E-Newsletter July 20, 2025
From the Pastor's Desk
Summer Parish Projects Update
As we move through these “quieter” summer months, it gives us a chance to catch our breath and catch up on several projects around the parish. I’d like to take a moment to update you on what’s been happening — and what’s still to come.
First, a word of thanks: our hymnal project is now complete. Thanks to your generosity, all of our pews now contain a single, uniform hymnal, which not only looks neat and tidy, but also helps us to pray and sing together with greater unity and to have the current translation of the Mass. Thank you.
One of our next undertakings is the replacement of our kneelers, which have become worn, broken or torn over time. This work will take place over the summer. While we may need to move weekday Mass to the parish hall for a few days during installation, the disruption should be minimal.
Speaking of the parish hall, it, too, is getting some long-overdue attention. After years of faithful use, it’s receiving a fresh coat of paint, along with some ceiling tile replacement or touch-ups. Once summer camp wraps up, we’ll also strip and wax the floors — something that hasn’t been done in a few years. We use our hall regularly for parish events, and we want it to be welcoming and well-kept.
Another exciting endeavour is our Marian Project, which includes both an indoor and outdoor component. Outside, we are creating a quiet prayer space in the gardens around our existing statue of Mary holding Our Lord — a contemplative space with a bench for anyone who wants to sit, pray and reflect. Inside the church, that same area will soon house a mosaic of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, crafted over the past several months by an artist in Italy. Once it arrives, work on this space will begin. A beautiful Marian altar, formerly one of the side altars of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, has been gifted to us and will be placed beneath the mosaic. Across the front of the altar is a stunning mosaic of the crown of Mary, Queen of Heaven. This project will bring beauty, colour, and a sense of sacred presence to our already beautiful church. At present, about 40% of the cost has been covered by donations. If you’re interested in supporting this project, I’d be happy to speak with you directly.
Lastly, looking ahead to the fall, we are planning to create a new photo directory for the parish — a great way to put names to faces and to celebrate the growing community of faith here at St. Ignatius Loyola. More details will be shared later this summer or early fall.
Wishing you all a peaceful and restorative summer. Thank you for your continued generosity, encouragement, and your many acts of kindness throughout this past year. My first year as pastor of this parish has certainly been a whirlwind, but the joy I have experienced serving as your parish priest is insurmountable.
Fr Ed Curtis
Pastor
Parish News/Events
Totus Tuus 2025
Totus Tuus is finally here! Please join us in praying for our 4 missionaries, campers, and volunteers. We would like to invite the entire parish community to join us for our Summer Parish Potluck, happening on Thursday July 24th at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.There will be an opportunity to meet our Totus Tuus Missionaries and campers! If you plan to be joining us, please email Melissa (msiuchong@archtoronto.org) by July 22 with how many people will be attending and what dish you will be bringing. We hope to see you there!
Parish Feast Day Pilgrimage
Celebrate the Feast Day of St. Ignatius Loyola with us at Martyrs’ Shrine! Please visit the parish office to reserve your spot. Registration closes Wednesday July 23. There are 52 spots available. If all spots fill up, we will begin a waitlist for a potential second bus.
You’re Invited to Pray the Novena to St. Ignatius of Loyola
As we approach the feast day of our parish’s patron saint, St. Ignatius of Loyola (July 31), we warmly invite you to learn more about who St. Ignatius is and the incredible contributions he made to the Church through his life, spirituality, and the founding of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
If you are looking for a meaningful way to grow in your spiritual life, deepen your relationship with God, or simply take time each day for focused prayer, we invite you to join us in praying a 9-day novena to St. Ignatius.
Novenas are traditionally prayed in the days leading up to a saint’s feast day as a way of preparing our hearts through prayer and reflection. To complete the novena in time for the July 31st celebration, begin praying on July 22nd. Click here for the novena prayers.
Let us journey together in prayer as we seek the intercession of St. Ignatius and grow in our desire to “find God in all things.”
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Needs Your Help
We support 137 school age children who will be returning to school this September. They will need school supplies, clothing, etc. Your donation or a $25 Walmart gift card would be a “hand up” and really put a smile on a child’s face.
Help us to help them get a fresh start! Please use the designated envelope and place it in the weekend collection basket or in the SSVP donation box, prior to August 1, 2025. Many thanks to those who have already made a contribution. Donations received as of the end of June will assist 112 out of 137 needy children. Donations over $20 are eligible for a SSVP tax receipt. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Fall 2025 Bible Study beginning September 11th!
When? Thursdays, September 11 – November 27 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where? St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Hall
Cost? $40/ book
Signups will be available at the Parish Office from July 22nd. In order to give us enough time to order books for this bible study, registration will close on Sunday August 24th.
Details: In The Bible and the Church Fathers, you’ll learn who the Early Church Fathers were and how they shaped the way we read Scripture. Learn the four classic criteria needed to earn the title “Father of the Church” and how the Church Fathers provide a link back to the teachings of Christ and are vital witnesses to Tradition.
You ensure that everyone is seen and heard
Too often, individuals feel like they are alone with their trauma. Unseen and unheard, this inner pain can develop into an addiction. When Shaun’s mother passed away, he battled with alcohol, which led him down a destructive path. ShareLife-funded agencies like Good Shepherd Ministries and their DARE program provide a safe space to recover and a supportive community to lean on to avoid relapse. Shaun now stands as living proof that your kindness is a lifeline for people who need second chances.
Please give at the parish using a ShareLife envelope, online through our parish website, or at sharelife.org/donate.
ARCHDIOCESE NEWS/EVENTS
Office of Vocations
We are like Martha. There’s plenty to be anxious about but only one thing that is required of us. For five minutes today be like Mary, rest with Jesus and ask Him what He requires of you. 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 Website: www.vocationstoronto.ca
Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Martyrs’ Shrine: Sunday August 24, 2025
During this Jubilee Year, please consider joining Cardinal Leo and the bishops, priests and deacons of the Archdiocese for a pilgrimage to the Martyrs’ Shrine, a national holy and historic space honoring the lives of the Canadian Martyrs and a designated Archdiocesan Jubilee Site (for pilgrimage and plenary indulgence).
The program for the day will be as follows:
- 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Arrival and personal time to explore and discover the grounds; Sacrament of
Reconciliation offered
- 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass with Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch (you are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch – limited catering available onsite)
- 1:30 p.m. Rosary Procession
- 2:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration
- 2:45 p.m. Benediction
- 3:00 p.m. Fellowship and departure at leisure
Entrance Fee (payable on arrival) Adults: $10 / Youth (0-18): Free
Please bring your own lawn chair for seating at Mass (and sunscreen and hat)
For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/JubileePilgrimagetoMartyrsShrine
Please note: Our neighbours at Merciful Redeemer have extended an invite to join their bus. If you would like to join them, please contact Enza F. at (905) 301 3376.
