Peace and Blessings to You All,
I have to say, it was very nice to hear Father Antony thank, and recognize the new influx of altar servers at the Sunday Mass this past weekend. All, in all we have been quite blessed at having new people enter into various ministries that haven't done so before. God is indeed working well, and deeply within our parish community. One challenge that we have had is in finding people who are willing and able to serve in different areas and/or on more than a single weekend in a month. I know it sounds funny, but you would almost think people don't gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper with our family here at CTK on a weekly basis!
Believe me, I know from the struggles we've had with our own family that it can be a challenge to re-order and properly prioritize our lives so that there is even a fraction of space left for things like helping at the Church or worshiping with one's parish family on a regularly. Sometimes it seems as though everybody in our lives wants just one more little bit, of our time, of our gifts, of ourselves. It's easy to get annoyed at the seemingly endless requests for giving away more of our lives. We are assailed with guilt when we even begin to wonder whether our kids need to be involved in everything that interested them, or we become afraid that if we don't do this thing or that thing for this person or that person, that we will have somehow failed them, or ourselves.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately and wondering what the solution might be. A solution to the anxiety, to the worry, to the fear that we will be pulled apart if we give too much. A solution to the terrifying question at the heart of it all, "What if there isn't anything left for me?" As I said, I've been thinking about this and wondering about this and then, lo and behold, wouldn't you know it, but another story pops out of the universe and right into my lap! It's a familiar scene from the gospels, Jesus and his meeting with Simon the fisherman and how Simon struggled with many of these very same question when Jesus turned to him and said "Follow Me.";
"Lord, You Can Use My Boat" by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson"Nice boat." Simon looked up from mending his nets to see a tall man touching his boat. It was Jesus, whom he'd first met down in Judea where Simon had been listening to John the Baptizer. This Jesus was a teacher too, or so Simon had heard. Jesus was running his hands along Simon's boat, admiring the handiwork. "Very smooth," he said.
"Benjamin the boatmaker finished it last fall," said Simon. "Last boat he made before he died."
Jesus examined the planks along the side of the craft. "It looks tight," he said, "Mortise and tenon joinery. Must have taken a long time to make."
"A long time is right!" Simon put down his nets. Talking was a lot more enjoyable than mending. "Benjamin and his son took seven months. I thought they'd never finish. And he charged me a pretty penny. But then, I probably have the best boat on the lake." Simon got up and came over to the boat pulled up on the rocky beach. "You look like you know something about wood."
"I'm a carpenter like my father," Jesus said, extending his hand. "Mind if I look at the stern?" Without waiting, Jesus climbed into the boat and examined it carefully. "Benjamin built you an excellent boat," he said as he climbed out. "By the way, I'll be teaching this evening along the beach. I was wondering if you could assist me getting the crowd seated tonight. I need a helper, if you'd be so kind."
"Glad to help, Jesus." He liked to be needed, and he liked the fact that a carpenter had pronounced his boat the masterpiece Simon knew it was.
That evening, after all were seated, Simon listened; "The blind man you see healed before you is evidence of God's power among you to heal your life, set you free, and give you joy! The Kingdom of God is here," Jesus had preached. "Turn around and get your life right with God!" This Jesus taught with a firm authority, and boldness that left the self-righteous speechless and brought the common people to tears. As the sun set and the people got up to leave, Simon himself had been shaken. Here he was, a loud and profane fisherman. Was he ready for God's Kingdom and Messiah? He was a good fisherman, yes. But a good man? Not really.
No time for reflection now. Capernaum's fleet was getting ready to put out for another night of fishing. Simon and his brother Andrew pushed the boat off the beach and gave it a running start before jumping in themselves. They rowed out a few hundred feet and cast the first of many nets. They would be busy all night casting, then hauling in, casting and hauling in. Just as dawn began to streak the sky with pink, Simon and Andrew threw out their final net of the night, ready to head in, sell their catch, and get some sleep. It had been a long night, but a better catch than most this week.
"Si-mon," a voice echoed across the water. "Si-mon." Simon watched the net sink below the surface of the lake and then looked up. It was Jesus. Jesus, whose words of the Kingdom of God had challenged and gnawed at him all night as he had toiled.
"Si-mon." The call came a third time. Simon lifted his hand in recognition.
"Follow me!" The word was sharp, short, demanding. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Fishers of men? Catching men rather than fish? What could he mean? But Jesus was calling. He was calling now!
The net was still in the water where Simon had thrown it, floats still bobbing, still there to trap some unsuspecting fish. But the fish wouldn't find its way to a breakfast table this morning, because both Simon and Andrew were over the side and swimming to shore. Dripping, they dropped to their knees before Jesus. "Simon." Simon could feel the Teacher's hand on his wet, tangled hair. "Simon, follow me."
Simon looked up. "Yes, Lord, I'll follow. Where are you going?"
"You'll see," said Jesus, pulling Simon's arm gently as a sign for him to get up. "And Simon, I'll need your boat."
His brand new boat, pride of the town fleet? What did Jesus want with the boat? Simon looked up. "Umm...Sure, you can use it," he replied slowly, "...during the day, when Andrew and I don't need it."
"I may need it more than that," Jesus insisted. "You own the boat, don't you?"
"Of course, Lord, I own it outright. It took me three years to earn enough extra to pay for it."
"And you've decided to follow me, haven't you, Simon?"
"Yes, of course, Lord."
"Then your boat needs to follow me, too," replied Jesus. "Not just you, but everything you are and own need to follow me, to be at my call whenever and wherever I need them."
Simon was ashamed. "Yes, Lord. Please take my fishing boat. Use it whenever you need it.... I really want you to. Forgive my selfishness."
"You have a house, Simon?"
"Yes, Lord, I have a house."
"I need to use that, too."
"My house?"
"Yes, your house."
"Eh, Jesus. How can I say this? My mother-in-law lives with us and she isn't very well right now. I'm not sure we should disturb her, with her fever and all."
"Your boat and your house and you must follow me, Simon."
"Yes, Lord."
"And I'll care of your mother-in-law, you'll see. Why don't you lead the way?"
"Yes, Lord," said Simon, and he and Jesus and Andrew walked up from the beach into town as the sun peeked over the hills.
Parish NewsCWL RAFFLE TICKETSAnyone interested in a book of CWL raffle tickets to purchase or sell, please call Della at 586-4469. All proceeds to CWL charities.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:To help with your Christmas and Holiday planning here are the times when our parish Community will be gathering to offer worship to God and share the Eucharist which is, of course, the focus and font of all our other celebrations and traditions;
December 24: 7:00 p.m.
December 25: Midnight & 10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day; A Holy Day of Obligation
December 26: 10:00 a.m. - Sunday Mass - Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 31: 5:00 p.m. - A Special Mass of Thanksgiving for the blessings of this past year...NOT an anticipated January 1st Mass
January 1: 10:00 a.m. - Feast of Mary, Mother of God; A Holy Day of Obligation
January 2: 10:00 a.m. - Regular Sunday Mass
As both Christmas and The Feast of Mary, Mother of God fall on Saturday's this year, and both are Holy Days of Obligation, these very important feast supersede any anticipated Masses a parish may do prior to their regular Sunday celebrations. Practically this means that for Saturday December 25th and Saturday January 1st we are unable to have our usual Saturday Evening celebrations of the Anticipated Sunday Mass. These extremely important feasts must always be celebrated in place of any regular anticipated masses in a parish.
Questions about the scheduling of Mass times for Holy Days of Obligation (like Christmas and January 1st) or Sunday Masses verses anticipated Masses in general? Our Bishops have had a lot to say on the matter and, thanks to the wonders of the internet, now you can read all about it in the comfort of your home or wherever you happen to be; CCCB on The Celebration of Christmas Masses -
http://bit.ly/cgIb6TFAITH ALIVE – 100th Anniversary History Book – 1910 – 2010 - Order yours today!To order one of these beautiful Hardcover Pictorial History Books use the forms provided in the bulletin and submit to the parish office, or call the parish office to order your book(s).The books are $30 each. Make cheques payable to Christ the King Parish.
Living With Christ Sunday Missals Now Available;These handy books are invaluable aids to preparing ourselves and our families to celebrate the Mass each Sunday. In them you will find the readings for every Sunday of the Liturgical year beginning with the First Sunday of Advent as well as the parts of the Mass and the most common Catholic prayers. Living with Christ Sunday Missals for Adults are $5.00 each and can be found in both entrances to our Church.
NEW! Living with Christ Sunday Missal for Young CatholicsThese new missals contain all of the readings and Mass parts that our regular Sunday Missals have, but presented in an attractive and accessible manner for your young Catholics. These Living With Christ Sunday Missals for Young Catholics are $6.00 each and can be found in the main entrance to our Church.
RemindersFirst Reconciliation Family Meeting - Wednesday November 17 6:30pmThis is the first of two preparation meetings for children and their families enrolled in our fall First Reconciliation Program. Meetings are in the parish Hall and will last approximately one hour.
Altar Server Practice - Wednesday November 17th 4:00pmA chance for all servers to meet with coordinator Maggie Gilmore and our Pastor Fr. Antony and to walk through what altar serving is all about. With a new Pastor it is especially important to all servers to meet with him and learn about the different things he would like to see done at the altar. It is also a great time for our veteran servers to get to know our brand new helpers!
Mass Coordinator Training - Wednesday November 17th 7:00pmAn opportunity for new Mass coordinators to meet with Fr. Antony and to learn about new and exciting changes to this very important ministry. All persons who wish to help out in this area must attend this session.
SILENT AUCTION - November 21 & December 5, 2010L.O.O.K. PROJECT (Linking Orphan Outreach in Kenya)
We ask for your support for L.O.O.K. by attending our Silent Auction and placing a bid on a variety of arts and crafts and baskets of products and services that have been donated by talented people and businesses in our parish. With the blessed Christmas Season approaching, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring cheer to Orphan-headed families in Kenya and to find a delightful gift for a loved one on your Christmas list. Auction Items will be on display for bidding in CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21st and SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 2010. We LOOK forward to your attendance and support for our families in Kenya.
Advent Prayer Materials Available This WeekendAdvent begins in just two short weeks. Time to prepare your family to enter into this Advent season on the right foot. In both entrances to the Church you will find a variety of table prayers, wreath prayers and reflections on the readings of Advent. There is no cost for any of these materials.
Seeking Your StoriesThese days, for better or worse, being a part of a faith community is largely a voluntary choice. This begs the question...why? Why Christ the King parish? What was it and/or is it that draws you to call our parish community home? Is there a particular incident that comes to mind? A person, an event, a celebration that moved you to make us a part of your family? Have you been here so long that all you know is it 'feels like home' every time you walk in the door? We would love for you to share with us your stories about why you have made Christ the King parish a part of your life. Email your stories (300 wrds or less) to ctke@accesscomm.ca. Have you heard a friend's story and found it inspiring too? Please encourage them to share it with us!
Some InspirationAtheism and Belief - Ron Rolheiser OMI;
http://bit.ly/diSgH7
Father Barron Comments on Stephen Hawking and Tired Atheism;
http://bit.ly/bSfNi2Social media can be your friend -
http://bit.ly/axYAhVPope Benedict Speaks Out on the Catholic Church and the Bible;
http://bit.ly/9N4wJY"Verbum Domini" - The Word of the Lord - Pope Benedict XVI's latest encyclical on the need for all Christians to better understand the Sacred Scriptures;
http://bit.ly/breLZbPope offers guide on how 'lectio divina' meditation works;
http://bit.ly/bcElXhPrayersHow to Practice Lectio Divina A step-by-step guide to praying the Bible ;
http://bit.ly/bcmWHwPrayer Before Reading the Bible (1)Merciful God, anoint me with your Holy Spirit.
And as I read your word, let me hear your voice speaking to me from within.
Give me wisdom to understand your message to me.
Let your word be the joy of my heart and the lamp to my feet.
Give me strength to build my life on your word.
Let it be done unto me according to your word.
May I rejoice in the blessedness of hearing your word and keeping it.
Speak Lord, your servant is listening…
Thank you Jesus… Praise you Lord..God's Word, made flesh. Amen.
Prayer Before Reading The Bible (2)Father, anoint me with your Holy Spirit, so that as I read your eternal word, your word may
penetrate my whole being and transform me. Grant me the blessing to be a faithful disciple in
believing the Word of God and that I may be a light shining upon all who are in darkness. Amen
Sharing These Updates and Signing upAre you enjoying having these updates, reminders, articles, videos and stories emailed to you each week? Have a friend who would love to get in on the action? You are hereby officially encouraged to share the love by forwarding this email to whomever you like, consider it a part (just a part...don't get all excited now and think you're off the hook completely) of your own efforts to evangelize and share the Good News.
Did a friend send this to you and now you're so excited about staying up to date on what's going on in our CTK family that you can't wait to sign up for yourself? The very first thing you need to do is thank that friend! Buy them a coffee, babysit their kids, take them out for dinner, maybe invite them on a cruise.
Getting yourself on the list is simple, just email (
ctke@accesscomm.ca) me a request like; "Hey Eric, you're so nice and cool and the parish's updates are probably the most exciting thing I've ever found in my inbox...and you're pretty handsome too. Could you please add me to the parish email list?" Something like that. Then just sit back and enjoy weekly digital goodness from your parish who loves you.
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Peace and God Bless,
Eric Gurash - Pastoral Assistant
Christ the King Church
3239 Garnet Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S-1X8
Tel. 306 586-9020
Fax.306 584-7633
Web Site:
www.christtheking.caCTK Parish Blog:
http://christthekingparish.blogspot.com/Follow Us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/CTKReginaBecome a CTK Fan on Facebook:
http://bit.ly/c8LaC9NEW! Our CTKRegina YouTube Channel:
http://bit.ly/aHAeRq"The whole earth is quiet and still,it is glad and hath rejoiced!" (Isaiah 14:7)
7:00 PM
Christ The King Parish
As the season of Advent begins we are called together as the People of God to prepare a space in our lives for the Messiah to be born into and take root. Over the next four weeks we will share with you a series of prayers and reflections for each week of this very special beginning to the Liturgical cycle of our Church. Portions of these prayers and reflections will be used at our Sunday celebrations throughout Advent and they have been made available in our parish entrances for people to use at home. In sharing these prayers you are joining together with our entire parish community in centering our hearts and souls on the Good News that this season heralds, the Messiah indeed is coming and "...the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
