Examination of Conscience

A reading from the book of the prophet, Isaiah (35:1-4, 10)
1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God
3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The word of the Lord

EXAMINATION OF CHRISTIAN LIVING DURING ADVENT

(This examination of conscience is based on Isaiah 35:1-4, 10, and was used at our recent Advent Service of Reconciliation.)

Isaiah says:/ “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;/ like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing…”///
Here, the prophet speaks of a time when what is shriveled and bleak and barren will be brought to life. He speaks of a better time, a time that will be brought about by the power and love of Christ, the coming Messiah/… Am I a hopeful person? Do I believe that the world can be made better? Do I try to improve my part of the world; my home and family, my community?//
Isaiah’s image of a desert blooming also makes us think of the wonders of God’s creation/…Do I appreciate that creation? Do I respect the environment? Do I value and practice good stewardship of our resources? Do I think about what we are leaving to the next generation?

Lord, come and save us.

Isaiah says:/ “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees”///… Here, the prophet speaks words of encouragement/…Do I encourage other people? Do I accept encouragement from others? Do I build people up? Am I concerned about the needs of others? Do I show concern by my actions for those who are in difficulty? Do I act fairly and justly toward others? Do I seek justice for others? Am I a good neighbour, a loving husband or wife, a responsible parent, a dedicated priest or sister?//
Isaiah’s words about “hands” and “knees” remind us of the marvel of the human body/…Do I care for my own body, getting proper exercise, eating carefully? Do I admit to and deal with my addictions? Do I respect the bodies of others? Do I seek to develop a healthy sexuality, built on the principles of the gospel?

Lord, come and save us

Isaiah says:/ “Say to those of a fearful heart, Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God…He will come and save you”//…

Here, Isaiah speaks of moving away from fear toward the peace that comes from courage/…Do I act toward others in such a way that I help them to be brave? Do I avoid any behaviour that would bully or frighten or threaten another person? How do I use power in my life? Do I face my own fears?…
Isaiah also speaks of God as Saviour/…How often do I think of God? Do I pray? Do I worship regularly in Church with my community? Do I support the work of my parish? Do I take who I am as a Christian seriously? Does the gospel of Jesus influence my attitudes and decisions? Do I know God loves me? What is the main focus of my preparation for Christmas?

Lord, come and save us.

Isaiah says: / “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away”//…
The prophet is reassuring us of God’s forgiveness, that sinners…you and I… are taken back and given another chance, a new life/…Do I forgive others? Do I give others a “second chance”, an opportunity for a better life? How do I handle the desire to “get even”? Do I struggle with hurts from the past?/… The words of Isaiah also remind us of the need to forgive ourselves/…Do I try to let go of my past mistakes? Do I accept forgiveness - from God, from others? Do I look to our celebration of Christ’s birth as a sign of God’s love and mercy for me and for all people?

Lord, come and save us

Tagged | Comments Off on Examination of Conscience

Fr. Kry’s Contact Info

Telephone the Office during office hours or any time stanula67@gmail.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fr. Kry’s Contact Info

Closed

The entrance way to the Adoration Chapel, the Chapel, and Knights of Columbus chambers remains closed for repairs.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Closed

K of C St. Valentine’s Day Pancake Breakfast

K of C Council 824 will be holding a St Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 16th, following the 10 am Mass downstairs in Glastonbury Hall. Admission is $10 Adult, $5 Child up to 12 years of Age, $25 for Family of 4 (pre-school free). All proceeds go to support Knights of Columbus local community and featured charitable programs such as: Special Olympics, Coats for Kids, Island Pregnancy Center and Hope House as well as assisting the vulnerable in our community.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on K of C St. Valentine’s Day Pancake Breakfast

Update from Fr. Keith

As you are well aware, I have been away from parish ministry since early January. As I work with the healthcare system, an ever-evolving reality, the present plan is for me to be off for two to three months.
Beginning this week, Fr. Krzysztof (Krys) Stanula, CSMA will be filling in to provide pastoral ministry.
Welcome Fr. Krys! Thanks to Bishop Joseph, Fr. Doug and the other priests who have helped over the past weeks, and, of course, to the staff and parishioners, who have so reliably been doing what needs to be done. Let us pray for each other. Peace be with you, Fr. Keith.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Update from Fr. Keith

Food Sunday, First Sunday of Each Month

Parishioners who are able to donate nonperishable food items, please bring them to the weekend
masses for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Donations may be left near the angel holy water fonts at the entrance to the church. Thank you!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Food Sunday, First Sunday of Each Month

First Saturday Gathering

Topic: Our Lady of Medjugorje. Everyone is invited after the 4 pm Saturday mass, February 01 in the K of C Room. For further information , please contact Ray or Marilyn Yu 902-628-2397 or email 1950raymundo@eastlink.ca. There will be a light lunch, prating the Holy Rosary, Fellowship and presentation.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on First Saturday Gathering

2025 Envelopes

2025 envelopes are located at the church entrance. If you used envelopes in 2024, there should be a set there with your name on it. If you would like to begin to use envelopes, new sets are available. Please provide the info requested. Your financial support is crucial and greatly appreciated. If you would like to contribute by E-Transfer or Automatic Debit, please contact the Parish Office for details, 902-894-3486 or saintdunstans@gmail.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2025 Envelopes

St. Dunstan’s CWL

The St. Dunstan's Catholic Women’s League will meet on Saturday, January 25th @10am-12noon in the K of C Room. New members or interested in learning more about the CWL welcome. Call 902-218-3003 for more information. Snow date: Feb.1st.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on St. Dunstan’s CWL

Bulletin Advertising

Our parish bulletin cover is soon going to print for this year. If you own a business or know of a credible business that may benefit from this form of advertising, please contact Shani Court, 902-314-5307 or church.bulletin.advertising@gmail.com as soon as possible. We encourage businesses to advertise and parishioners to support the advertisers.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Bulletin Advertising

COR Men’s Ministry

COR (meaning "heart") is the name of our Parish Men's Ministry. On Sunday January 12 at 7:00pm in the K of C Council Chambers (Dorchester St. side of Basilica) our gathering will be focused on the “7 Deadly Sins” & the corresponding “7 Lively Virtues” as presented by Bishop Robert Barron.
All men of the community are most welcome. For more information contact Reg at regmccarvill@gmail.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on COR Men’s Ministry

Holy Hour

Each First Friday following the 9 am Mass. Intentions of the Church—local and universal—our community, our world, and all of your personal needs are remembered. All welcome!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Holy Hour

Saturday 4 PM Mass

As in the past couple of years, will be celebrated in the lower church beginning January 11 and continuing for the cold-weather months. In some ways, it’s not as convenient as in the main church, but it is sufficient for our needs, and seen, by the Property and Finance Committee, to be fiscally and environmentally responsible. Thank you for your consideration.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Saturday 4 PM Mass

Lift

A reminder that the lift is available for any who find the steps difficult. Please use the Dorchester St. door. A number is posted by which you may contact a greeter who will gladly assist you.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lift

Food Sunday

Parishioners who are able to donate non perishable food items for the St Vincent De Paul pantry. Please bring them on weekend masses and place them near angel holy water fonts at entrance of the church. Thank you.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Food Sunday

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina with the Sunday readings will be held on Tuesdays, following the 12:05 Mass--12:50 to 1:45 in the Parish Boardroom. All welcome!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lectio Divina