Family Matters - Oct. 2017 - · PDF file22.09.2017 · power of the Holy Spirit, who gives so freely and g FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017

HOLY FAMILY PARISH 777 Valetta St., London, ON

N6H 2Y9

WEBSITE: www.holyfamilylondon.ca OFFICE HOURS

PH. # (519) 472 - 0057 Monday to Friday FAX # (519) 472-4758 9:00 a.m. to 12 :00 noon

EMAIL: holyfamilylondon.on.ca and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY MASS

Saturday 5 pm

Sunday 8:30 am 10:30 am

6:30 pm

WEEKDAY MASS

Tuesday 6:30 pm

Wednesday to Friday 10:00am

Welcome to our ParishWelcome to our ParishWelcome to our ParishWelcome to our Parish!!!!

October 2017

Family Matters Slow Me Down...

Sit me down and sit right by my side

until I've settled down inside

and begun to find the peace I need, the peace that only you can give...

Temper me, Lord, with autumn days:

this season in between the seasons of summer's heat and winter's ice...

Temper me with days sublime:

the sun's warmth upon my face while cool breezes brush my cheek,

waking me to all the ways you touch my life, my heart...

Temper me that I might find your beauty in the loss of green,

the letting go of leaves aflutter,

spiraling down to sleep the winter months

'neath snowy blankets, layered lovingly by you...

Temper me this fall for winter's journey, Lord,

until in spring you warm the earth again

and waken to new life the green

that brings new hope to earth and to my soul...

Temper me this fall, Lord, ready me for what in winter waits:

cover me in layers of your grace, protecting and preparing me

for seasons and for gifts I don't yet know…

And for now, Lord, slow me down, sit me down and sit right by my

side until I've settled down inside and begun to find the peace I need,

the peace that only you can give... Amen.

A Concord Pastor’s Comments Posted: 22 Sep 2017 07:56 PM PDT

CONTENTS

October 2017

♦ A WORD FROM FR. BOB ♦ Thanksgiving Reflection

♦ Divine Renovation Prayer

♦ Executive Assistant Volunteer Needed

♦ ERRANT A Grades 7 & 8 Youth Group by Eamon Duffy

♦ SENIOR’S THANKSGIVING LUNCH Tuesday, October 17th... by Heather Cushing

♦ MASS OF REMEMBANCE

Thursday, November 9th ... by Heather Cushing

♦ ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY Fall Bundle Sunday ~ October 14th & 15th

♦ KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS October Dinner ~ Friday, October 20th

♦ CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE Annual Bazaar ~ Saturday, November 4th

Family Matters is published on a

monthly basis.

Feel free to contact us with a

story or witness talk, along with

pictures by sending it to us at

[email protected]

FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 2

FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 3

A WORD FROM FR.BOB

What does it mean for you to celebrate Thanksgiving Day weekend? For most

Canadians, a stat holiday provides for a day away from the regular routine of work

and busyness. For a large percentage of Canadians who have already retired from

work, it means something else.. Is it a time for you to pause and to be grateful for

something or someone? How will you mark this special time of giving thanks?

For me, it is a time to be especially grateful for blessings in my life that come as

pure gift. I didn’t deserve them or work for them. They simply come as gift. They

include the gift of my family, moreover how most of them offer me acceptance and

love and support at no cost. Then there is my health. With the exception of a few

glitches, I am able to do whatever I choose, without worry or concern. Holy Family Parish provides more than

ample opportunity to offer thanks. Coworkers, volunteers, Alpha, the Divine

Renovation Network, refugees safe with us. Being part of a sharing group

at Alpha blesses me with the true life stories of people who are honestly

searching for God and for meaning in their lives. Personal stories of

forgiveness, doubts of faith, personal breakthroughs, etc., are all part and

parcel of experiencing real people desiring to live in real Christian

community. Those stories come to me as pure gift. Ultimately, all of these

extraordinary gifts to me are reflective of the God, in Jesus Christ, in the

power of the Holy Spirit, who gives so freely and generously and without

expectation of attached conditions. May my life be a thankful response to all

that I have and continue to receive at the hands of a God who loves me so

much! Is my story similar to yours? For what and for whom are you

grateful? Blessings on you and your loved ones this weekend!

Beginning last weekend, we have moved the praying of the Divine Renovation Prayer from the end of Mass to

the completion of the Universal Prayers at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. We count on your intercessory

prayer for the complete divine renovation of every parishioner and of our parish culture. Although we see

ourselves doing well in various ministries, we have only just begun to dream for and to strain ahead for a faith

community dynamically alive in the Holy Spirit. This transformation can only take place when each of us has

decided to sacrifice our time and prayer effort. Thank you for making time in your life to pray for divine

transformation in us!

Some of you may have noticed, certainly I have noticed, that I cannot keep up with the sheer volume of tasks

entrusted to me as pastor of this busy parish. What is suffering most are follow up items, phone calls,

communications, etc., that never get done. Our staff is swamped. I am in need of an executive assistant, who

can help me to manage the volume of work and to lighten the burden. Despite my usual long days, 6 days a

week, so much remains undone.. Are you, or do you know someone, who could offer 10 hours a week or so to

assist me, as volunteer hours? Most if not all of this could be done from the comfort of your own home. Thank

you for your consideration.

FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 4

Calling all students in Grades 7 and 8! Holy Family is launching a brand new

youth group just for you! We will be a group devoted to fellowship and

faith; a chance to hang out with friends and others just like you, play games

and share laughs, and have a chance to discuss the big questions on your

minds. This youth group will be called Errant and it begins Thursday

October 12th at 7pm!

So why Errant? “Errant” means to travel in search of adventure and

in literature Knights Errant were young knights who had yet to prove

themselves. These warriors would set out from their homes to aid the weak

and discover the virtues of chivalry before returning to take up their knightly duties. We

hope to help you embark on the adventure of your life by providing a solid foundation of

friendship and faith.

Your leadership team will consist of myself, Eamon Duffy, Michelle Martin, and Philip

Palmer. We are all passionate about being a support you can rely on and an ear that will

always be there to listen.

We envision a typical night starting with snacks and a chance to check in with

everyone and catch up. We will have games or activities to enjoy. Each week we’ll take a

quick look at a Saint, taking a snapshot of their life and learning some quick facts about

them. Finally as the year moves on and we get to know each other we will start to discuss

our faith a little each night.

We hope to see all Grade 7 and 8 students out and we promise to make this youth

group about you. Below is our planned schedule but we will adapt to our group; should a

topic come up that we wish to discuss then we will insert it into the schedule. Thank you

for your time and God bless!

SCHEDULESCHEDULESCHEDULESCHEDULE

Oct. 12thOct. 12thOct. 12thOct. 12th - Opening Night

Oct. 19thOct. 19thOct. 19thOct. 19th - Create your own Coat of Arms

Oct. 26thOct. 26thOct. 26thOct. 26th - Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls Days, what is a Catholic to do?

Nov. 2ndNov. 2ndNov. 2ndNov. 2nd - All Souls go to Heaven?

Nov. 9thNov. 9thNov. 9thNov. 9th - Bored No More! Board Games Night!

Nov. 16thNov. 16thNov. 16thNov. 16th - Super Heroes vs. Saints

Nov. 23rdNov. 23rdNov. 23rdNov. 23rd - Good Habits; Monks and Nuns

Nov. 30thNov. 30thNov. 30thNov. 30th - What is Advent? And make a wreath!

Dec. 7thDec. 7thDec. 7thDec. 7th - What was Bethlehem Like?

Dec. 14thDec. 14thDec. 14thDec. 14th - Christmas Party

For many years we have provided the opportunity for our Seniors to join

together for lunch around Thanksgiving—in part to thank them for all they

have done for us throughout their lives especially here in the parish. This year

we will gather a little later than usual on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12 Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12 Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12 Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 12

noon noon noon noon in the All Saints Hall. We will have entertainment - a surprise and a

delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. The turkeys

and gravy are cooked and provided by Remarks, for which we are very grateful.

The meal is prepared by the Knights of Columbus with the Catholic Women’s

League working together with them to ensure a special celebration. Several

parishioners also offer to help with the serving and clean up. The Seniors’ bus

will run the usual route and a Knight will be available to assist those who need

help on and off the bus.

The cost is minimal ~ a free will donation ~ the food and fun ~ well they are

the best part of all! All Seniors’ (those folks over the age of 55 and willing to

admit they are seniors) are invited. All we ask is that you call the office and

leave a message with either Heather or Kelly to let us know you are coming.

Oh, I forgot! There are also door prizes!!! Hope to see you there on Oct. 17th!

by Heather Cushingby Heather Cushingby Heather Cushingby Heather Cushing

Pastoral MinisterPastoral MinisterPastoral MinisterPastoral Minister

The Bereavement Team will soon finalize preparations for the annual Mass of Remembrance to be held

Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Each year we remember in a special way all those members

of our parish family who have died. It is our privilege to celebrate these special folks who have

contributed to our growth as a spiritual family. Each person’s name is read out as their picture is

shown on the screen and a candle is lit in remembrance. Family members are invited to take this candle

home.

We have a list with most of the pictures of all who have died and whose life we celebrated either

at Mass here in the parish or at one of our funeral homes. Members of the parish who have lost a family

member whose funeral did not take place in London can

contact either Kelly or Heather to let us know their name

and date of death so that we can include them in this

special remembrance. If you can send us a picture that

would certainly help us to recognize them in this special

way. Deadline For submissions is Friday, October 13th.

All parishioners are invited to join in this celebration to

remember all those in their own families, or their friends

who have gone home to God. After the Mass we have

some light refreshments in the Narthex offering a time for

us to connect with each other.

SENIOR’S

THANKSGIVING

LUNCH

FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 5

FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 5 FAMILY MATTERS – OCTOBER 2017 6

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Holy Family Conference

BUNDLE SUNDAY

Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15

Winter is coming. It’s a perfect time to clean

out your cupboards and closets. Your donations

supply much needed inventory for our two thrift

stores.

The S.S.V.P. truck will be available for

donations our parking lot.

Donations will be accepted before and after

these masses: Saturday 5:00 pm, Sunday morning

8:30 am and 10:30 am. Items for the 6:30 pm will

be accepted before mass only.

Donations may include:

♦ Gently used clothing. Please donate only

clothing that is wearable. Merchandise with

stains, tears and odors like cigarette smoke

cannot be sold.

♦ Household items in good condition:

dinnerware and cutlery

♦ Small electrical appliances in good condition:

toasters, microwave ovens, kettles

♦Antiques and collectibles, jewellery and toys

For furniture in good condition call the Thrift

Store at (519) 438- 7071 to schedule a pick up.

Unfortunately, major appliances, sofa beds,

mattresses and box springs cannot be accepted.

Thank you for your consideration

and donations.

KnighKnighKnighKnight’s of Columbust’s of Columbust’s of Columbust’s of Columbus

Friday, October 20thFriday, October 20thFriday, October 20thFriday, October 20th Tickets will be sold following MassesTickets will be sold following MassesTickets will be sold following MassesTickets will be sold following Masses

on the weekends of October 7on the weekends of October 7on the weekends of October 7on the weekends of October 7----8 and 148 and 148 and 148 and 14----15. 15. 15. 15.

Adults Adults Adults Adults $15.00$15.00$15.00$15.00, children between 12 and 6 years of age are , children between 12 and 6 years of age are , children between 12 and 6 years of age are , children between 12 and 6 years of age are $8.00$8.00$8.00$8.00, , , ,

children under 6 are free.children under 6 are free.children under 6 are free.children under 6 are free.

The meal will start at 6:00The meal will start at 6:00The meal will start at 6:00The meal will start at 6:00 pm.pm.pm.pm.

Holy Family C.W.L. Annual Bazaar

777 Valetta Street, London

November 4, 2017 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

BakingBakingBakingBaking

ToysToysToysToys

CraftsCraftsCraftsCrafts

WhiteWhiteWhiteWhite ElephantElephantElephantElephant

JewelryJewelryJewelryJewelry

BooksBooksBooksBooks

BreakfastBreakfastBreakfastBreakfast

LunchLunchLunchLunch

Major Major Major Major DrawDrawDrawDraws Tables Tables Tables Table

Contact Mary Van Dyk Contact Mary Van Dyk Contact Mary Van Dyk Contact Mary Van Dyk for information (519) 473for information (519) 473for information (519) 473for information (519) 473----1258125812581258

FAMILY MATTERS – AUGUST 2017 www. holyfamilylondon.ca 7

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2017

Operating Statement Actual Budget Prior Year

Revenue

Offertory including Easter $ 542,308 $ 539,950 $ 540,387

Ministry Programs and Other $ 47,645 $ 47,310 $ 46,350

Sub-Total $ 589,953 $ 587,260 $ 586,737

Special Collections Revenue $ 67,803 $ 72,600 $ 72,313

Special Collections Expense $ (67,803) $ (72,600) $ (72,313)

Total Operating Revenue $ 589,953 $ 587,260 $ 586,737

Expenses

Compensation $ 339,327 $ 342,920 $ 344,920

Facilities, Ministry, Liturgy $ 184,110 $ 181,630 $ 176,604

Diocesan Assessment $ 84,429 $ 84,400 $ 84,993

Total Operating Expenses $ 607,866 $ 608,940 $ 606,517

Operating Surplus (Deficit) $ (17,913) $ (21,680) $ (19,780)

Thank you to all our generous parishioners for your ongoing support!

PARISH STAFF (OFFICE 519-472-0057; EMAIL: [email protected])

FFFFR. R. R. R. BBBBOB OB OB OB RRRREMARKEMARKEMARKEMARK (ext’n #228) JOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKA (ext’n # 224)

Pastor Business Manager

FFFFR. R. R. R. SSSSEEJOEEJOEEJOEEJO JJJJOHNOHNOHNOHN (ext’n #226)))) SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN (ext’n # 222)

Parochial Vicar KELLY WILSONKELLY WILSONKELLY WILSONKELLY WILSON (ext’n # 201)

Secretaries

HHHHEATHER EATHER EATHER EATHER CCCCUSHINGUSHINGUSHINGUSHING (ext’n #260)

Pastoral Minister ANNE SANDERSON ANNE SANDERSON ANNE SANDERSON ANNE SANDERSON (ext’n # 229)

Bookkeeper

PETE DOIRONPETE DOIRONPETE DOIRONPETE DOIRON (ext’n #258)

Pastoral Worker STEVE BALDINELLI STEVE BALDINELLI STEVE BALDINELLI STEVE BALDINELLI (ext’n # 261)

Custodian

If you are new to the parish, please introduce yourself to one our parish staff.

If you like to register, go to www.holyfamilylondon.ca

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM OR MATRIMONY AT HOLY FAMILY PARISH,

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ADDITION TO PREPARATION, WE REQUIRE THAT YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH US A

MINIMUM OF 3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR OF YOUR HOPED-FOR DATE FOR BAPTISM AND ONE YEAR

PRIOR TO YOUR DESIRED WEDDING DATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BAPTISM, contact Sheila: [email protected] or ext’n # 222.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARRIAGE, contact Kelly: [email protected] or ext’n # 201.

FOR FUNERALS OR FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING, contact Heather: [email protected] or ext’n # 260

Or Kelly: [email protected] or ext’n # 201.

DO YOU NEED A PASTORAL REFERENCE LETTER? WE NEED TO KNOW YOU CONTINOUSLY FOR ONE YEAR

BEFORE PROVIDING ONE.

FAMILY MATTERS - OCTOBER 2017 7