Saint John the Evangelist Parish January 31, 2016: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts (voice) 978-251-8571 www.saintjohnchelmsford.org (fax) 978-293-0303 Called by Christ to unity in our Roman Catholic Faith, we bring together and welcome the faithful from diverse walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. We stand for the sanctity of life and the dignity of every person. We dedicate ourselves to formation in faith, pastoral care and service to all generations. Rev. Brian E. Mahoney, Pastor Rev. Thomas B. Corcoran, Parochial Vicar Rev. Laurence Ren Tocci, Parochial Vicar Rev. Arnold Colletti, Senior Priest in Residence Deacon Francis X. Burke, Permanent Deacon Deacon Robert Dzuris, Senior Deacon Assisting Parish Office Hours Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Weekend Liturgy Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM Weekday Liturgy Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM preceded by The Rosary at 8:30 AM Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 3:00-3:45 PM New to the Parish We warmly welcome all new parishioners to our family! Please complete a registration form by contacting us in the parish office, or by visiting our parish website www.saintjohnchelmsford.org
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts page 2 Youth Ministry www.chelmsfordyouthministry.weebly.com Luis Nieto: ext 230 or luis@chelmsfordcatholic.org LARP NIGHT LIVE Youth Ministry Pancake Breakfast part of the Winterfest Chelmsford 2016 festivities Saturday, February 6th 8:00-10:30 am Start your day with a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages, home fries, fruit and drinks. Bring the WHOLE FAMILY down! - just $5 per person, with a $20 household maximum. We will have music, face painting, and games to play. While here, enter our drawing to win a vacation to sunny North Carolina! Tickets will go on sale after Masses THIS weekend, January 30th/ 31st. To make your donation, please use the below pledge card. We thank you for your support! HIGH SCHOOL EVENT Join us in the Hall Friday, February 7th 6:00-7:30 pm As of January 20th Goal Traveled 873 miles 125 miles %age of goal 14.32 % BLESSING OF PARISH CANDLES Tuesday, February 2nd 9:00 AM Daily Mass The parish s candles will be blessed in commemoration of the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Faith formation Fran Anderson: ext 212 or fran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Class Schedule for upcoming week... Sunday, January 31st Grades K-6 9:45-11:00 am NPC Grades 7 & 8 9:30-11:30 am NPC Wednesday, February 3rd Grades K-6 4:15-5:30 pm NPC Sunday, February 7th Grades K-6 9:45-11:00 am NPC Grades 7 & 8 9:30-11:30 am NPC Confirmation 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Hall Adult Confirmation Class Wednesday, February 3rd at 6:30 in the Mariotti Room If you are a baptized Roman Catholic over the age of 18, who received First Communion, but was never confirmed, please join us! Contact Fran for details St. John s Youth Ministry Summer 2016 Mission Trip to Morganton, NC July 17th - 22nd MOVE THAT BUS! Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: email: one mile at a time... Morganton, North Carolina is 873 miles away! To help defray the cost of our trip to we are offering you the opportunity to sponsor a mile. Please prayerfully consider how far you can help us travel! Yes, I would love to help MOVE THAT BUS! I can sponsor the following: mile(s) x $16.05 per mile = $ Please Check One: О Single Payment in Full (enclosed) О Divided into (2) Payments of $ 1/2 due now 1/2 due by February 28, 2016 Please send your tax deductible donation, made payable to St. John the Evangelist Parish, to: St. John the Evangelist Church. ATTN: Youth Ministry. 115 Middlesex Street. North Chelmsford. 01863
page 3 Saint John the Evangelist Parish has been selected to participate in a national study of vibrant parishes conducted by the Catholic Leadership Institute! If you have not yet received and email from DiscipleMakerIndex@measuring-success.com, then please visit the below link to complete your survey on line: www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2334891/df06576fe3d3-generic If you do not have access to a computer, there are now hard copies available at the church entrances. This 10-15 minute survey will ask you to reflect on your own spiritual growth and provide feedback on what part the parish is playing in helping you to attain that growth. All responses will be kept confidential, and the parish will only receive information about the community as a whole. We will receive the results this summer, at which time we will share what we have learned with the entire parish. We cannot stress enough the importance of completing this survey! The information will be invaluable to the staff and various ministries as we plan ahead and try to be the best disciples we can be. IMPORTANT NOTE! The survey is only available until February 10th (Ash Wednesday) Thank you for helping with this important project! Lenten Soup & Stations St. John s will again offer this popular devotion every Friday evening throughout the season of Lent. Volunteers are needed to assist in the kitchen beginning at 4:00. Additionally, if you would like to volunteer to assist with the devotional, or if your ministry would like to sponsor a week, please contact Libby Often at 978-483-8814 or loften@gmail.com, NEVER too early for St. Patrick LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS! To help run the St. Patrick s Dinner, which is scheduled for March 12, 2016 at 5:30 pm. If you can lend a hand to the running of the always successful event, please contact Liliana at ext 213. January 31st, 2016: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Friday Adoration Our monthly adoration will begin THIS Friday, February 5th following the 9:00 AM Mass, and will continue through Saturday morning, concluding with the 9:00 AM Mass. You can show up at any time, or if you would like to commit to an hour, please contact Joe Ricciardi at joseph.ricciardi@gmail.com. God, Pizza And Beer Join us THIS WEDNESDAY, February 3rd at 7:00 PM in the church hall, NOT THE USUAL OPC, for pizza, beer and spiritual conversation LOCATION based on the upcoming Sunday s Gospel. CHANGE! Newcomers are ALWAYS welcome! wrapped up in the comfort of prayer This ministry is extremely successful in reaching those who need the comfort of prayer. At this time, we are in need of yarn donations and individuals who enjoy knitting. We count on YOUR SUPPORT in order to be able to continue reaching those who are truly in need of our outreach. If you can help in either of these areas yarn donations or the donation of your time and talent please contact Beth Jacavanco at stitchesofhope@comcast.net or 978-551-3048 or Fran Anderson at extension 212. CATHOLIC SCHOOL FAIR Sunday, February 7th 9:30 10:30 am Families who are interested in the advantages your children can receive through a Catholic education (pre-khigh school) are invited to join us in the hall where you will find representatives from area Catholic Schools who would be wiling to discuss how their school might fit your child s needs. Did you know that the Catholic Church was the force that originally established broad-based education? Today, Catholic schools provide a safe and supportive environment, where students not only excel, but establish a solid foundation for their future. Wouldn t it be worth a few minutes of your time checking out these great schools where your child would not only learn the material, but explore what it all means?
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts page 4 COLLABORATIVE TRIDUUM MUSIC MINISTRY Our Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil will be celebrated as one liturgy in the Collaborative. Holy Thursday and Good Friday celebrated at 7:00 pm St. John s Church and the Great Easter Vigil at 8:30 pm St. Mary s Church. Calling all regular, lost, and new music ministers (singers AND instrumentalists) Come out and be a part of these great liturgies! The following are rehearsals dates and locations. Rehearsals will run from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Thurs, Feb 4th Holy Thursday Music St. John Thurs, Feb 11th Good Friday Music St. John Thurs, Feb 18th Easter Vigil Music St. Mary Thurs, Feb 25th Easter Vigil Music St. Mary Thurs, Mar 3rd Holy Thursday Music St. John Thurs, Mar 10th Good Friday Music St. John Fri, Mar 18th Final Holy Thurs w/ oboe St. John Mon, Mar 21st Final Good Friday w/ oboe St. John Wed, Mar 22nd Final Easter Vigil w/ brass St. Mary February 2, 2016 A Commemoration begun by Blessed John Paul II Begun in 1997, the Day of Consecrated Life is held on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Pope explained, because... the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an eloquent icon of the total offering of one s life for all those who are called to show forth in the Church and in the world, by means of the evangelical counsels, the characteristic features of Jesus-the-chaste, poor and obedient one. Let us pray for all those who have consecrated their lives in service to our Lord Parish Calendar SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 AM Mass 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: African Liturgy Committee Mtg: OPC MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST 7:00-8:30 PM: SVdP Meeting: Linehan 6:30-9:30 PM: Men s ACTS: OPC TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 7:00-9:00 PM: ACTS Bible Study: Lord & Ryan WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD 6:30 PM: Adult Confirmation: Mariotti 7:00-9:00 PM: Women s ACTS: OPC 7:00-9:00 PM: God, Pizza & Beer: Hall THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH 10:00-11:30 AM: Charismatic Prayer Group: OPC 6:45 PM: BINGO (doors open at 3:00 PM): Hall FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH Friday, 9:30 AM - Saturday, 9:00 AM: Nocturnal Adoration: Mariotti 6:30 PM: African Community Rosary: OPC 7:00-9:00 PM: YM Adoration & Ice Cream: Hall SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 8:00 10:30 AM: YM Pancake Breakfast: Hall 3:00-3:45 PM: Confession: Church SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH Coffee & Donuts following 8:30 AM Mass Catholic Schools Info Booths following 8:30 AM Mass: Hall 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: African Liturgy Committee Mtg: OPC BUILDING B A N N S I Bethany Belley & Spencer Vrouhas We will soon be meeting with the engineers as assigned through the Archdiocese to create the bid for the repairs of the stairs, and all other associated work. We will update you as we know more. - Fr. Brian
page 5 January 31st, 2016: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Liturgical Corner The Mass... -Continued from last week The Mass, then, is not simply something we do on Sunday; it is the very model for living out our lives in Christ. It forms us through Word and sacrament and transforms us through the grace received. This celebration gives us the strength to both live out and become what we receive, and therefore, becomes the central reality of our lives as disciples of Christ being sent to love and serve the world. The Mass leads us on the adventure that is Emmaus of discovering Christ in our lives, and through that experience, of discovering ourselves. The Mass is not simply something we do; it should become who we are in Christ; his very presence in the world. Next Week we will begin looking at the Introductory Rites. Today is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time One month into 2016. How are the resolutions coming along? Have you lost those 10 pounds, organized your desk, visited your ailing neighbor? It s never too late to start over. St. Paul provides some direction. He gives us a still more excellent way, the way of love: patient & kind. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Love of God is the beginning. It s definitely not too late to resolve to love Him more, talk with Him in prayer more, and meet Him in the sacraments more often. MON, FEB 1 2 Sam 15: 13-14, 30; 16: 5-13 Psalm 3 Mark 5: 1-20 TUE, FEB 2 Malachi 3: 1-4 Psalm 24 Luke 2: 22-40 WED, FEB 3 2Sam 24: 2, 9-17 Psalm 32 Mark 6: 1-6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 30TH 4:00 PM: Margaret Leonard SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST 8:30 AM: Stephen Marcotte 10:30 AM: Richard Hutton 5:00 PM: Robert Wright (11th Anniversary) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST 9:00 AM: Marjorie Mosley THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH 9:00 AM: Carly Hiller SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 9:00 AM: Rita Irene Delizza (Month s Mind) 4:00 PM: Edward Comeau SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH 8:30 AM: Rev. John Jack Gentleman (1st Anniversary) 10:30 AM: Roland Paradise 5:00 PM: For the People of the Parish May the souls of the faithful departed, especially Judith Sweet, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Come Follow Me ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON Men s Vocation Discernment Weekend COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS FEBRUARY 19-21, 2016 (FRIDAY NIGHT - MIDDAY SUNDAY) BETANIA II RETREAT CENTER IN MEDWAY, MA ST. JOHN S SEMINARY IN BRIGHTON, MA CARDINAL SEAN O MALLEY WILL PREACH THIS RETREAT This Week s Readings SAT, FEB 6 1 Kings 3: 4-13 Psalm 119 Mark 6: 30-34 THUR, FEB 4 1 Kings 2: 1-4, 10-12 1 Chron 29 Mark 6: 7-13 SUN, FEB 7 Isaiah 6: 1-8 Psalm 138 1 Corinth 15: 1-11 Luke 5: 1-11 FRI, FEB 5 Sirach 47: 2-11 Psalm 18 Mark 6: 7-13 YOUR WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH -PSALM 119:105 Hear Talks About: Prayer & Spiritual Life Vocation & Discernment Eucharist & Christian Discipleship The Gift of the Priesthood Seminary Life Experience: Witness Talks by Seminarians Conversations with Seminarians Mass & Brunch at Seminary Opportunity to speak with a priest about your vocation Time of Prayer For more information, contact Fr. Daniel Hennessey, Vocation Director dhennessey@rcab.org or 617-746-5969
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts page 6 As I often tell me people: From our Pastor! I was an odd little child. For example, one of my favorite things to do as a child was to go out for a walk with God. Sometimes I would talk to him, other times sing songs of praise, and many times simply walk in his presence. Having God as a true fixture in my life was just something natural to me. Now, in saying this, please do not assume that I was always well-behaved and did everything I was supposed to do: I got into trouble and did many things that were not in accord with honoring my parents or other people. But still, at some level, I always sought to please God by what I did and what I said. The one thing I wanted to accomplish was to love God as Jesus said we should, although I did not always understand what that meant. It would take years of my reflecting on that question to come to a deeper understanding of why Jesus tells us that the first and greatest commandment is: You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. How do we love God in this way? The first and most important thing to realize is that true love is not a feeling; it is an act of the will. We can talk all we want about how we love someone, but if our actions do not actually match our words, then we do not truly love that person. God shows his love for us through the choices he makes, beginning with his choice to love us into creation and sustain us with that love. Furthermore, his love shines through the cross, as he sent his only Son to die for us. Our rejection of Christ was God s opportunity to show us what true love entails. He did not abandon us at that moment, but instead, turned the greatest rejection of God into our salvation. The cross is not something to fear, but rather, it is something to be embraced, for it is there that God s love is most fully revealed to us. Therefore, it is in the choices we make that determine whether or not we will love God. And it is not simply in our choices, but also in the attitude we have behind our choices. Christ chose to love God through humility and trust. Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God, something to be grasped In his humanity, Jesus recognized his complete dependence on God and sought to respond to God with humility and trust, which led him to live a life of obedience to the will of the Father. And it is this life of obedience that God desires for us, not because it benefits God but because it ultimately benefits us. God wants to lead us to discover who he has created us to be. It is there that we will discover true peace and joy. And this is only possible when we are true to our nature. We were created in the image and likeness of God. We were created to be in a relationship with God, in true union with him. That union is only possible through love, for God is love. The way of the cross is the way of love: it is a dying to self. It is complete submission of self-will to the will of God, it is a complete self-offering, and it is about humility and trust in the promises of God. It seeks not what is best for oneself, but rather, it is about desiring only to fulfill the will of God. It is about discovering our true self through abandoning all that keeps us from God. It is about emptying ourselves of the desires and passions that are centered in self-will. It is built on abandoning ourselves to divine providence and speaking with Christ in our hearts and in the choices we make: not my will but your will. It is in this self-abandonment that we ultimately come to know God, and to know God is to want to love God. We love God when we desire to do his will only, and we do his will when we follow his commandments. The word of God, in the Bible, shows us the way of love. The Bible teaches us without error how we are called to love God. It does not teach us how we should feel, rather, it teaches us how we should act. It teaches us how to live the cross each day of our lives. The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, I know him, but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. In Christ, This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived. -1 Jn. 2:3-6 Let us all strive to truly love God and seek to live our lives as Christ lived his. If you have any questions about anything please do not hesitate to ask me directly or send your questions to me at fr.brian@chelmsfordcatholic.org. Please keep me in your prayers.
page 7 January 31st, 2016: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time From St. Mary Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Courtney Callanan I enjoy asking friends who were not raised Catholic about their first experience attending Mass. I must say that the response, It seemed like a cult, is given more often than I would like. When asked exactly what it was that they found culty about it, they have said the whole everyone -saying-the-same-thing-at-the-same-time thing was something they found very unsettling. I have been surprised by this, both by the first time someone described how uncomfortable it made them feel, and secondly, by the number of times a similar sentiment has been expressed by others since. Much of my surprise is due to the fact that saying the prayers and responses together has always been one of my favorite things in Mass. When I was about nine, I slowly stopped going downstairs Feast for Children s Liturgy, which was held weekly in the Day: parish in which I grew up. I had expressed an interest in January 27th being an altar server, and my mother suggested that if I wanted to be an altar server, then it might be a good idea to start trying to stay upstairs for all of Mass. One of my strongest memories from this time of transitioning into participating in the adult Liturgy of the Word, is just how impressed I was by the recitation of the Creed and how determined I was to learn it. I was deeply moved by my parish community, standing together and stating with one voice that we believe in God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and Church, and in these we put our faith; I was anxious to be able to add my voice to theirs. It took time, but eventually I was able to do so, and I remember just how pleased and proud I was the first time I made it through the whole Creed without any stutters or stumbles. It felt like an important moment.. one that marked a step in taking the faith my parents were handing down to me and beginning to claim it as my own. I think the ability to articulate, clearly and confidently, what you believe, is an important part of being a disciple. Oddly enough, many of those friends who found Mass culty during their first encounter, have since joined the Church. Now, one of the things they most commonly have said about what they find attractive about Catholicism is that the Church knows exactly what she believes, and is not hesitant to say it out loud. So today, we stand together at Mass and say, as one, I believe / of our Senior Priest in Residence, Fr. Colletti The second reading in today s liturgy is from Saint Paul (1 Cor 12:31-13:13) who gives the definition of love. Now I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. Paul is telling his readers that religion is relationship - not with the law, but with God. We now enter into the same relationship with God that Jesus possesses. He is our Father and we are His beloved children. Saint John, in his letters speaks of the same truth: Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God; because God is love (1 John 4:8). Sin, then, is not simply breaking the law but, because of selfishness and self-centeredness, a lack of true love. The first encyclical of Pope Benedict is entitled Deus Caritas Est. God is Love. Love is a word that can take on so many different meanings. We love our family, our country, our favorite foods, and our pets. But can we really grasp the full meaning of the good news that God is love or the command Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). In the pope s encyclical he states God reveals that He is not as the ancient Greeks believed an impersonal force of creativity and wisdom; nor is God unpredictable and self-serving as the pagan idols. God is the One who related to us in love; creating us, sustaining us, and calling us to relationship with Him. How can we find that true love and make it a part of our lives? Seek the face of love in Jesus, and make a personal relationship with Him the center of your faith. The pope goes on to urge us to meet Jesus in the Eucharist, where His love is poured out for you here and now as it was on the cross, as it was at the Last Supper. Let the love of Jesus you embrace adjust your vision so that you see others as He does: beloved brothers and sisters. Lastly, he urges us to allow our daily choices be led by Jesus example of sacrificial love with the help of His Spirit and presence. Holy Mary, Mother of God, you have given the world its true light, Jesus, your Son the Son of God. You abandoned yourself completely to God s call and thus became a wellspring of the goodness which flows forth from Him. Show us Jesus. Lead us to Him. Teach us to know and love Him, so that we too can become capable of true love and be fountains of living water in the midst of a thirsting world Deus Caritas Est. (42).
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts page 8 Clergy & Staff Staff Directory Reverend Brian Mahoney, PASTOR ext 215 fr.brian@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Tom Corcoran. PAROCHIAL VICAR ext 218 frcorcoran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Laurence Ren Tocci, PAROCHIAL VICAR ext 225 fr.ren@chelmsfordcatholic.org Reverend Arnold Colletti, SR. PRIEST IN RESIDENCE ext 221 frcolletti@chelmsfordcatholic.org Francis X. Burke, PERMANENT DEACON ext 224 deaconfran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Fran Anderson, COOR. OF FAITH FORMATION; ST. JOHN ext 212 fran@chelmsfordcatholic.org Courtney Callanan, COOR. OF YOUTH MINISTRY; ST. MARY ext 227 ccallanan@chelmsfordcatholic.org Paul Ciotti, DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP ext 234 ciotti@chelmsfordcatholic.org Paul Firicano, PARISH FINANCE MANAGER; ST. MARY ext 220 pfiricano@chelmsfordcatholic.org Heather Hannaway, DIR. FAITH FORMATION; ST. MARY ext 226 hhannaway@chelmsfordcatholic.org Dan Heider, PARISH CUSTODIAN; ST. MARY ext 121 dheider@chelmsfordcatholic.org Elaine Kindler, FAITH FORMATION OFFICE MANAGER ext 216 ekindler@chelmsfordcatholic.org Lynn Anne LaDuke, FAITH FORMATION ADMIN. ASST. ext 240 lynnanne@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 matters can be sent to: CollaborativePPC@chelmsfordcatholic.org or 978-251-8571/ 978-256-2374, ext 145. Members of this council are... Suzanne Beebe Rachel Beechin Steve Conte Kathy Cullen Jean DiCamillo Ross Drew Frederick Fernandes Nancy Harrington Peter Lando Juliana Magbondzi Angela McMaster Clifford Mann Frances Murphy Matt Pontbriant Steve Schiefen Julie Seitter Paul Sidari Tom Souza Laura Zatta ST. JOHN S FINANCE COUNCIL matters can be sent to: SJFinanceCouncil@chelmsfordcatholic.org or 978-251-8571, ext 146. Members of this council are... Ron Bator Jeff Brown Ann Cottle Pat Defreitas Frank Peabody Keith Seitter Jerry Wright The COLLECTION Report Weekend of January 23rd/ 24th Offertory Budget $8,701 Offertory Actual* $9,130 Variance $429 *Of the actual, $1,055 is from electronic giving Church in Latin America 2,386 Liliana Lucas, BUSINESS MANAGER; ST. JOHN ext 213 liliana@chelmsfordcatholic.org Eileen Marcotte, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ext 229 eileen@chelmsfordcatholic.org Kathy McMillan, PASTORAL ASSOCIATE ext 228 kmcmillan@chelmsfordcatholic.org Luis Nieto, COOR. OF YOUTH MINISTRY; ST. JOHN ext 230 luis@chelmsfordcatholic.org Tina Sousa, FINANCE & FACILITY SUPPORT ext 219 tsousa@chelmsfordcatholic.org Christine Trznadel, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR ext 214 christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org Stephen Webber, FACILITIES MANAGER; ST. JOHN ext 231 steve@chelmsfordcatholic.org St. John s 3rd Grand Annual Campaign As of January 26th THANK YOU to ALL who have pledged to the 2015 Grand Annual. If you have not yet had the opportunity to pledge or donate, please prayerfully consider making a gift. Pledge cards can be found in the offertory envelope boxes at the church entrances. Goal Raised %age Goal $90,000 $73,240 81%
St. Mary s Happenings... St. Mary Church: 25 North Road, Chelmsford Weekend Liturgy Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Weekday Liturgy Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM / Saturday: 9:00 AM Saint Mary Live Stream Mass Schedule Monday Friday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - Sunday 7:30 PM Sick or homebound can watch the Mass on their computer. Go to Saint Mary parish website; www.saint-mary.org and click on the link at the bottom of the page Live View. Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM or by appointment Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Family Prayer Room) Fridays 7:30-9:00 pm (Family Prayer Room) Saturdays 9:30 am - 3:00 pm (Church) -following 9:00 am Mass St. Mary Prayer Line God is Just a Prayer Away If you would like to have prayers said for yourself or a loved one, simply call The Prayer Line at 978-256-2374, ext. 223. Playgroup and Bible Study Friday, February 5th 9:30 11:00 AM St. Catherine s Parish Center, Westford Each week, in a casual setting, caregivers discuss Bible passages while the children (ages 0-5) play with toys or color. In preparation for Lent, we are reading Matthew 26-28: Jesus Life-Giving Death by Amy Welborn and Kevin Perotta. Every Friday is different, so drop in when you can. Questions? Contact Becky at bburdin@gmail.com THE CATHOLIC BOOK CLUB Announces the February selection: Fr. Elijah, an Apocalypse by Michael O Brien Published by Ignatius Press Join us on Monday, February 29 at 10 am for group discussion in St. Mary Parish Hall ALL ARE MOST WELCOME TO ATTEND! As we did last year, St. Mary s Youth Ministry will be running a trip to the Steubenville East Conference this year. All incoming freshmen to outgoing seniors in high school are invited to join us! The Steubenville East Conference is a weekend where over 2,500 Catholic youth from throughout the Northeast gather for a weekend of uplifting music, dynamic speakers, and inspiring fellowship. This year s Conference will be July 15 July 17, 2016 at UMASS Lowell The cost to attend is $275, and we have a limited number of spots, so if you are interested in going, sign up ASAP! Contact Courtney to either sign up, or for more information, at ccallanan@chelmsfordcatholic.org. CAP FACILITATOR TRAINING Saturday, March 5th St. Anne, Littleton 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Contact: Liliana Lucas at ext 213 This one-day training is for volunteer parishioners/school staff selected by their pastors/principals to become members of the Child Abuse Protection (CAP) Team. The individuals will be trained in the adult awareness program: Virtus/ Protecting God s Children (PGC), what to do if child abuse or neglect is suspected, observed or disclosed, and how to report such allegations.
The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts page 10 Hello, my name is Shannon and I m a sophomore at Chelmsford High School and a lifetime member of St. John s Parish. Through a friend, I have become acquainted with the children at Happy Kids Orphanage, as well as the founder, Elizabeth and her family. The orphanage is located in Ghana, Volta/Region (Hohoe). Elizabeth s quest for a quality education for the underprivileged children moved me so deeply, that I collected a lot of school supplies that they need. With Fr. Mahoney s blessing, I am being permitted to do a one-time collection for the orphanage. Any money donated would be greatly appreciated. The money collected would be used to defray the cost of shipping the school supplies, and if we are fortunate enough to have money left over, that money would be wired directly to the orphanage. It would also be greatly appreciated if people could donate: one subject composition notebooks (wide ruled) travel size soaps (if you have any from your travels) pencils any slightly used clothing (child sizes) The monetary collection, as well as the above items, will be held on the weekend of January 30th/31st. Monetary donations can be made as cash or check, which can be made out to Kathy Dean c/o Happy Kids Orphanage. There will be labeled boxes at the entrances of the church to collect the donated items. Please see the posters at the entrances of the church to meet the children. The children of Happy Kids Orphanage, Elizabeth and her family as well as myself, thank you for your generosity. Courageous Catholic Women (CCW) Meeting Monday, February 8, 2016 7:00-9:00 PM St. Andrew Catholic Church, Billerica Join us as we gather to discuss upcoming speakers, prospective service projects and pilgrimages and view an inspirational video. We look for to coming together with others and we welcome all interested women to join us on the journey to strive to be Courageous Catholic Women. Contact Fran at 978-387-3155 or fmb0427@verizon.net for more information. If you would like to submit a notice for the bulletin, please submit it no later than 12 NOON on the 2nd Friday prior to the bulletin weekend in which you want it published. Submittals should be forwarded via email to christine@chelmsfordcatholic.org. Please direct all bulletin inquires to Christine Trznadel at 978-251-8571, x 214. Thank you. Save the Date! Catholic musician and recording artist, David Kauffman, of San Antonio, TX will perform a Lenten concert on... Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm St. Theresa Parish; 466 Boston Road, Billerica David s passion is to offer music and spiritual reflection that help people on their faith journey to experience God s embrace. Many say his concerts are like a mini-retreat for the soul. All are welcome! This gift is sponsored by the ACTS Community and although a free will offering basket will be available, there is no charge, nor are tickets required for this concert. Please plan on coming early as seating is limited. ACTS Boston Chapter For more information, contact Bob at Bob.Chevalier@verizon.net ACTS Retreat for Men February 11-14, 2016 The ACTS leadership from our Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative is hosting an ACTS Retreat and extends this invitation to all men from our Collaborative to join in this weekend of Community, Prayer, Liturgy and Reflection. ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service) is a 3-day retreat led by laity from throughout the area. Men of both Saint Mary and Saint John Parishes are urged to consider this invitation as an opportunity to grow in faith and understanding of the Gospels. Say Yes by completing the ACTS Invitation/Application available at the entrances of our Churches or on our parish websites. You can get more details on the ACTS Retreat by contacting those listed at the bottom of the application or talking with Deacon Fran Burke. The Men of St. Joseph 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. All meetings will begin by 7:00am and end no later than 9:00 am. Newcomers, father/son (confirmation aged) teams, and friends from other parishes are always welcome! To find out more, please come and check us out! Our next meeting is... Saturday, February 13th at St. Mary Magdalen Church 95 Lakeview Avenue, Tyngsboro Speaker: Fr. Guy Sciacca, Administrator St. Michael Parish, Lowell Topic: Addictions