FROM THE PASTOR

Today we celebrate WORLD MISSION SUNDAY and the SECOND COLLECTION that is taken up at all of the Masses will go to support those engaged in missionary work throughout the world. As our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul the Great shared in his message for Mission Sunday, "When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, especially on Sunday, she experiences the light of the faith, the value of the encounter with the Risen Christ, and is ever more aware that the Sacrifice of the Eucharist is "for all." We who nourish ourselves with the Body and Blood of the Crucified and Risen Lord cannot keep this 'gift" to ourselves. The Eucharist leads us to be generous evangelizers, actively committed to building a more just and fraternal world." By our prayers and financial offerings, we support the mission priests, religious sisters and brothers, and lay catechists as they proclaim the Gospel to the poorest of our human family. Our sacrifices help these dedicated men and women of God share their love of Jesus and bring hope and Christ's peace to those most in need. What is provided by your generosity is as critical to the missionary work of the Church as the weekly offertory is to our parish. Over 1,150 dioceses around the world depend upon this collection to support their pastoral, educational, and spiritual works. I am certain that you will be as generous as your means allow in this urgent Second Collection. May God bless you for your generous missionary spirit and may He reward you for all that you do for His people.

I am delighted to welcome the REVEREND DANIEL F. HENNESSEY to our parish community this weekend. Father Hennessey is the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Boston and he has graciously agreed to be with us to help promote vocation awareness within our parish. God calls each of us by name to participate in His divine plan and if we listen and respond, He will guide us to a life full of wonderful possibilities. Father Hennessey will speak of the need that the Church has for an increase of priestly vocations. I know that I can speak for all of my brother priests when I tell you that the Sacred Priesthood is a wonderful life. It is an awesome privilege to stand in the person of Christ and to be able to share His mercy and love in so many different ways. We are blessed to have four young men from this parish presently studying at the seminary and discerning God's call to them. It is my prayer that God will continue to call even more men from this parish to the Priesthood and that they will have the charity of heart, generosity of spirit, and the courage to respond "YES LORD." I know that they will never be disappointed.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 10/23    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass   John "Jack" Parsons, Joseph Mangiacotti
Mon. 10/24    8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 10/25    8:00 AM Charles J. Keeney    
Wed. 10/26    8:00 AM Deceased members of the Geary Family 7:30 PM   Patricia Gleason
Thur. 10/27   8:00 AM Vocations to the Priesthood    
Fri. 10/28   8:00 AM Francis Branagan        
Sat. 10/29    8:00 AM James Coyle;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Edna Micelotta, 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 23 will burn in prayer for Elizabeth Hooley and James Coyle.

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
October 16, 2005

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $12,970.00            $2,030.00

STEWARDSHIP

"Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him."
John 14:23

How do you show your love for God? Do you give your time, talent and treasure to keep His word?

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Virginia Cole and Richard Moulton
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

On November 1, 2005 St. Patrick Parish of Natick will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA). PEA is when a parish sets aside a small room or chapel that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with permanent exposition of Jesus in The Most Blessed Sacrament. During Adoration we make ourselves present to be loved by God so that we can grow more deeply in the awareness of how and how much He loves us. Then we can love one another as He has loved us. Since the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is one of a few in Massachusetts and in the USA open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, people from all walks of life; different faiths, families and children; always have the opportunity to seek healing, comfort and solace in times of difficulty or sorrow or in times of joy and thanksgiving. Everyone is welcome to St. Patrick Eucharistic Adoration Chapel located on Hayes Street next to St. Patrick Church. For more information or if you and your family would like to sign up to be dedicated adorers and spend one hour each week with Jesus, call Anne Reilly 508-655-8516.

Mass of Remembrance

Our annual Mass of Remembrance for Children who have died before birth will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 1st at 7:30 p.m. A special invitation is extended to all women and men who sorrow over the death of children as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. Also welcomed are those birthparents who experience the pain of separation from children through adoption. All are invited to join us as we celebrate our "littlest saints".

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

High School Mini-Courses

This week we will have completed our first session of the new format for 9th & 10th grade students! A big Thank You to Rich Salvaggio, Michele Heyde, Tricia Fair as well as the parents and students who participated and helped get the program off to a great start.

Late Fall Sessions will be starting next week as follows:
Nicene Creed Sunday Oct 30th 6:30pm
Doctrinal Themes Sunday Oct 30th 7:00pm
Prayer Wednesday Nov 2 6:30pm

Please call Tricia Fair 508-653-6281 to verify or to make any changes to your choices.

11th grade Confirmation Students

>RETREAT: We look forward to welcoming the student retreat team of Assumption College as they lead our Confirmation students in prayer, reflection and activities on Saturday Oct 29th. Students meet in Our Lady's Hall at noon, Sponsors will join the students for the 4:30 Mass and we will end the day with dinner. There will be no class the following day.
REHEARSAL: Thursday, Nov 3rd All students with their sponsor will meet in the Upper Church at 6:30 to review the logistics of receiving the sacrament.
NOV 5th: Mass begins at 11:00am, students and their sponsor meet in the Lower Church Hall for 10:15.

Prayer

We pray for our 11th grade students as they approach their final preparation before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on November 5th at 11:00 a.m. by Bishop Walter Edyvean. We pray that they will know the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their daily efforts to follow the Lord more closely in every action both grand and quiet.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Again this year our Religious Education students will be collecting non-perishable food for the Thanksgiving food baskets distributed by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to members of our community in need.
Drop off boxes will be located in the Auditorium of Montrose School, as well as in the Kitchen of the Joseph Center starting Oct 23rd. Thank you for your generosity.

Community Service Opportunity

The Natick Council on Aging is looking for Middle School, High School students as well as adults to assist with their yearly Yard Cleanup for the elderly citizens of Natick. Dates are: Nov 5th & 6th or Nov 19th & 20th (you may sign up for 1 or more dates) Call Melisa Melnyk for more information or to sign up at 508-907-6220.

Upcoming

11th grade Confirmation Retreat: Sat. Oct 29th 12:00-6:00pm Our Lady's Hall

Nursing Home Ministry

Thank you to the parishioners who are sending cards to the resident of Riverbend Nursing Home in South Natick for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We would like to continue to increase our involvement there. The residents enjoy hearing people speak about their jobs, trips, hobbies, or area of expertise. If you would like to give a talk or bring your collection, please contact Linda Bonneau at Riverbend (508) 653-8330.

Flu Vaccine Clinic

Free Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccine is available for eligible Residents of Natick which include: all persons 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, those with close contact to children less than 6 months old, and those with heart disease, lung disease, metabolic disease, blood disorders and weakened immune systems. Please bring your Medicare card or HMO senior plan card. Thursday, November 3 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Kennedy Senior Center, 117 East Central Street or Tuesday, November 8 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Natick Lodge of Elks, 93 Speen Street. For more information, call the Natick Board of Health 508-647-6460.

Peace & Justice Ministry's Parish Food Collection

Thank you for all your donations to the weekly food drop-off, which is located in the left-hand corner in the church vestibule. We bring your donations to the Natick Food Pantry on East Central Street on the first week of the month, and A Place to Turn on Hartford Street during the second - fourth weeks. If there is a fifth Sunday, the food collection is picked up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The pantries accept all basic non-perishable food products. Items that are especially needed at this time are: canned beef stew, cereal, coffee, 100% fruit drinks, tomato products, kid-friendly snacks, toothpaste and shampoo. Outdated food products are not accepted. Your generosity is appreciated by individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs for food.

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.
Monday November 7 at 9:00 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.

Natural Family Planning

Come to learn about the latest scientific advances in the field of Natural Family Planning and their medical applications. An Introductory Session on the Creighton Model-Fertility Care System will be offered on November 6, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the Joseph Center. All are welcome. Please call 508-439-2220 to register.

!!!Family Fun Event!!!

Please join us for a "Mini Fall Festival" for our parish family at Natick Organic Farm in South Natick. Stop by for some chili and corn bread made by your fellow parishioners on Saturday, November 5th from 12-2pm. Admission is free! This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better and to meet some new friends. All are welcome. If you are interested in helping us out with food and activities that day, please call Tess Roberts at (508) 647-8287.

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.

Parish Pastoral Council

Nominations are now being accepted for new membership on the Parish Pastoral Council. This Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Pastor in matters related to the growth and development of the Parish. In order to be eligible to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council, the individual must be age 18 or older, a practicing Catholic, registered parishioner, and active in the parish.
Several council members' terms are expiring, and we are seeking nominations for new members to fill these vacant positions. The commitment to serve on this council is three years. Attendance at monthly meetings is required.
All parishioners are encouraged to prayerfully consider nominating someone who meets the eligibility requirements outlined above. You may nominate yourself or a fellow parishioner.
Nominations can be placed in the box in the vestibule as you leave Mass, or they may be mailed or dropped off at the Rectory this week. The selection process for new members is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 30th at the 11:30 Mass.

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.

top of page