6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - February 14, 2021
Jesus encounters a leper. Leprosy is one of the most terrible, deadly, and famous diseases in history. Now I doubt there is anyone here today who has a leprosy, but in many ways, I think we all suffer from the leprosy of sin, whether it be from selfishness, the things we fail to do for others, or an addiction to sinful habits. Sin is just as horrible as any disease, because like leprosy, it takes what is so beautiful about us - our generosity, our love for others, among other things and slowly and painfully disintegrates them. It transforms us from who we were made by God to be into ugly, disfigured, and agonizing versions of ourselves. We become turned in on ourselves, only willing to take care of our own needs and wants, and we become isolated from everyone else. And then ultimately, we lose sight of that virtue of charity - the love of God teaching us how to love- and we forget how we are supposed to love ourselves, others, and even God. Friends, as Christians, we are called to be “Other Christs”, going out into our sinful world, and embracing others who are struggling, rather than condemning them. We are all sinners, and we all struggle with that spiritual leprosy. But we don’t celebrate this fact, we don’t revel in the fact that we’re sinners, but we seek together to find healing from the one who can give it. It would have really been a leap of faith for that man in the Gospel to approach Christ. He would be ignoring the laws of the society, as we hear in the first reading. And he probably would have been afraid that Jesus would draw back in horror. But yet, with great faith, he came and confessed his belief that Jesus could make him clean. We need to recognize our spiritual leprosy as well. Christ invites us to come to him anytime in the sacrament of reconciliation, most especially during the season of Lent, which begins a week from Wednesday. May we always be given the grace we need to be healed, and to be another Christ for those around us.
DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
Friday :
February 19th : 10-1 pm. 5-8pm .
Only 10 people at a time can be in the church. It’s just 5 minutes service. Sprinkling of ashes on your heads not on the foreheads due to COVID-19 restrictions. Volunteers please your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation.
CHURCH WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYERS:
During this lockdown we open the church for people of God to spend little time in prayer, keeping all safety protocols and only 10 people at a time in the church.
WEEKENDS: SATURDAY & SUNDAY (11 Am to 4 Pm.)
WEEKDAYS: TUESDAY & THURSDAY (11Am to 4Pm)
I sincerely appreciate all our volunteers (Lisa Hyginus and crew) ever willing to contribute their time and service. Thank you very much God bless you always!
“STATE OF EMERGENCY STAY AT HOME ORDER. January 14, 2021
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 :
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.
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!
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!
