I have often recounted at New Year that one of the things about being here at St. Peter’s Parish that I find a little funny at times, is that often I will be walking along Bathurst, in front of the Church, and as I do so someone will roll down their car window, and stop me on Bathurst Street, to demand that I give them a blessing as they are driving by on the street. My first inclination is to try to have a conversation with them to find out what they think that a blessing signifies. However, as the traffic is often heavy and they are in a hurry, they frequently get a little angry with me and demand that I stop my small talk and quickly give them the blessing that they are seeking before they drive off. These experiences have helped me to realize that many people may not even know what a “blessing” signifies or be aware of what is required for a blessing to really be of any value. Continue reading →

My Dear Brothers and Sisters:

As we approach yet another COVID Christmas, I thought I would repost a homily from last year that proposes that those who cannot attend Mass this year consider praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary this Christmas.

While our churches are open this year for Christmas, those who are unwell are asked to remain at home and watch our celebrations on the livestream. There may be others who because of the high COVID numbers may be concerned about attending church at this time.

For those who do remain at home, praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary as a family, group or alone, may provide a beautiful way to reflect on the birth of Jesus and His loving gift of self at this time of year.

I pray that you all remain safe and well this Christmas. I will remember all of the parishioners of St. Peter’s at all of our Christmas Masses.

Merry Christmas!

Fr. Michael
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The Nativity Scene is one of the most beloved symbols in Christianity. It is perhaps one of the of the most painted scenes in the history of art. At this time of year, Nativity Scenes are set up with great love and devotion in homes and churches around the world. Before the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day, the Nativity Scene with its empty Manger proclaims the anticipation of a people who await the coming of God’s love in their midst. After the celebration of Christ’s birth, when the baby Jesus is placed in the Manger, the Nativity Scene proclaims the presence of a loving God with His people. The birth of Christ into the poverty of the Manger not only proclaims God’s love for us, but it announces boldly the extent to which God will go to show us His love for every single person. Born into absolute poverty, Jesus wishes to show us that there is nothing that will get in the way of His loving us. No matter where we find ourselves in this world, Jesus desires to come among us and be our God. He is truly God with us- or as the scriptures call Him, Emmanuel. In the midst of this ongoing pandemic, when so many people are isolated and alone, often without feeling any sense of hope, the Manger takes on a powerful significance as it announces to all of us God’s desire to be with us in these difficult and troubled times. The Manger reminds us that God will come to us no matter what our situations. To these situations, He will bring real hope. There is only one sign that speaks more powerfully of God’s love for us, and the extent to which He will go to show us that love, and that is the sign of the Cross, which in the context of the pandemic announces that God will even bring life to where we have encountered earthly death. Continue reading →