Family Matters June 2018

Family Matters June 2018 HOLY FAMILY PARISH 777 Valetta St., London, ON N6H 2Y9 WEBSITE: www.holyfamilylondon.ca PH. # (519) 472-0057 FAX # (519) 472-4758 EMAIL: hfparish@dol.ca OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:30 pm. SUNDAY MASSES Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 6:30 pm WEEKDAY MASSES Tuesday 6:30 pm Wednesday to Friday 10:00 am

CONTENTS June 2018 A WORD FROM FR. BOB FAREWELL FR. SEEJO a Reflection by Heather Cushing BILL ZADORSKY S RETIRING A Reflection by Mary Ann Morgan ALPHA A Testimony from Jenn Devlin A FATHER S DAY TESTIMONY A Reflection by Chris Wright GRADUATIONS A reflection by Deacon Tom MacLeod FINANCIAL REPORT An Update from Jozef Maka Family Matters is a monthly publication. FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 2

A Word from Fr. Bob The month of June is often marked by families celebrating the graduation of their children from different levels of education. It is a wonderful time to offer thanks and praise to God for the blessings received by graduates as they move to higher levels of education and responsibility. Parents are understandably proud of the achievements of their children. So are we, here at Holy Family Parish. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to both graduates and to their family members who have supported them on the path to their success. We also promise our prayers for those who are leaving the hallowed halls of education and are now in search of worthy employment. With Fr. Seejo s leaving Holy Family Parish in early July, and moving on to St. John the Baptist Parish in Amherstburg, we also find ourselves full of gratitude for how the Lord has ministered to us through him. We have learned a lot from him over the past two years. We will be bidding a fond farewell to him on the last weekend of June, by offering a parish reception following each of the weekend liturgies. It will provide all of us an opportunity to thank him for his priestly service here and to wish him well as he moves to serve the good people of Amherstburg. Bishop Fabbro will not leave us without a Parochial Vicar, as Fr. Peter Amszej will come to serve our faith community in early July. Bill Zadorsky, the Director of the Traditional Choir for the past 34 years, is retiring from this position, effective Sunday, June 24. It is hard to imagine how we will be able to manage without him at the helm of this extraordinary choir. He has been part of the very fabric of liturgy here at Holy Family for so many years. We owe Bill a debt of gratitude for his superb directorship and his faithful service. We also offer a heartfelt gratitude to the choir members who have offered such moving musical leadership to the 10:30am Sunday Mass. Bill and the choir have become a unique and beautiful community within our own parish community. Having said that, it is our hope that choir members will continue to offer their voices in praise of God at Mass under a new director. Who is the new director? We will need to post this position and search for a worthy candidate to continue this wonderful tradition. Come, Holy Spirit! This weekend and into the coming week, Fr. Bob and a number of parish leaders will be participating in the Divine Renovation Ministries Conference in Halifax. Please hold us in prayer as we thirst and hunger to serve and lead our dynamic parish with God s vision of an evangelizing parish. We will have a lot to share when we return next weekend. This event can be followed at https://livestream.com/divinerenovation FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 3

Two years ago, in July 2016 we welcomed Fr. Seejo to Holy Family Parish. At first he seemed like a quiet and serious young man. We were not certain about what to expect! Now, in a few weeks we will wish him all the best as he moves to his new parish, in another part of the Diocese. We have mixed feelings about his move; happy for him that his experience in Canada and our Diocese will be expanded yet again and sad that he is leaving. We are so grateful for all he has shared with us. For many of us we have learned that he is not always quiet and not always serious. We have learned much about Fr. Seejo and his Indian culture, his education, his family, arranged marriages, wedding celebrations and customs, funeral customs and celebrations, differences between Indian and Canadian cultures and similarities too! We have been enriched by his presence. We are most grateful for the time you have shared with us Fr. Seejo and we wish you every good thing as you journey forward. Thank you Father Seejo and God bless you! Thirty-four years ago at his first rehearsal and before one note was ever sung, Bill Zadorsky informed those present of the Choir s mandate: 1) To sing the repertoire of the Church ranging from Gregorian Chant up to and including the present day. This includes but is not entirely limited to Chant, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo Classical, 20 th Century repertoire. Hymns and anthems are to be drawn from these periods in SATB, SAB, SSA, SA, TB, or ST/AB arrangements. 2) To lead the assembly in sung prayer remaining cognizant of the fine line between art, prayer, and pure performance. Our music should be as artistic as possible since art leads to prayer and reflection. This choral mandate remained the core reason for the Traditional Choir in spite of many changes in the community. Some of that original group still sing in the choir and others, who joined later, remained for decades. Over the years and on average 35 choristers sang together for about 4 hours every week for 41 weeks every year for 33 years which adds up to 189,430 hours of learning, practicing and rehearsing under a Director and Ministry Leader who ensured that sacred music was prayerful, praised God, and was sung artistically. It sometimes took time for FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 4

Farewell : Bill B Zadorsky Retires R from Music Ministry (cont d)... choristers in Bill s choir to get it and when we did, we changed, our prayer changed, and our relationship with God was transformed. Extraordinary you might believe. In fact, weekly practices which usually included a dash of music theory, a tool kit of unimaginable strategies, and perseverance, discipline, dedication, and artistry were pretty ordinary. Yet, extraordinary did occur in our parish and other places as well. After singing at St. Peter s Cathedral in Rome in 1995, we sang a daily Mass at a small church in Vienna. The language that connected the Viennese parishioners with us was sacred music. After Mass we were in the sanctuary and had permission to sing Schubert s Ave Maria. As Bill dropped his arm; the whole congregation sang with us. Then the tears started. It is difficult to sing when you are crying. Everyone was sobbing. Bill held it together and then turned away to wipe the tears from his eyes and then turned back to continue conducting. He took a deep breath and decided that prayer, praise of God and artistic excellence that day would be interspersed with loud sobs. Everyone knew that the Holy Spirt filled the church with special graces. It took us about an hour to get back on our tour bus as every parishioner hugged every chorister. Their pastor gave us a gift to bring back to our pastor. Only God can make this happen! Similar experiences of the Holy Spirit occurred at Holy Family. Extraordinary for sure! Church music is changing radically. The 21 st Century was not included in the Choir s original mandate. Who could have imagined 34 years of Music Ministry? It is possible that we will no longer be exposed to the repertoire of sacred music throughout the ages - everything from Gregorian Chant to Jazz yet Bill Zadorsky did it all! Thank you. Thousands of hours singing, working together, laughing, crying, teasing, learning, complaining, celebrating, and grieving were the ordinary experiences of our choral prayer and praise to God. Suffice it to say that we became Family to each other and the choir became Bill s Choral Family. Dear Bill, throughout thirty-four years of service to our parish community, you shared yourself, your faith, your gifts of Music, Ministry Leadership, integrity, authenticity, and wisdom. And, when required, you were Father Eagle protector of your Choral Family - and our Shepherd who carefully guarded his flock. Your Choral Family and the whole congregation will miss you. You have blessed us and the community. You have made a difference! We are grateful. Your ministry leadership was always faith-filled and vibrant. SCANYON SUMMER BIBLE CAMP - HOLY FAMILY PARISH AUGUST 13 17, 2018 It is time to start thinking about pour needs for camp. After June 15th, check our bulletin board just outside of the kitchen hall for a list of our needs. ALL DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. We are in need of 10 more high school aged leaders to help with camp. If you are interested, please contact Sheila O Brien at sobrien@dol.ca FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 5

I was very flattered, and honoured, when I was asked to write a testimonial about Alpha and what is has meant to me. My family and I have been members of this parish since we moved here in 2001 from Windsor. I was raised Catholic and married into a family with a strong Catholic faith. Holy Family Parish was a little intimidating at first, as it was so large compared to our little congregation that we left. The last few years I found myself searching for something, something so difficult to describe. It was not a tangible item, but it was something my body, mind and spirit craved. Although I looked forward to attending Sunday mass each week, part of me still felt unfulfilled. A fellow parishioner that I was familiar with, because we sat close to each other on Sundays, asked me if I was interested in registering for the Alpha course. Because I had just handed in my registration, her invitation punctuated my notion that this truly was something I needed to encounter. I am presently participating in my third Alpha session as a host. Alpha has been transformational in my spiritual, home and work life. Alpha has helped to answer all those questions I would ask myself, and provided me with the guidance that I was searching for. How has Alpha changed me? I now feel God helping me and guiding me on a daily basis. I approach and see life in a much similar and clearer picture. I listen to and respond to the Holy Spirit guiding me and to share my gifts with others. I am not intimidated or afraid to talk about my faith with others. I have learned so much by listening and asking questions. The most rewarding aspect of Alpha is the community and friendships I have made through these sessions. We have shared, debated, laughed and cried all in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Holy Family is creating a community where all are welcome despite your denomination. I marvel on a weekly basis at how the Holly Spirit is with us and guides us through our sessions. The Holy Family Community has always been welcoming. I now feel much more rooted and proud to be a member of our parish. Maya Angelou once said, I ve learned that you shouldn t go through life with a catcher s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. Please join us for an upcoming Alpha to answer those questions and create an amazing spiritual experience in your life. OUR NEXT ALPHA... Wednesday, September 19, 2018 to Wednesday, November 21, 2018 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. SAVE THE DATES!! FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 6

A Father s Day Reflection by Chris Wright As we heard in a recent gospel the word Abba means Father however, each of us have our own unique idea of what a father is or should be. I am fortunate to still have my father in my life and I love him very much. I have been a father myself now for a little over 13 years. I have three absolutely beautiful children Rachael, Victoria and Nicholas. After Lisa and I were married in the year 2000 I often thought of what it would be like to be a father and what it would take to be a great father! After five years of marriage we were blessed with our first daughter Rachael. Rachael came into this world with a real punch! We were shocked just a few hours after birth with some overwhelming news that Rachael had several very serious congenital heart defects. She was flown to Toronto Sick Kids and spent the first 2 months literally fighting for her life. This was crippling at times for me as a father. Crippling because I had so much love for her. It is so amazing how much love you can have for a child that you have only just met. As my loving relationship with our Father, Son and Holy Spirit has grown over the years, this all seems so very fitting! Rachael has faced much adversity in her short life however, this has made her more beautiful and has opened our hearts to live a better more fulfilling life. Victoria our second daughter came only 20 months later and Nicholas 27 months after Victoria. They have endured much themselves and are growing up to be beautiful children of Christ. Just as God the Father loves us so equally, I can t help but to reflect on how amazing it is experiencing the love I share so equally for all three of my children. Unconditional love is a wonderful gift given by God our father. Having an open and honest relationship with my children, leading by example, and just plain being there, have been my goals and blessings! In fact, when I chose my career path and decided to keep my self-employed status going even when at times it seemed too difficult to continue, I did not give up. Having a flexible schedule is for my family. I made a conscious decision at an early age to make sure I did everything in my power to do just that, be there for my three children. Being present for even the small but significant life events. Making an effort to be at doctor s appointments, school functions, field trips or even just walking home from school the odd time have been my first priorities. One of the best decisions I have ever made was participating in the RCIA program in 2005. Sharing our faith journey as a family has been so rewarding for me and I feel this has been equally special for my wife, and three children. Whether it s as simple as attending Mass together, watching my children altar serve or helping out at Alpha, I am so proud of them! During this Father s Day reflection, I think how being a father is not easy! It comes with so many difficult challenges and that is important to recognize however; being a father is very humbling knowing that serving them as a father will bear the most beautiful fruit of all, the love, peace and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ. We all share a connection of Abba. We may have a father, be a father, once had or even be a father figure. We can all share in this wonderful experience. So please take the time to wish someone close to you a Happy Father s Day on June 17 th. FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 7

The month of June is a time to celebrate in our Catholic Schools. Holy Family Parish will witness the graduation of our Elementary Schools Grade 8 classes. St. Thomas Aquinas & St. Andre Bessette High Schools will be saying good bye to their Senior Grade 12 Students. Our elementary students will be hosting their Grad Masses and related ceremonies here at Holy Family during the week of June 18 th. Each night that week, we will have a different school community coming together to recognize the important role Catholic Education has had in the graduates lives these past 10 years. I am going to share some advice for them that I do not have room for in my homily. Maybe some of this advice can be used by parents and current high school students too! As you head into high school, you will learn many life lessons on your own. Chances are your heart will be broken at least once, you ll wonder how someone trusted you enough to put you behind the wheel of a car, and you ll learn what the outside world is like when you get your first job. Don t be afraid to fail. No, I don t mean your classes. In high school, take risks and try new things. Try out for a school team, join a club, audition for the school play. Ask questions. Question your friends if they are heading in the "wrong direction" in life; in fact, you might even question if you should stay friends with them. Question what is in the drink that someone handed you at a party. Question your teachers if something doesn't sound right. If you think of a project that you would like to try, ask your teacher if he or she will support your new idea. Keep reading and writing. Reread what you have written before it becomes public. You want to submit material you have proofread; it takes time but it is worth it. Be kind. Be kind to each other in high school. What do you want people to remember about you at your 25th reunion? Become friends with people from all different groups and cultures. Get to know your teachers, outside of class. When you participate on teams, clubs and events, you get to see a different side of your teachers. The school has teachers who you will not encounter in classes but who are worth getting to know. All teachers are on your side, they want you to succeed and do your best! If you have a problem, find an adult to help you. I know that as teenagers, you will always turn to your friends first. But don t forget, most teenagers haven t lived through the problem you are experiencing. There is always an adult who will be able to relate to your concern. Your high school has guidance counsellors and a social worker who will listen and connect you to the right people. Work to become financially independent. I know that sounds like strange advice now, but getting a job might teach you more lessons than you will ever get in a classroom. Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. If it seems like it s a sheep in a wolf s clothing. run! Don t wait to find out if it s a sheep or a wolf. You know right from wrong, if it doesn t feel right then it isn t. Believe in God. He got you this far, with the help of your parents and teachers. Good luck as you finish the school year see you at Grad! Deacon Tom FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 8

Join us here on our beautiful parish grounds! Back by popular demand - Appin Catering! We will have pork, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, soft drinks and water. Once again, Pete Doiron will be our spectacular entertainer. To help cover costs, tickets will be: $10.00 per person over 12 years of age $5.00 per person between ages 8 yrs. up to 12 yrs. No charge for persons under 8 yrs. of age Tickets will be available at the parish before the end of July! Everyone is welcome to share in this fun Holy Family Parish family event! FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 9

Did you know that in 2017, we spent $42,255 on electricity and gas? Did you know that in 2017, we spent $6,368 on snow removal? Did you know that in 2017, we spent $2,466 on Communion hosts? The parish has a lot of base expenses; none of which we could pay for without your generous donations. But we want to do more than maintain the base! Consider increasing your donations in 2018, or switching to pre-authorized donations. Every bit helps! Contact Jozef Maka for more details at jmaka@dol.ca or at ext n # 224. Financial Report for the 4 Months Ended April 30, 2018 Operating Statement Actual (YTD) Budget (YTD) Budget (YE) Prior Year (2017) Revenue Offertory + Easter + Christmas $ 278,338 $ 286,950 $ 867,700 $ 291,038 Donations $ 41,799 $ 18,500 $ 52,500 $ 23,271 Ministry Programs and Other $ 17,927 $ 21,190 $ 85,100 $ 25,251 Sub-Total $ 338,064 $ 326,640 $ 1,005,300 $ 339,561 Special Collections Revenue $ 15,261 $ 15,500 $ 30,500 $ 15,086 Total Operating Revenue $ 353,326 $ 342,140 $ 1,035,800 $ 354,646 Expenses Compensation $ 180,243 $ 178,760 $ 533,560 $ 178,829 Facilities, Ministry, Liturgy $ 100,035 $ 107,980 $ 300,730 $ 101,263 Special Collections/Donations Paid $ 48,840 $ 25,600 $ 70,670 $ 31,285 Diocesan Assessment $ 42,181 $ 42,200 $ 126,550 $ 42,214 Total Operating Expenses $ 371,299 $ 354,540 $ 1,031,510 $ 353,592 Operating Surplus (Deficit) $ (17,974) $ (12,400) $ 4,290 $ 1,054 YTD = Year to date YE = Year End GOD S GARDNER S are a group of parishioners that gather, spring to fall, to bring some beauty to our church s garden. We gather on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 3:00 pm, weather permitting! If you are interested please give Tom Bevil a call at (519) 472 0689. HOPE COMFORTERS is looking for donations of washable yarn (not wool) to help create Hope Comforters which are given back to the community projects such as the Ronald McDonald house, the Unity Project, Merrymount Children s Centre & the Children s Aid Society. Please call Fran Bennett at (519) 472-6750 if you have any yarn to donate or are interested in getting involved. FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 10

PARISH STAFF (OFFICE 519-472-0057; EMAIL: hfparish@dol.ca) FR. BOB REMARK (ext n #228) Pastor FR. SEEJO JOHN (ext n #226) Parochial Vicar DEACON TOM MACLEOD (ext n #264) HEATHER CUSHING (ext n #260) Pastoral Minister JOZEF MAKA (ext n # 224) SHEILA O BRIEN (ext n # 222) KELLY WILSON (ext n # 201) Secretaries ANNE SANDERSON (ext n # 229) Bookkeeper DEACON HENRY KLING DEACON GEORGE SEBOK Business Manager STEVE BALDINELLI (ext n # 261) Building & Property Coordinator ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH? If you are an adult who has never been baptized, or baptized in another Christian tradition, the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) offers an opportunity for you to learn what Catholics believe and how we seek to live our faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. As others inspire and discern about joining us in our faith, Catholic sponsors are required to accompany them on this part of their faith journey. The value of your personal witness and encouragement cannot be underestimated. Please consider becoming a sponsor in the initiation process. Currently there is a need for sponsors who can speak Mandarin. Please contact us if you require any further information: Delia Waldock deliawaldock@gmail.com (519) 204-2079 Sheila O Brien sobrien@dol.ca (519) 472-0057 ext n # 222 If you are interested in THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM OR MATRIMONY at Holy Family Parish, please note that in addition to preparation, we require that you connect with us a minimum of 3 months in advance of your hoped for date for baptism and one year prior to your desired wedding date. For more information about BAPTISM, contact Sheila: sobrien@dol.ca or ext n # 222 For more information about MARRIAGE, contact Kelly: kwilson@dol.ca or ext n # 201 For FUNERALS OR FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING,, contact Heather: hcushing@dol.ca or ext n # 260 or Kelly: kwilson@dol.ca or ext n # 201. Do you need a PASTORAL REFERENCE LETTER? We need to know you continuously for one year before providing one. Please contact Kelly Wilson, to begin this process. If you are NEW TO THE PARISH, please introduce yourself to one of our parish staff. If you would like TO REGISTER, go to www.holyfamilylondon.ca FAMILY MATTERS JUNE 2018 11