“Non-Violence–A Style of Politics for Peace” is the theme chosen for the Church’s 50th celebration of World Day of Peace, January 1, 20167. “We need to make ‘active nonviolence our way of life,'” says Pope Francis, and suggests “nonviolence become our new style of politics. I ask God to help all of us to cultivate non-violence in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life. When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become more credible promoters of nonviolent peacemaking. In the most local and ordinary situations and in the international order, may nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed our political life in all its forms.” World peace begins with individuals being at peace with one another, with families living in harmony despite differences, with countries respecting human rights of every individual. For more information, look up World Day of Peace, January 1, 2017.
Epiphany Vespers Festival & Potluck: Everyone is invited to our fourth annual Epiphany Vespers at 4:00pm on Sunday, January 8, in church, followed by a potluck in the Vaughan Community Center at 5:00pm. Please bring a dish from your country of origin! The parish will provide drinks, unless you would like to bring your own bottle of wine! The Magi–the soothsayers, seekers, searchers, kings–will journey into our midst with a traditional king cake! If you would like to assist in this fun gathering, contact Lupe Ellis, who is coordinating our Epiphany potluck, 270. 240. 2153.
Influential Convert to Catholicism: born into a wealthy Episcopalian family, Elizabeth Ann Seton lost her husband at an early age, leaving her with five small children. An Italian Catholic family greatly influenced her interest in the Catholic Church, a commitment which was not well received by her husband’s family. Aware of the need for immigrants to be educated, she founded a girls’ school in Baltimore, which gave rise to the Catholic Parish school system in the USA. She was canonized a saint by Pope Paul VI in 1975. The Church celebrates her feast day on Wednesday, January 4th Saint Elizabeth and Seton, pray for us!
Welcome New Parishioners! There will be a “Welcoming Reception” with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drink on Thursday, January 5, at St. Stephen Cathedral rectory from 6:30-8:00pm for all new families, sponsored by our the Cathedral Welcoming Committee. If you have not yet attended yet, please call the office, let us know you will be there. Hope you can drop by, even for a little while!
Calling All Men! Be aware of a program called That Man Is You (TMIY) which gathers every Thursday morning in our Undercroft at 6:00am. There is a video, and some opportunity for discussion. You are out promptly at 7:30am. We will be beginning our fourth season of TMIY on Thursday, January 12. Every man over 18 is welcome!
Parish Retreat: please reserve the last weekend of March for a parish retreat. This less than 48 hour experience could change your life! It certainly will deepen your faith and deepen your sense of community. Beginning on Friday evening about 5:30pm, and ending on Sunday afternoon about 4:30pm, this Koinonia (Greek word for “community”) retreat is based on the Paschal Mystery, the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Taylor and Kaitlyn West are the Co-Lay Directors, and Carl Lewis is the Assistant Lay Director. Could it be that this Lent, March 24–26, is the perfect time for a faith lift? Think about it. Talk about it. Pray about it!