In Service to the Community November 15, 2026

In light of the annual Shepherds' Trust collection for retired priests taking place this weekend (Nov. 14/15), here's a look at Fr. Martin Pereira's vocation in service to the community. God’s love offers an antidote to the loneliness that can be experienced in the twilight of life: “I will never forget you” is His promise to us all. He assures us

that He has engraved our faces on the palms of His hands, and that His love is greater than a mother’s love for her child. Fr. Martin Pereira is a reminder of this enduring and joyful promise that God walks with us at all stages of life through his weekly visit to a retirement residence in Mississauga, Ont. At 82, his service to the community and pastoral care for the residents includes what he calls the privilege of celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and spending time together in fellowship. “That’s the best part of priesthood, and I’m loving every minute of it.”

As a retired priest, he enjoys being part of a ministry serving the senior population, a chance to witness firsthand and assist in nurturing the seeds of faith in the weekly routine of residents.

“I imagine myself going through what they’re experiencing – and then I preach from there. What I tell them – especially those who are hurting – is that God gives us a total package. If we have accepted youth and middle age, then we must accept what comes in old age.” He is in a unique position to relate, having dealt with debilitating sciatica, followed by a heart attack and open-heart surgery in his late 60s – and surviving cancer surgery in 2021.

“After Mass, residents often thank me with such sincerity. Sometimes they hold my hand a little longer or tell me, ‘Father, thank you for coming.’ Those moments are priceless. They remind me that people are hungry not only for the Eucharist but also for companionship, encouragement and hope.”

Source (an excerpt): https://www.archtoronto.org/en/outreach/archdiocesan-blog/archdiocesan/in-service-to-the-community/

SHEPHERDS’ TRUST COLLECTION NOVEMBER 14/15

Caring for those who always cared for us

The mission of The Shepherds’ Trust is to provide elderly and disabled diocesan priests with resources to lead a dignified life after many years of active ministry.