1 Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time Throughout Church history, many saints have given their lives to protect the Divine Presence, the Eucharist. More recently, one of these saints was beatified on November 8, 2017, when Pope Francis approved the beatification of Father John (Janos) Brenner who was martyred on December 15, 1957, while carrying and defending the Holy Eucharist. Father John was born on Dec 27, 1931 in Hungary. He was the second of three boys in a Catholic family. According to his contemporaries, John was a young athletic teenager full of life, joy and mischief. In 1941, he enrolled in the Cistercian Prep School. He attended this school for only for a few years before the Communist government took over all Catholic schools. When the Communists confiscated his school, John entered the “minor seminary” organized for high school students. In July, 1950, at the age of 18, he entered the monastery, receiving the name Brother Anastasius. When the government suppressed his monastery in September, he moved to Budapest with the rest of the novices and the novice master, Father Lawrence Sigmond. In October, Father Sigmond, chose to distribute the novices into private apartments in order to continue their formation clandestinely through weekly small group meetings, where they would be away from the watchful eyes of the police. Some of the novices, like Brother Anastasius, enrolled in a diocesan seminary but kept in touch with Fr. Lawrence by correspondence and periodic visits. John made his first vows in 1951. Despite the closing of two seminaries where he was studying, he finally received ordination to the priesthood on June 19, 1955, taking for his motto, the words of Saint Paul: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) He was assigned the assistant pastor in Rábakethely, a few miles from the Austrian border. Despite the heavy oppression of the church, one of his parishioners described Father Brenner in this way: “There was a certain power radiating from his presence that words cannot describe. People loved him, and sought to be in his presence and to hear him speak. There was a magnetism coming from him that attracted people. This was his only “sin” that prompted leading officials to hate him. Many people returned to the faith and Church under his influence. He did not pass anyone without greeting and addressing them with at least a few words. There was a radiant smile on his face at all times. He was a serious preacher, always witnessing to his faith. It was good to go to confession with him: he gave spiritual food to every penitent.” He was known for his readiness to serve and to sacrifice for the good of God’s People, the Church. The communists were critical of all Father Anastasius did. They were especially suspicious of his success with young people. Father Anastasius was particularly sensitive to the needs of chil- dren, and he proved to be very effective in the work of teaching and youth-formation. He often joined his altar boys and students on the playground and participated in their games and sports. His desire to serve was so strong that he refused to stop even after being warned by a government commissar of personal threats made against him. Even when his bishop offered to transfer him for the sake of his safety, Father Anastasius preferred to remain in his ministry, placing his trust in God. The county inspector for church affairs contacted the bishop, and demanded that he be moved elsewhere. Brenner simply replied: “I am not afraid. I’d rather stay.” The bishop decided not to move him. The official replied: “You’ll be responsible for the consequences.” One late evening in the fall of 1957, he was returning from a local church on his motorcycle. Riding along the outskirts of the town, he was hit by a barrage of branches and rocks thrown at him, but he sped up and was not harmed. But, then came the night of December 14,1957. According to eyewitnesses, in response to the Hungarian uprisals in the area, the night was full of police activities in Szentgotthard, where Father John lived in the rectory while serving at his parish. The members of the County Council celebrated with a grand party, and the Police Association scheduled its winter ball. Fr. John’s pastor had left to celebrate Mass and preach in a neighboring village. Fr. John stayed there overnight because he was to say Mass there the following morning. Around midnight a young man about 17 years old awoke Fr. John in his rectory and requested that he go to his uncle to anoint him and bring him the Eucharist. John went to the Church, took the holy oils and the sacrament from the tabernacle and placed it in a burse which he wore around his neck. He walked into the night, following this young man. Because of the late hour and the alleged urgency of the call, they cut through some woods in pitch darkness. The incident began in the woods, but John, an athletic young man, tried to outrun his assailants. Finally, near the house to which he was supposedly called, he was knocked to the ground. Clinging to the Eucharist he held to his breast, he was killed by 32 stab wounds from a number of different knives and, according to reconstructions of the event, by several different hands. As later revealed by the autopsy, his assailants stepped on his neck and broke it, leaving footprints and dirt on his body. When the villagers found him dead in the morning, he was still protecting with his hand the Blessed Sacrament on his body, which has earned him the title of the “Hungarian Tarcisius.” Saint Tarcisius was a young boy and third century martyr who was also killed while carrying and protecting the Eucharist. An investigation followed. The young man who called John to bring the sacrament to his supposed “uncle” was sentenced to life imprisonment, but was later quietly released from jail. But, the communists could not stop devotion to Brenner’s memory. The Chapel of the Good Pastor was built in 1989 on the spot where he died. The dirty and bloodied surplice Brenner wore when he was killed has been preserved as a relic. From the Journal of the Novice Brother Anastasius (1950) “Even if the road is rough, I look at your pain- ridden face and follow you. I ask you only one thing: May I always fulfill most precisely what you give to me as my vocation. Whether you as- sign me a leadership position or a humble one, let me follow your footsteps everywhere and accept my task from your loving, caring hands with the humble heart of a child. May I always remain as simple and humble of heart as you were in your life on earth…I can only thank you with trembling lips as I am meditating on your great and manifold goodness for “your love is better than life, my lips will praise you with joy.” May Father John’s prayer be our prayer and may we always imitate his devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament—our Lord Je- sus Christ. Amen. A true relic: Surplice worn by Father John when he was murdered.
Transcript
1
Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time Throughout Church history, many saints have given their lives to protect the Divine Presence, the Eucharist. More recently, one of these saints was beatified on November 8, 2017, when Pope Francis approved the beatification of Father John (Janos) Brenner who was martyred on December 15, 1957, while carrying and defending the Holy Eucharist. Father John was born on Dec 27, 1931 in Hungary. He was the second of three boys in a Catholic family. According to his contemporaries, John was a young
athletic teenager full of life, joy and mischief. In 1941, he enrolled in the Cistercian Prep School. He attended this school for only for a few years before the Communist government took over all Catholic schools. When the Communists confiscated his school, John entered the “minor seminary” organized for high school students. In July, 1950, at the age of 18, he entered the monastery, receiving the name Brother Anastasius. When the government suppressed his monastery in September, he moved to Budapest with the rest of the novices and the novice master, Father Lawrence Sigmond. In October, Father Sigmond, chose to distribute the novices into private apartments in order to continue their formation clandestinely through weekly small group meetings, where they would be away from the watchful eyes of the police. Some of the novices, like Brother Anastasius, enrolled in a diocesan seminary but kept in touch with Fr. Lawrence by correspondence and periodic visits. John made his first vows in 1951. Despite the closing of two seminaries where he was studying, he finally received ordination to the priesthood on June 19, 1955, taking for his motto, the words of Saint Paul: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) He was assigned the assistant pastor in Rábakethely, a few miles from the Austrian border. Despite the heavy oppression of the church, one of his parishioners described Father Brenner in this way: “There was a certain power radiating from his presence that words cannot describe. People loved him, and sought to be in his presence and to hear him speak. There was a magnetism coming from him that attracted people. This was his only “sin” that prompted leading officials to hate him. Many people returned to the faith and Church under his influence. He did not pass anyone without greeting and addressing them with at least a few words. There was a radiant smile on his face at all times. He was a serious preacher, always witnessing to his faith. It was good to go to confession with him: he gave spiritual food to every penitent.” He was known for his readiness to serve and to sacrifice for the good of God’s People, the Church.
The communists were critical of all Father Anastasius did. They were especially suspicious of his success with young people. Father Anastasius was particularly sensitive to the needs of chil-dren, and he proved to be very effective in the work of teaching and youth-formation. He often joined his altar boys and students on the playground and participated in their games and sports. His desire to serve was so strong that he refused to stop even after being warned by a government commissar of personal threats made against him. Even when his bishop offered to transfer him for the sake of his safety, Father Anastasius preferred to remain in his ministry, placing his trust in God. The county inspector for church affairs contacted the bishop, and demanded that he be moved elsewhere. Brenner simply replied: “I am not afraid. I’d rather stay.” The bishop decided not to move him. The official replied: “You’ll be responsible for the consequences.”
One late evening in the fall of 1957, he was returning from a local church on his motorcycle. Riding along the outskirts of the town, he was hit by a barrage of branches and rocks thrown at him, but he sped up and was not harmed. But, then came the night of December 14,1957. According to eyewitnesses, in response to the Hungarian uprisals in the area, the night was full of police activities in Szentgotthard, where Father John lived in the rectory while serving at his parish. The members of the County Council celebrated with a grand party, and the Police Association scheduled its winter ball. Fr. John’s pastor had left to celebrate Mass and preach in a neighboring village. Fr. John stayed there overnight because he was to say Mass there the following morning. Around midnight a young man about 17 years old awoke Fr. John in his rectory and requested that he go to his uncle to anoint him and bring him the Eucharist. John went to the Church, took the holy oils and the sacrament from the tabernacle and placed it in a burse which he wore around his neck. He walked into the night, following this young man. Because of the late hour and the alleged urgency of the call, they cut through some woods in pitch darkness. The incident began in the woods, but John, an athletic young man, tried to outrun his assailants. Finally, near the house to which he was supposedly called, he was knocked to the ground. Clinging to the Eucharist he held to his breast, he was killed by 32 stab wounds from a number of different knives and, according to reconstructions of the event, by several different hands. As later revealed by the autopsy, his assailants stepped on his neck and broke it, leaving footprints and dirt on his body. When the villagers found him dead in the morning, he was still protecting with his hand the Blessed Sacrament on his body, which has earned him the title of the “Hungarian Tarcisius.” Saint Tarcisius was a young boy and third century martyr who was also killed while carrying and protecting the Eucharist. An investigation followed. The young man who called John to bring the sacrament to his supposed “uncle” was sentenced to life imprisonment, but was later quietly released from jail. But, the communists could not stop devotion to Brenner’s memory. The Chapel of the Good Pastor was built in 1989 on the spot where he died. The dirty and bloodied surplice Brenner wore when he was killed has been preserved as a relic. From the Journal of the Novice Brother Anastasius (1950) “Even if the road is rough, I look at your pain- ridden face and follow you. I ask you only one thing: May I always fulfill most precisely what you give to me as my vocation. Whether you as-sign me a leadership position or a humble one, let me follow your footsteps everywhere and accept my task from your loving, caring hands with the humble heart of a child. May I always remain as simple and humble of heart as you were in your life on earth…I can only thank you with trembling lips as I am meditating on your great and manifold goodness for “your love is better than life, my lips will praise you with joy.” May Father John’s prayer be our prayer and may we always imitate his devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament—our Lord Je-sus Christ. Amen. A true relic: Surplice worn by Father John when he was murdered.
2
Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time
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News & Notes eseesseess Neweewee s & Nototoo etetteseesee
A weekekkekeekkeekkk———————long Prayer for Christian Unity: y: : begins on Monday, January 18, the day our nations remembers A weeeeeeekeeek lolollool nnoongnngn Praayyayeree foff roo Chrhh isiii tsss ittiaiiaii naan Uninnitiiitytyy:: begins on Monday, ebA weeeeeeeekeeeek loloolloononoo gnngnn Praar yyayereeee fofoffof roooo Chrhhhh isiii tsss itittiaiii nanaan Unininnitiii ytyyy:: band celebrates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dedicated his life
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January 18, the day our nations remembers Jay, ee’s work to promoting peace and justice, non
ers onon-and celebrates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dedicated his lifand celeebrrates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dratesra fee work to promotis ws
violence, and peaceful protest. He dreamed of a world where all people were united in Christmotis ’
ng peace and justice, noon-inmotit’s love. It is fitting that the violence, and peaceful protest. He dreamed of a world where all people were unitedviolence and peaceful protest He dreamed of a world where all people werre united ine une u
Church chooses this holiday to begin our prayer for Christian unity. (See page 5 for ChriChrisstt love. It is fittinglove It is fitting thas ls lssd in d in
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Christmas Collections /Clergy Benefit Trustuntian
ssuuuusssuuuuuuusssttsssssssstssssttsst: nity. (See page 5 for Prayer for Christian UnitA tyy.)unan
tttt::tttttt::ttttt: We have received a number of inquiries from parishioners Chhhrrhh iisiii tstss mmmmttmammamm ssaaa CCoololoolllllllelellell ceceectcttcc iittioioiioii nnoonssnnn /C/C// lelellell ree gr yg Beneenenennen feeee iffif tittii Truusuuu tsst:tttttt We have received a number of inquiries from parishionersWWChhhrhhhh iisiii tstss mmmmtmttmammmamm ssaaa CCoololoolllllllelelleceeceectctcc itittioioiioii nonoonssnnn /C/C// lelellereeee gr yggyggygg Beneneenenennenn fefeefee ififfiff tittii TrTrusuuusuuu tsstsstttt:t:ttttttttttconcerning these collections Please know that all proceeds on Christmas Day and for the Clergy Benefit Trust are conconcersent
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ese collections Please know that all proceeds on Christmas Day and for the Clergy Benefit Trust are these collections Please know that all proceeeds oeedsthethey to the Archdiocese. Acknowledgement of any donation is sent from the diocese. It is illegal for a parish to sensennt nt irectlyirectlydidi yy o the Archdiocese. Acknowledgement of any donation is sent from the diocese. It is illegal for a parish too the Archdiocese. Acknowledgement of any donation is sent from the diocese. It is illegal for a parish ttotoyirectlydi y to
keep any monies donated for the Clergy Benefit Trust, which benefits our retired and sick priests. Donations to the keep any monies donated for the Clergy Benkeep aany mep a onies donated for the Clergy BenoniClergy Benefit Trust may still be made at: http://41399.thankyou4caring.org/chrt/2020-christmas-collection. Also please note: The Catholic Appeal officially ends on January 31. Visit bostoncatholic.org if you wish to make a donation before the appeal ends. Thank you!
ends enu! donation
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s of each parishionere ’r’s annual contributions will be mailed to you on or before Friday, January Yeaeeaee raar eeeeeenneendnndnnd stsss attatt taaa etettemeemememmemm neennttnntsttts f ofoYeaeee raaaar eeeeeenenee dnnn stsss attt taaa etettememee ememmeneneenttntnn sttts29, 2021. We appreciate your patience.
each eache.e 29, 2021. We appreciate your patience29, 2021. We appreciate your p1. W1. patiencpatie e.
Bereavement Support Group pppppp begins soon via Zoom. Mourning the loss of someone you love is never easy, and is BBeereeee ereeaeeeaee vvaveemmmemmeemememmemm neneentnnnt SSSuupupuupuppu poroooo tr Grorouoooupupuupuppup bclearly more complicated by the pandemic we are living through, but there is hope. You do not have to grieve alone. Coming together is a way to find Him in the midst of our suffering. Our parishes will host a virtual 8 week Bereavement Support group beginning on Tuesday, January 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 on ZOOM. This support group is rooted in Catholic tradition, and conveys God’s consolation through scripture, prayer, reflection and faith sharing. Contact Mary Beth for Zoom meeting information. information.Come join us for a Holy Hour:ruurruur r: This monthth’h’s holy hour will be held on Friday, January 29 in Sacred Heart Church Commoomememme je jojojjoiiooinniin usuu fofoffof roo a Hooloolyly Houoouruur: TComomoofrom 4
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his montThT thh holy hour will be held on Friday, January 29 in Sacred Heart Chs hsj f yjojojjoioiooininii usuu fofoffof roooo a Hololoo yly Houooouruuur: Tjjjjjjmmememme je44-5 pm. Confessions will be heard during this hour. All are welcome for silent prayer, exposition, adoration and fromfrom 4444- pmpm C5 555
benediction.CCm. Cm. C
nn benedictionn.Celebration of Life Day, January 22nddnnddnndnndd, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, honors the children and Ceeleleelelellell bebeebrbb arrataaa iittioioiioii nnoon ofoooo Lifiifii efeffeff Dayay, Janaanunnunn auuauu raa yr 22nnndnndnnddddddd the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, honors the children and Ceelelee elellebebeebrbbbb aar taaa itittioioiiononoo ofofofoo Lifififii efeffe Dayay, JaJ nanaa unnn auuu raaaa yr 22nnndndnn , ddddddddddgrandchildren who bring joy to our lives. The day is a reminder that each child and each life is to be held as a precious gififft grandchildren who bring joy to our lives. The day is a reminder that each child and each life is to be held as a precious ggrandchildren who bring joy to our lives. The day is a re ift fwith the highest respect and dignity from natural conception to natural death. Normally we have our baby bottle drive in with the highest respect and dignity from natural conception to natural death. Normally we have our baby bottle dwith the highest respect and dignity from natural conception to natural death Normally we have our baby bottle driveJanuary. This year we would ask you to send donations direct to Your Options Medical (formerly called A Woman
drdriveanan’
inineeriverivenn’s January. This year we would ask you to send donations direct to Your OptionsJanuary This year we would ask you to send donations direct to Your Options Me
Concern: 48 Main St., Suite 8, Sturbridge, MA 01566 http://youroptionsma.org ededs Mes Me
g g Concern: 48 Main St., January is Pro
St., rrroorroorrrro-
Suite 8, SturbridgeSt., oooooo--ooo--Life Month:
e, p://you op o s .o ggdge:: Join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life novena, 9 Days for Jaannaanunnuauuauu raa yr isiii Prrroo LLifiiifii efeffeff Monnoontnnnthttthtt :hh: JJaaJ nanaa unnn auuu raaa yr isiii Prroroo LLLLLififiifiifff
Life, Thursday, January 21 ffefeffe11 –e
– oin thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life noveJoononoo tnnnthttthtt :h:hh: JoMoM
– Friday, January 29. Get daily intentions, brief reflections, and more. Sign up at Life, Thursday, JanuarLife, Thursday, Jannu y 2ryuarwww.9daysforlife.com
Have You Viewed It Yeteteeteetteetttt? ? All parishioners rs are invited to view Father Seanan’n’s monthly Power Point Presentations HHaavavee YYYoYoouoou VVViieii weweewedeedeed ItI Yeeteet?tHHaavvavee YYYoYoouooo VVViieieiieweweeavailable on our close
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nvited to view Father Seaann monthly Power Point Presentationss s mse inVV, which can be accessed at the top of our collaborative website available oavailable o
home page. urn ourn oun ou
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3
Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time
MoreHeartTV or
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You can register for several weeks at a time.
ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH, PRAY FOR US!
The 7 Sorrows and Joys
of Saint Joseph
Sorrows: 1) The Doubts of St. Joseph 2) The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth 3) The Circumcision 4) The Prophecy of Simeon 5) The Flight into Egypt 6) The Return to Nazareth 7) The Loss of the Child Jesus Joys: 1) Told of the Incarnation 2) Angels Adore the Infant Jesus 3) Holy Name of Jesus 4) Effects of the Redemption 5) Overthrow of the Idols in Egypt 6) Life with Jesus & Mary 7) Jesus Found in the Temple
Saint Joseph, patron of the Catholic Church, pray for us!
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Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time Most Catholics are familiar with the sub-disciplines (studies within the study) of theology centered on Christ (Christology) and His mother, Mary (Mariology), but perhaps we are not aware of the sub-discipline called Josephology, formally begun in the 1950s with the opening of three international centers-in Spain, in Italy and in Canada-dedicated to the study of Saint Joseph. Although Saint Joseph protected Mary and helped raise Jesus, none of his words are recorded in Scripture. He is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and once in Saint John’s Gospel when Jesus is referred to as the “son of Joseph.” There is no a mention of him in Mark’s Gospel. We know that Joseph is with Mary when they find Jesus in the Temple, but we do not hear any more about Saint Joseph after this event. For this reason, many theologians believe Joseph must have died before Jesus began His public ministry. Also, many theologians believe that Joseph must have been old when he married Mary, and so had already had children, whom Jesus may have called his “brothers and sisters.” All we know for sure is that Joseph seems to have been a silent, humble man of God who did what God asked him to do without seeking recognition for his goodness. Since its begin-ning the Church has venerated Joseph as the “Guardian of the Lord.” But, it is his role as a “tender and loving father” that inspired Pope Francis to announce The Year of Saint Joseph, which began on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2020 and will extend to the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 2021. The Year of Saint Joseph is intended to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, promulgated on Dec. 8, 1870 in the decree Quemadmodum Deus. Pope Pius stated the purpose of his decree was that “every member of the faithful, following his (Joseph’s) example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.” One hundred and fifty years later, in his Apostolic Letter, Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows. In this letter, Pope Francis said that he had wanted to share some “personal reflections” on his favorite saint, Joseph“…during these months of pandemic,” noting that many people had made hidden sacrifices during the crisis in order to protect others. “Each of us can discover in Joseph -- the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence -- an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” the Pope wrote. “St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.” When the Pope referred to Joseph as “a father in the shadows,” he was citing the novel “The Shadow of the Father,” published by the Polish author Jan Dobraczyński in 1977. Francis said that Dobraczyński, who rescued Jewish children in Warsaw in World War II, “uses the evocative image of a shadow to define Joseph. In his relation-ship to Jesus, Joseph was the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father: he watched over him and protected him, never leaving him to go his own way.” “Our world today needs fathers,” the Pope wrote. “It has no use for tyrants who would domineer others as a means of compensat-ing for their own needs…It rejects those who confuse authority with authoritarianism, service with servility, discussion with oppression, charity with a welfare mentality, power with destruction.” The Pope wrote that Joseph “concretely expressed his fatherhood” by making an offering of himself in love “a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home.” In Joseph, “Jesus saw the tender love of God,” the
one that helps us accept our weakness, because “it is through” and despite “our fears, our frailties, and our weakness” that most divine designs are realized. Joseph is also a father in obedience to God: with his ‘fiat’ he protects Mary and Jesus and teaches his Son to “do the will of the Father.” Called by God to serve the mission of Jesus, he “cooperated… in the great mystery of Redemption,” as St John Paul II said, “and is truly a minister of salvation” (3). Joseph is also “an accepting Father,” because he “accepted Mary unconditionally.” He trusted in the Lord, accept-ing in his life even the events that he does not understand, “setting aside his own ideas” and reconciling himself with his own history. Joseph’s spiritual path “is not one that explains, but accepts” - which does not mean that he is “resigned.” Instead, he is “courageously and firmly proactive,” because with the “Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude,” and full of hope, he is able “to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, frustrations and disappoint-ments.” In practice, through St. Joseph, it is as if God were to repeat to us: “Do not be afraid!” because “faith gives meaning to every event, however happy or sad,” and makes us aware that “God can make flowers spring up from stony ground.” Joseph “did not look for shortcuts but confronted reality with open eyes and accepted personal responsibility for it.” For this reason, “he encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak” (4). Happiness for Joseph involved a true gift of self: “In him, we never see frustration, but only trust,” wrote Pope Francis. True fathers, instead, “refuse to live the lives of their children for them,” and instead respect their freedom. In this sense, says Pope Francis, a father realizes that “he is most a father and an educator at the point when he becomes ‘useless,’ when he sees that his child has become independent and can walk the paths of life unaccompanied.” Being a father, the Pope emphasizes, “has nothing to do with possession, but is rather a ‘sign’ pointing to a greater fatherhood”: that of the “heavenly Father” (7). “To reaffirm the universality of St. Joseph's patronage in the Church,” the Apostolic Penitentiary said that it would grant a plenary indulgence to Catholics who recite any approved prayer or act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, especially on March 19, the saint’s solemnity, and May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. The pope has also granted special indulgences to mark this year. The decree stated: “In the current context of health emergency, the gift of the plenary indulgence is particularly extended to the elderly, the sick, the dying and all those who for legitimate reasons are unable to leave the house, who, with a soul detached from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions, in their own home or where the impediment keeps them, recite an act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, comfort of the sick and patron of a happy death, offering with trust in God the pains and discomforts of their life.” The three conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence—- a remission of the total temporal punishment that is still due to sin after absolution-are sacramental confession, the reception of Holy Communion and prayer for the pope's intentions. The pope urged Catholics to pray to St. Joseph for “the grace of graces: our conversion,” and ended his epistle with this prayer: “Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.” In this Year of Saint Joseph may God fill your hearts and your homes with His love and peace.
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Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time M I S
S S O T W M - S J 16 4 V
B M C , M C D’A , G D’A 9:30 – S M D , L T H 11:30 - W P (26 ), G G (13 ), K B (1 ) ——————————————————————————————————————— M J 18 —9 – P C U W O T M C , H U N T J 19 — 9 W P L (H H ) W J 20 S F , P M S S , M N C T J 21 — 9 – L S S A , V M F L F J 22 M F P J , N D P L P U C F P U R F. D P , S . T S O T , J . 24 V M , S 4 —J D , B’D R , J O’N , R M O’N , R M S 9:30 – F M M C , M ’ M , E A (2 ) 11:30 – M S , M (P ) S (1 ) The gifts of bread and wine, candles and
sanctuary lamp this week are offered In Memory of Sister Leticia
In your kindness, Please pray for: Peter Aitken Joan Anderson Linda Antoniou Marianne Bagley Paul Boback Joyce Brancaccio Ruth Campbell Bob Clifford Betty Clifford Pat Coleman Pat Creighton Denise Cremins
Tracey Cronin Raeanna Cronin Marianne Crooks Noreen Curtis Gregory DiBella Paul Donohoe Lee Doyle Bridget Dunn Bill Earle Colman Feeney Francis Finnegan Mary Fleming Jackie Fuller Mary Gallegos Joseph Gavin John Gifford Leo Gibbons Herbert Gillis Lauren Gray Irene Griffin Cara Holbrook Rosemary Haley Robert Harrington John Hastie Roseanne Hood Paul Hughes
Tom Itri Dan Jansen Amber Johnson Mary Anne K. Esther Keeley John & Mary Keeley Anita King James Larson Patricia Lee Katie Lee Doreen Lehane Patricia Lochiatto Theresa MacMillian James Macozek Carole Mahoney Maura Marino Christine Marshall John Mastrangelo Elizabeth Mastropole Michelle Matrone Richard F. Maurano Bill McCaffrey Chris McCarthy Robert McDermott The McIntyre Family Theresa McIsaac
Paul McNamara Elizabeth Meola Margaret Micele William Morales Daniel Morin Meaghan Morneau Michelle M. Mullen Francis Murphy Jack Murphy Marjorie Murphy Bob Murray Ellie Nyland Dan O’Brien Jean O’Loughlin Bob O’Loughlin Marie O’Neil Laura O’Neill Joseph O’Reilly Donna O’Reilly Robindra Panalal Gina Pappas Richard Pattison Joanne Plahn Barbara Pugliese Claire Rice Kenneth Rice Jr.
James Roche Dorothy Rocks Bill Romanoff Carole Ross Carolyn Ryan Ginny Salvaggio Antoinetta Sheehan Janet Shiels Robert Shiels Pat Smith Karen Stachelek Sean Sullivan Donna Tocchio William Twohig Carmella Varraso Leone Walls William Walsh Genevive Ward Julie Williams
Our young people: Amelia Driscoll Carly Silva Maeve Wilson Isabella & Arianna Gill Dolan Dylan McClorey
Our little ones: Mark Mondello Ethan Mondello Wil Rooney Quinn Walters Caleb Delgardo Baby Emma Baby Jacob Baby Lincoln Baby Lucas, Baby Owen Baby Roland Baby William Baby Liam Baby Thomas Baby Kinsley
Ambassadors are here for you! To help keep everyone safe and well, please let our team of ambassadors (ushers,
greeters & guides) help you navigate the “new normal” of entering and exiting the Church, and receiving the
Eucharist. Bulletins and The Pilot are available when you exit today. Once our ambassadors seat you, please remain in
your pews until you are directed to do otherwise. Please wear your mask at all times!
Gracious Lord, we pray for all the members of your holy
Church, that all may abide in you and you in them, that they may be one in your love and bear much fruit. We also pray for the
world, that all may come to believe in your love for them by the fruit of our witness. We know that our divisions are a source of scandal to your world, and we know that in love we are called to unite as one in the vine and branches. The vine is our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son. We are meant to be his branches. Help us we pray, to love, to forgive, to seek justice and to be
your prophetic voice in the world. May your grace effect growth of good fruit among us, that our world may realize peace.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus, your Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Sacred Heart and Saint Thomas More—January 17th, 2021—-Second Sunday Ordinary Time
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences: Assist with rent, oil, and other basic needs, please call 339-987-9624 if you live in the boundaries of St. Thomas parish or if you live within the boundaries of Sacred Heart parish call—339-205-8029. To directly support the works of St. Vincent de Paul, please visit their website or make your donation payable to either parish conference and mail to them directly. As we begin the New Year—you will notice that a 2nd collection envelope for SHSTM conferences is not included. This is to keep us in compliance with accounting and non-profit guidelines. We are unable to collect monies for the conferences as we previously have. Kindly make your checkout to either and mail to the addresses provided. Thank you for your support. St. Thomas More SVDP Sacred Heart SVDP
PO Box 850010 or c/o 130 Homestead Ave. Braintree MA 02184 Weymouth MA 02188
Matthew 25_Ministries assistance, including our collaborative food pantry, please contact Maureen at the offices. Because of the overwhelming generosity of our parishioners and local businesses we are able to meet a great many of the corporal and spiritual needs of the many persons who call on us for help each week.
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me.” (Mt 25)
Collaborative Food Pantry most urgent needs: laundry soap, bleach, paper towels, tissues and toilet tissue. Many requests for cleaning products, such as: dishwashing liquid, all purpose cleaners, etc. and personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, body wash., soap, lotion, etc)
***** Most requested food items this week: boxed milk, peanut butter, tuna, yellow rice, brown sugar, cooking oil, Goya beans (red, white), crackers, mixed vegetables, green beans, SPAM and Vienna Sausages.
Please help us to feed those most in need and fulfill
Holy Land Discovery • Fatima, Lourdes and Shrines of Spain • Grand Catholic Italy • Footsteps of Apostle Paul • Shrines of Alpine Europe • Pilgrimage to Lourdes • Scottish Highlands
• Camino, a walking journey for the soul
Mass is included with all of our tours!
• Camino, a y for the soulwalking journey, a y fo
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