St Joseph's Catholic Parish Toronto
“It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb.” – Jn 20.1 THE JESUS ENCOUNTER During the past week, I started watching a new streaming series called The Chosen. The series is billed as the first-ever multi-season show about the life of…
A ROAD MARKED WITH SUFFERING Like many, I watched the three-part ABC documentary, Revelation. And yes, to be honest, it was difficult viewing. It is confronting to hear survivors of child sexual abuse tell their stories. It is challenging to know we belong to a church that has caused, and continues to cause, great suffering…
“This sickness will end not in death but in God’s glory…” – Jn 11.4 This week, there have been many conversations in our community about our pastoral response during this time of the coronavirus. A common theme that seems to come up is that many people see this time as an opportunity for the church…
“As long as the day lasts I must carry out the work of the one who sent me…” – Jn 9.4 We are in unprecedented times. For the foreseeable future, all gatherings on our site (except school) will cease. We are putting a number of plans in place to ensure that we continue as…
“There in their presence he was transfigured…” – Mt 17.2 Lent is a journey of transformation. The Greek word used for the transfiguration is ‘metamorphoō,’ quite literally, to be transformed. Here, Jesus in his humanity, encounters the Father of whom He is eternally ‘beloved’ and experiences a kind of transformation in the Father’s presence. In…
This Sunday is the last Sunday before Lent begins. After Mass, we will gather as a community to mark Project compassion Sunday. This annual Caritas Lenten-time event raises both funds and awareness when we join in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please pick up your Project compassion box. Put your compassion into action…
‘Since all the children share the same blood and flesh, Jesus too shared equally in it…’ – Heb 2.14 It always amazes me that God became one of us. God took on flesh and blood to be with us, to share our story with us, and to accompany us. Just as God desires to walk…
Today, our nation celebrates Australia Day. Also today, our Church celebrates Sunday of the Word of God, a special day newly established by Pope Francis inviting Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation of, love for and faithful witness to God and his Word. Today, we are encouraged once more to give God’s Word,…
‘Do not be afraid…’ – Mt 1.20 This week we have a message from our guest seminarian,Solomon. Faith and trust are very important in our Christian journey. Our journey of faith can be difficult and painful sometimes, but we should not lose hope. The message of Christmas is one of hope, that the Messiah, Our…
‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see?’ – Mt 11.7 At the start of this week, the Church in Australia celebrated the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth. A contingent of youth from our diocese travelled to this event along with our Bishop. In our own community, we celebrated with the youth…