May 19, 2020 Eastertide Tuesday Sixth Week
Parish Update
During the Vietnam War a young American pilot was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese. Under interrogation he was given a document to sign in which he would denounce his nation and be granted favourable treatment. He refused saying he would rather trust God and remain loyal to his family and nation. The interrogators went into a rage beating him and saying there is no God. The pilot was thrown into a small dark box in the middle of the prison yard. Under a burning sun his prison becomes like an oven and he could not breath. He began to pray, recalling his prayers from catechism days, and started speaking to God from the heart. He sees a small crack in the roof that allowed him enough fresh air to breathe. For days he thanks God for every breath. Thirst now begins to overwhelm and he prays to God for just a small sip of water. Suddenly he hears a crack of thunder and rain pours down and he can drink. He thanks God for every sip. Weeks later, he is released in a prisoner exchange, and he is free. He knows God had saved him and he devotes the rest of his life to God.
In the Mass reading today, the apostles are been put in jail. They too are beaten and chained. But their hearts are at peace knowing Jesus will help them. An earthquake strikes and their chains are loosened and the prison doors open. The jailer sees the power of God and asks for baptism. Not unlike what happens years later, when that young American pilot, visits the land of his jailers, discovers one of his interrogators has also come to Christ. In the gospel today, Jesus says to his disciples, that he must depart from this world, so that he can send the Advocate to come to help us. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, comes to guide the world. To prove to the world the power of God, the power of truth, the power of love. To prove to the world wrong about sin, that there is no prison, jail, or interrogation, that can chain down God. There are many prisons and jailers in this world. Some jails are not made of bricks and prison bars. Sometimes prisons of our own making. Prisons of anger, pride, hubris, arrogance, and selfishness. Today, Jesus says the Advocate is coming to open the prisons of the world, the prisons of our own making, and at the clap of thunder, the Advocate empties those prisons and lets the prisoner free. (Scripture Ref: Acts 16.22-34 John 16.5-11)
Prayers Requested:
For those suffering depression, anxiety, and fear.
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.
Prayers for all health workers, doctors, nurses, personal support workers. For all who have been afflicted and who have succumbed to Covid-19.
For the Canadian Jesuits recently passed away. Frs. Mike Murray, Peter Larisey, Norm Dodge, FX Johnson, Mike Hawkins, & George O’Neill. Rest in Peace.
Announcement: Following Government Guidelines the Diocese has extended parish closure 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 the Seiler family.
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 outside parish office door 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 Feast of The Ascension Sunday 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
