Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we have the passage of Jesus walking over the waters. It says: “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side… the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it” This ship is a figure of the Church. The sailors in the ship represent every one of us. The sea is a figure of the spirit of the world. The storm (winds and waves) are a symbol of temptations. As the wind stirs the sea, raising great waves that crash against the ship and toss it about, so too does temptation – whether it comes through an image, a situation, a person, or a place – assail our senses and stir our passions. Like crashing waves, these passions beat against our conscience, threatening to overwhelm the soul (ship). In the midst of the struggle, the sailors try to keep the ship in its direction. It is when people try to keep their consciences faithful.

The Gospel continues: “During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea…” Walking over the waters, is a symbol of the triumph of faith over this world, as St. John says (1Jn. 5:4) “and the victory that conquers the world is our faith”

Then Peter asked Jesus if he too can walk over the waters. Jesus allowed him. And Peter “began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Peter made two mistakes: first, he took his eyes off Jesus; second, he began to focus on the violence of the wind and the waves. When we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on the violence of our temptations, we too begin to sink. Never take your eyes off Jesus – never. Let us ask our Blessed Mother to obtain for us the grace to walk through this world with the eyes of faith, never taking our eyes off Jesus.

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE

WEEKLY NEWS

Congratulations to the 50/50 Winner:

The lucky number for July 12 is 092854 -$85 & 0292358 – $81 for the June 14^th raffle.

Would you like to help in the parish? Volunteering is a rewarding way to build community and support our parish. To get involved, simply speak directly with one of the sisters after Mass, call the parish office, or ask about ways you can share your time and talents.

D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS:
Catholic Girls Summer Camp: (ages 9+) led by members of the Opus Dei Community.  Aug 12-20, 2026, in Barry’s Bay. Please visit www.chilaweetrails.ca to register.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Immaculate Conception:

In place of its annual Giant Yard Sale, Immaculate Parish is hosting a Craft Fair in conjunction with its annual Summer Bake Sale on Sat, Aug 15th, from 10-2 p.m. in the parish hall. Browse a variety of handcrafted items, pick up some delicious homemade baking, and enjoy a hot dog and pop for just $1. Interested in becoming a vendor? We invite anyone who creates handmade crafts to rent a table for $20 and showcase their work. For more info, please contact Elsbeth Callaghan at inkwoodprintshop@gmail.com.

Annual “Taste of Poland” Dinner at Immaculate: 

Will take place on Sat, Sept. 12^th at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal featuring roast pork & gravy, mashed potatoes, red beet dish, coleslaw, and fabulous Polish desserts!  Adults $30 | 12 and under $15 | under 5 Free.  Tickets 705-742-5466 Tue, Wed, Thurs 8:30-3

St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mass Douro Annual Cemetery Mass Aug 15 at 7pm. This mass is celebrated always on the Feast the Assumption of Mary. It is offered for all our faithful departed, especially those buried at St. Joseph’ s Cemetery. You are asked to bring your own lawn chairs and head covering, as this mass is celebrated in the cemetery near the volute.  A collection is taken to help with cost of the mass and on-going work at the cemetery. Hope to see you there.  

St. Paul’s Annual Beef BBQ (Aug 16th, 3:00pm-7:00pm)

Tickets are now on sale for the Annual Beef BBQ at St. Paul the Apostle in Lakefield! Enjoy a delicious Full Beef BBQ dinner, fresh, local veggies, mouth-watering homemade pies, fantastic LIVE entertainment and an exciting raffle fundraiser for our church renovations. Make a day of it in beautiful Lakefield. Sun, Aug 16 3:00-7:00PM. Adults: $25. Children (0-10): FREE. All welcome!

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College has a number of paid positions open, Admissions, Facilities, and Development offices.https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/about/employment-opportunities/