March 29, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Transcription

1 Rectory: 170 Mechanic Street Leominster, Massachusetts Telephone (978) / / Parish Office Hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 am - 4 pm and Friday 9 am - 3 pm Religious Education (C.C.D) Office Telephone (978) Bingo Telephone: (978) March 29, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Celebration of the Eucharist Saturday Vigil Masses: 4:00 & 6:30 P.M. Sunday Masses: 7:00, 9:45, and 11:15 A.M. Weekday Masses (Monday - Saturday): 6:30 A.M. Holy Day Masses: 4:00 P.M. (Vigil) 6:30 A.M. & 6:30 P.M. Rev. Robert D. Bruso Pastor Rev. Richard G. Roger Rev. Thomas G. Landry Assisting Priests Deacon Ronald J. Aubuchon Confessions: Saturdays, 3:00 P.M. Baptisms: Please call the rectory in advance to schedule baptismal instruction. Marriages: Couple should contact the rectory at least one year in advance. A marriage preparation program is required. Mr. David M. Lasky Music Director, Organist Mrs. Patricia A. Secino, Religious Education Director Dr. Richard and Patricia Secino, Directors of Evangelization and RCIA

2 Saturday March 28 Vigil Masses Mass on pg :00 p.m. Cecile Haskell (30th anniv.) by Cecile Gladding 6:30 p.m. Andre & Anita Allain (anniv.) by Gil, Nora & family Sunday March 29 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mass on pg :00 a.m. Robert F. Dube, Sr. by his wife & family 9:45 a.m. Valerie Page (14th anniv.) by Marie Bedard 11:15 a.m. Domethilde Bernard (9th anniv.) by Jean-Noel, Anne-Marie & family Monday March 30 Monday of Holy Week Mass on pg :30 a.m. Lillian G. Bernard by Eddie, Carol & Jesse Allain 5:30 p.m. Emile Gauvin by Lou & Val Landry Tuesday March 31 Tuesday of Holy Week Mass on pg :30 a.m. Rita F. Morin by last will 5:30 p.m. Irene M. Basque by last will Wednesday April 1 Wednesday of Holy Week Mass on pg :30 a.m. Aurea B. Landry by last will 5:30 p.m. Robert J. Richard (30th day) by Kevin & Michele Mack, Simard s Thursday April 2 Thursday of Holy Week Mass on pg :00 p.m. Mass of the Lord s Supper Friday April 3 Friday of the Passion of the Lord Mass on pg :00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service Saturday April 4 Holy Saturday Mass on pg :30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Sunday April 5 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Mass on pg :00 a.m. Evelyn M. Cormier (1st anniv.) by Jan & Wayne Doucet 9:45 a.m. Elaine Nadeau (1st anniv.) by Alphonzo & Rita Zaffetti 11:15 a.m. Parishioners of St. Cecilia s Parish The Sympathies of the parish community are extended to the family and friends of Andrew J. Tarka, Jr., Noella M. Legere and Marie T. Duvarney whose Funeral Masses were held recently. Please remember them in your prayers. 2 The Ladies Of St. Anne will be meeting next Wednesday, April 8 at 7 P.M. in the Parish Center lower hall. Fr. Bob will be our guest speaker. All women are welcome! Tickets for the upcoming breakfast gathering on May 17 will be available.

3 Dear Friends, A Message From Our Pastor. Today when we listen to the words of the Passion according to St. Mark, it s hard not to be moved. This is not just a story, a dramatic piece of fiction that will reread once a year. This is truth, painful truth. It is painful for the believing Christian because reflection on the sufferings and death of Jesus leads us inevitably to our responsibility. The Jews did not kill Jesus. The Romans did not kill Jesus. Jesus died, willingly surrendering His life in reparation for our sins. We are the guilty parties here. The words sin and guilt are not very fashionable today. We ve let them slip from our vocabulary, but at what cost? The divorce rate skyrockets in this country because no one wants to take responsibility for sinning. The rate of drug and alcohol addiction is a national crisis. Corruption in government, business and sports is such an epidemic that headlines elicit a shrug. Oh well. We have been endowed by our Creator with the gift of free will. With free will comes responsibility. We can make good choices and we can make bad choices. When we make bad choices, we can acknowledge that we are wrong, that we need to make amends to those we have hurt, or we can say It s not my fault. I m not responsible. The refusal to admit to sin and to our responsibility for our sins leads to devastated relationships, victims violated and abused, and a shattered social fabric. The current psycho-babble is there are addictive personalities, there are victims of abuse who become abusers and there are narcissistic personalities that are totally and exclusively self-centered. Nonsense. There are people who take responsibility for what they have done wrong and try to do better, and there are people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions and make excuses. On Palm Sunday, serious Christians take responsibility for their sins, reflect on that harm their actions have done to God and to other people, and seek to be reconciled to God and their neighbor through the Cross of Christ. God bless you all, Father Bob Bruso Thanks to all our parishioners who have made their gift to the 2015 Partners in Charity Annual Appeal. St. Cecilia s Parish is 90% towards our goal of $ 40,000. Thus far, we have raised $ 35,868. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please fill out a commitment pledge envelope located at the entrances of the church and drop it in the collection basket or at the rectory. Or visit Partners in Charity, formerly known as the Bishops Fund, is the Annual Appeal for the Diocese of Worcester, serving 28 charitable, educational, and pastoral ministries. Through your generous support we are able to serve thousands of families and individuals in Worcester County through outreach, formation, evangelization, and worship. Thank you! 3

4 LENTEN SOUP & BREAD DINNER Will be held this Wednesday, April 1 from 4:30-6:30 PM in the Parish Center Lower Hall. This week s menu, Back by Popular Demand : Chicken Fricot. Free will donations are accepted to supplement the St. Vincent de Paul Society. GUIDELINES FOR FAST AND ABSTINENCE Lenten fast and abstinence regulations for the Diocese of Worcester are as follows: Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years of age and older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59) years of age on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed Lenten penitential practices. Palm Sunday Palm Sunday - Passion Sunday will be celebrated this weekend, March 28 and 29. Blessed palms will be distributed at all Masses this weekend. Stations Of The Cross will be held this Friday, April 3, at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 31, after the 5:30 P.M. Mass Confession Schedule Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) after the Stations of the Cross in the afternoon. Saturday, April 4 (Holy Saturday) At 10:00 A.M. Only. Please note that there are no confessions scheduled for Holy Saturday afternoon, April 4. Holy Week Holy Thursday, April 2 - Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:00 P.M. Included will be the ceremony of the washing of the feet of twelve parishioners representing the Twelve Apostles. Following the Mass, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. Good Friday, April 3 - Stations of the Cross at 3:00 P.M. Solemn Liturgy of the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion at 7:00 P.M. Holy Saturday, April 4 - Easter Vigil and Mass of the Lord's Resurrection at 7:30 P.M. Please note that there will be NO MASS at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday. Those who attend the 7:30 P.M. Vigil Mass will fulfill the obligation of attending Easter Mass. Easter Sunday, April 5 - Masses are at 7:00, 9:45 and 11:15 A.M. 4

5 Last Week s Stewardship Collection was $ 6,904. Thank You Very Much!! Palm Sunday Pilate again said to them, Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. (MARK 15:12-13) Jesus told us whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me. Every day we are presented opportunities to help someone. Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others. Pray for the courage to stand up for those in need of our help. Religious Education Classes - CCD for grades 7-10 concludes this Monday, March 30 at 7 PM. No Religious Education Classes - CCD for grades 1-6 this Saturday, April 4. Classes for these grades will resume next Saturday, April 11 at 10:15 AM. Doing SPRING Cleaning Soon? Moving? We are now collecting stuff for our Holiday Fair. Consider setting items aside for our Holiday Fair. The Flea Market is now accepting items. We will be happy to receive canning jars, musical instruments, gloves, belts, dishes, tablecloths, doilies, toys, medals, jewelry, etc. Please note, we are unable to accept books, computers, monitors, televisions, electrical appliances, padded furniture, clothing or shoes. Drop off times for these items are: Saturdays from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. and Mondays from 5-7 P.M. All donations are to be dropped off at the parish center (use lower Third St. and Mechanic St. side door across from the church). Spring Poutine Alert Pre-order now, limited quantity available Poutines will be made on Thursday, April 16th and Friday, April 17th. Poutines will be ready for pickup on April 16th and 17th from 2-5 PM. Please bring your own containers. Thank you! All orders must be submitted by April 10th and paid in advance. Don t be left out! First come first serve! Poutine Order Form Name Address Phone Please Specify Quantity Number of Poutines at $4.50 each, total amount enclosed $ Order form must include payment for order to be processed. Checks payable to St. Cecilia s. Orders can be dropped off or mailed to the rectory or placed in the collection basket in an envelope clearly marked Poutine Order Enclosed. 5

6 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The news about the Middle East has been bleak over this past year including war in Gaza, persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria, refugees flooding into Jordan and Lebanon, and escalating tension and violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank. During this Holy Week we are challenged by the Scriptures to see the light of hope amidst darkness and despair. How have we responded as disciples of Christ to follow in his footsteps? Holy Week is about finding hope from despair and, as Pope Francis reminds us, Let us become bearers of hope. Christians living in the Holy Land struggle to live their faith and to be stewards of the sacred places as Christians arrive in pilgrimage day after day. Schools and parishes are signs of peace and hope as they conduct pastoral ministries, including religious formation and education. Shrines in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and many other locations welcome Christian pilgrims, as well as provide housing and food for the poor. Catholics worldwide are being invited by Pope Francis to support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land by making a donation to the Good Friday Collection. Keeping Christianity alive in the Holy Land is the urgent goal of the Church. In fact, the call to support the community in the Holy Land dates back to the days of St. Paul when he called upon various communities to support their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. Please be generous in this year s Good Friday collection in your parish. Visit to learn more about the good work made possible thanks to you response to this pontifical collection. May God continue to bless you during this Holy Season. With every prayerful best wish, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus Bishop of Worcester Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of the holiest of Christian weeks. Let us pray for the grace to take up our own cross and to follow Jesus through death to new life. During Lent, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to bring the mercy of Jesus into the hearts of the poor, by assisting families with food. Saint Vincent de Paul Society donation boxes are located on the radiators in the right and left transepts and also in the rear vestibule of our church. Contributions are welcome to help local needy families with food. No St. Cecilia s Bingo This Friday Evening, April 3 Because Of Good Friday. St. Cecilia s Bingo Will Resume On Friday, April 10 At 6:30 P.M. Tune In To WQPH 89.3 FM Your Catholic Radio Station 6

7 Cardinal Seán s Blog Cardinal Seán shares his reflections & experiences. Advertising Sponsors make this bulletin possible For Information Call Kevin Doyon Authorized Sales Representative x3404 kdoyon@pilotbulletins.net. 2 Winner-take-all games. Air Conditioned. 20 $10 Door Prizes. 2 Progressive Games Doors 4:00 Evangelization Focus Subscribe to on Amazon.com $1.49 a month The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. ~Pope Francis Bring the Good News WITH YOU. EVERYWHERE. Watch this video and see how your bulletin is made. Scan this qr code with your smart phone and app When you patronize our advertisers, please thank them for supporting this church. America s Oldest Catholic Newspaper Place an ad in this bulletin and we will design your ad for FREE! Call To Take Advantage of this Special Offer! Saint Cecilia Parish Specifically in the following business categories: Auto Dealers Restaurants Accountants/ CPAs/Financial Advisors Subscribe: Advertise: Free Ad Design With Every Placed Ad Colleges & High Schools Retirement Communities Service Industries Become the First, and Maybe the Only Sponsor in Your Category! For more information & affordable rates, Please Call: For Advertising Information, Please Call Pilot Bulletins Saint Cecilia Church of Leominster, MA

8 MIRIAMGOODMAN ARTHUR GURIFFIN GRIFFIN CORY SILKEN Through a unique collaboration The with Cambridge Homes, a local assisted living residence and The Griffin Museum, come view remarkable and inspiring photog in a comfortable home-like setting. S Simard Funeral Home Kevin J. Mack Funeral Director Serving the Residents of Leominster since Walker Street Leominster Since Central St., Leominster, MA Space Available The Claw Shop Day Spa 1123 Central Street Leominster, MA Main Street, Unit 122 Tewksbury, MA (978) Rosaries from Flowers Handmade from the Flowers of your Loved One GetCatholicTV.com Wright-Roy Funeral Home 109 West Street Leominster Save 30% to 50% On Most Printing Costs! If you bring your printing to a chain store or other printer, money is leaving with those print jobs. We can help save you money. Saturday, June 26 th, 2 4 pm Join us as we welcome Summer with delicious desserts and music from the Jazz Trio String Swing. Enjoy our lovely outdoor garden area, and tour our beautiful community. Kindly RSVP by June LIFE CARE CENTER OF LEOMINSTER Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility Contact Our Admissions Department PH FX Grounded in the Ministry of JESUS CHRIST: To Love. To Serve. To Teach. May God Bless You. Regonini - Zoll Memorials GRANITE BRONZE LETTERING CLEANING MAIN ST. CLINTON MA Manor on the Hill Luxurious Living at an Affordable Price! Assisted Living Community & Adult Day Health Center N. Main St., Leominster, MA Feed My Sheep John 21:17 For Advertising Information, Please Call x3435 Pilot Bulletins Saint Cecilia Church of Leominster, MA 68 Commonwealth Avenue West Concord, MA ConcordPark.net What s Inside SMARTER HEATING & COOLING SUMMER 2010 Chowd Ramp up Your Game June 14th to August 27th Mondays - Fridays 1:30-5:30 pm 8 years and up FEST Protect God s Precious infants end abuse end abortion Joe o donnell tax & Pension Erdman Way, Leominster, MA DoubleTree by Hilton. Where the little things mean everything. Booklets Bookmarks Business Cards Calendars Door Hangers Flyers/Brochures Greeting Cards Magnets Newsletters HEATING OILS, DIESEL FUEL AND 24 HOUR HEATING SERVICE We Have Space Available For You! Notepads Plastic Cards Postcards Posters Presentation Folders Stickers Table Tent Cards & much more Proud Printers of This Bulletin printing@pilotprinting.net