I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to RYAN BARBA and the YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM who were responsible for the retreat that was held in our parish last weekend. The young people who attended have all spoken of how powerful this experience was for them and how much they valued this opportunity to grow closer to Christ. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of all who were involved in the planning as well as the radical transformation of the school building in order to make it a more conducive setting for prayer. The support and encouragement of the parishioners added greatly to the spirit of the weekend and I am confident that this was appreciated by our young people. I am looking forward to the continued involvement of our young people in the life of our parish as they share their many gifts with us.

The SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK will be celebrated on next Saturday, February 23rd immediately following the 4:00 PM Mass. We recommend that all parishioners who are about to enter the hospital or are planning to undergo any surgery in the near future avail themselves of this wonderful gift of God’s healing.

We are sponsoring a LENTEN SUPPER next Saturday evening, February 23rd after the 4:00 PM Mass. This simple supper will allow us to experience in a more profound way the sacrificial element of Lent. I hope that all who are able will join us for this spiritual and communal event which will be held in the downstairs hall.

On Saturday, March 1st, we will be having a DAY OF REFLECTION for all those who are involved in any ministry here at St. Patrick’s Parish. Often times, we are so accustomed to performing our various tasks that we can overlook the main reason for our service. When this happens, we can loose our focus and the ministry can become somewhat stilted or perfunctory. I have invited the REV. PAUL B. O’BRIEN, the Pastor of St. Patrick’s in Lawrence, to be the leader for this day. Fr. O’Brien is one of the most gifted and energetic priests of the Archdiocese and he has a record of fostering tremendous lay involvement in parish life. The day is designed to encourage all of us to become renewed and refreshed as we attempt to make a return to the Lord for His goodness to us. Although those presently involved in ministry have been invited, the day is open to all who might wish to participate. If you would like to join us for this Lenten reflection, please contact the Rectory for more details.

Second Collection

Our St. Patrick Parish family donated $3,741.00 to the special collection for the Holy Father (Peter’s Pence) last weekend. Thank you for your generosity!

Stewardship

“…Rise, and do not be afraid ……” Matthew 17:7
In serving God, we rise beyond our fears to cast our eyes on Him alone. Loving God, open the eye of my heart so that I may see you alone.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially

George Hanna & Edgar Bigelow

May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace

2007 Tax Statements

For your convenience, tax statements for your 2007 offertory contributions are available by contacting the parish office at 508-653-1093. Your personalized statement will be prepared and mailed to you, or arrangements may be made to pick it up in the office. Please note that the IRS may disallow your charitable deductions if you are unable to provide this acknowledgement to them upon request. Thank you for your continued support of Saint Patrick Parish.

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.

Lenten Soup Supper

Saturday, February 23rd after the 4:00 Mass in the lower Church hall. This is a wonderful time to gather and celebrate this Lenten season with fellow parishioners. There is no fee to attend this supper. We are asking that you sign up the next two weekends after Mass in the vestibule of the Church - you will receive a ticket so we will know how many people to plan for. Please come and enjoy in this joyous Parish event!!! For more information you may contact Lisa Correia @ 508-545-1706.

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, February 18, 2008 in honor of Presidents Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.

CYO Basketball Games

Come and support the youth of St. Patrick's!!

JV - Saturday, February 23rd at 11:45
against St. Jude of Norfolk
Location: Natick High

Varsity - Saturday, February 23rd at 10:30
against St. Catherine of Norwood
Location: Natick High

Parish Day of Reflection

Anyone wishing to attend the Parish Lenten Day of Reflection on Saturday, March 1st, is asked to please contact the Parish Office at 508-653-1093 to reserve a space. There is no cost to attend, but we need an accurate headcount in order to plan accordingly for the day’s activities. This day of prayer and reflection will be conducted by Father Paul B. O’Brien, Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish and Lawrence, and Director of the Cor Unum Meal Center. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. All parishioners over the age of 18 are invited to participate in this prayerful experience. Please call to register by Wednesday, February 20th. Thank you!

Saint Patrick Parish
Lenten Schedule

Daily Mass Schedule
Mon. – Fri. 6:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Saturday – 8:00 a.m.
Reminder: There will NOT be any Wednesday or Friday evening Masses during Lent.

Parish Lenten Supper
Saturday, February 23rd
Following the 4:00 p.m. Mass

Parish Day of Reflection
Saturday, March 1st, 9:00 – 3:30
Reverend Paul O’Brien, “Stewardship”

Parish Lenten Mission
Most Reverend John P. Boles, “Discipleship”
Monday, March 10 – Evening of Prayer
Tuesday, March 11 – Reconciliation
Wed., March 12 – Celebration of the Eucharist
All take place in the Upper Church at 7:30 p.m.

Holy Triduum

Holy Thursday
March 20th
Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday
March 21st
Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
Stations of the Cross at 12:00 noon
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
3:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Holy Saturday
March 22nd
Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m.
Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday
March 23rd
Mass at 7:30; 9:00; 11:30 a.m.; and 5:30 p.m

Sacrament of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Sick is offered on the 4th Sunday of each month following one of the weekend Masses. This month the Sacrament will be offered on Saturday, February 23rd, following the 4:00 Mass. This Sacrament of healing will be administered to those who may be advancing in years, those who are chronically ill, or anyone facing serious surgery. Those wishing to be anointed are asked to remain in the Church after the 4:00 Mass on February 23rd. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at 508-653-1093.

Healing Mass

Please join the parish community of St. Stephen, 221 Concord Street, Framingham on Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. for the Healing Mass. With the focus this month on Healing of Disabilities, this liturgy will be offered by Father Joseph Bruce, from the Diocese of Providence, RI, in both voice and sign language. An interpreter from the Office for Ministry with the Deaf will also be with us. Post-Communion witness talk will be given by Sister Ursula Tisdall OSF from Framingham Union Hospital’s Pastoral Care Department. Opportunities will be available for both Sacramental Anointing and for Intercessory Prayer.

Archdiocesan Bicentennial Pilgrimage

Plan to mark the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Boston by coming together in prayer and fellowship with pilgrims from across the Archdiocese and from throughout the world at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, Canada in June 2008. Pope Benedict XVI has personally approved a most appropriate theme for this Congress: “The Eucharist, God’s gift for the life of the world” and he invites Catholics to converge on Quebec City to deepen their spiritual lives through our Eucharistic Lord. The Boston Archdiocesan Pilgrimage is providing a comprehensive travel package for adults (21 years and older) June 18-24, starting at $1275 double occupancy, as well as a special package June 18-22 with hostel accommodations tailored to young adults (ages 21 to 40) starting at $875 triple occupancy. To register, or for more information, please contact Fr. Michael Drea, Coordinator for Archdiocesan Pilgrimages, at 617-479-5400, ext. 12.