Like or Follow us on Social Media:

stpatrickshamilton stpatrickshamilton @StPatsHamilton@StPatsHamilton

@stpatshamilton @stpatshamilton

Pastoral Centre: 440 King Street East, Hamilton, ON L8N 1C6Administrative Centre: 20 Emerald Street South, Hamilton, ON L8N 2V2

www.stpatrickshamilton.ca Phone 905-522-9828 parishoffice@stpatrickshamilton.ca

News from the PewsNews from the Pews

April 26, 2020 - Third Sunday of EasterApril 26, 2020 - Third Sunday of Easter

© Ron DiCianni “IN THE WILDERNESS”

Parish Office CLOSED

Parish Staffed Phones:8:30 AM - 4:30 PMMonday to Friday

Watch Mass LIVE Onlinelive.stpatrickshamilton.ca

Weekend Mass Schedule: LIVE STREAM ONLY

Sunday: 11:30 AM & 7:15 PM

Weekday Mass Schedule:LIVE STREAM ONLY

Tuesday to Friday: 12:15 PM

Sacraments:Please contact the Pastoral Centre

Office or go to the parish website:

stpatrickshamilton.ca/weddings stpatrickshamilton.ca/baptism

Our New Websitewww.stpatrickshamilton.ca

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MASS AT ST. PATRICK - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22I’m not sure how many of you watched this Mass, livestreamed at 12:15 PM, Wednesday, April 22, but I did and I was not prepared for the profound affect it had on me. I’m still trying to sort through my emotions and figure out why it so affected me.

One of the things that surprised me was how blessed we are to have the tech-nology we have available to us today. If this pandemic had not arrived, we would not have, at least for some time, been able to hook up to see everyone involved in this Mass from their own homes. This was historical for us at St. Patrick! The fact that we had only livestreamed our first Mass March 17, and how things had evolved in just one month, was wonderfully amazing to me. We had talked as a pastoral team about doing livestreaming down the road, but nothing had prepared us for our first Mass, recorded on a cell phone, and where Fr. Jarek’s eyes did a magical dance until it was quickly corrected, to where we arrived on April 22. To have so many people remotely involved in this Mass was to me, someone who had not grown up with an electronic de-vice in my hand, mind blowing! I was just stunned that this was accomplished without a glitch, at least from my perspective. To think that only one short month ago, Fr. Tony and Ian Ford raced off to Mississauga to source whatever equipment was deemed necessary to get livestreaming up and running, to where we ended up on Wednesday, April 22, was nothing short of a miracle.

The other thing that made me emotional about this Mass, was maybe the long family connection my husband Mike’s family had with Cathedral High School and that three of our four children had attended there. I’ve always long felt that the staff at Cathedral were hand-picked for their role there, and that was still very evident to me when I watched this Mass. From the introduction by Sue O’Keefe-DiFederico, Chaplain, hearing David (Chuck) MacMillan’s amazing voice, seeing the kids and staff featured on the screen who were still working to keep the rest of us fed and safe (I teared up here and I didn’t person-ally know one person), the readings and intentions done by the students, to Principal Mark Daly’s remarks about the long, illustrious history of Cathedral High School and St. Patrick Church, I was indeed proud and humbled to have watched, from the comfort of my home, this historical event. It wasn’t just me that felt this was something truly special, there were many comments from our staff and many more comments made during the Mass about how amazing this Mass was.

I don’t often enough reflect on how very fortunate I am to be involved at St. Patrick Church. In the eyes of our freedom 55 society, I should be at home, feet up, enjoying the blessings of being retired. Instead I am challenged daily to try to keep up with the quickly changing world of technology and all that entails, and I am grateful and happy to be part of it. Livestreaming of Mass and Zoom meetings and all the new technology introduced to many of us during these most unusual times, are not just for now but are here to stay. How blessed are we that we have this whole new world out there that we (maybe it’s just me) didn’t know or care about. Jump on board everyone - we’re in for a ride!

Karen Ford, Communications Co-ordinator

A GIFT FROM A FORMER PARISHIONERI got a letter from a former parishioner, Corry LeBlanc, dated April 12, Easter Sunday. Many of you will remember Corry and her children Jamie, Peter and Amber, who were parishioners at St. Patrick from the time the children were small until Corry moved out of the parish a couple of years ago. Corry’s letter said:

“Good morning and Happy Easter Fr. Tony. Good Friday’s service inspired me to make these crosses for the volunteers. There are 40 crosses, one for each day of Lent. The thread at the top and bottom represents our beginning and end. The soft cross is a safe place to rest and remember Jesus Christ gave his life so we will have eternal life.

Please share these with the volunteers and do keep one for you and Fr. Jarek.”

At the bottom of the letter was a little verse regarding these crosses:

Keep it in your pocket Keep it in your purse Let it always remind you Of your true worth!

Thanks Corry and thanks for keeping in touch with St. Patrick Church!

DONATIONS TO ST. PATRICK CHURCH AND DE MAZENOD DOOR OUTREACH

It seems like everyone is asking for your money these days, and for good reason. This Covid-19 pandemic has flipped the lives of everyone and everything upside down and inside out. The fact remains for all of us however, that bills still need to be paid, and that includes our bills at St. Patrick.

If you are able to still support St. Patrick, (and we completely understand many will not be able to at this time), here are the ways you can do it:

CanadaHelps - on our website, stpatrickshamilton.ca, at the “donate” button. Below is the drop down menu you will find when you go to CanadaHelps on the website:

• General• St. Patrick Heritage Fund• St. Patrick Window Campaign• Beyond the Walls” Renovation• De Mazenod Door Outreach - General• De Mazenod Door Outreach - Mission with Youth• De Mazenod Door Outreach - Friday Barbeque

Other ways to donate are:• Pre-Authorized Giving• Etransfer - parishoffice@stpatrickshamilton.ca• Mail - 20 Emerald Street South, Hamilton, L8N 2V2• Mail Box - 440 King Street East (mail slot to the right of the De Mazenod Door Outreach door or

20 Emerald Street South (secure mailbox). If you have an issue with stairs please use the option at 440 King Street East.

We are grateful to everyone that has been able to donate to St. Patrick. THANK YOU!

COLLECTION REPORT FORApril 12, 2020

Collected from Envelopes $2,585 Pre-Authorized Collection 2,408 TOTAL $4,993 “What shall I return to the Lord for all His

bounty to me?”

DE MAZENOD DOOR FRIDAY BARBEQUE

This Friday’s Barbeque in support of De Mazenod Door Outreach is

sponsored by:

- Diane Richard

Please contact the Parish Office for more infor-mation about sponsoring a Friday Barbeque

ALL MASSES WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON OUR

ST. PATRICK FACEBOOK PAGEstpatrickshamilton

AND OUR WEBSITE

TUESDAY, April 28 12:15 PM Fabian Tompkins Special Int: Zita Marcellana

WEDNESDAY, April 2912:15 PM Thanksgiving: Phirdy Gapasin Special Int: Dan & Del Simpkins

THURSDAY, April 3012:15 PM Francesca Caiola

FRIDAY, May 1 12:15 PM Alexander Hawli Special Int: Jun Marcellana

SUNDAY, May 311:30 AM & 7:15 P M St. Patrick Parishioners and Friends

When we think about the virus, we shudder with fear. Since mid March we’ve been told to stay home. To remain in-side as much as possible. To practice safe distancing if we absolutely must go out. If we get even a sniffle, we should self-quarantine for 14 days. We wait outside in queues at the grocery store, standing at least 6 feet a part. There are plexiglass shields installed to protect all cashiers. Many stores are only accepting payment via debit or credit, with no cash option. Doctors are doing non-emergency appointments via telephone or with video as opposed to in-office appointments. All non-emergency Dental appointments and Eye appointments have been cancelled. Elective surgery, cancelled. All pro sports cancelled. All events cancelled. Parks are closed. Schools are closed. Non-essential stores are closed with some only open for curbside pick up. Visitors aren’t allowed, not in hospital, not in our homes. There’s a shortage of toilet paper, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer and all personal protective equipment. Everyone we see on the outside, is wearing a mask and gloves. There’s no hugs, no show of affection. The army has been called in to assist with long term care homes. There are Government benefits to assist those laid off from work or those who have lost their jobs. Benefits for companies who’ve been forced to close. Help with mortgages and loans, cancelled interest payments. Churches across the entire country, closed.

Everything we’ve ever known to be ‘normal’ has changed. Whether it’s changed temporarily, or the world we knew prior to Covid-19 has created a new norm, we don’t know. What we do know is that there isn’t one of us that hasn’t been affected in one way or another. There is nothing that the Coronavirus hasn’t touched. It’s on the lips of everyone you speak to or watch on TV.

However, In the midst of a world-wide crisis, charity like we’ve never seen was born. The very same world that has been affected by this horrible virus, has the sudden urge to help. It too commenced back in mid March, when the entire coun-try and life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. What is just as contagious as the same virus that has affected the whole world and around globe is Empathy! And Generosity! And Compassion! And Benevolence! And Consideration! It’s tolerance and sympathy, and understanding and humanity. All of these things are just as contagious as the chilling virus that has closed our churches and changed our lives and it feels so good and so healing.

Covid-19 has changed things, but it has not been able to take or shake our faith in God and it is through that very same faith, that brings about the good in us. The desire to be kind to one another. To help a neighbour. To call a senior or a shut-in. To pray for someone. To lend a hand or to help those in need in any and every way possible. That’s the faith that will get use through this and what promises us all a better tomorrow and it too is contagious.

Diane Downey Administrative Assistant, De Mazenod Door Outreach

This past week we have been assisting New Vision United Church, helping them prepare to open a second hygiene station, at their location at 24 Main Street West. They hope to be open this coming Wednesday, April 29, and will op-erate from 5 - 9 PM.

BEYONDBEYOND THE WALLSTHE WALLS

WHAT WHAT HAPPENS HAPPENS

HEREHERE

DOESN’T DOESN’T STAY STAY HEREHERE

A NEW CHAPTER IN VOCATION MINISTRY “’Jesus never ceases to call people to follow him and to proclaim the King-dom’ (C. 52). We are convinced that Christ always provides the Church with the ministers that are necessary. It is up to us to discover effective ways of presenting our Oblate vocation to people today.” General Norms for Oblate Formation No. 78

Last fall I was asked to lead a Vocation Taskforce to evaluate, discern and strategize vocation ministry within our Oblate province. It was truly an in-sightful journey as we shared our own experiences, learned from others and dared to dream about new possibilities.

We quickly realized that vocation ministry cannot be expected solely from the Vocation Director(s). It’s the responsibility of every Oblate and those who share the Oblate charism, especially in the cultural context.

In today’s world, the way of life is being seen as a “career” rather than a vocation, an answer to God’s calling and purpose of life. It’s our respon-sibility to foster and create a culture of vocations in each one’s respective ministries, families and communities. We are called as members of the Mazenodian Family, to understand vocation as a way of life and participate in witnessing to Oblate vocations, and creating a culture of vocation in our daily encounters with others.

Early this year the Vocation Taskforce presented to the Provincial Council, a concrete proposal for a way forward in voca-tion ministry within our province. I did not know then that I was “working” myself into a new ministry.

I’m humbled and challenged by this ministry call, but when I was asked to take on the Vocation Director’s responsibility. I knew I couldn’t do it by myself, so I’m grateful for every member of the Vocation Team who said “yes” to this challenging task.

I’m looking forward to working together with the team, who are passionate about and dedicated to the discernment and active involvement in accompanying young men thinking about religious life and the priesthood. Even though there are still some logistical details that need to be worked out, we’ve already begun our ministry. In times like this, COVID19 pan-demic, it often provokes reflection on priorities in life, meaning and purpose, hearing a certain call to ministry. The Vocation Team is in place and present to take this journey of faith with others. We are currently preparing for Vocation Sunday (4th Sunday of Easter – May 3, 2020) and our Novena Prayer for Vocations to Oblate Religious Life (May, 21-29). Stay tuned for more info coming soon!

Please keep our team in your prayers! And continue your prayers for Oblate Vocation to the religious life and priesthood!

Vocation DirectorFr. Jarek Pachocki OMI

Phone: (905) 522-9828 Ext 305Email: vocations@omilacombe.ca

Instagram: @jarekpachTwitter: @jarekpachocki

Facebook: /jarek.pachocki#OblateVocations

DE MAZENOD DOOR OUTREACHThe Poor - The Marginalized - The Inner-CityYouth

DeMazenod Door Sponsors

If you’ve ever heard or read the anon-ymous saying that goes something like - It’s during the toughest times of your life that you’ll get to see the true colors of the people who say they care about you, you’ll know that it doesn’t necessarily have a negative meaning.

We have been busier than ever at De Mazenod Door in so many different ways and in so many different directions. The crowd hasn’t just disappeared just because there’s a world-wide pandemic. People didn’t suddenly get ‘unhungry’. The need has been great, but the positive in all of this is the many who have said ‘I can help’, ‘I can do something about this’ and have done just that. Here’s just a few examples of how the community has responded:

OPSEU Local 206, who represent Health Care Workers at St. Joseph’s and Joseph Brant Hospital, donated $1,000. and then another $1,000 for our Hygiene/Resting Station!Reilly’s Wholesale Foods on Parkdale Avenue donated 500 pounds of peeled potatoes!St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Xavier Parish, donated $1,500 in PC Gift Cards!Cathedral High School Teachers donated 10 large hot pizzas for Tuesday’s lunch!St. Andrew’s Parish, Oakville donated $1,500 for a special Easter lunch!Kaylee Norwood at Ancaster Community Services donated cases and cases of Easter chocolate and chips as they had excess! Kernels Popcorn at Limeridge Mall donated hundreds of bags of popcorn because they were closing!Kiwanis Club of Hamilton East Inc. from their fundraising efforts through Kiwanis TV Bingo, donated $5,000!Ancaster Film Fest donated $500 in support of our efforts!Holy Perogy donated 40 cases of pork ribs!Mario Susi presented De Mazenod Door Outreach staff with a framed letter and blessing from Nathan Daly and the Cathedral High School Football Team! LiUNA! Labourers’ International Union of North America donated 150 PPE face masks! Salt & Light Media has contacted us for another interview! We have had a great number of donations via the website through Canada-Helps and/or in cards or letters with the most incredible words of encourage-ment and thoughtfulness. Don’t for a moment think that we don’t read them all and take them to heart. They give us the strength and courage to move for-ward during these unquestionably serious times! Those donations and notes continue to inspire us and give us that necessary push to go about our days doing our very best for the sake of those who need it most. God bless you for making the effort, for taking the time, for showing us that love will always conquer fear and generosity will always ensure we are able to do our part. We are all in this together and it is a vicious circle. The greater the need is, the greater the need! Thank you everyone for your notes, thoughts, prayers and donations! You are all simply amazing!

MOST WANTED ITEM THIS WEEK: Ziplock Sandwhich Bags

Thank you all who continue to give generously to this program.

JC ASUNCIONThis week we would like to highlight JC Asuncion, a leader of our Mission with Youth in our Parish. JC and her group of volunteers are present and active in our Parish everyday, in many different ways. They are multi-talent-ed and with the leadership of JC, this young lady and her sidekicks are an amazing group of youth workers in St. Pat’s Parish.

JC does the usual things that youth leaders do around a Parish - ministering to young people to give them help and direction as they form opinions, and make decisions about their faith, careers, relationships. She encourages them in being clear in their reasonings as to why the decisions they make will have an important impact on the rest of their lives. She involves them in the day to day running of the Parish, not just a 2 hour weekly meeting. With her dedication, she is encouraging them to live their faith, by putting it into action by loving others as Christ loves us.

JC’s quiet leadership is always alive, however during the past few weeks of Social Isolation and life restrictions, she is able to always have a group of youth, helping with the day to day challenges facing the Parish at this time. You see them cutting and sewing materials to make masks; they are taking care of the Visitors that come to the Church’s respite area for the marginalized. They sort and repurpose donations and help with the chats during livestreamed Masses. She, along with her group, are present and involved. JC shows a quiet confidence, which makes her group’s participants trust her judgement and make her opinions matter to them. With her inter-personal skills, she is able to create a lot of diverse experiences for the participants in the group while upholding Christian and social values in our community. JC is always busy doing something for someone, but is al-ways cheerful and a joy to be around. We really appreciate all that you do for others and for those who come to our door.

Thanks JC for your quiet dignity and all the work you accomplish at St. Patrick.

Diana Quildon Volunteer Co-ordinatorOUR NEW WEBSITEWe have updated the home page on our website, (see the front cover our News from the Pews this week) to show that we are livestreaming Mass, and have included the Mass times. If you go to “watch online”, this will take you directly to Mass, if it is livestreaming at the time. We hope this will make things much easier for everyone to access Mass when it is available.

OH THOSE WONDERFUL CHURCH BULLETINS AND THE CHURCH LADIES WITH TYPEWRITERSThese sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced during church services. Thanks Sister Andrea for giving us a much needed chuckle!1. The Fasting & Prayer Conference —- includes meals.2. The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’3. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.4. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say ‘Hell’ to someone who doesn’t care much about you.5. Don’t let worry kill you off - let the Church help.6. Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.7. For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.8. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.9. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

Watch for more BLOOPERS next week!