Latest News and Events

From the Desk of

the Rector

    I'm very happy to welcome Vianca Kmet who has joined our parish staff as Receptionist/Secretary. She is already fitting in - given the various demands and responsibility of a downtown parish. Be sure to welcome her when you call or drop in. She is happy to be of service and we look forward to her presence among us for a long time. Thanks for joining us, Vianca.

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   Last Saturday evening a sold-out crowd attended Night Before the Oscars. It was a very enjoyable event with dinner, dancing, trivia quizzes, Oscar award ballots and a wonderful display of parish spirit with lots of energy, socializing and community building. Thank you to Jane Jeffery and Julie Sans for taking the lead along with the members of the Catholic Women's League, Knights of Columbus and many parish volunteers. 

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    You will have noticed scaffolding around the exterior sacristy door area up to the copper roof on top of the St. Joseph Altar. As well, there is scaffolding inside leading to the access hatch of the attic. This will probably remain in place for 2-4 months in order to find and repair the cause of water leaks that are occurring.

   On Monday, Ontario celebrates Family Day. Families have always been called the "domestic church". It is in families we learn of and practice faith together. Parents nourish children and children nourish parents. The first awareness of God's love comes through loving parents who accept the responsibility of being the first teachers of their sons and daughters in the ways of faith. I hope you are able to enjoy some quality family time on the weekend and most days. Since it is a holiday, Mass will be celebrated on Monday in the Cathedral at 10 a.m.

   We are in the midst of Black History Month. Bishop Edward Braxton, Bishop of Belleville, Illinois  commented on a poem upon which he reflected. Although he is from the United States, the words can cause us to evaluate our own thoughts on different matters. He said: “As I made my way out of the Museum of African-American History and Culture, I turned over in my heart the words of the brilliant Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes that adorn the wall of the museum – 'I, too, sing America.  I am the darker brother. When company comes, they send me to eat in the kitchen. But I laugh and eat well and grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table when company comes. Nobody will dare say to me “Eat in the kitchen“. Then, besides, they’ll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed – I, too, am America'“

   In this week's Gospel continues to place before us our responsibilities as his followers. Some are more challenging than others and we are aware of our limitations. However, that's when we ask for help and we are given the gift of God's Spirit to assist us.  What teaching(s) of Jesus do I find hardest to follow these days? What role does prayer play in my efforts?

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