Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, we reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The key to understanding this parable is found in the opening verse: “The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So to them he addressed this parable”.

The phrase “to them” reveals the purpose of the parable: it is directed at the Pharisees and scribes, who were criticizing Jesus for welcoming sinners. It is also noteworthy that the Gospel refers to “this parable” in the singular, even though Jesus actually tells three parables: 1- “What man among you having a hundred sheep…?” (a man’s perspective); 2- “What woman having ten coins…?” (a woman’s perspective); 3- “A man had two sons…” (God’s perspective). For Jesus, these three parables form one unified teaching. The message is clear: If a man rejoices upon finding a lost sheep…; If a woman rejoices upon finding a lost coin…; Then how much more does God and the angels rejoice when a sinner repents?

Regarding the Prodigal Son, when he says: “I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you…’” The Fathers of the Church see this as an image of the Sacrament of Confession. This coming Saturday, April 5th, we will observe the “Jubilee Day of Grace.” Throughout the Diocese, all parishes will offer Confessions at different times. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the Lord’s mercy.

Also, please remember that one the Precepts of the Church obliges us to receive Holy Communion and go to Confession at least once a year, especially during the Easter season (Canon 920 and 989).

God bless you.                               Fr. Gaston Giacinti

WEEKLY NEWS

Bake Sale “The Catholic Missionary Children Oratory” will have a bake sale at the entrance of the Church next weekend to raise funds to help children in need. Please support their efforts to do almsgiving.

Holy Communion for the homebound

The Blessed Sacrament is the greatest treasure God has left us on earth: Himself. Because of this, the Church has always taken great care to ensure that we treat it with due respect and reverence.

One of the ministries directly related to the Blessed Eucharist is bringing Holy Communion to the homebound. Every Thursday, we have two ministers who bring Holy Communion to the homebound. Please let us know if you know someone in need so we can arrange to bring them Holy Communion. The Blessed Sacrament can be brought ONLY by a priest or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. For practical and safety reasons, we will NOT be distributing the Eucharist to the homebound during the ‘Communion Line’ at Mass. Instead, it will be given only to Eucharistic Ministers after Mass. Fr. Gaston Giacinti.

Bible Study Reminder on the Gospel of Matthew – Upcoming Classes – April 10^th & April 24^th at St. John

Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Gospel of St .Matthew 7pm – 8 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. For more info contact Daniel 647 928 6414. 

Prolife Annual Meeting The Peterborough Prolife Annual General Meeting will be on Sat, April 12th at 12 noon at Knights of Columbus Hall, Reid St. Guest Speaker:  Jakki Jeffs, Alliance for Life. Light lunch is provided. Members and non-members invited to attend. 705  772 7579    peterboroughprolife.ca

Holy Thursday – April 17th

6:00pm Mass of the Last Supper at Sacred Heart by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo

7:30pm Mass of the Last Supper at St. John’s by Fr. Gaston Giacinti

7:30pm TLMass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

Good Friday – April 18th

10:00am Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral

1:00pm TLCeremony of the Passion at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy

3:00pm Ceremony of the Passion at Sacred Heart by Fr. Gaston Giacinti

4:30pm Ceremony of the Passion at St. John’s by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo

Easter Vigil – April 19th

8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Gaston Giacinti (concelebrated by Fr. Stephen DeCarlo)

10:30pm TLMass at Sacred Heart by Fr. Neil Roy