We continue our Gospel reading from John, but this time we are not post resurrection, but at the Last Supper.  Jesus wants to prepare his apostles and disciples for his departure and for the events of his passion and death in the next few days. “Dear, dear children, how brief are these moments before I must go away and leave you” (John 13:33).  John, sitting next to Christ at the supper, hears him say, “I give you a new commandment: Love one another.”  How is this a “new commandment” since it has been given in the Hebrew Scriptures?  It is new because he tells us to love, not just our countrymen or our friends and not to love with a human love. “…love each other just as much as I love you.  Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).

John took these words to heart and he preached on love, not our love for God, but God’s love given to us to give away. Because we love with God’s love, our love sanctifies the other.  “We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and because we believe him when he tells us that he loves us dearly.  God is love and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.  As we live with Christ, our love grows more perfect and complete…we can face him with confidence and joy, because he loves us and we love him too” (1 John 4:16).

The word “love” has to be redefined from what we hear and see of love in the movies, TV and books of today.  Much of this “love” is really the enemy of love, for it is self-centered and self-seeking.  Let us look, once again, at the definition of love given by Saint Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. 
Love is long-suffering.  It endlessly endures all things.
Love is kind. It is benign, gracious and amicable.
Love is not envious.  It never displays jealousy.
Love does not boast.  It does not brag or parade itself.
Love does not behave itself unseemly.  It is not rude, vulgar or ill-mannered.
Love is not self-seeking.  It is unselfish, it does not insist upon its rights.
Love is not provoked or irritable.  It does not grumble or complain.

 

Love does not think evil.  It thinks good of others.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity.  It rejoices in purity.
Love does not keep a record of wrongs.
Love is eternal.

All the spiritual gifts we have are meaningless without love and in the end these will pass away, but faith, hope and love abide eternally (1 Cor. 13).

 

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, Jen Bombaca, Marianne Slack, Elaine Murphy, Henry Murphy, Bob Kozlowski, Francis Cote, Harry Laye, Deacon Bill Wildes, William McCarthy, Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Mary Whelan, Prudy Bulger, Eleanor Mann, Phyllis Lange, Amy Galehouse Goolkosian, Jane Beauchemin, Luella Theriault, Mary Ellen Connor, Marybeth Morgan, Billy Wedgwood, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Carol Brady, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Johnson, Claire McKenna, Ann LaMantia, Christine Griffin, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Frank Hassett, Mary McGuinnes, Joseph Fremont-Smith, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Cathy Larson, Joanna Walsh, Victoria Kilgore, Virginia Tavilla, Olivia Moran and Brianna Cimino.  Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners, especially Sebastiano (Jim) D’Angeli, Ann McDonnell, Edward F. Rogone and Eileen Doran.

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for May is Jeanne Hobbs,

781-862-2892

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, 7:30 - 9:00 pm at Sacred Heart Parish Center.  The next two meetings are May 5th and May 19th.   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@comcast.net

ST. BONIFACE HAITI FOUNDATION FUND RAISER

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 a fund raiser to boost educational initiatives in our sister parish in Fond des Blancs, Haiti will be held at Miramar Retreat Center, 121 Parks St., Duxbury, MA.  There will be an outdoor liturgy at 4 p.m. followed by a reception from 5 to 7.  Donation: $50

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, 1st Lt. Todd Donaldson, Airman Jason Cunha, Pfc. Erik Muskavitch, Mark Zarnecki, 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.

Kan Meltz to Speak on Liturgy and Music

The Liturgy Planning Committee is pleased to present its fourth presentation on What Is Liturgy on Thursday evening, May 6th, 7:30pm, Sacred Heart church.

Ken is currently serving his 14th year as Pastoral Associate/Director of Liturgy and Music at Saint Malachy Church in Burlington.  He was Pastoral Associate and Liturgy Director at Sacred Heart for 7 years.  Ken's interest in liturgy and music was sparked by his many years in the Paulist seminary.  His career has spanned many periods of recent liturgical renewal from the "folk" developments of the late 60s and 70s to the more blended styles of music prevalent in many Catholic churches today.

Ken readily admits his time at Sacred Heart, the wonderful work done by his predecessors, and the insight of numerous staff members and parishioners at Sacred Heart has had a great impact on his approach to liturgical ritual and music.

Come prepared to sing and share thoughts about music and Catholic ritual.  The talk will be held in the church and refreshments will be served. 
ALL ARE WELCOME

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 28nd – July 1st   9:00AM – 1:00 PM

We will be traveling to Egypt with Joseph. 
Visiting the Market Place and Pharaoh’s Palace.

We will be feeding the students a snack, they will not be fed lunch.
Please register early so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Children Ages 4 – 12

Children 12 – 16 may register as Tour Guides (assistants)
Tour Guides will need to attend a training session TBA
Applications are in the Religious Education Office
$75.00 Per Child.  Registration deadline May 2nd

Faith & Environment

 

Have You Checked Out On-Line Giving?

Visit our web site, www.lexingtoncatholic.org, and click on “Sacred Heart Parish” or “St. Brigid Parish” to learn about the new way you can contribute to your parish.  Giving on line via a charge to your bank account or credit card is now an easy and safe alternative to check and cash donations. Check it out!

Christian One-Liners

Many folks want to serve God,
but only as advisors!

“AGING across Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism”

presented by Youville Place Assisted Living
We invite you to join us for a unique series in May, which explores aging across three important religious experiences. Deepen your spiritual understanding, and consider the traditions associated with aging from the perspective of these three different religious and spiritual practices.  The programs will be held on the following Mondays, May 10th, 17th & 24th at 7:00pm, Youville Place Assisted Living, 10 Pelham Rd., Lexington.  Please RSVP to Lisa Yarin info@youvilleplace.org or call 781-861-3535. 
Each session will begin with an overview of aging as presented in the religious tradition or spiritual practice highlighted. There will be time for discussion. Come to learn how aging is viewed in a spiritual context across these religious traditions, and grow as you open yourself to concepts and beliefs that have been revered through the ages. 

Monday, May 10 – “Judaism” presented by Rabbi Judith Kummer
Monday, May 17 – “Christianity” presented by Bob Weber, Ph.D.
Monday, May 24 – “Buddhism” presented by Christine Aquilino, M.S.W.

He's Looking Forward to Your Visit!

Spend some quiet one-on-one time with the Lord this Friday and every Friday during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 12:00 – 2:45pm at St. Brigid Church.

Lexington Food Pantry Volunteers Needed

The annual Post Office Food Drive will be taking place on Saturday, May 8th.  Volunteers are needed at the Lexington Food Pantry located at Church of Our Redeemer on Meriam St. from 12 noon to 6 p.m. to sort, box, and stack donated food items. If you can spare an hour or two, it would be most appreciated.  This is a great opportunity for families to get involved in the pantry.  All are welcome

Community News

Sunday, May 2nd  

11:00 – SB – MASS OF REMEMBERANCE
6:00 – FAITH & ENVIRONMENT
DINNER/MOVIE – SB - PC
6:00 – YOUTH MASS – SH - CHURCH

Monday, May 3rd

NO EVENTS
Tuesday, May 4th

TUESDAY RE CLASSES END TODAY

Wednesday, May 5th

WEDNESDAY RE CLASSES END TODAY
7:00 – YOUTH LEADERSIP MTG.
7:30 – R.C.I.A. MTG. – SH – PC

Thursday, May 6th    

9:00 - 11:00 – F.I.S.H. MTG. – sb – l
7:00-9:00  CUP SCOUT PACK MTG. –SB – PC
7:00 – YOUNG ADULT GROUP – SB-PC
7:30  - MUSIC/LITURGY PROGRAM
              WITH KEN MELTZ -SH-PC

Friday, May 7th

4:00 – SH – REHEARSAL 5/8 FIRST COMMUNION
6:00 – SH – REHEARSAL 5/9 FIRST COMMUNION

Saturday, MAY 8th

11:00 – FIRST COMMUNION – SH - CHURCH
12:00PM  LEX FUN CONSIGNEMTN SALE – SB - KH

Sunday, MAY 9th

10:00 -  SH – FIRST COMMUNION

Children's Worship

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. Our last CLW of the year will be next Sunday, May 9, as renovations in Keilty Hall will begin the following week.    

History of Mother's Day

The idea of official celebration of Mother’s day in US was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872.  An activist, writer and poet Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic".  Julia Ward Howe suggested that June 2nd be annually celebrated as Mother’s Day and should be dedicated to peace.  She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous Mother’s Day Proclamation, written in Boston in 1870.  She also initiated a Mother’s Peace Day observance on the second Sunday in June in Boston and held the meeting for a number of years.  Julia tirelessly championed the cause of official celebration of Mother’s Day and declaration of official holiday on the day.  Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mother’s Day holiday now celebrated in May.

Today Mother’s Day is celebrated in several countries including US, UK, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support.  The day has become hugely popular and in several countries phone lines witness maximum traffic.  There is also a tradition of gifting flowers, cards and others gift to mothers on the Mother’s Day

Sacred Heart Parish

Sacred Heart Parish

 

Offertory for April 24/25                                $ 5949.66
Envelope Offerings                                        $ 5377.66
Loose Cash                                                     $   572.00
St. Katharine Drexel                                      $  360.00

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 60 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.  Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week! 
Fr. Colletti

2010 Catholic Appeal-Called to Love and Share

Thank you to all supporters of the 2010 Catholic Appeal.  Our parish has raised $26,554 from 71 households, reaching 62.5% percent of our parish goal of $42,500.  If you have not yet pledged, please consider a gift today and help us meet our goal.  Remember, our parish will receive 25 percent of all funds we raise above our goal.  Please remember to make your pledge now even if you plan on fulfilling that pledge later in the year.  You can pick up information packets with pledge forms in the back of the Church to be mailed in, or for more information please visit www.BostonCatholicAppeal.com or call 617-779-3700.  Every gift matters.  Thank you!

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday May 4th	Claire Marie McKenna
9:00am	Thursday May 6th	Denis Fullerton
9:00am	Saturday May 8th	Grace Casella, Eugene Facenda, Cora Arciprete, Richard Thuma, Jr., M. Civita DiSilva
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday May 3rd	Linnie Holland
9:00am	Wednesday May 5th	Margaret & Paul Wright
9:00am	Friday May 7th	William Savage

 

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF LEXINGTON’S MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP MAY EVENT!

6th, 7th and 8th graders (and their friends) are invited to join us for pizza and a trip to Kimball Farms for Ice Cream, Mini Golf & Bumper Boats
Date: Friday, May 14th, 6 pm, pickup around 9 pm at St. Brigid’s
Place: Saint Brigid’s Center, Lexington and Kimball Farms, Westford

We will be serving pizza at the Saint Brigid’s Parish Hall, followed by a trip to Kimball Farms in Westford for Ice Cream, Mini Golf and Bumper Boats.  Please return the permission slip and check for $23 made out to St. Brigid or Sacred Heart Parish to the parish offices at 2001 Mass Ave, Lexington MA, 02421 by Wednesday, May 12th.  For more information please contact Mary Ellen Goodwin at 781- 863-1584 or Megan Chenaille at (781) 862-8724 or Megan.Chenaille@lexingtoncatholic.org.  For a copy of this flyer, and the permission slip, go to the “Religious Education” tab at www.lexingtoncatholic.org, then click on Middle School Fridays.  Join us again in the Fall!

 

Thing's I've Learned

I’ve learned….That the best classroom in the world is at the
feet of an elderly person.
I’ve learned….That when you’re in love, it shows.
I’ve learned….That just one person saying to me, “You’ve
                        made my day!” makes my day.
I’ve learned….That having a child fall asleep in your arms is
one of the most peaceful feelings in the
world
I’ve learned….That being kind is more important than being
right.
I’ve learned….That you should never say no to a gift from a
child.
I’ve learned….That I can always pray for someone when I
                        don’t have the strength to help him in some
                        other way.
I’ve learned….That no matter how serious your life requires
you to be, everyone needs a friend to act
goofy with.
I’ve learned….That sometimes all a person needs is a hand
                        to hold and a heart to understand.

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

Youth Mass
Please join us for our next Youth Mass on
Sunday, May2, 2010
Sacred Heart Church , 6pm
Bring your friends and families!!
There will be an ICE CREAM SOCIAL in the Parish Center after the Mass for all High School Students!!

Confirmation Retreat

Are you looking for a day to get away to pray, have fun and help your community?  Then consider joining the Confirmation Retreat TEAM!   You will help bring young people closer to Christ and aide them in their journey towards Confirmation.  Please contact Megan Chenaille, megan.chenaille@lexingtoncatholic.org or (781) 862-8724 ASAP if you are interested in participating. Our Confirmation Retreat dates are Saturday, June 12, 2010 or Saturday, September 25, 2010.   Volunteer for one or both.  Each retreat is a full day: 9am-6pm at the Marist House in Framingham.  Please note that you will be asked to attend a few meetings prior to the Retreat for preparation purposes.  Thank you.

Catholic HEART Workcamp

We still have a few spots left!!
Place: Prince Frederick, MD
Dates: July 11-17, 2010

Come serve those in need, make new friends, meet other Catholics YOUR age, get away from the ordinary for a week, make a difference, have fun!!!

Limited space available; a $75 deposit is necessary to hold your spot.

 

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

Religious Education Classes at Sacred Heart for
grades 1 – 8 are at 11:15 until 12:15
in the Parish Center.
Religious Education Classes at St. Brigid Parish Center on Tuesdays, for Grades 1, 2 and 3
at 3:45 until 4:45pm. 
Grades 4, 5, and 6 are on Wednesdays,
in the Parish Center at 3:45-4:45pm.

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.  HAVE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE SUMMER AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE FALL!

Dates for First Communion Masses

Sacred Heart Church

11:00am on Saturday, May 8th

10:00am on Sunday, May 9th

Saint Brigid Church

9:00 and 11:00 Sunday, May 16th

Hospitality

Please join us for hospitality and fellowship at our parishes.
Hospitality at St. Brigid Parish is after the 9:00am Mass in Keilty Hall.
At Sacred Heart Parish the hospitality is after the 10:00am Mass in the parish center.