Wednesday June 03, 2020 Ordinary Time (Feast of Saints Charles Lwanga & Companions Martyrs)
Parish Update
When a small child is asked what do they want to be when they grow up they often choose something they perceive to be an exciting occupation. They might say a nurse, policeman, doctor, fireman, actor or actress. As the child matures and grows up their interests might change and they could choose a very different career. Everyone chooses according to their interests and their passions. Why does one choose one particular career over another and does one truly know it is the career for them? If a person is asked why did they choose a particular career, some might say it is what they wanted to do, or it offered them exciting possibilities, or the answer is as simple as it makes lots of money. There are many reasons why a person chooses a particular career. However, it is seldom one will hear a person say I chose a particular work because it is what God wanted me to do or it is what God wanted me to become. And if that person is an electrician, doctor, plumber, actress, or teacher and says it is what God wanted them to become it is even more amazing. A person of practicing faith who chooses a career, the work they do, the life they live, is not and is never of their own choosing. It is never about what one wants. One chooses what God wants of them to be and become in life. Of course, this involves lots of prayers, serious spiritual discernment, and good spiritual directors that can help a person know what God might be asking. This is in far contrast to how many choose what to do in life. Many will say their choice of career has nothing to do with God. Or say their work has nothing to do with anyone else. A person of serious faith can never think this way. Everyone of serious faith always tries to discern what God is asking of them or calling them to do. In other words it is never about us, it is about God. God has created us for a purpose, and whatever one does in life, it is to fulfill the purpose God intends. Choosing what God intends brings one’s greatest happiness and purpose to fulfillment.
In the mass readings today the Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy who is faltering in his vocation, his work, his job. Timothy is thinking and acting according to what he wants rather than what God wants of him. Timothy is thinking like many in our world today. He believes he is the one who makes his own decisions. Of course a person makes their own decisions, but, Paul is saying the decision one makes must in harmony with what God’s intends. Paul is calling Timothy back to the vocation God has called him to live. This is what Paul means when he reminds Timothy to rely on the power of God who calls him to a holy calling, not according to his work, but according to God’s purpose and grace. Paul is not talking about a calling just to priesthood. He is talking about any person, in any work or career in which they are engaged, who must fulfill God’s purpose and grace in their work. Jesus alludes to this issue when the Pharisees ask him a question about marriage, about who is married to whom in heaven. It is a question the world would ask. Jesus says there is no giving or getting of marriage in heaven. His point is one’s vocation, be it on earth or in heaven, is not about getting what one chooses or what one would like. It is about giving all to God. This why Jesus says those who serve God are like angels in heaven. This means the souls of heaven do not choose what they want but what God wants. Souls of heaven, souls who live according to faith, seek God’s purpose in order to fulfill their vocation and achieve their greatest happiness. (Scripture Ref: 2 Timothy 1.1-12 Mark 12.18-27)
Announcement: Ontario Government and Diocese now extend health emergency and closure of parish until June 30, 2020. The Diocese and Government are preparing health guidelines to follow when the Parish reopens.
Prayers Requested:
For those suffering pain, depression, anxiety, and fear.
For a relative of the parish asking for God to help a cousin Ennio suffering from leukemia and seeking a bone transplant in Italy. For Danilo, also in Italy, gravely ill.
Prayers for all health workers, doctors, nurses, personal support workers. For all who have been afflicted and who have succumbed to Covid-19.
For Fr. Tony Van Hee SJ pro-life witness, on Parliament Hill past 29 years, facing court proceedings for his witness to life.
For Ashley Kinsheneg of Manitoulin Island for his healing.
For Your Information:
The Car Raffle continues but the draw date will be moved to a future time when the church reopens.
Today Mass is offered for the intentions and needs Ennio and Danilo for their healing. And for the repose of the soul of Sean Contini.
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 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
