E-Newsletter - January 3, 2024

From the Desk of Fr. Tim...

            O God, who on this day

            revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations

            by the guidance of a star,

            grant us in your mercy that we,

            who know you already by faith,

            may be brought to behold your sublime glory.

                        -Collect prayer for the Solemnity of the Epiphany

“Seeking The Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”

 Archbishop Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto has released a Pastoral Letter to the Church of God in the Archdiocese of Toronto, entitled, “Seeking the Kingdom of God Above and Beyond All Other Things”. This significant reflection from our spiritual shepherd is intended to offer a theological, spiritual, and pastoral meditation as we embark upon a New Year and our collective efforts to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God throughout our archdiocese.

The Pastoral Letter can be accessed by visiting the archdiocesan website:  www.archtoronto.org. 

Christmas Thank You…

A sincere Thank You to the many people involved in the preparation of Christmas for the Church. For all those involved in the liturgies at all the masses, the Children’s Dramatization of the Nativity, the Ministers of the Eucharist, the musicians, singers and Ministers of the Word, altar servers, Ministers of Hospitality and decorators of the outdoor urns, the sanctuary and the preparation of the crèche…for those who worked so hard to bring comfort to the poor…for our parish schools and for the generous hearts of our parishioners who also donated to the annual St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Drive. A special Thank You to Longo’s Winston Churchill for their generous donation of poinsettias!          

As priests who are called to minister in this parish, we are very fortunate to have such generous people who respond so well with giving hearts to our parish collections during this holy Christmas season. We, in turn, are truly committed to serving you with the utmost abilities and gifts that God has given us. May God continue to bless all of us with His abundant love and compassionate heart this coming year.         

On behalf of Fr. Alex D’Silva, Deacon John, Deacon Rob, the parish staff, and myself whose privilege it is to serve you throughout the year, we extend to you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and a Peace-filled New Year!

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Thank You

It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul extends thanks to the parishioners and schools of St. Ignatius Loyola for their outpouring of support to our Annual and Christmas campaigns of 2023.  Your generosity saw combined totals of $71,454.23.  This allowed us to provide over 125 families with a Christmas food voucher and will allow us to begin the new year knowing we can continue our work.

We have received many messages of thanks from those we serve expressing their thanks for all we do – it is through you that this is possible.  Please continue to remember us and keep us in your prayers.

2024 Parish Envelopes/Pre-Authorized Giving

Thanks to all who have picked up your 2024 Offertory Envelopes and use them faithfully each Sunday- envelopes for pick up are now in the parish foyer.   Please remember to mark your name and address on the first few envelopes you use in this New Year…we appreciate your support!  If you did not use envelopes in 2023 but would like a box of envelopes for the new year please visit, call, or email the office to request envelopes for 2024.  

I invite each family to consider the option of Pre-Authorized Giving for the new year.  The PAG registration form can be found in the foyer of the church or on our website:  https://stignatiusloyolami.archtoronto.org/en/contact-us/donations/  and can be returned (along with void cheque) to the office directly or by dropping it into next Sunday’s Offertory basket!

Finally, for those wishing to donate by credit card please visit the Donate Now button on our parish website:  https://stignatiusloyolami.archtoronto.org/en/contact-us/donations/ . 

We thank you for considering a monthly recurring gift to your parish community.

Confirmation Preparation Programme Begins!

Our parish Confirmation preparation programme continues begins with a first Preparation Class on either Monday January 8 at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. OR Tuesday January 9 at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Attendance is mandatory for all candidates and will be recorded.

Bible Study 2024

After Masses this weekend, January 6 /7, we will be having our registration for our next 10-session Bible study from Ascension Press entitled “Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life.” in the parish hall. The marvelous treasures of the Catholic Faith—the Eucharist, Mary, the saints, and the Creed—are all centered on a single figure: Jesus Christ. Jesus is more than a historical or theological figure. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Lord, and our God. While many of us already know a lot about him, how well can we say we really know him?

Filmed on location in the Holy Land, Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life is a new and fresh look at Jesus—who he is, what he is really like, what he taught, and what he did for our salvation. This encounter with Christ will inspire and empower you to center your entire life on him as you come to know and love him in an ever deeper & more intimate way.

Registration will be $40 per person and materials will be provided. This study will take place in the parish hall and will begin on Thursday January 18 and will end on Thursday May 2. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of Bible Study here at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, and please invite a fellow parishioner to participate in this fall’s bible study. 

Parish Family Pasta Dinner – Saturday February 3

Thank you to five of our best Italian cooks in the parish who have again volunteered to make their home-made Italian sauce with penne pasta for this popular parish event to be held on Saturday February 3 after the 5:00 p.m. Mass.   In addition to the pasta there will be salad, fresh buns and dessert with coffee and tea.  Special guest entertainers will regale us with Italian songs and melodies.  Special thanks to the Catholic Women’s’ League and the Knights of Columbus who will serve the dinner and organize the clean up afterwards.  Tickets ($20 Adults, $8 Children) will be available after mass beginning on January 13, through the office, for the next two weekends...but get your ticket early as this event always sells out!

World Day of the Sick/ Mass for the Anointing of the Sick…

The ministry of Jesus to the sick is central to the life of the Church. February 11 (Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes) highlights the healing ministry of the Church and reminds us that service to the sick and suffering cannot be neglected. It recognizes the great efforts of doctors, nurses, health care institutions and pastoral care givers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease.

I take this opportunity to thank the many people involved in our Pastoral Care Team who minister to the sick by offering holy communion to them at home, at Sunrise and at

Parkland on the Glen.

On Saturday, February 10 at 9:00 a.m., we will celebrate a special Mass for the Anointing of the Sick.   Please extend an invitation to those Roman Catholics in your families whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age, as we would be happy to anoint them during the mass.

Finally, a reminder that if you have a loved one who is homebound, or seriously ill please call the parish office to arrange for one of our priests to come for an initial visit and possible Anointing of the Sick.  We would then be happy to offer them the option of receiving communion at home through our Pastoral Care Team. Please call or visit the parish office with the information and we will follow up with you.