FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - December 20, 2020
In today’s Gospel Mary received the Good news that she will be the mother of the Son of God. The boy will grow up to be the saviour of the World. It was a wonderful but difficult responsibility for Mary. The Mother of God? The idea did not even cross her mind or enter her wildest dreams. Yet, it was the truth. The simple young Jewish woman was chosen by God to rear Jesus and form Him to be a good Jew. The rest is taken care of by God. Mary knew that she didn’t have what it takes to be a mother of God. But it was clear to her that it was God’s will. Thus, she allowed herself to be used by God in His plan of salvation. A golfer is congratulated after winning a tournament. But not his clubs, gloves, or balls. His paraphernalia cannot do anything without the player. When used, they unleash their power and characteristics. Mary knew how inadequate she was for the gift and task given to her by God. Her reactions showed in her response to the angel. But her faith in God prevailed. Knowing, too, that God is wit her in the task, she courageously uttered her yes and commitment to do her part of the task. In a way, she was like golfing equipment to a player. Even with her whole capacity, she can do nothing apart from God. We must be the same before God. While we differ greatly from other creatures because of our mind, soul, heart, and strength, we still are dependent to God. What we have can only make us do limited things or reach certain heights. Only wit the Lord can we really achieve greatness. Another Christmas is coming. It will be good to look back what we have done since the last Christmas. What were the gifts given to us by God? Did we allow His Spirit to inspire us so that we can achieve God’s purpose in us? Are we also accepting God’s will for us? Like Mary, if we commit to do God’s will, the impossible will be possible
CHRISTMAS
SCHEDULE:
SINCE
WE ARE IN THE LOCKDOWN THERE WILL NOT BE PUBLIC MASSES . HOWEVER RECOGNIZING
THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF THE EUCHARIST, THE SOURCE AND SUMMIT OF OUR SPIRITUAL
STRENGTH AS CHRISTIANS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTMAS, WE ARE PROVIDING AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FAITHFUL TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND
CHRISTMAS DAY.
PLEASE
NOTE AT A TIME ONLY 8 PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE IN THE CHURCH TO RECEIVE
HOLY COMMUNION . THE VOLUNTEER WILL DIRECT AND LET ONLY 8 PEOPLE TO BE IN JUST
FOR FIVE MINUTES . YOU WILL ENTER THROUGH THE GLASS SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR WHICH IS
NEXT TO THE MAIN DOOR AND EXIT AS USUAL THROUGH THE EXIT DOOR . PLEASE KEEP ALL
SAFETY PROTOCOLS. PLEASE IN THE PARKING LOT BEFORE ENTERING THE CHURCH MAINTAIN
SOCIAL DISTANCING, WEARING A MASK IS A MANDATORY. VOLUNTEERS PLEASE WE NEED
YOUR HELP TO KEEP IT GOING PEACEFULLY. THANK YOU!
DECEMBER 24, 2020 4.30 PM - 9.30 PM
DECEMBER 25, 2020 10.00 AM - 1.00PM
PLEASE
COOPERATE. THANK YOU!
WISHING
YOU ALL "A MERRY CHRISTMAS"
“Lockdown” - Moving to 10 person capacity - November 2020
We want to thank all the parishioners of ST. DOMINIC for their ongoing support during this period of great uncertainty. It has been wonderful to see so many of you at Mass since we re-opened in June. We are especially grateful to the volunteers who have helped ensure our church is a safe place to gather – they have done incredible work!
As you know, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Greater Toronto Area have increased significantly in recent days and, at present, Toronto and Peel Regions are in the “Lockdown Stage” as identified by the Province of Ontario. In addition, Premier Ford announced on November 20, 2020 special emergency measures that need to be taken in our area.
For this reason, as of Monday, November 23rd, Sadly, due to these measures, public Masses are temporarily cancelled. Priests will continue to celebrate private Mass daily for the intentions of parishioners and for those suffering from Covid-19.
Sadly, it is not possible for our parish to remain open at this time in a way that is safe and able to control the restricted number of people permitted in the building.
While I recognize it is not a substitute for attending Mass in person, I encourage you to view online/livestream/televised Masses. A full list is available at St. Dominic church Website, St. Dominmic church Youtube Channel , Instagram-diasfatherterry. or www.archtoronto.org
Also, all non-essential meetings in the parish will move to virtual meetings or they may be postponed. Our staff will also be working remotely in large part wherever possible
Dear people of God .
At a time like this I feel uncomfortable to talk about giving. Our primary concern is health and well being of our parishioners. However, No doubt you are aware that our Parish relies on the support of our Parish members for the upkeep of the Church. Kindly support us with the donations (weekly offerings) . Thank you for your great help during this challenging time! God bless you all!
We recognize these measures are extremely challenging. I am also so incredibly grateful for the efforts of our heroic volunteers who have been faithfully welcoming parishioners and cleaning the church between services, ensuring that we can operate safely and responsibly. Your selflessness and generosity is inspiring!
So many of the faithful rely on the reception of the sacraments and our churches to find solace, peace and support during this period of pandemic. Despite these new restrictions, we will make every effort to continue our outreach to you. We also ask that you find opportunities to assist those who are vulnerable or alone among us.
We will continue to update you as the situation evolves. (refer to parish website or social media channels if appropriate) We pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. May God continue to bless you now and always!
SUNDAY MASS:
As public masses are cancelled weekend Mass will be still live-streamed every Sunday at 10 am in our Parish Website and YouTube page. You can also watch the mass later in the day. If you can, please consider dropping off your church donations in the mailbox, newly installed at Atwater Ave Church entrance door .
O Mary, you shine continuously in our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman people, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to confirm ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us , through the cross, to the joy of the
. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas-we who are put to the test-and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and Blessed Virgin.
At a time like this I feel uncomfortable to talk about giving. Our primary concern is health and well being of our parishioners. However, No doubt you are aware that our Parish relies on the support of our Parish members for the upkeep of the Church. Kindly support us with the donations (weekly offerings) . Thank you for your great help during this challenging time! God bless you all!
REST IN PEACE | |
+ Durval Medeiros | + Alfanso Cotoia |
+ John Lopes | + Hilda Ipekian |
+ Isidro Viveiros | + Antonina Fortun |
+ Monica Samson | + Nesta Pougnet |
+ Mihajlo Kvansi | + Maria Raposo |
+ Delna Dusome + Choo Minge + Alda Alves + Nancy + Joe Bator + Theadore | + Vasvalri Belane + Olga Bugere + Jose Rocha + Daniel Harold Maclennan + Sidalia Pereira |
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK | |
PAUL CANTLON | PATRICIA GONANO |
SHWETHA | KATHERINE |
ANGELO GULLA | MATHEW WHITLEY |
DOMENIC SANTAGUIDA | BUD RADECZY |
MARIANA WEGLINSKI | MARGHARITA PISCIONE |
FRANCA METCALFE | LISA O’BRIEN |
JESSY FERNANDES | WILLIAM NEIL |
TERESA | JOE ROCHA |
JULIANA | PETER ARANY |
SANIYA & FRANCESCO | JAMES MEDGE |
CHRISTA FEUERSTAK PAULINE LINDA | ANNA JOSEPHINE DE BIASI |
2021 ENVELOPES ARE READY FOR PICK UP
Please call the office to pick up your Envelope Boxes
OFFICE HOURS
Thanks for all your support and cooperation. I sincerely thank our YouTube mass Team. Sean for providing music and technical support. Joshua, Larissa Freddy And Farrell Gonsalves for their assistance with the liturgy. Our Parish Council Members Lisa Hyginus and Branca Noronha may contact you at this difficult time just to make sure you are ok. We are here to serve you and will address any issues to the best of our ability! God bless!
UNITED IN MARRIAGE:
We
Congratulate our newly wed couple, Gregory John Sajda and Lauren Michele
McCabe. Wishing you Happy Married life. God bless
