The Desert
Today is the First Sunday of Lent and it calls us to step boldly into the desert with Jesus—a place where distractions fade, and the heart learns to listen. In the Gospel (Matthew 4:1–11), Jesus faces temptation after forty days of fasting. The enemy offers Him comfort, power, and glory, but He stands firm, anchored in the truth of God’s Word. His victory reminds us that we, too, can overcome when we root ourselves in faith and trust.
Meanwhile, the First Reading from Genesis recalls the moment in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose the serpent’s lie over God’s truth. In the desert, Jesus rewrites that story—the new Adam who chooses obedience over compromise, love over self-interest. His victory is not distant history; it is a living hope for us today. His example is a rallying cry for us; we are not powerless in the face of temptation.
Lent is not just a season of giving things up, it’s a season of rising up—of awakening to the life God dreams for us. It’s our training ground, where we strengthen our spiritual muscles, sharpen our focus, and prepare for the victory of Easter. Every “no” to temptation is a “yes” to freedom, every moment of struggle becomes a step toward transformation. The desert may feel barren, but it is the very place where God shapes saints, strengthens hearts, and prepares us for the joy of resurrection.
So, as we begin this Lenten season—these forty days, let us walk with courage and hope, knowing that we are never alone. The desert is not a place of defeat—it’s where champions of faith are made. The same God who sustained Jesus in the wilderness walks beside us now. And just as angels ministered to Him, grace will meet us in our own deserts, carrying us toward the radiant dawn of Easter.
And our reflection is: what will we do to make this Lenten season meaningful and what do we need to make it happened?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
Mass Intentions for February 21 - 28, 2026
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Joseph Mallia, requested by the family
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+Julienne D’Mello, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Petronila De Guzman, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Deceased members of the Soosaipillai family, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Kevin Rupasinghe
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Bridgette Cyril, requested by John
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Theresa Tomachek, Sr., requested by G. and R. Smith
+Teresita Tan, requested by the family
+Theresa Tomaschek Sr., requested by the Santino family
+Sonia Josiah
+Manoj Devassy, requested by the D’Souza family
+Cakws Hernandez, requested by the family
+Jean Wai, requested by C. Yeung
+Edilberto Arenas & Braulio Alcantara, requested by the family
In thanksgiving
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Sr. Irene Pinto, requested by J. & C. Alphonso
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Pierre C. Kayumba, Beatrice Kamaraba, Joanne Mukhigiro & Richard Ndayizeye, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Matthew Acosta
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Valarie Pereira
Intentions of Sr. Mariana
In thanksgiving, Rose Marie Haswell
In thanksgiving, George Nicholas
Intentions of Rizal Viloria
Intentions of Irma Gonzales
In thanksgiving, George Nicholas
In thanksgiving, Evelyn Calicdan
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Joseph Emmanuel, requested by the family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Leena Leticia Gregory
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
Intentions of Hy Francis
Do You Like Camping?
Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16
Calling all beginner & savvy happy campers! Come camping with us at Presqu’ile Provincial Park from Fri., Aug. 14 to Sun., Aug. 16. If you are interested and/or for more information, call the parish office before Sat., Feb. 28.
Parish Pilgrimage to Quebec - 2026
There will be a pilgrimage with our parish from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17 going to Quebec, under the spiritual leadership of our pastor, Father Aegidius Warsito, SCJ. The itinerary includes St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal, Mary—Queen of the World Cathedral, Sainte Anne-de-Beaupré and Cap de la Madeline among others. For more information, please see the flyers at the entrances to the church or call the parish office. There is limited seating. Please reserve your seat by February 27, 2026. If there are not enough participants, the trip will be cancelled.
Parish Lenten Retreat
Our Parish Lenten Retreat will be held next Sat., Feb. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fr. Peter Choi will lead our Retreat with the theme: “Trauma to Healing.” Let us come together to reflect, pray, and grow in our Lenten journey. We look forward to seeing you!
Prayer & Life Workshop
Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Please join a Prayer and Life Workshop, at our Parish, starting on Wed., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Room. The workshop consists of 15 weekly sessions. The cost of the materials is $20.00. Please contact Rhina Rodriguez and Jorge Escalante at rhinatov@gmail.com.
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for those who are sick in our parish: Cristina Salvo, David Kippen, Sheila Downs, Sonali Paris, Keith Achue, Andrea E. Bernabey, Tina Lopes, Victoria Munson, Veronica Lim-Sang, John Bedford-James, Ruth McDoom, Marina & Amrita Baburam. May they be supported by our prayers, pastoral ministry and the grace of God.
2025 Tax Receipts
Pope’s Lenten Message
Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement.
At the start of Lent, Pope Leo XIV invites Catholics to open ourselves to listening, fasting, and community, urging us to abstain from words of hatred in order to make space for words of hope and peace.
