Mass – In view of the requirements of the Government of Ontario, during this medical emergency, beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, I instruct that all public Masses be cancelled, both during the week and on the weekend. Churches will be available for individual private prayer.
Thomas Cardinal Collins
Archbishop of Toronto
REFLECTION
FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
The
blind man in the Gospel story sees through Jesus. We are like that man; we need
Jesus in order to see. Our modern world has a particular form of Blindness. We
have microscopes to see things very small and telescopes to see distant
objects. But often we do not see what is closest to us. We live in strange
times. We know more about celebrations than we do about next door neighbour or
even those we call, “family” and “friends”. So many things distract us from
what really matters. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: “ I think the
world today is upside down. We have no time for each other, there is no time to
enjoy each other.” This Sunday we ask Jesus to heal our blindness, particularly
our failure to see those close to us. Help us to see our own children, our
family members, our fellow parishioners. As the first reading today says, not
just the outward appearances, but the heart. It is terrible to not see those
close to us but there is an even worse form of blindness, the failure to see
Jesus. The man born blind saw what others did not. He takes four steps in
seeing Jesus. First, he sees Jesus as a fellow human then prophet then judge
and finally Lord – the one true God. Let us ask Jesus for sight to see those
near us – their hearts not just their appearance – and above all to see the
reality of who Jesus is.
IMPORTANT
To
all people of God, as per the Archdiocese of Toronto Directive, (posted on the
web page) all weekday and weekend Masses have been cancelled. His eminence
Thomas Cardinal Collins has granted dispensation from Sunday obligation for all
residents of Toronto. However, the priests are allowed to offer private Masses
for the intentions offered by the people. All the events that has schedules
during this Lenten season remain cancelled until further notice. Stay safe.
Please “Pray, Pray, Pray, unceasingly”. Be strong in your faith. Trust in Jesus
and Mamma Mary. This will pass soon. As I offer my private Masses you are
united with me in spirit. I pray for all your intentions. Please keep me in your
prayers. May the Almighty God bless us all. For more info read the Cardinals
letter on St. Dominic church blog. We will keep you updated.
Fr. Terry Pastor
