FROM THE PASTOR

I want to invite all parishioners to an Informational Meeting concerning the MARRIAGE AFFIRMATION AND PROTECTION AMMENDMENT that is currently being debated in the Massachusetts Legislature. We have invited the REV. ROBERT OLIVER, S.T.D, of the Faculty of St. John's Seminary, Ms. MARIA PARKER of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, and Ms. FRANCES X. HOGAN, a well-respected attorney to make a presentation to all of us regarding this issue and what we as Catholic citizens must do to preserve the definition of marriage so that it may be lived as God intended. The meeting will take place on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24TH at 7:30 PM in the CHURCH HALL. The gift of marriage was given by God to unite one man and one woman for the procreation of the human race. The attempts to alter this definition of marriage defy thousands of years of tradition as well as common sense. The advocates of same-sex "marriage" would have us believe that marriage is an inherent civil right open to all and therefore this traditional definition of marriage is discriminatory because it prohibits two people of the same gender from entering into "marriage." However, it is precisely the role of the state to standardize what constitutes marriage and the state has regulated civil marriages for centuries. For example, the state prohibits a man from marrying his sister, a mother from marrying her son, and even cousins from marrying each other. The arguments being advanced to alter the definition of marriage would reduce the institution of marriage to simply the union of two people who profess to love each other and would make no reference to procreation, which is the reason for marriage. While it is clear that people who have a homosexual orientation may have been victimized by prejudice over the years, the solution to this injustice is not the altering of the definition of marriage. The solution is for all of us to live according to God's laws which demand respect for all people and yet acknowledge with gratitude what the Lord gave us when He instit uted marriage as a union between one man and one woman for the purpose of procreation. I hope all parishioners will join us for this discussion and will realize, especially during this Lenten season, what is meant by the imposition of ashes when we heard the words: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

I want also to call your attention to our upcoming Parish Lenten Mission. The theme of this year's mission is "CHRIST IS THE ANSWER" and each night is designed around four critical questions that relate to our spiritual journey. The mission will begin on Sunday, March 28th at 7:30 PM and will continue through Wednesday, March 31st. The events that surround us can only be interpreted and understood by our faith in Jesus Christ. We acknowledge Jesus to be Lord and God and that assertion determines how we are to live. The Gospel that we preach is not our own but is His and we who are privileged to be Catholic are called to be faithful to that message of Love that we have received through the apostles. This Lenten mission is an opportunity to rediscover the implications of our faith and to beg God's grace so that we might bear faithful witness to His Truth by the lives that we live. I hope that all of us will take advantage of this time of grace to grow closer to Him Who offered His Life so that we might have life.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 3/21    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass   Edna Lambert, Chal & Roy Thayer, Edward Majcher
Mon. 3/22   6:30 AM William & Mary Nichols   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick   
Tues. 3/23   6:30 AM Souls in Purgatory   8:00 AM The Coyle Family   
Wed. 3/24   6:30 AM Dennis Dillon   8:00 AM Victims of the terrorist attack in Spain   7:30 PM William & Anne Maloney
Thur. 3/25   6:30 AM Protection of Marriage   8:00 AM Ruth Kennedy.
Fri. 3/26     6:30 AM Vocations to Priesthood 8:00 AM Nicholas J. Cimeno
Sat. 3/27     8:00 AM Spillane & Sims Families   

PLEASE PRAY FOR Susan McIntash, Anna Amendolla, Marion Welch, Laura Tomlin, Gerry Bellofatto, John Daley, Marie Smith, John Healey, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendolla, Anne Casperson, Thoma Kean, Chuck Plaistek, 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 James F. McHale.

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
March 14, 2004

Budgeted               Actual
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $14,103.00           $897.00

STEWARDSHIP

The stewardship message in the parable of the Pridigal Son is that it is never too late to become a good steward. Blessed is the elder brother who had been the good steward all along, but blessed, too, is the prodigal who had to lose all he had in order to understand the value of what he'd been given.

parish Lenten retreat

Please join us for this year's Lenten Retreat which will be held on 4 evenings beginning on Sunday, March 28th, and concluding with Mass on Wednesday, March 31st. The services begin each evening at 7:30PM and will be held in the Upper Church. Refer to the bulletin insert this week for more detailed information on this retreat sponsored by the Saint Patrick Parish Spiritual Development Commission.

Please plan to attend and be sure to invite your family and friends as we join together in prayer during this holy season of Lent.

Stations of the Cross

Please join us in praying the Stations of the Cross every Wednesday of Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the Upper Church.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Reminder!

Parents and students are reminded that the Lenten Reconciliation Service will be on Tuesday March 23rd at 7 pm in the Upper Church
We are looking for helpers to facilitate the First Communion Celebrations, on May 1st (1:00pm) and May 2nd (2:00pm) Especially helpful would be parents of students in 3rd grade and up who know what the day entails!

Are you called to be a catechist, to share your faith and educate this generation?

A Special Thank You

Thank you to our 10th grade students who spent the evening of St Patrick's Day in service to our troops by making rosaries that will be sent to those who need many prayers.

New!

Young Catholic Women's discussion group Mondays 7-8pm in the youth room. All young women in grade 10 and older come learn and live your Catholicism beyond Religious Education. Come let your own holiness flourish in everyday events. For info call Elizabeth Mahoney 508-655-0049. students, you are invited to join the youth group every Sunday evening after the 5:30 Mass to plan, to pray, and to play together. Meetings are held in the youth room downstairs in the Montrose School. Please call Jon Marshall 508-942-6887 for more information.

Youth group news

The youth group will be going disco bowling on March 28th 2004, please contact Jon Marshall 508-942-6887 for more information
Also come find out how you can help make the Tenebrae Service a reality, stop by the youth room Sunday nights 6:30-8:00 pm

Thank you to Brandon, Ashley, Melissa, Dan and everyone else who made the youth Mass another great event, a special welcome to the new members of the youth group. Please join us for the Tenebrae Service which will take the place of the usual monthly Mass on Sunday April 4th at 7:00pm in the Upper Church

Lenten Reconciliation Service

All parents and students are reminded that the Lenten Reconciliation Service will be held on Saturday March 20th @ 1pm (grades 2-5) and on Tuesday March 23rd @ 7 pm both are in the Upper Church

St. Angela, who will teach them?

Are you called to be a Catechist, to share your faith and educate this generation? If not you then who?

Contact Melisa in the religious ed office 508-907-6220 for an appointment

DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE

Defense of Marriage - Action needed before Constitutional Convention reconvenes

As Catholics and as citizens, we are responsible for participating in the decisions made concerning our families and our society. Contact your legislators with a clear message that the so-called "compromise amendment" on marriage and civil unions is not acceptable. Tell them that the people have the right to vote on each issue separately. Find out how to contact your legislators at www.stte.ma.us/legis.

Defense of Marriage Information Meeting Saint Patrick Parish, Wednesday, March 24th, 7:30 p.m.

What is going on in the legislature? What is the Church's position? What are we called to do? Come and find out! All Catholics are strongly encouraged to attend one of the informational meetings being held this week throughout the Archdiocese.

Saint Patrick's Parish will host a Defense of Marriage Information Meeting on Wednesday, March 24th, at 7:30PM in the Lower Church Hall. Please join us.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Bible Study, Thu 3/25, 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.

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Please note that pamphlets dealing with Lenten spirituality are now available in the Adoration Chapel bookrack. Feel free to take them home to share with friends and family. "Catholic Updates" covering topics of interest to concerned Catholics will be provided on a regular basis. In addition, Bibles will be provided in the chapel for use during adoration times.

READY TO ESCAPE TO AN ISLAND OF FUN???

SAVE THE DATE……AND SPREAD THE WORD!

ST. PATRICK'S SUMMER BIBLE CAMP

When: JULY 26 - 30, 2004
Where: Old St. Patrick's School
(Across from St. Patrick's Church)

For ages 5 and up…

GET READY FOR A TROPICAL ADVENTURE THAT YOU WON'T FORGET!

More Information To Come!

******ISLAND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! *******
REQUIREMENTS: LOVE THE LORD AND FUNLOVING!

PLEASE CALL NANCY MAGUIRE FOR MORE INFO 508-655-1017

SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTION
Promoting a Consistent Ethic of Life

"When so many people are hungry, when so many families suffer from destitution, every armaments race becomes an intolerable scandal. We are conscious of our duty to denounce it."
Pope Paul VI

OPERATION RICE BOWL

In today's reading from Joshua the Israelites move from participating in an extraordinary event to the remembrance of it; from miracles to a more normal work-a-day existence; from God providing them miraculous food of manna to the necessity of growing, harvesting, and preparing the unleavened cakes and parched grain themselves. Around the world many men and women have difficulty growing enough food to sustain life. Operation Rice Bowl supports programs that provide people with opportunities to gain more reliable access to food and other necessities. This week Learn how Catholic Relief Services works with people around the world to increase their access to food by reading the Operation Rice Bowl Calendar Guide.

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Perpetual Adoration was started at our parish over eight years ago.
The majority of the adorers have been faithful and committed since the beginning but, unfortunately, for various reasons such as age, death, transfers, there is always a need for new adorers.
Are you someone who likes to stay up late? How about committing to one hour a week between Midnight and 6am. Or are you retired? Do you like to rest after lunch, relax, or watch television? How about doing one hour a week between 12 noon and 5pm.
When Jesus called His apostles from their work to follow Him, He knew they heard Him, not only with their ears, but within their hearts. They heard Him. They listened to Him. They followed Him. They loved Him.
Hear Him with your heart. Come closer to Him. Find One Hour in the week when you can share in the peace and quiet of his abiding love.
Are you listening? Will you follow? Will you call? Carole (508) 653-0371

Sister Parish Fiesta

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 17th in the Lower Church Hall. Peace and Justice Ministry invites you to their annual fiesta to benefit San Jose Las Flores. This year we will be treated to a very talented local group of musicians called WOODWORK. Playing a wide assortment of instruments and songs, their unique musical style is popular in the Metrowest area and exciting to hear. The social hour starts at 7p.m., and music at 8 p.m. Light refreshments, desserts and beverages will be served. Suggested donation: YOU decide. ALL ARE WELCOME

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING

Altar Server Spring Training Camp is officially open. Come and join this miracle team!

· 4th Graders and above are now invited to sign up to be Altar Servers for Sunday Mass.

· Training will be held on Saturday, April 17 & 24 at 10:00 AM in the Upper Church.

Please talk about this opportunity with your children. This is a great opportunity to serve God and the parish community. We hope to make this a banner year for Altar Servers.
Please call Kelly McPherson 508-655-4410 for further information. A Mass For The Unborn will be celebrated at St. Bridget's Church in Framingham on Thursday evening, March 25th at 7:00pm. Bishop Walter J. Edyvean, Regional Bishop of the West Region, will be the principal Celebrant and Homilist. This Mass is sponsored by the Pro Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston. All in the West Region and beyond are encouraged to attend. A light collation will follow in the school hall.

FLEA MARKET

Natick Sons of Italy, 37 Washington Street are having a flea market on Saturday, April 3rd from 9:00am to 3:00pm The proceeds from a couple of tables will go to support Fr. Nick Ciccone's grammar school at St. Margaret's Parish in Dorchester. Any questions please call 508-653-2781

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