In our Parish

This week’s Mass Intentions (Daily Readings)

Friday November 24 – St. Andrew & Companions
1 Maccabees 4:36-37; Luke 19:45-48
9 AM – Intentions of Ruth Robbins

Saturday November 25
1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Luke 20:27-40
5 PM – Joseph Bajus

Sunday November 26 – Christ the King
Ezekiel.. 34:11-12, 15-17; 1Cor. 15:20-26, 28 Mat. 25:31-46
9 AM – Pro Populo
11 AM – Albert and Joseph Yonan

Monday November 27
Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Luke 21:1-4 – No Mass

Tuesday November 28
Daniel 2:3, 9a, 10a, 27a, 31-45++; Luke 21:5-11
7 PM – Andy Galea

Wednesday November 29
Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Luke 21:12-19
9 AM – Dan Savelli

Thursday November 30 – St. Andrew
Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22
9 AM – Ulysses Revera

Friday December 1
Daniel 7:1-14++; Luke 21:29-33
9 AM – Dec. Members of the Breau & LeBlanc Families

Saturday December 2
Daniel 7:15-27; Luke 21:34-36
5 PM – Angelo Ippolito

Sunday December 3 – 1st Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 63:16b-17, 64:1, 3-8; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37
9 AM – Pro Populo
11 AM – Nahid Korkis

Group Meetings

Friday November 24
AA Meeting – 8 PM – Hall

Saturday November 25
Altar Servers Training – 11 AM – Church

Monday November 27
Emotions Anonymous Meeting – 7 PM – WR

Wednesday November 29
Women’s AA Group – 6:15 PM – Hall

Friday December 1
AA Meeting – 8 PM – Hall

Other Announcements

SUNDAY OFFERINGS:
Sunday November 19, 2023: $3,745.00
Thank you for your support!

Christmas Mass Schedule
Sunday, December 24: 9 a.m.,11 a.m., 5 p.m..
Monday, December 25: 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

Confession Schedule
Tuesday, December 19: 6 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20: 12-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
Thursday, December 21: 12-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
Friday, December 22: 12-1 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
Saturday, December 23: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

LETTER FROM MISSION CO OPERATIVE PROGRAM (2023)
The Archdiocese of Castries (West Indies) wrote to gratefully acknowledge the remittance of $4,659 collected on behalf of the mission group by the the St. John the Baptist parishioners. They thanked us for our generosity and interest shown by our parish community and stated that the mission work of the Church is very much appreciated.

Do you own a business that could serve our parish?
From time to time our parish may be in need of contracted work. We may need to go to outside companies without knowing if a parishioner is able to provide a product or service that we could use. If you own a business that could serve our parish and would like to be considered for future work, please contact Margaret Hribljan by emailing her at margaret.h@cogeco.ca.

2024 boxed sets of offering envelopes
Our parish’s 2024 boxed sets of offering envelopes will be available for pick up beginning next weekend. You may begin using the new envelopes in January. If you would like to support our parish financially with a set of envelopes please contact the parish office to get started.

Baptism
The following child was baptized on Sunday, November 19, 2023:Heli Talabi. Congratulations to her parents, Godparents and family.

Children’s Liturgy Announcements
We would like to invite all children JK- Grade 4 to join us during the 11:00 a.m Mass to celebrate the gospel, crafts and activities related to the gospel. All family members or parish members are invited to join the teachers as volunteers. Please reach out if you are interested in joining as a teacher, even on a monthly or occasional basis. All are welcome. Please watch for further information on our yearly participation in the Christmas Eve gospel. Any questions or further information please contact Anne Marie Buttenam at 905-317-3539 or e-mail her at stjohnschildrensliturgy@gmail.com.

New Altar Servers
We welcome all students in grade 3 and up (attending public schools or Catholic elementary schools) who have already received their First Holy Communion and are interested in becoming Altar Servers. There will be a training session on Saturday, November 25 at 11:00 am in the Church. All are welcome.

ST. JOHN’S MISTLETOE MARKET
Come and join us for the Mistletoe Market on November 25, 9 a.m – 2 p.m. Enjoy a homemade breakfast, shop at our Vendor Markets and buy raffle tickets. You can pick up some tasty treats from our bake sale. Vendors interested in a table can contact Peggy Black at stjohnsevents12@gmail.com. Parish donations for our gift baskets would be appreciated. Contact Dina Knight at dinaknight779@gmail.com or drop off at church sacristy after Mass. Baked goods can be dropped off on November 24 in the church hall. Volunteers can contact Lois Morrison-Huq at stjohnseents12@gmail.com. Mark the date on the calendar! Please come out to support this event!

Volunteering at St. John the Baptist Parish
As a new year begins, we are looking for volunteers for various church events. Volunteers are required to read the description of volunteer roles (provided) and to fill out the Volunteer Information Form which has your contact information recorded for LOW risk volunteers. The HIGH risk volunteers are required to do the volunteer form along with a police check which includes: anyone working with children, handling money or working with vulnerable people. We will be offering dates in the next few weeks to anyone who needs assistance completing forms and with police checks. Please email the following coordinators for forms or any further questions: loismorrisonhuq@gmail.com or dinaknight779@gmail.com

Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
We would love to have you join our weekly Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help immediately before the Tuesday evening Mass. We start at 7 p.m. and all are most welcome.

TOONIE SUNDAYS
To assist in covering the increasing maintenance expenses in St. John’s Church, please consider donating an extra “Toonie” or $2 in the collection to help offset these expenses if you are able. If you are using cheques, please add $2 to the amount. Remember to write “Toonie” or “+$2” on your envelope so the progress can be tracked and reported. Our total so far is $6,026 and growing. Thank you!

Burlington Food Bank Collection
Please leave your donations of packaged and canned food items in the cupboard near the Brant Street doors if you are able to help with the food collection. Thank you so much for helping our neighbours in need. The Food Bank is extremely grateful.

 

In the Community

Advent Morning Retreat
St. Paul the Apostle Parish will be holding an Advent Morning Retreat at on Saturday November 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m. During the Advent season, we are invited to recall the past, awaken to the present and anticipate the future. Join them for this morning retreat as we explore how we can deepen our Advent experience of “waiting” for the coming of our Savior. David Dayler, Diocesan Retreat Leader, will lead us through prayer, music and reflection as we explore this beautiful season of preparation; preparation not of our homes and gifts, but preparation of our heart for the beauty of the Incarnation.

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
An Advent Retreat for Women will be held on Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Raphael’s Roman Catholic Church, 4072 New Street, Burlington. There will be Eucharistic Liturgy, Praying in Colour, Lectio Divina and a shared meal. To register call the Parish Office at (905) 637-2346 or tinyurl.com\ya4mbnxc.

 

In the Diocese

XXXVIII World Youth Day 2023
Is celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King each year. This year’s theme is “Rejoicing in Hope.”

Young Adults Night – December 2
Fr. Mark Morley invites all young adults (ages 20s and 30s) of our Diocese to attend a night of adoration, fellowship and praise music. Arrival and Holy Hour in the church (7 – 8 p.m.), social with food (8 – 8:30 p.m.), praise night and testimony (8:30 – 9:30 p.m.) and compline at 9:30 p.m. Taking place on Saturday, December 2 at St. Peter and the Missions Church, 850 Garafraxa St. N., Durham. For more information please contact the Vocations Office at vocations@hamiltondiocese.com.

Coping with the Holidays
Join us for an afternoon of reflection and strategies on coping at Christmas after the loss of a loved one. We gather at the Diocesan Chancery Office, 700 King St. W., on Sunday, December 3 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Join in person or by a Zoom link. Free of charge. Contact (905) 528-7988, ext. 2249 to reserve or obtain the Zoom link.

Development & Peace Fall Campaign – Create Hope:
Stand for the Land. We’ll be meeting communities in Northern Honduras struggling to preserve their land and water since an iron ore mine opened in Carlos Escaleras National Park poisoning the rivers on which they depend for their livelihoods. For information, visit devp.org/campaign.

RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Group
Looking for some learning, support and fun on a Friday evenings? Join our RESTART: Refresh, Renew, Revive Group, held the 2nd and 3rd Fridays of each month. These get-togethers offer continual support and insights for people as they journey through the divorce/separation process and beyond. Join in-person at 700 King Street West, Hamilton or by ZOOM. No registration is required but for the ZOOM link contact Sarah at 905-528-7988, ext. 2249 or familyministry@hamiltiondiocese.com.

Catechetical Correspondence Courses
Programs are available for children from Kindergarten through high school who are not currently receiving religious instruction (i.e. in a public or private, not Catholic school). These instructions will prepare your child for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, 1st Communion and Confirmation. For information and registration forms, phone the Catechesis Office in the Diocese of Hamilton at 905-528-7988, ext. 2239.

Project Rachel
If you are struggling after an abortion – either your own or someone else’s, Project Rachel is available to help find hope and healing. Please contact us at 905-526-1999.

Grief Relief
Has someone you cared about died? Are you looking for relief from the feelings associated with this loss? You are not alone! The Diocese of Hamilton has grief programs to help. Find out more on the Diocese of Hamilton’s website at www.hamiltondiocese.com or phone Teresa at 905-528-7988 ext. 2250. We have programs starting January 17, 2024 at the Chancery Office.

VOCATION SEEDS
St. Paul tells us that we have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be a holy people. Could it be that you or someone in your family is being called to be a priest, deacon, brother or sister or consecrated virgin? Contact Fr. Mark Morley, Director of Vocations by email at vocations@hamiltondiocese.com. or by phone at 905-528-7988.