MESSAGE FROM FATHER BEN AND THE ARCHDIOCESE JANUARY 14, 2021
Hello Folks,
Based on this information from the Archbishop, we are still on with our most recent Protocols.
Max 10 people for masses.
Register to attend with Fr. Benedict: padre.benedict@yahoo.com or call 6132752555, or text: 3432638272
As we continue to keep you all in our prayers, may the Lord keep us safe to see to the end of this pandemic.
Your donations has kept the church afloat all this while, you are appreciated.
In this current situation, there are a variety of ways that your donations can still get to the church where you are not able to attend, namely:
1. Dropping it off at the Rectory mailbox,
2. Mailing it to the Rectory: 280 County Road 8 Box 88 Toledo, Ontario K0E 1Y0
3. By using Interact: 2020pneric@gmail.com
This email address is strictly for the interact. Once you send it, email Fr. Ben at his official address: padre.benedict@yahoo.coM
Stay-at-Home Order.pdf
334 KB
Hello Folks,
Based on this information from the Archbishop, we are still on with our most recent Protocols.
Max 10 people for masses.
Register to attend with Fr. Benedict: padre.benedict@yahoo.com or call 6132752555, or text: 3432638272
As we continue to keep you all in our prayers, may the Lord keep us safe to see to the end of this pandemic.
Your donations has kept the church afloat all this while, you are appreciated.
In this current situation, there are a variety of ways that your donations can still get to the church where you are not able to attend, namely:
1. Dropping it off at the Rectory mailbox,
2. Mailing it to the Rectory: 280 County Road 8 Box 88 Toledo, Ontario K0E 1Y0
3. By using Interact: 2020pneric@gmail.com
This email address is strictly for the interact. Once you send it, email Fr. Ben at his official address: padre.benedict@yahoo.coM
Stay-at-Home Order.pdf
334 KB
Saturday masses ------------------------- 5.00 pm Athens;
5.45 pm Athens
Sundays 1st; ; 3rd and 5th. Sundays: 9.00 am Toledo; 9.45 am Toledo
11.00 am Athens; 11.45 am Athens
2nd and 4th. Sundays : 9.00 am Athens; 9.45 am Athens
11.00 am Toledo; 11.45 am Toledo
Please NOTE: ONLY 10 people are allowed in any of these masses, hence you need to Register to attend.
To register, send and email to me at : padre.benedict@yahoo.com; or send me a text at: 3432638272of give me a call at : 6132752555. Registration closes each week once we reach the max number 10.
To help Parishioners attend mass one way or the other, I will continue to stream one of the Sunday masses in Toledo. To join me online, follow me on Facebook at: Angel Uba
Thanking you all for your support to our Parish even in this most trying times.
Keeping you in my prayers. Merry Christmas and a Happy Near Year.
Fr. Benedict Ubanii.
On behalf of Father Ben and the Parish Councils of Toledo and Athens, we wish you a very prayerful, peaceful and hopeful Christmas
There are two links which can be found below: Archbishop's Christmas Message
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=68f2c0924e&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1686911102687922446&th=17691cb5d360490e&view=att&disp=safe
Province-wide shutdown:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=68f2c0924e&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1686911102687922446&th=17691cb5d360490e&view=att&disp=safe
797 KBThank you Letter to Volunteers from the Archbishop
Preview attachment Thank you Letter to Volunteers 12-12-20.pdf
Thank you Letter to Volunteers 12-12-20.pdf
Letter From the Archdiocese re. vaccines(as written by the Bishops of Alberta and the NWT)
December 2, 2020
Dear Faithful in Christ,
Is it okay for a Catholic to be vaccinated against COVID-19? The short answer is: Yes, it is.
Reading this, many people might be surprised that the question is even being posed. What could be wrong about
receiving a vaccine, when we know that vaccinations save lives? The Catholic Church does certainly support
and encourage ethical scientific research into the development of vaccines that will mitigate or even end the
harm caused by this terrible disease. The virus is linked with the death to date of more than one million people,
and has caused great harm to millions more.
The moral issue arises from the fact that vaccine development and testing often make use of cell lines derived
from either the tissue of aborted fetuses or destroyed human embryos. Therefore, reception of a vaccine
developed and produced from this unethical research presents us with a dilemma that seriously engages our
conscience. On the one hand, we know that widespread vaccination is a public health imperative to keep
ourselves, our families and other citizens safe; on the other, we worry that receiving the vaccine would render
us complicit in the moral evil of abortion, and thus unfaithful to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity of
life.
Making use of abortion to create cell lines for research and development is an affront to human dignity and
cannot be morally justified. Sadly, such cell lines are so widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry that a
vaccine that has not been ethically compromised in its production and/or testing by their use may very well not
be available for employment against COVID-19. Doctors and families should normally seek out ethically
acceptable vaccines. When this is not possible, then there arises the specific question we address in this letter:
in the midst of a pandemic that poses a serious threat to public health, is it morally permissible to receive a
vaccine that has been produced unethically when an ethical alternative is not readily accessible?
In such a situation, we are guided by the Church’s teaching, which directs us to differentiate among various
degrees of cooperation in the evil of the act of abortion. Differentiation in degrees of the moral gravity of
cooperation first pertains to the original abortion(s), then the derivation of cell lines, the process of vaccine
development using these cell lines, the subsequent production and eventual sale, and finally the use of such a
vaccine. With respect to someone simply receiving the vaccine, the degree of connection with the original evil
act is so remote that, when there also exists a proportionately grave reason for vaccination, such as the current,
urgent need to halt the COVID-19 pandemic, then the Church assures us that it is morally permissible for
Catholics to receive it for the good of personal and public health.1
However, this judgement must not be allowed to obscure the seriousness of the evil act that is the source of cell
lines used in some vaccines, nor the corresponding ethical issues arising for those who work in research and
development on them, or profit from their sale. It remains imperative that Catholics make clear their moral
objection to vaccine development derived from abortion, and to advocate with their governments for ethically
produced vaccines.
We address a special appeal to our Catholic brothers and sisters in the biopharmaceutical industry. Allow respect
for the sanctity of human life from conception onward to find expression in work that leads to the replacement
of morally illicit cell lines with ethically sourced ones. Please be assured of our prayerful support of this good
and necessary endeavour.
Let us all together entrust ourselves and our world to the intercession of the Blessed Mother. May the powerful
intercession of the Mother of God bring full healing to the sick, deep consolation to those who mourn, holy
inspiration to researchers, and a swift end to the pandemic.
Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
Yours in Christ,
Catholic Bishops of Alberta and NWT
Most Reverend Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
Most Reverend William McGrattan
Bishop of Calgary
Most Reverend Paul Terrio
Bishop of St. Paul Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas, CSsR
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
Most Reverend David Motiuk
Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of
Edmonton
Most Reverend Jon Hansen, CSsR
Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith
2020_12_02_Letter to the faithful on Vaccines.pdf_English.pdf
248 KB
December 11, 2020 Message from Father Ben
My dear people of God, as we approach, we have the need for people to donate poinsettias to decorate our altars, in honor of a loved one. This goes for both St. Philip and St. Denis respectively.
For large poinsettias - $21.99
For small ones - $ 8.99
You can drop your donation in the collection baskets with the caption : For Poinsettias in honour of ...............
you may also give me a call if you so wish to discuss it.
Thanking you in anticipation for your usual generosity.
In prayers. Fr. Ben
DECEMBER 2, 2020
MESSAGE FROM FATHER BEN
Christmas masses:
St Denis: 24th Dec. 5 pm & 6 pm;
St Philip Neri: Dec. 24th 7pm;
Dec. 25th. 10am
Please register for your attendance by emailing Fr Ben - padre.benedict@yahoo.com
Indicating the number of people, and the mass time chosen.
Confessions: 30 minutes before masses from now to the 23rd of December; or by appointment.
Blessings upon you and your family.
Fr Ben
There are two links which can be found below: Archbishop's Christmas Message
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=68f2c0924e&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1686911102687922446&th=17691cb5d360490e&view=att&disp=safe
Province-wide shutdown:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=68f2c0924e&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1686911102687922446&th=17691cb5d360490e&view=att&disp=safe
797 KBThank you Letter to Volunteers from the Archbishop
Preview attachment Thank you Letter to Volunteers 12-12-20.pdf
Thank you Letter to Volunteers 12-12-20.pdf
Letter From the Archdiocese re. vaccines(as written by the Bishops of Alberta and the NWT)
December 2, 2020
Dear Faithful in Christ,
Is it okay for a Catholic to be vaccinated against COVID-19? The short answer is: Yes, it is.
Reading this, many people might be surprised that the question is even being posed. What could be wrong about
receiving a vaccine, when we know that vaccinations save lives? The Catholic Church does certainly support
and encourage ethical scientific research into the development of vaccines that will mitigate or even end the
harm caused by this terrible disease. The virus is linked with the death to date of more than one million people,
and has caused great harm to millions more.
The moral issue arises from the fact that vaccine development and testing often make use of cell lines derived
from either the tissue of aborted fetuses or destroyed human embryos. Therefore, reception of a vaccine
developed and produced from this unethical research presents us with a dilemma that seriously engages our
conscience. On the one hand, we know that widespread vaccination is a public health imperative to keep
ourselves, our families and other citizens safe; on the other, we worry that receiving the vaccine would render
us complicit in the moral evil of abortion, and thus unfaithful to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity of
life.
Making use of abortion to create cell lines for research and development is an affront to human dignity and
cannot be morally justified. Sadly, such cell lines are so widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry that a
vaccine that has not been ethically compromised in its production and/or testing by their use may very well not
be available for employment against COVID-19. Doctors and families should normally seek out ethically
acceptable vaccines. When this is not possible, then there arises the specific question we address in this letter:
in the midst of a pandemic that poses a serious threat to public health, is it morally permissible to receive a
vaccine that has been produced unethically when an ethical alternative is not readily accessible?
In such a situation, we are guided by the Church’s teaching, which directs us to differentiate among various
degrees of cooperation in the evil of the act of abortion. Differentiation in degrees of the moral gravity of
cooperation first pertains to the original abortion(s), then the derivation of cell lines, the process of vaccine
development using these cell lines, the subsequent production and eventual sale, and finally the use of such a
vaccine. With respect to someone simply receiving the vaccine, the degree of connection with the original evil
act is so remote that, when there also exists a proportionately grave reason for vaccination, such as the current,
urgent need to halt the COVID-19 pandemic, then the Church assures us that it is morally permissible for
Catholics to receive it for the good of personal and public health.1
However, this judgement must not be allowed to obscure the seriousness of the evil act that is the source of cell
lines used in some vaccines, nor the corresponding ethical issues arising for those who work in research and
development on them, or profit from their sale. It remains imperative that Catholics make clear their moral
objection to vaccine development derived from abortion, and to advocate with their governments for ethically
produced vaccines.
We address a special appeal to our Catholic brothers and sisters in the biopharmaceutical industry. Allow respect
for the sanctity of human life from conception onward to find expression in work that leads to the replacement
of morally illicit cell lines with ethically sourced ones. Please be assured of our prayerful support of this good
and necessary endeavour.
Let us all together entrust ourselves and our world to the intercession of the Blessed Mother. May the powerful
intercession of the Mother of God bring full healing to the sick, deep consolation to those who mourn, holy
inspiration to researchers, and a swift end to the pandemic.
Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us.
Yours in Christ,
Catholic Bishops of Alberta and NWT
Most Reverend Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
Most Reverend William McGrattan
Bishop of Calgary
Most Reverend Paul Terrio
Bishop of St. Paul Most Reverend Gerard Pettipas, CSsR
Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
Most Reverend David Motiuk
Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of
Edmonton
Most Reverend Jon Hansen, CSsR
Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith
2020_12_02_Letter to the faithful on Vaccines.pdf_English.pdf
248 KB
December 11, 2020 Message from Father Ben
My dear people of God, as we approach, we have the need for people to donate poinsettias to decorate our altars, in honor of a loved one. This goes for both St. Philip and St. Denis respectively.
For large poinsettias - $21.99
For small ones - $ 8.99
You can drop your donation in the collection baskets with the caption : For Poinsettias in honour of ...............
you may also give me a call if you so wish to discuss it.
Thanking you in anticipation for your usual generosity.
In prayers. Fr. Ben
DECEMBER 2, 2020
MESSAGE FROM FATHER BEN
Christmas masses:
St Denis: 24th Dec. 5 pm & 6 pm;
St Philip Neri: Dec. 24th 7pm;
Dec. 25th. 10am
Please register for your attendance by emailing Fr Ben - padre.benedict@yahoo.com
Indicating the number of people, and the mass time chosen.
Confessions: 30 minutes before masses from now to the 23rd of December; or by appointment.
Blessings upon you and your family.
Fr Ben
November 24, 2020 Message from the Archdiocese regarding ADVENT REFLECTIONS
https://www.romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/
From: Mary-Jo MacKinnon-Simms <maryjo@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Date: November 24, 2020 at 1:38:08 PM EST
To: Office of the Archbishop <archbishop@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Cc: Mariola Gozdek <liturgy@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>, Lucy Kearney <family@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>, Reception <reception@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Subject: Advent Reflection
Dear Reverend Fathers,
This year during Advent we will have a video reflection of the readings for each week from four people in our Archdiocese. The reflections will be on our Archdiocesan website the Thursday before the next Sunday of Advent. The reflections will be done by the following people:
Deacon Mark Mawson, Rev Julius Nwagbara SMMM, Sr Rosemary Brosseau CND and Mary Pat Byrne.
It is our hope that during these times of uncertainly these reflections will bring comfort and promise for the Advent season.
If you can advertise this to your parishioners it would be greatly appreciated. On behalf of the pastoral team here,
thank you and have a great day.
Mary-Jo MacKinnon-Simms M.Div., M.Ed., B.A., Dipl in Ministry, Dipl in Restorative Justice
Coordinator of Religious Education
Archdiocese of Kingston
613-548 4461 Ext 115
https://www.romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/
From: Mary-Jo MacKinnon-Simms <maryjo@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Date: November 24, 2020 at 1:38:08 PM EST
To: Office of the Archbishop <archbishop@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Cc: Mariola Gozdek <liturgy@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>, Lucy Kearney <family@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>, Reception <reception@romancatholic.kingston.on.ca>
Subject: Advent Reflection
Dear Reverend Fathers,
This year during Advent we will have a video reflection of the readings for each week from four people in our Archdiocese. The reflections will be on our Archdiocesan website the Thursday before the next Sunday of Advent. The reflections will be done by the following people:
Deacon Mark Mawson, Rev Julius Nwagbara SMMM, Sr Rosemary Brosseau CND and Mary Pat Byrne.
It is our hope that during these times of uncertainly these reflections will bring comfort and promise for the Advent season.
If you can advertise this to your parishioners it would be greatly appreciated. On behalf of the pastoral team here,
thank you and have a great day.
Mary-Jo MacKinnon-Simms M.Div., M.Ed., B.A., Dipl in Ministry, Dipl in Restorative Justice
Coordinator of Religious Education
Archdiocese of Kingston
613-548 4461 Ext 115
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ARCHBISHOP REGARDING HOLY COMMUNION
communion.pdf
Good Afternoon,
The following announcement concerning the Priests' Retirement Fund follows from the Archdiocese:
Priests’ Retirement Fund Parish Collection
The annual collection for the Priests’ Retirement Fund of the Archdiocese of Kingston will take place on the weekend of November 7-8, 2020. The Fund provides our elderly and infirm priests with a modest income in their retirement. This is an opportunity for all of us to show our gratitude for the dedicated service of our priests. Thank you for your continuing support of this important collection.
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 25th, 2020)
This Sunday readings carries one of the must used words in our world today-Love; Secondly it goes further to elaborate on who to love-God, Self and neighbour. Over and above all, this Love embraces the totality of our relationship with God, because according to Matthew, ‘on it (Love) hangs all the law and the prophets’.
The Laws and the Prophets were seen as the peoples guide to understanding the will of God for His people, what they are to do, and the things they are to avoid to maintain their Covenantrelationship with God. So it was on this premise that the Pharisees came to Jesus to test him with the question; “Teacher, which commandment in the Law is the greatest?”
Although their question was not in good fate, Jesus chose to answer to it saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” This is the greatest and first commandment. “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”.
Jesus by this declaration made it clear that we have to love God, not partially, not occasionally or ceremonially, but a love that is holistic, involving every breath in us and sustained in time. This type of total giving of self can be very challenging and at times frustrating, especially when we are talking about a God that we cannot see with the physical eyes; hence the second part of the same commandment;
‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. In many scripture passages the love of God is summated in the love of Neighbour; for instance, “No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us”. (1 John 4:12). Further the same chapter in John’s letter says: “If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also”. (1 John 4:20-21).
Challenged with the understanding of who our neighbour/s could be, Jesus narrated the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable identifies every human being created in the image and likeness of God as our neighbour. In our first reading from the book of Exodus, we were warned to avoid mistreating the aliens or foreigners who live among us; it also went further to forbid us from abusing widows and orphans, that is to say; those who have nobody to speak for them.
To help us understand how necessary a condition the Love of neighbour is, Jesus in the gospel of Matthew centered our justification or condemnation on our attitude towards our neighbour (Brothers and sisters). In this He included ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’, ‘I was in prison and you came to me’. (Cf. Matthew 25:32-45.) Note how he summarized the judgement: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.”
So my dear friends, the obligation to love is all inclusive, irrespective of their social status, orientation, religion, skin colour, culture and so on. Your loving or showing love to them does not make you complicit to their sins and imperfection, rather your show of love and compassion could be the signpost pointing them to Jesus. (For you Sunday relaxation, read Matthew 19: 1-10, John 8:1-11). Jesus is Love and Compassion; the Devil is hate, bigotry, wickedness, heartlessness and the likes. So choose you this day who you want to be like. I choose Love (Jesus)
This Sunday readings carries one of the must used words in our world today-Love; Secondly it goes further to elaborate on who to love-God, Self and neighbour. Over and above all, this Love embraces the totality of our relationship with God, because according to Matthew, ‘on it (Love) hangs all the law and the prophets’.
The Laws and the Prophets were seen as the peoples guide to understanding the will of God for His people, what they are to do, and the things they are to avoid to maintain their Covenantrelationship with God. So it was on this premise that the Pharisees came to Jesus to test him with the question; “Teacher, which commandment in the Law is the greatest?”
Although their question was not in good fate, Jesus chose to answer to it saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” This is the greatest and first commandment. “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets”.
Jesus by this declaration made it clear that we have to love God, not partially, not occasionally or ceremonially, but a love that is holistic, involving every breath in us and sustained in time. This type of total giving of self can be very challenging and at times frustrating, especially when we are talking about a God that we cannot see with the physical eyes; hence the second part of the same commandment;
‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. In many scripture passages the love of God is summated in the love of Neighbour; for instance, “No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us”. (1 John 4:12). Further the same chapter in John’s letter says: “If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also”. (1 John 4:20-21).
Challenged with the understanding of who our neighbour/s could be, Jesus narrated the parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable identifies every human being created in the image and likeness of God as our neighbour. In our first reading from the book of Exodus, we were warned to avoid mistreating the aliens or foreigners who live among us; it also went further to forbid us from abusing widows and orphans, that is to say; those who have nobody to speak for them.
To help us understand how necessary a condition the Love of neighbour is, Jesus in the gospel of Matthew centered our justification or condemnation on our attitude towards our neighbour (Brothers and sisters). In this He included ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’, ‘I was in prison and you came to me’. (Cf. Matthew 25:32-45.) Note how he summarized the judgement: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.”
So my dear friends, the obligation to love is all inclusive, irrespective of their social status, orientation, religion, skin colour, culture and so on. Your loving or showing love to them does not make you complicit to their sins and imperfection, rather your show of love and compassion could be the signpost pointing them to Jesus. (For you Sunday relaxation, read Matthew 19: 1-10, John 8:1-11). Jesus is Love and Compassion; the Devil is hate, bigotry, wickedness, heartlessness and the likes. So choose you this day who you want to be like. I choose Love (Jesus)
29th Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 18th, 2020) “I surname you”
One of the most shocking things in today’s readings is from the prophet Isaiah, where the Lord refers to a pagan king Cyrus, as ‘His anointed’, ‘whose right hand he grasped to subdue nations and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him – and the gates shall not be closed’.
This sounds ridiculous, but a further read into Isaiah 45; precisely verse 4b, we hear the Lord saying: “I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me” If by surname, we understand family name, then we see that it was God who owns his family, hence he belongs to God ‘though you do not know me’. So whether you acknowledge Him as God or not, we belong to Him, and he assigns us our place to serve His purpose.
This same idea of what belongs to who, resurfaced in the Gospel of today; the episode started with the Pharisees and the Herodians, sworn enemies coming together to entrap Jesus. Plotting to entrap Jesus by His adversaries was not unexpected, His teachings and admonitions had been a pin in their butt, and so even if it means dinning with the enemy to get him out of the way, it’s a must do. Now look at the scenario;
Teacher, they said, “we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show no deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” See how well they crafted their statement with hypocrisy and malice, pretending to be God fearing and truth seekers, while in actual fact they are murderers and hypocrites. People like these, Jesus often condemned in the scriptures, though they were religious leaders and teachers of the law, yet they were not true to what they claim to be. Could their hypocrisy be part of the reason God chose a pagan king to save His people?
Answering their question, Jesus asked them to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor and to God what belongs to God. Based on what we read in our first reading, if God Surnamed even the pagan king Cyrus, then, the king belongs to God as well as every other thing. Secondly Jesus also implies that being Christian does not give you immunity to your civic responsibilities. They are part of your moral responsibilities, so never hide under the pretext of being Christian. I know who I am, I am begotten by God, hence He surnamed me, I am because He is, all I have is His, I will always live for Him. What about you? Who are you? Who do you live for? Who do you work for? And finally, who is your father?
One of the most shocking things in today’s readings is from the prophet Isaiah, where the Lord refers to a pagan king Cyrus, as ‘His anointed’, ‘whose right hand he grasped to subdue nations and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him – and the gates shall not be closed’.
This sounds ridiculous, but a further read into Isaiah 45; precisely verse 4b, we hear the Lord saying: “I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me” If by surname, we understand family name, then we see that it was God who owns his family, hence he belongs to God ‘though you do not know me’. So whether you acknowledge Him as God or not, we belong to Him, and he assigns us our place to serve His purpose.
This same idea of what belongs to who, resurfaced in the Gospel of today; the episode started with the Pharisees and the Herodians, sworn enemies coming together to entrap Jesus. Plotting to entrap Jesus by His adversaries was not unexpected, His teachings and admonitions had been a pin in their butt, and so even if it means dinning with the enemy to get him out of the way, it’s a must do. Now look at the scenario;
Teacher, they said, “we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show no deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” See how well they crafted their statement with hypocrisy and malice, pretending to be God fearing and truth seekers, while in actual fact they are murderers and hypocrites. People like these, Jesus often condemned in the scriptures, though they were religious leaders and teachers of the law, yet they were not true to what they claim to be. Could their hypocrisy be part of the reason God chose a pagan king to save His people?
Answering their question, Jesus asked them to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor and to God what belongs to God. Based on what we read in our first reading, if God Surnamed even the pagan king Cyrus, then, the king belongs to God as well as every other thing. Secondly Jesus also implies that being Christian does not give you immunity to your civic responsibilities. They are part of your moral responsibilities, so never hide under the pretext of being Christian. I know who I am, I am begotten by God, hence He surnamed me, I am because He is, all I have is His, I will always live for Him. What about you? Who are you? Who do you live for? Who do you work for? And finally, who is your father?
Dear parishioners,
In light of this pandemic, we understand that many of you are careful about where and when you attend public gatherings which includes our weekly Masses. However, if you wish to contribute your weekly stipend in a more easy and regular way, you can make a direct deposit to the parish at the following email address:
2020pneric@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless for helping to keep our two Churches in Athens and Toledo open and thriving.
In light of this pandemic, we understand that many of you are careful about where and when you attend public gatherings which includes our weekly Masses. However, if you wish to contribute your weekly stipend in a more easy and regular way, you can make a direct deposit to the parish at the following email address:
2020pneric@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless for helping to keep our two Churches in Athens and Toledo open and thriving.
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 20th, 2020) (Envy and Jealous kills Joy and Happiness)
During the time of Jesus, minimum wage was considered in relation to what would be able to sustain a family for the day, so that was how people had a sense of what was just and what was unjust. Day workers were given the daily wage of one denarius. The workday was sunrise to sunset. So, it would seem just that those who worked less than a full day should receive less. But in today’s parable, sometimes called the parable of the Laborers in the Marketplace, the landowner has pity on those who could not find work throughout the day. They had families they had to feed. It was not their fault that no one hired them. Therefore, he hires them, some of them even a few hours before sunset, and gives them all the same daily wage. He is not being unjust to those hired in the early morning. He is being charitable, merciful, to those hired at the end of the day.
I think that it would be nice to note that only those hired at sunrise negotiated with the land owner; the rest of the labourers just believed and trusted in the good and magnanimous heart of the landowner, and eventually he did not disappoint them. Those who negotiated with Him equally got what they bargained for, but unfortunately, they were not satisfied. Thus the landowner asked them:
“Are you envious because I am generous?” They went home sad and angry brooding in jealous and envy. This is so sad because what has taken root in them is deadly. Look, here are some of the dangers of living with Envy and Jealousy; Envy and jealousy are horrible. The jealous person looks for ways to destroy another person’s life. The jealous person usually ends up destroying his/her own life.The jealous person does not appreciate his/her own gifts. He/she can only see the gifts that others have. He/she hates them for their gifts. And their hatred destroys them. Everybody is different. No two people are the same. We do not have the right to compare or contrast others to ourselves.
This parable should also be applied to our view of our relationship to God. God loves the person who is faithful throughout the day. Many people respond to God’s mercy at the end of their lives. Remember the good thief on the cross.God loves them for taking a huge step away from their former lives and for falling into the arms of His Mercy. It is a tremendous step of humility to turn from a sinful life and turn to the Lord. What matters is that they are with him now. God loves cradle Catholics, and he loves converts. He loves those who practice their faith throughout their lives, and he loves those who return to the faith. We rejoice in those who join the faith or return to the faith. We don't consider ourselves superior to them because we are not superior to them.
At the end of the gospel reading we come upon the phrase, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” We cannot impose our ways on the Lord. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” That is from our first reading. We cannot tell God how to be God. We have to do our best to respond to the call to labor in God's vineyard as we have received it. That call demands that we are open to God's mercy in our lives and that we become vehicles for God's mercy in the lives of others. That is Christianity. To act otherwise is to begrudge God for his generosity, or to look upon God's goodness with an evil, jealous eye.
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
A. Introduction
1. This protocol applies to all parish halls of the Archdiocese of Kingston, including
rooms connected to and ancillary to the hall. In concert with the provincial
guidelines and local health officials, parish halls will reopen to the public in those
regions that moved to Phase Three and where the protocols can be followed.
Local health officials may require further restrictions that are not found herein,
and these must be followed as so designated.
2. This protocol does not apply to offices and worship spaces, which are covered by
separate protocols.
3. Parish halls must remain closed in those areas of the Diocese which are still in
Phase Two.
4. This protocol will be reviewed regularly to determine when expanded parish hall
uses can be permitted.
B. Rules
1. All regulations with respect to physical distancing and all precautions with respect
to personal sanitation and cleaning of the parish hall are in effect. Physical
distancing requires the established norm of two metres (six feet) until further
notice.
2. Wherever possible one door should be used as an entrance and a different door
should be used as an exit. Doors should be labelled “Entrance” and “Exit”.
Signage for this purpose is available at
https://romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/covid-resources.
3. The maximum number of persons permitted to gather in a parish hall is 50
persons, provided physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained at all
times (see https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages). As a result of
the physical distancing requirements, most
parish halls will not be able to permit 50 persons to gather. The capacity for each
parish hall will be different and will depend on the size of the hall, meeting/event
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
setup and number of entrances/exits. In addition, the setup of the parish hall
must permit enough room for attendees to enter, exit and move about, while
maintaining physical distancing requirements, before, during and after the
gathering.
4. Prior to and after each meeting or event all door handles and any other “touch
points” must be disinfected.
5. The local parish must determine who will be responsible for cleaning and
sanitizing. In some cases, the user group may be responsible, but the parish
must make sure it is done and done properly.
6. Food and beverage service is not permitted at this time. The only exceptions are:
a. As noted in Section D, below; and
b. Baking of pies, for example, for later sale for the purpose of parish
fundraising. In such cases, those assisting in the kitchen are required to
wear a mask the entire time they are in the kitchen as well as maintaining
physical distancing. In addition, the kitchen must be cleaned and
disinfected after each use.
7. Both parish and authorized representative of the user group (e.g. CWL, AA,
Canadian Blood Services) must sign and abide by the standard Archdiocese of
Kingston “Facility Usage Agreement”.
C. Permitted Uses
1. The following uses of the parish hall are permitted:
a. Meetings of parish staff
b. Meetings of parish committees (e.g. Parish Pastoral Council)
c. Meetings of parish ministry groups (e.g. bible study, RCIA)
d. Meetings of other parish groups (e.g. CWL, KofC, SSVP)
e. Other groups that were using the parish hall prior to the pandemic (e.g.
AA)
f. Blood donor clinics
g. Some parishes offered exercise classes prior to the pandemic. If so, such
classes are permitted if your area is in Phase Three of reopening, but with
the added measure that the physical distance requirement is increased to
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
a minimum of three metres (10 feet).
2. Private events (e.g. wedding receptions, showers, funeral luncheons) are not
permitted.
3. New activities are not permitted to start in the parish hall at this time unless
approved by the Chancery.
D. Special Provisions for Parishes that Provide Meals to the Poor and
Disadvantaged
1. Parishes may offer take-out meals for the poor and disadvantaged, with the following
additional rules:
a. Meals must be “take out” only. Those providing the means may place them on a
table for the recipient to pick up to help maintain physical distancing where
possible.
b. Those coming for the meals are not permitted to enter the building.
c. Those persons preparing, distributing, or otherwise involved in the process must
wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
d. The kitchen must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
e. Parishes can also consider providing a mask with each meal they distribute.
2. The SSVP may offer services on a “take out” basis to their clients
A. Introduction
1. This protocol applies to all parish halls of the Archdiocese of Kingston, including
rooms connected to and ancillary to the hall. In concert with the provincial
guidelines and local health officials, parish halls will reopen to the public in those
regions that moved to Phase Three and where the protocols can be followed.
Local health officials may require further restrictions that are not found herein,
and these must be followed as so designated.
2. This protocol does not apply to offices and worship spaces, which are covered by
separate protocols.
3. Parish halls must remain closed in those areas of the Diocese which are still in
Phase Two.
4. This protocol will be reviewed regularly to determine when expanded parish hall
uses can be permitted.
B. Rules
1. All regulations with respect to physical distancing and all precautions with respect
to personal sanitation and cleaning of the parish hall are in effect. Physical
distancing requires the established norm of two metres (six feet) until further
notice.
2. Wherever possible one door should be used as an entrance and a different door
should be used as an exit. Doors should be labelled “Entrance” and “Exit”.
Signage for this purpose is available at
https://romancatholic.kingston.on.ca/covid-resources.
3. The maximum number of persons permitted to gather in a parish hall is 50
persons, provided physical distancing of two metres (six feet) is maintained at all
times (see https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages). As a result of
the physical distancing requirements, most
parish halls will not be able to permit 50 persons to gather. The capacity for each
parish hall will be different and will depend on the size of the hall, meeting/event
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
setup and number of entrances/exits. In addition, the setup of the parish hall
must permit enough room for attendees to enter, exit and move about, while
maintaining physical distancing requirements, before, during and after the
gathering.
4. Prior to and after each meeting or event all door handles and any other “touch
points” must be disinfected.
5. The local parish must determine who will be responsible for cleaning and
sanitizing. In some cases, the user group may be responsible, but the parish
must make sure it is done and done properly.
6. Food and beverage service is not permitted at this time. The only exceptions are:
a. As noted in Section D, below; and
b. Baking of pies, for example, for later sale for the purpose of parish
fundraising. In such cases, those assisting in the kitchen are required to
wear a mask the entire time they are in the kitchen as well as maintaining
physical distancing. In addition, the kitchen must be cleaned and
disinfected after each use.
7. Both parish and authorized representative of the user group (e.g. CWL, AA,
Canadian Blood Services) must sign and abide by the standard Archdiocese of
Kingston “Facility Usage Agreement”.
C. Permitted Uses
1. The following uses of the parish hall are permitted:
a. Meetings of parish staff
b. Meetings of parish committees (e.g. Parish Pastoral Council)
c. Meetings of parish ministry groups (e.g. bible study, RCIA)
d. Meetings of other parish groups (e.g. CWL, KofC, SSVP)
e. Other groups that were using the parish hall prior to the pandemic (e.g.
AA)
f. Blood donor clinics
g. Some parishes offered exercise classes prior to the pandemic. If so, such
classes are permitted if your area is in Phase Three of reopening, but with
the added measure that the physical distance requirement is increased to
COVID-19 Protocol for Reopening of Parish Halls to the Public
a minimum of three metres (10 feet).
2. Private events (e.g. wedding receptions, showers, funeral luncheons) are not
permitted.
3. New activities are not permitted to start in the parish hall at this time unless
approved by the Chancery.
D. Special Provisions for Parishes that Provide Meals to the Poor and
Disadvantaged
1. Parishes may offer take-out meals for the poor and disadvantaged, with the following
additional rules:
a. Meals must be “take out” only. Those providing the means may place them on a
table for the recipient to pick up to help maintain physical distancing where
possible.
b. Those coming for the meals are not permitted to enter the building.
c. Those persons preparing, distributing, or otherwise involved in the process must
wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
d. The kitchen must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
e. Parishes can also consider providing a mask with each meal they distribute.
2. The SSVP may offer services on a “take out” basis to their clients
CNEWA Canada launches emergency campaign for Lebanon
OTTAWA, August 6, 2020 – Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has launched an emergency campaign to rally prayers and funds for Lebanon.
“The Lebanese people are going through a major crisis,” says Carl Hétu, national director of CNEWA Canada. “The Beirut blast comes on the heels of a political crises, overwhelming debt, financial collapse, unemployment, the COVID-19 pandemic as well as successive waves of regional conflict. We direct our prayers to the people of this country with whom we Canadians have so many ties. We invite all to join us. The Lebanese people need our help.”
While the cause of the blast remains unknown, the impact has sent shockwaves throughout the country – and the world. The toll grows by the day. More than a 100 people are confirmed dead; thousands are injured; countless remain missing, presumably buried under rubble. Lebanon’s health care facilities have been overwhelmed. Three Christian hospitals close to the port, including the 600-bed St. George Hospital, have been severely damaged and evacuated. The injured are being rushed to medical centers miles from Beirut.
“Our staff, as with the entire city, is really shaken,” said Michel Constantin, CNEWA’s Beirut-based regional director. “Our building was damaged, our offices are filled with shattered glass that could have been deadly had we not left for the day. Lebanon is on the brink of economic, political and social collapse. This will not stop us from doing our work. More than ever, the people of Lebanon need our help and, most especially, the help of their local and universal church.”
CNEWA Canada will leverage most of its resources to support the campaign – social media, website, advertisements and personal and general appeals to its generous donor base. Funds raised will be directed to the CNEWA office in Beirut which, in turn, will share with local churches that offer essential health and emergency services and pastoral outreach.
“With all the major issues devastating Lebanon, this week’s horrific incident only deepens what many describe as an existential catastrophe not only for Lebanon as a nation, but for the existence of a culturally and religiously diverse Middle East,” said CNEWA president Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari. “CNEWA recalls the words of St. John Paul II, who reminded the world that Lebanon is not just a country, but a message.”
CNEWA has been at the service of the churches and peoples of Lebanon for decades, providing relief to all who are suffering and those who have fallen through the cracks, especially those facing homelessness and in need of medical care and food.
Donations can be made online at cnewa.org/ca/campaigns/lebanoncrisis or by phone at 1-866-322-4441. Cheques can be made to “CNEWA Canada” and mailed to CNEWA Canada at 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, ON K1H 6K9, marked “Lebanon”. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.
About CNEWA
An agency of the Holy See, CNEWA works for, through and with the Eastern churches throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Ukraine. Founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, CNEWA provides pastoral and humanitarian support to the churches and people of the East. CNEWA Canada was incorporated as a registered charity by Canada Revenue Agency in 2003.
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For more information, interviews or photos:
Tia Giannone Mary Moniz
Torchia Communications Torchia Communications
514-999-1732 647-278-0152
tia@torchiacom.com mary@torchiacom.com
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 9th, 2020)
‘Jesus made the disciples get into the boat…..’ When evening came ….by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.’
I noted that on this mission, the disciples were sent by Jesus, they were on a divine mandate, suddenly when they were already in the middle of the sea, they encountered turbulent weather, the sea was troubled, they were engulfed in fear, and probably filled with regrets why in the first place did they listen or follow the instructions of Jesus to get into the boat and go over to the other side of the sea.
While they were wallowing in regrets and self-pity, Jesus appeared, walking on their trouble; the turbulent waters, in their shock and amazement, they shouted in fear; ‘it is a ghost’, but Jesus told them it is He. At this point when Peter asked, Jesus ordered him to come to Him on the water, Jesus said, ‘come’. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus.
At this moment, Peter was filled with joy and courage at the command of Jesus to step out of his comfort zone and walk on the same sea that has threatened to sniff life out of him and his companions. What a joy it was to have the power to subdue you oppressor. Unfortunately, Peter was lost in the celebration of the fall of their enemy, that he lost focus of his call and where he was heading to, hence, he noticed the strong wind, and he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he was lucky to regain his focus, and he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ In all this, Jesus was never absent, when he beckoned for help; Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Each and every one has been called at baptism by Jesus to step out of our comfort zones, to come to Him stepping on our troubled situations. Like Peter, most of us jumped at this invitation with jubilation, and along the line derailed from our calling to come to Jesus. The moment we stopped following Him, something similar to what happened to Peter will occur; we will begin to sink into: Resentment, Anger, Revenge, Jealousy, faithlessness and so on. During this time of disaster and turmoil, Jesus remains a friend ready to help; but the question is; do we notice or remember that He is there for us, waiting to be invited into our troubled life?
Lord, as you have commanded us to come to you walking on our troubled lives, grant us the grace to remain focused on you and never to drift to doubts and fear. When mistakenly we fall; Lord Save us. Amen.
‘Jesus made the disciples get into the boat…..’ When evening came ….by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.’
I noted that on this mission, the disciples were sent by Jesus, they were on a divine mandate, suddenly when they were already in the middle of the sea, they encountered turbulent weather, the sea was troubled, they were engulfed in fear, and probably filled with regrets why in the first place did they listen or follow the instructions of Jesus to get into the boat and go over to the other side of the sea.
While they were wallowing in regrets and self-pity, Jesus appeared, walking on their trouble; the turbulent waters, in their shock and amazement, they shouted in fear; ‘it is a ghost’, but Jesus told them it is He. At this point when Peter asked, Jesus ordered him to come to Him on the water, Jesus said, ‘come’. So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus.
At this moment, Peter was filled with joy and courage at the command of Jesus to step out of his comfort zone and walk on the same sea that has threatened to sniff life out of him and his companions. What a joy it was to have the power to subdue you oppressor. Unfortunately, Peter was lost in the celebration of the fall of their enemy, that he lost focus of his call and where he was heading to, hence, he noticed the strong wind, and he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he was lucky to regain his focus, and he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ In all this, Jesus was never absent, when he beckoned for help; Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Each and every one has been called at baptism by Jesus to step out of our comfort zones, to come to Him stepping on our troubled situations. Like Peter, most of us jumped at this invitation with jubilation, and along the line derailed from our calling to come to Jesus. The moment we stopped following Him, something similar to what happened to Peter will occur; we will begin to sink into: Resentment, Anger, Revenge, Jealousy, faithlessness and so on. During this time of disaster and turmoil, Jesus remains a friend ready to help; but the question is; do we notice or remember that He is there for us, waiting to be invited into our troubled life?
Lord, as you have commanded us to come to you walking on our troubled lives, grant us the grace to remain focused on you and never to drift to doubts and fear. When mistakenly we fall; Lord Save us. Amen.
JULY 19, 2020
CONGRATULATIONS FATHER BEN ON YOUR 23RD ANNIVERSARY AS A PRIEST. WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOU IN OUR PARISH OF ST.PHILIP - ST. DENIS
Expanded coverage for Face Mask Order Effective July 7, 2020
In addition to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) Region, medical officers of health from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; the Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health; and Ottawa Public Health announced that face coverings will now be mandatory in indoor public spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes worship spaces and churches. There will be exceptions to the requirement, for instance for children under the age of two, or people who are medically or physically unable to put on a mask. Officials will rely on the good faith of individuals who say they are unable to wear a mask. For more details, please click on link below.
https://www.recorder.ca/news/local-news/masks-now-mandatory-in-indoor-public-spaces
Here are some guidelines to help with implementation:
1. All parishioners must wear a face mask in the church. With this they should bring their own face mask. This should be communicated prior to Mass as well as signs posted at the church entrances. Should some parishioners not be aware of the order and not be prepared, it would be good to have some extra masks on hand to give them. In your safety supply kit you received a box of 50 masks. Should you not have enough masks on hand from the kit, we have a stock pile at the Pastoral Centre.
2. All clergy and others involved in ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, readers, ushers, etc. must wear masks except during portions of the Mass when speaking is required. Please ensure you don and doff the mask properly. If you’re not sure on this, I attached a short video.
How to Wear (Don) & Take Off (Doff) Surgical Face Mask Tutorial PPE
In addition to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFLA) Region, medical officers of health from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; the Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health; and Ottawa Public Health announced that face coverings will now be mandatory in indoor public spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes worship spaces and churches. There will be exceptions to the requirement, for instance for children under the age of two, or people who are medically or physically unable to put on a mask. Officials will rely on the good faith of individuals who say they are unable to wear a mask. For more details, please click on link below.
https://www.recorder.ca/news/local-news/masks-now-mandatory-in-indoor-public-spaces
Here are some guidelines to help with implementation:
1. All parishioners must wear a face mask in the church. With this they should bring their own face mask. This should be communicated prior to Mass as well as signs posted at the church entrances. Should some parishioners not be aware of the order and not be prepared, it would be good to have some extra masks on hand to give them. In your safety supply kit you received a box of 50 masks. Should you not have enough masks on hand from the kit, we have a stock pile at the Pastoral Centre.
2. All clergy and others involved in ministries, including Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, readers, ushers, etc. must wear masks except during portions of the Mass when speaking is required. Please ensure you don and doff the mask properly. If you’re not sure on this, I attached a short video.
How to Wear (Don) & Take Off (Doff) Surgical Face Mask Tutorial PPE