Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preventative Measures in Place

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The Archdiocese of Toronto continues to work with health officials to monitor the local situation regarding active cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, Cardinal Collins has asked all parishes to implement the following measures:

  • At the Sign of Peace, refrain from shaking hands – a simple bow, nod or “Peace be with you” to your neighbour is appropriate.
  • For parishes offering communion under both species, forgo the distribution of the Precious Blood from the chalice for the congregation at this time.
  • Parishes should ensure that those distributing communion wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the distribution of communion.
    Please also continue to practice healthy hygiene – wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer regularly, remain home if you are sick, sneeze/cough into your sleeve and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Let us continue to care for ourselves and one another as we pray for all those impacted worldwide by COVID-19.

Pope Francis’s Prayer to Mary During Coronavirus Pandemic

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O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

No Sunday Masses in the Archdiocese of Toronto this Weekend—March 14th and 15th

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The Chief Medical Officer for the Province of Ontario has asked that there be no gatherings of greater then 250 person as a result of the present situation related to coronavirus (COVID-19). For this reason, Cardinal Collins has asked that there be no public Masses celebrated this weekend in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Weekday Masses will still be celebrated Monday to Friday at 8:00 am at St. Peter’s Parish as usual.

Fr. Michael will celebrate the Mass intentions for this weekend in privately celebrated Masses.

St. Peter’s Church will be open on Saturday afternoon from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm for Eucharistic Adoration. The Church will also be open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday Morning for Eucharistic Adoration.

All are welcome to visit the Church for prayer on Sunday morning.

Please see the Cardinal’s letter by following this link.

At this time, let us pray for all those who are sick and all those who care for the weak and vulnerable in our society.

Parish Lenten Retreat Cancelled

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Father Eric Andrews, csp, the president of the Paulists Fathers in New York has asked all Paulists priests to cancel their travels and planned missions for the time being. For that reason, Father Frank Desiderio will not be here to give our parish’s Lenten retreat this year. The retreat that had been scheduled for this Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th , 2020 is now cancelled. For those interested, copies of his book, Can you Let Go of a Grudge? Learn to Forgive and Get on With Your Life can be purchased at the parish office.

Third Sunday of Lent – March 15, 2020

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Living the Gospel by helping young mothers
Kristen was 17 when she found out she was pregnant. Worried she wouldn’t be able to graduate from high school, she reached out to Rose of Sharon. At this ShareLife-funded agency she was able to focus on school work with the help of child minding by the agency. Kristen graduated and was accepted into the medical administration program at Seneca College. “Without Rose of Sharon,” says Kristen, “there’s no way I would have believed college was a possibility.”
March 29 is ShareLife Sunday. Please give generously. St. Peter’s goal for 2020 is $42,000.00

Second Sunday of Lent

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“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.”

One of the details about the story of the Transfiguration, which we hear in today’s Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent, that I have always found curious, is that Peter, our parish patron, always wants to build a shelter for Moses, Elijah and Jesus to dwell in. This story of the Transfiguration is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and each year it is read on the Second Sunday of Lent. In all three versions, as soon as the disciples see Jesus with Moses and Elijah, Peter wants to build a house for Jesus, Moses and Elijah to live in. In each account, as Peter expresses his desire to build these dwelling places, Jesus never really reacts. He acts like He does not even hear Peter and the story continues with God the Father intervening and identifying Jesus as His Son. The Father always speaks to the disciples from a cloud. So what is this all about? Why does Peter seek to build three homes for Moses, Elijah and Jesus and why does Jesus not pay any attention to this offer? Continue reading →