The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. Monicas Parish

September 15, 2013

MERCY WITHIN MERCY WITHIN MERCY

A few years ago, my friend Fr. Don Bolen, was chosen to be bishop of Saskatoon. When asked for his episcopal motto typically a Latin phrase taken from the Scriptures Bishop Don chose a phrase inspired by an imagined conversation between God and the prophet Jonah, as related by Trappist monk and mystic Thomas Merton: I have always overshadowed Jonah with my mercy. Have you caught sight of me, Jonah my child? Mercy within mercy within mercy. This is the vision of God portrayed by our Gospel this weekend, in the timeless story of the Parable of the Prodigal Son: a Father who waits, arms outstretched, unconditionally loving, for the return of two sons who have drifted away: one physically, the other spiritually. It is also at the heart of the vision put forward by Pope Francis since his election last March, when he chose as his motto: Miserando atque eligendo, a text inspired by the Gospel call to Matthew: Looking upon him with mercy, Jesus chose him. Indeed, when Pope Francis went to World Youth Day in Rio last July, the biggest press coverage was not of the 3.7 million faithful who attended Mass at Popacabana beach. It was of an impromptu press conference on the flight back to Rome, in which he spoke of the need for a compassionate response to the situation of gays and lesbians, of divorced and remarried Catholics in the Church, with the phrase: Who am I to judge? He went on: "Mercy is a larger theme than the question you raise. I believe this is the time of mercy. There are many problems in the church the bad example of some priests, corruption, clericalism these have left many wounds. The church is a mother: she must reach out to heal the wounds, with mercy. The Lord never tires of forgiving, and we don't have any other path than this one. As a mother, the church must find mercy for everyone. When the Prodigal Son returned home, his father didn't say: Sit down. What did you do with the money? No, he held a party. When the son was ready to talk, they talked. The church must do the same. Its not enough just to wait for them to return: we must go and seek them. This is mercy. I believe that our time is a kairos of mercy. In using the word kairos, Pope Francis announces that NOW is the time of mercy, the moment in history in which God's plan for salvation is unfolding. Gods plan IS mercy and compassion.

PARISH EVANGELIZATION RETREAT: JESUS, PRAYER, WITNESS

Inspired by these words of Pope Francis, Fr. Guylain Prince OFM, a dynamic Franciscan preacher, biblical scholar, and musician is coming this Saturday, September 21st, to lead our parish in a retreat day. We will begin at 9 a.m., share a delicious lunch together, and conclude with a joyful Mass of thanksgiving at 4 p.m. Please sign up this weekend so that we can plan appropriately. Nourished by our faith in Jesus, rooted in prayer, and joyful in our witness, let us embark together upon this adventure of the New Evangelization!! Please consider inviting a friend, neighbour, or family member to come and share in this day. St. Monicas R.C.I.A. Program The St. Monicas R.C.I.A. Program will begin on Wednesday, September 25 at 7 PM. If you would like to renew your faith, complete your Sacramental Initiation, desire to enter into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, or if you are from a different faith background and desire to know more about the Catholic Church, we invite you to contact Glenda Cadogan through the parish office for information about our program. The group will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the parish rectory.

Adult Faith Enrichment

Saturday,Sept. 14 4:00 8:30 11:00 Aniello DAddio Sunday, Sept. 15 Luigi & Alba Paliotti Exaltation of the Holy Cross Wife Franca 24th Sunday in Ord. Time The Paliotti Family Registration - Faith Sharing Groups Registration to join one of our Faith Sharing groups will take place after each Mass on September 21 and 22. This year our reflections are inspired by excerpts from the book Prism of Love: Gods Colours in Everyday Life, which helps us to delve a little deeper to disclose the secret of turning our life around and of living more freely and abundantly. Groups meet for 14 sessions throughout the year at convenient weekday or weekend times and locations. Registration by phone or e-mail (anna.diodati@stmonica.ca) will be accepted until October 4. 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. We invite you to join us! For information, please contact Audrey Booth or Pat Brabant through the parish office.
Please refer to our website and the posters at the Church entrances for additional information. If registration is required, kindly use the appropriate signup sheets at the main church entrance or contact Anna at the office 514-481-0267.

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In Loving Memory: Anthony, James McCool, Eric Rosentzweig, Sonia Moran, Elena Casale Zilli Monday, Sept. 16 St. Cornelius, St. Cyprian Carlo Scarsella Wife Rosa Tuesday, Sept. 17 Weekday Ermando Giuseppe Wife Elvira Nudo Nudo Wed.,Sept. 18 Weekday Brian Foran Lidia & Bob Fisher & Family Thursday,Sept. 19 Theresa, Julian & Kevin Rooney Friday,Sept. 20 Mickey Laughlin Saturday,Sept. 21 Weekday The Family
St. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon, Paul Chong Ha-Sang Companions

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The Family St. Matthew

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8:30 11:00

In Loving Memory: Mike Kilbertus, The Deceased Members of the Charles McDonald Family, Frank & Rosolino Sparapani, Fioravante Rotiroti, Edgardo Poce, Luigina Cicciarelli, Deceased members of the DeFazioIacovona family, Guiseppe Buono Sunday, Sept. 22 25th Sunday Ordinary Time Guglielmo & Agnese Vivian & Joseph Teodori Rosolino & Costanza Maria & family Sparapani Your Generosity
Thank you for your on-going support of our parish Last weekends collection was $2,485.50 Maintenance Collection: $312.00

From Death to New Life

Do you know someone who is struggling with grief? Events such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or other significant loss can leave us disoriented and vulnerable. From Death to New Life: A Christian Perspective on Loss offers practical tools for working through bereavement in talks, reflections and discussions that are centered on the healing power of faith, hope and love. Tuesdays, Sept. 17 to Nov. 26 from 7 to 9 pm. Information and registration: rlboileau@gmail.com.

FAITH FIRST REGISTRATIONS You can still register your children for the 2013-14 season of Faith First. To guarantee a place for your children, please fill out a registration form and return it to the rectory as soon as possible. Space is limited. For further information please contact Jennie Parsons-Armstrong at 514-481-0267 or jennie.armstrong@bell.net.