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 9 Sunday, January 7th, 2017 Feast of Epiphany They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -Matt 2: 10-11
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you -Responsorial Psalm 72 at St. Mary s SUNDAY, JANUARY 7TH Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Grace Notes Rehearsal 8:15-8:45 am Church Children s Liturgy of the Word 11:00 am Mass Group Baptism 2:00 pm Church 6 pm Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 5:00 pm Church CHWC Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm St. John s Collaborative PPC Meeting 7:00 pm PC Conf Room 1 MONDAY, JANUARY 8TH Bible Study: Timeline 10:00 am PC Conf Room 1 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH 4 pm Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 6:30 pm Church Boy Scout Troop 77 7:00-9:00 pm Parish Hall 11am Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 7:30 pm Church THURSDAY, JANUARY 11TH 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 Social Justice Speaker Series 7:00-9:00 pm Parish Hall RCIA 7:00 pm PC Mtg Room 1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 12TH Adoration 7:30 am - 9:00 pm PC Chapel Knitting & Crocheting 7:30 am - 9:00 pm PC MR 2 SATURDAY, JANUARY 13TH 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 OnLine Giving Info Session, following 4 pm Mass Parish Hall SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Children s Liturgy of the Word 11:00 am Mass Coffee & Donuts, following 11 am Mass Parish Hall OnLine Giving Info Session, following 11 am Mass Parish Hall Table Ministry 1:00-4:00 pm Kitchen 6 pm Mass Music Ministry Team Rehearsal 5:00 pm Church HS Youth Group 7:00-8:30 pm Parish Hall Be Refreshed... by the Holy Spirit Come to our Charismatic Prayer Meeting! We meet every Thursday in the Old Parish Center of St. John s at BOTH 10:00 am or 7:00 pm, so you can fit this time of worship into your schedule. Give Praise to God! Be built up in community! Tax letters for parishioners who contributed $250 or more in 2017 will be mailed out soon. If you are NOT in this category, but would still like to receive a tax letter, please contact... St. Mary: Paul Firicano at ext 220 St. John: Liliana at ext 213 St. John Tuesday Morning Coffee Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month in the St. John Church Hall following the 9:00 am daily Mass. The RCIA (Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults) Program is designed for those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and how it is lived. With an open-ended structure, classes meet weekly as a community for discussion, instruction and prayer offering a taste of what it means to live as a Catholic. RCIA is designed for those who have never been baptized, or have never received any sacraments after baptism, but could also be a good choice for those who have received First Communion, but have little recollection of their religious education. There is absolutely no commitment JUST AN OPPORTUNITY to accept Jesus invitation to come and see! Praying that your curiosity will bring you to us Interested in checking it out? Contact Fr. Ren.
page 3 Winter Bible Study at St. Mary s Wisdom: God s Vision for Life In this study, Jeff Cavins and Thomas Smith examine biblical wisdom as it relates to daily life. Drawing on the wisdom literature of the Bible Proverbs, Wisdom, Sirach, and Ecclesiastes Wisdom will teach you how to actively seek out sound guidance and increase your sense of peace in navigating life. In everything from friendships to finances, from making decisions to attaining peace of mind, Scripture offers a vision for happiness and well-being. With this program, you will learn how to gather, gain, and grow in wisdom, and you will experience the joy it brings to your life. In this study you will Discover what wisdom is, and what it isn t Learn habits for increasing wisdom in your daily life Gain confidence, through role models and practice, in living according to God s vision This 8-week study will run on Tuesday evenings beginning February 13th. The cost of $25 includes all materials. Registration forms are available on the bulletin boards at both parishes. The DEADLINE to register is January 21, 2018 REGISTER TODAY!!! FULL-TIME Director Of Music St. John the Evangelist St. John s is seeking a full-time Director of Music Ministries, to oversee our robust music heritage made up of children, teen and adult choirs, cantors and accompanists. Proficient experience is required in: -Catholic Liturgical Worship, including norms and directives for Sacred Worship; -organ, piano, vocals and music composition; -direction of cantors, choirs and accompanists. The director must have the ability toe work well with children, teens, and adults, and in collaboration with the presiding clergy and pastor. Responsibilities include the planning, preparation, direction and oversight of all liturgical music, and the recruitment and training of cantors, choirs and accompanists. Applicants must have proven experience, and a minimum of a Bachelor s degree in a related field. Full-time compensation and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to the Parish Office, ATTN Fr. Brian Mahoney, or email directly to fr.brian@chelmsfordcatholic.org. January 7th, 2018: Feast of Epiphany at St. John s SUNDAY, JANUARY 7TH Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Epiphany Pageant/Parish Breakfast following 8:30 am Mass African Liturgy Comm Mtg 11:30 am - 1:00 pm OPC CHWC Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm Hall MONDAY, JANUARY 8TH SVdP Monthly Meeting 7:00-8:30 pm OPC Families w/addiction Support Group 7:00 pm Mariotti WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH Tuesday Morning Coffee, following 9 am daily Mass Hall THURSDAY, JANUARY 11TH Charismatic Prayer Group 10:00 am OPC BINGO 6:45 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm) Hall Charismatic Prayer Group 7:00 pm OPC FRIDAY, JANUARY 12TH Baptism Prep 7:00-8:00pm Mariotti Boy Scouts Pack 46 7:00-8:30 pm Hall African Rosary 6:30 pm OPC SATURDAY, JANUARY 13TH Hospitality Meeting 9:30 am Hall MS Youth Group 6:00-8:00 pm Hall Reconciliation 3:00-3:45 pm Church SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH Faith Formation Classes/Events see Faith Formation Page Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 am Mass African Liturgy Comm Mtg 11:30 am - 1:00 pm OPC Group Baptism 2:00 pm Church Just Beautiful Turn page for Our worship space at both parishes was Just Beautiful for our Christmas celebration. I don t think we realize just how much of an impact our environment has on our worship experience. THANK YOU to Michele Lando (and her St. Mary team) and Maureen Gearin & Janet Marchessault (and their St. John team) for sharing the gifts of their time and talent with us so that we could more fully experience the birth and worship of the Christ Child. more
We joyfully welcome the following children into our Collaborative Family. May the Lord continue to bless these children and their parents, and fill their homes with the light of faith. BAPTIZED AT ST. JOHN S Leanna Susan Dowling Natalie Jacqueline Hathaway Tyler Richard Kopacz Kinna Aylish Leigh BAPTIZED AT ST. MARY S John Weston Carpenter Harper Marie Dangelo Kaylyn Paula Fielding Christopher Sanderson-Quigley Autumn Rose Sheehan St. Mary Table Ministry has been chosen to be a beneficiary of the Hannaford Cause Bag program at the Drum Hill, Chelmsford store! Every time a shopper purchases the Fight Hunger reusable shopping bag (pictured above) at this location during the month of January, 25 will be donated to the St. Mary Table Ministry! So, who and WHAT is this Table Ministry. They are a group of people who plan healthy and delicious meals to feed those who cannot provide for themselves. They partner with 7 other area churches in working alongside the Salvation Army in serving meals to the poor who live among us. To learn more about the Hannaford Cause Bag Program, please visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com or at facebook.com/hhbagprogram. Alice Bamford The Peabody Family The Priests of our Collaborative When they saw the STAR they exceedingly with great rejoiced A St. John time-honored tradition of remembering those we love, at Christmastime: welcome to more Q. Where in the Bible does it mention Limbo or Purgatory? A: The Bible doesn't specifically mention either, but we must Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015): Christian Author & Speaker remember that we're not a "Scripture Only" religion. The Catholic And the Answer is... Church has taught that there are three sources of authority by which Divine Truth is communicated to us: Scripture, the Tradition of the Church, and the living Magisterium. All three sources work together and inform each other, but each is authoritative on its own. Sacred Tradition is the body of Church teachings that have been practiced and believed from the early era of Christianity. The Magisterium is the college of bishops, with the Pope as its head, who continue to explain the deep truths of the Faith to us today. We've always believed that the Holy Spirit operates in Christ's Church through the Pope and bishops, who inherited their office from the apostles; we're not a "People of the Book," but a living Church in which the Holy Spirit continues to move and communicate Himself in the world today. So the doctrine of Purgatory and Limbo handed on to us through Sacred Tradition is as valid as anything we read in the Bible. That being said, there is some hint of Purgatory in the Gospels. In the parable of unmerciful servant (Matt 18:23-35), the master has the servant who refused to forgive his fellow servant's debt into prison "until he would pay his entire debt" (Mt. 18:34). This is a different image than Jesus uses for eternal damnation, which He usually speaks of a furnace "where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Limbo is a different realm entirely; it is the mildest level of Hell, reserved for unbaptized babies who, if they had grown up, would not have accepted salvation. (God of course knows everything, including what would have happened had someone's history gone differently than it actually went.) The teaching on Limbo traces its origins to the Middle Ages, when literally all of the known world was either Catholic or Orthodox, and so baptism was a social expectation. The concept of Limbo was developed as a theological theory to harmonize the Church's position on the necessity of baptism with the reality of high infant-mortality rates. Emphasize the word "theory." Limbo was never definitively established as a dogma (a timeless truth) of the Faith. Despite this, it did gain widespread acceptance throughout the Church and was often mentioned even by popes and bishops, but never firmly asserted as a truth that has to be believed. Belief in Limbo is still valid, but not required; instead, we acknowledge our God's infinite mercy, and trust in His perfect justice to determine the eternal destiny of any given soul--but always guided by the virtue of hope.
of what s happening in our Collaborative! *My APOLOGIES. DATE CORRECTION* Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative ACTS Retreats! and you are invited! We are so pleased that ACTS Retreats for Men and Women are being conducted in our Catholic Collaborative. Please consider attending one of these 3-day retreats in the coming months. Retreat for Men... At the Espousal Retreat Center. "Send off" from St Mary's: Thursday, Jan 25th at 6pm. Return for 11:00 am Sunday Mass. Retreat for Women... At the Espousal Retreat Center. "Send off" from St Mary's: Thursday, Feb 22nd at 6 pm. Return for 11:00 am Sunday Mass. Fr. Brian and Fr. Ren will participate in these retreats that are held in a format that is Simple, Reverent and Catholic. ACTS will give you the opportunity to enhance your prayer life and open the path to serve our Catholic faith while expanding your fellowship in our Parish Community. A wonderful way to spend 3 days! Why not consider giving this retreat as a gift to yourself, your spouse (other family member) or friend? The men s registration form can be found on both church websites, or at the church entrances. NOTE: the women s registration form will be available soon. Mercy Mats Ministry When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. -Prov 3:24 This ministry provides mats for those who are homeless and have to sleep in unthinkable conditions. They are crocheted by using new or recycled plastic grocery bags. These mats provide a soft barrier between the ground and the individual. They are portable, light, easy to care for, and can provide warmth in the colder winter months. To make one 3 x 6 Mat, it takes 500-700 bags yes, 500-700! In order for the bags to be usable, we need to convert them to plarn PLastic yarn. This requires that the bags be flattened, cut, and looped together. Can you help? We will be meeting on the following Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm in St. Mary Parish Hall. January 18th February 8th March 15th For additional information, contact Julie at mercymats@yahoo.com Thirty-Day Challenge for January, should you choose to accept, is to Today we Celebrate The Epiphany of our Lord In an age where we rely on a gps or Google maps or waze, it is easy to find another route home. But the magi in today s Gospel didn t have this modern-day technology to rely on when they were told to return to their country by another way. The familiar route was not to be taken, ye they trusted and did what was advised. On this feast of Epiphany, what new way is God inviting you to travel right now? Where in your life might God be urging you to take another route? Will you trust that God will lead you along a new path? Begin or Refresh a Relationship! As with any relationship, the way we get to know each other is to spend time with each other. So, in order to have the best relationship with God that we can, should we not converse with God by reading the Word OF God? For the month of January, let us attempt to spend 10-15 minutes a day reading His word (the Bible) and growing in relationship WITH Him. that the gifts presented by the three kings were symbolic of the importance of Jesus' birth? The gold representing his royal standing; frankincense his divine birth; and myrrh his mortality that Epiphany is also known as Three Kings Day? The three Kings Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar represented Europe, Arabia and Africa respectively. that in some Eastern Orthodox Christian communities, Epiphany is celebrated by a procession to the nearest river, lake or pond? The priest blesses the water and he throws a cross in the waves. People dive into the water to retrieve the cross, and the one who finds it is thought to be particularly blessed in the New Year. Well, now you do!
the star preceded them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was Matt 2:9 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, JANUARY 7TH Grade 1 9:15-10:45 am Parish Hall Grade 3 9:15-10:45 am Parish Center Grade 5 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Parish Center Grade 7 2:15-3:45 pm Parish Hall Confirmation I 4:00-5:45 pm Parish Hall NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH Grade K 9:30-10:30 am Parish Hall Grade 4 9:15-10:45 am Parish Center Grade 6 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Parish Center Grade 8 2:15-3:45 pm Parish Hall Confirmation II 4:00-5:45 pm Parish Hall GRADE 2 Mock Reconciliation TODAY! Sunday, January 7th 12:15-1:45 pm in the Church You are invited to adopt this custom in your Blessing the Threshold family. The family gathers to ask God s blessing on their home and on those who live in or visit the home. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home, our comings and goings, our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. A traditional way of doing this is to use chalk to write above the home s entrance, 20 + C + M + B + 18. The letters C, M, B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, May Christ bless the house. The + signs represent the cross and 2018 is the year. Blessing the Home... Blessing the Chalk... V. Our help is the name of the Lord: R. The maker of heaven and earth. V. The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in: R. From this time forth for evermore. Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name, that we who use it in faith to write upon the door of our home the names of your holy ones... Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in, or visit, our home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Using the blessed chalk mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step) as follows: 20 + C + M + B + 18 while saying... The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God s Son who became human two thousand and fifteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen. Then offer the following prayer: or Chalking the Door Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen Chalking the door is a way to celebrate and literally mark the occasion of the Epiphany and God s blessing of our lives and home. With time the chalk will fade. As it does, we let the meaning of the symbols written, sink into the depths of our heart, and be manifest in our words and actions the Latin words, Christus mansionem benedictat, May Christ bless the house
page 7 January 7th, 2017: Feast of Epiphany 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 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH Grades K-6 4:15-5:30 pm FRIDAY, JANUARY 12TH Grades 7-8 Adoration & Pizza 6:00-7:30 pm NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH Grades K-6 9:45-11:00 am FIRST RECONCILIATION for all 2nd grade students who are preparing for their First Communion. The available Saturday afternoon dates are as follows January 20th, 27th and February 3rd, 10th We will meet in the church at 2:00 pm. If you have not already registered, contact Fran today! Jesus came for everyone... No one has an exclusive claim on Christ, and his birth not only transcends time and space, but earthly boundaries as well. Every human being is a child of God. Jews and Gentiles alike are all co-heirs, partners and members of the same body. This insight, or epiphany, is what we celebrate today. It also expresses our hope that one day, every nation on earth will recognize and adore Jesus Christ. Jesus message of peace, justice, reconciliation and love are meant for everyone to hear and ]understand. Chelmsford catholic collaborative Social Shining a Light on Human Trafficking As the newly formed social Justice Committee, we would like to promote our first presentation on the issue of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking has more than one face. Two of the major faces of trafficking are labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Labor trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, which exists both nationally and JUSTICE internationally. The most likely victims are the weak and vulnerable, such as newly arrived immigrants, those committee in debt, or those on the lower end of the class spectrum. Traffickers use physical and psychological control to keep victims in a state of repression until they are somehow able to escape. Sex trafficking is also a heinous form of slavery. Runaway or homeless youth, victims of domestic violence, or even victims of war are vulnerable to this form of trafficking. Young people below the age of eighteen who are targeted and demoralized are the most serious victims. The internet is a key resource many traffickers use to lure, manipulate, and entrap victims. Victims of either labor or sex trafficking can be held against their will for months, or even years. To understand how our community may take action to combat human trafficking, our committee is raising awareness through a speaker series. It only takes one person to make a difference! The first event is a panel discussion to learn more about how this issue affects our own community. Panelists will include a trafficking survivor, those who provide assistance to human trafficking victims, and those involved in law enforcement at state and federal levels. The panel discussion will take place on Thursday, January 11th at 7:00 pm at St. Mary Church Hall.
Collaborative Youth Ministry Program Courtney Callanan, Youth Minister & Confirmation Coordinator ccallanan@chelmsfordcatholic.org ext 227 JANUARY CALENDAR COR UNUM MEAL CENTER: LAWRENCE, MA NOTE: there is no Cor Unum event in January! HOUSE OF HOPE: LOWELL, MA 6:00-8:00 PM JANUARY 11TH 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. MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADE 5-8) YOUTH GROUP 6:00-8:00 PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 13TH AT ST. JOHN 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! YOUTH MASS AND HS (GRADES 9-12)YOUTH GROUP 6:00-9:00 PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH AT ST. MARY Teens serve as liturgical and music ministers, and the preaching is geared with you in mind! Following Mass, join us downstairs for fellowship centered around a meal where we can get to know God and each other a little better. STEUBENVILLE EAST MEETING 7:00-8:30 PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST AT ST. MARY This is the first gathering of those attending this event this summer. This is also THE LAST chance to sign up to attend. NOTE: Parents are required to attend the last 1/2 hour of this meeting. HOUSE OF HOPE: LOWELL, MA 6:00-8:00 PM JANUARY 25TH 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. DON T miss out on the opportunities that await you opportunities to praise, worship, serve, stretch and grow! DEADLINE: January 20th July 13-15, 2018 UMass Lowell $275 ($50 non-refundable deposit due at registration)!!!save THE DATE!!! Saint Michael Parish Bedford, MA Wednesday, April 25 7:00-9:30 pm LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE! Contact Courtney to reserve yours TODAY! Transportation will be provided. Details will follow as we get closer to the date! It s time to start living the Life you were made for. Let internationally renowned speaker and author Chris Stefanick, along with top performing live music artists, help you REDISCOVER God, and REDISCOVER the life you were made for. REBOOT! is the fun, inspiring and practical experience for all (ages 12 and up), of applying the beauty and genius of the Gospel to every aspect of your life, from prayer and spirituality, to work, dating, marriage, parenting, health and more!
Clergy/Staff Listing Reverend Brian Mahoney ext 215 fr.brian@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Tom Corcoran ext 218 frcorcoran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Laurence Ren Tocci ext 225 fr.ren@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 (Chickie) Rigazio Paul Sidari Paul Therrien SJE Youth: Rachael Beechin & Matthew Pontbriant SM Youth: Jessica Hagg & 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.
and now a word from Our Pastor If you say you are without sin, you make God a liar He is a man after my own heart
page 11 FROM OUR ST. MARY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, JOHN ANTHONY VOLPE A Family That Sings Together, Stays Together This past weekend, we joyfully celebrated New Years 2018, but we also celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. Of course, we all know the holy family Mary, Joseph, and Jesus but what about the Music Ministry Family of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative? While I currently serve as the Director of Music at St. Mary Parish, for the purpose of this article I would like to take off my director hat and put on my parishioner hat. As a parishioner participating in the music ministries of our collaborative, I am constantly reminded of the true meaning of family. A family, in my opinion, is not exclusively about blood relation, but about unconditionally supporting one another, compassionately understanding each other s needs, and lastly, selflessly sharing our God-given gifts in the service of others. I am fortunate enough to observe this on a regular basis, being a part of the music ministries at both St. John The Evangelist and St. Mary Parishes. Both Music Ministries have had, and or are having, periods of growth, difficulties, and transitions. However, through it all, we always manage to come together to bring the love of Christ in Song to our parish families. I may be partial, but both music ministries are top notch in my book. This was demonstrated by the magnificently talented musicians who brought the collaborative music liturgies nothing short of amazing, especially during this Christmas Season. We are forever grateful for the many music ministry members who spend countless hours bringing the gift of Music in Christ s name to us. Thank you for all you do for so many. We are truly Blessed right here at the CCC! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! St. John s Beautification Offering This offering is used to fund the beautification of our Altar. With your voluntary donation, you can request that it be In Memory Of, In Appreciation Of or For the Intentions Of someone. the January fund honors the following: Lorraine B. Corcoran Fr. Laurance Besides the Wise Men, what is significant about the Epiphany? why do we do that January 7th, 2017: Feast of Epiphany Currently we publish the names of the deceased who have previously been buried out of either of our churches. It has recently come to our attention that parishioners would like to be informed of funerals BEFORE they occur. Oftentimes, the newspaper and/or the church bulletin are the only ways in which we find out about the passing of someone whose funeral service we may wish to attend. Within the next couple of weeks, we will post on both parish websites the Funeral Calendar, so that we, as a community, may be better informed and able to provide physical and/ or prayerful support to those families that are suffering the loss of their loved one. Epiphany means "manifestation," or public display. The feast is usually celebrated January 6. In the US, it is celebrated on the Sunday nearest to January 6. It originates from a story unique to Matthew (2:1-12). Magi from the East come to offer homage to the newborn King, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This part of Matthew's infancy narrative differs from Luke's account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke there are no Magi, star, nor gifts. Luke has Jesus being born in a stable after Mary and Joseph's long travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Matthew seems to have the family living in a house in Bethlehem, where the Magi find them. Why these differences? They stem from the needs and concerns of the audience the authors were addressing, as well as the theological stance of each author. Knowing the original intention helps get at the correct interpretation of the text. Since Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish community, his concern was to show that Jesus did not come just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. From his very birth, Jesus not only manifests himself to Jews, but also to Gentiles, who are prominently included in the manifestation, symbolized by the Magi and their journey. This is the most significant aspect of the feast of Epiphany. How do you manifest Jesus to all with whom you come into contact?
The Financial Page The Fiscal Year 2018 runs from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 The Clergy Benefit Trust: Christmas Collection will be reported in next weekend s, January 13th/14th. bulletin. as of December 31st, 2017 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. * adjustment due to parishioner donation 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. Our apologies for the last minute notification, but due to a scheduling conflict, the Online Giving Workshops have been rescheduled for the following dates: NEXT Saturday January 13th at 5:00-6:30 pm NEXT Sunday January 14th at 12:00-1:30 pm as of December 31st, 2017 4th Grand Annual Campaign Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver -2Corinthians 9:7 We are eternally grateful for your ongoing and faithful support of this campaign. Your generosity has helped us to REACH 43.6% OF OUR GOAL!!! 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. Again, THANK YOU for helping us get closer to our goal with every passing week. 2017 END-OF-YEAR DONATIONS If you are planning on a year-end tax deductable gift to either St. Mary s or St. John s, please do so by THIS Friday, January 12th. Anything received by this date will be appropriately dated to be included with your 2017 contributions. Please date your check December 31, 2017. For more information, or questions, contact Paul (St. Mary s) or Liliana (St. John s).
Archdiocese Goings-Ons Transformed in Love Marriage Prep: Upcoming Dates... Transformed in Love for engaged couples is the Archdiocesan program for marriage preparation. Upcoming dates and locations include Sacred Heart Church, Lynn: January 26-27 Pastoral Center, Braintree: February 23-24 & March 16-17 For registration information and the complete schedule of 2018 programs, please visit us online at www.bostoncatholic.org/transformedinlove/or contact Liz at ecotrupi@rcab.org Neighborhood News The Chelmsford Board of Health is offering walk-in flu clinics to not only town residents, but residents of surrounding towns as well. This service is free of charge we will bill your insurance directly. Those who are uninsured will not be charged. Ages 3+ are invited to take advantage of this convenient option to get the flu shot. Chelmsford Board of Health 50 Billerica Road, Room 102 (1st floor in town hall) Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm January 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Registration is not required, however everyone, regardless of age, MUST bring in their insurance cards. http://mosjgreaterlowell.org We are an established men s ministry whose mission is to call men to become the strong and faith-filled husbands, fathers and leaders whom God has created us to be. The Men of St. Joseph in the Greater Lowell area meet on the second Saturday of every month. Each monthly meeting includes prayer, food and faith-building fellowship. Join us for our next meeting... Saturday, January 13th: 7:00-9:00 am St. Theresa Church, 1340 Lakeview Ave, Dracut Introducing our speaker Jim Robson: Faith Experiment Monthly Marian Devotion Please join us in the recitation of 15 decades of the rosary and other prayers to honor Our Lady will be held at 6:00 pm on the first Saturday of every month at Holy Trinity Church at 340 High Street, Lowell. Contact Anna or Ted at (978) 454-4395. How does the visit of the Magi, as described in today s Gospel, fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah that we read of in the first reading (ISAIAH 60: 1-6)? A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring god and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. -Isaiah 60:6
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, JAN 6 SUN, JAN 7 MON, JAN 8 TUE, JAN 9 THUR, JAN 11 FRI, JAN 12 SAT, JAN 13 SUN, JAN 14 SAT, JAN 6 SUN, JAN 7 MON, JAN 8 TUE, JAN 9 WED, JAN 10 THUR, JAN 11 Da FRI, JAN 12 SUN, JAN 14 FUNERALS St. John 4:00 pm: In Memory of Brian J. Muscato LIVING: Intentions of Charlene Muscato & Family 8:30 am: John Studer: Memorial 10:30 am: J. Edward Clancy: 5th Anniversary 5:00 pm: Doris McGrath: 1st Anniversary 9:00 am: Spiritual Society 9:00 am: Robert & Paul Cole 9:00 am: Agnes & Fred Johnson: Memorial 9:00 am: Brian Joseph Muscato: Memorial 4:00 pm: Maurice Pontbriant, Sr.: 4th Anniversary 8:30 am: People of the Parish 10:30 am: Patrick Willie-Bonglo, Sr.: 1st Anniversary 5:00 pm: William Dunn: 2nd Anniversary St. Mary 4:00 pm: For the People of the Parish 7:00 am: Marguerite Farley: Memorial 9:00 am: Lillian Stott: 17th Anniversary 11:00 am: Kathie Nisco: 39th Anniversary 6:00 pm: Saverio & Mary Carito: Memorial 7:00 am: Spiritual Society 7:00 am: Ann Leahy: 10th Anniversary 7:00 am: Newton R. Akashian: 19th Anniversary 7:00 am: David Dillon: Memorial 7:00 am: Marguerite Farley: Memorial 7:00 am: For the People of the Parish 9:00 am: Margaret Peters: Memorial 11:00 am: Helen Dolan: 3rd Anniversary 6:00 pm: George & Martha Fonseca: Memorial recently celebrated May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Yolande C. Bureau: December 23rd at St. John David L Hussier: December 27th at St. Mary Patrick Caires: December 29th at St. Mary Terry Breen: December 29th at St. John Richard Harrington: December 29th at St. Mary Robert Cunnington: December 30th at St. John John J. Heffernan: January 2nd at St. John Kathleen Galvin: January 2nd at St. Mary William B Bill Watt: January 3rd at St. Mary 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 TUESDAY, JAN 9 THURSDAY, JAN 11 SATURDAY, JAN 13 Madeleine T.Wiscarva To book a Rose For Life, contact Rae at ext 236 Rose Donated by Mahoney s Garden Center 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. MONDAY, JAN 8 WEDNESDAY, JAN 10 FRIDAY, JAN 12 SUNDAY, JAN 14