January 1 2017: Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God – Year A

Masses for the Week

Sat Dec 31

• 9:00am †Thanksgiving – Tat Sui & Maria Fan
• 5:00pm †Louis Figueira

Sun Jan 1

• 9:00am †Maria Querobina Lobo
• 11:00am For the People of the Parish
• 7:00pm †Cristino Balin

Mon Jan 2 ST. BASIL THE GREAT & ST. GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS, DOCTORS

• 9:00am †Isabel Innes

Tues Jan 3

• 9:00am †Simeon Maristanes

Wed Jan 4

• 9:00am †William Shaw

Thurs Jan 5

• 9:00am †Ruth Flood

Fri Jan 6

• 9:00am
  • †Alfred & Matilda Hannah
  • †Martin & Arnolta Raposo
  • †Lionel Barriere
  • †Antonio & Giuseppe Taccogna
  • †Elizabeth York
• 7:30pm
  • Intention of Denis Gracias
  • †Joe Yoganathan
  • †Lena Coutinho
  • †Eliza & Agapita Torrano
  • †Ariston Matining

Sat Jan 7 ST. ANDRE BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS

• 9:00am Intention of Mario & Maria Simao
• 5:00pm †Mary Louise Crochet

Reflection

Time and again the Old Testament considers the birth of a child, especially a first-born son, to be God’s blessing. But a more pessimistic strain occurs also, for to be a human is to know uncertainty, pain and death. None can avoid this law. In his letter to the Galatians this is Paul’s starting point. God’s son, a Jew born of Mary, knew the subjection of human life even to undergoing his people’s custom of circumcision. His perfect acceptance of human life has filled it with glorious possibilities. Before we were slaves; now in the name of Jesus and through his spirit we can call God Father. But what have these readings to do with Mary, mother of God? From the fifth century, January 1 was celebrated in Rome as her feast. The mother of this child must be remembered with him. Mary’s as-sent to God’s plan marks the new age of humanity, allowing us to pass from slavery to the freedom of God’s children. How we were blessed when God chose Mary to be the mother of his Son!

Sunday Mass Book

Archdiocese of Toronto Celebrates 175th Anniversary

December 17 marks the 175th anniversary of the Arch-diocese of Toronto, kicking off a year-long celebration of this historic milestone. Originally part of the Diocese of Kingston, on December 17, 1841, Pope Gregory XVI formally created the Diocese of Toronto and named Michael Power its first bishop.

The Archdiocese of Toronto is planning numerous historical and spiritual activities to commemorate the 175th anniversary, including a large-scale celebration at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on May 30, 2017. In acknowledging this significant anniversary, Cardinal Thomas Collins remarked:

“It is a tremendous blessing to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Toronto. It is always a joy to express my gratitude to those, past and present, who have made incredible contributions to our city, province and country, inspired by their faith. Over the next year, we will honour the past, energize our present faith community and look forward to an exciting future.”

More information on the Archdiocese of Toronto 175th celebrations can be accessed by visiting: www.archtoronto.org.

2017 New Year Season Schedule

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

Saturday, December 31, 2015

• Masses: 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m.

Sunday, January 1, 2016

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

The Epiphany of the Lord

Saturday, January 7, 2016

• Mass: 9:00a.m. and 5:00p.m.

Sunday, January 8, 2016

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

Becoming Experts in Factors that Influence Human Behaviour

January 07, 2017

9:30 am

St. Augustine’s Seminary 2661 Kingston Rd., Scarborough

In this St. Augustine’s Seminary Lay Formation workshop, Dr. Josephine Lombardi will explore some of the factors that frustrate freedom and our ability to do God’s will. Day includes Mass in the seminary chapel.

COST: $50, includes lunch

WEB: www.staugustines.on.ca

PHONE: 416-261-7207, ext. 235

EMAIL: ioft@sastoronto.org

Good Shepherd Provide-A-Meal Program

Thank you once again from the Good Shepherd Refuge!

The casseroles parishioners prepare feed the needy that drop in to the Good Shepherd Refuge on Queen Street East, in downtown Toronto. How the program works: – We provide you the casserole container and recipe. – You prepare the same meal once per month. – Keep some for your family – it’s delicious! – Drop off the casserole on the dates below between 9:30a.m. and 10:00a.m. after the Saturday morning mass at the west parking lot. – Pick up an empty container when you do the drop off. – You’re done!

Want to participate in this program? Contact Annie Alkins (416)-283-7420

2017 Pick Up dates

• Jan 7
• Feb 4
• Mar 4
• Apr 1
• May 6
• Jun 3
• Jul 8
• Aug – no pick up
• Sep 9
• Oct 7
• Nov 4
• Dec 2

Sacramental Preparation – Key Dates 2016 – 2017

First Communion

• 1st Parent Meeting
  • Sunday, February 5th at 1:00pm in the Church Hall
• Repeat 1st Parent Meeting
  • Monday, February 6th, @7.00pm in the Church

(You are encouraged to bring your children to this session as we will do a walk-through of the Eucharist Celebration)

• 2nd Parent Meeting
  • Sunday March 5th @ 1:00pm in the Church Hall
• Repeat 2nd Parent Meeting
  • Monday, March 6 @ 7:00pm in the Church

(You are encouraged to bring your children to this session as we will do a walk-through of the Eucharist Celebration)

St. Brendan School – Lunchtime Supervisors

St. Brendan School is still accepting applications for 2 (two) Lunchtime Supervisors. Please contact the school for an application. Tel. No. 416-393-5397

Toronto Catholic District School Board – Kindergarten Registration

January 18, 2017

10:00 am

Imagine the Possibilities: Junior Kindergarten in the Toronto Cath-olic District School Board provides children with a variety of learning experiences in a caring, faith based environment. Students develop a positive attitude about themselves and others, become more independent and responsible, develop self-regulation and social skills, and learn to solve problems.

Parents can apply online beginning at 10 a.m. on January 18 at SOAR.tcdsb.org and follow up with a visit to the school to present required documents. Or they can register at their local school with the required documents beginning January 18, 2017 at 10 a.m.

WEB: www.tcdsb.org/kindergartenregistration

PHONE: 416-222-8282 ext. 5314

Toronto Catholic District School Board – Kindergarten Registration

• Weekly Masses
• Reflection
• Archdiocese of Toronto Celebrates 175th Anniversary
• 2017 New Year Season Schedule
• Sacramental Preparation Key Dates
• Good Shepherd Provide-A-Meal Program
• St. Brendan School – Lunchtime Supervisors
• Becoming Experts in Humanity: Factors that influence Human Behaviour
• TCDSB – Kindergarten Registration