Bulletin for December 14, 2008
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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 Monday, December 15 8:30 In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Mother Tuesday, December 16 8:30 John Harrington By a friend of the family Wednesday, December 17 8:30 Joseph Canney 8th Anniversary by the family |
Thursday, December 18 8:30 Dorothy McCaffrey By the family Friday, December 19 8:30 Carol Anne Donovan 9th Anniversary by the family Saturday, December 20 8:30 Lisa Lorden, Waters Family, and Lorden Family By the family Sunday, December 21 7:30 Mary and Frank Keegan, Chris and Natalie Dona By the family |
Liturgical Roles
December 20-21
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Mass |
Servers: |
| 4:30 |
M. Favulli, J. McCoy, S. McCoy, B. Postale, K. Postale, R. Puthanangady |
| 7:30 | A. Amatucci, A. Amatucci, K. Brenner, R. Kiely, K. Lavin, J. Walent |
| 9:00 | M. Daly, D. Duquette, K. Gordon, C. Logan, V. Pitney, P. Storer |
| 11:00 |
J. Canfield, E. Cristy, K. Pitney, A. Smiley, J. Troio, J. Yarzebski |
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5:30 |
E. Brenner, A. Canzano, D. Clemson, C. Kelly, S. Kuruvilla, L. Perreault |
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Mass |
Lectors: |
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: |
| 4:30 | S. Puthanangady |
M/M Blanchard, M. Blute, P. Caouette, M/M Coghlin, R. Ferrante, S. Goodwin, M. Law, M.L. Lordan, M. Rogers |
| 7:30 | S. Landry |
R. Coulter, T. Keegan, A. Lo. G. McNamara, R. Mungovan |
| 9:00 | J. Forts |
P. Ahearn, M/M Berkowitz, N. Duquette, P. Forts, W. Gooley, M. Gordon, M. Minnucci, V. Sheehan, S. Zybert |
| 11:00 | F. Mannella |
J. Barry, K. Canfield, V. Cavanna, M/M Cote, J. Fouhy, M. Horner, S. Howard, E. Korpi, J. McDonald |
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5:30 |
A. Figueiredo |
D. DeFazio, T. Kelly, G. Nahm, M. Serafin, M/M Thompson |
that J. will be accepted into an experimental treatment protocol for his cancer and for success of this treatment, 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
Parish Newsletter
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Last week the Fall Parish Newsletter was mailed to every parish home. Additional copies are available in the church and at the pastoral center so that you may share them with family members, former parishioners and neighbors. You can also read the newsletter online - click here. Once again we are most grateful to Mary Donovan who serves as the newsletter editor, publisher and columnist. |
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. We received an additional $125,000 in pledges just last week. 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.
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The Third Week of Advent BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE Loving God, we ask you to bless this tree. May our tree’s evergreen branches May these boughs, hung with ornaments, You sent your Holy Spirit to be our |
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
St. Paul offers a timely stewardship message: Pray always, live a life of gratitude and seek holiness. During this week of Advent, spend some time in prayer reflecting on what it means to be grateful, compassionate and unselfish. Discover opportunities to say, “Thank-you.” Go out of your way to do something for someone else.
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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.
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Sunday, December 14 9:00 Christmas Choir – Grade 8 Classroom Monday, December 15 9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room Tuesday, December 16 6:00 Christmas pageant Rehearsal – Church |
Wednesday, December 17 2:30 School Choir – Church Thursday, December 18 9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room Friday, December 19 9:00-1:00 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Chapel Saturday, December 20 8:00 MOMS Group PC Kitchen Sunday, December 21 9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 Classroom |
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JET SET - Save the date 5/29-5/31/09 for the Red Sox-Blue Jays game in Toronto. More info to follow shortly. |
2009 CALENDAR
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The 2009 calendars are available this weekend in the front and side vestibules of the church. We are grateful to Shannon Henry and David Bellerose of Britton Funeral Home and Worcester County Memorials for making these calendars available to us. |
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.
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Wednesday, December 24 4:30 pm Mass in Church Thursday, December 25 9:00 am Christmas Mass |
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
December 24, 2008 at 7:00 pm
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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:
Costumes will be provided. Your assistance with Pageant rehearsals is appreciated! Please contact Mary Cote 508.829.5422 to indicate which person(s) in the pageant story your family member(s) would like to represent. |
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
The Sacrament of Penance will be celebrated in the Reconciliation Room /Confessional on Saturday, December 20 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm and Tuesday, December 23 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
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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. |
DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 23 at 6:30pm
Please join us as we decorate the church to celebrate the birth of our Lord. There is lots to be done – hanging garland, putting up the Christmas trees and setting up the nativity. Pizza will be served!!
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY HOME HEATING BOOKLET
The Home Heating Group of the Town of Shrewsbury has published a booklet to educate the community on the wide variety of resources that are available to assist residents with their winter heating costs this year. Learn about home heating safety and home heating energy saving tips along. Become informed with the various assistance programs available to those in need. The 2008 Home Heating Booklet is available in the front vestibule of the church.
St. Mary School to Host First Annual Battle of the Brains / Pizza Night
Sunday, January 4 at 3:00 pm - St. Mary School Hall
St. Mary School alumni from the classes of 2000 to 2008 are invited to participate in the St. Mary School First Annual Battle of the Brains event. Battle of the Brains is a Pub Quiz without the Pub. Players register as teams of four and show their “smarts” by answering questions which range from pop culture and music to sports and movies.
Some of St. Mary School’s favorite teachers will be on hand as team coaches including: Mrs. S. Leahy, Mr. J. Ferdella, Mrs. K. Curley, Mr. P. Gannon and Mr. M. Moakley.
Great prizes include: movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, lunch in the St. Mary School cafeteria and more. Cost $2.50 per person / $3.00 per person with registration at the door. Enter by December 22, 2008. To register: contact Sira Naras at 508.842.1601 or naras@stmarysparish.org by 12/22/08.
Only one team member needs to be a St. Mary School alumnus.
For more information contact Sira Naras, in the St. Mary School Advancement Office 508.842.1601, naras@stmarysparish.org
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Today’s second collection is for the support of the Retirement Fund for Religious. When sisters and brothers entered their congregations after World War II, thoughts of retirement were far off. Members of religious orders then, as now, committed their lives to serving others. Today there are more than 70,000 religious over age 60. Many of these elderly religious continue to give to others through teaching, counseling, and prayer. Low stipends during many years of service did not allow congregations to save funds to meet today’s escalating health care and housing costs. The Retirement Fund for Religious is helping congregations meet the needs of their elderly now, and in the future. They taught you. Prayed for you. Comforted and cared for you. Now in their later years, with limited retirement savings and rising costs, please help these people who have given so much and asked for so little. Thank-you for your generosity.
THANKS FOR THANKSGIVING
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Dear Parishioners of St. Mary’s, Your thoughtfulness and efforts at this Holiday time sent us a bountiful supply of food items, four car loads to be exact. The generosity you have shown to provide help as we continue our support of our Shrewsbury clients means so much to us and to them. We are so grateful for your interest in our organization. This enables St. Anne’s Human Services to maintain its’ Food Pantry supporting almost 200 families in need. Love and Peace, |
Free Christmas Concert with the 5:30 Band!
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The ensemble that plays the 5:30 Mass each week will be putting on a short Christmas program in the church on December 21st at 7pm! Hannah, Dave, Ryan, Ben, Rick, Paul and others will be performing some traditional carols along with contemporary arrangements of carols and advent songs. It is guaranteed to be an exciting and festive evening. The program should last about 45 minutes. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit our high school service program, as well as our 5:30 Mass music ministry (we will be recording a CD in the new year!). |
Hope to see many of you there! Merry Christmas!
~ The 5:30 group
HEIFER PROJECT ANIMAL SALE RETURNS - PROVIDE HOPE FOR A HUNGRY WORLD
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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.
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
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CHOIR
ANYONE AGES 5-18 IS WELCOME!!
Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant Mass – December 24 at 7:00 pm
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GIVING TREE – Thank-you to the many parishioners who took tags last weekend for the GIVING TREE. Our gifts will be distributed through St. Anne’s Human Services and Catholic Charities this weekend. Please return your gifts with the tag this Saturday, December 13 or Sunday, December 14. For more information call Maryanne Damico at 508.845.9674. |
Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
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