Ascension Sunday - May 16, 2021

Our Lady of Peace Parish
Also Serving Our Lady of the Smile parish, Waterhen Lake and St. Jude’s Parish, Green Lake

Office Hours For Parish Secretary: Monday - Friday: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Office Hours For Fr. Doug: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Office Phone:  306-236-5122 
Cell Phone: 306-304-7271

Parish Email: olpsecretary@sasktel.net Pastor Email: olpmlpastor@sasktel.net
Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake
Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/
Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5
 
“Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, alleluia.”  Matthew 28.20
 
May 16, 2021 - Ascension of the Lord - World Communications Day
 
Our Vision:
A Community of Disciples
 
Our Mission
We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ
by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace.

Pastor:  Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI
Parish Secretary: Lorraine Thibeault
Pastoral Council Chair: Doris Beaubien
Finance Council Chair:

Mass Attendance:  If you would like to attend mass on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings in Meadow Lake, please call the Parish Office 306-236-5122 BEFORE FRIDAY NOON and leave a message.  Reservations are necessary as we have limited capacity (30 people), and we do not want to turn someone away from the door.
 
SaskHealth/Diocese of Prince Albert Regulations – The presence of the Covid-19 variants continues to cause concern among health care professionals. The variants spread quickly and seriously impact our health and well being. Statistics show that they are also having a significant impact on younger people. Let us continue to exercise caution and get a vaccine if our doctors tell us we can. The virus has not gone away. As a result of the latest guidelines published by SaskHealth and communicated to us via our Bishop, Our Lady of Peace Parish can accommodate a total of 30 persons at each of our Saturday evening (7:00 pm) mass and Sunday morning (10:00 am) mass. If you would like to take part in our liturgy you must register, maintain social distance, wear a mask and sanitize your hands. A virtual liturgy continues to fulfill our Sunday obligation. Our Liturgies at Green Lake and Waterhen Lake are likewise limited by these regulations.
 
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Join us for another episode of Songs at Seven, Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 pm
2. Throughout the month of May, rain or shine, we are gathering at the Grotto at 6:00 pm for the recitation of the rosary, asking Mary to intercede for us. Covid-19 protocols are in place (maximum of 10 people, masks and physically distanced).
3. Saturday, May 15 will be the second of two presentations on the RCIA for those who have said yes to helping us welcome people who want to join the Church.
4. Steps/Ramp of Parish Office – Some settling of soil has taken place. We will repair this as soon as possible. Please stay to the north side of the steps; do not utilize the ramp for now. Thanks!
5. Prayer Asking for the Blessing of Rain – We will gather physically at the Church (live streamed on Facebook) on Tuesday, May 18, at 6:30 pm to pray for the blessing of rain on our lands.
   

Mass Intentions
 
Mon., May 17 - Personal Intention
 
Tues., May 18 – 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Sharilyn Gagnon by Elsa Slykhuis
 
Wed. May 19 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - +Sharilyn Gagnon by Elsa Slykhuis

Thurs., May 20 - 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Mike Shkopich family by Roy Shkopich &Linda Poitras
 
Fri., May 21 - 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Mike Belick family by Roy Shkopich &Linda Poitras

Sat., May 22 – 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Josh Delrond family by Roy Shkopich & Linda Poitras
 
Sat. May 22 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall, Meadow Lake) - People of God
 
Sun. May 23 - 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God
 
Sun. May 23 - 12:30 pm (St Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God
 
Sun. May 23 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake) - People of God
 
Thank you - A special word of thanks to the Knights of Columbus (and especially Rhys) and Meadowgreen Greenhouse for the gift of a potted plant to all the moms who were able to be at mass on Sunday in Our Lady of Peace, St. Jude’s and Our Lady of the Smile. The plants were much appreciated. Thanks also to Joanne who provided roses to the mothers who came to Our Lady of the Smile. I brought a rose back to Meadow Lake for Our Lady of Grace at the Grotto 😊
 
Prayer Requests: 

• Deacon Ghislain (Gil) Bellavance (North Battleford) passed away May 13, 2021. May his soul rest in peace. 
• Fr. Roger Lavoie (semi-retired in North Battleford) is in University Hospital in Saskatoon suffering as a result of a stroke. 

 
Easter – The meaning of the Season (Taken from p 167 The Source Book For Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, Liturgy Training Publications, Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago, 2019) – Easter time continues well into the month of May, traditionally associated with Mary.  From the May Crowning devotion to the recitation of the Rosary—particularly the first three Glorious mysteries (the Resurrection, Ascension, and Descent of the Holy Spirit)—we rejoice with Mary in the Resurrection of her Son.  The traditional “Regina Caeli,” the traditional Marian antiphon for Easter Time, is a fine prayer for singing or reciting throughout the season.
 
We do indeed rejoice with Mary, the communion of saints, the angelic choirs, and the Church universal throughout this season.  As Pope Francis said in his 2018 Easter Urbi et Orbi message, “We Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint.”  During the fifty days of Easter, that hope inspires us to live the message of Psalm 118:  this is indeed the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Alleluia!
 
Important information from the Landscaping Committee:  Dear Parishioners:  In addition to having responsibilities for the work of evangelization, catechesis, liturgy, and service to those in need, we have a responsibility to care for the land and buildings which have been entrusted to us by the faithful people who have gone before us. This spring Fr. Doug formed a Landscape Committee to look at the property of Our Lady of Peace Parish. We have met and we have identified some tasks that need to be done immediately and some tasks that can be managed later.

Immediately we will take care of completing the work on the steps and the ramp into the Parish Office. We will also return to the parking area the gravel that has accumulated on the south end of the property where we pile the snow in winter. We will remove the tires from the Old Parish Office space and begin some work to complete the yard for the rectory.

The Committee identified some work that we think needs to be done and needs to be prioritized. We have done some thinking and we would like to hear what you think. Your feedback and your input are needed and welcomed. Please share this information with other Catholics as there are some who do not get the parish bulletin. You can be in touch with Fr. Doug or the Landscape Committee members in person or by phone or email with your thoughts and ideas. The Landscape Committee members are Margaret Alger, Ben Barker, Chris Bencharski, Melba Cariou and Marie Mamchur. When we have received and sorted through your ideas and feedback, we will present the info to the Finance Council who will then help determine a timeline for when and how the work gets done and how it gets paid for if it is not done by volunteers.

1. The Parking Lot on the west side of the Church – We are suggesting that we remove timbers/wood and make sure there is a good slope away from the Church towards the ditch. We are wondering about the need for a barrier to keep vehicles away from the Church.  Some options are timbers – posts with chains, or cement curbs as in the parking lot on the east side of the Church and rectory. We are proposing to fill in the holes where the water sits – using screener chips or gravel and then asphalt. We are also proposing that we drain water from the Church roof into the ditches so that it does not run into the parking lot and sit/freeze.
2. Sewer smell by the Rectory – For the last few years there has been a sewer smell by the north side of the Rectory. The source of it has not been located. We propose contacting the City of Meadow Lake to investigate and then work to remedy the situation.
3. Building Exteriors – Where the tunnel was attached to the Church there is a tar outline. We propose cleaning off the tar and some of the spray-painted symbols. The rectory – the siding and trim has not been painted and needs paint. If we do not paint it in a few short years we will have to replace it. Painting seems to be the most practical thing to do. The garage – some of the facing is rotting and needs to be replaced. We also need to look at the shingles. It seems a tree or two is causing some damage (sap and leaves etc.)
4. The footprint of the Old Office needs some attention. Our best thought is that we turn it into parking space. We will have to ensure a proper slope away from the Church – pack the sand and fill with a mix of clay and gravel or screener chips. Part of this space will become a garden space for Fr. Doug and will be fenced in, to complete Fr. Doug’s yard.
5. Tree Trimming, Pruning, Removal and Replacement – Some of our trees are dying and diseased and some are interfering with lines and buildings. It is our plan to identify and prune or remove those trees. Where possible we will replace the trees we remove. We think that we can get replacement trees from public lands and so the purchase of trees would not be necessary.
6. North and South Driveways - At various times vehicles enter the property from the north and south entrances and perform donuts or chase one another through the property. Often this happens in the middle of the night, interrupting Fr. Doug’s sleep. We are proposing that on the south and north driveways we install a barrier – posts and chains with locks which can be opened when there are parish functions. The chain would be painted a fluorescent orange and have reflectors on it so that it would be easily seen.
7. Columbarium - It has been suggested that the parish install a Columbarium to accommodate the cremains of parishioners who choose cremation. We are wondering what you think! Would we want this? If the answer is yes, we would gather information and share that with you so that we can make an appropriate decision.
8. Power line - When the internet/phone lines were installed in the Church and in the Parish Office the line was not buried because the ground was frozen. SaskTel will be coming to bury the line. We are wondering about the wisdom of also burying our power lines from the street to the Parish Office/Church and Rectory.
9. “Work Bees” - Some significant maintenance work can be done by seasonal “Work Bees”. We are proposing ‘Work Bees” for spring and fall. We would develop lists for both indoor and outdoor tasks so that people would know what work needs to be done and so that people can apply their skills appropriately. Would you be willing to gather on a Saturday or an evening to do some work to keep our Property and Buildings looking good and in good condition? 

Thank you for the many ways you support the parish with your time, talents, and treasure! We cannot be a healthy parish community without you and all that you have to offer as a person made in the image and likeness of God. Thank you!
 
Pentecost Sunday – Are you planning to come to the Sunday mass next weekend (Pentecost)? Whether you are at home or at the liturgy be sure to wear your brightest, boldest colors and listen closely to the homily! The Spirit colors us beautifully and boldly!
 
Evangelization and Catechesis Commission – The Catechetical Directory - Reflection – Part Three:  In our last gathering, the Diocesan Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis reflected on Chapter Two (The Identity of Catechesis) of the new Directory for Catechesis.  Chapter Two contains and explores 5 themes:
 

• The nature of Catechesis
• Catechesis in the process of evangelization
• Goals of Catechesis
• Tasks of Catechesis
• Sources of Catechesis

 
This past Tuesday our Commission gathered, and we explored Chapter Three which is entitled The Catechist. It contains and explores 6 themes:

• The identity and vocation of the Catechist
• The bishop as first catechist
• The priest in catechesis
• The deacon in catechesis
• Consecrated persons in the service of catechesis
• Lay catechists – parents, grandparents, god parents

 
The first theme offers us insights into the vocation and identity of the Catechist. It is the Holy Spirit who inspires and guides the catechist in their ministry of handing on the Word of God, helping them to share faith and introduce people into the Christian way of life. Catechists are witnesses to the reality of the Church and they are an expression of the local Church. Paragraph 113 reminds us that the catechist is “a witness of faith  and keeper of the memory of God’ and as such keeps alive the memory of God, reawakens it in the people and places this memory of God at the service of the proclamation of the gospel. Paragraph 113 reminds us that a catechist is a ‘teacher and a mystagogue’ who shares information with us and introduces us to mystery. We are such a ‘prove it to me’ culture and we dismiss ‘mystery’. The ministry of the catechist who leads us into mystery is such a blessing. Finally, the catechist is an ‘accompanier and educator’. The work of accompaniment is so important. God meets us where we are at. A profound image of accompaniment is found in the story of Jesus meeting, walking, and talking and breaking bread with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The catechist is seen as one who connects people and their lived experience to the Gospel.

As we read through Chapter Three, I was encouraged to read how different people in the Church have different roles and responsibilities in terms of Catechesis. It struck me that one of the most significant tasks for me as pastor is, with the help of the people, to develop a good catechetical plan for our parish. A parish that lacks good catechesis is like a house built on sand. We celebrate sacramental rituals, but we do not help people to have a personal relationship with the living God. This will require some significant work on the part of our faith communities. The Directory reminds us that parents, grandparents and godparents are indispensable in shaping the lives of young people. The pastor and the parish must provide assistance – the people do the heavy lifting.

We spoke briefly about the decision of Pope Francis and the leadership of the Church to institute a new ministry – the ministry of Catechist. We were excited to see the emphasis placed on the work of Catechists. The Holy Father’s decision further reminds us that to be a catechist is indeed a call from God to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in nourishing faith. We are excited to see how this ministry will unfold. In paragraph 124 parents are encouraged not to hand over the work of faith formation to religious specialists but rather to take their proper role, with help, to form their children. We see catechists as important ministers in the work of sharing faith with both children and with adults.
 
Grotto Rosary Project - May 2021 - During the month of May we are praying the rosary every day at 6:00 pm at our Grotto. There is a list of intentions for the month. If you sign up to lead the rosary, you are responsible for leading the rosary! You can lead the rosary in the language of your choice, regardless of who else is there. You are asked to come – rain, snow, wind, sun, or mosquitos. All people are invited to come (masked, social distancing – not more than 10 people total), so you may not be alone. If you need help to lead the rosary, an outline will be available in a plastic sleeve in Fr. Doug’s mailbox!
 
May 16 – For those who work in our forests
May 17 – In gratitude for our medical professionals
May 18 – For all who are sick in our parish – led by Judy Barker
May 19 – For the victims of sexual abuse – led by Marcella Miller
May 20 – For those who are in prison – led by Elsie Michel
May 21 – For those who suffer from domestic violence – led by Leona Durocher
May 22 – For those who struggle with their mental health – led by Marie Mamchur
May 23 – For parents who are expecting children
 
If you would like to sign up to lead the rosary at the Grotto, call Lorraine at the Parish Office (306) 236 5122 to let her know which day you would like to volunteer to lead. Looking forward to seeing you as we gather in the presence of Our Blessed Mother, seeking the favour of the Lord.
 
SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH: May 2021 Webinar Series:  Join in this series to explore signs that new missional perspectives are bringing life to local congregations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES
 
RIDING THE WAVE - A Program for Children ages 6 - 12 exposed to Violence and Trauma and their families.  This class is being offered over a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) Date: May 15 and 16
Time: 9 am to 12 noon.  Transportation provided if needed
No fee – This class is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services

CALMING THE STORM- Anger Management for Adults - THIS IS A VIRTUAL CLASS.
A new session is posted each Monday for six weeks. The participant has the full week to view the lesson and complete the assignments.  Date: Week of May 24 – June 28
Time: At the convenience of participant within each one-week period
Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund

PARENTING FROM THE HEART – For parents/caregivers of children 5 – 12 years
Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
AFTER THE STORM – A support program for women who have left or are leaving an abusive relationship.  Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
TAMING THE TIGER – Anger management for children 5 – 12 and their parents/guardians
Date: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6  Time: 9 am to 12 noon  Transportation available
No fee – this program is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services

To register or for more information, call:   Catholic Family Services 922-3202 or 1-877-922-3202 or email  programs.cfspa@sasktel.net

What’s your Catholic IQ?   Last bulletin’s question and answer:    The patron saint of France who cut her hair and dressed in armor to lead the army was (a) St. Joan of Arc.  St. Joan of Arc (1412 – 1431), the “Maid of Orleans,” seemed to come out of nowhere to help the true king of France reclaim his throne.  In war-torn France, she made so many enemies that she was later accused of being a heretic and burned at the stake.    This week’s question:  Tradition tells us the name of Mary’s mother is: (a) St. Anne (b) St. Joachim (c) St. Martha (d) St. Louis.

Sunday, May 16, is World Communications Day. In his message entitled “Come and See” (Jn 1:46). Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are, Pope Francis writes, “The invitation to “come and see”, which was part of those first moving encounters of Jesus with the disciples, is also the method for all authentic human communication. In order to tell the truth of life that becomes history (cf. Message for the 54th World Communications Day, 24 January 2020), it is necessary to move beyond the complacent attitude that we “already know” certain things. Instead, we need to go and see them for ourselves, to spend time with people, to listen to their stories and to confront reality, which always in some way surprises us. “Open your eyes with wonder to what you see, let your hands touch the freshness and vitality of things, so that when others read what you write, they too can touch first-hand the vibrant miracle of life”. This was the advice that Blessed Manuel Lozano Garrido[1] offered to his fellow journalists. This year, then, I would like to devote this Message to the invitation to “come and see”, which can serve as an inspiration for all communication that strives to be clear and honest, in the press, on the internet, in the Church’s daily preaching and in political or social communication. “Come and see!”  This has always been the way that the Christian faith has been communicated, from the time of those first encounters on the banks of the River Jordan and on the Sea of Galilee.”

In his message, Pope Francis explores the idea of “encounter” using the following themes, “Hitting the Streets”, “The Gospel as News Stories”, “Thanks to the courage of many journalists”, “Opportunities and hidden dangers on the web” and “Nothing replaces seeing things at first hand”.

He concludes his message writing, “We have books in our hands, but the facts before our eyes”, said Saint Augustine[3] in speaking of fulfilment of the prophecies found in sacred Scripture. So too, the Gospel comes alive in our own day, whenever we accept the compelling witness of people whose lives have been changed by their encounter with Jesus. For two millennia, a chain of such encounters has communicated the attractiveness of the Christian adventure. The challenge that awaits us, then, is to communicate by encountering people, where they are and as they are.

Lord, teach us to move beyond ourselves, and to set out in search of truth. Teach us to go out and see,
teach us to listen, not to entertain prejudices or draw hasty conclusions. Teach us to go where no one else will go, to take the time needed to understand, to pay attention to the essentials, not to be distracted by the superfluous, to distinguish deceptive appearances from the truth. Grant us the grace to recognize your dwelling places in our world and the honesty needed to tell others what we have seen. Francis - Rome, Saint John Lateran, 23 January 2021, Vigil of the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales” Taken from:  http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20210123_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html