I am thankful we had an opportunity to tell the story of how Sacred Heart Parish fulfills its mission and why it fulfills its purpose.  On Friday, January 28^th the Pastoral Council along with two members of the Transition Team and three members of the Appeal Team met with Peter Meade and Mary Lou Batt of the Archbishop’s External Review Committee.

The power point presentation told the story of who we are as a strong intentional community.  What makes this community “hum”, gives action purpose, gives faith meaning and makes ministry live.  People have found a worshipful community, a meeting place with multiple opportunities and choice among programs.  We are a diverse people bringing differences as a people of faith.  These people have a sense of belonging and see themselves in and as a part of our story.

Our story is sufficiently healthy, authentic and purposeful for others to feel connected, respond with resonance and find greater meaning to their faith.  We are in relationship with a God who believes we can be more than we presently are and we are challenged to see who we might become.  We remain opened to opportunities for a more collaborative effort to continue to grow.

I am most grateful to the three presenters of our story, Mary Lynn Hedley, Katherine Rapperport and Mark Syrnick.  They wonderfully told our story as: 1) The mission of Sacred Heart Parish; 2) Problems created by suppressing our parish; 3) Our capacity for revitalizing our parish and the Church.  The presentation could not have been any better.  We expressed precisely what we wanted the Committee to hear and bring back to the Archbishop—we want to stay open.

In addition to this presentation others spoke eloquently about their involvement in the parish. Personal testimonies came from Donna Heuchling, Mary Ann Bourque, Paul Laffey, Lia McCarthy and John Mahoney.  Discussions followed.  A thick binder was given to Peter and Mary Lou and in it was a written document telling the story of Sacred Heart Parish along with some 600 letters from parishioners.

Again, I thank all who participated in the meeting with the Committee and the many parishioners who—at the same time—participated in a potluck supper, a prayer service and a power point presentation similar to the one given before the Committee.  I feel that we gave the best professional, sensitive and intelligent presentation we could have given to persuade the Committee to keep Sacred Heart Parish open.  May our story continue…

Offertory for January 29^th & 30^th            $5765.00

Envelope Offerings                         $5038.00

Loose Cash                                            $ 727.00

St. John/St. Hugh         $ 98.00

This week we ask you to pray for those who are ill, including, Brianna Cimino, Rosemary Harvey, Regina Jones, Andrea Hynes, Joyce Amos, Regina Wingard, Erin McMehon, Maria Aguis, George Beck, Dr. Kenneth Spengler, Josephine Murphy, Peter Bugda, Norma Berstein, Camille Michals, Rob Morway, Patricia Hassett, Paul McCann, William Francis, Lillian Davenport, James Fontaini, Henri Fradette, William Blair, Agatha Pals, Kath Rodriegas, Nancy Driscoll, Dante DiManna, Margie Levine, Doug Phillips, Andrew Day, Peggy Sue Grow, Mary Serpa, Deborah Miller, Dorothy Lee, William MacKinnon, Mary Jefferson, Elizabeth Conte, Shane McCarthy, Mildred Wood, Violet Caldaroni, Frank Cote, James Bresnahan, Ann Mulray, Rita Mahan, Connie Perrotta, Jackie Sullivan, Jean Babbin, Gerard Sarno, Dorothy Grant, Gretin Cervantes, Marisol O’Brien, Paul Pantano, Fran Ressetar, Cecelia Hines, Margaret Wright, Renee Chapman, Peter Bellini, Christine Gainer, Chris Ann Colletti, Helen McLaughlin, Paul Doherty, Don Costello, Jorge Loayza, Joseph Brault, Lauren Forgette, Chuck Kiernan, Margaret Coughlin, John McCarthy, Don Sabatand, Laura Mac Aulay, Stella Guarino, Bill Graham, Bob Remeika, Edward Semanko, Mary Hosford, Morgan Brady, Jane Eastham, Betty White and Dorothy Barton. 

Food Pantry

This weekend, February 5^th & 6^th we will have our monthly food pantry collection.  This month the food collected will be donated to the Lexington Food Pantry.

9:00 – Monday, Feb. 7^th -                          Katherine Quinn

9:00 – Friday, Feb. 4^th             Bernadette, Betty & Family

Sacred Heart Parish Second Annual

Super Bowl Party

We will be hosting a Super Bowl Party this Sunday, February 6^th, at 6:00pm to benefit the Honduran Mission and Sacred Parish.  $20 Adults & $10/$5 Kids.

Lent

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday February 9^th.  Ashes will be distributed at the 9:00am and 7:30pm Masses.

Operation Rice Bowl

Our Community will participate in Operation Rice Bowl, a program of Catholic Relief Services, this Lent.  As we enter the Season of Lent with its themes of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, with Operation Rice Bowl, we add onto those three the theme of ‘learning’.  We pray, fast and give alms to assist those in need in countries around the world.  Let this lent be a journey with the peoples of the world as we all work for the establishment of the reign of God.  Be sure to pick up your rice bowl at the doors of the church.  They should be returned to the church during Holy Week.

Lights, Camera…Lent

Join us on the Saturdays of Lent for a film series and a meal of bread and soup.  We will begin at 6:00pm in the Parish Center beginning February 12^th.

Shades of Ireland

We are going to Ireland!  Would you like to join us?  Ten days in Ireland.  Visit Limerick, The Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, ride in an Irish Jaunting car, see the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Stone and Waterford, the Crystal Factory, Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  Stay at the best accommodations, take optional tours, enjoy many fun-filled Irish evenings!  Stop by the office and pick up “your” brochure for a great trip with Father Colletti!  Departure date is July 29, 2005.  Don’t miss out on this fabulous trip.  Get your deposit in ASAP!!!!!

Holy Humor

The only thing some folks give up for Lent are their New Year’s resolutions.

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