CHRISTMAS 2019

A SPECIAL WELCOME LETTER FROM FR. JERRY CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE FEATURE FAMILY

PROGRAMS AT ST. ALPHONSUS A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM JESUS

CONNECT WITH US

WelcomeA special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, “it’s complicated,” filthy rich, dirt poor, or no hablo Ingles.

There is a place for you if you are over 60 but not grown up yet, or a teenager growing up too fast.

We welcome soccer moms, NASCAR dads, Toronto Maple Leaf fans, Montreal Canadiens fans, starving artists, treehuggers, those in recovery, and those who are still addicted.

We welcome you if you sing like Pavarotti or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You are welcome here if you’re just browsing, just got bored at the bus stop, just woke up, or just got out of jail.

We welcome those who are wearing “church clothes” and those who are wearing their only clothes.

We don’t care if it is your first Sunday at church or whether you’ve been to Church more times than the pope.

We welcome you if you are having problems or are feeling overwhelmed or if you don’t like “organized religion.”

If you are looking for a fresh start, a fresh cup of coffee, or a hug from a new friend there is a place for you here.

We are so glad to see those who are inked, pierced, or both, those who could use a prayer right now, those who haven’t been to church since Aunt Carol’s funeral, and those who got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake.

We welcome seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts and jaded cynics, the lost, the found… and YOU!

A SPECIAL

www.stalphonsus.net /StAlphonsusChurch @StAlphonsusPtbo

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

One of the most beautiful things about the Christmas story is its human simplicity. How very ordinary! How relatable! We see a young family caught up in government regulations, encountering difficulty booking travel arrangements. We see a belated baby shower filled with the most unlikely attendees.

Each Gospel tells the story Jesus’ life from a different perspective — same story, just different perspectives. Most of the iconic scenes we find on Christmas cards are found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The Gospel of Luke which we hear from at Christmas, gives us the Christmas story from the human perspective, one that we’re used to. Angels, Shepherds, and the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. John’s Gospel, however, tells the Christmas story from a different perspective, a more theological or divine perspective.

“What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race.” C.S. Lewis described Christmas as God parachuting down behind enemy lines. Jesus entered into a world darkened by sin, and it isn’t so different today. We can find it in the complications of our own lives and the lives of our families. We can find it in our cities, our nation, our world. But it wasn’t only the star that shone on Christmas night. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

In the midst of all that is so very human — the good and the bad — “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” That can be paraphrased as, “The word became flesh and moved into the neighbourhood.” At Christmas, Jesus moved into our neighbourhood! No matter where we are, or what we’re going through this Christmas, God enters our existence. He enters our experiences. When we allow God into our lives in a new way, when we surrender to Him our lingering areas of darkness, then we will ‘see his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.’ O come let us adore Him!

In His Love,

Fr. Jerry TavaresMERR

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ISTMA

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Christmas ScheduleSATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

Vigil of the Holy Family3:30 – 4:30pm – Confessions

5:00pm – Mass

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29Feast of the Holy Family

9:00am and 11:00am – Mass Kids Programs return to regular schedule

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31Feast of Mary, Mother of God

4:30pm – Rosary5:00pm – Mass

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1Solemnity of Mary

9:30am – Rosary 10:00am – Mass

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4Vigil of the Epiphany

3:30 – 4:30pm – Confessions5:00pm – Mass

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5The Epiphany of the Lord9:00am and 11am – Mass

Kids Programs at both Masses

ChristmasS C H E D U L E

The Blanchard FamilyWe first came to St. Alphonsus Liguori as newlyweds looking for a new parish to call home in 2011. We had looked around for a bit and we found St. Alphonsus to be a church that was really “alive in spirit” and thriving. Over the years, we have been involved with the choir, as lectors and commentators, the Alpha program and Tiny Disciples. The parish is part of our extended family. We cherish the prayers and gifts of food and visits we received while Rebecca was in hospital last year. The support we received during this time was truly amazing. We look forward to growing with this community for many years to come!

STARTING POINT A time to give a warm welcome to new

members joining our church family. Join our next gathering March 8th!

KIDS CHURCH Grades 1 – 5 children’s liturgy

during part of the Mass, Sundays at 9AM & 11AM

VANTAGE POINTFor those serious about becoming

Catholic and for those who would like to learn more about our faith.

TINY DISCIPLES Ages 2 – 5. A drop-off child-care program with capable volunteers so you can focus worry-free

on Mass, Sundays at 9AM & 11AM

ALPHA Got questions? Exploring the Christian faith, life and God in a non-threatening atmosphere

with a meal, short talk and discussion.

SWITCHGr. 6 – 8. Wednesdays

from 6:30 – 8:30PM

SMALL GROUPS A casual and more intimate

place to grow spiritually.

iMPACTGr. 9 – 12 . Saturdays 6 – 8:30PM

beginning with supper.

smallGROUPS

PROGRAMS AT ST. ALPHONSUS

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

A Christmas Letter From JesusWhen you look for me at Christmas,You won’t need a special star.I ’m no longer just in Bethlehem,I ’m right here where you are.You may not be aware of me amid the celebrations.You’ll have to look beyond the stores, and all the decorations.But if you take a moment from your list of things to do,To close your eyes and say a prayer,I ’m waiting here for you.You’re the one I want to be with,You’re the reason that I came!And you’ll find me in the stillnessWhere I ’m whispering your name.

Enjoy a FREE SOUP OR SALADWith the purchase of any entrée

Offer valid at listed participating location(s) only. Not valid in combination with any other offer. Not valid through call ahead pick-up or delivery. No cash value. ®Recipe Unlimited Corporation.

Valid at: 933 Lansdowne St W,Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z5

Expires: November 1st, 2020

360 George St. N., Peterborough Square Mall Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm

(705) 201-1224 Gluten Free and Vegan Friendly Options

Authentic South Indian Soul Food in a Casual Atmosphere Take Out & Delivery, Catering & Special Orders Available

Love My Nails 2 locations!

St. Alphonsus Liguori Parishioners

705-874-5568

24 Park St. S.Peterborough, ON

K9J 3R5

Complete Nail Service Waxing

and Facial

705-741-2325 Peterborough Square Mall

360 George St. N.Peterborough, ON

K9H 7E7

Spa Pedicure & Manicure Artificial Nails & Waxing

SYLVIA JAMES Sales Representative

Your Seniors Real Estate Specialist FREE MARKET EVALUATION Not intended to solicit buyers and sellers under contract.

CELL: 705-768-7788BUS: 705-748-4056

TOLL FREE: 1-888-223-9831sylviajames@hotmail.ca

www.makingdreamscometrue.ca

Arbor Memorial Inc.

N I S B E T TFUNERAL HOME

TIM ENGLISH Manager

(705) 745-3211 600 Monaghan Rd. S.

Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5H9 www.nisbettfuneralhome.com

Serving the Community for over a Century

Duffus Funeral Home Limited

____________________________________________

Independent Family Owned &

Operated Since 1931

431 George St. S. Peterborough, ON 705-745-4612

www.duffusfuneralhome.com

www.twinpinesbandb.com

Jim and Patti Gouin

1173 Clonsilla Ave.Peterborough, ON K9J 5Y6

(705)749-2147twinpinesbandb@cogeco.ca

251 Charlotte Street(in the Citi Centre between

Aylmer & Bethune)Phone: 705-743-1861

Services: Hearing Aids, Hearing tests, Batteries, repairs to all makes and models, custom swim plugs, musician and noise plugs, follow-up care program. included and payment plans available.

JOHN CUNNINGHAMPresident & Managing Director

Funeral Home & Reception Centre840 Armour Road

Peterborough, ON K9H 2A2Phone: 705-740-0444

John@AshburnhamFuneral.cawww.AshburnhamFuneral.ca

Sean & Joy (parishioners)

for Pick up & Delivery1080 Lansdowne St. W.Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z9Call (705) 749-1111

Ed Burke, Joe Farace

Funeral Directors 2510 Bensfort Rd.

Peterborough 705 745 6984

“Quality Workmanship at a Reasonable Price”

Tom Waudby 347 Pido RoadUnit 21 Peterborough, ONK9J 6X7

Phone: (705)740-2218Cell: (705)760-2332Fax: (705)740-0231

tomsheatingandcooling@bellnet.cawww.tomsheatingandcooling.ca

www.tomsheatingandcooling.ca

Terry O’Keefe 380 Water St.

Peterborough, ON K9H 2L6P: 705-745-6515F: 705-745-7036———————

27 Cambridge St. S.Lindsay, ON K9V 3B7

P:705-880-5625 F:705-880-0007

& HEATING Service when you want it

CULLENPLUMBING

2210 Keene Rd. Otonabee, ON K9J 6X7

705-743-7504

Wayne Lucas

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane

Wayne Lucas Burner Service Ltd.

727 the Kingsway Peterborough, Ontario

K9J 3W7 (705)742-1920

TRANS CANADA

Award of Excellence for Customer Satisfaction

22 years running 1189 Lansdowne St. W Peterborough

Tel: 705-743-4141 Fax: 705-743-1158

The O’Reilly Family www.transcanadanissan.com

The Kawartha’s Largest Selection of Pre-owned Vehicles

~ STEPHEN P. KYLIE, B.Sc., LL.B. ~

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY PUBLIC

General Practice Including: Real Estate Law, Will & Estates,

Corporate & Business Law

206 Aylmer St. N., Box 1900 Peterborough, ON K9J 7X7

Tel: 705-748-6521

Fax: 705-748-2138

skylie@kylielawoffice.ca

Connelly’s Minute Mu er93 Rubidge StreetPeterborough, ON K9J 3N3Phone 705-743-5170Fax 705-743-5243(across from GE. Family owned)

Grainger’s Cleaners PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Complete dry cleaning services - same day service - alterations - repairs -

Laundromat facilities

885 Lansdowne St. W. 742-3831

The Cherub’s Cupboard

82 Centre St. N. Oshawa Phone: 1-905-432-2882

Fax: 1-905-432-1629

www.cherubscupboard.com Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:00pm

Andrew Galvin, Broker RE/MAX Eastern Realty Inc.,705.743.9111andrewgalvin1963@gmail.comwww.thegalvinteam.comProud to be the #1 Team at RE/MAX *2014, 2015 & 2016 *based on closed deals

Sterling Pools Ltd. 705-742-3876

sterlingpools.ca Peterborough

624 Queensway Court Open All Year

403B McDonnel StreetApril to late October

Cobourg 991 Division Street

Open All Year

SIDEY AUTO SUPPLY INC.774 Rye Street, Unit 12 Peterborough, ON K9J 6W9(705) 748-5100Fax: (705) 748-6895Machine Shop: (705) 742-4332

Greg & Jo-Ann Walshgwalsh@napacanada.com

Advertise Here!(705) 745-8623

CONNECT WITH US!1066 Western Avenue, Peterborough, ON K9J 5W6

(705) 745-8623 office@stalphonsus.net stalphonsus.net

WEEKEND WORSHIPSaturday 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM and 11:00AM