May 14, 2020 Eastertide Thursday Fifth Week (Feast of the Martyr Apostle Matthias)
Parish Update
Most people desire happiness. It is a rare thing to hear someone say do not want to be happy. When a person is asked what it is they want most in life, especially if a parent is asked for their children, they will often answer for their happiness. And so to seek happiness or to have happiness in one’s life is highly valued and seems to be the key to a peaceful and productive life. Yet, we also see a world of so much unhappiness. Why do so many people value it and at the same time not achieve it? Perhaps because many try to find it in places it cannot be found. People often think their ultimate happiness is found in family, friends, loved ones, children, or in material possessions. Of course all these can bring joy and happiness, yet, when family fails or disappoints, or material possessions are no more, it seems happiness also seems to dissipate from our lives. Is happiness then only a fleeting feeling that exists in time or is there an eternal happiness that is forever? Regardless of the sufferings, trials, tribulations, and pains of this world.
In the Mass readings today, the apostles are filled with joy. Even though they have experienced murder and mayhem all around them. Yet, they are happy. And even though death is around the corner they are full of hope and continue to look forward to the future. In fact they are preparing for their eventual arrest and death but they continue to carry on with great determination and joy. In the gospel Jesus takes up the question of happiness. He knows every soul is longing for happiness. However, when Jesus speaks of happiness he is not talking about a happiness that is a fleeting onetime thing, or a happiness that lasts for a short time. Jesus is talking about a happiness that lives in us forever, brings peace to our lives, and hope to our hearts. He says happiness is found in Him. If we live in Him and He in us, then our joy, our happiness is found. It is made full and complete. Only in Christ is true happiness found. It is the happiness of knowing we are loved by God and we will live with God forever. This is why the apostles are not worried or anxious about the future or the troubles of this world. Their joy is complete, their happiness is complete, because they know they are loved by God and they will live with God forever. One should notice the very first word of the first psalm. The psalm begins with the word happy. Happy the man (woman) who follows the ways of the Lord. What the psalmist is saying and knew many thousands of years ago happiness is found in God. (Scripture Ref: Acts 1.15-26 John 15.9-17)
Congratulations to Mary & Frank Dobias on the occasion of their 60th Wedding Anniversary today May 14, 2020!
Congratulations to Fr. Daniel who has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation. He is now Dr. Daniel Syauswa, SJ. God bless Fr. Daniel on the occasion of his tremendous achievement!
Prayers Requested:
For a relative of the parish asking for God to help a cousin suffering from leukemia and seeking a bone transplant in Italy.
For Chuck Robertson in hospital.
On this Feast of Our Lady of Fatima we pray for all health workers, doctors, nurses, personal support workers. In gratitude for their service and for their safety. And for our Parish family named in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary.
For Mary Margaret Frederick and Rita Wensler received into God’s mercy.
Announcement: Following Government Guidelines the Diocese parish closure is now moved to June 02, 2020.
For Your Information:
Knights of Columbus has granted the generous amount of $5,000.00 towards the renovations campaign for the Parish. The Parish thanks the Knights!
The Diocesan Foundation Ex Corde has awarded Holy Rosary Parish the generous amount $25, 000.00 towards the renovations campaign. The Parish thanks Ex Corde Foundation!
The Car Raffle continues but the draw date will be moved to a future time when the church reopens.
Offerings April to May 06 2,735.00
PreAuthorized to May 06 8,005.00
Regular Offerings 8,150.00
Loose Offerings 733.60
Total 19,623.60
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 Mary Margaret Frederick, Greet Schouten, and for Rita Wensler. Also for the intentions of Frank & Mary Dobias on the occasion of their wedding anniversary.
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 Sixth Sunday 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.
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
