Remembrance Day: Canadians “pause in silence to remember those who died in war and to pray for the victims of aggression and inhumanity throughout the world. It is a day to pray for peace and to consider what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a nation to bring God’s peace into the world.” This is a day when a believing community should rededicate itself by prayer and action to the ideals Jesus gives us in the Beatitudes (Ordo 2023-2024) Members are invited to pause and pray the attached prayer in remembrance. ascensionofourlord.ca/in-our-parish-2020-11-08/

In his message for World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo XIV calls on Christians to see the poor not merely as recipients of charity, but as protagonists of hope. Drawing on the Psalms and lived experiences of poverty, he emphasizes the need for “new initiatives to support and assist the poorest of the poor” during the jubilee year. He highlights that “Labour, education, housing and health are the foundations of a security that will never be attained by the use of arms.” Coordinate a “blessing bag” outreach with essentials (toiletries, snacks, socks) to give to people in need. Partner with a local soup kitchen or shelter for a volunteer day. Hold a clothing or food drive, especially for winter items.

Happy New Year! On Sunday, January 4th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Let us acknowledge and witness together this epiphanic revelation of God, whose salvation is for all.  

Following the Epiphany of the Lord, Catholic Canadians memorialize St. André Bessette and his deep devotion to Saint Joseph. Known as Brother André, he was the porter at College Notre Dame in Montreal, welcoming visitors and inviting them to pray through St. Joseph’s intercession. This led to the creation of a small chapel, which later became St. Joseph’s Oratory. As the patron of family caregivers, St. André’s intercession for the sick and afflicted can be sought by praying the attached prayer.