Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative

Transcription

1 Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative Home to St. Mary and St. John the Evangelist Parish Families Parish Offices located at 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, (978) (978) fax (978) Just as our Blessed Mother Mary and the Evangelist, called John, came together at the foot of the cross to serve Christ crucified, so also do the parish families bearing their names come together to serve God by serving each other and all who make up the body of The Risen Lord Peter approached Jesus and asked him, Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times? Jesus answered, I say to you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (MATT 18: 21-22) September 17, 2017: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion -Responsorial Psalm at St. Mary s SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Outdoor Mass & BBQ 11:00 am St. John s Great Lawn ** 11:00 am Mass at St. Mary s Cancelled ** MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Bible Study: Timeline 10:00 am Parish Hall Pastoral Plan Presentation 7:00 pm Parish Hall TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Bible Study: Follow Me 7:00 pm Parish Hall WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 Church 11am & 6pm Vocal & Instrumental Rehearsal 7:30 Church Boy Scout Troop 77 7:00-9:00 pm Parish Hall THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Rosary Makers 10:30 am Parish Hall Rosary 12:00 noon Church Adoration 3:00-9:00 pm Family Prayer Room Social Justice Comm Mtg 7:00 pm Parish Hall FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Adoration 7:30 am - 9:00 pm Family Prayer Room Knitting & Crocheting 3:00-5:00 pm Parish Hall Catechist Formation 7:00 pm PC Conf Room 1 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Adoration 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Parish Center Chapel Reconciliation 11:00 am - 12:00 noon Church Bell Choir Rehearsal 2:30-3:30 pm Church Anointing of the Sick following 4:00 pm Mass Church SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Catechist and Parent Meetings see Faith Formation Page In today s Gospel reading (MATT 18:21-35), what does Jesus parable of the unforgiving servant teach us about mercy? Join us at St. Mary s Grotto on Thursday evening, September 28th at 7:00 pm as we come together to pray the Rosary for the intentions of our brothers and sisters affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. St. Mary Church Wedding BANNS 1 Lauren Karadizian & Robert DuPont is back!!! All women of the Chelmsford Collaborative & beyond are welcome to join us THIS Tuesday, September 19 6:30-8:00 pm in the St. John s Mariotti Room Our reflection for the evening will be The Importance of Rest -Elisabeth Elliot ( ): Christian Author & Speaker And the Answer is... a new Q&A series that will run weekly beginning October 1st. We all have questions about our faith. Yes, ALL of us! It is in questioning that we become better-versed and more comfortable in our faith walk. Can you imagine if a child in a 2nd grade reading class never asked how to pronounce a word? Or if a high -schooler in honors chemistry class didn't ask and verify if it was solution A or B to add to test tube C? Or if an interviewee accepted a job without ever asking how much the pay is? The answers to our questions help to form our minds and in matters of faith, our souls. Submit your questions to christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org, or, if you wish to submit anonymously, place your question in an envelope marked with Christine and drop it into the offertory basket. Each week, one of your submitted questions will be answered by one of our priests. Let us all journey together as we continue to learn about our faith. Remember, there s no such thing as a stupid question

3 page 3 September 17th, 2017: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time To A Church Hall Near You! Ham & Bean Supper Saturday, October 21st following 4:00 pm Mass St. John s Church Hall Tickets will go on sale the weekends of October 7th/8th and 14th/15th St. John s Old Parish Center Saturday, September 30th 10:30 am -12:00 noon When a brother or sister dies, everything changes in your family, in your life and in your dreams. Know YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your grief and loneliness. A Surviving Sibling Support Group is now being offered on the last Saturday of each month for surviving adult siblings of all ages and for any reason. Join us in a safe place to share your story, find comfort, hope and encouragement as you continue a new path in life. Registration is not necessary. As our namesake, Mary, Mother of God, is clothed in Glory, might we not want to do the same for the building that is named after her? Family was central in the life of our Blessed Mother, and the new St. Mary Parish Center is central in our lives as Parish Family. With the birth of our parish center, we are in need of those last minute items to fully furnish the space making it that welcoming environment in which to lead all who enter to Jesus, her son. In order to keep consistent with the aesthetics of the building, we are asking for monetary donations so that we may purchase the following items... NOTE: There is no such thing as an insignificant donation. Handicap Assembly for doors Beverage Refrigerator Kitchen Refrigerator Specialty Office Equipment Computers Television Window Blinds General Furnishings Please make checks payable to St. Mary Church, noting PC Shower Donation in the memo line. Thank you! at St. John s SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 am Mass CANCELLED Outdoor Mass & Barbeque 10:30 am The Great Lawn MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Families w/addiction Support Group 7:00 pm Mariotti ACTS Core Meeting 6:30 pm Linehan TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 KOC 12th Annual Golf Outing Life Line Screening Event 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Hall Wine, Women & Word 6:30 pm Mariotti WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 RCIA Evening of Inquiry 6:30 pm Mariotti THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Charismatic Prayer Group 10:00 am OPC BINGO 6:45 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm) Hall FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 African Rosary 6:30 pm OPC SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Yard Sale 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Parking Lot Reconciliation 3:00-3:45 pm Church SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 am Mass Hall Grade K-6 Catechists Meeting 9:30 am Mariotti Grade 7-8 Catechists Meeting 10:30 am Mariotti Confirmation Table Facilitator Meeting 11:30 am Mariotti African Liturgy 12:30 pm Church The Table of Plenty in Chelmsford is an organization comprised of many volunteers throughout the community. We serve a free meal every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the First Parish Church in Chelmsford Center. Our guests enjoy a nutritious meal and the company of others in a relaxed, community setting. For more information, please visit our website at or call EAT (8328). Turn page for more

4 welcome to more Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative Presentation of the Pastoral Plan All are invited to one of two presentations, both held at 7:00 pm in our respective parish halls. Monday, September 18th at St. Mary s Tuesday, September 26th at St. John s These presentations are not parish specific, so please attend the presentation that best fits your schedule or attend both! Catechetical Sunday Today, September 17th "Living as Missionary Disciples." Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. Prayer for Catechists Father of all families, you have called me to serve the family in truth and love as a catechist. May I be faithful to this call, rooted in your Word, and open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. May I use these gifts, especially the gifts of faith, hope and love, to serve the family as a witness to you, who are love and life and the source and destiny of all families. Let your Spirit enlighten my mind and strengthen my heart so that I can be a path of Christ s love to families, especially those in need, the homebound and aged, the disabled and disheartened. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, I pray for the Church, the Bride of Christ, whose mission to build a civilization of love passes through the family. Amen Copyright 2010, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Washington, DC All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to duplicate this work without adaptation for non-commercial use. that the vestments the priest wears for Mass were originally the ordinary clothing people wore in ancient Greece? that each piece of the vestment has a symbolic meaning -The Alb (white robe) symbolizes his baptism -The stole (sash) that is draped over his shoulders symbolizes the authority of the Church? -A deacon s stole drapes over one shoulder, because he bears only partial authority. -The chasuble (the poncho the priest wears over everything) is designed to leave his arms free. -The dalmatic (the cover the deacon wears has sleeves), because he needs to be able to set up the altar without his vestment...about vestments? St. John s GIANT Yard Sale St. John s Parking Lot NEXT Saturday, September 23rd 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Rain or Shine & NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE STILL ACCEPTING DONATIONS right up until the 22nd! There s still time to drop those last-minute one man s trash is another man s treasure items! If you will be dropping off a considerable amount of items, or items that are of substantial size, please contact the parish office prior to drop-off so we can arrange to have the manpower on hand to accept your donation. You can now drop off your donations to the parish office during regular business hours... Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Wednesday 9:30 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 3 pm All proceeds from the sale of your donated items will directly benefit St. John s. IT S ALSO NOT TOO LATE TO SET UP YOUR OWN STORE If you would like to make a few bucks for yourself, you can rent a set up your own table for $15, or a worry-free table (we do the setup and breakdown) for $20. All profits from the sale of items on your table are yours. To rent a table, call (978) and ask to speak with Liliana TODAY!!!!!

5 of what s happening in our Collaborative! You may remember the Steward of the Month and Getting to Know You pieces from last year. This new piece is a combination spin-off from those. Every quarter, beginning in October, the third Sunday of the month will be dedicated to the St. John Steward Award, St. Mary Steward Award, and a Parishioner Article, in that order. So, we are back to asking for nominations and articles from you our parish family Parishioner Spotlight Steward Award: Stewardship, as defined by Catholic culture, is a way of living in which one recognizes that everything belongs to God and that all resources must be used for His glory and the common good. Who do you know in your parish family that lives out this lifestyle? If you would like someone to be honored with this title, your nomination must include their name and phone number, their home parish and one or two sentences as to why you are nominating them. Getting to Know You: This gives our parishioners the opportunity to contribute a piece of writing (approximately words, Calibri 11pt) on a subject of their choosing. However, it can not diverge from Church teaching or be overly political in nature. If editing is necessary, it will be sent back to you for final approval before publishing. Steward Award nominations and Article submissions can be sent via to christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org (please write STEWARD AWARD or ARTICLE in the subject line). Within the body of the , please include the parish which you are nominating from or writing for. If you do not have access to a computer, you may place your nomination/ article in an envelope (marked Christine ) and drop it into the offertory basket. Charity Tootsie Roll Drive Members of the Knights of Columbus will be outside collecting donations following Masses next weekend, September 23rd/24th. This annual Tootsie Roll Drive raises funds for special needs children in our community, for purchases such as wheel chairs, ramps and computer speech boards, that will improve the lives of children. We greatly appreciate your support of this worthy cause. If you would like more information about this fund or the Knights of Columbus, please see one of the members after Mass, or visit St. Mary Strengthening St. John family CONNECTION families in dealing with addiction Through education and sharing, we offer support to those who are coping with the addiction of a loved one. Whether it be your child, your spouse, your grandchild, or a close friend, the pain of watching their suffering is the same. Join us as we gain a better understanding of the disease of addiction through reading materials, videos and first-hand sharing from men and women who actively practice a 12-step program and live a healthy lifestyle free of alcohol and drugs. We meet Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in the St. John New Parish Center. Screenings are fast, painless and affordable. Three key tests check for blocked carotid arteries, an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure, which are the three leading risk factors for stroke. Other tests check for abdominal aortic aneurysms and hardening of the arteries in the legs. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women. Screening packages start at $139. Single tests are available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or visit PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!! ATTENTION!! St. John 4:00 pm MASS GOERS Please be aware that the duration of the 4:00 pm Mass next weekend, September 23rd, will be slightly extended due to our welcoming of a new child into the family through the Sacrament of Baptism. We do hope you will decide to celebrate this joyous occasion with us.

6 Moved with compassion, the master... forgave [him] the loan. Matt 18:27 St. Mary Faith Formation Program Heather Hannaway, Director of Faith Formation ext 226 Elaine Kindler, Faith Formation Office Manager ext 216 Mary, the first disciple, may be calling YOU to be a catechist for the Faith Formation Year! Being a Catechist is a wonderful way to bless your parish. However, catechists often find that working with our young people in faith formation is also a tremendous personal blessing for them! Where might you fit??? Kindergarten may be for you if you are interested in introducing our youngest souls to how much fun our faith can be. FIRST OR SECOND GRADE may be for you if you are interested in witnessing the innocent, earnestness of young ones learning to pray, like the plea, "I pray that my new Legos don't get donated." THIRD OR FOURTH GRADE may be for you if you are interested in engaging inquisitive minds who have LOTS of questions about the faith (and other things too). FIFTH OR SIXTH GRADE may be for you if you are interested in assisting energetic youngsters grow in their understanding and appreciation of the Creed and the Mass. As you can see there are PLENTY of places you can plug in. Please consider being a blessing for, and receiving many blessings from, our children! SEVENTH OR EIGHTH may be for you if you are interested in diving deeper into Scripture with Middle Schoolers as they discover what the Bible has to say to them. CONFIRMATION may be for you if you are interested in guiding teens as they learn how they have been CHOSEN by God and how they can take greater ownership of their faith. SPECIAL NEEDS we are also looking for adults with professional experience working with kids with special needs, who would be able to help either with curriculum development or as catechists. GRADE 1&2 FACILITATOR FAQ MEETINGS Sunday, September 24 St. Mary Parish Hall Grade 1 9:00-10:00 am Grade 2 11:30 am - 12:30 pm GRADE 1&2 PARENT FAQ MEETINGS Sunday, September 24 St. Mary Parish Hall Grade 1 10:15-11:15 am Grade 2 12:45-1:45 pm Grade 3-6 2:00-3:00 pm Grade 7-8 4:00-5:00 pm CONFIRMATION I & II CATECHISTS Make-Up Session Sunday, September 24 St. John Mariotti Room 11:30 am - 12:30 pm upcoming Meetings GRADE 1-2, 7-8 CATECHISTS Make-Up Sessions Wednesday, September 27 PC Conference Room 1 Grades 1-2: 5:30-6:30 pm Grades 7-8: 7:00-8:00 pm GRADE 3-6 CATECHISTS Make-Up Sessions Monday, September 25 \PC Conference Room 1 Grades 3-4: 5:30-6:30 pm Grades 5-6: 7:00-8:00 pm Children s Liturgy of the Word This popular practice is sorely missed and such a blessing to our youngsters! In order to bring it back, we are in need of several adults and young adults to come forward as leaders, roughly once a month, during the 9:00 am Mass. What IS Children s Liturgy of the Word? Children, ages 3-10, are called forward following the Collect Prayer at the beginning of the Mass. They are led to the parish hall, where they celebrate the Liturgy of the Word including: First Reading, Psalm, (Second Reading), Alleluia, Gospel, and Prayer of the Faithful. (They return to the church at the Preparation of the Gifts.) The children read the readings and offer their prayer intentions. Teams of two are needed to lead the children. An outline and materials are provided, making this a very simple process. If you are able to step forward and volunteer for this children s ministry, please contact Heather TODAY!

7 page 7 September 17th, 2017: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time St. John Faith Formation Program Fran Anderson, Director of Faith Formation ext 212 Lynn Anne LaDuke, Administrative Assistant ext 240 START OF CLASSES Confirmation October 1st Grades K-6 October 15th Grade 7-8 Sunday Fall Session November 12 Grade 7-8 Wednesday Fall Session November 18 IF YOU HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED Register TODAY! 2017/18 FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION Grades K-10: $125/ child/ (max $250/ family) Grade 2: add $25/ child First Communion Retreat Fee Grade 11: Confirmation: $35/ child + $25 Retreat Fee Please do not let your financial situation hinder your child s faith formation. Contact Fran regarding payment plans and scholarship information. Help Fund Formation for a Child Please consider a donation to our Scholarship Fund and help a child grow in the faith that we love so much! $100 covers the cost of one child; $200 covers the cost of a family. Checks should be made payable to St. John the Evangelist Parish, and mailed to the parish office, ATTN: Fran Anderson. Thank you for your support of a child! Adult CONFIRMATION CATECHIST MEETINGs September 24th in Mariotti Room Grades K-6 9:30 am Grades :30 am Grades 9-10 Table Facilitators 11:30 am PARENT MEETINGs October 1st in the church Hall Grades K-6 9:30 am Grades :30 am CONFIRMATION PARENT MEETINGs Following class in the church Hall Grade 9 October 1st at 1:00 pm Grade 10 October 22nd at 1:00 pm SOW SEEDS OF FAITH Thank you to all who have answered the call to help form our children in the faith we know and love. Because of your selflessness and dedication to service, our youth will be blessed on their journey and you as well! Again, thank you! If you are a baptized Roman Catholic who received First Communion, but was never confirmed, these classes are for YOU! Classes will begin in October. For more information, contact Fran at ext Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Collaborative Evening of Inquiry THIS Wednesday, September 20 at 6:30 pm at St. John s Mariotti Room The collaborative is offering an opportunity to those who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith. The process begins with a period of inquiry and discovery, followed by a time of preparation in order to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation), and culminating in a formal welcome into the faith at the Easter Vigil. Interested in learning more? Contact Fr. Ren at ext 225.

8 Collaborative Youth Ministry Program Courtney Callanan, Youth Minister ext 227 fall 2017 Youth Calendar HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9+ YOUTH MASS & HS YOUTH GROUP The second Sunday of the month, 6:00 pm St. Mary Mass is dedicated to our teens. They will serve as liturgical ministers, be involved in the music, and the preaching will be geared to their age group. Following Mass, all teens will gather downstairs for a chance to get to know God and each other through the interaction of games, group discussion, prayer AND FOOD! Nov 5. Dec pm. St. Mary s. HARVEST DINNER A popular annual fundraiser, featuring a delicious autumn meal! Come with your family to eat or volunteer to serve! Oct pm. St. Mary s. FALL LEAF RAKE Engage in some local service with us and help some of our elderly neighbors get their lawns leaf-free and ready for winter. Nov am-1 pm. MIDDLE SCHOOL Grade 5-8 YOUTH GROUP All Middle-Schoolers are invited to join us for a chance to have some fun and dive a little deeper into their faith. Dinner, games, and positively positive prayer! Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec pm. St. John s. COMBINED Grades 5+ FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION & ICE CREAM Once a month, St. John s will host a teen-focused form of this traditional devotion, featuring a Holy Hour with a speaker, reflective music, prayer and quality time with Jesus. Followed by ice cream and fellowship! Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec pm. St. John s. MASS ON A MOUNTAIN Now a Columbus Day tradition! Come experience God in creation and in the Eucharist. This year s mountain? Mt. Hedgehog (cool name!) in Albany, NH. A great time of year to enjoy the autumn colors and be grateful for all we have during the celebration of Mass by Fr. Brian at the peak! Oct 9. 7:30 am. CHRIS TOMLIN & MATT MAHER CONCERT! Catholic artist Matt Maher will be joining well-known Christian artist, Chris Tomlin on his Good Father Tour. This evening promises to be an amazing evening of world-class contemporary Christian music. Never listened to it before? Gotta try it!!! Oct 20. 7:30 pm. Tsongas Center. Limited # of tickets ($40) available. YOUTH LIVING ROSARY A beautiful individual devotion that comes to life in this presentation of a youth led living rosary during the Month of the Rosary! Don t know the rosary? No worries. Come learn! October 24. 6:30 pm. St. Mary s. LA SALETTE SHRINE PILGRIMAGE Over 300,000 Christmas lights illuminate their grounds. Additionally, there are over 1,000 crèches from around the world. Quite the sight! December. Details to follow. What decision have you been thinking about lately? Have you been considering helping out with our Youth Ministry Group. It takes lots of adult effort for this program to run effectively and efficiently... MONTHLY NEEDS Advisory Board Member Fundraising Committee Member Chaperone Youth Groups Chaperone Adoration & Ice Cream Kitchen Help for all gatherings (choose one monthly event) SPECIAL EVENT NEEDS Event Coordinating Chaperoning Transportation Or have you maybe been considering something with a little less commitment, but just as critical to the success of our program. like sharing the story of your faith journey with our young people. Oftentimes it is in hearing another s story that people are inspired to take the next step. What a wonderful thought inspiring our youth! Each Month (October - May) at our First Friday Youth Holy Hour, we invite a member of the community to come and share their faith. The below questions are just a small sampling of what you can use to help fuel your unique message. Do you have a witness talk about what Christ has done in your life? Do you have a favorite way of praying that you share with others? Do you have a favorite saint that you would like to introduce to people? When you have made your decision, contact Courtney.

9 Clergy/Staff Listing Reverend Brian Mahoney ext 215 Reverend Tom Corcoran ext 218 Reverend Laurence Ren Tocci ext 225 Reverend Arnold Colletti ext 221 Francis X. Burke ext 224 Fran Anderson ext 212 Courtney Callanan ext 227 Paul Firicano ext 220 Heather Hannaway ext 226 Dan Heider ext 121 Elaine Kindler ext 216 Lynn Anne LaDuke ext 240 Liliana Lucas ext 213 Rae Russo ext 236 Tina Sousa ext 219 Christine Trznadel ext 214 John Volpe ext 222 Stephen Webber ext 231 IN ORDER to promote communication and transparency throughout the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative, you are encouraged to forward any comments and concerns you may have directly to the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils. COLLABORATIVE PARISH COUNCIL Parish council matters can be sent to: or / , ext 145. Council Members are... St. John Members Angela McMaster (co-chair) Ross Drew Scott Davidson Mike Mahoney Juliana Magbondzi Julie Seitter (secretary) Ray Wagner Laura Zatta St. Mary Members Cliff Mann (co-chair) Laura Conte Karen Drake Peter Lando Lori McDonald Alma (Chickie) Rigazio Paul Sidari Paul Therrien Youth: Rachael Beechin & Matthew Pontbriant ST. JOHN FINANCE COUNCIL Finance matters concerning St. John s can be sent to: SJFinanceCouncil@chelmsfordcatholic.org or , ext 146. St. John Council Members are Jeff Brown Ann Cottle Frank Peabody Paul Brzezenski Celeste Dunn Jerry Wright ST. MARY FINANCE COUNCIL Finance matters concerning St. Mary s can be sent to: SM.FC@chelmsfordcatholic.org or ext147. St. Mary Council Members are... Armand DiLando William Donohue Lauren Desforge Paul Firicano Gerard Jarasitis If you would like to submit a notice for the bulletin, please submit it no later than 12 NOON, 2 Fridays prior to the weekend in which you want it published. Submittals should be forwarded to christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org or via US Mail to the Parish Offices at 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA, 01863, ATTN Christine. We will do our very best to accommodate your request.

10 and now a word from Our Pastor

11 page 11 September 17th, 2017: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time From the Desk of our Parochial Vicar, Fr. Ren FROM OUR ST. JOHN BUSINESS MANAGER LILIANA LUCAS IS HIS GENTLE HAND PRESSING ON YOUR BACK? He controls our actions, emotions, destiny and, for sure, our weaknesses and strengths. It is comfortable and easy to take the lead in situations when you can almost predict a positive outcome. But, what happens during those times when you are asked to walk on terrains that you have never explored before? In cases like that, most of us would walk away and take the familiar and easy route. Why not? It would save us stress, time and exhaustion; all good reasons to say no to the unknown. I have been in the same exact spot, ready to take the easy way out, on many occasions; but every time I tried, I felt the tender and firm hand of our Lord on my back, pushing me to take the next step forward. It feels like He constantly volunteers me to do the tough job, while He sits back and rejoices in my struggles. (By the way, writing this bulletin column is the latest addition to my list of trial moments!) Why does He push us? Maybe, He wants us to be creative and put to good use the strength and gifts that He has given us? Whatever the reason, I do have to admit, that after questioning Him for most of my adult life, I came to the realization that He knows the whole plan, and I have learned to just let Him push me around. As it says in this weekend s second reading from Romans 14:7-9, For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord s. He clearly gives us many opportunities to deal with our earthly tests and we do not always have the perfect plan to confront them. So, whether you are asked to offer a prayer when visiting the sick, to lead a parish retreat, organize a prayer procession, or assist someone in need, do so in response to God s gentle push. In the end, it is how you put your faith in action, which God rejoices in, and not the perfection of how you carry it through. We are all called to live for the Lord, so let s start responding when we are put to the test; each day is an opportunity to praise and thank Him for our blessings (and growing struggles). Growing In Faith Through My Struggles Reformation, Renewal, and Repentance

12 The Financial Page The Fiscal Year 2018 runs from July 1, June 30, 2018 The diocese-wide collection today will support the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust which cares for the health and well-being of our priests. In the Archdiocese of Boston, we are blessed to have 590 men who have devoted their lives to serving Christ and His family. You gift tot his collection will help provide our priests with an appropriate level of care and quality of life so they can continue sharing the good news, performing good works, and spreading good faith. Remember the priests who have been there for you in your time of need, and consider honoring them with a generous gift to this special collection. You may also make your gift online at clergytrust.org or text the word PRIEST to (msg and data rates may apply). Thank you for your generous and prayerful support of our priests. St. Mary: Paul Firicano, Parish Finance Manager St. as of September 10, 2017 BASED ON DRAFT BUDGET St. John: Liliana Lucas, Business Manager as of September 10, 2017 BASED ON DRAFT BUDGET Online Giving is ALWAYS available. To sign up or learn more, please visit us today at FY 2018 Campaign In the past few years, the offertory budget was based simply on past performance and not expenses. In the hopes of giving you a clearer picture of the financial health of our parish, we are now reporting what the offertory actually needs to be to meet budgeted expenses. FY 2018 Campaign IT S NOT TOO LATE to pledge your support to our Increased Offertory Campaign. Your completed pledge card can be dropped in the offertory basket, or you can mail it in the envelope provided. If you need a pledge form, they can be found at the church entrances. We are grateful for your generosity! Relationships are the focus of our reflection again this week, calling us to practice forgiveness unconditionally. This is a difficult thing for us to do. Forgiving someone does not mean that we necessarily tolerate or condone their behavior. Rather, it has to do with letting go of the anger and the hurt that really is more self-destructive than productive. We are called to recognize the brokenness and sinfulness of each other. We may, at times, have to walk away from an abusive or destructive relationship. However, keeping in mind the lessons it taught, we can free ourselves from its hurtful grasp by learning how to forgive as God forgives. It's a tall order.

13 Collaborative News in pictures Thank you to Larry and Teresa Clawson for their very generous donation of a beautiful Grand Piano to the St. John s Music Ministry. How blessed we are! Archdiocese Announcements Presented by Hope Conferences, Inc. in association with the Archdiocese of Boston Blessed Saturday, September 30, :30 am to 6:00 pm (Doors open at 8:00 am) A Catholic Conference for adults, Lowell Memorial Auditorium focused on the gift of Hope! Come and join other Catholic men and women for a day filled with five powerful speaker presentations, inspiring Christian music, and the fellowship of thousands who unite their hearts in Hope. The Holy Mass, Confessions and Adoration will all be included in this amazing day of grace. For information and/or to register, visit ELI s REACH Learning to See How Support of Persons with Disabilities is a Blessing, and NOT a Burden A Special Respect Life Month Presentation Sponsored by Women Affirming Life: The Pro-Life Office: Archdiocese of Boston and St. John s Seminary Chad Judice (father of Eli) Sunday, October 22 2:00-4:00 pm Out Lady of the Presentation Lecture Hall 680 Washington Street, Brighton, MA (1/2 mile from Exit 17 Mass Turnpike) Often in life, the weak are used to lead the strong. Special needs children are instruments of God used to make His work in the lives of others visible to them. A father shares the immeasurable impact his son s imperfections have had on teenagers and married couples in troubled pregnancies, infertile couples longing for a child, incarcerated prisoners, and an unexpected medical emergency on Easter Weekend 2011 that led to a bona-fide miracle. For more information, call (508) or ProLifeOffice@rcab.org. Community Considerations Nashoba Valley Theology on Tap Monday, September 18th at Nashoba Club, 14 Central Street, Ayer Gather at 7:00 pm Speaker* at 7:30 pm *William Reiser, S.J., Prof at Holy Cross, Worcester On Sunday, September 3rd, Fr. Ren the piano in the presence of our parishioners at the 10:30 am Mass. While it is unlikely that his students will have read the whole of the New Testament, all have read the seven Harry Potter books at least twice, and some as many as eight times. Although not a religious work, the series is a portal into a world that is. Both the world of faith and the world of fiction depend on imagination Why does imagination give permission to miracles, but dismiss magic as fantasy? How and why are faith and fantasy different? How does the mind distinguish between what is real and what is not? And how does the mind defend itself against dementors, chaos and spiritual darkness? Religious imagination is one such defense. Join us!

14 If you would like to request that a Mass be celebrated for a specific intention or person, please call the parish office and speak with Rae at ext 236. A donation of $10 per Mass Intention is requested to be made at the time that you request your intention. SAT, SEPT 16 SUN, SEPT 17 MON, SEPT 18 TUE, SEPT 19 WED, SEPT 20 THUR, SEPT 21 FRI, SEPT 22 SAT, SEPT 23 SUN, SEPT 24 St. John 4:00 pm: Aurore & Armand Cote AND Robert Carbonneau: Memorial 8:30 am: Mary & Dennis Keohane: Memorial 10:30 am: For the People of the Parish 9:00 am: For the Deceased Priests, Deacons and Religious of the Boston Archdiocese 9:00 am: Margaret Chester: Memorial 9:00 am: Madeleine Therese Wiscarva: Memorial 9:00 am: Irving & Rachel Rachstein: Memorial 9:00 am: For Departed Family and Friends, and for an end to addictions 9:00 am: For those whose Funerals were celebrated in August 4:00 pm: Francis O Malley: 1st Anniversary 8:30 am: Lawrence Burke: Memorial 10:30 am: For all Women returning from ACTS Retreat 5:00 pm: For the People of the Parish St. Mary SAT, SEPT 16 4:00 pm: Louise & Raymond Fuller: Memorial v SUN, SEPT 17 9:00 am: Robin Mullin: Memorial 6:00 pm: For the People of the Parish MON, SEPT 18 7:00 am: For the Deceased Priests, Deacons and Religious of the Boston Archdiocese SAT, SEPT 23 9:00 am: For those whose Funerals were celebrated in August 4:00 pm: Marion Donigan: 1st Anniversary v SUN, SEPT 24 9:00 am: For the People of the Parish 11:00 am: David Hickey: 2nd Anniversary FUNERALS recently celebrated May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Roland Boisvert: September 12th at St. Mary Ruth Simonds: September 13th at St. Mary St. Mary Memorial Altar Flowers Parishioners are invited to donate a floral arrangement, to be displayed on the altar in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one. If you would like to donate altar flowers, please call Tina at ext 219. The requested donation for an arrangement is $40, and includes an acknowledgement in the bulletin. The Altar Flowers for this weekend are In Memory Of Irving & Rachel Rachstein S t. John Rose for Life This week s Rose For Life is... In Memory of Irving & Rachel Rachstein Rose donated by Mahoney s Garden Center To book a Rose For Life, contact Rae at ext 236 This Week s Readings TUESDAY, SEP 19 THURSDAY, SEP 21 MONDAY, SEP 18 WEDNESDAY, SEP 20 FRIDAY, SEP 22 September 22, 2017 SATURDAY, SEP 23 SUNDAY, SEP 24

15

16