st thomas morestm-parish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/decemberr-24-2017.pdf · michael stewart...
TRANSCRIPT
Saint Thomas More Parish
SACRAMENT
MarriagePlease contact the parish priest at least 8 months prior to planned wedding date Marriage preparaon course is requiredSacrament of BapsmPreparaon - First Wednesday of the month at 700pm at the church The Sacrament of Bapsm will be celebrated on the last Sunday of the month at the 1115am MassPrayer MeengEvery Tuesday at 700pm in the Sacred Heart roomWeekly AdoraonThe Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoraon aer the 900am Mass on Thursday All are invited to spend some me with Jesus
Thank You for Comingto Our Church
In St Thomas More Parish we believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we try to give faithful witness to the power of
the Holy Spirit in us both in our worship together and in our service to the local community We desire to be grateful for the gifts God has given us as a parish family and to readily share
them in our ministries
Welcome
OFFICE15 Caledonia Road
Dartmouth NS B2X 1K7Tel (902) 434-4190Fax (902) 435-7267
Email officeinfonsaliantzinccaWebsite hpstm-parishcom
Office HoursMonday Wednesday amp Thursday 900am - 500pm
Tuesday amp Friday 900am - 230pmLunch Break 1200pm - 100pm
MASS SCHEDULE
Lordrsquos Day MassesSaturday 400pm Sunday 830am 1115am
Weekday MassesMonday - No Mass
Tuesday 1215pm Wednesday-Friday 900amSummer Hours
Saturday 400pm Sunday 1000am
Sacrament of ReconciliaonTuesday By appointment Saturday 300pm - 345pm
MASS INTENTION SCHEDULE FINANCIAL NEWS Dec17 2017
Dec 17 - Sunday Offering $ 595879 If you wish to offer your Sunday Offering
using Direct Deposit in 2018 please contact the parish office for information Thank you
Sunday Dec 24 - 700pm 1000 pm
Monday December 25
Tuesday Dec 26- 1215 pm
Wednesday Dec 27ndash 9 am
Thursday Dec 28ndash 9 am
Friday Dec 29 mdash 9 am
Brian Mallon
Doris Bedell
Michael Stewart
SCRIPTURE READINGS For this weekend
1st Reading 2 Samuel 715 8b-1214a
Rs Psalm Ps 89 1-23-426+28 2nd Reading Romans 16 25-27
Gospel Luke 126-38
Parish Priest Father Toochukwu Okafor toochukwuokaforyahoocom Deacon Danny MacDonald macd1950hotmailcom Deacon James McLevey mcleveynssympaticoca Catechist Primary-6 Shereen Daniels sdreligioused267gmailcom Catechist Jr High Diane Gibbons dianejuniorhighgmailcom Office Administrator Catherine Gonsalves officeinfonsaliantzincca Music Director Kim Sampson 865-8543 kimplusmusicgmailcom Junior Choir Director Debbie Hartlen 861-0667 rbhbellaliantnet Pastoral Council Chair Brian MacIntyre macintbjeastlinkca Catholic Womenrsquos League Marguerite Fougere hfougerenssympaticoca Responsible Ministry RoseAnn Hetherington rahetheringtonns sympaticoca Knights of Columbus Mike Curry gk13987nskofcgmailcom
St Vincent de Paul Martin Delaney delaney1nssympaticoca Property amp Mass Coordinator Wayne OrsquoLeary linwaybellaliantnet Liturgy David Chiddenton davidchiddentongmailcom
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHRISTMAS December 24 amp 25 2017
PARISH STAFF amp MINISTRY CONTACTS
Saturday Dec23 ndash 400 pm
Joe Boudreau
Charles McNamara amp Bill Fenn Betty Brokenshire
John Archie MacKenzie
Kay McMullin
Christmas amp New Year Mass Schedule
(Carol singing will start 30 minutes before each Mass)
Christmas Eve ndash Sunday December 24 Mass - 7 pm and 10 pm
Christmas Day ndash Monday December 25 ndash Massmdash10 am
Feast of Mary Mother of God Sunday December 31 - Mass is at 400 pm
Feast of Mary Mother of God ndash Monday
January 1 2018 - Mass is at 1000 am
My Dear Parishioners and Friends in Christ
With joy I welcome all you and all our visitors to
St Thomas More Parish
As we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ I wish you and all your loved ones the
choicest blessings that this season brings
As Pope Benedict XV1 once said ldquoLet us ensure
that the exchange of greetings and gifts at this
Christmas season does not lose its deep religious
significance and that the exterior aspects that play
upon our heartstrings does not absorb the feast
Certainly external signs are beautiful and important
so long as they do not distract us but rather help us
to experience Christmas in its truest sense ndash the sacred and Christian sense ndash and cause our joy to
be not superficial but deeprdquo
The whole mystery of Christmas is the mystery of Godrsquos love God who took on the human nature
in order to reach out to us in our poverty and state of sin Hence He sent His only Son Emmanuel
ldquoGod with usrdquo He comes to be with us both in our moments of joy and sorrow in sickness and in
health in good times and in bad times He is always with us in the journey of life He comes to save
us and to give us life in abundance This Christmas let us be conscious of the mystery of the
Incarnation (God with us) and live it more personally such that each person can truly say ldquoGod is
with merdquo no matter the situation heshe is going through Also like Jesus may we continue to
reach out to others in both the joyful or sorrowful moments of their lives in their moments of
struggles or of breakthroughs With all my heart I thank all our staff parishioners and friends who
through their acts of generosity and kindness brought joy hope and new life to my life and the lives
of others who are needy in our parish and beyond I thank you for contributing generously your
talents time and treasures to support our parish You are truly amazing people and I feel
so blessed to minister among you
I pray that God may bless and reward you abundantly May we continue to pray for one another
and be a sign of Godrsquos presence to each other I wish you all and your families Merry Christmas
abundant blessings peace and joy at this Holy Season and all the days of your life Amen
I love you all
Fr Toochukwu Okafor
Pastor
Christmas Message from our Pastor
Say YES and let Jesus do the Rest
For a moment letrsquos all think about our day timers Whether or not itrsquos electronic or hard
copy for most of us we have the next two or three months planned out already We know
just what we are going to be doing we know when and with whom we are going to meet
There is a real comfort in that as well as most of us like to know whatrsquos coming ahead of
time
Think also about growing up and having a desire to enter into a certain profession Likely
you got an education in the field which prepared you to work and be successful in that field
Again there is a real security in knowing you are prepared for whatrsquos coming in your life
This makes Maryrsquos ldquoyesrdquo in my mind all the more remarkable Think of a 12 to14 year old
girl during the time of Jesus being asked to say yes to God and to be completely in the dark as to what the future would
bring her Irsquom sure she would be aware of the coming of the Messiah and that he would come to save the world But
Irsquom also sure that she had no idea that the saviour would come through her Still Mary said yes Mary and Joseph knew
what society at that time did to unwed mothers but still she said yes However while Mary must have been frightened
she also had a faith in Jesus and allowed her to say yes She knew that if she said yes that Jesus would do the rest This
week I learned about a story of a Sister and a Priest who live in Haiti They came from very different backgrounds but
were both called by God for very special tasks Father Charles is in the process of building an orphanage in Haiti that
will provide a home for children in an area that is in great need of an orphanage Sister Therese is creating a spiritual
retreat centre and agricultural centre for the people of Haiti Both projects are in different stages of completion which is
remarkable as both ideas started from desire with no money or people or other resources And of course it was able to
progress because both Father Charles and Sister Therese said yes and Jesus is doing the rest I donrsquot mean that we say
yes and then we sit back passively however when we say yes Jesus guides us and helps to take down obstacles that are
in our way Just like he helped Mary and guided her
This is our call as well this Advent and Christmas all we have to do is to say yes and Jesus will do
the rest I would like to wish you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas
God bless you Deacon Dan
STM NEWS
2018 Sunday Offering envelopes The 2018 envelopes are available for pick up at the school
entrance They have been arranged in
alphabetical order according to LAST NAME For those
parishioners who are contributing via PAR (direct de-
posit) there are small colored boxes of envelopes for spe-
cial donations eg Christmas Easter Building Fund etc
If your box of envelope is missing please contact the
parish office If you wish to receive Sunday Offering
Envelopes please write your name and tel on the form
available at the school entrance or call the parish office
Thanks for supporting your parish God bless you
STM Office Closure The office will be closed from
Friday December 22 2017 noon and will re-open on
Tuesday January 2 2018
We look forward to serving you in 2018
Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group will not be meeting
on Tuesday December 26 They will see you in 2018
Thank You
On behalf of the entire parish a word of thanks to all
who worked so hard to make our Christmas Liturgies
so beautiful the Choirs Ministers of the Word
Ministers of Holy Communion Mass Coordinators
Altar Servers Hospitality Ministers Counters and in
particular the dedicated team of volunteers who
decorated the church in preparation for Christmas
Thank you for your hard work and commitment and
for sharing your time and talents with the parish
May God bless you and your family
We remember Gary Carville whose funeral service
was held here on Thursday December 21 May his
soul rest in peace We offer our condolences to his
family and have them in our prayers May God give
them the strength to bear their loss
REFLECTION CORNER
STM RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
JUNIOR NEWS During our last class of 2017 the youth were very creative
and imaginative as they made cards to be included in the
Christmas Dinner boxes The blend of color humor
sentiment and artistry was delightful and sure to touch the
hearts of those who will receive them Their desire to bring
some Christmas cheer into the homes and hearts of others
continued when they stuffed 24 stocking with hats mittens
toys and sweet treats for the children at the Boys and Girls
Club Our youth repeatedly display generosity and
compassion through their actions which shows they
understand the true meaning of Christmas In the spirit of the
Wise Men they want to help spread the splendor of this
Blessed Season
The staff at St Thomas More take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Holy and Healthy New Year
God Bless you all
GRADES PRIMARY TO SIX
Childrens Liturgy Will resume in the New Year Thanks to all the
Catechists who lead this ministry for our children
January 2 2018 Shereen will be back in the office on Tuesday
morning at 9 am
January 7 2018 Start date for Childrens Liturgy and Catechism
classes
Chalice Can Thanks to our parishioners and children who for sup-
porting Cristobal Maksym Sofia Priscilla amp
Marcelin in 2017 You can see their Christmas cards
in the church foyer We look forward to your
on-going support
Last weeks Total $5395
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office
MASS INTENTION SCHEDULE FINANCIAL NEWS Dec17 2017
Dec 17 - Sunday Offering $ 595879 If you wish to offer your Sunday Offering
using Direct Deposit in 2018 please contact the parish office for information Thank you
Sunday Dec 24 - 700pm 1000 pm
Monday December 25
Tuesday Dec 26- 1215 pm
Wednesday Dec 27ndash 9 am
Thursday Dec 28ndash 9 am
Friday Dec 29 mdash 9 am
Brian Mallon
Doris Bedell
Michael Stewart
SCRIPTURE READINGS For this weekend
1st Reading 2 Samuel 715 8b-1214a
Rs Psalm Ps 89 1-23-426+28 2nd Reading Romans 16 25-27
Gospel Luke 126-38
Parish Priest Father Toochukwu Okafor toochukwuokaforyahoocom Deacon Danny MacDonald macd1950hotmailcom Deacon James McLevey mcleveynssympaticoca Catechist Primary-6 Shereen Daniels sdreligioused267gmailcom Catechist Jr High Diane Gibbons dianejuniorhighgmailcom Office Administrator Catherine Gonsalves officeinfonsaliantzincca Music Director Kim Sampson 865-8543 kimplusmusicgmailcom Junior Choir Director Debbie Hartlen 861-0667 rbhbellaliantnet Pastoral Council Chair Brian MacIntyre macintbjeastlinkca Catholic Womenrsquos League Marguerite Fougere hfougerenssympaticoca Responsible Ministry RoseAnn Hetherington rahetheringtonns sympaticoca Knights of Columbus Mike Curry gk13987nskofcgmailcom
St Vincent de Paul Martin Delaney delaney1nssympaticoca Property amp Mass Coordinator Wayne OrsquoLeary linwaybellaliantnet Liturgy David Chiddenton davidchiddentongmailcom
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT CHRISTMAS December 24 amp 25 2017
PARISH STAFF amp MINISTRY CONTACTS
Saturday Dec23 ndash 400 pm
Joe Boudreau
Charles McNamara amp Bill Fenn Betty Brokenshire
John Archie MacKenzie
Kay McMullin
Christmas amp New Year Mass Schedule
(Carol singing will start 30 minutes before each Mass)
Christmas Eve ndash Sunday December 24 Mass - 7 pm and 10 pm
Christmas Day ndash Monday December 25 ndash Massmdash10 am
Feast of Mary Mother of God Sunday December 31 - Mass is at 400 pm
Feast of Mary Mother of God ndash Monday
January 1 2018 - Mass is at 1000 am
My Dear Parishioners and Friends in Christ
With joy I welcome all you and all our visitors to
St Thomas More Parish
As we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ I wish you and all your loved ones the
choicest blessings that this season brings
As Pope Benedict XV1 once said ldquoLet us ensure
that the exchange of greetings and gifts at this
Christmas season does not lose its deep religious
significance and that the exterior aspects that play
upon our heartstrings does not absorb the feast
Certainly external signs are beautiful and important
so long as they do not distract us but rather help us
to experience Christmas in its truest sense ndash the sacred and Christian sense ndash and cause our joy to
be not superficial but deeprdquo
The whole mystery of Christmas is the mystery of Godrsquos love God who took on the human nature
in order to reach out to us in our poverty and state of sin Hence He sent His only Son Emmanuel
ldquoGod with usrdquo He comes to be with us both in our moments of joy and sorrow in sickness and in
health in good times and in bad times He is always with us in the journey of life He comes to save
us and to give us life in abundance This Christmas let us be conscious of the mystery of the
Incarnation (God with us) and live it more personally such that each person can truly say ldquoGod is
with merdquo no matter the situation heshe is going through Also like Jesus may we continue to
reach out to others in both the joyful or sorrowful moments of their lives in their moments of
struggles or of breakthroughs With all my heart I thank all our staff parishioners and friends who
through their acts of generosity and kindness brought joy hope and new life to my life and the lives
of others who are needy in our parish and beyond I thank you for contributing generously your
talents time and treasures to support our parish You are truly amazing people and I feel
so blessed to minister among you
I pray that God may bless and reward you abundantly May we continue to pray for one another
and be a sign of Godrsquos presence to each other I wish you all and your families Merry Christmas
abundant blessings peace and joy at this Holy Season and all the days of your life Amen
I love you all
Fr Toochukwu Okafor
Pastor
Christmas Message from our Pastor
Say YES and let Jesus do the Rest
For a moment letrsquos all think about our day timers Whether or not itrsquos electronic or hard
copy for most of us we have the next two or three months planned out already We know
just what we are going to be doing we know when and with whom we are going to meet
There is a real comfort in that as well as most of us like to know whatrsquos coming ahead of
time
Think also about growing up and having a desire to enter into a certain profession Likely
you got an education in the field which prepared you to work and be successful in that field
Again there is a real security in knowing you are prepared for whatrsquos coming in your life
This makes Maryrsquos ldquoyesrdquo in my mind all the more remarkable Think of a 12 to14 year old
girl during the time of Jesus being asked to say yes to God and to be completely in the dark as to what the future would
bring her Irsquom sure she would be aware of the coming of the Messiah and that he would come to save the world But
Irsquom also sure that she had no idea that the saviour would come through her Still Mary said yes Mary and Joseph knew
what society at that time did to unwed mothers but still she said yes However while Mary must have been frightened
she also had a faith in Jesus and allowed her to say yes She knew that if she said yes that Jesus would do the rest This
week I learned about a story of a Sister and a Priest who live in Haiti They came from very different backgrounds but
were both called by God for very special tasks Father Charles is in the process of building an orphanage in Haiti that
will provide a home for children in an area that is in great need of an orphanage Sister Therese is creating a spiritual
retreat centre and agricultural centre for the people of Haiti Both projects are in different stages of completion which is
remarkable as both ideas started from desire with no money or people or other resources And of course it was able to
progress because both Father Charles and Sister Therese said yes and Jesus is doing the rest I donrsquot mean that we say
yes and then we sit back passively however when we say yes Jesus guides us and helps to take down obstacles that are
in our way Just like he helped Mary and guided her
This is our call as well this Advent and Christmas all we have to do is to say yes and Jesus will do
the rest I would like to wish you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas
God bless you Deacon Dan
STM NEWS
2018 Sunday Offering envelopes The 2018 envelopes are available for pick up at the school
entrance They have been arranged in
alphabetical order according to LAST NAME For those
parishioners who are contributing via PAR (direct de-
posit) there are small colored boxes of envelopes for spe-
cial donations eg Christmas Easter Building Fund etc
If your box of envelope is missing please contact the
parish office If you wish to receive Sunday Offering
Envelopes please write your name and tel on the form
available at the school entrance or call the parish office
Thanks for supporting your parish God bless you
STM Office Closure The office will be closed from
Friday December 22 2017 noon and will re-open on
Tuesday January 2 2018
We look forward to serving you in 2018
Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group will not be meeting
on Tuesday December 26 They will see you in 2018
Thank You
On behalf of the entire parish a word of thanks to all
who worked so hard to make our Christmas Liturgies
so beautiful the Choirs Ministers of the Word
Ministers of Holy Communion Mass Coordinators
Altar Servers Hospitality Ministers Counters and in
particular the dedicated team of volunteers who
decorated the church in preparation for Christmas
Thank you for your hard work and commitment and
for sharing your time and talents with the parish
May God bless you and your family
We remember Gary Carville whose funeral service
was held here on Thursday December 21 May his
soul rest in peace We offer our condolences to his
family and have them in our prayers May God give
them the strength to bear their loss
REFLECTION CORNER
STM RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
JUNIOR NEWS During our last class of 2017 the youth were very creative
and imaginative as they made cards to be included in the
Christmas Dinner boxes The blend of color humor
sentiment and artistry was delightful and sure to touch the
hearts of those who will receive them Their desire to bring
some Christmas cheer into the homes and hearts of others
continued when they stuffed 24 stocking with hats mittens
toys and sweet treats for the children at the Boys and Girls
Club Our youth repeatedly display generosity and
compassion through their actions which shows they
understand the true meaning of Christmas In the spirit of the
Wise Men they want to help spread the splendor of this
Blessed Season
The staff at St Thomas More take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Holy and Healthy New Year
God Bless you all
GRADES PRIMARY TO SIX
Childrens Liturgy Will resume in the New Year Thanks to all the
Catechists who lead this ministry for our children
January 2 2018 Shereen will be back in the office on Tuesday
morning at 9 am
January 7 2018 Start date for Childrens Liturgy and Catechism
classes
Chalice Can Thanks to our parishioners and children who for sup-
porting Cristobal Maksym Sofia Priscilla amp
Marcelin in 2017 You can see their Christmas cards
in the church foyer We look forward to your
on-going support
Last weeks Total $5395
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office
My Dear Parishioners and Friends in Christ
With joy I welcome all you and all our visitors to
St Thomas More Parish
As we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ I wish you and all your loved ones the
choicest blessings that this season brings
As Pope Benedict XV1 once said ldquoLet us ensure
that the exchange of greetings and gifts at this
Christmas season does not lose its deep religious
significance and that the exterior aspects that play
upon our heartstrings does not absorb the feast
Certainly external signs are beautiful and important
so long as they do not distract us but rather help us
to experience Christmas in its truest sense ndash the sacred and Christian sense ndash and cause our joy to
be not superficial but deeprdquo
The whole mystery of Christmas is the mystery of Godrsquos love God who took on the human nature
in order to reach out to us in our poverty and state of sin Hence He sent His only Son Emmanuel
ldquoGod with usrdquo He comes to be with us both in our moments of joy and sorrow in sickness and in
health in good times and in bad times He is always with us in the journey of life He comes to save
us and to give us life in abundance This Christmas let us be conscious of the mystery of the
Incarnation (God with us) and live it more personally such that each person can truly say ldquoGod is
with merdquo no matter the situation heshe is going through Also like Jesus may we continue to
reach out to others in both the joyful or sorrowful moments of their lives in their moments of
struggles or of breakthroughs With all my heart I thank all our staff parishioners and friends who
through their acts of generosity and kindness brought joy hope and new life to my life and the lives
of others who are needy in our parish and beyond I thank you for contributing generously your
talents time and treasures to support our parish You are truly amazing people and I feel
so blessed to minister among you
I pray that God may bless and reward you abundantly May we continue to pray for one another
and be a sign of Godrsquos presence to each other I wish you all and your families Merry Christmas
abundant blessings peace and joy at this Holy Season and all the days of your life Amen
I love you all
Fr Toochukwu Okafor
Pastor
Christmas Message from our Pastor
Say YES and let Jesus do the Rest
For a moment letrsquos all think about our day timers Whether or not itrsquos electronic or hard
copy for most of us we have the next two or three months planned out already We know
just what we are going to be doing we know when and with whom we are going to meet
There is a real comfort in that as well as most of us like to know whatrsquos coming ahead of
time
Think also about growing up and having a desire to enter into a certain profession Likely
you got an education in the field which prepared you to work and be successful in that field
Again there is a real security in knowing you are prepared for whatrsquos coming in your life
This makes Maryrsquos ldquoyesrdquo in my mind all the more remarkable Think of a 12 to14 year old
girl during the time of Jesus being asked to say yes to God and to be completely in the dark as to what the future would
bring her Irsquom sure she would be aware of the coming of the Messiah and that he would come to save the world But
Irsquom also sure that she had no idea that the saviour would come through her Still Mary said yes Mary and Joseph knew
what society at that time did to unwed mothers but still she said yes However while Mary must have been frightened
she also had a faith in Jesus and allowed her to say yes She knew that if she said yes that Jesus would do the rest This
week I learned about a story of a Sister and a Priest who live in Haiti They came from very different backgrounds but
were both called by God for very special tasks Father Charles is in the process of building an orphanage in Haiti that
will provide a home for children in an area that is in great need of an orphanage Sister Therese is creating a spiritual
retreat centre and agricultural centre for the people of Haiti Both projects are in different stages of completion which is
remarkable as both ideas started from desire with no money or people or other resources And of course it was able to
progress because both Father Charles and Sister Therese said yes and Jesus is doing the rest I donrsquot mean that we say
yes and then we sit back passively however when we say yes Jesus guides us and helps to take down obstacles that are
in our way Just like he helped Mary and guided her
This is our call as well this Advent and Christmas all we have to do is to say yes and Jesus will do
the rest I would like to wish you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas
God bless you Deacon Dan
STM NEWS
2018 Sunday Offering envelopes The 2018 envelopes are available for pick up at the school
entrance They have been arranged in
alphabetical order according to LAST NAME For those
parishioners who are contributing via PAR (direct de-
posit) there are small colored boxes of envelopes for spe-
cial donations eg Christmas Easter Building Fund etc
If your box of envelope is missing please contact the
parish office If you wish to receive Sunday Offering
Envelopes please write your name and tel on the form
available at the school entrance or call the parish office
Thanks for supporting your parish God bless you
STM Office Closure The office will be closed from
Friday December 22 2017 noon and will re-open on
Tuesday January 2 2018
We look forward to serving you in 2018
Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group will not be meeting
on Tuesday December 26 They will see you in 2018
Thank You
On behalf of the entire parish a word of thanks to all
who worked so hard to make our Christmas Liturgies
so beautiful the Choirs Ministers of the Word
Ministers of Holy Communion Mass Coordinators
Altar Servers Hospitality Ministers Counters and in
particular the dedicated team of volunteers who
decorated the church in preparation for Christmas
Thank you for your hard work and commitment and
for sharing your time and talents with the parish
May God bless you and your family
We remember Gary Carville whose funeral service
was held here on Thursday December 21 May his
soul rest in peace We offer our condolences to his
family and have them in our prayers May God give
them the strength to bear their loss
REFLECTION CORNER
STM RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
JUNIOR NEWS During our last class of 2017 the youth were very creative
and imaginative as they made cards to be included in the
Christmas Dinner boxes The blend of color humor
sentiment and artistry was delightful and sure to touch the
hearts of those who will receive them Their desire to bring
some Christmas cheer into the homes and hearts of others
continued when they stuffed 24 stocking with hats mittens
toys and sweet treats for the children at the Boys and Girls
Club Our youth repeatedly display generosity and
compassion through their actions which shows they
understand the true meaning of Christmas In the spirit of the
Wise Men they want to help spread the splendor of this
Blessed Season
The staff at St Thomas More take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Holy and Healthy New Year
God Bless you all
GRADES PRIMARY TO SIX
Childrens Liturgy Will resume in the New Year Thanks to all the
Catechists who lead this ministry for our children
January 2 2018 Shereen will be back in the office on Tuesday
morning at 9 am
January 7 2018 Start date for Childrens Liturgy and Catechism
classes
Chalice Can Thanks to our parishioners and children who for sup-
porting Cristobal Maksym Sofia Priscilla amp
Marcelin in 2017 You can see their Christmas cards
in the church foyer We look forward to your
on-going support
Last weeks Total $5395
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office
Say YES and let Jesus do the Rest
For a moment letrsquos all think about our day timers Whether or not itrsquos electronic or hard
copy for most of us we have the next two or three months planned out already We know
just what we are going to be doing we know when and with whom we are going to meet
There is a real comfort in that as well as most of us like to know whatrsquos coming ahead of
time
Think also about growing up and having a desire to enter into a certain profession Likely
you got an education in the field which prepared you to work and be successful in that field
Again there is a real security in knowing you are prepared for whatrsquos coming in your life
This makes Maryrsquos ldquoyesrdquo in my mind all the more remarkable Think of a 12 to14 year old
girl during the time of Jesus being asked to say yes to God and to be completely in the dark as to what the future would
bring her Irsquom sure she would be aware of the coming of the Messiah and that he would come to save the world But
Irsquom also sure that she had no idea that the saviour would come through her Still Mary said yes Mary and Joseph knew
what society at that time did to unwed mothers but still she said yes However while Mary must have been frightened
she also had a faith in Jesus and allowed her to say yes She knew that if she said yes that Jesus would do the rest This
week I learned about a story of a Sister and a Priest who live in Haiti They came from very different backgrounds but
were both called by God for very special tasks Father Charles is in the process of building an orphanage in Haiti that
will provide a home for children in an area that is in great need of an orphanage Sister Therese is creating a spiritual
retreat centre and agricultural centre for the people of Haiti Both projects are in different stages of completion which is
remarkable as both ideas started from desire with no money or people or other resources And of course it was able to
progress because both Father Charles and Sister Therese said yes and Jesus is doing the rest I donrsquot mean that we say
yes and then we sit back passively however when we say yes Jesus guides us and helps to take down obstacles that are
in our way Just like he helped Mary and guided her
This is our call as well this Advent and Christmas all we have to do is to say yes and Jesus will do
the rest I would like to wish you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas
God bless you Deacon Dan
STM NEWS
2018 Sunday Offering envelopes The 2018 envelopes are available for pick up at the school
entrance They have been arranged in
alphabetical order according to LAST NAME For those
parishioners who are contributing via PAR (direct de-
posit) there are small colored boxes of envelopes for spe-
cial donations eg Christmas Easter Building Fund etc
If your box of envelope is missing please contact the
parish office If you wish to receive Sunday Offering
Envelopes please write your name and tel on the form
available at the school entrance or call the parish office
Thanks for supporting your parish God bless you
STM Office Closure The office will be closed from
Friday December 22 2017 noon and will re-open on
Tuesday January 2 2018
We look forward to serving you in 2018
Our Lady of Grace Prayer Group will not be meeting
on Tuesday December 26 They will see you in 2018
Thank You
On behalf of the entire parish a word of thanks to all
who worked so hard to make our Christmas Liturgies
so beautiful the Choirs Ministers of the Word
Ministers of Holy Communion Mass Coordinators
Altar Servers Hospitality Ministers Counters and in
particular the dedicated team of volunteers who
decorated the church in preparation for Christmas
Thank you for your hard work and commitment and
for sharing your time and talents with the parish
May God bless you and your family
We remember Gary Carville whose funeral service
was held here on Thursday December 21 May his
soul rest in peace We offer our condolences to his
family and have them in our prayers May God give
them the strength to bear their loss
REFLECTION CORNER
STM RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
JUNIOR NEWS During our last class of 2017 the youth were very creative
and imaginative as they made cards to be included in the
Christmas Dinner boxes The blend of color humor
sentiment and artistry was delightful and sure to touch the
hearts of those who will receive them Their desire to bring
some Christmas cheer into the homes and hearts of others
continued when they stuffed 24 stocking with hats mittens
toys and sweet treats for the children at the Boys and Girls
Club Our youth repeatedly display generosity and
compassion through their actions which shows they
understand the true meaning of Christmas In the spirit of the
Wise Men they want to help spread the splendor of this
Blessed Season
The staff at St Thomas More take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Holy and Healthy New Year
God Bless you all
GRADES PRIMARY TO SIX
Childrens Liturgy Will resume in the New Year Thanks to all the
Catechists who lead this ministry for our children
January 2 2018 Shereen will be back in the office on Tuesday
morning at 9 am
January 7 2018 Start date for Childrens Liturgy and Catechism
classes
Chalice Can Thanks to our parishioners and children who for sup-
porting Cristobal Maksym Sofia Priscilla amp
Marcelin in 2017 You can see their Christmas cards
in the church foyer We look forward to your
on-going support
Last weeks Total $5395
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office
STM RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
JUNIOR NEWS During our last class of 2017 the youth were very creative
and imaginative as they made cards to be included in the
Christmas Dinner boxes The blend of color humor
sentiment and artistry was delightful and sure to touch the
hearts of those who will receive them Their desire to bring
some Christmas cheer into the homes and hearts of others
continued when they stuffed 24 stocking with hats mittens
toys and sweet treats for the children at the Boys and Girls
Club Our youth repeatedly display generosity and
compassion through their actions which shows they
understand the true meaning of Christmas In the spirit of the
Wise Men they want to help spread the splendor of this
Blessed Season
The staff at St Thomas More take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyous Christmas and a Happy Holy and Healthy New Year
God Bless you all
GRADES PRIMARY TO SIX
Childrens Liturgy Will resume in the New Year Thanks to all the
Catechists who lead this ministry for our children
January 2 2018 Shereen will be back in the office on Tuesday
morning at 9 am
January 7 2018 Start date for Childrens Liturgy and Catechism
classes
Chalice Can Thanks to our parishioners and children who for sup-
porting Cristobal Maksym Sofia Priscilla amp
Marcelin in 2017 You can see their Christmas cards
in the church foyer We look forward to your
on-going support
Last weeks Total $5395
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office
Marian Retreat Day On January 6 St John XXIII parish in
Cole Harbour will host a Marian Retreat
Day The day will begin at 900 with
Mass Fr Irek Bem celebrant and will
include presentations by Deacon Larry
Worthen and Dr Nan Ferguson-Losier
Lunch will be provided by the Kof C
Please RSVP to noramuisebellaliantnet to help us
prepare appropriately for the lunch The day will end with
Eucharistic Adoration Please join us
Early Bird Registration Just a reminder-The early-bird deadline to register for the
Weekend of Grace at the reduced price of $175 is
DECEMBER 31st 2017 after which the full price of $195
will apply The Conference will be held APRIL 13 ndash 15
2018 at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax Conference
Keynote Speakers are Deacon Larry and Andi Oney
husband and wife international Catholic presenters from
New Orleans who have authored multiple books and
appeared on many EWTN shows We invite all women to
attend More information can be found at
wwwweekendofgracecom or from your parish rep
Job opportunity Looking for homecare to assist with personal care for a
handicapped child This is a paid position No qualification
needed Required to work on Wednesdays from 830 am-
1230 pm Call Bettymdash902 434 9267 if you are
interested and for more information
ARCHDIOCESE OF HALIFAX-YARMOUTHSTM amp COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Collection Thank you for contributing
to this yearrsquos Community
Collection Your donation
will help Archbishop
Mancini his staff and
other church leaders to
develop and provide the
training programs
resources and support for all of us to create healthy
vibrant communities of faith It is within and through
these communities that we witness and grow Christrsquos
presence in our world today
There is still time to make a contribution The three
ways you can donate
Use your donor card and return envelope to mail it
to the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Place your donation card in the return envelope and
put it in your parish Sunday collection
Make a donation online
at wwwhalifaxyarmouthorg and click Donate on
the top right hand corner of the page
Please remember all donations made before Dec 31 will
be included in your 2017 tax receipt
Thank you for your generosity
Inspirational Quote
God never gives someone a gift
they are not capable of receiving
If He gives us the gift of Christmas it
is because we all have the ability to
understand and receive it
Pope Francis
2017 Sunday Offering Donations Please note that all donations must be received by
Sunday December 31 2017 if you want the amount to
be included in your 2017 Tax Receipts Thanks for
supporting your parish If you have any questions
please call the parish office