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: hfparish@dol.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!!!!

November 2017

Family Matters

Congratulations!

Deacon Tom MacLeodDeacon Tom MacLeodDeacon Tom MacLeodDeacon Tom MacLeod

We continue to pray God’s blessing We continue to pray God’s blessing We continue to pray God’s blessing We continue to pray God’s blessing on youon youon youon you,,,, Colleen, and your family.Colleen, and your family.Colleen, and your family.Colleen, and your family.

CONTENTS

November 2017

♦ ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS GIVING - 2017 Colleen Jones, President of St. Vincent de Paul

♦ A WORD FROM FR. BOB ♦ Advent Parish Mission

♦ SYMBOLON ♦ Are You Interested in Becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith?

♦ ALPHA ♦ An Update on the Alpha Program

♦ ME – 25 MINISTRY ENGAGEMENT ♦ Survey Results

♦ ABLAZE:

Passionately Pursuing Christ & a Life of Purpose ♦ Advent Parish Mission

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

hfparish@dol.ca

FAMILY MATTERS – NOVEMBER 2017 2

OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVING PROGRAM begins the weekend of November 18 & 19.

Once again we ask for your support to help many single adults and families enjoy a happy and

blessed Christmas. Food cards are provided to help with a Christmas dinner and gift cards are

provided for children’s toys and gifts. These gift cards are distributed to people in need living

within our parish boundaries.

Special Donation Envelopes can be found on the Christmas Giving Trees located in the

narthex. Place a cash donation, Walmart gift card or a cheque in an enevlope. Make sure your

name and address in order to receive a tax receipt. Cheques can be made out to Holy Family SSVP. All

financial donations must be received by December 31, 2017 in order to receive a tax receipt for this calendar

year.

Place your envelope in the SSVP Donation Box found in the Narthex or in the collection basket during Mass.

Please return your envelope by DECEMBER 3.

Thank you for your generous support of The Christmas Giving Program. May God bless you for yur

generousity.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ~ Sunday, November 19, 2017 “…This new World Day should become a powerful appeal to

our consciences as believers, allowing us to grow in the

conviction that sharing with the poor enables us to understand

the deepest truth of the gospel. The poor are not a problem:

they are a resource from which to draw as we strive to accept

and practise in our lives the essence of the Gospel.”

From the Vatican 13 June 2017

FAMILY MATTERS – NOVEMBER 2017 3

A WORD FROM FR.BOB

Deacon Keith Strohm, a world class Catholic preacher of the Good News, is

coming to Holy Family Parish, beginning the weekend of December 2nd. He

will preach at all of our weekend liturgies, followed by leading our parish

mission on the evenings of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, December 3-5.

(Please note that the regular 6:30pm Sunday mass will be moved to 12:30pm

on that Sunday). His message will make all the more clear, why we need to be

transformed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is not only the vocation of special

proclaimers of the faith, but it is the vocation of EVERY person who has been

Baptized. The future existence and vitality of our parish and the Church in the

Western World depends on it. Come and hear (and

experience) this essential message of Good News for

our present time. Please arrange your personal

calendar so that you can attend each of these mission

evenings. The Good News that you hear during these

days may just be what you have been waiting to hear

all of your life! How could anything be more

important?!

This year’s parish mission is the perfect way to begin the Advent Season. Advent is the four-week

period before Christmas that we celebrate “the three comings of Jesus into our world.” First, we

remember how God prepared the world to receive its one and only Saviour, Jesus Christ. Across

centuries, the prophets foretold his coming until at last He came in flesh, as a vulnerable child in

Bethlehem. For us, God reveals himself in weakness. Second, we are reminded that this same Jesus,

who suffered, was murdered and rose from the dead, will come again to signal the end of the world,

the Day of Judgement. The scriptures testify that no one knows when He will return. No one! So,

don’t be seduced by those who claim to have “inside” news about when. Thirdly, Jesus is available to

us on a daily basis. When we call on Him in prayer, when we beg His help and mercy, He is right

there beside us. Staying close to Jesus every day is the only guarantee that we will be ready when He

returns in glory. Everything else is taking a huge risk! Are you willing to place your eternal salvation

at great risk?! Make this coming Christmas a special feast of your own salvation (and that of your

children/grandchildren) by preparing well during the holy season of Advent.

Come, Come, Come, Come, Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

FAMILY MATTERS – NOVEMBER 2017 4

If you have been attending Mass for a while, but are not Catholic, we invite you to

look deeper into the Catholic faith. In January 2018, the Christian Initiation Team at

Holy Family Parish will begin a set of eight sessions designed to share with others

the truths of the Catholic faith and the fellowship of our faith community.

Who are these sessions for?

• Adults who have never been baptized

• Adults baptized in another Christian tradition who now wish to be baptized

• Baptized Catholic adults in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation

We invite you to learn what Catholics believe and to ask questions you may have

about the Church.

Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

The first session is on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in the John Paul II Room

Please contact us if you require any further information:

Delia Waldock deliawaldock@gmail.com

Sheila O’Brien sobrien@dol.ca 519-472-0057 ext. 222

by Delia Waldock

Take the opportunity for

growing in your faith by checking out the Lighthouse

Catholic Media stand in the narthex. There is an assortment of CD’s, books and

pamphlets on a variety of topics, including... Parenting, Marriage, Wisdom

of the Saints, Prayer Devotions, and the Sacraments. Cost: $3.00 to $5.00 each.

The Knights The Knights The Knights The Knights of Columbus Breakfastof Columbus Breakfastof Columbus Breakfastof Columbus Breakfast Sunday November Sunday November Sunday November Sunday November 26262626thththth

after theafter theafter theafter the

8:30a8:30a8:30a8:30a....mmmm.... and 10:30aand 10:30aand 10:30aand 10:30a....mmmm.... Masses.Masses.Masses.Masses.

Breakfast includesBreakfast includesBreakfast includesBreakfast includes scrambled scrambled scrambled scrambled eggs, sausageeggs, sausageeggs, sausageeggs, sausage,,,,

french toast, baked beans, coffee and tea.french toast, baked beans, coffee and tea.french toast, baked beans, coffee and tea.french toast, baked beans, coffee and tea. FFFFree will offeringree will offeringree will offeringree will offering....

SENIORS’ CHRISTMAS DINNER

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

at 12:00 noon

Call the office to reserve a spot.

More information to come.

As the cold weather approaches, our refugee

friends are in need of some winter gear.

If you have some lightly used winter boots,

women’s size 7 or men’s size 9 and 10,

or a woman’s winter coat or jacket size

medium, please contact the parish office.

Let’s keep them warm as they experience

their first Canadian winter!

Thanks, the Social Justice Committee.

HELP NEEDED!

Gallup Gallup Gallup Gallup Member Engagement SurveyMember Engagement SurveyMember Engagement SurveyMember Engagement Survey ResultsResultsResultsResults

Thank you to all those who were able to attend the Gallup Member Engagement Survey review that took place in Holy Thank you to all those who were able to attend the Gallup Member Engagement Survey review that took place in Holy Thank you to all those who were able to attend the Gallup Member Engagement Survey review that took place in Holy Thank you to all those who were able to attend the Gallup Member Engagement Survey review that took place in Holy

Family Parish on Thursday, September 28, 2017. It was great to see parishioners engaged and taking an activeFamily Parish on Thursday, September 28, 2017. It was great to see parishioners engaged and taking an activeFamily Parish on Thursday, September 28, 2017. It was great to see parishioners engaged and taking an activeFamily Parish on Thursday, September 28, 2017. It was great to see parishioners engaged and taking an active interest in interest in interest in interest in

understanding the purpose of the renewal effort that is being undertaken by this parish. For those that were not able to understanding the purpose of the renewal effort that is being undertaken by this parish. For those that were not able to understanding the purpose of the renewal effort that is being undertaken by this parish. For those that were not able to understanding the purpose of the renewal effort that is being undertaken by this parish. For those that were not able to

attend, the results from the survey have been published on the Holy Family Parish website and all parishioners are attend, the results from the survey have been published on the Holy Family Parish website and all parishioners are attend, the results from the survey have been published on the Holy Family Parish website and all parishioners are attend, the results from the survey have been published on the Holy Family Parish website and all parishioners are

encouraencouraencouraencouraged to review the results. Please go to ged to review the results. Please go to ged to review the results. Please go to ged to review the results. Please go to www.holyfamilylondon.cawww.holyfamilylondon.cawww.holyfamilylondon.cawww.holyfamilylondon.ca for all the details!for all the details!for all the details!for all the details!

A lot of you may ask, “What’s next?” After the review presentation, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and members of the A lot of you may ask, “What’s next?” After the review presentation, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and members of the A lot of you may ask, “What’s next?” After the review presentation, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and members of the A lot of you may ask, “What’s next?” After the review presentation, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and members of the

PasPasPasPastoral Council Committee (PPC) sat with the consultant from Gallup to draft up a few action items to address some of toral Council Committee (PPC) sat with the consultant from Gallup to draft up a few action items to address some of toral Council Committee (PPC) sat with the consultant from Gallup to draft up a few action items to address some of toral Council Committee (PPC) sat with the consultant from Gallup to draft up a few action items to address some of

the areas of improvement in our parish. Over the next few months, SLT and PPC will work together to put an action plan the areas of improvement in our parish. Over the next few months, SLT and PPC will work together to put an action plan the areas of improvement in our parish. Over the next few months, SLT and PPC will work together to put an action plan the areas of improvement in our parish. Over the next few months, SLT and PPC will work together to put an action plan

in place in order to in place in order to in place in order to in place in order to improve the engagement of parishioners in this parish. The goal here is to make it simple andimprove the engagement of parishioners in this parish. The goal here is to make it simple andimprove the engagement of parishioners in this parish. The goal here is to make it simple andimprove the engagement of parishioners in this parish. The goal here is to make it simple and totototo

establish establish establish establish achievable goals that can achievable goals that can achievable goals that can achievable goals that can be be be be implementimplementimplementimplementedededed sooner rather than later. We ask that you pray for the staff and sooner rather than later. We ask that you pray for the staff and sooner rather than later. We ask that you pray for the staff and sooner rather than later. We ask that you pray for the staff and

parishioners working on this action planparishioners working on this action planparishioners working on this action planparishioners working on this action plan,,,, that it will be something which will bear great fruit. We will publish the actithat it will be something which will bear great fruit. We will publish the actithat it will be something which will bear great fruit. We will publish the actithat it will be something which will bear great fruit. We will publish the action on on on

plan once we have developed plan once we have developed plan once we have developed plan once we have developed and reviewed it internally. and reviewed it internally. and reviewed it internally. and reviewed it internally.

We appreciate your prayers and patience during this time!We appreciate your prayers and patience during this time!We appreciate your prayers and patience during this time!We appreciate your prayers and patience during this time!

by Jozef Maka, Business Manager

FAMILY MATTERS – NOVEMBER 2017 5

A couple of weekends ago our 5:00 p.m. choir sang:

“Go make a difference, we can make “Go make a difference, we can make “Go make a difference, we can make “Go make a difference, we can make a differencea differencea differencea difference

Go make a difference in the world.”Go make a difference in the world.”Go make a difference in the world.”Go make a difference in the world.”

For me, it was an affirmation of what is happening here at Holy Family Parish.

Since Alpha was offered in our parish, approximately 230 persons have completed

ALPHA.

Currently 185 persons are doing ALPHA in morning and evening sessions. To be

successful, 85 volunteers come each Wednesday for a 12 week period to serve

God’s people by cooking, serving, cleaning, babysitting, facilitating and offering

His love to all.

Among them they prepare 90 lunches and 140 dinners each week. Has it made a

difference? You bet it has.

ALPHA is not a course but an experience. ALPHA is open to all, no pre requisites

required, which teaches us the basic Christian message. Jesus wants you to know

Him in a personal way. ALPHA is only the beginning .... It has made a difference

in our parish. As the song says:

“We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,“We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,“We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,“We are the salt of the earth, called to let the people see,

the love of God for you and me.”the love of God for you and me.”the love of God for you and me.”the love of God for you and me.”

by Loretta Wilson, ALPHA

Coordinator

FAMILY MATTERS – AUGUST 2017 www. holyfamilylondon.ca 7

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SEVEN MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Operating Statement Actual Budget Prior Year

Revenue

Offertory including Easter $ 603,041 $ 600,450 $ 600,292

Ministry Programs and Other $ 68,428 $ 71,970 $ 66,523

Sub-Total $ 671,522 $ 672,420 $ 666,814

Special Collections Revenue $ 73,213 $ 82,900 $ 98,546

Special Collections Expense $ (73,213) $ (82,900) $ (98,546)

Total Operating Revenue $ 671,522 $ 672,420 $ 666,814

Expenses

Compensation $ 400,745 $ 403,885 $ 400,915

Facilities, Ministry, Liturgy $ 217,075 $ 212,580 $ 209,928

Diocesan Assessment $ 94,982 $ 94,950 $ 95,618

Total Operating Expenses $ 712,802 $ 711,415 $ 706,461

Operating Surplus (Deficit) $ (41,280) $ (38,995) $ (39,647)

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

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 HOPED-FOR DATE FOR BAPTISM AND ONE YEAR PRIOR

TO YOUR DESIRED WEDDING DATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BAPTISM, contact Sheila: sobrien@dol.ca or ext’n # 222.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MARRIAGE, contact Kelly: kwilson@dol.ca or ext’n # 201.

FOR FUNERALS OR FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING, contact Heather: hcushing@dol.ca or ext’n # 260

Or Kelly: kwilson@dol.ca 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 – NOVEMBER 2017 6

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

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

PARISH STAFF (OFFICE 519-472-0057; EMAIL: hfparish@dol.ca)

FFFFR. R. R. R. BBBBOB OB OB OB RRRREMARKEMARKEMARKEMARK (ext’n #228)

Pastor

FFFFR. R. R. R. SSSSEEJOEEJOEEJOEEJO JJJJOHNOHNOHNOHN (ext’n #226))))

Parochial Vicar

DDDDEACON TOM MEACON TOM MEACON TOM MEACON TOM MACLEODACLEODACLEODACLEOD

DEACON HENRY KLINGDEACON HENRY KLINGDEACON HENRY KLINGDEACON HENRY KLING

DEACON GEORGE SEBOKDEACON GEORGE SEBOKDEACON GEORGE SEBOKDEACON GEORGE SEBOK

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

Pastoral Minister

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

Pastoral Worker /Sacramental

Preparation of Children

JOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKAJOZEF MAKA (ext’n # 224)

Business Manager

SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN SHEILA O’BRIEN (ext’n # 222)

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

Secretaries

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

Bookkeeper

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

Building & Property Coordinator