Laetare Sunday
The Fourth Sunday of Lent is well known as Laetare Sunday. The word Laetare means “rejoice,” and today’s rose-colored vestments are a gentle reminder that even in the desert, flowers bloom, and even in the shadow of the cross, the light of Easter is already breaking through.
This Sunday’s readings invite us to open our eyes, not just our physical sight, but the deeper vision of the heart. In the first reading (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6–7, 10–13a), Samuel is sent to anoint Israel’s new king. He is drawn to the strong and impressive sons of Jesse, but God teaches him a timeless truth: “For the Lord does not see as the human sees. The human looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” How freeing it is to know that God’s gaze is not swayed by our flaws or our outward image, yet He sees the beauty, the potential, and the goodness that others may overlook.
In the Gospel (John 9:1–41), Jesus heals a man born blind, and the miracle unfolds like a sunrise. At first, the man knows Jesus only as “the man called Jesus.” Then, as his eyes and heart open, he recognizes Him as a prophet, and finally, as Lord. His journey is one of courage — standing firm in the truth despite opposition — and of transformation, moving from darkness into the fullness of light. Meanwhile, those who claim to see remain blind because pride has closed their hearts.
Laetare Sunday reminds us that joy is not postponed until Easter morning. It is already here; hidden in the steps we take toward God. Even in our fasting, our repentance, and our struggles, Christ’s light is guiding us. Like the blind man, we are invited to let Jesus touch our eyes, to wash in the waters of His mercy, and to see the world anew — not as it appears, but as God dreams it to be.
Therefore, this week, let us dare to ask ourselves: where is God inviting me to see with new eyes? What judgments or fears keep me from seeing others as God sees them? How can I let joy break through my Lenten journey today?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito SCJ
Lenten Confessions
Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. (English)
Lenten confessions (in English) will be held on Tues., Mar. 17 at 7:30 p.m. with many priests in attendance. Also, Lenten confessions will be held on Mon., Mar. 16 at 7:00 p.m. (in Spanish).
Rosary in Honour of St. Joseph
Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m.
Our annual Rosary in honour of St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Canada, will take place on his feast day, Thurs., Mar. 19 at 6:00 p.m. before Mass. Please join us in this time of prayer for our country and our own needs under the patronage of the foster father of Jesus. Men of the parish are especially encouraged to attend.
Prayer Group Meeting
“He must increase, I must decrease”
Fr. Hansoo Park, Pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, will be giving a relatable and heart-stirring teaching of John 3:30.
• When: Thursday, March 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Where: St. Thomas More Parish Hall
Young Adults for Christ
Saturday, March 21 – 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All young adults (ages 19–39) are invited to join the Y.A.C. Lenten Retreat on Sat., Mar. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at our parish.
Registration is required for full-day attendance. Lunch will be provided. Donations are gratefully accepted. Come and renew your heart this Lent!
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for those who are sick in our parish: Nancy L., Enza S., David Kippen, Sheila Downs, Sonali Paris, Keith Achue, Andrea E. Bernabey, Tina Lopes, Victoria Munson, Veronica Lim-Sang, Chett S., Ruth McDoom, Marina & Amrita Baburam, Sylvie Tilly and Olivyn Angeles. May they be supported by our prayers, pastoral ministry and the grace of God.
Legion of Mary – Acies Function
Saturday, March 21 at 1:30 p.m.
All Active, Auxiliary, and Junior Legionaries are warmly invited to attend this year’s Acies celebration, which will be held on Sat., Mar. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (3 Combermere Dr., North York). Legion of Mary, St. Thomas More Parish
SHARELIFE 2026
You can help men answer God’s call to priesthood by supporting ShareLife
God planted the seed of a priestly vocation in Rev. Mr. Moomjun Alphonse Choi’s heart as a child. He later entered St. Augustine’s Seminary, where God led him through moments of joy, deep reflection, and a faith that continues to grow. His path had been one of both faith and challenge, yet he has walked forward without fear—because of you.
Your generous heart lifted the burden of financial worry, allowing Rev. Mr. Choi to embrace his calling fully and prepare for a life of service to the Church. God-willing, he will be ordained into priesthood this May. Because of your faithful generosity to ShareLife, many more young men will answer God’s call.
The first ShareLife Sunday collection is on March 22. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope or at sharelife.org/donate.
7th Annual Dynamic Women of Faith Conference
Saturday, March 21
The Conference will be held at Le Treport Hall in Mississauga on Sat., Mar. 21 including many speakers. Bishop Camilleri will celebrate the closing Mass. Please register at: dwf2026.eventbrite.ca
Mass Intentions for March 14 – 21, 2026
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Emilio and Hernani Yambot
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+Giles Chaves, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Intentions of Anna Teresa Myers
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Mariano Alajar
Monday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Emma Tobon
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Amante Abad, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Ofelia Lim, requested by the family
+Souls in Purgatory, especially members of FOSS, requested by the family
+Satkuram Emmanuel, requested by the family
+Herman Thompson, requested by V. Francis
+Julian Martin
+Rosario, Corazon, Florencio Sr. Pena and Rufo Odina, requested by the family
+Dr. Antonio Durado Bueno, requested by M. Faller
+Derrick D’Souza, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Janet Francisco
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Mike and Jamie Madigan, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
+Tirso and Elizabeth Manadero, requested by G. Mantes
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Derrick D’Souza and deceased members of the D’Souza family, requested by the family
+Marty Thorne, requested by M. Faller
+Philomena Swakeen, Suvakkin Maheshwary & Robert Johnson, requested by the family
+Giles Chaves, requested by the D’Mello family
+Jude Benedict, requested by the family
+Arturo Bacani, requested by the Nijmeh family
+Yvonne Augustine, requested by the family
Intentions of Kenneth and Julianna Alphonso
Friday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Hunter Fleury
Friday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Andrea and Catherine D’Souza
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Dionisio Perena, requested by the family
