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Parish of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Melrose and Saugus The Second Sunday of Easter April 19, 2020
Parish of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Melrose and Saugus
The Second Sunday of Easter April 19, 2020
Incarnation Parish Bulletin
The Second Sunday of Easter
April 19, 2020
Dear Friends,The past few weeks have certainly been a most unusual time for all of us. The Covid-19 Coronavirus has reached every corner of the globe and as we now realize has brought the entire world to its knees. The virus has unfortunately killed so many people and continues to do so across the globe. I hope this week’s bulletin finds you and your family in good health and doing your part in trying to curtail the spreading of the deadly virus.
Last weekend’s celebration of Easter was certainly not the usual weekend of enthusiastic singing of “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” or the large gathering of families for Easter Dinner. Social distancing and staying six feet apart prevented most Easter traditions from happening. It was extremely difficult for me to not be able to celebrate Easter
Mass with a full church. I celebrated my Easter morning mass all alone in a completely empty church.. I think the image of seeing Pope Francis standing alone under the balcony of St Peter’s praying for the world in a completely empty
square made me realize even more what troubling times we are living in.
The number one question that everybody wants to know is when will the church doors be opened and our weekend celebrations of liturgies begin again. The
honest answer is that I have no idea. I do know that it will not be anytime soon, unfortunately. In the meantime please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay healthy and as the sign outside City Hall suggests to all who pass by, “We will get through this together!”
Fr. Steve
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin
GRAND ANNUAL APPEALOur Grand Annual Appeal is underway and thanks to so many of you for your generosity! As of last week, our Grand Annual contributions totaled $85,949.00
If you did not receive a Grand Annual letter, it means you are not registered in our membership data base. Please call Gina at the Rectory Office. If you would like to contribute to the Grand Annual Collection and did not receive an envelope, you can contribute online through our website:www.incarnationmelrose.org, or use one of the envelopes available at the doors of the church.
CALENDAR
If you have scheduled an announced mass during this time, Gina Distefano will be in touch with you when masses resume to reschedule.
MILESTONES
Please remember family and friends in need of prayer, especially Sarah Fradkin, Bill Connors, Maureen, Irene Lawless, Perry Brown, Betty Howard, Stephen Gaeta, Jim R., Ted Ayotte, Robert Burke, Sandra W., John Anderson, April Crouse, Adele Maciejowski, Colleen Sullivan, Debbie Saschuk, Julia G., Donna Correia, Sandra V., Don Marsden, Georgia Rose Okerholm, Donna Page, Denise, Sr. Mary Shaun, Nicholas Ward, Frank Zizzo, Helen Staunton, Domenic DeLuca, Maia DeLuca, Joseph Connelly, Jeannette Bailey, Anita V., Leona Dewhurst, Jacqueline, Chuck Giorgio, Kathleen O’Neill, Ken Kartes, Thomas M., Michael Lester, Sydni Simpson Garrity, Mary S., Carole R. , Patricia Zibroski, Anthony S.,Janice T., John
Maciejowski, Bonnie Strudas, Helen Giorgio, Andrew Reczeck, Frank Stankavish, Susan D., Ed M., Joyce D., Joshua B., and parishioners facing surgery.
If there is anyone you wish to add to the prayer list, please contact the rectory. Please note: All names will remain on our Prayer List and will be prayed for unless our office is notified to remove an individual.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Our office is now closed at the direction of the Diocese, financial information is not available at this time. Thanks to all of you who have been giving online!
Use the following link to sign up for Online Giving!
https://www.myowngiving.com/Default.aspx?cid=45
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin
90-DAYS NOW - FOR YOUR PARISH” INITIATIVE LAUNCHEDFIRST OF ITS KIND INITIATIVE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTONBOSTONCATHOLIC.ORG
March 30, 2020The desire to take care of one another during the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and the inability to join together at local Catholic churches for Masses has inspired a grass roots movement for parishioners to rally around their local parishes. “90 Days Now – For Your Parish” is a newly launched three-month campaign spearheaded by a member of the laity to help support parishes while Churches are temporarily closed but while the need for parish services continues.
The Archdiocese of Boston has supported the movement by creating an easy-to-use, on-line payment mechanism whereby donors can make a gift directly to the parish of their choice. This 90-day program offers support now by providing a way to make a daily commitment in addition to regular weekly donations. This simple link, available by clicking here: https://bcatholic.sites.bostoncatholic.org/form/giving-form?fid=4916 , is especially helpful for parishes that do not currently have the ability to accept online donations. “Cardinal Seán has spoken eloquently about the importance of taking care of one another, especially as we face the unprecedented challenges of this crisis,” said John Corcoran, parishioner at Saint Paul Parish in South Hamilton, MA. Mr. Corcoran stepped forward with the idea for the 90-day initiative, saying, “I am very grateful that
parishioners who can now have the ability to step up in this way to support their pastors and parishes. Our parishes are always there for us, and most do not have cash reserved sufficient to compensate for the lack of weekly contributions. This is a great way for parishioners to be supportive during this difficult time.” Mr. Corcoran is founder of Trinity Life Sciences, a leader in global life sciences solutions. He is also Chair of the Board of iCatholic Media which oversees CatholicTV and The Pilot.
“Our parishes need us,” said Greg and Colleen Tocci of Saint Mary Parish in Holliston. “We are so happy to support our parish in its work through the 90 Days Now – For Your Parish initiative,” they added. “This is a remarkable effort in support of our pastors and parishes and we are truly grateful for the response,” said Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap. “In particular we extend our gratitude to John Corcoran, the Tocci family and the many lay leaders who are helping our parishes with this initiative. This pandemic presents serious challenges to our local communities and the essential work of our social service agencies because of the increased demand and financial stress. Also, many of our parishes are facing very significant need for assistance that will continue even after are able to reopen our churches.”
Parishioners who give online using the 90 Days Now – for Your Parish link should know that the funds they give will go directly into their parish’s savings account and will be promptly available for their parish’s needs.
“I am very grateful for the generosity of those who have kindly supported our parishes in this way
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin and at this critical time,” said Fr. Scott Euvrard of St. Anthony Parish in Cohasset. "On-line giving is so important for parishes as we continue our work, and as we prepare for the day when we can once again be together.”
CATHOLIC APPEALThe launch of the Catholic Appeal will be postponed until May or another weekend that would be well suited for the parish. For those who wish to make a contribution currently can do so online (www.bostoncatholicappeal.org) or through the request you may have received in the mail.
MY BROTHER’S TABLE
Sign up now!This monthly volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Singles, pairs, groups, families -- all are welcome. Meet in the church parking lot to coordinate transportation, or meet us there. Please go to www.tinyurl.com/incarnationMBT to get more information and to sign up. This link can also be found at www.incarnationmelrose.org.
BOSTON CATHOLIC TVDaily Mass With Pope FrancisHoly Mass at Casa Santa Marta presided over by Pope Francis.Everyday 12:30pm
For The KidsChildren’s Liturgy of the Word20 minute liturgies each Sunday for Children to watch while their parents watch the Mass online.Sun 8:30am
Women of the ChurchSt. Kateri TekakwithaA documentary on the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha the first Native American Saint.Thurs 4am/Fri 8:30pm
CatholicTV PresentsWill Faith Do Us Part?Hear the intimate stories of three Christian couples who are dealing with the challenges of being united with a spouse who is no less devoted to Jesus, yet has different beliefs and faith practices from their own.Mon 9:30pm/Thurs 8pm/Sat 3:30am
CatholicTV ShowcaseMedia Apostle: The Father James Alberione StoryIn a media driven world, let Fr. James Alberione's life story show how media is a precious gift from God and that the Church as a responsibility to use it.Thurs 5pm/Sat 1pm
CatholicTV Presents SpanishPerdonareThe story of Fr. Maurizio Boa C.S.I. who stayed with those most affected, the children, by the Sierra Leone ten year long civil war.Thurs 9:30pm
* Schedule subject to change; all times EasternDAILY MASS9:30am LIVE, 7pm and 11:30pm
CatholicTV Mass Celebrants* :
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin Sunday, April 19Father David O'LearyWayland Monday, April 20Father Walter CarreiroCambridge
Tuesday, April 21Father Carlos SuarezBraintree
Wednesday, April 22Father Paul RingE/W Bridgewater
Thursday, April 23Father Kevin Staley-JoyceNewton
Friday, April 24Father Richard EriksonReading
Saturday, April 25Father Thomas MacdonaldBoston
Divine OfficeDaily9am Morning Prayer9pm Evening Prayer
RosaryMon.-Sat. 10am & 6:30pmSun. 9:30am & 6:30pm
*Celebrants subject to change
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTERJesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." Bring the peace of Christ into your marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Jun 6-7, 2020 in Medway, MA and Sep 12-13, 2020 in Medway, MA. For more information, call Stephen & Michelle O'Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org/.
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Easter UnbeliefSo what was the trouble with Thomas?
His doubts have echoed through history. We often assume that he was just a tough guy who had trouble trusting. But it would help you and me in our own doubts if we could understand more about this man who wouldn’t believe the resurrection.
Doubting Thomas.
First, who was he? The Aramaic name Te'oma (Thomas) meant twin, and he was also called Didymus, which meant the same thing in Greek, twin. So he probably was an actual twin.
What else?
Well, he might have been a bit glum. For instance, he gave a practical but gloomy response when Jesus’ wanted to go back to Judea after Lazarus died. None of the disciples wanted to return
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin because they knew the Jewish leaders had tried to stone Jesus there (John 10:24-30). Jesus gave them some high-minded talk about what the disciples might learn by going, but Thomas ignored these reasons and said to the others, “Alright, let us also go die with him.” A dour and cynical statement (John 11:16).*
Here Thomas reminds me a bit of Joe Btfsplk, the famous Al Capp cartoon character who walked around with a perpetually dark rain cloud over his head!
Just before the passion Jesus had said, “Where I am going you know the way.” This was a spiritual statement about going to the Father, but Thomas took it literally. “Master, we do not [even] know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (John 14:3-6). Again, a very matter-of-fact question, but with an emotional backdrop. “You haven’t even told us anything! Are you going to leave us like this?”
Thomas loved Jesus doggedly but moped about the dangerous situations Jesus was always walking right into. Thomas' practical nature looked frankly at these and drew out the pessimistic conclusion. He had twin emotions, as his name implies. Love and loss.
Is it any wonder, then, that in this Sunday’s Gospel Thomas laid down his requirements for believing in the resurrection? His worst misgivings had come true on the cross: Jesus actually was killed. To deal with his sorrow Thomas resolved to accept the death stolidly, no matter what it felt like. He would never slip and talk about his departed friend in the present tense, as people sometimes do when a
beloved friend has died. Thomas the pragmatic knew that beloved Jesus was dead and gone.
Suddenly the apostles reversed the field. “Didymus, Jesus is alive! When the doors were locked, suddenly he stood there among us!
He talked to us!”
NO. NO. Thomas’ heart could not accept it. Too much was at stake.
Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nail marksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
This is exactly in character for Thomas/Didymus. The tough words are really a protection for a heart that would break in half if given still another false
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin hope. “The only way I would believe such nonsense is if you give me very practical proof.”
Jesus gave it. Fingers in nail marks. Hand into side.
In spite of his cynicism, Thomas had always belonged to Jesus. When he got the practical proof he needed, he sank to the ground.
“My Lord and my God.”
What a great story for Eastertide.
John Foley, SJ
________ * Jesus then told them, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him.” So the disciples said to him, “Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved.” But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. So then Jesus said to them clearly, “Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.” (John 11:11-15)
Fr. John Foley, SJ, is a composer and scholar at Saint Louis University.
THE PERSPECTIVE OF JUSTICE
Overcoming FearJesus had been abandoned by his disciples at the time of his death. One of them had turned him over to the authorities. Another had denied he even knew Jesus. The others ran away, apparently in fear and horror.
That same fear still gripped the disciples as they stayed behind locked doors. The risen Jesus suddenly appears among them, and there is not a word about their betrayal, denial, and abandonment.
“Peace be with you,” he says, as though nothing had ever happened. They look at his wounds, and he repeats his remarkable greeting: “Peace be with you.”
If only we could follow in the footsteps of Christ and wish peace to everyone! If only we could forgive as he forgave! Where would be the wars? the discrimination? the hatred? the death penalty? They would go the way of death itself, conquered by the resurrection.
Jesus assures us that we have received the Holy Spirit. We have the power to release others of their wrongs against us, just as we have the power to keep them and ourselves bound. Our Easter faith that we have “become a new creation” should strengthen our resolve to forgive as Christ forgave.
We urge our brothers and sisters in Christ to remember the teaching of Jesus, who called us to be reconciled with those who have injured us and to pray for forgiveness for our sins “as we forgive those who have sinned against us.”
We call on you to contemplate the crucified Christ, who set us the supreme example of forgiveness and of the triumph of compassionate love.U.S. Bishops, Statement on Capital Punishment, 1980:23.
Gerald Darring
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Incarnation Parish Bulletin HOW TO FIND USAs a Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Boston, we are committed to excellence in liturgy, service, hospitality, and life-long learning, all centered in Christ. 429 Upham Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Office: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm1-781-662-8844 Office1-781-662-9340 FAX e-mail: [email protected] website: www.incarnationmelrose.org Follow us on Twitter @IncParish Like us on Facebook!PASTORAL and SUPPORT STAFF Fr. Steve Madden,[email protected]. Michael Ssenfuma, Parochial [email protected]. André Brouillette, Weekend AssistantDeacon Bob [email protected] Lahiff, Director of Faith Formation [email protected] Gelzleichter, Director of Music [email protected] Gina Distefano, Business [email protected] David E. Wiggin, C.F.X., Bookkeeper Jim Guiry, Maintenance ManagerDottie Ahlin, Household Assistant
LITURGY (Suspended due to COVID-19) Mass Schedule~ Saturday 4:30; Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30amDaily Mass ~Thursday-Friday at 8:00.
SCRIPTURE STUDY (Suspended due to COVID-19)Every Friday morning after Mass we share coffee and conversation about God’s Word for the week. Everyone is welcome in this lively and interesting forum.
RECONCILIATION (Suspended due to COVID-19)Saturday, 3:30 - 4:15 pm, or by appointment at any time.
JOINING THE PARISHNo matter what your journey has been, we want to be your companions for the next steps, to share the Gospel together and to help each other along the way.Please introduce yourself to a staff member, or drop in for
coffee on Sunday. You can register as a parishioner online via our website, or stop by the rectory. ADULT INITIATION, RCIAWe are always ready to begin the process by which an adult or older child becomes a Catholic, either by full initiation in baptism, or by reception into full communion. We are also happy to prepare you for adult Confirmation. Contact Deacon Bob Breen.
BAPTISM FOR INFANTSCongratulations! The baptism of infants is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, or within the Sunday assembly. Fr. Steve is the staff contact person for preparation.
GENERATIONS OF FAITHWe are a community of life-long learners. Our parish program of inter-generational learning and celebration of faith is called Generations of Faith. Contact:Ann Lahiff.
MARRIAGECongratulations! The engaged couple must contact the Rectory at least six months in advance, preferably a year ahead
CARE OF THE SICK To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion for the home-bound, or Viaticum for the Dying, please contact the parish office. We normally send ministers out with communion after the eight o’clock on Sunday, and also schedule regular home visits during the week. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies. All you have to do is ask!
ORDER of CHRISTIAN FUNERALSWe will work with you to plan your own funeral liturgy or that of a loved one, and are prepared to celebrate the Vigil, also known as the “Wake,” in the Church building for those who choose.
BULLETIN INFORMATIONPlease contact Ann Lahiff at [email protected] with any questions, information or submissions for our bulletin.http://www.incarnationmelrose.orgTo view bulletin, click “bulletin archive,” and then, “Incarnation bulletins”
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