2/23/2024 0 Comments Third Sunday of Lent March 3, 2024Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Psalm 19 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Mar. 4 – No mass Tues., Mar. 5 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Mar 5 – 1:00 pm Mass at Elders Lodge Flying Dust Tues., Mar. 5 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Wed., Mar. 6 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Mar. 7 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Mar. 7 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Mar. 8 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Mar. 9 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Mar. 10 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Mar 10 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Feb. 25: Meadow Lake $1834.00 Green Lake $102.35 Children’s Collection $8.55 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March – for the new martyrs – We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm. 40 Cans for Lent – The Meadow Lake Knights of Columbus are sponsoring 40 Cans for Lent for food to be donated to the Door of Hope. Unfortunately there are still families and individuals in Meadow Lake and surrounding area that depend on the Door of Hope to supplement their food requirements. To help meet this need, the Knights of Columbus are asking the members of the parish to once again support 40 Cans for Lent. Each day of Lent, one can will be placed in the cross. We are asking families to bring nonperishable food each week of Lent. Thank you. The Way of the Cross – Please join us on Friday evenings for the Way of the Cross. We will gather at 6:30 pm in the Church to pray with Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary. Lent/Easter Retreat – Mark your calendars for a retreat by Fr. Uche. The dates are Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15 starting with mass at 6:30 pm each evening. A spiritual retreat for Spiritual Growth and Healing focusing on the Seven Sacraments. Easter Reconciliation – There will be opportunity for confession on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 (Penitential Service) with additional priests available. Fr. Uche will also be available March 22 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. He is also available to anyone by appointment. Scripture Insights – Third Sunday of Lent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 114. Even people who have little familiarity with Judeo-Christian beliefs are well acquainted with the reading from Exodus of the giving of the Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue. While these commands may be quite familiar to us, it is essential to recognize that they were delivered within the context of God entering into a covenant relationship with Israel. To be God’s treasured possession, Israel must follow the behaviors specified in the words of the Commandments. To be in close relationship with God requires that Israel assume responsibilities toward its neighbor. Psalm 19 is a song of praise for God’s Torah, or “instruction.” Far different from the North American mentality that views Torah as “law” in a restrictive sense, today’s psalm expresses quite clearly how Israel understood God’s instruction as a guide for living well. Thus, the psalmist can speak of God’s Torah as being sweeter than “honey from a comb.” Within the first two chapters of John’s Gospel, readers learn Jesus’ identity, see him perform his first sign at the wedding celebration in Cana, and hear him confront the religious authorities in the temple in Jerusalem. The most obvious focus in today’s reading is Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, followed by reference to his impending death and resurrection. Looking carefully at the passage, though, we see that the last verses turn attention to the people who had begun “to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all.” The reading is clear that a reciprocal relationship between Jesus and true believers exists. It is implied that some people were beginning to follow Jesus because they were interested in seeing great works, not because they trusted in him. · Sometimes reading a list of rules and regulations can make us wonder what events might have created need for the rule in the first place. “Do not steal.” Was there a lot of theft? Did this commandment help curb theft? Rather than imagining a list of demands to create a cookie-cutter society, these rules are about relationships with God and with God’s people. What is getting in the way of good relationship? How might these commandments be worded were they created in the context of today? · What a mystery it is that God came to us as a human – to suffer as we suffer, to taste mortality. And yet this is perhaps the most powerful of God’s gifts of self: to show us, as humans, how to live well, how to die well, how to place our hope in that which we cannot see. Do we believe this? · Being fully human means knowing the fullness of human emotion. In today’s Gospel, Christ is angry. His encounter with such a display of commercialism in the holiest of places frustrates and offends this man who is preparing to give over his life for these people. Righteous anger is holy. It is a fully human, fully sacred expression when we encounter that which keeps us from God. What are we using our righteous anger for now? Who are the voices carrying holy rage in our midst? Who suffers when we hide the emotions that might displease some people?
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Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-3:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Your paths, Lord, are love and faithfulness for those who keep your covenant. Psalm 25 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb.19 – No mass Tues., Feb. 20 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Feb. 20 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Wed., Feb. 21 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Feb. 22 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Feb. 22 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Feb. 23 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Feb. 24 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 25 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Feb. 25 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Feb. 11: Meadow Lake $1047.85 Green Lake $214.85 Children’s Collection $5.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – for the terminally ill – We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment. Thank You – Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for a delicious breakfast on Sunday and for the bingo games. Also a big thank you to Mauri Young, Judi Lang and Joe & Shirley Dombowsky for the donated items. And thanks to A & W for providing teenburger coupons for prizes. Our Parish Fun Day was enjoyed by all who attended. Evangelization Activity for February – We are encouraging parishioners to pray every day at 1:00 pm for a family member, friend or neighbor to begin attending regular Sunday Mass. The Way of the Cross – Please join us on Friday evenings for the Way of the Cross. We will gather at 6:30 pm in the Church to pray with Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary. Scripture Insights – First Sunday of Lent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 102. On this First Sunday of Lent, a time when most of us are inclined to reflect more deeply on how we live as Christians, we are reminded of God’s everlasting love. Our first reading, from Genesis, follows the well-known story of the great flood. While the text states that God addresses Noah and his sons, it is important to note that the covenant that God makes goes well beyond this remnant of humankind and their future descendants. This covenant is with all that God had created. The “bow”, which we associate with the rainbow, is said to have had its origins in the mythology of the Ancient Near East. Since it might have been a reference to a warrior’s bow, we might easily imagine this bow as representing God’s decision to hang up this weapon of destruction while promising anew to be in relationship with all of creation. · For many across the nation who have experienced flooding, God’s promise to never again destroy the world by these waters seems wishful thinking. Much of the increased flooding and storms of the past several decades is a direct result of the effects of global warming and our failure to care for creation in the ways that our reciprocal covenant has required of us. Remember the covenant and the promise: God’s desire to be near us is as strong today as it was for Noah. Remember our role. · Paul connects the flood now to baptism: when once we were saved on the waters, now we are saved by the waters. But make no mistake: these are both death-dealing and life-giving waters. Again we are asked to live in this tension: are we handling the gift of water responsibly? Are we carefully holding the balance of all that holds such power? · The brevity of this Gospel is part of the message: what we need to do now is to believe that the kingdom is here, now. This is not some far away dream, not a distant platitude. We need to behave now, in this very moment, as children of this kingdom. We need to let go of our temporary comforts and grasp on to the beautiful, eternal reign of God. DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND THE CALLED & GIFTED INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP … is the first of three steps in the C&G Discernment Process. During this five-session workshop, you will learn the Church's ancient teaching on charisms, the steps for discerning your God-given charisms, and how discerning your charisms can change your life, parish, and community. This year, during the Lenten Season, there will be four opportunities to take step one of the Called & Gifted Discernment Process. Participants are required to purchase the Called & Gifted Discernment Process resource book. The cost is $60 plus $5 for mailing. These can be purchased by contacting Nicole at 306-922-4747, extension 228. For those interested in taking Step One of the C&G Discernment Process, the five-session Introductory Workshop will be offered four times during Lent, twice on Zoom and twice in person, by the Diocesan Called & Gifted Team. MORNINGS from 9:30 - 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, & 26. EVENINGS from 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. on Mondays, Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, & 25. There is also the option of taking the sessions in person. For the in-person events, the first session will be on Thursday evenings and the other four on Saturday. In Prince Albert, the first step of the Called & Gifted Discernment Process is being offered at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Thursday, March 7, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. In North Battleford, the first step of the Called & Gifted Discernment Process is being offered at the Light of Christ Learning Centre on Thursday, March 21, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To register, email ecassistant@padiocese.ca or call Nicole at 306-922-4747, extension 228. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 You are my refuge, Lord; with deliverance you surround me. Psalm 32 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb.12 – No mass Tues., Feb. 13 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Feb. 13 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Ash Wednesday Wed., Feb. 14 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) Wed., Feb. 14 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Sony Abraham by Swapna & Bijo Thurs., Feb. 15 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Feb. 15 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Feb. 16 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Henri Lazar Sr by Norman & Frances Steier Sat., Feb. 17 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 18 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Feb. 4: Meadow Lake $1834.00 Green Lake $102.35 Children’s Collection $8.55 January CAFT $2085.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – for the terminally ill – We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment. Evangelization Activity for February – We are encouraging parishioners to pray every day at 1:00 pm for a family member, friend or neighbor to begin attending regular Sunday Mass. Season of Lent – Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their Baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Lenten instructions stress these baptismal and penitential themes. During Lent, it is important to teach the social consequences of sin as well as the fact that the heart of the virtue of penance is hatred of sin as an offence against God. The Church encourages penitential practices that are external and social, reflecting the circumstances of individuals and communities, as we pray and do penance for sinners. Taken from Ordo page 65 40 Cans for Lent – For the past number of years the Meadow Lake Knights of Columbus have sponsored 40 Cans for Lent resulting in thousands of pounds of food being donated to the Door of Hope. Unfortunately there are still families and individuals in Meadow Lake and surrounding area that depend on the Door of Hope to supplement their food requirements. To help meet this need, the Knights of Columbus are asking the members of the parish to once again support 40 Cans for Lent. Each day of Lent, one can will be placed in the cross. We are asking families to bring nonperishable food each week of Lent. Thank you. The Way of the Cross – Please join us on Friday evenings for the Way of the Cross. We will gather at 6:30 pm in the Church to pray with Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary. World Day of the Sick – February 11 – The ministry of Jesus to the sick is central to the life of the Church. February 11 (Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes) highlights the healing ministry of the Church. It reminds us that service to the sick and suffering cannot be neglected. It recognizes the great efforts of doctors, nurses, health care institutions and pastoral care givers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease. Taken from Ordo page 62 Scripture Insights – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 90. Today’s readings from the Book of Leviticus and the Gospel of Mark give attention to a disease identified as leprosy. A bit of background can be quite helpful in understanding these texts. First, what the Scriptures refer to as “leprosy” (tzaraat in the Old Testament and lepra in the New Testament) should not be understood as synonymous with the illness of this name today. The word leprosy seems to have been a generic term used to refer to a variety of skin conditions, one of which might have been leprosy (Hansen’s disease). Second, specific laws were designated for the purpose of restricting the spread of communicable illnesses, with skin diseases being among them. While these laws may sound harsh to us today, they are best understood as safeguarding the well-being of the community. Third, in addition to making a person unclean, which resulted in isolation from the community, leprosy was often associated with sin. In our passage from Mark, we hear that a leper approached Jesus and said: “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus wasted no time in responding. He touched the man! This was unheard of! He touched a leper! Jesus then said to the leper, “O do will it. Be made clean.” And immediately the leprosy left the man. Jesus then instructs the man to follow the prescriptions of the Law. Interestingly, within the next thirty-four verses of Mark, in five episodes, some consider Jesus as one who does not uphold the Law but violates it. · Whenever the readings reference illness or disability, preachers need to take extra care with their words. Often this metaphorical language is interpreted too literally, and those among our assemblies who carry illness or differently-abled bodies hear their physical and mental limitations as a burden on the community, when actually it is quite the opposite. Bodies and minds, in all their manifestations, make up the full picture of the image and likeness of God. · Being an imitator of Christ means reaching out to the peripheries. This can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but there is no way around the reality that our baptismal call insists that we claim this as our mission. Seeing these least among us and journeying alongside them is what gives the greatest glory to God. · Each of us carries a burden. Some big, some small. Have we created a safe space in our communities for people to come as they are, to bring their worries and struggles to find healing here? Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Sing praises to the Lord who heals the broken-hearted. Psalm 147 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb. 5 – No mass Tues., Feb. 6 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Feb. 6 – 1:00 pm Communion Service at Elders Lodge (Flying Dust) Tues., Feb. 6 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Thanksgiving by Swapna & Bijo Wed., Feb. 7 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Feb. 8 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Feb. 8 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Feb. 9 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Feb. 10 - 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church) - For all women of the parish Sat., Feb. 10 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 11 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun. Feb. 11 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Jan. 28: Meadow Lake $1276.45 Green Lake $32.60 Children’s Collection $3.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – for the terminally ill – We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment. Old Palms – Please bring old palms and leave them in the box at the back of the church. Evangelization Activity for February – We are encouraging parishioners to pray every day at 1:00 pm for a family member, friend or neighbor to begin attending regular Sunday Mass. Special Mass and Meeting – For CWL ladies & all other ladies of the parish – please come to mass at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 10. A short meeting with Fr. Uche will follow mass. All women are encouraged to attend. Give Care NOT MAiD Postcards – Please write your name and address on the back lefthand corner of the card and include a short message such as “We need better health care access for all and NOT more access to MAiD.” Or a similar message. You can leave your card with the greeters after mass, and we will mail them. Or you can take your postcard home, fill it out and mail it yourself. No postage is required. Meadow Lake Homeplate Shelter Coalition Corp. - ML Homeplate Shelter is a newly formed charitable organization looking for funding to operate the Emergency Shelter. They are asking for a financial gift to support the work of providing shelter for the homeless of our community. We will have envelopes available at the back of the church if you wish to support the homeless shelter. Please make cheques payable to Our Lady of Peace. During the month of February we will collect these envelopes and then send the total donations to ML Homeplate. Thank you for helping the homeless. Parish Fun Day – We are planning a Parish fun Day for February 11 after mass. It will begin with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus. Afterwards there will be fun activities (including bingo) for all ages with prizes and door prizes. All activities will be indoors. Everyone welcome! Scripture Insights – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 84. Job, the blameless and upright man who was rich in family, land, and animals until his life was turned upside down, reflects on the human condition. He, who had recognized that he had once been the recipient of God’s many blessings, now sees life with different eyes. Interestingly, today’s verses begin with rather generic remarks about the human state and move to lines that speak specifically of Job’s experience of misery and darkness. The psalm refrain proclaims, “Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.” If seen as a direct response to Job, the refrain would indicate that Job’s condition is not permanent. For the third consecutive week, the Gospel is from the first chapter of Mark. The verses for today’s selection immediately follow last week’s reading, in which Jesus performed his first miracle. With no time wasted and no verses excluded, Jesus moves from the synagogue to Simon’s house, accompanied by Simon, Andrew, and James (two weeks ago, these men were “called” in the Gospel reading). Immediately after entering the house, Jesus is told that Simon’s mother-in-law was ill. Jesus took her hand and “helped her up.” Later that evening, Jesus cured “many who were sick . . . and he drove out many demons.” Before dawn, Jesus and his companions left the house, and the text tells us that Jesus prayed. It would seem, however, that this prayer was brief, since “everyone” was looking for him. Jesus’ response is one of incredible kindness. He is ready to move on to wherever he can preach and heal. · Job expresses the anguish that many of us can relate to: Are we working to live, or living to work? Where is the joy of life – and what is the point – of we are struggling with work/life balance? This is often an opportunity to reflect on our life’s brevity, and what we might do with the little time we have. What difference can we make in our little corner of the world? · Paul’s words remind us that the Good News is for everyone, not for a select few. And yet look around our tables. Who is missing? Who does not have access to this Good News? Where are we being pulled to let go of our own pride to make room for God’s message of love? · Today’s Gospel speaks of healing many illnesses. One of the “demons” that plagues our communities is that of mental illness. Some statistics show that 25 percent of our population struggles with this in some form. What a gift it would be to see this struggle recognized in our preaching and in our outreach. DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND 2024 NATIONAL HEALTH CARE WEEK From February 4-10, 2024, the CHAC will mark National Catholic Health Care Week in Canada. Celebrating the healing ministry of Jesus Christ in everyone who cares for someone in their home, as a doctor, nurse, care aid and in Home Care, provides or supports sacramental ministry to the sick, and many others not named here. Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Lord, make me know your ways. Psalm 25 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Jan. 22 – No mass Tues., Jan. 23 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Jan. 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Wed., Jan. 24 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Jan. 25 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Jan. 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Jan. 26 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Jan. 27 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Jan. 28 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Jan. 28 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Jan. 14: Meadow Lake $1148.50 Green Lake – No mass Children’s Collection $4.20 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for January – For the gift of diversity in the Church – We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church. Tax Receipts – Tax receipts for 2023 donations are ready to be picked up at the back of the church. Knights of Columbus – The Knights will be holding an initiation degree for new members after mass on Tuesday, January 23. This degree is open to everyone. Please come to support Fr. Uche as he joins the Knights. Sunday of the Word of God – In the Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis, Pope Francis instituted the Sunday of the Word of God, which is celebrated on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. “Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.”
St. Paul’s Feast Day Mass & Fundraising Dinner – Saturday, January 27, 2024 starting with mass at 10:30 at St. Joe’s Parish in North Battleford and followed by dinner at 12:00. Fr. Uche has tickets ($30/adult). Please let him know if you want to attend this celebration and show support for him. Scripture Insights – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 70. Today’s first reading, from the Book of Jonah, can easily give us the wrong impression of this prophet. Why? This selection provides the picture of a prophet who hears the Word of God and immediately responds to what the Lord commands. It is important for us to know that in the first three verses of the book, we hear God giving Jonah a more detailed command to preach against Ninevah. How does Jonah respond? He completely ignores this command and flees in the opposite direction! The material between Jonah’s first and second command from the Lord is familiar to many. While on a ship headed away from Ninevah, the prophet is thrown overboard during a storm, is swallowed by a large fish, and then prays to God, after which he is spewed onto dry land. Then, only then, do we hear today’s reading that portrays Jonah as the obedient prophet. Interestingly, the psalm refrain “Teach me your ways, O Lord,” would certainly have been an appropriate prayer for this prophet. Our short passage from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and the opening lines from Mark’s Gospel account remind us that God’s kingdom is near. The Gospel continues with material not unlike what we heard from the Book of Jonah. Both of these excerpts can be referred to as “call narratives,” texts in which an individual or individuals are called by God and given a particular command. You may notice that Mark’s call of Simon and Andrew (as well as James and John) is somewhat different from how John presented the call of these two men in last Sunday’s Gospel. · Today’s readings certainly convey a sense of the urgency of the kingdom. This brings to mind the great American poet Mary Oliver’s invitation for us to consider what we might do with our “one, wild and precious life.” Take care not to dwell on what is often portrayed as an Old Testament God to be feared. Instead, welcome the reflection on what we are willing to do right now, in this life, today, to bring forth that kingdom of love and justice: Are we willing to leave our labor? Our comforts? Our predictable way of life, favoring the risk of following the road less traveled for the sake of heaven’s hope? · Think of those gathered in the assembly: surely, family life is a big part of the story of your community. The example of the disciples leaving their friends and family to follow Jesus can be confusing for those who are committed to living in faithful communion with a spouse, partner, or children. What might those in partnered or family life be invited to leave behind so that the gift of family life might also share in that mission of ushering the world toward that beautiful kingdom of God? DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2024 January 18 – 25, 2024 The 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is on the theme "You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself" based on Luke 10:25-37. This year's theme was prepared by an ecumenical team in Burkina Faso. This universal week of prayer encourages Christians of all denominations to meet, to participate in various liturgical and other community activities, and to pray together that all may be one, as Christ desires. Resources include an Order of Service, a Bible study, and various reflections on the theme. There are also hymn suggestions and resources for children, high schools, and university campuses. Download these free materials at https://www.weekofprayer.ca/2024-wpcu-resources Our Lady of Peace Parish
Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Psalm 72 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Jan. 8 – No mass Tues., Jan. 9 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Jan. 9 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Travis Remarchuk by the Remarchuk Family Wed., Jan. 10 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Jan. 11 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Jan. 11 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Jan. 12 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Jan. 13 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Jan. 14 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Jan. 14 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 31: Meadow Lake $3138.30 Green Lake – $161.20 Children’s Collection $10.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for January – For the gift of diversity in the Church – We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church. New Year’s Greetings – Deacon Bill and Lorraine Thibeault wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that all have a peaceful and joyful year. Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of Dec.31 our parish has 33 pledges for $11,170.25. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 1198 pledges for $406875.25. Today’s solemnity continues the celebration of the astonishing mystery of God’s manifestation to the very ends of the earth. The visitors from the East symbolize the extent of God’s salvation as it unfolds for peoples of every land. As they offer gifts, as would be fitting for a king, they announce to the world that an astonishing event has taken place; all peoples will know the glory of God. Scripture Insights – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 50. The first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel account are commonly referred to as the infancy narrative, and this material is often divided into several sections. Today’s verses are frequently identified as “the adoration of the Magi.” Another element may be important to note. The word Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth, appears four times in these twelve verses. Might we consider this town, this earthly place, a specific location at a given time in human history, where Jesus, son of David and Son of God, is made manifest in human flesh? It is because of this mystery of the incarnation that the author of the Letter to the Ephesians could write of the Spirit “that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise of Christ Jesus through the gospel.” · As the prophet Isaiah’s voice continues to guide our way through this season, consider what it would have meant for those bearing witness to the birth of Jesus. Beyond a miraculous event, the arrival of the messiah as a helpless newborn to a teenage mother in a foreign land: the events surrounding this birth are the fulfillment of prophecy. As the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh arrive, those who are keen to the Scripture study of the day would have raised their eyes: “We were told about this!” · The themes of journey to a foreign land will certainly be resonant in communities with large populations of immigrants. See them, honor them: journey, mission, refuge – all these themes are the lived experience of your community. We do well to recognize this reality as gift and tradition: travelers are always in good company with the Scriptures. · There are so many messages from dreams in the Advent and Christmas seasons: what dreams are guiding the discernment of you and your community? DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2024 Please share with your church networks: The 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is on the theme "You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself" based on Luke 10:25-37. This year's theme was prepared by an ecumenical team in Burkina Faso. Resources include an Order of Service, a Bible study, and various reflections on the theme. There are also hymn suggestions and resources for children, high schools, and university campuses. Download these free materials at https://www.weekofprayer.ca/2024-wpcu-resources Our Lady of Peace Parish Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours: Closed Monday Tuesday - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 The Lord is our God, mindful of his covenant forever. Psalm 105 Refrain Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Masses Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Jan. 1– 10:00 am(Our Lady of Peace & Facebook) New Year’s Day - People of God Tues., Jan. 2 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Jan. 2 – No Mass Wed., Jan. 3 – No Mass Thurs., Jan. 4 – 8:30 – 9:30 Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Jan. 4 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Fri., Jan. 5 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Matthew S. Morin by Florence Morin Sat., Jan. 6 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Jan. 7 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 24: Meadow Lake $3138.30 Green Lake – $106.00 Children’s Collection $10.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for January – For the gift of diversity in the Church – We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church. World Day of Peace – January 1 – The World Day of Peace was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 who asked that “every year, this commemoration be repeated as a hope and as a promise, at the beginning of the calendar which measures and outlines the path of human life in time, that Peace with its just and beneficent equilibrium may dominate the development of events to come.” Each year has a specific theme, chosen by the Holy Father. Taken from Ordo page 35 Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. As of Dec.27 our parish has 33 pledges for $11,170.25. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 1051 pledges for $388655.25. Scripture Insights – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 42. The readings from Genesis and the Gospel of Luke present us with scenes in the lives of two important families. The account from Genesis depicts Abram’s frustration at not having fathered a child. When God consoles Abram with another promise of offspring, Abram responds by placing his faith in God. In turn, the text tells us that “the Lord took note of Sarah,” and she gave birth to their long-awaited son. The refrain from Psalm 105, “The Lord remembers his covenant forever,” reinforces the message of the Genesis readings. In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author summarizes the story of Abraham and identifies him as a person of faith. Upon hearing this summary of Abraham’s life, the words of the psalm refrain are readily brought back to mind. Although Abraham struggled with believing that God could make Sarah fruitful, Abraham “put his faith in the Lord,” and for this reason, the praises of Abraham are extolled in the New Testament. Luke tells us of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. While Simeon and Anna are depicted as having long awaited the coming of this child, Mary and Joseph are described as being “amazed at what was said of him.” Upon the family’s return to Nazareth, the child Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” The following verses in Luke, vv 41 – 52, tell the story of Jesus, at age twelve, in the temple. · Language of family is not always easy for people to hear. Think about ways that we can use this weekend’s celebration of the Holy Family to talk about how all families are holy: even those families that are struggling right now, even those who long for family, even those whose families don’t fit into a cookie-cutter definition of what “family” means. · There are options for the readings today, but common threads run through them: lineage, inheritance, relationship. Consider the breadth of what this means: even today, some lineage denotes royalty, while some blood lines carry stigma or tragedy. Some inherit a fortune from their ancestors, and some inherit generational trauma that takes a lifetime to sort through. Some are fond of returning home for the holidays, and others operate best around a chosen family. · Remember that it takes a village to raise a child. Not only parents make an impact in a young person’s life, but each member of the assembly. What type of models are we offering? |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
May 2024
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