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Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, the Gospel invites us to meditate on the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is part of Jesus’ Eschatological Discourse, concerning the end times. “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom” The ten virgins represent the faithful who await the coming of Christ at the end of time. They all have lamps that are lit. The light is a symbol of our faith, and the lamp represents ourselves. “Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.” The oil feeds the flame. It represents charity and the works of charity that keep our faith alive. “Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” This is an important part of the parable because it is set within the context of the end times. Jesus says in this same Eschatological Discourse: “Because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” To become drowsy means to grow weary and sleepy. Spiritually, it symbolizes a diminution of vigilance due to the prolonged waiting for Christ. Drowsiness can also remind us of the passing of human life, as we grow older and approach the end of our earthly pilgrimage. To fall asleep symbolizes physical death. Both the wise and the foolish eventually die. “At midnight, there was a cry: ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’” This cry reminds us of the resurrection of the dead: “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Our Lord also says: “Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28–29). The parable continues: “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.” To get up can symbolize the resurrection from the dead, while trimming their lamps can symbolize the manifestation of each person’s spiritual condition at the resurrection. They all rise, but not all their lamps are shining. This reminds us of the different conditions of the bodies after the resurrection from the dead. Then: “The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’” At midnight, all the stores are closed. There is no more time to acquire merits through good works. The day, which represents our earthly lifetime, has already come to an end. “While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came.” This represents the Second Coming of Our Lord. “And those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.” They entered Heaven. “Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’” It is not said that they managed to buy the oil or relight their lamps. Instead, they came pleading with the Bridegroom, repeating: “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But the Bridegroom answered: “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.” Finally, Jesus gives us the lesson of the parable: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” To stay awake means to preserve the oil of charity, to remain in the state of grace, and to persevere in good works until the end. Let us ask our Blessed Mother.   Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE

WEEKLY NEWS

Help us during this winter The cold has arrived. We look for donations of blankets, winter socks and sweaters for the homeless. You can leave your donations on the table by the entrance of the church. Thank you for your help.

This year’s Turkey dinner will be held on Nov.29 at 5pm at Sacred Heart. Tickets will be available at the office. The cost is the same as last year $18 for adults and $2/youth. We are holding a planning meeting for anyone who would like to help out. The meeting will be held at Sacred Heart Church basement Tue. Nov.10 at 9:30am.  Any help with the dinner and preparations would be appreciated. We will also be accepting any donations for the raffle table. Any questions please contact Ed Genge 705-875-8045.

Congratulations to the 50/50 Winner:

Lucky number for Oct 11 is 0292551 – $71

Sacramental Preparation 2026–2027

Classes are at St. John parish the First Reconciliation & First Communion on Saturdays & Confirmations on Thursdays. For info contact Sr. Inmaculada 705 977 6479.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Classes are at St. John parish on Saturdays at 2:30 pm For more info contact M. Asterone 249 688 0930.

In depth Study on the Most Holy Eucharist 

Class Reminder for Thursday Nov. 19 from 7-8 pm at St John. For more details contact Daniel Rozario 647 928 6414 DanielRozario@live.com

DIOCESAN & O THER NEWS:

St Peter In Chains Bicentennial Misson  Fr. O’Brien will be bringing a number of relics for veneration. The Cathedral of St. Peter-In-Chains will be hosting a Bicentennial Mission entitled “Into the Heart of the Canadian Martyrs” presented by Fr. John O’Brien, S.J., Director of Canadian Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland.  Join us Sun, Nov. 8th at 7:30am, 9:00am or 10:30am.  On Mon. Nov. 9th & Tue. Nov. 10th, at either 11:00am or 7:00pm for Mass and Talk. Everyone welcome!

FREE WEBINAR: Beyond College & Career: What Is a Catholic Education Really For? Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School invites you to a free public webinar with Michael Ortner, author of The Catholic School Playbook, on Wednesday, November 11, at 7:00 PM.  What is the true purpose of Catholic education? Is it simply to prepare students for university and careers, or is there a much greater mission? Join us for an inspiring conversation about forming young people in faith, virtue, and wisdom, and preparing them for lives of holiness and service.

All are welcome!. Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link. Visit https://mailchi.mp/olwayside/michaelortner

St. Paul’s Christmas Makers Market (Nov 21st 9am-2pm) Admission is free at this event that will feature local artisans and their handmade products. This event also showcases young people from our community who make and sell beautiful products. There will be a basket raffle, and food & refreshments will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will support programs at our church.