Just as our Blessed Mother Mary and the Evangelist, called John, came together at the foot of the Cross to serve Christ crucified, so also do the parish families bearing their names come together to serve God by serving each other and all who make up the Body of The Risen Lord.
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Saturday • 4:00 PM Saturday • 4:00 PM Sunday • 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM Sunday • 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, & 5:00 PM 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
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Monday - Friday • 9:00 AM Monday - Friday • 7:00 AM
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Saturday • 3:00 - 3:45 PM Saturday • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM or by appointment or by appointment E -G JJ- A3 J`
First Friday of the Month • Thursday • 3:00 - 9:00 PM March 8, 2020 Monday - Wednesday • Friday • 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM Second Sunday in Lent 9:30 - 11:30 am in OPC Chapel Saturday • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Wednesday Evenings • in the Parish Center Chapel 6:30 - 8:30 pm in OPC Chapel M 7 7 A* JY ,Y7 *J LJ*7 S7 _
Visit www.chelmsfordcatholic.org “This is my beloved Son, LIVEVIEW resides on the right-hand sidebar of the home page with whom I am well pleased; P 17 LJ`7
To have prayers said for yourself or a loved one, -Matt 17:5 call the parish office and ask for ext 223.
facebook.com/ChelmsfordCath twitter.com/ChelmsfordCath instagram.com/chelmsfordcatholic
if you wil prostrate yourself and worship me.” “Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You,” Responsorial Psalm 33 Holy Land Pilgrimage Travelers As you know, Fr. Brian is leading a group of • Sunday, March 8 • 27 individuals—18 of whom are Faith Formation Events • Refer to Page 6 parishioners and/or staff members— Grace Notes Rehearsal • 8:10 - 8:45 am • Church through the Holy Land. As pictures are sent 11am Choir Ministry Rehearsal • 9:45 - 10:50 am • Choir Loft into the parish offices, we are posting them Children’s Liturgy of the Word • 11 am Mass • PC Chapel online. Please check out our website to Table Ministry • 1:00 - 4:00 pm • Parish Hall Kitchen follow along on their journey… 6 pm Music Ministry Rehearsal • 5:00 - 5:45 pm • Church www.chelmsfordcatholic.org • Monday, March 9 •
Matthew Bible Study • 10:00 am - 12 noon • PC Conf Room 1 Reconciliation • 6:30 - 8:00 pm • St. John Church Boy Scout Troop 77 Committee Mtg • 7:00 pm • PC Conf Room 2 Vacation Bible Fun 2020 August 3 - 7 • Tuesday, March 10 •
Lenten Scripture and Song • 7:00 pm • St John Church Climb aboard for Epic Bible Study • 7:00 - 8:30 pm • Parish Hall mountains of fun at Rocky Railway, where kids • Wednesday, March 11 • discover that trusting Jesus Reconciliation • 6:30 - 8:00 pm • Church pulls them through life’s Triduum Music Rehearsal • 6:30 - 8:30pm • St. John Church ups and downs. Boy Scout Troop 77 Meeting • 7:00 - 8:30 pm • Parish Hall Registration opens March 20 • Thursday, March 12 •
Rosary Makers • 10:30 am - 12 noon • PC Conf Room 2 Relic Veneraon… 7:00 - 9:00 pm Rosary • 12:00 - 1:00 pm • PC Adoration Chapel THIS THURSDAY, March 12th at St. Mary Adoration • 3:00 - 9:00 pm • PC Chapel Passion Relics Display and Veneration • 7:00 pm • Church You are invited to come and venerate rare relics related to the Passion of Our Lord • Friday, March 13 • and of various Saints. An introduction to the
Adoration • 7:30 am - 6:30 pm • PC Chapel relics will be followed by reflections. Knitting and Crocheting • 2:00 - 4:00 pm • Parish Hall Documented Relics that will be available for Soup (6 pm) and Stations (7 pm) • Parish Hall and Church Veneration are...
• Saturday, March 14 • Veil of Mary • The Pillar of His Scourging Purple Robe • St. Francis of Assisi 9:00 am Daily Mass Crown of Thorns • Piece of the Sponge Adoration • 9:30 am - 3:00 pm • PC Chapel Wooden Title • Holy Shroud Reconciliation • 11:00 am - 12 noon • Church St. Peregrine • Clothing Worn by Jesus Music Ministry Rehearsals • 2:30 - 4:00 pm • Conf Room B Most Holy Wood of the Holy Cross Anointing of the Sick, following 4 pm Mass • Church St. Patrick’s Dinner • 5:00 pm • St. John Hall
• Sunday, March 15 • Holy Week 2020
Faith Formation Events • Refer to Page 6 Music Ministry Rehearsals 11am Choir Ministry Rehearsal • 9:45 - 10:50 am • Choir Loft ALL ARE WELCOME! Children’s Liturgy of the Word • 11 am Mass • PC Chapel CHWC Pre-Trip Meeting • 12:00 - 2:00 pm • St. John Hall Wednesday Evenings 6 pm Music Ministry Rehearsal • 5:00 - 5:45 pm • Church March 11, 25; April 1 6:30 - 8:30 pm at St. John Church
Saint Patrick's Day Dinner
and Shamrock Raffle
NEXT Saturday, March 14th at St. John’s Appetizers at 5:00 pm Dinner at 5:30 pm • Sunday, March 8 • $20 per person Faith Formation Events • Refer to Page 7 Join us for traditional Children’s Liturgy of the Word • 8:30 am Mass Corned Beef and Cabbage, live entertainment, door prize, and photo Coffee and Donuts, following 8:30 am Mass • Mariotti booth selfies! BYO beer and wine! Group Baptism • 2:00 pm • Church VBF Leader Meeting • 6:00 - 8:00 pm • OPC Tickets on sale after Masses THIS WEEKEND, March 7th/8th. Additionally, they can be • Monday, March 9 • purchased in the Parish Offices or online at hps://saintjohnchelmsford.weshareonline.org. Adoration • 9:30 - 11:30 am • OPC Chapel Reconciliation • 6:30 - 8:00 pm • Church GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY Families with Addiction Support Group • 7:00 pm • NPC as the deadline to purchase tickets is THIS MONDAY, March 9th. • Tuesday, March 10 •
Adoration • 9:30 - 11:30 am • OPC Chapel Lenten Scripture and Song • 7:00 pm • Church
• Wednesday, March 11 •
Adoration • 9:30 - 11:30 am • OPC Chapel The Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative Faith Community Nursing Ministry offers Adoration • 6:30 - 8:30 pm • OPC Chapel a FREE monthly blood pressure clinic: Reconciliation • 6:30 - 8:00 pm • Church Triduum Music Rehearsal • 6:30 - 8:30pm • Church When: 3rd Tuesday of every month Where: St. John Parish Hall • Thursday, March 12 • Time: 9:45 - 11:00 am Charismatic Prayer Group • 10:00 am - 12 noon • OPC Join us on March 17th BINGO • 6:45 pm (doors open at 3:00 pm) • Hall Charismatic Prayer Group • 7:00 - 8:00 pm • OPC St. John’s Easter Sunday Egg Hunt Passion Relics Display and Veneration 7:00 pm St Mary Church Needs Donations! • Friday, March 13 • Please help us to continue our 16+ year Soup (6 pm) and Stations (7 pm) • Parish Hall and Church tradition of the annual Easter Egg Hunt! Every year, following the 8:30 am Easter Sunday Mass, • Saturday, March 14 • our children enjoy the excitement of this Easter activity, and it is only because of the generosity 9:00 am Mass at St. Mary of our community that we are able to offer this Reconciliation • 3:00 - 3:45 pm • Church event. Having said that, we are in need of St. Patrick’s Dinner • 5:00 pm • Hall nut-free, individually wrapped candy and plastic eggs. Donation boxes can be found in the lobby • Sunday, March 15 • of the St. John New Parish Center. Faith Formation Events • Refer to Page 7
We are looking for a few volunteers to help Children’s Liturgy of the Word • 8:30 am Mass with the rewarding task of decorating St. John’s Coffee and Donuts, following 8:30 am Mass • Hall church space for our Easter celebrations! CHWC Pre-Trip Meeting • 12:00 - 2:00 pm • Hall
If interested, call the parish offices and ask for Christine.
Next weekend, we will be kicking of the 2020 Catholic Appeal. The Catholic Appeal is the annual fund that supports more than 51 central ministries that enrich parish life, Catholic schools and the lives of those who turn to the Church for assistance. Your support of this appeal provides nearly half the funding for these efforts, and every gift makes a difference. Please find more information about this life-changing work in this week’s bulletin insert or visit our website www.chelmsfordcatholic.org and click on the Catholic Appeal Logo.
Weekend of Year-To-Date Year-To-Date Feb 29th/Mar 1st Mar 1st Average/Week Offertory Required to cover Budgeted Expenses $17,140 $599,900 $17,140 Actual Received $18,022 $543,911 $15,540 Shortfall/ Overage $882 -$55,989 -$1,600 Ash Wednesday: February 26th $3,284 Catholic Charities: Feb 29th/Mar 1st $3,765
Weekend of Year-To-Date Year-To-Date Feb 29th/Mar 1st Mar 1st Average/Week Offertory Required to cover Budgeted Expenses $11,040 $386,400 $11,040 Actual Received $9,583 $351,603 $10,046 Shortfall/ Overage -$1,457 -$34,797 -$994 Ash Wednesday: February 26th $2,539 Catholic Charities: Feb 29th/Mar 1st $3,009
Thank you for helping us get closer to our goal %age of each week. Pledge cards can be found at the Goal Raised Goal church entrances, or you can donate online at www.saintjohnchelmsford.weshareonline.org. As of March 1 $50,000 $34,190 68.38%
OverOv the Christmas season, parishioner Rosaline Willie-Bonglo travelled to our sisister parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Sierra Leone to distribute the goods ththat you generously donated. Below is the thank you from Fr. Sylvester Moijueh. “We are grateful for the items you donated to our clinic, vocational institute, and pre and primary schools. You have been of help over the years and we pray for God’s continuous blessings, provisions, and protection for all who made it possible. The items you sent helped the students in our schools and the patients in our clinics tremendously as many of them extremely poor. They express their gratitude. We hope and pray that your support continues and the ties we have established continue to grow in leaps and bounds. May the Good Lord abundantly reward you.”
Almsgiving bags can be found at the entrances of both churches. All money collected will directly benefit this parish, which is so dedicated to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The bags can be returned on Palm Sunday.
In order to promote communication and transparency throughout the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative, you Reverend Brian Mahoney, P are encouraged to forward any comments and concerns ext 215… [email protected] you may have directly to the Parish Pastoral and Reverend Corey Bassett-Tirrell, P -GJ Y VJ- Finance Councils. ext 239… [email protected]
Reverend Arnold Colletti, S. PJ7 J` R7J37`-7
ext 221… [email protected]
Andrew John Rondelli, S7_J` J ` Parish council matters can be sent to: ext 228… [email protected] [email protected] or 978-256-2374/ 978-251-8571, ext 145 Current Council Members are ...
Paul Firicano, CYY , J*7 B J`7 M ` B7 St. John Members St. Mary Members ext 220… [email protected] Scott Davidson (co-chair) Peter Lando (co-chair)
Tina Sousa, FJ` `-7 F -JYJ1 S Ray Wagner Laura Conte ext 219… [email protected] Mike Condor Rob Donnelly Katrina Horan Karen Drake Beth Jacavanco Jessica Hägg Drew Jubinville Matthew Kunze (youth) Heather Hannaway, DJ7- A F _JY1 F JG F_ J` Angela McMaster Cathy Latina ext 226… [email protected] Ellen St. George Lori McDonald Courtney Callanan, A DJ A F JG F_ J`/ Y G MJ`J7 Delaney Schiefen (youth) Steve McMillan ext 227… [email protected] Augustine Tweneh Alma (Chicki) Rigazio
Lynn Anne LaDuke, F JG F_ J` C3J` Paul Therrien ext 240… [email protected]
Elaine Kindler, F JG F_ J` C3J` ext 216… [email protected] Finance matters concerning St. John’s can be sent to:
Alana Buckley, part-me F JG F_ J` S7-J YJ [email protected] ext 212, [email protected]
or 978-251-8571, ext 146 Current Council Members are …
John Bagni Jeff Brown John Anthony Volpe, I`7J_ DJ7- A M J- MJ`JJ7 Paul Brzezenski Celeste Dunn ext 222… [email protected] Grace Ann Steed
Rae Russo, S-G73 YJ`B C3J` Finance matters concerning St. Mary’s can be sent to: ext 325… [email protected] [email protected] Donna Gambon, part-me A3_J`J J*7 AJ ` ext 248… [email protected] or 978-256-2374 ext 147 Current Council Members are ... Sue Beechin, part-me A3_J`J J*7 AJ ` ext 236… [email protected] Armand DiLando Lauren Desforge Jack Parsons Ted Powers Paul Rigazio Paul Therrien Dan Heider, F -JYJJ7 M ` B7 ext 213… [email protected] If you would like to submit a notice for the bulletin,
Stephen Webber, C 3J ` please submit it no later than 12 NOON, TWO ext 231… [email protected] Fridays prior to the weekend in which you would like to have it published. Submittals should be emailed to [email protected] or via US Mail to the Parish Offices at 115 Middlesex Street, North Christine Trznadel, C__ `J- J` C3J` Chelmsford, MA, 01863, ATTN Christine. We will do ext 214… [email protected] our very best to accommodate your request. The Common Preface IV states: “For, although you have no need of our praise, yet our Prayer, Fasting thanksgiving is itself your gift since our praises add nothing to your greatness, but profit us for
and Almsgiving salvation.” This preface is a reminder that all
The three tenets of the Lenten Season of Christian life, especially our liturgical life, is founded upon God’s initiative. The community is gathered as the Body of Christ in worship, first and foremost, because God draws us In regards to prayer, we are hoping together through the Spirit who dwells within that you will accept our invitation to The Meaning of each of us by our baptism. The primary enter into a deeper relationship with The Mass purpose, then, of the liturgical celebration is Jesus in the age-old practice of... that this worship of God should lead to our sanctification and salvation. Eucharistic The Introductory Rites begin the Mass and invite us to enter into the liturgy as one people. The Church teaches us that the purpose of this Adoration section of the Mass is “that the faithful coming together take on the form of a community and prepare themselves to listen to God’s word St. John OPC Chapel and to celebrate the Eucharist properly.” The elements of the Introductory Rites are intended to foster a sense of unity among the assembly, as a community that is being drawn together by the Spirit. Weekly: Within this community, assembled by that Spirit, our attention is Mon, Tues, Wed drawn to the presence of the Lord among those who are gathered in 9:30 - 11:30 am his name. This presence of Christ challenges us as a community and as individuals to reflect on how we have—or have not—lived out Monthly: our faith in Christ during the past week. This leads us to both implore the Lord’s mercy, and glorify and praise him. As the community First Friday Nocturnal Adoration prepares to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word, some aspect of the Begins 1st Friday following 9 am Mass; mystery of the Lord’s work in salvation is brought forth in our prayer; concludes at 9am on Saturday in a sense it describes the character of the celebration. Wednesday Evenings of Lent Another important aspect of the Introductory Rites is its attention to 6:30 - 8:30 pm the Trinitarian nature of the celebration, seen particularly in the sign of the cross, the Gloria, and the Collect. As we come to celebrate St. Mary Parish Center Chapel and participate in the Paschal Mystery (Jesus’ death, resurrection and Thursdays 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm ascension), we are drawn more deeply into sharing in the life of the Fridays 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Trinity. For, in the liturgy, we come to worship the Father, through Saturday s 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Christ, in the Holy Spirit. By our participation, then, we recognize the ultimate purpose of our lives, which is to come to that day that we Why do we go to Adoration? pray for in Eucharist Prayer III “ …when Christ will raise our mortal bodies and make them like his own in glory…. There [the kingdom of Maybe better put, why do God] we hope to share in your glory when every tear will be wiped we adore God? The simple away. On that day we shall see you, our God, as you are. We shall and obvious answer… become like you and praise you forever through Christ our Lord.” because He is God and we’re His creations. It’s a The Introductory Rites contain: the entrance chant, apostolic greeting, unique and basic form of prayer. penitential act, Kyrie, Gloria (when appropriate to the season), and Collect. Each action in the Introductory Rites is directed, in a sense, to God doesn't need our adoration. help us quiet down in order to recognize Christ who is both in us and We’re the ones who benefit from this with us through the other members of the community. And each action prayer form because it sets our helps us to slowly close out the distractions of the world and focus on relationship with Him in its proper order the God who loves us and desires us to know his love and mercy. and, at the same time, deepens the Over the next few weeks we will explore each action, to learn a personal relationship we can have with little of its history and how it helps us to be more open to the God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. presence of God in us and with us.
The Lenten Season 6:30 - 8:00 pm Is Here... SacramentMonday Evenings of St. MaryReconciliation March 16, 30 St. John March 9, 23; April 6
Wednesday Evenings at both Parishesǀ Lenten Scripture and Song March 11,ǀ 18, 25; April 1, 8 Tuesday Evenings March 10, 24 7:00 pm at St. John Church Fridays of Lent This is the previously titled Taizéǀ Prayer Deep Dive at both Parishes Join us for 30 minutes of solitude and peace as Soup and Stations we keep with the penitential spirit of this season. Soup at 6:00 pm/ Stations at 7:00 pm
March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3 This is also a Deep Dive Event for families. Refer to pages 7 & 8 for details
Fr. i an esentations Fr. Marcos Enrique The Four Ways of Love Monday, March 16 - Wednesday, March 18
Wednesday Evenings: March 25, April 1 7:00 - 8:30 pm at St. Mary 7:00 pm at St. John Lenten Understanding the three enemies of the human soul The season of Lent calls us to love better, and Reeat and the weapons we need to fight them. by better understanding the four ways of love—Storge (empathy), Philios (friend), Eros Wednesday, April 8 (romantic) and Agape (unconditional ’God’ 7:00 pm at St. John Church love) — Fr. Brian will walk us through these, The word ‘tenebrae’ is Latin for shadows. one by one, in the hopes that we are better The purpose of the tenebrae service is to recreateTeneae the able to give — and receive — love from emotional aspects of the passion story. A somber, but truly family, friend, neighbor, and God. beautiful, experience.
Holy Wk and Eaer Sunday is hereFormed.org to assist Holy Thursday: April 9 us on our Lenten
Morning Prayer 9:00 am at St. Mary journey. Visit our Mass of the Lords Supper* 7:00 pm at St. John website…
* Mass will be followed by solemn ǀreservation and Adoration until 12 midnight. chelmsfordcatholic.org/ All are welcome to ‘stay awake’ withǀ our Lord for as little or as along as you can. formed. You will find the link to Good Friday: April 10 the PICK OF THE WEEK Morning Prayer 9:00 am at St. Mary on the left. If you do not Teen Stations of the Cross 3:00 pm at St Mary currently have a FORMED Passion of Our Lord * ǀ 7:00 pm at St. John account, this page will assist you with that *This service includes distribution ofǀ the Eucharist and Veneration of the Cross. process as well. ǀ Holy Saturday: April 11 Due to construction of the St. Mary’s LIFT, the Morning Prayer 9:00 am at St. John Annual Palm Sunday The Great Easter Vigil 8:30 pm at St. Mary Pancake Breakfast will ǀ be cancelled this year.
Easter Sunday: April 12 ǀ See St. Mary Masses 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 am you St. John Masses 8:30* and 10:30 am next
*Easter Egg Hunt afterǀ 8:30 am Mass year ǀ St. John Soup and Stations
Heather Hannaway Courtney Callanan Director of Faith Formation Asst. Dir. of Faith Formation & Youth Minister [email protected] [email protected]
• ST. MARY FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE and EVENTS •
March 8th Family Gathering Sessions Upcoming in the Parish Hall Deep Dive Events GRADE 1 FGS, GROUP C GRADE 3 FGS: GROUP C
9:00 - 10:30 am 9:00 - 10:30 am Soup and Stations GRADE 2 FGS, GROUP D GRADE 4 FGS, GROUP D Fridays of Lent: Mar 13, 20, 27; Apr 3 5 pm Service* | 6 pm Soup| 7 pm Stations 11:00 am - 12:30 pm 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Attendance at Stations is a Deep Dive GRADE 4 FGS, GROUP C GRADE 5, GROUP D Event for all families. * Service is a Confirmation Only Deep 9:00 - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Dive Event and is available only at St. GRADE 5 FGS, GROUP C GRADE 6 FGS, GROUP D Mary. RSVP (sign-up) is REQUIRED. To do so, visit www.chelmsfordcatholic.org/soup-stations 9:00 - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
GRADE 6 FGS, GROUP C CONFIRMATION I Lenten Scripture and Song previously titled Taizé Music and Prayer 9:00 - 10:30 am 4:15 - 5:45 pm Tuesday Evenings: March 10, 24 7:00 - 8:00 pm at St. John Church March 15th Class Schedule Join us for 30 minutes of solitude and peace as we keep with the spirit of the Lenten Season. GRADE 1 CLASS GRADE 2 CLASS
9:00 - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Family Reconciliation Parish Hall Parish Hall Monday Evenings: 6:30 - 8:00 pm March 23 at St. John Church; March 30 at St. Mary Church GRADES 3 - 6 CLASS GRADES 3 - 6 CLASS
GROUPS A & C GROUPS B & D At its heart, Family Reconciliation is simply a night where families are invited to experience God’s 9:00 - 10:30 am 11:00 am - 12:30 pm mercy. There will be guides available for adults, Parish Center Parish Center teens, and youth who may need a refresher on how to make a good confession, as well GRADE 7 & 8 CLASS: 4:15 - 5:45 pm in Parish Hall as people on hand to answer any questions. Lenten activities will be provided for youth who are waiting to go Confession themselves, or are waiting for other family members to go. Child care will be offered so that March 28th Event Schedule parents are able to take advantage of the sacrament without worrying about their little one. FIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT 9:30 am - 11:00 am in the Hall Completion of a reflection sheet is REQUIRED for ALL Deep Dives. Downloadable or online reflections can be found on our website as part of the specific Deep Dive page.
Because the “Handicap Use” door will be out of service— due to construction of the new LIFT—students will be dismissed from the rear door of the parish hall. For safety purposes, the gate that separates the front parking lot from the rear lot will be closed in order to keep traffic from driving through. For those picking up a student prior to the 6 pm Mass, please enter from the Fletcher Street side.
Alana Buckley Lynn Anne LaDuke Elaine Kindler Faith Formation Specialist Faith Formation Coordinator Faith Formation Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
• ST. JOHN FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE AND EVENTS •
Upcoming March 8th Family Gathering Sessions Deep Dive Events In the Parish Hall
GRADE 1 FGS, GROUP B GRADE 2 FGS, GROUP B
Soup and Stations 9:45 - 11:15 am 9:45 - 11:15 am Fridays of Lent: Mar 13, 20, 27; Apr 3 GRADE 3 FGS, GROUP B GRADE 4 FGS, GROUP B 5 pm Service* | 6 pm Soup| 7 pm Stations
Attendance at Stations is Deep Dive 9:45 - 11:15 am 9:45 - 11:15 am Event for all families. GRADE 5 FGS, GROUP B GRADE 6 FGS, GROUP B * Service is a Confirmation Only Deep Dive Event and is available only at St. Mary. 9:45 - 11:15 am 9:45 - 11:15 am RSVP (sign-up) is REQUIRED. To do so, please visit www.chelmsfordcatholic.org/soup-stations. CONFIRMATION I: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lenten Scripture and Song
previously titled Taizé Music and Prayer March 15th Class Schedule Tuesday Evenings: March 10, 24 7:00 - 8:00 pm at St. John Church GRADE K-3 CLASS GRADES 4-6 CLASS
Join us for 30 minutes of solitude and peace as 9:45 - 11:15 am 9:45 - 11:15 am we keep with the spirit of the Lenten Season. New Parish Center Old Parish Center
Family Reconciliation GRADES 7-8 CLASS
Monday Evenings: 6:30 - 8:00 pm 9:45 - 11:15 am in Parish Hall March 23 at St. John Church; March 30 at St. Mary Church
At its heart, Family Reconciliation is simply a night where families are invited to experience God’s March 21st Event Schedule
mercy. There will be guides available for adults, teens, and youth who may need a refresher on FIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT how to make a good confession, as well 9:30 - 11:00 am in the Hall as people on hand to answer any questions. Lenten activities will be provided for youth who are waiting to go Confession themselves, or are waiting for other family members to go. Child care will be offered so that
parents are able to take advantage of the sacrament without worrying about their little one. follow us on
Completion of a reflection sheet is REQUIRED for instagram.com/chelmsfordcatholic ALL Deep Dives. Downloadable or online reflections can be found on our website as part of the Upcoming Deep Dives can be found on our Instagram page! specific Deep Dive page.
As I was about to start As Christ began his ministry, He proclaimed, “Reform your wring this column (on a lives, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17) This different topic), my cat call for reformaon was not new. The prophets had Sally started crying insistently in the other room. I tried connually called the people to reform their lives and really hard to ignore her, but… well, she kept it up and return to living out the covenant. John the Bapst, simply got louder. She wanted me to come and give her preparing for the coming of Christ, reinforced the need for some aenon. I finally gave up and went into my reformaon in his bapsm of repentance. What was bedroom. Sally was sing on the bed crying unl I sat different for Christ was his claim to personally forgive sins. down and started to pat her. She immediately quieted It is in Christ, and in Christ alone, that we find the power down and started purring. I spent the next five minutes to heal the wounds inflicted by sin. If reconciling sinners is pang her and she eventually laid down and was quite to be considered such an important part of Christ’s content. mission, it would not have ended as He ascended into heaven; rather, He connued that work through his It’s like what I shared with you a few years ago about my Church. This ministry of reconciliaon in which the Church trip to Disney World in October of 1989. On the monorail is united with Christ is intended to reconcile all people heading over to Mass at the Polynesian Hotel, a voice with God, with themselves, with each other, and with the popped into my head telling me to return to confession. It whole of creaon. had been about eight years since my last confession. An argument ensued in my head with this voice, and it would It must first be noted that this role of the Church in the not leave me alone. So, as I was waing for Mass to begin, sacrament of penance is subservient to the reality that it is I agreed to speak to the priest and ask him to hear my God alone who forgives our sins. The Church’s role is to confession a er Mass. If the priest agreed, then I would help facilitate this forgiveness by leading the sinner to do it; otherwise, it would not happen. The lile voice recognize and repent of the sin he or she has commied. agreed with my arrangement. A er Mass, of course, the This role, though secondary to God, is sll of utmost priest heard my confession. It was a wonderful importance, for sin ulmately has a social dimension to it. experience, and that night I accepted the Lord’s call to There is, in a Chrisan context, no such thing as a truly enter the seminary. There is lile doubt in my mind that private sin: all sin by its very nature affects the returning to confession was a big part in my saying ‘yes’ to community. Therefore, it is appropriate for the the Lord. It made me understand that now was the me community to have an important role in reconciling the the Lord wanted me to act. The following September I person both with God and the community. entered the seminary. The sacrament is centered on restoring and renewing our God really calls all of us to this great gi but many of us life of bapsm. In this sacrament we come to experience resist the offer of grace and transformaon. I know I did the uncondional love and mercy that God has for us. The for eight years. Many people ask, “Why do I need to go to sin does not maer, the number of mes we have done confession?” They are seeking to understand the something, or how o en we may have to return to the importance of this sacrament in their lives. This queson sacrament. Our God is simply waing for us to return in is not one that is easily answered. Formulang a proper order to restore us to his life of grace. Our God only wants response begins, though, with the truth proclaimed in the what is best for us. Our God only desires to lead us to a first leer of John. “If we say, ‘We are free of the guilt of life of salvaon. We do not always make the right choices sin,’ we deceive ourselves; the truth is not to be found in since we have the propensity to sin (called us. But if we acknowledge our sins, He who is just can be concupiscence). And God in his mercy has given us, trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every through Christ, this great gi of the sacrament of wrong. If we say ‘We have never sinned,’ we make Him a penance/reconciliaon. He will never stop loving us and liar and his word finds no place in us.” (1 Jn.1:8-10) will give us whatever means we need to return to living our lives in accord with his will. He will always be calling us Thus, only when one can recognize his or her personal to make use of this sacrament (somemes in an annoying sinfulness and the need to be reconciled, can he or she fashion). The only queson we really need to answer is: fully appreciate the importance of the sacrament in their Will we take advantage of God’s great gi to us? life. Therefore, we are a people who need to be reconciled with God. Where does this reconciliaon come from? It If you have any quesons about anything, please do not only comes from Christ. As John’s leer connues: “My hesitate to ask me directly, or send your quesons to me lile one, I am wring this to keep you from sin. But if at [email protected]. anyone should sin, we have in the presence of the Father, Please keep me in your prayers. Jesus Christ—an intercessor, who is just. He is an offering for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the In Christ, whole world.” (1 Jn. 2:1-2)
From Our Seminarian What Should I “As long as I kept silent, my bones wasted away; Do This Lent? I groaned all day. For day and night your hand was We are a few weeksks intoint the th holy season of Lent.L t. InI this heavy upon me; my strength withered as in dry summer penitential season, we, like Christ Who went away from heat. Then I declared my sin to you; my guilt I did not the world for forty days and forty nights in the desert, hide. I said, ‘I confess my faults to the Lord,’ and you depart from the extravagances and luxuries of life. In took away the guilt of my sin.” -Psalm 32:3-5 imitation of our Savior, Who, unlike us, was not in need of any such purification, we enact disciplines of prayer, Psalm 32 is the second of what are considered the fasting, and almsgiving to become saints. penitential Psalms. It’s a confession, an absolution and a As Catholics, we know that we are required by Church law thanksgiving all in one. We are called to all three during (Canon Law) to assist Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy the holy season of Lent, where we look to Jesus to Day of Obligation, observe the laws of fasting and transform us so we are able to better rejoice in Easter’s abstinence, confess our sins to a priest at least once a year, good news. receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the I am an advocate for the sanctity of human life. Those of Easter season, and support the work of the Church, you who know me well know how far I had strayed from especially by contributing to Her material needs. the truth of this sanctity. In my twenties I swallowed all of Keeping these laws of Holy Mother Church are the the lies—hook, line and sinker—and chose to abort my minimum requirements for leading a Christian life in first child. Thankfully, God didn’t abandon me; communion with the Catholic Church. So then, as the rich I eventually confessed this heinous sin and, thanks to young man asked of Christ, “Master, all these things I have God’s outrageous mercy, am reconciled to him. observed from my youth. What shall I do that I may As long as I kept silent, my bones wasted away … receive life everlasting?” (St. Mark 10:17-31) However, it wasn’t just my daughter’s life I ended; as Do a very humble and sorrowful confession, taking the bad as that was, I tragically ended the lives of any time to make a thorough examination of conscience children she may have had, and how ever many children beforehand. my grandchildren may have had, and so on for Attend daily Mass as able, especially on duty-free generations. It is a knowledge that weighs heavily on my Saturday mornings. soul. I grieve that our American culture easily accepts the Pray the Holy Rosary every day, if possible, in your fact that there are 61 million children (that we know of) home with others. whose lives were ended before they were born. Pray the Stations of the Cross, if possible, on Friday Generations and millions of lives sacrificed to the altars evenings at one of our parishes or another Catholic of fear, coercion, sexual abuse, convenience, fame, etc. church. As long as I kept silent, my bones wasted away … Read the Passion narratives in the four Gospels: St. The greatest percentage of lost lives is from minority Matthew chapters 26-28; St. Mark chapters 14-16; populations. Where is the social justice in keeping silent in St. Luke chapters 22-24; St. John chapters 17-21. the face of this racial discrimination? Abortion is sex In addition to the fasting and abstinence requirements, trafficking and sexual predators’ best friend. Where is eat better and eat less. the social justice in keeping silent in the face of this Fast from social media and the news. Instead, pray for abuse? Where is the social justice in keeping silent in the your friends, including online friends, and pray for discrimination of children with Down Syndrome? Or, in world governments and peace in the world. workplace discrimination against simply being pregnant? Visit sick or homebound relatives and friends, and Even worse, we have federal and state politicians pray for them, too. vigorously advocating that a child who, by God’s grace, survives an abortion be left to die and receive no Participate in, or give to, our St. Vincent de Paul societies, or another noble charitable organization. medical assistance to continue living. How can we, as If you aid a secular organization, wear a Crucifix or Catholics, be silent? Miraculous Medal so that those you serve, or interact As long as I kept silent, my bones wasted away … with, know that you do this in the Name of Christ and His Church. If a human being doesn’t have a right to life, nothing else Make a short pilgrimage to a beautiful church, matters. Let’s pray for each other that our good God monastery, shrine, basilica, or our archdiocesan gives each of us the strength and opportunities we need cathedral. I recommend the Basilica of Our Lady of to be a vocal advocate for the sanctity of human life. Perpetual Help in Roxbury.
Courtney Callanan Asst. Dir. of Faith Formation & Youth Minister [email protected]
"You, dear young people, are not the future but the now of God." ~Pope Francis, World Youth Day Homily, Panama
The Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative's Youth Ministry program seeks to ensure that the young people of the Collaborative feel known, valued, and loved by God and by their parish community. By providing opportunities for youth to encounter Christ in their lives and connecting them with mature Christian mentors, youth ministry strives to equip and empower our young people to be lifelong disciples of Jesus.
Catholic Heart Steubenville East 2020 Theme: RESTORED Workcamp 2020 July 10-12, 2020 in Kingston, Rhode Island
July 19-24, 2020 North Haledon, NJ
I AM. These words can be found in the Bible hundreds of times. They refer to God, who is the Great I AM. Through all space and time, God continues to declare “I AM who I AM.” God is not dead; He is not only the God of long ago. He is the God who will always live forever and ever, who is alive today and beckons us into relationship by reassuring us, “I AM who I AM.” He is the God we meet in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in our service to His kingdom. We are pulled in an overwhelming number of directions when trying to discover our “Restore us, O God; Let thy face shine, identity. We seek belonging and that we may be saved.” purpose in so many places. Still, the fullness of our worth can only be Can you remember a time when you weren’t anxious found in one place. Our truest about something? The chaos of our lives can overwhelm identity is being children of the we’ve forgotten who we are—and, more importantly, Great I AM. This summer, CHWC who God is. We have a good, loving Father in heaven invites you to ask yourself the who created us to share in His glory, to see everything question: “Who am I?” Join us as we and everyone with His eyes. His greatest desire is to raise us up out of our discover the answer to this fear and anxiety and restore us to the hope and abundant life that only He question by encountering the great can give. This summer, over 50,000 Catholic teens across North America will I AM through love, service, and attend one of 25 Steubenville Youth Conferences to encounter the God who connection to His people. calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Will you be one of those teens? Lift your eyes to the glory of God. Be restored.
$500 per person $275 per person $100 non-refundable deposit $50 non-refundable deposit due at registration due at registration Online Sign-ups available... Online Sign-ups available... hps://chelmsfordcatholic.org/steubenville-east hps://chelmsfordcatholic.org/ catholic-heart-work-camp DEADLINE TO SIGN UP EXTENDED TO MARCH 8, 2020 We joyfully welcome the Introducing the Men of the February 2020 ACTS Retreat! Baptism following children into our Collaborative Family. May the Lord continue to bless these children and their parents, and fill their homes with the light of faith.
Sophia Harmony Martins Joseph Bruno St. Pierre
Wyatt Wolfe Gleason Blaise Leo Linstad
Our Collaborative is in need of more Protecting God’s Children Workshop Facilitators Protecting God’s Children Facilitator Training Saturday, May 16 . 10:00 am—3:00 pm The Archdiocese Pastoral Center . 66 Brooks Drive . Braintree **FREE TRAINING and LUNCH PROVIDED **
To register and/or for more information, contact Michelle Gee at (617) 7416-5994 or [email protected].
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Informational Open House for Prospective Students Thursday, March 26… The Archdiocese Pastoral Center . 66 Brooks Drive . Braintree
7:00 pm… Evening Prayer at the Chapel: Rev. Ed Riley presiding 7:30 pm… Welcome by Paul Metilly, Ph.D., Academic Dean
8:00 pm… Informational Presentation by Aldona Lingertat, Ph.D., Director 8:00 pm… Alumni Panel 8:30 pm… Questions and Answers PLEASE RSVP…
ELLEM OESTERLE, MAM/MTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, [email protected] OR… DR. ALDONA LINGERTAT, MAM/MTS DIRECTOR, [email protected] OR… CALL (617) 779-4104 visit www. sjs.edu for more information If you would like to request that a Mass be Both the Rose for Life celebrated for a specific intention or person, please call the parish office. and St. Mary Memorial A donation of $10 per Mass Altar Flowers intention is requested to be made at the time you have been suspended schedule your intention. throughout the Lenten Season
This offering funds the beautification of our Altar. Your voluntary donation can be accompanied by the request that it be “In Memory/Appreciation Of”, or “For the Intentions Of” someone.
Doreen Andrews • George O’Brien
“YǟǥǢ ǧǟǢǔ Ǚǣ Ǒ ǜǑǝǠ ǥǞǤǟ ǝǩ ǖǕǕǤ ǑǞǔ Ǒ ǜǙǗǘǤ ǥǞǤǟ Deuteronomy 9: 4-10 ǝǩ ǠǑǤǘ” Psalm 79
-PǣǑǜǝ 119:105 Luke 6: 36-38
Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20 Jeremiah 18: 18-20 Psalm 50 Psalm 31 Matthew 23: 1-12 Matthew 20: 17-28
Jeremiah 17: 5-10 Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13 17-28 Psalm 1 Psalm 105 May the souls of the faithful departed, Luke 16: 19-31 Matt 21: 33-43, 45-46 through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Exodus 17: 3-7 Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20 SEAN PATRICK NAGLE: MARCH 7TH AT ST. JOHN Psalm 103 Psalm 95 Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8 John 4: 5-42 Paul Brouillette Broker Associate
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and reading. Mildred M. Hehir She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church and member of the Blessed of N. Chelmsford Sodality. She is survived by a nephew, Rev. J. Bryan Hehir; a niece Anne Marie Hehir-Gillis of N. Andover; a Mildred M. Hehir, 101, of N. Chelmsford, MA niece in-law, Bonnie Fuller-Hehir of Chelmsford, died Monday, January 13, 2020 at Bethany Health MA; many nieces and nephews. Care Center, Framingham. She was predeceased by her siblings, Joseph, The last of nine children of the late Bryan and Thomas, William, Edmund, Catherine, Mary, Emily, Catherine (Pyne) Hehir, she graduated from Anne Hehir and her nephew Tim Hehir. Chelmsford High School as Valedictorian of the Her visiting hours were Thurs. Jan 16th from 3 to Class of 1936. She earned a BA in Latin from Regis 7 p.m. Funeral was Friday, Jan. 17th at 10 am from College in 1941 and a Master’s in Education from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. Fitchburg State College. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 11 am at St. Mildred retired from the Chelmsford School John’s Church, N. Chelmsford, MA. Burial in St. system after 50 years of service. She taught French Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. Memorials may be made for twenty years, served as Student Counsel in her name to the charity of one’s choice. Online Advisor, Guidance Counselor and was a former guest book is available at Cheerleader Coach. www.dolanfuneralhome.com. ARRANGEMENTS She was a member of the Chelmsford Sr. BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-256-4040. Citizens Club and past member of the Town’s Democratic Committee. She loved sports, politics
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Church Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative 03-0756