Dear Parishioners,

Today we have the passage of the confession of Peter and the words with which Jesus establishes him as the rock upon which He will build His Church. Jesus asks: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And “Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.’” The confession of Jesus as the Son of God is not merely a human act; it is made possible by divine revelation (Father) and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As St. Paul says, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the holy Spirit” 1Cor. 12:3 “Jesus said ‘You are Peter, and upon this Peter, I will build my Church” 1- THE CHANGE OF NAME: Jesus changes his name from Simon to Peter (it was a new name). In the Bible, when God gives a new name, that name is connected with a new identity and a mission. The new name Peter (rock) means solidity and stability to ‘the building’ “I will build my Church” As when Jesus says “a wise man who built his house on rock the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew, and buffeted the house (temptations, trials, persecutions, adversities…) but it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock” and this rock was put by Christ. 2- THE POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVE “my Church” Jesus didn’t say ‘a church’ or ‘one church’, but “my Church” indicating his church.

THREE METAPHORS: 1- “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it” THE GATES = STRENGTH. In ancient literature, the gates of the city, symbolized all the strength of the city, because over there they joined all the forced they had (cities were attacked through the gates) Jesus promises to His Church such stability that none of the power of the Devil would prevail against it. 2- “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” THE KEYS = AUTHORITY. In old times, there was a man, selected by the king, to open and close the huge gates of the city. When he opens, all the inhabitants of the city will go out to cultivate the lands and at evening the sound of trumpet will call the people to come back to the city because he will close the gates. The one who carries the keys, has true authority over the inhabitants of that city. Jesus by giving the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter is communicating to him the vicar power. 3- BINDING AND LOOSING = POWER “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” Whatever  means the universal power given to him. Let us ask our Blessed Mother that we never depart from the Catholic Faith.

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE.

WEEKLY NEWS

Sacramental Preparation 2026–2027
The online pre-registration form for Sacramental Preparation is now available on our website! Classes begin in October.
•First Reconciliation & First Communion: Saturdays
•Confirmation: Thursdays
Visit the website to register or use the following link https://forms.gle/ksmtC5ymu7oHYF4h9

Congratulations to the 50/50 Winner:

The lucky number for August 9 is 0292444 & 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.

DIOCESAN &O THER NEWS:

Still Considering Your School Options for September?

It’s not too late to explore Wayside Academy! Located in north Peterborough, Wayside offers private classical Catholic education for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with small class sizes, strong academics, and a school culture rooted in the Catholic faith. Wayside is currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year, with limited space available in select grades.

Families interested in learning more are invited to request a private tour and come see Wayside for themselves. Request a private tour at www.olwayside.ca/admissions2026

Corn Roast – St. Peter the Apostle Parry Sound

Come hungry and leave with a full heart! Join us on Friday, August 28 for St. Peter the Apostle’s 2nd Annual Parish Corn Roast. Enjoy fresh corn on the cob, pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert, live music, and great fellowship. Proceeds will support the capping of our stained-glass windows and the painting and repair of the church’s front columns. Tickets are on sale now at the Welcome Desk after Masses and at the parish office: $20 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under. We hope to see you there!