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

Greetings and blessings to you and all your family from Fr. Mike Dechant OMI

Every Cross has a Blessing! (An insight and expression from the lived experiences of our beloved Oblate, Fr. Bertrand Matthieu OMI)

An age-old parable is told of a farmer who had an old mule, who unfortunately, had slipped and fallen into a dry well – a well that was too deep for him to get out on his own. Hungry and thirsty, the mule began to bray. The farmer heard to commotion and went to see what had happened. Now he too had a dilemma! How could he ever lift the old mule to safety? After carefully assessing the situation, the famer decided that neither the mule nor the well were worth keeping. He decided to bury the old mule, already in a make-shift grave. He hauled in a large load of dirt. He called in his neighbors and friends to help fill in the hole – to bury the old mule and put him out of his misery.

Shovel-load after shovel-load of dirt came flying down the hole. The old mule became frantic, trying to shake himself clear of the dirt on his back. As the dirt continued to fall on his back, the old mule continued to shake himself free of this discomfort and unforeseen burden. Each time the dirt landed on his back he would shake off the dirt and step up … shake it off and step up was all he could do! It wasn’t long before the old mule was dirty and exhausted. However, to his surprise, he had worked himself to the top of the hole. Battered and exhausted, he triumphantly stepped over that wall of the well. What seemed to be his death-nell became his blessing – all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. He too discovered - every cross has a blessing.

Question: How do I handle the many “crosses” in my life – the struggles and adversities, the unforeseen and perceived burdens, those “moments” that overwhelm my spirit, my body? Like the mule in the well, the first reaction may be panic, even to “just give up”! It wasn’t just the mule’s desire to live another day that empowered or enabled him to continue to “shake off” this persistent dilemma. Let me suggest that it was “the Spirit” within himself that prompted him not to give up, even though he was battered and fatigued.

Jesus said: “I will be with you all-ways (always)”! The more we realize this gift from God (that we are temples, dwelling-places of the Holy Spirit), the more we will rely on His Presence – and not just when we are in trouble.

Here at St. Philip Neri Parish, the Parish Team is hoping to move into Round 2 of the Synodal process – to continue to nudge and nourish our communal mentality of synodality. This means: how do we, as a Parish Family, meet and discuss, to argue and learn to allow the Holy Spirit to influence our decisions and spiritual behavior to “joyfully build up the Church”, our Parish Family? How do we “shake off” the restrictive and hurtful attitudes of the past that keep us from opening our minds and hearts to live Parish Life in a new and re-energized way?

As I described last week in my pastoral message, again, I invite you – individually, as a family, with close friends … anyone willing to sit in conversation with you – to read through the document that St. Philip Neri Parish sent to the Diocese, concerning the synodal discussions. NOTE: All these comments are the insights and experiences and concerns of our Parish brothers and sisters. As you read the document, listen with your heart, as you ask yourself - what are the topics of interest, issues of concern, even emotional reactions prompted from within, that you would allow the Holy Spirit to invite you into discussion with others. The point of the discussion is not to judge or correct, not to proselytize or convince anyone to “come back to Church”. Rather, the focus is to give a “voice” to another so that hearts can be touched and healed – to bring us into wholesome and life-giving conversation, and communion with others. Regardless of the issue or concern, may we trust that “every cross has a blessing”!

To use a biblical image: How can we “ferment” a “new wine” that is not only delightful to the palate, but also nourishing and healthy for the soul? A “new wine” that is welcoming to the marginalized and voiceless, the social rejects of our communities, the abandoned and rejected! However, if and when we are able to create a new wine of thinking and relationships, then we will also need “new wine skins” – a different structure and mindset of spirituality and religious practises. How do we create a Parish Community at St. Philip Neri where “There is a place for everyone, and everyone has a place”?

Pope John XXIII once said: “The Banquet table (the Eucharist) is open to all who are willing to sit down with all”.

Have a great week. And God’s many blessings on our students as they prepare and write final exams. To parents, grandparents, friends: Come join Fr. Mike at Holy Cross High School as we “pray with fire” while the students are writing exams – 9 - 10 am in the School Chapel (at the front entrance of the school).

May we always believe that “God is good …. ALL the time”!

So … wherever you go, go with God. And, whenever you go, go make a difference!

Peace to you and all your family … Fr. Mike

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

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!

My goodness but weren't these beautiful rains these past few days!  It looks like there is more coming in the next few days as well - our fields and gardens are loving it ... but let's hope there is some nice bright sunshine coming for us too!  A nice balance would be awesome, Lord! 

Okay - let't see what's new and what we need you to keep on your radar:

•  Don't forget about our big Parish BBQ happening THIS Sunday, June 12, over at the St. Philip School gym, right after the 11:30 am Mass, as we honour Fr. Ken on the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the priesthood!  
• Blackstrap Youth Camp is starting up again this summer, with three week-long overnight camps to choose from.  Check out the details below and register your kids now for this awesome, unforgetable camping experience!  Grade 10 and 11 students may also apply to be Camp Counsellors - a great opportunity to develop some new leadership skills, in a great location!   
• 'Tis the season!  Ignite SK 2022 is also offering their youth summer camp, for Grade 9-12 students, from August 8-13.  This one sounds like fun too!  See all those details just below.  
• Got a few bikes kicking around that you are no longer using?  Our Refugee Committee could still use one or two more.  Please see all the details below.  
• The Hospice at Glengarda is looking for 4-5 identical chairs for the chapel being built at Glengarda.  See below for more details.
• The St. Philip Neri Bereavement Support group has set two more dates for their Tuesday afternoon gatherings.  See below for those new dates, and more information.  
• In order to be able to offer Children's Liturgy during the Sunday Masses, Veronica could still use a few more volunteers to help out with these wonderful faith-building sessions for our Parish children.  Another training session for new volunteers will be provided.  More details remain below.   
• The St. Philip Neri K of C will be holding their first Saturday Hamburger and Hot Dog Fundraiser BBQ next weekend, on Saturday, June 18, at the Preston Crossing Canadian Tire.  All the delicious details are below! 
• Speaking of burgers and hotdogs, don't forget about Freedom Fridays!  It's a great way to wind down the work week with some great food and wonderful conversation with fellow parishioners - every Friday from 4 - 6 pm. Just bring some munchies, appies, or a simple dessert and meet us in the Welcome Area (or outdoor grotto if the weather is nice)!  
• One last reminder of the nation-wide "Rosary for the Family" happening via Zoom next Sunday, June 19.  Check out more specific details still below.  
• There are two new June events for Truth and Reconciliation - "Re-Imagining Canada Day, on THIS Wed. June 15 (on-line), or Thurs. June 16 (in person at Remai Modern Theatre).  Walk For Reconciliation "Rock Your Roots" is happening on Tues. June 21.  There are lots more details for you down below.  
• Please keep in mind the Diocesan-wide Family Fun Day planned for Saturday, June 25 in response to the 10th World Meeting of Families in Rome!  Scroll down below to read all about this important Meeting in Rome, as well as fun agenda planned for the Family Fun Day here in Saskatoon!  
• The summer months are always filled with a variety of wonderful faith-building pilgrimages that folks all across SK are invited to participate in.  Scroll down below to check out the first two, taking place in the month of June.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  Don't forget to cheer on our SK Roughriders as they hit the turf in Mosaic Stadium for their official league-opener this Saturday against Hamilton! 

Blue skies and Blessings,

Marlene

Big Parish Celebration for Father Ken!

THIS Sunday, June 12

A reminder that we will be honouring Fr. Ken THIS Sunday, June 12, after the 11:30 am Mass with a big Parish BBQ!  You are all invited to join us, as a Parish community, to congratulate Fr. Ken on his 50th Anniversary as well as to bid him an early farewell and well wishes.  Hopefully you rememeberd to sign up. All the food will be provided - you just need to bring yourself!  Thanks in advance for your participation in this great event as we honour, and say an early goodbye, to our wonderful priest and friend, Fr. Ken.  

Blackstrap Youth Camp

Blackstrap Youth Camp is offering three week-long overnight camps this July, a for children, ages 8 -14 years. Blackstrap Youth Camp is a Catholic program run and operated by the Saskatoon Knights of Columbus, You may find information or register children by clicking on the button below, or https://blackstrapyouthcamp.org/ 

Schedule:

• Week One: July 10-15
• Week Two: July 17-22
• Week Three: July 24-29

NOTE:  Blackstrap Youth Camp is also seeking counsellors: The Knights of Columbus camp is seeking driven, hardworking individuals who are passionate about sharing their faith and working with kids. This is a chance to develop leadership skills, work in nature and have a blast. Positions include Counsellor in Training (requires a Gr. 9 education); Junior Counsellor (requires a Gr. 10 education) Senior Counsellor (requires a Gr. 11 education.) E-mail questions or to apply, send a cover letter and resumé with the subject line “Application for Junior/Senior/CIT” to campblackstrap@gmail.com

Ignite SK 2022

Summer Camp: August 8-13

Ignite SK 2022 for Grade 9-12 will be presented by FacetoFace Ministries from Aug. 8-13 at St. Therese Institute, Bruno, SK (an earlier week has already sold out). Ignite is a week-long live-in Catholic summer camp for teens going into Grade 9 through graduating Grade 12, who desire to grow in holiness. This jam-packed week is filled with excellent talks, amazing people, epic large group activities, daily Mass, Adoration, praise and worship, and much more. Youth will grow in their relationship with God and be empowered to go forward while striving to be a modern-day saint and a light to the world. Register online at www.f2f.ca/ignite

What happens at Ignite? Check out these videos to see what youth will do throughout the week; promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibZaQmKjAlo&t=3s and/or view the video recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1YtEuZyQxA

* Ignite Junior Saskatchewan for Grades 6-8 will be presented by FacetoFace Ministries from Aug. 16-18 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road (Attridge Drive and Forestry Farm Park Drive), Saskatoon. Ignite Junior was a hit last year with 80-plus youth attending. Ignite Junior is a 3-day camp for youth in Grade 6-8. Ignite Junior is an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith in a fun and practical way. They will be immersed in the sacraments, will listen to engaging speakers, and will participate in awesome games all while building authentic friendships. Register today at www.f2f.ca/ignite

St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee

Needed: Good, Used Bikes

The St. Philip Neri Refugee Committee is looking for some used bikes, in good condition, for some of our newcomers, one for a nine-year old boy and two or more for teenagers, so more adult sized. If you have a bike or two that you are no longer using and you are ready to part with them, now is the perfect time!  They can bring some joy to some new youth!  Please call Denise DeBrau for more information, at (306) 291-1675.  

Hospice at Glengarda

Needed: 4-5 Identical Chairs

The Hospice at Glengarda has a furniture request for parishes and/or religious communities: “We are in need of 4-5 identical chairs that could potentially be refinished/reupholstered for the chapel being built at Glengarda.”

If you can assist with this request, please contact Loreen Rawlyk Luby of Emmanuel Health at: (306) 270-0747 or loreen.rawlykluby@saskhealthauthority.ca

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support

Tuesdays, June 14 and 28, 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 THIS Tuesday, June 14, from 1 to 3 pm, here in the church's Sunroom. We look forward to walking with you in faith! No registration fee and no sign up required. Please just feel comfortable in coming to join us. If you wish to contact us, please call Deb or Shirley at the Parish.

Children's Liturgy

More Volunteers Still Needed - Training Provided

Veronica, our Youth Minister, is still looking for a few more volunteers to help with Children’s Liturgy. She is inviting people ages 14 and older to help lead Children’s Liturgy groups during Sunday Masses. No experience necessary - training sessions are provided!  Please contact Veronica for more information about volunteering in this meaningful ministry within our Parish, by email, at: vlucas@rcdos.ca, or call her at the Parish Office, at: (306) 343-0325.

Knights of Columbus Hamburger & Hot Dog Fundraiser BBQ's are back!

Saturdays, June 18 & 25 from 10 am - 4 pm

St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus will once again be running their BBQ's at the Canadian Tire at Preston Crossing! Merv Schneider & friends will be grilling and serving up some delicious hamburgers and hotdogs just for you!  The first two BBQ's of this year will be on Saturdays, June 18 and 25.  Head over to Preston Crossing to do your Saturday shopping then stop by Canadian Tire and have a delicious lunch - and support our K of C at the same time!  It's a win-win!  

We remember in our prayers:

• Laurae Shivak and Brent Reid, who are celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage at our Parish this weekend. May they be blessed with many happy, healthy years together, growing in the love of Christ! Congratulations Laurae and Brent!

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, June 13, 20, 27,  from 6 pm-10 pm 
• The next full day Adoration will be on Thursday, July 14, from 9 am - 6 pm.

Live Nation-wide On-line Rosary

Sunday, June 19

In preparation for the 10^th World Meeting of Families, the CCCB Standing Committee for Family and Life is hosting a live and nationwide Rosary for the Family via Zoom Webinar. The virtual event will take place on Sunday, June 19, at 1 pm SK time, and will be facilitated by several families from across the country. As part of the Amoris Laeitita Family Year, the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network and the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life have published a "Rosary for the Family."

To register for access the virtual Nation-wide On-line Rosary, on Sunday, June 19, please click on the Zoom link below:

June Events for Truth and Reconciliation

* Re-imagining Canada Day – A discussion on Wednesday, June 15 at 1 pm online via Zoom, or in-person and live-streamed at 1:30 pm. Thursday, June 16 at Remai Modern Theatre (no cost, limited seating, reception will follow). Find the schedule and registration details at https://www.facebook.com/ReconciliationSaskatoon/ or https://www.beaconnectr.org/events/. Featuring Knowledge Keeper Lyndon Linklater, spoken word artist Tala Tootoosis, Métis educator John Lagimodiere, youth/community organizer Allison Forsberg, newcomer/author Michael Afenfia, spoken word artist Ahmad Majid, spoken word artist/activist Zoey Roy, etc.

* Walk for Reconciliation “Rock Your Roots” will be held on National Indigenous Peoples Day Tuesday, June 21, starting at 10 a.m. at Victoria Park, Saskatoon, followed by a celebration in the park from noon to 4 p.m., hosted by Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre, with free lunch and performances all afternoon. Demonstrate your support for Truth and Reconciliation and honour Residential School Survivors. Cultural performances will take place along the walk, showcasing Saskatoon's incredible diversity. "Rock Your Roots" by wearing your cultural regalia. Or wear orange, the colour of this year's walk. For anyone who can't walk the route, please contact Carrie at walkforreconciliation@gmail.com to ride in a golf cart. Find more information about “Rock Your Roots” at https://www.facebook.com/ReconciliationSaskatoon/ or https://fb.me/e/2sLJBIUyv

“Rock Your Roots” T-Shirts - Pre-order by contacting rockyourrootstshirts@gmail.com and providing your contact information, the number and sizes of the t-shirts you want. Sizing is unisex and ranges from Small to 4XL and each shirt is $25 (no tax). The t-shirts will be available for pickup on Friday, June 17 (location and time to be determined) or at the Walk for Reconciliation on Tuesday, June 21. Bring cash to pay for the t-shirts at pickup.

CWL Clothing Depot

Are you doing some spring cleaning?

The CWL Clothing Depot continues to attempt to fulfill the needs of our community. In accordance with Covid protocol, our friends have been very respectful in keeping our volunteers, customers and staff safe. The Depot continues to depend on donations. At this time our needs are: Cutlery, towels, blankets, pots and pans and small appliances in good working condition. We are also requesting warm winter wear in good 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 West. This is also a call for volunteers. We need volunteers to work on the floor during store hours. This is a 3-hour commitment, 12 noon to 3 PM Tuesday to Friday and 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday. We would be delighted to hear from new and returning volunteers. Call Bea at (306) 242-5042 to volunteer.  Thanks for your ongoing support!

Grow Hope Saskatchewan

Grow Hope Saskatchewan is again bringing together donors and farmers to feed the hungry! Saskatchewan urban and rural residents will again come together to support Canadian Foodgrains Bank in supporting people around the world who need emergency food assistance, as well as improving long-term food security. How it works: Generous farmers in Saskatchewan have donated land and agreed to grow a crop for Grow Hope Saskatchewan. It costs about $350 per acre to provide seed, fertilizer, fuel and other inputs. Donors from all walks of life are invited to sponsor a partial acre, full acre or multiple acres to help cover these input costs. After harvest, the farmers sell that crop and donate the proceeds to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The federal government matches these donations at four-to-one. Find more information and/or sponsor this year’s growing effort at the Grow Hope Saskatchewan website: www.growhopesk.ca

NOTE: Development and Peace/Caritas Canada is one of the partner agencies in this project. Catholics can write a cheque to “Development and Peace” ear-marked for “Grow Hope Saskatchewan” in the memo line and mail it to: Development & Peace/Caritas Canada, 1425 René-Lévesque Blvd West, 3rd Floor, Montreal QC. H3G 1T7 or call (416)922-1592 (Ext. 225), to donate by phone.

Save the Date! "Family Fun Day" in the Diocese of Saskatoon!

Saturday, June 25

The 10th World Meeting of Families is scheduled to take place in Rome from June 22 - 26.  It will be multi-centred and spread throughout dioceses all over the world!  Each church will be able to take advcantage of local celebration events, as well as being able to listyen and follow the Meeting in Rome with the Holy Father via live-streaming.  

Family Fun Day in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: We invite you to join in our local events to mark the World Meeting of Families! A FREE Diocesan Family Fun Day will be held at St. Patrick Parish, 3339 Centennial Drive, on Saturday, June 25!  The plans are as follows:

• 10:00 am - Mass with Bishop Mark Hagemoen
• 11:00 am – Pure Witness Ministries presents “Heavenly Host” family activity
• 12:00 pm – Free picnic lunch
• 12:45 to 1:30 pm - Pictures, music and fun with Moses the Cat and the Cat.Chat Man
• 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Soccer game: Clergy vs. Families (12 years and up) vying for the Bishop’s Cup/Face painting and games for children under 12!
• 2:30 to 3:00 pm – Living Rosary; ice-cream and done!

This is a FREE event, but registration is required: The deadline to register is June 23. Please go to https://rcdos.ca/wmof to find the link to online registration, or contact Director of Ministry Services, Marilyn Jackson, for more information, at mjackson@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5836.

Upcoming Summer Pilgrimages

Sat. June 11 & Sun. June 12

There are always a number of wonderful pilgrimages held around Saskatchewan during the summer months.  Here are the first two that you are invited to take part in, during the month of June.  Stay tuned for more to come during the months of July & August. 

•  A Walking Pilgrimage from St. George Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Saskatoon to St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Heritage Park (about 25 km) will be held on Saturday, June 11, dedicated to peace in Ukraine.  Please register by June 8; fee is $20.  Please contact Viktoriia Marko, at uwitness2youth@skeparchy.org for more information and to register.  

• Blumenfeld & District Heritage Site Pilgrimage will be held on Sunday, June 12, with a youth rally at 1 pm, the Sacramentof Reconciliation at 2 pm, Roasary and Mass at 3 pm.  A supper will follow. The Blumentfeld pilgrimage site is located 16 km south and 6 km east of Leader, SK, just off Hwy 2.  Everyone is welcome.

Filipino Catholic Community of Saskatoon

Next Monthly Mass - Sunday, June 19

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, June 19 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: July 17 and Aug. 21.

Pilgrim Journey Opportunity

September 21 - October 1, 2022

LAST CALL – Fr. Ralph Kleiter, Ministry to Tourism, with the lifting of travel restrictions, is delighted to offer participation in a “Pilgrim Journey” to Imperial Cities with OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY featuring Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Munich, September 21-October 1, 2022.

Very limited availability on a “first come, first go” basis.

Visit: www.gocollette.com/oberammergau to learn more about this “opportunity of the decade”.

Contact kleiter@shaw.ca or (306) 262-4120 for details and bookings.

Catholic TRC Healing Response

Bishop Mark Hagemoen announced earlier this year a Diocesan five-year goal of $1.25 million to support healing and reconciliation initiatives for residential school survivors and their communities. The Diocesan commitment will be part of a national $30-million pledge announced by the Catholic Bishops of Canada, following their apology to the Indigenous Peoples of this land. To see Bishop Hagemoen’s message, learn more, and/or to make a gift, please click on the button below:

St. Philip Neri Masses are live-streamed, every Saturday at 5 pm and every Sunday at 9:30 am

 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, June 11 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Ken)

Sunday, June 12 - 9:30 am (Fr. Ken)

Saturday, June 18 - 5:00 pm (Fr. Mike)

Suinday, June 19 - 9:30 am (Ken)

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, COVID-related information and other interesting information and announcements. Check it out, below!