DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP Finance Council Chairs….Kimberly Schoolcraft, Matthew Barnes Parish Pastoral Council Chair..……………… Kathleen Harrington Rel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne Harlow Parish Safety Advisory Committee………………………..Fr. Dan RCIA …………….Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher, Don Mercure Bible Study………………………………………..........Sue Fratini Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS Rosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula Tuohey Parish Outreach……… …... Mary Federici, Andrea Cook-Hewitt Pat Mack, Karen Scahill St. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. Dan Men’s Ministry Group………………………......................Fr. Dan Youth Ministry (JPII Crew)……………….………Lisa Laferriere AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS Cursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen Scahill Schoenstatt Movement .……………..……….…Diane Czerwiecki Boy Scout Troop 821 …………………..…………Chris Muldrew Girl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’Connor Knights of Columbus……………………………………Ken Malo PARISH MINISTRIES Altar Server Scheduling……………………..……… Cindy Monti Altar Server Training……………………………….Jim O’Connor Baptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou Mastroianni Children’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue Fratini Eucharistic Ministers/Readers, Scheduling ......……Beth Modlish Homebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………..........Mary Federici Music Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir…………… Melanie Peetz Contemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).……………… Tom Fucci Sacristans.…………………..……..Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa, Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen Scahill Soup Kitchen……………… …..... Marcia Daly, Sandy O’Connor Take & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl Wood Wedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick, Christina Straney, Tina Broderick Prayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754 OFFICE HOURS The Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm; Friday 9am-noon. The office is closed on civil holidays. NEW PARISHIONERS We warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration and active participation is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors, as well as Catholic School Parish Subsidy. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM The Sacrament is celebrated monthly. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed , active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE The Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least 6 months in advance. Be sure to contact the church BEFORE committing to date or venue with a deposit. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to 0914 2
Transcript
DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP
Finance Council Chairs….Kimberly Schoolcraft, Matthew BarnesParish Pastoral Council Chair..………………Kathleen HarringtonRel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne HarlowParish Safety Advisory Committee………………………..Fr. DanRCIA …………….Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher, Don MercureBible Study………………………………………..........Sue Fratini Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMSRosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula TuoheyParish Outreach……… …... Mary Federici, Andrea Cook-Hewitt Pat Mack, Karen ScahillSt. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. DanMen’s Ministry Group………………………......................Fr. DanYouth Ministry (JPII Crew)……………….………Lisa Laferriere
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONSCursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen ScahillSchoenstatt Movement .……………..……….…Diane CzerwieckiBoy Scout Troop 821 …………………..…………Chris MuldrewGirl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’ConnorKnights of Columbus……………………………………Ken Malo
PARISH MINISTRIESAltar Server Scheduling……………………..……… Cindy MontiAltar Server Training……………………………….Jim O’ConnorBaptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou MastroianniChildren’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue FratiniEucharistic Ministers/Readers, Scheduling ......……Beth ModlishHomebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………..........Mary FedericiMusic Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir……………Melanie PeetzContemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).………………Tom FucciSacristans.…………………..……..Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa, Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen ScahillSoup Kitchen……………… …..... Marcia Daly, Sandy O’ConnorTake & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl WoodWedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick, Christina Straney, Tina BroderickPrayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754
OFFICE HOURSThe Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm; Friday 9am-noon. The office is closed on civil holidays.
NEW PARISHIONERSWe warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration and active participation is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors, as well as Catholic School Parish Subsidy.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMThe Sacrament is celebrated monthly. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed, active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGEThe Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least 6 months in advance. Be sure to contact the church BEFORE committing to date or venue with a deposit.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to the hospitalized sick and homebound is provided by the pastoral staff, and trained parishioners.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONThe Sacrament with Confession is celebrated each Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass, and from 3:15-3:45 pm, as well as by appointment.
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCYThe Chaplet is prayed as a group on Saturday afternoons at 3:45 in the Chapel.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENAThe Novena is prayed every Saturday morning at the 8:00AM Mass in the Chapel.
HOSPITAL VISITSIf anyone has a hospital stay, please have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit, or if they would like their name mentioned at Mass during the Prayers of the Faithful.
MONTHLY HEALING MASSMonthly Healing Mass – 4th Sunday of Every Month at 2:00PM - St. George Church, 202 E. Main St. Chicopee, MA. 413-331-5656
HEARING ASSISTED DEVICESHearing Assisted Devices are located near the American Flag at the back of the church.
LOW-GLUTEN HOSTSLow-Gluten Hosts are available at Communion time in the Chapel
Sat 12/15 4:00PM +Mary Tuohey, Birthday Remembrance r/b Ursula Tuohey and FamilySun 12/16 7:00AM +MacTavish Family r/b Therese Trottier 8:30AM +Paul Winkler 6th Anniversary Remembrance r/b the Bourbeau Family 11:00AM +Sal Porcello r/b his FamilyMon 12/17 7:00AM +Fr. Frances X. Sullivan 2nd Anniversary Remembrance r/b Dominic Grimaldi, Jr. and Michael FigueroaTue 12/18 7:00AM +Nancy Meacham r/b her husband Ed and FamilyWed 12/19 7:00AM +Marlene Fondakowski Birthday Remembrance r/b her FamilyThu 12/20 7:00AM Communion Service Fri 12/21 7:00AM Communion ServiceSat 12/22 8:00AM +Deceased Members of the Fisher and Grimaldi Family r/b Family MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA 3:15-3:45PM CONFESSIONS (Chapel) 3:45PM CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY (Chapel) 4:00PM +Rita M. Hall 22nd Anniversary Remembrance r/b the Hall FamilySun 12/23 7:00AM +Dorothy Guerci
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DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Anniversary Remembrance r/b Susan & Steve Murphy 8:30AM +Bob Orszak r/b his wife Marilyn and Family
11:00AM +Kevin Regan Anniversary Remembrance r/b Lynda and Family
FROM FR. DAN’S DESK… I can’t believe we are just a little over a week away from Christmas! I am particularly excited this year to see our Children’s Christmas Pageant which will be performed at the 11:00am Mass next Sunday. If you have never attended this Mass or seen the Pageant, I would encourage you to come this year. We have 19 children in the Pageant which is a very good number. The costumes are wonderful and the message can’t be beat. My thanks to Lisa Stawasz for once again coordinating and directing the Pageant with the help of Sheila Conroy. And thanks to our children and their parents for taking part in this wonderful tradition in our Parish! Immediately following the 11:00 Mass next weekend we will have our annual “Help Decorate the Church” experience! Families, couples or individuals are encouraged to stay after Mass for a light lunch in the Parish Center and then come over and help us decorate the church for Christmas. We have 28 Christmas Trees and many other decorations, and with everyone’s help we are usually done in less than 2 hours! There is a wonderful feel in the church while everyone is working and visiting while Christmas Carols are playing over the sound system! If you have never taken part in this tradition in our parish – please consider it this year! As I mentioned last week, as you all know, our List of Sick or Infirm read at all the Masses continues to grow. In fact just in the last several weeks we have been asked to add several more people. It’s wonderful that we as a parish pray for those among us who are ill or in need. But the numbers continue to grow and it is becoming increasingly impractical for us to continue reading all the names at every weekend Mass. As you know, we also have a Prayer Line that we initiated several years ago and the number is listed below here in the bulletin. We have almost 100 people praying for the needs of others on our Prayer Line. You also know that we have the Prayer Book of Remembrance near the Crucifix in the Gathering Space. That book is available for people to write in the names of those who are ill or in need of prayers. The Prayer Book of Remembrance is mentioned in the Intercessions at every weekend Mass. We also have Votive Candles at the Statues in the church and in front of the Large Crucifix in the Gathering Space, which can be lit along with prayers for those in need – especially the sick, and we have one-week candles before the Divine Mercy Image in the Chapel that can be lit for any need - including those of the sick. In addition, the Special Intention, Mary Garden and Sacred Heart Candles can be requested to burn for the needs of someone who is ill, by calling Sue in the Office. We will list the names of all those who are on our List of Sick or Infirm - in the Bulletin each week. Though space is limited even in the Bulletin, we will try to accommodate listing the names there. I hope you all understand the need for this change. Those who are sick or infirm are very dear to us, and we will continue to remember them in our prayers in these various ways!God Bless Fr. Dan
SANCTUARY CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of
+CHARLES & RITA HAGUErequested by their Family
SPECIAL INTENTION CANDLE
Is burning IN THANKSGIVING
requested by grandparents Enzo & Rita Masciadrelli and Family
SACRED HEART CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of
+ELAINE NOONAN
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DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2 ND ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE
r/b her Friend
MARY GARDEN CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of
+JAMES & LILLIAN PARENZO+EDWARD & VIOLA LEES
r/b Elaine & Bob Lees
PRAYER LINETo request prayers for yourself or a loved one,
Please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR PARISHIONERS WHO ARE ILL
Kim Heath, John Freniere, Andrew A. Pignatare, Peter Chlastawa, Howard Burns, Kathy Masciotra, Wanda Folini, Nellie Bonnevie, David Ebling, Irene Bovat Gailius, Henry Smith, Fr. Hector Vega, Colleen Cekovsky, Norman Smith, Sandy Fucci, Ellaine Cicierchia, Stephanie Harju, Angela Bovat, Tony Phaneuf, Pat Gilberti, Michael Pothier, Louise Stevens, Jim Parsons, Ellin Pothier
PRIVACY LAWSPrivacy Laws now universally govern the privacy of those with medical conditions. Please remember that the families of those who are sick must request this. Though well intentioned extended family, neighbors, or friends, may want to call the parish to put a name on the list – it must be an immediate family member who makes this request! Thank you for helping us to comply with the law and a person’s right to privacy.
BAKERS NEEDED FOR PARISH OUTREACH BAKE SALE NEXT WEEKEND
For anyone willing to bake items for our Bake Sale being held next weekend at all Masses to raise funds for our Parish Outreach Programs, please call the parish office to let us know that you will. The baked goods can be brought to the Parish Center this week during regular office hours, or on Saturday from 8:30am until the 4pm Mass. Thank you!
CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPERRolls of Christmas wrapping paper are for sale in our Parish office. Large rolls are $3.00 and small rolls $1.00. Proceeds support Youth Ministry in our Parish! Office Hours are Mon-Thurs 9-2 and Fri 9-12.
CHRISTMAS SCRATCH TICKET RAFFLEAs you might have noticed we have a Scratch Ticket Christmas Lottery Tree Drawing that we are doing in
these weeks before Christmas. You are invited to pick up a sheet of tickets on the round table in the Gathering Space, cut and fill out the number of tickets you want, and return them along with cash or check payable to OLBS, in an envelope and place in the collection basket next weekend! One lucky winner will win - $50 cash, 1 - $20 ticket, 2 - $10 tickets, 2 - $5.00 tickets, 5 - $2.00 tickets and 10 - $1.00 tickets. The winner will be drawn on December 24. Good luck!
OUR STEWARDSHIP
Month of November 2018
Regular / Development (gold) $ 40,269Budget requirement per month 44,400 November Month (Deficit) (4,131)Mortgage collection $ 3,483Mortgage due per month 4,182 November Month (Deficit) (699)
Year to date Regular/Development Deficit: ($28,407)
Thanks to all who regularly support Our Parish!
YEAR-END GIVINGJust a reminder that the end of the calendar year provides a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to make a gift to their parish. With just a few weeks left in the year there is still time to make such a gift to the parish and receive a letter for tax purposes. Please call Sue in the Parish Office at 562-3450 if you have any questions. Thank you as always for your kindness and generosity!
RCIAOur RCIA Program for those interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, has begun. Please remember in your prayers our parishioners - Heidi, Camden, Bailey, and Jeff who have begun the process - May God bless them!
WESTFIELD FOOD PANTRY COLLECTIONThe shelves are very bare at this time at the Westfield Food Pantry. If you are able to buy a few extra items, your help would be appreciated! Items can be dropped off just inside of the glass doors to the Parish Center any weekend. Did you know that 90% of the Westfield Food Pantry’s annual budget comes from donations? All donations stay in Westfield. Please remember to donate food that has not expired and cans that are not badly dented. Thank you for your generosity!
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DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT HOLIDAY GATHERING CANS & BOTTLES
With many Holiday Parties and Gatherings at this time of year, please remember that our parish collects empty cans and bottle in the Green Shed by the Ballfield. Bags of clean or rinsed empty cans and bottles can be left in the shed. Please remember to only leave empty bottles with a deposit; no water bottles. This has been a very successful fundraiser for our parish over the past 10 years, raising $27,097.55!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU…
SEMINARIAN CHRISTMAS CARDS & FUNDThank you to all those who took an envelope for the Seminarian Fund last weekend! Just a reminder to send the Seminarian listed in the envelope a Christmas Greeting and a small gift if you wish, and also to send a donation to the Seminarian Fund at the Diocese. Both Seminarian Christmas Cards and Donations to the Seminarian Fund can be placed in the Collection Basket and they will be forwarded. Thank you for supporting the men like our own Deacon Duy, who are studying for the priesthood in our Diocese!
GIVING TREEThank you to everyone who took an Angel tag from our Giving Tree and bought a Christmas gift for a child. The Parish Office hallway was overflowing with gifts thanks to your generosity, and the Salvation Army was very grateful to pick them up and deliver them.
U.S.O. STOCKINGS FOR TROOPS DRIVEOn behalf of our military and their canine partners, at home and abroad, we wish to take the opportunity to thank all those who donated to this year’s U.S.O. Stockings for Troops Drive. Through the efforts of our congregation and others, we were able to provide the U.S.O. with 110 cartons of items and over $500 in cash and checks. The drive was a resounding success.We would also like to thank you personally for all your contributions.Bob & Shirley Mason
DECEMBER POOR BOX:WESTFIELD SOUP KITCHEN
Westfield Soup Kitchen, Our Community Table, is a program whose mission is simply to serve those in need of a dinner meal and fellowship, each night of the week at 4:45pm, except Saturdays. Managed by a Board of Directors, this service is run through the generosity of its volunteers, which includes several church and civic groups, school students and others, who alternate cooking and serving meals on a regular
basis on a designated day of the month, each month of the year. Poor Box envelopes are on the left side table in the gathering space and filled envelopes can be placed in the collection basket.
PARISH WEBSITEDon’t forget – if you are away on any given weekend, you can still catch our Parish bulletin announcements
at www.diospringfield.org/olbs.
EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR PARISH DURING THE HOLIDAYS!
When you purchase items at Patrick Baker & Sons and give our church name or code 5740, our parish is given a portion of the proceeds. Visit Patrick Baker & Sons at 1650 West Street, Southington, CT, order by phone at 1-800-243-6385, or online at www.churchgoods.com/Products.
Our Parish can earn money on purchases you make through smile.amazon.com - it’s the same Amazon you know - same products, same prices, same service. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Westfield, MA) is a registered charity with AmazonSmile.
OFFERTORY ENVELOPESFrom time to time we learn that parishioners do not receive their Packet of Offertory Envelopes in any given month. We are not sure if this is a problem with the Post Office or the Envelope Company. Please call Sue in the Office to let us know when this happens – we pay for the postage on them and want to keep track of how often it is happening! Thank you!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITYBell Ringers are needed for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive. Contact Mary Lou Dazelle at 413-562-2910. Thank you for your help.
SPECIAL PARISH ENVELOPESFuel and snow removal envelopes are available on the tables with the bulletins. Thank you for your continued help with these extra winter month’s expenses.
PARISH BULLETIN BOARDCheck the Parish Bulletin Board for upcoming events in our area and throughout the Diocese. Many of these events are not listed in the bulletin due to space constraints. Take a moment to look at the notices on the board, updated regularly and located in the entryway to the church near the Mary Garden.
DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Irish Night
March 9Lenten Speaker Series
March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17First Communion
May 6VBC
July 29 – August 2
VOCATIONSBishop Rozanski has called for our new church year to be the “Year of Vocations” with a special focus on prayer for and encouragement of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.
“What ought we to do?” Let joy and gladness show forth in you. You are called to be the presence of Jesus. (Luke 3:10-18) If you think God is calling you, please email [email protected]. Visit myvocation.com.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYSAT THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub are welcoming Dan Kane and Friends for Christmas entertainment on December 16 and 23 from 4:30-6. These Sundays are ticketed events and include a 3-course meal. On Friday December 21 from 5-6:30 the Springfield Symphony will also be caroling! Reservations are required! Go to irishcenterwne.org to purchase. Or call 413-342-4358 to make reservations.
PROVIDENCE PLACE CONCERTYou are invited to a free Chapel Christmas Concert with Methodist Chamber Singers, Chamberettes and Hand Bell Choir on Sunday December 16 at 2:30pm at Providence Place, 5 Gamelin Street Holyoke.
NEW YEAR’S EVEJoin The Knights Of Columbus Council 4044 for a Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve Gala at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee. Featuring a five-course dinner, dancing to the sounds of Dave Colucci and classic rock band Ripple Effect, a Casino and midnight champagne, this event has become the best venue to ring in the New Year and all for $65. Doors open at 6 pm with dancing till 1am. Dressing for the theme is optional, jackets are required. For details go to kofc4044.com or 534-4749.
STAY CONNECTEDFor news about local, national and world church events go to www.iobserve.org. “Like” the Catholic Communications FACEBOOK page.
To Report Incidents of Child Abuse in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield:
Contact Patricia Finn McManamy, LICSW Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection
MARCH FOR LIFE YOUTH BUS TRIP The Springfield Diocesan Pro-Life Committee along with the Pioneer Valley Massachusetts Citizens for Life of Ludlow invite youth accompanied by adult chaperones (1 adult who is over 21 who has completed the Diocesan Safe Environment Training and Background Check, for every 4 youth) to attend the March for Life Youth Bus Trip. The bus departs at 10pm on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from St. Stanislaus Basilica, Chicopee and returns at approximately 12:00am on Saturday, January 19th. Cost is $72 per person and payable to “RC Bishop of Springfield”. For information, please see the brochure. For questions, contact Tim Biggins at 413-525-8022.
CATHOLIC YOUTH NIGHT AT THE SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
Join us for Catholic Youth Night (for both Catholic Schools & Youth Ministry) on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 7:05pm when the Springfield Thunderbirds take on the Utica Comets. Tickets are only $12 each and must be ordered by January 30 th at https://springfieldthunderbirds.formstack.com/forms/catholicyouth.
SNOWCAMPS 2019Snowcamps is a high energy, activity-filled, spiritual growth experience designed specifically for 7th and 8th
Graders! There are two exciting weekends to choose from – February 22-24 and March 1-3 at Camp Brookwoods/Deer-Run in Alton, NH. For additional information contact Maureen Mulcahy at 617-877-1529 or Nick Morganelli at 413-949-0165.
OUR SOLDIERS ARE REMEMBEREDJust a reminder that each weekend and weekday, a basket is present on our Altar and all soldiers whose names have been submitted to us are placed in that basket and prayed for at all Masses. If you know a man or woman currently serving in active duty, and would like to submit their name to be placed in the basket, please call or e-mail our Parish Office, or place a note with the name in our collection basket, and we will be sure to place their name in the basket on the Altar.
