Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative Home to St. Mary and St. John the Evangelist Parish Families Parish Offices located at 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, 01863 (978) 251-8571 (978) 256-2374 fax (978) 293-0303 churches@chelmsfordcatholic.org 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. WWW.SAINTJOHNCHELMSFORD.ORG WWW.SAINT-MARY.ORG Sunday, February 18th, 2018 First Sunday of Lent Jesus came The Kingdom of God believe in the Gospel -Mark 1: 14-15
Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant -Responsorial Psalm 25 at St. Mary s Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Children s Liturgy of the Word 11:00 am Mass 6 pm Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 5:00 pm Church Bible Study: Timeline 10:00 am PC Conf Room 1 Bible Study: Wisdom 7:00 pm Parish Hall YM LIFT Event 7:00 pm St. John Church Collaborative Easter Vigil Rehearsal 6:30 pm Church Lenten Confession 6:30-8:00 pm Church Fr Brian Presentation 7:00-8:00 pm SJ Hall Boy Scout Troop 77 7:00-9:00 pm Parish Hall Rosary Makers 10:30 am - 12:00 noon PC Conf Room 2 Rosary 12:00 noon PC Chapel Adoration 3:00-9:00 pm PC Chapel Women s ACTS Send Off 6:00 pm Parish Hall YM House of Hope 6:00-8:00 pm Off-Site RCIA 7:00 pm PC MR 1 Adoration 7:30 am - 6:45 pm PC Chapel Knitting & Crocheting 3:00-5:00 pm PC MR 2 YM: Cor Unum 3:15-7:30 pm Off-Site Soup (6:00 pm) & Stations (7:00 pm) Parish Hall/ Church Adoration 9:30 am - 3:00 pm PC Chapel Reconciliation 11:00 am - 12:00 noon Church Adult Bell Choir Rehearsal 2:30-3:30 pm Choir Loft Anointing of the Sick following 4 pm Mass Church Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Grace Notes Rehearsal 8:15-8:45 am Church Children s Liturgy of the Word at 11:00 Mass Grade 6 Teaching Mass at 11:00 Mass Women s ACTS Return Mass at 11:00 Mass Coffee & Donuts following 9:00 Mass Parish Hall 6 pm Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 5:00 pm Church The Catholic Charities collection which was scheduled for Ash Wednesday (Feb 14th) for which you have an envelope, will be taken up this weekend, February 17th/18th. 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. Join us THIS MONDAY at 7:00 pm In the St. John New Parish Center All women of the Chelmsford Collaborative & beyond are welcome to join us! THIS Tuesday, February 20th 6:30-8:00 pm in the St. John s Mariotti Room ATTENTION St. Mary Adorers Adoration will be suspended at 6:45 pm on all Fridays of Lent (present to March 23rd) in order to allow Adorers to participate and pray the Stations of the Cross. Also please note that during the Triduum (March 29-31), Adoration will be suspended in full. Saint Patricks Day Dinner and Shamrock Raffle St. John s Church Hall Saturday, March 17th following the 4:00 pm Mass (buffet dinner beginning at 5:30 pm) Join us for the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish soda bread, hot/cold beverages and dessert for a ticket price of $18 per person. Bring Your Own Beverage/ Beer (wine) TICKETS ON SALE FOLLOWING ALL MASSES AT BOTH CHURCHES NEXT WEEKEND!.
page 3 St. John s Old Parish Center NEXT Saturday, February 24th 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. Vacation Bible Fun 2018 Sign-ups coming in March St. Johnùs Annual In honor of President s Day, the parish offices will be closed on Monday, February 19th. Egg Hunt We are in need of plastic eggs, nut-free individually wrapped candy and stickers. Donation boxes can be found in the church vestibule and in the lobby of the new parish center. The hunt will take place on Easter Sunday morning after the 8:30 am Mass! DONATIONS DUE BY MARCH 9th. February 18th, 2018: First Sunday of Lent at St. John s Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 am Mass Hall Prayer Shawl Meeting following 8:30 am Mass Hall African Liturgy 12:30 pm Church Families w/addiction Support Group 7:00 pm Mary Gill ACTS Core Meeting 6:30 pm Linehan Lenten Confession 6:30-8:00 pm Church Wine, Women & Word 6:30-8:00 pm Mariotti YM LIFT Event 7:00 pm Church Collaborative Easter Vigil Rehearsal 6:30 pm SM Church Lenten Confession 6:30-8:00 pm Church Fr Brian Presentation 7:00-8:00 pm Hall Charismatic Prayer Group 10:00 am OPC YM House of Hope 6:00-8:00 pm Off-Site BINGO 6:45 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm) Hall Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm OPC YM: Cor Unum 3:15-7:30 pm Off-Site African Rosary 6:30 pm OPC Soup (6:00 pm) & Stations (7:00 pm) Hall/ Church Surviving Sibling Support 10:30 am - 12:00 am OPC Reconciliation 3:00-3:45 pm Church Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 am Mass Hall Opening the Word following 8:30 am Mass Mariotti CHWC Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm Hall VBF Planning Committee 6:00-8:00 pm Mass OPC African Liturgy 12:30 pm Church Please bring in one or two nonperishable items to church with you St. John St. Vincent de Paul THIS weekend, February 17th/18th. You can drop them off to the pantry located in the entrance way to the right of the stage in the church hall. Please remember to pay attention to expiration dates. Thank you! Turn page for more
that in addition to being allowed to eat fish on Lenten Fridays, eating other cold-blooded animals such as amphibians and reptiles (e.g. alligator or frogs!), is also allowed? that in the 17th century, French Jesuit Missionaries in Canada received permission to eat beaver during Lent, having argued it was an "aquatic animal?" that pretzels have long been considered a Lenten food as they contain no egg, butter, or milk and their shape resembles arms crossed in prayer? that hot cross buns, another traditional Lenten food due to the cross inscribed on them, now cost considerably more than the "1 a penny, 2 a penny," as the children's song indicates? Well, now you do!!! ATTENTION!! St. Mary 11:00 am MASS GOERS Next Sunday, February 25th, the 11:00 am Mass will be dedicated to our Grade 6 Faith Formation Students. Fr Brian will be celebrating this Mass as a Teaching Mass. We hope you will consider still attending this Mass, as it can be enlightening to get back to the basics of what we oftentimes take for granted. Additionally, it is also the Return Mass for the women who are returning from their ACTS weekend retreat. Let us welcome them back into the community. Due to these celebratory events, please note that this Mass will run longer than usual Well worth your time! Do you know of anyone who would be interested in, or is in need of, supplementing their income with a part-time job? Can you help us in our continued search for a part-time custodian? This 18-hour per week position, requiring evening and weekend hours, is responsible for the regular cleaning and maintenance of both St. Mary s and St. John s buildings and grounds, and the ability and willingness to travel on short notice between the two churches. If interested in applying, please submit your resume via US Mail, or in person, to the parish offices located at 115 Middlesex Street, No. Chelmsford, MA, 01863, ATTN: DAN HEIDER. If easier, please feel free to submit via email to churches@chelmsfordcatholic.org. Please note ATTN: DAN HEIDER in the subject line. Faith But faith knows where to take them. And the Answer is... welcome to more A: As in the last answer do not take God resting on the last day quite so literally. God is modeling for us His expectations for us and so we need to understand what the Sabbath is really all about. It is there that we begin to understand the importance of this day. The word Sabbath was most likely derived from the Hebrew word shabbat which means to leave off or to rest. The importance of the Sabbath, though, is not derived simply from it being a day of rest. Rather, as God created all that is, God also established the Sabbath. Thus, one must recognize that it is God s action that makes the day holy. not his people. The purpose of the rest on this day, then, is not simply about not working, but, instead, to dedicate the day to the Lord. Therefore, the people, by keeping the day holy, recall what God has done for them in creation and celebrate God s creative action in their lives. The Sabbath rest, in a sense, both acts as a moment of renewal and also points to the holiness of a person s entire life because God s work in creation was also seen as good. Thus, through their work that leads to rest, the people imitate God and by such imitation sanctify their lives. The significance of the Sabbath is further developed when it is understood also as part of the covenantal nature of the relationship between God and his people. Take care to keep my sabbaths, for that is to be the token between you and me throughout the generations, to show that it is I, the Lord, who make you holy. Therefore, you must keep the Sabbath as something sacred. So shall the Israelites observe the Sabbath keeping it throughout the generations as a perpetual covenant. (Ex. 31:12,16) Thus, the Sabbath is not simply about a day; it is a about a way of life a life that is centered and grounded in God. In keeping the Sabbath, the covenant that was made with God is made present to the people, as they are made holy by living out their covenantal relationship with God. Finally, in Deuteronomy the Sabbath is connected to the Exodus from Egypt. As God created the world, he also liberated the people of Israel from their bondage of slavery. Thus, keeping the Sabbath acts as a reminder of God s mighty deeds, and the people of Israel realize their true liberation through living out the covenant. Hence, freedom is only truly attained when we are made holy by God s actions. It is in the Sabbath that the chosen people come to experience the redemption in which they hope. Therefore, the meaning of the Sabbath goes beyond what simply occurs on that day; there are layers of meaning which in a Christian context are easily transferable and which can be interpreted in the light of Christ. As we can see, God took a rest not because he needed to rest but to help us see the importance of setting time aside that is dedicated to our relationship with Him. God wants a relationship with you. Will you give him the time?
of what s happeningin our Collaborative! Speaker Presentations 2018 Lenten Collection The Collaborative Social Justice Committee has decided to support our sister parish in Sierra Leone, West Africa as part of their International Initiative. The parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea, has a preschool and elementary school that serve a large number of children, a vocational school for adults, a health clinic, as well as a vibrant Catholic Church. Our connection to this parish will be told in upcoming bulletin articles during Lent. Please take home an Almsgiving bag (not the usual boxes) which can be found at the entrances of both St. Mary s and St. John s Churches. All money collected will directly benefit Our Lady Star of the Sea, which is so dedicated to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The bags can be returned on Palm Sunday. Lent: Learning to Live a Life of Sacrifice Wednesday, February 21 7-8 pm at St. John Let us help you get your heart and mind prepared as we enter the holy season of Lent. Fr. Brian will provide us with solid teaching as we Learn to Live a Life of Sacrifice. Christ taught us two important realities through the Cross: (1) we cannot truly live if our lives are not centered in sacrifice, and (2) we cannot truly love if our love is not sacrificial. What does it mean to live and love sacrificially? We discover this by understanding the real meaning of the Cross. Come and see what it means to 'take up our cross' and truly follow Christ. Catholic Morality Mondays: March 12, 19, 26 7-8 pm at St. John Catholic Morality is not about right and wrong action; rather, it is about a particular relationship and the world view of that relationship. The relationship we are speaking of is one with Jesus Christ, He in whom we are called to center our very lives. This relationship creates a world view which should inform and form every word we speak, every action we take, and every decision we make. Join Fr. Brian as he explains that Catholic Morality can only be lived out when we understand that relationship, what it means to us, and the world view it creates. The Little Black Book A wonderful tool to help bring about a Lenten transformation! This is a 6-minute-per-day reflection on the Passion, based on St. Mark s Gospel. If you haven't already, pick yours up at the church entrance! Lenten Mission Retreat Lenten Confession Schedule Monday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm February 26; March 12, 26 at St. Mary Do Your Job: Be a Saint A Three-Night Lenten Retreat with Mark Daley 7:00-8:30 pm at St. Mary Church Monday, February 26 The Call to Sainthood: Am I Really Called to be a Saint? Tuesday, February 27 The Picture of Sainthood: What s it Look Like to be a Saint? Wednesday, February 28 The Path to Sainthood: How do I Become a Saint? Mark Daly is a recent Harvard graduate, current high school theology teacher and up-and-coming Catholic speaker. Although he planned to pursue a career in law and politics when entering college, Mark heard God call him to pursue a career in service of Christ and His Church. Now, Mark spends his days introducing Christ to teenagers in the classroom and his night sand weekends sharing the faith with people of all ages. Every Friday evening of Lent at BOTH Parishes Soup at 6:00 pm in Hall Stations at 7:00 pm in Church Monday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm February 19; March 5, 19 at St. John Wednesday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm February 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28 at both parishes at both St. John and St. Mary Adoration at St. MaryPC Chapel Thursdays: 3:00-9:00 pm Fridays: 7:30 am - 6:45 pm Saturdays after 9:00 am Mass - 3:00 pm Adoration at St. JohnOPC Chapel First Friday Nocturnal Adoration Friday, March 2nd following 9:00 am Mass through 9:00 am Mass on Saturday, March 3rd
enjoy a free subscription to an incredible 24/7 online gateway Introducing formed.org. The Best Catholic Content. FORGIVEN (AT ST. MARY) 7-9 PM ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 28TH) This study explores the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how this sacrament of mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God s love. The Best Catholic Content. All in One Place. * Prepare for Sunday Mass by watching an insightful 5-minute video by renowned Catholic teachers * Enjoy a movie with your family that is both nourishing and entertaining * Enrich your marriage with the award-winning video series Beloved: Finding Happiness in Marriage * Help your children grow in character and embrace the beauty and wonder of the Faith * AND MORE!!! Throughout the Lenten Season we will publish PICKS of the SEASON/WEEK in the hopes of assisting you in your Lenten Journey and beyond. So, just how do you get your hands on this resource? Visit www.chelmsfordcatholic.formed.org Register Now to create your account GROUP, FACILITATOR-LED LENTEN STUDIES WEEKLY SUGGESTIONS There are 2 options use one or both!!! Download from the AppStore or Google Play. Visit app.formed.org to learn more! OPENING THE WORD (AT ST. JOHN) SUNDAYS, FOLLOWING 8:30 AM MASS (FEBRUARY 25TH - MARCH 18TH) This offers prayer and insights of the Sunday readings, designed to facilitate thought and discussion for personal faith formation in the context of a group meeting. MOVIE: RESTLESS HEART [134 MINUTES] The first full-length feature movie on Augustine is the story of a gifted man who pursues fame and fortune without a moral compass and the dramatic changes that occur in his soul when challenging events lead him to see the light of truth. ANIMATED SERIES: BROTHER FRANCIS & JESUS STORIES (PRE-SCHOOL-3RD GRADE) 10-20 minute animated episodes on various catholic teachings, and a thought-provoking way to apply the lesson learned. SPEAKER PRESENTATION: JESUS IS BY FR. MIKE SMITH [47 MINUTES] A renowned and beloved speaker and spiritual guide to youth and young adults, and with his usual repertoire of lively humor and sound philosophy, Fr. Mike discusses the all-important topic of God s existence. SEASONAL SUGGESTIONS BOOKS TO READ: ARISE FROM DARKNESS BY FR. BENEDICT GROESCHEL SOMETHING OTHER THAN GOD BY JENNIFER FULWILER IF YOUR MIND WANDERS AT MASS BY THOMAS HOWARD BOOKS TO LISTEN TO: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN: DRAMATIZED AUDIO BIBLE IF YOUR MIND WANDERS AT MASS BY THOMAS HOWARD BOOKS TO READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN: READ ALOUD BIBLE STORIES (AGES 4+) YOUNG PEOPLE S BOOK OF SAINTS (AGES 8+) CHRISTIANS COURAGEOUS (AGES 12+)
Collaborative Youth Ministry Program Courtney Callanan, Youth Minister & Confirmation Coordinator ccallanan@chelmsfordcatholic.org ext 227 FEBRUARY CALENDAR HOUSE OF HOPE: LOWELL, MA 6:00-8:00 PM FEBRUARY 22ND We are looking for volunteer youth/parent teams to spend 2 hours on Thursday evenings playing with young children whose parent(s) are receiving Life Skills training. Orientation is required, and will be conducted at St. John s. Please contact Laura Zatta at lkzatta@gmail.com. COR UNUM MEAL CENTER: LAWRENCE, MA 3:15-7:30 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD Cor Unum is committed to the truth that no man, woman or child should ever go hungry and should be treated with dignity. If you are able to represent our collaborative, sign up by contacting Barbara at dwsmiths@comcast.net or (978) 649-6745. We will depart from and return to St. John s parking lot. ** OUR MOST POPULAR FUNDRAISER TO DATE** We have partnered with the following restaurants for future DINE TO DONATE Events! Wednesday, February 28th 4:00-7:00 pm 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro We will earn 15% of any Dine-in or Carry-out purchase. Tickets are available on our websites or in the parish office Tuesday, March 20th 4:00-9:00 pm 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro We will earn 15% of any Dine-in or Carry-out purchase. Tickets are available on our websites or in the parish office Each year, our Youth Ministry group hosts the soup portion of our Lenten Soup and Stations devotion at St. Mary s. Volunteers will be needed from 5-7 pm to help with soup. Your attendance at 7 pm Stations is expected. All volunteers will be asked to bring either a soup (meatless, in a crockpot), bread, salad or drinks. To sign up, visit... http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044fadae22abfe3-soup1 July 13-15 UMass Lowell DON T miss out on the opportunities that await you opportunities to praise, worship, serve, stretch and grow! $275 ($50 non-refundable deposit due at registration) REGISTER TODAY BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 7-9 PM ST. JOHN S DON T MISS OUT ON THESE 2 HOURS! This evening will lead believers and disciples more deeply into the heart of God through a greater yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit. This evening features: Acoustic Praise & Worship Music Eucharistic Adoration and speaker: Fr. Matt Williams This evening is OPEN TO ALL. but most suited to those with a faith foundation who are looking to delve a little deeper. ALL VOICES ARE WELCOME to participate in the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative s Easter Vigil Mass. Music will be distributed upon arrival at rehearsal. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Wednesday, February 21 Wednesday, March 7 Wednesday, March 21
He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by satan Mark 1: 12-13 St. Mary Faith Formation Program Heather Hannaway, Director of Faith Formation ext 226 Courtney Callanan, Confirmation Coordinator ext 227 Elaine Kindler, Faith Formation Office Manager ext 216 class schedule THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH There will be no Faith Formation classes due to the Presidents Day holiday. NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH Grade 4 9:15-10:45 am Parish Center Grade 6 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Church Grade 8 2:15-3:45 pm Parish Hall Confirmation II 4:00-5:45 pm Parish Hall GRADE 6 INTERACTIVE TEACHING MASS 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Sign in downstairs in the parish hall, then head upstairs to the church where seats will be reserved for the class. A light collation will be served in the Hall following the Mass. Fr. Brian will be facilitating the Mass. This will be very informative, highlighting the beauty, mystery and sacredness of the Holy Mass in an age appropriate and engaging manner. All grade 6 students are expected to attend. Parents and siblings are invited and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to your child s catechist if you will be attending with your child so we can reserve the proper number of pews. It s that time of year again when colds and flu are in full swing. When you re out shopping, please consider picking up some much needed tissues and containers of disinfectant wipes for Saint Mary s faith formation classes. All donations will be very gratefully received. Please leave your donations on the pew under the Faith Formation bulletin board in the Parish Hall (under the church) labeled for FF. Thank you in advance! We are half way through our Human Trafficking Series...and what a great success it has been. The turn-out for this event has been exciting as it shows interest in and concern for the social health of our community. On the first night, we heard from Jasmine Grace, one of our panel participants. Jasmine is a young woman who was trafficked, recovered and redeemed as the subtitle of her books states. In her true story, The Diary ofjasmine Grace, this modern-day abolitionist reflects on the values and experiences that influenced her. From dating a man who would eventually sell her body, to finding redemption in the back seat of a car, Jasmine reveals the strengths, vulnerabilities and processes that changed her. She opens a door into her life as a prostitute, sharing her diary and the struggles that eventually landed her a seat in a 12-step program, a job in the anti-trafficking movement and a place in a community church. Speaking candidly about her years as a prostitute and heroin addict, Jasmine discusses how faith influenced her, and she sheds light on the road to recovery, relapse and redemption. To read more about her story, visit https://jasminegrace.org. If you would like to have a copy of this book, a very generous donor has purchased a number of them to distribute at no charge. If you are interested in getting a copy, please contact the parish office to make arrangements to get yours. Mark Your Calendars! when a speaker representing Labor Trafficking will be our guest speaker.
page 7 February 18th, 2018: First Sunday of Lent St. John Faith Formation Program Fran Anderson, Director of Faith Formation ext 212 Courtney Callanan, Confirmation Coordinator ext 227 Lynn Anne LaDuke, Administrative Assistant ext 240 Faith Formation Class Schedule THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH No Classes today due to school vacation week THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST No Classes today due to school vacation week NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH Grades K-6 9:45-11:00 am Grades 7-8 9:30-11:00 am Grade 9 Confirmation 11:30 am - 1:15 pm Attention First Communion Families... MARK YOUR CALENDARS! FIRST COMMUNION BREAKFAST Sunday, March 18th following 8:30 am Mass This Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Brian as a Teaching Mass, and along with the breakfast that follows, is a MANDATORY event for ALL First Communion students and their parent(s). So that we can accommodate all of you at the First Communion Breakfast, we are asking that you make a small food donation. Items we are in need of are dozen bagels w/tub of cream cheese (need 3 dozen total), fruit bowl, fruit (bananas, apples, oranges), danish, assorted muffins (need 3 dozen total), coffee cake (need 3 total), 2 boxes of assorted cereals, orange juice (3 gallons total), apple juice (3 gallons total), milk and cream or anything else that you can think of that does NOT need to be heated. Contact Fran to sign up for your donation. Today we Celebrate! First Sunday of Lent In today s first reading we are given a beautiful reminder that every time we see a rainbow in the sky, God is reminding us of his covenant, his promise, to be with us. As we make our Lenten journey this year, we will encounter temptations to maintain the status quo, to ignore the call to a change of heart, to keep Jesus at a distance lest he ask something difficult of us. To overcome the temptations you will face, place a rainbow in a prominent place to remind that you can overcome any temptation, because God is with you. Repent and believe in the gospel! This is the message that is found on Jesus lips after forty days in the desert. As the forty days of Lent come before us, we are asked to create a desert experience in our lives so that we can learn anew the ways of God. Our daily cares and concerns can distract us from truth and cause us to become absorbed with the world and secular priorities. Lent is an opportunity to free ourselves from illusion and focus us on what really matters. In doing so, we open anew possibilities for our relationship with God, others, our world and ourselves. ATTENTION TRAINED and CORI d St. Mary Eucharistic Ministers We have many sick and homebound parishioners in our collaborative who are in need and want the Eucharist the source and summit of our faith. Due to recent retirements, our St. Mary Homebound Ministry is currently running low on volunteers to provide this awesome act of mercy to our parishioners who are currently homebound or reside in nursing homes. Would you be able and willing to take on such an integral part of what we, as Catholics, are asked to do to bring Christ to our brothers and sisters? I was sick and you visited me. (Matt 25:26) For more information, and/or to volunteer for this ministry, contact Rae at ext 236 or Rae@chelmsfordcatholic.org.
Clergy/Staff Listing Reverend Brian Mahoney ext 215 fr.brian@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Tom Corcoran ext 218 frcorcoran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Arnold Colletti ext 221 frcolletti@chelmsfordcatholic.org Francis X. Burke ext 224 deaconfran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Fran Anderson ext 212 fran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Courtney Callanan ext 227 ccallanan@chelmsfordcatholic.org Paul Firicano ext 220 pfiricano@chelmsfordcatholic.org Donna Gambon ext 248 dgambon@chelmsfordcatholic.org Heather Hannaway ext 226 hhannaway@chelmsfordcatholic.org Dan Heider ext 121 dheider@chelmsfordcatholic.org Elaine Kindler ext 216 ekindler@chelmsfordcatholic.org Lynn Anne LaDuke ext 240 lynnanne@chelmsfordcatholic.org Liliana Lucas ext 213 liliana@chelmsfordcatholic.org Rae Russo ext 236 rae@chelmsfordcatholic.org Tina Sousa ext 219 tsousa@chelmsfordcatholic.org Christine Trznadel ext 214 christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org John Volpe ext 222 jvolpe@chelmsfordcatholic.org Stephen Webber ext 231 steve@chelmsfordcatholic.org 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: CollaborativePPC@chelmsfordcatholic.org or 978-256-2374/ 978-251-8571, ext 145. Current Council Members are... St. John Members Angela McMaster (co-chair) Mike Condor Scott Davidson Ross Drew 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 (Chicki) Rigazio Paul Sidari Paul Therrien SJE Youth: Rachael Beechin & Matthew Pontbriant SM Youth: Jessica Hägg & Matt Larson ST. JOHN FINANCE COUNCIL Finance matters concerning St. John s can be sent to: SJFinanceCouncil@chelmsfordcatholic.org or 978-251-8571, 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 978-256-2374 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.
TheFinancial Page Fiscal Year 2018 runs from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 St. Mary: Please remember that the offertory is our main source of funds for paying our daily operating expenses. Online Giving is a web-based program in which parishioners can control their donations on their own using a secure link from St. Mary Parish website. Please consider using this option when making your donation. Paul Firicano, Parish Finance Manager as of February 11th, 2018 To date, there are over 500 families participating in Online Giving and their automatic donations guarantees over $14,000 per month in offertory to the parish budget. We are so very grateful for the faithful support of our parish family! God Bless! St. John: 4th Grand Annual Campaign Week after week we get closer and closer to our goal, thanks to your ongoing and faithful support! Please know that NO gift is ever too small or unnoticed. If you have misplaced the official campaign letter and pledge card, you can find them at the church entrances. Additionally, you may make your donation online be visiting saintjohnchelmsford.weshareonline.org. Liliana Lucas, Business Manager as of February 11th, 2018 Forgive those things we have done which have caused you sadness, and those things we should have done that would have brought you joy. In both we have failed ourselves, and you. Bring us back to that place where our journey began, when we said that we would follow the way that you first trod. Lead us to the Cross and meet us there.
and now a word from Our Pastor Are we truly being disruptive? Are we truly challenging the world around us? Are we fighting the darkness and falsehood that exists all around us? Are we being that light bearer in the world? Are we upsetting the status quo? Are we being the thorn in the side of those who reject the truth of Christ?
page 11 FROM OUR ST. MARY DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION HEATHER HANNAWAY Best Lent Ever! This Lent has the possibility of being my best Lent ever. I will be having surgery soon and have a few weeks of recuperation ahead of me. Knowing that has already strengthened my Lenten commitments. The ashes placed on our foreheads on the first day of Lent remind us of our mortality, and undergoing any serious surgery makes you stop and take an accounting of your life. I have already begun that deep reflection and preparing myself to let go of all the To Dos. I am just yearning for this period to bring me closer to Christ. Fasting is a discipline that I try to practice, though I am not that great at it, but this Lent I have no choice as it has been medically required before and after the surgery-wahoo! The quiet and downtime I crave, and try to carve out, will naturally be part of the recuperating period and I will be able to focus on my prayer. When we accept our suffering, and offer it up for other souls it becomes redemptive, giving us strength, resilience and compassion we did not have before. I ve experienced the gentle grace God bestows during times of trial and suffering. While it is never easy going through those periods, when you know God is with you and can offer yourself totally to His will, it changes you. No one ever wants to suffer anymore. We don t want to endure any kind of pain, physical or emotional, and we run from it or find ways to satiate it with pills, alcohol, food, sports, other relationships, etc. Never in human history has suffering been more readily relieved than today. And yet, paradoxically, we have never been more afraid of suffering. For our forebearers, rich and poor alike, suffering was the hard price one paid for being alive. Before anesthesia, the agony of surgery may have killed more patients than surgical procedures helped. It is true that life is often wonderful and good, but life is also filled with tremendous suffering. We conveniently try to forget how much we suffer. Suffering is experienced by all of us, all the time, often on a very unconscious level. We must begin to be open to suffering instead of running away, keeping ourselves distracted in denial, or engaging in habitual patterns that keep us in such a fallen human state. Suffering is a gift that reminds us that we are not in control. We need to allow ourselves to feel vulnerable and helpless, to be honest about the condition of our mind and its habits. How helpless and vulnerable we are! We often don t even know how to change things for the better. We are lost and confused, like blind people in an intersection. We need to turn our lives around and we can only do that when we offer them totally to God and give up the delusion that we are in control. Exposing our hearts to suffering and opening to others suffering make our hearts tender and an incredible love fills us. That love becomes a desire to extend ourselves to others in any way that we can. We then feel willing to take on suffering because it does a good thing for us. It breaks our heart open and gives us a new heart, a new vision to take care of ourselves and others with joy and openness. It makes us a little bit more fearless, a little bit more accepting and a little bit more willing to step out of our comfort zone so that we can grow in new and unexpected ways. May this Lent you experience the grace and freedom of recognizing that your life is held in His loving hands, and be at peace with yourself and those around you! February 18th, 2018: First Sunday of Lent From the Desk of our Parochial Vicar, Fr. Tom
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, FEB 17 SUN, FEB 18 MON, FEB 19 TUE, FEB 20 WED, FEB 21 FRI, FEB 23 SAT, FEB 24 SUN, FEB 25 SAT, FEB 17 SUN, FEB 18 MON, FEB 19 TUE, FEB 20 WED, FEB 21 THUR, FEB 22 FRI, FEB 23 SAT, FEB 24 SUN, FEB 25 St. John 4:00 pm: Paul Myers: 25th Anniversary 8:30 am: Joseph J. & Dorothy A. Koyutis: Memorial 10:30 am: For the People of the Parish 5:00 pm: Pauline Pelletier: 1st Anniversary 9:00 am: William Mahoney: 14th Anniversary 9:00 am: For the Deceased Priests, Deacons and Religious of the Archdiocese of Boston 9:00 am: Joseph P. Herlihy: 10th Anniversary 9:00 am: John Cullen: Memorial 4:00 pm: Brian Joseph Muscato: Memorial 8:30 am: Maurice Pontbriant, Sr.: Memorial 10:30 am: Brian Joseph Muscato: Memorial 5:00 pm: For the People of the Parish St. Mary 4:00 pm: Betty Dudley: 1st Anniversary 7:00 am: For the People of the Parish 9:00 am: Joseph Edmund Lessard: Month s Mind 11:00 am: Patrick Slattery & Michael Slattery: Memorial 6:00 pm: Ella Ava Fahey-Hamilton: Memorial 7:00 am: William Mahoney: 14th Anniversary 700 am: For the Deceased Priests, Deacons and Religious of the Archdiocese of Boston 7:00 am: Gretchen Rauch: LIVING INTENTION 7:00 am: Bridie O Rourke: 26th Anniversary 7:00 am: All Abandoned Souls in Purgatory 4:00 pm: Alexandra Ullom: 10th Anniversary 7:00 am: Claude Therriault: 5th Anniversary 9:00 am: For the People of the Parish 11:00 am: Madeline R. Maffeo: Memorial 6:00 pm: Ralph E. Barisano: Memorial St John Rose for Life Someone special you d like to honor? You can do that by having a rose placed before Our Lady of Fatima s statue for one week. We will publish your intention in the bulletin. To book a Rose for Life, contact Rae at ext 236. The suggested offering for a rose is $5.00. This week s Rose For Life is... This Week s Readings Helen & Frank Fox To book a Rose For Life, contact Rae at ext 236 Rose Donated by Mahoney s Garden Center With the loss of Fr. Ren, we will remain uncertain in regards to priest assignments until June of this year. Because of this, we are unable to take any Mass Intentions for 2019 at this time. FUNERALS recently celebrated John Kelley: February 13 at St. Mary Mary Lamy: February 13 at St. John