Saint Cecilia. Ordinary Time. 14 August My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

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1 Saint Cecilia P A R I S H Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 14 August 2016 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia verse from today s Mass Christ the Good Shepherd Orthodox Icon

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3 our community news Ministers of the Liturgy Saturday 5:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Grover, OMV Cynthia Wanner, lector Sunday 8:00 a.m. Rev. John Unni Rosemary Walker, lector Sunday 9:30 a.m. Rev. John Unni Virgen Palermo, Karen McMenamy, & Tom Nicolini, lectors Sunday 11:15 a.m. Rev. John Unni Cole Young & Erin Young, lectors special intentions Sunday, August 14 9:30 a.m. Valerie Carroll, Special Intention Sunday, August 14 11:15 a.m. Francis Brennan, Memorial Thursday, August 18 8:00 a.m. John Faldetta, Second Anniversary Friday, August 19 8:00 a.m. James J. Hayes, Memorial weekly FOOD DONATIONS First featured donation item is: CEREAL! today s readings Jerimiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Hebrews 12:1-4 Luke 12:49-53 next sunday s Readings Isaiah 66:18-21 Hebrews 12:5-7, Luke 13:22-30 Second featured donation item is: PEANUT BUTTER Donations of featured items are preferred as these are more popular among Catholic Charities clients. Please leave food donations in the narthex baskets. 3

4 Prayers & Occasions Our Deceased Frankie Miller died on July 28. He was a dear friend of Jennifer Hayes and Siobhan Hayes-Keane. Pray for his eternal repose, as well as for the consolation of Jennifer and Siobhan. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Our Sick Please pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Annette Kulas, Anthony Simboli, Anne Frenette Handly, Roséa Aubrey, Owen Kyes, Pilar Estrada, Mildred McLaughlin, Brenna Smith, Michalina Maniscalco, Michael Patrick Kelly, Mark Anderson, Bill Downing, Skyler Stevenson, Silvana Franco, Silvia Basagni, Brian Donnelly, Theresa Wier, Bill Ahern, Lena Bryant, Kenny Borum, Kevin, Joseph Pierre, George Driscoll, Mary Curley, Bill Pennington, Bryan Thomas, Joanne DeMare, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bob Carroll, John Morris, Mark Edward McHugh, Bernice Tilton Bass, Jean Hughes, Laura Bellias, Inez Storr, Angelo Valente, Eugenia Valente, Betty Sellers, Jack Kacewicz, Daniel Grapski, Nancy Wolterman, Callie Boyce, Bill Croke, Mary Chisholm, Brian Burdette, Chuck Christian, John Pelletier, Tim Postma, Mary Jane Duggan, Maureen Kelly, Kenneth Remo, and John Roberts. The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary August 15 Tomorrow, Monday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because the solemnity falls on a Monday this year, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated. In commemoration of this feast, we will celebrate Mass at eight o'clock tomorrow morning and we will celebrate Evening Prayer at sixthirty. All are invited to attend. Welcome to Saint Cecilia! We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered: Caitlin Wolford of Brighton, Megan and Drew Rzezutko of Newton, the Jones Family of Jamaica Plain, and Christine Atchinson of Boston. If you have not previously registered with the parish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at Banns of Marriage III. Gabrielle Mason and Gregory Jacques The Assumption of the Virgin Ambrogio Bergognone (c. 1510) 4

5 NEWS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES PRESENT & EXPECTING AND THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP THEM Here are two opportunities to consider: Saint Cecilia's Young Families Saint Cecilia's Young Families group is hoping to help expecting and new parents connect with each other and with parishioners who are willing to lend a hand. If you are (or hope to become) an expecting or new parent, please Sarah at sarahelliottgoodale@gmail.com. Saint Cecilia's Friends of Young Families Do you have a passion for working with babies and toddlers? Are you interested in getting to know and supporting young families here at the parish? The newly-formed Saint Cecilia's Young Families group is looking to assemble a support crew to help with childcare during their monthly parent meetings, meal trains for new parents, and other occasional needs. If you are interested in this ministry, there will be an informational meeting in the Parish Pastoral Center this Sunday, August 14 following the eleven-fifteen liturgy and another the following Sunday on August 21. If you are unable to attend but would like to be kept in the loop, please Sarah at sarahelliottgoodale@gmail.com. Thank you for considering supporting our young families in this very special (and challenging) season of life! FOLLOW-UP: RACIAL JUSTICE, SOCIAL TENSIONS, & HEALING Wednesday, August 17 I 8:00 p.m. Classroom 5 The young adults invite the parish community to again join them in a discussion of faith and healing based on lessons learned from the recent racial justice course. We will discuss lessons learned thus far and will facilitate an open discussion about race in Boston, particularly how it affects faith. RSVP is not required but appreciated. RSVP to to scyoungadults@gmail.com. OPEN DOOR MINISTRY Open Door Ministry began as an experiment during Lent in response to Pope Francis' call to be more present in our communities and more available to those on the margins. In order to continue this ministry, we need volunteers who will commit to being present in the church for a two-hour weekday shift so that the church can be open for prayer. Volunteers have found this to be a gift to themselves to be in this lovely place and to be in service to the community while taking time to catch-up with God. Now we want to make Open Door an ongoing ministry. If you are interested in being a part of this, please come to a meeting at 10:15 on Sunday, September 11 in the Parish Pastoral Center. We need your help to reflect on what has gone well and to discuss areas for growth and improvement. Please spread the word. For more information, please contact Linda Jenkins, lindajenkins177@yahoo.com or Amy Paulin, amy.paulin11@gmail.com. Spiritual Life Yoga One definition of yoga is "to join together." Join us for a yoga class to join together your breath and movement, grounding yourself in the present moment. This practice will honor your mind, body, and spirit. We will move through an all levels yoga class, with attention paid to breath and alignment. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and yoga mat. Other props will be provided. The final class for the summer will be held on August 20. Classes will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and will be held in CL5 in the Parish Pastoral Center.Please fellow parishioner and yoga instructor Amy Aubrecht at aubrecht.amy@gmail.com with questions and to reserve your spot. Drop-ins are welcome provided that there is available space. There is no charge for this class but donations will be gratefully accepted. 5

6 saint cecilia parish Haley House Outdoor Community Servings Saturday, August 20 I 5:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. 12 Dade Street, Roxbury JOIN US AT COMMUNITY SERVINGS Join us from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 when we volunteer in the kitchens of Community Servings. We are looking for volunteers to assist in preparing and packaging nutritious meals for those who are home-bound with life-threatening illnesses throughout Eastern Massachusetts. No culinary skills are required, but volunteers need to be at least thirteen years of age. Please feel free to join us even if you can't be there until a bit later than 10 a.m. Community Servings is conveniently located next to the Stony Brook T Station in Jamaica Plain. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Mark Lippolt at: mlippolt@hammondre. com. REQUEST FROM CATHOLIC CHARITIES Sunset Point Camp, located in Hull, serves as a dream "vacation" for 300 children each summer. The goal of the camp has always been to provide a free vacation for atrisk, low-income children from the Greater Boston area, without regard for their race, nationality, or religious affiliation. Sunset Point Camp is supervised by our friends at Catholic Charities. They have mentioned to us that they always need donations of sunscreen for the kids at the camp. So the next time you're at CVS or Walgreen's or your local supermarket, please consider picking up an extra tube of sunscreen and dropping it in the plastic bin identified for this purpose in the narthex. We have been told the higher the SPF number, the better. The camp also needs kids' flipflops for boys and girls age 6 to 12. Sunday, August 14 is the last day that we can accept these donations. STAYING IN TOUCH If you are moving, or have changed your phone or address, please be sure to update your contact information with the parish office. You can simply Mark Donohoe at mdonohoe@stceciliaparish.org with the new information. Thank you. SCYA will be serving as on-call volunteers during this 4th annual celebration of the Haley House community! Volunteers will be present to enjoy the event, including a buffet dinner and live music by the JP Honk Band, and offer support to the organizers as needed. RSVP to scyoungadults@gmail.com Newbie Orientation to the SAINT Cecilia Young Adults Group Sunday, August 21 I After the 11:15 a.m. Mass Parish Hall New to SCYA? Want a low-key chance to hear about what we do? Get to know some other "newbies" over coffee and get acquainted to how the group is structured. E- mail scyoungadults@gmail.com to let us know you'll join us! Volunteer with Prison and After Ministry Monday, August 22 I 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Parish Hall Help feed our guests who are getting on their feet after being in prison. You can choose to bring large quantities of salads, chips/salsa, guac, beans, grilled veggies, shredded beef/chicken/pork, seasoned rice, etc. scyoungadults@gmail.com. SCYA 2nd Annual Camping Trip Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 28 Shawme Crowell State Forest Shawme the campsite! After you sign up, Venmo or PayPal $20 to ckc1025@gmail.com. We'll organize rides/ tents. If it's anything like last year, there will be singing, beach time, lots of group meals, and a potential cake baked over a fire in a cast iron skillet. RSVP by August 6. SAINT CECILIA YOUNG ADULTS Saint Cecilia Young Adults ministry welcomes parishioners ages Join us in fellowship! us. scyoungadults@gmail.com. 6

7 By JAMES MARTIN, SJ The Feast of the Assumption... and God's Love for Us Last night I was discussing the Feast of the Assumption with a Jesuit in my community. (Yes, we do occasionally have highbrow discussions like that but not always.) I mentioned that when I was in the Holy Land I was surprised to find two churches nearby that seemed to have competing messages. You could see both of them clearly from the Mount of Olives. One was the Catholic-run Church of the Dormition of Mary, and the other the Orthodox-run Tomb of the Virgin Mary. So I wondered whether Catholic doctrine pointed us still in the direction of Mary falling asleep (dormition) versus her actual death. He mentioned a letter from Blessed John Paul II, from a general audience in 1997, which turned out to have the most succinct definition of the Assumption that I ve seen, admirable in its clarity. Here s what John Paul said: Following the Bull 'Munificentissimus Deus' of my venerable Predecessor Pius XII, the Second Vatican Council affirms that the Immaculate Virgin 'was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, when her earthly life was over' (Lumen gentium, n. 59). The Council Fathers wished to stress that Mary, unlike Christians who die in God s grace, was taken up into the glory of heaven with her body. This age-old old belief is expressed in a long iconographical tradition which shows Mary entering heaven with her body. The dogma of the Assumption affirms that Mary's body was glorified after her death. In fact, while for other human beings the resurrection of the body will take place at the end of the world, for Mary the glorification of her body was anticipated by a special privilege. It s good to have a clear definition of a feast that can be confusing to people because it s not based in Scripture. (We re not told anything about Mary s death in the Gospels or Acts or the Letters of St. Paul.) For me the Assumption has always been about three things. First, God s love for Mary. God so loved Mary that he assumes her into heaven, body and soul. It s as if God wanted her to be in heaven immediately, without delay, fully and totally, so much did he love her. As Pope Benedict XVI said in a homily in 2006, Being God s dwelling place on earth, in her the eternal dwelling place has already been prepared; it has already been prepared for ever. Second, it is about the dignity of the body. We tend to talk about heaven as if we will all be disembodied spirits, but here (and at the Resurrection, more importantly) it is not only Mary s soul that is assumed, but her physical body. God loves our souls, and our bodies, too. Finally, it is about God s love for all of us. Jesus was the firstfruits of the new Jerusalem, when our mortal bodies will be glorified and raised. Mary participates in this gift with her son. Soon we all will, out of God s love for all of us. Happy Feast of the Assumption. Window depicting the Assumption of Mary at Saint Cecilia Church 7

8 WISDOM AND MATURE SPIRITUALITY GROUP The Saint Cecilia Wisdom & Mature Spirituality Group held its initial planning meeting on Sunday, July 31. This meeting resulted in an enthusiastic commitment to continue the quest for ongoing spiritual formation and development. Following an opening prayer and introductions, participants shared with one another the type of activities, relationships, and reflections that they envision for the group. We will be meeting again next Sunday, August 21 and would be pleased to welcome new faces as we continue to plan and work towards the development of a spirituality group for those of us who have reached that stage in life where our past constitutes a significant part of the whole of our existence on earth. Please join us on Sunday, August 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in CL4 in the Parish Pastoral Center. CARES Ministry Training The training class for those interested in preparing to provide pastoral visits as a member of Saint Cecilia parish CARES ministry outreach team will begin in September. This six week program is titled Pastoral Care to the Sick and Homebound. Upon completion, you will be eligible to join with other CARES ministers to support those in need with visits offering pastoral support. If interested, please contact Jeanne Bruno (Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach) at jbruno@ stceciliaboston.org or X 117. DRIVERS NEEDED Each month parishioners have the opportunity to pick up donated meat, dairy products, and produce from three local supermarkets and deliver it to either Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center in Dorchester or the Pine Street Inn in the South End. This vital ministry takes place at 7:30 a. m. every Saturday and Sunday morning and on Sundays can be completed in time to attend the 9:30 parish Mass. We need drivers for all the Saturdays and Sundays in August. LOW-GLUTEN ALTAR BREAD AVAILABLE If you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten. These hosts are prepared by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri. CATHOLIC CHARITIES' FOOD PANTRY AT HAITIAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTER Did you know that August is the month when most food pantries and groups that feed the homeless experience the greatest demand for their services? It isn't around the Christmas holidays: it's August. Most summer school meals programs end in early August and families can suddenly find themselves with three or four additional mouths to feed at breakfast and lunch. Also, August is the month when family budgets are stretched to purchase back-to-school supplies and clothes. Given the current state of the economy for the working poor, our friends at Catholic Charities expect to see many more hungry families looking for assistance at their food pantry this month. We at Saint Cecilia Parish would like to help them meet this increase in demand. Please consider bringing the following items to the food baskets in the back of the church: peanut butter, tuna fi s h, c a n n e d c h i c k e n b r e a s t, C h e e r i o s o r c o r n fl a k e s, cooking oil, white flour spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and tomato sauce. WELCOMING THE STRANGER Many of us were moved on hearing that Pope Francis, while visiting a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, brought twelve Syrian Muslims back to the Vatican with him on the papal plane. The Pope addressed the refugees and said, "As people of faith, we wish to join our voices to speak out on your behalf. We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity." Inspired by the Pope's words and actions, Saint Cecilia parish is working with Catholic Charities to assist two Muslim Syrian families who have relocated to the Greater Boston area. With no friends or relatives in the United States, they have a great many needs. At this point in time, the parish has offered to provide them with supermarket gift cards so that they will have food while their applications for political asylum are processed. If you would like to purchase gift cards to Market Basket specifically and no more than $25 per card please feel free to drop them in the offertory basket. If you do not live near a Market Basket and cannot purchase a gift card, you can also help by making a check for $25 payable to Saint Cecilia Parish and putting it in the offertory. Please write Syrian Refugees in the memo line. 8

9 Parish RESOURCES Parish Office & Mailing Address 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA Hours Monday Friday, 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Phone Fax Website Parish Staff Rev. John J. Unni, Pastor Mary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations, Mark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, Scott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development, Jeanne Bruno, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach, Richard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, Lisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager, Assisting Clergy Rev. Arthur M. Calter Rev. Peter Grover, OMV Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ Rev. George Winchester, SJ Schedule for Liturgy Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. Lord s Day Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m. Holy Days 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer, as announced. Please check the bulletin for dates and times. Reconciliation Available at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine ( x221), St. Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center ( ), and St. Anthony Shrine ( ). Please call for scheduled times. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of eucharist and confirmation. For more information, please contact Scott MacDonald. Faith Formation for Children To register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald. Care of the Sick To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the parish office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies. Baptism for Infants Infant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe. Marriage Couples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the parish office at least six months in advance. Order of Christian Funerals The parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the parish office for more information. Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Team The CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty (loisflaherty@gmail.com), Maria Roche (maria.roche15@gmail.com), Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail. com), or Erin Young (erin.t.young@gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns. The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the narthex and parish office, as well as on our website. For Those with Celiac Disease If you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten. Hearing Assistance in Church The church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass. Access for the Disabled The church is accessible by elevator. Sunday Parking There is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street (next to Summer Shack/Kings) on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving Mass. Discounted parking is no longer available at the Hilton Boston Back Bay, but reduced-rate parking continues to be available on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $ Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia. For more information, contact stceciliarainbowministry@gmail.com. Joining Our Community We re happy that you re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighborhoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex. 9