Presentation of the Lord (A)

St. Monicas Parish

February 1/2, 2014

CONSECRATED LIFE: THE WITNESS OF LIGHT On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church prays in a special way for all those who bear witness to Christ in consecrated life. At St. Monicas, we have been blessed for so many years by the ministry of religious women who have been a real gift to our parish community: through generous service, but also through the witness of their lives, their consecration to Christ in the Gospel call to chastity, poverty, and obedience. In this respect, how can we not be thankful for Sr. Beverley Wattling SNJM, a member of the pastoral team for 27 years, still helping out behind the scenes, quietly and lovingly? We praise God for the witness and service of so many, in the ministries of faith and justice, of liturgy, of faith education, of social outreach Sisters of Saint Ann, of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, of Service, of the Congregation of Notre Dame, of the Sacred Heart too numerous to mention, but you know who you are! In entrusting your lives to Christ through your vows, you remind us that we are all called, in baptism, to bear witness to the Light of Christ in all we do and in all we are. We also welcome today to St. Monicas the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Sister Gitma Luz Trocio will speak to us about their foundress, Blessed Delia Tetreault, and how her life and mission continue to shape today their share in the work of evangelization. May their witness inspire us to embrace, each in our own way, our share in the mission of Christ in the world. And let us pray, on this feast of Light, for all those who, as vowed members and associates, share in the gift to the church that is consecrated life: God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Sons Kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests, consecrated virgins, missionaries, and members of Secular Institutes. Renew their knowledge and love of you, and send your Holy Spirit to help them respond generously and courageously to your will. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
ST. KEVIN'S CHURCH PRESENTS A VALENTINE'S DAY CONCERT FOR THE PHILIPPINES Juno-nominated Jazz sensation Elizabeth Shepherd and The Salvation Army Brass Band (an ensemble of 24 musicians!) are offering a Benefit Concert for HPIC's Medical Relief Efforts for the Philippines. The concert will feature a variety of music, from Jazz covers and originals by Elizabeth Shepherd to Christian hymns and fanfare. Tickets: $10 each and include coffee and dessert. Call the church office M-F 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. at 514-733-5600 to buy/reserve your tickets. Bring your Valentine, enjoy a lovely evening of uplifting music and support HPIC's Medical Relief Efforts for the Philippines. Friday, February 14 at 8 p.m. St. Kevin's Church (Hall), 5600 Cote-des-Neiges, Montreal H3T 1Z1, Metro: Cote-des-Neiges HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM AT THE SACRED HEART SCHOOL OF MONTREAL Girls wishing to enroll for the 2014-2015 school year are invited to sit for an entrance test on February 5. A portion can be taken in French (Secondary I only), if the applicant so wishes. Registration required 514-9372845 ext. 102. www.sacredheart.qc.ca

2013 TAX RECEIPTS Tax receipts for donations made during the year 2013 to St. Monicas Parish By regular Sunday Donation Box users Will be available for pick up at the back of the church this weekend of February 1 and 2.

Saturday, Feb. 1 Our Ladys Saturday 4:00 Franco Spurio Wife & Children Sunday, Feb. 2 Presentation of the Lord 8:30 In Loving Memory: Margaret Haberl, Mrs. Robinson, Charles Hindley, Jonathan Castilho, Ananias & Nilda Avellar 11:00 Antonio & Flavio Ricci By the Family Monday, Feb. 3 St. Blaise 8:00 Luigi, Antonio, Sanda Settimia Onesi Onesi Tuesday, Feb. 4 Weekday 8:00 Theresa, Julian & Kevin Rooney Gary Rooney Wednesday, Feb. 5 St. Agatha 8:00 Agnese, Matino & By the Family Antonio Gagliardi Thursday, Feb. 6 St. Paul Miki & Companions 8:00 Emma & Colombo Salvati By the Salvati Family Friday, Feb. 7 Weekday 8:00 Jose Guadalupe Alonso By his Daughter Saturday, Feb. 8 St. Jerome Emiliani 4:00 Bernard Li Hoi Foo George & Pauline Wong Sunday, Feb. 9 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 Lorenzo Michetti Rosa & Luigi Salvati 11:00 In Loving Memory: Nicholas Troli, Elena Casale Zilli, Joseph Onesi, Natalina Donati Ceccucci, Deceased members of the Cullen Family, Joyce Bedford Your Generosity
Thank you for your on-going support of our parishCollection for weekend of January 25/26, 2014 totalled $3,058.30

Adult Faith Enrichment January events Bible Study

Experiencing the Living Word through the Gospel of John, with Pastor Brent Walker. You are invited to join us on Wednesday evenings, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, and March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parish hall for a unique opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge, appreciation of the Scriptures. Pastor Walker will help us to take a closer look at specific scripture passages and how they invite us to experience the presence of Christ.

Coffee and Conversation

In this session of Boundaries with Kids, we will look at the laws of Proactivity and Envy. Join us on Sunday, February 9, from 10 to 10:50 am, in the rectory dining room. Please refer to our brochure, website and the posters at the Church entrances for additional information.

AN INVITATION TO PRAYER Louise Eberwein & Paul Empsall

Wednesdays: February 12 to April 2, 2014 7:30 to 9 (Registration limited to 8 spaces) Cost: $40 (book included) This 7 session course is offered to any person who has experienced the desire to make a spirit of prayer a more committed and joyful part of their life. The focus will be on learning to pray with Scripture, a centuries old tradition in the church and suitable for persons of all walks of life. Various topics related to this theme will be explored, but considerable emphasis will also be placed on actual practice and sharing of experiences within a group setting. The main purpose is to support and to encourage each other. For more information, please call Paul Empsall at 514-626-9462. To register, call the Ignatian Centre at 514-481-1064 or email at centre@ignatiancentremtl.ca.

GOLD FEVER D & P PRESENTATION The faith and justice committee will be presenting the film GOLD FEVER, on Friday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the basement of the rectory. This documentary produced by two American film-makers centers on the mining practices of a Canadian mining company in Guatemala. Father Ernie Schibli will be in attendance to shed more light on this topic. CARD PARTY Montreal West Presbyterian Church, 160 Ballantyne Avenue North, is having a Card Party on Friday, February 21st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Tickets are $10 each. For reservations or more information please contact Zipper Scriver at 514-486-0742 or Mildred Benoit at 514-484-7913.