St. Helen Church SUNDAY DECEMBER 20, 2015 | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C)

Pastor

Fr. Philip English

Administrator

Fr. Bob Colburn, CSSp

Office Administration

Aggie Agnino ext. 1

Mass Times Saturday - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 9 & 11 a.m.

Opened - October 2, 1938

Schools St. Mark School

Principal: Steven Ward

Phone: (905) 563-9191

St. Edward School

Principal: Adrian Bishop

Phone: (905) 562-5531

Sacraments Baptism

Available Sundays at 1:00 pm. Call

parish office.

First Communion & Confirmation

Arranged through school. If your

child is not in a Catholic school or is

not baptized in the Roman Catholic

Church, contact the parish office.

Reconciliation

Before or after mass or by appoint-

ment.

Marriage

Six months’ notice; marriage prep

required.

Anointing of the Sick

Please let us know when someone

has a serious or prolonged illness or

is to have surgery. This sacrament

celebrates the healing of mind and

body and the forgiveness of sins.

Catholic Funeral Rites

When a death occurs in your family,

please call the parish office and we

will assist you in making the neces-

sary liturgical arrangements.

4106 Mountain Street | Beamsville, Ontario | L0R 1B7 www.sthelenscatholic.ca

Phone (905) 562-7427 | Fax (905) 563-0003 | office@sthelenscatholic.ca

Established as a Parish - January 1, 1986

Kindly complete the following and place in collection basket

☐ New Parishioner* ☐ Change of address ☐ Moving

Name________________________ Phone_________________ E-mail___________________

Address______________________________________________ City_____________________

Postal Code______________ ☐ I would like to use offertory envelopes*

We welcome you and invite you to share in the spiritual and social activities of your parish

When it’s hard to slow down:

Loving God, the days are drawing close to the birth of your son. There is a lot we still need to "do" but help us to simply "be" and to slow down and savor these days. You know the anticipation we feel. Help us to deepen that sense and to allow it to build in our hearts. We are grateful for this great gift of your Son in our lives. Continue to offer us the gentle nudge of your grace so we cherish that grati-tude in the busy-ness of our days, and let it move us to be more generous to those around us. Amen.

Mass In

tentio

ns

Year C - December 21, 2015 - January 10, 2016

Day Requested for Requested by

Mon No Morning Mass Tuesday, Dec 22

8:30 a.m. † Carmela & Antonio Guerriero Guerriero Family

Wed . Dec 23 10:00 a.m.

† Angela & Guglielmo Ricci

† James & Theresa Burns

Ricci Family

Kevin Burns

Thursday, Dec 24 5:00 p.m.

† Maria Orlando,

† Carmela & Michael DeBonis Maria Orlando

Thursday, Dec 24 7:00 p.m.

† Michelle McManus Family

Thursday, Dec 24 Midnight Mass

For the People of St. Helen

Friday, Dec 25 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

For the People of St. Helen

For the People of St. Helen

Saturday, Dec 26 5:00 p.m.

Int’ns of Helen & Frank Murphy A Friend

Sunday, Dec 27 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

For the People of St. Helen - L&D

† Olga D’Alessio

† Vittorio & Rosa Hrvatin

Mark & Sandy Baldasaro

Hrvatin Family

Mon No Morning Mass Tuesday, Dec 29

8:30 a.m. No Morning Mass

Wed. Dec 30 10:00 a.m. No Morning Mass

Thursday, Dec 31 5:00 p.m. † Libero Palmieri Palmieri Family

Friday, Jan 1 10:00 a.m. For the People of St. Helen

Saturday, Jan 2 5:00 p.m. For the People of St. Helen

Sunday, Jan 3 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

† Giuseppe Sgambelluri

† Dora Geczy & † Elizabeth Barna

Padre Pio

Sgambelluri Family

Alex Geczy

Giuseppina Elia

Mon No Morning Mass Tuesday, Jan 5

8:30 a.m. † Amelia Landin Mary Smeenk

Wed. Jan 6 10:00 a.m. Ab Adams Kevin Burns

Thursday, Jan 7 8:30 a.m. † Amelia Landin Natalie Boric & Family

Friday, Jan 8 10:00 a.m.

Albright Manor

† Angelina Prokich, Alex Prokich

† Maria & Gerald Murphy

Alex Prokich

Paul Murphy

Saturday, Jan 9 5:00 p.m. Padre Pio Maria DiTomasso

Sunday, Jan 10 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

For the People of St. Helen

† Olga D’Alessio

Maria & Piera Palmieri

L & D (living & deceased)

A letter from the Office of the Bishop Christmas 2015

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, St. Joseph is the patron of the Universal Church and the patron of Canada. He is the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. He is an excellent role model for men, for husbands, and for fathers. During the Christmas season we focus on the wonderful qualities of this man who loved God and his family. Sacred Scripture tells us that Joseph was a good and righteous man. We see this in the way he dealt with Mary's pregnancy. Joseph was engaged to Mary and when he discovered that she was with child, knowing that they had not had marital relations, decided to end the relationship quietly so that she would not be ex-posed to public disgrace. It was in a dream that God told Joseph, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Mt. 1:20) St. Joseph was a man of faith and wanted to do God's will so he did take Mary as his wife. He then had to take Mary to Bethlehem because the Emperor Augustus had ordered that a census be taken and all were required to be registered in their home town. This journey with his pregnant wife would not have been easy; however, things become more difficult when they arrived in Bethlehem and found no lodgings. Mary went into labour and all Joseph could find was a simple manger. There he assisted his wife in giving birth to a son. The one who was instru-mental in bringing into the world the Saviour of the world would now have to become his protector. God spoke to St. Joseph once again in a dream to warn him about the imminent danger to his family, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." (Mt. 2:13) The Holy Family fled with few belongings and found safety in a foreign land. Today we still find violence and tyranny that forces innocent people to flee their homes and countries. We see this in the current refugee crisis that is facing Europe and other parts of the world. As we prepare to cele-brate the feast of Christmas, we are reminded that the Holy Family was forced to become refugees. St. Jo-seph had to protect his family from danger by bringing them to a safe place where they could live in peace. This desire for peace is still very much alive today, especially among those who are oppressed. Peace is such a significant part of Christmas. The angels who appeared to the shepherds on the first Christmas pro-claimed a message of peace on earth, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours." (Luke 2:14) In speaking about the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Coun-selor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the cel-ebration of his birth is about peace. So it is most appropriate that at Christmas we think of those refugees who are seeking peace in our own country of Canada. In a world of so much bad news we find good news in the world's response to the Syrian refugees. We see this in our country where so many people are opening their hearts to refugees and providing them a home. Currently in our own diocese there are thirteen parishes spon-soring Syrian refugees. There are also some families and individuals who are helping to sponsor refugees. The generosity and good will is incredible. I am also extremely grateful to those within our diocese who are fa-cilitating the arrival of refugees. As we begin the Year of Mercy this is a beautiful example of putting our faith into action and extending love and mercy to those in misery. Like St. Joseph, we reach out to protect these families by offering them asylum and bringing them peace. These are actions that definitely compliment the Christmas season and help to illustrate its true meaning. This Christmas I ask that you pray in particular for all refugees. Through the intercession of the Holy Family may those fleeing tyranny find a generous world that offers them a new home where they will find true peace and joy. Let us also pray for the political will to address the tyranny that causes such misery. May the Prince of Peace grant you a joyous Christmas and a grace-filled New Year. St. Joseph, Patron of Canada, pray for us. Yours sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D. Bishop of St. Catharines

4th Sunday of Advent - Dec. 20, 2015 Liturgical Year ‘C’

Full of Grace Micah 5 A future king is promised to those in exile.

Heb 10 Jesus was himself the perfect sacrifice. Luke 1 Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth

A Jewish proverb says: “God could not be everywhere; there-fore, he made mothers.” Even while Jesus was still in Mary’s womb, he brought joy to Elizabeth and her unborn child, John. Mary, the mother to be, became blessed for having trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled. At Jesus’ birth, when the

umbilical cord was cut, the bond between Mary and Jesus was never really broken. She remained faith-fully at his side through all of the events of his life, and at the foot of the cross when it seemed that even the Father had abandoned him. Through the centuries, Mary has never aban-doned her son. Nor will she ever abandon us. --Deacon Dick Folger

Church Office Holiday Hours The parish office will be closed December 24 through January 4. We wish you all a very “Merry and Blessed Christmas” and a “Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year 2016!”

-- Fr. Philip and staff

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve: 5:00 p.m. (Children’s Mass), 7:00 p.m., Midnight Mass: with carols 11:30 p.m. Christmas Day: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. New Year’s Eve: 5:00 p.m. New Year’s Day: 10:00 a.m. (Solemnity of Mary Mother of God) Confessions: Saturday December 19th, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Before weekend mass or by appointment

Update on the Annual Bazaar Our 2nd Annual St. Helen's Bazaar was a great success. $3,743 was raised for the Building Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Monte for her great or-ganizational skills in spearheading this event. Thank you also to everyone who baked, made crafts, sold plants and refreshments and especially everyone who helped and supported us. It was a great day overall! TAX RECEIPTS - Deadline for 2015 donations for inclusion on 2015 tax receipt is December 27.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Dec. 27, 2015 Ponder It All

Sirach The duty to care for one’s parents. (Sirach) Colossians A prescription for Christian family living . Luke Jesus is found in the temple.

A small boy in a shop-ping small approached a security guard and said: “I’ve lost my grandpa!” The cop asked: “What’s he like?” The little boy hesitat-ed for a moment and then replied: “Jeopardy, Judge Judy, Jack Daniels, and cigars.” In today’s gospel Jesus is lost. His frantic parents find him in the temple, surrounded by the rabbis. Jesus says that his parents should have known that he had to be about his Father’s business. That business is the Gospel story of Jesus doing the will of his Father, healing and helping people, feeding the hungry, preaching to the multitudes, and teach-ing his disciples. In our families, we are called to do the same.

A Fond Farewell…

Fr. Philip will begin sabbatical on January 1, 2016. He will be returning at the end of June 2016. During this time, Father Philip will be studying Italian at the Universita per Stranieri di Perugia, in Perugia, Italy. We wish him well on this much deserved sabbatical.

Welcome Fr. Bob Colburn to St. Helen’s Fr. Bob Colburn comes to us from Scarborogh where has just completed a sabbatical year follow-ing 6 years of community administration. Prior to that time he served as a Director of Volunteer Inter-national Christian Service based in Edmonton Al-berta. Prior to that he spent 12 years in Parish Min-istry in Alberta. Fr. Colburn is delighted to come to St. Helen’s to administer the parish. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to Fr. and offer a warm welcome and any assistance as he gets ac-quainted with our community.

In Honor Donations

Make a donation in honor of someone. In Honor Donations can be used to recognize individuals for special occasions and holidays. For that hard to buy for someone, or grandma & grandpa who may not need anything, you can honor them by making a donation in their name to the Building Fund. The donor receives a tax receipt for their donation and the individual receives a letter informing him or her of the donation. Contact the parish office.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

January 1st Holy Day of Obligation

Epiphany of the Lord - January 3, 2016 With What Gifts

Isaiah All the nations of the earth shall walk in Je-rusalem’s light. Ephesians God’s plan is revealed to all people. Matthew The magi came from the east, seeking the Christ child.

Christmas traditions tell us that Gaspar was a king who made the long journey from India across Persia and Arabia to reach Bethlehem. Melchior was a Persian king and Balthasar was an Arabian king. Ancient prophecies in the Psalms, Daniel, and Numbers foretold the coming of a great

leader, a messiah. Some modern-day astronomers, by running the celestial clock in reverse, suggest that the guiding star was real. The magi no doubt would have brought their own scripture scholars and others who along with the shepherds, were the first to worship the newborn king.

--Deacon Dick Folger

St. Helen CWL St Helen CWL installation of the new Executive Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the 11 a.m. Mass. First CWL meeting on Monday, January 11@ 6.30 p.m. All ladies of the parish are welcome to attend.

Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Thank you for your most generous response in rais-ing $32,280 to bring a Syrian family to our St. Helen parish. Fr. Philip has signed the paperwork to sup-port a family of four from Damascus, Syria, now liv-ing in Lebanon. The application will go through Casa El Norte and the Diocese to a central pro-cessing centre in Winnipeg. We have been deeply moved by the many hands working to help so many families in need and we know the finger of God has touched the project which for our parish has moved forward at, well, Godspeed. We will keep you apprised of details as they be-come available. For more information email: st-helens-syrian-refugee@googlegroups.com Please pray for the safety and well being of this family over the Christmas holidays, and for the suc-cess and approval of the application to bring them to our home in Canada.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

St. Helen Church Raffle Tickets Raffle tickets make a great Christmas gift for that hard to buy for loved one. Tickets can be purchased at the office reception or call John Stewart 905 563-0062. Get your tickets for the next draw, Dec. 27th!

Diocesan Separated & Divorced Healing Ministry Support Group

We meet every second and fourth Monday (7:00-9:00 p.m.) at Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre. For information, call 905/356-4113 or 905/684-0154, or e-mail: separatedanddivorced@saintcd.com -- meetings will resume again on January 11, 2016

Holy Year of Mercy

Special prayer cards have been prepared by the Diocese for your use at church and/or at home. Please take one!

Church Envelopes Church envelopes are available at the church entrance in alphabetical order. Please check that your name and ad-dress are correct. If you did not use en-velopes last year and wish to begin this year or if you have changed your address, please fill in the tear off section on the cover of the bulletin and sub-mit to the office. Envelope users will receive a re-ceipt for income tax purposes.

St. Helen Commemorative Bottle

Tickets will be sold this weekend and next after all the Masses for $2.00 each or 3/ $5.00 to win a St. Helen Commemorative bottle of wine. Be sure to get in on this draw as there are a limited number of bottles of Riesling and Bench Red to be won. All money raised will go to the building fund.

Pray for the Pope’s January Universal / Evangelization Intentions ...

• Universal: Interreligious Dialogue ~ That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice.

• Evangelization: Christian Unity ~ That by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome division. the week.

Pray the

Rosary

after Mass

during the week.