FROM THE PASTOR

The SECOND COLLECTION that is being taken up at all of the Masses this weekend is for the CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA. This annual collection helps to educate the priests, religious, and pastoral leaders who serve the Church throughout Latin America and parts of the Caribbean. It allows us the opportunity to assist missionaries and pastoral workers who strive to bring the Gospel to some of the poorest of the poor. I hope that you will be as generous as your means permit so that we may continue to support the extraordinary work that is being done to promote the Gospel in the lives of millions of Catholics across the American hemisphere.

This week our nation observes the tragic decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that has made the destruction of human life through abortion so commonplace in our society. It is worth noting that just because something is legal does not make it moral and that is certainly true with regard to abortion. The destruction of innocent human life, especially of unborn children, is always morally reprehensible. The innate dignity of the human person is denied whenever anyone other than God attempts to determine the beginning or end of life. All life is from God and therefore is precious, When God gives life, He gives it forever. It would be inconceivable for anyone who claims to believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord of all Life, to also support life's destruction. As Catholics, we have a moral obligation that far exceeds whatever might be considered legal. Our allegiance must be to God alone and it is His laws that dictate what we must follow. On this weekend, as we note the anniversary of this infamous decision, we are asked to observe this moment as a day of penance and we will offer Mass on Monday, January 23rd for a greater respect for Life. I invite all of us to intensify our prayer that our nation, indeed the whole world, will recognize the dignity and sacred character of all human life from the moment of conception until its natural end.

Our parish evangelization effort, the St. Andrew Committee, is sponsoring a program entitled "COMING HOME" which is part of our on-going outreach to Catholics who have been away from the practice of their faith and who are looking to return. Some people have thought about returning but may have found it difficult to take that first step or there have been questions that have prevented them from a deeper relationship with the Church family. We are offering a six week program designed to discuss the various issues, to answer the questions, and to provide information to those who seek to return to the Church. These sessions will begin on this Monday evening, January 23rd at 7:30 PM in the lower Church hall.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 1/22    5:30 PM Collective Intentions  Charles Arkle, Lucio Trubiano, Agnes Hallinan, Vincent C. Evangelista, Cecelia Connelly
Mon. 1/23    8:00 AM Respect for Life    
Tues. 1/24    8:00 AM Charles Arkle    
Wed. 1/25    8:00 AM James & Anna Phillipsy 7:30 PM   Ken & Doris Ferguson
Thur. 1/26   8:00 AM Antonio & Maria Martinelli     
Fri. 1/27   8:00 AM Robert E. Quin         
Sat. 1/28    8:00 AM Virginia M. Armata;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Richard Guerin, Kay I. Zinna, Celia Pasquarosa, Edna Micelotta, Maryann Webster, Helen MacDonald, Julie Branton, Catherine MacLellan, Jim Fitzpatrick, Jim Campbell, Wilma Verge, Marie Murphy, Michael Ruiz, Ricky Webster, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Dave Markow, Lucy Grupposo, Marie Smith, John Healey, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendola, Thomas Kean, Chuck Plaistek, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, Amy Flickenger, James Phillips, James Atherton, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of January 22 will burn in prayer for the Arkle and DelGuidice Families

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
January 15, 2006

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$14,000.00            $11,861.50            $2,138.50

Some Current Expenses

Property Insurance                     $3,801.02
Health Insurance     $5,411.17
Life, Disability, Pension     $1,517.51
Misc Utilities                     $1,135.62
$1,135.62     $2,836.68
Heating Fuel      $4,213.54

Stewardship

"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Mark 1:17)
Jesus' call to "Come after me" is a call to all Christians. Jesus asks us all to help Him in His work. By being good stewards, we, too, can help bring others closer to God.

Adoration Ministry

The Adoration Ministry Meeting for all hourly coordinators will be held in the Joseph Center on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. All adorers and interested parishioners are also invited. Please call Anne Reilly at 508-655-8516 if you have questions.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Mary Ann Walsh and Priscilla Maguire
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Prayers

We pray as a parish in a special way for our students who will be receiving the grace of God's forgiveness for the first time through the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Sunday January 29th. Through this Sacrament may these students come to know Him more closely and cherish His peace in their lives.

*** Reminders ***

Catechist and Aides Meeting: After class TODAY in Our Lady's Hall
Family Cluster Meeting: Monday January 23rd 7:00pm in Room 10

Supplemental Sacrament Program

A supplemental Sacrament program will be commencing for students in 3rd grade or older who have not yet received the Sacraments of Reconciliation or First Communion. This program is a guided, at-home preparation in addition to regular religious education classes to prepare specifically for reception of the Sacraments. Students must be currently enrolled in the Religious Education Program. Please contact Melisa Melnyk to enroll or for more information, 508-907-6220 or religiouseducation@attglobal.net. An introductory meeting will be scheduled shortly after Martin Luther King Day weekend.

Introductory meeting: Thursday January 26th 7:00pm Room 10 (Montrose School) for both parents and students.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Pine Street Inn Ministry Members

Our ministry is in need of a new coordinator. It is with regret that I must resign, due to a move out of Natick. Please, the ministry needs your help. The duties are minimal. If interested, please call Josie Shea at 508-653-2435.

Boston Catholic Men's Conference

Please join many men from St. Patrick Parish who are attending the 2nd Annual Boston Catholic Men's Conference on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the New Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston. Speakers will include Father Raniero Cantalamessa (Preacher to the Papal Household), Scott Hahn and Father John Corapi (two of the most popular evangelists in the USA), and Sean Forrest from Movin' with the Spirit. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Sean O'Malley. Tickets are $20 and are available from St. Patrick's. For more information, please contact Mike DelVecchio at 508-651-3406 or Rich Salvaggio at 508-655-3517.

March For Life

Montrose School is sponsoring a bus to the March For Life to be held in Washington, D.C. on January 23. The bus will leave from the school parking lot on Sunday evening, January 22 at 9:30 p.m. returning to Montrose around 1:00 a.m. on January 24. If you are interested in attending the march and are looking for transportation, please contact Patti Keefe at 508-650-5925 or by email pkeefe@montroseschool.org. The cost for the roundtrip bus ride is $50.00. Thank you.

Society of St. Vincent DePaul

Thank you for your help during the Christmas season. Because of your generosity, we were able to assist all those who requested assistance. We appreciate your continuing support!

Catholics can Coming Home Program

Have you or someone you know been disconnected from the Church and wish to return? We can help.

Saint Patrick Parish is offering a program designed to assist Catholics in returning to the Church after being away for any reason. Our "Coming Home" program involves no commitment. It is informal, informative, and confidential.

If you have been away from the Church and desire to reconnect with us, please come to our first session on Monday, January 23rd, at 7:30pm in the Lower Church Hall. Six weekly sessions will be held to answer your questions and address your concerns. We look forward to meeting you.

For more information, please call us at 508-653-1093.

Natick Sons of Italy Pasta Nite

Natick Sons of Italy Pasta Night serving all-you-can-eat pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread and homemade desserts. Coffee included. Come one, come all! Every Wednesday evening from 5 pm - 7 pm at 37 Washington Avenue. Adults $6.00.

Peace and Justice Ministry's Parish Food Collection

Thank you for all your donations to the weekly food drop-off, which is located in the left-hand corner in the church vestibule. We bring your donations to the Natick Food Pantry on East Central Street on the first week of the month, and A Place to Turn on Hartford Street during the second - fourth weeks. If there is a fifth Sunday, the food collection is picked up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The pantries accept all basic non-perishable food products. Items that are especially needed at this time are: canned beef stew, cereal, coffee, 100% fruit drinks, tomato products, kid-friendly snacks, toothpaste and shampoo. Outdated food products are not accepted.
Your generosity is appreciated by individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs for food.

St. Paul Elementary School

Open House, February 2, 2006 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. St. Paul School is located at 10 Atwood Street, Wellesley. We are currently accepting registrations for the upcoming school year. We offer Full or Half-Day Pre-Kindergarten (4 years old) through Grade 8 high quality education through well integrated programs in spiritual development, academics, and social activities. A new Spanish program has been implemented for students in grades 3 through 5, which will complement our middle school Spanish program. For information please call 781-235-1510 or email principal@stpaulschoolwellesley.org.

St. Bridget Elementary School

Open House/Registration for Prospective Families will be held Tuesday, January 31 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget School, 832 Worcester Road (Rte. 9), Framingham. Visit classrooms while in session (Grades K1-8)! For more information, please visit our website at www.saintbridgetschool.info or call Jean Nigloschy at 508-875-0181 x229.

St. John Elementary School

Open House, January 30, 2006 from 8:30 am - 10:00 am. St. John the Evangelist School is located on Washington Street at Glen Road, Wellesley. You are most welcome to visit our classrooms; registration for new applicants for all grades will also take place at this time in Philbin Hall. St. John's offers a unique academic program enriched by the arts and deeply rooted in Catholic tradition educating children in Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Grade. The program reflects the ideals of St. Julie Billart, focusing on joy, respect and kindness. For further information and tours, please contact Mrs. Carol Roncari at 781-235-0300.

Parental Legislative Alert

We have been contacted by Mass. Citizens of Life about proposed legislation which would mandate that Massachusetts public schools utilize the "Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Education Frameworks." They advise that the content of this curriculum represents a departure from what most parents would expect for their children's sexual education.
The bill's public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31 at the State House. It is suggested that you contact your legislator to voice concern. For additional information Mass. Citizens for life invites you to contact them at (617) 242-4199, extension 227 or 221.

Safety for All

In an effort to make sure our building is a secure place for all during the celebration of Mass, parents please accompany your children when they need to use the rest room. In this way we will all be assured that our youngsters are safe at all times.

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