World Day of the Poor
What a powerful message of encouragement and hope we are given in today’s readings, especially during these challenging times filled with distractions.
It’s comforting to be reminded that the Lord is the judge. He protects and uses us to lead souls to Him when we are aligned with His will. Like taking our vehicle to the mechanic, even just for a routine oil change, it’s good to do an examination of conscience on a regular basis, ideally at the end of every day. Maybe we’ve lost track of our spiritual odometer, but it’s never too late to get back on track. Doing this is good for our soul and will keep us going in the right direction, without deviating from God’s will.
The end of the liturgical year is a busy time when we might lose sight of our priorities. Instead, we can take time to reflect on where we can improve spiritually and set goals for the upcoming year. This is not easy, because the distractions of the world are constant and increasingly noisier. They aren’t necessarily bad and may be things that need to get done; but when we let them take over, our spiritual priorities suffer.
On this World Day of the Poor, let us make the poor a priority in our lives and strive to love Our Lord in all whom we meet.
Adapted from Living with Christ
Sarah Escobar, Ottawa, ON
Upcoming Special Events
There are many new events taking place in our parish and the city. For more information about any event, please call the office: 416-439-1545.
- Wed., Nov. 29 for Red Wednesday – World Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
- Sat., Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. for Youth Group meeting for youth in grades 7 to 12.
- Tues., Nov. 25 at 11:00 a.m. Seniors’ Mass & Luncheon. *Please note the change of day!
- Sat., Nov. 29 at 8:30 a.m. for the Outreach Program for the homeless
- Sat., Nov. 29 at 9:00 a.m. Catholic Estate Planning Webinar (free) (QR code available)
- Sat., Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. YAC Advent Healing Retreat with Fr. Terry McKenna with lunch (registration required)
- Sat., Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Parish Pasta Dinner & Dance for $20. per person
- Sat., Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m. St. Michael’s Choir School Concert at Massey Hall 416-872-4255
- May 15 – 17, 2026 for Parish Pilgrimage to Sacred Shrines of Eastern Canada (Mark your calendars!)
Parish Day of Reflection for Advent
Saturday, November 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Our Parish Day of Reflection for Advent with Fr. Vijai Amirtharaj CSC will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a talk followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 12 noon for an hour. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
Christmas Pageant
Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24
Calling Angels, Shepherds, Three Wise Men and One Holy Family!!
Any children who are interested in being part of the St. Thomas More Christmas Nativity Pageant on Christmas Eve (Wed., Dec. 24), please contact Nardina Grande at 416-831-9768 or arc.com@rogers.com .
Angel Tree
Weekends of November 30 & December 7
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is providing Christmas help to our Neighbours in Need. Angel tags will be available with the details of the child for whom the gifts are to be purchased ($20.00). Chocolates and cookies are also appreciated. Please return the gifts with the Angel tag attached by Sun., Dec. 14. Thank you!
Humanitarian Relief
Hurricane Melissa and Typhoon Kalmaegi both created much devastation including injuries and deaths. The Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting donations to support humanitarian relief efforts for those in need through our Catholic partners in the affected regions. Donations may be made through the parish making cheques payable to St. Thomas More Parish-Humanitarian Relief or online at www.archtoronto.org.
Prayers for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Sheila Downs, Sonali Paris, Keith Achue, Andrea E. Bernabey, Louise Inches, Tina Lopes, Mary McKay, Robert MacLochlan, Victoria Munson, Patricia Oosthuizen, Michael & LeeAnne Passalidis, Gail Ramalho, Veronica Lim Sang, Grace Mendoza, Joan & William Flynn and Irene Bower. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Mass Intentions for November 15 - 22, 2025
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Ignacio Rosales Jr., requested by the family
Sunday 8:00 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+Rachael Solis Siy, requested by the family
Sunday 12:00 noon
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Sabino Fernandes, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
+Basil Benedict Jr.
+Raymond, Gwen & Theresa Whittle, requested by P. Patel
+Ann, Mary and Michael McPherson, requested by P. Patel
+Deceased members of St. Thomas More Prayer Group, requested by P. Patel
+Val & Mary Lavrisa, +Claire & Joe O’Reilly, requested by P. Patel
+Claudine & Steve Goller, requested by P. Patel
+Elizabeth Marin, requested by the family
Intentions of Maria Chaves
+Carlton & Olive Mitchell, requested by the Francis family
+Felipe & Mark Mantes
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Margaret & Hugh Doyle, requested by the family
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
+Lauro, Maria and Nester Yanga
+Nick Sittampalam, requested by the family
+Lolita Padilla & Mario Simon, requested by Lorna & Gerry
+John Cyril, requested by Joseph
Intentions of Nolita Marin
Intentions of Wilma D’Souza
Intentions of Hayley D’Souza
Intentions of Denzil D’Souza
+Shirley Benjamin, requested by the Francis family
+Remedios Ascheri, requested by the Umali-Strachan family
Friday 7:15 a.m.
Book of Remembrance
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Andrew, Philomena & Rita Peters, requested by C. Peters
Saturday
9:00 am Book of Remembrance
