The Seeds
In this Sunday’s Gospel we heard about the parables of the seeds. The seeds were sown in soil and germinated. Some bore fruit for the harvest, some grew and put out big branches so that birds could shelter in the shade. Jesus used the parables of the seeds to point to the Kingdom of God. When creation fulfills its destiny, God is given His glory. The parable of the seeds reminds us that God created us in love and He has sown the seeds of His Kingdom in the depths of our hearts.
So, we know what our destiny is. We must let the seeds of God’s Kingdom germinate, sprout and bear fruit in our lives and beautify the world for the glory of God.
It is about spiritual growth for the Kingdom of God, so that the world can see the beauty of God’s love and the salvation that Jesus is offering to the world. But as we know, growth is not without challenges and difficulties. The challenges and difficulties that we experience in life are also what a young seedling has to go through.
There is scorching sun, heavy drops of rain and the piercing wind. All these elements of nature threaten the young seedling, but at the same time, these elements are necessary for its growth. The sun is needed to make it grow upwards. The rain waters it and the wind makes it firm. We, too, will experience similar elements in our lives. But as the Second Reading tells us, we live and grow by faith and not by sight.
Yes, we live and grow by faith and not just by sight. We are not flowers or seeds that depend on circumstances to determine their destiny. We are created in love, and with faith we make the decisions that will shape our destiny and we place our hope in God who will guide us. Like the flower, may we grow in beauty and give God glory. Like the seed, may we also bear fruit and a harvest for God’s Kingdom so that the world can taste and be filled with the goodness of the Lord.
Our reflection is: are we a good seed and bear much fruit in our lives and beautify the world for the glory of God? Why? What should we do?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito SCJ
60th Anniversary Event
We are praying a novena at all Masses to our patron saint, St. Thomas More, in preparation for his feast day on June 22nd. We encourage all parishioners and families to join us in praying for the needs of our parish and of our community.
Archbishop Francis Leo will celebrate a bilingual Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 23rd followed by a reception for all parishioners.
As part of our 60th Anniversary celebrations, the parish will be organizing a Street Patrol on Saturday, July 13th. We will gather in the parish hall at 9:30 a.m. to prepare food bags for those in need and then travel downtown to distribute the food to those living on the streets. Volunteers are needed and donations of sliced bread (white and whole wheat only), deli meats, cheese, juice boxes or water will be gratefully accepted from July 10 to 12. For more information, please call the parish office.
Annual Parish Picnic
Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Our 60th Anniversary Parish Picnic will be held on Sat., Jun. 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with lots of food, fun and activities. If you have bought a 60th Anniversary t-shirt, please wear it! Come and join us for a special celebration!
Changes in the Sunday Schedule
Please note that there will be:
- NO Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sun., Jun. 23rd at the 10:00 a.m. Mass
- NO Spanish Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Sun., Jun. 23rd due to the bilingual Mass at 11:30 a.m.
ShareLife Parish Campaign 2024
Your ShareLife gift changes lives
In a world where empathy matters most, your compassionate heart provided accessible, dignified support to over 2,500 people with special needs and their families. We thank you for your kindness and compassion.
Thus far we have raised $27,646.15! Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website or at www.sharelife.org/donate
BUNDLE UP SUNDAY, JULY 6-7
The Society of ST. Vincent de Paul is collecting, clothes, shoes, linens, towels and draperies before and after the masses.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Marivie Marucut, Emily Maravilla, Lee Zheyu, Anton Ferdinand, Kayden and Barbara De Silva, Teresita Bruce, Erna Grzincic, Maylene L. Ibale, Victoria Munson, Benjamin Zdesar and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Newly Ordained Permanent Deacons
Bishop Vincent Nguyen has ordained 12 permanent Deacons for the Archdiocese of Toronto on Friday, May 24, 2024, at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. Please pray for these newly ordained men:
Deacon Norberto Aquino, Deacon Joel Bangalan, Deacon Michael Carrera, Deacon Max Choy, Deacon Oliver D’Mello, Deacon Ferdinand D’Souza, Deacon Chris Elliott, Deacon Dan Humphries, Deacon Floro Santiago, Deacon Robert Selvadurai, Deacon Ferdinand Valera and Deacon Ronald Vaz.
Mass Intentions for June 15 – 22, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Intentions of Eugene Lim
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
+Raffaele, Sebastiana and Maria Privitera and Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy, requested by the Privitera family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Agostinho Teixeira, requested by the family
Sunday 11:30 a.m.
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Victor Kwan and Stephen Chou, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+Members of FOSS and the souls in purgatory, requested by R. Colaco
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Gregorio R. Huvilla Jr., requested by the family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of our priests and the families of the Serviam Ministry of St. Thomas More and for vocations to the priesthood and religious life
Intentions of Martha Nalliah
+Ernesto M. Santos, requested by the family
+Gnanapragasam Veluppillai, requested by the family
Intentions of Cathy Dessailly
+Narciso Magana, requested by the Donatelli family
Intentions of Napolean and Lily Dabre
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Larry, Louise and Leonie Alphonso, Amarino and Lazarine D’Souza, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Camilla Palumbo, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
+Dhanushka Gomes, requested by the family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Florence Pearson, requested by the Francis family
+Lurline Pearson, requested by the Francis family
+Kyle Angeletti
In thanksgiving, Robin and Tina Lopes
Intentions of Marie Rucekasing
+Emmanuel Quiazon, requested by the Yanga family
Intentions of Etvu Bursey
Friday 7:15 a.m..
Intentions of the Rey family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Vinette Francis
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
Intentions of Chantel Chaves
Youth Group Garage Sale
Donation dates from June 16 to 30
The Youth Group is having their annual Garage Sale. Please bring your donations of washed and gently used clothing and household items (not damaged, please!) to the parish office during office hours from Sun., Jun. 16 to 30. Please contact Emily at 647-465-0821 for more information.
