31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayer for the Peace
Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say no to war. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph. Lord God, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands.
Gracious God, we pray for all people who are suffering from war. May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to endure great suffering and hardship. Transform the hearts and minds of all those who perpetuate violence and oppression. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
This Week in the Church
THE MONTHLY FILIPINO MASS – is on November 12th at 6pm.
PARISH OFFICE CLOSED next Saturday, Nov. 11th & Monday, Nov. 13th – for Remembrance Day stat holiday
PLEASE MAKE NOTE – from Tuesday, November 14 to & including Friday, November 17 – there will be only 7:30am Mass - no 9am Mass
11 AM MASS-SUNDAY, NOV. 5TH - We invite all the children to dress up like “Little Saints” and bring your children for Sunday, November 5th at the 11am Mass. A small treat will be handed out after the Mass.
There are so many choices, below are some ideas:
St. George– Dragon slaying saint. If you want to wear armor, but not wings or a crown, this is a good choice.
St. Michael– Archangel. Wear armour, carry a sword, some wings and sandals would be needed.
St. Gabriel– Archangel. Carry a horn.
St. Raphael– Archangel. Carry a fish.
Saint Teresa of Avila– Carmelite order, brown robes. Doctor of the church, so carry a book and a feather.
Saint Scholastica– Carry a crucifix.
Saint Faustina– Carry a picture of the Divine Mercy image
Saint Katherine Drexel– Wear a big crucifix necklace.
Saint Margaret Mary– Carry a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
FOR NOVEMBER, the month of the Holy Souls, offertory envelopes are available at the Church entrance & on a table in front of Our Lady’s Altar. Also, there is a Book of Life if you wish to make note of your remembered loved ones.
Important Updates
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. EDMUND’S, SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES:
SATURDAY, DEC. 2ND ADVENT RETREAT
SATURDAY, DEC. 16TH – CHRISTMAS DINNER
Project Advance : Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference. Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference. All pledge forms were mailed out; if you receive it and already have given; please disregard and we thank you for your donation.
Please look over information on your pledge form before sending in and make sure it is up to date, make any corrections as needed.
You may also make a donation online here: https://support.rcav.org/project-advance-2023/ Be sure to select St. Edmund's in the parish drop down menu to ensure the excess funds come back to our community.
THE MONTHLY FILIPINO MASS – is on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6pm.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS – Famous pancake breakfast next Sunday, November 12th @ 8:00 am & 9:30am Masses. Please join us for good food & good company. 2023/2024 Sunday Missals are in and available at parish office - Cost $5 each
SPECIAL OFFER – go to the Knights of Columbus notices for important information
Announcing the Knights 62nd Annual Charity Appeal - there are great prizes
Reflections
A CALL TO SERVICE
Today’s Gospel continues to elaborate on the tension between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees. Our Lectionary sequence at this point, however, is not quite a continuous reading of Matthew. In between last week’s reading from Matthew and this week’s, we find Jesus’ question to the Pharisees about the Messiah being “David’s son.” Having concluded a series of dialogues with the Pharisees and other religious leaders, Jesus now directs his words to the crowds, warning them not to follow the example of the scribes and Pharisees.
The scribes and Pharisees were teachers of the Mosaic Law. They were entrusted with its interpretation and, thus, were influential in determining Jewish practice. In order to appreciate the conflict that is evident in this passage, we must understand that Jesus was basing his teachings on the same laws and traditions available to the Pharisees. Both were interpreting the Law of Moses in order to better adapt it to contemporary Jewish life. The differences between their teachings, therefore, are often highlighted and amplified by Matthew.
This part of Matthew’s Gospel reflects aspects of the conflict between his Christian community and Pharisaic Judaism. Matthew’s Church is thought to have included many Jewish Christians who may not have believed that a break with the synagogue was necessary to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus tells the crowd that it is correct to do and observe what the scribes and Pharisees teach; it is their example that is to be avoided, namely, their love of being honored and exalted. Hence, the Gospel reflects the tension of an active internal debate within the early Church.
Jesus references two aspects of Jewish spiritual life prescribed by the Law of Moses. Phylacteries are small boxes which contain Scripture verses that are placed on the left forearm and forehead. Tassels refer to the fringes worn on the corners of a person’s garments; the tassels help to remind those who wear them to keep the commandments.
The warning Jesus gives against seeking places of honor in the community was directed as much toward the Christian community as the named Jewish leaders. Indeed, it is a warning that resonates with us today. Christian leadership is a call to service for the glory of God; those who would be leaders among us must, like Jesus, be servants of all.
- Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, November 5
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose Raffaele Cusano by wife Rosa
· Repose Lammoglia, Dizon, Bueno & Glaiserman families by Elisa & John Bueno
Monday, November 6
· Repose St. Edmund’s Parishioners
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Spec. Intention for Nora McGee by Angela Anzovino
· Repose Elizabeth Smith by Zofia Bronowska
Tuesday, November 7
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Spec. Intention Rosanna Obando by Hildegard Fercho
Wednesday, November 8
· Healing Mass for Yanic Pean by Chantel Pean
· Repose Elizabeth Hermann by Joseph & Laura Hermann
Thursday, November 9
· Spec. Intention Thanksgiving Mass for my family by Wendy Hui
· Repose Christina Hoffman by Bev Watson
Friday, November10
· Repose Stuart & Cannon family members by Barbara Stuart
· Spec. Intention Bea Almazan by family
Saturday, November 11
· Repose Giovanni & Angelamaria Chiarizia by daughter Rosa
Parish Events
CWL
2nd Thursday of each month @ 7 PM
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
Mondays @ 7 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
School Events
St. Edmund's Elementary School
ST. EDMUND’S SCHOOL PURDY’S FUNDRAISIER
Fall is in the air and Christmas is coming faster than you think. It's time to support St Edmunds Elementary school by eating more chocolate!
Spread the joy this winter season by gifting Purdy's chocolate to your family and friends while at the same time supporting our students!
Customer No: 22052
Once logged in simply click on the 'Shop Online' text at the top of the page.
Please also share this link with your friends, families and co-workers so they too can support St Edmunds Elementary.
Please place your orders by November 27th
Pickup will be on December 11th at St Edmunds Gym
St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School
STA Christmas Craft Fair - After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, the STA Christmas Craft Fair is back for its 34th year on Sunday, 5 November. This is the official callout for new and returning vendors to participate in this fun and well-attended community event. Please email us at stacraftfair@aquinas.org to register today!
OPEN HOUSE - STA's open house is fast approaching - Tuesday, November 28th at 6pm. Please see the poster below for more information.
Pilgrimage to the Medjugorje Youth Festival & Italy - The STA Alumni Association, in conjunction with STA Campus Ministry, is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Medjugorje Youth Festival and Italy from July 22nd - August 8th, 2024. All STA alumni & their families (18+) are invited to join.
Find more information at: https://www.aquinas.org/alumni
Religious Education
PREP
PREP Registration is now open and forms are available in the Parish office.
PREP classes will be held every Wednesday 6:00 - 7:00 pm at St Edmund’s School and begin on September 27, 2023
Children's Choir Training
Every Saturday at 10am
Altar Server Training
Every Saturday 11-11:30am
Archdiocese Notices & Events
PROJECT ADVANCE 2023
Make a donation online here: https://support.rcav.org/project-advance-2023/
Be sure to select St. Edmund's in the parish drop down menu to ensure the excess funds come back to our community.
Thank you for your generosity!
PRO-LIFE CHRISTMAS CARDS
Will be available to purchase from parish office starting next week (Oct.30 ) during office hours
1 pkg. is $10.00 or 3 pkgs for $25.00
ST PIUS X SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
ARCHBISHOP’S DINNER
Parishioners are cordially invited to the 12th Annual Archbishop’s Dinner on Thursday, November 9th at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. This year, proceeds raised will be dedicated by Archbishop Miller towards Honouring Our Workers in the Vineyard which will support the St. Joseph’s Society and the Clergy Care Fund as well as the building of a new convent for the Sisters.
Tables are $1,850 for a table of 10 guests. Parishioners can purchase individual tickets.
To book a table or tables or to purchase individual tickets,
please visit rcav.org/dinner2023 or you could mail the attached order form below or contact Ivana D’Almeida at 604-683—0281 ext. 326 (email idalmeida@racv.org)
LITTLE FLOWER ACADEMY is accepting applications from prospective Grade Eight candidates for the 2024-2025 school year. All students wishing to apply must sit the ENTRANCE EXAM on Saturday, December 2, 2023. For more information and online application, please visit our website (www.lfabc.org) or contact Kathi Wilson, Registrar at wilsonk@lfabc.org or 604-738-9016 ext. 114.
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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