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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 1-3:00 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 With the Lord there is steadfast love and great pow’r to redeem. Psalm 130 Refrain March 26, 2023 - 5th Sunday of Lent Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Mar. 27 – No mass Tues., Mar. 28 – 10:00 am Liturgy at the Lodge - Liturgy with Communion Tues., Mar. 28 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Walter & Norma Svandrlik by Bev & Don Campbell Wed., Mar. 29 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Norma Svandrlik by Darcy, Dustin & Jim Thomas & Kelty Esau Thurs., Mar. 30– 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Wegwitz & Cameron Families by Carmelita Cameron Fri., Mar. 31 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Anonymous Sat., Apr. 1 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) Palm Sunday - People of God Sun., Apr.2 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) Palm Sunday - People of God Sun., Apr. 2 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) Palm Sunday - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – March 19: Meadow Lake $903.00 Green Lake – $400.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March – For victims of abuse – We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering. The Pope’s Prayer Intention for April – For a culture of peace and non-violence – We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens. 40 Cans for Lent Project – Once again this year we are asking everyone to donate one can of food per day for the 40 days of Lent. This project has marked our Lenten practice for a number of years. We have donated thousands of pounds of food to the Door of Hope. Just before Easter the food will be taken to the Door of Hope. Help us make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters here in Meadow Lake who struggle to feed their families. Please feel free to bring your non-perishable food to the Parish Church at mass times or to the Parish Office during Office Hours. Many thanks for your generosity. The Way of the Cross – Please join us on Friday evenings for the Way of the Cross. In Meadow Lake we will gather at 6:30 pm in the Church and in Green Lake we will gather at 7:00, to pray with Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary. As we pray, let us offer to God our own suffering. Taize Evenings – Join us on Tuesday evenings for 45 minutes of Taize prayer and reflection. Our prayer begins this week, March 28th after the 6:30 pm mass. Knights of Columbus BINGO – Thank you to everyone who came out to support the bingo. Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) – Through their prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Lent, Christians express their desire to turn toward God and to all God’s children in preparation for Easter. The Bishops of Canada have reserved the Season of Lent for a collection to assist the Global South. Normally this collection is held on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Founded and mandated in 1967 by the Bishops of Canada, and now a member of the Caritas International network of Catholic agencies, the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace financially supports development and aid projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as informs Canadian Catholics on international social justice questions. “So many people even today hope to have enough to eat. The planet has food for all, but the will to share with everyone seems to be lacking. To prepare the table for all, and to ask that there be one table for all. Doing whatever we can so that everyone has food, but also reminding the world’s powerful that God will call them to be judged one day, and it will be demonstrated whether they have truly tried to provide food for Him in each person (cf. Mt 25:35) and whether they have acted in order that the environment would not be destroyed but would be able to produce this food.” - Pope Francis, Homily during the mass at the opening of the 2015 General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis Taken from Liturgical Calendar page 183 Development and Peace symbols – This Sunday at the beginning of our liturgy we will present 4 symbols and they will be placed before the ambo. They will help us appreciate the theme of our Share Lent campaign – Create Hope – Stand for the Land. The symbols remind us of our belonging to a Universal Church and our responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters and our earth! Symbol 1 – A bowl filled with earth – represents the wealth of Mother Earth and the soil upon which depend the territories that give us shelter, life and hope. Symbol 2 – A plant – represents our hope that justice will take root. Symbol 3 – A microphone – represents the work of communicating – speaking and listening – to marginalized people to inform them of their rights and to document their experiences. Symbol 4 – A box and a ballot – represents the importance for peace and democracy of making our voices heard and respecting communities. The Chrism Mass - April 4 at 6:30pm Bishop Stephen will celebrate the Chrism mass. At this liturgy, priests reaffirm their commitment to serve the Lord, the Bishop, and the People of God. At this liturgy the Bishop blesses the oils that will be used to help us celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, the Ordination of priests and the Anointing of the Sick. If you would like to take part in this liturgy, please be in touch with Fr. Doug. All are welcome to take part in this liturgy at the Cathedral in Prince Albert. Large Print Bibles – Fr. Doug purchased several large print New Revised Standard Catholic Bibles. They are available at the parish office for $50.00 per Bible. Enjoy reading your Bible! Scripture Insights – 5th Sunday of Lent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 138. In today’s first reading, the prophet Ezekiel delivers God’s words to his covenant people, using a graphic metaphor to illustrate God’s desire and power to give them life. The graves of the dead will be opened and the dead will rise up. Furthermore, all those in exile will be brought safely home. By these acts the people will know that their God has power over life and death. The psalmist intertwines a plea for redemption with an affirmation of trust in the Lord’s mercy. The psalm’s penitential tone makes it particularly fitting for Lent. What might “the depths” mean (Ps 130:1)? That vagueness allows the psalm to fit the needs of any person, for at times any of us might feel helpless and overwhelmed – wanting to cry out. Can we join in the psalmist’s trust in the compassion of the Lord? For Paul, the human body is a temple of the Lord, a positive image. It is also fragile and susceptible to the opposite of the spirit, a negative image. When Paul uses the word “flesh”, he doesn’t mean literally our physical bodies. Rather, by “flesh” he means that aspect of human nature that is subject to sinfulness and corruptibility. But the life of the spirit has been given to all who believe in the risen Lord. In fact, ii is through the resurrection of the Lord that a new spiritual life is even possible. John’s story of the raising of Lazarus offers us hope and consolation in the face of death. The grief of Jesus, Martha, and Mary shows us that the Lord understands and shares in our human grief at the death of our loved ones. At the same time, Jesus teaches that, through the power his Father has given him, he has power over death. Ultimately, he will teach us through his own death and resurrection that we can trust in the promise of eternal life.
Notes from our Deanery Meeting – On Thursday, March 23 the priests from Deanery 6 met in Paradise Hill with our Lay Representatives, Kevin and Patsy Salzl from Paradise Hill. We began by sharing what had been happening in our lives and then we moved on to talk about what was happening in our respective parishes. We noted that Fr. Frederick Akha is celebrating his 25th anniversary of priesthood with a celebration on June 25th in Paradise Hill and Fr. Doug is celebrating his 40th anniversary in Meadow Lake. We shared information about our Penitential Services in preparation for Easter. We also talked briefly about the way we prepare our people for sacramental celebrations and the challenge of catechesis – preparing our young people and our adults for taking up their duties as Catholics. Many people want the celebration of the sacrament but are reluctant to do catechesis or to be involved in the life of the local Church. We will spend more time on this at our next meeting. A significant amount of time was spent talking about the Synod. On April 29th the clergy and people from Deaneries 4, 5 and 6 will gather in Edam to talk about our Diocesan Synod Report. If you remember each Cluster of parishes was invited to choose one of the six priorities that surfaced during the Synod and we were invited to work towards implementing the choice in our faith communities. If you look back in your bulletin you will remember that we chose “Listening to the Holy Spirit.” We committed ourselves to learning how to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and how to discern our path forward. We also committed ourselves to “Responding to the Call of Service.” We committed ourselves to placing greater emphasis in our parish to reaching out to those in need in our faith community and beyond. It is my hope that a number of us will take part in this meeting and share what we have done and continue to do to make these priorities real in our communities. The day begins at 9:00 am with registration, prayer at 9:30 followed by our morning session. The day includes lunch and ends at 3:00 pm. We also planned our upcoming meetings and their locations. We concluded with a great but very late lunch prepared by Kevin and Patsy and then said our farewells. Easter Schedule for Liturgies Confessions: Our Lady of Peace Parish Penitential Service – Thursday, March 30th – 6:30 pm with additional priests. Wednesday, April 5th, Fr. Doug is available from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. Fr. Doug is available for people of Green Lake and Waterhen Lake after the Sunday masses. Fr. Doug is available to anyone by appointment. Palm Sunday Liturgy Saturday, April 1st – 5:00 pm – St Jude’s, Green Lake Sunday, April 2nd – 10:00 am – Our Lady of Peace (Live-streamed) Sunday, April 2nd – 3:00 pm – Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake Holy Thursday Thursday, April 6th - 5:00 pm – St Jude’s, Green Lake Thursday, April 6th – 7:30 pm – Our Lady of Peace (Live-streamed) *People from Waterhen Lake are encouraged to take part in the liturgies at Green Lake or Meadow Lake Good Friday Liturgy Friday, April 7 – 12:30 pm – St. Jude’s, Green Lake Friday, April 7 – 3:00 pm – Our Lady of Peace – (Live-streamed) Friday, April 7 – 7:00 pm – Prayer at the Cross – Our Lady of Peace (Live-streamed) *People from Waterhen Lake are encouraged to take part in the liturgies at Green Lake or Meadow Lake Easter Vigil Liturgy Saturday, April 8 - 8:00 pm - Our Lady of Peace (Live-streamed) *People from Waterhen Lake and Green Lake are encouraged to take part in the liturgy at Meadow Lake Easter Sunday Liturgy Sunday, April 9 – 10: 00 am – Our Lady of Peace – (Live-streamed) Sunday, April 9 – 12:30 pm – St. Jude’s, Green Lake Sunday, April 9 – 3:00 pm – Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Rosary and Reflection – Once a month, from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, with Bishop Stephen. The next reflections will be offered March 25th, April 15th, and May 27th! Livestreamed from Prince Albert! From Development and Peace - March 26 – Solidarity Sunday This Lent, please give generously This Solidarity Sunday, Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada’s Stand for the Land campaign invites you to give generously and thanks you warmly for your generosity. Your donation transforms the lives of some of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers across the world. Our solidarity rests on your generosity. “The support we receive from Development and Peace has been very important for me. It allowed me to find myself, to live again.” — Raquel Soto, participant in the documentary filmmaking school of the Asociación Campesina de Antioquia (ACA, Peasant Association of Antioquia) Such is the difference you can make by giving to your Share Lent parish collection or at devp.org/give. Thank you for helping us build a world of justice. 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 1-3:00 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 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23 Refrain March 19, 2023 - 4th Sunday of Lent Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Mar. 20 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Feast of St. Joseph Tues., Mar. 21 – 10:00 am Liturgy at the Lodge - Liturgy with Communion Tues., Mar. 21 – No public mass - Mary Anne McIntyre by Dan & Theresa Martian Wed., Mar. 22 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Tilly Redhead by Dan & Theresa Martian Thurs., Mar. 23– 9:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Souls in Purgatory by Josette Couillonneur Fri., Mar. 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Souls in Purgatory by Josette Couillonneur Sat., Mar. 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church) - Feast of the Annunciation and Silver Rose Sat., Mar. 25 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Mar. 26 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Mar. 26 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – March 12: Meadow Lake $1530.00 Green Lake – $251.00 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March – For victims of abuse – We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering. 40 Cans for Lent Project – Once again this year we are asking everyone to donate one can of food per day for the 40 days of Lent. This project has marked our Lenten practice for a number of years. We have donated thousands of pounds of food to the Door of Hope. Just before Easter the food will be taken to the Door of Hope. Help us make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters here in Meadow Lake who struggle to feed their families. Please feel free to bring your non-perishable food to the Parish Church at mass times or to the Parish Office during Office Hours. Many thanks for your generosity. The Way of the Cross – Please join us on Friday evenings for the Way of the Cross. In Meadow Lake we will gather at 6:30 pm in the Church and in Green Lake we will gather at 7:00, to pray with Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary. As we pray, let us offer to God our own suffering. Taize Evenings – Join us on Tuesday evenings for 45 minutes of Taize prayer and reflection. Our prayer begins this week, March 14th at 6:30 pm. Father Doug Leadership Meetings – After celebrating the mass for the Feast of St. Joseph on Monday, March 20, Fr. Doug will leave for Saskatoon to take part in the Oblate Leadership Meetings. Fr. Doug will return in time for the mass on Wednesday evening at 6:30. March 23 Deanery Meeting – On Thursday, March 23, the clergy from Deanery 6 will meet in Paradise Hill. Please note that the mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am that day. Fr. Doug will be out of the Office for the day! March 24 – Confessions in Goodsoil – On Friday evening at 7:00 pm Fr. Doug will be in Goodsoil helping Fr. Dong at the Parish Penitential Service. Are you a sinner? Need forgiveness? Come and join us! March 25 – Feast of the Annunciation and Silver Rose – On Saturday, March 25 we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation – Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel and informed that through the power of the Holy Spirit she will become the Mother of God. Mary says, “Yes!” to the angel and the story of our salvation begins a new chapter. As part of our celebration on Saturday we will receive the Silver Rose which is a part of the Knights of Columbus prayer campaign to help deepen our devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and to help us deepen our respect for life at all its stages from conception till natural death. Join us for the rosary, for the mass, for our Consecration to Mary and for the Litany of the Blessed Mother. Our prayer will begin at 9:30 am. Development and Peace – Share Lent Sunday – Next Sunday we will present 4 symbols at the beginning of mass. We will present a bowl filled with earth, a microphone, a plant and a box and a ballot. These symbols represent the wealth of the earth, the importance of communication, hope and the importance of democracy and of listening to the many and varied voices of humanity. These are symbols of solidarity and they help us to remember our brothers and sisters in the Global South who are trying to Create Hope as they Stand For the Land. This is the theme that Development and Peace has chosen for our Share Lent program. I encourage everyone to make a contribution to Share Lent – if you have automatic withdrawal put your Share Lent donation in an envelope with your name on it so that we can acknowledge your contribution and make sure it gets included in the Share Lent program. Prayer for Pope Francis – On March 13, Pope Francis celebrated his 10th anniversary as our Pope, the leader of our Church. We have been encouraged to pray for his well-being and for his ministry. On Friday, during our 6 hours for the Lord, we prayed the Litany of St. Joseph for his intention. I ask that each household in the parish say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be for Pope Francis. I suggest that we do this on Sunday at 6:00 pm if possible. Knights of Columbus BINGO – Mark your calendars for the next bingo. It will be on March 19th. Doors open at 6:30 pm and bingo begins at 7:00 pm. March 20 – Feast of St Joseph – The feast of St. Joseph is usually celebrated on March 19. Because it is a Sunday this year the celebration of the feast will take place on the following day. Please be advised that we will celebrate the Eucharist at 9:30 am on Monday, March 20 in honor of St. Joseph. Large Print Bibles – Fr. Doug purchased several large print New Revised Standard Catholic Bibles. They are available at the parish office for $50.00 per Bible. Enjoy reading your Bible! The Chrism Mass - April 4 at 6:30pm Bishop Stephen will celebrate the Chrism mass. At this liturgy, priests reaffirm their commitment to serve the Lord, the Bishop, and the People of God. At this liturgy the Bishop blesses the oils that will be used to help us celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, the Ordination of priests and the Anointing of the Sick. If you would like to take part in this liturgy, please be in touch with Fr. Doug. All are welcome to take part in this liturgy at the Cathedral in Prince Albert. Scripture Insights – 4th Sunday of Lent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 130. In today’s first reading, David, the youngest son of Jesse, seems an unlikely choice for a king as opposed to all his mature, highly qualified brothers. At least he seems unlikely by human standards. But God knows best how to make decisions for the well-being of the Chosen People. Clearly God’s ways are not ours. What’s more, not by chance is David a shepherd! Many centuries later, Jesus too will call himself a shepherd, demonstrating that his mission is grounded in tenderness and compassion. The much beloved Psalm 23 is a fitting prayer-hymn for today. Although God is described as “my shepherd” (Ps 23:1), making the psalm a personal prayer, the task of the shepherd, and of Jesus himself, is to take care of the whole flock, the entire people of God. The Lord is portrayed as one who tenderly cares for the sheep, feeding and protecting them all the days of their lives. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul uses the theme of darkness and light to draw a contrast between a life that is “pleasing to the Lord” and a life of “fruitless works of darkness” (Eph 5: 10 – 11). Paul tells the believers that the light that enables them to live in goodness and truth comes from the Lord. This reading prepares us to hear the healing story of the man born blind, which also contrasts the darkness of unbelief with the light of knowing and believing in the Son of Man. Just as, in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus relieved the woman’s thirst with living water, today he gives the man born blind his sight – and the light of faith. In these stories (and also in next week’s story), God works through Jesus to transform the human condition, bringing healing for body and spirit. Many witness his works – the crowds and the religious leaders – but not all come to faith.
Lent and Abstinence and Fasting – In the Liturgical Calendar published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops we read the following from page 54: “b) Fridays are days of abstinence from meat, but Catholics may substitute special acts of charity or piety on this day. c) Lent has a penitential character. During Lent, penance is an important requirement of Christian Life. Fulfillment of this duty involves prayer, works of piety and charity, and self-denial by fulfilling one’s obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the prescribed fast and abstinence. d) Ash Wednesday and Good Friday in the Roman Rite, including Canada, are days of fasting and abstinence from meat. Pastors should invite and encourage their people to do special penance these two days. e) The Paschal Fast is observed on Good Friday and, where possible continued through Holy Saturday. f) Privileged forms of Penance are recommended, especially during Lent. These forms are privileged because they are based on the teaching of the Gospels (fasting, almsgiving, prayer, works of mercy) or because of their traditional value among the people of God (abstinence from meat). Christian fasting obtains its full meaning when we deprive ourselves of food in order to be more open to prayer, to share more in the suffering of those who are starving and to save money to give to the poor. Fasting is a penitential discipline intended to open our hearts to God and others, a means of purification and spiritual liberation, a witness of the depth of our faith. The law of abstinence from meat binds those who are 14 and older; the law of fasting binds those from 18-59 years of age. Parents and educators are reminded of their duty to introduce children gradually to the understanding and practice of penance. The actions modeled by adults will be the greatest influence in this matter. g) Parish committees should assist the Pastor to help make Christian Penance a reality in the life of their community. “ Season of Lent (Taken from the Liturgical Calendar prepared by the Bishops of Canada page 155) “The highest point in the Church’s year is the Sacred Paschal Triduum celebrating the dying and rising of the Lord Jesus. We prepare for this three-day period during the season of Lent and prolong it for the great 50 days of the Easter season.” The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes prior to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The Easter Triduum which begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday concludes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. It is referred to as the Great Three Days or the Easter Triduum – running from sundown on Thursday to sundown on Easter Sunday – hence three days. Since 1969, The Great Three days are seen as a liturgical season in themselves. The early church recommended that prior to the Resurrection (Easter Sunday) the People of God should have 40 days of fasting. When calculating this Paschal Fast we now begin with Ash Wednesday and we conclude with the beginning of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Since Sunday is the day when we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord we NEVER fast or abstain from meat on Sunday. What is also noteworthy is that we do not fast or abstain from meat when we are celebrating solemnities like the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19) and the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25), both celebrations fall within the season of Lent. So what does that mean for the 40 days of Lent or the 40 days of Fasting? From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday is 46 days inclusive. Take away the 6 Sundays and you end up with 40 days of fasting. Practically speaking however, the season of Lent is not 40 days and practically speaking we do not have 40 days of fasting because of the Sundays and Solemnities. We can and we ought to maintain the discipline of fasting and abstinence beginning on Ash Wednesday except for the Solemnities and Sundays. As the bishops suggest, we ought to practice fasting and abstinence on Good Friday and Holy Saturday IF we are able. If we are not able, then we ought to engage in some other form of penance (charity or piety) during these holy days of preparation. As is the case in all our Christian life, we do the best that we can. Should we fast throughout the Lenten season? Yes, if we can! Should we fast and abstain from meat on Good Friday and Holy Saturday? Yes, if we can! We fast to be more open to prayer, to share in the suffering of others and to save money which we then give to the poor! We encourage each other to the best of our ability. When we do this we set a good example for one another so that our parish community is known as a community that takes seriously our preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. In doing this we become more like Christ. DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Rosary and Reflection – Once a month, from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, with Bishop Stephen. The next reflections will be offered March 25th, April 15th, and May 27th! Livestreamed from Prince Albert! From Development and Peace - Standing for the Land in Honduras Honduras’s diverse ecosystems, fertile lands and rich natural resources attract many profiteering enterprises that overexploit the land to no benefit for local communities. Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada supports Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (ERIC, Reflection, Research and Communication Team), an organization that helps communities in their struggle for land and territory and investigates human rights abuses. This Lent, meet our solidarity visitor Elvin Hernández, a human rights investigator at ERIC. Learn more at devp.org/lent. 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 1-3:00 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 Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned. Psalm 51 Refrain February 26, 2023 - 1st Sunday of Lent Our Vision: A Community of Disciples Our Mission We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace. Pastor: Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI Parish Secretary: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb. 27 – No mass Tues., Feb. 28 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Allison Dawn Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Wed., Mar. 1 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +John Ridsdale by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Thurs., Mar. 2– 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Etienne DeLaRonde by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Fri., Mar. 3 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Agnes Marie Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Sat., Mar. 4 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Mar. 5 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – February 19: Meadow Lake $1145.25 Green Lake – No mass The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – For parishes – We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need. The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March – For victims of abuse – We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering. 40 Cans for Lent Project – Once again this year we are asking everyone to donate one can of food per day for the 40 days of Lent. This project has marked our Lenten practice for a number of years. We have donated thousands of pounds of food to the Door of Hope. Just before Easter the food will be taken to the Door of Hope. Help us make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters here in Meadow Lake who struggle to feed their families. Please feel free to bring your non-perishable food to the Parish Church at mass times or to the Parish Office during Office Hours. Feel free to encourage your friends to also make a contribution to our project. Many thanks for your generosity. Friday, March 3 - World Day of Prayer will be celebrated at 1:00 PM in Good Shepherd/Holy Trinity Church. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this ecumenical service. The theme for this year is “I Have Heard About Your Faith”. The World Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Friday in March. It is an invitation for Christians to pause and pray together ecumenically. This recalls our Christian responsibility to be sensitive to the signs of the times so that we might bring a more authentically Christian dimension to the concerns of our world, our country, our community. Sponsored by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and its national counterparts around the world, it is celebrated in approximately 165 countries. Taken from Ordo page 165 Thank you to all who supported the Knights of Columbus BINGO – A special word of thanks to the Knights of Columbus and to all those who came out to support the Knights of Columbus Bingo. While it is great to win a prize and to play bingo, it is also a great time to visit and enjoy some time together. Stay tuned for information about the next KofC Bingo event. Taize Evenings – Join us on Tuesday evenings for 45 minutes of Taize prayer and reflection. Our prayer begins after mass at about 7:10 pm. Our Taize evenings begin on Tuesday, February 28th. Winter Fun Day – What are you doing on Sunday, March 5th from 2 – 4 pm? Come and join us in the Parish Parking lot for fun and games. There will be a fire for those who would like to roast marshmallows or hotdogs, the Parish Hall will be open for coloring, for card games, hot chocolate, snacks and visiting. In addition, there will be a number of outdoor games including a street hockey game! We will also have some good tunes to enjoy the outdoor weather. Please say a wee prayer so the weather is good for our gathering! If you are willing to help out, please call the parish office. If the temperature is below -15 then the day will be postponed. Let us pray for -15 or warmer! St. Patrick’s Day – Irish Stew Potluck Supper – On Thursday, March 16 at 6:00 pm you are invited to bring your best version of Irish Stew. You may also bring “mashed potatoes” or salads or Bannock/baking powder biscuits or buns. We will provide the coffee, tea, and GREEN water. Since it is LENT, we will not have desserts, and since March 17 is on a Friday, we will anticipate the Feast Day so we can enjoy the stew. If you are willing to help organize things for our Potluck, please call the Parish Office. Come and join us for some Irish food, music, and humor. Let us enjoy the company of one another as we gather for this fun moment. Large Print Bibles – Fr. Doug purchased a number of large print New Revised Standard Catholic Bibles. They are available at the parish office for $50.00 per Bible. Hope your Bible reading is going well! Season of Lent The first reading on each Sunday of Lent takes us on a journey through salvation history, offering models of sin, repentance, and God’s overflowing mercy. On the First Sunday of Lent, for example, we hear proclaimed Genesis 2:7 – 9; 3:1 – 7, the fall of humankind. From the Second Sunday on, we visit Old Testament narratives including the testing of Abraham, Moses and the Israelites grumbling and lost in the wilderness, and the anointing of King David. Repentance is a turning away from the sins and mistakes of the past and a turning toward God. Thus, hearing the stories of salvation history reminds us of these sins and invites us to walk in God’s path. Reflecting on the history of salvation throughout Lent guides us toward the mighty Easter Vigil liturgy. The psalms of Lent share the message of god’s mercy and the people’s redemption. On the Second Sunday of Lent we hear, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you” (Ps 33:22). Examples like this remind us that penance does not mean sadness; like the season of Advent, Lent is not absent of joy. We take joy, as does the psalmist, in God’s mercy and love! Too often, our Lenten practices equate to a transactional “payment” so that God may forgive us and deem us worthy. This is not the goal of Lent, nor is it a properly Catholic understanding of salvation and redemption. In critiquing these misunderstandings of penance, theologian Martin Connell writes, “Lent is an opportunity for the community of faith to pause and reawaken to the bounty of god’s love” (Eternity Today, volume 2, p. 57). The goal of this season is to deepen our communal and individual awareness that God deeply loves us, and as our awareness deepens, so too do our relationships. Connell continues, “[These Lenten disciplines] are meant to keep hearts beating and engaged in the world, to keep them from turning to stone, and to keep the senses alert for the fullest revelation of the gifts of God.” It is far too easy to forget God’s merciful love. It’s harder still to come to know and trust in this love, especially when fear and doubt play their part. Therein lies the meaning of Lenten penance. In addition to penance, this season focuses on recalling and preparing for baptism. Alongside the catechumens, who are in an intense season of discernment and preparation during Lent, the entire Church recalls baptism. This is a fitting time for liturgy teams to offer liturgical catechesis, formation sessions on the sacraments (particularly baptism), and/or small-group sessions such as Bible study or lectio divina groups. Much of the scriptural imagery of the season prepares us well to engage our baptisms. On the Second Sunday of Lent, we read Matthew’s account of the transfiguration. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus stand illuminated and unified as models of the priesthood, prophetic role, and royal household. Likewise, the readings on the Fourth Sunday of Lent remind us to walk in the light of God’s love. Finally, a word about Holy Week: Palm Sunday brings us quickly and vibrantly onto the final path toward Easter. As liturgists work hard in preparing Triduum liturgies, this is an important time to root ourselves in the spirituality of Holy Week’s rituals. Pope Francis said in his 2020 Lenten message, “Jesus’ Pasch is not a past event; rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit it is ever present, enabling us to see and touch with faith the flesh of Christ in those who suffer.” As we hear again the story of Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem, his feasting with the disciples, and his suffering and death, let us remember two things: first, the least among us continue to suffer and die; and second, the story does not end here – hope remains. Our prayer for this season is to unite our Lenten disciplines with the needs of the world, so that those living in suffering today may experience hope, love, and the mercy of God. Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023, pg. 104 Scripture Insights – 1st Sunday of Lent Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 112. The story of creation ends with the temptation and sin of Adam and Eve. This dramatic event sets the tone for the many more stories of God’s intervention in human events – an intervention that is merciful despite human weakness. Today we sing one of the familiar penitential psalms, a cry for God’s mercy we have all voiced. The psalmist does not pray as one without hope. This prayer trusts in the compassion of God and it would be suitable for every day of Lent. Paul compares the act of “one man” (Rom 5:12; who is Adam, mentioned in the longer reading) with that of another man, Jesus. The transgression of Adam has been overcome by the “gracious gift” of Jesus Christ (5:15). The inheritance of death has been conquered by the grace of redemption. In Scripture, the desert is a place of testing and isolation; there Jesus encounters the devil. Like all temptation, this one appeals to Jesus’ self-identity. The devil begins with the phrase, “If you are . . . “(Mt 4:3, 6). He’s inviting Jesus to flaunt his identity and his mission, perhaps even challenging its genuineness. Matthew places this event right after Jesus’ baptism, when he was called “beloved” by the heavenly voice and from there began his ministry. Lent becomes for us a time to remember who we are: baptized in the Lord for the work of the Lord.
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Food for Thought from our Diocesan Liturgy Commission! The Ministry of Jesus and the Ministry of the Assembly (Continued from January): What was Jesus’ ministry? It consisted primarily in teaching and healing. Jesus always acted for God; he always followed the will of the Father. Jesus’ service to the people whom he encountered was a sacrament of God’s own service to these people. He always acted for God in meeting the needs of those around him. He was truly interested in the people who came to him and showed concern for their needs. There was so much suffering, pain and brokenness in the lives of people that Jesus’ ministry was one of deep compassion: he truly suffered with his brothers and sisters. He tried to fight against the evils and oppression that enslave us as human beings: physical disability, poverty, hunger, political and social oppression, physical, and psychological disorders (Luke 6:20-37). He spent his life healing people. Jesus also taught about the kingdom of God and how we can enter into God’s reign. He challenged everyone to conversion and repentance (Luke 7:36-50; 19:1-10). By eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus destroyed the barricades that block the relationship that exists between God and humanity (Mark 2:15-17: Luke 15:1-32). The summit of Jesus’ ministry was his death and resurrection through which he revealed the depth of the Father’s love for the world. Jesus freely chose to experience suffering and death out of love for us. He readily absorbed the evil and hostility that were directed against him and, therefore, overcame the power of evil in the world (John 13:1). Jesus, as the sacrament of divine love, modeled for us how we can overcome the power of sin and evil in our own lives and in the whole of creation.” (Preparing for Liturgy Series / ‘Preparing the Assembly to Celebrate’ by Kim Aldi-Wanner) Rosary and Reflection – Once a month, from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, with Bishop Stephen beginning February 25th, March 25th, April 15th, and May 27th! Livestreamed from Prince Albert! Lent 2023 – A message from Christine Taylor, Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis February 22, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our 2023 Lenten Journey. Below you will find a link to the Diocesan Family Faith Resource Page where you will find many ideas for your family’s Lenten Journey. As well, on the OEC webpage, you will find links to Lenten resources for adults, young adults, and families. Please share these ideas broadly with family and friends. Blessings to all as we enter the Lenten Journey. The Family Resource page has been updated with many ideas for you and your family’s Lenten journey. To view these and other resources go to the following Diocesan webpage: Family Faith Resources | RC Diocese of Prince Albert (padiocese.ca) From Development and Peace – Michael Leblanc (Development and Peace Animator for Saskatchewan and the Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas): Greetings and blessings from our Development & Peace Regional Office located in beautiful Saskatoon! The weather is warmer and I can see the beautiful sunshine falling all around us. It feels like Spring may just be around the corner. So it is with our Canadian Catholic development organization. At Development and Peace – Caritas Canada we are experiencing our own springtime through our new 2023 campaign. In Create Hope: Stand for the Land we are going to hear from our partners in Colombia & Honduras who are demonstrating their social commitment to “Stand for the Land” using audiovisual media to broadcast their message to advocate for Care of Creation. You can read more about their actions here, in our yearly mini-magazine. What can we do to show our solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers in the Global South? In our parishes, our homes & our schools we are mobilizing for our Share Lent 2023 campaign. On Saturday, February 25th at 12:30 pm our campaign officially kicks off with a Zoom webinar – our partners’ voices Alvin Hernandez & Raquel Soto (the face of our 2023 Campaign) will be sharing their testimony as we all rally for solidarity. Register for this event here. 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 1-3:00 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 The Lord is merciful and gracious. Psalm 103 Refrain February 19, 2023 - 7th 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: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb. 20 – No mass Tues., Feb. 21 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Agnes Marie Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Wed., Feb. 22 (Ash Wednesday) – 12:30 pm (St Jude’s Parish, Green Lake) AND 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Thurs., Feb. 23– 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Ernest B. Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Fri., Feb. 24 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Donald Morin by Audrey & gilbert Griffith Sat., Feb. 25 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 26 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God Sun., Feb. 26 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the smile, Waterhen) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – February 12: Meadow Lake $1497.00 Green Lake – $325.55 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – For parishes – We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need. Friday, March 3 - World Day of Prayer will be celebrated at 1:00 PM in Good Shepherd/Holy Trinity Church. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this ecumenical service. The theme for this year is “I Have Heard About Your Faith”. Please pray for Sister Murielle Savard of the Sisters of Presentation of Mary, who passed away on Feb. 12, 2023. Her funeral will be Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert. Our sympathies go out to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary as well as to her biological family. Season of Lent Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their Baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Lenten instructions stress these baptismal and penitential themes. During Lent, it is important to teach the social consequences of sin as well as the fact that the heart of the virtue of penance is hatred of sin as an offence against God. The Church encourages penitential practices that are external and social, reflecting the circumstances of individuals and communities, as we pray and do penance for sinners. Taken from Ordo page 154 Scripture Insights – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 98. “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy” (Lv 19:2). These words challenge us to imitate God in our actions. The word “holy” embraces the concept of wholeness, as opposed to being divided. Leviticus illustrates this meaning: “You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart” (19:7). Instead, follow the command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (19:18). In Matthew’s account of the Gospel, Jesus clearly builds on this passage from Leviticus. “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (5:48). To “be perfect” is the same as to “be holy”. Such holiness would mean that the individual is undivided in their interior and exterior lives. Jesus offers three succinct scenarios of humiliation that reflect Mediterranean culture: being struck on the right cheek by a backhanded slap is an insult; being sued in court where one is humiliated by losing property or dignity; and being forced to carry something by Roman soldiers (see Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus’ cross [Mt 27:32]). All of these cultural situations required action to defend one’s honor. Instead, Jesus advises a different approach: Find another way to respond that avoids violence. Rise above these insults. Jesus is abrogating a basic law of the Middle East, enduring to the present, known as the Law of Talion, the law of retaliation: “An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Mt 5:38). Jesus invites his followers to find a third way that rises above humiliation and avoids retaliating in the same way. Use your imagination to discover how best to overcome the insult in ways that rise above it and beyond violence.
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Rosary and Reflection – Once a month, from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, with Bishop Stephen beginning February 25th, March 25th, April 15th, and May 27th! Livestreamed from Prince Albert! 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 1-3:00 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 Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119 Refrain February 12, 2023 - 6th 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: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb. 13 – No mass Tues., Feb. 14 – No public mass - +Henri Lazar by Norman, Frances & Wanda Steier Wed., Feb. 15 – No public mass - +Yvonne Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Thurs., Feb. 16– 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - + Emil Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Fri., Feb. 17 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Ernest B. Morin by Audrey & Gilbert Griffith Sat., Feb. 18 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 19 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – February 5: Meadow Lake $2049.95 Green Lake – $116.15 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – For parishes – We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need. Thank- you: A special word of thanks to the Knights of Columbus for a wonderful pancake breakfast. Thanks to everyone who came. It is nice to gather and visit with one another! World Day of the Sick – February 11 – The ministry of Jesus to the sick is central to the life of the Church. February 11 (Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes) highlights the healing ministry of the Church. It reminds us that service to the sick and suffering cannot be neglected. It recognizes the great efforts of doctors, nurses, health care institutions and pastoral care givers to restore health to those afflicted with illness and disease. Taken from Ordo page 144 We will celebrate the sacrament at our weekend liturgies. The theme this year is TAKE CARE OF THEM: COMPASSION AS A SYNODAL EXERCISE OF HEALING. Please see the message from Pope Francis for this special day: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20230110-giornata-malato.html Knights of Columbus Bingo – Want to play Bingo? Be at the Parish Hall on Sunday, February 12th at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Bring your lucky charms and who knows, you might walk away with a nice prize! Scripture Insights – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 92. The reading from Sirach sets the scene for all of today’s readings. Sirach offers practical wisdom on how to live according to God’s instructions. The writer reminds us that God has gifted us with the power to choose freely: “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him” (Sir 15:17). Paul’s letter to the Corinthians shows what the call to choose life means. Embrace God’s love by living according to God’s wisdom, a plan hidden until now, a plan of love for the salvation of all humanity. Jesus Christ, the crucified “Lord of glory” (I Cor 2:8), accomplished the Father’s plan through his death and resurrection. During the Gospel reading, Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount as he illustrates how his message fulfills the law and the prophets. He selects the fifth, sixth, and eighth commandments to indicate the heart of his new way of life: “You have heard how it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill . . . But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Mt 5: 21 – 22). Jesus demonstrates that murder stems from within the human heart. The out-of-control emotion of anger within us, if left unchecked, leads to murder. To choose life in Christ means to pay attention not only to one’s actions but, more important, to their roots within our inner being, to the emotions within us. While this is true of the fifth commandment, it also applies to all other commandments. Life in Christ implies that our whole being needs transformation, starting within our very depths.
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Women’s Ecumenical Service – February 16th at 7:00 PM at the United Church. Join the ladies for prayer and socializing. Rosary and Reflection – Once a month, from 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, with Bishop Stephen beginning February 25th, March 25th, April 15th, and May 27th! Livestreamed from Prince Albert! Diocesan Website – Pastoral Care – When you visit the Diocesan website, please be sure to look at the new information available under the Pastoral Care page. You will find information about:
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: 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 Light rises in the darkness for the upright. Psalm 112 Refrain February 5, 2023 - 5th 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: Pat Bencharski Pastoral Council Chair: Mass Intentions When there is a funeral, the daily mass will normally be cancelled. Check Facebook for the most up-to-date information. On Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday, Our Lady of Peace masses will be livestreamed on Facebook. Mon., Feb. 6 – No mass Tues., Feb. 7 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace church & Facebook) - +Alannah Martian by Dan Martian Wed., Feb. 8 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - For the Faithful in the World by Carmelita Cameron Thurs., Feb. 9– 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Norman Steier by Frances & Wanda Steier Fri., Feb. 10 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Henri Lazar by Frances, Norman & Wanda Steier Sat., Feb. 11 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude Parish, Green Lake) - People of God Sun., Feb. 12 – 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday Collection – January 29: Meadow Lake $1407.60 Green Lake – $45.50 The Pope’s Prayer Intention for February – For parishes – We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need. Bishop Stephen’s Uncle – Mr. George Simms of Victoria, BC passed away on January 27, 2023. He leaves to mourn his wife Annette and his extended family including Bishop Stephen and his siblings. Mr. Simms was a brother to Bishop Stephen’s mother. By the grace of God, Bishop Stephen was able to spend a few days with his uncle and aunt earlier this January. As a Diocesan family, we want to offer our sincerest sympathies to our Bishop and his family. Sacrament of the Sick - We will celebrate this sacrament at the liturgies on the weekend of February 11/12. Deanery Meeting – The Deanery Meeting planned for Thursday, January 26 did not take place due to highway conditions. It was held Thursday, February 2. The following summary highlights some of the items discussed at the Deanery Meeting. On Thursday, February 2, I was joined by Fr. Frederick from Paradise Hill, Fr. Peter from St. Walburg, Deacon Al from Goodsoil, and by Patsy Salzl from Paradise Hill, who is the Lay Representative from Deanery 6 on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Our meeting began with us sharing where we were at in our lives and ministry. We then settled into the business of the day. We set dates for our Penitential Services in our various parishes. That means March 30th for Meadow Lake. I will make myself available to the people of Green Lake and Waterhen Lake after mass as per usual. We then went on and reviewed some of our hopes and expectations for our Spring Regional Meeting which includes people from Deaneries 4, 5, and 6. This meeting will take place in Edam. We will examine where we are at with the implementation of our Synod Priorities as well as hear from the Bishop about what is happening in the Diocese. This Diocesan Pastoral Meeting which takes place in the Fall and is held in Prince Albert and involves all the parishes in the Diocese is a wonderful experience of our Diocesan Church. This smaller spring meeting is restricted to the people from the three deaneries and is designed so that more local folks can gather - the driving distance is not so far and more people from the parishes can be involved. We are expecting about 100 people - approximately 10 people from our 3 faith communities of Waterhen Lake, Meadow Lake, and Green Lake. More information will be shared about this meeting in our parish bulletin soon. The meeting will take place at the end of April. We also spent some time reflecting on our experience of Church - the challenges of catechesis and building faith communities that welcome people, share the faith, celebrate the faith, and reach out to those who are in need. We will be spending more time on this topic in our next Deanery 6 meeting. We spent some time reflecting on our experience of the Diocesan Synod. A presentation was given about the Synod - its purpose, its participants, and its conclusions. The purpose of the Synod (Phase One) was to speak and listen to each other. In doing so we are contributing our energy, our ideas, and our hopes to the life of the Church. Pope Francis wants us to be who God has called us to be and so is concerned about our Participation in the Church. God is concerned about our Communion (our working together as God’s people). God is concerned about our Mission - the way we share the Good News of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Jesus Christ and those who are growing in their knowledge of Jesus Christ. We learned that about 10 % of the Catholics in the Diocese took part in the Synod. We heard from some young people, but we heard mostly from people 36 years and older. We heard from some Indigenous and Metis people. We did not hear from all the faith communities. We did not hear much from Catholics who have drifted away from the Church, we did not hear much from Catholics who are on the margins of our Church and society, and we did not hear much from immigrants in our Church. So, what did we hear? We heard the Spirit call us to several actions:
We also heard that people want to know more about what we are doing regarding the Clergy Sexual Abuse scandal, the Indian Residential School issues and our relationships with Metis and Indigenous Peoples and around some people being excluded from the sacraments (divorced and non-Church going people). We also heard that there are several issues/tensions around the teaching of the Church. Namely: role of women in the Church, requirement of celibacy for priests, married priests, acceptance of divorced and remarried Catholics, members of the LGBQT+ community and views around abortion and euthanasia. Some encouraged the Church to hold fast and not make changes to her teachings while others look to changes. Diocese of Prince Albert Synod Synthesis p. 8 For us, the Synod dynamics of speaking and listening to one another must continue to be a part of our local faith communities. When we have spoken and listened to each other we must pray and ask ourselves what the Spirit is now asking us to do with what we have heard. Listening for the voice of the Spirit is a challenge that we live with every day as we deal with the ordinariness of our lives. What is the Lord asking of us today? Our meeting concluded after we set our next meeting date for Thursday, March 23 in Paradise Hill. The folks appreciated the hospitality of our Meadow Lake Cluster. Waterhen Lake and Green Lake - Parish Thank you Socials are being scheduled for St. Jude’s and Our Lady of the Smile for a little later in February! Please mark your calendars for February 11 and 12. February 11 is the World Day of Prayer for the Sick and it is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes. The theme this year is TAKE CARE OF THEM: COMPASSION AS A SYNODAL EXERCISE OF HEALING. Please see the message from Pope Francis for this special day: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/20230110-giornata-malato.html World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life – February 2nd – This year the Diocese will host a celebration on Sunday, Feb 5, 2023, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert. This gathering will help you understand what is in store for those who are called to live the Consecrated Life, and it will be an opportunity for those who have been called to this lifestyle and it will be an opportunity to ask God to bless us with men and who will accept this life as an expression of their baptismal call. There will be music, scripture, and reflections on the Consecrated life. If you would like to organize something in your own parish, a rosary or an hour of adoration for example, or at your own home, please see diocesan website Vocations page for resources. https://www.padiocese.ca/vocations-commission Feb. 5 Pancake Breakfast – Do you have plans after mass on Sunday, February 5th? Be sure to include a wonderful KofC Breakfast served in the Parish Hall right after mass! It is a great opportunity to have a great breakfast, no dishes and lots of visiting. Mark your calendars and join us! Knights of Columbus Bingo – While you are marking dates please be sure to mark your calendar for another KofC Bingo to be held in the Parish Hall on Sunday, February 12th at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Bring your lucky charms and enjoy an evening of fun and bingo! Who knows you might walk away with a nice prize! Knights of Columbus Vocations Campaign – This weekend members of the Knights of Columbus will hand out brochures and donation cards for the Vocations Campaign. You will be encouraged to make a contribution to the Campaign on Sunday, February 5! Scripture Insights – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2023: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2022, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 86. In the verses preceding today’s Gospel, Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. As Moses formed God’s people by giving them the old law on Mount Sinai, so Jesus, the new Moses, forms a new people by giving them his new law. “You are the salt of the earth,” says Jesus (Mt 5:13). As salt permeates food and brings out its flavor, we as Christians are called to permeate the world and transform its values. “You are the light of the world,” continues Jesus (5:14). In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims: “I am the light of the world” (8:12). As Jesus’ followers, we are called to let his light shine through our lives, drawing others to this light. In the letter to the followers in Corinth, Paul shows how his life witnessed to the light of Christ. He tells the Corinthians that when he came to them, he did not preach using great rhetorical gifts. Instead, he allowed the Spirit to speak through him. Physically, Paul came “in weakness and fear and much trembling” ( I Cor 2:3). The power of the Spirit, however, transformed his human inadequacies to communicate the message of the crucified and risen Christ. Paul argues that God’s power, God’s grace, works through the lives of the believers by attracting many to follow and accept the Good News. The prophet Isaiah offered the same idea. The witness of an authentic life attracts people to the message. The prophet affirms this vision: “If you bestow your bread on the hungry / and satisfy the afflicted; / then your light shall rise for you in the darkness” (Is 58:10).
DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND Diocesan Website – Pastoral Care – When you visit the Diocesan website, please be sure to take a look at the new information available under the Pastoral Care page. You will find information about:
A Reflection by Fr. Doug on the Oblates in Saskatchewan - Many of you are familiar with my Oblate Community. Until recently the priests who have served the faith communities of Waterhen Lake, Green Lake and Meadow Lake have been Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate or the Oblates. When I joined the community in 1974, we were 144 in our Province. Today we number 20. Of our 20 men, 14 are retired and 6 are in active ministry. 4 are 90+ years; 10 are between the ages of 80-90 years; 4 are between the ages of 70-80 years; 1 is between the ages of 60-70 years; 1 is between the ages of 50-60 years. More and more the energy of our Oblate Community is directed towards taking care of our elder brothers and less and less are we able to engage in ordinary ministries we have done for years. Gone are many of our Institutions and properties as there is no one to provide the energy and activity needed to keep them going. We are looking at the disappearance of the Oblates from the Church landscape in Saskatchewan and in Canada. Some 60 years ago the number of men joining our community began to diminish. The diminishment continued and today there are no young men in our Formation programs. The last man to join our Oblate community in Saskatchewan was 1998. Since then, no young men from Saskatchewan have joined the Oblates. It is good for us to ask some questions. Is God no longer calling young men to be Oblate brothers or priests? Are we no longer able to hear the voice of God? Is God calling us to make changes in our community? Is God no longer interested in what happens to us? Is the problem bigger than the Oblates? It is true that the Diocese of Prince Albert is in a similar position. Most of the men serving the Diocese of Prince Albert are from Vietnam, the Philippines and Nigeria! Is God no longer calling young men from Canada? Is God calling us to make changes? What might the changes look like? As Oblates we continued doing what we always have done. We believed that God would call young men to join us, and we believed that our community would continue to have a place in the Church. Today as our numbers plummet, our eyesight dims, voices fade to whispers, movement becomes harder, and our memory abandons us, the hard truth is that young men no longer share our vision of how important it is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the poor. So, what is the new vision that animates the spirits and minds and hearts of people today? Who will work to make this vision real? Is the diminishment of the Oblates and many other religious communities a warning to the larger Church? If the Church continues with business as usual what will happen? What is required of the Church today? |
Parish BulletinThis bulletin is prepared by the Parish Secretary and the Pastor Archives
April 2023
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