HOLY FAMILY PARISH at St. Thomas Line, Paradise, NL A1L 1W3 CA - Home

P.O. Box 3031

69 St. Thomas Line

Paradise, NL

A1L 3W2

Telephone: (709) 781-1696

Fax: (709) 781-1699

http://holyfamilyparadise.catholicweb.com

Reflection on Readings                                             Jan 29, 2012

“A new teaching – with authority!”  What did it mean for those in the synagogue who described Jesus’ teaching with this way?  And right here, in this moment, what does it mean to speak “with authority”?

The authority of Jesus’ teaching refers to the power and dignity with which he speaks.  It is a power beyond his right to teach in the synagogue.  It acknowledges his personal call to offer a “new teaching.”  Jesus bravely enters into this God-granted authority: he exerts power over unclean spirits and heals on the Sabbath.  Jesus clearly has a sense of his authority.  He knows who he is and what he is about, and his listeners are amazed.  They ask, “What is this?”

We also ask, “What is this?”  We hear Moses’ advice about heading the words of God’s prophets, and consider our own call to be a prophet.  The psalmist encourages us to keep our hearts soft and open to God’s word.  Paul would be delighted if we all claimed our God-granted power and dignity to live the life to which we have been called.  In doing so, we would discover our own authority.

When Jesus spoke in the synagogue, it was new and it was with authority.  Today, Jesus speaks to us in Word and Sacrament.  It is still new and he is still with authority.  We are blessed.

 Brenda Merk Hildebrand, Campbell River, BC 

Dear Parishioners;

In our letter dated November 28, 2010, which was included in the 2011 envelopes, we indicated that the Parish had not given up on the need for an extension to the church to provide a Parish Centre, Space for Children’s Programs, and for Parish Social and Fundraising Events, as well as for Special Masses, particularly at Christmas and Easter.

To facilitate contributions to a Building Fund we included, in the 2011 envelope boxes, 12 Building Fund envelopes so that those who pledged to an extension could use them to honor their commitments and others who did not complete the pledges could use them as well.

We are happy to report that from January to October 31, 2011 a total of $11,864 has been contributed to the Building Fund.  Contributions to the fund are steadily increasing as people see the need for a Parish Centre.  The total amount in the fund as of October 31, 2011 was $36,697. This is a good start to the process.

As a church community we are all so aware that the attendance at weekend Masse does not require an extension to the church at this time.  What is required is a modest commercial grade extension with as little as possible alteration to the main building, which could serve as a Parish Centre.  We are looking at an approximate 3500 square foot Centre, in order to provide space to accommodate the large number of children enrolling in the Born of The Spirit Program each year, and at the same time providing space for Parish Social and Fundraising Events.  The committee is continually looking at the parish’s financial situation to try and decide an appropriate building fund amount which could justify starting construction.  We will have more on this later.

It is our hope that parishioners will continue to use the “Building Fund” envelopes contained in the envelope boxes for 2012, and be as generous as their means permit.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Father David Butler

Jim Doyle, Chair                                          Gerald Healey

Elizabeth Butler                                           Margo Murphy

Wayne Tucker (Parish Council rep.)

“While we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people – but especially to those of the household of the faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Stewardship involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of our time, talent and treasure.

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Testifying before a senate judiciary subcommittee hearing on “Protecting the Civil Rights of American Muslims,” Cardinal Theodore McCarrick defended the religious freedom of Muslims and Catholics.

Speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the ...