Our Dear St. Philip Neri Parishioners,  

Greetings from Fr. Mike and Fr. Bill,

What's in a name?  A title?

In various cultures and social traditions, to know one’s name was also to know – Who are they? What is their background? What do they do? A person’s name would also contain significant parts of “their story”, especially their role in the community.

“Abram”, when translated, means “the father is lifted up, the father is exalted”. God called Abram to give him a special task – “I want you to be ‘the father of a great nation’, hence the name "Abraham". It may seem like a simple task, but Abram was 90 years old and his wife, Sarai, was 80 years old. Besides, she was also known to be barren – she was not able to bear children. How does a name-change fulfil a task – which also appears to be impossible? In truth, the task was possible because Abraham trusted that God could make it possible … giving them a son (Issac), even in their old age. The point – God can fulfil – even in my/our life what seems to be humanly impossible.

According to the Torah, the name “Moses”, comes from the Hebrew verb “to pull out, to draw out”. His name is contained in his story:  Pharaoh was intent on killing the Hebrew baby boys. To save her child, a Hebrew mother put him in a basket, floating him to safety in the river Nile (the "River of Life”). By “coincidence, Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing in the river when she discovered the child. “Drawing him out” of the water, she took him as her own, naming him "Moses". This is the same Moses, who later in his life was called by God “to draw out” the Hebrew people from slavery, imposed by the same Pharaoh who was intent on killing him (as a baby). The mystery of God seems to be reflected in the people and incidences of life – to unfold his plan to save his people.

"Jesus", the name given to Mary and Joseph’s child at his circumcision, means “the Lord is salvation”. In his name is his calling … and Mary pondered all these things in her heart.

At our Baptism, the first question asked is “What NAME have you given this child?” Could this question mean more than “just a name”? Or could it also be “God’s way” to unfold his plan “to save his people”? Our baptism immerses/plunges us into God’s grace and will. As we pray, “Our Father … your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”.

What is God calling you/me to be/to do so as to fulfil His will here on earth, in my life’s circumstances? May the graces of our Baptism prompt and invite each of us to discover God’s plan in my/our life. Many of us, it seems, have already put “God’s plan” in action – as a married couple, as parents, as a priest or religious. Is there more? If/when we truly believe that we are the BELOVED of God, and trust – as did Abraham and Sarah – then the “impossible” can become possible. In our call to “Love one another as I have loved you”, God will unfold his plan that we live in peace and freedom, forgiveness and healing. No one is left out … everyone is welcome at God’s table (the Eucharist). As we “abide in Christ”, so too we “abide in one another”, as children of God, as brothers and sisters in faith.

Then, as God called Abraham and Moses to do “the impossible”, so too in and through the grace of God, my name can also reflect the goodness and presence of God to others. As Mary said “YES” to “the impossible”, today, all humanity can enjoy the fullness of God’s love and blessing. Then there is enough LIGHT for us to see the face of Christ in the eyes of all whom we encounter. Then our Baptism is not just a ritual, but a calling to be part of the mission of Jesus – to taste, to glimpse eternal life, in the here and now.

May we draw inspiration from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she said:

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

Peace … Fr Mike & Fr. Bill

Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate

St. Philp Neri … pray for us

St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us

St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us

Something from the Parish: 

Tuesday, January 10 will be the first meeting of the RCIA journey in St. Philip Neri Parish. We are privileged to journey with two young people. Please keep us in your prayers.

NOTE: If there is anyone who wishes to enrich and deepen your faith life, you are also welcome to join us. We meet in the Welcome Area of the Parish.

Monday, January 23 – St. Philip Neri Parish will host the Alpha experience for young adults. We begin with supper, complements of Fr. Bill … then watch the video … then talk about life! Please contact Fr. Mike at (306) 850-9075 for more information.

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!

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Years now behind us, life is returning to normal, except for our temperatures, which are ABOVE normal!  What a blessing!  And our streets have all been graded too!  We can finally get back out there and (safely) enjoy our spectacular winter wonderland AND warmer temperatures!  Aren't the trees, and that blue Saskatchewan sky, gorgeous??  2023 is off to a great start!

Okay - let's see what is new in the New Year, and what remains below for some little reminders for you: 

• The Truth and Reconciliation Discussion Group is resuming in the New Year, with their first gathering on Thursday, Jan. 19.  Please see all the details below.  Newcomers are welcome! 
• Don't forget! The Refugee Committee is having their famous Honey Sale THIS weekend after both Masses. Please see all the details below for when and where. 
• A reminder that the St. Philip Neri CWL have a meeting coming up THIS Wed. Jan. 11.  Please check out the details below and mark your calendar!
• Get your tickets soon!  The St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee's delicious Chili Fundraiser is coming up next Fri. Jan. 13. Tickets are still available in the Parish Office. The rest of the details are below.
  
• We need your help!  For the month of January, we are collecting whole grain pasta and hearty soups and stews for the Food Bank. Let's fill our bin for them!  More details are below. 
• The next Bereavement Support gathering will be held on Tuesday, Tuesday, Jan. 10.  Anyone can join at any time - we would love to have you.  Please see more details below.  
• Golden Age card players - your next gathering is this coming Wed. Jan. 11.  More details are below.  
• Check out this week's post-Christmas Church Chuckle! Speaking of the Epiphany and Three "Wise" Men ...
• A "Word Made Flesh" celebration is coming up on Fri. Jan. 13.  Please scroll down below for more information.
• Priest-Prophet-King Men's Night will be held next Wed. Jan. 18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.  Check out the details below.
• Do you have a child who is gearing up for Kindergarten?  Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is now accepting registrations!  Please see all the details below, in green.
• The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is coming up in mid-January.  All the details are below, in blue.
• Here is a chance to learn more and feel more about the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  "The Eucharist:  Christ Our Sustainer" will be held on the five Tuesdays in January.  See all the details below.
• The "World Famous Dueling Pianos" is returning to Saskatoon on Fri. Feb. 3.  You won't want to miss this amazing performance - brought to us by Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.  Check out the details below. 
• A SEARCH weekend retreat is coming up on Feb. 24-26 for students in Grades 10-12.  This experience can be life-changing!  Scroll down below for the details, in blue.
• Want another way to experience Adoration?  Check out "A Holy Hour for the Feminine Heart", which is held on the first Thursday of every month at Holy Spirit Parish.  See all the details below.

That's it for this time!  Hey - how about our Canadian lads winning the gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championships this week?  Boy did they do us proud!  Back-to-back gold medals!  To be honest, I'm kind of glad the tournament is over - my heart couldn't take any more stressful overtime battles!  YAY Team Canada!  

Have a great weekend everyone, especially those who are celebrating Ukrainian Christmas!  "Khrystos Rozhdayetsia"!  Talk to you next week!

Beautiful January Blessings, 

Marlene

Truth & Reconciliation Discussion Group

Thursday, Jan. 19

Please join us on Thursday, January 19, at 7 pm in the Welcome Area for the next meeting of the Truth and Reconciliation Discussion Group. Our focus for 2023 remains on education and learning, and on the foundation of hard truths, heartfelt reflection and respectful conversation that reconciliation begins with. You don’t need to have participated before, or have done the readings in advance, just come along. We will be discussing Chapter 7 of Listening to Indigenous Voices, paired with “An Apology to the First Nations of Canada by the Oblate Conference of Canada”. Everyone is welcome!

Honey for Sale!

THIS weekend, Jan. 7 & 8!

The Refugee Committee is pleased to announce that we have the same, great Creamed Ice Honey for sale that we’ve had for the past two years. The price is $15 for a jar or two for $25. You can buy them before and after all Masses THIS weekend, on Jan. 7 & 8, in the Welcome Area, or at the Chili Supper on Friday, Jan. 13.

This is some of the best honey you will ever taste and always sells out, so don’t miss this opportunity, and help support our refugee work at the same time!

St. Philip Neri CWL

Our next meeting will be held THIS Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in St Philip Neri Church starting at 7 pm.

Life Member, Mary Nordick, will be giving a presentation on the theme of “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” which will occur January 18 to 25. The theme this year is “Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17)

Hope you will enter this in your calendar and plan to attend.

Join us for a Chili Fundraiser! Friday, Jan. 13

St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee

The St. Philip Neri Parish Refugee Committee is hosting a chili fundraiser to celebrate the arrival of Yvonne Byendimbwa and her grandchildren to the safe embrace of their family and friends in St Mary’s Parish. We have been partnering with St Mary’s to make this dream a reality and now it is time to celebrate it!

Date:  Friday January 13, 2023

Time: 5 pm

Location: St. Philip Neri Parish Welcome Area

Tickets: $10 per person

Tickets are available in the Parish Office. Come grab yours and see you at this delicious Chili Fundraiser!

Parish Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical Ministries: The Christmas Masses were beautiful celebrations and that is in large part due to the parishioners who came forward to assist before and during these Liturgies. Many people who attended commented on the Christmas spirit that the parish family shared! We continue to spread the Good News through our words and actions in 2023! God Bless and many thanks!

Sacrament of Baptism: The next date for the celebration of Baptism is Sunday, January 29. Pre-registration is necessary. Please note Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent.

Sacrament of First Communion:  Information about the preparation for children to celebrate their First Communion will be available by the end of January. There are no preparation classes in January.

January Food Collection

For the Food Bank

Let's go St. Philip Neri!  For the month of January, we are collecting whole grain pasta and hearty soups and stews for the Food Bank. There is nothing like a bowl of hot stew or hearty soup to fill an empty tummy on a cold winter day!  The Donation Bin remains in the Welcome Area, just inside the front doors of the church, on the right.  Let's fill it up!

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

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 Bereavement Support

Tuesday, January 10, 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, January 10, 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 card-playing session will be on Wednesday, January 11. The cost is $2 per day.  The group happily welcomes any new players to join them for some fun, friendly competition!  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:  January 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6 pm-10 pm) 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 9 am - 6 pm.

Diocesan Prayer Intention

A prayer for the soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Father, eternal shepherd, hear the prayers of your people for your servant Benedict, who governed your Church with love. In your mercy, bring him with the flock once entrusted to his care to the reward you have promised your faithful servants. May he who faithfully administered the mysteries of your forgiveness and love on earth, rejoice with you for ever in heaven. In your wise and loving care, you made your servant teacher of all your Church. He did the work of Christ on earth. May your Son welcome him into eternal glory. May your servant whom you appointed high priest of your flock be counted now among the priests in the life of your kingdom. Give your servant the reward of eternal happiness and let your mercy win for us the gift of your life and love. We entrust your servant to your mercy with faith and confidence. In the human family he was an instrument of your peace and love. May he rejoice in those gifts for ever with your saints. Through Christ our Lord, Amen (Source: Vatican Media)

A "Word Made Flesh" Celebration

Friday, January 13

A “Word Made Flesh” Friday evening celebration will be held Friday, Jan. 13 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1235-12th Street East, featuring a light show exposition of the church’s new sanctuary (presented by Derek Boldt, Fr. Young et al.), followed by a social and keynote talk featuring Fr. Harrison Ayre, entitled “The Word Was Made Encounterable”.

Schedule:

• 5:00 pm - Solemn Sung Vespers
• 5:30-6:15 pm - Potluck Supper (bring salad, app or main course - drinks/desserts will be provided)
• 6:30 pm - Light Show Exposition of Sanctuary
• 7:45 p.m. - Drinks, Dessert
• 8:15 pm - Keynote talk and Panel with Fr. Harrison Ayre speaking on “The Word Was Made Encounterable” (drawing on the theology of Pope Benedict XVI, illustrating how Christ is as really and truly encounterable today as he was 2,000 years ago.)

For more details, please click on the button below:

Priest-Prophet-King - PPK Men's Night

Wednesday, January 18

The next “Priest-Prophet-King”  Men's Night will be held on Wed. Jan. 18, at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.

PPK Evening Schedule:

• 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Adoration (and confessions)
• 8:00 pm - Food, drinks, and hang-out time
• 8:30 pm - Talk begins (25-30 min in length)
• 9:00 pm - "The Forum" - panel discussion, Q&A, and/or group discussions (speaker's choice)
• 9:30 pm - More food, drinks, and hang-out time
• 10:00 pm - Clean-up and departure.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

Fall 2023 Kindergarten Registration

Fall 2023 Kindergarten Registration for Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools is now open! We look forward to meeting you at one of our in-person open houses or information sessions. Hands-on learning will give your child the foundation they need to learn math concepts, build their language skills, develop a love of reading and writing, and grow in their love of God and neighbour. You can also learn more about our language options (French immersion, Ukrainian bilingual, Cree bilingual, Michif) and our fine arts school. Children must be five years old on or before Jan. 31, 2024, to start school in September 2023. To learn more or to find a Catholic school near you, visit www.gscs.ca/kindergarten.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023

January 18-25

The theme of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is "Do good; seek justice" (Isaiah 1:17) and is scheduled to run from Jan. 18 to 25, 2023.   

Learning to do right requires the decision to engage in self-reflection. The Week of Prayer is a time set aside for Christians to recognize that the divisions between our churches cannot be separated from divisions within the wider human family. Praying together for Christian unity allows us to reflect on what unites us and to commit ourselves to confront oppression and division amongst humanity. The 2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) resources were developed by the Minnesota Council of Churches. They reflect the ecumenical work on racial justice in the U.S. following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. Resources are now available at https://weekofprayer.ca, including an order of worship, hymn suggestions, 8 days of scripture reflections on the theme, and materials for children and youth.

“The Eucharist: Christ Our Sustainer”

Five Tuesdays in January

The Adult Faith Diocesan Awaken series – “The Eucharist: Christ Our Sustainer” will be held on the five Tuesday evenings in January - on Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 7-8:30 pm, with Fr. Stefano Penna presenting at Holy Spirit Parish. There is also an online Zoom option. Register now at: https://form.jotform.com/222236197984264 or for more information, please call Astrid Alas at (306) 659-5858 or email amalas@rcdos.ca. The cost is $40 for all five sessions.

DESCRIPTION: St. John Paul II once said: "This is the wonderful truth my dear friends: The Word, which became flesh 2,000 years ago, is present today in the Eucharist." But what happens when we don't feel the presence of Christ in the Eucharist? When we struggle with understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist? When we ask ourselves why Catholics should return to Mass after the pandemic? Participants will come to a deeper understanding of why the Eucharist is, as Vatican II states: "The Source and Summit of the Christian Life." Through dynamic presentations and prayerful reflection, participants will learn the importance of the Eucharist for the life of the Church, and for our own lives.

"World Famous Dueling Pianos"

Friday, February 3

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation will present the annual “World Famous Dueling Pianos” event on Friday, Feb. 3, at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel! Doors open at 7:00 pm, with the entertainment beginning at 8:00 pm. This fund-raising event supports Catholic education in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Tickets for the Dueling Pianos event can be purchased by calling the GSCS Foundation at (306) 659-7003 or by emailing catholicschoolsfoundation@gscs.ca."

SEARCH returns!

Registration is now open for students in Grades 10-12 to attend the next Search weekend live-in retreat in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, to be held Feb. 24-26, 2023 at E.D. Feehan Catholic School. Youth attending a Search retreat are able to meet, make friends, have meaningful discussions and learn more about what it means to be a Christian. Small groups, music, activities, prayer time, and important talks given by other young people are just a few of the things that make the retreat great. Attending Search is a great way to deepen a close, personal relationship with God, make friends and forge lasting memories. Cost for the entire weekend is $100. Find more information and registration at https://saskatoonsearch.ca/

Another Adoration Opportunity

A Holy Hour for the Feminine Heart

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

CWL Clothing Depot

Ongoing Needs

The CWL Clothing Depot is requesting donations of warm coats and jackets, sweaters, gloves, mitts, toques, socks, underwear, sheets, towels, personal hygiene items, and household and kitchen items. 

Donations help our sisters and brothers in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Donations can be dropped off between 10 am and 2 pm Monday to Friday, at 619-20th Street West (rear entrance of Friendship Inn). Please ring the back doorbell when delivering items. Volunteers are always welcome at the CWL Clothing Depot! Please call Bea for more information, at (306) 242-5042.

Donations may also be dropped off here at St. Philip Neri Parish, in the large bin on the LEFT hand side (under the coat rack), as you come into the Welcome Area. 

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:

Jan. 22, 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!

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. Jan. 15

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 January 15, 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. 

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, January 7 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Saturday, January 14 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)