31st Sunday in Ordinary Time November 5, 2023

 
        
       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: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected]
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

1. Next catechism class is today after mass.

 
 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.

• Consistency is the hallmark of Jesus’ disciples. Others see the integrity we have as his followers when our words match our actions. When our practice does fall short of what we preach, may we reach out in humility to the Lord and one another, seeking forgiveness.

 
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.