Welcome to The Roman Catholic Parish of Saint John the Evangelist | Archdiocese of Saint Boniface
Announcements and Upcoming Events
On Wednesday, February 22 there will be Mass and
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes at 7:30 PM
Update: January 3, 2023
Envelopes for your parish support are already available. Do kindly pick them up from the boxes at the church foyer........... There is a mix-up with our order of the envelopes though, and some of the numbered envelopes are not yet available. The Finance Council hopes to resolve this situation quickly. If your set of envelopes is among those missing, you may still use the old ones that you have. Just cross out the year and write the current year........... In any case, I thank everyone for your material support to the parish in 2022 and the previous years. Some churches in the archdiocese have closed for good at the end of 2022. This sad state of affairs made me all the more appreciate your generosity and faithfulness in supporting our parish........... In the more personal level, I would like to thank everyone also who have greeted me on my birthday last December 21, on Christmas Day and the New Year. Thank you for the cards and gifts. The affection that comes with them made me feel very much blessed........... As I have said last Sunday, I’ll be on a holiday from January 15 to February 28. However, aside from the annual holiday, it’s also a practice for priests to take a break after Christmas and Easter festivities, so I’ll be away already from the parish starting Monday, January 9...........There will be no weekday Mass when I am away except on Ash Wednesday, February 22. I’ll leave it to Fr. John Te, who is going to replace me temporarily, to set the Mass schedule on that day here at St. John and at St. Patrick in Manitou........... Again, I would like you to please take note that the Sunday evening Mass is cancelled during the duration of my holiday. Publication of the Sunday bulletin will also be suspended........... In case of pastoral emergencies, you may contact Fr. Mario Veloso of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Carman at (204)745-2204.......... During my homily last Sunday, I invited you to reflect on the “scandal of the manger”.
Mary Mother of God pondering in her heart the things told by the shepherds encourages us to grow in the faith, a faith that gives birth. To mature in the faith in the year 2023 then!.......... I would say the Feast of the Epiphany affirms that message. The magi embarked on a long and dangerous journey in order to worship the Lord and bring him gifts. We are all called to imitate them. In this regard, a representative from the Many Hands Centre will make a brief presentation after the 11 AM Mass this Sunday, January 8. She will tell us about the organization. Above all, she will give us ideas how we can be the magi to “community members in and around Morden who are facing various challenges in accessing food, shelter, and meeting social and spiritual needs.” Do check their website for more detailed information.
Happy Epiphany, everyone!
Update: December 31, 2022
Happy New Year, everyone! May God bless all our endeavours and plans for 2023! Above all, may we grow in our relationship with the Lord every day of the year........... I would like to thank Morden Nurseries and Garden Centre for seeing to it that we have beautiful poinsettias and a splendid tree for our church this Christmas. I thank also Jewel White, Anne del Mundo and Joel Angeles for decorating the tree........... This year we have a new set of Christmas crèche! Thank you so much, Marilyn Skubovius of Stephen Street Wear! I would like to express our thanks also to Esther Thiessen for setting up the crèche. As always, her creativity never fails to amaze us........... I would like to thank our Music Ministry – the accompanists, cantors and choirs. They have done an awesome job not only during the Advent and Christmas liturgies but also the “mini-concert” of Christmas carols before the Night Mass........... Kudos to the Filipino Community in organizing the Simbang Gabi........... Even with minimal practice, our altar servers did an outstanding Mass during the high Mass. Thanks to the kids from the Del Mundo, Solomon, Tiukuka and Centeno families!.......... I will take a holiday from January 15 to February 28. It’s been three long years since I have visited my family, so I am very much looking forward to this vacation. Usually priests are allowed only a month of holiday every year. However, His Grace the Archbishop has allowed those who have not taken a holiday since the lockdowns to take a one-time extended vacation.... While I am away, the weekday Mass is cancelled as well as the Sunday evening Mass. Fr. John Te will cover the Saturday 5 PM Mass and the 11 AM Sunday Mass starting on the 15th. If you have an intention for the Mass, do hand it directly to him. Regular church services will resume on March 3, Friday, with the 10 o’clock AM Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.
Update: December 24, 2022
I remember taking strolls at the beautiful Piazza Navona in Rome at this time of the year when it is transformed into a big market. It’s a feast for the senses! Dozens of stalls surround the majestic Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini where traditional Christmas handicrafts from different regions of Italy are sold. There are tree decorations as well as toys that every child would cherish. And, all sorts of goodies to taste – candies, hot chestnuts, and the famous torrone. However, what always drew my attention were the crèche. The Italians have the tradition of re-creating not just the manger scene but an entire village! There is a ruin in the background, a market, houses, a pub. The figures are dressed in medieval costumes and are doing typical daily chores. So, you may see a character fishing by a pond, a farmer ploughing the field, a woman tending her cooking, a man drinking in a pub, a musician playing a fiddle, people dancing, children playing, etc. It literally takes several moments before you notice where the manger is. The manger scene is called “mistero”, while the rest of the crèche is called “diversorio”. I came to know later that this way of setting the crèche originally came from Naples or the Italian Neapolitan region.
The Neapolitan crèche is inspiring from the aesthetical point of view. But, more than that it reminds us how God’s coming is unnoticed by most people even until now. It is unnoticed because in many ways it is very ordinary. Indeed, as we marvel on God’s humility as he came in the midst of the poverty of the manger on that first Christmas, we are encouraged to be more alert to his coming in the ordinariness of daily life. Pope Francis exhorted his audience on the First Sunday of Advent at St. Peter’s Square, “Let us bear this in mind: God is hidden in our life, he is always there — he is concealed in the commonest and most ordinary situations in our life. God does not come in extraordinary events, but in everyday things. He is there, in our daily work, in a chance encounter, in the face of someone in need, even when we face days that seem grey and monotonous, it is right there that we find the Lord, who calls to us, speaks to us and inspires our actions.”
As we continue to struggle with the instabilities in the world and the un- certainties in our lives, the message to meet Christ in the ordinary be- comes more urgent, Let us embrace it wholeheartedly. A blessed Christmas to all!
Update: December 18, 2022
Due to the inclement of weather, the Children’s Rosary was cancelled last Tuesday and is moved to this Tuesday (December 20). However, instead of 7:00 PM, it will be done at 6:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, the Rosary will be recited with the children leading it and offering flowers to the image of Our Lady. The celebration will end with solemn Benediction. If it’s not too late for the children’s bedtime, those attending may participate in the Simbang Gabi at 7:00 PM………..There will be no Mass in the morning of Friday, December 23, as there is Simbang Gabi in the evening………. Together with the Intentions, Christmas Mass schedule is posted at the left column of this page. Take note that there is no more evening Mass on the 25th. For the sake of the Filipinos in the parish the information regarding the remaining Simbang Gabi is in the bulletin page.
Update: December 17, 2022
Due to the inclement of weather, the Children’s Rosary was cancelled last Tuesday and is moved to this Tuesday (December 20). However, instead of 7:00 PM, it will be done at 6:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, the Rosary will be recited with the children leading it and offering flowers to the image of Our Lady. The celebration will end with solemn Benediction. If it’s not too late for the children’s bedtime, those attending may participate in the Simbang Gabi at 7:00 PM………..
There will be no Mass in the morning of Friday, December 23, as there is Simbang Gabi in the evening………. Together with the Intentions, Christmas Mass schedule is posted at the left column of this page. Take note that there is no more evening Mass on the 25th.For the sake of the Filipinos in the parish the information regarding the remaining Simbang Gabi, please see the bulletin page.
Update: December 10, 2022
Parents, place your children under the protection of Our Lady’s mantle. Bring them to the Children’s Rosary every month. This month, it will be on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 PM. It’s the day after the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorating the Blessed Virgin who said to St. Juan Diego, “Hear me and understand well, my little one, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother?”………. The Children’s Rosary in the parish started on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the centennial of Our Lady’s apparition in Fatima, December 12, 2017 through the instrumentality of Barry & Fabiola Titchkosky. So, this week the group is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Its pioneering members were the children in the Gaviria and Tiukuka families. The parish Children’s Rosary is affiliated with the international prayer group movement of the same name. If you go to the website: childrensrosary.org and look at the world map, the location of Morden is lighted in red which means there is a registered group in the area. The light turns to blue every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM indicating that the group is actively at prayer. If you have inquiries about the group or suggestions how your children may be able to participate, do contact the parish office……….
It’s Gaudete Sunday! It is named so because the first word of the entrance antiphon during the Mass is “Rejoice”. The word appears throughout the readings and prayers. We rejoice because Advent is almost over; the Lord is near! Today the rose-colored candle is lit. The priest wears rose-colored vestments as well……….. Our rose-colored vestment is donated by our sister parish of St. Patrick in Manitou. They ordered a set for their parish all the way from Poland and included an order for our parish. They have also given us a cope which we can use during solemn Benediction……….. I am inspired by the solidarity and sharing between the two pastorates. When St. Patrick had their Advent Retreat las Saturday, 4 of the 31 adolescents in attendance were from St. John.
Update: December 3, 2022
Our heartfelt gratitude to Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre for providing us the Advent wreath and to Marilyn Skubovius for setting it at our sanctuary........... Our outdoor Christmas créche is up! Have your picture taken with it! Thank you, Rheal LeGall for putting it up........... Thank you also to Shiela Campbell and Irene Oliviero for organizing the healing Mass and video presentation on the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal last Wednesday........... St. Nicholas is coming to the parish next Sunday, December 11. Parents, bring your kids to know a little more about the saint and receive treats from him. Thank you, St. John CWL, for inviting St. Nicholas over........... Let us go to Confession this Advent. You may call or message me for an appointment. Otherwise, I will be waiting for you at the confessional every Saturday from 4 PM to 5 PM and every Sunday from 6 PM to 7 PM........... What to confess? All mortal sins! A mortal sin is a sin whose object is grave and is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent. Examples of sins concerning a grave matter are: use of artificial contraception, abortion, hatred for somebody, most sins against the 6th Commandment, etc. Sins against the Five Precepts of the Church are also of grave matter: (a) failing to attend Mass on Sundays and days of obligation, (b) not going to Confession at least once a year, (c) failing to receive Communion at least once a year especially during Easter (d) failing to observe the days of fasting and abstinence, and (e) not giving material support to the Church........... Notice the two other conditions for mortal sins: full knowledge and deliberate consent. So, if you fail to go to Mass one Sunday because you are sick, it is certainly a grave matter and you probably know about it. However, it is not done without deliberate consent, so it is not a mortal sin. How about failing to come to Mass because one is afraid of getting Covid? By this time, if one is relatively healthy and in fact goes to places where people gather, such fear is irrational and manifests acedia (spiritual sloth).
Update: November 26, 2022
It’s the first Sunday of Advent and the first day in the Church’s calendar! Advent comes from the Latin “ad venio” meaning “to come”. We begin another year by preparing for the coming of the Lord. The Catholic Culture website notes, “While the days grow shorter and colder, we prepare for the ‘Sun of Justice’ who comes to kindle our hearts with his light and his love.”………. Part of our celebration of Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. The origin of the Advent wreath is obscure. Some people proposed that it is of pagan provenance. The Christian symbolism, however, is clear: The circular shape of the wreath signifies eternity. The three purple candles symbolize kingship and penance. We welcome the kingship of Christ into our lives through penance (being converted from our sins). The rose candle lighted on the third Sunday of Advent symbolizes joy over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of the Lord……….. On the first Sunday of Advent, I will be requesting a child to light the first candle on the wreath. On the second Sunday, I will request a senior member in the congregation to light the second candle, a mother of family to light the third candle, and a father to light the last candle………..
It should not surprise us that Advent also rich Marian flavour. With Our Lady we are invited to contemplate on the Word made flesh in her womb. This is why Filipinos in our parish have the tradition of the Simbang Gabi (evening Mass), otherwise known as Misa de Aguinaldo (Mass of the Gift). It’s the Mass for 9 consecutive days leading to Christmas in honour of the Blessed Mother who gives us the greatest Christmas gift of all in her son Jesus. We also notice that the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) and the feast of Our
Lady of Guadaluber 12) fall within the Advent season.
Update: November 19, 2022
Viva Christo Rey! This Sunday is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with his encyclical letter titled “Quas primas” (In the First) wherein he wrote, “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.” Indeed, we encounter the Lord in the Gospel weeping over Jerusalem because she did not recognize the things that make for peace, because she did not recognize the time of God’s visitation (cf. Lk 19:41-44). It is only in him that we find peace. This is something urgent as we continue to experience wars, diseases, calamities, and economic uncertainties. May all come to recognize Christ as King of Love and live his commandments. “O Jesus King of All Nations, may your reign be recognized on earth.”………. Just a heads up on a couple of up coming activities: First, the Mass on November 30 will be offered for all the sick and elderly in the parish. There will be anointing of holy oil within the Mass and distribution of medals of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal………. Second, our brothers and sisters from the Ukrainian Catholic Mission of All Saintsare having a Christmas Market & Bake Sale at our parish hall on December 3 (Saturday) from 12 PM to 4 PM. Kindly support……….. Third, St. Nicholas is coming to our church on December 11 (Sunday) at the end of the 11 AM Mass. Parents, bring your children to know more about St. Nick and receive some treats from him………… Fourth, our sister parish of St. Patrick in Manitou is inviting all young people to an Advent Retreat on December 3 (Saturday). It’s a “full” day spiritual exercise from 9 AM to 7 PM. Do refer to the bulletin board for more information........... Fifth, the Filipino Community is again having their traditional “Simbang Gabi” (evening Mass) from December 15 to 23. It’s a 9-day novena Mass in honor of Our Lady in anticipation of Christmas.
Update: November 12, 2022
I would like to remind you again to support the archdiocesan Good Shepherd Campaign whose goal of this annual campaign is to raise funds for the formation of candidates for the priesthood and for the training of international priests who are going to minister in the archdiocese of Saint Boniface. The collection will take place on November 19 & 20, but using the special envelopes on the table at the church foyer, you may give your donation even before that by dropping your gift into the donation box……….. For months of November and December, the CWL is assisting us to do two of the seven corporal works of mercy – to feed the hungry & to clothe the naked. They are initiating the Food & Winter Clothing Drive. All donations will be forwarded to the Missionaries of Charity in Winnipeg sometime after December 14. Kindly refer to the bulletin board or our parish social media group to be guided what stuff you may donate. You may bring your gifts to our less fortunate brothers and sisters when you come for Sunday Mass or you may call / message me during the weekdays so that I may open the door for you to drop off your donations. Boxes are placed at the entrance of our church for your donations. I hope we can fill up these boxes every week……….. Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. To end the 11:00 AM liturgy, there will be a Eucharistic procession inside the church and the Benediction……….. The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, formerly referred to as "Christ the King," was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as an antidote to secularism, a way of life which leaves God out of man's thinking and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist. The feast is intended to proclaim in a striking and effective manner Christ's royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.
Update: October 29, 2022
I thank the CWL for assisting me in welcoming the priests of the deanery during our meeting last Tuesday. We feel we’re being spoiled. The priests were especially happy visiting some parishioners over coffee after the concelebrated Mass; there’s nothing like it in our previous meetings. Special thanks to Denise Aune, Gary & Rosemarie Haggerty for setting our lunch……….
We will celebrate the culmination of Rosary Month this Sunday. The Rosary will be prayed before the Mass as well as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the 11:00 AM Mass, the Salve Regina will be sung and the image of Our Lady is venerated with incense. Needless to say, this does not mean that we no longer pray the Rosary for the rest of the year. In fact, the month of the Rosary is meant to intensify our love for this powerful devotion…………
November 2, Wednesday, is All Souls Day. The Holy Mass for our dear departed will still be at 7:00 PM. However, at 11:00 AM, I will be at Morden Hillside cemetery to pray and bless the graves of departed parishioners. I think I remember where some of the graves are. However, it would be great if some parishioners will be able to join me there to do the responses of the prayers as well as point out to me the graves that I might miss…………
As in the previous years, at the evening Mass of All Souls Day, writing materials will be provided at the church entrances so that you may list the names of loved ones for whom you want to offer the Mass. The lists will be read after the Gospel proclamation and put in a temporary memorial at the sanctuary………..
This weekend also is the launching of the Good Shepherd Campaign. The theme for this year is: Awaken! The goal of this annual campaign is to raise funds for the formation of candidates for the priesthood and for the training of international priests, like myself, for ministry in the archdiocese.
The collection will take place on November 19 & 20. Special prepaid envelopes for your donations are placed on the table at the foyer which also indicate other modes of donating.
Update: October 22, 2022
You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8) – This is the theme for this Sunday which is World Mission Day. Since we cannot go to places where the Gospel is not yet preached or where is the Church is still nascent, we are urged to support our missionaries with our prayers and donations. Donation envelopes Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith may be found on the table at the church foyer. You may drop your gift into the parish donation box........... This Tuesday, 25th of October, our parish will be hosting the Priests’ Deanery meeting. The meeting will begin with a concelebration of the Holy Mass at 10:00 AM. Those who want to participate in the Mass are very much welcome........... The parishes of the archdiocese of Saint Boniface are divided into groups in order to promote coordination of activities. These groups of parishes within the archdiocese are called deaneries headed by a priest called the Dean........... In the archdiocese of Saint Boniface there is one deanery for the First Nations called Native Ministry Deanery and seven territorial deaneries, namely: Winnipeg River Deanery, Urban French Deanery, South Urban English Deanery, Seine River Deanery, Red River Deanery, Mountain Deanery, Kilcona Deanery. The Parish of St. John the Evangelist belongs to the Mountain Deanery........... Fr. Peter Le Van Ngu (St. Claude Parish) is the Dean of Mountain Deanery. Other priest-members of the deanery includes: Fr. Vincent Lusty (St. Martin of Tours Parish in Swan Lake), Fr. Marcel Carrière (Notre-Dame-de-la- Nativite Parish in Somerset), Fr. Mario Veloso (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Carman), Fr. Jojo Anquilero (St. Maurice Parish in Morris), Fr. Joe Tran (St. John Berchmans Parish in Holland), Fr. Francis Adzakor (Notra-Dame-de-Lourdes Parish)........... Pray the Rosary daily! One of the promises of our Lady: “I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.”
Update: October 15, 2022
After the 11 AM Mass this Sunday, October 16, is the CWL Information Session. I highly encourage all the women in the parish to attend this session to get acquainted with the nature and the apostolate of the CWL. Anticipating that most women will be coming to church with their families, the CWL will be offering coffee and refreshments so that the husbands and children may have something to munch on and sip while they accompany the ladies in attending the session……….. The CWL is also sponsoring an Estate Planning Information Event on Tuesday, October 18, at 8:00 PM in our parish hall. The resource person of the event is Stephane Warnock, a local lawyer. Among other things, he will be discussing the importance of having a valid will, the role of a power of attorney, and why one should have an estate plan. Everybody is invited to the event. Some of us may postpone such kind of planning due to cultural misconceptions, but we should overcome such error……….. Our group of Boholano-Filipino priests are gathering one last time for this year before winter sets in. So, there will be no Mass on Tuesday as I might not be able to come back on time for the evening Mass while driving from Regina……….. I would like to remind you again that next Sunday, October 23 is World Mission Day with the theme: You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8). Kindly support the mission territories by your prayers and donating to the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Donation envelopes may be found on the table at the church foyer……….. Pray the Rosary! One of the 15 promises of our Lady: “Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.” Signal graces are subtle divine hints guiding us towards making the right decisions in life.
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes at 7:30 PM
Update: January 3, 2023
Envelopes for your parish support are already available. Do kindly pick them up from the boxes at the church foyer........... There is a mix-up with our order of the envelopes though, and some of the numbered envelopes are not yet available. The Finance Council hopes to resolve this situation quickly. If your set of envelopes is among those missing, you may still use the old ones that you have. Just cross out the year and write the current year........... In any case, I thank everyone for your material support to the parish in 2022 and the previous years. Some churches in the archdiocese have closed for good at the end of 2022. This sad state of affairs made me all the more appreciate your generosity and faithfulness in supporting our parish........... In the more personal level, I would like to thank everyone also who have greeted me on my birthday last December 21, on Christmas Day and the New Year. Thank you for the cards and gifts. The affection that comes with them made me feel very much blessed........... As I have said last Sunday, I’ll be on a holiday from January 15 to February 28. However, aside from the annual holiday, it’s also a practice for priests to take a break after Christmas and Easter festivities, so I’ll be away already from the parish starting Monday, January 9...........There will be no weekday Mass when I am away except on Ash Wednesday, February 22. I’ll leave it to Fr. John Te, who is going to replace me temporarily, to set the Mass schedule on that day here at St. John and at St. Patrick in Manitou........... Again, I would like you to please take note that the Sunday evening Mass is cancelled during the duration of my holiday. Publication of the Sunday bulletin will also be suspended........... In case of pastoral emergencies, you may contact Fr. Mario Veloso of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Carman at (204)745-2204.......... During my homily last Sunday, I invited you to reflect on the “scandal of the manger”.
Mary Mother of God pondering in her heart the things told by the shepherds encourages us to grow in the faith, a faith that gives birth. To mature in the faith in the year 2023 then!.......... I would say the Feast of the Epiphany affirms that message. The magi embarked on a long and dangerous journey in order to worship the Lord and bring him gifts. We are all called to imitate them. In this regard, a representative from the Many Hands Centre will make a brief presentation after the 11 AM Mass this Sunday, January 8. She will tell us about the organization. Above all, she will give us ideas how we can be the magi to “community members in and around Morden who are facing various challenges in accessing food, shelter, and meeting social and spiritual needs.” Do check their website for more detailed information.
Happy Epiphany, everyone!
Update: December 31, 2022
Happy New Year, everyone! May God bless all our endeavours and plans for 2023! Above all, may we grow in our relationship with the Lord every day of the year........... I would like to thank Morden Nurseries and Garden Centre for seeing to it that we have beautiful poinsettias and a splendid tree for our church this Christmas. I thank also Jewel White, Anne del Mundo and Joel Angeles for decorating the tree........... This year we have a new set of Christmas crèche! Thank you so much, Marilyn Skubovius of Stephen Street Wear! I would like to express our thanks also to Esther Thiessen for setting up the crèche. As always, her creativity never fails to amaze us........... I would like to thank our Music Ministry – the accompanists, cantors and choirs. They have done an awesome job not only during the Advent and Christmas liturgies but also the “mini-concert” of Christmas carols before the Night Mass........... Kudos to the Filipino Community in organizing the Simbang Gabi........... Even with minimal practice, our altar servers did an outstanding Mass during the high Mass. Thanks to the kids from the Del Mundo, Solomon, Tiukuka and Centeno families!.......... I will take a holiday from January 15 to February 28. It’s been three long years since I have visited my family, so I am very much looking forward to this vacation. Usually priests are allowed only a month of holiday every year. However, His Grace the Archbishop has allowed those who have not taken a holiday since the lockdowns to take a one-time extended vacation.... While I am away, the weekday Mass is cancelled as well as the Sunday evening Mass. Fr. John Te will cover the Saturday 5 PM Mass and the 11 AM Sunday Mass starting on the 15th. If you have an intention for the Mass, do hand it directly to him. Regular church services will resume on March 3, Friday, with the 10 o’clock AM Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.
Update: December 24, 2022
I remember taking strolls at the beautiful Piazza Navona in Rome at this time of the year when it is transformed into a big market. It’s a feast for the senses! Dozens of stalls surround the majestic Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini where traditional Christmas handicrafts from different regions of Italy are sold. There are tree decorations as well as toys that every child would cherish. And, all sorts of goodies to taste – candies, hot chestnuts, and the famous torrone. However, what always drew my attention were the crèche. The Italians have the tradition of re-creating not just the manger scene but an entire village! There is a ruin in the background, a market, houses, a pub. The figures are dressed in medieval costumes and are doing typical daily chores. So, you may see a character fishing by a pond, a farmer ploughing the field, a woman tending her cooking, a man drinking in a pub, a musician playing a fiddle, people dancing, children playing, etc. It literally takes several moments before you notice where the manger is. The manger scene is called “mistero”, while the rest of the crèche is called “diversorio”. I came to know later that this way of setting the crèche originally came from Naples or the Italian Neapolitan region.
The Neapolitan crèche is inspiring from the aesthetical point of view. But, more than that it reminds us how God’s coming is unnoticed by most people even until now. It is unnoticed because in many ways it is very ordinary. Indeed, as we marvel on God’s humility as he came in the midst of the poverty of the manger on that first Christmas, we are encouraged to be more alert to his coming in the ordinariness of daily life. Pope Francis exhorted his audience on the First Sunday of Advent at St. Peter’s Square, “Let us bear this in mind: God is hidden in our life, he is always there — he is concealed in the commonest and most ordinary situations in our life. God does not come in extraordinary events, but in everyday things. He is there, in our daily work, in a chance encounter, in the face of someone in need, even when we face days that seem grey and monotonous, it is right there that we find the Lord, who calls to us, speaks to us and inspires our actions.”
As we continue to struggle with the instabilities in the world and the un- certainties in our lives, the message to meet Christ in the ordinary be- comes more urgent, Let us embrace it wholeheartedly. A blessed Christmas to all!
Update: December 18, 2022
Due to the inclement of weather, the Children’s Rosary was cancelled last Tuesday and is moved to this Tuesday (December 20). However, instead of 7:00 PM, it will be done at 6:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, the Rosary will be recited with the children leading it and offering flowers to the image of Our Lady. The celebration will end with solemn Benediction. If it’s not too late for the children’s bedtime, those attending may participate in the Simbang Gabi at 7:00 PM………..There will be no Mass in the morning of Friday, December 23, as there is Simbang Gabi in the evening………. Together with the Intentions, Christmas Mass schedule is posted at the left column of this page. Take note that there is no more evening Mass on the 25th. For the sake of the Filipinos in the parish the information regarding the remaining Simbang Gabi is in the bulletin page.
Update: December 17, 2022
Due to the inclement of weather, the Children’s Rosary was cancelled last Tuesday and is moved to this Tuesday (December 20). However, instead of 7:00 PM, it will be done at 6:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, the Rosary will be recited with the children leading it and offering flowers to the image of Our Lady. The celebration will end with solemn Benediction. If it’s not too late for the children’s bedtime, those attending may participate in the Simbang Gabi at 7:00 PM………..
There will be no Mass in the morning of Friday, December 23, as there is Simbang Gabi in the evening………. Together with the Intentions, Christmas Mass schedule is posted at the left column of this page. Take note that there is no more evening Mass on the 25th.For the sake of the Filipinos in the parish the information regarding the remaining Simbang Gabi, please see the bulletin page.
Update: December 10, 2022
Parents, place your children under the protection of Our Lady’s mantle. Bring them to the Children’s Rosary every month. This month, it will be on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 PM. It’s the day after the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorating the Blessed Virgin who said to St. Juan Diego, “Hear me and understand well, my little one, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother?”………. The Children’s Rosary in the parish started on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the centennial of Our Lady’s apparition in Fatima, December 12, 2017 through the instrumentality of Barry & Fabiola Titchkosky. So, this week the group is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Its pioneering members were the children in the Gaviria and Tiukuka families. The parish Children’s Rosary is affiliated with the international prayer group movement of the same name. If you go to the website: childrensrosary.org and look at the world map, the location of Morden is lighted in red which means there is a registered group in the area. The light turns to blue every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM indicating that the group is actively at prayer. If you have inquiries about the group or suggestions how your children may be able to participate, do contact the parish office……….
It’s Gaudete Sunday! It is named so because the first word of the entrance antiphon during the Mass is “Rejoice”. The word appears throughout the readings and prayers. We rejoice because Advent is almost over; the Lord is near! Today the rose-colored candle is lit. The priest wears rose-colored vestments as well……….. Our rose-colored vestment is donated by our sister parish of St. Patrick in Manitou. They ordered a set for their parish all the way from Poland and included an order for our parish. They have also given us a cope which we can use during solemn Benediction……….. I am inspired by the solidarity and sharing between the two pastorates. When St. Patrick had their Advent Retreat las Saturday, 4 of the 31 adolescents in attendance were from St. John.
Update: December 3, 2022
Our heartfelt gratitude to Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre for providing us the Advent wreath and to Marilyn Skubovius for setting it at our sanctuary........... Our outdoor Christmas créche is up! Have your picture taken with it! Thank you, Rheal LeGall for putting it up........... Thank you also to Shiela Campbell and Irene Oliviero for organizing the healing Mass and video presentation on the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal last Wednesday........... St. Nicholas is coming to the parish next Sunday, December 11. Parents, bring your kids to know a little more about the saint and receive treats from him. Thank you, St. John CWL, for inviting St. Nicholas over........... Let us go to Confession this Advent. You may call or message me for an appointment. Otherwise, I will be waiting for you at the confessional every Saturday from 4 PM to 5 PM and every Sunday from 6 PM to 7 PM........... What to confess? All mortal sins! A mortal sin is a sin whose object is grave and is committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent. Examples of sins concerning a grave matter are: use of artificial contraception, abortion, hatred for somebody, most sins against the 6th Commandment, etc. Sins against the Five Precepts of the Church are also of grave matter: (a) failing to attend Mass on Sundays and days of obligation, (b) not going to Confession at least once a year, (c) failing to receive Communion at least once a year especially during Easter (d) failing to observe the days of fasting and abstinence, and (e) not giving material support to the Church........... Notice the two other conditions for mortal sins: full knowledge and deliberate consent. So, if you fail to go to Mass one Sunday because you are sick, it is certainly a grave matter and you probably know about it. However, it is not done without deliberate consent, so it is not a mortal sin. How about failing to come to Mass because one is afraid of getting Covid? By this time, if one is relatively healthy and in fact goes to places where people gather, such fear is irrational and manifests acedia (spiritual sloth).
Update: November 26, 2022
It’s the first Sunday of Advent and the first day in the Church’s calendar! Advent comes from the Latin “ad venio” meaning “to come”. We begin another year by preparing for the coming of the Lord. The Catholic Culture website notes, “While the days grow shorter and colder, we prepare for the ‘Sun of Justice’ who comes to kindle our hearts with his light and his love.”………. Part of our celebration of Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. The origin of the Advent wreath is obscure. Some people proposed that it is of pagan provenance. The Christian symbolism, however, is clear: The circular shape of the wreath signifies eternity. The three purple candles symbolize kingship and penance. We welcome the kingship of Christ into our lives through penance (being converted from our sins). The rose candle lighted on the third Sunday of Advent symbolizes joy over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of the Lord……….. On the first Sunday of Advent, I will be requesting a child to light the first candle on the wreath. On the second Sunday, I will request a senior member in the congregation to light the second candle, a mother of family to light the third candle, and a father to light the last candle………..
It should not surprise us that Advent also rich Marian flavour. With Our Lady we are invited to contemplate on the Word made flesh in her womb. This is why Filipinos in our parish have the tradition of the Simbang Gabi (evening Mass), otherwise known as Misa de Aguinaldo (Mass of the Gift). It’s the Mass for 9 consecutive days leading to Christmas in honour of the Blessed Mother who gives us the greatest Christmas gift of all in her son Jesus. We also notice that the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) and the feast of Our
Lady of Guadaluber 12) fall within the Advent season.
Update: November 19, 2022
Viva Christo Rey! This Sunday is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 with his encyclical letter titled “Quas primas” (In the First) wherein he wrote, “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.” Indeed, we encounter the Lord in the Gospel weeping over Jerusalem because she did not recognize the things that make for peace, because she did not recognize the time of God’s visitation (cf. Lk 19:41-44). It is only in him that we find peace. This is something urgent as we continue to experience wars, diseases, calamities, and economic uncertainties. May all come to recognize Christ as King of Love and live his commandments. “O Jesus King of All Nations, may your reign be recognized on earth.”………. Just a heads up on a couple of up coming activities: First, the Mass on November 30 will be offered for all the sick and elderly in the parish. There will be anointing of holy oil within the Mass and distribution of medals of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal………. Second, our brothers and sisters from the Ukrainian Catholic Mission of All Saintsare having a Christmas Market & Bake Sale at our parish hall on December 3 (Saturday) from 12 PM to 4 PM. Kindly support……….. Third, St. Nicholas is coming to our church on December 11 (Sunday) at the end of the 11 AM Mass. Parents, bring your children to know more about St. Nick and receive some treats from him………… Fourth, our sister parish of St. Patrick in Manitou is inviting all young people to an Advent Retreat on December 3 (Saturday). It’s a “full” day spiritual exercise from 9 AM to 7 PM. Do refer to the bulletin board for more information........... Fifth, the Filipino Community is again having their traditional “Simbang Gabi” (evening Mass) from December 15 to 23. It’s a 9-day novena Mass in honor of Our Lady in anticipation of Christmas.
Update: November 12, 2022
I would like to remind you again to support the archdiocesan Good Shepherd Campaign whose goal of this annual campaign is to raise funds for the formation of candidates for the priesthood and for the training of international priests who are going to minister in the archdiocese of Saint Boniface. The collection will take place on November 19 & 20, but using the special envelopes on the table at the church foyer, you may give your donation even before that by dropping your gift into the donation box……….. For months of November and December, the CWL is assisting us to do two of the seven corporal works of mercy – to feed the hungry & to clothe the naked. They are initiating the Food & Winter Clothing Drive. All donations will be forwarded to the Missionaries of Charity in Winnipeg sometime after December 14. Kindly refer to the bulletin board or our parish social media group to be guided what stuff you may donate. You may bring your gifts to our less fortunate brothers and sisters when you come for Sunday Mass or you may call / message me during the weekdays so that I may open the door for you to drop off your donations. Boxes are placed at the entrance of our church for your donations. I hope we can fill up these boxes every week……….. Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. To end the 11:00 AM liturgy, there will be a Eucharistic procession inside the church and the Benediction……….. The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, formerly referred to as "Christ the King," was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as an antidote to secularism, a way of life which leaves God out of man's thinking and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist. The feast is intended to proclaim in a striking and effective manner Christ's royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.
Update: October 29, 2022
I thank the CWL for assisting me in welcoming the priests of the deanery during our meeting last Tuesday. We feel we’re being spoiled. The priests were especially happy visiting some parishioners over coffee after the concelebrated Mass; there’s nothing like it in our previous meetings. Special thanks to Denise Aune, Gary & Rosemarie Haggerty for setting our lunch……….
We will celebrate the culmination of Rosary Month this Sunday. The Rosary will be prayed before the Mass as well as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the 11:00 AM Mass, the Salve Regina will be sung and the image of Our Lady is venerated with incense. Needless to say, this does not mean that we no longer pray the Rosary for the rest of the year. In fact, the month of the Rosary is meant to intensify our love for this powerful devotion…………
November 2, Wednesday, is All Souls Day. The Holy Mass for our dear departed will still be at 7:00 PM. However, at 11:00 AM, I will be at Morden Hillside cemetery to pray and bless the graves of departed parishioners. I think I remember where some of the graves are. However, it would be great if some parishioners will be able to join me there to do the responses of the prayers as well as point out to me the graves that I might miss…………
As in the previous years, at the evening Mass of All Souls Day, writing materials will be provided at the church entrances so that you may list the names of loved ones for whom you want to offer the Mass. The lists will be read after the Gospel proclamation and put in a temporary memorial at the sanctuary………..
This weekend also is the launching of the Good Shepherd Campaign. The theme for this year is: Awaken! The goal of this annual campaign is to raise funds for the formation of candidates for the priesthood and for the training of international priests, like myself, for ministry in the archdiocese.
The collection will take place on November 19 & 20. Special prepaid envelopes for your donations are placed on the table at the foyer which also indicate other modes of donating.
Update: October 22, 2022
You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8) – This is the theme for this Sunday which is World Mission Day. Since we cannot go to places where the Gospel is not yet preached or where is the Church is still nascent, we are urged to support our missionaries with our prayers and donations. Donation envelopes Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith may be found on the table at the church foyer. You may drop your gift into the parish donation box........... This Tuesday, 25th of October, our parish will be hosting the Priests’ Deanery meeting. The meeting will begin with a concelebration of the Holy Mass at 10:00 AM. Those who want to participate in the Mass are very much welcome........... The parishes of the archdiocese of Saint Boniface are divided into groups in order to promote coordination of activities. These groups of parishes within the archdiocese are called deaneries headed by a priest called the Dean........... In the archdiocese of Saint Boniface there is one deanery for the First Nations called Native Ministry Deanery and seven territorial deaneries, namely: Winnipeg River Deanery, Urban French Deanery, South Urban English Deanery, Seine River Deanery, Red River Deanery, Mountain Deanery, Kilcona Deanery. The Parish of St. John the Evangelist belongs to the Mountain Deanery........... Fr. Peter Le Van Ngu (St. Claude Parish) is the Dean of Mountain Deanery. Other priest-members of the deanery includes: Fr. Vincent Lusty (St. Martin of Tours Parish in Swan Lake), Fr. Marcel Carrière (Notre-Dame-de-la- Nativite Parish in Somerset), Fr. Mario Veloso (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Carman), Fr. Jojo Anquilero (St. Maurice Parish in Morris), Fr. Joe Tran (St. John Berchmans Parish in Holland), Fr. Francis Adzakor (Notra-Dame-de-Lourdes Parish)........... Pray the Rosary daily! One of the promises of our Lady: “I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.”
Update: October 15, 2022
After the 11 AM Mass this Sunday, October 16, is the CWL Information Session. I highly encourage all the women in the parish to attend this session to get acquainted with the nature and the apostolate of the CWL. Anticipating that most women will be coming to church with their families, the CWL will be offering coffee and refreshments so that the husbands and children may have something to munch on and sip while they accompany the ladies in attending the session……….. The CWL is also sponsoring an Estate Planning Information Event on Tuesday, October 18, at 8:00 PM in our parish hall. The resource person of the event is Stephane Warnock, a local lawyer. Among other things, he will be discussing the importance of having a valid will, the role of a power of attorney, and why one should have an estate plan. Everybody is invited to the event. Some of us may postpone such kind of planning due to cultural misconceptions, but we should overcome such error……….. Our group of Boholano-Filipino priests are gathering one last time for this year before winter sets in. So, there will be no Mass on Tuesday as I might not be able to come back on time for the evening Mass while driving from Regina……….. I would like to remind you again that next Sunday, October 23 is World Mission Day with the theme: You will be my witnesses! (Acts 1:8). Kindly support the mission territories by your prayers and donating to the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Donation envelopes may be found on the table at the church foyer……….. Pray the Rosary! One of the 15 promises of our Lady: “Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive signal graces.” Signal graces are subtle divine hints guiding us towards making the right decisions in life.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday at 10:00 am Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
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Children's Rosary Prayer Group: Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 pm
We are excited to share that a Children’s rosary prayer group has formed at our Parish. Although the target ages are from 4-14 this prayer group allows participation of children of all ages. Younger children and siblings are encouraged to participate as well. This is a unique opportunity for the children of our parish to come together to pray and to lead us all into prayer. Adults are welcome and encouraged to come to the Children’s Rosary as the “guardian angels” of this movement. The rosary will be held monthly on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. No prior knowledge of the Rosary is needed. Rosaries and prayer books will be provided. All are welcome! For more information about the details of the origin of the Children’s rosary visit this website: www.childrensrosary.org. If you have any questions please contact: Fabiola Titchkosky at (204) 822-1271 Parish Rosary Night Please consider this an invitation to all parishioners of St. John’s to join us in saying the Rosary, Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Perogie Making 2022We are hoping to move ahead with making perogies starting on Sept. 27 and making them twice a month.
The jobs we will need people for a variety of jobs. Thank you to the people who have already volunteered. Feel free to help wherever you can. Often people have commitments and have to take a day off so others have to fill in. The jobs we have are : Peeling potatoes the night before - usually start at 7 pm cook the potatoes - usually start at 7 am Make the dough Roll dough and make circles - normally start at 8:30 am pinch the perogies - normally start at 8:30 / 9 am put perogies on trays into the freezer Sell to walk in customers Help with clean up of the kitchen Bag the frozen perogies If you have any questions call Denise Aune 431-774-5331 or Marilyn 204-823-4078 |
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Regular Mass Times:
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 pm
For daily mass times, please refer to the weekly bulletin under the "Bulletin" tab.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 pm
For daily mass times, please refer to the weekly bulletin under the "Bulletin" tab.
