Most of us manage through the day without being bothered by the question of life itself: what’s the point of being here? It can take all our time and energy merely to cope with what the day brings, and we’re happy to leave questions about the purpose of life to the armchair philosophers. However there are times when we are forced to pause because something happens that throws our routine into question. Like the current pandemic or a sudden death of someone very close to us. Things that we took for granted now look different from before. We wonder where we are going, if anywhere. What direction do we take when our very sense of direction seems to have gone? We might feel that we’re going round in circles but not really getting anywhere. In today’s Gospel John shows us that it is no different for the disciples. Jesus gives his final discourse before leaving his close followers for the last time. He counsels them not to be afraid, for he is going to prepare a place for them, and he will return to take them with him.!And it is Thomas who voices their problem: what direction are they going to take in the absence of Jesus? Jesus simply points to himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” He alone is the gateway to God, the access to the Father. Jesus is the Way by which we travel to the fullness of God . He doesn’t say, “I have a way “ but “ I am the Way.” The disciples learn soon after Jesus leaves them that they don’t have ready answers to everything. As we learn from the early divisions in the community, they all have to work together to find a way forward. There are many things Jesus didn’t tell them, and they have to try to face the future with honesty. Together. Jesus trusts his followers down the ages to face the confusion and complexity of the world. That’s why he doesn’t leave answers to everything. There’s still lot of working out to be done. Looking to Jesus as the Way, Truth and the Life, doesn’t actually solve every question effortlessly. But Jesus knew that! Clearly he wants us to put our faith to work.
MOTHER’S
DAY
We
Wish all the Mothers Happy Mother’s Day!
Loving
God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over
your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian
mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we,
their sons and daughters, may honor them
always with a spirit of profound respect. May All mighty God bless you all, the
Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
SUNDAY
MASS:
Mass
will be live-streamed every Sunday at 10 am in our website and YouTube page.
You can also watch the mass later in the day. If you a. , please consider
dropping off your church donations in the mailbox, newly installed at Atwater
Ave Church entrance door .
MAY IS THE MONTH OF MARY:
The
month of May is traditionally observed as a time of special devotion to the
Blessed Virgin Mary. We are encouraged to pray the Rosary and seek her powerful
intercession for ourselves and for the whole world!
POPE
FRANCIS’S PRAYER TO MARY :
(For
protection from the Coronavirus)
O
Mary, you shine continuously in our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We
entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you
participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman
people, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that as you
did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of
trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to confirm ourselves to the Father’s
will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself,
and bore our sorrows to bring us , through the cross, to the joy of the
Ressurrection. Amen. We seek refuge
under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas-we who are
put to the test-and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and Blessed
Virgin.
YOUR
PARISH NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT:
Dear people of God .
At
a time like this I feel uncomfortable to talk about giving. Our primary concern
is health and well being of our parishioners. However, No doubt you are aware
that our Parish relies on the support of our parishioners to operate parish
salaries, programs and ongoing operating costs (Heating, Water,Electricity etc)
are funded through the generosity of our parish community. It will be a
challenge for our parish to maintain operations without the weekly offertory
collections.
- Drop off or mail your regular offertory contribution to the parish mail box fixed at Atwater Church entrance door
- Contribute to your parish offertory by credit card.
- Contribute through pre-authorized giving.
For
more ways to give go to
https://www.archtoronto.org/covid19/Pages/support.aspx
Thank
you for your many contributions to our parish community. God bless you all 🙏
REST
IN PEACE :
+
Helmtrud Krampert
+
Dominic Baah
+Nicola
Cicoria
+
Ann Marie Cameron
+Genoveva
Martins
+
James Roy Hollohan
THANK
YOU!
Thanks
for all your support and cooperation. Our Parish Council Members Lisa Hyginus
and Branca Noronha may contact you at
this difficult time just to make sure, you are ok. We are here to serve you and
will address any issues to the best of our ability. Stay safe and healthy.
Missing you all and Praying for you !
God bless!
