Welcome to the Lourdes Weekly Update! We want to stay connected and keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 situation.
Contents
1. Pastor's Note by Fr John Sullivan, SJ
2. Lourdes TV - Upcoming Broadcasts
3. Other Announcements
1. Pastor's Note by Fr John Sullivan, SJ
This is the second time in my life as a priest that I’ve been at a church that has been closed by government order.  The first time was when I was in Jamaica in 2010.  The Jamaican government ordered the army to control West Kingston to locate and take into custody a gang leader, and declared martial law.  Along with everything else, all churches in Kingston were closed because of security concerns which meant people could not leave their homes.  Two of us remained at the Jesuit church which was in the middle of the fighting between the army and the gangs.  In many ways. I found that experience much easier than the experience we’re all now going through.  Then, there was clarity – the Christian action was to remain faithful, to remain present within the violence.  This also made me feel courageous, like a hero.  But now the feeling is different...
2. Lourdes TV - Upcoming Broadcasts
Thank you to all of you who have joined the online broadcasts of last Sunday's Mass and the Way of the Cross on Friday evening! In this difficult time, it has been so touching to see everyone gathering virtually as a community.
We invite you to join us again this Sunday, March 29, 2020 for Sunday Mass online at 11:30am. The Presider and Homilist is Fr. John Sullivan, SJ.
Watch Mass from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Online this Sunday at 11:30am
 
Ways to watch
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LourdesToronto
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
A recording of the Mass will be uploaded as well
3. Other Announcements
  • The Connect & Care Ministry is off to a great start. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have generously come forward.
  • Regarding announced Masses - the Jesuit Fathers will be saying all of the Masses privately during the week. To view the list of Mass Intentions for the week of March 30 to April 4, click here.
  • Visit our online prayer page at www.lourdes.to/prayer to submit a prayer request or find links to resources on how you can pray during this COVID-19 crisis.
  • Confessions are available at the Rectory (41 Earl St) by appointment - please call the parish office at 416-924-6257 or email info@lourdes.to. With the Church Closure (it likely goes without saying) that the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament we had announced in last week's update will no longer take place.
  • Communications: We are doing our best to keep everyone up to date during this extraordinary time. Visit the website. Share this email with your friends and encourage them to join Flocknote, the Parish's email and text messaging system. If you haven't already, please consider following or liking Our Lady of Lourdes on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for reading this week's Weekly Update! 
 
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy week.