Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - First Sunday of Lent - March 1
RCIA – Rite of Election
During this time of Lent, we are called to a profound conversion of life. We are called to let God change our hearts and have a greater place in our lives. This Sunday we have among us a sign of conversion to which the Lord calls us. That sign is our Catechumens and Candidates for Full Communion and Confirmation. They are proclaiming to us that they believe that God has called them into a fuller and deeper relationship with him through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They are now asking to participate in the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist; they are entering into a more intense preparation of purification and enlightenment. Those to be baptized will become our Elect. We, the Church, ratify their choice and send them with our encouragement, prayers and support to celebrate the Rite of Election with Archbishop Michael Miller at Holy Rosary Cathedral, this Sunday. Please keep our Elect and Candidates in your prayers.
Our Elect: Michelle Belisle, Georgette Reyes, Auritro J. Roy Our Candidates: Judy Lee and Beyhan Morgul
The Rite of Election is for the Catechumens, those not yet baptized. The Candidates, those already baptized, are welcomed as candidates for full communion with the Catholic Church.
Lenten Mission: Prayer/ Suffering and Healing
March 2nd & 3rd at St. Francis de Sales Parish. Beginning at 7:30 pm. Healing prayers, Exposition of the Holy Eucharist and Confession will be available. Lent is a season that draws us closer in unity with Christ as human and yet, divine. Please see website: http://www.gracethatreigns.com
Pennies for Heaven
We will be collecting donations after every mass during March. The money from this fund is given to the Archbishop towards education of new Priests. Please donate generously.
Knights of Columbus
Membership Drive – Why Join the Knights of Columbus? Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Contact: Jude 604-439-6747 for info.
K of C Marion Prayer Hour for Our Lady of Charity
A prayer service in honor of Our Lady of Charity will be held here on Monday, March 9th at 7:00 pm. The Icon of Our Lady of Charity will be on display from March 4th to 11th in our parish. Since September the Knights of Columbus have been spreading the devotion of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI. Since 1979, the Order has sponsored Marion Hour of prayer programs devoted to Mary under various titles: an estimated 12 million people have attended more than 70,000 K of C prayer services. To find out more about the devotion to our Lady of Charity please pick up a handout at the entrance of the Church.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin and also read our March Calendar
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 22
Palms for Ash Wednesday
Please bring in your old palms before Tuesday, February 24th so that we can burn them to use for ashes. You may drop them off at the entrance of the church or bring them to the parish office.
Shrove Tuesday, February 24th
We will be having a Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes in the Church at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.
Fasting and Abstinence
Fasting entails limiting food to one full meal on the given day, with minimal food at the other two meal times. Abstinence refers to not eating meat. Healthy Catholics from 19 to 59 years are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Healthy Catholics 14+ are expected to abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent. Those who have not reached the age of being obliged to fast and abstain should be encouraged to take on these practices in small ways so as to begin developing an appreciation for these Lenten penitential practices.
Extra Evening Masses
During Lent, there will be extra Masses on Fridays at 7:30 pm.
Stations of the Cross
Fridays at 7:00 pm during Lent. Please feel welcome to join us as we meditate on the Lord’s Passion.
2008 Tax Receipts
This weekend is your last chance to pick up receipts before they are mailed. Please pick up your tax receipt located at the entrance of the church. This will save us money on postage. If you have any questions or concerns about your receipt please contact the parish office.
Lenten Mission: Prayer/ Suffering and Healing
March 2nd & 3rd at St. Francis de Sales Parish. Beginning at 7:30 pm. Healing prayers, Exposition of the Holy Eucharist and Confession will be available. Lent is a season that draws us closer in unity with Christ as human and yet, divine. Jacqueline will discuss what prayer is, how to pray for others, what happens when we accept prayer, and of course, the topic of suffering. She is a trained planner/architect Lay person who has been Gifted with the grace of healing and deep insight into the vocation of the priesthood. She is currently under the direction of Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Roussin and has been ministering to priests since 2002. A minimum donation of $ 10.00 is anticipated for the Lenten mission. Please see website: http://www.gracethatreigns.com
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 15
2008 Tax Receipts
Please pick up your tax receipt located at the entrance of the church. This will save us money on postage. If you have any questions or concerns about your receipt please contact the parish office.
K of C Pancake Breakfast
Please join us this weekend after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses for the famous Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast.
St. Francis de Sales School Registration
General Registration session for all Kindergarten students and new families in grades 1 – 7. Wednesday, February 18th from 1:15 – 2:15 of Thursday, February 19th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. New families must attend one of the sessions. For more information, please contact the school at 604-435-5311 and/or read SFDS School Registration
ThinkFast Volunteers Needed
ThinkFast is a fast-a-thon, which Youth Ministry holds every year to raise money for and awareness of impoverished countries. At ThinkFast, we do a variety of games/activities that help the youth learn about the strife facing some of these countries, do charity work, reflect, and pray. We also have a lot of fun! Young adults or youth interested in helping to organize and/or lead activities for ThinkFast are encouraged to get involved. For more information, please contact Mylene at the parish office.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 8
Bake Sale
The CWL will be holding a Valentine’s Day bake sale on Sunday February 15th after the 9am and 11am Mass in the entrance area of the church.
K of C Pancake Breakfast
Please join us next weekend after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses for the famous Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast.
2008 Tax Receipts
Please pick up your tax receipt located at the entrance of the church. This will save us money on postage. If you have any questions or concerns about your receipt please contact the parish office.
St. Francis de Sales School Registration
General Registration session for all Kindergarten students and new families in grades 1 – 7. Wednesday, February 18th from 1:15 – 2:15 of Thursday, February 19th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. New families must attend one of the sessions. For more information, please contact the school at 604-435-5311.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin and also read our February Calendar
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 1
Blessing of Candles
February 2nd, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Also called Candlemas, or the ‘Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.’ In accordance with Mosaic Law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus, to the temple for circumcision. Jesus, the light of the world, was brought by Mary and Joseph to be offered to God. So this day is a feast of light. It is a custom that candles for use in the Church throughout the year are solemnly blessed. Often a procession of the faithful carries the wondrous light of newly blessed candles to every corner of the church. The gospel reading from Luke describes how Jesus is recognized as the long awaited Messiah by the prophets Simeon and Anna. Simeon calls Jesus a ‘light for all nations’ that will bring ‘honor to your people Israel”. You may bring you own candles from home to be blessed on Monday at the 8:15 am Mass.
Blessing of Throats – February 3rd, Feast of St. Blaise
St. Blaise was a doctor as well as a bishop in Armenia during the fourth century. It is believed that Blaise once healed a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Because of that, he is the patron of the sick, especially people with illnesses of the throat. It is an ancient custom to pray for good health with a blessing of throats on his feast day. We will have a blessing of throats on Tuesday, February 3rd at the 8:15 mass and at a Prayer Service at 7:30 in the evening during PREP. All are welcome to attend.
2008 Tax Receipts
2008 tax receipts will be printed soon. If you have moved or any of your contact information has changed, please contact the parish office with the new information as soon as possible. This will help us with our accuracy and efficiency.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 25
Celebrating 75 Years
St Francis de Sales 75th anniversary dinner celebration will be held on January 24th after the 5:00 pm Mass in the school gym. Tickets are only $20 for adults and $5 for children 4 to 10 years – children ages 3 and under are free. All are welcome.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin
Upcoming Events at St. Francis de Sales - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 18
Coffee Break is Back!
On January 21st we will be starting a study on St. Mark’s Gospel. All women are welcome to join us. We meet in the church hall Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am.
Celebrating 75 Years
St Francis de Sales 75th anniversary dinner celebration will be held on January 24th after the 5:00 pm Mass in the school gym. Tickets are only $20 for adults and $5 for children 4 to 10 years – children ages 3 and under are free. All are welcome.
For more information about events happening at our Parish please read our Sunday Bulletin