Monday 29 March 2021

This Is Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum

This Is Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum

The action of this week moves from the triumph of the palm procession through the agony and death of the Lord to his glorious resurrection from the dead. During Holy Week the people of God take time to reflect and pray about what Jesus has done for us in his love. We become more aware of the many ways in which we continue to live and experience the dying and rising of Jesus in our daily lives.

So...  what are the parts of Holy Week?

Passion Sunday

  • Palms. The blessing of palm branches and the procession remind us of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. We praise Christ our king: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Jesus comes to save us and the world by the Paschal mystery: his death and resurrection accomplishes our salvation.
  • Passion narrative. Quickly the mood of the celebration changes: the solemn reading of the passion account from Matthew, Mark or Luke reminds us of the purpose of Jesus’ entrance into the Holy City. We have begun to follow him on the way of the cross, along the road that leads us to Calvary and to Easter.
  • At home. We place palms in our homes to show reverence for Jesus our leader: we are his followers in suffering as in glory.


Chrism Mass 

In the Diocese of London, Chrism Mass is celebrated on the Monday before Easter weekend.  The Bishop blesses the oils in the cathedral. He blesses holy oil of Chrism for baptism, confirmation and ordination; oil for the anointing of the sick; and the oil of catechumens for those preparing for baptism. The oils are brought to each parish church and there prominently and reverently displayed. They are used in celebrating the sacraments during the year.

"The Triduum" - Three days within Holy Week

Agnus Dei by Francisco Zurbarán

For three full days, from Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday night, the Church celebrates the Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. This is his work of saving us by his dying and rising: one great act of God’s love and mercy for us. We celebrate because Jesus has brought us into his paschal mystery by baptism. With him we are baptized into death to sin; with him we rise to live a new life for God.

"Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery" (USCCB).

Agnus Dei by Francisco Zurbarán 


Holy Thursday

Evening Mass: We remember the Passover feast of the Jewish people and the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples when we celebrate the Eucharist this evening. Before he offers himself on the cross, Jesus takes bread and says, “This is my body.” He takes a cup of wine and says “This is my blood of the new covenant shed to save all sinners. Do this in memory of me.” We obey him each time we come together to celebrate the Eucharist.

  • Washing of the feet. At the Last Supper, Jesus washed his apostles’ feet to give them an example of love and service. Its re enactment is a reminder that all Christians are called to love and to serve others.
  • Communion under both forms. Jesus told us to remember him by eating and drinking. Tonight especially everyone is invited to eat the bread of life and drink the cup of salvation.
  • Procession. At the end of the Mass, the Eucharist for the Good Friday communion celebration is carried reverently through the church and reserved in a place of honour.
  • Adoration. Until midnight, members of the community spend time in prayer before the 'altar of repose', remembering the Lord Jesus, whose death and resurrection saves us.


Good Friday

Spirit of the day: The meaning of this day is clearly indicated by its name in English: it is “Good” Friday, the day when God did wonderful things for us by the suffering and death of his Son. Out of his death God has brought us light and life, making it possible for us to be saved. This is indeed a good day for the world.

Paschal fast: This morning we begin our two day fast in preparation for the Easter vigil. We eat less food than normal and cut out entertainments. We wait until the Easter vigil to wear our spring finery. These are days for prayer and meditation, not for shopping or driving or being entertained: Friday and Saturday form a sort of mini Lent, and are actually the origin of that season.

Liturgy: Around 3:00 o’clock, the time of our Lord’s death on the cross, we come together in church to remember what Jesus has done for us. In the service of the word, we listen to the solemn proclamation of Jesus’ passion according to John, then offer prayer for the world and for God’s people, the Church. We venerate the cross, and eat the life giving Body of the Lord in communion.

In our homes we keep the paschal fast all day. All members make an effort to observe silence and to spend more time in prayer.

  • If we do not have a cross in our family room and in each person’s room, this would be a good day to put these crosses in place.
  • At other times during the day, we may go to a service at our parish church, or have a quiet family celebration of the way of the cross.

Lord Jesus, we give you glory, you are the saviour of the world!


Holy Saturday

On this day, the body of Jesus lay in the guarded tomb and the frightened disciples hid behind locked doors. In the Church, Holy Saturday is a quiet day, the great Sabbath rest. The paschal fast continues and we avoid entertainments and distractions, as on Good Friday. During the day, the catechumens, those becoming Catholic (the elect) make their final preparations for baptism.

Easter

Easter vigil: This service is the most important celebration of the Church year. It takes place during the dark hours of the night. It has four distinct stages:

  • Light service. After the blessing of the new fire, the priest lights the Easter candle. This represents the risen Lord and is a visible reminder that Jesus is the light of the world.
  • Liturgy of the word. Nine readings from God’s word lead us from creation through God’s saving works to his greatest work, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. We listen with faith, reflect on the word and respond by singing psalms. The homily helps us to recognize God’s mighty works in our midst.
  • Christian initiation. Our baptism into the death and rising of the Lord Jesus is at the centre of tonight’s celebration (Romans 6.3 11). In each parish, water for baptism is solemnly blessed. Catechumens who have prepared over a long period of time now reject Satan, profess their faith in Christ and are baptized, confirmed, and nourished with their first Eucharist.

The rest of the people renew their baptismal promises and are sprinkled with blessed water in memory of their baptism. Tonight is celebrated as the baptismal anniversary of the whole Christian community.

  • Eucharist: The first Mass of Easter is celebrated with great splendour. We rejoice because Christ has been raised from the dead and because we are renewed in him. Once more we begin our task of sharing the good news of salvation with everyone we meet.

Easter day 

The joyful celebration of our Lord’s rising continues. Alleluia! meaning “praise to God!” is our shout of joy.

Easter Season 

For fifty days, the people of God reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection and of their sharing in it through baptism: dying to sin and living for God. For seven weeks we celebrate the presence of Jesus among us. We celebrate his ascension and pray to him, seated in glory with the Father. As we prepare for Pentecost, we ask him to fill us with the grace and power of his Spirit.

In our home: Holy Week and the Easter season offer us an opportunity to share more fully with Jesus in his suffering and in his glory. Are we open to his love for us?

Holy Father,
we praise you for loving us so deeply
that you sent Jesus to save us.
We remember his suffering,
his dying, and his rising.
With him we continue each day
to die to sin in our life
and to live only for you.

Heavenly Father,we praise you
through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Holy Week: Liturgical Leaflet, edited by the National Liturgy Office, and published by Publications Service, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2500 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 2J2 Canada. Copyright © Concacan Inc., 1987, 2002. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced for personal or parish use. 


Wednesday 2 December 2020

Happy Advent!!
Check out the Virtual Advent Calendar put together by Good Shepherd Parish with the help of some of our students!! 


Good Shepherd Virtual Advent Calendar 




Friday 27 November 2020

Advent

Advent 2020

Sunday, November 29th, we begin the season of Advent by celebrating the 1st Sunday of Advent.  Advent is our time of preparation and time of waiting for the coming of Jesus. It is a rich and powerful season of the Church year.

We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

We must see through the eyes of Faith when we look at our Advent preparations for Christmas rather than the screen of Society.  The computer screen, the phone screen, the tv screen or the movie screen.

Through eyes of Faith, we see the birth of the Christ-child, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace. We see those in need, the homeless and the hungry.  The screens only block our view of the truth and keep us separated from what is real. During this Advent Season make special effort to put down, turn off or close out the screen when you are able and connect with family and the Christ child.

Let us begin with the sign of our faith.  

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

1st Week of Advent, Hope

Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

 

2nd Week of Advent, Love

Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen. 

 

3rd Week of Advent, Joy

Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

 

4th Week of Advent, Peace

Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

 

Advent Prayer for Families

Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a family this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

Tuesday 24 November 2020

News From Good Shepherd Parish


Good Shepherd's Confirmation registration is now open. Registrations are being accepted now with the preparation small groups to begin in early 2021. Students and families can find more information at GetConfirmed.ca

Get linked to their Facebook Page Here > Get Confirmed! 

Friday 30 October 2020

Treaties Recognition Week 2020

November 1-7, 2020

Treaties are legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. They form the basis of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Although many treaties were signed more than a century ago, treaty commitments are just as valid today as they were then. First Nations were the original occupants of this land we call Ontario. The British Crown (government) and First Nations negotiated and signed treaties with the intent of delivering mutual benefits. First Nations signed as independent, self-governing nations. 

 Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements. Use the interactive treaties map to find out which treaty applies to any location in the province. Native-Land Interactive Map Despite the promise of early treaties and the mutually respectful partnerships they established, Indigenous peoples were targeted by colonial policies designed to exploit, assimilate and eradicate them. Today, the Ontario government is working to rebuild trust and relationships with treaty partners and Indigenous peoples. Part of that effort includes educating Ontarians about the role treaties play in our lives and relationships with each other today.

Here are some links to help in our journey together because... 
"We Are All Treaty People"





Hayden King on Treaties

Hayden King is Anishinaabe from Beausoleil First Nation on Gchi'mnissing, in Huronia Ontario. Hayden has been teaching Indigenous politics and policy since 2007 with academic positions at McMaster, Carleton and Ryerson Universities. His research and commentary on Indigenous nationhood and colonialism in Canada is published widely.

Hayden has also served as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Director of Research at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and Scholar-in-Residence at the Conference Board of Canada. He is a Senior Fellow at Massey College, adjunct professor at Carleton, and the co-founder of the language-arts collective, the Ogimaa Mikana Project.


Wednesday 28 October 2020

What's Going On

These Covid times have changed so many things for us and we are experiencing things in a different way right now, that's for sure!!  One of the things that might be challenged but doesn't have to change is our FAITH!!


Included in this post are the online happenings and the in-person happenings at our local parishes. And man... they have been hard at work putting together so many things for their faith communities.  
Take the opportunity to pop in, join, scroll or twitch !!



St. Anne's Parish

On facebook, we livestream Masses, the family rosary, periodic "shows" by our priests etc....)


Our Instagram: @steannechurch

Our website with resources, bible studies, access to FORMED (sort of a Catholic Netflix)

Most importantly of interest to our students would be our all new Twitch stream.   Ste Anne's Fr. Robert @Fr_Roboto and St. Michael's (Leamington) Fr. Steve Marsh @padrepwnag will be hosting "Just Business" a video gaming live stream where they go head to head, and take questions from the viewers. 
Just Business: Friday Night Twitch Stream
To easily hop on the stream here is the link: https://www.twitch.tv/padrepwnage  and https://www.twitch.tv/fr_roboto
Our newly elevated Blessed, Blessed Carlo Acutis - patron saint of computer programmers and video gamers will be mentioned.

Weekend Mass Times: Ste. Anne’s Parish

www.SteAnneParish.ca
Sat 5:30pm - In-person or live stream
Sun 8:00am - In-person or live stream 
Sun 10:00am - In-person
Sun 12:00pm - In-person or live stream 
You can watch live on Facebook. In-person attendance requires reservations online at BackToMass.com


Good Shepherd Parish

Like & Subscribe at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeYOjORDxLN_ZRUK3FyYDsQ

https://www.facebook.com/GSLakeshore/


  Refuel Thursdays – In Person or online



 





Alpha – It is not too late to join

www.GSLakeshore.com/Alpha

 

AV Team – Great opportunities for high school students to volunteer

Image and description: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNEK3ynXqF/

Sign up at GSLakeshore.com/AV

Podcast (Weekly Homilies) available on all platforms:



 Sign up to help with our online children’s ministry:

https://gslakeshore.com/childrensministry

 Serve in new ways at:

www.GSLakeshore.com/Serve


Weekend Mass Times: Good Shepherd Parish

www.GSLakeshore.com
Sat 5pm - In-person or live stream
Sun 9am - In-person or live stream
Sun 11am - In-person or live stream
Sun 7pm - Replay on live stream
You can watch live on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch. In-person attendance requires reservations online at BackToMass.com

Wednesday 3 June 2020