December 10th 2017: Second Sunday of Advent Year A

ST JOSEPHS CHURCH HIGHLAND CREEK SUNDAY BULLETIN

New to the Parish? Welcome!

You can register only by filling in this online Registration Form.

If you would prefer to fill in a paper Registration Form, these can be found at the Church’s entrances. You can drop off your completed form in an offertory basket.

Don’t forget we have a website that provides information about our parish.

Christmas & New Year Schedule

The 2017 Christmas & New Year’s Schedule is now available!

Masses for the Week

Sat. Dec. 9

  • 9:00 am † Virginia & Caetano Pereira
  • 5:00 pm † Rosario Calandra

Sun. Dec. 10

  • 9:00 am † Alison DeSilva
  • 11:00 am For the People of our Parish
  • 7:00 pm † Lorna Gomes

Mon. Dec. 11

  • 9:00 am † Jim Malcolm

Tues. Dec. 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe

  • 9:00 am † John Wallner

Wed. Dec. 131

  • 9:00 am † Terrence Kelly

Thurs. Dec. 14

  • 9:00 am Intention of Deborah Fernandes

Fri. Dec. 15

  • 9:00 am
    • Intention of Hao & Carol Vu
    • † Desmond Dewhurt
    • † Desmond D’Souza
    • † Senator Tobias Enverga

Sat. Dec. 16

  • 9:00 am † Winnie Chinniah
  • 5:00 pm † Natalie & Vitorino Rodrigues

Reflection

John the Baptist cries “Repent!” in the wilderness of a godless world. His message is simple yet demanding: Turn toward God, change your hearts, confess your sins. He rebukes those who would be baptized without inner conversion, for rites alone do not save. He preaches the imminence of God’s reign, about to begin in Jesus’ public ministry. But where John prepares the way for Jesus with stern language, Isaiah promises a king of David’s line “we recognize him to be Christ” who will bring in the messianic era of peace, justice, and knowledge of God. He will be like a new shoot springing from an old root, giving new life to our withered lives. God’s presence will be paradise; on his holy mountain we will learn to “know” God by experiencing him. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, cleansing and purifying as John could not. He prepares us for this encounter with God. Then we will be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed by Isaiah, gifts possessed first in their fullness by Jesus himself.

(Sunday Mass Book For Canada)

Christmas Confessions

The Archdiocesan Day of Confessions  is scheduled for:

  • Thursday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Parish Advent Reconciliation Service  is scheduled for:

  • Monday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Good Shepherd – Provide A Meal Program 2018

Knights of Columbus

Christmas Caroling tonight! (Sunday Dec. 10th)

All parishioners are invited to join us in a night of Caroling at local senior homes. Join us at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall and we will go and spread the Christmas spirit to those in need of cheer. The singing will be followed by a Social in the Church Hall at 8:00 p.m.

Theology on Tap East

Monday, Dec. 11 @ 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Boston Pizza

400 Progress Avenue

Faith Connections and local parishes invite young adults (19-39) to join in an evening of thought-provoking

Theological discussion in a comfortable and relaxed setting, with special guests: Llorene & Renard Romero,

Leanna Cappiello and Leslie Gyulay.

Munchies provided, cash bar.

Please come and bring a friend!

Sacramental Ministry – Welcome to our 2017-18 season!

See the Reconciliation & First Holy Communion sacrament page for more details

See the Confirmation sacrament page for more details

Enrollment Mass: Tuesday November 14th @ 7:00 p.m.

Parent Volunteer Screening & Facilitator

Workshop: Sunday November 19th @ 12:30 p.m. in Church Hall

Christmas Postal Stamp

The tradition of religious Christmas Postage Stamps is no accident. This was the result of a resolution presented and accepted by The Catholic Women’s League of Canada in its 85th Annual National Convention, who urged Canada Post to include a Nativity-related theme in future Christmas stamps. As Catholics we are very privileged to have these annual religious stamps produced by Canada Post, however, this tradition must be supported by us in order for it to continue.

The Christmas Postage Stamp for 2017 is an early 15th Century Renaissance painting by Tommaso di Stefano Lunetti entitled: The Adoration of the Shepherds.

This masterpiece is housed at the Art Gallery of Toronto and it depicts the gospel of Luke when angles announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds.

It is important that you ask for this specific stamp from your local Post  Office as they are available during the Christmas season only. You are welcome to use them throughout the year. Please grace your Christmas mailings with these special stamps to ensure this tradition endures.

Vocations

The season of Advent calls us to be vigilant in anticipation of the Master’s return so that we live each day according to the teachings of Christ. Could God’s “particular task” for you be a call to a Church vocation?

If you think God is calling you to be a priest, religious or deacon, contact Father Chris Lemieux, Vocation Director, Archdiocese of Toronto 416-968-0997 or email vocations@archtoronto.org

EDGE

EDGE Families will experience a “Star is Born”: the birth of Jesus, when God the Son left heaven to become human live with us! Let the LOVE of Christ fill Christmas. For information please call the Youth Minister, Angie Bernard at 647-242-8429.

Read More…

Campaign Life Christmas Cakes

Once again Mr. Roy Fox will be selling Christmas cakes in the Narthex on the weekends from December 3rd to December 17th.

Sales will occur after Saturday’s 5:00 p.m. mass and

Sunday’s 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. masses.

No sales on Sunday evening.

These traditional Fruit Cakes are made by the Monks residing at Val Notre Dame Abbey and are $18.00 each.

Mother Teresa on Advent

At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love and concern

– Mother Teresa

Christmas Play

December 24, rehearsal on Dec. 17

Calling all young parishioners from 3 years old to Grade 8. Come join our Christmas Play with rehearsal on Dec. 17th at 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The presentation will take place on December 24 at 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. before the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.

Participants should arrive at 4:00 p.m. on the day of our performance.

Thank you,

Angie Bernard

647-242-8429