Collaborative of Saint Francis of Assisi Collaborative of Saint Francis of Assisi Collaborative of Saint Francis of Assisi Collaborative of Saint Francis of Assisi & Saint Joseph Parishes & Saint Joseph Parishes & Saint Joseph Parishes & Saint Joseph Parishes
Medford, MAMedford, MAMedford, MAMedford, MA
December 3, 2017December 3, 2017December 3, 2017December 3, 2017
Page 2 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
December 3, 2017
Collaborative of Collaborative of Collaborative of Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph ParishSt. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph ParishSt. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph ParishSt. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish
medfordcollaborative.org
Collaborative Staff
Pastor: Fr. Paul V. Sullivan Parochial Vicar: Fr. John T. Swencki Deacon: Deacon Bob Breen
Director of Finance and Operations: Laura Powers Phone: 781-396-0423 x113
Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry: Doreen Breen Phone: 781-396-0423 x126 Faith Formation Coordinator: Ann Carroll Phone: 781-396-0423 x114
Middle School Youth Ministry: [email protected] High School Youth Minsitry: [email protected]
Religious Education Email: [email protected]
St. Joseph Parish Staff
Music Director: Betsy Pesce Phone: 781-396-0423 x125 Cell: 617-335-8155 [email protected]
Office Manager: Betty Guer ra Business Manager: Karen Sturniolo
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Staff
Music Director: Jonathan Cote Parish Secretary: Mar ie Van Campen
Business Manager: Alisa O’Dowd
St. Joseph School
Main Office: 781-396-3636 Tuition Office: 781-396-0423 x117 Website: stjosephschoolmedford.com
Principal: Dr. Robert Murphy Early Childhood Learning Center Director: Linda Iacabone 781-395-7780
Collaborative Mass Schedule
St. Francis of Assisi Daily Mass: Monday-Thursday at 9am
Weekend Masses: Saturday at 4pm Sunday at 9am & 11am
St. Joseph Daily Mass: Monday-Saturday at 8am
Weekend Masses: Saturday at 4pm Sunday at 8am, 10am & 12 noon
Collaborative Parish Office
114 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
Phone: 781-396-0423 Fax: 781-391-2919
St. Joseph Email: [email protected] St. Francis of Assisi Email: [email protected]
Page 3 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
First Sunday of Advent
From Fr. PaulFrom Fr. PaulFrom Fr. PaulFrom Fr. Paul
Dear Friends,
As we approach the shortest days of the year, the long nights help us remember that our world, frequently wrapped in the darkness of sin, needs the Savior, the Light of the World. This Advent Season is a time of preparation, of quiet prayer, of charity, and hope. May this Season be for all of us a time of hope and renewal of faith in the Child Who is our Savior.
Mary, the Mother of Christ, is our guide in this Season. She teaches us to "watch and pray" as we wait in hope for the Birth of Christ. Come and honor Mary on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, the Patronal Feast of our country. See the schedule of Masses for this Holy Day.
Also, we hope you can join us for two Advent events - a special Monthly Dinner at St Francis Parish Hall on Saturday December 9, and a bus trip to the Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro on Sunday, December 17 (more information in this bulletin).
Finally, please see the announcement about a new Weekday Mass schedule that will begin in January. I hope you understand the reasons for this change.
Fr. Paul
Holy Day of Obligation
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mass Times
St. Francis of Assisi Thursday, December 7 at 7pm & Friday, December 8 at 9am
St. Joseph Friday, December 8 at 8am & 7pm
New Weekday Mass Schedule for 2018
As you may recall, the Collaborative began with 3 priests in 2014, but since Fr. Ed Doughty resigned in 2016, we have struggled to minister all the Masses with 2 priests and various combinations of part-time priests, without a long-term solution. We also have to minister at 3 or more funerals (average) every week. Also, we are fortunate that there are three other parishes nearby that offer other options for weekday Mass.
For these reasons (and others), after consulting with parish staff members, Parish Council members, and some parishioners, I have decided that, beginning on January 2, there will be one Mass in the Collaborative each weekday (Monday - Saturday) at 8:30am. This new Mass time will allow priests to prepare for any funerals that begin at 10am. It also will help any parishioner traveling from one parish to the other to avoid the worst morning traffic around Medford Square.
Beginning on January 2, the new weekday Mass schedule will be:
St. Joseph - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30am St. Francis of Assisi - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:30am
For your information, weekday Masses at neighboring parishes are as follows: -Immaculate Conception, Malden - 6:30am Monday - Friday, 8am Saturday -St. Clement, Somerville - 7am Monday - Saturday (also 6:30pm Thursday) -St. Raphael, West Medford - 8am Wednesday - Saturday
I realize that this schedule change will be inconvenient for some people, and it will require all of us to be flexible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. - Fr. Paul Sullivan
Page 4 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
December 3, 2017
Please remember the following people who are in need of prayers:
Theresa O’Brien Carew, Sr. Waltrude Dennis CSJ, Pasqualina DeSimone, Jack Foley, Jeffrey Morgan, Torbert Prior, Joel Rivera, Donald & Ronald Sisson, Rob Stengel, Donna Trabucco, Pauline Vojtas & Denise Zero
Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults RCIA
Are you an adult who has
not yet been baptized and would like to explore the possibility of being baptized?
Are you an adult who was baptized in a non-Catholic Christian community and would be interested in entering into full communion with the Catholic Church?
Are you an adult who was baptized in the Catholic Church as a child, never received further faith formation, and would like to pursue reception of the sacraments beyond baptism?
Are you an adult who did not complete your Religious Education and would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
If any of these descriptions applies to you, it would be good for you to consider your possible participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA. Please feel free to pass this notice on to a family member of friend.
The RCIA is the process of spiritual and catechetical formation through which adults decide to be baptized or enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
Registration and the first meeting for the 2018
RCIA Program will be on Sunday, December 3,
2017 after the 11:00AM Mass at Saint Francis of
Assisi Church. Please contact Deacon Bob at
[email protected] if you are interested in
participating or have questions.
Welcome to New ParishionersWelcome to New ParishionersWelcome to New ParishionersWelcome 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 at The Collaborative of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
and Saint Joseph Parish.
If you are new to the parish, please introduce yourself to a member of the
Parish Staff after Mass or at your convenience.
Remembering Our ParishesRemembering Our ParishesRemembering Our ParishesRemembering Our Parishes
Please consider remembering St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Parish or St. Joseph School when
drafting your estate plans. For more information, please call
Laura Powers at 781-396-0423 Ext 113. Thank you.
Sacrament of MatrimonySacrament of MatrimonySacrament of MatrimonySacrament of Matrimony Couples should make arrangements with one of our
priests or deacon at least six months before the wedding.
Pastoral Care of the Sick and ElderlyPastoral Care of the Sick and ElderlyPastoral Care of the Sick and ElderlyPastoral Care of the Sick and Elderly Please contact the Parish Center Office to make
arrangements, if you are going into the hospital, or have a family member who is homebound and would
like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick.
If a family member cannot come to church and would like to receive Communion at home,
please notify us.
Page 5 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
First Sunday of Advent
Loved Ones In Service
Presently on active duty serving our country:
LCPL Gerald Byrnes, US Marine Corps. PFC Ryan Barry, US Army
Keith Conway Cameron Howard
Nicholas C. Lavery 2LT Richard Neil Matta, US Army
Christopher Silva Daniel Silva
Our prayers go out to all men and women who are serving our country. May God protect them.
Congratulations and welcome to the newest members of our parishes, who were baptized in
the month of November
Olivia Michela Destefano Savannah Madeline Fitzgerald
Mayson Wayne Frye Nicholas James Gallo, Jr.
Piper Lorraine Galvin Saoirse Ann Mungovan Lorenzo Dante Parisi Elianan Marie Penta
Brady Michael Reardon Violette Elyse Rockwell
Siena Rose Savino Silvio Giovanni Susi
Madeleine Frances Thomas
May God continue to bring to fulfillment the great work He has begun with them.
Medford Catholic Collaborative
Faith Formation
December 2017December 2017December 2017December 2017 12/312/312/312/3 Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1----8 8 8 8 St. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 am
12/312/312/312/3 Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9Grade 9 Con%irmation Classes at SFA from 6:15Con%irmation Classes at SFA from 6:15Con%irmation Classes at SFA from 6:15Con%irmation Classes at SFA from 6:15----8 pm8 pm8 pm8 pm
12/1012/1012/1012/10 Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1----5 5 5 5 St. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 am
12/1012/1012/1012/10 Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10Grade 10 Sponsor & Candidate Session at SFA from 6:15Sponsor & Candidate Session at SFA from 6:15Sponsor & Candidate Session at SFA from 6:15Sponsor & Candidate Session at SFA from 6:15----8 pm8 pm8 pm8 pm
12/1112/1112/1112/11 Grade 6Grade 6Grade 6Grade 6----8888 EDGE Class at SFA from 6EDGE Class at SFA from 6EDGE Class at SFA from 6EDGE Class at SFA from 6----7:30 pm7:30 pm7:30 pm7:30 pm
12/1612/1612/1612/16 Grade 9 Grade 9 Grade 9 Grade 9 Retreat at SJ from 9:45 am Retreat at SJ from 9:45 am Retreat at SJ from 9:45 am Retreat at SJ from 9:45 am –––– 5 5 5 5 pmpmpmpm
12/1712/1712/1712/17 Grade 9 Grade 9 Grade 9 Grade 9 Retreat at SJ from 8:45 am Retreat at SJ from 8:45 am Retreat at SJ from 8:45 am Retreat at SJ from 8:45 am –––– 4 4 4 4 pmpmpmpm
12/1712/1712/1712/17 Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1----8 8 8 8 St. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 amSt. Joseph begins with class at 8:45 am
12/1712/1712/1712/17 Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1Grades 1----5 5 5 5 St. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 amSt. Francis of Assisi begins with Mass at 9 am
[email protected] or call 781-396-0423 Ext 126
We look forward to seeing you each week at Mass!
Looking for adults who would like to share and teach their faith with our Confirmation & EDGE students. Confirmation Classes are twice a month on Sunday night. Edge Classes are once a month
on a Monday night. Please contact the Faith Formation Office if you are interested.
St. Joseph Sodality Mass & Christmas Party
The Sodality Christmas Party will be held in the St. Joseph Social Center on Monday, December 4th after the 6:30pm Mass in the upper church.
Page 6 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
December 3, 2017
Christmas Flower Remembrances
In an effort to become more efficient and more lovingly honor the memory of your loved ones this Christmas, the list of names of those for whom flower donations are made will not be published in the Christmas season bulletins. Instead, we will place every Christmas Flower envelope received in a basket near the altar and all your loved ones will be prayerfully remembered as the Special Intention and in the Prayers of the Faithful at our Christmas Day Masses. We are grateful for your generosity and understanding.
Celebrate Advent with Our Collaborative!
St. Francis of Assisi December Monthly Dinner & Christmas
Carol Sing-a-Long
Saturday, December 9
After the 4pm Mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Dining Hall.
Menu: Roast Beef Dinner Tickets: $10 Adult/$5 Child
Tickets will be sold after all St. Francis of Assisi Masses starting this weekend and at our
Collaborative Parish Office at the St. Joseph Rectory, 114 High Street until Wednesday,
December 6.
Collaborative bus trip to the
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette
Festival of Lights Attleboro, MA
Sunday, December 17
Bus will depart from the St. Francis of Assisi parking lot at 1:30pm to arrive at La Salette at
3pm. Visit the cafeteria, museum & shop before the Festival of Lights begins at 5pm. Bus will
depart at 7pm to return to St. Francis.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available at the Collaborative Parish Office at the St. Joseph Rectory, 114 High Street.
All are welcome!
St. Joseph Music Ministry Christmas Events
The St Joseph's Parish young adult music group, "The Messengers", and our youth choir have once again been invited to lead the caroling at the Medford Public Library's special evening of Christmas caroling on Wednesday evening, December 13th, beginning at the library at 6:30pm (we are meeting for a warm-up/rehearsal in the church at 6pm). There will be refreshments immediately following the caroling.
We so hope many of you will come out and join us! This would be a nice opportunity for us to support, and to be part of, a special community event, and to get into the Christmas spirit!
If you should have any questions, or would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact Betsy at 781-396-0423 x125 or at [email protected]
On Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th, at 3:30pm, the Messengers (our young adult music group) and the Youth Choir will be presenting a special Carol Festival - which will include a wonderful Christmas Pageant by the children of the parish - prior to the celebration of Christmas Mass at 4pm....
...and on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th, at 11:30am, our Adult Choir will also be presenting our annual Christmas Carol Festival/Prelude Program prior to the Noon Mass.
Please plan to come to Mass one-half hour early, and help us make a joyful noise to celebrate the Lord's birth!
Hoping to see many of you at these joyous events!
Page 7 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
First Sunday of Advent
Weekly Scripture ReadingsWeekly Scripture ReadingsWeekly Scripture ReadingsWeekly Scripture Readings 3 SUN Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7/1 Cor 1:3-
9/Mk 13:33-37 4 Mon Is 2:1-5/Mt 8:5-11
5 Tue Is 11:1-10/Lk 10:21-24 6 Wed Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37
7 Thu Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27
8 Fri Gn 3:9-15, 20/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38
9 Sat Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6 -8
10 SUN Is 40:1-5, 9-11/2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8
Friends of Francis Gift Card Donation Requests
Thank you to all who donated gift cards to help the less fortunate at Thanksgiving. We are now requesting gift cards to help make Christmas more joyful for those in need. If you can, we are looking for $25.00 gift cards to either, Target, K-Mart, or Wal-Mart for those children who will need our help. As always, we appreciate your help during the holiday season.
Thanks and God Bless You, Jerri for Friends of Francis
O Come Let Us Adore HimO Come Let Us Adore HimO Come Let Us Adore HimO Come Let Us Adore Him
Collaborative Christmas Mass ScheduleCollaborative Christmas Mass ScheduleCollaborative Christmas Mass ScheduleCollaborative Christmas Mass Schedule
St. Francis of AssisiSt. Francis of AssisiSt. Francis of AssisiSt. Francis of Assisi Christmas Eve - 4pm & Midnight
Christmas Day - 11am
St. JosephSt. JosephSt. JosephSt. Joseph Christmas Eve - 4pm
Christmas Day - 10am & Noon
St. Joseph Christmas Giving Project
Baskets for this year’s Christmas Giving Project will be placed in the rear of St. Joseph’s Church. Please take a card and return it attached to your gift to the marked bins; any gift cards may be turned into the basket on the alter. The deadline
for returning gifts will be the weekend of
December 9/10. Thank you for your generosity!
Early Childhood Learning Center Open House
Saturday, December 9th from 8:30 - 10am
New families interested in the 2018-2019 School Year are welcome. Children must be 3 or 4 by October 15, 2018 to register for the 2018-2019 school year.
For more information, please contact Linda Iacabone at 781-395-7780.
Communion Service
Starting December 5, there will be a Communion Service on the first and third Sundays of each month at 10am at 121 Riverside Ave, Medford (next to Medford Housing). This service is intended for people who are having a difficult time getting to church due to a disability or a recovery. There is parking available next to the building and there is a ramp for easy access. Please arrive by 9:50am as the service will begin promptly. For more information, please contact Lynne Sullivan at 781-568-9943.
Page 8 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
December 3, 2017
Saturday 12/2/17
4:00 pm
Richard & Irene Marzino
Sunday 12/3/17
9:00 am
11:00 am
Stefania Vintos
Robert L. MacInnis
Monday 12/4/17
9:00 am
John Belmonte
Tuesday 12/5/17
9:00 am
Hester Buckley
Thursday 12/7/17
9:00 am
7:00 pm
Pellegrino Ragosa
Immaculate Conception Vigil
Friday 12/8/17
9:00 am
Immaculate Conception
Saturday 12/9/17
4:00 pm
Bussolari, Ghiloni & Vocino Families
Sunday 12/10/17
9:00 am
11:00 am
Francis Schrage
Olive & Donald Hanlon
Wednesday 12/6/17
9:00 am
Patsy Squillante
Summer Office HoursSummer Office HoursSummer Office HoursSummer Office Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm
Sacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 3:45pm in the upper
church confessional or by appointment.
Sacrament of BaptismSacrament of BaptismSacrament of BaptismSacrament of Baptism Baptisms are held on the second
Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm. Instruction for first time parents and godparents is held at St. Francis of Assisi on the last Sunday of every
month after the 11:00 am Mass in the upper church (unless there is a schedule conflict).
Adoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Monday at 7:00 pm in the upper church.
All are welcome.
Weekly Prayer GroupWeekly Prayer GroupWeekly Prayer GroupWeekly Prayer Group The St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Group meets every Monday at 7:30 pm in the upper church
to pray the Rosary. All are welcome.
Secular FranciscansSecular FranciscansSecular FranciscansSecular Franciscans The Secular Franciscans, formerly Third Order,
meet at St. Francis of Assisi on the fourth Sunday of every month at 2:00 pm in the Dining Hall.
All are welcome.
St. Francis of Assisi ParishSt. Francis of Assisi ParishSt. Francis of Assisi ParishSt. Francis of Assisi Parish
Mass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass Intentions
November 25 & 26 Collections: Offertory: $3,588 Monthly: $1,936
Second Collection this weekend: Grand Annual
Second Collection next weekend: Monthly Collection
A special THANK YOU to all those who share their talent, time, presence and support with
St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
December Weddings
Congratulations to Thomas Nazzaro & Sarah Curtis
This week the Sanctuary Light is lit in memory of:
Pellegrino Ragosa
The Hosts and Wine for this week’s liturgies are in memory of:
Teresa, Gaetano, Margie & Carlo Gianfelice
Page 9 Collaborative of St. Francis of Assisi Parish & St. Joseph Parish, Medford, MA
First Sunday of Advent
Saturday 12/2/17
8:00 am
4:00 pm
Adoration Team - living & deceased
Laurie A. Ansaldi
Sunday 12/3/17
8:00 am
10:00 am
12:00 pm
Iannaccone & Flynn Families
For the People
Rose & Frank Aloisi
Monday 12/4/17
8:00 am
John Deyeso, Sr. & Thomas St. John
Tuesday 12/5/17
8:00 am
Adoration Team - living & deceased
Thursday 12/7/17
8:00 am
Edward A. DeMattia
Friday 12/8/17
8:00 am
7:00 pm
Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception
Saturday 12/9/17
8:00 am
4:00 pm
Paone Family
Scott Scimemi
Sunday 12/10/17
8:00 am
10:00 am
12:00 pm
For the People
Anna Auguliera
Teresa Prezioso Doherty
Wednesday 12/6/17
8:00 am
Francesco & Francesca Epifania
Mass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass IntentionsMass Intentions
St. Joseph ParishSt. Joseph ParishSt. Joseph ParishSt. Joseph Parish
Summer Office HoursSummer Office HoursSummer Office HoursSummer Office Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm
Sacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of ReconciliationSacrament of Reconciliation Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass, Saturday
afternoon from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm in the upper church or by appointment.
Sacrament of BaptismSacrament of BaptismSacrament of BaptismSacrament of Baptism Baptisms are held on the third Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm. Instruction for first time
parents and godparents is held at St. Francis of Assisi on the last Sunday of every month after the 11:00 am Mass in the upper church
(unless there is a schedule conflict).
Adoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed SacramentAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 8:30am to 8:30pm in the lower church.
(Adoration will not be held on days Medford schools are closed due to weather.)
Legion of MaryLegion of MaryLegion of MaryLegion of Mary The Legion of Mary meets Wednesdays at 6:30 to
8pm in the back room of the lower church. All are welcome!
Celia Magliozzi Rose Messina
Mary Tassinari
and all our deceased parishioners and loved ones.
November 25 & 26 Collections: Offertory: $6,642
On-going Maintenance: $2,363
Second Collection this weekend: Grand Annual
Second Collection next weekend: On-going Maintenance
A special THANK YOU to all those who share their talent, time, presence and support with
St. Joseph Parish.
Readings: # 859
This week the Sanctuary Light is lit in memory of:
Michael & Mary Ciaccio
The Hosts and Wine for this week’s liturgies are in memory of:
Gerard Joyce
