A Note from our Pastor September 24, 2023

My dear brothers and sisters,

Our parish life is back to its full swing, Praise God!

The parish bulletin, sacramental preparation, RCIA, altar servers training, youth ministry, Catechism of the Good Shepherd, bereavement ministry, Knights of Colombus, CWL, English tutoring for newcomers, parish choirs etc. are all back in action. Many other programs and organizations which didn’t take a summer break continue their tide as well. Therefore, welcome back folks!

At this restart, may I pray with St. Paul: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Col 2:7. Also, I would like to share the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, as we come together: "Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him".

St. Augustine Seminary has assigned a seminarian to our Parish

Bro. Andrew Edirimanasinghe is in his second year in formation and currently undertaking his philosophical studies at Serra House, the downtown house of the St. Augustine Seminary of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Andrew is the only child born to immigrant parents from Sri Lanka. He lived solely in Toronto, specifically in East York and Scarborough. Before entering seminary, Andrew finished an undergraduate degree in biology and theology at the University of Toronto. He also worked in the administration of a private school, Delta Academy Inc., and served his home parish Our Lady of Fatima, Scarborough, as a pastoral volunteer.

St. Augustine Seminary is sending seminarians to different parishes with the intention that these young men may have some pastoral experience complementary to their academic formation given at the seminary. Bro. Andrew will be here with us on every other Sundays for three Masses. Although, depending on both seminary and parish schedules there may be modifications.  Therefore, as his presence is going to be slightly sporadic in nature, he will be working with various ministries as need arises. Please welcome Bro. Andrew with warm hearts and keep him in your valuable prayers.

Bro. Andrew will be a great help for Fr. Ed and myself. We are delighted to welcome him to our pastoral team.

In Christ,

Fr. James Cherickal

Pastor