October 21, 2018

                                                         The Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

                                                                           Are you able to drink this cup?

     In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the enigmatic question: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” (Mk 10:38): the metaphor of drinking the cup is used in the Old Testament to refer to acceptance of the destiny assigned by God.

     In Jesus’ case, this involves divine judgment on sin that Jesus, the innocent one, is to expiate on behalf of the guilty. His baptism is to be his crucifixion and death for the salvation of the human race. The request of James and John for a share in the glory must of necessity involve a share in Jesus’ sufferings, the endurance of tribulation and suffering for the Gospel. The authority of assigning places of honour in the kingdom is reserved to God.

     Today’s Gospel passage concludes with one of the most important Gospel sayings that indicates Jesus’ messianic mission: “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

     Jesus did not come into the world seeking personal gain, privilege or prestige. Rather, he came to serve, and this entailed giving his life up as a ransom.

     The Old Testament never explained how God could “pay a price” for his people. Only in the passion, suffering and death of his only Son does the price become clear. We become capable of salvation only by offering our flesh and blood.

     All of the sinfulness and evil in the world around us must be borne on our shoulders and in our own flesh. In this way, we share the pain in our own flesh and bones, making it part of our very selves just as Jesus did.

By Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, Words Made Flesh. Volume II-Biblical Reflections-Year B

  And now, a word from our Pastor:

Congratulations to Gregory Beath, our Lay Pastoral Associate at St. Bonaventure. This week, at the Archdiocesan Parish Ministry Conference, Greg led a workshop entitled “The Mass: Christ Transforming Us from Worship To Service.” He did us proud. We are grateful to Greg for sharing his expertise and generosity with us, especially in his ministry to families who are preparing their children for the Sacraments.

                                                                                                                                              ~ Fr. Dennis

St. Bonaventure’s Ministry with Maturing Adults A Spirituality for the Second Half of Life

                                                 Embracing Wholeness and Challenge

October 30 ~ Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias.

Presentation by Nouchine Davarpanah, Public Education Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto.

Each of us knows someone or of someone close to us that has been touched by a dementia. This event is for anyone interested in understanding Dementias and Alzheimers Disease. Please invite neighbours, friends and family to this foundational presentation and dialogue with Nouchine Davarpanah

All are welcome! There is no monetary cost for this program. For more information contact Maureen McDonnell at 416-447-5571 ext. 550 or maureen@st-bonaventure.ca

Prayer for Families

Forty-eight children have been registered to begin preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Please pray for them and their parents as they prepare to encounter the Lord through these sacraments.

Theology and Tea

The next T&T will be on October 25th after Mass at 9:30 am in the Francis Room. Bring a friend, or even an enemy, if you wish. See you soon.    ~ Friar Mark

Remembering Our Loved Ones

On the weekend of November 3rd and 4th, we will remember especially our parishioners who died during the past year. Family members have been contacted and asked to bring a lit candle forward during the litany of names. Family members are asked to make themselves known to one of the ushers when you arrive at Mass.

As is the tradition, a “Book of the Deceased” will be placed in the church by the baptismal font. Here one may enter the name(s) of non-parishioners who have died during the year to be remembered in prayer.

                                      Happy are those who have died in the Lord.

                                             Let them rest from their labours,

                                            for their good deeds go with them.

                                                        ~ Revelation 14.13

SCAM ALERT!!!

Unauthorized Handouts and Posting in the Parish

We recently had unauthorized distributions of pamphlets and advertisements in the parking lot and unauthorized posting in the Church bulletin board. Parish sanctioned events, materials and information are not promoted this way. Persons, businesses, and organizations wishing to advertise to our parishioners must speak to Fr. Peter or Connie Durante in order to receive permission to do so. Thank you for your cooperation!

Requests for Baptism Records

To request a copy of your child’s baptism record, contact the Ministry Centre by phone or email nimfa@st-bonaventure.ca. Provide your child’s full name, date of birth and approximate date of Baptism. You will also need to provide photo identification such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport.

Requests need to be made 5 days in advance of the time that the record is needed. In keeping with

the policies of the Archdiocese of Toronto, we follow civil legislation pertaining

to privacy and access to information.

Stewardship: A Way of Living

October 14th Offertory Collections

Thank you for your generous donations.

Regular Collection:………………………….  $ 8,885.15

St. Clare Inn Offering ……………………     $ 1,340.00

Pre-Authorized Giving:…………………….. $ 2,926.00 

Donate Now:…………………………………….  $   328.00

Second Collections:

November 4 ~ Maintenance Fund Offering

November 18 ~ The Shepherds’ Trust

Please remember to update the Ministry Centre with any contact information and address changes

Gifts of Securities

Do you have securities that have gone up in value? You can now make your parish offertory and special collections gifts using securities (stocks, mutual funds, bonds). You will not have to pay any capital gains on securities gift and you will get a tax receipt for the full amount. For more information contact the Development Office of the Archdiocese of Toronto at 416-934-3411 or email:  development@archtoronto.org

Administration

Those who have not pick up their Sunday Offertory Envelopes they are moved to the Ministry Centre. Please contact the Ministry Centre with any address changes at 416-447-5571.

            Family of Faith Campaign Update

Totals are as of August 31, 2017

Campaign Goal                     $   960,000

Total Pledged                      $1,293,430

Total Collected                    $  629,783

Parish Share of Collected       $  151,921

Funds Available                    $   45,419

Please remember to contribute toward your pledge, which you made to Family of Faith campaign. Your continued payments of your commitment to our campaign will enable us to continue funding ministry that will help in many practical ways to welcome and to serve those who come to our church to encounter Christ. Faith Formation, Ministry for Maturing Adults and Youth Ministry are the three areas of focus for our campaign funds. Your generosity is much appreciated!

Donate Now Please consider making a donation to the parish. We appreciate your support!