Bulletin for May 24, 2009

Repose of the soul of Dorothy Murphy, Pat's recovery from cancer and for her family, Paul's miraculous recovery from cancer and for his wife and children to remain strong and know they are loved, Adrienne, Sharon, a young woman to be completely safe after suffering a head injury, Brian, several people who are unemployed to gain jobs, for a new business to be successful, Jerry to gain a good outcome during an upcoming trial, VC, Ann to recover from a serious illness and for Rex, DB, Maureen during a transition, safe travel for three people, safety for a family, successful medical procedure and testing for F, two young people with a crippling disorder to find their way to health, and for peace around the world and in our midst. Continued prayers for: Al Olson, Richie's comfort and continued management of his health, Ben, Shannon's safe pregnancy, David, Mike Jr., Darlene and Peter, Cecil, DJ, and MSE. Thanksgiving for: Susan's wellness and her management of her health, Dr. Hill, Dr. Miller and Dr. Phillips help, Richie's lack of pain, Nancy's offer and multiple answered prayers.

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

Global Solidarity Mass - Pentecost Sunday

On May 31, we will celebrate the fact that we are all part of one human family at the 9:00 Mass. Parishioners from other countries--or who have ministries that connect them to other parts of the world--will take part in the offertory procession. The prayers of the faithful will be presented in several languages. All parishioners and their families are invited to this celebration. If you would like to participate in the offertory procession or prayers, contact Bob Shine in advance at 1-774.239.0027 or 20shine@cardinalmail.cua.edu for further information.

If you have not had the opportunity to do so, we encourage you to MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TO OUR ENDURING COVENANT IN THE MONTH OF MAY.

Bishop George Rueger will celebrate Mass at 11:00 am in St. Mary Church and bless our groundbreaking. A light reception will follow in the parish hall

MAY IS HAITI SOLIDARITY MONTH

Many thanks to everyone who helped last weekend to welcome the Haitian Choir from St. Angela’s Parish in Mattapan. Their singing at the 9 and 11 am Masses added great spirit and faith to our celebrations. Thank-you to the members of the Haiti Committee for helping to raise our awareness of the needs of the people of Haiti which is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Thank-you to all who contributed last weekend to the special collection for Haiti which raised $2021.70.

Thursday, May 28 is a special meeting of St. Mary’s Adoptive Parents, pre-Adoptive Parents, and Foster Care Providers. This is our Adoptive Dads night! All men in the adoptive community are welcome. O’Connell Pastoral Center from 7:30 - 9:00 RSVP Donna 508.842.2529

STEWARDSHIP AT ST. MARY’S - SHINING STAR FOR MAY

Pro-Life License Plate

There is an effort underway to encourage the state of Massachusetts to create a specialty license plate with the slogan “Choose Life.” Funds generated by a Massachusetts’ Choose Life plate would, as is already the case in 22 other states, assist women with the expenses of a full term pregnancy such as medical bills, temporary housing, food and maternity clothing. The process of ordering a “Choose Life” license plate is an easy one and only a minimal cost, over and above the usual expense of registering a vehicle, is required.

We here in Massachusetts only have until June 30th to voice our support of life through a Choose Life license plate. Applications will be available at Masses in the weeks ahead, along with representatives from the St. Mary’s parish Pro-Life Ministry. Please consider this wonderful opportunity to promote respect for life while assisting unborn children and their mothers.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REMINDER:

First Communion pictures for those children who received communion on 5/2/09 are ready to be picked up from the Religious Education Office in the Pastoral Center.

Reintroduction of Consecration Bells

After prayerful deliberation and discussion, our Liturgy Committee has recommended the reintroduction of Sanctus bells during the consecration of the Mass. For the younger members of St. Mary’s, hearing bells during Mass will be a new experience. Older parishioners will be more familiar with the bells, the use of which may hearken back memories of pre-Vatican II days.

So what is the liturgical purpose of Sanctus bells and why are we reintroducing them at St. Mary’s?

Sanctus bells have been rung as part of the celebration of the Mass for over 800 years. In the thirteenth century, outdoor tower bells began to be rung during the Mass. First and foremost, the bells were rung to create a joyful noise to the Lord. Ringing the bells also gave notice to those unable to attend the Mass (people in the fields, the sick, slaves, etc.), that something divine and miraculous was taking place inside of the church building. Additionally, the bells provided the ancillary benefit of focusing (or re-focusing) the attention of the faithful inside the church to the awesome reality that was taking place at the altar.

Gradually, smaller consecration bells began to replace tower bells, rung as joyful proclamation of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Nearly 350 years after the introduction of Sanctus bells to the liturgy, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) formally mandated their use during the celebration of the Mass.

Some mistakenly believe that Vatican II outlawed the use of Sanctus bells, but in fact, it has remained an optional practice, one maintained today by the Holy See at Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Eucharist is the center of Catholic life. Tragically, many Catholics no longer believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The ringing of the Sanctus bells can underscore the miracle that takes place upon the altar, while continuing to create a joyful noise and praise to the Lord.

In addition, we are a people of senses, and visual and auditory signs – bells, music, vestments, flowers, incense, candles – help to make the liturgical mysteries being celebrated more meaningful to us.

The Sanctus bells are part of the rich sacramental traditions of our Church. Ultimately, the outer Sanctus bells should ring a bell within us, powerfully reminding us that our center is in Christ in the Eucharist.

HELP WANTED

THANK-YOU to all those who have made their gift over the last month to our annual Partners in Charity Appeal. We are making 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 $125,019
Number of Gifts 335

Our annual appeal provides the resources which are necessary to continue the work of 29 charitable, educational and pastoral agencies, ministries and programs so vital to the life of over 300,000 Catholics living in Worcester County. Over the years our parish family has consistently demonstrated its goodness to others. We are leaders in providing charitable, education, pastoral and human services. Please make a commitment based on your gratitude to god for the blessings in your life as well as your ability to assist others.

Envelopes for your gift/pledge can be found at the entrances of the church and on the window sills. You may place them in the collection basket today or mail to the pastoral center during the week. Please be sure to check with your employer about a Matching Gift and attach the form to your pledge card.

Cursillo is an international lay ministry sanctioned by the Church. The goal of the Cursillo Movement of Worcester is to provide training and tools by which adult Catholics are enabled to renew and deepen their religious experience. To this end a three day “retreat” is offered, separately, for men and women two times each year at the Oakhurst Conference and Retreat Center. The upcoming Cursillo, June 18-21, will be for women. The next Men's Cursillo is September 17 - 20.

For me, the Cursillo supplied ways to further connect my life to God through participation in an active faith community centered on Jesus Christ and the Eucharist. What you experience will be a gift from God designed especially for you. A Cursillo takes some time (three nights, three days), and some treasure (a reasonable room and board fee - which can be covered for you if you have trouble paying), and you can only experience it once. Is June the right time for you?

Please contact me for registration or more information. Louise Garone 508 845-7463 or lgarone@townisp.com

We extend our congratulations to John Travers, Cubmaster of Pack 158. At the Mohegan Council’s recent awards dinner for scouting, John was awarded the Fitzpatrick Award, as Outstanding Cubmaster. We all know he is certainly deserving for all he does for the boys of our Pack 158 at St. Mary’s.

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

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