Today is Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent. This day celebrates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. It is said that Jesus arrived while riding a young donkey, and that the townspeople waved or threw palms or small branches to show praise and great respect.
Palm Sunday begins the sacred time of Holy Week, when we prayerfully remember the events of Jesus’ Passion and Death. During this holy time, we pray reverently and reflect on our faith and on our love for Christ.
Loving God,
We praise You in a special way today as we celebrate Palm Sunday.
Be with us as we begin our journey through Holy Week,
that we may more closely align our lives with Yours,
knowing suffering and death,
yet remaining hopeful in the life You promise.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Pause to Play Challenge
In partnership with York Region Public Health (YRPH), the annual Pause to PLAY challenge is back, taking place from April 13-17, 2026. The initiative encourages students to press pause on their TVs, gaming devices, tablets and computers for one full week – and instead engage in active, healthy play.
See the attached document for tips for parents and guardians.
Let’s get students to put down those screens and get active – it’s time to Pause to Play!
Active School Travel
We are all stewards of the Earth. It is our duty as people to be aware and ensure our day to day actions have positive impacts on the environment.
Earth Day is an annual worldwide event and is celebrated on April 22. It is a time to reflect on our habits and consider making small changes to our routine to do our part to keep the Earth clean including using Active School Travel!
For more information, please see the YCDSB Active School Travel April newsletter.
Catholic School Council (CSC) Hot Lunch Program
Just a reminder that ORDER #3 for pizza from Pizzaville and Astoria Greek meals can now be placed! Visit www.school-day.com to place your orders!
Pizza Tuesdays:
ORDER #3: Pizza orders to be placed from March 25-April 8, 2026
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS VIA SCHOOL DAY IS APRIL 8TH at 11:59pm
Pizza Tuesdays from April 14th to June 23rd
Astoria Greek Thursdays:
ORDER #3: Astoria Greek orders to be placed from March 25th to April 8th, 2026
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS VIA SCHOOL DAY IS APRIL 8TH at 11:59pm
Astoria Greek Thursdays from April 23rd to June 18th
Don’t forget, the deadline for both Pizzaville and Astoria Greek orders is Wednesday, April 8th at 11:59pm. NO exceptions will be made.
Holy Week Schedule at St. Mark Parish
Holy Thursday, April 2nd
– 7:00pm Mass
– Adoration until midnight
Good Friday, April 3rd
– 12:00pm Service
– 3:00pm Service
– Divine Mercy Novena at 7:15pm
– Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm
Holy Saturday, April 4th
– Blessing of the Easter Foods, 2:30pm
– Divine Mercy Novena, 3:00pm
– Easter Vigil Mass, 8:00pm
Easter Sunday, April 5th
– Divine Mercy Novena, 15mins before all Masses
– 9:00am Mass
– 11:00am Mass
– 1:00pm Mass
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
March 30th-April 2nd: Autism Awareness Week at St. Mark CES
Tuesday, March 30th:
– The Cup Junior Classic Hockey Tournament at the Magna Centre, all day
Thursday, April 2nd:
– Holy Thursday Liturgy in the gymnasium, 12:30pm; families are welcome to attend
Friday, April 3rd:
– Good Friday (no school)
Upcoming Activities and Events
April 6th: Easter Monday (no school)
April 7th-10th: Easter & Spring Spirit Week!
April 8th: Grade 6 Marlies Game Celebration Trip at Coca-Cola Coliseum, all day
April 9th: Learning about the Parts of the Mass with Deacons Gordon and Wayne at St. Mark Parish, sessions by grade throughout the day
April 10th: Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Reverence
April 14th: Battle of the School Blades Charity Hockey Tournament at Clippers Arena, 4:15pm
April 16th: Astoria Greek Order (make up day) for January 15th, 2026
April 17th: SHAKE for ShareLife! Charity Fundraiser
Closing Prayer
As we come to the end of the Lenten season, let us pray…
God of the Journey,
Walk with us this Lent.
Teach us to pray, fast, and give
in ways that bring us closer to you.
Help us to persevere in staying with you
on the journey through Lent to Easter.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Wishing you a blessed Holy Week.
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal