Bulletin for December 28, 2008


Saturday, December 27

8;30 Vincent James Amatucci 1st Anniversary by the family
4:30 Ted Harney By the family

Sunday, December 28

7:30 Paul O’Dell, Jr. 8th Anniversary by Mom and Dad
9:00 Francis O’Connor By his wife Jane and family
11:00 Anthony M. Cotoia 5th Anniversary by the family
5:30 James Haglund By Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leardi

Monday, December 29

8:30 Jeffrey Mailman By a friend

Tuesday, December 30

8:30 Jerry Bernard By a friend

Friday, January 2

8:30 Frances Labreche By the family

Saturday, January 3

8:30 Special Intention By a parishioner
4:30 Venice Withstandly 1st Anniversary by the family

Sunday, January 4

7:30 Emil and Dorothy Vaudreuil, Patricia Vaudreuil By the family
9:00 Harriet M. Carey By the family
11:00 Peter Kesseli By the family
5:30 Robert Brazeau By his wife


CONGRATULATIONS to the families and the children who were baptized during the month of December:

Madeline Quincy Faucher

May she grow in the faith that we profess in Christ Jesus.

Baptisms are celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:30 pm. Please call the pastoral center to make arrangements for your child’s baptism. Parents who would like to have their first child baptized will be asked to participate in a Baptism Preparation session which is held on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm in the pastoral center.


Liturgical Roles

January 3-4

Mass

Servers:

4:30

M. Favulli, O. Maher, J. McCoy, S. McCoy, B. Postale, K. Postale

7:30 K. Brenner, R. Kiely, K. Lavin, P. Magnuson, A. Ruggieri, J. Walent
9:00

A. Amatucci, A. Amatucci, D. Duquette, K. Gordon, C. Kelly, A. Morelli

11:00

J. Canfield, E. Hirtle, M.C. Paulina, M. Paulina, B. Saxe, N. Sex

5:30

E. Brenner, A. Canzano, M. Henry, S. Kuruvilla, K. Looney, B. North


Mass

Lectors:

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

4:30 J. Bellerose

L. Bellerose, M/M Blanchard, M. Blute, M/M Coghlin, R. Ferrante, S. Godwin, M. Law, M.L. Lordan, M. Rogers

7:30 P. Caouette

F. Collins, S. Gallerani, W. Gooley, M. Lemoine, A. Lo

9:00 G. Morelli

P. Ahearn, M/M Berkowitz, N. Duquette, M. Gordon, K. Jefferson, G. Joubert, T. Kelly, L. Labreche, S. Zybert

11:00 K. Paulina

J. Barry, K. Canfield, M/M Cote, M. Cote, M. Horner, S. Howard, E. Korpi, J. McDonald, M/M Sousa

5:30

J. Forts

D. DeFazio, P. Forts, J. Fouhy, G. Nahm, M/M Thompson


Repose of the sole of Molly, 16 yrs. old, and Audrey DiPinto and peace for their families and friends, emotional well being of two children, Carl for a positive prognosis and full recovery from lymph node surgery, J. to be accepted into an experimental treatment protocol for his cancer and for the success of the treatment, Sally K. for healing of renal cancer, for the safety of Mike on Afghanistan, Alexander in Baghdad, Jack to maintain his level of health as he lives with serious illness, Sandy to gain strength and for her family, our parish family to keep our capital campaign in their sights and give thoughtfully and generously, success for Jerry's eye surgery on 12/23, ES to stay strong and courageous during treatment for an illness and for her family, Marissa's improved eyesight, everyone traveling during the holiday break to do so safely, Dixie's full and fast recovery from surgery, Fr. Leo, all those who have experienced job loss to retain hope and regain employment, Bobby, Robin, Patricia, Norman's recovery from surgery, Brad who recently suffered a loss, Katie, Carol to gain control of her diabetes, Liz to realize there are options beyond her current position, for our service men and women around the globe and for peace to reign. Continued prayers for: J., Kevin, Joe, D., M., Luke, Lynn, Elliot, Kathleen, Andrea Paige, Frances D., Tim, B., Eric, CF, Tim, Mike Jr., Connor J., and Dick. Thanksgiving for: Mack's safe delivery, Fr. Mike and Fr. Adam and our parish staff, and prayers answered.

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


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 also. 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.


Feast of the HOLY FAMILY
Blessing for a Family or Household

Holy God,

Source of all blessings,
You sent your Son to be born into a family
Where he was loved and cared for.

Bless and protect our family:
Make us strong in faith,
Hopeful, and compassionate.

Bless us with understanding
And help us to be good listeners
Keep us from anger and hasty judgments
Free us from harsh words and impatience.

Do not let resentments cloud our minds.
Nor arrogance harden our hearts.
Make us willing to serve and quick to forgive.

Strengthen our commitment to one another,
That by our love, others may know we are Christians.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


NEW YEAR’S DAY - FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

As the season of Christmas continues we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God on January 1, 2009. The schedule of Masses for this holy day are:

Wednesday, December 31
Vigil Mass 4:30 pm

Thursday, January 1
Mass 9:00 am
11:00 am


INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DEACON?

Find out everything you wanted to know about being a deacon. Come to the Information Session scheduled on Monday, January 12, 2009 at Our Lady of Loreto Parish Center which is located at 33Massasoit Road, Worcester. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a deacon and wanted to know more about what it would involve, now is your opportunity! There is no obligation. Wives are encouraged to attend. The Session begins at 7:00 pm. (Snow date is January 26, 2009)


Monday, December 29

7:00 Depressed Anonymous – St. Matthew
7:30 St. Mary’s Rosary Group – Chapel

Wednesday, December 31

4:30 Mass

Thursday, January 1

9:00 Mass
11:00 Mass

Saturday, January 3

9:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – PC/School
9:00 Grade 2 Parent Meeting – Hall
11:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – PC/School
1:00 Baptism – Church
4:30 Children’s Choir – Church

Sunday, January 4

9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 classroom
10:15 Grade 3 CCD – School/PC
12:00 Alumni Pizza – Hall
12:30 Baptisms – Church
6:45 High School Religious Education – School/PC


STEWARDSHIP IN ACTION - ST. MARY’S SHINING STARS

Shining Stars is an opportunity for parishioners to recognize other parishioner for their stewardship, for their stewardship actions and deeds. Do you want to say “thanks” or acknowledge a parish member for being a good steward by using their time, talent or treasure to serve others? You may recognize an individual, a family, a couple a teenager or child. Pick up a recognition form today in the sacristy.

Today we announce December’s Shining Stars:

NANCY AND MATT FREUD

I am writing to tell you about a wonderful family in the parish, the Freuds. Nancy and her husband Matt opened their home up to host a party on October 20th, so that people could come and help prepare all of the many, many tiny ornaments and fixtures for the greens to be sold at the upcoming Craft Fair.

I came in and cluttered their home with over 1,000 little pieces of everything glittered, frosted, spray painted and glitzed, and spread it all over the place! Then, as people arrived, they spread it out even more!

The Freuds had a wonderful spread of food & drinks to keep everyone energized through several hours of hard labor. They made it fun, they made everyone feel welcome, and their work is very much appreciated by me and everyone at St. Mary School.

The Freuds, and all the wonderful workers who have help or will be helping to make the Craft Fair a success, are examples of true Christian giving.

Cheryl Chan
Craft Fair Greens Chairperson


RETREAT –THANKS!

Many thanks to all those at St. Mary’s who took “prayer doves” home with them and prayed for our Confirmation students on retreat, in November and earlier this month. By the grace of God, both retreats were very successful and seem to have had a positive impact on our students.

Special thanks are also due to our team of student retreat leaders who assist Harry and Paul in this important ministry. The following students attended training sessions and several planning meetings in preparation for the retreats:

Joshua Anthony, Catherine Becerra, Ben Bradley, Eric Canfield, Amanda Card, Alyssa Corelli, Jack Cleary, Catherine Cote, Brianna Estevez, Tom Ford, Christian Fry, Jessica Grip, Jessica Hertzberg, Kristen Hyman, Jessica Jankowski, Beth Jones, Tim Laramie, Katie Lizotte, Liam McAllaster, Jithu Maliakal, Mike McCaul, Maggie Monahan, Kati Morgan, Dan O’Keefe, Kim Paul, Hannah Rubin, Katie Sacco, Dan Shine, Ryan Sinnott, Beth Swedberg, Beau Talbot, Brendan Teebagy, and Allison Wood.

Thank you student retreat leaders for the energy and enthusiasm you bring to the retreat!! You are an inspiration to your peers!

We are also grateful to our night chaperones Tricia Kelly, Kim and Joe Cantin, Joe Arcabascio, Brian Postale, Eileen Gallant, Chantal Lyon, Maribeth Ford, David Jefferson, Chris Winchenbach and Brian Donovan for valiantly staying up all night and ensuring that our students got the sleep they needed! Last but not least our sincere thanks to our adult volunteer leaders Jean Marie Carey and Mary Cote without whose help the retreats would not have run as smoothly as they did.

Merry Christmas to you all!


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

Adam & Kathy-Jo Beamenderfer
Karlie, Adam, Jamie
James and Nancy Broderick
Jamie
Paul and Debra Campaniello
Gianni
Robert and Carolyn Murphy

Nobert Gaudette

Robert and Joanne Danna
Matthew, Maria
James and Tonya Romano
Andrew , Evan
Minnie Pascarelli

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.


Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners,

This is to thank you for your generous donation to St. Anne’s Human Services for the giving tree. Your generosity will help many families this holiday season.

We wish you a very Happy Holiday!

Sincerely,
Elaine LeBlanc


CHRISTMAS AND YEAR END GIVING

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

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.


The Saint Mary Parents’ Association
Cordially invites you to the

Saint Mary Ball

January 24, 2009
Cyprian Keyes, Boylston, MA
6:30-11:30 pm

Cocktails & Fun
Dinner & Dancing
$100 per couple

Don’t miss out on the great Silent Auction items including “The Last Supper” with Fr. Mike and Fr. Adam.

For tickets contact:

Maureen McCabe – 508.842.7432 kieranandmaureen@hotmail.com or
Maura Egan – 508.845.4670 eganmaura@yahoo.com


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


My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“I bring you good news of great joy to be shared by the whole people.” (Luke 2:10)

The coming of Christ at Christmas should bring peace to our hearts and joy to our world. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin in Bethlehem’s crib, is the fulfillment of God’s promise that we can live in peace if we are united in His love. The Son of God reaches out to embrace all of us. In His birth we have learned that in every moment of time, God is breaking into our lives. In Him we can experience the birth of divine life in our own.

The Messiah and Lord was born into poverty and throughout His public ministry reached out to the poor. He would have us be attentive to their cry as well, and serve them in their need. When we do this we show our love for the Lord Himself.

This Christmas all of us are experiencing the burden of uncertain economic times. Many of us and many of those we love are encountering the loss of work, homes and savings. During this time, we must remember that our faith teaches us there is no trouble the Son of God cannot lift and no worry He cannot console. From the crib, the Christ Child calls us to leave behind the worries that cripple us, the loneliness that gnaws at us and the despair that imprisons us. At Christmas, we joyfully welcome the abundance of God’s love and saving power, made manifest in the birth of Christ who is the Savior of the world.

Let us journey to Bethlehem together this Christmas season, and there let go of the sin that binds us and the burden that seeks to overpower us. Let us leave our prayers with Christ at the crib and come away refreshed and renewed, accepting God’s love as if for the first time. May your Christmas be a truly spiritual and prayerful celebration.

My Christmas prayer for every one is that the simple, generous lesson of God’s love may inspire us to greater love of God and one another.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester


Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 8/29/2009