7/27/2019 The 4th Sunday of Advent (A) St. Monicas Parish December 21/22, 2013 CHRISTMAS: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

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The 4th Sunday of Advent (A) St. Monicas Parish December 21/22, 2013

CHRISTMAS: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD December 25, 2013WE 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, itscolourful 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 thebirth of the One who would be called himself the light of the world. It evokes the star that guided theMagi, 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 cannocelebrate Christmas lucidly when we lock ourselves up in a romantic fantasy bubble, blinded to thereality that surrounds us. A lucid Christmas does not close its eyes to the desperate poverty of somany people in our world. A lucid Christmas does not forget a neighbour's depression andloneliness, a relative's emotional pain. It does not hide from youth's concerns about the future andold 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 haveeven less. It means carrying in mind and in prayer the victims of natural storms (like hurricanes andearthquakes) and human storms (like wars and terrorism) that afflict so many parts of our globavillage. It means refusing to get carried away by the extravagance of a consumerism that only seesin 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"; bythe 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 areflection of the kingdom of justice, peace and joy the child of the manger came to inaugurate. Toyou 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! Onbehalf of Fr. Bertoli, our deacons Richard, Dennis and Bernie, our pastoral associates Anna, Jennieand Odette, the parish staff, the wardens and pastoral council, and all of us here at St. Monicas, wewish to each and every one of you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, andgood health. Thank you for the many ways in which you so generously support the mission of ourParish. Following the example of Pope Francis, a true prophet of divine mercy and love, may each ous be filled with the joy of proclaiming Christ: in our hearts, our families, and our society. God blessyou all!

Father Raymond Lafontaine, Pastor

CHRISTMASSCHEDULEFOR2013(Confessions:Tuesday,December24from3:00to4:00p.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.

7/27/2019 The 4th Sunday of Advent (A) St. Monicas Parish December 21/22, 2013 CHRISTMAS: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

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Saturday, Dec. 21 St. Peter Canisius4: Anna & Italo Mariani &Italo Falcone

Luisa & Angelo Falcone

Sunday, Dec. 22 4th Sunday of Advent8:3 In Loving Memory:Isa Mazzella, Elena Casale Zilli.11: Giacomo Fiori His wife Berardina & Family

Monday, Dec. 23 St. John of Kanty8: Rinaldo Caucci His wife & FamilyTuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve

7:30 p.m. - Family Mass & Pageant

10:00 p.m. - Midnight Mass

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Christmas Day Masses

Thursday, Dec. 26 St. Stephen, First Martyr

8: Michael McGarr Aunt Rita & Patricia BurtonFriday, Dec. 27 St. John, Apostle, Evangelist8: Paolo Ciccarelli Beata Ricci & FamilySaturday, Dec. 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs4: 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 Joseph8:3 Antonietta &Vincenzo La Posta

Concetta La Posta

11: Iole Fantuzi Franca & Luciano Falciani &Family

Your GenerosityThank you for your on-going support of our parish

Last weekends collection was $2,953.00

ST. MONICAS SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMSt. Monicas breakfast program is once again in need ofvolunteers to help out on a temporary, but urgent basis. Dueto volunteers taking winter holidays, we will be desperatelyshort of help for the months of January and February. Onlyone hour, one morning a week per volunteer is all that weneed. Once March arrives, we will no longer be in need. Thisis an important program that benefits many families in need ofhelp feeding their children. If you can help us.please, pleasecontact either; Avice Joseph at 514-486-2769 or Sandy Sheaat 514-369-0180.

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

dult Faith EnrichmentJanuary eventsVideo Divina

Fr. Raymond will present the movieSaving Grace on Friday, January 10

2014 at 7 p.m. in the parish rectoryAdmission and popcorn are free, andstimulating discussion will follow themovie! All are welcome!

Adult Faith Education

God Wants Me To Be Joyful? Really?, with Pastor Nita Kotiuga onWednesday, January 22 from 7:15 to9:00 p.m. in the parish hall.

Bible Study

Experiencing the Living WordThrough the Gospel of John, withPastor Brent Walker on Wednesdayevenings, January 29, February 5, 1219 & 26, and March 13 from 7 to 9 p.min the parish hall.

Please refer to our brochure, website and

the posters at the Church entrances for

additional information.

2014 SUNDAY DONATION BOXESThose who use our Sunday Offeringenvelops are reminded to pick up their2014 box at the main entrance of theChurch. Boxes are in numerical order andthere is an alphabetical list you canconsult. New users are asked to fill in arequest form and submit to the office.

A Heartfelt Thank YouDeacon Dennis wishes to thank althose parishioners who reached out tohim during his recent illness. He istruly grateful and overwhelmed by theshow of support and prayers offered bythe people of this parish. May Godbless you all and may you enjoy Hisbountiful peace this Christmas.