Bulletin for April 25, 2010

May 1-2

Successful surgery for Bill on 4/27; Clair for proper diagnosis and successful treatment of an unknown bleeding problem and for her family; S. who is in a deep depression for healing of mind and soul, repose of the soul of John Revoir and peace for his wife Becky and children Josh and Rachel; special intentions for C, J, and D; Linda in the final stages of cancer for a peaceful death. Continued prayers for: Lois's hope; Kristen-George Porter; Bryan; the quick sale of Maureen's home; J & A with fibromyalgia; Kevin to gain courage; Sharon and Helen; Richie; RM; Joan; Lynn; and all those suffering with addictions of any kind to revisit their core values and gain strength and mindfulness. Thanksgiving for: M and B's improved lifestyle; greater wellness for M. and M.; and multiple answered prayers.

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

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” With these words Bishop McManus places the Book of the Gospels in the hands of newly ordained deacons in the annual Ordination Mass. Deacons are charged to live these words as they serve God’s people in their vital role.

In existence for over 30 years the Diocesan Diaconate has brought great change. Dozens of parishes have added deacons to their staffs, enabling these faith communities to be more effective in reaching out to God’s people. Deacons are present among us baptizing newborns, witnessing marriages, preaching the Gospel and visiting the sick. They minister in local prisons and offer comfort to those who so often find only darkness and look to the Church for light.

Your support of the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal assists candidates for the Diaconate. Our ability to provide four years of training as well as ongoing formation, depends on you.

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
Number of Gifts 283
Amount Pledged $100,335

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Parish Pastoral Council elections will take place during the Masses on the weekend of June 5th and 6th. This year we will be electing three new members for this important consultative body for our parish. The pastoral council meets on the second Wednesday of the month from September through June. The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to offer vision and direction for the mission of our parish and assist parish ministries in developing their goals and priorities for the year. The council seeks to develop the seven essential elements of parish life – Word, Worship, Community, Service, Stewardship, Leadership and Evangelization. If you would be interested in serving on the pastoral council or would like more information, click here, or please call Monsignor Mike or Robert Doiron, council chairperson (978.568.3696) by Monday, May 17th.

April Item of the Month: Cooking Oil

This month's new Item of the Month is Cooking Oil. Any kind of cooking oil: olive, canola, vegetable, will be great. Please help us add one of these "special items" to next month's food bags. Thank you for helping us collect over 60 bottles of laundry detergent to be given out this month!

The 2010 Family Festival

Planning for the 2010 Family Festival has begun. If you are interested in a leadership role for this year’s festival, please join us on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm in Mary’s Room in the Pastoral Center for the kick-off meeting.

The committee chairs meet monthly from now through August and then on a weekly basis during the month of the Festival. This year the Festival has been scheduled for the weekend of September 17 – 19. Please consider chairing one of the committees that help make the Festival such a successful event.

Come to this one night workshop to learn how listening and reflecting on the Word of God and various spiritual practices can transform your life. The workshop is offered by Jennifer Kiel, doctor of Ministry Candidate. Please call the Pastoral Center to register 508.845.6341.

New York’s Late Nite Catechism comes to Shrewsbury

Click here for more information and a ticket order form.

Shrewsbury Fragrant Garden

Introducing the Shrewsbury Fragrant Garden for the blind and visually impaired, a sensory experience Friday, April 30, 2010 Place: Veteran's Inc. 59 South Street, Shrewsbury MA 01545 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. Donation: $10 pp Hor's d'oeuvres, Cash Bar, Raffle For tickets please make your check payable to: The Shrewsbury Fragrant Garden P.O. Box 354, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Help support the summer service trips our high school students are taking by dropping off your old electronics, appliances and returnable bottles and cans.

ADOPTIVE PARENT MEETING - Our topic for the Thursday, April 29 meeting of St. Mary’s Adoptive Parents, pre-Adoptive Parents, and Foster Care Providers support group is “Siblings - Near and Far.” (Facilitator: Jill) All are welcome. O’Connell Pastoral Center Arrival 7:00 pm, meeting from 7:30 - 9:00. RSVP Donna 508.842.2529.

Central Massachusette Housing Alliance, Inc.
25th annual WALK for the Homeless - Sunday, May 16, 2010

Please join St. Mary’s by supporting the cause and walk with us! The 3 mile Walk begins and ends at Elm Park. Registration begins at 1:00pm and the Walk starts at 2:00 rain or shine. After there will be a celebratory cookout, kids games, and live entertainment. For more information and to receive a pledge sheet contact JeanneVaccaro at 508.842.0282 or email at momv518@aol.com. We walk for a community where everyone has a home!!

SUMMER SERVICE WALK-A-THON

Congratulations and good luck to the High School Students and chaperones who will be participating in a 5-mile Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. to raise money for their respective Habitat for Humanity and Young Neighbors in Action service trips scheduled for this summer. Please feel free to send them an encouraging word if you see them walking around Dean Park that afternoon. Also, the groups will be solicitating donations for the St. Mary's Youth Ministry Calendar Raffle, with cash prizes to be awarded throughout the month of May. If you are interested in donating to either the Walk-a-Thon or the Calendar Raffle for this most worthy cause, please contact Lisa Talbot at ltalbot@townisp.com.

St. Thomas More Scholarship for Law Students

Applications for the St. Thomas More Law Scholarship are now available and may be obtained by contacting: The St. Thomas More Society, Chancery Office, 49 Elm St., Worcester, 01609 or you may call 508.791.7171 and ask for Eileen in the Diocesan Tribunal. The scholarship is for law students who will be attending an accredited law school in the fall or for a student presently in law school. The application must be returned by June 30, 2010. Applicants (or their parents) must be members of parishes within the Diocese of Worcester.

Blood Drive – Thursday, April 29 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at the Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury. For an appointment please contact 1-800-Red - Cross or www.redcrossblood.org

Easter Flowers Thank you to all who contributed to our Easter flowers and beautiful decorations for the church in memory of a deceased loved one or as a gift of a family. Many others wish to remain anonymous. We are grateful to all.

Copyright © 2010, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 4/26/2010.