17/07 Monday: [1] Exodus 1.8-14, 22 [Gospel] Matthew 10.34-11.1
18/07 Tuesday: [1] Exodus 2.1-15a [Gospel] Matthew 11.20-24
19/07 Wednesday: [1] Exodus 3.1-6, 9-12 [Gospel] Matthew 11.25-27
20/07 Thursday: Saint Apollinaris [1] Exodus 3.13-20 [Gospel] Matthew 11.28-30
21/07 Friday: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi [1] Exodus 11.10-12.14 [Gospel] Matthew 12.1-8
22/07 Saturday: Saint Mary Magdalene [1] Song of songs 3.1-4a or 2 Corinthians 5.14-17 [Gospel] Matthew 20.1, 11-18
23/07 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: [1] Wisdom 12.13, 16-19 [2] Romans 8.26-27 [Gospel] Matthew 13.24-43
First Reading: Isaiah 55.10-11
What comes to mind when I reflect on the rain or snow watering the earth? What insights does the reflection provide into God’s dissemination of his word and its effects on those it touches? What experiences of receiving and being transformed by God’s word have changed my life?
Psalm 65: “The seed that fell on good soil produced a hundredfold”.
Second Reading: Romans 8.18-23
St. Paul links human suffering to the “bondage to decay” of all creation, trusting that both will be freed and come to glory through the redemption of the children of God. What faith-based responses does this suggest as we face the suffering caused by climate change and natural disasters in our world today?
“Alleluia. The seed is the world of God, Christ is the shower; all who come to him will live for ever. Alleluia.”
Gospel: Matthew 13.1-23
What elements of Jesus’ parable of the shower apply to my life? Which parables have helped me to understand Jesus’ teaching and which are more difficult? How can I use Jesus’ parables or adapt them, to help myself and people in my life to become fertile soil for God’s word?
PRAY FOR THE SICK: May Chu, Camilo Romero, Adela Lim, Mary Martin, Ky Truong, Gina Tabul, Olivera Lambeta, Ngan Thi Trinh, Thuong Van Tran, Francesca Cabrales, Maria Garcia, Danita Chow, Hong Van Le, Tuyen Thi Nguyen, Phu Thi Truong, Bernard Boos, Hanh Huynh, Mary Magdalene H, Thanh Thi Dao, Sa Thi Dang, Phuong Van Nguyen, Hoa Xuan Thi Le, Estrella Rodriguez, Felipe Sobredo, Patricia Rudolph, Shirley De La Cruz.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH (July)
For a Eucharistic life: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
INTENTION FOR THE WEEK
Saturday July 15 at 9 AM
- For the soul of Thomas Miserver.
Sunday July 16 at 8 AM
- For the Holy souls. For the intention of Alfonso V. Elmido.
Sunday July 16 at 11:30 AM
- For the Holy souls. For the souls of Romea Asuncion and Nelson Asuncion.
Wednesday July 19 at 7 PM
- For the soul of Haidee Harper
PARISH NEWS
The parish annual picnic: will be near the gazebo at Trout Lake Park on Saturday July 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come join other families for fellowship, dancing performance, food, fun and games! Sign-up sheets are available at the church entrance, please sign up so the organizers can prepare the picnic successfully.
Project Advance Campaign 2023: As of July 9, 2023, the parish has raised $9,095.00. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing financial support to the parish set goal of $80,000.
St. Joseph’s Youth and Young Adults are hosting “Summer Saturdays” for young people in grades 5 to 8. The events will recur every Saturday from July 15 to August 26, starting from 2:30pm and ending after Mass at 5:00pm. Activities include sports, board games, and arts & crafts. Sign-up forms are provided at the back of the church or through the parish office. Please see the posters at the back of the church for further
details.
Our Parish is always looking for volunteers who are willing to donate their time and talents in various areas such as: sacristans, readers, altar servers, choir members, gift bearers, parking lot attendants and so much more. Please speak with the Mass coordinator if you are able to help or would like more information.
PARISH INFORMATION
Stay in Touch: We welcome emails or phone calls to the parish office (604-876-7826 / parish.[email protected]) if you have suggestions or need assistance. Please keep your contact information (address, phone, email) up to date.
Donations: To donate online go tohttps://support.rcav.org/parishes/parish-offertory/sunday-offering/and select St. Joseph, Van Offering.
ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS
*World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on July 23, 2023, will have the theme, "His mercy is from age to age" (Lk 1: 50). This verse reminds us that God's mercy is manifested in history through the testimonies of those who have experienced it and passed it on to their children and grandchildren. Grandparents and the elderly are called to carry this mercy, to tell through words and life how God has been faithful to His promises and how He continues to love His people. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org.
*Life Shared Series
Through Biblical teaching from leading Christian voices and real stories of invitation, each session explores what it means to live out God’s call to share our lives and our faith with friends, colleagues and neighbours. It is designed to spark conversation, prayer and action. Join the event on July 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, Delta. Learn more at beholdvancouver.org.
