The parishioners of Saint Peter’s Parish in Toronto join with our brothers and sisters around the world praying for peace in the Ukraine and for the safety of all of the people of the Ukraine.

Today, Pope Francis asked that all Catholics observe Wednesday, March 2, 2022—Ash Wednesday—as a day of prayer and fasting for peace. Pope Francis stated:

My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last two weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those politically responsible to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not war; who is the Father of all, not just some, who wants us to be brothers [and sisters] and not enemies. I pray that all parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into dispute.

 And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non0-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons , with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next March 2, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.

 Let us all pray for peace and observe Ash Wednesday- March 2, 2022—as a day of prayer and fasting for the peace.

As the province lessens COVID restrictions, our parish offices will re-open to their regular weekday hours. They will be open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the reduced revenues that the parish has faced during the pandemic does not make it possible for the parish to pay a receptionist on evenings and weekends.

At our Sunday Masses beginning on February 26^th and 27^th, seating will be every other pew instead of every third pew. This decision was made by the pastoral council in consultation with other parishioners. As the province allows full capacity as of March 1, 2022, there will be further measures to open up seating in the coming weeks.

I am grateful to all those who have worked at the doors of our parish to maintain safe worship throughout the pandemic. This has been a time of frustration for many. All of the measures that have been implemented at the parish have been discerned in full consultation with the parish community. Apologies to the few who have been disappointed that the parish did not follow their individual instructions but rather implemented measures that were discerned through wider consultation with the entire parish community.

Masks must continue to be worn by all who attend celebrations at St. Peter’s Church.

Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. The highest point of the Church’s year is the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday evening through Easter Sunday) during which we recount the death and resurrection of Jesus the Lord. We prepare for this three-day period by the season of Lent, and prolong it for the great 50 days of the Easter Season. The celebration of Easter, of being reborn in the Risen Lord to a new life, will only have meaning to the degree that “we die to the old self.” Thus, the Church asks us to live this period of Lent, with Christ in the desert, as a period of forty days devoted to inward renewal through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Let us prayerfully consider before Lent how we might make the best use of this time to imitate the Lord in His dedication to the Father so that His resurrection may take deep root in our thoughts, words and actions throughout Lent and forever.

• Ash Wednesday Masses:                   8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the parish church.
• Mass and Stations of the Cross:       During the Fridays of Lent, the parish will celebrate a 7:00 p.m. Mass followed by the praying of the Stations of the Cross.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting (one meal and two lighter meals with no eating between meals), and abstinence (no eating of meat). The law of abstinence obliges those 14 years of age and older, and the law of fasting obliges all those from 18 through 59 years of age. The Church recommends that we observe not only Good Friday, but the other Fridays of Lent as days of abstinence, or that we perform some act of charity as an alternative—the choice is yours. Lenten penances should be external and social, as well as internal and individual; meaning they should help us grow in our relationship with God and in charity for our brothers and sisters.

Lenten Reconciliation Services:

• Every Saturday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
• Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Day of Confessions).
• Good Friday, April 15, 2022 following the 3:00 p.m. Good Friday Service.

During the season of Lent, you may also consider attending the parish’s daily 8:00 a.m. Mass or visiting the church during adoration afterward until 9:30 a.m.