Take a look at what’s been happening. Find past news items below!
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Happy Long Weekend!
As we enjoy this Civic Holiday Long Weekend, may God bless you with moments of rest, joy, and renewal. May He keep you and your loved ones safe in your travels, strengthen the bonds of family and friendship, and fill your hearts with peace.
Whether you are staying close to home or travelling, may you find time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and give thanks for His many blessings.
We invite you to begin your Civic Holiday with the celebration of the Holy Mass on Monday at 9:00 a.m. Together, let us pause to thank God for His many blessings and entrust the week ahead to His loving care.
Have a safe and blessed Civic Holiday Long Weekend from your St. Joseph Pastoral Team.
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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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World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
On Sunday, July 26, the Church celebrates the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year’s theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), reminds us that God’s love never fails and calls us to show that same love to the seniors in our lives. Pope Leo XIV invites us to spend time with grandparents, visit elderly neighbours or those in care homes, and ensure that no one feels forgotten. Let us give thanks for the wisdom, faith, and love our older generations share and keep them in our prayers.
Holy Father, who watches over every person, watch over me too when I am elderly.
You have revealed your name to me in Christ, and You were not discouraged by my frailties.
You hold me tenderly in your hands, and You caress my lines.
You will never forget me! (see Is 49:15).
Grant that I may not fear my weakness;
help me learn to love it just as You love it.Help me learn to listen to it just as You listen to it.
Help me embrace it just as You have chosen it – you who, though all-powerful, clothed yourself in humility.
May growing old strip away all our pride and all division so that we may live these years united in You.
You will never forget us! (see Is 49:15)
Amen.
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In the meantime…
As we await the appointment of a new bishop, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Miehm as the Apostolic Administrator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough. An Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily care for the people of a diocese and ensure all runs smoothly until a new bishop is appointed. During this time, we continue to pray for Bishop Miehm and for our new bishop.
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Many thanks from our priests
With gratitude, Fr. Craig, Fr. Peter and Brother Joseph all offer many thanks for the love demonstrated for our clergy over our anniversaries and Father’s Day! We know we’re loved at St. Joseph Church and we all love being part of this community! Thanks for supporting your priests!
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Big thanks for a small favour
Thanks much to all who contributed to the June insect repellent collection. Over 80 cans of repellent will be distributed through the food bank, library and other avenues to offer a little relief for those who struggle to find escape from biting insects.
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Happy Canada Day!
There’s no better way to begin Canada Day than by thanking God for the many blessings we share. We warmly invite you to join us for Mass at 9:00 a.m. this Wednesday as we give thanks for the gift of our country and ask God’s continued blessings upon Canada.
However you’re spending the day—sharing a meal with family, catching up with friends, heading to a local celebration, watching the fireworks, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of home—we hope it’s a day filled with laughter, gratitude, and moments that remind you of God’s many blessings.
May the Lord watch over you and your loved ones, keep you safe wherever the day takes you, and fill your hearts with His peace and joy.
From our parish family to yours, Happy Canada Day!
With prayers and every blessing,
Your Pastoral Team
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church -
Avoid being scammed
Recently, there’s been an increase of fraudulent requests from scammers attempting to deceive parishioners into sending money by pretending to be clergy or to act on behalf of clergy. Please know that clergy of the Diocese of Peterborough, including those serving at St. Joseph Church in Bowmanville, will never ask you to send funds, purchase gift cards, or complete any urgent financial requests by email. Any legitimate financial matters will always be handled through the parish office or Finance Committee. Please do not click on any links or respond to these types of emails. If you are ever unsure about an email you receive, please contact the parish office at 905-623-3233 or forward the email to office@stjoeschurch.ca, and we will be happy to assess it’s authenticity.
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Father’s Day Blessing from Your Pastoral Team
On Father’s Day, we give thanks to God for all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, stepfathers, and all who share in the gift of fatherhood.
We are grateful for your quiet strength, patient love, and faithful presence in your families and our parish community. May St. Joseph, model of fatherly care, intercede for you and guide you in wisdom, courage, and peace.
We also hold in prayer those fathers who are no longer with us, and those who find this day difficult. May the Lord surround all fathers with His grace and abundant blessing.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Father’s Day!
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Canadian Bishops Mark 10th Anniversary of Bill C-14 with Statement on Human Dignity, MAID, and Palliative Care
The Standing Committee for Family and Life of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has issued a statement marking the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, the legislation that legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”). The CCCB affirms the profound dignity and value of every human life, emphasizing that true compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, pain relief, and authentic palliative care.
