Bulletin for January 25, 2009

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

Tuesday, January 27

8:30 Elizabeth Connolly In honor of her 22nd Birthday by the family

Wednesday, January 28

8:30 Leo W. Connolly By the family

Thursday, January 29

8:30 Patrick Keegan 19th Anniversary by the Storer family

Friday, January 30

8:30 Frances Carey By the family

Saturday, January 31

4:30 Joseph and Pauline Roche By Maryann Auger

Sunday, February 1

7:30 Emil and Dorothy Vaudreuil, Patricia Vaudreuil By the family
9:00 William Finnerty 3rd Anniversary by the family
11:00 Claude Dufault By the family
5:30 Armando Sousa, Theresa and Joseph Fernandes, Manny Chaves and Alipio Martins By Joe and Elisa Sousa

Liturgical Roles

January 31-February 1

Mass

Servers:
4:30

St. Mary School
7:30

A. Berard, E. D’Souza, J. Goljan, A. Morgera, R. Morgera, V. Pitney
9:00 J. Dubois, P. Egan, K. Gordon, S. Gordon, C. Kelly, O. Maher
11:00

J. Canfield, L. Cox, K. Jakubiak, A. Smiley, A. Smiley, J. Troio

5:30

J. Armbruster, D. Buricatu, S. Kuruvilla, B. Lemieux, J. Walent, E. Whitlock


Mass

Lectors:

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
4:30

St. Mary School
7:30 R. Pape

M. Gulino, T. Josie, T. Keegan, R. Mungovan
9:00 G. Morelli

P. Ahearn, M. Benbenek, M. David, L. Labreche, K. Jefferson, L. Rybacki, V. Sheehan, J. Zerwas, S. Zybert
11:00 K. Paulina

M/M Cote, M. Cote, J. Fouhy, M. Horner, S. Howard, S. Jakubiak, M. Minnucci, M/M Sousa, D. Troio

5:30

 J. Reynolds

M. Beaudry, Am Blute, G. Joubert, G. Kuruvilla, M/M Thompson

Katherine St.Pierre and Mary Chandley

4 yr old Matthew with stage 4 cancer, a successful hip replacement for Arthur, Al's cat scan and upcoming surgery to be successful, three special intentions, a clear path to complete health for a woman, improved health for B., Eleanor to have peace, Mary, for our parishioners and all others who are traveling to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life, all those seeking employment to find it, Keith, Ben to be courageous and pursue improved health, R. to come to terms with his lifestyle, a young women to feel happiness, Ralph for good results from medical tests, A. continued prayers for healing, Cindy and her family that they find health in this new year, the successful sale of a two homes, for our country as we begin a new administration's course, and for peace around the world. Continued prayers for: Roland L., Toni L., Christine, Natalee, Tim Milligan, Anna, Joe, a Mom and child, David, Frank L., Patrick, Audrey, ES, Dixie, Fr. Leo, Carl, Kevin, Luke, Elliot, Dan, Jimmy, Dick, Andrea, Marisa, and Jimmy. Thanksgiving for: J's improved business, Tim's recent promotion, Bill's aid, some good test results.

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

RESPECT LIFE NEWS
YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!!! - PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY!!!

Your voice is needed more than ever. At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all - born and unborn. This weekend we urge you to sign three postcards found in the pews and return them today through the collection basket or in the vestibule of the church. These postcards will be mailed to Senators John Kerry & Ted Kennedy and U.S. Representative James McGovern urging them to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) which will soon be before them.

The FOCA legislation will reverse all state and federal pro-life laws that have been enacted over the past 35 years since Roe v. Wade. These laws have been small but important attempts to limit access to abortion and to offer some safeguards for unborn children. If FOCA passes abortion would become an entitlement the government would have to fund with taxpayers’ money. It would allow partial-birth abortion nationally for unborn children in the third trimester. FOCA would force physicians, nurses and hospitals that oppose abortion on religious, moral or ethical grounds to participate in abortions. It would also strip parents of their right and responsibility to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decision.

FOCA is without doubt the most radical abortion legislation ever considered in the United States. Please support the Church’s efforts in opposing the Freedom of Choice Act.

STEWARDS ARE GOD’S SHINING STARS
Stars of Saint Mary’s lighting our world

SHINING STARS is an opportunity for parishioners to recognize other parishioners for their stewardship actions and deeds. It is a way to say “thanks” or acknowledge a parish member for living the life of stewardship. Thank-you to those who have already submitted the name of a shining star at St. Mary’s. Today we announce January’s shining stars:

DR. JOHN & ELEANOR DONOVAN

“Dr. John and Ellie are two people that I admire very much. They are kind, compassionate Christians who help many people. They are daily communicants and Eucharistic ministers and involved in many good church affairs. They get my vote for shining stars. They are humble, good Christians.”

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS
Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Jesus said to his apostles: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel…” Jesus expects his followers both then and now to evangelize, to give witness to Him by words and actions. Proclaiming the Good News by our daily pattern of living is key to Christian stewardship. And as the practice of stewardship ultimately leads to evangelization, we might ask ourselves: In what ways can we evangelize to family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike through our daily pattern of living?

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

Monday, January 26

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
12:00 Deanery Meeting – Rectory
6:30 Cub Scouts – Hall
7:00 Pre Cana Team Meeting – St. Matthew
7:30 St. Mary’s Rosary Group – Chapel

Tuesday, January 27

6:00 Grade 6 CCD Old Testament Group A – Hall

Wednesday, January 28

9:00 Religious Ed Staff Meeting
12:30 Retreat Meeting – Mary’s Room
2:30 School choir – Church
4:00 Children’s Choir – Church
4:15 Grade 4 CCD – School
6:00 Girl Scouts – Hall

Thursday, January 29

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
7:00 Adoptive Parents Meeting – St. Matthew
7:00 Boy Scouts – Hall

Friday, January 30

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

Saturday, January 31

9:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – School/PC
11:00 Grades 1 & 2 CCD – School/PC

Sunday, February 1

9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 Classroom
10:15 Grade 3 CCD – School/PC
12:30 Baptisms - Church

MARY’S FLOWERS

The Flowers adorning the statue of our
Blessed Mother are in Memory of

Elizabeth Connolly

In honor of her 22nd Birthday
Donated lovingly by the family

ADOPTIVE PARENTS MEETING - The Thursday, Jan. 29th meeting of the St. Mary’s Adoptive Parents, pre-Adoptive Parents, and Foster Care Providers will focus on blended families, that is, families with both children by birth and children through adoption. All are welcome. O’Connell Pastoral Center Arrival 7:00 p.m. meeting 7:30 - 9:00. RSVP Donna 508.842.2529

Catholic Schools Week
January 25, 2009 thru January 31, 2009

Sunday January 25, 2009

All interested parents and students are invited to our Open House from 1-3 pm. It is an opportunity to tour our school, meet the staff and see first hand our wonderful school.

Wednesday January 28, 2009

We are hosting An Evening honoring our Volunteers: Entertainment brought to you by the St. Mary School Chorus, Ensemble and Band in the Parish Hall at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to honoring our volunteers.

Saturday January 31, 2009

4:30 P.M. Mass followed by the Pasta Festival. Sponsored by St Mary Parent Association

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.

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.

HUMAN SERVICES AT ST. ANNE’S is in need of a working electric stove/oven. Contact Elaine at 508.799.4169 or 508.612.4084 if you have one you would like to donate.

From the Parish Nurse:

St. Mary’s Health Ministry is offering chances to win one of 4 great First Aid and Safety products by the American Red Cross.

1st Place Deluxe Family First Aid Kit (over 100 pieces)

2nd Place Deluxe Personal Safety Emergency Pack (over 30 survival & first aid items)

3rd Place First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Quick Reference Guide (comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for first aid & disaster-related emergencies)

4th Place Pocket First Aid Kit (20 items to carry in purse, gym bag, child’s back-pack, briefcase)

Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00
Drawing to be held on Sunday, March 1, 2009

Purchase tickets in church hall following Masses beginning this weekend, or by calling Viola Jefferson, Health Ministry Office @ 508.925.7647 – please provide your name & phone number.

Detailed description of prizes can be found on the Health Ministry Board outside the church hall, at the table where tickets are sold, or by email request @ jeffersonv@stmarysparish.org. Please place “First Aid Kits” in the subject line and a response will be sent.

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.

*** Cookies With Love ***

Our Family has taken the Saint Mary Parable of the Talents challenge and accepted $50 (talents) with hopes to make it grow! Please help us to multiply our talents, give back to the community and have some sweet fun too!

On Saturday, February 7th from 2:30PM - 5:00PM in the St. Mary Hall, we will be making and decorating Cookies with Love! We will provide everything needed, we just ask for a small donation to help us multiply our talents! Cookies will be packaged and donated to local nursing homes & shelters for Valentine's Day and your donations will be sent to the local charities that St. Mary's supports.

Bring the kids (big & small), bring your neighbor, bring your grandparents - no experience required! Come when it is convenient for you, just stop in any time between 2:30PM and 5:00PM.

RSVP is not required, but is appreciated so we know how many cookies to make! Our number is 508.845.8557 or send us an email at paulina@townisp.com.

A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
for the New Year

Loving Father,

You are the Lord of our history;
Our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.
We join all of creation in giving you
Praise and glory for the year behind us
And for the days you give us
In the year ahead.

Forgive us for any misuse of days
Passed, and help us in this new year
To use Your gift of days
In a more loving and generous way.

Give us the strength to be less
Fearful and anxious,
But to find our hope in the Good News
Brought about by the gift of Your Son.

Show us how to face
Adversity with Your grace and only
The peace You can provide,
And to see challenge as
Opportunities to draw closer to You.

Fill us with Your compassion,
That we may do our part to bring about
A more just and non-violent
World, and to care
For the most vulnerable among us.

We thank you for the gift of this new year,
And ask that you bless it, and help us be
good stewards of the time You have so graciously
entrusted to us.

We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever.

Amen.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal, which helps the most financially-strapped dioceses in the United States carry out their work of preaching the Gospel, awarded nearly $12 million in grants last year. This appeal has been successful because of the faithfulness and sustained generosity of Catholics throughout the United States. At the same time, the national economic slowdown has eroded the financial position of many mission dioceses, which have never enjoyed a sound financial foundation at all.

Here in the United States, 88 dioceses (including a few Eastern Catholic eparchies) are simply unable to provide the most basic pastoral ministries of word, worship and service for their people without funding from stronger dioceses. Many Catholics may not know that so many dioceses in rural America, from Appalachia to the Mountain West, rely on this appeal for parish support, religious education, youth ministry, and work with growing populations of Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Asians and Native Americans. The Catholic Home Missions Appeal offers essential help.

Diocesan clergy are scarcest in the Mountain West. If you start at the Mexican border and move from diocese to diocese up the Rockies all the way to Canada, you would discover there are only 170 active diocesan priests and 140 religious priests to serve 526 parishes and missions. Most of us are used to parishes in cities and suburbs which are well-established. We need to protect and preserve the entire Catholic community in our homeland by supporting this vital annual appeal.

I encourage you to be generous to the 2009 Catholic Home Missions Appeal, a special collection to be taken at the Lord’s Day Masses in all the parishes throughout our diocese this weekend, January 24-25. Through our personal generosity in this important appeal we will all share in the work of evangelization.

With every prayerful best wish, I am

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 8/29/2009.