FROM THE PASTOR
On behalf His Excellency, Bishop Edyvean, Fr. Riley, Deacon Crump, I want to express our thanks to all of you for making this Easter such a prayerful experience for us. The beautiful manner in which the Church was decorated, the extraordinary musical ministry, the wonderful liturgical ministers, and the participation of so many people made these days such a powerful moment for us all. We are also very grateful to you for your many expressions of support for us as we serve the Lord in your midst. The wonderful days of Easter remind all of us of the privilege that is ours to be part of Christ's Body, the Church and the joy that comes from our participation in His victory over death. Because of His triumph, we have nothing to fear and we are able to face the future with confidence knowing that God always fulfills His promises. The gift of your friendship, support and your prayers are vivid reminders of how God provides for those who serve Him. May God bless you for all that you do for us.
Since this Sunday is DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, we invoke the intercession of SAINT FAUSTINA as we strive to be more faithful in our response to God's never failing mercy. We pray that we may always make a return to the Lord for His goodness to us. Our Catholic faith is a precious gift given to us through our Baptism and it requires us to stay focused on the Lord as we strive to do His will. Like St. Thomas, we are tempted to demand proof of the Lord's Resurrection and yet, when all is said and done, we must kneel with Thomas and exclaim that Jesus is "My Lord and My God." The greatest proof of the Lord's Resurrection comes not from the countless theological books written over the centuries but rather from the millions of people who have lived their Catholic faith in their daily lives. Their many small acts of kindness performed without any fanfare have displayed their belief in Christ and make evident to the world that JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.
On behalf of the Retired Priests of the Archdiocese of Boston, I would like to express our gratitude to all of you for your extraordinary generosity in the EASTER OFFERTORY COLLECTION. As you know, the entire Easter Collection is used to aid the health and retirement needs of our senior priests and this year, we were able to forward over $ 20,000.00.because of your kindness. There are no words to adequately convey our appreciation for all that you do for these wonderful men of God who have served the Church so faithfully for so many years. I know that they will remember your compassion to them as they offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass asking God to reward you for we know that we never could.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 4/3 5:30 PM Family Healing Mass
Mon. 4/4 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 4/5 8:00 AM Margaret Flynn-living
Wed. 4/6 8:00 AM Mary Cristofori 7:30 PM Paula Aylward-living
Thur. 4/7 8:00 AM Gerard Halpin, Jr.
Fri. 4/8 8:00 AM Chester Lewandowski
Sat. 4/9 8:00 AM Wilbert & Hanford Pinette;
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Dorothy Wheeler, Molly Zwick, Anne Casperson, Michael Ruiz, Gary Soares, Ricky Webster, Patricia Kaufman, 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 April 3rd will burn In prayer for Ralph Sims, Gerard Halpin, Jr. and Luisa Valenti.
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 20, 2005
Easter Collection to Benefit Clergy Retirement $20,009.00 collected. Thank you for your generosity!
Special Collection
A total of $3,030.00 was donated in the collection on Good Friday taken up for the Holy Land.
STEWARDSHIP
Jesus meets the need of each disciple. To the fearful in the upper room, He speaks words of peace. To doubting Thomas, He provides the tangible proof of His resurrection. What do I need to become His disciple? What do I have to share that might meet someone else's need?
TODAY IS DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
"Jesus, I Trust in You"
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Welcome Back
Classes resume this morning for all students!
Congratulations
To Malcolm, Marla, Nickolas and Peter, on the occasion of the reception of their First Eucharist. May you always know Christ's joy as you journey! We continue to pray for our 2nd grade students as they prepare to receive the sacrament of First Communion.
Thank you
To the 4th grade Religious Education students for donating and assembling Easter dinner baskets for members of our community in need. Beyond their class time these students assembled 2 large baskets with food for a family of 4 to enjoy a feast. Thanks also to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for delivering the baskets.
To Claire Mosgofian, Lori Howe, and Carla Leeder, for your assistance in preparing the craft done by the children at the retreat. Also thanks to Jane Boyle, the catechists, aides and parents who helped things run smoothly during the 1st Communion retreat.
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
Please return collected money either to Religious Education catechists or to the drop off basket in the vestibule starting April 3rd. Thank you for your collection efforts!
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
Volunteers
Our program runs on the generosity of volunteers who spend their time, talent and treasures preparing classes and shaping the faith of the children and families of our parish. Parents are invited to join me in preparing a special appreciation dinner for the volunteers of our program. A committee is being formed, please contact the office at 508-907-6220.
Reminders
April 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 at school.
No class April 17th and April 20th - Happy Vacation Week!
Phillip H. Woods, St. Vincent de Paul Society Scholarships for St. Patrick Parish High School Seniors
Seniors in schools other than Natick High who wish to apply should call the Rectory and leave your name and telephone number. You will be contacted. Natick High seniors have already received the application from the Guidance Department.
Applications are due by April 24, 2005.
Project Bread
The walk for hunger
Join Project Bread's Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 1. Enjoy a festive day walking through Boston and the surrounding neighborhoods while you help our hungry neighbors in Massachusetts. With the current economic state, your neighbors need your help more than ever. Your pledges will support 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in 132 communities across the state.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with 40,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this fun and exciting Massachusetts tradition. For more information, call 617-723-5000 or visit www.projectbread.org.
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)
Bible Study, Thu 4/7, 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.
Evening of Prayer
Please join us for the next Parish Evening of Prayer on Monday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. We will pray the Stations of the Resurrection which begin with Christ's rising from the dead and end with Pentecost. Let us walk this pilgrimage of faith together as daughters and sons of the Light and witnesses of the Risen Lord. We will meditate on the Resurrection of Christ and discover the pathway of Light that Christ blazes through our lives.
Bethany House Ministries
The Bethany House Hope Chest, located at 1134 Main Street in Millis is looking for donations of good used or new items. The Hope Chest offers an eclectic ensemble of treasures such as jewelry, antiques, books, furniture, china, kitchenware, toys, household items, tools, collectibles, and bric-a-brac. All proceeds from the Hope Chest help to support Bethany House Ministries, our non-profit charitable organization. If you can help us, please contact either Sr. Kathleen or Ruth at 508-376-9923 or Gary at 508-376-0824.
St. Paul School
10 Atwood Street, Wellesley
Open House for Prospective Students
Thursday, April 14th from 9:30am-11:00am
This is a great opportunity to see what a Catholic education can offer a student-learn about the programs, tour the school, and meet the faculty and staff
Full day Kindergarten through 8th grade, with students from over 10 area parishes and towns
For more information call the school at (781) 235-1510
WinGs (Women in God's Spirit)
Come and share a very special morning with Katherine Valentine on Wednesday, April 13th at 9:45am (after 9am Mass) in St. Joseph's Church, Needham. Be moved and inspired by this successful author's amazing faith journey. You will see why there is no such thing as an ordinary life when you are loved by such an extraordinary God. Call 781-444-0245 for details.
The Feast of Mercy
St. Bridget's Parish in Framingham will celebrate "The Feast of Mercy" on Sunday, April 3 from 1:30-4 p.m. in the lower church. The afternoon's celebration will commence with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and will also include confession, recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Litany and prayers at the Hour of Mercy, and a meditation given by Father Michael Harvey. The afternoon will conclude with Benediction. All are welcome to join us for this opportunity to grow in God's graces.
Divine Mercy Sunday, Arlington
St. Camillus Parish will be hosting Divine Mercy Services at 3 p.m. to commemorate the request of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His message to St. Faustina to set aside this day and time to proclaim His great mercy. Father William Carroll will officiate, assisted by the Marian Servants of Divine Mercy. For more information, please call 617-484-5844.
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.
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