* P!"#$% O&&#'( H)+"$
The Parish Offices remain closed un"l further no"ce. Our phones will be answered during the following hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays • 9 AM - 12 NOON Tuesdays and Thursdays • 2 PM - 5 PM
No phone hours on Fridays. Leave messages in general voice mail.
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.
P"!,(" L#-(
To have prayers said for yourself or a loved one, call the parish office and ask for ext. 223. A#er hours, press 4.
Monday - Friday at 3 PM • Chaplet at St. John Monday - Friday at 7 PM • Rosary at St. Mary
* D!#., D(/)0#)-$ LIVESTREAM S'%(1+.(
Monday - Friday • 7 AM at St. Mary/ 9 AM at St. John All Masses can be livestreamed
W((21!, M!$$ S'%(1+.( ("($("/!0#)-$ NOT "(4+#"(1)
St. Mary • Saturday at 4 PM/ Sunday at 7 AM and 11 AM St. John • Saturday at 4 PM/ Sunday at 9:30 AM and 6 PM All Masses can be livestreamed
W((2(-1 M!$$ S'%(1+.( ("($("/!0#)-$ "(4+#"(1)
* E+'%!"#$0#' A1)"!0#)-
Fridays • 4:30 - 5:30 PM • St. John Parking Lot
facebook.com/ChelmsfordCath instagram.com/chelmsfordcatholic
Mondays • 4:00 - 5:00 PM • St. John Wednesdays • 4:30 - 5:30 PM • St. Mary
* S!'"!6(-0 )& R(')-'#.#!0#)- ('+"7$#1( ')-&($$#)-)
Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative
- Matthew 16:24
St. Mary Church ● 25 North Road ● Chelmsford, 01824 St. John the Evangelist Church ● 115 Middlesex Street ● North Chelmsford, 01863
Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
August 30, 2020 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
* please read en"re bulle"n for poten"al schedule changes
Sunday, August 30
Weekend Liturgy • 7:00 am • St. Mary Weekend Liturgy • 9:30 am • St. John
Weekend Liturgy • 11:00 am • St. Mary Weekend Liturgy • 6:00 pm • St. John
Monday, August 31
Daily Mass • 7:00 am • St. Mary Daily Mass • 9:00 am • St. John
LIVEVIEW Chaplet of Divine Mercy • 3:00 pm Curbside Confessions • 4:00 - 5:00 pm
LIVEVIEW Rosary • 7:00 pm
Tuesday, September 1
Daily Mass • 7:00 am • St. Mary Daily Mass • 9:00 am • St. John
LIVEVIEW Chaplet of Divine Mercy • 3:00 pm LIVEVIEW Rosary • 7:00 pm
Wednesday, September 2
Daily Mass • 7:00 am • St. Mary Daily Mass • 9:00 am • St. John
LIVEVIEW Chaplet and Holy Hour • 3:00 pm Curbside Confessions • 4:30 - 5:30 pm
LIVEVIEW Rosary • 7:00 pm
Thursday, September 3
Daily Mass • 7:00 am • St. Mary Daily Mass • 9:00 am • St. John
LIVEVIEW Chaplet of Divine Mercy • 3:00 pm LIVEVIEW Rosary • 7:00 pm
Friday, September 4
Daily Mass • 7:00 am • St. Mary Daily Mass • 9:00 am • St. John LIVEVIEW Chaplet • 3:00 pm
Parking Lot Adoration • 4:30 - 5:30 pm LIVEVIEW Rosary • 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 5
Weekend Liturgy • 4:00 pm Mass • St. Mary Weekend Liturgy • 4:00 pm Mass • St. John
Sunday, September 6
Weekend Liturgy • 7:00 am • St. Mary Weekend Liturgy • 9:30 am • St. John
Weekend Liturgy • 11:00 am • St. Mary Weekend Liturgy • 6:00 pm • St. John
St. John Event St. Mary Event
A
RESERVATION REQUIRED for all weekend liturgies
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES: THE SPREAD OF THE KINGDOM
The Acts of the Apostles shows the Church—enlivened by the Holy Spirit—teaching, preaching, healing, and restoring the same way that Jesus did while on earth. This study discusses Christ’s Kingdom on earth and its empowerment to carry out His work in the world.
· Begins Monday, September 28: 10 am - 12 noon · Runs for 21 weeks, with breaks for the holidays · Materials MUST be ordered by September 4
REGISTER by emailing [email protected] and writing ACTS BIBLE STORY in the subject line. In the body of the email, include your name and best number to contact you so you can be contacted and given further information and a Zoom link for each Monday morning discussion.
COURSE MATERIALS for Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom Bible Study Program, Workbook—should be purchased directly by v i s i t i n g ascensionpress.com/collec"ons/acts-the-spread-of-the-kingdom. The cost of the study program is $39.95 plus tax, shipping and handling.
JESUS: THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE We will learn how Jesus is God Incarnate, fully divine and fully human. We’ll experience his intimacy with the Father, his revelation of the Father’s love, and his gift of the Holy Spirit to each of us. Most importantly, our encounter with Christ will empower us to know and love him in a new and life-changing way.
· Begins Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 pm · Runs for 10 weeks, with a Thanksgiving break · Materials MUST be ordered by September 21
REGISTER by emailing [email protected] and writing JESUS WAY TRUTH LIFE in the subject line. In the body of the email, include your name and best number to contact you so you can be contacted and given further information and a Zoom link for each Tuesday evening discussion.
COURSE MATERIALS for Jesus: The Way, The Truth and the Life—can be purchased directly by visiting ascensionpress.com/collec"ons/jesus-way-truth-and-life. The cost of the study program is $29.95 plus tax, shipping and handling.
Participants will independently view the video then meet via Zoom (by phone or computer) on ten Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm for a group discussion. Meetings will start on Tuesday, October 6th. Interested? Contact Tricia at (978) 807-6891 or [email protected] by Sunday, September 20th.
Due to the reduced Mass schedule, and the popularity of scheduling a Mass Intention for a loved one, the following procedures needed to be put into place. PLEASE READ THE BELOW GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE CALLING TO SCHEDULE YOUR INTENTION(S).
The first weekend—Friday-Sunday—of every month is earmarked as a Multiple Intention Weekend. Mass Intentions on this weekend can be scheduled as follows: · Up to 10 intentions will be scheduled per…
Friday 7 am St. Mary daily Mass Friday 9 am St. John daily Mass St. John and St. Mary Saturday 4 pm Masses Sunday 11 am St. Mary Mass Sunday 9:30 am St. John Mass
· No stipend is required for these Mass intentions
· Sunday St. Mary 7 am and St. John 6 pm Masses are strictly reserved for the People of the Parish
There is a LIMIT of 4 Mass intentions per person, per calendar year. This is a COMBINATION of single and multiple Mass intentions.
A s w e c o n t i n u e t o p r a c t i c e social-distancing, is there a ‘thought’ or reflection that you would like to share with us? If so, please email it to [email protected]. In the subject line, please reference
BULLETIN ARTICLE, and within the body of the email, please let me know if, in addition to publishing it in the bulletin, I have your permission to share it via Flocknote.
Thanks to all who have submitted and share with us! I believe I speak for all when I say that we truly enjoy reading your words. We continue to be amazed at the outpouring of faith and wisdom that you share with us. Again, active proof that we are bound together in our faith community—a true showing that we are really more alike than we are different. I continue to invite others to come forward, as the Spirit leads... Keep ‘em coming!
CORI Verification Days Wednesday, September 9 ● in person
Thursday, September 10 ● Zoom COVID-19 does not remove the requirement for all our volunteers to be CORI certified. What COVID-19 DOES remove is our ability to do it easily and without challenge. But we are prepared to make this as easy as possible for all who need to be verified for the 2020/21 year, especially our Faith Formation catechists.
For those of you with computer access, you can download, print and complete the CORI form ahead of time, but PLEASE DO NOT SIGN, AS YOUR SIGNATURE REQUIRES THE PRESENCE OF A STAFF MEMBER TO SERVE AS YOUR WITNESS. You can bring the unsigned form with you on the 9th for that verification WITH YOUR PHOTO ID. If you wish to schedule a time on the 9th of September to do this, please email [email protected] with your request by Friday, September 4th.
If you do not feel comfortable with an in-person ap-pointment, the Archdiocese has made accommodations for virtual verification. A Zoom meeting ID and password will be sent as we get closer to the September 10th date. Your CORI form will need to be in our possession NO LATER THAN September 8th. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE FORM as the Archdiocese will NOT accept unsigned documents. Please mail to the attention of Rae at the parish offices.
Lastly, you can have your CORI form notarized. If this is what you choose to do, simply mail in the notarized form, again, to the attention of Rae at the parish offices.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
If you do NOT have computer access, forms will be left in the ‘bulletin boxes’ that are attached to the (1) exit door at St. Mary Church and the (2) parish office door at St. John.
Forms need to be filled out COMPLETELY, including, but not limited to, the last 6 digits of your social se-curity number, your license (or passport) number and your signature. Any incomplete forms received by us will NOT be processed as the Archdiocese will not accept them.
SUNDAY CURBSIDE COMMUION IS HERE!
Beginning Sunday, September 13th, we will begin the long-awaited practice of CURBSIDE COMMUNION in order to accommodate our parishioners who are still unable to attend Mass in person. It will be set up very similarly to how our CURBISDE CONFESSIONS operate on Mondays and Fridays.
Communion will be distributed every Sunday at St. John from 3-4 pm and at St. Mary from 4:30-5:30 pm. More information to follow soon.
Please remember that your generous and consistent giving is needed and greatly appreciated as the offertory
Although we have entered into Fiscal Year 2021, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are delayed in finalizing the budget, so please be aware that the below Offertory Budget Number is subject to change. We are also experiencing a delay in getting the Year-End 2020 Finance Reports to you. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience.
· Visit our website at www.chelmsfordcatholic.org and click on the Online Giving logo located in the right-hand sidebar on the homepage.
Or scan the above QR code with your Android or iPhone. Open your camera app. Hold your device so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder and you will see a notification with a link. Click on the notification to open the link. You will be taken to the St. Mary Online Giving site on your phone.
· Click on ‘Set up New Account’
· Set up your payment options, withdrawal dates, etc.
· If you prefer, there is a “Quick Give” option to make a one-time donation.
St. Mary
St. John · Visit our website at
www.chelmsfordcatholic.org and click on the WeShare logo located in the right-hand sidebar on the homepage.
Or scan the above QR code with your Android or iPhone. Open your camera app. Hold your device so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder and you will see a notification with a link. Click on the notification to open the link. You will be taken to the St. John’s WeShare site on your phone.
· Choose your Giving Opportunity, i.e Weekly Offertory
· Set up your payment options, withdrawal dates, etc.
· If you prefer, there is an option to make a one-time donation.
St. Mary Weekly Offertory Weekend of August 22nd/23rd
Fiscal Year-To-Date August 23rd
Fiscal YTD Average/Week
Offertory Required to cover Budgeted Expenses $17,140* $137,120 $17,140
Actual Received $8,953 $107,825 $13,478
Shortfall/ Overage -$8,187 -$29,295 -$3,662
St. John Weekly Offertory Weekend of August 22nd/23rd
Fiscal Year-To-Date August 23rd
Fiscal Year-End Average/Week
Offertory Required to cover Budgeted Expenses $11,040* $88,320 $11,040
Actual Received $9,483 $65,200 $8,150
Shortfall/ Overage -$1,557 -$23,120 -$2,890
* due to COVID-19, budget number is subject to change
Due to the shutdown of Churches for COVID-19, parishes were unable to launch the 2020 Catholic Appeal this past March with an in-pew presentation. However, as the work of our Church has continued amidst the pandemic, the more than 50 ministries funded by the Catholic Appeal are in need now more than ever. The success of the Appeal is vital in funding these ministries that provide assistance to our parishes, schools, and communities in a variety of ways. Please consider making your gift to the 2020 Catholic Appeal by visiting our website—www.chelmsfordcatholic.org/2020-catholic-appeal—and clicking on the DONATE NOW button after you have read the letter from Fr. Brian.
Every gift, regardless of the size, is meaningful and can make an impact. Your participation in our parish Appeal is very much appreciated by our parish and the thousands that are served through the Archdiocesan
Central Ministries. This is our Church and when you support the Appeal, you support us!
Reverend Brian Mahoney, P!$0)" ext 215… [email protected]
Reverend Corey Bassett-Tirrell, P!")'%#!. V#'!" ext 239… [email protected]
Reverend Arnold Colletti, S". P"#($0 #- R($#1(-'( ext 221… [email protected]
Deacon John Hunt, P("6!-(-0 D(!')- ext 224… [email protected]
Paul Firicano, C)..!7)"!0#/( B+$#-($$ M!-!=(" ext 220… [email protected]
Tina Sousa, F#-!-'( > F!'#.#0, S+??)"0 ext 219… [email protected]
Heather Hannaway, D#"('0)" )& F!6#., F!#0% F)"6!0#)- ext 226… [email protected]
Courtney Callanan, A$$0 D#" )& F!#0% F)"6!0#)- ext 227… [email protected]
Lynn Anne LaDuke, F!#0% F)"6!0#)- C))"1#-!0)" ext 240… [email protected]
Elaine Kindler, F!#0% F)"6!0#)- C))"1#-!0)" ext 216… [email protected]
Rae Russo, S'%(1+.#-= C))"1#-!0)" ext 325… [email protected]
Donna Gambon, ?!"0-0#6( A16#-#$0"!0#/( A$$#$0!-0 ext 248… [email protected]
Sue Beechin, ?!"0-0#6( A16#-#$0"!0#/( A$$#$0!-0 ext 236… [email protected]
Dan Heider, F!'#.#0#($ M!-!=(" ext 213… [email protected]
Bob Webb, C+$0)1#!- [email protected]
Christine Trznadel, C)66+-#'!0#)-$ C))"1#-!0)" ext 214… [email protected]
In order to promote communication and transparency throughout the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative, you are encouraged to forward any comments and concerns you may have directly to the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils.
Parish council matters can be sent to: [email protected]
Current Council Members are ...
St. John Members St. Mary Members Scott Davidson (co-chair) Peter Lando (co-chair) Ray Wagner Laura Conte Mike Condor Rob Donnelly Katrina Horan Karen Drake Beth Jacavanco Jessica Hägg Drew Jubinville Matthew Kunze (youth) Angela McMaster Cathy Latina Ellen St. George Lori McDonald Augustine Tweneh Steve McMillan Alma (Chicki) Rigazio Paul Therrien
Finance matters concerning St. John’s can be sent to:
Current Council Members are …
John Bagni Jeff Brown Paul Brzezenski Celeste Dunn Grace Ann Steed
Finance matters concerning St. Mary’s can be sent to:
[email protected] Current Council Members are ...
Armand DiLando Lauren Desforge Jack Parsons Ted Powers Paul Rigazio Paul Therrien
If you would like to submit a notice for the bulletin, please do so no later than 12 NOON, TWO Fridays prior to the weekend in which you would like it published. Submittals should be emailed to [email protected] or via US Mail to the Parish Offices at 115 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA, 01863, ATTN Christine. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
Help us Help you! Please Register by August 31 so we can be sure to have the appropriate amount of materials prepared! To register online, visit us at www.chelmsfordcatholic.org/faith-formation-registration. There you will find all the directions
needed for an easy online registration! No computer? No worries! Contact:
St. Mary Registration: Elaine Kindler [email protected] (978) 256-2374, ext 216
St. John’s Registration: Lynn Anne LaDuke [email protected] (978) 251-8571, ext 240
Heather Hannaway Director of Faith Formation
Courtney Callanan Assistant Director of Faith Formation
Elaine Kindler Faith Formation Coordinator
Lynn Anne LaDuke Faith Formation Coordinator
St. Mary: Friday, August 28th
Jayden Patrick Connors ~ Matthew Kerns Mack Thomas Labenski ~ Gianna Elle Morency ~ Thomas James Ralls
St. John: Wednesday, August 26th
Colin Andrew Laliberte ~ Aubrey Marie Motard Owen Daniel Motard~ Braeden Michael Tripoli
O Jesus,
Beginning July 20th, and straight through to September, our 2nd graders will be receiving the Gift of the Eucharist for the very first time. They and their families have been incredibly patient, waiting for the time when this celebration could happen. As we welcome them to the table, let us pray…
You have loved us with such exceedingly great love as to give us the ineffable gi" of the Holy Eucharist.
Inflame us with a burning zeal to promote Your glory by praying for (our children/ your child’s name) to prepare worthily to approach
Your holy table for the first %me.
Saint John the Bap%st, forerunner of the Messiah, prepare the way for Jesus in the heart of (these children/your child’s name).
Saint Tarcisius, keep safe the children who are making their First Holy Communion.
St. Mary: Monday, August 24th
Owen West Durkin ~ Michael Anthony Martinez Colton Kynan Reid ~ William John Rouillard ~ Amelya Ricci Serpone
to the following group of children who received their First Communion this past week!
what HASN’T changed is our need for dedicated catechists! The changes in our program this year, brought about by the pandemic, have impacted the role that our catechists will play, which remains an essential one in order for our program to be successful.
This year, we are looking for Faith Formation Mentors, to help families pass the faith on to their children. The support of a community with similar values and goals can make a significant difference when it comes to raising Catholic children. In today’s hectic world, it can be harder to f ind and form relationships with other Catholic parents. The hope of Discipleship Groups—lead by a Mentor—is to offer a chance to build such relationships with other families who are also striving for the same goal—to share and pass on their Catholic faith.
If you are excited about sharing your faith values, this is the PERFECT opportunity for you! Initial training and ongoing support will be provided… we will ALL journey together!
Last week we began to address our role in evangeliza"on, and we acknowledged that we must first evangelize ourselves
before we can evangelize others. God has chosen to make us part of his mission in the world. He wants us to be his agents of change and mission. Each one of us is called to be par"cipants in sharing the wonderful gi# of our faith to the whole world. When we fail to exercise our duty and responsibility—arising from our bap"sm—to bring Christ’s message into the world, then we have failed God. We can think of it in this fashion: if someone was drowning and you had a rope to throw to them but kept it for yourself (because you did not want to intrude), you would be responsible for that person’s death. But if you throw the rope and they refuse to take it, the fault is theirs alone. We must recognize that the world is, in a sense, drowning and we have the rope, which is Christ, to the save the world. We must throw the rope—in other words, evangelize if we are to bring the message of Christ to others. If we do not, we are directly responsible if they come to live a life of damna"on and are lost to Christ. If they refuse to take the rope a#er we throw it, then the responsibility is theirs.
We must prepare ourselves to be agents of mission but how do we do that? The first step is to accept and take seriously that we have the only message of salva"on. We must become comfortable with the truth that salva"on is only possible through Christ. And that Christ came not to condemn the world, but to save it. We must understand fully our message to the world. It is a message of love but also of challenge. Yes, Christ accepted all people who came to him, but He did not leave them in their sins. He challenged them to reject the sins of their lives and follow Him. We must also realize that following Christ is not a moment of instant clarity and ability to follow. But instead, as with Saint Peter, it will happen with fits and starts. People will come but will falter, and that is okay. We are not a Church of Saints, but rather, a Church of people on the road of redemp"on in and through Christ. We are a Church of people being redeemed by the saving ac"ons of Jesus Christ. We are not a Church of perfect people, but of people being perfected in and through Christ. We are a Church wholly, completely, totally dependent upon Christ for all things, par"cularly our salva"on. We are part of a club that creates no exclusion, but one: all must accept Christ as Lord and Savior and give over their wills completely to the Father.
We are not a Church of rules to be followed. We are not a Church of do’s and do not’s. We are not a Church that is ‘for this’ and ‘against that’. Yes, we have our beliefs and that is certainly important. As a Church, we must always support life, but that is not our only message. We must always uphold the truth of marriage and family life, but that is not our only message. We must always uphold the preferen"al op"on of the poor, but that is not our only message. We
ouwe
must always be about suppor"ng the marginalized and suffering, but that is not our only message. We must always uphold the truths of the proper use of our sexuality and its appropriate expression, but that is not our only message. It is far too easy to focus on issues and let them become the focus of our faith. When that happens, we have lost the power of our faith.
Our faith is not issue-oriented, but rather is driven by rela"onship. If people do not have a real rela"onship with Christ, then all of our teachings will be meaningless. They will only find their strength when they are grounded in a real rela"onship with Christ. We cannot save people by trying to stop “bad” behavior. We only can save people by leading them to Christ. We are not going to lead people to Christ by telling them how bad they are, or by telling them all the wrong things they do. We are not throwing them a rope when we hammer them with the brokenness of their lives. Yes, people do need to repent and take up the challenge of transforming their lives in accord with the will of God, but first they need some hope, and Christ is that hope.
When Jesus forgave the adulterous woman, He did not belabor the point of her sin; He simply accepted her and then challenged her to sin no more. We must do the same. The Good Samaritan helped the dying man and did so expec"ng nothing in return. We must do the same. As Christ hung on the cross, He forgave those who crucified Him. We must do the same. We are not here to judge the person but only the sin. We are here to accept and love the broken ones in the world because that is what Christ has done for us.
We must become agents of change and mission if we are to become true disciples. True discipleship is about having a rela"onship with Christ, but also about wan"ng to share that rela"onship with others. True discipleship is not about condemning the world for all the evil and immorality that exist. It is about sharing the truth of God’s mercy and love, in a way that leads those who are lost in the world to being found in Christ. There are already too many people who are on the a&ack. Our faith is about recognizing that brokenness and sin are part of the human condi"on, but God’s love and mercy are greater than that.
We have the message the world desperately needs to hear, but we can only truly share it through compassion and openness. Let us be that agent of change by being the presence of Christ to others.
If you have any ques"ons about anything, please do not hesitate to ask me directly, or send your ques"ons to me at [email protected].
Please keep me in your prayers.
In Christ, Fr. Brian
Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. ~attributed to Pedro Arrupe, SJ I have always loved this poem. In just a few eloquent lines, it captures just how all-consuming our relationship with God is meant to be; that everything we feel, think, and do should stem from the love we have for Him. Recently I was particularly struck by the line, “[What you are in love with] will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning.” Somewhat unexpectedly, it highlighted in a new way the things in my life that I truly value. I will be the first to admit—and anyone who knows me will corroborate—that to say I am not a morning person is putting it mildly. Were I in charge of the world, nothing would start before noon. That being said, there are a few things in my life for which I have consistently been willing to rise well before dawn. Almost, without exception, these are things I love: soccer; music; hiking and skiing; family and friends; and yes, God. I realized as I read that line about “[what gets] you out of bed in the morning” that I am incredibly grateful that there are things in my life that are worth being awake for at pre-dawn hours, things that bring me great joy and fulfillment. However, I am also aware that I have not always chosen as I should in this regard. This is particularly true when it comes to my relationship with God. For while I can think of many times I have woken early because of Him, I can also think of many times that I stayed in bed, rather than getting up to spend time with Him or serve another as He would have me do. In this way, that line in the poem served not only as a call to gratitude, but also as a challenge; a challenge to let God’s Love—and not my fondness for sleeping in—decide when I get up in the morning. I assume that the same is true for everyone; that we all have areas where our love of God is not the deciding factor it should be, because we have not fully given ourselves and our hearts to the Lord as we ought. For as Fr. Arrupe reminds us, that when we “have [fallen in love with God] in a quiet absolute, final way...it will decide everything.”
Cardinal Sean has proclaimed this liturgical year as the Year of the Eucharist. Many Catholics do not believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of the Lord. Some think of the Eucharist as a symbol, but it is more than that—it is a Sacrament. We need to hear the words of Jesus who says “This is my body; this is my blood.”
Only 14% of Catholics attend Mass each week. Do the rest not believe in the real presence? They would do anything to see a visiting celebrity to our community, but when Jesus comes to our altar, they are disinterested. How I pray for them to return to the community? They cannot grow in faith without the community—read any of the letters of Saint Paul to his communities.
Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches that we owe four debts, or obligations, to God.
1.Praise and honor his infinite majesty which is worthy of infinite love and infinite praise.
2.Make satisfaction to him for so many sins which we have committed.
3.Thank Him for the great benefits He has bestowed upon us.
4.Pray to Him as the giver of all graces.
The easiest and most profitable manner of celebrating Mass is to endeavor—during the holy sacrifice—to discharge these four obligations. And we do all this as companions of Jesus.
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice wrote: “Will you ever again say that it matters little whether you hear a Mass more or a Mass less? Oh, horrible blindness.”
From Senior Priest in Residence ear as the Year
If you are not receiving our FLOCKNOTE email notifications, then you are missing out on the latest and greatest news in a timely manner. To subscribe, send an email to [email protected] with your first name, last name, which parish you are registered to, and your email. We’ll get you set up so you are in “THE KNOW”.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions surrounding it, we were required to cancel our ‘typical’ VBF summer experience as we were unable to gather in-person. What a tremendous disappointment it was for my sister and I to have to tell our dedicated adult volunteers, our fabulous youth volunteers and our ever-fun-loving funsters that there would be no VBF.
Then after prayer and discussions with the collaborative staff, we put together a virtual program that we hoped would give you all some encouragement, laughs and joy. My sister and I truly enjoyed putting together these videos, not knowing how they would be received. But looking at the numbers, we had an average of 50 families that tuned-in on any given day! Whether those views were families with young children, the office staff checking them out or our collaborative family just seeing what we are all about, we are so very grateful for the support. From those who participated in the program, we received thanks and wonderful comments of their children really enjoyed the activities and music. Maybe viewing these videos, Jesus will open your heart to volunteering or sending your children next summer?
My sister and I are grateful to lead this program, no matter how we need to do it. We will continue to adapt to whatever curve ball is thrown at us, as long as we can continue to spread the love of Jesus to our young people.
Thank you all for your support. We can not wait to get started on VBF 2021.
VBF Co-Director Dawn Houde
1Corinth 3: 18-23 Psalm 24
Luke 5: 1-11
“Y!"# %!#& '( ) *)+, "-.! +/ 011. )-& ) *'23. "-.!
+/ ,).3”
-P()*+ 119:105
1Corinth 2: 10-16 Psalm 145
Luke 4: 31-37
1Corinth 3: 19 Psalm 33
Luke 4: 38-44
1Corinth 2: 1-5 Psalm 119
Luke 4: 16-30
1Corinth 4: 1-5 Psalm 37
Luke 5: 33-39
1Corinth 4: 6-15 Psalm 145 Luke 6: 1-5
Ezekiel 33: 7-9 Psalm 95
Romans 13: 8-10 Matthew 18: 15-20
If you would like to request that a Mass be celebrated for a specific intention or person, please call the parish
office. A donation of $10 per Mass intention is requested to be made at the time you schedule your intention.
St. John Rose for Life
Someone special you’d like to honor? You can do that by having a rose signifying your intention placed in the church, as well as having your intention published in the bulletin. To book a Rose for Life, contact the parish office. The suggested offering is $5.00.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
● August 25 at St. Mary
● August 28 at St. John
The Knights of Columbus will be selling their Christmas Cards online this year.
Please support
them in this much relied-upon
fundraiser for our Council. Visit
their website—www.knights9275.com—where you will find all information needed to place
your order… photos, payment and delivery information.
Help
us to...
ROOFINGMorgan Construction
“We Installed St. Michael’s Church Roof”
978-670-4747Residential & CommeRCial
Fully insuRed - FRee estimateswww.MorganConstruction.info
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Church Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative 03-0756
Paul Brouillette Broker Associate
173 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford978-852-3001
www.homesareus.com“There’s No Place Like Home”
(978) 256-2561www.chelmsforddental.com
D. Lawrence Fadjo, D.D.S. Katherine R. Tyros, D.M.D. John P. Pietrasik, D.D.S. Randal S. Parradee, D.M.D. Ashim Kapur, D.D.S. Himanshu Shah, D.M.D.
Mon. - Thurs. 7 - 9 • Fri. 7 - 8 • Sat. 7 - 418 North Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Chelmsford Dental Associates
ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY
96 Riverneck Rd.E. Chelmsford, MA 01824-2942
(978)458-4851
MONUMENTS MARKERS
LUZ GRANITE1208 Gorham St., Lowell, MA
978-459-9799www.luzgranite.com
229 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford (978) 256-4167 www.aroarklaw.com
Roark Law Office P.C.
Annmarie RoarkElder Law | Medical Planning
Estate & Trust Planning | Probate36 Years Experience
www.josephslandscaping.net(978)256-2658 Cell: (978)821-4158
JOSEPH HEIDER, OwnerWalls • Walkways • Patios Irrigation • Drainage Work
JOANN B WYNKOOPMA Certified General R.E. Appraiser #75350
affinityappraisals.com119 Drum Hill Road #187
Chelmsford, MA 01824
20 Drum Hill Road656-5585
185 Littleton Road 442-5588
Mark Lefebvre, CLU, ChFCKenneth Lefebvre, CLU, ChFC, CFP
Investment Services • Financial Planning • Insurance227 Chelmsford Street • Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-256-4700 • Fax: [email protected] • [email protected]
Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA\SIPC
FENOCHETTI REMODELING
Windows • Bath • Porches Additions • Decks • Basements
Entryways • Kitchens • Repair Work4th Generation Remodeling Co.
David Fenochetti CSL #58149 HIC#159334Office: 978-256-8150 Cell: 508-265-6775
www.fenochettiremodeling
Payroll106 Tyngsborough Road • North Chelmsford
Patricia DeFreitas, Owner978-251-3003 ext 204
[email protected] www.abcpayroll.net
Eppolito Financial Strategies, LLC. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond
James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP(R), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully
complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
EPPOLITOFINANCIAL STRATEGIES
Got Faith in Your Finances?In bull markets, people lose their fear; In bear
markets, people lose their faith. It can be a long, arduous journey. We can help guide you through it.
Who is your trusted family advisor?
One Meeting House Rd. Suite 14Chelmsford, MA 01824(978)-455-7799Larry.Eppolito@RaymondJames.comwww.EppolitoFinancial.com
Larry Eppolito, MBACERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
President, EFS
Since 1964 Audit, tAx And Advisory services
Princeton Corporate Centre • 1115 Westford St. • Lowell, MA 01851(978) 452-2500 • www.Anstisscpa.com
Mary MoloneyREALTOR
LICENSED IN MA & NH
Feel free to contact me [email protected]
Because, Your Move Matters!!
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL (978) 250-7300
Asphalt Shingles • Rubber • Slate • CopperCedar Shingles • Synthetic Slate • GuttersFree Estimates • Licensed & Fully Insured
Maureen Howe REALTOR®, MLS Parishioner1 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford, MA Cell [email protected]
199 Chelmsford Street • Chelmsford, MA
978-250-8855www.benchmarkseniorliving.com
ARE YOU LIVING A LIFE WELL PLANNED?LET US HELP YOU STAY ON COURSE.
Mary Jo Metro CFP®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS®, MBA,
Financial Advisor 17 North Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 710-5401
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member of FINRA/SIPC. METRO Financial Strategies is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®. CERTIFIED FINANCIALPLANNER™, CFP
in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial
and ongoing certification requirements
Pray For Our Priests
Annette DeBisz, Realtor®"Devoted Realtor, Wife, & Mom."978-337-9269 | [email protected] | Chelmsford, MA
Shannon Anderson - Broker/Owner6 Boston Rd., Unit 101 • Chelmsford
(978) 710-7490www.yourway.realestate
Carpets • Upholstery • Steam Cleaning Strip, Wash & Wax ALL Floor Types
Call to Schedule: 978-251-8897www.DynamicSteamClean.com
Mention bulletin for 10% off.
KARLA MILLERREALTOR®, TOP PRODUCER
Please Contact Me Anytime!CELL: 978-337-2915LICENSED IN MA & [email protected]
Each office independently owned and operated
KIRAH FashionsCustom Dressmaking,
Alterations & Home Textiles“ When no one else has
what you want, I'll make it for you.”
Call Rae Russo at 978-505-4589
Kelly O’Brien-Carnevale • [email protected] • (800) 477-4574 x6333
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Church Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative 03-0756
(978) 654-699435 B Hunt Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824978-256-8006
RS#5270Gary Yip
President Lic. # 014253
Recommended
