St. Clare Updates for November 14-27, 2020 |
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Sister Briege McKenna, wrote a book entitled Miracles do happen, which is nice and easy read, especially for the long and cold evening these days. That said, good things happen at St. Clare and I would like to share some of our good stories.
· Would you believe that we were able to clean the church upper windows for the first time ever? Yes, they were never cleaned because it’s hard to access them. Finally, we got a professional lift and person to reach and wash them inside and out! Next time you are with us please look up and see the bright and clean windows! We took advantage of having the lift in church to fix some lights and also to change to bulbs in our church projectors. You should be able to see clearer and crisper images and text on the displays from now on. The good thing is that someone is willing to pay for this project, so we can focus on our other expenses!
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· Some of you may have noticed that our church piano was giving up on us at some of the Masses. This is well used old piano that was first installed in the Parish Centre and then transferred to the Church. It was not feasible to fix it anymore and we purchased brand new piano that arrived from Calgary last week. So happy to have new and good quality piano for years to come. We got another anonymous parishioner who paid for it almost entirely!
· Two grade 12 students at Archbishop Carney RSS, Hannah Sergent and Bianka Kliman organized a fundraiser for refugees and picked St. Clare of Assisi Parish Refugee Program as a community service project. As part of their Social Justice course with Sr. Mary Martha as their teacher, they watched a movie called "The Good Lie" which is based on a true story of civil war in Sudan and how a group of children, who became orphans after a brutal attack on their village, survived and walked hundreds of miles to Kenya and eventually made it to the USA. This movie was very powerful and gave all students a new understanding of the difficulties of refugees.
With the approval of their school Principal, Len De Julius, they organized a Jean Day to raise money for the Refugee's Program. The Jean Day was on October 30th and students were given a non-uniform day and asked to donate a toonie towards the Refugee Fundraiser. The students managed to raise $771.15 for the Refugee Committee at St. Clare!
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Thank you, dear parishioners and friends of St. Clare for being such good stewards of God’s blessings. It amazing to be a witness to it and be part of it!
Fr. Maciej
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A Letter from Archbishop Miller
Regarding wearing masks in church
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
On Monday, October 27, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, made the following statement: “It is now the expectation that people will wear a non-medical mask in public spaces.” In light of this statement and in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our Province, I am urging that all parishioners wear masks during Holy Mass, except for the reception of Holy Communion. Exceptions are made, of course, for those who cannot wear a mask because of a disability or medical condition.
I wish also to take this occasion to remind everyone that, as a result of direct consultation with the Public Health Officer and for the safety of all, the faithful are strongly recommended to receive Holy Communion only on the hand, for the duration of the pandemic.
With cordial greetings and the assurance of my prayers for you and your families, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver
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PROJECT ADVANCE
Our thanks to all those who have already donated to this year's Project Advance appeal. Thanks to your generosity, we have pledges totaling $164,972. Our diocesan goal is $32,500, so that means that $132,472 will be coming back to St. Clare's. Our goal this year is to raise $250,000 for our mortgage. If you wish to donate online you can do so by clicking below. This link is also on our web page (www.stclare.ca)
If you have any questions, please call Janet at 604-475-7195 or Lynda at 778-788-5045.
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2021 ENVELOPES
Are in the Lobby of the Church
If you want envelopes this year and can't find them in the church,
please call the office at 604-941-4800.
PLEASE ONLY USE ENVELOPES which have YOUR NAME and are for the CURRENT YEAR. EACH YEAR your envelope number changes so please use your new envelopes ONLY in 2021. Thank you.
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Many changes have been necessary since the arrival of Covid 19 and now the traditional Advent Tree program at St. Clare's will have to be adapted as well.
For practical reasons it is not possible to have the Advent Tree with tags this year but we have talked with the groups that we assist and the need is as great as ever. The best way that we can help is to provide gift cards that can be given to the needy so that they can purchase their own gift either for themselves or for their children. If you wish to participate, we ask that you donate money for this special purpose and we will purchase gift cards that work best for the people receiving them.
We have special envelopes available at the Registrar’s desk in the church lobby before mass that indicate that your gift is for the Advent Tree. You can also use a plain envelope, clearly marked “Advent Tree”. In either case, please include your name, address and envelope number and we will add your gift in your annual tax receipt. Please make cheques out to St. Clare of Assisi Parish. Envelopes can be placed in the collection box in the lobby, dropped through the mail slot in the office door or mailed to St. Clare’s at 1320 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, BC V3B 4T5. If you choose to donate online, please make a note in the comments section that it is for the Advent Tree.
The generosity of parishioners toward the Advent Tree program has been tremendous over the years, brightening thousands of Christmas’ and while changes have to be made this year, hopefully at some point in the near future we will once again able to return to our usual format.
Thank you and God Bless.
PS. The groups that we help include, Transition and Safe Houses, Teenagers (some with babies) in the alternative school in Coquitlam, local Seniors in Care facilities that do not have family support, homeless in the Tri City areas as well as downtown Eastside, Covenant House, Aboriginal Childrens’ groups from babies to teens, also through our school District we have several families that require assistance and of course persons and families that come to our parish office for assistance.
Gift cards will be purchased at the recommendation of the people operating these programs and then distributed by to needy individuals in their program before Christmas.
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Everyone is invited to join us daily
7:30 pm, Online
Contact
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The BC Knights of Columbus are holding their 59th Annual Charity Appeal with the top prize being $100,000. Tickets are only $3 each and are available at www.KofCdraw.net/C14225
For more information on the Knights of Columbus please visit our websites at kofc.org and kofcbc.org. If you are interested in becoming a Knight please email
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During the month of November we have a long-standing tradition of accepting Masses by All Souls Envelopes:
1. Each envelope is a request for one Mass. Please take it from the entrance of the church or make your own envelope that is clearly marked for ALL Souls.
2. Write the names of your deceased on the front and, along with your donation, put it in the Sunday collection basket (during the entire month of November) OR send it to us by the mail.
3. Each of these envelopes will be used as one Mass intention, celebrated by Fr. Yarek or myself or another priest. Please note: we will not be able to let you know the date on which your Mass will be observed.
I encourage you to continue this beautiful practice that help set our hearts and minds in the strong belief of Christ’s resurrection. This is our spiritual gift, not only for our deceased, but also for all the forgotten souls. May they rest in peace!
Please remember that we can assist all the departed by way of ALMSGIVING, INDULGENCES, AND WORKS OF PENANCE on their behalf.
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Food for Thought . . . and for the Soul
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Solemnity of Christ the King (Nov 22, 2020) |
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Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in his encyclical Quas primas[5] of 1925, in response to growing secularism and nationalism. The date was established as "the last Sunday of the month of October – the Sunday, that is, which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints".
Pope Paul VI amended the title of the Feast to Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe.. He also moved it to the new date of the final Sunday of the liturgical year, before the commencement of a new liturgical year on the First Sunday of Advent. In 2020, this Solemnity day falls on 22 November. The liturgical vestments for the day are coloured white or gold, in keeping with other joyous feasts honouring Christ.
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Just when we're looking towards winter as the days shorten, the green leaves wither, turn brown, and fall off, here's a chance to remember the colours and joys of summer offered by the U.S. Order of Carmelites web page entitled God's Garden.
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Mass Times and Registration |
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So that we can follow Public Health orders to keep the maximum number of people in our building at any one time to 50, you must register before coming to mass. Our masses tend to fill up quickly so please register early. Registration opens exactly 7 days before the mass starts. If you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible so that we can release those seats for someone else. Registration closes for Saturday, Sunday and Monday masses at 3:00pm on Friday when the lists are printed. For all other daily masses, registration closes at 3:00pm the day before.
Our current mass schedule is as follows :
Weekend Masses
Saturday
4:45pm (Parish Centre)
5:00pm
Sunday
8:30am
10:30am (Parish Centre)
11:00am
5:00pm
6:30pm (Spanish)
( Please register for the Spanish Mass
with Our Lady of Sorrows at 604-254-0691)
Weekday Masses
Monday through Saturday at 9:00am
Please arrive early for mass as the doors will be locked during mass.
If you know someone who cannot register for mass because they don't have a computer or are unfamiliar with its use, we have a volunteer who will help. Ask them to call Louanne at 778-712-0890 or email her at prepkids@shaw.ca
We will of course continue to stream our mass live on Saturday evening at 5:00pm and post it on Youtube for the weekend for anyone who is not able to come to the church.
Notes on Confirmation of booking
When you have completed the online booking form the attached screen is displayed and a confirmation email is sent.
Once you see the reservation received screen displayed – your booking is in the system, there is no need to repeat that booking
If you do not receive the confirmation email:
- Please check the email account that you provided in the form
- Please create a rule in the email program to accept all email from stclare.ca
These steps will help ensure that you receive your confirmation. Thank you.
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To attend mass, please register as space is very limited. Only confirmed registrants will be allowed to enter the church.
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Watch St Clare parish weekly Sunday Mass on our YouTube Channel. Updated every week. Live Streaming on Saturday at 5:00pm with a Higher Definition version available at 7:30pm (Saturday)
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In order to help you facilitate the offertory for St Clare parish, The Archdiocese has created an Online Offertory page to facilitate one time or pre-authorized monthly or weekly giving through direct debit or credit card donations.
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Our Confession Schedule is as follows:
- Monday to Friday 8:45 am – 9:00 am
- Saturday, 9:30 am – 10:15 am (no need to register)
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By appointment by emailing our Pastor Fr. Maciej at mwos@rcav.org
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By appointment by emailing our Assistant Pastor Fr. Yarek at jdziuba@rcav.org
Confessions are now heard in the Crying Room (by the washrooms on the east side of the church) NOT in the confessional.
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Please pray for the sick of our Parish
Noah Zanatta, Bob Roy, Loni Cain, Brendan Pace, Gracienda Ramos, Brian Stewart, Catherine Dunne, Lucy Chase, Doreen Allyen, Tyson Ward, Nora Arroyal, Christopher Brown, Joan McDonald, Annabella Cirko, Frank Matchett, Kelly Durkin, Jason Kendall, Bill Clendinning, Chris Mah, Lydia Guzman, Angelo Visentin, June Cross, Katelyn Boudewyn, Karen Morris, Ramon Montecillo, Janice Caine, Nadine Classen, Leanne Theiss, Sierra Osborne, Sebastien Robillard, Carol Clifford, Sandra Diersch, Lori Dennis, Marcel Quaghebeur, Mazoe Kaufman, Cindy Mazerolle-Kass, Anna Figura, Ed Garcia, Viray Family, Walter Banke, Nettie Helgason, Etheen Lowry, Elizabeth Teixeira, Reema Ferreira, Terry McDonald, Andrew De Boda, Maurice Quaghebeur, Henry Sicking, Hari Vijay, Peggy Maas, Chad Galitzky, Al Trotter, Pat Dizy and all recipients of St. Clare’s Prayer Shawls.
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The Poor Clare Sisters are praying for our parish and would be happy to take your personal prayer requests by mail or telephone 1-604-826-2818. St. Clare's Monastery, Box 3370, Mission, B.C. V2V 4J5 |
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Of Interest from the Diocese |
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The Search: Why are we here? What's life all about?
The Search is an innovative video series that tackles the key questions of every human heart. In seven beautifully filmed episodes, Chris Stefanick and experts from multiple fields of science, medicine, psychology, art, and religion examine our place in the larger story of existence.
Each session will begin with a 30-minute cinematic video presentation produced by Augustine Institute, followed by an engaging small group panel of local pastors, ministry leaders, religious, and podcasters.
Everyone who registers will receive a FREE one-year subscription to FORMED.org with access to thousands of Catholic movies, programs, books, audio, and more.
Are you ready for The Search? Join us for weekly sessions on Thursdays until Dec. 17 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Register for FREE at thesearch.rcav.org
Catholic Pacific College is having a virtual open house November 25th at 3:30pm where future students and families can come meet the professors and learn more about the Catholic Formation Track and how they can get their degree through Trinity Western. A link to the presentation can be requested by emailing jose@catholicpacific.ca
Into the Deep: De-Mythifying Palliative Care
Palliative care helps people with serious illness to live as well as they can for as long as they can. But most people feel that palliative care is only something that is offered once there is “nothing more to be done” for their disease and means that death is close at hand. This presentation will provide knowledge of what palliative care is, its benefits, and how it can be accessed. Using our polling tool, we will assess your understanding of palliative care and provide factual explanations and answer questions. You never know who you might help! Join us on Friday, Nov. 27 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm on Zoom. Register online for free at beholdvancouver.org/events
Dialogue on Aging’s Final Fall Virtual Public Presentation Session
Dialogue on Aging is hosting our final, free fall virtual Presentation Session. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 1:00 pm for a dialogue with researchers, clinicians, and stories of resiliency. Our feature presentation is, “Sleep Health for a COVID-19 World” by Dr. Glenn Landry. Our mini presentation will be: “Climbing Your Own Kilimanjaro: Lessons from Life in Motion” by Katherine Paton, MD, FRCSC, Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Head, Ocular Oncology, Diagnostic Ultrasound and Comprehensive Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. For more information and resources, please visit: http://publicpresentations.providencehealthcare.org
Love is the Answer Virtual Retreat
Join us for this virtual retreat on the spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux to bring people closer to Jesus during this difficult time of pandemic. Organized by Angelina Muniz from Lumen Vitae and team. We will have two talks, mental maps, time of recollection, contemplative prayer practice, videos and music. It is a free event, and open to everyone. This retreat will take place over Zoom on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Email angelina@vidahumanaedu... or send a WhatsApp to 778-668-7033.
Discovering Beauty in Ordinary Time Mini-Retreat
Discover how to encounter the beauty of God in ordinary time. Short online mini-retreat, sponsored in part by the OLPH CWL. Open to all interested persons. Join Retreat Director Catherine M. Kelly, M.Div. for a morning of inspiration through guided talks, music, scripture, visual art, and poetry. The morning includes quiet time for individual prayer and small group faith sharing. This event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10:00 - 11:30 am on Zoom. Register online at beholdvancouver.org/events The Zoom link will be sent to registrants. Suggested donation $15-30. If you wish to pay by cash or cheque, please email Lyse for instructions lyse.rowledge@gmail.com
The True Meaning of Christmas
While it may be cliché to say, the truth is that we can often lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of all the planning and dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics. This talk is geared towards re-orienting our hearts to have the sentiments of the divine heart this Christmas towards ourselves, our family, and any suffering we may experience during this holy time. As we will see, the Incarnation of Christ was filled with suffering for the holy family, but also more deeply joy. This talk will reflect upon that paradoxical reality as well as what the birth of Christ says to who we are as persons, a truth worth rediscovering and accepting, again and again, especially those of us who have been rejected or forgotten at times in our families. Join us for this talk on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm on Zoom Webinar, followed by a small-group breakout session. Register online at beholdvancouver.org/events
The Catholic Faith in Plain English Free Course
Learn about the rich teachings and practices of our Catholic Faith from Father Vincent Hawkswell and Maureen Creelman in their course “The Catholic Faith in Plain English”. This free, 36 week-long course will be offered online this year and is suitable for all adult learners including Catholics and non-Catholics. Register for free at beholdvancouver.org/catholic-faith-course
The Gospel of Luke: Turning the World Upside Down
Join us as we explore what makes the Gospel of Luke fascinating and beautiful. We will pay particular attention to how Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom of God. In addition, we will see how Jesus’ mission is continued by the Church in the Acts of the Apostles, the sequel to Luke’s Gospel. The message of Luke is important because it inspires us in the mission Jesus has given us. Join our speaker Fr. Nick Meisl on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm on Zoom. Register online at beholdvancouver.org/events
How to Spiritually Survive and Enjoy the Holidays as an Adult Child of Divorce at Online
This talk will feature some psychological tips from a licensed counselor on the topic of boundaries and confronting difficult family situations around the holidays. Then, it will have a witness talk from an adult child of divorce about different practices and attitudes that she has found helpful to have greater peace around her family during the holidays. Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm on Zoom. Register online at beholdvancouver.org/events
Resisting a Democracy Recession Webinar
Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat of the Jesuit Curia in Rome will talk about the alarming transformation of democracy in the world with the election of authoritarian regimes into office. His presentation will focus on India, with parallels drawn with changes taking place in Latin America, Asia, Africa and North America. While this trend is alarming, there is hope in voices heard through public protest demanding alternative models with transformative changes for a future built on love, equality and justice. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Zoom. Register online at beholdvancouver.org/events Even if you're not available during this time, you will be sent a recording to view at your own leisure if you register.
Email Fraud Warning
The Archdiocese has received multiple reports from parishioners and priests who have fallen victim to a recent Internet email phishing scam. Imposters, posing as priests and using email addresses that are similar to those of our priests, have been emailing people asking for personal donations, gift cards, and other forms of financial assistance.
Never respond to emails requesting Google Play cards, iTunes cards, or any other form of personal financial assistance, even if it appears to be from a priest, deacon, religious, parish staff or bishop. If you have any doubt, please contact the sender by other means to verify any requests.
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