To all our “beloved” of St. Philip Neri Parish, 

Greetings and blessings to you and all your family from Fr. Mike Dechant OMI

 If you cannot find Christ in the beggar, you will not find him in the chalice. (St. John Chrysostom)

Question: “So who is the “beggar”?

A nurse was rushing to attend the Saturday, 4:30 pm Mass. She was “on call” for that day, but was also scheduled to work the next day at the hospital. She quickly greeted the priest with a hug and a “Hi”. In the delight of her welcome, her beeper went off! She had a look of consternation. What to do? If she responded to the beeper, she wouldn’t be able to celebrate Eucharist that day, and she had to work full-time the next day.

The priest said to her, “Respond to the beeper. Whatever you are asked to do, whoever you are asked to serve, treat them with kindness and delight – like Jesus did when he washed the feet of the Apostles. And when you are finished the task, just before you leave the room, look back at the person and say AMEN. You have just celebrated Eucharist!”

Ten years later, the same nurse and the same priest. With her hug now came tears. She shared, “Remember how you advised me to respond to my beeper, and how to treat each call? Since that day, many times in a day’s work, I celebrate Eucharist – each time responding with an AMEN. Then, when I can attend Mass in the Parish, I offer up all those ‘Eucharistic moments/each person’, to my loving God … and again say AMEN.”

So … who is the “beggar”? It’s every person that God places in my life. And when I serve each person, as Jesus would serve them, the Body of Christ is healed and strengthened.

Let us pray: Loving and ever persistent God, you call each of us to holiness and faithfulness. We ask that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire with which he wonderfully filled the heart of St. Philip Neri. We ask this in Jesus’ name … Amen.

St. Philip Neri … pray for us

St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us

St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us

Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate

Something from the Parish

SAVE THESE DATES:

• THIS Sunday, May 29 (after the 11:30 am Mass): The AGM for St. Philip Neri Parish, in the Welcome Area. Come one, come all!
• June 4-5 Pentecost Sunday: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful of St. Philip Neri Parish!
• June 7 (7 pm) – in St. Philip Neri Welcome Area - An Invitation: To share in the partnership with the Oblate Mission and Ministries – to meet Fr. Gerry Conlan OMI (presently working in Kenya) and Fr. Ken Forster – Fr. Bill Stang – Fr. Joe Jacek – who founded and worked in Kenya, as they share their experiences working in the Oblate Kenyan Mission.
• June 12 (after the 11:30 am Mass) to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Fr. Ken’s Ordination to the priesthood

FREEDOM FRIDAY: Each Friday afternoon, from 4 – 6 pm (or as long as you wish to stay). This gathering is designed as a time to “Joyfully build Community” – to visit, to share stories and food (potluck – snacks, finger-food, drinks). This has been such a great time – come on over and join us!

God is good … all the time!

So … wherever you go, go with God. And, whenever you go, go make a difference!

Peace to you and all your family … Fr. Mike

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

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.

Hi Everyone!

This week we welcome the month of June!  Our gardeners are busy getting their gardens and flower beds in and our farmers are over half done seeding. The earth is nice and warm from all the sunshine we've been getting, the rains have been coming, and our surroundings have been responding beautifully - things are lush and green and looking good!  God willing, let's pray for a prosperous and "uneventful" spring and summer growing season!  

Fr. Ken and Fr. Bill have arrived home safely a few days ago from their very adventurous celebratory journey to Kenya!  Boy have they got some stories to tell!  Be sure to welcome them home the next time you see them!

Now, let' see what's new and which reminders remain below for you:  

• There will be NO Morning Mass this Monday, May 30 due to the Funeral Mass for Don Keindel at 10:30 am.  All parishioners are welcome to attend this Mass. 
• Breaking news! Sunday, June 12, will be a big day for our Parish Community, as we come together after the 11:30 am Mass to honour Fr. Ken on the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the priesthood!  A big Parish BBQ is being planned to honour this amazing milestone - as well as to bid Fr. Ken a fond farewell.  Yes, sadly, he will be moving to Vancover in early September.  See all the details below.  Don't forget to sign up in the Welcome Area so we know how much food to prepare for the BBQ.
• The Parish AGM (Annual General Meeting) is coming up THIS Sunday, May 29, immediately following the 11:30 am Mass. Everyone is welcome to attend!  This is a great way to learn about all things going on in the Parish!  There are more details immediately below.  

• Our Bereavement Support Group will be having their second gathering on Tuesday, June 7 at 1 pm.  Anyone who has lost a spouse is warmly welcomed to join us.  Please see your invitation below.   
• We continue to "hope" that Children's Liturgy during the Sunday Masses will be resuming.  Veronica still needs some volunteers to step forward be able to offer these wonderful faith-building sessions for our Parish children.  Please see below for how you can give her a hand!  
• The St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus are always busy doing something to serve God and our Parish!  Don't forget to pick up your new FREE book courtesy of our K of C, after each of this weekend's Masses (one per household, please).  Check below to see what else this very hard-working, dedicated group is up to!  
• The CWL Clothing Depot is looking for donations of specific items.  Please check out the list below.  You are welcome to drop off your items here in the bin at the church if you can't make the drive downtown to the Clothing Depot.  
• Grow Saskatchewan is back!  Learn how you can participate in this great program, that supports local farmers as they grow crops to provide emergency food assistance and long-term food security to countries around the world.  The details are below. 
• Save the date!  There will be a Diocesan-wide Family Fun Day planned for Saturday, June 25 in response to the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome!  Scroll down below to read all about this important Meeting in Rome, as well as fun agenda planned for the Family Fun Day here in Saskatoon!  
• The Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre's Steak Night Fundraiser coming up on Wednesday, June 8.  Please see all the details below. 
• Don't forget about the special collection THIS Sunday, May 29  to end Catholic Education Week.  
• Finally, have you ever seen a live re-enactment of the Passion Play?  In Europe?  Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Minisitry of Tourism, is offering a "Pilgrim Journey" opportunity to travel to various European countries this fall!  You may find all the details way down below.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  It looks like there is some rain in the forecast for the next few days, which our fields, lawns and gardens will gladly take!  The Oilers advance to the next playoff round for the first time in decades!  Can they take Canada all the way to the final round to battle for the Stanley Cup?  And this Tuesday, we can FINALLY start cheering on our Roughriders again, as they take on the Blue Bombers in a pre-season match-up!  It's going to be a great season, as we lead up to the big Grey Cup game in Regina this November! Go Green & White!  

Joyful June Blessings,

Marlene

Breaking News! Big Parish Celebration for Father Ken!

Sunday, June 12

Many of you already know that Fr. Ken is celebrating his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the priesthood this June.  What you may not know is that he will also be leaving our Parish at the beginning of September, as he has received a new obedience to the Oblate Community in Vancouver.  We are very happy for Fr. Ken, as he embarks on this next phase of his dedicated life of service, but also very sad that he is leaving us.  Fr. Ken will continue to coordinate the partnership of the laity with Oblate Missions and ministries (MAMI), in Vancouver.

Our Parish Pastoral Council will be honouring Fr. Ken on Sunday, June 12, after the 11:30 am Mass with a big Parish BBQ!  You are all invited to join us, as a Parish community, to congratulate Fr. Ken on his 50th Anniversary as well as to bid him an early farewell and well wishes.  Please sign up on the board in the Welcome Area so that we know how much food we will need.  ALL the food will be provided - you just need to bring yourself!  To make this a really great day for Fr. Ken, we need and welcome volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up afterwards. There is a sign-up space on the board to indicate how you may chip in to help out.  Thanks in advance for your participation in this great event as we honour, and say an early goodbye, to our wonderful priest and friend, Fr. Ken.  

REMINDER: St. Philip Neri AGM

THIS Sunday, May 29

St. Philip Neri Parish will be hosting their annual AGM (Annual General Meeting), THIS Sunday, May 29, right after the 11:30 am Mass, in the Welcome Area.  Please plan to attend, so that you may be more informed as to what has been happening in our Parish over the past year.  Coffee, juice and cinnamon buns will be served!

You may access the AGM Final Report by clicking on the button below.  Hard copies of the AGM Report are also available for pickup in the Welcome Area. We hope to see you there!  

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support Gathering

Tuesday, June 7, 1-3 pm

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 spouse, please come out on Tuesday, June 7, from 1 to 3 pm, here at the Parish. We look forward to walking with you in faith! No registration fee and no sign up required. Please just feel comfortable in coming to join us. If you wish to contact us, please call Deb or Shirley at the Parish.

Children's Liturgy - Returning Soon - we hope!

More Volunteers Still Needed

Veronica, our Youth Minister, is still looking for leaders to help with Children’s Liturgy. She is inviting people ages 14 and older to help lead Children’s Liturgy groups during Sunday Masses. The first Training Session is coming up on Wednesday, June 8, at 7 pm in the Welcome Area.  Please contact Veronica for more information about volunteering in this meaningful ministry within our Parish, by email, at: vlucas@rcdos.ca, or call her at the Parish Office, at: (306) 343-0325.

Ascension of the Lord

Vocation Reflection

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord is not a feast which brings an end to Jesus’ work, rather this feast marks transition from a limited sphere of activities like preaching, healing, living and dying within the geographical space of Israel to the exalted position of being in glory at the Father’s right hand and interceding for us all.

Forty days recalls the experience of the two prophet ancestors who had spoken with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. For forty days God instructed Moses in the law on Mount Sinai, for forty days Elijah journeyed to Horeb before his encounter with God in the absolute silence outside the cave. Forty is also a biblical number of transitions to a new stage of salvation history. For forty days the apostles share the company of the risen Jesus, eat with him, and wait for the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father who will be given to them. Therefore, the Ascension points to the need for Pentecost and the Spirit-filled passion that will make the disciples the witnesses of Jesus throughout the world until he comes again.

In today’s Gospel, Luke explains that suffering is not the last word for any of us. Christ comes to his followers and offers them his blessing. Through his death, resurrection and ascension Jesus restores to them a deeper sense of hope and peace. This experience of faith will continue to remain with them in the Spirit promised by the Father. This is also very clear in the Acts of the Apostles where Luke tells of the presence of Christ in the early Church reminding us of the Lord’s promise that we will never be alone. He also reminds us that through Christ’s passion and his rising from death that are the source of our hope. The ascension experience tells us that Christ has conquered everything of the past and the present and is with us to the end of time. He leaves behind us the Advocate so that we might be people of the spirit, people with a new dignity who are reconciled with one another. Definitely, his return to the Father in glory gives us new cause to celebrate our redeemed humanity Luke concludes his Gospel by again opening his disciples’ eyes and hearts to the Scriptures, as he had done at Emmaus. But now he goes further by commissioning them to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all the nations. Again, before their ascending Lord, the disciples prostrate themselves with joy and just as Luke’s Gospel had begun in the Temple and so also it ends there.

As we gather around his table, it is good to ask the question. What is it that stops us celebrating our redeemed humanity? One thing that often holds us back is our fear: fear of failure, fear of being alone, fear of being misunderstood or fear of death etc. The truth is that Christ has conquered everything, and he is simply asking us to trust in him and let go of our fears that we might ascend to a new level of human integrity. Accepting our vocation is one of the greatest honors we can show our redeemed humanity. By accepting and pursuing our God given vocation we are extending the incarnation of Jesus in history and are fulfilling the hope of God that we will go to the ends of the earth to share the good news.

By Susai Jesu, OMI

OMI Lacombe Canada - Vocation Team

We remember in our prayers:

• Those whose mission is to promote peace among nations, especially in war torn countries.
• Those affected by the school shooting in Texas, that those who have died may enjoy the eternal banquet of Heaven and for all families and friends of those children and teachers involved.
• The repose of the soul of Don Keindel, husband of Rose Ann Keindel of our Parish. We keep their family and friends in prayer.

St. Philip Neri K of C Update

Our K of C are very busy guys!

Check out their recent and upcoming work, as they faithfully serve God and our Parish:

1. Dynamic Catholic Book Program - The St. Philip Neri K of C #9539 will once again this year be giving away inspirational books to parishioners – one book for each Parish household.  We will be distributing the books THIS weekend, Sat. May 28 and Sun. May 29, after each of the weekend Masses.  The free book this year is "The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen: 365 Days of Inspiration" by Fulton Sheen, with the Introduction written by Matthew Kelly. "The Wisdom of Fulton Sheen" is a powerful collection of writings that will encourage you to think differently about who you are, how your life is unfolding, what God is calling you to next, and what priorities will lead you to the peace and purpose you desire. We know you will enjoy this wonderful book!  

2. St. Philip Knights will once again be running their BBQ's at Canadian Tire Preston Crossing. Merv Schneider leads these BBQ's and they are a major fundraiser for our Council. The next two will be Saturdays, June 18 and 25.  Plan to have your lunch on those days with us!

3. We have pledged to donate up to $5000 toward the Roof Barrier project as a matching grant. An anonymous donor has stepped up and matched our pledge so we now have $10,000 to go toward this $27,000 project. If you are financially able and feel lead to help out more, wouldn’t it be wonderful to triple that $5000 Knights pledge?  Our Knights also plan to do as much of the labour for installation as we are able.

4. Do you have a trip planned to Sarcan this spring? We have set up a a Sarcan Account there so that whenever you take your bottles and cans to Sarcan, you can automatically donate the proceeds to your St Philip Neri Knights by asking them to credit the proceeds to Council #9539. We ask that you might consider making this a habit as it will help us to continue to support our Parish in the future!

5. This summer we are planning to help keep the grounds around  Queen’s House beautiful by cleaning brush around the outdoor Stations of the Cross as well as other clean-up jobs. This will be a great opportunity for our Knights to invite their children and grandchildren to help out too!

6. Your Knights of Columbus will donate over $10,000 this year to various Catholic and ProLife programs, with the majority staying right here in our Parish.  

Thank you so much to all who support the Knights in whatever ways you can. We welcome new members to join us as we continue to work hard to serve God, our Parish and other worthy Catholic causes.

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, May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27,  from 6 pm-10 pm 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, June 9, from 9 am - 6 pm.

CWL Clothing Depot

Are you doing some spring cleaning?

The CWL Clothing Depot continues to attempt to fulfill the needs of our community. In accordance with Covid protocol, our friends have been very respectful in keeping our volunteers, customers and staff safe. The Depot continues to depend on donations. At this time our needs are: Cutlery, towels, blankets, pots and pans and small appliances in good working condition. We are also requesting warm winter wear in good condition. Donations may be dropped off Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the alley entrance of the Clothing Depot, which is located at 619 20th Street West. This is also a call for volunteers. We need volunteers to work on the floor during store hours. This is a 3-hour commitment, 12 noon to 3 PM Tuesday to Friday and 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday. We would be delighted to hear from new and returning volunteers. Call Bea at (306) 242-5042 to volunteer.  Thanks for your ongoing support!

Grow Hope Saskatchewan

Grow Hope Saskatchewan is again bringing together donors and farmers to feed the hungry! Saskatchewan urban and rural residents will again come together to support Canadian Foodgrains Bank in supporting people around the world who need emergency food assistance, as well as improving long-term food security. How it works: Generous farmers in Saskatchewan have donated land and agreed to grow a crop for Grow Hope Saskatchewan. It costs about $350 per acre to provide seed, fertilizer, fuel and other inputs. Donors from all walks of life are invited to sponsor a partial acre, full acre or multiple acres to help cover these input costs. After harvest, the farmers sell that crop and donate the proceeds to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The federal government matches these donations at four-to-one. Find more information and/or sponsor this year’s growing effort at the Grow Hope Saskatchewan website: www.growhopesk.ca

NOTE: Development and Peace/Caritas Canada is one of the partner agencies in this project. Catholics can write a cheque to “Development and Peace” ear-marked for “Grow Hope Saskatchewan” in the memo line and mail it to: Development & Peace/Caritas Canada, 1425 René-Lévesque Blvd West, 3rd Floor, Montreal QC. H3G 1T7 or call (416)922-1592 (Ext. 225), to donate by phone.

Save the Date! "Family Fun Day" in the Diocese of Saskatoon!

Saturday, June 25

The 10th World Meeting of Families is scheduled to take place in Rome from June 22 - 26.  It will be multi-centred and spread throughout dioceses all over the world!  Each church will be able to take advcantage of local celebration events, as well as being able to listyen and follow the Meeting in Rome with the Holy Father via live-streaming.  

Family Fun Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: We invite you to join in our local events to mark the World Meeting of Families! A FREE Diocesan Family Fun Day will be held at St. Patrick Parish, 3339 Centennial Drive, on Saturday, June 25!  The plans are as follows:

• 10:00 am - Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen
• 11:00 am – Pure Witness Ministries presents “Heavenly Host” family activity
• 12:00 pm – Free picnic lunch
• 12:45 to 1:30 pm - Pictures, music and fun with Moses the Cat and the Cat.Chat Man
• 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Soccer game: Clergy vs. Families (12 years and up) vying for the Bishop’s Cup/Face painting and games for children under 12!
• 2:30 to 3:00 pm – Living Rosary; ice-cream and done!

This is a FREE event, but registration is required: The deadline to register is June 23. Please go to https://rcdos.ca/wmof to find the link to online registration, or contact Director of Ministry Services, Marilyn Jackson, for more information, at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836.

Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre Fundraiser

“Come Chill With Us” Steak Night

The Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre Fundraiser -  “Come Chill With Us” Steak Night - will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at Sami’s Sunrise Grill and Lounge, 418A-47th St. E., with cocktails at 5 pm and supper at 6 pm. Tickets are $30 per person with a steak or chicken option (includes pops and coffee). 

To purchase tickets for the Steak Night, please call (306) 665-7550 or e-mail: anne-marie@saskatoonpregnancyoptions.com.  Everyone is welcome to support this great fundraiser! 

STM Invitation to Participate in Research

Family Caregivers of Long-term Care Residents

Are you currently providing care to a family member or friend who lives in long-term care, or have you provided care to someone recently? We'd like to learn about the dilemmas family caregivers of long-term care residents have navigated before and during the pandemic. If you would like to learn more or to inquire about participating in a confidential 1 to 1.5-hour virtual research interview please contact Ivy Myge (USask/STM Psychology) at hdlab@stmcollege.ca.

Catholic Education - Special Collection

THIS Sunday, May 29

There will be a special collection in Saskatoon parishes THIS Sunday, May 29 to support full-day kindergarten in community schools. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation has proudly partnered with the Saskatoon Diocese and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) to request your on-going prayers and generous donations, ensuring all children are successful in those crucial early years, while celebrating the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic Education in our lives. Thank you for your support, now and throughout the year. For more information and/or to donate, please go to: https://foundation.gscs.ca/DONATE/ To view a video about the work of the GSCS Foundation in supporting Catholic education please see: https://youtu.be/A6Z48xtXbmw.

Link to our Diocesan website, where the Bishops' letter and additional resources can be found, by clicking on the button below:

Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon

Next Monthly Mass - Sunday, June 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 on Sunday, June 19 at 5:00 pm. 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. 

Future dates for Sunday 5:00 pm Masses at the Co-Cathedral are: July 17 and Aug. 21.

Pilgrim Journey Opportunity

September 21 - October 1, 2022

LAST CALL – Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Ministry to Tourism, with the lifting of travel restrictions, is delighted to offer participation in a “Pilgrim Journey” to Imperial Cities with OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY featuring Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Munich, September 21-October 1, 2022.

Very limited availability on a “first come,first go” basis.

Visit: www.gocollette.com/oberammergau to learn more about this “opportunity of the decade”.

Contact kleiter@shaw.ca or (306) 262-4120 for details and bookings.

Catholic TRC Healing Response

Bishop Mark Hagemoen announced earlier this year a Diocesan five-year goal of $1.25 million to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors and their communities. The Diocesan commitment will be part of a national $30-million pledge announced by the Catholic Bishops of Canada, following their apology to the Indigenous Peoples of this land. To see Bishop Hagemoen’s message, learn more, and/or to make a gift, please click on the button below:

St. Philip Neri Masses are live-streamed, every Saturday at 5 pm and every Sunday at 9:30 am

 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, May 28 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Sunday, May 29 - 9:30 am (Fr. Mike)

Saturday, June 4 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Sunday, June 5 - 9:30 am (Fr. Mike)

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, COVID-related information and other interesting information and announcements. Check it out, below!