Upcoming Events
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Friday Evenings During Lent
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
FRIDAY EVENINGS DURING LENT
On the Friday evenings during Lent, the church will be open for quiet prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. You are invited to take a break from your busy lives and spend some time in quiet prayer and reflection with the Lord.
PARISH PENANCE CELEBRATION
PARISH PENANCE CELEBRATION
Tuesday, MARCH 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
The season of Lent is the Church’s invitation to turn away from sin, to change our hearts and turn to the Lord. All the Baptized are called during these forty days to prepare to renew their Baptismal promises at Easter, when we celebrate the reconciliation and new life that Christ brought to us through his suffering, death and glorious resurrection.
Lent is the most fitting time to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to acknowledge our sins, to renew our sorrow, and deepen our commitment, with God’s grace, to life our Christian faith more fully.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is celebrated every Saturday from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. and anytime by appointment with one of the priests.
During Lent we will gather as a community of faith to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Fr. David Wynen, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King will preach the homily, and five priests will be on hand to hear confessions at the conclusion of the penitential service.
If you have not celebrated this sacrament in a while, please consider this a special invitation to join us for this celebration. Watch the bulletin for more information on this Sacrament of God’s mercy.
HOLY WEEK BEGINS MARCH 29, 2026
HOLY WEEK BEGINS MARCH 29, 2026
PALM SUNDAY
Holy Week begins on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with the Celebration of Palm (Passion) Sunday as we recall Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his Passion and Death.
The blessing and distribution of palms will take place at Masses:
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
CHRISM MASS
The Chrism Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Gathered together with Bishop Dabrowski and the clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese, the sacred oils are blessed and distributed to parishes for the coming year:
The Oil of Catechumens
The Oil of the Sick
Sacred Chrism.
All are welcome to participate in this important liturgy.
HOLY THURSDAY
April 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper concludes the season of Lent and begins the Sacred Triduum of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord.
During this liturgy Feet are washed in memory of Jesus’ action at the Last Supper and the Eucharist is reserved for adoration following the Mass.
GOOD FRIDAY
April 3, 2026
On this day we remember the passion and death of Christ with the Gospel proclamation of the Passion, and the veneration of the Cross.
Family Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
11:00 a.m.
Solemn Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
3:00 p.m.
Prayers at the Cross (Taizé)
7:00 p.m.
This evening celebration is an occasion to prayerfully reflect on the events of this day with prayer, reflection and song.
We invite parishioners and friends and our ecumenical neighbours to join us for this evening of prayer.
HOLY SATURDAY
April 4, 2026
8:00 p.m.
On Holy Saturday night we celebrate the great Easter Vigil. During this liturgy we listen to the story of salvation which culminates in the Easter Proclamation of the Resurrection of the Lord, and welcome new members into the Church through the Sacraments of Christian initiation
(Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
and renew our Baptismal promises.
GOOD FRIDAY PRAYERS AT THE CROSS
GOOD FRIDAY PRAYERS AT THE CROSS
April 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Come, join us on Good Friday evening as we gather around the Cross for prayers, reflections and songs from the ecumenical community of Taizé in France. Together we will prayerfully ponder with gratitude the saving Cross of Christ.
CONFIRMATION REGISTRATION DEADLINE - March 13, 2016
The Sacrament of Confirmation
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Friday March 13, 2026
Registration forms are available from the Parish Office.
Candidates will be enrolled at the Saturday/Sunday Masses On the weekend of April 11/12, 2026
The mandatory Retreat for candidates will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT!
March 5, 2026
Mark your calendars now!
Trivia Night takes place in our Parish Hall
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 beginning at 7:00 p.m..
Our favourite moderators are returning.
Cost: $20 – Cash bar – 50/50 tickets - Food.
Join us for an evening of fun, food and good company!
Tickets are available after Mass and from the Parish Office.
For anyone who would like to donate a prize
please contact Linda 905-528-8470.
PARISH LENTEN RETREAT DAY
PARISH LENTEN RETREAT DAY
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Join us for our Parish Lenten Retreat Day
on Saturday, February 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This will be an opportunity to explore the ways we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in holiness as we discover the many forms of Christian prayer which have nourished Christian faith for generations and continue to sustain us today on the path to holiness.
Our Facilitators
Paul and Teresa Tratnyek have spent many years serving the Church through education, music, liturgy, and the practice of contemplative payer. Paul worked for over 30 years in Catholic education and faith leadership and has been deeply involved in Christian Meditation nationally and internationally. Teresa is a retired nurse and lifelong musician, active in parish ministry and the Stratford Choral Choir. Together they studied the contemplative Christian tradition through the Living School at the Centre for Action and Contemplation and regularly host Christian meditation gatherings in their home with members of the L’Arche community. They have facilitated retreats rooted in silence, prayer, and hospitality, and live on a small farm near Stratford, Ontario.
Registration
Those wishing to participate are asked to register before Wednesday, February 25, 2026, either by signing up on the sheets at the Church or by contacting the Parish Office at 905-528-0019. No cost. A free-will offering may be made to cover the cost of the lunch which will be provided.
LENT BEGINS FEBRUARY 18, 2026
LENT BEGINS FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday is on February 18th.
Masses with the blessing and distribution of ashes
8:00 am. & 7:00 pm.
St. Joseph School Community will celebrate Liturgies of the Word:
9:45 a.m. - Kindergarten to Grade Two
11:00 a.m. – Grades Three to Eight.
First Communion Registration Deadline
First Communion
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday, February 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
The Enrolment for Candidates for First Communion will take place on the weekend of February 20/21, 2026, at the regular Sunday Masses: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
First Communion Celebrations will take place in April at the Sunday Masses.
CONFIRMATION: PARENTS & CANDIDATES MEETING
CONFIRMATION
PARENTS AND CANDIDATES MEETING
An important INFORMATION MEETING will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in the church immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. All Candidates and parents are asked to be present. Registration forms will be available at the meeting.
Deadline for Registrations: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment of Candidates: April 11/12, 2026, at the regular Sunday Masses: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Retreat for all candidates: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The celebration of Confirmation: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - FRIDAY EVENINGS DURING LENT
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
FRIDAY EVENINGS DURING LENT
On the Friday evenings during Lent, the church will be open for quiet prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. You are invited to take a break from your busy lives and spend some time in quiet prayer and reflection with the Lord.
FIRST COMMUNION
FIRST COMMUNION
All parents of children in Grade 2 who wish to present their children for First Communion in the Spring are asked to participate in the Introductory meeting on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The meeting will take place in the church following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The Parish Preparation program will be presented, and registration forms will be distributed.
Thanks to All
Thanks to All
Thank you to all the volunteers who prepared our church for Christmas and to our parish staff who assisted us to get ready for this wonderful feast.
Thank you to our liturgical ministers who lead us in song, to the children’s choir from St. Joseph School who lead us at the first Christmas Eve Mass, the lectors who proclaimed the Scriptures for us. Special thanks to those who responded to the “Come Home for Christmas” invitation and joined us for the feast of our Saviour’s Birth. Your presence was a great blessing to our parish community. And, finally, thanks to all who made generous Christmas Offerings to our parish. May God reward you for your kindness and charity.
– Msgr. Kroetsch & Fr. Luis.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
We warmly welcome one and all to join us for our celebration of our Saviour’s Birth. If you have been away for a while, we especially invite you to come home and to celebrate with your faith family on this festive occasion.
December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Mass at 5:00 p.m. (Children’s Choir)
Mass at 8:00 p.m. (Parish Choir)
Incense will be used.
December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Mass at 10:00 a.m. (Parish Choir)
ADVENT CONFESSION SCHEDULE
It is fitting to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Birth by heeding the Gospel call to “repent and prepare the way for the Lord” to enter our hearts.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation can be celebrated at any time by making an appointment with one of the priests. A priest will be available in the Church at the following times during the coming weeks.
ADVENT CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Saturdays Of Advent
4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
and
Friday, December 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 20th from 11:00 a.m. to noon
Saturday, December 20th from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
SPIRIT OF HOPE COLLECTION - December 13-14, 2025
One of the important aspects of a Jubilee Year is to forgive debts and to care for the poor. During this year, the Diocese has forgiven the debts of several parishes. As we conclude the Jubilee Year, each parish in the Diocese is asked to take up a Special Collection for the needs of the poor in their local community.
The Spirit of Hope Collection will be received on the weekend of December 13/14th and will be used to support the good work of Our Neighbours in Need program at St. Joseph Parish. Please be generous in your response to this collection.
THE VICTORIA SCHOLARS Men’s Choral Ensemble
St. Joseph Parish Presents
Victoria Scholars Men’s Choral Ensemble
December 7, 2025: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Call the Parish Office: 905-528-0019
This men's choral ensemble was founded in 1993 and is an assembly of graduates of the St. Michael's Boys Choir in Toronto. We are fortunate to have this past winner of the Healey William Grand Prize prepare us in song for Christ's birth. Please join us for this wonderful event. C.D.s will be available for sale.
OUR CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE
Parishioners are invited to take an angel from the tree and purchase a gift for the person identified on the tree. These gifts will be forwarded to the Good Shepherd Ministries to support their efforts to assist needy families during the Christmas Season. This is a wonderful way to express our care for those in our community who have so much less and make Christmas special for them.
SOLEMN EVENING PRAYER
SOLEMN EVENING PRAYER
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe is a special celebration in the Diocese of Hamilton. It is the titular feast of our Cathedral Church. We celebrate Christ’s universal Kingship and pledge our allegiance to Him.
To mark this feast this year, we are inviting the members of our neighbouring parish, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, to join us for solemn Evening Prayer.
This year marks the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicea (325 AD) when the bishops gathered in council to define the authentic teachings of the Christian Church. They approved what we call the Nicene Creed – our profession of faith.
During our Solemn Evening Prayer, we welcome Reverend Dr. Peter Widdicombe, Honorary Assistant at St. John’s, who will speak to us about this historic event and its significance for all the Christian Churches.
All are welcome! A reception will following the parish hall.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Make it stand out
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
November 15, 2025
Our annual Parish Bazaar takes place on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Tickets for the popular 50/50 Draw will go on sale starting Saturday, October 18th and will be available after Weekend Masses and in the Parish office during the weekdays. For more Bazaar information, and how you can assist the Bazaar team, contact the Parish office or Colleen at ctfrancisi@hotmail.com or text 289-556-6681.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Make it stand out
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
October 25-26, 2025
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
When the Church celebrates the Sacrament of the Sick, she continues the healing action of Christ in the lives of his holy people. The grace of the sacrament offers the sick the gift of the Holy Spirit, to heal and strengthen them in mind, body and spirit.
The Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated at all our Masses on the Lord’s Day this weekend: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. We celebrate the sacrament during Mass so that we can surround our brothers and sisters with our prayer.
Any parishioner who is carrying the burden of chronic sickness, disability, or whose health is compromised, anyone is preparing for surgery, or elderly whose health is weakened are invited to celebrate the Sacrament. No need to “sign up”. Those to be anointed will make themselves known following the general intercessions.
Watch the bulletin for more information about the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Make it stand out
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
October 12, 2025
It is fitting that we, as God’s people offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings that God wants to shower upon us through Jesus Christ (See Ephesians 1.3-10). Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people in need. On Thanksgiving Weekend, parishioners are invited to bring non-perishable food items to the church for distribution to the Good Shepherd Ministries. They may be placed in containers in front of the altar before Mass.
Coffee Sunday
COFFEE SUNDAY, October 5, 2025
Join us on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:00 a.m. Mass This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parishioners and meet newcomers to our parish. See you there!
EVENING PRAYER - St. John the Evangelist Church on Locke St.
2025 is the 1700th Anniversary of the Nicene Cree, marking a significant milestone in Christian history. The Nicene Creed was formulated during the First Council of Nicaea, which took place in 325 AD. The Council was convened by Emperor Constantine to address the growing theological disputes within Christianity, particularly with regard to the divinity of Jesus Christ. The resulting Creed, which is shared in common with all Christian Churches today, established foundational Christian beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, affirming the doctrine of the Trinity and unity of the Church.
To mark this important anniversary, and even more important symbol of the faith we share in Jesus Christ, we are invited to join the members of St. John the Evangelist Parishioners for Vespers (Evening Prayer) on Sunday, September 28th, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. A reception will follow. We will be inviting their community to join us for Vespers on the Solemnity of Christ the King in November.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - Begins Sept. 24, 2025
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Are you interested in exploring the Catholic faith or wishing to become a member of our Catholic Community? Do you know someone who is? We will begin a series of gatherings on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Our initial meeting will take place in the Parish Rectory meeting room. Subsequent meetings will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our parish will join Canadian Martyrs Parish and the Cathedral Basilica Parish for the sessions leading to Easter.
If you are interested in joining our Catholic community, contact the Parish office or speak to Msgr. Kroetsch as soon as possible. We look forward to walking with you on this journey of faith!
COMING THIS FALL: THE CHOSEN STUDY GROUP Begins Monday, Sept. 15th
The Chosen Season 1 Study Group series begins on Monday, September 15th in the Parish Hall from 6:15 – 8:15 p.m. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend this 8-week group series. The series brings to life the Biblical stories of the Gospels. As a group we will watch the videos and then discuss the authentic portrayal of Jesus and his disciples as they struggle with their humanity and desire to serve God. If you cannot commit to every Monday, come when you can. For more information, contact the Parish Office (905-528-7988).
COFFEE SUNDAY THIS WEEK
Join us after the 10:00 a.m. Mass
for our first Coffee Sunday of the fall season.
This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parishioners
and meet newcomers to our parish.
See you there!
FIRST COMMUNION - May 25 and June 1
At each of the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses on the weekends of May 25 and June 1, 2025 we welcome the children of our parish who have been preparing with their families to celebrate their First Communion. We surround these children with our prayer in thanksgiving for the wonderful gift of Our Lord’s Body and Blood, and we pray that they will continue to find great joy in receiving Communion throughout their lives.
Sacrament of Confirmation Retreat
All candidates for Confirmation are reminded of their retreat which takes place this week – on TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Dinner will be included, and the retreat will conclude at 8:00 p.m. This is an important part of the preparation for the Sacrament which will be celebrated by Bishop Douglas Crosby on May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
All Parishioners are asked to pray for the candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. May their reception of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit empower them to be faithful disciples of Jesus and effective witnesses to Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
EASTER SUNDAY 2025
EASTER SUNDAY
Join us for the celebration of Our Lord’s Resurrection!
We will renew our baptismal promises at each Mass.
EASTER TRIDUUM 2025
EASTER TRIDUUM 2025
Through the Paschal mystery, the Lord Jesus redeemed the human race
and gave perfect glory to the Father.
By dying, Christ destroyed our death; by rising he restored our life.
The Easter Triduum is the high point of the Liturgical year.
HOLY WEEK 2025 - PALM SUNDAY
During Holy Week, the Church celebrates
the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ
in the last days of his life on earth,
beginning with his messianic entrance nto Jerusalem.
LENTEN PENANCE CELEBRATION
LENTEN PENANCE CELEBRATION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for our Lenten Penance Celebration on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
We welcome Fr. Gianluca Roso, a Comboni priest serving in our Diocese. Fr. Roso is a Missionary of Mercy, appointed by Pope Francis. He will preach on this occasion.
Several priests will be available to hear confessions following a brief liturgy of the Word. Another opportunity to receive the Jubilee indulgence during this Holy Year.
SHARE LENT COLLECTION
The Share Lent Collection will take place on Sunday, April 6th. It is recommended that those who are able donate at least $2.00 per day during the forty days of Lent. Please be generous.