Finding God in Every Situation
Dear brothers and sisters, the Transfiguration experience, the experience of communion with the glorious God, is a joyful experience. Peter and the other disciples did not want to lose that precious moment. Like the disciples of Jesus, each of us has surely had a “mountaintop experience,” where we feel the extraordinary presence of God, where we feel surrounded by the abundant blessings of God in our lives. When we experience such moments, we certainly hope that the experience does not pass from our lives.
Peter also desired to remain on the mountain and experience the glory of God. However, Jesus instead invited them to come down from the mountaintop and live life as usual. Does this mean that Jesus does not want us to experience transfiguration? By inviting us to come down from the mountain, Jesus desires us to continue to feel the transfiguration experience in our daily lives, which may seem ordinary or even challenging. The experience of coming down from the mountain here depicts a process of maturity in faith. Jesus challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and experience transfiguration through everyday life experiences, even those that are not easy.
Beloved brothers and sisters, “A great sailor is shaped by mighty waves.” This means that challenging situations will lead us to become resilient and strong individuals. Similarly, with our faith, the challenges and difficulties we face will purify and strengthen our faith. If our current life is filled with challenges and problems, or full of uncertainty, perhaps at this moment God is inviting us to come down from the mountain and experience “transfiguration” in a different way.
Therefore, let us reflect: “How do I perceive my life at the moment? Am I able to find God when my life is filled with challenges and difficulties?”
Bro. Henri Suharyono, SCJ
ShareLife Parish Campaign 2024
As we approach our first ShareLife Sunday collection on March 17, it is essential that we come together in compassion to meet our Parish Campaign goal of $14 million, addressing the growing needs in our communities. By reaching this goal, our agencies will continue to: offer walk-in counselling to those facing mental health issues, help victims of domestic violence, ensure isolated seniors are not forgotten, deliver food to children in developing countries and form priests and deacons who will minister in our parishes.
Your support of ShareLife makes these programs possible, among many others. Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online at www.sharelife.org/donate.
Lenten reflections for Young Adults
We would like to invite all Young Adults between the ages of 19-35 to come and join us!
Lenten reflections “Sin and Redemption”.
Speaker: Br. Henrikus Suharyono SCJ
Eucharist Adoration, Talk and Social
We will begin with (optional) Mass at 5 pm and Eucharist Adoration (6:15 pm) in the church and then start the event in the hall at 7:15 pm!
Doors (hall) open at 6:30 pm
Saturday March 2nd , 2024.
Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served
Admission: Free and Donation accepted.
To RSVP, please say GOING! this event on Facebook or send an email to stmyac@gmail.com
Registration required by Friday, March 1st.
God bless and Thank you!
Blessings on you and we hope to see you there!
60th ANNIVERSARY OF ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH
As part of our year-long 60th anniversary celebrations, parishioners are invited to design and submit a logo and/or a slogan commemorating 60 years of the founding of St. Thomas More Parish. The deadline for submission is Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Good luck!
Lenten Schedule for Fridays
The schedule on Fridays during the season of Lent will be as follows:
• 6:00 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
• 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross
• 7:00 p.m. Mass
Valentine’s and Lunar New Year’s Dinner and Dance Financial Statement
Proceeds
Ticket sales (212 x $50.) $10,600.00
Bar sales $ 1,038.55
Raffle ticket sales $ 5,955.00
Sponsors & donations $ 8,752.00
Total income $26,345.55
Expenses
Food and bar $ 5,835.60
Disc jockey $ 600.00
Printing and décor $ 426.15
Total expenses $ 6,861.75
TOTAL PROFIT $19,483.80
Thank you to everyone who assisted with the Dance to raise fund for the Parish Campaign!
Upcoming Parish Events
Wednesday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m.
Our monthly Seniors’ Mass will be held on Wed., Feb. 28th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. All seniors are most welcome!
Friday, March 1 at 10:30 p.m.
The Alliance of the Holy Family International group is holding a Communion of Reparation on Fri., Mar. 1st from 10:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Everyone is most welcome.
Saturday, March 2 at 6:15 p.m.
The Holy Trinity Community will hold a healing Eucharistic Adoration on Sat., Mar. 2nd from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. after the Mass. All are welcome!
Sunday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m.
The Youth Group will hold an Easter Market from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as a fundraiser for their activities and the Parish Campaign. Any vendors or youth volunteers are asked to call the parish office at 416-439-1545 for information
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Geeta Bridgebassie, Benjamin Zdesar, Gustavo Caceres, Andrea E. Bernabey, Anne Evola, Thatcher Willifon, Gloria Paraan, Victoria Munson, Victor Lim and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Mass Intentions for February 24 – March 2, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m. +Joseph Mallia, requested by the family
Sunday 8:30 a.m. +Raffaelle, Sebastiana and Maria Privitera and Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy, requested by the Privitera family
Sunday 10:00 a.m. +Petronila De Guzman, requested by the family
Sunday 11:30 a.m. Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m. In thanksgiving, Eddie and Hordian Santos and family
Monday 7:15 a.m. +Jean and Douglas Gilchrist, requested by the Taylor family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m. +Bill and Christine Long, requested by the Gleason family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Xavier Richard, requested by the family
Intentions of Rose-Marie Haswell
Intentions of Hy Francis
+Nicasio Oplas, Sylvano Pelaez and Cirila Barden, requested by R. Oplas
+Presentacion, Edgar, Benedicto, and Natividad Tuling and Artemio Paez, requested by M. Oplas
Intentions of Joshlene
+Damian and Octavia Neves, requested by N. Marin
Intentions of Sara Philip
Wednesday 7:15 a.m. Intentions of Hy Francis
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. +Angela and Giuseppe Lamanna, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m. +Joseph Emmanuel, requested by the family
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Felix Wallison, requested by the family
+Kenneth Lawrence, requested by the St. Thomas More Prayer Group
In thanksgiving, Andrea
In thanksgiving to St. Vincent, Mother Mary and St. Anthony, requested by Rena Enrera
In thanksgiving, Frances Roche
+Rui Serra, requested by the Rabara family
+Souls in purgatory, especially the members of FOSS, requested by C. Yeung
Friday 7:15 a.m. +Daniel Lorza, requested by the family
Friday 7:00 p.m. +Auring and Rodolfo Gabriel Sr., requested by M. Faller
Saturday 9:00 a.m. +Hernani Yambot, requested by the Bedford-James family
