Category: Mass

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Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

There is an old joke that has an angel showing a new arrival around the corridors of heaven. As they pass each door the angel identifies which group lives there. When they come to one particular room there is a sign that says SILENCE PLEASE. Once they have tiptoed past this door the new arrival asks the angel “Who lives behind THAT door?” The angel replied “that’s where the Catholics live and they think they are the only ones up here!”. The humour is intended to illustrate the lavishness of God’s forgiveness and mercy. Who will be in Heaven? Whoever God lets in!

And the parable today of the workers coming to the job late and getting the same wage as those who worked longer reminds us that God alone judges and God alone knows what is in the heart of each person and which of those hearts has been pierced as was the heart of His Immaculate Mother.                                                                      

So don’t act too surprised when you see some of your friends when you get to heaven…they might be recovering from the shock of seeing you!

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Introduction – Prayers Of The Faithful

The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, better known as the Redemptorists, were based at St. Peter’s and were well known throughout Atlantic Canada. It was the rare parish that did not experience one (or more) parish missions animated by these gifted Priests. One very well known member of the Mission Band was the late Fr. Art Connell. He was extremely kind and approachable. He was nicknamed by his confreres as “the Chaplain to all Parish Suppers in New Brunswick at Harvest Time”!

When he preached a parish mission he always included a sermon for married couples entitled “Ten Rules for Fighting”. Now, to be sure, Fr. Art would never encourage discord. But he was wise enough to know that, even in the most intimate and loving and important relationships, differences arise. And even if we are not always able to discuss these differences with charity and without accusations, we are always able to forgive. And it is forgiveness that strengthens relationships that are sometimes threatened by tensions and misunderstandings. The importance of forgiving is magnified throughout today’s Liturgy. And, as Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”!