FROM THE PASTOR
On behalf of the priests and staff, I want to express our thanks to all of you for making this EASTER such a prayerful and joy-filled experience for all of us. The beautiful manner in which the church was decorated, the wonderful music, the liturgical ministers, the welcoming hospitality ministry, and the participation of so many people made these days such a powerful moment for all of us. We are also very grateful to you for your many wonderful displays of support for us as we strive to serve the Lord in your midst. The past year has been a rough one for all of us, and it is comforting to realize that you are supportive of your priests through your prayers. In the final analysis, the most powerful tool at our disposal is prayer and we are united in our desire to be faithful to the Gospel that has been entrusted to our care. Please continue to pray that we may bear faithful witness to the Truth that Jesus is Lord and that all of our actions will reflect our conviction that HE IS RISEN.
Since this Sunday is DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, we invoke the intercession of St. Faustina as we strive to be more faithful in our response to God's never-ending mercy. As a people who have been blessed with so many spiritual gifts, 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 proof of the Lord's resurrection comes not from the countless theological books that have been written over the centuries but rather from 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 entire world that JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.
Today is BREAD FOR THE WORLD Sunday in our parish. We are inviting all parishioners to come downstairs after Mass and to write a letter urging members of Congress to do everything in their power to help alleviate hunger in our world. Bread for the World supports efforts to feed hungry people but also encourages developmental assistance that will create long-term conditions that will end hunger and poverty. Members of the Peace and Justice Ministry will help you to compose the letters.
Most of you have already received the packets of information for the PROMISE FOR TOMORROW Campaign and I urge you to prayerfully consider making a generous pledge. This campaign is over critical importance to the life of the Church in Boston and by extension to St. Patrick's Parish. Your gift will be used solely for the purpose of supporting the mission of the Church in the areas of healthcare, education, social services, and ministerial formation. Twenty-five percent of all money collected will remain here at St. Patrick's for our own pastoral needs. Pledge cards will be collected at Mass next weekend. Thank you for your support.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 4/27 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass
Luisa Valenti, Leo Flynn, John Newman, Mario Sorrenti, Josephine Cucinotta, Patricia Kaufman, Joan & Paul Daley, Mario Harabalja-
Mon. 4/28 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 4/29 8:00 AM Parish Clergy Past/Present
Wed. 4/30 8:00 AM Souls in Purgatory 7:30 PM Valenti Family
Thur. 5/1 8:00 AM Coyle Family
Fri. 5/2 8:00 AM Helen Woods 7:30 PM Marion Mega
Sat. 5/3 8:00 AM Margaret Connolly
PLEASE PRAY FOR Flo Parrinello, Al Delmonte, Sandra Green, Paul Cropper, James Philips, Amee McNulty, Robert Conlin, Jean Orme, John Baker, Nadia DeMasi, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish, as well as all the faithful departed.
SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of April 27 will burn in prayer for the Brochu family, Grace Tiberio, Mildred McParland, Helen Woods & Carol Woods, Walter, Agnes and John Moran, Ralph C. DiGiandomenico, Jr., and Vincent S. Teso.
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.
HOLY THURSDAY: CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION FOR IRAQ
We received $1,236.00.
GOOD FRIDAY: Our traditional yearly special collection for the Holy Land. $2,858. was donated.
EASTER CLERGY BENEFIT TRUST COLLECTION:
$20,208.10
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Thank You
We would like to thank all the parishioners who came out on Monday to cheer on all the marathon runners. Your cheers and well wishes along with the hundreds of cups of water you handed out and tens of pairs of running shoes you collected was just one more sign of the way St. Patrick's parishioners minister to others. Thank you to all the religious education students who made beautiful banners and signs supporting the runners. A very special thank you goes out to Trisha Fair and Barbara Walsh who coordinated the event.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 27 "Protecting God's Children" Parent Seminar Series, after 9:00 Mass in Our Lady's Hall
April 28 First Communion Dress Rehearsal and Ice Cream Social 6:00-7:30 in the Upper Church (Wed. classes only)
April 30 First Communion Dress Rehearsal and Ice Cream Social 6:00-7:30 in the Upper Church (Sun. classes)
May 3 First Communion Service 1:00 PM for Wednesday classes
May 4 First Communion Service 2:00 PM for Sunday classes
May 8 May Crowning Rehearsal 6:00-7:00 PM in the Upper Church
May 9 Teacher/Volunteer Appreciation Mass and Pot Luck Dinner at 6:30 PM in the Church
May 10 May Crowning Rehearsal 2:00-3:30PM in the Upper Church
May 11 May Crowning during the 9:00 Mass
PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN
Please join us from 10:15-11:30 on April 27th in Our Lady's Hall for the second in our Parent Seminar Series titled, Protecting God's Children. This seminar is designed to help parents teach their children basic skills that will keep them safe from dangerous or sexually abusive situations. Part of the program includes the video "What Do I Say Now?" which is being used nationally, in both parishes and schools to provide parents and caregivers important information on this critical topic. So, come join us while your children are in their religious ed class. Refreshments will be served.
MAY CROWNING
St. Patrick's will hold a May Crowning on Sunday, May 11 during the 9:00 Mass. Girls and boys in grades 1-10 are invited to participate. This special tribute to Mary will be woven throughout the Mass and culminate with the crowning of Mary by one of our youngsters. To participate you must attend two rehearsals to be held in the church on May 8 from 6:00-7:00 PM and May 10 from 2:00-3:30 PM. For more information contact Sharon Cowles 508-655-5139.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FEEDBACK FORMS
Please complete the feedback form your child brought home from their religious education class. We are asking all teachers, volunteers, parents and students in the religious education program to provide us with feedback regarding this year's religious ed program. We depend on feedback from those involved to make informed programmatic adjustments for next year. If you haven't already, please complete the form and return it to Manni LaCount at the Rectory. If you did not receive a feedback form and would like one, contact Manni 508-653-7542. Thank you.
FELLOWSHIP of YOUNG ADULTS (20s & 30s)
First Friday Dinner, Fri 5/2, following 7:30 pm Mass. Join us for our monthly First Friday dinner (Lenten theme this month). Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008.
BREAD FOR THE WORLD SUNDAY
After all the Sunday Masses today, you are invited to come to the Lower Church Hall to write a letter urging Congress to do everything in their power to feed those affected by famine. Members of the Peace & Justice Ministry will be present to assist you.
DIVING MERCY SUNDAY, APRIL 27
HELP WANTED…
In preparation for Memorial Day, the Saint Patrick Cemetery Commission is conducting a Spring Cleaning on Saturday, May 10th, and Saturday, May 17th. We need adult volunteers to assist in this clean up project at Saint Patrick's Cemetery. Help is needed in raking leaves, cleaning sidewalks, and general yard work. Please call the Rectory at 508-653-1093 if you are able to help us with this project. Thank you!!!
The Saint Patrick Cemetery Commission kindly requests that any plants or decorations currently placed on graves be removed prior to May 10th in preparation for our Memorial Day clean up. Any items remaining on graves as of May 10th will be disposed of as part of this clean up effort. Therefore, if you have any special items that you would like to have saved, please pick them up prior to May 10th. Thank you for your cooperation.
Phillip H. Woods,
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Scholarships for St. Patrick
Parish High School Seniors
Seniors in private and parochial schools may pick-up scholarship applications at the rectory or by calling Manni at the Religious Education Office 508-653-7542. Natick High School Seniors have already received the application from the School Guidance Department.
Applications are due by May 5, 2003 and can be handed in at our parish Rectory.
Reminder
Reflecting a Consistent
Ethic of Life
SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTIONS
There will be a Seamless Garment Commission liturgy at 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, April 30 in the Lower Church, with their Spring meeting following Mass in the Lower Church Hall. All are welcome. For more information, contact Kay Pfeiffer at 508-653-2339.
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
BAKE SALE FOR CAMP ARROWHEAD
This weekend is our Camp Arrowhead bake sale. Proceeds are donated to this specialized. Proceeds are donated to this specialized camp for physically challenged children. This fun filled camp allows children to enjoy activities specifically geared to their needs. Please support this worthwhile camp which is operated by the Natick Recreation Department.
SAINT PATRICK PARISH FAMILY OUTING
Sunday, July 27, 2003
At
Glen Ellen Country Club
Please mark your calendars now for this special event.
More information to follow.
OUR LADY OF Medjugorje
"queen of peace"
st. mary & st. ann parishes welcome
VISIONARY, IVAN DRAGICEVIC
Monday, April 28th, 2003
5:00pm - 9:00pm
St. Mary Church
26 Broad Street, Marlborough, MA
5:00 pm Confessions
6:00 pm Rosary / Apparition
7:00 pm Mass
8:00 pm Ivan Dragicevic, Visionary
For more information contact Mary Jo Kriz: 508-341-1843
MILITARY FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP
On Monday, May 5, 2003 from 7-8 PM at the Kennedy Senior Center, 117 East Central St. (Route 135), Natick the Metrowest Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the Department of Veteran Services for the Town of Natick will sponsor a support group for those with family members currently on active duty. This group is open to any family in the Metrowest area and vicinity. The purpose of the group is to allow families to meet each other and share their experiences and feelings. Veterans and others are invited to attend so that they might help in efforts to support these families and their loved ones who are currently on active duty with the military.
For more information call John MacGillivray at 508-647-6545
LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE
On Saturday, May 10, 2003 your Letter Carriers are having their annual food drive. Please leave non-perishable food by your mailbox.
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