6-15-08

FROM FATHER RICK

DEAR FRIENDS,

SISTER PARISH WEEKEND

Next weekend we will celebrate our Sister Parish’s Feastday, the Birth of Saint John the Baptist, all the Masses. At the 10:30 am Mass, we will unveil and bless a statue of Saint John the Baptist at the Baptismal Font. The statue is a gift of John and Mary Sudol in memory of their fathers, John Sudol and Anthony Gedaminsky. Plan to join us.

“YEAR OF SAINT PAUL”

To mark the 2000th anniversary of the Birth of Saint Paul, Pope Benedict XVI will open a Jubilee Year on Saturday, June 28 (The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul), at Vespers to be celebrated at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. This Holy Year will extend until June 29, 2009. At his visit to the Basilica to proclaim this year, Pope Benedict said:

“The church is, by its nature, missionary; its primary task is evangelization. At the beginning of the third millennium, the church feels with renewed strength that Christ's missionary mandate is more pressing than ever.”

This year is a time for all of us as disciples of Jesus to examine our missionary spirit, and to recommit ourselves to finding ways in our everyday lives to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WEEKLY EMAIL FROM CARDINAL SEAN

Late in May, Cardinal Sean initiated a “weekly email” for all parishioners of the archdiocese. The email includes special messages from the cardinal, content from Cardinal Sean’s Blog, official press releases from the Archdiocese, links to current stories from The Pilot, new programs from Catholic TV, a calendar of upcoming events in the archdiocese, and other helpful information. The Cardinal hopes that every Catholic in the Archdiocese with an email account will sign up for this weekly email. For more information or to sign up please log onto www.Boston200.org.

A SIMPLE REMINDER

Next time you patronize a bulletin advertiser, thank them and let them know you are doing business with them because of their support of your church. You might be amazed by the smile you get in return.

I wish you Peace,

Fr. Rick

Chernobyl Children Project USA

The chance of a lifetime to change someone’s life! Host families for the children from Russia and Belarus provide love, support and strength for these young victims of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. The project will be holding several informational meetings on how to get involved either by volunteering, hosting, translating, or supporting a host family. If you would like to participate in this summer program, we would love to provide you all the necessary information. The children will arrive on Tuesday, June 24th and return home four weeks later, Thursday, July 24th. Host families are asked to take two children. The project will help to provide support and assistance to the host families. If you are interested and would like more information please call Patty Doyle, President at 781-251-0137 or visit our web site: www.ccpusa.org.

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. For more information about the parish council or upcoming events, contact Jim McKain at 978-475-7931 or Jim_McKain@NLTek.com, or go online to www.saintroberts.net/kofc.htm.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 18, 7:30 pm, Driscoll Hall

Stewardship Reflection

“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8

With these words, Jesus sent the Apostles out into the towns and villages to do His work. We, too, have been sent to do God’s work. We, too, must remember that we are to give without counting the cost.

Join us this Fall in ARISE: Together in Christ

To know God better, to learn more about God, talk more freely about our faith, and hear how God has impacted other peoples’ lives. For more information on ARISE, please visit us online at www.saintroberts.net/Arise.htm.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is now rebuilding the homes that were destroyed in the fire this past winter. The outreach committee would like to send a group from St. Roberts to help these well deserving and underprivileged families restore their homes. There are several dates available in August. It is a full Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. There are also opportunities for lunch providers throughout the summer. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact maureenabbott@comcast.net.

Bread and Roses

This Sunday, June 15th, we will prepare the meal for the Bread and Roses hospitality house in Lawrence to be served on Monday, June 16th.

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 9:30 AM. All food donations should be received by 10:30 AM. Call Betty Bufano at 978-851-5682 or Lisa Lattari at 978-749-3736 for further information.

Cycle for Shelter

Emmaus Inc.

Sunday, July 27 (rain or shine)

Founded in 1985, Emmaus is a non-profit organization “Where Everybody Matters”. Emmaus is devoted to helping families and individuals rebuild their lives. It is the largest provider of emergency shelter in Essex County and offers transitional and permanent affordable housing, job training, meals, and support services. For more information and registration please call 978-241-3444 or visit www.emmausinc.org. Volunteers are also needed for this event. Please call 978-241-3423 to find out more on how you can help out!

Saturday, June 14, Vigil, 11th Ordinary Sunday

4:00 pm: All Fathers of the Parish

Sunday, June 15, 11th Ordinary Sunday

8:00 am: All Fathers of the Parish

10:30 am: Fr. Francis C. O’Hare;

Baptism of Claire Grace Bailey/Woodring

Wednesday, June 18, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: John Adams, Jr.

Thursday, June 19, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: Memorial Mass for Tim Russert

Friday, June 20, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: Edwina Gedaminsky

Saturday, June 21, Vigil, 12th Ordinary Sunday

4:00 pm: Anthony and Barbara Tassinari

Sunday, June 22, 12th Ordinary Sunday

8:00 am: Mary McLean

10:30 am: Thomas Lynch

Only Masses with intentions are listed here. Please check the schedule posted on the church door

or call the parish office for the full weekday Mass schedule.

Prayers requested for Emily Thatcher,

aunt of parishioner Joseph Gencorelli

Readings for the Week of June 15, 2008

Sunday: Ex 19:2-6a/Rom 5:6-11/Mt 9:36-10:8

Monday: 1 Kgs 21:1-16/Mt 5:38-42

Tuesday: 1 Kgs 21:17-29/Mt 5:43-48

Wednesday: 2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thursday: Sir 48:1-14/Mt 6:7-15

Friday: 2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20/Mt 6:19-23

Saturday: 2 Chr 24:17-25/Mt 6:24-34

Next Sunday: Jer 20:10-13/Rom 5:12-15/Mt 10:26-33

Healing Mass, Monday, June 16, 7:30 pm

St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

205 Hampshire St., Lawrence

Father Albert MacPherson, OSA, will celebrate the Mass followed by anointing with blessed oil. All are invited to come and feel the healing touch of God’s hand. For further information, call 978-685-1111 or 978-794-9719, ext. 22.

Question of the Week

Eleventh Ordinary Sunday

Reading I: Exodus 19:2-6a (A Holy Nation)

Reading II: Romans 5:6-11 (Receiving Reconciliation)

Gospel: Matthew 9:36-10:8 (The Sending of the Twelve)

Question for Adults: Talk about the small ways in which you are sent to heal, teach, and "give the gift" of faith which you have received.

Question for Youth: In this week’s Gospel we hear about the disciples being sent out by Jesus to serve others. What have you done in the last year to serve others? How can you be more compassionate to those who are in need?

Question for Children: Share about small ways in which you help others around you.

SAVE THE DATE FOR

GENERATIONS OF FAITH

REGISTRATION!

Thursday, August 28, from 4:00-7:00 PM

Thursday, September 4, from 4:00-7:00 PM

Saturday, September 6, after the 4:00 PM Mass

Sunday, September 7, after the 9:00 & 11:00 AM Masses

As always, registration is on a first come, first served basis and Sunday evenings fill up—so if you have a definite preference, be one of the first! Look for a mailing in August that will include more registration and volunteer information, festival dates, and other program news. Not sure what Generations of Faith is? Check out the Generations of Faith FAQs on the Faith Formation page on our website (www.saintroberts.net) or contact Amanda in the parish office at amroberts@comcast.net or 978-683-8922. Have a great summer and we’ll see you in the fall!

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

Summer Schedule begins THIS WEEKEND!

Saturday 4:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am

Classes Starting Soon!

The Master of Arts in Ministry Program for laity at St. John's Seminary will offer the second session of summer classes from June 18th to July 30th on Wednesday evenings from 6:00–9:00 pm. The following courses will be offered: Basic Truths of the Catholic Church, taught by Rev. Paul Ritt; Being in the Image of God, taught by Prof. Anthony Keaty; and Catholic Social Doctrine, taught by Prof. David Franks. Auditors are welcome.

In addition, applications are being accepted now for fall admissions. Please call to schedule an interview. For more information visit www.rcab.org or call 617-779-4104.

Franco American Week

June 22 to June 27, 2008

This year Franco American Week begins on June 22 with a 10:00 am French Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Shrine. The celebrant is Fr. Deveau, OMI, and the music will be directed by Mr. Normand Ayotte. Reception following to meet the Franco-American of the year. At 3:00 pm musicians from Vermont, Va-et-Vient, will perform Songs & Music of Québec, France & Louisiana. The performance will be at Boarding House Park, at the corner of French & John Streets in Lowell MA. Rain location: Senior Center, 276 Broadway St., Lowell, MA. Free Admission. For information on the other events of the week visit http://ecommunity.uml.edu/francolowellma/ or call Cecile at 978-441-2336.

Reminder: Annulment Information Session this Thursday, June 19, 7:00 pm, All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., Haverhill. No registration is required. Questions? Please contact Joanne Curry at 617-746-5820.

Serve Meal at the Shelter

Friday, June 27, 5:15 pm

Join the Oblate team at the Eugene/Hildegard Mission Center at St. Joseph the Worker Shrine in Lowell to minister to our hungry brothers and sisters. Your faith will be nourished by this experience. Call Carmela at the EH Mission Center 978-458-6346, x215, if you are available to serve.

The Academy of Notre Dame, located in Tyngsboro,

is currently accepting applications for limited openings in the following grades:

Elementary School

Grades: K1, 1, 2, and 4

Middle School

Grades: 6, 7 and 8

(High School Preparatory Middle School)

High School

Grades: 9, 10 and 11

(All girls College Preparatory High School)

For more information, please contact:

Barbara Aldrich-Clougherty, Director of Admissions, at 978-649-7611, x327,

or visit the Academy’s website at www.ndatyngsboro.org.

The Academy of Notre Dame is a private, Catholic co-educational elementary school

and an all-girls college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Recycled last week’s bulletin?

Away over the weekend?

Lost a number? Forgot a date?

Looking for a way to just click and go to the online resources in the announcements?

Check out the bulletin online!

www.saintroberts.net

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK—TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 20:10-13

Jeremiah said: “I hear the whisperings of many: ‘Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!’ All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. ‘Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.’ But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!”

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 5:12-15

Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned— for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come.

But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

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