The 4th Sunday of Advent (A)

St. Monicas Parish

December 21/22, 2013

CHRISTMAS: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD December 25, 2013 WE WISH YOU A LUCID CHRISTMAS!
This year, I feel like wishing my friends a 'lucid' Christmas: from the Latin 'lucidus' illuminated, well-lit. It applies well to the Christmas season with its candles and votive lamps, its colourful light bulbs, its glowing hearths and shining windows, with families and friends gathering late into the night. It recalls the glory of the angels, over a dark field near Bethlehem, announcing the birth of the One who would be called himself the light of the world. It evokes the star that guided the Magi, who came from afar to an encounter that would fill them with joy. 'Lucid' is also used to describe a person who is conscious, alert and perceptive. We cannot celebrate Christmas lucidly when we lock ourselves up in a romantic fantasy bubble, blinded to the reality that surrounds us. A lucid Christmas does not close its eyes to the desperate poverty of so many people in our world. A lucid Christmas does not forget a neighbour's depression and loneliness, a relative's emotional pain. It does not hide from youth's concerns about the future and old age's regrets about the past. To celebrate Christmas with lucidity, means reaching out to others, especially the unloved and the forgotten. It means opening your heart and wallet to share your small wealth with those who have even less. It means carrying in mind and in prayer the victims of natural storms (like hurricanes and earthquakes) and human storms (like wars and terrorism) that afflict so many parts of our global village. It means refusing to get carried away by the extravagance of a consumerism that only sees in this time of year an opportunity to max out the cash registers and credit cards. Yes, I long for a lucid Christmas: enlightened by the Father who said, Let there be light"; by the Son, the morning star comes to visit us"; and by the Spirit, dwelling in us as "tongues of fire". May our own lucidity, purified by the grace that comes from above, allow our world to shine forth as a reflection of the kingdom of justice, peace and joy the child of the manger came to inaugurate. To you all, I wish a LUCID CHRISTMAS! +Paul-Andr Durocher, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Archbishop Durocher had such a beautiful message this year that I thought it worth sharing! On behalf of Fr. Bertoli, our deacons Richard, Dennis and Bernie, our pastoral associates Anna, Jennie and Odette, the parish staff, the wardens and pastoral council, and all of us here at St. Monicas, we wish to each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, and good health. Thank you for the many ways in which you so generously support the mission of our Parish. Following the example of Pope Francis, a true prophet of divine mercy and love, may each of us be filled with the joy of proclaiming Christ: in our hearts, our families, and our society. God bless you all!

Father Raymond Lafontaine, Pastor CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE FOR 2013 (Confessions: Tuesday, December 24 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.) December 24 Family Mass with Pageant at 7:30 p.m. Midnight Mass at 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day Masses at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. New Years Eve at 4:00 p.m. Mary the Holy Mother of God (January 1, 2014) at 11:00 a.m.

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Saturday, Dec. 21 St. Peter Canisius Anna & Italo Mariani & Luisa & Angelo Falcone Italo Falcone Sunday, Dec. 22 4th Sunday of Advent In Loving Memory: Isa Mazzella, Elena Casale Zilli.

Adult Faith Enrichment January events Video Divina

Fr. Raymond will present the movie Saving Grace on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the parish rectory. Admission and popcorn are free, and stimulating discussion will follow the movie! All are welcome!

11:00 Giacomo Fiori His wife Berardina & Family Monday, Dec. 23 St. John of Kanty 8:00 Rinaldo Caucci His wife & Family Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve 7:30 p.m. - Family Mass & Pageant 10:00 p.m. - Midnight Mass Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Christmas Day Masses Thursday, Dec. 26 St. Stephen, First Martyr 8:00 Michael McGarr Aunt Rita & Patricia Burton Friday, Dec. 27 St. John, Apostle, Evangelist 8:00 Paolo Ciccarelli Beata Ricci & Family Saturday, Dec. 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 4:00 In Loving Memory: Mike Kilbertus, Leona Clarke, Deceased members of the Charles McDonald Family, Angelo Caucci, Edgardo Poce & Luigina Cicciarelli, Lucille Wong, Leonard & Terry Winslade Sunday, Dec. 29 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 8:30 Antonietta & Concetta La Posta Vincenzo La Posta 11:00 Iole Fantuzi Franca & Luciano Falciani & Family Your Generosity
Thank you for your on-going support of our parish Last weekends collection was $2,953.00

Adult Faith Education

God Wants Me To Be Joyful? Really?, with Pastor Nita Kotiuga on Wednesday, January 22 from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. in the parish hall.

Bible Study
Experiencing the Living Word Through the Gospel of John, with Pastor Brent Walker on Wednesday evenings, January 29, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, and March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parish hall. Please refer to our brochure, website and the posters at the Church entrances for additional information. 2014 SUNDAY DONATION BOXES
Those who use our Sunday Offering envelops are reminded to pick up their 2014 box at the main entrance of the Church. Boxes are in numerical order and there is an alphabetical list you can consult. New users are asked to fill in a request form and submit to the office.

ST. MONICAS SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

St. Monicas breakfast program is once again in need of volunteers to help out on a temporary, but urgent basis. Due to volunteers taking winter holidays, we will be desperately short of help for the months of January and February. Only one hour, one morning a week per volunteer is all that we need. Once March arrives, we will no longer be in need. This is an important program that benefits many families in need of help feeding their children. If you can help us.please, please contact either; Avice Joseph at 514-486-2769 or Sandy Shea at 514-369-0180.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Deacon Dennis wishes to thank all those parishioners who reached out to him during his recent illness. He is truly grateful and overwhelmed by the show of support and prayers offered by the people of this parish. May God bless you all and may you enjoy His bountiful peace this Christmas.

TAX RECEIPTS FOR 2013

Please note that all donations must be in no later than December 29, in order to receive a tax receipt for 2013. Donations received after this date will be credited for 2014. Thank you.