Community Events

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend
April 17-19

Upcoming Weekend Date: April 17-19, 2009

Married couples: You deserve a weekend to celebrate being together; to rediscover each other and focus on ways to make your relationship even better. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend offers this opportunity. Consider giving each other or another couple that you know the gift of a weekend away from daily pressures; time to be with each other and with God on a Marriage Encounter Weekend.

For further information or registration please contact: Cora & Mike Bryce 905-896-2958 or
cora-mikebryce@sympatico.ca.

The National Catholic Mission 2009

Program #1: Monday, April 6 – 9:00 p.m., repeated at 11:00 p.m.
Program #2: Tuesday, April 7 – 9:00 p.m., repeated at 11:00 p.m.

Host of the Mission, “Reflections of Lent,” is Most Reverend Paul-Andre Durocher, the much loved Bishop who launched the first National Catholic Mission in the year 2000.

For more information please contact the National Catholic Broadcasting Council at 1-888-383-6277 www.canadiandailymass.com.

Music for the Popes - Tallis Choir of Toronto

Saturday May 9, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
St. Patrick's Church - 141 McCaul Street, Toronto.

The Tallis Choir of Toronto present a procession of triumphant polyphony from Rome in the High Renaissance. Featured works include the Missa Papae Marcelli and Tu Es Petrus by Palestrina and other works by Victoria and Marenzio.

For more information please check our website at www.tallischoir.com. Tickets may be purchased online at boxoffice@tallischoir.com or at the door at a cost of $25, $20, and $10.

50th Anniversary of Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville

Nicholson Catholic College in Belleville, Ontario is celebrating its 50th anniversary (1960-2010), May 14-16, 2010.

For details and registration, visit the website www.ncc50th.org or call Nicholson 613-967-0404.

God, Sex and the Meaning of Life for Teens

Starting on Friday, April 3, 2009, and running from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for 8 weeks on Fridays, (excluding April 10) at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 640 Glenholme Avenue, Toronto. Using a great mix of stories, real-life examples, activities, prayers, and references to the culture that teens understand, God, Sex and the Meaning of Life for Teens answers the questions teens have about their own bodies, issues on sexual morality, and how they were uniquely created for greatness.

Registration fee of $18.00 includes the Student Workbook. For more information call Jan Noonan 905-420-8696 or Rose Heron 905-683-9055 or stbreg@gmail.com. All Teens are invited.

Holy Week Mission at
St. John Fisher Church, Brampton

All are invited to attend the Parish Mission at St. John Fisher Parish, Brampton. The Mission will be preached at all Masses, Monday - Wednesday of Holy Week, by the popular Jesuit Priest, Rev. Don Beaudios, S.J., on the topic of "God's Love For Us."

Monday, April 6: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m.

For more information please contact St. John Fisher Parish at 905-793-6610. St. John Fisher would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Brothers and Sisters in Christ a Happy and Blessed Easter.

Lectio Divina – A Year With St. Paul

All are welcome to join Archbishop Thomas Collins for Lectio Divina.

Sunday, April 19, 2009
St. Michael's Cathedral, 65 Bond Street, Toronto.

Vespers are at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Lectio Divina from 7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

This month's scripture passage: Philippians 2:1-18. Please join us for this personal encounter with God through Scripture.

This Sacred reading provides an opportunity to read aloud the Word of God taking time to pause, reflect and pray together. In the coming year, we will encounter Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, summarizing the foundation of Christian life.

Mp3 audio podcast and video posted on YouTube of Archbishop Collins' previous Lectio Divina are available at www.archtoronto.org. The Lectio Divina is also broadcast on Salt + Light Television. Visit www.saltandlighttv.org for more information.

Teaching Scripture in Light of Nostra Aetate

The founder of the Bat Kol Institute of Jersalem, Sr. Maureena Fritz, N.D.S., is coming to Toronto in the spring to teach at USMC. This course would be of particular interest to priests, deacons and lay ministers. It begins at the end of June and runs for 2 weeks.

SMP3488HS L0101 (Summer of 2009)
Teaching Scripture in Light of Nostra Aetate

This is a course on teaching teachers to teach New Testament texts in light of the new paradigm change initiated by the publication of Nostra Aetate. Since the close of the Vatican Council in 1965, the Church has proclaimed that the covenant of God with the Jewish people has “never been revoked” (cf. John Paul II, 1980; Romans 11:29), and that the Jews “still remain most dear to God” (Nostra Aetate, #4). EVALUATION: One book report (20); one synthetic essay (40); participation in class (20); presentation (20).

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Begins: 06/29 Ends: 07/10 Monday through Friday. One Credit.

For more information please contact Patricia O'Reilly, Department of Curriculum Teaching and Learning, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, at 416-978-0265 www.oise.utoronto.ca.

First Friday Devotions at
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 3170 St. Clair Avenue East, Scarborough, invites everyone to join for Holy Mass at 12: 30 p.m. followed by Solemn Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Divine Mercy Chaplet and Adoration at 3:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction at 6:30 p.m. followed by Holy Mass.

For more information, please contact Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at 416-757-2806.

Mass with Stations of the Cross

First Friday of the Month
St. Philip Neri Parish, North York.

During the Season of Lent, for the Months of March and April, St. Philip Neri Parish will have a Mass with Stations of the Cross on First Fridays. From May onwards the parish will continue to have the Mass for the Sick on First Fridays.

For more information please contact St. Philip Neri Parish at 416-241-3101.

Neophyte Mass

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto.

You are invited to a Eucharistic Celebration.

Those who will be initiated into the Roman Catholic Church at Easter and those who will be received into full communion, their families, sponsors, pastors, godparents and friends are cordially invited to a Eucharistic celebration at St. Michael's Cathedral.

His Grace, Thomas Collins will preside and preach at this Eucharist of Thanksgiving.

Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague

A series of Novena Prayers are said in honour of the Infant Jesus of Prague at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 3170 St. Clair Avenue, Scarborough.

Novena Prayers:
April 25, 3:00 p.m.; May 25, 6:00 p.m.; June 25, 6:00 p.m.; July 25, 3:00 p.m.; August 25, 6:00 p.m.; September 25, 6:00 p.m., October 24, 3:00 p.m.; November 25, 6:00 p.m.; December 26, 3:00 p.m.; Feast Day of Infant Jesus of Prague, January 9, 2010, 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at 416-757-2806.

Celebrating 50 Years
St. Gregory's Parish, Etobicoke

This year St. Gregory's Parish, 122 Rathburn Road, is celebrating 50 years of service in Etobicoke.

Friday, May 8, 2009 - 10:30 a.m. His Grace, Archbishop Collins will be celebrating Mass for the students, teachers, staff, and some parents of St. Gregory Catholic Primary School.

Friday, May 29, 2009. Gala Dinner at FAMEE FURLANE, 7065 Islington Ave. Woodbridge. Open to all who have a ticket. Price $60.00/person for a five course dinner.

Sunday, September 13, 2009 - 12:00 noon. His Grace will, once again, be celebrating the Eucharist with us, this time for the Parish Community. All are welcome to attend.

For more information on these events please contact St. Gregory's Parish at 416-239-4831.

Helping Troubled Marriages

Retrouvaille Toronto will be hosting a session the weekend of April 24-26, 2009.

Originating in Quebec over 30 years ago, Retrouvaille is now an international Catholic program helping married couples that are experiencing difficulties in their relationship. It consists of one weekend residential session followed up by a series of half-day sessions. Last summer Pope Benedict XVI commended Retrouvaille for its positive impact on marriage and the family.

For confidential information or to register for the April 24-26 weekend, call 416-281-6007 or visit the web site at: www.torontoretrouvaille.com.

First Saturday Devotions at
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

The Marian Pilgrimage Centre, Scarborough celebrates Holy Rosary, Novena Prayer and Holy Mass at 6:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 3170 St. Clair Avenue East, Scarborough, on the first Saturday of the month.

For more information, please contact Our Lady of Fatima Shrine at 416-757-2806.

Blessed Sacrament Parish Presents…
Robert Pilon and Friends in Concert

Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament Parish, 24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto. (Yonge & Lawrence)

For more information please contact the parish office at 416 481-2256 for details and tickets.

Salt + Light Television Presents …

A Chance to Meet the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Toronto!
Saturday, April 4, 2009 - 2:30 p.m.
Salt + Light Television Broadcast Centre, 114 Richmond Street East, Toronto.

An open invitation to young women of the Archdiocese of Toronto thinking about Religious Life in a vibrant community of teachers and educators. Join us at the Salt + Light Television Broadcast Centre (114 Richmond Street East, Toronto) for a screening of the new feature documentary about the Dominican Sisters, Beloved. After the screening there will be a social with the Sisters followed by the Archdiocesan celebration of the Palm Sunday Procession and Mass.

To R.S.V.P. please call Raymond Richings at 416-971-5353 ext. 241. For more info visit www.saltandlighttv.org/events.html.

An Evening of Sacred Music & Art with Andrea and Martin Rebello in memory of John Paul II
April 3, 2009 – 6:45 p.m.
Cardinal Flahiff Centre (Chapel), 95 St. Joseph Street, Toronto.

Salt + Light Television, together with the Office of Catholic Youth and Faith Connections, invites you to a special performance featuring Sacred music by Andrea Rebello and the artwork of Martin Rebello.

Join us at the Cardinal Flahiff Centre (Chapel) (95 St. Joseph Street, Toronto) for Mass at 6:45 p.m. followed by the concert and art exhibit at 7.30 p.m.

Space is limited! R.S.V.P. today to Antoniette Palumbo at 416-971-5353 ext. 238. For more info visit www.saltandlighttv.org/events.html.

An Evening of Music and Reflection featuring John Michael Talbot
April 29, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
St. Paul's Basilica, 83 Power Street, Toronto.

Salt + Light Television, together with the Office of Catholic Youth and Faith Connections, invites you to a special event featuring the music of the top-selling Catholic artist in the world, John Michael Talbot.

Join us at St. Paul's Basilica for an evening of music and reflection. Space is limited!

R.S.V.P. today to Antoniette Palumbo at 416-971-5353 ext. 238. For more info visit www.saltandlighttv.org/events.html.

The Wisdom of St. Paul for Teachers Today

A Lenten Retreat for Teachers.

Saturday, March 28, 2009 - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. Paul Basilica, 83 Power Street, Toronto.

Catholic educators; professors, classroom teachers, educational assistants, tutors, etc. are invited to take time out this Lent to reflect on their vocation as teacher. In this, the Year of St Paul, the theme of the retreat will be “The Wisdom of St Paul for Teachers Today”. The retreat will be lead by Deacon Doug McManaman. Lunch and hospitality are included in the cost of registration.

For information please contact Barry White 416-393-5204 barry.white@tcdsb.org. Cost $40.00 ~ Please send cheques payable to Catholic Teachers Guild, c\o Barry White, 80 Sackville Street, Toronto, Ont. M5A 3E5 . Payment can also be brought to the retreat but we ask that you pre-register by phone or email by March 19th.

The Catholic Teachers Guild is a lay organization whose mission is to support teachers in their vocation. The Catholic Teachers Guild is the sponsor of the annual Education Mass for all Catholic teachers of the diocese. www.catholicteachersguild.org.

40 Days of Life Campaign

March 25, 2009
St. Casimir's Parish, 156 Roncesvalles Avenue, Tor.

St. Casimir's parish invites you to a prayer vigil in support of the 40 Days for Life campaign. The vigil will take place on the Solemnity of the Annunciation,
March 25, 2009, from 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. All are welcome.

For more information please email Rev. Pawel Ratajczak, o.m.i, at pawelomi@yahoo.com.

Loretto Sisters Celebrate 400 Years of Service

1609-2009 - 400th Anniversary Dinner

Friday, June 5, 2009
Terrace Banquet Hall, 1680 Creditstone Road, Vaughan.

6:00 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. dinner. Silent auction 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Guest speaker will be Sr. Cyril Mooney, I.B.V.M., of Kolkata, India. Proceeds to support Loretto Missions for women/children in India, Peru and Africa.

Tickets: 150.00 each. Tables of 10 are available. An official receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket. For more information please contact 416-483-2238 or srsheilasmith@rogers.com.

Faith Connections'...

ALPHA Course
Faith Connections and the Christian Churches of Markham invite young adults (18-39) to explore the meaning of life in a fun and friendly atmosphere, with food, laughter, and the chance to ask difficult questions about God. A 10-week course on Thursday evenings, starting March 26, 6:00 p.m. at Markham Baptist Church (110 Church St, Markham). Sign-up by calling Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-222-1426 ext. 276, or email: faithconnections@csj-to.ca www.faithconnections.ca.

FAITH CONNECTIONS' LENTEN HIKE
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto invite young adults (19-39) to join us for an afternoon of walking and prayer! Saturday, March 28, 2:45 p.m., meeting on steps of St. Patrick's Church (131 McCaul St, Toronto), followed by Mass at 5:00 p.m.

For more information on any of these events, check out www.faithconnections.ca or call Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt at 416-222-1426 ext. 276.

Lift Jesus Higher Rally 2009

Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 8.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto.

A Grace-filled Day Celebrating Divine Mercy with:
* Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Collins
* Tim Staples
* Ralph Martin, Sr. Ann Shields & Peter Herbeck
* Divine Mercy Celebration, uplifting Music
* Eucharistic Healing Procession
* Confession and Holy Mass
* Separate Youth Event with Debbie Herbeck and Craig Pohl

For Tickets/Information call 416-251-4255 or Sadie at 905-270-2510. Or write to Catholic Renewal Ministries, 5845 Yonge St., P.O. Box 45018, Toronto, ON M2M 3VO. www.lift-jesus-higher-rally.org.