Sunday Liturgy
Saturday: 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am
Mission Statement
We are a welcoming Christian community called to embrace and respect the uniqueness of each individual as we join together in our faith and worship. Our ongoing mission is to engage our youth, promote renewal, out reach, evangelization and ecumenical cooperation.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Monday, September 15th – 9:00 am Rita Darrah
Tuesday, September 16th – 9:00 am Sarah Wilkes (Anniv)
Wednesday, September 17th – 9:00 am Gladys Craig
Thursday, September 18th – 9:00 am Charles & Florence Hazel
Thursday, September 18th – 10:30 am Frances Mallett (Carleton Kirk)
Friday, September 19th – 9:00 am No Mass
Saturday, September 20th – 5:00 pm Daniel & Irene Crowley
Sunday, September 21st – 11:00 am Robin Rocca (Anniv)
Weekly Reflections (Homily) from Msgr. Sheehan (Updated September 4, 2025)
THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS
There are many images which come to mind when we hear the words “Lifted Up”. One of the first which comes to mind is in the birth of Kunta Kinte in Roots, the film about slavery in America, and the child is held up to God in a most dramatic way at birth and presented to God.
Another image, is that of a mother or a father playing with their child… and the child says “lift me up – Daddy – Mommy”. They want to be picked up, held, carried – for they know they cannot reach what they want to touch without be lifted up by their parents.
Another image – or expression used with the words “lifted up” - is in charismatic prayer groups – they speak of “just lifting up” their intention – or a person to God – for him to handle as he sees fit, as he might wish to respond to them.
We also use the expression after we have heard a talk, or received a visitor, or experienced a positive event which “lifted us up” – or uplifted us and we say – we needed that “lift”.
Why is it that – after we’ve delayed to visit somebody – so much – and finally we set a day… no matter what happens we will not be deterred – and we finally visit them…
We don’t do much… we probably don’t even bring the Sacrament – or anoint them – we just drop in on them – and then we meet one of their relatives a few days later… and they are effusive – and profusely thank us… and they say – what a lift you gave my mother – my father… that was so good of you…
There is something about a happy priest – a priest who exudes optimism, and brightness and lightness of heart… warmth – gentleness – all the ordinary human qualities…
(example of Peter McKee…)
Our Gospel speaks today of being “lifted up”, and about looking at what is lifted up for salvation, for redemption.
The Hebrews were to look upon the bronze serpent “lifted up” as a means of delivering them from the venomous serpents – and Jesus says, when he is “lifted up” he too will become by believing in Him the means of eternal life.
Isn’t it strange – a new meaning of lifted up…? A harrowing meaning… “lifted up” becoming associated with “strung up”… crucified…?
There is not much uplifting in that meaning unless we know that we can be a source of uplift – in our tiredness – in our own weariness – in our own self-giving.
Like always – looking upon someone whom we know who gives from weakness – and hurt – and frailty… but still gives gamely, generously, - even enthusiastically – creates sentiments of admiration… etification… triumph…
They are people – who triumph… even in their suffering… they embrace the cross willingly… we look upon them… we behold them… and in some strange way – we acknowledge that they lift\] us up… they pick us up… they raise up the downtrodden… they pick up the weary…
Unbelievably people might just look upon us too someday – and in some way – somehow – be lifted up – in our world – a no small measure.
Amen.