Have you ever had a bright light shone in your eyes? When this happens, it can become impossible to see or notice anything else as a result of the light’s intensity. Many people who perform on stage say that the light can be so bright that even if the theatre is full, all they are able to see in the assembly is the bright light shining in their face. This is an image that I would like to come back to in a few minutes.
Today, in the Archdiocese of Toronto, we are celebrating the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. We are doing so because Archbishop Leo has asked that we celebrate the feast of our Archdiocesan patron. The feast that we are actually celebrating today is the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. So happy feast day to all who are named Michael, Gabriel or Raphael. Angels are created beings who are messengers of God. Angels have a mission to bring a message on behalf of God. The guardian angels have been created to bring a message of God’s particular care and love for each of us. The Archangels are those that are given a more important task or message from God. Michael, who is known as the prince of the angels, is known as the “one who is like God.” It is his job to defend people from Satan and to protect us from temptation. Gabriel is known as “strength from God,” and because he is often entrusted with an important message from God, he is known as the messenger of God. Raphael is known as the “healing power of God,” and is best known for his saving work on behalf Sarah and Tobias in the book of Tobit. As messengers of God, the work of the angels is always involved with protecting us from what will threaten our salvation, bring God’s healing presence, or announce His good news. Continue reading
The parish will celebrate a Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick on Sunday, September 29, at 1:30 PM. The Sacrament of the sick can be celebrated for any person who is ill and in danger of death or elderly. The sacrament is intended to bring physical and spiritual healing to those who are seriously ill. It also asks God for the grace to accept the suffering that comes with serious illness or diminished health due to age. If this applies to you or anyone you know, please consider attending or telling others about this celebration.
This past July, the parish auditorium and kitchen were severely flooded. There are still extensive repairs required in the kitchen. Although the contractors have said that the repairs will be done soon, we cannot move forward with the Fall Fair given the uncertainty of the timeline. With much of the space in the basement requiring work, we are also unable to accept any donations at this time. The fair will not be rescheduled for this year and will hopefully return for 2025.
The mission statement of the parish’s Social Justice Committee states: “The Social Justice Committee of St. Peter’s Parish seeks to create a window that provides opportunities for formation, greater Parish engagement and collaboration on social justice issues and activities.” If you are interested in joining this effort, please attend our next meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall.
For the last few years, Ricardo Pinos has served on weekends as the parish sacristan. He is the young man you have encountered at the doors of the church and who assists with opening and closing the church each weekend. This will be his last weekend, as he is beginning his university studies. Thank you to Ricardo for his generous and faithful service. Please pray that he has an enjoyable and successful university career.