We all know that Christmas is about peace.

We sing our familiar carols that proclaim peace.

Silent Night. Holy Night, all is calm and all is bright, round yon virgin mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

It came upon a midnight clear that glorious song of old, when angels bending near the earth, they touched their harps of gold, peace on earth.

Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the new born king.  Peace on earth.

We believe that our lives can be touched by peace and that we too can be children of peace.  That is why the whole world is drawn to sanctuaries on this Christmas night.

The words of Isaiah to dream of what the world would look like when the Prince of Peace comes…There shall be no end to His peace…They shall not hurt and they shall not harm one another anyplace in my holy mountain for the whole earth shall know the Lord.

Would it not be more than wonderful to live in a world where there was no hurting or no harming or no injuring of other people—to live in that kind of community…family…house?

To live in a world that understood and experience peace?  But we look around us and see so much hurting in this world, so much destruction, and so little peace.

Christmas peace?  Is it only far away hope in Bethlehem tonight, in Ethiopia, or Sudan, Korea, Iraq, Afganastan and in Christian Communities and in families?

Is peace a fond hope in marriages, households, in one’s self filled with anger and stress?

We recall the words of Longfellow:

“I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old
their old familiar carols play, and wild and
sweet the words repeat, peace on earth good
will towards men.  In despair I bowed my
head, there is no peace on earth I said, but
hate is strong and mocks the song of peace
on earth I said, but hate is strong and mocks
the song of peace on earth good will towards
men.”

We all know that Christmas is about peace.

Why is there no peace?  Because we are so deeply flawed and because we are people who hurt and harm one another, God sent us His Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Jesus.  Jesus says. “I have come to bring you peace, to teach you to walk in the paths of peace, I have come to teach you what you need to learn most to be a person of peace.”

Where does peace begin?  We have a song that sings “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”  If the prince of peace does not live in me, where is that peace going to come from?

When we begin to work for justice and righteousness then peace will follow.  That is true within your family life, your personal life, and the life of your community, your state, your country and the world.

Justice is the organization of life so that the little people can be taken of.  Righteousness is right relationships with our individual lives.  Righteousness primarily begins and ends with forgiveness.  The only way you can live with someone like you and me is with the gift of forgiveness, the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

What is the peace of Christmas Eve?  Christmas Eve peace has to do with the candles, the quietness a silent night, the church decorated, it is a lovely experience, and like an aspirin, it will last about four hours.

The peace of Christ has to do with those people in whom the Prince of Peace comes to live and who work for justice and rightness.

Remember Longfellow’s poem:

“And in despair I bowed my head, there is
no peace on earth I said, for hate is strong
and mocks the son of peace on earth good
will toward me.”

But then he continues:

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep.
God is not dead nor does he sleep, the wrong
shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth,
good will toward all.”

 

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday December 29th	Mass of Thanksgiving
9:00am	Thursday December 31st	Dennis Scannell
4:00pm	Thursday December 31st	Corrine Peterson MASS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT 4:00
9:00am	Saturday January 2nd	Anthony Parisi Jeannette Riches
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday December 28th	William Morretti
9:00am	Wednesday December 30th	Rose Harkins
11:00am	Friday January 1st	MASS AT 11:00 AT SACRED HEART

 

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, Bob Kozlowski, Deacon Bill Wildes, Edward O’Brien, Dorothea Russo, Edward Ronayne, William McCarthy, Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Anita and William Gorham, Mary Whelan, Eleanor Mann, Amy Galehouse Goolkosian, Henry Downes, Billy Wedgwood, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Johnson, Monica Cotter, Ann LaMantia, Christine Griffin, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Mary McGuinnes, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Olivia Moran and Brianna Cimino.  Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners.

Mark Your Calendar for WINGS Winter Season!

Mark your calendar for the WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit) Winter Season on January 7, 14, 21, 28, and February 4. Celia Sirois, one of our favorite WINGS speakers, returns to present a five-week series on Spirituality of the Psalms. The sessions will be on Thursday mornings, 9:30 – 11:15am, in the hall in St. Brigid Parish Center.  Membership in WINGS is not required to attend these sessions or any WINGS program.

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

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 January 6th and January 20th. 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)

Thank You!

The Priests and Staff of the Catholic Community in Lexington want to thank all who have sent cards and gifts to the Rectory and Parish Offices. We hope that you have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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, 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.

Haiti Appeal

Within the next week or so, you will receive a letter from the St. Brigid/Sacred Heart Haiti Committee. Please do not overlook this important message: it is our annual appeal asking for funds to pay teacher salaries in our sister parish of Fond des Blancs. Your generosity makes all the difference in the lives of so many children. Thank you!

 

Christian Vocations

Christian Vocation:  being attentive to our Christian call to witness to God’s tremendous love.

On the Feast of the Holy Family, the Church invites us to consider our own vocation.  How can I discern God’s call?  How can I listen to God’s invitation?  Marriage, lay ecclesial ministry, religious life, priesthood, diaconate…What am I to offer:  my talents, my skills, my entire being?  We have all been chosen by God through our Baptism to respond to our vocation.  A panel of men and women will speak about their vocations.  Take time with God and others to explore your vocational call.  The time is right, God is waiting for you. 
When:  Sunday, January 10, 2010
Where:  St. Michael Parish Hall, North Andover, MA
Time:  2:00 to 5:00 p.m., including Vespers and Benediction
Please RSVP to Sister Marian Batho, CSJ at 617-746-5637 or Sr_Marian_Bathol(9).

Sunday, December 27th

1:00 – Baptisms – St. Brigid

Monday, December 28TH

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS
Peter Canisius was a Jesuit catechist and missionary; leading voice in counter-reformation Germany; organized the German Jesuit province and founded several colleges, authored the popular and enduring catechize, Institutiones Christianœ Pietatis; known as the “Second Apostle of Germany.”

Tuesday, December 29TH

FEAST OFTHOMAS BECKETT
Thomas Beckett killed December 29, 1170 by order of Henry II; canonized only three years after his death.  Was chancellor of England.

Wednesday, December 30th

FEAST OF ST. ANYSIA.
Martyr of Greece.  She was a wealthy woman of Salonika, in Thessaly, who used her personal funds to aid the poor.  A soldier accosted her in the street and tried to her to a pagan sacrifice.  She resisted and was killed when the soldier attacked her with his sword.

Thursday, December 31st

NEW YEAR EVE
MASS AT 4:00 AT ST. BRIGID
OFFICES CLOSE AT NOON

Friday, January 1st  

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MASS AT 11:00 AT SACRED HEART
OFFICES CLOSED

Saturday, January 2nd

ENJOY THE WEEKEND!

Thank You!

Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Parishoners,

I hope all is well and that you had a great and relaxing summer and fall!  Thanks to you, this past summer was the most fulfilling experience of my life.  Your donations to the orphanage, Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH), had enriching effects.  Thanks to you, the orphanage, operated by Roman Catholic nuns, now has a restructured landscaping facility and footage for a promotional video to raise funds for a new school building.

Many parts of the Dominican Republic are beautiful.  (I strongly recommend a visit to anyone who hasn’t been there.  Where else can you get a Coke for 75 cents!)  The people are warm, welcoming, and very loving.  Yet not all of this tropical island is a paradise.  It is third world country, and it shows.  This fact is painfully obvious when you look beyond the trellises of the luxurious resorts.  Limited funds make things we take for granted -- trash clean-up, compulsory education, and water filtration -- impossible in the Dominican Republic.

Most Dominicans live in meager housing conditions, on the brink of starvation.  There is no welfare system, no national healthcare system, and no social security.  Yet somehow, there is much hope, especially at the orphanage.  Although the center is relatively new, several children from NPH have already been admitted to University in Mexico, and more children are inspired to follow.  Your contribution has given the greatest gift: a chance at a good education -- to children who otherwise would have very little.  I am so lucky to have friends, family and fellow parishioners that care enough to make a difference. In their lives, without you, none of this would have been possible.  Peace and God bless.

Muchas gracias,
Kurt Kugel, Rutgers University, Class 2011, Catholic Community of Lexington Parishioner 
P.S: If you would like more information on NPH, or to make a donation, please visit the website at http://www.nph.org/.

(Many parishioners made donations to Kurt this past summer)

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.

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

Women’s Book Group

OUR WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB meets next on Thursday, January 21, 2010.  The group meets from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 9 at Sacred Heart Parish Center.  January’s selection is In My Brother's Image: Twin Brothers Separated by Faith after the Holocaust by Eugene Pogany.  In My Brother's Image is the extraordinary story of Eugene Pogany’s father and uncle—identical twin brothers born in Hungary of Jewish parents but raised as devout Catholic converts until the Second World War unraveled their family.  In eloquent prose, Pogany portrays how the Holocaust destroyed the brothers’ close childhood bond.  His father, a survivor of a Nazi internment camp, denounced Christianity and returned to the Judaism of his birth, while his uncle, who found shelter in an Italian monastic community during the war, became a Catholic priest.  Even after emigrating to America the brothers remained estranged, each believing the other a traitor to their family’s faith.  This tragic memoir is a rich, moving family portrait as well as an

Old Testament Parenting Humor

Laws of Forbidden Places

Of the beasts of the field, and of the fishes of the sea, and of all foods that are acceptable in my sight you may eat, but not in the living room.  Of the hoofed animals, broiled or ground into burgers, you may eat, but not in the living room.  Of the cloven-hoofed animal, plain or with cheese, you may eat, but not in the living room.  Of the cereal grains, of the corn and of the wheat and of the oats, and of all the cereals that are of bright color and unknown provenance you may eat, but not in the living room.  Of quiescently frozen dessert and of all frozen after-meal treats you may eat, but absolutely not in the living room.

Of the juices and other beverages, yea, even of those in sippy-cups, you may drink, but not in the living room, neither may you carry such therein.  Indeed, when you reach the place where the living room carpet begins, of any food or beverage there you may not eat, neither may you drink.  But if you are sick, and are lying down and watching something, then may you eat in the living room.

THERE ARE NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES THIS WEEK

CLASSES RESUME JANUARY 10TH.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES WILL RESUME
JANUARY 11TH & 12TH

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. We will not have Children’s Liturgy of the Word next Sunday, December 27. CLW will resume on the following Sunday, January 3.

Adoration

Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Friday, we will not have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on those days. Adoration will resume on Friday, January 8.

Pope John Paul II - Prayer from Angelus Message for the Feast of the Holy Family 2004

"May the Holy Family, who had to overcome many painful trials, watch over all the families in the world, especially those who are experiencing difficult situations.  May the Holy Family also help men and women of culture and political leaders so that they may defend the institution of the family, based on marriage, and so that they may sustain the family as it confronts the grave challenges of the modern age!

"During this Year of the Eucharist may Christian families find the light and strength to be united and to grow as the 'domestic church' especially in their diligent participation in the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday.

Use Your Expertise To Help Children Read!

Start the new year off right by helping children at the Northeast School in Waltham who need extra help with reading! Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is looking for volunteers for its Reading Partners Program. Designed to boost confidence and improve reading skills, the program pairs adults age 55 and over with children in grades K-3.  Please call Lauren Reid, or Ken Neal at 781-324-7705 today! Combine the wisdom of age with the energy of youth and become a Reading Partner!

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for the month of December is:
Kalley Moore - 781-538-5178.

Life Snipits

Make others happy wherever you go,
Not whenever you go!

In Celebration of the Birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Office of Outreach & Cultural Diversity – Black Catholics Ministries of the Archdiocese of Boston cordially invites you to An Evening of Prayer and Song.  On the Ever of Dr. King’s birthday—Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Katherine Drexel Church, 517 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester.  Featuring the Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir.  A reception will follow the prayer service. 

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).