Celebration of the Eucharist Saturday Vigil Masses: 4:00 & 6:30 P.M. Sunday Masses: 7:00, 9:45, and 11:15 A.M. Weekday Masses (Monday - Saturday): 6:30 A.M. Holy Day Masses: As Announced In Bulletin Confessions: Fridays, 6:00-7:00 P.M. Saturdays, 3:00-4:00 P.M. Baptisms: Please call the rectory in advance to schedule baptismal instruction. Marriages: Couple should contact the rectory at least one year in advance. A marriage preparation program is required. Rev. Robert D. Bruso Pastor Rev. Miguel A. Pagán Associate Pastor Deacon Ronald J. Aubuchon Deacon Robert S. Connor, Jr. Mrs. Paula E. Doucet Religious Education Director Mr. David M. Lasky Organist Rectory: 170 Mechanic Street Leominster, Massachusetts Telephone (978) 537-6541 / (978)537-6542 / (978)537-6543 Parish Office Hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 am - 5 pm and Friday 9 am - 4 pm Religious Education (C.C.D) Office Telephone (978)537-5596 Bingo Telephone: (978)537-5596 Our Parish - Our Pledge My church is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I invite and bring them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with a noble spirit, if I, who make it, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my church to be.
Mass Intentions Saturday April 20 Vigil Mass Mass on pg. 186 7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Sunday April 21 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Mass on pg. 226 7:00 a.m. Parishioners of St. Cecilia Parish 9:45 a.m. Jeremiah Oliver (6th anniv.) by Jack & Linda Kinsey 11:15 a.m. Bruce M. Goodnow by his wife, Gloria Monday April 22 Monday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 232 6:30 a.m. Leo Caissie by his wife & family Tuesday April 23 Tuesday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 234 6:30 a.m. Paul Roy by Denise, Bernie & Kelly Roy Wednesday April 24 Wednesday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 235 6:30 a.m. Julia & Phillippe Cormier by Richard & Carol Cormier Thursday April 25 Thursday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 237 6:30 a.m. Edward LeBlanc by J.D. & Diane LeBlanc Friday April 26 Friday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 239 6:30 a.m. Darlene Blanchard (4th anniv.) by husband, Victor & children, Rebecca & Brian 6:00-7:00 p.m. Confessions Saturday April 27 Saturday within the Octave of Easter Mass on pg. 241 6:30 a.m. David Lamkin by his wife, Susan 3:00-4:00 p.m. Confessions Vigil Masses Mass on pg. 243 4:00 p.m. Ronald G. Murray (48th anniv.) by the family 6:30 p.m. Bernadette Cormier (3rd anniv.) by her husband, Raoul & daughters, Linda & Jackie Sunday April 28 Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) Mass on pg. 243 7:00 a.m. John Jack Cormier (6th anniv.) by his wife & children 9:45 a.m. Henry L. Fredette (anniv.) by Jack & Linda Kinsey 11:15 a.m. Emile Gould (40th anniv.) by Millie & Ryan Dupuis Saturday, April 27 at St. Cecilia Parish Center Spring Flea Market 9am - 6pm Poutine 9 am - 6pm (or until sold out) Râpée 11:30am - 6pm (or until sold out) Bake Sale 9am - 6pm (or until sold out) Eat in or take out - Beverages available for purchase 2
Dear Friends, A Message From Our Pastor. Here in New England, with Easter falling this year in the latter half of April, there is still no guarantee that Easter Sunday will arrive sunny and warm, but we can always hope. We have all been through snowy Easters and Easters that are 90 degrees. We have to be prepared for anything. And so it was with the disciples. They had listened to Jesus and believed in him. They had seen the great deeds he had performed healing the sick, calming the storm at sea, feeding five thousand. They had even witnessed his power over life and death by calling Lazarus from death to life. They believed and yet they doubted. When it came down to putting their lives on the line, they weren t prepared. When Jesus was arrested, except for John, they fled. Peter stayed close enough to observe what was going on, but that did not prevent him from denying Jesus three times, as Jesus had prophesied. When we left Peter, he had slipped into despair. He knew what he had done, remembered Jesus having foretold it all, felt profound shame, and wept. In what could he hope now? Now Peter and John and the other disciples are confronted with Mary Magdalen s crazy assertion that the body of Jesus had been taken from the tomb. But unlike the others who stayed where they were, trapped in doubt and despair, there was a glimmer of hope within their hearts that gave them the courage to get up and run to the tomb. They saw things as Mary had described them, but they could make no sense of it all. Who would steal his body? For what? So they went back into the city, more confused than ever. Mary, ever the contemplative, stayed at the tomb. We can imagine her praying for some guidance from the Lord, when she saw the two angels and then was privileged to the Risen Savior. This was a joy that could not be kept within her heart. This was a joy that had to be shared. Totally dismissing the notion that maybe the other disciples would mock her claim that she had seen the Savior in his resurrected glory, she returned to them to share the great news. The reaction was not what we would have expected. There were no whoops and hollering. There was no celebration. John believed the moment he saw the empty tomb. Peter was slowly pulling himself out of his depression and his denial. The others seem to have taken a cautious wait and see attitude. It was only in the evening, when Jesus appeared in their midst, did they dare to believe that it was true. When we encounter the gift of faith, we have to be prepared for anything. Sometimes it strikes like a bolt of lightning. Sometimes in grows on us slowly, giving us time to get accustomed to the idea. Sometimes we seek evidence. Sometimes we require none. The gift of faith in Jesus, the Resurrected Savior, comes into our hearts in the manner we are most prepared to receive it. God bless you, Father Bob Bruso OUR LADY, HEALTH OF THE SICK, PRAY FOR US Please pray for those who are ill, especially: Marie Cyr, Chase Daunais, Robert Eagle, Jack Kinsey and Carol Scoville. If you know someone who needs prayers, call the rectory and we will add them to our list for a month. 3
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord St. Cecilia Church, Leominster April 21, 2019 Attention all High School Students: Did you know there is such a thing as Christian rap? Do you wonder if Mass and Church are a thing of the past? Experience a Steubenville retreat to find answers to those and other questions you might have about your faith. This summer there is a retreat happening on the U-Mass Campus in Lowell on July 12th thru July 15th. Have some questions or thinking about attending call Paula at 978-537-6541 or e-mail her at pd@stceciliachurch.net St. Cecilia's Church volunteers assist a Leominster homeless shelter called MIHN. We provide evening meals for 1 week and during that week, we also provide only 2 hours of volunteer babysitting on Tuesdays. Our Church is on a rotating schedule and we participate approximately every two months. St. Cecilia's Church is in need of a 'Volunteer Coordinator' to take over the scheduling and other duties of this position. We need your help to keep this very important ministry going. Any applicants will have to pass a background check and can apply by emailing: MIHN@stceciliachurch.net Thank you! Religious Education classes are completed for this year but coming to you this summer Vacation Bible School!! More information will be coming your way in June. Check our website, Facebook page and the bulletin for details. St. Cecilia s Bingo Friday Evenings at 6:30 PM Doors Open at 4 PM Come Try Your Luck! We See New People in our church every weekend all are welcome to participate in the worship of God and celebrate the Eucharist together. If you choose to stay with the parish community you may register as a parishioner with us by calling the rectory 978-537-6541, or fill out one of the registration cards found on tables at the entrances to the church. Collection Report Last Week s Stewardship $ 8,434.31 4
Hold the Date!...St Cecilia's is sponsoring an air conditioned motor coach trip to the Pawtucket Red Sox on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Cost is $25.00, which includes bus ride, reserved box seat ticket and $2.00 ball park credit. Bus will leave St Cecilia's Parish Center parking lot at around 11:00 A.M. (game time is 1:05). Call Dave & Dee at (978)537-4774 if you would like to go. Don t delay, this trip is now open to all Leominster parishes, limited to the first 50 people to sign up. Paul Roy Memorial Bunko Game - Paul Roy was an avid and enthusiastic Bunko player and his recent passing greatly saddens the Bunko playing community here at St. Cecilia s. In his honor we are holding a memorial game on Sunday, April 28th, starting at 1:30 pm. The fee to play is $6.00 however no cash prizes will be awarded at this special game. All money raised will be used to have Masses said in Paul s name by The Bunko Squad. If you ve never played, a short tutorial will be held at 1:15. Bunko is fast paced, fun, and easy to learn. Refreshments will be served. Please call Deanne at 978-537-4774 to register. Upcoming Sunday Afternoon Parish Events - Mark Your Calendar Now! Sunday, June 23 Sunday, September 22 Dust off your Poodle Skirts & Saddle Shoes Join us on a trip back to the Fabulous Fifties & Sixties with DJ Ray Richard Meat Raffles to be held at both events. Sandwiches, Snacks, Drinks (including beer & wine) will be available for purchase. Dust off your Cowgirl/ Cowboy Boots and Hats Join us for live Country Music... with MC Ray Richard Watch for updates on parish bulletin, website and facebook page! The Montachusett Chorale will perform its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 5 th at 2 pm in Tata Auditorium at Leominster City Hall, 25 West St. The concert will benefit the rebuilding efforts at Cherry Hill Farm in Lunenburg. Selections from Broadway and film musicals Cover Girl, Oklahoma, Singin in the Rain, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, songs highlighting life s journey and closing with a tribute to our armed services will be performed with orchestra. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, under 18 admitted free and are available in the Mayor s Office in Leominster City Hall and in Lunenburg at Elena s Gourmet Grocery, 1 Main St. and Stillman Dairy Farm, 991 Lancaster Ave. 5
Tune In To WQPH 89.3 FM Your Catholic Radio Station 6
7
Wright-Roy Funeral Home 978-534-9372 www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com 109 West Street Leominster LIFE CARE CENTER OF LEOMINSTER Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility David Pelletier: Parishioner END ABUSE END ABORTION Contact Our Admissions Department 165 Mechanic Street, Leominster www.legereins.com S PROTECT GOD S PRECIOUS INFANTS Joe O Donnell Tax & Pension 978-840-1040 PH 978-537-0771 FX 978-537-8421 Simard Funeral Home Serving the Residents of Leominster since 1906. Kevin J. Mack Funeral Director 800-880-9780 BrideauEnergy.com 14 Walker Street Leominster 978-534-8420 SMARTER HEATING & COOLING HEATING OIL, PROPANE AND 24 HOUR HEATING SERVICE 841 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876 (978) 851-9103 5 Star Quality Care is Closer Than You Think River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Deficiency-free State Survey 2016 & 2017 Cardiopulmonary Rehab program overseen by specialty physicians Short-term Rehab & Long-term Care 1675 Main St., Lancaster, MA Tel: 978-365-4537 www.riverterracerehab.com. 2 Winner-take-all games. Air Conditioned. 20 $10 Door Prizes. 2 Progressive Games Doors Open @ 4:00 Rosaries from Flowers Regonini - Zoll Memorials www.rosariesfromflowers.com GRANITE BRONZE LETTERING CLEANING Handmade from the Flowers of your Loved One 978.368.7539 Be a Servant Matthew 20:26 626 MAIN ST. CLINTON MA 01510 978-345-8263 AD SPACE NORTH www.leominstermonument.com 339 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 AVAILABLE 617-779-3771 God is Love 1 John 4:8 KIDNEY TRANSPLANT DONOR NEEDED Each Keller Williams Office is Independantly Owned and Operated HM Memorials 978-537-2346 203 Main Street. Leominster, MA 01453 BLOOD TYPE O POSITIVE www.hathawaymemorials.com Since 1926 CONTACT: SAVELICIA@GMAIL.COM 978-537-4383 91 Central St., Leominster, MA www.wedofurniture.com For Advertising call 617-779-3771 (978) 846-6736. Granite. Marble. Bronze SAVE A LIFE Thank You to our Sponsors Licensed Real Estate Salesperson REALTOR Email: DonaldK@kw.com Web: DonaldK.KWRealty.com 680 Mechanic Street, Suite 250, Leominster, MA 01453 Hathaway Remember to say CENTRAL DONALD KJORNES We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, without whom this bulletin would not be possible. 978-534-0006 Pilot Bulletins Rt s 110 & 117 Bolton, MA 978-779-2733 boltonorchards.com Local Apples & Fresh Cider All Year Round Open Daily - 8:00am - 6:00pm Come on down for the season's best Harvests, the freshest produce, daily specialties from the Deli, premium Ice Cream, the Red Barn Coffee Cafe, and so much more! Saint Cecilia, Leominster, MA 7008