Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 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 Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126 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., Dec. 9 – No mass
 
Tues., Dec. 10 – 10:00 am Liturgy with Communion at the Lodge
 
Tues., Dec. 10 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Kevin Friedrich by Darcy, Dustin & Jim Thomas & Kelty Esau

Wed., Dec. 11 – 6:30 pm (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Wayne and +Betty Bettcher by Don & Bev Campbell

Thurs., Dec. 12 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Kevin Friedrich by Don & Bev Campbell

Thurs., Dec. 12 – 10:00 – 11:00 am (Adoration after mass)
 
Fri., Dec. 13 – 9:30 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - +Rosaline & +Henry Salicon by Don & Bev Campbell

Sat., Dec. 14 – 7:00 pm (Our Lady of Peace) - People of God

Sun., Dec. 15 – 10:00 am (Our Lady of Peace Church & Facebook) - People of God

Sun., Dec. 15 – 12:30 pm (St. Jude’s Green Lake) - People of God

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

1. Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast next Sunday, December 15 after mass.
2. Ham and Turkey Bingo Dec. 15 at 7:00 pm in the Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

 Sunday Collection – Dec. 1:  Meadow Lake $2159.65  Green Lake $260.15  Children’s Collection $13.25
 
Sunday Church Attendance – Dec. 1 – Adults 90    Children 10  Total  100
 
The Pope’s Prayer Intention for December – for pilgrims of hope – Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in the midst of our lives, transforming us into pilgrims of Christian hope.
 
Bishop’s Annual Appeal:
“Bring Your Gifts to the Altar”
October 27, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Every gift is greatly appreciated!

 Bishop’s Annual Appeal –  Thank you for supporting the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. You can bring your donation to the office during the postal strike. We will arrange for it to get to Prince Albert.
            The Annual Appeal goal for Our Lady of Peace is $16,392.00 and for St. Jude’s Parish is $1823.00.
As of Dec. 3 our parish has 22 pledges for $6430.00. The diocese has received 651 pledges for $294645.48.
 
Knights of Columbus – The pancake breakfast has been postponed to next Sunday, December 15 after mass. Also, the Knights will be having a ham and turkey bingo on Sunday, December 15. Bingo starts at 7:00 pm in the Hall and doors open at 6:30 pm. Cash Calendars are still available for sale until December 20. Please phone Chris at 306-240-8872 if you would like to buy a calendar.
 
Simbang Gabi – Simbang Gabi means “Night Mass” and is a unique practice of the Filipino culture. We will adjust our mass times and try to welcome a little change into our parish practice. Please note that from December 16 – 24 our daily mass schedule will be altered. Join us this advent for Simbang Gabi. Everyone is welcome.
 
National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples – December 12  - The Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, founded by the CCCB in 1998, proposes that the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) be a National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. All are invited to join their Indigenous sisters and brothers in a special way this day through prayer and acts of solidarity.   Taken from Ordo page 22
 
Scripture Insights – Second Sunday of Advent
Taken from Source Book for Sundays, Seasons and Weekdays 2025: The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy, LTP Liturgy Training Publications Copyright 2024, 3949 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, pg. 12.
 
 On this Second Sunday of Advent, Luke’s account of the Gospel introduces the adult John and his mission (in the words of the prophet Isaiah) to “prepare the way of the Lord” (3:4). His is the voice crying out in the desert, and he is the one who baptizes those coming to him in repentance and moving toward a new direction. A way of preparing for the coming of the messiah when all “shall see the salvation of God” (3:6) is presented to those who are attentive and courageous enough to reflect on their lives and their way of proceeding, in relationship both with God and with other people.
 The reading from Paul encompasses his thanksgiving, a component he typically adds to the conventional Greco-Roman letter. Paul expresses his joy with the Philippians at their lived manifestation of the Good News. The timeless summons of his prayer is for everyone to strive for the good of all. Seeking to find and be our best selves includes discerning what is truly of value. This is the hard work also bidden by the psalmist and envisioned by Baruch. The restoration if God’s people after the exile is described as tears that lead to joy. The mercy and justice of God guide those in covenant with him to be accountable in what they believe and do. This is the path to authentic satisfaction.
 

• We see Christmas lights and decorations on homes in our neighborhoods, offices, and stores. Although we are in Advent, decorating early is the reality of our secular expression of Christmas. In a positive way, we can look at these lights as a great symbol of the joy we feel at being “remembered by God” (Bar 5:5). This week is also a perfect time to look back on the previous year and in our families so that we can repeat with confidence the words of the psalm.

·         This liturgical year, with readings primarily from Luke, is an especially good time to reflect on the historical Jesus, as the writer of Luke places great emphasis on providing historical context for the events of Jesus’ life. This reflection can empower us in the knowledge that God’s creative movement also continues within our specific context today.

• Last week we remembered that we can rely on God to show us the way. This week, we can place ourselves in the position of John the Baptist and ask, “God, how can I open the way for you?”