Slovenska župnija sv. Gregorija Velikega | St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Church 13/53 Številka - Number / Leto - Year 26. 3. 2017 4. Postna nedelja 4th Sunday of Lent Fr. Drago Gačnik, sdb župnik - pastor Naslov - Address 125 Centennial Pkwy N Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8 Tel.: 905-561-5971 Fax: 905-561-5109 E-mail gregory_sdb@ stgregoryhamilton.ca Web page www.carantha.com Hall rentals Cell: 905-518-6159 E-mail hallrental@ stgregoryhamilton.ca Sleporojeni Jezus se je s slepimi večkrat srečal. Evangelisti opisujejo, da jih je ozdravil na različne načine. V Betsajdi je nekaj prijaznih ljudi privedlo slepega k Jezusu. Prosili so, naj se ga dotakne. Jezus mu je s slino omočil oči in ga vprašal: »Vidiš kaj?« Slepi se je ozrl kvišku in rekel: »Zaznavam ljudi, kakor da bi drevesa hodila okrog.« Šele ko je Jezus drugič položil roke nanj, je razločno videl. Jezus ozdravlja postopoma. Mnogi obupajo. Upade jim srce, ker so prepričani, da jih je zapustil na pol poti. Mož v današnjem evangeliju je »čez mero« preizkušan. Z očmi, polnimi blata, je taval po ulicah proti studencu Siloi. Gotovo se mu je vsiljevala misel, zakaj ga Jezus ni, tako mnoge pred njim, ozdravil z dotikom? Kaj bi se zgodilo, če bi slepi ne tvegal? Umil se je, tako kot mu je naročil Jezus. Zaupal je, ko je bilo težko zaupati. Veroval je, ko je bilo najtežje. Čeprav se ni nič zgodilo, se je vrnil in je videl. Bog vsakomur pomaga, le zaupati mu moramo. »Moji ljubi bratje, bodite stanovitni, neomahljivi, vedno uspešni v Gospodovem delu, ker veste, da vaš trud ni prazen v Gospodu« (1 Kor 15,58). Ostali del evangelija lahko razdelimo na pet delov. Klepet med prisotnimi, ki so pričeli dvomiti nad tem, kar so sami videli. Zasliševanje v soboto ozdravljenega. Nezaupljivo pričevanje staršev, ki se bojijo, da bodo napravili veliko neumnost in nasedli nesramni slepariji. Najbolj očiten je njihov dvom nad sinom. Kristus je na koncu moža poiskal, da bi ga opogumil in mu zaupal. Pošten in pravičen išče in zagovarja resnico. Njegovi odgovori se človeku vtisnejo v srce. »Vem samo to, da sem bil slep in da zdaj vidim.«To je dokončna in prepričljiva trditev, ki je ne moremo ovreči. Zadnje vrstice opozarjajo na dvoje. Tudi majhna vera v Jezusa je zelo učinkovita. In drugič: naš Gospod nas ne bo pustil takšnih, kakršne nas je srečal. Življenje nam postaja svetlo, prek smrti spoznavamo večnost. Kristus, s katerim se srečujemo danes, je isti kot je bil včeraj in kot bo jutri. Mi pa smo modrejši in vsak dan umevamo več. 80 LETNICA SLOVENSKEGA DRUŠTVA SV. JOŽEFA IN 25 LETNICA VILLE SLOVENIE V nedeljo, 19. marca 2017, je bil za Slovensko društvo sv. Jožefa zelo pomemben dan. Vsako leto društvo obeleži praznovanje z banketom, letos je bil še dodatni razlog, ker je društvo praznovalo 80 letnico. Na to praznovanje so se dobro pripravili in za to priložnost povabili iz Slovenije ansambel Vižarji, da bi tako praznovanju dali tudi slovenski pečat. Dan smo začeli v cerkvi, s sveto mašo ob desetih dopoldne. V zadnjem času imamo namreč ob večjih praznovanjih eno samo mašo, v dveh jezikih. Tako lahko sedlujejo eni in drugi in navadno pojeta pri maši slovenski in angleški zbor. Tokrat pa je pel samo slovenski zbor. Ker liturgično ni dovoljeno, da bi praznovali v nedeljo, smo tudi pesmi peli postne. Prvo berilo je prebrala v slovenščini Jožica Vegelj, drugo v angleščini pa Mary Miklavčič. Darove sta prinesla zakonca Maks in Jožica Pavličič. Ob tej priložnosti smo imeli tudi večje število ministrantov. Po maši smo nadaljevali praznovanje v župnijski dvorani, ki se je kar lepo napolnila, tako, da nekateri, ki se so niso vnaprej prijavili, niso dobili niti prostora. Na platnu so si navzoči lahko pogledali izbor slik od 75 letnice naprej - iz vsakega od dogodkov iz društva sv. Jožefa, je bilo predstavljenih nekaj slik, tako, da so si lahko vsi osvežili spomin in si pobližje pogledali, če so se v teh zadnjih letih kaj »pomladili«. Po dvanajsti uri je g. Jerry Ponikvar pozdravil vse navzoče, na kratko orisal začetke društva sv. Jožefa, ki segajo tja v leto 1937, ko so prvi Slovenci naseljevali na širšo hamilton-sko področje. Prvi člani društva so bili povezani z gospodom Bernardom Ambrožičem, ki je iz Lemonta, Illinois, občasno prihajal v Hamilton. To je kasneje pripeljalo do gospoda Alojzija Tomca, ki je s preroškim pogledom v prihodnost, začel z nakupom zemljišča za bodočo slovensko skupnost in zgradil dvorano. Za njim so sledili drugi duhovniki salezijanci: g. Ivan Dobršek, brata Stanko in Karl Ceglar, ki je imel veliko zasluge pri izgradnji Ville Slovenie, g. Franc Slobodnik, g. Danilo Lisjak, g. Stane Okorn, g. Bogdan Kolar, g. Križnik Štefan, g. Jože Bajzek in sedaj g. Drago Gačnik. Poleg tega pa je velika zasluga članov društva sv. Jožefa, ki so finančno in z trdim delo podprli vso zadevo. Zelo smo ponosni na njihovo nesebično pomoč in si zato zaslužijo vse priznanje in zahvalo. Potruditi pa se moramo, da bo to delo še naprej cvetelo, zato je povabil mlajšo generacijo, da bi se aktivno vključila v prihodnje vodenje društva. Peter, tajnik in blagajnik društva, je podelil posebno prizanje g. župniku Dragu Gačniku, nato pa je vsem navzočim razdelil spominske svinčnike. G. Jerry je nato v imenu društva pozdravil in izrekel dobrodošlico vsem gostom. Gostje so bili: dr. Marjan Cencen - Veleposlanik Republike Slovenije v Ottawi, g. John Doma, časni konzul Republike Slovenije v Kanadi, g. Marjan Kolarič, predstavnik kanadskih Slovencev v Sloveniji, g. Leopold Valant, kaplan pri slovenski župniji Marije Brezmadežne v Torontu, g. Milan Vinčec, predsednik Vseslovenskega kulturnega odbora. Na koncu je pozdravil tudi gostujoči ansambel Vižarji iz Slovenije, ki je kasneje nastopil na odru v sestavi: voditelj Domen Jevšenak - harmonika, Teja Leskovšek -pevka, Matic Ošlovnik - bariton/bas kitara, Aleš Črešnar - kitara. 142 | VESTNIK 2017 VESTNIK 2017 j 143 Po pozdravu gostov je g. Jerry čestital vsem Jožicam in Jožetom za njihov god. Povedal je tudi, da bo društvo dobiček od banketa namenilo za župnijski »Raise the Roof« sklad. Med kosilom so si lahko pogledali na platnu slike vse od 75 letnice društva pa do konca prejšnjega leta. Po prvem delu kosila je g. Jerry povabil veleposlanika, da je spregovoril nekaj besed, pozdravil vse navzoče in nato tudi izročil prizanje društvu sv. Jožefa in Mariji Prilesnik iz društva Sava. Posebno priznanje so strani društva prejeli trije člani izvršnega odbora, ki so se upokojili: Frank Erzar, Ivan Miketič in Frank Mramor. Zahvalil se jim je tudi za njihovo zavzetost in prispevek k društvu. Za tem je g. Jerry predstavil tudi dva nova člana: Dannyja Demšarja in Caseyja Žižka, kot nova člana odbora. Napravili so še spominsko sliko, g. Jerry pa se je zahvalil kuharici Nancy Taylor-Dundek in njenim pomočnicam, mladim strežnikom, članom župnijskega sveta, družini Lojzeta Ferenčaka, ki je pripravila dvorano in delavcem pri baru, še posebej Tonyju Horvatu. Ob koncu se je še zahvalil Tonyju Ferku, ki je izpeljal vse potrebno, da je ansambel Vižarji prišel na gostovanje. Ansambel je s svojim programom obogatil popoldne. Nekatere je glasba tako prevzela in so jih zasrbeli podplati, in so se morali tudi zavrteti. Kasneje so ižrebali še srečne dobitnike nagrad, ansambel pa je poskrbel za res domače razpoloženje. Prijateljsko druženje se je zavleklo kar daleč v popoldne in pesem ob zvokih harmonike, baritona, kitare je še dolgo zvenela. Grla so se razvezala in pelo se je tja do večernih ur. Veselje in navdušenje udeležencev je bilo izredno in mnogi si bodo to praznovanje dobro zapomnili. Člani ansambla Vižarji so gostje pri 144 | VESTNIK 2017 gospodu Tonyju Ferku. Med tednom so si ogledali nekaj znamenitosti Ontarija, se še ustavili na »torkovem večeru« v prostorih društva, kjer tudi ni manjako petja in glasbe vse do polnoči. Svoje gostovanje so nadaljevali v soboto na Browns Line in v nedeljo pa bodo pri društvu Lipa park v St. Catharinesu - društvo prav s tem banketom začenja praznovanje 50 letnice društva. VESTNIK 2017 j 145 Ansambel VIŽARJI so razveseljeval tudi na »torkovem večerju« v prostorih društva sv. Jožefa. Ura je že odbila polnoč, preden so se zadnji odpravili domov. Veselo vzdružje, prijetna družba, lepo razpoloženje. Hvala vsem za obisk. Slovensko kulturno društvo Sava je pripravilo Spomladanski banket v soboto, 18. marca 2017, v društveni dvorani v Breslavu. Zelo dobra udeležba je bila tudi zaradi nastopa slovenskega ansambla VIŽARJI. Navzoče, še posebej pa goste, je pozdravil predsednik društva g. Walter Jurman. Nekaj pozdravnih besed je spregovoril tudi predsednik VSKO g. Milan Vinčec. Predsednik se je zahvalil tudi osebju v kuhinji in z njimi so se tudi poslikali. Dobra večerja, prijetno druženje ob poskočnih zvokih ansambla Vižarji je razpoložilo vse navzoče, tako, da so se zadržali tja čez polnoč in potem prepevali tudi skupaj z ansamblom, ki se je pomešal med mize. 146 | VESTNIK 2017 VESTNIK 2017 j 147 Discover your unique pattern of fertility and infertility. Take the guesswork out of preventing pregnancy or achieving pregnancy by learning how to identify your natural signals of fertility and infertility. Natural Family Planning (NFP) helps couple become aware of their own fertility and helps them to understand how the body's natural processes can be used to plan children. Join us on Saturday, April 22nd from 9:30 am -12:30pm at the Chancery Office at 700 King St. West in Hamilton and learn more about what is effective and what is not when it comes to NFP. Learn more about the scientific data that supports NFP as a viable method of family planning, how it can help you with irregular cycles and also help you to achieve pregnancy when that time comes. This session is meant to inform you about NFP and is not a teaching of a specific method, although information on where to get couple-to-couple instruction will be provided. Rose Heron, our presenter, is the Program Director for the Natural Family Planning Association in Toronto. No charge to attend; couples, individuals, parents and adolescent daughters are all welcome. Please let us know if you are coming at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or register on line at http://hamiltondiocese.com/ offices/family-ministry/natural-family-planning/. 148 | VESTNIK 2017 V soboto, 25. marca 2017, je zakrament svetega krsta prejel MAKSIM OLIVER ZADLO. Oče dečka je Patrick Paul Zadlo, mati pa Krasna, rojena Baotič. Iskrene čestitke ob krstu prvega otroka, da mu bosta dober zgled. Naj ju spremlja božji blagoslov in varstvo nebeške Matere Marije. V soboto nam je pri pevskih vajah otrok Slovenske šole priskočil na pomoč Domen Jevšenak, iz ansambla Vižarji, s svojo harmoniko in tako popestril naše petje. 52 Neilson Drive, Toronto ON M9C IV7 Danes dopoldne so imeli člani Kanadskega slovenskega zgodovinskega društva svoje srečanje v spodnjih prostorih našega župnišča. Kot vidite is slike, je bila zelo lepa udeležba. V četrtek, 23. marca, so v popoldanskem času člani ansambla Vižarji obiskali St. Jacobs Farmers' Market pri Kitchenerju, si ogledali pridobivanje javorjevega sirupa, se zaustavili na večerji pri društvu Sava - kjer so imeli tako imenovani »PUB« večer, nazaj grede pa so se zadržali še pri mešanemu pevskemu zboru. Ravno smo končali pevske vaje, potem pa smo jih še nekaj zapeli skupaj ob zvokih harmonike in se poveselili v družbi mladih muzikantov Vižarji. V soboto, 25. marca 2017, sta zakrament svetega krsta prejela ALEX MINHOO MANZONE in MATTHEW KANGHO MANZONE. Staršema, Alessandru Manzone in Aniti, rojeni Vlašič, iskrene čestitke ob tako pomembnem družinskem praznovanju. Naj družino spremlja božji blagoslov in varstvo božje Matere Marije. VESTNIK 2017 j 149 St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Parish Občni Zbor - February 21st, 2016 3:00p.m. Draft minutes Council members present: Father Drago Gačnik, Milan Ferletič, Tony Horvat, Sonya Podrebarac, Elka Peršin, Heidy Novak, Sidonia Poppa, Pamela Gosgnach. Absent with regrets: J. Ponikvar, K. Ferko 49 parishioners in attendance - including council members. Welcome: The meeting opened at 3:00p.m. Heidy welcomed everyone and reminded those present of the contributions made to the success of the parish by former priests and parishioners. A moment of silence was observed in their honour. Father Drago led the opening prayer. Acceptance of the proposed agenda: Proposed by Sonya Podrebarac, seconded by Vera Gonza. All in favour. Approval of minutes of April 12th, 2015 Občni Zbor: Proposed by Jožica Vegelj, seconded by Tone Franc. All in favour. Committee Reports: a) Liturgični odsek: Sonya Podrebarac outlined the composition and purpose of the committee, and made reference to all the special liturgical celebrations throughout the year. On special Sundays/Feast Days we continued the tradition of having only one, bilingual Mass. A new initiative for 2015 was asking families to bring up the gifts for the offertory during both the English and Slovenian Masses throughout the year. Parish statistics for the year included: Christenings 7, First Holy Communion recipients 6 (5 boys, 1 girl), Weddings 1, Deaths 10. b) Slomškovo oltarno društvo: 36 members. Jožica Vegelj presented the report on behalf of the society. She noted that, together with the Catholic Women's League, church cleaning is main- 150 | VESTNIK 2017 tained. Care of the church linens also continues to be an important part of the society's work. Funds raised by selling baked goods and by member donations were used to cover the cost of a new banner for the church and to provide an honorarium to Father Danilo Lisjak for his summer work in the parish during Father Drago's visit to Slovenia. Jožica thanked Olga Glavač for decorating the church so beautifully and for keeping decorating expenses to a minimum. In conclusion, she invited any parishioners with a little time to spare to volunteer and take part in this important work. c.) CWL - Katoliška ženska zveza: Membership in 2015 - 99. Sidonia Poppa reported on the many activities undertaken by members of the CWL: organizing the annual bazaar, Our Lady of Good Council Mass, presentations to First Communion candidates, the annual summer social, the child sponsorship programme, the Mass of Remembrance for deceased members, the annual Christmas food drive, the Christmas social event and visiting of ill and aged members as well as the popular cooking class initiative. Financial information included: a $9,011.24 donation St. Gregory's. These funds came from parishioner support of the bazaar and the votive candle collections. Sidonia outlined the agencies who received donations from the CWL in 2015: Catholic Northern Missions, Canadian Food for Children, Slovenian Summer Camp, Chalice Child Sponsorship, Bishop Baraga Association, Seminarian's needs and the Good Sheppard Centre. She concluded the report by thanking Father Drago for his support and encouragement of the CWL d) Catholic Girl's Club: Report submitted by Leah Škerl/ read by Heidy Novak. Despite some organizational challenges in 2015, the Catholic Girls Club remains active. The girls assisted at the annual bazaar by organizing the Chil- dren's Centre. They also held a successful Spaghetti Supper, funds from which went to support the CITYKIDZ programme. The girls thanked all parishioners for their continued support and encouragement. e) Kulturno Društvo: - Slovenska šola: 36 students registered. Sandy Allen outlined the goals of the school, currently staffed by Mateja Mihelcic (kindergarten to level 2) Lori Mramor (levels 3,4 and 5) and Sandy Allen (levels 6,7 and 8) with Kristina Kure Hočevar teaching catechism and preparing the children to receive First Communion and Confirmation. Father Drago is responsible for teaching singing and for celebrating Mass with the students on the last Saturday of each month. 1 student graduated in 2015 -Isabel Marinčič. Students from the school participated in traditional 3rd. Annual Fish Fry, Mother's Day, Miklavž and related Christmas events. Sandy also noted that the teachers are currently working to update the curriculum and adjust it to the needs of the students. Fundraising activities were planned to subsidize the cost of a trip to Slovenia in the summer of 2016 but due to currency fluctuations this excursion has been postponed. She concluded by thanking the parents for bringing their children to Slovenian School and for fostering a love of their Slovenian heritage. - Pevski zbori - Choirs: Frank Novak spoke about the involvement of the four parish choirs: the mixed choir (16 members), Majolka (8 members), the Parish English choir (6 members) and the Slovenian School choir (30members). Father Drago Gačnik , John Horvat, Karel Vegelj and Ivan Mertuk are responsible for coordinating and training the singing groups and for providing organ and guitar accompaniment. He noted that singing enhances the experience of the Mass on special occasions. Frank made mention of the 50th anniversary of Majolka and the addition of special musicians to accompany the choir at the Christmas celebrations. - Plesna skupina: David Antolin stated that the Soča group remained inactive in 2015. Venec is now in its 5th season and meets monthly to practice. Their main focus in 20 was the preparation of new costumes - replicating everyday clothing and in particular work clothing from the beginning of the 20th century and choreography representative of the sub-region of Zgornja Savinjska Dolina. The group performed at Slovenski Dan in 2015 - held at Slovenski Park. The group meets monthly to practice and is actively seeking live musical accompaniment. The constraints of family life can interfere with maintaining a Slovenian cultural identity but David encouraged all dance group members to persevere and to value their connection to the Slovenian community. In conclusion, he thanked Mrs. Francka Cestnik for her donation of a complete "Narodna noša." This heritage item will be treasured. He also thanked Mrs. Jožica Vegelj for a donation of costuming materials. f) Summer Day Camp: Heidy Novak reported that Slovenian Summer Day camp celebrated 15 years in 2015 with 52 children participating in the camp. The daily programme included a short religious celebration followed by crafts and sporting activities. Special events such as the magician, the "bouncy castle," home made pizza, water play and the cotton candy machine were highlights for the children. Many volunteers helped to make the week a great success. The camp concluded with the annual parent- camper soccer game and barbecue, attended by campers, family members and parishioners. Heidy thanked Father Drago for his involvement and the parishioners for their support. She also noted financial contributions from, the parish council, the Catholic Women's League, the St. Joseph's Society the Slovenian Credit Union, Milan Ferletič and many other parishioners. She concluded by encouraging VESTNIK 2017 j 151 parishioners to enroll children/grandchildren for the 2016 session. g) St. Joseph's Society: Report prepared by Jerry Ponikvar and read by Heidy Novak. 112 paid members. Jerry noted that the Board of Directors met regularly with Active Management to discuss issues related to Villa Slovenia. Several members of the Slovenian community have taken up residence in the villa as units become available. The report outlined weekly and annual social events arranged for members including, bingo, the bocce league and social evenings. One excursion was planned- to Breslau for the Oktoberfest event. A Christmas party was held for Villa residents on Dec 16th and for society members on December 13th, where Branko Pouh entertained guests. Jerry reported that financial contributions were made to: visiting priests from Slovenia, St. Gregory's Summer Day Camp, Canadian - Slovenian Scholarship Foundation and the Venerable Bishop Baraga Foundation. Masses were requested for 1 deceased member: Stefan Gonza. h) Canadian Slovenian Scholarship Foundation: Report prepared by Karl Ferko-read by Heidy Novak. Karl reported that this year, the foundation will celebrate its 20th Anniversary Awards Banquet, to be held at St. Gregory's on Sunday October 23rd. 2016. He noted that application forms and information would be available at the back of the church early in June. Information is also available from Karl Ferko, Rosemary Pavlič and Irene Glavač Petrič. Karl thanked the more than 200 people who attended the Sunday afternoon event in 2015 and noted that this support is what keeps the foundation in the business of financially supporting students. The 2016 Annual Golf Tournament will be held at Rockway Glen Estate Winery and Golf Course at a cost of $135.00 per person. Information will be placed at the back of the church. Contacts for this 152 | VESTNIK 2017 event are Karl Ferko and Andy Habjan. In conclusion, he encouraged parishioners to consider joining this worthwhile committee. Gospodarsko poročilo: Mirko Zorko Mirko provided a detailed report of all regular monthly, quarterly and annual maintenance tasks. He noted that replacing the air conditioning units for the hall was a major project/expense for 2015. Replacement of the sump pump and related controls in the school area was also necessary. Several electrical repairs and upgrades were also completed. Repairs to furniture and kitchen equipment were made as necessary. Finančno poročilo: Prepared by Theresa Farbotko and read by Sonya Podrebarac. Sonya provided complete details of all income and expenses for both church and hall. CHURCH - 2015 Total income for church .... Total expenses for church .. Net income................. Bank balance 31/12/2015 .. Balance of loan 31/12/2015 Building fund 31/12/2015 . HALL 2015 Total income............................$82,911.73 Total expenses...........................$78,340.98 Net income...............................$4,570.00 Bank balance/SCU.......................$49,208.06 This year, a financial statement was also provided for each of the annual events. Net profits were itemized as follows: New Year - 2014: ($454.11), 2015: $7,562.16 Pustovanje - 2015: $527.83, 2016: $1050.37 Spring banquet - 2015: $5826.54 Fall banquet - 2015: $7,827.96 Martinovanje - 2015: $839.16 $253,847.25 .$167,470.42 ...$86,376.83 ..$233,191.61 .$103,294.02 ...$61,221.36 Proceeds from the New Year event 2015 were split with Club Bled, the co organizer as follows: St. Gregory's $4,537.30 (60%) Club Bled $3,024.86 (40%) Sonya explained that the hall income included Pustovanje and Martinovanje profits as well as income from rentals. Donations given at the Spring and Fall Banquets were included in the church income amount. She congratulated Tony and Heidy for renegotiating the C.A.A. contract for a further 5 years. She also noted that the sale of a strip of land on Centennial Parkway to the City of Hamilton for road widening purposes brought in $16,002.60. Thanks were given to Father Drago for taking advantage of sales when purchasing religious supplies. Župnijski pastoralni svet: Heidy Novak/ Father Drago Gačnik Father Drago reported that after 30 years, the flat roof on the church and rectory would need to be replaced in 2016. He stressed that maintenance is needed to keep everything running smoothly. Heidy reported that the Slovenian cultural and religious events were thriving. KRATKA PAVZA-10 minutes Open discussion regarding the reports: Heidy invited discussion about the reports. No comments/questions were asked. New Business: New Year's Eve format 2016/17: Heidy reported that the 2015/2016 New Year's Eve co-hosted event was a success for both parties. Event responsibilities and profits were shared -with 60% to St. Gregory's and 40% to Club Bled. Milan Ferletič asked if this profit sharing arrangement would continue for the 2016/17 event. Heidy noted that it had not yet been discussed but that it would be considered. Volunteers: Heidy spoke about the ongoing and urgent need to attract volunteers to assist with parish functions and activities. The sign up chart and phone calls made to parishioners resulted in some new volunteers. She urged people to come forward and not wait until they are called. Fundraising: Heidy referred to extra fund raising that would be needed to finance the replacement of the flat roof in 2016. Parish council members and parishioners brought several suggestions forward. To host a "stag" style event with music, games, raffles and a buffet. A dinner dance with the band/kitchen donating their services. A talent show. A fashion show. Parishioners were asked to think what price people would be prepared to pay to support any of these events. One suggestion was to set the price at $50.00 with a separate donation box for people who wished to make a larger donation. Parishioners present at the meeting indicated by a show of hands that they would support a major fund raising effort to pay for the badly needed new flat roof. All of these ideas will be considered at future council meetings. At the conclusion of the discussion, Frank Novak commended council members for their hard work, and noted the resulting improved attendance at events. Parish History Book: Heidy reported that the book written by Father Bogdan is now ready for publication. No pricing information is currently available for this soft or hard cover book. Sign up sheets will be available in the church vestibule as we need to have an idea of approximately how many copies to order. Father Drago noted that it would be possible to arrange for copies to be sent directly to relatives and friends in Europe. VESTNIK 2017 j 153 Parish clean up: March 7th 10 council members/ volunteers will undertake a major clean up of all storage areas. On March 10th the lower hall will be open for parishioners to come and collect any personal items. Unclaimed items will be donated to appropriate local agencies. This will be announced in the Vestnik. Nomination of new council members: Heidy asked for nominations. Nominee Nominated by Ivan Krušič Vera Gonza Declined MaryAnn Demšar Sidonia Poppa Accepted Joe Pust Drago Gačnik Accepted Both members who accepted the nomination were acclaimed to the council. Following the acclamation of new council members, Heidy raised the issue of attracting more parishioners to Občni Zbor. Marija Štefanec suggested having only one Mass at 10:00 am and holding the meeting immediately after Mass. Committee/ society reports and the financial summary could be circulated in advance to give members the opportunity to review the information prior to the start of the meeting. The previous minutes would be published one week in advance, in the Vestnik. This would save meeting time. Lunch refreshments could be served at the conclusion of the meeting. This was a popular suggestion with members who were in attendance and will be discussed by parish council members. Heidy concluded this section of the meeting by congratulating council members for their dedication and commitment to St. Gregory's. Pastor's Address: Father thanked Heidy for her good ideas and hard work as president. He explained that the parish council was vital to the success of St. Gregory's. The parish would not function as well without their hard work and help in main- 154 | VESTNIK 2017 taining the physical space. By completing many small repairs and renovations, larger expenses are often avoided. He said that each year, council tries to budget for one major improvement; in 2016, it would be the replacement of the 30-years old flat roof on the church and rectory. Father Drago also stressed the importance of parish spiritual events. He said that all of the volunteers needed to prepare for one Sunday Mass would generate a long list of names. He thanked all those people who volunteer for this important work and reminded everyone that care for spiritual and physical needs of the parish are both necessary components of St. Gregory's. Father Drago also provided some information about the parish history book, saying that it would be approximately 240-250 pages in length. He noted that several things still have to be decided before publication but that parishioners will be kept informed. Meeting Adjournment: 5:15pm. Father Drago concluded the meeting with a prayer. Refreshments and light snack provided and prepared by Jožica Vegelj, Nancy Dundek, Gizela Hauzar, Dragica Ferenčak. Minutes submitted by Pamela Gosgnach Diocese of Hamilton 2017 Youth Rally Registration is now OPEN! Youth in grades 7 to 12 are invited to participate in the Youth Rally taking place at C.Y.O. Camp Brebeuf, Rockwood, on Saturday June 3rd, 2017. The day will focus on our theme "All are Welcome". The day will consist of a keynote address, workshops, Celebration of the Eucharist, fellowship and fun! Registration is $20.00 per person. Please visit http://hamiltondiocese.com/ youthrally/ for more details. Individual and group registration will close May 1st, 2017, so register soon! Your Parish Council invites you to attend the Annual General Meeting next Sunday, April 2nd, 2017. Our format will change this year - we will have one mass at 10am; after mass we invite all parishioners to join us for light refreshments (coffee, tea etc...) before the start of our meeting. After our meeting, we will provide everyone in attendance with a complimentary light lunch so that you can all still enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon and evening. We encourage all parishioners to attend this meeting and participate in conversations pertaining to our future. Our Parish is continuously evolving. Father Drago Gacnik requires assistance in guiding and managing the spiritual, cultural and social life of parish members, and his main support comes from the Parish Council. This volunteer committee is critical to the continued success and health of our parish. Every parish member should have the opportunity to serve on this committee at least once in their life. As you know, we are making some much-needed changes to ensure we are encompassing the needs and desires of all our mem- Sunday april 2, 2017 One Mass Time: 10:00am FOLLOWED BY: Občni Zbor Time: 11:15am Starting with light refreshments Following the Annual General Meeting A complimentary Light Lunch will be provided bers. To be successful, we need fresh ideas and hope that there are parishioners interested in considering becoming a Parish Council member. We currently have six returning parish council members with a lot of experience and are happy to help new members feel comfortable as they join the parish council. If you are interested and willing to come on board, please contact Heidy Novak to discuss any questions you may have - email: novakh@sympatico.ca cell: 905317-6002. VESTNIK 2017 j 155 4th Sunday of Lent Response: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want! First Reading 1 Samuel 16:1. 6-7. 10-13 Many of Jesse's sons would have looked the part of king to succeed the disgraced Saul. Yet David, the youngest and almost forgotten, is anointed by Samuel as God's choice of king. Second Reading Ephesians 5:8-14 A people once in darkness are now light in the Lord. As such, we are called to live as children of the light, shunning sin and darkness. Gospel John 9:1-41 Jesus cures a man born blind, but in the discourse that follows, it becomes apparent that those with physical sight can still be in total darkness in terms of awareness of God. "Blind? If you were, you would not be guilty, but since you say, "We see', your guilt remains. " Illustration People with sight can only partially understand the issues faced by those who are blind. Even modern aids for those with little or no visual capacity are of limited assistance, and people with impaired sight may only see a fraction of the world familiar to those with sight. There's an old Indian tale that illustrates the way ancient people imagined the difficulties. It tells of four blind men who encountered a large object blocking their path on a road. They were told this was an elephant and they tried to describe to each other what they thought an elephant was. The first man put out his hands and felt a tusk. He concluded that the elephant was a spear-like weapon. A second man stood near the elephant's ear, which was flapping and causing a breeze. He disagreed with the first and said the elephant was a large fan. The third grabbed the elephant's trunk, just as the elephant was emitting water from it. He concluded that the elephant was a large hose. And the fourth wrapped his arms around one of the elephant's huge legs, and was convinced the elephant was a kind of tree. Biblical writers frequently turned to blindness and darkness as metaphors for the ability or otherwise of people to grasp God's ways. Those who reject God are described as walking in darkness; those who follow God's ways walk in the light. In a reading that we hear especially at Christmas, the prophet Isaiah says: "The peo- 156 | VESTNIK 2017 ple that walked in darkness has seen a great light." The Gospel of John follows this tradition in the story that we have just heard. Gospel Teaching In the ancient Jewish world, blindness was not just a physical ailment. In popular thought it carried a terrible stigma. This arose from a false interpretation of the Law of Moses, which stated that people who were blind or lame could not fight in the army of God's people. There was good reason for this: soldiers who cannot move fast or see the enemy are not going to be much help to their comrades. However, an extreme interpretation of the rule concluded wrongly that anyone who could not fight in God's army could never enter God's kingdom. The next step was to class them as sinners, and that in turn led to them being refused work and reduced to begging. This view was never officially endorsed, but its popular acceptance is seen when Jesus' disciples ask him a question: was this man born blind because of a sin he committed before he was born - or was it because of his parents' sins? Jesus emphatically denies that the man's blindness was caused by anyone's sin: on the contrary, this man will make God's works visible. This passage is long and complicated, but we hear of a formerly blind man - notice how briefly the miracle itself is described: over and done with in a couple of sentences - who becomes increasingly full of life and who very soon teaches the Pharisees the ways of God. They meanwhile regress further and further into spiritual darkness. They become more and more obsessed about how a sinner could possibly open the eyes of a man born blind (they can't see past Jesus' breaking the law by healing on the sabbath, and dismiss him as a sinner). They persist in questioning the man, so he repeats the story, and even asks them if they want to become Jesus' disciples. They furiously insist that they are disciples of Moses. As the man moves towards Jesus, the light of the world, the Pharisees move further away, into deeper darkness. Application There is a third aspect to this light/ darkness scenario, exemplified by the parents of the blind man. They try to remain noncommittal. They're asked if this is their son, if he was born blind and, if so, how he can now see. They reply "yes" to the first two questions, but refuse to comment on his new sight. "He is old enough: let him speak for himself," they say, because they fear being expelled from the synagogue if they are perceived to be followers of Jesus. In the Gospels people either accept Jesus as the light, or they reject him, remaining in darkness. There is no middle road. Later, Jesus will insist that there is only one sign for those who claim to be his disciples, who follow his light: they love one another in the same way that he has loved us. VESTNIK 2017 j 157 Obvestila - Announcements pevske vaje Naslednje pevske vaje za mešani zbor bodo v četrtek, 30. marca po večerni maši. Zbor bo pel na cvetno nedeljo, 9. aprila, pri 9:15 a.m. maši. dogodki v bližnji prihodnosti - 26. marec: Lipa park - 1:00 p.m. kosilo in koncert ansambla VIŽARJI iz Slovenije - 2. april: Sv. Gregorij Veliki - Občni zbor: 11:15 a.m. - 9. april: Sv. Gregorij Veliki - Cvetna nedelja - Slovenska maša ob 9:15 a.m. - blagoslov zelenja - 14. april: Slovenska šola - Veliki petek - Good Friday: FISH FRY (4:30 p.m) - 23. april: Sv. Gregorij Veliki - Spomladanski banket - maša ob 10:00 a.m. - po kosilu: veseloigra (dramska skupina iz Slovenije - Celja) - 14. maj: Slovenska šola - maša ob 10:00 a.m. - po maši: Materinski dan - Mother's Day - 28. maj: Sv. Gregorij Veliki - Prvo sveto obhajilo - First Communion - maša ob 10:00 a.m. gift bearers - darove prinašata ♦ 26. marec, 9:30 a.m.: Terezija Sarjaš & Milena Volčanšek ♦ 2. april, 9:30 a.m.: Toni in Marija Franc ♦ 9. april, 9:15 a.m.: Zorka Rev in Sonja Peternel generalno čiščenje cerkve_ Hvala vsem prostvoljcem, ki redno med letom čistijo cerkev. Cenimo vaše delo. V soboto, 9. aprila, začenši ob 9:00h, bomo imeli generalno čiščenje. Potrebovali bomo enega ali dva, ki se lahko povzpneta na lestev in sta sposobna dvigniti težje stvari. Še posebej se bomo omejili na čiščenje oken pod stropom, čiščenjem obeh vhodov itd. Ni 158 | VESTNIK 2017 potrebno, da ste del skupin, ki čistijo, kdorkoli je dobrodošel. Prosimo, da pokličete Pamelo na telefon: 905-304-8719. večna luč_ V mesecu aprilu bo večna luč gorela za pokojno Vero Fridrih, Toneta Žižek in Jožeta Žižek, po namenu Štefana Godine z družino. donations_ Dar za cerkev so namenili: $100 - Sonja in Ivan Lukšič. Za gradbeni sklad so darovali: $100 - Romarji za Marmoro, $200 - John Babič, $500 za misijone daruje N.N. Hvala za vse vaše darove. občni zbor - general meeting_ Letošnji Občni zbor bo v nedeljo, 2. aprila ob 11:15 popoldne. Zbrali se bomo, kot navadno, v zgornji dvorani. V tej številki Vestnika si lahko preberete zapisnik od lanskoletnega občnega zbora. Maša bo ta dan samo ob 10:00 dopoldne. Vabljeni, da se nam pridružite. annual mass with new catholics Each year, the bishop invites those who are baptized or received into the full communion of the Catholic Church to a celebration of the Eucharist at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. This year's celebration takes place on Saturday April 22 during the 5:00 p.m. mass. All are invited to participate in this special liturgy as a sign of welcome to the newest members of Christ's Body in the Diocese of Hamilton. Dementia Understood Canadian statistics (2015) indicate that 564,000 people are currently living with dementia and within 15 years this number is projected to increase to 937,000. This represents 1.1 million Canadians affected directly or indirectly by the disease. Join us for a workshop that aims to demystify dementia by clarifying the causes and manifestations of the disease. The presentation will also support care givers by offering practical tips for working with the person who has dementia. This workshop is well suited for both professionals and any individual who works with or has family members with dementia. Join us on Thursday, April 20th from 7-9:30 PM at the Diocesan Chancery Office, 700 King St. West, Hamilton. For more information, or to register (walk-ins that evening are welcome) contact the Family Ministry Office at 905-528-7988 ext. 2249, or look on our website at www.hamiltondiocese.com. The event is free and all are welcome, so bring a neighbor or friend. MOYA FINANCIAL - GENERAL MEETING ¿/FINANCIAL Moya Financial invites members to attend 1st Annual General Meeting on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 4:00 PM at Parish Hall, 739 Brown's Line. Registration begins at 3:00 PM. At the meeting, members will receive reports and information respecting the financial position of Moya Financial and the results of its operations. Moya financial vabi člane na 1. redni občni zbor, ki bo v nedeljo, 26. marca ob 4h popoldne v župnijski dvorani na Brown's Line. Na zboru bodo člani prejeli finančno poročilo preteklega leta in informacije o poslovanju. Člani Moya Financial vljudno vabljeni! LIPA PARK - JUBILEJNO LETO V nedeljo 26. marca 2017 bo na Lipa parku koncert Ansambla VIŽARJI iz Slovenije v počastitev 50 letnice ustanovitve društva Lipa park. S tem koncertom se prične jubilejno leto praznovanja. Vrata se od pro ob 12:00, ob 1.00 bodo postregli odlično slovensko kosilo, tudi jabolčnega zavitka in krofov ne bo manjkalo. Bar bo dobro založen. Po kosilu bo koncert ansambla VIŽARJI iz Slovenije, nato pa družabno popoldne. Vsi ste prav lepo vabljeni! Lipa Park 50th Anniversary July 1967 July 2017 ^eMtatíng July 2 and cAuguét 6\ 2017 svete maše - mass times: Ponedeljek/Monday - Petek/Friday: 7:00 p.m. Sobota/Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - slovenska / in Slovenian 5:30 p.m. - slovenska / in Slovenian - Nedelja/Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - slovenska / in Slovenian - 11:00 a.m. -angleška / in English krsti / baptisms: Po dogovoru, prijava 1 mesec prej. - For an app't, call one month before. poroke / marriage: Prijava eno leto prej. / For an app't, call one year before the wedding date. spoved / confessions: Vsak prvi petek ob 6:00 p.m. / First Friday of the month 6-7:00 p.m. (or by appointment) bolniki - Sporočite, če je kdo bolan ali v bolnišnici, da ga obiščemo. You are welcome to call for a personal conversation (person counselling) with your priest -please call during business hours for an appointment. Tel: 905-561-5971. VESTNIK 2017 j 159 Od 26. 3. 2017 Do 2. 4. 2017 svete maše - masses Za žive in rajne župljane 9:30 a.m. 4. Postna nedelja f Martin Glavač, obl. Žena Marija Glavač in sin z 26. Marec družino Larisa, mučenka f Frank Brajer 11:00 a.m. Margaret Žagar f Pavel Novak Jakob in Lucija Truden Ponedeljek-Monday ff Angela in Nikola Bukovac 7:00 p.m. Hčerka Marica Majzelj z dru. 27. Marec ff Irma in Štefan Gerič Jože Ftičar Rupert, škof f Vili Kornhauzer Gizela Hauzar Torek - Tuesday 28. Marec ff Marija in Tomaž Grebene 8:00 a.m. Lojze in Peter Grebene Bojan, knez Sreda - Wednesday 29. Marec ff Pokojni iz družin Kodrič in Letnik 7:00 p.m. Anica Letnik z družino Bertold, redovnik Četrtek - Thursday 30. Marec f Paul Richard Novak 7:00 p.m. Toni Ferko z družino Amadej, knez Petek - Friday „m™ 31. Marec 'tt 6:30 p'm „ ,.. . , t Lyn Lobo 7:00 p.m. Mama Kornelija, mucenka . , „. . .„.,.„ „ . . Na cast sveti družini Ana Tadic Benjamin, mucenec Sobota - Saturday Za duše v vicah 9:15 a.m. n.n. i april f Rudi Hajdinjak, obl. Dragica in Lojze Ferenčak Irena in Agapa, muc. V zahvalo za 90 let Erne Jelenc 5:30 p.m. Julija Sagadin z družino lomaz, mucenec 5. Postna - tiha Za žive in rajne župljane 10:00 a.m. nedelja ff Pokojni iz družine Vehovec Slava Gomboša 2. April ff Janez in Ivana Ileršič Hči Jožica Novak z družino Frančišek Paolski, redovni ustanovitelj OBČNI ZBOR - GENERAL MEETING 11:15 p.m. ŽUPNIJSKA DVORANA 160 | VESTNIK 2017