Bulletin for November 23, 2008

Vincent who is suffering from cancer, Matt’s return to health following surgery, D. to have good results from a blood test, Michael for good results from diagnostic tests and clear direction for any continued care, Bryan for successful medical procedure and peace for his daughter Eleanor, successful cardiac ablation for Susan on 11/26 and a quick recovery, a peaceful death for a woman and God’s peace for her family, Joe to have continued strength and good health to fight back, a man with cancer to gain peace and necessary care and for his family, Chris to have success as he pursues a new path, employment for several people, Chris P. in all her endeavors, Dick to feel steady and be safe, Peggy to fully recover from cancer surgery, Marilyn following a loss, B. to find a path to complete wellness, a young man's medical health, Jack's health, a new, positive attitude for M., forgiveness for J. and improved health, two young adults to have the support they need to fully recover from mental illness. Continued prayers for: Tim, Brittany, M, C., Priscilla, Michael, Mike Jr., Eric, Ben, Pam, CF, Nancy, Jane, Jimmy, W., R., and Dwight. Thanksgiving for: help from Jerry and DG, a wonderful experience for two people and many answered prayers.

Prayer Line: Tracy at 508.842.2279 or Susan at 508.934.0133 or susanbk@townisp.com

CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Today’s second collection will support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development which helps people rise above the poverty line by funding programs that focuses on the root causes of poverty. It creates permanent, community-based solutions to the problem of poverty by funding programs that promote self-sufficiency. CCHD is committed to helping people change the conditions that keep them living in a state of poverty. Thank-you for your support.

At last week’s meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council, Capital Campaign Steering Committee and Building Committee the recommendation was made that we move forward with our parish building expansion and renovation plan. With the $3.2 million that has already been raised in pledges, the hope that more parishioners will make their pledge, and the opportunity to request a construction loan from the Diocese of Worcester, we expect to break ground in June of 2009.

The scope of the building project has been reduced from the original plans that were presented to the parish. Although not able to complete the entire project at this time, we are pleased that we will be able to provide for the following:

• Air Conditioning for the Church
• Elevator to church for improved accessibility
• Provide new restrooms on church and lower level
• New boilers
• Two story 5,000 square food addition on the back of the church and hall that includes:
  • Lobby & Gathering space for church functions
  • Large meeting room for 60 – 125 people for parish meetings/events
  • New entrance and relocated school offices
  • Media Center (library & computers)
• Additional Parking and necessary drainage underneath the parking lot – which will require removing the rectory and little brown house.

PROJECTED TIMELINE

• November ’08 thru 2009 Capital Campaign continues
• January 2009 Architect Jordan O’Connor meets with Building Committee when plans and drawings are finalized Lauring Construction Company establishes final budgets and the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) Parish requests construction loan from Diocese
• February 2009 Subcontractors submit bids to Lauring Construction
• May 2009 Rectory and Little Brown House are de-constructed
• June 2009 Sitework and construction begin. Duration of construction project is 12 months.

As we MOVE FORWARD we encourage those parishioners who have been waiting to make their pledge to OUR ENDURING COVENANT to please do so within the next two months. Remember the words from our Campaign Chair, Frank Vaccaro:

Your gift, regardless of size, is a strong statement about your support for our parish family at St. Mary’s Church. Your investment in the Campaign helps to further the church’s growth, development and mission in serving her people. I ask you to seriously consider how you can contribute – your support is needed to ensure the continued vitality of St. Mary’s as a spiritual center for our community.

St. Mary’s celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation on Nov 2, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester. Many, many thanks to all those who helped make this a moving and memorable experience! Thank you to those of you who supported our candidates in prayer. A very special “thank you” to members of St. Mary’s Liturgy Committee, St. Mary’s Music ministry, Amy Kotsopoulos, Pam Cawley, Eileen Korpi, Cathy Burke, Deb Farraher Hyman, Jean Marie Carey, Karen Frenette, Sharon Hirtle, David Hirtle, and Mary Beth Villandre. Your help is greatly appreciated and may God bless you!

“Prayer doves” have been posted at the sacristy and vestibule entrances to the church. Please take a “prayer dove” home with you and pray for a Confirmation student going on retreat in December. Thank you!

THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

Last weekend we listened to Matthew's gospel the Parable of the Talents (25:14-30) which tells the story of the rich master who entrusts three servants with a sum of money -- "talents" -- and instructs them to go forth and do good. Last weekend, Fr. Mike & the Stewardship Committee challenged us to live this parable. Those who agreed to the challenge were provided with 50 talents ($50) along with the instruction to do something creative with it and to make it grow! The $50 can be used to buy supplies for something that can be made and sold or to used to provide a service.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009 at our Parable of the Talents Fair all those participating are instructed to bring back the $50 along with any additional money that has been made. All the money raised beyond the initial $50 will be donated to the charities that St. Mary's Parish supports - St. Anne's Human Services, Haiti, Little Brown House, etc. There will be an opportunity to sell what was made and view displays of how others used their 50 talents.

If you are interested in taking this challenge please stop by the sacristy after Mass this weekend and pick up your talents!

A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER AT THANKSGIVING

Gracious and loving God,
as the autumn season continues its transformation;
and the days become shorter, the earth cooler:
as we join family and friends in joy and celebration
on Thanksgiving Day,
we pause to give you thanks and praise for the abundant blessings
You have bestowed upon us:
for life and health, safety and comfort, food and nourishment.

Through your Spirit, open our hearts so that we may be
even better stewards of Your many blessings.
Show us how to be a blessing for the poor, sick, lonely and all who suffer.
And help us nurture the gift of faith, revealed to us by your Son, Jesus Christ,
Our greatest gift, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Amen.

Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 pm
First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury

Begin your Thanksgiving Day by giving God thanks around the Table of the Eucharist and receive again the gift of God’s love and abundant blessings. Then your Thanksgiving dinner and the time you spend with family and friends will have even more meaning. Please bring a bag of non-perishable food with you to Mass on Thanksgiving and bring it forward to the altar during the offertory procession. These gifts of food will be given to St. Anne’s Food Pantry. St. Anne’s Human Services expects to prepare over 200 Thanksgiving baskets for families in need in our community. Our donations will help to restock the shelves after Thanksgiving Day so that the growing number of people who are turning to food pantries in their need can be served.

BAKE SALE TODAY

After all Masses to benefit the LITTLE BROWN HOUSE. Please visit our Bake Sale tables downstairs in the hall and at the Main St. doors of the church. Raffle items include two treasure-filled baskets. Thank you so much for your support!

LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS
MAKE PLANS DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
TO JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARY’S

The Christmas Mass schedule will remain the same as it has been for the past years with one exception – Instead of holding the second 4:30 Vigil Mass in the parish hall, it will be celebrated at the Chapel at Calvary Retreat Center on South Street.

HOME of HOPE

We offer our prayerful support this weekend to Bob Davis of our parish who will be traveling Sunday evening to the Home of Hope in Cochin, India. The Home of Hope is an orphanage for girls in India which is run by the Salesian Sisters. In July of 2007 Paul Wilkes came to our parish to speak about Home of Hope and to seek our support through the annual Propagation of the Faith mission cooperative. We look forward to hearing from Bob about his trip after he returns. For more information about Home of Hope, go to www.homeofhopeindia.org or contact Bob at bdavis@process-info.com or 508.341.4363.

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS AT CATHEDRAL – Begin the season of Advent by pausing and reflecting on how we are preparing our spiritual lives for the joy of Christmas. The beauty of Lessons and Carols for Advent will be held at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30 at 4pm.

The Junior League of Worcester presents: GIRLS NIGHT OUT, Thursday, December 4, 5:30pm -9:30pm at College of the Holy Cross. Tickets in advance are $25, $30 at the door, and students $15 with identification. More than 30 specialty vendors, JLW Signature Raffle, sinful snacks and a cash bar. Visit our website at www.jlwma.org, email girlsnightour@jlwma.org, mail payment to JLW Attn: GNO 42 Whitman Rd, Worcester, MA 01609 or contact Dot Henry at 508.393.0932.

Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant Mass – December 24 at 7:00 pm

• Anyone ages 5-18 is welcome!!!
• Only 2 short rehearsals in December
• Music CD’s and Lyric Sheets will be available in the Pastoral Center beginning December 1st
• Familiar and Fun Christmas Carols! Simple to learn!
• Children from other choral groups are encouraged to join us!
• Last year we had 30 children in our inaugural performance. We hope to get even more this year!
• Middle School and High School Singers – Come be a part of a growing Tradition! Your voices would be so helpful to the younger vocalists! With your participation we may be able to add harmony to the parts.
• Sign-ups in the Pastoral Center during office hours or contact: Ann Tomashefsky – Children’s Christmas Festival Choir Director 508.757.5777 or ptomashefsky@netzero.com

RESPECT LIFE NEWS

St. Mary Craft Fair 2008! (formerly Holly Fair)

Saturday, December 6th, 9am - 6 pm Sunday, December 7th, 8am - 1 pm This wonderful annual holiday event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Shop from our beautiful selection of ready-made wreaths and arrangements or choose from an assortment of bows and decorations to customize you own. You’ll also find unique gifts, local crafts and delicious baked goods. Click here for more information. Gifts, Crafts, Natural Wreaths, Door Swags, Kissing Balls, Cemetery Boxes, Bows, Boxwood Trees, Advent Supplies, Baked Goods, Poinsettias, Photos with St. Nick, and more.

Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 11/22/2008.