FROM THE PASTOR

Five years ago, on a beautiful sunny Tuesday morning, I had just concluded the celebration of Mass when I was informed that a terrible tragedy had occurred in New York City. A plane had crashed into the World Trade Center and I was stunned into near silence as the horror of that incident began to unfold before my eyes. The television images are forever etched on my mind and the grief and anger that I felt on that day has not dissipated. I still grieve the loss of over 5,000 men and women, from many countries, who perished in the Trade Center collapse, including the 300 New York City firefighters, their Chief, and their Priest Chaplain. I grieve the loss of almost 200 Pentagon workers and airplane passengers who lost their lives on that fateful day, as well as those who perished in Pennsylvania. I confess my anger at the perpetrators, whoever they are and whatever their goals might have been, for their theft of our innocence and in making us vulnerable to terrorism. We have now joined so many other countries in our world who lived daily lives of terrorism in their midst for a long time.

But I know that our response to terrorism has had profound implications for the future. I always knew that some military action was inevitable and perhaps necessary but at the same time, I knew that a safer, better world was the work not of soldiers but of committed disciples. Countless texts from Sacred Scripture tell us that vengeance begets vengeance, war begets war. I knew then and am more convinced now that there is not room for stereotyping or racial profiling in our daily discourse. Arab American Muslim people have mourned as deeply as we have and they disavow extremist politics because they know that this is unfaithful to the Koran. We can't demonize whole peoples, cultures, and religions because a few from one have done great damage to us. Instead, we need to consider ways to find real strength and courage that can come only from our prayers because this is at the heart of healing and it alone can dispel our fears.

We know that our faith demands that we forgive our enemies. Jesus' message is clear. God is indeed with us, especially now, and will always be with us. I want to invite all to join us this Monday evening, September 11, 2006 for a SPECIAL MEMORIAL MASS at 7:30 PM in the Church. It would be an insult to the memory of the victims of this tragedy and a victory for the terrorists if we were to permit any sentiments of hatred to diminish our true dignity as sons and daughters of God. In the sacred setting of St. Patrick's Church, let us together proclaim that nothing and no one can ever separate us from the love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ. With God, may we know that Resurrection from the rubble is indeed possible.

Mass Intentions This Week

Sun. 9/10    5:30 PM Collective Intention Mass  Marion Berardino
Mon. 9/11    8:00 AM Mass for Sick 
Tues. 9/12    8:00 AM Eric Lane (living)    
Wed. 9/13    8:00 AM Cora Evans     7:30 PM Mass of Thanksgiving: Maria S. S. Mamma Nostra
Thur. 9/14    8:00 AM Gerard Halpin Jr.       
Fri. 9/15    8:00 AM Thomas & Randy Keefe      
Sat. 9/16    8:00 AM Michael P. Demko

PLEASE PRAY FOR Mary Porter, Rita Marso, Harold Davis, Lucille Belmore, Ralph Vaccari, Leonard White, Harold Kashala, Robert Goldkamp, Ed Saunders, Jr., Richard Guerin, Kay I. Zinna, 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, Nancy Brodeur, Erin McKay, Tony Amendola, Thomas Kean, Diane Doyle, Amanda Clift, Stephen W. Humphrey, Jr., Muriel Cosentino, James Phillips, James Atherton, Barbara DiVaio, Barbara Waite and all the sick of the parish.

SANCTUARY LAMPS for the week of September 10 will burn in prayer for Luisa Valenti, Maria SS Mamma Nostra, Scott Kingsley.

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
September 3, 2006

Budgeted           Actual                      
Offertory                Offertory                Deficit

$14,000.00            $11,114.53            $2,885.47

Stewardship

"Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?" (James 2:5)

What's more important - being rich in faith or rich in possessions? Our society teaches us that possessions are most important. God, however, teaches a different message. When we are rich in faith we know that material things don't matter and we are more willing to share what we have with others and with God's Church.

Adoration Ministry

The Adoration Ministry will meet on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Joseph Center. All hourly coordinators should attend or please send a representative. All adorers and parishioners are also welcomed. Call Anne Reilly at 508-655-8516 if you have any questions.

Adoration Ministry

St. Patrick Parish is blessed to have a perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel for more than 10 years. In order to have a constant vigil of prayer before The Blessed Sacrament we must make sure each hour is covered by a designated adorer. We are in urgent need of permanent adorers. On the weekends of September 16-17 and September 23-24, members of the Adoration Ministry will be available after all of the Masses to answer questions and invite people to become Eucharistic Adorers. You will come to cherish this one hour a week with Jesus. "Could you not sit one hour with me?" Call Anne Reilly at 508-655-8516 to sign up.

Rest in Peace

Let us pray for those who have died, especially
Rose Marie Zeno and Mary E. Morrill
May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Religious Education

Religious Education News

We Need Teachers

Thank you to all who answered our request for additional teachers and aides. Our Parish Religious Education Program remains in need of additional teachers. Several individuals have expressed a concern that they don't have the background or knowledge to serve. Please trust the Holy Spirit who works wonders through a generous and willing heart. We will provide catechists with training and materials. Sign up sheets are available after all Masses or contact the Religious Education Office at (508) 907-6220.

Important Dates

Our Religious Education Program begins on Sunday, September 24. Pre-School through Grade 4 will meet in the Montrose School following the 9am Family Mass.

Grades 5 through 8 will begin classes on Wednesday, September 27 in the Montrose School at 6:30pm.

We will conduct a Catechist Training Session for all Religious Education Volunteers on Sunday, September 17 starting at 10:15am in the Montrose School Gym.

On Sunday Evening, September 17 at 7pm is "Launch Nite" for our 9th & 10th Grade High School Program. Students and Parents should attend this meeting which covers an overview of the program, Confirmation, and class registration. Books and other materials will be distributed.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Saturday, November 4 at 11am by Bishop Walter Edyvean. Classes for those who are to be confirmed begin Sunday, September 24, following the 5:30pm Mass.

RCIA

An "Inquiry Night" for RCIA will be held on Thursday, September 21st at 7:30 p.m. in the lower church hall for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. RCIA is a process by which adults who have not been baptized or who have been baptized into another Christian faith or who were baptized Catholic but not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are welcomed into the Catholic Church.

EVENING OF PRAYER

5-Year Anniversary Mass
Monday, September 11th, 2006

All are invited to join us on Monday evening, September 11th, at 7:30 p.m. for a Memorial Mass in remembrance of the tragic events that took place on this date 5 years ago. We will remember in prayer all our fallen brothers and sisters as we commend them to God's safe keeping. May God grant them eternal rest in His kingdom that knows no violence but only peace. May He grant us the grace to live as brothers and sisters in the human family of the world, ever faithful to His way of love.

"Oh Lord, as we gather and remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we recognize our great need for prayer and healing, and we ask for Your light of hope to shine forth upon our nation and all those who have suffered a loss, and for all those who defend our freedom. We pray for wisdom for our national leaders, for our country, and for the world. Amen."

Twenty-Fifth Annual Lawn Party

Blessed John XXIII National Seminary is hosting its 25th Annual Lawn Party on Wednesday, September 20th at 6:00 P.M. to support priestly vocations. Located on Route 30 in Weston, the seminary prepares older, second career candidates for the priesthood. The Lawn Party is an opportunity to meet today's seminarians and to learn more about the vital work of this unique seminary. For ticket information, please call the Blessed John XXIII Development Office, 781-899-5500 ext. 110 or visit our website www.blessedjohnxxiii.edu.

Calling all Knitters & Crocheters

The Natick Service Council is already thinking about Christmas! We are looking for handmade hats and mittens, especially for children ages 8 to 12 years old, as well as lap robes for elders and slippers for everyone. All will be given to needy families here in Natick.
Holiday donations can be dropped off on Thursday, December 14th and Friday, December 15th at the Coolidge Gymnasium at the corner of Cottage and Webster Streets.
For more information call (508)-655-1791.

Playgroup

St. Patrick Playgroup is a cooperative serving children birth to age five and their caregivers. This year it will meet on Monday's from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Our Lady's Hall at the Montrose School.
Registration has begun and space is still available. Playgroup will begin on September 25th.
If you would like more information, a registration, or have any questions, please call Barbara at 508-653-0647.

Program Openings

The Gathering Place, 3 Common Street in Waltham has openings in two of its programs. Counseling: for individuals and couples in a warm, supportive atmosphere in which to set goals, establish objectives and gain skills necessary to enhance self-esteem and confidence, improve relationships, heal old wounds and deal with losses in order to enjoy like more deeply. Education: assistance with specific skills and training on an individual basis in areas such as resume and cover letter preparation, basic computer skills, language arts skills and GED tutoring. Fees are based on a sliding scale and are affordable and negotiable. For further information, please call us at 781-647-0012.

Fall Craft and Yard Sale

The Shrine of Fatima, 101 Summer Street, Holliston will be the site of a fall craft and yard sale on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Included are men, women and children's clothing, books, jewelry, kitchen items, linens and white elephant items. Crafts include centerpieces, wreaths and cornucopias. Decorate for the holidays!

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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