December 3rd 2017: First Sunday in Advent, Year A
- Posted On 2nd Dec 2017
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. December 2
- 9:00 am † Jose Desa
- 5:00 pm † CWL Members living and deceased
Sun. December 3
- 9:00 am † Raymond Boudreau
- 11:00 am For the People of our Parish
- 7:00 pm Intention of Paul Family
Mon. December 4
- 9:00 am † Souls in Purgatory
Tues. December 5
- 9:00 am † Michael D’Souza
Wed. December 6
- 9:00 am Intention of the Cenacle Group
Thurs. December 7
- 9:00 am Intention of Lillian Partington
Fri. December 8 Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
- 9:00 am
- Intention of Claudette Udarbe & Family
- Intention of Denis Gracias
- † Pete Shehan
- † Desmond Dewhurst
- † Senator Tobias Enverga Jr.
Sat. December 9
- 9:00 am † Virginia & Caetano Pereira
- 5:00 pm † Rosario Calandra
Reflection
The first Sunday of Advent alerts us to the season of Christmas, when we celebrate God’s climactic breaking into time and space. But it also reminds us how unexpectedly God appears in our midst. We must be ready. In today’s gospel Jesus cautions us that he will come suddenly as unexpectedly as a burglar! In our day to day concerns we may forget that now is the time to be converted from sin and to put on the Lord Jesus who saves us. For the Day of the Lord (symbolized by light) is dawning. Isaiah’s prophecy looks toward that final day when all peoples will stream to God in worship and rejoicing. In the presence and light of the Lord the world will finally know the peace for which it yearns. Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time will surprise all of us, their hearts can prepare the world to experience the joy of God’s presence. Then the whole human community will recognize the Prince of Peace and discover their Father’s house.
(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.
Simbang Gabi
KORO PILIPINO Cordially invites you to join the celebration of SIMBANG GABI
Mass of Advent: Dec. 15 to Dec. 24, 2017
- Dec. 15, Fri.
- 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. St. Bartholmew Ch.
- Dec. 16, Sat.
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish
- Dec. 17, Sun.
- 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. St. Bartholomew Ch.
- Dec. 18, Mon.
- 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. St. Bartholomew Ch.
- Dec. 19, Tues.
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish
- Dec. 20, Wed.
- 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. St. Bartholomew Ch.
- Dec. 21, Thurs.
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish
- Dec. 22, Fri.
- 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. St. Bartholomew Ch.
- Dec. 23, Sat.
- 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish
- Dec. 24, Sun.
- 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish (Carols)
- 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Parish (Mass)
St. Bartholomew is located at 59 Heather Road (Brimley & Sheppard)
In true Filipino culture and tradition, there will be light refreshments after the mass. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends to celebrate with the Koro Pilipino and the Filipino community. There is a celebration of Pilipino Mass every first Saturday of the month at St. Joseph’s Parish. Pilipino Mass is sponsored by the Filipino Neighbourhood Association of Highland Creek (FNAHC) with the approval of the Filipino Catholic Mission, Archdiocese of Toronto.
For more information, please contact one of the following members:
- Yoly del Mundo 416-560-5736
- Lita Calalang 416-286-7524
- Alice Siervo 416-283-7515
- Agnes Alix 416-835-5226
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
Christmas Bells Event
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.
St. Vincent de Paul – There's still time!
All donations, large or small are appreciated and can be placed in the St. Vincent de Paul Box after Mass or dropped off at the Church and office.
If you know of any family in the parish that could use some extra help for this season please do not hesitate to call us at 416-282-0370 extension 217
Thank you and God Bless!
Hospitality Ministry in our Parish
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35)
Can I do more than we are already doing to make our Parish a place where all are welcome? Yes, we can. Can we do more to welcome people to our Sunday Masses? Of course we can and we should. Hospitality is an essential part of what our Lord expects of us. Fortunately we already have an active Ushers Ministry that we can build on and integrate into a comprehensive hospitality team of ushers, greeters, etc.
If you feel called to serve our community as a member of this welcoming team, please talk to any of the priests, deacons or call our Parish Office @ 416-282-0370.
During this Advent…
“Take time to be aware that in the very midst of busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.”
(Edward Hays)
From the Knights of Columbus…
All parishioners are invited to join us in a night of Christmas Caroling at local senior homes on Sunday December 10th. Join us at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall as we go out and spread the Christmas spirit to those in need of some cheer.
The singing will be followed by a social in the Church Hall at 8:00 p.m. For further information please contact Carlo Vacca 416-283-3536