Saint CeciliaP A R I S H

Third Sunday of Advent

Gaudete16 December 2018

The Starry NightVincent van Gogh (1889)

. , OI),

,-,.♦, • . . CHRISTMAS LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Please note that since Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year, our Sunday schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 23) will follow the usual

schedule without the 6:00 Mass.

Monday December 24 I Christmas Eve Family Mass I 4:00 p.m.

Mass I 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday December 25 I Christmas Day Mass I 9:30 a.m.

Please note that this is the only Mass on Christmas Day. There will be no Coffee Hour.

Saturday, December 29 Sunday Mass I 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 30 Mass I 8:00, 9:30, & 11:15

There will be a Coffee Hour following the 9:30 & 11: 15 liturgies.

Tuesday January 1 I Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Mass I 10:00

There will be no 8:00 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, December 26

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving TreeS

Our annual Advent Giving Trees have arrived! Your gifts will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many children, single parents, and seniors in our neighborhood, as well as agencies that support others throughout our city. There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our parish.

This year there are some changes to the program. First, with so many requests and to make it easier to take tags, there are two additional trees in the Parish Hall. One is a table top “Children’s Tree” with ‘child- friendly’ tags for simple, inexpensive, small items like crayons and bubbles. Parents and children can take a tag and use this as an opportunity to teach about giving during this time of year. These tags are not for a particular person, however the gift will be given to a child from one of the programs we support.

A few other details: 1. Please DO NOT take a tag unless you plan to purchase and return the gift. All gifts are “checked-in” to make

sure we receive everything that has been requested.2. You may take more than one tag!3. If the gift is out of stock or cannot be found a gift card for may be substituted.4. If the item is too expensive a gift card toward the purchase is acceptable. Many children and teens like to

“save” for more expensive items.5. For tags indicating a “gift card” the recommended amount is $25, however any amount is appreciated.6. Please check the tag – some gifts should be wrapped and some should not.7. When you return the gift, make sure the tag is securely attached.8. All gifts are due back by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 16. Late gifts will be accepted but we want to make

sure the gifts get to the clients on time!

The agencies we are supporting this year are listed below and further information can be found on their websites.

www.bmc.org/eldersathome.htm

www.prohope.org

www.thehome.org/site/DocServer/Waltham_House

www.ccab.org/?q=node/194

www.bhchp.org/about/locations/barbara-mcinnis-house

ymcaboston.org/ymca-housing https://www.haitihealth.org/

YMCA Housingymcaboston.org/

ymca-housing

https://www.na-tivityboston.org/

Catholic Charities

Child Care Division

https://www.ccab.org/?q=node/194

www.pinestreetinn.org

www.prohope.org

Elders at Home Program

www.bmc.org/eldersathome.htm

www.bhchp.org/about/locations/barbara-mcin-nis-house

https://womenslunchplace.org/

www.thehome.org/site/Doc-Server/Waltham_House

UPDATESWhen are the gifts due? Gifts are due by 7:30 pm TONIGHT. Late gifts will be accepted but we want to do our best to meet agency deadlines.

* Please NOTE: If you have a tag from PROJECT HOPE try to return the gift as soon as possible as their gift distribution occurs earlier, however all gifts will be delivered.

Do I wrap the gift? All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope and St. Boniface Haiti Foundation. If you forgot to wrap the gift – no worries – we will do that for you!

Can I bring the gifts to church during the week? Yes but please call the Parish Office first (617-536-4548) to make sure some-one is available to receive it.

VolunteersIf you have signed up to help with gift organizing and deliveries please check in with Ann Faldetta at the church on Sunday. You can find here near the Advent Giving Tree or the Storage Room in the Parish Hall.

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY

Saturday, December 15 | 5:00 p.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrantChris Orrell, lector

Sunday, December 16 | 8:00 a.m.Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ, celebrantBob Mann, lector

Sunday, December 16 | 9:30 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantFederico Rollo, Rosaria Salerno, and Michele Maniscalco, lectors

Sunday, December 16 | 11:15 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantClarissa Hadge, Jim English, and Christina Gebel, lectors

Sunday, December 16 | 6:00 p.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrantDena Pelssar and Zachary Boutin, lectors

TODAY'S READINGS

Zephaniah 3:14-18APhilippians 4:4-7Luke 3:10-1

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS

Micah 5:1-4AHebrews 10:5-10Luke 1:39-45

OUR COMMUNITY NEWS

SPECIAL INTENTIONS

Sunday, December 16 | 8:00 a.m.John & Angelina Machado, Memorial

Sunday, December 16 | 9:30 a.m.Jaconda & Sam Coluccio, Memorial

Sunday, December 16 | 9:30 a.m.John Karle, Memorial

Sunday, December 16 | 11:15 a.mJim DiBona & Angelina Brigalli, Memorial

Sunday, December 16 | 6:00 p.m.Frank Fischer, Memorial

Wednesday, December 19 | 8:00 a.m.Chase Hyde, Memorial

Friday, December 21 | 8:00 a.m.Patrick J. Corrigan, First Anniversary

This week at Saint Cecilia

• Sunday, December 16 | Wisdom and Mature Spirituality | 10:00 in Parish Hall (p.6)

• Sunday, December 9 | Marriage Ministry Book Club | 5:00 in Parish Hall (p.13)

• Monday, December 17 | Advent Bible Reflection | 6:30 in Sanctuary (p.8)

• Wednesday, December 19 | Bible Study 6:30 in CL5

• Thursday, December 20 | Evening Prayer 6:30 in Sanctuary (p.7)

• Friday, December 21 | Taize Prayer | 6:30 in Church (p. 9)

• Saturday, December 22 | Christmas Decorating Party | 3:00 in Parish Hall (p.6)

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Mary Pickering, Caeden Boyce, Nicholson Nicolas, Margo Bromfield, Matt Strazzula, Marie Deignan, Brother Bob Donovan, and Stephanie Brown.

Welcome to Saint Cecilia ParishWe are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered: Christopher and Margaret Condron of Boston, Quinn DeMarrais of Boston, Lindsey Smith of Boston, and Brian and Meghan Garvey of Cambridge. If you have not previously registered with the parish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at www.stceciliaboston.org.

Weddings at Saint CeciliaCongratulations to Molly Griffin and Brian Langevin who were married here on December 8. May God bless the hap-py couple as they start this next phase of their lives together.

Happy Anniversary!This week we celebrate the baptismal anniversaries of Dave Sullivan who was baptized on December 17 and Mary Bo-tosh who was baptized on December 20. May the Lord con-tinue to bless Dave and Mary with the grace to live out their baptismal call. Happy Feast Day, Dave and Mary!

Christmas FlowersYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary. In the narthex you'll find envelopes that you can use for this purpose. Please drop the envelope in the collection basket or hand it to any staff person. The names of those remem-bered will be published in the Epiphany bulletin. Please be sure to PRINT clearly.

Christmas Collection: Clergy Health & Retirement TrustNext week, at all our Christmas Masses, our only collection will be to support the retirement, medical, and financial needs of priests of the Archdiocese of Boston. On behalf of all of our priests, thank you in advance for your generosity. For more information, please visit www.clergyfunds.org.

Welcome, Winter!Winter arrives at 5:23 p.m. Friday, December 21,making it the shortest day of the year.

For Those Who Struggle with the WeatherPray for all who struggle with winter weather, particularly the homeless and the homebound—that the goodness of others will provide friendship and protection from nature.

Happy Birthday, Papa Francesco!Monday, December 17, Pope Francis celebrates his 82nd birthday. Pray for the Pope's continued good health. May his wisdom continue to imbue the Church with the spirit of mercy, compassion, and accompaniment.

Last 6:00 Mass of 2018Today is the last 6:00 Sunday liturgy before Christmas. The 6:00 liturgy will resume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (January 6).

RCIA – Rite of Acceptance Into The Order of CatechumensAt this morning’s eleven-ffteen liturgy, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. This ritual acknowledges the next part of the catechumens’ spiritual journey with us. For the unbaptized, the Rite of Acceptance indicates a stage of growth on their journey of faith. They now enter the Order of Catechumens (from the Greek, meaning “one in whom word echoes”) and continue their preparation for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confrma-tion, and Eucharist. The Rite points to their ongoing experi-ence of conversion, and is an invitation to all of us to be con-sciously growing in faith. Please keep these new members of our community in your prayer. Greet them and help them feel at home here.

Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent

"Rejoice," says St. Paul. "Again I say, 'Rejoice'".

But is it possible to be joyful in difficult times? Yes, because joy is deeper than happiness. While happiness may some-times be fleeting, joy is permanent, because in the religious understanding joy is about a relationship. Joy has an object, and that object is God. In other words, joy is happiness in God. It is the kind of joy that can carry us through difficult times, and even tragedy, because it is rooted and grounded in God's love. On Gaudete Sunday, on every Sunday, and every day, we are invited to experience that joy by enter-ing into a deeper relationship with God. Sound impossible? Remember that God so desired this that God became one of us, entering into relationship with humanity in the most profound and intimate way possible.Jesus came, as he said, so that we may have joy and that our joy may be complete. On Gaudete Sunday, may Jesus fill your heart with that joy, which surpassed all understanding.

~ James Martin, SJ

Prayers &

Occasions

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Copley Singers Christmas

Concert - Thank You!

Thank you to all of the parishioners who contrib-uted to the reception held after this year’s concert. Many thanks everyone who prepared food and helped with the set-up and clean-up. It was a won-derful evening and a great way to celebrate Advent and anticipate Christmas.

~Lisa Pickering and the Parish Staff

Save the Date —

Christmas Decorating Party

December 22 | 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Parish Pastoral Council will be hosting a Christmas dec-orating party on December 22 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please join us for this family-friendly event filled with tree trimming, ornament making, and some delicious seasonal treats as we deck our hall in preparation for Christ-mas. We want to be sure to have enough food so please let us know if you're coming and how many people will be join-ing you: info@stceciliaboston.org. All are welcome!

Wisdom and Mature Spirituality

Group

December 16 | 10:00 a.m. | Meet in Parish Hall

We are a community of adults journeying in the second half of life and looking to build a deeper relationship with our Christian faith through fellowship, trust, sharing, and prayer. We meet once a month on the third Sunday for one hour. At our next meeting we will discuss chapter 8, "Amnesia and the Big Picture." Fr. Rohr writes that spiritual-ity is much more about unlearning than learning, because the "growing boy" is usually growing into major illusions, all of which must be undone to free him from prison and take him back to his beginnings in God. We seem to be our own worst enemies, and we forget or deny things that are just too good to be true. Sound interesting? Join us on Decem-ber 6. We welcome new members.

Saint Cecilia CARES Pastoral

Training Program

January 2 | Parish Hall

In January we will have the opportunity for the next train-ing group for the CARES pastoral visiting team. The upcom-ing workshop entitled Pastoral Care to the Sick and Home-bound is the first step toward expanding your pastoral skills to become a member of our CARES team of visiting minis-ters. This team responds to the growing need for support to the most vulnerable members of our parish, local hospitals, and the surrounding community. CARES ministers visit the sick, homebound, and isolated individuals to offer their pas-toral presence and support. The six-week training program will be offered starting on January 2 right here in our Par-ish Hall. It will provide the foundational skills to companion individuals through emotional/spiritual challenges of loss, grief, and suffering. We are fortunate that Matthew Jacob-son, Palliative Care Chaplain and fellow parishioner, will be our teacher this year. If you are feeling called to this dis-cipleship and want to discuss the program and your gifts,

please contact Jeanne Bru-no, (Chaplain, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach) at 617-536-4548 or jbruno@stceciliaboston.org. Jeanne will also be availbale after Masses to sign people up.

46TH Annual MLK, jr.

memorial breakfast

Monday, January 21 I 8:15 a.m. Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 7:45. This event features delicious food, live music and a diverse gathering of over 1,000 people, including business, civic, and religious leaders from across Massachusetts. We need to reserve tables for this breakfast prior to December 31. Tickets are $50 each. If you would like to join us and sit at one of the Saint Cecilia tables, please call the parish off-ce or email Leah Bennett at lbennett@stceciliaboston.org. If you've attended this breakfast before, you know what a moving and hope–filled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Generous parishioners have donated a supply of children's books that can be found in the narthex. Given our desire to respect the dignity of the folks we serve through our hunger and homelessness ministries, we would ask that you have your children borrow these books rather than play with the donations of food and toiletries.

Faith and Film: "The Rider"

Saturday, January 5 | 6:00 | Parish Hall

What happens when life intervenes and that purpose is no longer possible? The Rider tells the true story of a South Dakota rodeo rider who suffers a head injury falling from a horse, and is told never to ride again.“At the tale’s center is a man struggling to put aside the one thing that gave his life meaning, even though he knows it could kill him if he doesn’t.” A short discussion will follow the movie. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of pizza, and RSVP to Judy Castaldi at judycastaldi@hotmail.com so we know how much pizza to order.

Give the gift of hospitality

Give back this Christmas Eve by volunteering as a greeter! We plan to welcome many visitors during our Christmas Eve liturgies and we need a few friendly and welcoming peo-ple. Supervised young people and teens are invited, and it would be great for a family to serve together! In addition to traditional greeters, we would love ushers who can help guests fill in where there are empty spaces, or settle peo-ple downstairs in overflow seating. If you would like to vol-unteer for either the 4:00 or 6:30 liturgies please contact Christina Searby at cmsearby@hotmail.com.

We are seeking our next

Director of Music

We are starting the search for our permanent Director of Music at Saint Cecilia. The Director of Music is responsible for nurturing the prayer life of the community through music, particularly in coordinating music for liturgical cel-ebrations, and fostering the growth of our music ministry. Through utilizing a variety of musical styles, the Director of Music helps the parish broaden its understanding of and appreciation for the role music can play in deepening our relationship to God. Should you or anyone you know be interested please send resumes to Mary Kaye at mkaye@stceciliaboston.org.

COMMUNITY SERVINGS

For those of you who like to plan far ahead, we have two future dates for volunteers at Community Servings. We will be helping out in the kitchens on Saturday, December 29. No culinary skills required: you can help feed those who are homebound with critical illnesses by joining us at Commu-nity Servings in Jamaica Plain. Volunteers must be over 13 years of age. Please email mark.lippolt@gmail.com if you would like to help.

Help Care For those in need

Occasionally we give gift cards to our sisters and brothers in need. We need to replenish our supply of gift cards to Shaw's Supermarket. If you would like to help out in this way, simply purchase a gift card and place it in the collection basket at Mass, give it to a member of the staff, or mail it to the Parish Office. We are very appreciative of your help as we attempt to offer some assistance, especially around the holidays, to those who struggle.

MY SOUL IN STILLNESS WAITS:

ADVENT PRAYER VESPERS The church gathers in the evening to give thanks for the day that has passed and to lift up to God the needs of the world. Liturgy lasts about half an hour.

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial of Saint Nicholas Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. Memorial of Saint Lucy Thursday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. “O Key of David”

TAIZÉ PRAYER A meditative hour of song, scripture & silence in candlelit beauty.

Friday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER—WEEK THREE

Light two of the violet candles and the rose candle. During the rest of the week, these candles are relit at the evening meal or whenever you choose to do so.

Jesus, we gather here as a family to dedicate our lives to you, as John the Baptist did. Help us to know, love, and serve you. As we light this candle, we remember that you bring the light of joy into our lives. May your Word be always in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.Amen.

Advent Small Group Bible

Reflection

“Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31

Jesus invited his disciples—and in-vites us—to go off for a little while, enjoy his presence, think about what his coming can mean for us. Especially during this frenetic time of year—when our holiday preparations can short circuit awareness of the holiness of the season, the Adult Faith Formation Commission invites you to experience small faith group reflection this Advent. Each Monday during Advent, at 6:30 in the sanctuary, we will read the Gospel for the com-ing Sunday together and share, in a contemplative manner, what we feel it may mean for each of us. If you think that you might enjoy Small Group Bible Sharing for the season of Advent, please RSVP to judycastaldi@hotmail.com.

GAUDETE SUNDAY

Gaudete in Domino semper:iterum dico, gaudete.

Dominus enim prope est.

Rejoice in the Lord always;again I say, rejoice!

The Lord is near.

We are now midway through Advent and today is a day of rejoicing, traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday” (gow–DAY–tay). “Gaudete” is Latin for “rejoice” and antiphon for the Third Sunday of Advent. Before we started singing hymns in English, the Introit was normally chanted in Lat-in as the priest approached the altar. It helped to set the mood and theme of the Mass of the day. The Introit for the Third Sunday of Advent comes from Philippians 4, Paul’s warm and loving letter to the community at Philippi. The optional use of rose–colored vestments underscores thejoyful character of today’s liturgy. Gaudete Sunday dates back to the Middle Ages, when the season of Advent bore a penitential character similar to that of Lent. At that time, Advent was a forty–day period of fasting and penance in preparation for Christmas. It commenced on the day after Saint Martin’s Day (November 12) and was thus often re-ferred to as “St. Martin’s Lent.” In the midst of a dark and serious Advent, Gaudete Sunday helped to brighten the mood. In the ninth century, Advent was reduced to four weeks and its austere character gave way to a new under-standing of Advent as a time of longing, hoping, and wait-ing for the Lord.

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

PINE STREET CARDS FOR SALE

This Sunday, we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support Pine Street Inn, where Father John and several parishioners serve on the board of directors. This is a won-derful way of supporting Pine Street Inn's mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Boston–themed Christmas cards with family and friends. The cards are priced at $20 for a pack of 10.

LGBTQ Catholics Unite Monthly MeetingSunday, December 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Classroom 1

For this month's Catholics Unite meeting, sponsored by the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry, there will be an open forum discussion. LGBTQ Catholics Unite will provide an oppor-tunity for us to gather and discuss openly relevant topics, scripture, and current events. LGBTQ Catholics need a fo-rum in which to share faith experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. Our hope is that people will feel supported, heard, and spiritually nourished. All are welcome!

Social and Racial

Justice Ministry

Upcoming Events

Prayer Vigil and Pilgrimage for Undocumented ImmigrantsSaturday, December 15 | 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Parish Hall to Suffolk County House of Corrections

Each day over 250 immigrants are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Suffolk County House of Corrections in Boston. At this vigil, we gather to bear wit-ness to the pain, suffering and loneliness of those detained and their families, including a call for just immigration re-form.

We will meet at Saint Cecilia at 12:30 for prayer and to hear testimonies from those who have had personal experiences with immigration or incarceration. Coffee and light snacks will be served. We will walk over to the Suffolk County Houseof Corrections together at 1:00. Those with limited mobility can meet us at the Suffolk County House of Corrections at 1:40 pm. RSVP at http://bit.ly/DetaineeVigil

Save the Date: Prayer Vigil to commemorate National Human Trafficking Awareness DaySunday, January 13 | 1:00-2:30 pm | Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse, 637 Cambridge Saint Brighton

Follow the Social and Racial Justice Ministry on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/StCJustice/ or visit https://bit.ly/2JLWWYa. Contact: sc.socialracialjustice@gmail.com.

OUR BULLETIN: IT'S BLACK AND

WHITE (AND COLOR) AND READ ALL

OVER

We appreciate the financial support of the individuals and companies who advertise weekly in our bulletin. Their ads have enabled us to expand and enhance the bulletin in the past year with no additional cost to the parish and we hope that you will continue to patronize our advertisers. If you know of a local business, attorney, accountant or store that would like information about becoming an advertiser in the Saint Cecilia bulletin, please contact Pilot at 617-779-3771

Rainbow Ministry

Upcoming Events

Saint Cecilia Church 18 Belvidere Street in Boston’s Back Bay

www.stceciliaboston.org

Friday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. A meditative hour of song, scripture and silence in candlelit beauty

Listen Sing Pray Be Still

answer

GET ON BOARD! The deadline to sign up is FEBRUARY 25 – but sign-ups are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait until then! A deposit of $50 is due at sign-up. Fundraising will happen throughout the spring to make sure the trip is affordable for everyone, regardless of financial situation. In January, there will be info sessions you can attend to find out more details – stay tuned!

the call

HOW TO SIGN UP: Contact John Glynn, Director of College & Youth Ministry, to register for the trip or with any questions! You can email him at jglynn@stceciliaboston.org, drop by his office off the parish hall, or find him at the 6 PM Mass on any given Sunday. For more info on YNIA’s national program, check out youngneighbors.org

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: JOIN US on the Saint Cecilia summer service-learning trip to WASHINGTON, D.C, July 13 –21! All spring we’ll have opportunities for community service, building our community, and exploring our faith in preparation for the trip. And while you’ll net dozens of service hours, the real reward is in how your life will be impacted in amazing ways through serving others!

WHAT IS YNIA? Young Neighbors in Action is a national Catholic organization that hosts service programs all through the US. The mission of YNIA is to empower young people to encounter Christ through serving others, engage in meaningful work that feeds, clothes, and provides resources to the most vulnerable, and grow in their faith. Saint Cecilia has been sending students to YNIA for years!

tl;dr: • WHAT: Young Neighbors in

Action Service Trip • WHERE: Washington, DC • WHEN: July 13 – 21, 2019

• WHO: Rising Sophomores to graduating Seniors

• HOW MANY? 25 spots • Register by February 25

TO SERVE OTHERS!

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Last week we observed the 50th anniversary of the death of Trappist monk and spiritual master, Thomas Merton, who died on De-cember 10, 1968. About Merton, Paul Pear-son, director of the Thomas Merton Center, said, "His message seems to endure and to be as prophetic today, if not more so, than when he wrote it. Everything Merton says is still relevant today."

Is it a stretch to say that the Trappist monk and spiritual master Thomas Merton, who died in 1968, changed the world? Perhaps. But he surely changed people’s lives, and if that’s not enough to change the world, I’m not sure what is. With God’s grace, he did the following:

1. Wrote The Seven Storey Mountain. First published in 1948, Merton’s beautifully wrought story of a rather sad childhood, lonely adolescence and wild young adult-hood, all of which led to a dramatic con-version to Catholicism and then a swift entrance into a Trappist monastery in Kentucky, was a surprise bestseller. Mer-ton, a talented writer (and poet), spoke movingly about being lost and slowly finding his way to his vocation as a monk. It’s hard to put a finger on why his most popular book continues to speak to people. Perhaps it’s the gorgeous prose. Perhaps it’s his transparency. Or perhaps it’s because so many people still feel lost. I know I did when I first read it at age 25. Stuck in a job I didn’t like, I needed someone to tell me it was okay to begin searching. In time, I ended up leaving General Electric and entering the Jesuit Order. His book changed my life.

2. Reminded people that prayer wasn’t just for monks. Of course Merton wasn’t the first one who did this, or even the only one. As far back as St. Francis

de Sales, who wrote An Introduction to the Devout Life in the 17th century, Catholic writers encouraged lay men and women to discover contemplation. (You could also say that Jesus taught lay people to pray!) But Merton’s widely used books — particularly No Man Is an Island and New Seeds of Contemplation — helped mil-lions enter more easily into contempla-tion. Both books predated the Second Vatican Council, which told Catholic lay-people that their vocations were just as holy and important as those of priests, brothers, and sisters. In fact, Merton once wrote that the lay person who lives out a holy life in private may be a “high-er” contemplative than the monk who does so with the support of a monas-tery. Ironically, the man who encouraged laypeople to the contemplative life was also responsible for an explosion in vo-cations to monastic orders. In part due to great numbers of men and women seeking stability and silence after the Second World War, but also in part due to Merton’s writings, many monasteries, including Merton’s own, had to build new additions to house so many incom-ing novices.

3. Wrote this: “For me to be a saint means to be myself.”

4. Made it okay for Catholics to look to the East. Long before almost any other prominent figure in the Catholic Church, Merton tried to understand the riches of Buddhism, Zen, and other Eastern tradi-tions. This earned him enmity in many corners. And still does: some Catholics today remain suspicious of him for this, despite his firm Catholic faith. During a trip to the Far East in 1968, which would end in his accidental death in Thailand, he had a moving encounter with the Da-

7 WAYS THOMAS MERTON CHANGED THE WORLD

By JAMES MARTIN, SJ

lai Lama (who today refers to him as his “brother”) and a profound spiritual ex-perience before a statue of the Buddha, in what is now Sri Lanka. Once, Merton wondered how the East and West could be reconciled, and said that even if it couldn’t be done in practice, he could try to reconcile them within himself as best he could. 5. Wrote this: “Why do we spend our lives striving to be something we would never want to be, if we only knew what we wanted? Why do we waste our times doing things, which, if we only stopped to think about them, are the opposite of what we were made for?”

6. Worked tirelessly for social justice. Even after Merton moved into a hermit-age for greater solitude on the grounds of the Abbey of Gethsemani, he con-tinued the work for social justice that he began around the time of the Cold War. Many former admirers wondered why the Trappist writer didn’t confine him-self to pious writings about prayer. But for Merton the evolution was a natural one: encountering God leads to a desire to encounter others, and the world. Visi-tors to his small hermitage would include the Catholic peace activist Daniel Berri-gan, SJ and the singer and activist Joan Baez. Merton had also planned a retreat for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King be-fore Dr. King’s assassination. His social justice work also cost him: Merton was silenced from speaking publicly on those antiwar issues by his Trappist superiors. His Cold War Letters, while passed around on the sly among his admirers, were not published until 2006.

7. Reminded us that everyone is extraor-dinary and everyone is ordinary .The young monk who wrote The Seven Storey

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Mountain, saw, in short, the monastery as good and “the world” as bad. Merton later ruefully said that the man who wrote that book was dead. That initial distinction, as well as a somewhat lofty view of himself, ended with an epiphany on a busy street corner in Louisville, Kentucky. (A plaque now marks the spot.) Best to let Merton tell the story. “In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut,” he wrote...

"I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strang-ers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spuri-ous self-isolation in a special world, the world of renunciation and supposed holiness. . . . This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud. . . . I have the immense joy of being man, a member of a race in which God Himself became incar-nate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun."

Did Thomas Merton change the world? Maybe not. Did he change my life? Definitely. Could he change yours? Open his books and see.

Marriage Ministry

Upcoming events

A Daring Promise Book Discussion - Final MeetingSunday Evenings | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Classroom 5

The Book Discussion is open to anyone, in a relationship or not, wishing to explore a Christian meaning of living in a relationship committed to love, community, hospitality, and justice. Email stc.marriage@gmail.com for access to the reading material and to be added to the Book Discussion listserv.

Register now for Pre-Cana at Saint CeciliaRegistration is now open for our first session, which will be held on two consecutive Saturdays on 1/26 and 2/2 2019. For more information or to register email stc.marriage@gmail.com.

A Save the Date: Couples Mixer February 2 | 5:00 p.m. | Parish HallWe are hosting a mixer for all couples. Please join us as we celebrate with our engaged couples who just completed their Pre-Cana! Refreshments will be provided. Please reg-ister here or by emailing stc.marriage@gmail.com.

Adult Faith

Formation Events

FAITH FORMATION EVENTS AT SAINT CECILIA OFTEN APPEAR ON PAGES 4 -7

PAULIST CENTER – BOSTON

For further details on this event, please check their web-site: http://www.paulistcenter.org/upcoming-events/

Prayer of Heart & Body Series: Yoga & Meditation in Christian ContextInstructor: Fr. Tom Ryan, CSPEight Tuesdays: October 23 – December 18 (exception: November 6) | 5:45 – 7:25 p.m. | Auditorium Registra-tion forms available in the rack at the back of Chapel, or at reception office (617-742-4460). | $12 per session - $6 for students

SAINT Clement shrine

Advent Series: Parables in Matthew's GospelPresenter: Peter Grover, OMVDecember 19 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | St. Clement Shrine Presenter: Fr. Peter Grover, OMVThis course will discuss the parables in Matthew’s Gos-pel which were used to help us understand the impor-tance of the Kingdom of God. They motivate us to “pop” our world bubble, and to live in a manner that will ben-efit others and gain blessings for ourselves. Join us as we better understand the advantages of being a member of the Kingdom of Heaven from the parables.

O COME, ALL YE SINGERS

If you like to sing the traditional hymns and carols for Christ-mas, have some singing experience, would like to join our choirs, but time does not permit, “Fear not, for behold, I bring tidings of great joy.” You are invited to join us for one of the Christmas Eve liturgies at 4:00 and 6:30, or BOTH (with a simple dinner between). We would ask you to join us Thursday evenings for rehearsals on 13 December and 20 December at 7:15 – 9:00 p.m., in the church. If you have questions, or if you would like to join us, please contact TImothy at tzimmerman@stceciliaboston.org. It is impor-tant that we have a count of people in order to have music and seating (in the choir loft) for all.

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SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish Office & Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Phone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | info@stceciliaboston.orgWebsite | www.stceciliaboston.org

Parish StaffRev. John J. Unni, PastorMary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations,mkaye@stceciliaboston.orgColleen Melaugh, Finance Director,cmelaugh@stceciliaboston.orgMark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate,mdonohoe@stceciliaboston.orgScott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Parish Visibility, smacdonald@stceciliaboston.orgJohn Glynn, Director of College and Youth Ministry, jglynn@stceciliaboston.org,Jeanne Bruno, Chaplain, Pastoral Associate, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach,jbruno@stceciliaboston.orgTimothy Zimmerman, Director of Music and Organist, tzimmerman@stceciliaboston.orgLisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager, lpickering@stceciliaboston.orgLeah Bennett, Communications and Operations Coordinator,lbennett@stceciliaboston.org

Assisting ClergyRev. Peter Grover, OMVRev. Peter Gyves, SJRev. James Shaughnessy, SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 8:00 a.m.Lord’s Day | Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15, and 6:00 p.m.Holy Days | 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

ReconciliationThe sacrament of reconciliation is available by appointment. Please call the Parish Office.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation.

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office.

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact Scott MacDonald in the Parish Office.

MarriageCouples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office at least six months in advance.

Care of the SickTo arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the Parish Office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies.

Order of Christian FuneralsThe parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) TeamThe CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty (loisflaherty@gmail.com), Maria Roche (maria.roche15@gmail.com), Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail.com), or Erin Young (erin.t.young@gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the narthex and Parish Office, as well as on our website.

For Those with Celiac DiseaseIf you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten.

Hearing Assistance in ChurchThe church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass.

Access for the DisabledBoth the church and Parish Pastoral Center are accessible by elevator.

ParkingThere is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving the church. There is also reduced rate parking on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $20.00.

Joining Our CommunityWe’re happy that you’re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritu-al home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighbor-hoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.. No matter what your background, please know that you are always welcome at Saint Cecilia.

PARISH RESOURCES