From the Pastor

Our Lady, Mother of Divine Grace (July 23)
Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel,
worthy of the whole world’s reverence, you are an ever shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, an indestructible temple, the place that held him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy Gospels could say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
We salute you, for in your holy womb was confined him who is beyond all limitation.

From the Homily preached at the Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.) by St.
Cyril of Alexandria

Thank you, Fr. Victor!

We thank Fr. Victor Ibhawa, who spoke at the Masses at
St. Mary- St. Catherine this weekend for Cross Catholic Outreach.

Cross Catholic Outreach which was founded to create a meaningful link between parishes in America and the priests and religious working in the Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia,
Central and South America. Brochures are available if you wish to support this worthy Catholic ministry.

Thank you!

Please note that this weekend, Fr. Henry Ogbji will celebrate the 4 pm Mass at St. Francis, and Fr. Alexander Okele will celebrate the 8 am Mass at St. Mary’s.

Do you hear your heart call?
Maybe you weren’t baptized, or you missed Confirmation- perhaps you just want to learn more about the Catholic Church, what we believe and more importantly, why we believe it.
Starting this fall, we will have relaxed discussions about our faith- it’s a great opportunity to ask questions, maybe to become a member of the family!
Please see Fr. John and join us!

Catholic Appeal update
St. Francis and St. Mary- St. Catherine have both hit
over 100% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
The Appeal 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 plan
for the future. Give us a call or drop us a note 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 by motorcoach at 7 am,
attend the 2 pm show, and have a few hours to take in the
Big Apple- we’ll be back 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 in our Collaborative, at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St. Catherine. Take a look at some of the ministries that will benefit from your involvement in these committees: Worship, Baptism Prep, Wedding, St. Francis Hall, Stewardship, Social, Spiritual, Family, Social Justice, and Adult Confirmation/RCIA. Please share your talents with us!

Social Committee
It’s important to have social gatherings at both parishes that build up the body of Christ, that bring us together, have fun and deepen the bonds of our parishes, the Collaborative and our Town- a committee that supports and hosts these events is crucial.

Cereal Drive
Please consider dropping off a box or two of cereal at the back of the church at the weekend Masses all summer long. Thank you for all you do.

Fr. Dan Spexarth, pastor, from St Catherine of Siena Parish
in Wichita KS came by our office and shared some pics of the high altar
from our very own St. Catherine of Siena Church.
They had purchased the altar in 2017.
The Parish started with 111 people and is now home to 2,000
with some 500 students in their school. Parishioners of Charlestown’s
St. Catherine of Siena are so joyful that the altar they loved is now being loved by the parishioners in Wichita.
Fun Fact: St. Catherine of Siena’s family nicknamed her
“Euphrosyne” which is Greek for “joy.” Nice to think, she is still spreading that joy around!

Fr. Sheridan with Fr. Victor Ibhawa who was here last week for Cross Catholic Outreach.

Have you ever heard of NFP? It stands for Natural Family Planning and is one of the best kept secrets in the Catholic Church. If you are a newly engaged couple, newlywed couple or a married couple who have not learned about NFP, we are excited to share with you a new video-based program that introduces couples to Natural Family Planning. It is called “Natural Plan.” It’s a little over an hour and it will change how you think about faith and fertility. Natural Plan is a video series featuring doctors, scientists, clergy, fertility coaches, NFP teachers, couples who practice NFP and newlyweds, who came together to share their experiences and insights about fertility awareness, from a Catholic perspective. The videos are lively and interesting. You can sign up for an in-person session or watch it together as a couple in your own home. To find out more visit www.naturalplan.org

A Special Guest from Cross Catholic Outreach!

Please welcome Fr. Victor Ibhawa who will speak at the Masses at St. Mary St. Catherine this weekend for Cross Catholic Outreach.

Father Ibhawa received his Bachelor of Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Uyo, Nigeria. His career includes an appointment of seminary vicerector, hospital administrator, pastor of a parish in Auchi and as the Administrator of Blessed Trinity Parish in Buffalo, NY.

Until 2021, he was a Covid-19 specialized counselor for Catholic Health Buffalo. In 2021, he completed his master’s degree in public administration, and is currently pursuing his Ph. D in Public Administration at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. As an Outreach Priest for Cross Catholic Outreach, he feels blessed to serve the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world.

Cross Catholic Outreach which was founded
to create a meaningful link between parishes
in America and the priests and religious working
in the Church overseas in the
Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central and South America.
Please be generous in your response to Father’s appeal.
Brochures will be provided if you wish
to support this worthy Catholic ministry.

Please note that next weekend,
Fr. Henry Ogbji will preside at the 4 pm Mass
at St. Francis, and Fr. Alexander Okele
will celebrate the 8 am Mass at St. Mary’s.

Do you hear your heart call?
Maybe you weren’t baptized, or you missed Confirmation-
perhaps you just want to learn more about the Catholic Church,
what we believe and more importantly, why we believe it.
Starting this fall, we will have relaxed discussions
about our faith- it’s a great opportunity to ask questions,
maybe to become a member of the family!
Please see Fr. John and join us!

We need you!
We are all called by our baptismal promises to share the
precious gift our Catholic faith with the children in our
families, parishes, Collaborative and world. Our Lord
expects nothing less- we can do this well.
We need your faith, hope, patience and love
for our Faith Formation program!
We need a coordinator for grades K-4 and teachers.
Can you help us, starting in October?
If you can, please see Fr. John!

Confirmation Update
Change is coming in the Archdiocese
Confirmation will soon take place in the 8th grade
The program here for the time being will stay with
the 9th and 10th grade-
we have a few years to work it out.

While the pastor’s away…
Please note that I’ll be out of town ‘til July 21.

Catholic Appeal update
St. Francis and St. Mary- St. Catherine have both hit
over 100% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
The Appeal 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 plan for the future. Give us a call or drop us a note and
we’ll walk you through the process. Thank you!

Hall Committee
We are blessed with a gift at St. Francis- Bishop
Lawton Hall. We need a team to insure that it is
responsibly run for the parish and collaborative.
Could you share some time and help make this a
great asset for us?

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 by motor-coach at 7 am,
attend the 2 pm show, and have a few
hours to take in the Big Apple-
we’ll be back 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 in our
Collaborative, at St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary- St.
Catherine. Take a look at some of the ministries that
will benefit from your involvement in these committees:
Worship, Baptism Prep, Wedding, St. Francis Hall,
Stewardship, Social, Spiritual, Family, Social Justice,
and Adult Confirmation/RCIA.
Please share your talents with us!

The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me.
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity.
You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing.
You say I am strong when I think I am weak,
and You say I am held when I am falling short.
When I don’t belong, oh, You say, I am Yours,
and I believe what You say of me. I believe.

From You Say, written by Norman/Ingram/Donehey/Daigle/Mabury

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 July 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.

A Special Guest

Fr. Peter Igwilo, BCC, MA, M.ED., Ph.D, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Nigeria, will be visiting next weekend to preside and speak at the Masses at St. Mary- St. Catherine on behalf of Cross Catholic Outreach which was founded to create a meaningful link between parishes in America and the priests and nuns working in the Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central and South America.
Fr. Peter was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. A Priest Chaplain/Senior Priest in charge of Catholic Ministry in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, he enjoys the full faculties of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, assisting in ministries as needed.
He pastored in 2 churches in Nigeria for 10 years, where the growth of these parish communities saw the construction of a new parish and parish hall, the establishment of nursery, primary schools, and hospital renovation on the parish premises. In August of 2002, he was sent on a mission assignment to the United States by his Bishop.
Fr. Peter works for the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Wilmington, DE, with the affiliation and faculties of the Archdiocese of the Military Services.
He is a Priest Chaplain in the Chaplain service of the hospital, where he specializes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Moral Injuries.

Also…

Please note that on the weekend of July 20-21, Fr. Henry Ogbji will preside at the 4 pm Mass at
St. Francis, and Fr. Alexander Okele will celebrate the 8 am Mass at St. Mary’s.

Please note that starting July 14
though Labor Day, the 6 pm Sunday Mass
will be offered at St. Catherine’s Chapel.

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 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

St. Francis and St. Mary- St. Catherine have both 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.

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 is suspended on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Summer is here but the needs remain- please consider online giving to help us pay our bills and plan for the future. Give us a call or drop us a note 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 in these committees: Worship, Baptism Prep, Wedding, St. Francis Hall, Stewardship, Social, Spiritual, Family, Social Justice, 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, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for all that you do for our Collaborative.

Spiritual Committee

This committee assists the clergy 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 prayer life of the collaborative, developing and implementing Marian devotions, Eucharistic adoration and various liturgies throughout the year.

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