3rd Sunday of Easter- April 14, 2024
THIS SUNDAY’S GOSPEL- Luke 24:35-48- “Touch me and see.”
The disciples are surprised, no, amazed, awed!
He is alive! After death!
Christ, you let them feel and see
your hands and feet, and you unlock their minds.
Oh Jesus, release our own minds. Let us see you
in the beauty of sun and moon and stars,
in the faces of the needy and forlorn,
in all those risking lives to help,
in the breaking of the bread,
in loving our friends.
Let us find you a hundred ways, every day.
By Anne M. Osdiek
This Month on Formed
FORMED is excited to present curated content to help the Church journey through the Easter season. You can find resources on prayer, the lives of the saints, and great spiritual content to help guide you and your family through the season. We pray that all these resources draw you deeper into the mystery of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, and Pentecost.
Details below on how to register for this resource offered by the Diocese of Peterborough.
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From Bishop Miehm
“THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH CELEBRATES A JUBILEE every twenty-five years, and in 2025, that jubilee will be centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Some excellent resources for the Jubilee are already on the Diocese of Peterborough website, including “Teach us to Pray,” a catechesis on this Year of Prayer leading up to the Jubilee. In the words of the official prayer for the 2025 Jubilee, “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.”
BIRTHDAYS AND RETIREMENTS were celebrated at a casual gathering at our Diocesan Pastoral Center Friday. Among the departures, Maggie Baker is stepping back from the task of coordinating refugee sponsorship in the diocese, something she has worked very hard at these last few years. We also bid farewell to Deirdre Thomas, who is retiring next week from her “second career” as Bishop’s Assistant and Communications Manager. With profound thanks and assurance of our prayers, we wish both Deirdre and Maggie much happiness. “
Masses
3rd Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 13, 5pm – For the people of the parish.
Sunday, April 14, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Jerry Pilon and family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, April 17 - 12:10
Thursday, April 18 - 12:10
Friday, April 19, 11am- 12- Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 19, 12:10pm Mass
4th Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 20, 5pm – For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Louis and the family.
Sunday, April 21, 9am - For the intentions of Robert Bettis by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
April 7th- 2nd Sunday of Easter - $775.00, Pre Authorized Giving $210.00
Thank you for your generous giving!
Our Friday Faith Study this week- April 19, 3:30pm- 4:30pm: The Sacraments of Healing- Details below!
Parish Bulletin
April 7, 2024
2nd Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
“Those who sincerely say ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears…There is nothing that we need more than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises us above our weakness to the infinite heights of the holiness of God.”
St. Pope John Paul II at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Cracow, Poland on June 7, 1997
The Divine Mercy message is one we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC:
A - Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.
B - Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.
C - Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that all the graces of His mercy can only be received by our trust. The more we open the door of our hearts and lives to Him with trust, the more we can receive.
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.
May he Rest in Peace
Please remember in your prayers the repose of the soul of Mr. Restituto Valles, the father of Fr. Vic Valles, who passed away at the age of 96 years in the Philippines on Saturday March 30, 2024. The mother Fr. Vic also died only a few months ago.
2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy – St. John the Baptist Church,
Port Severn
Saturday, April 6, 5pm – For the people of the Parish.
Sunday, April 7 - 9am – For Luc Harvey by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, April 10 - 12:10
Thursday, April 11 - 12:10
Friday, April 12, 11am- 12- Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 12, 12:10pm Mass
3rd Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 13, 5pm – For the people of the parish.
Sunday, April 14, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Jerry Pilon and family.
Offertory Collections
Good Friday- Support of Holy Land Sites-$690.00
Easter Sunday - $1355.00
Thank you for your generous giving!
Our Friday Faith Study this week- April 12, 3:30pm- 4:30pm:
Our Friday Faith Study this week- The Sacrament of the Eucharist -
April 12, 3:30pm- 4:30pm: See details at end of this section!
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
March 30 & 31, 2024
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Just as He said!
As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray that you may again be blessed by the Risen Lord’s presence, strength, peace and joy! Thank you for your faith and devotion, it is so edifying serving as your pastor. My deepest thanks to everyone for all their support and for all those who serve us at our Saturday & Sunday Masses and the service behind the scenes that makes our Masses and our parish so special and prayerful. Fr. Charles Orchard
Easter Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 30, 7pm - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Mark and Hilda Vessair and family.
Sunday, March 31, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Ted and Marie O’Leary and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No 12:10 Masses on Wednesday & Thursday this week.
Friday, April 5, 11am- 12- Divine Mercy Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 5, 12:10pm Mass
2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy
St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 6, 5pm – For the people of the Parish.
Sunday, April 7 - 9am – For Luc Harvey by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Palm Sunday Offertory Collection
March 24- $790.00 – Thank you for your generous giving!
Bishop Miehm’s Easter Message
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here but has risen” (Lk 24:5).
Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Diocese of Peterborough,
The Church embraces the celebrations of this Holy Week, commemorating the passion and death and resurrection of the Lord. Thereafter we advance quickly to the wonderful season of Easter, a time of renewal and hope and a time to see with the eyes of faith the great wonders that God has done and continues to do.
It is said that one of the best ways to get the attention of your audience is to ask a probing question at the start of a talk. So, give full marks to the angels at the Lord’s tomb that Easter morning, who asked one of the most probing questions in all of history: “why do you look for the living among the dead?” Part challenge, part correction and part invitation to see things in a new way, it must have taken the faithful women by surprise. But apparently it was a rhetorical question, since the angels did not wait for an answer, but went on to explain, “He is not here, but has risen.” Once they had the attention of their audience, they wasted no time in sharing the good news - good news that the women would also quickly share, as they went to tell the apostles.
Pope Francis has said that the question addressed to the women that Easter morning is posed to each one of us. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” It’s one that should grab our attention and invite us to a new way of seeing things. Do we cling to what is sterile, bleak, and hopeless, just because it is familiar? Do we give in to cynicism and defeatism, supposing that things in the world, the Church, our neighbourhoods, and families can never improve? Easter is a call to reject the malaise that can afflicts so much of modern life and to embrace a new way of living with a spirit of hope. As the Holy Father has said, “Death, solitude and fear are not the last word. There is a word that transcends them, a word that only God can speak; it is the word of the resurrection.”
The angels’ question should snap us to attention this Easter, reminding us that because of the Lord’s resurrection, we can always lay claim to hope. May God bless you and yours richly in this season of great joy.
Yours in Christ,
+ Most Reverend Daniel Miehm
Bishop of Peterborough
Parish Bulletin- Palm Sunday - March 24, 2024
“Who is this Man?”
Palm Sunday calls us to humility. “The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward,” says Prophet Isaiah. “Though he was in the form of God,” Jesus Christ, “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness,” says Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians. “Humility goes before honour.” (Proverbs 15:33)
Following the example of the humbled, triumphant Jesus Christ, we can give new meaning to a world that is losing its identity and bearings. Humility leads us to say to our sisters or brothers that we seek their forgiveness and to be quick to offer them forgiveness. Humility helps us to take a step towards others, to see others as our neighbours and to love them.
Palm Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 23, 5pm – For the Intentions of Bruce Kolb by Susan King.
Sunday, March 24 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of George King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 27, 12:10pm
No 12:10 Masses on Thursday & Friday this week.
See the Holy Week schedule for full details.
Easter Sunday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 30, 7pm - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Mark and Hilda Vessair and family.
Sunday, March 31, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Ted and Marie O’Leary and family.
Sunday Offertory Collections
March 17 -Regular $630.00, Pre authorized giving- $425.00
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada thanks you for supporting the Reaping our Rights campaign with your Share Lent donation. Thanks to your generosity, our parish collected $545.00. This sum will help support our sisters and brothers in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. If you have not yet had a chance to give, you can still place your Share Lent envelope in the offertory or donate online at devp.org/give.
Holy Week Schedule
All Masses/services at St. John the Baptist, Port Severn this year
Holy Thursday Mass- March 28 - 7pm
& quiet adoration til 9pm.
Good Friday Service - March 29 - 3pm
(Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil Mass- Saturday March 30 - 7pm
(NO Saturday 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday Mass – March 31 - 9 am
From Bishop Miehm
“HOLY WEEK IS UPON US beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord this weekend. On Monday at 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at which priests from around the Diocese will gather and renew their priestly promises. And we are looking forward to the Outdoor Way of the Cross, beginning at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 10:00 a.m. on Good Friday, then wending its way across the city and concluding at Immaculate Conception Church. Let us pray for many blessings and graces this Holy Week.”
What is the Chrism Mass?
The bishop, joined by the priests of the diocese, gather at the Cathedral in Peterborough to celebrate the Chrism Mass every year during Holy Week. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop. The priests renew their priestly promises during this Mass. At this celebration the bishop blesses the “Holy Oils” — the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and holy chrism — which will be taken to all the parishes by the priests and used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the next year. The Mass is followed by a social and festive meal with the Bishop for all the Priests and Deacons of the Diocese.
5th Sunday of Lent -Solidarity Sunday - March 16 & 17
Solidarity Sunday - Create Hope - Reaping our Rights
“Around the world, many communities desperately want to protect their land, a source of life and hope. Let’s show our solidarity with those who defend the lands, waters and forests that sustain them, as well as the culture, history and identity that define them. Let’s Stand for the Land with them to secure their future in the face of threats such as agribusiness, mining, climate change and conflict.” Bishop McGrattan, CCCB President
“The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace supports development and aid projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, while informing Catholics on international and social justice issues. The Canadian Bishops have reserved the season of Lent for a collection (usually branded as “Share Lent”) to assist the Global South. This year, the collection will be held this weekend, the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Your generosity is appreciated, as the Church seeks to ensure that the blessings of peace, prosperity and justice are extended around the world. “ Bishop Daniel Miehm
5th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 16, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 17, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Rosemary Wallace and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 20, 12:10pm- The Repose of the souls of Adlaide & Octavio Simao and Marie Dacosta by Jose Simao
Thursday, March 21, 12:10pm
Friday, March 22, 12:10pm
Palm Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 23, 5pm – For the Intentions of Bruce Kolb by Susan King.
Sunday, March 24 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of George King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
March 10 - $1090.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Parish Lenten Schedule
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Confessions - Fridays 11am-11:30am & Saturdays 4:15pm-4:45pm
Holy Week Schedule
All Masses/services at St. John the Baptist, Port Severn this year
Palm Sunday – Sat March 23 - 5pm & Sun March 24 - 9am
Holy Thursday - March 28 - 7pm
Good Friday - March 29 - 3pm (Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil - Sat March 30 - 7pm (NO 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday – March 31 - 9 am
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
4th Sunday of Lent - March 9 & 10
Deliverance through the Cross
After Israel’s infidelity to the covenant made at the desert, the prophet Jeremiah looks forward to a new covenant Yahweh will make with his people. This time, God will write his law in the hearts of his people who will then live in obedience to God’s law. “We would like to see Jesus.” These words, spoken by some Greeks to Philip, express the goal of Lent and of Christian living. Jesus responds to this desire by speaking of his “hour” of glory, referring to his death and resurrection. He uses two images: the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies to produce much fruit, and his being lifted up or being crucified and exalted at the same time. Jesus’ glory is revealed not only in the resurrection but also in the very act of dying.
4th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 9, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 10 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of Daniel King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 13, 12:10pm- The Repose of the Soul of Frank Dupuis by Joan and the Family
Thursday, March 14, 12:10pm
Friday, March 15, 12:10pm
5th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 16, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 17, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Rosemary Wallace and family.
Offertory Collections
March 3 - $735.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
From Bishop Miehm
THE ANNUAL SHARE LENT COLLECTION is coming soon, being held as usual on the 5th Sunday of Lent. The Bishops of Canada support this work of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to assist the Global South. This year’s campaign is entitled, “Reaping our Rights.” This annual campaign helps the Church in Canada to promote justice and combat poverty in accord with Catholic social teaching.
“EUCHARIST – OUR PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY” is the title of our City-wide Lenten Mission. The Mission preachers are Father Luke Joseph Leighton, CFR,and Father Juan Diego Sutherland, CFR, who are both members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The mission will be presented twice daily (morning and evening) at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains from Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 13. For those beyond the city the mission will be available through the internet/livestreamed at 7pm or to be viewed at other times on the” Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough” utube channel.
Parish Lenten Schedule
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Confessions - Fridays 11am-11:30am & Saturdays 4:15pm-4:45pm
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday – Sat March 23 - 5pm & Sun March 24 - 9am
Holy Thursday - March 28 - 7pm
Good Friday - March 29 - 3pm (Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil - Sat March 30 - 7pm (NO 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday – March 31 - 9 am
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
1st Sunday of Lent - February 17 & 18, 2024
New life with Christ in the Lenten Desert
God promises that never again shall living creatures be destroyed
by the waters of a flood. The rainbow is a sign of this covenant
between God and his creatures. St. Peter writes that just as Noah and
his family were saved in the ark, Christians are saved by baptism
through which they share in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Like Jesus, whom the Spirit drove to the wilderness we too are to seek time alone with God. This season is also an opportune time for us to
unplug and disconnect” from the busyness of our lives. The noises of modern society’s fast-paced environment can be overwhelming. Allowing ourselves to retreat from the culture of our screens and social media helps us find quiet moments to reflect on ourselves, our meaningful
relationships with others, and our longing for God. Lent offers us spaces of prayer and a deeper connection with God.
3rd Sunday of Lent - March 2 & 3
A New Temple and a New Law
The Lord gave the Ten Commandments to Moses so that people might know that true worship consists of serving God with loving hearts
St. Paul proclaims that it is in Jesus’ cross that we learn the sublime
wisdom of God. In his infinite knowledge and love, God gives
us his Son to redeem us by his suffering. In his zeal for God’s house,
Jesus cleanses the temple, reacting against a kind of worship lacking soul,
a religion motivated mainly by the pursuit of material gain. He is the
living temple through which we who believe have access to the Father.
3rd Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 2, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 3, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Duarl Simmons by Anne Simmons and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 6, 12:10pm
Thursday, March 7, 12:10pm
Friday, March 8, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 9, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 10 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of Daniel King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
February 25 - $665.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
From Bishop Miehm
“EUCHARIST – OUR PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY” is the title of our City-wide Lenten Mission. The Mission preachers are Father Luke Joseph Leighton, CFR,and Father Juan Diego Sutherland, CFR, who are both members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The mission will be presented twice daily (morning and evening) at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains from Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 13. For those beyond the city the mission will be available through the internet/livestreamed at 7pm or to be viewed at other times on the” Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough” utube channel.
1st Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 17, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by the family.
Sunday, February 18, 9am - For people of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday- Feb 21, 12:10pm
Thursday Feb 22, 12:10pm
Friday, February 23, 12:10pm
2nd Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 24, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 25 - 9am - For the repose of the soul Edward Donaghy by Valerie Leduc and family.
Offertory Collections
February 11 - $625.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith. This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture
of the Catholic Faith.
THIS WEEK - THE INEFFABLE MYSTERY OF GOD- THE HOLY TRINITY
Bishop Barron in his “Catholicism” Series presents our Catholic Faith’s compelling vision of God. The mystery of the Trinity is, the Catechism emphasizes, “the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life. God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (par. 261).
From Bishop Miehm
THE SEASON OF LENT began this week, our annual 40-day pilgrimage of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that leads to Easter. We had large crowds for Ash Wednesday at our Cathedral and other parishes, a good sign of people’s enthusiasm for this season of prayer, penance and spiritual renewal. Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2024 focuses on a theme from Exodus, “Through the Desert, God leads us to freedom.” The Holy Father remarks, “Let us welcome Lent as the great season in which He reminds us, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’” You may read find the full text of Pope Francis’ Lenten message at Vatican.va
The 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 10 & 11, 2024
“He was moved with compassion.”
The passage from the book of Leviticus describes how the Israelites dealt with a person stricken with leprosy. Their fear and abhorrence of this disease serve as the background for Jesus’ encounter and healing of a man leprosy. The healing declares that Jesus is the one who is to come, for when the Messiah comes, the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. The Messiah comes to inaugurate the year of the Lord’s favor.
Jesus needs our words and our actions, our hands and our hearts, to continue to reach out today to the lonely, to alleviate pain, to bridge the gap that separates people. May this Eucharist strengthen us to become effective instruments of the Lord’s healing love.
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 10, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 11 - 9am - For the repose of the souls of Joseph and Florence Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Ash Wednesday- Feb 14 – 12:10pm & 7pm
Thursday Feb 15, 12:10pm
Friday, February 16, 12:10pm
1st Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 17, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by the family.
Sunday, February 18, 9am - For people of the parish.
Offertory Collections
February 4 - $1225.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Lenten Fasting & Abstinence from Meat.
Christian fasting obtains its full meaning when we deprive ourselves of food in order to be more open to prayer, to share more in the suffering of those who are starving and to save money to give to the poor.
The law of “abstinence from meat” binds those who are 14 and older;
the law of “fasting” binds those from 18 to 59 years of age.
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Ash Wednesday - February 14
Masses - 12:10 pm & 7pm
Day of fasting and abstinence from meat.
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Fr. Charles
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5th Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 4, 2024
Bringing Healing and Hope
In his suffering, Job gives voice to the evils and pains that beset us.
In our pain and brokenness, we cry out to God for an explanation or answer. God will later invite Job to trust that he is always with him in his suffering. Psalm 147 invites us to trust God who is gracious and heals the broken-hearted. The Gospel presents Jesus attending to the sick and
the suffering. In him who is God-made-man, God shows himself close to people who are broken in soul and body. Through Him, God comes into this “valley of tears” and begins the transformation of despair into hope, of death into life. In preaching the Gospel, St. Paul has made himself all things to all. In particular, he has become weak for those who are weak. As Christians, we are invited to be compassionate: to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 3, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Wilbert and Mary Cascanette by Don Cadeau
Sunday, February 4, 9am - For people of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Masses Wednesday Feb 7 or Thursday Feb 8,
Friday, February 9, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, February 9, 12:10pm
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 10, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 11 - 9am - For the repose of the souls of Joseph and Florence Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Offertory Collections
January 28 - $725.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for weekly details!!
Fr. Charles
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Ash Wednesday - February 14
Masses - 12:10 pm & 7pm
Day of fasting and abstinence from meat.
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
Details on how to register for FORMED:
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
The 4th Sunday of Ordinary time - January 28, 2024
The Power of the Word of God
In Israel no one was like Moses. He is a prophet and a lawgiver. But Moses himself declares that God will raise a prophet not only like him but even greater. This prophet will be a true spokesman for God, speaking only what the Lord commands. His prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus.
The Gospel today presents Jesus as the prophet of God, teaching
and acting with authority. Even the evil spirit gives witness to Jesus, recognizing him as “the Holy One of God” and submitting to his commands.
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 27, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday January 28, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda and the family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 31, 12:10pm
Thursday, February 1, 12:10pm
Friday, February 2, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, February 2, 12:10pm
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 3, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Wilbert and Mary Cascanette by Don Cadeau
Sunday, February 4, 9am - For people of the parish.
Offertory Collections
January 21 - $595.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
See details on how to register for FORMED on the back of the bulletin!
From Bishop Miehm
POPE FRANCIS HAS SET THE STAGE FOR A NEW CANADIAN SAINT.
Earlier this week he signed a decree recognising a miracle attributed to Blessed Marie-Leonie Paradis, who founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. She died in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 1912 and was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II on his visit to Canada in 1984. There is an article online from Catholic News Agency describes her life and ministry.
“LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS” is a pastoral letter released by the Canadian Bishops this week on the use of Social Media. While recognizing the great potential for good in social media, it also points out how it “can play on the worst of our human tendencies, leading to online environments that violate the core Christian values of truth and human dignity.” The bishops go on to recommend seven commitments we can make together to build healthy online environments that serve the common good. In a world that is more and more influenced by social media, this brief letter with its practical advice is well worth a read. https://www.cccb.ca/
The 3rd Sunday of Ordinary time - January 21, 2024
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 20, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Eduardo Ocampo and Antonio Serrano by Elizabeth Villegas.
Sunday January 21, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Philip and Brian Leduc by Valerie Leduc and Family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 24, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 25, 12:10pm
Friday, January 26, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 26, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 27, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday January 28, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda and the family.
Offertory Collections
January 14 - $510.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith. Our first session this week will focus on faith and how to grow in faith. .
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
See details on how to register for FORMED on the back of the bulletin!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
The 2nd Sunday of Ordinary time - January 14, 2024
Discipleship: Being with the Lord
In our Scripture readings today the young man Samuel slowly recognizes God’s voice and call with the help of the wise Eli, a Jewish priest living in the days of the judges and serving God at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This reminds us that no one can follow the Lord without having been called by him. In the Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples of John, “What are you looking for?” Today, Jesus is also asking us, “What are you looking for?” The answer to this question depends on how we understand truth about God and us. Are we looking for accumulation of wealth, honor, or power, or are we looking for a deep relationship with Jesus?
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 13, 5pm - For the repose of the soul of Betty Ann Alexander by Elizabeth Villegas
Sunday January 14, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Frank and Cheryl Dupuis by the Dupuis family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 17, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 18, 12:10pm
Friday, January 19, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 19, 12:10pm
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 20, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Eduardo Ocampo and Antonio Serrano by Elizabeth Villegas.
Sunday January 21, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Philip and Brian Leduc by Valerie Leduc and Family.
Offertory Collections
January 7 –Epiphany Sunday - $585.00
December Online Donations- $710.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Thank you for your kind greetings, cards and gifts at Christmas time.
I am blessed to be in your midst! I will continue to ask the Lord’s Blessings for all our parishioners in my daily prayer!
Fr. Charles
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
PARISH ACTION STEPS
As the diocese is encouraging us to promote adult education in the faith I am planning to offer a weekly meeting at St. John the Baptist Church for parishioners to gather to learn about and discuss our Catholic Faith.
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.” This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion guides, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith. Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
Details on how to register for FORMED:
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
The Solemnity of The Epiphany
January 6 & 7, 2024
The Word of God Today
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord.
The prophet Isaiah foresees the day when God will be worshipped not
only by the Israelites whom he will gather from dispersion but also by
pagan nations. The apostle Paul declares that in Christ Jesus, the loving plan of the Father is now revealed: the Gentiles become sharers with
the Jews in the gift of salvation “Epiphany” means manifestation. The birth of Jesus is meant not only for the people of Israel but for all nations, represented by the Magi or the “Three Kings.” May this revelation shine forth on everyone so that the gift of salvation may be shared by all.
The Epiphany of the Lord – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 6, 5pm- For the People of the parish.
Sunday January 7, 9am - For the People of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 10, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 11, 12:10pm
Friday, January 12, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 12, 12:10pm
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 13, 5pm - For the repose of the soul of Betty Ann Alexander by Elizabeth Villegas
Sunday January 14, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Frank and Cheryl Dupuis by the Dupuis family.
Offertory Collections
December 31-The Feast of the Holy Family - 1660.00
January 1 – The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God- $880.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Thank you for your kind greetings, cards and gifts at Christmas time.
I am blessed to be in your midst! I will continue to ask the Lord’s Blessings for all our parishioners in my daily prayer!
Fr. Charles
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
PARISH ACTION STEPS
As the diocese is encouraging us to promote adult education in the faith I am planning to offer a weekly meeting at St. John the Baptist Church for parishioners to gather to learn about and discuss our Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Holy Family Sunday & The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
December 30, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
As we contemplate the Incarnation of the Son of God, we praise God who created us to be in relationship and who, in the fullness of time, sent his Son to be a part of our family. Christmas is a celebration of the family. May today’s feast of the Holy Family of Jesus and Mary and Joseph teach us to value family life and to live in peace with one another as members of the one family of God.
The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
The year opens with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Just as mothers are always the first to touch our lives, so we begin our spiritual journey under the loving gaze of Mary, the Mother of God and our mother. Mary gathers us, her children in Jesus Christ, under her care. Let us entrust to her our hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows.
Today we also mark the 57th World Day of Prayer for Peace. May the Savior of the world, who brings God’s peace to his people, bless all of humanity with the gift of peace.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Jack Vesseur by Ann Cascanette
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 3, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 4, 12:10pm
Friday, January 5, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 5, 12:10pm
The Epiphany of the Lord – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 6, 5pm- For the People of the parish.
Sunday January 7, 9am
The World Day of Peace – January 1st
The theme for Pope Francis' 2024 World Day of Peace message is on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.” Pope Francis calls for an open dialogue on the meaning of these new technologies and affirms the need to be vigilant so that a logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices, at the expense of the most fragile and excluded. May AI be used in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home.
Offertory Collections
4th Sunday of Advent - 1000.00
Christmas - $1594.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
FAMILY FRIENDLY ON FORMED.ORG
This Christmas while the children and grandchildren are home from school, take advantage of the family friendly catholic content on Formed.org - free of charge through the Peterborough Diocese subscription.
Enjoy programs such as St. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dance with Marcam and Hildegard’s Gift.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
CHRISTMAS BULLETIN - December 25, 2023
The Mystery of Christmas
“In Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God himself, God from God, became man.... God’s everlasting ‘today’ has come down into the fleeting today of the world and lifted our momentary today into God’s eternal today. God is so great that he can become small. God is so powerful that he can make himself vulnerable and come to us as a defenseless child, so that we can love him. God is so good that he can give up his divine splendor and come down to a stable, so that we might find him, so that his goodness might touch us, give itself to us and continue to work through us. This is Christmas: ‘You are my Son, this day I have begotten you.’ God has become one of us, so that we can be with him and become like him. As a sign, he chose the Child lying in the manger: this is how God is. This is how we come to know him. And on every child shines something of the splendor of that ‘today,’ of that closeness of God which we ought to love and to which we must yield”.
Pope Benedict XVI
Christmas Thanks!
As we give thanks for the gift of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ I want to thank you for your faith, devotion and faithful service to God and his people. Thank you to all of you for your support of the parish and your kindness and warm welcome to me as your pastor. I am privileged to constantly witness and be in the middle of so many acts of love and service that help to make our parish Masses and parish life such a blessing! I look forward to getting to know you and to serving the Lord with you!
Be assured of my daily prayers and thanks to God for you!
Merry Christmas!!!
Fr. Charles Orchard
Pastor
FAMILY FRIENDLY ON FORMED.ORG
This Christmas while the children and grandchildren are home from school, take advantage of the family friendly catholic content on Formed.org - free of charge through the Peterborough Diocese subscription.
Enjoy programs such as St. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dance with Marcam and Hildegard’s Gift.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Announced Mass Intentions
The Solemnity of Christmas
Sunday, December 24- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur, Corbier and Phillips Families by Mark, Hilda and family
Monday December 25 – 9am - For the people of the Parish.
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31 - 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Christmas Message from our Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
An Advent season of just three weeks has not given us very much time to heed the call of St. John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord.” This shortened runway has probably meant that we have been busier than ever in the lead-up to Christmas, maybe even more frazzled than usual, and not as ready spiritually as we would like to be. The Christmas rush seems to get ever more rushed, and we do our best to manage it all.
What a consolation then, to remember that Christmas is not so much about what we do, but about what God has done for us. Cardinal John Henry Newman (canonized in 2019) once wrote in a sermon that the special charm of Christmas is that Christ comes to us as our guest. And in that coming, Newman notes “He brightens everything. He does not take away, he adds. He makes the world our home, for he deigns to be the light of it.”
In this busy season, with all that is pressing in on us, may our hearts be attuned to Christ who comes to us as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Savior of the World. Let us open our hearts in welcome because, ready or not, here He comes!
May His coming fill our families, churches and communities with light and joy this holy season.
Yours in Christ, Bishop Daniel Miehm
Bulletin- 4th Sunday of Advent - December 23 & 24, 2023
The Word of God Today
David proposes building a temple for the Lord. The Lord tells him He chooses instead to build the house or dynasty of David. From David’s descendants will come the Messiah. St. Paul reminds us that God’s loving plan of salvation, hidden for many ages, is revealed with the coming of Jesus Christ. And this is made known both to Israel and the gentiles.
The Gospel on the last Sunday of Advent, invites us to reflect on the annunciation of the Lord’s birth to the Virgin Mary. As we hear the Blessed Virgin Mary say “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”, we are invited to give our YES to God. Because of her openness to God’s promise, her deep faith, and her willingness to serve, Mary becomes a model of one who is truly prepared to welcome the Saviour.
A Prayer for the Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle
Father, as our Advent pilgrimage draws to a close, we relight the candles of hope, peace, and joy. And we light the candle of love. Grant us the courage to share your love: love for life and all creation, love for sinners and saints, love for the poor and the little ones. We thank you for the hope your Son gives us, for the peace he bestows, for the joy your Spirit pours into our hearts, and for your love that redeems us and shows our way back to you. Amen.
Announced Mass Intentions
4th Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 23, 5pm – For the repose of soul of Jeannine Labombarbe by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 24, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc & Edward Donaghy by Jen & Len Leduc and Family
The Solemnity of Christmas
Sunday, December 24- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur, Corbier and Phillips Families by Mark, Hilda and family
Monday December 25 –9am - For the people of the Parish.
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Sunday Offerings – December 16 & 17- $1819.66
Christmas Message from our Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
An Advent season of just three weeks has not given us very much time to heed the call of St. John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord.” This shortened runway has probably meant that we have been busier than ever in the lead-up to Christmas, maybe even more frazzled than usual, and not as ready spiritually as we would like to be. The Christmas rush seems to get ever more rushed, and we do our best to manage it all.
What a consolation then, to remember that Christmas is not so much about what we do, but about what God has done for us. Cardinal John Henry Newman (canonized in 2019) once wrote in a sermon that the special charm of Christmas is that Christ comes to us as our guest. And in that coming, Newman notes “He brightens everything. He does not take away, he adds. He makes the world our home, for he deigns to be the light of it.”
In this busy season, with all that is pressing in on us, may our hearts be attuned to Christ who comes to us as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Savior of the World. Let us open our hearts in welcome because, ready or not, here He comes!
May His coming fill our families, churches and communities with light and joy this holy season.
Yours in Christ, Bishop Daniel Miehm
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance.
CHECK OUT FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIES @
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS!
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Bulletin- 3rd Sunday of Advent - December 16 & 117, 2023
The Word of God Today - Gaudete Sunday
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”
The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, a Sunday of rejoicing.
The Church, the People of God, rejoices in salvation from sin, inviting everyone to rejoice and create conditions that the salvation brought by the Lord Jesus may be shared by all. The spirit of Gaudete Sunday is expressed in the words that the prophet addresses to the brokenhearted Israelites in exile. God will heal them and bring them back to their own land. Jesus will make these words his own when he begins his public ministry.
St. Paul asks the early Christians to prepare for the Lord’s coming with joy in their hearts, with prayer on their lips, and with a life of holiness.
A Prayer for the Lighting of the 3rd Advent Candle
Father, at the height of our Advent walk, we relight the candles of hope and peace, and we light the candle of joy. Grant us the courage to experience joy in hope of the Savior’s coming: joy in the face of apathy,
joy in the face of sorrow, joy in the face of uncertainty. Amen
3rd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 16, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Ann Cascanette
Sunday, December 17, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc by Len Leduc and Family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 20, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 21, 12:10pm
Friday, December 22, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 22, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 23, 5pm – For the repose of soul of Jeannine Labombarbe by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 24, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc by Len Leduc and Family
Christmas Eve- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Mark, Hilda and family
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – December 9 & 10- $800.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“ THE LATEST EDITION OF “THE CATHOLIC HERALD” has just been published online, with hard copies arriving in parishes at Christmastime. Sincere thanks to our many contributors and to our editor, Fr. Ray Rick, who has produced a particularly full edition about Catholic life and doings in the Diocese of Peterborough and beyond. Our diocesan magazine is always informative and interesting and represents the writing efforts of many people! You can reach the online version of The Catholic Herald at https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/about-us/catholic-herald-diocesan-magazine.aspx
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC-utube.com/watch?v=5k1sJtKfugM&t=1s
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance
Bulletin- 2nd Sunday of Advent - December 9 & 10, 2023
The Word of God Today
New Beginnings
From the prophet Isaiah’s “Book of Consolation”, we hear God’s words of comfort for his people exiled in Babylon. God has forgiven their sins and will bring them back to their homeland. The call to prepare the way of the Lord in the desert is echoed in today’s Gospel. St. Peter pictures the coming of the “day of the Lord” and instructs us to prepare for this day by our repentance and by our holy and devout conduct. St. John the Baptist appears in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The prophet’s voice should awaken us from spiritual lukewarmness. Like the people who listen to him, we should get up on our feet and go to meet the Lord. But first we have to look deep within us and realize that we are unprepared to meet him. The mountains of our pride and our sinfulness, the valleys of our preoccupation with the things of this world, make for an uneven path. We have to make ready a straight path for the Lord by renewal and conversion.
Prayer for the Lighting of the 2nd Advent Candle
Father, as we journey down this Advent road, we relight the candle of hope, and we light the candle of peace. Grant us the courage to make peace: peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our communities.
Amen
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 13, 12:10pm – St. Lucy
Thursday, December 14, 12:10pm - St. John of the Cross
Friday, December 15, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 15, 12:10pm
3rd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 16, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, December 17, 9am – For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Ann Cascanette
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – December 2 & 3- $610.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance
Bulletin- 1st Sunday of Advent - December 2 & 3, 2023
Living in Expectation
The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical year and begins a four week period of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for parishes and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming. The most significant tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. As we light more candles week by week we are reminded that we are to welcome Christ the true light of the world and walk in the light.
1st Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 2, 5pm – For the repose of the soul of Eileen Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 3, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Edward Donaghy
by Jenny Leduc and family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 6, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 7, 12:10pm
Friday, December 8, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 8, 12:10pm - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2nd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 9, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of Jeffrey and Bertha Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 10, 9am – For the people of the parish
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – November 25 & 26- $485.00
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund - $145.00
November Electronic Giving- $510.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
November 25 &26
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
The last Sunday in the liturgical calendar of the Church celebrates Christ the King. When the kings of Israel failed the people, God presents himself as a shepherd-king who cares for his flock. This love of the Lord finds its incarnation in Jesus, the Good Shepherd and King. At his resurrection, Christ is proclaimed the King of the universe, the Lord of time. Every moment and every human activity are embraced in his incarnation and resurrection. King Jesus is a shepherd who cares for all of us and protects us and who judges the nations on the basis of love, justice, and peace.
Christ the King Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 25, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, November 26, 9am -For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Louis and Derek Cousineau
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 30, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 23, 12:10pm
Friday, December 1, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 1, 12:10pm
1st Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 2, 5pm – For the repose of the Soul of Eileen Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 3, 9am – For the people of the parish
Christmas Season Mass Schedule
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
From Bishop Miehm
“THE WORLD DAY OF YOUTH takes place this Sunday, and with it, our own Diocesan Youth Day. In 2020, Pope Francis transferred the observance of the World Day of Youth (instituted by St. John Paul II) from Palm Sunday to the Solemnity of Christ the King. Our Diocesan Youth Office has planned a program that begins at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at our Cathedral: there I will bless and recommission the Diocesan Youth Cross, which was often used at gatherings of young people, but went into hibernation in more recent years. Afterwards, the pilgrims who attended World Youth Day in Lisbon this summer will share some of their personal stories of this amazing, life-changing experience.
THE ADVENT SEASON IS UPON US in just over a week. We have been promoting the resources on FORMED for a while now – and every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON
and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Offerings – November 18 & 19- $710.00
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund - $190.00
Global Celebration of Young People on the Feast of Christ the King.
Pope Francis says in this years’ message to young people, "Dear young people, do not be afraid to share with others the hope and joy of the risen Christ! Nurture the spark that has been kindled in you, but at the same time share it. You will come to realize that it grows by being given away!"
November 18 & 19 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings, ends with a hymn in praise of the ideal mother and wife. The inspired author pictures the ideal woman as one who uses her talents in the service of her family and of the poor. The apostle Paul reiterates the need to stay alert for the coming of the Lord. As “children of the light” we must be immersed in works that prepare us for our encounter with the Lord. God’s blessings are bestowed on us not only for the good of self but for the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. If we use our talents for the spread of Christ’s Gospel and for the benefit of our brothers and sisters, then we have profitably invested them, proving ourselves trustworthy servants of the Lord.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 22, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 23, 12:10pm
Friday, November 24, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 24, 12:10pm
Christ the King Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 25, 5pm
Sunday, November 26, 9am – For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – November 11 & 12- $1155.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
Some practical helps needed for our parish response:
People to take/provide digital pictures at the parish that we can use on our website.
People with website and social media expertise to help with our outreach.
Making the parish aware of events in our community that we can support.
Fr. Charles
From Bishop Miehm
“THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND (IRF) collection will be taken up in our Diocese on the weekend of November 17/18. This is our third collection to support the pledge of the Canadian Bishops to raise 30 million dollars to promote projects that advance the cause of reconciliation and address the trauma caused by residential schools. Our Diocesan IRF committee, composed of Indigenous representatives, has met several times in recent months. They recently recommended eight projects totalling $160,000.00 for approval by the National IRF Board of Directors, which oversees the local campaigns. The applicants are from various First Nations and Métis groups in Kawartha, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions, and their projects are all very worthy ones – your kind donations are making this possible. Special collection envelopes are available this weekend. You may also donate online at https://bit.ly/46k7GCL or using QR Code:
GOOD NEWS FOR OUR INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATON FUND! We received word this week from the National Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Board of Directors that the eight projects our local committee recommended for support have now been approved. Sincere thanks to the members of our local IRF committee, who studied and vetted the various applications and proposed these projects for funding. This is happy news just before this weekend’s collection in our parishes for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. Thank you so much for your generous support in two previous collections, which enabled us to fund these eight worthy projects that will help us to “walk together” with Indigenous people.
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL WORLD DAY OF THE POOR is celebrated in Catholic parishes this weekend, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Pope Francis published a special message for the day, referencing and excerpt from the Book of Tobit 4:7; “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor. My sincere thanks to all those in our parishes and Catholic lay
organizations who dedicate themselves to the service of the poor in any way. “ Bishop Daniel Miehm
November 11 & 12 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
God shares divine wisdom with all who seek and are ready for it. Wisdom is personified as a woman who is found by those who love her.
St. Paul comforts those who mourn the dead with the thought of the future resurrection. The living, likewise, will be caught up with them in glory when Jesus comes at the end of the age. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. Two weeks before the season of Advent, a time to prepare for and anticipate the Second Coming of Christ, this parable places us in that perfect position of welcoming the Lord in our lives.
A wise Christian decides and acts based on what helps build up God’s kingdom now. Tomorrow may be too late. As believers, we must always be prepared to encounter God who comes to us through the persons we meet and the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 15, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 16, 12:10pm
Friday, November 17, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 17, 12:10pm
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 18, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of Joseph
and Josephine King, by Don Cadeau
Sunday, November 19, 9am – For the people of the Parish
Sunday Offerings – November 4 & 5 - $810.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”
- 1 John 1: 1
From Bishop Miehm
“THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND (IRF) collection will be taken up in our Diocese on the weekend of November 17/18. This is our third collection to support the pledge of the Canadian Bishops to raise 30 million dollars to promote projects that advance the cause of reconciliation and address the trauma caused by residential schools. Thank you for your generosity in the past two collections! Our Diocesan IRF committee, composed of Indigenous representatives, has met several times in recent months. They recently recommended eight projects totalling $160,000.00 for approval by the National IRF Board of Directors, which oversees the local campaigns. The applicants are from various First Nations and Métis groups in Kawartha, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions, and their projects are all very worthy ones – your kind donations are making this possible. Special collection envelopes are available this weekend. You may also donate online at https://bit.ly/467GCL.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On November 11th each year we pause to remember those who died in war, especially those who fought bravely to defend our freedom. As Christians, we pray for the victims of violent conflict throughout the world and that God’s kingdom of justice and peace may prevail among nations. “
St. Mary’s Church Bazaar
Saturday, November 18th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
266 Albert St. Victoria Harbour
Crafts Penny Sale Bake Sale
Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come and Enjoy!
Tickets are being sold by St. Mary’s Women of Faith for 2.00 each ere on Saturday & Sunday.
1st prize - a handcrafted quilt
2nd prize/ stained glass snowflake hanger
3rd prize- floral quilt- single size
Draw will be December 4, 2023
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s Women of Faith
November 4 & 5 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The Lord warns the religious leaders of Israel of his anger because they teach in the name of the Lord yet they do not keep his ways.
In St. Paul we find the model of a true Christian teacher. Like a loving parent to his converts, he teaches them the Gospel and works that he may not burden them with his needs. Jesus’ seemingly harsh condemnation of certain religious leaders and their practices tells us that following him entails humble service and not receiving entitlements. Titles are good as long as they remind us of and lead us to God’s presence. Do we give more importance to honors than to service? Are we willing to give up certain privileges for the sake of serving God and our neighbor?
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Masses on Wednesday, November 8 & Thursday, November 9
Friday, November 10, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 10, 12:10pm
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 11, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of the deceased members of the Carbiera and Phillips families by Mark, Hilda and family
Sunday, November 6, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Freda Nicholson
Sunday Offerings – October 28 & 29 - $1015.00
St. Mary’s Church Bazaar
Saturday, November 18th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
266 Albert St. Victoria Harbour
Crafts Penny Sale Bake Sale
Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come and Enjoy!
Tickets are being sold by St. Mary’s Women of Faith for 2.00 each at church
here on Saturdays & Sundays.
1st prize - a handcrafted quilt
2nd prize/ stained glass snowflake hanger
3rd prize- floral quilt- single size
Draw will be December 4, 2023
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s Women of Faith
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.” - 1 John 1: 1
PARISH STEPS
1. Optimize the use of the parish website and social media engagement to expand the parish’s outreach to all people.
2. Promote adult education in the faith through Bible study, learning about the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other topics of interest.
3. Facilitate small faith-sharing and prayer groups.
4. Offer strong sacramental preparation in partnership with families and the Catholic schools
5. For parishes with Catholic schools, participate in events that further the parish, home, school partnership.
6. Prepare parishioners as intentional disciples to engage in works of
Evangelization beyond the parish using available programs.
DIOCESAN STEPS
1. Further the use of the Diocesan website, social media, and the online Formed resource to reach out to all people and provide faith resources.
2. Utilize Sacred Heart College to equip parishes for catechetical ministry, outreach, and evangelization.
3. Provide a guideline of catechetical resources for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation sacramental preparation programs including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Marriage Preparation.
On Formed this Month
As I mentioned in previous weeks The Diocese has a new free online resource of Catholic teaching and entertainment videos.
Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well is a four-part video series on FORMED. Each 30-minute episode presents the Church’s teaching about death and God’s response to it, so we can think about and prepare for death in the light of Jesus Christ, the Author of life.
& For practical elements like end-of-life medical care, funerals, legal documents, grief, and similar topics, visit EternalRest.org for 60+ videos of experts answering common questions.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON
and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
St. Andre Bessette Major Reliquary Tour
St. Peter’s Parish, Parry Sound
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm-Exposition of St. Andre’s Relic
5:40pm - Talks on St. Andre
6:00 pm - Eucharistic Adoration
6:30 pm - Holy Mass
7:15pm – Veneration of the Relic and anointing with St. Joseph’s Oil
This evening is led by the priests of St. Joseph’s Oratory, MontrealBulletin
October 28 & 29 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Love and obedience to the Lord require that the people of Israel show charity and compassion toward others, especially the weak, the alien, and the captives. Jesus reminds us today that his way is not simply fulfilling the detailed precepts of religious laws. Rather, it is a way of life; a way of loving God and neighbor through concrete acts of service. Because they welcomed the apostle’s preaching of the Gospel and remained faithful to it despite all trials, the Thessalonian Christians became a model to other believers. St. Paul writes to encourage them further.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 1, 12:10pm – Solemnity of All Saints
Thursday, November 2, 12:10pm – All Souls Day
Friday, November 3, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 3, 12:10pm
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 4, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, November 6, 9am - For the Repose of the soul of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda Nicholson and family
Sunday Offerings – October 21 & 22 - $640.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.” - 1 John 1: 1
PARISH STEPS
1. Optimize the use of the parish website and social media engagement to expand the parish’s outreach to all people.
2. Promote adult education in the faith through Bible study, learning about the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other topics of interest.
3. Facilitate small faith-sharing and prayer groups.
4. Offer strong sacramental preparation in partnership with families and the Catholic schools
5. For parishes with Catholic schools, participate in events that further the parish, home, school partnership.
6. Prepare parishioners as intentional disciples to engage in works of
Evangelization beyond the parish using available programs.
DIOCESAN STEPS
1. Further the use of the Diocesan website, social media, and the online Formed resource to reach out to all people and provide faith resources.
2. Utilize Sacred Heart College to equip parishes for catechetical ministry, outreach, and evangelization.
3. Provide a guideline of catechetical resources for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation sacramental preparation programs including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Marriage Preparation.
All Saints Day and All Souls Day
On November 1st the whole Church celebrates the solemn feast of all the Saints whom we regard as heroes and heroines of our Christian faith. On this holy day, we remember that we are all part of the "communion of saints"— that we do not journey alone on this earth but have the Saints in Heaven praying for us that we will become Holy and join them in heaven.
Pope Francis said that the Saints are not “supermen” who were “born perfect.” Rather, they are ordinary people who followed God with all their heart. “They are like us, like each one of us. They are people who, before reaching the glory of heaven, lived normal lives with joys and griefs, struggles and hopes” (Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square on November 1, 2013). On November 2nd the whole Church commemorates all the faithful departed. Some of them are our loved ones who have gone ahead of us. Our belief in the communion of saints means that our relationship does not end with death. Those who are now in heaven intercede for us before the Lord. Those in Purgatory, who still need purification, benefit from our prayers, especially by the Holy Eucharist that we offer on their behalf.
"Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Amen" – From the opening prayer for the Mass for All Souls Day.
St. Andre Bessette Major Reliquary Tour
St. Peter’s Parish, Parry Sound
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm-Exposition of St. Andre’s Relic
5:40pm - Talks on St. Andre
6:00 pm - Eucharistic Adoration
6:30 pm - Holy Mass
7:15pm – Veneration of the Relic and anointing with St. Joseph’s Oil
This evening is led by the priests of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal
October 21 & 22, 2023 - World Mission Sunday
The Word of God this Sunday
The prophet Isaiah declares that the Persian emperor Cyrus, though pagan, is God’s anointed instrument. Defeating the Babylonians, Cyrus liberates the captive people of Israel and allows them to return from exile.
St. Paul praises God for the witness of faith, love, and hope of the Thessalonian Christians. Their steadfastness in faith witnesses to the power of the Gospel working in them. Jesus speaks about the right relationship between humanity and God. Just as the image of Caesar stamped on a Roman coin indicates that the coin belongs to Caesar, so the image of God stamped on every person’s being means that everyone belongs to God.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, October 25, 12:10pm
Thursday, October 26, 12:10pm
Friday, October 27, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour for peace in the World.
Friday, October 27, 12:10pm
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, October 28, 5pm –
For the Repose of the soul of Bill Wingfelder by the family
Sunday, October 29, 9am -- For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – October 14 & 15 - $1215.00
From Bishop Miehm
“POPE FRANCIS has called for Friday, October 27 to be a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the world. The worsening situation in Israel and Gaza and the looming humanitarian crisis are certainly causing great concern around the world. The Holy Father invited “the various Christian confessions, members of other religions and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate.” Priests in our diocese are encouraged to celebrate the Mass that day for the intention of peace in the world and provide some time of Eucharistic adoration.”
Pope Francis - World Mission Sunday 2023
For this year’s World Mission Sunday, I have chosen a theme inspired by the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus, in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 24:13-35): “Hearts on fire, feet on the move”. Those two disciples were confused and dismayed, but their encounter with Christ in the word and in the breaking of the bread sparked in them the enthusiastic desire to set out again towards Jerusalem and proclaim that the Lord had truly risen. In the Gospel account, we perceive this change in the disciples through a few revealing images: their hearts burned within them as they heard the Scriptures explained by Jesus, their eyes were opened as they recognized him and, ultimately, their feet set out on the way. By meditating on these three images, which reflect the journey of all missionary disciples, we can renew our zeal for evangelization in today’s world. Continue Reading
Thanksgiving- October 7 & 8, 2023- 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Isaiah 5:1–7, Philippians 4:6–9, Matthew 21:33–43
In Isaiah’s song of the Vineyard, the Lord expresses disappointment that Israel, His chosen vineyard, does not bear good fruits, but only the wild fruits of abuse and bloodshed.
Jesus reminds us that fidelity to God’s will, though not always easy, produces an abundant harvest. We are the Lord’s cherished garden, nurtured by him to produce good fruits. Let us pray that we may lead fruitful lives so that people may see our love for God and our good acts
and glorify our heavenly Father.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Wednesday 12:10pm Mass this week.
Thursday, October 12, 12:10pm
Friday, October 13, 11am-12pm – Eucharistic Holy Hour & Benediction
Friday, October 13, 12:10pm
28th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, October 14, 5pm
Sunday, October 15, 9am -- For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – September 30/October 1- $1455.00
September Pre-Authorized Donations - $510.00
Mass = Thanksgiving!
“The word “eucharist” may be defined in a few ways, but one of the original translations from the Greek is “thanksgiving” or “to give thanks.” The ancient understanding of thankfulness had a greater depth than only “appreciation.” Thanksgiving involved a specific memory, or more accurately, the act of remembering. Thanksgiving had to do with remembering what had been done for you, and being aware that you owed a debt, in this case, of gratitude, for that gift. We maintain this understanding in our liturgy today, as the Catechism teaches us “In the Liturgy of the Word the Holy Spirit ‘recalls’ to the assembly all that Christ has done for us . . . The Holy Spirit who thus awakens the memory of the Church then inspires thanksgiving and praise.” (CCC 1103)”
From the article “True Thanksgiving” by Alissa Thorell
A NOTE OF THANKS!
On this thanksgiving weekend I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you
for your warm welcome to me as your new pastor
and for your faithful support and service to the parish.
I am blessed to serve in the midst of such a faith filled
and generous people!
Safe travel and God’s blessings to all of you who are “going south”
after thanksgiving weekend.
I look forward to seeing you in the spring!
Fr. Charles
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
September 30 & October 1, 2023 - 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Ezekial 18:25–28, Philippians 2:1–11, Matthew 21:28-32
The prophet Ezekiel tells us that what ultimately counts is our decision to turn to the Lord. His oracle is an invitation to those who have said “no” to change their ways and take the path that leads to life.
The salvation which the Father has accomplished through Jesus leads St. Paul to contemplation and praise, prayer and thanksgiving.
The Gospel today dwells on the necessity of putting our commitment to the Lord into action. It is the person who ultimately goes to work in the Lord’s vineyard who pleases him and will receive his reward. May our Eucharistic celebration ignite our spirit to work with passion in the Lord’s vineyard, saying yes to the mission He has entrusted to us.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, October 4, 11 am
Thursday, October 5, 11am
Friday, October 6, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, October 6, 11am
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 7, 5pm - For the people of the parish
Sunday, October 8, 9am
Sunday, October 8, 11am – For the repose of the soul of Barbara Baug
by Emily Heim and Family
Sunday Offerings – September 23 & 24 - $1020.00
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
Parish Schedule (effective October 9, 2023)
Masses: Saturday 5pm & Sunday 9 am
Wednesday-Friday - 12:10pm
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Benediction
Fridays 11am-12pm
Parish Confession Schedule
Fridays 11:30 am - 12:00pm
Saturdays 4pm - 4:30pm
The Angels
Each year as the warm days of summer turn to the coolness and bright colors of autumn, the Church celebrates the work and ministry of angels. We begin this twofold celebration on Sept. 29 with the feast of the archangels — Raphael, Michael and Gabriel. We conclude three days later on Oct. 2 when we honor the myriad guardian angels whom Tradition describes as assigned by God to each man and woman. The Scriptures speak of how angels are sent to assist in God’s plan of salvation. They bring messages, accompany the faithful along the path of daily life and fight the battles of God. We who seek to minister in Christ’s name are called to do likewise.
Prayer to My Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side, To light
and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.
Drives to Church
A number of parishioners are available to drive people to Port Severn for Saturday and Sunday Masses. Please contact Fr. Charles if you need a drive.
From our Bishop
ON OCTOBER 4, POPE FRANCIS will open the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” Five Canadian bishops will be participating in this session. In a recent letter to bishops around the world, Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, encouraged every member of the faithful and every local Church to pray that the Holy Spirit guide the Synod participants throughout their meetings.
An intercession for the Universal Prayer at Mass and a Solemn Blessing have been sent to each parish, as we pray for the success of the Synod process.
THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS held its annual plenary meeting this week. There was discussion about the promotion of palliative care and opposition to euthanasia, ongoing efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the upcoming Synod on Synodality, and the promotion of Vocations to the priesthood. Short videos about the work of the Plenary meeting can be viewed on YouTube – CCCB-CECC. Congratulations to Bishop William McGrattan (Bishop of Peterborough from 2014-17) who has been elected President of the CCCB for the next two years. May God guide him in this important role of coordination and collaboration for the bishops of Canada.
September 23 & 24- 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The Generosity of God
The Lord is generous in forgiving and so the sinful person is invited to forsake their wicked ways. It is never too late to return to the Lord.
The Lord gives us more than we ever deserve. In turn, we are to mirror this generosity to others, going beyond the limits of strict justice.
When our life is Christ’s, says St. Paul, any option is desirable.
When we live, we are happy to serve him, and when we die,
we shall be with our Saviour for eternity.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, September 27, 11 am
Thursday, September 28, 11am
Friday, September 29, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, September 29, 11am
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, September 30, 5pm
Sunday, October 1, 9am - For the Moreau Family.
Sunday, October 1, 11am - For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – September 16 & 17 - $1121.00
Last Friday we celebrated the funeral of Gloria Cousineau, a life long member of our parish. We extend our sympathy and prayer to Gloria’s husband Louis, to the family and to her brother Mark Vessair.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
Parish Schedule (effective October 9, 2023)
Masses: Saturday 5pm & Sunday 9 am
Wednesday-Friday - 12:10pm
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Benediction
Fridays 11am-12pm
Parish Confession Schedule
Fridays 11:30 am - 12:00pm
Saturdays 4pm - 4:30pm
September 16 & 17- 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Sirach 27:30-28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiven and Forgiving
The wise man Sirach teaches that an
Israelite should forgive his neighbor’s faults so that God would forgive him.
St. Paul reminds us of the Lordship of Jesus. None of us lives or dies as one’s own master.
We are servants of one and the same Lord.
In the Gospel, Jesus declares that we whose sin
God has forgiven, are expected to be just as generous to others.
By forgiving one another we do what God does all the time for us.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, September 20, 11 am
Thursday, September 21, 11am
Friday, September 22, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, September 22, 11am
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, September 23, 5pm
Sunday, September 24, 9am - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, September 24, 11am -The repose of the souls of John and Alan Cousineau by Phyllis and Linda Cousineau
Sunday Offerings – September 9 & 10 - $1390.00
From the Pastor’s Desk
Parish Financial update
Your finance council has been meeting regularly and we wanted to provide you with a quick note on the state of our finances. Thank you for your generous support! Your generosity and Fr. Martin’s and the finance council’s careful oversight have kept expenses and income consistent these last two years.
January – August 2022/23 Income and Expenses
Income
2023 2022
Sunday Collections 46,791.20 43,785.00
Total income 74,439.07 72,070.22
Expenses
Total 72,302.86 71,019.52
Available Funds
Bank Account 33,235.82 39,197.92
Savings 20,863.49 20,863.39
In 2022 the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75.
As of now we project that we will be running a deficit at year end.
Saturday 5pm Mass - To Be Continued!
Be reminded that there is a Celebration of the Eucharist at St. John the Baptist in Port Severn every Saturday. Our numbers have been small thus far since this Mass time was reintroduced in the spring but it is my hope that we will continue to have Mass every Saturday of the year. It is good to provide another opportunity to gather to pray, worship and receive the gift of the Eucharist weekly in our beautiful and easily accessible Church when life, travel, health and weather make it difficult to get to Mass on Sunday. Thanks to those who have been helping with ushering and reading!!
THIS SUNDAY’S GOSPEL- Luke 24:35-48- “Touch me and see.”
The disciples are surprised, no, amazed, awed!
He is alive! After death!
Christ, you let them feel and see
your hands and feet, and you unlock their minds.
Oh Jesus, release our own minds. Let us see you
in the beauty of sun and moon and stars,
in the faces of the needy and forlorn,
in all those risking lives to help,
in the breaking of the bread,
in loving our friends.
Let us find you a hundred ways, every day.
By Anne M. Osdiek
This Month on Formed
FORMED is excited to present curated content to help the Church journey through the Easter season. You can find resources on prayer, the lives of the saints, and great spiritual content to help guide you and your family through the season. We pray that all these resources draw you deeper into the mystery of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, and Pentecost.
Details below on how to register for this resource offered by the Diocese of Peterborough.
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
From Bishop Miehm
“THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH CELEBRATES A JUBILEE every twenty-five years, and in 2025, that jubilee will be centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Some excellent resources for the Jubilee are already on the Diocese of Peterborough website, including “Teach us to Pray,” a catechesis on this Year of Prayer leading up to the Jubilee. In the words of the official prayer for the 2025 Jubilee, “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.”
BIRTHDAYS AND RETIREMENTS were celebrated at a casual gathering at our Diocesan Pastoral Center Friday. Among the departures, Maggie Baker is stepping back from the task of coordinating refugee sponsorship in the diocese, something she has worked very hard at these last few years. We also bid farewell to Deirdre Thomas, who is retiring next week from her “second career” as Bishop’s Assistant and Communications Manager. With profound thanks and assurance of our prayers, we wish both Deirdre and Maggie much happiness. “
Masses
3rd Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 13, 5pm – For the people of the parish.
Sunday, April 14, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Jerry Pilon and family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, April 17 - 12:10
Thursday, April 18 - 12:10
Friday, April 19, 11am- 12- Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 19, 12:10pm Mass
4th Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 20, 5pm – For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Louis and the family.
Sunday, April 21, 9am - For the intentions of Robert Bettis by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
April 7th- 2nd Sunday of Easter - $775.00, Pre Authorized Giving $210.00
Thank you for your generous giving!
Our Friday Faith Study this week- April 19, 3:30pm- 4:30pm: The Sacraments of Healing- Details below!
Parish Bulletin
April 7, 2024
2nd Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday
“Those who sincerely say ‘Jesus, I trust in You’ will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears…There is nothing that we need more than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises us above our weakness to the infinite heights of the holiness of God.”
St. Pope John Paul II at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Cracow, Poland on June 7, 1997
The Divine Mercy message is one we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC:
A - Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.
B - Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.
C - Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that all the graces of His mercy can only be received by our trust. The more we open the door of our hearts and lives to Him with trust, the more we can receive.
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.
May he Rest in Peace
Please remember in your prayers the repose of the soul of Mr. Restituto Valles, the father of Fr. Vic Valles, who passed away at the age of 96 years in the Philippines on Saturday March 30, 2024. The mother Fr. Vic also died only a few months ago.
2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy – St. John the Baptist Church,
Port Severn
Saturday, April 6, 5pm – For the people of the Parish.
Sunday, April 7 - 9am – For Luc Harvey by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, April 10 - 12:10
Thursday, April 11 - 12:10
Friday, April 12, 11am- 12- Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 12, 12:10pm Mass
3rd Sunday of Easter – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 13, 5pm – For the people of the parish.
Sunday, April 14, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Jerry Pilon and family.
Offertory Collections
Good Friday- Support of Holy Land Sites-$690.00
Easter Sunday - $1355.00
Thank you for your generous giving!
Our Friday Faith Study this week- April 12, 3:30pm- 4:30pm:
Our Friday Faith Study this week- The Sacrament of the Eucharist -
April 12, 3:30pm- 4:30pm: See details at end of this section!
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
March 30 & 31, 2024
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Just as He said!
As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray that you may again be blessed by the Risen Lord’s presence, strength, peace and joy! Thank you for your faith and devotion, it is so edifying serving as your pastor. My deepest thanks to everyone for all their support and for all those who serve us at our Saturday & Sunday Masses and the service behind the scenes that makes our Masses and our parish so special and prayerful. Fr. Charles Orchard
Easter Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 30, 7pm - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Mark and Hilda Vessair and family.
Sunday, March 31, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Ted and Marie O’Leary and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No 12:10 Masses on Wednesday & Thursday this week.
Friday, April 5, 11am- 12- Divine Mercy Holy Hour/Confessions
Friday, April 5, 12:10pm Mass
2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy
St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, April 6, 5pm – For the people of the Parish.
Sunday, April 7 - 9am – For Luc Harvey by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Palm Sunday Offertory Collection
March 24- $790.00 – Thank you for your generous giving!
Bishop Miehm’s Easter Message
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here but has risen” (Lk 24:5).
Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Diocese of Peterborough,
The Church embraces the celebrations of this Holy Week, commemorating the passion and death and resurrection of the Lord. Thereafter we advance quickly to the wonderful season of Easter, a time of renewal and hope and a time to see with the eyes of faith the great wonders that God has done and continues to do.
It is said that one of the best ways to get the attention of your audience is to ask a probing question at the start of a talk. So, give full marks to the angels at the Lord’s tomb that Easter morning, who asked one of the most probing questions in all of history: “why do you look for the living among the dead?” Part challenge, part correction and part invitation to see things in a new way, it must have taken the faithful women by surprise. But apparently it was a rhetorical question, since the angels did not wait for an answer, but went on to explain, “He is not here, but has risen.” Once they had the attention of their audience, they wasted no time in sharing the good news - good news that the women would also quickly share, as they went to tell the apostles.
Pope Francis has said that the question addressed to the women that Easter morning is posed to each one of us. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” It’s one that should grab our attention and invite us to a new way of seeing things. Do we cling to what is sterile, bleak, and hopeless, just because it is familiar? Do we give in to cynicism and defeatism, supposing that things in the world, the Church, our neighbourhoods, and families can never improve? Easter is a call to reject the malaise that can afflicts so much of modern life and to embrace a new way of living with a spirit of hope. As the Holy Father has said, “Death, solitude and fear are not the last word. There is a word that transcends them, a word that only God can speak; it is the word of the resurrection.”
The angels’ question should snap us to attention this Easter, reminding us that because of the Lord’s resurrection, we can always lay claim to hope. May God bless you and yours richly in this season of great joy.
Yours in Christ,
+ Most Reverend Daniel Miehm
Bishop of Peterborough
Parish Bulletin- Palm Sunday - March 24, 2024
“Who is this Man?”
Palm Sunday calls us to humility. “The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward,” says Prophet Isaiah. “Though he was in the form of God,” Jesus Christ, “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness,” says Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians. “Humility goes before honour.” (Proverbs 15:33)
Following the example of the humbled, triumphant Jesus Christ, we can give new meaning to a world that is losing its identity and bearings. Humility leads us to say to our sisters or brothers that we seek their forgiveness and to be quick to offer them forgiveness. Humility helps us to take a step towards others, to see others as our neighbours and to love them.
Palm Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 23, 5pm – For the Intentions of Bruce Kolb by Susan King.
Sunday, March 24 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of George King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 27, 12:10pm
No 12:10 Masses on Thursday & Friday this week.
See the Holy Week schedule for full details.
Easter Sunday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 30, 7pm - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Mark and Hilda Vessair and family.
Sunday, March 31, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Ted and Marie O’Leary and family.
Sunday Offertory Collections
March 17 -Regular $630.00, Pre authorized giving- $425.00
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada thanks you for supporting the Reaping our Rights campaign with your Share Lent donation. Thanks to your generosity, our parish collected $545.00. This sum will help support our sisters and brothers in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. If you have not yet had a chance to give, you can still place your Share Lent envelope in the offertory or donate online at devp.org/give.
Holy Week Schedule
All Masses/services at St. John the Baptist, Port Severn this year
Holy Thursday Mass- March 28 - 7pm
& quiet adoration til 9pm.
Good Friday Service - March 29 - 3pm
(Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil Mass- Saturday March 30 - 7pm
(NO Saturday 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday Mass – March 31 - 9 am
From Bishop Miehm
“HOLY WEEK IS UPON US beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord this weekend. On Monday at 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at which priests from around the Diocese will gather and renew their priestly promises. And we are looking forward to the Outdoor Way of the Cross, beginning at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains at 10:00 a.m. on Good Friday, then wending its way across the city and concluding at Immaculate Conception Church. Let us pray for many blessings and graces this Holy Week.”
What is the Chrism Mass?
The bishop, joined by the priests of the diocese, gather at the Cathedral in Peterborough to celebrate the Chrism Mass every year during Holy Week. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop. The priests renew their priestly promises during this Mass. At this celebration the bishop blesses the “Holy Oils” — the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and holy chrism — which will be taken to all the parishes by the priests and used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the next year. The Mass is followed by a social and festive meal with the Bishop for all the Priests and Deacons of the Diocese.
5th Sunday of Lent -Solidarity Sunday - March 16 & 17
Solidarity Sunday - Create Hope - Reaping our Rights
“Around the world, many communities desperately want to protect their land, a source of life and hope. Let’s show our solidarity with those who defend the lands, waters and forests that sustain them, as well as the culture, history and identity that define them. Let’s Stand for the Land with them to secure their future in the face of threats such as agribusiness, mining, climate change and conflict.” Bishop McGrattan, CCCB President
“The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace supports development and aid projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, while informing Catholics on international and social justice issues. The Canadian Bishops have reserved the season of Lent for a collection (usually branded as “Share Lent”) to assist the Global South. This year, the collection will be held this weekend, the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Your generosity is appreciated, as the Church seeks to ensure that the blessings of peace, prosperity and justice are extended around the world. “ Bishop Daniel Miehm
5th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 16, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 17, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Rosemary Wallace and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 20, 12:10pm- The Repose of the souls of Adlaide & Octavio Simao and Marie Dacosta by Jose Simao
Thursday, March 21, 12:10pm
Friday, March 22, 12:10pm
Palm Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 23, 5pm – For the Intentions of Bruce Kolb by Susan King.
Sunday, March 24 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of George King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
March 10 - $1090.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Parish Lenten Schedule
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Confessions - Fridays 11am-11:30am & Saturdays 4:15pm-4:45pm
Holy Week Schedule
All Masses/services at St. John the Baptist, Port Severn this year
Palm Sunday – Sat March 23 - 5pm & Sun March 24 - 9am
Holy Thursday - March 28 - 7pm
Good Friday - March 29 - 3pm (Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil - Sat March 30 - 7pm (NO 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday – March 31 - 9 am
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
4th Sunday of Lent - March 9 & 10
Deliverance through the Cross
After Israel’s infidelity to the covenant made at the desert, the prophet Jeremiah looks forward to a new covenant Yahweh will make with his people. This time, God will write his law in the hearts of his people who will then live in obedience to God’s law. “We would like to see Jesus.” These words, spoken by some Greeks to Philip, express the goal of Lent and of Christian living. Jesus responds to this desire by speaking of his “hour” of glory, referring to his death and resurrection. He uses two images: the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies to produce much fruit, and his being lifted up or being crucified and exalted at the same time. Jesus’ glory is revealed not only in the resurrection but also in the very act of dying.
4th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 9, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 10 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of Daniel King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 13, 12:10pm- The Repose of the Soul of Frank Dupuis by Joan and the Family
Thursday, March 14, 12:10pm
Friday, March 15, 12:10pm
5th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 16, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 17, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Mary Ruth Pilon by Rosemary Wallace and family.
Offertory Collections
March 3 - $735.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
From Bishop Miehm
THE ANNUAL SHARE LENT COLLECTION is coming soon, being held as usual on the 5th Sunday of Lent. The Bishops of Canada support this work of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace to assist the Global South. This year’s campaign is entitled, “Reaping our Rights.” This annual campaign helps the Church in Canada to promote justice and combat poverty in accord with Catholic social teaching.
“EUCHARIST – OUR PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY” is the title of our City-wide Lenten Mission. The Mission preachers are Father Luke Joseph Leighton, CFR,and Father Juan Diego Sutherland, CFR, who are both members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The mission will be presented twice daily (morning and evening) at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains from Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 13. For those beyond the city the mission will be available through the internet/livestreamed at 7pm or to be viewed at other times on the” Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough” utube channel.
Parish Lenten Schedule
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Confessions - Fridays 11am-11:30am & Saturdays 4:15pm-4:45pm
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday – Sat March 23 - 5pm & Sun March 24 - 9am
Holy Thursday - March 28 - 7pm
Good Friday - March 29 - 3pm (Way of the Cross 2:30pm)
Easter Vigil - Sat March 30 - 7pm (NO 5PM MASS)
Easter Sunday – March 31 - 9 am
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
1st Sunday of Lent - February 17 & 18, 2024
New life with Christ in the Lenten Desert
God promises that never again shall living creatures be destroyed
by the waters of a flood. The rainbow is a sign of this covenant
between God and his creatures. St. Peter writes that just as Noah and
his family were saved in the ark, Christians are saved by baptism
through which they share in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Like Jesus, whom the Spirit drove to the wilderness we too are to seek time alone with God. This season is also an opportune time for us to
unplug and disconnect” from the busyness of our lives. The noises of modern society’s fast-paced environment can be overwhelming. Allowing ourselves to retreat from the culture of our screens and social media helps us find quiet moments to reflect on ourselves, our meaningful
relationships with others, and our longing for God. Lent offers us spaces of prayer and a deeper connection with God.
3rd Sunday of Lent - March 2 & 3
A New Temple and a New Law
The Lord gave the Ten Commandments to Moses so that people might know that true worship consists of serving God with loving hearts
St. Paul proclaims that it is in Jesus’ cross that we learn the sublime
wisdom of God. In his infinite knowledge and love, God gives
us his Son to redeem us by his suffering. In his zeal for God’s house,
Jesus cleanses the temple, reacting against a kind of worship lacking soul,
a religion motivated mainly by the pursuit of material gain. He is the
living temple through which we who believe have access to the Father.
3rd Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 2, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 3, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Duarl Simmons by Anne Simmons and family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, March 6, 12:10pm
Thursday, March 7, 12:10pm
Friday, March 8, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, March 9, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, March 10 - 9am – For the repose of the soul of Daniel King by Geraldine Gorbutt.
Offertory Collections
February 25 - $665.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
From Bishop Miehm
“EUCHARIST – OUR PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY” is the title of our City-wide Lenten Mission. The Mission preachers are Father Luke Joseph Leighton, CFR,and Father Juan Diego Sutherland, CFR, who are both members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The mission will be presented twice daily (morning and evening) at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains from Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 13. For those beyond the city the mission will be available through the internet/livestreamed at 7pm or to be viewed at other times on the” Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough” utube channel.
1st Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 17, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by the family.
Sunday, February 18, 9am - For people of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday- Feb 21, 12:10pm
Thursday Feb 22, 12:10pm
Friday, February 23, 12:10pm
2nd Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 24, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 25 - 9am - For the repose of the soul Edward Donaghy by Valerie Leduc and family.
Offertory Collections
February 11 - $625.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith. This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture
of the Catholic Faith.
THIS WEEK - THE INEFFABLE MYSTERY OF GOD- THE HOLY TRINITY
Bishop Barron in his “Catholicism” Series presents our Catholic Faith’s compelling vision of God. The mystery of the Trinity is, the Catechism emphasizes, “the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life. God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (par. 261).
From Bishop Miehm
THE SEASON OF LENT began this week, our annual 40-day pilgrimage of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that leads to Easter. We had large crowds for Ash Wednesday at our Cathedral and other parishes, a good sign of people’s enthusiasm for this season of prayer, penance and spiritual renewal. Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2024 focuses on a theme from Exodus, “Through the Desert, God leads us to freedom.” The Holy Father remarks, “Let us welcome Lent as the great season in which He reminds us, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’” You may read find the full text of Pope Francis’ Lenten message at Vatican.va
The 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 10 & 11, 2024
“He was moved with compassion.”
The passage from the book of Leviticus describes how the Israelites dealt with a person stricken with leprosy. Their fear and abhorrence of this disease serve as the background for Jesus’ encounter and healing of a man leprosy. The healing declares that Jesus is the one who is to come, for when the Messiah comes, the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. The Messiah comes to inaugurate the year of the Lord’s favor.
Jesus needs our words and our actions, our hands and our hearts, to continue to reach out today to the lonely, to alleviate pain, to bridge the gap that separates people. May this Eucharist strengthen us to become effective instruments of the Lord’s healing love.
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 10, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 11 - 9am - For the repose of the souls of Joseph and Florence Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Ash Wednesday- Feb 14 – 12:10pm & 7pm
Thursday Feb 15, 12:10pm
Friday, February 16, 12:10pm
1st Sunday of Lent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 17, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by the family.
Sunday, February 18, 9am - For people of the parish.
Offertory Collections
February 4 - $1225.00 -Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Lenten Fasting & Abstinence from Meat.
Christian fasting obtains its full meaning when we deprive ourselves of food in order to be more open to prayer, to share more in the suffering of those who are starving and to save money to give to the poor.
The law of “abstinence from meat” binds those who are 14 and older;
the law of “fasting” binds those from 18 to 59 years of age.
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Ash Wednesday - February 14
Masses - 12:10 pm & 7pm
Day of fasting and abstinence from meat.
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Fr. Charles
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time - February 4, 2024
Bringing Healing and Hope
In his suffering, Job gives voice to the evils and pains that beset us.
In our pain and brokenness, we cry out to God for an explanation or answer. God will later invite Job to trust that he is always with him in his suffering. Psalm 147 invites us to trust God who is gracious and heals the broken-hearted. The Gospel presents Jesus attending to the sick and
the suffering. In him who is God-made-man, God shows himself close to people who are broken in soul and body. Through Him, God comes into this “valley of tears” and begins the transformation of despair into hope, of death into life. In preaching the Gospel, St. Paul has made himself all things to all. In particular, he has become weak for those who are weak. As Christians, we are invited to be compassionate: to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 3, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Wilbert and Mary Cascanette by Don Cadeau
Sunday, February 4, 9am - For people of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Masses Wednesday Feb 7 or Thursday Feb 8,
Friday, February 9, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, February 9, 12:10pm
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 10, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, February 11 - 9am - For the repose of the souls of Joseph and Florence Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Offertory Collections
January 28 - $725.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for weekly details!!
Fr. Charles
LENT at St. John the Baptist Church!
Ash Wednesday - February 14
Masses - 12:10 pm & 7pm
Day of fasting and abstinence from meat.
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 11:30am
Lenten Holy Hour - Fridays 11am-11:30am
Lenten Confessions
Fridays 11am-11:30am
Saturdays 4:15-4:45
Friday Faith Study – 3:30pm- 4:30pm
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
Details on how to register for FORMED:
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
The 4th Sunday of Ordinary time - January 28, 2024
The Power of the Word of God
In Israel no one was like Moses. He is a prophet and a lawgiver. But Moses himself declares that God will raise a prophet not only like him but even greater. This prophet will be a true spokesman for God, speaking only what the Lord commands. His prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus.
The Gospel today presents Jesus as the prophet of God, teaching
and acting with authority. Even the evil spirit gives witness to Jesus, recognizing him as “the Holy One of God” and submitting to his commands.
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 27, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday January 28, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda and the family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 31, 12:10pm
Thursday, February 1, 12:10pm
Friday, February 2, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, February 2, 12:10pm
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, February 3, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Wilbert and Mary Cascanette by Don Cadeau
Sunday, February 4, 9am - For people of the parish.
Offertory Collections
January 21 - $595.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith.
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
See details on how to register for FORMED on the back of the bulletin!
From Bishop Miehm
POPE FRANCIS HAS SET THE STAGE FOR A NEW CANADIAN SAINT.
Earlier this week he signed a decree recognising a miracle attributed to Blessed Marie-Leonie Paradis, who founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. She died in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 1912 and was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II on his visit to Canada in 1984. There is an article online from Catholic News Agency describes her life and ministry.
“LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS” is a pastoral letter released by the Canadian Bishops this week on the use of Social Media. While recognizing the great potential for good in social media, it also points out how it “can play on the worst of our human tendencies, leading to online environments that violate the core Christian values of truth and human dignity.” The bishops go on to recommend seven commitments we can make together to build healthy online environments that serve the common good. In a world that is more and more influenced by social media, this brief letter with its practical advice is well worth a read. https://www.cccb.ca/
The 3rd Sunday of Ordinary time - January 21, 2024
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 20, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Eduardo Ocampo and Antonio Serrano by Elizabeth Villegas.
Sunday January 21, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Philip and Brian Leduc by Valerie Leduc and Family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 24, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 25, 12:10pm
Friday, January 26, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 26, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 27, 5pm - For the people of the parish.
Sunday January 28, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda and the family.
Offertory Collections
January 14 - $510.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.”
When: Fridays at 3:30pm – January 26 – June 30.
Where: St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
What: All are welcome to join Fr. Charles and other parishioners to learn more about our Catholic Faith. Our first session this week will focus on faith and how to grow in faith. .
This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion and prayer, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
See details on how to register for FORMED on the back of the bulletin!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
The 2nd Sunday of Ordinary time - January 14, 2024
Discipleship: Being with the Lord
In our Scripture readings today the young man Samuel slowly recognizes God’s voice and call with the help of the wise Eli, a Jewish priest living in the days of the judges and serving God at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This reminds us that no one can follow the Lord without having been called by him. In the Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples of John, “What are you looking for?” Today, Jesus is also asking us, “What are you looking for?” The answer to this question depends on how we understand truth about God and us. Are we looking for accumulation of wealth, honor, or power, or are we looking for a deep relationship with Jesus?
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 13, 5pm - For the repose of the soul of Betty Ann Alexander by Elizabeth Villegas
Sunday January 14, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Frank and Cheryl Dupuis by the Dupuis family.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 17, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 18, 12:10pm
Friday, January 19, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 19, 12:10pm
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 20, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Eduardo Ocampo and Antonio Serrano by Elizabeth Villegas.
Sunday January 21, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Philip and Brian Leduc by Valerie Leduc and Family.
Offertory Collections
January 7 –Epiphany Sunday - $585.00
December Online Donations- $710.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Thank you for your kind greetings, cards and gifts at Christmas time.
I am blessed to be in your midst! I will continue to ask the Lord’s Blessings for all our parishioners in my daily prayer!
Fr. Charles
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
PARISH ACTION STEPS
As the diocese is encouraging us to promote adult education in the faith I am planning to offer a weekly meeting at St. John the Baptist Church for parishioners to gather to learn about and discuss our Catholic Faith.
“Every Catholic Deserves to Know Their Story.” This stunning video series, with accompanying discussion guides, present the BIG picture of the Catholic Faith. Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
“The Catholic Parent” on FORMED starting January 15!
Do you as parents feel like it's almost impossible to raise holy kids who love God (and sit still in Mass!) in our modern world? You’re not alone!
This six-episode series features real Catholic families sharing their daily struggles and victories. Created by the Augustine Institute and Catholic Sprouts, The Catholic Parent encourages moms and dads as they embrace their God-given role to form their families in the Catholic faith.
Details on how to register for FORMED:
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
The Solemnity of The Epiphany
January 6 & 7, 2024
The Word of God Today
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord.
The prophet Isaiah foresees the day when God will be worshipped not
only by the Israelites whom he will gather from dispersion but also by
pagan nations. The apostle Paul declares that in Christ Jesus, the loving plan of the Father is now revealed: the Gentiles become sharers with
the Jews in the gift of salvation “Epiphany” means manifestation. The birth of Jesus is meant not only for the people of Israel but for all nations, represented by the Magi or the “Three Kings.” May this revelation shine forth on everyone so that the gift of salvation may be shared by all.
The Epiphany of the Lord – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 6, 5pm- For the People of the parish.
Sunday January 7, 9am - For the People of the parish.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 10, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 11, 12:10pm
Friday, January 12, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 12, 12:10pm
2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 13, 5pm - For the repose of the soul of Betty Ann Alexander by Elizabeth Villegas
Sunday January 14, 9am - For the repose of the souls of Frank and Cheryl Dupuis by the Dupuis family.
Offertory Collections
December 31-The Feast of the Holy Family - 1660.00
January 1 – The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God- $880.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
Thank you for your kind greetings, cards and gifts at Christmas time.
I am blessed to be in your midst! I will continue to ask the Lord’s Blessings for all our parishioners in my daily prayer!
Fr. Charles
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
PARISH ACTION STEPS
As the diocese is encouraging us to promote adult education in the faith I am planning to offer a weekly meeting at St. John the Baptist Church for parishioners to gather to learn about and discuss our Catholic Faith.
Stay tuned for more details!!
Fr. Charles
Youth Conference 2024
The Peterborough Diocesan Youth Office is presently organizing a group to take part in the Steubenville Youth Conferences on June 28-30, 2024, in Steubenville, Ohio. Youth in high school (grades 9-12) are welcome to join our Youth Office group from across the diocese, especially from parishes who cannot form a sizeable group of their own. Final costs will be determined as soon as possible but any interested parishes and/or youth should let us know by January 15th, 2024. Let us know at 705-745-5123 or at frstephendecarlo@peterboroughdiocese.org. For more information on the Steubenville Youth Conference, visit https://steubenvilleconferences.com/youth/
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
Holy Family Sunday & The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
December 30, 2023 - January 1, 2024
The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
As we contemplate the Incarnation of the Son of God, we praise God who created us to be in relationship and who, in the fullness of time, sent his Son to be a part of our family. Christmas is a celebration of the family. May today’s feast of the Holy Family of Jesus and Mary and Joseph teach us to value family life and to live in peace with one another as members of the one family of God.
The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God
The year opens with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Just as mothers are always the first to touch our lives, so we begin our spiritual journey under the loving gaze of Mary, the Mother of God and our mother. Mary gathers us, her children in Jesus Christ, under her care. Let us entrust to her our hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows.
Today we also mark the 57th World Day of Prayer for Peace. May the Savior of the world, who brings God’s peace to his people, bless all of humanity with the gift of peace.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Jack Vesseur by Ann Cascanette
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, January 3, 12:10pm
Thursday, January 4, 12:10pm
Friday, January 5, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, January 5, 12:10pm
The Epiphany of the Lord – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, January 6, 5pm- For the People of the parish.
Sunday January 7, 9am
The World Day of Peace – January 1st
The theme for Pope Francis' 2024 World Day of Peace message is on the topic of “Artificial Intelligence and Peace.” Pope Francis calls for an open dialogue on the meaning of these new technologies and affirms the need to be vigilant so that a logic of violence and discrimination does not take root in the production and use of such devices, at the expense of the most fragile and excluded. May AI be used in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home.
Offertory Collections
4th Sunday of Advent - 1000.00
Christmas - $1594.00
Thank you for your generous support of our parish!
FAMILY FRIENDLY ON FORMED.ORG
This Christmas while the children and grandchildren are home from school, take advantage of the family friendly catholic content on Formed.org - free of charge through the Peterborough Diocese subscription.
Enjoy programs such as St. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dance with Marcam and Hildegard’s Gift.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
CHRISTMAS BULLETIN - December 25, 2023
The Mystery of Christmas
“In Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God himself, God from God, became man.... God’s everlasting ‘today’ has come down into the fleeting today of the world and lifted our momentary today into God’s eternal today. God is so great that he can become small. God is so powerful that he can make himself vulnerable and come to us as a defenseless child, so that we can love him. God is so good that he can give up his divine splendor and come down to a stable, so that we might find him, so that his goodness might touch us, give itself to us and continue to work through us. This is Christmas: ‘You are my Son, this day I have begotten you.’ God has become one of us, so that we can be with him and become like him. As a sign, he chose the Child lying in the manger: this is how God is. This is how we come to know him. And on every child shines something of the splendor of that ‘today,’ of that closeness of God which we ought to love and to which we must yield”.
Pope Benedict XVI
Christmas Thanks!
As we give thanks for the gift of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ I want to thank you for your faith, devotion and faithful service to God and his people. Thank you to all of you for your support of the parish and your kindness and warm welcome to me as your pastor. I am privileged to constantly witness and be in the middle of so many acts of love and service that help to make our parish Masses and parish life such a blessing! I look forward to getting to know you and to serving the Lord with you!
Be assured of my daily prayers and thanks to God for you!
Merry Christmas!!!
Fr. Charles Orchard
Pastor
FAMILY FRIENDLY ON FORMED.ORG
This Christmas while the children and grandchildren are home from school, take advantage of the family friendly catholic content on Formed.org - free of charge through the Peterborough Diocese subscription.
Enjoy programs such as St. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Dance with Marcam and Hildegard’s Gift.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Announced Mass Intentions
The Solemnity of Christmas
Sunday, December 24- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur, Corbier and Phillips Families by Mark, Hilda and family
Monday December 25 – 9am - For the people of the Parish.
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31 - 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Christmas Message from our Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
An Advent season of just three weeks has not given us very much time to heed the call of St. John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord.” This shortened runway has probably meant that we have been busier than ever in the lead-up to Christmas, maybe even more frazzled than usual, and not as ready spiritually as we would like to be. The Christmas rush seems to get ever more rushed, and we do our best to manage it all.
What a consolation then, to remember that Christmas is not so much about what we do, but about what God has done for us. Cardinal John Henry Newman (canonized in 2019) once wrote in a sermon that the special charm of Christmas is that Christ comes to us as our guest. And in that coming, Newman notes “He brightens everything. He does not take away, he adds. He makes the world our home, for he deigns to be the light of it.”
In this busy season, with all that is pressing in on us, may our hearts be attuned to Christ who comes to us as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Savior of the World. Let us open our hearts in welcome because, ready or not, here He comes!
May His coming fill our families, churches and communities with light and joy this holy season.
Yours in Christ, Bishop Daniel Miehm
Bulletin- 4th Sunday of Advent - December 23 & 24, 2023
The Word of God Today
David proposes building a temple for the Lord. The Lord tells him He chooses instead to build the house or dynasty of David. From David’s descendants will come the Messiah. St. Paul reminds us that God’s loving plan of salvation, hidden for many ages, is revealed with the coming of Jesus Christ. And this is made known both to Israel and the gentiles.
The Gospel on the last Sunday of Advent, invites us to reflect on the annunciation of the Lord’s birth to the Virgin Mary. As we hear the Blessed Virgin Mary say “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word”, we are invited to give our YES to God. Because of her openness to God’s promise, her deep faith, and her willingness to serve, Mary becomes a model of one who is truly prepared to welcome the Saviour.
A Prayer for the Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle
Father, as our Advent pilgrimage draws to a close, we relight the candles of hope, peace, and joy. And we light the candle of love. Grant us the courage to share your love: love for life and all creation, love for sinners and saints, love for the poor and the little ones. We thank you for the hope your Son gives us, for the peace he bestows, for the joy your Spirit pours into our hearts, and for your love that redeems us and shows our way back to you. Amen.
Announced Mass Intentions
4th Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 23, 5pm – For the repose of soul of Jeannine Labombarbe by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 24, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc & Edward Donaghy by Jen & Len Leduc and Family
The Solemnity of Christmas
Sunday, December 24- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur, Corbier and Phillips Families by Mark, Hilda and family
Monday December 25 –9am - For the people of the Parish.
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm - For the Repose of the Soul of Sophie Savoie by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 31- 9am- For the People of the Parish
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am- For the People of the Parish
Sunday Offerings – December 16 & 17- $1819.66
Christmas Message from our Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
An Advent season of just three weeks has not given us very much time to heed the call of St. John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord.” This shortened runway has probably meant that we have been busier than ever in the lead-up to Christmas, maybe even more frazzled than usual, and not as ready spiritually as we would like to be. The Christmas rush seems to get ever more rushed, and we do our best to manage it all.
What a consolation then, to remember that Christmas is not so much about what we do, but about what God has done for us. Cardinal John Henry Newman (canonized in 2019) once wrote in a sermon that the special charm of Christmas is that Christ comes to us as our guest. And in that coming, Newman notes “He brightens everything. He does not take away, he adds. He makes the world our home, for he deigns to be the light of it.”
In this busy season, with all that is pressing in on us, may our hearts be attuned to Christ who comes to us as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Savior of the World. Let us open our hearts in welcome because, ready or not, here He comes!
May His coming fill our families, churches and communities with light and joy this holy season.
Yours in Christ, Bishop Daniel Miehm
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance.
CHECK OUT FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIES @
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS!
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Bulletin- 3rd Sunday of Advent - December 16 & 117, 2023
The Word of God Today - Gaudete Sunday
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.”
The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, a Sunday of rejoicing.
The Church, the People of God, rejoices in salvation from sin, inviting everyone to rejoice and create conditions that the salvation brought by the Lord Jesus may be shared by all. The spirit of Gaudete Sunday is expressed in the words that the prophet addresses to the brokenhearted Israelites in exile. God will heal them and bring them back to their own land. Jesus will make these words his own when he begins his public ministry.
St. Paul asks the early Christians to prepare for the Lord’s coming with joy in their hearts, with prayer on their lips, and with a life of holiness.
A Prayer for the Lighting of the 3rd Advent Candle
Father, at the height of our Advent walk, we relight the candles of hope and peace, and we light the candle of joy. Grant us the courage to experience joy in hope of the Savior’s coming: joy in the face of apathy,
joy in the face of sorrow, joy in the face of uncertainty. Amen
3rd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 16, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Ann Cascanette
Sunday, December 17, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc by Len Leduc and Family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 20, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 21, 12:10pm
Friday, December 22, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 22, 12:10pm
4th Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 23, 5pm – For the repose of soul of Jeannine Labombarbe by Geraldine Gorbutt
Sunday, December 24, 9am – For the repose of the soul of Phil Leduc by Len Leduc and Family
Christmas Eve- 7pm- For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Mark, Hilda and family
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – December 9 & 10- $800.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“ THE LATEST EDITION OF “THE CATHOLIC HERALD” has just been published online, with hard copies arriving in parishes at Christmastime. Sincere thanks to our many contributors and to our editor, Fr. Ray Rick, who has produced a particularly full edition about Catholic life and doings in the Diocese of Peterborough and beyond. Our diocesan magazine is always informative and interesting and represents the writing efforts of many people! You can reach the online version of The Catholic Herald at https://www.peterboroughdiocese.org/en/about-us/catholic-herald-diocesan-magazine.aspx
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC-utube.com/watch?v=5k1sJtKfugM&t=1s
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance
Bulletin- 2nd Sunday of Advent - December 9 & 10, 2023
The Word of God Today
New Beginnings
From the prophet Isaiah’s “Book of Consolation”, we hear God’s words of comfort for his people exiled in Babylon. God has forgiven their sins and will bring them back to their homeland. The call to prepare the way of the Lord in the desert is echoed in today’s Gospel. St. Peter pictures the coming of the “day of the Lord” and instructs us to prepare for this day by our repentance and by our holy and devout conduct. St. John the Baptist appears in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The prophet’s voice should awaken us from spiritual lukewarmness. Like the people who listen to him, we should get up on our feet and go to meet the Lord. But first we have to look deep within us and realize that we are unprepared to meet him. The mountains of our pride and our sinfulness, the valleys of our preoccupation with the things of this world, make for an uneven path. We have to make ready a straight path for the Lord by renewal and conversion.
Prayer for the Lighting of the 2nd Advent Candle
Father, as we journey down this Advent road, we relight the candle of hope, and we light the candle of peace. Grant us the courage to make peace: peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our communities.
Amen
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 13, 12:10pm – St. Lucy
Thursday, December 14, 12:10pm - St. John of the Cross
Friday, December 15, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 15, 12:10pm
3rd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 16, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, December 17, 9am – For the repose of the souls of deceased member of the Vasseur Family by Ann Cascanette
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
No weekday Masses December 26-29
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – December 2 & 3- $610.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
See the back page of the bulletin for details on how to access this resource!
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
2024 Sunday offering Envelopes are now available for pick up by the Church Entrance
Bulletin- 1st Sunday of Advent - December 2 & 3, 2023
Living in Expectation
The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical year and begins a four week period of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for parishes and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming. The most significant tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. As we light more candles week by week we are reminded that we are to welcome Christ the true light of the world and walk in the light.
1st Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 2, 5pm – For the repose of the soul of Eileen Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 3, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Edward Donaghy
by Jenny Leduc and family
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, December 6, 12:10pm
Thursday, December 7, 12:10pm
Friday, December 8, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 8, 12:10pm - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2nd Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 9, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of Jeffrey and Bertha Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 10, 9am – For the people of the parish
Christmas Season at our Parish
All Masses will be celebrated
at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
Sunday Offerings – November 25 & 26- $485.00
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund - $145.00
November Electronic Giving- $510.00
From Bishop Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough
“Journey through Advent” is a series of four videos produced by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflecting on the Sunday readings of the season. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith offers these brief, weekly reflections that explore the great Advent themes of waiting, hope and preparation. With Christmas falling on Monday, Advent is a short as it can be this year: viewing one of these videos each week will help us to use this time well as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. These will be released weekly on Utube: you can find them at: CCCB_CECC
FORMED - Every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
ADVENT RESOURCES
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Missals - A great way to help prepare for Sunday Mass!
We still have a few available for purchase near the front doors.
November 25 &26
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
The last Sunday in the liturgical calendar of the Church celebrates Christ the King. When the kings of Israel failed the people, God presents himself as a shepherd-king who cares for his flock. This love of the Lord finds its incarnation in Jesus, the Good Shepherd and King. At his resurrection, Christ is proclaimed the King of the universe, the Lord of time. Every moment and every human activity are embraced in his incarnation and resurrection. King Jesus is a shepherd who cares for all of us and protects us and who judges the nations on the basis of love, justice, and peace.
Christ the King Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 25, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, November 26, 9am -For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Louis and Derek Cousineau
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 30, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 23, 12:10pm
Friday, December 1, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, December 1, 12:10pm
1st Sunday of Advent – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, December 2, 5pm – For the repose of the Soul of Eileen Cadeau by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 3, 9am – For the people of the parish
Christmas Season Mass Schedule
Christmas Masses
Sunday, December 24- 7pm
Monday, December 25 – 9am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Saturday, December 30 - 5pm
Sunday, December 31- 9am
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation)
Sunday, December 31- 5pm
Monday, January 1 – 9 am
From Bishop Miehm
“THE WORLD DAY OF YOUTH takes place this Sunday, and with it, our own Diocesan Youth Day. In 2020, Pope Francis transferred the observance of the World Day of Youth (instituted by St. John Paul II) from Palm Sunday to the Solemnity of Christ the King. Our Diocesan Youth Office has planned a program that begins at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at our Cathedral: there I will bless and recommission the Diocesan Youth Cross, which was often used at gatherings of young people, but went into hibernation in more recent years. Afterwards, the pilgrims who attended World Youth Day in Lisbon this summer will share some of their personal stories of this amazing, life-changing experience.
THE ADVENT SEASON IS UPON US in just over a week. We have been promoting the resources on FORMED for a while now – and every Catholic in our diocese has access to these great video resources. Formed has some excellent material for the season of Advent, both for adults and youngsters.”
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON
and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
Sunday Offerings – November 18 & 19- $710.00
Indigenous Reconciliation Fund - $190.00
Global Celebration of Young People on the Feast of Christ the King.
Pope Francis says in this years’ message to young people, "Dear young people, do not be afraid to share with others the hope and joy of the risen Christ! Nurture the spark that has been kindled in you, but at the same time share it. You will come to realize that it grows by being given away!"
November 18 & 19 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings, ends with a hymn in praise of the ideal mother and wife. The inspired author pictures the ideal woman as one who uses her talents in the service of her family and of the poor. The apostle Paul reiterates the need to stay alert for the coming of the Lord. As “children of the light” we must be immersed in works that prepare us for our encounter with the Lord. God’s blessings are bestowed on us not only for the good of self but for the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. If we use our talents for the spread of Christ’s Gospel and for the benefit of our brothers and sisters, then we have profitably invested them, proving ourselves trustworthy servants of the Lord.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 22, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 23, 12:10pm
Friday, November 24, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 24, 12:10pm
Christ the King Sunday – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 25, 5pm
Sunday, November 26, 9am – For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – November 11 & 12- $1155.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
Some practical helps needed for our parish response:
People to take/provide digital pictures at the parish that we can use on our website.
People with website and social media expertise to help with our outreach.
Making the parish aware of events in our community that we can support.
Fr. Charles
From Bishop Miehm
“THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND (IRF) collection will be taken up in our Diocese on the weekend of November 17/18. This is our third collection to support the pledge of the Canadian Bishops to raise 30 million dollars to promote projects that advance the cause of reconciliation and address the trauma caused by residential schools. Our Diocesan IRF committee, composed of Indigenous representatives, has met several times in recent months. They recently recommended eight projects totalling $160,000.00 for approval by the National IRF Board of Directors, which oversees the local campaigns. The applicants are from various First Nations and Métis groups in Kawartha, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions, and their projects are all very worthy ones – your kind donations are making this possible. Special collection envelopes are available this weekend. You may also donate online at https://bit.ly/46k7GCL or using QR Code:
GOOD NEWS FOR OUR INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATON FUND! We received word this week from the National Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Board of Directors that the eight projects our local committee recommended for support have now been approved. Sincere thanks to the members of our local IRF committee, who studied and vetted the various applications and proposed these projects for funding. This is happy news just before this weekend’s collection in our parishes for the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund. Thank you so much for your generous support in two previous collections, which enabled us to fund these eight worthy projects that will help us to “walk together” with Indigenous people.
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL WORLD DAY OF THE POOR is celebrated in Catholic parishes this weekend, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Pope Francis published a special message for the day, referencing and excerpt from the Book of Tobit 4:7; “Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor. My sincere thanks to all those in our parishes and Catholic lay
organizations who dedicate themselves to the service of the poor in any way. “ Bishop Daniel Miehm
November 11 & 12 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
God shares divine wisdom with all who seek and are ready for it. Wisdom is personified as a woman who is found by those who love her.
St. Paul comforts those who mourn the dead with the thought of the future resurrection. The living, likewise, will be caught up with them in glory when Jesus comes at the end of the age. In today’s Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. Two weeks before the season of Advent, a time to prepare for and anticipate the Second Coming of Christ, this parable places us in that perfect position of welcoming the Lord in our lives.
A wise Christian decides and acts based on what helps build up God’s kingdom now. Tomorrow may be too late. As believers, we must always be prepared to encounter God who comes to us through the persons we meet and the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 15, 12:10pm
Thursday, November 16, 12:10pm
Friday, November 17, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 17, 12:10pm
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 18, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of Joseph
and Josephine King, by Don Cadeau
Sunday, November 19, 9am – For the people of the Parish
Sunday Offerings – November 4 & 5 - $810.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”
- 1 John 1: 1
From Bishop Miehm
“THE INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION FUND (IRF) collection will be taken up in our Diocese on the weekend of November 17/18. This is our third collection to support the pledge of the Canadian Bishops to raise 30 million dollars to promote projects that advance the cause of reconciliation and address the trauma caused by residential schools. Thank you for your generosity in the past two collections! Our Diocesan IRF committee, composed of Indigenous representatives, has met several times in recent months. They recently recommended eight projects totalling $160,000.00 for approval by the National IRF Board of Directors, which oversees the local campaigns. The applicants are from various First Nations and Métis groups in Kawartha, Muskoka and Parry Sound regions, and their projects are all very worthy ones – your kind donations are making this possible. Special collection envelopes are available this weekend. You may also donate online at https://bit.ly/467GCL.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On November 11th each year we pause to remember those who died in war, especially those who fought bravely to defend our freedom. As Christians, we pray for the victims of violent conflict throughout the world and that God’s kingdom of justice and peace may prevail among nations. “
St. Mary’s Church Bazaar
Saturday, November 18th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
266 Albert St. Victoria Harbour
Crafts Penny Sale Bake Sale
Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come and Enjoy!
Tickets are being sold by St. Mary’s Women of Faith for 2.00 each ere on Saturday & Sunday.
1st prize - a handcrafted quilt
2nd prize/ stained glass snowflake hanger
3rd prize- floral quilt- single size
Draw will be December 4, 2023
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s Women of Faith
November 4 & 5 - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The Lord warns the religious leaders of Israel of his anger because they teach in the name of the Lord yet they do not keep his ways.
In St. Paul we find the model of a true Christian teacher. Like a loving parent to his converts, he teaches them the Gospel and works that he may not burden them with his needs. Jesus’ seemingly harsh condemnation of certain religious leaders and their practices tells us that following him entails humble service and not receiving entitlements. Titles are good as long as they remind us of and lead us to God’s presence. Do we give more importance to honors than to service? Are we willing to give up certain privileges for the sake of serving God and our neighbor?
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Masses on Wednesday, November 8 & Thursday, November 9
Friday, November 10, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 10, 12:10pm
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 11, 5pm – For the repose of the souls of the deceased members of the Carbiera and Phillips families by Mark, Hilda and family
Sunday, November 6, 9am - For the repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Freda Nicholson
Sunday Offerings – October 28 & 29 - $1015.00
St. Mary’s Church Bazaar
Saturday, November 18th
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
266 Albert St. Victoria Harbour
Crafts Penny Sale Bake Sale
Lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come and Enjoy!
Tickets are being sold by St. Mary’s Women of Faith for 2.00 each at church
here on Saturdays & Sundays.
1st prize - a handcrafted quilt
2nd prize/ stained glass snowflake hanger
3rd prize- floral quilt- single size
Draw will be December 4, 2023
Thank you for supporting St. Mary’s Women of Faith
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.” - 1 John 1: 1
PARISH STEPS
1. Optimize the use of the parish website and social media engagement to expand the parish’s outreach to all people.
2. Promote adult education in the faith through Bible study, learning about the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other topics of interest.
3. Facilitate small faith-sharing and prayer groups.
4. Offer strong sacramental preparation in partnership with families and the Catholic schools
5. For parishes with Catholic schools, participate in events that further the parish, home, school partnership.
6. Prepare parishioners as intentional disciples to engage in works of
Evangelization beyond the parish using available programs.
DIOCESAN STEPS
1. Further the use of the Diocesan website, social media, and the online Formed resource to reach out to all people and provide faith resources.
2. Utilize Sacred Heart College to equip parishes for catechetical ministry, outreach, and evangelization.
3. Provide a guideline of catechetical resources for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation sacramental preparation programs including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Marriage Preparation.
On Formed this Month
As I mentioned in previous weeks The Diocese has a new free online resource of Catholic teaching and entertainment videos.
Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well is a four-part video series on FORMED. Each 30-minute episode presents the Church’s teaching about death and God’s response to it, so we can think about and prepare for death in the light of Jesus Christ, the Author of life.
& For practical elements like end-of-life medical care, funerals, legal documents, grief, and similar topics, visit EternalRest.org for 60+ videos of experts answering common questions.
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON
and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
St. Andre Bessette Major Reliquary Tour
St. Peter’s Parish, Parry Sound
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm-Exposition of St. Andre’s Relic
5:40pm - Talks on St. Andre
6:00 pm - Eucharistic Adoration
6:30 pm - Holy Mass
7:15pm – Veneration of the Relic and anointing with St. Joseph’s Oil
This evening is led by the priests of St. Joseph’s Oratory, MontrealBulletin
October 28 & 29 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Love and obedience to the Lord require that the people of Israel show charity and compassion toward others, especially the weak, the alien, and the captives. Jesus reminds us today that his way is not simply fulfilling the detailed precepts of religious laws. Rather, it is a way of life; a way of loving God and neighbor through concrete acts of service. Because they welcomed the apostle’s preaching of the Gospel and remained faithful to it despite all trials, the Thessalonian Christians became a model to other believers. St. Paul writes to encourage them further.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, November 1, 12:10pm – Solemnity of All Saints
Thursday, November 2, 12:10pm – All Souls Day
Friday, November 3, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour, Confessions & Benediction.
Friday, November 3, 12:10pm
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, November 4, 5pm – For the people of the parish
Sunday, November 6, 9am - For the Repose of the soul of Claude Nicholson and Lois McDermott by Freda Nicholson and family
Sunday Offerings – October 21 & 22 - $640.00
Diocese of Peterborough Pastoral Plan
Transforming Our Lives; Building our Church 2023-2028
GOAL #1- 2023-2024
To reach out and engage all people with the message of the Gospel.
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.” - 1 John 1: 1
PARISH STEPS
1. Optimize the use of the parish website and social media engagement to expand the parish’s outreach to all people.
2. Promote adult education in the faith through Bible study, learning about the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other topics of interest.
3. Facilitate small faith-sharing and prayer groups.
4. Offer strong sacramental preparation in partnership with families and the Catholic schools
5. For parishes with Catholic schools, participate in events that further the parish, home, school partnership.
6. Prepare parishioners as intentional disciples to engage in works of
Evangelization beyond the parish using available programs.
DIOCESAN STEPS
1. Further the use of the Diocesan website, social media, and the online Formed resource to reach out to all people and provide faith resources.
2. Utilize Sacred Heart College to equip parishes for catechetical ministry, outreach, and evangelization.
3. Provide a guideline of catechetical resources for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation sacramental preparation programs including the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Marriage Preparation.
All Saints Day and All Souls Day
On November 1st the whole Church celebrates the solemn feast of all the Saints whom we regard as heroes and heroines of our Christian faith. On this holy day, we remember that we are all part of the "communion of saints"— that we do not journey alone on this earth but have the Saints in Heaven praying for us that we will become Holy and join them in heaven.
Pope Francis said that the Saints are not “supermen” who were “born perfect.” Rather, they are ordinary people who followed God with all their heart. “They are like us, like each one of us. They are people who, before reaching the glory of heaven, lived normal lives with joys and griefs, struggles and hopes” (Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square on November 1, 2013). On November 2nd the whole Church commemorates all the faithful departed. Some of them are our loved ones who have gone ahead of us. Our belief in the communion of saints means that our relationship does not end with death. Those who are now in heaven intercede for us before the Lord. Those in Purgatory, who still need purification, benefit from our prayers, especially by the Holy Eucharist that we offer on their behalf.
"Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Amen" – From the opening prayer for the Mass for All Souls Day.
St. Andre Bessette Major Reliquary Tour
St. Peter’s Parish, Parry Sound
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm-Exposition of St. Andre’s Relic
5:40pm - Talks on St. Andre
6:00 pm - Eucharistic Adoration
6:30 pm - Holy Mass
7:15pm – Veneration of the Relic and anointing with St. Joseph’s Oil
This evening is led by the priests of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal
October 21 & 22, 2023 - World Mission Sunday
The Word of God this Sunday
The prophet Isaiah declares that the Persian emperor Cyrus, though pagan, is God’s anointed instrument. Defeating the Babylonians, Cyrus liberates the captive people of Israel and allows them to return from exile.
St. Paul praises God for the witness of faith, love, and hope of the Thessalonian Christians. Their steadfastness in faith witnesses to the power of the Gospel working in them. Jesus speaks about the right relationship between humanity and God. Just as the image of Caesar stamped on a Roman coin indicates that the coin belongs to Caesar, so the image of God stamped on every person’s being means that everyone belongs to God.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Wednesday, October 25, 12:10pm
Thursday, October 26, 12:10pm
Friday, October 27, 11am- 12pm - Holy Hour for peace in the World.
Friday, October 27, 12:10pm
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, October 28, 5pm –
For the Repose of the soul of Bill Wingfelder by the family
Sunday, October 29, 9am -- For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – October 14 & 15 - $1215.00
From Bishop Miehm
“POPE FRANCIS has called for Friday, October 27 to be a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the world. The worsening situation in Israel and Gaza and the looming humanitarian crisis are certainly causing great concern around the world. The Holy Father invited “the various Christian confessions, members of other religions and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate.” Priests in our diocese are encouraged to celebrate the Mass that day for the intention of peace in the world and provide some time of Eucharistic adoration.”
Pope Francis - World Mission Sunday 2023
For this year’s World Mission Sunday, I have chosen a theme inspired by the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus, in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 24:13-35): “Hearts on fire, feet on the move”. Those two disciples were confused and dismayed, but their encounter with Christ in the word and in the breaking of the bread sparked in them the enthusiastic desire to set out again towards Jerusalem and proclaim that the Lord had truly risen. In the Gospel account, we perceive this change in the disciples through a few revealing images: their hearts burned within them as they heard the Scriptures explained by Jesus, their eyes were opened as they recognized him and, ultimately, their feet set out on the way. By meditating on these three images, which reflect the journey of all missionary disciples, we can renew our zeal for evangelization in today’s world. Continue Reading
Thanksgiving- October 7 & 8, 2023- 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Isaiah 5:1–7, Philippians 4:6–9, Matthew 21:33–43
In Isaiah’s song of the Vineyard, the Lord expresses disappointment that Israel, His chosen vineyard, does not bear good fruits, but only the wild fruits of abuse and bloodshed.
Jesus reminds us that fidelity to God’s will, though not always easy, produces an abundant harvest. We are the Lord’s cherished garden, nurtured by him to produce good fruits. Let us pray that we may lead fruitful lives so that people may see our love for God and our good acts
and glorify our heavenly Father.
Weekday Masses – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
No Wednesday 12:10pm Mass this week.
Thursday, October 12, 12:10pm
Friday, October 13, 11am-12pm – Eucharistic Holy Hour & Benediction
Friday, October 13, 12:10pm
28th Sunday of Ordinary Time – St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Saturday, October 14, 5pm
Sunday, October 15, 9am -- For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – September 30/October 1- $1455.00
September Pre-Authorized Donations - $510.00
Mass = Thanksgiving!
“The word “eucharist” may be defined in a few ways, but one of the original translations from the Greek is “thanksgiving” or “to give thanks.” The ancient understanding of thankfulness had a greater depth than only “appreciation.” Thanksgiving involved a specific memory, or more accurately, the act of remembering. Thanksgiving had to do with remembering what had been done for you, and being aware that you owed a debt, in this case, of gratitude, for that gift. We maintain this understanding in our liturgy today, as the Catechism teaches us “In the Liturgy of the Word the Holy Spirit ‘recalls’ to the assembly all that Christ has done for us . . . The Holy Spirit who thus awakens the memory of the Church then inspires thanksgiving and praise.” (CCC 1103)”
From the article “True Thanksgiving” by Alissa Thorell
A NOTE OF THANKS!
On this thanksgiving weekend I wanted to say a big thank you to all of you
for your warm welcome to me as your new pastor
and for your faithful support and service to the parish.
I am blessed to serve in the midst of such a faith filled
and generous people!
Safe travel and God’s blessings to all of you who are “going south”
after thanksgiving weekend.
I look forward to seeing you in the spring!
Fr. Charles
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
September 30 & October 1, 2023 - 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Ezekial 18:25–28, Philippians 2:1–11, Matthew 21:28-32
The prophet Ezekiel tells us that what ultimately counts is our decision to turn to the Lord. His oracle is an invitation to those who have said “no” to change their ways and take the path that leads to life.
The salvation which the Father has accomplished through Jesus leads St. Paul to contemplation and praise, prayer and thanksgiving.
The Gospel today dwells on the necessity of putting our commitment to the Lord into action. It is the person who ultimately goes to work in the Lord’s vineyard who pleases him and will receive his reward. May our Eucharistic celebration ignite our spirit to work with passion in the Lord’s vineyard, saying yes to the mission He has entrusted to us.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, October 4, 11 am
Thursday, October 5, 11am
Friday, October 6, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, October 6, 11am
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, October 7, 5pm - For the people of the parish
Sunday, October 8, 9am
Sunday, October 8, 11am – For the repose of the soul of Barbara Baug
by Emily Heim and Family
Sunday Offerings – September 23 & 24 - $1020.00
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
Parish Schedule (effective October 9, 2023)
Masses: Saturday 5pm & Sunday 9 am
Wednesday-Friday - 12:10pm
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Benediction
Fridays 11am-12pm
Parish Confession Schedule
Fridays 11:30 am - 12:00pm
Saturdays 4pm - 4:30pm
The Angels
Each year as the warm days of summer turn to the coolness and bright colors of autumn, the Church celebrates the work and ministry of angels. We begin this twofold celebration on Sept. 29 with the feast of the archangels — Raphael, Michael and Gabriel. We conclude three days later on Oct. 2 when we honor the myriad guardian angels whom Tradition describes as assigned by God to each man and woman. The Scriptures speak of how angels are sent to assist in God’s plan of salvation. They bring messages, accompany the faithful along the path of daily life and fight the battles of God. We who seek to minister in Christ’s name are called to do likewise.
Prayer to My Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side, To light
and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.
Drives to Church
A number of parishioners are available to drive people to Port Severn for Saturday and Sunday Masses. Please contact Fr. Charles if you need a drive.
From our Bishop
ON OCTOBER 4, POPE FRANCIS will open the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” Five Canadian bishops will be participating in this session. In a recent letter to bishops around the world, Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, encouraged every member of the faithful and every local Church to pray that the Holy Spirit guide the Synod participants throughout their meetings.
An intercession for the Universal Prayer at Mass and a Solemn Blessing have been sent to each parish, as we pray for the success of the Synod process.
THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS held its annual plenary meeting this week. There was discussion about the promotion of palliative care and opposition to euthanasia, ongoing efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the upcoming Synod on Synodality, and the promotion of Vocations to the priesthood. Short videos about the work of the Plenary meeting can be viewed on YouTube – CCCB-CECC. Congratulations to Bishop William McGrattan (Bishop of Peterborough from 2014-17) who has been elected President of the CCCB for the next two years. May God guide him in this important role of coordination and collaboration for the bishops of Canada.
September 23 & 24- 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
The Generosity of God
The Lord is generous in forgiving and so the sinful person is invited to forsake their wicked ways. It is never too late to return to the Lord.
The Lord gives us more than we ever deserve. In turn, we are to mirror this generosity to others, going beyond the limits of strict justice.
When our life is Christ’s, says St. Paul, any option is desirable.
When we live, we are happy to serve him, and when we die,
we shall be with our Saviour for eternity.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, September 27, 11 am
Thursday, September 28, 11am
Friday, September 29, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, September 29, 11am
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, September 30, 5pm
Sunday, October 1, 9am - For the Moreau Family.
Sunday, October 1, 11am - For the people of the parish
Sunday Offerings – September 16 & 17 - $1121.00
Last Friday we celebrated the funeral of Gloria Cousineau, a life long member of our parish. We extend our sympathy and prayer to Gloria’s husband Louis, to the family and to her brother Mark Vessair.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we are all aware of the increasing cost of living these days. Like so many families, our parish too is having difficulty meeting all of its’ basic expenses. Even with your generous support, the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75 in 2022 and we project it will be the same for this and future years. It is important to find ways to reduce expenses from our already lean operating budget going forward. One area of concern it that the cost of oil and electricity to heat the Honey Harbour church building has increased to $16,552.00 last year, with only a few parishioners attending Sunday and weekday Masses during the winter.
In the spring of this year Fr. Martin and the members of the finance council entered into discussions with Bishop Daniel Miehm regarding the parish’s finances and church attendance. As a result of those discussions, and after consulting with me, the Bishop has given permission to winterize and close the Honey Harbour Church, hall and chapel after Thanksgiving weekend 2023 until May 18, 2024. With the water and septic systems winterized we will be able to keep the temperature of the Honey Harbour church building much lower this year. We expect significant savings from this action and it will help us to decrease or eliminate our operating deficit and allow us more funds for our parish’s life and outreach. St. John the Baptist Church building thankfully is much cheaper to heat, can easily provide enough seating for all parishioners and guests during the winter and is located in a central and easily accessible location. From October 9, 2023 to May 18, 2024 all parish Masses and other liturgies will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Port Severn. The Honey Harbour Church will reopen for Sunday 11 am Masses on May 19, 2024 - the long weekend in May. We recognize that not everyone has a car and we will do our very best to offer transportation from Honey Harbour to Port Severn for anyone who needs it. To provide ample opportunities for Mass attendance during the winter we will continue having the Saturday 5pm Mass and Sunday 9 am Mass as well as move our daily Masses to 12:10pm.
As we make this painful decision to help us live within our means we ask our patrons, Our Lady of Mercy and St. John the Baptist to pray for us, that we remain strong in faith, hope and charity, animated by the joy of the Gospel!
Fr. Charles
Parish Schedule (effective October 9, 2023)
Masses: Saturday 5pm & Sunday 9 am
Wednesday-Friday - 12:10pm
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Benediction
Fridays 11am-12pm
Parish Confession Schedule
Fridays 11:30 am - 12:00pm
Saturdays 4pm - 4:30pm
September 16 & 17- 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Word of God this Sunday
Sirach 27:30-28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiven and Forgiving
The wise man Sirach teaches that an
Israelite should forgive his neighbor’s faults so that God would forgive him.
St. Paul reminds us of the Lordship of Jesus. None of us lives or dies as one’s own master.
We are servants of one and the same Lord.
In the Gospel, Jesus declares that we whose sin
God has forgiven, are expected to be just as generous to others.
By forgiving one another we do what God does all the time for us.
Weekday Masses - Honey Harbour- Mary’s Chapel
Wednesday, September 20, 11 am
Thursday, September 21, 11am
Friday, September 22, 10:30am- Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday, September 22, 11am
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, September 23, 5pm
Sunday, September 24, 9am - For the people of the parish.
Sunday, September 24, 11am -The repose of the souls of John and Alan Cousineau by Phyllis and Linda Cousineau
Sunday Offerings – September 9 & 10 - $1390.00
From the Pastor’s Desk
Parish Financial update
Your finance council has been meeting regularly and we wanted to provide you with a quick note on the state of our finances. Thank you for your generous support! Your generosity and Fr. Martin’s and the finance council’s careful oversight have kept expenses and income consistent these last two years.
January – August 2022/23 Income and Expenses
Income
2023 2022
Sunday Collections 46,791.20 43,785.00
Total income 74,439.07 72,070.22
Expenses
Total 72,302.86 71,019.52
Available Funds
Bank Account 33,235.82 39,197.92
Savings 20,863.49 20,863.39
In 2022 the parish had a deficit of $8,103.75.
As of now we project that we will be running a deficit at year end.
Saturday 5pm Mass - To Be Continued!
Be reminded that there is a Celebration of the Eucharist at St. John the Baptist in Port Severn every Saturday. Our numbers have been small thus far since this Mass time was reintroduced in the spring but it is my hope that we will continue to have Mass every Saturday of the year. It is good to provide another opportunity to gather to pray, worship and receive the gift of the Eucharist weekly in our beautiful and easily accessible Church when life, travel, health and weather make it difficult to get to Mass on Sunday. Thanks to those who have been helping with ushering and reading!!
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