FR. MARK J. RILEY
"O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!" (America the Beautiful)
On this Memorial Day weekend we call to mind and honor all those who through their unselfish commitment to God and country have paid the ultimate price in protecting our freedom. We honor veterans everywhere and in doing so, we pay tribute to the many brave men and women who have, through their sacrifice, helped to preserve and protect the freedom we enjoy today.
It is imperative for us to remember and to never forget those who have gone before us knowing that so much of what they have given to all of us will remain always deep within our hearts. The tears that we find ourselves shedding on this day reflect for us how much we miss them and the emptiness that we feel still, but even more importantly our tears reflect how much we love. This Memorial Day provides a wonderful opportunity for all of us to remember and to pray for all of our beloved dead. And as we remember we turn once again to our faith and the hope of our salvation. The comfort and strength of our faith eases the sadness and strengthens our hope that one day we shall see our loved ones once again and enjoy their friendship. For where would we be today if it were not for our faith? Thanks to the victory of Christ over sin and death, the darkness of death will never have the last say. We hold onto and treasure the words given to the women who went to the tomb to anoint Jesus, "Why do you look for the living one among the dead? He is not here. He is risen." In hope and in faith we look for our beloved dead among those who live and have received the promise given to them so long ago by Christ on the day of their baptism, "That one day you will be with me in paradise."
It is no coincidence that many of us will gather in prayer together at the table of the Lord to celebrate a Mass of Remembrance on this Memorial Day at St. Patrick's Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. We do so in order to celebrate the Eucharist, as the Body of Christ, as a parish family, so that we can comfort one another with the assurances of our faith until we all meet in Christ and are with our Lord and our loved ones once again.
On behalf of our Pastor, Fr. Kiely, I would like to extend to all of you our deepest prayers and condolences. Please be assured of the promise with the privilege that is ours, that we will keep you and your loved ones close to our hearts in prayer as we celebrate Eucharist with and for your intentions.
Just a reminder that this Thursday, May 29 is the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. It is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 5/25 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass Edna Lambert, Luisa Valenti
Mon. 5/26 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 5/27 8:00 AM Thomas Sweeney
Wed. 5/28 8:00 AM Mary Young 7:30 PM Carmella & Nicola DeRosa
Thur. 5/29 8:00 AM Ascension of the Lord
Fri. 5/30 8:00 AM John Chimeno, Jr.
Sat. 5/31 8:00 AM June Keeney (living)
PLEASE PRAY FOR Denise Perreault, Paul Guerin, Jim Ligori, Elizabeth Fahey, Rose Kilmer, Kathleen Mary Kennedy, Amy Flickenger, Richard Carroll, Flo Parrinello, Al DelMonte, Paul Cropper, James Philips, 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, especially Josephine Cutaia.
SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of May 25 will burn in prayer for the Brochu family, Grace Tiberio, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Carroll, William Carr, Michelle Carmichael and a Special Intention.
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 18, 2003
Budgeted Actual
Offertory Offertory Deficit
$18,000.00 $12,394.20 $5,605.80
In order to reach our budgeted expenses, we are asking each parishioner to increase their weekly contribution by a minimum of $3.00. Thank you for your generous response.
Envelope users $7,912.00
Non-envelope users $4,482.20
Total Offertory $12,394.20
306 envelopes were used for an average donation $25.86
SPECIAL COLLECTION
We received $1,074.00 for the Communications Collection. Thank you for your generosity!
Ascension of the Lord
Holy Day of Obligation
Mass Schedule
Wednesday, May 28th at 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 29th
6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM
The Parish Offices will be closed Memorial Day, Monday May 26th.
MEMORIAL DAY
The Annual Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Cemetery on Monday morning, May 26th at 11:30 AM. You are invited to bring a lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather the Mass will be held in the upper church.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
GOSPEL ROAD SUMMER 2003
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR TEENS
SERVING THE POOR IN FAITH
5 DAY PROGRAM 8/17 - 8/23/2003
The week begins with an experience of team building at a ropes course. The group then splits into "work teams" which will serve at locations such as Greater Boston Food Bank, Bethany House (nursing home for religious women), St. Mary's Women and Infants Center, the Salesian Boys & Girls Club and many others. At night we spend some quality time to process and pray together. It is truly a very powerful
experience.
Contact Barbara Walsh 508-651-9991 or Fr. Mark at the rectory for more information.
CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE
AT MERRIMACK COLLEGE, NORTH ANDOVER, MA
This five day experience helps prepare teens:
To take leadership of their lives
To be pro active in their parish and their school
To be a youth voice in the parish
To help run youth ministry social events and
prayer services
Contact Barbara Walsh 508-651-9991 or Fr. Mark at the rectory for more information.

Father Kiely's
SILVER JUBILIEE
Celebration
In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Father Kiely's ordination to the priesthood, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Friday, June 13th, at 7:30 p.m. with a reception following the Mass. Please plan to join us for this special occasion.
In honor of the 25th Anniversary of Father Kiely's ordination to the priesthood, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Friday, June 13th, at 7:30 p.m. with a reception following the Mass. Please plan to join us for this special occasion.
Thanks!
FELLOWSHIP of YOUNG ADULTS (20s & 30s)
Bible Study, Thu 5/29, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. We are studying Matthew. Contact Jonathan, jms2586@yahoo.com, 508-845-5008.
Trip to Six Flags, tentatively Sat 5/31, contact Fred at hamway@yahoo.com or 978-562-2029 (discount tickets available)
SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTIONS
The Seamless Garment Commission wishes to thank Saint Patrick parishioners for their outstanding response to the Lenten Rice Bowl collection. The proceeds to date are $2,309.00. Again we thank you for caring for the poor and hungry of the world.
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Baby Shower
This weekend and next weekend we will be collecting new baby gifts for needy women and their newborn babies. Your gifts of baby clothing, diapers, blankets and wipes are needed. All gifts are donated to Pregnancy Help. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and caring.
FLEA MARKET
Saint Patrick Parish will be having a Flea Market/Yard Sale in September to help one of our sister parishes, St. Matthew's in Dorchester. We are looking for anything that is in good condition and resaleable - china, furniture, glasses, gift items, books, toys, etc.
Call Ann at 508-653-2781 or Gail at 508-655-6274 with any questions.
Promise for Tomorrow
Campaign Update
Parish Goal: $ 1,586 M
Pledged to date: $ 811 K
Percent of goal: 52%
Thanks to all who have helped contribute towards the success of this effort. It is not too late to participate in this campaign; additional pledge cards are available in the back of the church and at the rectory. Thank you.
4TH OF JULY FLOAT
PLANNING MEETING
Please join us for an informational meeting on Friday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m. at the Joseph Center (dining room). The purpose of this meeting is to share ideas and the preparations necessary for our parish float. The theme of this year's parade will be "Celebrating the Arts in Natick." Your active participation is necessary in preparing for this fun project. Please join us. For more information, please contact Fr. Mark Riley at 508-653-1093.
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.
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