6th Sunday of Easter - May 9, 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
 
“Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth: The Lord has freed his people, alleluia” Cf. Isaiah 48.20
 
May 9, 2021  - 6th Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day)
 
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
Finance Council Chair:

Mass Attendance:  If you would like to attend mass on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings in Meadow Lake, please call the Parish Office 306-236-5122 BEFORE FRIDAY NOON and leave a message.  Reservations are necessary as we have limited capacity (30 people), and we do not want to turn someone away from the door.

SaskHealth/Diocese of Prince Albert Regulations – The presence of the Covid-19 variants continues to cause concern among health care professionals. The variants spread quickly and seriously impact our health and well being. Statistics show that they are also having a significant impact on younger people. Let us continue to exercise caution and get a vaccine if our doctors tell us we can. The virus has not gone away. As a result of the latest guidelines published by SaskHealth and communicated to us via our Bishop, Our Lady of Peace Parish can accommodate a total of 30 persons at each of our Saturday evening (7:00 pm) mass and Sunday morning (10:00 am) mass. If you would like to take part in our liturgy you must register, maintain social distance, wear a mask and sanitize your hands. A virtual liturgy continues to fulfill our Sunday obligation. Our Liturgies at Green Lake and Waterhen Lake are likewise limited by these regulations.
 
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Mother’s Day – Congratulations and blessings to all our mothers and to those who fill a mother’s role.  We are so grateful for all your kindnesses and your love.
2. Beginning May 1 and continuing throughout the month of May, each day, rain or shine, we will gather at the Grotto at 6:00 pm for the recitation of the rosary. Covid-19 protocols are in place. We can be (physically) 10 people asking Mary to intercede for us, but we cannot be more than 10 people.
3. Beginning May 6, Fr. Doug will be out of the Office on Thursday afternoons.
4. Join us for another Songs at Seven episode, Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 pm
5. Saturday, May 15 will be the second of two presentations on the RCIA for those who have said yes to helping us welcome people who want to join the Church.
6. Steps/Ramp of Parish Office – Some settling of soil has taken place. We will repair this as soon as possible. Please stay to the north side of the steps; for now, do not utilize the ramp. Thanks!
   
   

Mass Intentions
 
Mon., May 10 - Personal Intention

Tues., May 11 – 9:30 am (Facebook) - Frey Family by Geoff Frey

Wed. May 12 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Violet Ernest by Joanne Martel
 
Thurs., May 13 - 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Doreen Sinclair by Wilf Sinclair
 
Fri., May 14 - 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Virginia Sinclair by Wilf Sinclair

Sat., May 15 – No mass because of the RCIA Workshop
 
Sat. May 15 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall, Meadow Lake) - People of God
 
Sun. May 16 - 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God

Sun. May 16 - 12:30 pm (St Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God
 

 
Pastoral Council Meeting Report: The Parish Pastoral Council met on Wednesday, May 5 at the Parish Hall. The Council began by reviewing some upcoming dates of interest for the Parish. Fr. Doug will be away for his retreat from May 24-June 1. June 4th is a tentative date for 3 candidates to celebrate their confirmation and first communion. Our Bishop elect, Fr. Stephen Hero, will be ordained Bishop and installed on June 11. Details forthcoming. Sr. April Mireau will be professing her final vows with the Sisters of Presentation on June 12. July 9 is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Peace.
 
Fr. Doug made mention of his involvement on the Evangelization and Catechesis Commission. The Commission members are studying the new Directory for Catechesis. The Directory is available for reading online, and Fr. Doug encouraged people to read the document. He highlighted two things about the Directory – the importance of meeting people where they are at, answering their questions rather than leaving them with information ‘we’ think they should know and the importance of realizing that everyone is responsible for sharing faith/helping others deepen their experience of Jesus and his death and resurrection.
 
As we reflected on our life here at the parish, it was noted that people are generally happy to take part in the live-streaming events – masses offered on Facebook. People really miss socializing as a parish community – visiting with folks around mass and parish events. We noted the generosity of parishioners around our food gathering projects. Sacramental celebrations have been reduced because of the pandemic. Some folks reconnecting with the parish via Facebook livestreaming. Longing to gather as a parish community for prayer, social moments, potlucks, K of C breakfasts and other moments.
 
We discussed a different approach to Baptismal Preparation – encouraging people to read the Gospel of St. Luke to get to know Jesus. The review of the ritual itself is still done so people are at ease during the ritual itself.
 
Next fall our sacramental programs will begin. This year 3 children will be confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time on June 4. The size of the gathering will be set by SaskHealth and Diocesan directives
 
We also discussed how we welcome adult people into the church and back to the Church. Seven people from our parish are taking part in the RCIA workshops on May 5 and 18 to see what we might be able to do. A good group of people are interested in helping. We also talked about how we welcome people back to Church. It is hard to simply walk in the doors of the Church. How might we encourage one another. The focus should not be on knowledge but rather hospitality.
 
The idea of having a parish mission with Sr. Rita and Sr. Diane (Sisters of Presentation) was discussed. This will be explored further.
 
We acknowledge that in our community Gangs/Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Domestic Violence are problems that ordinary people are working with. How might we help them? This needs some more reflection. Bring in speakers from the RCMP, Meadow Lake Mental Health Services? Let us talk about this and surface some ideas.
 
A mass with elements of Cree language and culture within it will be celebrated in Green Lake on May 16. Further efforts to bring healing and reconciliation will be developed and celebrated as we leave Covid19 behind.
A report from the Finance Council noted that the Landscape Committee has met and has begun its work. As of today, we are trending behind our total income for this quarter last year. We need to encourage one another not to forget to make our contributions to the Parish.
 
While the CWL are not having formal meetings, they continue to quietly make an impact in our parish community and beyond. They have had a successful drive for food (Door of Hope) in December, they have led the World Day of Prayer in early March, they had a successful St. Patrick’s Day tea and quilt show which was done through Facebook, they have prepared Easter cards for staff and residents at The Lodge, and they have had some additional online events. Likewise, the Knights spearheaded two highly successful food drives and they have had various online presentations and events.
 
All in all, the sense of the Council members is that people seem to be pleased with what we have been doing as a Parish.
 
Easter – The meaning of the Season (Taken from p 167 The Source Book For Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, Liturgy Training Publications, Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, 2019) – …. the season of Easter is a preferred time for other celebrations of the sacraments of initiation.  Many dioceses schedule Confirmations during Easter Time.  For those parishes whose Confirmation celebrations occur close to or on Pentecost, the link between Baptism and Confirmation—between the Paschal Mystery and the descent of the Holy Spirit—is all the more apparent.  Baptism itself has a “paschal character” (OBC, 9), and celebrating the Baptism of children on Sundays of Easter emphasizes the initiatory character of the season, especially for those who were not present for the Baptisms at the Easter Vigil (and doing so especially during the Eucharistic liturgy).  First Communion practices vary widely from parish to parish and diocese to diocese, but one common thread is that they are often celebrated during Easter Time.  Even other sacramental celebrations, such as ordinations and weddings, frequently occur during the Easter season.  All of these celebrations are invariably joyful, and celebrating them maintains the joy of Easter throughout the entire season.
 
Landscaping Plans & Committee:  The Landscaping Committee met on Tuesday for a first meeting. We made some notes and gathered ideas. We will have some ideas for your consideration within the week. Stay tuned.
 
Fr. Kendrick from Goodsoil will be taking some time for prayer/retreat this week, and I will be covering for him. Please say a wee prayer for him that his time of prayer will renew him and deepen his commitment as a pastor for the people of Goodsoil, Pierceland and Loon Lake.
 
Grotto Rosary Project - May 2021 - Please note this project may be adjusted because of Covid-19. During the month of May, it is my hope to have people from the parish come and pray the rosary every day at 6:00 pm at our Grotto. I have prepared a list of intentions for the month. You are asked to come – rain, snow, wind, sun, or mosquitos and lead the rosary. All people are invited to come (masked, social distancing – not more than 10 people total), so you may not be alone. If you sign up to lead the rosary, you are responsible for leading the rosary! You can lead the rosary in the language of your choice, regardless of who else is there. If you need help to lead the rosary, an outline will be available in a plastic bag in Fr. Doug’s mailbox!
May   9 – For all mothers, living and deceased
May 10 – For the gift of peace
May 11 – For those who are struggling with addictions – led by Judy Barker
May 12 – For the grace to forgive ourselves – led by Marcella Miller
May 13 – In gratitude for the gift of the earth – led by Elsie Michel
May 14 – For the blessing of our seeds and the fields that receive them
May 15 – For farmers – their work with animals and fields – led by Marie Mamchur
May 16 – For those who work in our forests
If you would like to sign up to lead the rosary at the Grotto – rain or shine – just call Lorraine at the Parish Office (306) 236 5122 to let her know which day you would like to volunteer to lead. If Lorraine is not in the office when you call, please leave her a message with your name & phone number and the date you would like to lead.  She will return your call.  You are welcome to come any night at 6:00 pm to join with whoever is praying as long as we do not exceed 10 people. There is no need to register if you just want to come and pray.  Looking forward to seeing you as we gather in the presence of Our Blessed Mother, seeking the favour of the Lord.
 
SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH: May 2021 Webinar Series:  Join in this series to explore signs that new missional perspectives are bringing life to local congregations.

• Each Thursday in May, starting May 6 at 3 pm (Saskatchewan) on Zoom.
• 2 pm BC, 3 pm Alberta, 4 pm Manitoba, 5 pm Ontario & Quebec, 6 pm Maritimes, 6:30 pm Newfoundland

Free registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqf-ytqzosGdVoDhE6gNcveFr2JjU4-WCd
For further information, contact Archdeacon Cheryl Toth at [email protected].
May 6: Unmasking the Post-Covid Church  May 13: Fabulously Flourishing in the Local Church
May 20: Blessed to be a Blessing ... The Stewardship of Opportunity
May 27: To The Regions Beyond: Spiritual Care in Under-served Areas
This series is planned in the spirit of the LAURC Covenant by the Ecumenical Stewardship Committee of the Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle, the Saskatchewan Synod of the ELCIC, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina.
 
May the Month of Mary 2021

From the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis:  As Pope Francis has reminded us "The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view." In his May letter to the faithful Francis invites the faithful to pray the rosary and offers two additional Marian prayers that he is also committing to pray at the end of his rosary each day. Find the letter and prayers here:   http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2020/documents/papafrancesco_20200425_lettera- mesedimaggio.html

Also, Pope Francis is inviting all Catholics and Marian Shrines around the world to dedicate the month of May to a marathon of prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read the full article here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-04/pope-francis-shrines-may-2021-prayer-end-pandemic.html

Marian Activities for Children:  Marian Treasure Hunt from Loyola Press
Honouring Mary with Your Kids from Catholic Icing
In 2018 a new Marian feast day was introduced. It is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, this year May 24, 2021. Here are some ideas for celebrating the day Mary, Mother of the Church (Feast Ideas for Kids) from Catholic Icing

Marian Activities for Children from Busted Halo:  The Rosary in Two Minutes; How did the Rosary become associated with Mary; Mary in Two Minutes; and Who were Mary's Parents and What do We Know About Them?
More Resources from Loyola Press

Adult Faith Resources
Marian Resources from Loyola Press
The Rosary in Two Minutes from Busted Halo 
For more children, youth, and adult faith resources go to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis webpage or follow us on Facebook.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE - BOARD AGM:  Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Little Log Church @ St. Laurent Shrine.  If you are interested in attending, please call Linda at 306-763-3014 or 306-941-1976.

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES
CLIMBING THE ROCK – A Program for Youths Exposed to and Healing from Trauma
This class is being offered For teens between the ages of 13 and 17 years over two Saturday sessions.
Date: May 8 and May 9 Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Transportation available
No fee – This class is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services
 
RIDING THE WAVE - A Program for Children ages 6 - 12 exposed to Violence and Trauma and their families.  This class is being offered over a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) Date: May 15 and 16
Time: 9 am to 12 noon.  Transportation provided if needed
No fee – This class is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services

CALMING THE STORM- Anger Management for Adults - THIS IS A VIRTUAL CLASS.
A new session is posted each Monday for six weeks. The participant has the full week to view the lesson and complete the assignments.  Date: Week of May 24 – June 28
Time: At the convenience of participant within each one-week period
Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
PARENTING FROM THE HEART – For parents/caregivers of children 5 – 12 years
Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
AFTER THE STORM – A support program for women who have left or are leaving an abusive relationship.  Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
TAMING THE TIGER – Anger management for children 5 – 12 and their parents/guardians
Date: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6  Time: 9 am to 12 noon  Transportation available
No fee – this program is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services

To register or for more information, call:   Catholic Family Services 922-3202 or 1-877-922-3202 or email  [email protected]


What’s your Catholic IQ?   Last bulletin’s question and answer:  The saint who loved animals so much that animals are now blessed on his feast day is (b) St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226).  He is the patron saint of ecology, the science of caring for our whole planet.  He was famous as a peacemaker.  He founded the Franciscans.  This week’s question:  The patron saint of France who cut her hair and dressed in armour to lead the army was (a) St. Joan of Arc (b) St. Mary Magdalene (c) St. Genevieve (d) St. Gertrude.