Community Events

Come Celebrate with Us at the 20th International Festival of Religious Song!

November 21- 22, 2009
John Paul II Cultural Centre, 4300 Cawthra Rd., Mississauga.

This year's theme is: "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus," (St. Jean Marie Vianney) and relates to the Year for Priests. Two international stars Tony Melendez, from the U.S., and Father Mimmo Iervolino, from Italy, will be our guests this year. The anniversary Festival will also feature performances by past years laureates, for two evenings of non-stop Catholic Christian music!

Tickets and info: www.catholicradio.ca or 416-588-0555. Tickets will also be available at the door.

St. Leo's 100th Anniversary Mass and Reception

Sunday, November 15, 2009 – 3:00 p.m.
St. Leo’s Parish, Etobicoke.

Fr. Francis Carpinelli, Pastor of St. Leo's Parish in Etobicoke, invites everyone to a special Mass to be celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Thomas Collins, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the parish.

Reception will immediately follow at the St. Leo's School Gymnasium.

St. Leo's, which started as a small mission parish in the early 1900s, is the oldest Catholic church in Etobicoke and is the only Catholic church in Mimico. Come and celebrate with the St. Leo's Catholic community!

The Dangers of the New Age

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Holy Rosary Church, 354 St. Clair Ave. W. Toronto.

Come hear about the dangers of the New Age and other occult practices such as Astrology, channeling, clairvoyance, fortune-telling, psychic healing, hypnotherapy, Reiki, past-life regression, crystals, Enneagrams, and more from Moira Noonan, a former practitioner. Noonan, who has spoken at numerous seminaries, parishes and monasteries will give a talk at Holy Rosary Parish after Holy Mass at 7:00 p.m. Free admission.

For information contact the Ave Maria Centre of Peace at 416-251-4245 or visit www.marianday.ca.

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST

ANNUS SACERDOTALIS 2009-2010

The Spirituality of St. John Marie Vianney, the Curé of Ars.

St. Mary Immaculate Parish, Richmond Hill, invites you to a series of monthly recollections marking the Year of the Priest, to be held on the first Saturday of the month. Following the 9:00 a.m. Mass, the recollections which will include a conference, the Divine Office and an opportunity for confession. St. John Vianney who will be declared the universal patron of all priests at the end of this year led a deeply spiritual life which may serve as a model not only for priests but for all the faithful as well. The solid foundation of his spiritual life was the Sacred Liturgy of the Church. Below is a list of the Recollection topics. The Recollections will end at noon with the recitation of the Angelus.

December 5 - The Sacred Liturgy.
February 6 - Eucharistic Adoration.
March 6 - The Sacrament of Penance.
April 10 - The Liturgy of the Hours.
May 1 - Devotion to Our Lady.
June 5 - The Holy Priesthood & The Sacred Heart.

Advent Vespers at St. Basil's Church

Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Basil's Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto.

Please join us to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent with Solemn Vespers at St. Basil's Church. The celebration will feature Gregorian chant and seasonal psalms and hymns from various Christian traditions, as well as choral and organ music by Victoria, Bach, and Dupré.

Light refreshments will be available afterwards in the parish hall. This is an ideal way to set the tone in prayer and song for the Advent season. For more information please contact 416-926-7110 www.stbasiltoronto.org.

Concert of Sacred Music

November 22, 2009 – 7:00 p.m.
St. Mark's Parish, Etobicoke.

On the feast of St. Cecilia, patron of liturgical music, and the Solemnity of Christ the King, there will be a concert of sacred music at St. Mark's Church, Etobicoke (277 Park Lawn Road).

For more information please contact St. Mark's at 416-259-6790.

We Wait in Joyful Hope for the
Coming of the Lord

Advent is not a penitential season as such, but more of a time of preparing once again to explore the mystery of God's presence among us in Christ. The Incarnation is the essence of our belief. Our facilitator for two evenings is Ted Schumit, theologian and parish animator on scriptures. We will explore Luke's "Infancy Narratives" at the Paulist Ministry Centre, 830 Bathurst Street, Toronto on:

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 7:15 p.m.
The birth stories of Jesus: An Advent call to adulthood.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - 7:15 p.m.
Which Jesus are we preparing for?

For more information please call 416-534-2326.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish's 25th Anniversary

Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 12:00 Noon.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 694 Weston Rd., Toronto.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is celebrating their 25th Anniversary. In addition, two diaconate ordinations will be held on that day, presided by Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas Collins.

All are welcome to participate in this celebration. Please, keep us in your prayers, so that, our parish may continue to serve the people of God.

Year of the Priest – Statue Unveiled

Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 4:00 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Church, Woodbridge.

THE ITALIAN PASTORAL COMMISSION has commissioned a bronze statue of Rev. Francesco Giuseppe Bressani, S.J., which will be unveiled and blessed by his Grace, Thomas Collins. Fr. Bressani was the first Italian priest to come to Canada in 1642.

During the YEAR OF THE PRIEST, this monument to Rev. Bressani is a wonderful occasion to honour a priest who, under extreme difficulties and torture, endured courageously for the sake of our Faith. Next year this statue will be moved to the Shrine of the Canadian Martyrs, in Midland.

After the Eucharist celebration, presided by the Archbishop, refreshments will be offered in the parish hall. Everyone is invited.

Come Celebrate the Year of the Priest
Kolbe Eucharistic Mini-Retreats

Saturday, December 5, 2009 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
St. Brigid's Parish, 300 Woverleigh Blvd., Toronto.
Father Charles Anang from St. Augustine's Seminary will speak on "The Three Loves". For more information check www.kolbeapostolate.com.

Saturday, January 9, 2009 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
St. Brigid's Parish, 300 Woverleigh Blvd., Toronto.
Father Henry McErlean O.S.A. will speak on "The Importance of the Mass in our Lives". For more information check www.kolbeapostolate.com.

Seeds of Hope

A reflection series based on the spiritual writings of Henri J.M. Nouwen.

Saturday, November 14, 2009 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dayspring Chapel at L'Arche Daybreak, 11339 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill.

“Where's Your Home?”
Facilitated by Sr. Sue Mosteller, C.S.J. and Joe Vorstermans. Cost - $30 or pay what you can.

For more information or to reserve a place please call
905-884-0025 ext. 110. Toll-free at 1-866-226-2158 ext. 110. (cash or cheque at the door) nouwensociety@nouwen.net www.HenriNouwen.org

Daybreak Books & Media will be open after the reflection.

Advent Vespers at St. Basil's Church

Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Basil's Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, Toronto.

Please join us to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent with Solemn Vespers at St. Basil's Church. The celebration will feature Gregorian chant and seasonal psalms and hymns from various Christian traditions, as well as choral and organ music by Victoria, Bach, and Dupré.

Light refreshments will follow in the parish hall. This is an ideal way to set the tone in prayer and song for the Advent season. For more information please contact 416-926-7110 www.stbasiltoronto.org.

Dinner Dance and Silent Auction

Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Centre's 25th Anniversary 1984-2009.

November 28, 2009 - Cocktails 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Polish Combatants Association Hall, 206 Beverley Street, Toronto.

Come celebrate and help us continue to educate ALL in the truth about love and human sexuality through fertility appreciation for another 25 years.

To purchase tickets please call 416-465-2868.
$50.00/person. Cash bar. Visa or MasterCard accepted.

Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 20, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Toronto.

The choir of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church invites you to an evening of Christmas music at the Church, 78 Clifton Road (Mount Pleasant and St. Clair).

Organists: Peter Daly, Frank O'Grady, Boniface Fung. Music director: Carolynne Godin.

Donations for the organ repair and maintenance fund will be gladly accepted at the door. For more information, call the church at 416-489-1540.

Faith Connections Upcoming Events

FAITH CONNECTIONS' THEOLOGY ON TAP
Monday, November 16, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Duke of York Pub, 39 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto.
Young adults (19-39) are invited to a social evening of thought-provoking discussion on "Into the Silence - in a Busy World" with guest Fr. Michael Machacek, Executive Director of the Newman Centre at the University of Toronto. Munchies provided, cash bar, come and bring a friend! For more information please call 416-222-1426 ext. 276 or visit www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.

LIVING WITH HOPE: An Advent Journey
Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Village Mosaic, 2794 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto.
Faith Connections and Becoming Neighbours invite young adults (18-39) to an advent retreat. Don't miss this opportunity to slow down and reflect on how Mary and Joseph's path mirrors our own journey in today's world. Cost $10. Please register by Nov. 25, 2009 by calling 416-222-1426 ext. 276, email faithconnections@csj-to.ca. Visit www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.

SCRIPTURE SOUND BYTES
Faith Connections invites young adults (18-39) to join us for prayer, reflection and social time to explore how the Sunday Readings relate to your life. Tuesday evenings, 7:30 p.m. at St. Christopher's Parish, 1171 Clarkson Rd N, Mississauga. For more information please call 416-222-1426 ext. 276 or visit www.faithconnections.ca – a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.

The Vocation of the Catholic
School Board Trustee

St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto is presenting a series of workshops on 6 consecutive Saturdays, January 9 – February 13, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. -
3:00 p.m., for anyone in the province of Ontario who is considering running for the position of Catholic trustee, is a present trustee, or any other persons who are interested.

The series will feature topics such as: The Mission and Overview of the Catholic School System, Historical and Legal issues in Catholic Education, Finance, Roles and Responsibilities, Election, and Skills required of a Catholic trustee.

A nominal fee of $100.00 will be charged for the complete series. The fee must be paid by cash or cheque by December 15, 2009. Inquiries may be sent to receptionist_sas@yahoo.ca or by telephone 416-261-7207 ext. 221. Visit www.archtoronto.org for a complete description of topics and speakers.

Book Launch – “New Faces of Canadian Catholics: The Asians”

Monday, November 23, 2009 – 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
St. Michael's College, Senior Common Room, 81 St. Mary Street.

Please join us to celebrate the launch of "New Faces of Canadian Catholics: The Asians" by Terence Fay, S.J. Wine & cheese will be served. Reading by the author.

Please RSVP to Dayle Furlong, Novalis, at 416-363-3303 ext. 252.

Christmas Concert with Robert Pilon & Friends

Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament Parish, 24 Cheritan Ave., Toronto.

Tickets -$25 each are available at the Parish Office. Proceeds of the concert will go to ShareLife and the St. Paul's Breakfast Club.

For more information and to purchase tickets please call Blessed Sacrament at 416-481-2256. blessed@bellnet.ca.

Introduction to the Extraordinary Form

December 6, 2009 - 5:30 p.m.
Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, Mississauga.

Introduction to the Extraordinary Form with Missa Cantata for the 2nd Sunday in Advent followed by a workshop/social at Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, 1870 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Mississauga.

For more information please call 905-625-5670. Or the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Rev. Fr. Howard J. Venette, FSSP, Chaplain, at 416-696-8660. www.fssptoronto.com.

Missa Cantata

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 – 8:00 p.m.
St. Brigid's Parish, 300 Wolverleigh, Blvd., Toronto.

The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter invites you to a Missa Cantata for the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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

Sunday Eucharist: Fully Lived!

9th Simcoe Liturgy Conference

Friday, April 23, 2010 - 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
St. Mary's Parish, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie.

Keynote Speaker: Most Rev. Albert LeGatt, Archbishop of St. Boniface.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Office of Formation for Discipleship, Archdiocese of Toronto and the Parishes of Simcoe County. It is a time of communal prayer, presentations and fellowship. The conference is open to all parishioners.

Archbishop LeGatt is a native of Saskatchewan. Prior to ordination he worked for three years with Canadian University Students Overseas (CUSO) teaching young people in Ghana. Immediately prior to his appointment as Archbishop of St. Boniface he was Bishop of Saskatoon. Archbishop LeGatt is currently the chairman of the English Sector Commission for Liturgy and Sacraments.

Pre-registration is necessary. To obtain a brochure, registration form or for further details contact Catherine Ecker, Office of Formation for Discipleship, Archdiocese of Toronto at 705-726-2153. Fax 705-726-8195. email cecker@archtoronto.org.

PRAYER WITH THE SONGS OF TAIZÉ

Every second Friday of the Month
St. Clare's Parish, Toronto.

Join us at St. Clare's Church, 1118 St. Clair Ave. W. (just east of Dufferin), on Friday, December 11th and every second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m., as we gather in prayer and meditative reflection in the style of Taizé. We will also learn more about this form of prayer, the monastic community of Taizé, and the reason why thousands of young people make their way every week to meet and pray with the brothers in Taizé.

For more information please call St. Clare's Parish at 416-654-7087.