Our dear St. Philip Neri Parishioners, 

Greetings and blessings from Fr. Mike and Fr Bill

HOPE is a vital part of life. Hope is as important for the spirit as bread is for our body. We spend a great deal of our lives longing, waiting, hoping for one thing or another. It is impossible to live when one is completely without hope. Our strength, our commitment, depends to a great extent on the degree and quality of our hope.

(Mother) St. Teresa of Calcutta describes for us a glimmer of HOPE. “Our deepest desire: to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas-time … not in a cold manger of our heart, but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart so pure, so immaculate, so warm with love for one another.”

Dad had promised his little girl that they would spend some time together when he came home from work. However, being totally immersed in his work, his preoccupation to finalize some projects, his attention was not towards his little girl. He complained, “I just have to finish some work, then we can spend time together! Here, read one of your favorite books, then we can be together.”

Of course, time went by, and he was not available to her. In frustration, he remembered that there was a large map of the world in the latest National Geographic magazine. He cut the map into little pieces, and again promised, “Put the map together, and then I promise!”

It was in no time that she had put the map together. “How could you do this so fast?” “Daddy, it was easy! On the back of the map were the faces of little children. I knew that if I could put all their faces together, the world would be one!”

John the Baptist came to announce the presence of the Messiah – the one who promised that “the world would be one”. Where the wolf would live with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, with the calf and the lion together … and with a little child to lead them. Let us pray: “Lord, look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church, and grant that all of God’s children may enjoy the peace and unity of your kingdom, where you live for ever and ever.”

During Mass we not only ask God – “Lord have mercy”. But also, just before Communion we again ask, “Only say the WORD, and my soul will be healed.” Jesus wants to not only forgive our sins, but he also deeply desires to heal our soul. However, for our souls to be healed, it takes a radical change of perspective – a metanoia, a commitment to live in HOPE. Hope is our trust that God will fulfill his promises in his way and in his time. To live in hope is to “live the moment”, with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in the hands of God. This hope enables us to keep one foot in the world – as it is – and the other foot in the world – as it should/could be. Then we can truly believe and live that God is good … all the time.

Something from the Parish:

OUR INVITATION: Come experience the (peace of Christ) in the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Tuesday, December 6 at 7 pm. Reconciliation comes from the Latin words (re) which means (again), and (conciliare) which means (to come together) … to come together, again. The implication is that at one time or another, there was a togetherness, but with the trials and foibles of life, that relationship has been strained or broken. The power of God’s love in the Sacrament of Healing renews and strengthens the relationship … with God or another person in my life. The gift of reconciliation is the gift of peace, that deep inner sense that all is well – again.

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 & Fr. Bill

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 Second Sunday of Advent is swiftly approaching - and it has brought along some sprinkles of snow and some really frigid temperatures for us. Did I actually hear -42C with the windchill this morning?? Yikes!  At least the weekend is supposed to be a bit warmer! 

As we light the second Advent candle, the "Peace" candle, we think of how critical it is for us to have peace in our homes, in our relationships, in our province, country and in our world. We don't have to look very far to see a total lack of peace - broken homes, strained relationships with family, neighbours or colleagues, our policial leaders going head to head in heated disagreements, from Covid restrictions to truck convoys, and then there is the brutal, relentless, unendling war in Ukraine. How do things get so out of control? How we all long for calm, for peace, in our personal and broader lives! Thankfully, we have the Prince of Peace - to guide us, teach us, forgive us, to gently embrace us and calm us down, and to love us, unconditionally.  As we wait in joyful hope for the birth of Jesus on that Holy Night, we await the ultimate peace that only a life following Jesus can bring.  May His peace be with you, in every aspect of your life!   

Now, let's see what I've got for you in this week's Newsletter:

•  The Christmas and New Year's Mass Schedule is directly below.  Don't forget that our Advent Reconciliation Service is coming up this Tuesday,  Dec. 6 at 7 pm.  Several priests will be on hand to help out.   
• Just below that, you will find some other East-side Penitential services you could attend in case you can't make it to ours.
• Remember! Knights of Columbus Fun Family Afternoon is coming up THIS Sunday, Dec. 4!  Families will not want to miss this crafty, creative, yummy two-hour event!  
• Voluteers are needed to assist with the three upcoming Christmas Masses. Please check out the details below to learn how you can become involved.
• The response to the St. Mary's Christmas food hamper program has been amazing so far! There is a NEW way to help out - read about it in the details below.  You may also help by making a cash donation in the Parish Office. These food hampers are so very much needed and appreciated!  Great job, St. Philip Neri! 
  
• For the month of December, we will be collecting peanut butter, coffee and tea for the Friendship Inn. More details are below.  
  
• The next Bereavement Support gathering will be held THIS Tuesday, Tuesday, Dec. 6.  Anyone can join at any time - we would love to have you.  Please see more details below.  
• Check out this week's Church Chuckle!  Thou shalt not steal!   
• As far as Diocesan events go, the first one is Advent Lessons and Carols is coming up on Sat. Dec. 10 at St. Paul's Co-Cathedral.  Check out the details below for this beautiful evening of stories and songs!
• There is a wonderful CWL Advent Retreat coming up on Tues. Dec. 13 at Queen's House!  You don't have to be a CWL member in order to attend. The rest of details are all below - please note the registration deadline of this Tues. Dec. 6.
• Here's a cool way to bring some needed joy at Chrismtas - check out the Prison Storytime Outreach opportunity below, in green.
• St. Mary's Parish is hosting their annual Tea & Bake Sale, on Sat. Dec. 10.  Check out the details below.
• Thankfully there are all sorts of opportunites to help us make our journey through Advent more meaningful and impactful.  Check out the "Video Reflections;  Journey Through Advent" down below, in purple.
• There is a special collection coming up on Sunday, Dec. 11, as part of the Catholic TRC Healing Response.  All the details are below. 
• 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.  
  
• The CWL Clothing Depot is now collecting items for their Annual Christmas Sale!  The items they are looking for are listed below. Thanks to the parishioners who have already begun to drop items off for this very important event for the Saskatoon community!
• It's not too late to get your Outdoor Nativity Scene for your lawn for the Christmas season!  Scroll down below and check out all the details, in green.  
  

 As we quickly re-adjust to life back in the deep-freeze, (hopefully not for long!), we are thankful for the beautiful warmth of the Advent season. The city is a-glow with bright Christmas lights and festive decorations everywhere and our favourite carols can be heard as we scury to and fro. Be sure to take the time to pause regularly and take it all in - not only to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas season, but also to express gratitude for the wonders of this holy time, and to keep making the efforts to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ-Child.  He is, after all, the Reason for the Season, and the brightest light of all. 

Have a great weekend, everyone, dress warmly, drive safely, and have a wonderful second week of Advent! See you next week! 

Advent Blessings, 

Marlene

Christmas & New Year's Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve - Sat. Dec. 24 ~ 5 pm and 8 pm

Christmas Day - Sun. Dec. 25 ~ 10 am

Boxing Day - Mon. Dec. 26 ~ NO MASS

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God:

New Year's Eve - Sat. Dec. 31 ~ 5 pm

New Year's Day - Sun. Jan. 1 ~ 10 am

Mon. Jan. 2 ~ NO MASS

NOTE:  Advent Reconciliation Service - Tues. Dec. 6 at 7 pm, otherwise by appointment only.  

East-Side Advent Penitential Services

Parishes across our Diocese have various opportunities for reconciliation/confessions during Advent. To date, the east-side opportunities are listed below.  You may also check the online Advent-Christmas schedule at: https://rcdos.ca/advent-christmas-schedule/

The dates and times of the east-side parishes that are holding Advent Penitential Services, with confessions, are:

• Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 pm ~ St. Philip Neri Parish
• Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 11:30 am ~ STM
• Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7 pm ~ Holy Spirit Parish
• Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 pm ~ St. Paul Co-Cathedral

A quick last-minute reminder! Fun Family Afternoon!

Sunday, December 4

Get ready for a wonderful FAMILY AFTERNOON, as we start getting into the Christmas spirit!  You are invited to join other families in the Welcome Area of the church for a fun-filled pre-Christmas event, THIS Sunday, December 4, from 1 - 3 pm!  Have fun decorating bird house ornaments, decorating Christmas cookies (YUM!) and singing Christmas carols!  This is another free family event brought to you by our St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus. Everyone is welcome! 

Volunteers Needed

Thje Christmas Masses will be here before we know it!  We will need a number of volunteers to help out with the three Christmas Masses - Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 25 at 10 am.  If you would like to be a lector, EMC or usher for any of the Christmas Masses, please contact Shirley in the Parish Office.  Thank you for serving God and your fellow parishioners in this very special way, and at this very special time of year. 

St. Mary's Christmas Hampers - UPDATE!

Something new in the Welcome Area!

Thanks to all who are sponsoring a Christmas hamper! Rachelle will contact you to arrange dropping off the family details, grocery list and boxes next week.

Also, this weekend in the Welcome Area, you will find little Christmas trees with paper decorations listing individual hamper items.  Please take one ( or more) decorations and bring back the listed item(s) to contribute to THREE group hampers!  Little group projects!

Your generosity and Christmas spirit are felt and so appreciated!

December Food Collection

For the Friendship Inn

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

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!  

Parish Liturgical Ministries

Liturgical Ministries:  There are lots of openings for Lectors, EMCs and Ushers for the Christmas service. If you are interested, please contact Shirley Hyshka, Pastoral Associate, at the Parish.

Sacrament of Baptism: .The next date for the celebration of Baptism is 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! 

Bishop’s Annual Appeal 2022

For Sunday, December 4

Thank you to all who are "Serving Others" through their gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Donate to the Bishop's Annual Appeal at your local parish, online at dscf.ca/baa or by electronic transfer to: e-transferBAA@dscf.ca. You may also 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, December 6, 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, December 6, 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. 

Regular card players will be meeting at Smiley's Restaurant for their annual "Christmas Social" on Wednesday, December 14. 

Their next card-playing session will be on Wednesday, December 28. The cost is $2 per day.  The group happily welcomes any new players to join them for some fun, friendly competition! The new dates for 2023 will be coming out soon.  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, Dec. 5, 12, 19 from 6 pm-10 pm) 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 9 am - 6 pm.

Diocesan Prayer Intention

We pray, as a Diocesan family, for all those discerning a vocation to religious life, to the permanent diaconate or to the priesthood. May God send forth the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and inspiration on their journey

Advent Lessons and Carols

Sat. December 10

Advent Lessons and Carols will be presented by the St. Paul’s Children’s Choir on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 pm, at St. Paul Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Cres. E. Everyone is welcome to hear the story of salvation in scripture and song and then stay afterwards for a reception in the Welcome Area. Donations for the development of the parish music programs are appreciated.

CWL Advent Retreat

Tuesday, December 13

A CWL Advent Retreat will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Queen's House, beginning with Mass at 4:30 pm in the Chapel at Queen’s House. After Mass and supper, guest speakers for the evening retreat are Brendan and Louise Bitz, who will explore the Catholic Women’s League national theme “Catholic and Living It.” Everyone is welcome -- bring a friend. You do not have to be a CWL member in order to attend. 

Tickets are $35/person (includes supper). Contact Maureen at (306) 374-8476 for tickets before the Dec. 6 deadline. As part of the retreat, the CWL will be collecting donations of new, unwrapped baby gifts or monetary donations for Saskatoon Pregnancy Options Centre.

Prison Storytime Outreach

The Diocesan Office of Restorative Ministry is seeking donations of new children’s pyjamas for ages newborn to six years, as well as crayons, colouring books, and/or gently-used children’s books and small backpacks, as part of a project to help fathers in prison improve parenting skills and stay connected to their families. Men approved for the program are video-taped reading bedtime stories to send to their children with the donated items. Monetary donations to purchase the supplies for the project are also welcome. Please drop off any donations at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 2nd floor of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, during regular hours of 9 am to noon or 1 - 4:30 pm weekdays (closed over noon hour), or contact Dianne Anderson (306) 659-5845 for more information.

Christmas Tea & Bake Sale!

Saturday, Dec. 10

A Pre-Christmas Tea and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 - 3 pm, at St. Mary Parish, 211 Avenue O South, featuring baking, raffles, and a snack lunch for sale! Everyone is welcome! Admission is $3. (Masking is encouraged.)

Video Reflections

"Journey Through Advent"

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has once again produced a Journey through Advent video series, which includes reflections on the Gospel readings of each Sunday in Advent. 

Journey Through Advent is a joint project between the CCCB’s Office national de liturgie, the National Liturgy Office, and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis. Links to the videos, at www.cccb.ca, will be released each Monday for the upcoming Sunday celebration. 

Thanks to Bishop Joseph Dabrowski and Archbishop Paul-André Durocher for their generosity in preparing and recording these spiritual and pastoral reflections.

Special Collection: Catholic TRC Healing Response

Sunday, December 11

A second collection will be held in parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 11, as part of our Diocesan contribution to the $30-million national Catholic financial pledge to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors and their communities. For more information about our Diocesan commitment of $250,000 per year over five years, about the vision of our local Diocesan TRC Discernment Circle, or to make a donation online, please see the Diocese of Saskatoon Catholic Foundation website at: https://dscf.ca/trc/

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, starting Thursday, Dec. 1. The evening includes adoration, a short Gospel reflection led by Fr. Joseph Salihu, quiet prayer, benediction, and rosary.

CWL Clothing Depot

Annual Christmas Sale Needs

The CWL Clothing Depot is requesting donations of NEW items for its Annual Christmas Sale. Most-needed items include new toys, socks, underwear, gloves, mittens, toques, sheets, towels, jewellery, health and beauty items, household and kitchen items, and individually wrapped candy. Warm coats and jackets are also in high demand. 

Donations help those who are struggling to make ends meet, giving them a joyous opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Parents can choose toys and other gifts at an affordable price while enjoying the freedom and dignity of making their own purchases, while children with only a few coins can buy gifts for their loved ones! 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.

Keep Christ In Christmas

The Knights of Columbus Denis Mahoney Council 8215 are manufacturing and selling Outdoor Nativity Scenes. 

Features:

• Fir plywood ½ inch thick;
• Paint or stain ready, add your own lighting;
• Measuring approximately 4 feet by 4 feet;
• Easily assembled and easily stored.

Cost: $85 each; delivery or pick-up. There is a limited supply. (Fridge or car magnets are $4 each.) For information and orders, please call or message (306) 221-5893 or email garrymaier@outlook.com. The Knights of Columbus throughout the world want everyone to “Keep Christ In Christmas.”

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. Dec. 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 December 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. 

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, December 3 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Saturday, December 10 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)