CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE:

Membership dues ($20.00) will be collected before and after Mass - in the main entrance this weekend and next weekend.

NOTE OF SYMPATHY: Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Peter Murphy who died this week. Let us remember him at prayer.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL: Welcome members to our appreciation pot luck evening Saturday, January 25^th at 6:00 pm, lower level at the Cathedral. This weekend is Poor Box weekend. Please be generous.

YOUTH OUTING AT SALTOS: All youth aged 13-18 are welcome to attend our Youth Group outing at Saltos Gymnastics on February 1^st, 2020. Please register by emailing Jennie at hrahyouthandfamilygroup@gmail.com or by testing (709) 330-5347. Registration deadline is Monday, January 27^th.

BAPTISM SEMINAR: is being offered Tuesday, January 28th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral for parents and godparents. We offer an update on what it means to have a child baptized together with the understanding that there must be a well founded hope that the child will be reared in the practice of the faith. We offer a walk through of the liturgy with an opportunity for question and discussion.  

COMMUNION CALLS: Wednesday and Thursday, January 29^th and 30^th starting at 2:00 pm. Anyone who is unable to join us at the Sunday Mass but might like the Blessed Sacrament brought to the home should call the parish and leave a message at 634-5161.

ST BLAISE - BISHOP AND MARTYR - FEBRUARY 3^RD : You are invited to come forward for the traditional blessing Monday, February 3^rd after Mass. May the Lord free you from all ailments of throat and every other evil... in the name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

CABBAGE ROLL SUPPER - WINTER CARNIVAL EVENT - ADVANCE NOTICE: The Holy Redeemer Parish Cabbage Roll Supper will be held on Monday, February 24^th – more details to follow.

ADVANCE NOTICE: PRE MARRIAGE SEMINAR: couples planning to marry this year are advised of a special seminar being held Friday, March 6^th starting at 7:00 pm and continuing on Saturday March 7^th at 9:00 am. We cover topics of Sacramentality of Marriage, communication, financial considerations, relaxation and meditation as well as an overview of challenges to the goals and objectives of the Sacrament. This promises to be a pleasant experience as you prepare spiritually to celebrate your marriage. The fee is $50.00. Kindly call our office at 634-5161 to register.

NET MINISTRIES: Holy Redeemer Parish and Sacred Heart Parish are co-sponsoring events with NET Ministries for the weekend of March 20^th - 21^st. This is a great event for all youth in Grade Seven and higher. More specific details to follow. Confirmation candidates are expected to take part in the Net Ministries activities.

SACRED HEART PARISH - PARISH MISSION: - ADVANCE NOTICE: Sacred Heart Parish is taking pary in a special mission during Lent. Retired Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie will lead us in a mission March 29^th - 31^st.

ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH - PARK DRIVE: Annual Ecumenical Evening of Reflection - “Women from both the Old and New Testament as well as women know to us today”. Tuesday, March 31^st at 7:00 pm. RSVP by March 24^th - call Anne 785-2980 or thekeatings2000@yahoo.ca . A monetary gift or non perishable food item.

4 YOUTH: January 28^th is the feast day of St Thomas Aquinas. He was a very good student, tops in his class. He joined the Order of Saint Dominic against his parents’ wishes and persevered in his vocation. He studied under St. Albert the Great and he began teaching and publishing his first works at the age of 22. He received his doctorate at age 31. He wrote and preached often and his works are still studied today, He was one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. As you continue your student work this month - be it exams, projects or presentations - say a prayer to St Thomas since he is the patron saint of all universities and students. You can find A Students Prayer (by St Thomas Aquinas), published by Catholic Online on You Tube.

CREMATION: When a loved one dies, cremation is a very popular option which many are requesting. However, studies show that viewing the body is helpful to family and friends in the grieving process. It also provides comfort and closure for all who loved the deceased. The fact is clear - we need to be with the body in our story telling and tributes. With this thought in mind, we would appeal to everyone to consider this. It facilitates healing and enables the grieving process to unfold. Cremation would be best considered later - especially in view of the fact that many families postpone the inurement until a suitable time.

THE COMMUNION RITE AT MASS: begins with the praying of the OUR FATHER. The proper posture for this rite is standing - until the presiding priest returns to the chair and sits. This is a further sign of our unity in Christ. After a pause, all stand for the prayer. Communion songs usually contain an easy refrain which everyone can sing as they come up to receive.

THE CONSECRATION OF THE BREAD AND WINE: Once the words of consecration are completed over the bread an as the priest genuflects, everyone bows. The same reverence is made when the wine has been consecrated. This communal gesture symbolizes the faith of the Christian community in the supreme presence of Christ now brought to bear in this celebration.