The story is told of a night long ago when the stars began to fall from the sky. The villagers, surprised by the stars streaking across the sky, panicked and assumed the world was coming to an end. They ran to and fro crying, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling; the world is ending,” until one of them remembered the wise ones who lived just outside the village. Frantically, they ran to this older couple in search of an answer. “Look,” they shouted, “the stars are falling into the earth. What will happen to us?” The wise ones, who had been observing the changing sky for some time, paused a few moments and asked the villagers to gaze upon the sky one more time. “Look at the sky,” they whispered, “look at the stars that are falling. But, now, pause a moment and look again, look this time at all the stars that are not falling, but remain in the heavens.”
If you look at the papers and watch the news on television and hear stories from others one might think that the sky is falling. Rather than counting our problems we might reflect on good things that are happening.
- We complain that we are too busy, but we have more free time than ever—more than five hours per day, according to time surveys, a gain of nearly an hour since 1965. If you feel too busy, it’s probably only because you’re doing so many other things than work.
- We hear of terrorist attacks and war but many of the world’s 6.7 billion people now live in peace. Over the past century, even counting the world wars, a person’s chance of dying from war or violent civil strife was less than 2 percent. The scourge of war is now comparable to the statistical risk of driving a car in the United States.
- While some people are losing their homes, more than two thirds of Americans own their own homes. In 1950 the typical home had one floor with 1,000 square feet, two bedrooms and one bath. Today a new house has two floors, three bedrooms and two and a half baths and more than 2,200 square feet of space for the family.
- We think of starvation around the world, but the truth is that the typical person in a poor country consumes 2,700 calories daily. While incomes have risen
- since 1950, the inflation-adjusted price of food has declined by 75 percent. Food is so plentiful that in many countries, the old concerns about hunger have been replaced by worries about obesity.
- While we strive for open space in Lexington and towns across the state we find that America has gained 70 million acres of wilderness, which is more than all the land currently occupied by cities, suburbs, and exurbs.
While life changes rain down upon us like stars falling from the sky, we can focus on what is faithful and everlasting as well as what is rapidly changing and uncertain, knowing that God embraces both change and stability. We need to see change in a healthy and wise way with a gift of vision that embraces God’s incarnate presence. Engaging in apocalyptic thinking is tempting, but we are called to see all things with the eyes of faith.
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward
the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth
comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” - Jn
3:20-21
Readings for the Week Of Sunday, March 22, 2009
| St. Brigid Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Tuesday March 24th | Anna Fierro |
| 9:00am | Thursday March 26th | Frank Marcucci |
| 12:10pm | Friday March 27th | Julianne Taylor |
| 8:00am | Saturday March 28th | George & Elizabeth McCormack |
| |
| Sacred Heart Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Wednesday March 25th | Joseph Callahan and Mary Callahan |
| 9:00am | Friday March 27th | Dan Griffin, Sr. & Alfred Perrotta |
| 9:00am | Saturday March 28th | Birthday Mass for Fr. Joseph McCue |
| St. Brigid |
| Offertory for March 14th & 15th |
$ 10,330.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 9,066.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 1,264.00 |
| Grand Annual Collection to date |
$123,614.00 |
Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 305 have used their envelopes.
| Sacred Heart |
| Offertory for March 14th & 15th |
$ 5,406.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 4,521.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 885.00 |
| St. Katharine Drexel |
$ 63.00 |
| Grand Annual Collection to date |
$72,602.00 |
Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 124 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.
Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!
—Fr. Colletti
Please pray for all who are in need of our prayers that God’s healing and comforting presence may be with them, especially Father Smith, Catherine Morley, Elaine Murphy, Deacon Bill Wildes, Nancy Grossimon, Bill Kenney, Joseph O’Brien, John Harper, Donald Marhefka, Tina Durks, Pat White, Kathleen Brown, Rev. James O’Donohoe, Betty Garrity, Marylou Merry, Josephine Siders, Kathleen Brown, Olivia Moran, Matthew Langone, and Brianna Cimino. Please also remember all of our deceased relatives and friends especially Margaret Wright.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands the month of March will be
Jeanne Hobbs, 781-862-2892.
The Seven Last Words of Christ
On Palm Sunday, April 5, at 2:00pm the choirs of St. Brigid Parish and Sacred Heart Parish will along with other parishes in the area present at St. Brigid Church The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois. This is a large musical work in need of a large choir. Please consider sharing your voice, rehearsals have already begun on this work.
If you are interested and/or would like more information, please contact Bill Grzybowski(St. Brigid Music Director) 781-862-0335 or Joanne Messier McCandless (Sacred Heart Music Director)781-862-4646. By presenting this work, we are hoping to start somewhat of a musical tradition in our Catholic Community.
In Service For Their Country
Lt. John Schiavi, Sgt. Christopher Considine, Timothy Dunbar, Richard Rigley, Timothy Busa, Chris Cullen, Caitlin R. Battell, Robert McLaughlin, Sean Maddigan, Rev. Paul Passamonti, Airman Jason Cunha, Mark Zarnecki, Patrick J. Nordahl, Scott and Michael Donahue, Lt. Brian Casey, and 1st Lt. 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.
March 29: Second Grade Mass
Followed By A Mini-Brunch And Activities
The second grade children of the Sacred Heart and St. Brigid parishes invite you to their grade-level Mass at 9:00am at St. Brigid Church next Sunday, March 29th, and to their mini-brunch (a little more than the usual fare!) afterward. Also afterward in Keilty Hall, the Family Fellowship Team will assist the Second Graders in making the altar cloth and the banner for their First Communion ceremonies, and will provide Lenten activities and crafts for children of all ages and grades.
2009 Catholic Appeal
We want to thank everyone from the Lexington Catholic Community who has participated in the 2009 Catholic Appeal. Sacred Heart Parish has raised $4978 from 21 households. St. Brigid has raised $14,889 from 56 households. These contributions support the many ministries of our Archdiocese and will improve the lives of many in our faith community. The Appeal is to our Archdiocese what the weekly offertory is to our parish. Cardinal Sean invites every Catholic household to participate. If you have not yet made your gift, please consider making a pledge this weekend. You can pick up information packets with pledge forms at the doors of the churches. Please return your completed pledge/gift through the mail in the envelope provided in the information packet. For more information please call 617-779-3700 or visit www.BostonCatholicAppeal.com.
Parish Census
“In those days, it was determined that a census should be taken of the Lexington parishes….and everyone went to his own parish to register.” – Lexington 2:1-2
As part of the Stewardship Commission’s programs, a census will be conducted at both St. Brigid and Sacred Heart. The census will not only look to obtain and update standard information on parishioners, like name, address, family information, etc., but also seek information, such as special skills and talents, e-mail addresses, interests in ministries, service and education opportunities, etc., that will allow us to better communicate, serve and interact with our parish communities. In order to provide the census to the most parishioners, census forms will be distributed after the Palm Sunday (April 4-5) and Easter Liturgies (April 11-12) when, as Fr. Colletti likes to observe, “All the family has come home” at both churches. More details on the census will be provided over the next two weeks and when the census forms are distributed. Please make it a point to strengthen our parish communities by committing to complete and return your census!
Liturgy Schedule for Lent 2009
Holy Week
Thursday April 9th 7:30pm - St. Brigid and Sacred Heart
Friday, April 10th - 3:00pm - St Brigid
Friday, April 10th - 7:30pm - Sacred Heart
Saturday April, 11th 8:00 pm - St. Brigid and Sacred Heart
Easter Sunday, April 12th
Mass 7:00am - Sacred Heart
Mass 9:00am - St. Brigid
Mass 10:00am - Sacred Heart
Mass 11:00am - St. Brigid
Lenten Reconciliation Service
Sunday, March 22nd 7:00pm - Sacred Heart
Youth Fundraiser
It is our privilege to offer you an opportunity to purchase beautiful imported hand-made Italian, Czech, and Mexican rosaries, and also Catholic medals, crucifixes and other Christian jewelry.
There are beautiful, time-tested and traditional articles, as well as contemporary pieces that are very popular all across the country. A complete assortment of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA gift items are included.
We are presenting you with a wide variety of these religious items at reasonable prices. Even as you are blessed by the beauty of these sacramentals, our teens will be blessed by your generosity.
Please come by our display after Masses the weekends of March 14/15 and March 21/22 and see what we have. Whether you need a new rosary for yourself or as a gift, or want a sterling silver or stainless steel crucifix, saint medal, ring, bracelet, or other shiny reminder of your faith, our wider-than-ever variety should meet your needs.
Your purchase of these high-quality items supports our parish youth activities and programs. We need to raise a large amount of money and need your help!
Please look for our sales after the Masses the weekend of March 21/22.
Thank you for your support!
Easter Ham Donations For Inner City Parishes Requested
As part of our Easter celebration we are again asking parishioners to help provide Easter hams for families at our sister parishes, St. Katharine Drexel (home of the former Roxbury Food Pantry) and St. Patrick’s in Roxbury. Hams will also be needed for shut-ins from the former St. John/St. Hugh parish community and for the Family Aids Ministry. Last year we delivered 142 hams to our sister parish neighbors in Dorchester & Roxbury for Easter. A generous parishioner has offered to provide fresh hams for below wholesale cost of $10 per ham. Please support this special collection by providing a check to Sacred Heart or St. Brigid, memo “Easter Hams" in the regular collection baskets or send to the parish office. All donations will be used to purchase these hams for delivery during Holy Week. Stop & Shop gift cards are also much appreciated. We hope you will help support this special celebration through our food pantry ministry. Thank you for your generosity. The Christian Service Commission.
We invite all children 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 CLW next Sunday, March 29, because our Second Graders will be participating in the 9:00am Mass. CLW will resume on April 5.
Food Fast For Haiti Needs Your Help
We are looking for adults who like to work with teens and are passionate about helping the poor. Team leaders and drivers are needed for our Food Fast this year. The Fast will take place on March 27 and 28. Please contact Megan Chenaille by email or at (781) 862-8724 if you are interested in participating in this great educational event for our youth.
Pastoral Associate Office Hours
There is a Pastoral Associate at Sacred Heart Parish Center every Saturday afternoon from 2:30 until the 4:00 Liturgy begins. Also, either Beverly or Mary is also available after the 10:00 Liturgy on Sundays.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
8:45 – 11:00 – RCIA – St. Brigid Library
11:15 – Religious Education – Sacred Heart-PC
11:00 – Adult Faith Formation – Celia Sirois – SH-PC
5:00 – Sung Evening Prayer – St. Brigid
6:00 – Boy Scout Training – St. Brigid Classrooms
Monday, March 23, 2009
7:15 – Confirmation Classes – St. Brigid - PC
7:15 – C.R.E.A. – Sacred Heart Parish Center
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3:45 - Religious Education – Grades 1-6 - St. Brigid PC
5:30 - Religious Education Grade 7 - St. Brigid PC
7:15 – Confirmation Class – SH Church and PC
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
3:45 - Religious Education – Grades 1-6 - St. Brigid PC
5:30 - Religious Education Grade 7 - St. Brigid PC
5:15-6:00 – Children’s Choir - Sacred Heart Church
7:00 – Minute Men – St. Brigid Classroom
7:00 – Choir – Sacred Heart Church
7:30 – Faith & Environment - Climate Justice – SH - PC
Thursday, March 26, 2009
9:00 – WINGS – St. Brigid - PC
7:00 - Young Adult Meeting – St. Brigid – Library
7:30 – Scouts – St. Brigid Parish Center
7:30 – Choir St. Brigid Church
Friday, March 27, 2009
6:30am – Road to Resurrection – St. Brigid – Library
4:00 – Food Fast begins – St. Brigid Parish Center
8:00pm – Resurrection Cantata – St. Brigid-Church
Saturday, March 28, 2009
5:00 – Refurbishment Presentation – Sacred Heart Church
6:00 Food Fast ends after 5:00pm Mass – St. Brigid
6:00 Movie & Soup night - Sacred Heart PC
Faith & Environment
“Let us pray that Christ, the light which came into the world, will transform the world into a place of Gospel justice, far reaching compassion, and unending peace.”
From the Magnificat booklet
We have an opportunity to show our commitment to conserve energy, reduce our stress on the finite resources and encourage others to do the same. On next Wednesday, April 25th, we are invited to join in the celebration of Earth Hour by switching off all the lights from 8.30pm to 9.30 pm. A simple action but very effective if we involve our family and neighbors. If we are blessed with clear skies we will also revel in the sight of starry heavens. Go to earthhour.org for more information and to see how many others have committed to the same symbolic action.
Resurrection Cantata
SAVE THE DATE! RESURRECTON CANTATA, HERE IN LEXINGTON! On Friday, March 27th, at 8 pm at St. Brigid Church
Come and see St. Patrick’s Family Players of Watertown perform this musical drama. “Resurrection” is the inspirational story of Simon Peter and the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The performance leads us on an unforgettable spiritual journey with St. Peter as he faces his martyrdom. Peter recalls his experiences with Christ as well as those he shared with Mary Magdalene and the disciples as they followed Jesus. In moving song, Peter shows the anguish for his denial of Christ and the joy that comes with the Resurrection and His forgiveness.
Holy Humor
Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, “What do you think about all this Satan stuff?” The other boy replied, “Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It’s probably just your Dad.”
Refurbishment of Sacred Heart Church
The Refurbishment Committee of Sacred Heart Parish has set a couple of dates that they will be asking parishioners to come for a “show & tell” regarding the refurbishment of the church. The committee has worked long and hard to anticipate all the needed changes for the church and have, along with the architect, produced a plan for the interior work to be done within the coming months.
The committee is looking for support and feedback from Sacred Heart Parishioners on the proposed refurbishment. To that end we have set times for parishioners to come to hear a short presentation of the refurbishment and an explanation of the detailed cost of this project. Please come and support this group that has put together these presentations.
The Refurbishment Committee will make their presentation after the 4:00pm Mass on March 28th and after the 7:00am Mass on March 29th. They will make their presentation again after the 10:00am Mass on April 5th.
Movie and Soup
Beginning Saturday, February 28th, and each of the next Saturdays through April 4, the Lenten Soup and Movies Series will be held at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Soup will be served at 6 PM, the movie will start at about 6:30, following which their will be a discussion of religious and moral themes found in the movie. The discussion will be led by the evening's soup host and/or hostess. The titles for each evening are listed on bulletin boards at Sacred Heart and St. Brigid. They are also listed in the Lenten Events section of the bulletin.
Sunday Lenten Series
Adult Education Series
Following the 10 AM Liturgy in the Parish Hall at Sacred Heart
March 15 and 22, 2009
we will present
Celia Sirois
Paul and Mark
To commemorate the 2000th anniversary of Paul’s birth, Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 2008-June 2009 as a Jubilee Year to recognize the significant contribution of Paul to the early spread of Christianity. In light of this “Year of Paul”, we welcome back Celia Sirois, who will discuss the writings of Paul and Mark who share a theology of the cross; as the author Michael Gorman calls it a “cruciformity”. This is a two part series.
March 29, 2009
we will present
Robert Phelps
God and the Editor
Bob is the widower of long time Sacred Heart member, Betty Phelps. Bob has just published his newest book, which interweaves his personal and professional experiences with some of the most powerful stories of the era as editor of the New York Times Washington Bureau from 1965-1974. In our current time of moral decay in the workplace, Bob will share insights into the world of the New York Times in the days of Watergate and other major world events and the need to balance moral ideals with personal ambition.
LexMedia Opportunity
St. Brigid and Sacred Heart Parish Pastoral Council Communications Committee is seeking volunteers who would like to help produce a televised Mass from either church for LexMedia. Those interested should contact Jack Cunha, jackcin1(2) or Jim Baker, jbaker1868(4) or contact Florence Delsanto, Director at LexMedia, 781-862-5388 which would host a free class for TV production volunteers. The LexMedia is located in the complex, Avalon at Lexington Hills on 1000 Main Campus Drive.
This would also be a great opportunity for high school students interested in TV to get a chance to work behind the scenes!
Life Snipits
If you want to soar with the eagles in the morning,
You can’t hoot with the owls all night.
Quote/Fact/Thought/Etc of the Week:
Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4
Coming up: Thursday Night as usual
Spring Fling: On Friday 3/27/09St. Theresa’s Parish is having their spring fling. We have helped out with these types of events before and it has always been fun. It is from 6-9pm. We will help the kids make crafts, etc. There will be food, etc, and it is free! It’s a good time and a great way to help the Parish. If you need more info or directions, let us know. See you there!
Soccer: Pickup Soccer games every week. They are fun. It is done on Monday and Wednesday nights through the Lexington Recreation Dept. Come a little or a lot. More info here. Feel free to bring friends too! Let us know if you have any questions or need more info. Come play!
Quote/Fact/Thought/Etc of the Week:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver.”- Proverbs 22:1
Constantine’s Sword
There will be a screening & Community discussion on Constantine’s Sword on Sunday, March 22nd from 7:00-9:00 at the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 55 Coolidge Ave., Lexington.
What’s Happening During Lent
Fridays at St. Brigid:
6:30AM Road to Resurrection
(Reflection time for Youth and Young Adults — an opportunity to meet before
School and Work; Continental Breakfast Supplied)
12:10PM Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 2:45PM
7:30 PM Stations of the Cross every Friday
Except March 27th “The Resurrection Cantata” will be presented
5:00PM Sundays Sung Evening Prayer St. Brigid
Saturdays at Sacred Heart
Movie and Soup @ 6:00PM
February 28th--Shawshank Redemption
March 7th--Bonhoeffer
March 14th-- The Kite Runner
March 21st -- Whale Rider
March 28th--March of the Penguins
April 4th--Walk the Line
After the 10:0 AM Mass on Sundays there will also be a
Series of Speakers throughout Lent @ Sacred Heart
Youth Food Fast March 27th—28th at St. Brigid
(students will be going door to door Saturday collecting food)
“The Resurrection Cantata” Friday, March 27th at 8:00PM St. Brigid
Palm Braiding Monday, March 30th at 6:00PM St. Brigid
“Passio” Tuesday, March 31st at 8:00PM Sacred Heart
“Seven Last Words” Sunday, April 5th at 2:00PM St. Brigid
Children’s Stations of the Cross Good Friday, 2:00 PM at Sacred Heart
Palm Braiding
A Palm Braiding Workshop will be held on Monday, March 30th at 6:00 p.m. This long standing tradition requires many palms to be braided then formed into centerpieces that are used to decorate the Church for Palm Sunday. A light supper (sandwiches, chips, and drinks) will be served. Please RSVP before Saturday, March 28 to the Parish office or to Marie Hill 781-862-6456 or mimi716@rcn.com.
Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724
Road to Resurrection
Lent continues…
Are you looking for something to help with your prayer life during Lent? Are you seeking a deeper relationship with Christ and others?
Then consider joining us on Friday mornings before school (6:30-7:30am) in the St. Brigid Library for breakfast, scripture reading, and sharing. Breakfast and books are provided!! We hope you will join us on our journey on the Road to the Resurrection.
Our Friday sessions continue this Friday, March 27, 2009. Just bring yourself and a friend!!
Food Fast
Mark your calendars: March 27-28
Please look for information coming to you via e-mail or contact Megan Chenaille by e-mail or phone.
Catholic Heart Workcamp
June 28-July 3 in Providence, RI this camp is for High School students entering 9th thru 12th grades. Meet other Catholics your age from around the country, help others, and grow in your faith. A $75 deposit is required to hold your spot. Please sign up soon! Spaces are limited.
Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 
Sunday at Sacred Heart: 11:15 – 12:15 – Gr. 1 – 7
Tuesday at St. Brigid: 3:45 - 4:45pm – Gr. 1 - 6
Tuesday at St. Brigid: 5:30 – 6:30pm – Gr. 7
Wednesday at St. Brigid 3:45 - 4:45pm – Gr. 1 – 6
Wednesday at St. Brigid 5:30 – 6:30 – Gr. 8
Mass + Adoration = A Perfect Lenten Combination
This Friday and every Friday during Lent, attend Mass at 12:10pm at St. Brigid Church and then stay for some quiet time with the Lord during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration closes at 2:45pm following Benediction.
WINGS: Are You Open To Forgiveness?
Susan Foohey, Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph’s Parish, Needham, will show us how we, as granters or receivers of forgiveness, can lighten our load and allow God’s light to shine more brightly within us. Join us for Susan’s presentation, Lent: A Perfect Time to Forgive and Be Forgiven, at this week’s session of WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit) on Thursday, March 26, at 9:30 - 11:15am, in the hall at St. Brigid Parish Center. For transportation, contact Mary Harvell at 781-862-0794. For child care during the session, contact Janet Fraser at 781-862-6853 or jfraser at alum dot mit dot edu. Membership in WINGS is not required to attend this or any WINGS program.
The Veiling of Sacred Images
Beginning on The Fifth Sunday of Lent(March 29), when walking into St. Brigid’s, you will notice the mood of the Church’s environment to be one of true austerity. The sacred images (the cross on the high altar and the paintings of Our Lady and St. Joseph) will be veiled in somber violet. Why? This practice began in the middle ages when crosses were made of gold and precious jewels. Lent was all about fasting not only from food, but fasting from the beautiful images adorning our churches. It helped the faithful to not only “MISS” the sacred images, but “FOCUS” more on the actual events in that first Holy Week. With the reforms of Vatican II, this practice was suppressed. The revised 3rd edition of the Missale Romanum(Roman Missal) provides rubrics on the veiling of the crosses and sacred images in the church beginning on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and continuing until after the liturgy of Good Friday(when the crosses must be unveiled) and just before the Easter Vigil(when other images are unveiled).