From our Pastor

Our Harvest on Vine

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me… For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ Mt 25:40, 42-45

By virtue of our Baptism, we have been given a special responsibility to reach out to others- it is at the heart of the teaching of the Catholic faith- nothing less. When we feed the hungry, comfort the afflicted and show respect to those in need, we live our calling as the Body of Christ in action. Harvest on Vine is instrumental to the mission of our parish, important to the Collaborative we’re building, of our vocation as Christians, and particularly, as Catholics.

St. Mary- St. Catherine of Siena’s Harvest on Vine food pantry is now entering its 23rd year of service. From its beginning, the parish identified food insecurity as an issue in the neighborhood and began what became Harvest on Vine food pantry to address it, beginning with seven families and a few volunteers. Today, we serve more than 775 families with the hard work of more than 100 volunteers. Food is distributed three times a month- twice a month behind St. Catherine’s rectory and monthly at Mishawum, giving each family a week’s worth of food. No one is turned away.

Through the years, the food pantry weathered storms, developed its mission and is now thriving. We recently purchased another 8’ x 10’ walk-in freezer that stores 4 tons of frozen meat and fish. Twice a month the freezers are filled, and twice a month they are emptied. We opened the Boyce Community Kitchen, hosting monthly cooking classes for the community and social gatherings. Hundreds of our neighbors have benefitted from this program. We’ve partnered more closely with the St. Mary- St. Catherine of Siena Society of St. Vincent de Paul, providing services that meet the needs of our clients (rental assistance, furniture, bedding).

During the pandemic, the need for food skyrocketed. In response, Harvest on Vine increased the amount of food distributed. We wore masks and gloves and moved the operation outside, adapting, bundling up to weather the cold, ignoring wind and snow. Charlestown residents and organizations ran food drives for us. Our Faith Formation students collected soap, shampoo, and other toiletries, and in partnership with St. Francis de Sales’s conference, initiated a successful towel drive. We continue to operate outside to maximize health safety for all. We’re looking at the feasibility of building an overhang along the back of the rectory for food distributions and more.

Generous donors continue to give us the means to provide fresh produce, meat, milk, cheese, and eggs at every distribution. Each month we give out foods like potatoes, onions, peppers, plantains, tomatoes, lettuce, Bok choy, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables. We survey our clients and order foods that respond to the needs of our clients, respecting cultural preferences.

The Greater Boston Food Bank refers to our Town as a “food desert”. Most of our families don’t have transportation to drive to supermarkets. The stores within walking distance offer little affordable, fresh food. At this time, Harvest on Vine is blessed to have food to distribute. We are doubly blessed to have committed volunteers to distribute the food and supporters who give us the means to purchase it. Today, with the cuts to safety net programs that help feed the poor, we need your support more than ever, even more than the pandemic years. Among the over 2,000 people we regularly serve, roughly 520 are children. The concerns are great, the challenges are many, but through your help, we’re taking it on. We aim to bridge the food-desert gap.

The needy in our midst, often invisible, need our support all year long. Through your generosity and the hard
work of so many, we know we can respond to the need. May we heed the call of the good King, the Lord Jesus, to respond to His challenge joyously. Join us (and bring someone you love) at a distribution, share a talent or skill, donate food, money, or give in other ways generously. How blest we are to have so much. How blest we are to have opportunities to give. We will not only give to those in need- we’re also giving to the King of Kings.

Thomas MacDonald________Director, Harvest on Vine
Fr. John Sheridan__________Pastor, Charlestown
___________________________Catholic Collaborative

Monthly Distributions:
Second Saturday and last Tuesday of the month,
behind St. Catherine Rectory @ 49 Vine St and
fourth Thursday of the month at Mishawum Park.

The great turkey distribution will take place on
Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 1 pm at Harvest on Vine!

Just a sampling of the more than 1,000 boxes of cereal
donated through Junebug, Place & Gather and RSM
and our Confirmation and Youth Group.
Thank you for your generosity!

The Nineteenth Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises (11/19-4/22)

The Nineteenth Annotation Retreat of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, An Invitation to Meet Christ in Prayer, arranged by Fr. John Sassani & Mary Ann McLaughlin is being offered in a group setting for Catholic adults. The number of participants will be limited.

These Spiritual Exercises extend over the course of twenty-three weeks and are loosely aligned with the liturgical year.

The group will use the ZOOM Format to meet weekly, on line, from 10am to 12 noon starting on
Wednesday November 19, 2025 through Wednesday April 22, 2026.
Mary Ann McLaughlin and Deacon Dan Burns will direct the Spiritual Exercises. For further information please call Mary Ann at 617-686-2287 or click address to email:maryannmclaughlin2@aol.com.

Healing Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce (3/28/26)

The Catholic ministry, Life Giving Wounds in collaboration with Family Life are offering a one-day healing retreat for adult children of divorce or separation at the Pastoral Center in Braintree from 9 AM – 5 PM on March 28th. The day will include talks, prayer, confession, Adoration, Mass, small group sharing, meals and resources. The retreat fee is $45 ($25 for college students). Visit bit.ly/lifegivingwoundsretreat for more information.

Veterans Day Prayer

By Joanna Fuchs

Dear Lord, today we honor our veterans, worthy men
and women who gave their best when they were called upon
to serve and protect their country. We pray that you will
bless them, Lord, for their unselfish service in the continual
struggle to preserve our freedoms, our safety,
and our country’s heritage, for all of us.
Bless them abundantly for the hardships they faced,
for the sacrifices they made for their many different
contributions to America’s victories over tyranny and oppression.
We respect them, we thank them, we honor them,
we are proud of them, and we pray that you will watch over
these special people and bless them with peace and happiness.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In observance of Veterans Day, the offices
will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11th.
Mass on that day will be at 8 am
in Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel.

In gratitude to Chrissy Vraibel and the Boston Police,
who donated 250 turkeys to Harvest on Vine!

The Pope’s Monthly Intentions
for November 2025

For the prevention of suicide

Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

All Souls Day

A student wrote an essay about the person he most admired and he chose his grandfather, although he had never met him. His grandfather had struggled to raise not only his family, but also the families of two of his army buddies who had died in World War I. The sacrifices and efforts of his grandfather made a big difference in the lives of 13 children, all of whom considered him to be their dad. It was an inspiring story that made the student want to help others and emulate his hero.
The Feast of All Souls recalls the stories of those who have gone before us in faith. Often it was their prayers, sacrifices and hard work that established our parishes, built our schools and moved our faith into the mainstream of American life. Many are unnamed and unknown, but nonetheless their contributions made a difference. Their witness feeds our faith, handing on the Gospel from one generation to the next.
When you pray for the Holy Souls today, offer a prayer of thanks for them. Ask the Lord to grant them eternal life and peace.
But also honor their work and their memory by taking your turn and doing your part for those who will follow you.

~James Gaffney © Pilot Bulletins

The Nineteenth Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises
(11/19/2025 – 4/22/2026)

The Nineteenth Annotation Retreat of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola,
An Invitation to Meet Christ in Prayer, arranged by Fr. John Sassani & Mary Ann McLaughlin is being offered in a group setting for Catholic adults. The number of participants will be limited.
These Spiritual Exercises extend over the course of twenty-three weeks and are loosely aligned with the liturgical year.
The group will use the ZOOM Format to meet weekly, on line, from 10am to 12 noon starting on
Wednesday November 19, 2025 through Wednesday April 22, 2026.
Mary Ann McLaughlin and Deacon Dan Burns will direct the Spiritual Exercises.
For further information please call Mary Ann at 617-686-2287 or email:maryannmclaughlin2@aol.com

Healing Retreat for Adult Children of Divorce (3/28/2026)

The Catholic ministry, Life Giving Wounds in collaboration with Family Life are offering a one-day healing retreat for adult children of divorce or separation at the Pastoral Center in Braintree from 9 AM – 5 PM on March 28th. The day will include talks, prayer, confession, Adoration, Mass, small group sharing, meals and resources. The retreat fee is $45 ($25 for college students). Visit bit.ly/lifegivingwoundsretreat for more information.

Annual Bishop James Augustine Healy Award Dinner (11/15)

Join us for the 32nd Annual Bishop James Augustine Healy Award Dinner—a joyful, spirit-filled evening honoring the vibrant, faith-filled leadership of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston at Boston College High School on November 15th. This year’s awardees include Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Maître Jean-Louis Daniel, and Rev. Michael Fernando Davidson, S.J. Visit bit.ly/healydinner to register.

Masses of Remembrance

Join us Saturday, Nov. 1st at 4 pm at St. Francis
and Saturday, Nov. 8th at 4 pm at St. Mary’s
as we remember those who have died in the past year
in our parishes and all our beloved dead.

Symbolon

Symbolon will be held Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 pm
at St. Catherine’s Chapel. Join us for an hour of learning!

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The junior year religion teacher asked her class to do an experiment. Within a week, the students were to say ‘thank you’ at least 8 times a day and it had to be genuine. They were told to focus on how their thanks changed others—family members, friends and even strangers. Little did they anticipate that it would really change them. Almost to a person, they reported feeling more appreciative of others, realizing how fortunate they were, how kind other people could be, and how much they were motivated to do nice things for others. Giving thanks made them better people.

The word Eucharist means to give thanks and we claim to be a Eucharistic people. Not only do we receive the Body of Christ, and we are the Body of Christ, but we also should do what we say we are—give thanks. By doing so, we are changed. We become more aware of the Presence of God in our lives, the graces and blessings He offers us, and the ways in which we can express our faith by the way we live, act and speak. If giving thanks makes people better, Eucharistic thanks can make people holier. Isn’t that our goal? We want to be one with God, satisfied in our hunger for the spiritual, the holy, and the sacred. Let us do what we are meant to do, and be who we claim to be. Pray, believe, and act as Jesus taught. But most of all, let us give thanks.

~James Gaffney, © 2010 Karides Lic. to Pilot Bulletins

Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass (10/26)

All couples celebrating their 10th, 25th, or 50th wedding anniversaries or another special milestone are invited to a celebratory Mass on Sunday, Oct. 26th at 3:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston. Couples will renew their marriage commitment and receive a special blessing. Family and friends are invited to attend. To register, visit https://bit.ly/WeddingAnniversaryMass2025.
For more info, please email Emily Elliott at marriageprep@rcab.org or call 617-746-5756.

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreats (10/18)

Are you –or someone you know –seeking peace after an abortion? The Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston extends a special invitation to women experiencing regret from a past abortion to attend a Come to the Waters of Healing one-day retreat on Saturday, October 18. Locations are confidential. For more information on the retreats or other services, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com

Is God Calling You –or Someone You Know –to be a Deacon? (through 10/28)

The Archdiocese of Boston is beginning its Fall 2025 Inquirer Program for men interested in becoming deacons with meetings across the Archdiocese. For more information, please go to
https://bit.ly/BostonDeacon2025

If your family will attend a scheduled Mass and would like to bring up the gifts,
please let us know before the Mass.

October 16
Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, (1647 – 1690) a French Visitation nun and mystic is known as the “Apostle of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus”. She is known for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through her mystical visions of Christ’s heart. She is the patron saint of devotees of the Sacred Heart, as well as those suffering from polio and the loss of parents.
Jesus’ main message to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was a desire for His Sacred Heart to be honored and loved, with promises of abundant graces, peace, and refuge for those devoted to it. Key words included: “I have a burning thirst to be honored by men in the Blessed Sacrament” and the promise that his heart would “dilate to pour out abundantly the influences of its love”.
He also requested practices like the First Friday Devotion and the Holy Hour, and asked that a Feast of the Sacred Heart be instituted.
One hundred and seventy-four years later her body was exhumed as part the beatification process. Her head was completely intact.
Saint Margaret Mary’s bones are kept in a wax figurine on display at the Visitation Monastery in Paray-le-Monial, France. Her incorrupt heart is kept in a reliquary inside the cloister, away from public view. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 13, 1920.

Hail, Holy Queen

October is the month of the Rosary

During October, we will offer this beautiful prayer
Oct. 4 after the 4 pm Mass at St. Francis
Oct. 5 after the 11 am Mass @ St. Mary’s
Oct. 11 after the 4 pm Mass @ St. Mary’s
Oct. 12 after the 9:30 am Mass @ St. Francis
Oct. 18 after the 4 pm Mass @ St. Francis
Oct. 19 after the 8 am Mass @ St. Mary’s
Oct. 25 after the 4 pm Mass @ St. Mary’s
Oct. 26 after the 9:30 am Mass @ St. Francis

Join us as we pray for our troubled nation,
asking for our Blessed Mother’s intercession.
Mary, Queen of peace, pray for us.

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi

On Saturday, Oct. 4 at noon, we’ll have the
Blessing of the Animals at the statue of our Blessed
Mother across from St. Francis church.
All pets, stuffed animals and other friends are welcome!

Do you enjoy sewing and have a knack for detail?
St. Mary’s is looking for a creative hand to help customize some of our altar linens.
It’s a fun way to share your gifts while adding beauty to our worship space.
If this sounds like your kind of project, please contact John Volpe at javolpay@gmail.com

OCTOBER 13 @ 5:00PM
Assembly Square – tickets available soon

Lots of people like me love autumn- it is a season of change, as our world is transformed again- the leaves reflect our hearts and lives as many of us look ahead to the celebrations and observances that this time of year brings. Many people do not- they find the winds cold, the nights longer, and the warmth that we all enjoyed in the summer slipping away as the season begins to call us inside.

Our society has collapsed in many ways into the cold of division- most of all, through a volley of angry and bitter words from all sides, voices that reveal, unfounded or not, sad and troubling, hidden fears. We have forgotten the art of discourse, discussion and debate, as we slide into cold, bitter threats and worst of all, actions from all sides. This world, this country… we are better than this.

We are better than bullies that threaten and act. We are better than accepting words that judge and condemn others in our nation as some deign to speak for other angry, bitter people. We are better than rejecting those who look differently than us. We are better than accepting with quiet compliancy those who encourage, inflame and empower this behavior and encourage others to do in the name of an ideal that does not and cannot represent the best that we are. As one nation- that truly of out of many, we are one.

We are better than acting in violent ways which steal the sacred gifts of life, justice and liberty of others. We are, at our very best and strongest, when we care for and protect our most vulnerable- nothing less. Christ calls us to be better than all of this- and above all, we belong to Him.

Yes, the cold of winter is not far away, but so are the celebrations that so many of us look forward to- Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas- a time when we express, above and though all, though prayers and acts of gratitude and generosity, praise to the Prince of Peace, who came to us as the most precious gift of all, a child.

Let us face boldly the winter winds that howl around us with heads held high, confident in the warmth and the light of Christ, the only true light and hope of this divided world. In His name our words, and more importantly our example, will begin to change the tide. May the peace we pray for begin in our hearts. Christ demands it. 

-Fr. John Sheridan

 

 

40 Days for life begins on September 24th this year and ends on November 2nd. It is teaming up with Hallow and will be on the Hallow Ap with daily reflections, along with prayer requests and a resource for pro life social networking. There are easy instructions on the 40 Days for Life web site to access these features on Hallow.

The Hope for Life Conference

The Hope for Life Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4th at the Track at New Balance in Brighton from 8 AM-4 PM.
All are invited to this special event featuring The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart,
Mass by Archbishop Henning, music by the Vigil Project, and much more.
The event is a collaboration of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth,
and the Men of Divine Mercy Prayer Group. Please join us in honoring the sanctity and beauty of life.
For more information and tickets, visit hopeforlifeboston.com.

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreats

Are you – or someone you know – seeking peace after an abortion?

The Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston extends a special invitation to women experiencing regret from a past abortion to attend a Come to the Waters of Healing one-day retreat.

Fall dates are Saturday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 18. Locations are confidential. For more information on the retreats or other services, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com. Fr. John is a Project Rachel priest.

Retrouvaille Means Rediscovery

Strengthen Your Marriage

Reconnect, communicate better, and navigate conflict with confidence.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES 2 NIGHTS ACCOMODATIONS AND 5 MEALS
3-PHASE PROGRAM: POST WEEKEND SESSIONS ARE VIRTUAL
MONTHLY ENRICHMENT OFFERED IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL
Don’t wait—take the first step toward building the strong, loving marriage you deserve.
Visit our website to find upcoming dates near you
508-271-7155 MarriageHelpNewEngland.org

Mass for Homeschoolers (9/29)

Archbishop Richard Henning invites homeschooling families to the Pastoral Center in Braintree for Mass and refreshments
on Monday, September 29th from 11 AM – 1:00 PM. The archbishop will begin with Mass in the Bethany Chapel followed
by a time of fellowship. Please RSVP at bit.ly/homeschoolersmass.

SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

STATEMENT: “Suicide is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Today our knowledge about suicide has evolved, as have conversations about mental health. We know that we save lives when we work to #EndTheStigma around seeking help. In September and always, we stand together in strength, dignity hope and purpose.”

Most people associate September with returning to school, the beginning of fall, and especially the short-lived season of the pumpkin latte. However, in 2008, September was declared National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is not my usual up beat bulletin article, but rather one meant to spread awareness of an issue that affects many, not only in our community but across the world.

Each Saturday morning, I spend time at a local diner in Chelmsford, Mass., called Doty’s Diner with my parents and one of our beloved servers, Shelly Massucco. Shelly shared her story of how she lost her son to suicide. She is truly one of the strongest and most amazing individuals, dedicating her life to raising awareness about the high costs of suicide. It always strikes me how candidly Shelly speaks about her son’s death and how it has affected her and her family. Her strength in being so open is something we can all learn from. She mentioned that her son Derek always seemed so happy, and she was completely blindsided when she learned the news of his death. When I think about suicide, I often feel the need to shove the topic under the rug as though it’s taboo, something not to be discussed. But that’s exactly the opposite of what we should do. This is the very behavior we as a community must avoid if we are ever to try, even in the smallest way, to stop suicide and the loss of so many precious lives.

Each of us is fighting an internal struggle that we are reluctant to let the world see, and sometimes — just sometimes — the world does see it and sadly looks the other way. In a world that feels increasingly divided, with violence on the rise, take a moment to say hello to the person sitting on the Mayor Menino bench in front of the old St. Mary’s School, or maybe let someone go ahead of you in line at Tatte. These small acts of kindness go a long way when people are struggling. While kindness alone will not stop the grave issue of suicide, it is at least a start. We have the power to do so much and to help so many in this world. More importantly, we can learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide — and if you see something, say something. Signs such as withdrawing from friends and family, extreme mood swings, increased alcohol or drug use, talking or even joking about death, and engaging in risky behaviors are just a few to take notice of when someone may be considering ending their life.

Let people like Shelly and her son Derek serve as a catalyst for us to do better and to spread awareness of suicide. We only have one God-given life, and while it may prove difficult at times, we must come together to support one another in times of trouble and despair.

Individual Impact:

1 in 20 U.S. adults (5%) have serious thoughts of suicide each year.

About 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes.

79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male.

Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.

In the U.S., suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall ( Resource—NAMI)

Here are some resources if you, or someone you know, is struggling:
In a crisis? Call/text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7
Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor)
The Trevor Project (text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386)

~ John Volpe

We pray that those living with a mental illness, depression and suicidal thoughts may find the help and support that they need and for families and friends experiencing the loss of a loved one by suicide may find healing and comfort. We pray to the Lord.

September 14 ~ Feast of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today’s feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated in Catholic and Orthodox Churches alike, with the cross being the universal image of our Christian belief. It is not the cruelty of the Cross that is exalted, but the Love that God manifested for all people by accepting death on the Cross. Our Gospel reminds us that God wants to enter a relationship of love with us, a love that is offered in His Son Jesus, lifted up on the Cross. As we gaze upon the cross to day, may it be an invitation to accept the love that is given and remain in His love. We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here, and in all your churches throughout the whole world, and we bless you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. (Saint Francis of Assisi)

“Remember that when your heart feels restless, when your heart feels hurt, when your heart feels like breaking… ‘I am precious to Him. He has called me by name. I am His. He loves me.’ And to prove that love He died on the cross.”
(St. Teresa of Calcutta)

Symbolon returns

Symbolon will begin again every other Monday starting Sept. 15 at 7 pm
at St. Catherine’s Chapel.
Join us for an hour of discussion!

RCIA
We will have RCIA/Adult Confirmation
prep classes every other Monday beginning
Sept. 22 at 6:30 pm at 46 Winthrop.

The Season of Creation spans five weeks between the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
(September 1) and the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4).

This “time for creation” offers, in the words of Pope Francis, “individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our
care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.”1 Below are some ways to live out these three dimensions of Pope Francis’ call, both as individuals and as a community.

A word about Annunciation School

Regardless of who we are, our hearts are broken last week as we heard the news of the terrible shootings at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. It is natural for us in this moment to attempt to put some reasons, and even though there may be clues and evidence that point to one reason or another, it’s important for us to focus on the horrible acknowledgement of the victims, those who died, were injured, the children, teachers and families whose lives have been forever altered by unspeakable terror in a place of safety and refuge, peace and hope. If we fail to put the children first in any discussion, we are failing miserably.

To those who disparage the call for prayers, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King that in all times, particularly times of crisis, doubt and fear, the church is not where we go to- it is where we come from, where we begin. Catholics- particularly emboldened and encouraged by the reception of the Eucharist and all people of good will- we must be witnesses and in Christ, transforming this all-too violent world. Christ is the King of our world- and first and last, He is the Prince of Peace. It is time, well past the time, to proclaim the end of this nightmare.

It has been made quite clear that laws aren’t working, and more guns won’t work, either. This crisis, these issues, are bigger than any government, any force on this earth. Too many children have been exposed to the cruelty that adults inflict on each other and themselves and to them, and in their name, in God’s name, together, we must find a way to bring that peace to the hearts and souls of those who misplace their anger, their frustration, their fear upon the lives of the most innocent and vulnerable in our midst.

This is our mission and our challenge, to bring Christ to the deeply divided, angry and troubled country- to defend the vulnerable, to protect each and every life, and to speak for justice and mercy and love as Christ commands and expects. In Deuteronomy 30, God challenges Israel to take a stand, to choose life. May our actions, based in our prayers, bring about a new revolution of hope, mercy, and life. If we fail, we have all failed, ourselves, our country and our children. May our lives, directed to hope and mercy, turn the tide and bring about that revolution.

Mary, Queen of peace, comfort of the afflicted, pray for us.

Please pray for the children of Annunciation school.

– Fr. John Sheridan

The Hope for Life Conference

The Hope for Life Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4th at the Track at New Balance in Brighton from 8 AM-4 PM. All are invited to this special event featuring The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, Mass by Archbishop Henning, music by the Vigil Project, and much more.
The event is a collaboration of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, and the Men of Divine Mercy Prayer Group. Please join us in honoring the sanctity and beauty of life.
For more information and tickets, visit hopeforlifeboston.com.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Whether it is singing, dancing, talent or politics, when people judge others it is often more a popularity contest than a real
assessment of ability. Remember Susan Boyle? What a great surprise to hear her angelic voice, especially after everyone snickered when she came on stage. No one would have ever guessed how talented she really was, but it only took a few moments for people to realize just how great a voice she had. People make snap judgments about others based on external appearances rather than wait and see who the person really is or how good their skills might be. It is easier, even if inaccurate, to look at age, dress, looks or personality and assume that is all one can know or needs to know.

People make spiritual and personal judgments too. We look at someone and assume to know how good they are, what kind of person they must be or what their life must be like. We might not think that the poorly dressed man is a saint, or the wealthy woman is a mystic. But God knows. He invites everyone to His table, includes everyone in His family and loves everyone with an unconditional love. Faulty appearances can mask a thousand graces and a holy soul. See others with the eyes of God and you will undoubtedly see a glimpse of Heaven.

~James Gaffney, © 2010 Karides Lic. to Pilot Bulletins

Our Lady of the Rosary

October 7, 2025 at 6:30PM

Holy Rosary Shrine, Lawrence
28 Union St, Lawrence, MA 01840

Mass, Rosary, Benediction

https://www.hrslawrence.org/holy-rosary-shrine-named-officialjubilee-year-pilgrimage-site/

Jubilee for Catechists, September 27 @ 10 am
Blessed Andrew Phu Yen Parish, Medford

Calling all catechists in the Archdiocese of Boston! That means you – parents, faith formation leaders, teachers, volunteers, OCIA and youth ministry teams, etc.
Join us for a celebration to include Mass and a Catechist Commissioning with Archbishop Henning, lunch and fellowship, a trivia competition hosted by Fr. Denis Nakkeeran, and free access to Franciscan at Home!
Go to bit.ly/JubileeCatechists to learn more and sign up!

Hope for Life Conference (10/4)

The Hope for Life Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4th at the Track at New Balance in Brighton from 8 AM-4 PM.
All are invited to this special event featuring The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, Mass by Archbishop Henning, music by the Vigil Project, and much more. The event is a collaboration of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, and the Men of Divine Mercy Prayer Group. Please join us in honoring the sanctity and beauty of life. For more information and tickets, visit hopeforlifeboston.com.

Have you been looking for a way to get more involved in our Parish?
We are still looking for volunteers for our Faith Formation program! It takes many hands to make this program all that it can be, so please contact
Fr. Sheridan at (617) 242-4664 for more information.

Baptism

Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism is always a joyful event in our Parish. It’s such a privilege to facilitate this momentous event in the lives of families and in particular, the life of the child.
The Sacrament of Baptism is usually scheduled for the second Sunday of the month at 12:30PM at St Mary—St Catherine Parish.
The next dates are September 14 and October 12. Dates for St Francis de Sales Parish are scheduled with Fr. Sheridan.
At times, parents inquire about what to consider when selecting godparentsfor their child, and if it is okay to select a person who is not Catholic. Catholic teaching is as follows: A godparent is a Catholic who is at least 16 years of age, has received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and who leads a life in harmony with the Catholic faith so that he/she can serve as a good Catholic role-model for the child and support the parents in raising their child in the Catholic faith.
A Christian Witness is a non-Catholic who practices their Christian faith, and may be substituted for one of the Godparents.
Please keep these qualifications in mind when selecting godparents for your child.
If you are expecting a child and want to have him or her baptized in our Parish, please contact the office at 617-242-4664

Rite of Christian Initiation Classes (RCIA)

Learn more about the Catholic faith!
Have you been worshipping with us, but never officially took the step to become Catholic? Have you been away from the church and have now returned, but want to know more? Have you been a Catholic all your life, but never celebrated all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist?) Have you joined us from a different background and would like to find out more about the Catholic Church?
If any of the above questions apply to you, we would love to help you in your journey. Recently it is being reported, there has been a great increase in the number of adults who are joining the Catholic Church. RCIA is a program designed to help non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics learn more about the Catholic faith through a series of classes, discussions, prayer times and ceremonies. This program helps people grow in faith and knowledge of God, and develop
a deeper relationship with God as they consider becoming Catholic.
If you are not yet sure whether you want to become Catholic, you are still welcome to participate as you make your decision. There is no obligation to join the Catholic Church and regardless of your decision you are always welcome here at St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena Parish.
To find out how you may participate in the RCIA process, please contact Fr. Sheridan at 617.242.4664 or talk to him after the Mass!

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreats (9/27, 10/18)

Are you –or someone you know –seeking peace after an abortion? TheProject Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston extends a special invitation to women experiencing regret from a past abortion to attend a Come to the Waters of Healing one-day retreat.
Fall dates are Saturday, September 27 and Saturday, October 18.
Locations are confidential. For more information on the retreats or other services, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com