Introduction to the Liturgy – Keeper of the Keys – In telling of the substitution of one royal official for another, Isaiah escribes him as the keeper of the keys, the one who admits or prohibits access to the king as he deems fit.  After his profession of faith at Caesarea Philippi, Peter is also designated a key keeper, the one given an important and singular authority within the church.  It is not surprising that it is Matthew, the church-conscious evangelist, who preserves this account.  At the conclusion of his treatise on God’s plan for Jew Gentile, Paul hymns God’s over-arching wisdom which is far beyond a poor mortal’s ability to plummet.

From the Saints – From the pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world of the Second Vatican Council – We do not know the time when earth and humanity will reach their completion, nor do we know the way in which the universe will be transformed. The world as we see it, disfigured by sin, is passing away. But we are sure that God is preparing a new dwelling place and a new earth. In this new earth righteousness is to make its home, and happiness will satisfy, and more than satisfy, all the yearnings for peace that arise in human hearts. On that day, when death is conquered, the sons of God will be raised up in Christ; what was sown as something weak and perishable will be clothed in incorruption. Love and the fruits of love will remain, and the whole of creation, made by God for man, will be set free from the frustration that enslaves it. (Matins, 21^st Sunday of Ordinary Time)

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 Nelson Bowers, Tim Lenser, Doreen Paquette and Carolyn Gorr.

HAVE A BLESSED AND HOLY WEEK

Your total offering for last Sunday was $3185.15

Thank you for your generosity and support

Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me;
save the servants who trust in you, my God.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.

(Entrance Antiphon – 20^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

From the Rector’s Desk: Is church attendance important?   A pastor heard that one of his parishioners was going about announcing to one and all that he would no longer attend church services. This rebellious parishioner was advancing the familiar argument that he could communicate with God just as easily out in the fields with nature as his setting for worship. One winter evening, the pastor called on this reluctant member of his flock for a friendly visit. The two men sat before the fireplace making small talk, but studiously avoiding the issue of church attendance. After a while, the pastor took the tongs from the rack next to the fireplace and pulled a single coal from the fire. He placed the glowing ember on the hearth. As the two watched in silence, the coal quickly ceased burning and turned an ashen gray, while the other coals in the fire continued to burn brightly. The pastor’s silent message was not lost on the parishioner. After a long pause, he turned to the pastor and said “I’ll be back at services next Sunday.

PRAYERS: Please pray for our Permanent Deacons of the Diocese and their wives as they will be on retreat at the Galilee Centre in Arnprior from Monday, August 22^nd to Wednesday, August 24^th.

NOTICE FROM THE PARISH OFFICE:  From July 1^st until September 6^th 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.

Gift Shop: The Gift Shop will be open following the 10:30am Mass every Sunday starting in September, the exact date will be announced. If you wish to purchase anything from the gift shop in the meantime, please contact Becky Chaput at 732-8711.

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.

Renfrew County Right to Life Meeting: RCRTL meets quarterly to discuss current pro-life issues and how we can make a change in our community and society. Anyone who shares our pro-life views and goals is welcome to participate in our meetings. At our Wednesday August 31^st meeting, we’ll be finalizing plans for Life Chain and our Fall banquet, as well as prepping our Fall newsletter distribution. Come and lend a hand! The meeting is downstairs at Holy Name Church, 284 Trafalgar Rd, Pembroke. Use the entrance to the left of the main church doors. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RCRTL.

MADONNA HOUSE IS CELEBRATING 75 YEARS IN COMBERMERE: Join us for an open house & picnic on Sunday, September 4^th from 1-9 p.m.

1-3:00 p.m.   Main House/Training Centre tours: Take time to pray at Our Lady of Combermere and The Island Chapel & Catherine’s cabin. MH Gift Shop, Book Shop & Pioneer Museum will be open. See St. Raphael’s Handicraft Center and Outdoor Kiln.

3-9:00 p.m.    St. Mary’s (2768 Dafoe Road): Tea Time/Activities for families, adoration & benediction

6:00 p.m.  Picnic Supper: Every family should bring a picnic supper (no grilling). Madonna House is providing dessert.

6-9:00 p.m.   Bonfire/Music/Visiting.

Another way you can join in our celebration is to watch for photos and videos posted at: www.madonnahouse.org/75th

The Story of the Praying Hands – For years people have admired the art masterpiece known as “The Praying Hands.” Behind this work of art is a fascinating story of love and sacrifice.

In the late fifteenth century two struggling young art students, Albrecht Dürer and Franz Knigstein, worked as laborers to earn money for their art studies. But the work was long and hard and it left them little time to study art. Finally they agreed to draw lots and let the loser support them both while the winner continued to study. Albrecht won, but he agreed to support Franz after achieving success so his friend could finish his studies. After becoming successful, Albrecht sought out Franz to keep his bargain. But he soon discovered the enormous sacrifice his friend had made. As Franz had worked at hard labor, his fingers had become twisted and stiff. His long, slender fingers and sensitive hands have been ruined for life. He could no longer manage the delicate brush strokes so necessary for executing fine paintings. But in spite of the price he had paid, Franz was not bitter. He was happy that his friend Albrecht had attained success. One day Albrecht saw his loyal friend kneeling, his rough hands entwined in silent prayer. Albrecht quickly sketched the hands, later using the rough sketch to create his masterpiece known as “The Praying Hands.”