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WELCOME TO THE STRATFORD CATHOLIC PARISH COMMUNITY
OF ST. JOSEPH’S & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
Pastor: Fr. Dick Bester Parochial Vicar: Fr. Seejo John Ron MacDonald: Pastoral Minister
Deacon Mark B. Stagg (re�red)
Sunday Masses:
Immaculate Conception Church
5:00 p.m. Sat. evening
10:00 a.m. Sun. Morning
Confessions:
Saturdays from 4-4:30 pm. or
by appointment
St. Joseph’s Church –
Sunday Mornings
8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Confessions:
Saturdays from 11 am—noon
or by appointment
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(For children JK – Grade 3)
Offered at both Immaculate
Conception Church and St.
Joseph’s Church at all Sunday
Masses.
Contact Informa�on for our Parish:
Office Hours: Monday—Friday 8:30 am. to noon and 1 to 4 pm.
Office Address: 96 Huron St., Stra�ord, ON N5A 5S6 Office email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-271-6722 or 519-880-3685 Fax: 519-880-3686
Website: www.stra�ordcatholic.com
(contact Kel Pero at 226-921-4818 or [email protected])
Facebook address: St. Joseph’s and Immaculate Concep6on Parish Community
Staff Directory:
Fr. Dick Bester, Pastor: ext. 23 ([email protected])
Fr. Seejo John, Associate Pastor: ext. 24 ([email protected])
Dr. Ron MacDonald (D. Min.), Pastoral Minister and Director of Liturgical Music: ext. 25
Main Recep6onist: ext. 0 (Mary Chisholm and Elizabeth Manto on Mondays) ([email protected])
Brenda Heisz, Bookkeeper and Hall Bookings: ext. 22 ([email protected])
Mary Chisholm, Office Administra6ve Assistant: ext. 26 ([email protected])
Wayne Klooster, custodian @ St. Joseph’s Church: ext. 28
Linda Ingoldsby, custodian @ Immaculate Concep6on Church: ext. 31
Anna Checinska, organist: 519-703-0851 [email protected]
Sunday, February 28, 2016
From the Pastor’s Pen-Today, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent and the
First Scru6ny. We here about the Samaritan woman. Lent is the favorable
6me of mercy, but it is also up to us to open our hearts to the Lord's call, to
respond to the many invita6ons that he extends to us to come back to him
through the events and encounters of our daily lives.
Last Sunday we had Bowling For Beau6fica6on. It was a wonderful event and
lots of fun for all those who par6cipated. I want to thank all those who
bowled and all those who sponsored the bowlers. I also want to thank Jim
Hurley for organizing this event. This event raised $6000.00!!
Pope Francis has described confession as an encounter with Jesus whose
“mercy mo6vates us to do beIer.” On Wednesday, March 9 we will have the
opportunity to experience this encounter with Christ in the sacrament of pen-
ance (reconcilia6on). Please remember that on March 9, the sacrament of
penance (reconcilia6on) will be available throughout the en6re day in every
Parish in the Diocese. The schedule for the Day of Confessions is as follows:
Confessions will begin aKer the morning Mass at Immaculate Concep6on
Church and last un6l noon. We will then move to St. Joseph’s and con6nue
with confessions un6l 7:45 pm. when we end with Benedic6on. Throughout
the day we will have Exposi6on of the Blessed Sacrament.
I encourage as many as possible to get involved in the Adult Faith Forma6on
program, to pray the Sta6ons of the Cross, and aIend the Lenten luncheons.
(con6nued next page)
READINGS FOR THE WEEK -
Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19
Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23
Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-11ab, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34 St. Casimir (Poland) - Patron Saint of Lithuania and one of the Patrons of Poland.
Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14
Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Please pray for those who are sick, especially Laura Clark, Sonia Pacia, Sr. Patricia McLaughlin,
Lorraine Minten, BrigiIa Bokkers, Raven Petrie, Geraldine Merkel, Maureen Griffin, Mary Whaling,
Joan Mezenberg and Frances Culliton.
Please pray for those who have died especially Adrian Theijsmeijer and Louisa Biggelar.
May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Voca�ons Prayer Calendar
This week please pray for Deacon Steve Car-
6er, High School Campus Ministers, Fr. Ranjan
D’Sa, Fr. John Pirt, Deacon Paul James,
Fr. Kazimieras Kaknevicius, Deacon Dominic
Vu, religious communi6es, Bishop Fabbro and
Auxiliary Bishop Dabrowski, and for
Pope Francis.
ST. JOSEPH’S MASS INTENTIONS
Tuesday—2:00 pm. at Cedarcro? Residence
Alfredo Bevilacqua Clara & Giuseppe Eusebi
Don Brooks Jack Weishar
Marlene McInnes George & Anne Yatscoff
7:00 pm.
Living & Dec’d members of the Helmut Ort family The Bonnici family
Dec’d family members of Denis & Mary Flanagan Steve & Linda Hulshof
Mary Grobbecker Eileen & Harry Thomas
Eucharis�c Adora�on follows this Mass for one hour with prayers for Voca�ons.
Thursday—11 am. at Greenwood Residence
Anne Brouwers (the late) Dan & JeanneIe Eybergen
Rita & Arnold Brewer The family
Kenneth Smith Brian Smith
Friday—(abs�nence) 8:00 am.
Dec’d members of the WhiIaker & Sylvain families Lorraine Bonsteel Mary Rice
Joe Willemsen (the late) BeIy Gras
Eucharis�c Adora�on from 8:30 am. un�l midnight.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MASS INTENTIONS
Wednesday—8:00 am.
Beverly St. Louis Nicola Pugliese
Clara Kramers St. Joseph’s Bowling League
Vincenzo & Nicolina Rizzo Ilvana Rizzo
Thursday—8:00 am.
Marie Reynolds John Reynolds & family
Peter Klomp St. Joseph’s Bowling League
Teresa Van Nes Richard & Terry Ann Dewetering & family
10:30 am. Communion Service at People Care, Tavistock
A note about the sick list: Con6nuing prayer for those we love is very important to all involved and we encour-
age you to call with the name of family members who are seriously ill or are recovering from surgery. In order
that we may provide a current and meaningful prayer list, we will update the list monthly. If we do not hear
from you, we will assume that you or your family member may be taken off the list. For privacy issues these
names should be given by a family member aKer having permission from that person to publicly announce their
illness.
Reflec�on: “I AM” - Kindness and mercy are what the enslaved
people of Israel needed, and they came in the form of deliverance.
They came through a leader, Moses, who was once plucked from
the Nile River and was now herding his father-in-law’s sheep in the
land of Goshen. The bush that burned but was not consumed
shows us that God is inexhaus6ble mystery.
Moses’ awe and deference are mixed with a touching conversa-
6onal tone as he seeks to learn God’s name. And God sweetly re-
sponds. The somewhat abstract “I AM” dis6nguishes the God of
Abraham and Isaac and Jacob from the minor gods in the territory
who “are not.” They are helpless, powerless, and useless. Moses is to step out into an amazing
future, and God will be there with outstretched arm. Just go and see, God seems to say. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
(The Pastor’s Pen—con�nued)
On March 20, we will be hos6ng a Free Family Skate at the Allman Arena from 1:00-3:00 pm. Eve-
ryone is welcome. Refreshments will also be available. I thank the Pastoral Council for organizing
this event.
To further celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we have been hos6ng a prayer 6me for the “Hour
of God’s Great Mercy” involving daily praying in the Church from 3:00-3:15 pm. saying the Chaplet
of Divine Mercy. This will be said before the Tabernacle and begin on Ash Wednesday. From
Monday to Friday this prayer 6me will take place in St. Joseph’s Church and on Saturdays it will
take place at Immaculate Concep6on. Everyone is most welcome.
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace 2016 Share Lent Campaign
A message from Bishop Fabbro: As we look to Lent 2016, I write to you to encourage you to sup-
port the Canadian Catholic Organiza6on for Development and Peace (D&P) Share Lent Campaign.
The Share Lent Campaign has my complete support.
The campaign – the theme this year is Create a Climate of Change – is in partnership with Cari-
tas Interna6onalis’ global ini6a6ve which seeks to bring an end to world hunger. Parishioners can
learn more about the work of D&P and the campaign by visi6ng their website
at www.devp.org and clicking on the Share Lent link.
This year, I invite you to look at the Share Year-Round Monthly Giving Brochure and consider
making a monthly contribu6on to the work of D&P. A printable copy of the brochure is available
from the Share Lent link on the website.
Parish and Parish Supported Ministries
Social Jus�ce CommiFee on Development and Peace—The 3rd week of our pilgrimage finds us in
Indonesia. The word kampung has come to mean “slum” in the local language, but its original defini6on
is “community”. Your support for Share Lent means that Try Mopurto, who lives in a kampung has been
able to renovate his home for his family, despite suffering from mental illness. The community is coming
together to support him and his family. “My home is my heaven,” he says, “because here we feel the
meaning of brotherhood in the social life of the kampung.”
Mission CommiFee—a note from Marg and Jim Brickman:
Dear Parishioners; We want to thank you so very much for your great generosity, once again, in helping
with the rising needs in Hai6 through Project Precious and Hopital Bon Samaritain. We are richly blessed
and truly humbled by the amazing support we receive in so many ways, by people here in Canada and in
Hai6. We are constantly humbled! We greatly appreciate the strength of your prayers as well! We con6n-
ue to pray for all of you. Blessings, Marg and Jim
Mom and Tots Group will meet again on Thursday, March 10th in the hall at St. Joseph’s Church. As
well, The Good Shepherd program is provided for children 3 and up. Child-care available for children 3
years and under. Join us for coffee, snacks, discussions, inspira6on, laughter, support and encouragement
and an opportunity to learn about our faith.
St. Pio Rosary Group- Come join us in friendship and faith for rosary, scripture, tape ministry and discus-
sion on Mondays from 9:30-11:00 am. in the Cenacle at St. Joseph’s church. All ages are welcome. If you
would like to join us, please call Louise Gould at 519-305-0197 or Mary Lou Primeau at 519-272-0149 .
Ministry to Youth and Families
• FAITH ALIVE CAMP 2016 – Monday, July 25th to Friday, July 29th at St. Joseph’s Church.
• YOUTH AND FAMILY MASS is March 20th @ 11:30 am. Any youth interested in being a liturgical
minister (Greeter, usher lector, ministry of music) can contact Ron MacDonald at 519-271-6722
ext. 25 or [email protected]
Sta�ons of the Cross
Sta6ons of the Cross are celebrated on Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Details are as follows:
March 4 – St. Joseph’s Church facilitated by St. Pio’s Rosary Group.
March 11 – Immaculate Concep6on Church facilitated by Youth.
March 18 – St. Joseph’s Church facilitated by the St. Joseph’s CWL.
ADULT FAITH LENT 2016 PROGRAM
We con6nue with our video series on the Mystery of God (Bishop Robert Barron series) and the
Prophets (Sarah Christmyer &Thomas Smith series) held Tuesdays @ 7 pm. in the Parish Hall at
Immaculate Concep�on Church. Next session is March 1st and the topic will be: Providence and
the Problem of Evil – Challenging the Skep6cs
All are welcome—no registra6on necessary.
A note from the Bookkeeper’s desk...
Booking Masses over the phone or by email - please note that we can no longer
confirm the booking un6l we receive payment for the Mass. If it is difficult to get to
the office during the day you can s6ll book a Mass by placing clear instruc6ons and
the Mass fee ($10) in an envelope and dropping in the collec6on basket. Instruc-
6ons should include who the Mass is being said for and who is making the request.
Other news and events—
Wednesday Lenten Lunches —”Chaplains in our Community”. Cost is $8.00 for soup, sandwiches, veg-
gies and dessert. Noon to 1:00 pm. Scheduled for this coming week, March 2nd is Rev. Terry Has6ngs
Chaplain of the Stra�ord Fire Department
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Chris6an women of many tradi6ons who come togeth-
er on the first Friday of March each year to observe a common day of prayer. This year the prayer service
will be held at Parkview United church on Friday, March 4 at 2 pm. All are welcome.
Come and See Weekend: St. Peter's Seminary, London invites men 17 - 45 years old to a discernment
retreat for considering a call to the priesthood on March 4th—6th . This weekend offers a firsthand expe-
rience of seminarian life, provides spiritual helps for discernment, and an opportunity to meet current
seminarians and faculty. For more informa6on or to register, please contact [email protected] or 888-
548-9649.
Li? Jesus Higher—*Unshakable Kingdom* Do you desire to feel spiritually invigorated and inspired to
receive the power of the Holy Spirit? Come join us and feel rejuvenated at the LiK Jesus Higher Rally!
When: Saturday, March 5th, 9—5 pm. Where: Cons6tu6on Hall in the Metro Toronto Conven6on Cen-
tre. There is a bus being organized to go to the Rally from Stra�ord. No parking or traffic worries! Call to
reserve your spot: Elisabeth Dobbe at 519- 271- 7233, Payment Deadline is Feb. 25th. Cost: Adults $47.00
and students (age 13 - 18) $32.00. (Includes bus and admission 6cket to Rally)
CCLC Winter Track: A Weekend Retreat! From 7 pm on Friday, March 11 un6l 1 pm on Sunday March 13,
youth Ministry is offering a preview of CCLC and an opportunity for a faith-filled winter adventure.
Young people will be encouraged to think more deeply about their rela6onship with God through events
and ac6vi6es. To register visit www.dol.ca Family & Youth > Youth Ministry > Events.
Chrism Day Retreat This annual retreat for secondary and post secondary aged students will once again
be offered on the aKernoon and evening of Holy Monday. The DLYMO has invited the Nashville Domini-
cans of St. Cecilia to once again lead this 6me of prayer and reflec6on. We will gather at Mary Immacu-
late Parish in London at 1 pm and transfer to the Cathedral at approximately 5:45 pm. To register vis-
it www.dol.ca Family & Youth > Youth Ministry > Events.
The StraKord Women's Day will be held on Sat. April 2nd, 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at the Arden Park Hotel.
For 6ckets please contact Lynne Burford 519-271-4734 or Karen Chambers 519-271-1917.
Steubenville Youth Conference! AIen6on all high school students! This summer, there will be a bus
from Stra�ord heading to a Steubenville Youth Conference! The weekend starts on Friday, July 8th with
the bus returning on Sunday, July 10th. Cost is $350. This includes meals, transporta6on and accommo-
da6ons. There will be fundraising opportuni6es to subsidize costs. Contact Katey Chisholm at katey-
[email protected]. We also invite you to consider sponsoring a youth to come on this weekend re-
treat. Please contact Katey if this is something you feel called to do and more details will be provided.
Knights of Columbus News
Breakfast every Thursday at Immaculate Concep6on Parish hall from 8:30—9:00 am.
Catholic Women’s League News
Immaculate Concep�on CWL— We are in the process of planning our 2016 annual bazaar. We are
looking for dona6ons for our main raffle in November. If anyone wishes to donate a special prize,
giK cer6ficate or cash please contact Lorraine Hertel at 519-271-3076. Our next mee6ng is March
14th. Team #1 is in charge of lunch.
St. Joseph CWL - Next mee6ng is March 14th at 6:45 pm. Raffle 6ckets for 9 prizes are available.
Cost is $2.00 per 6cket or 3 6ckets for $5.00 or a book of 10 6ckets for $15.00. Please call Mary
Whaling at 519-273-1713 for 6ckets. All monies go to the window near Our Lady’s Altar and the
restora6on of our church. Draw date is March 20th at 12:45 pm.
Religious ar�cles and books available for sale in our store located in the Parish Hall. To purchase
or inquire please call Madeleine Visser (271-1653) or Marijke Van Nes 273-0799. (Marijke is avail-
able aKer the 11:30 a.m. Mass)
The 2016 London Diocese CWL Conven�on will be held in Sarnia at the Holiday Inn on April 18th,
19th, and 20th. For more informa6on please contact Edna Brake (273-1713) or Lorraine Hertel.
Sacraments
Bap�sms— Next class is Tuesday, March 15th @ 7:40 pm. at St. Joseph’s Church with bap6sms being
Sunday, March 20th.
First Reconcilia�on has wrapped up for this year. Prepara6on begins again in the fall, 2016.
First Holy Communions will take place during the Easter season at all Masses in both churches. Next
evenings of prepara6on are the Rituals of GiK Giving and Invita6on—Mar. 30/31.
Confirma�on will be celebrated on Sunday, May 15, 2016 @ 2 pm. at St. Joseph’s church. Registra-
6on for this year is now closed. Our kick off evening was held this past Wednesday for all candi-
dates. Small group prepara6on will begin next week and con6nue for 8 weeks.
Weddings—should be booked six months to a year in advance. Please call the church office to book
an appointment with one of the priests.
Baptisms
This past weekend we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism. With great joy
we welcome to our Church our newly baptized !!
Trystan John Maxwell Gulikers, child of Tanya (Michaud) and Adam Gulikers
Joseph Stephen Robert Robinson, child of Anne Marie (Price) and Timothy Robinson
“May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11“May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11“May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11“May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11
