2nd SUNDAY LENT February 28, 2021

Readings:

Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18

Romans 8:31-34

Mark 9:2-10

The destination of our Lenten journey is clearly to be seen in today’s readings; the mystery of the cross in which the father ‘did not spare his own son’, and the glory which was to be the Risen Christ’s in his final triumph, glimpsed on the Mountain.

The testing of Abraham is one of the masterpieces of the Old Testament. The story echoes a brutal age in which the sacrifice of Children was not uncommon-in fact, the people of the old Israel were taught to sacrifice an animal in place of their offspring, to turn them away from this horrendous temptation.

But the real of the story, made so wonderfully, is the absolute trust that is asked of Abraham, making him the model of all true believers. To the people of Abraham’s world there was nothing more important in life than descendants who would remember and honor them. Long after the age when he could expect a child, God have Abraham a Son. If he gives up Isaac, he has nothing left but his trust in God. That trust is rewarded- those who will call him their father will be countless; all the peoples of the earth will be blessed in his name- through the salvation brought by the cross of Christ.

God was totally pleased with Abraham and is also now with the self-offering of Jesus on our behalf. “God did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all”. That is why God is so pleased with his Son because Jesus offered up his life in order to show us the enormous love of God for us.

Most ordinary people do this in their daily lives without making any connection to the suffering of Jesus. They are faithful in their marriages, looking after family and friends especially in time of sickness and difficulties etc. God equally says to all of you who do these: “You are my beloved children, in yo I’m well pleased “. Finally, in the Gospel when the bright cloud disappeared, the disciples are left with ‘Only Jesus’. God has made himself that close and familiar to us that we do not need to be afraid. He is always with us and we should never forget the transfiguration moments in our lives. They encourage us to be faithful especially in difficult times until the time of final glory.

“Lord Jesus, help us to be courageous in times of trial , knowing you are with us always.

CHURCH REMAINS OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYERS ONLY

TUESDAY: 11am to 4pm

THURSDAY: 11am to 4pm

SATURDAY: 11am to 4pm

SUNDAY: 11am to 4pm


2020 TAX RECEIPTS
DEAR PEOPLE OF GOD, YOUR 2020 TAX RECEIPTS ARE READY AND WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU ON YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WE HAVE IN THE PARISH REGISTER. IN CASE YOU HAVE CHANGED IT, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND UPDATE IT. THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ONE, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO COLLECT IT. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE AND COOPERATION. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL UPKEEP OF THE CHURCH. PRAYING FOR YOU ALL. GOD BLESS YOU!

2021 ENVELOPES ARE READY FOR PICK UP!
Please Collect your Envelope Boxes from the main entrance of the church

 OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am —12 noon. 1pm — 4.30pm .Please call the parish office before you arrive.

THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER


To you, O blessed Joseph (Ad te, beate Ioseph)

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our afflictions, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen


We want to thank all the parishioners of  ST. DOMINIC for their ongoing support during this period of great uncertainty. It has been wonderful to see so many of you at Mass since we re-opened in June. We are especially grateful to the volunteers who have helped ensure our church is a safe place to gather – they have done incredible work!

We are still in Stay at home order until  March 9th.

We want to thank all the parishioners of  ST. DOMINIC for their ongoing support during this period of great uncertainty. It has been wonderful to see so many of you at Mass since we re-opened in June. We are especially grateful to the volunteers who have helped ensure our church is a safe place to gather – they have done incredible work!

As you know, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Greater Toronto Area have increased significantly in recent days and, at present, the entire province is in the “Lockdown Stage” as identified by the Province of Ontario. In addition, Premier Ford announced on December  26 2020 special emergency measures that need to be taken in our area.

For this reason  Sadly, due to these measures, public Masses are temporarily cancelled. Priests will continue to celebrate private Mass daily for the intentions of parishioners and for those suffering from Covid-19.

Sadly, it is not possible for our parish to remain open at this time in a way that is safe and able to control the restricted number of people permitted in the building.

While I recognize it is not a substitute for attending Mass in person, I encourage you to view online/livestream/televised Masses. A full list is available at St. Dominic church Website, St. Dominic church YouTube Channel , Instagram- diasfatherterry. or www.archtoronto.org

Also, all non-essential meetings in the parish will move to virtual meetings or they may be postponed. Our staff will also be working remotely in large part wherever possible

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 Parish members for the upkeep of the Church. Kindly support us with the donations (weekly offerings) . Thank you for your great help during this challenging time! God bless you all!

We recognize these measures are extremely challenging. I am also so incredibly grateful for the efforts of our heroic volunteers who have been faithfully welcoming parishioners and cleaning the church between services, ensuring that we can operate safely and responsibly. Your selflessness and generosity is inspiring!

So many of the faithful rely on the reception of the sacraments and our churches to find solace, peace and support during this period of pandemic. Despite these new restrictions, we will make every effort to continue our outreach to you. We also ask that you find opportunities to assist those who are vulnerable or alone among us.

We will continue to update you as the situation evolves. (refer to parish website or social media channels if appropriate) We pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. May God continue to bless you now and always!

SUNDAY MASS:

As public masses are cancelled  weekend Mass will be still live-streamed every Sunday at 10 am in our Parish Website and YouTube page. You can also watch the mass later in the day. If you can, please consider dropping off your church donations in the mailbox, newly installed at Atwater Ave Church entrance door .

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 Parish members for the upkeep of the Church. Kindly support us with the donations (weekly offerings) . Thank you for your great help during this challenging time! God bless you all!



  2021 ENVELOPES ARE READY FOR PICK UP

       Please call the office to pick up your Envelope Boxes.

 OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am —12 noon. 1pm — 4.30pm . Please call the parish office before you arrive.

THANK YOU!

Thanks for all your support and cooperation. I sincerely thank our YouTube mass Team. Sean for providing music and technical support. Joshua, Larissa Freddy And Farrell Gonsalves for their assistance with the liturgy. 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! God bless!