Palm Sunday March 24, 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 1-3:00 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  
 
 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Psalm 22 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., Mar.25 – No mass
 
Tues., Mar. 26 – 10:00 am  Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge
 
Tues., Mar. 26 – 9:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Fred & Victoria Martell

Wed., Mar. 27 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Marcel & Doris Martell

Thurs., Mar. 28 – 5:00 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake)
Thurs., Mar. 28 – 7:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Holy Thursday

Fri., Mar. 29 – 2:00 pm Stations of the Cross (Our Lady of Peace Church)
Fri., Mar. 29 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Good Friday
Fri., Mar. 29 – 5:00 pm (St Jude’s Green Lake)

Sat. Mar. 30 – 3:00 pm (Our Lady of the Smile Waterhen)
Sat., Mar. 30 – 8:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Easter Vigil (People of God)

Sun., Mar. 31 – 10:00 am – (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - Easter Sunday (People of God)

Sun., Mar. 31 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - Easter Sunday (People of God)

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Chrism Mass in Prince Albert Cathedral at 6:30 pm Tuesday, March 26.
2. Outdoor Way of the Cross Friday, March 29 at 2:00 pm at Our Lady of Peace. (Weather permitting)

Sunday Collection – Mar. 17:  Meadow Lake $1743.05   Green Lake $33.50   Children’s Collection $15.00
                                               
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for March – for the new martyrs – We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.
 
40 Cans for Lent – The Meadow Lake Knights of Columbus are sponsoring 40 Cans for Lent for food to be donated to the Door of Hope.  We are asking families to bring nonperishable food each week of Lent.
 
 Pictorial Directories – The pictorial directories have arrived! If you had your picture taken for the directory please pick up your free copy at the back of the church or at the office during office hours.
 
Holy Week – Holy Week is the week which precedes the great Feast of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday: it includes the last days of Lent and the beginning of the Easter Triduum. During Holy Week, the Church celebrates the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of his life on earth, beginning with his messianic entrance into Jerusalem.
 
Scripture Insights – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
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. 136.
 
 Today begins the first day of the Holy Week. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he is proclaimed king.
            The first reading, from Isaiah, is one of four poems that are called “the Servant songs.” Another of these poems will be heard on Good Friday. While these texts are believed to have originated during the exile, the Church sees these words as speaking to the identity of Jesus, the one who has given himself for the life of others.
            The psalm refrain, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me,” will be heard in today’s Gospel reading from Mark. Since this line also appears in the Gospel of Matthew, Psalm 22 is perhaps one of the best known of the lament psalms.
            Today’s text from Philippians is often referred to as the “Christ hymn.” Paul uses this poem of uncertain origin to speak of the humiliation and the exaltation of Jesus. Similarities between this text and the reading from Isaiah are self-evident.
            Since Mark’s passion account is lengthy, involving multiple scenarios, it can be difficult to follow the details of the Gospel. The text opens with the religious authorities plotting to arrest Jesus and put him to death and is followed by a meal in Bethany, where Jesus was anointed, the preparation for the Passover meal and the meal itself, Jesus’ foretelling of Peter’s denial, Jesus’ prayer in the garden, Judas’ denial, Jesus’ arrest and trial, and finally his death and burial.
                    
·         Hosanna! From the youngest to the oldest in our communities, processing and waving our palms high in the air is one of the most memorable moments of our liturgical year. Remember: this procession happens not only here, today, but is an extension of that first procession, the triumphant entry into Jerusalem toward the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are part of that journey that has continued over two thousand years and will continue long after our time. Take note of those faces and stories that make our community today, and weave their story into today’s jubilant gathering and solemn sending forth.
·         There are ways that Scripture makes it sound like we are encouraging an acceptance of physical abuse. Glorifying it, even. Remember: there are people in your assembly who regularly experience abuse. Perhaps some of these people hear Scripture like this and think that it is God’s will for them. But how powerful would it be for a victim of domestic violence to hear that escaping their abuser is not only possible, but the right thing to do? Handle with care those who need a message of strength to leave, as well as those who need a message of strength to endure.
·         One of the heartbreaking aspects of Jesus’ last hours on earth is the complete abandonment by his friends. They fall asleep in the garden when asked to pray. Peter denies knowing Jesus. Judas – the ultimate betrayal. And still, Jesus dines with them. Forgives them, loves them. Peter becomes the rock on which Christ builds the Church. Each of us imperfect beings is still invited into something greater than our worst parts. While we may each be discerning our role in God’s world in the days to come, let us also remember to hold one another accountable for the times when we know better, and do better.