FROM THE PASTOR

There will be a SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTION taken up at all of the Masses this weekend to benefit the CATHOLIC MISSIONS throughout the world. As we celebrate WORLD MISSION SUNDAY, we are reminded that each one of us is called by God to be missionaries, to bring God's Word and His Love into the world in which we live. In a special way, we are invited to our prayers and our generous financial support to the priests, religious, and lay people in the missions as they bear witness to a world in need of Christ's love and healing. The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is responsible for providing financial assistance to the Church in so many parts of the world and it relies on our generosity and prayers to continue the Lord's mission. I know that you will be as generous as possible to this appeal and I thank you in advance for your concern for those who labor far from home to bring God's love to those in need.

People are, at times, surprised when I tell them I am never ashamed to ask for money. The reason why is because it was one of the primary activities of the Apostles in the early Church. The Acts of the Apostles describe Peter and Paul as often taking up collections for the poor and for the Mother Church in Jerusalem. As a matter of fact, Jesus spoke more of money than any other subject in the Gospel. Giving of our resources is a sign of faith. The Church invites us to share our time, our talents and our treasure. It is often easier to give our time and our talents than it is our treasure. For many of us, money symbolizes security. Yet, it is the tradition of the Church that we should trust in God's provision. The Lord is so generous to us, and we need in response to be generous to Him and to others. I have asked the PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL to speak at all of the Masses this weekend so that you may know how we have used your generous gifts to carry on the mission of the Church within our parish. I am most grateful to the way in which you have responded to God's call to share your resources and I appreciate that for some, your weekly offering is a sacrifice of great love. Our parish has enjoyed a legacy of many faith-filled works that have extended far beyond our borders. As we look at the present fiscal realities, we realize that we need to increase our weekly offertory in order to continue the pastoral and charitable works that have defined our parish. The Finance Council has been of tremendous assistance in helping us to exercise prudent fiscal restraint. But I need each of you to be equally committed and equally responsive to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit in your lives. The Church is each one of us committed to sharing all that we possess with others to proclaim in word, in action, and in worship our conviction that Jesus is Lord. I am asking all of us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, to build a community of faith and to reach out to those in need by increasing our weekly contribution and please know that I am and will always be grateful for your generosity.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 10/22    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Luisa Valenti, Mary Young, Richard Delaney Edward & Beatrice Michalski
Mon. 10/23    8:00 AM Mass for Sick 
Tues. 10/24    8:00 AM Rosalina Lessard    
Wed. 10/25    8:00 AM Denis Lessard     7:30 PM Charles & June Keeney
Thur. 10/26    8:00 AM Patricia Sommero (living)       
Fri. 10/27    8:00 AM Vocations to Priesthood      
Sat. 10/28    8:00 AM Francis Branagan

PLEASE PRAY FOR Mary Porter, Rita Marso, Harold Davis, Lucille Belmore, Ralph Vaccari, Leonard White, Harold Kashala, Robert Goldkamp, Ed Saunders, Jr., Richard Guerin, Kay I. Zinna, Maryann Webster, Helen MacDonald, Julie Branton, Catherine MacLellan, Jim Campbell, Wilma Verge, Ricky Webster, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Dave Markow, Lucy Grupposo, Marie Smith, Joel Dennis, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendola, Thomas Kean, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, James Phillips, James Atherton, Barbara DiVaio, Barbara Waite, Gregory S. Giallonardo, Angela Marie Cobb and Celia Pasquarosa and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of October 22 will burn in prayer for Richard Donohue and Maureen Nyhen.

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 15, 2006

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Difference

$14,000.00            $12,777.45            $1,222.55

Stewardship

"For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Jesus came on this earth to serve. Anyone who wishes to follow Him must also be willing to give time, talent and treasure to serve God's people, just as Jesus gave His very life for us.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Paul E. Brown and Thomas J. Rowley
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Catholics can always Come Home.

Have you or someone you love been
away from the Church and wish to return?

Saint Patrick Parish is once again offering this program designed to assist Catholics in returning to the Church after being away for any reason. Our "Coming Home" program involves no commitment. It is informal, informative, and confidential.

If you have been away from the Church and desire to reconnect with a faith filled community, please join us for our first session on Monday, October 23rd, at 7:30 in the Lower Church Hall. Seven weekly sessions will be held to answer your questions and address your concerns. We look forward to meeting you.

For more information, please call us at 508-653-1093.

Mass of Remembrance for Pre-Born Children

A Mass of Remembrance for Pre-Born Children who have been lost to miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion will be held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 1 here at St. Patrick's. Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, President of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston, will offer the homily. Parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the loss of these little ones are invited to join.

Dominican Laity Meeting
Sunday, October 22nd, at St. Patrick Church

Members of the Dominican Laity of St. Dominic meet today in the Lower Church Hall at 1:30PM. The Life of Pier Giorgio Frassati, T.O.P. will be our featured talk. We will begin our meeting with the Rosary and the Angelus as usual, followed by a short business meeting and the talk. All are most welcome to join us for our meeting and community prayer in the Lower Chapel. Light refreshments will be served before we go to community prayer. Peg Branagan, T.O.P. 508-655-2347

Prayer for Vocations

Most Holy Virgin, certain of your intercession, we pray that the mysteries of the Risen Christ and of the Holy Spirit may enlighten many to become willing and generous servants of the church. We pray for our youth to whom the Lord addresses a special invitation of closer fellowship. May they refuse to be carried away by the things of this world, but open their hearts instead, to the friendly voice that calls them. May they feel capable of making a life-long commitment to Christ and to his church for the salvation of mankind. May they trust that divine grace will endow them with the power to make a total offering of themselves as they feel the attraction of priestly, religious and missionary life. We pray for the Christian families, that they may provide a favorable atmosphere for their youngsters and help them make the right choices. We beseech you that all priests and religious be an example to our youth by their availability and humble readiness to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit. May they be able to extend to all the fruits of love and peace. Amen. Pope John Paul II

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Thank you to all who visited our ministry tables last weekend. We look forward to new interest in our many programs here at St. Patrick's.

Child Abuse Prevention Program

For all new volunteers or anyone not yet trained Thursday, October 26 at 7 p.m. in the lower church hall here at St. Patrick Parish will be a session on Child Abuse Prevention. Please register with Deacon James Crump at the parish office, 508-653-1093 x35.

St. Vincent de Paul Weekly Food Collection

Parishioners are reminded of the ongoing food collection for the needy members of our community. Donations of non-perishable food products and non-food items may be left at the left side of the church vestibule at any service. Items are then distributed to various food pantries. Some especially needed items at this time are: canned stews, cereal, coffee, 100% fruit drinks, tomato products, toothpaste and shampoo.
Your generosity in assisting individuals and families who are unable to meet some of their basic needs is greatly appreciated!

Pine Street Inn Ministry

The Pine Street Inn Ministry is looking for volunteers to serve the evening meal on Saturday, November 4 and Saturday, December 2. Please call Ann Regan at 508-650-1902 if you are interested.

Halloween Party & Parade

The Fatima Shrine, Rte 126, Holliston will host a Halloween Parade & Party on Saturday, October 28. Parade lineup is at 1 pm sharp: all children ages 2 to 10 years are invited. Cost: $4 per child (at door); adults free if accompanied with one or more children. Features: costume parade with prizes for the most beautiful, scariest, and most creative. Games, refreshments, optional scarecrow craft ($3). Fun, prizes, and treats for all. Limited number of tickets. For advance family ticket rates and sales please call Joyce at 508-533-4453.

Area Fairs and Festivals

St. Zepherin Church, Wayland will be hosting their 16th annual Fall Fair, Saturday, November 4, 9 am - 4 pm. Featuring a kids tent with Larabel the Clown and Ark Project from the Mass Audubon Society. Raffles, auctions, and theme baskets will be up for bid. Lots of great food, delicious cookie walk.

St. Patrick's Manor, 863 Central Street, Framingham, Friday, November 10, 10 am - 4 pm. Crafts, white elephant, ceramics, baked goods, basket raffles, jewelry, hand made items, gift table, wreaths, silk flowers and much more. Doll & Trunk Complete with Handmade Wardrobe (will fit American Girl Dolls).

St. Bridget School, 832 Worcester Road, Framingham. Christmas Craft and Book Fair featuring ornaments, candles, scrapbook, jewelry, self portraits, scarves, embroidery, raffles and more. Sunday, November 19, school hall, 1 to 5 pm.

Knights of Columbus Fundraiser

The Knights of Columbus will host its annual Tootsie Roll Fundraiser after all of the Masses NEXT weekend (October 28/29). Members of the Knights will be outside the church selling tootsie rolls to benefit those in need here in Natick. All proceeds go to Natick residents.

Open Houses

Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Sunday, October 29 from 12 to 3 pm. For more information call 617-474-5010 or visit www.bchigh.edu.

Catholic Memorial, 235 Baker Street, West Roxbury, Sunday, October 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Information at 617-469-8019 or www.catholicmemorial.org.

Montrose School, 45 East Central Street, Natick, Sunday, October 15, 2 to 4 pm and Thursday, November 2 from 7 to 9 pm. For more information call 508-650-6925 or visit www.MontroseSchool.org.

Mount Alvernia High School, Grades 7-12, 790 Centre Street, Newton, Sunday, November 5, 1:30 to 4:00 pm. For additional information contact 617-969-2260 or www.mountalverniahs.org.

St. Sebastian's School, 1191 Greendale Avenue, Needham, Thursday, October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. For further information call 781-449-5200 or visit www.saintsebastiansschool.org.

Ursuline Academy, 85 Lowder Street, Dedham, grades 7-12 girls, Sunday, October 29 from 1 to 4 pm. For further information, please call 781-326-6161 ext. 107 or visit www.ursulineacademy.net.

Xaverian Brothers High School, 800 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, Sunday, October 29 from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information call 781-326-6392 or visit www.xbhs.com.

St. Linus Christian Book Group

St. Linus Christian Book Club will meet next on Thursday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Norton Center. The book for this month will be Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory. New participants are always welcome! October marks the one year anniversary of the book group. For information call Karen Mallozzi at 508-651-9788 or email at Kmallozzi@aol.com

Hawk for a Day

Starting November 1, Xaverian Brothers High School will be hosting the "Hawk For A Day" Program for all interested 8th grade boys. Spend a day with a freshman student to help you get a sense of school life at Xaverian. This program is designed to help you make an informed decision about your high school choice. For more information please contact the Admissions Office at 781-326-6392 X6612 or Admissions@XBHS.com.

Catholic High School Placement Tests

The Placement Test for all Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese of Boston will be administered on November 18 and December 9. For registration forms and information on test locations, contact you local Catholic High School, or the Catholic School Office at 617-498-6555.

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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