 Home Bulletin • Archives Religious Education Information Other Links Contact Us Email Us |
|
|
FROM THE PASTOR We are observing RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY this weekend and I want to direct your attention to this important issue that continues to threaten our dignity as a nation. As Catholics, all of us must recognize the fact that, because life comes from God, only God has the right to decide when it should end. No nation, and certainly no individual person, can determine the value of another's life and each of us is called to respect the sanctity of life as God's great gift. It is inconceivable to me how anyone who approaches the Lord of Life in Holy Communion could be anything other than "pro-life." Jesus Christ came into our world that we might have life and have it to the full. As a nation of laws, we need to make certain that our legislators enact laws that protect and defend the human person, from the moment of conception to natural death. Catholics need to bear witness to that simple yet profound truth that life is indeed sacred and that human life is not to be summarily discarded because someone has decided that a particular life interferes with some other plan. Our culture has tended to belittle the dignity of life by condoning the destruction of life by legally accepted measures such as abortion or so called "mercy killing" of our elderly and infirm. We have desensitized ourselves by failing to understand the moral dimensions of our failure to prevent these horrific actions. As Pope John Paul II stated so eloquently when he visited our nation's capital in 1979, "when the sacredness of life is attacked, we will stand up and proclaim that no one has the authority to destroy unborn life. When a child is described as a burden or is looked upon only as a means to satisfy an emotional need, we will stand up and insist that every child is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God, with the right to a loving and united family…when the value of family is threatened because of social and economic pressures, we will stand up and reaffirm that family is "necessary not only for the private good of every person, but also for the common good of every society, nation, and state. When freedom is used to dominate the weak, to squander natural resources and energy, and to deny basic necessities to people, we will stand up and reaffirm the demands of justice and social love. When the sick, the aged, or the dying are abandoned in loneliness, we will stand up and proclaim that they are worthy of love, care and respect." Courage is required to stand up and proclaim the dignity of life and to insist that society give it its protection. As we approach the Bread of Life, we pray that we will find the strength to persevere and the wisdom we need to promote and defend life. May Mary, the Mother of Life, intercede for us and help us to defend the lives of all people until we reach the fullness of eternal life in God's kingdom. Thursday, October 16th marks the 29th Anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II to the Papacy. In a world plagued by cultural confusion, this great servant of the servants of God has beckoned all people to respect a culture of life and respect the dignity of all as brothers and sisters. In order to celebrate this great milestone, we will have a SPECIAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING on Thursday, Oct. 16th at 7:30PM in the Church. I have asked Fr. Stephen Donohoe to be the homilist. I hope all will join us on this wonderful occasion. Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 10/5 5:30 PM Family Healing Mass
PLEASE PRAY FOR Norma Lally, Francis Roberts, Joseph Lombardi Louis Maffiola, Tony Armata, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Sandra Green, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Lawrence Leone, Lorraine McDonough, Gregg Giallonardo, Muriel Cosentino, Denise Perreault, Rose Kilmer, Kathleen Mary Kennedy, Amy Flickenger, 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 Gerald Stanhope. SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of October 5 will burn in prayer for Charles McParland, Sr., Allyson & John Shumway and Victor S. Teso. 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 $18,000.00 $13,496.10 $4,503.90 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 $5,144.00 198 envelopes were used for an average donation $25.98 September 24, 2003 My brothers and sisters in Christ, How do I begin to express my gratitude for your overwhelming generosity to our parish at your very successful Yard Sale? The $5,600. raised will allow us to continue to reach out through our St. Vincent de Paul Society, ensure the security and safety of our church and rectory, and help us continue to be a vital presence in the Codman Square community.
Yours in Christ,
Altar Servers Join us in finding out more about becoming an altar server here at St. Patrick's. Be on a team and get to know other kids from your parish. For more information feel free to contact Kelly McPherson 508-655-4410 or email at Quilterkel@yahoo.com or Michele Heyde 508-655-0727 Religious Education Thank you to the many "behind the scenes" volunteers and staff members who allowed the first days of class to run as smoothly as it did. Columbus Day There will be no Religious Education classes next week (Oct. 12-15) Important Teacher Support Evenings:
Last Chance for C.A.P. training All volunteers must complete the C.A.P. training video "Protecting God's Children" held TODAY at 1:00 pm at the Montrose School. Still seeking Volunteers! We are severely short of volunteers for the weekday classes especially*:
Religious Ed. Meetings this week: Religious Ed Board meeting Oct 8 at 7:30 PLEASE HELP Due to the incredible response to the Pre-School and Kindergarten religious education program we are greatly in need of teachers and aides. We meet only one Sunday per month at 10:30am. If you are interested or have any questions please contact Pam Burke at 508-545-1016. ATTENTION: PARENTS OF PRE-SCHOOLAND Just a reminder that our first class is today, Oct. 5th at 10:30am. We will be meeting at the Joseph Center. RESPECT LIFE Come join us at the Annual Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers & Children on Sunday, October 5, 2003 at 2pm. A free bus will leave St. Patrick's Church parking lot at 12:30pm and return at 4:30pm. PEACE & JUSTICE Join us at a Peace & Justice Meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00p.m. in the lower Church Hall. Our Catholic Faith teaches us to advocate for justice, and peace will follow. We have lively discussions figuring out how to put the Beatitudes into action in our parish and community. The next meeting is Thursday, October 9th. All are welcome! CYO BASKETBALL IS COMING TO ST. PATRICK'S! This new program, coordinated by Graham Briggs, is looking for boys and girls from 5th grade to seniors in High School that would be interested in playing basketball. This is a competitive and fun league. The regular season for the CYO league in the MetroWest area starts up in late November and continues through February, with Playoffs going through mid-March. Sign-ups will begin in early October, but we need to get an idea of who might be interested in playing and formulate a list right now. Practices during the season are at night during the week and games are held on the weekends. If you fall within the grade 5 to grade 12 age group and are interested, please email Graham Briggs at gsmbriggs@rcn.com as soon as possible and let him know your sex, age, and grade. St. Patrick Playgroup St. Patrick Playgroup is a cooperative serving children birth to age five and their caregivers. This year it will meet Monday and Wednesdays from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. Registration has begun and space is still available. Playgroup begins September 29th for the Monday group and October 1st for the Wednesday group. If you would like more information or a registration form please call Barbara at 508-653-0647. Adoration Pope John Paul II says: "Our essential commitment in life is to grow spiritually in the climate of the Holy Eucharist." We have that opportunity here at St. Patrick's where we have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Extra coverage is needed for the following hours: If, however, none of the above fit your schedule please sign up for any hour. Two Hourly Coordinator spots are open: 2-3pm & 7-8pm. Any questions, call Carole @ 508-653-0371 (between 3pm and 7pm) Note: our Adoration Chapel is air conditioned. Celebrating October "The Month for Life" SEAMLESS GARMENT REFLECTION "The value of a human life is priceless because God's love is priceless. The elderly, the infirm, the unborn child, the condemned criminal: all bear His likeness. Every life, no matter how confused or broken, is valuable.
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Bible Study, Thu 10/9, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. We're studying Matthew. Contact Jonathan,jms2586@yahoo.com, 508-655-2410. ALTAR SOCIETY The Altar Society Ministry is looking for new and current members to attend an informational meeting on either: COMMUNITY EVENTS Congregations of Metrowest Churches are Invited to:
HEALING SERVICE, Wednesday, Oct. 15, with Padre Paul McManus, Pastor of Asuncion de la Virgen Maria parish in Lawrence. The healing service, which is sponsored by the Vision of Peace Prayer Group, starts at 6:45pm. The evening includes Rosary, Mass, and a time for individual prayer. Location: Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Rt. 126, Holliston. This facility is handicapped accessible. Come and experience Jesus' healing love! The Friends of Elizabeth Seton and Sister Blanche LaRose of the Sisters of Charity cordially invite you to a dinner and talk by prominent catholic business leader Jack Connors, Jr. entitled "We Are Getting Older", Thurs., Oct. 9th at the Elizabeth Seton Residence, 125 Oakland St. in Wellesley. Reception 6-7pm with dinner and speaker to follow. RSVP 781-997-1137. PEACE AND JUSTICE "Catholic social teaching emerged in the mid-1800s as a powerful force to grapple with the great social problems of the day and continues right up to our times. The movement for social justice and peace has stamped the Church with a unique mark and located it in the heart of a wounded and broken world."
|
