April 29th, 2018 ~ Fifth Sunday of Easter I am the Vine Jn

Transcription

1 SACRED HEART COLLABORATIVE PARISHES OF & SAINT THOMAS MORE April 29th, 2018 ~ Fifth Sunday of Easter I am the Vine Jn 1 Collaborative Office: 55 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA (781) or (781) Sacred Heart Elementary School 75 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA Phone: (781)

2 By this my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples What does this mean: to glorify God by bearing fruit and becoming disciples of Jesus? To bear fruit means to produce results. Like the seeds we plant that eventually become fruits or flowers, the seeds of faith, hope, and love we first received in Baptism, should be nurtured, by our words and deeds, to bear the fruit of even greater faith, hope and love of Jesus. In this way, our lives will glorify God. But, even more, our faith, hope, and love must also grow these same virtues in others. By our actions in this life, we bear fruit by making more disciples for Jesus. Saint John tells us in today s Second Reading, that to be a disciple of the Lord, we must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. But, we must love in deed and in truth, not just pay lip service to God s Law of Love. No, we cannot call ourselves Christians, if our lives are not bearing the fruit of discipleship. Jesus has told us: As I have loved you, so you must love on another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13: 34-35). Jesus showed His love for us by His death and resurrection. Are we willing to lay down our lives for others so that they can become His disciples, too, because of our witness to our love of God and of one another? In today s First Reading Barnabas and Paul offer us examples of how to love one another and so grow disciples. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. This is understandable. After all, Saul had been persecuting Christians ever since Jesus had been crucified. Now, he says he has been converted and wants to follow The Way of Jesus? How could they believe that he was sincere in his professed faith? How could they trust his words, especially when, after His conversion on the Road to Damascus, he did not immediately present himself to Peter and the other apostles in Jerusalem, the center of the new Christian movement. Rather, he went to Arabia and remained there for three years. This was most suspicious, and suspicions are not easily overcome. It was natural that the apostles would wonder at the motives of someone who had been their enemy, who had actually condoned killing of Christians. The apostle s confidence would need to build slowly and yet Paul was not one to wait for them to trust him. He had a job to do for the Lord. Indeed, he asked: Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). But, Barnabas had been an eyewitness to Paul s fervor for Jesus in Damascus, and he spoke for him in front of Peter and others. The witness of Barnabas, and the loving respect that the apostles had for him, allowed them to open their minds and hearts to receive Paul into their midst. Then Paul s actions gave witness to his genuine conversion. He moved about freely with them in Jerusalem, and spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord. He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him. The Apostles faith in God and Barnabas had been justified by Paul s own actions. Barnabas was willing to risk his reputation, because of his belief in Paul s conversion. Barnabas had courage as well as love for Paul. He was a true disciple, laying down his own life for another. Once the apostles decided to give him the opportunity, Paul s love of Christ shone through in all his actions. He risked his own life to try to convert others, to make more disciples. Both these men glorified God and bore much fruit because they believed in the name of Jesus and followed His Law of Love. But it was not easy. The Christian life must be lived in word and deed. A Christian s faith-filled, hopeful, loving actions must speak louder than their words. Like Saint Paul, we may find people suspicious of our good intentions. Like Saint Paul, our faith might be questioned, even doubted. Like Saint Paul, if we are trying to follow Jesus in this world, we should not expect to please people, but instead we must let all that we do, think, and say glorify God. Because we do good deeds, others may praise us, but the esteem of others should not be our motivation for striving to bring good to others. Rather, while others may aim to please people in this world, we must only please God, first and foremost. Like the Church in the time of Saints Paul and Barnabas, our Church should be built up by our words and deeds. Like the Acts of the Apostles demonstrate today, if we walk in the fear of the Lord and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit, our Church today should grow in numbers, too. To fear the LORD is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13). Mirroring the love of Barnabas, the courage of Paul, and the leadership of Peter and the apostles, our Christian witness will bear the fruit that glorifies God and help to grow other disciples who will work with us to build a Church that not only grows in numbers and join with us as we fight the good fight against the evils of our time. 2

3 CONFIRMATION will be celebrated in our collaborative next weekend. Bishop Dooher will confirm candidates on Saturday at the 4 pm liturgy in Saint Thomas More Church, and on Sunday, May 6 at 11:30 am in Sacred Heart Church. Practice for candidates and their sponsors will be held in Sacred Heart hall on Wednesday, May 2 from 6-8 pm and on Thursday, May 3 in St. Thomas More hall from 6-8 pm. FAMILY FAITH FORMATION sessions will be held next week on Sunday, May 6 at 4 pm and on Monday, May 7 at 6 pm at Sacred Heart parish and on Tuesday, May 8 at 6 pm in Saint Thomas More Church hall. Grades 7 & 8 Faith Formation session will be held on Tuesday, May 8 at Sacred Heart Church hall at 6 pm. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY meets this Tuesday, May 1 at 1-2:30 pm. All are welcome to join this group of knitters and crocheters who create shawls, baby blankets and other items for the benefit of Project Rachel, Friends of the Unborn, and our homebound parishioners. FIRST FRIDAY OF THE SACRED HEART DEVOTIONS: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., May thru October, 2018, (May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5). Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Recitation of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Confession, and Benediction. Devotions are held every first Friday of the month at the Portiuncula Chapel, a National Shrine, at Cardinal Cushing Centers, Route 53, Hanover, MA. (Free Parking available). Hosted by St. Mary of the Portiuncula Order of Franciscan Seculars. The prayer intentions for May will be for those suffering from addictions and from mental health concerns. All are most welcome to come and pray together for your needs and intentions. THANK YOU TO ALL who made this weekend s Ministry Fair so successful. A special thank you to Kevin Ritchie who printed our Collaborative Directory. We hope that this directory will lead you to become more involved in the Life of Christ and His People in our parish. The 26 th Annual Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 21 st, at The Weston Golf Club. This premier charity event is held to benefit the educational program for the seminarians. Tuition covers only half the cost of educating a seminarian and the proceeds from this tournament will help bridge the gap and keep the cost of educating them affordable. The $250 player entry includes lunch at the Club, 18 holes of golf with cart, and door prizes; followed by a social hour, silent auction and dinner at the Seminary for each golfer and a guest. To register, call Kate Folan at or visit Readings for the Week of April 29, 2018 Sunday: Acts 9:26-31/Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, [26a]/1 Jn 3:18-24/Jn 15:1-8 Monday: Acts 14:5-18/Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, [1ab]/Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28/Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21 [cf. 12]/Jn 14:27-31a St. Joseph the Worker: Gn 1:26--2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24/Ps 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14 and 16 [cf. 17b]/Mt 13:54- Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6/Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 [cf. 1]/Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-8/Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 [5]/Jn 14:6-14 Friday: Acts 15:22-31/Ps 57:8-9, 10 and 12 [10a]/Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10/Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 5/Jn 15:18-21 Next Sunday: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 [cf. 2b]/1 Jn 4:7-10/Jn 15: STM Readings, pg. 911 & Music SH Readings, pg & Music E. Three Days J3 406 E:Alleluia! Sing to Jesus G3 949 P: In Every Age J3 696 P: The Love of the Lord G3 792 C: One Love Released J3 802 C: We Have Been Told G3 784 R: The Spirit Sends Us Forth J3 817 R:Christ Has Risen ( alternate tune: NETTLETON) G3 536

4 We will crown Our Lady at both family es on May 13th Do you ever feel like you could use some help approaching God in your prayers? The Memorare is a prayer that reminds us that we have a wonderful advocate and protector in the mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictured at right. In our prayers to her we honor and worship her Son, who is more than happy to listen to His mother s pleas on our behalf. The Memorare, printed below, invites us to ask the Blessed Mother for her assistance and her grace, especially when we feel most troubled in our daily lives. REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. 4 Please pray for: Michael Nervi, Patrick Irwin, Ginny Salvaggio, Gerard Maguire, Sara Meola, Amber Rea Johnson, Kevin Smith, Linda Antoniou, Dan O Brien, Colman Feeney, Anita Molisse, Denise Cremins, Janet Shiels, Herbert McMeekin, Maura Marino, Meaghan Morneau, Ann Dowd, Laura O Neill, Roseanne Hood, Bill Romanoff, John Hastie, Theresa MacMillian, Martin Beatty, Sean & Noreen Naughton, John Keeley, Madonna Smith, Marie Rita Maurano, Paul McGovern, Joseph O Reilly, Rosemary Haley, Mary Fleming, Donna O Reilly, Mary Eileen Cipullo, Pat Coleman, Frank Mahoney, Patrice Suarez, Elizabeth Mastropole, Marie Santo, John Dingee, Jean & Tony Athas, Antoinetta Sheehan, Gina Pappas, Jackie Fuller, Robert McDermott, Paul Donohoe, Paul Hughes, Paul Boback, Diane Rogers, Julie Williams, Joseph Gavin, Peter Aitken, William Walsh, James Perkins, Tracey Cronin, Joseph & Lee Doyle, Irene Griffin, Theresa McIsaac, Teresa Connolly, Pat Smith, Dorothy Rocks, James Larson, Ruth Campbell, Marjorie Murphy, Donnie Kenneally, Patricia Lee, Annabelle & John Coyle, Richard Murano, Debbie Turco, Irene B. Panaro, John Gifford, Maria Marini, Robert Harrington, Sheila Lucy, Joseph Yuska, Nora Hutchings, Theresa Romanoff, Paul McNamara, Marion Feeney, Bridget Callahan, Leone Walls, Mary Gallegos, Bob Clifford, Barbara Pugliese and our little ones: young Maeve Wilson, Olivia Marsh, Rory Tobin, Lucky Eschauzier, Ariana & Isabella, Mark & Ethan Mondello, Wil Rooney, Baby Lucas, Baby Marino & Baby Roland

5 Collaborative offices: 55 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA Phone: (781) or (781) Sacred Heart Church: 72 Washington Street, Weymouth M. Connor, Pastor Ext 118 Mary Gallegos, Secretary Ext 110 Janice Blodgett, Business Mgr. Ext. 112 Vicki Dromey, FACTS/Tuition Ext. 120 Deacon Kenneth N. Ryan, Senior Deacon Saint Thomas More Church: 7 Hawthorn Road, Braintree Mary Beth Brady, Pastoral Associate: Music & Liturgy Ext 116 mbbrady@shstm.org Maureen Simmons, Coordinator Lifelong Faith Formation Ext 114 msimmons@shstm.org Virginia Aitken, Admin Asst Ext 124 gaitken@shstm.org Joanne Bibeau, Executive Asst. to Pastor and Business Manager Ext 115 jbibeau@shstm.org Daniel McCarthy, Facilities Mgr. Patrick McCarthy, Asst Mgr. Joseph Donohoe, Facilities Sacred Heart Elementary School Phone: (781) Christopher Beza, Principal cbeza@ sacredheartschoolweymouth.org MaryJo Donofrio, Secretary shsoffice_weymouth@hotmail.com Sacred Heart Saint Thomas More Reconciliation: Saturday Afternoon from 2:45pm to 3:45pm. Baptism: Baptisms are held the 1st Sunday of the month at 9:30. Please call the office to schedule. Catechesis class for the family is required and is held on the 4th Sunday of each month, at 1pm in the lower church. Marriage: Contact the parish office at least six months in advance and prior to scheduling your reception to schedule an appointment. Sacrament of the Sick please see a priest at or contact the office to make arrangements for the Sacrament prior to surgery. Devotions: Adoration, Rosary and Devotionals. The Rosary is prayed every Sunday after the 9:30am beginning at 10:40am; Mondays at 6:30pm in the Adoration Chapel; Wednesdays a Rosary for Life at 1:30pm in the Adoration Chapel, Fridays at 5:30pm. The Novena to Mother of Perpetual Help is prayed Tuesdays in the Adoration Chapel at 6:30pm, (except for the 2nd Tuesday of the month when it is prayed in the upper church.) Reconciliation: Saturday Afternoon from 3:00pm to 3:45pm Baptism: Baptisms are held the 3rd Sunday of the month at the 8:00am. Please call the office to schedule. Catechesis class for the family is required and is held on the 4th Sunday of each month at 1pm in the lower Sacred Heart. Marriage Congratulations! Contact the parish office at least six months in advance and prior to scheduling your reception. Sacrament of the Sick please see a priest at or contact the office to make arrangements for the Sacrament prior to surgery. Devotions: Adoration & Rosary. The Rosary is prayed every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9 am in the Chapel. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays at 2:30pm. Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 11:30AM in the lower church hall. Charismatic Prayer Group meeting, every Tuesday, 7 pm. in the Chapel. Fifth Sunday Of Easter ~April 22nd, p Vigil (SH) 4p Vigil (STM) Claire Cavanaugh, Thomas Guerriero (15th) Thomas McLaughlin (2nd) James Gilmore (30th) Galo Livelo (2nd) 9:30a Family (SH) 8:00a Family (STM) Kenneth Drysdale (Special Intention) Ann Jackson (4th) & baby Julia (9th) 11:30a (SH) Michael & Patrick Riordan Patricia Riley, Patricia Staffier (Special Intention) Tue. Wed. Thur. Fri. 5/1 7a (SH): St. Joseph the Worker: Richard F. Clancy (2nd) 5/2 9a (STM): St. Athanasius Cilia & Harold Rocks 5/3 7a (SH): St. Philip & James James & Gena Fay 5/4 9a (STM): Easter Weekday John, Jacqueline & Elizabeth Rocks 10:45a (SH) 1st Friday w/school in attendance Guest Priest Sixth Sunday Of Easter ~May 5th, p Vigil (SH) Herbert Clark 9:30a Family (SH) David Kuja (4th) 5 11:30a (SH) W/Confirmation Fr. Joy 4p Vigil (STM) W/Confirmation 8:00a Family (STM)

6 Sacred Heart Parish Stewardship: Time, Talent & Treasure Last weekend s Offertory totals and breakdown-4/21 & 4/22/18 St. Thomas More Parish Count Percent Capacity Total Offertory 4:00pm % $3, % 9:30am % $1, % 11:30am % $1, % Coin $ Online giving $3, % SH Mail $525 & Other Parish $172 Total Offertory:$9, % Envelope Count Percent Capacity Total Offertory 4:00pm % $1, % 8:00am % $1, % Coin $0 Count 281 Online giving $ % STM Mail $125 & Other Parish $522 Total Offertory: $4, % Envelope Upcoming Collections April 28th, 29th, May 6th,7th & 10th Ascension Thursday there will be one passing of the basket. Thank you in advance for your generous support! The Society's nearly 100,000 trained volunteers in the United States provided 17.9 million hours of volunteer service in 2015, helping more than 23 million people through visits to homes, prisons and hospitals at a value of nearly $1 billion dollars. If you need assistance, food pantry or other, please call St. Vincent de St Thomas More (339) WE SHARE ONLINE GIVING UPDATE We are happy to announce that effective April 16th, all donors giving to Sacred Heart Parish or St. Thomas More Parish through our applicable WeShare link will now be protected by the automated security validation process known as recaptcha. This is an added layer of security that offers our donors more safety and security by distinguishing between humans and automated computer programs to prevent fraud. This process will be familiar to you, as you have most likely experienced this security measure on other online merchant websites. Now when you set up a first-time recurring payment, make a one-time donation, or pay for an event, you will be asked to validate the transaction before it is processed. You will first be asked to confirm that you are NOT a Robot, and then you will be asked to choose certain pictures in response to a question. Our Collaborative Food Pantry is located in the lower church hall at St. Thomas More. lf you are interested in volunteering or for more information, call Maureen at the office. This is a great service opportunity for families, teens and adults of all ages. Thank you for your generosity to our food pantry. This month we are asking for donations of: Cereal & Jelly. As always we depend on your donations to ensure the Lord's command to feed the hungry among us. The gifts of bread and wine, candles and sanctuary lamp are offered In Memorial at St. Thomas More for Matthew, Sr. & Basso Goppee Lalita Ramlal 6 & at Sacred Heart In honor of Mr. Christopher Beza Our Principal