FROM THE PASTOR

As we enter the Third week of Lent, I recall the Holy Father's message of Lent 2003 in which he wrote that "Lent is a season of intense prayer, fasting, and concern for those in need. It offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment about their lives, with particular attention to the Word of God which enlightens the daily journey of all who believe." The need for prayer should be obvious to all for we know that we can do nothing without God and His grace. Prayer allows us to open our minds and hearts to God and permits us to invite God into our lives so that we might do His will in everything. The most powerful prayer of all is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and there is no greater way to approach the celebration of Easter than by our participation in this sacrifice of our salvation. I want to encourage all to try to attend daily Mass during this season. In this Year of the Eucharist, our Holy Father has invited all Catholics to rediscover the Mass and devotion to the Eucharist as the focal point of our lives. We have daily Mass at St. Patrick's on Mondays through Saturdays at 8:00 AM and Mondays through Fridays at 6:30 AM. and each Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM.

I also want to encourage you to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Penance. No attempt of turning away from sin and back to God can be successful simply through our own efforts. Sin is an offense against God Himself and only God can forgive sins. He does this through the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). The mercy of God that we celebrate in this wonderful sacrament allows us to "turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel.' Genuine conversion, which is the goal of all of our Lenten practices, cannot be achieved without the forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Penance. We offer this sacrament every Friday evening at 6:30 PM, Saturdays from 3:00-4:00 PM and 7:30-8:00 PM, and Mondays after the 8:00 AM Mass.

Prayer and Penance reach their real fruitfulness in a life of charity. When you and I contemplate the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us, we can't help but be moved to share those blessings with our brothers and sisters in need. I hope that you will participate in supporting one of the many charities that cry for our help, particularly Operation Rice Bowl that helps Catholic Relief Services or Labels are for Jars which is helping to feed the hungry in Lawrence. The words of Pope John Paul echo clearly: "Mercy and love for one's neighbor must therefore be the fruit of a living relationship with God and have God as their constant point of reference, since it is in closeness to Christ that we find our joy."

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 2/27    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Richard P. McNeil, Adeitha Phinney and Edna Lambert
Mon. 2/28   6:30 AM Raymond McPeck   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 3/1   6:30 AM Vocations to Priesthood   8:00 AM Carlos Varona    
Wed. 3/2   6:30 AM Passarelli/Murace families   8:00 AM Caleb Aldrich (ill) 7:30 PM    Holy Father John Paul II
Thur. 3/3   6:30 AM Chester Lewandowski   8:00 PM Helen E. Connolly
Fri. 3/4   6:30 AM Souls in Purgatory   8:00 AM    Evelyn & Archie Zicko 7:30 PM   Vocations to Priesthood
Sat. 3/5    8:00 AM Maria Ciccarello;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Gary Soares, Mary Porter, Ricky Webster, Patricia Kaufman, Eleanor Ruiz, 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 Amendola, 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, James Atherton, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of February 27th will burn in prayer for Katherine & Orren Prescott, Luisa Valenti, Shirley Filon and Mary Cox.

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
February 20, 2005

Budgeted               Actual
Offertory                Offertory                Surplus

$15,000.00            $10,809.69            $4,190.31

STEWARDSHIP

When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, He opened the door for a life-changing relationship with Him. Scripture says her testimony drew many others to Him as well. We, too, must be ready to respond whenever and wherever the Lord speaks to us and be prepared to change our lives!

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially Mary Cox, Josephine Rovinelli Mary Farrington and Antoinette Grogan May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Boston Catholic Men's Conference

The First Annual Boston Men's Conference will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2005, at the McNeice Pavillion (BC High), 150 Morrissey Blvd., Boston from 8am-5pm. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Sean O'Malley. Speakers include:
Jim Caviezel, Actor, The Passion of the Christ
Tom Monaghan, Founder of Domino's Pizza, Legatus, and Ave Maria University
Jim Towey, Director of White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Fr. Larry Richards, nationally known men's speaker
Fr. Philip Merdinger, Spiritual Director, St. John's Seminary

A bus will be leaving from Saint Patrick Church in Natick. Visit us on the web at www.bostoncatholicmen.org

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Welcome Back! Classes resume

Today for students in pre-K through 5th grade and adult faith formation
Wednesday for students in 6th through 10th grade

Operation Rice Bowl

Continue to collect funds to assist Catholic Relief Services in their endeavors to help the poor of our world. Give until it hurts, sacrifices push us beyond ourselves to touch others. Additional boxes are at the back of the church.

Sports and Spirituality

That's the theme for this year's Middle School Retreat! Please call Melisa in the Religious Ed Office to help, needed are volunteers to help plan, logistics, drivers, set-up, clean up, score and time keepers. There is a job for everyone, athletic or not. Retreat date: March 5th 1:00pm-6:30pm

Scout Sunday - March 6th

All Scouts are invited to wear their Uniform to the 9 am Mass next week, March 6th , in celebration of Scout Sunday. We will be honoring in a special way 4 of our dedicated Girl Scouts who will be receiving their "Family of God" Medal through the Religious Emblem program. The Religious Emblem encourages Scouts to live out their faith by bringing the message of God to all they do. The requirements of the Religious Emblem promote prayer and worship, community life, pastoral care, justice and service, leadership development and evangelization; all qualities that we need for a strong parish. For information on participation in the Religious Emblem program please contact Gail Ingemi krafts1@aol.com or 508-651-3831

Romance without Regret

Mr. Jason Evert, 29, along with his wife Chrystalina, 24, nationally known chastity speakers from Catholic Answers in San Diego will be presenting to teens and parents throughout the Archdiocese, March 6-10, 2005. All parents and students in 7th through 10th grade are invited to share in this seminar at St. Julia's Parish 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA on Monday March 7th 7:00-8:15pm.

Photographers

Seeking Middle School or High School students to be parish photographers. Photographers would attend various parish events to take pictures to be published on the website, bulletins and other parish publications. Some events would include CYO basketball games, Monthly Evening of Prayer, Special Events. Please call Melisa to find out how you can help us share the exciting things going on in our parish, 508-907-6220.

Volunteers Needed!

Assistance with grades 7, 8, 9 would be greatly appreciated. Classes meet Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm

A Lenten thought:
Do not let your mistakes own you or take hold of you, you are cherished by God in all things. Your identity is in being, remembering and living that love that owns you and all things, God our most loving Father.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Bible Study, Thu 3/3, 7:30pm. Learn more about your faith at our weekly Bible Study at the Joseph Center. Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008.

First Friday Dinner, Fri 3/4, following 7:30pm Mass. Each month we go out to dinner after First Friday Mass. Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008.

Parish Lenten Mission

Our 2005 Lenten Mission, "Come to Me," will be held on three consecutive evenings beginning on Monday, March 14th and ending on Wednesday March 16th. The services begin at 7:30 each night. This mission is being co-sponsored by the Spiritual Development Commission and the Adoration Ministry in honor of the Year of the Eucharist. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this prayerful experience.

All Volunteers

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Adult Altar Servers are required to complete the Child Abuse Prevention Program. Sessions are scheduled for:

March 10th     9am to 10:30am

Sessions are also open to any interested parishioners. YOU MUST CALL DEACON CRUMP AT THE RECTORY (508) 653-1093, Ext 35 TO REGISTER. NO DROP INS PLEASE.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross will be prayed every Wednesday during Lent at 6:45pm in the Upper Church. Please join us for this beautiful devotion.

Refugee Resettlement Program

Could you help make a positive difference in the lives of immigrants coming into this country. Coming to live in a new country can be confusing and scary, especially when one faces rather complex adjustments. Catholic Charities' Relief Resettlement Program provides assistance to immigrant entrants in the Greater Boston area. In an effort to assist these families with small children start their lives anew, we are looking to provide the following items: Baby strollers, baby carriers (Bjorn or backpack type) and dish or glass sets (complete or boxed). All items should be clean and in very good condition. Also, new personal care items are needed (soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, vitamins, etc.). All donations are tax deductible. To schedule a pickup please contact Rich Salvaggio at 508-655-3517.

Music Ministry

The Dedham Choral Society will perform, "Concert Music of Two Continents" here at St. Patrick's on February 27th at 3:00pm in the Upper Church. The chorus, led by their Music Director Jonathan Barnhart, will perform the works by Dvorak, Mozart, Bernstein, Copland, as well as American Folk Hymns and Spirituals. This is the same concert the chorus took on their 2004 European Tour. Please join us for light refreshments and fellowship after the concert. Tickets are $10.00 and will be sold at the door before the concert.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Vacation Bible School Planning Is in Full Swing, BUT It cannot go on unless We have enough Staff!

The VBS has been a great opportunity for over 100 kids to grow in their faith in God and have fun doing it! This is the Future of Our Church! Won't You Help??? There are opportunities for all talents! Please Come to the Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting

Sunday, March 13th
11:30am - 12:30pm
OUR LADY'S HALL MONTROSE SCHOOL
Or
Call Nancy Maguire at (508)655-1017

Come Join Us

The a'Kempis Circle Catholic Prayer Group for Women

The Group meets on the first Saturday of each month (excluding summer months) for a Day of Recollection beginning with a 10:00am Mass followed by a conference/discussion on subjects of spiritual significance, led by a guest priest. The second conference in the afternoon is following lunch, and ends about 2:30pm.

We welcome new members to join us for a Day of Recollection on Saturday, March 5, or Saturday, April 2, 2005 - Cost for the day is $10.00 and includes lunch.

All meetings are held at Mt. St. Vincent's Sisters of Charity, Wellesley, MA. If interested and would like more information, please contact Eileen Devine, 508-785-0080 or Carol MacPhee, 781-235-3287.

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