May 22, 2020 Eastertide Friday Sixth Week (Memorial Feast Rita of Casia)
Parish Update
It was never in the mind of God for a human being to suffer. God neither wants or wills the suffering of anyone. If God willed suffering then God would be cruel. God is not cruel. And yet, everywhere around the world one can find so much suffering. Tragic accidents, poverty, natural disasters, illness, death and destruction abound. It would be easy for many to come to the conclusion God is the cause. But if this were true then how can we also say God is love? How can a good God who loves at the same time want to bring pain and suffering to our lives. Pain and suffering is the price of our freedom. When we God granted us the freedom to choose for ourselves he knew it would involve the possibility of suffering. When a parent allows a child to go off on their own for the first time, they also know there is the possibility of the child falling, or having an accident, or worse. But there is no other way if the child is to be free The child can’t be kept in a safe pain free room for the rest of their life. And so it is with a human beings. Suffering is often the result of our freedom, the decision to act or not act, to choose or not choose. When the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to little St. Bernadette she asked her if she would have to suffer much in this world. And Mary said to Bernadette I cannot promise you will not suffer in this world but I can promise you happiness in the next.
In the Mass readings today, the apostles continue their travels proclaiming the message of Jesus, and everywhere they go they see suffering and they encounter suffering. Most people could not have endured it. What is extraordinary is that the apostles neither complain nor fear the sufferings they must endure. They accept sufferings without complaint, they seem strong, and at peace. There is a reason. They offer up their sufferings for God. They find God in their sufferings and fulfill great works for God. God is amazed when someone is willing to suffer for Him or others. The Lord appears to Paul in a vision and says to him do not be afraid for I am with you. The point is God knows our sufferings and comes to us in our sufferings to help us. But we have to ask God. He will not interfere in our freedom. He does not interfere in the life of the apostles nor will he interfere in ours. We must ask. In the gospel Jesus says to us, so you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. What Jesus is saying is that knows we will suffer, that we will suffer some great trial in life, but if we offer it up to God, it becomes a sure means, to our joy with God in this world and in the next. Our Lady does not promise Bernadette a life without suffering, but does promise her a life of joy in the next. Let us remember Jesus knows our sufferings and he will help us in our sufferings. (Scripture Ref: Acts. 18.9-18 John 16.20-23)
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.
Announcement: Following Government Guidelines the Diocese parish closure is now extended 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
Pre-Authorized 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 soul of Daniel Murphy.
Thanks to all 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.
Pray the Rosary at 4 PM in your homes offering prayers for end of the pandemic, the sick, the afflicted, nurses, doctors, personal care workers serving in our hospitals and nursing homes.
Mail drop off at the Rectory mail box kitchen door. Place prayer requests, Mass intentions, messages, envelopes and 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 COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATIONS ARE ALL CANCELLED. TO BE REESCHEDULED 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
