Saint Patrick's Parish
Natick, Massachusetts



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March 20, 2005

FROM THE PASTOR

There will be a SECOND COLLECTION taken up at all Masses this weekend for EASTER FLOWERS, so that we may decorate our sanctuary in memory of our deceased loved ones as a visible reminder of the new life that is theirs as a result of Easter. Please write the name of the deceased person on the flower envelope, and place it in the second collection. Thank you for your generosity. As we begin this most holy of weeks, the Church commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. Our celebration of the sacred mysteries of our faith allow us to be focused upon the victory of Christ over death and our participation in His glorious life that is given to us through our Baptism. The schedule of the events of HOLY WEEK is included in the bulletin and it is my hope that all parishioners will take part in these sacred and solemn ceremonies.

Today is PALM SUNDAY and we remember how Jesus was greeted as He entered the city of Jerusalem. Acclaimed as king by the crowd, palm branches were waved and the way made clear for His procession into the city in which He would make all things new by His impending death. As the Passion narrative is proclaimed during the Mass, we are reminded of how fleeting public approval can be and as we echo the sentiment, "Crucify Him," we realize how easily public opinion can be manipulated and the devastating effects of following the crowd.

On Tuesday, Archbishop O'Malley will preside at the MASS OF CHRISM in his Cathedral of the Holy Cross and will invite all of the ordained that are present to renew their vows of obedience and fidelity. The Archbishop will also bless the Sacred Oils that will be used throughout the Archdiocese for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders.

On HOLY THURSDAY, we begin the SACRED TRIDUUM by recalling the gift of the Eucharist that Jesus Christ has entrusted to His Church as the abiding Memorial of His Real Presence among us. During the Mass at 7:30 PM, we will wash the feet of twelve parishioners to recall the command of Christ to be of service to each other. We will take up a Special Collection to benefit Cor Unum as a reminder of our need to attend to the poor. At the conclusion of the Mass, Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, will be taken in procession and placed in a Tabernacle away from the Altar. The Church will be stripped bare as we pray in union with the Lord on the night of His agony. The lower Church will remain open until midnight so that we can all pray quietly. We will conclude the evening with Night Prayer at Midnight.

The services on GOOD FRIDAY are beautiful in their simplicity. We begin with Morning Prayer at 8:00 AM. The STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be prayed at Noon. The CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION will take place at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Both of these services will contain the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. A special collection will be taken up for the shrines of the Holy Land at both of these services.

The most important of all services takes place on Saturday evening when the Church gathers in Vigil. During the Liturgy at 7:30 PM, we will bless the Easter fire and light the Paschal Candle from the new fire. The candle, symbol of Christ's triumph over death, is carried in procession through the darkened Church as the reminder that JESUS CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF LIFE. The Church celebrates in Word and Sacrament the newness of life that is bestowed upon those who believe in Him. It will also be our privilege to welcome at this Mass our Candidates for full membership in the Church.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 3/20    5:30 PM Palm Sunday Mass  
Mon. 3/21   6:30 AM Jean DiStacio   8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 3/22   6:30 AM Holy Souls in Purgatory   8:00 AM William & Mary Nichols    
Wed. 3/23   6:30 AM Kristen Aylward (living)    8:00 AM The Thayer family 7:30 PM   Jenny & Joseph Rando and Pasquale Zeno
Thur. 3/24   8:00 AM Morning Prayer    
Fri. 3/25   8:00 AM Morning Prayer       
Sat. 3/26    8:00 AM Morning Prayer;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Molly Zwick, Anne Casperson, Michael Ruiz, Gary Soares, 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 March 20th will burn In prayer for Pasquale Zeno and Jennie & Joseph Rando.

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
March 13, 2005

Budgeted               Actual
Offertory                Offertory                Surplus

$15,000.00            $12,505.17            $2,494.83

STEWARDSHIP

"Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" shout the crowds in today's Gospel. May we be always ready to share our blessings when we are sent in His name!

Office Closed

The Parish Office will be closed on Good Friday March 25th.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION REMINDER

Eucharistic Adoration will be suspended beginning after Night Prayer on Holy Thursday evening (7pm) and will resume again after the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Prayers

For our students as they prepare to receive the sacrament of First Communion.

Book Drive

Children's books, adult books, new books, old books!
Help us fill the library shelves of St Angela's School in Mattapan with your gently (but no longer) used books. Donations may be brought to the Religious Education office in the rectory. Books will be delivered May 2nd to St. Angela's.

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.

Vacation Bible School

Plans are already underway for another wild summer adventure… look for registration forms in the mail by the beginning of April (for registered religious education students Kindergarten -5th grade). Come be a part of something ALIVE! Adult and teen volunteers needed, for information contact Nancy Maguire 508-655-1017

Stitchers & Crafters

Help is needed to prepare Banner craft for 2nd grade retreat. Simple "one seam" sewing, fabric shape cut outs, and assembly for our 85 students. Materials may be picked up in the Religious Education Office.

Reminders

No class on Easter Sunday

April 2nd/9th 9:00-11:00am: 2nd grade retreat, meet in Lower Church Hall

Parents meeting for students in 2nd grade Tuesday April 5th 7:00pm


HolyWeek Schedule MARCH 20 - 27, 2005

Holy Thursday

Morning Prayer 8:00 AM Upper Church
Suspend adoration 7:00 PM at Evening Prayer
Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:30 PM
Keeping Vigil until Midnight Lower Church

Good Friday

Morning Prayer 8:00 AM Upper Church
Stations of the Cross 12:00 PM Upper Church
Liturgy of the Lord's Passion 3:00 PM
Liturgy of the Lord's Passion 7:30 PM

Holy Saturday

Morning Prayer 8:00 AM Upper Church
Easter Vigil 7:30 PM
Resume Adoration 10:00 PM Chapel

Easter Sunday

Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11:30 AM, 5:30 PM

All Ministry Volunteers

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Adult Altar Servers are required to complete the Child Abuse Prevention Program. 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.
Parents:
A special showing of the program will be held for parents to view the Child Abuse Prevention Program and videos, on Sunday, April 10 in Our Lady's Hall during the morning CCD program. Parents who have participated in the program urged us to have this special time for parents.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

The weekly Thursday evening Bible Study will not meet this week so that Holy Thursday services can be observed. Bible study will resume at 7:30pm on Thursday, 3/31.

Marian Ministry

The Marian Ministry invites you to join us as we pray the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary and Mary's Way of the Cross on Monday, March 21st at 7:30 pm in the Lower Church. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Sharon Cowles at (508) 655-5139

Archdiocese of Boston

25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebrated by The Most Reverend Seán P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Archbishop of Boston

Cathedral of the Holy Cross Sunday, April 10, 2005 11:00 am Mass

Archbishop O'Malley invites all couples of the Archdiocese of Boston who are marking their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries in 2005 to join him for the annual celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The Golden and Silver Wedding Anniversary Mass will include a renewal of marriage vows by all participating anniversary couples. Family members and friends of the participating couples are encouraged to attend the celebration.

The date for submitting names and addresses to attend this special celebration has been extended until Tuesday, March 29th.

Fax: 617-783-5642
Email: kcolella @rcab.org
Phone: 617-746-5801

COME HOLY SPIRIT! "WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF GOD" Colossians 2:12

Weekend Spring Retreat With Fr. Mike McNamara

Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford Pool, Maine

Friday Evening, April 8, 2005 To Sunday (after lunch), April 10, 2005

$135 (Double occupancy)

For more information please call Servants of Christ Ministries at 781-545-8336.

THE DATE HAS BEEN SET!

V.B.S.

(VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL)
IS SCHEDULED FOR
JULY 25 - 29, 2005
MARK YOUR CALENDERS!
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

WE STILL NEED HELP!
TO PUT ON THIS WONDERFUL
PROGRAM FOR OUR CHILDREN!

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

Experience St. Tarcisius School

St. Tarcisius School, a pre-K through grade 8 school, located on Route 135 in Framingham is currently accepting registrations for the 2005/2006 school year. Children may enter the pre-K class at 3 years old as of August 31. We have full day preschool and kindergarten programs with before and after school options. St. Tarcisius School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. To receive a brochure or set up an appointment with the principal, please call the school at 508-872-8188.

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Page last updated: Sunday, March 20, 2005