ANNE PARISH 20 Boston Road Southborough, MA 01772

Parish Contact Information Lord’s Day Mass Schedule:

Office Hours: Saturday ~ 5:00 pm Monday ~ Thursday Sunday ~ 8:30 am and 10:30 am 9:30 am to 3:00 pm No Sunday Evening Mass during Friday ~ 9:30 am to noon the summer. Telephone 508-485-0141 Fax 508-460-0181 Children’s Liturgy of the Word will resume in the fall. E-mail: [email protected] Daily Mass Schedule: Web: www.stannesouthborough.org Week Day Mass

Pastor Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am Fr. Albert Irudayasamy First Fridays and Fridays in Lent: [email protected] 9:00 am

Parish Council Healing Mass: Monica Shay ~ Chair First Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Nineteenth Sunday in Rich Flathers ~ Chair Please see Reopening Guidelines in Ordinary Time Religious Education the ONLINE bulletin for protocols Director of Religious Education: August 8, 2021 for Sacraments. Daniel Doyle [email protected] “Get up and eat or the Confessions: 508-485-0141 ext 225 journey will be too much for Saturday ~ 4:15 pm, Summer Hours: Monday to Friday you!” First Wednesday of each month ~ 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., 1 Kings 19:7 or anytime on request Parish Office Manager Chris Kopacko, Seminarian knows that committing to a Exposition and Adoration of the [email protected] Blessed Sacrament: stewardship lifestyle is Wednesdays: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Bookkeeper difficult. Bridgitte Morgan Sacrament of Baptism [email protected] However, we were not designed Call the Parish Office to schedule a

Music Ministry to do it on our own, we need Baptism. For the time being, Organist & Choir Director: His help. baptisms are will be celebrated Paul Crivello 508-366-0821 outside of Masses, rather than [email protected] Fortunately, God gave us the during a scheduled Mass.

Maintenance greatest gift of all, His son, Sacrament of Marriage Matt Bernier . Arrangements with a required [email protected] at least one year prior to the Through the gift of the wedding date. Amy Buttiglieri ~ Webmaster [email protected] Eucharist we join our sacrifice Visitation of the Sick with the sacrifice of the Holy Summer Parish Seminarian Fr. Albert is pleased to bring Holy Christopher Kopacko Mass and receive the strength Communion to parishioners who and courage to be His joyful are unable to join us for weekly worship. Call the Parish Office to We welcome all visitors to St. Anne Parish. disciples. arrange a time. If you would like to join our faith community, please call the Parish Office to ST. ANNE PARISH MISSION STATEMENT register: 508-485-0141 We, the people of St. Anne Parish, Southborough, in the Diocese of Worcester are called through Baptism to become one faith family. We commit ourselves to embody the Would you like to receive a copy of the presence of in Word and Sacrament; by using our ministries to welcome all who bulletin via email every week? are seeking Jesus and to share in the life and work of our Catholic faith. In the spirit and Please send an email to: truth of the Holy Trinity, we will use our time, talents and treasure to answer God’s [email protected] with “St. command to love one another as He has loved us, in holy worship, prayer, Catechetical Anne Bulletin List” in the subject line. formation for all, evangelization and service to others. Parish mass information and ministries St. Anne Parish An Act of Spiritual Communion

Livestreamed Daily and Weekend Masses My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Livestreamed St. Anne Masses (schedule subject to change): Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, ALL St. Anne Mass offerings will now be livestreamed: 5:00 and I desire to receive You into my soul. p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, 9:00 a.m. daily Masses through our parish website! come at least spiritually into my heart. • Go to parish webpage: www.stannesouthborough.org. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite • Scroll down to “ECatholic Live: St. Anne Southborough”. myself wholly to You. See logo on right. Or click on Quick Link in Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen. box on the right of web homepage. • Click on the arrow in the middle of the logo at Liturgical Minister Schedule

5:00 p.m. for Saturday evening Mass, 8:30 a.m., or 10:30 a.m. for Sunday Mass, and 9:00 August 7 & 8 - Eighteenth Sunday in OT, Year B a.m. for daily Masses Monday through Thursday. 5:00 pm Lector Roger Jolicoeur Communion Ministers Laura Schroeder WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE 8:30 am Lector Nancy Denardo with MASS INTENTIONS (August 7 to August 15) Communion Ministers Julia Denardo Roney

Mass intention can be scheduled for those who have died, and on the occasion of 10:30 am Lector Doug Parent a birthday, wedding anniversary, for healing, for the grace to face the challenges in life, for success in a new , for those serving in the and country in Communion Ministers Pat Draper different levels, for world peace, in thanksgiving, etc. Collection Counting Pat Draper/NEED To request a Mass Intention, stop in the Parish Office or call 508-485-0141.

SATURDAY 7 5:00 pm For Ranjitha Mary by Prayer August 14 & 15 - Nineteenth Sunday in OT, Year B Shawl Group 5:00 pm Lector Roger Jolicoeur SUNDAY 8 8:30 am For Doris Stebbins by Elaine Communion Ministers NEED Yetman 8:30 am Lector Elaine Yetman 10:30 am For St. Anne parishioners Communion Ministers Julia Denardo Roney MONDAY 9 9:00 am For Michelle Fuller (1st Anniversary) 10:30 am Lector Jim Garden by MaryBeth Philbin-Hannigan Communion Ministers Pat Draper TUESDAY 10 9:00 am For Margaret Ann Hostage Collection Counting NEED

WEDNESDAY 11 9:00 am For Tom Chemmanur (Healing) PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK:

THURSDAY 12 9:00 am For Laural Atchison by Nancy Levangie Sr. Yvette, Millie Garden, Seminarian SATURDAY 14 5:00 pm For Ranjitha Mary by Prayer Alex Quach, Pat Moran, Fr. Thirburse Shawl Group F. Millot, Katie Kulik, Elaine Arrison, Attaway, Matthew, Susan SUNDAY 15 8:30 am For St. Anne parishioners Cioppa, Lillian Franco, Mary Hunt, 10:30 am For Elizabeth Connell by Kristen Hans, Elisabel Borreani, Peg Nicosia, Connell Dr. Malgorzata McMasters, Tom Livingstone, Bob Seariac, Pat Fitzgerald, Anne Meek, Paul LeDuc, Marie Collection Counting Ministry Martin, Sheila, Annie Lonzoria, Janet Mattioli, Jane & The Collection Counting Ministry has resumed this summer Miles Gray, Zara Daniel, Julie Flanders, Karen, Fr. Ed, following the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Bruce, Mike Allain, Mrs. Wallace (Holly Spicer’s Mom),

If interested in participating in this Reverend Deogratis Rwegassima, Irudayasamy S. (Father ministry, please contact the Parish Office at Albert’s Father), George Stagno, Colby Morgan, 508-485-0141 or email Joanne Flathers at Jeannine Godbout, Sr. Ann Regan, Thomas Chemmanur, [email protected]. Tim and Diane Higgins, Eamon Connaughton, Edward Stagno, Creamer, Trudy DiBello, Dave Lemoine,

Paul J. Berry Declan O’Conner

May his soul rest in peace. Want to add your name or the name(s) of others to the Prayers for the Sick listing? Please email the names to the Parish Office We also pray for his family as they at [email protected].

grieve the loss of their loved one. To have a name removed, please email the Parish Office. Parish news, religious education, and stewardship

PARISH STEWARDSHIP REPORTS FOR 2021-22 RE Registration through August 1, 2021

Registration for Religious Education Regular Weekly Offering: ……………… $1,318.00 classes in the fall is now available online at Capital Improvement: ………………...... $ 330.00 www.stannesouthborough.org or click here. Funeral: ……………………………...... $ 300.00

If you are signed up for Flocknote, you received an email Online Giving: St. Anne Parish partners with WeShare for on- with a link to the online registration in May. line giving. WeShare allows both onetime gifts, as well as regular, scheduled donations. Please visit our Parish website Paper copies of RE Registration Form are available in the www.stannesouthborough.org for the link to WeShare.com or Church and in the Parish Office. call 1-800-950-9952 and use option 1 to answer any questions.

Any questions? Please contact Dan Doyle at St. Anne’s Website: With our website we have an additional [email protected] or call 508-485-0141. resource for online giving and online CE registration. St. Anne Parish partners with eCatholic and BluePay for easy on-line RE Handbook .pdf with class dates available on parish website. giving. Our one-step on-line form allows both one-time gifts, as well as regular, scheduled donations. Please visit our Parish website www.stannesouthborough.org and select the Quick Link to the BluePay On-Line Giving page.

Registering now helps the Thank you for your continued, generous support! Parish Office: United Parishes of Southborough Food Pantry 1. Determine the number of students in each class; Household Items Foodstuffs

2. Determine the catechist and classroom aide need; • Ziploc bags (all sizes) • Jars of Spaghetti Sauce 3. Shape the configuration of classes (grade • Sugar Health & Beauty Products combinations, etc.) and classroom set-ups; • Clam Chowder 4. Determine the amount of books and supplies to be • Deodorants (men/women) • Tea ordered in advance; Donations may be left in the foyer of St, Anne Parish Hall. 5. Facilitate curricula planning; As most food items are date sensitive, please be sure that your 6. Better prepare for your arrival! donation is not out of date.

If you know of anyone who could benefit from the Food Pantry, please encourage them to contact the Food Pantry.

From the Desk of the Pantry hours (located at Pilgrim Church) for CLIENTS are Director of Religious Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Education Fridays from 9:00-10:30 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Donations also can be left in bins Our catechist roster is complete! outside the pantry door at Pilgrim Church anytime

Dan Doyle other than client hours listed above. 2021-22 RE Classroom Aide Interest?

Pat Draper, St. Anne Parish Coordinator Do you love sharing your faith with others? Do you enjoy working with children? Then we have a great volunteer Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting opportunity for you. Prayer shawl members meet Mondays from 10:00 to noon in For anyone who might be interested in helping as a the Parish Hall to knit/crochet for anyone who is ill or classroom aide or for special projects/events, please suffering who might welcome a blessed prayer shawl. contact Dan Doyle at (508) 485-0181 or [email protected]. Interested in joining this ministry? Stop in the Parish Hall any

Monday or call the Parish Office for more information.

2021-22 Scheduling Commitment: Do you or someone you know need a prayer shawl? Please

Two Sundays a month from September 2021 call the Parish Office to arrange a shawl pickup or delivery. thru May 2022 Donations collected for shawls are sent to our sister parish in Haiti to aid their rebuilding.

Youth Ministry Breakfasts The portion of the Prayer Shawl

th Monday meetings is live streamed via the Every Tuesday up through August 17 any parish website, stannesouthborough.org teen attending the 9:00 a.m. morning Mass is starting at approximately 10:30 a.m.

invited to a free Mauro’s breakfast Password: shawls afterwards. Parish information and events August, 2021

Dear St. Anne Parishioners,

I want to thank each one of you most genuinely for such an incredible experience during my first assignment here at St. Anne Parish. I mean it with all sincerity when I say that I don't think I could have asked for a better assignment. I consider myself blessed 7/25/2021 8/1/2021 for the opportunity to have come to know the people of Saturday - 5:00 p.m. 43 Saturday - 5:00 p.m. 46 St. Anne's, and experience the welcoming warmth, the Sunday - 8:30 a.m. 36 Sunday - 8:30 a.m. 32 acts of kindness, and the support in my call to the Sunday - 10:30 a.m. 44 Sunday - 10:30 a.m. 45 priesthood from so many of you during these last few 5:00 Livestream Views 6 5:00 Livestream Views 5 months. I am very impressed with the devotion to Our 8:30 Livestream Views 1 8:30 Livestream Views 4 Lord and Our Lady that is most prevalent here, and it 10:30 Livestream Views 6 10:30 Livestream Views 9 brings me much joy to know that such firm devotion will continue long after my departure. 136 141 Always keep the faith, and remember Our Mother's The Connection Rosary Breakfast is Back! promise that in the end, Her Immaculate Heart will Come join us & be lifted! triumph!

Saturday, August 14, 2021 - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. I am especially grateful to Fr. Albert for being such a The Rosary Breakfast will be held in our wonderful host, mentor, and friend to me during Parish Hall, with special guest speaker, Fr. my stay here. I know I speak for all of you when I say Paco Anzoategui, Pastor of St. Stephen's! that St. Anne's is blessed to have such a joyful and

committed shepherd. Please continue to pray for him Pre-registration is required and helps to and for me also, and know that you defray costs. will be remembered in my prayers Please mail your $30.00 registration along with the fondest of memories. donation to Marge Oliveri, The Angel Connection, 1 God Bless you all! Walker St. Somerville, MA 02144 / 508-320-3498/ St. Anne, pray for us! [email protected] Chris Space is limited ~ Register soon!

The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life A Coffee Hour Farewell to

A 30-week directed prayer experience in the tradition of our Summer Seminarian, Chris St. Ignatius of Loyola is being offered by a team of Jesuits Kopacko and parishioners experienced in Ignatian prayer. A coffee hour will take place after the 10:30 Starting on September 28, 2021, each weekly session will a.m. Mass THIS Sunday, August 8th to be approximately ninety minutes and include reflection, wish Chris farewell as he prepares to return direction and presentation. Sessions will be held on to Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Maryland. Tuesday evenings at St. Peter Church, 929 Main St., Worcester, near Clark University. Please come to thank him for his service to

Information nights will be held at St. Peter Church our parish this summer and give him a proper on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. and St. Richards St. Anne send-off! Parish, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. Information and an application form are Baby Crib Quilts available at www.ignatianspiritualexercisesworcester.com or Parishioner Sandy Callinan has sewn email [email protected] or call Dick Kirk at 508- beautiful baby quilts blessed by Father 885-4462. Albert which are available in the Parish Office for sick infants and children in need of healing prayers. diocesan news, opportunities, and events

Diocesan Job Opportunities Diocesan YOUNG ADULT Events Part-Time Maintenance Position St. Rose of Lima Parish, Northborough Young Adult Weekly Pick-up Volleyball & Hangout

St. Rose of Lima, Northborough, is seeking a part-time person All young adults (ages 18+) are invited to join us for to handle janitorial responsibilities for the weekly pick-up volleyball at St. Christopher in church and Family Life Center. This position is Worcester!

for 20 hours per week, Monday-Thursday from Join us every Friday at 6:00 p.m. beginning on June 11 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. through the end of August.

If interested, please contact Linda McGarvey at These gatherings are very laid back and open to any the parish office: 508-393-2413. young adult (regardless of skill level!).

If you are looking for a fun way to meet up with other Full-time Director of Religious Education young adults in the area, then this is perfect for you! St. -St. Pius X Parish, Leicester There is no commitment or formal sign-ups, but if you St. Joseph-St. Pius X Parish (Leicester) is searching for a would like to receive text or email updates during the Director of Religious Education. Responsibilities include summer, feel free to sign up at the scheduling, recruiting teachers, registrations, etc. Required following link: www.neworcester.org/ availability on Sundays and possible one other day of week. young-adult-summer-volleyball. Experience not necessary, but helpful. Salary negotiable.

If interested please contact the parish office at 508-859-8083 or Diocesan YOUTH Events email [email protected]. Diocesan Scouting Retreat Homemakers Wanted! Save the date for the Diocesan Scouting Retreat which Catholic Charities, located at 10 will take place on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Hammond St. in Worcester, is hiring The event will take place at the homemakers and hosting walk-in National Shrine of Our Lady of La interviews every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Salette from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Homemakers and Home Health Aides are trained by our Homecare team to provide a variety of support services, which The day will include fun activities, are essential in maintaining a disabled or dependent person’s inspiring talks, times of prayer and worship, and Mass! safety and wellbeing.

To keep this program alive, we need to grow our Homecare Registration information will team to meet the increasing demands of the areas that we serve, become available later in the which consists of Amherst, Athol, Leominster, Milford, summer at neworcester.org/scouting. Southbridge, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, and Worcester.

Walk-ins welcome, or contact Paula, Homecare Supervisor: 508-414-9084. Those interested may also apply Save the Date – Diocesan Youth Rallies online at ccworc.org.

Save the date for the Diocesan High School and Middle Volunteer School Youth Rallies for the upcoming year! Opportunity for Adults 50+ The High School Rally will take place on

Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England, a yearlong Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 1:00 - 6:00 volunteer opportunity for women and men 50 years of age and p.m. at Anna Maria College. better, is recruiting volunteers for the upcoming (September to June) year. Volunteers give two full days/week of service and The Middle School Rally will take place on commit to a monthly spiritual reflection program in the Jesuit Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 1:00 - 5:00 tradition. IVC works with nonprofits in the Boston/Worcester/ p.m. at North American Martyrs in Auburn. Providence areas that address problems of homelessness, education, immigration and more. Registration will be available around the beginning of

Get info and application by contacting regional director Dave the school year at neworcester.org. Hinchen: [email protected], or check out the IVC New England: www.ivcusa.org/new-england. diocesan opportunities and events

Diocesan Fundraising Events St. Andrew Bobola Yard Sale

Indoor Flea Market - September St. Andrew Bobola Church, 54 West St. Cecilia Parish, Ashland Main St., Dudley will be holding

a Yard Sale on Friday, September 17 St. Cecilia Parish Family Center, 54 Esty Street, starting at noon and Saturday, Ashland, will be hosting an indoor flea market this September 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

September. Do you have items you wish to contribute to Start your fall cleaning early and drop off any usable, this two day parish fundraiser? gently used donations at the rectory.

Saturday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Please call ahead any day until Tuesday, September 14 to Sunday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. arrange drop off of items at the rear of the church by

Donated items may be dropped off Monday, Tuesday, or calling 508-943-5633. Wednesday ONLY, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (or by appointment) in Family Center starting Monday, August 2nd to Wednesday, September 8th. You may Diocesan ZOOM & Weekend Events call the rectory at 508-881-1107 or Corinne Hickey at Upcoming Cursillo Weekends 339-221-1476 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” It’s time to learn more about your faith. It’s We will accept: household items, small appliances, toys, time to experience what our religion can do books, jewelry, small furniture (clean and animal-free for you. Jesus is waiting for you, personally. home) and Christmas items during the dates detailed above. Cursillo weekends are a wonderful, fun way to give you a start on this journey. Two weekends are being offered in We WILL NOT accept: baby furniture (rockers, cribs, 2021. A women’s weekend running from October 14-17; and seats), clothing, shoes, electronics (including and a men’s weekend running from November 11-14. televisions and stereos), Go to www.fourthday.org and download an application linens, large furniture today or call Pam Hamilton @ 774-239-8909 for more (including dining tables and information. hutches), or stuffed animals. You will be glad you did! Please make certain everything is clean and in Worcester Diocese Night at the Bravehearts working condition. Join with friends from around the Diocese for a family- Community Fundraiser against Gun Violence friendly night of baseball at the Worcester Bravehearts on Friday, August 13 as they play the Nashua Silver Shoot Hoops not Guns is a basketball tournament Knights!

designed to bring unity, awareness, and peace to Game Time at 6:30 pm - Fireworks following the game! Worcester and raise funds to help support the fight All you can eat Buffet begins at 5:30 p.m.: Hotdogs, against gun violence in our communities, held to honor Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Veggie Burgers, Chix the life of Dante Carlor and the love he had for his Sandwich, chips, pickles, pasta salad, potato salad, soda, community. bottled water. Ice cream bar, cash bar available. The event will is at the YMCA, 766 Main St., Worcester Ticket Price which includes ticket to the game, all you can on Saturday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. eat buffet, a Bravehearts hat voucher and as always This event is open to the public and is free of cost. There parking is free in the adjoining garage. Enter at the first will be free food, activities, guest speakers, free haircuts, driveway to Holy Cross at College Square. nail painting, face painting, music, photographer, performances, raffles, food, bouncy house, community $27.00 Adults; $18.00 Children age 3 - 12; Free for Kids resources, etc. age 2 and under.

The Dante Trevor Carlor Foundation is an organization DEADLINE TO ORDER TICKETS - end of day that was started by the mother and Wednesday, August 11. Tickets oldest sister of Dante Carlor, who can be purchased online was tragically shot in 2020.The at worcesterdiocese.org/ foundation was started to help bravehearts. Purchased tickets to prevent gun violence against be picked up at will call day of adolescents by providing support game just outside entrance gate. to the youth of Worcester. Readings for the nineteenth Sunday in ordinary time, year b

READING I 1 Kings 19:4-8

A reading from the First Book of Kings

Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death saying: “This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.

The Word of the Lord.

READING II Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2

RESPONSORIAL PSALM A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Brothers and sisters: R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Do not grieve the of God, I will bless the LORD at all times; with which you were sealed for the day of his praise shall be ever in my mouth. redemption. Let my soul glory in the LORD; All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling the lowly will hear me and be glad. must be removed from you, along with all malice. R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. And be kind to one another, compassionate,

Glorify the LORD with me, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Let us together extol his name. Christ. I sought the LORD, and he answered me So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live and delivered me from all my fears. in love, R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us Look to him that you may be radiant with joy. as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

and your faces may not blush with shame. When the afflicted man called out, the LORD heard, The of the Lord. and from all his distress he saved him. R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. John 6:51

The angel of the LORD encamps R. Alleluia, alleluia. around those who fear him and delivers them. I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says Taste and see how good the LORD is; the Lord; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. whoever eats this bread will live forever. R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. R. Alleluia, alleluia. GOSPEL for the Nineteenth Sunday in ordinary time, YEAR B

GOSPEL John 6:41-51

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

The murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven, ” and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Gospel of the Lord. He Wanted to Die Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B August 8, 2021 Ann Naffziger Reading I: 1 Kings 19:4-8 Responsorial Psalm: 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Reading II: Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2 Gospel: John 6:41-51

The first reading today is a lesser-known story of the prophet Elijah, but it is one to which many of us may be able to relate. The story picks up with Elijah fleeing from Queen Jezebel who has vowed to kill him within the next 24 hours. Jezebel was married to Ahab, the king of the , but she worshipped other (the ) than the one God, Yahweh. Elijah denounced her because, through her, the Israelites had begun to turn away from Yahweh as well.

After she threatened him, Elijah fled for his life into the wilderness. He has been through an intense few years, enduring drought and famine in the land, working a miracle for a widow but then being accused of killing her son, experiencing the murders of fellow prophets, and now being hunted down by the king and queen of the land.

As the scene from today’s reading opens, Elijah sits down under a solitary tree and wants to die. Like many depressed and suicidal people, he lays down, unable to muster the energy to continue, and he falls asleep. Then an angel appears and urges him to eat and drink the food and water that miraculously appeared. He does so but laid right back down again. The angel touches him a second time and urges him to eat more. This time, the food gives him the strength to get up and make a 40 day journey deeper into the wilderness.

When Elijah arrives at the cave on the mountain of God, he is not suicidal anymore, but he is still in despair, feeling left alone because all the other prophets have been killed, and knowing he is still targeted by the violent queen. The reading for today ends here, but the following verses tell us how Elijah then experienced God in the sound of sheer silence (or a still, small voice, or a gentle whisper, depending on the translation). God didn’t arrive in the rock-splitting wind, or the earthquake, or the great fire, but in the unexpected silence. After experiencing God this way, Elijah finds a new lease on life and goes on to continue his prophetic work.

Questions of the Week:

1. What is your reaction to reading about a biblical person who was handpicked by God to be a prophet, led a faithful life trying to do what he thought God was asking of him, and yet experienced suicidal thoughts?

2. Who are the that have come to you during a difficult time and helped you to get up and continue your journey? Prayer in Time of Pandemic

O God, Whose only begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for our sick brothers and sisters and deliver us from this time of trial. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son: Be not afraid, for I am with you always.

Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour, that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your Church, delivered from all distress and confident in your Mercy.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen United Parishes of Southborough, Inc. Food Pantry c/o Pilgrim Church P.O. Box 281 15 Common Street Southborough, MA 01772 [email protected] 508-485-4847

Dear Food Pantry Clients,

We are opening for in-person shopping starting Thursday, June 10 and Friday, June 11. Thursday hours are now 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday hours are now 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. We have to adhere to these new hours.*

Please park in the marked parking spaces when you arrive.

A volunteer will let you know when to enter the building.

Masks are still required.

Only seven (7) clients will be in the hall at any one time.

Six (6) clients will sit on safely spaced chairs in the center of the hall while one (1) client shops at the Pantry.

**Please fill out your grocery list with quantities before you come to the Pantry.

One (1) client will shop at a time and will give their shopping list to the volunteer in the Pantry.

We have installed a full plexiglass window in the Pantry.

When the volunteer has completed bagging the order, the client will go to the Pantry door and get the shopping cart with their order.

Volunteers will direct you when it is your turn to shop at the Pantry or the tables.

IMPORTANT: For clients who are sick or personally unable to get to the Pantry, please ask about delivery to your outside door or patio.

Sincerely,

The Food Pantry Coordinators

*Please keep these times for Pantry Clients only. Donations can be made at any other time by leaving items in bins by the pantry door at Pilgrim Church (or at local parish collection sites). Please secure donation bin lid, especially during inclement weather.

Reopening frequently asked questions

Answering Your Questions about Returning to Mass as of May 29, 2021 in the Diocese of Worcester

1. Did Governor Baker lift the use of masks and other restrictions in churches, too? As of May 29, 2021 fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks or physically distance from others in our parishes, as in other public settings. This applies to attending Mass as well as other parish activities, but does not apply to schools and not to the office spaces.

2. Will someone be checking whether I was officially vaccinated? We are not policing our parishioners. This is an honor system and we pray that people will be honest and avoid participating unmasked near other parishioners if they have not been vaccinated.

3. What if I am not yet vaccinated? How can I safely return to Mass? You should continue to attend Mass as you have been over these past months during the pandemic. All parishes are being advised to have a section of the church available for people who want to wear a mask and remain physically distanced 6 or more feet apart. You can always wear a mask anywhere in the church even if you have been vaccinated but are still concerned for personal reasons about the pandemic.

4. Will Mass feel like it did before the pandemic began? For the most part things will return to normal as your parish can accommodate it. Worship aids (e.g., missalettes and hymnals) can be used again and you will notice more congregational singing. The Diocese of Worcester is recommending waiting until the fall for choirs to resume. For the time being we will not exchange the sign of peace and Holy Communion will not be offered from the chalice.

5. I heard that Bishop McManus is restoring the obligation to go to Sunday Mass. What if I am sick, or have compromised health or care for someone at home whose health is compromised? The obligation to be at Mass in person never applies to someone who is sick, or has compromised health, or caring for someone who is sick and at risk or infecting someone for whom they provide care at home. For this reason, parishes are encouraged to continue to stream Mass on their social media channels and the Diocese offers Sunday Mass from the Cathedral on select cable access stations and on the internet at worcesterdiocese.org.

6. I’ve been away from Mass for a while. What if I’m just not ready to go back? We understand that for some people, you may feel uneasy for a variety of reasons to come back to Mass. All we ask is that you read the letter from Bishop McManus about going to Mass in which he reflects on what the Mass means for all of us as baptized Catholics. Mass Guidelines for reopening

COMING HOME TO MASS

With the lifting of most pandemic gathering restrictions week, Bishop McManus has announced the restoration of the obligation to take part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, starting June 6, 2021, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Bishop McManus also modified those adaptations of liturgical practices which we have observed for the past year in mitigation of the virus.

Beginning on Saturday, May 29th, masks and social distancing are no longer required of all parishioners. However, per CDC guidelines, non-vaccinated persons are still encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The tape has been removed but a segment of pews in the front-right section of the church has been reserved for those who wish to social distance.

The cleaning of most commonly touched surfaces may be reduced to once a week and limitations of the size of gatherings in non-liturgical spaces have also been lifted.

The singing of hymns and acclamations has been restored, although choirs will not return until the end of the summer.

Holy Water, Hymnals and Missalettes will, once again, be available. Processions will also be restored. The distribution of Holy Communion will return to its pre- COVID form, although the distribution of the Precious Blood will be restored in the fall.

We will also begin using the confessionals and rooms of reconciliation and visitation of the sick will return to its previous schedule.

All of this will take some time to get used to. Please be assured we will continue to carefully monitor the number of cases as we proceed to return to a “new normal.” Please join in praying that the success we have so far enjoyed in quelling the pandemic may continue throughout the summer and the months to come. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3.