Jesus’ baptism reminds us of the meaning of our own. Baptism helps us remember that we are part of the whole family of Christ. It begins a close personal relationship with God, but it doesn’t end there. Because of our baptism, we are called to reach out to other people in our congregation, and beyond the walls of the church. Baptism not only draws us in toward God, it sends us out to care for God’s people around the world. In our baptism, we are called beyond ourselves, just as Jesus was called beyond His heavenly home to seek us here on earth.

 

in welcoming Fr. Greg Blonde this weekend and thanking him for joining us in celebration of the Eucharist.

 

 

The Kinkora K of C are serving a breakfast on Sunday, January 10th after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Kinkora Community Centre. The proceeds of this breakfast will be donated to the group “Homes 4 Hope”. This is an organization that Herman Van Bakel and many other local people have been working with to build houses for the poor of El Salvador. We look forward to seeing you there. If you want to give a cheque it should be made out to “Homes 4 Hope”.

 

Attached to the bulletin is information about the Passion Play in Oberammergau, a tiny Bavarian village in Southeast Germany. It is portrayed every 10 years. Fr. Paul is leading a pilgrimage to this special event from June 12 to 20. Brochures are available in both churches for interested pilgrims.

 

The Diocesan Pandemic Plan initiated at the end of October 2009 is still in effect. In the best interest of everyone’s good health, please continue to use the hand sanitizers provided in the entrance areas of our churches. There is to be no shaking of hands at the Greeting of Peace and no receiving of Communion on the tongue. Communion from the cup is also reserved at this time. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

To the Kinkora Knights of Columbus for their donation of $6,000.00 to the Thanksgiving Appeal. Also to Tony DeGroot and his group of recyclers for donating $6,280.25 to the Steeple Fund. Special thanks to each of you for supporting these two fund-raising groups. Without your support they would not be able to give back to the community.

 

Do you have any old Christmas lights, extension cords, aluminum pots or pop cans?

Let’s leave these items out of the landfill. You can drop items off at the church or at the home of Tony DeGroot or Eddie Michiels. The Recycling Group appreciates your help!

Any questions can be directed to Tony at 519-393-6480.    

 

St. Vincent de Paul Parish requires more ushers. If interested, please contact Rob Sawyer. This is a great opportunity for students to obtain community service hours.

 

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed January 24-31 and the theme is “You are witnesses of these things.” The modern ecumenical movement is generally considered to have begun with the 1910 World Mission Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. On this 100th anniversary of the World Mission Conference, the churches of Scotland took the lead in developing the theme for the Week of Prayer. They invite us to listen to Christ’s words before his ascension, “Thus it is written, that the Christ is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48). Christians are invited to consider these words not only during the Week of Prayer, but throughout the year. We are called to pray and reflect on how we are, each in our own way, being called to witness to these great things that God has done for us.