April 13,2020 (Easter Monday)
Parish Update
There is a 1957 movie called Twelve Angry Men. It is an old classic about a courtroom drama telling the story of 12 total strangers called up for jury duty and each must examine the evidence and decide the guilt or innocence of the accused. As the story unfolds each juror comes to a very different conclusion about the accused’s guilt or innocence. Some declare all the evidence points to guilt. While others say the evidence points to innocence. The jury is divided. They argue, they disagree, they become angry, they come close to physical blows. The movie shows well how difficult it is for any group of individuals, each with their own unique perspectives, biases, cultural experiences, interpretation of events, to come to any kind of unanimous decision about anything. We see this in life all the time. When families have to make a decision based on the evidence they often disagree, political parties given the same evidence will come to different conclusions, or when businesses must make a serious decision there is often disagreement. Boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms are often divided on the evidence placed before them. And they can become angry places. It is hard to reach unanimity in family life, political life, social life, or for that matter any 12 individuals. The Mass readings today reveal a surprising unanimity. A union of minds and hearts of 12 individuals, mostly total strangers to one another, coming from varying cultural backgrounds, differing traditions, work, and life experiences, and they stand before a crowd, and declare boldly what they have seen with their own eyes and heard with their own ears. They tell their story, they present their evidence, and they all unanimously agree. Peter the leader declares to the crowd Jesus crucified, died, and buried, has risen from the dead. He is alive. He is risen. They offer their evidence. They have seen him, they have walked with him, talked with him, prayed with him, they have sat in meal with him. He is alive. It is a very hard thing for 12 people to come to unanimous agreement. The 12 disciples are unanimous in their evidence that Jesus has risen. It is a very hard thing for individuals to come to unanimity of facts. Based on experience, we know if 12 very diverse persons, make up a lie, cracks soon emerge in the story, or falling out occurs in the group, and the lie is exposed. Perhaps not immediately but eventually. Common sense dictates people will not die for a lie. But many will die for the truth. Most of the disciples will end up dying gladly for what they tell us is the truth. And they are not angry. They rejoice. They love. Jesus is risen. Happy Easter Monday!
Thank you to all who have signed up to help CARE FOR NEIGHBOURS TEAM. Those who have been asked to help a neighbour please keep a check on them.
Easter Monday Mass is offered for repose of the soul of Gineta Zilio. Please pray for the following souls now received into God’s mercy: Fr. Jim Malone, Lou Cardillo, Maria Scorziello. Maria’s burial and private prayers this Wed.
Pray the Rosary at 4 PM in your homes offering prayers for end of the pandemic , the sick and afflicted, nurses and doctors, first responders, and all serving the community for their health and safety.
Mail drop off at the Rectory mail box kitchen door. Place prayer requests, Mass intentions, messages, envelopes, letters. The mail box is carefully monitored. My gratitude for your continued donations.
Dry food items for food pantry can be placed in the grey bin outside office entrance doors. Thanks for the donations.
DIOCESE DECREES ALL WEDDINGS MUST BE CANCELLED UP UNTIL JUNE 30, 2020. A WEDDING CAN TAKE PLACE BUT ONLY WITH THE BRIDE, GROOM, AND WITNESSES.
FIRST COMMUNIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS ARE ALL CANCELLED . TO BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.
Reminder this Sunday 9 AM Parish Easter Sunday Mass will be live streamed. Instructions are posted on the Parish Website https://holyrosaryguelph.ca under the “MASSES” header on the home page of website. A link to a recording of the previous Sunday Mass is also available in the same location.
The Diocese has informed me today that Parish Offices will remain formally CLOSED until April 23, 2020.
Courage everyone. Pray. With my blessing.
Fr. Vernon P. Boyd S.J.
Pastor
Holy Rosary Parish, 175 Emma Street, Guelph, ON, N1E 1V6
519-822-4701 x 22 www.holyrosaryguelph.ca
