2nd Sunday of Lent - March 13, 2022

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 9 am-12:00; Wednesday - Friday 10am—12:00 and 1-4:30 pm
Office Phone:  306-236-5122 
Cell Phone: 306-304-7271

Parish Email: olpsecretary@sasktel.net Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@sasktel.net
Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake
Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/
Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5  
 
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Psalm 27 Refrain
  
March 13, 2022 - Second Sunday of Lent
 
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. Doug Jeffrey, OMI
Parish Secretary:
 
Pastoral Council Chair:
Doris Beaubien
 

SaskHealth reminds us that all citizens age 5 & older are eligible to receive a Covid19 vaccine and that booster doses of the Covid19 vaccine are available. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Please encourage one another, including your children, to get vaccinated.  Wearing masks, sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the size of our gatherings also help. Despite our fatigue of COVID and restrictions, the virus has not gone away. Our case count and the number of deaths remain very high. Let us be safe and care for one another.
 
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 

1. Effective March 1, MASKS are NO LONGER REQUIRED when you enter the Church and the Parish Office!

 

1. The next Songs at Seven will take place March 17, 2022 at 7 p.m.

 

1. 40 Cans for Lent:  The Knights of Columbus are once again inviting us to think about our neighbour. Our ‘40 Cans for Lent’ project began Ash Wednesday. Each household is asked to contribute one can for each day of Lent – hence 40 cans for Lent. The contributions from our households will be taken to the Door of Hope at Easter. Please bring cans of fruit, vegetables, soups, beans, chili, fish, or stew or anything else that is non-perishable. Let us be mindful of what we have and let us be mindful of the needs of our brothers and sisters. Let us make this the most generous “40 Cans for Lent” project ever!

 

1. St.  Patrick Day Tea: All CWL members are invited to a St. Patrick’s Day Tea at the Parish Hall at 3 PM  Thurs. Feb.17

 

1. Way of the Cross – Fridays at 6:30 pm beginning March 11!

 

1. March 19 is the Feast Day of St. Joseph. We will have mass on Saturday at 9:30 am to celebrate this special day!

 
 
 

Mass Intentions

When there is a funeral, the daily mass will be cancelled.  Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. 
On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, the Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Mon., March 14 – No mass - Anonymous

Tues., March 15 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace (Church & Facebook) - +Matthew Morin by Florence Morin

Wed., March 16 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Philomene Corrigal by Florence Morin

Thurs., March 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous

Fri., March 18 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous

Sat., March 19 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake) - Anonymous

Sun., March 20 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., March 20 – 12:30 pm (St Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God

 
Lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions: On February 22, I received a letter from Bishop Stephen Hero offering guidance following the lifting of restrictions by the Saskatchewan government on February 28. The letter can be seen on the Diocesan website. I am also aware of the comments made by Dr. Gavin Van de Venter, chief of staff at the Meadow Lake Hospital in the Northern Pride. Dr. Van de Venter reminds us that just over 60% of the people in our area are vaccinated.
We began our implementation of the changes on March 1st, and they will shape how we gather as a community in our Meadow Lake Cluster:

1. During the pandemic, by a special dispensation from the Bishop, people were not obliged to take part physically in the Sunday Eucharist. Our commitment to the faith community was satisfied by our participation in the virtual celebrations. Going forward, barring any illness or physical impediments, we are obliged to gather physically with the members of our faith community to hear God’s Word, to receive the Body of Christ and to pray together as God’s people – asking God for help and praising God for all that is. Our obligation to take part in the Sunday celebration begins with our celebrations for the First Sunday of Lent. We will continue to live-stream our liturgies not only for our community members who cannot join us, but for all who are unable to physically take part in the Sunday celebration.
2. While we are no longer required to wear masks, the virus has not gone away. The latest numbers released by the Saskatchewan Government indicate that the number of people in hospital remains very high. I encourage you to wear masks if you can, to minimize the spread of the virus and to safeguard the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters in faith.
3. When you come to the Parish Office, wearing a mask is your choice. For the time being, I will continue to welcome you while wearing a mask.
4. For our liturgical celebrations:
   1. At Our Lady of Peace, the pews on the west side of the Church will remain as is, for the comfort of those people who are concerned about their health and well-being, and for those with mobility issues. I will take Communion to them. The remainder of the Church is open for people to sit as they would like. At St. Jude’s and at Our Lady of the Smile we will provide space for those who feel a need to continue to social distance.
   2. We will continue with our sanitizing practices – hands, spaces etc.
   3. We will have music/singing throughout the liturgy.
   4. Holy Water will be in the fonts. Feel free to use it or not. I will be adding a teaspoon of bleach to the water to minimize the transmission of bacteria.
   5. We will have processions: at the beginning of mass, at the Gospel, at communion and at the end of mass.
   6. I will wear a mask during the liturgical processions (except the Gospel Procession) and during the Preparation of the Gifts and the proclamation of the Eucharistic Prayer.
   7. The Sunday collection will continue as is. The gifts of bread and wine will not be brought up in procession.
   8. At the Sign of Peace, we will greet one another with a word or gesture (a wave or bow).
   9. Both myself and the Extra-Ordinary Minister of Communion will sanitize our hands prior to the distribution of Communion, and we will wear masks during the distribution of Communion.
   10. Only the Body of Christ will be offered during the Communion Rite and only in the hand.
   11. During the Holy Thursday Liturgy, we will not have the Washing of the Feet.
   12. During the Good Friday Liturgy, the faithful are asked to bow or genuflect before the cross. Touching the cross is not encouraged.

 
WINTERFUN DAY THANK YOU – A huge word of thanks to the people who gathered the games together (Rodrigue Family), who built the fire (Rhys and Pat), who provided refreshments and snacks (Margaret and Judy), the music (Marty) and helped me set up on Saturday (Bill and Lorraine), who took pictures (Marie, Kevin) and to all those who helped with set up and clean up! Thanks to all who showed up and enjoyed the day and the opportunity to come together as a community! It was a wonderful day! THANK YOU!
 
The Gospel of St. Luke – This year at our Sunday masses we will be listening to the Gospel of St. Luke. Beginning Wednesday, March 16th, I will present the first of four one-hour sessions on the Gospel – looking at its structure and themes and stories. If you would like to understand the Gospel of St. Luke a little better, please join me for this presentation which will be on Facebook at 7:30 pm.
 
11 suggestions for fasting from Pope Francis:

1. Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
2. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
3. Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
4. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
5. Fast from worries and trust in God.
6. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
7. Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
8. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
9. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
10. Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
11. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
    
    

Synod 2021-2023 Information:  Please return your survey questionnaires as soon as possible. The committee will gather the information and prepare a synthesis which will be given out to everyone so that we can ‘hear’ what others are saying. The synthesis will also be forwarded to the Diocese as our contribution. We want to hear from you! Please know that you matter, and we would like to make space for you!  You can follow the diocesan Synod plans here: https://www.padiocese.ca/synod2023.  Other Upcoming Synod Zoom Sessions available at the Diocesan Level:
·· Missionary Disciples (Sharing Responsibility) – March 23rd REGISTER HERE
 
Sunday Collection – March 6:  Our Lady of Peace:  $1586.00; St. Jude Parish: $106.00

Aid to Ukraine:  “Oblates do not leave people, even until the end.”  Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi OMI gives interview from the capital city of Kyiv. Follow this interview from Vatican News. You can listen to the full interview to get a understanding of the Oblate ministry in Ukraine at this time. I spent a month with Fr. Pavlo in Rome in 2016 at our Oblate General Chapter when he was Superior of the Delegation of Ukraine and I was Provincial of Lacombe Oblate Province.  Fr. Ken Forster OMI
As Russian artillery pounds Ukrainian cities in hopes of softening up resistance, Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi, OMI refuses to entertain the notion of abandoning the faithful entrusted to his care.  The missionary now serves, with two other Oblates assisting him, as the parish priest of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in the capital, Kyiv. Fr. Ken Forster,  OMI
​
Fr. Pavlo Vyshlovskyi OMI with a load of supplies for distribution. By Devin Watkins
“Ctrl + Click” to follow link to the Vatican News website and interview..  If you want to support Ukraine through the Oblates send through MAMI..  Please help the Missionary Oblates help the people of Ukraine.. 
 
You can donate on-line through our website: www.omilacombe.ca/mami/donations;   E-transfer to lacombemami@sasktel.net. Call our office directly 1-866-432-6264;  Send a cheque payable to AMMI Lacombe Canada MAMI or bring to Parish Office  Mail to 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9.  Income tax receipts are available for all donations.  To date, Thursday March 10th, $75,000 has been wired over to assist the needy through the ministry of the Oblates.
 
 LENT – The Meaning of the Season: Part Two:  Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2022:  The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 110.
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, there is a marked change in the feel of the season.  The entrance antiphon begins with the word “Rejoice,” the Latin word that has given this day its other name—Laetare Sunday:  “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her, / Be joyful, all who were in mourning; / exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”  The colour changes from violet to rose, instrumental music is allowed, and it is permissible to decorate the altar with flowers.  The collect talks about “the solemn celebrations to come,” anticipating the Easter liturgies.
 
After this Sunday, the focus shifts from confronting our fallen nature to contemplating the mystery of Christ and his promise of eternal life.  From Monday of the fourth week until the Triduum, the Gospels recount events from the life of Jesus in order to highlight his healing, life-giving ministry.
 
Again, this conversion journey, while being experienced by all the baptized, takes place in the background of the journey of the catechumens who will complete their initiation at Easter.  As the Church accompanies them in their preparation for baptism, we celebrate the scrutinies on the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent.  On these days, with the worshiping community, the elect encounter that which is flawed and destructive in themselves.  In recognition of this, there is the option to use the readings for the scrutinies, those provided for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent for Year A, for all three years of the cycle:  “Because these Gospels are of major importance in regard to Christian initiation, they may also be read in Year B and Year C, especially in places where there are catechumens” (LMI, 97).  These Gospels provide the context of hope, as we confront our weakness, by providing images of light, life-giving water, and life itself being given to those with faith.
 
Beginning with the fifth week of Lent, the final weeks orient the faithful toward the Lord’s passion: “In the first days of Holy Week the readings are about the mystery of Christ’s passion” (LMI, 98).  The rubrics call for the use of Preface I of the Passion during the weekdays of the fifth week of Lent, while Preface II of the Passion is used on weekdays of Holy Week until Holy Thursday.
 
In this season, through the darkness of late winter, of sin, and of failure, flash brilliant moments of hope.  As we prepare for Easter, we hunger and thirst, for that which we have tasted, and long for still.

Scripture Insights - Second Sunday of Lent:  Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2022:  The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 124. 
 
Today’s first reading opens with a contradiction.  Abram initially expresses complete faith in God’s promises but soon appears to waver, asking how he can be certain they will be fulfilled.  In earlier chapters, the Lord assured Abram that he would be the father of many descendants, who would posses the land of Canaan.  But Abram’s wife Sarai is barren, rendering God’s promises questionable.
 
God responds to Abram’s uncertainty with assurance by founding the promise on a covenant.  In ancient Israel, covenants created familial bonds between two parties and often stipulated mutual privileges and responsibilities.  But the covenant sealed here names responsibilities only for God, not Abram. The promise is unconditional; God swears it through the strange ritual described here.  Animals for sacrifice were cut in half; the blood shed indicated the covenant partners would henceforth treat each other like blood relatives.
 
Each party to the covenant would pass between the halves, as if to say, “May the same be done to me if I break this covenant” (see Jer 34:18).  God moves between the severed animals in the form of fire, a common Old Testament symbol for his presence.  The Lord thus assures Abram that despite appearances to the contrary, the promises rest on the firmest foundation:  God’s unconditional promise, which deepens their relationship.
 
In the Gospel, Jesus’ disciples also need reassurance. Shortly before this passage, Jesus, who was to be “saviour” of all (Lk 2:11), has told his followers that he will suffer rejection and execution (Lk 9:11).  On the mountain, a traditional place of revelation, the disciples receive their assurance:  a dazzling vision of the glory that will follow Jesus’ passion and a glimpse of the divine essence Jesus shares with the Father.
 

• The familiar story of the Transfiguration makes one thing clear:  prayer changes us.  Just as a cloud came over Peter, James, John and Jesus as they prayed together on the mountaintop, so too does God overcome us at times when we pray.  The Divine engulfs us—and then what?  Do we cower in fear and cling to the familiar ways of life?  Or do we heed God’s command to listen?
• Today’s readings are full of rich images of God:  a smoking fire pot, a flaming torch, light, a cloud, and a booming voice.  These images are both deeply earthly and deeply divine—fitting for a God who became fully human, even in suffering and death.
• Find a place to lie down tonight—your backyard or a local park.  Gaze up at the stars, like Abram.   Feel God’s presence and confidence in you, like Abram.  God reveals God’s self through the beauty and vastness of the natural world.  God counted us among the stars that night with Abram and continues to count us as the chosen people.

 
Holy Week and Easter Liturgies 2022
 
Confessions: Our Lady of Peace Parish – Tuesday, April 5th – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – (Fr. Doug and Fr. Kendrick) and on Wednesday, April 6th, Fr. Doug – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm; St. Jude’s, Green Lake after mass on April 3; Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake, after mass on April 10th or for anyone/anytime – call for an appointment.

Palm Sunday Liturgy
            Saturday, April 9th – 7:00 pm – Our Lady of Peace – Church Building
            Sunday, April 10th – 10:00 am – Our Lady of Peace – Church Building and Facebook
            Sunday, April 10th – 12:30 pm – St Jude’s, Green Lake
            Sunday, April 10th – 3:00 pm – Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake

Holy Thursday
            Thursday, April 14th - 5:00 pm – St Jude’s, Green Lake
            Thursday, April 14th – 7:30 pm – Our Lady of Peace – Church Building and Facebook

Good Friday Liturgy
Friday, April 15 – 3:00 pm – St. Jude’s, Green Lake (Lay Ministers)
Friday, April 15 – 12:30 pm – Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake
Friday, April 15 - 3:00 pm – Our Lady of Peace – Church Building and Facebook
Friday, April 15 – 7:00 pm – Prayer at the Cross – Our Lady of Peace Church Building and Facebook

Easter Vigil Liturgy
Saturday, April 16 - 8:00 pm - Our Lady of Peace – Church Building and Facebook

Easter Sunday Liturgy
Sunday, April 17 - 10: 00 am – Our Lady of Peace – Church Building and Facebook
Sunday, April 17 – 12:30 pm – St. Jude’s, Green Lake
Sunday, April 17 – 3:00 pm – Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake

DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND
 
Journey through Lent Virtual Opportunities for Adults and Families
This year’s Virtual Lenten Bible Study will focus on the Passion reading from Palm Sunday, Apr 10, 2022 (Luke 22.14-23.56). The reading will be reflected on over the six Thursdays from Mar 3 until Apr 7 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. each week.  The evening will begin with Lectio Divina, followed by small group sharing on the reading. These are stand-alone sessions, so if you cannot attend them all but would like to attend a few of them, that would be fine. 
Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a traditional monastic practice of reading Scripture to promote communion with God and increase knowledge of God’s word. The chosen reading is listened to four times from four different stances: Lectio (Read), Meditatio (Reflect - Think), Oratio (Respond - Pray), and Contemplatio (Rest - Remain in God’s presence).

Family Faith Formation at Home – Video’s will appear on Facebook: A ten-part video series based on the book, Benjamin’s Box, follows Jesus’ way of the cross through a little boy’s eyes. Each clip in this series, created by local catechists, offers a 15–30-minute session, which contains a short reading from the story Benjamin’s Box followed by a Scripture reading, a craft, a challenge, and a prayer. The series can be viewed on Sundays beginning Feb 27 and concluding during the Easter weekend on the  RC Diocese of Prince Albert: Evangelization and Catechesis Facebook page and later on Mondays on the Evangelization and Catechesis webpage on the RC Diocese of PA website. By the end of the series, children with their families will have heard the Easter story and collected items symbolizing key moments of Jesus’ experience during his last days.  If you would like to purchase a copy of the book Benjamin’s Box, contact our Resource Centre at 306-922-4747 extension 229. For the craft supply list go to https://www.padiocese.ca/family-lenten-resources. 
Here is the video schedule:  Sundays during Lent - March 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10. Holy Thursday - Apr 14; Good Friday - Apr 15; Easter Sunday - Apr 17.  These events are possible due to the generosity of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supporters. A heartfelt thank you to all who donate.

The Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Sacred Heart Cathedral - 1401-4th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK.   All are welcome to attend.

In Conversation: Perspectives on Ecumenism, Reconciliation, and Pathways for Renewal:  The 2022 De Margerie Ecumenical Lecture will be held Tuesday, March 15 at 7pm at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan.  Two bishops -- one Anglican, Bishop Chris Harper, Anglican Bishop of Saskatoon the other Roman Catholic, Archbishop Don Bolen, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina one Indigenous, the other from a Settler background will enter into dialogue and share their journeys towards reconciliation. While confronting the truths of the past, they will reflect on their interrelated commitments to ecumenism and reconciliation. Together, they will help us dream new pathways forward.  To register: http://bit.ly/bishops2.  Attend in-person or view on livestream.  Sponsored by the Les and Irene Dubé Chair in Catholic Studies at STM College and the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism

Elder Abuse:  A one-hour seminar designed to raise the awareness of Elder Abuse will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 1:30 p.m. You are welcome to register as a group or an individual. During this online event, we will learn what Elder Abuse is, how to recognize and respond to it, and valuable strategies to prevent Elder Abuse from happening. Everyone is welcome! Let’s plan to protect!
Please register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsdumprD8pH9SuVVbuLXlqUnNndZ-WUdbW  Link to Poster on Website: https://www.padiocese.ca/respmindioceseevents
 
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE:  This Lent, let’s put people and planet first
This year, Development and Peace — Caritas Canada’s People and Planet First campaign calls you to support our sisters and brothers in the Global South in defending their rights and the planet. Do this by:

1. Donating online at devp.org/give or during the Solidarity Sunday collection on April 3, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Your generosity helps support over 85 projects in 27 countries around the world!
2. Learning more by reading the Mini-magazine and other resources available at devp.org/lent/resources.
3. Signing the petition for strong laws to control Canadian corporations’ behaviour abroad at devp.org/act.

For more information, contact Michael LeBlanc at 306-205-2334 or mleblanc@devp.org.

Development and Peace: a movement of solidarity - Established in 1967, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada is the official international solidarity organization of the Catholic Church in Canada.  We partner with organizations in the Global South that promote alternatives to unjust social, political and economic structures and support women in their quest for equality and justice. With the help of our 11,000+ volunteer members, we inform Canadians about the root causes of impoverishment and mobilize them to act for change. Our Lenten campaign, People and Planet First, offers you the opportunity to help protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems from corporate abuse.  To learn more about and to join our movement, visit devp.org.
 
March 13 - Madagascar: an ecological village to cope with climate change - Development and Peace’s People and Planet First campaign celebrates what solidarity can achieve, even against seemingly impossible odds.  In Madagascar, for instance, Development and Peace’s partner, the Development Council of Andohatapenaka (CDA), empowers people to manage and transform their neighbourhoods.  In the capital region, which is afflicted by flooding and poor waste management, CDA has helped the residents of one vulnerable area to turn their environs into a thriving ecological village. Today, each of the 50 households involved in the project has a vegetable garden, a stove and a solar panel. This transformation reflects a true ecological conversion.  Watch the video at devp.org/lent/act.