Wednesday 26 December 2012
Merry Christmas
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Sunday 23 December 2012
Sunday 16 December 2012
Friday 14 December 2012
Opportunities of Grace
Information and resources available at www.yearoffaith.dol.ca
Year of Faith: October 2012 - November 2013
Proclamation of Sacred Indulgences
December 2, 2012
On October 11, 2012, as we marked the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Second Vatican Council, the Universal Church entered a Year of Faith. During this time of spiritual renewal, Pope Benedict XVI has presented opportunities for the faithful to obtain a Plenary Indulgence:
During the whole span of the Year of Faith, proclaimed from October 11, 2012, to the whole of November 24, 2013, all individual faithful truly repentant, duly confessed, communing sacramentally, and who pray according to the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, will be able to acquire a Plenary Indulgence from the temporal punishment for their sins imparted by God’s mercy, applicable in suffrage to the souls of the deceased faithful. (Ubis et Orbis, Decree, promulgated October 5, 2012)
Opportunities of Grace
A Sacred Time
· participate in a solemn Eucharistic celebration or the Liturgy of the Hours, adding the Profession of Faith in any legitimate form on the days below:
o December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
o January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
o March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph
o June 29: Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul
o August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
Or a Sacred Place
· take part there in some sacred function or at least pause for an apt time of recollection with pious mediations, concluding with the recitation of the Our Father, the Profession of Faith in any legitimate form, invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and according to the case, to the Holy Apostles or Patrons.
o St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, London
o Our Lady of the Assumption, Windsor
o St. Joseph, Chatham
o Our Lady of Mercy, Sarnia
o St. Joseph, Stratford
o Sacred Heart, Ingersoll
Or Sacred Study
· take part in at least three instances of preaching during Parish Missions, or at least three talks on the “Acts of Vatican Council II” and on the Articles of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” in any church or ideal place.
o Learning communities
o Parish Mission
Thursday 13 December 2012
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Potatoes
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Sunday 2 December 2012
Sunday 25 November 2012
Thursday 22 November 2012
From Your Pastor
The fall weather seems to be holding out just one month before Christmas. I am taking my annual retreat at the Capuchin Retreat Centre in Washington, Michigan. It is a great place to read, pray and walk. Usually, I do a combination of all three.
The celebration of Confirmation was a success and I thank all who helped prepare our young people and celebrated the sacrament. It takes a whole community; parents, sponsors and teachers to pass on the faith. I want to thank Christine Bresette particularly for her role in preparing our grade 8’s. It was a lot at the very beginning of her tenure with us.
I pray for the sake of our young people that they practice their faith actively and share themselves at the Sunday Eucharist. Otherwise, the gift given in the sacrament will remain unused. Faith is not based in our intellect and our sentiment. It is not a matter of personal opinion but a lived relationship with the God of all. It is rooted in our being and therefore must be lived first before it is understood. I learnt in psychology; that we don’t cry because we are sad, but we cry first and then realize we are sad. It the same with faith; we must kneel, before we realize the holy. It is only in practicing our faith, that we discover it.
Sunday 18 November 2012
Sunday 28 October 2012
Sunday 21 October 2012
Empowered to serve
https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=d01dde06c22eac77a96bc98ee109e24223fc78894ef2de714
Not a place of power but empower to serve this is God's call.
Friday 19 October 2012
Volunteers
This weekend and next Christine Bresette; our Coordinator of Youth
Ministry will be speaking at our parishes. On the alternate weekend
Leanne Moran will be officially installed as our Pastoral Minister.
Both of these dynamic women are a key part of our Pastoral Team. They
work very hard yet there is so much to be done.
The key strength to our parishes is our volunteers. The goal of our team
is to call forth and support our parishioners in ministry. There are so
many gifts waiting to be shared and I pray we can celebrate these gifts
in our community.
Please open your heart and call upon God's grace to continue its work
within our entire parish community.
Ministry will be speaking at our parishes. On the alternate weekend
Leanne Moran will be officially installed as our Pastoral Minister.
Both of these dynamic women are a key part of our Pastoral Team. They
work very hard yet there is so much to be done.
The key strength to our parishes is our volunteers. The goal of our team
is to call forth and support our parishioners in ministry. There are so
many gifts waiting to be shared and I pray we can celebrate these gifts
in our community.
Please open your heart and call upon God's grace to continue its work
within our entire parish community.
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Sunday 7 October 2012
Friday 5 October 2012
From your Pastor
Do you know someone who wants to come home to the Catholic Church, but is struggling with their faith? Maybe you or someone you know has experienced one of these thoughts:
· I grew up Catholic, but for some reason I just sort of stopped going to Church…
· I just moved to a new city, I tried going to a couple different parishes, but I never really felt welcomed...
· After my marriage ended, I felt uncomfortable around my family, friends and parish…
· I just don't understand why the Church teaches what it does! Some teachings seem so outdated…
· I tried to contact my parish about getting married but no one got back to me…
If you have experienced one of these situations or thoughts you are not alone. The Church wants you to know that you are a child of God, called by name, precious in his eyes and loved by him (Is. 43:1,4). The Church also wants you to know that you are missed. When one member of the Body of Christ suffers, the entire Body of the Church suffers. As we begin this Year of Faith, let all of us be challenged to grow in our faith and welcome those who are searching.
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Last drive in old faithful
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Sunday 30 September 2012
Thursday 27 September 2012
From your Pastor
Pope Benedict has declared a Year of Faith starting in October. It falls on the 50th anniversary of the second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which was promulgated on October 11, 1992. It is a time to know our faith so that we can grow in our faith.
I am happy to say that the faith is alive and well at St. Michael and Sacred Heart. The Pastoral Team is in the midst of meeting with each family who has a child receiving a sacrament this year. I find it a wonderful experience. We are help our young families to find opportunities to grow in their faith.
Our Learning Community nights provides opportunities for all to learn more about our faith. Fr. Tony Delciancio is sharing his love of art in the current sessions.
Arise provides opportunities to gather and reflect with others. 6 weeks of sharing builds relationships that continue to support and nourish us for the rest of our lives.
I am proud that our faith community is ready for the Pope's challenge to know and grow in our faith.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
I am happy to say that the faith is alive and well at St. Michael and Sacred Heart. The Pastoral Team is in the midst of meeting with each family who has a child receiving a sacrament this year. I find it a wonderful experience. We are help our young families to find opportunities to grow in their faith.
Our Learning Community nights provides opportunities for all to learn more about our faith. Fr. Tony Delciancio is sharing his love of art in the current sessions.
Arise provides opportunities to gather and reflect with others. 6 weeks of sharing builds relationships that continue to support and nourish us for the rest of our lives.
I am proud that our faith community is ready for the Pope's challenge to know and grow in our faith.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Sunday 16 September 2012
Monday 10 September 2012
Sunday 9 September 2012
Friday 7 September 2012
15 degrees warmer already!
Whitehorse-20120907-00113.jpg
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
IMG-20120828-00107.jpg
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Tuesday 28 August 2012
A Boy and his dog
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Thursday 23 August 2012
From Your Pastor
Oh, what a life! We cannot wait,
To be in that arctic land,
Where we'll be masters of our fate,
And lead a life that's grand!
Like Calvin from the comic strip, I am off to the Yukon to visit my good friend, Fr. Matt George. Fr. Matt volunteered to go to the Yukon for two years. He has found the Yukon is a big place that allows you to do some big thinking. So I look forward to his insights after his first year there.
My vacation this year came in bite sized pieces that helped stretch summer. A new associate, Catholic Christian Leadership Camp, Notre Dame Vision and my family get away were all taste little pieces of life that will nourish me for the year to come. I know my trip to the Yukon will be an important break for me to put together the pieces of a busy summer.
Sunday 19 August 2012
Thursday 16 August 2012
Can we help you in?
From Your Pastor: Can we help you in? You will notice at Sacred Heart we have repainted the lines in the parking lot. We have added a handicapped spot but kept the same traffic flow. Our parking lot has two entrances and only one exit. It is the goal of the Pastoral Team, Administrative Support Staff and Maintenance Staff to make our parishes more welcoming to all. This sometimes means some housekeeping and reminding everyone how we need to work together. Because space is tight please do not exit out of the Charlesworth entrance. The traffic on that side of the church is one way; heading north. We also have angle parking so please do not back into your spot. Safety is important so please exit the parking lot onto Lecaron Avenue.
Sunday 12 August 2012
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Faith is re-creation
I write this from the heart of Muskoka, enjoying my family vacation. It is a great time to renew relationships and reflect on what is important in life. The self-induced stresses of life float away on the lake with my nieces as we sit and wait for a favourable breeze to fill our sails again. We talk and drift for hours until finally a wind picks up and graciously draws us home.
It is heartfelt gratitude that makes these moments significant. Not something we can grasp at or manufacture but something that can only be received as a gift. These people, this moment, this place... a gift.
Gratitude lies at the heart of true spirituality. It is only gratitude that allows us to receive the gift of others and most importantly it is gratitude that allows us to receive the ultimate other; namely God. When we grasp at or try to manufacture spirituality we are left embracing the lesser gods of pleasure, power, wealth or honour. While all these are good, yet they don't fulfil us totally. Just read the tabloids to see how pleasure, power, wealth and honour can quickly turn and abandon those they once embrace.
Take time this summer and throughout the year to give thanks to God for all things. This essential gratitude allows us to live in relationship with God and others.
It is heartfelt gratitude that makes these moments significant. Not something we can grasp at or manufacture but something that can only be received as a gift. These people, this moment, this place... a gift.
Gratitude lies at the heart of true spirituality. It is only gratitude that allows us to receive the gift of others and most importantly it is gratitude that allows us to receive the ultimate other; namely God. When we grasp at or try to manufacture spirituality we are left embracing the lesser gods of pleasure, power, wealth or honour. While all these are good, yet they don't fulfil us totally. Just read the tabloids to see how pleasure, power, wealth and honour can quickly turn and abandon those they once embrace.
Take time this summer and throughout the year to give thanks to God for all things. This essential gratitude allows us to live in relationship with God and others.
Sunday 29 July 2012
Thursday 19 July 2012
Wednesday 18 July 2012
People make the place
I am sending you this from the Huddle coffee bar at the heart of Notre Dame University. We are learning lots here but I am also struck by how much we learn through the atmosphere of a place. If people mesh a place long enough they build tradition. That tradition is very evident at Notre Dame.
In our community there are also ironic people that helped build the identity of our parishes. One such person is Mary Ann Barcroft our cluster's secretary. Mary Ann has recently declared her intention to retire at the end of August. She has discerned this for some time. While she will be missed, I am glad she has made this graced decision.
I speak for many pastors when I thank Mary Ann for keeping things going in the past. I hope that Mary Ann's legacy can be part of our building for the future.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
In our community there are also ironic people that helped build the identity of our parishes. One such person is Mary Ann Barcroft our cluster's secretary. Mary Ann has recently declared her intention to retire at the end of August. She has discerned this for some time. While she will be missed, I am glad she has made this graced decision.
I speak for many pastors when I thank Mary Ann for keeping things going in the past. I hope that Mary Ann's legacy can be part of our building for the future.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Tuesday 17 July 2012
ND Vision - first night
I was on my way to ND Vision with my group. They were caught up with counting flags and then one of saw a yellow warning sign that said "Dutch Settlement". One of my kids blurted out "Beware of the Dutch!". It was the phrase of the day until our main speaker quoted this ancient saying "He who lifts does not fart"
Just the first night and it has already paid for itself.
So remember, "Build a man a fire and he is warm one night... Set a man on fire and he is warm for the rest of his life".
I really hope to be set on fire.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Just the first night and it has already paid for itself.
So remember, "Build a man a fire and he is warm one night... Set a man on fire and he is warm for the rest of his life".
I really hope to be set on fire.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Monday 16 July 2012
Thursday 12 July 2012
School in for Summer
Fr. David Bulter and I have had the great experience of being part of Catholic Christian Leadership Camp for the last two weeks. I took the lead on the first week and Fr. David helped out on the second. This will be a great help when we expand to three weeks possibly next year. Seven young people from our cluster participated; despite the heat and the bugs of the first week; I know some good has come out of it. 175 young people have had an experience that leads them into ministry in their parishes, school and community.
I am really excited that five of us will be travelling to Notre Dame University for ND Vision 2012 next week. Two difference conferences are run at the same time. One for high school students and the other for adults who minister with our youth. It is my hope that both of these experiences become an important part of our clusters youth ministry.
The hallmark of any parish youth ministry is a strong group of active, trained and supported volunteer youth ministers. We hope to have a new Coordinator of Youth Ministry in placed by September. I am dedicated to fostering comprehensive youth ministry in our cluster. The Coordinator of Youth Ministry will be an important part of the Parish Team; calling forth, training and supporting our current and future volunteer youth ministers. Look for the job posting this week.
Monday 25 June 2012
Roadside Table
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Thursday 21 June 2012
yo.jpeg
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Thursday 14 June 2012
Sacred Heart Feast
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Monday 11 June 2012
Saturday 9 June 2012
Daily Offering
O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your sacred heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recom- mended by our Holy Father this month.
Thursday 7 June 2012
Taking Care
Your Pastor: This last week I took sometime off at my parents cottage with my dad. Over the last few years I have taken over the role of the care taker of the family cottage. Opening and closing the cottage fall to me. But once a year my dad still makes his inspection tour where he checks up on things and gives input on what needs attention. It is great guy time in our family.
You will see that this week we are distributing the financial statements for our parishes. I am thankful to the finance committee for being good caretakers of our parishes finances. While they do a good job it is still important for all of us to take care and review how we are doing.
We have so much to enjoy at our parishes and so to be thankful for but one a year it is important to take stock of how things are going financially. The parishes sole source of funding is you. More then just money your time and talents offered to God and our community is what makes this community tick.
I want to thank all of you for the gift you make of yourselves. You are a valued gift and help raise this community up every time you offer yourself in prayer or service.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
You will see that this week we are distributing the financial statements for our parishes. I am thankful to the finance committee for being good caretakers of our parishes finances. While they do a good job it is still important for all of us to take care and review how we are doing.
We have so much to enjoy at our parishes and so to be thankful for but one a year it is important to take stock of how things are going financially. The parishes sole source of funding is you. More then just money your time and talents offered to God and our community is what makes this community tick.
I want to thank all of you for the gift you make of yourselves. You are a valued gift and help raise this community up every time you offer yourself in prayer or service.
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Friday 1 June 2012
Where is all the soil going?
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Cardinal Collins Comments
It is good to read what Cardinal Collins is actually saying: Observations on a recent change in government policy re: proposed antibullying
legislation
The Program that the Catholic Board were promoting
I am proud of the pro-active steps our educators our Catholic Educators were taking. This recent stuff makes it sound like our schools were not doing anything.
Read it for yourself:
“RESPECTING DIFFERENCE”
A RESOURCE FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO
Regarding the Establishment and Running of Activities or Organizations Promoting Equity and Respect for All Students
January 25, 2012
Friday 25 May 2012
Thursday 24 May 2012
a picture for you
the Holy Spirit Balls of Flowers!!
Special Relationship with God
We live in a culture where the power of the individual is celebrated and held up as the goal of life. The value of my life is found in fulfilling my bucket list; in doing what I want. With this mindset, any law is seen as a restriction of personal rights and somehow people feel that everyone would be happy if nobody told anyone how to live.
In contrast to this, Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai at the time of the first fruits of the land in spring. The word it self means “the 50th day” and refers to the earliest harvesting of the spring vegetation. The Law of the Lord was not seen as a restriction but as the first fruits of a unique relationship with God. Jewish people joyfully celebrate the law by literally writing it on their foreheads and on their doorposts. The law is seen as the guide to a special relationship with God; something to be truly celebrated.
As Christians, the law of love becomes inflamed by coming of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, Catholics celebrate the Living Law of God written on our hearts. The Law of God fulfilled in Christ not only guides us but the Holy Spirit empowers us to follow the way, the truth and the life which is Christ.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Monday 21 May 2012
Long Weekend
I spent the day in my swim trunks and discovered it is possible for one man to eat a watermelon I three days. God bless long weekends! And Queen Victoria!
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Sunday 20 May 2012
Friday 4 May 2012
May 4th
May the 4th be with you.
It is Star Wars Day!
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
It is Star Wars Day!
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Awaking up
Each year women spend 1 billion dollars on summer clothes that don't fit. I just heard that on the radio. Wow!
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Thursday 3 May 2012
Sunday 29 April 2012
Sunday 15 April 2012
Sunday 8 April 2012
Thursday 5 April 2012
Saturday 31 March 2012
Thursday 22 March 2012
Sunday 18 March 2012
Sunday 11 March 2012
Friday 9 March 2012
Thursday 8 March 2012
Put a spring in your step
Spring is in the air! These lent(hing) days helps us see the new life that is around us. Many times we get comfortable in our old ways and are not open to new life. Sometimes the debris of past ways trip up us again and again. Lent is a time of letting go of those things. A time of making way for the resurrection. Please make use of our all day confessions on March 21st or our regularly scheduled confessions on Saturdays.
Fr. Peter Keller
Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michael's & Sacred Heart Faith Community
Sunday 26 February 2012
Saturday 25 February 2012
Thursday 23 February 2012
From Your Pastor
On Ash Wednesday night Stephen Colbert hosted the Colbert Report wearing ashes. It was great to see. On his show where he plays it up as a right-wing pundit. Often he makes light of his Catholic faith yet strangely the irony of his humour points out the richness of the Catholic Faith. There is a sense that he, and his character gently loves what it is to be Catholic from all sides.
Last year he tried giving up being Catholic for lent. He could not stay away though. On Holy Thursday when he smelt the incense, he decided to go into the church for “just one little prayer”. What could it hurt? Next thing you know he is having his feet washed, kissing crosses, going to confession, singing Latin hymns and lighting candles; just to wake up on Easter Sunday with that strange feeling of resurrection.
Whatever way you celebrate lent, be unafraid of making it your own time of spiritual renewal. I suggest http://bustedhalo.com for their Fast, Pray Give calendar where they challenge us with something new to do everyday.
Sunday 19 February 2012
Sunday 5 February 2012
Wednesday 25 January 2012
From the slopes
Skiing is a great time to reflect and I am very thankful for the last few years. Last week we celebrated Joanna's depart from youth ministry. It was a real mountain top experience. Looking back and celebrating gives a chance to prepare for the future.
Our youth commission is up and running and will be ready for long term planning preparing the way for a new coordinator of youth ministry. In the meantime a transition committee has plans for this spring. Our high school youth have already expressed an interest in Arise: Together in Christ which has resources directly at their needs. Their outreach actions will include planning events for the younger youth. I am happy that some leaders have already come forward but we need more. This summer I hope to send off both adults and youth to be trained as leaders at Notre Dame Vision in South Bend. Please consider helping us out.
Our youth commission is up and running and will be ready for long term planning preparing the way for a new coordinator of youth ministry. In the meantime a transition committee has plans for this spring. Our high school youth have already expressed an interest in Arise: Together in Christ which has resources directly at their needs. Their outreach actions will include planning events for the younger youth. I am happy that some leaders have already come forward but we need more. This summer I hope to send off both adults and youth to be trained as leaders at Notre Dame Vision in South Bend. Please consider helping us out.
Saturday 21 January 2012
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Where are you staying?
https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=db06b1fb33993830f874555de0410202bda8747b839f2af9a
The church is the body of Christ.
Thursday 12 January 2012
From your pastor
I have to compliment the parishes on how well you have adapted to the new words in the liturgy. I am sensing some unsurety regard liturgical postures. For the sake of clarity I offer the following guide.
Standing during the "Pray my sisters and brothers..."; you should stand once the priest has finished washing his hands and the offertory hymn is finished. Kneel after the "Holy, Holy".
Standing during reception of communion; you should stand up while the priest comsumes the host and the communion hymn begins. Kneel (or sit if you are unable) once everyone has received communion and the communion hymn finished. Remain at prayer until the priest says "Let us Pray"
I hope this is some help.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Are a wise one?
https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=3997b47e0a0f9b72567f126c3f946bee585ae7d601bf7e585
Wisdom leads us to lay down what we have been given to make a gift of them.
Thursday 5 January 2012
From Your Pastor
Our Christmas celebrations were wonderful. Since this was my second Christmas here, I could better enjoy the celebrations because I could anticipate what was coming down the line. I want to thank the countless people who made our celebrations come alive. We are blessed with two talented parishes in our faith community and Christmas brings out the best in us.
This coming year is filled with many challenges. As you could see in last weeks bulletin there is a lot going on in our faith community. It takes a lot of work and effort to bring this together. Over the next year we will continue to grow and I ask for the grace and patience that are necessary to support that growth. I look forward to celebrating the giftedness of our community as we draw together our time, treasure and talents and offer them to the Lord.
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