Fourth Sunday of Easter April 21, 2024

 
        
       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: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake
Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/
Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5  
 
  The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Psalm 118 Refrain
  
Our Vision:
A Community of Disciples
Our Mission
We commit to form disciples
who joyfully and faithfully
live out the mission of
Jesus Christ
by enriching our relationship
with God and neighbour
through the intercession of
Our Lady of Peace.
Pastor: 
Fr. Uche Umechikelu, MSP
Parish Secretary:
Pat Bencharski
 
Masses
Intentions

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

Mon., Apr. 22 – No mass
 
Tues., Apr. 23 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge
 
Tues., Apr. 23 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Gena Watthan by Glen & Theresa Rodrigue

Wed., Apr. 24 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Louis & Katie Hart by Glen & Theresa Rodrigue

Thurs., Apr. 25 – 8:30 – 9:30 am Adoration before mass
 
Thurs., Apr. 25 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Joni Dombowsky by Glen & Theresa Rodrigue

Fri., Apr. 26 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Nathan by Glen & Theresa Rodrigue

Sat. Apr. 27 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God

Sun., Apr. 28 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., Apr. 28 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen) - People of God

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Congratulations and prayers for all the children and families who celebrated First Communion/Confirmation on Saturday, April 20.
2. There will be a parish potluck lunch after mass next Sunday, April 28.

Sunday Collection – Apr. 14:  Meadow Lake $1004.10  Green Lake $452.20  Children’s Collection $6.00
                                                March CAFT  $2030.00
 
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for April – for the role of women – We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.
Parish Pictorial Directories – We were sent 15 extra directories. If anyone would like to purchase any of these directories please call the office. We are selling them for $10 each.
 
Registration for RCIA Classes – Anyone who wishes to register for RCIA in preparation for joining the Church Easter 2025 is asked to contact the office during the month of April. Classes will begin in the first week of May and will be held twice a month – dates and times to be announced before classes commence.
 
Parish Potluck – We are having a parish potluck after mass on Sunday, April 28 in the hall. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Everyone welcome.
 
Our Lady of Peace Graduation Scholarship – We are hoping to present scholarships to graduates who want to pursue educational opportunities. We are asking for donations from parishioners to help fund the Scholarship. If you wish to donate to this Scholarship please indicate on your envelope or cheque “Scholarship Fund”. Thank you in advance for your support.
 
Scripture Insights – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2024:  The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2023, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 182.
 
 The Gospel for today is a portion of the longer and very familiar discourse on the Good Shepherd. Most people reading this passage have had no experience with tending sheep, but it is important to keep in mind that this discourse is about relationship. The Jewish community would have been familiar with the images of the shepherd and the hired hand. The hired hand to whom Jesus refers is an individual (or individuals) who had no relationship with the sheep he is paid to tend. The shepherd, on the other hand, is the one who knows and tends to the sheep with tender care. When Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd,” he is not only identifying himself as the one with whom he and his sheep have a mutual relationship, but also saying that he and the Father have a mutual relationship. While using the familiar shepherd imagery of the Old Testament, Jesus expands the image of shepherd to include “other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” Jeus will lay down his life for many, not for an elite few.
                    

• A good shepherd knows that it is best to lead from the back, gently nudging the flock toward nourishment and keeping our of harm’s way. What patience and humility is needed to get out of the way, to put our own agendas aside when we are in a leadership role. Think of your own community: what are the ways that leaders (yourself included) get this right? Where is there room for improvement?

·         Perhaps you have heard Pope Francis’ invitation to “smell like the sheep.” Obviously, this is much less a comment on the odor of a farm animal, and much more an urging for one who loves God’s people to be in and among them, working alongside them, taking part in their daily labor. What do the sheep of your community smell like? What are their hopes and dreams? Where do they struggle, ache, grieve? What brings them joy?
·         Think about the “wolves” in our world today. Poverty, illness, inconvenience, racism, sexism, evil: what is our response when these woes come our way? Do we run? Do we look the other way while people suffer? How can we brace for these known and unknown dangers that threaten to separate and destroy our communities?