FROM THE PASTOR

I have asked the members of the PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL to address the parish at all of the Masses this weekend in order to help all of us understand the crucial role that this Council plays in the life of the parish. The Council is the primary advisory body to the pastor and is responsible with the organization, promotion, and review of the various parish ministries and programs. The members are also charged with the mission of developing the long range goals of the parish and charting its future. I believe firmly in the active involvement of the laity in the activities of the Church and I want to encourage all of you to prayerfully consider accepting nomination to this Council. I cannot imagine fulfilling my role as Pastor without the advice and assistance of dedicated laity, and I know that as we look to our future, there are many serious concerns that need our attention. One example of this is the situation with the Montrose School. We have been notified that the school has purchased property in order to build a new school and therefore expects to vacate our school building within the next 3-5 years. We need to be planning how we can best utilize this space in accord with the over all mission of the parish. Whatever the decisions that we make in this regard will have significant impact on the entire parish and community for years to come. With your involvement and advice, together we can devise a pastoral plan of action that meets the needs of our parish family. Nominations will continue to be accepted by the Nominating Committee through Wednesday, January 22nd. There are further details in the bulletin.

This Wednesday, January 22nd is also the 30th anniversary of the tragic decision of the US Supreme Court in which our country legalized the destruction of human lives through abortions. As Catholics, we reaffirm our conviction that all life, from the moment of its conception through natural death is indeed sacred because it is a gift from God. Only God can determine when life begins and ends. It is inconceivable that anyone who follows the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ, would support the destruction of life under any circumstances. It is amazing that the Second Vatican Council called abortion an "unspeakable crime" and yet today we are almost immune to the large numbers of people destroyed each day through abortion. The innocent and most vulnerable among us deserve better and we, called by God as His disciples, are commissioned by God to be their consistent advocates and we cannot be silent. In our parish, we are blessed to have a vibrant Respect Life Ministry and the Seamless Garment Commission that promote a consistent ethic of life. I want to take this opportunity, as we reflect upon the horrors that have been wrought by this infamous decision, to invite you to become more actively involved in these ministries so that we can change this "culture of death" that pervades our society.

We observe Martin Luther King Day on Monday and this provides us an opportunity to recall how racial prejudice can harm people. This evil stems from a lack of respect for life and we believe that all people deserve that respect for we are all sacred to God. Let us never forget that "whatever we do to one, we do to God."

If you are a New Parishioner, please introduce yourself to the priest after Mass or at the Rectory. We want to know you and serve you. We welcome and invite you to become active members of our St. Patrick Parish Community

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 1/19     5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Edna Lambert, Roderick MacDonald
Mon. 1/20     8:00 AM Mass of the Sick
Tues. 1/21    8:00 AM James & Anna Phillips
Wed. 1/22     8:00 AM Ken & Doris Ferguson     7:30 PM Lucio Truviano
Thur. 1/23    8:00 AM Meghan Tierney
Fri. 1/24       8:00 AM Charles J. Keeney
Sat. 1/25      8:00 AM Nicholas Inferrere

PLEASE PRAY FOR Ralph Disney, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, John Healey, Robert Conlin, Robert Cox and all the sick of the parish, as well as all the faithful departed especially Lillian Allen and Mary Mabee.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of January 19 will burn in prayer for Thomas & Mary Haley, Mark E. Lienhard, the Brochu Family, Grace Tiberio, Joaquin & Rui Sanchez, Brother Bernard O.S.M., and the Vicente Family.

If you would like a LAMP in our Church or Adoration Chapel burning for one week, in memory of a loved one or for a special intention, please call the rectory (508) 653-1093.

We are now accepting registration for Baptism for the month of March. The Sacrament of Baptism for the month of March will be on March 9th. Please call Deacon Jim Crump at the rectory at 508-653-1093 to register for Baptism Preparation which will take place on Sunday, March 2nd.

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, January 20 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Parish Support January 12, 2003

Budgeted Offerings = $18,000.00 Actual Offerings = $12,981.00 Deficit = -$5,019.00

In order to reach our budgeted expenses, we are asking each parishioner to increase their weekly contribution by a minimum of $3. Thank you for your generous response.

Envelope Users = $9,314.00 + Non-Envelope Users = $3,667.00 Total = $12,981.00

343 envelopes used for an average donation $27.15.

Stewardship

In today's first reading we hear Samuel respond eagerly, "Here I am!" each time the Lord calls him. May we, too, be listening for the call of God in our lives and be ready to say like the Psalmist, "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."

THANK YOU

A special thank you to our Eucharistic Ministers who bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who are homebound or in hospitals and nursing homes. We know that the Lord is our strength in times of greatest need and vulnerability. As Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist we are sent forth to feed others in His name.. If anyone has ever received our Lord at these times or brought the Lord to someone unable to come to Mass, you know what a grace filled moment it is for both parties. Thank you and God bless all who give of their time to do this important outreach!

A THANK YOU FROM ANNE REILLY...

Kentucky Mission

Thank you again to everyone who supported my Kentucky Medical Mission with the Glen Mary sisters with your prayers and supplies. As you can see from the three notes below, you continue to help the needy in Kentucky through the Jesse Tree.

Dear all the good & generous people of St. Patrick Parish,
My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift cards. You may be sure they will be used to help many people. I hope you will receive many blessings in the New Year.
Love,
Sister Regina Marie
St. Susan's Parish, Elkton, Ky

These gifts made a merrier Christmas for many of Todd County's needy because of you wonderful people.
Fr. Frank Ruff
Todd County Interfaith Center

Thanks a million for the Big Care Package. Love and Happy New Year.
Sr. Catherine & Sr. Bernadette
St. Mary Parish, Guthrie, Ky.

God Bless You All,
Anne Reilly

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME...

To assist at Carmel Terrace - We are an assisted living residence run by the Carmelite sisters in Framingham and we're presently looking for volunteers to assist with our ongoing events as well as day trips

Please call Heather McDonald At 508-788-8000 if you are interested in becoming one of our volunteers

Volunteers Needed to help with refreshments for Sunday morning Religious Education Classes. Can you pick up a box of Munchkins? Pour orange juice? Make coffee? Set up or clean up? Sign up for one Sunday or one Sunday a Month or every week. What ever you can manage. Please contact Manni LaCount at patricknatmanni@aol.com or call (508) 653-7542.

3 Hall Monitors are needed for Wednesday evenings. Are you available between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Wednesday evenings, please call Manni at the Religious Ed Office. We need your help!

Snow Cancellation Reminder If Natick Public Schools are cancelled, religious education is cancelled. If the snow starts after school, a message will be placed on the Religious Education answering machine at 508-653-7542.

CHURCH TOUR BY THE FIRST GRADE

ENTRANCE EXAM FOR MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

Marian High School is an Archdiocesan Central Catholic, college preparatory, co-educational secondary school that serves students primarily from the Metrowest region of Boston. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to providing a Christian environment in which students are encouraged to fulfill their academic, spiritual and social potential. Marian will offer its own entrance exam on Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 8:00am at the high school. To pre-register or for more information call Robert Anspach, Admissions Director at 508-875-7646.

ST. TARCISIUS SCHOOL
560 Waverly Street
Framingham, MA 01702
508-872-8188
St. Tarcisius School celebrates Catholic School Week from 1/26/03 - 1/31/03. This year's theme is: Catholic Schools: Making a World of Difference. Please join us at our Open House and Science Fair on Tuesday evening January 28th at 6:30pm. For information and a brochure, please call the school at 508-872-8188. Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 6:30pm St. Tarcisius School is having a special Open House for parents interested in our Kindergarten program. All Kindergarten students must be 5 years of age by August 31st.

OPEN HOUSE
Saint bridget school
Route 9, Framingham
St. Bridget School will be holding an Open House 2003-2004 for prospective families on Tuesday, January 28, 2003. This is Catholic School Week. We invite you to come and see our school to learn more about our programs. The morning session will be held beginning at 9:00am. A welcoming coffee, provided by the Parent, Teachers Organization, is followed by classroom visits from 9:30 to 10:00am. Tours will be offered, if requested, following classroom visits. Our school setting offers Pre-K for 4 year olds; Full-Day Kindergarten for 5 year olds and Grades 1 - 8, featuring a strong academic foundation and smaller classes for Middle School. Children must be age 4 by Sept. 1st for Pre-K; age 5 by Sept 1st for Kindergarten. Limited openings for Grades 1-7 will be available. The School Admissions Office is reachable for further information on Tues., Wed. & Thurs. by calling 508-875-0181, ext. 225.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

It is not too late...
The Parish Pastoral Council is seeking nominations for new members to fill vacant and newly-created positions. To ensure our parish family is more appropriately represented on this council, we are seeking nominations for people to represent the following:
Seniors (1)
Families (1)
Singles (2)
Young Adults (2)

It is our hope that these new positions combined with the existing membership will provide us with true representation of our entire parish family. The commitment to serve on this council is three years. Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:15pm. Members are also expected to join subcommittees of other Commissions in order to keep the Council informed and involved in all parish activities. Nominations will be collected by the Nominating Committee. This committee is seeking five names from each of the above categories from which the desired number of candidates will be selected. Nominations must be received by the Nominating Committee no later than Wednesday, January 22nd. Names for each category will be placed in a basket to be prayed over, chosen, and announced at Masses during the weekend of February 2nd, the Third Sunday of Advent. Names that were nominated, but not chosen will remain anonymous. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the Parish Pastoral Council, please submit the name and category being represented as soon as possible to the Nominating Committee, or call the Rectory at (508) 653-1093. If you need more information as to the role of this Council, call Pat Jacobs, the Vice-Chairperson, at (508) 655-7257.

Nomination Committee Members:
Pat Jacobs 508-655-7257
Barbara Peoples 508-655-6326
Artie Fair 508-653-6281
Mike Aries 508-653-4212

There will be an Adoration Ministry meeting of the Hourly Coordinators on Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30pm in the Joseph Center.

Fellowship of Young Adults

Bible Study, Thu 12/19, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. We're studying Matthew. For more info contact Jonathan jms2586@yahoo.com, 617-852-0567.

IMAX Theater, Sat 1/25. We're going to check out the new IMAX Theater at Jordan's Furniture Saturday afternoon. Contact Eric, eje@ewanco.com, 508-845-5008.

Pine Street Inn, Sat 2/1, 4pm. Help us serve dinner to the poor at Pine Street Inn in Boston. Contact Eric, eje@ewanco.com, 508-845-5008.

Reflecting a Consistent Ethic of Life

Seamless Garment Reflection

"The great lie of our age is that we are powerless in the face of the compromises, structures and temptations of mass culture. But we are not powerless. We can make a difference! We belong to the Lord; in Him is our strength and through His grace we can change the world!

US Catholic Bishops Living the Gospel of Life 1998

The Spring 2003 session of Marriage Preparation will be held on March 8th and March 15th (two Saturdays). If you are planning to be married before May 2003, you should attend this session. For more information or to register, call: Mary & Ron Whinnem at 508-655-1463

The Fall 2003 session will be held in October.

Adult Choir

Please note the change in day of the week:

Our Adult Choir will be rehearsing on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm in the Lower Church. Come join in singing, for those who sing pray twice!

ALTAR SERVERS

There will be a meeting of Altar Servers on Wednesday, January 22nd at 4:00pm.for one hour in the Upper Church. Any questions please contact Father Mark Riley at the Rectory, 508-653-1093

top of page