Dear Parishioners and friends of St. Thomas More,
As we endure this period of lockdown and uncertainty in Ontario, one thing is certain: we must pray more and pray more fervently. We must pray for our civil and ecclesiastical leaders: that they my be open to the graces of their offices and not frustrate them through cowardice, compromise, or collaboration with evil. We must pray for one another: that we may all be kept safe from the perils posed by both the Covid disease and the proposed solutions, both medical and societal. Finally we must pray for ourselves: that we may be infused with the supernatural graces of the Holy Ghost so that our wills may be guided by the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and our actions by the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance).
As we endure this period of lockdown and uncertainty in Ontario, one thing is certain: we must pray more and pray more fervently. We must pray for our civil and ecclesiastical leaders: that they my be open to the graces of their offices and not frustrate them through cowardice, compromise, or collaboration with evil. We must pray for one another: that we may all be kept safe from the perils posed by both the Covid disease and the proposed solutions, both medical and societal. Finally we must pray for ourselves: that we may be infused with the supernatural graces of the Holy Ghost so that our wills may be guided by the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) and our actions by the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance).
- St. Thomas More will continue to livestream Holy Mass every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on our YouTube channel (see bottom of email) during this difficult time. It is highly suggested that you use the Sunday Bulletin (link below) and a Bible to prayerfully follow along with the liturgy being streamed.
- The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and designated Holy Days is excused when physical attendance is impossible, as it is now in Toronto and most of Ontario. As many benefits as watching the livestream carries, it is not a substitute for being physically present at Holy Mass and does not fulfil an obligation that would be generally binding in normal times.
- We are accustomed to chanting the Litany in the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. But it may be used on any penitential day, such as Wednesdays and Fridays, and at any time to beseech God to appease His anger and beg His protection from calamities. In light in light of the state of emergency that has been declared in Ontario and the subsequent suspension of the public celebration of Holy Mass, it is highly fitting that the Litany be chanted. As such, it will be chanted before each Sunday Mass until the stay-at home order is lifted and we are once again able to attend Mass publicly.
- Those who wish to receive Holy Communion outside of Mass may sign up here for one of the Communion Services authorized by Cardinal Collins and conducted by the Fathers of the Oratory at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Sundays.
- Our parish will do everything humanly possible to ensure that no one is left without access to the sacraments, no matter the circumstance. If you find yourself or a loved one in "trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity", please contact the parish through our website by phone or email and appropriate arrangements will be made to help.
