From the Pastor

There’s been a lot said recently about the atomic bomb as we near the 78th anniversary of its detonation. There is a moment in the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist and leader of the team that developed the atomic bomb, when many years ago as a young teacher and scholar, one of his contemporaries caught him in front of a blackboard, chalk in hand, staring into space and mumbling over and again, “the point is…”.

I think of today of St. Bonaventure, who helped us move the thinking of Philosophy to a deeper, more profound, and beautiful way of understanding of God in Theology, of how we as humans, in our pursuit of science and knowledge, as noble and important as is, we can lose the point of the entire enterprise, and when we do, we can fail, oh, so miserably. In so many ways, we can treat human lives as just figures on a board, not as the creation of a God who has placed each of us here for a holy and beautiful reason.

The pursuit of the secrets of this world and beyond are important and valuable, but a deeper understanding align them properly and help make our world more understandable, clearer, and better. The need will always be there to find a context that allows us not just to search into the “How?” of these things, we can come to a deeper and more profound meaning of the “Why?”- the workings of what is at the very heart of the Divine. This will allow us to open the door to the ethical implications of these important findings- of using not just how to make discover and create new things, but how to develop and use them in ways that make a difference to this earth and her inhabitants.

Einstein said this about God: “I want to know His thoughts; the rest are just details.” He was not a religious man, but he had the point. With all we know, there is so much we don’t – of our world, our universe, but no less, mysteries of our hearts and souls.

A few years ago, someone asked me what the most important thing is I’ve learned as a priest- I answered that as St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians 3:8:

Yes, I will go further: because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, I count everything else as loss.

God has given us so much: faith, hope, love, life, this world, family, friends- everything begins and ends with Him.

We are called to be grateful for all He has given us- even the challenges. Apart from Him, we are lost, like that gifted professor, enriched with all this human wisdom, staring blankly at the board, asking that question. Then we return to the true Teacher and listen… and learn.

One of Oppenheimer’s ways of dealing with the extraordinary stress he encountered through his life was his love of poetry. When I reflect on what Christ calls us to in this world where things change and fall over and again, these lyrics come to my mind:

Everybody says love makes the world go round…
I hear a bubbling and I hear a sound of my heart beating
and I turn around and find you standing at the door.
You know me, I like to dream a lot… of this and that, and what is not…
and finally I figured out what was what… It was the power of the heart.

Search for the “How” in the mysteries- just keep asking “Why?” The answers will lead you to Christ. This world will change- The heart of Christ’s love remains- let’s find our joy and hope in Him.

Look up. Look ahead.

“The Power of the Heart” was written by Lou Reed

~ Fr. John Sheridan

PRAYER FOR THE THIRD WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY 2023

Virgin Mary,
Mother of faith and hope,
an example for this humanity bent by indifference,
make me as willing as You
to accept the will of God,
to magnify and praise His Mercy.

Mary, Mother of fortitude,
you who knows my heart,
do not allow me to become discouraged.
I confidently surrender my life into your hands.
Heal my wounds.
May your tenderness accompany me on the way.

Your presence, Mother of love,
brings us to experience the joy
of seeing our families united.
Help me to transmit the tenderness and Love of God
to the grandchildren and youth
so that, in addition to praying for them,
we can pray with them.

Mary, may the gift of the Holy Spirit intercede for me:
sustain my weakness;
breathe into my heart the consolation
that I may leave traces of faith among the young,
bearing witness to the beauty of life,
knowing that life has a limit
and that beyond it lies before us our Father’s embrace.
Amen.

Dicastery for Laity, Family & Life—USCCB web site

One of the most important trainings I went through in my time of training was working in the summer of 1988 in St. Mary’s Parish in Huntington, Indiana. I learned a lot out there in the country, particularly about the hope and patience of farmers as they watched the corn grow. Jesus uses that image of the Father as so patient with us, even as we grow differently.

As we mature in faith, we are called to be good and strong earth for those around us, to encourage by words, examples, and actions, reflecting God’s mercy, love and grace. It may take a long time to settle in the hearts and souls of those around us, but it’s worth it. It took St. Monica 30 years of prayer and love to lead her son St. Augustine into the arms of a loving and forgiving Father, and he became one of our greatest teachers.

God will find a way, often in moments we’ll never see or understand, to work through us in ways, to touch hearts and souls. Each of us are, privileged to be, God’s instruments. How blessed we are.

Fr. John Sheridan

The Gospel today is one we use a lot at funerals. I think of all the people in my life I’ve loved who worked hard and gave so much in their lives in many ways and now they rest happily in Christ. I also think about those around me today who quietly work heroically to make the lives of those around us safer, better, more just, and more beautiful and more kind.

The work may be what we may do for a living, but what we do for God, our prayer, good works, and encouragement we give others, is just as crucial to our world.

Growing up, I learned that hard work presents itself in a million ways, and God sees the good work we do, even if the world can’t, or even won’t. The work we do may seem
small or even inconsequential at times to us, but if our work is making the lives around us better, it is indeed of the Lord, and it is blessed.

YOU ARE CALLED

There is an old tradition that the Creator sends each person into this world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing for others, with a special act of love to bestow. No one else can speak my message, or sing my song, or offer my act of love. These have been entrusted only to me.

According to this tradition, the message may be spoken, the song sung, the act of love delivered to a few, or to all the people in a small town, or to all the people in a large city, or even to all the people in the whole world. It all depends on God’s unique plan for each unique person.

So from my heart, I want to say this to you – please believe that you have an important message to deliver, you have a beautiful song to sing, and a unique act of love to warm this world and to brighten its darkness.

And when the final history of the world is written, your message, your song, and your love will be recorded gratefully and forever.

John Powell, SJ

“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.
If you have that awareness,
you have good manners,
no matter what fork you use.”

-Emily Post

The arts of hospitality and etiquette can be complicated or easy. There can be so much to attend to, things that seem small to us at first, can loom large when we try to make someone feel at home- is the person allergic to anything? Is our guest shy and sensitive or outgoing and boisterous? Does our guest like pets or perhaps are they bringing a dog or cat? It can knock us off our usual schedule and if they’re difficult, well… but if it’s a good friend or family member, it can be a wonderful experience as we share and receive joy, blessings, and love!

In the readings this weekend, we learn that a direct way to encounter God is to experience His presence in those we welcome into our lives. The God we love and serve wants to find a place in our hearts and lives, and at first, it may seem inconvenient and even difficult to welcome Him fully, but we will find that it’s worth everything. It can be surprising at first, but if we’re open to it,
God can and will transform us!

Please note that I’ll be out of state June 28- July 3.
If you need anything, please let Sr. Nancy know, or drop me a note at
jsheridan@stmarystcatherine.org or
stfrancis02129@gmail.com. Thanks!
-Fr. John

The month of July traditionally honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

It is the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, which cleanses from sin, therefore the Church developed a devotion to Jesus’ physical blood and its mystical power, just as it did for his Sacred Heart from which his blood poured out on the Cross. The Precious Blood of Jesus courses through the Church spiritually, giving eternal life to the Body of Christ through the sacraments. Many saints had a devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, most notably St. Catherine of Siena. Devotion to the Precious Blood spread greatly through the preaching of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, a 19th century priest and founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and was later approved and recommended by the Holy See. The feast day of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus is July 1st.

It’s been a long road, to get from there to here.
It’s been a long time, but my time is finally here.
And I can feel a change in the wind right now. Nothing’s in my way.
And they’re not gonna hold me down no more.
No, they’re not gonna hold me down …

‘Cause I’ve got faith of the heart. I’m going where my heart will take me.
I’ve got faith to believe. I can do anything.
I’ve got strength of the soul, and no one’s going to bend or break me.
I can reach any star. I’ve got faith, faith of the heart.
Faith of the Heart, written by Dianne Warren

I took this picture on retreat years ago, and it’s one of my favorites. Some people tell me it looks dark and scary, but faith and hope are excited for what awaits. There may be darkness around us sometimes, but the light of Christ that awaits us is greater than any fear or doubt around us.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus doesn’t hold back- He knows what awaits His disciples, and He challenges them (and us) to keep going, that they’re not alone. In five months, shrouded in the dark November sky, we will begin our journey anew, following a star that will lead us to new hope, new joy. Everything would change, and we now await hope’s fulfillment in His return.

This is Commitment Weekend. We ask that you place your completed envelope in the collection basket. If you left it at home, or still thinking about it, feel free to either mail it to the Parish Office or place it in the collection basket the following weekend. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the simplicity and convenience of online giving. Thank you!

On Sunday, July 2, please note that the Sunday 6 pm Mass is suspended, and daily Mass at St. Francis will be offered at 9 am on Monday & Tuesday, July 3 & 4. I’ll be out of state June 28-July 3.

We’re nearing our Catholic Appeal goal- 81%- but we need your help to get there- have you given yet? Every donation helps the Archdiocese, and our parish! Go to bostoncatholicappeal.org !

Fr. John Sheridan

You taught me how to love, what it took..
You never said too much, but still, you showed the way,
and I knew, from watching you….
Nobody else could ever know, the part of me that can’t let go…

From Everything I Own, written by David Gates

My father seemed different from other fathers in my neighborhood. He was a quiet man, not very tall, but strongly built, with piercing blue eyes. He was not one for emotional expressions, showing his devotion not so much in words, but in deeds. He didn’t say a lot, but my mother and us kids knew that we were loved- he worked endlessly to make sure that we had what we needed, and with our mother, he molded us to be people of Catholic conviction, in our thoughts, words, and actions.

I see St. Joseph is the way I see my father- and I cherish his memory as we mark 35 years since his passing this past month. I miss him, but I hear his quiet and strong voice in many places, moments, and other’s voices. I have been blessed with a happy memory.

Father’s Day gives us a chance to honor and remember our fathers, as well as those who are and have been father figures for us. May their memory, words and examples point us to our Savior. Joseph, pray for us.

-Fr. John Sheridan

Beginning June 22, the Feast of Saint Thomas More and John Fisher, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrates Religious Freedom Week. Join us in promoting religious freedom For the Good of All.

All people desire to know their Creator. All people have a natural impulse to seek the good and to live in accordance with that good.

All people can flourish when they pursue the truth about God and respond to the truth. Religious freedom means that all people have the space to flourish. Religious freedom is both an American value and an important part of Catholic teaching on human dignity. When we promote religious freedom we promote the common good and thus strengthen the life of our nation and the community of nations. Learn more at www.usccb.org/religiousfreedomweek

WORLD REFUGEE DAY

On World Refugee Day we pause and remember the 25 million people who have had to flee their countries in search of safety for their families.

Learn more about refugees and Catholic teaching at justiceforimmigrants.org

A Father’s Day Prayer

God our father, we give you thanks and praise
for all fathers young and old , especially our
own fathers.
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing
their vocation; may they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy
and sacrifice.
We pray for fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering; may they
know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love
and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who are no longer with
us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen

A few years ago, I went on retreat with some priests. One of us, who was born and raised in Ethiopia, took a group of us out for supper to an Ethiopian restaurant. It was a great experience- I learned so much in a place that uses no cutlery. We used very different bread to wrap the delicious food and laughed and learned so much about the fraternity we shared from such different lives and cultures.

Sometimes we take for granted how diverse our Church is- we think everyone has the same way of looking at the world as “we” do, and we’re confronted by how diverse this world is, but what brings us together is so much more amazing and beautiful. The Eucharist, the sharing of bread and wine that is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, changes us every time we receive it and unites the Body of Christ, the Church, which we are.

Every culture in our earth may have a different understanding of bread, yet we share the precious gift of the Eucharist. We may speak in different languages, different music, dance, expressions, but we together share one faith. Let’s rejoice in this precious gift of unity that we hold in our hands, our hearts, our souls, our lives… our Lord, our Savior.

Fr. John Sheridan

The Archdiocese of Boston announced that Cardinal Seán has appointed Fr. Cristiano Barbosa as episcopal vicar for our region, on July 1. Fr. Jonathan Gaspar has been serving as vicar since Feb. 1.

A regional episcopal vicar assists the cardinal in the governance and oversight of the work of the Church within his region- Boston and its immediate towns, and celebrates the sacrament of confirmation. Thank you for taking on this important responsibility, Father Cristiano- we will pray for you!

Sometimes, people will ask me directions to a place I’ve known for years, and I won’t remember how to direct them. I know to take a left where the old pharmacy used to be, or to take a right at my childhood friend’s house in Newton, but I’ll look blankly at them, trying to recall the names of the streets or other markers that I have passed by a million times. I know it in my heart, but I can’t share the way there.

Last week, we celebrated the great feast of Pentecost, and Apostles (and we, too) are sent to teach the world what Our Lord taught us. Sometimes they, and we too, get confused on the way, as Thomas and Philip are lost is what Jesus is
saying to them in today’s Gospel- they don’t realize He has given them (and us) everything we need- our hearts and souls know the way there. May we trust the Lord and keep going on the way He has chosen for us- just like the beautiful
words from the song “Love is a Compass” by Sarah Griffiths:

When you need direction, look to the stars.
If you don’t know where you’re heading, follow your heart.
When you’re lost, I will guide you. I’m right there beside you,
like a map of your memories.

It’s going to be an honor for me to have a couple of roles in the upcoming Bunker Hill Day and Week festivities, remembrances, and memorials. As we look to Bunker Hill Day and remember those who have given their lives in the founding, defense, and protection of our country, may we always cherish and never take for granted the blessings we’ve received, but share them generously with others.

MORE FROM THE PASTOR

At St. Francis, we’re building an updated list of addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Our collection envelope list is getting updated, so if you haven’t received envelopes, you’re new to the family or if you’re not sure that you’re registered, drop us a note at stfrancis02129@gmail.com or call Dianne Ludy at 617-242-4664 with your info (please specify that it’s for St. Francis), or fill out a sheet in the church and we’ll get you onboard! Soon we’ll have online giving

Our Installation and Inauguration Mass with Bishop O’Connell has been rescheduled for: Sunday, September 24 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church! A collation will follow at Bishop Lawton Hall. Please invite everyone to join us!
Fr. John Sheridan

It is the Solemnity of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and sent them out to all nations! It’s a time to look within and see all the gifts the Holy Spirit has given us in so many different ways. The Spirit today gives us all the tools we each need to reflect the presence of God. It’s easy for us to compare, that others seem to have gifts that we perhaps wish we had, when we don’t appreciate what’s ready within and around us. May we never take for granted all that He has given us, may we find a way to give Him honor and
praise in own particular way!

It’s going to be an honor for me to have a couple of roles in the upcoming Bunker Hill Day and Week festivities, remembrances, and memorials. As we pause as a nation on Memorial Day, look to Bunker Hill Day, and remember those who have given their lives in the founding, defense, and protection of our country, may we always cherish and never take for granted the blessings we’ve received, but share them generously with others. Anne Frank wrote: “No one ever has become poor by giving.” To all of us who have given so much- in this
country who has so very much- we owe in return the gift of being generous to the poor, the needy, the homeless, the refugee. It’s more than just kindness- it’s our human responsibility.

At St. Francis, we’re building an updated list of addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Our collection envelope list is getting updated, so if you haven’t received envelopes, you’re new to the family or if you’re not sure that you’re registered, drop us a note at stfrancis02129@gmail.com or call Dianne Ludy at 617-242-4664 with your info (please specify that it’s for St. Francis), or fill out a sheet in the church and we’ll get you onboard! Soon we’ll have online giving!

American Anthem

All we’ve been given by those who came before
the dream of a nation, where freedom would endure.
The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day…
What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let them say of me, I was one who believed
in sharing the blessings I received.
Let me know in my heart when my days are through
America, America… I gave my best to you.

Each generation from the plains to distant shores;
with the gifts what they were given, were determined to leave more.
Battles fought together; acts of conscience fought alone
these are the seeds from which America has grown.

For those who think they have nothing to share
who fear in their hearts there is no hero there.
Know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies
the soul of a nation that will never die.

Let them say of me, I was one who believed
in sharing the blessings I received.
Let me know in my heart when my days are through,
America, America… I gave my best to you.

written by Gene Scheer
used with permission.

Some years ago, I was the chaplain of a high school, and before games I would pray with the teams, that God would protect and help them to play to the best of their abilities- not that they would win or lose (that drove the coaches nuts).

One time, our football team was playing another Catholic school, and the opposing coach asked if I would pray for their students, too. We gathered both teams in the center of the field – the referees too – and we prayed, and I blessed them all- it was a beautiful moment.

I always think of that when I call to mind this weekend’s Gospel, as Jesus prays for His disciples. They had no idea what was ahead of them, but Jesus was sending them everything they needed- the Spirit would guide them, protect them, and teach them the truths that we hold to this day. I can imagine this as being a very emotional prayer for Jesus, as He prepares them for what’s next.

Next weekend we will celebrate the triumphant victory that is Pentecost- what was ahead for them was not known then nor what will happen for us is not known today. It’s easy to panic and worry, but we know that Jesus is a prayer away, the Holy Spirit is here. In the midst of the uncertain nature of this world, the winds of change are blowing- they’re blowing warm and welcoming.

Fr. John

It Takes A Village…

Every pastor and pastoral staff know that a parish cannot run without the involvement of its parishioners. And so, this is a
call to all of our parishioners to volunteer your time in various ministries and activities in our Parish. Some of the ministries in need of your presence are:
The Baptism Committee,
The Funeral Team,
Hospitality Committee,
Faith Formation,
Liturgical Ministries
and more!

Please contact Sr. Nancy at 617-242-4664 or ncitro@stmarystcatherine.org for more information.
We look forward to your involvement in continuing to make our Parish a vibrant and welcoming community!