Contents
1. Pastor's Note from Fr. John Sullivan, SJ
2. Daily 12:10pm Mass & Rosary with Fr. John
3. Lourdes TV - Sunday Mass @ 11:30am
4. Divine Mercy Sunday - Zoom Video-Conference
5. Other Announcements
1. Pastor's Note by Fr. John Sullivan, SJ
We all understand “cause and effect.” If we do some action then we know that some result will happen. For example, if I eat chocolate cake every day, I know that the result will be an even bigger stomach than I already have. This Sunday we are given just such a “cause and effect” passage from John’s Gospel. We hear in the story that it is Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. The disciples were together in a locked room. They were afraid that they too would be arrested and put to death. The Risen Lord, however, then appeared to them. Saint John writes, “Jesus came and stood among them . . . he showed them his hands and his side.” And the Lord said to them “Peace be with you” which he repeated two times. We are also told that Jesus gave to them the Holy Spirit, he “breathed on them.” Here we have the original situation of the disciples – they were locked away, they were hiding and filled with fear. But with the visit of the Risen Lord, their situation dramatically changes. As a consequence of his appearing to them, we hear that in the following week the disciples no longer locked the door nor were they afraid. We see the effect of the Risen Lord upon them. What had changed within the hearts of the disciples?
2. Daily Mass & Rosary with Fr. John
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Daily Mass & Rosary with Fr. John - Mon-Sat @ 12:10pm
Fr. John is hosting a virtual Daily Mass and Rosary at 12:10pm, Monday through Saturday. The Zoom meeting ID is 144 871 650 ( link). For more information on how to connect, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please email info@lourdes.to. Fr. John looks forward to seeing you! |
3) Our Next Sunday Mass Broadcast:
Sunday, April 19 11:30am
Celebrate Mass together virtually with the Parish next week as we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday.
Ways to watch
Recordings will be available afterwards.
4. Divine Mercy Sunday - Adoration & Mass - Zoom Videoconference
Thank you for reading this week's Weekly Update!
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy week.
Contents
1. Easter Message from Fr. John Sullivan, SJ
2. NEW: Daily 12:10pm Mass & Rosary with Fr. John, beginning April 15th
3. Sunday Mass Online Schedule
4. Connect & Care Ministry Update
5. Other Announcements
6. Neighbourhood Outreach Update
1. Easter Message from Fr. John Sullivan, SJ
May the joy of the Risen Lord be yours! May we see and understand as he sees and understands. May his Father really be our Father. Happy Easter to all! This Easter morning seems unique, that “there has never been an Easter like this” before. But perhaps it isn’t as unique as we may first think.
In his Easter homily, Bishop Mark Davies in Great Britain, said:
If Easter rejoicing seems as much out of place as the bright sunshine of Spring at this time of national anxiety, then let us remind ourselves that the hope of Easter itself sprang from the stark reality of human suffering and Christ’s death on the Cross, and that it would be heard first by men and women ‘self-isolated’ in fear.
The power of the Lord’s resurrection has rarely been so clear to us. When the stone was rolled away, when he was raised from the dead, Jesus Christ vanquished the hold of sin and death. The Risen Lord revealed the eternity of love. The love of God the Father can be accepted (to any degree) or rejected. If accepted, our hearts and lives become molded by it. As the Prophet Isaiah wrote, “And yet, Lord, you are our Father; we the clay, you the potter, we are the work of your hand.” At 7:30 every night we hear the banging of pots and pans, a gesture recognizing the selflessness of healthcare workers and those caring for us in a variety of ways. In the unmelodious clanging we hear a beautiful hymn of God’s love. The goodness of human beings, the “work of your hand.” While we may feel anxiety and fear, through the gift of this morning, we also see the power of his resurrection. In our self-isolation, our hearts are being opened to the greater awareness of our need for others, for community, for relationship, for human affection. And in our self-isolation, our hearts are opened even more to the free reception of God’s love. We know what we need and what we want. We want his love to cover us like the dewfall, to live each day knowing we do not go alone, but we live with the one who is Life, who has given us his word. The Risen Lord said to his disciples in Galilee and to us now, “know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”
May the joy of the Risen Lord be yours! May we see and understand as he sees and understands. May his Father really be our Father. Happy Easter to all! Alleluia!
-Fr. John
2. Daily Mass & Rosary with Fr. John
Beginning Wednesday, April 15th, Fr. John will be hosting a virtual Daily Mass, Rosary, and chat - starting at 12:10pm, Monday through Saturday.
How do I join?
We are using an online video-conferencing platform called Zoom. You can connect in two ways:
1) Using your computer/smartphone/tablet, or
2) By telephone (voice only).
Event details
Daily Mass, Rosary and a Chat with Fr. John
Date: Begins Wednesday, April 15th (will be held Monday-Saturday)
Time: 12:10pm (beginning with Daily Mass, followed by Rosary and then a chat)
Options on how to connect
1) By computer, tablet, or smartphone:
Option B: Download the Zoom app (
www.zoom.us) and, when prompted, enter the nine-digit meeting ID 144 871 650
2) By telephone
Step 1: Dial +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588
Step 2: Enter the nine-digit meeting ID 144 871 650
(If you are calling from outside Toronto, or neither of the above numbers work, please visit
https://zoom.us/u/abMKnBpnDO to find your local number)
If you have any questions, please email
info@lourdes.to. Fr. John looks forward to seeing you on the call!
3) Our Next Sunday Mass Broadcast:
Sunday, April 19 11:30am
Celebrate Mass together virtually with the Parish next week as we celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday.
Ways to watch
Recordings will be available afterwards.
4. Update on the Connect & Care Ministry
by Anna Paolo
- Since March 25 we have paired up 86 elderly and/or vulnerable parishioners with 53 volunteer parishioners.
- We had an incredible response from people in the parish wanting to connect and serve in this new ministry.
- We are learning a lot about the needs of people; most are looking for a friendly voice, someone to pray with and perhaps the occasional trip to the grocery store or pharmacy.
- Our volunteers have reported back on wonderful conversations with their sisters and brothers in faith. It has been an enriching experience for many to meet and get to know other members of the parish, albeit remotely.
- Parishioners receiving the calls have been moved by the care of their parish community and tremendously grateful for the friendship and the generosity of spirit.
- The Parish Staff, working remotely, is now in the process of reaching out to every registered parishioner on our listing. They will offer this wonderful new ministry of support to elderly parishioners or those who are self-isolating due to COVID-19
5. Other Announcements
- Announced Masses: The Jesuit Fathers continue to say all of the announced Masses privately during the week. To view the list of Mass Intentions and Recently Deceased for the week of April 13 to April 18, click here. We are still accepting Mass Intentions during this time - if you would like to offer a Mass, please contact info@lourdes.to or leave a voicemail at the Parish Office at 416-924-6257.
6. Neighbourhood Outreach Update
by Bill Hatch, Social Outreach Coordinator
In this time of isolation, we are in conversation with community agencies about ways to creatively collaborate to reach out to those in the neighbourhood.
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, our parish's Food Bank unfortunately was forced to close because the small space makes it impossible for the necessary staff & volunteers to practice safe social distancing from one another.
Nevertheless we are working to think creatively of ways that we can respond to the needs of the neighbourhood - which so far seem to be connection, food security, and health access / information.
We will continue to keep you updated on ways that the Parish is responding in addition to the Connect & Care Ministry. If you are interested in helping, or know someone who needs help - please email
info@lourdes.to
In the meantime, here are some links to resources that you may find helpful for yourself or to those you minister to:
- List of resources for St. James Town and Downtown East: http://www.stjamestown.org/covid
- St James Town Food Security: Click Here
- St James Town Primary Care: Click Here
- City of Toronto Downtown COVID-19 updates from City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (very helpful and comprehensive): Click Here
- Ripples of Kindness: Community Meal at Sacre-Coeur Parish, N/E Corner of Sherbourne and Carlton, 11:30am on Saturdays - they are distributing food packets containing soup and sandwiches.
Thank you for reading this week's Weekly Update!
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy week.
Fr. John is hosting a virtual Daily Mass and Rosary - starting at 12:10pm, Monday through Saturday.
How do I join?
We are using an online video-conferencing platform called Zoom. You can connect in two ways:
1) Using your computer/smartphone/tablet, or
2) By telephone (voice only).
Options on how to connect
1) By computer, tablet, or smartphone:
Option B: Download the Zoom app (
www.zoom.us) and, when prompted, enter the nine-digit meeting ID 144 871 650
2) By telephone
Step 1: Dial +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588
Step 2: Enter the nine-digit meeting ID 144 871 650
(If you are calling from outside Toronto, or neither of the above numbers work, please visit
https://zoom.us/u/abMKnBpnDO to find your local number)
If you have any questions, please email
info@lourdes.to. Fr. John looks forward to seeing you on the call!
Announcements
1. Pastor's Note by Fr. John Sullivan, SJ
2. Holy Week Online on Lourdes TV
We invite you to celebrate Holy Week together with the Parish, online at www.lourdes.to/tv
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Holy Week 2020 Online Streaming Schedule
Palm Sunday: Sunday, April 5th
11:30am
Holy Thursday: Thursday, April 9th
7:30pm
Good Friday: Friday, April 10th
3pm
(The final Way of the Cross will be streamed at 9:30am)
Easter Vigil: Saturday, April 11th
8pm
Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 12th
Multiple Streams at 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 5pm, and 7pm
Ways to watch
Recordings will be available afterwards.
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3. Other Announcements
- The Jesuit Fathers continue to say all of the announced Masses privately during the week. To view the list of Mass Intentions and Recently Deceased for the week of April 6 to April 11, click here. We are still accepting Mass Intentions during this time - if you would like to offer a Mass, please contact info@lourdes.to or leave a voicemail at the Parish Office at 416-924-6257.
- Visit our online prayer page at www.lourdes.to/prayer to submit a prayer request.
- 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.
- Communications: As mentioned last week, 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.
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Thank you for reading this week's Weekly Update!
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy week.
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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.
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Watch Mass from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Online this Sunday at 11:30am
Ways to watch
A recording of the Mass will be uploaded as well
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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.
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Thank you for reading this week's Weekly Update!
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy week.
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-The Cardinal's Office has said that all Masses are to be cancelled indefinitely. As such, both our Sunday and daily Masses are cancelled indefinitely.
-The Church remains open for private prayer during regular hours (approx. 7am to 8pm daily)
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NEW Lourdes TV: Starting Sunday March 20, 2020, we will be uploading an online Sunday Mass, presided by Fr John in the Church. The online mass will stream each Sunday at 11:30am. The link will be available at
www.lourdes.to/tv. For those who are unable to watch at that time, the Mass will be available for viewing afterwards - a link will be posted on the same page. We also plan to record and upload other events, such as the Way of the Cross.
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NEW Daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin Monday, March 23rd from 1pm to 7pm daily. We need people to sign up to spend some time with the Lord. Please email info@lourdes.to or call the Parish Office at 416-924-6257.
-Saturday Confessions at 11am-12pm and 4pm-5pm will no longer take place in the Confessional. Instead, confessions will be available at the Rectory (41 Earl St).
-All events in the Church and Parish Halls are cancelled.
-The Parish Office remains open during regular hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday).
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NEW Online Prayer Page: we will be sharing resources on prayer during the COVID-19 crisis to
www.lourdes.to/prayer. Visit it today to view the Pope's spiritual communion prayer that can be said from home.
Outreach Response
-We are forming a Connect & Care team that will be reaching out to those who are isolated or home-bound due to the COVID-19 crisis, to provide a daily phone call or assistance picking up and dropping off groceries or other essentials. If you would like to volunteer, please email
info@lourdes.to-The Lourdes Food Bank, located at the southeast corner of the 275 Bleecker St apartment building, is closed indefinitely, out of care and concern for our clients, volunteers, and staff. We are in conversation with other service providers in the community as to how the Church can assist those most in need during this extraordinary time while still protecting everyone's health.
Communications Response
-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.
Out of care for our parishioners and members of the community, we regret to inform you that we have postponed the Volunteer Tax Clinic on March 14th.
Should you still be interested in attending a re-scheduled Clinic, please contact the office in 2 weeks (416-924-6257 or info@lourdes.to) and we will update you as to whether we have been able to reschedule and, if so, for when.
We are grateful for your patience and prayers as we seek to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the best way possible.
We will also continue to keep you updated as and when other events in the Parish are postponed or cancelled. We are expecting to receive an additional memo from the Archdiocese today which may contain further guidance.
Thank you and God bless,
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Office
416-924-6257 info@lourdes.to
On March 10th, the Archdiocese of Toronto issued another memo to update parishes on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, accessible online at: https://www.archtoronto.org/media-centre/news-archive/chancery-news/coronavirus-update--march-10-2020
The Archdiocese of Toronto continues to work with health officials to monitor the local situation regarding active cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, Cardinal Collins has asked all parishes to refrain from shaking hands at the Sign of Peace – a simple bow, nod or “peace be with you” to your neighbour is appropriate.
Our Lady of Lourdes will also continue to ensure that those distributing communion wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the distribution of communion.
We also encourage everyone to continue to practice healthy hygiene – wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer regularly, remain home if you are sick, sneeze/cough into your sleeve and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
For those who are unable to attend Mass, Daily TV Mass broadcasts a Mass every day on both TV and YouTube (www.dailytvmass.com).
In addition to the Archdiocese’s guidance, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish wishes to encourage you to prayerfully consider receiving communion in the hand instead of on the tongue during this time.
Regarding event cancellations/postponements, please note the following thus far (as of March 13th):
-The Volunteer Tax Clinic (Saturday, March 14th) is postponed. See separate post for details.
-The monthly Seniors Day Program is canceled for March and April (March 20th and April 17th).
Please continue to pray for all those impacted by the coronavirus. We will continue to keep you updated.
Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On Tuesday, March 3rd, the Archdiocese of Toronto issued a memo to all parishes regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
As of the time of this post, the Archdiocese is neither requiring nor recommending any liturgical changes, based on the guidance of City of Toronto Public Health, with whom they are working closely with the goal of acting responsibly based on credible information from reliable sources.
Parishioners are encouraged to practice healthy hygiene, such as frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth, and sneezing/coughing into your sleeve. We also recommend staying home if you are sick; illness is a valid reason for missing Mass. More information is available from the provincial website (Ontario.ca/COVID-19) and the Archdiocese at https://www.archtoronto.org/media-centre/news-archive/chancery-news/update-on-coronavirus
However, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish wishes to encourage all parishioners to prayerfully consider, for the common good during this time:
-Receiving communion in the hand instead of on the tongue; and
-Exchanging the sign of peace during Mass without physical contact.
Also, as a precautionary measure we will be leaving empty the holy water fonts at the entrances of the church.
Please continue to pray for all those impacted by the coronavirus. We will continue to keep you updated.
On Saturday, February 8, 2020 at our February Fiesta, held at Our Lady of Lourdes School, the winning tickets were drawn in our Car Raffle.
Our List of Winners:
Grand Prize: 2019 Honda HR-VLX or $22,019 cash -- Barry Stader Ticket # 01861
2nd Prize: $3,000 -- Fely Mawirat Ticket # 02977
3rd Prize: $2,000 -- Miriam Kelly Ticket # 01224
8 Prizes of $100.00
- Romeo Omlang Ticket # 05941
- Antonietta Rabasca Ticket # 01598
- Marian Curtin Ticket # 06667
- Paddy Whelan Ticket # 05481
- Sr Hazel Campayne Ticket # 02088
- Fr Peter Siu Ticket # 05562
- Andrew Kennedy Ticket # 02527
- Antonino Albay Ticket # 06590
The Raffle was a great success! We raised $67,000 through ticket sales. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who distributed and sold tickets and encouraged everyone to help us out. And a special thank you to everyone who bought and sold tickets. We could not have done it without you.
