Second Sunday of Advent6 December 2015Icon of Saint John the Baptist

Saint Cecilia

P A R I S H

Saint Cecilia Parish

18 Belvidere St Boston MA 02115

Thursday December 10 2015 | 700 pm The Copley Singers

Christmas Concert Brian Jones Director

Emeritus Director of Music Trinity Church Copley Square

Tickets at the door $20 Admission

$10 for students and seniors Children are free

wwwcopleysingersorg wwwstceciliabostonorg

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday | 500 pmRev Ryan Duns SJ celebrantFred Bachofner lector

Sunday | 800 amRev Thomas Gariepy CSC celebrantDave Curry lector

Sunday | 930 amRev John Unni celebrantLouisa Essman Hannah Raudsepp amp Moira Macdonald lectors Sunday | 1115 am Rev John Unni celebrantMaggie Dolan Lauren Miner amp Mark Richburg lectors Sunday | 600 pmRev Peter Grover OMV celebrantJennifer Polley amp Nikko Mendoza lectors

todayrsquos readingsBaruch 51-9Philippians 14-6 8-11Luke 31-6

next sundayrsquos ReadingsZephaniah 314-18aPhilippians 44-7Luke 310-18

Special intentions

Sunday December 6 | 800 am Deceased members of the Gardiner amp Finn Families Memorial

Sunday December 6 | 930 am M Eleanor Donohoe 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 930 am Betty Benhayon 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 1115 am John JJ Letendre Jr Memorial

Friday December 11 | 800 am Joseph F Ford 11th Anniversary

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

3

our community news

FOOD DONATIONS FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIESThis weeks featured donation item is

TUNA

Next weeks featured donation item isMACARONI amp CHEESE

Donations of pasta sauce cereal tuna amp other canned food are always also accepted Please leave food donations in the narthex baskets

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

4

Prayers amp Occasions Our DeceasedJimmy McManus died on Monday November 23 Pray for the repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Natalie and their family Daniel Kolander died on Tuesday November 24 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Steve and Valerie and their entire family Gary Bowen died on Thursday November 26 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Barbara and their family May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer especially Rudy Kikel Annette Kulas Lisa Caputo Anthony Simboli Anne Frenette Handly Roseacutea Aubrey Robert Lupis Owen Kyes Mildred McLaughlin Brenna Smith Pilar Estrada Michalina Maniscalco Michael Patrick Kelly Mark Anderson Bill Downing Nimet Yousif Judy Gallo Skyler Stevenson Rob Morrissey Roberta McMann Silvana Franco Silvia Basagni Brian Donnelly Karen Thoresen Theresa Wier Bill Ahern Lisa Anzalone Lena Bryant Mary Silva Kenny Borum Kevin Joseph Pierre George Driscoll Quinn Amsler Rose Rizzo Bill Pennington Jillian Scalfani Lisa Cox Mary Curley Bryan Thomas Linda Jenkins Belle Marie Cosgrove Annie McGovern Rachel Fitzgerald Joanne DeMare Bob Carroll Ilene Katz Meghan Thomas Pettier John Morris Roques Linares Eric Wirtz Joseph Montoya Clive Cosham and Mark Edward McHugh

Welcome to Saint Cecilia We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered the Lashley-Bradley family of East Boston the Rocher family of Boston James Curley of Boston and Alan Heaslip of Boston If you have not previously registered with the parish there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at wwwstceciliabostonorg

BaptismsToday we celebrate baptism at the nine-thirty liturgy for Rose Junia daughter of Michael and Kaileen Bonner and little sister of Lily and Henry George son of Zach and Megan Bourque and little brother of Erin Annette and Ryan The Christian community welcomes you with great joy Rose and Henry

Morning PrayerWe will pray Morning Prayer this Saturday December 12 in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at nine All are welcome to attend

Gaudete SundayNext Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sundaya day marked by a joyful anticipation of the Christmascelebration Like Laetare Sunday in Lent the optionalliturgical color is rose Help add to our celebration bywearing something rosendashcolored to Mass next Sunday

Last 600 pm Evening Mass of 2015Next Sunday December 13 is the last six oclock Sundayliturgy before Christmas The six oclock liturgy willresume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord(January 3)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MarymdashPatronal Feast Day of the United StatesTuesday December 8 is the Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception and a holy day of obligation Many peopleconfuse the Immaculate Conception with the doctrineof the Virgin Birth (Marys virginal conception of Jesus)Tuesdays solemnity celebrates Marys ImmaculateConception that is our solemn belief that Mary thoughconceived in the normal way was preserved fromoriginal sin from the first moment of her conceptionThis solemnity occurs nine months before the feast ofthe Nativity of Mary which is celebrated on September8 Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 800 am and in the evening at 630 pm

Congratulations to Last Weeks Raffle WinnerCongratulations to our raffle winner from last Sunday Ryan Lowrey won the two VIP Patriots tailgate party packages A big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets

christmas liturgiesChristmas Eve I 400 amp 630 pm

Christmas Day I 930 amNew Years Day I 1000 am

5

saint cecilia parish

The advent wreathAdvent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions ofNorthern Europe Wreaths of evergreens were decoratedwith candles to symbolize life and light during the darkmonths of winter The circle of the wreath which hasno beginning or end symbolizes the eternity of GodEvergreens stay green all year and so signify continuouslife Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent We neednt worry about the colorsof the candles traditionally three violet candles andone rose candle are used but you may prefer to useall royal blue candles four violet candles or four whitecandles The symbol is the flame not the color EachSunday the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness life and hope

Tonight light the second candle sing a verse of OCome O Come Emmanuel rendashread part of todaysGospel and say a brief concluding prayer If youprefer here is a prayer that you can use

SECOND WEEKLight another violet candle During the rest of the weekthese candles are relit at the evening meal orwhenever you choose to do so

Jesus John the Baptist told the people If youhave two coats give one to someone else whodoesnt have any If you have food share it withsomeone else As we light this candle we rememberthat you bring the light of service into our lives May your Word be always in our mindson our lips and in our hearts

Amen

Little Blue Books for AdventThe Little Blue Books for the seasons of Advent andChristmastide are now available Consider spending sixminutes daily with these reflections based on theGospels for Cycle C These books are in baskets in therear of the church Please take one home and spendjust six minutes per day in reflection This is a great wayto keep Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lordat Christmas

ADVENT CANDLES for salemdashtodayAdvent has arrived so its the perfect time for theAdvent wreath We have said goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark inorder to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke

Advent began at sunset on Saturday November 28 so its time to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles one for each of the four Sundays of Advent Traditionally three violet candles and one rose candle are used but some people prefer to use blue which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns You could also use all white candles A nicecustom is to set-up the wreath on your dinner each evening In the next four bulletins well include a prayer of blessing that can be said during the lighting of the candle(s) We will be selling sets of Advent candles for $10 in the narthex today

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary In the back of the church youll 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 remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin Please be sure to PRINT clearly

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

Saint Cecilia Parish

18 Belvidere St Boston MA 02115

Thursday December 10 2015 | 700 pm The Copley Singers

Christmas Concert Brian Jones Director

Emeritus Director of Music Trinity Church Copley Square

Tickets at the door $20 Admission

$10 for students and seniors Children are free

wwwcopleysingersorg wwwstceciliabostonorg

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday | 500 pmRev Ryan Duns SJ celebrantFred Bachofner lector

Sunday | 800 amRev Thomas Gariepy CSC celebrantDave Curry lector

Sunday | 930 amRev John Unni celebrantLouisa Essman Hannah Raudsepp amp Moira Macdonald lectors Sunday | 1115 am Rev John Unni celebrantMaggie Dolan Lauren Miner amp Mark Richburg lectors Sunday | 600 pmRev Peter Grover OMV celebrantJennifer Polley amp Nikko Mendoza lectors

todayrsquos readingsBaruch 51-9Philippians 14-6 8-11Luke 31-6

next sundayrsquos ReadingsZephaniah 314-18aPhilippians 44-7Luke 310-18

Special intentions

Sunday December 6 | 800 am Deceased members of the Gardiner amp Finn Families Memorial

Sunday December 6 | 930 am M Eleanor Donohoe 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 930 am Betty Benhayon 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 1115 am John JJ Letendre Jr Memorial

Friday December 11 | 800 am Joseph F Ford 11th Anniversary

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

3

our community news

FOOD DONATIONS FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIESThis weeks featured donation item is

TUNA

Next weeks featured donation item isMACARONI amp CHEESE

Donations of pasta sauce cereal tuna amp other canned food are always also accepted Please leave food donations in the narthex baskets

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

4

Prayers amp Occasions Our DeceasedJimmy McManus died on Monday November 23 Pray for the repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Natalie and their family Daniel Kolander died on Tuesday November 24 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Steve and Valerie and their entire family Gary Bowen died on Thursday November 26 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Barbara and their family May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer especially Rudy Kikel Annette Kulas Lisa Caputo Anthony Simboli Anne Frenette Handly Roseacutea Aubrey Robert Lupis Owen Kyes Mildred McLaughlin Brenna Smith Pilar Estrada Michalina Maniscalco Michael Patrick Kelly Mark Anderson Bill Downing Nimet Yousif Judy Gallo Skyler Stevenson Rob Morrissey Roberta McMann Silvana Franco Silvia Basagni Brian Donnelly Karen Thoresen Theresa Wier Bill Ahern Lisa Anzalone Lena Bryant Mary Silva Kenny Borum Kevin Joseph Pierre George Driscoll Quinn Amsler Rose Rizzo Bill Pennington Jillian Scalfani Lisa Cox Mary Curley Bryan Thomas Linda Jenkins Belle Marie Cosgrove Annie McGovern Rachel Fitzgerald Joanne DeMare Bob Carroll Ilene Katz Meghan Thomas Pettier John Morris Roques Linares Eric Wirtz Joseph Montoya Clive Cosham and Mark Edward McHugh

Welcome to Saint Cecilia We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered the Lashley-Bradley family of East Boston the Rocher family of Boston James Curley of Boston and Alan Heaslip of Boston If you have not previously registered with the parish there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at wwwstceciliabostonorg

BaptismsToday we celebrate baptism at the nine-thirty liturgy for Rose Junia daughter of Michael and Kaileen Bonner and little sister of Lily and Henry George son of Zach and Megan Bourque and little brother of Erin Annette and Ryan The Christian community welcomes you with great joy Rose and Henry

Morning PrayerWe will pray Morning Prayer this Saturday December 12 in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at nine All are welcome to attend

Gaudete SundayNext Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sundaya day marked by a joyful anticipation of the Christmascelebration Like Laetare Sunday in Lent the optionalliturgical color is rose Help add to our celebration bywearing something rosendashcolored to Mass next Sunday

Last 600 pm Evening Mass of 2015Next Sunday December 13 is the last six oclock Sundayliturgy before Christmas The six oclock liturgy willresume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord(January 3)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MarymdashPatronal Feast Day of the United StatesTuesday December 8 is the Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception and a holy day of obligation Many peopleconfuse the Immaculate Conception with the doctrineof the Virgin Birth (Marys virginal conception of Jesus)Tuesdays solemnity celebrates Marys ImmaculateConception that is our solemn belief that Mary thoughconceived in the normal way was preserved fromoriginal sin from the first moment of her conceptionThis solemnity occurs nine months before the feast ofthe Nativity of Mary which is celebrated on September8 Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 800 am and in the evening at 630 pm

Congratulations to Last Weeks Raffle WinnerCongratulations to our raffle winner from last Sunday Ryan Lowrey won the two VIP Patriots tailgate party packages A big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets

christmas liturgiesChristmas Eve I 400 amp 630 pm

Christmas Day I 930 amNew Years Day I 1000 am

5

saint cecilia parish

The advent wreathAdvent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions ofNorthern Europe Wreaths of evergreens were decoratedwith candles to symbolize life and light during the darkmonths of winter The circle of the wreath which hasno beginning or end symbolizes the eternity of GodEvergreens stay green all year and so signify continuouslife Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent We neednt worry about the colorsof the candles traditionally three violet candles andone rose candle are used but you may prefer to useall royal blue candles four violet candles or four whitecandles The symbol is the flame not the color EachSunday the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness life and hope

Tonight light the second candle sing a verse of OCome O Come Emmanuel rendashread part of todaysGospel and say a brief concluding prayer If youprefer here is a prayer that you can use

SECOND WEEKLight another violet candle During the rest of the weekthese candles are relit at the evening meal orwhenever you choose to do so

Jesus John the Baptist told the people If youhave two coats give one to someone else whodoesnt have any If you have food share it withsomeone else As we light this candle we rememberthat you bring the light of service into our lives May your Word be always in our mindson our lips and in our hearts

Amen

Little Blue Books for AdventThe Little Blue Books for the seasons of Advent andChristmastide are now available Consider spending sixminutes daily with these reflections based on theGospels for Cycle C These books are in baskets in therear of the church Please take one home and spendjust six minutes per day in reflection This is a great wayto keep Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lordat Christmas

ADVENT CANDLES for salemdashtodayAdvent has arrived so its the perfect time for theAdvent wreath We have said goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark inorder to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke

Advent began at sunset on Saturday November 28 so its time to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles one for each of the four Sundays of Advent Traditionally three violet candles and one rose candle are used but some people prefer to use blue which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns You could also use all white candles A nicecustom is to set-up the wreath on your dinner each evening In the next four bulletins well include a prayer of blessing that can be said during the lighting of the candle(s) We will be selling sets of Advent candles for $10 in the narthex today

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary In the back of the church youll 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 remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin Please be sure to PRINT clearly

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday | 500 pmRev Ryan Duns SJ celebrantFred Bachofner lector

Sunday | 800 amRev Thomas Gariepy CSC celebrantDave Curry lector

Sunday | 930 amRev John Unni celebrantLouisa Essman Hannah Raudsepp amp Moira Macdonald lectors Sunday | 1115 am Rev John Unni celebrantMaggie Dolan Lauren Miner amp Mark Richburg lectors Sunday | 600 pmRev Peter Grover OMV celebrantJennifer Polley amp Nikko Mendoza lectors

todayrsquos readingsBaruch 51-9Philippians 14-6 8-11Luke 31-6

next sundayrsquos ReadingsZephaniah 314-18aPhilippians 44-7Luke 310-18

Special intentions

Sunday December 6 | 800 am Deceased members of the Gardiner amp Finn Families Memorial

Sunday December 6 | 930 am M Eleanor Donohoe 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 930 am Betty Benhayon 1st Anniversary

Sunday December 6 | 1115 am John JJ Letendre Jr Memorial

Friday December 11 | 800 am Joseph F Ford 11th Anniversary

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

3

our community news

FOOD DONATIONS FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIESThis weeks featured donation item is

TUNA

Next weeks featured donation item isMACARONI amp CHEESE

Donations of pasta sauce cereal tuna amp other canned food are always also accepted Please leave food donations in the narthex baskets

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

4

Prayers amp Occasions Our DeceasedJimmy McManus died on Monday November 23 Pray for the repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Natalie and their family Daniel Kolander died on Tuesday November 24 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Steve and Valerie and their entire family Gary Bowen died on Thursday November 26 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Barbara and their family May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer especially Rudy Kikel Annette Kulas Lisa Caputo Anthony Simboli Anne Frenette Handly Roseacutea Aubrey Robert Lupis Owen Kyes Mildred McLaughlin Brenna Smith Pilar Estrada Michalina Maniscalco Michael Patrick Kelly Mark Anderson Bill Downing Nimet Yousif Judy Gallo Skyler Stevenson Rob Morrissey Roberta McMann Silvana Franco Silvia Basagni Brian Donnelly Karen Thoresen Theresa Wier Bill Ahern Lisa Anzalone Lena Bryant Mary Silva Kenny Borum Kevin Joseph Pierre George Driscoll Quinn Amsler Rose Rizzo Bill Pennington Jillian Scalfani Lisa Cox Mary Curley Bryan Thomas Linda Jenkins Belle Marie Cosgrove Annie McGovern Rachel Fitzgerald Joanne DeMare Bob Carroll Ilene Katz Meghan Thomas Pettier John Morris Roques Linares Eric Wirtz Joseph Montoya Clive Cosham and Mark Edward McHugh

Welcome to Saint Cecilia We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered the Lashley-Bradley family of East Boston the Rocher family of Boston James Curley of Boston and Alan Heaslip of Boston If you have not previously registered with the parish there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at wwwstceciliabostonorg

BaptismsToday we celebrate baptism at the nine-thirty liturgy for Rose Junia daughter of Michael and Kaileen Bonner and little sister of Lily and Henry George son of Zach and Megan Bourque and little brother of Erin Annette and Ryan The Christian community welcomes you with great joy Rose and Henry

Morning PrayerWe will pray Morning Prayer this Saturday December 12 in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at nine All are welcome to attend

Gaudete SundayNext Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sundaya day marked by a joyful anticipation of the Christmascelebration Like Laetare Sunday in Lent the optionalliturgical color is rose Help add to our celebration bywearing something rosendashcolored to Mass next Sunday

Last 600 pm Evening Mass of 2015Next Sunday December 13 is the last six oclock Sundayliturgy before Christmas The six oclock liturgy willresume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord(January 3)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MarymdashPatronal Feast Day of the United StatesTuesday December 8 is the Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception and a holy day of obligation Many peopleconfuse the Immaculate Conception with the doctrineof the Virgin Birth (Marys virginal conception of Jesus)Tuesdays solemnity celebrates Marys ImmaculateConception that is our solemn belief that Mary thoughconceived in the normal way was preserved fromoriginal sin from the first moment of her conceptionThis solemnity occurs nine months before the feast ofthe Nativity of Mary which is celebrated on September8 Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 800 am and in the evening at 630 pm

Congratulations to Last Weeks Raffle WinnerCongratulations to our raffle winner from last Sunday Ryan Lowrey won the two VIP Patriots tailgate party packages A big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets

christmas liturgiesChristmas Eve I 400 amp 630 pm

Christmas Day I 930 amNew Years Day I 1000 am

5

saint cecilia parish

The advent wreathAdvent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions ofNorthern Europe Wreaths of evergreens were decoratedwith candles to symbolize life and light during the darkmonths of winter The circle of the wreath which hasno beginning or end symbolizes the eternity of GodEvergreens stay green all year and so signify continuouslife Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent We neednt worry about the colorsof the candles traditionally three violet candles andone rose candle are used but you may prefer to useall royal blue candles four violet candles or four whitecandles The symbol is the flame not the color EachSunday the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness life and hope

Tonight light the second candle sing a verse of OCome O Come Emmanuel rendashread part of todaysGospel and say a brief concluding prayer If youprefer here is a prayer that you can use

SECOND WEEKLight another violet candle During the rest of the weekthese candles are relit at the evening meal orwhenever you choose to do so

Jesus John the Baptist told the people If youhave two coats give one to someone else whodoesnt have any If you have food share it withsomeone else As we light this candle we rememberthat you bring the light of service into our lives May your Word be always in our mindson our lips and in our hearts

Amen

Little Blue Books for AdventThe Little Blue Books for the seasons of Advent andChristmastide are now available Consider spending sixminutes daily with these reflections based on theGospels for Cycle C These books are in baskets in therear of the church Please take one home and spendjust six minutes per day in reflection This is a great wayto keep Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lordat Christmas

ADVENT CANDLES for salemdashtodayAdvent has arrived so its the perfect time for theAdvent wreath We have said goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark inorder to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke

Advent began at sunset on Saturday November 28 so its time to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles one for each of the four Sundays of Advent Traditionally three violet candles and one rose candle are used but some people prefer to use blue which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns You could also use all white candles A nicecustom is to set-up the wreath on your dinner each evening In the next four bulletins well include a prayer of blessing that can be said during the lighting of the candle(s) We will be selling sets of Advent candles for $10 in the narthex today

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary In the back of the church youll 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 remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin Please be sure to PRINT clearly

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

4

Prayers amp Occasions Our DeceasedJimmy McManus died on Monday November 23 Pray for the repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Natalie and their family Daniel Kolander died on Tuesday November 24 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Steve and Valerie and their entire family Gary Bowen died on Thursday November 26 Pray for the eternal repose of his soul as well as for the consolation of Barbara and their family May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer especially Rudy Kikel Annette Kulas Lisa Caputo Anthony Simboli Anne Frenette Handly Roseacutea Aubrey Robert Lupis Owen Kyes Mildred McLaughlin Brenna Smith Pilar Estrada Michalina Maniscalco Michael Patrick Kelly Mark Anderson Bill Downing Nimet Yousif Judy Gallo Skyler Stevenson Rob Morrissey Roberta McMann Silvana Franco Silvia Basagni Brian Donnelly Karen Thoresen Theresa Wier Bill Ahern Lisa Anzalone Lena Bryant Mary Silva Kenny Borum Kevin Joseph Pierre George Driscoll Quinn Amsler Rose Rizzo Bill Pennington Jillian Scalfani Lisa Cox Mary Curley Bryan Thomas Linda Jenkins Belle Marie Cosgrove Annie McGovern Rachel Fitzgerald Joanne DeMare Bob Carroll Ilene Katz Meghan Thomas Pettier John Morris Roques Linares Eric Wirtz Joseph Montoya Clive Cosham and Mark Edward McHugh

Welcome to Saint Cecilia We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered the Lashley-Bradley family of East Boston the Rocher family of Boston James Curley of Boston and Alan Heaslip of Boston If you have not previously registered with the parish there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at wwwstceciliabostonorg

BaptismsToday we celebrate baptism at the nine-thirty liturgy for Rose Junia daughter of Michael and Kaileen Bonner and little sister of Lily and Henry George son of Zach and Megan Bourque and little brother of Erin Annette and Ryan The Christian community welcomes you with great joy Rose and Henry

Morning PrayerWe will pray Morning Prayer this Saturday December 12 in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at nine All are welcome to attend

Gaudete SundayNext Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sundaya day marked by a joyful anticipation of the Christmascelebration Like Laetare Sunday in Lent the optionalliturgical color is rose Help add to our celebration bywearing something rosendashcolored to Mass next Sunday

Last 600 pm Evening Mass of 2015Next Sunday December 13 is the last six oclock Sundayliturgy before Christmas The six oclock liturgy willresume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord(January 3)

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MarymdashPatronal Feast Day of the United StatesTuesday December 8 is the Solemnity of the ImmaculateConception and a holy day of obligation Many peopleconfuse the Immaculate Conception with the doctrineof the Virgin Birth (Marys virginal conception of Jesus)Tuesdays solemnity celebrates Marys ImmaculateConception that is our solemn belief that Mary thoughconceived in the normal way was preserved fromoriginal sin from the first moment of her conceptionThis solemnity occurs nine months before the feast ofthe Nativity of Mary which is celebrated on September8 Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 800 am and in the evening at 630 pm

Congratulations to Last Weeks Raffle WinnerCongratulations to our raffle winner from last Sunday Ryan Lowrey won the two VIP Patriots tailgate party packages A big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets

christmas liturgiesChristmas Eve I 400 amp 630 pm

Christmas Day I 930 amNew Years Day I 1000 am

5

saint cecilia parish

The advent wreathAdvent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions ofNorthern Europe Wreaths of evergreens were decoratedwith candles to symbolize life and light during the darkmonths of winter The circle of the wreath which hasno beginning or end symbolizes the eternity of GodEvergreens stay green all year and so signify continuouslife Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent We neednt worry about the colorsof the candles traditionally three violet candles andone rose candle are used but you may prefer to useall royal blue candles four violet candles or four whitecandles The symbol is the flame not the color EachSunday the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness life and hope

Tonight light the second candle sing a verse of OCome O Come Emmanuel rendashread part of todaysGospel and say a brief concluding prayer If youprefer here is a prayer that you can use

SECOND WEEKLight another violet candle During the rest of the weekthese candles are relit at the evening meal orwhenever you choose to do so

Jesus John the Baptist told the people If youhave two coats give one to someone else whodoesnt have any If you have food share it withsomeone else As we light this candle we rememberthat you bring the light of service into our lives May your Word be always in our mindson our lips and in our hearts

Amen

Little Blue Books for AdventThe Little Blue Books for the seasons of Advent andChristmastide are now available Consider spending sixminutes daily with these reflections based on theGospels for Cycle C These books are in baskets in therear of the church Please take one home and spendjust six minutes per day in reflection This is a great wayto keep Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lordat Christmas

ADVENT CANDLES for salemdashtodayAdvent has arrived so its the perfect time for theAdvent wreath We have said goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark inorder to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke

Advent began at sunset on Saturday November 28 so its time to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles one for each of the four Sundays of Advent Traditionally three violet candles and one rose candle are used but some people prefer to use blue which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns You could also use all white candles A nicecustom is to set-up the wreath on your dinner each evening In the next four bulletins well include a prayer of blessing that can be said during the lighting of the candle(s) We will be selling sets of Advent candles for $10 in the narthex today

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary In the back of the church youll 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 remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin Please be sure to PRINT clearly

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

5

saint cecilia parish

The advent wreathAdvent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions ofNorthern Europe Wreaths of evergreens were decoratedwith candles to symbolize life and light during the darkmonths of winter The circle of the wreath which hasno beginning or end symbolizes the eternity of GodEvergreens stay green all year and so signify continuouslife Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent We neednt worry about the colorsof the candles traditionally three violet candles andone rose candle are used but you may prefer to useall royal blue candles four violet candles or four whitecandles The symbol is the flame not the color EachSunday the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness life and hope

Tonight light the second candle sing a verse of OCome O Come Emmanuel rendashread part of todaysGospel and say a brief concluding prayer If youprefer here is a prayer that you can use

SECOND WEEKLight another violet candle During the rest of the weekthese candles are relit at the evening meal orwhenever you choose to do so

Jesus John the Baptist told the people If youhave two coats give one to someone else whodoesnt have any If you have food share it withsomeone else As we light this candle we rememberthat you bring the light of service into our lives May your Word be always in our mindson our lips and in our hearts

Amen

Little Blue Books for AdventThe Little Blue Books for the seasons of Advent andChristmastide are now available Consider spending sixminutes daily with these reflections based on theGospels for Cycle C These books are in baskets in therear of the church Please take one home and spendjust six minutes per day in reflection This is a great wayto keep Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lordat Christmas

ADVENT CANDLES for salemdashtodayAdvent has arrived so its the perfect time for theAdvent wreath We have said goodbye to the old liturgical year and set aside the Gospel of Mark inorder to welcome Cycle C and the Gospel of Luke

Advent began at sunset on Saturday November 28 so its time to begin thinking about an Advent wreath for home All you need is a circle of fresh greens and four candles one for each of the four Sundays of Advent Traditionally three violet candles and one rose candle are used but some people prefer to use blue which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns You could also use all white candles A nicecustom is to set-up the wreath on your dinner each evening In the next four bulletins well include a prayer of blessing that can be said during the lighting of the candle(s) We will be selling sets of Advent candles for $10 in the narthex today

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary In the back of the church youll 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 remembered will be published in the Christmas bulletin Please be sure to PRINT clearly

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

6

saint cecilia parish

PINE STREET INN ITEMS FOR SALEThis Sunday and until Christmas we will once again be selling Christmas cards to support the Pine Street Inn where Father John and several parishioners serve on the Board of Directors This is a wonderful way of supporting Pine Street Inns mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Bostonndashthemed Christmas cards with family and friends The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10 We will also be selling cutting boards made by people participating in Pine Streets job training and social enterprise program Boston Handyworks

AND THE BAND PLAYED ONThis Sunday at 115 pm the Saint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry will commemorate World AIDS Day with a screening of the 1993 film And the Band Played On The film is a docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode and is based on the best-selling 1987 non-fiction book And the Band Played On Politics People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts Shilts book chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the US governments indifference and political infighting over what was then perceived as a disease limited to the gay community The star-filled cast includes Matthew Modine Alan Alda Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin with cameos by Steve Martin Richard Gere Anjelica Huston and BD Wong The movie has a running time of 141 minutes

our aids memorial quiltToday we will observe World AIDS Day and will bless our AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging in the rear of the church The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt inspired by the NAMES Project which is now

based in Atlanta was first dedicated at the Jesuit Urban Center in November of 1995 and was later brought to Saint Cecilia It is a tapestry that binds us together and reminds us of those men and women our communities have lost to the AIDS virus In the mid-nineteen nineties members of the Jesuit Urban Centerrsquos Last Tuesday Dinner Program (a program founded to serve a nutritious dinner on the last Tuesday of each month to people living with HIVAIDS) came together to determine how best to honor the many wonderful people they loved who had died It was during this gathering that the idea of an AIDS Memorial Quilt was born A Jesuit scholastic who was stationed at the church at this time helped design this powerful visual reminder of so many lives cut short by the AIDS virus The Saint Cecilia AIDS Memorial Quilt is modeled after a full size quilt The bold primary colors used in the Quilt contrast with its solemn symbolism The Quilt evokes both Christian imagery and the memory of those who have died ldquoIHSrdquo is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus (IHSOUS) In ancient times this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ IHS is also featured in the Jesuit crest The red AIDS ribbon is looped through the ldquoHrdquo Each star circling around the central image represents someone from our community who died from AIDS

At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful during the eleven-fifteen Mass designated members of the assembly will come forward for the solemn reading of the 149 names inscribed on the Quilt The Rainbow Ministry will be sponsoring a reception in the Parish Hall after the eleven-fifteen Mass All are welcome

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

7

saint cecilia parish

Christmas Eve Choir InvitationWe asking for a one-time commitment of parishioners to sing in the choir for the Christmas Eve Liturgies at 400 pm amp 630 pm Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be

Thursday December 17 700 pmTuesday December 22 700 pm

Christmas Eve December 24 230 pm

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass or email him at RClarkstceciliabostonorg We look forward to hearing from you

Christmas Cookies NeededAs part of the parishrsquos commitment to supporting Nativity Prep we provide a monthly dinner for their evening study program This year with the addition of a fourth grade class and a bumper crop of tutors many from BC the dinners are a rollicking affair with upwards of 70 hungry diners Saint Ceciliarsquos is preparing dinner on December 7 and it would be great to arrive arms filled with Christmas treats If you can help out by bringing cookies or cupcakes to church on Sunday December 6 wersquod be delighted Contact Susan Donnelly at susan_donnellyharvardedu or drop off your treats in the narthex following the Masses Thank you

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALAGreater Boston Catholic Charities annual Christmas dinner gala will be held on Friday December 11 at 600 pm at the Seaport Hotel Boston Individual tickets for the gala are $500 All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Greater Boston Catholic Charities basic needs programs For more information or to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolthammondrecom

Thank youThe Saint Cecilia Pine Street Thanksgiving Dinner Committee wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fifth Annual Saint Cecilia Pine Street Inn Low Threshold Housing (LTH) Thanksgiving Dinner the best one to date The LTH tenants had a wonderful day and could feel the positive energy and community spirit from so many We are grateful to our parishioners who gave so generously of their time to help create such a wonderful celebration filled with delicious food warm friendship and smiling faces And a big thank you for the many donations we receivedmdashoranges apple cider bottled water and many gift cardsmdashall of which contributed to making this years dinner extra special We especially wish to thank Shane Manfred and his family for preparing and serving such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner to our guests

In the end reducing faith to political checklists can neither lift Christianity above the superficiality of bourgeois religion nor reverse the rapidly advancing disaffiliation of the young The only thing that can is recognizing Christian faith for what it ismdashtrust that God can really save us trust that the preaching and teaching of Jesus must be reckoned with in everything we do trust that we are really imago dei and destined for a much greater life than that of mere middle-class comfort St Augustinersquos words from the Confessions still hold ldquoYou have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in yourdquo

Brett C Hoover teaches theology at Loyola Marymount University This article is reprinted from the October 7 issue of Commonweal

(Article continued from page 14)

TWEETS FROM THE POPEWhere there is violence and hatred Christians are called to witness to

the God who is Love

The Jubilee Year of Mercy reminds us that God is waiting for us with open arms

just like the father of the prodigal son

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

8

saint cecilia parish

Christmas in Prison Help neededBridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime Though it is a hospital it is also very much a prison complete with barbed wire correction officers and prison food It can be one of the saddest and dreariest places on earth during the holiday season You can help to change that The Catholic chaplain Peg Newman a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia is collecting the following items to give to the men at Christmas

Pads of Lined Paper (85 x 11 NO WIRE) Long Envelopes Stick Deodorant Shampoo

Any of these items will be very much appreciated A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive They will put the items to good use but more important they will know that they are being thought of and cared about Your gift will be an expression of Gods love There is a bin in the back of the church where these items can be dropped off Please contact Peg with any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation (617 943-6511 peg3newmangmailcom)

In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me Matthew 2540

Commonweal Readers Discussion GroupThe movie Spotlight will be discussed at this monthrsquos Commonweal Readers Group The second part of the meeting will be a brief sharing by participants of favorite topics covered in recent issues The meeting will take place on Sunday December 13 at 100 pm in Classroom 4 If you are interested in the Commonweal Readers Group please contact Judy Castaldi at judycastaldihotmailcom

CHRISTMAS CONCERT RECEPTIONThursday December 10 | 700 pm

Our annual parish Christmas Concert featuringthe Copley Singers will be taking place this week Following the concert there

will be a gala reception in the Parish HallThis is one of the highlights of the year at

Saint Cecilia but we need quite a bit of helpto make it happen If you are able to assist with cooking and baking wed love to hear from you Please contact Caroline Geacutelinas

at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg if you would like to be part of this years hospitality team

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

Meet Fr Vin minusThe Gift of Family As the pastor of three parishes in Dorchester and Mattapan Fr Vinrsquos responsibilities are extraordinary While his daily work is a source of great joy itrsquos the love and devotion of a special sister named Connie that restores his spirit

When Fr Vinrsquos parents passed away he and his sister Eileen became the sole guardians of their disabled sister For Fr Vin being a brother and a priest for Connie is an immense blessing The unconditional love that he receives from Conniemdashespecially at the end of a busy daymdash continues to fill his heart with gratitude

Fr Vin selflessly dedicates his life in service to others This Christmas show your gratitude with a gift that cares for Fr Vin and the health and well-being of all the priests who faithfully serve our Archdiocese of Boston

Text the word PRIEST to 56512 or make a gift through your parish collection at Christmas Mass

Thank you for your generous support of the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

ldquoA priest whoever he may be is always another Christrdquo

-Saint Josemariacutea Escrivaacute

To submit your special intentions to be remembered by our senior priests during the celebration of Holy Mass at Regina Cleri each week please visit clergyfundsorgintentions

To watch a short video on Fr Vin and Connievisit clergyfundsorg

Clergy Health and Retirement Trust

Caring for the Well-Being of our Boston Priests

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

Prayer for Mercy for Refugees

Friday December 11 700pm

Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Church1545 Tremont St Boston

To begin this Year of Mercy all people of good will are invited to join with the Community of SantrsquoEgidio to pray for

the welcome of immigrants and refugees for refugeesrsquo safety and for peace in the lands from where they flee

For questions contact Kerri Maacutermol santegidiobostonmagmailcom

347-266-4152

The Community of SantrsquoEgidio is a movement of lay people dedicated to living out the Gospel through prayer solidarity with the poor and service towards peace wwwsantegidioorg

Community of SantrsquoEgidio

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

Saint Cecilia Parish Advent Giving Tree

Our annual Advent Giving Tree has arrived Your gift purchase will bring tidings of comfort and joy this Christmas to many childern single parents and seniors in our

neighborhood and agencies that support others throughout our city This year we have added more gift requests for clients living in Pine Street housing items for volunteer nurses

for a clinic in Haiti and a tags to help a few students who attend Nativity Prep School in Jamaica Plain There are also tags for people who have a special place in the life of our

parish For further information about each organization check the websites listed below and for Giving Tree information contact Ann Faldetta at anntenfouryahoocom

wwwbmcorgeldersathomehtm

wwwprohopeorg

wwwthehomeorgsitePageServerpagename=programs_waltham_houseVl7v6hgo7IV

wwwpinestreetinnorg

wwwccaborgq=node194

wwwnativitybostonorg

BC Nurses in Haiti wwwbceduschoolssonaboutusinternationalHaitihtml

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

12

saint cecilia parish

Prayer and Imagination MUSICA Presentation by Musician Paul MelleyDecember 9 I 700-830 pmSt Ignatius Church Chestnut Hill

Musichellipcan unveil a dimension of meaning and feeling a communication of ideas and intuitions which words alone cannot yieldrdquo (Music in Catholic Worship)

What we do with our voices and in music creates a setting for prayer and worship We express meaning more deeply in song St Ignatius invites us to encounter God with our imagination Music the song we create to praise God amplifies our prayer and shapes the imaginative space where we share in Godrsquos love for us You are invited to attend this and other programs in this series There is no charge for admission This program is part of an ongoing series which continues from January through April For more details please visit httpwwwbceducentersciseventshtml Sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Collaborative

46TH Annual MLK jrmemorial breakfastMonday January 18 2016 I 800 amBoston Convention amp Exhibition Center

The 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr MemorialBreakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of theRev Dr Martin Luther King Jr will be held on MondayJanuary 18 2016 at eight oclock This event features delicious food live music and a diverse gathering of over 1000 people including business civic and religious leaders from across Massachusetts This years event will feature a dynamic keynote address from the Dr Ruth Simmons 18th President of Brown University who will be awarded the True Compass Award 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 office or endashmail Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg If youve attended this breakfast before you know what a moving and hopendashfilled way this is to commemorate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Advent Giving Tree Questions and Answers

plusmn When are the gifts due o Gifts are due by 700 pm on Sunday December 13 o If gifts are received after Dec 13th there is no guarantee that they will be delivered in time for Christmas

plusmn Do I wrap the gift All gifts should be wrapped with the tag securely attached EXCEPT gifts for Project Hope

plusmn How many tags may I take As many as you wish ndash but PLEASE do not take tags unless you intend to buy and return the gift Every tag is for a person or an agency waiting for that gift

plusmn Can I buy more than what is listed on the tag to make the gift more special Yes

plusmn What if the gift is too expensive For higher priced items you can purchase a gift card from the store most likely to have the gift The recipient can use the gift card toward the purchase

plusmn If there is no amount on the Gift Card how much should it be The recommended amount is $25 however any amount is appreciated

plusmn I lost the tag ndash what should I do Contact Ann at anntenfouryahoo

plusmn The item I chose is out of stock What should I do You can purchase a gift card at the store most likely to have the item You can enclose a note to the recipient if you wish

plusmn Can I bring the gifts to church on another day besides Sunday Yes but please call first to make sure someone is available to receive the gift

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

13

saint cecilia parish

Advent Soul CleansingTuesday December 15 I 700-900 pm

We had rave reviews from this event last month so wersquore bringing it back quickly by demand We will pray the Rosary and the sacrament of confession will be available with Fr Ryan Duns throughout Wersquoll sing a few songs and have time to reflect on readings and meditations Community Servings Friday December 18 I 500-700 pm 10 Marbury Terrace Jamaica Plain

Help pack up meals that are given to the homebound with an acute life-threatening illness in the Boston area They serve over 9600 meals each week and rely on volunteers to make that happen

Holy Hour Happy Hour Sunday December 20Taize Prayer - 600 pm I Happy Hour ndash 715 pm

Wersquore pumped to be able to participate in Taize prayer this month as therersquos no 600 pm Mass that day Then wersquoll head to test out a new spot for happy hour ndash at the Back Bay Social Club (867 Boylston St) Dressy Christmas attire encouraged

SCYA Ski Trip January 29-31 2016Killington VT

Included in the price are a two-day ski pass for Kil-lington Mountain (which alone is $194) lodging (shared rooms) gas money food and drinks ndash all for a total price of $310 You can also get free rentals and a free lesson if you want First come first served to the first 15 to PayPal $310 to ckc1025gmailcom after 800 am on December 6 and who fill out the registration form (email scyoungadultsgmailcom for access) Preference given to drivers

Are you between 21-40 years old looking for some Catholic community at St Cs Join the listserv by

emailing scyoungadultsgmailcom

piLGRIMAGE ON THE CAMINO de sANTIAGO de COMPOSTELA pilgrimageverb the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth Join Nancy NeeHanifin for a series of presentations on the Camino deSantiago de Compostela In 2010 she walked the 500miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James On herreturn she founded the Boston Chapter of the AmericanPilgrims on the Camino mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015 The meeting will cover the history of the Camino traditions and practical planning for a possible facilitated pilgrimage in spring or fall of 2016 The Camino can be seen as an extended moving retreat offering tremendous opportunities for meditative walking reflection and introspection A pilgrimage journey is the most graphic reminder we can have that our life as a whole is a pilgrimage Each of us is on a journey with God and a journey to God The next meeting will be held on Wednesday December 16 at 700-800 pm in the Parish Hall The topic of this meeting will be Camino Primitivo For those who have already walked the Camino Frances and are anxious to try another route The Primitivo starts in Oviedo the capital of ancient Asturias It is known as The Original Way to Santiago because it is from Oviedo that King Alfonso II left to verify the discovery of the remains of St James Nancy walked this most ancient route this past September For more details and to rsvp please e-mail Nancy at nancyneehanifingmailcom

SAINT Cs YOUNG ADULTS

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

14

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

More than thirty years ago in The Emergent Church the progressive German theologian Johann Metz inquired into the decline of church attendance in Europe Metz argued that the emptying of the churches was the direct result of a watering-down of religious tradition reflecting the rise of what he called ldquobourgeois religionrdquomdasha comfortable middle-class Christianity that asked nothing of its adherents

Today Metzrsquos critique has wandered across the political and theological spectrum to the religious right with conservative religious commentators routinely blaming the watering-down of Christian faith for deepening declines in churchgoing But unlike Metz who defined ldquowatered-downrdquo as a dilution of the Gospelrsquos social conscience and concern for the poor these critics worry about the weakening of traditional sexual ethics and a casual attitude toward church teaching and law There is even a school of sociologists of religion who arguemdashwith some justificationmdashthat stricter and more traditional churches elicit higher attendance

Having sat in the pew at various middle-class parishes in recent years I find it hard not to feel that Christian faith has in fact gotten a bit watered down How else would one feel after hearing a priest give a sermon on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus without mentioning the responsibility of the rich for the poor or listening to a scholar present data on how students at Catholic colleges see absolutely no connection whatsoever between spirituality and sexual behavior Yet I do not believe that the problemmdashas some arguemdashis that priests parents and religious-education teachers are soft-pedaling dogmatic formulas and sexual ethics In seminaries today it is often asserted that people do not obey Catholic teaching because they do not really know and appreciate it I find it just as likely that people may simply not agree

My deeper fear is that middle-class people have grown accustomed to superficial religion We go to Mass on Sunday (or not) greet one another over coffee and

donuts complain about how busy we are and go home without ever concerning ourselves with the transformative power of the Gospelmdasheither for our own transformation or that of our society and our world There is little expectation that we ought to attend to the things that exemplary Christians from St Paul to Mother Teresa have always attended to personal conversion an ever deeper spirituality a more comprehensive and nuanced theology a more complete imitation of Christ in our personal and social lives

The undergraduate students I teach have certainly noticed this and many of them perhaps a majority have opted out of organized religion entirely Social scientists from Robert Putnam to Michael Hout argue that they are doing so because they have learned to associate religious faith with opposition to same-sex marriage and a roster of other conservative political issues In other words they are turning away from a version of the faith that poses these issues as the litmus test for identifying as a Christian (never mind belief in the divinity of Christ or the Holy Trinity a sacramental sensibility or an eschatological hope for a just world) Asked to choose between religious faith and support for their gay friends or aunts they choose the latter

In rejecting religion on these grounds these young people have effectively accepted the truncated view of Christianity put forth by the religious rightmdashand in the process are missing the spiritual breadth doctrinal depth and multiple moral demands of a religious tradition After all political positions (such as opposing state-mandated contraception coverage a recent favorite) actually impose relatively small demands on a follower of Christ Such stands cannot compare to the life commitments summed up in the fiat of the Virgin Mary the first disciples leaving everything to follow Jesus St Francis shedding his fatherrsquos clothes in the piazza or even Pope Francisrsquos cry against spiritual isolation toward a ldquoculture of encounterrdquo

Last Word Watered Down or Dried Up

By BRETT C HOOVER

(Article continues on page 7)

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

15

saint cecilia parish

Prison and After Needs HelpEvery Monday night for the past three and a half years a dedicated group of parishioners has been providing a support group and dinner from 600 until 800 for the men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison In order to sustain this wonderful ministry the group needs two kinds of help

Financial - The dinner program is funded solely by contributions from parishioners Each dinner costs approximately $300 Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday or mailed to the parish office Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with Prison and After written in the memo line

Hands On - We have a team of wonderful parishioners who gather every Monday evening from 530-900 We are looking for an additional two or three parishioners to join our group Also we are always delighted when a group a family or an individual volunteers to cook a meal for the group If you are interested in joining our group or making a meal please email Peg Newman at peg3newmangmailcom

Seeking a housesitterLooking for a housesitter A very actively involved fellow parishioner is willing to house sit for someone going away for the winter (dates flexible) She would be happy to pay utilities If interested please contact Caroline Geacutelinas at cgelinasstceciliabostonorg

Housing for returned missioner A Catholic lay missioner after serving over 3 years with a Bolivian womens cooperative is looking for a long-term housesitting or other similarly independent and expense-reducing opportunity near MBTA while she transitions back to Boston (near MBTA) For info please contact Caroline Geacutelinas (cgelinasstceciliabostonorg)

DONE TIMEMen who have been incarcerated are invited to join the Prison amp After group which is designed to provide participants with a sense of welcome and support The meetings are held on Monday evenings from 600 to 800 pm in the Parish Hall We will begin with a group session followed by a simple meal For info contact Peg Newman at scprisonandaftergmailcom

are you friendly amp smiley Are you a warm and friendly person who loves to meet fellow parishioners with a smile If so we would love to have you join the Greeters We are always searching for more parishioners to help with this ministry Greeters are needed for all of the liturgies but especially for the Sunday 600 pm liturgy One can specify Mass frequency or any other availability concerns all of which can be accommodated If interested in helping out please contact Christina Searby at scgreetersgmailcom PARA SWIM OPPORTUNITIESLaura Dennison parishioner and swimmer extraordinaire is excited to announce an awesome opportunity for athletes with disabilities - both kids and adults - involving identification and development of para swimmers She has been working with the Paralympic Sport Club Boston SWIMMING to make sure that masters swimmers with disabilities are incorporated as part of her role as para athlete chair for New England Masters PSC BOSTON SWIMMING is a weekly swim training competition and support group for swimmers of all ages and levels of skill development (and their coaches) They meet on Sundays (from September 27) through March 20 (200-400 pm) at Clark Athletic Center Pool-UMassBoston For more info please contact Laura at lmdennisongmailcom or visit wwwadaptivesportsneorg Lets get more athletes with disabilities in the water

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

16

saint cecilia parishSAINT CECILIA PARISH

Today as so many of us gather with family and friends letrsquos take a moment to think about those who often donrsquot know where their next meal will come from

A recent fall day at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry in Dorchester found 375 people seeking food assistance mdash usually a grocery bag with enough food to feed a family of four for a few days Thatrsquos more than double the typical number for this time of year And the face of hunger in our community is changing We are seeing more young people than ever before people who despite maintaining jobs and often pursuing higher education are unable to afford their increasing rents utility bills and student debt and still have enough money left for food

Herersquos a glimpse of our reality Recently a college-educated couple in their early 30s mdash letrsquos call them Ben and Sarah mdash came seeking food assistance for their five children They had been able to meet their expenses until Ben lost his job Although Sarahrsquos pay is too high for the family to qualify for state or federal assistance including food support the couple is now struggling to meet their rent and expenses for basic necessities

For families like these Catholic Charities which computes eligibility for benefits based on family expenses and not just on income is often a last resort

And there are more and more like them

The rate of food insecurity in our state is higher than ever Currently one in eight people here donrsquot know where their next meal will come from according to Feeding America which supplies food to local organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank Even with the economy recovering that hasnrsquot changed

according to state data on food insecurity

The situation is similar nationally with more than 10 million working families in the United States not earning enough to cover basic expenses such as food according to a recent brief by the Working Poor Families Project a national initiative dedicated to workforce development policies

In Massachusetts wages are not keeping up with high rental costs forcing too many families to straddle a line between self-sufficiency and dependency Young people ages 25 to 35 who make up an increasingly large portion of this population put off going back to school because of fears of student debt and the need to provide for themselves or their families Ben for example was forced to drop out of a masterrsquos program that would have increased his familyrsquos income

No one should come home after a long day of work and wonder how they will be able to feed their family dinner We must extend the safety net of support to capture the growing segment of the population that is struggling economically but doesnrsquot qualify for traditional state and federal support Additional funding for food rental and utility assistance will help those in need in the short term Longer term we must increase the minimum wage provide more affordable housing and advocate for student-loan reforms

The young working poor are not just our neighbors They are part of the future of our state Letrsquos make the Commonwealth a place where the next generation can live with dignity and come to thrive

Deborah Kincade Rambo LICSW is president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston and a Saint Cecilia parishioner

The growing problem of food insecurity

By DEBORAH KINCADE RAMBO

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Parish RESOURCESParish Office amp Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street Boston MA 02115Hours | MondayndashFriday 900 amndash600 pmPhone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | infostceciliabostonorgWebsite | wwwstceciliabostonorg

Parish StaffRev John J Unni PastorMark Donohoe Pastoral Associate for Administration mdonohoestceciliabostonorgScott J MacDonald Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development smacdonaldstceciliabostonorgJeanne Bruno Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach jbrunostceciliabostonorgRichard J Clark Director of Music and Organist rclarkstceciliabostonorgCaroline Geacutelinas Executive AssistantcgelinasstceciliabostonorgMaureen Sullivan Special Projects Managermsullivanstceciliabostonorg

Assisting ClergyRev Arthur M CalterRev Ryan Duns SJRev Thomas Gariepy CSCRev Peter Grover OMVRev James Shaughnessy SJRev George Winchester SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday Thursday amp Friday | 800 amLordrsquos Day | Sat 500 pm Sun 800 930 1115 am 600 pmHoly Days | 800 am and 630 pm

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer as announced Please check the bulletin for dates and times

ReconciliationAvailable at St Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221) St Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117) and St Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440) Please call for scheduled times

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 For more information please contact Scott MacDonald

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month For more information please contact Mark Donohoe

Faith Formation for ChildrenTo register your child for our Faith Formation Program please contact Scott MacDonald

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 Godrsquos 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 (loisflahertygmailcom) Maria Roche (mariaroche15gmailcom) Letitia Howland (l_howlandhotmailcom) or Erin Young (erintyounggmailcom) if you have any questions or concernsThe 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 DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator

Sunday ParkingReduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at the Prudential Center south side garage (Huntington entrance only $14 up to 4 hrs $20 up to 5 hrs) and at the Hilton Boston Back Bay ($5) Be sure to have a greeter validate your parking ticket before returning to your car

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia For more information contact stceciliarainbowministrygmailcom

Joining Our CommunityWersquore happy that yoursquore with us Our community offers a warm spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics We come from many neighborhoods 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 gathering space