My dear friends,

On behalf of Father Rafferty and the entire parish family, I want to extend my prayerful best wishes to you as we celebrate the great feast of Christmas. Your presence with us during this holy season enriches us, and we offer thanks to God and to you for the gift that you are to us as we rejoice in Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem. May this Christmas bind you more closely to Him and to all of us as we recall this wonderful mystery of our Catholic belief in God’s love for all people.

The shepherds who came to the stable that night long ago were rough and simple men. But maybe only in their simplicity could they hear the message that called them to Bethlehem. They received the words of the angel with joy and without fear. Then they acted on the revelation of God with faith, and that faith led them to Mary and Joseph and to the Child who changed history. When they found Jesus, they worshiped Him, and then they made known to others the message they had been told about this Child. And all who heard them were amazed.

Today we need to place ourselves in the footsteps of those shepherds. We need ask God for the grace to be moved and converted this year as we draw close to the manger, because the truth of this Child is beyond anything we could hope for or expect. We need to ask God for the grace to be simple, courageous, and pure of heart; to radiate the excitement of the shepherds’ discovery.

Christmas is the birth of our Redeemer, the Messiah of Israel. Let us adore Him. Let us be overcome with joy and then make known to the whole world all that has been revealed to us about this Child: HE IS LOVE and all who abide in love, abide in Him and He in them.

So “let us go over to Bethlehem” to see this Child, and in the coming year, let us together as a family of faith proclaim Him to the world.

May God grant a merry and blessed Christmas to us all!

Stewardship

“….He did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him ….” – Matthew 1:24

“Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption.”

"Lord Jesus, you came to save us from sin and the power of death. May I always rejoice in your salvation and trust in your plan for my life".

Electronic Offertory

In an effort to make it more convenient for parishioners to financially support Saint Patrick Parish, we now offer you the ability to make your offertory contributions electronically. Rather than placing cash or checks in the collection basket each week, you now have the option to simply have a predetermined monthly amount withdrawn from your checking or savings account that will be automatically deposited into the Parish Offertory. Transactions will be made on the 15th of each month. If you are interested in signing up for electronic offertory payments, or if you would like additional information, please contact Jean Lorrey in the Parish Office at 508-653-1093. Thank you.

Prayer at Christmas

Lord, on this Christmas Day,
in the midst of the joy of our celebrations,
help us recall what is truly important about this day.
In the midst of opening presents,
help us remember the love that each gift represents.
In the midst of Christmas dinner,
help us remember that you are the source of all life.
In the midst of family gatherings,
help us remember that you are the fullness of all joy.
And in the midst of Christmas Mass,
help us remember the supreme act of love, sacrifice,
and humility that we celebrate on this Christmas day
when your Son came as a helpless, unknown baby
and grew to be the life and light of the world. Amen.

Christmas Pageant

St. Patrick’s Annual Christmas Pageant takes place TODAY, Sunday, December 23 immediately following the 9am Family Mass in the Upper Church.
Thanks to Carol Arnold & Linda Witherby for agreeing to coordinate this year’s pageant.
We welcome the generous help offered by the young men and women enrolled in our Parish Confirmation Program.
Please contact Lisa Correia in the Religious Ed. Office at (508) 907-6220 if you can help. We welcome the generous help offered by the young men and women enrolled in our Parish Confirmation Program.

Christmas
Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve
4:00pm,
6:00pm (Children’s Choir),
& Midnight

Christmas Day
9:00am & 11:30am

Please remember that Religious Education classes will resume on Sunday, January 6, 2008 and Wednesday, January 9, 2008.
May you enjoy a blessed Christmas and Holy New Year!

Let us pray for those who have died, especially

Linda Lyons-Nazarian and Michelle Gomes

May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace

Men and women age 20-40 are invited to join the newly formed Young Adult Group at St. Bridget’s Parish in Framingham (832 Worcester Road). We meet every Friday evening from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Parish Renewal Center (except for the week of Christmas). Come and make new friends, discuss the faith, and plan future social events and service projects. After the meeting we “continue the conversation” at a local restaurant. For more information, contact seminarian Paul Sullivan at psullivan62@hotmail.com.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

“Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand…” Receive strength to live a more Christ-centered sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. For more information call Ray & Beth Ginepro at 1-800-710-WWME or visit our webpage at www.wwmeMA.org.

Gerontology Classes

The University of Massachusetts is accepting applications for its Manning Certificate Program in Gerontology, which prepares students to work with the elderly. The program is designed to give students the skills and resources needed to plan for an aging society, work in the aging network, and advocate for elders. Daytime classes are on Wednesdays beginning January 30 for two semesters. There is also a Monday evening and online program available. Credits from the program can also be applied towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology. The program is financial aid approved. For more information or an application call Mary St. Jean at 617-287-7330.

St. Vincent de Paul Weekly Food Collection

Parishioners are reminded of the ongoing food collection for the needy members of our community. Donations of non-perishable food products and non-food items may be left at the left side of the church vestibule at any service. Items are then distributed to various food pantries. Some especially needed items at this time are: canned stews, cereal, coffee, 100% fruit drinks, tomato products, toothpaste and shampoo.
Your generosity in assisting individuals and families who are unable to meet some of their basic needs is greatly appreciated!

The Parish Office will be closed until Monday, December 31 at 9:00 a.m.

Christmas Festival of Lights

The National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette, Route 118, Attleboro, MA announces its Christmas Festival of Lights until January 1, 2008. The illuminations will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. daily. Admission and parking is free. The facilities are wheelchair accessible. Cafeteria and gift shop are included. For more information call 508-222-5410 or visit our web site at www.lasalette-shrine.org.

Christmas Lights Display

Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Christmas Lights display will be on through Tuesday, January 1 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. We are located at 101 Summer Street, Holliston.

Prayer for Vocations

Loving God, you are the creator of the universe. You have gifted me with life. You call me to be a light to the world through baptism. Help me to brighten our world by sharing my gifts in the service of others and respecting all creation. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.