St. Patrick Parish 1 Cross Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Third Sunday of Advent Joyful Anticipation Saving God, how will you come to us today? And will we know you? You sent John the Baptist to testify to your light and still some did not see. Put your spirit in us, and grant us a love of unceasing prayer, so that we will know you, rejoice in you, proclaim your liberty, and bring your glad tidings to our portion of the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Sunday, December 11, 2016 Rejoice! Today s Readings: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 The coming of Christ and his Kingdom will be understood when the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame leap. In today s readings, we are reminded by both Isaiah and Jesus that we do not need to look any further. The signs of healing and wholeness should be enough. Traditionally, the Third Sunday of Advent is a joyous reminder that God is already in our midst, even as we prepare to commemorate his coming into the world. In the world s terms, we know that the blind see, the deaf hear, weak knees and hearts are made firm, and even the arid desert is in full bloom. This is cause for rejoicing. The words of Jesus in the Gospel are a challenge to look beyond the messenger, John the Baptist, and to realize the truth of the message. Rejoice in the topsy-turvy world where those apparently blind can now see through the rough nomad in the dry desert and recognize a prophet. Rejoice in the prophetic message heard by the deaf, pulsating through the lame, and blooming with abundant flowers. Today you can sing the refrain Rejoice! Rejoice, O Israel! To thee shall come Emmanuel, knowing that Emmanuel has come. Take some time today with your family or friends to recognize the goodness that you witness in your lives: where adversity can produce joy, where the deaf have heard some Good News and a change of heart is the result. Today is the day of which Isaiah prophesies when he says, Sorrow and sighing shall flee, because the ransomed of the Lord will obtain joy and gladness. 2016 Liturgy Training Publications. Written by Anne C. McGuire. Illustrated by Michele Wood. Scripture quotations are from The New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1993 and 1989 by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on March 1, 2016.
Welcome St. Patrick Parish: A Faith Community since 1870 - Rectory Phone: 508-234-5656 MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday: 4:30 PM; Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM ; Monday-Wednesday 8:30 AM Parish Staff Rev. Tomasz Borkowski: Pastor FrTomasz@mystpatricks.com Deacon Patrick Stewart: Deacon DeaconPat@mystpatricks.com Deacon Chris Finan: Deacon DeaconChris@mystpatricks.com Mrs. Christina Pichette: Pastoral Associate to Youth Ministry Christina@mystpatricks.com Mrs. Maryanne Swartz: Coordinator of Children s Ministries Maryanne@mystpatricks.com Mr. Kiel Krommer: Music Director Kiel@mystpatricks.com Mrs. Jackie Trottier: Operations Manager Jackie@mystpatricks.com Mrs. Shelly Mombourquette: Administrative Assistant Shelly@mystpatricks.com Mr. Jack Jackson: Cemetery Superintendent: Jack@mystpatricks.com Mrs. Mary Contino: Wedding Coordinator Maryc@mystpatricks.com Ms. Jeanne LeBlanc: Ministry Scheduler Jleblanc@mystpatricks.com Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confessions are offered every Saturday from 3:30-4:00 PM in the Church or by calling the Parish Office for an appointment. + MASS INTENTIONS + Members of the family requesting the Mass are asked to bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar. Please make yourselves known to the lector and sit near the gifts. Weekend of Dec. 10/11: Sat., 4:30 PM + Leonard Skerry - by his Family Sun., 8:00 AM + Lucille Roy & William Susienka Sr. - by their Family Sun., 10:00 AM + Donald Forgit - by Daughter & Granddaughter Sun., 5:00 PM + Raymond Kane - by his Family 8:30 AM Daily Mass Intentions Dec. 12-16: Monday + John & Dorothy Harris - by their Family Tuesday + Aubrey Mac Neil by Marie Bastone Wednesday + Richard Laba - by his wife, Margaret Thursday - No Mass Friday - No Mass Weekend of Dec. 17/18: Sat., 4:30 PM + Michael Weldon (22nd Anniv.) - by his Family Sun., 8:00 AM + Peter Frabotta Jr. - by the Gauthier Family Sun., 10:00 AM + Carol Hirsch (1st Anniv.) - by the Biagioni Family Sun., 5:00 PM + Donald & Dorothy Forgit - by their Daughter & Granddaughter Mrs. Marylin Arrigan: Staff Support, Bulletin Marylin@mystpatricks.com The Mass book is open for the months of October-December. If you would like to book a mass in memory of a loved one please call the rectory at 508-234-5656. December 11, 2016 2 Third Sunday of Advent
FAITH FORMATION Welcome LIFE IN THE PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SCHEDULE Pre school Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Kindergarten Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Grade Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Grades 2 & 3 Sunday 11:05 AM - 12:05 PM Grades 4 & 5 Sunday 8:50 AM - 9:50 AM Children are to attend the 10:00 am Mass and take part in the Children s Liturgy of the Word. Grades 6, 7 & 8 Monday 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM Formal High School Classes will take place September-February at varied dates. Special Sessions take place throughout the year check the weekly schedule for times. Middle School: Monday 6:45-8:00 PM High School: Sunday 5:00-7:30 PM Upcoming Faith Formation Dec. 11: Classes Pre-5 Dec. 11: Decision Point for 9th & 10th Grade Dec. 12: Grade 6-8 Dec. 18: Family Fun Night at La Salette Shrine for Grades Pre-8 (no regular classes this week) Dec. 18: Decision Point for 9th & 10th Grade Weekly Prayer Group & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00-8:00 PM (Chapel) All Are Welcome! RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Non-Catholics or Catholic Adults seeking information about full initiation into the Catholic Church, through Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation, should contact Deacon Chris Finan at (508) 234-5656. OUR LADY OF THE VALLEY REGIONAL SCHOOL 71 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569 508-278-5851,www.ourladyofthevalleyregional.com Sacrament of Baptism: For information concerning our Parent and Godparent Preparation Program, please contact the Parish Office approximately three to six months before the child is born. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confessions are offered every Saturday from 3:30-4:00 PM in the Church or by calling the Parish Office for an appointment. Sacrament of Matrimony: Couples should contact a Parish Priest as soon as they decide to marry and before any other arrangements are made. The Diocesan policy requires a minimum one-year period of preparation. Sacrament of the Sick & Homebound Visits Please inform us when a family member is admitted to the hospital. Communion visits to the aged, sick, convalescing and homebound are a major concern to us. Please call the Rectory at 508-234-5656 to arrange these ministerial visits. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Rectory Phone: 508-234-5656 Rectory Fax: 508-234-6845 Religious Ed. Phone: 508-234-3511 Parish Website: www.mystpatricks.com Find us on Facebook at St Patricks Parish Whitinsville Are you new to St. Patrick Parish? Become a member by going to mystpatricks.com to register on-line. Do you have students to register for Religious Education? Go to the Religious Education tab and register on-line, or by the office. Upcoming Second Collections: Dec. 11-Retired Religious DEC. 18 - Utilities Dec. 25 - Christmas Christmas Flowers - No Date Upcoming Meetings and Events: Dec. 11- Drop In Reconciliation: 2-3:00 PM; Church Dec. 11- Welcoming Committee Meeting: 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM Dec. 11- SPiN Action: 1:15-4:00 PM, Center Dec. 14- Blackstone Valley Quilters Meeting: 6:30-9:00 PM; Center The Advent Season The Advent Committee offers these opportunities for enriching your Advent Anointing after all Masses: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10th and 11th. Adoration: Quiet time before the Blesses Sacrament will be offered every Wednesday in the main Church from 3:00-9:00 PM. Stop in, light a candle and say a prayer. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2-3 PM. Come for confession and quiet. Support your Advent experience online: Sign up for The Best Advent Ever through Dynamic Catholic at the site below. It only takes a minute. Go to: http:/dynamiccatholic.com/bestadvent-ever Live streaming of Mass from St. Patrick s will begin the 1st Sunday of Advent. Access it through YouTube on your computer and mystpatrick channel. December 11, 2016 3 Third Sunday of Advent
Welcome Reflections: Hi Families, Just wanted to share with you an Advent prayer that I found that I thought was especially a prayer to keep in mind during this time of year. Blessings, Christina God of Light and Truth, give special grace to your children who suffer in darkness In this night season of the year. For those who are lonely, bring them the warm light of companionship. For those who are plagued by monsters in their minds, sooth them with the healing light of your truth. For those who are trapped in dark relationships, Living situations, work, or addictions, draw them into your bright peace. In the darkest time of the year, You sent your light into the world through Jesus Christ, your Son; send your light into the darkest places of our lives, that we may be freed from the bonds of darkness And transformed by your light. Best Advent Ever We prepare for everything we consider important in life and that includes Christmas. We shop for gifts, bake cookies, decorate our trees and visit family and friends until we re ready to drop. Best Advent Ever is a free email program that will help you prepare for Christmas in a different way. Sign up for The Best Advent Ever through Dynamic Catholic at the site below. It only takes a minute. Go to: http://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever Don t miss the opportunity to make this your best Advent (and Christmas) ever. Sign up today! Its simple, and the only cost is your commitment to live better each day during Advent. Are you Ready? Let s Connect! We are very excited about our new Audio/Visual Ministry here at St. Patrick s. We are in the testing stages of streaming one Mass a week live, for our parishioners who are unable to be present for our weekend Masses. We would like to build a team of people who are interested in audio/visual and are willing to learn more about our capabilities. We are in need of at least two people each weekend to run the audio and visual equipment. Many hands make light work so please inquire if interested. Please contact Deacon Patrick if you are interested in being a part of a dynamic team helping St. Patrick s spread the Good News. December 11, 2016 4 Third Sunday of Advent
STEWARDSHIP/MINISTRIES Giving Tree Giving Tree: If you and your family would like to donate a child s gift to a needy Northbridge family, please choose a tag from the Giving Tree. Toy and clothing gifts should be wrapped. Please attach the tag to the gifts. Gifts of toys and clothing must be brought to church no later than 12:00 Noon on Sunday, December 18. There are also tags on the tree for donations to Catholic Charities for much needed fuel assistance. As always, your continued support is greatly appreciated! Welcome Gift Certificates Available! The John 21 Community Breakfast Ministry now has gift/donation certificates available. If you would like to donate in someone s name to this valuable ministry, please call Shelly at the parish office, 508-234-5656, to ask for a certificate. Thank You! St. Patrick s John 21 Community Breakfast ministry provides a free, nutritious breakfast every Saturday morning in the spirit of community fellowship and hospitality from 8-10 AM for those in need in St. Patrick s Parish Center. Hand-Made Manger This year s Nativity raffle tickets can be found online or at entrances of the church. Please take a chance to win this beautiful Nativity modeled after St. Patrick s outdoor display. Red tickets are at all entrances of the church. Ticket returns must be in by Dec. 18th! Cost: 3 tickets for $10 or $5 each The OLV Regional School Parent s Guild is selling Cash Calendars to raise money for the OLV school curriculum. Calendars are available for $10 each and are on sale now through Dec 16th. They make great stocking stuffers!!! Over $2,500 in cash prizes will be given out in January! Contact: bill.horrigan@dell.com or visit the OLV website to download yours today: http://ourladyofthevalleyregional.com Cost per Calendar: $10.00 NAC Food Pantry: 508-234-4599 Open Tuesdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM & Thursdays 1:00-3:00 PM Please remember those that are less fortunate. The NAC Food Pantry helps local area families, and will accept any nonperishable food in date. If you would like to donate please drop items off in the boxes at the entrance of the Church or drop a donation in the basket marked for the NAC Food Pantry. The Knights of Columbus, Mumford Council #365 If you are not a member of the Knights of Columbus and would like to join us, please talk to any Knight or visit www.kofc365.org. Follow us on Social Media! Prayer for Those in the Service Almighty God, we stand before you asking for your divine mercy and protection. Embrace with Your invincible armor our loved ones in all branches of the service. Give them courage and strength against all enemies both spiritual and physical and hasten their safe journey back to their homes and families. Amen Please remember the following service personnel in your Prayers as they serve and protect our country: Pvt. Tyler Finnigan, US Army, Ft. Devens, MA L.Cpl. Aaron Marshall, Okinawa, Eric Hoyt, Machinist 1st Class, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. Army, L.Cpl. Troy Monteville, Afghanistan, LTJG David Mobed, US Navy, USS Mason St Patricks Parish Whitinsville stpatsville @stpatricks20 st.patricksparish December 11, 2016 5 Third Sunday of Advent
Welcome Consider giving a gift to our Parish this Christmas Season. Building Fund Progress Total Expenses: $841,000.00 Total Pledges/Income: $789,000.00 Pay off the line of credit: $ 52,000.00 Build Maintenance Fund: $100,000.00 Need to raise: $152,000.00 Giving a Weekly Gift of = Over 2 Years $ 2.00 = $ 208.00 (one less cup of coffee a week) $ 5.00 = $ 520.00 $10.00 = $ 1,040.00 $20.00 = $ 2,080.00 By extending your pledge over a longer period of time, makes your contribution easier and perhaps more affordable to you. This Weekend, Dec. 10th and 11th!!! Experience the Healing Power of Christ as we offer anointing for the healing of mind, body and spirit after all Masses. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday, Dec. 11 Drop in between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM Come for confession and quiet. He is really there! "I myself am the living bread come down from heaven." (Jn 6:35) Consider coming and sitting a while with the blessed sacrament on Wednesdays anytime between 3:00 PM 9:00 PM Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for me! "Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world," because "I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is my affection for you." (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3) December 11, 2016 6 Third Sunday of Advent