St. Francis of Assisi Parish

49 Blueridge Ave., Kitchener, Ontario N2M 4E2 519-745-7301 www.stfranciskw.ca stfranciskitchener@hamiltondiocese.com

Administered by the Congregation of the Resurrection: www.resurrectionists.ca

Lord’s Day Masses Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am

Weekday Masses Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am

Reconciliation By Appointment Only, please call the parish

Sunday Children’s Liturgy No Children’s Liturgy at this time

Prayer Network Call parish office to request prayers

Baptism Please call the parish office.

Marriages Please call the parish office.

Pastor: Fr. Murray McDermott, C.R.

(mmcdermott@hamiltondiocese.com)

Associate Pastor: Fr. Raphael Ma, C.R.

(rma@hamiltondiocese.com)

Pastoral Minister: Miss Ruthann Fisher

(rfisher@hamiltondiocese.com)

Music Ministry: Mrs. Terrianne Moulton

Admin. Assistant: Ms. Alice Soeder

Building Manager: Mr. Gary Howell

Parish Office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – noon & 1:00 – 4:30 pm

by Appointment Only Please call ahead

Vocations Information:

www.vocationinfo.ca www.vocationculture.ca

“We are a Christ-centred faith community seeking to be

instruments of God’s peace.”

33rd SUNDAY IN

ORDINARY TIME

November 15th, 2020 “Abide in me as I in you, says the Lord;

my branches bear much fruit.” John 15: 4, 5

November 15th, 2020 33rd SUNDAY IN

ORDINARY TIME Nov. 7/8 Collection $5,806.00 2020 Total Collection $222,619.93 2020 Total Budgeted Collection $309, 450.00

Looking Ahead to Nov. 22, 2020

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17

1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28 Matthew 25: 31-46

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Monday Overeaters Anonymous (H) 7:30 pm

DIOCESAN PRAYER

CALENDAR Mon. Nov. 16: Rev. Murray McDermott, CR

Tues. Nov. 17: Rev. Sam Restivo, CR Wed. Nov. 18: Consecrated Men & Women

Thu. Nov. 19: Rev. David Lewis Fri. Nov. 20: +Rev. Ernest Varosi, CR

Sat. Nov. 21: Rev. Robert Hetu

“Generosity that supports the weak, consoles the afflicted, relieves suffering and restores dignity to those stripped of it, is a condition for a fully human life. #WorldDayOfThePoor.” @Pontifex, Nov. 12, 2020

MASS INTENTIONS November 17 - 22, 2020

Tuesday, 17th - St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

9:00 am +Edgar Vital – the Family

Wednesday, 18th - Weekday

9:00 am +Donald Warner – Kay Warner

Thursday, 19th - Weekday

9:00 am +Chris Oei – the Oei Family

Friday, 20th - Weekday

9:00 am +Tobias Pfeifer – Anne Darby-Watchorn

+Mary Elizabeth Gunn – Anne Pritchard

+Edgar Vital – the Family

+Leo Ditner – Betty Hinsperger

Saturday, 21st - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

5:00 pm +André Vanzieleghem – Lucille & Cathy Vanzieleghem

+Fr. Ernie Varosi, CR – Lucille & Cathy Vanzieleghem

+Ann Hutter – the Family

+John de Viveiros – Don & Linda MacDonald

+Jan Edissi – Rose & Bernie Hanley

+Peter, Rose, Robert & Mary Bergamin – Alvina Bergamin

Sunday, 22nd - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

9:00 am Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi

11:00 am +Christopher Shelton – Marilyn Alston

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Nov. 15, 2020

The theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor is “Stretch out your hand to the poor.” Pope Francis announced this in a letter to all Catholics,

encouraging us to “fix our gaze on what is essential and overcome the barriers of indifference”. He also states that “Prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable.” Both these quotes are taken from the Pope’s message for World Day of the Poor, which you can read in its entirety by clicking here.

Each day this week our parish website will be focused on World Day of the Poor:

We will explore a little more Pope Francis’ connection with the poor.

We will learn what it means to live frugally as we work for a more equitable distribution of resources.

We will get an update on the Tiny Homes that St. Mary’s Parish has been sponsoring and find out how you can help.

We will spend some time reflecting on how we can each stretch out our hands to the poor.

ADVENT CHARITIES COLLECTION This year we have decided to give all monies raised in our Advent Charities Collection to the Waterloo Region Food Bank. Since COVID-19 began the Food Bank, through the House of Friendship, has been supporting our neighbours who would normally access our St. Vincent de Paul Food Hamper Program. They will also be supplying much of the food for the region’s Christmas Hampers (we will not be packing our own this year.) We invite you to support the poor in our neighbourhood as we approach the Christmas season by donating to our Advent Charities Collection for the Food Bank. Use the envelopes in your boxes or any envelope and mark it Advent Charities Collection. Cheques should be made out to St. Francis, please include your contact information so we can add this to your year-end tax receipt.

BOOK OF LIFE During the month of November we usually have a Book of Life in which you are invited to write the names of your loved ones who have passed away. This year, because of the pandemic, we are adapting this tradition. We will still have a Book of Life, but if you would like to have your loved ones’ names written in it please email or call the parish office and we will write them in for you. The book will be displayed in the Sanctuary of the church, and there will also be a virtual Book of Life on our website which will be updated weekly. We will pray for all those whose names are written in our Book of Life at all the Masses this November. If you have any questions please contact the parish office.

CHURCH WASHROOM

REPAIRS NEEDED Our church washrooms are in need of repairs - sinks, vanities, toilets, flooring, etc. We are considering completing these repairs under the One Heart One Soul parish capital campaign. As such, we are looking to secure several quotes for the needed work at this point. We would like to begin our search inside the parish. If you or your business is interested in quoting this work, please contact the Parish Office. In addition, if you have dealt with a business who has done similar work for you and you have been impressed, reach out to the Parish Office with contact details please.

FR. MURRAY & FR. RAPHAEL’S

HOMILIES ONLINE As the pandemic persists we continue to look for ways to connect with our parishioners who are unable to join us for Mass at this time. We are excited to announce that as of this weekend you will be able to listen to Fr. Murray and Fr. Raphael’s weekend homilies on our website. Each Monday the homily from the day before will be posted on our website, under the Bulletin tab at the top of the homepage. You can click here to listen to the homilies from the All Souls Memorial Mass, and from Nov. 7/8.

In addition to supporting each parish, the One Heart, One Soul Campaign will provide additional funds to those parishes in greatest need- making possible for them what otherwise might not be achievable on their own. Finally, the Campaign will build and enhance our ministries to those in need outside our parishes- bringing the unity of Christ to the many scattered peripheries of our world. Included are ministries within prisons, hospitals, universities, and amongst immigrants and refugees. Since the first group of believers preached Jesus’ resurrection 20 centuries ago, Christ has continuously called us into unity- unity with one another, and unity with Him.

~ Fr. Murray C.R.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

MEMBERSHIPS DUE The pandemic has forced the cancellation of many CWL events this year, and we are so sad to not be meeting and planning and praying together. However, we are praying for each of our members and for the St. Francis community, especially those struggling during the pandemic. During November we specifically pray for our deceased members. We are looking ahead and planning for the day when we can be together again. In the meantime, please use the envelope in your parish envelope box to pay your membership dues by December. Thank you for continuing to support our CWL council.

Pick up at the Parish Office

2020-2021 MISSALS Cost is $3.50.

ADVENT LITTLE BOOKS We have a few extra copies if you missed order them. Cost is $5 for the set.

2021 CHURCH ENVELOPES If you know of anyone who uses envelopes and is not able to come out to pick them up during this pandemic, please consider calling that person and offering to drop their box off to them. Thank you for helping us stay connected with all our parishioners!

LECTOR WORKBOOKS All those Lectors currently reading at Mass are invited to pick up their 2020-2021 Workbooks.

If you want to pick up any of these items please call or email the parish office to set up a time to visit. Thank you for understanding that we cannot

distribute materials in the usual way during the pandemic.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION We are very happy to announce that we will be re-starting our regular confession times on Saturdays from 4 – 4:30pm, on the first weekend of Advent, November 28th. Please come to the main doors of the church and Ruthann will direct you to one of our meeting rooms where Father will be. The rooms are large enough for social distancing while providing privacy, and will be disinfected between each sacrament. If you have any questions please contact the parish office at 519-745-7301.

FRATELLI TUTTI On Oct. 4, Pope Francis signed his newest encyclical called Fratelli tutti (Brothers and Sisters All). It is a call to disrupt our lives and pay attention to the world. The Holy Father wanted to recognize the inspiration he drew from St. Francis; he urges us to dream together, and dispel the dark clouds of conflicts, suffering, and conformism.

Please watch our website every Tuesday for new articles and information about this

letter of love for the world!

AROUND TOWN

WANT TO LEARN MORE about the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola? The founder of the Jesuits developed a way of praying that helps people “find God in all things.” The Jesuits of Canada are sponsoring an Advent 4-evening ZOOM session to introduce the gift St. Ignatius gave to the world. The Tuesday night sessions begin at 7:00 p.m., Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8. For more info contact poreilly@jesuits.org. Time well spent!

WHY@Breakfast Advent Retreat November 21 All are welcome to register for this online retreat; Advent in Pandemic Times: Finding the Hope and Joy. The retreat will be facilitated by Fr. Con O'Mahony and will include prayer, a presentation, time for reflection, and a time of sharing about our own experiences of the pandemic thus far. The retreat begins at 9:30 am and will end at approximately 3:00 pm. For more information and to register, see the WHY@Breakfast website.

The Catholic Youth Organization, Camp Brebeuf, needs your

Gently Used Christmas

Decorations! for an upcoming event. If you have any garlands, lights, decorations of any kind you would like to donate please contact Katie at 519-856-4671 ext 101 or katiemoncrieffe@campbrebeuf.ca Thanks!

Redeeming Hope for a Suffering Planet Join authors of The Green Bible Stephen Scharper and Simon Appolloni, as they explore a new relationship with the natural world with the wisdom of Laudato Sí, and other voices that span centuries, traditions, races, ages and geography. Perfect for educators, pastoral leaders, religious community leaders, and all those seeking to integrate environmental awareness into the practical lives of their faith communities. Presented by Novalis, in partnership with the Global Catholic Climate Movement Canada. November 24, 2:00 PM. Click here to register for this free webinar.

Coping with Christmas - St. Michael Parish Grief Support Grieving the loss of a loved one at

any time is difficult but it can seem all the worse as we approach the Christmas season. This time of year often reminds us of our loved ones who are no longer with us along with feelings of loss and sadness. We may begin to worry about our sense of belonging and how we are going to cope without our loved one. Join us as we watch a video and discuss ways to reduce stress while still being able to find joy in each moment trusting that there will be brighter days ahead. Thursday December 3 at 7 pm – St. Michael Parish Centre (doors open at 6:30pm) Please register for this session by contacting our Parish office by calling 519-884-9311, or emailing parish@stmichaelw.ca. Please register by Thursday November 23th to reserve your spot!

Novena of Masses for the Immaculate Conception In its capacity as our Diocese’s Shrine to the Blessed Mother the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph will be hosting a Novena of Masses leading up to the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This Novena will be seeking the intercession and protection of the Mother of God, and Mother of the Church, on our Diocese in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Novena Masses will be held at 7:00pm from November 29 to December 7 inclusive. Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated by His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, at 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 8. All the faithful of the Diocese are welcome to take part in this Novena. Please note that all Diocesan COVID protocols must be observed while at the Basilica. Even if you cannot come to the Basilica of Our Lady in person please join this Novena in prayer from your home. Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, Pray for Us.

Coping with the Holidays … when someone you love is gone When it does not feel like “Peace on Earth”, know that you are not alone. Learn and share strategies for coping at Christmas. Know that your loss is not forgotten. The Diocese of Hamilton is offering an Online Webinar on Zoom on Monday November 30, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. (Participants can join by computer or phone) Cost: Free of charge. Please call to register at 905-528-7988 (ext. 2249) or register online at www.hamiltondiocese.com.

PARISH OFFICE is OPEN

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

If you need to come into the office for any reason please call ahead so we can maintain social distancing and disinfect the area between visitors. We are excited to be able to serve you again in the office while keeping everyone’s safety a top priority.

The Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – noon and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

TV & ONLINE MASSES For those who are not comfortable or able to join us at Mass yet, you can still participate in Mass on TV or online. Here are some options for you:

Televised Masses: Vision TV (Channel 27, Rogers Cable) Joy TV (Channel 173, Rogers Cable Monday to Friday: 8:00 am, 12:00 pm or Channel 656, Bell Satellite) Sunday: 8:00 am Monday to Friday: 10:30 am, 4:00 pm Salt and Light (Channel 240, Rogers Cable) Sunday: 10:30 am Monday to Saturday: 6:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 10:30 pm Faith TV (Channel 591, Bell Satellite) Sunday: 11:00 am,10:30 pm Monday to Sunday: 2:30 pm

On-Line Masses: www.dailytvmass.com

OCTOBER UPDATE TO MASS DURING COVID-19

Bishop Crosby sent out a letter to all parishioners on October 7 reinforcing the pandemic protocols that have been in place since we reopened, and introducing some new rules. For instance, persons who are unable to wear masks are still welcome at Mass but must sit in a space away from those wearing masks and must receive communion in their seat instead of walking up to the front. There are a couple other minor changes, you can read the entire letter by clicking here.

Thank you to all who are doing their best to keep our parish safe. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the parish office.

The Province of Ontario has made Masks mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including places of worship. There are some exceptions; for all the details please go to the province’s website: www.ontario.ca/. If you have not joined us for Mass yet and are considering attending, please see the COVID-19 page on our website for information you need before you attend. You can access that page here.

Weekday Masses are Tuesday – Friday at 9:00 am Weekend Masses are Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 9:00 am & 11:00 am

We are very excited to be worshiping together again, but we have to do this carefully so that we keep everyone safe and healthy, so thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you soon!