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7/25/2025 0 Comments

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 27, 2025

Today is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Sunday Collection – July 20 Meadow Lake $830.20   Green Lake $300.00 Children’s $0

Sunday Church Attendance –    July 20   Adults 108 Children 18 Total 126

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for July – For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for August – For mutual coexistence – Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious or ideological reasons.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – Pope Francis instituted the world Day for Grandparents and the elderly on January 31, 2021 to highlight the importance of providing adequate pastoral and spiritual attention to the elderly and to call upon communities to manifest the closeness of the Church to them (especially in this time of pandemic). It is to be celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
                                                Taken from Ordo page 190

Congratulations to Elwoar Poduthas for winning the $700.00 scholarship from Our Lady of Peace.

Pilgrimages – The diocese is encouraging the faithful to attend at least one pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year. Our Lady of Lourdes (St. Laurent) in Duck Lake has two more opportunities this year – August 15 and September 8. Please plan to attend if possible. Information on other pilgrimages can be found on posters at the back of the church.

St. Rose de Lima Parish in Cochin is having a special celebration on Monday, August 25 for St. Rose de Lima Day. The celebration will start with mass at 11:00 am followed by a catered lunch. Everyone is invited to attend this celebration. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the church as they need to know numbers for the meal.

Scripture Insights – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2025: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2024, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 276.

The reading from Genesis is a continuation of last week’s first reading, with fewer than ten verses omitted from the story. Because of the missing verses, we do not hear that while Abraham accompanied his visitors on their way toward Sodom, God was deliberating whether to inform Abraham of the plan to destroy that city. Once the Lord has spoken to Abraham about this, Abraham engages the Lord in a conversation about the justice of the plan. God had heard the pleas of innocent people who had been oppressed by the Sodomites and had determined to destroy the city. It was Abraham who spoke up on behalf of the innocent and questioned God’s design to kill them along with the guilty. Abraham reveals himself to be a just man who calls God’s ways into question.
Today’s Gospel on prayer contains material for a great deal of reflection. It begins with Luke’s version of the Our Father, which is slightly different from the better-known prayer in Matthew. Two examples follow the prayer; one represents the importance of persistence in prayer and the other assures us that God hears our prayer.

·         It is tempting to hear “Ask and you shall receive” as justification for any petition. Yet Jesus is very specific about what we should request: sustenance, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit. Examine your prayer life. Do your petitions follow Jesus’ guidance? If not, how can you realign them?

Today is an invitation to reconsider the concepts of guilt and innocence. The reading from Genesis makes a clear distinction, while St. Paul recognizes our universal need for liberation from sin. Let us remember that in admitting to our participation in sin, we do not become less loved. We do become more capable of receiving Jesus’ healing power in communion with our brothers and sisters.

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7/18/2025 0 Comments

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 20, 2025

       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 MON, TUES, THURS & FRI
OPEN : Wednesday 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

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Psalm 15 Refrain

Our Vision:
A Community of Disciples
Our Mission
We commit to form disciples
who joyfully and faithfully
live out the mission of
Jesus Christ
by enriching our relationship
with God and neighbour
through the intercession of
Our Lady of Peace.

Pastor:
Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP
Parish Secretary:
Pat Bencharski

Masses
Intentions

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

Mon., July 21 – No mass

Tues., July 22 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge

Tues., July 22 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) -  +Wayne & Betty Bettcher by Chris & Pat Bencharski

Wed., July 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous

Thurs., July 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous

Thurs., July 24 – 10:00 am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Fri., July 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous

Sat., July 26 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church) - People of God

Sun., July 27 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., July 27 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Sunday Collection – July 13 Meadow Lake $4582.37   Green Lake $323.05 Children’s $9.05

Sunday Church Attendance –    July 13   Adults 99 Children 11 Total 110

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for July – For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.

Pilgrimages – The diocese is encouraging the faithful to attend at least one pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year. Our Lady of Lourdes (St. Laurent) in Duck Lake has three opportunities this year – July 15/16, August 15 and September 8. Please plan to attend if possible. Information on other pilgrimages can be found on posters at the back of the church.

St. Rose de Lima Parish in Cochin is having a special celebration on Monday, August 25 for St. Rose de Lima Day. The celebration will start with mass at 11:00 am followed by a catered lunch. Everyone is invited to attend this celebration. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the church as they need to know numbers for the meal.

Scripture Insights – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2025: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2024, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 270.

In the reading from Genesis, Abraham has some unusual guests. The story continues in the Bible for nearly another five verses after today’s passage. Those verses include Abraham’s wife, Sarah, overhearing and laughing at the announcement that she would have a son within the year. Only we, the readers, know from the opening verse that “the Lord appeared to Abraham” in this sequence (although verse 13 makes this clear, stating, “But the Lord said to Abraham”). Three chapters later, in Genesis 21, Isaac is born to Sarah and Abraham.
The Gospel passage is both familiar and challenging. While the Gospel of John recounts two stories involving the sisters Martha and Mary (see Jn 11, “the raising of Lazarus,” and Jn 12, “the anointing at Bethany”), only Luke tells of this particular incident. The event recorded here, as in our first reading, is about hospitality. It is Martha’s home, and it is she who welcomes Jesus. Mary sits at his feet.

·         As coworkers in the Church, we may look at one another’s vocations with envy or resentment, especially when we feel stressed and overwhelmed in our own lives. We may begin to feel abandoned – not only by others but also by God. Let us take a cue from Martha and take these feelings to Jesus, letting him remind us with tenderness of the call we are all given: to love.

We would all move through the world a bit differently if we recognized Jesus’ reflection in every person we met. We would likely have to loosen the tight grip on our plans and make room for spontaneity. We would have to reorient our attachment to possessions and consider them at the service of all. We would have to step out of the comfort of anonymity to be seen and known by others.

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7/11/2025 0 Comments

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2025

Our Lady of Lourdes (St. Laurent) pilgrimage on July 15/16. Fr. Uche will be attending on July 16. More information about these dates is on the poster at the back of the church.

  Sunday Collection – July 6 Meadow Lake $1377.25   Green Lake $389.50 Children’s $2.60

Sunday Church Attendance –    July 6   Adults 111 Children 13 Total 124

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for July – For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.

Pilgrimages – The diocese is encouraging the faithful to attend at least one pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year. Our Lady of Lourdes (St. Laurent) in Duck Lake has three opportunities this year – July 15/16, August 15 and September 8. Please plan to attend if possible. Information on other pilgrimages can be found on posters at the back of the church.

St. Rose de Lima Parish in Cochin is having a special celebration on Monday, August 25 for St. Rose de Lima Day. The celebration will start with mass at 11:00 am followed by a catered lunch. Everyone is invited to attend this celebration. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the church as they need to know numbers for the meal.

Scripture Insights – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2025: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2024, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 264.

In the reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses instructs the people about the law. The law that is referred to is far from what most people would consider upon hearing the word law. In the Old Testament, the word law, which appears most often in the Book of Psalms and the Book of Deuteronomy, is understood as “instruction” or “teaching” and was intended to be a guide for living life well. Thus, we hear the psalmist extol the blessings of the law throughout Psalm 119, the lengthiest of all psalms. Moses wants the people to understand that God’s law is within them and that they need only recognize it and live it.
Luke’s Gospel turns our attention to the law and eternal life. When Jesus questions the scribe about what is written in the law, the scholar refers to teachings found in Deuteronomy (see 6:5) and Leviticus (see 19:9 – 18). When the scholar questions Jesus further, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that exemplifies the selfless love of a true neighbor. In today’s Gospel, it can be noted readily that knowing the “right answer” does not equate with understanding the Scriptures.

·         The leap from understanding the teachings of our faith to putting them into action can be hard to make. We are tempted to leave the hard work to others who are more qualified, charismatic, or free of responsibilities. Yet the call to orient our entire lives toward God is directed at each and every one of us.

Compassion is a gut feeling, one that prompts response. At the sight of someone in need, we might also feel guilt, disgust, pity, or superiority. So often we intentionally avoid feeling anything by avoiding the gaze of the person in need. Jesus’ parable cuts through any excuses we might make to explain away our inaction and challenges us to open our eyes to suffering and injustice. Once we see with the light of our faith, we will have the courage and wisdom to act accordingly.

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7/4/2025 0 Comments

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 6, 2025

Funeral for Eileen Jeancart will be Monday, July 7 at 2:00 pm.

Sunday Collection – June 29 Meadow Lake $1623.20   Green Lake $132.75 Children’s $4.75

Sunday Church Attendance –    June 29   Adults 110 Children 8 Total 118

The Pope’s Prayer Intention for July – For formation in discernment – Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.

Please remember in your prayers Eileen Jeancart who passed away recently. Her funeral will be held Monday, July 7 at 2:00 pm in Our Lady of Peace Church.

Thank You to Meadow Green Greenhouse for donating flowers to decorate Fr. Uche’s yard. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Pilgrimages – The diocese is encouraging the faithful to attend at least one pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year. Our Lady of Lourdes (St. Laurent) in Duck Lake has three opportunities this year – July 15/16, August 15 and September 8. Please plan to attend if possible. Information on other pilgrimages can be found on posters at the back of the church.

Scripture Insights – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2025: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2024, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 258.

Today’s reading from Isaiah is from the very last chapter of this monumental prophetic book. In some respects, the last two chapters of Isaiah might be considered a grand finale to a work that spans an extensive period of Israel’s relationship with God. This passage, addressed to the postexilic community, offers hope to the people who did not see God’s promises made to the exiles as coming to fulfillment. The message to this community is: Rejoice! God will comfort you, and you will know the Lord’s saving power.
In the concluding verses of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, we hear that Paul takes pride in his commitment to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul, who has been a persecutor of the followers of Jesus, now proclaims that the only important thing in life is to become a new creation in Christ.
The Gospel passage from Luke provides us with some idea of the urgency of the disciples’ mission. Nowhere else in the Gospels do we hear of this group of seventy-two followers of Jesus. Elsewhere, the Scriptures identify the twelve. This increase in the number of those preaching the news of the kingdom might be understood as a foreshadowing of what will take place in the years to come.
In some way, all of today’s readings speak of a people who know that they are of God. While the cost of discipleship is high, the people of God can only rejoice in what the Lord has done for them.

·         Today’s theme of rejoicing challenges us to examine the main sources of our joy. At times we rely heavily on the pride and satisfaction of having done something well, instead of simply basking in the joy of knowing that we are part of God’s beloved community.

Compare and contrast the minimalist travel of the seventy-two disciples with the prosperity described in Isaiah. Both reveal God’s power. Both lead us away from a culture of individual wealth accumulation and toward a kingdom of communal abundance.

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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 27, 2025

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 20, 2025

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2025

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 6, 2025

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