E-Newsletter January 5, 2025

From The Pastor's Desk

As we begin this new year, I extend my heartfelt blessings and prayers to each of you and your families. May 2025 be filled with peace, joy and abundant grace as we continue to walk together in faith.

I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all of you for the wonderful Christmas cards, gifts and messages of love and support. On behalf of Fr Alex and the entire parish staff we are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. Your thoughtfulness has touched our hearts and brought much joy during this beautiful season.

As we enter this new year let us hold fast to the comforting words of St. Paul in Romans 8:28: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” May this promise of hope and divine purpose inspire and strengthen us in the year ahead knowing that God’s hand is guiding us in all things, both the challenges and the blessings.

I pray for God’s abundant blessings upon each of you and your families asking that He may protect, guide and fill you with His love throughout this year. Through the intercession of Our Lady may you experience her loving protection and maternal care, drawing closer to her Son, Jesus Christ, who is the source of all peace and joy.

May 2025 be a year of deepened faith, renewed hope and abundant grace. Let us continue to support one another in prayer and action as we live out the call of Christ in our lives.

Parish News/Event

Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Program 2025

Confirmation Preparation registration is now open! Please visit our website to access the Confirmation Information Package, as well as the online registration form. Physical copies of the information package can be picked up from the Parish Office. Registration will close on Monday January 13th, 2025. The Registration and Information Session will be offered on two dates: Tuesday January 14th and Wednesday January 15th, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Attendance for the students and one guardian per family is mandatory. If you have any questions, please contact our Lay Pastoral Associate at msiuchong@archtoronto.org.

2025 Offertory Envelopes/Pre-Authorized Giving

Thank you for your continued support of our parish, especially through your use of offertory envelopes and/or Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG).Offertory envelopes for 2025 are available for pick up in the Parish Foyer. We kindly ask that when using the envelopes for the first time, please write your full name and current address so that we can update our records.

If you are not currently registered in the parish and wish to use Offertory envelopes, please fill out the parish registration form on the table in the foyer and return it to the parish office, or submit a completed copy electronically through our parish website.

St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Presents: “Into Your Hands”

We invite you to join us for any or all of the 5 x Mental Health and Wellness Sessions happening onThursdays at 9:45 AM from February 6th – March 6th in the Parish Hall. We welcome guest speaker

Julian D’Souza rsw msw, who has over 25 years of extensive experience as a Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist and counselled over 8,000 clients. He helps address anxiety, depression, anger, and other emotional issues. He counsels couples with relationships and marital problems, domestic violence issues, anger management, and caregiver burnout. Julian assists individuals to create an environment of recovery for those struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, substances, gambling and misuse of the internet. Using integrated therapies, psychosocial education, behaviour modification he encourages skill power over will power and progress over perfection. Our cognition and mind are restless for answers.  But the simple truth is, we will be at peace only when we Realize, Relearn, Recoup, Respond, and Re-energize.  Your mental health is In Your hands. Save the dates and join us in the New Year for these mentally rewarding sessions!

Winter 2025 Bible Study: Genesis to Jesus

Thank you to all those that signed up for our Winter 2025 Bible Study: Genesis to Jesus. Registration is now closed. Our first session will be on Thursday January 9th, 2025 from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Please contact the parish office if you have any questions.

Upcoming Events – Save the Dates!

• Saturday February 1, 2025 – Pasta Night
• Saturday March 1 & Sunday March 2, 2025 – Coffee Sunday
• Saturday March 8, 2025 – Lenten Retreat

More information to come.

ARCHDIOCESE NEWS/EVENTS

Men of Integrity: Stand Firm in the Faith

The Men of Faith conference is a powerful day for men of all ages to grow in faith, virtue, and fellowship. Through inspiring talks, interactive Q&A, and meaningful connections, this event empowers men to live out their faith with courage and integrity.

Guest Speaker Jim O’Day, Executive Director of Integrity Restored, has over 25 years of leadership experience and a deep commitment to men’s ministry. Jim has touched countless lives through his work. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he brings both professional expertise and personal wisdom to his message.

Family Foundations Institute (FFI) is hosting a retreat at Christ the King Parish, Etobicoke on Saturday January 25, 2025 from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. The retreat is $30/Individual ($20/Student) prices increase $10 after January 15, 2025. For more information and to register, visit: famfi.ca/mof-to

Celebration of Marriage Mass with Bishop Ivan Camilleri – Feb 9th, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Join As part of Marriage Sunday 2025 celebrations, Bishop Ivan Camilleri will preside at a special Mass to honour married couples, with special recognition for those celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 60+ wedding anniversaries in 2025.

The Mass will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond St., Toronto). All married couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage commitment during the Mass. All are welcome to attend. Reserved seating is available for couples celebrating a 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ anniversary in 2025.

Reserved seating is limited, so please register early. All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are unable to attend at the Cathedral are invited to join the celebration via livestream Mass. Registration and other important information can be found at www.archtoronto.org/marriage.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul continues to help over 110 families coping with food insecurities within our parish boundaries. It is only through your generous financial assistance that we can continue to do this.

We thank you for your continued support and remind you of the Poor Boxes located in the front and hall foyers. You may also donate online through our SSVP affiliated weblink: http://Canadahelps.org/en/dn/53987 or by scanning our new QR code also found on the SSVP poor boxes:

Office of Vocations

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” God asks us to give our lives. What treasures have been given to you to share with others in Christ’s name? If God is calling you to be a priest, religious or deacon contact Fr. Matt McCarthy, Director of Vocations, Archdiocese of Toronto at 416-968-0997.

Email: vocations@archtoronto.org     www.vocationstoronto.ca