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CIRCULAR TO PARISHIONERS WEEK 35 - JAN 29, 2005
EIGHT MONTHs on… Another letter to the Cardinal.
January 28, 2005
Your Eminence,
As we begin a new year, I respectfully ask that you re-examine the sad situation at St. Martin of Tours
parish. It is possible that you have not been fully informed of the extent of the dissention caused by Fr.
Beltran’s actions, as Father persists in blaming his problems on “a small group who cause division”.
Presumably, he bases his “small group” assessment on the seven names which appear on the information
sheets handed out after each mass, every weekend. Those seven people are parishioners who are willing to
give information by phone. The group behind these handouts is a multi-generational, multi-racial group,
whose numbers have been increasing. It is ridiculous for Father to imply that “a small group” could arrange
the events which raised so much money for charity, during Advent.
By now you have probably received the statistics for 2004 from this parish. These numbers will give you
FACTS, from which you can form your own conclusions as to the parishioners’ feelings about Father
Beltran’s position in this parish.
Please consider the number of baptisms and weddings performed in 2004, the amount contributed to Share
Life and the weekly collections, then compare these numbers with those submitted by the previous pastor,
Fr. Boulos Saleh, during his last full year at St. Martin’s. It will be evident to you that “a small group”
cannot be responsible for the change. Neither can that group be blamed for the dramatic number of people
who have left the parish, and in some cases the diocese, preferring to go to Oakville, where their
contributions will support the Hamilton diocese. The church is never full at any mass, and at most masses is
closer to half full. This church used to have ‘standing room only’ at all but the early mass.
Your Eminence, the situation will only get worse this year. There was no problem at St. Martin’s until
Easter 2004, and many people had already contributed to Sharelife by that time. This year some of those
people will not contribute in this diocese, as withholding our contributions is our only means of protesting
the problems caused by Father’s apparent lack of understanding as to how to minister to his flock.
I respectfully and prayerfully appeal to you to take some action to bring peace back to this sorely tried parish.
Yours truly,
Patricia Russell
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SHARING AND CARING
Lent is a time of sharing and sacrifice. Join your fellow parishioners in raising funds for the needy in
impoverished regions. We have an opportunity in the upcoming Valentine’s Dinner Dance to live the gospel
message. The power of the People of God is expressed in our actions. How can we make a difference?
Continue to channel your weekly contributions to the charities of your choice.
Remember, it is your money – you choose! Your actions speak louder than words.
1. Catholic Missions in 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
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FEBRUARY FUN AND FUN(D)RAISING!
Have you got your tickets yet for the Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance? Phone any of the
undersigned.
Great fun! Great meal! Great dancing!
‘Marathon Man’ Fintan Kilbride will inspire you with his presentation!
Disc Jockey Robbie Young will have you tripping the light fantastic!
Check out some of the prizes – return airfare for 2 Miami to Brazil – WOW!
One night for two at the Waterside Inn, including dinner – SWEET! And much more!!!
But the real prize is in making a significant difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters who are in
desperate need in a depressed region of our world. A little becomes a lot when multiplied by many.
Come on your own, or make up a table for 10 among your fellow parishioners, family and friends.
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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
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 SAY? (We’re bound to get into trouble - for the 35th time, but here we go again):
If there is one thing I should do - just one thing - to encompass all, what is it?
LIVE THE GOSPEL! Matthew 25:34-40
If there is one place I should go - just one place - that truly says “You are here!”, where do I find it?
LIVE THE GOSPEL! Matthew 19:16-21.
If there is one answer - just one final answer - that answers all, what is it?
LIVE THE GOSPEL! Luke 10:25-28.
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Email:bishop.boissonneau@rogers.com Fax: 416 207-4984.
His Eminence, Aloysius Cardinal Ambrozic Fax: 416 934-3452.
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