Christ has revealed the inner life of God by proclaiming that he is the Son of God and there is another he would send us—the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit.  He commanded his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The baptized were to enter into the very life of God and be called children of God.  By adoption we were to become sons and daughters of God.  That baptismal life was to be nurtured by Jesus’ very body and blood in the Eucharist shared by the community gathered in worship. Christians have two relationships that have to grow simultaneously—in the Trinity and in the community which is the Body of Christ.  We are to give glory to God by being fully human, a new creation.

To bring about this new life and to sustain it throughout a life-span, he commissioned priests to effect the sacraments.  Any person may baptize as long as the intention is to do what the church intends.  It is the couple who give the sacrament to each other while the priest is the official witness of the Catholic community. A deacon may baptize and officiate at weddings.  All the sacraments are the work of Christ.  It is his presence in word and action.  We are a sacramental church and as such we need ordained ministers.

We have just finished the year of Saint Paul. Pope Benedict XVI is proclaiming a Year of the Priest on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Cure of Ars, and the patron saint of diocesan priests.  The theme for the priestly year is “Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests.” The Pope is scheduled to open the year June 19th, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The closing ceremony will take place exactly one year later, with a World Meeting of Priests in St. Peter’s Square.

During the year, a directory for confessors and spiritual directors will be published, along with a compilation of texts by the Pope on the core issues of life and mission of priests in the modern times.  As well, Benedict XVI will officially proclaim St. Jean Marie Vianney as the “patron saint of all the priests of the world.”

During that year we will have prayer services for priests and for vocations.  We intend to invite people of our parishes who might be interested in becoming a priest to have a dinner with the Cardinal  sometime in that year and, at another time, to meet seminarians and tour the seminary.

A Prayer For Priests

Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and act in your name.  For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving.  We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church.  Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness.
In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned.  Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising.  In times of weakness send them your Spirit and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for the poor sinners.
By the same Holy Spirit, put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts to bring good news to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted.  May the gift of Mary, your mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your light to every priest.  Grant that she who formed you in her human image may form them in your Divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

11:00 – Bread for the World Letter signing.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Quiet Day!!!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

7:00 – Eucharistic Ministers Mtg. – SB -KH
7:00 – Lexington Pre-School Mtg. – SB - PC
7:30 – Parish Finance Council Mtg. – SB - L

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

12:00 – Convocation of Priest of the Archdiocese in
             Burlington
  7:00 – Youth Confirmation Retreat Mtg. – SB – L

Thursday, June 11, 2009

6:30 – Scout Mtg. - SB

Friday, June 12, 2009

12:00 – 2:45 – Adoration – SB – Church

Saturday,June 13, 2009

  9:30 – Merullo/Anderson Wedding - SB - Church
  4:00 – Confirmation Retreat at Marist House

ALL SCHEDULED MASSES AND FUNERALS DURING THE WEEK WILL BE HELD AT ST. BRIGID CHURCH

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 246 have used their envelopes.

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 83 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.

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

—Fr. Colletti

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, Lt. Cmdr. Michael P. MacLellan 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.

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, Theresa A. Myles, 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 Catharina Dirks and Emily MacDonald deceased parishioners.

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.  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)

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 parishes 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!

Parish Pastoral Council Nominations

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

Schedule for Parish Pastoral Council Nominations & Elections

Nomination forms to office – June 1, 2009
Orientation with Fr. Colletti – June 6-7, 2009
Candidate Bio for bulletin – June 13-14, 2009
Elections – June 20-21, 2009

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for the month of June is:
Judy McDonough – 781-863-0653.

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. 

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.

St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry

This weekend is the collection of non-perishable food for St. Katharine Drexel in Roxbury.  Items may be left at St. Brigid in the food bins and at Sacred Heart at the altar or at the entrances to the church.  These items are always needed: cereals, canned vegetables, canned fruit, soup, chicken broth, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and tomato sauce.  Cash, supermarket gift cards, and checks made payable to St. Katherine Drexel may be placed in an envelope and put into the offertory basket or dropped off at the Parish Office.  Please remember that during these economic times there is a great demand put upon food pantries and your contributions are needed more than ever before.  Thank you for your past generosity and support.

Update on Father James O’Donohoe

Father O’Donohoe is now living at the Newton & Wellesley Alzheimer’s Center, 694 Worcester Street, Wellesley, MA 02482.  We are sure he would love to hear from the parishioners whom he served for so many years.

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. 

A Head’s Up!  New Trip in 2010

We will be meeting with Pamela Cook, our representative from Collette tours on Tuesday, June 16th.  We are planning a trip to Oberammergau in 2010 to see the PASSION PLAY.  The plan right now is a 12 day trip, to see the play and then to the Dalmatian Coast, Medjugorje, where six young people from the village of Bijakovici in the parish of Medjugorje, claimed to have seen an apparition of the Blessed Mother and child and on to Dubrovnik, Croatia.  We will visit four beautiful countries: Germany, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Time TBD.

Mother’s Day Flower Drive

The Respect for Life Committee would like to thank all of the parishioners who so generously gave to our special cause, Heart Beat.  This organization helps new Mom’s and infants to get a start on their lives.  In the year of 2008 they helped 35 new babies and mothers.  The parish gave over $500 to Heart Beat this year with the help of the Mother’s Day Flower Drive!

Faith & Environment

LIFT – Catholic Worship for a NEW Generation

Join us for LIFT – an exciting monthly worship event which includes vibrant praise and worship music, dynamic, challenging speakers and Eucharistic Adoration.  LIFT is for all ages – from young adults to adults to teens to entire families.  Be with us on Tuesday, June 9th as we welcome Todd Lemieux as our speaker.  The evening runs from 7 – 9pm at Fontbonne Academy, 930 Brook Road, Milton, MA.  Directions a downloadable flyer, along with more information about LIFT, can be found on our website at www.liftedhigher.com.  Come join in worship with hundreds of Catholics from around the Boston area!

Life Snipits

If you are heading in the wrong direction,
God allows U-turns!

Each Tuesday morning following the 9:00am Liturgy we pray the Novena of the Holy Spirit.  The above prayer is taken from that Novena and will help us in this period of creating the one Catholic Community in Lexington.  Please make a special time each day to say this prayer as we move forward in this endeavor.

Bread for the World Sunday

On June 7, 11:15am, Sacred Heart Parish Center we will be sending letters to Bread for the World.  Your letters will encourage our legislators to make the nation’s foreign assistance more effective and streamlined.  U.S. foreign assistance has helped poor and hungry people reduce child deaths, improve agricultural capacity, and increase school enrollment. But more lives can be saved if we improve the way foreign aid is delivered.  St. Brigid Bread for the World contact needed to organize an Offering of Letters.  Call Fran at 781-861-7231.  For more information on Bread for the World and current legislation, go to: www.bread.org

Holy Humor

Forgiveness?

A story is about old Jack and old John, two board members of the First Church of Sheboygen, who were always at odds with each other.  They were constantly at each others' throat especially in board meetings. When one of them said "yea," you could be assured that the other would say "nay."

So, one day old Jack dies and arrives at the pearly gate. He notices how St. Peter asks everyone a question, before they proceeded.  When it was his turn, St. Peter said: "Hi Jack, to see if you qualify for heaven, I need to ask you to spell Jesus for me." "That's easy," says Jack, and goes: "J-E-S-U-S." Peter said: "Great, you're in, but could you do me a small favor and take over here for awhile; I just need to check on something. I'll be back"

Jack didn't mind and asked everyone in line to spell Jesus.  Just then, old John was coming through the line. "What are you doing here?" asked old John.  Said Jack; "O, I am just filling in for St. Peter asking everybody to spell a word before they can pass through."  "O yeah, what's the word?" asked John.  After thinking for a moment Jack said, "Spell Albuquerque!"

3 Projects Underway at St. Brigid’s

Work is underway on three projects at St. Brigid’s:

1)         Repair and refurbishment of the church’s steeple
 2)        Replacement of the church’s two rear side doors and the center’s rear side door and repair of the parish center’s front door
3)         Replacement of the former rectory’s front porch.  The architectural style and color of the steeple, doors and porch will not be changed. 

Thank You!

Thank you to Helen Clancy and Cindi & Kurt Carlson for the beautiful vestments given to St. Brigid Parish in honor of Kathleen Hintlian.

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.

Today is the final Children’s Liturgy of the Word before the summer break. During Hospitality after the Mass, the CLW Team will acknowledge all the children who have assisted with this special liturgy during the year. Please come down to Keilty Hall and join in the celebration!    

Sunday Hospitality At St. Brigid’S

St. Brigid’s Hospitality-after-the-9 is starting its summer break next week.  The Hospitality Team wishes to thank all contributors of food and beverages during the year and, of course, the event’s many loyal patrons.  See you all in September!

Communion Ministers - St. Brigid’s

Reminder for the meeting for all communion ministers on Tuesday June 9th at 7:30pm in the church.  If you are unable to attend please let us know so arrangements can be made for you to meet at another time.  Jean and Dick Horigan (781-861-8052 or horigans30@rcn.com)

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

Bake Sale
To help support our students attending the Catholic HEART Workcamp trip
Sunday, June 14, 2009 after the 9am, 10am and 11am Masses.  Please bring some cash and buy some goodies!!

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

Lectio Divina Group!

A Lectio Divina group is meeting 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.

Father William Smith Update!

Father Smith received the last of his chemotherapy this past Tuesday.  According to the last tests he is cancer free!!!  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.  He needs to regain his strength and come back to the Lexington Catholic Community.

Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival will be held on Sunday June 14th after the 11:00 Mass.  Come one come all for a wonderful Strawberry Treat!  We need help cutting the berries on Saturday morning, June 13th at 10:00am in Keilty Hall.  For planning purposes, please let us know how many will be coming.  Call Marie Hill 781-862-6456 or email mimi716(8).

Ordinary Time

A Sense of the Season

All of our days are numbered.  Now that Christ has risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, we count down the days until he returns in glory to judge the living and the dead.  Ordinary Time is “ordinal” time: numbered days, days in which we lay out the scriptures and the prayers to bide our time until Christ returns.
Although the church makes no official distinction between the days of Ordinary Time from Pentecost until Advent, in our lives we experience the subtle shift from the relaxed days of summer to the increasingly active days of autumn.  For some of us, the shift comes with the end-of-summer holiday or the beginning of school.  Others see work activities shift, from tending to harvesting, from stocking shelves to increasing sales, from cashing out an old fiscal year to digging into a new one.

The church’s calendar contains some subtle shifts, too. On September 14 we celebrate the Holy Cross, and the waning of the natural world around us points us to the mystery of suffering and redemption.  At the end of September we invoke the holy archangels to guard us in the encroaching twilight.  If we listen closely to the scriptures in October, we begin to hear talk of the last days and the final things.  These thoughts reach their culmination with the great festival of saints and souls, November 1 and 2.  We spend November remembering the dead, preparing for the end and celebrating Christ, the first-fruits harvested of the new creation, the firstborn from the dead.

Copyright © 1997, Archdiocese of Chicago. Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by David Philippart. Art by Luba Lukova.