FROM THE PASTOR
"HABEMUS PAPAM"
With profound gratitude to Almighty God, the world rejoices that we have a new Pope and the Catholic community enthusiastically welcomes our new shepherd, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. In a remarkably short period of time indicative of collegial unity and divine inspiration, the College of Cardinals has elected Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany to fulfill this awesome responsibility as the "Servant of the Servants of God." Our new Holy Father, calling himself a "simple, humble worker in God's vineyard," is a man of tremendous intelligence, wide experience, and deep faith and he is a person who has a profound understanding of the challenges that face the Church in the modern world. In his first talk after his election, the Holy Father stated that he "knows that his task is to make the light of Christ shine before men and women of the world -- not his own light, but that of Christ." All of us are united with him as he begins his ministry of service to the universal Church and we pledge him our prayerful support, our fidelity, and our love. AD MULTOS ANNOS VIVAS!!!!!
On the local front, we are committed to providing opportunities for Catholics to grow in their faith and to live their lives rooted in the Word of Christ contained in His Gospel and transmitted through His Church. This is the mission of all the baptized and it is the central work that we do here within the Archdiocese of Boston. 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. As our new Holy Father has just reminded us, "showing good sentiments is not enough…Concrete acts that enter souls and move consciences are needed." There are packets explaining the Catholic Appeal in the pews this weekend and I hope that all of you will take this opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with tremendous works of charity that are underwritten by the Appeal. I pray that you will be inspired by the Holy Spirit to make a generous financial commitment to this local Church as we embark on this significant response to God's call to love one another in word and in deed.
Within our own parish family, we attempt to respond to some visible needs as they arise. This weekend, we are hosting a BAKE SALE in the Church Hall after all of the Masses with the proceeds going to benefit CAMP ARROWHEAD, a local charity for the disabled and less fortunate among us. I know that you will respond as generously as you have always done. I would also ask that you take this opportunity to participate in the BREAD FOR THE WORLD CAMPAIGN that is taking place this weekend as well. This is an opportunity for us to engage our legislators in reminding them to recognize the need to provide food for the hungry. Hunger is unacceptable in a world as wealthy as ours.
Mass Intentions This Week
Sun. 4/24 5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass Ann Everett,Luisa Valenti Edna Lambert
Mon. 4/25 8:00 AM Mass for the Sick
Tues. 4/26 8:00 AM Leo Flynn
Wed. 4/27 8:00 AM deceased members of the Bentz family 7:30 PM Luisa, Francesco and Giuseppa Valenti
Thur. 4/28 8:00 AM Stefana & Giuseppa Tavilla
Fri. 4/29 8:00 AM Nunzio Ferrante
Sat. 4/30 8:00 AM Rita Kiley;
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Molly Zwick, Michael Ruiz, Gary Soares, Ricky Webster, 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 24th will burn in prayer for Mildred McParland.
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
April 17, 2005
Budgeted Actual
Offertory Offertory Deficit
$15,000.00 $12,225.75
$2,774.25
STEWARDSHIP
"The one who has faith in me will do the works I do, and far greater than these," Jesus tells his disciples. That's quite an assignment for us as Christian stewards!
Birthright Carnations
The Mother's Day Carnation Project May 7 and 8, 2005
This is the only fund raising event held by Birthright of Framingham. The Birthright Center is staffed entirely by volunteers who offer friendship and practical assistance to pregnant women and/or her family during a time of crisis. Your support is greatly appreciated.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Prayers
We continue to pray for our 2nd grade students as they prepare to receive the sacrament of First Communion.
Attention First graders!
All families with a child who will be entering 2nd grade in September
You are invited to join us for a special Mass and celebration to welcome the students into their Sacramental year on Sunday May 15th, Pentecost. After Mass there will be an opportunity to find out more information about our program. A letter with the details of this event has been mailed to all parishioners with students of this age, if you did not receive a letter, please contact the office at 508-907-6220.
May Crowning
All students interested in participating in the Crowning of our Mother, the Virgin Mary through song, reading or procession, please see or call Melisa before May 1st at 508-907-6220.
The May Crowning will take place at the 9:00am Mass on May 8th. Attendance at one rehearsal will be required of all participating.
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
First Communion Rehearsal held 6:30-8:00pm in the Upper Church
students receiving on Sat Apr 30 --> Mon April 25th
students receiving on Sun May 1 --> Thurs April 28th
Last Classes Sunday May 1st or Wednesday May 4th
Adoration Coordinators Meeting
Hourly coordinators for the Adoration Ministry will meet Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30pm in the Joseph Center. All adorers and interested parishioners are also invited.
Call Anne Reilly (508) 655-8516 if you have questions.
Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)
Spring Hike, Sat 5/7, 1:15pm, rear parking lot. Enjoy the peace of natural beauty. Note: Involves strenuous walking. Contact Eric, eje@world.std.com, 508-845-5008.
Bible Study, Thu 4/28, 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 5/6, following 7:30pm Mass. Each month we go out to dinner after First Friday Mass. 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.
The Rowen Memorial Golf Tournament
Benefiting Blessed John XXIII National Seminary is scheduled for Monday, May 23rd, at the Weston Golf Club. The $200 player entry includes lunch at the Club, golf and cart, door prizes, followed by a social hour and dinner with a guest at the seminary. To register, call Kate Folan at 781-899-5500.
Basketball Summer Camp
Under the direction of head coach Kelly Greenberg, Boston University will host a girl's basketball camp from July 5-8 at B.U.'s Case Gymnasium. The camp will be open to girls ages 6-14. For more information, contact Sarah MacElroy at sarahmac@bu.edu.
The brochure is also available on our website at: www.bu.edu/athletics/basketball/women/index.html.
Natick Service Day
Saturday, May 14, 2005 2pm-4pm - starts at the Natick Common
Community service projects for families, seniors, everyone
Join hundreds of neighbors, friends and fellow Natick residents and families as we generate Community Spirit and actually give Natick a face lift!!
What's involved?
Show up at Natick Common and help out for 1-2 hours with one of the many projects located near Natick Center, including picking up litter along sidewalks and cleaning walking trails and parks.
Natick Service Council will provide bags, gloves, etc. Questions? Please call 508-655-1791.
League of Catholic Women Of the Archdiocese of Boston
SIXTY-NINTH DIOCESAN CONGRESS Thursday, May 5, 2005
Holiday Inn, Dedham, MA 55 Ariadne Road, exit 15A of I-95 (Route 128)
Liturgy celebrant: Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap
"The objective of the League of Catholic Women of the Archdiocese of Boston is to unite Catholic women for the promotion of religious, cultural and charitable work."
Congress session and lunch $40.00.
For information and reservations call: Rose Sullivan 617-734-5383 or Mary Mullen 617-469-2744
Marian High School Mainstagers
Present Hello, Dolly
Marian High School Auditorium, 273 Union St.,Framingham
Thursday, May 12 - 7:30pm
Friday May 13 - 7:30pm
Saturday May 14 - 7:30pm
Sunday May 15 - 3:00pm
Tickets are $8 in advance $10 at door. For ticket information or reservations, call 508-875-7646,x203
Marriage Encounter
Mother's Day gift? When you care enough to give the very best…give yourself a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Upcoming dates are June 24-26, and September 16-18. For more information call Dave & Karen Demers at 800-710-WWME or visit the webpage at http://www.wwmeMA.org.
Archdiocese of Boston-Black Catholic Choir
12th Annual Concert: "Order My Steps"
Sunday, May 1, 2005 at 4:00pm
St. Patrick Church, 400 Dudley St., Roxbury
All are Invited A free will offering will be taken
Special Guests:
The Imani Choir & The Silver Leaf Gospel Singers
For more information call 617-746-5813
The Vaudevillian-Dennis Porter
Saturday, April 30th Show time 7:30 pm
$7.50 per person
Fatima Church Hall, 101 Summer St., Rt 126, Holliston
Cash bar and free snacks. Dance floor open all evening.
The public is invited to attend this event. All profits will benefit the Fatima Shrine in Holliston and the work of the Xaverian Missions around the world.
For tickets call Betsy 509-429-2907 or Claire 508-435-3874
Tickets also sold at Shrine Church after Sunday Mass (12noon).
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.
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