Fr. Raphael spoke about Blessed Stanley Rother in his homily today. There is an excellent video on youtube about his life and death, if you are interested in viewing it click here. The video does describe his death, so it may not be appropriate for young viewers.
Today, March 25th, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, when the angel appeared to Mary, and Mary said yes to becoming the mother of God. Let us pray today in a special way that the Blessed Virgin may watch over us as our mother and intercede for us.
Franciscan Media offers a daily reflection on the Saint or Solemnity of the day. You can read and listen to their reflection for the Solemnity of the Annunciation by clicking the button below.
In this year dedicated by Pope Francis to St. Joseph, we are pleased to offer prayers and reflections, readings and videos, podcasts and group discussion resources to you each week on our website. These resources will be drawn from many wonderful Catholic institutions, thank you to all for making these available to all the faithful.
This week we offer a prayer to St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, brought to us by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
We also invite you to watch this very short video by Salt & Light TV called The REAL Christmas Characters: Joseph.
FOOD DRIVE: We invite you to bring donations of non-perishable food items to drop off as you enter the church for Mass. Our St. Vincent de Paul conference will take them to the Food Bank to be shared with our neighbours in need.
Changes you will notice this year: We will not process the Holy Oils, in but Father will receive the new oils at the Chrism Mass and will place them in the Ambry on Holy Thursday. Unfortunately we also will not be able to do the practice of Mandatum, or Washing of the Feet, this year. Finally, at the end of Mass there will be no Solemn Procession or time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, it will be taken simply from the Sanctuary by the priests to be reserved for the services on Good Friday.
Changes you will notice this year: The cross will not be processed in as usual, but will be unveiled at the front of the church while the chant is proclaimed. Father will venerate the cross on behalf of the whole congregation; you will not be able to come forward and venerate the cross individually.
Changes you will notice this year: We will not gather outside the church around the New Fire, but will instead gather in the church in our pews. There will be a small fire lit at the entrance of the church when Mass begins and the Paschal Candle will be lit there. You will find your own candle in your pew when you arrive, and as the Paschal Candle is processed in Father and Ruthann will light your candles from it. We ask you to please take your candle home with you at the end of Mass. As we have no candidates for RCIA this year we will not celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or First Communion. The Baptismal Font will not be blessed, and unfortunately we will not be able to have the Sprinkling Rite this Easter Season.
Easter Masses will be celebrated as we celebrate Sunday Mass.
We look forward to celebrating the Easter Triduum with you, whether in person or from home!
Tomorrow is the Feast of St. Joseph, often called the humble saint, because we know so little about him.
The Augustine Institute has made available Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet’s great sermon on St. Joseph, entitled “Guard what has been entrusted to you.”
Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704), Bishop of Meaux, is celebrated for his pulpit oratory, as it is called, that is, the art of composing and delivering a sermon. Like any good Catholic priest, he often preached from memory and on subjects of more-or-less daily concern to his flock. But in 17th-century France, there was a great appetite for formal pulpit oratory, an appetite regularly satisfied by hour-long sermons for which one would send one’s footman to secure a pew the day before the Mass!
(description from the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology)
The Reel Justice Film Festival is back for another year! A partnership between the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives and Development and Peace, the Reel Justice Film Festival shines a spotlight on issues of social, political, and economic injustice. Films are screened once a month and provide an opportunity for community discussion about ways we can all support actions for change. Details and the full schedule can be found at the Reel Justice website. This year the festival is going virtual! All of the films will be available online. Special family friendly screening March 25th 6:30pm – 8:00pm – To the Arctic, narrated by Oscar winner Meryl Streep. The film takes audiences into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs, as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. RSVP online or by email at library@hamiltondiocese.com. Join the discussion!
