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The Cluster Parishes of Our Lady of Mercy, St. Benedict, St. Joseph
(Office) St. Benedict Church 1011 Oak Ave., Sarnia, ON N7S 1J4
Our Lady of Mercy Church 390 N. Christina St., Sarnia, ON N7T 5V9
St. Joseph Church 291 Stuart St., Sarnia, ON N7T 3B9
Phone: 519-336-2653 Fax #: 1-833-997-1197
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sbsjolm.dol.ca
January 3, 2021 - Epiphany of the Lord
Homily... by Fr. Brian Jane
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany which literally means the manifestation of Christ to the whole world symbolized by the wise men in their pursuit and finding of the Savior. Their journey is not only filled with symbolism but offers great wisdom for us who are also on a journey toward Christ. What do these wise men have to teach us?
1) The wise men were receptive and open to something beyond themselves. They had a sense of wonder which is the beginning of wisdom. Had they been totally self-absorbed and preoccupied with their own worldly ambitions they would never have recognized the star. Instead they were alert and sensitive to the signs in their midst. This must be our fundamental disposition. To have a heart that is yearning for God, for an ever deeper knowledge and relationship. This is not something that is overly difficult or beyond our nature for as St. Augustine says “God has created us for himself and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” But we must be open and read the signs of Christ in our midst.
2) The Maji did not remain in their own desires and imaginings. They did something with their yearning. They actually began the journey. They took the steps necessary first of all by preparing themselves to set out. Although they were guided by a star, they did not know where the star was leading them – it was in a real sense a journey of faith. As it is for us. When we take God seriously and allow ourselves to be led, we don’t know ahead of time the exact path, but we trust and are led by faith. The Star for us begins at our Baptism where we receive the gift (light) of the Holy Spirit who guides us on our journey. The light of the star becomes even brighter at our Confirmation when the Holy Spirit is strengthened in us and it shines brightest of all in the Eucharist where at the breaking of the bread we recognize Jesus.
3) Despite these many manifestatious and guideposts along the way, the journey can be difficult as it must have been for the Magi. I am sure some people thought they were a bit crazy (out of their minds) packing up their belongings to follow a star. There must have been some ridicule. They travelled a great distance and there were likely moments of doubt and danger. There were times I am sure when heavy clouds obscured the light or when the star disappeared during the daytime and they would have lost their bearings temporarily. Then there was the treachery of King Herod in his seeking to destroy the Christ Child, this King who represents Satan. Yet the Magi were single minded, they persevered in their quest despite these hardships. Which is what we must do as well. We all experience hardships in life. Whether it be financial struggles, marriage breakdown, the loss of a loved one, the stress of a pandemic, feelings of abandonment or loneliness, times of real doubt or failure, when we temporarily lose our bearings. Yet the truth is that it is precisely in those darkest times that the star can shine most brilliantly. This is when God is most present to us, leading us out of darkness to the LIGHT of holiness and salvation. God is never closer to us than when we are in times of real peril.
Cont’d...
https://www.facebook.com/sbsjolm.dol.ca
If you have an emergency
requiring the attention of a
priest call 519-336-2653 ex 9.
Parish Administrator - Fr. Brian Jane (ex. 11) Email: [email protected]
Parochial Vicar - Fr. Anthony Eboh (ex. 16) Email: [email protected]
Deacon - Deacon Lyle LaLonge (ex. 26) Email: [email protected]
Pastoral Minister - Leonia Downie (ex. 15) Email: [email protected]
Secretaries: Lisa De Sena (ex. 14) Anna Iafrate (ex. 13) Ginette Villemaire (ex. 13)
Housekeeper: Gayle Carroll
Caretakers: Chris Burley (Our Lady of Mercy) Bill Nelson (St. Joseph) Teena Burley (St. Joseph) Mike Potvin (St. Benedict)
Masses...
St. Benedict Saturday - 5:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am Sunday - 6:30 pm Tuesday & Thursday - 6:30 pm
St. Joseph Sunday - 11:00 am Wednesday & Saturday - 9:30 am
Our Lady of Mercy Saturday - 5:30 pm Sunday - 9:00 am Monday to Friday - 12:10 pm
Confessions...
By appointment only. Please contact the parish office or our priests.
Daily and Sunday homilies can also be heard on the parish website along with reflections and bible studies.
Note: The parish office remains closed and is open by appointment only. Please call the office to book an appointment.
Today’s Readings...
First Reading Isaiah 60:1-6 Second Reading Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 Gospel Reading Matthew 2:1-12
Parish Mission
Statement: Offering every person
a life changing
encounter with Jesus in the power
of the Holy Spirit.
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
4) The wise men did not journey as individuals. Having formed a little community of believers, they supported one another along the way. We too have a community to support us in our faith journey, ie, the Church, because as we know it is guided by the infallible light of the Holy Spirit. She cannot err in her official teaching on faith and morals. The Church correctly interprets the signs along our path; administer the sacraments that enlighten our way. Therefore, we don’t leave the Church thinking somehow we can manage better on our own; we continue to attend Mass, participate in the sacraments as a community of believers, supporting one another, caring for each other.
5) So the Magi, travelling hundred’s of miles to see the King of the Jews arrive and when they find him, they respond with joy, adoration and gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The questions to be asked here is what gifts do we lay at the feet of Christ and His Church. What charisms do we possess that will give joy to God’s people who may be struggling on the journey. During this pandemic, everyone is invited to prayerfully consider how they can contribute to the mission of the parish cluster. Volunteers are need in many areas, but especially in communications technology, as we strive to reach out to parishioners who are unable to come to the church due to the lockdown.
6) One last point. When the Magi return home they do so by another road. This suggests that meeting Christ entails rethinking our priorities, and perhaps changing interior dispositions such as, attitudes, motives and prejudices. God has created us in his image to become evermore in his likeness. In this new year, may we be open to the Epiphany of Christ, bringing us out of the darkness of 2020 into a transformed life of renewed faith, expectant hope, and enduring love.
Reminder:
With the Ontario Government announcing a
provincewide shutdown beginning December 26,
all weekday and weekend public Masses and services
in our churches will be suspended until January 23.
The faithful are asked to continue to pray at home and watch Mass online.
Please Note: Our priests continue to celebrate the weekday and weekend
Masses privately and will livestream the Masses each day.
Please check the parish website for more information: sbsjolm.dol.ca
Please Note: The parish office is closed.
Phone messages and emails will be checked daily.
If you have an emergency requiring the attention of a priest
please call 519-336-2653 ex. 9
Thank you.
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
Mass Intentions… We continue to accept mass intentions.
To schedule an intention please contact the parish office: 519-336-2653 ex 13 and leave a message, or email: [email protected].
Phone messages and emails are checked daily.
Our Lady of Mercy
Mon. Jan. 4
Bob Moore (Lay Missionaries of Charity)
Madelon Foster (Charmaine & Pat)
Intention of John Ramsey (Sharon Lacroix
& Family)
Tues. Jan. 5
Souls in Purgatory (Gerald McKeown)
Intention of Sarah Grennan (Janice Grennan)
Intention of Fr. Ray Masse (Mike & Sue
Potvin)
Wed. Jan. 6
Ken & David Grennan (Janice Grennan)
Ellen Harty (Peter, Donna, Cathy & Family)
Intention of Cathy Williams (Donna, John
& Family)
Thurs. Jan. 7
Helen Nagljic (John & Mary Simrak)
Intention of Begonia Rosario (Lisa & Anna)
Fri. Jan. 8
Faustino Chaves (Leonore Chaves)
Anna & Alex Loza (Bednar & Evangelista
Families)
St. Benedict
Tues. Jan. 5
Roger Dallaire (St. Benedict CWL)
Rino Longo (Christine Murray)
Intention of Kay Williams (Pieter & Willi Kole)
Thurs. Jan. 7
Paulette Marshall (Marietta, Ann & Linda)
Lyle Williams (Parish Office Staff)
Intention of Collins Family (Gayle Carroll)
St. Joseph
Wed. Jan. 6
Intention of Frances Morin (Jackie & Paul
VandenBroek & Family)
Pray For...
Our prayers and sympathy
to the family of…
† Julius Van Den Bossche
† Walter Buckle
May they and all the faithful departed rest in the peace of Christ.
Diocesan ministers to pray for
~ Rev. Canon Mitchell Kaminski ~ Rev. Frank Leslie ~ Deacon Gaston Mabaya ~ Deacon Gary Flewelling ~ Rev. Lawrence Pare ~ Rev. Michael O’Brien ~ Sister Marija Ivic, S.F.B.Z., Pstrl Min
Please pray for the safety of all students, teachers and staff.
Please pray for our sick
Chesley Maidment, Shirley Buckle, Paul Sloan, Shelley Jackson, Don Furlotte, Myrl Leenders, Elly Gilroy, Mary Molitor, Jim Bettridge, Pete V., John V., Letizia Iacobelli, Crystal Smyth, Joe Seward, Savana Michaud, Victor & Vanessa DaSilva, Christopher Philip, Pieter Kole, Brian Winterton, Marilyn Jenner, Greg Detailleur, Angela DeCiantis, Jenny Michaud, Sonya Smith, Mary Debus, Pat & Bill Cuthbert, Jennifer Ennett, Carol Haley, Blessa Hindley, Fran LaChance, Athena Fowler, Joan Baley, Jackie Detailleur, Pat Day, Don Desjardins, Shawna Paradis, Frank Power, Armine Dennie, Tyler Manzon, Sandro Manzon, Grace Gauci, Ally Wodham, Thelma Brost, Joan Bunyan, Emaline Rideout, Louise Jovic, June Shepherd, Pauline Mino, Jackie Dunlop, Fatima Ortins, Lena Rattigan, Arlene Fader, Mary Bigras, Cindy Phillips, John Christopher Hummell, Anna Schincariol, Rod McKinnon, Penny Koziol, Evelyn Vollrath, Yari & Dan Lynch, Cheryl Kelly, Joseph Dias, Rose Hayes Marcy, Mariamma Jacob, Jackie Croskery, Pamela Cunningham, Claude Lalonde, Pat Foster, Averi Durocher.
If you would like your name removed from this list please contact the parish office.
Mass Intentions...
If Cogeco is your provider:
EWTN—channel 184
(contact Cogeco to have it set up)
Vision TV—channel 24
(Mass times 8a.m. and 12 noon)
Salt & Light—channel 185
If Bell is your provider:
EWTN—channel 633
Vision TV—channel 261
(Mass times 8a.m. and 12 noon)
If you are on Shaw direct satellite:
Shaw direct advanced—EWTN channel 292
Shaw classic—EWTN channel 559
Shaw national—EWTN channel 28
St. George Parish, London
Mass is live-streamed every weekend in the
Diocese of London, courtesy of St. George
Parish, London, available at
www.youtube.com/user/sgtvlondon.
Daily Televised Masses...
If you are not able to attend Mass, the
following options are still available for
those wishing to continue their offerings:
Drop off
Donations can be dropped off at the parish
office door mail slot at St. Benedict Church.
Use E-Transfer
On your online banking portal using:
St Benedict Parish: [email protected] or
Our Lady of Mercy & St.Joseph: [email protected]
(please specify in your e-transfer under
‘ Message’ if donation is for OLM or St. Joseph)
Enroll in Pre-Authorized Donations
Please contact Lisa at the parish office:
[email protected] or 519-336-2653 ext 14.
Thank You for your continued
financial support!
Offerings/Donations...
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
CWL Membership Dues
CWL Membership is now due. Please place your dues of $25 (cash or cheque) in the envelope provided in your envelope box set, or use a plain envelope marked:
CWL, your parish, your name, address, phone number and email, and place it through the parish office door mail slot.
We also welcome any new members! Your membership really counts when lobbying the government.
If you would like your donation picked up, please call the following Conveners: St. Joseph CWL: Lynda Miller - 519-383-6798 or Charlene Hummel - 519-542-4244
Our Lady of Mercy CWL: Elsie 519-332-5382 or Phyllis 519-383-7541
Thank you and wishing you a Blessed New Year!
CWL
Membership
St. Benedict Knights of Columbus - Council 11164
Welcome to 2021 and a Merry Christmas to all parishioners, we are still in the octave of Christmas. While our decorations may be away, we continue in the church to celebrate the Birth of Jesus until the Feast day commemorating the Baptism of Jesus.
PLEASE REMEMBER, daily and weekend masses are now livestreamed for your convenience during these days of closed churches. We need the spiritual guidance being given as well as daily Mass.
The previously planned in-person January meeting is cancelled due to the lockdown. We will try to substitute with a virtual meeting online for TUES. JAN. 12 AT 7PM. Details to join the meeting will be emailed to members. If we do not have your current email address, please email Grand Knight Leo Mayer at [email protected] with the new or correct address. We want to maintain contact with all members through social media and E-mail.
Annual membership fees for 2021 are now due. Please pay by cash or cheque and place dues in an envelope addressed to: KofC St. Benedict 11164, Attn: John Ramsay and drop off in the St. Benedict office door mail slot. We encourage all men over the age of 18 and doing their best to maintain their faith in these difficult times, to become members. Application forms are found at www.kofc.org/joinus. For more information please contact John Ramsey 519-383-7808 or Grand Knight Leo Mayer at [email protected].
Over the next few months, it is our hope to be adding to our Facebook page new activities presently in the planning stages. It is important for all of us, both KofC members and parishioners within our cluster families, to become aware of current and planned activities. This can be done by subscribing to our parish website or through Facebook pages of both St. Benedict Council 11164 and Council 1429 at Our Lady of Mercy. We may be on lockdown but not a complete shutdown.
Knights of Columbus - Council 1429
Knights of Columbus 1429 General Meeting – January As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, all in-person meetings are cancelled until further notice. All new meetings will be conducted online and for those who do not have access via the phone. Please note a new streamlined format is being implemented for this and future meetings.
This meeting will occur on Tuesday, Jan 5 at 7:00 pm - Online WebEx and over the phone. The meeting number (access code): 132 737 8344
Option 1) To join by phone call: 1-226-828-9662 When Prompted, dial in the meeting number: #132 737 8344 / And after the password followed by pressing # 98773769
Option 2) To join on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer visit (and enter: 132 737 8344) https://kocsarnia.my.webex.com/ Followed by the password.
Please contact us for a password if you haven’t been emailed or mailed a password. If you are interested in joining, please email us for more information. [email protected] / 226-776-4993
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
We are still in need of more volunteers to help with ushering and
cleaning at our 3 churches for the weekday and weekend masses, as well, for funeral masses and weddings.
If you are able to help please contact Leonia Downie at: [email protected] or 519-336-2653 ex. 15
Training will be provided. THANK YOU to those who have volunteered to help!
Continues to Snow
Snow showering the field’s robe:
Wearing it rustic, and
as nature shakes the globe
this morning–the snow,
it gentles…
falling lightly while
packing a sparkly-white glow.
Every step of slush under foot
as pedestrians rush to rush.
Destinations of entanglement
and flush are the faces
of people in the season’s merriment.
The holidays now
a day older,
and excitement at its high
is almost over.
Folks tucked away in a mall
while snow true to season
continues to fall.
By: Jason Waddle
Prayer of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at the moment receive You sacramentally into my heart,
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
2021 Envelope Box Sets / 2020 Income Tax Receipts
If you have not yet picked up your 2021 envelope box set, please call Lisa at the parish office 519-336-2653 ex. 14 and leave a message.
The 2020 Income Tax Receipts will be mailed out in February. Please contact the parish office if you have had a change of address within the last year to ensure proper mailout.
Thank you to all parishioners for your continued financial support of our parishes during these difficult times. Your donations are very much appreciated.
To parishioners and friends who came out to join us for our Christmas mass celebrations and to
those who tuned in to watch through our streamlined masses.
To Annie Ferrera who coordinated the Christmas Mass seating arrangements for our 3 churches.
To those who decorated our churches.
To our choirs for their beautiful music.
To our volunteers who helped usher at our masses.
To Dean Sowinski, Wilf and Dan for setting up the equipment to livestream Christmas masses.
To everyone who sent Christmas greeting cards and treats for the parish staff.
We wish everyone a safe and blessed New Year. Please continue to pray for an end to this pandemic.
A Prayer in Time of Pandemic
Look upon your flock, kind Shepherd.
Though bowed down by our human frailty in the dark valley of this pandemic,
we fear no evil, for you are with us, you hear us, and you comfort us.
Grace with the wisdom of your Spirit political and religious leaders helping us.
Guide with strength health care workers aiding the sick and dying.
Give consolation to families and friends suffering with loved ones.
Grant courage to all – from first responders to those who put food on our
tables – providing essential services and the necessities of life.
In this time of darkness and uncertainty, O God,
may we be beacons of your goodness and mercy to all in need.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
January 3, 2021 Epiphany of the Lord
