THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD ~ JANUARY 1, 2023

STAR OF THE SEA, CANSO

ST. AGNES, LITTLE DOVER

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, QUEENSPORT

ST. JOSEPH’S, PORT FELIX

PASTOR: FR. JONATHAN NNAJIOFOR, 366-2927

CONGREGATION OF NOTRE DAME 358-2346

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Donna Jackson, Janet Delorey, Cynthia Creamer,
Calvin Harnish, Agnes Casey, Corrine Munroe,
Gerry Parker, Gelly Parker, Paul Horne, Sr. Alma

The complete text of this bulletin is also available on the parish's website at www.cansoparishes.org

WEEKEND MASS TIMES

Saturday, January 7 - 6:00 p.m. - St. Joseph - †Timmy Tibbo

Sunday, January 8 - 11:00 a.m. Star of the Sea - †Mary & †Joe Keefe

WEEKDAY SCHEDULE:

Thursday, January 5 - 6:00 p.m. St. Anthony’s Chapel - ♥For the Faithful

NOTES: The churches of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Agnes are now closed for the winter months. MASS will resume the first weekend in May, 2023.

COMMUNION CALLS - If you know of anyone who is unable to get out to Mass and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the parish office to have their name added to the list.

REFLECTION ON TODAY’S READINGS

The Blessings of the New Year - We begin each year by celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The two readings of today embrace the two moods of the moment. Firstly, we are on the very first day of a New Year and it is only appropriate that we seek God’s blessing for ourselves as we step into a new year. For this, the Gospel gives us the important dispositions that enable God’s plan to be fulfilled in us: the examples of docility and humility in Mary and the shepherds. God desires to bless us with peace, protection, illumination, graciousness, and kindness. But we need to be disposed and prepared for it. “If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Let us begin this year with humility and docility to the will of God, and we will experience the powerful divine transformation in our life. When we listen to the word of God and live accordingly, we too shall be blessed and remain the beloved of God. As we begin the New Year, let us pray for a Mary-like faith and attitudes in our lives so that we may ever remain open and committed to living the Word of God.

MEMORY TREES - have been placed in Star of the Sea and St. Joseph Churches and will remain until Sunday, January 8, 2023. Minimum donation will be $5.00 and a loved one’s name will be written on a ball. Donations will be deposited to the parish of your choice. Please fill out a memorial card with your loved one’s name. For more information contact the parish office or Carla Armsworthy.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR: It is Christmas again. A continuous Christmas without end and beyond season – ‘The perennial birth of Love’. Please share joy during this Christmas. Make a visit (when it is safe to do so), give a card, send a word, or smile. Touch someone’s life today and especially during this ongoing difficult economic crisis in our world. Let us all make the effort to be a light that will lighten someone’s darkness in this season of light and joy. Let sadness give place to joy, and despair to hope. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and God’s blessings and protection in the coming New Year.

SUNDAY COLLECTIONS

Star of the Sea (24) $575.00

Christmas (28) $877.00

Loose $109.00

St. Agnes (11) $335.00

Christmas (12) $245.00

Loose $30.00

St. Joseph N/A

THANK YOU - To all who have contributed to our parishes, your gifts of time, energy, prayers and finances are much appreciated!!! We are grateful for all you do. Thanks so much!

STAR OF THE SEA NEWS

Property and Finance Committee - Tuesday, March 7 at 6:15 p.m. in the meeting room

Ministries Schedule, January 8

Lector - Donna Lewis

Usher - Bill MacMillan

Sacristan - Carla Armsworthy

Cleaners - January 8 - 14 - Theresa & Eileen

Trivia Night - will be held Saturday, January 21 at Canso Hazel Hill Fire Hall starting at 7:00 p.m. Please spread the word!! Donations of Pizzas would be most appreciated.

LITURGY COMMITTEE - will meet in early February, date to be announced.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL DONATIONS

We wish to acknowledge donations in memory of: