Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, the Gospel invites us to meditate on the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is part of Jesus’ Eschatological Discourse, concerning the end times. “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom” The ten virgins represent the faithful who await the coming of Christ at the end of time. They all have lamps that are lit. The light is a symbol of our faith, and the lamp represents ourselves. “Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.” The oil feeds the flame. It represents charity and the works of charity that keep our faith alive. “Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” This is an important part of the parable
    because it is set within the context of the end times. Jesus says in this same Eschatological Discourse: “Because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” To become drowsy means to grow weary and sleepy. Spiritually, it symbolizes a diminution of vigilance due to the prolonged waiting for Christ. Drowsiness can also remind us of the passing of human life, as we grow older and approach the end of our earthly pilgrimage. To fall asleep symbolizes physical death. Both the wise and the foolish eventually die. “At midnight, there was a cry: ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’” This cry reminds us of the resurrection of the dead: “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Our Lord also says: “Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28–29).

The parable continues: “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.” To get up can symbolize the resurrection from the dead, while trimming their lamps can symbolize the manifestation of each person’s spiritual condition at the resurrection. They all rise, but not all their lamps are shining. This reminds us of the different conditions of the bodies after the resurrection from the dead. Then: “The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’” At midnight, all the stores are closed. There is no more time to acquire merits through good works. The day, which represents our earthly lifetime, has already come to an end. “While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came.” This represents the Second Coming of Our Lord. “And those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.” They entered Heaven. “Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’” It is not said that they managed to buy the oil or relight their lamps. Instead, they came pleading with the Bridegroom, repeating: “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But the Bridegroom answered: “Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.”

 Finally, Jesus gives us the lesson of the parable: “Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” To stay awake means to preserve the oil of charity, to remain in the state of grace, and to persevere in good works until the end. Let us ask our Blessed Mother.

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE

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.

“Voces Verbi” Youth Group

1st Fridays of the month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Altar Boy Group at Sacred Heart

3rd Fridays of the month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Catholic Missionary Children Oratory

All children ages 7 to 10 are invited on Saturdays to join the CMC at St. John the Baptist church at 1:15pm. For information text Sr. Inmaculada 705 977 6410 or email stjohnandsacredheart@gmail.com

Rosary Group- Please join the Rosary group which meets every Thursday at 1:00 to pray the rosary for the needs of the Universal Church.

Sacramental Preparation 2026–2027 – Classes are at St. John parish

First Reconciliation & First Communion: Saturdays 2:30

Confirmation: Thursdays 3:45pm

 For more information contact Sr Immaculada 705-977-6479

RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Classes are at St. John Parish on Saturdays at

2:30. The topics discussed for the month of November 1. The Bible 2. The story of Salvation 3. Who is Jesus?

4. The Holy Spirit and the Life of Grace

For more information contact Mother Asterone

249-688-0930.

Turkey Dinner- This year’s Christmas dinner will be held on Nov.29 at 5p.m.  Tickets will be available at weekend masses.  The cost is the same as last year $18 for adults and $2/youth. We are holding a planning meeting for anyone who would like to help.  The meeting will be held at Sacred Heart Church basement Tuesday Nov.10 at 9:30 am. Any help with the dinner and preparations would be appreciated. We will also be accepting any donations for the raffle table. Any questions please contact Ed Genge 705-875-8045

Prayer for the faithful departed

The Church dedicates November to pray for the faithful departed a profound act of love & mercy—lifting our deceased loved ones to God in prayer. The prayer attributed to St. Gertrude is a devotion that can be said for our dear faithful departed.

Prayer: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of  Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy  souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

REMEMBRANCE DAY November 11 – We will remember and pray all those who fought in WWI, WWII, & all wars where freedom was, & is, fought for. Thank you to all our veterans who have served so selflessly & courageously.

D IOCESAN &O THER NEWS

Bicentennial Mission: Cathedral of St Peter-In-Chains

The Cathedral of St. Peter-In-Chains will be hosting a Bicentennial Mission entitled “Into the Heart of the Canadian Martyrs” presented by Fr. John O’Brien, S.J., Director of Canadian Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland.  Join us for weekend Mass on Saturday, November 7th at 5:00pm, OR Sunday, November 8th at 7:30am, 9:00am or 10:30am.  On Monday November 9th & Tuesday, November 10th, join us at either 11:00am OR 7:00pm for Mass and Talk. Everyone’s welcome!

St. Paul’s Christmas Makers Market (Nov 21st 9am-2pm)

Start your Christmas shopping early at the St. Paul’s Christmas Makers Market, Saturday, November 21st from 9am-2pm! Admission is free at this event that will feature local artisans and their handmade products.