The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Easter, which in 2026 falls on April 26. This day, also called Good Shepherd Sunday, is dedicated to praying for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, secular institutes, and missionary work. Its purpose is to fulfill Jesus’ instruction: “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2) and to encourage young people to discern their calling in the Church.
Pope Leo XIV emphasizes that every vocation is a gift from God and a path of beauty. The day invites reflection on the interior discovery of God’s gift, encouraging individuals to pause, listen, and respond to the Shepherd’s call and following Christ as the Good Shepherd reveals the beauty of life and transforms those who embrace their vocation, highlighting that vocation is not a rigid model but an adventure of love and happiness (Vatican News) www.vaticannews.va.
The day serves as both a spiritual and communal celebration, reminding the faithful to intercede for those called to serve the Church and to support vocations through prayer, reflection, and practical engagement.
WEEKLY MASSES & INTENTIONS PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY
Sunday, April 26
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Augustine's Church
Chester Intentions: for the Parishioners of Holy Apostles Parish
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Marjorie Keating from Joan Duggan
11:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards
11:00 a.m.
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon Intentions: + Diane Perrone from Sherry Norton-Brunelle
Tuesday, April 28
6:30 p.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Tish Hammond
Wednesday, April 29
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Augustine's Church
Chester
Thursday, April 30
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards Intentions: 'well-being' of Gene and Val
Noon
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon
Friday, May 1
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Joe & Cathy Petrie
We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our dedicated volunteers who truly are the backbone of Holy Apostles Parish. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment are vital to keeping our Masses, programs, groups, and activities running smoothly and effectively. Each one of you plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and welcoming community. We genuinely appreciate the time and energy you invest, and we want you to know that we could not accomplish our mission without your invaluable support! Thank you for being an essential part of our parish family!
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your generous donations help support the vital ministries, programs, and outreach efforts of our Parish. With your contributions, we can nurture spiritual growth, provide community services, and maintain a welcoming space for all. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in fulfilling our Mission.
Four Ways to Give
1. Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR)
PAR is invaluable to the Parish in these times, as these contributions still arrive even if you can’t. For the Parish, PAR provides a steadier and more predictable stream of funds. This is extremely helpful for budgeting and planning for larger projects. click here
2. E-transfer funds to holyapostlesparish16@gmail.com.
3. Place an envelope in the collection basket at Mass on Sunday. To request Parish-supplied envelopes, please get in touch with the office.
4. Donate using the link below. Your information will be securely processed by "Canada Helps". A Registered Charity & Social Enterprise, used by over 20,000 charities. Please note that when donating through Canada Helps, tax receipts will be issued by Canada Helps directly, not Holy Apostles Parish. click here
NEWS
The Confirmation Class
Bake Sale Fundraiser
in support of Chalice raised
$800.00!!
We wish to thank all those who helped make this fundraiser a success and ask that you continue to pray for our Confirmation candidates as they continue their journey toward becoming stewards of a Christ-centred life.
Holy Apostles Parish
Rev. R. Hallett
Bursary
Bursary available for graduating High School students.
Application for this bursary is available at the
Parish Office, Upper Tantallon or click here
All applications and supporting documents are due by May 15, 2026.
New Printed Weekly Bulletins
In the late spring, early summer of 2026, Holy Apostles Parish, along with our current
communications through our website and digital bulletin, will be adding a new full colour printed bulletin format with advertising. The bulletins are free to Holy Apostles Parish, as the advertisements cover the cost. They are high-quality bulletins, printed in full colour. The ads will appear on the back of the bulletins for the five churches that make up our Parish.
If you own a business and are interested in advertising, or know of a credible company that may benefit from this form of advertising, and would like to get some information, please call Shani Court at
902-314-5307 or email church.bulletin.advertising@gmail.com.
Please inquire as soon as possible. Advertising is an effective local way to reach a highly credible audience. We encourage businesses to support our new bulletins and parishioners to support the advertisers whenever possible.
SACRAMENTS
For inquiries about Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals or Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing)
please get in touch with the Parish Office.
We live, work and play in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral, current, and unceeded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. For more information on the Peace and Friendship Treaties please click HERE.
HOLY APOSTLES PARISH
Fr. John MacPherson
Pastor
Maryann Doyle, CPHR
Manager for
Business Administration
Dale Rycroft
Coordinator for Cemeteries
Andre Edmunds
Building & Maintenance Coordinator
-----------------------------------------
Church Communities - Staff
Dinah Simmons
Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education
SMB Church Community
Jim Kemp
Janitor
SMB Church Community
Please forward weekly submissions for the HAP Bulletin by Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. to HAPbulletin@gmail.com.
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Marjorie Keating from Nora Strapps
11:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards
11:00 a.m.
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon Intentions: for the Parishioners of Holy Apostles Parish
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 p.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Lucie Amyoony
Wednesday, April 22
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Augustine's Church
Chester
Thursday, April 23
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards
Noon
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon Intentions: + May Adelaide Lawrence from Benita Morash
Friday, April 24
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Rose LaPierre
location
Holy Apostles Parish
SMB's Church Hall
Upper Tantallon
Jack Flemming, a dedicated member of St. Anthony's Church in Hubbards, was honoured with the Order of Nova Scotia at Government House on April 14, 2026.
Recognized as the highest accolade in the province, the Order of Nova Scotia celebrates exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. Established in 2001, this prestigious award highlights the outstanding achievements of Nova Scotians across various fields. By becoming a member of this esteemed Order, individuals not only bring honour to themselves but also elevate the reputation of Nova Scotia as a whole. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ONS, proudly showcasing their commitment to excellence.
Congratulations, Mr. Flemming!
We are so proud of your achievements!
NEWS
Pre-Confirmation Class
on Sunday, April 19
after the 11:00 a.m. Mass
All donations, whether baked goods or monetary, are greatly appreciated.
Proceeds are being donated to Chalice.
Holy Apostles Parish
Rev. R. Hallett
Bursary
Bursary available for graduating High School students.
Application for this bursary is available at the
Parish Office, Upper Tantallon or click here
All applications and supporting documents are due by May 15, 2026.
New Printed Weekly Bulletins
In the late spring, early summer of 2026, Holy Apostles Parish, along with our current
communications through our website and digital bulletin, will be adding a new full colour printed bulletin format with advertising. The bulletins are free to Holy Apostles Parish, as the advertisements cover the cost. They are high-quality bulletins, printed in full colour. The ads will appear on the back of the bulletins for the five churches that make up our Parish.
If you own a business and are interested in advertising, or know of a credible company that may benefit from this form of advertising, and would like to get some information, please call Shani Court at
902-314-5307 or email church.bulletin.advertising@gmail.com.
Please inquire as soon as possible. Advertising is an effective local way to reach a highly credible audience. We encourage businesses to support our new bulletins and parishioners to support the advertisers whenever possible.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your generous donations help support the vital ministries, programs, and outreach efforts of our Parish. With your contributions, we can nurture spiritual growth, provide community services, and maintain a welcoming space for all. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in fulfilling our Mission.
Four Ways to Give
1. Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR)
PAR is invaluable to the Parish in these times, as these contributions still arrive even if you can’t. For the Parish, PAR provides a steadier and more predictable stream of funds. This is extremely helpful for budgeting and planning for larger projects. click here
2. E-transfer funds to holyapostlesparish16@gmail.com.
3. Place an envelope in the collection basket at Mass on Sunday. To request Parish-supplied envelopes, please get in touch with the office.
4. Donate using the link below. Your information will be securely processed by "Canada Helps". A Registered Charity & Social Enterprise, used by over 20,000 charities. Please note that when donating through Canada Helps, tax receipts will be issued by Canada Helps directly, not Holy Apostles Parish. click here
Not every attack is clearly sinful. Sometimes, it shows up as hurt feelings, holding grudges, keeping distance, or being silent. You might quietly decide to care less, trust less, and love less.
If the enemy can’t pull you away from God, he will try to pull you away from His nature within you. This can happen through disappointment, betrayal, or moments that make you wonder if being kind, gentle, or loving is worth it.
But not everything you go through should change who you are. Some experiences show you what you need to protect.
God does not want you to harden your heart. He asks you to guard it. There is an important difference.
A hardened heart is closed off, defensive, and shaped by pain. A guarded heart is steady, wise, and guided by God.
Don’t let pain reshape your character. Let God help you grow.
The enemy wants you to become someone you’re not. God wants to shape you into who you were always meant to be.
Stay soft with God. Stay wise with people. Stay grounded in truth.
Trust that a heart that feels deeply can still love purely when it is surrendered to Him.
SACRAMENTS
For inquiries about Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals or Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing)
please get in touch with the Parish Office.
We live, work and play in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral, current, and unceeded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. For more information on the Peace and Friendship Treaties please click HERE.
HOLY APOSTLES PARISH
Fr. John MacPherson
Pastor
Maryann Doyle, CPHR
Manager for
Business Administration
Dale Rycroft
Coordinator for Cemeteries
Andre Edmunds
Building & Maintenance Coordinator
-----------------------------------------
Church Communities - Staff
Dinah Simmons
Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education
SMB Church Community
Jim Kemp
Janitor
SMB Church Community
Please forward weekly submissions for the HAP Bulletin by Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. to HAPbulletin@gmail.com.
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Marjorie Keating from Nora Strapps
11:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards
11:00 a.m.
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon Intentions: for the Parishioners of Holy Apostles Parish
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 p.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Lucie Amyoony
Wednesday, April 22
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Augustine's Church
Chester
Thursday, April 23
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Anthony's Church
Hubbards
Noon
Mass
SMB's Church
Upper Tantallon Intentions: + May Adelaide Lawrence from Benita Morash
Friday, April 24
9:00 a.m.
Mass
St. Joseph's Church
Shad Bay Intentions: + Kathleen Reid from Rose LaPierre
location
Holy Apostles Parish
SMB's Church Hall
Upper Tantallon
Jack Flemming, a dedicated member of St. Anthony's Church in Hubbards, was honoured with the Order of Nova Scotia at Government House on April 14, 2026.
Recognized as the highest accolade in the province, the Order of Nova Scotia celebrates exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. Established in 2001, this prestigious award highlights the outstanding achievements of Nova Scotians across various fields. By becoming a member of this esteemed Order, individuals not only bring honour to themselves but also elevate the reputation of Nova Scotia as a whole. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ONS, proudly showcasing their commitment to excellence.
Congratulations, Mr. Flemming!
We are so proud of your achievements!
NEWS
Pre-Confirmation Class
on Sunday, April 19
after the 11:00 a.m. Mass
All donations, whether baked goods or monetary, are greatly appreciated.
Proceeds are being donated to Chalice.
Holy Apostles Parish
Rev. R. Hallett
Bursary
Bursary available for graduating High School students.
Application for this bursary is available at the
Parish Office, Upper Tantallon or click here
All applications and supporting documents are due by May 15, 2026.
New Printed Weekly Bulletins
In the late spring, early summer of 2026, Holy Apostles Parish, along with our current
communications through our website and digital bulletin, will be adding a new full colour printed bulletin format with advertising. The bulletins are free to Holy Apostles Parish, as the advertisements cover the cost. They are high-quality bulletins, printed in full colour. The ads will appear on the back of the bulletins for the five churches that make up our Parish.
If you own a business and are interested in advertising, or know of a credible company that may benefit from this form of advertising, and would like to get some information, please call Shani Court at
902-314-5307 or email church.bulletin.advertising@gmail.com.
Please inquire as soon as possible. Advertising is an effective local way to reach a highly credible audience. We encourage businesses to support our new bulletins and parishioners to support the advertisers whenever possible.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your generous donations help support the vital ministries, programs, and outreach efforts of our Parish. With your contributions, we can nurture spiritual growth, provide community services, and maintain a welcoming space for all. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact in fulfilling our Mission.
Four Ways to Give
1. Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR)
PAR is invaluable to the Parish in these times, as these contributions still arrive even if you can’t. For the Parish, PAR provides a steadier and more predictable stream of funds. This is extremely helpful for budgeting and planning for larger projects. click here
2. E-transfer funds to holyapostlesparish16@gmail.com.
3. Place an envelope in the collection basket at Mass on Sunday. To request Parish-supplied envelopes, please get in touch with the office.
4. Donate using the link below. Your information will be securely processed by "Canada Helps". A Registered Charity & Social Enterprise, used by over 20,000 charities. Please note that when donating through Canada Helps, tax receipts will be issued by Canada Helps directly, not Holy Apostles Parish. click here
Not every attack is clearly sinful. Sometimes, it shows up as hurt feelings, holding grudges, keeping distance, or being silent. You might quietly decide to care less, trust less, and love less.
If the enemy can’t pull you away from God, he will try to pull you away from His nature within you. This can happen through disappointment, betrayal, or moments that make you wonder if being kind, gentle, or loving is worth it.
But not everything you go through should change who you are. Some experiences show you what you need to protect.
God does not want you to harden your heart. He asks you to guard it. There is an important difference.
A hardened heart is closed off, defensive, and shaped by pain. A guarded heart is steady, wise, and guided by God.
Don’t let pain reshape your character. Let God help you grow.
The enemy wants you to become someone you’re not. God wants to shape you into who you were always meant to be.
Stay soft with God. Stay wise with people. Stay grounded in truth.
Trust that a heart that feels deeply can still love purely when it is surrendered to Him.
SACRAMENTS
For inquiries about Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals or Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing)
please get in touch with the Parish Office.
We live, work and play in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral, current, and unceeded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. For more information on the Peace and Friendship Treaties please click HERE.
HOLY APOSTLES PARISH
Fr. John MacPherson
Pastor
Maryann Doyle, CPHR
Manager for
Business Administration
Dale Rycroft
Coordinator for Cemeteries
Andre Edmunds
Building & Maintenance Coordinator
-----------------------------------------
Church Communities - Staff
Dinah Simmons
Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education
SMB Church Community
Jim Kemp
Janitor
SMB Church Community
Please forward weekly submissions for the HAP Bulletin by Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. to HAPbulletin@gmail.com.
