St. Philip Neri Parish
Roman Catholic Church
1902 Munroe Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7J 1R8
Phone: (306) 343-0325
Fax: (306) 343-0900
Office Email:
Website: www.stphilipneriparish.ca
Pastors: Fr. Mike Dechant OMI &
Fr. Doug Jeffrey OMI

 

~ Parish Newsletter for Sun. Sept. 3 ~ 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to become my follower, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me, For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit anyone to gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will anyone give in return for their life?'”
(Matthew 16. 21-27)

 

Fr. Mike’s Message for Sunday, September 3

 

To the Parishioners of St. Philip Neri Parish, sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints –
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
My prayer for you and all your families, as we move into new and exciting experiences of family life in St. Philip Neri Parish.
I said a prayer for you today and knew that God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart although God spoke not a word.
I didn’t ask for wealth and fame; I knew you wouldn’t mind.
I asked God to send you treasures, of a far and more lasting kind.
I asked that God would be near you, at the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings, and friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you, in all things great and small,
But it was for His loving care, I prayed the most of all.
May the Holy Spirit, whose image we see in the eyes and hearts of all we meet, appear more and more in all humanity – as it is converted into the mystery of Christ.
Because … God is good … all the time!

Praise be Jesus Christ … and Mary Immaculate
St. Philip Neri … pray for us
St. Eugene de Mazenod … pray for us
St. Kateri Tekakwitha … pray for us
God is good … all the time.
Fr. Mike Dechant OMI

 

Fr. Doug’s Message for Sunday, September 3

Fr. Doug’s Musings
The Season of Creation is beginning on Friday, Sept 1. What is it?
“The Season of Creation is a month-long prayerful observance that calls the planet’s 2.2 billion Christians to pray and care for God’s creation. It’s a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment — not just “distant” nature, but, crucially, the place where we live — and the ways in which our lifestyles and decisions as a society can endanger both the natural world and those inhabiting it, both humans and other creatures.
The ecumenical steering committee that plans and promotes the season each year put it this way:
The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home.
It’s a time of prayer, contemplation and, increasingly, calls to action. (More on that later.)
The Season of Creation is supported by a number of leading Christian organizations, including the World Council of Churches, Christian Aid, the Lutheran World Federation, the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, the Global Catholic Climate Movement and the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. Each sits on the Season of Creation steering committee.” Taken from: https://www.ncronline.org/eart…
On the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus invites the disciples to take up their cross and follow him. What does that mean? Most of us look at our lives and we think it means being patient with those who annoy us. Alternately, we think it refers to accepting without complaint the diminishment of our health, the dying of friends, and the cold or hot weather that we have to deal with at various times. Very few of us think about ‘taking up their cross’ as an invitation to ponder the impact of our behavior on our planet. Am I willing to reduce, reuse and recycle? Am I willing to deny myself some of my personal comforts in favour of caring for the world? Can I appreciate how we in Canada consume far more of the world’s resources than those who live in developing countries? Perhaps when I think about taking up my cross I can think of protecting the earth on which I live.

A few “short snappers” from Fr. Doug:

Congratulations to our newly Baptized:
• Finn Freer – son of Richard and Kaylee Freer
• Zaina Redota – daughter of Sanderson and Carmi Redota
• Matilde Bianchi – daughter of Angelo and Erica Bianchi
Prayers for Nathaniel and Jane! Nathaniel is preparing to celebrate the sacrament of marriage with Jane. Nathaniel came to Canada and is working here now. Jane has just finished her degree in Nigeria. They will marry in Nigeria in November and they hope to make Saskatoon (St Philip Neri) their home when Jane gets permission to come to Canada.
Our Church Building – In August we noticed that there was a leak in the Rectory. After stopping the leak, we examined the damage that had been done. Drywall in Fr. Mike’s room and in the dining room had to be removed. The laminate and parts of the sub-floor also had to be removed. A dehumidifier and fans were brought in to help dry out the areas impacted by the leak. A sanitizing agent was applied to stop the growth of mould. Fr. Doug has spent several nights at Queen’s House during this time. Now that Fr. Mike is back from his holidays he will be spending his nights at Queen’s House as well until such time as his room can be repaired.
Baptismal Font Pump – This past week the motor driving the pump in the Baptismal Font was replaced as it had burnt out. The Font is flowing again thanks to Hanook (Maintenance) and Core Plumbing & Heating.
Good Shepherd Atrium – Are you interested in a hands-on catechetical formation for your child? The Good Shepherd Catechetics program (see display in the Foyer) welcomes questions and registrations. The program is delivered here in our parish community building. Please contact Cynthia if you have questions , would like to register your child or would like to help out with delivering the program.
School is In Session – We want to encourage and offer our prayer support to all those who are returning to school – teachers, staff and support workers, and of course the children and young people who are heading back to school. On September 9 & 10 we will have a special blessing for all who are returning to schools, colleges and universities!
September 8 is the celebration of the Birth of Mary – We invite you to join us at 7:00 pm for a little prayer celebration – Rosary and Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by refreshments and cookies! A great way to gather for prayer and a little socializing with people from the Parish!
Season of Creation – September marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, which runs from September 1 – October 4. To learn more, please click on the button below:

 

A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children at risk and in fear that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus the Prince of Peace. Amen.

 

Hi Everyone!
Welcome to September! It’s already gearing up to be a busy new month, as harvest is in full swing (already over 30% complete!), and the teachers are back in school preparing to welcome all the kiddos back next Tuesday, Sept. 5. Excitement is in the air! The long-range forecast is also for a warmer than normal September, so I am a happy girl!
Now, let’s see what’s coming up in our Parish and around our Diocese in the days and weeks ahead as we head into September:
• The Parish Office and the church will be closed this Monday, Sept. 4 for the Labour Day Holiday. Monday evening Adoration is also cancelled for that evening.
• Marisa Kot is looking for some new Hospitality Ministers to help out on our “Cookie Weekends” on the third weekend of each month, after both weekend Masses. Check out the details below in purple, under Liturgical Ministries.
• Monday Lay-Presided Liturgies are starting up again NEXT Monday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 am. More details are below.
• After taking the summer off, the Golden Age Card-playing group is resuming their gatherings beginning on Wed. Sept. 6! They are looking for some new members to join their group! Please see all the details directly below.
• Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming Catholic? If so, check out the invitation below from from Sr. Cindy and our RCIA Program. Sessions will be starting up in late September.
• Here’s another “Special Invitation”, to families with kids aged 3-12, to join in our wonderful “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” Program that runs here at our Parish every Saturday morning! Scroll down below to get all the details.
• The next Bereavement Support group will be on Tuesday, September 12, from 1-3 pm. Please scroll down for more information.
• Time is running out! A reminder that our Knights of Columbus are offering a post-high school scholarship of $500. More details remain below.
• For the month of September, we are collecting 100% real fruit juice, canned beans or other canned proteins for the Food Bank. Please contine to do what you can to fill our bin for the hungry folks in our Saskatoon community! Check out more details below.
• Check out this week’s Church Chuckle! Celebrating anniversaries never gets old! Or does it?
• As far as some Diocesan announcements go:
• Do you have boys in your family between Grades 3-12? The Conquest Boys Club is starting up again for the fall, with registration happening on Fri. Sept. 15. Scroll down below for all the details.
• Saskatoon Pregnancy Options & Support Centre is having their Annual Gala & Silent Auction on Fri. Sept. 22. All the details are down below. Plan to support this great event!
• The annual Rock Your Roots – Walk for Reconciliation is also coming up again, on Saturday, Sept. 30. See more information below.
• The Saskatoon Church Curling League is resuming their fun, non-competitive curling games every Wednesday at 8:45 pm at the Sutherland Curling Rink, beginning on Wed. Sept. 27. What a great way to socialize and get some exercise throughout our long winter months! Scroll down below for all the details, in yellow.
• Would you like to learn more about “Centering Prayer”? Queen’s House is providing you with an opportunity to take part in this contemplative prayer time every Monday evening from 7-8:15 pm either in person or online. More details are below.
• The Diocese has a grief support program for widows and widowers called “From Mourning to Dawn”. Sessions begin in mid-September. To find out more or to register, please scroll down below.
• Looking for a nice new piece of art? The Diocese is having a regular silent auction called “Art Auctions for a Cause”. Read all the details below.
• Don’t forget that the CWL Clothing Depot is always looking for a wide variety of items! If you are decluttering or downsizing, this is the place to donate the clothing and items you are no longer using. Gift these items to someone else who can make good use of them! More details are below.
• Finally, please keep in mind that the Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre offers SO many faith-building programs and retreats that are open to all of us. New ones are being added all the time. Please click on the button I have provided below to see what they might have coming up that could meet your sprititual development needs.
That’s it for this week! So, this Sunday our Riders go to battle at home against the Bombers in the sold-out Labour Day Classic! For whatever reason, this is the game where pretty much anything can happen! Could we muster up two BIG back-to-back upsets? Gotta cheer loud for this one!
Have a wonderful (and safe) weekend, everyone, and may this final long weekend of the summer be whatever you need it to be – relaxing at home or away with family or friends, productive at home, in the yard or at the cabin, or a combination of the two. It looks like we should have some lovely summer weather as well, so enjoy – and talk to you next week!
Labour Day Blessings,
Marlene

 

What’s Happening in Our Parish:

Week-at-a-Glance:
For Mon. September 4 – Sun. September 10

Mon. September 4 – LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY – Office & Church Closed
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm ~ Weekly Adoration – CANCELLED
Tues. September 5
8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee
7:00 pm ~ Refugee Committee Meeting
Wed. September 6
8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee
10:00 am ~ CWL Executive Meeting
Thurs. September 7
8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee
Fri. September 8
8:30 am ~ Morning Mass & coffee
Sat. September 9
5:00 pm ~ Mass
Sun. September 10
10:00 am ~ Mass

 

Mass Intentions
For the Week of September 5 – 9
Tues. September 5:
~ Katarina Kucic – † (R: Lydia & Joe Simicic)
Wed. September 6:
~ Angela Calixtro – † (R: The Calixtro Family)
Thurs. September 7:
~ Erin Webster – † (R: Jim & Adele Longstaff)
Fri. September 8:
~ Beth Piche – H & B (R: Doug & Adeline Scammel)
Sat. September 9:
~ Lawrence & Maria Meier – † (R: Ken & Chris Meier & family)

(Note: † = Repose of the Soul; H & B = Health & Blessings, R = Requested by)

 

Parish Office & Church CLOSED

Monday, Sept. 4 for Labour Day

The Parish Office and the church will be closed on Monday, September 4 for the Labour Day Holiday. There will also be no Monday evening Adoration that evening. Have a great long weekend, everyone!

 

Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical Ministry: A new schedule for Liturgical ministries has been emailed to all those involved and there are minimal changes needed to it. There will soon be paper copies in the back sacristy for those who wish to have one. In the Welcome Area, there are updated registration forms for everyone to complete. These are available only until October 1. Please take a moment to complete one and if you would prefer an emailed copy, please let Shirley know.
Ministry highlight: Although all Liturgical ministries always need new people, there is especially a need for Communion ministers for the Saturday Mass at 5 pm and help wanted for Ushers/Welcomers for the 10:00 am Sunday Mass. Training is available for those who would like to be added to the schedule. As always, there are many who are willing to assist new people with becoming comfortable serving in a ministry.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: During the Sunday Mass, inviting children to attend age appropriate Liturgy is optimal. For this to happen, there is a need for Liturgy leaders ages 18 and over who would take on this responsibility. The lessons and materials are prepared for the leaders and all that is needed is for people who are capable of leading children to participate in providing this extremely valuable opportunity for children. The contact person is Shirley at the Parish for more information.
Altar servers: Children (ages 8 and up), young people and families are invited to sign up and serve at our Saturday and Sunday weekend liturgies. This is a great way for families to pray and minister together! Worried about what to do? Training is available to help you settle into your role. Join us in making our liturgies prayerful and joyful!
Hospitality Ministry – “Cookie Weekend” – Hospitality ministers are needed to help out in the Welcome Area/kitchen on the third weekend of each month, after the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 10 am Masses. You and/or your family can help in one of the following ways, or both:
1) At least 10 people/families are needed to donate homemade or store-bought cookies once per month (on “Cookie Weekend”, the third weekend of each month, starting on September 16/17 and running until June 2024). Just drop them off in the kitchen before either of the weekend Masses and that’s it! Simple!
2) A group of individuals or families are then needed to make and serve the juice, put the cookies out on the table, and to clean up afterwards – about a 15-20 minute time commitment. If we get a good team of helpers, you may only be called upon two or three times in the year to serve. Easie-peasie!
If you would like to volunteer to help out in either/both of these ways in this important Hospitality Ministry, please contact Marisa Kot, at (306) 381-5886. Thanks in advance for stepping up to serve your Parish in this yummy way!
Rest In Peace: Please keep in prayer the friends and family of Leslie Angele. Christopher Sedgewick, Leslie’s grandson, has gone home to the loving arms of God. We keep in prayer too all of those who have lost loved ones due to the forest fires. May they rest in the arms of God!

 

Monday Lay-Presided Liturgy Services at St. Philip Neri Resume
Monday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 am
Following a two-month respite, Monday Lay-Presided Liturgy services will resume on Monday, September 11 at 8:30 am. Members of the Lay Liturgy Team (in alphabetical order) are: Fran Dielschneider, Art Evoy, Ray Hickey, Jim Kirkpatrick, Sr. Cindy Lewans, Rick Murza, Louise Rochon, Clare Schneider, Joe Simonot, and Gabe Varkonyi. The team will lead a prayer service of about 30 minutes, which includes the opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Following the service, all are invited for socializing and coffee in the Welcome Area.
Everyone is prayerfully invited to participate in these Monday services, and those who may wish to join the Lay Liturgy Team as a presider, Eucharistic Minister, music/hymn leader, or offer reflection(s) or brief homilies, may leave their name at the Parish Office, or contact Rick Murza, at (306) 374-6323 or by email, at .

 

Golden Age Cards
Every other Wednesday beginning Sept. 6
The Golden Age card-playing group is happy to announce that they will be starting up their regular card-playing gatherings again this coming Wed. Sept. 6 at 1:30 pm!
The group welcomes back all the regular card-players and would like to invite new people to join their group for some fun, relaxing games of cards, socializing, coffee and always delicious sweet treats! Please phone a friend and bring them along! Cost is just $2, every other Wednesday, from 1:30 – 4:00 pm, for fun, treats and laughs! For more information, please call Sylvia Godbout, at (306) 374-9085. Everyone is welcome to come join us!

 

July 2023
Revenue & Expenses

Revenue

Collections 34,630.20
Reserve Fund 4,092.50
Refugee Fund 1,007.50
Total 39,730.20

Other Revenue 1,516.35
Total Revenue 41,246.55

Expenses

Wages & Benefits 25,440.33
Building Insurance 1,977.17
Light & Water 3,100.31
Heating 1,819.49
Total 32,337.30

Roof Repairs 6,527.36
Other Expenses 10,970.77
Total Expenses 49,835.43

Loss – 8,588.88

 

For further information, please contact Joanne Lysyshyn at (306) 343-0325.

 

 

~ RCIA ~
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Are you searching, pondering, or asking questions about the Catholic faith? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a journey of weekly sessions, where you will prepare to receive the sacraments, learn what it means to be Catholic and take your place as a fully participating member of the Catholic Church. These sessions formally begin in late September, however, you may join at any time.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Catholic, please contact Cindy Lewans at as soon as possible.
We invite you to learn what the Church teaches, and be introduced to some of our Parish members. These sessions are also opportunities for you, and others who you may wish to invite, to ask questions you may have about the Church!

 

Special Invitation!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Ministry for Children
Here is a special Invitation for the families of St. Philip Neri Parish! You are invited to be the first to register in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ministry for children this fall! We are blessed to offer Saturday morning sessions beginning in October 2023 and running until April 2024. Children aged 3-12 are immersed in the essentials of our faith through hands on materials based on scripture and liturgy.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is inviting parishioners to share their talents and time with the children who will be registering for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd this fall. Volunteers are needed for wood working, knitting, and sitting with us Saturday mornings. If you are able to share your gifts with us please contact Cynthia by phone at 306-955-4854 or by email at

 

St. Philip Neri Parish Bereavement Support
Tuesday, September 12
Please know that there is support offered here at the Parish. If you would like a place to gather and talk with others who have lost a loved one, please come out to our next gathering on Tuesday, September 12, from 1 to 3:00 pm, here in the church’s Sunroom.
Future dates include: Sept. 26, Oct. 10, & 24, Nov. 7 & 21 and Dec. 5 & 19. We look forward to walking with you in faith! No registration fee or sign up are required. Please just feel comfortable in coming to join us. For more information, please call Deb, our Parish Nurse, at the Parish at (306) 343-0325.

 

 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Every Monday evening (except for long weekends), from 6 pm to 10 pm, and also every second Thursday of the month, from 9 am to 6 pm, people are invited to pray with the Blessed Sacrament in the main area of the church.
The upcoming Adoration schedule:
• Monday evenings: September 11, 18, 25 (from 6 pm-10 pm). Note: NO Adoration on Mon. Sept. 4 due to the Labour Day Holiday.
• The next full day Adoration will be Thursday, September 14, from 9 am-6 pm. Please also note that Adoration will be held in the Chapel.

 

 

St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus Council #9539
Post-High School Scholarship
Spread the word! Post-secondary education is costly, so to help out, the St. Philip Neri K of C are once again offering a post-high school scholarship of $500. Though preferences will be extended to children or grandchildren of a member of the St. Philip Neri Knights of Columbus Council #9539, and a graduate from a Catholic high school, all applications will be considered.
The deadline for scholarship applications is Saturday, September 30.
Application forms are available in the Parish Office.

 

 

The Bridge on 20th
Needs our help!
The Bridge on 20th is in need of the following items to help those who come to them in need:
Men’s clothing – Size S-M
Women’s clothing – Size S-M
Underwear – Size S-M
Hygiene items: Shampoo, body wash, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deoderant, etc.
Note: There is a small pink bin in our Welcome Area marked “The Bridge on 20th Donations” that you can place your donated items in; we will be sure that they are delivered to The Bridge. Thank you for helping to look after the needs of our brothers and sisters at The Bridge. Jesus said, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34), and here He is, giving us another chance to do just that.

 

SEPTEMBER Food Collection
For the Food Bank
For the month of SEPTEMBER, we are collecting 100% real fruit juice, canned beans or other canned protein for the Food Bank. The Donation Bin is located in the Welcome Area, just inside the front doors of the church, on the right. Let’s keep filling it up!
In addition, there is always a need for other non-perishables. Please be sure to check “best before” dates. Thanks for your thoughtful and ongoing support!

 

Special Collections 2023
Sunday, October 22: Evangelization of Nations (World Mission)
Note: Additional “Special Offering” envelopes can always be found in the Welcome Area at the entrance of the church. Please make cheques payable to St. Philip Neri Parish, with the specific special collection written on the memo line. Thank you for your ongoing generosity!