May 2021
Pentecost Edition
The Year of St. Joseph
Revised Mass Schedule May
*at time of publishing all in person gatherings cancelled until May 20th
Date Time ________ Church ··· Presider
Tues May 4-18 6:20pm ________ Livestream only ··· (Rosary) Volunteer at home 6:40pm ________ Livestream only ··· (Adoration) Father Vincent 7:00pm ________ Livestream only ··· Father Vincent
Sun May 2-16 10am _________ Livestream only ··· Father Vincent Tues May 25
6:20pm † ______ St. Genevieve ··· (Rosary) Volunteers 6:40pm † ______ St. Genevieve ··· (Adoration) Father Vincent 7:00pm † ______ St. Genevieve ··· Father Vincent
Wed May 26
10am _________ St. Denis ··· Father Vincent Wed May 27
7pm __________ St. Peter’s ··· Father Vincent Thurs May 28
9am __________ St. Peter’s ··· Father Vincent Fri May 21 & 29
9:30am _______ St. Genevieve ··· Father Vincent
10am _________ St. Genevieve ··· (Adoration) Father Vincent Sat May 22 & 30
4pm __________ St. Genevieve ··· Father Vincent 6pm __________ St. Denis ··· Father Vincent Sun May 23 & 30
St. John of the Cross
Eastern Shore - Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
May 2021
Pastor: Father Vincent Onyekelu
Parish Center Office Tues-Thurs 9-noon
Phone: 902-827-7562
St.Peter Office Tues 9-11am
Phone: 902-885-2312
Parish email: [email protected]
Website: stjohnofthecross.ca
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/stjohnofthecrossns/
St. Genevieve Church—Parish Center 723 East Chezzetcook Road East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0
(902) 827- SJOC (7562)
St. Denis Church 15059 Hwy #7
East Ship Harbour, NS B0J 3H0
St Peter Church PO Box 106, 43 St Peters Loop
Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0 902-885-2312
“There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no
enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that
Christ has not already born for us, and does not now bear with us.”
St. John Paul II
Worship Centers and Parish Offices Closed!
Please note that until May 20th or when we are advised differently by Nova
Scotia Public Health that our Worship Centers and Parish Offices are closed to
visitors and guests
Communication will be handled through email and phone only.
Update on Mass Registration
Please see our weekly email update or website for information on Mass Registrations. When
we are advised by Public Health through our Archdiocese that in person gatherings are again
Daniel Beauchamp
Betty Ann Beaver
Evan Beck
Brian Boutilier
Lorrie Boutilier
Meagan Brooks
Tom Cahoon
Dorothy Conrod
Harold Conrod
Bert Currie
Steve DaSilva
Boyd Daye
Judy Daye
Ella Doucette
Mary Duchesne
Declan Dugas
Dianne Gustavsson
Leo Knott
Declan LaBelle
Velda (Hawes) LeFrank
Alvin MacInnis
Amelia McInnis
Reid Monk
Billie Peters
David Peters
Grace C. Probert
Wanda Purcell
David Redmond
Tam Roberts
Reggie Romo
Marguerite Romo
Janet Rose
Jackie Seagers
Judy Smiley
Cassandra Sutherland
Donna Terroux
Pam Watt
Kelly Whalen-Pettipas
Lorna Wilson
Ken Zinck
Please pray for each other and particularly those on our list
Please let the office know if there are names to be added or removed
St. John of the Cross presents Tuesday Trifecta:
Weekly Rosary, Adoration and Mass
Join us Tuesday evening beginning at 6:20PM, for the Rosary led
virtually via Zoom followed by Adoration and then Mass.
Parish Prayer Corner
St John of the Cross Mass Intentions
(please note that on days we are unable to celebrate mass as a community,
Father will have a “personal mass” with the offered intention)
May 1 Patrick Konning
May 2 Madeline McGinn and Irma Martin
May 4 Billy Romo
May 5 Irma Martin
May 6 Irma Martin
May 7 Harry Melvin
May 8 Rose Marie Burke
May 9 Pauline Selvet and Jenny Gammon
May 11 Edmund Smith
May 12 Irma Martin
May 13 Irma Martin
May 15 Fabian Bellfontaine
May 16 Jenny Gammon
May 16 Reg and Madeline Mannette
May 18 Billy Romo
May 19 Irma Martin
May 20 Irma Martin
May 22 Cyril Colford
May 23 George Condran &Cyril and Marie Scrivens May 25 Edmund Smith
May 29 Dorothy LaPierre
May 30 Edward Redman and Irma Martin
My dear Parishioners, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pope Francis has called upon each one of us to pray the Rosary
every day throughout the month of May for the end to the
pandemic. In May we honour Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Honouring Mary in the month of May is not a new
tradition but dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when
they honoured their goddesses of fertility. The month of May was
seen as the start of new growth.
It was during the Middle Ages that the idea of giving the month
of May to Mary began with an old tradition, the “30-Day
Devotion to Mary”. Although we do not see Mary as a goddess of any sort, (Catholics do
not worship Mary) we honour or venerate her as Jesus’ mother.
As Jesus’ mother, she is the instrument of the Incarnation and her “Yes”, made it possible
for our Lord to become the God-Man who was Crucified for our salvation. She is the first
and most perfect disciple. She was the first to hear the Good News, and the first to follow
Christ. Her entire life was devoted to Him and assisting Him, in whatever way she could,
to carry on His mission. Unaffected by Original Sin, she was able to perfectly open herself
to God’s will.
Often, when I am speaking to you at Mass during the
homily, I speak about my mother in Nigeria. She is the
most important person in my life, providing me with
guidance, support and unconditional love. But Mary is also
my mom, our mom. No, really. She is. To put it simply,
she’s our mother because we are all members of the Body
of Christ. Since she gave birth to that Body, then she’s our
mother too. At the moment she gave her yes, she became
our mother in the order of grace. She may not have given
birth to us physically, but she has given birth to us
spiritually.
Cont’d on next page
St. John of the Cross
Cont’d from previous page
Mary loves us more than you can ever imagine.
If she did not, would she have endured the
hor-ror of seeing her Son tortured, scourged,
crowned with thorns, carry the Cross to Calvary,
and die a gruesome death on it? She did it for
each one of us because she understood that
Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion was the only way
to our salvation. She loves us like no human
mother ever could.
Mary is advocate, helper, benefactress and
mediatrix. Her job, so to speak, began at the
moment she conceived Jesus in her womb and
continues until this day. What is more, it will
continue for all eternity. As the first and most
perfect disciple, she is devoted to accompanying
Him and continuing her saving office by
interceding for us so that we may receive the
gifts of eternal salvation. She is at work 24/7/365 forever, for whatever we need,
whenever we need it.
For all these reasons and so many more, Mary deserves honour, not only during the
month of May but always. The month of May is also seen as a time when we honour our
own birth mothers. We should honour them, as we do Mary, every single day of our life,
but let’s use this month to pay special and particular attention to our mothers, our
grandmothers, our great-grandmothers and let’s all pray in particular for those “new”
mothers in our own community. I know there are many, but one that just lives down the
road from where I live, Jenna is a new mother to baby Charlotte. Congratulations to
Jenna and Mason for the new life you have loved and brought into the world.
May God be with each of you. You continue to be in my prayers and in my thoughts.
Rev. Vincent Onyekelu, Pastor
St. John of the Cross Parish
St. John of the Cross
St. John of the Cross—Pastoral Council Corner
Edgar WaddenEdgar has been living in the Dartmouth/Porters Lake area for the past 56 years. He has been Principal of the following schools: Hope Ridge Elementary, Head of Chezzetcook Elementary, Caldwell Road Elementary/Junior High, Lakeview Consolidated Elementary, Ross Road Elementary/Junior High, Eastern Shore District High, and Admiral Westphal Junior High. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts from St. Francis Xavier University (1964), a Nova Scotia Department of Education Teaching Diploma (1968), a Master of Arts in Education from Mount St. Vincent University (1979) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of South Carolina (1997).
Involvement in the community includes one year as President of the Eastern Shore Figure Skating Club, the Chezzetcook Historical Society, and more than 10 years coaching minor hockey.
Edgar was one of the original members of the Eastern Shore Recreation Commission (ESRC), serving many years as President and Secretary. He was President of the ESRC when the decision was made to build a major addition to the facility. Edgar has also been involved with the Parish Council of Saint Genevieve's Church for the past 25 years. He served on many Parish committees, including the picnic, hall rental, catering, cemetery, and maintenance committees. In addition, he served as Chair of the Parish Council for several years.
Recreationally, Edgar has played Senior A & B fastball and hockey. He served as President of the Eastern Shore Oldtimers Hockey League for over 35 years and has chaired a major hockey tournament for oldtimers, gents, and women for the past 42 years. Unfortunately, the tournament was cancelled for the first time in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Edgar married Sheila Wamboldt (the Rock) in 1965 and they have three children; Lise, Danny, and Scott (all educators). They have three wonderful granddaughters; Meagan, Mackenzie, and Emma. Edgar and Sheila enjoyed travelling. Trips abroad included California, Vancouver, Arizona, Florida, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as well as several trips to Europe. Italy would have to be their favorite destination, with Fatima and Lourdes as close seconds. Sadly, Sheila passed away in June 2017.
Meet the Pastoral Council
Sharon Riel
I had the typical good Catholic upbringing as the 4th child of 5 born to Ann and Jim Durham, in Burlington, Ontario. I attended Catholic schools, graduating from Grade 12 in 1984. Grade 13 was a thing in Ontario at the time, and my first act as an “adult” was to declare that I was done with Catholic school, and transfer to the public High School for Grade 13. It came as a complete shock to absolutely no-one that shortly thereafter, I stopped going to Church, and began to dabble in the occult.
Long story short: I experienced a conversion in 1987, between my first and second year of a Fashion Design diploma from Sheridan College, and thereafter wanted nothing to do with corruption and exploitation of the Fashion Industry.
I worked in and then managed a discount clothing store for a little over a year, before heading to MacMaster University for Fine Arts. In my second year I switched to Religious Studies, but was unable to complete my degree because of a chronic illness. (I'll finish it someday!) It was during this time period that I met some guy named Dave, as we both worked part time at a Grocery store. We didn't hit it off at first, but soon became good friends.
Dave and I dated for 5 whole days before getting engaged, and we were married in 1992. We settled in Waterloo, Ontario, where we were blessed two children, Carolanne in 1997 and James in 1999. I think they're pretty great. I may be biased. We eventually landed in Musquodoboit Harbour NS, when Dave took a job in Youth Ministry for St. Vincent De Paul and Pope John XXIII Parishes. (That's another long story.)
Since my first paid job at not quite 13 years old, I've been a babysitter, pizza maker, Chuck E Cheese, children's birthday party hostess, summer camp cook, clothing merchandiser, grocery merchandiser, book and magazine merchandiser and Librarian's assistant. I've sold children's clothing, women's clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, Avon and Tupperware. When I was 43 years old I figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up, and became the part time Archivist for the Archdiocese of Halifax. I am currently both the Archivist and the Responsible Ministry assistant for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.
I'm very much a "Both/And" Catholic; I cover my head and (aside from the occasional pandemic) receive on the tongue, but am also part of the Charistmatic Renewal. Having been involved in Music Ministry since I was 10 years old, I enjoy the passion of (theologically sound) contemporary Christian music, but also deeply appreciate the beauty and reverence of the traditional music of the Church, including Gregorian Chant. I geek out on theological discussion and the deep intellectual richness of Church teaching, but also can be (and frequently am) moved to tears in a moment of contemplation.
Where to find your parish online?
(just click on them)
www.stjohnofthecross.ca
www.facebook.com/stjohnofthecrossns/
https://tinyurl.com/y98cdf43 (our Youtube channel)
St. John of the Cross
Around Our Parish
Financial Support to the Parish
Thank you to all who have continued their financial support of the Parish.
The Parish still has to pay for insurance on each of our buildings, utilities,
necessary repairs, salaries and support of our Priests, etc. There are a
num-ber of options available for you to continue to support the Parish. Please
check the website for specific information or contact the Parish Centre
office. NOTE: if you are sending an e-Transfer please use
[email protected] and not to the office email address
Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals
It is necessary to contact Father Vincent when you want to book a Baptism,
Marriage or Funeral in any of the Churches within St John of the Cross Parish. He
can be reached through the Parish Center Office at 902-827-7562
Office Hours:
Please note that the office at the Parish Center and in Sheet Harbour is closed to
visitors until May 20th. After that it will depend on the Covid situation in our area.
During this time phone messages and emails will be answered as soon as possible.
The office is closed on Monday’s
Tuesday through Thursday at St. Genevieve 9AM – noon
Tuesday at St. Peter’s 9AM – 11AM
Daily Rosary for an end to Covid-19
The month of May is a special time to honour Mary, the Mother of God. During this difficult time,
when this pandemic that seems to refuse to go away has once again shuttered our Churches to
in-person Masses and other gatherings, we may be feeling helpless and abandoned.
The fact is, though, that God is always with us, and we are not helpless so long as we can bow our
heads in prayer! As the wedding at Cana illustrates, Our Lady is a powerful intercessor with her Son. If
we go to her with our prayer requests, she takes them to Him, and He listens to her!
Fr. Vincent asks all Parishioners to pray a daily Rosary to Our Lady in May, for an end to the Covid-19
pandemic. Let us pray for healing and comfort for those who are ill, for the peaceful repose of those
who have died as a result of the virus, and for consolation for their friends and families. Let us pray
also for protection and strength for healthcare and all essential workers who put themselves at risk to
serve us all. Whether you already pray a daily rosary or have never prayed the rosary in your life, let's
come together even as we are separated, and pray this powerful prayer of intercession for a united
purpose.
Even if you don't own a rosary, if you've got 10 fingers (or 10 toes!) you can use them to count the
prayers of each decade!
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
St. John of the Cross
Around Our Parish
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life ever-lasting. Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mer-cy. Amen.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Final Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we be-seech Thee, that meditating upon these myster-ies of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Joyful Mysteries Sorrowful Mysteries
The Annunciation The Agony in the Garden The Visitation The Scourging at the Pillar The Nativity The Crowning with Thorns The Presentation in The Carrying of the Cross the Temple The Crucifixion The Finding in the Temple
Glorious Mysteries Luminous Mysteries
The Resurrection The Baptism of Jesus The Ascension The Wedding of Cana The Coming of the The Proclamation of the Holy Spirit Kingdom of God The Assumption of Mary and the call The Coronation of Mary to conversion
