Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we have the passage of Jesus walking over the waters. It says: “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side… the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it” This ship is a figure of the Church. The sailors in the ship represent every one of us. The sea is a figure of the spirit of the world. The storm (winds and waves) are a symbol of temptations. As the wind stirs the sea, raising great waves that crash against the ship and toss it about, so too does temptation – whether it comes through an image, a situation, a person, or a place – assail our senses and stir our passions. Like crashing waves, these passions beat against our conscience, threatening to overwhelm the soul (ship). In the midst of the struggle, the sailors try to keep the ship in its direction. It is when people try to keep their consciences faithful.

The Gospel continues: “During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea…” Walking over the waters, is a symbol of the triumph of faith over this world, as St. John says (1Jn. 5:4) “and the victory that conquers the world is our faith”

Then Peter asked Jesus if he too can walk over the waters. Jesus allowed him.

 And Peter “began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Peter made two mistakes: first, he took his eyes off Jesus; second, he began to focus on the violence of the wind and the waves. When we take our eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on the violence of our temptations, we too begin to sink. Never take your eyes off Jesus – never. Let us ask our Blessed

Mother to obtain for us the grace to walk through this world with the eyes of faith, never taking our eyes off Jesus.

Fr. Gaston Giacinti.

WEEKLY NEWS

Friday Adoration at Sacred Heart

Every Friday there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart in reparation for the offences made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from 1:00 to 6:00PM and confessions from 4:30 to 6:00PM.

D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS

 Girls Summer Camp-Catholic Summer Girl’s Camp (ages 9+) led by members of the Opus Dei Community.  August 12-20, 2026, in Barry’s Bay. Please visit www.chilaweetrails.ca to register

CRAFT FAIR & BAKE SALE AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

In place of its annual Giant Yard Sale, Immaculate Conception Parish is hosting a Craft Fair in conjunction with its annual Summer Bake Sale on Sat, Aug 15th, from 10:00-2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Browse a variety of handcrafted items, pick up some delicious homemade baking, and enjoy a hot dog and pop for just $1. Interested in becoming a vendor? We invite anyone who creates handmade crafts to rent a table for $20 and showcase their work. For more info, please contact Elsbeth Callaghan at inkwoodprintshop@gmail.com.

St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mass– Douro Annual Cemetery Mass Aug 15 at 7pm. This mass is celebrated always on the Feast, The Assumption of Mary. It is offered for all our faithful departed, especially those buried at St. Joseph’ s Cemetery. You are asked to bring your own lawn chairs and head covering, as this mass is celebrated in the cemetery near the volute. 

Annual “Taste Of Poland” Dinner At Immaculate: 

Will take place on Sat, Sept. 12^th at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal featuring roast pork & gravy, mashed potatoes, red beet dish, coleslaw, and fabulous Polish desserts!  Adults $30 | 12 and under $15 | under 5 Free.  Reserve your tickets now by calling the office: 705-742-5466 Tue, Wed, Thurs 8:30-3:00. 

St. Paul’s Annual Beef BBQ

Tickets are now on sale for the Annual Beef BBQ at St. Paul the Apostle in Lakefield! Enjoy a delicious Full Beef BBQ dinner, fresh, local veggies, mouth-watering homemade pies, fantastic LIVE entertainment and an exciting raffle fundraiser for our church renovations. Make a day of it in beautiful Lakefield. Sun, Aug 16th 3:00-7:00PM. 4 Reid Street, Lakefield. Adults: $25. Children (0-10): FREE. All welcome!

Peterborough Campus Ministry – A Note from Fr. Adam Pantaleo

We are a community of faith centred on Jesus Christ, rooted in prayer and intent on living out our identity as Catholic disciples in the secular world. I am excited to begin my ministry as Chaplain to this wonderful community of university and college students in the Diocese of Peterborough. If you are a Trent University or Fleming College student, you belong here! Whether it’s attending Sunday Mass at St. Peter-in-Chains Cathedral, joining a faith study group on campus, or visiting the McCloskey Campus Ministry Centre (376 Rubidge St), please don’t hesitate to get involved. You are also welcome to call (705-745-8671) or email (FrAdamPantaleo@peterboroughdiocese.org) me. Please pray for our students and thank you for your generous support to this ministry.

CONCERT with the MISFITS

Come for an entertaining evening with the local, musically talented, MISFITS VOCAL BAND and guests DANNY BRONSON and JOANNA BRONSON! Lots of old tunes to sing and (dance) along with! Saturday, August 15th, 7:00pm, St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 1066 Western Avenue, Peterborough. Free will offering. Donations will help to restore the Church Prayer Garden.