This weekend begins the ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL for the Archdiocese of Boston. As Catholics, we are called to provide for the needs of our neighbors and the entire Catholic family, especially in union with our Archbishop. One of the most important ways in which we can fulfill our responsibilities is through our generous response to this Appeal. Our Church is a family made up of diverse needs, from adults who seek a deeper spiritual understanding, to young people who struggle with the challenges of an increasingly secular world and to seniors who are asking that we not forget their many years of service. The Annual Catholic Appeal is the primary funding source that provides for the critical programs and services that serve the people of our Archdiocese.

In order to provide the means to meet the many challenges of today, we rely upon the success of the ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. This appeal raises funds to support the umbrella of services that makes it possible for us to carry out Christ’s work in our community. From spiritual formation to education, to basic needs, the programs funded by the Catholic Appeal are critical to the well-being of our Archdiocese and the fulfillment of our collective mission to hand on the Light of Christ. What defines us as Church is our love for God and how we care for each other. One of the many ways in which we can fulfill our responsibilities is through our generous response to this Appeal in order to support the many works of the Church. Every registered parishioner should have already received a direct appeal from Cardinal Sean outlining the overwhelming needs that he confronts as he shepherds this local church. Our financial response to this appeal is indicative of our commitment to support all of the good works that benefit the entire community.

For many people, life holds much pain and sadness. It is the responsibility of the Church to hand on to them the Light of Christ and that Light happens through us, through our deeds and actions. We bear the responsibility to bring the fragile light of Christ to those who need Christ desperately. We are asked to make a generous response so that we might build up the Church in order to bring hope and love to thousands of men, women, and children. May the example of Mary’s generosity and compassion enlighten our commitment to hand on the Light of Christ and inspire you to discern an appropriate response to this Appeal.

Stewardship

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:5

As Disciples of Christ, let us follow Him as a light in the world. Loving God, may this Lenten season show me the way to be your light in the world.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially

Carmella Franciose

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.

Scholarship

Attention: High School seniors who are members of St. Patrick Parish and attending a Catholic High School: you may apply for the Philip H. Woods – St. Vincent de Paul Scholarship. Please call the rectory and leave your name and telephone number. You will be contacted. (Seniors at Natick High School have been notified by the Guidance Department of this opportunity.) Deadline to call is Wednesday, April 3, 2008.

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

Volunteers Wanted

Your assistance is needed with the upcoming Parish Lenten Retreat that is being held over three consecutive evenings, March 10, 11, 12. We need people to act as greeters handing out programs, as well donations of baked goods for Monday and Wednesday evenings. If you are able to help in this area, please call Jean in the Parish Office at 508-653-1093. Thank you!

First Communion Apparel Exchange

Young adults in their 20’s and 30’s, married and single, are invited to a special Lenten Afternoon of Reflection on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at St. Patrick Parish, Stoneham from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Father John Bartunek, LC will present his new book, the Better Part, which is a guide for daily prayer with the Gospels. The registration fee of $30.00 includes conference, lunch and a copy of Father Bartunek’s new book. Contact St. Patrick Rectory, Stoneham at 781-438-0960 or Marco Desiderio for full information and registration forms at bridge.builders@comcast.net.

St. Paul School
Middles School Information Night

Come and learn about curriculum, high school acceptances, scholarship awards, enrichment programs and special middle school events at St. Paul School, 10 Atwood Street, Wellesley on Tuesday, March 4. For further information, including time of the event, call 781-235-1510.

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter is an Experience for Building Communication, Creating Intimacy, Self Esteem and Enriching the Values of Marriage, Family and Faith. The program is for Couples who believe they have a good marriage but desire A Deeper Understanding, A Richer Communication, A Better Quality and More Spirituality in their marriage. The upcoming dates are March 28th-30th weekend, May31st One Day, June 20th-22nd weekend. For further information contact 1-800-367-0343 or www.mene.org.

Bicentennial Prayer Service

Please join the Parish Community of Saint Stephen, 221 Concord Street, Framingham on Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. for “Light for the Journey” as we share some stories from the past 200 years of the Archdiocese of Boston and then draw Lenten spiritual lessons from them. For more information call 508-875-4788.