7-13-08

FROM FATHER RICK

DEAR FRIENDS,

MISSIONARY COOPERATIVE

Next weekend we welcome Father Ravi Marneni, a PIME Missionary who will speak at all the Masses on behalf of the Society of Saint Peter the Apostle as part of the Archdiocesan Missionary Cooperative. Father was ordained a PIME priest in May of 2003. Born in India, he has been working at the PIME study house in Chennai, India and now has been assigned to work at the US Regional Headquarters of this Society in Detroit, Michigan. Please welcome him with your usual hospitality.

FYI

On occasion we still run into a bit of confusion on the part of folks about the end of life and the sacramental life of the church. What follows is a piece written by Fr. Paul Turner which clarifies what the church teaches about this critical time in the like of her members.

Last Rites

If you’ve witnessed the anointing of the sick lately, you know anointing ain’t what it used to be. In the old days, if the priest arrived for the anointing, or “extreme unction,” or “last rites,” you knew your hours were numbered.

Today the sacrament is no longer reserved for the dying. In fact, you can make a case that the dying should not be anointed at all. You can have “last rites” without a priest.

The rite of anointing is part of a book called Pastoral Care of the Sick. “Extreme unction” means “last anointing,” and that term has been discontinued in favor of a broader term the pastoral care of the sick.

The document says, “Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this sacrament The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill or if during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious. A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery. Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present.”

In short, anointing prays for recovery. If you’re gravely sick, the time has come to anoint. If you’re dying, however, we have a separate ritual called “Commendation of the Dying.” It does not include the anointing of the sick. However, the rites for the dying should include another sacrament—communion given as “viaticum,” or “food for the journey.” The sacrament of the dying is “last communion,” and it may be offered by any communion minister.

After death, we offer “Prayers for the Dead.” Again, they do not include an anointing. Among the requirements to celebrate the sacraments in the Catholic church is to be a living, breathing, human being. After you’ve died, you don’t need sacraments any more — you’ve got the real thing.

At your parish church, you probably only witness the anointing of the sick and not the rites for the dying — since pastoral care of the dying is generally offered in hospitals and homes. You might call all the prayers for the dying “last rites,” and a priest need not be present for them. The church gladly offers its pastoral care as freely as it can.

We celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick communally twice a year. Once in the Fall (this year on Saturday, October 18, at the 4:00 pm Mass) and then near or on the World Day of the Sick in February (this year on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at the 11:00 am Mass).

SUMMER COOKOUTS

The first of our two summer cookouts will be held this Wednesday, July 16, at 5:30 pm. The second cookout will be held following the 5:30 pm Mass on Friday, August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.

I wish you peace,

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

Next Meeting: Wednesday, July 16, 7:30 pm, Driscoll Hall

Money Matters

On the weekend of July 5/6

Weekly donations: $3,954.00

Stewardship Reflection

“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word but

then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” Matthew 13:22

Does the lure of riches and material goods choke God out of your life? Are you so caught up in worldly activities and anxieties that you have no time for God? These are questions that we all must ask of ourselves if we are going to live as God’s stewards.

Fair trade coffee will be available for purchase

after all Masses this weekend, July 12 and 13.

Buying fair trade coffee is a tangible way we can put the values of our faith into action.

It reminds us there are people behind all the things we consume.

Bring your values to the marketplace—bring Dean’s Beans Fair Trade Coffee into your homes!

Reflect on Our Spiritual Lives

Stop, breathe deeply, take a moment to reflect. Society and daily pressures offer little opportunity for us to pause and reflect on our spiritual lives. ARISE small groups provide the time and support for reflection. Please join us this Fall in ARISE: Together in Christ. For more information, visit us online at www.saintroberts.net/Arise.htm.

Special Collection This Weekend

Black and Indian Missions

The annual collection for United States Black, Indian, Eskimo, and Aleute Missions takes place this weekend, July 12/13. The funds are needed to continue present evangelization programs; even more, to assist those parishes devastated by hurricanes to totally rebuild their programs. Many places lost everything and how soon we forget that the rebuilding that needs to be done cannot be done overnight. Working together leads to success. The support of your generosity goes to some of the neediest people in the United States, from the inner cities of the rural South to the deserts of the Southwest to Alaska’s cold wilderness. Please give what you are able. If we all give a little, a lot will be accomplished.

On Sunday, July 20th, we will prepare the meal for the Bread and Roses hospitality house in Lawrence to be served on Monday, July 21st.

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 10:30 AM. Call Betty Bufano 978-851-5682 or Lisa Lattari 978-749-3736 for further information.

Saturday, July 12, Vigil, 15th Ordinary Sunday

4:00 pm: Bartolomeo & Ursula DeLuca

Sunday, July 13, 15th Ordinary Sunday

8:00 am: Albina Matushak

10:30 am: Richard Dlesk

Wednesday, July 16, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: Eric Begg

Thursday, July 17, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: People of the Parish

Friday, July 18, Weekday Mass

12:10 pm: Ernie Picard

Saturday, July 19, Vigil, 16th Ordinary Sunday

4:00 pm: Herb Murray

Sunday, July 20, 16th Ordinary Sunday

8:00 am: People of the Parish

10:30 am: Gerry Christoffels

Only Masses with intentions are listed here.

The full weekday Mass schedule is posted on the church door

and announced at the weekend Masses each week.

Prayers requested for Barbara Green,

mother of parishioner Bill Green

Readings for the Week of July 13, 2008

Sunday: Is 55:10-11/Rom 8:18-23/Mt 13:1-23

Monday: Is 1:10-17/Mt 10:34-11:1

Tuesday: Is 7:1-9/Mt 11:20-24

Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16/Mt 11:25-27

Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19/Mt 11:28-30

Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8/Mt 12:1-8

Saturday: Mi 2:1-5/Mt 12:14-21

Next Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19/Rom 8:26-27/Mt 13:24-43

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, LTCD Chris Stopyra, USN

Question of the Week

Fifteenth Ordinary Sunday

Reading I: Isaiah 55:10-11 (The Word of the Lord)

Reading II: Romans 8:18-23 (The Children of God)

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23 (The Parable of the Sower)

Question for Adults: Using the parable of Jesus in this reading, describe how faith has been planted in your life? How long did it take for that seed to land “on good soil?”

Question for Youth: When the sower, in this week’s Gospel, sowed his seed, not all of it fell in “good soil.” What can you do in the coming week to make sure that you are open to God in your life? What is getting in the way of your being “good soil?”

Question for Children: Who helps you to grow deeper in your faith?

Catch World Youth Day on CatholicTV

CatholicTV will provide extensive coverage of World Youth Day from Sydney, Australia, July 15th to the 20th. Every day at noon and 8:00 pm, tune in for live and major event coverage from down under, as well as reports from Father Chris Hickey in Australia on “This Is The Day” all week. The complete program schedule is available online at www.CatholicTV.com, your Catholic broadband network. CatholicTV is now available 24 hours daily on Comcast digital cable channel 268 (183 in some areas), RCN channel 85, and Comcast FiOS channel 271.

Summer Cookout!!

Wednesday, July 16, 5:30 PM

Forgot to RSVP last week?

Leave a message for Irene at

978-683-8922 or ibonner@comcast.net.

And save the date for our second summer cookout,

which will be held after the 5:30 pm Holy Day Mass on Friday, August 15.

Special Senior Outing

Join the Irish Pastoral Centre for a special seniors outing to the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton on Thursday, July 24, from noon to 3:00 pm, for Mass, catered lunch and guest Susan Gedutis Lindsay, who will present a program of music and photos from Boston’s Dance Halls 1940-1970. Suggested donation is $10. RSVP by Tuesday, July 22, at 617-479-7404, x13.

Attention All Sports Fans

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to meet Patrick McCaskey of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. Enjoy the wit and wisdom of the legendary founder of the NFL, George “Papa Bear” Halas, as told by his grandson, Patrick. Bring your children to hear first-hand stories about NFL football, our Catholic faith, and how to be a true winner on and off the field. “Boot Camp for Catholics” will be held at the Franciscan Center in Andover, July 25th to 27th. For more information or to register, go to www.eternalliferadio.org or call 781-218-2834.

Please note that the Parish Office

will be closed this Monday and

Tuesday, July 14 and 15.

Where Did the Recycling Go?!

If you’ve been on auto pilot to the same old corner of the parking lot to drop off your paper recycling, you may have been surprised to find that the green and yellow bins are not where you expected them to be. Not to worry…they just moved across the lot (in an effort to isolate the trash dumpster, which still seems to be a magnet for illegal dumping). And please remember that the parish also benefits from your bottle and can deposits. You can drop them off in the bin at the end of the rectory driveway. Thanks for your support!

High School Harbor Cruise 2008!

Join your friends for the most exciting event of the summer! The High School Harbor Cruise is a fantastic opportunity to see Boston in a way that few people do! Depart from the waterfront for a great cruise around Boston's beautiful harbor, hear your friends perform LIVE on the ship in the “Star of the Harbor Talent Search”, and enjoy the music of Jon Niven! The High School Harbor Cruise will be taking place on Monday, July 28, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM. Boat boards at 7:00 pm on Commonwealth Pier. Tickets are $20 per person. Registration form is available online at www.oymboston.org.

Children’s Hospital Blood Drive

In Honor of Catalina Lora

Thursday, July 17, 2008

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Bank of New England

342 N. Main Street, Andover

Bus will be parked in front parking lot of the bank.

To make an appointment please call Maryanne at 978-824-3353.

Lowell Catholic Needs Host Families

This is a great way to expose your family to another culture, while helping an exchange student experience life in America for a year! The program is in need of families willing to host students ages 14-17 from all over the world. Participants receive a stipend to cover monthly expenses and parents of current Lowell Catholic students receive a tuition discount. If you are interested in learning more or attending an information session on Thursday, July 17, at 6:30 pm, contact Jocelyn Mendonsa at 978-452-1794, x22.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK–SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

A reading from the Book of Wisdom 12:13, 16-19

There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned. For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 8:26-27

Brothers and sisters: The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will.

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”

He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.”

Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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