Bulletin for January 18, 2009


Saturday, January 17

4:30 Charles Estaphan By the Vaccaro family

Sunday, January 18

7:30 Lillian Ovitt By Paul and Elsie O’Dell
9:00 Rev. William Wolkovich 4th Anniversary by the Wright family
11:00 Camillo DeArcangelis By Sue and Ray Cote and family
5:30 Donald Robert Nelson 1st Anniversary by the family

Monday, January 19

8:30 Shelley Dutton By the family

Tuesday, January 20

8:30 T. John Foley 6th Anniversary by the family

Wednesday, January 21

8:30 Mary T. Mattimore 1st Anniversary by the family

Thursday, January 22

8:30 Robert Carey By the family

Friday, January 23

8:30 Vincent Palermo By Rita Dziemian

Saturday, January 24

4:30 Mary and Guy Leone By the family

Sunday, January 25

7:30 Stanley, Anthony, and Nellie Strzelecki By the family
9:00 Grace Condon By Cliff and Vi Jefferson
11:00 Carol McKenna By Joan Barry
5:30 Robert and Frances Carey By the family


Liturgical Roles

January 24-25

Mass

Servers:

4:30

M. Favulli, D. Musgrove, T. Musgrove, C. Seed, P. Seed, M. Wackell

7:30

A. Amatucci, A. Amatucci, K. Clougherty, C. Corazzini, R. Kiely, K. Lavin

9:00

S. Coakley, M.T. Egan, E. Lemoine, M. Lemoine, M. Travers, S. Travers

11:00

S. Commito, E. Hirtle, B. Huie, A. O’Connor, B. Saxe, J. Yarzebski

5:30

B. Campos, A. Canzano, D. Clemson, M. Henry, L. Perreault, W. Wright


Mass

Lectors:

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

4:30 F. White

J. Aubrey, M/M Blanchard, K. Contreras, M. Damico, R. Ferrante, A. Lo, L. McAllaster, H. Reynolds, A. Scribner, S. Seed

7:30 F. Nugent

P. Caouette, M/M Donovan, W. Gooley, G. Niklewski

9:00 P. Larkin

S. Berkowitz, M/M Coghlin, F. Doiron, J. Godek, T. Kelly, S. Landry, E. Lemoine, J. Maliahal, F. Mannella

11:00 J. Kiel

J. Barry, K. Canfield, J. Fernandez, M/M Holland, E. Korpi, J. McDonald, E. Page, M/M Pratt

5:30

L. Shuba

M/M Casey, C. Cote, C. Cruz, D. DeFazio, M. Serafin


Pauline Steinberg


Repose of the soul of Louis Thomas and for his family, Leo to have successful surgery and no complications, safe travel for a group, a safe and incident free transition of administrations next week in DC, employment for all those seeking jobs, Roland L. for successful surgery on January 20, Toni L. full recovery from meningitis, Christine's safety and acceptance of her diagnosis, a clear and successful path to thorough health for A., everyone suffering from insomnia, B. to gain a lifestyle that supports health, Arthur for successful hip replacement, Natalee 3yrs old with cerebral palsy that a recent surgery will improve her chances to walk, Jim T. for improved health, M. for successful recovery from surgery to remove a tumor, special intention for Tim Milligan, God’s guidance for a family going though a life changing crisis, continued improvement of health for Julie after Gastric Bypass Surgery, A. for good results from medical tests, healing for a man with a leg infection due to diabetes, Anna to deal with a long standing issue and to gain wellness, peace in our midst and around the world. Continued prayers for: Joe, a Mom and child, David, Michael, Frank I.'s recovery from an illness, Date, J, Patrick, Audrey, Sally, Mike, Alexander, Jack, ES, Marissa, Dixie, Fr. Leo, Carl, Kevin, Luke, Elliot, Jimmy, Dick, Andrea, Eric, and Marisa. Thanksgiving for: safe travel for a family and many answered prayers.

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


INAUGURATION DAY

On Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:00 noon
Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the
United States. As he takes his Oath of Office let us
pray that he will “preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the United States” to the very best
of his ability. May his inaugural address and the
beginning of his presidency give all the people
of our nation and indeed the entire world
hope for our future. May
God’s rich blessings be his
in abundance.


WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

Every January a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from January 18th until the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25th. We continue to pray for the unity of all Christian churches as we continue to celebrate all that we share in common as members of the body of Christ. There is a cooperative and ecumenical spirit among most of the churches of Shrewsbury. Members of the Shrewsbury Clergy Association meet each month to discuss matters of common interest and concern. Together we sponsor the ecumenical services for Thanksgiving and Good Friday as well as the annual CROP Walk for Hunger. Please pray for the clergy and members of all the churches of Shrewsbury during this week of prayer. Churches that are members of the Shrewsbury Ecumenical Association are:

  • St. Anne Roman Catholic Church
  • St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
  • First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury
  • St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
  • Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
  • Trinity Episcopal Church
  • Wellspring united Methodist Church


STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS

Christian stewardship begins with the call to discipleship and today’s readings offer three stories about discipleship. In the Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and two of his followers immediately walk after Jesus. Jesus asks them: “What is it that we are looking for?” It is a very good question to ask of ourselves. What is it that we are looking for in Christ Jesus? What is it that we want by following Him? Is it that we desire most urgently to be servants, stewards, of the Lord? Or do we want something else?


A SPECIAL OFFERING FOR FUEL

During the winter months (January thru March) you will find an additional envelope in your monthly packet marked “a special offering for fuel”. This extra boost in income helps to defray the increased cost of fuel and utilities that St. Mary’s and all of us experience at this time of year. Thank-you for your support.


Sunday, January 18

9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 Classroom
12:30 Baptisms – Church
7:00 High School Service Trip Parent Meeting - Church
7:30 10th Grade Confirmation Parents’ Mandatory Meeting - Church

Monday, January 19

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
1:30 Mass at Shrewsbury Crossings
7:30 St. Mary’s Rosary Group – Chapel

Tuesday, January 20

8:30 School Mass
9:30 Thomas Merton Group – Mary’s Room
6:30 Commission for Women – St. Luke
7:00 Religious Ed Board Meeting – St. Matthew
7:00 Stewardship Committee Meeting – St. John

Wednesday, January 21

2:30 School Choir – Church
4:00 Children’s Choir – Church
4:15 Grade 4 CCD – School/PC
7:00 Grade 5 CCD Teacher Meeting – St. Luke
7:00 Liturgy Committee Meeting – Mary’s Room

Thursday, January 22

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
7:00 Boy Scouts – Hall

Friday, January 23

9:00-1:00 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Chapel

Saturday, January 24

9:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – School/PC
9:30 Social Justice – Hall
11:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD - School/PC
1:00 First Penance – Hall
4:30 Children’s Choir – Church

Sunday, January 25

9:00 Grade 7 CCD Bake Sale – Hall
9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 Classroom
10:15 Grade 3 CCD – School
3:45 High School Religious Ed – PC
6:45 High School Religious Ed – School/PC


Exploring ways to make a difference in our community and in our world

When: Saturday morning, January 24. Coffee and... 9:30. Program - 10 am to noon

Where: St. Mary's Church Hall

Who: Speakers: Susan Sullivan, parishioner and professor at Holy Cross College; Sr. Mary Johnson, professor and Chair of the Sociology department at Emmanuel College; David Lizotte, parishioner and director of Matthew 25; Frank Kartheiser, director of Worcester Interfaith.

What: This panel will be followed by a discussion of the activities of our social justice ministry and an exploration of future possibilities.

Gathering is open to everyone who would like to explore ideas and discuss ways in which we--individually and collectively--can make a difference in our community and in our world. Please join us!


YEAR OF ST. PAUL

Pope Benedict XVI declared June 2008 to June 2009 the Year of St. Paul. Our Diocese of Worcester is dedicated to this Apostle of the Gentiles and our cathedral church is named in his honor. In recognition of this special year our cluster parishes of St. Mary, St. Mary of the Hills and St. Anne will hold a HOLY HOUR IN HONOR OF ST. PAUL on January 25 (Feast of St. Paul) from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at St. Mary of the Hills Church in Boylston. The reflection will be presented by Fr. Paul Tougas.


ST. MARY SCHOOL
Open House and Registration for New Students

You are invited to visit our school and see the wonderful opportunities St Mary’s School offers your child. We are committed to educating children in a strong Catholic tradition focusing on the spiritual and academic growth of each student. Please join the students and staff on Sunday January 25, 2009 from 1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

We welcome all from Pre School to Grade 8 to visit and Spread the Good News of St Mary’s School.

St Mary’s Preschool

There are a few openings remaining for new students starting in January at St. Mary's Pre-School. For more information please call the school office at 508.842.1601.


Share your talents with the children of the parish. The Children's Liturgy of the Word at the Sunday 9am Mass is looking for new leaders willing to share their talents. Leaders are scheduled 8-10 times per year. Materials and training are provided. Please consider joining this ministry to bring your gift of faith to the children. Contact Ann Benbenek 508.842.9651 or annbenbenek@yahoo.com.


LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA

Coming This Weekend - inspirational Catholic CD’s and Brochures.

Look for the display stand in the vestibule of the church containing these CD’s:

Place a donation of $3 per CD and 50 cents per brochure. Checks can be made payable to St. Mary’s. Donations will be used towards the purchase of additional materials.


PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW YEAR

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION is held every Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Pastoral Center Chapel. So that we can be assured that there is always someone in the chapel during these hours, we are in need of some more volunteers to commit themselves to being present for one-half hour each week, especially between the hours of 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. To volunteer please sign your name in the book which can be found in the chapel.

Come and Pray the ROSARY on Monday evenings at 7:30 pm in the pastoral center chapel.

Praying the rosary and rosary meditation promote positive thinking and helps our minds become more united with God. Some of the benefits of praying the rosary include:

  • Increased focus and attention
  • Fights depression
  • Decreased anxiety and fear
  • Positive thinking and better outlook on life
  • Increases overall sense of well-being

ST. MARY'S DOES IT AGAIN!
ANOTHER ARK OF ANIMALS IS ON ITS WAY TO A HUNGRY WORLD.

On behalf of Heifer International and all of the families around the world who will now receive a life-sustaining animal from Heifer Project, thank you once again for your generosity. Despite difficult economic times, so many St. Mary's families dug deep into their pockets this Christmas and donated a share, an entire animal or many animals toward our ark. We raised a total of $5,630, going over the top of the ark price of $5,000. As a result, many families will not be hungry and their children will go to school. Thank you so much for sharing the love of Christmas.


St. Anne's Food Bank in Shrewsbury is requesting 50 plus "Birthday Bags" for 2009. The “birthday bags" will consist of a cake mix, frosting, candles and perhaps a book/small toy in a gift bag. They will be distributed to local children who would not receive a cake on their birthday without our help. Please assist in anyway you can - a complete gift bag or any of the select items mentioned above. (There is also a need for some cake tins.) Representatives from the 7th grade will be collecting these donations in the parish hall between the hours of 9:45 - 12:15 on Sunday January 25th. Please contact Janet Hevey 508.842.8111 with any questions. Thanks for your help!


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

End of the year financial statements for tax purposes are available by request. Please call the office at 508.845.6341.


RESPECT LIFE MASS INVITATION

All are invited to attend the Respect Life Mass on January 21 at 7:30 pm at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Please join us in praying for and with those from our parish and across the diocese who will be traveling to Washington, DC to participate in the March for Life, and to begin the payer vigil in observance of the January 22 Day of Penance and Prayer. Please remember to pray in a special way for the unborn, for the healing of those who have suffered from the trauma of abortion, and for the conversion of heart and minds.

DAY OF PENANCE AND PRAYER JANUARY 22

In all dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.


Massachusetts Citizens For Life’s
36th Annual Assembly for LIFE

WBZ Radio Host Dan Rea

“Politics of Abortion”

Sunday, January 25, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm
The Great Hall of Historic Faneuil Hall (1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston)


Many thanks to all the children that sang in the Children’s Christmas Festival Choir Christmas Eve at the 7:00 pm Mass. 40 Children ages 5-13 participated! Special “Thank you” to Cyndi Wright, Megan Hyland and Sue Nerkowski for their help during the rehearsals and at the Mass and to Mike Garceau for accompanying the choir, and to Rick Vacca, Liturgical Music Director for all his help and support in planning the event. Also, thank you to Kerry Martineau in the Pastoral Center Office, Father Michael Rose, Father Adam Reid, and Deacon Frank Myska for their help in the preparations! Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Ann Tomashefsky
Children’s Christmas Festival Choir Director


St. Mary Parents’ Association GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Featuring JENNY BOSTON and other fabulous beauty, home & gift vendors!
Friday, February, 6th - 6:30-9:30pm – Parish Hall

An evening of shopping, socializing, door prizes and tasty treats! Contact Jen Colombo at Jen@PowerEngineersLLC.com if you or someone you know might like to join us as a vendor.


My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On the weekend of January 24-25, 2009, I am asking that a postcard campaign be launched in all the parishes of the Diocese of Worcester to make our congressional representatives aware of our moral opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) that may be reintroduced in Congress within the next weeks or months.

During our annual bishops’ conference held in Baltimore this past November, the bishops of the United States voted unanimously to mobilize our Catholic faithful to state publicly their ethical objections to FOCA or to any other legislative or executive order that would further erode the legal protection that the unborn child in the womb should have.

Why are we bishops so concerned about FOCA? The answer is that FOCA is the most radical and morally insidious piece of legislation that has ever been placed before Congress. Its intention is to create by federal statute a fundamental right to abortion. If passed and signed by the president, as Mr. Obama promised to do during the recent presidential campaign, this law would sweep away over 300 federal, state and local laws and regulations that have been passed to protect the life of unborn children. Indeed the legislative intention of FOCA is far more radical than the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

The responsibility of government is to protect the lives of all, especially the weakest and most vulnerable. The innocent unborn child deserves that his or her God-given right to life be safeguarded. Some disturbing implications of FOCA, or any other law or executive order like it, are that taxpayers would have to pay through their tax dollars for abortions that they find morally wrong. FOCA would also require all states to permit “partial birth” and other late term abortions. Moreover, such legislation would invalidate any laws protecting the conscientious objection to abortion of physicians, hospitals and other medical personnel. FOCA would also deny parents the chance to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decisions.

Our postcard campaign during the weekend of January 24-25 will provide the Catholic community in the United States an opportunity to manifest to our congressional delegates our unified moral opposition to laws that would support a multi-faceted attack on the right to life of pre-born babies. As your bishop, I would ask you to consider prayerfully your participation in this pro-life effort and to see your signature on your postcard as your moral response to the words of Jesus that we will all hear on the day of our personal judgment, “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers and sisters, you did it for me.” (Mt. 25:40)

Asking the powerful intercession of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church, for the success of our efforts on behalf of the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn, I remain

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


Copyright © 2009, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 1/17/2009