Saint Joseph Parish 173 Albion Street, Wakefield MA 01880 The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Sunday Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:00 PM Sunday Mass 7:30 AM 9:00 AM (Family Liturgy) 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM Daily Mass Schedule Monday - Friday Mass 6:45 AM, 9:00 AM Saturday Mass 9:00 AM Parish Holy Hour Every Sunday: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Confessions Saturday 3:00 to 3:45 PM or by appointment. Pastoral Team Fr. Ron Barker, Pastor Merry Nordeen, Admin. Assistant Rose Dittmer, Faith Formation Anne Grant, Music Director Maureen Miller, Parish Accountant Mary Coles, Bulletin Editor Alex Canto, Facilities Manager Caleb, Parish Dog www.stjosephwakefield.org Phone: 781-245-5770 Fax: 781-246-2423 Chapel Hours 7:00 AM - Midnight Adoration (M-F)-10:00AM - 12 AM Weds 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM No Adoration on Holidays January 1, 2017 Religious Education Elizabeth Collins, Grade 1-2 Sharon Keith, Grades 3-8 Fr. Ron Barker, Grade 10 Carissa Scudieri, Youth Minister Diane Murphy, Administration Saint Joseph School & Early Childhood Center Dr. Joseph Sullivan, Principal Alayne Flynn, Administrator Phone: 781-245-2081 www.stjosephschoolwakefield.org
Dear Parishioners, Right now, we as a church are in our Christmas season. This season ends on January 9 with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. Our Christmas celebration does not end on the day after Christmas as it does in secular society. Our secular society is getting ready for Valentine s Day and soon, if not now, Valentine's decorations will be on display. The day after Christmas, the malls are busy with people returning presents and buying for next year with deep discounts on everything Christmas related. Unlike secular society, we, as Christians, should not return Jesus who is our greatest gift. He is Emmanuel, God with us but we often put Him aside in our lives. We can say that there is no room for Him in the inn. It is sad how many do not understand the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to bring His mercy, peace and love. Don t we all need this in our lives? Don t we need a shepherd to provide for us and protect us from all that would harm us, especially our sinful behaviors? This is a season of peace for the Prince of Peace has come! He has taught us the way of peace is the way of love. How many still live lives full of bitterness and un-forgiveness? If we should do anything in response to the gift of Jesus, it is to extend the peace of the Lord to any in our lives that we would label as enemies. Life is too short to live with the poison of hatred. Let us meditate on the gift of Jesus and allow His love to embrace our lives and to share that love with those around us. The Church gives us an extended period of time to reflect on the great gift given to us, Jesus, who comes to save us from sin and the power of darkness. He pays the price of our redemption through His body and blood which is made present on the altar when we celebrate Mass. Let us truly celebrate the feast of Christmas which is good news of great joy. We begin our new year with the feast of Mary, the Mother of God. She is also our mother who cares for us and wants to bring all her children to her Son, that like her, we may be faithful disciples of Jesus. May this New Year bring us all closer in our relationship with Jesus. May we be faithful to our daily prayer, the reading of Scripture and the attendance of Mass. May we live our lives as children of God in serving the needs of others and sharing the Good News. I pray that the Lord bless you with good health and provide you in all of your needs this coming year. We don t know what the New Year will bring but we do know that Jesus will be with us each and every day with His love. I wish to thank all who gave to the Christmas collection for the retirement and health needs of the priests of the Archdiocese. I also wish to thank all who sent cards and gifts. I do appreciate your words of kindness and affection. I thank all who made our Christmas celebration a joyful celebration. I wish to especially thank the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, the choirs under the direction of Anne Grant, the ushers, Dave Scarpello, who organized the distribution of the book, Resisting Happiness, Gregory s Florist for the floral decorations, CALEB'S CORNER Caleb wishes all his friends a Happy New Year! Steve Zolud for managing the video equipment, the Liturgy Committee who worked behind the scenes and Alex Canto, who built the Christmas stable and decorated the grounds with Christmas lights. I would like to thank all those who gave a double portion to the collection to help us cover monthly expenses since Christmas this year fell on a weekend. As a reminder, we will be having our monthly Healing Mass this Wednesday, January 4, starting with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. I will be available for confession this week on Tuesday, January 3, from 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. May Jesus continue to shepherd you in all of your needs. God love you, 2
Reflection of the Week Remember to care for the soul more than the body since the former remains, the latter perishes. HOLY HOUR A time of quiet music & reflection Sunday 7:00-8:00 p.m. PRAYER GROUP Hour of praise and charismatic prayer Monday 7:30-8:30 p.m. BIBLE STUDY Scripture Reading & Discussion Tuesday at 7:30p.m. HEALING MASS Wednesday 7:00 p.m. HEALING SOAKING PRAYER Thursday 2:00 p.m. Spiritual Teaching A Life of Becoming PROBABLY THE GREATEST OBSTACLE to understanding God s purpose for brokenness is this: Most believers think of Christianity as something we do. We pray. We read the Bible. We go to church. We sing hymns. We tithe. We do and do and assume that s the Christian life. It s not. Authentic Christianity is about becoming rather than doing. The life of faith that God designed involves receiving Jesus into our heart and allowing Him to change our habits, mindsets, beliefs, interests, and concerns so we become more and more like Him. This realization will change our perspective on the heartache we must endure. You see, when we recognize that the Christian life is about Jesus persistent work of re-creation in us, then the role of brokenness will make more sense. It s the process the Lord uses to strip us of things that have become or may one day become an obstacle to our spiritual growth. He also uses this tool to address issues we may have declared off limits to Him, such as unhealthy behaviors or relationships that we rationalize. God doesn t want to be Lord of most of your life; He wants to be Lord of all of your life! So He zeroes in on areas of self-will and self-sufficiency to remove everything within us that relies on self. He uses brokenness to remove those inclinations so that we can live moment by moment, day by day, in full dependence on Him. Open your heart, and ask God to reveal any selfish strongholds. Let Him break any unhealthy behavior patterns in your life. He will. ~ intouch.org 3
ADULT FOCUS Bereavement Community Hear how our members have dealt with loss and learn strategies and activities that have helped others move back into the warm peace of the Lord. Meetings are held on first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady s Room. Please note time change to 7:00 p.m. Next meeting is on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Faith Sharing Join us for insights and fellowship. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady s Room Tuesdays at noon. Call for confirmation. Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady s Room. Affirming Life Community Heartbeat Pregnancy Center (781) 229-7887 A Women s Concern Toll Free (866) 435-7292 Rachel s Vineyard 877 HOPE 4 ME (877) 467-3463 Knit, Purl, Pray The Prayer Knitting Community meets on Tuesdays @ 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady's Room. All are welcome. Living With Chronic Illness Support Group Support ministry for those experiencing chronic illness, cancer, or long-term medical conditions from both visible or invisible illnesses. Caretakers of anyone who has a chronic illness are welcome. Next meeting is on Wednesday, January 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Our Lady s Room. Separated/Divorced Support Group Meetings resume on Wednesday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Old Lady s Room. Please email Rose at rmdittom@aol.com for more information or call 781-665-8172 for more details. St. Joseph Table Serving healthful meals to those in need on the second Friday and fourth Wednesday each month. Schedules may change to accommodate certain holy days and holidays. For more information on any of these programs, please call Rose at 781-665-8172 or email: rmdittom@aol.com. Is God Calling You...? We presently have some openings for Hospital Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and Ministers to the Sick or Homebound. If you have thought of serving in any of these ways, please call Rose Dittmer 617-697-0888 or email: rmdittom@aol.com. CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES Thank you to our wonderful parishioners for the tremendous response to our Giving Trees! We were once again, overwhelmed with the tremendous response to this year s Giving Trees. The generosity of so many parishioners will enable hundreds of less fortunate individuals to have warm clothing and gifts under the tree as well as food on the table. We wish to thank the many volunteers who worked with our coordinator, Rose Finn. Many thanks to all our veteran volunteers and all the new people who helped out this year. This project could not have been accomplished without all of their dedication and hard work. We thank you for making the year 2016 a year filled with the blessings that made our work possible. God bless you and your kind and generous hearts. Need a little help with your everyday activities? Contact Our Christian Service Ministry. If you are experiencing a difficult time and in need of some help or are interested in joining this ministry, please call: Lucia Beaton at 781-820-6039. Reminder! CORI Forms If you have received a CORI and/or Code of Conduct form in the mail, please return them with a copy of your license or other valid ID to the rectory. Thank you! Men s Group Please join us on Saturday mornings! The next scheduled meetings will be on January 7, 14, 21, 18 at 9:30 a.m. in the Youth Ministry Room. Men of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a ministry that reaches out to all Christian men (18 and older). For more information please contact Bill Hicks: billhicks@ymail.com. 4
Adoration Coverage Needed We are especially in need of coverage on Mondays from 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., and 5:30-6:00 p.m., Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. & Fridays 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., 6:30-7:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., & 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Please call the rectory to sign up. St. Joseph Parish Expenses Paid December 3, 2016 - December 23, 2016 Adult Faith Formation $ 32 Altar Supplies 527 Audio Visual 24 Books & Pamphlets 125 Building Maintenance & Supplies 2,852 Charitable Works 300 Coffee & Donuts 471 Dues & Subscriptions 72 Hospitality 1,151 Insurance & Benefits 10,501 Office Supplies & Expenses 2,670 Payroll & Taxes 16,199 Rectory Food 52 Rectory Supplies 220 Religious Education 1,338 Saint Joseph s Table 468 Software 490 Utilities 2,774 Wakefield Food Pantry 500 Youth Ministry 21 Total $ 40,787 Religious Education Wishing all students and their families a very happy and blessed Christmas season and a wonderful New Year filled with the joy of Jesus love. See you in 2017! Save the date! Summer Programs 2017 Registration will begin on Monday, April 10. Summer Religious Education Class: June 26 - June 30 from 9 a.m.. - 3 p.m. for Grades 3 5. Vacation Bible School: July 10-14, two sessions offered: 9 a.m. - 12 Noon OR 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for ages 5-10. Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry There are drop off baskets located in the foyer by the library for your donations of non-perishable food items to benefit the needy of our community. This month the pantry is especially in need of baked beans, beef stew, chili, jars of pasta sauce. Thank you for your continued generosity. SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL NEWS December Offertory Weekly Offertory $ 51,633.00 Electronic Giving 15,976.00 Total Offertory $ 67,609.00 Needed to make expenses $ 60,000.00 Without Grand Annual Collection DECEMBER 24-25 CLERGY COLLECTION $ 23,807 WEEKLY OFFERTORY $ 8,404 Please remember St. Joseph Parish in your will. Saint Joseph School 15 Gould Street, Wakefield, MA 01880 A 21st Century Learning Community based on Timeless Catholic Values Early Childhood Program - Ages 2.9 to 5 with flexible days and hours Full Day Kindergarten - Grade 8 Open House every Friday 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. For more information, call 781-245-2081 or visit us at www.stjosephschoolwakefield.org 5
Your prayers are requested for the benefactors of our parish and the deceased of our community especially Sandra Pike, Margaret King, & John Harrington. Also, please pray for the sick among us and all those who have asked us to pray for them this week. Their names have been inscribed in our parish Book of Intentions in the Chapel. Please contact the rectory to add a name. Saturday, December 31 9:00 John Joseph Yirrell, Birthday Remembrance 4:00 Jack Roche, Sunday, January 1 Mary, Mother of God 7:30 No Intentions 9:00 No Intentions 11:00 No Intentions 5:30 No Intentions Monday, January 2 9:00 Bob Stentiford, Tuesday, January 3 9:00 John Foley, Healing Intention Wednesday, January 4 9:00 Pat Spinosa, Birthday Remembrance Thursday, January 5 9:00 Michael Sullivan, 11th Anniversary Friday, January 6 9:00 James Sullivan, Birthday Remembrance Saturday, January 7 9:00 Elizabeth Hayes, 7th Anniversary 4:00 Clyde & Elizabeth Lowrey, Sunday, January 8 7:30 David Eldridge, 9:00 Agnes Accardi, 31st Anniversary 11:00 Patricia Tine, 6th Anniversary 5:30 Ralph Petraglia, 34th Anniversary Please pray for all those currently serving in the military and for all those deployed overseas especially Richard Cardavelli, Joon Choi, Steven Doucette, Brian LeClair, Wayne MacKay, Ian Schwartz and Justin Whitmarsh. Box Tops for Education The Students at Saint Joseph s School thank you for your continued support of our Box Tops for Education Program. The Box Tops for Education Program is a great way to help the school earn money by clipping Box Tops from products you already use! Please continue to clip Box Tops from participating products and deposit them in the Saint Joseph School Box Tops collection box located in the Church Foyer. Scripture for the week of January 1, 2017 SUN Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 Mon 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28 Tue 1 Jn 2:29-3:6/Jn 1:29-34 Wed 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42 Thu 1 Jn 3:11-21/Jn 1:43-51 Fri Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests The next monthly Cenacle will be held on January 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We hope you can join us! If you have any questions, please contact: Sharon Keith (781) 245-5770. 1 Jn 5:5-13/Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 or 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38 Sat 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 2:1-11 SUN Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 PARENTING CORNER Loyola Press 3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage. Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat. After each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. If you are new to online prayer, the basic timing of the screens will guide you through the experience. http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minuteretreats-daily-online-prayer.htm 6