Celebrating ADVENT

This past Sunday, we began the season of Advent by celebrating the 1^st Sunday of Advent. Advent is our time of preparation and time of waiting for the coming of Jesus.It is a rich and powerful season of the Church year.

We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

We must see through the “Windows of Faith” when we look at our Advent preparations for Christmas rather than the “Screens of Society”. The computer screen, the phone screen, the tv screen or the movie screen.

Through “Windows of Faith”, we see the birth of the Christ-child, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace. We see that it is being with family that is the gift, the shared moments of grace that are important.  It is practicing goodness, generosity, hospitality and humility that give us the deepest sense of peace, joy and love.  We see those in need, the homeless and the hungry not just the overwhelming consumerism in the world.

The First Week of Advent

Jesus, Son of Mary, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, see through "windows of faith" and focus on what’s really important. We place our HOPE in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Second Week of Advent

Jesus, our Brother, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to look through the "windows of faith" and become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that PEACE with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Third Week of Advent

Jesus, the Christ-child, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the JOY you bring into our lives. When we look through the "windows of faith" we find you in the everyday moments and we can come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Fourth Week of Advent

Jesus, Guiding Light, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great LOVE for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives, help us to see through "windows of faith" and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

Advent Prayer for Families

Heavenly Father, your son Jesus is your greatest gift to us, 

a great sign of your love. 

Guide us as we strive to walk in that love 

together as a family this Advent. 

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, 

bring us closer to each other and to your son. 

Give us the grace and strength we need every day, 

help us to always trust in you 

and help us to look through "windows of faith" 

to see the world around us. 

Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. 

Come and dispel the darkness of our world 

with the light of your love. 

Amen.

Good St. Anne. Pray For Us.

Faith in Motion

Someone else's need creates an opportunity for us to respond in faith!  


Some of our music students went out to St. John the Evangelist parish last week to share their gifts and talents. We led the music at the Thanksgiving Mass for St. John the Evangelist school in Woodslee.

When the need for music arose, our staff and students were quick to respond, not for glory but because that is what our faith calls us to do.   

In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Luke 3:11

It may not have been coats but the students shared what they had...                   Talent and Music

The St. Anne's Crew with students from St. John the Evangelist school.

Thanks goes out to...            St. Anne's students (L-R) Massimo Chiodo, Lucas Radlin, Amanda Gray, Olivia Toulouse, Morgan Pake and Emma Chenier.

Along with St. Anne's Campus Minister Mrs. Renee Fuerth and Fr. Moe Charbonneau.

The theme for Catholic Education week is "Walking Forward Together" and we have adopted something like it for our theme this year. 

WALKING TOGETHER-In The Light.  

You will see this throughout the year and we will refer to it often.  

But whatever theme we choose we will always look to our school motto of Fiat Lux - Let there be light. Not just any light, but the light of Christ.

So our theme of WALKING TOGETHER In The Light calls us to walk with each other in faith.

But what does it mean to walk together…

Well,  Psychologists tell us that as human beings we crave contact with others.  That it is part of what drives us in this life.  The need to be in contact with others. And that if we don’t have it, something just doesn’t seem right.  We need interpersonal relationships. 

An interpersonal relationship is a strong, deep, or close association or acquaintance between two or more people that may range in duration from brief to enduring. This association may be based on inference, love, solidarity, regular business interactions, or some other type of social commitment. That’s the official definition.  

But the simple one is...

We want to belong.  

Whether it’s to our family at home, to a club, a team, a group of friends, the band or a school community, we want to be a part of something.  And that is what our theme calls us to this year.  

WALKING TOGETHER In The Light.  It means journeying with the people around us in this crazy life.  It means listening and truly hearing someone when they are in need, showing compassion to others, supporting people when they are struggling with the difficult things that life throws at us like loss and tragedy.  

It means celebrating the gifts and talents that we all have and seeing each one as valuable, laughing and sharing your lunch with your friends. 

It means treating your teachers with respect 

and it means seeing the good in each of your students. 

It means walking in support of cancer research by walking in the Terry Fox walk.  It means supporting Suicide prevention week.  It means giving money to the missions or buying gifts for those who have nothing at Christmas.

But what sets us apart is that we don’t think that walking together is just a nice thing to do, we believe as people of faith that we are called to do these things.  That God has called each one of us to walk that walk. Together.  In the light of Christ.

They say that “One step at a time is good walking.”

So here is to a new school year of good walking!

Starting New

Well, September is upon us again and we are back to school, flowing through the hallways, riding the bus and doing homework. It is much like last year and the year before and the year before...
It's easy to get caught up in thinking that this will again be the "same-old, same-old" as always.  

It's easy to see how we can be swept up in the mediocre moving tide of 'whatever'. Our school-life, work-life, family-life and faith-life can all just becomes... 'whatever'.

But it's a NEW YEAR!! A "brand-spankin-new" opportunity to make a change, take a new direction, commit to a plan or even make a plan!!!!  Find your gift, discover your dream, and work like crazy to get it!  

Living with the regret of a 'whatever'-life is easily solved. 

You've got to invest your time and energy!! 

You've got to invest YOURSELF!!

You've got to be 'all in', as they say, and use your God-given gifts and talents to do it.  Do not look back on your life and regret that you merely floated along being carried by the current.

The only whatever we should be content to live with is...

• when someone says you can't do it ....  'whatever'
• you're not strong enough ....  'whatever'
• you aren't worthy ....  'whatever'

New year, New plan, New choices, No Regrets

Almost there...

The school year has a way of sliding by without much notice sometimes. We start school in September, then we have a hazy memory of Thanksgiving Mass and the Advent-Christmas Mass and brunch ...
                                 And then it's June 3rd!! 

We've had to make an effort to keep focused on the school year with it's ups and downs, ebb and flow.  There are weeks that the activities are fast and furious while other times, we settle into a routine of doing what is necessary to accomplish the task we have before us.


Faith is like that in a lot of ways.  One minute we are thrilled to be making our 1st Holy Communion and the next, we are in high school and we really haven't thought much about God... 
or Jesus... Or Faith...   
in like, forever, despite taking up pew space on Sundays.

It is just so easy to lose track of time, and of God in our lives; to realize that it has been months or even years since we've prayed, talked to God, felt a moment of God's peace.  

The truth of the matter is...  
for anything to be good we can't just let it slide.  
(school, faith, relationships, sports, music, working out, etc...)
We can't lose focus. 
     At the very least, we need to be able to Re-Focus!
We have to think about it, we have to work at it, we have to get up and do it, we have to appreciate the days that pass by because they never come again. 
Make the decision to work at LIFE, work at FAITH, work at LOVE. Everyday. 

We seek the gifts...

                           of the Holy Spirit.

During the next 3 1/2 weeks, as part of our opening exercises and morning prayer, we will be asking to Holy Spirit to help us as we learn in all subject matters.

We pray for all students taking MATH this semester.  May the Spirit of KNOWLEDGE help them to open their minds and hearts to what is being taught. 

We pray for all students taking LANGUAGES this semester. May the Spirit of UNDERSTANDING help them to learn to communicate well with others. 

We pray for all students taking SCIENCE this semester. May the Spirit of COURAGE help them to explore and learn things they have never known before. 

We pray for all students taking HISTORY and GEOGRAPHY this semester. May the Spirit of RIGHT JUDGEMENT help them to learn well from the past in order to help all nations of the future. 

We pray for all students taking FINE ARTS this semester. May the Spirit of WONDER & AWE help them to see the gifts of creativity and colour that God has given and to use them well. 

We pray for all students taking ENGLISH this semester. May the Spirit of WISDOM help them to know the power of words in our worldly struggle for justice. 

We pray for all students taking PHYSICAL EDUCATION this semester. May the Spirit of REVERENCE help them to appreciate the uniqueness and complexity of the human body and the need to respect all human life.

We pray for all students taking CATHOLIC STUDIES AND FAMILY STUDIES this semester. May the Spirit of COURAGE help them to open their hearts to the will and word of God. 

We pray for all students taking LAW, PHILOSOPHY & BUSINESS this semester.May the Spirit of RIGHT JUDGEMENT help them to be fair and just leaders in the future. 

We pray for all students taking TECHNICAL COURSES this semester.  May the Spirit of WISDOM help them to use their gifts and talents to improve the lives of those around them.

We pray for all students taking COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES this semester. May the Spirit of WONDER & AWE help them to see what can be accomplished with computer technology to help others. 

We pray for all students taking DRAMA this semester.May the Spirit of KNOWLEDGE help them to see the truth in the stories they are telling. 

We pray for all students taking CO-OP this semester. May the Spirit of REVERANCE help them to appreciate the guidance and leadership of those with whom they work. 

We pray for all students taking LEADERSHIP & PEER HELPING this semester. May the Spirit of UNDERSTANDING help them to recognize the needs of others and reach out to them. 

We pray for all students taking Sociologies this semester.

May the Spirit of right judgement help them to seek to bring peace and comfort to those searching for answers. 

We pray for all students taking Career/Civics this semester.

May the Spirit of knowledge help them to see the value of fulfilling employment and positive life work. 

We pray for all students taking Communication Technologies this semester. May the Spirit of COURAGE help them to bring information to the world while being aware of the responsibility they have to also be witnesses to the Gospel.

We pray for all students in Community Living this semester.May the Spirit of Wonder and Awe help all to know and appreciate the gifts they have to offer this faith community. 

We pray for all students taking Dance this semester.

May the Spirit of Reverance help them to be grateful for the ability to move and live joyfully in the Lord. 

We pray for all students taking Environmental Sciences this semester. May the Spirit of WISDOM help them to be stewards of the earth and to work as advocates for our planet. 

We pray for all students taking MUSIC this semester. May the Spirit of WISDOM help them to know how deeply music touches all of our lives.

We Ask All of This Through Christ Our Lord. 

Amen.

Good St. Anne. Pray For us.

PENTECOST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

What the church teaches...

Pentecost

731 On the day of Pentecost when the seven weeks of Easter had come to an end, Christ's Passover is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given, and communicated as a divine person: of his fullness, Christ, the Lord, pours out the Spirit in abundance.122

732 On that day, the Holy Trinity is fully revealed. Since that day, the Kingdom announced by Christ has been open to those who believe in him: in the humility of the flesh and in faith, they already share in the communion of the Holy Trinity. By his coming, which never ceases, the Holy Spirit causes the world to enter into the "last days," the time of the Church, the Kingdom already inherited though not yet consummated.

We have seen the true Light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true faith: we adore the indivisible Trinity, who has saved us.123

The Holy Spirit - God's gift
733 "God is Love" 124 and love is his first gift, containing all others. "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." 125

734 Because we are dead or at least wounded through sin, the first effect of the gift of love is the forgiveness of our sins. The communion of the Holy Spirit 126 in the Church restores to the baptized the divine likeness lost through sin.

735 He, then, gives us the "pledge" or "first fruits" of our inheritance: the very life of the Holy Trinity, which is to love as "God [has] loved us." 127 This love (the "charity" of 1 Cor 13) is the source of the new life in Christ, made possible because we have received "power" from the Holy Spirit. 128

736 By this power of the Spirit, God's children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear "the fruit of the Spirit: . . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." 129 "We live by the Spirit"; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we "walk by the Spirit." 130

Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God "Father" and to share in Christ's grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory. 131

- The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Feeding the Sheep...

Easter Celebrations!!

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Alleluia, Alleluia! He Is Risen!

Our Triduum and Easter celebrations over the Easter weekend bring us to the same place as the apostles. "What Now?" 

As Catholics we have participated in all or part of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, His brutal crucifixion on Good Friday and, victoriously, 
His resurrection on Easter Sunday but ...

                          What do we do now??

I imagine the Apostles thought that their little group of followers were just about done.  Their leader dead, buried and now Risen...     WHAT??!!!
They headed back to work on the boats because, well, what else were they supposed to do. 

The Gospel of John recounts how the apostles had gone back out to the boats but couldn't catch a thing.  Jesus appeared to them and when they finally recognized him, he commanded them to "Feed My Sheep."

I somehow think this is the call that Jesus has for us, as well.  We are called to go out, no matter where we are, and bring light to the world, to treat others not only with kindness but with justice. It is our task to seek peace, in our homes and workplaces.  We might need to give up our own place of honour and recognize the importance of putting others first.  A little humility is never a bad thing as the Apostle Peter can attest! 
Pope Francis has named this the Jubilee Year of Mercy and we've got to get out there and just do it!  Be Merciful!! Show others who struggle and suffer, that regardless of your own feelings, you can offer them mercy and compassion for their situation.

And of course, Feed My Sheep!  To feed and clothe the hungry and naked in the community and in the world, is central to what we must do. 
We already know this and we do it, too!! 
However, part of feeding the sheep has to do with feeding the soul and spirit, as well.  

So, I guess I know what to do now, in some ways...
                                                                            off to feed the sheep!

Pope Francis' Easter Address

Pope Francis: 

Mercy and love have conquered sin at Easter

Pope Francis during his Regina Coeli address on Easter Monday. - REUTERS

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said “we also stand today before the empty tomb of Jesus, and meditate with wonder and gratitude on the great mystery of the Resurrection of the Lord” during his  Easter Monday Regina Coeli address.

   “Life has conquered death. Mercy and love have conquered sin! There is need of faith and hope to open this new and wonderful horizon,” Pope Francis said.

   “And we know that faith and hope are a gift from God, and we have to ask: ‘Lord, give me faith, give me hope! We have so much need!’. Let us by pervaded by the emotions that resonate in the Easter sequence: ‘Yes, we are certain: Christ is truly risen.’ The Lord has risen among us! This truth marked in an indelible way the lives of the Apostles who, after the Resurrection, again felt the need to follow their Master and, receiving the Holy Spirit, went without fear to proclaim to all what they had seen with their own eyes and personally experienced.”

The Holy Father said “in this Jubilee Year we are called to rediscover and to welcome with particular intensity the comforting announcement of the resurrection: ‘Christ, my hope, is risen!’”, adding “if Christ is risen, we can look with new eyes and hearts at every event of our lives, even the most negative.”

   “The moments of darkness, of failure, and also of sin can be transformed and announce a new path. When we have reached the base of our misery and our weakness, the risen Christ gives us the strength to lift ourselves up. If we have faith in Him, His grace saves us!” – Pope Francis continued – “The crucified and risen Lord is the full revelation of mercy, present and active in history. This is the Easter message that still resonates today and that will resonate throughout the time of Easter until Pentecost.”

The Pope said “the silent witness to the events of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus was Mary.”

   “She was standing next to the cross: She did not collapse in the face of grief, but her faith made her stronger” – he explained – “In the broken heart of a mother, there was always the flame of hope. We ask her to also help us to accept in fullness the Easter proclamation of resurrection, to embody it concretely in our daily lives.”

   He then invoked Our Lady before reciting the Regina Coeli prayer, which is prayed instead of the Angelus during the Easter season: “May the Virgin Mary give us the certainty of faith that suffered every step of our journey, illuminated by the light of Easter; that it will become a blessing and joy for us and for others, especially for those who suffer because of selfishness and indifference.”

  After reciting the Regina Coeli, Pope Francis condemned the “reprehensible” terrorist attack in Lahore, Pakistan, and called on civil and other authorities to “do everything possible to restore security and peace to the population and, in particular, to the most vulnerable religious minorities.”

   At the end of his address, the Holy Father encouraged everyone to spend a little bit of time every day reading from the Gospels.

   “It takes no more than five minutes to read a passage from the Gospel. Remember this!...And do not forget to pray for me!” Pope Francis concluded

.

Easter Weekend Mass Schedules

                             AT OUR LOCAL PARISHES

Good Shepherd Parish - St. Clair Beach
Holy Thursday - March 24 @ 7pm Both sites Adoration until 10pm
Good Friday - March 25 Stations @ 9:30, 11:30 Emeryville Location
                      Solemn Service @ 3pm Both Locations
Easter Vigil - March 268pm St. Clair Beach Location  (no Saturday 5pm mass)
Easter Sunday - March 27 @ 8am, 10am, and 12noon St. Clair Beach 
                               @ 9am and 11am Emeryville location

St. Anne Parish - Tecumseh
Holy Thursday - March 24 @ 7:00pm Adoration until Midnight 
Good Friday - March 25 
                       @ 11:00am Passion Play 
                       @ 3:00pm Passion of our Lord - Bilingual
Easter Vigil - Saturday March 26 @ 8:30pm: Mass of New Life, Light & Water 
Easter Sunday - March 27 @ 7:00am ▪ 8:30am-Français ▪ 10:00am 11:30am ▪ 1:00pm

St. Simon and St. Jude Parish - Belle River
Holy Thursday - March 24, 2016 @ 7pm Adoration until 10pm.
Good Friday - March 25, @ 3pm
Easter Vigil - March 26,  @ 8pm
Easter Sunday - March 27,  @ 9am and 11am


St. John The Evangelist Woodslee and St. Mary's Maidstone 
Holy Thursday - March 24, 2016 @ 7pm   St. John's
Good Friday - March 25, @  11am and 3pm  St. John's
Easter Vigil - March 26,  @ 7pm  St. Mary's
Easter Sunday - March 27,  @ 8am and 11:30am St. John's
                                          @ 9:30am St. Mary's

Visitation Parish - Comber
Holy Thursday - March 24, 2016 @ 7pm - Biligual Adoration until 10pm.
Good Friday - March 25, @ 3pm - Biligual
Easter Vigil - March 26,  @ 8pm
Easter Sunday - March 27,  @ 9am-Francais and 11am

Holy Name Parish - Essex
Holy Thursday - March 24, 2016 @ 7pm Adoration until Midnight.
Good Friday - March 25, @ 11am and 3pm
Easter Vigil - March 26,  @ 7pm
Easter Sunday - March 27,  @ 8am, 9:30am and 11:30am

HOLY WEEK

It's Coming ...  Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday

On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the first joy of the season, as we celebrate Our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palm leaves before him. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, with the greatest tragedy and sorrow of the year. 

Jesus' triumphant return to Jerusalem is only one side of the story.

By now many of the Jews are filled with hate for Our Lord. They want to see him stoned, calling Him a blasphemer, especially after offering proof of His Divinity during a winter visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Dedication.

After this, Jesus went to Perea, where he was summoned to Bethany. There he raised Lazarus from the dead, a miracle which wins Him such renown among certain Pharisees that they decided finally to end His life. 

Jesus took refuge at Ephrem returning six days before Passover to Bethany, triumphantly entering Jerusalem. That evening, He leaves Jerusalem and returns Monday. He spent time with Gentiles in the Temple, and on Wednesday left for the Mount of Olives. Here he foretold the apostles the events of the next several days, including His impending death.

He returned to Jerusalem on Thursday, to share the Last Supper with His apostles. He was subsequently arrested and tried.  He was crucified at Calvary on Friday, outside the gates of Jerusalem. 

He was buried the same day, and arose three days later, on Easter Sunday.
All of this is done by our Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and for life everlasting with Him. 

God so loved us, that He sent His only begotten Son 

to die for us, so that our sins maybe forgiven.

 If you like this reflection, you can find more at Catholic Online at http://www.catholic.org/

You Don't Know Jack!...about Lent

LENT!!!
Another Video to Watch!

Sometimes it helps us to see that others are practising their faith too!  

Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes

Enjoy This Video From Busted Halo. 
Why do we do what we do?? 
Fasting, Abstinance and Almsgiving: what do they mean and Why do we do it? 

Lent 2016 begins on Wednesday, February 10

and ends onThursday, March 24

Lent is a time of preparation for the death of Christ on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is a period of 40 days of repentance, with prayer, fasting and abstinence, and Confession.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. 

Wait!! 46 days!! 

I thought we just established that Lent was 40 days long!! 

The answer takes us back to the earliest days of the Church. Christ's original disciples, who were Jewish, grew up with the idea that the Sabbath—the day of worship and of rest—was Saturday, the seventh day of the week, since the account of creation in Genesis says that God rested on the seventh day.

Since all Sundays—and not simply Easter Sunday—were days to celebrate Christ's Resurrection, Christians were forbidden to fast and do other forms of penance on those days.

Therefore, when the Church expanded the period of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter from a few days to 40 days (to mirror Christ's fasting in the desert, before He began His public ministry), Sundays could not be included in the count.

Thus, in order for Lent to include 40 days on which fasting could occur, it had to be expanded to six full weeks (with six days of fasting in each week) plus four extra days—Ash Wednesday and the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday that follow it. Six times six is thirty-six, plus four equals forty. And that's how we arrive at the 40 days of Lent!

Here at school, we will begin our time of preparation with grade level Ash Wednesday Services in the Cafetorium.  Students lead prayers and are part of the Team of people that are distributing the blessed ashes.