One moment someone whispers, “Thank you!”
Just then, another heart cries, ‘How could You?’
When Jesus, who sees us, He says, ‘I hear you. I’m near you.’
It may be miles and miles before the journey’s clear.
There may be rivers, maybe oceans of tears.
But the very hand that shields your eyes from understanding…
is the hand that will be holding you for miles.
From Miles written by Nichole Nordeman
There are moments in life when we don’t know why things happen- we may never know why. One of the most important things I’ve learned when I walk through these times with people is not to even try to explain why- there are no answers often, and we have to struggle with the darkness and pain. These are the moments when faith takes over, when we don’t give up, but we let go and we find Christ in the midst of our questions, doubts, and fears, when we move from, ”Why me?” to “What now?”
This weekend’s readings call us to an understanding and acceptance that there is a bigger plan than we can see, and although it’s only human and perfectly natural to question why things so often as they are, we’re called to let go of our doubt and trust His will. Mary did- so can we.
In exceptional gratitude
Please allow me to share a word of sincere gratitude to everyone who worked very hard to bring last Sunday’s installation celebrations about- those prepared the church and the hall, those who led us in the Mass by sharing their gifts in welcoming, word, song, service, and sacrament, those prepared, served, and cleaned up after our reception, Sr. Nancy, James Santosuosso and our incredible collaborative staff and councils, Bishop Mark and the concelebrating priests, our many guests and friends in the Town, family members, and many more who joined us online and shared our joy. It was a special day, and I hope everyone experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit.
There is much to do, there is much to share. Let’s get to it!
Mass Schedule change
In light of the heating season starting soon, beginning on Oct. 16, Daily Mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Chapel, Monday through Friday at 8 am and Saturday at 9 am. It will allow us to save heat at St. Francis, since the St. Mary Church building is already being used. Funerals, holy days, and weekend Masses will be held as usual at St. Francis. Thank you for your understanding as we look up and ahead.
Come to the Waters of Healing
A Retreat for Post-Abortion Healing
“I had never heard about Project Rachel until I read the blurb in my parish bulletin. If it hadn’t been there, I shudder to think where I would be now. It’s not just a ‘blurb’, for me it was life changing. The retreat was an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life. I received back the grace of God within me and felt a true sense of peace and self- forgiveness.”
-A Retreat Participant
Saturdays: Sept. 23, Nov. 11 9 am – 5 pm
Location is confidential. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 10 participants.
Call (508) 651-3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com
Sponsored by the Project Rachel Ministry – Archdiocese of Boston
-Fr. John is a Project Rachel priest.
Looking up. Looking ahead.
Please note that I’ll be out of the state Oct. 1-7, at a Catholic Stewardship conference.
Join us on Sunday evening, Oct. 29th at 6 pm at St. Mary’s Church for a special Mass of Remembrance for those who have gone before us, particularly in the past year at St. Francis and St. Mary- St. Catherine.
Wednesday, Nov. 1st is All Saints’ Day, a holy day of obligation. Mass will be offered at 9 am at St. Francis de Sales, and at 6 pm at St. Mary’s Church.
Work is beginning on painting the inside of St. Francis de Sales church, courtesy of Painters’ Union Local 35. What a blessing this is for us!
I’ll be out of the state, on retreat, Nov. 13-17.
Blessings,
Fr. John