FROM THE PASTOR

Father Kiely suggested that I pen this week's column and I appreciate his gracious offer. It gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude for the very warm welcome I continue to experience at Saint Patrick's. Your warmth and expressions of support touch my heart. I am working at learning names and Natick's geography and appreciate your patience as I proceed slowly on both fronts.

In particular, I would like to commend the many people whose generous gifts of time contribute to the vitality of this parish. It is edifying to witness the number and commitment of St. Patrick's active volunteers. I look forward to working with you more closely in the coming years.

In his bestselling book, Bowling Alone, public policy scholar Robert Putnam analyzes the growing de-personalization of contemporary America, citing the demise of community ties and organizations. Our Catholic faith and culture is communal. We experience sacramental grace at every stage of life, beginning with Baptism. Enhanced participation in the life of one's parish offers both the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to the community of believers he calls together as Church. As you enjoy this summer season I humbly ask to consider what activities might help you and your family enhance your participation in the life of this wonderful parish.

I thank Almighty God for this wonderful assignment, and humbly ask your prayers that I may prove to be a worthy and competent priest.

Thank you,
Father Rafferty

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 7/24    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Edna Lambert
Mon. 7/25    8:00 AM Mass for the Sick    
Tues. 7/26    8:00 AM June Keeney    
Wed. 7/27    8:00 AM Mary Maguire-12th anniv. 7:30 PM   Holy Souls in Purgatory
Thur. 7/28   8:00 AM Gerard Halpin, Jr.    
Fri. 7/29   8:00 AM Vocations to Priesthood        
Sat. 7/30    8:00 AM Holy Father Pope Benedict;        

PLEASE PRAY FOR Julie Branton, Catherine MacLellan, Alice Carew, Jim Fitzpatrick, Jim Campbell, Wilma Verge, Sandra Green, Marie Murphy, Kathy Murphy, Jennifer Melnyk, Michael Ruiz, Ricky Webster, John Morton, Eleonore Santospago, Eileen Dennis, Jordan Pascucci, Elaine Ruda, Ulysse Richard, Dave Markow, 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, Amy Flickenger, James Phillips, Elvira Portyrala, James Atherton, Mike Fitzgerald, and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of July 24th will burn in prayer for Gerard Halpin, Jr. and Sr. Anastasia.

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
July 17, 2005

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$15,000.00            $1,624.00            $3,376.00

STEWARDSHIP

Do you really trust God? Do you believe that all things work for good? Faith is a challenge for everyone at times. However, when we wholeheartedly place our trust in God we will never be disappointed.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Estelle Maguire, Gena Antinori
And Elizabeth Potter
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Registration

All students who were registered last year should have received a registration packet in the mail. If you did not receive a registration packet, please inform the Office of Religious Education so that one may be sent to you.
Families new to the parish or to the program, information may be obtained from the parish website or by calling the Religious Education Office so that a registration packet can be mailed to you.

SERENGETI TREK!

Our Vacation Bible School starts this week and we urge all parishioners to keep our bible school in your prayers throughout the week. Consider stopping into the Adoration Chapel to pray for all participants - even if you only have a few moments.

It is important to acknowledge that, even as the week begins, we already have many people to thank for the effort that has made this possible. We thank everyone involved in the planning process, publicity, those involved in decorations, preparing for activities, teaching, etc.-all those volunteers whose valuable time will contribute to the success of this incredible gift to the parish. Of course we thank Nancy Maguire who continues to work tirelessly for months ahead of time to pull all the threads together. God bless you all and thank you!

Website Update

Take the time to look at the updated information on the parish website www.stpatsnatick.org

Now available under “Religious Education”:
• General Information
• Printable registration forms
• Updated calendar
• Policies
• Volunteer Forms

Check back often, coming very soon,
• Specific grade level information and curriculum
• More

Did you know that the parish bulletin is posted weekly on the website?

Through the website, you can contact us to help out, ask questions, get information, or to request a parish membership form.

Share your talents

Interested in being a catechist? An aide? A hall monitor? Contact Melisa in the office of religious education, there are as many positions as there are parishioners, each with their own talents!

Host Families Needed

The Cultural Association "ARCO" from Marsala, Italy, is returning to Boston from August 9-17. ARCO is a non-profit organization composed of young men and women ranging in age from 18-30. The musical is a mixture of Italian and English songs from classic films. Host families are needed to provide housing to some of these students and young professionals. For further information, please contact Ed Russo at 508-545-1833.

Fellowship of Young Adults (20s & 30s)

St. Bridget School

St. Bridget School is seeking to hire:

1. A one day a week computer teacher for Grades 6-7-8. Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Multimedia and Power Point are required.
2. A part-time (16-18 hours per week-days negotiable) Administrative Assistant. Computer skills a must.
3. A full-time Middle School (Gr 6-7-8) Social Studies teacher with one seventh grade math class. Must have MA certification.

Send resume and references to:
Roseanne Mungovan, Principal
St. Bridget School
Framingham, MA 01702
508-875-0181, Ext 222

Upcoming Marriage Encounter Weekends

Upcoming dates are: September 16-18; October 21-23; and December 2-4. For more information call: Dave & Karen Demers at 1-800-710-WWME.

Pine Street Inn Ministry

Volunteers are needed for Saturday, August 6 to serve the evening meal. You will leave Natick from #6 Lincoln St. at 4pm and return by 7pm. Please call Lisa @ 508-545-1706.

Proud 2B Catholic festival
Marist House, Framingham
2005 theme: Come 2 Worship

July 30 Event Schedule

11:30 - gates open (new, earlier time)
12:15 - Rosary in the Grotto
12:30 - Eucharistic procession
Reconciliation stations open: 1-6 PM
Games section: 12-9 PM
Food & Product vendors: 12-9 PM

MAIN STAGE (1-9 PM)

1:00 Welcome/Opening prayer
1:10 Critical Mass
2:00 Greg Walton - sponsored by Spirit & Song
3:00 Righteous B
4:00 Crispin
5:00 Bernie Choiniere
5:45 BREAK for vendor visits before 6:00 close for Mass (set up stage for Mass)
6:00 Tom Brady, Sr talk
6:30 Holy Mass with Archbishop Sean O'Malley
8:00 - 9:00 Martin Doman

ELECTRIC CAFÉ STAGE (1-6 PM)

1:15 Monica Ursino
1:45 Paul Savageau
2:30 Cross Pollen
3:20 Sarah Bauer
4:15 Matt Smith talk: preparing to Come 2 Worship at Mass/witness
5:00 Sal Solo

ADORATION TENT (12:45-5:45 PM)

12:30 Procession from Statue of Mary/outside chapel side of building
1:00 Exposition
1:00 Susan Bailey
2:00 Alice Strejcek (and Andy)
3:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy
3:30 Martin Doman
4:20 Paul Savageau
4:50 Joe Moorman
5:45 Benediction

For admission prices and other information, please visit www.proud2bcatholic.com or call Peter at 1-800-801-0893

Adoration Reflections During the Year of the Eucharist

During this year Eucharistic adoration outside Mass should become a particular commitment for individual parish and religious communities. Let us take the time to kneel before Jesus present in the Eucharist, in order to make reparation by out faith and love for the acts of carelessness and neglect, and even the insults which our Savior must endure in many parts of the world. Let us deepen through adoration our personal and communal contemplation, drawing upon aids to prayer inspired by the word of God and the experience of so many mystics, old and new.
St. Patrick Parish is blessed to have 24 hour Eucharistic Adoration and we celebrate our 10th Anniversary on Nov. 1, 2005.
Is Jesus calling you to spend just one hour a week with Him? Call Anne Reilly (508) 655-8516 to sign up to become a committed Adorer. It is a long lasting gift!

Hospice volunteers needed

MetroWest Hospice will be starting to train Direct Service Volunteers in September. Hospice Volunteers act as "befrienders" to our patients and their families providing support and caring to supplement the medical, sociological and spiritual services of our professional staff. Hospice is also seeking Office Volunteers to join our staff as an alternative to direct service with patients.

If you are interested in our eight week training, please contact Laurie Tosti, Volunteer Coordinator at 508-424-0735, or Laurie.Tosti@mwmc.com.

Can you feel God's love?

Free, family faith-filled festival
Tent rally & concert
Saturday, August 6th
10:00am to 5:00pm

Fatima Shrine, Route 126, Holliston, MA

Enjoy local & internationally known speakers
David Thorp, Pat & Don Turbitt & Fr. Mike McNamara

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM WITH:
FACE PAINTING/GAMES/CRAFTS/BIBLE STORIES & SONGS

Inspirational Music!

Picnic Lunch Available or Bring Your Own
Mass at 4:00pm
Private prayer for your intentions at 5:00pm

Sponsored by the Vision of Peace Prayer Community

For more information call Mary & Ron Whinnem @ 508-655-1463

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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