The theme of today’s readings is about hearing the word of God and acting upon it.  “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live…” (Deuteronomy 4:1-2).  “Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit comes from above, descending from the Father…he will to bring us to birth with a word spoken in truth so that we may be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:17-18).  Jesus said to the Pharisees: “Empty is the reverence they do me because they teach as dogmas mere human precepts.  You disregard God’s commandment…” (Mark 7:14-145).

Sir Isaac Newton in his Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. An example of this is seen when you climb a ladder.  As you climb you put pressure on the ladder which presses back allowing you to climb.

Steve Wilson in Cult of the Individual Weakens Sense of Community, states that the realm of God works in the same way.  God is the one who acts.  Humans are often the ones who, rather than acting, react.  People will know we are Christians in the way we react to the presence and law of God.  One can see this reaction in the way we think and act. We can allow God in our life, or resist his action by creating an opposite reaction.

In Helen Betenbaugh’s article, Disability, a Lived Theology one sees an opposite reaction.  When something bad happens to us, we ask, “Why did God do this to me?” “What have I done to deserve this?”  “Why is God punishing me this way?”  We are unsure whether God’s love, God’s compassion, and God’s grace are still with us.  In our second reading from James (1:17) we read: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Someone has said that we cannot break the commandments; we only break ourselves on them.  We do that when we react negatively to the action of our God in our lives. God, our creator, is still creating us.  We become co-creators with God.  If we let him into our lives we will be created in the image of His Son, whereas, if we resist, we grow crooked and in some other image.

Henri Nouwen was a priest and a psychologist.  He spent 10 years working with the disabled at L’Arche Community in Toronto, Canada.  Out of this experience he wrote: “Our life is full of brokenness—broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations.  How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives?”

Allow the action of God into your life and act, don’t react!

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, Patricia McLaughlin, Eleanor Mann, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Brendan Murphy, Rev. James O’Donohoe, Kevin Johnson Marylou Merry, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Mary McGuinnes, Jewel Douglass, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Olivia Moran, Matthew Langone, and Brianna Cimino.  Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family and parishioners especially Roselyn Torci, Anthony Parise and Louise Mary Spiers.

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

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for the month of September is:
Libby Borden – 781-862-5832.

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 September 2nd and September 16th. 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, 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.

Sacrament of reconciliation

ARISE Together in Christ is a three-year, parish-centered process of spiritual renewal and evangelization that enables people to deepen their faith, develop a closer relationship with Christ, grow in community, and reach out in service to others.

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; or by email.

Time is Running Out!

Time is running out to get your $200 seat reduction for our trip to Oberammergau in 2010!  September 1st is the last date to receive this reduction.  We only have 15-20 seats saved for our parish trip.  So hurry and sign up!  The Passion Play is presented only every ten years.  Along with the other places we are visiting, it will be an amazing trip!  Please call the office, 781-862-0335, for more information…

Parish Pastoral Discernment Process

In these next few weeks Sacred Heart and Saint Brigid Parishes are going to hold nominations for additional membership on the Parish Pastoral Council.  The Council is a visioning and planning body of parishioners who foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the church as lived out in our parishes.  In consultation with the Pastor, the Parish Pastoral Council actively listens to and identifies the needs and concerns of the people and reviews the Parish Pastoral Plan to respond to these needs. The Council also seeks to implement the plan by seeking the involvement of parishioners.

We are in need of three parishioners for Sacred Heart and four for Saint Brigid who have these qualities:

• a desire for spiritual growth in themselves and the parish
• an enthusiasm about the future direction of the parish
• a willingness to listen, to speak honestly and to work toward consensus
• the ability to inspire and empower other to delegate
• flexibility and openness with people and ideas
• the desire to see our two parishes work in collaboration

Nomination papers will be mailed to all parishioners in the next newsletter in mid-August and, in addition, can be found on our web page.  Nominate people you feel possess the necessary gifts we need and even nominate yourself.

Father Colletti

Your Prayers Are Needed

From now until our PPC Afternoon of Discernment on
Sunday, September 20th, please ask
God to bless this new process
for arriving at our Parish Pastoral Council
membership.  It all depends on us recognizing
our gifts and listening well
to the promptings of the Spirit!

Giving a Blessing

There are occasions in our human experience that suddenly touch us and we grope for words to mark the moment: A friend lies gravely ill, a family member embarks on a journey, a child is afraid of the dark and cannot sleep, a daughter reaches menarche, a relative announces a wonderful promotion, a spouse retires from a long career....

Perhaps the words we are searching for and the gesture that would express our hope for that person could take the form of a blessing.  The Celts have a long tradition of bestowing blessings.  Bestowing a blessing is a gentle gift.  You can put your hands on the head or shoulders of the other and say a simple prayer.  Mention your hope for that person and ask for the necessary graces.  If you saved blessed water from the Easter Vigil and have it stored away in a bottle for just such occasions, use some in a sprinkling rite. It reminds us of our baptism and affirms our identity and purpose.

We can feel free to devise a blessing with our own words or we can learn some blessings from the Celts:

Grace upwards over thee,
Grace downwards over thee,
Grace of graces without gainsaying,
Grace of Father and of Lord.
The joy of God be in thy face,
Joy to all who see thee;
The circling of God be keeping thee,
Angels of God shielding thee.
God bless to you this day,
God bless to you this night;
Bless, O bless, Thou God of grace,
Each day and hour of your life;
Bless, O bless, Thou God of grace,
Each day and hour of your life.

Copyright © 2001 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622‑1101; 1‑800‑933‑1800; www.ltp.org. Text and art by Gertrud Mueller Nelson. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

11:00 Mass – Baptism – Saint Brigid Church

Monday, August 31, 2009

Feast of St. Aidan of Lindisfarne, known throughout the kingdom for his knowledge of the Bible, his learning, his holiness, his kindness to the poor.  He died in 651 at the royal castle at Bamburgh..

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Feast of St. Giles, Patron of the Physically Disabled, who was of noble birth, left his home to live in seclusion in the diocese of Nimes. He founded a monastery embracing the rule of St. Benedict.  St. Giles died about the year 724.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

7:00pm – Confirmation Retreat Mtg. – L- Saint Brigid

Thursday, September 3, 2009

9:30 – F.I.S.H. Meeting – L – St. Brigid

Friday, September 4, 2009

6:00pm – Wedding Rehearsal – Saint Brigid

Saturday, August 29, 2009

2:00pm – Marie Falco & Brad Martin Wedding – St. Brigid

Please travel safely next weekend as we celebrate the Labor Day Weekend!

Enjoy holding babies???

Mother's helper needed to help with good natured 2-month old twins.  Need an extra pair of hands to help mother care for babies.  If interested, please call Tom or Susan at 781-674-0382.

Start the School Year With Adoration!

A visit with the Lord = what better way to start off the school year? Stop by St. Brigid Church this Friday (no school that day) during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 12:00 – 2:45pm at St. Brigid Church.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Dear God, thank you for the baby brother, but what I asked you for was a puppy.  I never asked for anything before.  You can look it up.

—Joyce

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 214 have used their envelopes.

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 76 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.

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

—Fr. Colletti

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.

Sacred Heart 75th Speakers Series

Sacred Heart 75th Speakers Series presents a two night program on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th & 20th at 7:30P.M.  The topic is the Church’s teaching and practice on the Social Ministry of the Church.  This is a very timely subject with the recent publication of Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate” (Charity in Truth).  Look ahead on your calendars and circle these two Sunday evenings which promise to be instructive, rewarding and challenging

Life Snipits

God wants a whole heart
But will accept a broken one.

"I Was Hungry, And You Gave Me Food..."

September 5th and 6th is the collection for the St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry in Roxbury. As always, donations of non-perishable food items such as cereal, canned goods, soup, pasta and tomato sauce are excellent. In addition, Stop & Shop gift cards and checks made payable to St. Katharine Drexel are always appreciated. Place food in the bins at the entrances to the churches and on the altar at Sacred Heart. Drop check or gift card donations in the offertory basket or in the Parish office. Thank you for your continued ministry to the hungry.

Blood Drive

Please join this Blood Drive in honor of Matthew Langone and Dennis Ratliff, Jr.  It will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 10:00am – 6:00pm in the Heritage Building, 1 Militia Drive, Lexington, MA.  All successful donors receive a gift from Children’s Hospital.  To make an appointment, please call 617-633-1137.  Each donation can help up to four young patients!

The Catholic Perspective On Abortion And Stem Cell Research

There will be an adult education and discussion program on the above topic on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30pm at St. Irene’s Parish Hall (lover Level), 187 East Street, Carlisle.  The program will be presented by Angela and David Franks.  This is first in a series of two lectures in which the audience is encouraged to ask questions and interact to understand.  The program is open to all who wish to learn more about the Catholic point of view.  For additional information call Ernest Carabillo, 978-371-2166.

We received a thank you this week from Father Oscar Pratt for the support and generosity that the people of Sacred Heart show to St. Katharine Drexel in our parish sharing.

Back to School Prayer

Back to School Prayer
God of all wisdom,
you formed humankind in your own likeness
and gave us an intellect to help us know you,
our Creator, and the world you made.
As we begin this new academic year,
enlighten the minds of students
with the inquisitiveness that seeks
ever greater knowledge and understanding.
Give teachers and professors the wisdom needed
to guide the intellectual endeavors of those
entrusted to them.
Help all who fund and support education
to recognize the value of discovering more
about the world you have created
and so draw ever closer to you, our Maker.
Amen.

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 feel that God might be calling you in this direction or are interested in learning more about this process, please contact Beverly Good, one of our Pastoral Associates, by email or call 781-863-0319x20.

Holy Humor

A doctor, a little boy, and a priest were in a small plane when it developed engine trouble.  The pilot grabbed a parachute and told the passengers they had better jump too.  But there were only three parachutes left.

The doctor said, “I save lives, so I must live,” and bailed out.

The lawyer said, “I’m a lawyer, and lawyers are the smartest people in the world.  I deserve to live.”  And he jumped.

The priest told the little boy, “My son, I’ve lived a long, full life.  You take the last parachute.”

The boy gave the parachute back to the priest and said, “Not to worry, Father, the smartest man in the world just took off with my backpack.”

Religious Ed Registration

Walk-in/Late Registrations

On Monday, September 14th there will be religious education registration for Grades 1-10.  This is for families who have not yet registered for the 2009-2010 or who are new to Sacred Heart or St. Brigid parishes. 

Registrations will take place in St. Brigid Parish Center Hall from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

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

Adult Volunteers Needed!!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity?  Do you like working with teenagers?  Then we have the meeting for you!!  Join us for a “Wine and Cheese” gathering on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in the St. Brigid Library at 7:15pm.  Meet others who want to help our youth grow in their faith and see what our plan for the youth is over the next year!  We are in great need of your support for our teens in many capacities, so please consider attending the meeting on September 9th and signing up for a volunteer opportunity!!  Please feel free to bring along a friend or two who might also enjoy working with our youth.  If you have any questions please contact Megan Chenaille at (781) 862-8724 or by email.

Youth Mass
Join us for our first Youth Mass of the year!!
All are welcome to join us for Mass!!
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Time: 6pm
Place: Sacred Heart Church

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

Instructions/Info: We are always working to improve the group and make it better so we have made a survey for you to take.  The point of this survey is to get your input.  Whether you haven't missed a group meeting since the beginning of time or whether you have only heard about the group we are privileged to have your opinion.  This survey is completely anonymous and private so please be honest.  Your frank answers are what are important.  The group is here to serve YOU and the Church and the more input we hear from people like yourself the better we can go about doing that.

The company we are using for the survey is Zoomerang (the Archdiocese has used them as well).

Here is the link to the survey, please help us by completing. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229G3RP3YRZ

If you have any questions or need any help let us know. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

Topic of Week:

• In September (like with everything else) church activities start up again, these include Parish Pastoral Council, Committees, etc.  Parishes are always looking for people to become more involved and especially love it when young adults jump into the picture. If you have been thinking about getting involved in a certain ministry, now is a great time to give it a shot!

Quote/Fact/Thought/Etc of the Week:

• “Charity in truth, to which Jesus Christ bore witness by his earthly life and especially by his death and resurrection, is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity.”

Caritas In Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI