In Today’s second reading, James addresses “you rich people,” describing the punishment that awaits those who exploit others. Tragically the world continues to be flooded by exploitation and oppression. It is fitting that this reading falls on the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Conflict, socio-economic crises and natural disasters continue to displace millions from their homes. This displacement puts them at risk of exploitation.
While we may not be contributing directly to the problem, are we working towards a solution? Media tend to paint a narrow picture of the ongoing worldwide refugee crisis. Working with the refugee community, I have learned that while there are many positive stories of brighter futures, there is also a darker side that can include human trafficking.
Being rich does not only refer to monetary wealth. You may be rich in resources, knowledge or even social and political agency. On this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, reflect on how you can use your own riches to work towards the end of human exploitation. Following today’s Gospel, “be not a stumbling block before one of these little ones” but rather “give a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ.”
Adapted from Living with Christ- Julianna Deutscher, Kingston, ON
Life Chain
Sunday, October 6th at 2:00 p.m.
All parishioners are invited to be part of an important pro-life witness on Sunday, October 6th. Our parish community will join thousands of others across Chain” for one hour, praying and peacefully witnessing to the sanctity of all human life.
Please join us on Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Markham and Ellesmere Roads. We will spread out along the sidewalk and pray silently for the hour. (Please arrive 10 minutes earlier to receive instructions so that you can devote the whole hour to prayer.). For further information, or to assist with the event, please contact the parish office.
Let’s advocate for the innocent as Christ Himself reminds us, “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me” (Mt 25:40).
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Good Shepherd Ministries is holding a Thanksgiving Food Drive. They are requesting the following items: canned meat, canned fish, condiments, peanut butter, jam, canned foods, pasta, pasta sauce, bagged rice, granola bars, pancake mix and other dry goods.
A blue bin will be placed at the hall entrance (by the washrooms) for donations of non-perishable items for the Food Bank.
Thank you for your generosity.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Melina and Rolando Castillo, Keith Achue, Marivie Marucut, Kayden De Silva, Teresita Bruce, Victoria Munson, Benjamin Zdesar, Steve Dowell, Jill Downs and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Food Bazaar News
We wish to thank everyone who participated in the parish International Food Bazaar last Saturday! We are so very grateful for all your efforts and generosity! Through all your hard work we raised $17,315.04 for our Parish Campaign!
Mass Intentions for September 28 – October 5, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Kesera Rupasinghe, requested by the family
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
+Leonie and Louis Alphonso, Amarino and Lazarine D’Souza, requested by the family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
In honour of Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel
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.
+Cecil Pamaong, requested by the family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Sharon McPherson
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
In thanksgiving, the Rupasinghe and Wanigasinghe families
+Aurora Garces, requested by the family
+Roosevelt Colaco, requested by the D’Mello family
+Maria Mangabay Rojas, requested by Nancy and Larry
+Genaro Ramos, requested by the family
+Corazon Florencio and Rozario Pena
+Enrique Quiazon, requested by the Yanga family
+Tony Santino, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Bill Welch, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Judy de Asis
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Laura and Marlene
+Hector Sylvester, requested by the Francis family
+Relva Bunchanan, requested by the Francis family
+Ricardo Marcos Santos, requested by the Gacad family
+Mark Durant, requested by Wilma
In thanksgiving, Benilda San Diego
Intentions of Lu Ming Taylor
+Enrique Quiazon, requested by the Yanga family
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Graham Biggar, requested by M. Biggar
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Janice Morgan, requested by L. and F. West
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
In thanksgiving, Mr. and Mrs. Danillo Albanie and the family
Needs of the Church in Canada
September 28 and 29, 2024
The annual Collection for the Needs of the Church in Canada will be held on the weekend of September 28 and 29, 2024. This annual initiative assists the Bishops in their ministry of accompanying, teaching, guiding, sanctifying and caring for the Church in Canada. Thank you for your generosity!
Rosary Procession
Everyone is invited to join the St. Thomas More Annual Thanksgiving Rosary procession. Meet outside our Church at the Statue of Mary at 11:45 am on October 12th. We will pray a rosary of Thanksgiving to our Blessed Virgin for the needs of the world. Following the rosary, we will process around the school, our church and to Markham and Ellesmere and back. The event should conclude by 12:45 pm.
For more info or to help, please call Nardina at 416.831.9768
