40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to show the consequences of abortion in our own neighborhoods, our own friends and families, by drawing attention to the evils of abortion through:  prayer/fasting, constant vigil and community outreach.  The mission:  to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life. The campaign tracks Biblical history where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities, the entire world.  From Noah in the flood, to Moses on the mountain, to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, it is clear that God sees the transformative value of His people accepting and meeting a 40-day challenge.

      When people think of the abortion issue, they think of confrontation, and we must change that. Instead of confrontation, seek conversation—and ultimately conversion. The pro-life message is one of hope and love. We are called to share that message and present it in a spirit of peace.  As Christians, we turn to Christ as our model. The Gospel stories of the woman caught in adultery (Jn. 8) and the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn. 4) are just two examples of how Christ demonstrated love and compassion towards those he encountered. He did not back away from proclaiming the truth, but he was not harsh or hateful in presenting it. We are called to imitate Christ; to allow God to work through us to touch the hearts of those around us – to be the instruments through which He can spread His message – of love, not hate.

    

Reflection:  Living a life of integrity is costly.  But at the end of the day, there is great satisfaction in the knowledge that we have done our best no matter what the cost.  In the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, there are no cheap graces. [Day by Day with St. Joseph] “...Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.  God will not hold us guiltless.  Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act.”

Visit campaignlifecoalition.com

LIFE CHAIN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 Once again this year, we ask you to be a part of the Mississauga Life Chain to show your support for the unborn. This is a silent, peaceful and prayerful event for all the family. Life Chain has been held annually since 1990 and has been effective in getting our message to love one another and that Jesus forgives and heals across to mothers in crisis. Each year, in communities all across North America, over a million Christians of ALL denominations, line the sidewalks of streets in our cities and towns for one hour in solidarity. We all stand together for LIFE. While our message is neglected by main stream media, it does reach individual hearts. Please join us on Sunday, October 4th from 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the south side of Dundas St. at its intersection with Mavis Road. See blue flyers at both entrances to the church.

PROJECT HOPE – Refugee Resettlement Campaign

     In recent days, shocking images and stories of refugees in peril have provided a wake-up call to the world. In response to this global humanitarian crisis, Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, announced today the launch of “Project Hope,” a special emergency appeal to respond to the tragic situation. The 100-day campaign will have a target of $3 million and a goal of settling 100 refugee families within the Greater Toronto Area as soon as possible. The effort will also require 100 volunteer committees to assist with settlement services. The archdiocese will prioritize refugees fleeing war and violence in areas of greatest need, including Syria and Iraq, regardless of religious affiliation.

    On Sunday, Pope Francis spoke of the crisis: “As we witness the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees that flee death in conflict and hunger and are on a journey of hope, the Gospel calls us to be close to the smallest and to those who have been abandoned.”

        You can also donate through our parish with a cheque made payable to ST. JOSEPH – PROJECT HOPE – REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP and place in one of the yellow humanitarian relief envelopes.

    We continue to pray for all those suffering, mindful of our call to welcome the stranger in our midst.  Those interested in assisting with volunteer committees should contact the Office for Refugees at (647) 780-0827

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September 12 – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Parish,5440 Durie Rd., Mississauga changed to St. Joseph Secondary School at 5555 Creditview Road.

The Book of Revelation is the Bible’s most mysterious book. How can we make sense of dragons, beasts, a killer lamb and the end of the world? What’s the connection between the Apocalypse and the Mass? What message about Jesus Christ did this book hold for its original readers, and what does it mean for us today? For answers, join us at The Faith Explained Conference.

Speakers include Cardinal Thomas Collins, noted Revelation scholar Msgr. Robert Nusca, Dr. Craig Evans (called “the best Bible scholar in the English-speaking world” by Scott Hahn) and Cale Clarke, Director of The Faith Explained Seminars. Priests, seminarians and religious may attend free of charge.

TICKETS/INFO: http://www.TheFaithExplained.com/Conference

POPE FRANCIS ON THE DIGNITY OF LABOUR

    Work is part of God’s loving plan, we are called to cultivate and care for all the goods of creation and in this way participate in the work of creation! Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use an image, "anoints" us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts (cf. Jn 5:17); it gives you the ability to maintain ourselves, our family, to contribute to the growth of our nation. And here I think of the difficulties which, in various countries, today afflict the world of work and business; I think of how many, and not just young people, are unemployed, many times due to a purely economic conception of society, which seeks selfish profit, beyond the parameters of social justice.

    Young people: be committed to your daily duties, your study, your work, to relationships of friendship, to helping towards others; your future also depends on how you live these precious years of your life. Do not be afraid of commitment, of sacrifice, and do not look with fear towards the future; keep your hope alive: there is always a light on the horizon.

    Those in public office: make every effort to give new impetus to employment—this means caring for the dignity of the person—but above all I would say do not lose hope; St. Joseph also experienced moments of difficulty, but he never lost faith and was able to overcome them, in the certainty that God never abandons us. ~ Wed. audience, May 1st, 2013