Jan 25/26, 2025 - Sunday Bulletin
- Leslie Mendonca
- Jan 25
- 12 min read
Updated: Jan 25
The Third Sunday In Ordinary Time
Important Updates
Online Giving
Make a weekly, or one-time donation to the St. Edmund's Parish collection.
MARION FREDERICK – Marion, a long time St. Edmund Parishioner and member of the CWL, has gone home to our Heavenly Father – may she rest in peace. We extend heartfelt condolences to her family and many friends. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, February 1st at 11am here at St. Edmund’s, followed by a reception.
JOHN LONGMAN – John, a long time St. Edmund Parishioner, has gone home to our Heavenly Father – may he rest in peace. We extend heartfelt condolences to her family and many friends. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, February 6th at 11am here at St. Edmund’s.
MAE FARENAS has also gone home to our Heavenly Father – may she rest in peace.
We have a single mom with two boys; 11 and 13 looking for a place to rent on the north shore & can pay up to $2,300.00. If you have or know of anyone who has a place; please let the parish office know.
Dear People of God, This coming Sunday, February 2, we will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. "Candlemas" is another traditional name for this feast, as the custom of celebrating it with lighted candles dates back to the fifth century. The lit candles symbolize Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." There will be a blessing of candles at all Masses, and you are welcome to bring your own. These blessed candles can be used for sacred purposes in your homes during daily prayers. May the light of Christ shine brightly in your families.
CWL COFFEE & BAKE SALE is after all Masses on Sunday, January 26. Baking donations will be gratefully received before the Masses. Please allow the CWL to price your baked goods.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your donations. We are continuing to collect food items & gift cards for needy families. You can drop off your full bags at the back of the church or at the Parish Office.
2025 ENVELOPES ARE READY. Please pick it up from the parish office this coming week. Next weekend they will be in the back of the church. They are in Alphabetical order.
We reduced the amount of envelope boxes we purchased therefore anyone who had a number over 401; has been assigned a new number.
2024-25 SUNDAY MISSALS are available from the Parish Office at $5.00 each. There is a limited supply
THE FILIPINO MASS is on the 1st Sunday of the month at 6 pm.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP meets in person on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm
THE PRAYER ROOM
Jesus said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, the charism of the Carmelites is rooted in prayer and community life. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new Prayer Room with the Blessed Sacrament in the Rectory, established in memory of Curtis James Dayton and sponsored by Marie Dayton.
We, the Carmelites and parishioners, are deeply grateful to Marie Dayton for this beautiful opportunity to grow closer to God in prayer. Her dedication and hard work have made this space possible, and we sincerely appreciate her generosity. We pray that the Lord may grant Curtis James Dayton eternal rest in peace and that this Prayer Room will be a place of solace and reflection for all who visit.
In a special way, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Marie Dayton for her tireless efforts. May the Lord bless her abundantly for her kindness and generosity.
At the same time, we are happy to announce that the inauguration and blessing of the prayer room will take place on February 2, 2025, immediately following the 11:00 AM Mass. The blessing will be conducted by Rev. Fr. Cannio, the Superior of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community North Vancouver BC. The Prayer Room will be open to all parishioners Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM as of now.
To ensure that everyone has the opportunity and access to spend time in prayer, I will be sending out a sign-up sheet via Flocknote. Signing up will be necessary to reserve a time to visit the chapel. We encourage you to take advantage of this sacred opportunity for quiet reflection and spiritual renewal.
May this Prayer Room be a place of peace, prayer, and closeness to God for all who enter.
With gratitude and blessings,
Fr. Steny
Vandalism Incident
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to inform you about an unfortunate incident that took place on the night of January 18th, around 2:00 AM. An individual jumped the gate between the school and the rectory. Thankfully, no damage was done to any materials around the rectory or church. However, the individual did destroy the School Welcome Planters in the middle of the night.
We are grateful to the RCMP officers who responded quickly to the scene and pursued the individual responsible for the damage. We humbly ask that, if you happen to pass by the church or school, you keep an eye out and remain vigilant.
A special thanks to Diana and the RCMP for their diligent follow-up on the case. We are thankful for their support in handling this situation.
With prayers,
Fr. Steny
CWL BOTTLE, CAN DRIVE FUNDRAISER is ongoing. CWL has an account with Return It Express. You can take your bottles, cans, tetra packs, milk, plant-based beverage containers to any Return-It location. Instructions are as follows:
Place unsorted bottles in a clear plastic bag(s)
Print off sticker @ Kiosk – Use phone # 778-996-3407
Text code RVCA TO 778-400-5253
To open the door, touch the keypad with your finger or the back of your hand to activate it
Enter the one-time pin code you receive by message. The one-time pin will time out in a few minutes. Repeat if it has timed out.
The Keypad light will turn green. Open door and drop off bag(s)
North Vancouver Return It Express Locations:
310 Brooksbank Ave. (Mon-Fri 8-4/Sat 8-5/Sun 9-5/closed holidays)
At Superstore 333 Seymour Blvd. (everyday 8-8)
235 Donaghy Ave. (Mon-Sat 8-5/Sun 10-4/closed holidays)
30 Riverside Dr.-North Shore Recycling Depot (Tues-Fri 8-5/Sat., Sun, Holidays 9-5)
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, PLASTIC BAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH ENTRANCE
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the renovation of the Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring in the school gym.
If you are unable to return the bottles yourself, please get in touch with Donna @ 778-996-3407 / dkcolcleugh@gmail.com. Donna will happily pick them up for you and make the deposit.
Please do not drop off bottles at the church or parish office.
Reflections
Jesus' Gift to the Church
Today's Gospel reading combines two separate passages taken from the Gospel of Luke. First, we hear the opening verses where Luke establishes the purpose of his Gospel. His style is typical of polished Greek and Roman literature. In this passage, we learn that Luke may have written to a specific person, Theophilus; but the word Theophilus may also be a general reference, functioning as the phrase “Dear Reader” might in contemporary writing. In Greek, the word Theophilus translates as “lover of God.”
Today's Gospel reading then skips several chapters in which one would find the Infancy Narratives, Jesus' baptism by John, the temptations Jesus faced in the desert, and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. In chapter four of Luke's Gospel, we hear that Jesus is in his hometown of Nazareth, attending the synagogue on the Sabbath, which is said to be his custom. In this account, we find another important clue that Jesus lived as a faithful, observant Jew. We will continue to read from Luke's Gospel in sequence for the next two Sundays.
As Jesus stands in the synagogue, he reads from the scroll handed to him; it contains the words of the prophet Isaiah. At this early moment in his ministry, Jesus announces his mission in continuity with Israel's prophetic tradition. This reading from Isaiah defines Jesus' ministry. We will find more evidence of this as we continue to read from Luke's Gospel throughout the year. Jesus' ministry will include bringing glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, healing to the sick, freedom to the oppressed, and proclaiming a year acceptable to the Lord.
Through this text from Isaiah, Jesus announces God's salvation. The “year acceptable to the Lord” is a reference to the Jewish tradition of Sabbath years and jubilee. The Sabbath year was observed every seventh year. It was a year of rest when land was left fallow and food stores were to be shared equally with all. A year of Jubilee was celebrated every fiftieth year, the conclusion of seven cycles of Sabbath years. It was a year of renewal in which debts were forgiven, and slaves were freed.
This tradition of Jubilee is the framework for God's promise of salvation. And yet in Jesus, something new begins. Jesus not only announces God's salvation, he brings this salvation about in his person. Jesus is Yahweh's Anointed One, filled with the Spirit of God. The Kingdom of God is now at hand. It is made present in Jesus, in his life, death, and Resurrection. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit so that the Kingdom of God can be fulfilled.
The Holy Spirit is Jesus' gift to the Church. The Holy Spirit enables the Church to continue the mission of Jesus. When we do what Jesus did—bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, healing to the sick, and freedom to the oppressed—we serve the Kingdom of God.
~ Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 26
Repose Joseph Lee by brother Chris & Suzy
Repose Anastazia Kopalova by Zuzana & Serafino Vignone
Spec. Intention Jeanette Bertram by Zofia Bronowska
Spec. Intention Hildegard Fercho by Hildegard Fercho
Repose Rosario Frias by Aurea Frias
Repose Juliana Coloma by Maybelle Laudencia
Monday, January 27
Repose William So & Florence Gee by Gar Quock
Spec. Intention Joanna Gooding by Hildegard Fercho
Spec. Intention by STA Staff & Students
Repose Juliana Coloma by Maybelle Laudencia
Tuesday, January 28
Spec. Intention Kole Harriott by Barbara Stuart
Spec. Intention Rosa Zivarts by Peter & Diane Nation
Repose Juliana Coloma by Maybelle Laudencia
Wednesday, January 29
Spec. Intention Joanna Gooding by Hildegard Fercho
Repose Juliana Coloma by Maybelle Laudencia
Thursday, January 30
Repose Juliana Coloma by Maybelle Laudencia
Repose Robert Pearlman by Peter & Diane Nation
Friday, January 31
Spec. Intention Ceara Boyer by Barbara Stuart
Spec. Intention Charlie O’Sullivan by Hildegard Fercho
Repose Shay Barlett by Sue Farrell
Saturday, February 1
Repose Jennifer Bantugon by Peter & Diane Nation
Repose Mathew Lobo & Angela D’Silva by Mary D’Mello & family
Spec. Intention Jovita & Rowena Ramirez by Zofia Bronowska
Parish Events
CWL 2nd Thursday of each month @ 7 PM
Your CWL membership fee is due by April 30th and is $40.50 payable by cheque or by cash. The fee may be dropped off at the Parish Office or given to Donna Colcleugh or Charmaine Guindon. Thank you.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus general meetings are in person on the 1st Tuesday each month @7pm/executive meetings are also in person on the last Tuesday of the month @7pm
SPECIAL OFFER - Knights of Columbus - Free 1 Year On-Line Membership. You can enjoy the benefits of being a Knights of Columbus member including Accidental Death Benefit and the famous Columbia Magazine.
Promo Code: BLESSEDMCGIVNEY
After joining, please check your Inbox for confirmation.
St. Eds Christian Meditation Group
The St Edmund's Parish unit of the 'World Community for Christian Meditation' (WCCM) will resume its in-person meditation meeting, on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7.00 pm in St Edmund's Church.
"No Experience Necessary"- The group leader will give new people the basics of meditation and some resources.
WCCM continues to hold a weekly virtual meeting on Mondays (via ZOOM), also at 7.00 pm. You are sincerely invited to attend the WCCM meeting(s). All are welcome.
To learn more about WCCM, kindly contact: Luis Zunino - email lzunino@gzarchitects.com
School Events
St. Edmunds Elementary School
Religious Education
PREP 2024-2025
Any questions can be sent to prepatsteds@shaw.ca
Children's Choir Training
Practices will be every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month @10am - Masses will be every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month @ 11am
Altar Server Training
Every Saturday 11-11:30 am
Archdiocese Notices & Events
JUBILEE YEAR 2025
A Jubilee Year is celebrated by the universal Church every 25 years, dedicated to encouraging the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, repent of their sins, forgive others, and renew their focus on spiritual life. Learn more about this special year, stay updated with the latest news, and explore how you can participate at rcav.org/jubilee.
BISHOP THOMAS J. LOBSINGER, OMI MEMORIAL BURSARY PROGRAM
The annual British Columbia and Yukon Bursary program known as the Bishop Thomas J. Lobsinger, OMI Memorial Bursary Program is underway. The 2025 program is now receiving applications. We are privileged to offer fourteen bursaries of $1,000.00 each to Catholic students across the Province of British Columbia. These bursaries are made available on a one-time only basis to young practicing Catholic students who are in post secondary education at a recognized institute of higher learning within the Province of British Columbia. Applications are accepted from January 1, 2025 until June 30, 2025 with the bursaries being awarded in the fall. The Terms of Reference may be found on our web site (kofcbc.org) after Jan 1, 2025.
Requests for application should be addressed to:
Christopher Chen – State Bursary Chairman
Knights of Columbus BC Charity Foundation
#333 – 1231 Pacific Boulevard
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z-0E2
Deadline for requests for application is June 1, 2025.
We would like to congratulate the many recipients once again over the past years and look forward to the opportunity to assist many more young people in the advancement of their education.
PDO INQUIRERS’ SESSION
With strong support from Archbishop Miller, the Permanent Diaconate Program is currently starting a sixth cohort of men who will begin formation for the permanent diaconate in September 2025. The Permanent Diaconate Office is holding two Inquirers’ Sessions for those interested in the permanent diaconate. Men, with their wives, wishing to be considered for this new cohort must attend one of these sessions. They will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre from 9 am to 11 am, and on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Nicholas Parish, Langley, from 10 am to 12 pm.
Making Sense of Adolescence - Zoom Webinar
January to February 2025
Crossing the bridge from childhood to adulthood has never been so daunting. The time of adolescence is longer than ever and yet society today offers little support in understanding or facilitating this transition. The Archdiocese is offering Making Sense of Adolescence, a Dr. Neufeld video course with discussion facilitated by Kevin Bredeman, M.A.
For more information and registration, please contact Joyce Baniqued at jbaniqued@rcav.org.
PROLIFE
Join us for a monthly Mass and vigil to pray for respect for all human life, from conception to its natural end. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Vancouver, it will take place at St. Stephen's Parish 1360 24th St (at Mountain Highway), North Vancouver on Saturday of February 1 at 9 a.m. It begins with Mass, followed by the rosary and other prayers either at a church with Adoration or at a local hospital. Reception at the Church.
All are welcome!
Vocation Live-In
There will be a Vocation Live-In on the weekend of February 8-9 at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. Anyone wishing to enter the Seminary in the next couple of years is welcome. For more information phone 604-826-8975 or email rector.minors@sck.ca
Financial Updates
Remember St. Edmund's in your Will
Bread & Wine
Prayer Requests
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Father Steny & Father Cannio
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Father Jeevan Prakash D'Almeda
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of St. Edmund Parishioners
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intentions of All Carmelite Priests
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Repose of the Soul of Maria Caridad Campos Mendoza
Our Parish Community is asked to pray for the Special Intention of Erneida & Joel de Guzman
Advertisements
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