A few weeks ago, I was reading the Toronto Star and came across a headline which read: “Compassion drives judge to join army veteran in jail cell.” Now since it is not very often that we can find a good news story in the newspapers, this story grabbed my attention. The article was about a former special service soldier who had fought four tours of duty in the Green Barets of the United States Army in Afghanistan. While away fighting, he had escaped death three times. The name of the retired soldier was Sergeant Joseph Serna. His bravery and efforts while he was away fighting had won him three purple heart medals— a medal given to those who are injured while fighting bravely. Unfortunately, since the time that Sergeant Serna had returned from battle, his efforts to return to civilian life had been very difficult. He had struggled with post-traumatic stress and drug and alcohol addiction. He was left with a great deal of fear after all of the very stressful experiences that he had while away at war. As a result of his many run-ins with the law, a judge had been assigned to Sergeant Serna’s case and he had the responsibility of reporting into this judge about his progress. The name of the judge in the story was Judge Lou Olivera. The story reported how recently, when Sergeant Serna had to admit that he had failed to remain sober and had retuned to using alcohol, against his probation order, it was necessary for Judge Olivera to sentence Sergeant Serna to one night in jail. However, what makes the story amazing, is that Judge Olivera knew that because of all his past traumatic experiences, Sergeant Serna would be afraid to spend the night alone in jail. In order that he might have the courage to face the situation, Judge Olivera drove Sergeant Serna from the courthouse in his own car to the jail and then spent the entire evening in the jail cell with him. Judge Olivera stayed with Sergeant Serna the whole evening, spoke with him about how he might handle his problems and gave him reason to hope that he could return to take his proper place in society, despite all of his difficulties and problems. By staying the evening with him, Judge Olivera showed this broken soldier that he believed in him, that he had dignity and that he was worth saving. Continue reading
Author Archives: stpeters
Pentecost Sunday – May 15, 2016
Working wonders for those who need help in our neighbourhood…
In response to operational challenges and funding cuts, agencies continue to explore creative ways of working together and reaching more clients. The first initiative known as “Shared Services” encourages agencies to share back office functions in the areas of human resources, financial management and information technology. The vision for this effort is to strengthen the collaboration of agencies guided by the philosophy of working for the common good. ultimately these administrative and program efficiencies will lead to enhanced organizational capacity, reducing overhead and administrative costs for ShareLife supported agencies.
Next ShareLife Sunday is May 29, 2016 Please give generously. You can work wonders!
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Bulletin for week of May 15, 2016
Disaster Relief – Fort McMurray Fires
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
- Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org
- By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
- Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
Name of Parish – Fort McMurray Fires – Disaster Relief
Confirmation Celebration
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated this Saturday, May 14, at the 5:00 PM Mass
We ask you to please pray for these young members of our parish community and their families. Fr. Michael McGourty will be administering the sacrament of Confirmation to our children.
First Holy Communion Congratulations to:
Ava Rahimi, Brooke Tsarouchas Melo, Grace Francis, Isabella “Ella” Cherenek, Jahero Bogle, Joseph Seamus White, Kai Wiigs-Boswell, Mia Gallippi-Lafleche, Patrick Mc Mujan, Selena Chavez, Simon Moldovan, Vito Vesia, Adrian Iachetta-Pereira, Aidan Hunter, Andrew Didiano, Clark Tunis, Cruz Molina, Elizabeth Casanova, Hanna Lasek, Jhenmar Jarloc, Livia Corrado, Rory Decator and Simao Oliveira
Celebrating Mothers!
Today we honour mothers. We take time to celebrate our mothers and the many maternal figures in our lives. We are grateful for the gift of their love, care and nurturing, not only today, but always. We also remember the mothers who are no longer with us, but whose memories we will always cherish. Happy Mother’s Day!
Seventh Sunday of Easter May 8, 2016
Working wonders for boys with a unique camping experience…
Having completed his teaching degree, Francis is still involved at Camp Ozanam, where he is presently the Director of Counselors. “I still love working here – most of my best friends have come from this community and it’s great to introduce my students to Ozanam and see them falling in love with it the way I did. As a former camper and staff member, I feel like I have a complete picture of the camp, and try to make sure today’s campers and staff enjoy the same formative experiences that I went through.” Last year, ShareLife-supported Camp Ozanam provided a unique camping experience for 600 boys from underprivileged homes in the GTA. Next ShareLife Sunday is May 29, 2016 Please give generously. You can work wonders!
Latest Bulletin
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Bulletin for week of May 8, 2016
Evangelization in the Square
From Pentecost Sunday, May 14 until June 12, the parish will be hosting a project of Evangelization. Members of the New Catechumenate Movement will be in front of our Church from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoons to witness to our Catholic faith to those who pass by our Church. They will provide music and faith sharing. Please drop by and witness.