This week we continue with Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and his description of the church as the Body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12-30). This week, throughout the country, the Catholic Church is praying for unity among all Christian Churches. This is in response to Jesus prayer at the Last Supper that His church should be one.
Walter Kasper in An Introduction to Christian Faith wrote: There is no Christ without church, just as there is no church without Christ. Christianity needs a church and some kind of institutionalization if it is to survive and to keep alive the memory of its source, Jesus Christ. “Christianity without a church is a utopian fantasy.” I hear some Catholics tell me, “I am spiritual but not religious.” I suppose that means that they can be Christian without the church. Is that possible?
It is the will of Jesus that we be one—be in communion with him and with each other. That word “communion” is most important. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1992 insisted that the image of communion be integrated with the other images of the church found in Scripture and tradition such as the church as the body of Christ, the people of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the sacrament of salvation and unity.
Father Patrick Granfield, OSB in The Concept of the Church as Communion, wrote: “Communion in its broadest sense refers to some sort of relation with another person or persons. It connotes inter-relationships, solidarity and intimacy—all easily applicable to the church. The word koinonia, or communion, is used 19 times in the New Testament, and 13 of these are in the Pauline writings. The primary meaning of koinonia is the vertical dimension of our relationship with the triune God. Communion is our participation in the life of the Spirit through faith, word
and sacrament. The secondary meaning of koinonia is the horizontal dimension; the relationship among believers that is based on prior communion with God. Koinonia, then, is a dynamic reality that forms us into the one body of Christ. Union with Christ and in Christ fosters union among Christians in the church.
As we pray for Christian unity and unity within the diversity of the Catholic Church, we echo the words of Paul in today’s second reading and realize that communion is a basic, universal human experience of sharing and intimacy. This communion is the ideal of the church and an eternal aspiration of humanity; the communion of brothers and sisters.
Readings for the Week Of Sunday, January 24, 2010
| St. Brigid Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Tuesday January 26th | Mary Lohse |
| 9:00am | Thursday January 28th | Louis Starita & The Starita Family |
| 9:00am | Saturday January 30th | Rita Malvey
Samuel Stanislaw Ly |
| |
| Sacred Heart Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Wednesday January 27th | Mary Koscher & Mary Maher |
| 9:00am | Friday January 29th | For the intentions of Sr. Marie Cormier,RCE |
An Invitation from our Sixth Graders!
Our parishes’ Sixth Graders cordially invite you to join them today, January 24th, at their grade-level Mass at 6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church.
Sunday, January 24th
9:00 – CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD-SB
11:15-12:15 – REL. ED. – SH PARISH CENTER
1:00 – BAPTISMS – SB – CHURCH
6:00 – YOUTH MASS-GRADE 6 MASS – SH – CHURCH
7:00 – MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENT – SH - PC
Monday, January 25th
7:00 – LEXINGTON BABE RUTH MTG.-SB-L
7:15 – 8:30 CONFIRMATION CLASSES – SB
Tuesday, January 26th
3:45-4:45 REL ED CLASSES – SB
7:15 – 8:30 CONFIRMATION CLASSES – SB
7:30 – SCOUT COMMITTEE MTG. – SB-L
Wednesday, January 27th
3:45-4:45 REL ED CLASSES – SB
6:00 - PINEWOOD DERBY WEIGH-IN-SB-PC
7:00 – GRADE 2 TEACHER MTG. SB - RM. 10
7:30 – 9:30 – RCIA – SB-L
Thursday, January 28th
7:00 – 9:30 BOY SCOUTS – SB – PC
7:30 – FAITH & ENVIRONMENT MTG.-SB-RM.#10
Friday, January 29th
6:00-9:00PM – PINEWOOD DERBY – SB-PC
Saturday, January 30th
9:00 – 4:00 QUILTERS MTG - SB-KH
9:00 – 4:00 COUPLES FOR CHRIST – SB-PC
3:30 – CONFESSIONS – SB
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.
Grades 7 and 8 are on Mondays at 5:30 until 6:30pm in the Parish Center
Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724
There is a Youth Mass Sunday, tonight at Sacred Heart Church at 6:00pm. The middle school will gather in the Parish Center following Mass for Pizza.
Classes are held on Monday evenings, 7:15 – 8:30 at St. Brigid Parish Center
Classes are held on Tuesday evenings 7:15 to 8:30 at Sacred Heart Parish Center
Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 
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, Bob Kozlowski, Francis Cote, Rosemary Adamson, Deacon Bill Wildes, William McCarthy, Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Mary Whelan, Prudy Bulger, Eleanor Mann, Amy Galehouse Goolkosian, John Walsh, Jane Beauchemin, Henry Downes, Billy Wedgwood, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Carol Brady, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Johnson, Ann LaMantia, Christine Griffin, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Mary McGuinnes, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Cathy Larson, Olivia Moran and Brianna Cimino. Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners especially Monica Cotter and Nicholas Ruocco, husband of Mary Ruocco and brother of Caroline Ruocco
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 February 3rd and February 17th. 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)
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, Airman Jason Cunha, Pfc. Erik Muskavitch, Mark Zarnecki, Elizabeth Leyne, 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.
An Invitation from our Sixth Graders!
Our parishes’ Sixth Graders cordially invite you to join them today, January 24th, at their grade-level Mass at 6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church.
Women’s Retreat
Spring Women’s Overnight Retreat
Rest, renew, refresh yourself at Craigville Beach on the Cape!
from 5 p.m. Friday, April 30th to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 1st, 2010.
Celebrate with other women of our community
on an overnight retreat designed by our parishioners
to help you “come to the waters” and be open
to the gifts God has for you!
Reserve your space now;
Total fee: $125.
A published spiritual writer
will be joining us!
For more information, contact Beverly Good (Beverly.Good(1) ) , 781-863-0319, X 20) or Mary Peterson (mary.peterson55(7); 781-863-0319, X 30).
An Evening in Tuscany
Reserve the Date: February 6th, 2009
Come and enjoy a Italian dinner, dance, and fellowship in support of
the Youth Scholarship Fund
An Evening in Tuscany!
February 6, 2010, 6:30 P.M.-10:30 P.M.
In Keilty Hall (lower level of St. Brigid Church)
Choose Your Sponsorship Level !
“Senior” $50
“Junior” $40
“Sophomore” $30
“Freshman” $25
Tickets will be on sale after all masses at Sacred Heart and St. Brigid on January 17/18, 23/24, and 30/31, and at the St Brigid Parish Center during the week. Tables may be reserved for you and your friends!
(Table seats 8.)
Rides can be arranged by calling Anne Doyle
at 781-643-8177.
For more information, see posters at the doors of the church or contact Anne at amcdoyle(8)
Wings Spirituality Of The Psalms Continues!
WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit) Winter Season continues this Thursday with Celia Sirois presenting her fourth session on Spirituality of the Psalms. Join us for this session and next week’s final session on Thursday morning, 9:30 – 11:15am, in the hall in St. Brigid Parish Center. For transportation, contact Carol Flynn at 781-862-1637. For child care during the session, contact Jane Goubeaux at 781-862-4146. Membership in WINGS is not required to attend this or any WINGS program.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands is a group of volunteers who provide assistance to members of the Catholic Community of Lexington who are in need, such as giving rides to doctors appointments, or making meals for the sick. Volunteer drivers make no minimum time commitment. They only need to be willing to join an e-mail distribution list for ride requests, and accept only those that fit their schedule. Volunteer meal makers can respond to requests as they are able. For more information, please contact Jeanne Hobbs at 781-248-9722 or jeannehobbs(2).
Lectio Divina Group
A Lectio Divina group will meet this Thursday, January 28, at 11:15am for about a half-hour in Room #9 in St. Brigid Parish Center. The group will use this classic form of contemplative prayer to reflect on next Sunday’s gospel reading. Please join us!
What to Read?
How are the readings for each Sunday chosen?
Each Sunday the word of God is proclaimed in our church in the form of three scripture readings and a psalm. The first reading and the psalm always come from the first testament of the Bible (the “Old Testament”), except during the Easter season, when the first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The second reading is a selection from one of the non-gospel books of the second testament of the Bible (the “New Testament”). The third reading is always chosen from one of the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. It is clear from the title “liturgy of the word” that the scriptures are an integral part of Sunday Eucharist.
This emphasis on a more thorough and varied use of the scriptures is a direct result of the renewal of the liturgy called for by the Second Vatican Council: “The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God’s word.” To meet this need, a new lectionary (or book of readings for worship) was published in 1970. It included assigned texts for each Sunday based on a three-year cycle of readings. And, as noted above, each Sunday included three readings as well as a responsorial psalm.
This was a major change. Previously, only one set of Sunday readings was used year after year. Two readings and a psalm verse were appointed for each Sunday. And one of those readings, the gospel, was almost always from the Gospel of Matthew. The gospel readings in the 1970 lectionary include selections from all four evangelists: Matthew in what is called Year A, Mark in Year B and Luke in Year C. We hear the Gospel of John during the major liturgical seasons as well as during Year B (the year of Mark), perhaps because Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and wouldn’t otherwise fill out the whole year.
The gospels were assigned first. The first reading was chosen for its connection to the day’s gospel. The psalm that follows the first reading is related to it. The psalm is the assembly’s response to the word that has just been proclaimed. The second reading is not necessarily related to the other readings. Selections from the chosen book are simply read somewhat in order.
As people baptized to live not by bread alone but by the word of God as well, the liturgy of the word should not be the only time we hear the readings. One way to live with the lectionary is to do an attentive reading of the scriptures before the liturgy each Sunday—a fruitful and enriching way of entering more deeply into the prayer. Another approach is to hear the word proclaimed in the assembly first, and then spend the following week rereading and meditating on it. Whichever method you choose, several helpful resources have been published to aid you.
All children are invited 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. All children are invited 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.
Season Four of ARISE, the small faith group discussion process, begins right after Ash Wednesday, February 14th. The official “Sign-Up Sunday” will take place on both Saturday, January 23rd, and Sunday, January 24th,at Sacred Heart and St. Brigid. Group dates and times are being firmed up now. Contact Beverly Good at 781-863-0319 x20 or email to Beverly.Good(1) for more information on how it works!
Parish Registration Forms
We still have many parishioners from both parishes that have not completed a Parish Registration form. There are forms for either parish at the entrance doors of both parishes. Please take home the census form for the parish you wish to belong to and complete it during the week. The form can then be returned in the collection basket the following weekend. We are trying to keep our records up to date. With all of the new technology, many parishioners now have e-mail addresses that would help us if we needed to reach them with a question or announcement.
| St. Brigid |
| Offertory for January 16th & 17th |
$ 9,702.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 8,782.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 920.00 |
Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 244 have used their envelopes. Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week! To operate the parish our offertory should be $11,730 per week.
To date we have received $144,900.76 in our Grand Annual Collection from 291 parishioners. We have determined the following breakdown: New Givers 47; those who increased their donation, 138; those who gave the same as last year, 76; those who gave less than last year, 30. Our goal this year is $140,000.
| Sacred Heart |
| Offertory for January 16th & 17th |
$ 6,375.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 5,620.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 755.00 |
| St. Katharine Drexel |
$ 137.00 |
Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 108 parishioners have used their envelopes this week. Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week! To operate the parish our offertory should be $7,500 per week.
To date we have received a total of $93,356 from 130 parishioners in our Grand Annual Collection. We have determined the following breakdown: New Givers 16; those who increased their donation, 59; those who gave the same as last year, 40; those who gave less than last year, 15. Our goal this year is $313,000.
Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!
—Fr. Colletti
Family Humor
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children (Adam and Eve), what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
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.
National Adoption Day Thank You Note
Thank you for your donation of Teddy Bears that Sacred Heart Parish made to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for National Adoption Day in November 2009. There were 30 children within our Metro Regional Office who were adopted. They each received a Teddy Bear as part of their gift bag. Since your church was overly generous with their donation we were able to provide Teddy Bears for all the children from our Boston Region who were adopted that day as well. The remaining bears were given to our Arlington Area Office to be used and given to children who may need to be placed in foster care. Your thoughtfulness and kindness is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you. Stephanie Frankel, DCF Supervisor, Metro Regional Office
Faith & Environment
In today's interconnected world, we further acknowledge our bonds with each other and the earth by growing and sharing food. When we think of ourselves as members of a community and not just as individuals, then we have a responsibility to be neighborly and to care for those who need good wholesome food. The Lexington Interfaith Garden is being planned to provide fresh produce for people in need, to educate our community on the value of local, sustainable farming, to build connections within our faith communities, and to have fun while doing rewarding work.
An interfaith planning committee of twenty people, representing twelve faith communities of Lexington, has been meeting together for several months. Recently, they have selected a location for the first Interfaith Garden—1000 square feet near Lexington center. Are you interested in helping to plan and/or work on the garden? Representatives to the group are needed from Sacred Heart and St. Brigid. Meet Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30 at Hancock Church center.
Faith and Environment planning meeting on Thursday January 28 at 7:30 at St. Brigid Parish Center. Call Fran for more information: 781-861-7231.
A New Year’S Resolution: Adoration!
It’s easy to keep this resolution every Friday during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 12:00 – 2:45pm at St. Brigid Church.
Our thanks are extended to Priscilla Angelo and Helen Curtis for their service as Communion Ministers at St. Brigid Church. They have given of their time to serve in this most important and rewarding ministry for many years and we ask God's blessing on them for their generosity.
Art & Environment
The Art and Environment Committee is looking for volunteers to be on call throughout the year to help with various tasks related to keeping St. Brigid looking as beautiful as it does, especially during holiday seasons. There is no firm commitment necessary; we would call you when we need help to see if you’re available. If you’d like to be on our ‘on call’ list or even if you’d like to be a regular member of the committee, you can contact me at home, 781-932-8225 or by email, moreysusan(2). Thank you in advance for your help. Susan Morey
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:
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).
Helping Hands
Helping Hands for the month of January is:
is Jeanne Hobbs, 781-248-9722
Privacy Laws Protecting the Sick
With the implementation of the HPPA Laws, your privacy is protected when you are hospitalized. The downside is many people go into the hospital and we do not know. When you are admitted into the hospital, you are asked your religion and parish, if you identify your parish the Chaplain can let us know you have been hospitalized. We receive notification from Leahy, we are trying to set up this same process with Winchester Hospital, please let the Chaplain, Marybeth Moran, know you are from either Sacred Heart / St. Brigid community. If can also contact us or have a family member call us and let us know, we would be happy to come to visit, pray, or/and bring Eucharist to you during your illness. If you have a neighbor or relative who is homebound, sometimes it might be just temporary, please let us know and we will contact them to see if they would like someone to visit them. WE NEED YOU TO TELL US, that is the only way we will know. We want to minister and support you. Thank you for your help.
Boston Catholic Television
Daily Mass can be seen LIVE on Catholic TV and Boston’s WBPX, Channel 68, weekdays at 9:30 am, at 7:30 p.m. or midnight (all times Eastern). You can also celebrate it LIVE or “on demand” here at Catholic TV’s web site, www.CatholicTV.com.
Welcome to New Parishioners
No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, no matter what your current family or marital situation, no matter what your current personal history, age, background, race, etc., no matter what your own self-image; you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected here with the Catholic Community in Lexington. . If you are new to Sacred Heart or St. Brigid Parishes, please introduce yourself to either Father Colletti or one of the Pastoral Associates, Beverly Good or Mary Peterson, after Mass or at your convenience. Also, please contact the Office to register as a member of the parishes.
"The Lexington Catholic Young Adult Group invites you to our regular Thursday night meetings consisting of Bible study and then food and drinks at a local restaurant. We also invite you to our next Theology on Tap which will be on third Thursday of the month. For more information contact Billy Robinson at 781-572-8081 or colecrops(4), or talk with Father Colletti. You can also check out our website. It's a great group and we have a lot of fun, we hope you can come!"