St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish – Hamilton

Where faith builds community | 125 Picton St. E., Hamilton, ON L8L 0C5

From the Pastor’s Desk

Published / by St. Lawrence Hamilton

On March 17th celebrated the 2nd Sunday of Lent. Every year this Sunday’s Gospel takes us along with Jesus and the three Apostles to the Mountain of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This spiritual mountain trip gives us strength to undertake and continue our Lenten observances because it foretells the future glory of faithful disciples of Jesus. When Jesus shows Peter, James and John His celestial glory they are bestowed with the strength and hope they will need at the time of trial. We also need that grace not to get discouraged among our Lenten struggles. Every Lent should be, for the faithful, a time of spiritual transfiguration that leads us closer to the Lord. This transfiguration is done first of all by the Sacraments. Let us approach especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation with the faith and hope that flow from the Gospel.

According to tradition, the transfiguration took place on Mount Tabor in Galilee. This location was confirmed by Origen, a Christian writer, in the 3rd century. Mount Tabor is 575 meters high. On its summit there is a beautiful Franciscan church dedicated to The Transfiguration of the Lord.
This Tuesday, March 19th, we observe the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Principal Patron of Canada and Patron of the Universal Church.

This Saturday, March 23rd, the Grade 2 students from St. Lawrence School will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the very first time. Let us keep them in our prayers, so that they may worthily receive this Sacrament and be prepared for their First Communion.

Next Sunday, March 24th, we will have a Lenten retreat day in our Parish. We will begin with the 11 o’clock Mass and continue with the reflection, discussion, Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for Confession and conclude with the Eucharistic Benediction. We will also have a common meal so please let the Parish Office know if you are attending. The topic is: “How should we celebrate the Lord’s Day?” Our reflection will be based on the Sacred Scripture and ecclesiastical documents especially “Dies Domini” (The Lord’s Day) – an apostolic letter promulgated by St. John Paul II in 1998.

Saint Joseph – pray for us!

God bless,
Father Peter