FROM THE PASTOR

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.

This year, we launch our Catholic Appeal; at a moment of great opportunity. Having recently released a comprehensive financial report, the Cardinal Archbishop has provided us with unprecedented access to information regarding our financial status as well as a roadmap to our future. 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 should have already received a direct appeal from Cardinal 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 $115,000.00. 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 invite everyone to join us this Monday evening for our MONTHLY EVENING OF PRAYER as we pray together the STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION. These wonderful meditations allow us to focus our attention on the new life that Jesus Christ has won for us through the Paschal Mystery. The evening will begin at 7:30 in the Church and will conclude with refreshments.

Finally, I want to congratulate the young men and women who received their FIRST HOLY COMMUNION this weekend. My thanks to all who made this day possible.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 5/07    5:30 PM Family Healing Mass  
Mon. 5/08    8:00 AM Mass for Sick    
Tues. 5/09    8:00 AM Edna Lambert     
Wed. 5/10    8:00 AM Souls in Purgatory     7:30 PM Ilario & Santa DeMasi
Thur. 5/11    8:00 AM Chester Lewandowski
Fri. 5/12    8:00 AM Suzanne Aylward (living)     
Sat. 5/13    8:00 AM Gerard Halpin Jr.

PLEASE PRAY FOR William White, Leonard White, Harold Kashala, Robert Goldkamp, Kathleen Tokarsky, Ed Saunders, Jr., Rosemarie Zeno, Richard Guerin, Kay I. Zinna, Celia Pasquarosa, Maryann Webster, Helen MacDonald, Julie Branton, Catherine MacLellan, Jim Campbell, Wilma Verge, Ricky Webster, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Dave Markow, Lucy Grupposo, Marie Smith, Joel Dennis, Greg Giallonardo, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendola , Thomas Kean, Jane O'Keefe, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, Amy Flickenger, James Phillips, James Atherton, and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of May 7 will burn in prayer for Mildred Moriarty's special intention.

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 30, 2006

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Surplus

$14,000.00            $15,283.26            $1,283.46

Stewardship

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118: 8-9)

Too often our society trains us to take refuge in man-made riches. Yet Thomas Merton once wrote, "There is no poverty so great as that of the prosperous." Too many possessions can leave us empty - always questing for more things that do not really matter - while we ignore Our Lord.

Thank You

The Respect Life Ministry once again would like to thank the St. Patrick Parish Family for their compassion and charity in responding to our annual bake sale for Camp Arrowhead. Your generosity has made it possible for us to present to them $780.04 and will allow a physically challenged child to participate in this fun-filled camp.

Respect Life Ministry

Baby Shower

Our annual collection of new baby items will take place on the weekends of May 14th and May 21st. Baby baskets will be placed at all the exits. Please place your unwrapped gift in any of the baskets. Items needed are: diapers, pacifiers, wipes and newborn clothing. All gifts are given to Pregnancy Help and distributed to families.

Benefit for SMA Fathers

The Society of African Missions is holding its annual spring fundraiser on May 19 at 8:00 p.m. at the Irish Social Club, 119 Park Street, West Roxbury. All proceeds will go for building schools, clinics and churches in Africa. Music by Andy Healy Band. Donation $10.00 per person. Raffle includes a round trip for 2 to Ireland. For more information contact Pat & Josie Casey at 781-329-0530 or Frank & Cathy Coppinger at 617-323-2800.

Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

On Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a special Marian Devotion, Hymns, Benediction and Candlelight Rosary Procession (weather permitting) at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 160 Concord Road, Sudbury (at intersection of Union Ave./Concord Rd.). Rosaries, scapulars and related materials will be available.
All are welcome to come and celebrate and to bring flowers to place before the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Refreshments will follow in the Parish Center. For more information call the Parish Center at 978-443-2647 or 978-443-9638.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

Bible Study, Thu 5/4/2006, 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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Congratulations

To our 2nd grade students on the occasion of their First Communion. We welcome them to the Table of the Lord to share always in His bounty.

Thank You

To our very talented 4th grade musicians for a wonderful concert celebrating the end of the Religious Education Year. A special thank you to catechists Liz Milch and Paul Dennis for coordinating their students' initiative and generosity.

To all Religious Education volunteers for your creativity, dedication and commitment to the faith development of our children. You are a model of faith and hope to the St. Patrick parish community.

Last Class

Today is the last class for all Sunday classes; Wednesday May 10th is the last class for Wednesday classes. Thank you and have a great summer!

Prayers

As a parish we pray for our 2nd grade students as they make their final preparations to receive our Lord for the first time in the Eucharist on May 6th and 7th. That they and their families experience the peace and joy that only closeness with Christ can bring.

End of the Year Prayer - Source Unknown

O God of all beginnings and endings,
We praise and thank you for the gift of this year.
It has been a time filled with grace and blessings,
With challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer.
Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit.
Bring all of your plans to a joyful conclusion,
And bless us, according to your will,

With the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams,
Watch over us in the weeks ahead,
And guide each day as you have done this past year.
Help us return to you with a new spirit and a new energy.

May we continue to grow
In age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
All the days of our lives.

Amen.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

Members of the Adoration Ministry will be available after all the Masses the weekends of May 20/21 and May 27/28 to meet with and sign up people who are interested in doing a Holy Hour.

We are blessed in this parish to have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration - what a beautiful joy it is, especially during the Year of the Eucharist, to spend one hour a week with the Lord.

Call Anne Reilly 508-655-8516 if you have questions or wish to do an hour.

Rowen Memorial Golf Tournament

The Rowen Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting Blessed John XXIII National Seminary is scheduled for Monday, May 22nd, at The Weston Golf Club. This premier charity event is held to benefit the educational program for the seminarians. Tuition covers only half the cost of educating a seminarian and the proceeds from this tournament will help bridge the gap and keep the cost of educating them affordable. The $200 player entry includes lunch at the Club, 18 holes of golf with cart, and door prizes; followed by a social hour and dinner for each golfer and a guest at the seminary. To register, call Kate Folan at 781-899-5500 or to print out a registration form visit our website at: www.blessedjohnxxiii.edu

Birthright Carnations

The Mother's Day (May 14) carnation project is the primary fundraising event held by Birthright of Framingham. The Birthright center is staffed entirely by volunteers who offer friendship, emotional support and practical assistance to pregnant women. Birthright does not charge for its services, but relies on donations from generous supporters to continue helping pregnant women in need. Your support is deeply appreciated.

EVENING OF PRAYER
Monday, May 8th, 2006

Please join us for the next Parish Evening of Prayer on Monday, May 8th, at 7:30 PM. 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. All are welcome. Please bring a friend and join us for refreshments following the service.

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006

In honor of the upcoming ordination of five new priests in the Archdiocese of Boston, and especially for our own Deacon William N. Ventura who will be ordained on Saturday, May 27th, a Holy Hour for Vocations will take place in the Church on Tuesday evening, May 23nd, at 7:30 p.m. to pray for these men as they prepare to begin their priestly ministry.

FIRST SOLEMN MASS
Of Thanksiving
Sunday, May 28th, 3:00 PM

After his ordination scheduled for May 27th, Father William N. Ventura plans to celebrate his FIRST SOLEMN MASS OF THANKSGIVING here at Saint Patrick Church on Sunday, May 28th, at 3:00 p.m. All parishioners are invited to attend.

A reception in his honor will take place following the Mass, and we need your help in coordinating this event. Sign up sheets will be available following all Masses next weekend. We are looking for people willing to donate sandwiches, salads, and desserts, as well as help with setting up and cleaning up the hall at the Montrose School, and to assist in serving food and drinks at the reception. Your willingness to help with the reception is greatly appreciated.

2006 CORI CHECK

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

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

All volunteers (ages 18 and older) are asked to complete a 2006 CORI form and return it to the Parish Office by May 26th, 2006. Your cooperation is most appreciated.

Spring of Christ ("Fons Christi")

All are invited to join with single and married young adults for an inspirational evening of scripture discussion, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, music, and fellowship. Experience the transforming work of Christ when we gather before Him in the Eucharist on Friday, May 12. 7 p.m. scripture discussion, 8 p.m. Holy Hour. St. Mary's Church, 3 Linden Place, Brookline. If you have questions, please call 781-956-0548.

Fatima Day

The Xaverian Missionaries will resume their traditional Fatima Day on the Thirteenth of each month, May through October. On Saturday, May 13th the main celebrant will be Fr. J. Coiro, Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Holliston. Sing along at 6:30 p.m., Mass at 7:45 p.m. followed by Rosary and Candlelight procession. The evening will conclude with refreshments in the Shrine Hall.

"A Night on the Town" Auction

Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted presents "A Night on the Town" Auction. Please join us for an evening of fun, food and wonderful prizes on May 20, 2006 from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Our Lady's Parish Hall, 920Trapelo Road, Waltham. The evening will begin with a silent auction from 5-7 pm and the live auction will be from 8 -10 pm. Many items will be available for competitive bids including prime Red Sox and Patriots tickets, trips to Hawaii and Bermuda and gift certificates to many local restaurants. Tickets are $50.00 per person and this includes both silent and live auctions plus a catered dinner and cash bar. For tickets or more information, please call Our Lady's School Office at 781-899-0353. Proceeds to benefit Our Lady's School.

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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