My dear St. Philip Neri Parishioners, 

(Pope) St. John Paul II shares with us encouraging words, in reference to family life: “To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others”.

Something from the Parish, as we continue to organize “family experiences”:

The “Ministry of Presence” is simply our on-going openness and opportunity to “be present” to each other when we gather for prayer and/or social gatherings. We can only become FAMILY when we get to know each other and enjoy each other ‘by name.’ A suggestion, to you parents with younger families: When you gather in the church, try to sit together so that you can introduce your children to the parents and other children. Our children have an energy – when they get together – that can be contagious for the older folks.

FREEDOM FRIDAY continues to be a delightful and spontaneous opportunity to gather with food and drinks, desserts, and good company – to get together as families. As we now move into the colder months, we will gather “POTLUCK”; we will savour whatever arrives on the serving table.   PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate those of you who work later in the afternoon, we have shifted our gathering time a little later, to 5-7 pm. Come … Relax … Enjoy!

ANOTHER INVITATION to more “family time”– Tomorrow evening, Saturday, Oct. 29, after the 5 pm Mass: Come and meet and enjoy the families of this Saturday’s 5 pm Mass, AND those from the Sunday 10 am Mass, with our POTLUCK SUPPER. Bring your favorite family dish to the church Welcome Area – enough for yourself and 3-4 guests. Tables will be set so that we can gather and eat immediately after Mass. Your “guest” is another parishioner and/or family of the Parish, or someone you bring with you.

We will continue to organize future occasions to “Joyfully gather and build the Parish Family of St. Philip Neri”, such as:

• Children’s liturgy during the 10 am Eucharist
• Alpha for the older teens and young adults
• A Senior Retreat – to celebrate in GRATITUDE the many blessings and challenges of life
• And more …

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

Wherever you go, go with God … Whenever you go, go make a difference.

Fr. Mike

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!

Ah yes, here comes November. Even though we are STILL enjoying above normal temperatures and the snow we got earlier is now long gone, I AM slowly pulling out the warmer sweaters, scarves, gloves and heavier coats, and not spending quite as much time outside.  The coming of November will do that ... although I can't help but admire my petunias that just refuse to give up, and keep on blooming even though we've had numerous evenings with frost. It always makes me smile when my flowers are still blooming on Halloween!  

Hopefully you are nice and cozy as you read this!  Let's see what's new for you this week and what remains below for you as reminders:

• It is with sad but very grateful hearts that we say farewell to one of our beloved St. Philip Neri staff members this week.  Take a peak below, and if you see her, be sure to wish her a fond farewell!
• Our new Refugee family members arrived in Saskatoon last week and you will have the oppourtunity to meet them at this Sunday's 10 am Mass!  
• For details about Mass times for All Saints' Day (Tues. Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day (Wed. Nov. 2), please look directly below.
• Don't forget about the big Parish Potluck Supper THIS Sat. Oct. 29, after the 5 pm Mass!  Check below for the details.
• Nothing says Christmas like fruit cake and Christmas cards!  Campaign Life Coalition SK will be selling both of these hot items after the weekend Masses of Nov. 19/20.  More details are below.
• You know Christmas can't be too far away when we get news of the Refugee Committee's Poinsettia Sale!  Read all the details below and get your order in to Sheila asap!  
• For the month of October, we will be collecting coffee, tea, and peanut butter for the Friendship Inn. More details are below.
• Our new "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd" Children's Program is still looking for someone with some woodworking skills to help them out with building a few items.  To see if you might fit the bill, scroll down below.    
• Our Refugee Committee continues to look for donations of furniture, kitchen and household items in preparation for the arrival of future refugee families. Please see all the details below.
• Time is running out for you to sign up to get your pictures taken for the St. Philip Neri Parish Pictorial Directory!  A reminder to please book your spot if you haven't done so already, so that you/your family can be included in our "Family Album"!  The details and the booking link remain below.   
• The new Sunday Missals for 2022-23 have arrived and are now on sale in the Welcome Area for $5 - cash only, please. 
• Remember to take care of you BAA Donation as soon as you can - it's easy to forget when we have a lot going on - but your donation goes towards so many amazing and much-needed programs within our Diocese.
• The next Bereavement Support gathering will be held on Tuesday, November 8.  Anyone can join at any time - we would love to have you.  Please see more details below.  
• The Golden Age Card Players will be playing cards again THIS Wednesday, November 2.  Check out the details below.  
• If you're a Mom who could use a little regular "time out" once a week to hang out with other Catholic Moms, check out the "Time Out For Moms" item, below in pink.  It might be just what you need!
• A reminder that here is a movie that hopefully many of us will be able to see!  Mother Teresa: No Greater Love is a documentary film from the Knights of Columbus and will be showing in Saskatoon on Nov. 2 and 3.  Please read all the details below and plan to attend!  It sounds incredible!
• Queen's House is hosting a fascinating day on Saturday, Nov. 19 called "Awakening with Joy and Purpose as We Age".  Please see all the details below, in green.
• As the weather gets colder, the CWL Clothing Depot is continuing to asking for donations of winter clothing and accessories, as well as blankets, comforters, and small household items as more refugees and newcomers are arriving here in Saskatoon.  Please see more details below.  
• Here's another interesting opportunity, called "The Mechanics of Virtue", which helps participants examine the relationship between body and soul. Sessions are once a month, on Saturday mornings, down at St. Paul Co-Cathedral.  More details are located way down below. 
• Only one week remains for you to purchase your "Schools Win Twice" tickets if you want in on the Early Bird Prize!  The 50/50 jackpot is already over $40,000!  Grab your tickets today by using the link located near the bottom of the Newsletter. 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!  Enjoy the double-digit temperatures again this weekend - YAY! - and talk to you next week!

Abundant blessings, 

Marlene

Thank you, Farewell & Happy Retirement, Cathy!

On behalf of the St. Philip Neri staff and all our parishioners, we want to say a most heartfelt thank-you and farewell to Cathy Martell, who is leaving us this Monday, Oct. 31, to join her husband, Keith, in a much-anticipated retirement.  We will definitely miss Cathy's amazing office efficiency and her sharp technical and financial skills, but most of all we will miss her wonderful friendship.  

We wish both Cathy and Keith a long, happy, and adventurous retirement, as they plan to do more traveling and spend more time with their busy and growing family.  Thanks so much for everything, Cathy, and we will really miss you!  May God bless you with continued good health, more time to relax, many great times/years with family and friends, and fun and safe travels as you check those adventures, both near and far, off your bucket list!  

All Saints' Day & All Souls' Day Masses

All Saints' Day:  There will be Mass this Tuesday, November 1, at 9:00 am, for the Parish as well as for St. Philip Elementary School students to celebrate All Saints' Day together. Everyone is welcome!  

All Souls' Day:  There is NO Morning Mass on Wednesday, November 2, because there will be a special All Souls' Day Mass in the evening at 7:00 pm.  Thank you to the The Knights of Columbus who will be doing the ministries for this Mass.  Everyone is welcome.  

Parish Potluck Supper!

THIS Saturday, October 29

Don't forget!  THIS Saturday, October 29, following the 5 pm Mass, ALL parishioners (from both weekend Masses) are welcome to join together in a good old potluck supper in the Welcome Area!  Feel free to bring one of your favourite main dishes, a salad, a side dish or a dessert, for about 5-6 people. We know the fellowship will be as good as the food!  We hope you join us for this informal, fall gathering to reconnect with old friends or make some new ones!  

Christmas Cards and Cake!

Campaign Life Coalition SK

Campaign Life Coalition SK will be selling religious Christmas cards and Christmas fruit cakes here in our Welcome Area after the weekend Masses on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20.  The Christmas cards are $10 for a package of 10 or three packages of cards for $25.  The Christmas cakes are $15 for the 1 lb cake and $25 for the 2.5 lb cake.  

For additonal information, please contact Louis Roth at (306) 249-2764.  

Annual Poinsettia Sale!

St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee Fundraiser

The St Philip Neri Refugee Committee is having our annual poinsettia plant sale as a fundraiser to support our ongoing refugee settlement work. The plants are in 6.5" pots, and they come in four colors (red, white, ice crystal, and red glitter). Plants are 12-16” high and 10-12” in diameter. The price is $25/plant or, if you order 5 or more plants, they are $20/plant. You must pre-order the plants by emailing Sheila Flory, at sheila.flory@usask.ca or phone (306) 931-8053, before 4 pm, on Tuesday, Nov 22. Poinsettia plants will be available for pick-up at St. Philip Neri Parish between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday Dec. 3 (please specify a half-hour time slot or one will be assigned to you). Note:  If the supplier runs out of a colour, red will be substituted.

October Food Collection

For the Friendship Inn

For the month of October, we are collecting coffee, tea and peanut butter for the Friendship Inn. In addition, there is always a need for other non-perishables. There is a large bin in the Welcome Area to accommodate your donations.  Thank you for your incredible generosity!

Truth and Reconciliation Committee

Next Discussion Group Meeting Wed. Nov. 9

Please join us on Wednesday, November 9, at 7:00 pm in the church Welcome Area, for our next Truth and Reconciliation Discussion Group. Our focus remains on education and learning from one another, and on the foundation of hard truths, heartfelt reflection, and respectful conversation that reconciliation depends upon. If you joined us last year, we hope you can join us again as we build on those discussions, but you need not have participated previously. Everyone is welcome! Just bring your open heart. There are no suggested readings for this inaugural meeting of the year. The next scheduled meeting after this one will be on Wednesday, November 23. We will once again draw on the book Listening to Indigenous Voices, produced by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice. Stay tuned for updates on the availability of the book. We will also welcome Indigenous guest speakers and host other activities as the year goes on.

St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee

Furniture & Household Items Needed

Are you downsizing or just doing some fall house-cleaning and de-cluttering?  We have just the place for the items you no longer want or need.  The Refugee Committee is once again asking for furniture, kitchen and other household items to replenish their stock as they prepare for the future arrival of more refugee families.  Please call Denise Debrau, at (306) 291-1675 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick-up of your donated items. Thank you so much for your ongoing support of our refugee familiies!  

St. Philip Neri Parish Pictorial Directory - DON'T FORGET to Book your appointment!

Photo Sittings: Nov. 14 - 23

The photo sitting dates are from Monday, Nov. 14 to Wednesday, Nov. 23 any time between 1:30 - 8:30 pm on each of those days, with the exception of Saturday, Nov. 19, when the times are between 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, and NO BOOKINGS on Sunday, Nov. 20.  You may book your spot, online, either through our Parish website, or by simply clicking on the link below and following a few simple instructions. Unless you do not have access to a computer, ALL bookings will be done on-line. For those folks who do not have access to a computer, please call Joan Robertson, at (306) 222-9914, or Bonnie Klimek, at (306) 230-2756, to book your appointment.  

 Thanks for your support and participation in this great project!

Parish Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical Ministries, Parish organizations and the Sacraments forms:  Some people have already been contacted about liturgical ministries, but there are still many more who need to be contacted. There is a long list of Lectors, which means that people will not be scheduled very often. Thank you for your patience, as these things take time.  For additional information, please contact Shirley Hyshka, Pastoral Associate, at the Parish.

Children's Liturgy:  We really need two or more adults to help out with leading the Children's Liturgy during the Sunday Masses.  Please contact Shirley as soon as possible if you are interested.  If we are not able to get enough leaders, we will not be able to offer this service to your young families every weekend.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation:  Families will celebrate this Sacrament before Mass, at 4 pm NEXT Saturday, Nov. 5.

Please note: The preparation for First Communion is in Spring 2023.

Sacrament of Confirmation:  The preparation and celebration of this Sacrament has now been moved to the Grade 6 level.  There may be some youth who missed the preparation and celebration of this Sacrament.  More information will be available in the early months of 2023.  

Sacrament of Baptism:  The next dates for the celebration of Baptism are Sunday, November 20, and Sunday, January 29, 2023. Pre-registration is necessary.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Are you searching, pondering, or asking questions about the Catholic faith? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a journey of weekly sessions, where you will prepare to receive the sacraments, learn what it means to be Catholic and take your place as a fully participating member of the Catholic Church. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Catholic, please contact Cindy Lewans at cindy.lewans@gmail.com.  We invite you to learn what the Church teaches, and be introduced to some of our Parish members. These sessions are also opportunities for you, and others who you may wish to invite, to ask questions you may have about the Church!

Sunday Missals 2022-23:  The new Missals are now available in the Welcome Area.  Cost is $5, and cash only, please.   

Bishop’s Annual Appeal 2022

For October 30

Congratulations to Fr. Charles Nweze and St. George Parish in Naicam for reaching their BAA goal and reaching their members in the pews! Thank you to everyone who handed out BAA packages and those who picked up their packages after Mass; we have received a total of $290,824 (20% of our goal).

BAA packages not picked up were mailed this past week (two-thirds of the total packages).

You can make your gift to the Bishop's Annual Appeal in your local parish, online at dscf.ca/baa or by electronic transfer to: e-transferBAA@dscf.ca or call (306) 659-5851 for more information.

If our Lord came today, would we, as Christians stewards, be prepared to render an account of how we have answered His call by using our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure to build His kingdom for His glory? (See 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support

Tuesday, November 8, 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 loved one, please come out to our next gathering on Tuesday, November 8, from 1 to 3 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

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 session will be on Wednesday, November 2, and the cost is $2 per day.  They happily welcome any new players to join them for some fun, friendly competition! Mark you calendar with the future dates: November 30, and December 14 and 28. 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, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 6 pm-10 pm) 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 9 am - 6 pm.

Time Out for Moms!

Wednesday Mornings

"Time Out for Moms" Catholic women’s group meets Wednesday mornings, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, from Nov. 2 to Dec. 7 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road. Homeschool families are welcome and registration is required. Childcare volunteers are needed as well as some paid positions. You may find more information at www.tofm.ca. 

NOTE: A separate evening event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24 with Mass at 7 pm, followed by Christmas wreath and candle-making! To register, please go to: www.tofm.ca.

Mother Teresa: No Greater Love

November 2 and 3

Mother Teresa: No Greater Love, is the newest documentary film from the Knights of Columbus, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death. The film will premiere in Saskatoon theatres on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, at 7 pm, at Landmark Cinemas, 157 Gibson Bend. The Knights will allocate all of the revenue it receives from ticket sales to charitable purposes and efforts that advance the legacy of Mother Teresa. Filmed on five continents and featuring unprecedented access to both institutional archives and the apostolates of the Missionaries of Charity, this film reveals not just who Mother Teresa was, but how her singular vision to serve Christ in the poor continues to be realized through the Missionaries of Charity today. Find more information at: https://www.motherteresamovie.com/

(NOTE: Those inspired to book a private showing – tickets for 25 or more persons can also do that on the tickets page at: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Mother-Teresa-No-Greater-Love 

Awakening with Joy and Purpose as We Age

Saturday, November 19

Awakening with Joy and Purpose as We Age will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, in-person at Queen’s House, 601 Taylor St. W., as well as online via Zoom. 

We often find ourselves “sleep walking” through life, busy and distracted, unaware of important moments and messages which teach us what we need to live a life of purpose and joy. Meditation and mindfulness awaken us to conscious living, an awareness of the divine in everything. Major life events and aging plunge us into the second half of life where we become more aware of our spiritual journey, our life changes, and inevitable death. Are we victims or sages, giving up or embracing the mystery? Are we open to encounter the divine within, finding true meaning and ultimate peace? This day away will give time to connect with ourselves, other people, and with God. The day will include spiritual talks, mindfulness meditation and contemplative prayer, along with gentle restorative yoga. No previous experience necessary; optional poses for chair or mat will be available, choose to “simply sit with shining eyes and breathe the breath of life on our shared spiritual journey.” 

Facilitators of Awakening with Joy and Purpose” are Diane Waldbillig and Elaine Zakreski of Holy Yoga. Fee: $85 onsite; $70 zoom. Registration at https://www.queenshouse.org/programs/ or call Queen’s House. at (306) 242-1916. Registration deadline is Nov. 14.

CWL Clothing Depot - WINTER Needs

With the change in temperatures and the city landscape, please remember the needs of the CWL Clothing Depot. With the arrival of refugees and newcomers from warmer countries, as well as the ongoing needs of our own local residents, there is a high demand for winter clothing. There is also a need for new or gently-used cutlery, pots and pans, kettles, small appliances, blankets, comforters, etc. The Clothing Depot continues to depend on donations, which may be dropped off Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Depot, located at 619-20th Street West. 

Volunteers are also needed to work on the sales floor during store hours. This is a three-hour commitment, from 12 noon to 3 pm, Tuesday to Friday, and from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday. New and returning volunteers are most welcome. Please call Bea at (306) 242-5042 to volunteer.

The Mechanics of Virtue

First Saturday of Every Month

The Mechanics of Virtue: You've been taught the parts of your body since you can remember, but do you know the parts of your soul? Through this five-part series, you'll come to understand the relationship between the body and the soul; what parts of you operate through the soul and what parts operate through the body and how they are constantly influencing each other. Join Rita Taylor at 10 am on the First Saturday of every month from November to March in the basement at St. Paul Co-Cathedral. Check out www.fullyintegratedministries.com for more info.

Priest, Prophet, King - PPK Men's Night

Wednesday, November 16

Prieist, Prophet, King - PPK Men's Night will be held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.  The schedule is Wednesdays:  November 16, January 18, February 15, March 15, and May 17.  Evenings begin at 7 pm with Adoration and Confession, followed by food, drinks, socializing and a talk starting at 8 pm. 

Delicious Monthly Pancake Breakfasts!

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:

Nov. 20, Jan. 22/23, Feb. 19, Mar. 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!

"Schools Win Twice" - Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

October 5 to November 17

NOTE:  There is only one week left to get your tickets for the Early Bird Prize (An Elk Ridge Resort Stay and Play Package valued at $4,300!)  Don't miss out!

This year’s Grand Prize is a family fun vacation package worth $10,000, with eight other GREAT prizes also available - and the 50/50 jackpot is already sitting at $40,390!  Every ticket sold makes a difference in local Catholic schools. Tickets will be on sale until Nov. 17, but you don't want to miss out on the Early Bird draw, so purchase your tickets today!  All draws will be made on Thursday, November 17, at 3:00 PM.

Go to https://schoolswintwice.ca/ or click on the button below:

Donate your recycling refund to Catholic TRC Healing Response

Please consider donating your recycling refund to Catholic TRC Healing Response. There are four "drop-and-go" recycling locations in Saskatoon where you are able to donate your returnable deposit proceeds to the Diocesan TRC fund:

1.  350B-103^rd St. East in Sutherland
2.  2327 Faithful Ave.
3.  2900 Jasper Ave.
4.  2305-22^nd St. West

Note:  These locations will have a separate entrance for Drop and Go.  Everything is a touch screen, and when it asks for your account, you can type in TRC or trc.  You will enter the number of tags you need for your bags and stick them on before droping them off.  Thank you for your kind contributions to the Catholic TRC Healing Response!

Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon

Next Monthly Mass - Sun. Nov. 20

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, October 16, 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. 

The final date for Sunday 5 pm Mass for 2022 at the Co-Cathedral will be:  December 18.   

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, October 29 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

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