To the parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish, sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints –

"Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.

God answers every one of our prayers … sometimes He says, “No!”

I asked God to take away my bad habits.

God said, “No … it’s not for me to take them away, but for you to give them up”.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, “No … his spirit is whole, his body is only temporary”.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, “No … patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn’t granted, it is learned”.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, “No … I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you”.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, “No … suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to  me”.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, “No … you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful”.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, “No … I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things”.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.

God said, “Ahhh … finally you have the idea!”

Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate

St. Philip Neri … pray for us

St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us

St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us

God is good … all the time.

Fr. Mike Dechant OMI

Something from the Parish:

Mark your calendar:

• This Sunday, March 19, is “Cookie Saturday/Sunday”. Thank you for your generosity and the opportunity to gather as Parish Family” … to meet and greet, and grow in appreciation of each other.

• Each Friday during Lent, let’s gather to reflect on Jesus’ journey - “the Stations of the Cross” - beginning with prayer at 5 pm, followed by food and friendship. NOTE: The cash donation each week will go to supplement the costs of the Women’s Retreat.

• On Friday-Saturday, May 5–6, the women of SPN Parish are invited to gather for a Women’s Retreat. Through scripture, music, ritual and reflection, the Retreat Team will invite you to reflect on how each “Season of Life” can be enriching, challenging and an opportunity to draw closer to God.

Please Note: No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Pay what you are able and the Parish will supplement the remainder of the costs.

A Prayer for Ukraine

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children at risk and in fear that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Happy Spring, Everyone!

Spring finally arrives THIS week - YAY! - and even though the evenings will still be a little chilly, it looks like Spring is going to be welcoming us with lovely single digits every day this week!  The lengthening days and extra sunlight every evening are so glorious!  

We are now entering our FOURTH week of Lent.  How quickly the time is flying. Hopefully we can use our remaining weeks as a chance to sharpen our focus on Lenten prayer, fasting and alms-giving.  

Now, let's see what's coming up for this week, in our Parish and around our Diocese:

• Be sure to check out the "Week-at-a-Glance" section directly below so that you can see what is happening around the Parish for this upcoming week. 
• There are still a three Penitential Services remaining at east-side parishes in case you were unable to attend ours here at St. Philip Neri this past Tuesday.  See those details just below.
•  The dates and times of the Triduum/Easter Services coming up during Holy Week remain below for your reference.  
•  A reminder that there are only TWO opportunities left for you to participate in the Stations of the Cross, here at 5:00 pm for the next two Fridays.  A light supper of meatless soup and a bun will be served right after Stations.  Please see all the details just below.  
• This weekend, after both weekend Masses, is Cookie Time in the Welcome Area.  Be sure to bring a plate of cookies for the Cookie Table, then drop by after Mass to "munch and mingle" with your fellow parishioners.  More details are below. 
• A reminder that if you have a little five-year old at home that is gearing up for Kindergarten this fall, St. Philip Elementary School registration is now open!  You can find more information and details by scrolling down. 
• For the month of March, we continue to collect canned vegetables and 100% real fruit juice for the Food Bank. Thank you for continuing to fill our bin for them!  More details are below.
• The Bereavement Support gatherings will be on hold until Tues. April 25.  Please see more details below.  
  
• The Golden Age card players will be getting together again THIS Wed. March 22 for another afternoon of friendly card competition.  More details are below.  
• Please note:  There will be a Special Collection NEXT Sunday, March 26, for Share Lent (Development & Peace). Extra envelopes for this Special Lenten Collection may be found at the entrance of the church.  Thank you for being generous during Lent. 
• Check out this week's Church Chuckle!  Remember, Ladies, our kids are ALL great - it's not a competition!  
• Here are a few reminders about what's going on around our Diocese.  A reminder of the  Lenten Mission next week over at Our Lady of Lourdes from March 27-30.  Please see all the details below.
• Development and Peace continues their great work through Share Lent 2023.  Please see information below for Week 4, which focuses on Honduras.
• What is Lenten 40?  To find out all about this special run/walk Lenten event, please scroll down below.  Everyone is welcome to participate!
• A reminder that the Diocesan Office of Restorative Ministry is looking for monetary donations to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies for those in prison. Please see all the details below.
  
• The Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross IS returning this year! Please check out all the details - like where and when the event begins and ends - down below.  
• Are you starting to think about doing your spring cleaning?  The CWL Clothing Depot is ready to receive certain house-hold items and clothing items that you are ready to part with.  Please scroll down for more details.  
• While it seems a little early to be thinking about summer camp, you might want to get on this one, as Week 1 is already sold out!  See the Ignite Summer Camp information way down below, in blue. 
• St. Joseph's K of C are holding their delicious monthly Pancake Breakfast THIS Sunday, March 19.  The details are below. 
• Finally. the next Filipino Mass at St. Paul Co-Cathedral is also THIS Sunday, March 19, at 5 pm. Those details are also way down below at the bottom. 

Have a great weekend, and week ahead, everyone!  Enjoy the arrival of Spring by getting outside for some fresh air!  And may I wish all our Irish parishioners (and all those Irish at heart!), a belated Happy St. Patrick's Day, through this traditional Irish blessing:  

May the road rise up to meet you. 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face, 

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

And may your FOURTH week of Lent be filled with moments of quiet prayer, reflection, and repentance, as we continue to prepare our hearts for the sorrow -and joy - of Holy Week and Easter. Talk to you next week! 

Continued Lenten Blessings, 

Marlene

Week-at-a-Glance:

For Mon. March 20 - Sun. March 26

Mon. Mar. 20 

8:30 am ~ Lay-Lead Liturgy & coffee

5:30 pm ~ Alpha Session

6:00 pm ~ 10:00 pm ~ Weekly Adoration

Tues. Mar. 21

8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee

Wed. Mar. 22

8:30 pm ~ Morning Mass & coffee

1:00 pm ~ Golden Age Card Players

Thurs. Mar. 23

8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee

Fri. Mar. 24

8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee

5:00 pm ~ Stations of the Cross & light meatless supper

Sat. Mar. 25

5:00 pm ~ Mass/Special Collection for Share Lent (D & P)

Sun. Mar. 26

10:00 am ~ Mass/Special Collection for Share Lent (D & P)

REMAINING East-Side Lenten Penitential Services and Opportunities for Confession/Sacrament of Reconciliation:

• Tues. March 21 at 7 pm:  St. Augustine Parish
• Wed. March 22 at 7 pm:  Holy Spirit Parish
• Tues. March 28 at 7 pm:  Our Lady of Lourdes (in conjunction with a Parish Mission)

A list of confession opportunities is in the process of being compiled on the Diocesan website at: https://rcdos.ca/lent-confession/ 

Stations of the Cross

Only TWO Fridays left

For TWO more Fridays during Lent, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Stations of the Cross, beginning at 5:00 pm.  The Stations will be lead by a different Parish group each Friday.   

After Stations, you are also invited to join us for a light supper - usually a bowl of hot (meatless) soup, and a bun - and fellowship with your parishioner friends - all served up in the Welcome Area.  Everyone is welcome, and a free-will offering is always appreciated.

Parish Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical Ministries: The Usher/Welcomer and Eucharistic ministries are very nearly completed for the Triduum. Lectors, please watch your emails for a request for Mass ministers. Thank you to all those who give of their time so generously to the Parish!

Sacrament of Baptism:  The next dates for the celebration of Baptism are Sundays, April 30 and June 4.  Pre-registration is necessary.

Sacrament of First Communion:  If you would like more information about the preparation and celebration of this Sacrament, please contact Shirley in the Parish Office. The first preparation session is on Sunday, March 26, and the following preparation dates are April 16, 23, and 30.  All sessions are immediately after Mass in the church. Pre-registration is necessary to ensure enough materials are available for each person. The celebration of First Communion is on Sunday, May 7, at the 10 am Mass.

Sad News:  Harvey Chatlain, the father of Archbishop Murray and Greg Chatlain, has passed away. Greg is the retired Director of Education for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. We keep the whole family in prayer during this time of loss. May Harvey be welcomed into the arms of our Savior. Amen.

Cookie Time This Weekend!

Our next fellowship/treat time after the weekend Masses will be Cookie Time, THIS weekend, March 18/19, the third weekend of the month.  Be sure to stop in the Welcome Area after both Masses to enjoy some delicious cookies (supplied by parishioners), juice and fellowship!  

Just so you have a bit of a heads-up, here is the Cookie Time/Timbits Time schedule for the next few months:

• April 1/2 - Timbits Time (K of C)
• April 15/16 - Cookie Time
• May 6/7 - Timbits Time (K of C)
• May 20/21 - Cookie Time

Note:  The cookies are supplied by parishioners and may be home-made or store-bought.  We aren't fussy when it comes to cookies - we just really appreciate your participation and delicious cookie contributions!  We also ask that you bring your cookies on a paper plate so that it can be recycled.  Thanks!

Kindergarten Registration at St. Philip School

St. Philip Elementary School is now accepting Kindergarten Registrations for the 2023-24 school year. Children who will be 5 years old on or before January 31, 2024 (birthday on or before January 31, 2019) can register for Kindergarten by contacting the school at (306) 659-7450 or by email, at: st.philip@gscs.ca.

MARCH Food Collection

For the Food Bank

Let's go St. Philip Neri!  For the month of MARCH, we are collecting canned vegetables and 100% real fruit juice for the Food Bank. The Donation Bin remains in the Welcome Area, just inside the front doors of the church, on the right.  Let's keep filling it up!

In addition, there is always a need for other non-perishables. Please be sure to check "best before" dates. Thanks for your support!

CWL Social Justice Award

The Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada has established a Social Justice Award for young women between the ages of 18-35 years. The $1,000 award may be given to one candidate or divided among qualified applicants to finance participation in a reputable social justice activity, either at home or abroad. Application deadline is April 30. For more information or to apply, please contact Mary Nordick at m.nordick@sasktel.net or (306) 374-5612.

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support

ON HOLD until Tues. April 25

Please know that there is support offered here at the Parish. If you would like a place to gather and talk with others who have lost a loved one, please come out to our next gathering on Tuesday, April 25, from 1 to 3:00 pm, here in the church's Sunroom. We look forward to walking with you in faith! No registration fee or sign up are required. Please just feel comfortable in coming to join us. For more information, please call Deb, our Parish Nurse, at the Parish.

Golden Age Card Players

THIS Wed. March 22

The Golden Age Group at St. Philip Neri meets regularly to play cards, every second Wedesday, from 1:30-4:00 pm in the Welcome Area. 

Their next card-playing session will be THIS Wednesday, March 22. The cost is $2 per day.  The group happily welcomes any new players to join them for some fun, friendly competition, followed by coffee and some delicious sweet treats!  For more information, please call the president, Sylvia Godbout, at (306) 374-9085. 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Every Monday evening (except for long weekends), from 6 pm to 10 pm, and also every second Thursday of the month, from 9 am to 6 pm, people are invited to pray with the Blessed Sacrament in the main area of the church. 

The upcoming Adoration schedule: 

• Monday evenings:  March 20, 27  (from 6 pm-10 pm) 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, April 13, from 9 am-6 pm.

Special Collections 2023

For those parishioners who make their regular parish donations by PAG (pre-authorized giving), they often don't know when the Special Collections are because they don't have coloured envelopes to remind them.  So that we all know, here are the Special Collections coming up within the next few months:

March 26:  Share Lent (Development & Peace)

April 6:  Holy Thursday (Needs of the Local Poor - The Bridge on 20th)

April 7:  Good Friday (50% to Needs of the Church in the Holy Land and 50% to our St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee Fund)

April 9:  Easter Offering

Note:  Additional "Special Offering" envelopes can always be found in the Welcome Area at the entrance of the church.   

Diocesan Prayer Intention

For the partners of Development and Peace - Caritas Canada around the world, who give hope, help and comfort to those afflicted by natural and human-made disasters.  (Taken from the Development & Peace website)

"Fullness of Purpose” - A Lenten Mission

Mon. Mar. 27 - Thurs. Mar. 30

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will be hosting "Fullness of Purpose” – A Lenten Mission, at 7 pm each evening from March 27-30, led by Ken Yasinski. The Mission will include the Parish Penitential Service with opportunities for Confession, on Tuesday, March 28, at 7 pm, as well as times for Eucharistic Adoration with music.  Everyone is welcome to participate in this Lenten Mission opportunity. 

Development & Peace - Share Lent 2023

Week 4: March 19

Standing for the Land in Honduras

Honduras’s diverse ecosystems, fertile lands and rich natural resources attract many profiteering enterprises that overexploit the land to no benefit for local communities.

Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada supports Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (ERIC, Reflection, Research and Communication Team), an organization that helps communities in their struggle for land and territory and investigates human rights abuses.

This Lent, meet our solidarity visitor Elvin Hernández, a human rights investigator at ERIC. Learn more by clicking on the button below:

Lenten 40

Saturday, April 1

Lenten 40 is a 40-kilometre run/walk along the river in Saskatoon, right before Holy Week, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, on Sat. April 1.  Meditate on the suffering of Jesus and think of the Via Dolorosa (the path Jesus took on his way to the crucifixion, often translated as “the way of suffering).

• Who is it for? Anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and go deeper this Lent. Whether you’re an avid runner or have never run before, this is about showing up and giving it all to God. Sign up as a team Team 40 (teams of 2 or teams of 4) or as a solo runner Solo 40k
• Cost? Individual: $40/Team of 2: $80/Team of 4: $150 (not including registration fee).
• Prayer suggestion: Pray the Rosary on each of the four legs of the Lenten 40: Leg 1 – Joyful Mysteries/Leg 2 – Sorrowful Mysteries/Leg 3 – Luminous Mysteries/Leg 4 – Glorious Mysteries – check the website for more information – www.lenten40.com
• Lenten 40 Schedule:  Participants will have the opportunity to run the 40 kilometres solo or to register as a team. The race will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 1 at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road, and racers must be finished by 5:00 pm.
•  8:00 am - Racer check-in and package pickup at Holy Family Cathedral Hall. Please register prior to race day.
• 9:00 am - Start of Leg 1. Behind the Holy Family Cathedral.
• 5:00 pm - End of race and race cut-off time at Holy Family Cathedral.
• 5:15 pm - Celebration/awards.

Easter at the Prison

The Diocesan Office of Restorative Ministry is seeking monetary donations to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies to distribute at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre as a way of sharing the power, love and joy of Christ’s Resurrection with those in prison, letting them know that they are not forgotten. 

Please drop labelled donations into the Parish collection or send to the attention of Dianne Anderson at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, S7S 1H1, or donate online through the “Designated Ministry” form on the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website, by clicking on the button below:

The Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross

The downtown Outdoor Good Friday Way of the Cross in Saskatoon is back this year! On Good Friday, April 7, pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray and reflect on the scriptural way of the cross written by St. John Paul II, while walking through the streets of downtown Saskatoon. Reflections at each station will be shared by churches and local organizations. 

The event begins at 10 am and runs until approximately 11:45 am. Pilgrims are asked to gather in front of the Kings Bench Court at 520 Spadina Cres. E., ten minutes prior to start time. For more information, contact Myron Rogal at (306) 659-5841 or mrogal@rcdos.ca

Uniting in Silence

Every Saturday until Apr. 1

Every Saturday morning at 11 am, until April 1, sessions of ‘Uniting in Silence’ will take place in St. Mary Parish Hall on 20th Street W., (between Avenue O and P).  These sessions consist of sitting together for 20 minutes of silence. In silence we reverence the shared values inherent in all beliefs, faith traditions and aspirations of the human heart that promote peace and reconciliation. 

If you plan to attend, please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to begin promptly at 11 am. You are invited to remain afterwards for fellowship. For more information, please call St. Mary Parish at (306) 244-2983.

CWL Clothing Depot

Spring Cleaning?

As you start considering your Spring cleaning, don’t forget the CWL Clothing Depot! The Depot is in need of new and gently-worn clothing, as well as cutlery, pots and pans, blankets, towels, small appliances in good working condition, and warm winter coats and jackets (to have on hand for fall). Donations will be gratefully accepted when dropped off at the Depot at 619 20th St. W. Please use the back door. 

New drop-off hours are 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. Again, we are asking for volunteers to work at the Depot. Please call Bea, at (306) 242-5042 to set up a time. We look forward to meeting you!

Note:  Donations may also be dropped off here at St. Philip Neri Parish, in the large bin on the LEFT hand side (under the coat rack), as you come into the Welcome Area. Thank you for all your wonderful donations, all year round!

Ignite 2023 Catholic Summer Camp - Registration Open!

Ignite 2023 Catholic Summer Camp Registration is now open. Please note: there are only 105 spots per week of Ignite Sk, offered by FacetoFace Ministries. Spots will be filled in the order registrations are received. Week 1 is already sold out! Camps still available are:

• Ignite SK Week 2 (held at St. Therese Institute, Bruno, SK) – Aug. 13-18 (overnight camp)
• Ignite Junior SK (held at Holy Family Cathedral, Saskatoon) – Aug. 27-29 (day camp)

Find more information about Ignite and registration, etc. at: https://f2f.ca/ignite2023/

Another Adoration Opportunity

A Holy Hour for the Feminine Heart

Take time away to refresh your soul and spend time with new friends. All women are invited to a monthly Holy Hour followed by refreshments and fellowship, held at 7 pm on the first Thursday of every month at Holy Spirit Parish. The evening includes adoration, a short Gospel reflection led by Fr. Joseph Salihu, quiet prayer, benediction, and rosary.  It's not too late to join in on this inspirational opportunity! 

Delicious Monthly Pancake Breakfasts - THIS Sunday!

St. Joseph's Hall on Broadway

Everyone is welcome to join the K of C Chapter #11429 - San Lorenzo Ruiz - for their delicious monthly Sunday morning pancake breakfasts, held in St. Joseph's Parish Hall, on Broadway Ave. & 8th Street. These yummy breakfasts will be served on Sundays, from 10 am to 1 pm, on the following dates:  

March 19, April 23, and May 28

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-15 years.  Breakfasts consists of pancakes (with syrup or whipped cream & berries!), sausages, scrambled eggs, toast, coffee and juice. Come on over and join us!  Everyone is welcome!

Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon

Next Monthly Mass - Sun. March 19

The Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon gathers on the third Sunday of every month to celebrate Mass at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Cr. E., with the next celebration to be held THIS Sunday, March 19, at 5:00 pm. Future Mass dates are April 16, May 21, and June 18.   

The Filipino Catholic community also holds a weekly Novena in English every Friday at 5:30 pm, at St. Paul Co-Cathedral. Everyone is welcome. 

Catholic Saskatoon NEWS

Our Diocese has an online news portal featuring local, national and international Catholic news. Go to “Catholic Saskatoon News” at https://news.rcdos.ca to check out the latest coverage, or to sign up to receive headline updates via e-mail. The Diocese also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saskatoonrcdiocese and can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SaskatoonCath.

Weekly Diocesan Bulletin

Get the latest fall news from around the Saskatoon Diocese!

Find out what's going on around the Diocese, including upcoming events, new learning opportunities to help you grow in your faith,  and other interesting information and announcements.

St. Philip Neri Masses are live-streamed, every Saturday at 5 pm

 If you aren’t able to attend Mass in person, you may watch it LIVE on YouTube.

To find us on YouTube, click on St Philip Neri YouTube Channel or go to our website, stphilipneriparish.ca and get to our channel from there.

NOTE:  If you are hard of hearing or would like to have the Live-Streamed Services "with text", please click the “cc”/ “Closed Caption” icon/button at the bottom right on your computer screen, below the live-streamed service.  You will be able to see the words of the speaker!

We have left past Masses up on our channel for you to watch, or you can tune in to our next upcoming LIVE Masses on the dates and times below:

Upcoming Live-Streams: 

Saturday, March 18 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Saturday, March 25 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)