TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 26, 2018 BAPTISM Expectant parents please contact the parish office three months prior to the baptism date to arrange for the baptism preparation program and for the baptism celebration. The next baptism celebrations are September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 8. Please call Sharon, 306 374-1425 for registration information. CHILDREN’S LITURGY The program takes place during the readings and homily at Sunday Mass. It is suitable for children age 4 to pre-First Eucharist. Parents and young people interested in leading the program or helping, please call Celena Komarnicki, 306 374-1425. CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Catholic Church’s process whereby one could inquire about the Catholic faith and journey towards full reception into the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil. At Holy Spirit Parish, RCIA meets weekly from mid-September through April. There is no fee and all materials needed are provided. New participants are always welcome. Meetings are Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. For information call Arch McKay, 306 373-0993; agmckay1@sasktel.net. WE PLEDGE 5% . . . Care and Share $592.48 Farm in the Dell $646.49 Str8 Up $485.52 Thank you! NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION/CHANGE OF ADDRESS NAME __________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________ POSTAL CODE _______________________ TELEPHONE _____________________ EMAIL __________________________________________________________________ PARISH OFFERING ENVELOPES? YES ______ NOT AT THIS TIME ______ PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING PROGRAM YES _________ NEW IN THE PARISH? MOVING? Please help us keep parish records up-to-date. It assists us to serve you. Please complete the following and return to the parish office by mail or in the weekend collection basket. Thank you for your assistance. “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve…As for me and my house- hold, we will serve the Lord.” JOSHUA 24:15. When we commit to serve the Lord, we must be willing to become a partner in the work of the Lord. A partner is a person who invests time in prayer every day, joyfully participates in charitable works and generously supports the parish and Church mission. If we say we serve God, we must actually do something and not merely talk about it! MARRIAGE PREPARATION Arrangements for marriage can be made by contacting the parish priest eight months prior to the date of marriage. This will provide adequate time for documentation and the diocesan required marriage preparation program. This program is intended not only for engaged couples but also for couples considering engagement and marriage. Please call Todd and Maureen Heroux, 306 491- 7878 or email [email protected]for information and to register for the next session. Catholic Family Services, 306 244-7773, also offers a marriage preparation program. Please check the diocesan website for more opportunities for marriage preparation, saskatoonrcdiocese.com. DONATIONS All donations received and designated for a specific program or project other than special appeals will be used for a purpose determined by Holy Spirit Parish Finance Committee or Parish Pastoral Council to be consistent with the spirit of the gift. Thank you for your continued financial support. Finance Committee - Basil Waslen, Chair; Mike Gartner; Pat Pitka; Ed Solie SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 Envelopes/Pre Authorized Giving Program $12,509.08 Loose $1,431.65 Total of regular offering and other income weekly average to date: $19,451 Alleluia. Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are spirt and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia. An uncompromised choice Sooner or later you have to decide. Faced with a difficult decision, you have to decide what to do. Our choices reveal what we really prize. Before making a choice, then, it helps to review our values. Which choice gives the strongest affirmation to the principles we hold dear? If we take a different choice, we doom ourselves to living with compromised values. We are not who we thought we were. We hold other things precious. When Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, he told the people they had to make a choice. God brought them up out of the land of Egypt, performed miracles before their very eyes, and protected them along their entire journey. This God wanted to be their only God. They should no longer serve other gods. They had to decide. Joshua said, "As for me and my household, we win serve the LORD. " The people answered the same. Before you make a difficult choice, think about how God has brought you to this day. God brought you and your family to safety, performed miracles before your very eyes, and protected you thus far. Remember, then make your choice. "As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Paul Turner. Resource Publications Inc. rpinet.com STEWARDSHIP - Did you know you can give insurance policy proceeds or publicly-traded shares to Holy Spirit and receive a charitable tax receipt for your stewardship? See Parish Financial Administrator.
Transcript
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 26, 2018
BAPTISM Expectant parents please contact the parish office three months prior to the baptism date to arrange for the baptism preparation program and for the baptism celebration. The next baptism celebrations are September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 8. Please call Sharon, 306 374-1425 for registration information.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY The program takes place during the readings and homily at Sunday Mass. It is suitable for children age 4 to pre-First Eucharist. Parents and young people interested in leading the program or helping, please call Celena Komarnicki, 306 374-1425.
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Catholic Church’s process whereby one could inquire about the Catholic faith and journey towards full reception into the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil. At Holy Spirit Parish, RCIA meets weekly from mid-September through April. There is no fee and all materials needed are provided. New participants are always welcome. Meetings are Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. For information call Arch McKay, 306 373-0993; [email protected].
WE PLEDGE 5% . . . Care and Share $592.48 Farm in the Dell $646.49 Str8 Up $485.52 Thank you!
NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION/CHANGE OF ADDRESS
NAME __________________________________________________________________
PARISH OFFERING ENVELOPES? YES ______ NOT AT THIS TIME ______ PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING PROGRAM YES _________
NEW IN THE PARISH? MOVING? Please help us keep parish records up-to-date. It assists us to serve you. Please complete the following and return to the parish office by mail or in the weekend collection basket. Thank you for your assistance.
“If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve…As for me and my house-hold, we will serve the Lord.” JOSHUA 24:15. When we commit to serve the Lord, we must be willing to become a partner in the work of the Lord. A partner is a person who invests time in prayer every day, joyfully participates in charitable works and generously supports the parish and Church mission. If we say we serve God, we must actually do something and not merely talk about it!
MARRIAGE PREPARATION Arrangements for marriage can be made by contacting the parish priest eight months prior to the date of marriage. This will provide adequate time for documentation and the diocesan required marriage preparation program. This program is intended not only for engaged couples but also for couples considering engagement and marriage. Please call Todd and Maureen Heroux, 306 491-7878 or email [email protected] for information and to register for the next session.
Catholic Family Services, 306 244-7773, also offers a marriage preparation program. Please check the diocesan website for more opportunities for marriage preparation, saskatoonrcdiocese.com.
DONATIONS All donations received and designated for a specific program or project other than special appeals will be used for a purpose determined by Holy Spirit Parish Finance Committee or Parish Pastoral Council to be consistent with the spirit of the gift. Thank you for your continued financial support.
Finance Committee - Basil Waslen, Chair;
Mike Gartner; Pat Pitka; Ed Solie
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 Envelopes/Pre Authorized Giving Program $12,509.08 Loose $1,431.65 Total of regular offering and other income weekly average to date: $19,451
Alleluia. Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are spir t and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
An uncompromised choice
Sooner or later you have to decide. Faced with a difficult decision, you have to decide what to do. Our choices reveal what we really prize. Before making a choice, then, it helps to review our values. Which choice gives the strongest affirmation to the principles we hold dear? If we take a different choice, we doom ourselves to living with compromised values. We are not who we thought we were. We hold other things precious.
When Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, he told the people they had to make a choice. God brought them up out of the land of Egypt, performed miracles before their very eyes, and protected them along their entire journey. This
God wanted to be their only God. They should no longer serve other gods. They had to decide.
Joshua said, "As for me and my household, we win serve the LORD. "
The people answered the same. Before you make a difficult choice, think about how God has brought you to this day. God brought you and your family to safety, performed miracles before your very eyes, and protected you thus far. Remember, then make your choice.
"As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Paul Turner. Resource Publications Inc. rpinet.com
STEWARDSHIP - Did you know you can give insurance policy proceeds or publicly-traded shares to Holy Spirit and receive a charitable tax receipt for your stewardship? See Parish Financial Administrator.
WE PLEDGE 5% . . . SERENA (Natural Family Planning) is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that provides couple-to-couple instruction in the Sympto-Thermal method of Natural Family Planning. Instruction in the Sympto-Thermal method offers a natural, highly effective, inexpensive and free of health risks, means of natural family planning. SERENA presently works with Catholic married couples, Marriage Preparation in parishes, and in Catholic High Schools. For more information: Serena Saskatchewan, Box 7375, Saskatoon, S7K 4J3, 934-8223, serena.ca; [email protected]
THIS WEEK AT HOLY SPIRIT
Monday, August 27
Tuesday, August 28 8:30 am Mass
Wednesday, August 29 8:30 am Mass
Thursday, August 30 8:30 am Mass 10:30 am Mass (Stensrud Lodge)
Friday, August 31 8:30 am Mass 9:00 am - 12:00 noon Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Saturday, September 1 11:00 am - 12:00 noon Confessions 5:00 pm Mass
Sunday, September 2 10:00 am Mass 12:00 pm Mass 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 7:00 pm Mass
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 8905 Grand Knight, Bob Wacholtz 306 933-9499
Knights of Columbus memberships and information, please call James, 306 373-2301 or Rob, 306 374-8559.
DID YOU KNOW? . . .
the Knights of Columbus Golfing Event is Saturday, September 15 at Wildwood Golf Course - supper following the 5:00 pm Mass. Register with Raymond Rivard at 306-373-4938 by September 7.
St. Angela Merici Residence is now accepting residents for assisted living. Beautiful surroundings, lovely people - a place to call home. Only $3200/month - includes suite, meals and snacks, weekly laundering of linens and towels, and basic cable. Please call Shannon for a tour 306 242-5566 ext. 5.
Sion Alumni Reunion gathering will be held Sunday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Smiley’s, 702 Circle Drive. The cost is $20.
Serena Saskatchewan’s Run for the Family on Saturday, September 15, 10:00 am at Meewasin Park North in Saskatoon. Choose to run or walk 1km, 3km, or 5km (strollers welcome). Register at runningroom.com (races – province SK –search by date or name) by September 13; family rate available. Receive registration goodie bags, post-race treats, door prizes, and medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each event. Pledges can be collected in support of SERENA; prizes awarded (20% of collection). If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to Serena Saskatchewan. For more info, contact [email protected]
You can access spiritual care in our hospitals - for Saskatoon City or Royal University Hospital, please contact Jackie Saretsky at the Catholic Pastoral Centre at 306-659-5839 or 306-292-5531 or by email hospitalchaplaincy@saskatoonrc diocese.com; for St. Paul's Hospital, please ask at nursing desk or call 306-655-5000 and ask them to page Spiritual Care.
Pure Witness Ministries “Anchor” program is an intentional discipleship program for Grades 10-12. Registration and information at purewitness. com/anchor or call 1-800-705-7396. Also, Pure Witness Ministries “Reach” program is an intentional discipleship program for young adults, ages 18-25. Registration and information purewitness.com/reach or 1-800-705-7396.
Creating Connections: Celebrating Religious Diversity in the Arts (September 27-28, 2018) at the Remai Modern Thursday, September 27 for “An Evening with Yann Martel.” Friday, September 28 a day at Queen’s House learning from plenary speakers, local artist, Kevin Peeace and Dr. Justin Jaron Lewis of Winnipeg. Suggested donation of $10/person or $25/family. Please see poster on the bulletin board.
The Holy Spirit Parish PICTORIAL DIRECTORY is here! If you had your picture taken for the directory, please pick up your free copy. They are available in the parish office. Thank you to all those who participated!
V olunteers wanted for the Newcomers Committee. Need help stuffing envelopes, making follow up phone calls and helping
with various jobs. This is short term which happens once in the fall and spring. For more information, please call or email [email protected]
QUEEN'S HOUSE of Retreats and Renewal Centre
Bike-a-Thon Ride 55 kms from Queen's House down Lorne Avenue, along Highway 219 to Dakota Dunes and returning back to Queen's House by this same route. Half Bike-A-Thon Route: Ride about 30 kms from Queen's House down Lorne Avenue along Highway 219 to a rest stop about 13 km south on 219 and back. Adopt-a-Rider: Would you consider participating in the bike-a-thon if you didn't have to break a sweat? You can participate by adopting Fr. Paul Fachet as your "rider." Simply use the Queen's House Bike-a-Thon pledge form, collect donations from family and friends, and drop off the donations at Queen's House by September 14.
New memberships and member renewal, and for change of address - Diana 306 652-0840
cwlsk.ca and cwl.ca Welcome all new CWL members and members
FOOD FOR THE POOR A food container is available at the church entrance to receive your gifts of non-perishable food. This food will be distributed to agencies in Saskatoon involved in helping to feed the poor. Why not try on a weekly basis to bring an item of food? It will be a great reminder of God’s blessings and how we are called to bless others.
WELCOME to all visiting with us this weekend. Your faith and spirit enrich our community. May you travel safely and know that God’s presence is always with you.
In today's Gospel, we hear that a number of Jesus' followers left him because his message was too difficult for them to accept. In essence, they did not
believe in him. He then asked the Twelve if they wished to leave as well. Peter responds by making a profound profession of faith in Jesus as and Saviour. The Twelve made a choice and stood by their choice, remaining loyal to their commitment to Jesus. A good question for our reflection might be this: Are we satisfied with the stewardship we exercise over our baptismal commitment? Are we just "along for the ride?" Are we keeping Christ in front of us as we make decisions about our daily activities, our relationships, our parish, issues in the workplace, issues such as
-- catholicstewardship.com
HOLY SPIRIT PARISH MUSIC
MINISTRY Are you interested in
playing a musical instrument - piano
or guitar at Mass? Are you willing to
share your musical talents with the
community? For more information,
please call the parish office at 306-
374-1425.
BAPTISM If you would like your baby baptized this fall please note the dates and times of both the preparation sessions and the celebrations.
Preparation sessions September 5 6:30 pm September 12 6:30 pm
Celebrations September 15 1:00 pm October 20 1:00 pm
Preparation sessions November 7 6:30 pm November 14 6:30 pm
Celebrations November 17 1:00 pm December 8 1:00 pm
CWL BOOK CLUB The CWL Book Club will have its first fall meeting on September 18 at 7:15 pm in conference room C. The book we are reading is ‘Half Broke Horses’ by Jeannette Walls. If you would like a copy of the book, please call Margaret 306-374-4214.
HERE'S THE CATCH JOSHUA 24:1-2A,15-17,188
"If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve."
After 40 years across the desert, generations more enslaved in Egypt, the people of Israel made it to the land that would be named after their forefather. Joshua was just a child when they left Egypt, and he led them across the Jordan into this land after the death of Moses. Joshua was given the great and terrible burden of leading a nation that had notoriously refused to be led for so long. Once they arrived in Shechem, Joshua laid it on the line: Do you still want to be the people of God? Or do you intend to revert to old gods or subscribe to new ones? This is a question we might ask ourselves once in a while. In fact, we do every Easter when we renew our baptismal promises. Do you renounce Satan? Do you believe in God, maker of heaven and earth? Do you still intend to be a Christian? Or have you found other objectives that suit you more? These are serious, fateful questions. They deserve thoughtful, sincere answers. And we respond with both our lips and our lives.
» How many "powers" have you served in the past: parents' wishes, society's expectations, financial obligations, personal obsessions?
Who or what will you serve today?
Alice Camille, Exploring the Sunday Readings
Steps of Ignatian Contemplation or Imaginative Prayer (Adapted from Busy Lives and Restless Souls - Becky Eldredge)
How prayer can help you find the missing PEACE in your life.
1. Select a Scripture: Pick a passage from one of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke or John
2. Read: Read the passage several times slowly so that you almost know the story enough to share with another person.
3. Imagine the Scene: Close your eyes, and imagine the scene. Imagine what the scene looks like. Who is in the scene? What are they doing? Where are they located? What do you notice about the environment? What smells are there? What sounds? Let the Holy Spirit guide this unfolding in your mind for you.
4. Put yourself in the scene: As the scene begins to take shape in your mind, put yourself in the scene. Notice where you are.
5. Notice what happens: Let the story unfold in your mind. Stay with it until you feel nudged to move to reflection.
6. Respond and Rest: Share with God what you noticed and exper ienced. Then rest in God and let God speak to you.
7. Reflect: Reflect back on what you exper ience in prayer . What did you learn about Jesus? About God? About another character in the scripture? About yourself?
Backpack Blessings It’s that time of year again! Teachers are returning to their schools to freshen up classrooms and families have stocked up on school supplies. As our children head back to school, Holy Spirit Parish would like to recognize this exciting and sometimes
anxious time, by inviting the youth to participate in a “Blessing of Backpacks.” This is a wonderful way for the parish to send our children off with prayers for a safe and successful year of learning. The “Blessing of Backpacks” will take place on September 8th and 9th at each Mass. We encourage all grade levels to bring their backpacks to receive this special blessing.
Especially the ones who feel the stings of home violence,
For they possess THE HANDS OF CHRIST.
Blessed are the teachers
Who THINK prayerfully of their
Especially those who don’t know God.
For they possess THE MIND CHRIST.
Blessed the teachers
Who SHOW love to their students
Especially the ones with unlovable traits,
possess THE HEART CHRIST.
are the teachers
Who WALK with their students,
Especially the ones lacking spiritual guidance
For they possess THE FEET OF CHRIST.
Blessed are the teachers
Who .PERSEVERE in their faith-sharing ministry,
Especially when their efforts seem in vain,
For they possess HEALING PRESENCE CHRIST
AND THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
Amen
Find a place in your home to keep Take Five for Faith - maybe the kitchen table, posted
on the refrigerator, or on your nightstand. Give yourself the gift of five uncluttered
minutes a day to read the day's passage and reflect and pray about what you have just
read. Take an extra copy for a homebound neighbour or friend. They'll be glad you did!
Monday, August 27 MEMORIAL OF MONICA Tears shed through the years For years Saint Monica wept during her tireless prayers for her husband Patricius and her son Augustine to become Christians. Her dedication and devotion to God and her Christian values have earned her the title of patroness of married women, alcoholics, difficult marriages, disappointing children, and victims of unfaithfulness and verbal abuse. Despite her sorrow and grief for the path her son chose early in his life, her wholeheartedness and persistence proved true when her son became Christian. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Matthew 23:13-22 (425). “Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold
sacred?”
Tuesday, August 28 MEMORIAL OF AUGUSTINE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH A saint for sore eyes The practice of adopting patron saints goes back to the early days of Christianity when churches were built over the graves of martyrs who then were adopted as patrons. As one of the most prominent Christians in history, Saint Augustine has been named patron saint by countless churches, cities, and dioceses as well as by theologians, printers, brewers, and, of all things, those who suffer from soreness of the eyes! Whatever condition your eyesight is in, reading some of Augustine’s Confessions will help clear your vision. You may just adopt him as your patron!
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17; Matthew 23:23-26 (426). “Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!”
Wednesday, August 29 MEMORIAL OF THE PASSION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Get closer to God John the Baptist is a unique figure in the Bible. For one thing he forms a bridge between the Testaments: He looks, acts, and talks a lot like an Old Testament prophet but points beyond himself to a new faith, in Jesus. For another he gets something that’s reserved only for Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary: The church celebrates his birth and death as a “nativity” and a “passion” respectively. These words underscore John’s close relationship to Christ and his important role in the story of salvation. But while no other saint receives such observances, John nonetheless does what all saints do: points out God to people and points people to God.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18 (427); Mark 6:17-29 (634). “Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.”
Thursday, August 30 Walk on It’s that time of year again - kids are heading back to school, the days are getting shorter, the carefree summer is winding down; some evening soon there will be a hint of autumn in the air. As the calendar continues its relentless turn, the change of season may bring mixed emotions. Endings always do - whether to a relationship, a job, a dream, or the ultimate end we all will face to this mortal life. These are the moments when our faith is put to the test. Fortunately, we do not have to face final things alone. God is at our side, the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. As you say farewell to summer in the days ahead, rest assured that you never walk alone.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Matthew 24:42-51 (428). “He will keep you firm to the end.”
Friday, August 31 The future is now On this day in 1803 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their famous expedition to the West Coast. In 1887 Thomas Edison patented his Kinetoscope, ushering in the age of motion pictures. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt signed the Neutrality Act, “to avoid any action that might involve the United States in war.” In 1999 Princess Diana died in a car crash. Perhaps someone you know was born, or died, or was married on this day. We assume there’s plenty of time to tell loved ones what they mean to us or to reconcile with a friend. On this ordinary August day, remember the words of Mother Teresa: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
1 Corinthians 1:17-25; Matthew 25:1-13 (429). “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Saturday, September 1 MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Last seen praying Your final glimpse of a friend or loved one can impress itself powerfully on the mind. While you know the aged aunt isn’t still knitting in that favorite chair or the college pal might not be kicking that football around forever, in the land of memory these folks seem frozen in place. Sometimes, of course, there’s perfect unity between memory and reality. Mary of Nazareth is last seen in the New Testament praying with the church on Pentecost morning. And if you seek her intercession, you’ll find she’s still there.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 25:14-30 (430). “For to everyone who has, more will be given.”
Daily renewal
COMING SEPTEMBER 26 TO HOLY SPIRIT PARISH
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 pm
What is Alpha?
Alpha is about sharing the Good News in Jesus Christ. It is a program of evangelization. Over
the course of ten weeks, Alpha provides a practical introduction to the Christian faith, offering
guests an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed and friendly setting. Alpha
provides an opportunity for people to encounter the love of God in a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Alpha is biblically based and focuses on the Kerygma –
the essential Good News of Jesus Christ, as preached by the early Church.
Alpha is a gentle program of evangelization. For example, it never mentions conversion to the
Christian faith. Instead, there are designed talks on the meaning of life and the basic sharing of
the faith followed by conversations where any question and comment is welcome without
judgment.
Each evening begins with supper. Alpha is built upon three pillars:
1. Food
2. Faith
3. Fellowship
Who is Alpha for?
Those outside the Church: for those not baptized and for those who have not yet heard the
Good News
For Catholics who find themselves on the fringes of their faith and desire a deeper, more
personal relationship with the Lord and as a point of re-entry for lapsed Catholics
How can you help Alpha at Holy Spirit Parish?
Be an Alpha Ambassador: 86% of people who take part in Alpha is because someone has
personally invited them. You may want to invite family and friends who are not baptized or
who have been away from the Church to take part in the Alpha course as a guest. People can
register for the course by calling the Parish Office 306-374-1425 or email
