Holy Family.example, model and mold for us all! Today we continue the celebration of the Christmas season with the Holy Family. We broaden the lense in Bethlehem to include the mother and foster-father of Jesus. We should immediately note that God s plan included an intentional choosing of a mother and father for Jesus to be born and raised. We face honestly the too often and painful breakdown of marriages in our day that inevitably hurts the children and extended families. We pledge to accompany them through these times of struggle as well as those families that grieve a loss of a family member. The Feast of the Holy Family is cause for rejoicing for all of us and is now more than ever an inspiration for us in our family life. This weekend, we are blessed to have Fr. George come to us from Syria where the Salesians work with the young there, many whom have lost relatives and friends due to war and violence. We also are part of the Christian family. The mystical body of the Church is even more real to us this weekend in light of our company from the land where St. Paul was converted and where the early Christians lived for centuries. Fr. George s presence and witness reminds us of the Holy Family, whose lives were filled with faith and joy as well as much suffering and confusion. Of course, we are aware of the slaughter of the Holy Innocents shortly after the birth of Christ, as Herod felt threatened by this newborn king. We also know of the flight into Egypt to cross the border to keep Jesus safe. For the plight of refuges and victims of war. The Holy Family is a model and example of remaining in faith and hope knowing God is present in all things. I pray and invite you also to commend our own families and the family of the Church to which Christ has blessed us to invoke the Holy Family s protection and intercession. They all lived for each other not only for themselves. They knew the Lord that was promised would remain with them throughout the journey of life from Bethlehem to Egypt and back to the Holy land all the way to Golgotha and Easter. May all Christians in a special way respect, admire and emulate the life of the Holy Family in our own lives. Mary and Joseph pray for us! Fr. Taillon
Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, December 29th: 5:00 PM: For the Souls of Members of the Military Sunday, December 30th: 8:00 AM: Sanctity of Life 10:00AM: For the Soul of James Provensal Monday, December 31st ~ New Year s Eve: 9:00 AM: For the Soul of Ann Snell Tuesday, January 1st ~ New Year s Day: 9:00AM: Birthday Remembrance ~ Harry Connetti Wednesday, January 2nd: 9:00 AM: Birthday Remembrance ~ Michael Vigliotti Jr. Thursday, January 3rd: 9:00 AM: Anniversary ~ Bernice McCormick Friday, January 4th: 9:00 AM: For the Soul of Rose Pingitore Saturday, January 5th: 9:00 AM: Pro Populo 5:00 PM: Birthday Remembrance ~ Jessica Tyler Sunday, January 6th: 10:00AM: Souls in Purgatory St. Veronica Chapel Saturday, December 29th: 4:00 PM: Marriage & Family Life Sunday, December 30th: 9:00 AM: For the Souls of the Delaney & Kirwan Families 11:00 AM: For the Soul of Mai Nguyen Tuesday, January 1st ~ New Year s Day 9:00 AM: For the Souls of Patrick & Theresa Dwyer Saturday, January 5th: 4:00 PM: Anniversary ~ John Reardon Sunday, January 6th: 9:00 AM: For the Soul of Grace Verducci 11:00 AM: For the Soul of Fr. Robert F. Taft, SJ The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph December 30, 2018 Beloved, we are God s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. -- 1 John 3:2a 1st Friday Adoration This Friday, January 4th, we will have Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist at St. Thomas More Church from 9:30AM to 12Noon. All are welcome. Christmas Flower Donations In Memory of: Nancy Dukehart Frank & Helen Farina and Guido & Esther Colarulli Mickey & Chris Munroe & McGee Families Paul O Brien Jack Sugrue, John Waskiewicz & Rose Enright Members of the Military The Unborn Office Closed The parish office is closed this Tuesday, January 1st in observance of New Year s Day. Come join us for the 9AM Masses.
Food Collection Next weekend, we will have our monthly Food Collection. Please donate any non-perishable food items: gravy, cranberry juice, canned hams, boxed potatoes, rice, cans of juice, juice boxes, cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, coffee, pasta, pasta sauce, baked beans, soups, canned fruit, canned meats/tuna fish, personal hygiene products, diapers, dish & laundry detergents and gift certificates. Please deposit items in the bins at the Church entrances. Non-perishable food items may be left at the Church entrances at any time during the month. Men s Bible Study Our parish has a very active group of men, who for more than 16 years, have met each Saturday at 7:30AM in a "round table" format to discuss the Sunday scripture readings. It is very informal and attended by some scholarly and not-so-scholarly folks. It s rewarding and even some fun. Bring your coffee and come on over to St. Thomas More parish hall! Can you help? If you would you like to volunteer to be on a team for our mercy meals, please call the parish office at 789-7682 These meals are for families who are grieving and are offered after the funeral. Retrouvaille of New England A Christian Peer Ministry Retrouvaille is a worldwide program sponsored by the Catholic Church for married couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriages. Often parishioners are in need of help and do not know where to go and cannot freely ask for information. Our peer ministry is led by couples who have lived through the honeymoon phase often followed by deep disillusion before finally finding resurrection in their marriage using the tools taught in the program. For more info., 800-470-2230 or www.helpourmarriage.com. Rosary at Planned Parenthood Please join Servants of Christ for Life on Saturday mornings to pray the Rosary at Planned Parenthood at 8:30 AM. Every week at the Planned Parenthood in Providence fifty innocent children are killed in the womb. As St. Padre Pio said, "Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart." All are welcome to attend and offer up this time in prayer for an end to abortion. Planned Parenthood is located at 175 Broad Street in Providence. Call or email Tyler Rowley with any questions: 401-290-7201, t3rowley@gmail.com. Prayer Chain Ministry If you know someone who would like extra needed prayers, please call Jean at 783-3403 and express your request. Volunteers are needed for this important ministry. Please call Jean, if you can volunteer.