Reading Catholic Community SEVENTH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 24, 2019

Jesus’ words today make it very clear how we are to live as his followers. “Love your enemies” … “do good to those who curse you” ... “pray for those who mistreat you” ... “give to everyone who asks of you (and) don’t demand it back” … “Stop judging” … “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Jesus doesn’t lighten our responsibility, rather, he restates his teaching emphasizing that the extent to which we are willing to follow/live his words is what will be returned to us. Ask Christ to help you this week to put his words into action in your life. Notice the difference it makes in your relationships. Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

MASS SCHEDULE Saint Agnes Church Saint Athanasius Church

186 Woburn St, Reading MA 300 Haverhill St, Reading MA Saturday: 4:00PM Saturday: 4:00PM Sunday: 7:30AM ~ 9:00AM ~ 11:00AM ~ 5:30PM Sunday: 9:00AM ~ 11:00AM Daily Mass: 9:00AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday Daily Mass: 9:00AM on Tuesday, Thursday First Saturday Mass: 9:00AM

Clergy Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults St. Agnes /St. Athanasius Administrator: (RCIA) Rev. Stephen B. Rock, 781-944-0490, ext 12 email: [email protected] For anyone interested in becoming Catholic and for Catholics Parochial Vicar: who have not been confirmed, please call either St. Agnes or St. Athanasius Parish Office.

Rev. Lambert Nieme, 781-944-0490, ext 18 email: [email protected] Altar Servers (For Youth in Grades 3 and up) Senior Priest: St. Agnes Contact: Michelle Goldner, 508.942.9788 Rev. Edward T. Malone, 781-944-0490, ext 11 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] St. Athanasius Contact: Brad Agostinelli email: [email protected]

Deacons: Gluten Issues Deacon Bill Reidy, [email protected] Please see a Priest or Deacon before Mass. Deacon Neil Sumner, [email protected]

Deacon Matt Baltier, [email protected] Mass Intentions, Mass Cards Saint Agnes Parish Council Call the Parish Office to schedule

Fr. Steve Rock (Chair), Steve Goldner (Vice Chair), Bob Finigan, Janet Davidson-Dee, Jane Fiore, Joanne Prayer Tree Requests (St. Agnes) Metzger, Heidi O’Connor, Jim O’Leary, Paul Lannon, Contact the office or Information Table, or place note in the David Ventola Blessed Sacrament Chapel Prayer basket. Copies of the Prayer

Tree are at the church exits. Saint Athanasius Parish Council

Fr. Steve Rock (Chair), Chris Scozzari (Vice Chair), Sanctuary Light Intention (St. Agnes) James Dudley, Lisa Tavoletti, James Taylor, Ed Fitzpatrick, Call St. Agnes Parish Office Jody Roffi, Fred Santossuosso, Rosemarie Delacy, Chrissy Cerratani Eucharistic Adoration (St. Agnes)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Friday 9:30am-12Noon | First Friday 9:30am-9:00pm Fridays during Lent and Advent, 9:30am-9:00pm

781-258-8767 St. Vincent de Paul is known as the "Apostle of Charity" Prayer Corner (St. Athanasius) dedicating his life to the service of the poor. Today, the Call the St. Athanasius Parish Office or email at Reading Catholic Community carries on his work: some of [email protected] to add or renew a name of us contribute time, some talent and others treasure in the your loved ones.

confidential support of our Reading neighbors. Please call us if we can help you. Parish Registration

Hospital Chaplain Welcome to our Parish. Please call the Parish Office or visit our Winchester Hospital Chaplain: Mary Beth Moran, website’s Newcomers Tab. 781.756.2295

Bulletin Submissions Are due by Monday at 9AM for print in the upcoming weekend’s bulletin. Email submissions to: [email protected] notices you wish for the St. Agnes News sections of the bulletin [email protected] for notices you wish for the St. Athanasius News sections of the bulletin

Page 2 February 24, 2019 SAINT AGNES PARISH SAINT ATHANASIUS PARISH

1 8 6 W OBURN S T , R EADING M A 0 1 8 67 3 0 0 H AVERHILL S T , READING M A 0 18 6 7 Office Hours: Mon-Fr, 9:30am-3:30pm Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Office 781.944.0490 • • Fax 781.944.4403 Office 781.944.0330• Fax 781.944.1266 Website: www.StAgnesReading.org Website: www.StAthanasiusReading.org Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Director, Faith Formation: Paula Colpitts Administrative Office Manager: Kerry Basford email: [email protected], ext 23 email: [email protected] Director, Parish Life: John Canning, ext 10 Administrative Assistant: Luann Barretto email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Parish Office Manager: Jacqueline Steele, ext 22 Director, Religious ed: Jo-Ann Rossi email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Director, Music Ministry: David Colpitts, ext 17 Rel Ed Administrative Assistant: Michele Barrette email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Business Manager: Janine Castro Business Manager: Janine Castro email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Faith Formation (Grades 1-10): Music Director: Marcia Cutlip [email protected], 781.944.4552 email: [email protected]

Sacraments: Youth Ministry: Brad Agostinelli Baptism: email: [email protected]

1st & 3rd Sunday at 1pm Sacraments: 2nd & 4th Sunday at Sunday Mass (one per Baptism: 3rd Sunday at 1pm weekend) Baptism - Parent Meeting: 2nd Sunday at 1pm Baptism - Parent Meeting: 1st Friday at 7pm Parents must attend a baptism meeting prior to the Parents must attend a baptism meeting prior to the baptism. Call the Parish Office to schedule. baptism. Call the Parish Office to schedule. Marriage: Arrangements are made with a priest at Marriage: Arrangements are made with a priest at least six months in advance. least six months in advance. Reconciliation: Saturdays, 3:15pm-3:45pm Reconciliation: Saturdays, 2:45pm-3:45pm Anointing of the Sick: Notify the office when a (During Lent, Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm) person is seriously ill. Extraordinary Ministers are also available to bring the Eucharist to the homebound.

Please pray for the success of the St. Agnes/St. Athanasius Collaborative. May we open our hearts to allow the Holy Spirit to work within and among us. May we intentionally seek to lead others to Jesus through our actions and build His Church in our community.

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Please Pray for the Men and Women in Military Service AT = St. Athanasius God of compassion, we pray for our loved ones in the military, who offer themselves for AG = St. Agnes the sake of others and who are separated Saturday, February 23 from family and loved ones. 4:00 pm (AG) - John Joseph Griffin - 1st Anniversary Care for them, meet their needs. 4:00 pm (AT) - Mass for the People Grant them courage, compassion, strength, Sunday, February 24 and all they need for the living of these days. 9:00 am (AT) - Jean Perry Memorial Sustain them through their every trial. 11:00 am (AT) - Eleanor Colorusso Memorial Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. Tuesday, February 26

9:00 am (AT) - Jean Perry Memorial Please pray for all service members, and especially for: Thursday, February 28 Lt. Jared Peledge (US Army Reserves), 9:00 am (AT) - Helen Murphy Birthday Memorial Sgt. Jeff Peledge (US Army Rangers), Saturday, March 2 Spc. William T. Fisher (US Army), 4:00 pm (AG) - Vincent Schiller - 1st Anniversary LCPL Peter O’Connor (USMC), LCPL Dean Lepore 9:00am ( AT) - First Saturday Mass Cpl. Daniel Gonzales (US Marine Corps), 4:00 pm (AT) - Stephen Canty Birthday Memorial 1LT Nicholas Staffier (US Army), Sunday, March 3 LCPL Robert Ciaccio (USMC), 9:00 am (AT) - Mass for the People 2LT Luke Beaulieu (US Army), The 26th “Yankee” Brigade, 11:00 am(AT) - George Souza Birthday Memorial Brian Basso (US Army), Patrick Cavanaugh, 11:00 am (AG) - Robert & Mary O’Brien - Memorial Cpl. Brenden Amico, Justin Whitmarsh, PFC Michael Goddard, Chaplain Tom Whiteman, USMC Captain Zachary Johnson, Question 1st Lts. Ryan & Nolan Johnson, (US Army) of the Capt. Bryan Weadick, (US Army), PFC Christopher Lewis, week USMC Capt. Katie Sliwoski, 1LT Gregory Connery, 3rd How am I showing my mercy, my humanity to Infantry Div (US Army), Capt Matthew T. Connery, 10th others? Am I witnessing to the Mountain Div (US Army), 2nd Lieutenant Luke Sullivan (USMC) God-given Spirit within me?

Remember those in need of Prayers, Especially: Maryann Lucerto, Margaret Sumner, John Cadigan, Pat K & Family, JDF & Family, Patrick & Brianna, Rick Q, Trudy, Sean T, Dianne, Dina Luongo, Anne B, Katy, Bernadette, Bryan, Guarino Family, Robert D, Richard D, Steve R, Scot, Carla, Patrick M, Matthew, Paula, Marie M, Sheila S, Bob C, Rose, Dom, Daniel, Sandra Cadigan, Lindsey, Kelly G, Frank G, Ben Goodhue, Jeff Eble, Peter, James B, John M, Christine M, Sheila D, Richard Rossi, Dottie Dillon, Richard, Andrew, Thomas, Anna W, Mary M, Terry G, Larry Y, Marion M, Phil T, Beth O, Denise S, Martha K, Rosemary, Heather, Anne Marie, Barbara G, Tim Ervin & Family, Barbara, Daniel, Asher, Brian, Caitlyn, Sue, Jill, Frank Thomas, Ryan Smith, Johnson Family, Elliott Family, Olivia Harper Johnson, Malin Family, Danny, Joan B, Josephine S, Bob Curran, David W, Morgan L, Enzo, David, Chip Case, Ed S, Frank F, Eddie, Ed S, Marie M, Stephen O’Neill, Maddy M, Elijah & Family, Joel Rivera, Baby Wally, Nancy, Costa Family, David Brey, Holly Benson, Pitman Family, Baby Henry, Emma, Barbara, Cynthia Leonard, Pat Mcnulty , Debbie , David Whitney, Robert, Baby Owen Latorella, Richard Warmington , Haines Family, Linda DeHart, Janessa Murphy, Marsha M, Mike S,

These names will stay in the St. Athanasius Prayer Corner until Sunday, March 2 Call the St. Athanasius Parish Office or email at [email protected] to add or renew a name of your loved ones.

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Worship Wednesday: February 27, 2019 Please join us February 27, 2019 in the St. Agnes Upper Church from 7-8:15 PM for Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by prayerful and joyful contemporary worship and praise music. This APPEAL LAUNCH: Save the Date! Next weekend, month's Worship Wednesday will focus on God's we will be taking important steps to enrich many Love and Mercy. The beautiful Chaplet of Divine life-changing ministries and our parish Mercy as set to music will be integrated into the communities. Life Teen Youth Ministry and other beginning of our adoration. This simple prayer, religious education programs, Addiction Recovery promoted during his lifetime by St. Pope John Paul II Services, and Faith Community Nursing for our is known to offer comfort, peace, and a reliable homebound parishioners are among more than 50 means for offering our most challenging petitions to critical ministries supported by the 2019 Catholic Jesus in our personal prayer. We expect it to be Appeal. As we prepare to embark on this season of particularly powerful sung gently as a congregation in Lent, may you prayerfully consider supporting the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Whether you these important ministries. Your generosity have never prayed the Chapelet before or have provides nearly half the funding for these great prayed it a hundred times, no experience is needed. efforts, and every gift makes a difference. Please All are welcome. For more information please find more information about this life-changing contact Jim Fitzgerald at [email protected] or work in today’s bulletin insert or visit our website (339) 222-8377. at bostoncatholicappeal.org to view our latest video about the Appeal. Thank you! Scripture for the week of February 24 24 SUN 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23/1 Cor 15:45-49/ Lk 6:27-38 25 Mon Sir 1:1-10/Mk 9:14-29 Support of the Church around the 26 Tue Sir 2:1-11/Mk 9:30-37 World: February 24 Collection 27 Wed Sir 4:11-19/Mk 9:38-40

28 Thu Sir 5:1-8/Mk 9:41-50 This weekend we will take up a collection to help 1 Fri Sir 6:5-17/Mk 10:1-12 support the Church in those underdeveloped areas 2 Sat Sir 17:1-15/Mk 10:13-16 3 SUN Sir 27:4-7/1 Cor 15:54-58/Lk 6:39-45 of the world. Catholic Relief Services, the Church in Africa and in Central and Eastern Europe and three important national Catholic missions: the Military Reading Food Pantry Needs: February Caring for those in the Reading Community Archdiocese, Home Missions, and the Black and Indian Missions Your generosity will help fund the ~ Laundry Detergent ~ spiritual, educational and humanitarian needs of the ~ Snacks for Children ~ Church around the world. ~ Microwave Popcorn ~ ~ Instant Rice and Rice Pilaf ~ St. Athanasius takes up a second collection. ~ Kleenex ~ A portion of St. Agnes’ one collection will go toward the support of the Church around the world. CASH DONATION CAN BE SENT TO: READING FOOD PANTRY, 6 SALEM ST, READING, MA

Page 5 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time READING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

March 6, 2019 Today’s Gospel Reflection: The Real Mass Schedule Measure of Mercy

Jesus wants a great deal from us.

6:30AM Mass at St. Agnes During this sermon, He keeps urging us to do 9:00AM Mass at St. Agnes things that seem impossible from a human perspective. And they are. But He is not speaking only 3:00PM Ash Service at St. Athanasius as the Son of Mary, but also as the Son of God. If we 7:00PM Mass at St. Athanasius want to receive God’s mercy, knowing our own unworthiness, we must do all that our Lord asks of us. Abstinence (meals with no meat) is observed on Ash And that means being merciful to others: people we Wednesday for those 14 years and older. love and people we despise, people who care about us

and people who hate us. Whether we look down on Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday for those others from personal dislike or because of their over 18 and up to the beginning of their 60th year. beliefs, backgrounds or any other reason, we have Archdiocesan guidelines on fasting: “On this day, to make another choice. We have to change our way only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless of thinking, speaking and acting. We need to pay meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken attention to Christ’s message. “Stop judging and you according to each one’s needs, but together they will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not should not equal another full meal. Eating between be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed and fruit juices are allowed. together, shaken down, and overflowing” (Luke 6:37- 38).

God is never outdone in generosity. There is no sacrifice we can make that equals the gift of salvation Adult Faith Formation with Fr. Ed that our Redeemer won for us. And there is no prize Malone: “Lent” we can desire that equals the heaven He has planned Monday, February 25, 7:00PM at St. Agnes Parish for us. God loves us and He wants us to love each Center other. After all, He wants all of His beloved children to The New Evangelization means that our approach to live together for all eternity. Lent must broaden. We must use our focus of per- This week, let’s make a sincere effort to stop judging sonal growth to expand to Church growth and and condemning others. Let’s offer forgiveness to “give up” not chocolate, but our fear of sharing the anyone who hurts us. Then let’s turn these attitudes Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ. and actions into habits. Come, learn and share and join Fr. Ed Malone as he (http://blog.missio.org/missioninscripture) looks at Lent, it's origin, traditions and it's purpose.

Page 6 February 24, 2019 SAINT AGNES PARISH NEWS

Calendar of Events Baby Bottles to Support The Saturday, February 23 Pregnancy Care Center and 7:00 am - Men’s Group - Lower Church the Sanctity of Human Life 9:00 am - Debtors Anonymous - Parish Center 1st Floor 2:45 pm - Sacrament of Reconciliation - Lower Church Sunday, February 24 Reminder: As a family, fill the Baby Bottles with a 10:15 am - Faith Formation Grade 1 and 2 check (made payable to PCC), cash or coins, and 3:45 pm - Boy Scout Troop Mtg - Parish Center 1st Floor return them to the church no later than Sunday, 4:00 pm - Confirmation -I GROUP B 6:30 pm - Confirmation II- GROUP A March 10. As you will see from the insert inside the Monday, February 25 bottle, you may list the name and address of 12:30 pm - AA - Lower Church someone you wish to honor. The center will send a 3:45 pm - Faith Formation, Grade 5 5:00 pm - Faith Formation, Grades 6, 7, 8 special card to them showing that you have made a 7:00 pm - Adult Faith Formation with Fr. Ed - Parish Ctr gift for life in their honor. This insert also describes 7:00 pm - Adult Choir Rehearsal your opportunity to become a monthly partner, a 7:00 pm - boy Scout PLC Mtg - Parish Center 1st Floor “Friend of Life” with the PCC. Tuesday, February 26 3:45 pm - Faith Formation, Grade 3 5:00 pm - Faith Formation, Grade 4 7:00 pm - Reading POWR - Parish Center 2nd Floor Welcoming Sunday March 3 7:00 pm - Tuesday Evening Rosary - Church Following the 7:30AM, 9:00AM and 11:00AM Masses 7:00 pm - Youth AA - Lower Church ~ All Are Welcome ~ Wednesday, February 27 10:00 am - Playgroup - Lower Church Coffee & Doughnuts will be served in the Parish 1:15 pm - Faith Formation, Grade 1 and 2 Center (2nd Floor) ~ Hosted by Haiti Group 7:00 pm - Worship Wednesday - Upper Church Thursday, February 28 Friday, March 1 9:30am-9:00pm - First Friday Adoration February 17, 2019 Weekly Offertory 7:00 pm - Parent Baptism Mtg - Parish Center Office Total Week Income $ 9,791 Saturday, March 2 7:00 am - Men’s Group - Lower Church Weekly Income Requirement $ 14,807 9:00 am - St. Vincent de Paul - Parish Center 3rd Floor Surplus (Deficit) $ 5,016 9:00 am - Debtor’s Anonymous - Parish Center 1st Floor 5:30 pm - Reading Clergy Assoc Community Dinner - Parish Center 2nd Floor 2:45 pm - Sacrament of Reconciliation - Lower Church Sunday, March 3 - Welcoming Sunday First Friday Eucharistic Adoration NO FAITH FORMATION MORNING SESSION CLASSES 3:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop Mtg - Parish Center 1st Floor Friday, March 1 4:00 pm - Confirmation -I GROUP A 9:30AM until 9:00PM

6:30 pm - Confirmation II- GROUP B A time to sit quietly and be in the presence of God.

Page 7 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time SAINT ATHANASIUS PARISH NEWS ST. ATHANASIUS SMALL GROUPS Attention Any and All Parishioners !! Small group meetings for LENT built on our successful Advent program are being prepared.

The program will consist of 6 beautiful presentations on THE MASS given by Bishop Barron.

(All of which should be completed before Holy Week) We may think we know and understand the mass but Bishop Barron challenges us to learn more about and enrich our appreciation of thePRIVILEGED ENCOUNTER with God that the Mass truly is. Why not plan to start your own group?

WATCH THE BULLETIN FOR DETAILS OR SPEAK TO DEACON NEIL OR ELLEN TERRY

BELONG - STEUBENVILLE EAST YOUTH CONFERENCE (LOWELL, MA) We are offering a small group of teens ( grades 8-12) the opportunity to attend the annual Steubenville Youth Conference in Lowell MA on 7/12/19 - 7/14/19 . Please find more information about this potential life changing experience for our young people at https: //lifeteen.com/events/steubenville - east/ The deadline is Sunday 3-31-19 , to submit the deposit ($50) , registration and waiver form. If interested, please contact our youth minister Brag Agostinelli at [email protected]

THANK YOU Saint Athanasius !! from the Mission of Deeds Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel ! Mission of Deeds is so blessed by the extraordinary generosity of the parishioners at the recent linens drive. Many, many needy individuals and families will benefit greatly from this wonderful spirit of giving. Mission of Deeds received so many much needed items such as new pillows & new and used small kitchen appliances and utensils. These are the items we truly needed at this point. God bless you, Bruce Murison, Executive Director

SATURDAY NIGHT CLUB

Game Night and Floral Arranging were a great success as SAVE THE DATE… LADIES PRIZE BINGO !! so many participated at our past Saturday Night Club activity.If you couldn't make it, consider our March event: Sunday , April 7th 6:00pm in the PAC ST. PATRICK'S DAY POT LUCK SUPPER & ALL ARE WELCOME !!! FAMILY FEUD (You don't have to bring a family to play) Watch Bulletin for details and sale of tickets. Saturday, March16th at St. Athanasius PAC 6:30- 9:00 Contact Jody Roffi [email protected] with questions 781-942-1341 Bring a friend to share in the fun. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Page 8 February 24, 2019 SAINT ATHANASIUS PARISH NEWS

FIRST SATURDAY MASS SPECIAL DONATIONS Please Join Us! Bread & Wine: First Saturday Mass In Memory of Jean Perry For the Blessed Mother Week of 2-24 -19 Saturday, March 2nd ,9am In Memory of Stephen Canty Week of March 3rd RICE BOWLS — ENCOUNTER LENT

Join our faith community and more than 14,000 Catholic OFFERTORY & WEEKEND ATTENDANCE communities across the US in a life changing Lenten jour- ney of encounter, with CRS Rice Bowl. These will be given Weekend of Feb 16/17 out the week of Feb 25th in all religious ed classes. In ad- Attendance: 408 dition to class, they will be available in the back of the church. Please join us during the 40days of Lent, as we will Offertory: $ 5700 encounter the needs of the world.

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