dec07.2014
Transcription
dec07.2014
Saint John the Evangelist Parish 115 Middlesex Street . North Chelmsford, Massachusetts Tel: 978-251-8571 . Fax: 978-251-7873 . www.saintjohnchelmsford.org Our Mission Statement 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. Parish Office Hours Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Worship With Us! Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 5:00 PM Weekday Mass Schedule Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM preceded by The Rosary at 8:30 AM Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays: 3:15 - 3:45 PM or by appointment. Sacrament of Baptism Second Sunday of the month or during any weekend Mass. Call the Parish Office to register for baptismal prepara- Sacrament of Marriage Couples should contact the priest 6 months prior to their wedding date. Sacrament of The Sick Sunday following the 10:30 AM Mass. Call the Parish Office when someone is very ill. Sacrament of Holy Orders See a priest or visit info@vocationsboston.org December 7, 2014 The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts Staff Directory 978.251.8571 Reverend Martin Dzengeleski ADMINISTRATOR, ext 218 frmartin@saintjohnchelmsford.org Reverend Hal Obayashi PAROCHIAL VICAR, ext 226 frobayashi@gmail.com Paul Ciotti DIRECTOR OF W ORSHIP ext 234; ciotti.sje@verizon.net Fran Anderson COORDINATOR OF RELIGIOUS ED & FAITH FORMATION ext 212; fran@saintjohnchelmsford.org Luis Nieto page 2 Scripture Reflection John the Baptist's life was fueled by one burning passion to point others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of his kingdom. Who is John the Baptist and what is the significance of his message for our lives? Let us explore WHO he is… $ Scripture tells us that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15, 41) by Christ himself, whom Mary had just conceived by the Holy Spirit. $ When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, John leapt in her womb as they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). $ The fire of the Spirit dwelt in John and made him the forerunner of the coming Messiah. $ John was led by the Spirit into the wilderness prior to his ministry, where he was tested and grew in the word of God. $ John's clothing was reminiscent of the prophet Elijah (see Kings 1:8). YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR ext 230; luis@saintjohnchelmsford.org Liliana Lucas BUSINESS MANAGER ext 213; liliana@saintjohnchelmsford.org Christine Trznadel PARISH SECRETARY/ BULLETIN EDITOR ext 214; christine@saintjohnchelmsford.org Eileen Marcotte ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ext 229; eileen@saintjohnchelmsford.org Stephen Webber FACILITIES MANAGER, ext 231 MON, DEC 8 TUE, DEC 9 WED, DEC 10 Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Psalm 98 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 96 Matthew 18:12-14 Isaiah 40:25-31 Psalm 103 Matthew 11:28-30 This Week’s Readings THUR, DEC 11 FRI, DEC 12 Isaiah 41: 13-20 Psalm 145 Matthew 11:11-15 Zechariah 2:14-17 (psalm) Judith 13 Luke 1:26-38 SAT, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 14 “YOUR WORD IS A Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 (psalm) Luke 1 1Thess 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28 LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH” Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Psalm 80 Matthew 17:9-13 -PSALM 119:105 Let us explore HIS MESSAGE… John broke the prophetic silence of the previous centuries when he began to speak the word of God to the people of Israel. His message was similar to the message of the Old Testament prophets who chided the people of God for their unfaithfulness and who tried to awaken true repentance in them. Among a people unconcerned with the things of God, it was his work to awaken their interest, unsettle them from their complacency, and arouse in them enough good will to recognize and receive Christ when he came. John's baptism was for repentance… turning away from sin and taking on a new way of life according to God's word. Our baptism in Jesus Christ by water and the Spirit results in a new birth and entry into God's kingdom as his beloved sons and daughters (John 3:5). Jesus is ready to give us the fire of his Spirit so that we may radiate the joy and truth of the gospel to a world in desperate need of God's light and truth. His word has power to change and transform our lives that we may be lights pointing others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ. Do you point others to Christ in the way you live, work, and speak? "Lord, let your light burn brightly in my heart that I may know the joy and freedom of your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to witness the truth of your Gospel and to point others to Jesus Christ." (www.rc.net/wcc/readings) December 7th, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent page 3 Grand Annual Performance To date, we have raised $63,705… 58% of goal Mass Intentions “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 4:00 PM: Edward G. Parlee AND Parker & Annamarie Thomas & Simone Dion SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 8:30 AM: Henry & Gertrude LaBelle 10:30 AM: Mary Louise Murray 5:00 PM: Rita McGowan MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 9:00 AM: Pro Populo, for the people of the parish TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH 9:00 AM: John Doucette THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11TH 9:00 AM: Priscilla Rega The Collection Report Month Ending November 30th, 2014 Offertory Budget $49,000 Offertory Actual * $47,281 Variance ($1,719) *Of the above, $5,011 is from electronic giving 2014/15 Fiscal YTD Variance ($10,234) December 8th: A Holyday of Obligation In order to accommodate the varying schedules of our parishioners, we are including the Mass schedules for our neighboring parishes: St. John’s at 9:00 am & 7:00 pm St. Mary’s at 7:00 am & 5:00 pm (part of mission) St. Catherine’s, Westford, at 8:00 am St. Anne’s, Littleton, at 7:00 pm SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 9:00 AM: Rita McGowan 4:00 PM: Barbara A. Regan AND Jon Doherty Christmas Mass Schedule SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH 8:30 AM: Ann Lizotte 10:30 AM: Rita (Letendre) Paquin 5:00 PM: Irene & Edward Spinelli May the souls of the faithful departed, especially Alfred Welcome, Anthony Ciotti, Sr., and Donald Nagle, Sr., through the mercy of God, rest in peace. –Amen Rose for Life In Loving Memory of Priscilla Rega from her Tuesday Morning Coffee Friends To book a Rose for Life, call Christine; ext 214. Rose Donated by Blossoms Florist St.John’s John s Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24 4:00 PM (Church) w/ Children’s Choir 4:00 PM (Hall) w/ Contemporary Ensemble & 7:00 PM Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM St.Mary’s Mary s Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24 4:00 PM (hall & Church), 6:00 PM and Midnight Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM The Parish Family of Saint John the Evangelist, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts YOUTH MINISTRY luis@saintjohnchelmsford.org www.chelmsfordyouthministry.weebly.com Youth Ministry Event Friday, December 12th Christmas Festival of Lights ”Jesus Light of Life” Lasalette Shrine in Attleboro 300,000 Lights illuminating over 10 acres International Crèche museum The Outdoor Crèche of Bethlehem Concerts We will leave St. John’s parking lot at 4:00 pm and return by 9:30 pm. To sign up, please contact Luis at ext 239 or luis@saintjohnchelmsford.org From the Office of Religious Education & Faith Formation Fran Anderson, ext 212 MANDATORY MEETING for 10th Grade Students AND Parent(s) We will have a brief meeting following the December 14th Class to review requirements that need to be met prior to your child receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation next fall. A parent NEEDS to be at this meeting. Thank you. T DA page 4 Children’s Liturgy of the Word 0 During our 8:30 AM Family Mass, children are invited to join in our Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW), a parallel celebration of the Word that takes place in the church hall during Mass. The readings are read from a children’s lectionary, which are geared toward their age and development. After an interactive reflection/discussion of the Word, the profession of faith and the general intercessions, the children rejoin the general assembly for the preparation of the Eucharist. CLOW acknowledges the baptismal dignity and the value of faith formation for our youngest parishioners by providing an interactive environment for children to learn more about their faith through sharing in the weekly Liturgy of the Word. We hope you will join us at our next 8:30 AM Family Mass and experience for yourself the benefits of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Dispel Our Darkness Saint Mary’s Advent Parish Mission Facilitated by Fr. Bill Brown, O.M.V. The Parish Mission is a special moment of grace for each of us to renew our faith and love in Jesus Christ and rediscover the beauty of our call as Catholics to put our faith in action. Each night of the Mission we will focus on a different symbol, theme and grace to develop in our lives. A community dinner will begin our mission, and hospitality will be served at the end of each evening. Join us! Invite friends, neighbors, and reach out to someone new and bring them too! Bibles, Advent candles & wreaths will be available to purchase at the community dinner on Monday evening. Monday, December 8th: 7 - 9 PM GE ! AN H EC Saturday, January 10, 2015 First Reconciliation at 10:00 am Grade 7 & 8 Students… Join us for a Teaching Mass with Fr. Matt Williams followed by pizza & refreshments. TODAY! Sunday, December 7th at 2:00 PM Fr. Matt is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable speaker who will truly have you engaged in this learning experience! Bring your friends, neighbors, parents… anyone who would like an experience that will further their faith journey, or is simply ‘just wondering’. Please NOTE that this is a MANDATORY event for our 7th/8th graders, as it is part of their curriculum. Theme: Bible & Salvation: God’s plan for our happiness and our response Grace: To know and accept God’s tremendous love for us Tuesday, December 9th: 9 - 10 AM & 7 - 9 PM Theme: Crucifix & Jesus as Savior: Who is Jesus to us? Grace: To ask for a deeper knowledge of Jesus as Savior and to renew our personal faith in him Wednesday, December 10th: 7 - 9 PM Theme: Icon of Mary & Discipleship: Baptismal call to share in the work and mission of Christ Grace: To follow and imitate Jesus as servant For more information, call 978-256-3541. December 7th, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent page 5 U P C O M IN G P A RI S H EV E N TS Help is needed to set up the “Burton Christmas Trees” at 10:00 am on Monday, December 22nd. If you can lend a hand, email Paul at ciotti.sje@verizon.net (schedule subject to change in the event of a funeral) after the 9:00 AM Mass THIS Tuesday, December 9th in the Church Hall. Parish Calendar SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH Coffee & Donuts following the 8:30 AM Mass 9:30 - 11:00 AM: Grade K-6 Religious Education: NPC 9:30 - 11:00 AM: Grade 7-8 Religious Education: Hall 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM: Confirmation Class: Hall 11:30 PM: African Committee Meeting: OPC 2:00 PM: Teaching Mass w/ Fr. Matt Williams: Church 5:00 - 6:15 PM: God Squad Meeting: OPC Library MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH Immaculate Conception: Holyday of Obligation Masses celebrated at 9:00 am & 7:00 pm TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH Tuesday Morning Coffee Group following Mass WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH 4:15 - 5:30 PM: Grade 1-6 Religious Education: NPC 6:00 - 7:30 PM: Grade 7-8 Religious Education: NPC THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11TH 10:00 AM: Charismatic Prayer Group: OPC 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Epiphany Pageant Rehearsal: Mariotti 6:45 PM: BINGO (doors open at 3:00 PM): Hall FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH 6:30 PM: African Community Rosary: Mariotti 7:00 - 8:45 PM: YM Event: Off-Site at Lasalette Shrine SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH Youth Ministry Auction & Art Show, following 4:00 pm Mass SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH Coffee & Donuts following the 8:30 AM Mass 9:30 - 11:00 AM: Grade K-6 Religious Education: NPC 9:30 - 11:00 AM: Grade 7-8 Religious Education: Hall 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM: Confirmation Class: Hall 11:30 PM: African Committee Meeting: OPC 12:30 PM: Monthly Baptisms: Church 3:00 PM: ACTS Core Meeting: Mariotti 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Giving Tree Gift Sorting: Hall Congratulations! to the November 30th Capital Club Winners $500 Winner: Dan & Bonnie O’Neill (ticket 464) $300 Winner: Dick Nawoichik (ticket 613) $200 Winner: Vanessa Johnson (ticket 096) $50 Winner: Richard Aloisi (ticket 635) Annual Christmas Stop by the 4:00 pm, 8:30 am or 10:30am Masses on the weekend of December 20th/21st and choose from a variety of goodies….for yourself, your teachers, your babysitter, your dog, mom & dad… ANYONE on your Christmas list! If you stop by after the Sunday morning Masses, there will be a table set up for the kids to decorate a cookie. D O N A T I O N S R E Q U E S T E D... We welcome and greatly appreciate the donations of baked items for this event! Please attach the list of ingredients to your donated item. Donations can be dropped off to the church hall kitchen on Saturday, December 20th before 4:00 PM. Annual Giving Tree Ministry “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19:17) GIFT RETURN is NEXT WEEKEND! Please remember to SECURELY attach the tag to the wrapped gift and return it next weekend, December 13th/14th. TIMING IS EVERYTHING, so please do not bring in your gift(s) earlier or later than this date as we have no place to store the early arrivals, and face the challenge of getting late arrivals to their intended recipient(s). Thank you for your generosity in this season of giving. This is the true spirit of Christmas!!! In Support of our Community MERRIMACK VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT Christmas Around the World San Damiano House of Prayer Events 333 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, MA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 2014 at 2:00 PM Chelmsford Center for the Arts 1A North Road, Chelmsford, MA Advent Offering: Twilight Advent Reflection Wednesday, December 10th; 6:30 - 9:00 PM A light meal followed by Prayer, Sharing and Eucharist Evening Advent Reflection Wednesday, December 17th; 6:30 - 7:30 PM Contemplative Eucharist For more information, please contact either Sr. Linda Greenwood at 978.441.0988 or lgosf@netzero.net OR Sr. Ann Boyle at 207-590-8099 or atmboyle@yahoo.com Donations welcomed. Single Women: Have you ever desired to know more about religious life but didn't know where to inquire? Join us on Sunday, December 14th from 3:00—5:00 pm to begin the exploration of this vocation. This is not to recruit, but simply to provide a forum in which to explore. The start of the “Year of Consecrated Life”, declared by Pope Francis, began last Sunday, November 30th. As part of this year, single women are invited to meet, pray and learn about vowed sisters with others who are exploring. The group will meet monthly at San Damiano House of Prayer. For further information, contact Sister Janet Deaett, SND at janet.deaett@sndden.org or 978.454.2931. The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents Sunday, January 18th from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents who have experienced the death of a child of any age, by any cause, The Emmaus Ministry is offering a one-day retreat at San Damiano House of Prayer in Lowell. To register, call 800.919.9332 or email emfgp.org. PAUL CIOTTI, CONDUCTOR MARGIE PEARSE, PIANO the Night Away! Join us next Saturday, December 13th from 7:00 - 10:00 pm and dance to big band sound with jazz, swing and latin mood. Dance the cha-cha, foxtrot and waltz with inserts of a line dance or two… or three… Refreshments are provided. Chelmsford Senior Center . 75 Groton Road, No Chelmsford THE YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE Last Sunday, the first day of the liturgical season of Advent, the Vatican launched the "Year of Consecrated Life," an event that will continue through 2015 and into early 2016. This event is meant to celebrate those who have chosen to live a consecrated life with a religious institution. The three focuses of the year, per a letter from Pope Francis, are to “look to the past with gratitude," to “live the present with passion," and to "embrace the future with hope." Pope Francis also addressed the laity in his letter, reminding them that the history of Christianity would be far different without the works of consecrated persons: The Year for Consecrated Life concerns not only consecrated persons, but the entire Church. Consequently, I ask the whole Christian people to be increasingly aware of the gift which is the presence of our many consecrated men and women, heirs of the great saints who have written the history of Christianity. What would the Church be without Saint Benedict and Saint Basil, without Saint Augustine and Saint Bernard, without Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Angelica Merici and Saint Vincent de Paul. The list could go on and on, up to Saint John Bosco and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. As Blessed Paul VI pointed out: “Without this concrete sign there would be a danger that the charity which animates the entire Church would grow cold, that the salvific paradox of the Gospel would be blunted, and that the “salt” of faith would lose its savour in a world undergoing secularization” (Evangelica Testificatio, 3).