FROM THE PASTOR

This Thursday, May 5, is the FEAST OF THE ASCENSION and it is a Holy Day of Obligation. All Catholics are obliged to participate in the celebration of Mass as we commemorate the Lord's entrance to Heaven. The Masses at St. Patrick's will be celebrated on Wednesday evening, May 4th at 7:30 PM and on Thursday, May 5th at 6:30 and 8:00 AM and 4:00 and 7:30 PM.

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 in order to support the many works of the Church. Our financial response is indicative of our commitment to support all of the good works that benefit the entire community. 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. The Appeal is to the Archdiocese what the Sunday Offertory is to our parish.

We are experiencing a very challenging period in our Archdiocese. The financial issues that we face are more serious than we have ever experienced. However, together we are the Church. Our strength lies not in any one parish designation but in all of the people who are part of our faith community. What defines us is our love for God and how we care for each other. The Annual Catholic Appeal allows us to demonstrate our compassionate response to the command of Christ, "Whatever you do to the least, you do for Me." Every registered parishioner has already received a direct appeal from Archbishop Sean outlining the overwhelming needs that he confronts as he shepherds this local church. Each parish in the Archdiocese has been given a target that will allow us to share in meeting these needs in an equitable manner. With that in mind and based upon our historical generosity, St. Patrick's Parish has been given a target of $ 108,000.00. I am asking all parishioners to make a substantial pledge that can be paid over many months so that we can meet this goal. May our sacrificial gifts underscore Our Faith at Work as we help provide pastoral care, health care, and faith formation to all of our brothers and sisters. May the example of Mary's generosity and compassion inspire you to discern an appropriate response to this Appeal.

I want to congratulate the newly commissioned EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION who will begin their responsibilities this weekend. I am most grateful to all who have served and continue to serve in this awesome ministry. It is my fervent prayer that all of us will imitate in our lives this wonderful mystery of Love that we are privileged to share.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 5/1    5:30 PM Family Healing Mass  
Mon. 5/2    8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 5/3    8:00 AM Jimmy DeSimone-Birthday    
Wed. 5/4    8:00 AM Shirley & Jack Kincare 7:30 PM   Ida Hoyt
Thur. 5/5   6:00 AM, 8:00 AM  Ascension  4:00 PM, 7:30 PM     Ascension
Fri. 5/6   8:00 AM Herbert C. Hamel, Sr. 37th Anniv 7:30 PM   Marion Mega-6th Anniv   
Sat. 5/7    8:00 AM Yvette Cote-living;        

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 May 1st will burn in prayer for Gladys McPherson, Luisa Valenti, Albert & Mary Ronchetti, Marion Mega, Ida Hoyt, Mario Harabalja and Vincent S. Teso.

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 24, 2005

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $12,528.00            $2,472.00

STEWARDSHIP

Those who obey the commandments, Jesus says in today's Gospel, are the ones who really love Him. Does my stewardship reveal my love for Jesus?

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially Anna Teti, Elizabeth Hooley and Marion Monaco May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

ascension mass schedule

Wednesday, May 4 - 7:30pm

Thursday, May 5:
6:30am, 8:00am, 4:00pm and 7:30pm

Note: All Masses in the Upper Church

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Congratulations

To our 2nd grade students on the occasion of the reception of the Holy Eucharist for the first time this weekend. May they continue to grow through Jesus' self-gift. A special prayer of thanks goes to the volunteers and parents who helped prepare the children for this special event.

Thank you

To our 1st graders and to all of the parishioners who generously donated so many books for St. Angela's School during the month of April. On behalf of Sr. Gail, her staff and students, it is greatly appreciated!

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.

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.

Summer Opportunities for Teens

For more info:

Call the Religious Ed Office or go to www.oymboston.org

June 27 8-10pm Middle School Harbor Cruise

Reminders

Last Classes Sunday May 1st or Wednesday May 4th

2005 Annual Catholic Appeal

We are one in Christ

This is the Annual Catholic Appeal Weekend, and your contribution does make a difference.

As you prayerfully consider your gift, we ask that you take inspiration from 1 Corinthians 12: "Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it." During the celebration of the Liturgy we offer our gifts in sacrifice to the Lord, are strengthened and nourished by that sacrifice, and bring that grace into the world to do Christ's work.

Your generosity is most appreciated in contributing towards the success of the Annual Catholic Appeal.

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.

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.

Evening of Prayer

Our next Evening of Prayer will be held on Monday, May 16th, at 7:30 p.m. Please join us as we gather together in faith to pray the Living Rosary for the intentions of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Each bead of the Rosary is represented by a parishioner, and we honor our Blessed Mother Mary with scripture and song.

We need parishioners to help us form this Living Rosary in the Church. Please call the Rectory or sign up after Mass next weekend if you are willing to pray one Hail Mary or one Our Father during the recitation of the rosary.

Please mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and join us for this special prayer experience. Refreshments will be served following the service.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

2005 CORI CHECK

In keeping with the Archdiocesan policy for conducting background checks for clergy, staff, and volunteers, we will be asking all volunteers to complete a CORI (criminal offender record information) form to be submitted to the Archdiocesan Office of Volunteer Resources.

This is an annual process followed by all parishes within the Archdiocese of Boston, and we at Saint Patrick Parish have been asked to conduct our annual CORI check during the month of May.

All volunteers (age 18 and older) will be asked to complete a 2005 CORI form and return it to the Parish Office by May 27th, 2005. Your cooperation is most appreciated.

Birthright Carnations

The Mother's Day Carnation Project is Birthright's only fundraising event. Carnations will be available next weekend after all the Masses. Your donation of one dollar will support Birthright in Framingham. Birthright is staffed entirely by volunteers who offer friendship and practical assistance to pregnant women and/or her family during a time of crisis. Birthright is dedicated to the sanctity of all human life and is non-political and interdenominational.

Camp Arrowhead Bake Sale

The Respect Life Ministry and Camp Arrowhead greatly appreciated all the support given to the annual bake sale. All monies have been donated to this camp.

Pine Street Inn Ministry

Volunteers needed to host our Welcoming Coffee after Sunday Masses. For further information please contact Barbara Peoples at 508-655-6326.

Together in Prayer, Together in Jesus

All are invited to join with Young Adults in their 20s and 30s for a special evening of scripture, prayer, inspirational music, Eucharistic adoration and fellowship on Friday May 6 at 7:30pm at St. Paul Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley. Our special intention will be for Pope Benedict XVI. Questions call 781-235-1060.

Softball

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

Upcoming dates are June 3rd weekend, July 22nd weekend or August 27th weekend 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. For more information contact 1-800-367-0343.

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

Natural Family Planning

Introductory session on the Creighton Model-Fertility Care System on May 8, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the Joseph Center. To register please call 978-436-0407.

Spring Benefit Dance

Friday, May 20 at 8 pm at the Irish Social Club, West Roxbury, MA.. $10 per person donation. Door prizes. Music by Erin's Melody. Call Pat & Josie Casey at 781-329-0530. Proceeds benefit the S.M.A. Fathers Church in Liberia, West Africa

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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