Parish Council Elections

 A Parish Council has several characteristics:

1)  A Parish Council is pastoral.  It attempts to provide resources and methods to serve the people of the parish as they engage in the mission of the church.

 2)  A Parish Council is representative.  It is a representative body that endeavors to listen to parishioners and then faithfully present expressed concerns, ideas and questions to the pastor so that faith needs are met.

 3)  A Parish Council is enabling.  It endeavors to foster the spiritual growth of individual Catholics of the parish, and the broader community. It challenges the parish to grow in response to the gospel.

4)  A Parish Council is collaborative.  It challenges its members, the parish staff, committees, organizations and other groups within the parish to work together. It then seeks ways to collaborate with other parishes, community organizations and congregations to foster the common good of the broader community.

There are three Council members from Sacred Heart and four members from Saint Brigid leaving at the end of this season.  We need people to nominate candidates or nominate themselves to run for election which will take place the weekend of June 20-21.  Nomination forms may be obtained in the Parish Office.  You can request a form by mailing a request to shepherd "at" lexingtoncatholic.org.  The form will also be on line at www.lexingtoncatholic.org      

These forms must be received by June 1 in the Parish Office.

Schedule for Parish Pastoral Council Elections

Orientation with Fr. Colletti – June 6-7, 2009
Candidate Bio for Bulletin – June 13-14, 2009
Elections – June 20-21, 2009

Mass Schedule Change

Due to the refurbishment of the interior of Sacred Heart Church beginning June 1st, weekday Masses and funerals will all be celebrated at Saint Brigid.

On Saturday morning the Saint Brigid 8:00am will be changed to a 9:00am Mass. Mass intentions already booked for the 8:00 and 9:00 on Saturday morning will be celebrated at Saint Brigid at 9:00am.

Saturday evening and Sunday Masses will continue to be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church.

The work or refurbishment is scheduled to be completed by Labor Day. After completion the weekday Masses at Sacred Heart will be 9:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at Saint Brigid 9:00 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

 

St. Brigid
Offertory for May 16th & 17th	$    9,665.00
Envelope Offerings	$    7,157.00
Loose Cash	$    2,508.00

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 249 have used their envelopes.

Sacred Heart
Offertory for May 16th & 17th	$  5,266.00
Envelope Offerings	$  4,689.00
Loose Cash	$     577.00
St. Katharine Drexel	$     145.00

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 112 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.

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

—Fr. Colletti

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday May 26th	William Carney
9:00am	Thursday May 28th	Gaetano & Berta Franceschelli
8:00am	Saturday May 30th	Elizabeth A. Ambrose
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday May 25th	Bill Graham
9:00am	Wednesday May 27th	Michael McLaughlin
9:00am	Friday May 29th	Marie Blanchette
9:00am	Saturday May 30th	Delfino Apollonio

 

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for the month of May will be
Marybeth Duffy, 781-862-7557.

 

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, Catherine Morley, Elaine Murphy, Deacon Bill Wildes, Joseph O’Brien, John Harper, Tina Durks, Pat White, Kathleen Brown, Rev. James O’Donohoe, Betty Garrity, Marylou Merry, Josephine Siders, Kathleen Brown, Olivia Moran, Suzy Keating, Matthew Langone, and Brianna Cimino. Please also remember in your prayers Anne McCadden and Alfred Iodice, deceased parishioners.

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.

Update on NStar

NSTAR is in the process of changing the light fixtures in all of the St. Brigid facilities and in next phase they will change the fixtures at Sacred Heart facilities. As stated a few weeks ago, NSTAR is paying 70% of the cost for these improvements.

Holy Humor

A history joke

Why were the early days of history called the dark ages?

Because there were so many knights!

2009 Catholic Appeal

Responding to God's Grace, Renewing Our Church

Thank you to all supporters of the 2009 Catholic Appeal.  St. Brigid Parish has raised $ 62,217 from 198 households, reaching 48 percent of the parish goal of $129,500.  Sacred Heart Parish has raised $23,286 from 79 households, reaching 51.2 percent of the parish goal of $45,500.  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 towards the end of 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!

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!

Northeast Catholic Family Conference

Families mark your calendars!  This conference will take place on Sunday, June 28^th, at St. Mary’s in Waltham, beginning at 1:00pm.  The conference offers prayer, music and workshops for adults, children and teens.  Cardinal Sean will celebrate Mass and join us for the family cookout!  For more information or to register, go to www.schoolofnazareth.org or contact Fr. Michael Harrington at mharrington (9) or 781-956-0548.

Parish Census

Census forms are located at the entrances of both churches.  Each family/parishioner is encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the census and either drop-off at the entryways to the churches or drop-off/mail to the offices at 2001 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421.

Your completion and return of the census will provide information that will help us to better communicate, serve and interact with members of each parish and to provide information on parishioners’ special skills, talents and interests.  All of the personal information will be kept confidential and be filed in the parish offices.  So far we have 261 forms submitted from St. Brigid parishioners.  There are 1426 families registered in the parish!!!  From Sacred Heart we have 239 from Sacred Heart Parishioners.  There are 769 families registered in the parish!!!  PLEASE pick up a form, fill it out and return it to the parish office as soon as possible

For your convenience in returning the forms, boxes will be at the front doors of St. Brigid Church and at the side door of Sacred Heart Church.

The forms are also on the internet, the address is on the census form.

Lectio Divina Group!

On Thursday, May 7th, a Lectio Divina group began to meet for about half an hour every week through June 18th.  The group will gather in Room #10 at St. Brigid Parish Center.  Lectio Divina is a prayerful way to reflect on the Bible.  In this group, we will reflect on the upcoming Sunday Gospel.  Please feel free to drop in any week your schedule allows.  All are welcome, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey.  For more information, please contact Beverly Good at 781-863-0319, ext. 20, or by email.

Looking for Summer Reading?

Join parishioners from Sacred Heart and St. Brigid as they read My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ.

Our women’s book club officially begins on Thursday, September 17^th, but the group invites you to savor their first selection as the less-chaotic days of summer unfold. 

Here’s the scoop on the book: 

James Martin has led an entirely modern life: from a lukewarm Catholic childhood, to an education at the Wharton School of Business, to the executive fast track at General Electric, to ministry as a Jesuit priest, to a busy media career in Manhattan.  But every step of the way, he has been accompanied by some surprising friends—the saints of the Catholic Church.  Martin's best-selling memoir encompasses saints throughout Christian history—from St. Peter to Dorothy Day, St. Francis of Assisi to Mother Teresa—and chronicles the author's lifelong relationship with them.  His witty, vibrant, and stirring stories enable readers to discover how the saints guide us throughout our earthly journeys and how they help each of us find holiness in our own lives.  Our insiders tell us the book has short chapters, and is easy pick up for a short time.  My Life with the Saints is readily available at your favorite book vendor…for more information about the fledgling book club, contact Maria Griffin at avempg(4)  or Beverly Good at Beverly.Good (1); 781-863-0319, ext. 20. 

Sunday, May 24, 2009

2:30 Baptisms – St. Brigid

Monday, May 18, 2009

 

MEMORIAL DAY
OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

 7:00 – Census Committee Meeting - SHPC
7:30 – Scout Commission Meeting – SB

 Wednesday, May 20, 2009

7:30 – Choir – Sacred Heart Church

 Thursday, May 21, 2009

 5:00 – Wedding Rehearsal – SB - Church
7:00 – WorkCamp Retreat Mtg. SB - L
7:00 – Young Adult Meeting – SB-L
7:30 – Choir

Friday, May 22, 2009

5:00 – Wedding Rehearsal – St. Brigid - Church

Saturday, May 23, 2009

11:00 – Krathwohl/Steltz Wedding – SB – Church
 2:00 – Puopolo/Ulbricht Wedding – SB – Church
 9:00-3:00 - Antique Auto Show – SB - Parking Lot
 9:00 – 11:30 – Fundraiser LPTA – SB - KH

Thank You!

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your continuous support of the St. Francis Xavier Parish Schools in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.

 Your help has allowed us to provide elementary education and a meal for many children in need.  Providing these educational opportunities has helped develop students' skills which will help the community in the future. 

Again, thank you for your support.  I hope our strong partnership will continue to offer hope to the community of Fond des Blancs. God bless you and your work.

Sincerely,

Rev. Joseph Hercules
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish
Fond des Blancs, Haiti

Through the generosity of parishioners and other donors, the St. Brigid - Sacred Heart Haiti Fund provides funds for teachers' salaries and training. During the 2008 - 2009 school year, $29,000 was sent to Fr. Hercules to support 63 teachers working in St. Francis Center School and 9 chapel schools. An additional $2,500 is being sent to support a teacher training program this summer.

Palestinian Olive Oil

The oil has been harvested; a good crop and the same great taste, same great need, BUT there is a delay in transportation.  The arrival is expected in June.  To help me estimate the number of cases needed for the two parishes please call me or the parish office with the probable # of bottles you need.  There is an ample supply so even if you cannot let me know now, plenty of oil will be available.  I will let you know the dates ASAP.  Thank you, Margaret Johnson, 781 641-0831

So, What’s Up With God?

It would be easy to believe if Christians walked on water!  But perhaps after spending a jillion Sundays in church, you haven't seen anything that would convince you that God is alive or cares about you.  Is anybody giving you clear, solid help in dealing with the really important questions of life - like, does God exist?  What does God want from me?  Does it matter if I'm Catholic or not?  If you have questions about God, questions about what to believe, etc., come to this small group discussion and see if you can get some answers!  Who: Anyone currently in grades 9-12; no CCD registration necessary.  What: Together we'll read and discuss Amy Welborn's book "Prove it!  God".  When: On Sundays, from 5:00-6:00pm - pizza will be served.  May 3, 10, 17, 31, June 7, 14.  Where: At Sacred Heart, Parish Center lower hall.  Cost: A small fee will be collected to defray the cost of the book and pizza.  E-mail Anne Doyle at amcdoyle(8) to sign up. 

Space is limited to a maximum of 8 youth. 
Sign up quickly!

The Lexington Catholic Women's Club

The Lexington Catholic Women’s Club will join with the Women’s Sodality for luncheon on Wednesday, June 3rd, at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury.

The food choices are Roast Turkey or Baked Schrod. The cost of the meal and bus transportation is $25. per person. The bus will be leaving from St. Brigid parking area at 11:15am. Please send your check and choice of meal to Joan Wall, 8 Taft Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421.

Help Needed!

On Saturday, May 30th, assistance will be needed to prepare Sacred Heart for Pentecost. Your help will be most appreciated at 9:30 to remove the Easter season white decorations and put up the red banners for Pentecost.

Help will be needed again after the Youth Mass on Pentecost, May 31st. At this time we remove the red banners and prepare the church for Ordinary time.

Pentecost

On Sunday, May 31st, at 10:00am Sacred Heart Parish will celebrate Pentecost with a Mass in Spanish. All are invited. Coffee and refreshments will follow in the Parish Center.

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 ASAP if you are interested in participating. Our Confirmation Retreat dates are June 13, 2009 or October 4, 2009. Volunteer for one or both. Please note that you will be asked to attend a few meetings prior to the Retreat for preparation purposes. Thank you!

Get ‘Up-Close and Personal’ with the Lord

Spend quiet 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.

Communion Ministers - St. Brigid

New schedules will be made within the next few weeks for June, July, August and September. Please submit any dates that you will be unavailable to Jean and Dick Horigan, 781-861-8052 or horigans30(8).

Life Snipits

People are funny; they want the front of the bus,
middle of the road,
and back of the church!

Sodality Luncheon

The Annual Sodality Banquet-Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn.  Entertainment will be by Jack Craig.  The cost of tickets and transportation is $25.00.  For further information, please call Marie Hill at 781-862-6456.for further information.

Thank You!

Dear Friends,

Thank you is not enough to express our gratitude for your more that generous gifts this Easter.  The early Christians shared their possessions so that everyone would be taken care of.  You are continuing our Lord’s command to care for your neighbor.  The hams are just such an elegant treat to the Easter dinner.  The gift cards make “that special something: for the Easter dinner a reality.  The years of care you have given us are truly a blessing.  You all are in our daily prayers.

Family Aids Ministry
St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Roxbury

Flowers this weekend are in
memory of Mildred (Millie) & Dominic (Mickey) Collentro
Donated by their family members.

Faith & Environment

 

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

Youth Mass

Sunday, May 31, 2009

6pm at Sacred Heart Church

Please join us to support all those receiving scholarships. A small reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall.  All are welcome to join us!!

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

Holy Humor

You Know You're a Mom When:

1. Your feet stick to the kitchen floor.....and you don't care.

2. When the kids are fighting, you threaten to lock them in a room together and not let them out until someone's bleeding.

3. You can't find your cordless phone, so you ask a friend to call you, and you run around the house madly, following the sound until you locate the phone downstairs in the laundry basket.

4. You spend an entire week wearing sweats.

5. Your idea of a good day is making it through without a child leaking bodily fluids on you.

6. Popsicles become a food staple.

7. Your favorite television show is a cartoon.

8. Peanut butter and jelly is eaten at least in one meal a day.

9. You're willing to kiss your child's boo-boo, regardless of what body part it happens to be on.

10. Your baby's pacifier falls on the floor and you give it back to her after you suck the dirt off of it because you’re too busy to wash it off.

Organizing Meeting for Potential New Catholics

ORGANIZING MEETING FOR POTENTIAL NEW CATHOLICS!  There will be a meeting for anyone who is not Catholic, but has considered checking out the Church, plus, any Catholics who are relatives and friends of those folks.  Parishioners of Sacred Heart and St. Brigid, if you know of people who have expressed an interest in finding out more about our faith, invite them to come to the library at St. Brigid Parish Center on Wednesday, June 3^rd at 7:30 p.m.  You come, too!  We already have discovered several folks who fit this description, so a group will begin to meet.  Now’s your chance to be part of a lively conversation, get some questions answered, with no obligation.  The group will meet regularly starting in the fall, on a rotating schedule between Sacred Heart and St. Brigid.  Bring your calendars, so we can find an acceptable day and time.  For more information contact Beverly Good at 781-863-0319 or by email.

We will not have Children’s Liturgy of the Word today because of the Memorial Day holiday. CLW will resume next Sunday, May 31.