St. Mark Catholic Parish
"…The seed is spouting and growing…" (Mark 4:27)
2020 First Holy Communion (Gr. 2’s)
Posted by on April 1, 2020
The following letter and blank enrollment form was sent home with each Grade 2 student attending St. Mark’s and St. Dominic’s Schools in the Fall of 2019. If you did not receive this package, or if your child attends a different school, please pick up a package from the parish office.
October 2019
Dear Parents:
SACRAMENTS of FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST EUCHARIST
You are receiving this letter because you have a child attending Grade 2, which is commonly the time, around age 7, when a person is eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (First Confession) and First Eucharist.
The Sacraments are sacred mystery and they are at the very root and life of the Church. Our faith teaches that through Sacrament, God becomes present to His Church in a unique way that imparts a grace. To be considered a full member of the Catholic Church, a person must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. For this reason, this is a very important moment in the faith development of your child because it imparts a Catholic identity.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life that unites us to one another, to the Church and to Christ Himself, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” As Catholic parents, I encourage you to take an active role in ensuring that your child has a sufficient age-related understanding and is ready to receive their First Confession and First Holy Communion. Attending Sunday Mass on a regular basis is the single-most important thing you can do as a parent in the Sacramental and Faith Development of your child. Through weekly participation in the Sunday Eucharist and yearly celebrations of the Seasons, we experience a living faith and enter into the life of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.
The parish-based program consists of five meetings (see dates below) and will follow the Diocese of Hamilton’s Sacramental Guidelines for the Christian Initiation of Children, which can be found on their website at http://www.hamiltondiocese.com/offices/ catechesis/sacraments/parents.
To request and enroll for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, all candidates are asked to attend one of the Masses on the weekend of Nov. 30 / Dec. 1 (the First Sunday of Advent):
Enrollment Ceremony Mass:
Sat. Nov. 30 at 5:00 pm … OR … Sun. Dec. 1 at 9:30 OR 11:30 am
During this Mass, Candidates will be asked to come forward after Communion and present their completed enrollment form requesting the two Sacraments.
Preparation Meetings:
SUNDAYS AFTER 11:30AM MASS (approx. 12:30)
Candidates are expected to attend sessions 2 through 5. Parents are expected to attend three sessions (Jan. 12, Feb. 2 and Feb. 23). There will be no opportunity to make-up missed sessions.
| Session # | Sunday Date: | For: |
| 1: | January 12 | Parents |
| 2: | January 26 | Candidates |
| 3: | February 2 | Candidates (and Parents with Fr. Steve) |
| 4: | February 9 | Candidates |
| 5: | February 23 | Candidates (and Parents with Fr. Steve) |
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation: POSTPONED
At the Feb. 23rd meeting, parents will have the opportunity to sign-up for one of the following dates to bring their child for their first confession:
Thursday, April 16 from 6:30-7:30 pm in the church
OR
Saturday, April 18 from 9:45-10:45 am in the church
School Day Retreat & Rehearsal: POSTPONED
Approx. 9:45 – 2:30 at the Church:
– Thursday, April 23 for St. Dominic students
– Wed., April 29 for St. Mark students
The Sacrament of First Holy Eucharist: POSTPONED
– Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm for St. Dominic students
– Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 2:00 pm for St. Mark students
(If your child does not attend St. Dominic School or St. Mark School you may choose either of the dates above.)
Peace,
Fr. Steve Murrin
2020 Confirmation (Gr. 7’s)
Posted by on April 1, 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all
meetings are cancelled until further notice.
The following letter and blank form was sent home with each Grade 7 student attending St. Mark’s and St. Dominic’s Schools in the Fall of 2019. If you did not receive this package, or if your child attends a different school, please pick up a package from the parish office.
November 2019
Dear Parents:
You are receiving this letter because you have a child attending Grade Seven, the grade when a person is eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacraments are sacred mystery and they are at the very root and life of the Church. Our faith teaches that through Sacrament, God becomes present to His Church in a unique way that calls the person receiving the Sacrament into relationship with Him. To be considered a full member of the Catholic Church, a person must have received the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. For this reason, this is a very important moment in the faith development of your child because it imparts a Catholic identity.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life that unites us to one another, to the Church and to Christ Himself, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” Therefore, if you are requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation for your child, as Catholic parents, I encourage you to take an active role in ensuring your son or daughter will have a sufficient understanding and be ready to receive the Sacrament next spring. Attending Sunday Mass and receiving the Eucharist is the single-most important thing you can do as a parent, and, in doing so, we enter into the life of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.
The parish-based preparation program consists of five meetings (see dates below) and will follow the Diocese of Hamilton’s Sacramental Guidelines for the Christian Initiation of Children, which can be found on their website at http://www.hamiltondiocese.com/offices/ catechesis/sacraments/parents.
To request and enroll for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, all candidates should attend one of the Masses on the weekend of Nov. 30 / Dec. 1 (the First Sunday of Advent):
Enrollment Ceremony Mass:
Sat. Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. OR Sun. Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m.
During this Mass, Candidates will be asked to come forward after Communion and present their completed enrollment form requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Preparation Meetings:
SUNDAYS AFTER 11:30AM MASS (approx. 12:30)
Candidates are expected to attend sessions 2 through 5. Parents are expected to attend three sessions (Jan. 12, April 19 and May 3). There will be no opportunity to make-up missed sessions.
| Session # | Sunday Date: | For: |
| 1 | January 12 | Parents |
| 2 | March 29 | Candidates |
| 3 | April 19 | Candidates and Parents (teaching Mass) |
| 4 | May 3 | Candidates (and Parents with Fr. Steve) |
| 5 | May 17 | Candidates |
Rehearsal:
Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 6:30 pm at the Church
The Sacrament of Confirmation:
Monday, May 25, 2020 at 7:00 pm with Bishop Fred Colli
Candidates should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. to gather in the parish hall to get sized for their gown. Red gowns are rented by the parish. An offering of $10 to help defray the cost to the parish is greatly appreciated, and can be sent to your child’s teacher before May 1, 2020.
Peace,
Fr. Steve Murrin
Legion of Mary
Posted by on March 17, 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all
meetings are cancelled until further notice.
Join the Legion of Mary!
The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Church and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of All Graces, serve the Church and their neighbour on a voluntary basis in about 170 countries around the world.
New regular and auxillary members for the St. Mark’s Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Praesidium are always welcome!
For more information, please contact: lomstmarks@gmail.com or COME TO ONE OF OUR MEETINGS, held Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Matthew Room to learn about the Legion and how YOU can become a member!!
Book Borrowing Program
Looking to grow in your knowledge? Have great religious books and sacramentals you’d like to share with others? This year as part of the Year of Faith, our Legion of Mary has put together a Book Borrow Program on the shelves in the St. Matthew’s room. Our new book borrow is a great place for you to pick up free blessed sacramentals and borrow great Catholic books for as long as you’d like. Come and take a look at what is available during your next visit to the parish!
If you are interested in adding to the available books and sacramentals, or if you have any questions, please contact the Legion at: lomstmarks@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus
Posted by on March 17, 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all
meetings are cancelled until further notice.
St. Mark’s Council 9276
MEETS MONTHLY
(4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.)
For more info, please visit: www.kofc9276.org
Men’s Group
Posted by on March 17, 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all
meetings are cancelled until further notice.
FRIDAY MORNINGS AT 6:00 A.M.
Gather with other Christian men who want to grow their faith.
Although the focus of the discussion is usually a book – chosen from Sacred Scripture or a Spiritual Classic – the priority is prayer and building relationships as we grow closer to Christ.
If you are interested or have any questions please contact Bruce Cutting at 519-745-7490 or bruce@goldroast.ca or simply drop by the church at 6 am Friday mornings … we would love to have you join us!
C.W.L. News
Posted by on March 17, 2020
March 17, 2020
Good morning,
In this extra ordinary time in our diocese, province, country and the world, it is prudent to stop to reflect and adjust our plans as needed.
Many councils have already decided to postpone their activities. The Diocese of Hamilton updated the list of closures and suspension of activities at the diocesan offices and in parishes yesterday. Now that a state of emergency has been declared in Ontario, any public events for more that 50 people are formally prohibited until March 31, 2020.
With an abundance of caution the following Catholic Women’s League activities have been postponed:
- Kitchener Region Meeting – March 21, 2020
- North Region Meeting – March 28, 2020
- 100th Anniversary Dinner & Dance – April 18, 2020
- 100th Anniversary Candlelight Memorial Prayer Service – April 26, 2020
These events have not been cancelled but have been postponed until circumstances allow them to be held safely. Information that was to be presented at the Kitchener and north region meetings and that which was presented at the Hamilton meeting will be posted on the website, www.cwlhamilton.ca shortly.
No decision has yet been made regarding the open executive meeting scheduled to take place in Hamilton on April 20, 2020 or the convention scheduled for May 29 – 31, 2020. If that changes you will be informed through the regional chairs and through the website.
I have said it many times before but it is good to reiterate that we continue to “travel this road together, for God and Canada.” It certainly is a bumpy road!
Blessings today and always.
Catherine
President
Diocesan Catholic Women’s League
____________________________________________________________________________
St. Mark’s Catholic Women’s League Parish Council plans regular events to enhance the spiritual development of our members, support our parish community and provide opportunities for fun and fellowship.
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. Over 91,000 League members across Canada provide a strong Catholic voice, presenting resolutions to all levels of government on issues touching the lives of all women and their families.
All ladies age 16 or older are welcome to join the C.W.L. We know the women of our parish lead busy lives. Even if you can’t regularly attend events, you can feel confident that your $30 annual membership fee supports the important work of this organization in our parish community and at the diocesan, provincial and national levels. We invite you to become a C.W.L. member and join us at as many or as few events that fit your schedule.
For more information, email stmarkcwl@gmail.com or drop by the C.W.L. table in the Narthex.
That Man Is You!
Posted by on March 17, 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all
meetings are cancelled until further notice.
THAT MAN IS YOU!
Becoming A Man After God’s Own Heart
Men, mark your 2020 calendars…
That Man is You! resumes Saturday Mornings, January 25th to April 25th from 7:15AM to 9:00AM in St. Mark’s Parish Hall.
That Man is You! combines scripture, solid secular research, and a little fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our modern culture. It seeks to form authentic leaders who will be capable of transforming homes and society.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.TMIY.org
Ian Kangaloo – 226-808-4733
Marc Murchie – 416-729-6401
REGISTER ONLINE AT:
https://admin.paradisusdei.org/location_details/st-mark-catholic-church
One Heart, One Soul Diocesan Campaign
Posted by on September 24, 2019
Kickoff Weekend is here for
‘One Heart, One Soul’ Campaign!
September 21/22, 2019 is Kickoff Weekend for our parish!
The Diocese of Hamilton is conducting the One Heart, One Soul Campaign
to raise money for every parish in the Diocese and for shared ministries.
Our parish is in the current wave of parishes participating in the campaign,
and you’ll soon be receiving a packet of information in the mail.
Once you have read over the information, we ask you to
prayerfully consider making a gift to the effort.
If you missed seeing the Campaign Video after Mass,
or had a hard time hearing it, please watch it here:
https://www.oneheartonesoul.ca/watch
Campaign Case Statement:
https://en.calameo.com/read/0035091101678277e6403
Campaign Leadership:
https://www.oneheartonesoul.ca/campaign-leadership
Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.oneheartonesoul.ca/faq
Lectio Divina
Posted by on November 20, 2018
Lectio Divina is a Latin term, meaning “divine reading” and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God wants to say to us.
The first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of Scripture can be used for this way of prayer but the passage should not be too long.
The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us.
The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God.
The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we let go not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice.
If you would like to incorporate the Lectio Divina into your life,
visit the website of the Order of Carmelites in Italy here:
http://ocarm.org/en/lectio-divina.
Once there, simply browse for the correct day of the week,
and click on “Read more.”
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
Posted by on February 19, 2015
Come and spend some time each week with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus “waits for us in this Sacrament of Love,” where He appeals to each one of us: “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Matthew 6:40).
God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. See how the stars, the moon and the sun, move in perfect silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. If you are numb, down and out, weakened by life or simply need a quiet holy place to rest before the Lord, who loves you immensely, come visit our St. Therese of the Child Jesus Perpetual Eucharist Adoration Chapel. St. John Vianney once compared Eucharistic adoration to spiritual sunbathing. You are taking in the warmth of the grace and love radiating from the Sacred Host.
To be there for one hour every week CALL Colette Dokis at 519-576-7490.
WEEKLY CHAPEL EVENTS:
Perpetual Adoration: Spots open, see Chapel
Divine Mercy: Fridays 3:00 pm
Our Lady’s Rosary: 1st Saturday at 10:00 am
Benediction: 1st Sunday at 7:00 pm
Perpetual Adoration: Spots open, see Chapel
Divine Mercy: Fridays 3:00 pm
Our Lady’s Rosary: 1st Saturday at 10:00 am
Benediction: 1st Sunday at 7:00 pm
