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FROM THE PASTOR As we celebrate the SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, we are reminded that we are to make straight the path of the Lord by being servants of justice, truth, and peace. These days before Christmas are full of so many distractions and concerns that we can easily overlook the Reason for the season. I urge you to spend some time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in order to remain focused on the True Spirit of Advent. One of the great blessings of our parish is the availability to be in the Presence of the Lord at any hour of the day or night. Adoration of the Eucharist is possible by visiting the Chapel on Hayes Street and the time that you are able to spend with the Lord is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow in strength and grace. This Wednesday, December 8th is the FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION and it is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. All Catholics are obliged to participate in the celebration of the Mass on that day as we recall the conception of Mary in preparation for her future role as Mother of the Divine Savior. In order to facilitate your fulfillment of this responsibility, Masses at St. Patrick's Parish will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7th at 7:30 PM and on Wednesday, December 8th at 6:30 and 8:00 AM and 4:00 and 7:30 PM. In the name of the entire parish community, I want to extend a special word of welcome to the new parishioners who have joined our parish during the past few months. Many of you have come from wonderful faith communities that have had a rich tradition of commitment and service to the Church. We are celebrating a MASS OF WELCOME today at 11:30 AM and are thanking God for the blessing that He has bestowed upon us through you. We are enriched by your presence among us and we anxiously await your active participation in parish life at St. Patrick's. It is my hope that you will share your talents with us and continue your previous involvement in any ministry here. I also hope that you will make yourselves at home here and that together we may move forward into a better future as we unite ourselves to the Source and Summit of All Life: Jesus Christ the Lord. I want to express my profound gratitude to all who have been so generous in their response to my appeal for a new NATIVITY. We have purchased a new Nativity and will now be able to place the Nativity scene on the Natick Common once again. In this moment of world turmoil, it is particularly important that we recall the birth of the Prince of Peace and pray that the recollection of His coming might bring all of us closer to each other as we grow in our appreciation of the awesome significance of Christ's humble birth in Bethlehem. My thanks go as well to all of you who helped to make last week's Mini Fair such a success. Your compassion and kindness has allowed me to make a donation of $ 5,000.00 to COR UNUM at St. Patrick's in Lawrence. This meal center is being built to feed the hundreds of impoverished people in that city who would otherwise go hungry. I can't begin to thank you enough for your response but I do know that your expression of Christian love will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Thank you. Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 12/5 5:30 PM Family Healing Mass
PLEASE PRAY FOR Ricky Webster, 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 December 5th will burn in prayer for Robert Cashman, Leonard LaRosa, John Morton (ill) and Kay & Ralph Pfeiffer ( 60th wedding anniv.) 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 $11,844.00 $3,156.00 Thanksgiving Collection Our St. Patrick Parish Family contributed $1,023.00 to the Thanksgiving collection to benefit St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you for your generosity! STEWARDSHIP We must be good stewards of God's gifts to us, receiving them gratefully and cultivating them with care lest we be the ones about whom John the Baptist speaks today: "Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire" CYO Basketball Come cheer on St. Pat's in their upcoming games: Also looking for scorekeepers for all home games.
Date Time Team Location
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. Appreciation Notes To our 3rd grade students for their cheerful singing and friendly companionship to the retired Sisters of St. Joseph residing at Bethany House in Framingham. Your presence means so much and we all in turn can learn so much from these wonderful women of experience and distinction! 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:
Christmas Pageant Sign-ups today in the vestibule after Mass
Character rehearsals (all held in the Upper Church):
2. Singers: The Christmas Pageant needs your voice! If you like to sing and are in 2nd grade or older come join in the Christmas Pageant. This is a short-term commitment with a rich reward. Most songs are familiar holiday pieces you'll be sure to enjoy! For more info Rhonda Garvin-Conaway 508-653-3381 or garvinconaway@hotmail.com Singing rehearsals (all held in the Upper Church)
Coffee and Donuts All are invited for Coffee and Donuts following the Sunday morning Masses (7:30, 9:00, and 11:30 a.m.) Each week a different ministry will be hosting this event. Please join us downstairs after Mass for a chance to socialize with old and new friends. Peace and Justice Ministry
Our Peace and Justice Ministry will be selling crafts from El Salvador in the Lower Church Hall after all the Saturday / Sunday Masses on the weekend of December 11-12. This is a great time to purchase gifts for the holidays. The proceeds will go to Share to support regional youth and women's initiatives in San Jose Las Flores and neighboring communities. Music Ministry The Music Ministry would like to invite parishioners to participate in the Adult or Children's Choir during the Christmas Season. Singing Christmas Carols is a wonderful way to enjoy the spirit of one of the most precious times of the year. The Adult Choir rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:30pm at the Joseph Center and will perform during the upcoming Confirmation on 12/11 at 11:00am and also at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The Children's Choir will rehearse on Monday, 12/13 and 12/20 at 5:00pm and will sing at the 6:00pm Mass on Christmas Eve. For further information contact Martin Kelly, Music Director at (617) 489-2472. Respect Life Ministry
Please consider purchasing a gift for a child or an adult that is in need. Your support is needed as we reach out to members of our community to make their Christmas a little brighter. This is the last weekend to drop by the back of the Church after Mass and pick up a gift tag. All gifts need to be returned by December 12th to the back of the church. 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. Mass Schedule for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Women Affirming Life Advent Breakfast Forum Saturday, December 4, 2004 Newton Marriott Hotel - Rt. 30 - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
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.
Singing Schedule: September-December
Advent Penance Service Evening of Prayer The monthly Evening of Prayer for December will be an Advent Penance Service on Monday, December 20th, at 7:30 PM in the Upper Church. Several priests will be available to hear confessions. Please come and experience the healing presence of Christ through this powerful Sacrament of Reconciliation. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Want to give each other something special for Christmas? How about a gift filled with Romance and Excitement? That is just the beginning of what you will receive on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Upcoming dates are:
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