May 08, 2020 Eastertide Friday
Parish Update
Recently, a prominent theologian was asked what is the greatest problem facing the church today. He offered a surprising answer. He said the problem is not about doctrine, dogma, or church teaching, these will always be debated, discussed, and tweeked, rather the problem is that the church has lost its zeal or fire for the mission. In other words it has lost the passion it once had and it has grown tired, bored, and indifferent. Of course not all churches or parishes but in general terms the church is losing its passion. There could be a thousand reasons why. This did not happen in the early church. The early Christians had a passion for the faith and they were on fire for Christ. What did they have that we don’t have? It is estimated that by the end of the third century, after the death and resurrection of Christ, one quarter of the Roman Empire had become Christian. How could such a thing happen? The Romans saw how the Christians lived. They looked after their elderly, they did not abort, or commit infanticide, they fed the poor, they cared for the sick, they looked after widows and orphans, they cared for one another. Over time they built hospitals, schools, and universities. Non-Christians would say ‘see how they love one another’! It was love, it was a passion to love, it was love of God and neighbour, that set the Church on fire and it spread like wildfire. Today, the fire seems to have gone. Of course not all fire or zeal is gone and there are signs of rebirth and renewal. However, in general terms, a theologian is pointing out the need for passion. If there is no relationship with a person Jesus then there will be no passion. Just as in marriage, if one loses the friendship of the other, the passion, or the love begins to die. To regain passion is to regain our relationship with Jesus. As a church, as Christians, we need to regain our relationship with Jesus. Without a relationship there can be no passion. Let us recall that moment when the disciples are walking the road with Jesus on their way to Emmaus, they spend a whole day with him, and even though they do not realize who it is, when he leaves them, they say, did not our hearts burn within when he was with us? In other words they felt the passion and their passion took them to the ends of the world.
In the Mass readings today, the apostles fearlessly proclaim Jesus in the synagogue. They are on fire. They are hearts are burning with passion for Jesus. They are willing to give their lives for him. The church today, in general terms, has lost its passion and perhaps is not willing to give their lives for Jesus. However, in the gospel, Jesus says, do not let your hearts be troubled. There are many who will continue to love, serve, give their life for Him. There will always be those who bring passion to the faith. We need not be troubled by the lack of faith today. Jesus is walking along the road with us and he continues to set our hearts on fire. We need not wait for others to have the passion. It begins first with us. We must begin by entering into a deep friendship with Him. We must walk the road with him. The early Christians walked the road. And their hearts burned and their passion helped change the world. (Scripture Ref: Acts 13.26-33 John 14.1-6)
Important Announcement: Following Government Guidelines the Diocese will now extend parish closures to May 19, 2020.
For Your Information:
Parish Easter General Offerings April to May 06 2,735.00
Pre-Authorized to May 06 8,005.00
Regular Offerings 8,150.00
Loose Offerings 733.60
Total 19,623.60
Other Offerings
Bottle Drive: 1,097.05
Pantry: 1,865.00
Share Lent: 920.00
Good Friday: 630.00
St. Anne’s: 145.00
Mass was offered today for the repose of the souls of Bruno & Polly Santos, Ornato & Alfeo Zilio, and intentions for Margaret Mary Frederick.
- Support Catholic Education Week. Pray for our Catholic Schools, Principals, Teachers, Faculties and Students. Bishop Crosby will offer a live stream today for Catholic Education on May 08 @11 AM. Link to be found on Diocese website.
- Thanks for those who signed up for Care for Neighbours Team. Those assigned please keep a check on your neighbours.
Pray the Rosary at 4 PM in your homes offering prayers for end of the pandemic , the sick and afflicted, all who have requested prayers for our families, nurses, doctors, personal care workers. Pray for all in our nursing homes.
Mail drop off at the Rectory mail box kitchen door. Place prayer requests, Mass intentions, messages, envelopes, letters. The mail box is carefully monitored. Thanks for your continued offerings. Very much appreciated.
Dry food items for food pantry can be placed in the grey bin outside office entrance doors. Thank you! Also don’t forget to donate your spirit bottles to grey bin to help raise funds for the capital campaign.
- 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 that the Fifth Sunday Easter 9 AM Mass will be live streamed. It will also be our Mother’s Day Mass! 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.
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
