Bulletin for January 10, 2010

Peace for Aunt Mary; Maureen to continue to have safe travel; Michael in the hospital; Mary McGeoch; Robert B. awaiting a liver transplant; Richard D. struggling with cancer; Theresa Faith an infant in critical condition for improved health; VA; Elaine to gain a greater measure of peace; Karen Z. with an addiction to find her way to health; B. & B. to attain balance; for all caregivers, especially Anne and Marie; a man considering his education to gain insight and discernment; B.E.’s full recovery from surgery to remove part of his heel; Ted for a good outcome of a bone marrow biopsy; a parish in transition; George for safe travel as he completes his Spiritual Retreat; M. to have answers to questions; BA to have the right support and courage as a new phase begins; Marianne to recover from the flu; a woman with a heart ailment to surrender and recover; Dottie; Kevin; for peace in our midst and our own contribution to such and around the world, especially Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Continued prayers for: Elaine; Gloria; William S.; Kevin; Paul; Millie; Sue; Michael; George; Bobby; Sean; Uncle Charlie; Regina; S.; Mary Lynn; Elizabeth W.; Lisa; Amy; Lynne; Lyd; Richie; Jackie; and Gary. Thanksgiving for: the good outcome of Bob’s colonoscopy; Susan’s new job; M and M's improved relationship with family; safety for everyone over the holiday season, especially those involved in the terrorist attempt and for multiple answered prayers.

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

Dear Friends,

The season of Christmas reaches its conclusion with today’s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. I join Fr. Adam, Fr. Leo and the entire parish staff in extending to you our continued prayers and best wishes for a happy, healthy new year. I also thank you for your many gestures of kindness and care through the days of Christmas – for your cards and candy, cookies and gifts. We have enjoyed and shared them all!

So many people have shared their gifts and talents this Christmas season so that our parish community could celebrate the fullness of Jesus’ birth. Without their gifts so willingly shared, we would not have been able to celebrate the Christmas liturgies with such beauty and joy. A special word of thanks to Rica Vacca, our director of music, Marti Page, adult choir director, for all their efforts in preparing our Christmas music. Thank-you to the members of the adult choir and children’s choirs, Jan Capello, Stephanie Sarkisian, Paul Gannon, Rick Zinkus, cantors and musicians for bringing us the sounds of Christmas. Thank-you to Gina Kuruvilla for organizing such a wonderful evening for the Benefit Concert. Thank you to Dawn Guarino & Maryann Chiampa and the Art & Environment committee for their tremendous efforts decorating the church for Advent and Christmas, and thanks to men & their sons who braved the cold to set up our outdoor crèche. Thank-you to Michael Welch and the St. John’s High School community for their hospitality on Christmas Eve. Thank-you to all who served as liturgical ministers – lectors, ministers of communion, altar servers, greeter, ushers, Mass coordinators and leaders of Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Thank-you to Mary Cote for coordinating our Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve. Thank-you to all who work in our school and religious education program for helping our children and youth understand the true meaning of Christmas. Thank-you to Maryann Damico and all who assisted in coordinating the Giving Tree and delivering gifts for over 600 people. Thank-you to the volunteers who visit the nursing home and the homebound and bring comfort to people who are no longer able to be with us at Mass. And thank-you to all the staff members of St. Mary’s for all that you do throughout the year.

God Bless you all!
Msgr. Mike

WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS

Many thanks to the following student retreat leaders whose enthusiasm and hard work contributed in great measure to the success of St. Mary’s Confirmation retreats in 2009:

These young men and women spent several weeks training and preparing for the retreats under the leadership of Harry Duchesne and Paul Gannon. They are a powerful testimony to the importance of peer ministry. Some of them will be leaving for college in 2010 and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED PARISH PAY?

As we begin the new year this might be just the right time for you to consider making your weekly donations to St. Mary’s Parish through ParishPay. Parishioners who use ParishPay find that it is the easiest way to offer their consistent support of our parish. Find out how ParishPay works by checking the parish website (click here) or call Kerry at the Pastoral Center.

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.

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

SHINING STARS

An opportunity for parishioners to recognize other parishioners for their stewardship actions and deeds. Do you want to say “thanks” or acknowledge a parish member for being a good steward by using their time, talent or treasure to serve others? You may recognize an individual, a family, a couple, a teenager or child. Fill out a Shining Stars form (found in the front vestibule, the pastoral center or the parish website under Stewardship).

THE SHINING STAR FOR JANUARY Joan Fouhy

Joan thinks globally and acts locally. This incredible woman is not only knowledgeable about places like Haiti and Dafur, but she knows the effect of injustices all over the world and in the U.S. This same woman is available to her neighbors as they lean on her for support in end of life crises. That’s not all. Joan somehow inspires the people of St. Mary’s parish to reach beyond their state limits to make life a little more of heaven. I am proud to be associated with this magnanimous Christian.

ADULT SERVERS FOR FUNERALS

As the new year begins we extend our deep thanks and gratitude to Len & Joyce Bellerose and Ron Sanguinet who have been serving funeral Masses for many years. Their prayerful presence and service at the altar has enhanced our celebration of funeral liturgies and bereaved families have been most grateful for their ministry. We are now seeking a number of adults who would continue in this ministry for our parish. Our hope is to develop a team of adult servers who would be available to serve on chosen days if there were a funeral. For more information, please speak with Msgr. Mike or Fr. Adam after Mass or call them at the pastoral center.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SACRISTY & ALTAR

We are in need of some volunteers who would be able to assist in the weekly cleaning of the altar sanctuary and sacristy. In addition to dusting and cleaning, volunteers would also assist to maintain candles, altar linens, and vestments for our many liturgical celebrations. For more information, please speak with Msgr. Mike or Fr. Adam after Mass or call them at the pastoral center.

CARE FOR THE HOMEBOUND AND HOSPITALIZED

Congratulations and to the following parishioners who were recently installed as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Altar Servers.

Eucharistic Ministers: Mike Burlas, Dave Chiampa, Marie Clark-Phelps, Barbara Godek, Jean Morrissey, Lynne Perreault, Patrick Seed

Lectors: Brendan Barry, April Bernier, Matthew Connors, Darius Corcoran, James Diamond, Scott Fredrickson, Briana Huie, Gina Kuruvilla, Sarah Kuruvilla, Ellen O’Connor, Patricia Pennucci, and John Walent.

Altar Servers: Garance Buricatu, James Canzano, Patrick Daly, Laura Giordano, John Hayeck, Kristin Huie, Patrick Huie, Kristin Maher, Jake Mastrandrea, Grace Morelli, Marissa Scricco, Justin Storer, Devin Travers and Ryan Welch.

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. Click here for more information. 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

N.E.T. Works Theatre Productions Inc. presents YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN

At the Southgate Theatre, 30 Julio Drive Shrewsbury - Directed by Holly Dion

• January 22 & 23 at 7:30 pm
• January 24 at 2:00 pm
• January 29, 30 at 7:30pm
• January 31 at 2:00 pm

PROCEEDS to benefit St. Anne’s Food Pantry. Tickets are available in the sacristy after Mass today

• General Admission $15
• Seniors & Students $12
• Matinee pricing $10

Enjoy the theatre and support a worthy cause.

Seventh Annual St. Mary Winter Ball
Celebration

The Saint Mary Parent’s Association cordially invites you to the

Saint Mary Winter Ball!!

Saturday, January 23, 2010 Cyprian Keyes, Boylston, MA 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm Cocktails * Dinner * Dancing $55 per person / $110 per couple

For Tickets contact:
Maura Egan 508.845.4670/eganmaura@yahoo.com
Tricia Kelly 508.845.6320/jkelly@aol.com

SCOUT SUNDAY

The 5:30 pm Mass on January 31st will be the Scout Sunday Mass. This Mass recognizes the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. Scouts provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth while emphasizing honesty, self-reliance, and respect. Through a year-round program, it affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness. We want to offer a special prayer and word of thanks to the leaders of Troop and Pack 158 of St. Mary's. All Cub Scouts and Boy Scout are welcome.

January Item of the Month: Instant Mashed Potatoes

Happy New Year! In 2009, starting in May, you donated over 1,200 Items of the Month! We look forward to another great year assisting families and residents of Shrewsbury, through St. Anne's Food Pantry. This month's item is INSTANT MASHED POTATOES. Our goal each month is to collect 200 items so that each bag of food has this special item. Thank you for your continued support!

Copyright © 2010, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 1/10/2010.