21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

HOLY HOUR AND BENEDICTION

Friday, September 1

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Prayers for the Sick and Faithful Departed

As the baptized we all share in the ministry of prayer. If you or a family member is sick please let us know and we shall add their name to our prayer list which is posted in the gathering space of the church.

We remember in prayer those who have died recently including: Getulio Belonio and Jacques Forget.

Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH please let them know you are Catholic and call the parish office to inform us. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please let the parish office know and one of our pastoral visitors will come to see you.

Full Active Conscious Participation in Mass: The Offertory Collection

Our active participation in the celebration of Mass is crucial and is evident when we answer the prayers, listen to God’s Word and join in singing.  Being able to put our monetary contribution to the upkeep of the parish and the work of the church into the collection basket is another sign of our participation. We require more people to assist, in particular we need additional people to assist at the 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Mass.  To fulfill this ministry the church asks that the person be fully initiated and at least 16 years of age. If you are able to assist as an Offertory Collector please speak with David Murdoch or send him an email at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org

Seasons of Hope Bereavement Group to Begin

This program is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church. The program rooted in Catholic tradition, conveys God’s consolation through scripture, prayer, reflection, and sharing our faith. 

A Christ- centered group is for you if any of the following are true:

• You are trying to figure out the meaning of your grief
• You want to get on with life, but have been unable to
• You find comfort in the teaching of Christ
• You are open to new ways of coping with your grief
• You are looking for friends in Christ to share your journey of sorrow.

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 20, 2023 in St. Joseph’s Room.  Registration is required. For more details or to register please contact Catherine Ecker in the parish office at 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Season of Creation 2023

The annual event of the Season of Creation begins on September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) and end on October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology). The Season of Creation calls the entire global Christian family to care for God’s creation through prayer and action.  Each year a theme is chosen by an ecumenical steering committee and in 2023 inspiration is taken from Amos 5:24 that proclaims, “Let Justice and Peace Flow” and the symbol is “A Mighty River.”

An introductory video and resources to observe this season at home and school may be found at the following links:

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/145WzDi32U8YdlyY9Peo1bn-aLqyi4cl6/view

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgAbavjkTik&t=2s

Ministry with Maturing Adults: For All Adults 55+

All are welcome to attend the various session offered for those in the second half of life. 

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details regarding registration please call: VON at 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

Christian Meditation is an ancient form of contemplative prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29^th on Zoom. All are welcome! If you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer please contact Catherine Ecker. (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115)

Life Story Writing Program: September 2023

The Life Story Writing Programme provides an opportunity to look back over the years in order to gain a deeper understanding, clearer perspective and a more integrated view.  The program helps to uncover evidence that God has been with you and is still with you.  The program nourishes participants and offers an opportunity for renewal.

No writing experience is needed to participate.  Each person receives a workbook and the sessions provide suggestions and opportunities to practice writing. 

We will offer this six-week program beginning Monday, September 18^th. The sessions will be held on Mondays from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. A fee of $20.00 is requested to cover the cost of printing. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information please contact Catherine Ecker at cecker@archtoronto.org or call 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Thursday Afternoon: September 7^th

On the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of the month join us for cards or your favourite board game.  We serve simple refreshments.  No Registration is required. All are welcome.

Preparing for Confirmation or First Sharing in Holy Communion

The preparation for the sacraments formally begins in September. Information meetings will be held in the Church during September / October. 

At the information meeting details regarding the preparation process and how to register for Confirmation or first Holy Communion will be shared.  Attendance at the information meeting is essential.

The information meeting for Confirmation will be offered twice (you attend one meeting) at 7:30 p.m. on September 26^th and Thursday October 5^th.

The parent and young person seeking Confirmation are to attend. 

The information meeting for first Holy Communion will be offered twice (you attend one meeting) at 7:30 p.m. on September 28^th and October 3^rd.

This meeting is for parents.

Questions regarding the preparation process for Confirmation or first sharing in Holy Communion please contact the parish catechist: Catherine at 705 728 2985 ext. 115 or Email: cecker@archtoronto.org

Baptism for Children Over the Age of 7

The preparation for baptism of children over the age of seven is distinctly different than the process for infants and young children.  If you are seeking baptism for your child who is seven years of age or older, please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org) for details on the preparation process.

Summer Classic Movies Finale!

The Sound of Music

Join us this coming Thursday, August 31^st at **1:00 p.m.** in the parish hall for the classic “The Sound of Music.”

Lunch, snacks and refreshments included!

This is the finale for our Summer Classic Movies.    All are welcome.