Saint Cecilia. Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. 18 November Fig Tree in Bloom Yvonne Ayoub

Transcription

1 Saint Cecilia P A R I S H Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time 18 November 2012 Fig Tree in Bloom Yvonne Ayoub

2 welcome! Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish, a Roman Catholic community that gathers day by day, week by week, to know and make known the grace of God. By means of this abundant grace, we enjoy a diverse and close-knit parish family young, old, rich, poor, of various ethnic origins and differing backgrounds. From our extraordinary music program to a growing children s faith formation program; from the various liturgical ministries to the many opportunities for social outreach that the parish provides, Saint Cecilia is a vibrant community of faith, centered on prayer and worship that tries to keep the Gospel close to heart and to live by Jesus teachings. Saint Cecilia Parish was established in At that time the Back Bay section of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street was the residential section of the Yankee aristocracy. The maids ( Irish working out girls ) and coachmen who served these residents had long requested a church of their own. When Archbishop Williams granted their request and carved the parish from the territory of the Cathedral, they built a magnificent church out of their meager earnings. The church was dedicated on April 22, Its architecture is Romanesque, XII Century Norman. The main altar, notable for its massive simplicity, was carved from a single block of white Carrara marble. The painting in the center reredos is a reproduction of da Vinci s The Last Supper, and the dome above is an array of 24K gold rosettes. For the sixtieth anniversary celebration in 1954, a massive renovation project was undertaken. During this renovation, a statue of Pope Saint Pius X (canonized that same year) was imported from Italy and placed on the right side of the sanctuary. Above the statue are paintings from Pius life. On the left side is a statue of Saint Patrick, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Boston, and above it are three scenes from his life. Fourteen circular and sixteen square panels adorn the nave and arches of the church. The square panels are decorated with the symbols of Our Lady taken from the Litany of Loreto and the circular ones with symbols taken from the lives of the apostles. The great window of the Assumption framed by the two oak cases of the organ was installed in 1954 (the Marian Year) in spaces originally designed for windows but not until then used. The original organ of 24 stops was built in 1902 by the Hutchings-Votey Organ Company, Opus 1465, and was rebuilt in 1954 with 32 stops. In 1998, Timothy Smith and Theodore Gilbert began a massive reconstruction of the organ. The current Smith & Gilbert Organ of 4 manuals, 50 ranks, and 2,926 pipes was dedicated on the Feast of Saint Cecilia, November 22, Today we are experiencing something of an awakening within these old walls. We have just completed a major renovation, our numbers are increasing, and we continue to grow in our commitment to issues of peace, justice, and service to our neighbors, both near and far. We ve been right here on Belvidere Street, in the same building for over 120 years, but that does not mean that life here is stale, stagnant, or even predictable. We are proud to be entrusted with the legacy of Saint Cecilia Parish, where everything is the same, yet always changing; where we honor tradition while embracing the future; where God s love makes all things new.

3 our community news Ministers of the Liturgy Saturday 5:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrant Laura Orrell, lector Sunday 8:00 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Tom Nicolini, lector Sunday 9:30 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Tim Pratt, Jim Dougherty, & Letitia Howland, lectors Sunday 11:15 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Paul Keating, Cole Young, & Erin Young, lectors Sunday 6:00 p.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrant Caitlin Keeton & Monica Lundberg, lectors today s readings Daniel 12:1-3 Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Mark 13:24-32 special intentions Sunday, November 18 8:00 a.m. Roséa Aubrey, Special Intention Sunday, November 18 9:30 a.m. Peter Lanzetti, Third Anniversary Sunday, November 18 11:15 a.m. Samuel McGarry & the Deceased Members of the McGarry Family, Memorial HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Every year, this uniquely American holiday provides us the opportunity to reflect on and perhaps even articulate what we cherish most in our lives. Savor the beautiful days ahead, pray for those for whom the holidays are stressful or lonely, and offer thanks to God for the blessings in your life. The parish pastoral and support staff wish you and your loved ones all the blessings of Thanksgiving a grateful heart, abundance at your table, safety in your journeys, and open hands to share with the poor. Happy Thanksgiving! next sunday s Readings Daniel 7:13-14 Revelation 1:5-8 John 18:33b-37 3

4 Prayers & Occasions Our Deceased Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Joseph Cochrane who died on November 12. May his soul rest in peace. Our Sick Please pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Josephine Parker, John Saulenas, K. Champoux, Patricia Hoggard, Jennifer Serpico, Christine St. Pierre, Harold Williamson, Jessica Rivieccio, Earl Chilcote, Colonel Robert C. Tashjian, Kim Murray, Heather LoRe, Rudy Kikel, Herbert Simmons, Peggy Furey, Janice Mascia, Pamela D Ambra, Sue Lucas, Suki Coughlin, Roberta Keenan, Bridget Spence, Annette Kulas, Sam Gowan, Rhea Richard, Pil-Yun Son, Mary Yanez, Larry Buckley, M. Frances Driscoll, Ed Langlais, Bob McLaughlin, Steven Whitkens, Diana Slaton, Leo Garcia, Joe Ford, Danny Cotter, Natalia Chilcote, Amy Sweetland, Jim Keyes, Michael Zawikowski, Patricia Macdonald, Elvera Dowsky, Frank Ackley, Fred Haslee, Lorraine Haslee, Robert Menson, Paul Flaherty, William Louttit, Lucie Kelly, Bro. Adam Zielonka, O.C.S.O., Amy Duarte, Karen & Rick, Phyllis Porras, Jim Linderman, Mark Amerault, Sr. Nuala Cotter, R.A., Kristen DeFranco Martinez, Michele Crowley Tippens, Sara Lima Santos, Joseph Driscoll, Pete Huttlinger, Anthony Simboli, Lisa Caputo, Edward Gill, Darlene McLendon, Jeanne Tibbs, Deidre Sullivan, Roosevelt Brown, Mary O Donnell, Ginny L Abbe, Steve Chamberlain, Matt Penchuk, Carrie Penchuk, Christy Cosgrove, Jacques Romberger, John Scaife, Maureen Sullivan, Alyce Haley, Joe Capizzi, David Walsh, Joe Huenke, Kaylin Marcotte, Avito Pacifici, Charlotte Egan, James Noone, Keith Plaster, Frederick Flather, David & Paula Fillion, Fred Maglero, Sarah Sweeney, Susan Shea, Bill Croke, Ettore Bergamaschi, Ryan Delaney, Manuela Almeida, Ilda Almeida, Joe Farrell, Ethan D Amato, Sophie Gagnon, Earl Meyers, Kathleen A. Meehan, Anne Frenette Handly, Jan Igras, Cheryl Sabin, Trish Mullen, Thomas Corrigan, Fernando Luis Riganti, Frank DeMare, Carmela Franchi, Little Tommy Sullivan, Kathy K., Julie Zaino, Ruth Frost, Benedicto Lopes, Elie Prevost, & Roséa Aubrey. Special Collection This Weekend Today s second collection is used to assist religious communities of women to provide for the retirement and healthcare needs of Sisters who have served in the Archdiocese. Please take this opportunity to say thank you to Sisters who have served the Church of Boston so generously for so many years. Your contribution does make a difference. For more information, please contact Sister Marian Batho, CSJ, Delegate for Religious at (617) or Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org, or please visit Happy Feast Day! This Thursday, November 22, is the feast day of Saint Cecilia and the titular solemnity of our parish. Saint Cecilia is the patroness of musicians and church music and so we remember in prayer and gratitude the many members of our community who give so generously of their time to help lead us in song and add beauty to our worship. Please join us for Evening Prayer on Wednesday at six thirty to celebrate this special day. November the Month of All Souls November is a traditional time to remember and pray for our dead. During this month you are invited to bring framed photographs of your loved ones to display on the table near The Book of the Names of the Dead. Thanksgiving Prayers Pray for safe journeys for all who travel this week. Remember those who bear the strain of separation from loved ones, especially those who are in the military and in difficult circumstances. And remember in your prayer those who will spend Thanksgiving alone this year. 4

5 vigil for the feast of saint cecilia Please join us at six-thirty on the evening before Thanksgiving as we celebrate First Vespers for the Solemnity of Saint Cecilia, our patronal feast day. We invite everyone attending to bring some food to donate to the Catholic Charities food pantry. Staples such as Cheerios, corn flakes, white flour spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, tomato sauce, peanut butter, canned tuna, and canned chicken breast are always in need. Thanks in advance for your contributions. offertory commitment program THIS IS COMMITMENT WEEKEND As a response to the call for increased financial support, all parishioners are asked to return their completed commitment envelopes this week. During the past two weeks, Father John and fellow parishioners spoke about our Offertory Commitment Program (OCP) and our effort to increase financial support to the parish. A brochure and Commitment Envelope were mailed to every household. Those currently enrolled in the OCP also received a renewal form. Additional brochures and envelopes are available in the church. If you did not receive materials by mail, please pick them up after Mass. We ask that you return your envelope as soon as possible by mail, or place it in the collection at Mass next weekend. Please help Saint Cecilia Parish meet its growing financial obligations and consider a giving level that is best suited to your circumstances. This will allow us to plan accurately for the future. thank you! ORGAN CONSOLE FUNDRAISING UPDATE Dear Parishioners, As of Sunday, November 11th, we have raised $15,552 surpassing our goal of $12,000 by 30%! This will allow us to keep installation of the console on schedule for Christmas Eve. Thank you! The additional 30% raised provides flexibility in case of an unexpected cost overrun or for regular ongoing maintenance, which keeps the instrument beautiful and reliable. Even though we have surpassed our goal, all donors of $500 or more will be honored on a plaque on the organ. As previously stated, the new console is in fact not brand new such an investment would cost well over $200,000. However this used, but technologically up-todate console is by far the most fiscally prudent avenue to pursue. It will support our robust music program with greater ease, and for many years to come. Along with your donations, it has been deeply warming to read so many notes of heartfelt gratitude for the Saint Cecilia music program. It is our 50+ music ministers who deserve the credit. While our music program and pipe organ have received a great deal of national attention, this is merely a byproduct of hard work, dedication, and prayer through music. I am deeply indebted to our hard working and talented volunteers. Finally, I am deeply grateful to you who support the music program not only financially, but through lifting up your voices in song in praise of God. Words cannot express my gratitude to Saint Cecilia Parish and to Father John Unni for allowing me to do my job for you each week. I am honored to be your Music Director and Organist. Sincerely, Richard J. Clark Prayerfully and Carefully Consider Your Commitment We realize that much has already been asked of our parishioners, and that some families or individuals are experiencing difficult financial times. We are counting on those who are able to make a sacrifice and increase their financial support. Thank you very much! 5

6 commemoration of all the faithful departed Our loved ones who have died since November 1, 2011 Agnes Curry John Kiernan Joan Bennett Jim Clerke Constance Raffin Kevin H. White Robert A. Johnson Pearl C. Newhall Thomas L. Largey, Jr. Winifred R. Dyer Anthony M. LoRe, Sr. Anita Cipriani Margaret Hinsdale Pometta Bryce Holton Dr. Dougald C. MacGillivray Shirley St. Pierre Florine A. Dumont Elizabeth G. Ambrosi Mary Kiely Carol M. Connolly Roy E. Curry Margaret A. McCrory Sergio Bru Fred D. Iannazzi Helen S. Carey Claire M. White "Blessed are the dead who have died in the Lord, let them rest from their labors, for their good deeds go with them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them." Order of Christian Funerals

7 anticipation Just before we enter Advent, the lovely season of anticipation, when we look and long for the light that is our gift at Christmas, there is another chore of preparation and anticipation, not for Christmas, but for springtime the planting of our tulip bulbs. Remember how pretty they were last spring? If the weather complies, we'd like to dig up the mums and plant our bulbs on Saturday morning the 24th, beginning at ten o'clock. Please join us if you can; the more the merrier. with any questions. share in the spirit of thanksgiving with pine street inn tenants Pine Street Inn is grateful to Saint Cecilia Parish for hosting the second annual Thanksgiving Dinner for nearly 100 Pine Street tenants. We are looking for parishioners to share in the spirit of Thanksgiving by playing games and sharing in a meal with tenants on Thanksgiving Day in the Parish Hall. Volunteer shifts include games and entertainment from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and meal service and clean up from 10:45-1:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please speak with Judi Jackson after this morning's liturgies or Judi at Judi.Jackson@pinestreetinn.org. Please stop by the table in the narthex if you are able to make a donation to support the meal and the transportation needs of the tenants who will be attending our Thanksgiving meal. christmas eve choirs We are looking for people to join our Christmas Eve choir. This is a one time commitment. We will have two Christmas Eve Masses: four o clock and six-thirty. Please come and sing at either or both Masses. Rehearsals will be held in the church at seven o clock on two Thursday evenings, December 13 and 20. If you are interested, please see Music Director Richard Clark or e mail him at RClark@stceciliaboston.org. thanksgiving dinner at morville house Once again, we will be serving Thanksgiving dinner at Morville House, a 147-unit federally subsidized home for low-income elders, and are looking for volunteers to help out. We are in need of the following: 5 turkeys are needed. Each turkey should weigh pounds and needs to be roasted, carved, and delivered to Morville House anytime on Wednesday, November 21 or by 10:00 on Thanksgiving morning. Desserts are needed and should be dropped off at Morville House on Wednesday, November 21 (anytime day or night) or by 11:00 on Thanksgiving morning. We need six people to arrive at Morville House at 10:30 on Thanksgiving morning to help with prep work. We need twenty people to help serve and clean-up. You would need to arrive at Morville House by noon and we will finish clean-up by 3:30 p.m. There are sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall. Morville House is located at 100 Norway Street in the Fenway neighborhood. For more information, please contact Kim Kates at kkates86@aol.com or (781) Kim will call you on Thanksgiving week to check in. christmas in bridgewater We are continuing to collect the following items to give to the men at Bridgewater State Hospital for Christmas: Shampoo (up to 15-ounces) Plain White Envelopes both long and short Toothpaste (4 to 6-ounces) White Lined Pads of Paper (8.5 x 11 no wire) These are the only items the Department of Corrections will allow the men to receive. Please bring your unwrapped gift to church and leave it in the plastic bin in the narthex that is labeled Bridgewater State Hospital. Thank you. 7

8 turkey drop! The Little Sisters of the Poor need our help during the holiday season. They are holding a Turkey Drop and will be available to receive turkeys at their home, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 186 Highland Avenue, Somerville. The Sisters will graciously accept donations of turkeys and gift cards to local supermarkets. Other donation of stuffing, cranberry sauce and anything else which makes the meal complete will gratefully be accepted as well. All donations will bring holiday cheer to the men and women ministered to by the Little Sisters. voices from death row Join the Community of Sant Egidio for an anti-death penalty panel discussion: Voices from Death Row, Thursday, November 29, 7 9 p.m., at Boston College, Devlin Hall 101. The panel will feature: Lawyer Johnson, exonerated from death row in MA in 1982; Dale Recinella, chaplain on Florida s death row and author of Now I Walk on Death Row: A Wall Street Finance Lawyer Stumbles into the Arms of a Loving God; and Joshua Marmol, member of Sant Egidio and friend to death row inmates in the US and Africa. This event is part of the Community of Sant Egidio s worldwide campaign Cities for Life to abolish the death penalty. For more information, contact parishioner David Sulewski ( , djsulewski@gmail.com). To learn more about the Community of Sant Egidio, a Catholic lay movement, visit done time? Men and women who have been incarcerated are invited to join this group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support. The meetings are held on Monday evenings from six to eight o'clock in the Parish Pastoral Center. We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal.for information, please contact Tom Ash at whatevertp@gmail.com, (617) or Peg Newman at peg_newman@msn. com, (508) save the date December 11 PARISH CHRISTMAS CONCERT FEATURING THE COPLEY SINGERS AND RECEPTION WITH CAROL SING Please plan to be with us on Tuesday evening, December 11 at seven o clock for our parish Christmas concert, featuring the Copley Singers, under the direction of Brian Jones. This will be a wonderful evening for both adults and children. Following the concert, there will be a festive reception in the Parish Hall with a carol sing and a visit from that right jolly old elf, Santa Claus! Founded in 2006, the Copley Singers are a congenial group of auditioned volunteers and professionals, all dedicated to the art of fine choral singing and the joy of communicating their love of this art to the public. Director Brian Jones is Emeritus Director of Music at Trinity Church, Copley Square, an active organ concert artist and guest conductor with many recordings to his credit. The group has performed throughout New England, including programs in Boston, Cambridge, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha s Vineyard, and many other venues. They collaborated with the Harvard University Choral Scholars in the 2007 Easter Service at The Memorial Church at Harvard, and offered a hymn festival for a convention of the Organ Historical Society several years ago in Plymouth, led on that occasion by Brian Jones and the late Reverend Peter J. Gomes. In the spring of 2009, they joined with the Ensemble Singers of Bermuda to perform a special concert which was part of the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Island. They were honored in September, 2010 to be invited to sing for the memorial service of Rosemary Thompson, daughter of Harvard composer Randall Thompson. Last year they were invited to sing at the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Commemoration at Trinity Church Wall Street in Lower Manhattan and were one of nine choral groups that performed at the full day concert featuring celebrated choirs from New York City, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Boston regions forever linked by the tragic events of 9/11. You won t want to miss this fun evening. Tickets will be sold at the door. $20 admission fee $10 for students and seniors Children are FREE 8

9 navigating grief & loss during the holidays THURSDAYS - 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, & 12/20 FROM 6:00 7:30 P.M. OFFERED BY COLLEEN SHARKA, LMHC As we journey with loss at this time of year, we may feel sorrow and sadness while inundated with holiday advertisements and party invitations. We can feel a loss of control over our lives that leaves us feeling extremely vulnerable. While others celebrate, we grieve. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a job, a role, a relationship, or health, we are working through a grief process. While we approach this process individually, the way we navigate it is affected by the people in our lives and the environment around us. Self-care and spiritual support can make a tremendous difference at such a time. This 4-week support (not therapy) group will provide an opportunity to explore these issues as we discuss the different types of loss and grieving, the effects and tasks of grieving, as well as coping and self-care. We will do all of this within a spiritual context as we pay attention to the challenges and opportunities of navigating grief and loss during the holidays. This 4-session group is offered for $200. For more information and to register, colleen@stillharbor.org. Limited financial aid is available. christmas with the vienna boys' choir The Cathedral of the Holy Cross proudly presents "Christmas at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross with The Vienna Boys' Choir." This superb holiday concert will be hosted by radio personality and voice of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ron Della Chiesa. The concert will take place on Sunday afternoon, December 2 at three o'clock. General admission tickets at $34.00 each are available now at www. etix.com or by calling (617) The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is wheelchair accessible. third annual write for rights YOUR WORDS CAN SAVE LIVES! We will mark International Human Rights Day, by once again coming together as a community and taking part in Amnesty International s Write for Rights Global Write-a-Thon. On Sunday afternoon, December 9, we will meet in the Parish Pastoral Center from one to four o'clock and write letters and cards demanding that the human rights of individuals in ten different cases are respected, protected and fulfilled. And through our action we will show solidarity with those suffering human rights abuses and help bring about change in people s lives. Pen, paper, and suggested texts for the letters will be supplied. Please stop by whether you can write one letter or ten. And please bring your friends. Refreshments will be served. If you would like to participate, or have questions please contact parishioner Celina Valadao at celinavaladao@gmail.org or Mark Lippolt at mlippolt@hammondre.com. what a great night! SAINT CECILIA FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM DINNERS KICKED-OFF ON NOVEMBER 12 Last Monday, children and parents from the Faith Formation Program s 3rd grade class kicked-off the academic year dinners at Pine Street Women s Inn. Thanks to all of the families who helped prepare a sumptuous chicken dinner, with green beans, cranberry sauce and salad, along with homemade cookies, cupcakes and brownies and plenty of fresh fruit. The families served some 100 women guests, and as a testimony to the chefs skills, there were no leftovers! The initial dinner was a huge success, thanks not only to the hard work of 3rd grade parent coordinator Paul Fitzgerald and the parent chefs, but also to the charming 3rd graders who helped serve the meal. It is wonderful to see the children helping set up the salads and desserts, helping the ladies select their salad dressing or a piece of fruit or just proving a smiling face to the women guests as they went through the food line! There were many words of gratitude from the women guests for the Saint Cecilia families! It was a win-win evening for all involved. 9

10 US Bishops Endorse Sainthood Cause of Catholic Worker's Dorothy Day By MARK PATTISON BALTIMORE (CNS) The U.S. bishops, on a voice vote, endorsed the sainthood cause of Dorothy Day, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement, who was famously quoted as saying, "Don't call me a saint. I don't want to be dismissed so easily." The endorsement came at the end of a canonically required consultation that took place Nov. 13, the second day of the bishops' annual fall general assembly in Baltimore. Under the terms of the 2007 Vatican document Sanctorum Mater, the diocesan bishop promoting a sainthood cause must consult at least with the regional bishops' conference on the advisability of pursuing the cause. In the case of Day, whose Catholic Worker ministry was based in New York City, the bishop promoting her cause is Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. bishops' conference. The cause was first undertaken by one of Cardinal Dolan's predecessors in New York, Cardinal John O'Connor. Cardinal Dolan had earlier conducted a consultation with bishops in his region, and subsequently chose to seek a consultation with the full body of U.S. bishops. He and the other bishops who spoke during the consultation, some of whom had met Day, called her sainthood cause an opportune moment in the life of the U.S. church. Cardinal Dolan called Day's journey "Augustinian," saying that "she was the first to admit it: sexual immorality, there was a religious search, there was a pregnancy out of wedlock, and an abortion. Like Saul on the way to Damascus, she was radically changed" and has become "a saint for our time." "Of all the people we need to reach out to, all the people that are hard to get at, the street people, the ones who are on drugs, the ones who have had abortions, she was one of them," Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick said of Day. The retired archbishop of Washington is a native New Yorker. "What a tremendous opportunity to say to them you can not only be brought back into society, you can not only be brought back into the church, you can be a saint!" he added. "She was a very great personal friend to me when I was a young priest," said Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y. "To be able to stand here and say yes to this means a great deal to me." Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, recalled being assigned to Nativity Parish in New York City in the 1970s. "I had the privilege of being in that parish for the last years of her life.... her final days and suffering" and her 1980 funeral. 10

11 The work of the Catholic Worker movement is still active 80 years after Day co-founded the movement with Peter Maurin. There are many Catholic Worker houses in the United States, some in rural areas but more in some of the most desperately poor areas of the nation's biggest cities. They follow the Catholic Worker movement's charism of voluntary poverty, the works of mercy, and working for peace and justice. The Catholic Worker, the newspaper established by Day, is still published regularly, and still charges what it did at its founding: one penny. I read the Catholic Worker when I was in high school and I've read it ever since," said Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago. He recalled meeting Day soon after the 1960 presidential election. "I had just voted for the first time, for John F. Kennedy. I listened to her critique of our economic and political structures. I asked her, 'Do you think it will help having a Catholic in the White House who can fight for social justice?' "She was very acerbic. She said, 'Young man' I was young at that time 'young man, I believe Mr. Kennedy has chosen very badly. No serious Catholic would want to be President of the United States.' I didn't agree with her at that time. And I'm not sure I agree with her now." Day's early life was turbulent and unsettled. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1897, but her family soon moved to San Francisco, where she was baptized an Episcopalian. Her family later moved to Chicago, and Day attended the University of Illinois in Urbana. However, she left college to go to New York City to work as a journalist. While in New York, she got involved in the causes of her day, such as women's suffrage and peace, and was part of a circle of top literary and artistic figures of the era. In Day's personal life, though, she went through a string of love affairs, a failed marriage, a suicide attempt and an abortion. But with the birth of her daughter, Tamar, in 1926, Day embraced Catholicism. She had Tamar baptized Catholic, which ended her common-law marriage and brought dismay to her friends. As she sought to fuse her life and her faith, she wrote for such Catholic publications as America and Commonweal. In 1932, she met Maurin, a French immigrant and former Christian Brother. Together they started the Catholic Worker newspaper and later, several houses of hospitality and farm communities in the United States and elsewhere. While working for integration, Day was shot at. She prayed and fasted for peace at the Second Vatican Council. She died in 1980 in Maryhouse, one of the Catholic Worker houses she established in New York City. She has been the focus of a number of biographies. Other books featuring her prayers and writings have been published. In the 1990s, a film biography Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story starring Moira Kelly and Martin Sheen, made its way to theaters. This news report was published on November 13, 2012 by Catholic News Service. Prayer for the Intercession of Servant of God Dorothy Day God our Creator, your servant Dorothy Day exemplified the Catholic faith by her conversion, life of prayer and voluntary poverty, works of mercy, and witness to the justice and peace of the Gospel. May her life inspire people to turn to Christ as their Savior and guide, to see his face in the world s poor and to raise their voices for the justice of God s kingdom. We pray that you grant the favors we ask through her intercession so that her goodness and holiness my be more widely recognized and one day the Church may proclaim her Saint. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer composed by Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York 11

12 ADVENT SPEAKER SERIES Advent is a time of preparation and expectant waiting for the Incarnation of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is sponsoring a speaker series this year during Advent with the theme of "waiting." The first talk in the series will be held on Wednesday evening, December 5 at seven o'clock. The first speaker is Father John Allan Loftus, S.J., a member of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus (though he has worked for many years in both Boston and Toronto) and former director of the Jesuit Urban Center. He is a clinical psychologist who maintains a private practice in Chestnut Hill working primarily with clergy and religious. He is also an associate pastor at Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish. The title of Father Loftus' presentation is, "We Are Waiting: But What Exactly Are We Waiting For?" There will be a reception in the Parish Hall following the talk. ADVENT candles ADVENT CANDLES ARE FOR SALE TODAY AND FOR THE NEXT TWO SUNDAYS It s almost time for the Advent wreath! In just two weeks we say goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark in order to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke. Advent begins at sunset on Saturday, December 1, so it's not too early to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home. All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles, one for each of the four Sundays of Advent. Traditionally, three violet candles and one rose candle are used, but some people prefer to use blue, which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns. You could also use all white candles. A nice custom is to set up the wreath on your dinner table and light a candle (or candles) during dinner each evening. Beginning today and for the next two Sundays, we will be selling sets of Advent candles for $8.00 in the Parish Hall at the Faith Formation Resource Table. If you have children in the Faith Formation Program, you do not need to purchase a set of candles since we'll be making Advent wreaths on December 2. THANKSGIVING GRACE BEFORE MEALS drivers needed Each month parishioners have the opportunity to pick up donated meat, dairy products, and produce from a South Shore supermarket and baked goods from two Whole Foods stores and deliver it to Catholic Charities' Haitian Multi-Service Center in Dorchester along with the packaged food items donated at Saint Cecilia. This vital ministry takes place at seven-thirty on Sunday mornings and can be completed in time to attend the nine-thirty parish Mass. We need five cars each time we deliver to Catholic Charities. Our upcoming dates are: November 25 December 9, December 23, and December 30 If you have a car and are interested in volunteering, please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolt@hammondre. com. If it is not already your custom to say grace before meals, Thanksgiving is a good time to do so. Here s one option you might consider using. When all have gathered at table, the person who leads the prayer begins: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, we bless you for your goodness. By this meal we share, strengthen the bonds of family and friendship. Touch our table today with a knowledge of your presence, and help us delight in one another s company. Keep us ever mindful of those who go without the basic needs of life today, and strengthen in us the desire to respond to their hunger for food, water, medicine, and companionship. Bless all whose labor has yielded a rich harvest, watch over them and their families today. Bless our cooks, and those who serve and clean up! We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen! 12

13 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, Mark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, Scott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development, Richard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, Maureen Sullivan, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, Genevieve Fiorente, Office Administrative Assistant Assisting Clergy Rev. Thomas Gariepy, CSC Rev. Peter Grover, OMV Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ Rev. George Winchester, SJ Schedule for Liturgy Wednesdays During Lent 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:00 a.m. Lord s Day Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15, & 6:00 p.m. Holy Days 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Reconciliation By appointment at any time and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 8:00 during Lent. 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 Mark Donohoe. Baptism for Infants Infant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe. Faith Formation for Children To register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald in the parish office. Marriage Couples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the parish office at least six months in advance. 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. 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) or Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail. 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. Parking Reduced-rate parking (maximum of three hours) is available Sundays at the Prudential Center parking garage, LAZ Parking (53 Belvidere Street), and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay. Please bring your parking ticket to church for validation before returning to the garage. 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 gathering space. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia. 13