FROM THE PASTOR

I want to welcome all of you to STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY AT ST. PATRICK'S this weekend and I invite you to join us after all of the Masses in the downstairs hall to learn more about the many activities and ministries that this parish offers. Many Catholics wince when they hear the word "stewardship". It is a reaction that is prompted by a mistaken notion that stewardship is just another way that the Church has to ask for money. This is not true.

The decision to share one's financial resources with the parish is an important aspect of being a Christian steward. But that is only part of the story. Christian stewardship is the commitment made in response to God's generosity: to live a life of gratitude, to make daily decisions to glorify the Lord and to share oneself and one's gifts generously as circumstances and talents allow. A life of gratitude is the first mark of Christian stewardship. God has endowed His followers with more gifts than they can imagine-life and faith, time and relationships, health, talents, skills and material wealth. Everything one has is a gift from God and a Christian needs to thank God for those blessings. Please come downstairs after Mass this weekend to learn how you can say thanks to the Lord by sharing your time, talent, and treasure so that we might be bonded together as a true parish family. Let us commit ourselves to be outward signs of the real treasure that we have in Jesus Christ.

Today we are also observing RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY and we are mindful of the need to pray for a conversion of heart so that all life, from the moment of conception until natural death, will be considered sacred because it is a gift from God. Pious words about human dignity means very little unless we do something about them. We need to act on our convictions. No amount of good policy on the "social issues" makes up for bad policy when it comes to protecting society's first priority: the right to life. The right to life from conception until death is the foundation on which all other rights rest. A nation cannot systematically kill its unborn children and then witness to the world about human dignity. To the degree that we tolerate or even encourage abortion, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide we contradict our own founding principles as a people. As Disciples of Christ, we need to act like it. Every abortion kills an innocent life. No disciple can have any willing part in such violence. And wherever abortion is part of the culture, part of the law, we have the duty to work to change it through our personal involvement on the public debate. I hope many of you will join us for the Respect Life Walk today as we publicly witness again to the sanctity of all life and the need to defend it from harm.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 10/2    5:30 PM Family Healing Mass  
Mon. 10/3    8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 10/4    8:00 AM Albert Antonio    
Wed. 10/5    8:00 AM Allyson Shumway 7:30 PM   Santa Ubaldino
Thur. 10/6   8:00 AM For vocations to priesthood    
Fri. 10/7   8:00 AM Deceased members of the DeBlasi Family 7:30 PMKatherine Twitchell (living)      
Sat. 10/8    8:00 AM Margaret Breen ;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Maryann Webster, Helen MacDonald, Julie Branton, Catherine MacLellan, Alice Carew, Jim Fitzpatrick, Jim Campbell, Wilma Verge, Marie Murphy, Kathy Murphy, Michael Ruiz, Ricky Webster, John Morton, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Dave Markow, Lucy Grupposo, Marie Smith, John Healey, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendola, Thomas Kean, Chuck Plaistek, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, Amy Flickenger, James Phillips, James Atherton, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of October 2 will burn in prayer for Charles McParland Sr. and Luisa Valenti.

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
September 28, 2005

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $11,475.07            $3,524.93

STEWARDSHIP

"Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruits."
-Matthew 21:43

Stewardship Sunday

Find out about the many volunteer opportunities within our parish after Mass today.

Whatever your time or talent, whether you have participated before or are new to the parish, please stop by to visit the Ministry Tables downstairs and discover the many ways our parish is serving our community.
Join us in reaching out to our growing parish family!

Please stop by for coffee and meet some new friends!

Marriage Amendment

In a couple of weeks, you will have the opportunity to sign a petition after Mass in favor of a new constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman. The Catholic Bishops back this effort and urge your support. The people have the right to vote on this matter. Make sure to take a copy of an informational brochure being distributed at all the Masses this weekend to learn more about the upcoming signature drive.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Marie Lauro
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Parish Pastoral Council

Nominations for Parish Pastoral Council are now being accepted. Stop by the table at Stewardship Sunday for more information or to nominate a candidate.

Friday night at the Movies

Please join us for popcorn and a G-rated movie
Family Movie Night
Friday, October 21st, at 7:00 pm
Lower Church Hall
All are welcome!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Thank you

To the parents and volunteers who have helped in many ways to prepare for the beginning of the religious education year. A great deal of "behind the scenes" work has gone on by many of our parishioners. God Bless you!

Welcome

A warm welcome back to our returning students and welcome to the many new families starting this year.

A Word of Thanks

As many families are aware a late enrollment surge created a few added administrative challenges as we launched this year's program. We realize that this growth in our program is a testament to the strength of its program and teachers. We are grateful to all our volunteer teachers. We are particularly indebted to those who committed to volunteer in response to our late pleas. It's not too late if anyone would like to help. Thanks to the students, parents and volunteers whose flexibility permitted us to accommodate changed circumstances.

Registration

Any students not yet registered please contact the Religious Education Office at 508-907-6220 or by email at religiouseducation@attglobal.net.

Altar Servers

There will be a meeting of current and prospective ALTAR SERVERS Wednesday Evening, October 5, at 6:15pm. Children in Grade 4 and above are welcome. Father Rafferty, Mrs. Kelly McPherson and our experienced altar servers will demonstrate how one serves at the altar during Mass.
Serving at the altar can be an effective means of drawing closer to Our Lord and offers a special opportunity to perform a rewarding service at a young age. Questions may be directed to Kelly McPherson at (508) 655-4410.

Transportation Needed

A fellow St. Patrick parishioner, who resides in the Strawberry Hill Road neighborhood, is in need of a ride to Sunday Mass. If you are able to help, please call the rectory at 508-653-1093.

Natick Sons of Italy Pasta Nite

Natick Sons of Italy Pasta Night serving all-you-can-eat pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread and homemade desserts. Coffee included. Come one, come all! Every Wednesday evening from 5 pm - 7 pm at 37 Washington Avenue. Adults $5.95.

Child Abuse Prevention Program

All parish volunteers who have not attended a session must do so. Please call Deacon Crump at the rectory (508-653-1093 x35) to register to attend one of the following sessions. This is necessary to provide adequate space and materials for those attending.

Friday, October 21 at 9 a.m.
Sunday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m.
Monday November 7 at 9:00 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Growing Through Loss Workshop

Understanding grief and learning strategies for healing at the Growing Through Loss Workshop. Find meaning in the losses, crises, and changes in our lives. Saturday, October 22, 2005 from 9 am - 3 pm at Elizabeth Seton Residence, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills. To register or for further information, email colozzil@gis.net or phone 781-552-9667.

Christmas Fair/Flea Market

Saturday, November 26 from 10-6 pm and Sunday, November 27 from 9-2pm at St. Patrick School Hall. There will be crafts, baked goods, bric-a-brac, silent auction and much more. Anyone wishing to donate any items or help at the fair, please call Anne at the rectory 508-653-1093. All proceeds will be sent to help build Cor Unum, a food center for the people of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence who are in need of assistance.

Christian Book Group

New book club starts on Thursday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. at the Norton Center, St. Linus Parish, 119 Hartford St., Natick. The group will compile a list of books and decide what to read for the next meeting in December. For more information call Karen at 508-651-9788

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 Mondays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in Our Lady's Hall at the Montrose school.
Playgroup will start on Monday, September 26th. If you would like more information, a registration form or have any questions, please call Barbara at 508-653-0647.

Saint Patrick Parish Men's Group

Boston Catholic Men is planning a "Men's Morning" on Saturday, October 8th in Medway at the Marian Center. This will be the main "interim" event between the 2005 and 2006 Men's Conferences. The theme of the event is "Mary's Message to Men and Men's Fellowship Groups". The schedule is as follows:

7:00 am - St. Patrick's Group meet at Marian Center
8:00 am - Mass
8:45 am - Breakfast and Welcome
9:30 am - Witness Talk
10:15am -"Mary's Message to Men & Men's Fellowship Groups"
11:00 am - Men's Conference Update & Closing Thoughts
11:25 am - Adoration with Rosary (optional)
11:25 am - Confession (optional)
11:50 am - Benediction (optional)

If you are interested in attending please register online at www.bostoncatholicmen.org or call Mike DelVecchio 508-651-3406 or Abe Schickel 617-799-9214. There is a suggested donation of $10 that can be made the day of the event.

"Theology of the Body"

Women Affirming Life and the Pro Life Office of the Archdiocese extend a special invitation to interested parishioners to participate in a six-week study series, "A New Language". The study group will meet on six successive Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:45 p.m. beginning Tuesday, October 11th in the St. Theresa Room in the Joseph Center. The focus will be John Paul II's teachings on self-giving love, using the Genesis creation stories and on Jesus' teachings on marriage from the Gospel of Matthew. A $15 registration fee covers the cost of the workbook and the homilies of John Paul II. Participants will also need a copy of "Crossing the Threshold of Love" by Mary Shivanandan. For more information, call the Pro Life Office at 508-651-1900.

Hope and Healing After Abortion

Project Rachel will offer two post-abortion healing retreats this fall. A weekend retreat will take place October 28th-30th. A day of prayer and healing will take place Saturday, November 12. Both programs are designed to help women hurting from past abortions to experience the personal love of Christ and find hope for healing. For more information, call Project Rachel at 508-651-3100 or e-mail help@projectrachelboston.com. All calls are confidential. Trust in the tender embrace of God's mercy and love.

St. Patrick Manor Annual Fair

Friday, October 28, 2005 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St Patrick Manor Tara Lounge, 863 Central Street, Framingham. Crafts, white elephant, ceramics, baked goods, basket raffles, jewelry and more. 508-879-8000.

Open Houses

St. Bridget Elementary, 832 Worcester Rd., Framingham Wednesday, October 12 9:00-10:00 a.m. Gr K1-8. For more information call Jean Nigloschy 508-875-0181 x229.

St. Paul Elementary, 10 Atwood St., Wellesley Wednesday, October 12 9:30-10:30 a.m. Gr PreK-8. For more information and an application call 781-235-1510.

St. John, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury Sunday, October 16 and 23 1:00 pm, Gr 8-12. Entrance exam on Saturday, October 29 8:30 am. For more information call admissions at 508-842-8934 x266.

Catholic Memorial, 235 Baker St., West Roxbury Sunday, October 23 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Gr 7-12. For more information call 617-469-8019

Safety for All

In an effort to make sure our building is a secure place for all during the celebration of Mass, parents please accompany your children when they need to use the rest room. In this way we will all be assured that our youngsters are safe at all times.

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