2025.02.23 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

Hope you managed through the snow storm we were faced with last weekend and the one a couple of days before that. As can be expected, the attendance at our weekend Masses was down, but you all were in our special prayers.

In our bulletin this weekend, I would like to offer you three reminders…suggestions…encouragements…requests…

Weekly Bulletins: We are very happy to have our weekly bulletin that provides information and updates on the life and activities of our Parish community. I am happy to see that many of our parishioners read the bulletins regularly. One thing I have noticed is the number of bulletins left behind in the pews after our weekend Masses. What happens is some of us take the bulletin as we enter the church, read it and leave it in the pews as we leave after the Mass. It means someone going around after each of the Masses and gathering the bulletins left behind. I encourage you and plead with you not to leave the bulletin behind in the pews. Please take them with you or at least, bring them to the back of the church. And, please do your part to keep our church clean and orderly.

Handicapped Washroom in the Narthex: We are pleased to have a washroom in the Narthex/foyer of the Church to help those who are disabled and those who are not able to get to the washrooms downstairs because of health challenges. Unfortunately, often this washroom is used by those who could be going to the washrooms downstairs. What is even more serious is that in the last several weeks, we had to spend hundreds of dollars to repair and maintain the handicapped washroom in the narthex as people have been throwing things into the toilet that they should not be throwing, for example, paper napkins from Tim Horton’s. We replaced the paper dispenser with an air dryer, but we still notice the problem continuing. I kindly request your attention and cooperation on this matter.

Active participation in the liturgy: The Church invites us to full and active participation in the liturgy. The Second Vatican Council document, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium states, “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations.” Here at St. Rose of Lima Parish we are fortunate to have beautiful and lively liturgies. Thank you for your active participation. I encourage you to continue your full participation by actively listening to the readings, responding to the parts of the Mass and singing with our musicians and choir (You are always welcome to join one of our choirs or other Parish ministries.) Use the hymn books and binders provided. AND of course, at the end, please leave them in their proper places. Thanks again for your attention and cooperation.

Fr. Vijai, C.S.C. ~ Pastor