Alleluia. Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor. Alleluia. Luke 4.18

James 5:7-10

Patient Waiting

Some things just take time. It takes time for crops to grow, for bread to rise, and for wine to age. It takes time to learn how to play a musical instrument or to develop athletic skill. Some things cannot be rushed. We do what we can to prepare the earth and strengthen our bodies for the tasks at hand. But in the end, we wait.

It is hard to wait, especially when we anticipate good results. We wish that children would master the lesson, that the beloved would return from a journey, and that God would answer a prayer. It is hard to wait for what we want. Sometimes we do not behave our best while we are waiting. We grow impatient and irritable.

God is slow. It took thousands of years for God to deliver on the promise to Abraham. Eventually, the child was born in Bethlehem. Then, people had to wait for the child to grow up.

Then Jesus died on the cross, and people had to wait for the resurrection. Then he rose, appeared, and promised to come back again. But people had to wait. We are still waiting.

The Letter of James says, “Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.” We know we must be patient for Christ to come again. While we are waiting, we strive to live in harmony, because it is in our community where we experience even now the coming of our God. ~Paul Turner www.rpinet.com

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 15, 2019

THIS WEEK AT HOLY SPIRIT

Monday, Dec. 16

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm EDGE 7:00 pm Filipino Mass - Potluck to follow

Tuesday, Dec. 17 8:30 am Mass 7:00 pm Advent Penitential Service 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm RCIA

Wednesday, Dec. 18 8:30 am Mass 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm Columbian Seniors 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - St. Kateri Advent Liturgy

Thursday, Dec. 19 8:30 am Mass 10:30 am Mass (Stensrud Lodge) 1:30 pm Senior’s Cards - Christmas

Friday, Dec. 20 8:30 am Mass 9:00 am - 12 noon Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Family Movie Night

Saturday, Dec. 21

11:00 am - 12:00 noon Confessions 5:00 pm Mass 4th Sunday of Advent Sunday, Dec. 22 4th Sunday of Advent 10:00 am Mass 12:00 pm Mass 1:00 pm - 5 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 7:00 pm Mass

Holy Spirit Parish

114 Kingsmere Place • Saskatoon, SK S7J 3V7

Phone 306 374-1425 • Fax 306 374-3190

Office Hours 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Office email info@holyspiritsaskatoon.ca

Website holyspiritsaskatoon.ca

Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

Phone 306 242-1500

email communications@saskatoonrcdiocese.com

Rev. Darryl Millette, Pastor

Fr. John Abban-Bonsu, Associate Pastor

Sunday Mass

Saturday - 5:00 pm

Sunday - 10:00 am, 12:00 noon, 7:00 pm

Daily Mass Tuesday to Friday - 8:30 am

Reconciliation

Saturday 11:00 am - 12:00 noon

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Friday 9:00 am - 12 noon

Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Administrative Assistant

Karen Klein

Pastoral Associates

Charlene Nijhawan, Ministry of Care

Kelly Wormsbecker, Ministry of Care

Arch McKay, Christian Initiation of Adults

Sharon Powell, Faith Formation

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Celena Komarnicki

Financial Administrator

Monica Johnson

Building Maintenance

Jack Altrogge, Ed Yuzyk

Finance Committee

Basil Waslen, Chair Mike Gartner

Pat Pitka Ed Solie

As Catholics, we seek healing and strength in the Eucharist. Through our parish Ministry of Care we bring communion to those who cannot be with us for Mass, whether temporarily or on an ongoing basis. Ministry of Care staff and volunteers will gladly make a home visit to the sick, the lonely and the homebound. We are not always aware of those who have this need. Call pastoral associates Charlene or

Parish Pastoral Council

Kenton Peterson,Chair Louise Bitz Fern Boutin Susan Burns Cameron Choquette

Adrian Cochet Lynn Eremondi James Nestmann Jonathon Neufeld

Prayers and condolences to Leslie, Arnold, William, Alvin and families on the death of brother, uncle, and great-uncle Leo Dube. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in God’s peace.

3rd week of Advent

JOY

Oliver James Empey Kevin and Caroline

Demitra Audrey Houle Dustin and Amanda

Gunnar Kristian Noesgaard Peter and Melissa

Stanley Chimaobim Odoka Stanley and Ifunanya

Larah Brielle Paragas Victor and Arlene

Simona Heley Rogers Scott and Marla

Julian Emmanuel Saretsky Luke and Gina

Mark George Sutherland John and Jennifer

Sarah Louise Sutherland John and Jennifer

Please pray for our children who were recently Baptized in December, 2019

May God’s grace and blessings guide you throughout your life.

Child Parents

Simbang Gabi (Pre-Christmas Novena Mass & Potluck)

The second of the nine Novena Masses will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Parish on Monday, December 16 at 7p.m.

Come with your family and friends to celebrate Simbang Gabi. Everyone is welcome. There will be a potluck after Mass. To view the schedule of the 9-Day Novena Masses, please visit The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon website at https://rcdos.ca/events/2019-12/ This year we are asking for your support. We need canned goods, baby clothing, sweaters and jackets. If you attend and bring any of these items to one of the Masses, you can place your items in the bins provided during Offertory. All donations collected will be given to representatives from Bridge on 20th Fellowship, Saskatoon Pregnancy Option and Prison Ministry Diocese of Saskatoon on the last night of Simbang Gabi at Holy Family Cathedral. Let us share our love and blessings! Thank you. Maraming salamat!

My Soul Still Dances; Living with Parkinson’s is a book that will be available for sale at all Masses on

December 13/14 weekend in the welcome area. Sister Rosetta Reininger, an Ursuline of Prelate, will be in

attendance in the welcome area sharing the story of Sister Adelaide Fortowsky, a Parkinson’s victim. As the illness progressed she began to keep a diary of her suffering and activites. She wanted to share her story with Parkinson victims, families, caregivers and others in the form of this book. The cost is $19.95.

From Mourning to Dawn, the diocesan grief support group for widows and widowers begins the winter 2020 session on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Facilitators, who have themselves also experienced the death of a marriage partner, engage with participants on an 8-week journey of transformation and healing, offering support and encouragement for bereaved spouses. This program is open to participants who have been widows/widowers between 2 months and 2 years. Sessions are held at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in the Cathedral of the Holy Family (123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon) on 8 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 7 and ending Feb. 25, 2020 held each Tuesday, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost of this program is $35. To register or for more information, please contact Dianna Knaus, 306-382-0535 or email: dknaus@sasktel.net

This Christmas Season don’t forget...

Ministry of Care As Catholics, we seek healing and strength in the Eucharist. Through our parish Ministry of Care we bring communion to those who cannot be with us for

Mass, whether temporarily or on an ongoing basis. Ministry of Care staff and volunteers will gladly make a home visit to the sick, the lonely and the homebound. We are not always aware of those who have this need. Call pastoral associates Charlene or Kelly at (306) 374-1425 if you or a member of your family would like to participate in this ministry.

55+ SENIORS CARDS/BINGO

Fun, enjoyable afternoons of card games

and bingo are held

two Thursdays each month in the

parish hall.

The next gathering is

Thursday, Dec. 19 - 1:30 pm For more information, please call

Lucille, 306 242-4482

Learn and Pray the Divine Office: Every Saturday there will be an opportunity to learn the Divine Office beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Paul's Co-Cathedral, 720 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, followed by actually praying Divine Office Morning Prayer (with Gregorian Chant) at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome; booklets will be provided. Arrive at side door facing 22nd Street. For more info, contact Hudson at 306-220-7236.

Gift Idea! Fundraiser The Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus are again raising funds for charities by selling Co-op gift cards. The idea is very simple: you buy gift cards which can be used for anything that the Co-op sells - gasoline, groceries, building supplies, whatever. The cards come in any multiple of $25.00 and you use these to pay for your purchases at the Co-op. There is no cost to either you or the Knights; in fact, the Co-op donates a percentage to our group in exchange for our patronage. So simple, so good.

WE PLEDGE 5% to . . . The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation/ Fondation Chaise Roulante Canada (CWF) is an independent Canadian registered charity dedicated to:

• Raising awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities

• Delivering mobility into the lives of children, teens and adults in the world who have no means to acquire a wheelchair

• Transforming lives through mobility, and with it giving to all those deprived of it by war, disease, accident, natural disaster and advanced age, independence, dignity, hope and opportunity

With the support and the generosity of independent sponsors CWF is transforming lives throughout the world; one wheelchair at a time.www.cdnwheelchair.ca

FOOD FOR THE POOR A food container is available at the church entrance to receive your gifts of non-perishable food. This food will be distributed to agencies in Saskatoon involved in helping to feed the poor. Why not try on a weekly basis to bring an item of food? It will be a great reminder of God’s blessings and how we are called to bless others.

WELCOME to all visiting with us this weekend. Your faith and spirit enrich our community. May you travel safely and know that God’s presence is always with you.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 8905

Grand Knight, Bob Wacholtz Phone: 306 933-9499

Knights of Columbus memberships and information, please call:

James, 306 260-8206 or Rob, 306 374-8559

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

President - Andrea Gelleta Phone: 306 249-4076

Memberships - We are now accepting new and renewed memberships for the 2020 year. Memberships are $30. Please contact Eileen @ 306-374-8554 or place in an envelope marked 'CWL' in the collection basket at mass.

Your 2019-2020 Envelopes are now available for pick up in the Place of Wel-come. A huge thank you to all who helped sort, label and alphabetize the boxes!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Kick start the Holidays ...

The Knights of Columbus and Youth Ministry of Holy Spirit Parish are pleased to present “The Nativity Sto-ry.” (Rated PG) Join us for our first ever Family Movie Night on Friday, Decem-

ber 20th at 7:00 pm! Families of all ages are wel-come. Popcorn and refreshments will be provid-ed. Let’s join together to watch and remember one of the greatest events in history and our faith.

2019 CHRISTMAS SEASON MASS SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 24 • 5:00 pm • 8:00 pm • 11:00 pm (incense used)

Wednesday, Christmas Day · 10:00am

New Year’s Day, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Tuesday, December 31 • 5:00 pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Please Print

CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

Poinsettias are available for purchase in honour of a loved one. The Environment and Art Committee will use these poinsettias as part of the Christmas décor - $20.

Place the completed form, with $20, in an envelope marked 'Poinsettia." You may drop it in the offering basket or at the office. A card with your loved one's name will be placed with a poinsettia for the Christmas season.

Name __________________________________________________

Requested by _________________________________ $ ___________

Advent Penitential Celebrations

Below are some times and places to participate in an Advent Penitential Services in Parishes located in Saskatoon (listed by date):

• Dec. 17 Tuesday, Holy Spirit, 7:00 p.m.

• Dec. 18 Wednesday, Our Lady of Lourdes, 7:00 p.m. - 1235-12th St. (Additional confession times: 30 minutes before every Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes)

• Dec. 19 Thursday, St. Philip Neri, 7:00 p.m. - 1902 Munroe Avenue South

• Dec. 20 Friday, Cathedral of the Holy Family, 7:00 p.m. at 123 Nelson Road

• Dec. 20 Friday, St. Anne, 7:00 p.m. - 217 Lenore Drive

(Additional confession times: every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)

• Dec. 20 Friday, St. Joseph, 535 8th St East

For a complete list of more times and places see the Diocese of Saskatoon’s website at rcdos.ca.

DONATIONS All donations received and designated for a specific program or project other than special appeals will be used for a purpose determined by Holy Spirit Parish Finance Committee or Parish Pastoral Council to be consistent with the spirit of the gift. Thank you for your continued financial support. Finance Committee - Basil Waslen, Chair; Mike Gartner; Pat Pitka; Ed Solie

“You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8)

Patience is another one of those things many of us struggle with. We want things to go according to our plan and our schedule. Any change brings anxiety and fear. Through daily prayer we better align ourselves with God’s will and His plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with on our own.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION Arrangements for marriage can be made by contacting the parish priest eight months prior to the date of marriage. This will provide adequate time for documentation and the diocesan required marriage preparation program. This program is intended not only for engaged couples but also for couples considering engagement and marriage. For information and to register for the next session contact Nicole Gursky at 306 229-0384 or email ngursky@sasktel.net. Catholic Family Services, 306 244-7773, also offers a marriage preparation program. Please check the diocesan website for more opportunities for marriage preparation, rcdos.ca.

NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION/CHANGE OF ADDRESS NAME __________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________ POSTAL CODE _______________________ TELEPHONE _____________________

EMAIL __________________________________________________________________

PARISH OFFERING ENVELOPES? YES ______ NOT AT THIS TIME ______ PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING PROGRAM YES _________

Sunday, Nov. 24 - Envelopes: $8,915.50 Preauthorized: $5,299.87 Loose offering: $1,488.75

Average weekly income from all sources: $18,662 Average weekly expenditure including capital costs: $17,466

BAPTISM Expectant parents please contact the parish office three months prior to the baptism date to arrange for the baptism preparation program and for the baptism celebration. The next baptism dates are: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, and Mar. 22. For more information or if you have any questions about the sacrament of Baptism call Sharon at 306 374-1425.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY The program takes place during the readings and homily at Sunday Mass. It is suitable for children age 4 to pre-First Eucharist. Parents and young people interested in leading the program or helping, please call Celena Komarnicki, 306 374-1425.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Catholic Church’s process whereby one could inquire about the Catholic faith and journey towards full reception into the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil. At Holy Spirit Parish, RCIA meets weekly from mid-September until Easter. There is no fee and all materials needed are provided. New participants are always welcome. Meetings are Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. For information call Arch McKay, 306 373-0993; agmckay1@sasktel.net.

WE PLEDGE 5% to…

• Prairie Hospice Society $667.42

• St. Mary’s – Christmas hampers $680.32

• Care & Share $608.25 Thank you!

NEW IN THE PARISH? MOVING? Please help us keep parish records up-to-date. It assists us to serve you. Please complete the following and

return to the parish office by mail or in the weekend collection basket. Thank you for your assistance.

Why is purple the color of Advent?

There are a few reasons why purple holds importance during penitential seasons. One reason is the historical signification of royalty. The making of purple dye during ancient times was rare and expensive, therefore it was the mark of someone rich and powerful... someone like a king. We know during this same time Israel longed for a messiah. Messiah means anointed one, which is another phrase for king. Israel was without a king and longed for the return of their kingdom. The purple used throughout this Advent season signifies the coming of the One True King.

Why is the third Sunday of Advent known as Gaudete Sunday?

Its name is taken from the entrance antiphon of the Mass, which is: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

This is a quotation from Philippians 4:4-5, and in Latin, the first word of the antiphon is gaudete (Latin, “rejoice”; it's also pronounced with three syllables: gau-de-te)

What significance does this have?

Advent is the season of preparing for the arrival of the Lord Jesus (both his first coming and his second coming), and by the third Sunday of Advent, we are most of the way through the season. Thus it is appropriate to rejoice as we see the goal of the season approaching: “The Lord is near.”

What is the appropriate l i turgical color for this day?

According to the rubrics: In this mass the color rose is used. It doesn’t have to be rose; depending on circumstances it can also be violet. So YAAAAAAY! We get to light the Pink candle on the Advent wreath this Sunday! "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice.”

Have you ever wondered?