The Fifth Sunday of Lent

March 17, 2013

Neither Do I Condemn You

After listening to last Sundays parable of the Prodigal Son, we see Jesus today putting the truth of that story into action, defending the woman caught in adultery from her accusers. What power, what liberation are captured in those five simple words: Neither do I condemn you! Jesus is perfectly clear: God does not desire to accuse, judge, or condemn us, to enclose us within our sin. God desires to forgive us: to set us free from sin and its consequences. What is it that makes us so insistent on the letter of the law especially when it comes to others? Why are we so quick to condemn, so reluctant to give people a second chance? Where did we get the idea that forgiveness is weak, and condemnation strong? The Gospels suggest that while Jesus could be very tough on sin especially the sins of pride, selfrighteousness, injustice, hypocrisy, and lack of compassion Jesus was invariably compassionate towards sinners. Today, Jesus challenges both the accused and the accusers to look more deeply into their own hearts. He challenges the woman to not take the gift of Gods forgiveness for granted, but to turn away from sin: to be faithful to God, to her husband, to her conscience. At the same time, Jesus challenges her accusers to consider their own failures and sins, their own betrayals of the covenant. For they look at this woman, and see a sinner and moreover, a convenient pawn to be used in their attempt to bring down Jesus. Jesus looks upon this woman and sees a daughter of God: one who has sinned, yes, but one who is still loved and held in Gods embrace. As we prepare to enter into Holy Week, as we prepare to meet the Lord in the sacrament of Reconciliation this Tuesday evening, maybe we could ponder the many ways in which God wants to set us free. God invites us to trust in His mercy, in his power to heal and transform us. May the words of Paul become our own: I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Therefore, I can forget what lies behind and strain forward toward the goal: the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. May we too put the past behind us and move confidently into the future, towards our goal: union with Christ, asking to see him more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly, day by day. We also celebrate two great saints this week Patrick, patron of Ireland on Sunday, and Joseph, husband of Mary and patron of the universal Church (on Tuesday). May their example and prayers guide us and inspire us as we respond to the call to holiness! We also pray that the new Pope elected by the College of Cardinals this week may respond with generosity to his call and lead us with the heart of a Good Shepherd. Amen!

Come Celebrate with us

What better way to experience the loving mercy of the Father than to return to his outstretched arms in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Please join the West End zone parishes as we celebrate this sign of Gods healing forgiveness: here at St. Monicas on Tuesday, March 19th at 8:00 PM (following Mass at 7:30 PM) and at St. John Brbeuf Parish in LaSalle on Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30 PM

Mass Intentions: March 17-24, 2013

March 16, 2013 4:00 8:30 11:00 Saturday, Lenten Weekday

Vincent Tedeschi
March 17, 2013

Hie wife & Family

The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Colombo & Emma The Salvati Family Salvati In Loving Memory Fioravante Rotiroti, Isa Mazzella, Antonio Gammad
March 18, 2013 Monday, St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Development & Peace Share Lent Campaign, Human Dignity

Today is Solidarity Sunday and the final week of D & P Share Lent Campaign. Let it not be the end of our awareness and commitment to promote Human Dignity. Let us keep all those who suffer degradation in our prayers. Let us always take action to promote Human Dignity when called upon. D&P wishes to thank everyone for their participation in this year`s campaign.

8:00 8:00 7:30 PM 8:00

Ermando Giuseppe Nudo

March 19, 2013

His Wife Elvira Nudo

Tuesday, St. Joseph

Julian, Theresa & Kevin The Rooney Family Rooney The Intentions of all Parishioners
March 20, 2013 Wednesday, Lenten Weekday

Concetta Caucci
March 21, 2013

Olga Santini Matta

Thursday, Lenten Weekday

Good Friday Way of the Cross

As we prepare to celebrate the risen Lord, we hope all of you are in good health of body and soul. As part of our preparation, St. Monicas will be organizing The Way of the Cross, Friday March 29, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at this special "Way of the Cross" service on Good Friday to prepare for Easter.

8:00 8:00

Nilda Rivera
March 22, 2013

Yolanda Nicolas
Friday, Lenten Weekday

Noel Dulay
March 23, 2013

Martin Martinez
Saturday, Lenten Weekday

4:00

In Loving Memory Leonard & Terry Winslade, Dorothy Moore, Mike Kilbertus, The Deceased Members of the Charles McDonald Family, Vincenzo Saluzzi, Carmela & Michele Iapalucci, Lucille Wong, Mickey Laughlin
March 24, 2013 Palm/Passion Sunday

"Never Letting Go"

A Benefit concert featuring JoAnne Mitchell along with eight great Montreal musicians, Sunday April 14, 2013 at 4:00pm in St. Monica's Parish Hall. Tickets are $10.00 each.

8:30 11:00

Luigi & Alba Paliotti The Paliotti Family In Loving Memory Isa Mazzella, Antonio Cannavina

Your Generosity Thank you for your on-going support of our parish Last Sundays collection was $2,698.65

March 28th March 29th March 30th March 31st

Holy Thursday: Good Friday: Easter Vigil: Easter Sunday

Holy Week Schedule:

Mass of the Lords Supper The passion of Our Lord The Way of the Cross Saturday

8:00 PM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 AM 11:00 AM