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FROM THE PASTOR As we celebrate the SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, we are reminded to make straight the path of the Lord by being servants of justice, truth, and peace. These days before Christmas are so full of many distractions and concerns that we can easily overlook the Reason for this season. I want to encourage you to spend more time before the Blessed Sacrament in order to remain focused on the True Spirit of Advent. One of the great blessings of the 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 spend in His Presence is a special opportunity to grow closer to Him and to be renewed in strength. This Monday, December 8th is the FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION and it is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION. The Masses at St. Patrick's will be on Monday, December 8 at 6:30 & 8:00 AM and 4:00 & 7:30 PM. Because the Feast falls on a Monday this year, there will be no vigil Mass celebrated for the Holy Day. As most of you know, one of our parish families suffered a tremendous loss this past week when a fire damaged their home. Many of you have offered to assist the Gerrys as they wrestle with the devastating pain of losing their home and their possessions. I know that many of you have already offered to assist them in any way that you can and I know they are most grateful for your concern. As I write this column, a needs assessment is underway and when we are aware of what can be done to help, we will alert you and provide further details. In the meantime, I know that you join me in offering to Paul, Kitty, and their three children our prayerful support. I want to remind parishioners that we will be increasing the prices of cemetery plots at St. Patrick's Cemetery in January 2004. At the moment, the prices for plots are below the average price charged in this area and I have been advised that a rate increase would be appropriate at this time. The cost of maintaining our cemetery has increased and the cemetery has operated at a loss for many years. I would encourage you to contact the Cemetery Office if you would like to purchase a plot before the new rates take effect. The Peace and Justice Commission is sponsoring its annual CRAFT SALE to benefit our sister parish in El Salvador. There are many beautiful objects available in the Lower Church Hall after all of the Masses this weekend. I hope that you will support this sale in order to demonstrate our concern for our brothers and sisters at San Jose de Los Flores and to offer our assistance to them in their need. Finally, the Parish Music Ministry has requested that we invest in a new hymnal for Mass and have decided upon the GATHER HYMNAL. We are inviting all parishioners to donate a hymnal in memory of a loved one. There are envelopes in the pews that explain the various options and we hope that many will take advantage of this opportunity. The suggested donation is $25.00 per hymnal. Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 1/07 5:30 PM Family Healing Mass
PLEASE PRAY FOR The Gerry Family, Erin McKay, Tony Amendolla, Anne Casperson, Thoma Kean, Marlene Carmichael, Leo Alvares, 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 Catherine Monsour and Jean Croatti-Schohan. SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of December 7th will burn in prayer for Bob Cashman, Shane Kearns, John L. Green, Walter, Agnes & John Moran and Winifred M. Coleman. 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 $12,657.50 $2,342.50
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
Religious Education C.Y.O. BASKETBALL Come cheer on our 5th and 6th grade boys for their home game on Saturday December 13th at 1:15 in the Natick High School Gym and our 9th and 10th grade boys at 2:30! Go St Pats! Upcoming Schedule: 5th & 6th grade boys Dec. 14 2:45 @ Westwood Senior High
9th & 10th grade boys Dec. 14 1:45 @ Dedham Country Day School
Youth Mass The organizers of the Monthly Youth Mass are looking for singers and musicians willing and able to be a part of a band to 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, and 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. FAMILIES Thank you to those who joined us for the first video, what a lot of fun! 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 12, 19 7:00pm Dec 12 The City that Forgot about Christmas (Targeted to ages 3-5)
Important Reminders!! · All students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to attend the Reconciliation Service held Tuesday December 9 at 6:30pm in the Upper Church · Religious Ed Board meeting 7:30pm December 10 MINISTRY NOTICES
Last weekend for the Jesse Tree. Please consider purchasing for a child or an adult who is in need. Your generosity in this endeavor is always appreciated. Gifts need to be returned no later than December 14th at the back of the church. PINE STREET INN Christmas Clothing Drive 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. PEACE AND JUSTICE Annual El Salvador Craft Sale
Please bring an item or two for the Natick Food Pantry if you can. 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."
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Bible Study, Thu 12/11, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. We're studying Matthew. Contact Jonathan,jms2586@yahoo.com, 508-655-2410. ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE EVENING OF PRAYER The monthly Evening of Prayer for December will be an Advent Penance Service on Monday, December 15th, 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. CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEST During the Christmas season Catholic Charities needs your help. Many families in our area continue to experience hardships during the uneven economic recovery. Some of these needy families will come to us for Christmas assistance. Please consider donating a gift certificate(s) from a local grocery store or discount chain store. A gift certificate in a person's name (relative, friend, co-worker, et al) makes a very thoughtful Christmas gift. For more information, please call our Natick office at 508-647-5638. Thank you. community events THE NATIVITY PAGEANTA Real Living Performance of the Nativity
MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL
When: Saturday, Dec. 27th, leaving Marian High School at 6:00am, returns at 11:00pm.
Peace Care deeply,
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