August 2013 Volume 17 Issue 4 A Quarterly Newsletter of St. Mary Parish Family, Franklin MA

35 Years of Memories Till We Have Faces

by Paula Coughlin Since I was new to the parish and by Joan McGuire had not yet begun to get involved in As I was thinking about this article I parish activities most of the names At St Rocco Festival, I enjoy watching began perusing old St. Rocco program then were unfamiliar to me. As the the children getting their faces painted. books. I have vague memories of the years went on and I became more They are so involved in the process and first few St. Rocco festivals. We had active, I got to know many of the intently watch the Face Painter. It always only been in Franklin for people who were reminds me of the title of a C.S. Lewis two years in 1979, the only names in a book book “Till We Have Faces.” I have never year of the first festival, in 1979. read the book but the title opens my and we had a young tod- mind to many aspects of my relationship dler. I remember attend- Once I began work- with God. ing but I am fuzzy on ing at the rectory 20 many of the details. years ago, I, of ne- God is the Divine Face Painter, and the cessity, but also en- many colored paint brushes are the peo- The early books reflect thusiastically, be- ple and the events-joyful, painful and both change and constan- came much more monotonous that we encounter in our cy. There was always involved with the St. daily lives. Like the children sitting be- good food, entertainment Rocco Festival. fore the face painter, we must lift our and activities for all ages. face and look intently into the face of In the early years, the Beginning around God as he gently applies the brush Opening Mass was held April each year, two strokes to create our persona. In order to on Thursday or Wednes- of the festival organ- be changed we need to imitate Christ in day instead of Sunday. izers, Peter Brunelli his ultimate vulnerability to people and The events at the festival and Vinnie DeBaggis situations. One only has to read his en- included a chicken barbe- became frequent visi- counters with the Syrophoenician wom- que and a Cabaret perfor- tors to the rectory. en (Mark 7:24-30), the woman with the mance. There was also a Vinnie DeBaggis. hemorrhage( Mark 5:25-34) and the Ro- dunk tank, a greased pole As I look back in the man Centurion (Luke 7:6-10) to mention and bocce. Some of the ads in the old books, Peter’s name first shows only a few, in order to see how he allows books are for businesses that are now up in 1980 as co-chair of the calzone his humanity to be effected by the people only memories. booth with Paul Ficco. with whom He comes in contact. After His Resurrection, He not only came to Many of the names in the books, both Peter is still involved as the “food the sorrowing people in the garden of volunteers and supporters are now also guru” of the festival. He always entombment but also to the discouraged memories. Some have moved away, knows how much to order. In good and disheartened on the dusty road to some are no longer able to participate weather years he’s on the phone late and many are no longer with us. (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 7)

Summer Ends and Our Journey Continues page 2 inside... 35 Years of Faith, Family and Fun page 3 St. Rocco Schedule page 4 Welcome Father Anthony Le page 8 Page 2 Families’ Summer Ends and Our Journey Continues Corner by John M. Ristaino money for very worthy causes. Others

The calendar tells us that the time for the will register for educational classes; by Katherine Ginnetty Feast of St. Rocco is close at hand. Sum- some for professional growth, some for mer is at its peak; flowers are in full personal growth and others for spiritual One of our traditions at St. Mary’s Par- bloom, vegetable gardens are exploding growth. We seek ways to fulfill our ish is the Baccalaureate Mass held eve- with bounty and vacations are in full need to connect and/or reconnect with ry year in June, in which parishioners swing from the mountains and lakes to people, organizations and activities we come together to pray for the graduat- the cities to the beaches. Soon though, it love. ing high school seniors in our communi- ty. Every year one of the seniors pre- will all quickly change. College students, St. Mary Parish offers us many different pares a short talk for the event, sharing home for the summer, will depart for types of opportunities to get involved, to his or her thoughts on faith with mem- their campus housing. Teachers will re- learn, to grow and to have fun in the bers of the graduating class and the turn to their classrooms to prepare for process. The coming weeks and months congregation in attendance. This year the arrival of this year’s students. School are exciting ones for our parish! Change Michaela Lonati delivered the speech busses will once again pick up students always carries with it the opportunity to which is reprinted here. in their neighborhoods and transport join and make a difference. Shortly after them to their schools. Vacations will Labor Day, the Music Ministry will wel- Everything happens for a reason. I have end. Beaches will be vacated. Gardens come a new leader. This new era in our been raised to believe that. I have been will start to fade. The days will grow Music Ministry provides the chance to raised to trust that saying, to know that shorter, and the sun will burn less warm- raise our voices in song at Mass and to even when we don’t understand why, ly. The end of the summer is a ritual of volunteer as a member of the choir. In there is a reason. And I have come to change. This change can be a time for us the past have you sung in the choir? take great comfort in believing that. to refocus our attention and energies to Perhaps now is the time to rejoin. Have There is a reason. And for those of us our journeys in Faith. you thought about joining the choir in with a strong faith and belief in God it the past and for whatever reason(s) you September is a month when our daily isn’t difficult. It helps me to accept so never did? Well, the door is open for and weekly routines return, reshape and many things, from the simple to the you to try. The existing choir and mem- transform our lives. We return to work frightening. Have you ever been in the bers of the Music Ministry are very tal- and to school with great anticipation and car, late to wherever you’re going and a ented and FUN people. Please consider renewed determination. September in school bus pulls out in front of you? many ways is the start of a “new year.” joining them. You are so frustrated knowing that now Our Faith journeys are reshaped and re- Earlier this year, in the quiet of winter, you will be even later. But if you be- energized too. We find ourselves again we lost a member of our parish family. lieve there is a reason for everything, attending Mass at St. Mary Parish on a Vinnie DeBaggis passed away in Janu- perhaps that school bus keeps you from weekly basis. The vacation and weekend ary after a brief illness. Vinnie was a getting a speeding ticket or even getting homes are closed up for the winter man I knew and admired my entire life. in an accident had you been further ahead. Our spare time changes too. It is My admiration was based on many fac- down the road. I like to believe God is at this time of year when we seek new ets of his life. One aspect of Vinnie’s watching out for me and whatever activities, new hobbies and new connec- life that shines forth in my memories of comes my way is part of His plan. tions. It can be a time when we seek out him is the service (the love) he gave to We’ve all had disappointments, not opportunities to become more involved St. Mary Parish. In his later years, Vin- making a team, not getting a part in a in our lives; to volunteer in areas which nie served as a Lector at Mass. This was play, not getting that job. But, there is a interest and challenge us. Some will take just one wonderful way he volunteered reason. If you think back over the last 4 on physical athletic challenges raising for St. Mary Parish. He and his wife years of high school, you can probably Alma started the Italian Pastry Booth at figure some of it out. Had you made that The Weave the annual St. Rocco Festival (a tradi- team, played that part or gotten that job, Published quarterly tion their grandchildren continue to this you would not have been available for a (February, April, August and November) day). Over the years Vinnie served as an better opportunity, one that put you on a by Saint Mary Parish, Franklin MA usher at Mass, a CCD teacher, and as a more successful path. We have to be- lieve God has a reason. Parish Publishing member of the St. Mary Finance Com- Publisher Father Brian Manning mittee just to mention a few. Vinnie Editor Joan McGuire knew that by giving back, he also re- There will always be times we don’t Contributing Editors: Helen Brunelle ceived the blessings of Faith and understand the reason. Why did a loved Paula Coughlin friends. He was blessed by both. I am one get sick, why did someone die? But Katherine Ginnetty Nan Rafter not sure whether Vinnie ever thought he that is part of our faith. Trusting and John Ristaino accepting that God knows what He’s Father Jack Sullivan (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 7) Page 3

35 Years of Faith, Family and Fun

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Mark Your Parish Feast of Saint Rocco View From the Pew Calendar Schedule by Joan McGuire

Aug. 4 Feast of St. Rocco Mix by Hand Opening Mass 35th Annual Aug. 5 Rocco set-up, 8am In our family a birthday was a big deal. Feast of St. Rocco My mother always made the person's fa- Aug. 7 Rocco set-up, 8am August 4-11 Aug. 8 Rocco set-up, 8am vorite cake and we had a party with our Aug. 8 Feast of St. Rocco family, my cousin’s family and my Rides & Limited food booths August 4 grandmother. On my sixth birthday, my open, 6-10pm Opening Mass baby brother who was a preemie ( born Aug. 9 Rocco set-up, 8am 10:30 in the church in seven months) and not yet a year old Aug. 9 Feast of St. Rocco was having trouble breathing. As my All booths and rides Thursday, August 8 parents were rushing to get him to the open 6-11pm 6pm-10pm Aug. 10 Feast of St. Rocco hospital, my mother promised she would All rides open be home to make my cake (there was no Anointing Mass, 10am Limited food booths open Aug. 10 No 8am Mass such thing as a cake mix ). I knew from

Aug. 10 Feast of St. Rocco other times that they might be gone the 11am-11pm Friday, August 9 entire day so I decided to bake the cake Aug. 11 Feast of St. Rocco 6pm-11pm myself. I got out my mother's hand writ- Closing Mass and procession All rides and food booths open ten cookbook, assembled the ingredients of statue, 10:30 Entertainment on the bandstand and went to work. When my mother got Aug. 11 Feast of St. Rocco by The Reminisants back from the false alarm a little while 12-9pm Aug. 12 Rocco breakdown, 8am later I was up to my elbows in batter. As Saturday, August 10 I looked at her face, I knew an explana- Aug. 14 Mass at Forge Hill 10am Aug. 14 Vigil Mass - Assumption, tion was in order, “The recipe said mix 4pm Anointing Mass and by hand.” She didn't say a word as she Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption Sacrament of the Sick handed me the large wooden mixing Masses: 7am, 9am. 7:30pm on the festival grounds spoon out of the drawer. She returned Aug. 17 SVdP Bookbag Collection 11am-11pm after the cake was baked and put on her Aug. 18 SVdP Bookbag collection All rides and food booths open special icing and the home made cake Aug. 18 Baptisms, 1:30 decorations for which she was famous. Aug. 18 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 1pm Chocolate Chip Aug. 25 Baptisms, 1:30 Cookie Contest That night as she served the cake she an- Aug. 27 Mass at nursing home DJ Bobby Costello 12-6pm nounced that I had made the cake, not Sept. 8 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 Sea Breeze, 6-10pm mentioning that I had been a little too Sept. 8 Baptisms, 1:30 literal in following the directions. Sept. 11 Mass at Forge Hill Sunday, August 11 Sept. 15 Baptisms, 1:30 Closing Mass of St. Rocco We are God's children. If our human Sept. 21 Friends of the Poor Walk 10:30am in the church parents can look at our actions with love Sept. 22 Baptisms, 1:30 Followed by procession with the even when they do not always turn out Sept. 24 Mass at nursing home exactly as planned how much more Sept. 28 Confirmation, 10am, 1pm statue to the festival grounds Sept. 29 Confirmation, 2pm should we trust God our Father to make Oct. 6 Baptisms, 1:30 12noon-9pm our mishaps right. All through the Book Oct. 9 Mass at Forge Hill All rides and booths open of Exodus we see the extraordinary care Oct. 13 Baptisms, 1:30 Entertainment on the bandstand and patience God had for our ancestors Oct. 20 Baptisms, 1:30 DJ Bobby Costello 12-3pm, 6-9pm who he claimed as “His people.” We the Oct. 20 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 Jerry Secco 3-6pm people of the Gospel have the greatest Oct. 22 Mass at nursing home Raffle drawing at 8:30pm sign of His love - the sending of Jesus Oct. 27 Baptisms “to be like us in all things except sin.” Oct. 31 Vigil Mass - All Saints Day How can we question His Love or turn 4pm Nov. 1 Feast of All Saints from Him when we do not understand some happening? I must have done Masses: 7am, 9am, 7:30pm Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Food Collection Nov. 2 Mass of Remembrance, 11am Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Food Collection some questioning myself since I found Nov. 3 Baptisms, 1:30 Nov. 24 Baptisms, 1:30 my response in the pages of my journal- Nov. 10 Baptisms, 1:30 Nov. 26 Mass at nursing home “Sometimes God calms the sea as in Nov. 13 Mass at Forge Hill Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Galilee but other times he holds me Nov. 17 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 Mass at 8am close in his lap and calms me in the Nov. 17 Baptisms, 1:30 midst of a raging storm.” Page 5

Family Histories: The Gift of Generations

by Nan Rafter, Parish Nurse to document the important events of In order to develop a family history, you your family life. only need to follow three simple steps: As you enjoy the lazy days of this sum- Remember it, Record it and Relate it. In Exodus Chapter 12, we read an ac- mer, why not take time to create a family First, consider what format (written, count of the first Passover. The Lord history? video/cd or audio) you want to use. Sec- established this religious practice when ond, consider looking at pictures, letters He redeemed His people from bondage I recently saw a cartoon showing a fami- and other remembrances to stimulate the in Egypt. The celebrating of this family ly going on vacation to the beautiful flow of memories. Third, enjoy the pro- history (in the Passover) became a way mountains and it was noted that the kids cess of creating your family history, not for the Israelites to remember their de- were texting and e-mailing and the par- just for the final product. Your family liverance and live as redeemed people ents were checking voicemails. More history project is a wonderful way to in the present and future. The Gospel than ever families need to be relational strengthen your family as you begin to writers documented their understanding and document their history and memo- see the hand of your loving Father in the of Jesus’s teachings and sacrifices ries. How many pictures of our children joys and struggles of your life. which has helped us to grow in our faith and grandchildren are stored on our and learn compassion and love. phones? Lord, you know and understand our sto-

ries, a narrative made and shared with A family history is an organized record- Research has identified several health- all who have a place in the history of our ing of important events in the life of a ful aspects of family histories. First, lives. Guide us now as we tell our stories family and any related feelings. The cre- family histories allow us to make some with compassion and care. Amen ating of family histories is a very health- meaning out of life experiences and ful activity for people of all ages and can strengthen relationships between gener- strengthen family relationships. Family ations. Second, family histories can histories can be created in words and strengthen our unity, reduce feelings of pictures, in video or audio tapes. Many isolation and strengthen family rela- times an important task of someone who tionships. The sharing of our family’s is terminally ill is to do a life review and life story reemphasizes our interdepend- The Foods of St. Rocco ence on other people and validates our record their life history for family mem- Manicotti bers so they can continue to celebrate common life within a family context. Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan their lives. However I encourage you not Third, family histories can help us re- Meatball Subs to wait for a crisis or illness to force you member the ways in which God has Sausage Subs been faithful. Spaghetti & Meatballs Cold Cut Subs PARISH COMMUNICATION Calzones This parish is very large and active. It is important for us to be able to give you accurate infor- Pizza mation and for you to be able to contact us as needed. If you wish to contact anyone at the rec- Stuffed Quohogs tory we can be reached by phone, 508-528-0020; Fax, 508-528-1641; or email. Here are email Clam Cakes addresses for the clergy, Religious Education and rectory staff: Fried Clams Father Brian Manning: [email protected] Fried Scallops Father Jack Sullivan: [email protected] Clam Chowder Father Anthony Le: [email protected] Chicken Fingers Hamburgers & Hot Dogs Karen Ackles:[email protected] French Fries Jayne Malonson: [email protected] Onion Rings Liz Bertoni: [email protected] Mozzarella Sticks Patricia Murphy: [email protected] Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Paula Coughlin: [email protected] Italian Pastries Claire Perry: [email protected]. Cannoli Paulette Thomas: [email protected] Belgian Waffles Nan Rafter: [email protected] Toasted Ravioli If your parish group or organization would like to place a notice in the bulletin, we must re- ceive it in writing by 5pm Sunday afternoon for the following weekend. Information can also *New this year* be submitted for inclusion on the parish website at any time. Bulletin or website information Sausage, pepper, ricotta cheese calzone can be emailed to [email protected] If your organization is planning to use any parish facilities, such as the church, church hall, *Returning Favorites* lower church meeting rooms or the school, for your meetings, events, etc. it is necessary that The “Original” Rocco Calzone you call and reserve the time and place that you want. This is the only way that you can be Baba-rum (in honor of Vinnie) assured of having your activity at the desired location. See You There! CHECK OUT OUR PARISH WEBSITE: www.stmarysfranklin.org. There is a wealth of August 9-11 information available there. Page 6 ...Summer Ends Walk a Mile in My Shoes (Continued from page 2) by Helen Brunelle people who call St. Mary’s in need of would serve St. Mary so richly when he help. first raised his hand. I am sure he did not As you are filling in your calendar for regret any service he gave our parish. September, please write “Friends of Check out Won’t you please consider following Vin- the Poor Walk” on Saturday, Septem- www.stmarysfranklin.org/120 for all nie’s example and volunteer to help sup- ber 21. The Walk is organized locally the necessary information for the port St. Mary Parish? Vinnie paid it for- by our St. Vincent de Paul local Walk. Also, people may register ward for generations to come. Will you do Society. Registration on the day of The Walk. the same? begins at 9:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Hall (lower Last year’s Walk was This is the time of year when St. Mary level of church). After extremely successful, really needs many volunteers. There is a registering, walkers may raising over $6200! This need for new Ushers (aka Greeters), Eu- begin The Walk. We’ll money was put right charistic Ministers, Lectors, Religious walk a total of 3 miles: back into the community Education Teachers, St. Rocco Festival along Oak Street, up Iro- to help families who are Volunteers, St. Vincent DePaul Commit- quois Drive, and back. struggling with utility tee Members, Bereavement Committee The Walk ends at 11:00 bills, housing, heating Members, Choir Members, Parish Visitors, a.m. bills, food, and transpor- and as volunteers for the Rock Youth Min- tation. istry. You will find a complete list of Participants collect pledg- “Groups and Ministries” here at St. Mary We invite the whole community to es in fixed amounts. All money is col- Parish on our parish website: show concern for friends and neigh- lected at the time the pledge is made, stmarysfranklin.org. Get involved! The bors by stepping up and joining to- and should be turned in on the day of gifts you get back are more numerous than gether for this worthwhile, pleasant The Walk. 100% of the money raised the stars. in Franklin stays in Franklin, to assist fall event. Ready! Set! WALK! For those who are moving away or head-

ing back to college; remember your Faith ...35 Years of Memories goes with you along with our love. Volun- teering at your new parish and at your col- (Continued from page 1) how much he loved them and how lege or university is a great way to meet into the night on Saturday trying to proud he was of the people they had new friends. It builds on what you know; find suppliers that can provide food become. your Faith experience and it strengthens for sold out booths, so they can open Faith and friendships. Please know you are again on Sunday. Last year, when bad Sometimes, as we talked about events, always welcome here at St. Mary Parish. weather had been predicted for days or issues, we would agree to disagree. Visit often if you are moving away. If you before the festival opened, he was call- But that never affected his willingness are heading off to college, keep in touch ing to cut down on the amount of food to share ideas or opinions with me. and let us know when you will be home; that was due to be delivered. We had we welcome you to serve at Mass during enough to sell but not much left over, In January, Vinnie passed away. Vin- your trips home. in spite of the weather. nie’s name has appeared in every Roc- The best way to let us know that you are co book as a volunteer. First as the interested, willing and able to get involved Vinnie DeBaggis I knew of long be- chairman of the Italian Pastry booth fore I met him. He was a name I read is to e-mail us at parishpublish- with his wife, Alma. Then, in later [email protected] or by calling 508 in the newspaper and a face I saw in years, as one of the co-chairmen of the church. Vinnie was active in both -528-0020. Training is provided for most festival. positions. town government and St. Mary’s Par- ish long before we moved into town. This year, for the first time his name Summer will soon end. That door will will be missing from that page. And close. As the saying goes; “whenever God As I got to know him, I realized not this year, when I go over to the field to closes a door, He opens a window.” One only how involved he was in so many help set up our booth, something tangi- such window that opens is the window for groups and organizations in Franklin, ble will be missing. A friend. you to get involved; sing, read, teach, but what a nice person he was. greet, pray, support and/or advise. Each and every one of these gifts you give is He was always willing to chat, about repaid in love. Our Faith journeys are the town, the parish and his family. As paved with such love. The window is he talked about his family I could see opening; come take a look! Page 7

Reading the Bible with Imagination

Psalms for our meditation and prayer, we by Father Jack Sullivan Friends, have you ever considered find that “…the Psalms are a mirror of how much Jesus resembles a runner When I am walking along the side- God’s marvelous deeds in the history of chasing after us every day? The Resur- walk, I’m always respectful to run- his people, as well as reflections of the rection was a great evolutionary leap ners. After all, runners are perform- human experience of the Psalm- for Jesus. Jesus Christ, who is now and ing at a higher level of exertion. I ist” (Catechism, n. 2588). In the Book of forever risen from the dead, resembles step aside when I hear a runner be- Psalms “…God gives us words to speak runners who perform at a superior hind me. Psalm 23 assures us: “only to him, to place our lives before him, and level. At Christmas in the Liturgy of goodness and kindness follow me all thus to make life a path to God” the Hours, the Catholic imagination the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). A (Verbum Domini, n. 24). more precise translation of this verse reads Psalm 19:6 with reference to of Hebrew poetry is: only goodness Jesus and rejoices in Jesus as an ath- and love will pursue me all the days lete who joyfully runs his course. As of my life. The ancient poet imagines the mighty Savior, Jesus is always God’s gracious activity as move- running after us so that he might offer ment. The psalmist is confident that us a share in his victory, that great ...Families Corner God will draw near because that is evolutionary advance of risen life, the hope of dwelling in the house of the God’s way of relating to his crea- (Continued from page 2) tures. An Advent prayer in the Ro- Lord forever. doing even when we don’t understand. man Missal displays a similar image- The Catholic approach to the Bible For those of us graduating high school ry of movement: “May your grace, includes an appreciation for the unity and moving on to the next chapter, we almighty God, always go before and of the Old Testament and the New need to believe that what happens next is follow after, so that we….may re- Testament and a recognition of the part of a plan. If you are going on to col- ceive your help both now and in the unity of the divine plan. Especially in lege, even if it turns out not to be your life to come” (Advent 3, Friday). “By the arrangement and celebration of the first choice, know that you are meant to grace, we mean God’s free, loving Liturgy, we rely upon Saint Au- be there. Maybe it’s where you’re going gift to us, his helping goodness… gustine’s saying: “the New Testament to meet your future spouse or the profes- Grace is being looked upon by God, lies hidden in the Old and the Old Tes- sor who will inspire you in your career. If our being touched by his love” tament is unveiled in the New” you are going into the workforce or the (Youcat, 338). (Catechism, n. 129 ). In using the military, believe that you will be there for a reason, to accomplish something you Nativity Display may not even know yet.

by Helen Brunelle stant supervision throughout the entire Everything happens for a reason. We may event. not know what that reason is, but trust Our FOURTH ANNUAL NATIVITY that God does. DISPLAY will take place in Sacred Previously we have featured hand- Heart Hall after all Masses on Saturday, carved, handmade, and hand-painted Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, which is Nativity scenes by parishioners, both the First Sunday of Advent. young and old. We have viewed wonderful displays Till We Have Faces... Help us kick off the holiday sea- from Mexico, Bethlehem, son by sharing your special Na- France, Germany, and the (Continued from page 1) tivity set with the rest of the Philippines, to name a few. Emmaus and to the guilty and confused congregation. Won’t you consider sharing on the sandy seashores of Galilee. your special Nativity scene We have space to display 25-30 with us this year? It’s a Our faces are complete when we have Nativity scenes. The displays wonderful way to start the empathy with the plight of everyone we may be set up at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas season. Watch meet - without judgment. After all, God Saturday and may be picked up the weekly church bulletin only judges us after we have completed between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. for more information. Pho- our lives and have been transformed by tos of last year’s Nativity Display may our mistakes - even more than by our We would love to have you stand by be found at successes. It is only then that we see your display during any or all of the www.stmarysfranklin.org/115 . that He has created on us the “mirror of viewings. However, we will provide con- His Face.” Page 8 Welcome Father Anthony Le

by Joan McGuire expensive to get a place on the boat, arrived in Boston to add English to This June we wel- he was the only member of his family the plethora of other languages he comed Father to leave Vietnam. spoke. After his ordination in 1999, Anthony Le from he spent a short time at St Mary's in the the combined They were at sea for seventeen days. Brookline before he was sent back to parishes of St Ten of those days without food. They Rome for two years to get his licenti- Brigid and Sacred survived by drinking storm water. ate in biblical theology. Heart in Lexing- Ships past them and they were finally ton here to St. picked up by a Norwegian ship. He In 2001 he was assigned to St. Paul's Mary’s. Just in was taken temporarily to a refuge in Hingham. In 2004 he was able to time to get settled camp in Singapore and later went to visit his brothers and sisters in Vi- and get ready to judge the chocolate Norway where he became a Norwe- etnam, 24 years after he escaped. His cookie contest at St Rocco's gian citizen. parents had already died in 1983 and festival. 1984. In 2005 he was assigned to St. At last he was able to pursue his de- Ambrose in Dorchester to minister to He was born in Mo Duc, Vietnam, He sire to become a priest. He was sent Vietnamese, Spanish and English was the youngest of a family of nine. Rome for his studies. A bishop from parishioners. From 2010-2013 he As Catholic in a Communist con- Vietnam was a friend of Cardinal served in the combined parishes of St trolled land he was not allowed to go Law and recommended the seminari- Brigid's and Sacred Heart. Many of to college after he finished high an Anthony Le to him. Cardinal Law the parishioners here at St Mary's school. He worked to support his fam- was interested in providing spiritual have already mentioned his quick ily and find a way to get out of his help for the increasing population of smile, his sense of humor and his country. He escaped by boat in 1980 Asians in his diocese and extended an friendly greeting. After all his life with thirteen other people, five adults invitation to the young seminarian to experiences Fr. Anthony says “life is and nine children. Because it was so come to Boston. So the world traveler too short not to be happy.”

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page 1 35 Years of Memories page 2 Families’ Corner page 4 View from the Pew page 5 Family Histories: The Gift of Generations page 6 Reading the Bible With Imagination