Pentecost Sunday - May 23, 2021

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

Office Hours For Parish Secretary: Monday - Friday: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Office Hours For Fr. Doug: Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Office Phone:  306-236-5122 
Cell Phone: 306-304-7271
Parish Email: [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
 
“Lord, send forth your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” Psalm 104
 
May 23, 2021 -  Pentecost Sunday
 
Our Vision:
A Community of Disciples
 
Our Mission
We commit to form disciples who joyfully and faithfully live out the mission of Jesus Christ
by enriching our relationship with God and neighbour
through the intercession of Our Lady of Peace.

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

Mass Attendance:  If you would like to attend mass on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings in Meadow Lake, please call the Parish Office 306-236-5122 BEFORE FRIDAY NOON and leave a message.  Reservations are necessary as we have limited capacity (30 people), and we do not want to turn someone away from the door.

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

1. Pentecost Sunday – Are you planning to come to the Sunday (Pentecost) mass this weekend? Whether you are at home or physically at the liturgy be sure to wear your brightest, boldest colors and listen closely to the homily! The Spirit colors us beautifully and boldly!
2. Throughout the month of May, rain or shine, we are gathering at the Grotto at 6:00 pm for the recitation of the rosary, asking Mary to intercede for us. Covid-19 protocols are in place (maximum of 10 people, masks and physically distanced).
3. Monday, May 24 – Victoria Day:  The office will be closed for this holiday.
4. Fr. Doug is away on retreat May 24 – June 1 inclusive.  Should you need a priest in an emergency, please contact Fr. Kendrick Beler at Goodsoil.  306-238-2006
5. Prayer Asking for the Blessing of Rain – Thanks to the many people who gathered for prayer. We reminded ourselves of our blessings and the goodness of God and we asked God for what we believe we need most at this time. Let us continue to speak with and listen to our God.
6. There will not be Songs at Seven this week.  Songs at Seven will resume June 3, 2021.

Mass Intentions
 
Mon., May 24 – Feast of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church - People of the Meadow Lake Cluster
 
Tues., May 25 – On retreat - +Clarence Derocher and family by Linda Poitras and Roy Shkopich
 
Wed. May 26 – On retreat - +Lou Chatelaine and family by Roy Shkopich and Linda Poitras
 
Thurs., May 27 – On retreat - +Allan Chatelaine and family by Linda Poitras and Roy Shkopich
 
Fri., May 28 – On retreat - +Dan & Chris Derocher and family by Roy Shkopich and Linda Poitras
 
Sat., May 29 – On retreat - +Norman Poitras and family by Linda Poitras and Roy Shkopich
 
Sat. May 29 - 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace Parish Hall, Meadow Lake) - Liturgy of the Word with Communion
 
Sun. May 30 - 10 am (Our Lady of Peace Church, Meadow Lake & Facebook) - Liturgy of the Word with Communion
 
Sun. May 30 - 12:30 pm (St Jude’s, Green Lake) - Liturgy of the Word with Communion
 
Note:  Upcoming - June 11 – Feast of the Sacred Heart; Anniversary of Sacred Heart Cathedral, P.A.; World Day of Prayer for Priests; Bishop Stephen Hero’s ordination to the Episcopate
 
About Pentecost – On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the ways in which the Spirit inspires, guides and strengthens us to live as Christian Disciples. Especially in the later weeks of Easter Time, we have anticipated the advent of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the disciples and in the Church. Now we hear the account of the first Pentecost, when, through the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Good News of Christ was shared with people from throughout the world. Those who heard the disciples speaking were amazed and astonished at the power of God. (Sourcebook 2021 p214)
 
Scripture Insights for the Feast of Pentecost (Sourcebook 2021 p214/215) – The texts invite us to consider the Spirit’s vast activity in both an outer, geographical sense and an inner, spiritual sense. Jesus apparently lived his life within a tiny territory, but the outpouring of his Spirit at Pentecost sent his disciples to the ends of the earth. The same Spirit pressed them deep within themselves to explore the truth about Jesus.
 
Outwardly, Luke’s list is a roll call, not of people who literally heard Peter’s Pentecost sermon, but of people who had heard the Gospel by Luke’s time in the late first century. The places named can be found on a good Bible map. They form a circle around Jerusalem, always the spiritual starting point for Luke. In Luke’s Gospel, the devil showed Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world” because they were his to give (Luke 4:5-6). Acts shows us the kingdoms that became Christ’s by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
The list symbolizes the scope of God’s grace and the Spirit’s power. It also previews the rest of Acts. The Apostles would experience many successes and much rejoicing but also many conflicts and reversals. “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). The Spirit’s relentless energy constantly stirred and pushed the disciples beyond themselves. Their story became part of the story of “the mighty acts of God” (2:11).
 
Inwardly, the Spirit comes from Jesus to guide the disciples to all the truth about him. In the context of John’s gospel this means penetrating to the awesome mystery of Jesus’ divine being, the Word made flesh who in the beginning was with God and is himself God (John 1:1, 14).
 
Galatians says that by grace the Spirit instructs Christians about life by uniting them with Jesus’ crucifixion. For those who understand, Christ’s death powerfully centers the inner life of individuals and communities in the fruit of the Spirit.
 
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (Monday, May 24, 2021) – Mary was first referred to as Mother of the Church by Saint Ambrose of Milan and then by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748 and then by Pope Leo XIII in 1885. Pope Paul VI officially gave the title to Mary (November 1964) and then Pope John Paul II placed it in the Catechism of the Church. Pope Francis added it to the Liturgical Calendar on February 11, 2018.
 
 “The joyous veneration given to the Mother of God by the contemporary Church, in light of reflection on the mystery of Christ and on his nature, cannot ignore the figure of a woman (cf. Gal 4:4), the Virgin Mary, who is both the Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church.

In some ways this was already present in the mind of the Church from the premonitory words of Saint Augustine and Saint Leo the Great. In fact the former says that Mary is the mother of the members of Christ, because with charity she cooperated in the rebirth of the faithful into the Church, while the latter says that the birth of the Head is also the birth of the body, thus indicating that Mary is at once Mother of Christ, the Son of God, and mother of the members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church. These considerations derive from the divine motherhood of Mary and from her intimate union in the work of the Redeemer, which culminated at the hour of the cross.

Indeed, the Mother standing beneath the cross (cf. Jn 19:25) accepted her Son’s testament of love and welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters to be reborn unto life eternal. She thus became the tender Mother of the Church which Christ begot on the cross handing on the Spirit. Christ, in turn, in the beloved disciple, chose all disciples as ministers of his love towards his Mother, entrusting her to them so that they might welcome her with filial affection.

As a caring guide to the emerging Church, Mary had already begun her mission in the Upper Room, praying with the Apostles while awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14). In this sense, in the course of the centuries, Christian piety has honoured Mary with various titles, in many ways equivalent, such as Mother of Disciples, of the Faithful, of Believers, of all those who are reborn in Christ; and also as “Mother of the Church” as is used in the texts of spiritual authors as well as in the Magisterium of Popes Benedict XIV and Leo XIII.”

Taken from the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 11 February 2018, the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes. Cardinal Robert Sarah

Good News from St. Jude’s Parish - On Sunday, May 16th at St. Jude’s parish, we celebrated Ascension Sunday with a liturgy that included the proclamation of the readings and the psalm in the Cree language. Rose proclaimed the readings in both English and Cree. In order to help prepare us for the liturgy, to purify our space and frame of mind, Florence used sage in a traditional Cree ritual of smudging. The proclamation of the sacred scriptures in English and Cree and the ritual of smudging help us to nurture harmony, unity and respect for our unique and sacred cultural histories. In the future, we can look forward to hearing and experiencing more of the Cree/Metis culture as we celebrate our faith. As we prepare for the celebration of Pentecost, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is present and active in the world in every nation, people, tribe, and language. Discovering how the Spirit is at work makes for an exciting journey.

A new Chandelier - If you have ever joined us in prayer at St. Jude’s, you will remember that over the sanctuary there is a small but rather beautiful chandelier. This chandelier will be moved to the parish office in the back of the Church to make way for a gift chandelier that has recently been received. The new chandelier is much larger and has found its way to Green Lake thanks to the generosity of a former parishioner. After mass on May 16th, a group of parishioners met and discussed the need for us to check our breaker box and the condition of our wiring. In addition, we talked about how we might attach the newer and much heavier chandelier to the ceiling so that it remains above the sanctuary and not in the sanctuary. Stay tuned for some updates about the chandelier and its installation.

Information from the Landscaping Committee:  Because of our responsibility to care for the land and buildings which have been entrusted to us, we formed a Landscape Committee to look at the property of Our Lady of Peace Parish.  We are already taking care of the work on the steps and the ramp into the Parish Office. We will return to the parking area the gravel that has accumulated on the south end of the property where we pile the snow in winter. We will remove the tires from the Old Parish Office space and begin some work to complete the yard for the rectory.

The Committee identified some work that it thinks needs to be done. We would like to hear what you think. Share your thoughts & ideas with Fr. Doug or the Landscape Committee members in person or by phone or email. We will sort through your ideas and feedback and present the info to the Finance Council.  A timeline for when and how the work gets done and how it gets paid for (if not done by volunteers) will be set. The Landscape Committee members are:

• Margaret Alger
• Ben Barker
• Chris Bencharski
• Melba Cariou
• Marie Mamchur.
  
  

1. The Parking Lot on the west side of the Church:
   1. Remove timbers/wood
   2. Make sure there is a good slope away from the Church towards the ditch
   3. Do we need a barrier to keep vehicles away from the Church (such as timbers, posts with chains, or cement curbs?
   4. Fill in the holes where the water sits – using screener chips or gravel and then asphalt.
   5. Drain water from the Church roof into the ditches so that it does not run into the parking lot and sit/freeze.
      
      
2. Sewer smell by the Rectory:  We propose contacting the City of Meadow Lake to investigate and then work to remedy the situation.
   
   
3. Building Exteriors – Where the tunnel was attached to the Church there is a tar outline:
   1. Clean off the tar and some of the spray-painted symbols.
   2. The rectory – paint the siding and the garage – some of the facing is rotting and needs to be replaced. Care for the shingles that have been damaged by sap and leaves etc.
      
      
4. Change the land where the old Office was into parking space.
   1. Ensure a proper slope away from the Church
   2. Pack the sand and fill with a mix of clay and gravel or screener chips.
   3. Use part of this space for a garden space for Fr. Doug.  Fence it to complete the rectory yard.
      
      
5. Tree Trimming, Pruning, Removal and Replacement
   1. Identify and prune or remove dead, dying or disruptive trees.
   2. Replace the trees we remove, if possible, by using  replacement trees from public lands.
      
      
6. North and South Driveways:   We are proposing that on the south and north driveways we install a barrier – posts and chains with locks which can be opened when there are parish functions in order to discourage vehicles entering the property and performing donuts or races through the property.  Paint the chain a fluorescent orange and have reflectors on it so that it would be easily seen.
   
   
7. Columbarium – Would you like the parish to install a Columbarium to accommodate the cremains of parishioners who choose cremation. What do you think? Would we want this? If the answer is yes, we would gather information and share that with you so that we can make an appropriate decision.
   
   
8. Power line - When the internet/phone lines were installed in the Church and in the Parish Office the line was not buried because the ground was frozen. SaskTel will be coming to bury the line. Would it be wise to also bury our power lines from the street to the Parish Office/Church and Rectory?
   
   
9. “Work Bees”:
   1. Let’s hold some “work bees” to get a significant amount of work done.
   2. Develop lists for both indoor and outdoor tasks so that parishioners can apply their skills appropriately.
   3. Would you be willing to gather to do some work to keep our Property and Buildings in good condition? 

Thank you for the many ways you support the parish with your time, talents, and treasure! We cannot be a healthy parish community without you and all that you have to offer as a person made in the image and likeness of God. Thank you!
 
Grotto Rosary Project - May 2021 - During the month of May we are praying the rosary every day at 6:00 pm at our Grotto. There is a list of intentions for the month. If you sign up to lead the rosary, you are responsible for leading the rosary! You can lead the rosary in the language of your choice, regardless of who else is there. You are asked to come – rain, snow, wind, sun, or mosquitos. All people are invited to come (masked, social distancing – not more than 10 people total), so you may not be alone. If you need help to lead the rosary, an outline will be available in a plastic sleeve in Fr. Doug’s mailbox!

May 23 – For parents who are expecting children
May 24 – In gratitude for our grandparents
May 25 – For those who suffer because of racism – led by Judy Barker
May 26 – For reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters – led by Marcella Miller
May 27 – For all immigrants and refugees – led by Elsie Michel
May 28 – For all who will graduate this year – led by Leona Durocher
May 29 – For all who seek the Lord – led by Marie Mamchur
May 30 – In gratitude for the diversity of our community
May 31 – For our parish community that we might welcome those who are most in need
If you would like to sign up to lead the rosary at the Grotto, call Lorraine at the Parish Office (306) 236 5122.  There are still a few days needing leaders. Looking forward to seeing you as we gather in the presence of Our Blessed Mother, seeking the favour of the Lord.
 
DIOCESAN NEWS (& BEYOND)
 
Development and Peace:  An urgent appeal - In India, a terrible new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is infecting over 300,000 people and killing more than 3,500 every day. To help Caritas India cope with this emergency, Development and Peace has committed an initial sum of $50,000. Given that much of the Indian subcontinent is vulnerable to this crisis, much more help will be needed. Caritas India's executive director, Fr. Paul Moonjely, has appealed to us, "the community of (the) faithful, institutions and people of goodwill, to contribute generously." Let's respond with open hearts! Learn more.
Donate to our COVID Emergency Fund now.
 
SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH: May 2021 Webinar Series:  Join in this series to explore signs that new missional perspectives are bringing life to local congregations.

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

Free registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqf-ytqzosGdVoDhE6gNcveFr2JjU4-WCd
For further information, contact Archdeacon Cheryl Toth at [email protected].

May 27: To The Regions Beyond: Spiritual Care in Under-served Areas
This series is planned in the spirit of the LAURC Covenant by the Ecumenical Stewardship Committee of the Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle, the Saskatchewan Synod of the ELCIC, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina.
 
May the Month of Mary 2021
 From the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis:  As Pope Francis has reminded us "The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this “family” aspect, also from a spiritual point of view." In his May letter to the faithful Francis invites the faithful to pray the rosary and offers two additional Marian prayers that he is also committing to pray at the end of his rosary each day. Find the letter and prayers here:   http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2020/documents/papafrancesco_20200425_lettera- mesedimaggio.html

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

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



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

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

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

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES
 
CALMING THE STORM- Anger Management for Adults - THIS IS A VIRTUAL CLASS.
A new session is posted each Monday for six weeks. The participant has the full week to view the lesson and complete the assignments.  Date: Week of May 24 – June 28    At the convenience of participant within each one-week period.  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
PARENTING FROM THE HEART – For parents/caregivers of children 5 – 12 years
Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
AFTER THE STORM – A support program for women who have left or are leaving an abusive relationship.  Date: Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30  Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Transportation available  Fee: $25 – This class is partially funded by Community Initiatives Fund
 
TAMING THE TIGER – Anger management for children 5 – 12 and their parents/guardians
Date: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6  Time: 9 am to 12 noon  Transportation available
No fee – this program is funded by the Ministry of Justice – Victim Services

To register or for more information, call:   Catholic Family Services 922-3202 or 1-877-922-3202 or email  [email protected]


What’s your Catholic IQ?   Last bulletin’s question and answer:  Tradition tells us the name of Mary’s mother is: (a) St. Anne Though they are not named in the Bible, tradition tells us that Mary’s parents were named Anne and Joachim.  They would have been Jesus’ grandparents. St. Anne is the patron Saint of Canada. 
This week’s question:  The Bible says that in the desert John the Baptist ate: (a) meat and potatoes (b) thistles (c) yogurt (d) locusts and wild honey.