In light of our continued separation due to COVID-19, and in anticipation that our current situation will last at least a few more weeks, I am hoping to reach out to as many of you as possible, to keep our St. Teresa Parish family connected.
As such, I would ask that you all give some thought as to what your needs are at this time and also what sort of items would assist you that could be added to our bulletin. The bulletin will be uploaded to our St. Teresa Parish website. We will also keep our webpage updated as we receive news from the Diocese of Hamilton, so you know what is happening, as quickly as possible.
Some possible items that could assist everyone, would be links for families with children; links to assist with schooling; links for free movies; links for spiritual help, especially at this time. These are some examples, please share your ideas.
I will be celebrating Mass, Tuesday to Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Please join me on Zoom starting tonight by clicking on this link: https://zoom.us/j/5887658626
If you are using a mobile phone, you will first need to download the App (Zoom Cloud Meetings). As well, I would ask you to join me in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, at 3 p.m. (Tuesday – Friday). Let’s stay united through prayer.
If you know of anyone who is not receiving our parish notifications at this time and would like to be a part of the live broadcast and receive further communications, please let us know.
To get started, here are a few websites that you may find helpful at this time:
With prayers, Fr. Marian Gil OMI St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 44 Leonard St. Kitchener, ON N2H 6C8 Tel.: 519-743-4525; 519-743-4505 gilm@catholicradio.ca www.stteresakit.ca
Thank you for your prayers and support during this challenging time.
As
I mentioned in last week’s communication, I will try to stay in contact
with you, using different means of communication, and at least once a
week,
using written communication. Please see the attached Diocesan documents
and parish bulletin. As you probably already know, the Liturgies of
Holy Week will be celebrated without the participation of our
congregation: https://hamiltondiocese.com/coronavirus-updates
I would like to let you know that Mass is celebrated on Tuesday to Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 9:00
a.m., Saturday Vigil in anticipation of Sunday at 7 p.m., and on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and streamlined on Zoom, as is the
Divine Mercy Chaplet, at 3 p.m. (Tuesday – Friday). Please join me by clicking on this link: https://zoom.us/j/5887658626This
link is active only during the celebrations listed above.
If you are using a mobile phone, you will first need to download the App (Zoom Cloud Meetings).
At
this time, I would also like to invite you to share any intentions you
may have; and if you know
of any parishioners who are in need of support, let us know that, as
well. Please call the Parish Office at 519-743-4525 or email: st.teresa@stteresakit.ca
We
have received enquiries about how parishioners might support our parish
without being able to be physically present. To support our parish via
credit card,
please visit the diocesan special Parish
Offertory Giving Page: https://hamiltondiocese.com/stewardship-and-development/supportmyparish
This method of giving will provide you with an electronic tax receipt immediately upon making your gift. You may also send a gift directly to our parish through
the mail. Continuing
support of our parish at this time is an act of generosity and faith.
We are very grateful for any contributions you may be able to make at
this time.
During this Season of Lent, which has become and extraordinary journey through “the Desert”, let’s stay united
in prayer and take every opportunity to deepen our faith and relationship with Jesus.
Have a blessed Lenten Season.
Fr. Marian Gil OMI
St. Teresa of Avila Parish,
44 Leonard St.
Kitchener, ON N2H 6C8
Tel.: 519-743-4525; 519-743-4505 gilm@catholicradio.ca
www.stteresakit.ca
I hope you are doing well, and during this challenging time, find hope and strength in faith, prayer and close relationship with Jesus. Our great patroness St. Teresa of Avila offers us the following words of consolation: “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
Who could have suspected that this Lenten Season would become a time of challenge, a journey “through the desert”. We can certainly say that we have not had a Lenten experience quite like this one. This pandemic caused by the Coronavirus has not only changed our daily routine, but our external world has stopped for a moment. We realize how dark our world would be without God, without the sacraments and community. At the same time, we have an opportunity to rediscover the deeper meaning of prayer, family life, and our own life journey. It is a time of challenge, but also a time of grace and many opportunities.
I would like you to know that I am doing well and that I pray every day for you, not only during my breviary prayers but also as I celebrate the Eucharist …
· On Friday at 7:00 p.m., I will walk by myself to each Station of the Cross and pray for you and all those affected by the Coronavirus.
· Pope Francis has invited us to pray the Rosary every day at 9:00 p.m., in union with him and with many Catholics around the world to end this pandemic disease. Let’s be united in this prayer.
· The Mass intentions that you have requested for each particular day will be honoured as I celebrate Mass, privately.
· On Sunday, as is our tradition, I will celebrate Mass (albeit privately) at 10:00 a.m., for your intentions. I am also attaching the televised Mass schedule for every day, in our area.
· In order to remain connected with you, I will be sending you a short message, at least once a week. I will also be posting more information on our website: www.stteresakit.ca
· Please find attached some useful information and spiritual resources.
Thank you for your messages sent by email and left on our answering system. I really appreciate your words of kindness and support. If you need any help, please do not hesitate to call our parish office: 519-743-4525.
Let us pray for each other and stay united, as we journey together through this Season of Lent and our challenging times. Please share this message with your family and friends.
Yours in Christ and Mary Immaculate,Fr. Marian Gil OMI
