Our Lady of Grace Parish, Aurora
Parishioner Reflections
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Recognizing Dignity on National Indigenous Peoples DayJulia and Adam Kozak, a married couple involved in bridge-building and peacemaking with Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, reflect on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Adam, a Lay Pastoral Associate and musician, was the National Project Manager for the Programs...Tuesday, June 20, 2023 -
Sacred Heart of Jesus Highlights God’s Generous Love on the Journey to MarriageMegan Séas, a parishioner of the Archdiocese of Toronto, chronicles below her journey to marriage at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the town of Paray-Le-Monial in France. 1. How did you come to...Monday, June 19, 2023 -
An Incredible Journey of Faith and NursingAs National Nurses Month wraps up, nurse and author Margaret Price reflects on her life's journey guided by faith -- and all the opportunities the field of nursing opened up to her. 1. Through your involvement in helping to start...Tuesday, May 30, 2023 -
Shining a Spotlight on the Ministry with Maturing AdultsThe month of June is dedicated to Adult Faith Formation for the ministries of the Office of Formation for Discipleship. It is also Seniors’ Month in Ontario. This office is committed to help parishes support all adults to grow...Thursday, May 25, 2023 -
Celebrating Nurses this National Nursing WeekThe National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada joined its international friends in honouring nurses at Nurses’ Week this year. We resumed in-person celebrations, inviting our members to host get-togethers for nurses in their parishes. This gave nurses...Thursday, May 11, 2023 -
Momentum Catholic Single MothersIn 2015, Pope Francis wrote to a single mother, acknowledging the difficulties single mothers face because of the existing stigma against them. “I know it's not easy to be a single mother,” Pope Francis said. “I...Thursday, May 11, 2023 -
Exploring the ‘Gift of Faith and Mental Health’ this MayFr. Stephan Kappler is the President and Chief Psychologist of Southdown Institute. In light of the upcoming day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health across the the archdiocese, he shares with readers some of the strong connections between faith...Tuesday, May 02, 2023 -
‘Love One Another’ this National Family and Life WeekNational Family and Life Week is taking place from May 7-14 reflecting on the theme of “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34). Below, Michelle Dabrowski...Wednesday, April 19, 2023 -
Strengthening the Fabric of our Faith CommunityIn recognition and appreciation of all volunteers throughout the Archdiocese during National Volunteer Week (April 16-22, 2023) we asked various members of the community about the role of volunteers and how volunteering weaves us together, thereby strengthening the fabric...Tuesday, April 18, 2023 -
Good Friday Procession Ends Pandemic HiatusFr. Massimo Buttigieg, Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, reflects on the joy of being able to welcome back Toronto’s Good Friday Procession in Little Italy. 1. What does it mean for the Catholic community to once...Wednesday, March 29, 2023 -
Walking Together in Pursuit of Healing and ReconciliationJulia and Adam Kozak, a married couple, reflect on healing and repentance in light of the 2022 papal visit, Pope Francis’ ‘Pilgrimage of Penance.’ Adam, a Lay Pastoral Associate and musician, was the National Project Manager for...Tuesday, March 28, 2023 -
Breaking Barriers: Supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing CommunityFor those who are Deaf and hard of hearing, isolation and communication barriers did not just emerge during the pandemic. These individuals are often excluded from their communities as they face stigma and discrimination. On Wednesday, March 8 at...Wednesday, March 08, 2023 -
Seven Things to Know about Ash WednesdayMichelle Brylowski is Associate Director, RCIA and Liturgical Formation, for the Office of Formation for Discipleship. Below, she helps us prepare for Ash Wednesday. 1. What do the ashes on the forehead represent?Biblically, ashes symbolize mourning, mortality and penance...Tuesday, February 21, 2023 -
The Christian Origins of St. Valentine’s DayDr. Cynthia Cameron is Assistant Professor of Religious Education and the Patrick and Barbara Keenan Chair in Religious Education at the Faculty of Theology. Below, she shares a snapshot of the religious beginnings of Valentine’s Day. 1. What...Monday, February 13, 2023 -
National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada: Aligning Personal Lives and Professional PracticeHelen McGee is the President of the National Association of Catholic Nurses-Canada. As we approach World Day of the Sick on Sunday, February 11, she reflects on the special vocation of nurses and how the organization helps to foster...Thursday, February 09, 2023 -
The Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto: Blending the Spiritual and Professional Lives of LawyersCatholic lawyer Catherine Pawluch JD, DCHS, served as the president of the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto from 2020 to 2022. Below, she shares insights into the mission of the Guild. 1. What is the history of the...Tuesday, January 31, 2023 -
Strengthening the Marriage Bond through Service to OthersLito and Arlene Martin have been married for 40 years. Members of the “Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Covenant Community” – a Catholic charismatic community – the couple reflects on how their marriage has been enriched by participation...Wednesday, January 18, 2023 -
Advent – A Time of Liturgical RenewalAs we make our Christmas preparations, plan holiday activities and catch up with old friends, our hearts are filled with memories of the past and our minds draft fresh resolutions for the future. We anticipate. We are hopeful. We feel...Monday, December 19, 2022 -
CNEWA Canada Welcomes New National DirectorDr. Adriana Bara is the new national director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association in Canada (CNEWA). Until her appointment, Dr. Bara directed the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism in Montreal, a not-for-profit organization founded in...Tuesday, December 13, 2022 -
Travelling Mary and St. Joseph: A Catholic Alternative to Elf on the ShelfKasia Ryba is a Catholic wife and mother who belongs to her local Catholic Moms Group. She has been a speaker at ‘Calling All Girls: An Evening for Mothers and Daughters’ and has spoken on Midday Moms, a...Wednesday, December 07, 2022
