E-Newsletter Oct 12, 2025
From the Pastor's Desk
A Pastoral Invitation: Forming a Mothers’ Ministry at St. Ignatius Loyola
Dear Parishioners,
One of the most beautiful moments in parish life is when a new mother walks through our doors — perhaps for the baptism of her child, or simply seeking connection. Motherhood is a profound gift from God, yet it can also be accompanied by loneliness, uncertainty, and the challenges of adjusting to a new life and rhythm.
Often, these visits are brief encounters — a single meeting to arrange a baptism or attend a Mass — but they are also powerful opportunities for welcome, accompaniment, and evangelization. A mother’s heart is deeply connected to the heart of the home. When she feels supported, encouraged, and rooted in her Catholic faith, that grace naturally radiates into her family and beyond.
This is why I would like to begin a Mothers’ Ministry Group here at St. Ignatius Loyola. The purpose of this group would be simple but profound: to offer mothers a place where they can gather — babies and toddlers welcome — to pray together, share their joys and struggles, grow in their faith, and form Christ-centered friendships.
Why focus on mothers?
Sometimes, it can be difficult for parish leaders to fully understand a mother’s daily reality — waking up several times in the night, adjusting to new routines, carrying the responsibility of caring for a child around the clock. Many of these mothers are new to the parish, perhaps not registered, and may not have had the chance to connect with our community. Their presence is a gift to us, and they deserve to feel at home here.
Sadly, there are occasions when a mother approaches the parish for her child’s baptism and leaves feeling unwelcome — perhaps because she has not been practicing her faith regularly. This is a missed opportunity. A mothers’ group can change that story by meeting her where she is, walking alongside her, and gently drawing her into a living relationship with Christ and His Church.
The bigger picture
While the focus at this stage is on mothers, I fully recognize that fathers also need opportunities for faith-based fellowship and encouragement. Strong Catholic fathers are essential for the future of the Church. But for now, I believe the best first step for our parish is to begin with mothers — because when faith is reawakened in a mother’s heart, it naturally touches her family, and the family is the foundation of parish life.
Our Blessed Mother Mary stands as the model for every Catholic mother: her openness to God’s will, her nurturing love, her perseverance in faith. A parish mothers’ ministry, grounded in Mary’s example, can be a place of grace and transformation not only for the women who attend, but for their children, spouses, and our entire parish community.
An invitation to help shape this ministry
If you are a stay-at-home mom, have daytime availability, or simply feel called to help create and organize this ministry, I invite you to be part of its beginnings. Your role could be as simple as helping coordinate gatherings, welcoming new members, or sharing your own experiences of motherhood and faith.
If this stirs something in your heart — or if you know someone who would be perfect for this work — please contact the parish office. Together, we can build a space where mothers are not only supported in their vocation, but also inspired to bring the love of Christ more fully into their families, our parish, and the wider world.
PARISH NEWS/EVENTS
Thanksgiving Food & Used Sports Equipment Drive!
Before and after all Masses this weekend (October 11/12), The Knights of Columbus will be accepting donations at our annual Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of the Salvation Army Food Bank at Glen Erin/Collegeway. The Knights will take the donations directly from your trunk and deliver them to the foodbank. Items that are most needed: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, rice, pasta sauce, and jam.
This year The Knights are also accepting donations of used sporting equipment such as Volleyballs, Basketballs, Jump Rope, Tennis Balls, Nerf Soccer balls, and Nerf Footballs for our Used Sports Equipment Drive. These items will be donated to our elementary schools (All Saints, St. Clare, and St. Mark) for children to play during recess. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Bundle Up Weekend: Thank You!
A sincere Thank You to everyone for your overwhelming support and generosity for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Bundle Up Weekend. The container was well packed with your gently used clothing. Please know that these items will be well received! The next Bundle Up Weekend will be on May 23-24, 2026.
Last Call to book an October Photo Session!
Be part of our parish’s photo directory! We still have a few spots left for our October photo sessions: October 21–25. We also now have availability November 13-15, 2025. Click here or call the office to book an appointment.
Tickets on sale this weekend for Oktoberfest, October 25!
Celebrate the Fall colours at the Oktoberfest with the music and songs by the Sparklettes on October 25, after the 5:00pm Mass at St. Ignatius Loyola parish hall. Tickets will be available after Mass October 11/12 and October 18/19 weekend. Adults: $25, Child: $10.
World Mission Sunday Collection (October 18/19)
October 19th is World Mission Sunday, a special day set aside for Catholics around the world to support the Church’s missionary efforts in communities that are most in need. Your prayers and generosity help spread the Gospel, support mission priests and religious, and provide essential aid to struggling dioceses around the globe. Together, we share in the Church’s call to bring the love of Christ to all nations.
Help fill plates with hope this Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, gratitude comes with a challenge — families are struggling to put food on the table. ShareLife has pledged $800,000 through its Food Security Grants to bring warm meals to those who need them most. Will you share your blessings with our parish’s ShareLife Campaign? We have currently raised $248,068.52 towards our suggested goal of $274,500. Please give with love at sharelife.org/donate or our parish with a ShareLife envelope.
You’re Invited to our Parish Ministry Fair!
Following all Sunday Masses on the weekend of October 18/19, 2025, you are invited to join us in the Parish Hall to explore the different ministries that we have at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. Stop by after Mass – say hello, grab a treat, and see where your “yes” might lead. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you wish to support this important work with a monetary donation, envelopes are available in the foyer. Thank you for your continued generosity and missionary spirit.
EDGE IS BACK – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24! 🎉
EDGE for Grades 6–8 starts Friday, October 24 at 7 PM in the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish Hall!
Join us for a night of games, videos, fun activities, and real conversations about faith and life – all in a fun, welcoming space.
🗓️ Meets every 2nd & 4th Friday, 7–9 PM
📍 St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Hall
💲 Only $20 for the year
Interested? Register at the parish office.
Volunteers welcome!
40 Days for Life:
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
We encourage our parishioners to take part by committing to an hour to stand vigil in prayer near the Mississauga Women’s Centre at 101 Queensway. Our parish date is Wednesday, October 24 from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. For more information or to register please visit: https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/mississauga
Confirmation Preparation 2025/2026
Registration for this year’s Confirmation Preparation program is now open! Please click here or visit our parish website for more information, to view the preparation schedule. Registration closes on October 30th. Please contact our Lay Pastoral Associate, Melissa at msiuchong@archtoronto.org if you have any questions.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
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 link on the parish website under Outreach Ministries, SSVP-affiliated weblink: http://Canadahelps.org/en/dn/53987
Refugee Update
On behalf of the members of the Refugee Committee, we would like to sincerely thank our parish community for the generous donations to our refugee family. Your commitment to this parish ministry was evident once again and we were able to furnish a two-bedroom basement apartment, supply bedding and linens, fill the kitchen with cookware and dishware, stock the fridge and cupboards with food, and provide much needed warm clothing and footwear for the winter. The family was overwhelmed when they arrived and continue to express their deepest thanks and appreciation to all. Our work continues in assisting the family with essential documents and applications so that they can secure education and employment in the near future. We hope that they will be able to attend mass in the coming weeks and know that they will be warmly welcomed. Please continue to pray for them as they settle into new and unfamiliar routines here in Canada.
ARCHDIOCESE NEWS/EVENTS
Come & See – Discernment Weekend Retreat – October 31 – November 2, 2025
The Office of Vocations will be hosting a Come & See Weekend Discernment Retreat for men 18 years and older, at St. Augustine’s Seminary of Friday, October 31 (6:30 pm) until Sunday November 2 (2 pm). This retreat offers a way for men to discern a possible call to priesthood at our seminary. To register, visit www.vocationstoronto.ca/comesee
RENEW Toronto Young Adult Conference
Join us on November 21 - 23, for an unforgettable experience at our annual conference for young adults aged 18 to 39! This is your chance to grow in faith alongside like-minded individuals who are in the same exciting stage of life. Whether you’re a student, young professional, young couple or part of a young catholic family, this conference has something special for you! For more information and to register, visit: www.renewtoronto.org.
