Lunar New Year Mass Celebrated Joyfully on February 13 In Brief... Capacity is Now 50% Our capacity is now 50% of the church for Mass (social distancing between family groups is still required.) There is no requirement to present proof of vaccination in order to attend Mass. Pre-registration is no longer required but we still appreciate it (if you are registered, you do not have to sign in again.) New Friday Evening Mass We now have a Mass every Friday evening at 7:00 pm. Please join us - no registration required. Lunar New Year Mass was a Huge Success On February 13, we held a Mass celebrating the Lunar New Year. It was a wonderful celebration enjoyed by all who attended. More details and pictures are further on in this newsletter. Mass Schedule - February 19/20 Weekend Masses :  Saturday at 5:00 pm, and Sunday at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, and 12:15 pm. Capacity limit: 50% of the church Registration no longer required, although still appreciated. Weekday Masses: Tuesday at 7:00 pm, Wednesday at 9:30 am, Thursday at 9:30 am, and Friday at 7:00 pm Please consider attending a weekday mass -- there is lots of space. Watch our Sunday Mass This Week's Stewardship Reflection: - February 20 - 7thSunday of Ordinary Time “But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend without expecting anything back…” ~LUKE 6:35 Easier said than done, right? But, if we are to imitate Christ, most of us need to practice mercy and compassion more frequently. Start with the little daily annoyances that we experience, the unkind word or hateful glance we receive. Instead of plotting revenge on that person, try saying a quick prayer for that person. Praying for our enemies doesn’t change them, it changes us. Mercy and compassion will keep us on the path to holiness. OUR LUNAR NEW YEAR MASS On the afternoon of Sunday, February 13, Fr. JB celebrated a joyful and beautiful Mass for Lunar New Year. Our church was full with people from our Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities as well as from our general parish community. Readings were in Cantonese and Mandarin, and songs were sung in Chinese, Vietnamese and English. Fr JB gave a wonderful homily filled with humour and wisdom. We were treated to traditional Chinese music before Mass, and a lion dance after Mass. Much thanks to the many people who organized and volunteered at this Mass, especially Fr. JB, Weiwei and Natalie! Our beautiful altar Lunar New Year Mass 2022 welcomed everyone! Before Mass, we listened to some beautiful traditional Chinese music thanks to one of our parishioners and her music teacher. This tree was decorated with Word of God cards -- everyone chose their own card to reflect on during the new year. The Lion Dance was a definite highlight! It took place after Mass -- the drumming and dancing was amazing, and the lion loved eating "Lucky Money". HAPPY GANG TUESDAYS RESUME! Oh, happy news indeed -- after a very long time away, the Happy Gang Seniors (and more!) Group will start up again on Tuesday, March 1. We will meet in the hall from 1:30 - 3:30 pm every Tuesday for cards, socializing, and coffee! Please feel free to join us -- just drop in! MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE CORNER Check out our new blog article: "Friendship is Essential to Love" Weekly Marriage Tip: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” Jer 17:7 Do you trust the Lord with your family? Or is your hope in your spouse, yourself, or in your possessions? CHOIR CORNER The Youth Choir will be singing, for the first time, the beautiful hymn "Drawn to You" at the Saturday evening Mass. Listen to the original recording by Sarah Hart (click the video below). At the end of the video, Sarah Hart discusses the Offertory part of Mass, and how she came to write this song. Southpark Estates Life Lease Suites - Two Available A 1 bedroom suite is available for sale (life lease). The suite is approximately 810sq feet, is located on the 1st floor and faces the park. For information on this suite, please contact Dana Beljanic (204) 782-4814. A 1 bedroom + a den suite is available for sale (life lease). The suite is approximately 915 sq feet and is located on the 3rd floor. For information on this suite, please contact Connie McCorrister-Moravek at (204) 269-3480. PREPARATION FOR RECONCILIATION, FIRST COMMUNION, AND CONFIRMATION Preparation for the sacraments for children will begin in February. This year, we are raising the minimum age for reception of the sacraments. We have made this decision in order to ensure children are old enough to have a good understanding of the sacrament before they receive their first Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation. Children who would like to receive the sacraments should also be attending Mass regularly in-person or on-line and participating in our family faith formation program. First Reconciliation: For children in grade 3 and up First Communion: For children in grade 4 and up Confirmation: For youth in grade 7 and up For more information or to register, please email [email protected]