Second Sunday of Easter 23 April 2017

The Incredulity of Saint ThomasCaravaggio (c. 1601-1602)

Saint Cecilia

P A R I S H

Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish, a Roman Catholic community that gathers day by day, week by week, to know and make known the grace of God. By means of this abundant grace, we enjoy a diverse and close-knit parish family—young, old, rich, poor, of various ethnic origins and differing backgrounds. From our extraordinary music program to a growing children’s faith formation program; from the various liturgical ministries to the many opportunities for social outreach that the parish provides, Saint Cecilia is a vibrant community of faith, centered on prayer and worship that tries to keep the Gospel close to heart and to live by Jesus’ teachings.

Saint Cecilia Parish was established in 1888. At that time the Back Bay section of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street was the residential section of the Yankee aristocracy. The maids (“Irish working out girls”) and coachmen who served these residents had long requested a church of their own. When Archbishop Williams granted their request and carved the parish from the territory of the Cathedral, they built a magnificent church out of their meager earnings.

The church was dedicated on April 22, 1894. Its architecture is Romanesque, XII Century Norman. The main altar, notable for its massive simplicity, was carved from a single block of white Carrara marble. The painting in the center reredos is a reproduction of da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the dome above is an array of 24K gold rosettes.

For the sixtieth anniversary celebration in 1954, a massive renovation project was under-taken. During this renovation, a statue of Pope Saint Pius X (canonized that same year) was imported from Italy and placed on the right side of the sanctuary. Above the statue are paintings from Pius’ life. On the left side is a statue of Saint Patrick, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Boston, and above it are three scenes from his life.

Fourteen circular and sixteen square panels adorn the nave and arches of the church. The square panels are decorated with the symbols of Our Lady taken from the Litany of Loreto and the circular ones with symbols taken from the lives of the apostles. The great window of the Assumption—framed by the two oak cases of the organ—was installed in 1954 (the Marian Year) in spaces originally designed for windows but not until then used.

The original organ of 24 stops was built in 1902 by the Hutchings-Votey Organ Company, Opus 1465, and was rebuilt in 1954 with 32 stops. In 1998, Timothy Smith and Theodore Gilbert began a massive reconstruction of the organ. The current Smith & Gilbert Organ of 4 manuals, 50 ranks, and 2,926 pipes was dedicated on the Feast of Saint Cecilia, November 22, 1999.

Today we are experiencing something of an awakening within these old walls. We recently completed a major renovation, our numbers are increasing, and we continue to grow in our commitment to issues of peace, justice, and service to our neighbors, both near and far.

We’ve been right here on Belvidere Street, in the same building for 127 years, but that does not mean that life here is stale, stagnant, or even predictable. We are proud to be entrusted with the legacy of Saint Cecilia Parish, where everything is the same, yet always changing; where we honor tradition while embracing the future; where God’s love makes all things new.

Welcome!

Saint Cecilia Parish is pleased to present

An Evening with

James Martin, SJ

Encountering Jesus:Meeting the Jesus of History

and the Christ of Faith

Copies of Father Martin’s books will be on sale this evening. Following the presentation Father Martin will be available to sign books.

James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor-at-large of America and bestselling author of many books including Jesus: A Pilgrimage and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. He is a frequent

commentator on religion in the national and international media.

18 Belvidere Street | Boston | 617.536.4548 | www.stceciliaboston.org

This event is free and open to the public

Monday, April 24, 2017at 7:30 p.m.

Saint Cecilia ChurchBoston

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday | 5:00 p.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrantLaura Orrell, lector

Sunday | 8:00 a.m.Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ, celebrantLouvere Walker, lector

Sunday | 9:30 a.m.Rev. John J. Unni, celebrantChristopher Egan, Letitia Howland, & Mary Ann Hinsdale, IHM, lectors

Sunday | 11:15 a.m. Rev. Michael Simone, SJ celebrantJennifer Polley, Michael Lake, & Joe Castellano, lectors

Sunday | 6:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ, celebrantNatasha Pierre & Laura Martin, lectors

today’s readingsActs of the Apostles 2:42-471 Peter 1:3-9John 20:19-31

next sunday’s ReadingsActs of the Apostles 2:14, 22-331 Peter 1:17-21Luke 24:13-35

special intentions

Sunday, April 23 | 9:30 a.m.Madeline & Henry Reeves, Memorial

Sunday April 23 | 6:00 p.m.José Mayo & Tina García, Memorial

Archana Vamanrao was baptized in the Easter waters. Alleluia!

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

4

our community news

Please join us for coffee and doughnuts after the

9:30 and 11:15 Masses. All are welcome to attend.

Prayers & Occasions

Our DeceasedOur dear friend Father Arthur M. Calter died on Easter Sunday. Pray for the eternal repose of Father Calter and for the consolation of his family and our parish com-munity. He will be sorely missed. May his soul 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 Annette Kulas, Anthony Simboli, Roséa Aubrey, Pilar Estrada, Mildred McLaughlin, Pam Phillips, Brenna Smith, Mark Ander-son, Bill Downing, Skyler Stevenson, Silvana Franco, Silvia Basagni, Brian Donnelly, Theresa Wier, Bill Ahern, Lena Bryant, Kenny Borum, George Driscoll, Mary Curley, Bill Pennington, Bryan Thomas, Joanne DeMare, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bob Carroll, John Morris, Mark Edward McHugh, Jean Hughes, Laura Bellias, Angelo Valente, Eugenia Valente, Betty Sellers, Jack Kacewicz, Daniel Grapski, Nancy Wolterman, Callie Boyce, Bill Croke, Mary Chisholm, Brian Burdette, Chuck Christian, John Pelletier, Tim Postma, Mau-reen Kelly, Mary Maciora, Stephanie Brown, Bob But-ler, Mary Dupont, Mary Jacobs, Francesca Stanizzi, Hilary Dillon, Paul Lakschewitz, Pam Phillips, Mer-edith Deignan, Louise Reohr, Jacy-Lyn Poland, Tom O'Keefe, Claire Smith, Gerard Franchi, Annie Fla-herty, Joe Rivieccio, Pamela Massey, Mary Sullivan, Lyn Scalfani, Marguerite Flavin, and Lucy Donohue.

Welcome to Saint Cecilia ParishWe are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered: Stephen Pope of West Roxbury, Paula Noonan of West Roxbury, the Christophersen Family of East Boston, Elizabeth Feld of Boston, Joseph LaVerde of Boston, Sean Lavin of Boston, and Elizabeth Gallinaro of Cambridge. If you have not previously registered with the parish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at www.stceciliaboston.org.

Happy Anniversary!This week we celebrate the baptismal anniversary ofMary Ann Hinsdale, IHM who was baptized on April27. May the Lord continue to bless Sr. Mary Ann with the grace to live out her baptismal call. Happy Feast Day, Sr. Mary Ann!

Powerful Good Friday ReflectionDuring the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, a powerful and moving reflection was delivered by parishioner Dennis Heaphy. At the request of many, it is printed on pages 19 & 20.

Second CollectionThis week’s second collection supports three important national Catholic missions. The Military Archdiocese col-lection provides for Catholic chaplains throughout the world for American servicemen and servicewomen. The Home Missions collection subsidizes the evangelization and formation activities of mission dioceses. The Black and Native American collection strengthens evange-lization and outreach programs that serve the Native American, Alaska Native, and Black Catholic communi-ties in the United States. For more information, pleasevisit www.milarch.org, www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/catholichome-missions-appeal/index.cfm, and blackandindianmission.org/.

Our Neophytes and Fully InitiatedAt the Easter Vigil we celebrated the initiation of a new Christian in the Easter waters. Archana Vamanrao professed her faith in Christ and was baptized, con-firmed, and welcomed to the Eucharistic table for the first time. She is now known as a “neophyte,” from the Greek word for “newly planted.” During these fifty days of Easter, it is our task to nurture her faith and to help her feel welcome and supported. We are also called to support those who were received into the full com-munion of the Catholic Church: Megan Alves, Gustavo Barasz, Durante Barringer, and Theodore Green (all previously baptized in other Christian traditions), were confirmed and welcomed to the table of the Lord. Brandon Auletta, Rosanna Anziani, and Anneliese Ryan were previously baptized in the Catholic Church and were confirmed and received Holy Communion for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Please keep these men and women in your prayer as they begin the period known as “mystagogia.” Mystagogia is an ancient Greek word meaning, “education in the mysteries.” Christian believers in the first century used the word mystagogia to describe the period of continuing spiritual instruc-tion following the celebration of the initiation rites.

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

5

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

The Abruzzi FamilyFr. Jean-Marie Adubangho Chuvi,

A.A.Catherine AloisiLeslie AmadonTony Andrade

Catherine J. AylwardMaria Barbosa

Mr. & Mrs. BarbosaJoanne Bean

Graham BirkettPat Booth

Chuck & Betty BotoshThe Brooks Family

Gary J. BowenKen Baughman

John BraitJane C. Brown Costigan

Mary BradleyEdward & Ersilia Baur

Gerard & Patricia BrennanGeorge A. Brown Jr.

Sergio BruUrsula Bruer

Francisco BucasasThe Bufalini Family

The Burda-Charland FamilyThomas Byron

Samuel C. CallisMichael CapitulaJohn Alan Cates

John A. CappellanoBernadette Charles

Olita ChérestalMs. Mee-Na Choo

Mr. Jong-Joo ChungAnne Coleman

John & Dorothy CollinsThomas Patrick Collins

Samuel & Jaconda ColucccioDelia & Michael Conlon

James P. CostiganDenis Cote

Susanne E. CoyneThomas & Ann Coyne

Robert CrawfordEdward & Lorraine Creamer

Maureen Cullen YadilDaniel G. CurleyDaniel T. Curley

Mr. & Mrs. Saheed W. Dahar Sr.Peter Dalton

Donald & Suzanne DanielLindi Daniel

The Demers FamilyMrs. Mary Dennehy Anzivino

Mrs. Barbara Dennehy RacicotMr. & Mrs. Philip F. Dennehy Sr.

Kathy DevinAgnes H. DillonJames T. Dillon

Susan DillonWalter Doherty

Edward Doyle, U.S.M.C.Dr. Thomas Durant

Stephen EllisAlfonsina FaldettaJohn P. FaldettaMary Faldetta

Tony, Ann & John FarinelliThe Fatovich Family

Mary FazioEarl Fennelly

Robert FennellyEmma FischerSophia Fiske

Mary FitzgeraldLorraine FitzpatrickMarguerite Flavin

Mary FletcherMichael & Delia FlynnThomas & Judy Flynn

Stephen FolanArthur Fornier

The Franchi FamilyKimberly Vanessa Francis

Nora FrankDonald Frost Jr.Donald Frost Sr. Ruth M. Frost

Harold Fuller, U.S.M.C.Thomas & Mary Gannon

Manicie GarilusRudy Garza

Arthur Aloysius GeenPaul Edward Geen

Winifred GensLee & Tony Gentile

William & Anne GilesMr & Mrs. Charles Goodman Sr.

Mary & John GreeneMaria Olivieri Hakansson

Bryce HallRev. Brendan Harnett

Margaret HarrisNancy HeaslipCharles Heaslip

Leah HoltonTom Holton

Bryce HoltonEdmond & Agnes Horsley

Carol HowlandRichard Howland

William & Mary KeithBelvin & June KishbaughElmer & Bernice Kissinger

Dorothy IgrasVirginia and Christopher Iannella

Margaret ImmermannBoyd Jefferies

George & Rita KaneAngela & Louis Karpowich

Robert KenneyArline Kershaw

Brig. Gen. Leo A. KileyJohn Kiley

Nadia & Joseph KileySylvia & Barry KuzmikRene & Dottie L’Abbe

Deceased members of the Lafond and Raboin Families

George E. LakschewitzMargaret & George Lakschewitz

Pamela LemaKenny Liebling

Easter Flowers

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Claire & Joseph LippoltAlice Littleton

Barbara & John MacDonaldEugene A. MacdonaldPatricia J. Macdonald

Rev. Kenneth MacdonaldMary MacEvoy

Ilda, Peter, & Paul MaguireMary McNeillFred Maglero

The Mahoney FamilyGerry & Bridie Maloney

The Mancini FamilyMary Marino

Joseph MarinoNana & Da Marshall

Fred Marshall, U.S.A.Marie Martino

Bro. Edmond Masumbuko Saliboko, A.A.

Alexander & Josephine MathurineMary J. McCarthyNorma McGrody

Helen Foley MesnerJeff Monroe

John McLaughlinWilliam McNallyRobert MensonJoe Michalski

George MoralesBeverly Morris

Francis X. & Margaret MorseDorothy MullinFrank Mullin

Frank Mullin, U.S.M.C.John and Kathleen Mullen

Billy MullinMarilyn Murphy

Harry Francisco NajarianIvan NazarioDick Neiderer

Dorothy NelsonPeter Nesbitt

Marian & Irma NicoliniGrace Nisbet

Sr. Jeanette Normandin, S.S.A.Thomas & Eileen O’Gara

Sr. Helena Eugenia Ogden, R.A.C. Anthony OlivieriEleanor O’Rourke

Cristobal PaezElena Paez

Maria Cristina Campo do PaezPlacido Paez

Ernesto PalermoBob PattersonApolonio Peña

John & Phyllis PiraniEileen Plenge

Lisa Potts PolitoJulia Powell

Mary Powell RichardsonAbe Pressman

Jim & Sadie PriceWilliam & Janet Reilly

Cecilia RileyRichard ReillyGeoff ReillyDonald Reilly

Alfred Reilly Sr.Alfred Reilly Jr.

Stephanie & Michael J. RemoRichard RodriguezGrace RomasantaAngelo Roppolo

Margaret RoppoloEdgar & Josephine RoyRobert M. Russell Jr.

Anna & William SheehanPaul & Mary Siebert

Barbara SalamyFreda Salamy

Patrick SandersMadeline Schmando

Marvin ScottJudy Scott

Evelyn ScottEleanor & John Senatore

Susan ShaughnessyBetsey, John, & Peter Shatswell

Mrs. Soon-Ok Bae SonMr. Kyung-Seok Son

Mr. Pil-Yun SonLynn Ann StantonDorothy Starzyk

William Starzyk Jr.Mary & Arthur Sullivan

Daniel E. SullivanMary Kay SullivanVirginia V. SullivanJoan SutherlandSusan R. Szum

John & Ann TelencioAdelaide Thisse

Marguerite Thisse HarrisSuzanne Cole Trombley

Valarie TrombleyFrank J. Unni

Maria A. ValadaoManuel J. ValadaoGregg VanNostrandBrian VanNostrand

Andrew J. Veneto Sr.Angie & Franky Vererame

Elizabeth VolkAnne Volk

The Waldron & Sekula FamiliesMarie Walley

Francis Walley Jr.Thomas Walsh

Walter & May-Soon YeeRobert YobaccioNimette Yousif

Mr. John Zekas Dennehy

8

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday marked the 123rd anniversary of the dedica-tion of Saint Cecilia Church. On Sunday, April 22, 1894, Saint Cecilia was dedicated during a solemn Pontifcal Mass. The Most Rev. F. Satolli, the papal delegate to the United States, came from Washington, D.C. to assist in the ceremonies. Also in attendance were Rev. Richard J. Barry (first rector of Saint Cecilia), Archbishop John Williams (fourth Bishop of Boston and first Archbishop of Boston), Rt. Rev. John Brady (first Auxiliary Bishop of Boston), as well as many priests from other parishes in the archdiocese. Remember in prayer our forebears who sacrifced and gave of themselves to make this church a house of welcome and prayer for generations of citizens of Boston and its environs. Pray also that we will continue to be good stewards of this holy place.

April is CHILD ABUSEPREVENTION MONTH

The best way to protect our children and our church is for adults to learn red flag behaviors and to report concerns to supervisors. This creates a culture of pro-tection. Sign up for a safe environment training even if you are not required. Local trainings throughout the diocese can be found at www.bostoncatholic.org.

Wisdom and MatureSpirituality Group

Are you someone in the second half of life who is interested in refecting on your interior life and grow-ing spiritually? If you are, join our Wisdom and Mature Spirituality Group today from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Room in the Parish Pastoral Center.

Our April meeting topic is Forgiveness. Fr. Richard Rohr invites us to consider that "the ability to 'transcend and include' is the sign of a higher or deeper level of consciousness - cac.org/see-everything-judge-little-forgive-much-2017-01-31/

Thank You, Volunteers!

Many thanks to the wonderful volunteers who helped throughout Holy Week—with the liturgies and the Eas-ter Vigil reception. The Holy Week liturgies were cel-ebrated beautifully once again this year, with so many gathering together in prayer and devotion. The Easter Vigil reception was a festive way to celebrate following the First Mass of Easter and to give a warm welcome to our newest members. We are so grateful for your generous hearts and hands!

Get excited parishioners! Next Sunday April 30 after the 9:30 and 11:15 Masses we will have the opportunity to en-joy a new variety of coffee and pastries! The three types of pastries will be provided by Haley House, a local eatery that assists the most vulnerable in our community, and the three types of coffee will be brewed by Equal Exchange, a sustainable, fair trade, organic coffee company. This is a unique chance to try something new and to explore the possibility of a partnership with these two organizations. There will be opinion cards provided so you can let us know which treats you most enjoyed. Coffee and pastries are limited, so it will be on a first come first serve basis. Who knows, we may see these businesses in our parish again soon!

Calling All Coffee Lovers

Equal ExchangeEqual Exchange has created Big Change for over 25 years. It all started with an idea: what if food could be traded in a way that is honest and fair, a way that empowers both farmers and consumers? So the founders took a big risk and plunged full-force into changing a broken food system. In 1986, they started with fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua and have since branched out to tea, chocolate, bananas, and other foods.

Haley HouseA social enterprise encompassing a full-service café, catering, and wholesale business, offering healthful, organic, af-fordable fare in the heart of Roxbury’s Dudley Square with extensive communi-ty-initiated programs benefiting the en-tire community, including:

• Take back the Kitchen• Transitional Employment Program• Art is Life itself!• Art Gallery

Prison and After Needs Help

Every Monday night for the past five years, a dedi-cated group of parishioners has been providing a sup-port group and dinner from 6:00 to 8:00 for men who are returning to the community after serving time in prison. This ministry has been supported by the gener-ous donations of Saint Cecilia parishioners. Each dinner costs approximately $250. Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark or Scott any Sunday, placed in the collection basket clearly labeled "Prison and After" or mailed to: Saint Cecilia Church, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115. Checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Church with Prison and After written in the memo line.

Calling all Cooks!

Do you enjoy cooking? Might you occasionally be able to contribute a meal to a family who would truly benefit from it? Our growing Young Families group is looking for parishioners who would be willing to prepare and de-liver meals to parents welcoming a new child into their families. This is a flexible commitment that allows you to participate as much or as little as your schedule al-lows. If you are interested, please e-mail Aubrey Hartnett (aubreymarie.cc@gmail.com) for more information.

Join Camp COASA! (Children of Al-coholism and Substance Abuse )

When: July 24-July 28, 2017 Where: The Labouré Center 275 West Broadway, South Boston

Open to children, ages 8-16. Robert F. Kennedy Chil-dren’s Action Corps and Catholic Charities’ Labouré Center are co-hosting a week-long summer program for children living with the stress of alcohol and/or other substance use disorders at home or within the family. Morning session includes meditation and reflection, and educational support groups teaching children about ad-diction, how to express and deal with their feelings, and how to develop coping skills. Afternoons will be spent on fun surprise adventures. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. There is a required Family Night registration on Wednesday, July 19 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Labouré Center for all those who wish to participate in the camp. For more information or to sign up for the program, please contact Maureen McGlame at (617) 272-5039 or mmcglame@rfkchildren.org. There is no cost to attend this program. A good time is guaranteed! Space is limited so please register early.

9

saint cecilia parish

Newbie Coffee HourSunday, April 23 I After the 11:15 a.m. MassSaint Cecilia Parish Hall

New to town? Never been to a young adult event? Come join us for a donut and coffee after Mass where we'll gather to explain what the Young Adult Group is all about and give you a chance to meet some other new folks. No RSVP required.

Prison and After MinistryApril 24, May 8, May 22 I 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Saint Cecilia Parish Hall

A team of six volunteers is needed to bring large quantities of food to feed men who are getting on their feet after prison.

Earth Day Charles River Cleanup!Saturday, April 29 I 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.On the Esplanade (exact location TBD)

Join over 3,000 volunteers in picking up trash at sites along the Charles River while enjoying a spring morning in this amazing event organized by the Charles River Watershed Association. T-shirts for the first 10 volunteers from SCYA! Followed by a picnic lunch.

Happy Hour Sunday, April 30 I After the 6:00 p.m. MassBack Bay Beats I 60 Mass Ave.

Let’s check out the new place that just opened around the corner from Saint Cecilia for a post-Lent adult beverage.

Boston Healthcare for the HomelessSaturday, May 13 I 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.The Barbara McInnis House – 780 Albany St.

One of BHCHP’s services is providing medical respite care, short-term medical and recuperative services for homeless people who are far too sick for life in shelters but not sick enough to occupy a costly acute care hospital bed. We go and do artsy things with the residents and they totally love it.

To RSVP for any of these activities, please e-mail scyoungadults@gmail.com.

SAINTCECILIAYOUNGADULTS

Saint Cecilia Young Adults ministry welcomes parishioners ages 20-40.

RSVP and more when you type URL: eepurl.com/bBbbLr

SAVE THE DATE

On Wednesday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. our friends at Women's Lunch Place will be holding their Eat Lunch Give fundraiser. It takes place at the Park Plaza Hotel in Back Bay. This year's event has a financial goal of $250,000 to ensure that healthy meals and advocacy services are available to all women who come through their doors for help. This year's honoree at the event will be Marylou Sudders, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services, who will be recognized for her decades of work in support of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable citizens. If you would like to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event, please contact Mark Lippolt, mlippolt@hammondre.com. Tickets for the luncheon are $175 each.

MOTHER'S CARE MINISTRY: SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA, DORCHESTER

We in Boston are home to a number of extraordinary, creative non-profit agencies dedicated to transitioning our less fortunate neighbors from homelessness to hous- ing. One of the many challenges faced by these folks is that they often have nothing when they are given the keys to their new home.

To help address this issue, our parish will be collaborat- ing with Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish of Dorchester on their “Mother’s Care Ministry: Helping Others, Changing Lives.” The items currently most needed are:

• Queen Size Bedding, including sheet sets, comforters, blankets, etc.• Everyday Dinnerware Sets• Flatware Sets• Glassware• Sets of Pots and Pans• Coffee Makers• Microwave Ovens• Mops and buckets

These items (preferably new, but gently used is accept- able, too) can be left in the narthex. Please feel free to direct any questions to: Mark Lippolt at mlippolt@ hammondre.com.

HELP THE WOMEN'S LUNCH PLACE

One of the major fundraisers for our friends at the shel-ter is their Mother's Day card sale. The Women's Lunch Place currently provides services to more than 200 women and their children each day. Some guests use the shelter's services on a daily basis, while there are oth-ers who we see less frequently. They are an ethnically diverse community, serving both American-born and immigrant women of all ages. Some of the women that WLP serves only know life on the streets, while others are victims of episodic poverty due to changes in their social and/or employment status. Mother's Day cards will be sold after weekend liturgies. For each $25 dona-tion to WLP, you will receive a card designed by one of the shelter's guests as a thank you. For more informa-tion, please contact mlippolt@hammondre.com.

10

saint cecilia parish

Thank You to Our Pastoral Musicians

Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music, and our many volunteer musicians embody her spirit! I would like to thank the hard working and talented musicians who have spent two months preparing for our Holy Week liturgies. Their generosity and stamina are evident in the countless hours they devote to sung prayer in both preparation and during the liturgies. It is an honor and privilege to direct these won-derful people week after week. This, they do in praise of God and in service to the won-derful community of Saint Cecilia Parish. My gratitude cannot be expressed adequately in words!

—Richard J. Clark, Director of Music

11

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

NEWS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES—PRESENT & EXPECTING—AND THOSE WHO WOULD

LIKE TO HELP THEM• If you are a parent of a child younger than four years of age, please consider joining our growing Young Families group! We currently meet monthly between the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. lit-urgies for fellowship and mutual support as we navigate the ups and downs of life with young children. The best way to stay in touch is to join our listserv—if you're not on it already, e-mail Erin at erin.ramsey.1@gmail.com.

• If you are expecting a child in the coming months and would be interested in connecting with other expecting parents, we want to hear from you. Please e-mail Sarah Donohue (sarahel-liottgoodale@gmail.com) for more information and details on an upcoming social for expecting parents.

• This Sunday, April 23rd, the Young Families group will be gathering for their monthly meeting in the Parish Hall Confer-ence Room after the 9:30 mass. There will be no child care provided for this session.

COMMUNITY SERVINGS' LIFESAVOR EVENT On Thursday, May 4, Community Servings will hold its annual LifeSavor fundraiser. LifeSavor begins with an elaborate cocktail reception at the Langham Hotel in Boston after which guests will be whisked away to 80 of Greater Boston's finest restaurants for a multi-course dinner for ten guests. The evening ends with a return trip to the Langham where the hotel will offer guests desserts and more festivities. With tickets for the party and dinner priced at $300, this is not an inexpensive event, but 90 cents of every dollar raised by the event go directly to feed Community Servings' clients. (Tickets for the cocktail reception only are $200 each.) If you would like to participate in the event, please contact Mark Lippolt, mlippolt@ham-mondre.com. Or for more information, visit www.lifesavor.org.

WELCOMING THE STRANGER

While visiting a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos last year Pope Francis decided to bring twelve Syrian Muslims back to the Vatican with him on the papal plane. The Pope addressed the refugees and said, "As people of faith, we wish to join our voices to speak out on your behalf. We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity."

Inspired by the Pope's words and actions, Saint Cecilia parish is working with Catholic Charities to assist Muslim Syrian families who have relocated to the Greater Boston area. With no friends or relatives in the United States, they have a great many needs. The parish has offered to provide them with supermarket gift cards so that they will have food while their applications for politi-cal asylum are processed. If you would like to purchase gift cards to Market Basket specifically -- and no more than $25 per card -- please feel free to drop them in the offertory basket. If you do not live near a Market Basket and cannot purchase a gift card, you can also help by making a check for $25 or $50 payable to “Saint Cecilia Parish” and putting it in the offertory. Please write “Syr-ian Refugees” in the memo line.

12

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

PILGRIMAGE IN SPAIN

pil·grim·age, verb: the journey to a distant sacred goal

A pilgrimage is a journey both outwards to hallowedplaces and inwards to spiritual growth.

A Camino pilgrimage can be seen as an extended moving retreat, offering tremendous opportunities for medita-tive walking, refection and introspection. It also offers the opportunity to commune with people from all over the world on a similar journey. Additionally, by carrying one’s pack, the pilgrim is stripped down of most material goods, of status, of labels or position; the pilgrim starts out “naked”. As such, the walk helps one to focus on what really is important in life. It allows one the oppor-tunity to listen to God more attentively without the day-to-day distractions of modern life, all the while surround-ed by some of the most beautiful of God’s creations, the Spanish countryside. 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.

JOIN NANCY NEE HANIFIN IN THE PARISH HALL FOR TWO CAMINO PRESENTATIONS:

The first will be on the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela. In 2010 she and her daughter walked the 500 miles across Spain to the tomb of Saint James. On her return she founded the Boston Chapter of the Ameri-can Pilgrims on the Camino, mentoring aspiring pilgrims from across New England. She also walked to Santiago in 2014 and 2015.

The second session will be an introduction to the Camino Ignaciano. This new journey, traces the footsteps of St. Ignatius from his birthplace in Loyola, (Basque Country) to Manresa (Catalonia) where he wrote the Spiritual Exer-cises. Nancy walked this Camino in October of 2016 and is working with an American group to help promote this beautiful walk in anticipation of the upcoming quincen-tennial of the founding of the Jesuits in 1522. For details of this walk, please visit www.caminoignaciano.org

• CAMINO IGNACIANO, Sunday April 23, after the 11:15 Mass

For more details and to RSVP e-mail Nancy: nancyneehanifin@gmail.com

Young Neighbors In action summer Service-Learning trip

The dates for our Young Neighbors In Action are set! We are headed to San Diego July 8-18. All rising tenth graders through high school seniors are welcome. Please contact Scott MacDonald for more information at smac-donald@stceciliaboston.org.

Mens CLOTHING NEEDEDBridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital is undergoing a transforma-tion. One of the things many of the patients are particu-larly excited about is that they will soon be able to wear everyday clothing. Many do not have family to provide clothing. Can you help?

There will be bin near a bin in the Narthex for the next 3 weeks. Gently used items are needed:

• Shirts/tops• Pants/jeans• Sweaters/sweatshirts (no hoodies)• Shoes/sneakers

13

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

TEEN SERVICE PROJECT

We are partnering with Susan Bailis Assisted Living Community (352 Massachusetts Ave.) to provide an op-portunity for our parish teenagers to spend 90-minutes each month visiting, playing games, perhaps leading an art project, and providing companionship to some of the residents at Susan Bailis House. All activities will take place in the community room and will be super-vised by parish volunteers. Some of the residents of Su-san Bailis do not have many family or friends nearby so seeing some young smiling faces can certainly brighten the day or even the week of a senior in our neighbor-hood. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

• Sunday, April 30 | 3:00—4:30• Sunday, May 21 | 3:00—4:30• Sunday, June 25 | 3:00—4:30

We will also talk and brainstorm with the participants to see what else they might be interested in doing with the residents of Susan Bailis. Teen participants can opt to meet us at Susan Bailis House or to meet at Saint Cecilia and walk over together. If you are interested in signing-up for one or more of these dates, please e-mail Scott at smacdonald@stceciliaboston.org.

BEN-HUR PRESENTED AT SAINT CECILIA WITH ORGAN

Mark your calendar—on Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. we will be showing the 1925 silent film classic, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The film will be shown in the church and will have live organ accompaniment by Pe-ter Krasinski. Mr. Krasinski is a conductor, organist, and music educator who is well-respected in both secular and sacred genres. He also specializes in the art of live improvised musical accompaniments to silent film clas-sics. The press has called his improvisations "stunning" and "seamless." Purchase tickets on-line at ben-hur.brownpapertickets.com/ Tickets are also avail-able at the door. Admissions is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students who present an ID, $25 for VIP seating, and $30 for an unlimited family pass. This is sure to be a fun evening!

VOLUNTEERING AT PINE STREET INN

Our parish has committed to volunteering at the Pine Street Men's Inn one night a month throughout 2017. Our next opportunity will be on Sunday, May 7, starting at 4:45 p. m. There are 8 slots open for volunteer pa-rishioners to assist in feeding the guests at Pine Street Men's Inn.

If you would like to join us from 4:450 to 6:30 p. m. on Harrison Avenue in the South End, please contact Mark Lippolt at mlippolt@hammondre.com for more informa-tion! Some parking is available at the shelter. Please let us know if you can help with carpooling, too.

Catholic Appeal

Thank you to all who have given so generously to this year's Catholic Appeal. If you have not yet pledged, please take a pledge form from the back of the church. You also can make a gift or pledge online at www.bos-toncatholicappeal.org. Thank you for your support and for helping us reach our parish goal.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS — JUST 4 WEEKS AWAY!This year, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) election will be held on the weekend of May 20-21. There are four seats to be filled (three for a 3-year term and one for a 2-year term). This is an exciting and critical time for our parish and serving on the Parish Pastoral Council is a significant way of contributing to our vibrancy and growth. Please take the time to vote, and if you feel inspired, consider running for one the open seats.

WHAT IS THE PARISH COUNCIL?As outlined in its Statement of Purpose, "The PPC is called forth by members of the parish to support the pastor innurturing a faith community that lives out the mission of the Gospel. It serves as the representative voice to further the building of a welcoming community that aspires to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ." This trans-lates into working with the pastor to develop and implement a pastoral plan that promotes the common good and vibrancy in parish life. This body recommends policies, procedures, and programs that would assist in the further-ing of the parish's mission. It informs the pastor of the needs, concerns, gifts, and resources of the entire parish and it fosters the full participation of the entire parish community in the ongoing life of the parish.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE PARISH COUNCIL?I. You must be a registered member of our community at least eighteen years of age. You can register by visiting our website at www.stceciliaboston.org/regform.html or by filling out a registration form in the narthex.

II. You should already be an active participant in the life of the parish.

WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY?Meetings are held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month with dinner at 6:00 and the meeting running from 6:30 to 8:00. In addition to monthly meetings, members are expected to volunteer to lead or assist with occasional parish initiatives or activities. It is also expected that council members will participate in a variety of parish events and programs and be visible representatives of the parish community.

HOW CAN I DECLARE MY CANDIDACY?You must submit a combination biography and platform statement by Sunday April 30, no longer than 150 words, for inclusion in the bulletins for May 7, 14, & 21. A headshot is also requested but is not required.

Elections will be held on the weekend of May 20-21. If you cannot be present that weekend, you may submit your vote via e-mail at info@stceciliaboston.org until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.

SCHEDULEApril 30 | Biographies, platform statements, and headshots due to info@stceciliaboston.orgMay 7, 14, & 21 | Biographies, platform statements, and headshots published in the parish bulletinMay 21 | Absentee ballots due no later than 1:00 p.m. via e-mailMay 20-21 | Election

CURRENT PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Completed materials or any questions can be sent to info@stceciliaboston.org.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN MAY 2017Celeste DiJohnsonJim EnglishMelon Regis-Civetta

MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN MAY 2018Carly CaminitiDoug McNicolAmy Paulin

MEMBERS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN MAY 2019Josh FairchildMark LippoltDavid Waters

By AMY PAULIN

Recently I was at my childhood home, craving a dose of nature and respite from the city. About a mile down the precariously crooked street, where the forests threaten to reclaim their rightful ownership, there is a place that lives at the end of a well-worn path. Truly I tell you, it is a struggle to describe this space beyond simple identification of its features; a small pond dotted with lilies, streams fastened with foot bridges, stone caverns that stay cool in the summer heat. Newcomers to this space are always taken aback by the beauty and long to return once the visit is complete. “Thank you so much for bringing me here,” I have heard time and again. This gratitude serves as a gentle reminder of my role in the interaction. This magnificence was not created by me. Simply, I walked with them down a path made available by all those who walked before me.

As it is with Parish Council. Those of us serving as members are surely not the creators of this vibrant Parish Community, this magnificent Space. Our role, while important, must be cloaked in humility. As the sanctuary path guides the hiker to God’s creation, the council member guides the pastor as he fulfills the calling to spread the teachings of Jesus. At times the path is flooded and muddy. The signposts worn, the trail map faded. And yet a willing spirit continues down the path even when it does not comply with self-imposed expectations. Even when it is not what we indi-vidually expected, ordered or asked for.

Perhaps you have heard that upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa was asked if such an award would present as an obstacle to her humble nature. She recalled the story of a celebrated, adored Jesus riding into Jerusalem asking, “And do you think the donkey thought it was in his honor?” So there is it. Dare I say it? We are the donkeys. Or, understandably, you might prefer mysterium lunae, the “mystery of the moon.” In an address the night prior to be elected pontiff, Pope Francis reminded us that the Church itself is not the source of light, instead she understands with no uncertainty that the Church is “reflecting the light of Christ the way the moon reflects the light of the sun.”

As reflectors of this light, the Parish Council works creatively and patiently. There is an understanding that our work cannot always be boiled down neatly to a list of tasks we can proudly check off as complete. Instead, we venture into the cerebral muck of ideas, discussion, of finding a different path when a trusted one is no longer in service. But always, we move towards the same goal, to advise “the pastor on the vision and priorities of Saint Cecilia’s” which are “centered on prayer and worship that tries to keep the Gospel close to heart and to live by Jesus’ teachings.” In this capacity, the council takes on what some may consider an intangible role, but such is the allusive nature of meaningful discussion and advising.

Like the open air sanctuary I return to time and again, my words fail me when attempting to describe the pastor we advise and his staff. While yes, Father John and the staff at Saint Cecilia are also reflectors of the light, their reflec-tion is beautifully blinding. It is beyond an honor to serve them and the Church as a Parish Council Member. Some may easily enter into the Parish Council elections, while others may shy away from the vulnerability it requires. However, if you hear God’s call to serve with a creative and willing spirit, running is worth any perceived risk. It is absolutely a blessed opportunity.

The Saint Cecilia Parish Pastoral Council &the Mystery of the Moon

17

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

Love in an Age of Alzheimer'sBy JAMES RUCK

“Alzheimer’s.” The dreaded diagnosis given to my wife in 2010 landed like a death sentence. Not just for Gail but for us, for our marriage as we knew it. We had waited long for each other, meeting when I was 43 and she 45, both on the other side of midlife crises. The idea of losing any of our remaining years together to this disease was heart-wrenching.

But it also set in motion a journey, one available to anyone who faces such life-altering news and is willing to ride on the power of faith and love. We had a choice to make: Do we move into Alzheimer’s or run from it, fight it? When Gail and I met in 1987 we found in each other the spark and the values—faith, community and service—that we had each long been looking for.

How could I choose other than to embrace Gail along with the Alzheimer’s? We decided to move into the disease, to make the most of our life together, one day at a time, walking consciously into the unknown. It was a decision made once but reaffirmed countless times since.

How could I choose other than to embrace Gail along with the Alzheimer’s?

After the diagnosis, we intensified our volunteer com-mitments, Gail in hospice care and parish activities and me at a soup kitchen and as a volunteer chaplain at the county jail. We traveled a bit until that became too overwhelming for her. We maintained an active life: walking, getting out to movies and parks, collabo-rating in household tasks. As the disease progressed, I accompanied Gail to her efforts and brought her along to mine. Friends near and far who learned about Gail’s condition held us in their concern and prayers. We rode, and continue to ride, on their energy.

Before the summer of 2014, I was not yet doing in-tensive caregiving. Then things changed. One by one, Gail’s involvements became too problematic to con-tinue. Her hallucinations and agitation intensified—the demons of frustration, anger and fear attacking and belittling her deteriorating mind. We figured out how to cope with incontinence, her loss of interests, her decline in speech. Still, the strain of being present

to Gail, feeding her and supervising all her activities, doing the practical work of running the house, coordi-nating doctor visits and overseeing medications—it was intense.

In the New Year, Gail’s mental and physical decline ac-celerated. Caring for her at home alone, I realized that we were on thin ice, one setback away from disaster. One devastating day, an infection left Gail too limp to stand on her own after going to the bathroom. There she was on the toilet, a mess and pants down, and I was unable to help her for hours until friends came to our rescue.

The ice finally cracked in May. A bad chest infection and a urinary tract infection set in. Gail had a major seizure that landed her in the hospital and from there, unable to walk, a nursing home.

A Privileged TimeI have been told, “You cannot be both caretaker and husband.” This bothers me: How can I not be both caretaker and husband to Gail? Our relationship has evolved into one that includes much caretaking. If I had family in town, or three hands, maybe Gail would still be at home. But I do not. So the Willows nursing home it is, on the fourth-floor dementia unit.

I go every day, feed Gail lunch and supper and stay until she falls asleep. I want to do everything I can to reassure her, to ease any lingering fear. I try to keep Gail engaged in life through little routines we repeat each day: helping her to stand and walk, listening to music, pushing her wheelchair through the facility to connect with others and through the lovely surrounding neighborhood. Gail is still a loving, social person. She brightened the lives of staff, residents and visitors last year by saying: “I love you. You are so special.” She does the same now just by shining her sparkling smile when they make eye contact. For 29 years, I have been blessed by this smile and love. It is a delight to see her light up the lives of so many others.

From the outset, I knew I was powerless to defy Al-zheimer’s. I still experience this realization daily. Hard as it is, we have experienced abundant blessings all

18

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

along the way. For me, two attitudes are necessary. The first is living in the present. Here, trust is key: trust in God; in my own creativity as new challenges arise; in friends and the power of their love, concern and prayers. We can certainly make ourselves worri-ers, feeding all the feelings triggered by overwhelming challenges. To purposely refuse to fuel these fears, worries, guilt, feelings of inadequacy is crucial. God gives us the cross but also the help to carry it. This I believe, and it has so far proven to be true—not always to the head but to my feet, one step at a time.

God gives us the cross but also the help to carry it. This I believe, and it has so far proven to be true—not always to the head but to my feet, one step at a time.

The second is trusting that the loss experienced each day is only part of the picture. Dealing with Alzheim-er’s, we are at the edge of mystery: the medical un-knowns, the mystery of diminishment, death and what-ever is beyond. No one knows what God has ahead for us. Jesus understands our anguish: “My God, my God, why did you abandon me.” The belief that there is life beyond death does not ease the pain of approaching it. But do I cultivate hope or wallow in despair when God has been so good to us in the past?

Death is coming. I have many experiences of bone-crushing sadness. But I refuse to let death claim our lives before it arrives. Trying to make each day as good as I can is worth the effort. We sit. My mind wanders, and I do not know what is going on in Gail’s head. I remember a comment from a friend whose wife died of a brain tumor: “I dreamed of us sitting on the porch when we were old.” Gail is far too young to be old. I do not know how much older she will get. But sitting outside looking at the lovely scenery, sitting waiting for her to fall asleep—these moments are special in a way I cannot describe. Time is empty in a way, rich in a way—punctuated periodically by “I love you,” me to her or still, occasionally, her to me. I do not know how much Gail benefits from my presence. I think she does. I hope that it dissolves any lingering fear she might have. I know that I benefit from her presence. To care for her is a privilege.

A couple of times a week I read Gail the letter I wrote on the day I asked her to marry me: “Sharing the bread of life in good times and bad, open fully to the miracles the Lord will work through us. Loving with open hands, not clinging.... All this I want. I want our lives to make

music and dance together, overflowing to others...to cry, to laugh, to love! I love you, Gail!” I reassure her that this is just as true today. Even though she cannot understand the words, I can usually still spark a smile. Caregiving frames these moments to treasure. This is the blessing of our lives. I want to nurture the spark of our love for as long as I can.

James Ruck is a journalist for America A Jesuit Review.

A Good Friday Reflection

“Please don’t send me back to a nursing home. I need to live in the community; I have a life in the community. When I was in the nursing home my life was just awful and I tried to kill myself. I have a degenerative disability. I can live with that, but I cannot be in a nursing home. If you send me back I will kill myself.”

This is part of the testimony given by a woman in her 50s with a complicated physical disability. This woman’s heart wrenching story was echoed in different ways by dozens of other people with disabilities pleading with the state not to cut overtime hours worked by Personal Care Attendants, to let them, remain in the community. “I don’t want to be imprisoned in a nursing home.”

PCAs do the jobs most people will not do, like helping me evacuate my bowels in the morning. They bathe, dress, and feed me. It can be a grueling process. The average PCA makes a little over $27,500 a year and the average cost for two-bedroom apartment in Boston a year is $33,852. The people who do this work are often African-American or Latino, single moms, people with a high school education or less. Many of them have undiagnosed depression or cognitive impairments or they just do not have the skills needed to work 9 to 5. And still others do the job because it is a calling. They feel a sense of pride helping people like me to live and work in the community. For others, it is their first step towards other employment with higher wages.

So what does this have to do with Good Friday? In just a few minutes we will be venerating the cross and reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus on it. But before we do that I ask you to take a moment and reflect on exactly what Jesus did for you and for me two thousand years ago, what he continues to do today, and will continue do. But what exactly does Jesus’ sacrifice mean? Salvation offered us through the cross can seem abstract, something that we can put off till tomorrow or sometime in the future.

We are so easily drawn into what Pope Francis calls living a “double life” in which, because of our at-traction to “spiritual worldliness,” we live an inconsistent lifestyle, in which we pretend to be one thing but live another way.” I know this is true of me, and I hope I am not the only one here to say that Pope Francis is speaking to me, my hypocrisy. But how do we, even for a moment lift this false mask and truly reflect on the ways we embody worldliness rather than Christ.

I could give you dirt on how I live a double life day-to-day. How I live beyond my means, how I forget to think about or thank those who have mentored me, or don’t give enough time to people who love me. But that would get boring and so I will share the real place of my hypocrisy. As an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, mental health, addiction, and more broadly others living on the fringe of society, I increasingly find myself living this double life.

In my interactions with government officials, heads of hospitals, insurance companies, rather than em-bodying the gospel message, I think I am the gospel message. I forget that Jesus is the embodiment of the logos, the word. Jesus not Dennis sacrificed himself on the cross to save us from sin, to call us into solidarity with people who are poor and oppressed. I am called in my being, to embody that message in how I live out my life, in my case as an advocate — an identity I view as a call, a form of transforma-tional ministry. But does my private theology match my public theology?

I allow, in my anger and pride about the injustices taking place, (injustices that are increasing, as the specter of cuts in Medicaid, Head Start, food assistance, fuel assistance, affordable housing, denial of impact of humans on the environment, potential increased US armed conflict, hundreds of thousands of people around the globe displaced) fear to dominate my life. So, rather than embodying hope, I embody fear, defensiveness, even hatred.

I forget the words of Martin Luther King Jr. when he describes how hate distorts our faces and personali-ties, the burden it places on us. I lose sight of the truth that at its core the message of the cross is one of love. In denying the strength of love, in my work with those whose positions may be 180° apart from mine, I become like Peter. Rather than trusting Jesus, I deny him. Rather than supporting relationship,

By DENNIS HEAPHY

I embody conflict. Here again I forget the reminder from Martin Luther King-that seeking the highest good can only be found through love as he states about the gospel writer John, “John was right; God is love… He who hates does not know God, but he who loves has the key that unlocks the door to the meaning of ultimate reality.” He warns that without love, self-righteousness, egotism and spiritual pride take over.

The evangelical philosopher James KA Smith encapsulates Augustine, saying, “We are what we love.” The Islamic scholar Omid Safi says, “justice is love, embodied.” I was called back to the message of love in a recent phone call with disability advocates across the country. People on the call were dis-heartened, angry, exhausted, and the woman reading the call, paused from our agenda, and in a very warm, compassionate voice comforted us, telling us not to lose heart or get lost in our anger. She said to remember that we are engaged in our struggle out of love, because we love our community. I welled up. This is why I was engaged in this work, out of love and a desire to serve God, and be an instrument of change through relationship.

But the only way to love is to see the cross for what it truly is, we need to enter into the gospel story, place ourselves next to Mary, before Jesus on the cross—not live some abstract or individualistic cari-cature of salvation, we must stop living double lives and this begins with love. This is not some sort of armchair concept, but love as envisioned by Martin Luther King. “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

To love with righteous anger is a challenge, and again, I hope this is true, not just for me. This challenge is heightened in Catholic social teaching. Last year, during the Stations of the Cross Pope Francis called us to see in the cross of Christ, the people and systems that oppress as well as those that they oppress in the cross. He begins “O Cross of Christ, symbol of divine love and of human injustice...banner of victory” He goes on asking us to see in the cross of Christ, refugees, all those swallowed up in the Medi-terranean. We are to see in the cross of Christ those around us who are suffering, denied their dignity, the elderly who have been abandoned by their families, in people with disabilities castoff, and in chil-dren starving or not enough to eat, the hardened hearts of those who easily judge others, with hearts ready to condemn without ever recognizing your own sins and faults, those who are corrupt, those who destroy our “common home, store up treasures that perish, leaving Lazarus to die of hunger at their doorsteps.” We see in the cross “the contrite, who in the depths of the misery of their sins, are able to cry out: Lord, remember me in your kingdom!,” “in the merciful who have found in mercy the greatest expression of justice and faith.” He asks us to see in the cross “God who loves even to the end.”

Remember, as the Methodist theologian Walter Wink tells us, “Jesus’ actions embody his words… Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, a task considered so degrading that a master could not order a Jewish slave to perform it (John 13: 1– 20).” We are here tonight because we need and desire at the core of our being, for our actions to embody the gospel message. But how do we do this in practice. First, take seriously and actually pray for our enemies and those that oppress. We can embrace the message of social justice and live the Catholic teaching of God’s “preferential option for the poor.” We can support one another in love, as we, as community strive, in all our imperfection, to embody the message of the cross, the promise of the kindom- not “kingdom,” but kindom, which emphasizes relationship over self-interest, Christ over ego.

Finally, we can on a daily basis remind ourselves that, as affirmed by Rabbi Abraham Heschel, if “We are commanded to love our neighbor—this must mean that we can.”

And, if I have not completely alienated everyone or put others to sleep, I ask that when you come to venerate the cross, first take a few minutes, imagine yourself in the gospel story standing next to Mary, at its foot. What is she feeling as a widow, watching her only son, being brutally executed, for a crime she does not fully understand and for a purpose, she cannot grasp. Talk with her, what can you say to console her? What can you share with her about your life, about the death of her son, what his death, his sacrifice means to you, how his act of love has transformed you, and how you live your life?

Evening Prayer–Easter Season

Friday, April 21 @ 6:30 p.m. Dedication Anniversary of Saint Cecilia Church

Tuesday, April 25 @ 6:30 p.m. Feast of Saint Mark

Wednesday, May 3 @ 6:30 p.m. Feast of Saints Philip & James

Thursday, May 11 @ 6:30 p.m. Easter Weekday

Thursday, May 18 @ 6:30 p.m. Easter Weekday

Monday, May 22 @ 6:30 p.m. Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia

Wednesday, May 31 @ 6:30 p.m. Feast of the Visitation

Sunday, June 4 @ 6:00 p.m. Solemnity of Pentecost

When evening approaches and the day is already far spent, evening prayer is celebrated in order that

"we may give thanks for what has been given us, or what we have done well, during the day." We also recall the redemption through the prayer we send up "like incense in the Lord's sight,"

and in which "the raising up of our hands" becomes "an evening sacrifice." General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours II, 39

22

Parish RESOURCES

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

Parish StaffRev. John J. Unni, PastorMary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations, mkaye@stceciliaboston.orgMark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, mdonohoe@stceciliaboston.orgScott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development, smacdonald@stceciliaboston.orgJeanne Bruno, Chaplain, Pastoral Associate,Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach, jbruno@stceciliaboston.orgRichard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, rclark@stceciliaboston.orgLisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager,lpickering@stceciliaboston.orgMegan Riggle, Business and Marketing Coordinator,mriggle@stceciliaboston.org

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

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

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

ReconciliationThe sacrament of reconciliation is available at Saint Cecilia by ap-pointment, or 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Access for the DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator.

Sunday ParkingThere is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street (next to Summer Shack/Kings) on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving Mass. Discounted parking is no longer available at the Hilton Boston Back Bay, but reduced-rate parking continues to be available on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $20.00.

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a LGBTQ community at Saint Cecilia. For more information, contact stceciliarainbowministry@gmail.com.

Joining Our CommunityWe’re happy that you’re 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 narthex.