PASTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,    

As we continue this final section on how to improve Adoration. We spoke about the first two parts (Adoration and Thanksgiving) now we will touch on the last two things: Reparation and Petition. Saint Peter Julian Eymard in starting this next section says, “Man has time for everything except for visits to his Lord and God, who is waiting and longing for him in the Tabernacle.” Thus we can consider whenever we make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament – whether only in the Tabernacle or in Holy Adoration – it is in itself an act of reparation; considering a return to God for the many times we had turned away from God. Or to come back and think of God for the moments we thought or desired things in opposition to Him or to speak to God for the many times we spoke ill of other people or said unholy things.

          Saint Peter Julian also recommends that in this moment we can offer up to God all that we have suffered during the day and week. This can serve as a reparation either for our own past sins or can be offered for the good of families and loved ones. In reality, there is no penance that can be offered which could perfectly atone for the sins we have committed; but God never really asks for perfect atonement (or reparation) He only as for company, “Can you not watch with me for one hour?” Matthew 26:40. Adoration is to accompany Christ as He was in the Garden of Olives.

          The Last is the act of Petition. After offering Adoration, Thanksgiving and Reparation we now can bring to God our request (Petition). Sometimes we come to God with our request first, then we go to show love. But we can consider our relationship with God as a personal interaction (as we would with anyone else); usually we greet the other person, talk, ask how they are doing then finally make any sort of request or ask for a favor. The same is with God –sometimes this is the distinction between a God of utility and a God of Love. Those who consider a God of utility will only draw close to God insofar as they receive what they want and will inevitably fall away from God when they have what they want or do not get what they desire. Let us continue to improve our Holy Adoration in coming to God in perfect love and affection.

Together in Prayer

         WEEKLY NEWS

RCIA Orientation (Rite for Christian Initiation for Adults)

On Tuesday, September 19^th, 2023 at 6:30 PM a brief RCIA Orientation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (208 Romaine Street, Peterborough). This Orientation is for those who are interested in entered the Catholic Church or for those who have not yet received all their sacraments (Baptism, Holy Communion and/or Confirmation). This orientation will cover the basic obligation of becoming a Catholic and best means for preparing yourself. This orientation does not imply any commitment. Coffee and Tea will be provided. Please enter through the Parish Hall – side door behind the ramp. For any question please email: FrAlexSalazar@peterboroughdiocese.org

 Sacred Heart Parish Council Meeting

Thursday, September 21^st at 7PM at Sacred Heart Rectory.

Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation

Dear Parents, Sacramental preparation for next year 2023-2024 at St. John the Baptist Church is as follows:

For grades 2-6: First Reconciliation classes– Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:45pm October – January

First Holy Communion classes– Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:45pm February- May

For grades 7-12: Confirmation – Thursdays afternoon 5:30-6:45pm October – May

Parent commitment:

Bring children/youth to Sunday Mass at St. John or Sacred Heart; 1 Monthly parent meeting. Total 8. Attend at least 5.

To pre register please fill out this form. For more information contact Sister Inmaculada: stjohnandsacredheart@gmail.com or 705 977 6410

 Marian ‘Give thee our Love’ Concert Update

We will like to thank Randy Mills, Grace Kennedy, Theresea Thompson and David Avila for such a wonderful concert at the beginning of may. The Church was able to Fundraise $1,016 for the Music department and audio.

FORMED Sign-up

The Diocese of Peterborough has kindly purchased FORMED (an On-Demand Catholic Movie, Video, Audio book, etc. website) for all the parishes. We will like to invite you to take full advantage of this website are there are many movies and videos you can watch as a family.

How to Sign up:

1. Visit the Website – formed.org
2. On the top task bar select “Sign Up”
3. For Parish Name type in “Saint John the Baptist 300 Wilson Street” Both parishes (Sacred Heart Church and Saint John the Baptist Church are using the same account)
4. Then after selecting the Church, click on “Next”
5. Fill in your Name and email in order to create an account. This will allow you to log in to the same account on multiple devices (like iPads, Phone, laptops or smart TVs)
6. The Select “Sign Up”
7. Now you are ready to explore Formed!

Attention young adults in the Peterborough area!

Peterborough Youth and Vocations Office & Young Rosary Prayer Warriors of Canada cordially invites you to join us in our premiere event kicking off the launch of a Peterborough Diocese new ministry on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 at Sacred Heart Parish Peterborough.

Please invite any friends who like to come!

Event Outline:

• 5:30 PM – MASS
• 6:30 PM – ADORATION HOLY HOUR
• 7:30 PM – TALK BY FR. STEPHEN DECARLO, VOCATIONS DIRECTOR OF DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH
• 8PM – SOCIAL

Join us for an amazing night filled with fun, fellowship, and incredible food!

Bring your friends and see you there!

Please RSVP on the Facebook event so we can get an accurate headcount on food. https://www.facebook.com/events/6314604848666255?ref=newsfeed

Life Chain Sunday, October 1^st, 2023

1:45 pm Meeting at Sacred Heart Church

2-3 Pm Prayerful Demonstration – Lansdowne St

3:15-4 pm Adoration for Life- Sacred Heart Church

Peterboroughprolife.ca or call Brad at 705 772- 1579

Bible Study Coming Soon!

Classes begging Wednesday October 11^th at 6:30 pm, at Sacred Heart Church Hall. Please sign up office@stjohnpeterborough.ca. This will be a great opportunity to deepen our knowledge on Sacred Scripture and the Life of Christ. Cost $40 includes Workbook, Bookmark, Bible Timeline and Class.

 Friday Adoration at Sacred Heart

Every Friday there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart in reparation for the offences made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from 1:30 to 6:30PM and confessions from 5:00 to 6:30PM.

Handicraft Holy Land Christians

On the weekend of Sept 23-24 , we will welcome our special guest Vanessa, from Sebastien Cardinal’s team, representing “Handicraft Holy Land Christians”, who after all the masses will briefly address the issues and concerns regarding the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Christians in the Holy Land graciously ask your support through conscience prayers and will have many unique hand carved olive wood religious art pieces made by these families in Bethlehem available for purchase after every mass.

Proceeds of the sales generate much needed employment for our Christian brothers and sisters in Bethlehem. 
Cash, debit, credit cards and cheque will be accepted.  www.HolylandChristians.ca