July 4, 2021 - 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

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

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

Parish Email: [email protected] Pastor Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Catholic Church Meadow Lake
Website: https://www.meadowlakecatholicchurch.com/
Address: 504-3rd Ave. East, Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1H5

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor.”  Luke 4.18
 
July 4, 2021 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
Our Vision:
A Community of Disciples
 
Our Mission
We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ
by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour
through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace.

Pastor:  Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI
Parish Secretary: Lorraine Thibeault
Pastoral Council Chair: Doris Beaubien
 
SaskHealth/Diocese of Prince Albert Regulations – On June 20th, we moved to a new phase in the ‘reopening of Saskatchewan’.  This phase had little impact on how we celebrate liturgy and gather as a parish. At Our Lady of Peace Parish, we can welcome 25 family groups of people to our Parish Hall and to our Parish Church. The size of the individual groups will determine how many people we can welcome as long as we do not exceed one-third the capacity of our building or 150 people. We are still required to wear masks, to sanitize and to maintain 2-metre social distance, and we are still required to register for mass (Saturday night and Sunday morning at the Parish Office 306 236 5122 before Friday noon). The presence of the Covid-19 variants (Delta) continues to cause concern among health care professionals as it spreads quickly and can seriously impact our health and well being. The virus has not gone away. Our Liturgies at Green Lake and Waterhen Lake are likewise limited by these regulations. 
 
Thank you for all you have done and are doing to keep your brothers and sisters safe during the pandemic. If you can be vaccinated, please get vaccinated to avoid the unnecessary loss of life. Please be aware that if you HAVE NOT been vaccinated and you choose to join us for liturgy, you are EXPOSING YOURSELF TO SERIOUS RISK because of the COVID-19 virus. Vaccinated people may still carry and transmit the virus even though they are not aware of any symptoms. Let us continue to be respectful of people who are cautious and concerned about their health and the health of their loved ones.
Effective June 29th, people are welcome to physically take part in the daily masses (Tuesday – Saturday) at Our Lady of Peace Church. Our daily mass schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday and Wednesday mass will be celebrated at 6:30 pm
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am unless there is a funeral in which case the daily mass will be cancelled that day.
• Tuesday to Friday the masses will continue to be livestreamed on Facebook.

Please stay tuned for further adjustments as new information comes from SaskHealth and our Diocese.

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Join us for Songs at Seven on Thursdays at 7:00 pm.
2. A reminder to all!  Please get vaccinated if your health allows you to do so! Don’t forget to register for your second vaccine when you are eligible!
3. Painting the Rectory and Deck – The workers have been amazing, and the project is nearing completion. This week, Walter LeBoeuf is working on the trim, windows and doors. This project is nearing completion. A special thanks to Walter LeBoeuf.

 

Mass Intentions
 
Mon., July 5 - Personal Intention
 
Tues., July 6 – 6:30 pm (Facebook) - +Victor Tourand by Paulette Tourand
 
Wed., July 7 - Funeral Liturgy for Barry Pethick
 
Thurs., July 8 – 9:30 am (Facebook) - +Victor Tourand by Paulette Tourand
 
Fri., July 9 – 9:30 am (Facebook) – Feast of Our Lady of Peace, our parish feast day - Frey Family by Geoff Frey
 
Sat., July 10 – 9:30 am - +Victor Tourand by Paulette Tourand
 
Sat. July 10 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall, Meadow Lake) - People of God
 
Sun., July 11 - 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - People of God
 
Sun., July 11 - 12:30 pm (St Jude’s, Green Lake) - People of God
 
Sun., July 11 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile, Waterhen Lake) - People of God
 

 
PILGRIMAGES AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE:  The Pilgrimages at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine are as follows:  Updated:  Major Pilgrimage July 15-16 - Will be cancelled this year. 
Minor Pilgrimages – information about pilgrimages on Aug. 15 and Sept. 8 will be forthcoming.

 
Fr Doug’s Holidays:  Fr. Doug will be leaving for a short holiday break. He will be away following the July 11th liturgies and will return in time for the evening mass on July 21st at 6:30 pm. While he is away, Fr Kendrick Beler will be covering in case of an emergency. Please contact the Parish Office if you are in need of a priest (306) 236 5122.

Deacon Bill Thibeault will provide leadership for the liturgies on Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18 at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Meadow Lake and at St. Jude’s Parish, in Green Lake. We thank Deacon Bill in advance for his generosity.
 
July 9, Our Lady of Peace Feast Day - Origins of Our Lady of Peace, Statue and Title:  In the early 1500s in France, Jean de Joyeuse presented the statue as a wedding gift to his young bride, Françoise Voisins. The statue was known as the "Virgin of Joyeuse" and became a cherished family heirloom.
​
In about 1588, Jean's grandson, Henri Joyeuse, joined the Capuchin Franciscans in Paris and brought the statue with him, where it remained for the next 200 years. With the olive branch in her hand and the Prince of Peace on her arm, the statue was called Notre Dame de Paix (Our Lady of Peace). In 1657, the Capuchin community erected a larger chapel to accommodate the growing number of faithful who sought her intercession. On July 9 that year, before a large crowd which included King Louis XIV, the papal nuncio to France blessed and solemnly enthroned the Virgin's statue. Pope Alexander VII would later designate this date for the Capuchin community to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peace.

During the French Revolution, which erupted in 1789, the Capuchins were driven from their monastery and they took the image with them to prevent its destruction by the rebels. When peace was restored in the land, the statue was brought out of hiding and entrusted to Peter Coudrin, a priest in Paris. In 1800, Coudrin and Henriette Aymer de Chevalerie became co-founders of a community of sisters, brothers and priests — the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Coudrin gave the statue to Mother Aymer, who enshrined it in a convent chapel in the Picpus district of Paris on May 6, 1806.

The figure of dark hardwood is 11 inches tall and is fashioned in the Renaissance style of the period. Mary is depicted as a dignified matron, with the Christ Child on her left arm and an olive branch in her right hand. The Christ child holds in his hands a cross and a globe.  Today the feast of Our Lady of Peace is celebrated on July 9th except in the United States (Jan 24th) and El Salvador (Nov 21st).
 
Scripture Insights – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – pg.264, Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2021:  The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2020, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609:  Ezekiel is the last of the major prophets, preaching in the period of the exile in Babylon (approximately 597 – 537 BC).  In fact, he had already been taken captive to Babylon when he received his call.  Ezekiel’s prophesies stand out from those of the other prophets.  The visions he reports are especially vivid and surreal:  the wheel within the wheel (1:15) and the four living creatures with faces like an ox, a lion, an eagle, and a human being (1:10).  (These would later be associated with the four evangelists, Mark, Matthew, John, and Luke, respectively.)  Finally, Ezekiel speaks in the first person, as though he is relating his conversation with God as it happens, whereas most other prophets repeat what God has told them: “Thus says the Lord . . . “

We do not hear the subject of his preaching in this passage.  In general, he prophesied the further destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, an unpopular topic.  When the Temple was destroyed in 587 BC, Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled.  The subject of his preaching, however, is not as important as the outcome.  The Lord tells Ezekiel to preach so that “they shall know that a prophet has been among them.”  Later in the prophecy, God tells Ezekiel: “They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them” (34:30).  In the similarity of phrases, the reader can sense the close relationship between God and God’s prophet.
In his hometown, Jesus faces similar issues.  He must preach the good news whether people listen or not.  Unlike Ezekiel, who expected a stubborn and rebellious people, Jesus is amazed and perplexed when people do not believe him.  We readers, who have been following Mark’s story as Jesus touches and heals every kind of separation that people experience, from sin to illness to death, are also surprised.  And yet, in spite of firm disbelief, Jesus is able to effect some healing for those who sought it.  It is enough.  He continues teaching in every town that will have him.

• Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are recognized in the Ezekiel reading’s imagery.  Like ancient Israel, we are called to love, embrace, and accept Jesus’ way.  We must seek the Lord and rely on his grace.
• We are a mission people, sent by our Lord to live as he taught us to live and to spread the good news of the Gospel.
• Through God’s grace, we preach the Gospel.  This grace is sufficient for each of us in our vocations.
• Jesus was rejected in his hometown; greeted with suspicion, he understood that most in Nazareth would reject him.  Those who did seek him would receive his ministry.
• On this Sunday, we hear God call the prophet Ezekiel to proclaim the divine Word to a recalcitrant people.  We like the Israelites, sometimes close our hearts off to God.  But, one day amazement will fill our hardened hearts because we will know of God’s abiding presence.  Or, will amazement fill Jesus at the lack of faith he finds in us?  Paul knows how sufficient the Lord’s grace is for him.  May amazement fill us on this Sunday as it did Paul—for God’s sufficient grace is truly amazing grace!  It is more than enough for us.

Reflections on Chapter 6 & 7 of the Catechetical Directory:  In our last gathering, the Diocesan Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis reflected on Chapter Five (The Pedagogy of Faith) of the new Directory for Catechesis.  Chapter Five contains and explores 3 themes:  The divine pedagogy; Pedagogy in the faith of the Church/Criteria for the proclamation of the evangelical message; and Catechetical pedagogy

This past Tuesday our Commission gathered, and we explored:
Chapter 6 - The Catechism of the Catholic Church which contains the following themes:  The Catechism of the Catholic Church; and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Chapter 7 Methodology in Catechesis which contains the following themes:  The relationship between content and method: Human Experience; Memory; Language; The Group; and Space.

In Chapter 6, we were reminded that the Catechism is intended first for the pastors and then for the faithful, especially those who are catechists, as a resource, and a reference for sharing the faith. In par 184, we read, “The Catechism is ‘an official text of the Church’s Magisterium, which authoritatively gathers in a precise form, and in an organic synthesis the events and fundamental salvific truths which express the faith common to the People of God and which constituted the indispensable basic reference for catechesis.’ In par 186, we are told that the Catechism has as its first concern, “the unity of the Church in the one faith,’ and ‘cannot take specific cultural contexts into account.’” The document goes on to say that inculturation is an important consideration when we share the faith in different communities and among diverse peoples.

As we shared on this Chapter, it became clear to us that the Catechism is a tool, a resource for us as we share faith, but it is not a document to be handed out to those who seek to become members of our faith community. It serves as a reminder and a guide to catechists, of all that is important, but it is critical that we develop an appropriate method for sharing faith with the people who seek to walk with us. Our presentation must fit the moment and the experience of the people.

As we explored Chapter 7, we were reminded that our methods of catechesis must encourage and nurture an encounter of the individual with the Living God. While;  the content of our faith has remained constant, the way we share our faith evolves and changes given our social and cultural context. Par 195 states that, “Catechesis does not have a single method, but is open to evaluating different methods, engaging in pedagogy and didactics and allowing itself to be guided by the Gospel necessary for recognizing the truth of human nature.” Various methods of sharing faith enable us to reach out to people of different ages, intellectual development, degree of ecclesial and spiritual maturity and many other personal experiences and circumstances.

As we continued to read the chapter, we were reminded of how important it is to consider the experience of the individual. Jesus seeks, encounters, and welcomes people in their time and place. Jesus meets people where they are at. Jesus invites us to consider God’s love and how it might impact our life situation. Jesus used ordinary human experiences to point to and embrace divine realities. Par 200 says, “In order to make the Christian message intelligible, catechesis must value human experience, which persists as a primary form of mediation for getting to the truth of Revelation. In simple terms, we understand God in and through our human experience.”

The Chapter talks about the importance of memory. While memorizing texts and information is a helpful way for us to learn, we must make sure to encourage people to explore and deepen their understanding of the information they have memorized. The capacity to recall information does not mean that we understand what we have memorized. Memorization enables us to participate in our rich liturgical history and to deepen our understanding of what is central to our faith, especially our sacred scriptures.

We also talked about language and the importance of the language we use. We were reminded in par 204, “we do not believe in formulae, but in those realities they express, which faith allows us to touch…” The language we use in sharing faith can convey so much. Is the language we use helpful in expressing the key elements of our faith? When we use stories to share faith, people can enter the story at multiple levels, and stories are so easy to remember.

We were also reminded of how important our community is in sharing faith. No one person captures the living dynamism of our community and our faith. If we are to share faith well, the engagement of community members is essential. Every member of the community is a Catechist!
Finally, we looked at space and how important space is in communicating a message. The environment we use can help us or hinder us in expressing the mystery of God’s life and love. How we gather people and the images and symbols we use speak to people both consciously and unconsciously can enhance or detract from what we are sharing. It is important to think about where we gather and how we gather.

These two chapters remind us that we have multiple sources and resources for sharing our faith. It is important to draw on all the resources at our disposal so that we can meet people where they are at! We were reminded there is a connection between content and method. The method or methods we use can determine the quality of our faith sharing and thus have a significant impact on the people who are seeking to know God and to become members of the Church.

Letter of Saskatchewan Bishops:  Following the announcement regarding the Marieval Residential School the Saskatchewan Bishops have written a letter which can be viewed at the following link:  http://stbrieuxparish.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Catholic-Bishops-of-Saskatchewan-Marieval-letter.pdf
 
What’s your Catholic IQ?   Last bulletin’s question and answer:  A word used in the Bible to mean “wanting strongly, without regard to the rights of others” is (c) covet.  To covet means to want something so much that you are willing to commit a sin to get it.  Coveting is a sin against both the ninth and tenth commandments.
This week’s question:  The seventh commandment forbids (a) shoplifting (b) vandalism (c) cheating (d) all of these.

DIOCESAN NEWS & BEYOND
 
MOST REV. STEPHEN HERO, BISHOP OF THE PRINCE ALBERT DIOCESE, LETTER OF THANKS
www.padiocese.ca  The Most Rev. Stephen Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert's Letter of Thanks in both English and French.
 
3RD ANNUAL ST. PHILOMENA WALKING PILGRIMAGE
The 3rd annual St Philomena Walking Pilgrimage takes place in August leaving Yorkton on Aug 11th and arriving at Rama on Aug 14th. If you have any questions please email Dave Hudy at [email protected].