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FROM THE PASTOR As we begin the season of ADVENT this Sunday, we are invited to remember Christ's first coming to us in history and also to prepare for His Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is primarily a period of devout and joyful expectation. It is hard to imagine that Christmas is right around the corner and that December 25th will be here before we know it. In some ways, that is true about the coming of the Lord. We are invited to be watchful and ready for the coming of the Lord, for although we don't know the day of His coming, we do know that He will come. Advent is a period of joyful and devout expectation and so I hope that all of us will use these next four weeks to meditate on the gift of Christ's peace so that we might live each day focused upon Him, attentive to His voice, and eager to do His will. This year, the First Sunday of Advent is the day when the new norms for the celebration of the Mass will go into effect. The General Instruction for the Roman Missal directs us to implement the following: 1.) During the Profession of Faith, we bow our heads as we recite: "By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man." 2.) At the Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory), after the priest says: "Pray my brothers and sisters, that this our sacrifice may be acceptable…," the congregation stands as it prays; "May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands…" 3.) At the conclusion of the Lamb of God, the congregation kneels until the reception of Holy Communion. 4.) During Holy Communion, each person is asked to make a simple reverence (a slight bow of the head) before receiving the Lord. I realize that it may take a few weeks to become acclimated to these changes but I know that a faithful adherence to the norms of the Church will provide for a much more beautiful celebration of the Mass. In order to enhance our celebration of Mass, MARTIN KELLY, our Director of Music, has asked to purchase a new HYMNAL OF MUSIC. The new hymnal will contain more musical choices for singing and will allow for greater participation on the part of all of us. In order to help pay for these new hymnals, we invite you to consider making a financial offering of $25.00 as a memorial donation for a loved one. There will be more information available after all of the Masses. The JESSE TREE is available again this year to assist us in the distribution of gifts to those in need. Your unfailing generosity allows us to offer some relief to those who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. We are most grateful for your compassionate response to this annual appeal. The table with requested items will be available in the vestibule of the Church after all of the Masses. Finally, I want to bring to your attention that the Parish Finance Council and the St. Patrick's Cemetery Commission are considering a price increase for the plots in our beautiful cemetery. The new rates will probably take effect in January of next year but I wanted to alert you in case any of you would like to purchase a plot now. If you are interested, please contact St. Patrick's Cemetery. Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 11/30 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass
Michael & Maria Pignatiello, Luisa Valenti Evelyn Fontaine, Edna Lambert, Chal Thayer, Gerald Hallinan, Domenico Cucinotta, Agnes Barr, Steve Adams
PLEASE PRAY FOR Tony Amendolla, Anne Casperson, Thoma Kean, Marlene Carmichael, Leo Alvares, Bill Collett, Bobby Nolasco, Chuck Plaistek, Norma Lally, Joseph Lombardi, Louis Maffiola, Tony Armata, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Lorraine McDonough, Gregg Giallonardo, Muriel Cosentino, Denise Perreault, Rose Kilmer, Amy Flickenger, Paul Cropper, James Philips, Jean Orme, Nadia DeMasi, Elvira Portyrala, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish, as well as all the faithful departed, especially Marie Garron, Marie Marshall, and Helen Zullo. SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of November 30th will burn in prayer for Luisa Valenti, Ellen, Brendan & Seamus Browne, and Helen Zullo. 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 $15,000.00 $13,074.00 $1,926.00 Special Collection We received $1,455.00 for the Campaign for Human Development. Thank you for your generosity! Advent prayer Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours.
Religious Education Important Reminders!! · All students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to attend the Reconciliation Service held Tuesday December 2 at 4:00pm in the Upper Church
Christmas Pageant The Pageant is almost here! After the 9:00 am and the 11:30 am Masses, representatives of the Pageant Committee will be on hand in the Vestibule of the Church to sign children up as well as answer any questions. The Pageant will be Sunday December 14th at 10:15am, in the Upper Church. Youth Mass Thank you to all those who made the 2nd Youth Mass so much fun! The organizers of the Monthly Youth Mass are looking for singers and musicians willing and able to be a part of a band play for the Mass and other special youth events we have planned. We are especially looking for anyone with acoustic, bass or electric guitar experience, as well as drummers, keyboardists. All eager musicians should email Melissa Cecchi meliss4399@rcn.com or call Melisa at the Religious Education office. Next Youth Mass will take place Jan 4 and will be every 1st Sunday of the month. Thank You Thank you to our High School Students who helped pack and deliver the Thanksgiving baskets Mike Cosgrove, Ben Cote, James Lienhard, Elizabeth Osborn, Mary Powell, and Kaitlin Walsh. You are the Salt of the Earth, you are the Light of the World. Not sure what to with all those great books your children have outgrown? We are looking for donations to start a library of religious children books. You can drop them off at the Rectory. Any questions, call Sally DeGeorge (508)655-0198. We'll also accept suggestions for good books to purchase--help your church in purchasing some of the books . FAMILIES As we approach the holidays with all of its media messages are you looking to spend some quality time with your children? Join us for Advent Fridays to watch family-friendly videos on Christmas themes. Each video is a half-hour and is geared to a specific age group but appropriate for families with multiple aged children. These videos and others may be borrowed from the Parish Video Library located in the lower church hall. Popcorn and soda will be available, bring your own pillows, blankets etc. to be comfortable. Free will donation. Family Advent Video series Fridays Dec 5, 12, 19 7:00pm Dec 5 The Greatest Adventure: The Nativity (Targeted to ages 5-7)
Important Reminders!! · All students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to attend the Reconciliation Service held Tuesday December 2 at 4:00pm in the Upper Church
Please don't forget to fill out and return the Adult Faith Formation surveys! available online in religious education. MINISTRY NOTICES
The annual Jesse Tree continues this weekend and next weekend. Your support of this program is truly appreciated as many families are helped through this gift-giving program. Gifts need to be returned to the back of the church no later than December 14th. PEACE AND JUSTICE Annual El Salvador Craft Sale
Oxfam Fast Last week the annual Oxfam Fast was held at the First Congregational Church. Members of five area churchs were present for the program, and the event raised $600. for the work done by Oxfam for the cause of feeding the hungry and ensuring justice for the less fortunate among our sisters and brothers. Adoration "Perpetual Adoration with exposition needs a great push. People ask me: "What will convert America and save the world?' My answer is prayer. What we need is for every Parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in holy hours of prayer." Blessed Mother Teresa. Extra coverage is needed for the following hours:
"God is the friend of silence. We need to find God and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. See how nature, the trees, the flowers, the grasses grow in perfect silence…see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life."
HOME EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS There will be a meeting of home Eucharistic ministers on Saturday, December 6th at 8:30am in the Lower Church Hall. Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Pine Street Inn Service Project, Sat 12/6, 4pm. Serve dinner to the homeless - a great way to live out the Gospel. Meet rear parking lot. eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008. First Friday Dinner, Fri 12/5, following 7:30pm Mass. Each month we go out to dinner after First Friday Mass. eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008. PINE STREET INN
The Pine St. Inn is in desperate need of men's new coats, shoes and hooded sweatshirts for the homeless. As the cold weather is upon us there is a great shortage of these items. Donations may be left in the Pine St. Inn box in the vestibule of the Church. Deadline is Sunday, December 14th. Thank you for your kind generosity. FUEL ASSISTANCE The Natick Service Council is processing applications for fuel assistance. It is essential that the applications be filed as early as possible. Contact them at (508) 655-1791. community events Catholic High School Entrance Exams Brother Daniel Skala, C.F.X., Headmaster at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood announces the Entrance Exam for Eighth Grade boys who wish to enter the Freshman Class in September, 2004 will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 8:30a.m. Test registration forms and admissions packets may be picked up at Open House or by calling the admissions office at 781-326-6392. Open House for Xaverian Brothers High School is Sunday, December 7th from 10am-12Noon. It's Not Too Early to Think About Summer Camp Camp Fatima for boys and Camp Bernadette for girls in NH, are now taking registrations for their summer sessions. Some sessions have filled up so don't wait. If you would like more information please call, write, or email the Diocesan Camps at 603-364-5851, PO Box 206, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837, info@diocamps.org. You can also check out our website at www.diocamps.org. Seamless Garment Reflection
"The human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence in the world; all of the Church's work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every human person. For each person not only reflects God, but is the expression of God's creative work and the meaning of God's redemptive ministry."
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