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

Something from the Pastor:

We continue to focus on new Parish initiatives, encouraged by the Synod process, and embraced by the parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish. These next few weeks of September we will be inviting you to present yourself in the various ministries in our Parish family ... in our liturgical celebration, our social gatherings, and in our many other ministries within our Parish. Please be generous with your time, talents and treasures.  Thank you!

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

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.

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!

The month of September is humming right along, harvest is 65% done, our weather is now pretty much "seasonal", and next Thursday, Sept. 22, we will be reluctantly saying goodbye to summer and officially accepting that fall is here. A few trees are starting to turn yellow, but flowers everywhere are still brightly blooming, so I am thoroughly enjoying our colourful world - and God's creative artistry - right now!  Hopefully fall will stay on the warm side of seasonal and we don't see any of the white stuff for months to come!

Now, let's see what's new for you this week and what you might need to be reminded about:  

• There will be NO 8:30 am Morning Mass THIS Tuesday, Sept. 20, due to the Funeral Mass for our dear friend, Irene Hauser, at 10:30 am that morning.  All are welcome to attend this Mass for Irene.  
• One sure sign that fall is definitely upon us is the CWL's Annual Pie and Bake Sale, coming up on the weekend of October 1 & 2.  Check out the yummy details below! 
• Be sure to check out the Parish LIturgical Ministries piece each week, as new information is continually being added.  There are so many ways that you may volunteer and get involved in your Parish to serve God and your fellow parishioners.  Check out all the details below, in yellow, and be sure to get your Ministry Sign-up Form into the Parish Office as soon as possible.
• Employment Opportunity:  St. Philip Neri Parish is looking for a new part-time Administrative Assistant.  If you are interested, please scroll down to see the details of this position below.
• Fall also means it's Bishop's Annual Appeal time!  To kick off the 2022 Campaign, please pick up your beatiful, personalized BAA Information Package located in the boxes on the table in the Welcome Area as soon as possible.  More details, as well as the BAA Prayer, may be found below.
• There will be an Open House NEXT Sunday, Sept. 25 regarding the exciting new youth program beginnning here at St. Philip Neri this fall, called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, for children ages 3-12.  See all the details below. And keep those donations of picture frames for this new program coming!
• The St. Philip Neri Bereavement Support group will be having their next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27.  Please see the rest of the details below.  All are welcome to join this group at any time.  
• The Golden Age Card Players group is now up and running again and will meet again THIS Wed. Sept. 21. The details remain below as a reminder for former AND new members.
• Campaign Life has two of their important annual events coming up - the "40 Hours of Life" Campaign beginning THIS Wed. Sept. 21 and LIfe Chain on Sun. Oct. 2.  See all the details below for how to participate in being a voice for our precious unborn children.
• Do you have any youngsters in your household ages 14-18 who would like to develop some leadership skills?  If so, check out the Catholic Youth Leadership Academy information below to learn more!   
• A reminder that the SYNOD Results are now available to us.  To access the various reports, the link to the Diocesan website is below. 
• Final reminder: The Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre's Annual Gala is coming up next Fri. Sept. 23.  Scroll down below for all the details about the in-person Gala and on-line auction!
• Do you know about Rachel's Vineyard?  They have a retreat coming up from October 14-16.  Please spread the word about this retreat to anyone who you know who may be "hurting because of an abortion".
• Recycling is good for us and good for our planet!  Consider donating your recyling refund to the Catholic TRC Healing Response.  Find out where you may use the very convenient "drop and go" system to contribute to this important Diocesan TRC fund.  
• Do you know of someone who is looking for a job?  Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is hiring for a number of casual employment opportunities!  See the details and how to apply, below in green.
• Another final reminder about the Compassionate Healers' Mass coming up at The Cathedral of the Holy Family Cathedral THIS Sunday, Sept. 18.  Check out the details regarding this special Mass below.  
• Finally, don't forget about Freedom Fridays! Freedom Fridays continue to run this fall, every Friday from 4-6 pm! Come out and join us - to visit with old friends or meet new ones!  It's a great way to wind down the work week with some great food and wonderful conversation with fellow parishioners. Just bring some munchies, appies, or a simple dessert and meet us in the Welcome Area (or outdoor Parish Grotto if the weather is nice)!   

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!  Enjoy the sunshine, and hopefully we will soon be celebrating a Roughrider win against Edmonton!        

Warm September Blessings, 

Marlene

St. Philip Neri CWL

Annual Pie & Bake Sale - October 1 & 2!

After a couple of years of absence, the St Philip Neri CWL Council is happy to once again be able to host our Annual Parish Pie and Bake Sale! The sale will be held in the Welcome Area after the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, October 1 and after 10 am Mass on Sunday, October 2. We invite all Parish members to participate in the Bake Sale by dropping of your baking prior to either Mass (no muffins, please).  Then we invite all parishioners to stop by after Mass and purchase some delicious, home-baked goodies (cash or cheque, please).  Your participation is greatly appreciated!

Parish Liturgical Ministries

Special Catholic Foundation News! – This Sunday, Sept. 18, Raissa Bugyi, Executive Director, and Andrea Alas, Development Manager, who work at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, will be here to meet the people of our Parish and to share information about the Diocesan Catholic Foundation. They will also be supplying us with “treats” after the 10 am morning Mass and everyone is invited! Please try to stay for a few minutes after Mass and visit!

Liturgical Ministries: There is an informational booklet about the Liturgical ministries available on a table in the Welcome area for a brief explanation of the Mass ministries. There are also registration forms in the Welcome Area and in the pews for those who are interested in assisting with the Mass ministries in which they wish to serve. The ministry sign-up forms should be returned by Friday, October 7, to Shirley Hyshka in the Parish Office. Please note: There is a possibility too of signing up through google docs, but we are currently in the early stages of setting that up.

Parish Organizations and the Sacraments: Please note that there will be a sign-up form for other groups in the Parish and also for the teams who will be helping out with the preparation and celebration of the Sacraments available this coming weekend.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation: Those who are interested in registering their child/children for the preparation and celebration of First Reconciliation (Confession), are invited to complete the registration form which is found on a table in the Welcome Area. The form could also be emailed to you if you request one, by emailing Shirley at: s.hyshka@stphilipneriparish.ca. The completed forms should be returned to Shirley in the Parish Office before Friday, Sept. 30. 

Sacrament of Baptism: Baptisms will be celebrated on Sunday, September 25 and October 23. Please contact Shirley, Pastoral Associate, for more information. 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Those who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith are invited to contact Shirley in the Parish Office for information about the process. This is also the process for those who are not yet Catholic but desire to learn how to become a member of the Catholic faith. There will be group meetings beginning in October, and a registration form that must be completed first. People are warmly welcomed into the faith by our whole Parish community!

Employment Opportunity

St. Philip Neri Parish is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant. The position is for regular office hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, and morning only on Wednesdays, for a total of 17.5 hours per week.

Responsibilities include maintaining the Parish website and electronic bulletin board, maintaining registers and records, processing donations/collections, receiving visitors, answering phone calls, emails and correspondence, maintaining office equipment as necessary, and providing other assistance to the Pastor and staff as needed.

Requirements include:

• business college certificate/diploma and/or business office experience.
• working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Wordpress software.
• working knowledge of Parish Friendly Solutions would be an asset but is not required.

Salary commensurate with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Salary Grid and related work experience. Applications should be sent/emailed to: Father Mike Dechant OMI, 1902 Munroe Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7J 1R8 or office@stphilipneriparish.ca. Deadline for applications is September 30, 2022.

Bishop’s Annual Appeal 2022

"Serving Others"

It's that time of year again!  The Bishop’s Annual Appeal 2022 launches this weekend in our Diocese!  Please pick up your personalized BAA Newsletter in the Welcome Area for more information and/or visit the website at: https://dscf.ca/baa/. Your gifts support a range of ministry, evangelization, formation and outreach, as together we are “Serving Others!” 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.

BAA Prayer

Oh Lord, giver of life and source of our freedom, we are reminded that Yours is “the earth in its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1) We know that it is from your hand that we have received all that we have, all that we are, and all that we will be. Gracious and loving God, we understand that you call us to be the stewards of your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us always to use your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives. We pray this with grateful hearts in Jesus’ name. Amen.

We keep in our prayers ...

• Spencer Chuhaniuk and Fiona Conlon, who were married here at our Parish this past weekend.  May God bless them with a long, strong, happy and faith-filled marriage! 

• The soul of Irene Hauser, who passed away this week, and for all her family and friends who mourn the loss of this wonderful lady.  The Funeral Mass for Irene will be on Tuesday, Sept. 20,  at 10:30 am.
• The "Compassionate Healers" among us, and all those in ill health who rely on their kind, gentle and understanding care.  We pray that the sick, the suffering, and those in hospital will also experience the healing power of Christ and find comfort and hope in Christ’s constant presence. We pray that healthcare workers, in every setting, will be a light to others and a testament to Christ’s compassion. Finally, we pray that those who are supporting family members through health challenges may find in themselves the generous hands of Christ, and the strength to offer healing and hope, especially when more is asked than they feel able to give.  

OPEN HOUSE: Sun. Sept. 25!

New Youth Program: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

You're invited!  Following the 10 am Mass on ​Sunday, September 25, you are invited to an "Open House" for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium!  Come and see the atrium spaces in the church basement which have been prepared for the children, aged 3-12 years of age. Catechists will be able share information about the program and answer any questions you may have. Registration forms will be available at that time for families, and all are welcome to explore this great new youth ministry!  For more information, please contact Cynthia, at lcfoster@sasktel.net.

Note:  Thanks so much for those who have already so generously donated hangable picture frames for our new youth program!  Keep them coming!  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be using the picture frames, of various sizes, to create an art gallery of religious images in our downstairs spaces. If YOU have any frames in good condition that you would like to donate to our new program, please bring them to the church and drop them off in the Parish Office.  Thanks so much! 

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support

Tuesday Sept. 27, 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 to our next gathering on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 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. If you wish to contact us, please call Deb or Shirley at the Parish.

Golden Age Card Players

The Golden Age Group at St. Philip Neri is now back up and running with their card-playing afternoons!  Their next session will be on Wednesday, September 21, in the Welcome Area, beginning at 1:30 pm and finishing up around 3:30 - 4:00 pm.  The cost is $2 per day, which includes lots of delicious snacks, refreshments, socializing and fun!  We welcome back all our regular players and happily welcome any new players to join us for some fun, friendly competition!  Stay tuned for the October card-playing dates!  For more information, please call the president, Sylvia Godbout, at (306) 374-9085. 

Campaign Life Coalition SK

Life Chain - Sunday, Oct. 2

Campaign Life Coalition Saskatchewan will be hosting the annual Life Chain on Sun. Oct 2, from 2 pm to 3 pm, on the corner of Idylwyld Drive and 22nd Street in Saskatoon. Signs are provided. Please plan to attend to show your support for the life from conception to natural death.

The "40 Hours for Life" Campaign will begin on Wednesday, Sept 21. This event will be slightly modified from previous years, due to the 50 meter Bubble Zone in place around the hospitals in Saskatchewan. This year's campaign will be on the corner of Queen Street and 4th Avenue. There will be three one-hour time slots from 9 am to noon on Mondays to Fridays. Signs are provided. Please help advocate for the protection of human life within the womb during this campaign. Come as often as you are able and the team captain for each time slot will assist you with signage and literature. The campaign will end on Friday October 28. For more information contact Louis (306) 249-2764.

Catholic Youth Leadership Academy

CYLA stands for the Catholic Youth Leadership Academy and we strive to provide an opportunity for youth ages 14-18 to come together to learn how to lead in their own communities, churches and schools. There are four weekends (one in each of the months of September, November, March and May), where we have workshops, prayer time and just bonding time with youth from all over Saskatchewan. The deadline to register is Monday, September 19 and the first weekend workshop will be held on Sept 23-25 at St. Therese Institute. We, as a CYLA Team, cannot wait to meet you and help you on your journey! Please click on the button below to see our promo video for more information:

Pregnancy Options Centre “Dare to Imagine” GALA

THIS Friday, Sept. 23

It's almost GALA time!  We are so excited that we are now one week away from our annual Fall Gala.  If you have not yet received your tickets and would still like to come, please contact us at (306) 665-7550, or contact@saskatoonpregnancyoptions.com by Monday, Sept. 19 at the very latest!  Doors open at Prairieland Exhibition at 5:30 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm.  Please bring along your spare change as the three tables with the most loose change gets to go first for the buffet!

If you are unable to attend the Gala in person and would like to watch it online, please contact us for the link.

The Silent Aution is now live so please do check the items regularly as new items are added daily!  Click on the button below to check out all the Silent Auction items!  The Auction will close at 8:20 pm on the evening of the Gala and you can arrange to pick up your items from the Centre the following week.  Payment can be made by credit card, chequ, cash or e-transfer to donations@saskatoonpregnancyoptions.com

During the Gala, there will be an opportunity to donate to the work of the Centre using cash, cheque, credit card or e-transfers to donations@saskatoonpregnancyoptions.com, or online through the Canada Helps link on our website:  www.saskatoonpregnancy.com.

This is the SPOC major fundraiser for the year. It's a fun night with musical entertainment by Sonia Reid Noble and a live onsite painting done by Ramona Swift Theissenn, which will be auctioned at the end of the evening.  See you there!  

Rachel's Vineyard Ministry 2022 Retreat

October 14 - 16

Are you hurting because of an abortion? Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortion emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. The next retreat in Saskatchewan will be held Oct. 14-16, 2022, in a location near to Saskatoon. To register or speak to someone confidentially, please contact Elaine at 1 (306) 480-8911 or e-mail: r.vineyardsk@sasktel.net

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!

Season of Creation

September 1 - October 4

The burning bush is the Symbol for the Season of Creation 2022. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice. In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation.  For more information, click on the button below:

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, Sept. 19 and 26, from 6 pm-10 pm 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 9 am - 6 pm.

GSCS is now hiring!

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is hiring for a number of casual employment opportunities, including educational assistants, secretary, medical facilitator, and more. Apply at https://www.applitrack.com/gscs/onlineapp/ or click on the button below, and help make a difference in our Catholic school communities.

Compassionate Healers' Mass

The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan has announced that the 16th Annual Compassionate Healers’ Mass will take place THIS Sunday, Sept. 18 at 9 am, at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road. Bishop Mark Hagemoen will preside. This year, all parishes are invited to take the opportunity to offer a blessing to all those who share in the healing ministry of Christ: family members who support elderly, sick and less-able people, medical professionals, councillors, those who respond to the many faces of those wounded in mind, soul, and body.

CWL Clothing Depot - Ongoing Needs

CWL Clothing Depot continues to depend on donations, including: cutlery, towels, blankets, pots and pans and small appliances in good working 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 W., OR here in the Parish Welcome Area, during regular office hours.  Thank you for your continued support!

Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon

Next Monthly Mass - Sun. Sept. 18

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, September 18, 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:  Oct. 16, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18.   

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, September 17 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Saturday, September 24 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

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.