FROM THE PASTOR
There will be a special SECOND COLLECTION taken up at all of the Masses this weekend for the annual CATHOLIC HOME MISSION APPEAL to benefit all of the Catholic parishes in the United States and its Pacific and Caribbean dependencies. This appeal strengthens the Church at home by supporting Catholic communities in need. It assists dioceses that serve the pastoral needs of Hispanics and other ethnic groups. It enables Catholic parishes in poor and remote communities to provide Mass, the sacraments, and religious education for their people. When I was in the Virgin Islands, we relied heavily upon the generosity of this particular collection to fund various pastoral programs. I am hoping that your customary generosity will enable some of these impoverished faith communities to experience some measure of God's abundant love through the knowledge of our compassion and concern. Thank you in advance for your kindness and financial support.
This weekend marks the end of the REVEREND FABIAN SOGNON'S pastoral visit to our parish and we extend to him our prayerful best wishes and gratitude for his presence. After a visit to Rome, Father Fabian will be returning to his parish in Nigeria to continue his missionary work. We are most grateful to the Society of African Missions for allowing Father Fabian to be with us for these past two months and I pray that the joy that we have experienced through his priestly service will be returned to him. I know that Father Fabian has enjoyed his visit to our country and to Natick and I appreciate the many acts of kindness that parishioners performed to enrich his experience of the Catholic Church in America. I want to assure Father Fabian that he will always have a special place in our prayers at the Altar as we are united in the unbreakable bond of charity that is the Eucharist that we as Catholics are privileged to celebrate throughout the world. The words of an ancient Irish blessing convey best the sentiments that are ours as we bid Father aurevoir: " May the road rise to meet you; may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
I would ask that you include in your prayers the many victims of last week's devastating hurricane in Florida. The rebuilding of homes, schools, hospitals, and even families is a monumental challenge that staggers the human mind. We pray God's grace for all who have been affected and hope that relief will come quickly to those most in need.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 8/22 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass William K. Donahue and John L. Green
Mon. 8/23 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 8/24  8:00 AM Chester Lewandowski
Wed. 8/25 8:00 AM William O'Brien 7:30 PM Louise Malone
Thur. 8/26 8:00 PM Gerard A. Halpin, Jr.
Fri. 8/27 8:00 AM Mary & John Dowd
Sat. 8/28 8:00 AM Domenic Micelotta
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Ella Green, Dave Markow, Stuart McIntosh, Laura Tomlin, Lucy Grupposo, Marie Smith, John Healey, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendolla, Thomas Kean, Chuck Plaistek, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, Denise Perreault, Amy Flickenger, James Philips, Nadia DeMasi, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.
SANCTUARY LAMPS
for the week of August 22nd will burn in prayer for Gerard A. Halpin, Jr., Lisa Bay & Charlie Adams, Martin J. Whelan and Ralph C. DiGiandomenico, Jr.
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
July 25, 2004
Budgeted Actual
Offertory Offertory Deficit
$15,000.00 $13,708.00 $1,292.00
STEWARDSHIP
Today's reading from Isaiah describes the Israelites bringing their offering to the Lord "in clean vessels." The gift of myself-my patient endurance and fidelity to the will of God-is as important as the monetary gift I offer.
Rest in Peace
Let us pray for those who have died, especially Anthony Franciose and Barbara Cutaia, may they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.
St. Vincent dePaul Society
The St. Vincent dePaul Society once again will be helping families with BACK TO SCHOOL clothing needs. Please call the Rectory and leave your name and telephone number and we will contact you. All calls are confidential.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Registration
The families who have not yet submitted registration forms, please do so ASAP so that we may anticipate our needs for catechists, materials, and books.
If you are interested in joining our religious education program, please contact the Office of Religious Education 508-907-6220 or by email religiouseducation@attglobal.net so that we may mail you a registration packet.
Reminder!
Families interested in the Family Cluster Option for religious education must submit payment and registration forms in order to receive material and mailings. Indicate on the registration form what cluster you are interested in joining or if you need assistance in finding a cluster. For more information on this option contact Melisa in the religious education office.
Catechists
Books are in, curriculum is prepared! Stop by to pick them up in the rectory.
Catechists are reminded to turn in any manuals no longer in use.
If not you, then who? You are invited to instruct our children and teens in the ways of our Catholic faith. Training and materials provided all age groups available. Other opportunities for involvement available, Please contact Melisa Melnyk 508-907-6220 or religiouseducation@attglobal.net
We especially welcome new parishioners who have been involved in religious education in the past or in other parishes to participate in our program.
RClA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the formal name for the journey of faith that brings individuals into the Catholic Community. I have great admiration for those faith-filled people who are seeking a deeper relationship with our Lord and have a great desire to receive Him in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. RCIA is also a journey of friendship, joy, laughter, and faith sharing not only for the candidates, but also for their sponsors and team members.
One of my greatest joys is watching as a family receives the Eucharist together for the first time. We have found that when one member of the family joins the RCIA process, the faith of the entire family is greatly strengthened.
The RCIA process strives to gently share the Gospel message along with the Church's teachings and we enjoy many lively discussions. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. We are also looking for members of St. Patrick Parish Community who would like to join us as team members.
We will be available after all Masses on the Weekend of September 11-12, to answer questions that anyone may have about the program. On Tuesday, September 21st an evening of inquiry will be held for those interested in joining the process.
Jean Ryan, RCIA Director
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)
Bible Study, Thu 8/12, 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.
First Friday Dinner, Fri 9/3, following 7:30pm Mass. Each month we go out to dinner after First Friday Mass. Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008.
St. Patrick Cooperative Playgroup
St. Patrick Playgroup is a cooperative group for children ages birth through 5 years and their caretakers. It will meet this year on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Barbara at 508-653-0647.
CYO BASKETBALL
If anyone is interested in participating in a CYO Basketball Travel Team (Grade 5-12) please email Graham Briggs at gsmbriggs@rcn.com. Practices start in mid to late October and games begin in mid-November and run through February. We are also looking for any parents that would be interested in coaching. If you do not have access to email, there will be signups after the Masses in a couple of weeks. There is a registration fee of $75.00.
A Ministry of Health and Healing in Downtown Boston
The elderly, the lonely, the prosperous, the homeless, they are all Guests at St. Anthony's Wellness Center in Downtown Crossing, Boston! Volunteer nurses with current licenses are needed. Our outreach and health promotion includes screening for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, guest health education, referral, empowerment and a good deal of active listening. If you would like additional information about sharing your nursing expertise in our urban nurse ministry, please contact: Lynn Finn, RN at 617-542-6440, x236 or 781-237-5782; or St. Patrick's Parish member Anne Reilly, RN, 508-655-8516.
St. Patrick's Blood Drive
Saturday, August 28, 2004
8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
St. Patrick's Church-Lower Hall
44 East Central Street, Natick
Please call Joanne Rosato 508-651-3762 If you would like to help out on Saturday
14th Annual Pro-Life Dinner
K of C Council No.87 announces its 14th Annual Pro-Life Dinner to be held at St. Tarcisius Church Hall, 562 Waverly St., Framingham on Friday, September 17th at 7:30PM. This year's keynote speaker will be Atty. Philip Moran, President Pro-Life Legal Defense Fund and Honorees: Rev. Joseph F. Franzo, Pro-Life Pastor; Tiffany Duda, Pro-Life Mother; John O'Donnell, Pro-Life Activist; Dr. Nicholas Sanchez, Pro-Life Public Servant. For ticket information call 508-875-3842
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