There is, perhaps, no greater confusion among Roman Catholic Christians and Evangelical Protestants and Pentecostal Christians than that held over the controversy of faith versus good works.

The Bible is clear that faith holds a first and prominent role in the salvation of every person.  “But without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).  The Bible is equally clear on the saving role of good works in the lives of the faithful.  “Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (1 Peter 2:12).  “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father.  Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:34-36).

The Bible makes it clear that there must be a balanced relationship between our faith and its expression in good works.  We read today in our second reading, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?  So also, faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  Indeed someone might say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’  Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works” (James 2:14-18).

The Bible indicates that it is wrong to disturb the balance of works expressing a life of faith.  One is not saved by faith alone, “For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  Nor is one saved by works alone, “Israel who pursued the law of righteousness, did not attain to that law…because they did it not by faith, but as if it could be done by works” (Romans 9:31-31).

“Therefore, to men justified in this manner, whether they have preserved uninterruptedly the grace received or recovered it when lost, are to be pointed out the words of the Apostle: “Abound in every good work, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown in his name” and “Do not lose confidence, which has a great reward.”  Hence, to those who work well “unto the end” and trust in God, eternal life is to be offered, both as a grace mercifully promised to the children of God through Christ Jesus, and as a reward promised by God himself, to be faithfully given to their good works and merits” (Council of Trent, 1547).

May you abound in all good gifts from the Father and, trusting in him with faith, you may share those gifts with your brothers and sisters.

 

We will begin celebrating Masses at Sacred Heart tomorrow, Monday, September 14th.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church at 9:00am and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mass will be at St. Brigid at 9:00am. 

During the summer months, members of both parish communities came together to celebrate Mass at St. Brigid.  We often had up to 50 people in the church at morning Mass.  Our hope is that this practice will continue, at both churches, as we resume to this new schedule. 

Let us worship together each day in a true Catholic Community spirit!

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday September 15th	Marguerite & Edward Morey
9:00am	Thursday September 17th	Funeral: Leo J. Aloisio
9:00am	Saturday September 19th	Helen Schlaich
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday September 14th	Special Intention
9:00am	Wednesday September 16th	Sr. Marie LeFavre-Happy Birthday
9:00am	Friday September 18th	Mary McLean

 

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.

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 16th and October 7th. 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)

Helping Hands

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

 

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, Ann Conceision, Rev. James O’Donohoe, Kevin Johnson Marylou Merry, Monica Cotter, Jackie Martinetti, Michel Rabralial, Ann LaMantia, 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 members and parishioners especially Louis Salza, Eric Gaffney and Leo Aloisio.

Bereavement Support Group

St. Eulalia Parish, 50 Ridge Street, Winchester is offering a Bereavement Support Group which will meet for eight consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM beginning September 23rd until November 18th,. Topics will include an overview of the bereavement process, signs and symptoms of grief, feelings associated with bereavement and the uniqueness of each person’s grief.  Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences with one another in a caring and supportive atmosphere.  To register for the group or to obtain further information, please call Judy Eisel, Pastoral Care Coordinator, at 781 729-8220, ext. 16

Life Snipits

Enthusiasm is the
Spirit of God working with you.

Parish Trip

We are going to Oberammergau in 2010 to see the PASSION PLAY!

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.  The performers are native Oberammergauers, who begin a year in advance to grow their beards and hair for this performance.  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.  Follow the path up Apparition Hill in Medjugorje where the six young visionaries first encountered the Virgin Mary in 1981.  On this trip we will visit 4 of the area’s most beautiful countries: Germany, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.  Sign up for the trip before September 1, 2009 and receive a $200 Seat Reduction.  We have a limited number of 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.  We will have a date by next bulletin.  Stay tuned!!!

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 Future of Faith

The 2009 Cary Lecture series starts September 26, 2009 with a presentation by Harvey Cox, Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard and one of the preeminent theologians in the United States.  Professor Cox will speak on "The Future of Faith" - what can we expect, as the 21st century unfolds, for the future of religious faith?  To understand the changing world around us, it is critical to pay heed to religion.   We are witnessing a profound change in the nature of 'religiousness' and an unanticipated global resurgence of religion.  The program will be held at 8:00 p.m., Saturday evening, September 26, 2009, Cary Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. 

The Cary Lecture Series is sponsored by the Town of Lexington/Isaac Harris Cary Educational Fund, and is offered at no-cost to residents of Lexington.  Keep a watch out for the mailing soon to be received at all households.

Lexington Food Pantry Collection
at St. Brigid and Sacred Heart

The weekend of September 19th and 20th is the collection of non-perishable food.  Items may be left in the food bins at St. Brigid and on the altar at Sacred Heart.  Please check the expiration dates.  There has been a special request this month for canned low sodium vegetables such as peas, corn, carrots, spinach, beets, and mixed vegetables.  The food pantry does not need green beans at this time.  These items are also needed: low sugar cereals, canned fruit in light syrup or fruit juice, chicken broth, meals in a can, rice, and tomato sauce. The food pantry also accepts hygiene items (tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.) and paper products (toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, etc.).  Cash, supermarket gift cards and checks made out to the Lexington Food Pantry may be placed in an envelope marked Lexington Food Pantry and placed in the offertory basket or dropped off at the parish office.  As always, we thank you for your past generosity and support of this endeavor. 

Sunday, September13th
3:00 – PRIVATE BAPTISMS – SB CHURCH
1:00 – YOUTH LEADERSHIP RETREAT-SH-LH & CH
6:00 – YOUTH MASS – SH - CHURCH
7:00 – YOUTH EVENT – SH - LH
7:30 – SOCIAL MINISTRY – SR. LINDA BALLARD

Monday, September 14th
12:00 - 4:00 – RELIGIOUS ED LATE REGISTRATION
 5:00 – 7:00 – RELIGIOUS ED LATE REGISTRATION

Tuesday, September 15th
7:00 – 8:00 CUB SCOUT NEW PARENT MTG. - SB-PH
7:30 – PARISH FINANCE COMMISSION-SB
7:30 – PPC DISSERTION MTG.-SH - PC

Wednesday, September 16th 
7:00 – CUB SCOUT LEADER ORIENTATION-SB PC
7:00 – CONFIRMATION RETREAT MTG.-SB-L

Thursday, September 17th
9:30 – W.I.N.G.S. CORE GROUP MTG. SB-L
6:00 – YOUNG ADULT GROUP
7:30 – HAITI COMMITTEE MTG. SH - PC

Friday, September 18TH
6:00 – MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENT – SB PC
6:00 – SPAGHETTI SUPPER - SH

Saturday, September 19TH
9:00 – 4:00 – YOUNG ADULT CAR WASH – SB P.LOT

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!!

Looking for Summer Reading?

Join parishioners from Sacred Heart and St. Brigid as they read My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ.

Our women’s book club officially begins on Thursday, September 17^th, but the group invites you to savor their first selection as the less-chaotic days of summer unfold. 

Here’s the scoop on the book: 

James Martin has led an entirely modern life: from a lukewarm Catholic childhood, to an education at the Wharton School of Business, to the executive fast track at General Electric, to ministry as a Jesuit priest, to a busy media career in Manhattan.  But every step of the way, he has been accompanied by some surprising friends—the saints of the Catholic Church.  Martin's best-selling memoir encompasses saints throughout Christian history—from St. Peter to Dorothy Day, St. Francis of Assisi to Mother Teresa—and chronicles the author's lifelong relationship with them.  His witty, vibrant, and stirring stories enable readers to discover how the saints guide us throughout our earthly journeys and how they help each of us find holiness in our own lives.  Our insiders tell us the book has short chapters, and is easy pick up for a short time.  My Life with the Saints is readily available at your favorite book vendor…for more information about the fledgling book club, contact Maria Griffin at avempg(4)  or Beverly Good at Beverly.Good (1); 781-863-0319, ext. 20. 

J.R.R. Tolkien’S Take On The Blessed Sacrament

He writes: I put before you the one great thing to love on earth, the Blessed Sacrament. There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity and the true way of all your loves on earth and more than that. All are invited to experience the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 12:00 – 2:45pm at St. Brigid Church.

When school starts, you know Children’s Liturgy of the Word is not far behind! This special weekly presentation and discussion of the day’s scripture readings during St. Brigid’s 9:00am Mass will resume on Sunday, October 4.

St. Brigid
Offertory for August Sept. 5th & 6th	$   7,186.00
Envelope Offerings	$    6,314.00
Loose Cash	$       872.00

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 216 have used their envelopes.

Sacred Heart
Offertory for Sept. 5th & 6th	$   3,405.00
Envelope Offerings	$   3,016.00
Loose Cash	$      389.00
St. Katharine Drexel	$      264.00

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

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 Megan.Chenaille(1).

Program Begins This Sunday!

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

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).

Sacred Heart Choir

Choir rehearsals resumed last Wednesday, at 7:30PM.  The Sacred Heart choir meets every Wednesday evening in the church from 7:30PM to 9:00PM, and sings every Sunday at the 10AM Mass.  If you think you might be interested in singing with us, we would love to have you. It is a well known fact that people who sing are HAPPIER!!!  Give it a try even if you can only sing for special holidays.  Sight reading is not necessary, only a love of music, and a desire to praise God through music!  See Joanne Messier McCandless after Mass in the Choir area for more information or contact her by email at: joannemessier(4).

Workshop on Visiting the Sick

Starting Tuesday, October 6th and running for six weeks, a workshop on Pastoral Care to the Sick and the Homebound will be offered at Sacred Heart Parish Center in Lexington from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  Kelly Dunn, a Certified Chaplain and former Director of Health Care Ministry for the Archdiocese, presently serving as Coordinator of Nursing Home Ministry at Holy Family Parish in Concord, will teach the workshop.
The workshop will include a review of communication skills, the basics of pastoral visitation, key illness issues, spiritual needs and concerns, grief, loss and dying and caregiving issues.  Eucharistic ministers, pastoral visitors, parish nurses and others are encouraged to attend.  Fee: $40.  Registration information is available in the Parish Office or call 617-746-5843.  Pre-registration

Lector’s Meeting — Help Wanted!

Have you ever wondered?  “How will I give back to God by serving others in His name?” Then become a LECTOR.

1. You can serve during the mass you normally attend.
2. You get a great book to help you say those words you could never pronounce:  Madai -, MAY-day-i* or papyrus, papyri*- puh-PI-ruhs; pl. puh-PI-ree, -ri.
3. and you can serve three or four times during a scheduled period - about a 3 month time period.

Come and join us at our annual meeting and learn more.
Date:  September 22nd 2009
Time: 7:00pm
Place: St Brigid’s Church

Communion Ministers — St. Brigid’s

 

Prayer Crosses

Parishioners in the community are encouraged to be involved with our Confirmation candidates’ journey by signing up and taking a wooden cross with a student’s name on it and praying for that candidate throughout his/her two year endeavor towards Confirmation.  These crosses will be available after the Enrollment Masses on either Sunday, September 20th at St. Brigid or Sunday, September 27th at Sacred Heart.  Please consider joining in this rich endeavor!

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.

Holy Humor

A preacher’s car broke down on a country road, far away from everything but a small tavern.  When he walked inside to use the phone, he saw his old friend Hank, shabbily dressed and drunk, sitting at the bar.

“Hank, what happened?” the preacher asked.  “You used to be a prosperous man.”

Hank told him about all the problems he had and the bad investments he had made, and asked the pastor’s advice.

“Go home,” the precher said. “And when you get there, open your Bible, and put your finger down on the page.  God will give you the answer.”

A year later, the preacher saw Hank wearing an expensive new suit and getting into a new Mercedes.  “I’m glad to see that things turned around for you,” the preacher said.

“They sure have, and I owe it all to you, pastor,” Hank said.  “I went home, like you said, opened my Bible, put my finger down on the page, and there was the answer:  Chapter 11.”

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

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

A Youth Gathering (with pizza) for all High School (9th thru 12th grades) students will be held in the lower hall at the Sacred Heart Parish Center right after the Mass.  Come grab a slice of pizza and hang out with your friends!

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 was sent out this past week.  Please look through and mark your calendars!! 

 

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

Hold the Date!

There will be a Spaghetti Supper held at Sacred Heart Parish Center on October 16th.  Stay tuned for further details!