A Deep and Heartfelt Thank You from Fr. Bill

Last Sunday’s Celebration of my 40th Anniversary of Priesthood fills me with so much gratitude and joy. Along with me, my family members who joined us were deeply touched as well by the Celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) and the Pot Luck Feast Downstairs. As you know, I was very deeply moved and so grateful for all of your participation in attending, planning, bringing such a variety and banquet of foods in a Spirit of welcome, inclusion and joy. A special thank you for the amazing music, volunteers who set up and cleaned up, the gifts of organization and the Special Gift to ‘mark the day’; A Toronto Maple Leaf’s Jersey. Your abundant cards, notes of gratitude and blessing and generous gifts are greatly appreciated. Of course, an extra special thank you to Barb Perry, Judy Kelly and John Smith, Pastoral Council Chair for their leadership. As Ukachi and Jaachi, choir members, wrote in the Big Card from the Choir: ‘Let’s Rock and Roll’ (Ukachi) and ‘Keep on, Keepin On’ (Jaachi). Let’s keep doing it together with God’s lead and the gift of Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit! Thank you! Thank you! Love and prayers! 

Fr. Bill

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE!

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On May 3rd, 2025, our Pastor, Fr. Bill Brennan, will be celebrating his 40th anniversary of becoming a Priest. This is an amazing milestone and one that needs to be celebrated.

As we all know, Fr. Bill is a very humble person and lives each day in the light of Jesus. Each week his words and teachings are inspiring, and he always leaves us with something to think about or a reason to smile at the end of Mass.

Since he became the Pastor at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, he has encouraged learning and action with Truth and Reconciliations, and has helped our congregation grow in faith, outreach and diversity, and most importantly he leads us in being a welcoming place of faith for all. He praises us for our generosity and kindness, while challenging us to be the light of Christ for others.

While we cannot control the destiny of the Toronto Maple Leafs, we can gather in celebration of Father Bill. So on May 25th, 2025, we will be having a potluck in the Church Hall at Holy Family Church following Mass. For all those that would like to provide a dish, a salad, rolls or other items, there will be a sign-up sheet at the entrance of Holy Family Church starting this weekend.

All are welcome and please let others know that we will celebrate his 40 Years of service in faith.   

As we prepare to celebrate Fr. Bill’s 40th anniversary, we ask that you join us in thinking about serving others? What does it mean to serve, what does it mean to inspire, what do I do as an individual to make our world a better place? Jesus challenges us each day to do better for one another. If we follow the simplicity of his words we can achieve great things together. Fr. Bill uses words such as reconciliation, welcoming, kindness, generosity and love each week to convey the teachings of Jesus. The message may be simple in its delivery, but they are truly impactful when actioned in the lives of those in need of food, shelter, medicine, understanding, friendship, safety and faith. His commitment to family, faith and service are inspirational to all.

Food Items: See the sign-up sheet at the entrance of St. Ann’s Church and Holy Family Church. Please note on Sunday (May 25th), if you are bringing in a food item, please deliver it directly to the kitchen in the Church Hall prior to Mass where a team of volunteers will be onsite to assist you. We hope to see you on May 25th following Mass in the Church Hall at Holy Family.

CONGRATULATIONS Fr. Bill !!

From the Parish Council

Each day Father Bill inspires us through his faith, his work and his passion to serve others. In our deliberations with respect to the Parish, he lives his values. He is focused on the liturgy guiding us in our efforts, the inclusion of all, and respect for the dignity of each and every person that we serve. Every time we meet as a council his message teaches us to think beyond the immediate and how we can make a difference as a team.

His humour is infectious; his love of sports brings us together and his love of the Lord inspires everyone. He is determined to make a difference in the understanding and acceptance for real reconciliation with our Indigenous partners. His insight on modern issues and how we as Catholics address these issues allows us to understand our faith in today's world. We are blessed to have him as our Pastor in these ever-changing times.


From the Stanislas Obi on behalf of the African Community


Honouring Fr. Bill on His 40th Anniversary of Priesthood: Fr. Bill is a warm, compassionate, and joy-filled shepherd, embodying the very essence of pastoral care. Through his unique style of preaching—infused with heartfelt messages and good-humored jokes—he gently guides, teaches, and unites our community. His unwavering commitment to the spiritual and social growth of children and youth is truly inspiring and deserving of celebration.

On this special milestone, we give thanks to God for Fr. Bill’s 40 years of faithful service. We pray that the Lord who called him to this sacred ministry will continue to bless him abundantly with health of mind and body. May God grant him continued wisdom and strengthen him in his tireless mission to spread faith, love, and unity.

Happy Anniversary, Fr. Bill!
- Stanislas Obi on behalf of the African Community


From Lyle Dyker


From 2005-2008 I was a university student working as a doorman at a bar in the city. Weekends were spent as you would expect them to be spent by a young person working at a bar, but one thing that kept me on the straight and narrow were the 7pm Sunday night masses at St. Dunstan's. I'd sit at the back out of the way every week and listen to Father Bill as best I could, and his homilies served as a weekly "push in the right direction".

Now as an adult with young girls, nieces and a nephew, my brothers and I are deeply honored that he has been part of their early sacraments, and look forward to celebrating more of them with him.



From Nelson and Liz Solomon


To our dear Fr. Bill. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary to the priesthood. Thank you for your spiritual guidance and support over the years. We learned so much more about reconciliation and with your inspiration you made it easy to love our neighbour as ourselves. At this very special time we wish you peace, joy and goodwill and a long and happy life. Woliwon.

                  

From the The Dyker Family, Dale & Susan, Ryan, Tamara, Sadie and Eli, Lyle, Laurel, Maria and Georgia, Matthew, Sam, Frances and Vivian


Dear Father Bill, on your 40th anniversary as a priest, our family wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations! Over the years you have celebrated our son’s wedding, baptized all 6 of our precious grandchildren and recently celebrated their First Communion. We are truly blessed to have had your spiritual guidance and support through life’s most important moments.

May God continue to bless you with good health and happiness. You are a guiding light not only to our family but to the lives of everyone in our community. With sincere appreciation and warmest wishes.