Epiphany of the Lord

Feast of the Iraqi Refugee

Epiphany of the Lord

The visit of the Magi occurs directlybefore the story of the Holy Family'sflight into Egypt. Matthew's Gospel tells

a version of Jesus' birth that is different than the one inLuke. Of the actual birth of Jesus, Matthew tells us littlemore than, “When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,in the days of King Herod . . . ” The story of the census isfound only in Luke's Gospel, but we hear about the visit ofthe Magi only in Matthew's Gospel.

We know little about the Magi. They come from the Eastand journey to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign,so we believe them to be astrologers. We assume that therewere three Magi based upon the naming of their three gifts.The Gospel does not say how many Magi paid homage toJesus. In Matthew's Gospel, they represent the Gentiles'

search for a saviour. Because the Magi represent the

entire world, they also represent our search for Jesus.

We have come to consider the gifts they bring as aforeshadowing of Jesus' role in salvation. We believe themeaning of the gifts to be Christological. Gold is presentedas representative of Jesus' kingship. Frankincense is asymbol of his divinity because priests burned the substancein the Temple. Myrrh, which was used to prepare the deadfor burial, is offered in anticipation of Jesus' death.

The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “showingforth.” Historically several moments in Christ's early lifeand ministry have been celebrated as “epiphanies,”including his birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, hisbaptism by John, and his first miracle at Cana.

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is thought bysome to be rooted in the gift giving of the Magi. In manycultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but rather onthe feast of the Epiphany. Whenever you exchange yourChristmas gifts, take some time to reflect on this traditionof gift giving at Christmas. Think of the best gift you havereceived. What was it? What made it special? Was it thegift itself, the thought that went into it, or the person whogave it to you? (Loyola Press)

Sponsorship Ministry

Thank you

very much!

Your response to our Iraqi Refugee appeal has been

overwhelming. Last weekend we raised $17,000.00.

Together with funds already pledged or donated we havenow $25,000.00 in the bank.

We also have enough furniture for a two bedroomapartment.

Our refugee family is now preparing the necessarypaperwork and it is reasonable to expect them to arrive inToronto not later than June 2011.

We have scheduled an up-date meeting for Monday,January 17 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Hall. Everybody iswelcome, of course.

Once again, Thank You.

The spirit of love and generosity is alive and well in ourparish.

Mass Intentions This Week

January 3 - 9rd th

Please join us as we pray for the following,

in our “Announced Mass” Intentions

Mon.:(9 am) +Souls in Purgatory - Anne Vuksinic

Tues.:(9 am) +Souls in Purgatory - Anne Vuksinic

Wed.:(9 am) +Tom Moclair - Suzann Sutherland

Thurs.:(9 am) +Souls in Purgatory - Anne Vuksinic

Fri.:( 9 am) +Luigi Ricci - Sister and Family

Sat.:( 9 am) +Marie McAulifee & +Souls in Purgatory

(5:15 pm) +James Coppinger - Maureen & Family

Sun.:(8:15 am) +Piera Cardella - Elio & Carol Moro

(9:30 am) For Our Parishioners

(11:00 am) +Mary Shanahan - Peter & Angela

(12:30 pm) +Barbara McKinnon - Margaret Tipping

January 02, 2011

Ballroom & Latin Parish Administration

Dance Lessons

with Dance-Off Toronto

New Session:

Wednesdays: 7:30 - 8:30 pm

In the Parish Hall

(Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16)

All Levels Welcome! No Partners Needed

Single Class Drop-In: $15 - 10 week session: $120

Visit www.danceofftoronto.com (ccdancelatin@hotmail.com)

or call Carmen Colangelo at 416-231-3804 to register.

Help Support ShareLife while having some fun!

Women’s Retreat Weekend

Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre

January 21 - 23 - Mississauga ONst rd

The Centre team will preach on the theme: “The Genesis

Story is Our Story”. Please call 905-278-5229 for furtherinformation or to register.

Vocation Seeds

The Epiphany of the Lord

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his

mother; and they knelt down and paid Him homage. Then,

opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of

gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

God asks us to give our lives. What treasures have beengiven to you to share with others in Christ’s name? If Godis calling you, contact Fr. Hansoo Park at 416-968-0997 oremail vocations@vocations.ca

Tour - Pilgrimage to Italy (Incl. Sicily)

May 23 - June 03, 2011 - 12 days - $2,990.00

Spiritual Leader: Fr. Edward Ewczynski

With International Heritage Tours: halina@ihtours.comor

Call Halina at 647-294-4116 for more information.

Donations Envelopes: - please take a moment to write

the amount of your donation onto your envelope. Thissmall step saves a great deal of time of the volunteer teamswho process our weekly collections. If you wish to beginusing donation envelopes, please advise the office

.

Pre-Authorized Giving - The PAG program allowsparishioners to request that a monthly total be transferredfrom their bank account to OLS Parish on the 20 of eachth

month, for their regular Sunday offerings. If you wouldlike to participate in this program, please contact theparish office for details.

Parish Registration: If you attend OLS parish regularly,please ensure that you are registered with the parish office.(Young adults who have completed their education should be

registered as individuals.) Please also inform your previousparish that you have moved so they can remove you fromtheir active records.

Our Lady of Sorrows School

Kindergarten Registration

Junior and Senior Kindergarten registration will take placeduring the week of January 10, 2011. Appointments forregistering kindergarten children can be made startingMonday, January 3 , by calling the school at 416-393-rd

5246. Junior Kindergarten children must be four years ofage by December 31, 2011. Senior Kindergarten childrenmust be five years of age by December 31, 2011.

The following information is required and should bebrought to your registration appointment:

Roman Catholic Baptismal Certificate

Birth Certificate

Immunization Record

Health Card Number

Proof of Residency.

There will be a Welcome to Kindergarten evening forparents and future OLS students on Wednesday, April 6 th

at 6:30 pm.