Bulletin for November 30, 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, 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, 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

CALLING ALL BAKERS!

Last week’s bulletin announced that St. Mary’s Parish plans to move forward with our 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:

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.

GIFT CARDS FOR THE GIVING TREE

Do you need a gift card to put with your Giving Tree tag? No need to drive to the store! The St. Mary Parents’ Association will be selling gift cards in the Parish Hall after Masses on November 29th & 30th and at the cashier’s table at the Craft Fair on December 6th & 7th. A percentage of the gift card purchase will benefit St. Mary School. For additional information, contact Jen Colombo (508)845-6076.

Many people enjoy using Christmas and year’s end as a special time to give to their favorite Catholic institutions and also positively impact their federal and state income taxes. Christmas and year end giving provides many advantages to you

• All gifts made on or before December 31 are tax deductible for the tax year in which your gift is made.
• The knowledge that your gift is assisting a favorite Catholic institution and advancing the mission of the Catholic Church.
• A last reminder to make that special gift or increased gift that you’ve wanted to made during the year.

EXTENSION FOR NONTAXABLE IRA TRANSFERS TO CHARITIES

Parishioners who are 70 ½ years old may make a gift up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to a charitable organization. This two year extension allows a person to make such a gift without having to include it in their gross income which would then make the amount part of their taxable income. Be sure to contact your CPA or financial advisor.

MATCHING GIFTS FOR SUNDAY CONTRIBUTIONS

Two parishioners recently discovered that their employer’s Matching Gifts Program would match their regular Sunday offertory throughout the year up to $1,000. By filling out their company’s paperwork, they were able to double their support of St. Mary’s Parish. Check with your employer on Matching Gift opportunities that you may have.

RESPECT LIFE NEWS

We extend a warm welcome to the following people who joined St. Mary’s parish during the month of November:

If you are new to St. Mary’s please introduce yourselves to Fr. Mike and Fr. Adam after Mass and call the Pastoral Center during the week so that you can register in the parish.

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. Sponsored by the St. Mary’s Parents’ Association

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.

AIDS Project Worcester's Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 6th at Mt. Carmel Church in Worcester. APW provides outreach services to individuals living with AIDS and their families, and this holiday party allows them to enjoy the festivities of the season. St. Mary's has a rich tradition of providing baked goods for this event... if you wish to contribute cookies, brownies or any baked good, please deliver them to the kitchen in the Pastoral Center on Friday, December 5th from 4:00-6:00pm or Saturday, December 6th from 9:00-10:30am. Please call Cindy Kerekon at 508.845.9786 for additional information.

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

CALVARY RETREAT CENTER

Let us pray for the Passionist Community and all who have benefited from their rich Retreat ministry these past 43 years.

Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 11/29/2008.