July 2014 Volume 18 Issue 3 The Newsletter of St. Mary Parish Family, Franklin MA

Continuing to Give Back Listening

by Karen Ackles and Rita Graci Kristin Graci was diagnosed with by Joan McGuire Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April Each year our ninth and tenth grade We are in the liturgical season called 2008 at the very young age of nine- students are required to do community Ordinary Time. I have sometimes heard teen. Kristin had to leave Arizona service as part of their two- year Con- it called “a season without a reason.” State University during her fresh- firmation Program. The purpose is to It seems in these frantic times if we are man year of college to come back to encourage our young people to realize not constantly rushing about we are Franklin to confirm her diagnosis the importance of giving back to their wasting time. It is no wonder that this and start treatment at Dana Farber community and the people in it. Many season is not taken seriously. Cancer times this brings Institute. them back to a This is a quiet time to sit back and appre- The Graci school they once ciate all the gifts we have received from family has attended, a sports a loving God during the other liturgical been a team that has been seasons, member of important to them Advent and Christmas season - the the Franklin or a community Word was made flesh and dwelt among and St. event that they us Mary’s find interesting. Lent - the opportunity to watch Jesus in Community Every so often we His ministry of service and thereby for thirty find students who learning how we should treat our broth- years and really embrace a ers and sisters - God's other children. now more cause and contin- Easter time - His three farewell gifts - than ever ue to want to give the gift of His Body and Blood in the needed the back long after Eucharist, the gift of immortality in support of Confirmation has heaven - the Resurrection, and the gift of taken place. This everyone. L-R: James Perrault, Cameron Cooney, the Paraclete to guide us along our earth- is the case for Christopher Bethoney, Jordan Whitney, Justin Graci Kristin un- ly path back to our heavenly home. several of our stu- derwent her dents who actually continued their first induction round of chemothera- Is this season really long enough? cause all through college and are still py in April 2008 and achieved her making a difference each day. It is our first remission. In June 2008 she I had the great good fortune to have as hope that after reading this story more received another round of chemo- my mentor a Biblical scholar, Fr. Ste- of our young people will want to be- therapy to keep her in remission phen Doyle O.F.M who was also my come involved in ways where they can while the Bone Marrow Registry guide on my first trip to the Holy Land. make a huge impact - time to think searched for a perfect match in order Each evening he prepared us for the next “outside of the box” and make a dif- to perform a Bone Marrow day's spiritual adventure by giving us an ference. (Continued on page 7) (Continued on page 6)

Hundreds of Signs of a Dynamic Parish page 2 inside... Notes From Father Brian page 3 Feast of St. Rocco Schedule page 4 The Friends of the Poor® Walk page 4 Page 2 Families’ Hundreds of Signs of a Dynamic Parish Corner by John M. Ristaino a seat and waited for the evening’s pro-

It was Christmas 2013 when everyone gram to begin. by Katherine Ginnetty attending a Christmas Mass here at St. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatev- Mary received a gift from the parish. The Those who assembled that evening were er you do, do all to the glory of God.” gift was a book. It was a simple gift, one divided into four groups. Each group rep- given out of love for our Catholic faith and resented one of the signs of a dynamic 1 Corinthians 10: 31 our parish family. The book’s title, ‘The Catholic identified by Matthew Kelly. Four Signs of A Dynamic Catholic,’ was Everyone got to choose the topic they Let no one, then, pass judgment on you one which foretold its contents. The wished to discuss further. Pandora Carluc- in matters of food and drink or with Christmas gift from the parish came with ci had the daunting task of introducing and regard to a festival…These are shadows the invitation and encouragement to read summarizing the evening to those present of things to come.” 2 Colossians: 16-17 the book and to then share the book with that night. Terry Kerr led us musically. others; Catholics and non-Catholics, mem- Fathers Brian, Jack and Anthony were What are the two related summer time bers of St. Mary Parish as well as members present as well. Father Anthony led us in festivals in Franklin? Pentecost, in June, of other parishes. This Christmas gift was prayer. Father Brian, as Pastor of our par- and St. Rocco, in August, because they one which kept on giving and giving each ish, welcomed everyone. Each of the are both festivals of food. Every year in time it was shared. priests rotated between all the groups in August, the faith family of St. Mary order to hear the wonderful exchange of Parish and neighbors and friends gather Author Matthew Kelly identified Prayer, thoughts, ideas and questions. to celebrate with delicious food the in- Study, Generosity, and Evangelization as tercession of the venerated Italian saint, the four signs of dynamic Catholics. These Katie McNeice was the group leader for Rocco, who is a patron of the sick. This four qualities were utilized as a framework those who selected the topic of “Prayer.” I summer we are already looking forward for further discussion, learning and sharing facilitated the discussion on “Study.” to the Saturday healing Mass and a vari- by Father Anthony and a team of parish- Marty Dietrich led the group which dis- ety of Italian food, pastries, rides and cussed “Generosity.” Lisa Oxford facili- ioners who created an event for all who games at the festival August 7th through tated those who chose to explore were interested in exploring the book’s the 10th. “Evangelization.” The reflections, discus- contents further. This event was held on a cold winter’s night in late February. Hun- sions, questions and ideas shared in each The Jewish people celebrated with food dreds of St. Mary Parishioners attended the group were rich and varied. Each small th event held at Franklin High School. the group quickly created a bond based on our on the 50 day after Passover, which is faces and voices present were representa- Catholic faith. Although some came into the origin of the name of their festival, tive of actively engaged parishioners, unin- the evening as strangers all left with new Pentecost. They believed it was proper volved parishioners, longtime parishioners, friends. to bring to God the first fruits of their new parishioners, Catholics who had been wheat harvest. You might want to read continuously practicing our faith as well as Katie, Marty, Lisa and I presented a sum- to your children about the feast as it is parishioners who had recently returned to mary of our group’s discussion. Facilitated mentioned in the Old Testament in Exo- regular worship. It was a gathering of our by Pandora Carlucci, this was a remarka- dus 34:22, Leviticus 23:15-22, Deuter- Parish family. And a beautiful family it is! ble sharing of faith. The fellowship of the onomy 16:16, 2 Chronicles 8:13 and evening continued with wonderful refresh- Ezekiel 1. Paula Coughlin and Nancy Rafter greeted ments. Karen Ackles and Dolores Brunelli and welcomed those who came out that deliciously hosted this portion of the even- From the New Testament, Acts 2, verse night. With a program booklet, a name tag ing. Those present were also given the 5 says, “Now there were devout Jews and maybe a copy of the book, they found opportunity to become more active in our from every nation staying in Jerusalem.” parish. As a result we have trained new Because it was such an important and

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Religious joyous event in their calendar, Jewish The Weave Education Teachers and other volunteers. people from all over the world had trav- Published three times a year elled to Jerusalem for their Pentecost (February, July The spirit and energy of the night was so and November) celebration. The apostles were among by Saint Mary Parish, Franklin MA wonderful that there were many requests these visitors, gathered in a room, when

to conduct further sessions to share and the Holy Spirit descended on them. Parish Publishing explore the concepts introduced in the Publisher Father Brian Manning When the apostles, who had been filled Editor Joan McGuire book. As a direct result of that demand, Layout Editor Paula Coughlin four evenings of reflection and sharing with the Holy Spirit, came out into the Contributing Editors: streets from the room and began to Karen Ackles were created. Each night dealt with one of Rev. Michael Alfano the “signs” identified by Matthew Kelly. “proclaim,” it startled the many travel- Katherine Ginnetty These sessions were held in Sacred Heart ers who heard the words spoken in their Rita Graci languages. Acts 2 records the visitors Terry Kerr Hall, located in the Lower Church. Each Nan Rafter (Continued on page 6) (Continued on page 4) Page 3

Notes from Father Brian View From the Pew

by Father Brian Manning palms. We celebrated his Last Supper by Joan McGuire

At our 40th Anniversary Mass of our and the Institution of Eucharist and the Are You God's Partner?

Ordination to the Priesthood celebrat- Priesthood. We commemorated His As I peruse any Catholic magazine I in- ed at Saint Mary’s on Sunday June 8, Death on Good Friday. We joined to variably come across an advertisement Father Jack in his homily sharpened celebrate His Resurrection at the Easter that blares out in big letters “DO YOU quite clearly for all of us the meaning Vigil on Holy Saturday or at Easter Sun- HAVE A VOCATION?” It is accompa- and purpose of our lives. Father Jack day Masses. We recently remembered nied by pictures of priests, sisters and spoke about the magnificent stained his Ascension into heaven and the send- brothers all smiling serenely into the glass window in our sanctuary above ing of the Holy Spirit to give us power camera. There are days when these pic- the main altar. He described how the and life to live His Teachings and tures are very enticing. Being old enough central person and largest figure in the Words. Did you know that at Christmas to have memorized and recited the Balti- scene is Jesus. Also in this poignant over twelve thousand people came more catechism page by page, I have scene are Mary, His mother and Saint through our Church doors? Did you some questions concerning the John, the Beloved Disciple, each know that from Palm Saturday at 4 PM “exclusive vocation” bit. I believe we all standing on either side of Jesus on the until Easter Sunday at 1 PM, almost fif- have the same vocation, “To know, love Cross. Father Jack reminded us that as teen thousand people came to our ser- and serve God in this world.”(Baltimore believers, we are followers of Jesus vices and masses? Did you know that Catechism page 1). How we give this Christ. He is central to our lives. As over four hundred and fifty people vol- service depends on our life path. Some Mary looks upon her son in hope with unteered during our Holy Week at Ser- spiritual writers call this our “avocation.” her hands up in prayer and John looks vices and Masses? My mother would have put it simply away in sadness or sorrow with his “Bloom where God plants you and stop hands down in prayer, we discover by Why did people come each week or for complaining.” this magnificent religious portrait in the major religious feasts? Why did peo- ple give of their time, their hearts and God's invitation into a life - giving rela- our window that all of us must focus tionship is often unexpected and can turn on Jesus in light of who we are in the their help in service? It is because of Jesus. As Mary and John responded in our lives upside down. Just as friends ways that we are. We know Mary and deepen their knowledge of one another John are both faithful to Jesus, but we their own personal way, we too must respond in our personal way. We come when they spend time in mutual conver- need to remember and respect that sation so does prayer with God. Our abil- each is faithful in her or his own dis- because Jesus is central in our lives. We come because it is only at Mass is Jesus ity to serve depends on attitude not on tinctive way. We of Saint Mary’s Par- age or status. I learned this lesson from a ish, even all members of the Catholic most fully present to us in Sacred Scrip- ture and in the Holy Eucharist. From child in the first grade. Church, must recognize that all of us must respond to seeing Jesus in our high above the altar the eyes of Jesus are It was my first year teaching and by No- lives. We must always recognize that upon us as we leave Mass to live his vember the children had settled down to Jesus is central and proclaim this in Words and Teachings. How graced we the schedule and had gathered into ways that are authentic to us and faith- are that we may see and hear our God friendship groups according to interests. ful to Jesus. and that He also sees and hears us. A new student arrived. She was a little girl from India who had just been adopt- During this past Liturgical year which ed by a childless couple in the parish. I began with the First Sunday in Ad- introduce Mica to the class and asked vent, we have been listening to the them to make her welcome. At snack story of Jesus Christ each week in the time as the children scurried up for their Feast of Saint Rocco Gospel. Mainly we have been listening milk and cookies one little boy went over Liturgical Services to the Gospel of Matthew. We began to Mica took her by the hand, led her to the weekly Gospel reading with those Sunday, August 3 the snack table and helped her to get a who foretold of his birth, then his ac- Opening Mass 10:30am container of milk and a cookie. He took tual birth at Bethlehem and then his her over to join his group of friends for Saturday,Don’t AugustForget 9 Baptism in the Jordan which was the the rest of recess. By the end of the day Mass and Sacrament of beginning of his public ministry. We the anxiety on Mica's face was replaced CaringAnointing Tree of the presents Sick heard week in and week out his many by a smile and she was answering the 10:00am are due on the back festival grounds Teachings and also how he healed and many questions about her mysterious cared for the people who were search- Sunday, by August 10 homeland. ing for him. We heard in very fine DecemberClosing Mass 10:30am At that moment I saw the reality of the detail the story of his entrance into followed 8th. by the Procession of the St. words of Gerard Manley Hopkins, “The Jerusalem with the people waving Rocco statue to the festival grounds world is charged with the grandeur of God.” Page 4

Mark Your Parish Feast of St. Rocco Friends of the ® Calendar Schedule of Events Poor Walk

July 13 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 As you are filling in your calendars July 20 Baptisms, 1:30 36th Annual for September, please write “SVdP July 22 Mass at nursing home Feast of St. Rocco Friends of the Poor® Walk” on Sat., July 27 Baptisms, 1:30 August 3-10 Sept. 27. Aug. 3 Opening Mass of the Feast of  From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. St. Rocco, 10:30am August 3 Aug. 7 Feast of St. Rocco - Rides  Everything you need to register Opening Mass open at 6pm; limited food is at www.stmarysfranklin.org. booths open 10:30 in the church  Or step up and register on Walk Aug. 8 Feast of St. Rocco- 6-11pm; day. all food booths and rides open Thursday, August 7  Begin in Sacred Heart Hall Aug. 9 Anointing Mass under the tent 6pm-10pm (lower level of church) and walk on the St. Rocco field, 10am All rides open a total of 3 miles along Oak St. Aug. 9 Feast of St. Rocco - 11am- Limited food booths open  Collect pledges in advance and 11pm turn in on Walk day. Aug. 9 Chocolate Chip Cookie Friday, August 8 Contest  Counts toward community ser- 7pm-10pm Aug. 10 Closing Mass for the Feast of vice hours All rides and food booths open St. Rocco, 10:30am Let’s all step up to raise funds to help Aug. 10 Feast of St. Rocco 12-9pm Entertainment on the bandstand individuals and families put food on Aug. 10 Raffle Drawing at 8:30pm by The Reminisants Aug. 13 Mass at Forge Hill the table, stay in their homes, keep Aug. 14 Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Saturday, August 9 the lights on, heat their homes, find Assumption, 4pm 10am shelter, pay for prescriptions, provide Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption of Anointing Mass and for their children, and stay positive. the Blessed Virgin Mary Sacrament of the Sick Together, we are making a differ- Masses: 7am, 9am, 7:30pm on the festival grounds ence. Aug. 17 Baptismal Catechesis, 1:30 Aug. 24 Baptisms, 1:30 11am-11pm Aug. 26 Mass at nursing home All rides and food booths open Aug. 31 Baptisms, 1:30 Chocolate Chip Sept. 7 Baptisms, 1:30 ...Families Corner Cookie Contest Sept. 7 5pm Youth Mass resumes DJ Bobby Costello 12-6pm Sept. 10 Mass at Forge Hill (Continued from page 2) Sept. 23 Mass at nursing home Violet the Clown 3-5pm saying, “We are Parthians, Medes and Sept 27 Friends of the Poor Walk Sea Breeze, 6-10pm st Elamites, inhabitants of Meopotamia, Oct. 5 1 Grand Annual Weekend Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Oct. 8 Mass at Forge Hill Sunday, August 11 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the Oct. 12 Baptisms, 1:30 Closing Mass of St. Rocco Oct. 19 Baptisms, 1:30 districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as 10:30am in the church travelers from Rome…Cretans and Ar- Oct. 26 Baptisms, 1:30 Followed by procession with the Oct. 28 Mass at nursing home abs…how does each of us hear them in statue to the festival grounds Nov. 1 Mass of Remembrance, 11am his own native tongue?” Then Peter began Nov. 2 2nd Grand Annual Weekend to preach and by the end of the day, Nov. 2 Baptisms, 1:30 12noon-9pm Scripture tells us that about three thou- Nov. 9 Baptisms, 1:30 All rides and booths open sand people accepted the good news of Nov. 16 Baptisms, 1:30 Entertainment on the bandstand Jesus Christ. Similar to other “shadows of Nov. 23 Baptisms, 1:30 DJ Bobby Costello 12-4pm, 7-9pm things to come” that are mentioned in the Nov. 25 Mass at nursing home Violet the Clown 3-5pm Old Testament, the Holy Spirit descended Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Day Jerry Secco 4-7pm Mass at 8am on the Jewish harvest feast of Pentecost, Raffle drawing at 8:30pm and the Apostles began to “harvest” new souls for the kingdom of God. Perhaps some visitors who witness the love and service poured into making the St. Rocco Festival successful may be in- spired to know the power of the Holy Spirit. If your family has never been in- volved, make this the year - come help flip hamburgers - all for the glory of God. Page 5

Happy American Family Day by Nan Rafter, Parish Nurse was a child, mealtime was a place to to improve their ability to cope with share the joys of our day. Now Did you know that the first Sunday in stressors: mealtime is whenever you can catch a August is Happy American Family Day? bite to eat. When families do get time I never knew this but when I found out I We can pray for God’s guidance to help to eat together, cell phones are being decided this is good news that I need to care for our family and then pray for one checked for messages and video games celebrate and share with others. It also another. In I Thessalonians. 5:17 we are are being played. It has become more coincides with our St Rocco Family Fes- told to “pray without ceasing.” We can difficult to relate to each other as a fam- tival…A place where families share time place our trust in God that our families ily and this can cause stress. (June together, eat great food, create wonderful can handle the pressures and feelings of Cleaver would never allow this to hap- memories and be happy. helplessness and with His help and the pen at her dinner table!) help of others, identify the resources we

Unfortunately, it seems that families are need. Often, workable solutions are Stress in the family is related to many struggling to be happy. Our home situa- within our grasp! different factors. The roles of men and tions are changing on a daily basis. woman are changing. In many families, “Stress” has taken over our lives and not It is important to develop a realistic plan both adults work outside of the home only affects us as individuals but as a for resolving our problems and then stick and are caring for both young children family. When one person in the family is to it. Seek outside help and spiritual and and older parents. Young adult children affected this in turn has an effect on social support. Seeking out help is a sign are moving back home due to financial many aspects of family life. Families can of family strength because it means we reasons or some family members live learn how to deal with the day to day are committed to resolving our prob- far apart, which can add additional stressors they face so it can make for a lems. stress to the family. Just the busyness of happier home. everyday life can leave little time or May all of our families be blessed with energy to invest in family time. Finan- Stressors which trigger the stress re- joy and peace. cial concerns continue to be a major sponse can be anything from vacations, cause of family conflict with the ever work demands, financial constraints, increasing pressure to “make ends health problems/worries, or family/work meet.” conflicts. Our lives today seem to be filled with stressors. I remember when I The Foods of St. Rocco There are several things families can do Manicotti Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan PARISH COMMUNICATION Meatball Subs This parish is very large and active. It is important for us to be able to give you accurate infor- Sausage Subs mation and for you to be able to contact us as needed. If you wish to contact anyone at the rec- Spaghetti & Meatballs tory we can be reached by phone, 508-528-0020; Fax, 508-528-1641; or email. Here are email Cold Cut Subs addresses for the clergy, Religious Education and rectory staff: Calzones Father Brian Manning: [email protected] Pizza Father Jack Sullivan: [email protected] Stuffed Quohogs Father Anthony Le: [email protected] Clam Cakes Karen Ackles:[email protected] Fried Clams Jayne Malonson: [email protected] Fried Scallops Liz Bertoni: [email protected] Clam Chowder Patricia Murphy: [email protected] Chicken Fingers Hamburgers & Hot Dogs Paula Coughlin: [email protected] French Fries Claire Perry: [email protected]. Onion Rings Paulette Thomas: [email protected] Mozzarella Sticks Nan Rafter: [email protected] Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Terry Kerr, Music Director: [email protected] 508-541-3286 Italian Pastries If your parish group or organization would like to place a notice in the bulletin, we must re- Cannoli ceive it in writing by 5pm Sunday afternoon for the following weekend. Information can also Belgian Waffles be submitted for inclusion on the parish website at any time. Bulletin or website information Toasted Ravioli can be emailed to [email protected] If your organization is planning to use any parish facilities, such as the church, church hall, *New this year* lower church meeting rooms or the school, for your meetings, events, etc. it is necessary that Apple Crisp in the Belgian Waffle booth you call and reserve the time and place that you want. This is the only way that you can be 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 8-10 information available there. Page 6

St. Mary’s Music Notes!! ...Hundreds of Signs of a Dynamic Parish

(Continued from page 2) assembled and called upon us as a parish to by Terry Kerr of the facilitators led the evening’s discus- continue.

sion on the topic they had covered in Feb- Adult Choir: The St. Mary Adult Choir ruary. Dozens of people attended these has completed their 2013-2014 season Father Brian heard this news, saw this ener- sessions. Some came to each and every gy and excitement, and presented his insights with much success, and is taking a well- session. Some attended a few while others to the Parish Council in May. As a result of deserved summer rest! The Triduum, East- attended just one. Everyone made time as th the thousands of parishioners and friends of er Season, and the 40 Anniversary of Or- they could to explore prayer, study, gener- St. Mary Parish who read and shared the dination Liturgy for Father Brian and Fa- osity and evangelization. Faith, food, fel- book ‘The Four Signs of A Dynamic Catho- ther Jack were all done so wonderfully, lowship, friendship and fun were shared lic,” the hundreds of those who attended the further enhancing each liturgy through and enjoyed at each of these sessions. five book discussion sessions and those who prayerful song. What exciting times for supported the process with prayer; St. Mary the Music Program at St. Mary Parish! As these smaller group sessions continued, Parish will be instituting a series of educa- requests for more educational forums and tional opportunities to learn about and share As you are enjoying the beauty of your programs were raised by those in attend- our Catholic faith. These learning opportuni- summer respite, please think about carving ance as well as those who could not make it ties will be explained and rolled out over the out time to sing in the Adult Choir this au- to the sessions. Our Catholic Faith is so coming months. Please keep an eye out in tumn. The Adult Choir rehearses on rich and vast people wanted the opportuni- the parish bulletin and website for the de- Thursday Evenings in the Upper Church ties to learn more. The “Study” group had tails. Choir Loft from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. and identified that learning about our Catholic sings at the 10:30 a.m. Liturgy on Sunday faith never really ends. Learning is a jour- Christmas 2013 saw a simple gift of love mornings. ney. Sometimes we rest along the journey given to those who attended Mass at St. but after some time, we all journey on. The Mary. This gift of love was shared with pa- Enjoy the summer! “Prayer” group’s sharing brought to light rishioners and non-parishioners alike. It that we all pray in different ways, for dif- opened the doors to faith sharing and explo- ferent reasons but that all prayer is mean- ration. It created new friendships, new minis- ingful and that the practice of prayer ters and new opportunities to learn and to Children’s Choir: The St. Mary Chil- changes and deepens as we journey in dren’s Choir also had a very successful share. This simple gift of love opened many faith. Those who discussed “Generosity” minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit leads us to season! They did such an amazing job realized that sharing our time, talent and new opportunities to love, live and learn singing at the Easter Liturgies and the 40th treasure with the parish is important and about our Catholic faith. Thank you for all Anniversary of Ordination of Father Brian that we each do what we can when we can. who helped in this process. The thousands and Father Jack. “Evangelization” discussions covered who read and shared the book, the hundreds many topics. One thread was that each of who attended the discussion sessions and If you are interested in having your child us, as Catholics, are daily living examples those who supported the process in prayer participate in the St. Mary Children’s of our faith to those with whom we live, are all signs of a very dynamic and alive Choir Program, please come to rehearsals work and interact. The Holy Spirit had Catholic parish! at St. Mary Church on Thursday after- opened the ears, minds and hearts of those noons in the Upper Church from 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The St. Mary Children’s Choir ...Listening sings on the first Sunday of each month at the 9:00 a.m. Mass and various other par- (Continued from page 1) ish liturgical celebrations throughout the assignment from scripture to study. One Then an earthquake shook the mountain year! particular scripture helped me to learn but God was not in the earthquake. After to listen to God. - (1Kings 19: 9-14). the earthquake came fire but God was We were to visit Mount Horeb the next not in the surging flames of fire, After day. This is where the prophet Elijah this there was a tiny whispering breath. fled to escape the wrath of Jezebel who When Elijah heard this he covered his 36th St. Rocco threatened to kill him. He prayed to God face and God spoke to him. Festival to show him what he was to do. A voice told him to go and stand at the at the For me, Ordinary Time is the season to August 7-10 opening of the cave on the mountain be quiet and listen. Some people say that because the Lord would be passing by. they do not know what God wants them A strong wind blew over the mountain to do in His service. Perhaps they are See You There! causing crushing stones to roll down the seeking a God who shouts rather than a mountain but God was not in the wind. God who whispers. Page 7

...Continuing to Give Back

(Continued from page 1) young member of St. Mary’s Parish Today, Kristin and the St. Mary’s Transplant for a possible cure for her decided to become a member of the Community, along with the communi- leukemia. In June the doctors called to registry. “When I was first approached ty of Franklin, continue to give back, let them know that a "perfect match" at UMASS Amherst to sign up to be a inspiring individuals to register in the had been found. Kristin underwent a bone marrow donor I thought nothing Bone Marrow Registry by holding bone marrow transplant in August of it. I signed up and gave a cotton bone marrow drives for Delete Blood 2008 where she received donated stem swab of my cheek without thinking Cancer in hopes to give other families cells from a perfect stranger registered twice. Little did I know that I would be a cure and more time to make memo- in the Bone Marrow Registry. Her do- called only three months later and told ries. Becoming a member of the Bone nor was a twenty-six year old young Marrow Registry is simple and lady from Europe. Kristin relapsed easy. Be a hero, save a life, join in March 2009 and achieved yet the registry to help others another remission. Kristin lost her fighting the battle of blood can- fight against leukemia after a two cer. year battle in April 2010. Ross continues to say, “From Justin Graci, Kristin’s brother, be- community service hours, volun- came involved with the organization teering at Vacation Bible School, Delete Blood Cancer in 2010 when CCD, and all the genuine people he graduated from Franklin High that surround me, it’s impossible and went on to UMASS Amherst. to grow up and not feel the con- The first bone marrow donor drive stant desire to help others. I look Justin attended was in memory of forward to September when I Kristin, “Kristin’s Celebration of will hear from the Bone Marrow Life,” which was held at the UMass Registry on the man’s progress. Amherst Campus. Until then all I can do is pray.” Justin shared with us, “the same friends who had saved my own life St. Mary’s is very happy to an- during the tragic loss of my sister at nounce that these former stu- the end of my senior year of high dents will be holding their next school would now go on to do even Bone Marrow Drive at our St. more for me.” Rocco Festival on August 8, 9, & 10. With St. Rocco being the Cameron Kuney, Christopher Patron Saint of the Sick, we all Bethony, James Perrault, Mary feel it will be an awesome addi- Cole, Sarah Plesh, Justin Dreng- tion to the festival and a great burg, Patrick Caulfield, Alex Kin- Ross Tanner as he donates his bone marrow. experience for all. It is our goal ney, Billy Welshoff and Brendan to register 2000 people during Welshoff, all members of the Franklin that I was a potential match for a per- the St. Rocco Festival. If we reach our Community and most of them mem- son with leukemia. I was shocked and goal, this will be one of the largest bers of St. Mary Parish as well, have nervous at first because the potential drives ever in the New England area. all been a huge part in the successful impact I could have on this one man’s drives over the past four years. “To life was overwhelming to me. I went Please visit deletebloodcancer.org for date, we have become nationally through several procedures and tests to more information on the Bone Marrow known as the #1 University for bone prepare for the donation (that needed to Registry. marrow registration with over 8,000 be done relatively quickly). Now that students registered. We have gone on the donation is over I can only hope St. Rocco to find twenty-seven life-saving match- and pray that the man’s body accepted Bone Marrow Registry Drive es from our efforts. The national aver- my donation and that he is on the road age for finding a match is 1 in 20,000, to recovery, and back to leading a nor- Friday, Aug. 8: 6 - 10p.m. but here at UMass our chance of find- mal healthy life like he once lived.” Sat., Aug. 9: 11a.m. - 10p.m. ing a match is 1 in 240,” said Justin. This is quite an amazing undertaking of Sunday, Aug. 10: 12 - 8p.m. During the UMASS drive held in the so many former St. Mary’s Religious spring of 2013, Ross Tanner, another Education students. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Page 8 The Seminarian Program at St. Mary’s

of the Church throughout the United ing for their eventual work as parish by Father Michael Alfano States. Its formation program targets the priests. Since the goal of priestly for-

learning requirements of second career mation is the development of the mind and For some years now Saint Mary Parish has seminarians, mature men between the heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd, these offered a wonderful learning experience to ages of 30 and 70, who believe that they pastoral learning experiences are crucial seminarians from Saint John XXIII Na- are being called to service to the Church for their vocations. Other internships, such tional Seminary in Weston, guided and in Holy Orders. as catechetical work in parish Religious mentored by Nan Rafter and the pastoral Education programs and apprenticeships staff. This past year your interns were Seminarians live, study, pray and minister with hospital chaplaincies, also hone nec- Jorge Rocha, from Rhode Island and Paul together, over the course of 4-5 years, essary skills. Schultz, from Wisconsin. They were with discerning the Lord’s call for them to you on most Tuesdays, making pastoral serve among His people as ordained As the seminary’s Director of Pastoral visits among the homebound, with those priests. Their professors and mentors as- Ministry I am truly grateful to Nan, to Fa- hospitalized in Milford, and with those in sist them in this process by increasing thers Brian and Jack, to the whole pastoral assisted living facilities. In their care- their appreciation of the Church’s faith, staff and to the parishioners of Saint Mary giving ministries, both Jorge and Paul their understanding of Catholic theologi- parish for the generous support consistent- learned how to be more pastorally aware cal and liturgical traditions, and their de- ly offered to Jorge and Paul for their of and present to the needs of parishioners velopment of the skill set needed for min- priestly formation. Also benefitting greatly and their families, particularly those who istering in parishes effectively in the 21st from this fine parish internship experience may be elderly, infirm in some way, or in century. will one day be the bishops and parishion- need of spiritual support. ers in Rhode Island and Wisconsin as the

While visiting here in Franklin on Tues- vocations of these two seminarians contin- Saint John XXIII National Seminary was days, both Jorge and Paul were adding ue to develop through their ministry with founded fifty years ago by Cardinal Cush- significantly to their “toolboxes,” prepar- Saint Mary parish. ing of Boston to serve the pastoral needs

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page 1 Continuing to Give Back page 2 Families’ Corner page 3 View from the Pew page 5 Happy American Family Day page 6 St. Mary’s Music Notes