This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord. The word “Resurrection” is not a common term in everyday language, but it is deeply significant in the Church because of its religious meaning. It is often said that the Feast of the Resurrection, or the Feast of Easter, is the greatest celebration of our faith. If that is so, then the reality of the Resurrection must permeate and be seared into our lives, so that the power and the glory of the Resurrection are not just expressions in the Mass and in Church, but the very essence and substance of our lives in the world.
We know and believe that, in the Resurrection, Jesus rose from the dead, conquered sin and death, and gave us new life. That means Jesus has freed us from the bonds and snares of sin and raised us to the new life of heaven. The empty tomb is history, as Jesus calls us to share in His glory.
Therefore, we can’t keep looking and wondering at the empty tomb, like how the disciples were initially looking and wondering at the empty tomb until their encounter with the Risen Christ in the Upper Room. We too may wonder about the message of the empty tomb, and we might even be tempted to linger there. But the empty tomb distracts us.
In that empty tomb, we may look for security in earthly riches and forget our eternity with Jesus. In that empty tomb, we may want to clutch at our pride and ego and forget that humility and simplicity are what we truly need to embrace. In that empty tomb, we may want to wallow in our disappointments, frustrations, anger, and resentment—and forget that Jesus, our Risen Lord, wants to give us peace, joy, and contentment.
Therefore, the empty tomb is history and has nothing left for us. Jesus is calling us to look up and head towards the Upper Room. It is not the Upper Room where the disciples once gathered—it is the Upper Room in heaven, where Jesus has prepared a home for each of us.
Let us move on from the empty tomb to that Upper Room, where we will sing “Alleluias” forever. Happy Easter
Fr. Aegidius Warsito
Prayer Walk
The Toronto Police Service, 43 Division, is once again hosting a citywide Prayer Walk. The walk will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, with 2 to 3 stops along the way for group prayer.
We will meet at Global Kingdom Ministries (1250 Markham Rd). From there, we will cross the street to Tuxedo Court for a time of prayer, then proceed to 2180 Ellesmere Rd, then return to the original meeting point.
Let’s come together and stand against gun violence and all forms of hate.
All are welcome. Let’s unite to lift up our city and our neighbours in prayer.
For more information kindly check the poster or Contact Michael Robertson 10177@tps.ca or call 416.808.4300
Pilgrimage to Martyrs Shrine
Our Parish is hosting a pilgrimage to Martyrs Shrine, Midland, on Saturday, May 31st.
The cost is $35 per person, which includes both transportation by bus and entrance to the Shrine.
Itinerary:
• Meet in the parking lot of St. Thomas More School at 7:30 a.m.
• The bus will leave at 8:00 a.m. and arrive at the Shrine at approximately 10:00 a.m.
• The Rosary will be prayed on the Shrine grounds, followed by Mass at 12 noon.
• Lunch (please bring your own) and free time will follow Mass.
• Everyone will gather at 3:00 p.m. at the appointed stop.
• The bus will depart the Shrine at 3:30 p.m. sharp, returning to St. Thomas More at approximately 5:00 p.m.
If you are interested in visiting Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Museum, please speak to the office at the time of registration. For further information and registration please contact the Parish Office.
Archdiocesan Year of Jubilee- Pilgrimage to Rome
The Archdiocese of Toronto Jubilee 2025 Committee is organizing a week-long pilgrimage to Rome with Cardinal Frank Leo, taking place on November 10-17, 2025. The pilgrimage will include visits to Rome’s major basilicas and Holy Door, daily Mass and a day trip to Assisi. Registration will take place online beginning Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. Space is limited. For full registration details, to view a detailed itinerary and learn more about this prayerful journey to Rome, Visit:
https://bit.ly/ArchTORome2025
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Melina and Rolando Castillo, Victoria Munson, Doug Smith, Arianna Lindsay, Tina Lopes, Jeffrey Mo and Lito Gana, Diana Lobo, Christopher Tsang, Louis Gauci, Elijah Nymphe. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
SACRAMENTAL PREP NEWS
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
• April 26th Rehearsal and Confessions: 12:30 – 2:00 pm
• May 3rd – First Holy Communion Mass: 11:00 am
CONFIRMATION
• April 26th Rehearsal and Confessions: 10:00 – 12:00 pm
• May 10th – Confirmation Mass: 11:00 am
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
• Registration is now closed.
Mass Intentions for April 19 – 26, 2025
Saturday Holy Saturday No Intentions
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+Louisa, Francis, Rose, Peter and Edward Rodrigues, Theresa and Robert De Souza, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Marta Gonzales, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday No 8:00 p.m. Mass
Monday 9:00 a.m.
+Leon Solis, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Holy Souls in Purgatory, requested by Amparo
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Gitendran Saverimuttu, requested by G. Saverimuttu.
+Cynia Villagracia
+Jaime Crisostomo, requested by L. Crisostomo
+For all the souls in Purgatory
+ Raymond requested by Eugis
Intentions and Blessing for Raymond’s Family
Intentions of Regina Tangalin
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Albertus Arif Widjaja
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Agostinho Teixiera, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Tian Bastianpillai
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
In thanksgiving, Nelson D’Souza
+Armando Quiazon, requested by the family
Intentions of Iris Esperita
+Teresita Pascua Bruce, requested by Esperanza and Family
Intentions and Good health of Diana Lobo
+Cecille, Noel and Fana, requested by the family
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by Bastianpillai family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Pierre Claver Kayumba, Beatrice Kamaraba, Jeanne Mukahigiro and Richard Ndayizeye, requested by the family
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Xavier Richard, requested by the family
