| Our Weekly Newsletter for Aug. 28/22 The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time |
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Wow! Check it out! Our new roof railing is now in place and it looks awesome! Special thanks to all those who made this important safety addition to our church roof possible, especially to this hard-working crew for getting it securely fastened into place! Great job!
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| Messages from Fr. Mike to resume in early Sept. |
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To all our “beloved” of St. Philip Neri Parish,
Fr. Mike has arrived home safe and sound from his glorious, well-deserved August vacation in Alberta and BC. As he gets re-settled into his routine, his weekly inspirational messages will resume in early September. Welcome home, Fr. MIke!
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| Fr. Ken's Homily for Sun. August 28 |
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Hello my friends,
I want to thank you who have followed me in these reflections on the Sunday Scriptures. I hope they have proved to be an assistance on your spiritual journey. I will be moving out to an Oblate community in Vancouver next Friday to continue my involvement with MAMI (Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate) which is the partnership of the Oblates, the poor in our missions and friends like yourselves. If you would like more information about MAMI or want join us in this partnership, please contact me.
I will no longer be involved in regular pastoral ministry so this will be my last communication of this type. Many blessings!
Fr. Ken
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Dear Parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish,
Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a
Luke 14:1, 7-14
The Kingdom of God, the perfect society, which is the goal of the Christian message, is often pictured as a banquet. As such, it is a meal for everyone, not just a private dinner for two by candlelight. All the dishes on the table are for everyone equally. There is enough and more for every single person's needs. It is an occasion of sharing and joyfulness.
We might notice the impartiality of Jesus. He raised many eyebrows when he was seen eating with tax collectors and sinners. He ate with the Pharisees and with the poor, but he also accepted invitations from the rich and powerful. Luke's concern with dining has to do with who is present at the meals—not the menu or the table settings! I suspect that in Luke's Christian community, there were issues about who could participate in the Eucharist. Were distinctions being made among rich and poor? Between famous and nobodies? This is about how one sits at the table of life.
This episode in Luke's gospel is the third in a series of six which deal with the question, "who will enter the kingdom?" The episode focuses on a party and teaches that religious status-seekers place themselves on a road that opposes the values of the kingdom.
The Pharisees were watching Jesus. We know quite well that they were very suspicious of Jesus. But the Pharisees were not the only ones doing the watching that day. Jesus was doing quite a bit of watching himself, observing their behavior, watching to see how they interacted with one another. Jesus "had noticed how they picked the places of honour".
In most formal dinners, the seating is a very delicate matter. Those regarded as important are placed near the host and the rest lower down. Often, elegantly printed cards at each place indicate exactly your status on this occasion. At a wedding dinner, only a few can share the head table with the married couple and their immediate family. Some will find themselves tucked away in a corner feeling the heat of the kitchen!
It is easy to fall prey to the sin of pride. We live in a society in which self-image, self-esteem, positive self-regard, etc., have been exaggerated and made ends in themselves. In a book that I am reading, “The Day the World Stops Shopping,” the author speaks about our economy that is fueled by the world’s insatiable hunger to consume. He says, “a lot of today’s consumption still involves fairly naked status competition. Houses for example, are such important status symbols that researchers have found that, given the choice between owning a three hundred square metre home in a neighbourhood where most homes are two hundred square metres, or a four hundred square metre home in a neighbourhood where most homes are six hundred square metres, most people will choose the three hundred square metre home because it is larger than their neighbours.”
Some tend to see humility as negative and ego-damaging. Humility, however, is authentic Christian self-understanding. To be humble is to be grounded in the truth about who God is and who we are. It is helpful to remember that the word “humility” comes from the Latin word ‘humus’ or ground. A humble person is one who lives close to the ground of reality and does not put on airs.
To use a common image, life can be seen as a ladder or a circle. Many live on a ladder, desperately trying to climb to the top. In so doing we may find ourselves climbing on the backs of others and pushing them to the bottom so that we can reach the top. To be in the first place is very much a part of the motivation of many - whether it is in business, in educational pursuit, or even getting on to a bus.
The Gospel is proposing that we work towards creating a circle society. In a circle, there is no top or bottom. All are equal. All are facing each other. All are in a better position to know and respect each other. Many Indigenous ceremonies are performed in a circle, acknowledging the unity and interconnectedness of the participants with each other and the world.
Jesus gives this advice, “Go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host approaches you, he will say, ‘My friend, come up higher.’” Since this is a parable, it must have some other interpretation besides the literal one. Certainly, Jesus is not teaching us to put on the mask of humility to look good before others. Humility is truth about oneself. Humility is different from holding oneself in self-contempt or having a poor self-image. That is never how God views us as God’s creation in love. Nor is it to be arrogant believing I have nothing more to learn in life.
The Lord encourages the Pharisee to invite the poor, the cripple, the lame to the banquet specifically because they cannot return the favour. Your blessing will come from God. It is easy to invite a friend to dinner, but not so easy to invite an outcast like the "unclean" man with "dropsy." But one must be suspect as to the motive of the Pharisee inviting this man. The setting is a dinner. On the Sabbath. It was a setup. This sick man was specifically invited and placed before Jesus while the religious crew "carefully watched." Would Jesus break the law and heal on the Sabbath? Yes, in a switch, God does repay, but God does not bless the Pharisee whose motives in inviting this outcast were evil, but through a miraculous healing, showing that indeed the “unclean” is the one who is “clean” and worthy.
It is the poor who can teach us how to be humble. Their worth is not determined by what they own or their social standing. In truth, neither is anyone’s value. Our worth is that we belong to God and are created in God’s image. Let us hope that we are honoured by others not for the wealth or social position we have in society but because they have recognized and seen that we are beautiful human beings; honest, loving and just, like the Lord Jesus.
Fr. Ken Forster OMI
Associate Pastor
St. Philip Neri Parish
kforster@omilacombe.ca
(306) 715-5064
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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.
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Hi Everyone!
Here we are approaching the final week of August, and that means that the harvest is in full swing, gardens are producing like crazy, and the kiddies are gearing up to return back to school! Why does summer always seem to go by in the blink of an eye? Let's hope that as we switch gears and get busy with all sorts of new post-summer activites, that fall will be kind to us, and will grace us (and our farmer friends) with blue skies, sunshine and lovely lingering warm temperatures - until December.
Here we go with some new things coming up as well as a few reminders:
- We welcome back Fr. Mike this week, as he returns from his August vacation out west. Apparently the fishing, golfing, visits with family and friends and that gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery were all awesome and made his vacation well worth the long drive! Welcome back, Fr. Mike!
- Please see directly below our new regular financial update, for the month of July.
- We have an exciting new youth program beginnning here at St. Philip Neri this fall, called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, for children ages 3-12. Stay tuned for more details! This Program is also looking for donations of picture frames that you may not be using anymore at home. These details are are also just below.
- Debbie Rolfes is leading another Pilgrimage to the Holy Land next May and has a special invitation to St. Philip Neri parishioners to join her on this incredible adventure - to actually visit those holy Biblical locations that have endured for centuries! Be sure to scroll down below for more information!
- The St. Philip Neri Bereavement Support group will be meeting again this Tuesday, Aug. 30. Please see the rest of the details below.
- A reminder of the interesting mini-conference coming up called "Rebuilding Catholic Culture", on September 2-3, featuring Fr. Gregory Hrynkiw, over at St. Anne Parish - using the story of Pinocchio as a backdrop. You can find out more below.
- Golden Age Card Players - get ready! The group is starting up again NEXT Wed. Sept. 7! Time for some long over-due card games and socializing together over coffee and yummy treats! The detail remain below as a reminder for former AND new members!
- Final reminder: Time is running out on this one - The First Nations University of Canada, in partnership with RBC, is providing all of us with the opportunity to take their online "4 Seasons of Reconciliation" course - for FREE - but only until the end of August! See all the details below - and if interested, enrol today!
- World Youth Day 2023 will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, next August 1-6, 2023, and there is an "interest meeting" coming up at St. Anne Parish. Scroll down below to learn more, and be sure to pass this info along to any youth you think may be interested in taking part in this life-changing experience!
- Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is hiring for a number of casual employment opportunities! See the details and how to apply, below in green.
- There is a Compassionate Healers' Mass coming up at Holy Family Cathedral, on Sunday, Sept. 18. Check out the details regarding this special Mass below.
- The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Cudworth is re-opening! Find out more information down below.
- Saskatoon Challenge (for girls) and Saskatoon Conquest (for boys) are starting up their fall programming again! Learn more about these great Catholic youth programs available for the youngsters in your family by scrolling down to the details below.
- 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 final August weekend, everyone, as we gear up for the month of September! May you continue to enjoy these final days of summer and make the most of this fantastic weather! And don't foget to cheer on our RIDERS as they try to even up the series against the BC Lions this Friday night!
Boutiful Harvest Blessings,
Marlene
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Financial Update
July 2022 - Revenue and Expenses
Revenue
Collections: $39,456.25
Reserve Fund: 2,987.50
Refugee: 742.50
Loose in trust: 52.00
Total: $43,238.25
Other Revenue: 1,190.18
Total Revenue: $44,428.45
Expenses
Wages & Benefits: $28,173.45
Building Insurance: 2,067.33
Light & Water: 2,453.15
Heating: 1,219.24
Other expenses: 10,391.61
Total Expenses: $44,304.78
Profit: $ 123.65
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A New Youth Program at St. Philip Neri Parish!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is coming to St. Philip Neri Parish this fall!
This extraordinary program will invite children aged 3-12 years of age to spend time with God in a unique way. Stay tuned as there are more details to come...
Also - do you happen to have any hangable picture frames that are no longer being used or needed at home? Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is looking for picture frames of various sizes to create an art gallery of religious images in our downstairs spaces. If you have 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!
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Vocation Reflection
LOOKING BEYOND
Banquets. Who doesn’t like them? Banquets are often occasions of joy and celebration: weddings, anniversaries, reunions, Christmas, Easter, etc. In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus is invited to a dinner and then uses a parable of a wedding banquet to challenge his listeners to go beyond convention, to see different opportunities to further the building of God’s kingdom.
I have to remember that Jesus is not just speaking of holding a banquet. He is speaking about attitudes,
relationships, expectations and stepping out into the unknown, to act in a way that is counter to prevailing attitudes around us. He challenges us to go beyond popular expectations.
This leads us to a fundamental question: How am I called to live my faith? Is it enough to attend Mass on Sunday, receive communion, say my prayers and then carry on with life? Jesus calls us to a more radical kind of discipleship. Pope Francis expresses this well in Fratelli Tutti: “Human beings are so made that they cannot live, develop and find fulfilment except ‘in the sincere gift of self to others’” (Paragraph 87) We are constantly called to enlarge the scope of our discipleship, to not be content with what is popular, expected, ‘normal’.
Our discipleship should know no bounds, we are called to dream the impossible or improbable as we hear God’s call to us and then respond with generous hearts. Again, Pope Francis says: “Life, for all its confrontations, is the art of encounter. … We, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges…” (Paragraphs 215-216) The questions that are before us invite us to reflect on our vocations – how am I called to be – a better spouse, parent, child, teacher, nurse, carpenter….; am I called to go beyond my present horizons to serve or volunteer in a different community or country, am I called to religious life or priesthood, how can I best respond to the call to build God’s kingdom of love and peace in our world.
The answers to some of those questions may surprise or scare us, but Jesus assures us that God always provides the means for us to respond to the invitation. We need not fear responding to the invitation. We are not left to our own resources, but have been promised the gift of the Spirit to guide, encourage and support us along this journey of discipleship.
Richard Beaudette, OMI
Vocation Team
(613) 806-3435
Vicar1@omilacombe.ca
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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land!
May 10 - 31, 2023
Are you interested in making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land? Debbie Rolfes is leading a 21-day trip to Israel and Jordan, from May 10 - 31, 2023. We will be travelling with a priest and will have the same guide who has travelled with the "Prairie Pilgrims" for our previous three trips. We will be hosting an information meeting in September, but there are only five or six spots left. Contact Deb at debora.rolfes@usask.ca for more information and to put your name on our invitation list for the information meeting.
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We keep in our prayers ...
- The family and friends of Desiree Hutton (nee Steele) of our Parish, who has gone to the eternal banquet in Heaven. The Funeral Mass for Desiree will be at St. Anne’s Parish on Tuesday, August 30 at 1:30 pm.
- All the students and teachers who are returning to their classrooms this week. May God grant them an enjoyable and productive school year, filled with good physical and mental health, uplifting relationships, lots of learning and laughter, and an abundance of deeper spiritual growth.
- Our farmers and gardeners, who are continuing to harvest their crops. May they work safely, and may they be blessed with continued good weather and an abundant harvest.
- For our parishioners, family, friends and neighbours who may be struggling with ill health. May God grant them, and their families, strength, patience, healing and peace.
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St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support
THIS Tuesday August 30, 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 THIS Tuesday, August 30, 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.
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Rebuilding Catholic Culture Mini-Conference
Fri. Sept. 2 & Sat. Sept. 3
This one-evening & one-day mini-conference will feature Fr. Gregory Hrynkiw speaking on “Pinocchio: A Theological Tale for Our Times”, at St. Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive. Working from the famous Pinocchio story by Carlo Collodi, he will give four talks about what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God, and reflecting upon the spiritual, moral, and even political dangers of abandoning a Christian anthropology. Reading this tale through a theological lens helps us in contemplating the deep problems of our current state and remind us of what it means to be free and fully human. The opening keynote will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 pm, featuring a free dessert night (free will offering). The full-day Saturday, Sept. 3 event requires pre-registration and features an opening Mass, three talks, lunch, and a question period/social. Cost of the full-day event is $50/person, $80/couple, and $20/student. To reserve a ticket, please contact Celene Sidloski at csidloski@stmcollege.ca or call (306) 715-1541.
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Attention all Card Players! Sessions are starting soon!
Beginning Wed. Sept. 7
Don't forget! The Golden Age Group at St. Philip Neri is starting up their card-playing afternoons again, begining on Wed. Sept. 7! We play on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, in the Welcome Area of the church, 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! For more information, please call the president, Slyvia Godbout, at (306) 374-9085. See you on Wed. Sept. 7 at 1:30 pm!
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Online "Reconciliation" Course - FINAL Reminder!
Everyone is invited to take an online "Reconciliation Education" Course entitled "4 Seasons of Reconciliation" to help us to improve our knowledge and understanding of Canadian history and do our part in the process of reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
The course is offered by the First Nations University of Canada (FNU) and because of the partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), it is FREE until the end of August, 2022 - so don't delay! Beginning in September, there will be a fee to take this very valuable course.
The course is approximately three hours long and can be done at one’s own pace. It is divided into short modules with information, video clips, and short quizzes. At the end, there is a short final quiz, and a lovely ‘Certificate of Completion’ is awarded to the participants.
Information and registration can be accessed by clicking on the button below:
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St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee's Ongoing Needs
Thank you to those who have continually been dropping off smaller household items here in the Parish Office - your kindness and generosity will be so appreciated by our new familiies!
The Refugee Committee is still looking for two more bikes - one ladies bike and one men's bike - and they can always use furniture and household items to replenish their stock for future refugee families. If you have some items that you are ready to pass on to help others in need, please call Denise DeBrau, at (306) 291-1675 and she will happily arrange for pick-up!
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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, Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 6 pm-10 pm
- The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 9 am - 6 pm.
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World Youth Day 2023
"Interest Meeting"
All those who will be 18+ by next summer are invited to come for an interest meeting on Wed. August 31, at 7 pm, at St. Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive. A WYD Pilgrimage led by young adults from Cathedral of the Holy Family and Saint Anne Parish is being considered. World Youth Day 2023 will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1-6, 2023. All are welcome to come discuss potential itinerary, costs, timeline, and commitment to this great pilgrimage of faith!
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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.
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Compassionate Healers' Mass
The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan has announced that the 16th Annual Compassionate Healers’ Mass will take place at on 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.
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Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
Re-opening on Sun. Sept. 4
The Shrine of
Our Lady of Sorrows – the Ukrainian Catholic shrine near Cudworth , SK, will officially re-open with a celebration on Sunday,
Sept. 4. Find the Facebook event online at clicking on the button below.
The program includes: 9:00 am Divine Liturgy; 11:00 am games
for children; 12:00 pm BBQ lunch; 1 pm Stations of the Cross; 1:30 pm
children’s activities. Snacks will be provided. Bring your lawn chairs! For more
information, call or text Fr. Ivan Nahachewsky, at (306) 961-1390.
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Catholic Youth Programing
Grades 3 and up!
For the GIRLS - Saskatoon Challenge is a Catholic Youth Ministry program for girls in Grades 3-12 to grow in knowledge of their Catholic faith, build friendship with Christ, and make a difference and positive impact on their families, friends and in the world around them. Challenge meets Friday nights at St. Anne Parish, 217 Lenore Drive, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and at other scheduled times for mission and outreach. Register online at https://rcdos.ca/challenge-girls-club/
or if you have any questions about Challenge or the registration process, please contact Erin Hickey at skchallengegirls@gmail.com
or (306) 716-2062. The deadline for registration is September 11.
For the BOYS - Saskatoon Conquest is a Catholic Youth Ministry for boys in Grades 3 and up. The purpose of the club is to help boys to grow in their relationship with Jesus, to increase their knowledge of the Catholic faith, and to grow in virtue and service. Registration night will be held 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at 6:45 pm at St. Matthew Elementary School, 1508 Arlington Avenue. Most meetings will also be held at St. Matthew School on Fridays, from 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm. For more info,
please see the Conquest website at: conquestsaskatoon.com or contact conquest.saskatoon@gmail.com
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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!
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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 on 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.
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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, August 27 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Ken)
Saturday, September 3 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)
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| St. Philip Neri Facebook Page |
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You
are invited to check out our Facebook page, St. Philip Neri Parish. There can
be informational, prayerful, humorous notes that you might be interested in! Check it out today!
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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.
Note: There will be one Diocesan Bulletin for the month of July, and a new one for the month of August. Check out the new August edition below!
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If you would like to receive the Diocesan Electronic Newsletter, which is different from the Diocesan Bulletin, as well as other information from the Diocese, please send your email address directly to Melissa Anaetoh at the Catholic Foundation Office, at: manaetoh@dscf.ca.
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"What should be done then my friend? Let all things be done for building up".
1 Cor 14:26
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