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FROM THE PASTOR I have noted recently that there are many new faces at Sunday Mass and I suspect that some of these people are from the neighboring parishes that are closing. Although all of us recognize that reconfiguration of parishes within the Archdiocese is necessary, none of us can fully appreciate the emotional impact on the devoted and life-long parishioners of the parishes that are closing. The hurt and, in some cases anger, that some people are presently experiencing has made this process akin to a death in the family. To those of you who are experiencing this sadness, I want to extend to you my hand in friendship and fraternal support. We know that we can't take the pain away but we hope that you will allow us to help you to shoulder this difficult Cross through our genuine concern and love for you, our brothers and sisters in the Lord. As I reflect upon the past, I can see obvious signs that lead us towards this moment. The decline in the number of men entering the seminary to prepare for service as parish priests, the relatively low number of baptized Catholics who attend Mass each Sunday (no doubt exacerbated by the recent clergy sexual abuse crisis), the lack of financial resources in most of our parishes, and the high cost of maintenance for many beautiful Churches all have contributed to bring us to this moment. Another factor which is not mentioned often but is certainly a contributing factor is that we have too many parishes often located within a very small distance from each other. I offer a very interesting statistic for all of us to ponder: in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, there are 4 million Catholics and 200 parishes; in the Archdiocese of Boston, there are 2 million Catholics and almost 400 parishes. When all of these components are placed along side of the mission of the Church, a decision had to be made as to how to preserve the majority of our parishes without compromising the mission of the Church. Having said all of that, it still hurts to see your parish close. Intellectually we can agree with the need but the parish church is still the place where so much of life has transpired. The closing of a parish is deeply painful and in a way, it should be painful because it is a reminder of how vital the parish community is in our lives. When all is said and done though it is the people and the community we share with each other that counts; not the building in which we have worshiped. A family may move to a new house but that move does not dissolve the family. The move should enable the family to thrive by enriching its experience through new friendships, new memories, and new life. I am delighted to welcome our brothers and sisters from the neighboring parishes and to offer you our prayerful support. I also want to invite you to offer your advice, council, and service to all of us. It is my hope that those who served in their previous parish as Lector, Extraordinary Minister, Music ministers, Altar Servers, Parish Pastoral Council members, or in any other capacity will continue to do so here at St. Patrick's. I hope that you will immediately become actively involved by resuming your proper role in those ministries in which you were engaged previously. Although the setting may have changed, the need for your unique talents remains. 100, 000 WELCOMES TO ALL and THANK YOU Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 9/19 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass Willaim K. Donahue, Jennifer Lessard, Alphedor Lessard, and Rosalina Lessard
PLEASE PRAY FOR Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, 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, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish. 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 Budgeted Actual $15,000.00 $12,561.00 $2,439.00 In our special collection for the Home Missions St. Patrick Parish donated $2,306.00. Thank you for your generosity! The total collected for the Catholic University Collection was $2,459.00. Thank you for your generosity! STEWARDSHIP The dishonest manager in today's parable knew how to manipulate money to his own advantage. But the Gospel warns that no one can serve both God and money. Which do I serve? Is my stewardship such that anyone can tell? Weddings Let us pray for those preparing for marriage.
St. Patrick Cemetery Cemetery plots are still available at St. Patrick Cemetery on Pond Street. Leo Doherty, the cemetery sexton, is very helpful in determining what section of the cemetery would be appropriate for your needs. If you are considering a site at our cemetery, you may wish to do so before the ground is covered in snow. Please call Leo Doherty at 508-655-2846 if you are interested. Evening of Prayer The parish monthly Evening of Prayer will be held on Monday, September 13th, at 7:30 in the Church. This month we will be focusing on "To Jesus through Mary," and the role of Mary in our prayer lives. Those present will have the opportunity to write petitions and bring them forward to be prayed over in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served downstairs following the prayer service. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Catechetical Sunday
Today we offer our prayers and blessings for those who have committed themselves to share their time to teach the children of our community the truth of our faith. We celebrate with them as they are commissioned to this important ministry today at the 9:00am Mass.
Religious Education Invitation Due to late enrollments we are looking for additional catechists for 6th, 7th grade and 9th grade. As well, in order to fulfill the archdiocesan requirements of having 2 adults in each class, we are looking for aides for 4th grade, and for 10th grade. We are also in need of individuals who can be called on "as-needed" for a variety of tasks including substitution (lesson plans and materials provided). C'mon, take the plunge, you'll be glad you did! Reminders:
Child Abuse Prevention Program It is necessary for all volunteers and those in ministries to complete this program. You MUST call Deacon Crump at the rectory to register for a session. Session may be cancelled if too few are signed up to attend. Session Dates:
Youth Group Attention all high school students. The time is here again to begin the St. Patrick's youth group. We will begin meeting September 26 at 6:30pm. We meet in the youth room at Montrose school. It is a great time to relax before the beginning of the week with games and great discussions on our faith. I can not wait to begin. If you have any questions email Melissa Cecchi at Meliss4399@rcn.com. Hope to see you all there! Marian Ministry "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is God's name." - Luke 1:46-49
RClA An "Inquiry Night" for RCIA will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21st at 7:30 pm in the Lower Church hall for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. RCIA is a process by which adults who have not been Baptized or who have been Baptized into another Christian faith or who were Baptized Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are welcomed into the Catholic Church. Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Bible Study, Thu 9/23, 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. 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 Sign up for basketball will take place today, Sunday, September 19th after all the Masses ST.PATRICK'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR WILL BE RESUMING IN LATE SEPTEMBER!
!!!!!!!!!!SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!!!
(After all of the Masses, including Sat., Sept 25th) Hosted by The Parish Pastoral Council JOIN US IN REACHING OUT TO OUR GROWING FAMILY!!! Whatever your time or talent, whether you have participated before, or are new, please stop by our Ministries Tables to check out the many ways that St. Patrick's Parish serves our community Join us in sharing the Gospel of Christ! "God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." 2Corinthians 9:8,15 Twenty-Third Annual Lawn Party Blessed John XXIII National Seminary is hosting its Annual Lawn Party on Wednesday, September 22nd at 6:00 pm. Located on Route 30 in Weston, the seminary prepares older, second career candidates for the priesthood. The Lawn Party is an opportunity to meet today's seminarians and to learn more about the vital work of this unique seminary. For ticket information, please call the Blessed John XXIII Development Office, 781-899-5500. An invitation to an afternoon of song, prayer, reflection and sharing on September 26th at 3pm at St. Theresa Parish in Sherborn MA We welcome anyone who is already active in or who is contemplating forming a ministry in social justice issues within their parish. As followers of Christ, we know that our Catholic social teachings require that we be the voice for the voiceless and do what we can to ensure fair and just treatment for all.
Community events A Post-Abortion Healing Retreat for women will be held the weekend of October 22-24, 2004 by the Project Rachel Ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston. Previous participants have found the retreat a life-changing experience of forgiveness, healing and reconciliation. For more information, call Project Rachel at 617-783-8300. All calls are confidential. Trust in the tender embrace of God's mercy and love. The Russian Choir is back!!! They are among us again!!! They are coming to St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland, MA. Performance is at 7:30pm on Friday, October 8th. We are running a school bus to the performance. If interested in attending, please call Sandra Green at 508-651-8203. Respect Life Walk The Annual Respect Life Walk will be held on the Boston Common Sunday, October 3rd, beginning at 2pm. This 3 mile walk raises funds to support programs that assist pregnant women and children and families after birth. Some of the agencies that benefit from the walk are Pregnancy Help and Birthright.
Natick Sons of Italy 37 Washington Avenue Pasta Night re-opens. Every Wednesday evening from 5-7pm, All You Can Eat pasta, meatballs, salad, bread and butter. Homemade desserts and coffee. Other beverages available for purchase. Proceeds to scholarship fund. Immediate and long-term benefits. Revealing the Face of Christ The Archdiocese of Boston is sponsoring a one-day evangelistic outreach on September 25 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium titled: "Revealing the Face of Christ". The day will run from 9am to 4pm and will be filled with joyful music, inspirational talks by Father Lou Ceruli, and a performance by a gifted artist Rob Surrette. This is an extraordinary opportunity to introduce family, neighbors and friends to Christianity. All are welcome. An offering will be taken during the day, but attendance is free. Please plan to come and bring a friend who needs to know Christ loves him or her. Let everyone know the Catholic Church in Boston is alive. |
