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 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80 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., Dec. 4 – No mass Tues., Dec. 5 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Dec. 5 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - John Erick Soria by Soria Family Wed., Dec. 6 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Thurs., Dec. 7 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Christine Mae Perez by Soria Family Fri., Dec. 8 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Four Gonzales by Soria Family Sat., Dec. 9 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Dec. 10 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Dec. 10 – 3:00 pm – (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Nov. 26: Meadow Lake $1380.00 Green Lake – $331.00 Children’s Collection $4.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for December – For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation. Reverse Collection – We will once again have the Reverse Collection. As you leave Mass this Sunday, pick up a few slips of paper, purchase the items on your paper and bring the items to the Church. The food will be taken to the Door of Hope just before Christmas! Thank you for your participation in this project for the needy. Season of Advent – Advent has a twofold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to his second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation. During Advent, each Sunday’s Gospel reading has a specific focus. The Old Testament readings, especially those taken from Isaiah, are prophecies about the Messiah and messianic times. The selections from the writings of the Apostles present exhortations and instructions on different themes of this season. Taken from Ordo 2023 – 2024 page 13 A Gift of Love – All parishioners are invited to prepare Christmas cards for our shut-ins, seniors, the sick and the residents of the Lodge. Please complete 5 – 10 cards which will be distributed randomly. You can sign your name or from Our Lady of Peace Parish. Please place them in the collection basket or drop off at the office on or before Tuesday, December 19. Thank you! Simbang Gabi – Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines. The Simbang Gabi is a unique practice of the Filipino culture. Simbang Gabi means “Night Mass”. To acknowledge the many Filipino parishioners in Our Lady of Peace, we will adjust our mass times and try to welcome a little change into our parish practice. Please note that from December 16 – 23 our daily mass schedule will be altered. Be sure to check the mass schedule for mass times. Join us this advent for Simbang Gabi and get to know a little of the Filipino culture. Everyone is welcome. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – If you have already sent in your pledge for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, thank you for your generosity. If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to, the Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information, additional pledge cards are available from your Parish Office. Please continue to pray for the success of the 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of Nov. 27 our parish has 20 pledges for $5240.00. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 780 pledges for $254,460.00. Scripture Insights – First Sunday of Advent 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. 6. This First Sunday of Advent opens with a selection from the Book of Isaiah. More specifically, within these verses, we hear the plea of community members shortly after their return from exile. The rousing words of an earlier prophet who had proclaimed incredible words of hope must have seemed like false promises to the Jews, whose homeland was far from what they had envisioned it would be. In a verse that is not part of the lectionary reading, God is asked: “Why have our enemies trampled your sanctuary?” (Is 63:18). The brief selection from Mark reminds us that we are indeed in the season of Advent. We are told to be watchful and alert while we await the coming of Christ. Although Mark’s message was first addressed to Christians of the first century, we too are invited to actively await the kingdom of God. · Isaiah does not mince words! “Rend”: to rip, rupture, sever. Tear apart the heavens, God. Remove anything that keeps distance between God and God’s people. What powerful imagery to convey the urgency with which we need God’s love to be close and ever closer to us. Who is calling out to us, begging us to love them with the same urgency? Who demands we remember our covenantal promises of our baptism, to carry God’s unconditional love to the ends of the earth? · In St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we are reminded that God is faithful. We have heard this line so many times, perhaps we take for granted what it means. In the midst of life’s constant change, our God is unchanging. But we have the gifts we need to communicate God’s unconditional love in and through each manifestation of God’s image and likeness. Where have we fallen short here? What gifts do we need to hone to better trust in God’s faithfulness and acknowledge our own need for conversion?
0 Comments
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 my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23 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., Nov. 27 – No mass Tues., Nov. 28 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Raymond Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Wed., Nov. 29 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Four Gonzales by Soria Family Thurs., Nov. 30 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Nasario Manatad by Soria Family Fri., Dec. 1 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Raymond Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Sat., Dec. 2 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Dec. 3 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Nov. 19: Meadow Lake $1799.60 Green Lake – $307.00 Children’s Collection $8.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. World Day of Youth – November 26 – Instituted in 1985 at the conclusion of the International Year of Youth and in conjunction with Saint John Paul II’s World Youth Day gatherings, this observance has taken place on Palm Sunday. In 2020 Pope Francis transferred the date to the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. “Young people must say to the world: It is good to follow Jesus! You bring us the joy of faith and tell us that we must live the faith always with a young heart.” (Pope Francis) Advent Adult Faith Study – Everyone is welcome to share in four 1 hour studies to explore more deeply the Advent Sunday readings. The first session will be on Wednesday, November 29 at 5:15 pm in the crying room and then weekly on Wednesdays at 5:15 pm (Dec. 6, 13 and 20). You can call Lorraine Twidale at 306-240-8411 if you need more information. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Please help take care of our church family and support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. “For as you refresh others, you will be refreshed!” Proverbs 11:25. As of Nov. 20 our parish has 19 pledges for $5140.00. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 704 pledges for $236,382.00. Scripture Insights – Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 400. Today’s Old Testament passages present God’s people as sheep. Matthew’s parable continues this metaphor but contrasts them with goats. The parable’s setting is similar to the one in I Corinthians 15. There, Paul assures the Corinthians of the resurrection and that, just as God raised Jesus, God through Christ will raise us from the dead and give Christ a place of supremacy. Although the sheep are accepted and the goats rejected before the supreme Christ in Matthew’s parable, they share two things in common. First, both call Jesus “Lord”. Matthew’s Jesus has made it clear that “not everyone who says . . . ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). Our actions are more important than our words, and God desires that our actions are expressions of mercy for the weak and vulnerable. In fact, that is how today’s Old Testament passages describe God’s attitude and actions towards us as our shepherd: God cares for us with goodness and mercy, even or especially when we are lost, astray, or injured. Second, both the sheep and the goats express that they have never seen Jesus in a needy condition. Neither group knows or understands the reasons or implications of their actions, but one chose to act with mercy while the other chose to ignore the needs of people they encountered. The point here is not that ignorance is bliss, as Matthew’s Jesus spends a lot of time teaching (such as the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 – 7), and he tells people to learn and practice the teachings of the religious leaders (see Mt 23: 2- 3). Rather, the significance is that while our understandings can be limited, the most important thing is how we treat “these least ones” (Mt 25: 40, 45). · The King will base his righteous judgment on how we pay forward the Father’s blessing. We will inherit the kingdom because we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the ill, and visit the prisoner. We tend to God’s people. · When we respond to those whom society deems the least, when we recognize the Christ in them, then we respond to the King. Those who fail to see the King in the needy and oppressed will not feast in the kingdom of heaven, but the King will eternally punish them. But we who see Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters will have eternal life.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Amen App There's still time to join thousands of Catholics worldwide praying each day with Amen, the free prayer and meditation app. 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 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord. Psalm 128 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., Nov. 20 – No mass Tues., Nov. 21 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Father Doug by Norman, Frances & Wanda Steier Wed., Nov. 22 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Raymond Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Thurs., Nov. 23 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Maurice Vandale Fri., Nov. 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Maurice Vandale Sat., Nov. 25 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 26 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 26 – 3:00 pm – (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Nov. 12: Meadow Lake $1606.15 Green Lake – $307.00 Children’s Collection $1.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. World Day of the Poor- In 2017, Pope Francis instituted the World Day of the Poor so that “throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever greater sign of Christ’s charity for the least and those most in need.” Message of his Holiness, Pope Francis, First World Day of the Poor, Nov. 19, 2017 New Missals – Missals for the 2023 – 2024 year are now available at the back of the church. The cost is $5.00. Advent Adult Faith Study – Everyone is welcome to share in four 1 hour studies to explore more deeply the Advent Sunday readings. The first session will be on Wednesday, November 29 at 5:45 pm in the crying room and then weekly on Wednesdays at 5:45 pm (Dec. 6, 13 and 20). You can call Lorraine Twidale at 306-240-8411 if you need more information. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Doing the little things in life in Christ’s name can be a great way for us to take the steps necessary to become a better disciple. Please give generously to this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of Nov. 14 our parish has 13 pledges for $4090.00. To date the diocese has received 596 pledges for $203,714.00. Scripture Insights – Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 394. The first reading from Proverbs describes the good wife, using some of the imagery applied to Lady Wisdom in last week’s reading from Wisdom. The good wife works skillfully and with love – not only for her family, but also for the needy. “Fear the Lord” has nothing to do with fright. Rather, it describes reverence towards God and obedience to God’s will. In the second reading, Paul addressed a question troubling the Thessalonians – the delay of the end time and return of the Christ. He reminds them that the end will come when people least expect it so they need to stay alert. But because they are disciples (“children of the light”; I Thes 5:5), they have what they need to prepare for this event and need not fear. In the same vein, today’s Gospel provides a parable about how we ought to live as we wait for Christ’s return. A man, before going on a long journey, gives three of his servants huge amounts of money to invest. (In biblical times, a “talent” represented thousands of dollars.) The master, representing Christ, eventually returns to evaluate the servants’ work. He praises two of them for their productive investment of the resources he left them, but the third one is severely scolded because he was fearful and did nothing while his master was away. Clearly, the master has expectations for us. · We are not in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome us. As people of faith, the Light of Christ is always with us, guiding us forward through the darkness. The Light keeps us alert for the coming of the day of the Lord. · God entrusts us with many possessions. As servant-disciples of his Son, the expectation is that we use God’s gifts to multiply their goodness in service of the common good.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND The Trudel Family in Concert Mark your calendar for Saturday December 16 @7:00 St. James Parish Albertville. The Trudel Family is returning for their 15th Christmas Concert along with Jay & Jo who will be sharing some songs from their album Ahatonia. This year in lieu of tickets we ask for you to support the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert. 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 My soul thirsts for you, O Lord my God. Psalm 63 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., Nov. 13 – No mass Tues., Nov. 14 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For all parishioners struggling with health issues by Sandra Senga Wed., Nov. 15 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Father Doug by Audrey Staruiala Thurs., Nov. 16 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Mary McKay by Audrey Staruiala Fri., Nov. 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For all parishioners struggling with health issues by Sandra Senga Sat., Nov. 18 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 18 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Nov. 5: Meadow Lake $2585 Green Lake – $179.00 Children’s Collection $2.00 October CAFT $2355.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Remembrance Day – November 11 – Canadians pause today in silence to remember those who died in war and to pray for the victims of aggression and inhumanity throughout the world. This is a day to pray for peace, to consider what we are doing as individuals, as a community and as a nation to bring God’s peace into the world. Taken from Ordo page 399 New Missals – Missals for the 2023 – 2024 year are now available at the back of the church. The cost is $5.00. Advent Adult Faith Study – Everyone is welcome to share in four 1 hour studies to explore more deeply the Advent Sunday readings beginning the last week in November. Exact dates and times will be decided by participants. Brief meeting with Fr. Uche and Lorraine Twidale after mass on Sunday in the crying room for any one interested. You can also call 306-240-8411 for more information. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The ministries of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal continue their work in support of Faith Formation, Family Life, Catholic Family Services, Indigenous Ministries, Evangelization and Catechesis. Will you help to keep these ministries strong? As of Nov. 6 our parish has 13 pledges for $4090.00. So far the diocese has received 453 pledges for $144,479.00. Scripture Insights – Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 388. According to Wisdom 6, those who seek wisdom will not be disappointed, because wisdom desires to be accessible. Wisdom is indeed needed as we seek to understand the parable of the ten bridesmaids. That the wise, like the foolish, also fell asleep should alert us to think more carefully about the meaning of the parable. The wise in the parable are prepared, bringing both lamps and oil to await the bridegroom’s arrival. When the bridegroom finally appears, the wise, instead of sharing their oil with the foolish, tell the foolish to go to the store to buy oil. Delayed by the refusal of the wise to share their resources, the foolish end up being shut out by the bridegroom, who refuses to share the joy of his wedding banquet with latecomers. How different is the picture in I Thessalonians. While the living may be able to do things that the dead cannot, Paul is adamant that the dead will have priority over the living in the time of Christ’s return: the dead will be raised first. Rather than grieving without hope, worrying about preparations, or hoarding resources, we should, Paul says, “console one another” (I Thes 4:18). Unlike Matthew’s bridegroom who shuts people out of his banquet, the Lord in Paul’s letter will descend from heaven to meet and welcome those who are alive after the dead have been resurrected. While there are order and sequence, there is no rejection. This God welcomes both the dead and the living. For the psalmist, God’s love is steadfast, and God helps and upholds. God’s kindness, power, and glory fill the psalmist, who sings, “as with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied” (Ps 63:6). The psalmist and Paul relate that God provides abundantly and gives reasons for celebrations. · We are constantly readying ourselves for the coming of the Lord. We do this by recognizing the Lord present in the people around us and responding to them as the Lord would. · Acting out of foolishness leads to a lack of preparation for the Lord’s coming, but acting out of wisdom shows our preparedness for the Lord. Learning wisdom involves listening to the Lord and seeing the Lord in the people and all of creation around us. It involves breathing in the life of God and pausing to recognize his presence around us and in us.
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 In you, Lord, I have found my peace. Psalm 131 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., Nov. 6 – No mass Tues., Nov.7 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Nov. 7 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Rick Roth by Barb Levesque Wed., Nov. 8 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Thurs., Nov. 9 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Nov. 10 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Nov. 11 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 12 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 12 – 3:00 pm – (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 29: Meadow Lake $1419.55 Green Lake – $235.00 Children’s Collection $3.25 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our Lady of Peace New Statue – The statue has arrived in Meadow Lake. Once the new stand is prepared the statue will be put in place. The total cost was $9879.00 and so far we have collected $6050.00. Donations are still being accepted if you want to contribute to this project. Thank you to all who have generously donated. Thank You to everyone who supported our Fall Supper. Thanks to Doris, Judi, Mauri and crew for organizing and for all who worked at the supper. We raised $3988.35 for the parish. New Missals – Missals for the 2023 – 2024 year are now available at the back of the church. The cost is $5.00. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Stewardship is a gift from God that enables us to share with others what He has entrusted to us. The bishop’s Annual Appeal is a perfect means of channeling parishioner support to essential ministries that provide care to those in need and support for our mission of evangelization in the Diocese of Prince Albert. Consider giving to this year’s campaign. As of October 30 our parish has 9 pledges for $2390.00. Our parish is asked to raise $15,734.00 this year for the appeal. St. Jude’s Parish in Green Lake is asked to raise $1301.00. So far the diocese has received 344 pledges for $105,256.00. Scripture Insights – Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 380. Today’s readings present two portraits of pastoral leadership. The prophet Malachi conveys God’s message to errant priests. They have not cared for their people, but have “caused many to falter” by their instruction (Mal 2:8). They have not listened to or sincerely obeyed God. God is clearly disgusted. In the Gospel, Jesus has a similar quarrel with the scribes and Pharisees. They “love places of honor” (Mt 23:6), lay burdens on the people’s shoulders, and do not practice what they preach. While acknowledging that their rules must be followed, Jesus warns the people not to imitate them and gives his own vision of leadership in the Christian community: “the greatest among you must be your servant” (23;11); “you have but one teacher, and you are all brothers” (23:8). This community of learners looks to Christ and the Father. In the second reading, Paul describes Christian leadership at Thessaloniki. His affection for his flock is genuine; his efforts to serve them have been heartfelt and strenuous. He has focused on relaying God’s words, not establishing a reputation for himself. We can well imagine Paul praying today’s responsorial psalm and recommending it to his congregation. It is saturated with the Christian character – humility and receptivity to God’s Word. It is as relevant for us today as it was thousands of years ago. How often do we busy ourselves with what we think are “great things”, when the time could be spent on things that bring more peace instead of anxiety? How often do we accept too many responsibilities, taking time and energy away from our home and our families? How often do we convince ourselves that we are too busy to help others? · God will exalt the humble, and God will humble those who exalt themselves. May we go forth this week renewed in our commitment to live as humble disciples who recognize we belong to God’s community of people who tend to the world and its people with love. · The prophet Malachi reprimanded the leaders of his time for not following the Lord’s ways of justice. May we recommit ourselves to the covenant the Lord made with us to love and care for all people equally as the Lord cares for us. Impartiality is God’s way of justice. Let us uphold faith with one another.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada is raising funds for the Palestinian people besieged in the southern Gaza Strip, who are in urgent need of help. Facing a near-total blockade and ongoing bombardment, our partner Caritas Jerusalem urgently needs help to provide food, water, shelter, hygiene kits, healthcare and psychosocial support to the wounded, the displaced and the bereaved. 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 I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18 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., Oct. 30 – No mass Tues., Oct. 31 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 31 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Dale Cameron by Chris & Pat Bencharski Wed., Nov. 1 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - All Saints Thurs., Nov. 2 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - All Souls Fri., Nov. 3 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Wayne Bettcher by Chris & Pat Bencharski Sat., Nov. 4 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 5 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 22: Meadow Lake $916.40 Green Lake – $256.25 Children’s Collection $1.75 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for November – For the Pope – We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our Lady of Peace New Statue – The statue has arrived in Meadow Lake. Once the new stand is prepared the statue will be put in place. The total cost was $9879.00 and so far we have collected $5850.00. Donations are still being accepted if you want to contribute to this project. Thank you to all who have generously donated. All Souls Day – The Church sets aside November as a month of remembrance for the faithful departed. Take time to pray for those you know who have died. You are also invited to write the names of people (family and friends) who have died and you would like us to remember and pray for. Place the names in the basket which will be placed before the altar at our liturgies. This has been a tradition here in our parishes. Christmas Shoebox – Our parish is once again collecting shoeboxes for the needy. Shoeboxes can be picked up at the back of the church. More boxes have been ordered, also an ordinary shoebox can be used. All shoeboxes must be at the church on or before November 12th. For gift suggestions and information google SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC Knights of Columbus – Special thanks to Gary Bell, Geoff Frey, William Murray, Chris Bencharski and Francis & Marijana Purnoko for preparing the pancake breakfast last Sunday. Also thanks to those who helped to clean up after breakfast and to set up for the Fall Supper – Jack & Cheryl Russell, Larry & Rose Sawatzky, Elaine Mattock and Chris & Pat Bencharski. Net proceeds of $236.10 will be used to support the “Coats for Kids” program. The next breakfast will be on November 26 after mass. Proceeds will go to supporting Meadow Lake’s Homeless Shelter. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – We sometimes need to remind ourselves that God has given us all the resources and we are but stewards of what we have been given. The ability of the Church to be fruitful in today’s world is dependent on the willingness of the faithful to nourish the church with our gifts through such things as the Sunday collection and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Our parish is asked to raise $15,734.00 this year for the appeal. St. Jude’s Parish in Green Lake is asked to raise $1301.00. Please give generously as you are able. Scripture Insights – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 372. When Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, he replies with a dual commandment: love of God and love of neighbor. There is neither opposition nor separation between these two loves, as if one must choose one over the other. One cannot have one without the other. Jesus has no problem, then, loving people by understanding their need for food or by healing them on the sabbath, a day that some think should be reserved solely for loving God (see Mt 12: 1 – 14). The way Jesus juxtaposes these two loves as dual and the greatest commandment implies that the violation of neighbor violates God and the commandment. · To live as imitators of the Lord is the heart of discipleship. In our journey through the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus has taught us through word and action how we too are to heal, nourish, welcome, and love not only our neighbors but also our enemies, strangers, and those deemed the least by society. We are to imitate his way of compassion and love. This is the way of the cross, the way of life, the way of the kingdom of God. · Jesus is the example par excellence of compassion – of suffering with another, of having intense support and love for another. As his disciples, our mission is to stand with others in their time of need. We stand against oppression in any form, welcoming the stranger and upholding widows and orphans.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Diocesan Pastoral Council - October 28 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Plaza 88 in Prince Albert 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 I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Psalm 23 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., Oct. 16 – No mass Tues., Oct. 17 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 17 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Annie Santos by Jane & Ed Weber Wed., Oct 18 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Rick Roth by Jane & Ed Weber Thurs., Oct. 19 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - In Thanksgiving by Louis & Yolande Gratton Fri., Oct. 20 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For family members who are ill by Sandra Senga Sat., Oct. 21 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Oct. 22 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 22 – 3:00 pm – (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 8: Meadow Lake $1867.60 Green Lake – $67.00 Children’s Collection $10.95 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – For the Synod – We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world. Daily Rosary during October – Please join us daily at 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday during October. We will also say the rosary before Sunday mass beginning at 9:30 am. Our Lady of Peace Statue – The new statue has arrived! There is still an opportunity to donate to help cover the cost of the statue. So far $5850.00 has been generously donated. World Food Day – October 16 – A World Food Day has been promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization since 1981. The Church is concerned about the issue of hunger in the world, remembering the words of the Son of Man on the last judgment of the nations, “. . .I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. . .” (Mt 25:35) Taken from Ordo page 376 CWL and Ladies of the Parish – There will be a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 1:30 – 2:30 pm in the church. Sylvia Jones and Shirley Lamoureux, guest speakers representing the diocese, will be present to speak on “The Unity Program”. Bring a friend. If you have any questions please phone Marie Mamchur at 306-240-6155. Knights of Columbus – The knights will be having a pancake breakfast next Sunday, October 22 after mass. Come out to enjoy their delicious pancakes! The Knights will be having a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 24 after the evening mass. Pastoral Council Meeting – The next Pastoral Council Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 25 after the 6:30 pm evening mass. Pastoral Council is focusing on three main areas: Catechism, Communication and Evangelization. Finance Council Meeting – The finance Council will meet at 1:00 pm on October 25. Parents of Catechism Students – There will be an organizational meeting for parents and an introduction of the sacraments on October 29 following mass. Our Lady of Peace Fall Supper – Our Fall Supper will be held on Sunday, October 29. Stay tuned for more details. Christmas Shoebox – Our parish is once again collecting shoeboxes for the needy. The main reason to pack a shoebox is to ensure that children from the poorest families of the world know that someone cares, which is demonstrated by receiving a shoebox that is filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items. Shoeboxes can be picked up at the back of the church. More boxes have been ordered, also an ordinary shoebox can be used. All shoeboxes must be at the church on or before November 12th. For gift suggestions and information google SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC Communion to Shut-ins – We are planning to start taking communion to the shut-ins and the sick who are unable to come to mass. If you would like to receive communion at home please register with the parish office – provide name, phone number and address. We hope to provide this service on the last Friday of each month. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will begin this weekend, October 15, 2023. It is time for us to do what we can to support the programs and ministries that benefit both our parish and the wider community. For example, the children’s catechetics program, youth and young adult events and retreats, and programs such as the Forming Intentional Disciples initiative with “Called and Gifted” Training, Catechist Formation and Appreciation, Pastoral Care Initiative “Horizons of Hope”. Your gift and your prayers will help to make this year’s appeal a success. Our parish is asked to raise $15,734.00 this year for the appeal. St. Jude’s Parish in Green Lake is asked to raise $1301.00. Every contribution counts. We can do this if, after thoughtful consideration and prayer, every one of us gives according to our ability. Scripture Insights – Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 360. Today’s parable from Matthew compares the kingdom of heaven to a king and his lavish feast for his son’s wedding. This king’s behaviors are rather disturbing. Since some of his original guests declined his invitation to tend to their farm or business, they are people with resources, and the banquet is not meant to provide for the needy. The subsequent filling of the banquet hall with people off the street reads like a face-saving move, given how the king gets upset with a replacement guest who does not dress right. How could he expect all to have the proper attire when they were just gathered off the streets? His burning the cities harms more than those who arrested, attacked or killed his slaves. Note that the parable never indicates who is making this comparison and that it is part of Jesus’ response to the religious leaders, who question his authority after his celebrated entry into Jerusalem and his cleansing of the Temple. The closing statement, “Many are invited, but few are chosen” (Mt 22:14), may conclude Jesus’ series of three parables instead of merely this parable. In fact, this statement hardly fits the parable since the king kicks out only one guest. Those chosen may refer to people who reject this parable’s comparison. Psalm 23 and Isaiah 25 also present God as one who provides abundant food and drink, but they present a different picture of God. In these passages, God is a provider and a protector rather than a temperamental tyrant. We see a similar expression of faith by Paul in Philippians 4. Because Paul has experienced both prosperity and paucity, he has learned the secret that Christ is sufficient and can strengthen him to face any situation. God, for Paul, is one who will meet our every need. · We have been journeying throughout the liturgical year to the feast of the kingdom. Our response to God’s invitation to the feast might have ebbed and flowed from week to week. In prayer this week, consider your response to the invitation. Will you come or refuse to come? Will you be prepared? · Preparing ourselves for the feast of the kingdom requires that we frequently check in with ourselves about how we are living the Gospel values Jesus has taught us along the journey. Have we cultivated humility, compassion, and justice? Admitting where we still need God’s forgiveness, asking for it, and changing our lives as we need to are also important ways we prepare for the kingdom feast.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Diocesan Pastoral Council - October 28 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Plaza 88 in Prince Albert Speakers: Bishop Stephen Hero; Mary Martin with the Diocesan Called and Gifted Team; Responsible Ministry (protocol update); Diocesan Communications; Finance Representative; World Youth Day Representatives Deadline for Registration: Friday, October 20, 2023 Register with Debbie McHarg, Resource Center, projectassistant@padiocese.ca or call 306-922-4747 ext. 229 EMBRACING THE CALLS TO ACTION In honor of our 80th Convention, the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) would like to extend an invitation to the faithful of the Prince Albert Diocese to attend our TRC evening with Chief Wilton Littlechild and Fr. Ken Thorson OMI, moderated by Sandi Harper. This event is part of CHAS' annual convention taking place from Oct. 26 - 27th, 2023. To accommodate as wide an audience as possible, we are holding the presentation at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Ave S. Date: Oct. 26th. Presentation 7 - 9 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. A suggested donation of $10 would be welcome. For more information about the presenters or the convention go to: queenshouse.org OUR LIFESTYLE AND OUR OVER-STRAINED PLANETOCTOBER 9, 2023 A A A In a book, The Book of Hope, which he co-authored with Jane Goodall, Douglas Abrams makes this statement: Creating the human race may be the single biggest mistake evolution ever made. He says this tongue-in-cheek since he recognizes that the emergence of the human race was clearly intended by the evolutionary process and that rather than being a colossal mistake it is the apex of the process. Nonetheless, today, the human race is a huge threat to planet earth. Simply put, there are now over seven billion people on the planet and already in many places we have used up nature’s limited resources faster than nature can replace them. By the year 2050 there will probably be ten billion of us. If we carry on with business as usual, the planet simply cannot sustain us, at least if we continue in our present lifestyle. And the lifestyle referred to here is not, first of all, the lavish lifestyle of the rich who can be reckless and consume more than their share of resources. They, of course, contribute to the problem and unduly influence the rest us in our own habits of consumption; but, the lifestyle referred to here is what you and I, conscientious consumers, are living, even as we conserve, recycle, compost, drive electric cars, and try to live simply. I can take myself as an example. I’m trying to be sensitive to what my own consumption is doing to mother earth. By comparison to those who have a luxurious lifestyle, I can claim to live pretty simply. I don’t buy what I don’t need, have a very small wardrobe, and am cautious about the amount of electricity and water I use. I drive a second-hand compact car and try to drive it only when necessary. I help assure that the thermostat in our house is set so as to ensure the minimal use of electrical energy, and I live in a relatively small house, recycle, and try to use as little plastic as possible. But, on the other hand, I have two computers, a desktop in my office and a laptop at home. I have a cellphone which, through the years, has had to be updated four different times in terms of buying a new model and junking the old one. I shower daily and, depending upon physical work and exercise, sometimes take a second shower. I drive a car. I get on an airplane at least once a month for conferences and meetings and I fly internationally several times a year to visit family. I don’t have a lot of clothes, but my ministry and work require a certain standard of dress (which I meet minimally). I think I can claim a simple lifestyle, given where I live and the work I do. However, realistically, if all seven (plus) billion people in the world lived as I do, there wouldn’t be enough resources to sustain us. Bottomline, the world cannot support eight billion people if everyone lives as I do, and as most of us do in the more affluent parts of our world. What’s the answer? We can lay a guilt trip on ourselves and on others, though this isn’t necessarily helpful. What can be helpful? There’s no easy answer. Those of us living in the more affluent parts of our world can make changes, but can we simply stop using computers and mobile phones? We can conserve water, but can we abandon our present standards of hygiene? We can conserve electricity, but can we simply stop driving our cars and darken all our city buildings at night? We can be more scrupulous on how much we travel on airplanes, but can we live without airplane travel? We can cut back on what we buy in terms of excess food, excess clothing, and excess luxuries and entertainment. We can recycle, compost, and not use plastic bags – and all of this, cumulatively, will make a difference. Indeed, all of this needs to be done. However, helpful though this is, it alone will not solve the problem. For Jane Goodall, beyond these individual things, we need to do some collective things to solve the existential threat to this planet. Goodall names three: First, we must alleviate poverty. If there are people living in crippling poverty, it is understandable that they will cut down the last tree to grow food or catch the last fish because they are desperate to feed their families. Second, we must eliminate government corruption and corporate greed. Without good government and concern for the common good in business, it is impossible to solve our enormous social and environmental problems. Moreover, those who for their own benefit refuse to face the problem will go on unchallenged. Finally, collectively too, we must realistically face up to the tension between our lifestyle and the ever-growing population on this planet. Thoughtless consumers are part of the problem – but so are the rest of us, me included, who fancy ourselves as living simply. A message from Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI 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 vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel. Psalm 80 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., Oct. 9 – No mass Tues., Oct. 10 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 10 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Dustin Hofer by Jane & Ed Weber Wed., Oct 11 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Jerry Hofer by Jane & Ed Weber Thurs., Oct. 12 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +John Weber by Jane & Ed Weber Fri., Oct. 13 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) -+Lena Weber by Jane & Ed Weber Sat., Oct. 14 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Oct. 15 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Oct. 1: Meadow Lake $1855.75 Green Lake – $32.00 CAFT $2300.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – For the Synod – We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world. Thanksgiving Day – It is fitting for God’s people to offer public thanks for all the gifts we have received. The bountiful produce of the earth is a visible sign of the many blessings God wants to shower on us through Christ. Our God also wants us to share the goods of the earth with all people. Daily Rosary during October – Please join us daily at 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday during October. We will also say the rosary before Sunday mass beginning at 9:30 am. Our Lady of Peace Statue – The new statue has arrived! There is still an opportunity to donate to help cover the cost of the statue. So far $4850.00 has been generously donated. CWL and Ladies of the Parish – There will be a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 1:30 – 2:30 pm in the church. Sylvia Jones and Shirley Lamoureux, guest speakers representing the diocese, will be present to speak on “The Unity Program”. Bring a friend. If you have any questions please phone Marie Mamchur at 306-240-6155. Our Lady of Peace Fall Supper – Our Fall Supper will be held on Sunday, October 29. Stay tuned for more details. Communion to Shut-ins – We are planning to start taking communion to the shut-ins and the sick who are unable to come to mass. If you would like to receive communion at home please register with the parish office – provide name, phone number and address. We hope to provide this service on the last Friday of each month. Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will begin next weekend, October 15, 2023 and the diocese needs our support. It directs the many programs and ministries that impact the lives of individuals and families. For example, the Catholic education of our children, the preparation courses for marriage, baptism, confirmation, and the education of future deacons. The theme of this year’s appeal is “Believe Love Share … In Jesus”. Your gift and your prayers will help to make this year’s appeal a success. Every contribution counts. Scripture Insights – Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 354. Both of our Old Testament passages today refer to God’s people as a vine that God has planted deliberately and carefully. Despite God’s efforts, something goes wrong with the vine in both scenarios. While Isaiah 5 clearly faults Judah, the vine, for failing God’s intention with its social injustice in the eighth century BC and threatens its destruction, Psalm 80 is a plea for God to restore this ravaged vine. Matthew’s parable extends this metaphor by referring to God as a landowner who planted a vineyard and rents it out to tenants, but these tenants end up trying to take over the vineyard with violence, including the killing of the landowner’s slaves and heir. The parable ends with a similar declaration as Isaiah 5: God expects a harvest or produce of right(eous) fruits and will not tolerate injustice. · We are the people of God’s vineyard. God looks out for us and tends to our needs. God cherishes us, saves us, and grants us peace as we journey to Jerusalem with Jesus. · God gives us the responsibility to produce fruit in the divine vineyard. The arrogance and self-righteousness of the chief priests and elders have no place in the vineyard of the kingdom. Rather, the virtues of truth, honor, justice, purity, love, and grace are ours to adopt as we produce fruit in the divine vineyard. They are the way of humility, the way of the cross, the way of Jesus.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Diocesan Pastoral Council - October 28 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Plaza 88 in Prince Albert Speakers: Bishop Stephen Hero; Mary Martin with the Diocesan Called and Gifted Team; Responsible Ministry (protocol update); Diocesan Communications; Finance Representative; World Youth Day Representatives Deadline for Registration: Friday, October 20, 2023 Register with Debbie McHarg, Resource Center, projectassistant@padiocese.ca or call 306-922-4747 ext. 229 Happy Thanksgiving 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 be mindful of your mercy. 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., Oct. 2 – No mass Tues., Oct. 3 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Oct. 3 – No mass (Fr. Uche away at Clergy Study Days) Wed., Oct 4 – No mass (Fr. Uche away at Clergy Study Days) Thurs., Oct. 5 – No mass (Fr. Uche away at Clergy Study Days) Fri., Oct. 6 – No mass (Fr. Uche away at Clergy Study Days) Sat., Oct. 7 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Oct. 8 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Oct. 8 – 3:00 pm – (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Sept. 24: Meadow Lake $1016.35 Green Lake – $40.75 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for October – For the Synod – We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world. Daily Rosary during October – Please join us daily at 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday during October. We will also say the rosary before Sunday mass beginning at 9:30 am. Our Lady of Peace Statue – The new statue should be arriving soon. There is still an opportunity to donate to help cover the cost of the statue. So far $4850.00 has been generously donated. Parish Pictorial Directory – Our Parish is producing a pictorial directory in order to help us acquaint ourselves with one another and strengthen the bond of our faith community. The photographer will be taking pictures from October 17 – 21 inclusive from 1:30 to 8:30 each day and from 9:30 to 4:30 on Saturday. We will be phoning members of the parish to book appointments. There is no cost to get your picture taken and you will receive a free pictorial directory for taking part. You will have the opportunity to purchase photos if you wish. Communion to Shut-ins – We are planning to start taking communion to the shut-ins and the sick who are unable to come to mass. If you would like to receive communion at home please register with the parish office – provide name, phone number and address. We hope to provide this service on the last Friday of each month. Scripture Insights – Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 346. Today’s parable from Matthew is part of Jesus’ response to the religious establishment’s question about his authority. In many ways, the parable repeats a consistent emphasis throughout Matthew. The difference between the two sons in the parable is that one fails to do what he says, and the other ends up doing what he fails to say. What matters is not what you hear and say but what you do (see Mt 7: 21, 24). Note also how Matthew’s Jesus ends this parable with not only a mention of how prostitutes and tax collectors will enter the kingdom before the religious establishment but also multiple references to belief. Belief for Matthew is not something merely in one’s head; a change of mind must involve a change in actions. We find this emphasis on doing right not only in the mouth of Matthew’s Jesus but also in the actions of Christ, as indicated in the well-known hymn in Philippians. Christ is praised for his coming in human form and dying on the cross, but the significance of these is set in the context of his deference to God and his generosity to humanity – or what we do with and for others (see Mt 25: 31 – 46). This hymn’s emphasis on humility is also seen in Psalm 25; to be able to take instructions to change, one has to be humble and teachable. This is also what the religious leaders lack; hence, they accept the authority of neither John nor Jesus. Ezekiel 18 is an affirmation of God’s justice and a call to responsibility, repentance, and right actions toward others. With a humble and teachable mind, one is not limited by the past but can change interactions with others and one’s relationship with God. ● Stubbornness and arrogance will only lead to frustration as we attempt to discern God’s will. Humility will create a sense of openness to a way of life that we might not yet imagine. · Humility will help us turn from our own conception of fairness to God’s. A humble mind and heart bring an abundance of life, whereas an arrogant and wicked mind and heart not aligned with God’s bring death.
DIOCESAN NEWS AND BEYOND Diocesan Pastoral Council - October 28 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Plaza 88 in Prince Albert Speakers: Bishop Stephen Hero; Mary Martin with the Diocesan Called and Gifted Team; Responsible Ministry (protocol update); Diocesan Communications; Finance Representative; World Youth Day Representatives Deadline for Registration: Friday, October 20, 2023 Register with Debbie McHarg, Resource Center, projectassistant@padiocese.ca or call 306-922-4747 ext. 229 |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
November 2023
Categories |