Sunday October 05,2025
Message From Our Pastor & News
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today we have two parables: 1- Parable of the Mustard seed and 2- the Parable of the Attitude of a Servant. In the first one, the Apostles exclaimed: “Lord: ‘Increase our faith’” And Jesus said: “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed…’” Our Lord here compares faith to a grain of mustard seed because 1) it is the smallest seed, 2) yet it is also the most powerful seed when it grows. Jesus teaches that even if we have but a little true faith, we can still do great things. “‘If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’ and it would obey you’” There are two powerful acts, that show the power of faith: 1) the uprooting of the tree from the earth, 2) and the planting of the tree in the sea. THE TREE represents us. THE EARTH symbolizes those who live by the senses, the spirit of the world. THE SEA symbolizes those who live by the Spirit. Through faith, every tree (each one of us) can be uprooted from its vices and sin (attachment to earth), and be planted in the sea, living according to the Spirit of God. If you live by faith, you can do mighty things, even miracles, like moving this tree from earth to water. But then Jesus warns us against falling into pride. He continues: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field”. THE SERVANT is us. THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE is GOD. THE FIELD is the WORLD, and THE HOUSE is the CHURCH Here is the connection of the two parables. If you live by faith you will do very good actions like PLOWING and TENDING SHEEP: a) plowing, means how we deal with faith with inanimate creatures (not living). b) tending the sheep, means how we deal with faith with living creatures. “Coming back from the field” to the House means ‘coming from the world to Church’ “He would not say rest… would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare me something to eat’ to God. Notice that the servant works in the field and in the house as well. “Put on your apron” The apron symbolizes humility and service. “Gird yourself” is to collect the mind by doing a self-examination of the works you have done. Through self-examination we check the intention of our works: either we did it for the praise of man or for the glory of God. By examining, we rectify our conscience and direct all our works to the glory of God. And THIS IS THE WAY WE PREPARE THE SUPPER FOR THE LORD. Once we directed all our works to God, then, we can enjoy the good things for the glory of God “And afterward you shall eat and drink”
CONCLUSION “So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded say, We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we were obliged to do” Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary for faith and for the grace to direct all our intentions to God.
Fr. Gaston Giacinti
WEEKLY NEWS
Life Chain Peterborough Life Chain Peterborough- Sunday, October 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. We will meet at Sacred Heart parking lot at 1:30 pm to pick up signs and will process to silently witness on Lansdowne from George Street to Park Street, this will be followed by prayer service at Sacred Heart Church. All are welcome.
Catholic Missionary Children Oratory – Reminder
All members of Catholic Missionary Children Oratory will meet on Sat. Oct 11th at 12pm for Public Rosary, Potluck and registration at Sacred Heart Church. All children ages 7 to 10 are invited on Sat. Oct 18th to join the CMC at St. John the Baptist church at 10am. For more information contact Sr. Inmaculada 977 6410.
Fr. Gaston out of town
1- October 13-15: in Upstate NY for the IVE Priest’s Formation days.
2- October 16 to November 16: in Argentina (home) for vacations.
Fr. Andrew Whiting will be covering from October 16th through 27th, Fr. Andres Ayala will be covering from October 28th through November 16th
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and the possibility of becoming a Catholic, please contact M. Almah. It is open to any unbaptized adults, those baptized in other Christian churches, and Catholics who desire to complete their initiation. Please contact M. Almah 249 688 0930 religiouseducation@stjohnpeterborough.ca
Sacramental preparation for Holy Communion, Confirmation and Baptisms
The parent orientation meeting and registrations will be on Wed. Oct. 8th from 5:30-6:45pm at St. John.
Grades 2-12 for First Holy Communion. Classes are on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Classes start on Oct. 15. Grades 7-12 for Confirmation. Classes are on Thursdays at 3:45pm. Classes start on Oct 16.
JK to grade 8 for Baptism are invited to the meeting. Please bring: 1.A copy of the Baptismal certificate of your child. 2.$50 fee for registration. (Cash or check written to St. John the Baptist Church, let us know if this is an issue)
Sacred Heart College Centre for Evangelization
Mariology 101—An Introduction to Mary Course.
On Monday Sacred Heart Church Hall, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning Oct 20-Mar. 30. Cost for the course is $50.00. For more info or to register please contact Sister Dorothy Nzekwe 705-313-6905 srdorothy@solisisters.ca. This course is being sponsored by Sacred Heart College Centre for Evangelization, through the Diocese of Ptbo.
50-50 draw is back! We are starting back the 50-50 draw on every second weekend of the month. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact:
For Saturdays: Debora D’Altoe 705 957 3430.
For Sundays: Dan Finnegan 705-768-5545.
D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS:
Public Square Rosary Crusade The world is at a crossroad. God is more offended than ever as people ignore Our Lady’s maternal request to “stop offending God.” Yes, we must listen to Our Lady’s request and stop sinning if we hope to enjoy God’s blessings and to avert His wrath. He will hear us, if we pray through the intercession of His Blessed Mother. That’s why we’re doing the Public Square Rosary Crusade. Join us to pray the rosary on Oct 11 at noon at St. Alphonsus Church (Outside)
St. Paul’s Lakefield Evening Retreat All are invited to join the women of St. Paul the Apostle in Lakefield (4 Reid Street, Lakefield) for the Mother’s Evening Retreat. Come be encouraged in the beautiful vocation of Motherhood. Includes Holy Mass, Confessions and a talk with Special Guest: Father Tom Lynch. Fellowship and Refreshments to follow. All welcome. Thursday, Oct. 16th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
Quiet Days Do you feel the need for “a day away”, some personal time for quiet, prayer and reflection? The Sisters of St. Joseph are making a space for you at their home at Mount St. Joseph, for just such a need. From Mon to Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Snacks and noon meal will be available. Mass is at 11:15 a.m. Monday – Thursday. You are responsible for your own use of time. Call at least 3 days minimum in advance to confirm availability. Suggested offering of $30. Wheelchair accessible, no smoking. For booking or questions call 705-745-1309 (ext. 502) to speak to Maia.