Online Gatherings – Week of July 25
We’re resuming online gatherings on Zoom to help parishioners stay connected during this time when our regular ministries and programs can not take place in person! Here’s what’s coming up this week: Monday, July 26: COFFEE WITH THE CLERGYTime: 7:00-8:00pmHosts: Fr. Claude & Deacon CarmeloDescription: Presentation, reflection, & discussion on a faith-centred topic, opportunity to […]
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 27 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are approaching the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and to assist us in preparing for this Sunday I invite you to enter into the following reflection on the Gospel reading: “It is to be hoped that the whole of this gospel is proclaimed this Sunday, as the option for the shorter version […]
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 20 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, As we continue into the second half of the month of June and celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, I would like to provide you with a reflection that can help us to enter into our Sunday readings: “Mark is writing his gospel for a community suffering persecution, Christians who feared that any […]
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 13 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We have been back in the liturgical season of Ordinary Time since we concluded the season of Easter, but the past two Sundays we celebrated important Solemnities that constitute the core of our Christian faith. This Sunday we are back, so to say, on the regular schedule as we celebrate the 11th Sunday in […]
Corpus Christi Sunday, June 6 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known to us under the Latin term Corpus Christi. As we find ourselves in a moment of history when most of us cannot receive the Blessed Sacrament because of the pandemic restrictions in place upon gatherings, we […]
Holy Trinity Sunday, May 30 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, Right after the conclusion of the Easter Season we are invited to contemplate and celebrate the most important mystery of our faith – the Holy Trinity, God who reveals Himself to us as a unity of three Persons. “Ronald Rolheiser has written: “The most pernicious heresies that block us from properly knowing God […]
Pentecost Sunday, May 23 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, reminding ourselves that Christ did not leave us alone after ascending to heaven, but continues to remain with His Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. At the same time this Sunday brings to a conclusion the season of Easter for 2021. “The gospel […]
The Ascension of the Lord, May 16 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We have only one week left until the end of the Easter season. This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord as we read the Gospel passage in which Christ commissions his disciples to “go into all the world…” “In their different ways, all the gospel writers want […]
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 9 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, The season of Easter is gradually drawing to a close, as this Sunday we celebrate the sixth Sunday of Easter. But we still have two important Solemnities ahead of us. This weekend we continue to read from the Gospel of St. John, which draws our attention to Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper. […]
Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 2 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear friends, Still being in the lockdown due to the pandemic that has changed our lives so much, we are continuing to celebrate the season of Easter as we gather virtually this weekend to reflect on the passage taken from St. John’s Gospel, in which Christ says: I am the vine, you are the branches. […]
Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, and the Liturgy of the Word focuses on the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd. “This Sunday’s gospel presents us with one of the most loved images of Jesus when he says of himself, “I am the good shepherd.” We are sometimes seduced […]
COVID-19 Update
Dear Friends, We have received a memorandum from the Chancellor of our Diocese, Monsignor Murray Kroetsch, informing us that: 1. Masses and other liturgical celebrations scheduled for Saturday, April 17th and Sunday, April 18th are to take place in Parishes provided that the 15% capacity limit and all other Covid-19 protocols are observed. 2. Beginning […]
Third Sunday of Easter, April 18 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, As we approach the 3rd Sunday of Easter (April 18) and continue our celebration of the Easter Season, I invite you to enter into it by reflecting on the Gospel reading for this Sunday, recalling Christ’s post-resurrection appearance to his disciples. “This Sunday’s gospel follows the appearance of the risen Jesus to the […]
Second Sunday of Easter, April 11 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia”! These are the words from the responsorial psalm that we sang on the Easter Sunday Masses and the antiphon prayed in the Liturgy of the Hours during the Octave of Easter. They remind us that the joy […]
1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion – update
Dear Students, Parents, and School Staff, Happy Easter! We hope that you and your families are all doing well. This is a follow-up to the initial letter that was sent in January regarding the upcoming celebrations of First Reconciliation and First Communion for your child/children/students. After hearing the news of first the most recent lockdown […]
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, With the celebration of Palm Sunday this weekend we enter into Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s year as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. This Sunday we read the Passion narrative according to St. Mark, and I invite you to enter into this reflection: “If the gospel accounts […]
Sunday, March 21 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, As we prepare to celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Lent, I would like to invite you to spend a few moments of your time with the Gospel reading for this Sunday. “The gospel of this Sunday proclaims the paradoxical wisdom of emptying in order to become full, of dying so that we may […]
Sunday, March 14 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We have arrived at the midpoint of our Lenten Season with the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is commonly known as Laetare Sunday. The name comes from the entrance antiphon reflecting on Isaiah 66:10-11: “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and […]
Sunday, March 7 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, In preparation for the celebration of Mass on the 3rd Sunday of Lent, I invite you to reflect on the Gospel reading that will be our focus this Sunday. “We find it easy to admire – even if we do not imitate – the compassionate Jesus, but an angry Jesus armed with a […]
Sunday, February 28 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday, which is the Second Sunday of Lent, as we gather for the celebration of the Mass and to receive the Body of Christ, we will reflect on the Gospel that describes for us the transfiguration of our Lord. “The readings present a compendium of themes that shape the Lenten season. The […]
Sunday, February 21, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
The season of Lent is upon us! It began a few days ago with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, which also coincided with the re-opening of our church after the stay-at-home order was lifted. This Sunday we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent and follow Christ into the desert. “Every year on the First Sunday […]
MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS FOR LENT 2021
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18). Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in […]
Sunday, February 14 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are preparing ourselves to celebrate the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, which is the last Sunday before we enter into the Season of Lent. The Gospel presents us with the story of the healing of a man with leprosy. “The leprosy about which the first reading and the gospel speak today is […]
Sunday, February 7 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are now in the month of February which welcomes us with cold weather that will stay with us a bit longer, or so the weather forecast indicates. Even Father Claude has become used to the colder climate as he now runs in short sleeves around the house (just kidding). In the Church’s […]
Sunday Homily, January 31, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle BBy Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Vocation to be a Prophet Readings: First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20The Prophet God Will Raise up for His People. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2,6-7,7-9A Song of Praise Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35Heavy Concerns of the Married than of the Unmarried Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28Jesus the […]
Sunday, January 31 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, In preparation for this Sunday, which is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, I invite you to reflect on the Gospel passage that we will read during the Mass this weekend. “We are all formally students for some time in our lives, and it is best to remain informal students throughout our […]
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Last Sunday, we heard Jesus inviting his first disciples to “come and see”. This Sunday, which is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the Gospel according to St. Mark we hear His call to “come follow me.” “In the wilderness Jesus has withstood Satan’s temptation, and, strengthened in spirit by this personal combat, he […]
Pastoral Letter from His Excellency, Bishop Crosby to the faithful of the Diocese.
BISHOP OF HAMILTONFOR THE COMMON GOODOn the Pandemic Sacrifices My dear friends, The decision to close our churches and suspend public celebrations of the Mass has been a painful one for our clergy, religious, and all the lay faithful in the Diocese. While the sadness of our inability to gather to celebrate the Eucharist is […]
Sunday Homily, January 17, 2021
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B:By Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Vocation Readings: First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3b–10,19The Lord calls Samuel. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10A prayer of commitment to follow the will of the Lord. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13c–15a,17–20Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the […]
Sunday, January 17, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, After all the excitement of Advent and Christmas, we find ourselves entering into the beautiful liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday we read from the Gospel of John about when John the Baptism points to Christ as the one whom we should follow. “As we begin our journey through Ordinary Time, the […]
Sunday Homily, January 10, 2021
The Baptism of the Lord 2020By Deacon John Girolami Jesus immersed in the human experience Today, Mark tells us the story of the baptism of Jesus. This story is very different than the stories of Jesus that we heard over the Christmas season. Jesus is now a man and John the Baptist his cousin who […]
Sunday, January 10, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season within our liturgical year. The day after will be the first Monday of Ordinary Time. In the Gospel St. Mark describes for us Jesus’s arrival from the humble and unimportant village of Nazareth and choice to go […]
Sunday Homily, Solemnity of the Epiphany, January 3, 2021
Theme: Jesus, the Light of the Nationsby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings:First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6All nations will flow to Jerusalem. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,10-11,12-13All nations shall worship the Lord. Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6Gentiles are coheirs of the promise of Christ. Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12The Visit of the Magi Background on the Readings and the Homily […]
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Dear Friends, In the next several hours we will say “good-bye” to the year 2020 AD, which has been a tremendous challenge to so many (countries, communities, our own community, families and individuals). And we will welcome the new year of 2021, praying that, as the reading from the Book of Numbers proclaims: “The Lord […]
Was Jesus a Peasant?
By Fr. Dr. Claude J. Perera, OMI Our common knowledge about Jesus belonging to the rural peasantry in Galilee has been challenged by recent archaeological discoveries done in an ancient town, Sepphoris by name. At the very outset, we got to clarify the term ‘Peasant.’ The Cambridge English Dictionary has two definitions to the word […]
Christmas Homily, December 25, 2020
By Fr. Claude Perera, OMI First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10The Good News of the return of the exiles is announced by the watchmen of Jerusalem. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1-6Praise for God Our Saviour Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6God has finally spoke through his Son. Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 (or shorter form, John 1:1-5, 9-14)Word of God became […]
The Nativity of our Lord
Dear Friends, As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas in couple of hours, I invite you to ponder the Gospel passage that is read at the Midnight Mass and so beautifully announces to us the Nativity of our Saviour: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustusthat all the world should be […]
Sunday Homily, December 20, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle BBy Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Royal Messiah. Son of David, the Just One Readings: First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16The Promise to David that His Dynasty will endure forever Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 89:2-5,27,29 – Praising God for the Faithfulness to His Covenant Second Reading:Romans 16:25-27 – Praising God for His Gift […]
Sunday, December 20 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we celebrate the final Sunday of Advent and reflect on the passage taken from St. Luke’s Gospel which describes for us the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. “During Advent the Liturgy of the Word tells us that we bump into God in strange places: in the poor, in crowds, and, […]
Sunday Homily, December 13, 2020
3RD Sunday of Advent,by Deacon John Girolami “Brothers and sisters, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These are the words of St Paul that were given to us just a few minutes ago in the second reading. For the […]
Sunday, December 13 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This is already the 3rd Sunday of Advent, know to us as Gaudete Sunday, signalling that the feast of Christ nativity is drawing closer and closer. “Today’s gospel tells us that John the Baptist was born into the world for a singular purpose, “to testify to the light.” And not just any light, […]
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8, 2020
Theme: Thou Art All Beautiful O Mary. The Original Stain Is not in Theeby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI The Readings: First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15,20Judgment on Adam and Eve after Their Sin Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1,2-3,3-4Sing to the Lord for he has done wondrous deeds. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12Chosen to Be Adopted Children of God in […]
Sunday Homily, December 6, 2020
Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle Bby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord by a Three-fold Transformation Readings: First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11Preparing a way for the Lord Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9-14The Lord’s salvation is near. Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14The Need to Be Ready foe the Second Coming of […]
Sunday, December 6 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, As we journey deeper into the season of Advent, we focus on this the second Sunday of Advent on the personality of John the Baptist. “The Liturgy of the Word puts the adult John before us today and next Sunday to block our view of “baby Jesus,” and so remind us that […]
Sunday Homily, November 29, 2020
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle BBy Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Christ Is Coming at the End of Time First Reading: Isaiah 63:16b-17,19b;64:2-7A Prophetic Appeal for a Divine Revisit Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19A Prayer for Protection Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9Paul Thanks God for the Faith of the Corinthians. Gospel Reading: Mark 13:33-37Need to be […]
Sunday, November 29 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, With this Sunday’s celebration we enter into a new liturgical year and we begin the season of Advent. “Be watchful! Be alert!” are the first words with which Mark greets us at the beginning of this new year of the church. They are also the last words spoken by Jesus in Mark’s gospel […]
Sunday, November 22 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, And so, we have arrived at the end of the Church’s Liturgical Year as this Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Like climbing to the top of Mt. Everest, today’s gospel reading is the pinnacle of Jesus’ […]
Sunday, November 15 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are only one Sunday away from the end of Church’s Liturgical Year as we celebrate the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time and reflect on the Gospel that presents us with the Parable of the Talents. “The parable in today’s gospel follows immediately upon the parable we read last week. Both the parable of […]
The Sacrament of Confirmation
UPDATE ON THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION (February, 2021) HOW ARE THINGS WORKING AT THE CHURCH RIGHT NOW? Currently, for each gathering in the church, we can accommodate 30% of the full seating capacity. What this translates to for the celebration of Confirmation is that each family will have one pew reserved, and may have a maximum […]
Sunday Homily, November 8, 2020
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: by Fr. Claude Perera, OMI First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16 Characteristics of Wisdom in the OT Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63:2,3-4,5-6,7-8 Human Heart’s Longing for God. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (shorter form: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) The Dead Will Be Raised Back to Life. Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable […]
Sunday, November 8 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, The Church’s Liturgical Year is gradually drawing to a close. This Sunday we celebrate the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time and ponder the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. “The parable Jesus tells in today’s gospel may seem at first glance to be un-Christian. Why wouldn’t the five who have oil share […]
Sunday, November 1 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we enter into the month of November and celebrate the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, which this year is also the Solemnity of All Saints. “The gospel for All Saints’ Day is always taken from the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where, through the Beatitudes, he introduces […]
Sunday, October 25 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We can see the signs of the fall all around us, especially as we notice that the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer, and the cold weather is beginning to become a constant. This Sunday we celebrate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time and ponder the question: Which commandment in the […]
Sunday, October 18 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
We find ourselves already in the second half of October as we celebrate the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time this weekend. We hear in the Gospel how Jesus’ opponents question him about the lawfulness of paying taxes. “As we continue to follow and witness Jesus’ activities as events in Jerusalem march closer to that […]
Sunday Homily, October 11, 2020
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a The Messianic Banquet Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-6 The Good Shepherd Psalm Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14,19-20 God Provides us in Our Needs Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 (shorter form Matthew 22:1-10) Parable of the Wedding Feast. Background to the Readings We have […]
Sunday, October 11 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
We are already almost in the middle of October, celebrating the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time and reflecting on the parable of the wedding feast. “Now we come to the third of three parables in three weeks. After learning about the two sons and the evil tenants, we now hear about the royal wedding […]
UPDATE ON COVID -19 PROTOCOLS
Diocese of Hamilton, October 7, 2020 Dear Parishioners: Given the recent rise in numbers of those who have recently contracted the COVID-19 Virus, and what appears to be the beginning of a second wave of infections, it is opportune to remind everyone of the protocols in force in our churches in the Diocese of Hamilton. […]
Sunday, October 4, at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday greets us with the Parable of the Vineyard Owner, as we celebrate the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. “In a little less than two months we will celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. As we approach the feast of Christ the King and the end of this liturgical year, our readings […]
Sunday, September 27 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are approaching the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the last Sunday in the month of September, when we hear the Gospel parable about two sons. I invite you to ponder the following reflection. “The teenage daughter said that she was staying out late and not to expect her home until midnight. […]
Sunday Homily, September 20, 2020
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings: First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9 My Ways Are not Your Ways. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3,8-9,17-18 The Lord is Near to Those Who Call on Him. Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24,27a For Paul both Living and Dying Was to Be ith Christ. Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 […]
“Let us return to the Eucharist with joy!”
Letter on the celebration of the liturgy during and after the Covid-19 pandemic to the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of the Catholic Church The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has sent a letter to the presidents of Episcopal Conferences on celebrating the liturgy during and after the pandemic. The […]
Sunday, September 20 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, In preparation for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, I invite you to spend some time pondering the Gospel that will be read in the liturgy this Sunday, which is the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. “Jesus was a master teacher. His parables inspired and they were remembered in part […]
Sunday Homily, September 13, 2020
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings First Reading: Sirach 27:30—28:9 To expect God’s mercy, one must show mercy to others. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-4,9-12 In praise of God who is kind and merciful. Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9 Both in life and death, we belong to the Lord Gospel Reading: […]
Sunday, September 13 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, This Sunday we celebrate the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the Gospel we hear Peter come to Jesus with a question about forgiveness. In preparation for Sunday Mass, I invite you ponder the following reflection. “Though chapter 13 in Matthew is commonly known as the “parables chapter,” for the seven […]
Additional resources and information for First Reconciliation and First Communion
Dear Children and Families, We are so looking forward to seeing you over the next few weeks for the celebrations of your First Reconciliation and First Communion! For those families who have chosen not to have their children participate in the sacraments this fall, please disregard this message. We would like to provide you with […]
Sunday Homily, September 6, 2020
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9 The Son of Man Is Appointed the Guardian Over Israel. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2,6-9 Praising God for the Gift of Salvation. Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10 The Commandment to Love One’s Neighbor as Oneself Is the Summary of the Law […]
Sunday, September 6 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are at the beginning of the month of September when things normally would begin to pick up in regard to parish activities, but this year may be much different than before. As we approach the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, I invite you to enter into our celebration by pondering the readings […]
Sunday Homily, August 30, 2020
By Deacon John Girolami Last week I met a family who were bringing their little daughter to church to be baptized. She was maybe 6 months old. She wore a pretty little white dress and little shoes and around her neck she wore a cross. She would soon be a Christian. With that she would […]
Update – 1st Communion Celebrations at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Parents,We hope that you and your families are all doing well. This is a follow-up to the initial information that went out a couple of weeks ago regarding the upcoming celebrations of First Reconciliation and First Communion for your child/children. Since that time, some families have expressed their preference to wait until a later […]
Sunday, August 30 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, And so we come to the conclusion of the month of August. This summer many of us, including myself, did not have a chance to go away to visit our families and relatives due to the obvious, but hopefully we have still had the chance to slow down and enjoy this beautiful season. […]
Sunday Homily, August 23, 2020
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle AFr. Claude Perera, OMI First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23 Deposing of Shebna from His Office and Substituting Him with Eliakim Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-3,6,8 In Praise of God’s Steadfast Love Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36 Paul Praises Divine Wisdom. Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 Peter’s Confession of Jesus as Messiah and His […]
Novena in preparation for the School Year 2020-2021
Introduction We begin our Novena with the Gospel of Jesus and the woman at the well. The story of a woman whose own encounter with the Lord is so transforming that she is compelled to tell her whole community. Many came to believe because of her testimony. This is the story of Catholic Education in […]
Sunday, August 23 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, The summer months are passing so quickly as we find ourselves already in the second half of August. This Sunday we celebrate the 21stSunday in Ordinary Time, where our focus is on St. Peter’s profession of faith. “In today’s gospel Jesus asks his disciples to report on the rumors and gossip of the […]
Sunday Homily, August 16, 2020
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle ABy Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings: First Reading: Isaiah 56:1,6-7 Salvation Is for All. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3,5 6,8Corporate Act of Thanksgiving of the Whole Humanity for the Gift of Salvation Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15,29-32 God’s Irrevocable Grace to Israel and Gentiles as well. Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 Healing […]
Sunday, August 16 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, Wow, we are already in the middle of the month of August and the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time is upon us. As we are preparing for the celebration of the Sunday Mass as a parish community, I invite you to ponder the Gospel of this Sunday and the reflection that is provided […]
1st Communion Celebrations at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Parents of our Grade 3 students,Greetings to you and your families. I hope you have been well during this difficult time. I’m sure it has been a time of much upheaval for you in many ways. We have certainly experienced this at the parish as well. As you know, last year’s Grade 2s did […]
Sunday Homily, August 9, 2020
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle ABy Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9a,11-13a The Lord mMkes Himself Known to Elijah in Silence. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:9-14 A Prayer for Peace Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5 Privileges of the Israelites Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus Walking on Water Background on the Gospel Reading […]
Sunday, August 9 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are in the middle of the summer months already! This Sunday we celebrate the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Gospel presents us with the story of Christ walking on the water. “The episode in the gospel appears in two other gospel accounts, but Matthew has a unique version of […]
Sunday Homily, August 2, 2020
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A.by Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Readings First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3 An Invitation to the Banquet of True Life Vs. Worthless Things Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:8-9,15-18 God’s Providential Care for His People. Second Reading: Romans 8:35,37-39 What Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ? Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21 Miracle […]
Sunday, August 2 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends, We are already in the middle of summer months (almost) and this weekend we celebrate the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time. “After three weeks of hearing Jesus preach and teach in parables, we now move into the next chapter of Matthew’s gospel, one in which Jesus performs the miracle of the multiplication of […]
Sunday Homily, July 26, 2020
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: Sunday, July 26, 2020 The First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12 Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom The Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:57,72,76-77,127-130 The Law of the Lord Is of Highest Esteem. The Second Gospel Reading: Romans 8:28-30 God Predestined Us to Be Conformed to the Image of His Son. The Gospel Reading: […]
Sunday, July 26, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
Dear Friends,We are at the end of the month of July, and in the liturgy this Sunday we celebrate the 17th Sunday in the Ordinary Time. “Today’s reading gives us the third Sunday in a row where we hear from Matthew’s chapter on parables. Seven parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew appear in […]
Sunday Homily, July 19, 2020
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle Aby Fr. Claude Perera, OMI Theme: Humanly Incomprehensible Mercy of God Who Gives Evildoers Time to Repent Readings: First Reading: Wisdom 12:13,16-19 Philanthropy of God. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16 A Plea for God’s Mercy Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27 The Spirit Intercedes on Our Behalf. Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-43 (shorter […]
Sunday, July 19, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
This Sunday is the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time as we have entered the second half of the month of July. “The shorter gospel reading today is about the weeds and the wheat, whereas the longer reading includes other parables. The parable of the weeds and the wheat occurs only in Matthew. No other gospel […]
Sunday, July 12 at St. Francis Xavier Parish
This Sunday, July 12, is the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and in the Gospel of St. Matthew we read the beautiful Parable of the Sower. “In the middle of summer, we continue reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Cycle A). Today we begin chapter 13, sometimes referred to as the chapter on parables, for […]
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 […]