Second Sunday of Lent - Year “B”

March 08, 2009 Lenten Mission Starts – Mar 22 Sun during masses and Mar 23 – Mar 26 at 7:00 p.m. March 08, 2009

“this is my son, the beloved; listen to him “ Mark 9 2-10

Sts. Martha & Mary Parish Website – Every Friday in lent - Mass at 7:00 p.m. – followed by the “Stations of the Cross”

Every Wednesday - Mass at 7:00 p.m. – Novena to “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”

1. The ‘transfiguration” in the Holy Mass is the source of our strength:

In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar become “transfigured” – transformed into the crucified and risen, living body and blood of Jesus. Just as Jesus’ transfiguration strengthened the apostles in their time of trial, each holy Mass should be our source of heavenly strength against temptations, and our renewal during Lent. In addition, our holy communion with the living Jesus should be the source of our daily “transfiguration,” transforming our minds and hearts so that we may do more good by humble and selfless service to others.

2. Each time we receive one of the sacraments, we are transformed:

For example, baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God, By the sacrament of reconciliation, God bring back the sinner to the path of holiness.

3. A message of encouragement and hope:

In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our transfiguration in heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words: “This is my beloved son.” Let us offer our Lenten sacrifices to our Lord, that through these practices of Lent and through the acceptance of our daily crosses we may become closer to him in his suffering and may share in the carrying of his cross so that we may finally share the glory of his transfiguration.

4. We need ‘mountain-top experiences’ in our lives:

We share the mountain-top experience of Peter, James and John when we spend extra time in prayer during Lent. Fasting for one day will help the body to store us spiritual energy. This spiritual energy can help us have thoughts that are far higher and nobler than our usual mundanethinking. The hunger we experience puts us more closely in touch with God and makes us more willing to help the hungry. The crosses of our daily lives also can lead us to the glory of transfiguration and resurrection.

Pray for the sick of the parish,especially for:

Levi Romero, David Re, Maria Dimatteo, Joe O’Hearn, Rita Zarb, Tasha Bishop, Nada Dancy, Catherina Donato, MaryJane Lafleur, Tina Fiore, Lucy Vairo, Barney Gallant, Edward Glanc, Michael Manzo. Tony Micieli, Deolinda Pereira, Linda Trefler, Melba D’Souza, Tom Fitzsimmons, Eva MacMillan, Marilou Lontoc, Sandra Abrey, Rene Coles, Lorna Monteith, Annita Di Bacco, Wilhemina Cisterna, Kenneth Harris., Domenico Larocca.

Masses for the Week

Mon March 09 St. Frances of Rome, religious

9:00 a.m. Special thanks to God - the almighty Father

Tue March 10

9:00 a.m. In honour of St. Sebastian

Wed March 11

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving to “Mother of Perpetual Help”

Thu March 12

9:00 a.m.

Fri March 13

9:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

Sat March 14

9.00 a.m. Thanksgiving to “Our Lady of Lourdes” & “Our Lady of Fatima” & “St. Anne” & “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”

4:30 p.m. +Gerson Fonseca & +Jules de Souza

Sarita de Souza

Sun March 15 Third Sunday of Lent

8.30 a.m. Pro Populo

10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m. +Rudolph Medina

+Constantino Medina Bautista Fam.

Schedule for Confirmation Classes 2009

Confirmation Classes - held right after 11:30 Mass Downstairs.

Boys Mar 8,

Apr 5 and 26

Girls Mar 1 and 29,

Apr 19 and May 10

vocation –
If you need examples of persons responding to God’s call, look at Abraham and Sarah – called in old age to leave their country and have a child. Then Abraham was asked to sacrifice that child. What faith! Answering God’s call to be a priest, brother, sister or deacon is also taking a great risk. If you are willing and think God is calling you to a Church vocation,
Call Fr. Liborio Amaral 416-968-0997

Parish Retreat - March 22 to 26

Monsignor George Tomichek, will be preaching at all the Masses of the weekend. The first talk of the retreat will be on Sunday at 7.00 P.M. Then daily Monday to Wednesday Mass and Retreat talk will be at. 7.00 P.M. The Priests will be available for Confessions before and after the Mass and talk.

Please Mark these dates in your Calendar.

40 Days for Life - Pray to End Abortion 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion..

Being involved in the campaign against abortion is vital. The first step that everyone can take is to begin with prayer and fasting. For Information

It’s a wonder children in isolated regions receive sacramental training… “Last year, we approached Pastoral Mission Fund with an application requesting financial help for a faith formation program at Govindapuram mission parish (India). On the concluding day, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by our bishop. He administered the sacrament of confirmation of 64 children. It was a memorable day for our people, especially the children. This was all possible because of your generous contribution. Thank you.

Fr. Kanmury Niranjan – St. Mary’s Church, Govindapuram, India

Helps couples to achieve and avoid pregnancy through Creighton Model FertilityCare System and to improve women’s health using NaProTECHNOLOGY which is rooted an grounded in Catholic Church Teaching.

To raise funds, we are selling hand-made Belgian chocolate Easter eggas for $3.00 each or two for $5.00 after all masses on Mar 14/15 and Mar 21/22. Your support will help us promote and maintain our service in the Diocese.

Extra-Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: There will be a meeting on Saturday March 21h after 9:00 a.m. Mass. Monsignor George will give a talk on the Ministry. All are required to attend this meeting. Thank you. Fr. D’Souza.

Brebeuf College School – TorontoBi-Annual Alumni Reunion and Pub-Night will be held at the school on Sat. Apr 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 12 a.m.. Go to for more inf. Call Michael Da Costa at 416-393-5508 ext. 80017