The Epiphany of the Lord
Dear brothers and sisters,
Throughout Advent we at the St. Edmund’s Parish prepared our hearts and homes well to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We rediscovered the greatest and most perfect gift God has ever given. Through the lighting of candles, decorating the sanctuary and church, singing the carols and all those other preparations we made, we reminded ourselves once again that the gift of Christmas came in the person of Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Despite the extreme cold weather and snow, we still had great numbers in attendance at all the liturgies this year. There was a great sense of joy and enthusiasm in the air. I offer words of thanks to all who made the Christmas celebrations a great success. Thank you to our music ministers and choirs who always enliven our celebrations. Thank you to all who helped out with the various ministries during our Christmas celebrations. Thank you to those who decorated our Church so beautifully for the Christmas Season. Thank you for the many Christmas cards, gifts and goodies sent to the Parish office, Fr. Cannio and to Fr. Steny. Please know these were greatly appreciated.
May God Bless you
Fr Steny OCD
This week in the Church
FUNERAL MASS FOR DOMINGA VALDEZ SANTOS is at 11am on Saturday, January 14th (preceded by a viewing at 10:30am) in St. Edmund’s. Our condolences to her family & friends. May she rest in the peace & comfort of the Lord.
2023 COLLECTION ENVELOPES – they are ready to be picked up at the Church entrance and are in alphabetical order. In 2023, it is very important that you use your 2023 envelopes to help ensure that you are credited for any donations. Do not use previous year envelopes, as envelope numbers may change and, again, you may not receive credit for your donations.
Reflections
Epiphany means “Manifestation”
The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.
~ Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January 8
· Repose Marcey Troy by Laura Labadan
· Spec. Intention Stephanie & Tristan Jutras by Barbara Stuart
Monday, January 9
· Repose St. Edmund Parishioners
· Spec. Intention Diane Nation by Elizabeth Rostek
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Tuesday, January 10
· Spec. Intention Sue Farrell by Zofia Bronowska
· Spec. Intention Susan Farrell by Bev Watson
Wednesday, January 11
· Repose John Charles Stuart by Barbara Stuart
· Repose Rev. Dunstan Massey, OSB by Jane Richmond
Thursday, January 12
· Repose Christopher McGuinness by Lynn McLeod
Friday, January 13
· Spec. Intention Stan Farrell by Sue Farrell
Saturday, January 14
· Repose Mom Maria Pham by daughter Rosa Zivarts
If you need a Mass Intention, please contact the Parish Office
Events
Parish
Parish Groups
ST. Edmund's Christian Meditation Group
Date: All Mondays at 7:00 PM
Participation in person:
please contact Luis Zunino - lzunino@gzarchitects.com or at 604-987-8304
Option to participate via ZOOM:
For an introductory conversation, please contact Luis Zunino - lzunino@gzarchitects.com or at 604-987-8304 – Afterwards, A ZOOM link will be provided
CWL
Catholic Women’s League meetings are now in person on the 2nd Thursday of each month @ 7pm
SPECIAL NOTE: monthly CWL meetings will be via Zoom for December/January/February
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
School
KINDERGARTEN APPLICATIONS for the 2023/2024 school year are now being accepted at St. Edmund’s School. Please submit a copy of your child’s birth and baptism certificates with your application form. If you are non-Catholic, please submit a birth certificate. Application forms may be printed from our website www.stedmunds.ca and e-mailed to the school office at office@stedmunds.ca
Kindergarten to Grade 7 Principal: Ms. Diana Silva
Office Telephone: 604.988-7364
Email: office@stedmunds.ca
Website: www.stedmunds.ca
Instagram: @stedselementary
Our school is a vibrant faith and learning community dedicated to developing the full potential of each child using Christ as our centre. We are blessed with caring and dedicated educators committed to inspiring life-long learners in all areas. We welcome the opportunity to share the many enriching learning experiences with you and your family. Please contact the school office for more information.
Religious Education
PREP
Every Wednesday at 6-7pm
Children's Choir Training
Every Saturday at 10 AM
Altar Servers’ Training
Every Saturday at 11 - 11:30am
Archdiocese Events
LIFEMARK MOVIE NIGHT
North Shore ProLife Society is pleased to present "Lifemark" starring Kirk Cameron on Sunday January 22 at Holy Trinity Parish Hall. Movie begins at 3:45pm. Admission is free, with donations warmly welcomed. Snacks and beverages will be available. Please note that the film is rated PG for Thematic elements. Please RSVP to northshoreprolife@gmail.com
Project Advance 2022
The Project Advance Webpage is live, please visit projectadvance.ca
You can donate by scanning ↘
Special Gifts
Remember a loved one with a special gift
Financial Updates
Remember St Edmund's in your Will
Prayer Requests and Advertisements
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 |  | 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 Special Intention of Father Steny & Father Cannio |  | |