Email: contact@holyfamilymh.ca ~ Website: www.holyfamilymh.ca ~ Facebook: Medicine Hat Holy Family Parish

Welcome to

Reconciliation: By Appointment Only 403-527-6933 ext 101 Office Hrs. Monday to Friday - 8:30am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm to 4:30pm - Closed on Holidays

FATHER IS PROTECTOR

Today as we celebrate Father’s Day an old story tells us about a man who asked three

stone masons what they were doing. The first man said he was laying bricks. The second

man described his work as building a wall. But it was the third man who explained genuine

concern for his work. He said, "I am raising a great cathedral." Ask this same question to a

group of fathers concerning their role in the family, and you would get many contrasting

answers. One father might say, "I am supporting my family." Another father might see his

role differently and say, "I am raising children." One father sees his responsibility to put

food on the table, while the other sees his responsibility as participating in the shaping of

his child's life.

Are you surprised that a father has such a powerful influence? God's Word has told us of a

father's powerful influence long before our modern sociological psychological studies. "Sons

are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand

of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.

He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-

5). King Solomon highlights the role of a Father who is always teaching and protecting his

children: “Listen, children, to a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may

gain insight; for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son

with my father, tender, and my mother’s favorite, he taught me, and said to me, “Let your

heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight: do not

forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep

you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and

whatever else you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you

if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a

beautiful crown.” Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be

many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When

you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of

instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked,

and do not walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass

on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they

have made someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over. My child be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil” (Proverbs 4). In the first Reading the Prophet Jeremiah sees God as Father who in the time of betrayal is there to protect him. “But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore, my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail”. During this COVID-19 pandemic we hear like Prophet Jeremiah “Terror is all around!” The world has lost hope and there is no healing but terror and fear. Recently we started the public celebration of the Holy Mass but unexpectedly there was not a big attendance. Why? Because people are afraid to come out to stand by others because of fear and their own safety. Who can help us to overcome the fear we have? Only one; God the Father. The Prophet Isaiah says “From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself, we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:4-8). In the Gospel Jesus highlights three very important points to see and believe how caring God the Father is: First “Fear no One” is a powerful reminder that we have to have courage and hope. The figure of Father whether it is worldly or heavenly always stands by our side to remind us “Fear no One”. Once a father went out with his young son and as they were walking, father asked the son to hold his hand, but the son said, “dad, you hold my hand”. Father was shocked and asked the son “is there any difference?” and son answered, “yes dad”. “What?” asked the father. The son said, “dad if there is a storm, I may leave your hand, but I know your will never”. Secondly our Father cares for us because our value is more than anything in the world: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father…so don’t be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”. This is called unconditional love where our Father is ready to sacrifice everything for his children. In our day to day life we could see the role of a father and how much he struggles every day to give us what we need. He sacrifices himself that we the children should have a better life. He stands by our side to encourage and strengthen us so that we could become better people and to be successful. Lastly, Jesus wants us to have a better relationship with the Father through him: “everyone therefore who

acknowledges me before human, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven”. King David said, “come to me children and I will teach you the ways of the Lord.”. Someone wrote the following beautiful prayer reminding us of our relationship with the Lord: Hello God, I called tonight to talk a little while. I need a friend who'll listen to my anxiety and trial. You see, I can't quite make it through a day just on my own. I need your love to guide me, so I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep my family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence for whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face each hour throughout the day and not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God for being home and listening to my call, for giving me such good advice when I stumble and fall. Your number, God, is the only one that answers every time. I never get a busy signal, never had to pay a dime. So, thank you, God, for listening to my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love you too, and I'll call again tomorrow! So today as we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s remember the Lord has given fathers the power to make a tremendous impact on their children to walk in the ways of the Lord and always to obey him who loves us. So, dads, are you merely putting food on the table or are you participating in the shaping of your child's life? Happy Father’s Day to everyone! FR. IQBAL KHURSHID THE 12TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A – JUNE 21, 2020

OPERATING FINANCES June 7-13, 2020

Operating Budget 2020 $ 15,000

General Envelope Collection $ 9,092

Loose Collections $ 278

Future Development $ 525

Sale of Church Supplies $ 210

Youth Ministry $ 95

Shortfall -$ 4,800

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Together in Action (TIA) $ 630

St Vincent de Paul $ 505

Mission Mexico $ 5

Seminary Fund $ 55

Pope’s Pastoral Works $ 95

Holy Land $ 55

2020 TIA GOAL – $71,214 TO DATE $ 22,440 = 32% OF THE WAY

Thank You for your Generous Contributions

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A

Sunday, June 21, 2020

1st Reading – Jeremiah 20, 10-13

The Lord has delivered the life of the needy

from the hands of the evildoers.

Responsorial Psalm – Ps 69.7-913+16,32-

33,35ab+36 (R.13)

R. Lord, in your steadfast love, answer me.

2nd Reading – Romans 5.12-15

The free gifts are not the trespass.

Gospel – Matthew 10.26-33

Do not fear those who kill the body.

“Do Not Be Afraid.” Who would count every

single hair on our heads? God, who knows us

better than we know ourselves. And loves us,

too. Though we may be afraid of some things in

life, afraid of the shape of the world, even afraid

of some persons, we need never fear God – who

is with us like a mighty champion.

Of what and of whom am I afraid?

How will I trust that divine power is

superior to earthly power?

How can I, like God, tend to at least one

who is poorer than me?

†Mass Intentions June 20th – 26th 2020†

Saturday, June 20

5:00pm – Tom Weisgerber †

Sunday, June 21

8:30 am – Lena Schafer †

10:30am – Dennis Weisgerber

6:00pm – Holy Family Parish

Monday, June 22

9:00am – Craig & Marjorie Bowlby

Tuesday, June 23

9:00am – William Durrschnobel’s Parents

& Grandparents †

Wednesday, June 24

9:00am – Weisgerber Family

Thursday, June 25

9:00am – Johanna Kambeitz

Friday, June 26

9:00am – Marcel Giroux †

REVISED MASS GUIDELINES… June 17, 2020… PLEASE READ 1. 1. The dispensation of the faithful from obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until

decreed otherwise by the Bishop. No one is obliged to attend Holy Mass while this dispensation is in

effect.

2. Those 65 years of age or older or individuals with chronic medical conditions, are encouraged to

avoid public gatherings but are not prohibited from attending Mass.

3. Anyone attending Mass does so at their own risk.

4. There will be no scheduled Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, or Eucharistic Ministers

required until further notice.

5. We will have new restrictions you are no longer required to phone in and book which Mass you

would like to attend. You can just come; however guidelines are still in place.

6. We ask you to provide & wear a face mask when you are entering and exiting the church and during

Communion. While you are at your seat you may let your mask hang. If you choose not to wear a

mask you are choosing to refrain from receiving communion. Please remember physical distancing. If

you have a condition that makes it not possible for you to wear a mask, please talk to Fr. Iqbal so an

alternate plan can be made.

7. We need volunteers at the Masses in the following areas... Help Screening, Ushers, Lectors and

Cleaners after Mass. If you would like to do any of these jobs and you are already a volunteer at Holy

Family Parish, please contact the office and let us know.

8. If a Mass is full you may be asked to wait until we can figure out a seat for you, or you may come to

a later Mass if we absolutely cannot fit you in. If you are not comfortable with coming out in public

yet remember point #1, 2 & 3.

9. Arrive early as we need to screen all attending. If you come late you will not be able to attend, the

doors will be locked. For Weekday Masses you will use the Administration Doors only. For Weekend

Masses you will use the front main doors. Registration is for Government Regulations only to be kept

for 2 weeks and only accessed for tracking in case of an outbreak.

10. You will be screened and then asked to sanitize your hands and then ushered to a pew. Families

with children must always keep their children with them.

11. There will be no music at Mass. Collection will be in a basket at back of the church.

12. The Priest will offer a general attestation while at the Altar of “The Body of Christ” at which time

the congregation shall respond “Amen”. The congregation will form one single line, remembering

social distancing and proceed to receive Communion in their hand. In the present circumstances,

Communion will not be distributed on the tongue. This is a temporary measure to be reviewed on an

on-going basis in accordance with developing medical advice. Please follow this link as to how

communion will be distributed…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=bbVIyS9HTZE&feature=emb_logo

13. After Mass, the congregation is to exit the church immediately, if you feel the need to visit with

somebody it will have to be outside.

MASSES – MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT 9:00AM USE Administration doors,

SATURDAY AT 5:00PM Main Front Doors &

SUNDAY AT 8:30AM, 10:30AM & 6:00PM Main Front Doors

Reconciliation is by appointment only Monday to Friday

Call the office to book a time with Fr. Iqbal or Fr. VJ

The Holy Family Parish Catholic Women’s League Cares for our local charities. A fundraising bottle drive is scheduled for: Saturday June 27th

before and after masses Sunday June 28th

before and after masses Monday June 29th

10:00 am – noon A Shamrock Depot truck will be in the Holy Family Parish parking lot alongside a volunteer to help load your donated bottles into the truck. Thank you for your support: Questions:

Contact MJ 403-581-8004

ADORATION IN THE FAITH ROOM

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:30am to 4:00pm

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SUMMER BOOK CLUB WITH FR. JOHN KOHLER

Join Fr. John Kohler's virtual book club this Summer and read: A Father Who Keeps His Promises by Scott Hahn. Let's read, discuss and deepen our faith, one book at a time. There is no exam, no papers, and no lectures. Let's aim to read two chapters a week and have a lively interaction as a group every two weeks. Find information about the book, and chapter reading schedule below. Online discussion meetings and other details will be provided closer to the time via email. For more information or to register, visit https://www.catholicyyc.ca/bookclub

CELEBRATING FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AT HOME

Through the visions St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became formalized and the feast day extended to the whole Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. This Friday, bless your family and home with this beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and receive the blessings Jesus promises to souls who honour his Most Sacred Heart. Here are some ways to pray this devotion at home. https://www.catholicyyc.ca/blog/sacred-heart-of-jesus Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous and here are some ways we may be able to observe it this year:

• Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus • Enthrone your home to the Heart of Jesus (read "Easy Steps") • Pray the Pope's Intention for June • Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus • 8 ways to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June at home (Aleteia Article)

There will be no Annual General Meeting this year because of

COVID-19 Restrictions. You can request a copy of the Financial

Report; it can be emailed, or you can request a paper copy that

you can pick up at the office. Please contact the parish office

at contact@holyfamilymh.ca or call 403-527-6933

WEBINARS, LIVESTREAMS & RESOURCES

1. 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time - NEW Bulletin Shorts, free to use Mass Readings | “Do Not Be Afraid.” Who would count every single hair on our heads? God, who knows us better than we know ourselves. And loves us, too. Though we may be afraid of some things in life, afraid of the shape of the world, even afraid of some persons, we need never fear God – who is with us like a mighty champion.

1. Of what and of whom am I afraid? 2. How will I trust that divine power is superior to earthly power? 3. How can I, like God, tend to at least one who is poorer than me?

DOWNLOAD BULLETIN SHORTS - early Summer in Ordinary Time (from Diocese of Springfield)

2. Father's Day Prayer from St. Pope John XXIII Saint Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labour and weariness. But amid the worries of material life, your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labour alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over Him faithfully as you have done. Amen.

3. Article: Using the 5 Love Languages to do Father's Day on a Budget Here are some great ideas for Father’s Day for free — or very inexpensive based on Chapman's five love languages. For those unaware, the five love languages are: quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, and gift giving — and learning which love language dads prefer to receive love in can be the key to a perfect gift. Read more

4. NEW Finding Faith Podcast: "Beauty and the Art of Evangelization" - In this post-literal world of digital media, artists may be the most important evangelists in our time, those who live on the border of culture and dialogue in symbols, images, and metaphors. But who are the artists standing on the border of Church and culture, and what do they understand about our world today that the Church is not hearing? In this episode of Finding Faith we talk to Yuan Wang (St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy), a young adult who was recently baptized a Christian, and as a media artist now has a passion to reveal God through the beauty he sees in culture. Listen to podcast here

5. Virtual Tour of Our Lady of the Rockies. Join the first Virtual Pilgrimage at the new Our Lady of the Rockies Shrine, hosted by Beloved Daughters Ministry and led by Fr. Nathan Siray and the Sisters of the Seeds of the Word. When: Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 pm. Live on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beloveddaughtersyyc/

6. Catholic Media Conference "Together While Apart." When: June 30 - July 2, 2020. This year Catholic Press Associations will be hosting their first Catholic Media Conference virtually, free of charge and open to any Catholic communicators, from parish and school media professionals to communications experts serving the dioceses, religious orders, and colleges of national journalists. Registration is required for each sessions individually. Please register before June 30. Keynote panelists include Dr. Paolo Ruffini (Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications), Dr. Natasa Govekar and Bishop Paul Tighe (Secretary General of the Pontifical Council for Culture and Titular Bishop of Drivastum). Information &

registration: http://www.catholicmediaconference.org/registration

7. Online Course on "Introduction to Sacred Liturgy." This free course from the Liturgical Institute (Mundelein, IL) introduces the theological and pastoral dimensions of the sacred liturgy. Specifically, it uncovers the spiritual reality of every liturgical celebration, considers the ritual medium employed by liturgical celebrations, and examines the various sacramental signs and symbols that contribute to a liturgical rite, such as objects, actions, words, time, ministers, music, and architecture. Instructor: Christopher Cartens. This is a self-paced online course, decide when you start and when you finish. Sign up here.

8. Great Catholic Podcasts on Catholic Marriage & Family. If you are looking for some good

podcasts on marriage and parenting, check out these projects: o Messy Family Podcast with Mike & Alicia Hernon. "Our mission is to empower parents,

strengthen marriage and bring families to Christ. This is done through our podcast, short videos, downloadable resources and live events. We have found that families are hungry for these resources and we are here to help. Marriage and family is where the rubber hits the road with faith and values in our society, and the best thing we can do to help our world is to renew and strengthen marriage and family life." Listen on Apple Podcasts

o The Dad Project Podcast: "At The Dad Project, we find experienced dads who have had success in raising kids. We ask them to give short talks, sharing what has worked for them and what hasn't. Our goal is to help men everywhere become the dads they were meant to be. And our hope is to change the world for the better, one dad at a time." Listen on Apple Podcasts

o Abiding Together Podcast: "Abiding Together is a weekly podcast hosted by Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Heather Khym, providing a place of connection, rest and encouragement for people who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ." Listen on Apple Podcasts

o Coffee & Pearls Podcast: "Join Sterling Jaquith for 15 minutes of wisdom for Catholic moms about spirituality, marriage, motherhood, health, finances, homemaking and recharging!" Listen on Apple Podcasts