Bulletin for January 31, 2010

Dean's speedy recovery from hip surgery; a special intention; Will's success in school; Jane to gain healing; a woman's increased health, successful medical testing and follow-up; Paul; a family in crisis; safe travel for a group; increased awareness and humility for M; God’s peace for Alex diagnosed with end stage cancer; healing and recovery for Hayes Brown, age 5 after kidney removal and prayers for good biopsy report; 11yr old Heather Miller healing of Ewings Sarcoma; 2 yr old Summer healing of two breaks in her leg and good results from tests; safe travel for George; healing for Mary after complications of kidney transplant; protection for Tyler Brown and his squad of Marines in Afghanistan; healing for a 5 yr old girl battling an aggressive brain tumor; Edward Goljan recovering from a stroke; and for peace around the world, especially in our own hearts and words. Continued prayers for: Robert B's liver transplant; Richard D with cancer; Karen Z with an alcohol addiction; Gloria; Elaine; Eileen; C; Barbara McS.; Erika; Christine; K. and G.; Connor; David; Kathy; Lynne; Richie; Amy; Elaina; Beth; Ben; Lyd; Gary and Elliot. Thanksgiving for DK; improved health for M; Daniel’s healing from H1N1; good news for D. and B; a good surprise for a woman and multiple answered prayers.

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

With construction progress evident every day there is a sense of growing anticipation and excitement about the addition to our parish facilities. Many people have remarked about the architectural design and the harmony that the new building has with the existing ones.

The brick work complements so well the church and school which were built almost fifty years ago. The windows and new entrance help to make the addition bright and inviting. It is indeed an impressive building of which we can all be very proud. We are now fulfilling the vision that our parish community has had for many years. This project was designed to help meet the needs of all of the people who are part of St. Mary’s Parish and School. With the ongoing work of Lauring Construction and Architect Jordan O’Connor along with the assistance of Joe Favulli, the chair of our parish building committee, the construction continues on schedule with a completion date of July, 2010.

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THUS FAR

• Through the generosity of many parishioners our expansion and renovation project has already achieved the following:
• Eliminating the debt on four properties that the parish purchased in 1999/2000 on Summer Street, Main Street and Alden Ave.
• Deconstruction and recycling of rectory and little brown house
• Construction of new parking lot with extensive drainage system
• Air conditioning for the church
• New boilers for the church and school buildings
• New electrical service
• Construction of new two story addition

WORK STILL UNDERWAY

• New rest rooms on church an hall level
• Elevator to church and hall
• Handicap accessibility improvements for church, hall and school
• New entrance to church, hall and school
• School administration and offices
• Large Gathering Space for church functions
• Media Center for school and parish (library & computer)
• Large function room for 60-125 people for parish meetings/events
• HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire Alarm & Sprinkler

THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

We are so grateful to the 471 parish households/families who have made their pledge to Our Enduing Covenant over the past two years. There are an additional 163 parishioners who have made donations to the campaign without a pledge. The total cost associated with the entire expansion and renovation project is $5 million. We have already raised $3.6 million in pledges and are seeking to raise and additional $1.4 million. The $3 million construction loan we received from the Diocese of Worcester is what allowed us to begin construction in the Spring of 2009. The more pledges we have from parishioners the quicker we will be able to pay off our loan.

PLEASE MAKE A PLEDGE TO OUR ENDURING COVENANT if you have not already done so. Pledge envelopes can be found at the entrances of the church and at the pastoral center. Your pledge, regardless of its size, is a strong statement about your support for our parish family at St. Mary’s.

To all adult parishioners:

As a parish community we extend our prayers and best wishes to REV. CLIFFORD GERBER who is retiring this weekend from the pastorate of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church here in Shrewsbury. Rev. Gerber has served as pastor of this community for the past 33 years and has been a very supportive leader in the ecumenical efforts of our town. Throughout his years he has welcomed many new pastors to the Town of Shrewsbury and the Shrewsbury Ecumenical Clergy Association. We wish him well and offer our prayers and thanks for all he has done to strengthen the faith in our wider community.

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL

Sunday, March 7 at 7:00 pm
Monday, March 8 at 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 pm

The cluster parishes of St. Anne’s, St. Mary’s and St. Mary of the Hills is enthused and excited about this year’s LENTEN MISSION. With Grayson Warren Brown with us for three days, this will not be your ordinary parish mission. We guarantee that you will be lifted up, renewed and inspired by the music and the message of this talented liturgical musician. Grayson Warren Brown travels the country visiting hundreds of parishes and dioceses each year. How blessed we are that he will be coming to St. Mary’s in 2010!

2009 Diocesan Annual Report

Copies of the annual report for the Diocese of Worcester and the financial statement for 2009 can be found with the bulletins this weekend. Please take a copy home with you so that you can be informed about the varied ministries that take place in our diocese and the stewardship of the funds entrusted to our local church.

Interested in becoming a deacon?

10th Anniversary Catholic Men’s Conference

All parish men, as well as their sons, brothers, fathers, and friends are invited to this Anniversary Conference scheduled for Worcester’s DCU Center, on Saturday, March 20th. Get discounted tickets now. Hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: Matthew Kelly (“Is Catholicism Still Relevant?”); Jesse Romero (“Evangelizing Like An Apostle”); Msgr. Stuart Swetland (“To Be Reconciled to God”); Dale Ahlquist (“What’s Wrong with the World?”); Fr. Mitch Pacwa ("St. Paul’s Theology of the Cross”). Bishop McManus will offer the conference Mass. Diocesan priests and bishops will hear confessions. For a Conference brochure, further information, or registration call 508.929.4345. Visit our website – www.firstmensconf.org for information and ticket purchases.

On Saturday, February 6th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm for grades 6, 7, & 8 in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Tickets are $7 and only limited tickets will be sold at the door. No outside drinks are allowed and proper dress is required. Call Dot Henry for tickets at 508.393.0932.

A Lenten Retreat: The Journey to Easter, open to both men and women, will be facilitated by Peggy Patenaude of Taking Time Out March 26-28, 2010 at Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham, MA. Retreat begins Friday, 7:30pm and concludes with lunch following Palm Sunday liturgy celebrated by Fr. Stan Kolasa, sscc. For more information visit www.timeoutretreats.com or contact Peggy at 508.548.9149 or timeoutretreats@comcast.net. Register by February 26 and save $20.

Keeping Your Love Alive ~ A Day for Couples: A retreat for couples designed and led by Peggy Patenaude of Taking Time Out will be held 9AM to 4:30PM, Saturday, March 6 in Falmouth, MA. Cost: $125 per couple includes lunch. Overnight getaway option available for $65. Space is limited. For more information visit www.timeoutretreats.com or contact Peggy at 508.548.9149 or timeoutretreats@comcast.net.

Retrouvaille ...a Lifeline

Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend. If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, we believe Retrouvaille can help you. The next New England Retrouvaille marriage renewal weekends will be held April 16-18, 2010 and September 24-26, 2010. To register for the weekend or for more information visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800.470.2230.

SCOUT SUNDAY

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS
January 31st – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here we are one month already gone in 2010! What did you resolve to change this year? Stewardship calls us to change the way we think about who we are and what we possess. What changes in your life is God calling you to? Is it maybe to spend more time in prayer; are you feeling a need to share a more generous portion of your financial blessings; or maybe you sense a desire to respond to a particular call to use your gifts in the service of others?

ECO-JUSTICE MINISTRY

Your refrigerator is one of the most costly energy users in your home. However, there are many simple ways to increase its efficiency and lower your monthly bills and your carbon footprint.

• Temperature: Try to keep the fridge at a recommended range of 37 to 40°F, and the freezer at around 5°F.
• Arrangement: Take advantage of cold/colder areas to help alleviate the need to lower your fridge's temperature below what it should be. A simple thermometer can tell you where cool spots (great for milk and produce) and warm spots (great for bread) are.
• Ice: Ice buildup in your freezer adds to wasted energy. Defrost your freezer every couple of months so it doesn't have to work overtime to keep everything frozen.
• Seals: Check the doors to ensure there are no leaks.
• Time: Try to minimize the amount of time the doors are open.

If you're in the market for a new fridge, look for Energy Star appliances. It's also been proven that top-bottom fridge and freezer units are the most efficient, much better than the side by side ones.

Copyright © 2010, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 1/30/2010.