FROM THE PASTOR
With the recent closing of St. James Parish, we are blessed to have many new people joining our parish family and I want to express a warm welcome to them. The sadness of this particular moment is hopefully tempered by the knowledge that St. Patrick's Parish will be enriched by the presence of such wonderful people as those formerly worshipping at St. James. If I may, I would like to speak a word of appreciation to those among us from St. James and express to you my profound admiration for the grace and faith that you have displayed throughout this process of reconfiguration. All realize how painful it must be to leave a place that holds such treasured memories. It is my prayer that we, your brothers and sisters in faith, will open our hearts to you and make you feel at home here at St. Patrick's. Through your active participation in the many areas of parochial life, we know that this community will be enhanced and become a more vibrant place of prayer. The gifts of your time and talent that graced St. James for these many years are obvious expressions of your love for and commitment to the Catholic Church. We now look to the future with great hope that, with the combined efforts and active collaboration of all of us, we may together bring the Gospel of Christ to this area of His vineyard.
Several inquiries have been made concerning the Sign of Peace and the reception of the Precious Blood from the Communion cup, especially in light of the flu season. In accordance with the General Instruction to the Roman Missal, I would suggest that, if you have a cold, you simply nod to those around you or verbally exchange an expression of peace in lieu of a handshake. This would be both gracious and fitting. The permission to offer Holy Communion under both Species was granted so that Holy Communion would stand out more clearly as a participation in the Sacrifice that is being celebrated. During this flu season, common sense should prevail and one should refrain from receiving Holy Communion from the chalice if they have a cold or flu.
Many of you might recognize a familiar face in our midst this weekend. The REV. STEPHEN S. DONOHOE has generously offered his priestly service once again to our parish so that I might be able to participate in the Installation of the Knights of Malta at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. I am very grateful to Fr. Donohoe for his customary kindness and I am sure that you will make him feel at home once again. As I am privileged to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice at the Altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral, please know that I shall offer a special prayer for the other St. Patrick's that is closest to my heart.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 11/14 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass Walter Sullivan; Luisa Valenti, Albenie "Ben" Leger, Nancy Bradley (ill); Helen Pineau Bergstrom; Mark Fitzpatrick and
Giovanni Freni.
Mon. 11/15 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 11/16 8:00 AM Michael Parker
Wed. 11/17 8:00 AM Catherine Moir 7:30 PM Donna Kane Kelly
Thur. 11/18 8:00 PM Gerard A. Halpin, Jr.
Fri. 11/19 8:00 AM Holy Souls in Purgatory
Sat. 11/20 8:00 AM Catherine Robinson
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Patricia Kaufman, Eleanor Ruiz, Teresa Rowley, John Morton, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, 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 Phillips, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.
SANCTUARY LAMPS
for the week of November 14th will burn in prayer for Gerard A. Halpin, Jr., John Morton and Mary Beth Parker & Ben Jordan (living).
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
November 7, 2004
Budgeted Actual
Offertory Offertory Deficit
$15,000.00 $14,321.00
$679.00
Special Collection
Our St. Patrick Parish Family contributed $5,191.00 last week for the Retired Religious special collection. Thank you for your generosity!
STEWARDSHIP
Today's readings paint a somewhat frightening picture of the end of time. But the Gospel ends with the assurance to faithful stewards that those who persevere will be saved.
Rest in Peace
Let us pray for those who have died, especially Edward P. O'Connor and Mary Maiorana May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Nativity festival Display and sale
Children and adults are invited to a unique program on
Saturday November 20, Noon -6:00pm
Sunday November 21 10:00am-3:00pm
Learn more about the Nativity of Jesus, what it means, and why we do certain things.
Related are a display and sale of nativity items-creches, ornaments, plates, books, wall hangings, water globes, plus lots of things for kids. Represented are countries from A to Z, including Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Thailand, the United States, and Zimbabwe.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
We pray
We continue to pray for our 11th grade Confirmation Candidates, their Sponsors and their families as they complete the final preparation to receive the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation on December 11, 2004.
Come and See
Parent-Catechist night Nov 18th All Parents are invited to come to the first parent catechist evening. Opportunity to meet your child's catechists, see some of the projects the students are working on, and become more engaged in your child's faith development. Montrose School (enter by auditorium) 7:00-9:00pm.
We are looking for high school students to assist with this evening by making signs, babysitting, and being tour guides. Please speak to Melisa when you have class or call the office at 508-907-6220 to volunteer.
Please note Reconciliation Services: We offer our students the opportunity to share in the healing power of the Sacrament of reconciliation during the season of Advent on the following dates:
Grades 3-5 - Wednesday December 1st 6:30-7:30
Grades 6-10 - Wednesday Dec 15th 6:30-7:30
Parents are welcome to receive the Sacrament when the children are completed.
Christmas Pageant
We are already looking for adult volunteers to assist us as we make the Christmas Pageant a reality; costume organization, repair, and creation; program content, and design, as well as many other tasks needed. All talents welcome! Please contact Melisa to add your name to the Pageant Committee.
Please watch this column for more information on student participation and rehearsal schedules.
Family Day
After the pageant, all religious education families are invited to join us at Fatima Shrine in Holliston, MA for our fun filled Family Day. Sunday December 19th.
Reminders:
· Sunday Nov 14th please use Tunnel door into Our Lady's Hall for Religious Education classes for that Sunday only as Montrose will be holding their Drama production in the auditorium
· Sunday Nov 21st Nativity Festival Display & Sale
· Sunday Nov 28th no class - Happy Thanksgiving!
Youth Group has been put on hold until further notice.
St. Vincent De Paul Benefit Dinner
Scheduled for November 20th
Our St. Vincent De Paul Society needs our HELP! Winter is coming and with rising fuel costs some of our parishioners and members of the Natick community will need assistance in paying their utility bills. A spaghetti dinner is being planned for November 20th in the lower church. Dinner will begin after the 4pm Mass. You will enjoy a spaghetti dinner for the nominal fee of $5 per person with family of 4 or more paying no more than $20. Tickets will be available after all Masses beginning this weekend.
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. Sessions may be cancelled if too few are signed up to attend.
Session Dates:
Sunday Nov 21 2 -4 PM
Thursday Dec 2 9 - 11 AM
Location: Religious Ed room at Montrose School.
St. Vincent De Paul Benefit Dinner Scheduled for November 20th
Our St. Vincent De Paul Society needs our HELP! Winter is coming and with rising fuel costs some of our parishioners and members of the Natick community will need assistance in paying their utility bills. A spaghetti dinner is being planned for November 20th in the lower church. Dinner will begin after the 4pm Mass. You will enjoy a spaghetti dinner for the nominal fee of $5 per person with family of 4 or more paying no more than $20. Tickets will be available after all Masses beginning next weekend.
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)
Bible Study, Thu 11/18, 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.
Respect Life Ministry
Ministry Meeting
Want to get involved in a pro-active ministry that strives to respect life issues from conception to natural death? Join us for our next meeting scheduled for November 18th at 7:30 pm in the Joseph Center.
Prayer Vigil at MetroWest Hospital-Framingham Union
A prayer vigil to Save God's Precious Infants to end Abortion at Framingham Union Hospital will be held November 20th. The vigil begins with Mass at 8 am at St. Stephen's Church (Concord St. in Framingham).
St. Patrick's Children's Choir
Religious education students who want to increase their participation in the Mass through music.
Middle school students who have a basic understanding of music comcepts and are willing to share their knowledge.
Younger members who can read, carry a tune, and who are willing to learn.
Rehearsals are held on Mondays@ 5:00PM (every other week) before the listed Sunday Mass (45 minutes max). The first rehearsal is on Monday, October 25th at the Joseph Center. Any questions - contact Martin Kelly
Singing Schedule: September-December
Sunday, Oct 17 Sunday, Dec 5
Sunday, Oct 31 Sunday, Dec 19
Sunday, Nov 7 Sunday, Dec 24, 6pm Mass
Sunday, Nov 21
Oxfam Fast
Please join the St. Patrick's Peace and Justice Ministry on November 18, 2004
Thirty years ago, on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, thousands of people nationwide fasted for the day or skipped a meal, donating their food money to Oxfam America. So began Oxfam's Fast for a World Harvest campaign.
We will be gathering in St. Patrick's Lower Church Hall, at 7:00pm. A light meal of bread and soup will be served. ALL WELCOME!
Vincent Jacques - High School Religion Teacher at St. Peter-Marian will speak about his experience teaching Peace Games.
Please contact Guido Jacques at 508-650-1509 or 617-719-8601 with any questions.
Master of Arts in Ministry Program for Laity Open House
Nov. 16th 7pm Peterson Hall, St. John Seminary, Brighton Nov. 17th 7pm in Chelmsford; for more information call 617-779-4104 or www.sjs.edu/www.rcab.org
Mini Fair / Flea Market
Where: St. Patrick's Lower Church Hall
When: Saturday, November 27th and Sunday, November 28th from 9:00am-2:00pm
There will be crafts, baked goods, bric a brac, Silent Auction and much more. Anyone wishing to help please call Ann at 508-653-2781.
Help Support our Troops
Project Hugs for Heroes is collecting items for Marine Units serving near Fallujah. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. They are enduring extreme hardships and are in need of our prayers and ask for some very basic items.
Items Needed:
New/used cds or dvds, small packets of baby wipes (to fit into their jackets), small tubes of hand/body lotion/sunblock, chapstick, magazines (new or slightly used) sports, cars, etc., sugarless gum, mints, lifesavers, sweet candy (not chocolate-it melts), individual packets of koolaid, crystal lite to put into their camelback water carriers, instant toothbrushes. Think travel size for everything!!
Desperately need: black tube socks and innersoles.
Baked Goods:
Weekend of Nov 27-28th only! Items that ship best are: chocolate chip cookies, brownies, blondies, bar cookies.
**Items need to be in zip lock bags to keep the sand out** Boxes will be in the back of the church for your donations and cards will be provided for you to send a note to our troops. They would love to hear from you. Thank you for your generosity. The soldiers will be grateful.
Any questions call: Mireille Manzone, 508-785-1310.
Thanksgiving
Come and join both Roche Brothers and the Ron Ordway family as they host their annual Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, November 25 at 12:00pm. The location is St. Paul's Episcopal Church next to the Natick Town Hall.
All are welcome to our free Thanksgiving celebration.
Please let us know by November 20 if you will be joining us and if you need transportation. Delivery to your home is also available if you are homebound. The telephone number is 508-653-9336.
SENIOR CITIZEN INFORMATION DAY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH 10:00 TO 3:00
AT THE NATICK FIRE STATION
The Natick Board of Selectman and Council on Aging will sponsor a Senior Citizen Information Day on Wednesday, Nov. 17th from 10-3. at the main Fire Station on East Central St.. in Natick. The theme of the program is "How Golden Are Your Golden Years?" The program, open to all Natick senior citizens, their family members and emerging seniors, will focus on issues of aging successfully in your home and community.
The main focus of the day's programming will be to offer information about what's available to our citizens, receive information back from them about the challenges they face, and how the Town can help them. Our aim is to provide information consumers should know prior to making decisions. Please call Deborah, 508-647-6540 for further information.
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