St. Mary's - 20Sep09 Bulletin

Amy, Linda, Brenda, and Lynne all facing treatment for cancer; Mary Kunze for a full recovery from a stroke; Carolyn for a complete diagnosis after losing consciousness, Nikki undergoing chemotherapy treatments, Suzy undergoing heart surgery, J. to accept responsibility for his actions and be willing to accept the help he needs, Richard Kirka full recovery from gall bladder surgery, Marsha Jackson’s continued recovery after thyroid surgery, Matthew Healey, Elva and her family, Eric, safety for a woman, new medical treatment to be successful for a boy, a woman with neurological condition to gain insight and proper treatment, employment for several including B. and Sarah, health for D, Mary, security for three children, C. to gain an accurate diagnosis, treatment and safety during an illness, Al to continue to recover from an ailment and for good test results, Pete good test results, Ann in hospice to have a peaceful passing, to have a peaceful passing; Rex and his family; Peggy suffering with multiple illnesses; Peter to receive good news following test results for his heart; safety for two women; employment for Sarah and B. and all those looking for jobs; D. to gain steady health; clearer thinking for M.; and for all those suffering with insomnia, especially S. Continued prayers for: Carin and her children; Shannon and her unborn baby; Maureen; Doug; Denise; Eddie; Gary; Amy; Lynne; Christine; Chris S.; Elaine; Scott; Beth; Kevin; Martin F.; Patricia J.; Abigail; Nancy/Mom; Eric; Molly B.; Tony G.; Joe; Kathy; Jen; Rose Marie M.; Ben; Marsha; peace around the world and our outspoken hope for it; safety for all those living under oppressive regimes; and an increased awareness for forgiveness in our world. Thanksgiving for: Emerson’s safe arrival; Michael's prize, and many answered prayers.

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

The annual Family Festival is here again and will be held all weekend on the parish grounds. A very special THANK-YOU to this year’s festival Co-Chairs – Jack Carney and Mike Lovelace – and all the members of the Family Festival Planning Committee who have dedicated themselves since last winter to many meetings held to plan for this weekend of fun for children and adults. So many people have worked together with a generous spirit of cooperation to make this annual event a spirit-filled and enjoyable time for everyone in our parish and school. Thank-you to the many parishioners who have volunteered to help out during the weekend and those who have made generous contributions to the festival. Thank-you for your cooperation this weekend with the difficult challenge of parking for Mass.

Be sure to join us today at the Family Festival. Bring your family, neighbors and friends to enjoy a great time. Click here for all the information!

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Catholic or if you are a Catholic who would like to complete your initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist, the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) can help. The RCIA forms adults in the catholic faith and prepares them for the sacraments of initiation. For additional information please call Fr. Mike, Fr Adam or Deacon Frank at the pastoral center. An RICA OPEN HOUSE will be held on Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 pm in the Pastoral Center. All are Welcome.

DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS
Sunday, October 4
3:00 pm at St. Paul’s Cathedral

Bishop Robert McManus will celebrate this liturgy honoring couples who are marking significant anniversaries. Family and friends are welcome. A light reception will follow downstairs in the Cenacle at which couples will receive certificates and have an opportunity for photos with the Bishop. Couples wishing to attend should call the pastoral center (508.845.6341) this week and provide their name, contact information and wedding date.

The Diocese of Worcester will be holding its 2009 Annual Appeal for Catholic Schools the weekend of September 26-27. Your prayerful consideration of financial support is greatly appreciated as we use the funds to support tuition assistance, technology improvements and special educational projects for children throughout the Diocese. Proceeds from this second collection at St. Mary’s will support our own parish school or you may designate your gift to another Catholic school.

MARY’S FLOWERS

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

Jerry Guarino

In Honor of his 6th Anniversary
Donated by his loving family

Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) is a program of sacrament preparation for children from 3rd grade through 9th grade who have not yet received one or more of the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. Classes for the 2009-2010 year begin on September 27. To register your child or children, please call the Religious Education office as soon as possible at 508.925.7801. If you have questions about the program, call Kelly Jefferson at 508.847.6782.

This weekend as we celebrate CATECHETICAL SUNDAY the Blessing of Catechists will take place at the 11:00 am Mass as we highlight the ministry of religious education and faith formation in our parish. As a new year is about to begin in religious education we thank the many, many volunteers who will be teaching and helping in the program this year. We look forward to welcoming over 1000 students! We are blessed at St. Mary’s to have such a dedicated religious education staff – thank-you Sue Landry, Laura Osborne, Gina Kuruvilla & Dianne Tymon for all they do to ensure that our children, youth and families have every possibility to grow and develop in their faith.

You can help Fr. Adam (508.845.6341) and Ms. Landry (508.925.7801) raise the $1600 bail needed by each by calling with your pledge. You can also donate to Fr. Adam’s bail on line at https://www.joinmda.org/2009shrewsburygraftonlockup/reida/ or by e-mailing him at reida@stmarysparish.org. Donations can be made by cash, check or credit card and are tax deductible.

Where: St. Mary’s Church Hall
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Time:8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

We need a minimum of 30 people to pre-register in order to run the clinic. To reserve your place, please call Viola Jefferson, Parish Nurse, in the Health Ministry Office at 508.925.7647, or email – jeffersonv@stmarysparish.org . Please leave your name and phone number, and how many family members (over age 9) will be receiving the Flu Vaccine. Open to all - tell your family, friends and neighbors.

Flu shots will be administered by one of our own parishioners, Joseph Godek, a Registered Pharmacist and a Certified Registered Immunizer. Additional staff will be provided to accommodate all who sign up.

NOTE: This Flu Clinic is for the standard flu shot only, not the H1N1, also known as the Swine Flu.

St. Mary’s Adult choir will begin its new fall season by returning to the 11:00am on Sunday mornings starting September 27, 2008.

Like many other ministries offered here at St. Mary’s church, St. Mary’s Adult Choir always welcomes new members. It's a wonderful opportunity and experience to enjoy the singing of liturgical music with fellow singers and parish members. If you any questions or have an interest in joining the choir please contact Rick Vacca @ 508.753.0230 ( rpav21@gmail.com ) or Marti Page, @ 508.835.3470 (martipage127@charter.net) or visit the choir loft after any of the 11:00am Sunday mass – better yet speak with another choir member

Item of the Month: Body Soap - Just a reminder that this month's Item of the Month is body soap: liquid or bar. We are already halfway there with 100 items! Thank you for your continued support for Shrewsbury families in need.

Every one is invited to join us for refreshments and a lively exchange of ideas on:

Please join us in the church hall after the 11am Mass on Sunday, Oct. 4th for our second "Local Harvest Brunch" as we celebrate the feast of St. Francis, as well as the bounty and blessings we receive from the hard work of our local farmers and artisans. The menu will be varied, and will highlight local and regional food. All are invited. Please contact Terry Lunt at 508.845.1834 or lunt@townisp.com, Sindhu Puthanagady at stputhan@hotmail.com, or Joan Fouhy at 508.842.6724 to reserve your seat(s) or for further information.

Our topic for the Thursday, Sept. 24 meeting of St. Mary’s Adoptive Parents, Pre-Adoptive Parents, and Foster Care Providers will be “Adoption and the Schools.” (Facilitator: Donna) All are welcome. O’Connell Pastoral Center Arrival 7:00 p.m. RSVP Donna 508.842.2529

Thursday, October 1 at 12 noon at the Olde Post Office Pub, Grafton. $16.25 per person Call Jean Zorge for more information 508.842.5685.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEEN DANCE (6th, 7th, & 8th graders)

Saturday, September 26 from 7-10 pm - Saint Mary’s Parish Hall

You must purchase a ticket for admission; call Dot Henry at 508.393.0932 to purchase tickets.

Join with friends and fellow parishioners for the reenactment of the Passion of Our Lord, which occurs only once every 10 years. This all inclusive trip provides meals and comprehensive sightseeing to Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Switzerland and Blozano, Italy. Space is limited and available on 1st come 1st serve basis…. $4195 pp all inclusive. For more information contact Jim McWilliams at 508.842.3142 or jimmcwilliams@townisp.com.

Dear parishioners of St. Mary Parish,

I am deeply grateful to you for the kindness, hospitality, love and generosity with which you received me into the faith community of St. Mary Parish. Clearly, these virtues came to the fore during the preparation for my ordination to the diaconate in August, 2008 and most recently to the priesthood in June, 2009. So, I hereby express my deep gratitude to you all for all your involvement in and contributions toward the success of my ordination to the priesthood this past June. Thank you so much for the love and generosity you have extended to me. Thanks so much for adopting me. My deep gratitude also goes to the pastor, Msgr. Michael Rose, and his associate, Fr. Adam Reid, for all the organization you made for the success of the entire event of my ordination. I thank you so much for the love and friendship and support you have for me. Surely, my gratitude is deeper than I can put in words. But, again, I say to you all: THANK YOU SO MUCH. Indeed, you have imprinted an indelible memory in my heart.

Now I am happy to let you know that my trip to and from Uganda went very well. While there, I had a series of Masses of thanksgiving for the gift of the priesthood that God bestowed on me. But the Mass of thanksgiving at my parents’ home was spectacularly moving. The attendance was over 2000 people.

Also I wish to let you know that I am now well settled-in at my first assignment here at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. But since St. Mary Parish is my home parish, I will certainly keep coming home to visit as time will allow me.

My best wishes to you all and may God bless you always.

Sincerely,
Fr. Patrick Ssekyole

Did you know: Every ton of mixed paper recycled can save the equivalent of 185 gallons of gas? (Source: US EPA and resourcefulschools.org). Recycling 1 glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for 4 hours. Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television or computer for three hours. (Source: thegreenteam.org). Please recycle paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass and plastic.

What are the choices we can make to protect the promise of clean air water and land for our children and grandchildren? In the weeks ahead, St Mary's Eco-Justice Committee will be offering information and practical tips on good environmental practices as well as upcoming events in this "Eco-Justice Green Corner".

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.

Mass	Servers:
4:30	B. Lemieux, R. Puthanangady, A. Russo, C. Seed, P. Seed, M. Wackell
7:30	A. Amatucci, A. Amatucci, A. Berard, J. Goljan, W. Hayden, C. McCabe
9:00	M.T. Egan, P. Egan, K. Gordon, S. Gordon, M. Terry, M. Terry
11:00	S. Comito, E. Hirtle, B. Saxe, A. Smiley, A. Smiley, W. Wright
5:30	B. Campos, A. Canzano, S. Kuruvilla, C. Lunt, L. Perreault, E. Whitlock

Mass	Lectors:	Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:	Sacristan:
4:30	D. Musgrove	J. Armbruster, J. Aubrey, L. Bellerose, M. Damico, K. Contreras, R. Ferrante, S. Gallerani, S. Goodwin, M.L. Lorden, H. Reynolds, S. Seed	J. Bellerose
7:30	W. Gooley	M/M Holland, M. Lemoine, A. Lo, D. Tivnan	W. Gooley
9:00	A. Daley	J. Barry, M. Benbenek, M/M Coghlin, J. Godek, M. Gordon, K. Jefferson, S. Landry, J. Maliakal, V. Sheehan	D. Chiampa
11:00	C. O’Connor	S. Berkowitz, J. Fernandez, J. Fouhy, M. Horner, S. Howard, E. Korpi, J. McDonald, M. Minnucci, L. Shuba, M/M Sousa	J.M. Carey
5:30	R. Blute	M/M Casey, C. Cruz, G. Kuruvilla, M/M Thompson	J. Walent