Bishop Bergie's Message:
Friday, May 1 is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
This feast focuses on the significance of human labour. I offer a quote from Pope Francis on the importance of human work. Let us continue to pray that more individuals, especially our young, will find gainful employment in our diocese. “The Book of Genesis tells us that God created man and woman entrusting them with the task of filling the earth and subduing it, which does not mean exploiting it but nurturing and protecting it, caring for it through their work (cf. Gen 1:28; 2:15). Work is part of God’s loving plan, we are called to cultivate and care for all the goods of creation and in this way share in the work of creation! Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Work, to use a metaphor, “anoints” us with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God, who has worked and still works, who always acts (cf. Jn 5:17); it gives one the ability to maintain oneself, one’s family, to contribute to the growth of one’s own nation. And here I think of the difficulties which, in various countries, today afflict the world of work and business today; I am thinking of how many, and not only young people, are unemployed, often due to a purely economic conception of society, which seeks profit selfishly, beyond the parameters of social justice.” (General Audience May 1, 2013).
The Litany of St. Joseph.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line)
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. He made him the lord of His house:
R. And ruler of all His substance.
Let us pray.
O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line)
Saint Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. He made him the lord of His house:
R. And ruler of all His substance.
Let us pray.
O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
For the first time, our Diocese is launching the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: Hearts on Fire.
Through this appeal, our Diocese is seeking to strengthen vital ministries, especially in youth and young adult outreach, and in evangelization and faith formation for people of every age and stage of life.
So many today are searching for meaning, belonging, and hope. As a Church, we are called to walk with them—just as Jesus walked with the disciples—and help them encounter the living Christ.
As a Diocese, we have a united goal of $400,000. In the coming weeks, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you may be called to support this mission. Together, we can help set hearts on fire with the love of Christ in our Diocese.”
So many today are searching for meaning, belonging, and hope. As a Church, we are called to walk with them—just as Jesus walked with the disciples—and help them encounter the living Christ.
As a Diocese, we have a united goal of $400,000. In the coming weeks, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you may be called to support this mission. Together, we can help set hearts on fire with the love of Christ in our Diocese.”
Please Donate through St. Aloysius Canada helps page, or in the collection at our Parish.
Please specify in the "MESSAGE" section BISHOP'S APPEAL ST.ALOYSIUS PARISH
Thank you so much for your support and cooperation. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!
Rejoice Queen of Heaven, Alleluia!
You can recite this prayer during Paschaltime instead of the Angelus.
All parishioners are invited to the
SHOWCASE & AWARDS EVENT
May 2 from 10:00am – 12:00 Noon
at Denis Morris Catholic High School
Grade 5-12 students from across our diocese have been challenged to follow in the footsteps of St. Carlo! That is, to use their gifts and talents to engage in the mission of the Church - to put together a project that highlights an aspect of the faith that they are passionate about. All parishioners are invited to join us on May 2 from 10:00am – 12:00 Noon at Denis Morris Catholic High School (40 Glen Morris Dr, St. Catharines, ON) to see the fruit of their efforts! Attendees will be able to vote for their favourite projects to help determine the winners of the people’s choice prizes!
BUILDING THE DOMESTIC CHURCH
Click here to access actions and resolutions to share with your children & help them grow in the faith.
National Family & Life Week (NFLW), May 10-17, 2026
National Family & Life Week (NFLW), May 10-17, 2026, is an invitation from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to the faithful in Canada to celebrate the joy of family and sanctity of life by seeking out new and creative ways to live out this call in our daily lives. The NFLW theme for 2026 is, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). You are encouraged to invite your parishioners to take time this week to celebrate their families. Resources to facilitate promoting and celebrating National Family & Life week are available on the CCCB website: English: https://www.cccb.ca/nflw French: https://www.cecc.ca/snfv
Other Events around the Diocese and beyond:
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This conference will be hosted at Blessed Trinity High School on Saturday May 9th from 8:30AM – 3:15PM. Chris Bray will be the keynote speaker, and there will be a youth track! Lunch is included! Tickets are $45 ($49.26 with fees) for adults and $20 ($22.63 with fees) for youth. This is an exciting opportunity to bring parishioners from our diocese together to worship and grow together!! |
