Introduction to the Liturgy – Journey of Commitment – The word conversion is derived from a Hebrew word meaning a basic change of direction.  Commitment follows conversion. There is no turning back. Elisha’s discipleship meant a last farewell at home and then an unwavering allegiance to Elijah.  Today’s gospel builds on that first reading theme.  Christ wants ambivalence.  As he makes his own journey to Jerusalem, he asks of his disciples a journey of commitment.  Paul’s thought points to the same kind of journey, one from flesh to spirit.  Once freedom in the Spirit is ours, there can be no “back tracking” to the slavery of the flesh.

From the Saints – Saint Paul VI, Pope – He is like us but more perfectly human, simple, poor, humble, and yet, while burdened with work, he is more patient. He spoke on our behalf; he worked miracles; and he founded a new kingdom: in it the poor are happy; peace is the foundation of a life in common; where the pure of heart and those who mourn are uplifted and comforted; the hungry find justice; sinners are forgiven; and all discover that they are brothers.

The image I present to you is the image of Jesus Christ. As Christians you share his name; he has already made most of you his own. So once again I repeat his name to you Christians and I proclaim to all men: Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, Lord of the new universe, the great hidden key to human history and the part we play in it. He is the mediator—the bridge, if you will—between heaven and earth. Above all he is the Son of man, more perfect than any man, being also the Son of God, eternal and infinite. He is the son of Mary his mother on earth, more blessed than any woman. She is also our mother in the spiritual communion of the mystical body.   (From a homily – Matins)

In your prayers kindly remember the sick and those who care for them, the lonely, the handicapped, those isolated, and those who have died, especially Eileen Butler, Denise Sheridan and Danny MacDonald.

                                                                  HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

  Your total offering for last Sunday was $5930.10

    Thank you for your generosity and support

                                                    The clean of hands and pure of heart shall climb 

                                          the mountain of the Lord and stand in his holy place. Alleluia. (Entrance Antiphon)

FROM THE RECTORS DESK: This week marks the closing of the school year in anticipation of the summer holidays.  We wish all our students and teachers a very relaxing and safe summer.  We thank you for the many ways in which you contributed to the life of the parish during the past year.  To our graduates, both elementary and secondary, our prayers and best wishes accompany you as you take the next step in your scholastic career. It is our fervent hope that the values you learned and lived at both Cathedral and Bishop Smith will be an integral part of your life in the years to come.  With you we express our gratitude to all who have been a part of your formation and with them we assure you of our confidence in the success of your future endeavours.  God bless and keep you always.

JOIN AN ONLINE PRAYER GROUP FOR THE EVANGELIZATION PROJECT: Join us online every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. to intercede for the evangelization efforts in the diocese of Pembroke. We pray the rosary, sometimes a novena, or meditate on a Gospel passage. The zoom link to connect is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81378641646. Hope to see you then!

WALK THE OPEONGO LINE PILGRIMAGE, July 29-31: This year we’re walking the Opeongo Line from Barry’s Bay to Cormac, 40km. The pilgrimage begins with Mass at St. Hedwig’s on Friday, July 29th and ends with the Bishop’s Mass at St. Ann’s Shrine on Sunday, July 31st. The Pilgrimage is a beautiful experience of God’s Providence. For more information on the details or to register, please visit: walktheopeongoline.wordpress.com.

2022 ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF ST. ANN – The 2022 annual Cormac Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Ann will take place in Cormac, Ontario from Thursday, July 27th through Sunday, July 31st. This year’s theme: “History of the Devotion to St. Ann”, with Bishop Guy Desrochers as presider. For more information, please call 613-628-2020 or email secretarystjames@gmail.com. All are welcome!

CATHOLIC BISHOP’S WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT OF DATES AND HUB CITIES FOR PAPAL VISIT TO CANADA   The Vatican formally announced that Pope Francis will travel to Canada from July 24-29, 2022. The historic visit, focused on Indigenous healing and reconciliation, will be the fourth papal journey to Canada and the first since Saint John Paul II’s visit in 2002.  The cities our Holy Father will be visiting are Edmonton, Iqaluit and Quebec City.

2022 CATHOLIC FAMILY RETREAT – JULY 30-AUGUST 1: Calling all Catholic Families! The 2022 Catholic Family Retreat will be hosted on Saturday, July 30, Sunday, July 31 and Monday, August 1 at Sacred Way Farm (745 Kells Road, Powassan, Ontario). Join us for prayer, worship, Adoration, family games, activities and inspiring talks. Optional camping on site is available too. For more information, a complete itinerary of the weekend events, to see our guest speakers and to register your family, please visit: holynamestalphonsus.com/familyretreat. The 2022 Catholic Family Retreat is proudly presented by Sacred Way Ministries, Holy Name of Jesus Church, North Bay; St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, Callander; and St. Joseph Church, Powassan.

WOJTYLA SUMMER INSTITUTE: Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is hosting its annual Wojtyla Summer Institute in-person in Barry’s Bay from August 4-7. This year’s theme, “Know Thyself”: Catholic Perspectives on the Human Person,” addresses ways in which the integrity of the human person is being challenged, and seeks to find connections among the various Catholic perspectives to form a unified view of who we are and how we should live. The conference features a keynote address by Fr. Mark Goring, CC, in St. Hedwig’s Parish, which will be free and open to the public, as well as livestreamed. Some accommodations are available. Space is limited for the in-person conference. Find more information, and register at seatofwisdom.ca/wojtyla-2022.

We observe this Friday, July 1st, our National Holiday, Canada Day. This day affords us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, the opportunity to examine how we witness to Christ in our country and  world.  And how we strive to influence those in government to act from Christian principles and attitudes. Realizing that we do not have a lasting home here, we should pray and work for justice and peace in Canada and throughout the world, so that all God’s   people may share in the goods of this earth. The kingdom of God will come only when all people are ready to let Christ’s teaching guide and rule their lives and action.

NOTICE FROM THE PARISH OFFICE:  From July 1st until September 6th the Parish Office will be open Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Thank you