FROM THE PASTOR

It is with great joy that we received the announcement from the Vatican that our Holy Father, Pope John Paul has appointed the MOST REV. SEAN P. O'MALLEY, OFM.CAP as the Archbishop of Boston. The Archbishop-Elect comes among us as a successor of the Apostles and is to be a sign and source of unity for all of us. This humble man of God who has generously served the Church as Bishop of the US Virgin Islands, Fall River, and most recently, as Bishop of Palm Beach, has a great love for the Catholic Church. It is indeed his love for the Church that has allowed him to accept this new challenge at this very difficult moment in our history. A man of deep faith and prayer, Bishop O'Malley has patterned his entire life on the model of St. Francis of Assisi, his spiritual father, as he has endeavored to faithfully follow Christ. Bishop Sean has a passion for the Gospel of Life and is undaunted in its proclamation. Bishop Sean possesses a wonderful sense of humor and has the ability to make each person feel very much at ease in his presence. We are blessed by the gift of our new Archbishop and we offer to him our loyalty, our prayerful support, and our love. May this gentle servant of the Gospel be the instrument of peace and reconciliation for this local Church that is so much in need of healing.

We want to welcome our new DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, MARTIN KELLY to our parish family. We are so fortunate to have such a talented vocalist and musician in this important role of service for our parish. The liturgical music is to enhance our celebration and to bring us more closely into the Sacred Mysteries that we celebrate at the Altar. I am delighted that Martin has agreed to accept this responsibility and I look forward to great things under his leadership. I also want to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to MR. GEORGE BURKE for the tremendous work that he has done over the past year. We are blessed by the fact that George and Martin will now work so closely together in directing the liturgical musical ministry of the parish.

As we enter the month of July, our thoughts are directed toward vacations and the need for recreation and relaxation. The welcome news of the appointment of our new Archbishop and the additions to our parish staff are positive reminders of God's providence. During these beautiful days of summer, may we be conscious of how much we need to "let go and let God." May these days be enjoyed with the absolute certainty that God will always provide for His people.

Finally, tickets are on sale after all of the Masses this weekend for the ST. PATRICK'S PARISH FAMILY DAY on July 27th at Glen Ellen Country Club. Last year's event was a huge success so I want to encourage all to reserve a spot. In a parish of our size we need to use a day like this as a great opportunity to relax and to become better acquainted with each other.. There will be golfing, swimming, tennis, and plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as a great dinner. Hopefully, you can be a part of the excitement.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 7/6    5:30 PM Family Healing Mass  
Mon. 7/7   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 7/8   8:00 AM Walter Sullivan   
Wed. 7/9   8:00 AM Anthony Gallo, Jr.   7:30 PM Santa DeMasi
Thur. 7/10   8:00 AM Gerard Halpin, Jr.
Fri. 7/11     8:00 AM Paul & Helen Kennedy &   
Sat. 7/12    8:00 AM Edna Lambert

PLEASE PRAY FOR Lorraine McDonough, Gregg Giallonardo, Mary Larracey, Muriel Cosentino, Denise Perreault, Paul Guerin, Elizabeth Fahey, Rose Kilmer, Kathleen Mary Kennedy, Amy Flickenger, Richard Carroll, Flo Parrinello, Paul Cropper, James Philips, Robert Conlin, Jean Orme, Nadia DeMasi, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish, as well as all the faithful departed, especially John J. Florio and Barbara P. Ryan.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of July 6 will burn in prayer for the Brochu Family, Gerard Halpin, Jr., Grace Tiberio, Anthony Gallo, and Ruth Carroll.

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
June 29, 2003

Budgeted               Actual
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$18,000.00            $12,868.10           $7,053.90

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      $8,625.65
Non-envelope users      $4,242.45
Total Offertory       $12,868.10

316 envelopes were used for an average donation $27.30

STEWARDSHIP

This weekend as we celebrate the Independence of our country, we will do well to echo the Psalmist, saying, "Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy." May we always recognize and use wisely the gifts of freedom and abundance He has showered upon us.

The Saint Patrick Cemetery Commission kindly requests that any Memorial Day decorations currently placed on graves be removed prior to the third week of July. Any items remaining on the graves after that time will be disposed of. Thank you for your cooperation.

REFLECTIONS ON PRAYER & FASTING

Where a question does frequently arise today is in regard to the relation or possible relation between fasting and dieting.
A fast is called a diet when its immediate purpose is perfecting the body. A diet is a fast when its immediate purpose is a spiritual good: to mitigate the hold of the body, to attain freedom for the spirit and clarity for the mind, to proclaim higher values. There is nothing contradictory here; both purposes can be simultaneously sought. If people are going to diet, they would be wise to seek the spiritual along with the physical, and certainly the diet should be integrated into one's overall life of love of God and neighbor. Saint Paul tells us: Whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do all for the glory of God."

From A Place Apart
By M. Basil Pennington O.C.S.O.

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.

Volunteers Needed at St. Patrick's Manor

We are looking for Eucharistic Ministers.
We also have opportunities for volunteers to visit residents,
take residents outdoors, transport residents to outdoor
concerts and assist at bingo games.
Contact: Anne Eagan, Volunteer Coordinator
508-879-8000 or 505-626-1617

FELLOWSHIP of YOUNG ADULTS (20s & 30s)

Bible Study, Thu 7/10, 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.

Camping trip to Davidson's Campground, New Hampshire, 7/11-13. Contact Becky,becky_cosby@yahoo.com

Reflecting a Consistent Ethic of Life

SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTIONS

If we truly understand the Eucharist; if we make the Eucharist the focus of our lives; if we feed our lives with the Eucharist, we will not find it difficult to discover Christ, to love Him and to serve Him in the poor. The Eucharist is something more than simply receiving Christ. It supposes that we satisfy His hunger."

Mother Theresa of Calcutta

FLEA MARKET

PLEASE NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE

Due to "Natick Days", our Flea Market date has been moved to September 20.
Saint Patrick Parish will be having a Flea Market/Yard Sale to help one of our sister parishes, St. Matthew's in Dorchester. It will take place in the Church's back parking lot. We are looking for anything that is in good condition and resaleable - china, furniture, glasses, gift items, sporting goods, books, toys, jewelry, bric a brac, etc. For information on drop off or pick up call Ann at 508-653-2781 or Gail at 508-655-6274.

EVENING OF PRAYER

Please join us for this month's Evening of Prayer on Monday, July 14th, at 7:30 p.m. We will pray the Stations of the Resurrection. Refreshments will be served following the service. Bring a friend!!!

SAINT PATRICK PARISH FAMILY OUTING

Tickets for the family outing on July 27th at Glen Ellen Country Club are available for sale after all Masses this weekend or by contacting the Rectory during the week

Dinner and general activities:    $25.00 per person
You may partake in any or all activities. There will be available miniature golf, Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, horseshoes, and bocce. (If you want to come to the dinner buffet only that's OK too.)

Children under 13:    $10.00 per person
The activities for children will be led by Glen Ellen counselors and include moonwalk, scavenger hunt and other games

Golf and dinner:    $85.00 per person
This includes greens fees, golf cart and dinner.

MARRIAGE PREP

The Fall 2003 session of Marriage Preparation will be held on September 27th and October 4th (two Saturdays). If you are planning to be married before May 2004, you should attend this session.
For more information or to register, call:Mary and Ron Whinnem at 508-655-1463. The spring 2004 session will be held in March.

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