- This Weeks' Parish Bulletin
1st Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024
The Word of God This Sunday
The Gospel reading from St. Luke today is not really about the end of the world; it is about the completion of the kingdom. The Second Coming of Christ is not a deadline; it is an invitation and incentive to live in a certain way in the present time. The Gospel calls us to be vigilant not about a future event but about a present way of living shaped by the Jesus before whom we stand.
Our destiny is to share in the Son of Man’s “great glory.” The reading from the letter to the Thessalonians spells out quite clearly what our daily vigilance looks like. We are to abound in love, be blameless in holiness, conduct ourselves to be pleasing to God, receive instructions given “through the Lord Jesus.”
Mass Schedule
All Masses/events held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
1st Sunday of Advent
Saturday, November 30, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Jane Reid,
by Madeline Blackburn
Sunday, December 1, 9am - For the people of the parish
Weekday Masses
No Mass on Wednesday, December 4
Thursday, December 5, 12:10pm
Friday, December 6, 12:10pm
2nd Sunday of Advent
Saturday, December 7, 5pm - For the repose of the souls
of Joseph and Josephine King by Don Cadeau
Sunday, December 8, 9am - For the people of the parish.
Holy Hour/Confessions – Friday, December 6, 11am-12:00pm
Bible Study – Prayer- Friday, December 6, 1pm-2:00pm
Offertory Collections - November 24- $625.00. Thank you for your support!
The Advent Season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36).
Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, we focus on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. In particular, the "O" Antiphons (The text of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”) are sung during this period and have been by the Church since at least the eighth century. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming of Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but of present ones as well. Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. Using an Advent calendar can help you fully enter into the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.
From our Bishop
“JOURNEY THROUGH ADVENT WITH MARY is the theme of this year’s Advent video series from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. These brief videos produced by the bishops are a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of the liturgical seasons. This year’s presenter is Archbishop Francis Leo of Toronto, filmed from the sanctuary of St. Michael’s Cathedral. Each week, Archbishop Leo reflects on the Gospel from the upcoming Sunday Mass. As a Marian scholar of some note, he will have excellent insights to share. The first video of the series has been released: it and the others can be viewed on the CCCB Utube channel or on their website.
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL IN PARIS will re-open next week, five-and-a-half years after the devastating fire that did so much damage to this magnificent church. I recall with great sadness the television images of that fire in 2019; it is now with equal joy that the Church celebrates the re-opening of this Cathedral, truly an iconic place in the history of Christianity. “Reuters” recently had an article that gives a nice summary of the
“fall and rise” of Notre Dame. “
+Bishop Daniel - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 24, 2024
The Word of God This Sunday
Pilate's question, “I am not a Jew, am I?” only reveals a tension between earthly kingdoms: Rome vs. Israel. Jesus' response, however, unearths a broader tension: this world vs. Jesus' kingdom. The broader tension embroils all peoples in the challenge to accept Jesus' kingship not as power over but as power to. Consequently, the truth of Jesus' kingdom does not lie in anything of this world but in hearts turned to God, ears attuned to Jesus' voice, and actions bespeaking faithful following of Jesus. We navigate the tension between the way of the world and the way of Jesus' kingdom by putting flesh on the truth: laying down one's life for others.
Mass Schedule
All Masses/events held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
Christ the King Sunday
Saturday, November 23, 5pm - For the repose of the souls
of Louis and Exilda Duval by Laurie and Annette Gendron.
Sunday, November 24, 9am - For repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau by Louis and family.
Weekday Masses
No Mass on Wednesday, November 27
Thursday, Nov 28, 12:10pm
Friday, November 29, 12:10pm
Saturday, November 30, 2pm - Memorial Mass for Martin Quenneville- 1st Sunday of Advent
Saturday, November 30, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Jane Reid,
by Madeline Blackburn
Sunday, December 1, 9am - For the people of the parish - Bible Study – Prayer- Thursday, November 28, 1pm-2:00pm
- Holy Hour/Confessions – Friday, November 29, 11am-12:00pm
Offertory Collections - November 17- $665.00. Thank you for your support!
Pilgrims of Hope---Jubilee Year 2025
The Vatican’s website for a jubilee summarizes a holy year as the following: “In the Roman Catholic tradition, a holy year, or jubilee, is a great religious event. It is a year of forgiveness of sins and also the punishment due to sin, it is a year of reconciliation between adversaries, of conversion and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and consequently of solidarity, hope, justice, commitment to serve God with joy and in peace with our brothers and sisters. A jubilee year is above all the year of Christ, who brings life and grace to humanity.” - In our Diocese
Pilgrims of Hope---Jubilee Year 2025
Jubilee Opening Mass will be on December 29th, 2024, 10:30 am at St. Peter-In-Chains, celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Daniel Miehm. The faithful will be asked to gather outside the Knights of Columbus Hall (parking lot area) facing the veranda to hear the introductory remarks for the Jubilee Year.
We will all ‘pilgrimage’ across the street to St. Peter’s for the continuation of the celebration of Holy Mass. Plenary Indulgences available for the pilgrimage.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Martyr’s Shrine
Plans are underway for a diocesan pilgrimage to the Martyrs shrine in Midland scheduled for Saturday September 20, 2025. Further details and registration will be available from your parish
Pope Francis speaks to us about preparing for the 2025 Holy Year
“I would greatly desire that we devote 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee event, to be a great “symphony” of prayer.
Prayer, above all else, to renew our desire to be in the presence of the Lord,
to listen to him and to adore him.
Prayer, moreover, to thank God for the many gifts of his love for us and to praise his work in creation, which summons everyone to respect it
and to take concrete and responsible steps to protect it.
Prayer as the expression of a single “heart and soul” (cf. Acts 4:32),
which then translates into solidarity and the sharing of our daily bread.
Prayer that makes it possible for every man and woman in this world to turn to the one God and to reveal to him what lies hidden in the depths of their heart.
Prayer as the royal road to holiness, which enables us to be contemplative even in the midst of activity.
In a word, may it be an intense year of prayer in which hearts are opened to receive the outpouring of God’s grace and to make the “Our Father,” the prayer Jesus taught us, the life programme of each of his disciples.
I ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to accompany the Church on the journey of preparation for the grace-filled event of the Jubilee.”
Pope Francis
- 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 17, 2024
- The Word of God This Sunday
The First Reading apocalyptically describes calamity and distress. But its stronger point is the promise that those “who lead the many to justice” will “live forever.” It provides the ethical injunction—a way to live—that assures new life will arise from seeming deadness. Jesus tells us to “Learn a lesson from the fig tree.” What are we to learn? That the annual greening of the fig tree is a sign of new life arising out of seeming deadness. That the annual gospel prediction of apocalyptic destruction is a sign that Jesus “is near.” Indeed, Jesus' promise that he will be near at the end of times is a promise already being fulfilled now. Life arising from deadness has already happened to Jesus. It is already happening in us!
Mass Schedule
All Masses/events held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 16, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Laura
and Gerard Moreau by Ann Cascanette
Sunday, November 17, 9am - For the people of the parish
Weekday Masses
No Mass on Wednesday, November 20
Thursday, Nov 21, 12:10pm
Friday, November 22, 12:10pm
34th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 23, 5pm - For the repose of the souls of
Louis and Exilda Duval by Laurie and Annette Gendron.
Sunday, November 24, 9am - For repose of the soul of Gloria Cousineau - by Louis and family.
Bible Study – Prayer- Friday, November 22, 1pm-2:00pm
Holy Hour/Confessions – Friday, November 22, 11am-12:00pm- Port Severn
Offertory Collections - November 10- $965.00. All Souls - $40.00
Thank you for your support! -
- World Day of the Poor – November 17
“The prayer of the poor rises up to God” Sir 21.5
In his message for today Pope Francis reiterates that the poor have a privileged place in the heart of God, who is attentive and close to each of them. God listens to the prayers of the poor and, in the face of suffering, becomes "impatient" until he has done them justice. The Holy Father invites everyone to learn to pray for the poor and to pray together with the poor, with humility and trust. World Day of the Poor is an opportunity to become aware of the presence of the poor in our cities and communities, and to understand their needs. As always, the Pope also mentions the "new poor", those who are victims of violence and wars, "bad politics carried out with weapons", which causes many innocent victims. Let us not forget, however, the numerous people in our cities who continue to dedicate a large part of their time to listening to and supporting the poor. They are ordinary people who, with their example, "give voice to God's response to the prayers of those who turn to Him" . The World Day of the Poor is also an opportunity to remember each of them and thank the Lord for them.
Pope Francis' Message for this VIII World Day of the Poor, therefore, invites everyone to pay more serious spiritual attention to the poor, who need God and need a human presence – someone who is a concrete sign of listening and closeness to them.
From our Bishop
I MADE AN OVERDUE TRIP TO TRENT UNIVERSITY YESTERDAY and was pleased to celebrate the weekly Mass on campus. Father Chukwudi Jieme has recently taken over the important task of campus ministry there (and at Fleming College) and works cooperatively with missionaries from Catholic Christian Outreach and the leadership of the student club, Trent Catholics. It is wonderful to see the good ministry and the vitality of the faith that flourishes among our Catholic young people!
AS SACRED HEART COLLEGE REFRAMES ITS MISSION as a center for evangelization, adult formation and parish renewal, they are sharing some positive news today. Father Charles Orchard was recently engaged as the Program Director. A son of the Diocese of Peterborough who hails from Cobourg and spent many years with the Companions of the Cross, Father Charles brings a wealth of experience in helping to form missionary disciples. He will continue his stellar ministry at Our Lady of Mercy in Honey Harbour while taking on this new role, one that should greatly enhance pastoral life in our diocese.
+ Bishop Daniel
- 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 10, 2024
- The Word of God This Sunday
The First Reading tells us of a widow who risks the last bit of her flour and oil to respond to the prophet Elijah’s need. The story depicts the hundredfold God returns to those who are so exceptionally generous. The law of survival tells us to watch out for ourselves first. Jesus condemns those who live by this law (“receive a very severe condemnation”) and praises those who choose to give even out of their little. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Jesus tells us when he contrasts the behavior of the self-important scribes and the rich with the action of a poor and seemingly insignificant widow. Without calculating the cost to herself, the widow gave “all she had.” Disciples, too, give all they have without counting the cost, calculating self-gain, or seeking attention.
Mass Schedule
All Masses/events held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 9, 5pm - For the repose of the souls of
Barbara and Murray Sullivan by the Kromar family
Sunday, November 10, 9am - For repose of the souls of the deceased members of the Corbier and Phillips families by Mark and Mary Rose Vessair
Weekday Masses
No Mass on Wednesday, November 13
Thursday, Nov 14, 12:10pm
Friday, November 15, 12:10pm
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 16, 5pm- For the repose of the souls of Laura
and Gerard Moreau by Ann Cascanette
Sunday, November 17, 9am - For the people of the parish
Bible Study – Prayer- Friday, November 15, 1pm-2:00pm
Holy Hour/Confessions – Friday, November 15, 11am-12:00pm- Port Severn
Offertory Collections - November 3- $1550.00. All Souls - $95.00
Thank you for your support!
New Parish Faith Study –Fridays 1pm- 2:30pm - November 8- December 13
“Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God” with Dr. Tim Gray
Dr. Tim Gray masterfully shows how to make prayer an effective effort of love and intimacy. In six, 30 minute video sessions “Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God” provides lessons from our Catholic tradition and the saints to help us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God in the Bible as the means to hear from God and then respond in conversation, basking in his presence and resolving to live in and through his love. A study guide can be purchased to help follow the sessions and assist in your life of prayer. The weekly faith study will include times of prayer and discussion and will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn. If interested, please sign up after Mass today!
From our Bishop
“PRIESTS AND DEACONS OF THE DIOCESE gathered for our Clergy Study Days, being held at Nottawasaga Inn last Tuesday to Thursday. We were enriched by the presentations from Fr. John-Mark Missio on liturgy and Dawn Michie on the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Our Vice-Chancellor, Robyn Henighan, updated us on plans in our diocese for the 2025 Jubilee Year, focused on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope. Fr. Tom Lynch and Fr. Charles Orchard spoke to us about the planning underway at Sacred Heart College Centre for Evangelization to assist parishes in their growth and outreach.
OUR CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS GROUP is thriving under the good shepherding of Father Stephen DeCarlo. Last Saturday, a group of over fifty young people in their twenties and thirties came together from Peterborough, Douro, Kawartha Lakes, the Lakeshore and beyond for an afternoon and evening of fun and socializing. Activities included soccer and football, a campfire, a hearty meal and some “Catholic-themed” pumpkin carving: the winner produced a likeness of St. Gregory the Great! They are planning other great events in the coming months, with excursions near and far. Anyone interested in participating should contact Fr. Stephen at the Youth Office. “
+ Bishop Daniel
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 3, 2024
The Word of God This Sunday
When the scribe asks Jesus which is the “first of all the commandments,” Jesus answers by giving him not one, but two: love God and love neighbor. Further, Jesus connects these two commandments: loving God with all our being is one and the same as loving our neighbor, made possible only by self-giving.
Love is not self-absorbed but other-centered, not transient but the enduring hallmark of all Christian living.
Mass Schedule
All Masses/events held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time
Saturday, November 2, 5pm- For the repose of the soul of Joan Ruszkowski by Pam and Wally Berko
Sunday, November 3, 9am - For the people of the parish
Weekday Masses - Port Severn
No Weekday Masses Wednesday, November 6 & Thursday, Nov 7
As Fr. Charles is at the annual Diocesan Priests’ Study Days this week.
Friday, November 8, 12:10pm- 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
- Saturday, November 9, 5pm - For the repose of the souls of Barbara and Murray Sullivan by the Kromar family
- Sunday, November 10, 9am - For repose of the souls of the deceased members of the Corbier and Phillips families by Mark and Mary Rose Vessair
Bible Study – Prayer- Friday, November 8, 1pm-2:00pm
Holy Hour/Confessions – Friday, November 8, 11am-12:00pm- Port Severn
Offertory Collections -October 27- $930.00. Thank you for your support!
New Parish Faith Study –Fridays 1pm- 2:30pm - November 8- December 13
“Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God” with Dr. Tim Gray
Dr. Tim Gray masterfully shows how to make prayer an effective effort of love and intimacy. In six, 30 minute video sessions “Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God” provides lessons from our Catholic tradition and the saints to help us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God in the Bible as the means to hear from God and then respond in conversation, basking in his presence and resolving to live in and through his love. A study guide can be purchased to help follow the sessions and assist in your life of prayer. The weekly faith study will include times of prayer and discussion and will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Port Severn. If interested, please sign up after Mass today!
From our Bishop
“WE BEGIN THE MONTH OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls. These occasions remind us to pray for our loved ones who have gone before us, that they may be cleansed of sin and enter the fullness of heavenly joy. Catholic churches and cemeteries will see some increased traffic in the coming days. On Friday I celebrated at the Cathedral the annual Candlelight Mass that is offered for the faithful departed, with special remembrance of those who have died in the past year.
I WAS VERY HAPPY TO VISIT MOUNT ST. JOSEPH last Friday, where I celebrated Mass for the Sisters and enjoyed a very hospitable lunch with them. Afterwards, Sr. Frances Baker took me to visit Sisters who reside in their care center where I had many interesting conversations with women who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Church. These are always wonderful visits for me, and I am grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph who never fail to welcome me kindly and graciously.
THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY concluded in Rome last week, bringing to a culmination this three-year process of a Church seeking greater “Communion, Participation and Mission.” The final document (not yet available in English but coming soon) proposes various ways for all the baptized to play a more fulsome role in the life of the Church. Much was done in the past three years to solicit input from local Churches around the world, implemented in our diocese through pastoral planning sessions, parish meetings and online platforms. Let us pray that the results of the Synod may bear good fruit in the life of the Church. “
+ Bishop Daniel
What is Formed?
Formed.org is "Catholic Faith On Demand". Similar to Netflix, Formed.org gives you access to Catholic movies, audio books, radio talks, podcasts, studies and much more! And there is no fee for parishioners of
the Diocese of Peterborough! See details on how to sign up on the back of the bulletin!
“FORMED”- ONLINE CATHOLIC VIDEOS
To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://signup.formed.org/
2. Click the "Sign Up" button at the top of the page
3. Select the "Sign up as a parishioner" option.
4. Search for Our Lady of Mercy Parish Honey Harbour, ON and select this parish.
5. Type your name and e-mail. You're now registered!
You will receive a welcome email, which provides you with the option of watching some intro videos that can help you navigate the platform with more ease. Formed can also be viewed/listened to on your smartphone!
| CLICK: Bulletin29thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin28thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin27thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin26thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin25thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin24thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin23rdSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin22ndSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: 21stSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK:BulletinAssumptionofVirginMary2021 |
| CLICK:Bulletin19thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin18thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK:Bulletin17thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin16thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin15thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK:Bulletin14thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK:Bulletin13thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin-12thSundayOrdinaryTime2021 |
| CLICK: Bulletin-11th Sunday Ordinary Time2021 |
| CLICK-Bulletin-3rdSundayofEaster2021 |
| CLICK-Bulletin-2nd Sunday of Easter(DivineMercy)2021 |
| CLICK-Easter(Resurrection)Sunday2021 |
| CLICK-Palm(Palm)Sunday2021 |
| CLICK-Fifth Sunday of Lent2021 |
| CLICK-Fourth Sunday Lent2021 |
| CLICK-Third Sunday of Lent2021 |
| CLICK-Second Sunday of Lent2021 |
| bul15thsundayordinarytime2021.pdf |
| CLICK-Epiphany of the Lord2021 |
| CLICK-New Year Mary, Mother of God 2021 |
| CLICK -Christmas 2020 |
| CLICK - 4th Sunday of Advent 2020 |
| CLICK - 3rd Sunday of Advent 2020 |
| CIICK - 2nd Sunday of Advent 2020 |
| CLICK - 1st Sunday Advent 2020 |
| CLICK - Christ the King2020 |
| CLICK - 33rd Sunday2020 |
| 32nd Sunday2020 |
| All Saints Day Sunday2020 |
| 29th Sunday2020 |
