Repentance
In this third Sunday of Lent, our Gospel tells us about two tragic events that caused anguish and distress. Some people came and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. That was disgusting and revolting. Jesus then cited the case of the 18 people who died when the Tower of Siloam fell on them. In both cases, Jesus asked if those who died so tragically were greater sinners than the rest. Was it some kind of retribution? But Jesus did not engage in the topic of retribution. Instead, He emphasized repentance. His warning is clear enough: “Unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
The call to repentance invites us to rethink our understanding of the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule assumes that people will reciprocate in kind. In other words, whatever we do to others, others will also do to us. So, when we love others, we kind of expect others to love us in return. And when others wrong us, can we do the same back to them? If we can’t, can we say that they will get their retribution, as in “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”? But if we think like that, are we really doing anything exceptional?
The call to repentance urges us to look at the new commandment of love that Jesus gave us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This means loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who treat us badly, and praying for them. In other words, to repent is to look at the Cross and at Jesus, who suffered and died to save us. Jesus loved us first, and there is nothing we can do to return His love. Jesus is only asking us to love others just as He has loved us. To love others is the fruit of repentance. With love, there is no longer a need for vengeance or retribution. By heeding the call to repentance, we recognize that we are sinners. Yes, we can say, “I am a sinner, but I also have a Savior.” That is the Good News we must share with the world. The question is: do we want to repent? When and how will we do it?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ
Finding Peace in the Storm: A Catholic Approach to Mental Health
If you’re between the ages of 19 and 35, mark your calendars for an evening that promises to bring peace to your heart and soul.
We are excited to invite you to our monthly event on Saturday, April 5th, at St. Thomas More Parish from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
In today’s fast-paced world, many young adults find themselves struggling with the stresses and anxieties of life. Whether it’s school, work, or personal challenges, the pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve chosen a timely and important theme for this month’s gathering.
We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Lobo, MPS, RP (Qualifying), Counsellor from Catholic Family Services of Toronto, who will guide us through practical tips for managing stress and anxiety in a faith-filled way.
What to Expect:
• Holy Rosary
• Holy Mass
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Talk by Jennifer Lobo
• Q&A Session
• Fellowship
Bring your friends, your questions, and an open heart. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this meaningful evening with you!
Please visit our parish website for more details and registration.
Easter Lilies - Young Adults for Christ
Our Young Adults will take orders for Easter Lilies and Hydrangea plants on the weekends of March 29th-30th and April 5th-6th, which will be part of the altar display at Easter in memory of your deceased loved ones.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Melina and Rolando Castillo, Keith Achue, Victoria Munson, Doug Smith, Rob Dunklin, Arianna Lindsay, Tina Lopes, Bill and John Bailey, Winda Viterbo, Christopher Morrison, Joseph Michael Alves, Triva Steenberg, Nida Morales, Jeffrey Mo and Lito Gana, Elijah Nymphe. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Share Life - 2025
Announcing the 2025 ShareLife Campaign
How can you “Live the Gospel” when life is so busy?
Many people help those in need by volunteering at a local organization.
If your schedule doesn’t allow it, you can still make a huge impact in your community by supporting ShareLife-funded agencies.
Next Sunday is the first ShareLife collection.
Over the next week, please reflect on your ability to “Live the Gospel” by making a sacrificial gift to our parish ShareLife campaign by mail or on-line.
Next Sunday, March 30th, is ShareLife Sunday.
Thank you for supporting ShareLife!
Mass Intentions for March 22 – March 29, 2025
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+ Cirilo Diaz, requested by Mutuc family
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
+ Raffaelle, Sebastiana & Maria Privitera and Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy, requested by Privitera Family
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+ Lourdes Solis
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+ Maria Strziner & Irt Jnanez, requested by Faric
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+ Mark Tanel, requested by S.McPherson
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Darren Camillus, requested by J. Nimalraaj
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Manuel Agrela, requested by family
Intentions and healing for Joshua Nimalraaj
+Pierre Claver Kayumba & Beatrice Kamaraba, requested by the family
+ Jeanne Mukabigiro & Richard Ndayizeye, requested by the family
+Emerita Liceralda, requested by Nida Obtinario
Intentions of Andrea D’Souza
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
Blessings and good health for The Sebastian family
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Caterina Palumbo, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Jordan, Jaden and Joshua Marcus Rey, requested by V.Rey
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Keith Francis
In Thanksgiving, Melwyn
Intentions of Jacqueline Vaughan
Intentions of Louis Gauci
Intentions of Joanne Brennan
+ Michael Arends, Rebella, Lloyd, Barbara, Shirley Lowe and Louisa Gilbert, requested by The Lowe family
Intentions of Cathy Murtagh, Egidio Cortinovis and Patricia Kelly
Friday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions and blessings, for Joshlene Nimalraaj
Friday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Emily Fraser
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+ Kerri & Barrett William Csath, requested by the Dessailly Family
SACRAMENTAL PREP NEWS
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
• March 29th – Class #3 (12:30 – 2:00 pm)
CONFIRMATION
• March 29th – Class #9 (10:00 – 11:30 am)
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
• Registration is now closed.
