Bulletin for April 26, 2009


Saturday, April 25

8:30 Richard Landry 3 Anniversary by the family
4:30 George Strom By the family

Sunday, April 26

7:30 Giovanni Iacono By his wife
9:00 Danielle Simas By the family
11:00 Richard Keyes 5th Anniversary by the family
5:30 Salvatore Deangelis 4th Anniversary and Birthday by his wife and children

Monday, April 27

8:30 Edward and Margaret Sheehan and their sons Thomas and James by the family

Tuesday, April 28

8:30 Dr. Alfred Iacobucci 2nd Anniversary by his wife and family

Saturday, May 2

8:30 Charles Latino Months Mind by the family
4:30 Meredith Marzilli In honor of her Birthday by the family

Sunday, May 3

7:30 Emil and Dorothy Vaudreuil, Patricia Vaudreuil By the family
9:00 Joseph Michael By the family
11:00 Dale Kollmorgen By Peter and Karey Cooke
5:30 Anne Simon By the family


HOSPITAL VISITS AND COMMUNION CALLS

Fr. Mike and Fr. Adam make regular visits to the UMass –Memorial and St. Vincent Hospitals each week to visit parishioners who are patients there. Because of patient privacy laws, they do not always know if a parishioner has been hospitalized. Please call the Pastoral center to let us know if a family member or neighbor has been hospitalized or is a patient in a local rehabilitation and nursing center.


MINISTRY SCHEDULE

May 2-3

Mass

Servers:

4:30

P. Mangan, T. Musgrove, R. Puthanangady, A. Russo, M. Wackell

7:30 A. Berard, J. Goljan, M. Henry, V. Pitney, P. Storer, W. Wright
9:00 M. Curran, M. Curran, M.T. Egan, P. Egan, E. Lemoine, M. Lemoine
11:00

J. Canfield, S. Commito, M. Favulli, E. Hirtle, A. O’Connor, K. Pitney

5:30

D. Clemson, R. Hevey, K. Looney, S. Nelson, L. Perreault, E. Whitlock


Mass

Lectors:

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

4:30 F. White

J. Armbruster, M/M Bellerose, K. Contreras, S. Goodwin, M. Kiely, M. Law, M.L. Lordan, M/M Nelligan, M. Rogers

7:30 R. Pape

P. Caouette, F. Collins, M/M Donovan, A. Lo

9:00 S. Lunt

P. Ahearn, J. Barry, M. Benbenek, M. David, K. Jefferson, L. Labreche, E. Lemoine, V. Sheehan, J. Zerwas, S. Zybert

11:00 L. Shuba

K. Canfield, V. Cavanna, M.M Cote, J. Fernandez, J. Fouhy, M. Horner, S. Howard, J. McDonald, M. Minnucci

5:30

T. Ford

M. Beaudry, C. Cruz, D. DeFazio, M. Serafin, M/M Thompson


Claude Cimini


George and his daughter Emily for healing of MRSA, successful surgery and quick recovery for J. Fletcher, Nancy/Mom to be freed from sickness and restored to full health as soon as possible, Cecil undergoing chemotherapy for healing, John Cormier having heart surgery, Matt Gonzalez battling cancer, Bob, Shannon's wellness during a high risk pregnancy with twins, David, a healthful balance for Maureen, Alison, living in Jordan and studying Arabic to be safe and well, recovery from a serious illness for S., employment for several people, a change in perception for a woman, continued medical progress for F., Jane, C. as she struggles with a major life change and for support in her transition, Linda, Scott to let go of bitterness and to comprehend his role in a difficult situation, Priscilla, David Markle's safety following his recent deployment, J to receive good results from a medical test, Nancy to be freed from sickness and restored to full health, John for success in his research, Brenda and Martin for the sale of their home, and for peace in our community and around the world. Continued prayers for: Johns research, and J’s medical test results, Peter, Ashley, Darlene, Luke, Tyler, Ryan, Jimmy C., Eric, Richie, Tim, Ben, Pam, Andy, Paul, Ann-Marie, ES, Sgt Dave Budlong, Margie, Marie, Rita, Adele, aunt Arlene, Mike Jr. and B. Thanksgiving for: Adrienne, Evelyn Grace’s safe birth, A., MW, DR, BM, and Jr’s MRI results and multiple answered prayers.

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


EASTER
STEWARDS OF NEW LIFE – ETERNAL LIFE
Jim Lamm

Spring is the time of year that gives us many wondrous examples of new life around us. The trees begin to bud, the wild flowers bloom along the roadways, and all of nature seems to be shouting, “Alleluia! The cold, dark, dreary days of winter are over!” Within this season, the church places the highest holy day of all holy days – Easter Sunday. Easter is the ultimate example of death being conquered and new life beginning. Jesus died on the cross but was raised from the dead to bring us all eternal life after we die to this earthly life.

Before Jesus suffered and died, he celebrated Passover with his disciples. During the Passover meal, Jesus transformed the bread and wine at the table into his own body and blood. The Eucharist is Jesus’ gift to each of us. Every time we receive Communion at Mass we are actually receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This gift of Jesus renews and strengthens us to live our lives as Jesus has instructed us, as stewards of his abundant gifts – to love god with all our heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbor as we would ourselves.

It is fitting then that during this time of new life, parishes celebrate the sacrament of the Eucharist through First Holy Communion. Something seems to have been lost for many of us, however, between our first Communion experience and now. At our first Communion we eagerly awaited in awe and wonder for the moment that we would receive Jesus in the Eucharist. We reverently rose and processed up the aisle to receive the Eucharist. We then proceeded back to our pew and thanked God for the gift we had just received. How does this compare with our actions today? Do we walk up the aisle like we were queuing up to receive a free sample at the grocery story? Do we believe that we are truly receiving Christ’s body and blood? Do we return to our pew to prayerfully thank God for this wonderful gift or do we head for the door to get out of the parking lot before our fellow worshippers?

As we celebrate new life around us during this spring and Easter season, let us remember the gift that Jesus has given each of us which brings us eternal life – the gift of the Eucharist. May we have the faith to truly believe in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and to receive Jesus with the reverence, awe and respect we showed our first Communion. Let us thank God for the gift of the Eucharist and may we, through its reception, be good stewards of God’s love and place God first in our lives as members of Christ’s body.


Sunday, April 26

9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 Classroom
12:30 Households of Faith – Hall
6:30 Young Neighbors in Action Meeting – Mary’s Room
6:45 Habitat for Humanity Mtg (WV Group) – St. Matthew

Monday, April 27

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
4:30 First Communion Rehearsal Group A – Church
6:30 Cub Scouts – Hall
7:00 Campaign Cabinet Meeting – St. Luke
7:00 St. Mary Parents Association Meeting – Mary’s Room
7:30 St. Mary’s Rosary Group - Chapel

Tuesday, April 28

4:30 First Communion Rehearsal Group B – Church
6:00 Shrewsbury Pop Warner – Hall
7:00 Commission for Women – St. Matthew
7:00 Religious Education Board Meeting – St. John
7:00 Social Justice Meeting – School

Wednesday, April 29

9:00 Religious Education Staff Meeting
9:30 Bible Study – Mary’s Room
4:00 Children’s Choir – Church
4:30 First Communion Rehearsal Group A – Church
6:00 Girl Scouts – Hall
7:00 Finance Committee Meeting – Mary’s Room

Thursday, April 30

9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room
4:30 First Communion Rehearsal Group B – Church
7:00 Adoptive Parent Meeting – St. Matthew
7:00 Boy Scouts – Hall

Friday, May 1

9:00-1:00 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Chapel
9:15 Crowning of Mary – Church
2:00 Mass at Shrewsbury Nursing Home
6:30 Father/Daughter Dance – Hall

Saturday, May 2

10:00 First Communion – Church
1:00 First Communion – Church
2:00 Alumni Wine Tasting Event – Hall

Sunday, May 3

9:00 Adult Choir – Grade 8 classroom
11:00 Mass of Welcome & Reception – Church/Hall
12:30 Baptisms – Church
7:30 Family Festival Meeting – Mary’s Room


Social Justice
Tues., April 28 - 7:15-8:15 pm - St. Mary school classroom

At this meeting, our social justice team--and other parishioners who are seeking creative and enjoyable ways to support the work of justice--will share ideas on our new initiatives and ongoing projects, including our upcoming Haiti weekend (May 16 and 17), The Worcester Walk for the Homeless (May 17), our Global Solidarity Mass (May 31), our new project with Dismas House that assists former prisoners make a positive reentry into society, new ways of supporting the work of St. Anne's Human Services, building awareness of the environment as a justice issue, and much more. Everyone is invited to listen, share, and perhaps get involved.


ST. MARY’S BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE

This past Thursday Fr. Mike, Fr. Adam and Fr. Leo moved to 8 Red Coat Rd. in Shrewsbury as our building project gets underway. Jerry & Cecile Cote and several young volunteers also delivered the remaining contents of the “little brown house” to Donations Clearinghouse. Matthew 25 will now be able to remove parts of these houses for their building and rehab projects in Worcester. At the end of this week the asbestos will be abated in the rectory and little brown house. The houses will be taken down during the week of May 3rd.

You will be able to contact the priests in the same way you have these past years:

Mailing address: 20 Summer St.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone Number Pastoral Center at 508.845.6341

You may leave phone messages with the parish secretary or live answering service during the night/weekend. In case of emergency the priests will continue to be available through the pastoral center number.

THANK-YOU to all those parishioners who have recently made their pledge to the Capital Campaign – Our Enduring Covenant. Thanks also to those parishioners who have been faithfully making payments on their pledges. If you have not had an opportunity yet to make your pledge, we encourage you to do so in the coming weeks. Pledge envelopes and brochures can be found with the bulletins or at the pastoral center during the week.


MARY’S FLOWERS

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

Wilfred and Catherine Salois

Donated lovingly by Ann and Don DeFosse


ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOLARSHIP FOR LAW STUDENTS

Applications for the St. Thomas More Law Scholarship are now available and may be obtained by contacting:

The St. Thomas More Society
Chancery Office
49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

Or you may call 508.791.7171 and ask for Eileen in the Diocesan Tribunal. The scholarship is for law students who will be attending an accredited law school in the fall or for a student presently in law school. The application must be returned by June 30, 2009.


Work in faith ...
Labor in love ...
Endure in hope!

THANK-YOU to all those who have made their gift over the last two weeks to our annual Partners in Charity Appeal. We are well on our way in this year’s appeal, but we need everyone’s support in order to reach our parish goal of $175,000.

St. Mary’s Goal $175,000
Amount Raised in pledges /Gifts $106,209
Number of Gifts 270

Partners in Charity support 29 vital programs which comprise the charitable, educational and ministerial mission of our diocese. Your gift to the appeal this year will provide assistance for the poor, the sick, they young, the disabled, families in crisis, and many thousands more. Our appeal is an opportunity to provide for the needs of others who look to us for hope. Please reflect on the blessings you have received from God as you contemplate a gift to the Partners in Charity Appeal this year. Please put the gift/pledge envelope you received in the mail in with today’s offertory collection. You may also use one of the envelopes found on the window sills.


OUR LADY OF LOURDES PILGRIMAGE PETITIONS

Ron Thompson, a member of our parish, will be making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France from April 29th until May 6th with The Order of MALTA. As Knight of MALTA he has volunteered to bring petitions from the parishioners of St. Mary’s with him to the Grotto at Lourdes. Anyone who would like to submit a prayer petition for their particular needs may obtain a form in the sacristy.

Please return all completed forms by April 26th, 2009. Ron will hand carry these petitions with him on his trip to Lourdes. If you have any additional questions call Ron at 508.842.5132.


Shrewsbury Vacation Bible School
Where fearless kids shine God's light!

Volunteers Needed!!!
(discounted tuition and nursery available for volunteers)

Come to "Crocodile Dock" at the Shrewsbury Congregational Church
August 3- August 7 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games, snacks and songs! $40 per child

Contact: Lynne Grden, ldgrden@yahoo.com, 508.363.3636 or
Eric Fournier efournier@fccsm.org or 508.845.7286.

Registration: St. Mary's Parish Hall 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on May 30, 2009 and June 6, 2009 (if needed)


St. Anne’s Holy Hour and Sung Rosary

On Sunday, May 3rd from 4pm to 5pm, St. Anne’s Parish, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury will host a Holy Hour featuring a totally Sung Rosary led by Catholic recording artist Susan Bailey.

Cheryl Dickow, editor of Today’s Catholic Woman on the Catholic Exchange website said of Susan’s Sung Rosary, “The rosary is sung in such a way that you actually feel yourself pulled into the melody; even lackluster singers, such as myself, will find themselves easily singing along. This has already become my favorite rosary CD.”

Susan, who leads music regularly at the 9am Mass at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Westborough, has been actively sharing her ministry locally, nationally and internationally. Appearances at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto, on EWTN, CatholicTV and on the Catholic Family Network are just some of the highlights. Of late, she has been sharing her talents at the monthly Rosary Breakfasts at St. Anne’s. She is also an active member of the Commission for Women of the Diocese of Worcester.

For more information, call St. Anne’s at 508.757.5154 and ask for Sr. Charlene. You can visit Susan’s website at www.susanbailey.net.


Shrewsbury Public Library Annual Book Sale

Shrewsbury Public Library is now accepting donations for their Annual Book Sale to be held Friday May 15th 9:00-4:00, Saturday May 16th 9:00-4:00 and Sunday May 17th 1:00-4:00.

The library will accept hardcover books, paperback books, music CDs, DVDs and children VHS tapes in good, clean and useable condition. We cannot accept encyclopedias, text books, magazines, condensed books or non-children VHS tapes. Please bring them to the library at 609 Main Street during regular library hours. For questions call 508.842.0081 ext. 3


Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive
Saturday, May 9th from 1-6PM
Fr. Smith Center next to St. Anne’s Church on Rt. 9 in Shrewsbury

Volunteers sort food delivered to the Fr. Smith Center by the Shrewsbury Letter Carriers; move food over to St. Anne’s Food Pantry.

This annual food drive is truly a community effort. All donations on this day help to stock St. Anne’s Food Pantry and are for the benefit of our local Shrewsbury residents in need. Our busiest period is from 2-5:30 so we would appreciate your help during that time. We would like people to commit to a 2 hour shift but are grateful for any help we receive on this day. For more information, please call Bridgid Rubin at 508.845.8966 or email at rubin@townisp.com. Thank you.


An evening with Italian Reds
Saturday, May 2 - 7:00 PM - St. Mary Parish Hall
For novices and seasoned wine veterans alike.

Join Certified Wine Expert and Masters of Wine candidate Stacy Woods for a brief seminar on how to use the aromas and flavors of wines to assess their overall quality as well as how to pair them with cheeses. Finish off the evening with beautiful wines, wonderful hors d’oeuvres and adult conversation. Tickets are $30. For tickets and more information contact Sira Naras at 508.842.1601 or naras@stmarysparish.org


Calling All Golfers!!
SAVE THE DATE! - Friday, June 5, 2009
Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, Boylston, MA

St. Mary School Fifteenth Annual Golf Tournament

Tee Time: Golf Tournament (18 Holes): 12:30 pm
Dinner and Awards Ceremony – 6:00 pm
Click here for info and registration form for the 18-hole event

ST. MARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP LADIES 9-HOLE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Lunch and Registration Start at 2:30pm
Tee Time is 4pm
Celebration and Awards Dinner following the Golf
Click here for info and registration for the 9-hole event


HELP SAVE GLAVIN CENTER

Our friends from the Galvin Center need our help. Their home is threatened with closure, Many of you know these special friends from seeing them at local supermarkets or at parish fairs. The solution proposed is placing them in group homes but for many, due to physical problems, this is not feasible. Where would they go? To nursing homes? To most, who have lived at Glavin for many many years, the center is their “home” and the staff is their “family”. There are many ways to help the state’s fiscal problems which have not been considered. Do we have to deprive our most vulnerable citizens of their home? There will be an opportunity after each Mass to sign a petition asking Governor Patrick to reconsider this decision . Thank you for your help and God bless you all!


Copyright © 2009, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 4/25/2009