Saint Paul in today’s second reading (Col 3:12-21) writes: “Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.” As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family we know that it was Holy because it had God as the center of their every thought and activity. We can do no better than to allow the Lord, whose birth we now celebrate, to make an impact on our day-to-day life. Are we Christian enough?
Saint John Chrysostom, born in Antioch in 347 wrote to his people on this subject:
“There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others. You cannot plead poverty here; the widow putting in her two small coins will be your accuser. Peter said: Silver and gold I have not. Paul was so poor that he was often hungry and went without necessary food. You cannot plead humble birth, for they (the Apostles) were humbly born, of humble stock. You cannot offer the excuse of lack of education, for they were uneducated. You cannot plead ill-health, for Timothy also had poor health, with frequent illnesses.
Each one can help his neighbor if only he is willing to do what is in his power. Look at the trees that do not bear fruit: have you not noticed how strong and fine they are; upstanding, smooth and tall? If we had a garden, we would much prefer trees with fruit—pomegranates and olives—to trees that are for pleasure, not for utility, and any utility these have is small. Such are those people who think only of their own concerns. In fact, they are even worse; the trees are at least useful for building or for protection, whereas the selfish are fit only for punishment. Such were those foolish virgins who were chaste, comely and self-controlled, but did nothing for anyone. So they are consumed in the fire. Such are those people who refuse to give Christ food.
Notice that none of them is accused of personal sins. They are not accused of committing fornication or perjury or any such sins at all: only of not helping anybody else. The person who buried the talent was like this. His life was blameless, but he was of no service to others.
How can such a person be a Christian? Tell me, if yeast did not make the whole mass like itself, is it really yeast? Again, if perfume failed to pervade all around it with its fragrance, would we call it perfume? Do not say: it is impossible for me to influence other. If you are a Christian, it is impossible for this not to happen.
Do not say then that it is impossible. The opposite is impossible. Do not insult God. If we have put our affairs in order, these things will certainly come to be, and will follow as a natural consequence. The light of a Christian cannot escape notice. A light so bright that the lamp cannot be hidden.”
If the light of the world, Jesus, has come to us, now you are light in the Lord; live as people of the light making you gentle, loving and true.
"My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." - Lk 2:30-32
Readings for the Week Of Sunday, December 28, 2008
| St. Brigid Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Tuesday December 30th | Mass of Thanksgiving |
| 9:00am | Thursday January 1st | NEW YEARS DAY |
| 8:00am | Saturday January 3rd | Daniel Welby |
| |
| Sacred Heart Church |
| |
| 9:00am | Monday December 29th | John Dawson |
| 9:00am | Wednesday December 31st | Leszek & Mary Gatarz |
| 9:00am | Friday January 2nd | Grace Burns |
| 9:00am | Saturday January 3rd | Margaret Brady |
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, Elizabeth Leyne, 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.
Please pray for all who are in need of our prayers that God’s healing and comforting presence may be with them, especially Father Smith, Kevin Murray, Bill Kenney, Marylou Merry William Moretti, Josephine Siders, Mary Collins, Philip Johnson, and Brianna Cimino. Please also remember all of our deceased relatives and friends especially Marisol O’Brien, Anna Marie Fierro and .Richard Wells.
Mark Your Calendar Now:
Season Two Of Arise Begins In February
“I would definitely take part again. These were upbeat, insightful, thought-provoking sessions!” “The best part was the sense of community, and our sharing.” “This deepened my prayer life, made me more attentive and recollected during the week.”
These comments came from the participants of last fall’s First Season of ARISE Together in Christ, the Archdiocesan-sponsored program for faith-sharing groups. Plan now to take part in the second season—during Lent. The first sessions will take place the week of February 22nd, (Ash Wednesday is February 25th). New groups will be forming, and we will do our best to honor the wishes of Season One folks who hoped to stay together! Leaders of already-existing small faith groups, please let us know now if you’d like us to order ARISE materials for your group. To get more information about ARISE, please contact pastoral associate Beverly Good at 781-863-0319 or by email.
Thank You From St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Father Oscar Pratt has sent a thank you from his parish community for your heartfelt generosity. Father Pratt wishes all great joy and peace during this holy season.
The Gift of Giving
Do you have our parish on your “gift list”? All gifts made on or before December 31st are tax deductible for this tax year.
Gifts of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) are some of the best gifts to make whether they have appreciated or depreciated in value. Check with a broker about avoiding a last minute rush for year end gifts of securities. Please contact the office, 781-862-0335/4646 for more information.
We are all given just a few short years to “Build up the Kingdom of God”. Sharing your blessings through a generous gift at year’s end will make these parishes and their ministry just a bit better because you chose to make a difference while you were here.
Remember God is never outdone in His generosity. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity!
New Year’s Day Masses
The Masses on New Year’s day will be as follows:
St. Brigid Church – 9:00am
Sacred Heart Church – 11:00am
Notes From The Archdiocese Of Boston
We hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas Day. As a reminder to you all, the Christmas collection supports the retirement, medical care, and financial needs of the priests of the Archdiocese of Boston. If you have not done so already and you wish to do so, you may include your completed Christmas collection envelope in today’s collection basket. Thank you for your continued generosity to the church.
Food Collection at St. Brigid and Sacred Heart
Next weekend of January 3rd and 4th is the collection of non-perishable food items . Please check the expiration dates on the items. Low sodium canned soups and vegetables as well as low sugar hot and cold cereals and canned fruit, peanut butter, meals in a can, tuna, pasta, tomato sauce, and rice. These items may be left at the food bins at the entrances of St. Brigid or on the altar at Sacred Heart. Cash, supermarket gift cards and checks made out to the Lexington Food Pantry are also accepted. These may be left in an envelope marked Lexington Food Pantry and placed in the offertory basket or left at the parish office. Thank you for your past generosity and support of this endeavor.
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.
What Is The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults?
The RCIA is a process by which adults are fully initiated into the Catholic faith community. It is a process that not only affects the individuals seeking the sacraments, but the entire community that journeys with those being initiated. It is a spiritual journey that is marked by: conversion, professing faith in Christ, incorporation into the church and participation in the mission of Christ. This process is for:
- People who have never been baptized
- People who were baptized into another Christian faith tradition, but now desire to enter into the Catholic Church and to receive the sacraments of Communion or Confirmation
- Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation
If you are interested in learning more about this process, please contact Beverly Good, one of our Pastoral Associates, by email or call 781-863-0319, x20.
The Lexington Catholic Young Adult Group invites you to our normal 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 occurs on the third Thursday of each month. For more information contact Billy Robinson 781-572-8081/colecrops at aol or talk with Father Colletti. You can also check out our website http://lexcatholicyoungadultgroup.googlepages.com. It's a great group and we have a lot of fun. We hope you can join us!
Food Assistance
If you or anyone you know is in need of food assistance especially this year when sometimes the choice is between food, rent, fuel, etc., the Lexington Food Pantry located at the Church of our Redeemer on Meriam St. in Lexington Center is the place to go. All that is needed is a letter from a member of the clergy, social worker, doctor or human services worker stating your need, the number of persons in your family and an ID. Present these on a Saturday morning at 9:30 am at the food pantry. Lexington residents may shop each Saturday. Residents from neighboring towns may shop once a month. For more information call the food pantry answering machine at 781-861-5060.
Lector Books
THERE ARE STILL LECTOR BOOKS IN THE SACRISTY OF BOTH CHURCHES. LECTORS, PLEASE PICK UP YOUR BOOKS THIS WEEKEND.
Donate Your Used Books
We have a fundraising container placed outside the back of St. Brigid Parish Center. This is an alternative method for both parishes to raise funds. We can raise money from local residents and members of both parishes on an ongoing basis through book donations.
Books never get turned away! They accept books from residents, businesses and organizations, schools, and libraries. They keep books out of the waste stream. Nothing gets thrown out. Your good books will not be wasted by going into a landfill. Instead, they will be circulated to willing readers who will enjoy them as much as you did. Any book that is not salvageable will be recycled, but only as a last resort. The company does not pick and choose. They accept all types of books from new and old to textbooks and non-fiction. If you have any books that you do not want to save anymore and would not go into our own library, just drop them into the container.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that
I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world but to seek the
things that are eternal.
Grant me the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten
my mind with the light of your divine truth.
Grant me the Spirit of Right Judgment that I may choose
the surest way of pleasing God.
Grant me the Spirit of Courage that I may bear my
cross with you and that I may overcome all the obstacles that oppose my salvation.
Grant me the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God
and know myself.
Grant me the Spirit of Reverence that I may find the
service of God sweet and attractive.
Grant me the Spirit of Wonder and Awe that I may be
filled with loving reverence towards God and may avoid anything that would displease
him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of your true disciples and animate me in all
things with your Spirit. Amen.
| St. Brigid |
| Offertory for December 20th & 21st |
$ 7,331.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 6,431.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 900.00 |
| Grand Annual Collection to date |
$80,519.00 |
Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 184 have used their envelopes.
| Sacred Heart |
| Offertory for December 20th & 21st |
$ 4,213.00 |
| Envelope Offerings |
$ 3,621.00 |
| Loose Cash |
$ 592.00 |
| St. Katharine Drexel |
$ 155.00 |
| Grand Annual Collection to date |
$57,122.00 |
Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 94 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.
Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!
—Fr. Colletti
Joanne Messier McCandless has formed a children’s choir at Sacred Heart. The choir is open to all children in grades 3 through 7. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 5PM to 5:45PM in the church. We would like to have the children’s choir sing once a month at the 10am Mass during the Preparation. Chaperones will be needed during these rehearsals. Please contact joannemessier at aol or come and see Joanne after the 10am Mass on Sunday.
New Year’s Day Mass
There will be an 11:00am Mass at Sacred Heart on New Years’ day.
Faith & Environment
“Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever. The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice. He shall defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the poor.” From Psalm 72.
“CHARITY consists of satisfying all our desires and then passing on some of what is left over. JUSTICE, on the other hand, requires adjusting our desires to the needs of others so that there is a planetary sharing of what all (persons) have a right to.” Douglas Roche. Wow, that requires some thought! So does the mind-boggling mystery of the Incarnation that we are celebrating. God becomes human not as a grown man but an unborn babe, comes to a cave not a palace, apparently powerless not an all-powerful ruler. This turns all preconceptions upside down and requires the courage of Mary’s YES to accept. Douglas Roche’s definitions mirror this. Applying these reflections to the environment means that we have to consider what changes in desires/lifestyles we need to make to approach a just way of living on our small planet. How might that affect our New Year’s resolutions?
Sunday Hospitality at St. Brigid
“Hospitality after the 9” is on break today. Drop by Keilty Hall next Sunday when we’ll be back.
WINGS Returns January 8th!
WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit) Winter Series will focus on PRAYER. We will learn about and experience different ways to pray. The six-week series begins on Thursday, January 8. Mark your calendar! The schedule of speakers and their topics will be available shortly.
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.
We are happy to have you celebrating with us today!
Perhaps you have just moved into our parishes. Perhaps you are searching for a new community to worship with. Whatever the reason, we are very happy that you have chosen to celebrate with the Catholic Community in Lexington, Sacred Heart and St. Brigid Parishes. Please complete the following information if you wish to join our community as you continue your faith journey.
NAME:_______________________________________
ADDRESS:____________________________________
CITY/STATE:__________________________________
ZIP:_____________PHONE:______________________
E-MAIL:_______________________________________
Please choose a parish:
SACRED HEART__________ST. BRIGID__________
NEW MEMBER:________
NEW ADDRESS:_______
NEW PHONE:__________
We will be happy to send out a registration form or you may pick one up at the doors of each parish
Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724
Our NEXT Youth Mass is
Sunday, January 11, 2008
Sacred Heart Church , 6pm
Hope you and your family can join us!!
This Youth Mass will be followed by an Ice Cream Social in the Parish Center for all High School Students who would like to attend.
Confirmation Classes
9th and 10th grade classes resume January 5th and 6th, 2009.
Merry Christmas! See you all in the New Year!!
Catholic HEART Workcamp
Place: Providence, RI
Dates: June 28 to July 3, 2009
Come serve those in need, make new friends, meet other Catholics YOUR age,
get away from the ordinary for a week,
make a difference, have fun!!!
Limited space available; a $75 deposit is necessary to hold your spot.
Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 
