Parish Bulletin for Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005

First Sunday of Ordinary Time

The Baptism of the Lord

      The Baptism of Jesus at the hands of John the Baptist in the river Jordan happens at the beginning of Christ's public ministry. It is fulfilment of the divine plan – Jesus is following humanity in all things but sin. He is identifying fully with us, He is empowered by the Spirit before beginning His ministry, and He is publicly sent forth by the power of the relationship with His Father.

      He begins a ministry that is anointed from the beginning. He will teach, heal and offer freedom to all who will listen to His Word. His act of submission at the Jordan lets us know right at the top that Jesus is completely submissive to the will of God.

      Yet Baptism does not offer an easy road for any who choose its path. Jesus will face temptation directly following His baptism, His mission will be fraught with twists and turns, and He will end up on a cross.

      Empowerment does not mean easy or safe. Yet Jesus takes this path and offers us the example to follow Him on this journey of faith. The Spirit will empower and the Master will be our companion. The waters of Baptism wash over the Lord and reveal for Him and for us a new direction. His life from now on will never be the same; if we truly follow the Master, neither will ours. Jesus will bring light into the darkness, freedom into the slavery of sin, and justice to those who are oppressed and forgotten.

      Perhaps one of the most telling renewals of Vatican II must be the restoration of the rites for initiation into the life of the Church. One of the fundamentals for Initiation states it succinctly and clearly:

      "In the sacraments of Christian initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ's death, burial and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord's death and Resurrection.

      "Baptism pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness and brings us the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit."

      It cannot be any clearer. God is pleased with His beloved son and He is pleased with those who follow in Jesus' path of justice, compassion and love. As we reflect today on the meaning of baptism, we must remember that it is not an isolated act, guaranteeing us the keys to the kingdom. Rather, we are called to a life change and commitment over and over again at all stages and places in life. Baptism simply puts our feet on the path; it is up to us to make the journey!

Mass Intentions for the week

TUESDAY, Jan. 11

Weekday

12 Noon - † Deceased friends at Shepherd Village.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys

8:30 a.m. - † Ines and Raul Terrazas

Requested by Hugo and Martha Castro

THURSDAY, Jan. 13

Weekday

8:30 a.m. – Intentions of Janette

Requested by family

FRIDAY, Jan. 14

Weekday

8:30 a.m.- † Mary Walker

Requested by Violet Kirk and Rose Kyle

.

SATURDAY, Jan. 15

Weekday

9:15 a.m. Special Prayers

(Little Office of the Blessed Virgin)

Parish Bulletin for Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005

      We now enter into a period of what our liturgical year calls Ordinary time. Again, it is a good reminder to review just what Ordinary time is meant to be. It is time set aside specifically to break open just what it means to be a follower of Christ. It is a time to proclaim the good news of salvation. It is a time to listen to God's Word and to respond to that Word in action. In short, it is a time to reflect on discipleship and just how we are meant to live out discipleship in our everyday lives.

      The Christmas season ends with the Baptism of the Lord. In a very real way, we too are reminded of our own baptismal commitment and are called into renewal of that commitment. Today's gospel brings us testimony to the importance and meaning of the life of Jesus for all disciples. John the Baptist identifies Jesus with a statement of faith found in no other gospel account. This statement of faith has been a part of liturgical celebrations from the earliest days of recorded Christian history and recalls for the assembly several key images from our tradition of faith.

      "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Echoes of the annual slaughter of lambs for the Passover celebration reverberate through this passage. Just as the Passover is celebrated, so too is the Lamb of God put to death, death on a cross. Isaiah's poetic image of the 'lamb that is led to the slaughter,' a description of God's suffering servant, is another strong expression of the redemptive power of Christ's death and resurrection. In the book of Revelation, the risen Lord of all is referred to as the lamb once slain who dies no more. John the Baptist is witness – Jesus will be a victim, but a victim who will triumph. His death will bring a new exodus and a new covenant. He is the true servant of God who will suffer for our transgressions and win for us God's forgiveness for all time and all space. John's witness reveals the mission of Jesus clearly and unequivocally – Jesus is called and sent by God to reveal who God is for us and to bring us forgiveness and new life.

      John testifies to the coming of the Spirit upon Jesus. This is no one-shot deal. The Spirit rests upon him and remains with him, and because the Spirit dwells within him, Jesus will baptize with this same Spirit. John the Baptist reminds us of the prophets of old. He is chosen in his mother's womb, he is sent to proclaim God's will and to call people to conversion and faith. His testimony of Jesus as the Messiah is clear and unmistakable. Jesus reveals a living and faithful father, a God who loves, a God intimately concerned with the freedom of his people, a God who cares about the well-being of humankind. This God is not distant or remote. He offers freedom and a call to justice and peace.

      As we pray the words of the Lamb of God today and every time we celebrate the Eucharist, let us remember the love, mercy, forgiveness, and life offered to us by our God. Let us offer praise and glory to the God of Israel, to the Father of Jesus Christ, to the Father of all.

Mass Intentions for the week

TUESDAY, Jan. 18

Weekday

12 Noon - † Rose Locicero

Requested by daughter Sarah and son Al

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 19

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Samuel Johns

Requested by wife Dorothy and family Ines and Raul Terrazas

THURSDAY, Jan. 20

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Gertrude Wildgens

Requested by Doreen Herron

FRIDAY, Jan. 21

St. Agnes

8:30 a.m. - † Krystyna Zajaczkowski

requested by Patricia

.

SATURDAY, Jan. 22

Weekday

9:15 a.m. – Morning Prayers

(Office of the Blessed Virgin)

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Parish Bulletin for Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

PARISH MISSION - PARISH RENEWAL

      Many years ago, when I was young, there was the event known as the Parish Mission. The pastor would always talk it up and there was the underlying assumption that everyone would attend. Bringing a person, who did not attend church was highly encouraged. The mission usually lasted three weeks. A week for men; a week for women; and a week for young people. Sermons were always geared towards specific gender and age.

      What left the greatest impression on me more than anything else was the frenzy that the preacher could work himself into. The volume of the voice increased rapidly and his face could turn red, and no one could expound on hell like these people could. The priest usually had a rosary or crucifix in his hand and I marvel that in such an agitated state that those articles never took off and hit someone in the face. Parish missions seemed to operate on the understanding that you scared someone into a better relationship with God and improved personal behaviour.

      We might be tempted to shake our heads in dismay; yet one had to acknowledge that some good was accomplished through these missions and people actually came back to Church. So the Church has maintained the tradition of the parish mission in a modified form. Even the name has changed. Very rarely do you hear of a parish mission; you are more likely to hear it referred to as a Parish Renewal – an appropriate name.

What kind of renewal?

      Our relationship with God and with each other is dynamic. It is a relationship that needs direction and needs challenge so that we can integrate it in such a way that it begins to make sense to us.

      A parish renewal challenges us to look at God and at ourselves in a deeper way. It asks us to look at the things we do, some of the beliefs that we hold, and then challenges us to explore where they are leading us.

      This is the year of the Eucharist. Father Ron Mercier S.J. will be leading us in reflections and prayer on one of the central mysteries of our faith. What do we proclaim when we celebrate this sacred meal? How do we live the Sunday Eucharist seven days a week? What does Eucharist really mean for us and how do we deepen our appreciation of Christ's great gift to his Church?

      The parish renewal for Holy Spirit will be held from Sunday, Feb.13 through to Tuesday, Feb.15. I believe that this will be most beneficial for all members of the community and will certainly deepen our appreciation of the Eucharist as we continue our journey toward Easter. The renewal is held in the evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. so that the chance to participate is open to all members of our community of faith.

      It will be an opportunity to sing, to pray, and to reflect on what and who we are. I am encouraging as many to participate as possible. It is not often enough that we have this chance to gather in the presence of the Lord and any opportunity should not be overlooked in our busy schedules. Can't come for all three nights? – please don't let that stop you from coming for the nights that are open to you. I will be reminding you of this invitation over the next weeks.

— Rev. Thomas G. Moore

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Mass Intentions for the week

Please note that weekday Masses (excluding Saturday) will be celebrated at 12 noon

TUESDAY, Jan. 25

Conversion of St. Paul

12 Noon: - † Blair Campbell

requested by Mrs. D. Johns and family

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 26

St.Timothy and St. Titus

12 Noon: - † Egbert Chin

requested by wife Beverly

THURSDAY, Jan. 27

Weekday

12 Noon. - † Vida and Milan Jrly

Requested by Viola Furlan

FRIDAY, Jan. 28

St. Thomas Aquinas

12 Noon: Intention:

Thanksgiving for 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Cesar Calingasan

SATURDAY, Jan. 29

Weekday

9:15 a.m. Morning Prayers

(Office of the Blessed Virgin)

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Parish Bulletin for Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

THE BEATITUDES

      One of the best-known readings, for both Christian and non-Christian alike, must be the reading for this particular Sunday. The beatitudes are considered cornerstones for Christian living.

      For Christians, the reading begins what we call the Sermon On The Mount. It is Matthew who records this "sermon" near the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and for good reason. It lays the foundation for all that will follow in Jesus' public teaching. The location is important as well. In Matthew, the sermon is delivered on a mountain and echoes with both His listeners then and for disciples today with the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses at the summit of Mount Sinai.

      This connection is important. It reminds us that Jesus has not come to destroy what has gone before, but rather to bring a new way of fulfilling God's call to His people. Jesus has come to fulfill the law and the prophets. He reaffirms the true Jewish sense of God in its deepest beliefs and reminds all of us that God cares for us deeply, fully, and in the minutest details.

      The beatitudes pronounce the Christian way of life. Blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek and the merciful. God blesses those who live these virtues in the here and now and will continue to bless them in the fullness of the kingdom. The beatitudes pull together a biblical history; indeed, they are rooted firmly in the biblical history of the people who first heard them. This was not news, but good news.

      This was fulfilment of the promises of old. Live by the beatitudes and God will bless you. Underlying this way of life is a complete and utter dependence on our God. Living as poor in spirit means we must be willing to open ourselves to the risk of discipleship. It means we must be willing to show real concern for others, genuine openness to life in all its dimensions, and absolute honesty to our own vulnerability. Only then can we fully admit to our need for complete and total dependence on God. Such commitment to the word requires a lifetime of struggle to reach the humility so necessary to true discipleship. That is why we call it a journey.

      This particular journey is one of faith and is accomplished one step at a time. God does not have a stopwatch. There is no scoreboard. He is always there to encourage, walking with us, to share in the journey. Today's gospel reminds us of the new and eternal covenant, the mystery of our faith. I will be your God and you will be my people. Jesus brings us into the covenant and is there to show us how to live it. Are you ready?

— Rev. Thomas G. Moore

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Mass Intentions for the week

TUESDAY, Feb. 1

Weekday

12 Noon: - † Antonia and Januyot Enrique

Requested by Children

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 2

Presentation of the Lord

Presentation of the Lord

8:30 a.m. - † Lucia Marino

Requested by Pino and Lucy Liggio

THURSDAY, Feb. 3

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Vida and Milan Jrly

Requested by Marcia Muha

FRIDAY, Feb. 4

Weekday

8:30 a.m. - † Lorna Edwards

Requested by Doreen Herron

SATURDAY, Feb. 5

St. Agatha

9:15 a.m. Morning Prayers

(Office of the Blessed Virgin)