FROM THE PASTOR

On behalf His Excellency, Bishop Edyvean, Fr. Donohoe, Deacon Crump, I want to express our thanks to all of you for making this Easter such a prayerful experience for us. The beautiful manner in which the Church was decorated, the extraordinary musical ministry, the wonderful liturgical ministers, and the participation of so many people made these days such a powerful moment for us all. We are also very grateful to you for your many expressions of support for us as we serve the Lord in your midst. The wonderful days of Easter remind all of us of the privilege that is ours to be part of Christ's Body, the Church and the joy that comes from our participation in His victory over death. Because of His triumph, we have nothing to fear and we are able to face the future with confidence knowing that God always fulfills His promises. The gift of your friendship, your support, and your prayers are vivid reminders of how God provides for those who serve Him. May God bless you for all that you do for us.

Since this Sunday is DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, we invoke the intercession of SAINT FAUSTINA as we strive to be more faithful in our response to God's never failing mercy. As a people who have been blessed with so many spiritual riches, we pray that we may always make a return to the Lord for His goodness to us. Our Catholic faith is a precious gift given to us through our Baptism and it requires all of us to stay focused on the Lord as we strive to do His will. Like St. Thomas, we are often tempted to demand proof of the Lord's Resurrection and yet, when all is said and done, we must kneel with Thomas and exclaim that Jesus is "My Lord and My God." The greatest proof of the Lord's Resurrection comes not from the countless theological books that have been written over the centuries but rather from the millions of people who have lived their Catholic faith in their daily lives. The many small acts of kindness that people have performed without any fanfare have displayed their belief in Christ and make evident to the world that JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.

One of the most powerful witnesses that we can give of our Catholic faith is our prayerful devotion to the Lord Who is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We are most fortunate at St. Patrick's to be able to spend some time in the Lord's presence in the ADORATION CHAPEL, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. What a great gift this is to our parish and to our Church. I want to encourage all of you who are able to spend some time in quiet prayer with Jesus and to renew your friendship with Him. As we grow closer to the Lord during this special time of prayer, we should be able to become more like Him and bear a more effective witness to Him.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 4/18    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  William K. Donahue, Robert Lane, Marjorie O'Leary,Edna Lambert
Mon. 4/19   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick   
Tues. 4/20   8:00 AM John Schumway   
Wed. 4/21   8:00 AM Antonio & Filomena Grupposo   7:30 PM Nicola Theresa & Anselmina Valenti
Thur. 4/22   8:00 PM Vincent S. Javier
Fri. 4/23   8:00 AM Dr. Marvin Kendrick-(living)
Sat. 4/24     8:00 AM Peter & Jeanette Onorato, Nikki Varrichione

PLEASE PRAY FOR Dave Markow, Susan McIntosh, Anna Amendolla, Marion Welch, Laura Tomlin, Lucy Grupposo, 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 Frank Sophis, Jerry F. Bellofatto, Helen Reagan, John W. Antalek, Jr., and Kathleen McElhinney.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of April 18th will burn in prayer for Benilde Pedini, Mario Harabalja and Michelle Carmichael.

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.

Office Closed

The Parish offices will be closed on Monday, April 19th in observance of the Patriot's Day holiday.

WON'T YOU HELP US…………….?
WE WANT OUR LAVA LAVA ISLAND TO BE "E-R-U-P-T-I-N-G" WITH OVER 100 KIDS!!!!!
This will be an Island Adventure the children and YOU won't forget! BUT… We need YOUR help to make it happen!

WE NEED HELP IN:
GAMES TEACHERS, DRAMA HELP, SINGING HELP, SET DESIGN HELP, CRAFTS HELP, SNACK HELP, KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS……AND MORE!
PLEASE CALL NANCY MAGUIRE FOR MORE INFO 508-655-1017

ST. PATRICK'S SUMMER BIBLE CAMP

When: JULY 26 - 30, 2004; 8:45am-12:15pm

Where: Montrose School - Across from St. Pat's

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

"As we come to the Table, may we be filled to abundance with the Love and Grace of our Savior Jesus Christ". As a parish, we continue to pray for our 2nd grade students as they approach First Communion on May 1st and 2nd.

Summer opportunities/needs in the Religious Education Program

All students are invited to participate in the MAY CROWNING on May 9th during the 9:00am Mass. Help us to honor Mary, our Mother and the Queen of Heaven and Earth with songs, prayers and a special crown of flowers. To participate or to help with planning please contact Melisa at 508-907-6220

The Office of Religious Education is looking for a High School student to catalogue our videos into a database over the summer. This would be a huge service to our catechists who use these videos as teaching tools throughout the year. Schedule is flexible. Please call Melisa in Religious Ed to set up an appointment 508-907-6220 or religiouseducation@attglobal.net

Will you be 16 before Aug 14 2005? Is God calling you to go to the World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Koln Germany? An awesome experience awaits, beyond all of your expectations. More Info to come.

CAR WASH

Come support our Religious Ed students in their final service project of the year -
a car wash to support the St Vincent de Paul Society Sunday April 25th 12:30-3:00pm in the Montrose Parking lot (enter by Lincoln St., exit by Wilson St.) $5.00 per car, $7.00 per van Please tell your friends and neighbors to stop by!

Summer Dates Are Here!

As promised, here are the dates of summer gatherings and camps:
· Middle School Harbor Cruises Monday June 21, Monday June 28 8:00-10:00pm Cost $15.00
· The CLI (Catholic Leadership Institute) program will be held at Merrimack College from July 19-23.
· High School Harbor Cruise July 26 8:00-11:00pm Cost $20.00
· The Gospel Road I Service week will be held at Oakhurst Retreat House in
Whitinsville, MA from August 9-13.

World Youth Day Information Meeting

An important information meeting for parents and students interested in registering and learning more about the World Youth Day 2005 in Koln will be held on Sunday May 2nd at 6:30pm in the lower church hall. We will be showing a short dvd explaining World Youth Day, share some experiences of those who have attended a World Youth Day gathering in the past and outline the details of participating in this upcoming World Youth Day with the Archdiocese of Boston through St Patrick Parish. Students must be at least 16 years old by the departure date of August 14th 2005. Keep in mind, "Youth" includes all those between 16 years old and 35 years old.

ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS

ALL LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND ADULT ALTAR SERVERS
As many are aware all CCD Volunteers were required to complete the Child Abuse Prevention Program per directive of the Archdiocese and Conference of Bishops. This consisted of 2 videos and discussion. Those attending found the program very informative. WE ARE NOW REQUIRED to have ALL VOLUNTEERS attend a session of this program. We have scheduled three sessions:

Apr 14 - 9 to 11 AM  Apr 27 - 9 to 11 AM   May 27 - 7 to 9 PM

All sessions will be in the lower church hall. Please call Deacon Crump at the rectory (508 653-1093) to schedule attending one of these sessions. Interested parishioners may also attend, but please let us know when you will be attending. If one of these sessions is not convenient, please call Deacon Crump at the rectory and inform him of your availability and we will schedule a session in the near future. Again, all the volunteers must complete this program.

Hymnal Memorials

We are happy to announce that the Memorials are now in the front covers of our Gather Hymnal. Thank you for your patience and generosity. The donations we have received so far have paid for only a third of the initial cost. Once again we would like to invite you to purchase a Memorial for a deceased family member, friend or loved one, a gift to the church in your name, or a new addition to you family. Your request should be in an envelope containing the printed name of the memorial and a twenty-five dollar check made payable to St. Patrick Church.

EVENING OF PRAYER

Please join us for the next Parish Evening of Prayer on Monday, April 26th, at 7:30 p.m. We will pray the Stations of the Resurrection which begin with Christ's rising from the dead and end with Pentecost. Let us walk this pilgrimage of faith together as daughters and sons of the Light and witnesses of the Risen Lord. We will meditate on the Resurrection of Christ and discover the pathway of Light that Christ blazes through our lives.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with the May Evening of Prayer which will be held on Monday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. We will be praying the iving Rosary as we did last year, and we need people to volunteer to help hold candles and pray the rosary with us. Please let us know if you are willing to help by praying one Hail Mary or one Our Father that evening. Sign up sheets are available in the rear of the Church, or you may contact the Rectory during the week to sign up.

Thank you, and we look forward to our participation in all the Evenings of Prayer. Please invite your friends and family to join us for these prayerful evenings as well.

Peace & Justice Ministry's Parish Food Collection

Thank you for all your donations to the weekly food drop-off, which is located in the left-hand corner in the vestibule of the church. We bring your donations to the Natick Food Pantry on East Central St. on the first week of the month, and to A Place To Turn, on Hartford St., during the second-fourth weeks. If there is a fifth Sunday, the food collection is picked up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The pantries accept all basic non-perishable food products. Items which are a source of protein are especially welcome (beans, hash, beef stew). Currently, A Place To Turn is low on Size 4 diapers, shampoo, peanut butter, cereal, baby wipes, coffee, juice, paper towels and macaroni & cheese. Outdated food items are not accepted.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Bible Study, Thu 4/22, 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.

Divine Mercy Celebration

On Sunday, April 18 from 1:00-4:30PM there will be a celebration in honor of Divine Mercy at the Spiritual Life Center of Marian Community, 154 Summer Street (Route 126) in Medway. This celebration will include a talk by noted author Kathleen Keefe, the praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a Mass with Enthronement Ceremony, and the opportunity for Confession. For further information, please call 508-533-5377.

Pastoral Care to the Sick And Homebound

How can someone who is ill at home still feel connected to the parish?
What skills do I need to fill this need?
Consider our six week course: Tuesday evenings
April 13-May 18, 7-9:30pm
St Ann's Parish Hall, Wayland
Call 508-358-2985 to register.

The Marian Ministry invites you to join us on Monday, April 19th, at 7:30pm in the Lower Church, as we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. All are welcome

If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Sharon Cowles at 508-655-5139

PRE-SCHOOL STORY HOUR

Due to vacation week there will NOT be a story hour on Friday, April 23rd.

OPERATION RICE BOWL

Remaining Rice Bowl donations will be collected in the Sunday Mass collection baskets. Please place the returns in an appropriately marked envelope. Many thanks for your support of this most worthy cause. Saint Patrick Peace and Justice Ministry

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.

Healing Mass for Mike Fitzgerald Friday, April 23, 2004 7 p.m. - St. Linus Parish

Please join us as we pray and offer a Healing Mass for our beloved friend, Mike. Inspired by Jesus' promise that "for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20), we will turn to Jesus on this evening with our intercessory prayer request.

Placing our trust in Jesus' love and mercy.

Reception to follow

If you would like to help please call Jane@ 508-653-5505 or Ann Marie at 508-653-0772 or email amcarnazza@comcast.net

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