Jan 2, 2022 - Sunday Bulletin
Updated: Jan 4, 2022
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022
This week in the Church
Important Updates
1. The Parish Office is closed Jan 1st - 3rd 2022.
2. Mass Schedule returns to normal times as of Jan 2nd 2022.
Please visit www.rcav.org for any new updates.
Reflections
Mary, the Holy Mother of God
As we begin a new year, let us reflect on some thoughts of Pope Francis on Mary, the Holy Mother of God & women everywhere:
Women as sources of life: “On the first day of the year”, began Pope Francis, we celebrate a “nuptial union between God and humanity”, one that was inaugurated “in the womb of a woman”. “The rebirth of humanity began from a woman”, continued the Pope: “Women are sources of life”.
Born of a woman: That is why “every form of violence inflicted upon a woman is a blasphemy against God, who was born of a woman”, said Pope Francis.
Keeping in her heart: Pope Francis noted how the Gospel repeats the image of Mary “keeping all things in her heart”. “Women typically take life to heart”, said the Pope. “Women show us that the meaning of life is not found in making things but in taking things to heart. Only those who see with the heart see things properly, because they know how to ‘look into’ each person”.
Seeing with the heart: At the start of this New Year, Pope Francis challenged us to ask if we know “how to see with the heart”. Only if we take life to heart, he said, “will we know how to take care and overcome the indifference all around”. “If we want a better world, a world that will be a peaceful home and not a war field, may we take to heart the dignity of each woman”.
~ Vatican News
Manifestation
The visit of the Magi occurs directly before the story of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. Matthew’s Gospel tells a version of Jesus’ birth that is different than the one in Luke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us little more than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census is found only in Luke’s Gospel, but we hear about the visit of the Magi only in Matthew’s Gospel.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts. The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.
We have come to consider the gifts they bring as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ role in salvation. We believe the meaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presented as representative of Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense is a symbol of his divinity because priests burned the substance in the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the dead for burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus’ death.
The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showing forth.” Historically several moments in Christ’s early life and ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,” including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, his baptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.
~ Loyola Press
Mass Intentions
Sunday, January2
· Repose Rose Ann Joyca by Elizabeth Livingston
· Spec. Intention Rev. Ian Stewart by Anna Carranza
Monday, January 3
· Spec. Intention St. Edmund Parishioners
· Thanksgiving Mass by Thomas family
· Repose Holy Souls in Purgatory by Elizabeth Wong
Tuesday, January 4
· Spec. Intention Russell Callaghan by mum Patricia
· Repose Victorio & Quiteria by daughter Anita Oandasan
Wednesday January 5
· Repose Viktor Kowalenko by Sherry Lloyd
· Repose Gerson Frias & All Souls in Purgatory by Aurea Frias
Thursday, January 6
· Spec. Intention Louise Murphy by Barbara Stuart
· Repose Andrew Pawilowski by Sue Farrell
Friday, January 7
· Spec. Intention Janet Ficocelli by Natalie Domitter
· Spec. Intention Christine Gallagher by Janet Ficocelli
Saturday, January, 8
· Repose Rose Minka by Barbara Stuart
If you need a Mass Intention, please contact the Parish Office
Events
Parish Events
We have all enjoyed the beautiful decorations inside and outside the Church, but the time has come for it to be taken down.
If you can help, please come to the Church at 10am on Monday, January 3rd.
Many hands lighten the load.
Thanks so much!
School Events
St. Edmund’s School Students return to class on Monday, January 10th as noted in the December 29th news update from the Ministry of Health.
Archdiocese Events
Synod
Pope Francis has decided the next world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which will take place in October 2022, will have the theme: "For a synodal church: Communion, participation and mission." With that in mind, there will be information cards available at the Church entrance with Topics of Conversation suggested on the reverse side and encouraging us to check for updates on the Archdiocese site www.rcav.org/synod
Special Gifts
Remember a loved one with a special gift
The remembrance can be for an anniversary, a birthday, in thanksgiving or to remember our deceased loved ones. Stop by the Parish Office to arrange to have the Bread and Wine, Flowers, Altar Candles and/or Sanctuary Lamp donated for someone you love. All donations are for one week.
Altar Flowers - $30
Bread & Wine - $25
Altar Candles - $20
Sanctuary Lamp - $20
Masses - $10 (per Mass)
Please contact the Parish Office
Financial Updates
Project Advance
Paving of the School Playground & fixing the Drainage
The required amount $125 thousand
Raised so far
2020 : $44,590.00
2021 : $48,448.00
Fundraising: $04,500.00
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Total: $97,538.00
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We still need to raise $27,462.
We thank all those who have contributed in various ways. Your generosity is highly appreciated. May God bless you, for the sacrifices you make. Without you (U), there is no Success. As you know this project has been identified as a priority that will help our school students to use it as a playground and parking for the Parish.
Give online - Project Advance
Remember St Edmund's in your Will
A planned gift to be realized in the future, such as the options below, may be the best approach for you and may allow you to make a larger gift than you might have thought possible.
A Gift in Your Will - This is the most common type of planned gift - a gift in your will. Arranged today, a bequest is paid to St. Edmund’s Parish through your estate, after your death. You can give a specific sum, property, or a percentage of your estate. It is important that the full name of the parish and charitable number be included in your will so that there is no confusion about your intentions. (St. Edmund’s Parish, North Vancouver # 11884 9470 RR0064)
Life Insurance - A gift of life insurance is a simple and thoughtful way to make a gift to St. Edmund’s Parish. Insurance allows you to make a modest gift now for a significant gift in the future.
RRSP and RRIF Funds - Naming St. Edmund’s Parish a beneficiary of your RRSPs and RRIFs means all or a portion of these assets can now be left directly to St. Edmund’s Parish upon your death without having to pass through your estate. This arrangement means that no probate fees are payable on these assets. In most cases, the taxes owing on your donated RRSPs or RRIFs at death are offset by the charitable tax credits generated by your donation. Donations of this type are a great way to reduce the substantial deferred tax burden that many RRSP and RRIF plans carry.
Prayer Requests and Advertisements
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