CIRCULAR TO PARISHIONERS WEEK 54 - JUNE 11, 2005
SACRIFICIAL GIVING
For a number of weeks we have been encouraged, through talks and homilies, to give. The word “give” or
“giving” was used countless times. But did you notice the absence of the word “share”? GIVING, as based
on the tithe rule in Leviticus, enriched the Pharisees and burdened the people
(Luke 11:40-46). The Church’s practice of SHARING is rooted in the Gospel, and was practiced
by the early Christians (Acts 2:42-47). How much of what is asked to be GIVEN, will actually be SHARED
with the needy?
Many parishioners received a letter on Sacrificial Giving. In the accompanying chart, it is recommended that
a family earning $40,000 a year should contribute up to 10%, i.e. $4,000. For
an average family of four, a combined income of $40,000 is below the poverty level. The Christian thing
would be to ASSIST that family, not penalise them by demanding Sacrificial Giving. Why should fear and
guilt be laid on the many people that struggle to make ends meet? Even those with
a family income of $10,000 per year are “guided to returning the first portion of your treasure to the Lord.”
Could it be to satisfy the 21st century Pharisees? Why give money where there is no rendering of
accountability? Why give money that may be injudiciously squandered? Why give money, at all,
to support deficit management? “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you
will never enter the kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 5:20-26).
For 25 years parishioners have contributed to our parish - generously. We sacrificed, we paid the bills, we
built the church, we met commitments, we paid for everything that was needed, and we
build up a surplus that in 1999 was $1,000,000. Why, why, why are we now falling into deficit?
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“Fides Manalo, doesn't usually skip off work early, but recently she had a good excuse.
The 50-year-old Scarborough accountant had a date with $10 million — her winnings from Friday June 3
Lotto Super 7 jackpot draw.” (reported in Toronto Star).
Perhaps if our parish Sharelife figures reach a more respectable total, it may be thanks to this good fortune.
However, may we hope that this will not lead to the appearance of more oversized and historically inaccurate
statues.
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PEACE INITIATIVES
A delegation of six parishioners met with the bishop recently and presented a proposal for reconciliation.
They are praying for an early positive response. Other parishioners have also recently attempted to initiate
dialogue with the pastor - so far with no success. In the past year, parishioners have presented many
proposals for peace, as many as nineteen attempts. Peace moves have not been initiated by our pastoral
leaders, nor have any been accepted by them. A sad state of affairs!
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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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Email: bishop.boissonneau@rogers.com Fax: 416 207-4984.
ambrozic@archtoronto.org Fax: 416 934-3452.
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GIVING OR SHARING
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
If you feel the absence of financial accountability is intolerable, VOICE YOUR CONCERNS.
Demand answers from those that withold full disclosure:
Contact Ed Beaudry, chair of the Finance Council, at edbeaudry@rogers.com
The Parish Office phone 905 279 5742, fax 905 279 5743, and
email address stmartinoftours@on.aibn.com
Mr. William C. Dunlop, Controller - ext. 614, email: acct_fin@archtoronto.org
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ANNUAL PICNIC
The Knights of Columbus picnic was a great success. In fact, it was the largest and best attended in years.
This was an enjoyable gathering of parishioners in a beautiful setting in perfect weather. Young and old alike
socialised in a spirit of parish unity. Thanks to the organisers who supplied the music and games, and
cooked the food. Our Knights raised more money than expected, and this will ensure that the planned repairs
at the Martyr’s Shrine in Midland, will proceed.
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2005 ANNUAL WINE TOUR
The Annual Wine Tour to Niagara will be held on Saturday, 17th September. This is the fifth year the tour
has taken place, and each year has been a sold-out success. Travel is by deluxe motor coach, and the tour
will include wine tasting at four wineries. Also included is a buffet lunch in the Penthouse Restaurant of the
Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls, with delicious food and spectacular views of the Falls. This will be
followed by some free time to shop, walk along by the Falls, or explore the downtown area. The total cost is
$55 per person. Seats are limited so act quickly if you would like to participate.
Tickets for the Wine Tour will be available from next weekend.
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CARING AND SHARING
We care about our Parish. We encourage parishioners to visit our church to spend time in private prayer, to
pray that God will return us to a loving and unified community.
Stay focused on God’s will and live the Gospel. We care about, and care for, those in need.
Here are some charitable organizations worthy of our consideration:
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
6. Solidarite-Sud (Haiti), c/o Maison Alonzo Wright, 2425A St-Louis St., Gatineau QC J8V 1E7
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