Reminder: Msgr. Henneberry will be distributing Communion in the parking lot at the following times after Mass: Saturday, 4:45 pm; Sunday, 9:45 am & 11:45 am.

Memorials to be celebrated on Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 pm: Murray McGowan, Jacques Ouellette, Rodolphe Dupere, Harold Seaman

Sunday Offertory – July 26 – $5,266.15
Thank you for your generosity.

It was once said that two of the best companions for a lifetime were books. The first, of course, was the Bible. The second was a dictionary. Wisdom was to be found in the words we read in the Bible. This wisdom opened our ears and eyes to the Word made flesh, Jesus. Clarity of words (their meaning and spelling) was available in the dictionary. With this clarity we could share and communicate what we had discovered and understood about  Jesus. The Bible, or at least some of it, becomes inscribed in our hearts and on our minds. Its truth, beauty and wisdom never change. 

The dictionary remained at our side, especially while doing crosswords or playing Scrabble! But it is always incomplete and sometimes of no benefit. New words are added to our language each day. Some reflect the role of technology in the world. Other words just seem to be “made up”. They accompany fads and passing (or just plain senseless) theories about who we are and about popular culture.        

But there is comfort and familiarity in the words of today’s Mass readings. Here is language we can sink our teeth into! In seeking God’s wisdom we understand who we are, and in whose image we have been made. We begin to understand that the things and pursuits that we value in this life point us to God’s Kingdom, as long as we guard against pride, greed and selfishness!

Memorials to be celebrated on Saturday, July 25 at 4:00 pm: John & Therese O’Keefe, Pierrette Higgins, Vincent Butler, Gert Hanlon, James Logan, James & Christina Tobias, Doreen Tobias, Barbara McCutcheon, Marlene O’Brien (A)

Sunday Offertory – July 19 – $6,662
Thank you for your generosity.

The Corona virus continues to devastate individuals and countries around the world. No one really knows when it will end or what the final toll will be on human life and world economies. But we do know that in our own province of New Brunswick and our relatively small country of Canada we have made a lot of progress in combating the virus and its effects. Government programs and delivery of essential services have made a difference. That is because these have enabled, and cared for, individuals and families who have responded to the challenge. A spirit of sacrifice and compassion and attitudes of faith and hope have made difficult choices possible.

In the gospel today Jesus gives us three parables. The story of the mustard seed reminds us that no one is unimportant or insignificant when it comes to faith and building the kingdom of God. The story of the yeast and the bread reassures us that our own individual efforts, united with others, can spread everywhere and have a powerful effect in the world. And the first parable teaches us that nothing can be changed by worrying and that, ultimately, the future is best left to God’s loving Providence.

Of course the parables teach much more than that. But for today it is good to know that every person is necessary and valued in building God’s kingdom. It is good to know that even our small efforts and prayers and sacrifices, united with those of others, can bring about change in the world. And it is wonderful to know that God is still in charge and still loves us!

Memorials to be celebrated on Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 pm: Andrew Forbes (A), Murray McGowan, William & Mabel Byrne (A), Brian Walsh (A), Arthur Butler (A), Celia & Ned McKenzie, William & Marjorie Mackin, James Howlett, Agnes McCaig, Ralph Beechy

Reminder: Msgr. Henneberry will be distributing Communion in the parking lot at the following times after Mass: Saturday, 4:45 pm; Sunday, 9:45 am & 11:45 am.

Sunday Offertory – July 5 – $5,441.77
Sunday Offertory – July 12 – $5,690.77 + $969.00 Building Fund
Thank you for your generosity.