st francis xavier parish · 8/23/2020 · st. clare of assisi first reconciliation: thursday,...

1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion at

St. Francis Xavier Parish 2020

Dear Parents of our Grade 3 students, Greetings to you and your families. I hope you have been well during this difficult time. I’m sure it has been a time of much upheaval for you in many ways. We have certainly experienced this at the parish as well. As you know, last year’s Grade 2s did not get to celebrate their First Reconciliation or First Communion (with the exception of those students from Our Lady of Peace school who did get to make their First Reconciliation). Our Diocese has now provided guidelines for the celebration of these Sacraments in the upcoming school year, so I would like to share with you our plan for moving forward. DATES After speaking with our principals, we have agreed on the following dates for the rescheduling of these Sacramental celebrations: Our Lady of Peace First Communion: Sunday, September 13 at 4:00pm St. Clare of Assisi First Reconciliation: Thursday, September 17 at 6:30pm First Communion: Sunday, September 20 at 4:00pm St. Francis Xavier - will be divided into 2 groups due to having more students than the church can accommodate in one sitting Group 1 First Reconciliation: Thursday, September 24 at 6:30pm Group 1 First Communion: Sunday, September 27 at 4:00pm Group 2 First Reconciliation: Thursday, October 1 at 6:30pm (with St. Martin of Tours) Group 2 First Communion: Sunday, October 4 (with St. Martin of Tours) St. Martin of Tours First Reconciliation: Thursday, October 1 at 6:30pm (with St. Francis Xavier Group 2) First Communion: Sunday, October 4 at 4:00pm (with St. Francis Xavier Group 2) St. Agnes First Reconciliation: Thursday, October 15 at 6:30pm First Communion: Sunday, October 18 at 4:00pm

HOW ARE THINGS WORKING AT THE CHURCH RIGHT NOW? Currently, for each gathering in the church, we can accommodate 30% of the full seating capacity. What this translates to for the celebration of each of the Sacraments is that each student will get a pew for themselves and their family, and may bring a maximum of 4 family members with them, for a total of 5 people/family. This must be strictly adhered to so that we stay within the 30% capacity requirement. Hand sanitizer has been provided at the entrances and must be used before entering the church. Masks must also be worn upon entrance to the church and must be kept on for the entire celebration until you have returned to your vehicle. Seating in the church has been arranged so that the 2m of social distance is maintained between those from difference households. SPECIFICS FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION - Two stations will be set up in the sanctuary, with chairs for our priests. - Parents can bring their child forward to introduce them to one of the priests, and then stand to the side of the sanctuary while the child makes their First Reconciliation. - The children will stand (a spot will be marked on the floor) 2m from the priest hearing their confession and have their conversation with him from there. - After receiving absolution, each child can meet up with their parents again and return to their pew to say the prayers of penance given to them by the priest. After finishing their penance, that family is free to head home. - The evening will start with a brief liturgy. In normal circumstances the students would sing a couple of songs and lead the petition prayers, but to enhance safety, the singing will be eliminated and readings will be done by one adult. SPECIFICS FOR FIRST COMMUNION Children's Participation in the Mass: “Many of the elements of first Communion celebrations such as multiple children reading, multiple children presenting the gifts, and children singing a prepared hymn will not be possible. The congregation will need to wear masks, there will be only one Lector (an adult) who will proclaim all the readings including the petitions, and music ministry will be led by an instrumentalist and Cantor. Booklets/Certificates: No booklets or worship aids can be used. If certificates are printed, they may be distributed by mail. Marking the Occasion: A first Communion photo is often a treasured memento. Family photos may be taken outside the church (weather permitting) or at home. These may be shared digitally with the school and/or parish so that they may be displayed, with parents' permission, on websites or in a special PowerPoint, for example.”

PREPARATION The parish will make several resources available to you to use at home in preparation for both Sacraments. These will most likely consist of a couple of short online videos to watch for each Sacrament, to help your child and your family to prepare. These will be sent to you by email in the next week or so. I understand that these modified celebrations will likely result in some disappointment as there are many things that typically are part of them that are just not possible to include under the current circumstances. However, I encourage you to take comfort and joy in the fact that we can now celebrate these beautiful Sacraments with our children. Our parish and school teams are here to support you as we move forward, and will continue to communicate with you by email with future updates, reminders, and resources. If you require any assistance or have questions, please contact our parish youth minister, Wes Moga, at: 905-662-8593 ext. 6 or [email protected] You can also contact me directly at [email protected] or call 905 662 8593 ext. 4 Be assured of my prayers for you and your family as we journey together towards these most joyful celebrations. God bless you! Fr. Mariusz

mailto:[email protected]

https://saintfxstoneycreek.com/donate

The Rite of Christian Initiation of

Adults

Congratulations to our RCIA candidates who were received into

the Catholic Church on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

We welcome Steven John Campbell, Audrey Debralee

Doxtdator, Nathaniel David Elerus Nikolic, Madison Cobe Lena

Nikolic, Ayokunle Adesomoju, Rosie Spadafora and Dana Leigh

Van Der Marel who along with their sponsors spent many

months prior to the pandemic shutdown preparing for this

great occasion.

May God continue to bless them as they journey in their faith.

Anyone interested in becoming Catholic and would like to

participate in the RCIA process beginning this fall should call

the parish for more information.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR AUGUST 24 TO AUGUST 30, 2020

DATE MASS INTENTION REQUESTED BY

MONDAY, August 24: Amelia Spicuzza

Health & Blessings for Bozena

Soares & Family

Anne & Dan Smith

Bogdan & Anna

Szymkiewicz

TUESDAY, August 25: Dragica Slavina

Gemma DiGiacobbe

Anonymous

Franca & Family

WEDNESDAY, August 26:

Stelio Putigna

Francesca Panicucci

Robert deBaseggio

Maureen Bodden

Fr. Roger Formosi

Lidia Putigna

Elisa Torossi

St. Francis Xavier CWL

THURSDAY, August 27:

Dragica Slavina

Sergio & Silvano Scattolon

Anonymous

Maria Scattolon

FRIDAY, August 28:

Marisa Alfieri

Stephen Canton

Pierina DiPaolo

Claude & Carol Luscombe

SATURDAY, August 29:

5:30PM Mass

Maria Mantione

Stephen Canton

MULTI-INTENTIONAL

Ralph Mascia

Quintino Corsini

Greg & Laura DiPietro

Kazimierz Kubicki

Gianni Valle

Giovanni Parlato

Capretta & Valle Families

Sandra Carbone

Berardo Faiazza

Italo Damiani

Florio Family

Lidia Putigna

Rosa Mascia

Argia Corsini

Julie Letnik

Marek Kulak

Enrichetta Valle

C. & A. DiBartolomeo

Enrichetta Valle

John & Sandie Pizzuti

Agata Faiazza

Josie Zuppa & Flora Nordoss

SUNDAY, August 30:

9:00 AM Mass

11:00AM Mass

Missa Pro Populo

Giovannina DeMasi

John Santarelli

Diane Cullen

Leonarda DeMasi

Angela Santarelli

Lorraine Bates

Edenrock Fire Community Support

Likely many of us have heard about the fire that recently damaged and destroyed a

number of townhouses in Winona.

The Mazza Team Real Estate Professionals are organizing assistance for the families

who have lost their homes, including the collection of funds and items.

If you're looking for ways to help support the families, here are a couple of the

Mazza Team's links:

GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/edenrock-fire-community-support

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Edenrock-Fire-Community-Support-

115174320284030/?ref=nf&hc_ref=ARRQEo-

QJmXV93ntQGrba8Ta3_lSzlVX0UMB_ZhbWbIWJIroQ5DNXLQ9Kg2xjmNCK5Y

https://www.gofundme.com/f/edenrock-fire-community-support

https://www.facebook.com/Edenrock-Fire-Community-Support-115174320284030/?ref=nf&hc_ref=ARRQEo-QJmXV93ntQGrba8Ta3_lSzlVX0UMB_ZhbWbIWJIroQ5DNXLQ9Kg2xjmNCK5Y



NOVENA IN PREPARATION

FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2020-2021

INTRODUCTION

We begin our Novena with the Gospel of Jesus and the

woman at the well. The story of a woman whose own

encounter with the Lord is so transforming that she is

compelled to tell her whole community. Many came to

believe because of her testimony.

This is the story of Catholic Education in the province

of Ontario. The story of women and men whose own

encounter with the Lord has been so transforming that

they are compelled to share their testimony.

Let us witness together to our faith that God is calling

us once again to be formed as his people, his Body.

We are called to be witnesses as we head towards the

start of the school year, in a time of such uncertainty,

that we can be assured that God cares for us, is with

us, saves us.

On this first day of 9 days of prayer, we will join

together – parishes and schools, staff and students,

parents and grandparents, parishioners and

community members and we will pray for the

protection of all, for the peace of all, for the wisdom

and courage for us all.

Our Novena will come to completion on the first day of

school – September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of the

Blessed Virgin Mary. The Bishops of Canada have

dedicated our nation to Mary and have placed us

under her loving protection as she brings our cares

and concerns to her Son. The Diocese of Hamilton,

including every one of our six English speaking and our

one French speaking school boards, rests under the

protection of our Lady of the Annunciation. Like Mary,

let us ponder all God has done for us, let us be filled

with the Holy Spirit, and let us always turn to her Son

who died to save us and is even now at our side,

strengthening us.

DAY 2: WE ARE A PEOPLE WHO DISCERN THE SPIRIT’S GIFTS AMONG US.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit among us so that we may find wisdom,

courage, and understanding in our community. Let us use our gifts to give witness to

God’s goodness. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church and protector, to

pray with us and for us as we head back to school this September.

O God, who gave us your only Son so that we may have everlasting life,

may we be confident in your love and mercy.

May we look forward to this coming school year knowing you are always with us.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DAY 3: WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS.


Let us be ready to serve the Lord by serving others in our families and our parishes and

in our school community. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church and

protector, to pray with us and for us as we head back to school this September.





DAY 1: WE PROCLAIM THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST CRUCIFIED.


Let us be strengthened as we proclaim Christ crucified, knowing he died for us. We look

to our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church and protector, to pray with us and for us as

we head back to school this September.





DAY 5: THE LORD KNOWS OUR HEARTS.


Let us remember that the Lord knows our hearts. Even when we have no words, the Holy

Spirit will carry our prayers to our loving Father. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of

the Church and protector, to pray with us and for us as we head back to school this

September.





DAY 6: WE ARE HUNGRY AND THIRSTY FOR THE LORD.


We are hungry and thirsty for the Lord – for his word, his light, and his truth. We know

that he will lead us closer to the Father. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of the

Church and protector, to pray with us and for us as we head back to school this

September.





DAY 4: ALL THINGS BELONG TO CHRIST AND CHRIST BELONGS TO GOD.


Let us remember that all things belong to Christ – even our worries – and Christ belongs

to God – so we can trust that our worries are carried in God’s loving arms. We look to

our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church and protector, to pray with us and for us as we

head back to school this September.





DAY 8: CHRIST HAS SAVED US.


We know that Christ has saved us. Let us live as people of the resurrection – sure of his

saving power in our lives every day. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church

and protector, to pray with us and for us as we head back to school tomorrow.





DAY 9: NOW THE TIME HAS COME; WE REJOICE IN THE LORD WHO BRINGS GOOD

THINGS TO LIFE.


The time has come. School begins today. We know that our Father’s timing is perfect. On

this day, as we remember the birth of Mary, and how God’s plan for our salvation was

unfolding in that time and place as he chose her to be the Mother of God’s only-

begotten Son. Let us remember that God has a plan to bring good things to life in our

time, too. We look to Mary, Mother of the Church and protector, to pray with us and for

us as we head back to school this day.



May we begin this school year knowing you are always with us.


DAY 7: LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW.


The Lord has taught us that love is the fulfilling of the law. Let us be obedient to God’s

law by loving one another. We look to our mother, Mary, Mother of the Church and

protector, to pray with us and for us as we head back to school in just a few days.





st francis xavier parish · 8/23/2020 · st. clare of assisi first reconciliation: thursday,...

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