From our Pastor

What makes a nation’s pillars high, and its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy the foes that round it throng?
It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand, not on abiding rock.
Is it the sword? Ask the red dust of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust, their glory to decay.
And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down in ashes at his feet.
Not gold but only men can make a people great and strong,
men who for truth and honor’s sake stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep and lift them to the sky.

written by William Ralph Emerson, 1891

In thanks and remembrance

I thank so many people who made this past week’s farewell to Fr. Dan Mahoney so powerful- to so many who gave in so many ways to honor and remember a strong and loving priest, pastor, fire chaplain and servant of God.
As we look up and look ahead, may we be inspired by his witness and strive to work together to grow, ever confident and hopeful through the intercession of Sts. Francis de Sales and Florian. We have been blessed. May we pass that blessing on to those who will follow.

Welcome, Fr. Patrick!

We are blessed with a priest from the SMA order of African Missionaries, to late August

I am Patrick Mpete Ebalaling, born on 7/6/1984 in Lakas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am from a Christian family of ten children, including 2 girls and 8 boys, and I am the ninth in the family. My father passed away in 2014 but thank God, my mother is still alive in her old age.

I had my vocation since my childhood when the Oblate missionaries came to celebrate with us. I entered the seminary in 2006, ordained a deacon in 2015 and ordained a priest on May 8, 2016. After my ordination, I studied agronomy. I like to read, I also like to work especially in my agricultural field, I like to listen to people as a priest, to accompany young and old people.

Sr. Nancy’s order

There is still time to give to Sr. Nancy’s order’s great work in Phoenix. please write SND or Phoenix on your
check or write it on an envelope and it will go to this important, life-saving and life-giving ministry.

R&R coming up

Please note that Fr. John will be out of town July 13- 21

Catholic Appeal update

Both St. Francis and St. Mary- St. Catherine have hit over 100% of our Catholic Appeal assessment!
It helps our parishes, Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us
need. Go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

It helps our parishes, Collaborative and our Archdiocese! Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need. Go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

Summertime

Summer is here but the needs remain- please consider online giving to help us pay our bills and build for the future. Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to New York City to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in Town by midnight!

Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit. 16 available for each parish- maximum of 4 tickets per family. Call Dianne at 617-242-4664- any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship

Let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes.
Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/RCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Spiritual Committee

This committee assists the priests and the community in this vital aspect of church life. The committee meets monthly from September to June. Discussions are informal, and the committee works to enrich the public prayer life of the parish, through developing and implementing Marian devotions, Eucharistic adoration and various liturgies throughout the year.

Sr. Nancy’s order
There is still time to give to Sr. Nancy’s order’s great work in Phoenix.
please write SND or Phoenix on your check or write it on an envelope
and it will go to this important, life-saving and life-giving ministry.

Catholic Appeal update
St. Francis has hit over 100% of its Catholic Appeal assessment! St. Mary- St. Catherine has hit its assessment!
It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
Go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

Summertime
Lots of changes are on their way, so we need to take some time this summer to pause.
Please note that through Labor Day, Daily Mass will be suspended on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Summer is here but the needs remain-
please consider online giving to help us pay our bills now and build for the future.
Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

When my heart finds Christmas…
On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to New York City to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple-
we’ll be back in Town by midnight!
Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit. 20 available for each parish maximum of 4 tickets per family. Call Dianne at 617-242-4664- any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship
Giving of our time, talent and treasure is not about giving until it hurts.
Rather, it is about giving until you feel good about what you have given.
–Anonymous

Let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes. Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/RCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Family Ministry
Family ministry is a form of ministry which encompasses a range of activities geared towards families at every stage of their life together, in order to strengthen the love between them, their relationship with God and their service to the wider community. It was first defined in 1980 by the bishops attending the Synod of Family, who wrote that ‘Family ministry is of very special interest to the church. By this we mean efforts made by the whole people of God through local communities, especially through the help of pastors and lay people devoted to pastoral work with families.’ Parish family ministry initiatives continue to bear witness to the critical importance of healthy family life for people, for families, for society and for the Church, for personal, spiritual, social and faith development. We’d like to start a committee to reach out to so many young couples and families who live in Charlestown. Please see Fr. John for more information.

I thought he’d live forever, he seemed so big and strong.
But the minutes fly and the years roll by, for a father and his son.
And suddenly when it happened, there was so much left unsaid.
No second chance to tell him thanks for everything he’s done.
I never will forget him, for he made me what I am.
Though he may be gone, memory lingers on, and I miss him… the Old Man.
Phil Coulter

Sr. Nancy’s order
There is still time to give to Sr. Nancy’s order’s great work in Phoenix.
please write SND or Phoenix on your check or write it on an envelope
and it will go to this important, life-saving and life-giving ministry.

Catholic Appeal update
St. Francis has hit over 100% of its Catholic Appeal assessment! St. Mary- St. Catherine is so close!
We need your help! It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

Summertime
Lots of changes are on their way, so we need to take some time this summer to pause.
Please note that through Labor Day, Daily Mass will be suspended on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Please consider online giving to help us pay our bills and build for the future.
Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

When my heart finds Christmas…
On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to New York City to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in Town by midnight! Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit. 20 available for each parish maximum of 4 tickets per family.
Call Dianne at 617-242-4664- any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship
Giving of our time, talent and treasure is not about giving until it hurts.
Rather, it is about giving until you feel good about what you have given.
-Anonymous
Let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes. Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/RCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Social Justice
The LORD has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8
The Social Justice Committee will serve our collaborative as catalyst for the work of promoting the Gospel of Justice. The Committee will work with organizations in and outside of Charlestown to further awareness and correct the injustices in our community, issues like Pro-life in every stage, peace and promoting justice in our community through the Gospel and the teachings of our Church.
Fr. John wishes to build a committee, to discuss and act in positive and creative ways.
Please contact him.

Sr. Nancy’s order

Thanks to all who donated to our second collection last weekend to Sr. Nancy’s order’s great work in Phoenix.
There is still time to give- please write SND or Phoenix on your check or write it on an envelope and it will go to this important and life-saving and life-giving ministry.

A word of gratitude

Thanks so much to James, Oscar and Shawn who set up and hosted the collation last Sunday for Fr. Britto!

A word to the wise

Please note that the 6 pm Mass next Sunday is suspended.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes are close to 100% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We need your help to reach and surpass the goal! It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

Summer Mass schedule

Lots of changes are on their way, so we need to take some time this summer to pause.
Please note that through Labor Day, Daily Mass will be suspended on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Summer plans

Summer is here but the needs remain- please consider online giving to help us pay our bills
and build for the future. Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to New York City to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motorcoach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in Town by midnight! Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit. 20 available for each parish- maximum of 4 tickets per family. Call Dianne at 617-242-4664- any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship

Giving of our time, talent and treasure is not about giving until it hurts.
Rather, it is about giving until you feel good about what you have given.
-Anonymous

Let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes. Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/RCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

The Rite of Christian Initiation/Adult Confirmation Team

Folks journeying through the RCIA and Adult Confirmation process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
To learn more about receiving the Sacraments or joining the team, please see Fr. John.

Summer Mass schedule

Lots of changes are on their way, so we need to take some time this summer to pause.
Please note that from June 10 through Labor Day, Daily Mass will be suspended
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Summer plans

Summer is coming soon but the needs around here remain- please consider online giving
and make sure we pay our bills and continue to build for the future.
Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process.
Thank you!

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 on Saturday, June 8th.
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.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular,
starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in Town by midnight!
Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit. 20 available for each parish-
maximum of 4 tickets per family.
Call Dianne at 617-242-4664 – any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship

Giving of our time, talent and treasure is not about giving until it hurts.
Rather, it is about giving until you feel good about what you have given.
-Anonymous

As summer approaches and plans are being made for vacations, let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes. Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/OCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Baptismal Preparation Ministry comprise a group of parishioners from both parishes
who help parents and godparents in the following areas:

• Understand the meaning of Baptism
• Embody their roles as leaders of children in their faith journey
• Encourage parents and godparents to find different ways to practice faith in action and be powerful Christian examples to
  their children.
• Develop relationships with young families to build the Body of Christ in the Charlestown Catholic Collaborative.

Members of the Ministry – Baptismal Facilitators need to be welcoming representatives of our Faith Community and demonstrate a strong desire to serve their fellow parishioners and share Christian parenting values. A commitment to the Ministry is very important to maintain a constant schedule of classes and baptisms for our parish.
There are teams of Baptismal Facilitators; each team teaches, along with staff, the class for parents and godparents and assists at the celebrations. Preparation classes on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 11 am will be combined; Sacramental celebrations take place on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church and at 1:30 pm at St. Francis.

Life has taught me this, every day is new… and if everything is true,
all that matters when we’re through is how we love.
Faced with what we lack, some things fall apart,
but from the ashes, new dreams start.
All that matters to the heart, is how we love.

From How We Love, written by Beth Nielsen Chapman

Today is a solemn celebration of our belief in the revelation of one God, yet three divine persons. Today, the Church proclaims the truth about God and about us, and that is, that God is love and we are made for this love. With that love comes responsibility. Jesus commissions us in today’s gospel to make disciples… to baptize… and to teach in the name of our Triune God– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don’t undertake these tasks alone; Jesus accompanies us. Hear again His encouragement to us – “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Let us take Christ’s commissioning to heart and spread the Good News!

Dr. Fr. Britto

If you see Fr. Britto around, please congratulate him on his new title.
He has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at BC and is a doctor of letters.
He will soon be returning to his home diocese in India to teach and serve the people of God.
We are grateful for his generous, faithful and loving service here.
He’ll speak at the Masses next weekend – join us for a collation following the 11 am Mass Sunday, June 2
as we say thank you and farewell.

Oh beautiful, for heroes proved in liberating strife

Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day. Please note that Mass will be offered at 9 am at St. Catherine’s Chapel
and the parish offices are closed.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes are nearing 90% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We need your help to reach and pass the goal! It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com and answer the call.

Summer Mass schedule

Lots of changes are on their way, and we need to take some time this summer to pause.
Please note that from June 10 through Labor Day, Daily Mass will be suspended
on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks very much for your understanding!

Summer plans

Summer is coming soon but the needs around here remain- please consider online giving
and make sure we pay our bills and continue to build for the future.
Give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

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 on Saturday, June 8th.
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.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents

Saturday, June 1 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Mary Queen of Apostles Parish: St. James Church Hall 150 Federal St. Salem, MA
The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents whose children of any age have died by
any cause. This one-day retreat gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on their individual spiritual journey through the grief and come to know the promise of Jesus and eternal life. The retreat is open to parents of any age who have lost children at any age and by any means (including abortion, miscarriage, suicide, and overdose).
Participants must register and will be contacted by retreat leaders with additional information.
To register, visit mqoa.org/emmaus or leave a message for Dr. Christine Williams at 978-594-7780.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular,
starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats,
and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight!
Tickets are $225 per person, reservations with a $100 deposit, starting May 28. 20 available for each parish maximum of 4 tickets per family. Call Dianne at 617-242-4664- any questions? See Fr. John!

Stewardship

Giving of our time, talent and treasure is not about giving until it hurts.
Rather, it is about giving until you feel good about what you have given.
-Anonymous

As summer approaches and plans are being made for vacations, let’s look ahead to how we all can get involved at St.
Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine Parishes. Please take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement: Worship Committee, Baptism Prep Team, Wedding Team, St. Francis Hall Team, Stewardship Committee, Social Team, Spiritual Committee, Family Committee, Social Justice Committee, and Adult Confirmation/OCIA. Please think about volunteering and sharing your talents with our Parish. Throughout the summer, we’ll be sharing information about these important ministries. If you would like more information on any of the listed committees/teams, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Collaborative Worship Committee

As we look up and look ahead, a major goal for our Collaborative will be to initiate and develop committees to help us
grow together as parishes and as a collaborative. We begin, as in all things, with the worship and service of our loving God as a combined committee.

The Worship Committee gives direction to the liturgical life of the parish, as well as fostering and promoting the spiritual
growth of all parishioners, enabling us all to understand what it means to be a baptized Catholic Christian. It also seeks to
provide opportunities for personal and communal prayer in a variety of ways, coordinating the weekend Masses for the various seasons, liturgical ministries, Marian and Eucharistic devotions, prayer services outside of Mass, periodic retreats and the annual Parish Missions during Lent and Advent.

The Worship Committee comprises music directors and leaders, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Greeters, Ushers, Faith Formation directors, Baptismal preparation and Funeral coordinators, and others in both parishes.

It is responsible for the following:

Coordinating and collaborating the liturgical ministries of the parish, including music, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, greeters, servers, art &environment. Fostering dialogue between liturgical ministers and committees in order to insure that liturgical and spiritual programs are reaching the needs of all parishioners.

Evaluating periodically the weekend liturgies, drawing upon the insights and feedback of parishioners.

Promoting communal prayer through the parish missions, days of recollection, and Advent and Lenten devotions.

Fostering an annual evaluation of parish programs of spirituality in order to discover what is working and what more might be needed in order to meet the diverse needs of the parishioners.

If you are interested in this valuable service to God’s Holy Church, her people and our Mission as a collaborative, please
see Fr. John. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to serve. We’ll have some relaxed discussions and preparation later on this summer, and we’ll meet on a monthly basis from there.

You don’t need a theology degree, just a heart, mind and soul!

When you need direction, try to close your eyes.
If you don’t know where you’re heading, just hold on tight.
When you’re lost I will guide you,
‘cause I’m right here beside you, in every memory.
And just like a compass that leads the way,
we may take the long road, but I’ll never fade…
When you’re lost… I will guide you. Oh, tell me you’ll try to remember…
on the darker days, love is a compass.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes have reached over 80% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We’re almost there, but we need your help to reach and pass the goal!
It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com
and answer the call.

Please check our blog page most recent entries for other important current updates

When you need direction, try to close your eyes.
If you don’t know where you’re heading, just hold on tight.
When you’re lost I will guide you,
‘cause I’m right here beside you, in every memory.
And just like a compass that leads the way,
we may take the long road, but I’ll never fade…
When you’re lost… I will guide you.
Oh, tell me you’ll try to remember…
on the darker days, love is a compass.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes have reached over 80% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We’re almost there, but we need your help to reach and pass the goal!
It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com
and answer the call.

First Communion!

We congratulate the boys and girls who received First Communion at St. Mary’s last Saturday and at St. Francis last Sunday and those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation- thanks to our directors, teachers and volunteers who gave us all their faith, hope and love!

As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks and fond farewell to
Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well this year

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 on Saturday, June 8th. 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.

A Special Sending Forth

Next Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

Please note that we’ll be suspending the 6 pm Mass that day.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents

Saturday, June 1 9:30am – 7:30pm
Mary Queen of Apostles Parish: St. James Church Hall 150 Federal St. Salem, MA

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents
whose children of any age have died by any cause.
This one-day retreat gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on their individual spiritual journey
through the grief and come to know the promise of Jesus and eternal life.
The retreat is open to parents of any age who have lost children at any age and by any means
(including abortion, miscarriage, suicide, and overdose).
Participants must register and will be contacted by retreat leaders with additional information.
To register, visit mqoa.org/emmaus or leave a message for Dr. Christine Williams at 978-594-7780.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio
City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes!
We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats,
and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight!
We’re looking at about $225 per person. We’re limited to 40 people– we’ll announce more info soon!

I’ll be your candle on the water, this flame inside of me will grow.
Keep holding on, you’ll make it… here’s my hand, so take it.
Look for me, reaching out to show, as sure as rivers flow… I’ll never let you go.

From Candle on the Water, written by Al Kasha/Joel Hirschhorn

First Communion!

We congratulate the boys and girls who are receiving First Communion
at St Mary’s on Saturday and at St. Francis on Sunday!
As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks and fond farewell to Allison Buff,
who ran our K-4 program so very well this year.

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. Upcoming dates are Saturdays, May 11th & June 8th. 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.

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

Please note that we’ll be suspending the 6 pm Mass that day.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents
whose children of any age have died by any cause.
This one-day retreat gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on their individual spiritual journey
through the grief and come to know the promise of Jesus and eternal life.

Saturday, June 1 9:30am – 7:30pm
Mary Queen of Apostles Parish: St. James Church Hall
150 Federal St. Salem, MA

The retreat is open to parents of any age, who lost children at any age and by any means
(including abortion, miscarriage, suicide, and overdose).
Participants must register and will be contacted by retreat leaders with additional information.
To register, visit mqoa.org/emmaus or leave a message for Dr. Christine Williams at 978-594-7780.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight! We’re looking at about $225 per person.
We’re limited to 40 people– we’ll announce more info soon!

We’re so much more than blood, we’re more than names…
we’re bound by bonds that only God sustains.
But this time of year we gather here, and I always know I’m home.
There are voices now where silence was… the subtle signs of growing up.
Where one is born, another leaves… branches on the family tree.

From Family Tree, written by Dave Barnes

A powerful image the Second Vatican Council used when speaking of the Christian Church is the tree and
branches that Jesus uses in this weekend’s Gospel; that as we belong to something bigger than ourselves, we’re intimately connected. Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share baptism, and so much more- Jesus reminded us of this last weekend. During this joyous season of Easter, it’s a perfect time to pray for the unity of our Christian family. Holy Spirit, descend upon us all and remind us of what truly matters!

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!
As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks and fond farewell to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well this year.

Let Anyone Who Thirsts, Come to Me:
A Healing Mass for those Impacted by Divorce or Separation

Tuesday, April 30 at the Pastoral Center from 6:30- 9pm. Hosted by Family Life Ministry, the evening includes Confession, Adoration, a witness talk by divorced Catholic Mark Gioia, a Mass celebrated by Fr. Jürgen Liias,
and prayers for healing. For more info or to register visit bit.ly/LetAnyoneWhoThirsts or call Emily Elliott at (617) 746-5756.

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. Upcoming dates are Saturdays, May 11th & June 8th. 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.

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit), we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan for the incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight!
We’re looking at about $225 per person. We’re limited to 40 people- we’ll announce more info soon!