OCTOBER 18, 2020
World Mission Sunday!
This Sunday, every parish across the globe will celebrate this event. It is a global sign of the Universal Church and mission.
On this day, Pope Francis invites all Catholics to contribute to a special collection for the Propagation of the Faith. Your support will help missionaries in proclaiming the Gospel of joy and peace around the world.
Your donations will support churches, hospitals, schools and train seminarians and religious Brothers and Sisters in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Pacific Island and some of our Canadian dioceses.
The Theme for this year is “Here am I, send me” (Is 6:8) . Read Pope Francis’ complete message >>
In your donation boxes, you will find an envelope for this collection labelled Evangelization of the Nations
In your donation boxes, you will find an envelope for this collection labelled Evangelization of the Nations.
OCTOBER 4, 2020
Recovering Together!
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada’s new national campaign for a green and just recovery from the pandemic.
This national campaign is focussed on global solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has put our human family in crisis.
Severe malnutrition and extreme poverty are increasing around the world as people get sick, jobs are lost and markets are closed. Vulnerable people including refugees, women and Indigenous peoples face the worst impacts of the pandemic., which began while we are facing another global threat—the global climate crisis.
Together, we have to tackle these global challenges of the pandemic, climate change and extreme inequality that have come to define our era. How we respond right now will determine the future of life on our planet. This critical moment is our opportunity to create the greener and more just world that we have always dreamed of.
Our greatly reduced travel has temporarily reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Government programs such as the CERB have shown how a universal basic income could reduce poverty. These changes prompted by the pandemic have demonstrated that another world is possible.
At the same time, the pandemic has exposed the extreme inequalities of our current economy. In his Urbi et Orbi message this Easter, Pope Francis called on us to put people and the environment first in the response to the pandemic, encouraging “political leaders to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life.” The Holy Father reminded us that “now more than ever, persons, communities and peoples must be put at the center, united to heal, to care and to share.”
There will be a collection in our parish (date to be announced). You can also make a donation online directly to Development and Peace.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
The season is observed annually, and runs from September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and through to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology in many traditions. The theme of this year’s celebration is Jubilee for the Earth.
This season is a special time for the Creator and each other. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate. We all protect creation. The momentum continues long after the season ends. By seeding ongoing prayer, changes in lifestyle, and advocacy, the season grows hope in our communities each year. It’s powerfully good work that’s urgently needed!
Excerpt from joint statement issued by the presidents of The Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC):
“This year, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how deeply the globe is interconnected. We realised more than ever that we are not isolated from each other and that conditions related to human health and well-being are fragile. Impact of the pandemic forces us to take seriously the need for vigilance and the need for conditions of sustainable life throughout the earth. This is even more important when considering the environmental devastation and the threat of climate change.”
For more information and ways to observe this season READ MORE >>
SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
Donations to Lebanon
If you have not already done so and wish to make a donation to assist those affected by the horrendous explosion in Beirut, you can make an online donation directly to Development and Peace – Caritas Canada.
As a member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Development and Peace will be participating in the matching fund launched by the Canadian Government and the Humanitarian Coalition to help the people of Lebanon.
June 28, 2020
Our Capital Campaign continues throughout 2020.
Thanks to your generosity and to an anonymous donor who made an exceptional gift, we are doing very well.
If you have not made your Contribution as of yet, why not consider doing so at this time. Whatever the amount, it will be most appreciated and meaningful in helping us reach our goal. LEARN MORE >>>
Printed Psalm Sheets
You can print a copy of the Psalms which we use each Sunday by visiting the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops website: Responsorial Psalm >>>
Food Bank Donation
We have a new tradition in our parish to support the hungry on a more continuous basis. Over 860,000 Canadians visit food banks every month, with over 36% of the donations feeding hungry children.
During the COVID‑19 isolation, please leave your items in a bag at the door of the rectory. Donations will be delivered to St. Willibrord’s parish food bank.
See a list of suggestions for nutritious non-perishable items HERE >>>.
