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 - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 The Lord is our God, mindful of his covenant forever. Psalm 105 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., Jan. 1– 10:00 am(Our Lady of Peace & Facebook) New Year’s Day - People of God Tues., Jan. 2 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Jan. 2 – No Mass Wed., Jan. 3 – No Mass Thurs., Jan. 4 – 8:30 – 9:30 Exposition/Adoration before mass Thurs., Jan. 4 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Fri., Jan. 5 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Matthew S. Morin by Florence Morin Sat., Jan. 6 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Jan. 7 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 24: Meadow Lake $3138.30 Green Lake – $106.00 Children’s Collection $10.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for January – For the gift of diversity in the Church – We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church. World Day of Peace – January 1 – The World Day of Peace was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 who asked that “every year, this commemoration be repeated as a hope and as a promise, at the beginning of the calendar which measures and outlines the path of human life in time, that Peace with its just and beneficent equilibrium may dominate the development of events to come.” Each year has a specific theme, chosen by the Holy Father. Taken from Ordo page 35 Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. As of Dec.27 our parish has 33 pledges for $11,170.25. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 1051 pledges for $388655.25. Scripture Insights – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 42. The readings from Genesis and the Gospel of Luke present us with scenes in the lives of two important families. The account from Genesis depicts Abram’s frustration at not having fathered a child. When God consoles Abram with another promise of offspring, Abram responds by placing his faith in God. In turn, the text tells us that “the Lord took note of Sarah,” and she gave birth to their long-awaited son. The refrain from Psalm 105, “The Lord remembers his covenant forever,” reinforces the message of the Genesis readings. In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author summarizes the story of Abraham and identifies him as a person of faith. Upon hearing this summary of Abraham’s life, the words of the psalm refrain are readily brought back to mind. Although Abraham struggled with believing that God could make Sarah fruitful, Abraham “put his faith in the Lord,” and for this reason, the praises of Abraham are extolled in the New Testament. Luke tells us of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. While Simeon and Anna are depicted as having long awaited the coming of this child, Mary and Joseph are described as being “amazed at what was said of him.” Upon the family’s return to Nazareth, the child Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” The following verses in Luke, vv 41 – 52, tell the story of Jesus, at age twelve, in the temple. · Language of family is not always easy for people to hear. Think about ways that we can use this weekend’s celebration of the Holy Family to talk about how all families are holy: even those families that are struggling right now, even those who long for family, even those whose families don’t fit into a cookie-cutter definition of what “family” means. · There are options for the readings today, but common threads run through them: lineage, inheritance, relationship. Consider the breadth of what this means: even today, some lineage denotes royalty, while some blood lines carry stigma or tragedy. Some inherit a fortune from their ancestors, and some inherit generational trauma that takes a lifetime to sort through. Some are fond of returning home for the holidays, and others operate best around a chosen family. · Remember that it takes a village to raise a child. Not only parents make an impact in a young person’s life, but each member of the assembly. What type of models are we offering?
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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 - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Forever I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord. Psalm 89 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., Dec.25– 10:00 am(Our Lady of Peace & Facebook) Christmas Day - +Robert LaRocque by Frances & Family Tues., Dec. 26 – 9:00 am (Our Lady of Peace & Facebook) - Souls in Purgatory by Hermaline Tues., Dec. 26 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Wed., Dec. 27 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Thurs., Dec. 28 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Robert G. Morin by Florence Morin Fri., Dec. 29 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Sat., Dec. 30 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Dec. 31 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Dec. 31 – 1:00 pm (St Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Dec. 31 - 3:00 pm Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Sun., Dec. 31 – 7:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) Holy Hour - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 17: Meadow Lake $1894.55 Green Lake – $106.00 Children’s Collection $12.45 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for December – For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation. The Christmas Season celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus and the ways he manifested the presence of God among us. For the Church, only the Easter celebration of the Lord’s death and rising is more important than the Christmas Season. Taken from Ordo page 28 Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal – The Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. As of Dec.18 our parish has 33 pledges for $11,170.25. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 1051 pledges for $356,315.25. Door of Hope Dinner – On Thursday, Dec. 28 the Knights of Columbus (and OLP Parish) are cooking a meal at the Door of Hope between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. All are welcome to come help out for a few hours. Scripture Insights – Fourth Sunday of Advent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 26. The first of today’s readings is one of the best-known texts from the historical books of the Old Testament. What has come to be known as “the Davidic promise” tells of David’s desire to build a house for the Lord. While David’s plan seems to get off to a good start, the prophet Nathan informs him that this plan will not go forward. Instead, God has something else in mind. God will establish a dynasty (the same word in Hebrew can be translated “house”) for David. At its heart, this passage is about the faithfulness of God and his Word. The responsorial psalm continues this theme and celebrates the faithfulness of God. The three verses from Paul’s Letter to the Romans remind us that human beings cannot understand how God works within human history. The mystery of God is revealed in the person of Jesus the Christ, the one whose mystery we ponder this season. Luke is the only evangelist who recounts for us the annunciations of the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Today we focus on Mary’s response to the announcement that she will give birth to a son and name him Jesus, and that he will be recognized as “Son of the Most High.” Further (and linking this text with today’s first reading), Mary is told that “the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” · Imagine the pregnant pause before Mary’s yes. So much tilling of the soil: her Immaculate Conception, her childhood formation as a Jewish girl, her pondering and discerning. All of this preparation hung in the balance, waiting for her consent. Do we honor consent with the same reverence as our Creator? · Nothing is impossible for God. The once-barren, aging Elizabeth is now expecting a child. The young, unwed peasant girl, now growing the Son of God in her womb. Why, then, does God allow suffering if it is within God’s ability to work such wonders? Remember, too, the unexpected nature of these miracles, and their ultimate consequences for the whole world. · Discernment of God’s will is hard enough. Imagine how difficult it would have been for Mary to say yes against so many obstacles and biases. If she were here today, would we have seen her yes as divine? Or foolish? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - Fr. Uche wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Peace, good will and happiness for you all at Christmas and always.
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 - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 My soul shall exult in my God. Luke 1 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., Dec.18– 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace & Facebook) Thanksgiving by Manuel & Bernadette Tues., Dec. 19 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Dec. 19 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Wed., Dec. 20 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Adelard Paulhus by June, Anissa & Kevin Thurs., Dec. 21 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) Special Intention by Hermaline Fri., Dec. 22 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Sat., Dec. 23 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) People of God Sun., Dec. 24 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) People of God Sun., Dec. 24 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) Christmas Vigil People of God Sun., Dec. 24 – 8:00 pm (St Jude’s Green Lake) Christmas Vigil People of God Sun., Dec. 24 – 10:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) Christmas Vigil People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 10: Meadow Lake $3334.65 Green Lake – $243.50 Children’s Collection $13.25 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for December – For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation. 2024 Boxes of Donation Envelopes – New boxes of envelopes are available to pick up at the back of the church. If you would like to have a box and your name is not there, please contact the office. Ham, Turkey & Toy Bingo – The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a ham and turkey bingo on December 17 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Come out for an evening of fun! A Gift of Love – All parishioners are invited to prepare Christmas cards for our shut-ins, seniors, the sick and the residents of the Lodge. Please complete 5 – 10 cards which will be distributed randomly. You can sign your name or from Our Lady of Peace Parish. Please place them in the collection basket or drop off at the office on or before Tuesday, December 19. Thank you! Simbang Gabi – Simbang Gabi means “Night Mass”. To acknowledge the many Filipino parishioners in Our Lady of Peace, we will adjust our mass times and try to welcome a little change into our parish practice. Please note that from December 16 – 23 our daily mass schedule will be altered. Join us this advent for Simbang Gabi and get to know a little of the Filipino culture. Everyone is welcome. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – If you have already sent in your pledge for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, thank you for your generosity. If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to, the Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information, additional pledge cards are available from your Parish Office. Please continue to pray for the success of the 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of Dec.11 our parish has 33 pledges for $11,170.25. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 956 pledges for $313,695.25. Scripture Insights – Third Sunday of Advent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 20. For the third consecutive week, our first reading is from the Book of Isaiah. In today’s selection we hear the words of one who is called by God to be an instrument of God’s nurturing love to those most in need – the poor, the brokenhearted, and those imprisoned and held captive. Our responsorial psalm today is one of the most well-known poems of the New Testament, Mary’s Magnificat. The words are reminiscent of the song Hannah sings (I Samuel 2: 1 – 10) as she rejoices after having borne a son and offered him back to the Lord. In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian community, we hear a series of rapid commands: Rejoice. Pray. Do not quench the spirit. Do not despise prophecy. Test everything. Paul then offers a brief but beautiful prayer that reminds us that God is always faithful. Today’s Gospel, from John, hearkens back to last week’s Gospel, from Mark, where we were introduced to John the Baptist. Once again, we find ourselves at the beginning of a Gospel. Unlike Mark’s straightforward telling of the Baptist’s ministry, this Gospel presents the Baptist somewhat more mysteriously. He is one who came “to testify to the light.” When questioned by the authorities about his identity, his responses are “I am not” and “No.” Finally, John the Baptist identifies himself as the one who is preparing the way for one far greater than he. That one, although not named in this reading, is Jesus the Christ. · Joy is the word of the day. Rejoice. Give thanks. Gaudete. Glad tidings. But today’s Scripture does not invite us into the passive excitement of entertainment or the luxurious joy of abundance of time and resources. Today’s joy of the Lord comes with what can seem like a litany of tasks: healing, proclaiming, releasing, announcing. This is a God who has anointed us for this sacred work, chosen us, protected us, cared for us, and deemed us worthy to be co-laborers in bearing Good News – what greater joy than this? · Take care, too, that our expression of joy does not leave little room for those who experience this time of year especially full of grief. Remember those who live alone, those who are estranged from family, those who have lost a loved one. · John the Baptist claims his joyful role of pointing others to Jesus with humility and clarity. What are the platforms we might use to do our share of using our voice and preparing the way? 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 - Friday 1-4:00 pm Office Phone: 306-236-5122 Cell Phone: 306-304-7271 Parish Email: olpsecretary2023@gmail.com Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@gmail.com Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/ Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85 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., Dec.11 – No mass Tues., Dec. 12 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge Tues., Dec. 12 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and + Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Wed., Dec. 13 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Nasario Manatad by Soria Family Thurs., Dec. 14 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Louis & Germaine Wilfing and +Ray Wilfing by Nick & Eileen Charney Fri., Dec. 15 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Carol Paulhus by June, Anissa & Kevin Sat., Dec. 16 – 5:00 pm - (St. Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God Sat., Dec. 16 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Dec. 17 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – Dec. 3: Meadow Lake $2648.90 Green Lake – $104.25 Children’s Collection $4.75 November CAFT $2310.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for December – For persons with disabilities – We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation. A Gift of Love – All parishioners are invited to prepare Christmas cards for our shut-ins, seniors, the sick and the residents of the Lodge. Please complete 5 – 10 cards which will be distributed randomly. You can sign your name or from Our Lady of Peace Parish. Please place them in the collection basket or drop off at the office on or before Tuesday, December 19. Thank you! 2024 Boxes of Donation Envelopes – New boxes of envelopes are available to pick up at the back of the church. If you would like to have a box and your name is not there, please contact the office. National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – The Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, founded by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1998, proposes that the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) be a National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. All are invited to join their Indigenous sisters and brothers in a special way this day through prayer and acts of solidarity. Simbang Gabi – Simbang Gabi originated in the early days of Spanish rule over the Philippines. The Simbang Gabi is a unique practice of the Filipino culture. Simbang Gabi means “Night Mass”. To acknowledge the many Filipino parishioners in Our Lady of Peace, we will adjust our mass times and try to welcome a little change into our parish practice. Please note that from December 16 – 23 our daily mass schedule will be altered. Be sure to check the mass schedule for mass times. Join us this advent for Simbang Gabi and get to know a little of the Filipino culture. Everyone is welcome. Bishop’s Annual Appeal “Believe Love Share. . . In Jesus” October 15, 2023 – December 31, 2023 Every gift is greatly appreciated! Bishop’s Annual Appeal – If you have already sent in your pledge for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, thank you for your generosity. If you haven’t done so yet and are planning to, the Appeal Office would like to receive all pledges on or before December 31, 2023. If you have lost or misplaced your Appeal information, additional pledge cards are available from your Parish Office. Please continue to pray for the success of the 2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As of Dec. 4 our parish has 28 pledges for $8290.00. Green Lake has 1 pledge for $600.00. To date the diocese has received 873 pledges for $288,925.00. Scripture Insights – Second Sunday of Advent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 14. What wonderful readings we hear on this Second Sunday of Advent! The text from Isaiah is often referred to as the opening of the “book of consolation,” a work attributed to a prophet who ministered near the end of the exile in Babylon. The announcement of the return to Jerusalem under the tender care of a loving God must have seemed too good to be true for a community living under the rule of the Babylonians, the people who had devastated both the holy city and temple and who were responsible for the circumstances of the exiles. The opening lines of Mark’s Gospel account state clearly that what is to follow is good news about the Son of God. While Mark attributes the next two sentences to the prophet Isaiah, the quotation is actually a conflation of material about guarding or preparing the way in the Books of Exodus, Malachi, and Isaiah. Although the author of Mark was quite familiar with the Old Testament, his quotations are not always in perfect sync with the most familiar texts. Nevertheless, this reading introduces John the Baptist, who in turn prepares us for the arrival of Jesus in the next scene in Mark. · Comfort. Imagine it – perfect, unending comfort. Not the comfort of the cheeky platitudes found in greeting cards or in shallow professional communication. Not the temporal comforts of a home-cooked meal, or the nearness of a trusted friend, though these comforts give us a taste of the glory to come. But true serenity, peace, security: comfort. This is God’s gift to us, one that is worth the work of softening those rough places, worth the effort of wrestling with each obstacle on the road to glory. This is the comfort that allows us to carry a secret joy behind our brow while we strive to do the heartbreaking work of loving, of persevering: that the land of comfort, of milk and honey, of righteousness and safety, of true and lasting peace is what waits for us and for all God’s children. Do we believe it is there? Do we believe we are worth it? · What must it have meant for this desert dweller to baptize? Even young children know that the one thing a desert lacks is water. And now here comes a man of the harsh, dry land, plunging people into the Jordan river. From the desert, to the river. From such absence, now such overwhelming abundance. Think how it would have soaked into his dry, cracked feet. Think of that feeling of removing caked sand and mud and allowing your skin to truly breathe. Imagine going from such scarcity of water to nearly drowning on its bounty. It is from this position that John tells us, “If you think this is good, wait until you see what comes next.” Beyond our wildest dreams. |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
April 2024
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