NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE RALLY Thursday May 8, 2014

BUS TRIP TO OTTAWA
Our newly-formed pro-life group, St. Joseph’s Protectors, invites you to join them for an exciting one day trip to Ottawa for the

 NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE RALLY.
A bus will leave from our parish parking lot at 6:30 am and head right to Parliament Hill for addresses by MPs. We then join 20,000 others to rally for the protection of all life. Don't miss this. You can register for the bus at the parish office. For further details please call
416-888-0251 or email:  genevieve_carson@hotmail.com

A Word from the Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Filled with Easter Joy, we are invited to  contemplate the figure of Mary of Magdala. Out of love, she stood by the cross, she followed them when they brought Him to the Tomb and saw the seals placed on the stone and the guard being mounted.  She returned the following day to find that that stone had been rolled away.  Not even entering, and her love for the Master burning in her heart, she ran to the disciples to announce the news!
            May we, following the example of Mary of Magdala, keep watch and run to others to share the good news of His Resurrection.  This is news that must not be kept to ourselves; it needs to be shared with those who are in need of Hope and Life. May we be bold in bringing the good news of the Resurrection of the Lord to all who are disillusioned and disappointed by what the world offers.                
Like Mary, may we run towards others, our hearts burning with the Love of the Risen One.
Happy Easter to All!

~ Fr. Marc-André Campbell

Palm Sunday

When they had come near Jerusalem …, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; …bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.”  And he will send them immediately. 

This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, …”Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, …The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; …

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!
(Matthew 21:1-9)


EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

1. Have I loved God with all my heart?
Have I without sufficient reason missed Mass on any Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation? Have I undertaken some small penance each Friday throughout the year, such as abstaining from meat? Have I used the name of God in vain, in anger, or carelessly? Have I used swear words? Have I shown disrespect for holy things, places, or people? Have I experimented with the occult, or trusted in fortune tellers of horoscopes? Have I neglected my daily prayers, or said them badly? Have I been inattentive at Mass? Have I been careless in my preparation for or thanksgiving after, receiving the Sacraments? Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin? Have I given thanks to God for what He has given me? Have I placed my trust in Him? Have I resigned myself to His will?

2. Have I loved my neighbour as myself?
Have I taken part in, or encouraged, abortion, the destruction of human embryos, euthanasia, or any other means of taking human life? Have I been violent towards, or abused, anyone verbally or physically? Have I been dishonest by stealing or cheating, or not paying proper wages, or bills, or debts, or not doing the work well for which I am paid or which it is my duty to do? Have I been uncharitable by thought, word, or deed, or omission? Have I revealed the faults of others in idle gossip? Have I told lies, to injure anyone or to excuse myself? Have I revealed secrets I was bound to keep, or read other people’s letters? Have I contributed to the support of the Church according to my means? Have I been disobedient, rude, or sulky to those in authority over me? Have I been harsh, overbearing, or sarcastic to those under my authority? Have I brooded over injuries, been resentful, or refused to forgive? Have I been angry, envious, or jealous? Have I set my heart greedily on possessing things? Have I despised others, or given scandal, or bad example? Have I been vain, proud, selfish, or self-seeking? Have I been immodest or impure in thought, word, or deed with myself or with others? Have I made use of impure images on the computer, by watching films, or reading books/magazines? Have I been greedy or intemperate in eating or drinking? Have I taken illegal drugs? Have I given way to self-pity? Have I driven a vehicle without due regard to the safety of others or of myself? Have I been lazy at work, study, or domestic duties? Have I encouraged others to do wrong?

3. For married people and for parents:
Have I failed to foster warmth of love and affection in my marriage? Have I prolonged disagreements or harboured resentments? Have I failed to apologize when I have been wrong? Have I mistreated my spouse verbally, emotionally, physically? Have I used artificial forms of birth control? Have I been unfaithful to my marriage vows in any way or sinned against my marriage duties? Have I failed to teach my children to pray, and to love God, Our Lady, the angels and the saints? Have I failed to bring my children to Mass on any Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation? Have I neglected my duty to my children in regard to the practice of the Catholic Faith? Or with regard to their moral or general education? Have I been harsh or unjust to my children? Have I monitored my children’s well-being, for example by keeping an eye on what they watch on the TV or computer, what they read, or who they mix with?