CIRCULAR TO PARISHIONERS WEEK 34 - JAN 22, 2005
HE THAT EXALTS HIMSELF
Letter to Bishop John Boissonneau, dated 21 January, 2005.
In his homily last Sunday, Father Beltran exalted the ordained, and once again devalued the laity. He
mentioned again, that without the ordained there would be no Eucharist. I believe all Catholics are
aware that Transubstantiation, requires an ordained priest. None of us dispute the role of the ordained
priest.
But, where would the Catholic Church be, without the laity? Don't we all, as baptized Catholics have a
function in the Church? Surely, the laity has some value in the scheme of things, beyond their
contribution to the collection plate.
Several weeks ago, Father Beltran mentioned that through prayer to Our Lady, he had won the battle
against "those disruptive parishioners". Won the battle? Isn't the function of an ordained priest to
minister to his parishioners? Does turning away the faithful, constitute winning the battle? The hierarchy
has permitted him to maintain his position - but in winning this battle he has lost many of his
congregation. The congregation he was sent to serve.
What is the function of a shepherd without a flock?
The ability of our choir to continue on without a home, and with the support of our local educators and
parishioners, pull together to support the Knights of Columbus (also homeless) in their good works, is
proof that the faithful are a strong and vital community. How sad, that the olive branch cannot be
extended, to bring us all back to our home, St. Martin of Tours Parish.
Lynda Deganis
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One Body, One Spirit (Ecclesia De Eucharistia)
The fact that the power of consecrating the Eucharist has been entrusted only to Bishops and priests
does not represent any kind of belittlement of the rest of the People of God, for in the communion of the
one body of Christ, which is the Church, this gift redounds to the benefit of all. (section 30, paragraph 3)
The celebrant prays: “grant that we who are nourished by his body and blood may be filled with
his Holy Spirit, and become one body, one spirit in Christ” (section 17, paragraph 2).
Saint Paul wrote to the faithful of Corinth explaining how their divisions, reflected in their Eucharistic
gatherings contradicted what they were celebrating, the Lord’s Supper. The Apostle then urged them
to reflect on the true reality of the Eucharist in order to return to the spirit of fraternal communion.
(section 40). (cf. 1 Cor 11:17-34).
(The full text of “Ecclesia De Eucharistia”, comprised of 62 sections, is available on the Vatican website:
www.vatican.va, or by quick-link:
http://www.vatican.ca/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-
ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html )
Pray that the Apostle Paul’s urging, will be realised in St. Martin of Tours Parish.
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FEBRUARY FUN AND FUN(D)RAISING!
Beat the February blahs! Last week we mentioned that an event was being organized.
Here are the details as promised. Please note date change to February 12th
ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
BENEFIT DINNER DANCE
SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2005
WATERSIDE INN, MISISSAUGA
(15 Stavebank Rd. South, at Port Street, Port Credit)
6:30 pm cocktail hour - 7:30 pm dinner and dancing
Guest Speaker: Fintan Kilbride
Cost: $50.00 per person
All profits to go to Charitable Relief
Organised and supported by The Knights of Columbus St. Martin of Tours Council,
St. Martin in the Woodlands Chorale, and many generous donors and contributors
Don’t delay - call any one of the undersigned to reserve your tickets – better still, why not
make up a party of 10 and reserve a table. Ample free parking close by. Want to extend your
weekend? Special room rates are available. Were you planning a Valentine celebration? Voila! Here it
is!
The cost is small ($50) – The gift is priceless
To obtain tickets, or for more information, contact: Aisling Egan 416 671-4710
Pat DeAngelis 416 809-1819 Duncan Walker 905 277-9825
Lucy Pires 905 273-6093 Dunstan Bazely 905 275-3946
Judy Byrnes 905 275-1536 Patricia Russell 905 279-9205
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DARE WE ASK? (We’re bound to get into trouble yet again, but here goes):
Is there an explanation for the repositioning of Eucharistic Ministers and altar servers at Mass???
When can we expect an account of stewardship and see the Parish Financial Statements for year
2004???
Why are we not told the amount of the weekly collections, and the final figure for Share Life 2004???
Do we have a working Finance Council??? Will we be rendered an accounting of our money???
Email:bishop.boissonneau@rogers.com Fax: 416 207-4984.
His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic, Fax: 416 934-3452.
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SHARING AND CARING
Many charities continue to require ongoing support. They are very worried that their regular source of
donations will diminish at a time of urgent need. Continue to distribute your weekly contributions to
the charities of your choice. Remember, it is your money – you choose!
1. Catholic Missions of Canada, 201-1155 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. M4T 1W2
2. St. Vincent de Paul Society, 240 Church St., Toronto, Ont. M5B 1Z2
3. Birthright Mississauga, 307-2600 Edenhurst, Mississauga, Ont. L5A 3Z8
4. Dr.Simone’s Canadian Food for Children, 40 King George Rd. Toronto, ON M8X 1L3
5. Ian Anderson House, 430 Winston Churchill Blvd. Oakville, Ont. L6J 7X2
