Sacred Heart Parish
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Saturday, December 26
4:00 PM Parishioners of Sacred Heart
Sunday, December 27
9:00 AM Father Charles McCoy
11:45 AM Salvatore Lombardo, Nicola Lombardo and Judith Maria Panetta
Monday, December 28
12:05 PM Joseph G. Paglia
Sunday, January 3
9:00 AM Parishioners of Sacred Heart
11:45 AM Robert Groden
CONFESSIONS
Saturday, January 2 – 2:00 to 3:30 PM – Fr. Connelly
READINGS FOR THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Holy Day of Obligation
Friday, January 1, is the Feast of Mary, Mother of God – a holy day of obligation. Mass will be celebrated in the upper church at 10 AM.
ADVENT PARTY
Our Advent Party was a great success. As usual, our parishioners were most generous in bringing gifts for so many who could use them so happily. In particular, I want to express my thanks for those who coordinated the gift program and have seen to it that the gifts reach their proper destinations. The 9 o’clock Mass seemed to be a wonderful liturgical celebration. I want to thank those who worked so diligently with the young people in their participation in the Eucharist. I want to thank all those who were so generous in serving refreshments after the Mass celebration. As usual, our music was excellent.
PREFACE OF CHRISTMAS III
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today in him a new light has dawned upon the world: God has become one with man, and man has become one again with God.
Your eternal Word has taken upon himself our human weakness, giving our mortal nature immortal value. So marvelous is this oneness between God and man that in Christ man restores to man the gift of everlasting life. In our joy we sing to your glory with all the choirs of angels: Holy, holy, holy...
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
There will be no CCD during the Christmas break. Classes will resume on Sunday, Jan. 10th and Tuesday, Jan. 12th.
CCD teachers are asked to attend a Teacher’s workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 5th in the Convent from 7-8:30 PM. Please call to confirm your attendance.
We want to thank all those who generously donated food bags to needy families in Dorchester. We collected 90 bags of food and they were delivered to families before Christmas. Clearly hearts were open to the needs of our neighbors!
May you be blessed with the peace and joy of Christ during this Christmas season.
Michelle Solomon, Director of RE
INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
General Intention: That young people may learn to use social communication media for their personal growth and in preparation to serve society.
Mission Intention: That every believer in Christ may understand that unity among all Christians is necessary for effective proclamation of the gospel.
BEATRICE FAMILY FUNDRAISER
On Saturday, February 6, at the Newton Post 440 there will be a dinner dance with live and silent auctions. Doors open at 6:30 pm with cocktails and a performance by Newton North High School choral group. Dinner will include a variety of food stations including sushi, pasta, beef tenderloin, etc. (catering by Sysco and Peter Budge). There will be a DJ and a Live Band (Suburban Renewal). Help is needed to buy and sell tickets, solicit and/or donate auction items, and work on the 6th. For more information, go to www.beatricefamilyfund.com.
New Year’s Day With the Pope
CatholicTV will air vespers service from the Vatican at 8 PM Eastern on New Year’s Eve. CatholicTV will also air the Mass of the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God at noon and 8 PM on Jan 1st. New Year’s Day will also mark the 43rd World Day of Peace originally introduced by Pope Paul VI. These Vatican events will stream on CatholicTV, where available, and at www.CatholicTV.com.
OFFERTORY INCOME
Because of an earlier than usual deadline for submission of the Bulletin no figures were available for the donation to the Clergy Fund. Our contribution will be reported at a later date. Thank you all for your generosity in caring for those who have served the Lord.
This list will be updated if necessary in next weekend’s bulletin. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed so generously in order to enhance the beauty of our worship space.
Father Connelly
SIGNINGS
The Holy family was ordinary. That is the mystery that the Church has received and communicates for our salvation. There is so much that is ordinary about the family that comes out in the scriptures.
The first reading talks about the special roles of mothers and fathers and the blessings of children who honor their fathers and mothers. There is a natural resonance that is good between the dynamic relationship of men and women and different age groups that is reciprocal and wondrous. A mother is comforted by a child who obeys his father. This is to describe the harmonies of love that a family embodies. The natural healthcare system of family structure is pointed out as a good as well.
Families are a place where discipline and admonishing happens. Family is a place where blessings of health and blessings of a good life of prayer are gained.
There is often confusion about roles and family identity in our world today, but we rejoice that we are protected by God through His Church from the mistakes that strike at the heart of family.
Family is ordinary and natural. It is through this that God visits us in Christ and through the everyday work of family, which each person is part of in some way, we live and discover God.
Without family we have no hope. But we do have it. May we work at it everyday and in this natural way come to know the living God.
In Christ,
Fr. St. Martin
SAVE THE DATE
On January 17, Cardinal Sean O’Malley will celebrate the 10:30 AM Mass here at Sacred Heart with the deaf Catholic community. All are welcome to attend.
CALENDAR NOTES
EXTENDED COFFEE HOUR:
Sunday, December 27 – 10 AM to 1 PM – Parish Center
PRAYER GROUP:
Wednesday, December 30– 7:30 PM – Convent (Chapel)
HOLYDAY MASS:
Friday, January 1 – 10 AM – Upper Church
LITURGY, ADORATION AND THE ROSARY:
Saturday, January 2– 9 AM to 12:30 PM – Lower Church
EXTENDED COFFEE HOUR:
Sunday, January 3 – 10 AM to 1 PM – Parish Center