St. Francis de Sales, Ajax
Parish Blog
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The Christian Origins of St. Valentine’s DayDr. Cynthia Cameron is Assistant Professor of Religious Education and the Patrick and Barbara Keenan Chair in Religious Education at the Faculty of Theology. Below, she shares a snapshot of the religious beginnings of Valentine’s Day. 1. What...Monday, February 13, 2023 -
National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada: Aligning Personal Lives and Professional PracticeHelen McGee is the President of the National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada. As we approach World Day of the Sick on Sunday, February 11, she reflects on the special vocation of nurses and how the organization helps to foster...Thursday, February 09, 2023 -
The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto: Blending the Spiritual and Professional Lives of LawyersCatholic lawyer Catherine Pawluch JD, DCHS, served as the president of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto from 2020 to 2022. Below, she shares insights into the mission of the Guild. 1. What is the history of the...Tuesday, January 31, 2023 -
Strengthening the Marriage Bond through Service to OthersLito and Arlene Martin have been married for 40 years. Members of the “Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Covenant Community” – a Catholic charismatic community – the couple reflects on how their marriage has been enriched by participation...Wednesday, January 18, 2023 -
Advent – A Time of Liturgical RenewalAs we make our Christmas preparations, plan holiday activities and catch up with old friends, our hearts are filled with memories of the past and our minds draft fresh resolutions for the future. We anticipate. We are hopeful. We feel...Monday, December 19, 2022 -
CNEWA Canada Welcomes New National DirectorDr. Adriana Bara is the new national director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association in Canada (CNEWA). Until her appointment, Dr. Bara directed the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism in Montreal, a not-for-profit organization founded in...Tuesday, December 13, 2022 -
Travelling Mary and St. Joseph: A Catholic Alternative to Elf on the ShelfKasia Ryba is a Catholic wife and mother who belongs to her local Catholic Moms Group. She has been a speaker at ‘Calling All Girls: An Evening for Mothers and Daughters’ and has spoken on Midday Moms, a...Wednesday, December 07, 2022
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Preparing our Hearts for AdventWhile Advent is the start of a new liturgical year, it has evolved to become many different things for different people. What is the real meaning of Advent? How can I allow this season to bring me closer to God...Tuesday, November 29, 2022 -
The pandemic, mental health and Catholic priestsHow has the pandemic affected the well-being of priests? Three priest researchers from the Southdown Institute in partnership with an economics researcher from the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt in Germany studied the implications of priests as frontline workers...Monday, November 28, 2022 -
Ministries of Care Offers Hope Amidst LossDuring the month of November, we pray for all the souls of the faithful departed. The bereavement ministry is a ministry of care. Parish bereavement ministers reach out to parishioners who have had a loved one die in the past...Wednesday, November 23, 2022 -
A Faithful ShepherdIn light of the annual Shepherds' Trust collection for retired priests taking place this weekend (Nov. 12/13), here's a look at how Fr. Vitaliano Papais continues to serve the community as a faithful shepherd. Retirement is typically...Wednesday, November 09, 2022 -
Red Wednesday: United with our Persecuted Brothers and SistersPontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s annual Red Wednesday campaign — taking place on November 16 this year — aims to shed light on the persecution and discrimination of Christians around the world. ACN&rsquo...Tuesday, November 08, 2022 -
Mother Teresa: No Greater LoveTo mark the 25th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death, the Knights of Columbus produced the film Mother Teresa: No Greater Love – a tribute to this spiritual icon. Below, Director and Writer David Naglieri weighs in on the...Thursday, October 27, 2022 -
The Value of Patristic Studies in the Modern AgeThe leadership at St. Augustine’s Seminary is designing a Licentiate program in Patristics – it will be the first program dedicated to Patristics in Canada when it rolls out in the 2023-2024 academic year. Fr. Robert John...Tuesday, October 18, 2022 -
St. Ann’s Food Bank a Community Staple at Thanksgiving and Year-RoundSt. Ann’s Food Bank is a ministry run through St. Ann’s Parish in downtown Toronto that assists those in need both within the parish and the surrounding area. A member agency of the Daily Bread Food...Friday, October 07, 2022 -
Celebrating 50 years of the DiaconateSeptember 30 marks the 50th anniversary of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Deacon Steve Pitre, Coordinator of Diaconal Ministry, reflects on this special milestone. 1. What celebrations are planned to commemorate this milestone anniversary? We will...Wednesday, September 28, 2022 -
Exploring Faith Through the Great OutdoorsThe Federation of North American Explorers (FNE) is a Catholic youth movement in the scouting tradition. FNE is formally recognized by the Holy See as a Catholic lay movement. Founder Paul Ritchie shares an overview below. 1. What is the...Tuesday, September 20, 2022 -
Teaching as Vocation – A Look at the Catholic Teachers’ GuildThe Catholic Teachers’ Guild is a lay association in the archdiocese that aims to strengthen teachers’ vocations through formation events, study groups, lectures and mutual fraternal support. As the new school year kicks off, President Andrew Hume reflects...Friday, September 09, 2022 -
Sposi Novelli Newlywed BlessingWith wedding season in full swing, some newlyweds are starting their marriage off in a special way – with a visit to the Vatican to receive a blessing from the Pope. The sposi novelli blessing for newlyweds takes place at...Monday, August 22, 2022 -
New Digital Archive Highlights Parish HistoriesThe Archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto has launched a new digital collection’s portal, ARCAT Online. Frances O’Regan, Director of Archives, provides an overview below. 1. What is ARCAT Online? ARCAT Online is a...Wednesday, August 03, 2022
