April 21,2020 (Eastertide Tuesday)
Parish Update
The historical records of the early Church provide evidence that many Christians gave away their fields, homes, and all their property for those in need. They lived a radical poverty in imitation of Christ. The early Christians put their trust in the riches of heaven rather than the riches of this world. They chose the riches of the Spirit. Riches of love, generosity, kindness, and compassion. Their radical witness sharing all they owned in common in community had a deep and profound effect on their non-Christian neighbours. Non-Christians would say see how they love one another! In the Mass readings today we are told Christians were of one heart and one soul. If only this were so today in our homes, families, and church today! We see a world divided, divisive, and far too often not of one heart and one soul. Yet in all the divisions of this world, we continue to see, in fact, many examples of Christians, like the early Christians, willing to share what they have in common with others. They live in imitation of the poor Christ. Let us recall how are parish joined in the Diocesan One Heart One Soul Campaign. A title to remind us of the early Christians who gave all they had for the good of others. Our parish rose to the challenge and gave and continue to give so much. In fact we are celebrating this week the first anniversary of the Campaign that has reached near 1.25 million. Like the early Christians who gave to God and neighbour their one heart and soul. There are many Saints throughout history who have also given up everything they owned. They preferred to seek the riches of heaven rather than the riches of this world. St. Giorgio Frassati is but an example. Born into one of the wealthiest families, would ride his bike to school with lunch money in hand, to buy bread, every day, and would give it to the poor he found along the way. Today Jesus says to Nicodemus everyone who is born of Spirit may have eternal life. To be born of the Spirit means to be or one heart and one soul in our homes and families. To be born of the Spirit means living one’ s life looking beyond our own personal selfish desires. It means seeking the things of God, the things of heaven, rather than the material possessions we so often want to own, hoping they will save us, comfort us, or heal us. To be born of the Spirit are nurses, doctors, personal care workers, who stand their post, and risk their lives to save others. The early Christians lived in community with one another united in one heart and one soul. They chose to born of the Spirit and seek the eternal riches of God. Saints gave away everything they owned of this world for a far greater world to come. A world of one heart and one soul, a world born of the Spirit, a world sharing all they have with others. Ref: Acts 4.32-37 John 3.7-15
Thank you to Holy Rosary Catholic & St. Patrick’s Catholic School’s principals, teachers, students, and families for encouraging your children to bring food for the poor to the grey bin outside the church doors. Also for bringing a personally designed prayer rock placed in the prayer garden below the Blessed Sacrament window where our Lord looks out towards the world. Thanks for praying for the sick and afflicted before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Thanks to all who have who have signed up to help CARE FOR NEIGHBOURS TEAM. Those who have been assigned to help a neighbour calling for help continue to please keep a check on them.
Mass today is offered for the repose of the soul of Jennie Cousineau mother of Tom & Marilyn Nolan recently passed into God’s mercy. Also for the repose of the souls of Angelo & Tony Garaffa. And prayers requested for the residents and workers of Country Village Nursing Home in Woodslee, Ontario, many of whom are stricken by Covid-19 virus.
Pray the Rosary at 4 PM in your homes offering prayers for end of the pandemic, the sick and afflicted, nurses, doctors, care workers serving in our hospitals and nursing homes. Remember all Volunteers we honour this coming Volunteer Appreciation Week. Especially in these times when so many are helping those in need.
Mail drop off at the Rectory mail box kitchen door. Place prayer requests, Mass intentions, messages, envelopes, letters. The mail box is carefully monitored. Again thank you for your offerings. They are helping me pay for the lights and heat!
This week marks the first anniversary of our One Heart One Soul Campaign. A huge thank you for making a huge success for the Parish and Diocese and for your continued support. We will continue to prepare for repairs!
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 Third Sunday of Easter 9 AM 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 all parishes and parish offices closures are now extended to May 12th, 2020.
Holy Rosary Catholic Women’s League will sew 100 protective gowns for medical staff for St. Joseph’s. Any parishioner willing to help, or donate thread, can call President Cathy Whyte @ 519- 824-5115.
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
