In this week's Gospel, Jesus answers Pilot's question with an undeniable truth: "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world , to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." John 18: 35-36 And our Gospel Acclamation proclaims: "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David; blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Mark 11:9-10
Let us celebrate Jesus with everything we have to offer. Alleluia to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; our Saviour, my Saviour!
Pope's Prayer Intention for NOVEMBER
For Anyone Who Has Lost a Child
We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Reflection this week: "Christ the King"
“When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony. ...Moreover, the annual and universal celebration of the feast of the Kingship of Christ will draw attention to the evils which anticlericalism has brought upon society in drawing men away from Christ, and will also do much to remedy them. While nations insult the beloved name of our Redeemer by suppressing all mention of it in their conferences and parliaments, we must all the more loudly proclaim his kingly dignity and power, all the more universally affirm his rights.”
- Pope Pius XI, Quas Primas 19, 25
Pope's Intention for December:
For Pilgrims of Hope
We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian Hope.
ADVENT RECOLLECTION DAY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6th - on the Feast of St. Nicholas!!!!
Father Cosmas Ajawara, who is the pastor at St. Joseph Church in Kingston, will be here at St. Mark to lead us in a morning of Advent Reflection. We will begin with Mass at 9:00 a.m. and activities will conclude at 1:00 p.m. Snacks & beverages will be provided in the front foyer of the church. Please plan to attend this day of reflection as we begin the holy season of Advent.
We do our best to accommodate the specific dates and times requested for Mass intentions, however for various reasons, it is not always possible. We are happy to accept your requests up to one year in advance but not longer than that. Masses that are cancelled for any reason will be re-scheduled. The price for announced Masses will remain at $20 for the coming year, and unannounced Masses will remain at $10.00. Thank you.
CONFESSIONS:
Father Ben will be happy to hear confessions starting 30 minutes before Mass on Saturdays (4:00 - 4:20 p.m.) at St. Mark, and on Sundays (8:30 - 8:50 a.m.) at Sacred Heart. Otherwise, you may make an appointment with him anytime he is on campus. Please note that Mondays will be Father's day off. He will continue to say Mass at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark.
WEEKLY REMINDERS:
PARISH RECTORY PHONE NUMBER: 613-918-0143
St. Mark the Evangelist & Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Benedict Ubanii, SMMM
Parish Email: StMark@archkingston.ca
Deacon: Allan Hogan, 613-246-2196, jcirtal@gmail.com
Deacon: Greg Vaughn, deacongregvaughn@gmail.com
613-265-6447
Parish Secretary: Linda Ludlow (Cell: 613-878-4270)
Parish Bookkeeper: Annette Norton Email: bookkeeper.smsh@outlook.com
Mailing address for St. Mark and Sacred Heart Parishes: P.O. Box 234,
Prescott, Ontario. K0E 1T0
Address of St. Mark Church: 160 Dibble St. W. Prescott, Ontario, K0E 1T0
Address of Sacred Heart Church: 3060 John St. Cardinal, Ontario. K0E 1E0
Address of Sacred Heart Parish Hall: 549 Middle St. Cardinal K0E 1E0
Regular Weekday Mass Times: Monday at 7:00 p.m. St. Mark; Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. St. Mark, followed by Adoration closing with Benediction at 11:45 a.m.; Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart; Thursday at 7:00 p.m. St. Mark; Friday 9:00 a.m. St. Mark unless it is a week with a First Friday 9:00 a.m. Sacred Heart - Adoration follows, First Saturday 9:00 a.m. St. Mark.
Sunday Mass Times: Saturday 4:30 p.m. at St. Mark, Sunday 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart, Sunday 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark
Mass Intention requests may be made via envelopes located at the entrances to the churches, or on the parish website. Deposit envelopes into the collection basket, or deliver to the Rectory. Mass Intentions cost $20 each and should be made several months in advance of the requested date if possible, in order to avoid disappointment. Any Masses that must be cancelled will be rescheduled.
Link to Knights of Columbus Ontario: https://ontariokofc.ca/ Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. at St. John Bosco Parish, Brockville. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul collects donations after Sunday Masses on the first weekend of the month. You can also send an e-transfer to: ssvpstfrancisbrockville@gmail.com Thanks for your support!
Link to the Catholic Women's League Canada: https://cwl.ca/ Link to the Ontario Provincial Council of the CWL (Diocese of Kingston): https://cwl.on.ca/ The St. Mark CWL meetings are held every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Mark CLUB ROOM, following 7:00 pm Mass. (No meeting in December or in the Summer) To correspond with St. Mark CWL, or to send memberships or donations, please use this email address: stmarkcwlprescott@gmail.com
Contributions to the Flock Note and Bulletin must be received by NOON on Wednesday if you would like your items included in that weekend's edition. Any items received after that time will appear in the following edition. Thank you kindly for your understanding.
PAD - Please contact the parish secretary if you would like to sign up for monthly Pre-Authorized Debit, or to receive parish donation envelopes, or to make a donation towards our Living Stones Capital Building Fund, or to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund. God bless you!
E-TRANSFERS: St. Mark and Sacred Heart can now accept your contributions and donations via e-transfer. To send money to St. Mark Parish, please email: lludlow.stmark@gmail.com To send money to Sacred Heart Parish, please email: lludlow.sacredheart@gmail.com No security questions needed. Thank you. To request parish envelopes please contact the secretary. Blessings.
PARISH COMMITTEES
St. Mark Property & Finance: Maureen Leonard (Chair), Tara Whiteman-Marchand, Dave Smith, Tom O'Keefe
St. Mark Cemetery: Mike Baril (Chair), Dennis Wright, Peter Martin, Brent Laton
Sacred Heart Property & Finance: Paul Davy, Kelly Bush, Tom Varley
Sacred Heart Cemetery: Dan McLaughlin (Chair), Kelly Bush, Roger Stitt, Reta Gannon, Paul Davy
Pastoral Team: Deacon Allan, Bernice Hogan, Deacon Greg
Screening Committee: Deacon Allan, Sharon Schoemaker, Mary Anne Dixon
Let us Pray for the Sick
Albert Wahrer (Stepdad of Margaret Newman), Ellen Thompson, Fr. Mac Burke, Clare Dashney, Kenny Polite, Jason Edge, Deacon Greg Vaughn, Mary Louise Robinson, Jack & Sue Bradley, Deacon Allan Hogan, Linda Whiteman, Father Michael McCarthy, Betty Ann Murray, John Robichaud, Bill Mallett, Bernice Hogan, Valentina Rodina, Eugene and Sharon Spychi, Cary Sigg, Kathy Grant, Agathe Soucie, Bill Walter, Maureen Dwyer, Cathy Perkins, Corry Martens, Rosemary Logan, Josephine Furlong, Sherry Henderson, Ahmet Ongun, Denis Doherty, Dave Brown, Mark Daly, Louise Patry, Andrea Knapp, Diana Hoy, Steven Gilmore, Leonard Godin, Judy MacDonald, Dayna DeDekker, Wayne Dove, Carolyn Crobsy, Anita Burton, Tommy Glynn, Debra Health, Allan Aikens, Paulette Larose, Cameron Gauthier, Allan Moore, Barb Saunders, Yvonne Couperus, Paul Beauchemin, Lois & Wayne Boisvenue, Marg Hallenbeck-Sears, Megan Walser, Madeline King, George Zinn, George Mallett, Denise Gauthier, Elaine & Larry Beckstead, Ann Hopkins, Amber Legacy, Arlene Moore, and all who are sick, injured or infirmed.
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Please remember to let us know of answered prayer, or when someone wishes to be removed from this list. Thank you.
Please Pray for the Faithful Departed
David Thomas, Nancy Purvis (Pat Warren's sister-in-law), Bill Putman (husband of Kathy), Luke McAuley (John's brother), Virginia Murdock, Ron Pidgeon, June Joy, Pat Dowling (Brother of Brian), Sherry Koehler, Wayne Campeau, Ruth Croken, John Vanderzyde, Ruth Boisvenue, Elizabeth Haines, Andrew Grant, Antonia (Toni) Jansman, Deanna Jacko, Irene Lafort, Marg McFarlane, Claire Bradley, Jim Heppell, Judy Campbell, Mary Skinkle, John Kennelly, Tony Boileau, Ann Bekkedam, Edward Brennan, Ruth Boisvenue, Kay Hutt, Mrs. Maureen Mulhall, Madeline Johnson, Danielle (O'Keefe) Astleford, Millie Bennett, Marian Meagher, Rita M. Markey, Mark Davy, Father Peter H. Murphy, Father Dean Purdy, Debbie Armstrong, Helene Barnett, Peter Adams, Carmel Glynn, Jody Devaney, Darlene Rose Foreman, Marielle Kensley, Leona Lascelle, Jean Farlinger, Edward Mack, Joanne Kavanaugh, Shirley Sayeau, Gordon Marchand, Jocelyn MacDonald, Alice Laushway, Rev. Liam Tallon, Dorothy Dove, Larry McDermott, Jim Perkins, Sr. Patricia McLean, Joe Dillon, Marcella Gal, Helen Sweeney, and all those who have died.
Please note that names will be removed from the list after one year, unless we are notified otherwise. Thank you for your understanding.
Collections & Donations for St. Mark & Sacred Heart
Please note that Mass Requests* and Cemetery Donations and receipts*, while reported to you weekly for your information, are actually deposited into their own accounts, not the general operating accounts for the Churches.
St. Mark Sunday Collection - November 17, 2024
Sunday Offering - $1275.00
Campus Maintenance - $90.00
Mass Requests* - $140.00
Priests Retirement Fund* - $ 5,025.00 (Diocesan)
Missals - $95.00
Candles - $104.25
Funeral Mass Stipend* - $300.00 (B. Putman)
Cemetery Interment* - $700.00 (V. Murdock, B. Putman)
TOTAL DEPOSIT - $7,729.25
Sacred Heart Sunday Collection - November 17, 2024
Sunday Offering - $229.00
Campus Maintenance - $0
Donations - $250.00
Missals - $95.00
Priest Retirement Fund* - $120.00 (Diocesan)
TOTAL DEPOSIT - $704.00
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS:
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Information
Thank you to those families who attended the information meeting last Sunday for First Reconciliation / First Holy Communion. Registration forms for these Sacraments will be available at the entrances to the churches. Preparation classes will begin in the early spring. Please share this information with anyone you may know who has a child (in grade two or above) who will be eligible to receive these sacraments in 2025. Please note that children registering to receive these sacraments must already be baptized Catholic. If they are not yet baptized, please contact the Rectory office now to make arrangements to discuss this with Father Ben. Please contact the office if you have any questions about making any of the sacraments.
DONATION BOXES FOR UNWRAPPED GIFT ITEMS
The CWL will be collecting unwrapped items for Nursing Home Residents/ Retirement Home Residents & homebound residents for Christmas. Boxes have been placed at both entrances of St. Mark Church & at Sacred Heart Church and will be there through the third Sunday of Advent. We gladly accept monetary donations as well to purchase items. Some suggestions include unscented body wash, deodorant for ladies & men, shaving cream for men, lotions, small packets of Kleenex, ladies’ fuzzy socks, ladies’ non- slip socks, men’s lightweight socks, PJs - ladies' & men's, ladies’ nightgowns. Please be generous so that we might make Christmas brighter for those in our Nursing Homes/ Retirement homes and those homebound. For further information, please contact Pat Warren 613-925-5184 or by e-mail warren.patrica@live.ca
CWL CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE
ST. MARK C.W.L. CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE will be held in St. Mark Club Rooms on Saturday, Dec.7th & Sunday Dec.8th. before and after weekend Masses. We will gratefully accept donations of baked goods or your favourite Christmas baked goods from our members. We will gladly accept monetary donations. The Club Rooms will be open to accept donations at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7th. and on Sunday Dec. 8th. at 10:00 a.m. We hope parishioners will stop by and purchase some delicious Christmas baking. This Fundraiser will greatly assist our Council with our many outreach projects at home and abroad. Thank you!
NEW MEMBER CEREMONY
Our local Knights of Columbus council will be holding a new member ceremony. THIS SUNDAY (Nov. 24) AT 10:30 AM at St. John Bosco parish in Brockville.
As promised, a plaque has been erected in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in recognition of the generous donors who contributed to the cost of the Chair Lift. The plaque has a piano finish Rosewood frame and features 25 acknowledgements. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo above. I tried but can't seem to get rid of the shadow!
We would like to formally express our gratitude to all who support Sacred Heart Parish in many ways, giving their time, sharing their talents and donating funds for both the operation of the parish and to special projects such as this one. Thank you!
St. Mark Cemetery News
If you have decorations adorning your family graves, please remove them by the end of November. The Cemetery gates will be closed as of December 1st, 2024. The Cemetery will re-open on April 1st, depending on weather and soil conditions.
Also, notice was given to parishioners several months ago that the fee schedule for purchasing St. Mark Cemetery plots would be increased slightly. The new schedule has been approved by the Cemetery Board and copies have be placed on the table at the entrance to the church. Please contact Linda if you would like a copy sent to you.
Looking for One or Two More Cemetery Board Members
Please contact Father Ben if you would like to join Mike Baril (Chair), Peter Martin, Brent Laton and Dennis Wright on the St. Mark Cemetery Board. There is no monetary remuneration but the graces and blessings you will receive will be many!!
FORMED has a free Advent program called "Rooted". It offers a fresh approach for parishioners to journey through salvation history, with just 7 minutes a day. This 25-episode series beautifully brings the Jesse Tree tradition to life, sharing the stories of Christ’s ancestors in a way that is engaging and meaningful. It’s the perfect way to rediscover the richness of Advent, regardless of how full our schedules might be. Delivered directly to your email inbox beginning on December 1st, it will be an easy, simple and convenient enrichment to your Advent this year!
Celebrate Advent by making your Christmas tree a Jesse Tree!
Bring the Jesse Tree tradition to life for your family with our Jesse Tree ornament coloring sheets. When you sign up to receive the Rooted: Rediscover the Jesse Tree series, you’ll get these coloring sheets as a special gift! Perfect for kids, these ornaments can be colored, cut out, and hung on your tree, turning each day of Advent into a special moment of reflection.
Pair your daily Rooted episodes with these fun, hands-on activities to spark meaningful conversations about faith and how the Old Testament points to the birth of Jesus. Each ornament includes a Scripture verse to guide your family in prayer and reflection.
Sign-up today to download these free coloring sheets and make this Advent a time of growth for the whole family! Sign-up HERE: Advent Daily Catholic Resources | FORMED https://watch.formed.org/rooted ADORE: Advent with Fr. John Burns
'TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS CARDS
The Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas Cards before and after Sunday Masses for the next couple of weeks. Please support this wonderful council of Catholic men by purchasing a pack or two!!
The new 2024-2025 Sunday Missals are now available for Cycle C. Due to an increase in costs this year, we are asking for a donation of $5.00 if you are able to help cover the cost of your own copy. There are donation boxes at the entrances to the churches. Thank you and may God bless you richly!
St. Mark Children's Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass will begin on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1st, 2024.
Father will welcome Children ages 5 to 8 at the beginning of Mass. They will be invited to go into the Sacristy with their leaders to hear the Word of God at their own level, and will participate in age-appropriate activities that demonstrate and reinforce the readings / message of the day. Older children / siblings are also welcome to come and help, and if we have enough older children come, we will have a separate group for them. We would be happy to welcome young children under 5 if accompanied by a parent. Children will return to Mass in time for Offertory. If you would like to help with this program one Sunday per month, please contact the secretary. Thank you to Diane Jozefowicz for heading up this very important Ministry.
SACRED HEART CHRISTMAS CONCERT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.
A concert following the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus, followed by a Christmas sing-along, beverages and Christmas treats! Please please Join us!
Our parish Advent/Christmas Reconciliation Celebration will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark
Other opportunities to go to a Reconciliation Celebration
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John Bosco Church, Brockville
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, Brockville
Father will also hear confessions by appointment.
Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/I-Will-Sing-Praises
CHOIR MEMBERS WANTED FOR ST. MARK
SUNDAY 11:00 AM MASS
St. Mark the Evangelist Church Choir is looking for new voices.
Linda by email (stmark@archkingston.ca) or at the Rectory (613-918-0143) or on her cell phone (613-878-4270). For now we will not be learning new hymns, we will continue to sing hymns that are well known by the congregation. Please do not be afraid to share your talents.
We are also praying that God will bless us with an organist for the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Please pray for those who are considering this ministry. Thank you!
We would love to hear about any family members or community members who are home-bound and cannot attend church to receive the Eucharist and who would like someone to bring them Communion. Also, if you know of anyone who would like to receive a pastoral visit - someone to read & share scripture with, or who would like to receive annointing of the sick, or who would like our priest to visit to hear a confession, please send their names via email to stmark@archkingston.ca or call the Rectory number, 613-918-0143. Blessings!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The next Prescott Praise is THIS Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Seaway Christian Church, 349 Churchill Road E. Prescott.
The December Prescott Praise will be a Christmas Singalong held on Sunday, December 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul's United Church, 290 Dibble St. W. Prescott.
A reminder that the SSVP will be collecting donations the first weekend in December. Thank you.
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Advent Resources on FORMED For Children
Brother Francis: Days of Advent https://watch.formed.org/brother-francis-the-days-of-advent
Marcam’s Advent and Christmas Special https://watch.formed.org/marcam-s-advent-christmas-special
NEW ITEMS HERE (in black type) :
Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter for Men
Calling all men! Your help is needed! Veronica's Veil Overnight Shelter for Men will open for its third season on January 2, 2025 and go until the end of April. Shifts run 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., seven nights a week. Volunteers are needed to staff each of the three shifts. Training will be provided. Volunteers work as a team on each shift, so you are never working alone. To sign up for a shift on either a weekly or a substitute basis or for more information, please contact Ann Lyng at veronicasveil@stmaryscathedral.ca
Jesus said: "Whenever you did this to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:41)
St. John Fisher Dinner - CCO Kingston’s Fundraising Event NEW DATE
Thursday, February 13; 6:00-9:30 pm
Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall (588 Division St, Kingston, ON)
Please join CCO missionaries and students from Queen’s University for a memorable evening. Come and hear first-hand testimonies of students who have encountered Jesus personally and are becoming leaders in the evangelization of the world. During the program, an invitation will be made for you to financially support the work of CCO in Kingston. There is limited space, so please register at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/st-john-fisher-dinner-tickets-1035238314667. Those who registered for the original date are not required to register again.
Solemn Vespers and Benediction (Feast of Christ the King) Sunday, November 24; 4:30 pm - St. Joseph Parish (392 Palace Road, Kingston)
To mark the end of the liturgical year and in readiness for the beginning of the Advent season, there will be a celebration of Solemn Vespers in song and Benediction. This is a special opportunity to pray and sing the psalms as a community of faith and be blessed for the holy season of Advent. We welcome the Trinitas Singers under the director of Jeffery Moellman to lead Solemn Vespers in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Benediction. Join us on November 24, 2024 at 4:30pm at St Joseph's Catholic Church. May the Lord bless you and your family as you join us.
Can you say MALASSADAS? (Holy Family Fundraising Sale of Portuguese Doughnuts) - Sunday, December 1;11:00 am - 1:00 pm
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (114 Wiley St., Kingston)
Portuguese donuts are a favourite treat, and the ladies from Holy Family Parish will be cooking again soon. You will find them at St. Francis School between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, after Sunday Mass December 1st. To meet the anticipated demand, please PRE-ORDER your treats by emailing the office at HolyFamily@archkingston.ca, or calling and leaving your order on voice mail 613-542 - 8587. Remember, they can be frozen to help with your Christmas baking. All money raised will go to our roof repair fund. Pick up your treats in the gym while enjoying coffee or hot apple cider. You can even do some Christmas shopping while you are there. The Knights of Columbus will be selling gift cards and you can also place a pre-order that day. Holy Family gets a percentage of all gift card sales.
Trinitas Advent/Christmas Concert - Sunday, December 8, 3:00pm
CFB Kingston Spiritual Fitness Centre (33 Lundy's Lane, Kingston)
Featuring the Trinitas Youth Singers and instrumental music for the season. A perfect length for families with children. Refreshments to follow. Invite your friends and family now to share this annual holiday tradition!
RND Christmas Market - Saturday, November 23; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School (130 Russell St, Kingston; enter via Cowdy St.)
Join us for the RND Christmas Market on Saturday, November 23. Explore over 70 unique vendors offering handmade and curated items. Kids can enjoy exciting activities such as a reading areas, kids vendor tables and Christmas crafts. For entry, we ask you please bring a monetary donation for Clothes for Kids or a non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Don’t miss it!
Veronica's Veil Overnight Shelter: Men, your help is needed.
We need your generosity. Shifts will run 8:30 pm to 12:30 am, 12:30 am to 4:30 am and 4:30 am to 8:30 am seven days a week. If you could volunteer for one of these shifts one day each week it would be a great help. Training will be provided. Please contact Ann Lyng at veronicasveil@stmaryscathedral.ca to sign up or for more information.
The Franciscans: Is God Calling You?
The Gospel and the “following of Jesus Christ” were not idealistic but rather “dynamic values” for St. Francis and his followers. People inspired by the Gospel values that they saw in Francis wanted to follow him. These values are the substance of Franciscans today: the Poor Clares, the Secular Franciscans (for women and men, single or married) and of the Friars. Is God “calling” you or “inviting you to be a part of the Franciscan mission? Order? Please send an email to Friar Reto Davatz at FrRDavatz@archkingston.ca.
St. Rita’s Drop-in Centre - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday - St. Mary’s Cathedral Outreach to the homeless and poor of the city. Providing safety, shelter, great food, showers and good Christian hospitality and dignity. Volunteers always needed and welcome. Contact: paty@stmaryscathedral.ca