1-06-08

FROM FATHER RICK

DEAR FRIENDS,

MASS SCHEDULE CHANGE REMINDER

This weekend (January 5/6) we begin our new Sunday morning Mass schedule. Weekend Masses will be celebrated on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm and on Sunday morning at 9:00 am & 11:00 am.

BRINGING THE EPIPHANY CELEBRATION HOME

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The following is a way to bring the celebration into the home.

The gospel tells us that the magi found Christ “on entering the house.” The door to your home is a holy threshold. You can bless those who come in and go out by inscribing above the door in chalk the first two numbers of the year+C+M+B+the last two numbers of the year. Tradition tells us that the letters stand for the names of the magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Adolph Adam points out that it may also mean “Christus mansionem benedicat” or “May Christ bless this dwelling.” It’s appropriate to bless your door in January—janua means “door” and the first month is the door to the new year. After inscribing the doorway, say this prayer:

God of Bethlehem and Cana,

God of Jordan’s leaping waters,

in baptism you bring us

into your family.

You wed us and embrace us

as your beloved.

May we fill this place

with kindness to one another,

with hospitality to guests,

and with abundant care

for every stranger.

By the gentle light of a star,

guide home all who seek you

on paths of faith, hope and love.

Then we will join the angels in

proclaiming your praise:

Glory in heaven and peace on earth,

now and for ever. Amen.

Then sing a Christmas carol.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Next weekend after all the Masses the Knights (a Parish Council) will be recruiting new members in the Gathering Space. Membership is open to all fully initiated Catholic men over 18 years of age.

GENERATIONS OF FAITH

Our next Faith Festival will be held on the weekend of January 25 – 27 – 28. We will focus on “Renewing our Baptism”. This festival will prepare us to celebrate the baptismal season of Lent, which begins with our celebration of Ash Wednesday on February 6, which is the Event for this festival. On Ash Wednesday Masses will be celebrated at 12:10 pm, 5:00 pm (with Children’s Liturgy of the Word) and 7:00 pm.

CONFIRMATION RITE OF ENROLLMENT OF NAMES

On Saturday, February 2, our 10th Graders who have been preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Easter Season, will begin their proximate preparation with a Day of Recollection at Espousal Retreat Center. This day will conclude with a Rite of Enrollment of Names during the 4:00 pm Mass on that Saturday. This rite gives the candidates the opportunity to state before the community that they are taking this step in their sacramental lives seriously. It calls on us the community to state that we will support these young men and women in this journey. Please join us for this important moment in parish life here at Saint Robert’s.

CONSECRATED LIFE DAY

On Sunday, February 3, we will celebrate consecrated life at the 11:00 am Mass, followed by a reception in the Gathering Space honoring any religious who come as guests to celebrate with us. If you would like a member of a religious community (sister, brother or religious order priest) remembered by name at this Mass please submit the name to Irene at the Parish Office before February 1. Please invite any religious to join us on this day.

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, February 6, 7:30 PM in Driscoll Hall.

Knights of Columbus Family Breakfast

THIS Sunday, January 6

Stop by Driscoll Hall anytime from 8:00-11:00 am to warm up and catch up with fellow parishioners!

Knights of Columbus Recruitment Weekend

NEXT Saturday & Sunday, January 12 & 13

Money Matters

On the weekend of December 22/23

Weekly donations $4,136.00

Monthly donations $1,366.00

Mass Schedule and Intentions

Saturday, January 5, Vigil, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

4:00 pm: Regina Miriam Stowe

Sunday, January 6, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

9:00 am: Rosemary Bernal

11:00 am: Deceased Members of the Caggiano Family

Tuesday, January 8, Christmas Weekday

12:10 pm

Thursday, January 10, Christmas Weekday

12:10 pm: Deceased members of the Marcoux Family

Friday, January 11, Christmas Weekday

12:10 pm: Ernie Picard

Saturday, January 12, Vigil, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

4:00 pm: Eleanor Flynn

Sunday, January 13, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

9:00 am: Sandra Murphy

11:00 am: James & Angela Ford

Readings for the Week of January 6, 2008

Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12

Monday: 1 Jn 3:22-4:6/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44

Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52

Thursday: 1 Jn 4:19-5:4/Lk 4:14-22a

Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16

Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30

Next Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Acts 10:34-38/Mt 3:13-17

Question of the Week–Solemnity of the Epiphany

Question for Adults: When and where can I take time in prayer to adore God in his beauty?

Question for Children: What do I see that is beautiful that helps me think of God?

Thank Yous for Christmas Giving

Si Se Puede: “Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the Advent Giving Tree this year. Your gifts and your caring will make this Christmas much brighter and happier for our young people and their families. Thank you for being and sharing the spirit of Christmas. Wishing each of you a wonderful Christmas season.”

Bread and Roses: “Thank you for your generosity to Bread and Roses. As we put together our gift bags for our needy guests we appreciate your caring and sharing. May you continue to be blessed for your goodness.”

St. Ann’s Home: “I am writing to thank your parishioners for the lovely gifts that they gave to the children at St. Ann’s Home for Christmas this year. The children were pleasantly surprised at their Christmas party and on Christmas morning, and St. Robert’s parish will certainly have made this season much brighter for them.”

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Lowell: “Special thanks to you and all your elves for all you've done this holiday season to make it a special one for the families that we serve. The treats were fabulous–everyone enjoyed them so much.”

Women’s Faith Enrichment

W.I.N.G.S. (Women In God’s Spirit) is a faith enrichment group for women of all ages who want to grow in their relationship with God. Meetings consist of prayer, song, speakers, small group discussions, and of course hospitality! Saint Michael Parish has extended an invitation to the women of St. Roberts and St. Augustine parishes to join their group. The group will meet on the following Sunday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Saint Michael Parish Hall for the Winter Session–Scripture; a Contemporary View: 1/6, 1/20, 1/27, 2/10. The fee is just $30 for the year. For more information or to register, please contact the Saint Michael Parish Pastoral Center at 978-686-4050 or st-michael@comcast.net.

This Week in Our Parish

Tuesday, January 8

12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church

7:00-9:00 PM GOF Design Team Meeting, Bellarmine Room

Thursday, January 10

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, January 11

10:45 AM Adult Enrichment, Bellarmine Room

12:10 PM Weekday Mass, Church

Saturday, January 12

Knights of Columbus Recruitment in Gathering Space after 4:00 PM Mass

Sunday, January 13

Knights of Columbus Recruitment in Gathering Space after all Masses

10:00-11:00 AM First Eucharist Prep, Driscoll Hall

12:00-1:00 PM Child & Youth Safety Program, Session II for K-8, Driscoll Hall

Register Now for Spring Courses at the Master of Arts in Ministry Program for Laity

Consider deepening your knowledge of your faith by registering for a spring course at the Master of Arts in Ministry Program for laity at Peterson Hall at St. John's Seminary in Brighton. Classes begin the week of January 14, 2008. Satellite courses will also be offered in Weymouth at St. Jerome Parish and in Sherborn at St. Theresa Parish. For more information on the Master of Arts in Ministry Program for laity program, contact the program office at 617-779-4104 or aldona_lingertat@rcab.org, or visit them on the web at http://www.rcab.org/Education/MAM/current.html.

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

Stewardship Reflection

“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

The image of the Magi kneeling before the infant Jesus and opening their treasure chests for Him is an image that we should all try to follow. Each of us is called to open our gifts before Jesus, offering Him what He needs. If you have trouble with this idea, keep one of the Magi from your Nativity set on your desk all this year as a reminder to bring your gifts to Jesus.

A Loving Presence

Volunteers are needed to visit people receiving hospice care. You can make a difference in someone’s life in one hour a week. Local training is provided. Non-contact positions are also available. Please call Alice Hutter, West River Care Volunteer Coordinator, at 781-707-9580 if you are interested in this important and rewarding service.

Bring your values to the marketplace!

Fair trade coffee and cocoa will be available for purchase in the Gathering Space after all Masses this weekend.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive at Saint Michael Parish (in the Parish Hall) in North Andover on Saturday, January 12, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please save the date and consider giving blood. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-448-3543.

ONE MORE REMINDER!!

NEW MASS SCHEDULE BEGINS THIS WEEKEND

SATURDAY 4:00 PM

SUNDAY 9:00 & 11:00 AM

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK–FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Thus says the LORD:

Here is my servant whom I uphold,

my chosen one with whom I am pleased,

upon whom I have put my spirit;

he shall bring forth justice to the nations,

not crying out, not shouting,

not making his voice heard in the street.

A bruised reed he shall not break,

and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,

until he establishes justice on the earth;

the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,

I have grasped you by the hand;

I formed you, and set you

as a covenant of the people,

a light for the nations,

to open the eyes of the blind,

to bring out prisoners from confinement,

and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38

Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

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