Pope Pius XI universally instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas.  Pope Pius connected the denial of Christ as king to the rise of secularism.  At that time secularism was on the rise, and many Catholics doubted Christ’s authority, as well as the Church’s, and even doubted Christ’s existence.  The Christian world was witnessing the rise of dictatorships in Europe , and saw Catholics being taken in by these earthly leaders.  Just as the Feast of Corpus Christi was instituted when devotion to the Eucharist was at a low point, the Feast of Christ the King was instituted during a time when respect for Christ and the Church was waning, when the feast was most needed.

Today, the same distrust of authority exists, although the problem has gotten worse, individualism has been embraced to such an extreme, that for many, the only authority is the individual self.  Many feel uncomfortable with titles such as “king” and “lord” being used for Christ because these titles seem to be borrowed from oppressive systems.

The kingship of Christ, however, is one of humility and service.  Jesus said: “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.  But it shall not be so among you.  Rather, whoever wishes to become great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.  For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble service, and commanded his followers to be servants as well. As we come to the end of the Church’s year we celebrate the fact that Christ will triumph.  While Christ will return to judge the nations, his teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced with radical love, mercy, peace and forgiveness.  When we celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose loving kindness endures forever.

 

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday November 24th	Arthur Morrissey, Dominic & Mary Donato and Christina Morrissey
9:00am	Thursday November 26th	Mass of THANKSGIVING
9:00am	Saturday November 28th	Marian Maher Patrick DelVecchio Clara DeVeau William Gorman
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday November 23rd	Doris Maggioli
9:00am	Wednesday November 25th	Helen Jenson
9:00am	Friday November 27th	Janice Taylor

 

Sunday, November 22ND 

 

HAITI FAIR AFTER ALL MASSES AT ST. BRIGID

10:00 – 4:00 SB – TURKEY COLLECTION- MUD ROOM
11:15– ADVENT WREATH MAKING – SH - PC
11:15 – RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES – SH – PC
1:00 – BAPTISM – SB
3:00 – SANDWICH MAKING - RE CLASS
6:00 – AA MEETING – SB – KH
6:00 – YOUTH & GRADE SEVEN MASS –-SH

Monday, November 23RD

NO CONFIRMATION CLASSES TONIGHT
4:00 – 6:00 SB – TURKEY COLLECTION – MUD ROOM
6:30 – VIRTUS TRAINING – SB - 

Tuesday, November 24TH

 NO CONFIRMATION CLASSES TONIGHT

 Wednesday, November 25TH

 7:30 – THANKSGIVING EVE MASS AT SACRED

             HEART CHURCH

 Thursday, November 26th

 9:00 MASS AT ST. BRIGID CHURCH

 

Friday, November 27th

 MARIONETTE SHOW, THE DRAGON KING,  AT SACRED HEART PC AT 2:00PM ALL WELCOME!

 Saturday, November 28TH

 PLEASE TRAVEL SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

 

The Dragon King

The Dragon King
A Tanglewood Marionettes Production

Please join us at 2:00pm on Friday, November 27, 2009at Sacred Heart Parish Center . 

All are welcome! 

Free Admission! 

Come join the fun!

 

In Service For Their Country

Lt. John Schiavi, Sgt. Christopher Considine, Timothy Dunbar, Richard Rigley, Chris Cullen, Caitlin R. Battell, Robert McLaughlin, Sean Maddigan, Michelle Leverone, Marissa Leverone, Rev. Paul Passamonti, Airman Jason Cunha, Mark Zarnecki, Elizabeth Leyne,  Patrick J. Nordahl, Scott and Michael Donahue, CDR Michael P. MacLellan and Captain Brian Geary. 

Lord Jesus, watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country.  Give them the courage to serve their country with honor and dignity and grant that when their service is finished they may return to us, sound in mind, body and soul.

Please pray for all who are in need of our prayers that God’s healing and comforting presence may be with them, especially Father William Smith, Father Thomas Nestor, Jen Bombaca, Marianne Slack, Elaine Murphy, Bob Kozlowski, Deacon Bill Wildes, Edward O’Brien, Dorothea Russo, Edward Ronayne, William McCarthy, Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Anita and William Gorham, Mary Whelan, Eleanor Mann, Amy Galehouse Goolkosian, Henry Downes, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Johnson, Monica Cotter, Jackie Martinetti, Ann LaMantia, Christine Griffin, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Mary McGuinnes, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Olivia Moran and Brianna Cimino.  Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners, especially Betty Peters, sister of Frank Bellini..

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for the month of November is:
Sandy Podgorski
781-862-0386

This group of volunteers needs a new leader as of the end of November.  Please call Edie Martinez at 617-489-3305 if you would like to lead this wonderful group. 

WINGS Advent Retreat

As you begin to prepare your home for Christmas, take some time this Advent season to prepare your heart as well. The WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit) Advent Mini-Retreat provides a perfect opportunity to do just that. All women are invited!
 
When: Thursday, December 3
Where: St. Brigid Church; luncheon in the Parish Center
Gathering and check-in: 9:30 – 9:45am
Retreat: 9:45am – Noon
Catered luncheon: 11:30am
Retreat Leader: Father Robert J. Congdon
Donation levels: Angelic $10; Heavenly $15; or Divine $25

To reserve your place at the Retreat, please send your name and donation to the Sacred Heart/St. Brigid Parish Office, 2001 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington 02421, Attn: WINGS, by Monday, November 30. (Check payable to St. Brigid Parish, please.)

For transportation, contact Carol Flynn at 781-862-1637. Membership in WINGS is not required to attend this or any WINGS program.

Thanksgiving Celebration

This Thanksgiving we will have an opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with members of all the religious communities of Lexington .  Vatican II has encouraged Catholics to foster and take part in ecumenical activity that brings all believers together to worship and thank God and to strengthen our common beliefs.

Sacred Heart will have a Mass at 7:30 on Thanksgiving eve.

St. Brigid will have a Mass at 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving morning. 

The Lexington Catholic Community will join the Lexington Interfaith celebration of our only American “Holyday” on Tuesday, November 24, at Temple Emunah at 7:30pm. Please join us.

Virtus Session This Monday

All new volunteers in Sacred Heart and St. Brigid ministries are required to attend the VIRTUS training session, Protecting God’s Children. This program, presented by the parishes’ Child Abuse Prevention or CAP Team, educates and trains adults – clergy, staff, lay ministers, teachers, volunteers and other interested adults in the faith community – about the dangers of child abuse, the warning signs of abuse, ways to prevent abuse, and the methods for properly reporting suspicions of abuse. A training session is scheduled this Monday, November 23, 7:00-9:30pm, in the Library in St. Brigid Parish Center. Please call the Sacred Heart /St. Brigid Parish Office (781-862-4646 or 0335) or the Religious Education Office (781-862-8724) to register.

New Altar Servers Training

Children of the Catholic Community of Lexington, in grades 4 through 12, are invited to become Altar Servers at Saint Brigid's.  This is an important ministry, and a wonderful way for children to become more involved in the liturgy.  Training can be arranged at your convenience.  For questions or to sign up, please contact Jeanne Hobbs at 781-248-9722, or email JeanneHobbs at Verizon dot Net

Looking For Support During Your Job Search?

Seasoned Human Resources and Marketing pros to lead the Lexington Job Support Group (LJSG) for the Catholic Community of Lexington and our friends.  Learn and share  job search strategies, resources and networking tips while getting support during your search for that next great opportunity.  Meetings are the first and third Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Sacred Heart Parish Center. The next two meetings are December 2nd and December 16th. Informal, no need to sign up, come on the evenings you are free with a cup of coffee or supper, and invite a friend.  If you have any questions, contact Bob Ludwig at 781-861-7231 or Donna Heuchling at dheuchling (3)

Fair Trade Fair

gifts with a difference

An array of handcrafted and fair trade items from various countries will be for sale at our annual Fair Trade Fair.  Linens, greeting cards, knitted caps and mittens, colorful fabric bags, fair trade coffee, olive oil from the Holy Land, and more, including small items suitable as stocking stuffers will be available. The sale will take place after all the masses.  Come to St. Brigid Keilty Hall, November 21st and 22nd after the 9:00am & 11:00am Masses.

St. Thomas The Apostle Nativity Display

The weekends of December 4,5,6, and December 11, 12,13, St. Thomas the Apostle Church Parish Center, 5 Margin St., Peabody, MA ( at the Salem-Peabody line, Rte. 114) will showcase approximately 200 elegant Nativity sets, from all over the world, to celebrate the true Christmas story of the Birth of Jesus in a unique and inspiring way.  These elegant exhibits will inspire you as you experience the splendor and dignity of the very first Christmas. 

 

Friday, December 4th & 11th from 6p.m.to 9p.m.

Saturday, December 5th & 12th from 5p.m. to 9p.m.

Sunday, December 6th & 13th from 9a.m. to 2p.m.

 

Donation is $5.00.  Children under 12 are free and must be accompanied by an adult.  Some of what is included: eggnog, light refreshments, a children’s activity center, and Christmas Carols.

Women’s Book Club

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB meets on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Parish Center.  This month’s selection is The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William Paul Young.  A short summary of the book: Mackenzie Allen Philips’ youngest daughter, Missy, had been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness.  Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.  Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare.  What he finds there will change Mack’s world forever. 
For more information, contact Maria Griffin at avempg(4) or Beverly Good 781-863-0319, x 20, Beverly.Good(1).

Sacred Heart Prison Ministry Continues

For the past several years, Sacred Heart has helped to bring Christmas to the young people whom society forgets - the children of prison inmates.  This year we are collecting clothing and a toy for 45 children whose mothers are incarcerated in the  South Middlesex Correctional Center in Framingham , MA .  Won't you please take an ornament from the ribbons in the Church and bring back a wrapped package by Sunday, December 6th?  Remember to sign out your ornament on the clipboards at the front of the church.  For more information, please contact Susan Moloney at 781-860-7556 or susan.moloney1(2) or Donna Heuchling at 781-862-2055 or dheuchling(3)

Women’s Lunch Place

New Socks are needed for the Women’s Lunch place in Boston, any type of socks will be appreciated—knee socks, ankle socks, white, colored, etc. Please deliver unwrapped socks to the food bins at the doorways of St. Brigid church by the weekend of December 12/13 as we continue this wonderful tradition. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

December 5th Advent/Antioch
Young Adult Retreat

We are having an Advent/Antioch Day Retreat on December 5th 2009 (a Saturday). It will be great and we hope you can come! Here are the details:
     Time: The arrival time will be at 9am and we will have coffee, bagels, and doughnuts.  We will start the retreat at 9:30am.  The retreat will include a provided lunch (there will be a vegetarian option too) and Mass at 5pm.  After Mass we will head to the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham for dinner (we will make reservations).  
      Place: The retreat will take place at the Espousal Center in Waltham , at 554 Lexington St. Waltham , MA 02452 .  The Espousal Center is a Catholic Retreat and Conference Center .  It is a beautiful setting and well equipped.  It is a great place.
     What the Retreat Will Include: This retreat will include Mass, Talks, Discussions, Reflection Time, Social Time, Lunch, Music, Dinner, and more! VIPs include Fr Colletti, Fr Dan, and Fr Mike.
     Cost: The cost of this retreat is $25 per person. However if money is an issue please don't let that stop you from coming! If it is a hardship to pay St. Brigid/ Sacred Heart Parish can take care of that, just email me and let me know.
We do need a rough count for the retreat and for dinner at the Chateau afterwards. If you are interested in coming please reply to 781-572-8081 or colecrops(4).

St. Brigid
Offertory for November 15th	$ 8,265.00
Envelope Offerings	$ 7,127.00
Loose Cash	$ 1,138.50

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 235 have used their envelopes.

Sacred Heart
Offertory for November 15th	$   4,179.00
Envelope Offerings	$   3,477.00
Loose Cash	$      702.00
St. Katharine Drexel	$      240.00

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 94 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.

Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!

—Fr. Colletti

It’s Time to Talk Turkey Again!

For many years at Thanksgiving, Sacred Heart parishioners have donated frozen turkeys to the families of our sister parish, Saint Katharine Drexel in Roxbury (formerly Saint John/Saint Hugh).  Sacred Heart has had a relationship with this parish for decades, collecting food for its food pantry, sharing Masses and choirs and picnics, staffing its kitchen in the years when Saint John/Saint Hugh served a hot lunch to the needy in the Roxbury community.
Now, more than ever before, we need to be generous.  The Boston Food Bank has had to cut its contribution to Saint Katharine Drexel by a third, while, at the same time, the number of needy families has multiplied.
Please leave your donation of a frozen turkey, or, if you prefer, a Stop and Shop gift certificate, or a check made payable to Saint Katharine Drexel, at the side entrance of Sacred Heart Church or in the hall, after the Masses on the weekend of November 21/22 or at the 9:00 Mass on Monday morning, November 23.  Distributions will be made to the Roxbury families on Monday afternoon.  Thank you!

An Invitation From Our Seventh Graders!

Our parishes’ Seventh Graders cordially invite you to join them today, November 22, at their grade-level Mass at 6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church.

Pray For Your Priests

During this Year for Priests, The Vocation Office is happy to announce that the Serra Boston Vocation Club is initiating the "Adopt-a-Priest Apostolate", where Faithful throughout the Archdiocese spiritually adopt a priest presently working in the Archdiocese of Boston for one year.   Those participating are given (by random in a sealed envelope) the name of a priest presently living or working in the Archdiocese, prayer cards and a prayer booklet and are asked to pray for the particular intentions and ministry of that priest.  This is a great way to support our Priests and to promote a Culture of Vocations.  Would you please consider this important prayer mission?  For more information or to be assigned a priest of the Archdiocese to pray for on a daily basis, please call 978-462-1057 (ask for Loretta Gallagher-President of Serra) or go to: www.serraboston.org or www.vocationsboston.org.  You can also call Father Dan Hennessey at the Vocation Office at 617-746-5949 or email him at Dhennessey(9) for more information.

Thanks and Gratitude

We want to thank Marilyn DiNapoli for her 30 years as Principle Minister at Sacred Heart Parish. Although she recently resigned from this ministry, she continues as coordinator for the Bread Bakers Ministry.

Life Snipits

People are not your problem,
they are your purpose.

Holy Humor

The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field.

While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. 

Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line.

When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!!  Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus."

"Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"

Pressing Need

The Linens Group at Saint Brigid has openings for a couple of “hot irons” to fill in the gaps in our ironing schedule.  We currently iron once every 16 weeks.  Two of our members are no longer able to fulfill this role, so there is an opportunity for someone to step up and contribute to the life of the parish in a quiet “behind the scenes” role.  We press 20 – 30 dinner napkin size items a week.  If you are interested please call Marie Hill 781-862-6456 or e-mail mimi716(8)

Thanksgiving Food Drive

For many years St. Brigid families have given thanks by sharing their bounty with their sister parish, St. Patrick’s of Roxbury.  This annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held this year today, November 22, 10:00am-4:00pm, and tomorrow, November 23, 4:00-6:00pm, in the lower level of the parish center.  Items gratefully accepted: frozen turkeys and all the trimmings, including fresh and canned vegetables and fruits (no frozen vegetables or frozen pies, please); checks payable to St. Patrick’s Parish; and Stop & Shop gift cards.  Please contact Mary Harvell at 781-862-0794 or mharvell at ix dot netcom dot com if you have any questions.

He’s Looking Forward to Your Visit!

Stop in and spend some time with the Lord this Friday and every Friday from 12:00 – 2:45pm during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Brigid Church.

Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724

Youth Mass
Families are encouraged and welcome to attend Mass!! All are welcome!!
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Sacred Heart Church

There will be pizza for all Middle-School-ers after the Mass in the Parish Center !!  

High School Youth Christmas Party
With Yankee Swap
Sunday, December 13, 2009
5:00 - 6:30pm
St. Brigid Parish Hall

All 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are welcome for food, fun and a Yankee Swap!!  To participate in the Yankee Swap, please bring a wrapped gift of no more than $15.  Hope to see you then!!

 

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 

Middle School Fridays are Back!

The 6th, 7th and 8th graders of the Catholic Community of Lexington and their friends are invited to join us on December 11th for a dinner of spaghetti, salad, bread, and pizza.  After the dinner the movie "The Nativity Story" will be shown while snacking on popcorn and movie theater size candy!!!  The movie will be shown on a big-screen TV at the Sacred Heart Parish Center.  The event begins at 6:00 on December 11th.  Please sign up by December 9th.  Cost is $8 and scholarships are available. For more information contact Mary Ellen Goodwin at tgoodwin99(10). 

Future events all begin at 6pm with Pizza and include:

Dec 11 - Nativity Movie - Sacred Heart
Jan 8 - Snow Tubing - Nashoba
Feb 5 - Movie - Sacred Heart
March 19 - Jump On In - Woburn
April 9 - Game night - Sacred Heart
May 14 - Mini Golf

Religious Education classes will be held at Sacred Heart Parish Center on Sunday, November 22nd at
 11:15am – 12:15pm.

THERE ARE NO RELGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES SCHEDULED AT ST. BRIGID
ON NOVEMBER 23, 24 OR 25TH.

THERE ARE NO RELGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES SCHEDULED AT SACRED HEART
ON NOVEMBER 29TH.

All children are invited to join in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, a special weekly presentation and discussion of the day’s scripture readings.  After a blessing and dismissal by the priest before the first reading during St. Brigid’s 9:00am Mass, the children proceed downstairs to Keilty Hall to participate in this program.  They rejoin the Mass after the homily.  We will not have Children’s Liturgy of the Word next Sunday but will return the following Sunday, December 6.

Luminary Night in Lexington

On the evening of December 4th, homes and businesses across town will glow in unity in this non-denominational holiday celebration. Luminary Night In Lexington is a wonderful opportunity for families of all ages, religions, and backgrounds to come together, enjoy the beautiful sight of neighboring homes lit up, and donate to a worthy cause.  All proceeds go to support two wonderful charities, the LexFUN, Preschool Scholarship Fund and the Lexington Historical Society's education programs on Colonial life and the American Revolution.  Luminary Kits consist of 12 white bags and 12 tea lights; kits cost $15.  Sand, to anchor the bags, will be available through the DPW building. Other safe materials include kitty litter and coffee grinds.  Save the Sales Dates!  Luminary Kits are available for purchase on the following dates: Saturday, November 21st, drive thru at St. Brigid's church parking lot, 8:30am - 12:00 noon.  Friday and Saturday, November 27th and 28th, Buckman Tavern.  Monday-Thursday, November 30th thru December 3rd at the Depot Building .  For more information and to download an order form, please go to www.lexfun.org.