THE CHURCH OF SAINT BONIFACE
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
SERVING ST. BONIFACE FAMILIES WITH THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS ( 978) 342-9716 September 15, 2019
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YWCA-Battered Women’s Resources Helping area women, to survive, emerge from, A ‘Note of Thanks’ to these fine or heal from abusive relationships *Counseling *Court Advocacy *Emergency Shelter sponsors; without their support our *Community Education *24-hour hotline (978-537-8601) “…let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, bulletin would not be possible. Please For more information call 978-537-2306, Ext. 19 and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” thank them with your patronage. ST. BONIFACE (Luke 15: 23-24) For ad information call the parish PRE-SCHOOL & CHILDCARE 817 Massachusetts Ave. office 978-582-4008 Lunenburg, MA 01462 978-582-7110 Children Ages: Open 2.9 through 7 years 7:30AM-5:30 PM
From the Desk of the Pastor Saint Boniface Church
The Joy of Being Found, When Lost 817 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462 Now what is wrong with that elder son in today’s gospel? What is his problem? He is brutally unmoved; not moved to Parish Office: 978-582-4008 email: [email protected] welcome his lost brother, not moved to rejoice with his father. Does the story end here? Discover St. Boniface ~ Visit our website: www.StBoniface-lunenburg.org The ‘stuff’ of family is a goldmine for popular television shows, sitcoms, movies and books. Whenever we listen to this ‘stuff’ it is more than about laughs and giggles, it hides the real life dramas that surround family. These are not always Parish Office Hours perfect as we know, like what is going in the parable. The father in many ways is losing both his sons but he will do Monday / Wednesday / Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 – 1:00 PM) whatever it takes to bring them back. What then is it about this father that we should learn? This may be the point of today’s readings. The Celebration of the Eucharist We notice the same Father, or an attitude like his, in Moses in today’s first reading. Moses is the Father and leader of the Sunday: 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM people of Israel. They make the unforgivable blunder of making themselves a molten calf and worshipping it. In doing this they are denying Moses as the leader and therefore God himself. ‘Depraved’ is how God characterizes them. They are to Summer Sunday Mass schedule: 9:00 AM be destroyed. Moses (the father) intervenes and intercedes for them. And God relents. (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend)
We see the same father-like figure in Paul, who writes an open letter to Timothy. He confesses in this letter that if it was Weekday Masses: 8:00 AM, Wednesday/Thursday/Friday not for the Lord Jesus who sought him out, he would be nothing. He was a sinner, a blasphemer, a persecutor and arrogant but the grace of God saved him. He must thus act or treat others with mercy and patience, too. Timothy will urge his SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Confession) Saturday 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. or by appointment. community to be charitable and forgiving of others. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). We see the Father in Jesus to whom sinners and tax collectors draw near to listen. He does not distance himself from them, Infant and child Baptisms are by arrangement. unlike the Pharisees. He is not waiting for them to fail or fall. He wants them to share the heavenly joy of being in his FIRST EUCHARIST Preparation begins in grade one and includes classes, retreats, and home instruction. Children receive First company. He takes the initiative to seek them out and make joy possible. He is the shepherd who leaves the ninety nine Eucharist in grade two. sheep to find the one lost, and when he finds it he rejoices; his joy is not solitary. He invites his friends to share this joy CONFIRMATION Our Confirmation program begins in the 9th grade; students are confirmed in the spring of the 10th grade. For with him. For what was lost is found. He is like the woman who has lost a precious coin, lights a lamp, and sweeps the young adults who have been baptized but not yet confirmed, contact the parish office. house carefully until she finds it. She rejoices, but her joy is not solitary too. She invites friends and neighbors to share her SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY It is the policy of the Diocese of Worcester that a couple should contact the parish at least one joy. For what was lost is found. year prior to the anticipated date of their wedding to allow sufficient time to carry out the various steps of the marriage preparation The Father in the parable of the man and two sons is relentless to find his two sons. The young one goes off after asking process. It is important that arrangements be made with the church before plans are made with reception halls, caterers, etc. for his inheritance and losing it all. The father waits for him, day in and day out. When he returns, he runs out to meet him. ANNOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the parish office 978-582-4008 or email Fr. Anthony at [email protected] He has no time to listen to speeches, he throws a feast. “Let us rejoice for this son of mine was lost but now is found, he or Nancy Cieri 978-582-6983 [email protected] to arrange these visits. was dead but now is alive again.” Even though the elder son is with him throughout, he too is lost in his own calculated PRAYER LINE MINISTRY If you or someone you know needs prayers or if you would like to be a part of this ministry of those righteousness. He is cold and selfish, unmoved by anything. The Father who rushes out of the feast and pleads with him, who pray for the needs of neighbors, please contact Sue Cote 978-582-0404 [email protected] “my son, everything I have is yours, but now we must celebrate, because your brother was dead and has come to life again. He was lost and now has been found” KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #16480 In Service to One. In Service to all. The members meet in the Parish Hall on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Any Catholic men over 18 who are interested in joining The God we gather to celebrate and worship is this kind of Father; he is relentless in seeking us out no matter our state of the Knights should contact Grand Knight James Dijak (978) 534-7956 or Deputy Grand Knight Brian Cusick life. He takes the initiative always. He rejoices always in finding the lost, forgiving and reconciling and saving sinners. He (978) 534-2326, or you can email the Council at [email protected]. wants many to share his freeing joy. How then can we be like him? Who are the ‘lost’ that need to be sought out? Those without joy? The lost who we might want to keep a distance from? We cannot keep rejoicing just by ourselves. We should seek and share joy with others or PARISH STAFF: want others to have joy too in their lives. This is how we grow as a Christian family. What a task ahead of us! Rev. Anthony Mpagi, Pastor 978-582-4008 [email protected] Fr. Anthony Jo-Anne Poirier, Administrative Assistant 978-582-4008 [email protected] Lucy Marcil, Religious Education Coordinator 978-696-5230 [email protected] Claire Garrity Neas, Music Ministry 617-823-4237 Louise Nadeau, Sacristan Next Weekend is Jacquie Cronin, Ministry Schedule 978-582-7040 Nina Charpentier, Dir. Early Childhood/PreK 978-582-7110 MISSION APPEAL WEEKEND. Newcomers to St. Boniface are invited and encouraged to formally register as members of the parish so that Father Stephen Lusiba, from the Diocese of so that we can stay in touch with you via email with faith formation news, notice of special events, volunteer Kiyinda-Mityana Uganda, will be our main celebrant. opportunities, and more. Registration forms are available at the doors of the church or on our website. He will speak to us about his diocese and his mission to our parish. Your generosity will make an impact Please note that you must be registered for at least six months before we can issue any verification that you can never begin to imagine!! of your status as a parishioner for godparent or sponsor letters.
MASS INTENTIONS Collection Report How Can We Live Out the Parable of the Prodigal Son? Sat Sep 14 4:00 pm Our Parish Family Weekend of September 8, 2019 This Sunday’s Gospel reading might sound familiar because we heard it on March 31. Then the Lenten setting drew our attention to the themes of personal conversion and mercy. Reading the passage now, in its original Sun Sep 15 8:00 am Our Parish Family Sunday Ordinary: $3347 .00 Maintenance: 210 .00 location in Luke’s Gospel narrative, reveals themes of discipleship, finding the lost and welcoming back the estranged. 10:30 am Our Parish Family Religious Ed: 15 .00 Other: This context highlights certain details. First, the parable of the prodigal son was not a stand-alone story told by Joe Simoneau, by the Knights of Sat Sep 21 4:00 pm Jesus, but rather one of three parables that described his mission of seeking out the lost. Christians rightly read Columbus Council #16480 Total Contributions: $3572 .00 it as a tale of God’s mercy to us, but we must not ignore its call for us to show such mercy to each other. Every Christian must be like the father who was ready to accept the penitent son with joy. Thank you for your continued support! Second, the context accentuates the setting. Jesus spoke these parables in response to Pharisees and scribes
who questioned his table fellowship with “tax collectors and sinners.” One can empathize with their confusion. Pharisees lived their faith intentionally. A rigorous application of Torah to every part of life was, they believed, an offering of faith to God. Such application required determination and a lifestyle that would support their efforts. Extended contact with people who did not care about such things, they feared, would weaken their resolve. “You become like your friends,” many parents today warn their children. In Jesus’ day, those committed to God’s instruction similarly selected companions who would support their religious commitment. Tax collectors and sinners posed another threat. Collaboration with the Romans and indifference to Israel’s traditions endangered Israel’s national identity. Tax collectors enriched themselves by plundering Israel on Rome’s behalf. Sinners, Israelites who ignored God’s commandments, brought the Torah into disrepute. Although Rome publicly respected the local laws and customs, privately they endeavored to corrode national traditions and assimilate conquered peoples into Greco-Roman culture. Living one’s faith intentionally became ever more Please join us for our 3rd Annual difficult. Table fellowship, many feared, would validate the actions of collaborators and hasten Israel’s downfall. Jesus himself probably lived Israel’s traditions rigorously. The Gospels record Pharisees inviting him to dinner, Saint Boniface Oktoberfest Celebration which they would not have done if he were not an observant Jew. He recognized that such rigor was meant to September 28, 2019 – 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. be an example to others. Israel was to be a beacon, drawing the rest of humanity past the temptations of self- interest to discover the truth of human existence in God. Those who followed God’s instruction but withdrew German and American Food • Kids' Activities and Games (with Prizes) from others failed in this task. A life of true intentionality required one to seek out the lost and welcome them Micro Brews and Wine • Craft Vendors • White Elephant Sale • Raffle Baskets when they returned. Grand Raffle: Grand Prize $1,000 • 2nd Prize $500 • 3rd Prize $100 (3) In spite of its real risks, Jesus used table fellowship for this purpose, as his disciples today must continue to do. We follow the same faith that kept him rooted even among tax collectors and sinners. Like him, our mission is to eat and drink with those who threaten to subvert everything God hopes to accomplish, and in doing so, draw No entry fee! ALL are welcome! Please come and enjoy the festivities! them back to God, who will meet them with mercy and joy. Bring your family and friends! ~ Michael Simone
(Michael R. Simone, S.J., teaches Scripture at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.)
RAFFLE TICKETS: PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED TICKET STUBS WITH MONEY IN THE This article also appeared in print, under the headline "Lost and Found" WEEKLY COLLECTION BASKET OR DROP OFF AT THE PARISH OFFICE. WE APPRECIATE in the September 2, 2019 issue of America Magazine. EARLY RETURNS AS WE USE THIS INCOME FOR OUR PRE-FESTIVAL OPERATING BUDGET. ______THANK YOU! REMINDER: The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life An Ignatian directed prayer experience beginning October 1, 2019 is in the final period for accepting applications. This is a wonderful and enriching program. If you are looking for a way to deepen your relationship with God, this Thank you to all who have donated items for the White Elephant Sale. may be just what you’ve been searching for. Information and an application form are available on the website: Effective Sunday, September 15, no additional donations will be accepted. IgnatianSpiritualExercisesWorcester.com. You can contact the team by e-mail at [email protected] or call We have reached full capacity! Dick Kirk at 508-885-4462. The 90-minute sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings at St. Peter’s Church hall in Worcester adjacent to Clark University. If interested, please send in application ASAP.
Mission Appeal 2019 SAINTS OF THE DAY
The Diocese of Kiyinda Mityana is located in Uganda, East Africa. The Diocese covers an Area of 4,620 square Saint Cornelius miles. The area is 40.7% Catholic. Father Stephen is the Cathedral Administrator. September 16. Cornelius was elected pope “by the judgment of God and of Christ, by the The Mission Appeal is for Mityana Cathedral Parish, Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Uganda. The Parish has been in testimony of most of the clergy, by the vote of the people, with the consent of aged priests and of good men” after a 14 month vacancy in the papacy. Cornelius served as Pope for only two existence since 1964 and major repairs are needed, including expansion of the cathedral, building a new years, but they were years packed with important happenings in the life of the Church. rectory, a new parish hall and other projects. However, this year we want to begin with a standard toilet facility with 10 toilets for women, 10 toilets for men, 10 bathrooms for women and 10 for men. Stained glass window in Catholic Church of Saint-Corneille | photo by GFreihalter
Why this facility to be considered first? The Cathedral Parish is one of the sites thousands of pilgrims gather to honor and pray through the Uganda Martyrs. One of the Uganda Martyrs, Noah Mawaggali, was murdered at the very site of the Cathedral Church. So we receive thousands of pilgrims from within the country and Saint Robert Bellarmine abroad. Some of them stay for a night or two. September 17. Saint Robert Bellarmine was ordained in 1570 during a period when the study of theology was in a weakened state. He dedicated his time and energy to the study of Church The biggest challenge at the moment is the Toilet / history, the Fathers of the Church, and to Scripture, to organize Church teaching and to face the Restroom facility! The one we have is so small and old, attacks of the Protestant Reformers.
built in 1964. We appeal to your generosity that this Stained glass window in Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Dayton, Ohio | photo by Nheyob healthy facility be built. It is going to cost approximately
$41,000.00. This includes construction, plumbing and electricity, among other necessities. Important to note: the same toilet will be used by the Christians who attend Saint Joseph of Cupertino Sunday Masses, weekly Masses, and children who come September 18. Joseph is most famous for levitating at prayer. Already as a child, Joseph for catechism instruction. We shall later consider building showed a fondness for prayer. After a short career with the Capuchins, he joined the the new rectory. Conventual Franciscans. Following a brief assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his studies for the priesthood. His tendency to levitate during prayer was often times a cross.
Engraving after F.A. Lorenzini | Wellcome Images How to donate? Write a check to:
SAINT BONIFACE PARISH Attention: Mission Appeal 2019 Saint Januarius September 19. This Little is known about the life of Januarius. Legend has it that he and his A typical toilet facility in the rural areas in Uganda companions were thrown to the bears in the amphitheater of Pozzuoli, but the animals failed to would look like this. attack them. They were then beheaded, and Januarius' blood ultimately brought to Naples.
The Martyrdom of Saint Januarius | Neri di Bicci
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions
ST. BERNARD CEMETERY L OT & COLUMBARIUM SALE September 20. The Korean martyrs, including Saints Andrew Kim and Paul Chong Hasang, spread the gospel in their native land under extremely difficult circumstances. The holy St. Bernard Cemetery will be having a sale from October 1st through October 31st on grave lots in the companion martyrs include bishops, priests, and laity, some of whom where French New Calvary Section which was recently plotted with updated regulations pertaining to monument missionaries.. and lot layouts. Plus, our newly constructed Columbarium with niches will also have reduced prices. Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions | CNS Photo Please contact Cemetery Superintendant Ray Spagnuolo at the cemetery office 978-342-4820. All calls will be returned. Weekend and after hours appointments are available.