From the Pastor

Update on Fr. Sheridan

There have been many questions for the last few weeks on the health of Fr. Sheridan. The short answer is “he is ok.” The longer answer is more complicated. Fr. has been away from the parish focusing on his health. Out of an abundance of caution, he has seen doctors and has had various tests run, and for the most part all have come back ok—
thanks be to God.
As he rests and recuperates, please keep him in your prayers for an expedient return to normal Parish duties. In the meantime, we ask for your patience as we handle day-to-day office duties just a bit shorthanded.

Thank you …

to all Clergy who have helped us out the last few weeks in Fr. Sheridan’s absence. Some have filled in a Mass or two, while other’s have taken on even more than they already do. Msgr Felix and Fr. Anthony have been amazing for many years in our Parishes, and are invaluable to our community—Thank You. This is not their full time, or only assignments.
For those that do not know, Msgr Felix is the chaplain at Faulkner Hospital and is officially “retired”, yet helps us out at numerous liturgies each week.
Fr. Anthony finished his full-time studies a few years ago at Boston College and since then has been appointed the part-time parochial vicar at St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Roxbury, and is also the part-time chaplain at Boston Medical Center.
Also a big thank you to our visiting priests.
Fr. Henry Ogbuji, Fr. Ignatius Nze, and Fr. Chukwidi Chinaka reside in neighboring Parishes and are also students at Boston College.
We have also had a long-standing partnership with St. Anthony’s Shrine, especially with Frs. Paul Keenan, and Frank Sevola who have assisted in Charlestown for years.
Thank you all for your ministries and support of the Church of Charlestown!!

FUEL COSTS

Next weekend there is a second collection to assist us in paying the high costs of heating our buildings. This happens twice a year to help assist in the extraordinary costs of heating these large buildings. The first of these collections was just over a month ago.
This year, more than before, we are relying on each parishioner to help. This month alone, the cost of oil and gas for the Church buildings were each over $10,000.
We understand that all families are feeling these higher costs. As you can see, our weekly offertory alone is not enough to pay bills these high bills.
If you would like to make a contribution at this time to either Parish to assist with the heating bills, please utilize the collection next week, or send to the Parish Center and include a memo on your donation.
As always, Thank You. Your tremendous generosity is greatly needed and appreciated.

WE ARE CALLED

Join our faith community—and more than 12,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl.

HUNGER IN OUR WORLD Jesus told us that what ever we did for one of these least brothers of his we did for him. Reflect on the challenge of global hunger— it is a reality for millions of our sisters and brothers. What will you do to support the hungry in our community and around the world?

BETTER MEALS IN MADAGASCAR In Madagascar, half of all children are undernourished. That means 50% of kids won’t grow to reach their full potential. But communities are changing this by focusing on improving health and nutrition. What role has food played in your life? How can you help those who lack access to enough nutritious food.

SUSTAINABILITY IN EL SALVADOR Drought has become a big problem across El Salvador, making it difficult for farmers to produce enough crops to support their families. But new farming techniques—and a new generation of young farmers—are making a difference. What would you do if your livelihood was threatened? How can you support young people in your community and around the world? More stories? Recipes? Pics?

Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more

When walking around town you are sure to run into either a baby carriage or a dog no matter where you go. A 5 minute walk suddenly is much longer after stopping at each carriage and leash. If beginning in City Square, a walk down Warren Street to Main leads you past various temptations. Beginning with the coffees and pastries from Tatte. Each week if leaving St. Mary’s Church, I glance across the street and decide whether I will head in for a latte or head back home. Or I could walk further down, and Starbucks appears on the right… another option to be served…. I have made it 6 blocks and I haven’t even been tempted by the Apple crumble French toast yet at Monument. When leaving St. Francis, you need to decide if you want to be tempted by the banana bread at Waverly (it’s so good!).
No – we should not yell “Get away, Satan!” to those offering us a coffee, but every day we are faced with one temptation after another. On the calmer side it may be whether to buy a coffee or cheat on your diet with that coffee roll, but there are many other, far greater temptations in our lives.
As you know, our children, if you are blessed enough to have them, face various challenges each day. I could not imagine being a teenager in school today. The new clothes that you have to have, or the far greater need to do well because if not, the college will not think I’m good enough, and it will be the end of the world. This doesn’t even touch upon the various friend group dynamics.
How do we teach our kids to take an assignment seriously, while also teaching to not be overly hard on yourself and learn from mistakes? Maybe they mirror our own reactions to not getting the promotion that we’re hoping for, or even bombing the presentation that we prepped so hard for.
The need to just “fit in” is real, but, could you imagine what Jesus experienced in the forty-day trial in the desert? Forty days of hunger – being told to transform those rocks into loaves of bread. That would be an easy way out, but Jesus did not take it. The loneliness he must have felt is unimaginable.
Taking time for yourself is necessary. This Lent season, try to do that. I would not recommend spending 40 days to yourself though – that may be a bit excessive.
Maybe a few extra minutes before mass as we prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist – or getting up a few minutes earlier and spending that time in prayer will see a positive change in the next 40 days.
In the next few weeks, we will see reflections from various members of the Pastoral Staff. Service at the food pantry, ministry in music, and what our kids are going through in Confirmation is just a small sampling of what to look forward to in this section.
Don’t just give something up this Lent. As Fr. John says – also “Look up!” and of course ahead because Easter will be here before we know it, but we first must make it through the desert of these next few weeks. So Lent 2026, will you choose to be tempted or continue on your way? – James Santosuosso

The grand annual continues.

If you have not received a letter from Fr. John, and a copy of the latest financial report, there are packets available at the back of each Church.
To date, St. Mary– St. Catherine’s is approaching $40,000, and St. Francis is approaching $20,000.
It’s not too late!
The funds collected help minimize the Parish deficits, and completely stay in the Parish. Thank you!

CORI Time

To all our volunteers:
January is the month for our parish to complete CORI forms. A copy of the form will be emailed to volunteers. You may have it notarized and send it back or bring it filled out to Church for an approved staff member to verify your signature. Please bring your photo ID. You may also drop by the office. There are also blank CORI forms at the office and at the Church for your convenience. All forms must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 27. All those who have recently filled out a CORI do not need to fill another one out.
Thank you for all that you do and for your help in getting the CORIs submitted in a timely manner.

Lent!

On February 18, Ash Wednesday arrives once again. Christians flock to Churches to receive these blessed ashes, to be smudged on their foreheads. The ritual includes a simple phrase uttered by the minister, a reminder of an enduring truth to pursue more closely a life of grace.

It is the season to be aware of our mortality, our brokenness, our sinfulness, and the longing for a more complete and fulfilling life. Lent is an invitation to start once again. It’s time to repair that which is damaged, neglected, or broken within ourselves, in our relationships with others, and most importantly in our relationship with God.

As we think about the beginnings of Lent this year, can we step back to where we once were without
reconciling where we have been? In many cases, that’s a challenging thing to do. For it seems to me the truth is we are always struggling with our mortality. We’re always making mistakes, falling down, not ending up where we hoped to be, feeling less than we really are, and at times, disappointed in ourselves and in others.

So often, when we think of sin, our perspective can be what we learned as children or teenagers. In reality, sin is about the daily choices we make about love. Jesus’ only command to us is that we are to love one another as we have been loved by Him. That explains the CROSS becoming the central symbol of the Lenten journey: it’s a story of selfless giving out of love for others. It’s a very high threshold and yet a beautiful thing to strive towards.

The church offers us three ways to live out our Lenten journey: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Once again, we need to bring those old words into our daily lives. For example, prayer is about a relationship each of us has with Jesus. Fasting is about self-sacrifice. Many will see this as the giving up of chocolate, chips, soda, or some other unhealthy vice, but I challenge you to think a little deeper. Ideally, it’s about giving up all that which interferes with living a life of love: refraining from
criticism, gossip, unkindness, impatience, selfishness, self-centeredness, and all of the behaviors that are harmful to our well-being and the well-being of others.
Almsgiving is an old phrase and it implies giving, usually financially, to those who have a handout and are in need. Obviously, that’s a good thing. In an even deeper way, almsgiving can be understood as generosity of heart manifested in respect for others, giving of ourselves and caring for others,
thoughtfulness, forgiveness, and so much more. Here, I ask you to think about our most visible ministries – Harvest on Vine Food Pantry, and our tremendous St. Vincent de Paul Society. Both do amazing work with those in need in our community.
This is a Lent to start fresh. Join us as we celebrate Ash Wednesday in our parish churches with Masses and services throughout the day. At the Parish Center on Winthrop Street, ashes and prayer materials will be available in the lobby throughout the day.
A new beginning is a good thing and is there for the taking! Please accept that offer. May each of us engage in a way unlike any other savoring the unconditional love of God and loving God in return. May God bless and be with every one of you this Lenten Season.
Collectively written by the Parish Staff

FUEL COSTS

This weekend at St Mary-St. Catherine’s there is a second collection to assist us in paying the high costs of heating our beautiful church and parish center. This year, more than before, we are relying on each parishioner to help.
The cost of heating the buildings so far this winter amounts to over $20,000 for just these two buildings.
We understand that all families are feeling these higher costs.
As you can see, our weekly offertory alone is not enough income to pay bills these high bills.
There will be a heat collection at St. Francis later in the year.
If you would like to make a contribution at this time to either Parish to assist with the heating bills,
please include a memo on your donation.
As always, Thank You.
Your tremendous generosity is greatly needed and appreciated.

Coming March 14-15

A Guest from Food for the Poor

Fr. Michael Onyekuru MS, JCD- a dedicated priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, formed in Rome and ordained in 2000, with a strong foundation in Canon Law and Clinical Counseling Psychology.

Rooted in a family rich in religious vocations, he has served Church through parish ministry, counseling, and tribunal work, and now serves as Judicial Vicar. His ministry has been marked by a deep commitment to the poor and vulnerable, especially through groups like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Legion of Mary.

Father will be presiding at Masses and speaking about the Catholic organization Food for the Poor.

The Sacrament of Baptism

“The door of the Church” is what many call the Sacrament of Baptism because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it.

Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. “Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first Sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children…” (Rite of Christian Initiation)

Infant Baptism requires that parents make a solemn commitment that they will raise the child in the Catholic faith. In practical terms this means that the parents promise to:

• Bring your child to Sunday Mass each week starting the Sunday after Baptism.
• Enroll your child in Faith Formation classes starting no later than the first grade and continuing through Confirmation.
• Teach by word and example at home to love God and neighbor as Jesus taught.

Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together:
Baptism which is the beginning of new life;
Confirmation which is its strengthening;
and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20).

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism. The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.

Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated.

Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved even if they have not been baptized.Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved even if they have not been baptized.

Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pours water on the candidate’s head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

World Day of the Sick
Saturday, Feb. 14

The World Day of the Sick is usually celebrated
around the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes which is
Feb. 11, the anniversary of the first apparition of
Our Lady to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France.
Since it falls on a Saturday, we will honor this
day at the 4 pm Mass at both churches. During this
Mass, we will administer the Sacrament of
Anointing of the Sick to anyone who wishes to receive it.

World Marriage Day
Sunday, Feb. 15

Marriage is a living sacrament. It is a sign to the world
of the invisible God living in our midst―the living God
who bears fruit in the lives of two people
who have promised to live out their
lives together in mutual support and love.
On the weekend of Feb. 14/15, we will celebrate
World Marriage Day. Married couples will receive
a special blessing and will be invited to restate
their vows at each of our Masses that weekend. We
look forward to praying and celebrating with you!

This weekend’s Gospel

We hear John the Baptist giving testimony about witnessing Jesus’ baptism. John was clear that God’s will for him was to point to Christ and proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. Our faith and Sacred Scripture confirm the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. God’s will for each one of us to speak the name of Jesus and tell of His work in our lives. That is our calling and that is what being a disciple involves. Ask for the courage to see when and how you can testify– talk about– Jesus.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr quotes as we remember him this week:

• “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
• “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
• “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Pope Leo on Immigration

On Nov. 13, the US Conference of Bishops issued a pastoral letter rejecting mass expulsions, expressing concern for the situation in the country, and reaffirming that national security and the protection of human dignity are not incompatible. The Pope expressed appreciation for the bishops’ statement, calling it “very important.”
“I would like to invite all Catholics—and also people of good will—to listen carefully to what they have said. I believe we must seek ways of treating people with humanity, with the dignity that is theirs,” he said.
“If someone is in the United States illegally, there are ways to address this. There are courts. There is a judicial system. I believe there are many problems in the system. No one has said that the United States should have open borders,” the Pope noted, adding, “I think every country has the right to determine who enters, how, and when.”
However, he added, “when people have lived good lives—many of them for 10, 15, 20 years—treating them in a way that is, to say the least, extremely disrespectful, and with instances of violence, is troubling.” Pope Leo said: “The bishops have been very clear. I would simply invite all Americans to listen to them.”

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES – PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

Full adult membership in the Roman Catholic Church is achieved with the recep
tion of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Most Catholics born
into our faith receive Baptism as infants and Eucharist in the second grade. Usually, Con
firmation is received in the tenth Grade. Due to circumstances of all kinds, a significant
number of adults have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Maybe… It’s Time: To deepen your relationship with God who loves and cares
about you, to re-engage your world again as a Catholic more informed about your faith and its
impact in your life, to renew yourself and others through the unique power of the Holy Spirit who guides us in
Love and Truth.
Candidates 18 years of age or older will attend twice-monthly discussions.
We will begin classes again on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm on Jan. 12.
Please contact Fr. Sheridan at 617-242-4664
or email info@charlestowncatholic.org for a call back to find out more!

The Baptism of the Lord

“You are my beloved…
with whom I am well pleased.”

At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God rested upon Him, affirming that He was the Chosen One and revealing that the path before Him—the path foretold by Isaiah—would ultimately lead to the cross. At your baptism, you too were anointed with the Spirit, called and chosen to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
This week, take time to reflect on the deep meaning of your baptism. Take comfort that the grace poured into your life that day—is the grace that will continue to strengthen, guide, and sustain you as you follow Christ’s way.

The Symbols of Baptism

Water is the primary symbol of baptism. John the Baptist used water (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8a; Jn 1:33; 3:23), as did Jesus (Jn 3:22). Jesus is living water (Jn 4:10), and when Jesus died, the water that flowed from his pierced side serves as a wellspring of his life and grace (Jn 19:34). The usual method is infusion, for water to be poured over the head. Baptism can also be done by partial or full immersion. Water is a symbol of divine life, grace, new birth, growth, power, deliverance, cleansing and the covenant.

Oil is also a symbol of baptism, and two kinds are used. The Oil of the Catechumens is used after the prayer of exorcism and applied to the chest. It represents salvation as well as the strength and power that come from Christ our savior. After the water has been poured, Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the crown of the head, and it represents salvation, participation in the priesthood of Christ, membership in the body of Christ and a share in eternal life.

The Baptismal garment is a white garment either worn from the beginning of the ritual or given after pouring or immersion. It is an outward sign of the person’s Christian dignity. It also signifies that the person has become a new creation and has been clothed with Christ.

The Baptismal Candle is lit from the Easter Candle. The candle represents the risen Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). Jesus is the light that guides every baptized person. It also represents the flame of faith, which is to be kept burning brightly.

-Rev. Michael Van Sloun

Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas celebrations so exceptional!

CATHOLIC ON-LINE RESOURCES

Log onto Bostoncatholic.org for a list of Catholic resources. It is the Archdiocese of Boston’s web site. On the resource page you can access Catholic TV, Vatican news and much more.
Log onto the USCCB (US Bishops) web site for the latest information and news from the Catholic bishops in the United States.
Download a prayer & Meditation App. Here are some to check out.
The Amen App is free to users
Examen -free:
Pray As You Go – free
Laudate – free,:
Magnificat – free
Word Among Us 1.99 per month
Ascension Ap
Or, download the Hallow App. There is a free version as well as an optional paid subscription.

MOBILE APPS FROM EWTN!

Download the EWTN mobile app for FREE and carry Catholic programming with you! Enjoy live streams of many of our popular TV and radio shows, prayers and devotionals, as well as the latest Catholic news. Visit www.ewtnapps.com for more information and to download.

The CatholicTV Network

offers its content not only on traditional terrestrial television but also through various streaming apps. This means
that viewers can access the network’s programming not just on their TVs at home but also on their smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. By expanding its presence to streaming platforms, The CatholicTV Network ensures that its religious and educational content is easily accessible to a wider audience, allowing viewers to engage with their faith conveniently, regardless of their location or the device they are using.
Watch on YouTube, Roku, Google TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, & LG.

As we turn the calendar page and begin 2026,
I wish to express my gratitude to our staff,
councils, Faith Formation teachers, volunteers
and so many people who have helped make
2025 such an extraordinary year.
May God bless you, your family and all you love as
we look up and ahead at the possibilities, opportuni
ties and dreams of the New Year.
We have taken on challenges with renewed hope,
and under the guidance of Pope Leo
and Archbishop Henning,
I am confident the Holy Spirit will lead us.
Mary, Mother of the Church, point us to your Son
and guide us. Happy New Year!
-Fr. John

Three gifts used today

Three special presents were carried by the Magi to Bethlehem, but what do we know about them?

Frankincense, also called olibanum and al-lubān, is an aromatic resin found in the Boswellia tree. The material is valued for its aromatic qualities and has been used in church for thousands of years. Frankincense is also found in medicine, oil, and perfume. While the Frankincense market has existed for millennia, its viability is now threatened by the overharvesting of Boswellia trees, deforestation, and the longhorn beetle.

Myrrh, also called the Balm of Gilead or Balsam of Mecca, is similar to Frankincense but obtained from Commiphora plants. Myrrh is mixed with Frankincense in church. The substance has also been used in salves and liniments, arthritic remedies, perfume, even the embalming of mummies. At one point in ancient economy, myrrh was worth more than gold.

Gold is the most malleable metal in the world. Its resistance to moisture and corrosion has made it the perfect material for currency, jewelry and sacred objects. Gold is found in dental crowns and bridges, high-end CDs, toners, spacecraft, airplane windows, USB cables, semiconductors, and even gourmet desserts.

2025 Grand Annual letter

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the printing and distribution of the Grand Annual letter and information was delayed, but now we hope you’ve finally received this important information- thank you for your patience.
This past year has brought about lots of change, but we are confident that the coming year will be one of new opportunities and possibilities and your kind generosity makes a critical difference. If you haven’t received your information, please give us a call. Please note that your donation is tax deductible. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity to this initiative and all we do as we look up and look ahead!
–Fr. John

CORI Time

To all our volunteers:
January is the month for our parish to complete CORI forms. A copy of the form will be emailed to volunteers. You may have it notarized and send it back or bring it filled out to Church for an approved staff member to verify your signature. Please bring your photo ID. You may also drop by the office. There are also blank CORI forms at the office and at the Church for your convenience. All forms must be submitted by Friday, January 30. All those who have recently filled out a CORI do not need to fill another one out.
Thank you for all that you do and for your help in getting the CORIs submitted in a timely manner.

Love Your Marriage Retreat (1/31)

This one-day retreat for married couples will be held on January 31st at the Pastoral Center, Braintree. It will be led by
Family Life and Our Outpost, a Catholic ministry designed to help couples intentionally develop vibrant marriages
through healthier communication, conflict resolution, and decision making. The cost is $40 per couple and includes meals, materials, Mass, and more. For more information and registration, visit bit.ly/loveyourmarriageretreat

A Christmas Blessing for All of Our Parishioners
Visitors, and Their Loved Ones

May there be harmony in all your relationships. May sharp words, envious thoughts and hostile feelings be dissolved. May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day. May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ. May the honor given the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence. May the hope of this Sacred Season settle in your soul. May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land. May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened with you. May it lead you to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted. May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather with your family and friends around the table of festivity and nourishment. May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains. May the coming year be one of good health for you. May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind and spirit. May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust this Luminescent Presence to guide and direct you each day. May you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace. May you bring this peace into our world.
-Joyce Rupp

We extend a warm welcome to all visitors and those who are new to our parishes of St. Francis de Sales and St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena. Thank you for joining us!

In this Christmas Season, please know of our heartfelt gratitude to all of our parishioners who so faithfully support our Parishes by sharing their time, talent, and treasure. May our Blessed Savior abundantly bless you and all your loved ones this Christmas and in the coming new year.

2025 Grand Annual letter

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the printing and distribution of the Grand Annual letter and information was delayed, but now we hope you’ve finally received this important information- thank you for your patience.
This past year has brought about lots of change, but we are confident that the coming year will be one of new opportunities and possibilities and your kind generosity makes a critical difference. If you haven’t received your information, please give us a call. Please note that your donation is tax deductible.
Thank you and God bless you for your generosity to this initiative and all we do as we look up and look ahead!
–Fr. John

“This time of Advent is a time for hope. These great horizons of our Christian vocation, this unity of life built on the presence of God our Father, can and ought to be a daily reality. Ask our Lady, along with me, to make it come true. Try to imagine how she spent these months, waiting for her Son to be born. And our Lady, Holy Mary, will make of you alter Christus, ipse Christus: another Christ, Christ himself!”
– St. Josemaria Escriva

The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life.
Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”
– St. John Paul II

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look
forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!’ Amen.
-Henri Nouwen

The Legend Behind the 12 Days of Christmas

The full history is widely debated, but the song was first published in a book in England in 1780 and thought to be French in origin. The tune we sing now was composed by Englishman Frederic Austin in 1909. Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly from 1558 to 1829. For that reason, many believe that this song was a
hidden way to teach tenets of the faith, with meaning known only to those in the Church.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Represents Jesus Christ. A partridge risks its life to protect its babies by faking injury or illness to distract predators.

Two Turtle Doves
Represent the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments.

Three French Hens
Represent faith, hope and love, referring to 1 Cor 13:13.

Four Calling Birds
Represent the four Gospels —Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five Golden Rings
Represent the five books of the Bible —Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Six Geese A-Laying
Represent the six days when God actively created as he rested on the seventh day.

Seven Swans A-Swimming
Represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit:Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety,
Fear of the Lord (awe). Isaiah 11:1-2.

Eight Maids A-Milking
Represent the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12

Nine Ladies Dancing
Represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Ten Lords A-Leaping
Represent the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.

Eleven Pipers Piping
Represent the 11 faithful disciples.

Twelve Drummers Drumming
Represent the 12 points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Remembering Loved Ones Who Have Gone To God

At all of our Masses on the weekend of December 13 and 14, we will have a Ritual of Remembrance for all of our loved ones who have gone to God. At the conclusion of Mass, you are invited to place one sand dollar in memory of your loved ones on the Parish Christmas tree.
Go to God with all of your sorrows, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Do not let doubt or any kind of negative thinking overpower you. Resist it, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is under-going the same kind of sufferings. And though it will take time, God of all grace, who called you in Christ, will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever.
Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11-Adapted)

GIVING TREES!

As is our tradition, your generosity provides Christmas aid to St. Mary Center for Women and Children,
Charlestown Recovery House, Veterans Shelter, our Parish’s Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society,
and Sisters of Saint Joseph Prison Ministry.

� St. Mary Center for Woman & Children—tags on tree with requests from the Moms
� Charlestown Recovery House-please give a gift card, T-Pass, or Dunkin Donuts gift card.
� Veterans Shelter —please give a gift card, T-Pass, or Dunkin Donuts gift card.
� St. Vincent de Paul Society—a monetary donation is requested for clients in our Parish who have many different needs, ie. rental assistance, beds, furniture of all kinds and a myriad of other requests. Checks should be made payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.
� Sisters of St. Joseph Prison Ministry-Due to Dept. of Corrections security regulations, monetary donations are requested. Checks should be made payable to Sisters of St. Joseph Prison Ministry”

Donations may be placed in the collection baskets at the door or brought to the office at 46 Winthrop St and are due on December 14.

Let your love keep another warm

In collaboration with Good Shepherd School, the Kennedy Center and the Lions’ Club, we’re collecting useable coats and jackets in the churches and offices and at Harvest on Vine!

Thanks to Ann, Oscar and Sandy for making our Advent wreaths so beautiful!

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, located in the Navy yard in Charlestown,

is looking for qualified Eucharistic ministers to augment the volunteers who currently visit Catholic patients
and bring them communion.

The volunteers also spend time with the patients, listening to their thoughts and concern, which is a benefit not
only to the patient but to the volunteer as well. Recently, a volunteer shared, “I get more gratitude and blessings
from these visits than the patient does!”

If you are qualified Eucharistic minister and would like to discuss the potential to volunteer and learn about the
application process, please contact the chaplain (a St Mary’s St Catherine of Siena communicant)
Michael Kelleher at mwkelleher@mgb.org

Love Your Marriage Retreat (1/31)

This one-day retreat for married couples will be held on January 31st at the Pastoral Center, Braintree. It will be led by Family Life and Our Outpost, a Catholic ministry designed to help couples intentionally develop vibrant marriages through healthier communication, conflict resolution, and decision making.
The cost is $40 per couple and includes meals, materials, Mass, and more. For more information and registration, visit bit.ly/loveyourmarriageretreat.

The Watertown Ancient Order of Hibernians

(AOH), America’s largest and oldest Irish Catholic organizations, is hosting a blood / food drive on Saturday, December 27, at Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown Street, Watertown, MA from 9 AM to 2 PM. Visit https://redcrossblood.org/ and enter AOH to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. No appointment is needed to
donate food. Items collected at the Food Drive will be donated to the Watertown Catholic Collaborative food pantry.