THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

October 12, 2025

 It is fitting that we, as God’s people offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received.  The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings that God wants to shower upon us through Jesus Christ (See Ephesians 1.3-10).  Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people in need.  On Thanksgiving Weekend, parishioners are invited to bring non-perishable food items to the church for distribution to the Good Shepherd Ministries.  They may be placed in containers in front of the altar before Mass.

COFFEE SUNDAY, October 5, 2025

Join us on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:00 a.m. Mass This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parishioners and meet newcomers to our parish.  See you there!

2025 is the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Cree, marking a significant milestone in Christian history.  The Nicene Creed was formulated during the First Council of Nicaea, which took place in 325 AD.  The Council was convened by Emperor Constantine to address the growing theological disputes within Christianity, particularly with regard to the divinity of Jesus Christ.  The resulting Creed, which is shared in common with all Christian Churches today, established foundational Christian beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, affirming the doctrine of the Trinity and unity of the Church.

To mark this important anniversary, and even more important symbol of the faith we share in Jesus Christ, we are invited to join the members of St. John the Evangelist Parishioners for Vespers (Evening Prayer) on Sunday, September 28th, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel.  A reception will follow.  We will be inviting their community to join us for Vespers on the Solemnity of Christ the King in November.

Are you interested in exploring the Catholic faith or wishing to become a member of our Catholic Community?  Do you know someone who is?  We will begin a series of gatherings on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.  Our initial meeting will take place in the Parish Rectory meeting room.  Subsequent meetings will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Our parish will join Canadian Martyrs Parish and the Cathedral Basilica Parish for the sessions leading to Easter.

If you are interested in joining our Catholic community, contact the Parish office or speak to Msgr. Kroetsch as soon as possible.  We look forward to walking with you on this journey of faith!

The Chosen Season 1 Study Group series begins on Monday, September 15th in the Parish Hall from 6:15 – 8:15 p.m. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend this 8-week group series. The series brings to life the Biblical stories of the Gospels. As a group we will watch the videos and then discuss the authentic portrayal of Jesus and his disciples as they struggle with their humanity and desire to serve God. If you cannot commit to every Monday, come when you can.  For more information, contact the Parish Office (905-528-7988).

Join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass

for our first Coffee Sunday of the fall season.

This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parishioners

and meet newcomers to our parish.

See you there!

LENTEN PENANCE CELEBRATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, at 7:00 p.m.

Join us for our Lenten Penance Celebration on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

We welcome Fr. Gianluca Roso, a Comboni priest serving in our Diocese.  Fr. Roso is a Missionary of Mercy, appointed by Pope Francis.  He will preach on this occasion. 

Several priests will be available to hear confessions following a brief liturgy of the Word.  Another opportunity to receive the Jubilee indulgence during this Holy Year.

PARISH PASTA DINNER

Saturday, March 22, 2025 

Join us for our Parish Pasta Dinner in honour of St. Joseph.

Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

in the Parish Hall.

Tickets: $25.00 for adults; $15.00 for children under 12 years.

Get your tickets early to make sure you have a seat!

Menu

Caesar Salad

Dinner rolls and butte

Baked Penne with Signature Sauce

Italian meatballs and Italian Sausage with Signature Sauce

Dessert: Tuxedo Cake

Coffee, tea, pop (wine for purchase)

OUR PARISH FEAST DAY

St. Joseph is the patron of the Universal Church,

and the patron of Canada,

and the patron of our Parish Community!

We will celebrate our patronal feast on Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

for the intentions of all parishioners,

and for all former parishioners and benefactors

who have gone before us and now rest in the peace of Christ.

Grant, we pray, almighty God,

that by St. Joseph’s intercession

your Church may constantly watch over

the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation,

whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

ASH WEDNESDAY MARCH 5, 2025

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, on March 5, 2025.  Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion to the Lord, Jesus Christ.  During Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation.  It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their Baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the Year.

Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance.  Through forty days of closer attention to God’s word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.

During Lent, the Church also calls us to be mindful of the social consequences of sin as well as the fact that the heart of the virtue of penance is hatred of sin as an offence against God. The Church encourages penitential practices that are external and social, reflecting the circumstances of individuals and communities, as we pray and do penance for sinners.

Mass and the Distribution of Ashes will take place during

Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Liturgy of the Word with Primary Grades at 9:45 a.m.

Liturgy of the Word and Distribution of Ashes

with Intermediate Grades at 11:00 a.m.

CONFIRMATION INFORMATION

All candidates for Confirmation and their parents are invited to meet in the Parish Hall on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 12:00 noon following Coffee Sunday.  This is an important information meeting to outline the preparation process for the sacrament which will be celebrated in our Parish on May 13, 2025.

As part of your preparation for Christmas, we will celebrate God’s Mercy – an encounter with Christ, who heals and reconciles us to God and to one another.  Our Advent Penance celebration will take place on Wednesday evening, December 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the church.  Our guest homilist will be Father Gregory Ogorzalek, Pastor of Canadian Martyrs Church in Hamilton.  Several priests will be available to hear confessions at the conclusion of the brief Penance Celebration.

To begin the Advent Season, we are proud to host the Diocesan Choir for an Advent Hymn Festival at our Parish on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.  There is no charge – however, a goodwill offering will be received for the Neighbours in Need Program.  A wonderful way to being our Advent preparation for Christmas.  Be sure to join us.  All are welcome!

Join us for dinner and a movie in the Parish Hall following evening Mass on Saturday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m.   The movie will be Boy Choir, starring Dustin Hoffman & Kathy Bates.  The menu includes lasagna, salad and dessert.  A free-will offering will be received.  Sign up after Sunday Mass or call the Parish Office so we know how many people to prepare for.