The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) St. Monica’s Parish October 5/6, 2013

Ministry Sunday: The 7 Secrets of Successful Stewardship Things are happening at St. Monica’s! Two weeks ago, Franciscan Guylain Prince led us

in an inspiring retreat day, inviting us to joyfully embrace the challenge of “The New Evangelization”. Last weekend, we welcomed back our Faith First families with a joyful liturgy and a picnic on the church lawn. God sent the sunshine!! Today, we celebrate the many and diverse ways in which the members of our community serve: here in the parish, and out there in the world.

In his article, “The Seven Secrets of Successful Stewards, Paul Wilkes defines a Christian steward as “one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.” This weekend’s celebration of ministry provides us with an opportunity to greet new parishioners, get reacquainted with long-standing ones, and re-commit ourselves to service in our parish.

Thank God that St. Monica’s has so many generous Christian stewards! Yet we can always use more. As we go through the results of last Sunday’s survey, we can see how God has blessed our parishioners with a diversity of gifts and talents. If we discern our gifts carefully, we will find ourselves able to offer them in a way that is life-giving both to us and to the community. As the saying goes, “many hands make light work”. Following Jesus’ lead, how can we prudently and generously invest ourselves in service to others, sharing our time, our talent, and our treasure?

1) Give until … it feels good! (If it really hurts, maybe you’re straining.) 2) See giving not as an obligation, but as an opportunity. 3) Give in specific ways, so that you see some results. 4) Foster an attitude of gratitude.(God will not be outdone in generosity!) 5) Share the right gift at the right time. (Do what you can – not what you can’t. Honour

where you are on your life-journey.) 6) Trust in God to point the way. (One step at a time!!) 7) See stewardship not as a “duty”, but as a spiritual offering. (As an act of love,

appreciation, thankfulness – to the God from whom all is gift.) Good stewardship is contagious! So as we make room for the gifts of all members of our parish, let us together draw nearer to Christ, their one Source.

****************************************************************** Mass of the Anointing of the Sick: The annual Mass of the Anointing of the Sick will take place Saturday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m. This sacrament is intended for the elderly and those suffering from chronic disease or any type of long-term health challenge. Those wishing to receive this sacrament are strongly urged to sign-up ahead of time. Sign-up sheets have been placed at the back of the church. Alternately, please call the parish office (514-481-0267) to sign-up. Transportation will be provided, if needed. Volunteer Drivers Needed for the Mass of the Anointing: Volunteers are needed to drive parishioners who will be attending the Mass of the Anointing on October 19 at 4:00 p.m. If you are able to perform this service, please sign up at the back of the church or call the parish office (514-481-0267).

Saturday, Oct. 5 Our Lady’s Saturday 4:00 Antonio Bei Wife Gabriella & Family Sunday, Oct. 6 27th Sunday in Ord.

Time 8:30 George Brabant Pat Brabant 11:00 In Loving Memory: Francesco Supino, Leonard &

Terry Winslade, Lina DiGiovanni Supino, Aldo Tonini, Giuseppe Fiori, Elena Casale Zilli, Graziella McLaughlin

Monday, Oct. 7 Our Lady of the Rosary 8:00 Dorothy Moore &

Gerry Maloney Mary Maloney

Tuesday, Oct. 8 Weekday 8:00 David Fournier Lilly Bini Wed., Oct. 9 Weekday 8:00 Antonio Cavallaro The Family Thursday, Oct. 10 Weekday 8:00 Concetina DiLeonardo Giuseppina Girolamo Friday, Oct. 11 Weekday 8:00 Linus Doyle Marion Doyle & Family Saturday, Oct. 12 Our Lady’s Saturday 4:00 Alfonzo & Eufemia

and Italo Falcone Luisa & Angelo Falcone

Sunday, Oct. 13 28th Sunday Ordinary Time

8:30 In Loving Memory: Joseph Onesi, Luigi & Rosa Mammone, Isa Mazzella, Elena Casale Zilli, Lucille Wong, Viola McDonald, Jean Pratte

11:00 Joseph Onesi Ida & Family

Your Generosity… Thank you for your on-going support of our parish…

Last weekend’s collection was $2,969.65

Bazaar – Saturday, October 26, 2013 From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at St. Monica's Church Hall. New items, Baked goods, Crafts, Children's toys, White elephant table. Proceeds go to projects in our twin parish in Zamoran, El Salvador. (No admission charge) Snacks and lunch will be served. Sponsored by Faith and Justice Committee. NOTE: Needed are bakers, knitters and crafters. We would also appreciate articles in good condition for sale. We do not accept clothing. For more info, contact Sharon 514-481-2981.

Adult Faith Enrichment

Discovering the Bible: A User Friendly Guide

Why do we have a Bible? Do we need it? How did it take shape? Who are the people who wrote it down? Dr. Margaret Million, Ph.D will guide us through a 6-week Bible study that will make “The Word of God” ever more accessible and meaningful to us. Join us on Wednesday evenings, October 9, 16, 23 & 30, and November 6 & 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parish hall. Do you have questions about the Bible? Maybe we can find the answers together! Please register by October 7.

Wisdom Years: The Human and Spiritual Journey of Aging

We often associate the aging process with diminishment and letting go. What opportunities for growth and deepening – psychological, spiritual, and human – do the “wisdom years” open up for us? Dr. Thomas Francoeur, Ed.D. and Sr. Mary-Ellen Francoeur, Ph.D. will explore these vital questions with us on Tuesday, October 15 from 1:30 to 3:15 pm in the parish hall. Please register by October 11.

Please refer to our website and the posters at the Church entrances for additional information. If registration is required, kindly use the appropriate sign-up sheets at the main church entrance or contact Anna at the office 514-481-0267.

WHO ARE YOU? Are you using donation box #360? Are you using donation box #367? If so, please call the parish office at 514-481-0267 and give us your name and address so that when the time comes, we will be able to issue a tax receipt to you. Thank you.