FROM THE PASTOR
It is with mixed emotions that I share with you the news that His Excellency, the Most Reverend Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, has ended the assignment of the REVEREND JASON W. WORTHLEY as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick's Parish. The Archbishop has assigned Fr. Worthley as Parochial Vicar at St. Francis Parish in Dracut. Although we are saddened by his departure, we are most grateful for the blessing of his priestly ministry among us. We pray that Fr. Jason will experience much joy in his new assignment. The effective date of this assignment is Monday, November 22, 2004.
There will be a SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTION taken up at all of the Masses to benefit the CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. This annual appeal is committed to helping people change the conditions that keep them living in a state of poverty. Nearly 35 million Americans live in poverty and we can help break that cycle by rekindling a spirit of community with those most in need. The Campaign for Human Development supports self-help projects of poor and low-income people working together to improve their lives and communities. Please give as generously as you can so that together we might make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
As we reflect upon how blessed we are both individually and as a parish, it should be obvious that we need to render thanks to God for all that He has done for us. Our nation's founding parents came to this land and raised a hymn of Thanksgiving to God for the rich harvest that they had received at His hand. This Thursday, our country will observe THANKSGIVING DAY and I want to invite all to join us as we gather to thank God in the best of all ways: the celebration of the Prayer of Thanksgiving, the Prayer of Jesus Christ, the Mass. We will celebrate a Special Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening, November 24th at 7:30 PM and on Thursday morning, November 25th at 8:00 AM in the Main Church. I hope that all will participate in the Mass as we gather to ask God's continued blessing on the food that we will share with grateful hearts. May the time that we spend together with our families and friends help us to cherish the real gift that they are to our lives. Let us pray that our love for God and our appreciation for His goodness be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice and in our generous response to those in need.
There will be a WELCOMING MASS for new parishioners celebrated on Sunday, December 5th at 11:30 AM and I hope that as many as are able will join us. We are extending a special invitation to those former parishioners of St. James Parish as well as others to come and allow us the privilege of meeting you. Your presence here at St. Patrick's, although difficult for you, is a source of great blessing to all of us. We are most grateful to you for sharing yourselves with us and we look forward to collaborating with you to further the mission of the Catholic Church here in Natick.
Finally, I want to call your attention to the fact that copies of Archbishop O'Malley's recent letter are available at the doors of the Church. I would like to urge all to prayerfully read this important and timely letter from Archbishop Sean.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 11/21 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass William K. Donahue, Joseph P. Foley (2nd Anniv.),
Aldethea Phinney and Edna Lambert.
Mon. 11/22 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 11/23 8:00 AM Holy Souls in Purgatory
Wed. 11/24 8:00 AM Patricia Haswell 7:30 PM Thanksgiving Vigil
Thur. 11/25 8:00 PM Thanksgiving
Fri. 11/26 8:00 AM Chester Lewandowski
Sat. 11/27 8:00 AM Edwin & Margaret Fosberg
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 21st will burn in prayer for Peter Pedini & Albert Giorgi, Diane Polagruto, Michael Pignatiello, John Morton, Ralph C. DiGiandomenico, Jr., Anna Caruso and John McGovern.
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 14, 2004
Budgeted Actual
Offertory Offertory Deficit
$15,000.00 $12,158.77
$2,841.23
STEWARDSHIP
Today we celebrate Christ the King and are reminded that all was created through Him and for Him. Does my stewardship of the blessings entrusted to me give evidence that Christ is Lord of my life?
Thanksgiving collection
Please note that our Thanksgiving collection will be for St. Vincent de Paul so that they may continue reaching out to those in need. Please be generous and remember especially this time of year the food and heat assistance they provide!
Office Closed
Our parish offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 25th and 26th, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving Mass Schedule
The Thanksgiving Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday evening, November 24th at 7:30 p.m. Mass on Thanksgiving morning will be celebrated at 8:00 a.m. Please note that both Masses will be celebrated in the upper Church.
Coffee and Donuts After Mass
Please join us for coffee and donuts downstairs in the Lower Church Hall after Mass on Sunday morning beginning next weekend, November 28th. Please stop by if even for a few minutes so that we may become better acquainted with those whom we worship with each week. All are welcome.
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.
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 21st Nativity Festival Display & Sale
· Sunday Nov 28th no class - Happy Thanksgiving!
Reminders:
· Sunday Nov 21st Nativity Festival Display & Sale
· Sunday Nov 28th no class - Happy Thanksgiving!
Youth Group has been put on hold until further notice.
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.
Christmas Festival of Lights
Anyone interested in planning a parish outing to the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSallette in Attleboro for the Christmas Festival of Lights, please contact the Parish Office at 508-653-1093. If there is enough interest, we will plan to get a bus to leave Natick at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th, returning at approximately 8:30 p.m.
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.
Nativity on the Common
Sadly, as you may recall we were unable to display our Parish Nativity scene on the Natick Common last year because it had been stolen. We would like to replace this nativity so that a visible sign of the birth of our Savior, the real reason for the season, may be on display for all to see in the center of town. Any donations towards the purchase of a new outdoor nativity scene would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Respect Life Ministry
Jesse Tree Begins Next Weekend
Our annual Jesse Tree begins next weekend. Please consider purchasing a gift or gift certificate for a child or adult that is in need. This project always brings warm wishes to others and brings us together as a spirit filled Parish.
Pine Street Inn Ministry - Christmas Request
The Pine St. Inn is in desperate need of new undergarments and socks for both men and women to give as Christmas Gifts. Please leave your new unwrapped donations in the Pine St. Inn Christmas box in the rear of the vestibule. Pine St. is very grateful to all of you who continually help them throughout the years. God bless.
Women Affirming Life Advent Breakfast Forum
Saturday, December 4, 2004 Newton Marriott Hotel - Rt. 30 - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Please join Archbishop Sean O'Malley, Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School Professor, and Meg Meeker, M.D., Pediatrician and author as they speak on "Reflections on Life, Love, and Hope."
Tickets $25.00 / $10.00 students RSVP by Nov 29, 2004 617-783-5410 or mail payment to: W A L, P.O Box 35532, Brighton, MA 02135.
We give thee thanks
Our St. Patrick Parish Staff extend our warmest wishes to all for a happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
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
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.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
All are Welcome - Transportation available
Thursday, November 25, 2004 Noon-3:00 PM
Natick High School Cafeteria
Deliveries to shut-ins and seniors 12:00-2:00 PM
Turkey, Ham, Sweet Potato, Mashed Potatoes,
Corn, Pie, Desserts and Beverages
For reservations or transportation call Diane 508-839-2213
Sponsored by Chef Robert Cardoos, Cardoos Gourmet Caterers and Jay and Ricky Ball
12th Annual Holiday Fair
Friday, December 3rd, 2004 from 10:00am to 3:30pm
At Mary Ann Morse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
45 Union St., Natick
The Fair will feature crafts, baked goods, raffles, holiday white elephant items and a $1.00 breakfast of Dunkin Donuts Coffee and a Doughnut - and a $5.00 Soup, salad, drink and dessert lunch.
Come and support the residents at Mary Ann Morse.
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