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11/19/2021 0 Comments Christ the King - November 21, 2021Our 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 “The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.” Psalm 93 Refrain November 21, 2021 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Lorraine Thibeault Pastoral Council Chair: Doris Beaubien In Saskatchewan, the nurses and doctors in our hospitals and Intensive Care Units continue to struggle to accommodate the sick. People we know in our communities continue to fall sick, suffer and, in some cases, die. Our average daily case rate and death rate continue to be among the highest per capita in Canada. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Please encourage one another to get vaccinated. Wearing masks, sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings also help. Let us be safe and care for one another. Please be aware that if you HAVE NOT been vaccinated and you choose to join us for liturgy, you are EXPOSING YOURSELF TO SERIOUS RISK because of the COVID-19 virus. THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. Tuesday to Friday and Sunday the masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Nov. 22 – No mass - Personal Intention Tues., Nov. 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Family and friends of Peter Durocher by Peter Durocher Wed., Nov. 24 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Rose Tourand by Theresa Tourand Thurs., Nov. 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Ross Staruiala by Audrey Staruiala Fri., Nov. 26 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Leonard Evans by Ken & Margaret Alger Sat., Nov. 27 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, ML) - +Ernesto & +Bernadine Manding by Helen Malana Sun., Nov. 28 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 28 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Church, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Nov. 28 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake) - People of God CWL NEWS: Thank you to all who have participated in our projects. Please continue your support.
Pope Francis Intention for November: This month, the Pope is praying for those who suffer from mental health challenges. We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life. You can see the Pope’s reflections by checking out the Vatican website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-11/pope-francis-november-2021-prayer-intention-depression-sufferers.html Sunday Collection – Sunday Nov. 14th: Our Lady of Peace Parish: $1036.25; St. Jude’s Parish: $76.75 Preparing for the Feast of Christ the King and Youth Day – As we look forward to the end of our liturgical year, it is important to understand the Feast of Christ the King and how it prepares us for the season of Advent! The following is taken from the Ordo – Liturgical Calendar 2020-2021 p 401. “This feast day is dedicated to eschatological themes: Christ the King will restore all creation and restore his kingdom to the Father. The risen people of God will rejoice in a new heaven and a new earth. “There, with the whole of creation, freed from the corruption of sin and death, may we glorify you through Christ our Lord”. This Sunday, November 21, 2021 is also dedicated to World Youth Day. Pope Francis’ Message for the XXXVI World Youth Day was published Sept. 27, 2021. This year’s World Youth Day will be held at the diocesan level on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 21 with the theme: “Stand up. I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen.” (cf. Acts 26:16). The message is available in various languages at the following websites: Vatican: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/youth/documents/papa-francesco_202110914_messaggio-giovani_2021.html Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life: http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/GMGmessage2021.html Our Lady of Peace Parish Reverse Collection held in our parish each Advent will take place again this year. For those who gather physically, the basket containing slips of paper with needed items will be available and Rhys will take out slips of paper for you as you direct him. If you are not attending mass in-person, you can phone the parish office, and the secretary will draw the slips with the name of the items and let you know what you can purchase, or you can just purchase whatever you think is helpful (non-perishable.) In either case, please bring your items to the Church on Sunday or to the Parish Office during the week (2 – 4:30 p.m.) Furnishing a Room in the Northwest Community Lodge. As a Catholic Parish, it is important that we are engaged in the life of the community. Many of our Elders (Family and Friends) are residents of The Lodge. As a parish we will donate $12,00.00 to furnish a room at The Lodge. Our donation will provide the following: new beds with many functions to support each resident’s needs, new mattresses, bed side tables, chairs, built-in desk and closets in each suite. Each resident will have their own private washroom as well. Parishioners can donate with a cheque payable to, “Our Lady of Peace Parish” indicating it is for “Furnishing a Room at NCL”. To date, we have collected $2975.00. When we reach $12,000.00, the parish will pass this on to the Northwest Community Lodge Association. Your donation will be added to your envelope total and your envelope will be receipted as per usual. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Doug or Pat Bencharski! THE BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: “To Serve and Give His Life”: Stewardship is a gift from God that enables us to share with others what He has entrusted to us. When we give, it not only benefits those on the receiving end, but it sows something even GREATER into us. It is a cycle that was designed never to be broken. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is a perfect means of channeling parishioner support to essential ministries that provide care to those in need and support for our mission of evangelization in the Diocese of Prince Albert. Consider giving to this year’s campaign. Thank you. If you have already sent in your pledge, thank you for your generosity. If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to do so, the Appeal Office would like to have all pledges received on or before December 31, 2021. If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information or didn’t receive the information, additional pledge cards are available from the Parish Office. How are we doing? The goal for Our Lady of Peace Parish is $16,417. As of November 8, 2021, we have received pledges amounting to $5,804.00. The goal for St. Jude’s Parish is $1,228.00, and we have received pledges amounting to $700.00. The Diocesan goal is $450,000. The Diocese has received pledges in the amount of $187,102 with 583 donors. Scripture Insights – Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2021: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 398. On this day, we celebrate the universal kingship of Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of the vision of the Son of Man coming in the First Reading from Daniel. Dominion and glory are his as he reigns over all peoples and nations. He is the beginning and the end, as we hear in the Second Reading from Revelation. His Kingdom does not belong to this world, he tells Pilate in the Gospel reading from John. Pilate names him a king, though Jesus did not identify himself as such. Truth is the basis of Jesus’ Kingdom—a far different basis than that of earthly kings and rulers. As his followers, we belong to the truth. The truth of Jesus is the basis on which we can build to transform the world, so it more closely mirrors God’s Kingdom of love and justice here and now. The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe closes the liturgical year with a paradox. Two images of royalty and power confront us. Daniel’s visions portray a powerful being who looks like a human being. The original Aramaic says, “son of man,” but this is not the semi-divine figure of the early first century. In the Old Testament, the phrase “son of man” refers to a human being. What appears to Daniel, however, is no ordinary human being. The power accorded him is greater than any king’s power; his kingship is over the whole earth. The figure shares God’s power in both the service of peoples and everlasting kingship. Readers and writers of the New Testament found the Daniel passage and the title “Son of Man” to be profoundly significant in their discussion of Jesus. Much of the image of Jesus’ glorious reign at the end of time has its roots in Daniel’s vision. The paradox arises in the passage from John’s account of the Gospel. Jesus is brought before Pilate, scourged, insulted, spat upon. He endures interrogation about his kingship and kingdom that Pilate has no possibility of understanding because Pilate’s definition of kingship belongs to the world. It is too narrow to contain the broken man who stands before him. If Pilate had looked at the Jewish understanding of kingship found in Deuteronomy 17, he would have understood better. The king of Israel was not to plan battles, attack nations, or make laws. He was not to protect the people. The sole duty of the king was to read the law of God and obey it. He was to provide the example of what it meant to follow God’s commandment. In this context, Jesus was truly king in a way the world could not understand. The Church chooses to portray the broken king on a cross as a symbol of faith, love and obedience: Deuteronomy’s definition. Yet Christians also revere the visions described in the books of Daniel and Revelation, of Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father and reigning gloriously at the end of time. This paradox is the legacy of the Incarnation.
Diocesan Synod – We are forming a Parish Committee to organize how we will celebrate the Synod. If you are interested in helping, please be in touch with Fr. Doug! Advent/Christmas Schedule (This schedule is subject to change depending on Covid-19 regulations.) This year during the Advent Season we will be celebrating Reconciliation in our faith communities as follows: December 12 - after the Sunday mass in Waterhen Lake December 19 - after the Sunday mass in Green Lake December 21 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake December 22 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake *Please note! If these times do not work for you, call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with Fr. Doug! This year during the Christmas Season the Eucharist will be celebrated in our faith communities as follows: Friday, December 24 - at 5:00 pm in Waterhen Lake Friday, December 24 - at 8:00 pm in Green Lake Friday, December 24 - at 10:00 pm in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) Saturday, December 25 - at 10:00 am in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) Our Sunday Liturgies will be as follows: December 26 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) December 26 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake January 2 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) January 2 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake During the week after Christmas Tuesday, December 28, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Wednesday, December 29, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Thursday, December 30, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Friday, December 31, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND 5-Week Advent Virtual Bible Study – Wednesdays - Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22 at 7:00 p.m. This bible study will begin the week following Fr. Richard Leonard’s presentation. The bible study content will be the Advent Sunday and Christmas Eve Gospels and our method will be Lectio Divina and small group sharing. Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. To take part in this program from the comfort of your home, please click on the following link to REGISTER or contact the parish office (306-236-5122) if you would like to join us in the Church. If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations. THE LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM was launched on November 14th. It allows Catholic parishes, schools, families to take tangible steps so that their actions reduce their impact on God's Creation, our common home. Each group will create a 7-year plan. The platform is easy to use, allowing you to obtain a certificate later. https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/. The Green Churches Network is the official partner of the Laudato Si Platform for Action in Canada. For 15 years now, this charity has been helping churches to care for our common home through concrete actions and a spirituality based on integral ecology. https://greenchurches.ca/ All of these links can also be found on our Website under Social Justice. https://www.padiocese.ca/social-justice. What’s your Catholic IQ? Last bulletin’s question and answer: In Christian art, icons are: (c) sacred representations of Jesus, Mary or the saints used in Eastern churches. They are images painted on walls or flat panels, using rich colours, often backed with gold. Sometimes they are made of mosaics. Eastern churches use icons rather than statues in their churches. Icons are becoming popular for personal prayer use in the West. This week’s question: Starting on the first Sunday of Advent, many families and parishes light candles (a) to pray for world peace (b) on an Advent wreath (c) in front of statues of St. Patrick (d) to save on electricity. [pg. 5, #8] Our Lady of Peace Parish
Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake Office Hours For Parish Secretary: Monday - Friday: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Office Hours For Fr. Doug: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected] Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” - Psalm 16 Refrain November 14, 2021 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Lorraine Thibeault Pastoral Council Chair: Doris Beaubien In Saskatchewan, the nurses and doctors in our hospitals and Intensive Care Units continue to struggle to accommodate the sick. People we know in our communities continue to fall sick, suffer and, in some cases, die. Our average daily case rate and death rate continue to be among the highest per capita in Canada. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Please encourage one another to get vaccinated. Wearing masks, sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings also help. Let us be safe and care for one another. Please be aware that if you HAVE NOT been vaccinated and you choose to join us for liturgy, you are EXPOSING YOURSELF TO SERIOUS RISK because of the COVID-19 virus. THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. Tuesday to Friday and Sunday the masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Nov. 15 – No mass - Personal Intention Tues., Nov. 16 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Sonny & Therese Bishop by Marty & Val Bishop Wed., Nov. 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) NOTE CHANGE IN MASS TIME FOR TODAY! +Pamela Ollenberger by Theresa Tourand Thurs., Nov. 18 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Wilf & Rose Morgenstern by Marty & Val Bishop Fri., Nov. 19 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Dave Pope by Marty & Val Bishop Sat., Nov. 20 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, ML) - +Paula Weguitz by Carmelita Cameron Sun., Nov. 21 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 21 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Church, Green Lake - People of God What Are We Waiting For? Finding Meaning in Advent and Christmas. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ will be joining us via Zoom to help us prepare for the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. Through a series of stories and reflections, we will be invited to reflect anew on the gospel stories heard during these days. If you want to take part in this presentation from the comfort of your own home you can do so by using the following link to REGISTER or you can join us here in the Church to watch the presentation. In this case, please contact the parish office (306-236-5122). If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations. Regarding Snow in the Church Yard – It has been the custom to pile snow along the south side of our property. It is my intention to continue this practice. This year I am thinking of blocking the south entrance to the Church yard. Too many vehicles run donuts or race through the property at night. As they spin, they rev the engine and I am awakened. Hard to get back to sleep and hard for me to function the next day. This is of special concern on Saturday nights! If you have any thoughts about blocking the south entrance, please let me know. CWL NEWS
Pope Francis Intention for November: Each month our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has a special prayer intention for the Church. This month the Pope is praying for those who suffer from mental health challenges. We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life. The Pope reflected on our need to reach out and support one another. You can see the Pope’s reflections by checking out the Vatican website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-11/pope-francis-november-2021-prayer-intention-depression-sufferers.html Sunday Collection – Sunday Nov. 7th: Our Lady of Peace Parish: $1,067.40 St. Jude’s: $271.75 Preparing for the Feast of Christ the King and the Youth Day – As we look forward to the end of our liturgical year, it is important to understand the Feast of Christ the King and how it prepares us for the season of Advent! The following is taken from the Ordo – Liturgical Calendar 2020-2021 p 401. “This feast day is dedicated to eschatological themes: Christ the King will restore all creation and restore his kingdom to the Father. The risen people of God will rejoice in a new heaven and a new earth. “There, with the whole of creation, freed from the corruption of sin and death, may we glorify you through Christ our Lord” – This Sunday, November 21, 2021 is also dedicated to the World Youth Day. Pope Francis’ Message for the XXXVI World Youth Day was published Sept. 27, 2021. This year’s World Youth Day will be held at the diocesan level on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 21 with the theme: “Stand up. I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen.” (cf. Acts 26:16). The message is available in various languages at the following websites: Vatican: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/youth/documents/papa-francesco_202110914_messaggio-giovani_2021.html Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life: http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/GMGmessage2021.html Reverse Collection – Yes, we will have the Reverse Collection again this year! More information will be available next Sunday in the Parish Bulletin! Stay tuned! Furnishing a Room in the Northwest Community Lodge. As a Catholic Parish, it is important that we are engaged in the life of the community. Many of our Elders (Family and Friends) are residents of The Lodge. As a parish we will donate $12,00.00 to furnish a room at The Lodge. Our donation will provide the following: new beds with many functions to support each resident’s needs, new mattresses, bed side tables, chairs, built-in desk and closets in each suite. Each resident will have their own private washroom as well. Parishioners can donate with a cheque payable to, “Our Lady of Peace Parish” indicating it is for “Furnishing a room at NCL”. When we reach $12,000.00 the parish will make a contribution to the Northwest Community Lodge Association. Your donation will be added to your envelope total and your envelope will be receipted as per usual. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Doug or Pat Bencharski! THE BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: “To Serve and Give His Life”: Our Liturgy Office helps our parishes to learn how to do good liturgy. Have you ever attended the annual Chrism Mass, a baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist, a wedding or an ordination? These celebrations are supported through the ministries funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Help continue to support these vital milestones of our faith through a gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have already sent in your pledge, thank you for your generosity. If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to do so, the Appeal Office would like to have all pledges received on or before December 31, 2021. If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information or didn’t receive the information, additional pledge cards are available from the Parish Office. How are we doing? The goal for Our Lady of Peace Parish is $16,417. As of November 8, 2021, we have received pledges amounting to: $5,804.00. The goal for St. Jude’s Parish is $1,228.00 and we have received pledges amounting to: $700.00. The Diocesan goal is $450,000. The Diocese has received pledges in the amount of $154,687 with 473 donors. Glasgow COP26 (Oct 31-Nov12) – Highlights - Taken from Sr. Darlene’s work – Day 12 on the following website: https://crc-canada.org/en/. The theme of the day is Cities, Regions, and Built Environment (or buildings). As with each day, there have been many activities, some on the theme, and some on other topics. I got ahead of myself yesterday, as today was the launch of the Beyond Oil and Gas (BOGO) initiative, which is co-led by Costa Rica and Denmark. The initiative commits to the end of oil and gas production and exploration. Other countries/regions who were part of the launch were Ireland, Wales, Italy, Sweden, Greenland, New Zealand, Quebec, and California, with an indication that talks with others to join are ongoing. This is an effort to take leadership on the transition from fossil fuels, which continues to be a hesitation at COP26, despite the goals of the conference and targets being set for emissions reductions. Sessions today highlighted the important roles of cities, urban areas, and sustainable buildings mitigation and adaptation. 70% of total greenhouse gas emissions come from cities. In the city of Toronto, for example, 40% of its emissions are from buildings due to things like inefficient energy use (lack of energy retrofitting), use of fossil fuels for energy, and unsustainable building materials. As well, pollution and poor building design and development already impact health and safety, particularly of urban Indigenous and racialized communities, and children. The climate crisis will increase those impacts significantly. It is essential, then, that cities start taking the lead in energy efficiency, sustainable buildings, and city and community design that incorporates nature and community-level inclusion. On another note, yesterday saw a great session called “Catholics at COP26” with an informed panel to discuss how COP26 looks to them, what some of the Catholic and other faith initiatives have brought to the event, and some theological framing for this moment. Faith communities certainly showed up at COP26, and it’s wonderful to see their leadership and global reach. Dr. Lorna Gold from the Laudato Si’ Movement stated that there are really two COPs – the negotiated outcomes COP and the People’s COP – and there is such a disconnect between the two. However, witnessing to hope, as Dr. Carmody Grey shared, is part of our faith, and the Church must refuse to settle for a poor outcome to COP26. Notable Quotes: “When you are on the verge of the abyss, it’s not important to discuss what will be your fourth or fifth step,” Guterres said. “What’s important to discuss is what will be your first step. Because if your first step is the wrong step, you will not have the chance to do a search to make a second or third one.” Antionio Guterres, UN Secretary General Stories, Impressions, Reflections “It’s hard to believe business and finance leaders when they haven’t delivered before. We simply don’t believe it. But I am here right now to say: prove us wrong. I am actually here to beg you to prove us wrong. God help us all if you fail to prove us wrong. God help us.” Vanessa Nakate, Ugandan youth activist. I feel like sitting with these words, even though they are painful to take in. Today, our delegation listened to the voice of another young woman, Indigenous poet Tanaya Winder speaking the poem “Stone Mother.” She speaks of tears creating a lake and words as seeds to be planted with care. “Follow our lead, for we have always been well versed in survival.” A speaker today from Nigeria said you don’t need much to survive. Why can’t we do with less and live with the earth and each other in ways that we all have enough? Hope and lament certainly run through this event and through this moment. We pray that they both carry us forward as we continue to work for climate justice. To follow COP26 online go to the COP26 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UNClimateChange Scripture Insights – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2021: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 392. Apocalyptic literature arose in periods of strife and persecution. Two examples are the latter half of Daniel, written around 150 BC, and the Revelation of John, written during the Roman persecution of Christians at the end of the first century AD. Presented as God’s revelations to the faithful who live in fear, they exhort people to remain true to God, who will not desert them. Usually a cataclysmic battle ensues between the forces of evil and God, who is the ultimate victor. A glorious ending is painted for those who remain true to God. Apocalyptic literature used symbols easily recognizable to the audience but often strange to subsequent generations. Many of our images of heaven come from scenes at the end of Daniel and Revelation. The reading from Daniel shows a shift in Jewish thinking about life after death. According to the Pentateuch and the prophets there was no afterlife. People lived on in the memories of their descendants, and punishment and reward were carried out in subsequent generations. This is why God talks about blessings being carried into the thousandth generation of those who love God, while curses last through the third or fourth generation. (Notice the disparity in duration.) With the advent of unceasing persecution, however, some Jews developed a theology that allowed for God’s reward or punishment to take place after death, when “those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.” The idea of an afterlife would eventually call up images of fire, heavenly cities, deep pits, and the names of the faithful written in the book of life. There is a flavor of the apocalyptic in Mark’s account of the Gospel this week. Cosmic reversals will occur, the Son of Man will come in the clouds to gather the elect, and heaven and earth will pass away. But Jesus assures us that his words will not pass away, and the Father will be in control.
Diocesan Synod – We are forming a Parish Committee to organize how we will celebrate the Synod. If you are interest in helping out, please be in touch with Fr. Doug! Advent/Christmas Schedule (This schedule is subject to change depending on Covid-19 regulations) This year during the Advent Season we will be celebrating reconciliation in our faith communities as follows: December 12 - after the Sunday mass in Waterhen Lake December 19 - after the Sunday mass in Green Lake December 21 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake December 22 - from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm in Meadow Lake *Please note! If these times do not work for you, call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with Fr. Doug! This year during the Christmas Season we will be celebrating the Eucharist in our faith communities as follows: Friday, December 24 - at 5:00 pm in Waterhen Lake Friday, December 24 - at 8:00 pm in Green Lake Friday, December 24 - at 10:00 pm in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) Saturday, December 25 - at 10:00 am in Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) Our Sunday Liturgies will be as follows: December 26 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) December 26 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake January 2 - at 10:00 am Parish Church Meadow Lake (Live-streamed Facebook) January 2 - at 12:30 pm in Green Lake During the week after Christmas Tuesday, December 28, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Wednesday, December 29, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Thursday, December 30, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook) Friday, December 31, 6:30 pm in Meadow Lake Church (Live-streamed Facebook)
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND 5-Week Advent Virtual Bible Study – Wednesdays - Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22 at 7:00 p.m. This bible study will begin the week following Fr. Richard Leonard’s presentation. The bible study content will be the Advent Sunday and Christmas Eve Gospels and our method will be Lectio Divina and small group sharing. Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. To take part in this program from the comfort of your home, please click on the following link to REGISTER or contact the parish office (306-236-5122) if you would like to join us in the Church. If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations. THE LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM will be launched on November 14th. It allows Catholic parishes, schools, families to take tangible steps so that their actions reduce their impact on God's Creation, our common home. Each group will create a 7-year plan. The platform is easy to use, allowing you to obtain a certificate later. https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/. The Green Churches Network is the official partner of the Laudato Si Platform for Action in Canada. For 15 years now, this charity has been helping churches to care for our common home through concrete actions and a spirituality based on integral ecology. https://greenchurches.ca/ All of these links can also be found on our Website under Social Justice. https://www.padiocese.ca/social-justice. What’s your Catholic IQ? Last bulletin’s question and answer: Using a fish as a symbol of Christ dates from the early days of Christianity, was a secret way early Christians showed other believers that they were Christian and was used because the Greek word for fish formed an abbreviation of Jesus titles. This week’s question: In Christian art, icons are: (a) mazes (b) modern pictures of the crucifixion (c) sacred representations of Jesus, Mary or the saints used in Eastern churches (d) always mosaics. [pg.21, #15] 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 “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” - Psalm 146 Refrain November 7, 2021 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Lorraine Thibeault Pastoral Council Chair: Doris Beaubien In Saskatchewan, the nurses and doctors in our hospitals and Intensive Care Units continue to struggle to accommodate the sick. People we know in our communities continue to fall sick, suffer and, in some cases, die. Our average daily case rate and death rate continue to be among the highest per capita in Canada. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Please encourage one another to get vaccinated. Wearing masks, sanitizing, social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings also help. Let us be safe and care for one another. Please be aware that if you HAVE NOT been vaccinated and you choose to join us for liturgy, you are EXPOSING YOURSELF TO SERIOUS RISK because of the COVID-19 virus. THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. Tuesday to Friday and Sunday the masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Nov. 8 – No mass - Personal Intention Tues., Nov. 9 – No mass - +Gisella Greschner by Jane & Ed Weber Wed., Nov. 10 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Theresa Lange by Jane & Ed Weber Thurs., Nov. 11 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Anonymous Fri., Nov. 12 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Dave Pope by Marty & Val Bishop Sat., Nov. 13 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, ML) - +Helen Kolynchuk by Jane & Ed Weber Sun., Nov. 14 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Nov. 14 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Church, Green Lake - People of God Sun., Nov. 14 – 3 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Church, Waterhen Lake) - People of God CWL NEWS
Pope Francis Intention for November: Each month our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has a special prayer intention for the Church. This month the Pope is praying for those who suffer from mental health challenges. We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life. The Pope reflected on our need to reach out and support one another. You can see the Pope’s reflections by checking out the Vatican website: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-11/pope-francis-november-2021-prayer-intention-depression-sufferers.html Diocesan Pastoral Council Update – Zoom Meeting – October 30th: On Saturday, Oct. 30 our Diocese hosted a Zoom Meeting where people from across the Diocese could take part in the opening of the Synod. The day began with a welcome, a prayer and information for the smooth running of the day. Bishop Stephen gave a presentation on what a Synod is. He shared with us the story of the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus drawing to our attention the fact that the disciples were discouraged, full of sorrow, walking away from their community and the experience of the death of Jesus. Jesus walked with them, listened to their stories and eventually, in the breaking of the Bread they recognized him. Change settled on them and they hurried to share their story with the community in Jerusalem. He went on to share the story of Pentecost and how the Spirit came upon the disciples, gifted them, and enabled them to move out together to share the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection. Bishop Stephen explained that the word Synod comes from Greek words meaning ‘together’ and ‘the path’. Thus, a synod is a walking together on the path. Our Synod will involve listening and walking together to share the Good News from our Community. Andrea Gareau explained the Parish Handbook outlining some approaches for our involvement in the Synod. We then engaged the process to see what it felt like. We reflected on the following questions:
After taking some time for reflection the plan was that we would have three rounds of sharing. In Round One, we share our stories and responses and then take time for reflection. In Round Two, we share what struck us/moved us as participants and take time for reflection. In Round Three, we share what we feel the Spirit is asking of us and we share any unresolved questions. As our group was large, we did Rounds One and Three. Because of the importance of confidentiality, I cannot tell you what people shared. I can tell you that it was a privilege to hear my brothers and sisters speak. I look forward to providing people with the opportunity to make their voices and stories heard throughout the Meadow Lake Cluster. When we returned to the Diocesan Group, we listened to some reflections from across the Diocese. Our time together ended with the leaders of the Synod making themselves available to answer our questions. Our next step is to develop a committee in each faith community which will establish a process so that we can hear one another speak of our experience without judgment. We know that Jesus is walking with us and waiting to break bread with us so that we can experience the fire of the Spirit burning within. Furnishing a Room in the Northwest Community Lodge. As a Catholic Parish, it is important that we are engaged in the life of the community. Many of our Elders (Family and Friends) are residents of The Lodge. As a parish we will donate $12,00.00 to furnish a room at The Lodge. Our donation will provide the following: new beds with many functions to support each resident’s needs, new mattresses, bed side tables, chairs, built-in desk and closets in each suite. Each resident will have their own private washroom as well. Parishioners can donate with a cheque payable to, “Our Lady of Peace Parish” indicating it is for “Furnishing a room at NCL”. When we reach $12,000.00 the parish will make a contribution to the Northwest Community Lodge Association. Your donation will be added to your envelope total and your envelope will be receipted as per usual. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Doug or Pat Bencharski! THE BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: “To Serve and Give His Life”: The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports Catholic Family Services both in Prince Albert and North Battleford and in the surrounding areas. Their goal is to enhance and strengthen the mental and emotional health of individuals, couples, families and groups. Catholic Family Services provides counselling and support. No one is ever denied service because of their economic situation. As a non-profit agency, they rely on funding from many sources including the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. With our financial support, we can help those in need. “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16 How are we doing? As of October 30, 2021, the goal for Our Lady of Peace Parish is $16,417 and we have received 13 pledges amounting to: $4,534.00. The goal for St. Jude’s Parish is $1,228.00 and we have received 2 pledges amounting to: $700.00. The Diocesan goal is $450,000 and the Diocese has received 296 pledges amounting to $104,094. What Are We Waiting For? Finding Meaning in Advent and Christmas. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ will be joining us via Zoom to help us prepare for the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. Through a series of stories and reflections, we will be invited to reflect anew on the gospel stories heard during these days. If you want to take part in this presentation from the comfort of your own home you can do so by using the following link to REGISTER or you can join us here in the Church to watch the presentation. In this case, please contact the parish office (306-236-5122). If you have difficulty registering, please contact the Parish Office. Fr. Doug will register those who choose to gather in the Church, and he will be here for all the presentations. Glasgow COP26 (Oct 31-Nov12) – People from around the world have gathered in Glasgow, Scotland to reflect on how we can deal with the warming of the earth. Pope Francis reminds us that we as Catholics have a role to play in reducing the production of greenhouse gases. Sr. Sabrina Chiefari, Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Toronto, ON and Sr. Darlene O’Leary, Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish, Antigonish, NS are part of the eight-member Canadian Ecumenical Delegation, a group of faith-based leaders taking part in the Conference. Sr. Darlene offers the following quotes from Day One of the Conference: “Total inclusion must be the foundation upon which this process is built. We are all facing the same climate emergency. We must all be part of the solution.” Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) “US and Canada Indigenous have stopped or delayed the equivalent of one quarter of climate emissions. Back us or let us lead. Get in line or get out of the way!” India Logan Riley, Indigenous Representative, Te Ara Whatu, Aotearoa UNFCCC Patricia Espinosa “Let Glasgow be the beginning of a new era of resiliency.” And “As poet Robbie Burns said, ‘Now is the day, now is the hour’.” Abdulla Shahid, Chair, UN General Assembly “we have failed to act with the conviction needed and we have run out of excuses – let’s get it done.” Pope Francis – Tweet – “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities – what we value, what we want, what we seek – and re-plan our future, committing to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of. The time to act, and to act together, is now. #COP26 Sr. Darlene is offering regular reflections on the following website: https://crc-canada.org/en/. Scripture Insights – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2021: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 384. “The widow’s mite” would be a suitable headline for today’s readings. True generosity is portrayed through the lives of two widows, the most vulnerable people in society. In the First Reading a widow, in the middle of a great famine, shares the last of her resources with the prophet Elijah. Elijah’s trust and encouragement (“Do not be afraid.”) strengthen her trust in God, and her generosity in sharing her last meal with Elijah is rewarded with a supply of food that lasts throughout the famine. Today’s Gospel reading opens with Jesus’ remarks about the scribes, and these provide the context for what follows. He is criticizing the Jewish scribes, the legal experts, for being more interested in receiving honour from people than serving them. Jesus singles out the way “they devour the houses of widows”—a devastating criticism! In contrast to their selfishness, Jesus observes a widow in the Temple who provides an authentic example of sacrificial giving. Jesus draws attention to her putting “two small coins worth a few cents” into one of the thirteen collection boxes. Sadly, this translation has lost the beauty of a long English tradition! Literally, the translation should read: “a poor widow came and threw in two mites that make up half a farthing!” The coin referred to here as “a mite” (from the Greek word, lepton) is the lowest denomination of a coin that has ever been struck by any nation in history! And yet she is giving to the treasury what in fact she could not afford. Both readings illustrate the genuine self-sacrificing nature of giving. The widows gave to the extent of hurting! These acts of self-sacrifice by the poorest and most vulnerable offer a beautiful foreshadowing of the genuine self-sacrifice of Jesus, whereby he gave his very life for our salvation.
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND THE LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM will be launched on November 14th. It allows Catholic parishes, schools, families to take tangible steps so that their actions reduce their impact on God's Creation, our common home. Each group will create a 7-year plan. The platform is easy to use, allowing you to obtain a certificate later. https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/. The Green Churches Network is the official partner of the Laudato Si Platform for Action in Canada. For 15 years now, this charity has been helping churches to care for our common home through concrete actions and a spirituality based on integral ecology. https://greenchurches.ca/ All of these links can also be found on our Website under Social Justice. https://www.padiocese.ca/social-justice What’s your Catholic IQ? Last bulletin’s question and answer: Catechists are chambers of the early Church (b) those who teach the faith. The word catechist comes from a Greek word meaning “echo.” Catechists have echoed the faith to their students through the ages. This week’s question: Using a fish as a symbol of Christ (a) dates from the early days of Christianity (b) was a secret way early Christians showed other believers that they were Christian (c) was used because the Greek word for fish formed an abbreviation of Jesus titles (d) al |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
March 2025
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