Bulletin for May 30, 2021

Bulletin for the Feast of Pentecost

Bulletin for the 6th Sunday of Easter

Parish Bulletin – 4th Sunday of Easter – 25 April 2021

Masses for the Week of 20 April to 25 April

STREAMED MASSES:

TUESDAY:                10 AM      NO MASS

WEDNESDAY:**      10 AM   NO MASS

THURSDAY:             10 AM     NO MASS

FRIDAY:***              10 AM       NO MASS

SATURDAY:  (SJ)     10 AM    Mass for the Feast Day of St. Joseph the

Worker

LIVE MASSES:

SATURDAY:               5 PM (SH)    Terrance Joseph Morris – Donat & Doris Ranger

SUNDAY:                    9 AM (SJ)     Lester Gaudette – Paul & Sue Kelly

                               10:30 AM (CH)   Teresa McDonald – The Family

                                                            Merina & Neil Sullivan – The Family

All weekday Masses are celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church.

** Includes public recitation of the Rosary

*** Includes public recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Collections:  Sheenboro:  $150.00  St. Joseph’s:  $590.00   Chapeau:  $1140.00

Thank You!

NOTE: Due to the COVID restrictions we are once again limited to only 25 people at any Mass or service. Please call the parish office to reserve a place at the Mass of your choice. Please also note that while we will be covering the phones, the offices are officially closed to the public until we are removed from the Red Zone. We apologize for any inconvenience, but this is something that is not within our control at this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) St. Alphonsus CWL News: Thank you to all CWL members who have already send in their membership ($20). We would appreciate receiving others ASAP as it makes it much easier for all concerned when they can be sent in at one time.

2) Thank You: The family of Patsy Allard wish to express their gratitude to Fr. Tim Moyle for the celebration of the funeral Mass and his kind words of comfort. To Cindy Wheeler and Pauline Lepine, your music and hymns we beautiful and soothing. To our many friends, neighbours, and relatives, thank you for your messages, cards, emails, and prayers of condolences, your thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.

The Allard Family

3) St. Joseph Cemetery: Clean-up bee at St. Joseph’s cemetery on Monday, April 26^th at 6:00 pm. If attending, please wear mask. Thank you.

4) Job Offer: The Sortir du Bois are looking for people (ages 18 to 45 yrs) interested in a 24-week paid work experience that leads to reintegration in the labour market. Call 819-648-5065 for more information or to register for the program. Come and try it out!

5) Please note that there are no scheduled weekday Masses this week because there will be funeral services on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with one addition funeral still to be scheduled in St. Joseph’s. Watch the parish blog or Facebook page to see which ones will be live-streamed. As of this time, only the Wednesday funeral for Mr. Art Fleming at 11 am from Chapeau is scheduled to be streamed.

6) NOTE FROM FR. TIM: This weekend brings to a conclusion my time here as pastor of our three parish communities which together comprise the Catholic Churches of the Upper Pontiac. My heart is conflicted as I leave because I have truly come to consider here to be my home and I am both sad at departing and feeling blessed by serving here for the past eight years. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of the kind words and generous best wishes I have received throughout my time as your pastor over these years, and especially for the many such acts of kindness I’ve received since the announcement of my transfer was made public. It has been a true honour and privilege to have been able to serve as your shepherd here in our corner of the Pontiac over the past few years.

Fr. Scott Murray is truly a blessed individual to be able to come to live among you and serve as your parish priest and I know you will be as generous with your support and praise with him as you’ve been to me. All I ask of everyone is that you make an extra effort in the weeks ahead to make him feel welcome among you as your new pastoral shepherd. It will take some time for you to get to really know each other but I know that he is looking forward to the opportunity to serve here, especially because of all the good things he has heard about the faithful of our parishes. I know that you won’t let him down and that I am passing the ‘pastoral baton’ into new hands that will continue the good work of bringing you ever closer to the heart of Christ, the eternal Good Shepherd.

So best wishes to all… and thank you for all your kindnesses and support throughout this term as your parish priest. Ad multos annos!

Scripture Reflection:

Opening Prayer: Lord, open my ears of faith to hear your voice as the Good Shepherd who calls and protects me. 

Encountering Christ:

1. Jesus Offers to Help: Sheep are helpless creatures. They can’t protect themselves; they don’t have good ways of fighting off predators; they can’t run very fast; and they don’t last very long against a lone wolf or coyote. They rely totally on their shepherd for survival. We are like these sheep, and Jesus offers to be our shepherd. Our shepherd steps in to fight off our predators. Our shepherd is always nearby, so we don’t have to worry about anything. Because of our shepherd, we know our future is guaranteed. He promises eternal life. Do we live each day under our Shepherd’s care, or do we prefer to go it alone?
2. The Shepherd Pledges His Life: Every shepherd risks his life to protect the sheep, to give them what they need, and Jesus did this for us. We are helpless and often face dangers that can severely wound us spiritually, psychologically, and even physically.  Jesus put his life on the line to protect us. Jesus accepted the death on the cross that my sins deserved. Am I willing to trust him and follow him, realizing how much he loves me? What else would he need to do for me to gain my trust?
3. No One Else: Jesus loves the Father so much that he laid down his life in obedience to him. Of his own free will, in his own power, Jesus accepted the cross so that we may live with him eternally. “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.” In this Easter season, we ponder Jesus’s death and Resurrection. The depth of his sacrifice makes much more sense to us if we consider the meaning of eternity for our soul and the souls of those we love. Jesus willingly died for you and for me. If there were no one else alive but you, he would still have made the sacrifice. “Nowhere other than looking at himself in the mirror of the cross can man better understand how much he is worth” (St. Anthony of Padua).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I am a clumsy, awkward, needy sheep. Fortunately, you are my Good Shepherd. Thank you for laying down your life for me. Help me to more profoundly appreciate the sacrifice you made for me and to value souls as you do.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will stop every few hours to say a short prayer asking for your help and inspiration in all my undertakings so that I will remain close to you all day.

Obituary of Arthur Joseph Fleming

Arthur Joseph Fleming of Chapeau, Quebec passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in his 92nd year, following a long battle with heart and respiratory issues. Though he’d have preferred to die with his boots on, instead he was granted the serenity of a calm sleep. Art was born in Chapeau Quebec on November 27, 1929 to father William Fleming and mother Ellen Lapierre. One of 10 children, Art never had the opportunity for much formal schooling, yet our self-taught Dad led a life rich with so many “careers”. From working in the bush in his teen years, to farming, to hauling cargo-human and animal- across the icy Ottawa, to providing local farmers with “veterinary” assistance, to building his own business “Art Fleming & Sons”, to managing government projects in the war years, to remaining devoted to our Mother and us, Dad remains a role model for all. “Love what you do or get out of it” and “Hard work never killed anyone”. These are his guiding stars. He helped out on his family’s small farm and worked any odd jobs he could find starting at an early age. So many times in his life Art defied death. So many times he embraced life with adventure after adventure. Through it all our Mother stood by his side, ever devoted, providing strength, comfort, and indeed the vision that led to their creation of “Northfork” which will always remain a part of their shared legacy. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Herbert, Bill, Joe, Tom, Jack, Harold, Ada & Imogene. He is survived by his wife Frances (nee Mercier), children Colleen, Donna, Willie (Carmel), Neil (Angela); brother Bernard (Arlene); grandchildren; Matthew, Bradley, Brent, Benjie, Patrick, Ellen, Andrew, Tristan, Alexander, Lauren; and great-grandchildren Kiersten, Ethan, Noah, Blake, Abby, Gracie, Thomas, Greg and his faithful companion Phillip Everett. A private family gathering will be held at the Hayes Funeral Home, Chapeau, Quebec on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Alphonsus Church, Chapeau, Quebec in the intimacy of the immediate family only. People wishing to honour Arthur’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the Pontiac Community Hospital Foundation or the Meilleur Residence.

Obituary of Viola Rose Fleury (nee Turner)

In hospital, Shawville, Quebec on April 17, 2021 in her 74th year, Viola Turner, of Nichabau, Quebec. Loving wife of the late Rodney Fleury. Dear sister of Louis (Jacqueline), Michael (Karen), Ivan (Janice), Helen (Don), Alvin (Bonnie), Thomas (late Margaret), Ida Mae and Mary Frances. Predeceased by sister Joan (Michael) and brothers Allen and Lloyd and by her parents Frances Theresa Fleury and Thomas John Turner. A family funeral service will be held in St. Alphonsus Church, Chapeau, Quebec on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. followed by interment in Holy Spirit Cemetery, Nichabau.

Parish Bulletin – 3^rd Sunday of Easter – 18 April 2021

Masses for the Week of 20 April to 25 April

STREAMED MASSES:

TUESDAY:                10 AM             Mary Spence – Joe & Margaret Tallon

WEDNESDAY:**      10 AM             Carmelita Gleason – Francis Downey

THURSDAY:             10 AM             Norma Ranger – Tommy Marcotte & Joanne Gagnon

FRIDAY:***              10 AM             Glenn Lapierre – John & Donna Donnelly

LIVE MASSES:

SATURDAY:               5 PM (SH)    Laura Meehan – Teresa Downey

SUNDAY:                    9 AM (SJ)     Charlie Conway – Sheila Grennough

                               10:30 AM (CH)   Intentions of Living Members of the CWL

                                                            Robert Chartrand – Larry & Christine Turner

All weekday Masses are celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church.

** Includes public recitation of the Rosary

*** Includes public recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Collections:  Sheenboro:  $110.00  St. Joseph’s:  $1560.00   Chapeau:  $860.00

Thank You!

NOTE: Due to the COVID restrictions we are once again limited to only 25 people at any Mass or service. Please call the parish office to reserve a place at the Mass of your choice. Please also note that while we will be covering the phones, the offices are officially closed to the public until we are removed from the Red Zone. We apologize for any inconvenience, but this is something that is not within our control at this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) St. Alphonsus CWL News: Thank you to all CWL members who have already send in their membership ($20). We would appreciate receiving others ASAP as it makes it much easier for all concerned when they can be sent in at one time.

2) The Tuesday Social Club continues to function despite COVID. On March 25^th we needed to ship as all our containers were full! We sent to Lutheran World Relief:

            12 pillowcase Sundresses

            2 pairs of boy’s shorts

            10 knit blankets

            10 soft toys (teddy bears and dolls)

            13 sleeping mats made from milk bags.

Thank you for all your donations that make this possible. The shipping is done by Smitty’s Home Hardware in west-end Pembroke.

We miss meeting in person but when COVID is behind us, we will be very happy to see old friends and we will be welcoming new members too. Hopefully in September.

For further information: Angie (819-689-2468); Sharon (819-689-297); or Bernie (819-689-5223).

Scripture Reflection:

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us as I turn my heart to you. I need your resurrected power and life. Just as you opened the Scriptures to the disciples on the way to Emmaus, open the Gospel to me and reveal your heart to me. Make my heart burn while you speak to me. 

Encountering Christ: 

1. The Return from Emmaus: Today’s Gospel is a continuation of the story of Emmaus. The once-discouraged disciples returned on fire after their encounter with Jesus on the road. They didn’t recognize him until finally, as today’s Gospel explains, he revealed himself to them in the breaking of the bread. The Eucharistic bread revealed the real presence of Christ for these fleeing followers, just as it does for us. They poured their hearts out to Jesus and shared with him their discouragement. Their opening up in this way permitted Jesus to speak to them heart-to-heart and feed them in their need. Prayer is our chance to open our hearts in all sincerity to Jesus. Let’s talk to him now about what stirs us and concerns us, and ask him to reveal himself and appear to us in a resurrected way. 
   1. Jesus Appeared Offering Peace: Just as he restored confidence and passion to these apostles on their road out of Jerusalem, he suddenly appeared in the locked upper room. Even though they didn’t go looking for him, but cowered in fear and confusion, he met them more than halfway. He came all the way to their doorstep and went through it! “Peace.” And he took steps to calm their questioning, incredulous hearts. “Why are you troubled?” His question was not only rooted in their surprise at seeing him alive again, but went even deeper and further. It was an existential question that pierces every generation. It is the question to every follower who has yet to be transformed by the Resurrection. It is Jesus’s question to you today: “Why are you troubled?” Why do you doubt all that Jesus promised and guaranteed? His question is not meant to condemn us, but to prepare the way for a renewed faith. Let’s talk to Jesus about our answer to his question and let him reconfirm us in his faith and love. 
   1. He Opened Their Minds: We are never more primed to understand Jesus’s words than when we have been suffering with and for him. On the other side of the cross and after an encounter with the resurrected Jesus, the disciples could now understand. The cross seen from the vantage point of victory makes sense. It can never be divorced from the Resurrection. No death, failure, addiction, abuse, or illness is the full story. The victory of Jesus and his all-powerful love is what helps us endure and understand deeply the mystery of the cross. Let’s spend some time reflecting on crosses and victories in our lives and how Jesus has helped us understand the truth of his word. May this experience increase our confidence in him and his powerful love for us. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I know the power of your Resurrection transforms everything. I also know that the process of experiencing the fruits of your Resurrection is a progression of spiritual growth and maturity. Help me open my heart to your “breaking in” with your glory and love. Help me experience the peace that results from the understanding and hope in your word which never fails! 

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will be attentive to ways my heart is closed to you, locked in fear or doubt. I will claim the power of your Resurrection each time I notice fear, closure, or doubt. 

For Further Reflection: Catechism of the Catholic Church 641-644 on the Resurrection. 643: Given all these testimonies, Christ’s Resurrection cannot be interpreted as something outside the physical order, and it is impossible not to acknowledge it as a historical fact. It is clear from the facts that the disciples’ faith was drastically put to the test by their master’s Passion and death on the cross, which he had foretold. The shock provoked by the Passion was so great that at least some of the disciples did not at once believe in the news of the Resurrection. Far from showing us a community seized by a mystical exaltation, the Gospels present us with disciples demoralized (“looking sad”) and frightened. For they had not believed the holy women returning from the tomb and had regarded their words as an “idle tale.” When Jesus reveals himself to the Eleven on Easter evening, “he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”