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FROM THE PASTOR As I sit here writing these words, the Church is preparing to celebrate the funeral of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II and the world is united as we mourn the death of this great man. The Catholic Church was so richly blessed to have this dedicated servant of God as our shepherd for these past twenty-six years and we were strengthened by his clear and consistent teaching on the value of the human person and the Gospel of Life. His Holiness was respected far beyond ecclesiastical circles and his moral influence helped to shape the world community in so many positive ways. This generous priest, who left his native land of Poland to serve as the Bishop of Rome, reminded all of us to "Open the Door of our hearts to Christ" and therein discover the true joy and purpose of life. The "yes" that he uttered on that fateful day in October of 1978 when he was asked to accept his election as Pope was constantly tested by many trials and sufferings. He never wavered in his staunch commitment to our Lord and the truths of our Catholic faith. His impassioned defense of human rights for all people found its basis in the Gospel and the Holy Father preached this message "in season and out of season, whether convenient or inconvenient." The Holy Father relied heavily upon our Blessed Mother as his model for discipleship and he entrusted his pontificate to her powerful intercession. We now entrust the soul of this precious gift of God to her maternal care and ask that she bring him safely through death to the throne of her Son. Pope John Paul was indeed a great man who loved his Lord and now that God has called him home, we pray that he may experience the joy of His Divine Mercy in that Kingdom where there is no pain but peace and endless joy. On Monday, April 18th, the College of Cardinals is expected to enter the conclave from which will emerge the next successor of the Apostle Peter. During these days of transition for the Church, our prayers are needed for these men who have the awesome task of electing the next Pope. This is definitely an overwhelming responsibility and the prayerful support of the entire Church aids the Cardinals as they invoke the Holy Spirit to indicate to them God's choice for His Church. There is the temptation on the part of some people to equate this election with a campaign for high office but such a comparison could not be further from the reality. It is our conviction that God is the One who selects the man for this office and that the Cardinals, with His inspiration and in obedience to His will, are the vessels that He employs to communicate that choice to the world. When the man appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the conclusion of the conclave and is announced as Pope, we pledge our fidelity to him because we believe that God has chosen him for this ministry of charity and service to the Church Universal. Let us pray during these days that God will grant His Church a shepherd who will walk in His ways and who will be an example of goodness, fidelity, and charity to all His people. Finally, I would like to invite all to join us this Monday evening, April 11th, at 7:30 PM for the STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION in the Church. We will pray these beautiful devotions as part of our Monthly Evenings of Prayer Mass Intentions This Week Sun. 4/10 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass Jerry Bellofatto, Agnes Knickerbocker, Edna Lambert, Mario Sorrenti, Robert D. Lane, Josephine Cucinotta, and Kathleen McElhinney
PLEASE PRAY FOR Molly Zwick, 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. 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 Budgeted Actual $15,000.00 $15,304.50 $304.50 STEWARDSHIP The disciples on the road to Emmaus walked and talked with Jesus all day long, but it was not until they offered Him hospitality and He blessed and broke the bread that they recognized Him. Simple acts of loving kindness still reveal the presence of God in our midst. Rest in Peace Let us pray for those who have died, especially Rita Kiley, Dorothy Wheeler and His Holiness John Paul II May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Please keep in prayer our 2nd grade students as they enter the final preparations to receive our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Thank you To the catechists, aides and parents who helped things run smoothly during the 1st Communion retreat and to John Connolly for assistance with set up.
Book Drive Children's books, adult books, new books, old books!
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 Look for registration forms in the mail to all students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. For info or to assist with the summer program 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.
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.
Respect Life Ministry There will be a Respect Life Ministry meeting on April 21 at 7:30pm at the Joseph Center. This will be a planning meeting for 05-06 activities. We are seeking new members to join us in planning and participating in our many diverse activities. We need your help! Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s) Bible Study, Thu 4/14, 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. Softball Anyone interested in playing softball this year should email Graham Briggs, gsmbriggs@rcn.com . This is an over 18 coed team that plays in Wellesley from late April through mid-July.CAMP ARROWHEAD BAKE SALE The Respect Life Ministry will be having their annual bake sale to benefit Camp Arrowhead on April 23/24 after all the Masses. This camp operated by the Natick Recreation Department offers fun filled activities to physically challenged children. Our support allows a child to participate in this camp. Father John Leonard who served this parish from 1957 to 1959 will celebrate his 50th Jubilee on April 24th at Immaculate Conception Parish, 43 Hill St., Newburyport MA. Please keep him and his classmates in your prayers 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. Archdiocese of Boston-Black Catholic Choir 12th Annual Concert: "Order My Steps"
Bread for the World Bread for the World is urging Congress and President Bush to Make Hunger History. Democratic and Republican leaders are expected to commit to cutting U.S. hunger and food insecurity in half by 2010. The legislation will also support organizations on the frontlines of fighting hunger in local communities. Christ gives us all the boldness to claim that we see the end of hunger. How can we do this? We can write letters and help others to write to members of Congress - to remind them to make real progress toward the stated goals for 2010, and totally ending hunger in the United States by 2015. "I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love…" II Timothy 1:6-7 St. Paul School
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
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. Saint Bridget Elementary School 832 Worcester Road Framingham, MA Spring School Tour for Prospective Families on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, 9:00 - 10:00 am. Grades K1-Grade 8. For more information, please call Christina Tramontozzi at 508-875-0181 x229. Safety for All In an effort to make sure our building is a secure place for all during the celebration of Mass, parents please accompany your children when they need to use the rest room. In this way we will all be assured that our youngsters are safe at all times. |
