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FROM THE PASTOR As the Church observes WORLD MARRIAGE DAY this weekend, it is essential that each one of us boldly proclaim our conviction as to the true definition of marriage. Marriage has always been understood as the union between one man and one woman, joined together in love for the procreation of the human species. The recent decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has radically altered the definition of marriage as simply the joining of two persons with no reference whatsoever to the purpose of marriage. In the wake of this flawed ruling, Catholics throughout the Commonwealth are urged to contact their State Legislators in order that any change to the definition of marriage be determined by the citizens themselves and not by the arbitrary ruling of four persons. As Catholics, we have always taught that marriage is the exclusive union of one man and one woman and any other proposed understanding of the doctrine of marriage is inconsistent with divine law. As citizens, we recognize the profound benefits to the foundation of society as husbands and wives, in a loving union, raise their children and contribute to the overall good. The alteration of the definition of marriage is not a civil rights issue. Every person is entitled to respect and to be treated with dignity. The Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment is solely a question of what marriage is and what it is not. The union of two persons of the same sex can be called many things but should never be called marriage. I strongly urge each Catholic to contact your elected representative immediately and tell him or her that you disagree with the Court's decision and that you believe that we are entitled to have this question put before us as matter to be decided through our constitutional right to vote. I further urge those who are able to join us today, Sunday, February 8th, at 2:00 PM for a Rally at the State House as we together with all of our fellow citizens unequivocally state our conviction that marriage has been, is now, and always should be understood as a union between one man and one woman. This Monday, February 9th, we will have our monthly EVENING OF PRAYER as part of our parish's ongoing program of spiritual renewal. This month we will celebrate Mass for the Sick and will offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for those who wish to receive it. This wonderful sacrament offers healing and comfort for those who are infirm and joins them in a unique way to the sufferings of Christ. I wish to invite all parishioners to join us for the Mass at 7:30 PM in the Church and to pray with and for our infirm brothers and sisters. There will be refreshments served in the Hall after Mass. In accord with the request of Archbishop Sean O'Malley, I have established a PARISH RECONFIGURATION COMMITTEE to work with the Natick Parish Cluster of St. Linus, Sacred Heart, and St. Patrick's. BARBARA PEOPLES and MAUREEN O'BRIEN, ED CORBESIERO and PAUL GERRY, JEAN LORREY and I will work with the other parishes to prepare our collective recommendations by March 8th. I will continue to update you as to the progress. Please continue to pray for our Church as we undertake this important task. Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 2/8 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass
Carlos Varona, Calvin Cutrone Kohart, Edna R. Lambert
PLEASE PRAY FOR Gerry Bellofatto, John Daley, Marie Smith, John Healey, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Kathleen Tokarski, Nickie Lawrence-Archer, Erin McKay, Tony Amendolla, Anne Casperson, Thoma Kean, Chuck Plaistek, Joseph Lombardi, Louis Maffiola, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, Denise Perreault, Rose Kilmer, Amy Flickenger, Paul Cropper, James Philips, Jean Orme, Nadia DeMasi, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish, as well as all the faithful departed, especially Reginald E. Rose and Antonio Armata. SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of February 8 will burn in prayer for Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother, Gerard A. Halpin, Jr., Vincent S. Teso and Antonio Armata. 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. PARISH SUPPORT Budgeted Actual $15,000.00 $12,418.35 $2,581.65 STEWARDSHIP The words of the Psalmist echo the theme of all of today's readings: "Happy are those who hope in the Lord." As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may we bear fruit in due season-assisting the poor, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever we have the chance. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Due to some changes in the availability of our volunteers we are currently looking to fill the following:
Youth Mass 7:00pm in the Upper Church
All High School Students
"SPRING BREAK" There will be no religious education classes From February 15-22. MINISTRY NOTICES
The Saint Patrick Spiritual Development Commission sponsors and evening of prayer on the second Monday of each month. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate in the prayerful evenings in the Church.
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Bible Study, Thu 2/12, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008. ADORATION Could you not watch one hour with me? Mt 26:40 Pope John Paul II says: "Our essential commitment in life is to grow spiritually in the climate of the Holy Eucharist. We have the opportunity here at St. Patrick's where we have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. God is the friend of silence. We need to find God and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. See how nature, the trees, the flowers, the grasses grow in perfect silence…see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life." Blessed Mother Teresa You have a special hour of silence waiting for you. For more information or questions call Carole (508-653-0371) after 3:00pm. Extra coverage is needed for the following hours: Sunday - 9-10am; 12noon-1pm Monday - 1-2am; 2-3am; 6-7am; 7-8am; 4-5pm Tuesday - Midnight-1am; 2-3am; 6-7pm Wednesday - 9-10am; 3-4pm Friday - Midnight-1am; 1-2am Saturday - 2-3am, 3-4am: 1-2pm; 7-8pm If you would like to commit to an hour and none of the above fit your schedule, please sign up for any hour. Questions or information call Carole @ 508-653-0371. ADORATION hourly coordinators
Music Ministry Due to the inclement weather the past several weeks, the donations for the Hymnal Memorials have slowly come in. So far we have collected less than a third needed to help pay for the Hymnals and the cost of the printing of the Memorials. If you still have the envelopes handed out last month please turn them in. If you don't have an envelope, you still have the opportunity to make a donation in remembrance of a family member or friend. Simply state on an envelope the name of the person you would like on the Memorial, along with a check made payable to St. Patrick's Church. We are asking for a donation of at least $25.00 for each Memorial. As our printing deadline is February 14 we would ask that your donations be submitted as soon as possible. Thank you for your generousity and support. Martin Kelly, Music Director Blood Drive St. Patirick's Church will host its
Joanne Rosato has assumed the role of blood drive coordinator and she is in need of help the day of the drive. Please consider donating your time as a volunteer. Contact Joanne at 508-651-3762.
READY TO ESCAPE TO AN ISLAND OF FUN???
ST. PATRICK'S SUMMER BIBLE CAMP
For ages 5 and up… GET READY FOR A TROPICAL ADVENTURE THAT YOU WON'T FORGET! More Information To Come!
******ISLAND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! *******
SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTION
"Opposing abortion and euthanasia does not excuse indifference to those who suffer from poverty, violence and injustice. Any politics of human life must work to resist the violence of war and the scandal of capital punishment. Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism, poverty, hunger, employment, education, housing and health care."
Community events HEALING SERVICE Wednesday, February 11, with Padre Paul McManus, Pastor of Assunsion del la Virgen Maria Parish in Lawrence. The healing service, which is sponsored by the Vision of Peace Prayer Group, starts at 6:45 p.m. The evening includes Rosary, Mass and a time for individual prayer. Contributions of medicines or medical supplies will be accepted for Padre Paul's hospital in Ecuador.Location: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Holliston. R.T. Neary B.S., M Ed, M.A. will be giving a talk entitled Traditional Marriage and the Goodridge Decision at St. Edward's Church, 133 Spring St. in Medfield at 7:30pm February 8th. The Sisters at Bethany are in need of a donated van or pick-up in good condition for their thrift shop. Call Sr. Ruth or Sr. Kathleen 508-376-9923, The Sisters invite all to visit their thrift shop. It is located on Rte. 109 next to the Millis Post Office. Open 7 days from 10-3. They offer furniture, jewelry, books, appliances, kitchenware, toys, household goods, etc. Proceeds support Bethany House Ministries. NURSES WANTED Regina Cleri, the residence for retired priests of the Archdiocese, is seeking the services of a professional nurse (or nurses) at its facility located at 60 William Cardinal O'Connell Way in Boston. Competitive wages, excellent benefits and parking are offered in a very pleasant atmosphere. Kindly contact Msgr. James Tierney, Director 617-523-1861 or Mrs. Mary Drew, RN, Director of Nursing 617-523-7267 or send a resume to either at the above address or fax 617-720-0585. SAINT BRIDGET SCHOOL TOUR Come and see our school! Our next scheduled tour is Wednesday, February 11th at 9:30am for approx. one hour. Applications will be accepted for the 2004 -2005 enrollment. Deadline for March screening is February 13th. For more information visit www.saintbridgetschool.info or contact Mrs. Chris Tramontozzi @ 508-875-0181,X229. Order of Sons of Italy in America, Francesco de Sanctis Lodge No 1411, 37 Washington Ave., Natick
Friends of the Morse Institute Library Book Sale: Saturday, Feb. 14th 9:30-4:30 and Sunday, Feb. 15, 12-3:00. More information available: 508-647-6520 or at www.morseinstitute.org. |
