St. Mary's Parish

Bulletin Reflection

Take a Deep Breath

 By Alice Camille

   New wine has yet to turn toward vinegar, which means its alcohol level is especially potent. That is why passersby on that fateful Pentecost in Jerusalem imagined the disciples had been hitting the new barrels before they hit the streets that morning. How else could these ignorant Galileans dare to say the things they were saying about Jesus of Nazareth? “Ignorant Galileans” is overspeak to be sure: The elite of Jerusalem presumed Galileans of the day ignorant until proven otherwise.   Of course the real ignorance is demonstrated by the cosmopolitan population of the streets, those same people who figured the clarity of the disciples’ speech must spring from some confused state. What they couldn’t have known is that the source of this animation wasn’t in what the Galileans were drinking but in what they’d been inhaling: the very breath of God.   Divine breath has a long history in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis God animates the dust of the earth with breath to form the first human being. The psalmist today assures us that life is renewed or withdrawn every moment at the movement of God’s breath. In the Johannine gospel account Jesus breathes on his frightened disciples to make new creatures of them: fearless apostles. The message is crystalline. If you want to live, to be made new, to be all you can be, breathe deeply of the divine Spirit.   I think most of us want this quality of life. That’s why we come to church, why we try to follow the rules and do the right thing, why we pray and share our money in the basket and repeatedly accept the sacraments. We seek an exalted form of living that’s more than doing our duty and chasing our routines, going to work, changing diapers, and brushing our teeth. Our humanity must amount to more than that or we’re no more than animals. Saint Paul tells the Romans flat out that bodily life pales and fades when we embrace Spirit-life. We no longer merely service the animal when we serve the Spirit—a gift that became blatantly clear even to ignorant Galileans when they first inhaled that mighty breath.   So what will happen if we dare to inhale? Expect everything but business as usual. Expect transformation. Expect to be ushered out of your safe hiding place and into the streets, doing what you once feared doing and saying what you scarcely imagined saying. Expect divine fire and gifted speech and new sight and remarkable clarity about what your life is for. Expect a new courage and a reversal of priorities. Expect joy and community and the freedom of the children of God. Or else you can hold your breath and remain just as you are.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

Announcements

1ST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION  Please keep our young catechumens in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation on June 12, 2013.

2ND ANNUAL LATIN FEST:  St. Mary’s Hispanic Community will be hosting their 2nd Annual Latin Fest on Sunday May 26th from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market.  Ticket prices are $25.00 for adults, $20.00 for students and seniors, and $10.00 for children under 12.  Tickets are available at the parish office during regular office hours or by phoning 306-244-2983.

A BIG THANK YOU to those who generously donated plastic grocery bags for St. Mary’s Charities.  We currently have enough, but please continue to save your plastic bags and drop them off at the parish office in June.

The CWL Clothing Depot, located at 619-20th St. West, in Saskatoon, would appreciate donations of new and gently used summer clothing, shoes and purses. Also required are sheets, comforters, blankets, towels and small kitchen items. These can be dropped off at the above address or call 306-242-5042 for pick up at your front door.

 PENTECOST SUNDAY—MAY 19TH:  On Pentecost Sunday at the 11:00am Mass, we will again celebrate the ethnic diversity of our parish.  Please be sure to wear your ethnic clothing and bring a flag or banner that represents your cultural group.  We will meet at the rectory lawn at 10:45am and process into the Church for Mass.  Many groups and individuals will be contacted to bring a sample of ethnic finger foods for this celebration.  If you would be willing to bring a tray or small serving of ethnic food for all to share, please call 244-2983 and let us know.  Thanks to all who help make our Pentecost celebration a success!

MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS:  The annual Diocesan Cenacle of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Crescent East.  Holy Mass followed by Cenacle, Celebrants—Fr. Pius Schroh and Fr. Denis Phaneuf.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information contact Edna Evans @ 306-382-1680.

Prayer for Families – Catholic Week of Life and Family

God of all times and places, we ask you to be with us as we pray:

For families who struggle to speak to one another in love,

For families who delight in being together,

For families who want to live with less in order that others might have more,

For families who do not have enough, and struggle for the necessities of life,

For families who read your word together,

For families who find it hard to spend any time together,

For my family, For the families in my community, For the families in our parish,

For the families around the world, For all families,  we pray that your love will grow in all families so that your love will shine through them. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen

CWL News

The deadline to register to attend the CWL Provincial Convention at Holy Family Cathedral on June 3 & 4 is Tuesday May 21.  The agenda is as follows:

 June 3rd

10:00am Registration

12:00pm Opening Ceremonies

6:30pm   Catered Banquet ($27.00)

June 4th

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast  (for all delegates)12:15 p.m. Closing Eucharist & Installation of Officers -

1:15 p.m. Lunch – Parish Hall ($15.00).

Call Jean  Shirley  – 306-382-6100 to register.

 The First Annual Evening Under the Stars Concert will assist St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation to purchase a Digital Transmission Electron Microscope, the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. The concert is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21 at Whitecap Sports Centre on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation south of Saskatoon. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. Early bird tickets are $50 and are available  at Sask Jazz Festival Box Office, Delta Bessborough Hotel 601 Spadina Cres E, 306.652-4700 or 1.800.638.1211.

The Evening Under the Stars concert offers great food, captivating entertainment and an opportunity to experience First Nations culture all wrapped up in a natural prairie setting with a full moon to light the stage.  Headline act is The Music of Queen, presented by Jeans n Classics, accompanied by the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and a local symphonic choir. Detailed information is available at  http://eveningunderthestars.ca

 Home Ministry of Care

IT’S PENTECOST – This is without a doubt one of my favourite feasts of the year. There’s Holy Fire coming down from Heaven, there’s people talking in different languages all at once but understanding one another, and to top it all off this is the birthday of the Church. This is a joyous Holy time of the year so let us all enjoy the party. Let us all laugh well and often this next week and voice our enjoyment of all the little blessings that God sends our way. Maybe we can play some music that we love and sing along at top volume; or dance along to it without any care who might be watching. Whatever we do we shouldn’t let it pass without being aware of the joy that the Holy Spirit has gifted in our lives. Happy Pentecost everybody.  Carrie

 Youth Ministry

Does it ever happen that we pray for an individual priest by name?  A few weeks ago we were all given a chance to pray for the new pastoral appointments that are due as of the first of July.  Do we remember those parishes and those called by God?  Do we remember to pray for the religious in our lives?  The priests who have been with us here at St. Mary’s and the many others; Oblate, Franciscan, Dominican, Jesuit & Redemptorist priests we have all known.  Do we remember to pray for those at Discernment House or what about the many sisters who live in our community, are they a part of our intercessions?  These are just a few of the type of questions that are asked at the monthly Diocesan Vocation Committee.  Soon details of a video presentation/contest will be available, more reminders to us all how we can keep the priests and religious in our minds, hearts & prayers.  Keep reading here for more information due to come…..

Trinity Sunday is just around the corner and with it comes another youth mass, young people are we ready to let our talents shine?  Is singing in the choir a gift that can be shared, what about serving as an usher or greeter?  Let’s make it happen and show our talents to all.

This past year has seen a few new people join the ranks of becoming altar servers.  The first communion class and confirmation class is bigger than ever before.  Serving our brothers and sisters is an invitation to all of us.  Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation is what the greater church asks of us as we prepare to take on these roles, Are we ready to serve on the altar, are we ready to live the sacramental call?  God is calling, our community is calling all we need to do is answer.

The Knights of Columbus keep reminding us of a fun filled summer activity.  Do we know what we are doing yet for the warmer days of summer?  Black Strap Youth Camp is a great option, ask a Knight about the camp or feel free to go online and ask questions.

 Mass Intentions

Monday, May 20  9:00 a.m  †Ana & Antonio Andrade & Family

Tuesday, May 21  9:00 a.m  †Emelia Petryshyn

Wednesday, May 22    9:00 a.m  †Antonio Giocoli

7:15 p.m  †Rose Zerr

Thursday, May 23    9:00 a.m  †Joao & Emilia Moreira & Family

Friday, May 24  9:00 a.m  †Adeline Lumley

Saturday, May 25  9:00 a.m  †Natalie Melo

7:00 p.m  †Fr. David Cottingham C.Ss.R.

Sunday, May 26  9:00 a.m  †Terisa Berzola & †Cleopas Tampan

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

God’s Last Known Address

 By Alice Camille

 Where is God? Most of the time we probably don’t care—or, more tactfully, we don’t consider God’s whereabouts and may frankly prefer that God maintain a divine aloofness so we can get on with our lives without interference from supernatural sources. The era of belief in a pantheon of gods messing with human history is long past. We’d even like to think old Jehovah doesn’t wander around dividing seas and determining the fates of kings and armies in biblical fashion anymore. We don’t want this kind of interactive deity in the modern world. We imagine we’re in charge of our own destinies and can handle things down here quite nicely, thank you.

Yet the question where is God? does resurface in times of personal calamity, natural disaster, mortal illness, or whenever human malevolence seems to gain the upper hand. All of a sudden God’s proximity to our concerns becomes a central issue. If God cares about us, then God would be here where the action is, where the burden has become acute. A deity in the heavens isn’t much use in such circumstances. God should be here or not at all.

From earliest human memory the Powers That Be were conceived to be up-and-out-there, in the unknowable heavens. World religions tried to communicate or influence them with rituals and offerings. Israel took a unique turn in viewing God as a close-dwelling deity: in their midst in the desert Tent of Presence and, later, in the Jerusalem Temple. God not only cared about Israel personally but chose to live in the midst of the community in remarkable accessibility.

John’s vision in the Book of Revelation is a game-changer when he imagines the New Jerusalem devoid of a Temple: unthinkable in earlier revelations by Ezekiel and Second Isaiah and to the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls near the 1st century—sources that saw the Temple as essential to Israel’s fate and future. John, however, doesn’t simply dispense with the Temple. He conceives that the city itself has become the dwelling place of God. Forget the tent; lose the walls. God lives in the heart of the community outright.

Jesus makes this same point at the Last Supper. Those who share the heart of Jesus will experience the divine indwelling: “We will come to [them] and make our dwelling with [them].” This “holy spirit” of God will not require props of any sort, as the prophet Nathan once tried to assure a well-meaning King David. When God is your guest, you don’t have to make up a room, buy nicer towels, or kill a fatted calf for the occasion. The loving, fearless heart is welcome mat enough.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Announcements

1ST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION  Please keep our young catechumens in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation on June 12, 2013.

MASS WITH SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING – will be held at St Mary’s on Tuesday, May 7th at 1PM.  All those who are ill, elderly, or those who feel they would be graced by this Sacrament are invited to be present with us at this special Celebration.  Transportation can be arranged.  Please call Carrie before April 30th if you need a ride.

2ND ANNUAL LATIN FEST:  St. Mary’s Hispanic Community will be hosting their 2nd Annual Latin Fest on Sunday May 26th from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market.  Ticket prices are $25.00 for adults, $20.00 for students and seniors, and $10.00 for children under 12.  Tickets are available at the parish office during regular office hours or by phoning 306-244-2983.

WANTED:  St. Mary’s Charities is in need of plastic grocery bags (Co-Op, Superstore etc.). If you have any, please drop them off at the rectory during office hours or at the sacristy.

SODALITAS: Are you grieving and suffering from a loss?  Join us for SODALITAS; a safe caring group for reflecting and sharing for those who are experiencing grief.  Our next meeting is Saturday, May 11 at 10:00AM in the upper room of St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

K OF C BREAKFAST The next Knights of Columbus Breakfast will be held on Sunday May 12th following the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses.  Everyone is welcome!

ST. GEORGE’S SENIOR CLUB will be hosting a Banquet & Dance on Friday May 10, 2013.  Doors open at 4:00pm with supper at 5:30pm, followed by a dance at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchased by calling Esther at 306-382-1481 or Hattie at 306-665-3324.  Tickets will be available until April 30th.

The CWL Clothing Depot, located at 619-20th St. West, in Saskatoon, would appreciate donations of new and gently used summer clothing, shoes and purses. Also required are sheets, comforters, blankets, towels and small kitchen items. These can be dropped off at the above address or call 306-242-5042 for pick up at your front door.

PENTECOST SUNDAY—MAY 19TH:  On Pentecost Sunday at the 11:00am Mass, we will again celebrate the ethnic diversity of our parish.  Please be sure to wear your ethnic clothing and bring a flag or banner that represents your cultural group.  We will meet at the rectory lawn at 10:45am and process into the Church for Mass.  Many groups and individuals will be contacted to bring a sample of ethnic finger foods for this celebration.  If you would be willing to bring a tray or small serving of ethnic food for all to share, please call 244-2983 and let us know.  Thanks to all who help make our Pentecost celebration a success!

 MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS:  The annual Diocesan Cenacle of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 7:00pm at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Crescent East.  Holy Mass followed by Cenacle, Celebrants—Fr. Pius Schroh and Fr. Denis Phaneuf.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information contact Edna Evans @ 306-382-1680.

GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS & MOTHERS and ALL Ladies – Social afternoon over Tea & Dessert -WEDNESDAY, MAY 8th – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at St. George’s Seniors Hall (1235 – 20th St. West) LADIES – Do you have a favorite hat – WEAR IT!!  Admission- $3.00.  (Gentlemen are welcome!)

 UPDATE ON CWL EVENTS:

 Wednesday, May 1st was our last general till fall – We would like to see more members coming out!!

May 16th – (Thursday) CWL Twilight Evening at Queen’s House beginning at 7:30 p.m. – Speaker:  Brendan Bitz – “Living in Presence of God in Everyday Life” – (free will offering to help with costs)

June 3 & 4 -  (Monday & Tuesday) CWL Sask. Provincial Convention- at  Holy Spirit Cathedral

Mon. June 3rd – Registration- 10:00 – 12:00 – Opening Ceremonies – 12:00 p.m. – Catered Banquet – 6:30 p.m. – ($27.00).

Tues. June 4th – 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast (for all delegates –  12:15 p.m. Closing Eucharist and Installation of Officers – 1:15 p.m. Lunch – Parish Hall – ($15.00). Registration fee will be paid by your parish CWL.

Deadline is May 21st.  Plan to attend at least one day of this event!

Tuesday, June 18th  -  Year-End Social.

 Youth Ministry

As the 2012/2013 year is drawing to a close the focus has to go towards what’s next.  Each spring the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s parish are compelled to Ask; “What’s Next?”   The first part to that answer can be found as a slate of officers is put together.

The Slate of officers needs to be voted on and put in place by early June, 2013. Brother Knights let this serve as a notice of motion so that at the June 5, 2013 council meeting officers can be voted on.

The next Parish Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday May 12, 2013.  All Knights and their families should use this opportunity to express opinions regarding council officers for next year.

Youth and Knights Summer Camp – Black Strap Youth Camp!

Are you interested?  It is a great way for us to live what we believe!  It is a great way to have some fun!  Information is available at the back of the Church, through the office or simply “Ask” any of the Knights for more news!  Let’s keep building COMMUNITY, this camp is a great place for our community to keep growing!

The Youth of St. Mary’s Parish have been asked to once again have a youth mass and high light their gifts and talents for all to see.  We are the Church and we need to share that truth.  May 25/26 weekend is when the next youth mass will be.  It will either be the Saturday evening or the 11:00 AM Sunday Morning that weekend.  Choir members, Greeters, Ushers every talent and gift can be shared, share yours!  We are the CHURCH, Right Here and every where, we need to share that truth a Youth Lead Mass is a great way to share who we are, spread the word!  Let’s get the message out!

Home Ministry of Care

MASS WITH SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK

I just want to make sure that everyone that feels the need for healing and strengthening knows that they are very welcome, and we would love to see them, at our Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  Please come out and share in this incredible gift of our Church Community.

Tuesday May 7th at 1PM at St. Mary’s Church

Refreshments will be served after Mass.

 Mass Intentions

Monday, May 6  9:00 a.m  †Donatina Pellitieri

Tuesday, May 7  9:00 a.m  †Lorne Shirley

Wednesday, May 8    9:00 a.m  †Fr. David Cottingham C.Ss.R.

7:15 p.m  †Lucien Chicoine

Thursday, May 9    9:00 a.m  †Jose, Maria, & Tony Figueiredo

Friday, May 10  9:00 a.m  †David Eremondi

Saturday, May 11  9:00 a.m  †Alex Dekovic

7:00 p.m  †Camile & Emily Demeester & Family

Sunday, May 12  9:00 a.m  †Dragon Gasparovic

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

Christianity isn’t Easy

By Alice Camille

I often wonder how many people fall for the dozens of headlines at every checkout counter that promise you can lose 20 pounds in a few weeks by following three simple guidelines. Perhaps you don’t believe it so much as want to believe it. You’re looking for an easy way out of your dilemma of eating too much, too often, of all the bad-for-you stuff.   How many, then, might fall for the book or sermon or church marquee that promises a gentler, simpler religion that doesn’t cost so much? It sounds too good to be true that there might be a version of Christianity out there that doesn’t espouse behaviors or insist you embrace uncomfortable and expensive ideals. And if you find such a church—and they’re out there—please remember that any deal that sounds too good to be true probably is. Christianity without the cross is a highly suspect brand indeed.   Paul and Barnabas, still running around Asia Minor in the weekly readings, may have embraced rejection and expulsion from the occasional city with joy and a song in their hearts, but when they get back to their friends they admit that the road of proclamation is tough and costly. They suggest prayer and fasting as useful spiritual armor for those in responsible church positions. Accomplishments on the mission trail are not rare but they are also not cheap.   John of Patmos likewise sees the holy new Jerusalem descend like a bride from heaven, which sounds wonderful. Those eyes of his, though, had to view a whole lot of destruction and distress between his first glimpse of glory and his last. All things are made new but the price tag on that is that the old order has to pass away. That is a euphemism for tearing the world as you know it apart. When you’re shopping for a new world, you have to keep the price in mind.   Christianity, despite what you may read in the news, is not easy. Jesus talks of glory at the Last Supper but that’s after he’s talked about Passion and suffering for quite a while. His friends selectively and conveniently hit the mute button of their attention every time they hear that the Son of Man is preparing for a sacrifice like nothing the world has seen. Glory, yes. Cross, no. Palm Sunday was great but hold the Good Friday. New creation without apocalypse, please. As often as you chuckle at the obtuseness of the first disciples, you may be ignoring how much you censor the implications of your own baptism. “Love one another” sounds like a much simpler and easier religion than the one with ten commandments. But is it?

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Announcements

1ST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION  Please keep our young catechumens in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation on June 12, 2013.

MASS WITH SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING – will be held at St Mary’s on Tuesday, May 7th at 1PM.  All those who are ill, elderly, or those who feel they would be graced by this Sacrament are invited to be present with us at this special Celebration.  Transportation can be arranged.  Please call Carrie before April 30th if you need a ride.

2ND ANNUAL LATIN FEST:  St. Mary’s Hispanic Community will be hosting their 2nd Annual Latin Fest on Sunday May 26th from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm at the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market.  Ticket prices are $25.00 for adults, $20.00 for students and seniors, and $10.00 for children under 12.  Tickets are available at the parish office during regular office hours or by phoning 306-244-2983.

YEAR OF FAITH:  On Sunday May 5th at 2:00 PM. at St. Pauls-Co Cathedral ( Bishop Mahoney Hall).  The Knights of Columbus Council 1517 and the Ladies of St. Paul’s CWL are presenting the following Speakers in the Year of Faith Series.  Speaking on Wills and Estates will be John Benesh a local Lawyer, a member of Holy Family Parish and Knights of Columbus.  Speaking on Funeral Planning will be Lyle Burkell of Saskatoon Funeral Home. Lyle is a member of St. Philip Neri Parish and Knights of Columbus.  We are very pleased to have both gentlemen speak on very timely subjects. Bring your questions or concerns.  Bring family members to listen and assist in clarifying questions on the subjects you may have.  A light lunch will follow, provided by the CWL.

 WANTED:  St. Mary’s Charities is in need of plastic grocery bags (Co-Op, Superstore etc.). If you have any, please drop them off at the rectory during office hours or at the sacristy.

ST. GEORGE’S SENIOR CLUB will be hosting a Banquet & Dance on Friday May 10, 2013.  Doors open at 4:00pm with supper at 5:30pm, followed by a dance at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchased by calling Esther at 306-382-1481 or Hattie at 306-665-3324.  Tickets will be available until April 30th.

 The Reel Anti-Suppressants: a humorous thought-provoking theatre performance about mental illness will be held 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at St. Mary’s Hall, corner of 20th St and Avenue 0 in Saskatoon; with a freewill offering at the door.. Come to laugh at the ludicrous basis of discrimination and to link the stigma of mental illness to other stigmas, such as those of poverty, homelessness and unemployment. We will have a discussion at the end of the performance. Our purpose is to get people experiencing, feeling and then discussing what discrimination is really about. Sit back, take it all in and pay attention to what the performance triggers, what you like and what you resist.

“Mental illness is not a challenge. Climbing Mount Everest is a challenge. Mental illness is a problem; actually, discrimination against those with a mental illness is the real problem.” – Geraldine Malloy

 Theatre with meaning: Forgiven /Forgotten – How does your church offer hospitality in difficult situations? Forgiven/Forgotten is a play that tackles this question when a church is thrown into turmoil upon hearing an offender will be serving his parole in their community. Theatre of the Beat, a drama troupe travelling across Canada, will present this thought-provoking play in Saskatoon:

Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. – a youth evening at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth Street E., Saskatoon

Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. – St Mary’s Wellness & Education Centre, (the new St. Mary’s School), 327 Avenue N South, Saskatoon.

Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m. – St Anne’s Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon.

Donations will be taken at the door with proceeds going to local restorative justice initiatives. See the website www.forgivenforgotten.wordpress.com for more details or call Heather Peters at Mennonite Central Committee office 306.665.2555.

UPDATE ON CWL EVENTS:

April 29th – 5 members from St. Mary’s will be attending the Diocesan Convention held in Humboldt, Sk.

May 1st – CWL monthly mtg. – following 7:15 p.m. Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions (approx. 8:00 p.m.)

May 16th – CWL Twilight Evening at Queen’s House (601Taylor St. W) beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Speaker: Brendan Bitz – “Living in the presence of God in Everyday Life”-(free willing offering to help with costs)

June 18th – 7:00 p.m. Year-End Social – details to follow!

Home Ministry of Care

MASS WITH SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK

St. Mary’s Church – Tuesday May 7th, 1PM

Who would benefit from this Sacrament?

• the elderly, whose frailty is becoming more pronounced
• adults and children suffering from a major illness, facing illness or serious tests
• anyone suffering from chronic illness such as diabetes or arthritis
• anyone who feels they would be graced by this Sacrament

Refreshments will be served after Mass.

Attention Volunteers – Please inform the people that you visit about this Mass and offer to bring them if possible.

Youth Ministry

Attention all Servers, Young People and the youth of St. Mary’s – Last year there was a really good turn out for a youth lead mass and so St. Mary’s Parish is hoping to do it again.  It will probably be on the Weekend following the long weekend, namely the weekend of SATURDAY MAY 25 , put it on your calendars.  This will take place at the evening mass and it provides an opportunity for the entire parish to appreciate the efforts of our young people.  The 2012 Youth Lead Mass had young people looking after reading, being ushers, joining the choir so this opportunity for 2013 promises to be bigger than before.  Young people took care of all of the ministries that evening and will be invited to do it again this year. Keep looking here for more details, they will be coming!

Blackstrap youth camp is once again happening this summer, information is available on the bulletin board at the front of the church, and more is coming,  keep looking here for more news to come…..

Last week, the Youth from our Parish Community had an amazing opportunity presented to them.  As we all heard in the announcement (a few weeks ago) Jesse Manabusin made a visit to Saskatoon.  On Tuesday morning he visited Bethlehem High School.  He gave a very awe inspiring and incredible show.  He sang, told stories and prayed with staff and students.  We are the Church and it is Right HERE and Everywhere!  We need to live that message, the Church IS Right Here!

 Mass Intentions

Monday, April 29  9:00 a.m  †Victor Andrade

Tuesday, April 30  9:00 a.m  †Antonio Giocoli

Wednesday, May 1    9:00 a.m  †Juliana Faurillo

7:15 p.m  †Fr. Kaz Zabawa C.Ss.R.

Thursday, May 2    9:00 a.m  †Ana & Luis Moreira & Family

Friday, May 3    9:00 a.m  †Adelina Rego

Saturday, May 4  9:00 a.m  Michael Prystupa

7:00 p.m  †Gerald Leidl

Sunday, May 5  9:00 a.m  †Rose Zerr

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

The Shepherd Calls You

By Alice Camille

It would be difficult to approach this annual feast of the Good Shepherd without sparing a thought for the freshly installed (and probably still overwhelmed) pope, but the Good Shepherd the church relies on in every season remains the same as always.   Many voices claim your attention every day: family and friends, boss and coworker, media and culture. Interior voices speak as well: old injuries, weaknesses, fears, and desires. Listening to all of them can be as frustrating as trying to keep up with the rapid-fire emails, tweets, and texts that continually bid for your attention. But there is a clear hierarchy as to which voices speak the loudest and require your highest allegiance. As the Letter to the Hebrews says, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you’ve been listening to him all along, you’ll recognize his voice at once. If you haven’t, now is a very good time to begin.   There’s a small warning from the Acts of the Apostles today. The Gentiles, unaccustomed to the voice of God, hear Paul and Barnabas and are delighted at once by the message. Meanwhile their own community of faith, long-time hearers of the salvation story, seems unable or unwilling to endure one more word of this proclamation and expel the preachers from their territory. They hear the message; they do not recognize the divine voice in it. It’s a tragic day for them. The rejected apostles, by contrast, dust themselves off with joy and continue on their way.   It can be illuminating to see the joy on neophyte faces in the Easter season and compare it with lifer-Catholics. Are the rest hearing the same message new members are hearing? The danger of believing you’ve “been there, heard that” grows the longer you’ve been in the pews. The Shepherd is still calling you forward and it’s never healthy to presume you’ve arrived at the pasture to end all pastures and have nowhere else to go.   Some are being called farther than they may have dreamed or dared to go in the past. The vocation to leadership in the community of faith stirs in the hearts of a number who are present in the assembly today. It may require assistance to discern whether that discomfort you feel is a summons to the doctor’s office or to the spiritual director’s. Paul and Barnabas took the message as far as they could. Now it’s your turn to supply them with successors to share their joy.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Announcements

1ST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION  Please keep our young catechumens in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation on June 12, 2013.

 MASS WITH SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING - will be held at St Mary’s on Tuesday, May 7th at 1PM.  All those who are ill, elderly, or those who feel they would be graced by this Sacrament are invited to be present with us at this special Celebration.  Transportation can be arranged.  Please call Carrie before April 30th if you need a ride.

 OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL POTLUCK SUPPER:  All CWL ladies are invited to attend on April 26th at St. Philip Neri, 1904 Munroe Avenue.  Mass will be celebrated at 5:00pm with supper & entertainment to follow.

Faith-based community experience for 19-35 year old single Catholic women.  If you are looking for “affordable rent” and more…. Discernment House may be the place for you. The Sisters of the Presentation offer you a home away from home.   As you work or study, this program offers young women the opportunity to live a community experience and to grow in personal faith through prayer, reflection, spiritual direction and service.  Located at 851 University Drive, Saskatoon, Sask.  – a 15-minute walk to University of Saskatchewan, close to downtown. Taking registrations for September,  2013. For more information contact: Sr. Evelyn / Sr. Lucie 306-44-0726 or e-mail:  sk.dhouse@gmail.com or see the website:  http://www.presentationofmary.ca

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools – International Student Program Our International Student Program is in need of homestays for the upcoming school year.  Majority of our students are in grades 9-12 from many different countries.  Hosting an International Student is an exciting, rewarding and enriching experience.  The homestay experience is an integral part of the program because of the sharing of culture, family and language.  Host families are reimbursed $700.00 a month.  Please consider being part of our wonderful program and opening your home to an International Student.  If you are unable to host, then please consider speaking to a relative, friend, or neighbor about our program.  Please call 659-7688 for more information or view our website at http://www.gscs.sk.ca/international.  Thanking you in advance for considering our request.

The annual Teen-Aid Fundraising Supper will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 5:00 pm at St. Anne’s Church in the Fr Paul Donlevy Hall.  There will be a short program and entertainment.  Tickets are $20.00 and can be obtained by phoning Darlene at 306-934-3570.  Thank you for helping promote chastity among our school children.

ST. GEORGE’S SENIOR CLUB will be hosting a Banquet & Dance on Friday May 10, 2013.  Door open at 4:00pm with supper at 5:30pm, followed by a dance at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchased by calling Esther at 306-382-1481 or Hattie at 306-665-3324.  Tickets will be available until April 30th.

The Reel Anti-Suppressants: a humorous thought-provoking theatre performance about mental illness will be held 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at St. Mary’s Hall, corner of 20th St and Avenue 0 in Saskatoon; with a freewill offering at the door.. Come to laugh at the ludicrous basis of discrimination and to link the stigma of mental illness to other stigmas, such as those of poverty, homelessness and unemployment. We will have a discussion at the end of the performance. Our purpose is to get people experiencing, feeling and then discussing what discrimination is really about. Sit back, take it all in and pay attention to what the performance triggers, what you like and what you resist.

“Mental illness is not a challenge. Climbing Mount Everest is a challenge. Mental illness is a problem; actually, discrimination against those with a mental illness is the real problem.” – Geraldine Malloy

Theatre with meaning: Forgiven /Forgotten - How does your church offer hospitality in difficult situations? Forgiven/Forgotten is a play that tackles this question when a church is thrown into turmoil upon hearing an offender will be serving his parole in their community. Theatre of the Beat, a drama troupe travelling across Canada, will present this thought-provoking play in Saskatoon:

Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m. – a youth evening at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth Street E., Saskatoon

Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. – St Mary’s Wellness & Education Centre, (the new St. Mary’s School), 327 Avenue N South, Saskatoon.

Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m. – St Anne’s Church, 217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon.

Donations will be taken at the door with proceeds going to local restorative justice initiatives. See the website www.forgivenforgotten.wordpress.com for more details or call Heather Peters at Mennonite Central Committee office 306.665.2555.

 Ministry of Care

At our Mass with Anointing on May 7th at 1:00pm, we will have the prayers shawls blessed that our wonderful volunteers at our Prayer Shawl Ministry have lovingly crafted.  Prayer Shawls will be available to anyone that would like to have one of these wonderful, wooly, warm, wraps that will keep us warm through any illness.

Every lovingly crafted stitch contains a special prayer-

that God will send His peace to you and keep you in His care.

As the shawl drapes ’round your shoulders in the morning or at night, know that He is with you always to make your burden light.  Linda M. Muldoon

Please make plans to attend.

Youth Ministry

Blackstrap Youth Camp invites youth ages 8 – 13 years to a rocking summer experience. Camp runs weekly from Sunday to Friday. Dates have been set for 2013 summer camp as follow: July 7 – 12, Jul 14 – 19, July 21 – 26, July 28 – Aug 2, Aug 4 – 9. Join in fun activities such as: canoeing, tenting, arts and crafts, praise and worship, swimming, camp out, variety night, mud pit and dance. Application forms available from our website: blackstrapyouthcamp.com, email campblackstrap@gmail.com or call us at 306 934-1838. Rock your summer with us. You’ll be glad you did!!!

PURITY RALLY 2013 – The annual Purity Rally will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Wiggins Avenue and 12th Street E., in Saskatoon. Keynote speaker May 11 will be a Catholic comic, Sean Milan, who lives and works in Ottawa as a recruiter for NET Ministries of Canada.  If it’s good for the soul to laugh, then it’ll be great for the soul to spend a day at Purity Rally 2013: Free To Be Me as Sean Milan shares insights on the wonderful gift of freedom that comes from living life purely for Jesus!  Also speaking at this year’s Purity Rally is local inspirational speaker Christy Dupuis, who has served as a full-time missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach for the past eight years, but is now a full-time missionary in her own home with her husband and her two boys. The Purity Rally is a day full of fun, food and fellowship; awesome games, praise and worship; Mass with Bishop Don Bolen, musical adoration and amazing talks. Early registration is $40 per person or $180 family rate; After April 23: $45 per person or $200 family rate. For more information contact Carmen of Pure Witness Ministries at:  306-934-3511 or Toll free: 1-800-705-7396 or e-mail:info@purewitness.com or for more info see the website at www.purewitness.com

 Mass Intentions

Monday, April 22  9:00 a.m  Stephanie Morris

Tuesday, April 23  9:00 a.m  †Eileen Provost Sr.

Wednesday, April 24    9:00 a.m  †John & Ines Pascoal

7:15 p.m  †Pauline Bouvier

Thursday, April 25    9:00 a.m  †Adelina Rego

Friday, April 26  9:00 a.m  †Pauline Bouvier

Saturday, April 27  9:00 a.m  †Concirçao Paiva & Family

7:00 p.m  †Camille & Emily Demeester & Family

Sunday, April 28  9:00 a.m  †Terisa Berzolla

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

Two Children, One Father

By Alice Camille

Most of us know what it means to be stuck. You try to write something real in a sympathy card; but the only words in your mind are: Sorry for your loss. Or you’d like to have a discussion with your spouse that doesn’t end in an argument; but the only way you know how to defend your position is to escalate the emotion. You want to encourage your child; but it winds up sounding like criticism every time. You’ve decided to quit smoking, drinking, overeating, silly spending, watching too much T.V.; and here you are, back in the mall or the fridge or the bar or on the couch with the remote in one hand, a cigar in the other. Doing something new is tough—even when it’s what you really want.
At such times we’re advised to appeal to a higher power. If my personal authority over my own life isn’t what it ought to be—if chemistry or thought-patterns fight to derail my better purposes—then I need help. There are lots of ways to call in the cavalry: self-help groups and counseling, pharmaceutical support or prayer buddies. If you can’t say no to yourself, then who does have that right in your life? Spouse or sponsor, priest or doctor, best friend or God Almighty?
Saint Paul reminds us that whoever is in Christ is a new creation. The way of futility is out the window. New means new. If what we’re doing isn’t working—and who doesn’t have some broken response or relationship that needs fixing?—then surrendering futility for fruitfulness is our mandate and our privilege in Christ.
The parable of two sons is the story of kids really stuck in relationship to their parent. So what else is new? One son is a user: He takes what he can get from Dad and then splits without so much as a thank-you. The other son is the “good” child, the one who toes the mark and does his duty. He’s passive-aggressive about it, of course. Neither kid can go the distance with the way things are. Things come apart: The younger son’s money runs out and so does the older son’s ability to hide his true feelings about getting the short end of the stick as he sees it.
The father’s compassion offers both children the chance to become unstuck. Younger son needs to come home and wise up. Older son needs to reappraise his superior position in the household and embrace it. The father’s constancy is the key and catalyst for their potential transformation, but they both have to act. If they want things to change, they have to take a few steps in the father’s direction.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Bulletin Announcements

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION DURING LENT:  During the upcoming season of Lent, St. Mary’s will be offering an opportunity to join in a scripture reflection series to help prepare for the Sundays of Lent and aid us in rekindling our love for the word of God during this Year of Faith. The meetings will be held in the upper room of the parish hall on the Wednesday mornings of Lent at 10am following morning Mass. The meetings are moderated by Yvonne Armstrong, of St Mary’s who is presently in her second year of the Lay Formation Program.

RECONCILIATION SERVICE  At St. Mary’s Wednesday, March 13 at 7pm. This service will replace the evening Perpetual Help Devotions and Mass. Come and prepare your heart for the great celebration of Easter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS  Are you looking for an opportunity to pray during this Lenten Season?  Join us each Friday evening as we pray together, mediating on the passion of our Lord in the Stations of the Cross. Fridays at 7:00pm in St. Mary’s Church.

Lenten Reflection Series: Between the Masses Social Justice Lenten presentations are opportunities to learn more of what is happening that contributes to the well-being of our neighbors. This year’s topic of reflection will be “Catholicism and Healthcare”.  Join us for coffee, muffins and information. Next Sunday, March 17th, at 10:00 A.M. in the Parish Hall, Sr. Judy Schachtel will present “Healthy People Living In a Healthy Planet.”

CWL EASTER TEA & BAKE SALE – Saturday March 16th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Cost – $3.00 which includes lunch.  Everybody welcome! We have an Easter dinner basket to raffle.  In addition, we have great raffle prizes ($50.00 bill, gift certificate to Mr. Riso’s restaurant, comforter set, gift certificate to Highway Green House and many more…..) We are looking forward to your favourite baking for our bake table (squares, cookies etc. and especially Easter bread).  Please bring your baking to the hall Friday, March 15th after 7:00 p.m. or Saturday morning after 9:30 a.m.

Flowers donations for Easter  With Easter quickly approaching, the Liturgy Committee is busy making plans to celebrate the Triduum and the great feast of Easter.  To help decorate our church, we are asking for monetary donations to help with the cost of flowers.  If you would like to make a donation to be put towards the purchase of flowers, you can do this through the office during business hours or use the special envelopes available in the doors or the pews.  You can make your donation in memory of loved one who has died, and their name will be published in a special ‘Memorial Section’ of our Easter bulletin.  Simply write the name of your loved one on the envelope and place the envelope with your donation in the collection basket.  As always, we thank you for your generosity!

Parish Pastoral Council Report:  Rob Florizone and Ken Breckner reported to council about Diocesan Congress Days which they attended on February 2nd. The newly revised Covenant of Care document was presented, with discussion and feedback from those attending. Some aspects of this document were implemented in the parish last fall.

Fr. Jon informed council that Iris Riley, Ministry of Care Coordinator was retiring from this position, which she held for 6 years. A search would begin to fill this very valuable position.

Fr. Jon spoke to the success of Mardi Gras/Talent night, and also the Face to Face Ministries retreat for Youth which was attended by nearly 200 youth from western Canada He also spoke to the various educational programs being offered in the parish during Lent, such as the Lenten Reflection series, Between the Masses, and Stations of the Cross, hoping that more parishioners would take advantage of these educational and prayer opportunities.  Also mentioned was the intention to open Face Book and Twitter pages to keep in contact with youth of the parish.

Plans for our Year of Faith Mission in November are going forward. A priest who may lead the Mission has been contacted. A committee will be formed for further planning.

Alter Server, Youth and Other News

Altar Servers, Movie Night is coming up!  Make sure to put it your calendars.  Write it some where that you will see it!  The parish really appreciates your gifts.  Friday March 22 is a chance to let your gifts shine, come and join us!  Are you thinking about becoming a server?  Come and join us.  Do you serve at your school and want to serve here as well?  Come and join us.  St. Mary’s is blessed with English Speaking and Spanish speaking servers.  The evening of March 22 is meant for all!

VOCATION News – on March 3rd the Knights of Columbus really let their star shine.  They held up another star to shine brightly as they offered this prayer.  We all can take these words into our hearts and in our lives –

We thank you, God our Father, for those who   have responded to priestly ministry.  Fill your   Priests with a sure knowledge of your love.    Open their hearts to the power and consolation   of the Holy Spirit.  Lead them to a new depth   of Union with your Son.  Increase in them a   profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate   as they nourish all of your Family.  Lord Jesus   Christ grant that these, your priests, may in  spire and strive For holiness as men of prayer   who ponder your word and follow your will,   Fr. Michael J. McGivney and all of our Saints,   pray for us.

Home Ministry of Care

Employment Opportunity

St. Mary’s parish, in Saskatoon, is seeking a part-time pastoral associate for our Home Ministry of Care.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

-Coordinating and training of parish volunteers for visiting and bringing communion to the homebound

-Assisting in the planning of funerals, an annual memorial Mass and celebration of anointing of the sick.

-Support for the bereaved

The successful applicant will be working as a member of a pastoral team and should be; mature, responsible and self-motivated, a practicing member of the Catholic Church with a good knowledge of the Catholic faith. A certificate, degree or equivalent experience in pastoral theology or counseling would be an asset. A police security screening will be required prior to employment.

Please submit a letter of application along with a summary of work experience and two references to:

St. Mary’s Parish Personnel Committee

211 Avenue O South

Saskatoon, SK  S7M 2R6

Mass Intentions

Monday, March 11  9:00 a.m  †Donatina Pellettieri

Tuesday, March 12  9:00 a.m  †Victor Andrade

Wednesday, March 13  9:00 a.m  †Luigi Mazza

7:15 p.m  Reconciliation Service

Thursday, March 14    9:00 a.m  †Emmanuel Beauchamp

Friday, March 15  9:00 a.m  †Fr. Kaz Zabawa C.Ss.R.

Saturday, March 16  9:00 a.m  Ines Bairos

7:00 p.m  †Fernand Ethier

Sunday, March 17  9:00 a.m  †Reg Hatchen

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

What’s the Good Word?

By Alice Camille

The cardinal sin of the homilist is to be boring. While we often labor to be right, or at least to be smart, we’re missing the mark if we’re not also or even more so compelling. Really: The message can be long or short, catechetical or exegetical or storytelling, exhortatory or consoling, humorous or deeply moving, and it still qualifies as spreading the good news, but if we’re boring the assembly to tears, it can’t possibly be gospel we’re proclaiming. The idea that God so loves the world that Jesus comes to free us from everything that binds and confounds us and to restore what’s lost, cannot provoke yawns. God’s word is alive, piercing the heart and illuminating the way. We might feel invigorated and refreshed by it, or struck by lightning, but never numbed and dulled in its wake.
Consider the crowds that gathered before Ezra one long, long day in Jerusalem. From daybreak until midday, for at least six hours and maybe more, he read and expounded on scripture at them. It sounds like some cruel and unusual punishment, except that the folks didn’t simply fall asleep on the grass. Something about Ezra’s manner or his delivery kept them roused and alert. In time the sheer power of the words and the force of their truth collided with their hearts and broke them. They began to weep. It sounds awful, but it was also wonderful. These folks came to see their own lives mirrored in the law, a ghastly portrait of commissions and omissions. It shook them to the core.
Consider another crowd gathered before Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth. The approach Jesus uses is quite different: It seems he reads two verses from the scroll of Isaiah and then rolls it back up. His message is even shorter. He tells them that the prophecy of Isaiah is now fulfilled, today, in their midst. What a mysterious message! What a thought-provoking pair of ideas! The prophet proclaims restoration; Jesus says why wait, it’s already here.
The response goes both ways. Some are astonished by the grace in these words. Others begin to question his authority. To answer that accusation, Jesus offers five more sentences, which will get him into a lot of trouble in next week’s gospel reading. For now, though, it’s enough to notice that short may not seem sweet but it can get the job done if the words are carefully weighed. What we see in these two passages is that hearts may be broken or roused or exposed by the word of God—but never unmoved.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Announcements

SUNDAY MISSALS:  We still have some missals available for purchase.  These handy resources contain the readings for each Sunday and some special feasts. Missals are intended to be used for home study, to read the readings before you come to church.  They will be available for purchase during office hours at the rectory.  Cost is $5.00 each.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION DURING LENT:  During the upcoming season of Lent, St. Mary’s will be offering an opportunity to join in a scripture reflection series to help prepare for the Sunday’s of Lent and aid us in rekindling our love for the word of God during this Year of Faith. The meetings will be held in the upper room of the parish hall on the Wednesday mornings of Lent at 10am following morning Mass. The meetings will be moderated by Yvonne Armstrong, of St Mary’s who is presently in her second year of the Lay Formation Program. Please register your interest with the parish office so that we have some idea of numbers.

St. Mary’s Parish, in conjunction with Knights of Columbus Council 9538, are hosting a Mardi Gras Variety Night and Pancake Dinner Tuesday, February 12, in the parish hall. Consider this not only your invitation to attend the event but also an invitation to share your talent. If you sing, dance, play a musical instrument, act or have a talent you would like to share with the community, we need you! Call Ryan at 244-2983 with your idea and we’ll work towards a successful evening. The evening will start at 6:00PM and be finished by 8:00PM and we are asking only for a donation at the door. Tickets will be available at each of the Masses on Feb. 2/3 and Feb. 9/10 or by calling the parish office. There will be door prizes, fifty-fifty draws, masks and beads so let’s make this Mardi Gras one to remember.

 K of C Dine, Dance and Auction is on Saturday, February 2 at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.  The K of C In Support of Life Committee is hosting this annual major fundraiser to help provide ongoing support for new mothers and their babies, education of youth, helping women deal with unexpected pregnancies, and counseling for women after abortion. Please consider donating an item or gift certificate for the auction. Tickets for the event are $30/person and are available from Louis Roth at (306) 249-2764.

St. Philip Neri Parish is hosting a social evening featuring the music of the No Hurry Trio on Saturday, February 9 beginning at 8:00 pm at St. Philip School Gym. There will be snacks, a cash bar, 50/50 draw, and door prizes. Tickets are $15/person or $25/couple and are available at the parish office (343-0325).

MISCARRIAGE AWARENESS COMMITTEE – Have you or someone you know experienced a miscarriage? Knowing you are not alone in this time of loss can be a source of healing. The Diocese of Saskatoon established the Miscarriage Awareness Committee in 2011, to simplify access to resources for those who have lost a child through miscarriage and for those who provide support to suffering families. These resources include pastoral notes on what to say to parents, as well as a naming ceremony, a liturgy of the word, and a burial service. All these can be found on the diocesan website:  www.saskatoonrcdiocese.com/miscarriage

The Paschal Mystery: Rolling the Stone Away:  Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  A day of retreat and reflection on the Paschal Mystery and how Good Friday, the Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost have been/are a part of your life.  The day will be given by a team of Sisters from the Ursulines of Prelate and will be held at St. Angela Merici Residence at 125 Cree Crescent, Saskatoon.  Cost: $20 (includes lunch).  Space is limited so pre-registration is required.  E-mail Sr. Louisa Brost, osu at glen_garda@sasktel.net or phone 664-9414.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHOIR is having a steak night fundraiser on February 5 at the Sutherland Hotel.  Tickets are $20.00 and are available from the Guadalupe parish office 653-4945.  Proceeds from the fundraiser are going towards a new keyboard.

Turning to the World: Social Justice and The Common Good Since Vatican II

A conference at St. Thomas More College Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, March 8-9, 2013

STM will host a conference on social justice and the common good March 8-9 to mark the 50th anniversary of Vatican II.  The conference will begin with an opening session on the Friday evening, March 8, at which two scholars will articulate the links between Vatican II and the concepts of social justice and the common good.

All-day themed paper sessions on Saturday, March 9 include:

•  A preferential option for the poor

•  Religious pluralism / A culture of peace

•  Living social justice and the common good.

The conference will end with dinner and a co-keynote address delivered by Dr. Gregory Baum and Dr. Stephen Scharper.

Register before March 1: www.stmcollege.ca/research/social-justice-conference.php

Home Ministry of Care

“Someone ought to do it, but why should I?  Someone ought to do it, so why not I?”

If you are a Eucharistic minister, would you consider making yourself available to distribute communion at funerals?  If you can occasionally spare a couple of hours for this ministry, please call Iris at 244-2983 ext 233.

Youth Ministry

FacetoFace Ministries United Conference will be held Feb. 16-17 in Saskatoon.

Who:  YOUTH (gr. 9-12) and ADULTS of all ages.

Where: St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Saskatoon, SK.

When: February 16 & 17, 2013

Why:  The purpose of the FacetoFace Ministrties United Conference Feb. 16-17 is to unite, support, and challenge youth and adults in striving for holiness.  The conference includes meeting likeminded people, solid Catholic teaching, Eucharistic Adoration, incredible fun, and much more. (Cost is $30-$50)

Registration forms and more information  about FacetoFace Ministries United Conference can be found online at http://www.f2f.ca or contact Jon Courchene at 306-381-7789; jon.courchene@f2f.ca

Remember – Vocations are everyone’s business.  We all need to Support each other!

Have you asked someone about what the future looks like for them, God is a part of all of our Futures, Be Not Afraid of what the future holds in store for all of us!  Vocations grow through families, let’s all make our vocation stories and our life stories one and the same.

Mass Intentions

Monday, January 28  9:00 a.m  †Arnold Friestadt

Tuesday, January 29  9:00 a.m  †Sue Brander

Wednesday, January 30  9:00 a.m  †Emmanuel Beauchamp

7:15 p.m  †Jean Sakundiak

Thursday, January 31    9:00 a.m  Fr. Pius Schroh

Friday, February 1  9:00 a.m  Michael Prystupa

Saturday, February 2  9:00 a.m  †Don & Mary Bray

7:00 p.m  †Joe & Emilia Cabral

Sunday, February 3  9:00 a.m  †Fr. Kazimierz Zabawa C.Ss.R.

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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Bulletin Reflection

Today’s the Day

 By Alice Camille

   If you had to throw out every other prophet in the Bible but one, most people would enthusiastically save Isaiah. He’s the indispensable prophet: hopeful enough for Advent, sorrowful enough for Lent, triumphant enough for Easter, and challenging enough for Ordinary Time.
Although lovely and passionate passages can be quoted from many of the other 14 books of prophecy, some of the most memorable Hebrew literature ever written is contained in this one scroll. “For unto us a child is born, a son is given.” “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.” “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.” “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” “Flesh is grass.” “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” “Can a mother forget her baby?” “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” “All you who are thirsty, come to the water!” “Yet it was our infirmities he bore, our sufferings he carried.”
Handel’s Messiah comes from Isaiah. So does The Grapes of Wrath. Popular hymns from The Battle Hymn of the Republic to Be Not Afraid are simply Isaiah set to music. He’s considered a proto-saint of the church because he seemed to see Christianity coming. He was John the Baptist eight centuries before John, preparing the way in the wilderness, writing John’s proclamations as the advance-man’s advance-man. Isaiah was such a fresh and captivating seer that writers after him were impressed and inspired enough to add to his scrolls, doubling the text of “school of Isaiah” across three significant generations.
One thing that seems almost incredible about this prophet is that, although a Judean living in Jerusalem, he was convinced that God had a plan for all the nations and peoples on earth. “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” That was thinking well outside the ancient religious box. Why would the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses show any concern for outsiders? Yet Isaiah envisioned an ingathering of spectacular proportions. All nations would turn toward the one Lord. Foreign kings would prostrate themselves in homage. The wealth of the world would pour into the temple in every kind of coin. No one was exempt from the universal call to salvation.

Isaiah’s vision rolls back the damage of the Genesis stories, restoring the oneness of nations with each other and all humanity with God. His vision positively glitters with hope. Nations shall walk by this light.  Glory will shine. The sight will make all who see it radiant with joy. Matthew’s account of the visiting magi is confirmation that the day of universal salvation has arrived. If Herod can’t see it, it’s because his heart’s not generous enough to imagine God any bigger than he is.

Reprinted with permission

Prepare the Word (©2013)

http://www.preparetheword.com

 Announcements

SODALITAS: Are you grieving and suffering from a loss?  Join us for SODALITAS; a safe caring group for reflecting and sharing for those who are experiencing grief.  Our next meeting is Saturday, January 12 at 10:00AM in the upper room of St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

K OF C BREAKFAST The next Knights of Columbus Breakfast will be held on Sunday January 13th following the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses.  Everyone is welcome!

FIRST COMMUNION PARENTS NIGHT:  Please note—the Parent/Guardian Meeting in preparation for First Eucharist and Confirmation will be held January 22nd, 2013 in St. Mary’s upper hall at 7:00pm.  If you have any questions about this meeting please call Eileen Provost at 382-4821.

SUNDAY MISSALS:  We have 20 missals available for purchase.  These handy resources contain the readings for each Sunday and some special feasts. Missals are intended to be used for home study, to read the readings before you come to church.  They will be available for purchase during office hours at the rectory.  Cost is $5.00 each.

ST. GEORGE’S SENIORS CLUB (1236 20th Street West) are having a potluck dinner to celebrate Malanka (Ukrainian New Year’s) on January 11th from 1:00pm—5:00pm.  Bring your favorite dish to share or pay at the door; members $8.00 non members $10.00.

ST. GEORGE’S SENIOR CITIZEN’S CLUB annual meeting will be held on January 16th at 1:00pm at 1236 20th Street West.

 THANK YOU:  Deepest gratitude to Molly Garchinski and her CWL team for the lovely reception for the children’s Reconciliation sacrament.  Also, thank you to the Knights of Columbus for you support and contributions.  Thank you to the office team for your constant support.  God bless, Eileen Provost.

Film about a remarkable leader in Burma – A showing of the film “The Lady”, about the life of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma (Myanmar) will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Saskatoon (located at 222 Willow Street, at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Hilliard Street in the Exhibition neighbourhood). Based on true life events, this inspriational film tells the story of a brave woman who sacrificed much in the fight for freedom for the peoples of Burma. She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1993, but was unable to accept it until 2012. (Dr. Brian Colquhoun of Saskatoon will be available to answer questions about the film and the situation in Burma (Myanmar). The film is rated PG.

Home Ministry of Care

Dear Volunteers,

Thank you for hearing God’s call to ministry and for being a blessing to others.  Jesus is present in all our encounters and you bring a healing presence, a helping hand, a voice of compassion and encouragement to those to whom you minister.  I take this opportunity to wish you a New Year filled with peace, good health, and happiness.

Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Mary’s:  We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 2:30pm to pray, enjoy fellowship and prayerfully & lovingly create shawls.  These beautiful wraps are presented to the sick, the shut-ins, the bereaved and for nearly any special occasion.  Anyone who has some spare time is welcome to join us in the upper meeting room of the hall.  We also welcome ideas for other crafts.  For more information please call Iris at 244-2983 ext 233.  We will resume on January 17, 2012 starting at 1:00pm.

 Youth Ministry

Children and Family news:  Remember the exciting “Face to Face” youth conference is happening in February 2013 here at St. Mary’s.  The theme of this conference is “To Unite”, “To Support” and “To Challenge”.  Contact Fr. Steve or better yet contact the diocese Youth office to register, more information is due to come!

Remember – Vocations are everyone’s business.  We all need to Support each other!

Have you asked someone about what the future looks like for them, God is a part of all of our Futures, Be Not Afraid of what the future holds in store for all of us!  Vocations grow through families, let’s all make our vocation stories and our life stories one and the same.

 Mass Intentions

Monday, January 7  9:00 a.m  †Reg Hatchen

Tuesday, January 8  9:00 a.m  †Virginia Cabading

Wednesday, January 9  9:00 a.m  †Juliana Faurillo

7:15 p.m  †Stella Polynkoni

Thursday, January 10    9:00 a.m  All Souls in Purgatory

Friday, January 11  9:00 a.m  †Emmanuel Beauchamp

Saturday, January 12  9:00 a.m  †Luigi Mazza

7:00 p.m  Dale & MaryAnn Selski

Sunday, January 13  9:00 a.m  †Adlor Richard

11:00 a.m  For the parish

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