The Holy Family

St. Monicas Parish December 28/29, 2013 Holy Family 2013 / New Years and Epiphany 2014 The Holy Family Held Together By Love

This weekend we celebrate the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as a model for our families. A real family faced with real trials and tribulations, as well as all the joys that come with family life. What makes them a model family for all Christians is that they stood strong together because Love, God, was at the center of their family and individual lives. Love is the bond that unites a family. Love brings us together, keeps us together and enables us to work together as a family. The Holy Family teaches us that familial love is rooted in the united vision of a common goal: that of working together to bring about Gods purpose for our lives. Jesus, Mary and Joseph show us time and again that what holds them together throughout all their trials is their love for each other and their unwavering faith in God. They were willing to put aside their own ambitions and expectations to follow Gods plan for them. Through them, God was able to bring salvation to the world. God has a purpose for each member of our family as well. This purpose is most evident when we love each other, when we put God at the center of our lives. In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul offers us some very good advice on family life. I encourage you to put these virtues into practice so that your family can grow in greater love, unity and attentiveness to Gods guidance. For example: Compassion (listen attentively and with empathy to a family member) Kindness (help a family member with a chore or homework, visit relatives) Humility (admit your mistakes, put the needs of others before your own) Gentleness (be tactful when discussing a sensitive issue, accommodating) Patience (slow down and be attentive to your child, sibling or elderly parent) Forgiveness (ask God for the grace to forgive, let go and start again) Gratitude(tell family members you are grateful for them in your life and why)

No matter what shape our family may take, or what size it may be, God has chosen each member of the family to work together for His purpose. My hope for this New Year is that we intentionally make time to nurture and cherish our loved ones, so that we are open to Gods will in our lives. Making time to truly know and appreciate each other is the most valuable gift we can give our family members, ourselves and our world. May Gods love dwell in your hearts and in your families throughout the coming year and may He bless you with health, peace, joy, and prosperity. Happy New Year! Anna Diodati Pastoral Associate

NEWYEARSEVEMASS(Tuesday,December31)at4:00p.m. NEWYEARSDAYMASS(Wednesday,January1)at11:00a.m.MaryTheHolyMotherofGod

Adult Faith Enrichment January Events

Video Divina
Fr. Raymond will present the movie Saving Grace on Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in the parish rectory. Admission & popcorn are free, stimulating discussion will follow the movie! All are welcome!

Adult Faith Education

God Wants Me To Be Joyful? Really?, with Pastor Nita Kotiuga on Wednesday, January 22 from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. in the parish hall.64

Bible Study
Experiencing the Living Word Through the Gospel of John, with Pastor Brent Walker on Wednesday evenings, January 29, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, and March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the parish hall.

Please refer to our brochure, website and the posters at the Church entrances for additional information.

Christmas New Year Holiday Office Hours

The parish office will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, 2013 to Wednesday, January 1, 2014 The Office will reopen again on Thursday, January 2 at 9:00 a.m. In Case of Emergencies, please call 514-481-0267, leave a message and someone will call you back shortly.

MASS INTENTIONS FROM DECEMBER 28, 2013 TO JANUARY 12, 2014

4:00 Saturday, December 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs In Loving Memory: Mike Kilbertus, Leona Clarke, Deceased members of the Charles McDonald Family, Angelo Caucci, Edgardo Poce & Luigina Cicciarelli, Lucille Wong, Leonard & Terry Winslade Sunday, December 29 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Antonietta & Vincenzo La Posta Concetta La Posta Iole Fantuzi Monday, December 30 Amelia Broca Theresa Tuesday, December 31 Giuseppina Fiori Wednesday, January 1 Franca & Luciano Falciani & Family 6th Day Octave of the Nativity By Her Daughter Dennis & Linda Stimpson 7th Day Octave of the Nativity By Her Children The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

8:30 11:00 8:00 4:00 11:00 8:00 8:00 4:00 8:30 11:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00 8:00

New Year Day Mass World Day of Prayer for Peace Thursday, January 2 St. Basil The Great & St. Gregory Nazianzen Antonio Palucci Maria Theresa Friday, January 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus James Flynn Sharon & Giulio Saturday, January 4 St. Elizabeth Seton Lucille Wong The Wong Family Sunday, January 5 Epiphany of the Lord In Loving Memory: Elena Casale Zilli, Joseph Onesi, Vincenzo & Antonietta La Posta, Teofilo Miana, Agnese & Martino & Antonio Gagliardi Frances Marion & Joseph Donahue Helen Donahue Monday, January 6 Weekday Mass Theresa, Julian & Kevin Rooney Gary Rooney Tuesday, January 7 St. Andre Bessette Isa Mazzella Her Daughter Lorraine Wednesday, January 8 St. Raymond of Penyafort Assunto & Narzoreno Santoche Thursday, January 9 Giacomo & Luccia Palucci Friday, January 10 Raffaelle Ziccarelli & Concetta Di Vincenzo Maria Teresa Weekday Mass Maria Teresa Weekday Mass Figlia Mafalda

4:00 8:30 11:00

Giuseppe Di Roberto La Famiglia Saturday, January 11 Ferial Mass James & Elizabeth Flynn Sharon & Giulio Sunday, January 12 Baptism of the Lord In Loving Memory: Mike Kilbertus, Alba & Luigi Paliotti, Emma & Colombo Salvati, Anna & Lorenzo Forlini, and Luigi, Antonio & Sandra Onesi Concetta di Leonardo Betty & Ding Reyes

The regular printing of the Bulletin will be begin again for the weekend of January 11/12, 2014 Proceeds of collections during the holidays will be recorded at the same time.