Bulletin for December 7, 2008
|
Saturday, December 6 8:30 John Richard Bullock 10th Anniversary by his wife JoAnne Sunday, December 7 7:30 Emil and Dorothy Vaudreuil, Patricia Vaudreuil By the family Monday, December 8 8:30 Megan and Madison Wolohan By the family Tuesday, December 9 8:30 Amelia Sicolo By the family |
Wednesday, December 10 8:30 Frank J. Conlon By the family Thursday, December 11 8:30 Leo W. Connolly by the family Friday, December 12 8:30 Simon Sawtelle By the family Saturday, December 13 8:30 Guido Forchielli By the family Sunday, December 14 7:30 Mary and Frank Keegan, Chris and Natalie Dona By the family |
We extend our congratulations and best wishes to
Gina Bonnici and Christopher Moreira
who were married at St. Mary’s last Sunday.
|
|
JET SET - The bus, for the trip to Wright's Chicken Farm and LaSalette Shrine, will be leaving St. Mary's parking lot on Thursday, December 11th at 12:30 P.M. |
Liturgical Roles
December 13-14
|
Mass |
Servers: |
| 4:30 |
J. Armbruster, D. Buricatu, K. Clougherty, P. Mangan, D. Musgrove, T. Musgrove |
| 7:30 |
J. Goljan, W. Hayden, P. Magnuson, T. O’Donnell, T. O’Donnell, A. Ruggieri |
| 9:00 | M. Curran, M. Lemoine, O. Maher, S. Nelson, M. Snow, M. Terry |
| 11:00 |
R. Hevey, E. Hirtle, M.K. Paulina, M. Paulina, B. Saxe, N. Sex |
|
5:30 |
S. Campos, M. Henry, B. Lemieux, K. Looney, A. Morelli, B. North |
|
Mass |
Lectors: |
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: |
| 4:30 | R. Lespasio |
M/M Bellerose, K. Contreras, M. Damico, A. Figueiredo, M. Kiely, I. Lespasio, M/M Piecz, H. Reynolds, A. Scribner |
| 7:30 | P. Caouette |
F. Collins, M. Gulino, M. Lemoine, A. Lo, F. Nugent |
| 9:00 | S. Zybert |
M. Benbenek, F. Doiron, J. Godek, K. Jefferson, G. Joubert, E. Lemoine. M/M Nelligan, L. Shuba, D. Tivnan |
| 11:00 | K. Paulina |
E. Baroni, J. Barry, S. Gallerani, M/M Holland, J. McDonald, E. Page, M/M Pratt, M/M Sousa |
|
5:30 |
G. Morelli |
M. Beaudry, A.M. Blute, M/M Casey, L. Labreche, F. Mannella |
Loretta Drelinger
Repose of the soul of Sister Christiana Hofman, Don Robinson, and Ryan Frazier and God’s peace for his wife Emily and their son and unborn baby, D. to receive good results from a blood test, Kevin to have the time and care he needs in preparation for a serious leg operation, Bill's full and fast recovery from recent surgery, Joe to have continued strength and good health to fight back, a woman with recurrent cancer to fully heal, quick and uneventful recovery from surgery for M., a family in crisis to gain courage to fully see the situation and move through fear to wellness, a man who's health is suffering to find a path to wellness, Jerry, Sandy to recover from cancer, Luke to be safe, Lynn to gain work in her chosen field, Tim's job, strength for Kathleen, Andrea Paige with mental problems to accept help, Healing for Tara with a brain infection and heather from cancer, Frances DeGabriele speedy recovery, a special intention for two, success for C.'s dream and peace around the world. Continued prayers for: Bryan healing after bowel surgery, Eric, CF, Tim, Mike Jr., Connor ,J. ,and Dick. Thanksgiving for: Jerry's help, Susan’s successful cardiac procedure, Kevin's level of wellness, and multiple answered prayers.
Prayer Line: Tracy at 508.842.2279 or Susan at 508.934.0133 or susanbk@townisp.com
|
|
The Parish Nurse has a few gift tags for Christmas presents for residents of Shrewsbury Nursing Home who have no family. If you are interested in buying a special gift for one of these persons, please contact Vi Jefferson at 508.925.7647. |
OUR ENDURING COVENANT - ST. MARY’S CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
THANK-YOU to all those parishioners who have made their pledge to St. Mary’s Capital Campaign during the month of November. As we move forward, we encourage parishioners who have not made their pledge to please do so during the month of December. Construction is still scheduled to begin in June of 2009. Visit the parish website (www.stmarysparish.org) for an update on our construction plans. Pledge envelopes are available in the sacristy as well as the pastoral center. Thank-you for your ongoing support of Our Enduring Covenant.
|
The Second Week of Advent PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS Merciful God, Forgive us for loving you too little Forgive our harsh words and resentments, May we never despair of your mercy but find our hope |
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
Advent reminds us that while we await “new heavens and a new earth’” we should make ready a way for the Lord now as John the Baptist proclaims. God’s plan for us is not just for the future. It is already with us, urging us to activate it. We are stewards of God’s plan. How are we revealing, unveiling, fulfilling God’s plan in our daily lives? How are we “preparing the way of the Lord?”
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
On Monday, December 8th the church will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The schedule of Masses for this Holy Day of Obligation are:
The Rosary Group will not meet on Monday evening this week
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
December 24 at 7:00 pm
|
|
Children and parents share the special meaning of Christmas while participating in the annual Christmas Pageant. Family involvement is needed as we bring the Christmas story to life during Mass on Christmas Eve. Two rehearsals for adults and children of all ages will be held in the church on:
|
THE WEEK AHEAD
|
Sunday, December 7 8:00 Craft Fair – Hall Monday, December 8 9:15 Weight Training- Mary’s Room Tuesday, December 9 12:00 Cluster Meeting – Mary’s Room Wednesday, December 10 9:00 Religious Ed Staff Meeting – St. John |
Thursday, December 11 9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room Friday, December 12 8:00 Elves Workshop – Hall Saturday, December 13 9:00 & 11:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – School/PC Sunday, December 14 9:00 Christmas Choir – Grade 8 Classroom |
REMINDER TO ALL CATECHISTS: There will be a Safe Environment Training on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the church hall. All catechists that have never attended a training previously should attend in order to meet the requirements set by the diocese.
|
|
MARY’S FLOWERS The flowers adorning the statue of our Frances Collins In celebration of her 85th Birthday |
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.
|
Wednesday, December 24 4:30 pm Mass in Church Thursday, December 25 9:00 am Christmas Mass |
ST. MARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PLAY
The students of St. Mary’s School will present their annual Christmas Play on Wednesday, December 10 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm in the Church. All are welcome and invited to attend.
|
|
BLESSING OF OURDOOR NATIVITY The blessing and lighting of the parish outdoor nativity scene and manger will take place on Saturday evening, December 13th immediately following the 4:30 pm Mass. Join us with the Children’s Choir for a few Christmas carols and blessing. |
BLESSING OF HOME NATIVITY
Next weekend’s bulletin will include a blessing for all the figures in a traditional nativity set. As you place each figure in the crib scene there is a special prayer that you can offer with your family. On Sunday, December 21 we invite children to bring a figure of the Christ Child to the 9:00am Mass for a special blessing before placing it in their family nativity.
CALVARY RETREAT CENTER
Let us pray for the Passionist Community and all who have benefited from their rich Retreat ministry these past 43 years.
FAREWELL MASS CELEBRATION
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 11:00 am - With Rev. Joseph Jones, C.P.
Followed by Brunch ($15 requested offering)
FAREWELL CONCERT
Featuring Calvary musicians at 4:00 pm in the chapel
Please pre-register 508.842.8821
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CHOIR
ANYONE AGES 5-18 IS WELCOME!!
Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant Mass – December 24 at 7:00 pm
Christmas Choir Invitation – 2008
The St. Mary’s Christmas Choir, which includes St. Mary’s Adult Choir will be singing at midnight this year, and anyone who would like to be part of the festivities is cordially invited to add their voices to the mix. Rehearsals for the Christmas midnight liturgy will involve 3 dates: Two (2) Sunday mornings: December 14 and 21, 9am to 10:30am in the school - 8th grade classroom AND One evening rehearsal on December 23rd, 7:00 - 9:00PM in the church choir loft.
As in the past the Christmas Eve liturgy (December 24th) begins with “Lessons and Carols” at 11:30pm followed by Midnight Liturgy celebration at 12:00 midnight welcoming in Christmas. It is extremely important that you are fully engaged by attending all three rehearsals. If you're available on all of these dates, we look forward to having you with us.
If you have any questions please contact
|
|
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS - The December packet of offertory envelopes contains one marked Christmas Flowers. Your offerings will assist us in decorating the church for the Christmas season. Please write the names of family members on the envelope so that we may remember them at Mass. |
GIVING TREE - Thank-you to the many parishioners who took tags last weekend for the GIVING TREE. There are still some tags left on the tables in the vestibule and the front of the church as well as some additional tags for grocery store and gas station credit cards. Our gifts will be distributed through St. Anne’s Human Services and Catholic Charities next week. Please return your gifts with the tag next Saturday, December 13 or Sunday, December 14.
|
|
GIVING TREE – This weekend, December 6th & 7th our Giving Tree tables will be set up with tags for needy families who are assisted through St. Anne’s Human Services and Catholic Charities. Please attach the tag to the outside of all gifts and return by noon on the weekend of December 13/14. Please do not return before Dec. 14. Help bring the spirit of Christmas to a child or teen. For more information call Maryanne Damico at 508.845.9674. |
St. Mary Craft Fair 2008! (formerly Holly Fair)
|
|
Saturday, December 6th, 9am - 6 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 |
 |
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
On Sunday, December 7th at the 11:00 am Mass our parish will celebrate the RITE OF BECOMING A CATECHUMEN/CANDIDATE for the members of this year’s RCIA.
Please pray for these adults in our parish as they continue their journey in preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation:
Catechumen: Tong Thai
Candidates: Andrea Carey & Nicholas Manella
STEWARDSHIP
Thank-you for your ongoing support of St. Mary’s Parish
Month of November(weekly average) $16,294
Campaign for Human Development $2,891
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED PARISH PAY ?
Many parishioners have found that ParishPay is the best way to continue their support of St. Mary’s Parish throughout the year. Find out how ParishPay works on the website (click here) or by calling the Pastoral Center. In lieu of weekly collections the ParishPay program will collect monthly contributions from your checking, savings or credit card account.
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.
A BIG “Little Brown House” THANK YOU!
Thanks to your generous support, over $900 was raised at our 4th Annual Little Brown House Bake Sale and Raffle! To all the wonderful folks who baked, purchased sweets and raffle tickets, or just dropped cash into the till, we thank you. Your support of this parish ministry is truly heartwarming. Congratulations to the Basket winners: Margie Bradley and Mary Daly.
HEIFER PROJECT ANIMAL SALE
RETURNS THIS CHRISTMAS TO PROVIDE HOPE FOR A HUNGRY WORLD
|
|
Heifer International is a world-renowned charitable organization that has been working to help the poor and hungry for more than 60years. Heifer Project’s unique approach provides the long term solutions of livestock and training that families need to lift themselves out of poverty. “Not a cup, but a cow” is the basic premise upon which Heifer International saves lives, and since 1944 has lifted millions worldwide our of hunger and assisted them toward self-reliance. Each family who receives an animal passes on “the gift” of the first female offspring to another family. |
From now until the Sunday before Christmas, you may purchase an animal or a share of an animal to be given to an impoverished family. You can donate the animal as a gift from your family to the Christ Child, in honor of someone on your Christmas list, or in memory of a loved one.
In past years, St. Mary’s has raised enough money each Advent to donate an “Ark’ of animals ($5000) to Heifer Project. Please stop and admire the many beautiful ark plaques which the parish has been given as a thank you. They are hung on the “gallery wall” in the church hall.
So that St. Mary’s receives credit toward our “Ark” this year, please do not purchase your animal through Heifer Project’s catalog, but directly through the parish. Stop by the table in the vestibule to inquire after Mass or call Corinne Hetzler at 508.842.2449 with questions.
Lastly, save the date for Heifer Project’s Living Nativity at Overlook Farm in Rutland, Ma on Dec. 13 & 14. A live nativity, complete with animals. Will be presented on the hour (1,2,3,4 and 5 pm) in the barn. Dress warmly! Bring a plate of cookies to share. Directions available at the Heifer table. Thank you.
Most members of the Church have been richly blessed by the presence of religious in our lives! We have experienced a lifetime of service offered by so many religious: in the classroom, or in a hospital or at our parishes, or when our family had special needs. It is important that we offer our thanks to these religious who have influenced our lives so deeply. I ask you to bless our religious with your gift again next weekend. With every prayerful best wish, I am Sincerely yours in Christ, |
FAIR TRADE GIFTS AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND
St. Mary’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a FAIR TRADE GIFT table at the Craft Fair this weekend. Examples of items available for sale include: beaded jewelry, fair trade food items such as tea, cocoa, chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, and soup mixes, as well as beautiful hand crafted items from the WORK of HUMAN HANDS catalog.
Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on
