IMPORTANT – MESSAGE (St. Mary & Our Lady of Hope)
COVID-19 Restrictions – New Public Health Orders
As of Tuesday, March 15th, there are no longer any capacity restrictions.
Proof of vaccination is not required to attend Mass.
Masks and social distancing are still highly recommended for indoor gatherings. Remain cautious!
(If you have any symptoms of illness, you should stay at home.)
For more information or assistance, please call Father René at the Parish Office (204-268-2453).
May 29th, 2022 (Ascension of the Lord)
THE CLOTHING
This feast celebrates the sending of the Spirit, a new “coming” of God because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The visual image used by Jesus for this coming is “being clothed”.
To be clothed implies that we were naked before. We recall St. Francis beginning a new life by casting off his rich clothes, the worldly sign of this father’s wealth, and, as he stood naked, being clothed by the bishop in his own cloak. Or we remember Elijah throwing his cloak over Elijah as he ploughed in the field, the sign that he was empowered to succeed him as the prophet of Israel. As Jesus withdraws his visible presence, the disciples feel naked indeed. But they will be clothed with God’s Spirit and so be empowered.
They will be sent, as we are sent, to witness, not alone and by our own intelligence and ingenuity, but enveloped, dressed in the promised clothing. It is not a mere cloak. It surrounds us but also inspirits us with the energy of love, God’s “power at work” in us as it was in Christ…
May 22nd, 2022 (Sixth Sunday of Easter)
BACK TO CORNERSTONES
We hear today of foundation stones, buildings, temples, homes, cities – living ones. In the new Jerusalem, in the risen life, we have no need for a temple of stones for God is the temple.
In 1425, Rublev painted an icon of the Holy Trinity as three “angelic” persons with similar holy and gentle countenances. They are seated around an altar-table, like a cornerstone. In the centre is the Lamb of Sacrifice, and cut in the stone is an opening like a door. The space in the midst of the three is the house of love, the temple. There we can enter through the door. It is a holy space, a place of peace, our home.
And now, Jesus tells us, we too are the home of the Trinity. “We will come… and make our home with” you. What a incredible honour and joy : to be the home of God and, in turn, enter the house of love in the Trinity! It this reverent fact of faith we become silent. In this temple, we worship. On this cornerstone, we are secure, for when we enter the house of love, we leave the house of fear…
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
is available by appointment or after Saturday and weekday masses in Beausejour and after the Sunday Mass in Anola. To help you prepare, a sheet with an ‘Examination of conscience’ outline is available at the church entrance (or at the parish office).
"Father Stu" - A Film to Consider Viewing
Still in theatres in Manitoba after four weeks, the film Father Stu has been praised by a number of Catholic media. The film, directed by Rosalind Ross, tells the true story of Stuart Long (played by Mark Wahlberg), a quasi-alcoholic American boxer who first becomes interested in Catholicism in order to woo a young woman who is committed to her faith. Stuart Long takes RCIA courses primarily to deepen this relationship, but a car accident becomes a spiritual turning point for him, to the point where he discerns a vocation to the priesthood. This conversion is not a happy ending, however, but rather the beginning of a life of Christian and priestly commitment marked by considerable trials. To read a review of the film by Steven Greydanus, deacon and critic for Catholic World Report and the DecentFilms.com website, click here. Please note that this film is not for children, due to its harsh language and a script that explores the gray areas of this unique priest's life. To read about the life of the real Father Stuart Long, click here.
St Mary Parish needs your help!
We need people to be lectors, ushers or greeters, Mass coordinators and Mass collection counters.
People with an interest in Music are welcome to join the music ministry.
People with abilities in technology are welcome to help with the sound system, the video system, the recording of Masses and office computer troubleshooting.
People with communication skills could help with the bulletin and Website, updating information and adding new content.
The Church office needs help with filing and organizing, updating parishioner information, recording cemetery information.
People are needed to help with building and grounds maintenance
We would like to schedule parish families to do weekly cleaning in the church. If everyone agrees to help, you will only need to help once a year! If you can’t do it, maybe you can arrange to get someone to do it for you!
If you can help with any of the above tasks or have questions, please call the church office 204-268-2453 or Barb Kiazyk 204-268-1972 or leave your name on the forms at the church.
Knights of Columbus film St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father – Available online
A Providential renewal has come upon the Church with respect to understanding and praying to St. Joseph. To help the faithful in continuing their devotion to St. Joseph, the Knights of Columbus is offering its newest film, St. Joseph : Our Spiritual Father, for all to watch – at no cost. The film has received raving reviews and is rich in inspiring testimonials, including these words from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, “The example of St. Joseph teaches us that we really find ourselves when we live for others.”
Visit www.kofc.org/stjoseph to watch the film or learn more.
** BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT EMAIL **
Fraudulent emails requesting a favour or money are once again being circulated using my name or the name of other Pastors (priests). Do not respond to them!
Diocesan Ordinations Photo Galleries
Paul (Hung Tuan) Nguyen was ordained to the Diaconate on Friday, June 4, at Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish.
To view photos of this happy event for our diocese, click here.
Christian Illunga Mutombo was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 5, at St. Boniface Cathedral.
Access the photo gallery of this solemn celebration by clicking here.
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Let us “come together” in praying the Rosary
We know of the power of prayer and that in the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, we have the greatest of intercessors. Like a loving mother, Mary, who cares for us and listens to us, carries our prayers to her beloved Son, Jesus, our risen Lord and Saviour. Our Lord hears every sincere prayer! In these trying times let us place our hope and trust in Him.
I invite all parishioners (families, couples, individuals) of St. Mary and Our Lady of Hope, from your homes, to unite in praying the Rosary every day at 11:00 am. If you wish, you can have a different intention for each decade.
Our Lady of LaSalette … pray for us.
Our Lady of Hope … pray for us.
