Dear Friends: As this month, we join our young people in celebrating their 1st Holy Communion, I wish to share with you a famous teaching from St. Justin Martyr which dates all the way back to 155 A.D., which highlights the belief of the Early Church in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist … [Read more…]
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Dear Friends: Please let me express my gratitude to you for the support that was expressed for the building upgrades we are planning. Overall, they are quite modest and will allow Star of the Sea to “shine” more brightly. I am delighted about the fact that between the funds in our … [Read more…]
Dear Friends: I would like to take this opportunity to give you an update on some of the things we are working on in the parish at this time. First, we are preparing a Financial Report to bring more transparency into the handling of the resources you entrust to your parish. This will be accompanied … [Read more…]
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Easter Blessings to all once again as we journey through this joyful season of Grace. Bishop Bergie had sent along an inspiring prayer from St. Claude la Columbiere, S.J., last month and I thought you may like to pray it as well. A good prayer really speaks to the heart and … [Read more…]
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Dear Friends: Today is Divine Mercy Sunday, given to the Church by a decree from St. John Paul the Great in 2001. The Divine Mercy chaplet and Novena has spread greatly since being highlighted by the Holy Father 15 years ago and, amongst its spiritual benefits, includes what is known as … [Read more…]
DEAR FRIENDS: As we enter the holiest week of the Church calendar, I would like to take this opportunity to describe each of the liturgies you will be experiencing in the coming days with a view to helping each of the faithful share fully in the sacred mysteries celebrated in the services. Today of course, … [Read more…]
DEAR FRIENDS: As we enter the Holiest Week of the Church calendar, I would like to use this week’s column to share with you some of our Holy Father’s insights into the Sacrament of Reconciliation, made during his General Audience on February, 2015. For those who were still undecided about making a confession this Lent, … [Read more…]
DEAR FRIENDS: With the issue of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide looming large on the scene in a variety of nations including our own, the Church is making its voice heard in clear terms to help guide its adherents and all people of goodwill. As you and I consider the matter, confronted by a variety of … [Read more…]
DEAR FRIENDS: The priests of our diocese this past week, met at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls for our annual Lenten Day of Recollection. We do this once in Advent and Lent, then gather in June for our annual weeklong retreat. Among the highlights of these Days of Recollection during the penitential seasons … [Read more…]
DEAR FRIENDS: It is my sincere hope that your journey through this holy Season of Lent is getting off to a good start. It really is a privileged time. We find in the Church a true Mother, fostering an atmosphere in our lives where the hidden corruption of sin may be identified and where vice … [Read more…]