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 My
warmest wishes to you and your family, hoping you’ve had some summer rest
and relaxation. Now in my eighth year at St. Al’s (6 and a half as pastor),
I have watched our parish grow in numbers, in our reaching out to the larger
community and in our own support of one another through life’s special and
difficult times. Visitors come to our Masses in the summer and are brought
to tears by the communal feelings here. We were even written about in the
U.S. National Catholic Reporter: “On Saturday night I went to Mass at St
Alphonsus in Peterborough. I was so overwhelmed. All through the Mass I kept
thinking that this was the way the Mass was meant to be celebrated in the
Spirit of Vat II and I spoke to the priest after Mass. What a beautiful
celebration. I also told the people in front of me how fortunate they were
to belong to this parish. They agreed.” Daily, I witness parishioners
volunteering to help make this a vital, caring community. The world needs
this. WE need this. Our Children need this.
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 We
continue to reach out to the needy in greater ways and have made
significant improvements to our church: air-conditioning, new doors, duo
projectors and a new sound and lighting system. This fall we bid adieu to
Ann Farlow as Pastoral Assistant. Ann has been key to the growth of this
parish especially in Sacraments and Adult Ed. and for this we owe her a debt
of gratitude. We welcome Sheri McNeil as our new Pastoral Assistant. Now a
full time position, we look forward to Sheri bringing her many talents to
her new job.
The Family Mass begins Sunday September 15th when Sunday morning
masses will again go to 8:30, 10AM and 11:30AM. That weekend we will also
have our annual Ministry Fair. |
Plan to stay around after Mass and learn of
our ministries. It’s a day when every parish member should consider
contributing to the life of the community in one way or another. Don’t be
shy or leave it to others. God calls YOU to grow in spiritual ways and help
us be strong. Our parish is as strong as each individual makes it. Consider
becoming a Reader, Usher, Eucharistic Minister, altar server. Consider
joining the CWL, the Knights of Columbus, Development and Peace, the Liturgy
Committee, the Health Cabinet or the St. Vincent de Paul. Call Sheri and ask
where you can help out with our sacramental program. Examine our book and
bible studies, commit yourself to a few nights and invigorate your spirit. |
Gwen Johnston will facilitate an afternoon book study: Scarred by
Struggle, an excellent book by the renowned Sr. Joan Chittister. Adam White
will facilitate an excellent book for parents, “ A Spiritual Vision For
Every Teacher and Parent” by Tom Groome, beginning Thursday Sept. 27th. And
we have a rare, four evening presentation by the Sisters of St. Joseph. As
the Mount closes its doors, it’s so fitting that we celebrate and honour the
Sisters of St. Joseph, their history and plans for the future. These are 4
evenings not to be missed and they begin Tuesday October 9th. |
In preparation for Christmas, we will have a 4 night Advent
celebration with one of the finest speakers I have ever known- Fr. Jim
Williams from the Diocese of London. Fr. Jim’s theme, “Walking With Mary to
Christmas” will include: “Coping with Life’s Daily Struggles,” “Sharing Our
Good News,” “A Call to Sensitivity and Forgiveness,” and “Mary’s Patience
and Our Own Celebration of Christmas.” This will be an amazing Mission
beginning Dec. 8th. Do not miss it! |
In
the New Year, Doug Finbow will again facilitate a bible study,
Gerry O’Neill will share the book: “Jesus Today” by Nolan and Barb Hilts
will present, “Dear Heart Come Home,” by Joyce Rupp. And from Feb. 16-19,
Sr. Veronica O’Reilly will facilitate a Lenten Mission. These will be very
thought provoking evenings to awaken the spirit. Come join us!Our Health
Cabinet continues to make our parish a place where we bring healing in Mind,
Spirit and Body. Blood pressures will be taken after all Masses the first
Sunday of the month with this providing an opportunity
for you to discuss any other medical issues you may have. Let us help you if
we can. Presentations on “Abuse Prevention of Older Adults,” a flu clinic
and a presentation on Oral Hygiene by Dr. Bruce Farlow, makes for valuable
learning and pro-active health care. We are blessed at St. Al’s that full
body, mind and spirit care is provided. And we’re planning again our very
successful monthly “Theology on Tap” at Riley’s. These are fun evenings on
the town and baby-sitting is provided at the parish.
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All this cannot happen without financial support.
If you are a regular supporter of your parish, I ask you to consider even a
one or two dollar increase. If you do not contribute at this time, may I
humbly ask you to consider becoming a regular giver? It’s you who decides
what you can afford, but then being as regular as possible allows us to
grow. Call Hanna in the office and make it an automatic withdrawal. This can
be canceled at any time and your support s trouble free. At present, about
33% of our support is done electronically. Or Hanna can send you envelopes.
Finally, if I or any member of our staff can
assist you in any way, please call. We are here to serve you in any way we
can. ay God’s blessings be upon you and your loved ones this coming year and
may we, as parish, celebrate the spirit within and round us in new and
exciting ways.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Paul Massel, Pastor,
St. Alphonsus Parish |
Coming Together as Community
ALL these meetings
are open to our parishioners. Please join us to discover where you might
like to be involved.
Parish Council
Meeting
As scheduled
Call Hanna-
745-8623
Liturgy Meetings
As scheduled
Call
Dorothy King- 743- 0691
Knights of Columbus
Second Wednesday of the month- 7:00PM
Call Mike- 742-4374
Catholic Women’s
League
Second Tuesday of the month- 7:30PM
Call Anne- 742-2719
St. Vincent de Paul
First Tuesday of
the month 7:00PM
Call Rochelle-
745-8623
Food Bank
every second Thursday- 9:30AM
Development and
Peace
Second Thursday of the month 7:30PM
Call Lorna-
742-6736
Banner Committee
First & third Tuesday of the month 7:00PM
Call Hanna-
745-8623
11:30 AM Choir
Thursdays, 7PM in the church
Call Cecile-
749-9096
Parents and Tots
Wednesday mornings- 9:30- 11:30 Hall
Call Connie-
876-6776
Gospel Reflection
Group
Thursdays after morning Mass- 8:30AM
Cursillo Meeting
Third Monday of the month- 7:30 PM
Call Bob and
Catherine- 745-5760
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