Dear friends, During this time of quarantine, as the world is still in shock over the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis invites us to embrace the Lord in order to embrace hope. Let's come together as people of faith, hope and love...

As all Masses and church functions remain cancelled, the preparation and reception of First Holy Communion is postponed to a later date. Please look for the updates in the future communications. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Dear friends, The whole world has been devastated by this very serious crisis due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. As Cardinal Thomas Collins rightly said: 'We are going through the valley of tears.' In this challenging time...

At a press conference given today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential services and workplaces, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. These measures will come into effect on Tuesday March 24th at midnight and will be maintained for at least 14 days. This includes all parish properties: church, hall, office, rectory. The Diocesan centre will also be closed as of Tuesday, March 24th at 4:30 pm.

As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to evolve, Bishop Marcel Damphousse urges everyone to follow all guidelines and directives provided by our governments and our public health authorities. Therefore all Sunday and weekday Masses remain cancelled until further notice. Bishop grants all the faithful of the Diocese a dispensation from their Sunday and Holy Days obligations.

As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, following the directive of Bishop Damphousse, all Masses and church functions at St. Gerard Majella Church are cancelled until further notice.

Our success once again, depends on your support & participation. Bake Sale- we need donations of baking of all kinds. You shall be receiving a phone call concerning donations to our sale in the coming weeks. Raffles - we need prizes for our raffle table. If you can obtain a prize from a local business or are able to donate one yourself that would be greatly appreciated. Tea Sandwiches – once again we will ask parishioners to donate items to make our famous tea sandwiches. There will be a sign up poster in the entrance of the church. Your response is a great help. Thank You for your continuous and generous support!

Inviting all ladies interested in enriching their faith to join us for our bible study on PRAYER. Beginning after 7:00pm Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 26th with the following 5 weeks being held on Thursdays (March 5, 12 & 19 and April 2 & 9) in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30pm. (no session March 26th)

Will be available for pick up in the parish entrance starting Saturday, Feb 1, 2020 and Feb 2 and for the following weekends of Feb 8 & 9, and Feb 15 & 16. Please take a moment to pick up your receipt. INCOME TAX RECEIPTS Thank you for your generosity!!

The Donation Envelopes for 2020 will be available to pick up. Envelopes have been labelled with your name, address and phone number. If this information is not correct, please contact the office to fix it as it will be used for your income tax receipt as well. This is also a good time to use the Pre-Authorized Donation (PAD) system. If you do not have a box of envelopes and would like one, then please contact the office to receive your envelopes. Do not use 2020 envelopes before the New Year. Thank-you for your support and generous donations!

2020 CWL memberships are being accepted now. Envelopes available on back pew shelves. New members welcome!

Please send an email to gmajella@shaw.ca So we can have your email address on file. If you would like to receive the bulletin through email, please include that in your email.

St. Gerard Majella has purchased a GIFT for YOU!! Enjoy a free subscription to formed.org - an incredible online gateway to the best Catholic content, all in one place! With FORMED, you can: • Prepare for Sunday Mass by watching an insightful five-minute video by renowned Catholic teachers • Enjoy a movie with your family that is both nourishing and entertaining • Enrich your marriage with the award winning video series Beloved: Finding Happiness in Marriage Help your children grow in character and embrace the beauty and wonder of the Faith FORMED provides amazing content 24/7 for you to grow in your faith. It’s FREE and EASY to Register! Here is what you need to do….. CLICK HERE

Offering a votive candle in memoriam, as a sign of gratitude, or as a request for saintly intercession has been an integral part of religious rituals within almost every faith of the world. The burning light of the vigil candle stand is a symbol of hope, faith, gratitude, and a tangible reminder of the connection with our departed family members and friends. Lighting a candle in memory of a loved one is a great gesture of our love for them. In the month of November, we pray especially for the holy souls who have died and gone before us. We encourage everyone to consider purchasing a memorial candle in honor of your loved ones. Each candle costs $150.00. Your memorial candle will be lit for 6 months. There is also an option of memorial labels where the names of your loved ones can be printed. If you are interested in purchasing a memorial candle in honor of your loved one, please call the parish office as soon as possible.

We invite all parishioners to consider “St. Gerard Majella Church” when choosing a charitable institution for Memorial Donations in the death announcement in the local media to honor a loved one who has passed. This form of financial support and heartfelt gesture would truly bless and enrich the life of St. Gerard Majella Church. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!

Registration is for children 4 years(for JK) and 5 years (SK) before December 31, 2019. Both Kindergarten classes are full day programs. There is also on-site before and after school daycare. Call the School at (705)945-5533. Call us … we would be pleased to give you a tour of our school.

It is so heart-warming and a special joy to see young families taking part in the Holy Mass and engaged in the life of the parish. We welcome crying babies! It is a sign that the church is young and alive. We have a committed, caring and energetic team organizing the Children’s Liturgy Program every Sunday. We encourage parents to bring your children to participate in the Liturgy of the Word with children during our Sunday 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Are you visiting or interested in joining St. Gerard? Welcome!!! If this is your spiritual home we invite you to register with the parish. If you live outside the parish boundaries the only way we are able to assist you is if you are registered with St. Gerard and this is the parish you attend on Sundays. If you are new to the parish please introduce yourself to our pastor.

See what's happening for young people in Sault Ste. Marie! The following programs are open to all young people in the city: Students in Grade 6, 7, and 8: All students in this age range regardless of school or parish are invited to take part in EDGE - a Catholic Youth Night, every Thursday Night at 7:00pm at St. Jerome's Church (26 Carmel Road). Every evening is full of games, Catholic teachings, socials and food! Young Adults age 18-25: All Young Adults aged 18-25 are invited to take part in Elevate - our Catholic Young Adults Group - that meets every Friday night at 7:00 pm at St. Jerome's Church (26 Carmel Road). Come meet young adults your age who discuss a variety of topics, build friendships, pray and socialize together. For more information on any of these groups, please visit www.stjeromeparishssm.com

We invite you all to join us for an hour of celebration. It will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020. The Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 7:00 pm and concluding with the celebration of Mass and Anointing.