Advent is my favorite time of year- the world is transform ing, and hopes are high- we’re all looking forward to things to come. Plans are being made, dreams are shared, and the Scriptures sing of prophets with messages of hope. It’s a time of beginnings- and we begin together here in this great town of rich history and cutting-edge hopes for the future. Both parishes have great histories and traditions (thank you, Frs.Mahoney, Ronan, and Frs. Vin & Ron) and I’m privileged to help write the next chapter of what’s ahead.
An introduction, I believe, is in order: My father, Denis, came from Louisburg, Co. Mayo, my mom, Elizabeth, was baptized right round the corner from here at St. Joseph’s in Somerville and grew up in Waltham and Newtonville (they met while she was working at Filene’s in town).
I grew up the eighth of nine siblings (who I am very close to) in Newton Upper Falls, went to Mary Immaculate of Lourdes parish and through the Newton Public Schools, and entered the seminary in 1982. I was ordained on June 16, 1990, and have served in a variety of places, in city, suburban and even rural parishes.
I am a part of the Vatican II/Pope John Paul II generation, inspired by his call on that rainy day in 1979 in the Boston Common, challenged and encouraged to minister to all peoples, especially the poor. I am a devoted Bruins fan (I can recite the entire ‘71-72 roster) and Red Sox fan, and enjoy movies, music, and technology.
I come here as pastor of two parishes with the goal of building a collaborative – something I’ve done twice before and look forward to being about again- working with staff, councils, and the people of the parishes of Charlestown. I’m already impressed with what I’ve already seen, and I can’t wait to get to it.
The first weekend of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, and the perfect opportunity to start.
May our Blessed Mother bless us as we begin together. St. Mary, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Francis de Sales, pray for us.
Fr. Sheridan
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 concerns, 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
DEC. 8 THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION OF MARY
A Holy day of obligation
Masses 9 AM at St. Mary Church
6 PM at St Francis de Sales Church