Please remember in your prayers, Allen & Rosalyn Kalish, Robert P. Mercier, Michael Jackson & all of our deceased relatives & friends.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
TUESDAYS – 7:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.
FIRST FRIDAYS - NOON - 9 P.M.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
WORD & SONG 2009
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2009; PAGE 244
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY
Please remember in your prayers those who are serving in the military, especially: Sean P. McDermott, Jeffery Steven Diana, Lt. Colin M. D'Amour & PFC Andrew Menard. If you have loved ones who are serving in the military please email their names to: ddonnelly@stmarylong.org .
ATTENTION NEW PARISHIONERS - WELCOME!
If you are new to the parish, please introduce yourself after Mass and drop in at the rectory during our business hours. New parishioners are asked to visit the parish office as soon as possible to fill out parish registration forms.
Dear Parishioners,
This week’s Gospel has a couple of lines that are among my favorite ones in the whole Bible. The context in which these lines is when Jesus had just taught the crowds saying: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Also, many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” “As a result many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Jesus.”
Jesus then turned to the Twelve and asked, and this begins my favorite couple of lines in the whole Bible, “Do you also want to leave me?” Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Jesus calls each one of us to follow him, to be with him, and to learn from him. This is a life-long learning process. He promises us that he is always with us until the end of the world. However, are we always with him?
Simon Peter’s response to Jesus is beautiful and sincere. He has been through a lot with Jesus. Peter had seen the miraculous catch of fish that Jesus caused. Peter walked on the water when Jesus called him. Peter would go through even more. At this point in his life-long response to Jesus’ call to him to follow him, Peter is again making a deliberate choice to be with Jesus. We need to do the same at every step of our life’s journey. Peter says; “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
We, too, are coming to believe in Jesus more and more as we grow through our life experiences. We are coming to be convinced through our own processes of life that Jesus is our only alternative. He is the way, the truth and the life. In him is the fullness of life for us. We might try to fill our lives with another sort of fullness, but in the long run these ways turn up empty and unfulfilling.
Peter would have to live through his experience of denying three times that he even knew Jesus, but he was able to live through his denials only because Jesus came back to him from the dead and pulled him through. Jesus made Peter’s faith the rock foundation of the faith of the Church. Jesus does the same for us, through the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Jesus strengthens us so that we remain faithful to him. He strengthens us through his word and the sacrament of his body and blood so that we can get back up again after we fall, and never leave him, convinced, as we are that he never leaves or abandons us.
Many of the disciples in the crowd chose to leave Jesus. Jesus was no stranger to people leaving him because of their lack of faith in him. Recall that he came to his own hometown of Nazareth and he was rejected there. But to those who accept him he gives the sustaining power to become children of God in word and in deed. That is why we are called to worship him in spirit and in truth so that our whole life becomes a reflection of God’s glory.
In these past few weeks we have been repeating the same responsorial psalm, “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” Every week when we come to church we are invited to come and see where the Lord is staying in our hearts and minds. We are invited to taste more deeply how good God is to us, even when things seem to be going wrong, even when we have crosses to bear.
As a parish family we are called to share one another’s burden and to share the goodness of the Lord to us by the way we are generous and kind to one another. Let us thank God that God has called us to the fullness of life and peace that only Jesus the Lord can give us.
God bless you. Fr. Reilly.
2009 COLLECTIONS - THANK YOU!
|
1938 Envelopes Mailed
|
Envelopes Returned
|
Total
Collection
|
|
Weekly: August 9
|
370
|
$8,751.00
|
|
Weekly: August 16
|
321
|
$7,630.00
|
|
Assumption
|
136
|
$1,535.00
|
Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."
-Jn 6:67-69
DO YOU HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS?
In an effort to update our records and to provide better communication among our parishioners, please send your e-mail address to: parishoffice@stmarylong.org. Please help us to communicate more directly with you and save on mailing costs. We would like all e-mail addresses by September 1. Let’s make this our summer project as we prepare for the fall season of parish building activities! - Thank you. Fr. Reilly.
Please pray for better health for
Frank Pouliot
from Brian McKillop
Calling all the baptized...we are seeking individuals whose God-given gifts they enjoy using to witness their faith, teach who they are as Catholics and love working with young people!
When you discover your talents and link those talents with your passion, there is no telling what God can accomplish through you. God has created the one and only you, uniquely gifted with undeniable talents that are the foundation for your strengths. Claim who you are, listen to God, celebrate your talents, begin living through your strengths. And start transforming your life—and the life of our parish—by answering the call to be a Catechist!
All Catholics receive the call to live out their Baptism in various ways. When catechists respond to God’s call with their “yes,” they are responding in a specific way both to the movement of the Spirit within them and to the call of the Church. This can mark a new beginning in the deepening of their spiritual awareness.
Wanted: Individuals who live their faith by living their strengths! If you are interested in becoming a Catechist please call Patti Monroe at 567-3420.
# of Catechists
still needed 2009-2010 Catechists
|
Kindergarten: 2
|
Judy Webber
|
|
grade 1: 3
|
Mary Ellen Keiter, Jill Kirastoulis,
Sheila Miller, Christine Walbridge
|
|
grade 2: 5
|
Kathy Crews, Carolyn Marchese,
Hilary Coughlin, Mary Pat O’Connor
|
|
grade 3: 4
|
Madeline Agin, Brigid Foly/Mary Eagan,
Hilary Coughlin
|
|
grade 4: 1
|
Esther Lucia, Missy Strassburg, Mary Amato, Beth Baron, Kathy Caputo
|
|
grade 5: 2
|
Janice Brids, Todd Cieplik, Brian Ahearn
|
|
grade 6: 1
|
Peter Barrett, Dan McLaughlin, Jen Shapiro, Kathy Giampietro, Deidra/Paul Felici
|
|
grade 7: 2
|
Donna Falcone, Liz Forstch, Vicky Purugganan
|
|
grade 8: 2
|
Bob Nell, Emilio Melchionna, Mary Ann Eagan, Greg Blackman, E Amato/K Albano,
Nina Coughlin/Michelle Drennan
|
|
grade 9: 2
|
Kim MacDonnell, David Douglas,
Franki Barbuti, Norene Shea/Kate Freeman
|
|
grade 10: 0
|
Claire Falcone, Teresa Marshall,
Aimee Browne, Jim /Halina Sullivan,
Marie Murray, Marie Blackman
|
|
grade 11: 1
|
Fr. Reilly, Patti Monroe, Pete Kearing,
Barney Marshall
|
| |
|
|
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”(Jn 20:21)
These familiar words remind catechists that they have been commissioned by Jesus to continue his mission. The Lord’s mandate issues from the eternal love of God, which reaches out to humanity to bring all into communion with God and with one another. After a period of apprenticeship, the Apostles were sent out in all directions. They were empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of salvation, God’s merciful and healing love. Catechists help to carry on that mission.
Faith Formation Job Opportunities
Paid-Positions Available:
3 Crossing/Parking Guards
Monday afternoons from 3:15 - 7:30 p.m.
September 21, 2009 - May 24, 2010
School Vacations/Three Day Weekends off (Sat.-Mon.)
This opportunity is a paid position; hours can be split among several people. If interested please call Father Reilly at 567-3124 or Patti Monroe at 567-3420.
Fall Faith Formation Schedule
Catechist Meetings
Saturday, September 12
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. - Grade 8 Catechists
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - Grade 9 Catechists
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Grade 10 Catechists
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Grade 11 Catechists
Monday, September 14
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. - Grade K Catechists
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Grade 1 Catechists
5:45 - 6: 45 p.m. - Grade 5 Catechists
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Grade 6 Catechists
Saturday, September 19
9 a.m. - 10a.m. - Grade 2 Catechists
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - Grade 3 Catechists
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Grade 4 Catechists
12:45 p.m. - 1:45p.m. - Grade 7 Catechists
Parent Meetings-Church
Sunday, September 13
5:45 p.m. - Grades 8 and 9 Students/Parents
7 p.m. - Grades 10 and 11 Students/Parents
Tuesday, September 15
7 p.m. - Grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Parents
Wednesday, September 16
7 p.m. - Grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Parents
Tuesday, September 22 or 29
7 p.m. - Grade 2 Parents
Faith Formation Classes Beginning Dates
Sunday, September 20
5:45 p.m. - Grades 8 and 9
7 p.m. - Grades 10 and 11
Monday, September 21
3:30 p.m. - Grades k, 1, 2
5 p.m. - Grades 3, 4, 5
6:30 p.m. - Grades 6, 7
Registration for 2009-2010 Classes has begun;
please call the rectory for a registration form
if you did not receive one in the mail.
OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is a process that begins with inquiry of Jesus. Jesus is forever asking his disciples “Who do men say that I am?” “Who do all those other people say that I am?” Finally he turns to Peter and asks him straight out “Who do you say that I am?” Like Peter he looks to each of us and looking straight in our eyes asks of us “Who do you say that I am? What does my story have to do with your story? How am I a part of your life? Who am I to you?” We invite you to share in a journey of inquiry into ‘who’ Jesus is to and for you. If you wish to join us on this pilgrimage of discovery, on the voyage of faith, if you know someone who wants to become a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, if you would like to share in this process as a Catechist, call Patti (567-3420). “Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours be ever ready to reply, but to speak gently and respectfully.”
- 1 Peter 3:15
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children - RCIC at St. Mary’s enables children in grades 2 - 11 to enter into a relationship with the living God and share in the life of their identity as Christians. Our goal is to provide a means of conversion consistent with the child's age and understanding. Like RCIA, we strive to instruct the child in his/her faith as a Catholic Christian. Different from the adult process, the conversion of children is a "belonging" process, a process of socialization which is caught as well as learned. Much of the catechesis for children greatly depends on forming and nurturing relationships with other believing children. The RCIC team includes not only the RCIC teachers, but most importantly, the RCIC parents. The true success of the program depends on the parents, who must insure the child attends all Masses, classes, learns their prayers, and experiences a Catholic environment at home. The children attend one class each week on Sunday mornings. They will attend the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and have a short (30-45 min.) class in the rectory afterwards. If your child is in grades 2-12 and has not been baptized, and has not celebrated their First Communion, call Patti (567-3420).
OFFICE OF PASTORAL MINISTRY
Outreach To The Homebound
Many within our parish are no longer able to attend Mass due to illness or disability. Some are confined to area nursing homes. We would like to offer the homebound the opportunity for weekly Communion and home visits by a Eucharistic Minister. Please let us know of any such parishioners. Call Trish Regan at 567-3124.
ATTENTION ALL 2009/2010 VOLUNTEERS
If you were not CORI’ed between January 2009 and July 2009, you must attend a Safe Environment Meeting.
Upcoming Meeting Date:
October 20 – 7 p.m., church
Please contact Patti Monroe (567-3420) with any questions.
REBUILDING OUR PARISH TODAY…
FOR TOMORROW
It has been four months since our last update where we announced our plans to move forward with Phase II of our capital projects.
Much has happened since over the last four months, albeit behind the scenes and not noticeable with a shovel in the ground. The Finance Council moved forward and secured the services of Reinhardt Associates which has consulted with us through numerous iterations and scenarios.
Our initial plans revolved around building a new meeting and administration building which would allow us to restore the rectory into a private residence for our parish priest(s) as well as provide additional meeting and storage facilities to support the growth in parish commissions.
Survey’s, plot plans and borings were completed and an initial site plan & rough block design of the new building was created. Construction estimates were created and revised numerous times in order to keep the project within the scope of our Capital Campaign budget.
In May we were presented with the opportunity to purchase the house located at 21 Hopkins Place (directly across from the church parking lot). A variety of due diligence tasks (appraisals, inspections, etc) needed to be completed in order to effectively assess the cost to buy and refurbish the 1919’s house and bring it up to current standards.
It was not until mid June that we had sufficient information on all the options in order to arrive at a new plan that will meet all of our Campaign objectives, will effectively utilize the space available on our existing campus and will give us the biggest bang for our buck while staying within the limits established with our Capital Campaign pledges committed to date. With that as our primary goal, we decided not to pursue purchasing 21 Hopkins Place due to the high cost to purchase and renovate as compared to building a new residence.
The Phase II capital projects will now consist of the building of a new 2,300 square foot parish center which will house a large open meeting and celebration space that can be configured or sectioned off into smaller functional rooms. A new, modern residence will be built along Longmeadow Street as the private residence for our parish priest(s) and our parish administrative and support functions will remain in the existing rectory. Rough drafts of this plan will be posted next week in all the church entrances.
The process has been time consuming but necessary in order to assure our Campaign funds are spent wisely while the needs of the parish are met in a manner that fits the expectations of our parishioners. We thank you for your patience and hope that you will provide the same level of support displayed with Phase I of our Campaign.
If you have any interest in being involved in the continued planning and design of Phase II or have any commercial or residential building experience, please think about volunteering your time and talent to this exciting initiative.
PARISH NEWS & ACTIVITIES
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
Loaves and Fishes - St. Jude Service Club donates the food and staff to provide supper on the last Monday of every month at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Springfield. Contacts: Kathy Kucab (567-6635) or Joann DiRico (525-3704).
Emergency Food Pantry - We request donations of canned tuna fish and meat (chicken, spam, etc.), baby wipes and diapers during August. Collection bins are located at the church entrances. All items must be new and unopened. Contacts: Esther/Steve Lucia (567-7478)
SPIRITUAL LIFE - Every Tuesday, there is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Many of our regular parishioners who cover Adoration are on vacation, thus bringing about an urgent need to have their half hour time commitment covered. In order to continue this beautiful treasure of time spent with our Lord, we need volunteers that can give a half hour on Tuesdays for the month of August. Please call Joan Serrenho (567-3533) to check for the available times of need. The heart of our Faith is the Eucharist. You will discover that Our Lord will reward you in abundance when you set aside time to venerate him in the Blessed Sacrament.
DIOCESAN NEWS & ACTIVITIES
DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD VOCATIONS – Jesus teaches us to live optimistically. If it weren’t for the peak experiences of love, the small and sometimes big miracles in our lives, we could despair. Thank God our doubts of faith ultimately strengthen our love. And just as true, our doubts that God could call us to His priesthood or religious life also demand an act of faith. If you feel a call to this, call Fr. Gary Dailey at (413) 452-0816, email g.dailey@diospringfield.org or visit www.myvocation.com. Vocation Prayer Intention: For those who are making important life decisions, may they turn to God for wisdom, we pray…
RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT - The Diocese of Springfield will hold a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat on October 30 - November 1, 2009. If you or a friend are hurting from an abortion experience don’t delay, take the first step toward healing. To receive more information or to register for a weekend call (413)452-0661 or email Claire at sr.claire@diospringfield.org. All calls are confidential.
COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES
FREE CHAPEL CONCERT AT PROVIDENCE PLACE
HOLYOKE — Talented singer and sixth-grader Madeline Lukomski, 11 years old, is the featured soloist at Providence Place’s upcoming free chapel concert on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 2:30 p.m., 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke, (behind Providence Hospital). She will share the microphone with two other gifted soloists, Traci Mnich and Fred Marion. Dan Kane and his exceptional keyboard abilities will be the accompanist. Call (413)534-9700, for further information.
HOLY SPIRIT BREAKFAST - The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is hosting a Holy Spirit breakfast on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Mater Dolorosa Parish Center, 67 Kolbe Drive, Holyoke, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Mrs. Judith
Community News & Activities continued
Hughes, the Co-Director of Spiritual Renewal Services for the Diocese of Norwich, CT is the presenter and has been involved in the Charismatic Renewal for 34 years. In 1989 she was awarded the Pope Paul VI Evangelization Award and she provides leadership for 13 prayer groups, is co-founder of the Heart of God House of Payer in Old Saybrook and the Renewal and Prayer Center in Norwich. The day will include: praise and worship, breakfast, presentation and end with prayer over each individual desiring to be prayed with. To register, send your $12 check to Lorraine Bernier, Holy Spirit Breakfast, 119 Blisswood Village, Ludlow, MA 01056.
For further information, call Lorraine at (413) 547-0118.
ATTENTION UMASS-AMHEST STUDENTS & PARENTS As you begin to prepare for your return to school this fall, we want to make sure that you know that the Newman Catholic Center at UMass-Amherst is available to you and that our staff is eager to help in any way that we can. Newman offers a home-away-from-home environment where students can pray, study, relax and meet other students. The Center offers extensive spiritual, service and social programs. The Newman Center is located right on campus. We encourage all of you to drop in to meet the staff. If you are interested in being a lector, a catechist, a member of the choir or a member of Newman Student association we’d love to hear from you. Please visit www.newmanumass.org to register and to learn more about our programs.
OPERA IN OCTOBER
Saturday, October 10, 2009, 7 p.m.
In the Main Sanctuary
of St. Mary’s Church
Come spend a night at the Opera! Featuring some of the finest young classical voices from across the United States and Canada, students and alumni from McGill’s Schulich School of Music in collaboration with Longmeadow High School’s select choir Lyrics, invite you to join us in an evening of favorite Opera Scenes and Arias. Experience the comedy, love and tragedy from the great masterpieces of Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and much, much more! This is a non-profit event and is supported entirely by listeners like you. All proceeds will be donated to the Longmeadow School Music Fund for the next generation of Longmeadow’s artistic youth. To make a free-will donation to Opera in October please see Fr. Reilly or mail a check to the rectory. Make your check payable to: St. Mary’s Church and note in the memo line of your check that the donation is for Opera in October. Please mail your donation to: St. Mary’s Church, Attn: Opera in October, 519 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Advertising space is available in the concert program. Please call the rectory (567-3124) or David Tinervia (636-3888) or email david.tinervia@mail.mcgill.ca for information.
Saint Mary’s Parish Bulletin is published weekly, 52 weekends a year. Deadline for inclusion is 12 noon Tuesdays for the coming weekend. Inclusion on as-space-allows basis. Preferred submission via e-mail in MS Word format to ddonnelly@stmarylong.org; Hard Copy also accepted. Editor-In-Chief: Rev. Francis E. Reilly; Contributing Editors: Faith Formation-Patti Monroe; Pastoral Ministry-Trish Regan; Saint Mary’s Academy-Joan Macdonald, Principal; Copy/Layout Editor: Denise Donnelly39
