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Sunday Homily, July 5, 2020
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera Readings: First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10 Messiah Will Come to Reign in Zion in a Humble Manner. Second Reading: Romans 8:9,11-13 The Need to Live according to the Spirit, and not according to the Flesh. Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus Thanks the Father, for Revealing Himself […]
Sunday, July 5, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear friends, The image of a yoke is often lost on us in our modern culture: It’s that wooden crosspiece that harnesses oxen and other beasts of burden and keeps them together as they plough a field or haul goods. In today’s Gospel, it is the central image Jesus uses to invite us into union […]
Sunday Homily, June 28, 2020
Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings: First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16a Hospitality Given to Elisha Rewarded Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3,16-19 Hymn of Infinite Praise of the Soul That Experienced God’s Benevolence Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4,8-11 At Baptism We Died and Rose with Christ. Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:37-42 The Cost […]
Sunday, June 28, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
This Sunday, June 28, is the thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and in the Gospel reading Jesus tells his apostles that “whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me”. Once again Jesus discusses the challenge of living the Gospel. Faithful discipleship comes with demands. But we are […]
Sunday Homily, June 21, 2020
Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A: by Fr. Claude Perera Readings: First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Jeremiah surrounded by enemies expresses confidence in the Lord. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69:8-10,14,17,33-35 God hears the pleas of the distressed. Second Reading: Romans 5:12-15 Sin and death came into the world through one man; salvation also came through one […]
Sunday, June 21, at St. Francis Xavier Parish
This Sunday, June 21, the Church celebrates the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. “It’s nearly the end of June and we are celebrating “Ordinary Time,” the Twelfth Sunday of such. Easter is over; Pentecost and the feasts that follow have concluded. Now we enter the liturgical period wherein we will read primarily from the Gospel […]
Some details about returning to Mass at our parish
As we prepare to re-open our church this week, I would like to request that all parishioners who are considering coming to the church for Mass please review the letter from Bishop Crosby that was shared earlier this week that you can access in the News tab on this site. Below is a summary of […]
Sunday Homily, June 14, 2020
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ 2020 by Deacon John Girolami The Hunger of Man – the food that satisfies. For the past 3 months, our church here at St Francis has sounded her bells at 9 am, noon, 3 and 6 pm. every day. Since I live close to the church, […]
Letter to Parishioners, June 10, 2020
B I S H O P of H A M I L T O N June 10, 2020 Dear Parishioners: Thank you for your patience during these difficult times, and for your support of your Pastors and Parishes. The Premier of Ontario recently announced that all churches in the Province of Ontario are permitted to […]
Plans for reopening the Church
Dear friends “As you are aware, Premier Doug Ford announced that all churches in the Province of Ontario are permitted to open for prayer and worship. In order to ensure that our churches are prepared to open for personal prayer and for Mass, according to the 30% capacity seating restriction, churches in the Diocese of […]
Knights of Columbus Founder Father Michael McGivney Moves Closer to Sainthood
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis approved the promulgation of a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, a Connecticut priest who served his flock during the pandemic of 1890, before himself becoming ill and dying of pneumonia. The pope’s action […]
Knights of Columbus – Open House
You and your spouse are cordially invited to join us for our council’s Fraternal Benefit’s Night at:June 18, 2020 – 7PM to 8:15PM in Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98103244392 Our events are typically well-attended, and seating is limited, so please guarantee your space now by RSVP. Come learn how the Knights of Columbus can protect your family financially! […]
Sunday Homily, June 7, 2020
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Cycle A; by Fr. Claude Perera Readings: First Reading: Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9 Moses begs God’s forgiveness for the sinful people on Mt. Sinai. Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52-56 Glory and praise to God forever Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in peace so that the […]
On Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XII HAURIETIS AQUAS ON DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART May 15, 1956 Venerable Brethren: Health and Apostolic Benediction. 1. “You shall draw waters with joy out of the Savior’s fountain.”(1) These words by which the prophet Isaias, using highly significant imagery, foretold the manifold and abundant gifts of God which the […]
Sunday Homily, May 31, 2020
Pentecost Sunday, Cycle A: Sunday, by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34 Spirit Will Renew the Face of the Earth. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 The Holy Spirit Unites All in Christ Jesus. Gospel Reading: John […]
Email-“Flock”
Dear Parishioners, Greetings to you all. I hope you are staying well and healthy. As it now appears that this period of being unable to gather together for Masses and other parish events will be lasting longer than it was initially thought, I am hoping to create an email directory which myself and our parish […]
Sunday Homily, May 24, 2020
The Ascension of the Lord, Cycle A, by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11 Lucan Account of the Ascension of Jesus in the Acts of the Apostles Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3,6-9 Sing praises to God Who Has Gone up. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 God Raised Jesus up from the Death and […]
Pope Francis adds feast of Saint Faustina to Roman Calendar
Pope Francis makes the feast of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska an optional memorial for the universal Church, celebrated on 5 October. By Vatican News The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree on Monday, 18 May, inscribing the celebration of Saint Maria Faustina (Helena) Kowalska, virgin, in the General Roman […]
St. Eugene de Mazenod, Bishop of Marseilles
St. Eugene de Mazenod, Bishop of Marseilles (1782 – 1861): The Founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) by Dr. Claude Perera, OMI Early Life French Nobleman, the President of the Parliament of Aix-en-Provence and to Marie-Rose Joannis of the French bourgeois merchantry had a son on 01.08.1782 at Aix-en-Provence, […]
Sunday Homily, May 17, 2020
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle A by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 Philp Converting the people of Samaria Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-7,16,20 Shout Joyfully to God, All the Earth. Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 Be Ready to Defend Your Faith Convictions. Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21 Jesus promises to Send His […]
Our Lady of Fátima
Written by Fr. Claude Perera The Time of the Apparitions: May 13 – Oct 13, 1917 Ecclesiastical Approval: On Oct 13, 1930 by Bishop Jos Alves Correia da Silva, Diocese of Leiria, Portugal Feast Day: May 13 ************ In the early spring of 1916, three shepherd children named Lúcia dos Santos (nine years old) and […]
Sunday Homily, May 10, 2020
Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle ABy Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 The Choice of the Seven Deacons for the Distribution of Food among the Poor Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5,18-19 Those Who Trust in God Are Shown Mercy by Him. Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9 You are a Chosen Race, […]
Virtual National March for Life, May 10-15, 2020
2020 Virtual National March for Life Week kicks off this Sunday. As you have probably already heard, this year, we’re bringing the National March for Life from the streets of Ottawa to the comfort of your own homes with our first ever Virtual National March for Life, which kicks off this Sunday night! We hope you will […]
Interreligious dialogue
Dr. Claude Perera, OMI, BTh (Pontifical Urban University, Rome; LSS, Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome; PhD and DD, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium; Masters in Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka PART 1 Buddha Founder of Buddhism: His Life and Teachings On the full moon day of May (this year on 07.05.2020), Buddhists world over […]
Sunday Homily, May 3, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle A, May 3, 2020 by Deacon John Girolami First reading: Acts 2. 14a, 36b-41 Responsorial Psalm: 23.1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Second Reading: 1 Peter 2. 20b-25 Gospel: John 10. 1-10 Homily Today we celebrate the world day of prayer for vocations to ordained ministry and religious life. I would normally […]
St. Joseph, the Worker (May 1)
By Fr. Claude Perera The feast of St. Joseph the Worker which falls on the first of May is only to an optional memorial or a memorial in the Catholic liturgical calendar. On the other hand, today is also the beginning of the May devotions to the Mother of God. In many parts of the […]
Catholic Education Week 2020
Message for Catholic Education Week The theme of this year’s Catholic Education Week is “Igniting Hope”. Even in the midst of difficulty, we are a people of hope – hope for the world, hope for the future, hope rooted in Christ. We all need hope. As we look around us, we see many struggles and […]
Consecration of Canada to the Blessed Virgin Mary
At the invitation of our Bishop, who will consecrate our Diocese this Friday, May 1st, we are encouraged to consecrate ourselves and our families to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as we pray for her maternal protection during this pandemic. Please use the text provided below.Fr. Mariusz Prayer of Consecration Most Blessed […]
Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to […]
Fr. Martin’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination
This coming Sunday, May 3rd, is the 40th anniversary of the ordination of our former pastor, Fr. Martin Vallely. To give his past and present parishioners the opportunity to express their congratulations and celebrate this great milestone with him, but still ensure that the required social distancing measures are being observed, a drive-by procession has […]
Catholic Bishops Consecrate Canada and the United States to Mary, Mother of the Church
On Friday 1 May 2020, the Catholic Bishops of Canada will consecrate their individual dioceses or eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking her protection during the Coronavirus pandemic, similar to what other Episcopal Conferences throughout the world have already done. Along with the Bishops, pastors, families, groups, individuals and other faith communities may […]
Sunday Homily, April 26, 2020
Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle A, April 26, 2020 by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts 2:14,22-33 Peter with the other Apostles interpret the Jesus event. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-11 God will show us the path of life. Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21 Christ’s paschal sacrifice saved Christians. Gospel Reading: Luke 24:13-35 Jesus encounters the […]
Do you have 38.05 minutes to spare?
My dear friends, today I watched this interesting video from Bishop Barron and I would like to invite all of you to see it. Fr. Mariusz “Jesus has naturally been a key person of interest for Western thought, but over the last few hundred years, there have been some major shifts in what scholars describe […]
Sunday Homily – April 19, 2020
Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle A (Sunday of Divine Mercy) by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 The first community of Christians that cared for one another prays together and its membership increases Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24 God’s love is everlasting. Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 The new hope that Jesus’ […]
Easter Message
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus! This Easter message arrives amidst the seemingly unending news cycle we have all experienced over the past weeks. At times, despite […]
Easter Sunday Homily – April 12, 2020
Easter Sunday Morning Mass homily by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34a,37-43 An Early Proclamation (= Kerygma) of Peter about Jesus’ Life, Death, and Resurrection. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23 Rejoice in This Day of the Lord. Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Col 3:1-4: Those Raised by Christ at […]
Good Friday Homily – April 10, 2020
Good Friday homily by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 (Fourth Song of the Suffering Servant of the Lord) Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31:2-6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 (David facing a death-threat from his own son Absalom) Response: “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?” – Luke 23:46) Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; […]
Holy Thursday Homily – April 9, 2020
Holy (Maundy) Thursday by Fr. Claude Perera First Reading: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14 How the first Passover was celebrated by the Israelite slaves led by Moses who were about to leave Egypt Second Reading:1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 St. Paul narrates to the Corinthians the early Apostolic tradition about the Last Supper of Jesus during which […]
Paschal Triduum at St. Francis Xavier Church
Below is our schedule for Sacred Triduum Masses and other Liturgies which will be livestreamed and/or posted on our YouTube channel. Please click on the picture below. Thursday, April 9, 2020 Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:00 PM, livestreamed* Friday, April 10, 2020 Good Friday, Solemn Liturgy – 3:00 PM, livestreamed*Stations of […]
Learn the Bible in a Month with Jeff Cavins LIVE.
Thursday, April 8 at 8 PM ET — Join Jeff Cavins for Session Four of the Bible in a Month on Ascension LIVE. Where: Live on Ascension’s Facebook page, right here. (You do not need a Facebook account to tune in! Simply visit our Facebook page at 8 PM ET, and you’ll see Jeff Cavins speaking live on video.) Mark […]
Sunday Homily – April 5, 2020
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (Passion Sunday) by Fr. Claude Perera Gospel Read at the Procession with Palms: Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus entered Jerusalem as the crowd waved palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 The Suffering Servant of the Lord will stand firm, even when persecuted. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:8-9,17-20,23-24 A […]
The Stations of the Cross
Bishop Barron has recorded and released his reflections on the Stations of the Cross, an ancient Christian devotion that draws us into the spiritual space of Jesus’ suffering and death. These beautiful and powerful video reflections are the perfect free resource for this upcoming Holy Week.
Palm Sunday
In this week’s Encountering the Word video Jeff Cavins discusses the readings for Palm Sunday, reflecting on the Tree of Life and Jesus being sentenced to death: At The Procession With Palms: Matthew 21:1-11 First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Verse Before the Gospel: Philippians 2:8-9 […]
Sunday Homily – March 29, 2020
Reflection on the Readings of the Fifth Sunday in Lent Year “A” by Fr. Claude Perera The First Reading Ezekiel 37:12-14 God will restore the exiled nation of Israel who were living an experience of death. The Responsorial Psalm Psalm 130:1-8 With the Lord is forgiveness and mercy. The Second Reading Romans 8:8-11 Paul contraposes […]
Spiritual Communion
Spiritual communion was defined by St Thomas Aquinas as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him”. In the present context it means for most of us not receiving the Blessed Sacrament physically. The following prayer might be useful in making a […]
Urbi et Orbi Blessing
On Friday, March 27, 2020, Pope Francis presided over a moment of prayer at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He invited everyone to participate in this prayer by means of communication. The celebration consisted of readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. At the conclusion of […]
A Message from Development and Peace: Update on 2020 Share Lent Campaign
As the global human family faces the COVID-19 pandemic, Development and Peace — Caritas Canada wishes its members, donors and partner organizations the best of health and resilience. Our thoughts are especially with communities of the Global South whose hardships are compounded by this crisis. A virtual campaign During this difficult time, the need to […]
A Faithful Response to Canceled Masses amid COVID-19
by Taylor Tripodi I was driving to daily Mass at the Cathedral in Cleveland a few days ago when I got the call from my mom who painfully related the message that Mass is to be suspended indefinitely in our area, with most dioceses in the country issuing similar mandates and dispensations for our Sunday […]
Invitation to Pray
During these Lenten days, and mindful of all who are affected by the COVID-19 Virus, we are called to be more fervent in prayer. Since we are not able to gather publicly for prayer at this time, we are encouraged to pray with our families in our homes, our “domestic” churches, and to draw on […]
Decree regarding Holy Week and the Celebration of the Paschal Triduum
“Having reviewed the Decree: In Time of COV/D-19, issued by mandate of Pope Francis and published by the Offices of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (Prot. N. 153/20) on March 19, 2020, I, Douglas Crosby, OMI, hereby decree the following to be observed during Holy Week and the Sacred […]
Church Bells For Healthcare Workers
From Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI “The bells of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton will ring out each day at 9:00 a.m.; 12 Noon; 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to invite parishioners … and all who hear the bells … to pray (an “Our Father”) for our healthcare workers dealing with […]
Sunday Homily – March 22, 2020
Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Lent – Fr. Claude Understanding the Readings of the Fourth Sunday in Lent: Cycle A First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1b,6-7,10-13a Samuel chooses David the youngest son of Jesse and anoints him king. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd. Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14 Paul exhorts Ephesians are […]
Pray the rosary LIVE with thousands of Catholics around the world
Pope Francis has invited all Catholics to pray the Rosary together at the same time for a swift end to the Coronavirus pandemic. The time he has invited Catholics to pray is 9 p.m. Rome time, which is 4 p.m. for the Eastern United States (3 p.m. Central, 2 p.m. Mountain, 1 p.m. Pacific). Please […]
A resource to deepen your prayer life during this time of distancing
Brothers and sisters, This is an incredibly busy and challenging time. With many businesses, schools, and parishes suspending services, we wanted to share a digital faith resource that can help us stay connected during this time of social distancing. Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that guides users in deepening their relationship with […]
Bishop’s Letters
“Many years ago, when I was Bishop in Labrador, I was aware that parishioners in smaller more isolated villages did not have access to the Eucharist for several months at a time. It is still the reality there today. We can learn from them. Pray the Rosary – it is a powerful prayer and a […]
Canonization of John Henry Cardinal Newman
In anticipation of John Henry Newman’s canonization that took place on Sunday, October 13, 2019 Bishop Barron’s John Henry Newman: The Convert film is FREE to watch for a limited time! In this beautiful feature length film, travel through England where Newman left his mark and sparked an English Catholic revival.
Formed
Many parishes in the Hamilton Diocese are subscribed to the exciting new online platform, FORMED.org. This “Catholic version of Netflix” can be streamed to your TV or mobile device and contains some of the best
Church Library
The Church Library located in the Narthex of our church for your use! Take a look! There are many books that will help inspire you in your faith and help you to learn more. Take a few minutes after Mass to check it out!
Marian Prayer Garden
Give the gift of everlasting love… Purchase a brick paver with the name of your loved one who has passed away, honour your parents on their special birthday or anniversary with a stone that lasts forever. Or keep your own family name alive in a garden that will be seen for years to come.