January 15 2017: Second Sunday In Ordinary Time – Year A

Masses for the Week

Sat Jan. 14

  • 9:00am Maxima Viegas
  • 5:00pm Mary Menezes

Sun Jan 15 Second Sunday

  • 9:00am Members of the C.W.L.
  • 11:00am For the People of the Parish
  • 7:00pm Ercole Raponi

Mon Jan 16

  • 9:00am Valerie Crasto

Tues Jan 17

  • 9:00am Francis (Alie) & Family

Wed Jan 18

  • 9:00am Rafael Abrenica

Thurs Jan 19

  • 9:00am Intention—Alan Martin

Fri Jan 20

  • 9:00am
  • Antonetta Mirabella
  • Mario Villacorta
  • Robert Martineau
  • Clarito Morales
  • Mary Ellen & Thoma Britton

Sat Jan 21

  • 9:00am John Lee
  • 5:00pm Mary Menezes

Reflection

What does it mean to be called by God? Today’s scripture readings put before us several of God’s witnesses and explain our own vocation as Christians. John the Baptist did not recognize Jesus until God revealed him; then he witnesses to him as lamb of God who redeems from sin, the Spirit-filled person, God’s chosen one. Isaiah speaks of a servant (or a small remnant of Israelites who remained faithful to God), called from birth to lead back God’s chosen people and all nations. Christians have understood this to be a prophecy about Jesus, whose life perfectly glorified the Father. Paul insists that he is called to preach to the Good News (apostle means ‘one who is sent’). But St. Paul is not the only holy people, members of the community of saints for whom Jesus is Lord. God calls each of us to holiness. The psalm suggests what our response should be: praise, listening to God, witnessing, as did Jesus, the perfect servant of God’s will.

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.

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)

 

Attention! Members of St. Martin De Porres

An update meeting to discuss the status of the building has been scheduled.

Date: Tuesday, January 31st @ 7:00 p.m.

Where: Hall of St. Boniface Church

Those chairing the meeting will be members of the construction team, the Chancellor for Temporal Affairs from the Archdiocese and Father Tom Moore.

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

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul

Thank you to all of you who have supported us during 2016!

Many of our surrounding families in need benefitted greatly due to your generosity.

The full Year End Report will be posted on the bulletin boards, with handouts at the back of the church. It can also be found on St. Joesph’s website in our ministry under the section “Newsletters and Reports.”

Mark your calendar on March 18 & 19 for “Bundle Up” weekend. A container will be available for used clothing and linens.

In the spring camp applications for boys and girls under 13 will be made available.

“Living the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.”

What is the CWL?

The Catholic Women’s League is a National Catholic Women’s Organization

  • Members are women of the parish who are 16 years and over.
  • We have over 83,000 member across Canada and is officially recognized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • St Joseph’s membership is currently 215.
  • It celebrates healthy family life, and the Catholic faith enhancing spiritual development in the roles of women in the church and Society.
  • Protects the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
  • In Toronto the C.W.L. holds Annual Youth Awards Contests that encourage participation through our schools and parishes.
  • It gives each member the opportunity to use her talents in many different ways be it in our council, parish, the schools or out in the community.
  • Encourages members to develop their leadership skills.
  • Is affiliated with the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations.
  • Is the only women’s organization that meets with the government once a year to voice concerns that impact families and communities at home and abroad

….and so much more!

Come join us so that you can make a difference for  “God and Canada.”

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

Come to Alpha

St. Lawrence Martyr Church hosting Alpha

  • Do you want to know the basics of faith?
  • Do you want to grow in your relationship with Christ and the people around you?
  • Do you want to speak about Christ with confidence?

If you have answered any of the above, Come to Alpha!
 
It starts Wednesday January 18th @ 7:00 p.m. in the St. Lawrence Martyr Church parish hall, located at 2210 Lawrence Avenue East.
 
A free dinner will be provided at each of the 12 sessions
 
For more information please call Father Steven at 416-759-9359 extension 31