Community Events

Catholic Education Begins Here!
Catholic School Board Registration Info for Junior/Senior Kindergarten

Throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto, six Catholic School Boards (5 English/1 French) nurture and educate children in our faith tradition. If you'd like more information on how to register your child in our local Catholic schools, visit www.archtoronto.org or your local school board website.

We remind all parishioners to register their support for separate schools on their municipal property tax forms. When you move, your Catholic school support designation does not follow you. A full list of school boards and contact information can be found online by visiting www.archtoronto.org. Thank you for continuing to support Catholic Education!

Feast of the Purification of the
Blessed Virgin Mary (Candlemas)

Feb. 2, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
St. Brigid's Parish, Toronto.

Blessing of Candles with Procession and Solemn High Mass for the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Candlemas) at St. Brigid's Church, 300 Wolverleigh Blvd., Toronto. Household devotional candles may be brought for the blessing.

For more information please contact Rev. Fr. Howard J. Venette, FSSP, Chaplain, Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, at 416-696-8660. www.fssptoronto.com.

Franciscan Vocation Retreat

March 19-21, 2010
St. Francis Centre, Caledon, Ontario.

The Franciscan Vocation Office of the Immaculate Conception Province is holding a Vocation Discernment Weekend Retreat for single men between the ages of 18-38 who are discerning a possible Franciscan vocation and want to explore God's call in their life. The weekend retreat will take place at St. Francis Centre in Caledon, from Friday, March 19 - Sunday, March 21.

Please contact Vocation Director Fr. Tom Washburn, OFM, (vocations@icprovince.org or 1-800-521-5442) as soon as possible if you'd like to be part of this weekend retreat.

Scarboro Missions Annual Lecture for 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road, Scarborough.

“Where are We? Responsibility, Spirituality, And Place in a Global Age” by Dr. Vincent Miller, PhD., Associate Professor of Theology, University of Dayton, Ohio and holder of the Gudorf Chair in Catholic Theology and Culture at the University of Dayton Ohio. He was Associate Professor in the Theology Dept., Georgetown University and received his doctorate in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame.

Admission Free. For more information please call
416-261-7135 ext. 227 or email: gcouncil@scarboromissions.ca.

What's So Special About the Gospel of...

A series of four free lectures presented by St. Basil's Parish, Toronto, and St. Mike's Continuing Education. Scheduled are the following:

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
"The Gospel of Matthew". (Rev. Scott Lewis, sj - Associate Professor, Regis College, Toronto School of Theology)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
"The Gospel of Luke, Scribe of the Gentleness of Christ". (Rev. Thomas Rosica, csb, CEO Salt & Light Television Network, Lecturer New Testament, Toronto School of Theology)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
"The Gospel of John: John, the Beloved Disciple"
New perspectives on his gospel, his community and his vision. (Rev. Thomas Rosica, csb, CEO Salt & Light Television Network, Lecturer New Testament, Toronto School of Theology)

All lectures takes place at St. Basil's Parish Hall, 50 St. Joseph St. Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow. There is no charge but reservations are required. Call 416-926-7110 to reserve.

Three Evenings of Lecture and Discussion on the Legacy of the Venerable Mary Ward

You are cordially invited to three evenings of lecture and discussion on the Legacy of the Venerable Mary Ward -- hosted by Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael's College and the Loretto Sisters as part of the ongoing celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 – 7:00 p.m. Charbonnel Lounge (81 St. Mary Street) -- Jeanne Cover IBVM will present a Global perspective on Mary Ward's vocation.
Thursday, February 4, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. Charbonnel Lounge, Elizabeth Davis, RSM will consider the way Mary Ward's call to become "lovers of truth and workers of justice" echoes words woven throughout Scriptures to describe God and to articulate visions for human action.
Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Common Room (Brennan Hall, St. Michael's campus) -- Juliana Dusel, IBVM will offer a North American Perspective on the legacy of Mary Ward with an overview of the women who lived her message.

There is no fee to attend, but reservations are encouraged. Please R.S.V.P. to 416-926-7254.

God, Sex and the Meaning of Life Workshop

Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Scarborough.

Based on John Paul II's Theology of the Body to be held at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, 3200 Pharmacy Avenue, Scarborough. Free (lunch is provided). Study Guide is $10.00 (optional). Discover why God created us male and female. Everyone welcome, bring a friend.

Call the parish office to register at 416-499-2196 or epiphanychurch@rogers.com. Visit online at www.godsexandthemeaningoflife.com.

Auditions for St. Michael's Choir School

Established in 1937, St. Michael's Choir School continues a long and proud tradition of educating the young men who provide the music for St. Michael's Cathedral.

St. Michael's Choir School fosters a lifelong devotion to sacred music and the desire to share this music with our community. In partnership with the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, scouts will be visiting Catholic elementary schools between January and March to audition boys in grades 2 and 3. Students in higher grades wishing to audition for the scout should advise their principal.

Auditions for boys not currently enrolled in a TCDSB school can be arranged by contacting the Choir School at 416-397-6367 or by visiting our website at www.smcs.on.ca.

New Beginnings for Widowed, Separated, and Divorced Persons

Have you suffered the loss of a spouse through death, separation or divorce?

Are you looking for strength to deal with your grief?

For more information please contact New Beginnings at 416-921-1163 ext. 2246.

SPECIAL LIVE-IN WEEKEND RETREAT
February 5-7, 2010
Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road, Scarborough.

MINI-RENEWAL PRESENTATIONS
1st Tuesday Evening of the Month - 8:00 p.m.
St Bonaventure's Church (St. Francis Room),1300 Leslie Street, Toronto.

Feb. 9, 2010 DEALING WITH LONELINESS IN A COUPLES' WORLD. Speakers: Mr. John Dubeau & Ms. Stephanie Ozorio

Mar. 2, 2010 THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS.
Rev. Paul Cusack, CP

April 13, 2010 “LET'S TALK ABOUT DIVORCE”: Helping Children Cope.
Ms. Liisa Kuuter, M.Sc. ,MFT

WIDOW/WIDOWER SUPPORT GROUP
March 19 – April 30, 2010 - 7-Week Session, Friday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.
St. Bonaventure's Church, Toronto.

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Celebration at St. Paul’s Basilica

Sunday, January 31, 2010 - 3:00 p.m.
St. Paul's Basilica, Toronto.

His Grace, Archbishop Collins will preside at a special Mass in celebration of the vocation and witness of these special men and women religious who are such a vital and important part of the life and ministry of the Church in our Archdiocese.

All are welcome to attend.

Redemptorist Come and See
Vocation Retreat

March 26-28, 2010
Toronto, Ontario.

Come and discern our way of life as Redemptorist Priests and Brothers! Attend a Vocation Come and See Retreat! For more information, contact Fr. Santo Arrigo C.Ss.R. at 416-593-6520 or vocations@redemptorists.ca.

Mass for the Unborn

Monday, March 22, 2010
St. Anne's Parish, 115 Vodden St. E., Brampton.

Rosary 6:30 p.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Speaker and homilist: Father Tom Lynch, National Director of Priests for Life Canada. Reception and baby shower for Birthright to follow after the Mass.

For more information please contact St. Anne's Parish at 905-453-1303.

Redemptorist Winter Mission:
WITNESSING TO HOPE

February 7-10, 2010 – 7:00 p.m. each evening
St. Patrick's Parish, Toronto.

Come join us in a Redemptorist Parish Mission at St. Patrick's Church, 141 McCaul Street. The Mission begins each evening at 7:00 pm. Refreshments to follow. All are invited.

Nightly Themes:
Sunday, February 7, 2010: A Woman, A Well, and Wonder!
Monday, February 8, 2010: Grudges, Judges and Godly Nudges
Tuesday, February 9, 2010: Who Invited Her?
Wednesday February 10, 2010: Witnessing to Hope

For more information, please contact the parish office at 416-598-3269.

DVD Copies of Episcopal Ordinations Available from Salt & Light Television

On January 12 & 13, in the Cathedrals of London and Toronto, Ontario, Bishops William McGrattan, and Vincent Nguyen were ordained Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In two beautiful ceremonies which included 30 bishops and 300 priests, Bishop McGrattan and Bishop Nguyen became the 17th and 18th Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese.

The Episcopal Ordinations are both available on DVD. To order your copy visit www.saltandlighttv.org/shopping or call 1-888-302-7181.

Toronto Catholic Singles Association

The Toronto Catholic Singles Association is a non-profit organization for Catholic singles. Their mandate is to foster Catholic fellowship through a program of social, recreational, spiritual and group volunteering events. Annual membership is twelve dollars.

For more information or to join, please visit http://torontocatholicsingles.vpweb.ca.

Holy Rosary Parish looking for a
Business Co-Ordinator

Employment Opportunity. Business Co-ordinator (part-time) needed at Holy Rosary Church, 354 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto. Computer skills an asset.

Please send résumés to Fr. Daniel Chui, C.S.B., Holy Rosary Church, either by FAX 416-923-8473 or email chui@holyrosary.ca.

Résumés must be submitted no later than January 29, 2010.

A SURVEY OF CHURCH HISTORY Part II

A SURVEY OF CHURCH HISTORY is offered by the Kolbe Eucharistic Apostolate's KNOW YOUR FAITH SERIES for those interested in growing in their Catholic faith.

Journey though Church History 'with the eyes of faith' appreciating the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church which Christ Himself founded. Gain a better theological understanding of what Catholics believe and how the Holy Spirit continues to lead the Church up to the present day. Encounter holy men and women whose faith-filled lives stir up our own love for God and His Church. Learn the importance of apologetics: knowing and being able to defend our Catholic faith in this age of relativism. As added enrichment, a weekly DVD presentation will also enhance the awareness and growth of our faith. For more information see www.kolbeapostolate.com

Tuesdays. Starting February 9, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. for 11 weeks.
HOLY CROSS PARISH, 291 Cosburn Ave. (at Donlands Avenue).

Saturdays. Starting February 13, 2010 - 9:45 a.m.- noon for 10 weeks.
BLESSED TRINITY PARISH, 220 Bayview Ave. Toronto 416-226-0262 (N. of Finch, W. side of Bayview).

New School Chapel in Need of
Liturgical Items

St. Roch wants to say thank you to St. Patrick's Church in Markham for offering Stations of the Cross for their school chapel. They are thrilled with their generosity.

St. Roch C.S.S. is a new high school in west Brampton located at 200 Valleyway Drive. It opened in September with 212 Grade 9 students for the first year and will add one grade per year.

St. Roch is looking to see if parishes may have items that they wish to donate for their new school chapel. The chapel is modern in style with the hope to include the old with the new.

Items needed:
1. Processional cross and candle sticks.
2. Altar cloths and linens.
3. Flag sets - Papal and Canadian
4. Altar cross
5. Advent wreath
6. Lectionary (weekday and Sunday) and Sacramentary
7. Wall mount cross with crucifix for behind the altar
8. Server Apparel
9. Tabernacle
10. Liturgical artwork and paintings

If you parish has any items to donate, please contact Jim Ryan, Chaplaincy Leader at 905-456-8543 ext. 26309. Thank you.

St. Margaret Mary Elementary School's 50th Anniversary

Friday, February 26, 2010
Montecassino Place, Woodbridge.

This is the 50th Anniversary year of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Elementary School in Woodbridge.

To kick off the celebrations a Golden Gala is being organized on Friday February 26, 2010 at Montecassino Place in Woodbridge. Alumni are invited to join our school and community members for an exciting evening of dinner, dancing, performances, raffles and an opportunity to reconnect with friends from the past.

To purchase tickets please call the school at 905-851-3935.

Faith Connections Upcoming Events

LENTEN LISTENING: A BUSY PERSON'S RETREAT
February 17, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
Regis College, Toronto.
Faith Connections, Regis College, and TAVDA invite young adults (18-39) to LENTEN LISTENING: A BUSY PERSON'S RETREAT. This retreat will be an opportunity to meet with a spiritual guide in your own area three times during Lent. Beginning with a group gathering on Ash Wednesday at Regis College (100 Wellesley St W, Toronto), and closing on April 8. Cost: $25. Please register by February 5, 2010. 416-222-1426 ext. 276 or faithconnections@csj-to.ca. For more information: www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.

ALPHA IN THE PUB
Tuesdays, February 16 - April 27, 2010 - 5:30 p.m.
Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub.
“Is there more to life than this?” Faith Connections, Alpha Canada, and the downtown Christian Ministries invite you to find out at ALPHA IN THE PUB for young professionals (21-39). Complimentary pub grub; cash bar. Tuesdays, from February 16 to April 27, 5:30pm at Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub (181 University Ave, Toronto). For more information call Alana at 416-689-2489, or visit: www.alphainthepub.com.

"Catholicism & Homosexuality: A Journey of Discernment"
Monday, February 22, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
The Duke of York Pub.
FAITH CONNECTIONS' THEOLOGY ON TAP – young adults (19-39) are invited to a social evening of thought-provoking discussion on "Catholicism & Homosexuality: A Journey of Discernment" with guests Dr. Moira McQueen, Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, and Denis Costello, Catholic Family Services of Toronto. Munchies provided, cash bar, come and bring a friend! The Duke of York Pub (39 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto). For more information call 416-222-1426 ext. 276 or visit www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.

An Evening of Lenten Reflection: FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL
Monday, March 8, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
The Newman Centre, Toronto.
Development and Peace & Faith Connections invite you to An Evening of Lenten Reflection with Fr. Jim Profit, S.J., Executive Director of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph. We'll reflect on the part food plays in the relationships between us, the Earth and God—a physical and spiritual appreciation of our daily bread is essential. The Newman Centre (89 St. George St, Toronto). Refreshments will be provided, suggested donation: $5. RSVP by March 5. Contact Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-222-1426 ext. 276 or faithconnections@csj-to.ca. For more information: www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.