Bulletin for March 28, 2010
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Saturday, March 27 4:30 Vincent Perez By the family Sunday, March 28 7:30 Michael Ciociolo 1st Anniversary and Birthday |
Monday, March 29 8:30 John Hall , Barbara Ellis Hall By the family Tuesday, March 30 8:30 Joseph B. Dellagala Months Mind by his wife and children Wednesday, March 31 8:30 Kathleen Moynahan By Joann Kennedy |
Liturgical Notes
Today’s celebration of Palm Sunday will mark the end of the precautions that have been in place since November to help reduce the transmission of the flu. This weekend we shall begin to:
Some parishioners may decide to refrain from any physical contact with others due to a cold or medical condition. Let us respect their freedom to do so. Eucharistic Ministers are still encouraged to use hand sanitizer prior to the distribution of Holy Communion.
Partners in Charity are about TREASURING LIFE
Treasuring the sacredness of life from conception through its natural end….. Serving the people of Worcester County and beyond with the belief that every person has the right to life, housing, food, shelter, clothing and health care…. Helping the poor, the homeless and the infirm. We accomplish these things in your name, and in His! For like St. John Vianney we love with “the heart of Jesus”. We are CATHOLIC CHARITIES, one of the 29 ministries supported by your gift to Partners in Charity.
Because we love with the heart of Jesus, older and disabled adults receive home care services, low-income seniors learn new job skills, thousands enjoy Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners. Because we love with the heart of Jesus, families receive emergency assistance, parents & children find shelter, women receive compassionate post-abortion counseling, refugees are welcomed and resettled here, men at Crozier House are supported in their sobriety. Because we love with the heart of Jesus those with developmental disabilities achieve great milestones through Mercy Center.
Join with your fellow parishioners today and make your gift/pledge to this year’s PARTNERS IN CHARITY APPEAL
St. Mary’s Parish Goal $175,000
Week One: Number of Gifts 124
Amount Pledged $59,300
Gale Richardson and Jeanne Keegan
Repose of the soul of Elizabeth; healing for Baby Evan, a preemie with pneumonia; successful chemo for Hayes, 5 yrs old; special intention for David; Janice for God’s peace as she prepares for surgery the week after Easter; Elizabeth for full healing from a serious case of pneumonia; Stephanie with a serious heart ailment; Beth W.; Tyler who has a heart defect to be safe and sound; special intention for John; everyone living with fibromyalgia, especially S. A. and J.; anyone battling a substance abuse problem, including Hannah, Beth; Becky, and Christine; Courtney to know some peace; a couple to gain insight and action regarding their troubled marriage; Lennie, in hospital, to receive the help she needs, an ease of pain, and peace; Judy; D. to get back on track; a woman's full and accurate diagnosis for multiple disorders and her participation in appropriate treatment; all caregivers; improved social relations for B.; Jim with a drinking disorder; all mental health professionals, especially Donna, Colin; Amanda; Jane and Lori; Avis with serious health issues to gain peace; Continued prayers for: Susan and her unborn baby; Baby Theresa for healing; Ellen and her family; Lena; Paul O'H; Chickie; Kelly E; Christine; Kathy Z.; Gloria; Elaine; Paul; Alice; Mindy; Helene; Linda O.; Paul S.; Paul P.; Dee; Debbie; Amy; Richie; Lyd; Beth; Elliot; Lynne and Martin.. Thanksgiving for: Wild Acre Inns, Dawn, Kim, and Catherine, and multiple answered prayers.
Prayer Line: Tracy at 508.842.2279 or Susan at 508.934.0133 or susanbk@townisp.com
Please bring bells next Saturday to the
Easter Vigil to ring during the Gloria.
Dear Friends,
Today’s celebration of Palm Sunday marks the beginning of another Holy Week. Each year we commemorate in a special way the events of Jesus’ last days on earth. These celebrations complete the season of Lent and our preparation for Easter Sunday. It is only in walking through the shadows and darkness of Holy Week and Good Friday, that we can truly understand the light and hope of Sunday morning.
PALM SUNDAY. This Sunday observes the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that was marked by the crowds, who were there for Passover, waving palm branches and proclaiming him as the messiah. This Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday to commemorate the beginning Holy Week and Jesus’ final agonizing journey to the cross.
HOLY THURSDAY is the night we remember Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples and giving them the gift of the Eucharist. We re-enact Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and remember how we are all called to serve one another. Even as Jesus and his disciples came together to share this meal, they already stood in the shadow of the cross. It was later that night, after the meal, as Jesus and His disciples were praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, that Jesus was arrested. Adoration of the Eucharist continues after Mass this night so that we may remain with the Lord and pray.
GOOD FRIDAY finds a variety of services of worship all aimed at allowing us to experience some sense of the pain, humiliation and ending in the journey to the cross. The Stations of the Cross held in mid-afternoon correspond to the final words of Jesus from the cross around 3pm. The evening service includes the reading of the Passion, the veneration of the cross and communion.
HOLY SATURDAY is a day of preparation as we remember Jesus in the tomb. As the sun sets people gather in vigil to light the Easter fire and proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated since it is in these sacraments that we are joined to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is our day to celebrate the new life we have because of Jesus Christ.
Please make a special effort this week to join us as we celebrate these sacred and ancient liturgies of the church. Easter Sunday and the fifty days of Easter will have so much more meaning for us if we take time to remember the love that Jesus poured out for us on the cross.
Fr. Mike
LENTEN ALMSGIVING
Parishioners who took a CRS Ricebowl at the beginning of Lent are asked to return them this Palm Sunday weekend. Your contributions will be divided among several charitable ministries that our parish supports, including Catholic Relief Services, St. Anne’s Human Services, Maryknoll Lay Missioners (Evan & Sue Cuthbert), St. Michel’s in Roche-a-Bateau (our sister parish in Haiti), and the Marie-Anne Center at St. Bernard’s Church. As your offering containers are filled, please return them and place them in the Ricebowl collection box in the vestibule of the church.
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Sunday, March 28 9:00 RCIC – Mass /Math Room Monday, March 29 9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room Tuesday, March 30 7:00 Easter Choir Rehearsal – Church |
Wednesday, March 31 4:15 Grade 4 CCD – School/PC Thursday, April 1 9:15 Weight Training – Mary’s Room Friday, April 2 9:00-1:00 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – chapel Saturday, April 3 9:30 Grade 4 CCD – Heifer International |
Living Stations of the Cross
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We are looking for adults and youth to help with the Living Stations of the Cross. There are speaking and non-speaking parts. The coordinators are Bob Pratt (bnabtbob@yahoo.com) and Dan Musgrove (nmus1000@aol.com). Please consider participating in this meaningful parish tradition scheduled to take place on Good Friday, 3:30 p.m. Rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, March 31 at 6:30 pm in the church. |
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Dear Friends, Believing in the impact prayers to our loving Lord consistently make, I ask for yours with the following. After approximately 15 months of testing I was just recently diagnosed with Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia. “ICL” as it is sometimes referred to, is thought to be an extremely rare and potentially serious condition that results in a compromised immune system. After receiving input from a number of specialists in this area I am planning to meet with a research team at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland. While being very optimistic about the future, I would value any prayers you may offer; perhaps simply asking that God’s will may be accomplished in all of this. I also take this opportunity to express publicly my gratitude to Msgr. Mike and members of the staff who have been extremely supportive in recent months. Prayerful Best Wishes, |
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PALM SUNDAY March 28 Vigil Mass at 4:30 pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Mass at 6:45 am and 8:30 am Tuesday, March 30 7:00 pm Confessions HOLY THURSDAY April 1 8:30 am Morning Prayer |
GOOD FRIDAY April 2 8:30 am Morning Prayer HOLY SATURDAY April 3 8:30 am Morning Prayer EASTER SUNDAY April 4 Plan now to join us for one of our Easter Masses. There will be two Masses celebrated at the same time at 9:00 am and 11:00 am – in the church and in the parish hall. 7:30 am |
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Honor and remember your loved ones in a special way at Easter. An envelope for Easter Flowers can be found in your monthly packet. Please write the names of your deceased family members and friends so that we can remember them at Mass throughout the Easter season. Your gifts will help to decorate our church for Holy Week and Easter. |
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Bereavement Support Group - St. Mary’s Health Ministry
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed." Psalm 34
Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to participate in the next Bereavement Support Group.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7:00 – 8:30 PM and 11 subsequent sessions scheduled to fit participants’ needs. Meetings will be in the Pastoral Center at St. Mary’s Parish.
Walking this journey with you will be Viola Jefferson and Corinne Hetzler, each experienced in bereavement support and personal loss. We will establish an atmosphere in which participants can share according to their own comfort level. Each person’s confidentiality will always be respected. Please call the Health Ministry Office at 508.925.7647 to confirm your participation or get more information. Space is limited, so please reserve your place now.
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CONGRATULATIONS 50 YEARS The people of St. Mary Parish extend their prayers and best wishes to FR. PAUL O’CONNELL as he celebrates his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Ad Multos Annos! |
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, teenager or child. Fill out a Shining Stars form (found in the front vestibule, the pastoral center or here).
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THE SHINING STAR FOR MARCH Barbara Donahue |
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It started with one small act of kindness, but when all was said and done, it’s almost 500 hand knit shawls for the St. Mary’s Health Ministry. When parishioner Ron Sanguinet wrapped his ailing childhood friend Jim Donahue in the soft blue shawl from St. Mary’s, he had no idea that Jim would wear that shawl everyday until the day that he passed away. Mrs. Barbara Donahue, knew how much her husband Jim came to love his shawl and with that – began knitting for the St. Mary’s Knitting Ministry. “My husband believed in goal setting” said Mrs. Donahue “and my goal is to knit 500 shawls.” “Of course my first goal was 100 shawls, then it was 200 shawls, ...well you get the picture” she went on to say. So to Mr. Ron Sanguinet - as if your work on the Liturgy, Stewardship, Eucharist, and Funeral Server Committees and your work as a lector, and alter server trainer weren’t already enough to warrant our thanks, we thank you for that one random act of kindness to Mr. Jim Donahue. Mrs. Donahue’s shawls along with those of the many wonderful Knitting Ministry members are providing comfort and strength where it is needed. You are a Shining Star.
CPR TRAINING
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St. Mary’s Health Ministry is sponsoring CPR training for both Health Care Providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) and for non-professionals – called Heart Savers. Classes will be held at the home of CPR Instructor, Pat Ahearn, 4 Main Blvd., Shrewsbury. Training includes Adult, Child & Infant CPR, AED (automatic external defibrillator) and provides a 2 year certification through the American Heart Association. Interested parties should contact Pat Ahearn directly at 508.842.6830 to reserve your place. Please specify which class you require, your name and phone number. |
Dates & Times of CPR classes are:
SAVE THE DATE! - Friday, June 4, 2010
St. Mary School Scholarship Golf Tournament
Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, Boylston, MA
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Tee Times: Golf Tournament 18 Hole Championship Course: 12:30 pm Dinner and Awards Ceremony – 6:00 pm For more information and to register click here |
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Tournament sponsored by Favulli Electric. Proceeds to benefit St. Mary School Scholarship and Development Fund
Come garner the fullness of your faith!
Women’s Cursillo Weekend
April 22- 25 Oakhurst Retreat Center
The Cursillo is a unique experience for each person. The love of the Triune God and His Mother are for all, for you. What you experience on the weekend will be yours. What you do on the weekend is to enjoy and learn. Various talks given by Clergy and lay people, daily mass, adoration, reconciliation, great food, music and song. A true rejuvenating rest in the Lord! Come garner the fullness of your faith. For registration and further course information contact: Louise Garone, 508 845-7463 or lgarone@townisp.com.
Celebrate Earth Day
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Come help us plant trees to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! The Social Justice and Eco Justice Ministries are teaming up with Shrewsbury's First Congregational Church in April to plant a number of lovely trees at Great Brook Valley. To get ready, we are establishing teams now and there will be a training session to cover all of the details! Please join us: |
Training:
When: SAT. APRIL 10th 9AM-11AM (note: time change!)
Where: Shrewsbury First Congregational Church on the Green
What: Training for Tree Team Leaders (slide show and plant one tree)
Who: At least 12 able-bodied adults who can help with heavy lifting of mature trees, and who can commit to the main planting (below). Everyone is welcome to help!
Earth Day Event:
When: SAT. APRIL 24th 8:30AM-12:30PM -THE BIG EVENT (note: time change!)
Where: Great Brook Valley in Worcester
What: Plant 24 trees at Great Brook Valley together with 1st Congregational teams
Please contact Evan Page at evancpage@hotmail.com or 774.261.0611 with questions or to sign up!
Watch the Cluster Mission on SPAC TV 28
The Cluster Mission with Grayson Warren Brown will be on SPAC TV 28:
ST. MARY’S RESEPCT LIFE COMMITTEE – would like to thank all who participated in the 24 Hour Rosary.
March Item of the Month: Laundry Soap/Detergent
Thank you for helping us collect over 150 packages of cookies and crackers! This month's new item is Laundry Detergent. This special item will be added to the 200 monthly food bags given out at St. Anne's. These bags help local Shrewsbury residents in need. Thanks again!
ST. MARY’S PRE-CANA
Last Saturday St. Mary’s Pre-Cana Team conducted a Conference for 17 engaged couples from our parish and surrounding towns as they continue their preparation for marriage. Thank-you to the members of the Pre-Cana Team who led the day:
Glenn & Anne Daly, Mike & Nanette Duquette, Chris & Mary Angela Hardwick, Jeff & Jenna Pereira, Joe & Alice Silva
Members of Saints Francis & Therese Catholic Worker will be here on the weekend of April 10 and 11, 2010, with our homemade baked goods. The sale of our wholesome bread and muffins, made with organic ingredients, is the main source of income which supports our ministries. We shelter homeless men and women, and we work for justice and peace. There is no set price for the bread as we prefer to depend on your generosity to carry on the works of mercy.
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Girls Night Out - April 9, 2010 - St. Mary School New Format! Vendors, Fashion Show, Food, Beverages, Raffles, etc. Free Admission Contact Lynne Grden at ldgrden@yahoo.com or 508.363.3636 Sponsored by the St. Mary Parents Association |
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Copyright © 2010, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
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