All Saints Parish, Cumberland County NS DECEMBER 22nd 4th Sunday of Advent:

”Look, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel”

DECEMBER 22nd MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!”

All Saints Parish Central Office (902) 667– 5244 Office Hours Mon.—Fri. 9 - 12 pm Noon Holy Family Office (902)-667-2523

Father Craig Christenson Parish Pastor Glenna O’Quinn Pastoral Administrator Evelyn Currie Office/ Finance Mgr Deacon Howard Gotell (Amherst) Deacon Howie Goldstein (Parrsboro) Deacon Mike Lynch (Pugwash)

Holy Family Office—Mary Comeau Office Manager Laurie Perry Holy Family Caretaker

Chances are you might be visiting our parish for the 1st time today or returning to visit family during the Christmas Season. Whatever the reason that brought you through these church doors, we are very grateful to have you with us in All Saints Parish, to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ and to be a part of our Parish family during Christmas. Since last Christmas, so many things have been happening in Cumberland County and with the catholic faith community. As of October 1st the 7 Catholic church communities in Cumberland County, joined as 1 Parish, the All

Saints Parish. These 7 unique church communities represent the strong, courageous and faithful parishioners who have worked hard to provide homes for the Catholic community over many years across the county; River Hebert, Springhill, Parrsboro, Joggins, Streets Ridge, Pugwash and Amherst. These communities coming together as All Saints Parish, provides a large support family for each other, a larger impact in Outreach and an opportunity to see the next 5—10 years with HOPE. Great things have already been happening in working together, such as Vacation Bible Camp which took place in Joggins, Springhill and Amherst in 2019. January we will begin prep for VBC 2020 with very excited volunteers of all ages coming to share in the JOY of sharing JESUS with youth, and we may even have other locations joining, so keep posted. We have celebrated very beautiful and uplifting Masses together; starting with Holy Thursday Mass this past year, the Diocesan Medal Awarding Mass with Archbishop Anthony Mancini presenting awards in May, and the All Saints Parish Feast day Mass on November 1st at St. John the Baptist church, Springhill. Each community is unique, however celebrating these special Masses as a large faith community, we are reminded how similar we are...in our Faith, at Mass and with the Eucharist. Which is what matters, in the end. We have learned from each other, sup-ported each other and we are growing in the PEACE that we are Stronger Together. This new year will bring many new experiences as we continue to use the best of each of us, the best of each of the communities and the best of what GOD has to “offer” to help reach out to those in need, those who want to “come home” to their faith and to help those who haven’t been involved in some time, to see the new church that is evolving. Our MISSION is to reintroduce those around us to JESUS and share with them the greatest LOVE story of all time; His sacrificial life journey, so that we (yes YOU AND I), could have an Eternal LIFE journey with GOD in Heaven. It is very exciting, as we work on creating “family reunions of faith” here in Cumberland County, we are also preparing for the HUGE, HUGE family reunion we will experience that day we open our eyes in Heaven and meet Jesus. What a beautiful gift from the birth of a small baby, in a manger, surrounded by ani-mals, on Christmas Day. “TODAY A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO US, HE IS CHRIST OUR KING” Merry Christmas from All Saints Parish to you and yours.

HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE, LIFE—MERRY CHRISTMAS

Be Scent-sitive!

There are a number of parishioners that attend our weekend services throughout the county, that are allergic to SCENTS. (perfumes, deodorant, etc.) This is a serious allergy for those who suffer and can cause weeks of sickness and hospitalization.

Help Us Keep Our Place Safe For All Who Join Us in Worship!!

All Saints Parish Christmas Schedule: Updated

Father Phil Thibodeau—Presiding for Christmas at: 1:30 pm Penitentiary Springhill, NS MASS 4:30 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Joggins, NS MASS Celebrating their 125th Anniversary 8:30 pm St. John the Baptist, Springhill, NS MASS

**St. Brigid’s Parrsboro—Lay Service at 7:00 pm

All Saints Parish Christmas Schedule: Updated

Father Gregory Agyeman—Presiding for Christmas at: 3:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst MASS Family and Senior Christmas Eve Service 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge, NS MASS 9:00 pm Holy Family, Amherst, NS MASS

**St. Thomas More, Pugwash—Lay Service at 4:00 pm

JANUARY 2020—Sneek Peek

Next Friendship Club: January 8th from 1—3pm Come beat the Winter Blues!

December’s Club brought 40+friends! What a time was had with fun, food and a lot of laughter. Open to anyone looking for something to do for 2 hours through the win-ter’s dark days. This is YOUR invitation for FUN!

Audio-Visual Helpers Needed:

Our AV Volunteers are critical to the success of communication in All Saints Parish. Here’s what extra hands are needed for:

• assist at MASS with the announcements, sound, order of service and prayers; critical for those who have limited hearing. (these are all prepared in advance by a volunteer)

• critical for our parishioners away from home, home-bound or in care facilities to stay connected to their community. They watch online via Live-Stream for MASS, MISSIONS and Special Events. (has grown, and growing, significantly)

• support all the ministry groups in special requests for mu-sic, slide projection, sound, etc.

WE URGENTLY NEED HELPERS TO CONTINUE USING OUR AV.

Training and support are provided. Flexibility is available for scheduling. Experience not required, just a willingness to learn something NEW!! Please contact Mary at 902-667-2523 to offer your name as a volunteer for approx. 1 hour a week.

Life in the Spirit Seminars

January 9th, 2020, 7 pm

Mary Mother of Mercy Prayer Group will

host “Life in the Spirit Seminars” @ Holy

Family. They begin Thursday Jan 9th @ 7:00 pm and run for

seven weeks. Life in the Spirit reveals the Holy Spirit’s presence

and work in your life. The seminars are a time of Praise, Prayer,

Learning, Sharing and Fellowship. In times of trial and change, it

is the Holy Spirit that brings peace to our lives. Dec 21/22 a past

participant will share their experience at the weekend services.

Mark this date on your calendar and watch future bulletins for

more information. Should you want to know more about these

amazing seminars, call Deacon Howard at 902-667-9598.

Bell “Let’s Talk”

Mental Health Day

When: Jan. 9th/20 10—3 pm

Where: Holy Family Church, Amherst, NS FREE WILL

What: 10 am—12 pm Breakout Sessions covering differ-

ent topics such as Seniors Depression, Chronic Pain, Addictions,

Schizophrenia, etc. Topics will be confirmed as soon as possible,

with specialists leading the breakouts from different agency’s

involved in this care in Cumberland County.

Lunch: 12:10 pm—12:50 pm Soup & Sandwich Luncheon

with Guest Speaker. Free Will Offering to assist with the costs

with extra donated to a local charity.

1 pm—3 pm Breakout Sessions. Also we will be

showing the movie “A Beautiful Mind” (Russell Crow) that cen-

ters around the topic of Schizophrenia. It starts at 1 pm.

Please join us for this great day being hosted by our OUTREACH

TEAM & Friendship Club! If you planning on attending please

leave your name at the office, so we have an idea of numbers.

Holy Family JANUARY 2020 Activities: Mon.’s 9-10 am Intercessory Prayers - Church Mon.’s 10:00 am Prayer Group Executive Team Sun/Mon’s 6:45 pm K of C BINGO—5 Robie St.

Offices Closed from Noon Christmas Eve—Jan. 2nd MERRY CHRISTMAS from All Saints Parish Staff

Jan 1st 10:00 am Lay Led Service NEW YEARS DAY Jan 4th 6:00 pm MASS Jan 5th 9:45 am J.A.M’n Family Sessions - M.Hall BIBLE DRAMA SUNDAY SESSION Open to entire community. Jan 5th 9:45 am J.A.M’n Family Sessions - M.Hall SCIENCE/BAKING/CRAFT SUNDAY Open to entire community Jan 5th 11:15 am MASS 6:00 pm No M&M Practise Jan 7th 11:30 am Tuesday Luncheon—MacIntyre Hall Jan 8th 1—3 pm Friendship Club—MacIntyre Hall 6:00 pm Sunday Choir Practise—Church Jan 9th 7:00 pm Life in the Spirit Series- Hosted by the Prayer Group 7:00 pm Youth Group– MacIntyre Hall Jan 10th 10:30 am Liturgy Meeting—Driscoll Room Jan 11th 7—9pm Chase the Ace—MacIntyre Hall

Mary, Mother of Mercy

PRAYER GROUP:

Thursday Nights at 7pm

Thinking of new ways to live a life full? Wondering what one

thing you could try to improve life? Consider coming to the Pray-

er Group and see why many have been changed in Prayer. Time

of Music, Prayer, Support, Friendship, Laughter and Fellowship.

Unconditional Love in Abundance—Restarting January 9th/20

JANUARY 4th / JANUARY 5th — FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY—Masses / Lay Service Jan 4th 4:00 pm St. Paul the Apostle, River Hebert Lay Led Service

Jan 4th 4:00 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge MASS for Leroy Bailey

Jan 4th 6:00 pm Holy Family Church, Amherst MASS for Florence Willigan by Pat Gouchie

Jan 5th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led Service

Jan 5th 9:00 am St. John The Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service

Jan 5th 9:00 am St. Brigid’s Church, Parrsboro (church) MASS for Marion Silmarie

Jan 5th 11:15 am Holy Family Parish, Amherst MASS for Yvonne Arseneau by Thelma Arseneau

DECEMBER 28th / DECEMBER 29th — FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY—Masses / Lay Service Dec. 28th 4:00 pm St. Paul the Apostle, River Hebert Lay Led Service

Dec. 28th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius, Streets Ridge Lay Led Service

Dec. 28th 6:00 pm Holy Family Church, Amherst Lay Led Service

Dec. 29th 9:00 am St. Thomas More, Pugwash Lay Led Service

Dec. 29th 9:00 am St. John The Baptist, Springhill Lay Led Service

Dec. 29th 9:00 am St. Brigid’s Church, Parrsboro (church) Lay Led Service

Dec. 29th 11:15 am Holy Family Parish, Amherst Lay Led Service

DECEMBER 28th/ 29th Weekend FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Prepare for Mass and Read in Advance

1 s t R e a d i n g : I S A I A H 7 : 1 0 - 1 4

2 n d R e a d i n g : R O M A N S 1 : 1 - 7

G o s p e l : M A T T H E W 1 : 1 8 - 2 4

In Deep and Sincere Condolences to Our Family:

To all our parishioners who have experienced the

loss of a loved one recently from our home com-

munity and those in our larger world community.

We also pray for the family and friends of:

SHIRLEY WHEATON—Mother of Kim & Brian

All those who have died in 2019 from our Parish and our family members a far.

Light a candle in memory of a loved one. For a minimal cost, it is

a special way to honor or remember.

***PRAYER LINE—902-664-9396*** Let’s Pray for You or Someone you Love in need of God’s Healing, Mercy and Love.

Prayers for those in NEED of our HELP & HOPE:

“Jesus, may Your pure and healthy blood circulate in the ailing

bodies of those needing healing, and may Your pure and healthy

body transform any weak, unhealthy bodies, and may a healthy

and vigorous life flow within them, if it is truly Your holy will”:

MADELINE RYAN JIM NELSON

PHIL LEBLANC JUDY BUCHANAN

KELLY WARD—(daughter of Glen & Anita White)

And for those ill and suffering, not asking for

prayers but in need of healing, grace, mercy and love.

DECEMBER 24th, 2019 — Christmas Eve Masses / Lay Services DECEMBER 31st/JANUARY 1st Dec. 24th 3:00 pm Holy Family Church, Amherst MASS for Charles Comeau (by Mary Comeau & family)

Dec. 24th 4:00 pm St. Thomas More Church, Pugwash Lay Service

Dec. 24th 4:30 pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Joggins MASS for Catherine Gould (by Carolyn Droesbeck)

Dec. 24th 6:30 pm St. Cornelius Church, Streets Ridge MASS for Marjorie Hallett (by Elizabeth Roscoe & Mike Lynch)

Dec. 24th 7:00 pm St. Brigid’s Church, Parrsboro Lay Service

Dec. 24th 8:30 pm St. John the Baptist Church, Springhill MASS for All Parishioners of All Saints Parish

Dec. 24th 9:00 am Holy Family Church, Amherst MASS for Betty Lee (by her mother, Yvonne Stewart)

DEC. 31st 4:00 pm ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE, RIVER HEBERT New Year’s Eve- Lay Led Service

JAN 1st/20 10:00 am HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, AMHERST New Year’s Day—Lay Led Service

3, 094, 808 PRAYED in Hail Mary and Rosary’s Prayers

Dec. 1st, 2016 our Parish began a Prayer Journey. These pray-ers, said throughout Cumberland County, are for the needs in our 7 churches, our larger communities and the world. Join us in praying for those healing from or suffering addictions and for All Saints Parish. Track them with the forms in the gathering area or email to office@holyfamilyamherst.ca

Continuing JANUARY 6th, 2020 - Mondays from 9-10 am—Intercessory Prayers

Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Our Parish needs prayer to continue to do God’s Work. Join us for Adoration to pray in the Church for our community. Prayer is Powerful, Prayer in Numbers is life-changing.

All Saints Parish—JANUARY SNEEK PEEK Holy Family

Catholic Women’s League

Next Regular CWL Meeting: NO Meeting January

Next Executive CWL Meeting: January 15th 10 am

Dues Due: $25.00 by December 31st, 2019

On January 5th at the 11:15 am MASS, the Holy Family CWL will be awarding education bursary's to youth from our commu-

nity. Be with us as we celebrate their success.

Priest Available = DRIVERS NEEDED!!

We are very blessed to have Father Gregory giving of his time, talent and the treasure of him being away from his home in Halifax each weekend, to be with us as our priest to preside over Masses in Cumberland County.

To provide a priest, we need drivers to assist Father Gregory, driving him either on Saturday or Sunday (or both) to each church community. Please contact Chris Manuge at 902-667

-2711 Thank you!!

Knights of Columbus: Meeting Nights:

#2916 Council Regular Mtg: January 23rd, 7pm

#1639 Council 4th Degree Mtg: TBA Grand Knight , 3rd Deg. Rick d’Entremont at 902-667-7820

Faithful Navigator 4th Deg. Gary Graham at 902-694-2843

Hall Rentals— Barney at 902-667-5715

Sunday’s 6:45 pm

Monday’s 6:45 pm

5 Robie St, Amherst NS Tuesday Luncheon 2020

Since the beginning of the Tuesday Lunch-eon, we’ve seen, and made, many new friends. Thank you for being here with us to share a meal on Tuesday’s. If you have not joined us ever, please accept our invitation for January 7th at 11:30am. Meals consist of hot dish, side fruit/veggie, des-sert, tea/coffee each week. FREE WILL offering is accepted for anyone wanting to contribute to this wonderful ministry. Our family has grown with the Tuesday Luncheon but there is always “more room in our inn” for YOU!!

M&M CHOIR— 3 PM Christmas Mass Music Our M&M (music & ministry) youth choir youth from the ages of 3+ to 18 years and 4 faithful adults who assist as Director, Guitar and Piano accompaniment. The youth work at leading a community in music at Family Mass, and learn to use their gifts in their faith. During the Family Mass, (last SUNDAY each month from September—May), the youth are Lectors, Greeters, Psalmists, as well as play numerous instruments. We are grateful to these families for sharing in this wonderful ministry. We return Jan 12th at 6pm for practise.

Baptism Preparation Program:

We will be returning to our Baptism Prepara-tion Program in January. First session: January

21st, 2020 at 6—7pm here at Holy Family Church.

The Preparation Package needs to be picked up at this office, the forms completed and returned to the office

by January 14th to be in the January Program. Thanks!!

HOLY FAMILY YOUTH GROUP:

JOIN US JANUARY 9th

at 7 pm

Come and Join the FUN of theme nights, bowling, nerf wars, pizza

making nights and so much more!!!

J.A.M’n Workshop: January 6th 10—12 pm.

Do you like to cut, paste, paint, glue, stick, play

and have fun? We need you to share your gifts

with us at the J.A.M’n/ VBC Workshops. You will

be helping build the tools, designs, props, sup-

plies needed to support our YOUTH PROGRAMS

Come out on January 6th to check it out!!

Remember to wear your “play clothes” !!

ALL SAINTS PARISH—NEW Parishioner or Parishioner “Re”-Registration Form (“Re” - returning to church):

Name: __________________________________________________Phone: _________________________________

Address:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________ Facebook: YES____ NO ____

Would you like to have church envelopes or to be set up on PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance—Automatic Withdrawal)? (X preferred box)

PAR _____(you will be contacted directly) or Collection Envelopes ______

Would you be interested in sharing your gifts and talents in a ministry in our community? YES_____ Not at this time _____

IN SUPPORT of our PARISH COMMUNITY

Mass Intentions:

Have you thought about having a MASS intention said for someone special? Con-tact Mary Comeau at the Holy Family office, 902-667-2523 to request MASS IN-TENTIONS for All Saints Parish, in memory of a loved one or for a special celebration.

Please specify which church in the Parish to have these inten-tions said. Also, indicate if a preference to a weekday or week-end (Sat or Sun) MASS. We will try to meet all requests.

2020 All Saints Parish Envelopes:

Are you new to our Parish and in need of en-velopes to support your faith family? Please fill in the New Parishioner Form on the back cover and deposit in the collection baskets. We will be in touch with you and issue you your own envelope number. Welcome to the Family!!

Present All Saints Parish Parishioners: We apologize that envelopes were passed out later than

years past, however new envelopes had to be entered and all the NEW numbers registered.

All Parishioners will be issued a new envelope number. It is VERY IMPORTANT you use the NEW envelopes starting in 2020 and destroy any old envelopes. It is VERY IMPORTANT that all donations are posted to the correct church and the correct parishioner. The NEW numbers for parishioners are brand new ones for All Saints Parish parishioners. Evelyn will not be able to determine who an old number belongs to from an old envelope, so please destroy the old ones.

HOLY FAMILY COLLECTION UPDATES Dec 14th/ 15th Weekend:

Envelopes: $ 2, 606.00 Loose: $ 157.90 Pre-Authorized: $ 1, 768.25 Children’s: $ 12.45 TOTAL $ 4, 544.60 SSVP $ 301.40

Chase the Ace: A FUN WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MARLENE VAN VULPEN

$136.00 WINNER 39 cards remaining

Join us January

Approximate JACKPOT—$3,000.00

DID YOU KNOW THAT…..?

Chase the Ace has been a fundraiser for our Holy Family church community, and has also provided opportunities to help and assist other groups in our community working to make the lives of many better. Since we began donations have been made to groups such as; Between the Hearts Re-newal Center, Hospice Society, Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Society, After the School Bell and others. This would not be possible without the dedicated and faithful volunteers here each week and the loyal (and fun!) guests who join us at the end their week. WE THANK YOU!!

Holy Family LOONIE DRAW WINNER

Number: # 174

WINNER: NOT PLAYED

Next Draw on December 22nd, 2019

PRIZE: $ 56.00 THANK YOU for your Support!!!

We want to THANK all those who have supported the LOONIE Draw in 2019. The money raised has helped support our Out-reach programs such as Friendship Club, Let’s Talk Bell Day and

other ministry work at Holy Family. Merry Christmas!!

It Takes a Village or a

REALLY GREAT Parish:

Throughout Cumberland County there have been many, many “angels” assisting

with driving and preparing meals for Father Gregory Aygeman as he assists us in presiding for Mass on the weekends. Drivers, meal prep and helpers at each church have made Father Grego-ry’s time with us rewarding and helps him to feel more at home, while he continues to serve the people of All Saints Parish. “GOD please continue to support our volunteers and encourage others to share their time. GOD be with Father Gregory and our community during this time of change and continue to guide us in Your direction for Your children” AMEN

Parking at Holy Family: Please be aware that the parking spots directly in front of the Apart-ment complex next door are for that complex. Please ensure you vehicle is in the Holy Family spots only and Help us be Good Neighbors.

Honoring a Loved One: Consider making a Memorial Donation in memory of a loved one, or an Honoree Donation in

honor of a special person in your life. Donations can be made for use in the cemeteries and/or churches of All Saints

Parish or for St. Vincent de Paul Society that works with the poor. Contact the Central Office for more information at

902-667-5244.

“Do Unto Others, As You Would Have Done Unto You”

Flowers in memory of Donated By:

Doug & Shirley Downey Donna & Curtis White

Our Parents Ross & Linda Ward

Linda Rodrigues Milu & Plassey Rodrigues

Margaret & Ray Pollard Evelyn Pollard

Cheryl Doiron Evelyn Pollard

Stanley Gould Sharon and family

John Boyle Marcella Andreas

John Boyle Doris Boyle

Dorilla Melanson Shirley Leblanc

Charles Comeau Comeau family

Mary MacLeod Carolyn MacLeod

Jude & Mildred Terrio Roger & Linda Terrio

Raymond & Ada Robichaud Roger & Linda Terrio

Arnold Chisholm Marion Chisholm

Jonathon Estabrooks Helen Estabrooks

Donald Wry Marina Wry

Mary Haley Kathleen Baxter

The Gothreau Family Betty O’Reagan

John T. & Laura O’Quinn Sean, Glenna, Makenzie & Adrianna

THANK YOU, THANK YOU

With the amazing support and help of

our parishioners, the Christmas Cheer ministry served ap-

proximately 80 families out of Amherst in 2019. We are tre-

mendously grateful to everyone who served with their Time,

Talents and Treasure, to ensure that those who are often

forgotten, would be provided for this Christmas.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul:

Co-Presidents: Shirley Leblanc 902-667–8848 or Shirley-Ann Porter 902-297-4267 Christmas Greetings:

“I was in prison and you came to visit me. “ (Matthew 25)

The ‘Friendly Christmas Greeting’ Card project communicated in the bulletin, to provide Christmas Cards to those incarcerated in prison in Springhill was a true success. The Society of St Vincent de Paul thanks all parishioners who signed a card and ask that you pray for recipients of your cards, to be in God’s care.

My dear precious Jesus, I did not mean to take your place,

I only bring toys and things And You bring love and grace.

People give me lists of wishes and hope that they came true.

But You hear prayers of the heart and promise your will to do

Children try to be good and not to cry when I am coming to town;

But You love them unconditionally and that love will abound.

I leave only a bag of toys and

temporary joy for a season; But You leave a heart of love, full of purpose and reasons I have a lot of believers and what one might call fame;

But I never healed the blind or tried to help the lame

I have rosy cheeks and a voice full of laughter,

But no nail-scarred hands or a promise of the hereafter

You may find several of me in town or at a mall; But there is only one omnipotent You,

the answer to a sinner’s call And so, my precious Jesus, I kneel here to pray;

To worship and adore You on this, Your Holy Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Looking for Answers for Life’s Questions? Is there a sense of emptiness in you, while in a plentiful world?

Wondering what your life purpose is, or the direction to be heading? Many individuals search on the internet everyday looking to find answers to the many questions that a person can face each day. Wanting guidance, looking for answers or trying to locate the “magical” key that will make the dark days brighter and their purpose clear. This year consider discover-ing (or re-discovering) what your life answers are, through an exploration of faith. Walk in a journey of why Jesus wanted His children to have faith and a faith community to support and life them up, while doing His work. Is there something about this that really could answer questions? This could BE the an-swer to that question and many more. To find out more contact the R.C.I.A team at 902-667-2523.