Dear parishioners,

This weekend we continue with the third part of the Sermon of the Mount. In this part we begin to consider content of His message. The Gloss says: the Apostles may have asked ‘Lord what is it that you want us to teach? Is it something different from what God has taught us in the Law and the Prophets?’ And Jesus says: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” St. Augustine says that “fulfilling the law” should not be understood as adding words or precepts that contradict the Old Law. The Old Law stays, but the New Law focus on the spirit of the law: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors ‘You shall not kill’… But I say to you…” Who spoke to your ancestor? God. And now Jesus says “But I say to you…” The people may have asked: And Who are you? How can you compare with God? The Son of God is indeed the giver of the Old and New Law. He gives the letter and the spirit in which we should live the law: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” We naturally love those we get along with. It is easy to love those who love you. But “if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?” Charity is not based in feelings or emotions. Charity is God’s love. Charity is the divine love, by which we love Him, ourselves and our neighbor, not because they are nice to us but because of Him. This is why we can love even those toward whom we feel aversion. We deny our feelings and love someone who causes us aversion even though the aversion may stay in our feelings. This is exactly what happened to Jesus on the Cross. He certainly did not have any good feelings towards us, no natural love toward us who crucified Him. And yet He died out of love for us. Let us ask our Blessed Mother the grace to be able to love not because of feelings but because of His divine love. And doing so, we will be able to live this New Law of love.

Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE

Welcome – Sr. Morning Star

We are delighted to welcome Sr. Morning Star to Peterborough! Joining us from Wyoming, USA, she has just completed her formation and will be serving with the sisters at our parishes. Please take a moment to say hello and welcome her when you see her.

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 1:30 to 6:30PM and confessions from 5:00 to 6:30PM.

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 10 am. For info text Sr. Inmaculada 705 977 6410 or stjohnandsacredheart@gmail.com

Bible Study – Gospel of Matthew  – Feb  19^th -Join the DRIVEN TO PRAISE prayer Group as we journey now through the Gospel of St. Matthew 7pm – 8 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. For more info contact Daniel 647 -928-6414.

The Way of the Cross –  The stations of the Cross will be guided every Friday during Lent, at Sacred Heart at 6:30 PM, and at 12 noon at St John the Baptist church. All parishioners are invited to come and meditate on the Lord’s passion through this devotion.

Shrove Tuesday- Shove Tuesday dinner on Feb 17 starting at 4pm until 6p.m, pay at the door. This is an all you can eat for $10 with a donation for any youth attending.  Menu includes Pancakes, Sausage, Beans, Fruit Cocktail and Apple Sauce.

Pasta Dinner- The Peterborough District Italian Club will be hosting a Pasta Dinner following Mass on Saturday, February 21. Cost is free for members and $15 per person or $30 per family of 4 with children.  Pleases RSVP to Joe Farace at 705-927-0993

Tax Receipts

The tax receipts are ready for pick up at the entrance of the church.

Dear parishioners, Mark your calendars for the March for Life, Ottawa on Thursday, May 14^th

DIOCESAN &O THER NEWS

Peterborough Catholic 20’s & 30’s Group

Winter Social is happening on Saturday, February 21st, and you won’t want to miss it. We’ll start with a fun skate together at the Quaker Skating Rink followed by a potluck, great conversation, and time to visit. The location will be announced soon, and more details are on the way.

Lenten Retreats Villa St. Joseph

February 21, 9-4 “Life Transfigured: A Lenten Retreat Day”. February 27 (7:00 pm) to March 1 (1:00 pm) “Lenten Sabbath Weekend Retreat”  to register https://www.villastjoseph.ca/