From the Pastor

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 Kasha & Hirschhorn

Our journey to Jerusalem has begun, and it starts in the quiet of the desert. Some years ago, I took a trip out to Nevada and Arizona, and like many people, I fell in love with its hard beauty- I can’t explain why- I just felt a sense of depth and purpose. It’s a misunderstanding that the desert is dead- it’s hot and dry but it’s teeming with life that we can’t see. Lent can be an empty and bleak time of waiting desperately for Easter and spring, or it can be a place of activity, focus, and renewed hope. Jesus went to the desert to refocus and though it can be difficult at times (what truly great pursuit is easy?), our faith reminds us that we’re never alone. It’s time to look up and look ahead at what can be, and follow through, with our words, actions, and life.
Let’s get out there and get to it.

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy
as well as abstain or refrain from something
one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations will be prayed in English and Spanish at St. Francis Church
on Fridays throughout Lent at 6:30 pm. Gather with us and walk the steps of Christ.

Rites of Election &Welcoming

This Sunday, Feb. 18, after the 11 am Mass, folks from our Collaborative
will join with hundreds of candidates and catechumens for the Rite of Welcoming at the Cathedral.
Through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, they will be brought into the
fullness of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on March 31st. Please pray for them.

Couples!

Also on Sunday, in honor of World Marriage Day, at the 9:30 am Mass at St. Francis
and the 11 am Mass at St. Mary’s Church, we’ll invite couples to restate their vows!

Coming soon!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations March 21-22:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

Raised in a Methodist home in Mississippi, Sister Thea Bowman came into the Catholic Church at the age of 9 with her parents’ permission in large part due to the influence of her Catholic education. Sr. Thea was also attracted to the Church by the example of how Catholics seemed to love and care for one another, particularly the poor and needy. She was impressed with how Catholics put their faith into action, especially in a time of segregation.

Sister Thea became a highly acclaimed evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer sharing the joy of the Gospel and her rich cultural heritage throughout the nation, most notably addressing the US Bishops Council in 1989 about what it meant to be Black and Catholic in society. She reminded the bishops about the importance of Catholic education in the Black community, as well as our call to be united as one family in Christ:

“Today we’re called to walk together in a new way toward that Land of Promise and to celebrate who we are and whose we aren’t… The Church teaches us that the Church is a family of families and the family got to stay together and we know, that if we do stay together – if we walk and talk and work and play and stand together in Jesus’ name – we’ll be who we say we are – truly Catholic — and we shall overcome – overcome the poverty, overcome the loneliness, overcome the alienation and build together a Holy city, a new Jerusalem, a city set apart where they’ll know that we are here because we love one another.”

Servant of God, Sr. Thea Bowman, pray for us!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John

They say it’s a river, that circles the earth.
A beam of light shining to the edge of the universe.
It conquers all, it changes everything.
They say it’s a blessing, they say it’s a gift.
They say it’s a miracle, and I believe that it is.
It conquers all, but it’s a mystery.

From Love Is written by Brian McKnight

This year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day. Every 15 years or so this happens, and it reminds me of what I talk about at weddings- what we want and what we need. It strikes me as I work with couples and help plan their celebration that a beautiful transformation takes place- their concern is not their own desires or pleasures, but the happiness of the one they love, and as I get to baptize their children, seeing the joy of their love grow to their children, I see the source of all that love from God Himself.

Real love involves sacrifice and finding true meaning and peace in that giving, which is heart of the Lenten season. I find it powerful that these days intersect- the love God calls us to share puts the other person first- actively, joyously, sacrificially. Let us be about this holy season with hearts open to God’s will- in this we will find our joy!

Hope has a way of turning its face to you just when you least expect it.
You walk in a room, you look out a window,
and something there leaves you breathless.
You say to yourself, ‘It’s been a while since I felt this…
but it feels like it might be… hope.’

From It Might be Hope by Sara Groves

Sometimes, in these cold and often bleak winter days and nights and Lent about 10 days away, we all can feel a little (or a lot) like Job- frustrated and tired, feeling like there’s nothing to look forward to, just as what seems the longest month of the year- only 28 (yes, this year, 29) days is beginning. We all feel that way… I’m sure Jesus did, too, and then, something happens. With a word, an action, God reveals Himself to us, gives us courage again, and we’re off again!

In today’s Gospel, It would have been easier for Jesus to stay where he was doing such good work to stay where He was, but He understood that there were others who need Him, as people need each of, who have received this great hope, to give it to them, by our words, our actions, our lives. Jesus rises and challenges us to see that there is work to be done, hands to grasp, lives to change, mercy to give, and He challenges His disciples, and us, to get up and get going! Yes, we don’t deny that it’s cold and dark these days, but Easter is not far away! Hope is all around us, within us, and we need to find it, live it, and share it! Let’s go and be about our Father’s business.

Coming next month: Something… some one… extraordinary!

Please invite one and all to join us on Thursday and Friday, March 21-22 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Church,
for a Drama Mission led by TV and film star Frank Runyeon! He will be presenting powerful and moving presentations: SIGNS! The Gospel of John on Monday, the Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith on Tuesday. Frank has toured the country sharing these and other presentations with warmth, wit and skill, a hit with people of all ages!

I have seen him twice and was left awestruck at not only his brilliance, but also his deep faith. Admission is a free-will offering. Check out his work on You Tube and mark these days in your calendar, just as we arrive at Jerusalem and Holy Week. I promise you will be profoundly challenged, engaged and affirmed by these presentations of faith, hope and love!
If you have questions, please ask me!

~ Fr. John Sheridan

Dear Parish Family,

I’m writing to let you know that I will be stepping away from my ministry as Pastoral Associate of this amazing, life-giving Parish community.

As I approach my 73rd birthday and 17th year in the Parish, through prayer and discernment with my spiritual director, congregational contact person, family, and close Notre Dame friends, it has become clear to me that it is time to welcome new life into our beloved Parish.

My last day in the Parish will be May 19th – coincidentally or perhaps God-incidentally, the Feast of Pentecost. I say God-incidentally because I do believe it is the Holy Spirit who gifted me with all of you; and that it is the Holy Spirit who is nudging me to relinquish this ministry that I so love, and take a break for some time with family, sisters, friends, and physical and spiritual renewal. Then I will discern where and with whom God is calling me next to share God’s goodness and love as best I can.

There are no words to describe how being a member of this remarkable Parish Family means to me. I am grateful to you for welcoming me into this community of faith and for allowing me to share in your joys and in your sorrows. You have enriched my life beyond measure.

This year, my congregation, The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is celebrating 175 Years of An Enduring Legacy of Goodness in New England. You may have read about it in The Pilot. Since I have been a part of the St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena community for the past 17 years, it gives me great joy to know that you are a part of my Congregation’s history.

Now…there is still more to do before May 19th! Your Parish needs you and you will greatly benefit by sharing your talents in one of our ministries. Stay tuned as we plan to have a Ministry weekend or two featuring all of our ministries and inviting you to help our Parish community to continue to deepen our faith, embrace God’s vision for our world, and then share it with one another and beyond.

You will always be in my heart and in my prayers,
Sr. Nancy

Next Saturday, February 3 at 10:00am, our new Auxiliary Bishop, Most Reverend Christiano Barbosa, will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Everyone is welcome, and in my role as Vicar Forane for our area, it will be an honor for me to represent us. He has already impressed me and so many with his humility, warmth, sense of humor and pastoral care. I look forward to what he will share with us as our Regional Bishop.

Next weekend at all the weekend Masses, we will bless throats in honor of St. Blaise.

On the weekend of February 10-11, in honor of the World Day of the Sick, at the Saturday 4pm Mass at St. Francis, and at the Sunday 11am Mass at St. Mary’s Church, we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing.

Ash Wednesday come early this year – it’s Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Here’s the schedule:
8 am Mass at St. Francis
12:10pm Service at St. Mary’s
3pm Service at St. Francis
6 pm Mass at St. Mary’s
Ashes are also available at the office at 46 Winthrop St.

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics ages 1-8-59 – in reasonable health – are called to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals which, combined, would not equal a single normal meal. Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy as well as abstain or refrain from from something one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season. For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Stations of the Cross
The stations will be prayed at St. Francis Church on Fridays throughout Lent at 6:30pm.
Gather with us and walk the steps of Christ.

On Sunday, February 18, after the 11am Mass, folks from our Collaborative will join with Cardinal Sean and hundreds of candidates and catechumens for the Rite of Welcoming at the Cathedral that afternoon. Through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, they will be brought into the fullness of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on March 31st. Please pray for them.

Couples!
Also on Sunday, February 18, in honor of World Marriage Day, at the 9:30 am Mass at St. Francis and at the 11 am Mass at St. Mary’s Church, we’ll invite couples to restate their vows!

Coming Soon!
Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations March 21-22:
Monday: Signs! – The Gospel of John
Tuesday: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!

To heal this place inside my heart
One of the greatest blessings I have received in my priesthood is the honor of being a Project Rachel priest, a team of medical and mental health professionals who work together with priests confidentially to heal the bodies, minds, and souls of those in pain. Retreats and workshops are offered to continue the healing process. Do you know someone or are you in need of healing and new hope? I urge you, please see me, or call Project Rachel at 508-651-3100. We can help. Let the healing begin.

This Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 pm at St. Francis Church, we will have a Holy Hour to offer our prayers and intentions for the defense and protection of Human Life from the moment of conception to natural death. The Church’s crystal-clear stance is that every life is sacred and must be fought for and protected, and we will not back down from that fight. We live in a society that cheapens and dismisses that truth in so many ways, and we must pray and act to change this mindset, to challenge our society to see the value God has been given to each human life. Join us for an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and let us ask our Blessed Mother to intercede and remind our world what her Son taught the world.

On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 am, our new Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Cristiano Barbosa, will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Everyone’s welcome, and in my role as Vicar Forane for our area, it will be an honor for me to represent us.
He has already impressed me and so many with his humility, warmth, sense of humor and pastoral care. I look forward to what he will share with us as our Regional Bishop.

At all the weekend Masses of Feb. 3- 4, we will bless throats in honor of St. Blaise.

On the weekend of Feb. 10-11, in honor of the World Day of the Sick, at the Saturday 4 pm Mass at St. Francis and the Sunday 11 am Mass at St. Mary’s Church, we will offer the Sacrament of Anointing.

Ash Wednesday comes early this year- it’s Valentine’s Day! Here’s the schedule:
8 am Mass @ St. Francis
12:10 pm Service @ St. Mary’s
3 pm Service @ St. Francis
6 pm Mass @ St. Mary’s
Ashes will also be available at the offices at 46 Winthrop
It is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat

On Sunday, Feb. 18, at the 11 am Mass, folks from our Collaborative will receive the Rite of Sending.
Through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, they will be brought into the fullness of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on March 31st. Please pray for them.

Also on Sunday, Feb. 18, in honor of World Marriage Day at all the weekend Masses we’ll invite couples to restate their vows!

Coming soon!
Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations:
Monday, March 21: Signs! The Gospel of John and
Tuesday, March 22: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening with Frank Runyeon, and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound! Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

Consider a Priestly Call…Take a
risk for God!
Enter the mission field where bold action meets lasting outcomes. Over 750 priest alumni discerned a sacred call later in life. Maturity with God’s grace can move mountains. Can you leave it all to follow Christ? Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA is offering the latest in its “First Friday Visits” program on January 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Holy Hour and Evening Prayer. Option to attend in person or virtually.
In person includes dinner with the seminarians and a tour.
Virtual includes a Zoom visit following Holy Hour.
Make a resolution to be courageous.
Consider a priestly call. Contact: msgr.fay@psjs.edu or 781.899.5500 ext. 134. www.psjs.edu

Let them hear You through me. Let Your words be mine.
Let them see that Your love is the reason I’m inspired,
and when given the choice, may they recognize Your voice.
Let them hear You through me, O Lord.

From Let them Hear, written by Ginny Owens

I’ve always believed that God is constantly calling us, in all times and seasons, calling us to a deeper relationship with Him through His people. In this weekend’s first reading, He calls Samuel in Samuel’s dreams, and of course, he couldn’t understand what is going on until, with Eli’s understanding and help, he finally begins to put the pieces together.

God is calling you, calling me, to listen and respond to his invitation to serve, love, and give. May we not choose to ignore His call in our hearts and lives.

Thanks to Sam from Collette Tours and everyone who came out on a wind-swept and rainy Tuesday night for a presentation on our adventure to Italy in October! We’ll do it again in a few weeks- check out the trip online at: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1217946 or just ask Fr. John!

Please note that Monday, Jan. 15, our nation marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass will be offered at 9 am at St. Catherine’s Chapel. Our Collaborative offices will be closed. It also marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity- may we, Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox, work to build bridges of faith, hope, and love together!

Next Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 pm at St. Francis Church, we will have a Holy Hour to offer our prayers and intentions for the defense and protection of Human Life from the moment of conception to natural death. The Church’s crystal-clear stance is that every life is sacred and must be fought for and protected, and we will take up that fight.

We live in a society that cheapens and dismisses that truth in so many ways, and we must pray and act to change this mindset, to challenge our society to see the value God has been given to each human life. Join us for an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and let us ask our Blessed Mother to intercede and remind our world what her Son taught the world.

On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 am, our new Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Cristiano Barbosa, will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Everyone’s welcome, and as I am Vicar Forane for our area, it will be an honor for me to represent. He has already impressed me and so many with his humility, warmth, sense of humor and pastoral care. I look forward to what he will share with us as our Regional Bishop.

Coming soon!
Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV, film and stage actor and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations:
Monday evening, March 21: Signs! The Gospel of John and
Tuesday evening, March 22: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!

Take everyone to this special evening with TV and film star Frank Runyeon, and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!

Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your shiny new calendar and join us!

Looking up. Looking ahead.
Wednesday, February 14– Ash Wednesday
Thursday, February 29 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Mary’s
Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Francis de Sales
Thurs & Fri, March 21-22- Lenten Mission at St. Mary’s
Monday, March 25– The Annunciation of the Lord

There is a candle in every soul… some brightly burning, some dark and cold.
There is a Spirit who brings fire, ignites a candle, and makes His home.
Carry your candle, run to the darkness… seek out the hopeless, confused and torn.
Hold out your candle for all to see it. Take your candle and go light your world.

Go Light Your World, by Kathy Troccoli

Epiphany is so often brushed to the side- even called Little Christmas by many- it remains an important day on the calendar not only for the many Orthodox Churches, the Byzantine and Easter-Rite Catholics, it’s a great day! We celebrate that Light of the world- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ- driving out the darkness, doubt, and fear from this world by His grace, mercy, and love! As we have begun this New Year, may we reflect that light and warmth of Christ to all we meet!

On Tuesday at 6:30 pm, join us at Bishop Lawton Hall at St. Francis de Sales as we welcome Collette Tours (as seen on Wheel of Fortune- they’re based right down Rte. 95 in Rhode Island) and learn about the incredible trip to Italy we’re planning in October 2024! I’ve taken this trip before, and it’s a tremendous adventure!

On Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 pm at St. Francis Church, we will have a Holy Hour to offer our prayers and intentions for the defense and protection of Human Life from the moment of conception to natural death. The Church’s crystal-clear stance is that every life is sacred and must be fought for and protected, and we will take up that fight.

We live in a society that cheapens and dismisses that truth in so many ways, and we must pray and act to change this mindset, to challenge our society to see the value God has been given to each human life. Join us for an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and let’s ask our Blessed Mother to intercede and remind our world what her Son taught the world.

On Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10 am, our new Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Cristiano Barbosa, will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross– everyone’s welcome, as Vicar Forane for our area, it will be an honor for me to represent. He has already impressed so many with his humility, warmth, sense of humor and pastoral care. I look forward to what he will share with us, as our Regional Bishop.

Coming soon!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV, film and stage actor and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations: Monday evening, March 21: Signs! The Gospel of John and Tuesday evening, March 22: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!

Take everyone to this special evening with TV and film star Frank Runyeon, and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!

Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your shiny new calendar and join us!

Looking up. Looking ahead.

Wednesday, February 14– Ash Wednesday
Thursday, February 29 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Mary’s
Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Francis de Sales
Tuesday, March 19– Solemnity of St. Joseph
Thurs & Fri, March 21-22- Lenten Mission at St. Mary’s
Monday, March 25– The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity

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

Last weekend was incredible in so many ways- I’m so grateful to Sr. Nancy and our amazing staff, all those who led us in word, song, service and sacrament, volunteers, ministers, our decorators, choirs, and so many who warmly welcomed so many people who came to adore Him at our beautiful churches and made Christmas, 2023 unforgettable.

Now the work of Christmas begins- Harvest on Vine needs you- and 2024 will be busy, so let’s look up and look ahead, dream new dreams, and make bold plans. God bless you all and thank you.

There is cause for rejoicing. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

On Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 pm, join us at Bishop Lawton Hall at St. Francis de Sales as we welcome Collette Tours (as seen on Wheel of Fortune- they’re based right down Rte. 95 in Rhode Island) and learn about the incredible trip to Italy we’re planning in October 2024! I’ve taken this trip before, and it’s a tremendous adventure!

Coming in March… two very special evenings with a dynamic TV, film and stage actor and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations: Monday evening, March 21: Signs! The Gospel of John and Tuesday evening, March 22: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!

Take everyone to this special evening with TV and film star Frank Runyeon, and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound! Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your shiny new calendar and join us!

Coming up:

Monday, January 1–Mary, the Mother of God (not an obligation this year)
Saturday, January 6– Epiphany
Sunday, January 7– The Baptism of the Lord

Lent:

Wednesday, February 14– Ash Wednesday
Thursday, February 29 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Mary’s
Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm- First Reconciliation at St. Francis de Sales
Tuesday, March 19– Solemnity of St. Joseph
Thurs & Fri, March 21-22- Lenten Mission at St. Mary’s
Monday, March 25– The Annunciation of the Lord, Solemnity

Holy Week:

Sunday, March 24– Palm Sunday
Tuesday, March 26 at 10 am- Chrism Mass 10 am at Cathedral
Thursday, March 28–30 Easter Triduum
Sunday, March 31– Easter

One starry night, so bright, the world was filled with love.
A wonderful sight, the light that shone from up above.
The angels proclaimed His holy name… King of Kings.
This is the story… the power and the glory.
Three wise men knelt to pray, a guiding star had led the way…
and there He lay born on Christmas day.

From Born on Christmas Day, written by Andes, Bryson, Buchanan

Just about a year ago, our journey together began in Charlestown, and I am so grateful to so many who give so much to our parish families, as now we rejoice in our Savior King born for us and look up and ahead to the coming year. We have already accomplished so much, with the incredible dedication of our staff, councils, priests, groups, and lots of individuals. We said goodbye to many, but also we also welcomed many to the family; we experienced changes, but grew stronger for what we have already shared, what we share now, and what awaits. We have faced challenges and face them now, but we’ve found and will continue to find ways to grow.

What’s ahead? Plenty! We’ll strengthen the bonds that bring us together, we’ll have adventures big and small, continue to learn about and deepen our faith, and take on opportunities to celebrate! I do hope if you’re new to St. Mary- St. Catherine or St. Francis de Sales Parishes, you’ll introduce yourself to us, or you’ll welcome a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor to join us. This is a time to look forward to what Christ is calling us to be, and to find ways to work together to bring it about.

Thanks to Sr. Nancy who prepared our beautiful Collaborative Advent prayer service on Dec. 12, to John & Tim, who shared their great talents, to Frs. Britto & Tony, who heard confessions with me, and everyone who came and prayed with us on the three Wednesdays of our preparations to meet our Savior.

The Breakfast with Santa celebration at Bishop Lawton Hall at St. Francis on Dec. 10 was a smashing success in so many ways, and I am so grateful to Sandy Taylor, Pauline O’Brien, Bunker Hill Associates, Kim & the Warren Tavern, Starbucks, City of Boston Credit Union, Muffin Town, Our DJ Smokey, the Big Guy (Santa), Donors, Volunteers & the KP staff and so many who made it all Merry and Bright! We’re hoping to build from this tremendous event to make St. Francis vibrant in every way!

I congratulate the winner of our St. Francis’ Bruins raffle, and after raising over $5000, I say a special thank you to Maria Leahy, who was the driving force in this endeavor! Thanks to Shaun Fisher, Painters Union DC35 and Chris Brennan, Paul Dodd, and our old friend and my classmate Fr. Paul Coughlin! Coming soon- there are stirrings about more hockey raffles involving signed hockey sweaters and maybe more in the spring… stay tuned!

Thanks very much to the Carr family and Carr Funeral Home who donated the beautiful and helpful calendars that will walk us through a very busy 2024!

On Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 pm, join us at Bishop Lawton Hall as we welcome Collette Tours (as seen on Wheel of Fortune they’re based right down Rte. 95 in Rhode Island) and learn all about the incredible trip to Italy we’re planning in October 2024! I’ve taken this trip before, and it’s a tremendous adventure!

Thanks very much to John and Lee and Shawn and everyone who helped us host the beautiful concert on Dec. 10 at St. Mary’s by the Spectrum Singers! Though the weather outside seemed like March, the inside was happily Christmas-like! The generous donations to Harvest on Vine were appreciated and added to the joyful atmosphere!

Coming in March… two very special evenings with a dynamic actor and dedicated Catholic who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations: Monday evening, March 21: Signs! The Gospel of John and Tuesday evening, March 22: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith! Take everyone to this special evening with TV and film star Frank Runyeon, and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound! Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your shiny new calendar and
join us!

A Christmas Blessing for All of Our Parishioners
and 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