Coming up
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers…
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Those who have passed, especially…
Carlo DeLorenzi, Dwayne Wood, Editha Gochingco, Pauline Schumacher, S.Patric
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and those who are sick along with those who love and care for them, especially…
Agnes Young, Amanda Parsons, Amie Parry, Bob Gibson, Daniel D’Alimonte, Darlene Gauthier, Donna Mathieson, Ellie Duciaume, Joanna Ryan Carter, Lillian Jesty, Maura Finlay, Mavis Greville, Sandana Hibbert, Teresa Jeronimo, Vanessa
Jesus, Our Lord, we ask you to have mercy on all who are sick. Give them your strength and love and help them carry this cross with faith. May their sufferings be one with yours, overcome the power of evil and lead others to our Father in Heaven. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer, for you are Lord forever and ever. Amen.
We also pray for…
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those being Baptized this week:
Alexandra Grace, Eleanor (Ellie), Enyinna
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those receiving their First Communion:
Harley, Stella
Happening at St. Joseph Church
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Did You Know? ⛪
Did You Know? ⛪
The Sanctuary – A Holy Place
Have you ever wondered why the sanctuary is treated with such great reverence? The sanctuary is the sacred space at the front of the church where the altar, ambo, the ambo is the raised stand or lectern, priest’s chair, and other liturgical furnishings are located. At its heart is the altar, the altar is rectangular in shape as were the coffins in the catacombs of ancient Rome during times of Christian persecutions. The altar is both a place of sacrifice and a celebration where the divine meets humanity, the place of the covenant (God’s power and Glory), where the heavenly realm touches the earth.
The tabernacle, means tent or dwelling. Mirrors man’s story of salvation. When, after their escape from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered through the desert for forty years, they had built a tent-structure that was divided into three parts. The Courtyard – where the people gathered for worship. The Holy Place – where priests offered sacrifices and cared for the bread, wine, and the seven-branched lampstand (menorah). The Holy of Holies – the most sacred space, separated by a curtain, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark contained sacred signs of God’s covenant with His people: Aaron’s rod, manna from heaven, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year to offer sacrifice and honour God’s presence. Later, the Ark was placed in the Temple built by King Solomon. When Jesus died on the Cross, the temple’s curtain that had kept people from entering into the Holiest of Holy, tore in half as a symbol that now man can enter God’s Kingdom thanks to the immense sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, the tabernacle continues this story of God dwelling among His people, as Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.
The sanctuary lamp is one of the oldest and most recognizable symbols in a Catholic church. It is the red light that burns near the tabernacle, indicating that the Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated Eucharist) is reserved there.The tradition goes back to the Old Testament. God instructed Moses to keep a lamp continually burning in the Tent of Meeting before His presence:“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, so that a lamp may be kept burning continually.” Why is it red? The glass is traditionally red so it is immediately recognizable. The red color symbolizes: Christ’s sacrificial love and Precious Blood, the living presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and a visible reminder for prayer and reverence.
The crucifix is a powerful symbol of both suffering and hope, reminding us of Jesus’ immense sacrifice and His love for all humanity. It became more widely used after Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine. The four points of the Cross represent the four corners of the world, showing that Christ’s saving love is offered to all people. The Cross, once a symbol of suffering and death, has become a symbol of peace, redemption, and victory over sin.
The Sacred Vessels and Linens Used at Mass: The Corporal is a square white cloth placed on the altar during the celebration of Mass. It is used to receive any small fragments of the consecrated Host and any drops of the Precious Blood. The sacred vessels are placed on the corporal before the consecration of the bread and wine. Traditionally, the corporal is a 20-inch square cloth with a cross in the center. It is carefully folded into nine squares so that any remaining particles of the Blessed Sacrament are treated with great reverence. The purificator is the linen cloth used to cleanse the chalice and paten after Holy Communion. The paten is a small, usually gold or silver plate used during the celebration of the Mass. The pall is a small square white linen cloth of stiff material covering the chalice to prevent impurities falling into it. The cruets hold the water and wine brought to the altar, with the water reminding us of Christ’s humanity and the wine of His divinity. The ciborium is the sacred vessel that contains the Blessed Hosts, and because it holds the consecrated Eucharist, it is placed in the tabernacle after Mass with great reverence. These sacred items may seem small, but each one helps us celebrate the Eucharist with the reverence and dignity that Jesus deserves.
Bells: In earlier times, many people could not see the altar clearly or hear the prayers of the priest, so the bells were rung to announce the most sacred moment of the Mass. They alerted the faithful that the Consecration was taking place and invited them to stop, pray, and turn their hearts toward Jesus truly present in the Eucharist.
Our church is filled with beautiful signs that remind us of Christ’s presence. Next time you come to Mass, take a moment to look toward the sanctuary and the altar. Notice the bells, the sacred vessels, and the reverence with which the priest handles these holy items. As Father carefully prepares, folds, and holds the vessels, we are reminded of the great mystery and gift taking place before us.
These signs point us to the greatest gift we receive: Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist. What an incredible gift we have been given! At every Mass, we are invited to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, who nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, forgives and renews us, and draws us into a deeper relationship with Him. May we always approach this sacred gift with awe, reverence, gratitude, and hearts open to His presence.
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WEDNESDAY! Come walk, talk, and pray with us
WEDNESDAY! Come walk, talk, and pray with us
Take a break from the busyness of the week and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, good conversation, and time for prayer.
Join us every Wednesday evening, July 15th to September 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. We’ll meet at the Bowmanville Valley South Parking Lot (Baseline Rd. between Spry Ave. and Hunt St.). Free parking is available.
Our walk is geared toward adults and follows a relaxed, moderate pace for about an hour along the paved trails beside Bowmanville Creek, winding through peaceful wooded areas. The route has few to no hills or obstacles. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too!
Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and bug repellent, and dress for the weather.
If it’s raining, we’ll see you the following week.
Everyone is welcome! Invite a friend, neighbour, or family member—or simply come on your own. We’d love to walk, talk, and pray with you.
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Biting insects: more than a nuisance for many
Biting insects: more than a nuisance for many
Bug Spray Collection Continues!
For most of us, mosquitoes and other biting insects are simply an annoyance. For those without stable shelter, they can be much more than that. Constant exposure to insects can make daily life difficult, and ticks, in particular, can pose serious health risks.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our parish family, our bug spray collection has been a wonderful success! Your donations have been greatly appreciated by those receiving them through the food bank, library, and other community outreach programs. Such a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s comfort, health, and dignity.
Because the need continues, we will continue collecting bug spray throughout the summer. A collection box is located in the church entrance. Thank you for helping us care for our neighbours in this simple but meaningful way.
Media Recommendations
Looking for something to watch, read or listen to? Check out these recommendations from formed.org.
All members of St. Joseph Church have free access to formed.org streaming service!
Why Believe? Edith Stein: This Is True
Sr. Miriam James provides a quick take on the journey of Edith Stein, who went on from atheism to become not only a believer, but ultimately a nun and martyr
Clare and Francis
St. Francis and St. Clare both founded major religious orders. The accuracy of the story told with authentic spirit of joy and piety that inspired many to follow their radical call to live the Gospel
The Assumption
This video examines the dogma of the Assumption of Mary, as well as the many facets of the identity of the woman in the Apostle John’s vision in Revelation 12
Enjoy even more great free content
Happening elsewhere
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🎶 Share Your Gift of Music!
🎶 Share Your Gift of Music!
Do you have a passion for music and a heart for worship? St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Newcastle is seeking a volunteer to lead their 11:00 a.m. Choir.
If you feel called to inspire others through music and help lead the congregation in prayerful song, this could be a wonderful opportunity to serve.
For more information or to express your interest, please contact the parish office at 905-987-5446 or office@stfrancisnewcastle.ca.
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Pope’s Prayer Intention for Aug:
Pope’s Prayer Intention for Aug:
Pope’s Prayer is for Evangelization in the city. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
This month the Pope’s prayer intention is for evangelization in the city.
Large cities can be vibrant places full of life and diversity, but they are also often marked by anonymity and loneliness.
Many people in our cities quietly carry mental health challenges and mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, or addiction; living anonymously behind apartment doors, on crowded streets, or in homelessness.
Pope Leo XIV said, “So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression and sadness—they can discover that the love of God is truly healing.”
Let us pray we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel in our cities, discovering creative paths to build community and be a source of mercy and hope.
(Click here to read the Monthly Day for Prayer for Mental Health on the Pope’s Prayer Network) -
Could God Be Calling You to Mission?
Could God Be Calling You to Mission?
Do you know a young Catholic who is looking for purpose, adventure, and a deeper relationship with Christ?
NET Canada is inviting Catholics ages 16–30 to attend a Virtual Mission Discernment Night and discover what a life-changing year of missionary service could look like.
Upcoming Zoom Sessions:
- Tuesday, July 28 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
- Saturday, August 8 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)
Serving with NET Canada is an opportunity to grow in faith, share the Gospel with young people, build lifelong friendships, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
If you—or someone you know—may be interested, learn more and register at netcanada.ca/apply.
For questions, email apply@netcanada.ca or call/text 613-292-9991.
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