St. Dominic Parish, Oakville

10/17/2026

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Reflection - October 18, 2026

When I Change, My World Begins to Change

We often look around and wish that things were different. We wish our family members would change, our relationships would improve, our parish would become more united, and the world would become more peaceful. We easily see what others need to change. But perhaps the more important question is: “What is God asking me to change in myself?”

Jesus reminds us that transformation begins within the human heart. Before we try to correct the world around us, we are invited to allow God to transform the world within us. “When I change, my world begins to change.”

This does not mean that everything around us will suddenly become perfect. It means that when God changes our heart, we begin to see life differently. The same people may still be around us, the same challenges may remain, and the same difficulties may continue—but we are no longer the same person facing them.

When I change my attitude, I begin to see possibilities instead of problems.
When I change my words, I can bring healing instead of hurt.
When I change from judging to understanding, relationships can begin to heal.
When I change from resentment to forgiveness, my heart becomes free.
When I change from complaining to gratitude, I begin to notice God's blessings.
When I change from selfishness to generosity, someone else's life becomes a little brighter.

When I change from asking, “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”, my life becomes more meaningful. Sometimes we pray, “Lord, change my family. Change my parish. Change the people around me. Change the world.” And may be God gently answers, “Let Me begin with you.”

A parish does not become more loving simply because we ask others to become more loving. It becomes more loving when I choose to love. A parish does not become more welcoming simply because we ask others to welcome. It becomes more welcoming when I open my heart to another person. A parish does not become more united simply because we talk about unity. It becomes more united when I take the first step toward reconciliation.
Imagine what could happen if each of us made one small change.

Someone chooses to speak a kind word instead of criticism.
Someone notices the person sitting alone and welcomes them.
Someone stops gossiping and begins to pray for the person they were tempted to criticize.
Someone who has been distant from the parish takes one small step back.
Someone who has been discouraged decides to become a source of encouragement.
These may seem like small changes, but great transformation often begins with small acts of faithfulness.

St. Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your hearts and minds” (Romans 12:2).

10/10/2026

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Reflection - October 11, 2026
Why Do I Need the Church?

In an age when faith is often viewed as a private matter, many people ask: “Why do I need the Church? Can't I believe in God on my own?” It is a sincere question, and one worth pondering.

Certainly, we can pray alone. We can read Scripture in the quiet of our homes. We can encounter God in the beauty of creation. Yet Christianity was never meant to be a solitary journey. From the beginning, Jesus did not simply call individuals; He gathered a community. He formed disciples into a family and promised, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst" (Matthew 18:20).

The Church is more than a building. It is more than an institution. The Church is the living Body of Christ. Through the Church, we receive the sacraments, hear God's Word proclaimed, and learn to carry one another's burdens. Alone, faith can easily become shaped by our preferences. Together, faith is refined, challenged, and strengthened.

We need the Church because we need each other. When we are discouraged, someone else's faith carries us. When we rejoice, others rejoice with us. When we wander, loving voices call us home. The Church gathers saints and sinners, the strong and the struggling, the certain and the searching. We come not because we have it all figured out, but because we know we need God's grace.

St. Dominic, whose pursuit of truth inspired generations, understood that faith grows through community, prayer, and shared mission. He knew that God works powerfully through relationships. The Church is where strangers become brothers and sisters, and where ordinary people learn to recognize the extraordinary presence of Christ.

Maybe, the deeper question is not, "Why do I need the Church?" but "Who am I becoming through the Church?" Week after week, God is patiently shaping us into people of compassion, forgiveness, hope, and holiness.
The Church is not perfect because its members are not perfect. Yet it remains the place where Christ continues to teach, heal, nourish, and send His people into the world.

We need the Church because we need Christ. And Christ, in His wisdom and love, chose to meet us not only as individuals, but as a family. At St. Dominic Parish, we are not just visitors. We are part of God's family. Here we learn how to love, forgive, share, and serve others.

So why do I need the Church? Because Jesus wants me to belong to His family, grow in faith, and never journey alone.

10/03/2026

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Reflection - October 4, 2026

Why Do I Need Family?

We live in a world that teaches us to be independent: “I can do it myself. I don’t need anyone.” Yet, deep within every human heart is a longing to belong—to be known, loved, accepted, and needed. That is why we need family. Family is more than people who share our last name or live under the same roof. Family is where we learn that we do not have to face life alone.

We need family because life is too heavy to carry alone. There are moments when we are strong, and moments when we need someone to hold us up. A family celebrates our victories, but more importantly, it stays beside us through our failures, disappointments, sickness, and struggles.

We need family because we need a place where we can be ourselves. The world may judge us by our achievements, appearance, possessions, or mistakes. But family, at its best, says: You are loved—not because of what you have accomplished, but simply because you are what you are.

We need family because love needs to be experienced, not merely spoken. A meal shared, a handheld, a phone call, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, these simple things become some of life's greatest treasures. And we need family because God Himself chose to come to us through a family. Jesus did not enter the world as an isolated individual. He was born into the family of Mary and Joseph. He grew within a home, learned, worked, prayed, loved, and lived among ordinary people. In doing so, God reminds us that family can become a place where His love is made visible.

But no family is perfect. Every family has misunderstandings, wounds, disagreements, and moments of disappointment. The question is not whether our family is perfect. The question is: Can our family become a place where forgiveness is stronger than resentment, listening is stronger than shouting, and love is stronger than our differences..?

Sometimes we look for happiness everywhere else, while the greatest gift God has already placed beside us is sitting at our own dinner table.
Maybe, today we should stop asking, “What do I get from my family?” and begin asking, “What can I give to my family?”

Give a little more patience. Give a little more time. Say “I love you.” Say “I’m sorry.” Make the phone call. Sit at the table. Listen without looking at your phone. Forgive the old wound.
Because one day, we may realize that the ordinary moments we once took for granted were actually the extraordinary moments of our lives.

Family is not simply the place where we belong; it is one of the places where God teaches us how to love. So, cherish your family—not because it is perfect, but because love is worth protecting, forgiveness is worth practicing, and togetherness is a gift worth thanking God for.

Today, tell someone in your family: “I am grateful that God gave me you.”

10/02/2026

09/26/2026

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Reflection - September 27, 2026

The Kingdom of God Is Among You- Luke 17:21
We often imagine the Kingdom of God as something far away—a place we will enter someday after this life. But Jesus gives us a surprising message: “The Kingdom of God is among you.”

The Kingdom is not merely a destination. It is a presence. It begins wherever God is welcomed, wherever love is lived, wherever forgiveness replaces resentment, and wherever goodness overcomes evil.

Perhaps we are waiting for the Kingdom while God is already inviting us to build it here. The Kingdom is present when a husband and wife choose forgiveness instead of keeping score. It is present when a parent patiently listens to a child. It is present when someone visits a lonely person.

It is present when we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, encourage someone who is discouraged, or simply offer a smile to someone who feels invisible. The Kingdom comes alive whenever we choose “we” instead of “me.”

We cannot control everything happening around us. We cannot eliminate every problem, heal every wound, or change every person. But we can choose what kind of presence we will bring into the world.

We can bring peace into a troubled conversation.
We can bring hope into someone's discouragement.
We can bring forgiveness into a broken relationship.
We can bring kindness into someone's difficult day.

And then, the words of Jesus become personal: It is among us—in our homes, our parish, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and especially in the hearts of those who allow Christ to live through them.

The Kingdom of God does not begin somewhere far away. It begins wherever a human heart says, “Lord, live in me.” Let us not only pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” Let us also live so that His Kingdom can come through us.

09/19/2026

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Reflection - September 20, 2026
And have a little heaven right here.

“Time to be happy is now,
Place to be happy is here,
And the way to be happy is to make someone happy
And have a little heaven right here.”

The rhyme concludes with the lovely image of “a little heaven right here.” While heaven is our ultimate destiny, we are called to reflect God's kingdom here and now.

In the midst of our busy lives, it is easy to think of heaven as something distant, a place beyond this world that we will one day reach after our earthly journey is complete. While our faith certainly points us toward the promise of eternal life with God, Jesus also teaches us that the Kingdom of God is already present among us.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus showed us what heaven looks like. He fed the hungry, comforted the sorrowful, welcomed the outcast, forgave sinners, and healed the broken-hearted. Wherever Jesus went, people experienced the love of God in a tangible way.

As His disciples, we are called to continue that mission. Every time we choose compassion over indifference, forgiveness over resentment, or hope over despair, we bring a little bit of heaven into our world.

St. Dominic parish is often a beautiful example of this reality. Heaven shines through when parishioners gather to celebrate the Eucharist, support one another in times of need, and work together in service to others. It is present in the faith of those who pray quietly before Mass, in the dedication of volunteers, in the joyful laughter and cry of children, and in the wisdom shared by our seniors. These moments remind us that God is alive and active among His people.

The greatest way we experience "a little heaven right here" is through the Eucharist. At every Mass, heaven and earth meet. We gather as a community, hear God's Word, and receive Christ Himself. Strengthened by His presence, we are sent forth to bring His light into the world. The Eucharist reminds us that heaven is not far away. God is with us, nourishing us, guiding us, and inviting us into deeper communion with Him and with one another.

May we open our hearts to God's presence each day. May we recognize the countless ways He blesses us through faith, family, friendship, and community. And may our lives become a reflection of His love, helping others experience what the Gospel promises: a little heaven right here, right now.

"The kingdom of God is among you." (Luke 17:21)

09/12/2026

And the Way to be Happy is to Make Someone Happy

“Time to be happy is now,
Place to be happy is here,
And the way to be happy is to make someone happy
And have a little heaven right here.”

Perhaps the most beautiful line is the last: “The way to be happy is to make someone happy.” This captures the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught us that genuine happiness comes through self-giving love. In a world that often encourages us to focus on ourselves, Christ calls us to look outward. A kind word, a listening ear, a visit to someone who is lonely, a helping hand to a neighbor, a prayer for someone in need, or a simple act of generosity can make a profound difference in another person's life.

Interestingly, whenever we brighten another person's day, we often discover that our own hearts are lifted as well. Joy grows when it is shared. This is why some of the happiest people are not necessarily those who possess the most, but those who give the most of themselves in love and service.

In a world that often tells us to seek happiness for ourselves, the Gospel offers a different path. Jesus shows us that the deepest joy comes when we forget ourselves and focus on the needs of others. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a simple act of compassion can brighten someone's day and, surprisingly, fill our own hearts with peace.

St. Mother Teresa used to say that not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love. When we make someone smile, comfort a lonely person, forgive an offense, or encourage someone who is struggling, we become instruments of God's grace.

True happiness is not found in what we accumulate but in what we give away. The more we love, the more our hearts expand. The more we serve, the more we discover God's presence within us.
This week, let us ask ourselves: How can I bring joy to someone today?

As followers of Christ, may we remember that one of life's greatest secrets is truly simple: the way to be happy is to make someone happy.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

A HEARTFELT FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO FR. RANJAN D’SA

Last weekend, the Saint Dominic Parish family gathered with hearts full of love, gratitude, and a little sadness as we celebrated a special Mass and farewell reception in honour of our beloved pastor, Fr. Ranjan D’Sa.

For the past ten years, Fr. Ranjan has faithfully served Saint Dominic Parish, giving generously of himself to our community. His priesthood among us has been marked by dedication, hard work, compassion, kindness, and an unwavering love for his parishioners.

Through the years, Fr. Ranjan has been much more than our pastor. He has been a faithful shepherd, spiritual guide, teacher, counsellor, friend, and a caring presence in the lives of so many. He has walked alongside parishioners through moments of joy and celebration, as well as through times of difficulty, sorrow, and uncertainty. His willingness to listen, his words of encouragement, and his prayers and support have touched countless lives.

His dedication to the parish could be seen in the many ways he gave of his time and energy. Whether celebrating Mass and the Sacraments, visiting and supporting parishioners, offering guidance, preparing for parish celebrations, or simply taking the time to speak with someone who needed a listening ear, Fr. Ranjan served with a generous heart.

His compassion and love for his parish family have left a lasting impression. He has helped so many of us grow closer to Christ and has reminded us, through his example, of the importance of faith, service, kindness, and love.

Following the Masses last weekend, parishioners came together for a beautiful farewell reception to honour Fr. Ranjan and express our heartfelt appreciation. The wonderful turnout was a beautiful reflection of the love and respect our parish community has for him. It was a joyful celebration filled with warm memories, kind words, laughter, gratitude, and, of course, a few tears.

As we said our goodbyes, we were reminded of just how much Fr. Ranjan has meant to the Saint Dominic Parish family. Ten years represents countless Masses celebrated, prayers offered, Sacraments administered, conversations shared, lives touched, and memories created.

Fr. Ranjan, thank you.

Thank you for your dedication.
Thank you for your hard work.
Thank you for your compassion.
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for your patience, kindness, and understanding.
Thank you for the support you have given to so many of your parishioners.
And most of all, thank you for faithfully sharing your priesthood and your love of Christ with us.

Although we are happy for you as you begin this new chapter in your priestly journey, it is difficult to say goodbye. You will be deeply missed—not only as our pastor, but as a cherished member of our parish family.

We will carry with us the many memories and blessings of these past ten years, and we pray that God will continue to guide and bless you wherever your journey takes you next.

May the Lord reward you abundantly for all that you have given to Saint Dominic Parish. May He strengthen you, protect you, surround you with his peace, and joy and continue to work through you as you bring His love to others.

Fr. Ranjan, you leave Saint Dominic Parish with our deepest gratitude, our love, and our prayers.

You may be beginning a new chapter, but you will always have a special place in the hearts of the Saint Dominic Parish family.

Thank you for ten wonderful years, Fr. Ranjan.
May God bless you always.
You will be missed more than words can say.

09/06/2026

Place to be happy is here

“Time to be happy is now,
Place to be happy is here,
And the way to be happy is to make someone happy
And have a little heaven right here.”

The rhyme also tells us that the place to be happy is here. We often imagine that happiness can be found somewhere else, in a different place, a different job, a different neighborhood, or a different stage of life.
While change can certainly bring opportunities, true happiness is not primarily about where we are. Rather, it comes from recognizing God's presence wherever we are. Whether we are at home, at work, at school, or in our parish community, God walks with us. When we open our eyes to His presence, ordinary places become holy places.

The present moment is God's gift to us. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not ours to control. When we learn to appreciate today's blessings, however small, we begin to discover joy. A smile from a friend, the beauty of nature, the love of family, and the peace of prayer are reminders that God is already at work in our lives.

The Bible encourages us to "rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16). This does not mean life will be free from difficulties. Rather, it means that even in challenges, we can find strength and hope through God's presence. Happiness rooted in faith is deeper than temporary pleasure. It comes from knowing that we are loved, valued, and guided by our Creator.

As members of the parish family, let us make our community a place where happiness can flourish. By showing kindness, offering encouragement, sharing burdens, and serving one another, we help create an atmosphere of love and belonging. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is our presence, our listening ear, or a simple act of compassion.

This week, instead of looking elsewhere for happiness, let us pause and recognize God's blessings right where we are. The place to be happy is not in the past or the future; it is here, in the presence of God, among our families, friends, and parish community.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of this day and the blessings that surround us. Help us to find joy in Your presence, peace in the present moment, and gratitude for all that You have given us. Teach us to share Your love with others, so that our homes and parish may be places of happiness, hope, and faith. Amen.