The Catholic Women's League of Canada: 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care Thursday, May 15, 2025 "Protection of life at the beginning and end of life is precious. Life needs our prayers." National CWL President Shari Guinta: Please join the CWL in prayer. Copies of hourly prayers and reflections will be placed at the back of the church.

It is with great sadness we announce that one of our longtime St. Andrew’s Parish parishioners, Allan Fath, passed away peacefully on April 13 2025. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

December 13, 1933 - May 4, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce that one of our long time parishioners, Lionel Norris-Jones, peacefully went to his eternal reward on May 4, 2025. One of our Pastoral Care Team members, Joyce journeyed with Monica and Lionel for many years in support of their faith. It was Lionel's wish to have a private graveside service.

Mother – A Light in Times of Darkness

In today’s world, which increasingly rejects Christian values, the role of the mother becomes not only a challenge but also a mission. The reality we live in is flooded with moral relativism, ideologies that blur natural roles, and a growing crisis of the family. In this context, being a mother is not just a biological matter – it is a vocation, a spiritual battle, and a testimony of faith.

Mother as Defender of Life and Faith
The mother stands on the front line in the battle for the souls of her children. In a world that glorifies self-fulfillment and comfort, she chooses sacrifice, selfless love, and daily dedication. She defends life from conception to natural death. She teaches prayer, forgiveness, and responsibility. She – often without recognition – becomes the home’s “catechist,” “psychologist,” and, above all, an icon of God's love.

Mother – The Teacher
Today, a mother must not only raise her children but also form their conscience. In a culture that blurs the line between good and evil, truth and falsehood, she must courageously say, “Yes – yes, no – no.” Her life, rooted in the Gospel, becomes countercultural – a quiet but powerful protest against moral manipulation that destroys human identity.

Motherhood as a Vocation, Not a Project
Modern narratives often portray motherhood as a limitation, an obstacle to professional development, or even a form of enslavement. Meanwhile, the Church reminds us that motherhood – both physical and spiritual – is one of the most beautiful vocations. A mother does not give up on herself but offers herself out of love. She is not weak – she is strong in grace.

Mary – A Model for Every Mother
In the face of attacks on the family and motherhood, the mother has a powerful example – Mary, the Mother of God. Her life, full of humility, silence, and unwavering faith, shows that a woman’s strength does not lie in dominance but in service. Mary did not seek recognition but faithfully fulfilled God’s will – even when it meant suffering at the foot of the Cross.

Hope for the World
In times of chaos, confusion, and broken families, it is the Mother who can be a point of reference. Her faithfulness, prayer, and presence are like a lighthouse on a stormy sea. Through her quiet daily choices, she builds the future of the Church and the world.

On this Mother’s Day, we thank all Mothers – for their steadfastness, love, prayer, and silent fight for the souls of their children. You are the heroines of our time.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is a special time of prayer for priestly and religious vocations. It is a day when the Church throughout the world turns its eyes to Christ—the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, leads them, and lays down His life for them.

In today’s world, filled with noise, haste, and confusion, we need shepherds—people who are courageous, in love with God, and ready to serve others. Priests and consecrated persons are not “superhumans”—they are just like us. Their vocation, however, is born from a deep relationship with God and the desire to bring His love where hope, peace, or meaning in life are lacking.

Prayer – the Power that Brings Forth Vocations

Vocations don’t come out of nowhere. They are born in the hearts of young people, but they mature in an atmosphere of prayer. Jesus Himself said: “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). This is not just an encouragement—it is a direct command: we are to pray and cry out to God for priests and religious.

Many of us remember a time when every few years someone from our parish entered the seminary or religious life. Today, things look different. But does that mean God has stopped calling? No. Perhaps we have stopped praying for vocations with the same fervor as before.

That is why, on this Good Shepherd Sunday, we ask—let us not forget to pray. Let us pray especially for vocations from our own parishes, from our own families. Perhaps God is already preparing the hearts of some of our children or grandchildren to follow Him. We need both communal and personal prayer—rosaries, adoration, sacrifices, and acts of charity. This is the spiritual foundation of vocations.

We Need Shepherds

Without priests, there is no Eucharist, no sacraments, no proclamation of God’s Word with power. Without religious sisters, many quiet but powerful witnesses of love—service to the sick, the lonely, and the poor—would be missing. The Church needs shepherds, who like Christ, will lead the people of God.

So let us pray: Lord, give your Church holy priests and consecrated persons! Call them from our parishes, from our families—people who are courageous and willing to follow Your voice.

Let prayer become our strength. For it is prayer that changes hearts and opens heaven.

Fr. Marius will be away on his annual priestly retreat from Monday, May 12 , through Friday, May 16. During this time, there will be no weekday Masses from Monday to Friday. We kindly ask you to keep him in your prayers as he takes this time for spiritual renewal and reflection.

Please note that Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will still take place on Thursday, May 14, as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayerful support.