From our Pastor

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

Faith Magazine Why should I register at my parish?
By Cynthia Kaan

If you have been attending the same parish for a time and don’t see yourself moving or attending elsewhere, you should absolutely register at your parish. Here’s why:

1. Connectedness. Once you register, you feel more at home in church. You be come part of your church family in a tangible way. It gives you a sense of belonging and allows your priest to get to know you as well.
2. Accountability. We are all responsible for helping the greater Church grow in strength and numbers. As a registered parishioner, it adds weight to that role. As an “official” member of the parish who is open to the voice of the Holy Spirit, you will feel led to contribute to the needs of the church.
3. Commitment. Becoming a member of your parish is a promise to be active in your faith.
4. Access to parish information. -is gives your parish the ability to reach out to you and let you know about events, prayer and study opportunities and ways you can give back.

Bottom line – register at your parish. Declare your commitment to your faith
proudly and officially join your church family!

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 learning and discussion!

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 information, please email Emily Elliott at
marriageprep@rcab.org or call 617-746-5756.

EXCERPT FROM THE MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER
FOR THE 5th WORLD DAY FOR
GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY 2025
[27 July 2025]

The elderly as signs of hope

“In the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates his providential care by turning to people in their later years. This was the case not only with Abraham, Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, but also with Moses, who was called to set his people free when he was already eighty years old (cf. Ex 7:7). God thus teaches us that, in his eyes, old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the
elderly are, for him, the first witnesses of hope. Augustine asks, “What do we mean by old age?” He tells us that God himself answers the question: “Let your strength fail, so that my strength may abide within you, and you can say with the Apostle,
‘When I am weak, then I am strong’” (Super Ps. 70,11). The increasing number of elderly people is a sign of the times that we are called to discern, in order to interpret properly this moment of history.”
From the Vatican, 26 June 2025

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Kids naturally want to do things for themselves and so will often ask mom or dad to “show me how” to do things, from tying
their shoes to driving a car. We teach kids how to play games, how to read, how to ride a bike and how to clean their room.
But the best teaching does not come by way of explanation, but by example. Kids mimic what they see and hear their parents
do. And they learn those lessons so well. Ever hear a three-year-old use some interesting language? Some lessons are taught, and others are caught!

There are many ways that we teach. We mentor, instruct, direct, demonstrate, explain and assist. But when it comes to faith,
the most important of all is witness. The best lessons we teach are the ones that we practice as we preach! Good example is the
most powerful tool. If I want my children to be truthful, I cannot lie, even little ‘white lies.’ If I want them to be honest, I cannot cheat. If I want them to be holy, I must have my own relationship with the Lord and be genuine in my beliefs. I have to pray, receive the sacraments and participate in my parish. We teach kids to do so many things so well; let’s include our faith.
Make your life the best answer to the unspoken request: Show me!

~James Gaffney © Karides Lic. to Pilot Bulletins

Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

How can I be the “sign of hope?”
Hope comes from knowing Jesus Christ’s mercy and love for you personally. Before we can share hope, we must know the hope
that is in Jesus. Here are a few ways you can share the hope you have:
When another Christian is discouraged or despairing, remind them that our hope is in Jesus, who offers us the opportunity
to go to heaven.
Perform spiritual and corporeal works of mercy.
Share with others who may not have a relationship with Our Lord the reason for your hope in him (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).
You learn more about the Jubilee and being signs of hope here: bit.ly/JubileeOfHope.

A Special Guest

Next weekend, Fr. John Olenick will be visiting St. Mary- St. Catherine to offer Mass and speak about the Unbound community, a Catholic organization dedicated to ministering to the poor in 19 countries.

Conversations!

On Thursdays this summer at 6:30 pm at 46 Winthrop St, we will have a series of discussions in person and via Zoom on the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Join the conversation and be careful, you might learn something!
Please let Fr. John know if you can join him!

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is a national educational campaign. The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25). The dates also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.
See USCCB web site for more info.

Religious Education, also known as Rel Ed or Faith Formation, gives students the information and the tools that
they need to realize and respond to God’s love for them.
Our program at St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena and St. Francis de Sales Parishes guides students into a closer
relationship with God and our Catholic community by providing them with a solid Catholic education from grades
K-10, and preparing them for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
We want to teach the children of this worshiping community to come to know God, learn to love God, and to
live a life in response to God’s love!
Parents’ participation in all aspects of our program is essential to its purpose and success. Children learn best by
example. We ask that you give your children’s religious educationthe importance the childrendeserve. By working
together, parish and family, our faith will fill the hearts of our children!

Registration has begun!
Classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 4 pm
Visit our web page stmarystcatherine.org/education
or drop by or call the Parish Office at 617.242.4664

Religious Education, also known as RelEd or Faith Formation, gives students the information and the tools that they need to realize and respond to God’s love for them.
Our program at St. Mary- St. Catherine of Siena and St. Francis de Sales Parishes guides students into a closer relationship with God and our Catholic community by providing them with a solid Catholic education from grades K-10, and preparing them for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.

We want to teach the children of this worshiping community to come to know God, learn to love God, and to live a life in response to God’s love!

Parents’ participation in all aspects of our program is essential to its purpose and success. Children learn best by example. We ask that you give your children’s religious education the importance the children deserve. By working together, parish and family, our faith will fill the hearts of our children!

Registration begins on Monday, July 14
Visit our web site to register—charlestowncatholic.org
Or drop by or call the Parish Office at 617.242.4664

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!

Thank you!

Thanks so much to our good friend Fr. Bill Joy, who spent this past weekend with us so I could spend a few days in Ireland with family.

Keep in mind

Fr. John will be out of state July 27- Aug. 3

A new resident at 49 Vine St.

Fr. Patrick Mpete will be moving into our rectory in early August as he continues his studies at BC in the fall.

A Special Guest

On the weekend of July 26-27, Fr. John Olenick will be visiting St. Mary- St. Catherine to offer Mass and speak about the Unbound community, a Catholic organization dedicated to ministering to the poor in 19 countries.

Summer calls!

In this summer season, please don’t forget to donate to our parishes-
this time of year can be challenging, as Mass attendance drops with bills to pay all year long.
Please give online or mail in your envelopes so we can keep on planning and building for what’s
ahead. Call James Santosuosso at the offices and learn how you can give generously and easily.
Thank you in advance!

Conversations!

Starting this week, on Thursday evenings
at 6:30 pm at 46 Winthrop St, we will have discussions for adults in person
and via zoom for the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation,
and for those who just want to learn more about their faith. Join the conversation
and be careful, you might learn something!
Please let Fr. John know if you can join him!

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 learning and discussion!

Faith Formation
It’s not too early to plan ahead, and we are plan
ning for 2025-26! Registration begins July 14th-
just call the Offices at 617-242-4664
or go to charlestowncatholic.org!
We’ll begin on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 4 pm
with a party at 46 Winthrop Street!

Conversations!

Starting this week, on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm
at 46 Winthrop St, we will have discussions
for adults for the sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation,
and for those who just want to learn more about their
faith. Join the conversation and be careful,
you might learn something!
Please let Fr. John know if you can join him!

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 learning and discussion!

14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In 1955, a husband and wife songwriting team attended a youth retreat in California. They put together a song that captured their hopes for a better, more peaceful world. The song quickly spread around the world and has been sung by many famous singers and entertainers. It’s been sung in church, at rallies and in bathroom showers all over the country! The song was “Let There Be Peace on Earth, And Let it Begin With Me.”
Jesus gives His disciples a mission and directions how to achieve it. They go to all the towns He will visit and prepare the people to hear His message. There is urgency to the work: they are not to carry anything that will delay them, nor should they fuss about what they eat or where they stay. Announce the reign of God and move on. The conversion of each town started with the work and example of the disciples.
We each have our own personal mission, given in baptism and that unfolds over time. Some are called to religious life, others to marriage, some to parenthood, others to social service or teaching or caring for the sick. Whatever our mission, the Lord calls us to it with a sense of urgency and importance. Your good work and example will announce the reign of God is at hand. Let it begin with you!
~James Gaffney, © 2010 Karides Lic. to St. Pilot Bulletins

Choosing Love

by Henri Nouwen
How can someone ever trust in the existence of an unconditional divine love when most, if not all, of what he or she has experienced is the opposite of love – fear, hatred, violence, and abuse?
They are not condemned to be victims! There remains within them, hidden as it may seem, the possibility to choose love. Many people who have suffered the most horrendous rejections and been subject to the most cruel torture are able to choose love. By choosing love they become witnesses not only to enormous human resiliency but also to the divine love that transcends all human loves. Those who choose, even on a small scale, to love in the midst of hatred and fear are the people who offer true hope to our world.

The 2025 Catholic Appeal
Moving Forward in Faith… Together

One of the most meaningful ways that we deepen the
impact of our Archdiocese’s schools, parishes, and min
tries is by supporting the Catholic Appeal.
Where we stand now:
St. Francis de Sales
Goal: $21,200
Assessment: $13,693
Amount Raised: $11,310
We’re at 83% of our assessment!

I am the son of an immigrant. My father came to the States from Ireland, married my mother, worked a number of difficult labor jobs, became a citizen, and brought up nine children. He was proud of his Catholic faith, his family, and his citizenship, and taught us to appreciate our heritage and to be thankful for the blessings that are ours as Americans. At the center of what he taught, by example, was to respect all people, regardless of their situations, created in God’s holy image.

At the core of our Catholic teachings beats the heart of the inherent dignity of every human life and our responsibility to see that presence, to defend it and to protect it. The Word of God expects nothing less from each of us- Scripture says that we will be judged on how we treated the immigrant, the vulnerable in our midst in this life. The parable of the Good Samaritan alone cuts to the core- the priest who shunned the vulnerable one was more concerned with how his actions appeared to others, while the Samaritan was more concerned about the one in need. We seem to be at a crossroads in our country- vitriol seems to be everywhere. We need to speak soberly and intentionally.

Is there abuse in this immigration system? Yes. There is, as is everywhere, evil in the midst of good, and we must be vigilant to protect the vulnerable, in a nation with a system broken and in need of correction, in a nation with the highest population of imprisoned people on earth.  Painting an entire wave of people fleeing from countries beset by violence we cannot begin to understand as criminals, so many who only wish to live in peace and dignity- like each of us- this represents the worst in us, like those who persecuted generations of immigrants before them, including those of our various nationalities. We have always been a nation of immigrants- we will always be, and we need to remember that this diversity that makes us strong- it has for nearly 250 years of breathtaking change. When we forget this, we lose our character, our mission, our identity.

We are a country born of diversity- with words etched on the Statue of Liberty to receive those who our world dismisses, calling out to us to show compassion and respect to the stranger in our midst as one of us, representing the best of us. Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey in 1972 challenged our nation in the midst of doubt and paranoia to act not on its fears but its hopes. We cannot and will not bow to the cries for retribution out of fear, we will not give in to the voice of the angry mob, but we will speak courageously and stand resolutely with Christ to promote the dignity of every person on this earth.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are expected by our Savior to be the first to reach out, to be the ones who welcome the family in need, the children in crises, the people dreaming of what we far too often take for granted. Simply put, every human being deserves the blessings of freedom that we receive every day. As Catholics, may we be the ones who find the hope, seek justice, and act in hope for a better and more just society, nation and world. In this period of harsh tones on every side, threats and acts of violence and doubt, may our words and actions of mercy, compassion and justice shine brightly to others.

It is very fair to say that my father lived the American Dream. Devoted to his God, wife, family, and his country, he made this world a better place by his acts of gratitude for the blessings he received. May we appreciate the blessings that we’ve received by our generosity in sharing them and helping others make this truly a nation dedicated to the belief that all men and women are created equally. If we achieve this, not only will we make our lives and country stronger and better, so will our world be better, to the glory of God.

Fr. John Sheridan

Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration and the Movement of Peoples

Biblical Vision of Love for Strangers:

Both the Old and New Testaments tell compelling stories of refugees forced to flee because of oppression. Exodus tells the story of the Chosen People, Israel, who were victims of bitter slavery in Egypt. They were utterly helpless by themselves, but with God’s powerful intervention they were able to escape and take refuge in the desert. For forty years they lived as wanderers with no homeland of their own. Finally, God fulfilled his ancient promise and settled them on the land that they could finally call home.

The Israelites’ experience of living as homeless aliens was so painful and frightening that God ordered his people for all time to have special care for the alien: “You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; have the same love for him as for yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt” (Lv 19:33-34).

The New Testament begins with Matthew’s story of Joseph and Mary’s escape to Egypt with their newborn son, Jesus, because the paranoid and jealous King Herod wanted to kill the infant. Our Savior himself lived as a refugee because his own land was not safe.  Jesus reiterates the Old Testament command to love and care for the stranger, a criterion by which we shall be judged: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). 

The Apostle Paul asserts the absolute equality of all people before God: “There is neither Jew nor Greek . . . for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). In Christ, the human race is one before God, equal in dignity and rights. 

Three Basic Principles of Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration

Although Catholic theology has always promoted human rights rooted in natural law and God’s revelation, it was the encyclical Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of Labor) in 1891 that developed a systematic presentation of principles of the rights and responsibilities of people. Rerum Novarum commented on the situation of immigrants; in later documents, popes and bishops’ conferences have synthesized the Catholic theological tradition to articulate three basic principles on immigration.

First Principle: People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families.

At the end of World War II, with the fall of the Nazi empire and the subsequent creation of the Soviet “Iron Curtain,” Europe faced an unprecedented migration of millions of people seeking safety, food, and freedom. At that time, Pope Pius XII wrote Exsul Familia (The Emigre Family), placing the Church squarely on the side of those seeking a better life by fleeing their homes. 

When there is a massive movement of people such as during a war, natural disaster, or famine, the lands that receive these displaced people may be threatened. The influx may make it impossible for the native population to live securely, as the land may not have enough resources to support both. Even in more orderly migrations, such as in the United States, citizens and residents of the land may fear that newcomers will take jobs, land, and resources, impoverishing the people already present. 

Because of the belief that newcomers compete for scarce resources, immigrants and refugees are at times driven away, resented, or despised. Nevertheless, the first principle of Catholic social teaching regarding immigrants is that people have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families. This is based on biblical and ancient Christian teaching that the goods of the earth belong to all people. While the right to private property is defended in Catholic social teaching, individuals do not have the right to use private property without regard for the common good. 

Every person has an equal right to receive from the earth what is necessary for life—food, clothing, shelter. Moreover, every person has the right to education, medical care, religion, and the expression of one’s culture. In many places people live in fear, danger, or dehumanizing poverty. Clearly, it is not God’s will that some of his children live in luxury while others have nothing. In Luke’s Gospel, the rich man was condemned for living well while the poor man starved at his doorstep (Lk 16:19-31). The native does not have superior rights over the immigrant. Before God all are equal; the earth was given by God to all. When a person cannot achieve a meaningful life in his or her own land, that person has the right to move. 

Second Principle: A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration. 

The overriding principle of all Catholic social teaching is that individuals must make economic, political, and social decisions not out of shortsighted self-interest, but with regard for the common good. That means that a moral person cannot consider only what is good for his or her own self and family but must act with the good of all people as his or her guiding principle. 

While individuals have the right to move in search of a safe and humane life, no country is bound to accept all those who wish to resettle there. By this principle the Church recognizes that most immigration is ultimately not something to celebrate. Ordinarily, people do not leave the security of their own land and culture just to seek adventure in a new place or merely to enhance their standard of living. Instead, they migrate because they are desperate and the opportunity for a safe and secure life does not exist in their own land. Immigrants and refugees endure many hardships and often long for the homes they left behind. As Americans we should cherish and celebrate the contributions of immigrants and their cultures; however, we should work to make it unnecessary for people to leave their own land. 

Because there seems to be no end to poverty, war, and misery in the world, developed nations will continue to experience pressure from many peoples who desire to resettle in their lands. Catholic social teaching is realistic: While people have the right to move, no country has the duty to receive so many immigrants that its social and economic life are jeopardized. 

For this reason, Catholics should not view the work of the federal government and its immigration control as negative or evil. Those who work to enforce our nation’s immigration laws often do so out of a sense of loyalty to the common good and compassion for poor people seeking a better life. In an ideal world, there would be no need for immigration control. The Church recognizes that this ideal world has not yet been achieved. 

Third Principle: A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy. 

The second principle of Catholic social teaching may seem to negate the first principle. However, principles one and two must be understood in the context of principle three. And all Catholic social teaching must be understood in light of the absolute equality of all people and the commitment to the common good. A country’s regulation of borders and control of immigration must be governed by concern for all people and by mercy and justice. A nation may not simply decide that it wants to provide for its own people and no others. A sincere commitment to the needs of all must prevail. 

In our modern world where communication and travel are much easier, the burden of emergencies cannot be placed solely on nations immediately adjacent to the crises. Justice dictates that the world community contribute resources toward shelter, food, medical services, and basic welfare. 

Even in the case of less urgent migrations, a developed nation’s right to limit immigration must be based on justice, mercy, and the common good, not on self-interest. Moreover, immigration policy ought to take into account other important values such as the right of families to live together. A merciful immigration policy will not force married couples or children to live separated from their families for long periods. 

Undocumented immigrants present a special concern. Often their presence is considered criminal since they arrive without legal permission. Under the harshest view, undocumented people may be regarded as undeserving of rights or services. This is not the view of Catholic social teaching. The Catholic Church teaches that every person has basic human rights and is entitled to have basic human needs met—food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. Undocumented persons are particularly vulnerable to exploitation by employers, and they are not able to complain because of the fear of discovery and deportation. Current immigration policy that criminalizes the mere attempt to immigrate and imprisons immigrants who have committed no crime or who have already served a just sentence for a crime is immoral. In the Bible, God promises that our judgment will be based on our treatment of the most vulnerable. Before God we cannot excuse inhumane treatment of certain persons by claiming that their lack of legal status deprives them of rights given by the Creator. 

Finally, immigration policy that allows people to live here and contribute to society for years but refuses to offer them the opportunity to achieve legal status does not serve the common good. The presence of millions of people living without easy access to basic human rights and necessities is a great injustice. 

It is the position of the Catholic Church that pastoral, educational, medical, and social services provided by the Church are never conditioned on legal status. All persons are invited to participate in our parishes, attend our schools, and receive other services offered by our institutions and programs. 

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

THE EUCHARIST

From the New Testament

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my
blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I
have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me (John 6:54-57).
I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so
that one may eat it and not die (John 6:48-50).
But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. (Luke 24: 21-31)
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Some Saint Quotes through the centuries

Justin Martyr First Apology 66 (A.D. 151). “We call this food Eucharist, and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one
who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration
[i.e., has received baptism] and is thereby living as Christ enjoined. For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive
these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so
too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by him, and by the
change of which our blood and flesh is nurtured, is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus”
St Augustine: (354 – 430) “I promised you [new Christians], who have now been baptized, a sermon in which I would explain the
sacrament of the Lord’s Table. . . That bread which you see on the altar, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the body of
Christ. That chalice, or rather, what is in that chalice, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the blood of Christ” (Sermons
227 [A.D. 411]).

St Thomas Aquinas: (1224/6 – 1274) “The Eucharist is the sacrament of love: it signifies love, it produces love. The Eucharist is
the consummation of the whole spiritual life.”

St Francis de Sales: (1567 – 1622) “When the bee has gathered the dew of heaven and the earth’s sweetest nectar from the flow
ers, it turns it into honey, then hastens to its hive. In the same way, the priest, having taken from the altar the Son of God (who is as
the dew from heaven, and true son of Mary, flower of our humanity), gives him to you as delicious food.”

St Maximilian Kolbe: (1894 – 1941) “If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901– 1925) “With all the strength of my soul I urge you young people to approach the Commun
ion table as often as you can. Feed on this bread of angels whence you will draw all the energy you need to fight inner battles. Be
cause true happiness, dear friends, does not consist in the pleasures of the world or in earthly things, but in peace of conscience,
which we have only if we are pure in heart and mind.”

Eucharistic Saints:

Tarcisius was a twelve-year-old acolyte during one of the fierce Roman persecutions in the third century and was martyred while
bringing the Eucharist to condemned Christians in prison. He preferred death at the hands of a mob rather than deliver to them the
Blessed Sacrament which he was carrying.

St Catherine of Siena (1347—1380) was canonized in 1461, made a doctor of the Church, and is one of a small group of saints
known as Eucharistic saints who dedicated themselves to the consumption and spiritual nourishment of the Eucharist.

Blessed Carlo Acutis (3 May 1991– 12 October 2006) was a British-born teenager, primarily of Italian ancestry, known for his devotion to the Eucharist… with him creating a website documenting Eucharistic miracles prior to his death from leukemia at the age of fifteen. His canonization is set to take place on 7 September 2025.

Our newly reconstituted Collaborative Pastoral Council – June 8, 2025

St. Mary St. Catherine of Siena Parish

Richard Gould
Matt Rita
Ari Senerchia
Marian Tse
Maryann Broderick
Michael Rush

St. Francis de Sales Parish

Steve Brophy
Pat Locke
Pauline O’Brien
Joan Rae
Sandy Taylor
Kelli Forbes
Peggy Walukevich

Thank you for your support and participation!

The Gallagher Scholarship
Rev. Henry Gallagher was born in Charlestown in 1910 and ordained in 1941.
He served as spiritual director of St. Mary’s conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society
and arranged scholarships for local high school students. Upon his death,
Fr. Gallagher left a generous bequest to St. Vincent de Paul Society, which has
helped students for more than a decade.
Applicants must be registered members of St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena
or St. Francis de Sales parishes and provide the name of the school they will attend.
Applications are available for pick up at the Parish Office located at
46 Winthrop Street and via the link here.
The deadline for applications is July 31st.

World Apostolate of Fatima Annual Meeting in Honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (6/28)

The World Apostolate of Fatima of the Archdiocese of Boston will host its annual meeting in honor of The Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 28th from 9 AM – 3 PM at the Pastoral Center, Braintree. Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. will present a talk on “The Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary – the messages of Our Lady at Fatima and Akita.” For more information, please contact Lorrain Allen or visit the website.

Into the Deep – Corpus Christi Procession by Sea (6/21-6/22)

Join Archbishop Richard Henning on June 21-22 as he brings Jesus in the Eucharist to the shores of the Archdiocese of Boston from Gloucester to South Boston over Corpus Christi weekend. For more information on the schedule of stops and masses for this historic procession, visit https://bit.ly/IntoTheDeep2025

It Takes A Village…

It is important to know how grateful the Pastoral Staff is to those who volunteer their time and talent in the various ministries that help our parishes run smoothly.

And to those who have been thinking ..”how can I become more involved”
Please feel free to call the office at 617.242.4664 or talk to Fr. John
after a Mass!

And if you have been attending the Masses at either St. Francis de Sales or St. Mary-St.- Catherine of
Siena but have not yet registered as a parishioner, just visit the web-site and register on-line.
stfrancischarlestown.org stmarystcatherine.org