40 DAYS FOR LIFE


40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to show the consequences of abortion in our own neighborhoods, our own friends and families, by drawing attention to the evils of abortion through:  prayer/fasting, constant vigil and community outreach.  The mission:  to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life. The campaign tracks Biblical history where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities, the entire world.  From Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.

When people think of the abortion issue, they think of confrontation, and we must change that. Instead of confrontation, seek conversation—and ultimately conversion. The pro-life message is one of hope and love. We are called to share that message and present it in a spirit of peace.  As Christians, we turn to Christ as our model. The Gospel stories of the woman caught in adultery (Jn. 8) and the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn. 4) are just two examples of how Christ demonstrated love and compassion towards those he encountered. He did not back away from proclaiming the truth, but he was not harsh or hateful in presenting it. We are called to imitate Christ; to allow God to work through us to touch the hearts of those around us – to be the instruments through which He can spread His message – of love, not hate.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.                      -- Proverbs 21:3

Reflection:  Living a life of integrity is costly.  But at the end of the day, there is great satisfaction in the knowledge that we have done our best no matter what the cost.  In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, there are no cheap graces. [Day by Day with St. Joseph] “...Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.  God will not hold us guiltless.  Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act.”   

Prayer:  St. Joseph help me to be a person of integrity no matter what the cost.


THE SACRED LITURGY THIS WEEK


Tuesday, Sept 23, St. Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968). Born in southern Italy, Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers.  At 15 he joined the Capuchins and took the name of Pio.  On September 20, 1918, as he was making his thanksgiving after Mass, Padre Pio had a vision of Jesus. When the vision ended, he had the stigmata in his hands, feet and side. Busloads of people soon began coming to see him. Each morning after a 5 a.m. Mass in a crowded church, he heard confessions until noon then  took a mid-morning break to bless the sick and all who came to see him. Every afternoon he also heard confessions. In time his confessional ministry would take 10 hours a day; penitents had to take a number so that the situation could be handled. Many of them have said that Padre Pio knew details of their lives that they had never mentioned

PARISH PICNIC SUNDAY SEP 21, 2014 FROM 1 - 5 PM

Our Fall PARISH PICNIC takes place
Sunday, September 21 from 1-5pm.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. There will be games and prizes for the kids. Those attending are asked to bring a Fall dessert or a salad.  Cut out the bottom portion, complete and return to the Parish Office (Place in the box outside office before Sept 19). We hope to see you there!!!

We will attend St. Joseph Parish Picnic
at  Streetsville Memorial Park on
 Sunday, September 21, 2014 from 1 to 5 pm.



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Monday, Sept 8, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin


The Church's calendar observes the birthdays of only two saints: Saint John the Baptist, and Mary, Mother of Jesus as both were considered sanctified before their birth. Though Scripture does not give an account of Mary's birth; a book dating from the 2nd Century AD records that like many biblical counterparts her parents were infertile but prayed for a child and received the promise of a child that would advance God's plan of salvation for the world. The actual date of Mary’s birth was not recorded but September was considered the beginning of the year and in the Old Roman Ritual there was a blessing of the summer harvest and fall planting of seeds for this day. In celebrating the nativity of Mary, Christians anticipate the Incarnation and birth of her Divine Son, and give honor to the mother of Our Lord and Savior.