33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 14, 2021

Our Lady of Peace Parish
Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake

Office Hours For Parish Secretary: Monday - Friday: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Office Hours For Fr. Doug: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 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  
 
 “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” - Psalm 16 Refrain
 
November 14, 2021 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
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:
Lorraine Thibeault
Pastoral Council Chair:
Doris Beaubien
 

In Saskatchewan, the nurses and doctors in our hospitals and Intensive Care Units continue to struggle to accommodate the sick. People we know in our communities continue to fall sick, suffer and, in some cases, die. Our average daily case rate and death rate continue to be among the highest per capita in Canada. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Please encourage one another to get vaccinated.  Wearing masks, sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings also help. Let us be safe and care for one another. Please be aware that if you HAVE NOT been vaccinated and you choose to join us for liturgy, you are EXPOSING YOURSELF TO SERIOUS RISK because of the COVID-19 virus.
 
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH and the PARISH OFFICE!
2. The next Songs at Seven will take place on November 18 at 7:00 pm.
3. Catholic TRC Healing Response Appeal in English and French
   https://www.padiocese.ca/news-articles
4. You are invited to write the names of your deceased loved ones on paper and bring them to the parish and place them in the basket before the altar.  We will pray for them during the month of November.
5. Just a little reminder about Operation Christmas Shoeboxes. You can still pick up a box and pack it! Boxes are available at the Parish Office and at the back of the Church. Please return the boxes to the Church or the Parish Office by noon on November 18, 2021.
6. November 14 – World Day of the Poor – Instituted by Pope Francis in 2017 so that, “throughout the world Christian communities can become an ever-greater sign of Christ’s charity for the least of and those most in need.”
7. Don’t forget to register for the evening with Fr. Richard Leonard SJ! See below for further details!
8. Have you made your contribution to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal?
9. 2021 - 2022 Sunday Missals are available on the table at the back of the church for $5.00 each.  A box is available at the back of the church for recycling of the old missals.  Thanks for being conscious of our environmental stewardship responsibilities.

 

Mass Intentions

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

Mon., Nov. 15 – No mass - Personal Intention

Tues., Nov. 16 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Sonny & Therese Bishop by Marty & Val Bishop

Wed., Nov. 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook)  NOTE CHANGE IN MASS TIME FOR TODAY!
+Pamela Ollenberger by Theresa Tourand

Thurs., Nov. 18 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Wilf & Rose Morgenstern by Marty & Val Bishop

Fri., Nov. 19 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Dave Pope by Marty & Val Bishop

Sat., Nov. 20 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, ML) - +Paula Weguitz by Carmelita Cameron

Sun., Nov. 21 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., Nov. 21 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Church, Green Lake - People of God

 
What Are We Waiting For? Finding Meaning in Advent and Christmas. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.  Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ will be joining us via Zoom to help us prepare for the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. Through a series of stories and reflections, we will be invited to reflect anew on the gospel stories heard during these days. If you want to take part in this presentation from the comfort of your own home you can do so by using the following link to REGISTER or you can join us here in the Church to watch the presentation. In this case, please contact the parish office (306-236-5122).
If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations.
 
Regarding Snow in the Church Yard – It has been the custom to pile snow along the south side of our property. It is my intention to continue this practice. This year I am thinking of blocking the south entrance to the Church yard. Too many vehicles run donuts or race through the property at night. As they spin, they rev the engine and I am awakened. Hard to get back to sleep and hard for me to function the next day. This is of special concern on Saturday nights! If you have any thoughts about blocking the south entrance, please let me know.
 
CWL NEWS

1. “Baby Shower Project”.  We invite parishioners to join with us to donate new baby items (blankets, baby books, clothing, quilts, etc.).  Jesus said: “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers (and sisters), that you do unto me.”  Let us give Jesus gifts through the young mothers, fathers and babies of Meadow Lake & area who need help.  The donated items will be given to the local Kids First organization for distribution.
2. Christmas Card Project - Last year the CWL ladies gave Christmas cards to all the Seniors in the Northland Pioneer Lodge.  This year we would like to expand this wonderful project with the help of our parishioners. How can you help? Do you know of any people who are shut in within the community who would appreciate a Christmas card? Please submit their name and address to the Parish Office by email ([email protected]) or by phone (306) 236-5122!  We also need more hands.   Would you be interested in buying or making cards, writing a short note and signing it with your name, CWL Ladies or Our Lady of Peace Parish. The cards can be dropped off at the parish during office hours or in the collection basket at the entrance of the Church. If you have any questions let us know. We are grateful for your help!
3. 2022 Catholic Women’s League Membership Fees of $30 are now due.  Please drop off your payment in the collection basket in an envelope clearly marked with your name and CWL or in-person at the Parish Office Monday to Friday, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Your receipt may be picked up from the pew in the entrance of the church.

 
Pope Francis Intention for November:  Each month our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has a special prayer intention for the Church. This month the Pope is praying for those who suffer from mental health challenges. We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life. The Pope reflected on our need to reach out and support one another. You can see the Pope’s reflections by checking out the Vatican website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-11/pope-francis-november-2021-prayer-intention-depression-sufferers.html
 
Sunday Collection – Sunday Nov. 7th:           Our Lady of Peace Parish:   $1,067.40
St. Jude’s:   $271.75
 
Preparing for the Feast of Christ the King and the Youth Day – As we look forward to the end of our liturgical year, it is important to understand the Feast of Christ the King and how it prepares us for the season of Advent! The following is taken from the Ordo – Liturgical Calendar 2020-2021 p 401. “This feast day is dedicated to eschatological themes: Christ the King will restore all creation and restore his kingdom to the Father. The risen people of God will rejoice in a new heaven and a new earth. “There, with the whole of creation, freed from the corruption of sin and death, may we glorify you through Christ our Lord” –
This Sunday, November 21, 2021 is also dedicated to the World Youth Day.  Pope Francis’ Message for the XXXVI World Youth Day was published Sept. 27, 2021.  This year’s World Youth Day will be held at the diocesan level on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 21 with the theme: “Stand up.  I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen.”  (cf. Acts 26:16).  The message is available in various languages at the following websites:  Vatican:  https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/youth/documents/papa-francesco_202110914_messaggio-giovani_2021.html  Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life:  http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/GMGmessage2021.html 
 
Reverse Collection – Yes, we will have the Reverse Collection again this year! More information will be available next Sunday in the Parish Bulletin! Stay tuned!
 
Furnishing a Room in the Northwest Community Lodge. As a Catholic Parish, it is important that we are engaged in the life of the community. Many of our Elders (Family and Friends) are residents of The Lodge. As a parish we will donate $12,00.00 to furnish a room at The Lodge. Our donation will provide the following: new beds with many functions to support each resident’s needs, new mattresses, bed side tables, chairs, built-in desk and closets in each suite. Each resident will have their own private washroom as well.
Parishioners can donate with a cheque payable to, “Our Lady of Peace Parish” indicating it is for “Furnishing a room at NCL”. When we reach $12,000.00 the parish will make a contribution to the Northwest Community Lodge Association. Your donation will be added to your envelope total and your envelope will be receipted as per usual. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Doug or Pat Bencharski!

THE BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: “To Serve and Give His Life”:  Our Liturgy Office helps our parishes to learn how to do good liturgy.  Have you ever attended the annual Chrism Mass, a baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist, a wedding or an ordination?  These celebrations are supported through the ministries funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.  Help continue to support these vital milestones of our faith through a gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.  If you have already sent in your pledge, thank you for your generosity.  If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to do so, the Appeal Office would like to have all pledges received on or before December 31, 2021.  If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information or didn’t receive the information, additional pledge cards are available from the Parish Office.
 
How are we doing? The goal for Our Lady of Peace Parish is $16,417. As of November 8, 2021, we have received pledges amounting to:  $5,804.00. The goal for St. Jude’s Parish is $1,228.00 and we have received pledges amounting to:  $700.00. The Diocesan goal is $450,000.  The Diocese has received pledges in the amount of $154,687 with 473 donors.
 
Glasgow COP26 (Oct 31-Nov12) – Highlights - Taken from Sr. Darlene’s work – Day 12 on the following website: https://crc-canada.org/en/.
The theme of the day is Cities, Regions, and Built Environment (or buildings). As with each day, there have been many activities, some on the theme, and some on other topics.
I got ahead of myself yesterday, as today was the launch of the Beyond Oil and Gas (BOGO) initiative, which is co-led by Costa Rica and Denmark. The initiative commits to the end of oil and gas production and exploration. Other countries/regions who were part of the launch were Ireland, Wales, Italy, Sweden, Greenland, New Zealand, Quebec, and California, with an indication that talks with others to join are ongoing. This is an effort to take leadership on the transition from fossil fuels, which continues to be a hesitation at COP26, despite the goals of the conference and targets being set for emissions reductions.
 
Sessions today highlighted the important roles of cities, urban areas, and sustainable buildings mitigation and adaptation. 70% of total greenhouse gas emissions come from cities. In the city of Toronto, for example, 40% of its emissions are from buildings due to things like inefficient energy use (lack of energy retrofitting), use of fossil fuels for energy, and unsustainable building materials. As well, pollution and poor building design and development already impact health and safety, particularly of urban Indigenous and racialized communities, and children. The climate crisis will increase those impacts significantly. It is essential, then, that cities start taking the lead in energy efficiency, sustainable buildings, and city and community design that incorporates nature and community-level inclusion.
 
On another note, yesterday saw a great session called “Catholics at COP26” with an informed panel to discuss how COP26 looks to them, what some of the Catholic and other faith initiatives have brought to the event, and some theological framing for this moment. Faith communities certainly showed up at COP26, and it’s wonderful to see their leadership and global reach. Dr. Lorna Gold from the Laudato Si’ Movement stated that there are really two COPs – the negotiated outcomes COP and the People’s COP – and there is such a disconnect between the two. However, witnessing to hope, as Dr. Carmody Grey shared, is part of our faith, and the Church must refuse to settle for a poor outcome to COP26.
 
Notable Quotes:  “When you are on the verge of the abyss, it’s not important to discuss what will be your fourth or fifth step,” Guterres said. “What’s important to discuss is what will be your first step. Because if your first step is the wrong step, you will not have the chance to do a search to make a second or third one.”
Antionio Guterres, UN Secretary General
 
Stories, Impressions, Reflections
“It’s hard to believe business and finance leaders when they haven’t delivered before. We simply don’t believe it. But I am here right now to say: prove us wrong. I am actually here to beg you to prove us wrong. God help us all if you fail to prove us wrong. God help us.” Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan youth activist. I feel like sitting with these words, even though they are painful to take in.
 
Today, our delegation listened to the voice of another young woman, Indigenous poet Tanaya Winder speaking the poem “Stone Mother.” She speaks of tears creating a lake and words as seeds to be planted with care. “Follow our lead, for we have always been well versed in survival.”
 
A speaker today from Nigeria said you don’t need much to survive. Why can’t we do with less and live with the earth and each other in ways that we all have enough?
 
Hope and lament certainly run through this event and through this moment. We pray that they both carry us forward as we continue to work for climate justice.
 
To follow COP26 online go to the COP26 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UNClimateChange
 
Scripture Insights – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2021:  The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 392.   Apocalyptic literature arose in periods of strife and persecution.  Two examples are the latter half of Daniel, written around 150 BC, and the Revelation of John, written during the Roman persecution of Christians at the end of the first century AD.  Presented as God’s revelations to the faithful who live in fear, they exhort people to remain true to God, who will not desert them.  Usually a cataclysmic battle ensues between the forces of evil and God, who is the ultimate victor.  A glorious ending is painted for those who remain true to God.  Apocalyptic literature used symbols easily recognizable to the audience but often strange to subsequent generations.  Many of our images of heaven come from scenes at the end of Daniel and Revelation.
 
The reading from Daniel shows a shift in Jewish thinking about life after death.   According to the Pentateuch and the prophets there was no afterlife.  People lived on in the memories of their descendants, and punishment and reward were carried out in subsequent generations.  This is why God talks about blessings being carried into the thousandth generation of those who love God, while curses last through the third or fourth generation. (Notice the disparity in duration.)  With the advent of unceasing persecution, however, some Jews developed a theology that allowed for God’s reward or punishment to take place after death, when “those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.”  The idea of an afterlife would eventually call up images of fire, heavenly cities, deep pits, and the names of the faithful written in the book of life.
There is a flavor of the apocalyptic in Mark’s account of the Gospel this week.  Cosmic reversals will occur, the Son of Man will come in the clouds to gather the elect, and heaven and earth will pass away.  But Jesus assures us that his words will not pass away, and the Father will be in control.

• Belief in the afterlife developed over time in Jewish history.  The ancients did not believe in an afterlife but did believe that actions would carry over to descendants.  Jesus taught us about the Father, heaven, and God’s plan for his beloved creation.
• We believe in the resurrection of the dead at the end of time.  We will be like Jesus and will have resurrected bodies.
• How do the faithful encourage one another in love, goodness, and good deeds?  This encouragement is what we must commit to do for one another.
• We must understand what is forever ands what is temporary in our lives.  That which is of God and life eternal is forever; so many small things in life are passing minutia.

 
Diocesan Synod – We are forming a Parish Committee to organize how we will celebrate the Synod. If you are interest in helping out, please be in touch with Fr. Doug!
 
Advent/Christmas Schedule (This schedule is subject to change depending on Covid-19 regulations)
This year during the Advent Season we will be celebrating reconciliation in our faith communities as follows:
 
December 12 - after the Sunday mass in Waterhen Lake
December 19 - after the Sunday mass in Green Lake
December 21 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake
December 22 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake
 
*Please note!  If these times do not work for you, call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with Fr. Doug!
 
This year during the Christmas Season we will be celebrating the Eucharist in our faith communities as follows:
 
Friday, December 24 - at 5:00 pm in Waterhen Lake
Friday, December 24 - at 8:00 pm in Green Lake
Friday, December 24 - at 10:00 pm in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook)
Saturday, December 25 - at 10:00 am in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook)
 
Our Sunday Liturgies will be as follows:
 
December 26 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook)
December 26 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake
January 2 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook)
January 2 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake
 
During the week after Christmas
 
Tuesday, December 28, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
Wednesday, December 29, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
Thursday, December 30, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
Friday, December 31, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)

• a Holy Hour will follow the mass.

Saturday, January 1, 10:00 am in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
 
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND
 
5-Week Advent Virtual Bible Study – Wednesdays - Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22 at 7:00 p.m. This bible study will begin the week following Fr. Richard Leonard’s presentation. The bible study content will be the Advent Sunday and Christmas Eve Gospels and our method will be Lectio Divina and small group sharing. Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. To take part in this program from the comfort of your home, please click on the following link to REGISTER or contact the parish office (306-236-5122) if you would like to join us in the Church.
 
If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations.
 
THE LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM will be launched on November 14th. It allows Catholic parishes, schools, families to take tangible steps so that their actions reduce their impact on God's Creation, our common home. Each group will create a 7-year plan. The platform is easy to use, allowing you to obtain a certificate later.  https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/.  The Green Churches Network is the official partner of the Laudato Si Platform for Action in Canada. For 15 years now, this charity has been helping churches to care for our common home through concrete actions and a spirituality based on integral ecology.  https://greenchurches.ca/  All of these links can also be found on our Website under Social Justice.
https://www.padiocese.ca/social-justice.
 
What’s your Catholic IQ?   Last bulletin’s question and answer: Using a fish as a symbol of Christ dates from the early days of Christianity, was a secret way early Christians showed other believers that they were Christian and was used because the Greek word for fish formed an abbreviation of Jesus titles.
This week’s question:  In Christian art, icons are: (a) mazes (b) modern pictures of the crucifixion (c) sacred representations of Jesus, Mary or the saints used in Eastern churches (d) always mosaics. [pg.21, #15]