December 11 2016: 3rd Sunday in Advent – Year A

Masses for the Week

Sat Dec 10

• 9:00am †Alfred & Matilda Hannah
• 5:00pm †Maria Bomba

Sun Dec 11 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PATRON OF THE AMERICAS

• 9:00am †Damaso Quiogue
• 11:00am For the People of the Parish
• 7:00pm †Maria Bomba

Mon Dec 12 ST. LUCY, VIRGIN & MARTYR

• 9:00am †Paul Camilleri

Tues Dec 13

• 9:00am †Paul Camilleri

Wed Dec 14 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST & DOCTOR

• 9:00am †Valerie Crasto

Thurs Dec 15

• 9:00am †Paul & Ruthine Alexander

Fri Dec 16

• 9:00am
  • Intention of Michael Boyle
  • †Valerie Crasto
  • †Joe Yoganathan
  • †J.A.D. Alphonsus
  • †Mervyn Welch & Deceased Members of the Welch Family

Sat Dec 17

• 9:00am †Valerie Crasto
• 5:00pm †Maria & Bruno Rizzuto

Reflection

or Isaiah the image of wasteland represents the state of humanity unredeemed. But God is coming to save us, and the prophet calls on the wilderness to break into bloom. Just as nature’s beauty reflects the Lord’s approaching splendor, our lives should radiate joy. For God’s people are about to be made whole; he is ransoming (redeeming) us. Everlasting happiness will replace the suffering we experience while exiled from God. In the gospel Jesus applies to himself Isaiah’s words about the Messiah who saves the poor, the ill, the disabled. Jesus himself will bring in the age of joy. But in his prison cell John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus fit the Messiah’s description; John’s message had emphasized vengeance. Jesus’ ministry will perfect our understanding of how God saves: the role of God brings healing, it is not imposed by might or in wrath. Those who witness Christ’s work are even more blessed than John the one who prepared his way.

Sunday Mass Book

Family Of Faith Campaign Update

Ten (10) months ago we completed the Family of Faith campaign. In total, our parishioners pledged $820,005 and St Joseph will receive $267,500 once all pledges are collected.

The outpouring of generosity and sacrifice by our parish families was astounding and inspiring. My heartfelt thanks to all the families and individuals that made pledges to the Family of Faith campaign.

In order for our campaign to be successful and complete, we need to collect the full amount pledged of $820,005. As of September 2016, $141,660 was received from parishioners.

Some pledges are not being fulfilled due to incomplete payment information, changed credit card number/expiry date, or payment delayed/overdue. If your pledge falls into these categories, you might have already received one or more letters from the Family of Faith campaign Donation Processing Centre.

Please contact the Donation Processing Centre at your earliest convenience at: campaign@archtoronto.org or 416.934.3400 ext. 555.

And remember if you make your contribution before December 31, you can take advantage of the tax deduction when you file your 2016 tax returns.

Fr. Oliver Iwuchukwu

2016 Advent, Christmas & New Year Season Schedule

The Archdiocesan Day of Confession

• Thursday, December 15, 2016
  • 10.00am – 2.00pm

Parish Advent Reconciliation Service

• Monday, December 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
  • A number of priests will be available at this time.

Christmas Eve Masses

Saturday, December 24, 2016

• 5:00p.m. Nativity Play & Carol singing begins at 4:25p.m.
  • (Sunday Celebration Group)
  • Children can bring their teddy bears and stuffed animals for blessing 
• 7:30p.m Carol singing begins at 7:00p.m.
  • (Saturday Folk Group)
• 9:00p.m. Pilipino Mass
  • Carol singing begins at 8.30 p.m.
• 12:00a.m. Midnight Mass
  • Carol singing begins at 11:15 p.m.
  • (Choir led by Jason Gotera)

Christmas Day Masses

Sunday, December 25, 2016

• 9:00a.m. (Choir led by Isis Rebello)
• 11:00a.m. (Choir led by Jason Gotera)

No Evening Mass on Christmas Day

New Year’s Day/Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God & World Day of Peace

Saturday, December 31, 2016

• Masses:
  • 9:00a.m.
  • 5:00p.m.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

• Masses:
  • 9:00a.m.
  • 11:00a.m.
  • 7:00p.m.

The Epiphany of the Lord

Saturday, January 7, 2017

• Masses:
  • 9:00am
  • 5:00p.m.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

• Masses:
  • 9:00a.m.
  • 11:00a.m.
  • 7:00p.m.

Christmas Caroling – Sunday December 18th

All parishioners are invited to join the Knights of Columbus in a night of Christmas Caroling at three local seniors homes. Join us at 6:00p.m. in the church hall as we go out and spread the Christmas spirit to those in need of cheer.

The singing will be followed by a Social in the Church Hall at 8:00p.m.

For further in-formation, contact Michael Mcmanus at 416-438-8453

Sacramental Preparation – Key Dates 2016 – 2017

Confirmation

• Confirmation Classes: January – May 2017
• Class Lists will be posted in December on the Narthex Bulletin Boards
• Confirmation Retreats: To be hosted by each elementary school

XLT RESOLVE

January 9, 2017 @7:00 pm Flato Markham Theatre 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham

How will you welcome in 2017? Join Paul J. Kim (youth speak-er), Kathleen & Jesse Leblanc (married couple) and Fr. Frank Portelli (Director of the Office of Catholic Youth) for an evening of prayer, praise, confessions and Eucharistic adoration. This ministry team will help teens and adults alike discern what they need to “resolve” to make 2017 a new and faith-filled year. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and the Church. Usher in 2017 like you’ve never done before.

CONTACT: St. Justin Martyr Parish PHONE: 905-479-2463 EMAIL: youth@stjustin.com

Daily TV Mass

The Daily TV Mass is now available Monday-Saturday anytime from anyplace. Take a moment to visit their new website at www.dailytvmass.com to watch the Daily TV Mass and to find out more about how to stay connected with our faith. Please feel free to call the NCBC at 1-888-383-6277 for more information.

St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

All donations, large or small, are appreciated. They can be placed in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box after Mass or dropped off at the Parish Office.

If you or your workplace would like to sponsor a family, give us a call for details on a family. Please contact us before December 4th which is the date that we would like to have our Christmas list completed.

Your donation and other donations are combined to purchase gift cards from No-Frills and Walmart to match the needs of the families on our Christmas List. Early donations are greatly appreciated.

Income Tax receipts are given for all donations received. These receipts will be mailed out in late January 2017. Store receipts are required for donated gift cards/baskets.

If you know of any family in the parish who could use some help this Christmas or if you need further information, contact us through the Parish Office at 416-282-0370 Ext. 217.