Isn’t it just like the Lord to invite me to put all my dreams in His hands?
Forever releasing the grip that once held them, forever surrendering my plans.
And then when He’s certain it’s not born of men, He calls for the fire to rekindle again,
and He asks me to know in my heart what’s not seen with my eyes, so the dream never dies.
from When the Dream Never Dies, written by Stormy Omartian
This is a season of unexpected visitations, proclamations, and challenges- a time to stay awake and never take for granted the opportunities God grants us to make world more just, more loving. We’re called to arrive at our Advent journey to be better Catholics, better Christians, better people. There is still time to make this a season of change, like Scrooge, or the Grinch, if you will, to see the blessing in our midst and recommitting ourselves to live out our baptismal calling to transform ourselves, our world.
We will rediscover that fire within us to shine to others, to proclaim the coming of Christ by the words we choose, by the lives we lead. Now is the fitting time. Let’s get to it.
The Breakfast with Santa celebration at Bishop Lawton Hall at St. Francis last Sunday 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! Look up. Look ahead.
This weekend we pull 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, Plumbers Union #25, Paul Dodd, and our old friend and my classmate and great friend 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 two times 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 last Sunday 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!