12-16-07

FROM FATHER RICK

CHRISTMAS SEASON MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve

Monday–December 24

4:00 pm–Women’s Choir

6:00 pm–Children’s Choir

11:15 pm–Adult Choir Concert & Carol Sing

12:00 am Midnight–Adult Choir

Christmas Day

Tuesday–December 25

10:00 am–Cantor & Organ

Feast of the Holy Family

(Summer Mass Schedule)

Saturday–December 29–4:00 pm

Sunday–December 30–8:00 am & 10:30 am

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God

Monday–December 31–5:30 pm

Tuesday–January 1–10:00 am

N.B.—The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (December 24, 25, 26).

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE

After consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Staff and the Parish Finance Committee the decision has been made to end the 7:30 Mass on Sunday morning, after the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 23, 2007). Next Sunday will be the final celebration.

The Feast of the Holy Family (December 29/30) was already scheduled with our summer schedule (Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday morning at 8:00 & 10:30 am). Therefore, the revised schedule (Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday morning at 9:00 & 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, Fair Trade Coffee and Cocoa is available again this weekend.

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.

Money Matters

On the weekend of December 8/9

Weekly donations $4,102.00

Monthly donations $706.00

Stewardship Reflection

“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk,

lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised…” Matthew 11:4-5

When Jesus cured the sick we called it a miracle. Yet God has blessed us with many good things–our eyesight, our hearing, our talents, our health and so much more–and we often take it all for granted. The good steward recognizes every blessing in life as a miracle from God and strives to use those gifts for God’s honor and glory.

Boston Boy Choir Concert—Last Chance!

The final performance of the 45th Annual Christmas Concert of the Boston Boy Choir of the Archdiocesan Choir School will be on Friday evening, December 21, at 8:00 pm in St. Paul Church, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. Tickets are available by phone, online at www.bostonboychoir.org, or at the door for $15, $20, and $25. For more information, call 617-868-8658. Free parking is available.

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. Please drop off donations for the Christmas dinners by Tuesday, December 18.

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.

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 other organizations.

Another weekend of fair trade coffee and cocoa for Christmas gift buying!

Available for purchase in the Gathering Space after all Masses this weekend, December 15 and 16.

For other fair trade gift ideas, including gourmet treats, holiday decorations, items for the home, books, toys, etc. go to A Greater Gift at www.agreatergift.org. With every purchase, A Greater Gift makes a significant contribution to the CRS Fair Trade Fund, to promote market access and development. December 18 is the last day to place orders with them in order to receive your purchase by December 24.

Mass Schedule and Intentions

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, in recognition of the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Virginia Begg and the late Eric Begg

Tuesday, December 18, Advent Weekday

12:10 pm: Deceased Members of the Marcoux Family

Thursday, December 20, Advent Weekday

12:10 pm: Thomas F. Byrne

Friday, December 21, Advent Weekday

12:10 pm: Robert Phelps

Saturday, December 22, Vigil, Fourth Sunday of Advent

4:00 pm: Ida Jadwiga Oczkus & Steven Oczkus

Sunday, December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:30 am:

9:00 am: Claire Pierro

11:00 am: Henry Pare & Yvonne Dery

Readings for the Week of December 16, 2007

Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11

Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Mt 1:1-17

Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25

Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25

Thursday: Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38

Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45

Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56

Next Sunday: Is 7:10-14/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24

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

Question of the Week—Third Sunday of Advent

Question for Adults: What is there in this promise from the Prophet Isaiah that gives you hope? How have you seen this promise fulfilled in Christ?

Question for Youth: John was a prophet who prepared the people for Jesus' coming. How can you be a prophet this week to prepare friends, family, and strangers for the coming of Jesus at Christmas?

Question for Children: Why is Christmas such a time of happiness for people?

Please remember in your prayers those newly baptized into our community:

Christian Ronald Grasso

William Thurston Griffin

Meghan Elizabeth Harvey

Olivia Mae Horvath

Sarah Kathleen Kroeger

Emily Yvonne LaBranche

Amanda Louise Lightburn

Hunter Charles Nash

William Frederick Simon

Declan Matthew Snell

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.

This Week in Our Parish

Tuesday, December 18

12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church

Wednesday, December 19

7:30 PM Knights of Columbus, Driscoll Hall

Thursday, December 20

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 21

10:45 AM Adult Enrichment, Bellarmine Room

12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church

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, with 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 January 7. For more information, visit Regis College online at www.regiscollege.edu.

Traveling for the holidays? Don’t forget to check www.masstimes.org for Mass times near you. And consider signing up with ParishPay to have your donations to St. Robert’s, as well as to national collections, electronically transferred monthly from either a bank account or credit card. For more information or to enroll, follow the ParishPay link off our homepage at www.saintroberts.net or contact Irene in the Parish Office at 978-683-8922 or ibonner@comcast.net.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.

Advent Scripture Question & Answer

Question: Why is the prophet Isaiah used so frequently during the Advent/Christmas season?

Answer: Isaiah, the longest prophetic book, is rich with poetry and images which express the Jewish people's life experiences in terms of abandonment and exile, return and restoration. These themes fit well with the thrust of the Advent/Christmas season as it joyfully celebrates the various comings of the Lord.

In Lectionary year A, the first reading of all four Advent Sundays proclaims various passages from Isaiah. On the first Sunday Isaiah offers us an ideal scene of the restoration of God's people. Isaiah asserts that a day is coming in which all will come to the Lord's mountain, to know and walk in the light of God. Peace shall prevail and war will be no more.

On the second Sunday Isaiah envisions the messianic descendant of David who will establish a kingdom of peace, justice and right relationship among all of God's creation. On the third Sunday Isaiah delineates various characteristics of this ideal kingdom. Deserts will bloom, infirmities will be healed, people will be ransomed and all will be restored to their rightful place.

Isaiah proclaims the famous passage concerning the virgin who "shall conceive and bear a child and shall name him Emmanuel" on the last Sunday of Advent. This passage highlights the climax of the idyllic restoration which Isaiah boldly proclaims, a restoration which God has accomplished and continues to accomplish in the coming of Jesus, God with us.

Please remember that the parish benefits from your bottle and can deposits and your paper recycling! Bottles and cans go in the bin at the end of the rectory driveway; paper (up to the weight of a cereal box; no cardboard or phone books) goes in the yellow and green bins at the back of the church parking lot. Thanks for your support!

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK–FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

A reading from the beginning of the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

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