Saturday 15 August is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven. Since this solemnity is celebrated on a Saturday this year there is no obligation to attend Mass for the Holy Day. The 8:30 Saturday morning Mass at Notre Dame de Lourdes will be a celebration of the Assumption. The 4:30 evening Mass on Saturday 15 August will be the anticipated Mass for Sunday of the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
“The august mother of God, mysteriously united from all eternity with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree, immaculate in her conception, a virgin inviolate in her divine motherhood, the wholehearted companion of the divine Redeemer who won complete victory over sin and its consequences, gained at last the supreme crown of her privileges – to be preserved immune from the corruption of the tomb, and, like her Son, when death had been conquered, to be carried up body and soul to the exalted glory of heaven, there to sit in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the ages.” – Munificentissimus Deus (The Most Bountiful God) Pope Pius XII, 1 November 1950.
Our parish Youth Ministry commenced with Mass and an orientation meeting on Sunday 2 August. Thank you to all who joined with us giving praise and worship to God as well as sharing fruitful ideas for the future of this nascent ministry at Our Lady of Peace. Our next gathering will be at Our Lady of Peace Church on Sunday 4 October at 6pm. All are most welcome.
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the pathway to baptism and full communion into the Roman Catholic Church. The OCIA is designed for:
- Those who are unbaptized – the catechumens – who are seeking the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion
- Those who were baptized in a Christian faith who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Faith through the Sacraments of Confirmation, and Holy Communion
- Those who were baptized Catholics and received Holy Communion, but who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation
The OCIA assists people who are in one of these three groups who desire to receive the Sacraments of initiation and to be welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church. Our parish OCIA commences its weekly meetings in September. You are most welcome to invite anyone – a Catholic who has not been confirmed, a non-Catholic who wishes to explore the teachings of the Catholic Faith, or an unbaptized adult, to explore our OCIA. More information about the OCIA can be obtained by contacting Deacon Bill Koniers at dnkoniers@olpparish.org , or by phone: 203-395-6242. Thank you! – “Go out and invite to the feast whomever you find.” Matthew 22:9
The Mass Book of the 2027 Liturgical Year will open at the Rectory on Monday 5 October at 9:30 am. Mass intentions are $10. There is a limit of five Mass requests during the first week of the Mass Book opening. There are still Mass intentions remaining for the current liturgical year. Please come to rectory office (Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm) if you would like to schedule Masses to be celebrated during 2026. Thank you.
“There are both heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the brightness of the heavenly is one kind and that of the earthly another. The brightness of the sun is one kind, the brightness of the moon another, and the brightness of the stars another. For star differs from star in brightness. So also is the resurrection. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful, it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.” 1 Corinthians 15:40-44
Mass Readings and reflection questions for the 19th Ordinary Sunday (Cycle A) – 9 August 2026
1st Kings 19:9a, 11-13a – For whom would you sit through a severe storm awaiting their arrival? Who would do so for you? / What was the most tempestuous weather event you have experienced? Who, or what helped you to stay calm? / When have you ever felt like hiding your face in your cloak? Why? Who pulled the cloak away from your face? / How does God get your attention?
Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 – R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. – The Lord proclaims peace. How well are you, are we listening? / The psalmist makes these virtues sound like summer vegetables ready in a garden. For what are you awaiting to spring out?
Romans 9:1-5 – What is the anguish that St. Paul is experiencing? Have you ever felt frustration or anguish with loved ones who have forgotten the glory of their relationship with the Lord? What steps, or prayers can be taken to keep them engaged in the practice of their faith?
Matthew 14:22-33 – What is your favorite place to pray? Why? Do you prefer to pray privately or with a group? / Compare and contrast the disciples’ fear with Elijah from the First Reading. / When have you left the safety of your boat to walk on the water? What was the result? / What is the quantity or quality of your faith? What keeps your faith strong? What reassurances do you receive when questions or doubts visit? / St. Matthew uses the phrase “did him homage” with the visit of the Magi at Epiphany. “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:2). Compare and contrast that event with the homage offered by the relieved disciples in this reading.