FEBRUARY 14, 2016 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
0914 2
FEBRUARY 14, 2016 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP
Finance Council Chair………………….…..Kimberly Schoolcraft
Parish Pastoral Council Chair..………………Kathleen Harrington
Rel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne Harlow
RCIA ……………………………Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher
Bible Study………………………………………...... Sue Fratini
Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Rosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula Tuohey
Social Justice………………….…………….Andrea Cook-Hewitt
St. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. Dan
Men’s Ministry Group………………………...Deacon Paul Briere
Women’s Ministry ……..…………………………..Mary Federici
Youth Group (JPII Crew)………………….………Lisa Laferriere
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Cursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen Scahill
Schoenstatt Community……………..……….…Diane Czerwiecki
Boy Scout Troop 821 …………………..………………..Joe Muto
Girl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’Connor
Knights of Columbus………………………………Greg Perreault
PARISH MINISTRIES
Altar Servers………………………………..………….Sue Fratini
Baptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou Mastroianni
Children’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue Fratini
Eucharistic Ministers, Readers……….………..……Beth Modlish
Homebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………...... Mary Federici
Music Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir……………Melanie Peetz
Contemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).………………Tom Fucci
Sacristy.…………………..……….Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa,
Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen Scahill
Soup Kitchen……………… …... Nancy Garen,, Sandy O’Connor
Take & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl Wood
Wedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan
Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick,
Christina Straney, Tina Broderick
Prayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754
OFFICE HOURS
The Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM. Sue is available to greet and assist you.
NEW PARISHIONERS
We warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
The Sacrament is celebrated by appointment. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed, active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
The Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least one year in advance.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to the hospitalized sick and homebound is provided by the pastoral staff, and trained parishioners.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
God’s Mercy can be experienced in many ways including the Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament with Confession is celebrated each Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass, and from 3:15- 3:45 pm, as well as by appointment.
HOSPITAL VISITS
If anyone has a hospital stay, please have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit, or if they would like their name mentioned at Mass during the Prayers of the Faithful.
JUBILEE “YEAR OF MERCY”
Pope Francis has declared the period from December 8, 2015 till November 20, 2016 as an “Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy”.
God’s Mercy can be experienced by all who come before Him. All people are invited to experience the “Gift of Mercy” in many ways throughout this year – through Prayer, Scripture Study, Acts of Kindness and Mercy, and through Devotions to Mary the Mother of God, and the Divine Mercy of Jesus.
MASS SCHEDULE & DEVOTIONS
Sat 2/13 3:15-3:45PM CONFESSIONS (Chapel)
3:45PM DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET (Chapel)
4:00PM +William Sarro
Birthday Remembrance
r/b Maureen, Wayne & Stephanie
Sun 2/14 7:00AM +Irene Porcello
r/b Michael & Mary Zyra
8:30AM +Mark Dinkel
Birthday Remembrance
r/b his daughter Anna Horkun
11:00AM +Sal Porcello
r/b his Family
6:00PM +Don Blair
r/b his daughter Suzanne Harlow & Family
Mon 2/15 8:00AM +21 Coptic Christian Martyrs
r/b Bob Stack
Tue 2/16 5:30PM +Frank Labato, Sr.
Anniversary Remembrance
r/b his Family
Wed 2/17 7:00AM +Ruth Gogal
r/b The Tella Family
3:00PM DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET (Chapel)
Thurs 2/18 7:00AM Communion Service
Fri 2/19 7:00AM Communion Service
7:00PM STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Sat 2/20 8:00AM +Peter John Chlastawa
Birthday Remembrance
r/b Peter & Phyllis Chlastawa
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA (At 8:00AM Mass)
3:15-3:45PM CONFESSIONS (Chapel)
3:45PM DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET (Chapel)
4:00PM +Sheila Breton
5th Anniversary Remembrance
r/b Ray Breton & Family
Sun 2/21 7:00AM +Dolores Skonieczny
r/b Michael & Mary Zyra
8:30AM +Art Schoenrock
1st Anniversary Remembrance
+Henry Fournier
2nd Anniversary Remembranc
r/b Annette Schoenrock
11:00AM +Joseph & Margaret Conroy
Birthday Remembrance
r/b the Conroy Family
0914 3
FEBRUARY 14, 2016 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
FROM FR. DAN’S DESK…
We’re certainly are off to a great start this Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday this past week! Ash Wednesday also marked the beginning of our Lenten Speaker Series– “MERCY AMONG US”! Our focus on Ash Wednesday was the theme of our Year of Mercy – “Merciful like the Father”. Maria Burke, Associate Director of Jericho in Holyoke, founder of the WillPower Foundation, and mother of a special abilities child, spoke about “loving always as God loves…” - when people disappoint us, when patience is at a minimum, and when frustration abounds. Because there was a special focus on “parenting” this year on Ash Wednesday, we encouraged parents to come to hear Maria speak and to bring their children. A special feature this year was that during Mass, the children had an opportunity to go off and make a “Salt Dough Crown of Thorns” out of dough and toothpicks. The crown is meant to be placed on the family table, and each time a member of the family does something kind or merciful toward someone else, they take a toothpick out of the crown. The hope is that by Easter the Crown of Jesus no longer has thorns, but is now fit for a King and adorned with flowers and a candle in the center - a wonderful start to our Lenten Season!
Our Lenten Speaker Series continues this week in the church on Wednesday evening at 7:00PM, when we will warmly welcome Susan Conroy, biographer of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, and a woman who worked alongside this future saint! Susan spoke at the Diocesan Women’s Conference a few years ago – she is an amazing speaker and she will bring a slide presentation of her time with Mother Theresa and how “mercy” touched her life through this amazing woman! Prior to her speaking in the church, all women of the parish are invited to the “Lenten Women’s Supper” to be held that Wednesday evening at 6:00PM in the Parish Center. Please call the Parish Office at 562-3450 or email Sue at to Register – there is no charge! If there is anyone who needs a ride to one of the Lenten Series Evenings, or for any event during Lent, please call the Parish Office and let us know!
I’m also happy to say that our Diocesan Catholic Communications Office will be part of our Lenten Series, serving as hosts and emcees for the various nights. Catholic Communications will be helping to promote our Series both on “Chalice of Salvation” - our televised TV Mass on Sundays at 10:00AM, and “Real to Reel” - our weekly televised Catholic news show which airs on Saturdays at 7:00PM, both on Channel 22 . I thank Mark Dupont and all the staff at Catholic Communications for their support!
Just a reminder that in addition to the Lenten Series we have an EVENING MASS during Lent on Tuesdays at 5:30PM in the Chapel followed by the opportunity for CONFESSIONS on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30PM. STATIONS OF THE CROSS will be celebrated every Friday at 7:00PM in the Church. In addition, please mark your calendars for Sunday February 28 at 6:30PM when we will host our annual Greater Westfield Lenten Penance Service here in our church. Many priests will be on hand to hear Confessions – a wonderful opportunity to avail yourself of the great gift of receiving God’s Mercy! And please consider inviting someone to our Parish for any of our Lenten Events – God may just be able to use your efforts to bring peace and mercy to someone! Please consult the Parish Lenten Schedule that is available near the bulletins.
Other “News in the Parish…” I am happy to congratulate our parishioner – Lynda Cavanaugh - who was named “Irish Woman of the Year” from the Sons of Erin here in Westfield. On Saturday March 12 at the 4:00 PM Mass we will once again celebrate a “St. Patrick’s Mass” and recognize Lynda as well as any of the members of the Westfield Colleen Court who are members of our Parish! The Mass will be followed by our annual “Family Irish Night” in the Parish Center.
May we all enter into the beauty and the challenge that this Lenten Season offers to us!
God Bless, Fr. Dan
0914 6
FEBRUARY 14, 2016 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
SANCTUARY CANDLE
Is burning this week in loving memory of
+WILLIAM, SUSAN, PHILIP & HELEN SARRO
requested by Maureen, Wayne & Stephanie
SPECIAL INTENTION CANDLE
Is burning this week in loving memory of
+RUTH GOGAL
requested by The Tella Family
“MERCY AMONG US”
We will host a WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SPEAKER SERIES here in our Parish focusing on acts of Mercy Among Us. The series includes speakers covering Mother Teresa, mercy beyond prison bars, mercy to the homeless, those who mourn, and are persecuted for their faith, and those who doubt. The lineup of speakers: Mother Teresa biographer Susan Conroy, Sr. Eleanor Spring SSJ, Deacon Bill Toller and Jackie Tuohey, the Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy, Monsignor Robert Weiss from Newtown, CT, Deacon Greg Kandra, and Matthew Cabeen, PhD. The series continues this Wednesday, February 17 and runs through March 23 at 7 p.m. in the church. Call the Parish Office at 562-3450 for more information.
BONTON COUPON BOOKLETS
Coupon booklets for use on many, many items at Bonton, will be available for $5 at all the Masses next weekend, February 20 and 21. Proceeds from the sale of the booklets are given to our Parish!
THANK YOU!
The Dominican Sisters wish to thank you very, very much for your kind support in purchasing their breads and pies at their recent bake sale here. Their sales totaled $976 which is used to buy medical supplies for their mission to support the lepers.
OUR STEWARDSHIP
January 31, 2016
Regular and Development (gold) $ 7,796
Budget Requirement per Week 9,600
(deficit) (1,804)
January Mortgage $ collected $ 4,693
Mortgage due for month 4,182
511
THANK YOU!
OLBS WOMEN’S RETREAT
All women of the parish – including women in your family, your neighbors and friends – are invited to attend the weekend retreat in Farmington CT, planned for February 19-21st. This year’s theme is “Encountering the Tenderness of God”.
This will be our fourth year attending; we’ve had between nine and nineteen people going! If you ask anyone who’s been, they’ll tell you it’s a relaxing, reflective time – which includes a mix of spiritual talks, time alone, shared time, Mass, etc. You have a chance to nap, get a massage, read, and do whatever suits you!
Meals are included, the rooms are private, the cost is $250. There is financial support available for those who are not able to fully pay this amount. We do carpool, so no need for anyone to drive, if you don’t wish to. It takes just an hour or so from church. There is a deposit of $50 needed to hold a space. Please call Mary or Sue at the Parish office, if you are interested or would like more information.
SAVE THE DATE – FAMILY IRISH NIGHT!
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us on Saturday, March 12 for Family Irish Night in the Parish Center! Details to follow.
FEB/MAR POOR BOX: JERICHO
The Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults, (Jericho), is a non-profit organization in the Diocese of Springfield which provides religious and social services throughout Western Massachusetts. They strive to bring dignity, respect, and wholeness into the lives of people with disabilities and their families. It is their goal to make every effort to integrate people with disabilities into the life of the Church and society. Programs and services offered through Jericho are funded entirely through donations, fund raising, and partially by the Annual Catholic Appeal through the Diocese of Springfield. For additional information, visit their website at www.jerichobeca.org.
DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS
As part of the “Year of Mercy”, we will pray the Divine Mercy Devotion here in our Parish on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00pm in the Chapel, and Saturday afternoons at 3:45pm in the Chapel. It is hoped that the practice of praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet will bring blessings to our parish and to those who will attend. Those who come to the 4:00PM Mass on Saturdays are especially invited to come early to pray the Chaplet in the Chapel.
FEBRUARY 20/21
READERS
4:00PM Ryan Boisjolie 7:00AM Melissa Trzasko
8:30AM Joanne Brooks 11:00AM Diane Czerwiecki
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS
4:00PM Rochello Benoit, Diane Wright, Ken Malo
7:00AM Mike Skehan, Steve Murphy, Lee Reynolds
8:30AM Donna Whelan, Mary Regan, Bruce Campbell
11:00AM Karen Scahill, Karl Weckstrom, Rosemary Adams
PRAYER-LINE
To request prayers for yourself or a loved one,
please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754.
ANNUAL PARISH MEN’S RETREAT
Our annual Parish Men’s Retreat will be March 18-20 at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT. The theme of the retreat will be “Into the Heart of Mercy” to celebrate the Year of Mercy as proclaimed by Pope Francis. This retreat will examine the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy and explore ways of cultivating mercy amid life’s inevitable challenges, identifying practical ways of integrating mercy into our daily lives. Included in the retreat are home-cooked meals, inspirational liturgies, uplifting music, free time, and workshops and it begins with dinner at 6:00 pm on Friday evening and concludes with Sunday brunch at noon. Registration forms can be found on the tables near the bulletins. For questions call Paul Lussier at 413-529-2326.
THURSDAY MORNING
LENTEN OPPORTUNITY
This Thursday for our Adult Education, we are offering the series “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues” by Bishop Robert Barron. Please join us from 10:00-11:30 am for this outstanding series!