator, has decided to be more deliberate in his plans for retirement, and he will finish his ministry with us after Easter. Tom has been a real gift to our team over the almost two years he has served the parish. He joined us at a very challenging time, dealing with the building renovation deficits and a large parish debt. Under his leadership, the debt is paid off and the building issues have been dealt with. Well done! More words of thanks to come down the road Having said that, we are posting for his job position, under a nuanced name, Business Manager. The basic information for the new posting can be found online at our parish website at www.holyfamilyparish.ca More to come next week! Fr. Bob We pray for the deceased of our parish Linda Callaghan We Welcome through the Waters of Baptism William Robert, child of Alicia & Robert Wilson Discipleship Award - The Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women s League will be supporting an annual award of $500.00 each to a graduating male and female high school student. More information on the criteria and application forms can be found on the pamphlet rack in the narthex. Please ensure you are using the proper application as there are separate application forms for male and female students. All applications must be returned to the parish office no later than Monday, April 24, 2017. C.W.L. Brother Blaise Bake Sale will be held on February 18th after the 5:00 pm Mass and February 19th after the 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Masses in the Mother of Peace Room. Anyone wishing to help with the baking is welcome to join the ladies beginning Friday, January 27th at 9:30a.m. in the hall kitchen. All are welcome!! For those who are unable to bake with us during these three Fridays, we are accepting monetary donations towards supplies needed or if you wish to bake at home, donations are being accepted on Friday, February 18th. For further information, call Lou Quirk (519) 473-4266 or Mary Van Dyk, C.W.L. president at (519) 473-1258.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ January 22, 2017 Mass Intentions for Jan. 24th - 27th Tues., Jan 24 6:30 p.m. St. Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor Wed., Jan 25 10:00 a.m. Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle Thurs., Jan 26 10:00 a.m. St. Timothy and St. Titus, Bishops Fri., Jan 27 10:00 a.m. Jeanne Wilcox requested by St. Vincent de Paul Catarina Tavares requested by St. Vincent de Paul Sue Frank requested by Mary Ann Morgan Catharina Gysbers requested by the Gysbers Family Jean Groschok requested by Theresa & Fred Overdulve Denis & Angela Walsh requested by The Walsh Family Bunny McLeod requested by Veronica Richard Casilda Pardo requested by Vida Cousineau Lawrence Weekes requested by Yolande Weekes World Day of Prayer - This year s theme is the Philippines - Am I Being Unfair to You? The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen's initiative. It is run under the motto Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action, and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. This year, it is being held on Friday, March 3rd and our parish s C.W.L is hosting it here at Holy Family. To get us started, the C.W.L. needs your input from any parishioners, men & women alike who may have the knowledge or are from the Philippines. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Marg Williams at (519) 433-0226. JK/SK Registration begins January 16th until February 3rd, 2017. Please contact your local Catholic school to set up an appointment to register. We encourage early registration in order to prepare for your child s entry into our elementary schools. We will need a copy of your child s birth certificate, baptismal certificate and proof of residence. If your child is not baptized, at least one of the parents needs to be a baptized Catholic. For more information, please contact your local schools. Notre Dame School at (519) 660-2773 St. Marguerite d Youville School at (519) 660-2787 St. Paul School School at (519) 660-2790 St. Thomas More School (519) 660-2793 We look forward to welcoming you and your child to this amazing school community! Advertise Your Business, Product or Service in the Sunday Bulletin. Contact Tom Boone at (519) 472-0057, ext n # 224; email Tom at tboone@dol.ca. Week of January 23rd - 29th Monday, Jan. 23 9:30 a.m.: Ontario Early Years Program - All Saints Hall 12:45 p.m.: Quilters - Mother of Peace Room 1:30 p.m.: Prayer Shawl - St. Mary Magdalene Room 6:00 p.m.: Knights of Columbus 1st Degree - All Saints Hall & Mother of Peace Room 7:00 p.m.: Contemporary Choir - Church Tuesday, Jan. 24 10:00 a.m.: Holy Strollers - St. John Paul II Room 10:00 a.m.: Hope Comforters - St. Mary Magdalene Room 7:00 p.m.: Finance Committee - Holy Spirit Room 7:00 p.m.: Praise and Worship Band - Church Wednesday, Jan. 25 1:00 p.m.: Cards - Mother of Peace Room 7:00 p.m.: Family Mass Singers - Church Thursday, Jan. 26 6:00 p.m.: ALPHA - All Saints Hall 7:00 p.m.: Life in the Spirit Prayer Group - Mother of Peace Room 7:00 p.m.: Traditional Choir - Church Friday, Jan. 27 3:00 p.m.: Divine Mercy Devotion - Church 7:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.: Confirmation Rehearsals - Church Saturday, Jan.28 9:30 a.m.: Children s Choir Practice - Church 7:00 p.m.: Confirmation Celebration - Church & All Saints Hall Sunday, Jan. 29 Children s Church - All Saints Hall during the Sunday Masses 12:00 noon: Crossfire Kids - All Saints Hall 12:00 noon: Crossfire Youth - St. John Paul II Room 1:00 p.m.: Confirmation Celebration - Church & All Saints Hall NEW Parishioners - Welcome to our Parish and be sure to introduce yourselves to our Pastoral Team! If you haven t yet registered, our Registration Form can be found in the pamphlet racks or stop by the office and say hello! This form is also available on our parish website at www.holyfamilyparish.dol.ca. We are happy to have you with us! The 2017 Sunday Offertory Envelopes are available just outside the All Saints Hall under the youth bulletin board. If you need a set of envelopes and haven t yet requested them, kindly call Sheila at ext n # 222. We encourage parishioners to consider switching to monthly pre-authorized donations for the Sunday collection by filling out the blue pre-authorized donation registration forms available in the pamphlet rack in the narthex. 2015 Income Tax Receipts - We are in the midst of preparing the 2016 income tax receipts for mail distribution early in February. If you have any questions, kindly email our Bookkeeper Anne at asanderson.dol.ca or call her at ext n # 229. Thank you to all our generous parishioners for your support of our faith community.
January 22nd, 2017 Group photo taken at the retreat Adoration and Ud s Faith Witness talk We are so proud of YOU!!! THANK YOU! It has been a pleasure to journey with you. Thank you to EVERYONE that helped with the retreat; the group leaders, actors, set up and clean up crew, and ALL the people that made the day as AWESOME as it was! Thank you to Ud desilva who did a wonderful witness talk to our teens. It takes courage to share your faith story. Thank you to the Praise and Worship Band for bringing such JOY to our day with the wonderful music and reflections. Know that you are in the prayers of the parish community as you are confirmed on January 28th and January 29th. Here are some pictures from your second Confirmation Retreat on Saturday, January 14th.
St. Mary School students helping with saying Grace before lunch.