SLOVENSKA ŽUPNIJA SV. GREGORIJA VELIKEGA | ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SLOVENIAN CHURCH 36/59 Številka - Number / Leto - Year 3.9. 2023 22. NEDELJA MED LETOM 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Fr. Drago Gačnik, SDB ŽUPNIK - PASTOR NASLOV - ADDRESS 125 Centennial Pkwy N. Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8 PHONE: 905-561-5971 CELL: 905-520-2014 E-MAIL gregory_sdb@ stgregoryhamilton.ca HALL RENTALS 905-561-5971, ext. 2 E-MAIL hallrental@ stgregoryhamilton.ca Današnjo nedeljo nam evangelij predstavlja prvo napoved trpljenja, ki ga Jezus omeni. Takoj po Petrovi izpovedi, ko ga je razglasil za »Kristusa, Božjega Sina«, začne Jezus oznanjati, da bo trpel. Peter nasprotuje takemu poteku dogodkov. Vzporedno s to napetostjo med Jezusom in Petrom nam prvo berilo predstavlja notranjo napetost v Jeremijevem razmišljanju. Drugo berilo je začetek velikih Pavlovih spodbud v Pismu Rimljanom, s povabilom, naj darujemo naša telesa kot živo daritev, da bi v polnosti živeli združeni s Kristusovim trpljenjem. Jeremija je v silni notranji stiski, ki je izražena v nekaterih odlomkih »Jeremijeve tožbe«. Prerok se pritožuje Bogu: »Zapeljal si me, Gospod, in jaz sem se pustil zapeljati.« Potem pravi, da je vsak dan postal predmet zasmehovanja; da se iz njega vsakdo norčuje, kajti njegove prerokbe vedno naznanjajo nesrečo, nasilje in upore. Zato ga ljudje nočejo več poslušati. Jeremija bi se rad rešil te notranje napetosti. Vendar to ni mogoče, kajti božja beseda, preroško navdihnjenje, je v njegovem srcu kot žareč ogenj, ki ga ne more več prenašati. V takih razmerah je Jeremija nekoliko podoben evangeljskemu dogodku, ki prikazuje, kako se Jezus napoti naproti trpljenju. Vendar Peter nasprotuje, da bi se dogodki odvijali v tej smeri. Sam je le malo prej z velikim navdušenjem izrazil mesijansko in božje dostojanstvo, ki pripada Jezusu. Jezus zdaj odprto spregovori o svojem prihodnjem trpljenju in smrti, pa tudi vstajenju, a Peter tega ne more razumeti in se upira: »Bog ne daj, Gospod! To se ti nikakor ne sme zgoditi!» Peter si želi si njegove slave, vendar ne prek poraza in bolečine. Jezus je glede sebe odločen, da gre naprej; noče se izmakniti božji volji, kajti zaveda se, da je to načrt, ki je poln ljubezni in je zato nekaj dobrega. Trpljenje pa je potrebno, kajti brez borbe ni mogoče priti do zmage. Soočiti se mora s trpljenjem, slabim, z grehom in s smrtjo, da bi tako lahko zarisal pot preko teh dejstev človeškega življenja: pot, ki pa VESTNIK 2023 | je na koncu zmagovita. Zato očita Petru: »Poberi se! Proč od mene, satan! V spotiko si mi, ker ne misliš na to, kar je božje, ampak kar je človeško.« Jezus zatem poda nauk, ki je veljaven za vse: kdor hoče postati njegov učenec, se mora odpovedati samemu sebi, vzeti svoj križ in hoditi za njim. To je najvarnejša pot, ki pripelje do zmage, čeprav se ji človeška narava upira. Jezus razlaga, da bo tisti, ki želi rešiti svoje življenje, le-tega izgubil; in da ga bo našel tisti, ki ga bo izgubil zaradi Jezusa. Ustvarjeni smo za polnost življenja, za srečo. Še več, ustvarjeni smo predvsem za ljubezen. Bog, ki je ljubezen, nas je ustvaril, da bi bili deležni njegove ljubezni: »Kdor pa izgubi svoje življenje zaradi mene, ga bo našel.» Če iščemo le svojo srečo, ostajamo v samoljubju, in torej ne moremo doseči polnosti življenja. Če pa premagamo svojo sebičnost s tem, da se oklenemo božje ljubezni, potem bomo zares dosegli polnost življenja. V evangeliju je polno zahtev, ki se zdijo same v sebi nasprotne: da bi rešili svoje življenje, ga je treba izgubiti; da bi dosegli slavo, da bi bili povzdignjeni, se je treba ponižati. Ključ vsega tega je vedno isti: ljubezen, ne misliti le nase, ne iskati svojih koristi, svoje slave, svoje sreče - temveč si prizadevati za združenje s Kristusom v ljubezni. Le tako se doseže najvišji cilj. Treba je zapustiti prizadevanje za srečo in slavo, ki bi hotela takojšnjo zadovoljitev. Pavlovo učenje v Pismu Rimljanom gre v isto smer. Pravi: »Rotim vas, bratje: darujte svoja telesa v živo, sveto in Bogu všečno daritev.« Ne smemo iskati svoje sreče, temveč darovati svoja telesa v živo daritev. In s tem hoče reči: postaviti svoje ude v službo pravičnosti, božje svetosti in božje ljubezni. Darovanje je namreč nekaj pozitivnega: pomeni sprejeti v svoje življenje in tudi v svojo smrt ljubezen, ki prihaja od Boga, da bi se lahko preoblikovali v daritev, ki se dvigne do Boga in mu je všeč. Odreči se moramo miselnosti tega sveta in se preoblikovati, s tem, da obnovimo razum, da bo znal razločevati med božjo voljo, to, kar je dobro in njemu všeč. Božja volja je namreč, da živimo v ljubezni, ne v sebičnosti. Vsak napredek v ljubezni nas globoko osrečuje, kar je pravo veselje, božje veselje. Bog je ljubezen, njegovo veselje je ljubezen, njegovo veselje je v popolnem in velikodušnem podarjanju. (Prim. Oznanjevalec št 3, 2008) 382 | VESTNIK 2023 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME R: My soul thirst for you, O Lord my God. First Reading Jeremiah 20:7-9 Despite the hardships of his calling, Jeremiah allows himself to be seduced by God. Second Reading Romans 12:1-2 Paul encourages the Christians of Rome to model their lives on Christ. Gospel Matthew 16:21-27 The paradox of the cross: this is the way to life. “Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” Illustration The “pig and chicken” principle has been quoted by people in many diverse fields of human endeavour, to encourage total dedication to a cause – whether it be Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for commitment to his political agenda, or coach Mike Leach encouraging players to give 100 per cent for his American Football team. The principle is based on the fable of the pig and the chicken who were discussing the possibility of opening a restaurant. “We could call it: ‘Bacon and Eggs’,” says the chicken. “Each of us could make our own unique contribution to the menu.” The pig considers it for a brief moment: “The problem with that,” he says, “is that you’d only be involved, but I’d have to be totally committed.” Gospel Teaching Jesus says: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” What he is asking for is more than simply being involved in his project, but total dedication, even to the point of self-sacrifice. It seems a strange strategy for attracting followers. And indeed, the Gospels tell us that many potential disciples did walk away from Jesus. He asks people not simply to make a one-off decision for him, but rather to walk the walk and not simply talk the talk. He is asking for genuine disciples, not fairweather admirers. That initial decision for him has to be translated into lifelong and total dedication, even when the consequences are painful. We see this dynamic played out in the life of the prophet Jeremiah in the first reading. The full reality of his decision to follow God’s calling by becoming the Lord’s prophet is starting to hit home for Jeremiah. His decision has led to humiliation, rejection, imprisonment, even danger of death. Costly discipleship indeed. And yet it almost seems as if Jeremiah has no choice – not because God has forced him, but rather because Jeremiah feels seduced by God, he can’t forget the Lord. Even when he is sick of God and all the demands the Lord makes on him, there is nevertheless something so utterly attractive about God, something enthralling, a fire burning in his heart, as Jeremiah says, that he cannot resist. Jesus states quite bluntly that following him will cost. Taking up the cross is not a one-off decision, but a way of life, a way of living life. As St Paul tells the Christians in Rome, it involves changing our mind, putting on the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and to offer his life as a ransom for many. For Paul, it means changing our behaviour, and offering our bodies, our whole lives, as a sacrifice which is pleasing to God. Perhaps Peter tried to stop Jesus going to the cross not simply because he cared for Jesus, but because he guessed that where Jesus went, he would have to follow. Jesus’ response to Peter is also an invitation to every would-be follower: “Get behind me.” In other words, “Take your place as my disciple, my follower. Follow me on the road to the cross, and I promise you life, joy and fulfilment.” Application That might not sound very attractive. Certainly not easy. But Jesus affirms that it is worth it. Discipleship involves making hard decisions about our lifestyles, our values, perhaps the kind of jobs we will and will not do; or deciding to deal with people with gentleness, patience and forgiveness, when really we want to lash out and retaliate. It might mean not joining in with others at work when they’re being racist, sexist, dishonest or crude. It might mean speaking the truth even when that makes life difficult for us. It means renouncing ourselves – forgetting ourselves and putting someone else first, putting God first. However, a cross-shaped life is what leads to full life, eternal life. And as with Jeremiah, we can see that same pattern in our own lives. The things that are most worthwhile in our lives always cost: the huge efforts people make to be good parents to their children, or the dedication needed to make a marriage work. Consider the loyalty people show in friendships, or in caring for someone who is ill. Nothing worthwhile in life is achieved without effort, dedication and self-sacrifice. A crossshaped life, Jesus tells us, is not just what makes this life worth living here and now; it is what makes us fit for eternal life. VESTNIK 2023 | 383 384 | VESTNIK 2023 MIDLAND V soboto, 16. septembra 2023, bo zopet Slovensko romanje v Midland. Program dogajanja bo po običajnem sporedu: Ob 10:30 a.m. kulturni program pri križu, v cerkvi pa bo priložnost za sveto spoved. Po programu bo križev pot. Ob 12:00h Slovenska sveta maša v cerkvi z litanijami Matere Božje. - Vabljeni, da se pridružite in si organizirate dan za romanje v ta kraj molitve. VESTNIK 2023 | 385 386 | VESTNIK 2023 St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Parish Council invites you to St. Gregory the Great Slovenian Parish Fall Banquet Hvala Olgi Glavač za okrasitev cerkve in Kimi M. za gladiole. Sunday September 17, 2023 Banquet Reservations Required Please call Mrs. Theresa Sarjaš 905-930-7990 no later than Tuesday. Sept. 12 10:00 a.m. - Mass (Combined Slovenian and English language) 11:00 a.m. - Hall: pictures of recent parish life 12:00 (Noon) - Lunch An event and facility presented for members and supporters of St. Gregory the Great and the Hamilton Diocese 3. septembra se spominjamo sv. Gregorija Velikega, papeža, zavetnika naše župnijske cerkve. Papež Gregor je svojo službo opravljal tako izjemno, da je postal zgled vsem svojim naslednikom in si upravičeno zaslužil naziv »Veliki«. Spada med štiri velike latinske cerkvene očete in učitelje. Njegovo delo in zapuščina sta še danes neprecenljiva na mnogih področjih: bil je izvrsten pastoralist, liturgist, moralist, ekumenist, misijonar in karitativni delavec. Upodobljen je v papeških oblačilih, ob sebi ima knjigo, pisalno pero ali goloba. Večkrat je tudi prikazan. Ime izhaja iz grškega imena in pomeni »sem buden, živim«. Po njem se imenuje gregorijansko petje in gregorijanske maše (30 maš neprekinjeno). VESTNIK 2023 | 387 A BOLD & FIRM RE-COMMITMENT By Fr. Steve Ryan, SDB “With firm conviction, I want to follow Jesus.” Why the need to repeat it to yourself and to others? Why the restating of the obvious? Because it’s not so obvious and evident, even to ourselves and unless we repeat it daily, that Jesus is the One we follow. Unless we re-commit daily, you and I are likely to falter in our journey toward sanctity. We desperately need Christians who are attached to Jesus completely and wholeheartedly. This requires a daily re-commitment that’s made in our morning prayer – every day. Saint Peter did it at Caesarea Philippi in the presence of Christ and the other apostles. Our Lord commended him for his bold conviction and told him it would give him power and wisdom and authority to live a holy life and lead God’s people – as the Rock – the Rock upon which He would build His church. Peter still messed up from time to time, kept re-committing and kept on going. We must do the same if we are going to stick it out with Jesus and get to heaven. In today’s world many Christians lack the strong determination for a holy life. We think it just comes automatically. It doesn’t. We will fall into sin and selfishness unless we recommit daily. We will fall for distractions and temptations if we don’t recommit often. We will give up and seek a soft and less demanding life than what the Gospel offers if we 388 | VESTNIK 2023 don’t re-commit daily. The secular culture is dominating. We will simply go along to get along and cut Jesus out as an old afterthought from childhood, unless we re-commit to Him daily. Don’t you see how the devil is prowling around wrecking things? Please don’t give up on following Jesus. Be so filled with the love and power of the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ that you will not falter. Re-commit with a fierce determination. Do it daily. God is so good… love Him back! CHURCH CLEANING Calling on all able-bodied parishioners for a helping hand. After last year’s General Meeting, we had many offers from our members to help where they can. If you are one of those people, starting in September, the St. Gregory’s church cleaning group could definitely use your help. Many of the current members are older and need to retire. By taking their place you would help to continue the tradition of keeping our church a welcoming place to practise our faith. You would be asked to work for approximately 2 hours once every two months, on a day that suits you. Training would be provided to show you where to find supplies and what needs to be done. If you feel that you can donate some time to this task, please call or email Pamela at: 905-304-8719 email: gosgnach@yahoo.com ŠTIPENDIJE ZA ŠTUDIJ V SLOVENIJI Javni razpis za dodelitev štipendije za študij v Republiki Sloveniji za Slovence v zamejstvu in Slovence po svetu za študijsko leto 2023/2024 (339. javni razpis). - Grants for Slovenian minorities abroad and for other Slovenians abroad (deadline: September 30). All information is on the web-page. https://www.srips-rs.si/vsi-razpisi/razpis/stipendije-zaslovence-v-zamejstvu-slovence-po-svetu-za-studijskoleto-20232024-339-jr DRUŠTVO SV. JOŽEFA - BALINANJE 2022 Društvo sv. Jožefa prireja tradicionalno balinanje v soboto, 9. septembra 2023, s pričetkom ob 9:30 uri dopoldne. Društvo si prizadeva, da bi bil to dan veselega druženja. Poskrbljeno bo za varnost nastopajočih igralcev in gledalcev. Tekmovale bodo ekipe s štirimi igralci. Pogostitev bo potekala zunaj na prostem in sicer poenostavljeno z kranjsko klobaso, žemljo in pijačo. Cena na igralca je $10.- v kar je vključena tudi pogostitev, za ostale pa je cena pogostitve $5.Rezervacije za ekipe in za pogostitev sprejemata Frank Novak na številki 905-561-1944 ali Peter Novak na številki 905-928-9984. Odbor društva sv. Jožefa vas vljudno vabi. St Joseph’s Society will be hosting their Annual Bocce Tournament on Saturday September 9th, 9:30 a.m. This year, the tournament will have a simple and safe approach to ensure everyone will have a good time. Teams of 4 will be allowed, to be followed by an outdoor lunch. The lunch will include a “kranjska klobasa” on a bun and a beverage. Bocce players cost is $10 with lunch included. Anyone wishing to join for lunch only is $5. To reserve a team or lunch only, please contact Frank Novak 905-561-1944 or Peter Novak 905-928-9984. VESTNIK 2023 | 389 O BVESTILA - A NNOUNCEMENTS KOLEDAR DOGODKOV - Sept. 1-4 - Slovenski Park - Labour Day: Baseball Tournament; Mass Sunday at 1:00 PM. - Sept. 9 - Društvo sv. Jožefa - Bocce Tournament - Sept 10 - London - Mass at 3PM - St. John the Divine Church - Sept. 16 - Midland - Komemoracija, križev pot, masa ob 12h - Sept 17 - St. Gregory the Great - Jesenski banket - Fall Banquet; Mass at 10 AM. - Oct 1 - Lipa Park - Thanksgiving Luncheon - Oct 14 - Bled - Oktoberfest - Oct 28 - Slovenski Park - Oktoberfest Band: Golden Keys CLEANING OF THE CHURCH - Sept. 16th - Gosgnach team please call Diana Blas 647-225-2527 or email: mladiglasplanika@hotmail.com Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary! MARMORA Romanje z avtobusom v Marmoro bo 8. septembra 2023, na praznik Marijinega rojstva. Ob 8h zjutraj bo v naši cerkvi sveta maša in ob 8:45 odhod. Cena prevoza na osebo je $55.- Prihod nazaj v Hamilton okrog 8:00 p.m. Za rezervacijo sedeža pokličite najkasneje do 5. septembra: Catharine: 905-318-2242 ali Angela: 905-9307442. DRUŠTVO SV. JOŽEFA POGREB - FUNERAL Letos bo Društvo sv. Jožefa zopet organizirali turnir v balinanju - Bocce Tournament in sicer v soboto, 9. septembra. Več podrobnosti v naslednjem Vestniku. V torek, 29. avgusta 2023, je Bog poklical k sebi našega Farana Marjana Svoljšak. Od njega ste se lahko poslovili v Donald V . Brown Funeral Home v četrtek, 31. avgusta med 3 in 5 p.m. Ob treh popoldne smo se zbrali k molitvi rožnega venca za pokoj njegove duše. Pogrebno mašo smo darovali v naši cerkvi v petek, 1. septembra ob 10h dopoldne, potem pa ga pospremili k večnemu počitku na Mountview Gardens pokopališče. Iskreno sožalje ženi Amaliji in sinovoma Davidu in Franku. Pokojnemu Marjanu pa večni mir in pokoj. MLADI GLAS PLANIKA SLOVENIAN DANCE GROUP Mladi Glas Planika Slovenian Dance group would like to invite all children (senior kindergarten or older) and youth in our community to join us for a new season as we begin preparations to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024. All new and returning dancers are asked to attend registration and first practice on Tuesday, September 12th and Tuesday September 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Slovenian parish. For more info 390 | VESTNIK 2023 CWL NEWS Our first CWL meeting will take place on Sept.13th after 7:00 PM Mass in our youth room. Representatives from the Hamilton Diocese will be making a presentation about their Unity and Outreach initiative. We welcome all members to attend this meeting and learn more about this Unity and Outreach project. Na račun »Eno Srce, Ena Duša« - »One Heart, One Soul« ste za našo slovensko župnijo sv. Gregorija Velikega do25. avgusta 2023 pripevali: $182,052.Hvala vsem, ki ste že prispevali. Naš cilj je, da dosežemo vsoto 200.000,- MAŠE 5. IN 6. SEPTEMBER V torek 5. in sredo 6. septembra v župniji ne bo svete maše, ker smo duhovniki hamiltonske škofije na obveznem letnem seminarju v Allistonu. V ponedeljek, 4. septembra, bo sv. maša ob 7h zvečer prav tako v četrtek, 7. sept. Svet e maše - Masses 22. NEDELJA MED LETOM 3. SEPTEMBER Angelska nedelja Gregor Veliki papež-cerkveni učitelj DON BOSCO † †† † † † † † †† † † †† † V tem tednu so naslednje obletnice smrti faranov, ki so zapisani v naših knjigah: Pelcar Glavač Zver Šporer Kraševec Štefanec Čurič Berkopec Kline Za žive in rajne župljane Štefan Kreslin Rozina in Mike Novak Lojzka Saje Leopold Kline Slavko Slobodnik Ana Doma Alojz Zorko, obl. Pokojni člani društva Jože Pust Francka Pust Frank in Slavka Mramor Janez Adamič, obl. Paula Viktor John Elizabeth Julija Marija Michael Frank Francis Joseph Ljudmila September 4, 2018 September 4, 2020 September 5, 1972 September 5, 1995 September 6, 2002 September 7, 1971 September 7, 1983 September 8, 1999 September 8, 2005 10:00 A.M. - - - - - - Štefan in Francka Antolin Družina Mertuk Jožica Novak z družino Toni in Marija Franc z družino Žena olga z družino Rose Massei Milan in Sandy Ferletič z družino 1:00 P.M. Slovenski Park Družina Pust Družina Pust Sin Frank z družino Hči Lorie Mramor z družino SV. MAŠE - MASSES: Mon. to Fri.: 7:00 P.M.; Saturday: 5:30 P.M. (Slo); Sunday: 9:30 A.M. (Slo); 11:00 A.M (Eng) - From July to Fall Banquet only 10:00 A.M. - KRSTI / BAPTISMS: For an appointment, call one month before. POROKE / MARRIAGE: By appointment, call one year before the wedding date. SPOVED / CONFESSIONS: First Friday of the month 6 to 7:00 P.M. (or by appointment) BOLNIKI - Sporočite, če je kdo bolan ali v bolnišnici, da ga obiščemo. You are welcome to call for a personal conversation with your priest – please call for an appointment. Tel: 905-561-5971 or Cell: 905-520-2014 VESTNIK 2023 | 391 SVETE MAŠE - MASSES PONEDELJEK - MONDAY 4. SEPTEMBER Rozalija (Zalka), dev. † Mary Hochevar † Viktor Glavač, obl. TOREK - TUESDAY 5. SEPTEMBER 7:00 P.M. Mia Goodfellow z družino Žena Olga z družino Danes ne bo maše v župniji - Today is no Mass in the Church Mati Terezija, red. ust. SREDA - WEDNESDAY 6. SEPTEMBER Danes ne bo maše v župniji - Today is no Mass in the Church Zaharija, prerok ČETRTEK - THURSDAY 7. SEPTEMBER Regina, mučenka PETEK - FRIDAY 8. SEPTEMBER Rojstvo Device Marije SOBOTA - SATURDAY 9. SEPTEMBER Peter Klaver, red. Gorgonij, mučenec †† Štefan in Gizella Raj † John Tonaj † Marjan Svoljšak, 7 dan. 7:00 P.M. Family Mary Ray in Regina Bell Žena Amalija z družino † † †† †† Stane Napast Frančiška Napast Marija Svašnik in družina Ignac in Marija Horvat 7:00 P.M. Ljudmila Pinter z družino Ljudmila Pinter z družino Sestra Ana Gergyek Marija Hočevar †† † † † † † †† †† Marija in Nik Skalij Ana Nedelko Jože Gačnik Ana Doma Jože Rajner Christopher Nesich Toni in Marija Kociper Terezija in Rudi Hajdinjak 5:30 P.M. Jožica Vlašič z družino Marija Korošec z družino Družina Malevič Tončka Smodiš z družino Tončka Smodiš z družino Tončka Smodiš z družino Martin in Regina Nedelko Martin in Regina Nedelko †† † 23. NEDELJA † MED LETOM †† † 10. SEPTEMBER †† Nikolaj Toletinski, spk. † †† 392 | VESTNIK 2023 Za žive in rajne župljane 10:00 A.M. Paula (obl.) in Franc Pelcar Max Pavličič Ivan Glavač Pavel in Paul Richard Novak Kline Leopold Terezija (obl.) in Rudi Hajdinjak Jože Balajc Pokojni Slovenci iz Londona 3:00 P.M. ------Stan Pelcar & Josie Dubé z družino Helen Špiler Štefan in Francka Antolin z družino Jožica Novak z družino Olga Slobodnik z družino Dragica in Lojze Ferenčak z družino Lojze in Dragica Ferenčak z družino St. John the Divine - London