SHIELD OF FAITH BLOG
THE EASTER SEASON – 50 DAYS of TRANSFORMATION
By: Fr. John Jasica IT’S NOT JUST ONE WEEKEND Jesus is risen!!! Let us rejoice and be glad for our salvation has been fulfilled!! Sin and death have no dominion in our lives if we choose Christ each day!! As begin our 50 days of celebration for the Easter season, we...
read moreCOME BACK TO ME – SHARING MERCY
WHAT IS MERCY? As we journey through this Lenten season, we have been reflecting on this call for us to return to the Father. Why would we want to do that? What is the incentive or the reason for us to change our ways and trust God? I think it is because of mercy....
read moreCOME BACK TO ME – SHARING MERCY
YES—REFEREES TRAIN Most of you know that I have returned to being a certified basketball referee the last few years and I have to say, I have really missed it during the pandemic. Although getting yelled at from the sidelines during a game isn't the most fun part of...
read moreCOME BACK TO ME – LET GO AND LET GOD
WHAT DO WE CONTROL? We continue in our journey during this Lenten season to come back to the Father in heaven. Our Lenten message series attempts to help us run back to the Father who loves us and wants to fill out hearts with joy, peace, love and hope. Will we let...
read moreCOME BACK TO ME – THE RIGHT TIME FOR LENT
TIMING IS EVERYTHING This past week, we began the season of Lent somewhat differently than in years past—yet that is the “new normal” during these pandemic times. We are doing things differently because we have had to adapt our lives to combat this deadly virus that...
read moreWE REALLY NEED CHRISTMAS – PART 3
LAST DAYS TO PREPARE We are now in the last days of preparation for Christmas. We again know all too well that this Christmas will be very different and very challenging. The pandemic is getting worse despite the good news that vaccines are here. There is light at...
read moreWE REALLY NEED CHRISTMAS – WEEK #2
By Fr. John Jasica CHRISTMAS IS COMING!! With the snow storm this past week, we now realize that Christmas is coming. As we all know, this year, things are going to be very different. Yet I truly believe it will be very special, powerful and life changing if we...
read moreWE REALLY NEED CHRISTMAS – WEEK #1
By Fr. John Jasica HOPE THAT NEVER FADES HAPPY NEW YEAR! With the beginning of the Advent season, we come to the start of a new liturgical year. We start anew the story of salvation, continuing to hear and experience God’s love, mercy and strength in our own life...
read moreFAMILY TIES – PART THREE
By Fr. John Jasica WE WILL CHANGE & THIS IS A GOOD THING Everyone fears change, yet this is the one constant in our lives and the Church. All of us constantly grow, adapt and adjust. This occurs at work, school, home and yes in our faith. If we grow then we will...
read moreFAMILY TIES – PART TWO
By Fr. John Jasica WE ARE FAMILY One of the exciting things that has been taking place over the last two months is that pastoral teams from St. John the Divine and St. George meet via MS TEAMS on Thursday afternoons. We have been sharing our experiences, our hopes...
read moreFAMILY TIES – PART ONE
By Fr. John Jasica THE 1980s SITCOM Do you remember the show FAMILY TIES that premiered on NBC in September 1982? Of course you do!! I think everyone’s favourite character was Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox). The sitcom lasted 7 seasons winning a number of awards...
read moreBUILDING FAMILY
By Fr. John Jasica JOHN THE DIVINE & GEORGE PARISHES BEGIN THE JOURNEY TOGETHER “FAMILY OF PARISHES” Back in May 2020, Bishop Fabbro made the final decisions regarding the re-organization of families in the city of London and Lucan. After several months of...
read moreYEAR ROUND RCIA
Embracing the gift of technology to teach the faith. By Mary Catherine Bishop, Pastoral Minister The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), or known in our parish as The Emmaus Road, is the process for individuals to become Catholic and receive the...
read moreWHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? — IS IT IN YOU?
WE KNOW THE ROAD As we journey through this message series we are discovering that we do know the direction we need to go, so that all the things happening in the world do not overwhelm us. We know that we need God and must take that road of faith so that we not only...
read moreCREATE MOMENTUM
TAKING A TIMEOUT Last week, in the first week of this message series I talked about the overwhelming negative momentum against us with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives have totally changed as we have adapted to a “new normal”. This is in addition to the other...
read moreWhere Do We Go From Here?
Taking a Timeout to Change the Momentum A NEW MESSAGE SERIES SEASON One of the greatest changes we have made in the parish from a liturgical perspective has been to preach in series instead of week to week homilies. In the summer of 2019, Deacon Dennis, Deacon Mark,...
read moreWHERE ARE WE NOW? An Update on Parish Life Today
THE “NEW NORMAL” It is already September. Where has summer gone? The last several months have been very challenging, difficult and busy in so many different ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives and has made us look at what we do and why we do it. We...
read moreWhat More Do We See? PART IV
WHAT HAVE WE SEEN? During this latest message series we have all been invited in different ways to look beyond the obvious and the surface level realities of things. We have been called to pause, observe and see the deeper understanding of what God has to offer us....
read moreWHAT MORE DO WE SEE? PART III
“HEROES OF FAITH” GOING BEYOND THE OBVIOUS In our last message series of the season, we continue to explore our faith and the pandemic we are in, looking beyond the obvious surface level realities. It has been a long and difficult journey for all of us. In many ways,...
read moreWHAT MORE DO WE SEE? PART II
LATE NIGHT SURPRISE Last weekend, after the Sunday morning live-streamed Mass at 11 AM, Jeff Regan (our computer/tech guru) and I chatted about the different ways we need to continue to reach out and cast the net using our technology and equipment trying to bring...
read moreWHAT MORE DO WE SEE?
By Fr. John Jasica IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG It seems so long ago that we received the announcement from Bishop Fabbro that our churches needed to close for the safety of the faithful due to the pandemic. Many thought that this would be a short term reality and that...
read moreTHE CHALLENGE OF LIVING IN A PANDEMIC
By Deacon Mark Castanier We are approaching three months of lockdown due to the pandemic. Did we all think it would be this long? I remember at the start of the lockdown hoping we would be celebrating Mass together on Pentecost Sunday. I am truly sad we won’t be...
read moreGOING THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC
Dear Parishioners, I am delighted to write to you knowing that at this time it is not possible to physically meet with you at St. George Parish. It is, however, a great honor to be connected online with all of you. From the first week St. George was on lockdown, I...
read moreNAVIGATING COVID-19
By Deacon Dennis Rivest Peace be you! Two months into this Coronavirus Pandemic “lockdown” has left me with many emotions. I am deeply saddened that our churches are closed and we are unable to gather and have access to the Sacraments. As a deacon I struggle with the...
read moreEMBRACING MY FAITH DURING COVID-19
By Mary Catherine Bishop--Pastoral Minister Hello everyone!! I would first like to share with you how much I miss all of you and I pray daily that God is taking care of you and your families. I also want to thank all of you who are our frontline workers for all the...
read morePOPE FRANCIS MAY 2020 LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL
Dear Brothers and Sisters, The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The...
read moreSHARING THE ROAD: Seeing Jesus in Each Other
CONTINUING MESSAGE SERIES As we continue in our new Easter message series—HE IS RISEN: SEEING JESUS TODAY, we are exploring the many different ways we can see Jesus in our lives here and now. Jesus is not only risen in our beliefs, but with the eyes of faith and our...
read moreHE IS RISEN: SEEING JESUS WITH THE EYES OF FAITH
By: Fr. John Jasica A NEW MESSAGE SERIES This weekend we begin a new message series during the Easter season. Despite the challenging time we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, we still need to seek and deepen our faith. In fact, we need to fervently seek out God’s...
read moreWHAT DOES THIS EASTER REALLY MEAN FOR US?
A VERY DIFFERENT EASTER There is no question that this Lent and Easter weekend is the most different and challenging of our lives. Our churches are closed, we have been not been able to go to confession or receive communion and we have not been able to gather as...
read moreBUILDING UP OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES AT HOME
By Fr. John Jasica As we journey through this most difficult time dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all making changes, adapting to various circumstances and realizing hopefully what are the most important people and things in our lives. With stores, schools,...
read moreFAITH IN THE TIME OF CRISIS
By Fr. John Jasica HOW THINGS CAN CHANGE SO QUICKLY How things have changed in the last week. Before the COVID-19 virus really hit our area I was concerned with so many other things. I am sure all of you, like me, knew that the virus would come our way and knew some...
read moreCATHOLIC ATHEIST – GOD LOVES US!
DRIFTING AWAY FROM GOD This new message series challenges us to reflect on what we believe about God and how our faith does or doesn’t connect with our daily lives. We can so easily and slowly drift from our faith dealing with so many other good and important things....
read moreWHAT AM I DOING FOR LENT?
THE SEASON IS HERE!! This Wednesday we begin the holy season of Lent, which for all of us brings many different thoughts. From giving up coffee, knowing that the Roll Up the Rim to Win contest will start, to thinking about what to give up during this season of prayer,...
read moreHOME ALONE – LONELINESS IN OUR WORLD TODAY
By Fr. John Jasica The latest message series being presented by Deacon Dennis, Fr. Pedro and Deacon Mark remind us of one of the most challenging struggles in our world today. It is quite evident especially in North America, and yes, even in our very city—loneliness...
read moreLENT IS COMING — REMEMBERING GOD
By Fr. John Jasica As we enter into the month of February, we draw close to the Lenten season which begins on Wednesday February 26 with Ash Wednesday. The Lenten season is a very holy time of prayer, sacrifice and service. It beckons us to the fundamentals of our...
read moreThe Joy of Love
By Nico Tessel On Saturday, December 7th, 2019, Fr. John lead a Men’s Retreat organized at St. George Parish from 9 am until 2 pm. This retreat was open to all the Knights of Columbus members and all other men of St George Parish. The subject of the retreat was Pope...
read moreChrist the King – The Master and Dispeler of All Our Fears
By Fr. John Jasica CONCLUDING THE SERIES This weekend we conclude our message series (preaching series) called INSOMNIA—THE FEARS THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. Over the series we have looked at the fear of abandonment, money fears, death and instability in our structures...
read moreThe Fear of Losing Stability
By Deacon Mark Castanier We continue our preaching series called INSOMNIA – THE LIES THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. Fr. John kicked off the series when he talked about the fear of abandonment and rejection. In the second week Deacon Dennis discussed money fears. In our...
read moreEXCERPTS ON THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY – MISERICORDIA ET MISERA
By Pope Francis #2 Forgiveness is the most visible sign of the Father’s love, which Jesus sought to reveal by his entire life. Every page of the Gospel is marked by this imperative of a love that loves to the point of forgiveness. Even at the last moment of his...
read moreTHE HEALING POWER OF FAITH
By Fr. John Jasica A WAY OUT OF DARKNESS As we journey through the latest message series called BAGGAGE: The Importance of Forgiveness, we have been reflecting on the power, grace and light of actually forgiving those who have hurt us—of letting go of that baggage...
read moreSHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
By Mary Catherine Bishop As Christians we celebrate the Advent Season in hopeful anticipation of the birth of our Saviour. We put up lights and decorations; assemble our nativity scenes; shop for gifts; prepare food to share at our tables and gather as a community to...
read moreDEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?
By Fr. John Jasica We continue our new message series (preaching series) called INSOMNIA - THE LIES THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. Last weekend we looked at the fear of abandonment and rejection. This weekend we look at the fear of death. WHAT HAPPENS AT DEATH? One of the...
read moreJUST A LITTLE BIT MORE
By Fr. John Jasica We continue our message series (preaching series) called INSOMNIA - THE LIES THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. Last weekend we looked at the fear of abandonment and rejection. This weekend we look at money fears. “SHOW ME THE MONEY” When I think about this...
read moreWHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
By Fr. John Jasica This weekend we begin our new message series (preaching series) called INSOMNIA - THE LIES THAT KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT. This is on the heels of our first series which I think went very well — at least for us preachers!! We are excited about this...
read moreSMALL GROUPS – GROWING IN FAITH BY SHARING OUR EXPERIENCES!!
GRIEVING WITH GREAT HOPE By: Joan Kruse I recently attended this DVD based workshop at St. George and I did so with some reluctance. I must admit, that before I began this six-week series, I had convinced myself that this study would be but a learning tool for me to...
read moreINVEST IN FAITH – YOURSELF & YOUR FINANCES
By John Craven Finance Committee Member One important way that parishioners can invest in St George’s is to provide their financial support. These investments are used to meet the parish’s short and long-term needs. In the short term the parish uses these resources to...
read moreCALLED AWAY TO A MOUNTAIN TOP
By Trish Parnham How does one describe the experience of being called away to the mountain top for an entire weekend? When I first saw the date of this Faithcation in Oxley I immediately thought that I could not possibly go. I had family coming from Victoria the...
read morePRAYER & THE SACRAMENTS
PRAYER LINE By Connie Cote Jesus said, “When 2 or more are gathered in my Name, know that I am with you.” Matthew 18:20. How powerful it is to have over 400 faithful people gathered together online praying for us! This is how I feel about our Prayer Line, whether I am...
read moreTHE CALL TO SERVE
CHALLENGED TO SERVE By Joanne Sequeira Over the past few years we have been hearing Fr John talk about growing as faithful disciples. This inspired me to make inquires about how I could be more involved in the parish. I was offered the opportunity to serve as a...
read morePARISH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
FORMED.ORG By Wanda Crossman I started coming to St George Parish just 3 short years ago. I was part of the RCIA program that started in the fall of 2016. This is where I was first introduced to Formed.org! The Symbolon Program that was used for formation was easy to...
read moreTHE SUMMER IS OVER!! A REVIEW
BACK TO SCHOOL I can’t believe that this weekend marks the end of summer. School starts on Tuesday which officially ends the summer holidays. The times of relaxation, rest and travel are now behind us. It brings some sadness but also some excitement and anticipation!!...
read moreEMMAUS ROAD — THE RCIA JOURNEY OF CONVERSION
NEW CATHOLICS—NEW LIFE SETTING US ALL ON FIRE!! We are so blessed to welcome into our parish family 17 new Catholics. What a wonderful blessing it has been to watch them grow in faith and experience God’s love through the Sacraments. It is such a privilege for our...
read moreSTORIES OF FAITH & TRANSFORMATION – EMMAUS ROAD (RCIA)
Being a Sponsor for RCIA by Trish Parnham I have to say that my journey with the Emmaus Road R.C.I.A. was both unexpected and surprising. But most of all it was a great blessing. This journey began in November when Mary Catherine asked me if I would like to be a part...
read moreTHE PARISH: HOME OF OUR FAITH JOURNEY
ST. GEORGE OUR PATRON This weekend we celebrate the feast of our patron—St. George, who with complete trust in Christ placed his faith above everything else, even his own life!! As the patron of our parish, he beckons us to do the same—to always place Jesus above...
read moreTHE MINISTRY OF HEALING
By Sharon Hunt - St. George Bereavement Team Six months ago, a newly formed Bereavement Team began its service providing support to families of our deceased parishioners. Team members are present for funeral home visitation and vigil prayers, attend the funeral Mass,...
read moreA FAMILY’S JOURNEY OF FAITH
By Gabriella Woodey It has always been a blessing for us that our child feels at home in our Church community. This year we were fortunate enough to journey with James toward his First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. James has been looking forward to this...
read moreBECOMING CATHOLIC
My name is Debbie Hurley. This is a brief look at my very long journey of faith to becoming a Catholic. You may or may not know me but I have sat amongst all of you for over 30 years celebrating Mass. I have experienced pride and great joy as my two children have...
read moreLIVING AS AN INTENTIONAL DISCIPLE – SPRINGING INTO ACTION
THE PARISH AS A SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP As we enter Holy Week we can look back at our Lenten journey that has helped us prepare for the glory of the resurrection!! We have journeyed through the desert to hear more clearly and powerfully the voice of our loving God....
read moreAnswering God’s Call: A Journey of Faith
By Mary Catherine Bishop One of the greatest joys of my work in ministry is helping people discern their call to join the Catholic Church. This year we are blessed to have 16 men and women who have indicated their desire to join the faith, who are on a journey of...
read moreRECONCILIATION – A PLACE OF HEALING, LOVE & PEACE
By: Fr. John Jasica The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a true place of love, peace, strength and joy!! Lent is the season of healing and grace. There is no other place where Jesus meets us right where we are at — right in the midst of our mess, pain, sorry and...
read moreREADY, SET — LENT: The Race to Easter Begins!!
By: Fr. John Jasica LACE UP YOUR SHOES TIGHT FOR LENT Several days ago, after a long day in the office, I looked forward to watching a very anticipated men’s college basketball game. It was Duke versus North Carolina. This is a very significant rivalry since the...
read moreLet’s Roll Up the Rim……For Lent
By: Fr. John Jasica IT’S ROLL UP SEASON!!! First, I just want to make it clear, this is not an endorsement for Tim Hortons. I do not have an advertising deal of any kind but am open to Tim Horton gift cards if you have any around!!! I have to say, I do love my large...
read moreSOWING GOOD SEED – RECEIVING GOOD NEWS
By: Fr. John Jasica Back in October of 2018, I introduced the new pastoral year of SOWING GOOD SEED which comes from the Gospel of Mark. We have a wonderful banner hanging to the right of our large crucifix above the choir area in our sanctuary. We need to check in...
read moreA LIFE LINE FOR MARRIED COUPLES
By Deacon Mark Castanier Retrouvialle and our story In 2001 I was dealing with a large amount of stress in my job and it was affecting our marriage. As a couple, we had become distant and were not communicating very well with each other. Our parish priest heard we...
read moreNEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS & EMBRACING CHRIST
MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANK YOU!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!! Yes—it is still the Christmas season, all the way to next weekend, when we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. First and foremost, on behalf of the entire parish staff, I want to thank all...
read moreSOWING GOOD SEEDS OF CHARITY
Mary Catherine Bishop, Pastoral Minister, shares her experience of the Christmas spirit here at St. George Parish. The Christmas spirit of giving has certainly been alive in our parish family with our Christmas Outreach Programs. Each year we provide opportunities for...
read moreWhat Does It Mean to be a Faithful Disciple?
And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I...
read moreThe Al Rahmoun Family — A Story of Faith, Hope and Love
By: Mary Catherine Bishop Pastoral Minister On January 6, 2019 Abdul, Hamida and their 6 children will take time to pause and reflect upon the past year and look at all they have accomplished, but more importantly on how much they have been blessed by their God,...
read moreSynod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment Intervention of Julian Paparella, Auditor
Julian Paparella was one of a small group of young people throughout the world who had a chance to speak at the recent Synod of Bishops.Each bishop and auditor had four minutes to offer their insights, suggestions and wisdom for the Holy Father and all gathered. Below...
read more9 DAYS WITH ST. PEREGRINE
In September, many parishioners came together to pray the nine day novena to St. Peregrine — The patron saint of Cancer Patients and all those who are ill. We had nearly 500 names placed in our Book of Intentions to be remembered as we prayed each morning at 8 AM and...
read moreSOWING GOOD SEEDS
The new pastoral year in our parish begins this Thanksgiving Weekend. We are called to receive God’s grace, love and joy and then share it in our daily lives helping build the kingdom!! As we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend with family and friends, I cannot help...
read moreMASS APPEAL — STRENGTHENING OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES!!
The weekend experience has to be one that inspires, comforts, strengthens and enriches the lives of those who attend. That they encounter the Risen Lord through it all!! Sometime in late March, I invited Fr. Pedro, Mary Catherine, Deacon Dennis and Deacon Mark for an...
read moreA SUMMER OF CHANGE
A SUMMER OF CHANGE This summer at St. George was truly a time to give thanks and say goodbye to some staff members and to welcome some new faces to St. George Parish GIVING THANKS & FAREWELL!! This summer was filled with opportunities to give thanks to some...
read moreFIATFEST 2018 – Part 2
FIATFEST 2018 ***PART TWO*** By Roberta Gibson - Coordinator of FIAT (This is a continuation from the last edition of the Shield describing FIATFEST with 200 young people involved with FIAT) Faith in Action Team members were able to participate in one of two...
read moreFIATFEST 2018 – Part 1
FIATFEST 2018 ***PART ONE*** By Roberta Gibson - Coordinator of FIAT On April 19th more than 200 Faith in Action Team members from 12 different schools from the London District Catholic School Board and 2 schools from the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board...
read moreThe Spirit Transforms Us!!
THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT By: Fr. John Jasica This weekend we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 85 amazing young people and their families. This is a celebration for them but also the parish. It is good to be in the vicinity of the Spirit!! THE...
read moreStories Along a Spiritual Journey
Stories Along a Spiritual Journey These are 2 stories as people reflect on their journey through EMMAUS ROAD - our RCIA program Anna Lam... 8 Year’s ago, I was so thankful to God for giving us our first child. We were very excited and happy to start our new journey....
read moreLent: 5 Ways to Boost our Faith
By Fr. John Jasica “Faith is this: to touch Jesus and to draw from him the grace which saves...” (Pope Francis Sunday Angelus June 28, 2015) What does faith do for us? Why do we come to Mass or celebrate as a community of faith? Our lives are so busy, so full of good...
read moreTHE WAY TO MORNING GLORY!!
By Marjorie Braatz “My Soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour...” (Lk 1:46). Never have I lived out these words more faithfully than when I led a small group of women in a retreat ‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ culminating in a consecration to...
read moreAll’s WELL in the WELL
By Angela Mandich The Well is an awesome group of high school students and dedicated volunteers. We look forward to meeting each week to enrich our faith through community service, friendship, fun, and Chicago style popcorn! It’s a “wellcoming” group that allows...
read moreBUILDING BRIDGES OF FAITH
Our little Mosaic Faith Sharing Group started a couple years ago. We love to discuss issues relevant to our times. When the shooting at the Muslim Mosque in Quebec happened in January 2017 our hearts and prayers naturally flowed to our brothers and sisters of the...
read moreWhat about you?
I sat on my couch in front of my computer for most of this past weekend and I didn’t even feel bad – partly because it’s fall now and I had cold – but mostly because I spent the whole weekend watching Papa Francesco light up America. I watched mass, heard Matt Maher...
read moreKeeping Easter Alive
We are only just beginning the Easter season -- so to keep the flame from Easter Vigil glowing, we would like to share this story with you from one of our new Catholics! Welcome the family Brandy. Growing up we always had the Lords words and spiritual faith in our...
read more5 Reasons Why Fasting is Still Important
First of all, welcome to our Lenten blog! Since the fall when were blessed with this new amazing website, we have talked about blogging together as a staff. I'll admit that as the millennial of the group, I'm the most excited. We will be sharing a variety of thoughts...
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