FROM FATHER RICK
GENERATIONS OF FAITH
This weekend we celebrate our third Event of the year, as we
gather to celebrate the “Building of the
Kingdom of God” on this Second Sunday of Advent. At
our Faith Festival we focused on the church’s Social
Justice Teaching as a way to bring about the
Kingdom. When it is available, we will offer copies
of the revised version of Faithful Citizenship as a
follow up to this festival. The prophet Isaiah
offers some beautiful images of this kingdom for
which we long. As we move through Advent I offer
this reflection from Liturgy Training Publications:
Written down in its present form about 200 years
before the birth of Christ, the book of Isaiah is a
collection of prophesies, some of which were told
for centuries before being put to papyrus. Next to
the Psalms, it is the most frequently quoted
scripture in the gospels and epistles. No wonder. In
Isaiah’s stirring images, the church sees the coming
of God’s reign: good news for the poor, the release
of the captive, freedom for the oppressed.
The gospel of Luke tells us that the first time
Jesus preached the scriptures in the synagogue, he
preached on a passage from the book of Isaiah. All
during Advent we read through this holy book.
Promise yourself to listen carefully to what we
hear. Peek into your own Bible, too, and look to
Isaiah. (We’ll return to Isaiah on Good Friday and
at the Easter Vigil, too.)
Gaze into a candle’s flame. Look up at the starry
sky. With Isaiah imagine a world where blind people
see, where people who couldn’t walk now dance, where
lions frolic with lambs, and where children are safe
from all harm.
Copyright © 2002 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy
Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue,
Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org.
Text by David Philippart. Art by Steve Erspamer, sm.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
KNIGHTS’ BREAKFAST
Please support our Parish Knights by stopping into Driscoll
Hall for Breakfast this Sunday morning from
8:00 to 11:00.
FINANCES
Last weekend the Parish Finance Committee presented our
parish financial report. I want to thank them for
all their hard work, especially during the last week
as they fine tuned all of the information. Special
thanks to Irene for coordinating the presentations
and the inserts you received in the bulletin and the
mail. This weekend I am addressing the Grand Annual
as a part of the parish’s financial “story”. You
have received by now your information packet and
your invitation to participate in the Grand Annual
Appeal this year. Please prayerfully consider your
participation. We need every household to
participate to the best of their ability. This
year’s goal is $80,000. Beginning next weekend we
will keep you abreast of the progress. Thank you.
INQUIRY SESSIONS
Inquiry sessions for those interested in exploring the
Catholic Faith are continuing. If you are not
baptized or baptized in another Christian Community,
or a baptized catholic with no further catechesis or
sacramental life this could be for you. Please give
Joe
Galluzzo a call at 978-682-6595 or send email to
joe.galluzzo@comcast.net.
Another session will be held on Monday, December 10. These
sessions are very casual and are an opportunity
without commitment to pose “catholic questions” and
to examine the role of God in the lives of the
participants.
SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE
As was announced last weekend, after multiple consultations
with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Staff
and the Parish Finance Committee, the decision has
been made to eliminate the 7:30 Mass on Sunday
morning from our regular Mass schedule after the
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2007. The
Feast of the Holy Family, December 30, was already
scheduled with our summer schedule (Sunday at
8:00 AM & 10:30 AM). Therefore, the revised schedule
(Saturday at
4:00 PM and Sunday morning at
9:00 AM & 11:00 AM) will begin on the Solemnity of
the Epiphany, January 5/6.
FAIR TRADE COFFEE & COCOA
To respond to the desire to give these products as Christmas
gifts we will make Fair Trade Coffee and
Cocoa available for the next two weekends.
Next Saturday, December 15, immediately following the
4:00 PM Mass we will light our parish Christmas
Tree.
Please plan to join us for the Rectory Open House next
Sunday, December 16, from
2:00 to 5:00.
Have a great week,
If you want peace – work for justice (Pope Paul VI),
Fr. Rick
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart
and your mind with the joy of giving to others and
the feeling that comes with making a difference.
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older,
who are committed to making their community a better
place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight
is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with
your community; it is supporting your local Catholic
Church, while enhancing your own faith and setting a
good faith example; it is about protecting and
enhancing your family life. You can volunteer as
much as you like or as little and on your own
schedule. If you want to find out more, contact Jim
McKain at 978-475-7931 or visit the website at
www.kofc.org.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, December 19, 7:30 PM in Driscoll Hall.
Knights of
Columbus Parish
Family Breakfast
THIS Sunday, December 9
Stop by Driscoll Hall anytime from 8:00-11:00 AM!
Special Collection for Retired Sisters This Weekend
Say Thank You to Those Who Have Given So Much!
This weekend, the Archdiocese will take up the Collection for
Retired Sisters. Now in its 21st year, the
Collection provides needed financial support for
religious communities whose members have served the
Archdiocese in the ministries of education, health
care, and social service. Please give generously in
recognition of the Sisters’ years of dedicated
service. For more information, please contact Sister
Marian Batho, CSJ, Delegate for Religious, at
617-746-5637 or
Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org.
Stewardship Reflection
“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew
3:10
Do you bear good fruit for Christ? Or do you spend your time,
talent and treasure constantly acquiring more toys,
clutter and junk. As we are immersed in the
Holiday shopping season now might be a good time to evaluate what
gifts do we give to God?
Money Matters
On the weekend of December 1/2
Weekly donations $3,522.00
Monthly donations $1,000.00
Bread and Roses
Thanks to all who generously contributed food items to Bread
and Roses last month. On Sunday, December 16th,
we will prepare the meal for the Bread and Roses
hospitality house in
Lawrence to be served on Monday, December 17th.
We plan to prepare BEEF TACOS with a tossed salad and
dessert. Food items needed are: cooked ground beef,
soft tacos (large size please), packages of shredded
cheese, packages of taco seasoning, jars of salsa,
lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, large cans of fruit
salad, cookies or brownies. Please use the sign up
sheet on the clipboard in the church lobby.
Kitchen helpers meet on Sunday at
10:00 AM. All food donations should be received by
10:50 AM.
Call Betty Bufano at 978-851-5682 or Lisa Lattari
978-749-3736 for further information.
Mass Schedule and Intentions
Saturday, December 8, Vigil, Second Sunday of Advent
4:00 pm: William T. Simpson
Sunday, December 9, Second Sunday of Advent
7:30 am: Robert Sullivan
9:00 am: Marcia Cerbone; **Baptism of Megan Elizabeth Maresca
11:00 am: Tom Daley
Tuesday, December 11, Advent Weekday
12:10 pm
Thursday, December 13, Lucy, virgin, martyr
12:10 pm: Ryan Bourque
Friday, December 14, John of the Cross
12:10 pm: Henry Chemaly
Saturday, December 15, Vigil, Third Sunday of Advent
4:00 pm: Dorothy Reynolds & Thomas F. Reynolds
Sunday, December 16, Third Sunday of Advent
7:30 am: John Sudol
9:00 am: Margaret Kane
11:00 am: Eric Begg
Readings for
the Week of December 9, 2007
Sunday: Is 11:1-10/Rom 15:4-9/Mt
3:1-12
Monday: Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:17-26
Tuesday: Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14
Wednesday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Lk
1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47
Thursday: Is 41:13-20/Mt 11:11-15
Friday: Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19
Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Mt 17:9a, 10-13
Next Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11
Thanksgiving Thank You from Catholic Charities
The parish received the following thank you note this week
from Catholic Charities in
Lowell:
“On behalf of everyone here at the Latino Outreach Office of
Catholic Charities we would like to extend our
deepest gratitude for your generous donation of
Thanksgiving food gift cards.
Once again I want to thank you for always coming to our aid;
it is wonderful to find people with such a giving
nature as yours who are always ready to help their
neighbor. Rev. Conway, on behalf of our program we
wish you the best during the Holidays and send you
all the Lord’s Blessings.”
Question of the Week–Second Sunday of Advent
Question for Adults:
Name the one thing in your life which you must "move
out of the way" in order to make more room for
Christ – a grudge, a possession, a memory, hurt, or
feeling.
Question for Youth:
Who do you know who is very faithful? What can you
learn from their life and relationship with God?
Question for Children:
Beyond toys and other things, what do you hope will
happen in your family this Christmas?
Ladies’ Schola
Calling all Ladies’ Schola Members Old & New! All are invited
to sing for the Advent and Christmas season. The
Schola rehearses on Saturdays at
3:15 pm and then sings at the
4:00 pm Mass. Contact Nina Wolfendale at
nina.wolfendale@genzyme.com or Yvonne Gobis at
ygobis@comcast.net for further details. All are
welcome–no experience necessary.
An Early Christmas Gift
Why not read the Bible as you prepare for Christmas? You are
invited to join more than 5,000 people around the
world who receive scripture readings and reflections
by email at their home or office each business day.
Parishioners and staff at St. Monica Parish in
Indianapolis, who offer a wide variety of life
experience, write the daily reflections. You may
subscribe by entering your email address in the text
box on the St. Monica web site at
www.stmonicaparishindy.org. Their subscriber
list is private and your email address will not be
shared with any other organization.
In Service
Kevin Grace, USA, Lyle Shackelford, Jaime Ray Seluk, USN,
Pvt. Alexander Sabu, USA, Lt. Col. Paul Severance,
USAF, Gen’l. R. Steve Whitcomb, USA, Lt. Col. Brian
P. Bedell, USA, Capt. Lauren Whitcomb, USA, Col.
Patrick J. Donahue, USA, Col. Brian P. Donahue, USA,
Cpt. Michael McGaffigan, USA, Steve Comstock, Pilot,
USN, Lt. Jesse Salisbury, USAF, Sgt. Maureen Galvin,
USA, SpOps, Lt.J.G. Kevin B. O’Brien, USN, Miko
Belonia, Maj. Tony Hoffman, USA, Maj. Ross Coffman,
USA, Maj. Garth Howe, USA, Chief Warrant Officer II
Michael Morris, USA, Captain Matthew Mancini, USA,
Sgt. Ellen Barnes O’Connor, USA, Pvt. Adam James
Mazza, USA, Pvt. Joseph D. Gagnon,
USM, Cpt. Eric Eckberg, USA, SFC John B. Nicholas, USA,
LTCD Chris Stopyra, USN
This Week in Our Parish
Monday, December 10
7:30 PM RCIA Inquiry Session, Seton
Room
Tuesday, December 11
12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church
Thursday, December 13
12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church
5:00 PM Youth Cantor Practice, Church
5:30 PM Youth Choir Practice, Church
6:30 PM Scouts, Driscoll Hall
7:30 PM Adult Choir Practice, Church
Friday, December 14
10:45 AM Adult Enrichment, Bellarmine Room
12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church
Saturday, December 15
11:00 AM First Reconciliation, Church
Fair Trade Coffee & Cocoa Available for Purchase
after 4:00 PM Mass
Christmas Tree Lighting After 4:00 PM Mass
Sunday, December 16
Fair Trade Coffee & Cocoa Available for Purchase
after All Masses
10:00 AM Bread & Roses Prep, Driscoll Hall
2:00-5:00 PM Rectory Open House
Gerontology Classes Open at UMass Boston
The
University
of Massachusetts is accepting applications for its
Manning Certificate Program in Gerontology, which
prepares students for work with the elderly. The
program is designed to give students the skills and
resources needed to plan for an aging society, work
in the aging network, and advocate for elders.
Daytime classes are on Wednesdays beginning January
30 for two semesters. There is also a Monday evening
and online program available. Credits from the
program can also be applied towards a Bachelor’s
Degree in Gerontology. The program is financial aid
approved. For more information or an application,
call Mary St. Jean at 617-287-7330.
Regis
College Info
Sessions
Contemplating a career change to a rewarding and giving
profession?
Regis College,
a Catholic college in Weston, MA, offers graduate
programs in the area of teacher preparation. We
offer flexible class times and a special tuition
rate for three credit courses. Consider learning
more about licensure and the Master of Arts in
Teaching Programs and attend an upcoming graduate
information session on December 11 or January 7. For
more information, visit Regis College online at
www.regiscollege.edu.
Christmas Neighbors in Need
You can support Neighbors in Need anytime during the year by
dropping your non-perishable food donation into the
bin in the vestibule of the church.
There is a special need now for items for the Christmas
dinner boxes they prepare for individual families,
including non-perishable items like rice and beans
(Goya Pink beans and Goya Green Pigeon Peas ("Gandules")),
stuffing mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned
vegetables, pie filling, cake mix, coffee, nuts,
candy, candy canes, raisins, candles, and napkins.
Although we cannot take perishable items in the drop box,
Neighbors in Need does accept fresh fruit and
vegetables, frozen turkeys, ham, fresh baked goods,
etc. at their warehouse in
Andover. You can reach the warehouse at 978 470-2405
if you would like to arrange a drop off of
perishable items.
Baking for a
Holiday Cause
Each year the Greater Lowell MSPCC (Massachusetts Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) holds a
holiday party for young mothers and their babies,
providing a nice atmosphere, food, and baked goods.
This year, they need additional volunteers to bake.
If you would be interested in setting aside a dozen cookies,
making a bread, cupcakes, wholesome muffins, or even
a Cool Whip pie, they would be happy for the help.
The party is Wednesday, December 12, from
3:30-5:00 pm, at Christ Church United on
Merrimack St.
in Lowell. This is just off of Rte. 133 and right
behind Saints Memorial Hospital. You can drop off at
the church hall in Lowell or contact Karen at
978-475-1049 or
kbailey07@comcast.net to make arrangements to
drop off in
Andover
before Wednesday.
At the Movies:
the movie “The Nativity” will be shown at Our Lady
of Good Counsel Parish in Methuen on Sunday,
December 9, at 4:00 pm, in Duperry Hall (underneath
St. Theresa Church at the corners of Plymouth, Elm,
and Dawes Streets in Methuen). There is no admission
charge.
SCRIPTURE
READINGS FOR
NEXT WEEK–THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
35:1-6a, 10
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will
rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant
flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of
Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of
Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the
Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands
that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak,
say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong,
fear not! Here is your God, he comes with
vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save
you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the
ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap
like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter
Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they
will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning
will flee.
A reading from the Letter of Saint James 5:7-10
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the
Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it
receives the early and the late rains. You too must
be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the
coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain,
brothers and sisters, about one another, that you
may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing
before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and
patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who
spoke in the name of the Lord.
+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to
Matthew 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the
Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this
question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should
we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind
regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and
the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And
blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds
about John, “What did you go out to the desert to
see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go
out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those
who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then
why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell
you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about
whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my
messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way
before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of
women there has been none greater than John the
Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is
greater than he.”
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