In today’s first reading (Numbers 11:25-29) we read: “The Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was on him, he bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.” We celebrated the Day of Discernment asking all the while for the gift of Christ’s Spirit to lead us in choosing leaders for the Pastoral Council. I was pleased to see the number of people who were nominated by the community and the number who, after being called by our Pastoral Associates, said ‘yes’ to enter into the Day of Discernment.
I give thanks for David Thorpe who led us in the day. After lunch together at the Knights of Columbus (I thank them for the use of Heritage Hall for the day) Saint Brigid nominees sat at various tables in one section of the hall and Sacred Heart nominees at several tables at the other side of the hall. The people were given a question to discuss at table and the expectation was then to indicate three people at the table who would be good for the new Council. Nominees were then shifted to another table and they were given another question to discuss. This process went on for a total of four times with four questions. The questions were: 1) What one thing do you think would make the biggest difference in the spiritual life of the parish? 2) What gifts do you possess which will enhance the work of the Council? 3) What drew you to offer your gifts to this ministry of leadership in our parish? 4) What part of our mission statement is most challenging to you? In between each session we engaged in prayer asking the Spirit to guide us in our deliberations and choices.
Sacred Heart chose Donna Bosco, Clora Bucci, Mark Syrnick and Kenneth Shine to be new members of the Council. Saint Brigid chose George Brady, James Cavallo, Kalley Moore, and Tony Sharon.
I look forward to serving with these people on the Pastoral Council as we look to the future of the Catholic Community in Lexington with both parishes working together for the ministry God has given to us in these challenging times.
I thank those who were not chosen. Because they came to know their gifts and to understand our individual and collective parish needs I hope they will enlist in some ministry within the community.
I thank the people of the parish who contributed names for nomination. I hope that you understand the importance of the Pastoral Council and the need I have for you to participate in the work of the parish. You are invited to come to joint Pastoral Council meetings. Your presence, prayer and insights are most necessary as we plan our future together.
Readings for the Week Of Sunday, September 27, 2009
| St. Brigid Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Tuesday September 29th | Helen Watson |
| 9:00am | Thursday October 1st | Nancy Coughlin |
| 9:00am | Saturday October 3rd | Robert Carmody |
| |
| Sacred Heart Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Friday October 2nd | Margaret & Paul Wright |
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, Deacon Bill Wildes, Edward O’Brien, John Harper, William McCarthy, Verner and Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Anita and William Gorham, Mary Whelan, Eleanor Mann, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Brendan Murphy, Ann Conceision, Rev. James O’Donohoe, Kevin Johnson Marylou Merry, Monica Cotter, Jackie Martinetti, Ann LaMantia, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Mary McGuinnes, Catherine Tatro, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Olivia Moran, Matthew Langone, and Brianna Cimino. Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners especially Rebecca Heffernan and Matthew Langone.
Season Three of ARISE Together in Christ will begin this October 2009; the third season is called In the Footsteps of Christ. There will be six faith-sharing sessions meeting once a week inviting us to explore the Catholic understanding of discipleship, and in particular how this implies active commitment to charity and justice.
We invite all parishioners to participate in the ARISE process and be part of the spiritual renewal and evangelization that is happening in approximately 180 parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston! For more information, contact Beverly Good at 781-863-0319, ext. 20; Beverly.Good(1)
Sacred Heart Parish Presents
What Is Liturgy?
As Catholics, we are obligated to attend weekend Liturgies. However, do we understand the meaning of the Liturgy & its parts, the importance of the physical space & the contribution of hymns to the Liturgy? Vatican II allowed the Liturgy to be celebrated in the vernacular & turned the altar around. Vatican II also asked us to experience the Liturgy in new & different ways. How?
During the next few months, we will present a series of four lectures on “What is Liturgy?”. Please join us for our first lecture on Thursday, October 8at 7:30 pm in Sacred Heart Parish Center to hear Fr. Walter Cuenin discuss “Vatican II and the role of laity and lay ministries in Liturgy”. All are welcome.
Look for future announcements on “Parts of the Liturgy”, “Art & Environment and Its Role in Liturgy” and “Music and Its Role in Liturgy”.
Did You Know?
The Church in Boston is blessed with more than 775 diocesan priests, 525 religious priests, and 240 permanent deacons, whose reception of the sacrament of Holy Orders witness to their lives of dedication and service in bringing Christ to His people. Inspired by their witness, more that 50 young men are undergoing priestly formation to prepare to join them in this vocation for the Archdiocese of Boston.
In Service For Their Country
Lt. John Schiavi, Sgt. Christopher Considine, Timothy Dunbar, Richard Rigley, Chris Cullen, Caitlin R. Battell, Robert McLaughlin, Sean Maddigan, Rev. Paul Passamonti, Airman Jason Cunha, 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.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands for the month of September is:
Libby Borden – 781-862-5832.
It has been my pleasure working with this group for almost ten years as the overall manager. I am leaving this year. If you are interested in taking over this position, please call me soon and I will be happy to help you in any way I can. Edie Martinez, 617-489-3305.
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 October 7th and October 21st. 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)
St. Andrew Dinner
St. Andrew Dinner is a gathering of young men in High School and their Parish Priest, High School Campus Minister or Youth Minister for an informal dinner with Cardinal Seán. The evening consists of Evening Prayer, dinner, conversation with seminarians and vocation witness stories. There are several dates assigned for these dinners:
Thursday, October 8th 5:30 to 8:00pm
Central Catholic High School, Lawrence MA
Wednesday, January 27th 5:30-8:00pm
St. Sebastian High School, Needham, MA
Tuesday, April 13th 5:30 – 8:00pm
St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA
If you are interested, please call the office and put your name on the list to attend.
For information please call Fr. Mike Harrington at 17-746-5949 or email Mharrington(9).
Baptisms In August 2009
Welcomed into the Catholic Church at
St. Brigid Parish
James Francis Sheehy, son of James and Hilary
Lyla Chloree Harris, daughter of Jeffrey and Lynn
Kian Neil Millett, son of
Matthew and Danielle Harrison
Donald Queenin, son of Douglas and Gabriel
Ava Judith and Emma Teresa Powers,
daughters of Richard and Tanya;
We also welcome into the Catholic Church at
Sacred Heart Parish
Alyssa Kaylee Schmidt, daughter of
Damon and Kristen
Sadie May Hagstrom, daughter of Erik and Kristen
Colin Michael Thebeado, son of Ernest and Roseann
Retreat for Men
A retreat for men will be held at Glastonbury Abbey, Hingham, on the weekend of December 4-6. Father Timothy Joyce, OSB, STL will lead prayer, talks and discussions on a man’s spiritual journey. To sign up for the weekend, phone the Retreat Secretary on weekdays, 781-749-2155 x 200.
Parish Trip
Visit Oberammergau and Croatia in 2010
It is a 12-day trip, flying out of Logan Airport to Bavaria, Germany. We will leave on July 14, 2010, arriving in Bavaria Germany where our tour will begin. On Friday, July 16th, we will witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague, and for this reason the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. We will spend two days, one night in Overammergau then on to the Dalmation Coast. We will experience the wonder of 16 cascading lakes at Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park. Walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo as we explore the medieval city of Korcula. Discover the magnificence of the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian. On this trip we will visit 4 of the area’s most beautiful countries: Germany, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. We still have a few seats available for the trip, so sign up as soon as possible.
We are going to schedule another slide show giving the highlights of the trip this month. The show will be held September 29th in the St. Brigid Parish Hall.
Teachers Needed
We are still in need of Teachers to guide our Confirmation students through their faith journey. If you are feeling called to teach our Confirmation Candidates, please contact Megan Chenaille at Megan.Chenaille(1) OR call 781-862-8724 and let her know if you prefer teaching Monday nights (7:15-8:30pm at St. Brigid) or Tuesday nights (7:15-8:30pm at Sacred Heart). Thank you!!
Sunday, September 27th
10:00–CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT-SH CHURCH
11:15 – RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES BEGIN AT SH
1:00 – BAPTISMS-SB
MINISTRY DAY AT SH AFTER ALL MASSES
Monday, September 28TH
7:15 C.R.E.A. – SB -L
Tuesday, September 29th
6:30 – COLLETTE -TRIP-SLIDE SHOW – SB-PC
7:00 – REL. ED. TEACHERS MEETING-SB-L
7:30 – BOY SCOUT LEADER MTG. PC CLASSROOM
Wednesday, September 30th
10:00 – CARLTON WILLARD MTG.- SB - PC
7:15 – cONFIRMATION RETREAT MTG-SB-L
7:30 – SH CHOIR – CHURCH
Thursday, October 1st
9:30 – 11:00 F.I.S.H. – SB - L
6:30 – YOUNG ADULTS – SB – L
7:00 - MINUTE MEN-SB-KH
7:00 - LEXFUN SEMINAR – SB PC
7:00 – AWOL GROUP-CLASSROOM
7:00 – BOY SCOUTS – SB
7:30 – SB CHOIR - CHURCH
Friday, October 2nd
NO MEETINGS
Saturday, October 3rd
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
Life Snipits
What is over your head
is under God’s feet.
Come celebrate our Pastor, Father Colletti’s 75th Birthday on Sunday, September 27th, 4 – 6 PM in the Parish Center at St. Brigid’s. All are welcome --- young, not so young and young at heart. Like the DIAMOND occasion that it is, let’s make the hall SPARKLE with fun and fellowship. Light appetizers, goodies and cake (of course) will be provided. We’re even planning to have some music! To RSVP, (so we have an idea of numbers), or if you would like to contribute goodies, please call or email Sheila Dreyer at 781-863-5492 or dryfish(4) for an assignment. If you would like to help with setup, serving or other arrangements contact Pat Romeo Gilbert at 781-861-8510, PRomeoGilbert(4).
WINGS (Women In God’S Spirit) Is Ready To Soar!
WINGS is ready to soar! We are pleased to start the fall season with an evening session, WINGS@NIGHT. This session, formatted like the morning version, is designed to introduce more people – women and men – to WINGS. Our speaker, Sister Nancy Kehoe, PhD., is Director of Expanding Connections at the Center for Religious Development, an international spiritual direction center located in Cambridge, and an Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Health Alliance, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Sister will speak to us about her work with the mentally ill and the role faith plays in their treatment and recovery. Please join us at 7:00-9:00pm on Thursday, October 15, to hear Sister’s presentation based on her recent book, Wrestling with Our Inner Angels: Faith, Mental Illness and the Journey to Wholeness. Flyers with additional information about this program and about WINGS are available at the entrances of the churches.
WINGS’ regular Fall Speaker Series gets underway the following Thursday morning (October 22) with Sister Kathleen Short. Her unique presentation on the Bent Over Woman (Luke 13:10-17) is entitled, What is Keeping You Whole and Holy? WINGS’ complete fall schedule will be available next weekend at the church entrances and in the parish centers.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins next Sunday! All children are invited to join in this 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.
| St. Brigid |
| Offertory for Sept. 19th & 20th |
$ 11,323.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 10,131.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 1,192.00 |
Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 271 have used their envelopes.
| Sacred Heart |
| Offertory for Sept. 19th & 20th |
$ 3,764.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 3,203.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 561.00 |
| St. Katharine Drexel |
$ 320.00 |
Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 88 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.
Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!
—Fr. Colletti
Rededication Of Sacred Heart Church
Now that the refurbishment of Sacred Heart Church is completed, we will have a rededication of the church at a 6:00 Liturgy on Friday, October 16th followed by the Spaghetti Supper already scheduled for that date. Parishioners from both St. Brigid and Sacred Heart are invited to join us at our Liturgy and enjoy the fabulous spaghetti dinner prepared by Chefs’ Bellini.
CREA
Please join Sister Ruth Rosenbaum, TC, PhD from the Center for Reflection, Education and Action as she leads a social justice study group. The discussions are in keeping with the CREA mission statement which is as follows..." Believing that the earth is home to all, REA facilitates analysis of human, social and economic policies from the perspective of their effects on human lives beginning with the lives of those who are poor." The meeting takes place on Monday, September 28th at St. Brigid in the library at 7:15 pm. All are welcome.
St. Vincent De Paul Society–Serving Those In Need
On Sunday September 27th we honor St. Vincent de Paul. The society established in his name is an international group of Catholic men and women devoted to offering spiritual and tangible assistance to persons in need. The Sacred Heart/St. Brigid conference, which is part of the national conference of St. Vincent de Paul, is funded by donations from the parishioners of Sacred Heart and St. Brigid. Our mission is to provide short term financial aid to those in need.
Help has been provided to people in our community struggling to pay utilities, rent and groceries. Other donations have been made to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, those struggling in Honduras and Haiti, and our own Lexington Pantry.
We welcome requests for relief or suggestions for donations. All requests are kept strictly confidential and handled with dignity. Requests or suggestions may be made to our Pastoral Associate, Mary Peterson. God Bless!
It’s Time!
It's time to bring your donations for the Roxbury Food Pantry. Please bring non-perishable food items to the church by 11 am, Sunday, October 4th. Items such as canned vegetables and meats, tomato sauce, pasta, and cereal are always appreciated. Place bags on the altar at Sacred Heart, or in the bins at St. Brigid. Forgot your food? No worries! There are envelopes available on the bins at St. Brigid for donations of Stop and Shop gift cards or checks made out to St. Katherine Drexel Food Pantry. At Sacred Heart, please drop these donations in the offertory baskets.
Want to do more? The driving team from St. Brigid and Sacred Heart would love to have you and your family help us with the monthly delivery. The Catholic Community of Lexington graciously drives nearly 100 bags of groceries into Roxbury for delivery the first Sunday of the month. If you are interested in fostering an attitude of giving and service in your family, this is an easy and excellent way! Please contact Rebekah Hand for more details at rebekahclaire(7) or 512-293-3728 for St.Brigid and Bob Ludwig for Sacred Heart at rludwig887(4) or 781-861-7231.
Need Some Quiet Time With the Lord?
You can spend some quiet, one-on-one time with the Lord this and every Friday from 12:00 – 2:45pm during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Brigid Church.
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
Collection and Offertory
The weekly collection occurs at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Its placement is significant. It is part of the heart of the Mass. Every Mass celebrates the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. That sacrifice unfolds before our eyes as the gifts we bring the bread and wine, are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ and offered to God.
This sacrificial action begins when we carry bread and wine to the altar during the preparation of the gifts. With them we bring our gifts for the poor (the weekly collection). This procession moves through the community because these gifts come from us and represent us. They represent our offering to God and our communion with God. Just as the Body and Blood of Christ bring heavenly nourishment to our community, so the collection brings material aid.
The charity which underlies the collection results from faith. We believe that what we have comes from God and we know it was given for the enjoyment of all. A habit of giving comes from a heart that has learned the satisfactions of generosity. A habit of giving offers us peace that we are doing our part to make the world a better, more generous place.
The weekly collection humbly expresses the community's faith. The silent routine accompanies the spirit of selflessness that unites believers. Whether your gift is large or small, the collection expresses what we have in common, a desire to share.
St. Brigid’s Parish will start carrying the weekly collection up to the altar with our gifts of Bread and Wine. Starting the weekend of October 4th families who are asked to carry the Bread and Wine will wait until the collection is finished so they can carry up a basket with the monies collected. One of our parishioners has most generously made a container that will be placed on the alter to receive the gift of our weekly collection.
Not So Holy Humor!
The home freezer salesman was trying to convince the housewife that she would save enough on her grocery bill to pay for the freezer.
“I suppose you are right,” she said, “but we are paying on our washing machine with the money we save on our laundry; and we are buying a car on the bus fare we are saving; and a house on the rent we are saving. I’m afraid we just can’t afford to save any more money right now.”
It’s that time of year again!
Volunteer teachers are needed at Sacred Heart & St. Brigid Parishes. Teachers are needed in the following levels:
GRADES 4, 5, & 8
If you have taught before or have been thinking about the possibility, we would love to hear from you. Please call the Religious Education Office at 781-862-8724 or contact me at the following email address: george.begin(1).
Faith & Environment
Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis October 4 by showing your appreciation for creation. Take a walk and enjoy the fall foliage and this year’s bumper crop of acorns. Admire the ability of birds and monarch butterflies to migrate to distant lands as winter approaches. Take time to thank the Creator for all these good things. If St. Francis were alive today, he might also invite you to consider the impact your suburban life style has on creation. While Congress is considering legislation to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, we here in at Sacred Heart or St. Brigid have an opportunity to do our part as well.
At least 1/3 of the carbon dioxide generated in Lexington and surrounding towns is related to energy use in our homes—heating and cooling, and electricity. The Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition (GWAC) is sponsoring an Energy Fair on Sunday October 4 from 11AM to 4 PM at the Depot. More than 30 vendors and organizations will provide information that will help attendees make immediate cash savings and reduce their impact on the environment. From insulation to lighting, from solar heat and electricity to tax rebates, there will be something for everyone. This event is free and open to all. For more information go to: http://www.lexgwac.org/
Our faithful writer for these Faith and Environment articles is “on sabbatical” and we are in need of additional writers. Could you write an article once a month that focuses on creation care? Contact: Fran Ludwig at 781-861-7231.
Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724
Confirmation Classes
Registrations for 9th and 10th grade Confirmation Classes were sent out a couple of months ago. If you did not receive a registration form, please contact the Religious Education Office at (781) 862-8724. The Confirmation Class & Important Events calendar for the year have been sent out. Please look through and mark your calendars!!
Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 
Middle School Fridays are Back!
6th, 7th and 8th graders of the Catholic Community of Lexington (and their friends are invited to join us at the first Middle School Friday event of the year on October 16th. We will meet in the St. Brigid's Parish hall for Pizza at 6 pm, and then go to the Woburn Bowladrome for Glow Bowling. Flyers will be available at the rear of the church, in the parish office, CCD classes, and online at the parish web site. Sign ups due at the parish office by October 13th. Cost is $15 and scholarships are available. For more information please contact Mary Ellen Goodwin at 781-863-1584
Future events all begin at 6pm with Pizza and include:
Nov. 6- Laser Tag Danvers; Dec. 11-Nativity Movie @ Sacred Heart; Jan. 8-Snow tubing at Nashoba; Feb. 5-Movie @ Sacred Heart; March 19-Jump On In Woburn; April 9 Game night @ Sacred Heart; May 14-Mini Golf Join us for one or all!
We have received a very nice note from the Lexington Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry this past week. We have donated $285 to the pantry and they much appreciated our support in the efforts.