The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 18, 2013

and how I wish it were burning already

I came to bring fire to the earth and how I wish it was burning already These are most strange words to hear from the Prince of Peace! Whatever could Jesus have meant? In this Gospel Jesus speaks of conflict rather than peace; contention rather than harmony. It does not seem like him at all. Why does he wish the world were burning already? The fire that Jesus brings is his word and his love for the Father, as well as his love for all humankind. This is the fire that he wishes to ignite among us. He wants the whole world to be on fire with love for God and one another. Once again he is telling us that he wants us to be totally committed to him and to his call to love as he loves us. But Jesus knows that this is not an easy mission. He knows that it will bring discord between those who choose to follow it and those who reject him. Fathers against sons, mothers against daughters; certainly in his day those who chose to be his disciples would have experienced opposition in their homes and families. There would have been divisions between family members and between generations. These divisions can still exist today. The message of Jesus can still bring division. Today, his message is at odds with many elements of contemporary culture. The message of Jesus is directly opposed to the me generation. There is no room in Jesus teaching for a culture of acquisition where what I want is more important than the needs of my family, my neighbour or my world. When I love as Jesus loves then the needs of the other are more important than my wants or desires. If I am on fire with the love of Jesus, then I seek only what is good for the other and not just what I can get from them. The fire that Jesus wishes to ignite in our world is even more than just a love that transforms us as individuals; it is a love that, through us, can change the world. But the world resists change. In our world, just as in Jesus time, his way of living can be contrary to many of the values of our friends, employers, or family members. To choose Jesus path is to accept that not everyone will agree with it and some will even oppose it. Todays Gospel tells us that Jesus understood this. He promised us that he will be with us always even unto the end of the world He nourishes us in the Eucharist and guides us with his Holy Spirit. His fire is burning in the world. It burns in us, if we open ourselves to it. This is Jesus prayer in this Gospel. Are we the answer?

Deacon Bernie

As a way of launching our new pastoral year Fr. Guylain Prince, a dynamic Franciscan preacher and biblical scholar, will be leading our community on a retreat day Saturday, September 21st. Please mark your calendars

Mass Intentions: August 10-18, 2013

4:00 August 10, 2013 Saturday, St. Laurence In Loving Memory Mike Kilbertus, The Deceased Members Of The Charles J. McDonald Family, Gerry McLaughlin , Alessandro Palladini, Dorothy Moore, Franco Spurio, Aida & Vincenzo Polisenta, Terri Winslade August 11, 2013 8:30 11:00 8:00 8:00 Mary McNichol Giacomo Fiori August 12, 2013 Charlie Hindley August 13, 2013 Anne OBrien August 14, 2013 Rosa Guoiani August 15, 2013 The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Margaret McLaughlin Wife Berardina & Family Monday, Weekday Gary Rooney Tuesday, Weekday Kay OBrien Wednesday, St Maximilian Kolbe Arnold Guoiani Thursday, The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary The Piccolino Family Friday, Weekday Ignazio Mattei Saturday, Wife Elvira Nudo The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Adult Faith Enrichment

Upcoming events
Contemplative Prayer Group St. Monicas Contemplative Prayer Group meets every Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the parish rectory. After listening to a talk on the spiritual journey, we meditate together for up to half an hour. Our meetings will resume in September. Please join us! For information, please contact Audrey Booth or Pat Brabant through the parish office. See the posters next week for more information. FR.RAYMOND LAFONTAINE & WARDENS OF THE FABRIQUE OF ST. MONICA'S wish to thank our Sponsors. Please note that our Printers Imprimerie Drouin Inc will be closing at the end of August. The last publication from their office will be Sunday September 1st. We wish to thank Mr. Jacques and his team at Imprimerie Drouin for their years of service, and assure our current advertisers that we are working diligently to continue the Parish bulletin service. One of our Wardens will follow up with your file, and Imprimerie Drouin will refund any unused portion of your current contract. New Advertisers can contact one of the Wardens listed on the front of the bulletin cover or call the Parish office. Sincerely, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine & Wardens of the Fabrique of St. Monica's

8:00

8:00 8:00 4:00

Michele Pistilli August 16, 2013 Elene Pierantozi August 17, 2013 Ermando Giuseppe Nudo August 18, 2013

8:30

11:00

In Loving Memory: Isa Mazzella, Luigi Paliotti, Luigina Ciccarelli, Cuthbert Douglas, Edgaro O. Poce, Alba Salvati Vincenzo Saluzzi Maddalena Saluzzi & Family

Your Generosity
Thank you for your on-going support of our parish Last weekends collection was $2,717.95

FAITH FIRST REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

It may still be possible to register your child for this years Faith First classes, even though registration closed on August 15th, however you should do so as soon as possible to have a place. Faith First registration forms for the 2013-14 season are available at the entrances of the church, church hall and rectory. All new as well as returning students must fill out a form, and return it to the rectory to guarantee a spot. The cost of the program is $70 for one child, $95 for 2 children and $110 for 3 or more. Please note that your child will not be denied access to the program if you are unable to pay the fee. For further information, please contact Jennie Parsons-Armstrong at (514) 481-0267 or by email at jennie.armstrong@bell.net.