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Parish Bulletin

3/25/2022 0 Comments

4th Sunday of Lent - March 27, 2022

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3/18/2022 0 Comments

3rd Sunday of Lent - March 20, 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: [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  
 
“The Lord is merciful and gracious.” Psalm 103 Refrain
 
March 20, 2022 - Third 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

Mass 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., March 21 – No mass - Anonymous

Tues., March 22 – 6:30 pm – No mass - +Charles Belanger by Florence Morin

Wed., March 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Kay Nagel by Theresa Rodrigue

Thurs., March 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Health of family by Sandra Senga

Fri., March 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Health of family by Sandra Senga

Sat., March 26 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake)  - Health of family by Sandra Senga

Sun., March 27 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., March 27 – 12:30 pm (St Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God

Sun. March 27 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake) - People of God

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
  1. The next Songs at Seven will take place March 24, 2022 at 7 p.m.
  2. 40 Cans for Lent:  The Knights of Columbus are 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 be generous!
  3. Way of the Cross – Fridays at 6:30 pm throughout Lent!
  4. March 19 is the Feast Day of St. Joseph. We will have mass on Saturday at 9:30 am to celebrate this special day!
  5. On Saturday afternoon, March 19, we will have a funeral service at 2:00 pm for Frank Bruce. Let us pray for him and for his family as they grieve his death!
  6. Fr. Doug will be out of the Office on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, so the office will be closed. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday evening.

 
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 and continuing for three more weeks on Wednesdays (March 23, 30 and April 7), Fr. Doug will present 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 him for these presentations which will be on Facebook at 7:30 pm. This week we will look more closely at the stories of the births of John and Jesus.
 
Synod 2021-2023 Information:  The parish synod committee is preparing 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. Thank you for sharing with us! Please know that you matter, and we have made space for you!  You can follow the diocesan Synod plans here: https://www.padiocese.ca/synod2023.  The next Diocesan Synod Zoom session is Missionary Disciples (Sharing Responsibility) – March 23rd.  REGISTER HERE
 
Sunday Collection – March 13:  Our Lady of Peace:  $1385.00; St. Jude Parish: $117.00

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 an understanding of the Oblate ministry in Ukraine at this time.
Fr. Ken Forster, OMI says that 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.
Photo:  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 [email protected]. 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.

Scripture Insights - Third 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. 132.  Exodus indicates that despite an appearances to the contrary Israel’s God continues to act in the people’s lives.  In last Sunday’s Scriptures, God’s promises to Abram (that his descendants would become a great nation and inherit the promised land) seemed threatened.  The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, after all.  But a faithful God established a covenant to fulfill those promises.
 
God assures Moses that the divine plan will continue to unfold, asserting, “I have come down to rescue them” (Ex 3:8).  In revealing the divine name, “I AM,” God offers a relationship of intimacy to Moses and the Israelites (3:14).  By identifying this self-revelation with “the God of your fathers” (3:15), the Lord once again takes the initiative, offering mercy and protection and promising Israel that God’s promises will never fail them.
 
The second reading and Gospel point out that God expects the proper response from a covenant people.  Paul, recalling the desert journey of his ancestors, remarks that some of them did not rely on God with confidence.    Even after deliverance from slavery, they expected complete and immediate fulfillment, doubting and grumbling.  As a result, they did not reach the promised land.  “These things,” the apostle warns, “happened as examples for us” (1 Cor 10:6).
 
Luke also focuses on the need for human cooperation with a saving God, in the form of repentance.  In the Bible, “to repent” calls for much more than words of regret or sorrow for sin.  True repentance requires action, a complete turning away from sin and returning to God.  Jesus indicates that the God who offers new life demonstrates great patience in waiting for and aiding our return.  But ultimately, no response yields no fruit:  God cannot bring us to resurrection unless we cooperate with acts of true repentance.
 
  • God calls Moses from a place of awe and reverence to go out and be a voice for God to the Israelites.  After encountering God in the burning bush, Moses returns to face Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  He acts on God’s call.  So too does God call each of us from a place of awe to a place of action.  Our reverence for creation must propel us into active care for it.
  • Today’s Gospel calls us to repent of social sins.  Jesus quickly answers the dispute over whether the Galileans’ suffering made them greater sinners.  “By no means!” Jesus says (Lk 13:3).  It’s not their fault they experienced violence.  Survivors of violence should not be blamed—then or now.  What are the structural failures within society that cause people to suffer violence?
  • After years of trying, why did the orchard owner stop believing in the tree this year?  What causes us to lose faith?  How can we regain hope?
 
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
 
Diocesan Youth Rally – The Prince Albert Diocesan Youth Ministry team invites the youth of the Diocese to participate in a Youth Rally on April 23, 2022 (a day filled with fun, music, talks, food, faith, and fellowship) featuring Facetoface Ministries.  Youth are welcome to bring a friend.  Cost:  $25 each until April 9th. (after April 9th the cost is $35 each).  Location:  Plaza 88 Event Centre, Prince Albert.  Sponsored by the Bishop’s Appeal. To Register and for Rally information go to:  www.padiocese.ca/news-highlights-events . 
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.

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 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.

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 April 3, the 5th Sunday of Lent. Your generosity supports 85+ projects in 27 countries!
  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 [email protected].

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 20 - The power of mobilized citizens:  One of Development and Peace’s strengths is our ability to mobilize thousands of Canadians like you to amplify marginalized voices from the Global South. Our partners want businesses to not be able to perpetrate abuses in their countries with impunity.  That is why our People and Planet First campaign is asking you to help ensure that Canada adopts strong due diligence laws to prevent Canadian corporations from abusing human and environmental rights across their global operations.  Sign our petition for this at devp.org/act and spread the word. Thank you for supporting our campaign!
 
Lenten Listening – Reading Scripture In/Through Different Voices:  Join us for this exciting series of Lenten Listening and praying.  To obtain the link, email: [email protected]
How do the ancient holy words speak to us today, especially through the lens of those from different ethnic and racial perspectives?  Join us on Zoom for five Thursdays and one Wednesday in lent. March 10-April 13, 2022, 7:00-8:30pm.  For more information, contact –
The Rev. Matteo Carboni, Humboldt – [email protected]
The Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier, Watrous – [email protected]

Sacred Places and Spaces:  March 2022 seminar on Ecumenical Stewardship:You are invited to join in our March 2022 series of Ecumenical Stewardship seminars. Join us Thursday March 24 at 3pm (SK time) for Loving Our Neighbours! (again).  Carla Leon and Zoë Chaytors will engage us in the question of how we practically interact with our communities and use our physical resources in mission for the good of all.  Registration required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpduiurjIuHdE69wI-4LGI5vlHO0mGqViK

Deacon Tai Le will be ordained on Friday, June 10th, 2022 at 7 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert.  Keep Deacon Tai in your prayers as he continues to prepare for priesthood and for a life of service of God’s People.  https://www.padiocese.ca/news-articles

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3/12/2022 0 Comments

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: [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  
 
“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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

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.


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3/8/2022 0 Comments

1st Sunday of Lent - March 6, 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 1pm-4:30
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  

“Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.” Psalm 91 Refrain
 
March 6, 2022 - First 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 10, 2022 at 7 p.m.
 
  1. Please exercise caution when you come to the Parish Office/Church as our parking area has a lot of ice.
 
  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. The Gospel of St. Luke – This year each Sunday 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. 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.
 
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 7 – No mass - Personal Intention

Tues., March 8 – Funeral Liturgy - Tavin Bear - No parish mass

Wed., March 9 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Beatrice Belanger by Florence Morin

Thurs., March 10 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wilfred Morin by Florence Morin

Fri., March 11 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wanda Glasser by Florence Morin

Sat., March 12 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake) - +Vanessa Beaumont by Florence Morin

Sun., March 13 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., March 13 – 12:30 pm (St Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God

Sun., March 13 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Parish, Waterhen 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 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. In addition, February is on track as one of the worst months for deaths due to Covid-19. 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 Weather permitting (-15 or warmer), we will have our parish winter celebration on Sunday, March 6th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the parking lot of Our Lady of Peace Parish. Bring your kids and grandkids! Connect and re-connect with parishioners you have not seen for a while! Games, music, hot dogs, marshmallows, fire, hot chocolate, lots of snow and wonderful people! The Parish Hall will be open for those who prefer winter indoors!

Synod 2021-2023 Information:  Please return your survey questionnaires by March 6th. 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:
· Main Synod Questions (Belonging/Listening/Speaking Out) – March 9th REGISTER HERE
· Missionary Disciples (Sharing Responsibility) – March 23rd REGISTER HERE
 
Green Lake News about the Synod: Could you please return your completed forms to Fr. Doug by March 6th at the latest! Thanks!
 
Aid to the Ukraine: Here are two possible ways to assist the people of the Ukraine: Development and Peace -https://www.devp.org/en/campaign/people-planet-first/share-lent/ Open link and click the “Donate” button
 
MAMI (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) - Ukrainian Oblates give shelter to people in their houses. In Ukraine there are about 30 Oblates in 9 houses, serving areas such as Kyiv, Rokitne, L’viv, Tyvriv and Chernihiv who have been providing us with regular updates. Thousands of refugees from Ukraine have fled to Poland where the Oblates there have opened their houses and churches to shelter the people. Parishioners and others who were not able to evacuate have also taken refuge in the basements of Oblate parishes in Ukraine.
See short video of the reality in an Oblate house sheltering families - Published on Wednesday 2 March 2022
https://www.omiworld.org/2022/03/02/ukrainian-oblates-give-shelter-to-people-in-their-houses/
If you want to support Ukraine through the Oblates send through MAMI. 
You can donate on-line through our website: www.omilacombe.ca/mami/donations; 
E-transfer to [email protected];
Call our office directly 1-866-432-6264; or 
Send cheque payable to AMMI Lacombe Canada MAMI and mail to 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9. Income tax receipts are available for all donations.
 
Let us keep the Ukrainian Nation in our hearts and prayers as they undergo this cruel oppression. Fr. Ken OMI

Sunday Collection – Feb. 27:  Our Lady of Peace:  $3,151.53; St. Jude Parish: $41.00

LENT – The Meaning of the Season: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with two possible abjurations: to “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return,” or to “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” These are the formulas that may be used during the reception of ashes as the minister places the ash on the forehead of the penitent. It is crucial to understand this aspect of Lent: no meaning can be derived from the season of conversion without a true understanding and confrontation of the nature of the participants, a people embarked on a journey toward holiness, but a people, nonetheless, marked by sin and failure. The placing of the ashes on the forehead is an enactment of our fallen reality. (This was more literally an enactment in the early Church in certain regions of the world when, after receiving their ashes, penitents were ejected from the church for the duration of Lent, as Adam and Eve were banned from the Garden of Eden.) You are dust; the solution to your state is to repent and believe in the Gospel.
The Lectionary readings reiterate this. During this phase—until Sunday of week 3—the readings speak of temptation and faithfulness, gluttony and fasting; of transfiguration, repentance, and punishment; of cultivating good fruit and cutting out the barren; of thirst and longings that are not slaked by water. Within each of us resides that longing. Like the people in these Gospels, we are restless, seekers, longing for something we struggle to identify. The self-examination and disciplines of Lent encourage us to track that restlessness to its source. This feeling of desire and searching has been poignantly characterized by St. Augustine in his Confessions: “My heart is restless until it rests in you, O God.” The point of our Lenten practices is not to congratulate ourselves on how holy we are becoming; rather, they are to help us see that true peace resides not in us but in God. 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
 
First 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. 118
At Jesus’ baptism, God declared him “beloved Son” (Lk 3:22), filled with the Holy Spirit. In today’s Gospel, that same Spirit tests Jesus, subjecting the divine Son to a completely human experience: temptation. Like Israel, repeatedly called “God’s son” in the Old Testament, Jesus is led into the desert. For Jesus’ contemporaries, the wilderness served a dual purpose; there one might encounter temptation; there one might encounter God.
            The first reading demonstrates both realities. Moses recalls the testing that Israel experienced in the long desert trek, but also God’s abiding presence, revealed in “signs and wonders’ (Dt 26:8). Moses then makes a fitting response to the God who guarded Israel in the wilderness: he offers grateful praise and adoration.
            In his desert experience, Jesus too undergoes testing, facing subtle but repeated temptation. He has been assured of divine approval, favor and presence. Should he use his status as “beloved Son” to his own advantage? Go ahead, the tempter seems to say; use the divine power within you to turn stones to bread, never hunger again, and amaze others with your abilities!
When Jesus relies on the One who truly feeds him, the tempter tries again: if you won’t use your exalted position to your own advantage, then turn your allegiance away from God, toward me! Like Moses, Jesus knows the better way: I serve and worship God alone, the one power greater than evil. In a third attempt, the tempter tests God’s own Word and Jesus’ identity as Son of God. In reply, Jesus banishes the tempter and amply proves himself to be “Son” by obedient reliance on God. The evil one “departed…for a time” (Lk 4:13); Luke notes that even the Son of God will endure continued testing.
 
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND
 
Living the Lord’s Prayer – a Lenten Retreat offered by Bishop Stephen Hero at St. James’ Parish, Albertville, SK on March 8 & 9. Mass is celebrated at 7:00 pm with Bishop’s talk to follow. Livestreaming is available at the Diocesan Facebook page.
 
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 6, 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.

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3/4/2022 0 Comments

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 27, 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 1pm-4:30
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  

“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.” Psalm 92 Refrain
 
February 27, 2022 - 8th 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:
 
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 gatherings also help. Despite our fatigue of COVID and restrictions, the virus has not gone away. Let us be safe and care for one another.
 
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
Effective March 1, MASKS are NO LONGER REQUIRED when you enter the Church and the Parish Office!

The next Songs at Seven will take place March 3, 2022 at 7 p.m.  

Please exercise caution when you come to the Parish Office/Church as our parking area has a lot of ice.  

The Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday Liturgies in the Meadow Lake Cluster – March 2 – 12:30pm – St. Jude’s, Green Lake; March 2 – 6:30pm – Our Lady of Peace, Meadow Lake (live-streamed).  Ashes will be shared with the people of Our Lady of the Smile at the next Sunday liturgy.  
March 4, 2022 - World Day of Prayer will be held at the United Church on Friday at 1:30pm.  
Coming Soon! Our Winter FunDay is set for March 6th!  
Are you making plans for how you will live your Lenten Journey this year?  
 
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., Feb 28 – No mass - Personal Intention
Tues., March 1 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Leslie Morgenstern by Marty Bishop
Wed., March 2 – 12:30 (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - Personal Intention Catherine Gardiner
Wed., March 2 - 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God
Thurs., March 3 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Personal Intention Catherine Gardiner
Fri., March 4 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous
Sat., March 5 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake) - Anonymous
Sun., March 5 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God
Sun., March 5 – 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.

Beginning March 1st, we will make changes to how we gather and to how we gather to celebrate our faith. The changes will begin to be implemented at the beginning of March and will impact our liturgical celebrations here in the Meadow Lake Cluster:

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 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. 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. In addition, February is on track as one of the worst months for deaths due to Covid-19. 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. 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.
For our liturgical celebrations:
At Our Lady of Peace, 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.
We will continue with our sanitizing practices – hands, spaces etc.
We will have music/singing throughout the liturgy.
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.
We will have processions: at the beginning of mass, at the Gospel, at communion and at the end of mass. 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.
The Sunday collection will continue as is.
The gifts of bread and wine will not be brought up in procession.
At the Sign of Peace, we will greet one another with a word or gesture (a wave or bow).
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.
Only the Body of Christ will be offered during the Communion Rite and only in the hand.
During the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, the ashes will be sprinkled on the head of the faithful.
​During the Holy Thursday Liturgy, we will not have the Washing of the Feet.
During the Good Friday Liturgy, the faithful are asked to bow or genuflect before the cross. Touching the cross is not encouraged.  

WINTERFUN DAY Weather permitting (-15 or warmer), we will have our parish winter party on March 6th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the parking lot of Our Lady of Peace Parish. Bring your kids and grandkids! Connect and re-connect with parishioners you have not seen for a while! The Knights of Columbus have graciously agreed to take care of the fire and to provide wieners (with buns and toppings) and marshmallows for roasting. We will have some games for people to engage in! Some might want to do something creative with snow! Bring your sticks for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Brin your chairs to sit near the fire! Enjoy the music! For those of you who would like a less active/more social day, you can come and visit and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate around the fire! The Parish Hall will be open for those who prefer winter indoors! If you would like to help with a game or some aspect of our WinterFun Day, please be in touch with Fr. Doug! Please follow directions for parking!

Synod 2021-2023 Information:  The responses to our Synod questionnaire are coming in. We look forward to hearing from you. Please return your survey questionnaires by March 6th. You can return them when you come to mass, email them to the parish or drop by the Parish Office when it is open.  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.

There are numerous opportunities provided by the Diocese and our parish to take part in the Synod. Please do take some time, pick one of the options available to you; share your thoughts and listen to others. If you don’t speak, we cannot hear you! If we don’t listen, voices will be unheard! 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:
· Main Synod Questions (Belonging/Listening/Speaking Out) – March 9th REGISTER HERE
· Missionary Disciples (Sharing Responsibility) – March 23rd REGISTER HERE
 
Each household in the parish is asked to pray our Synod Prayer, every day, from now until the end of March when we submit our thoughts and reflections to the Diocese.

Prayer for the Synod
We stand before you, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and
not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.  Amen

Green Lake News about the Synod: Could you please return your completed forms to Fr. Doug by March 6th at the latest! Thanks!
 
Sunday Collection – Sunday, Feb 20:  Our Lady of Peace Parish:  $ 652.00; St. Jude Parish: $35.00

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time:  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. 104
In today’s first reading we hear several wise sayings of Ben Sira, the author of the Book of Sirach. Each is a metaphor to help us recognize that our secret motives and intentions will be revealed in our words. Whether good or bad, we cannot keep them hidden.
            In the second reading, Paul recalls the words of the prophet Hosea and exclaims, “Where, O death, is your victory?” (1Cor 15:55) This question is rhetorical insofar as it is designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize a point. He knows without a doubt that death will never be victorious, because God gave us victory over sin and death through the crucified Christ. Earlier in this letter, Paul describes Christ as God’s wisdom (see Cor 1:22-24).
            The Gospel presents Jesus as introducing a parable with the rhetorical query, “Can a blind person lead a blind person?” (Luke 6:39) What follows is a collection of wise sayings about not judging others lest you come under judgment yourself. The teaching follows promises that the poor and disenfranchised will be blessed in God’s Kingdom and that one’s enemies should be loved.
            *Empathy is a key practice called for in today’s Gospel. Don’t judge another, Jesus says. Each of us have made plenty of mistakes. When you see someone fall short, recall the many times you messed up yourself. Practice empathy. None of us are perfect.
            *Jesus poses big questions in today’s Gospel, ones that require deep introspection. It’s easy to glide along on the surface levels of life by staying busy. How do we create space to dig into the truth within? When do we make time to ask the hard questions like: how am I a hypocrite?
            * Our speech is tested like a piece of pottery put in a kiln, says Sirach. How do our internal thoughts align with our external words and actions? Where do we need improvement?
 
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND
 
Living the Lord’s Prayer – a Lenten Retreat offered by Bishop Stephen Hero at St. James’ Parish, Albertville, SK on March 8 & 9. Mass is celebrated at 7:00 pm with Bishop’s talk to follow. Livestreaming is available at the Diocesan Facebook page.
 
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 practise 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; Sundays beginning Feb 27 and will be posted to the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis page on Mondays
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:
His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey   The last supper Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus’ torture and crucifixion The Resurrection on Easter morning. 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:
Sunday, Feb 27 - Introduction to Lent and Benjamin’s Box 
Sundays during Lent - March 6,13, 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.

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