FROM THE PASTOR

This Thursday, May 20th is the FEAST OF THE ASCENSION and it is a Holy Day of Obligation. All Catholics are obliged to participate in the celebration of Mass as we commemorate our Lord's entrance to Heaven. Masses will be celebrated at St. Patrick's on Wednesday evening, May 19th at 7:30 PM and on Thursday, May 20th at 6:30 and 8:00 AM and 4:00 and 7:30 PM.

I am delighted to announce that His Excellency, Archbishop Sean O'Malley has appointed the REVEREND STEPHEN S. DONOHOE as Director of Apostolic Formation and member of the faculty at St. John's Seminary in Brighton. Fr. Donohoe will be responsible for the pastoral placement of candidates who are preparing for ordination to the Priesthood within the Archdiocese of Boston. This appointment of Fr. Donohoe underscores the desire of our Archbishop to have exemplary priests such as Fr. Donohoe actively involved in the formation of our future priests. On a personal note, I can attest to the fact that Fr. Donohoe is a uniquely gifted priest and will bring to this position a wealth of spiritual treasures and wisdom. Those who will be privileged to be associated with him in his new endeavor will quickly discover that following his priestly example will reap great results for both them and the Church. Although I am delighted with this appointment because of the public recognition of his priestly talents, I would be less than candid if I did not also share my sentiments of loss for our parish family. Nevertheless I am certain that you join with me in congratulating him on this appointment and I want to assure Fr. Donohoe of our continued prayers and support. Fr. Donohoe will begin his new assignment on July 1, 2004.

I am also happy to welcome back one of our parish seminarians, MARK BARR, who will be spending the summer months assisting us at St. Patrick's. Mark has just completed his first year of studies at St. John's Seminary and has agreed to offer his help to our parish on a variety of projects. In addition to Mark's presence, we are hosting a priest from the African Missions who will be our guest during the summer. Fr. FABIAN SOGNON, SMA, will be arriving at the end of June and we look forward to welcoming him to our parish family.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the local Council of the Knights of Columbus for their generous support of our parish seminarians. William Ventura, currently in his third year of theological studies, and Mark Barr have recently received a financial donation from this Council. The Knights of Columbus have traditionally supported those who are contemplating a vocation to the Priesthood and I am most appreciative of their commitment to aid these young men as they discern their call to the Sacred Priesthood. I want to encourage all parishioners to actively promote among the young men of the parish the consideration of a priestly vocation. We need to beg the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers into the vineyard so that all may come to experience the love of God most especially realized in the Holy Eucharist that we celebrate each Sunday.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 5/16    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Edna Lambert and Kevin Dillon (living).
Mon. 5/17   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick   
Tues. 5/18   8:00 AM Jack Lorrey   
Wed. 5/19   8:00 AM Duke Brown (living-ill)    7:30 PM Carmela & Nicola DeRosa
Thur. 5/20   8:00 PM Giuseppe & Maria Tavilla
Fri. 5/21   8:00 AM Javier Vicente   
Sat. 5/22     8:00 AM Mr. & Mrs. Ferrante

PLEASE PRAY FOR Ulysse Richard, Ella Green, Dave Markow, Susan McIntosh, Anna Amendolla, Laura Tomlin, Lucy Grupposo, , 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.

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
May 9, 2004

Budgeted               Actual
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $12,769.00           $2,204.00

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

STEWARDSHIP

Today's reading from Revelation offers a vision of the City of God, the new Jerusalem. But, the bishops' pastoral on stewardship reminds us "that 'life to come' is in continuity with this present life through the human goods, the worthy human purposes, which people foster now."

THE CATHOLIC APPEAL

"The Catholic Appeal got under way last weekend in our parish with the new video explaining the many ministries that are supported by the Appeal. This is Archbishop Sean O'Malley's first Appeal and his comments were very well received. All seemed to be going well until we discovered that our Envelope Company had made a huge mistake in sending out a Catholic Appeal envelope dated May 2. The company was not authorized to do this nor did we have any advance knowledge that this envelope would be included in the envelopes for May.

First off, we want to apologize for this confusion. This should never have happened and will never happen again. Secondly, we want to ask for your help in correcting this nightmare. Even if you made a donation using the wrong envelope, we would like to ask you to consider making a pledge to this year's Appeal by using the correct Catholic Appeal pledge card. Please mail this directly to the Appeal Office or drop it in any collection basket. In determining your pledge, please factor in your donation last weekend. This will be automatically added to your pledge for this year's Appeal.

MAY 20, ASCENSION THURSDAY
HOLY DAY OF OBLILGATION

SCHEDULE OF MASSES
Wednesday, May 19, 7:30PM
Thursday, May 20
6:30AM, 8:00AM, 4:00PM, 7:30PM

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

World Youth Day 2005 in Koln

There is still room to register for World Youth Day 2005 in Koln, Germany. We will begin fundraising shortly with the youth members of our community who have committed to this challenge. Please contact Melisa 508-907-6220 for information on participation or to assist our youth for this major life changing event. Let us support and encourage them, as they "Come to Worship Him".

Sign Up Now

Catechists for September

Are you thinking of sharing your time and your faith with our religious education program next year? Orientation meetings will begin in early June by grade level, please consult this section for dates and details. Contact Melisa Melnyk in the Religious Education Office to make an appointment.

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.

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY

Our annual collection of new baby clothes and baby items will take place this weekend, May 16th and next weekend, May 25th. Baby bassinets and baskets will be placed at all the exits. Please place your unwrapped gift in the bassinet. Items that are especially needed are: diapers, blankets, pacifiers, wipes and newborn clothing. All gifts are donated to Pregnancy Help and then distributed to families.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Please Note...
No Bible Study, Thursday, 5/20 (Ascension)

Camping Trip, Memorial Day Weekend (5/28-5/31), Patten Pond Camping Resort in Maine (near Acadia National Park). Contact Mary Beth at 781-447-5342 or email mb37@earthlink.net.

marian ministry

The Marian Ministry invites you to join us in an evening of prayer and reflection on Monday, May 17th, at 7:30 PM in the Lower Church. All are welcome. For more information contact Sharon Cowles at 508-655-5139

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

COED SOFTBALL

Looking for Fun & Fellowship? Want to meet some fellow parishioners? Shake off Old Man Winter and join St. Pat's slow pitch team. Games are played in Wellesley on Thursday and Sunday evenings beginning early May through June with playoffs in July. Experience not essential but be ready for fun. All parishioners (male & female) age 18 or older are eligible. Please call Ron & Mary Whinnem at 508-655-1463.

ROWEN Memorial golf tournament

The Rowen Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Blessed John XXIII National Seminary is scheduled for Monday, May 24th, at the Weston Golf Club. The $175 player entry includes lunch at the Club, golf and cart, door prizes, followed by a social hour and dinner with your spouse at the seminary. To register, call Vincent Shea at 781-899-5500.

Blessed are you when you have compassion and courage, freedom and dignity, understanding, sincerity, and awareness, for you are a gift, a blessing.

SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTION

Promoting a Consistent Ethic of Life

"What is urgently called for is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to activate a great campaign in support of life. All together, we must build a new culture of life; new because it will be able to confront and solve today's unprecedented problems affecting human life; new, because it will be adopted with deeper and more dynamic conviction by all Christians; new because it will be capable of bringing about a serious and courageous cultural dialogue among all parties.
"Gospel of Life - Evangelium Vitae" Pope John Paul VI Condensed Version from "Catholic Update" 1995

Marriage encounter

An experience for building communication, creating intimacy, self-esteem and enriching the values of marriage, family and faith. This program is for couples who believe they have a good marriage but desire a deeper understanding, a richer communication, a better quality and more spirituality in their marriage. Upcoming dates: June 18th weekend; August 13th weekend. For further details call 1-800-367-0343

Peace & Justice Ministry

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.

Assistant Director of Advancement Saint Joseph Parish Schools

Saint Joseph Parish Schools, Needham seeks an Associate Director of Advancement to join its advancement team. (The position is part time, less than 20 hours per week.) The Associate Director will serve as the primary support person for the Director of Advancement. Principal responsibilities will be volunteer management, special events, grant writing, database management, and prospect research. High level of organization, excellent communication skills, and excellent computer skills (Microsoft Work, Excel) are required. Development and/or marketing experience preferred. The successful candidate will share a strong belief in Catholic education, and support the mission of Saint Joseph Parish and its schools. Send cover letter, resume, and three references to the Advancement Review Board, St. Joseph Parish, 1382 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492. Position available immediately.

NATICK HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

9:00AM - 12:00Noon May 22, 2004
Natick High School Football Field Parking Lot, West St.
Fee: $5.00 per car
You must register and purchase a ticket in advance
At the Board of Health
Call 647-6460 for more information

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