Coming up
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers…
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Those who have passed, especially…
Catherine Huber, Charles Scrivener, Dwayne Woods, Jamie Terry, Joan Beech, Kenneth Millichamp, Mavis Greville, Patricia McKinnon
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and those who are sick along with those who love and care for them, especially…
Amanda Parsons, Amie Parry, Bob Gibson, Darlene Gauthier, Debbie Leslie, Fr. Garry Leahy, Joanna Ryan Carter, Joe, Jozsef Vincze, Lillian Jesty, Marcelle Closs, Maura Finlay, Mavis Greville, Patrick Gomes, Shane Richard, Teresa Jeronimo, Wanda Kelly
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…
Happening at St. Joseph Church
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Emmaus Ministry Gathering
Emmaus Ministry Gathering
Why Do We Need a Catholic Mental Health Ministry?
Sunday, October 4 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.Mental health challenges touch almost every family, yet individuals often face these struggles in isolation or silence. A Catholic Mental Health Ministry bridges this gap by providing a safe, confidential space for spiritual accompaniment, prayer, and pastoral support. Grounded in Christ’s healing love, this ministry works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, companion individuals and families through difficult seasons, and connect them with vital professional resources.
Meet and Greet will explore:
- Need for mental health literacy in our faith community
- Training of a core team who utilizes established faith-based mental health resources.
- Steps to starting this ministry at STJ
If you are interested in learning more, attending an informational meeting, or helping us launch this supportive community at our parish, please contact Joan Miller at joyfulljoanrp@gmail.com.
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Christ-Centred Education Forum
Christ-Centred Education Forum
Parents, church leaders and teachers are invited to Knox Christian School (410 North Scugog Court, Bowmanville) on Friday, October 16th from 7pm to 9pm to for an evening of encouragement and conversation. The evening features a keynote presentation by Deani Van Pelt, OCT, followed by a discussion about what is happening in Christian education in Ontario and Canada and how we can work together to provide children with Christ-centred education—whether through homeschooling, Sunday School, Christian school, public or separate schools or other options. Event is sponsored by the Bowmanville Ministerial Association, clergy from various local Christian Churches who collaborate on projects in building unity among Christians.
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Guided by Grace
Guided by Grace
Navigating the complex issues that arise around end of life care and funeral planning can be filled with many obstacles, both for those facing such challenges as well as their loved ones. To help, a workbook, called “Guided by Grace” is freely available to help plan for those moments. Additionally, Hailu, the Lay Pastoral Assistant, is happy to offer a physical copy of the workbook and talk about getting the most from it. Physical copies of the workbook can also be picked up in the office.
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Sign a child up for First Communion and Confirmation preparation
Sign a child up for First Communion and Confirmation preparation
Sign your child up now for First Communion and Confirmation preparation! Here, candidates will learn how to encounter the love and healing of Jesus who feeds us with his very self. There are First Communion groups for children in grades 2 through 4 and groups for children in grades 5 through 8.
Additionally, there’s a Confirmation preparation group for students in grade 7 and above. During preparation, Confirmandii will accept the Gifts of the Holy Spirit while developing their own faith life. The preparation process includes: attending youth group gatherings, selecting a sponsor, completing a saint project and completing ten ‘Mass Journal’ entries. All details will be shared at an onboarding meeting.
If your child has not yet been Baptized, it’s still not too late! Children can prepare for Baptism and their First Communion and Confirmation concurrently.
⚠️ Don’t delay: registration closes in October! ⚠️
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Life Chain – Sunday, Oct 4th 2pm
Life Chain – Sunday, Oct 4th 2pm
Life Chain is an easy way for anyone to get involved in supporting the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Happens annually in hundreds of locations across Canada, and even more in the United States. Just show up for one hour on the corner of Bowmanville Ave. and King Street West to stand on the sidewalk with others to publicly, peacefully and silently witness to their beliefs. Your local Life Chain organizer will provide a non-graphic sign to hold (or you can bring your own), and you may pray silently for an end to abortion and for those affected by it. Show up on October 5th at 2pm. Bring a coffee and chair and stand up for life!
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!
Who Are the Archangels?
Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Elizabeth Klein discuss archangels and what role they have in our lives
St. Jerome | Catholic Saints
St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin with the desire to make Scripture more accessible. St. Jerome is the patron of biblical scholars, translators, and archivists and famously said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ
St. Therese | Littlest Saints
Which flower in Jesus’s garden is the best? The most beautiful? St. Therese gives us her “little” answer to these questions
Enjoy even more great free content
Happening elsewhere
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Upcoming Retreats at the Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
Upcoming Retreats at the Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre is pleased to offer a variety of retreats, days of prayer and renewal, and workshops throughout the year. Some upcoming retreats include:
- Learning How To Grieve One Day at a Time
- The Power of Night: Drawing to God with St. Edith Stein
- Folded in Love: A Bookbinding Journey with St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Directed and Private Retreats
- and more!
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St. Peter-in-Chains Bicentennial Mission
St. Peter-in-Chains Bicentennial Mission
Saturday November 7th to 10th. Guest Speaker: Fr. John O’Brien S.J. Theme: “Into the heart of the Canadian Martyrs”
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Ordination of Andrew Roelands to the Transitional Diaconate
Ordination of Andrew Roelands to the Transitional Diaconate
By the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, Andrew Roelands, who assisted here on weekends last year, will be ordained to the order of deacons on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 7pm at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains in Peterborough. All are welcome to attend this celebration. Please keep Andrew in your prayers as he prepares to follow Christ’s Call and serve His Church and the People of God.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
On Wednesday September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. May this day remind us to respect the cultures, beliefs and traditions of others, while honouring the history and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Through the generosity of parishioners, the Diocese of Peterborough continues to support Indigenous reconciliation and healing through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF). Contributions o the IRF continue to support Indigenous-led projects proposed and directed by local communities and organizations. May we listen, learn and walk together in respect, healing and hope.
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Emergency Relief for Nepal
Emergency Relief for Nepal
On the morning of August 26, a catastrophic flash flood swept through the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system in Nepal, near the Tibetan border, leaving families displaced and in urgent need.
Caritas Nepal responded quickly, assisting with rescue efforts and providing emergency food and essential supplies. Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is asking for our support to help save lives and bring relief and hope to those affected.
Please consider giving generously and keeping the people of Nepal in your prayers.
Donations can be made through Development and Peace – Caritas Canada.
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Women’s Fall Retreat
Women’s Fall Retreat
We warmly invite you to the 17th Annual Women’s Fall Retreat, taking place on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at St. Michael Catholic High School, 2755 Hwy. 43, Kemptville, ON.
Please Join us for our women’s retreat centred on renewal, hope, and the invitation to encounter Christ more deeply because our hearts are made to know Him and to live in the power of His resurrection. This year, we are blessed to welcome Melanie Rabishaw as our guest speaker. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kingston, our theme is “To know Christ and the power of His resurrection” (Phil 3:10).
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Coming up at La Verna Ministries
Coming up at La Verna Ministries
La Verna House of Prayer is a place of Franciscan Spirituality located at 820 Frank Street in Peterborough. There, the Brothers look forward to sharing the many facets of Franciscan Spirituality. Here’s some of the programs offered:
The Franciscan Crown Rosary is a Catholic devotion consisting of seven decades of Hail Mary’s, with each decade honouring a specific joy in Mary’s life.
Healing Hearts is a Catholic Grief outreach to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the recent past.
Meditatio Franciscan Catholic Prayer.
Secular Franciscan Formation is for those wishing to benefit from the Franciscan Spirituality, practices and community!
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