Dear Fellow Parishioners, There are so many wonderful events and celebrations happening here in the Catholic community of Sacred Heart. As a parish family, sometimes I and we can get overwhelmed by the “big stuff” and not recognize the many blessings, achievements and accomplishments of the families and members of our community.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to Haitian earthquake relief. We are going to be sending Fr. Elysee, the pastor of our sister Parish St. Gerard the $5,000.00+ we have collected. Elli Maurais has been in touch with Fr. Elysse who informed that the immediate need right now besides rebuilding homes is to get the children back in school so that they are not losing valuable education time. So, the money we are sending will be used for school fees, to buy school materials and students' uniforms and food.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Pope Francis has called a Synod (the word synod means Coming together) entitled “Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” It will open in Rome in October 2023. Wisdom and insights in preparation for this Synod is being sought from every local Church throughout the world. There is a process for doing this.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, During the first two weeks of September, we collected money for Haiti earthquake relief. I mentioned that our money would be sent to Catholic Relief Services working in Haiti. However, since we have a twin parish in Les Cayes, we will be sending the over $4,000.00 we collected directly to St. Gerard’s parish to assist their parishioners with basic survival needs. This way, St. Gerard parishioners can request and get assistance from Fr. Elysee directly, rather than applying for aid with CRS. I wish to thank the people who have renewed their monthly pledges to St. Gerard’s and the new people who have also made a commitment to a monthly pledge to our sister parish.
Dear Parish Family, Happy Fall everyone! Fr. Bill is off this week, so I get to do his work including writing the bulletin letter! It is perfect timing as we are about ready to start Faith Formation. This year, like last has been challenging considering the increasing threat of the Delta variant. We have had to adapt the way in which we “do” Faith Formation taking into account that our youngsters K-6, are not yet vaccinated. I know that change can be confusing so here is a re-cap of the faith formation experiences that will be offered this year:
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Your generosity to the many requests for assistance these past few months and especially weeks is so gratefully appreciated. I have no control over the many requests that I bring to your attention. The Diocesan Capital Campaign Legacy of Hope came on the heels of Partner’s in Charity. The needs of the Sisters of the Light of Christ is assigned to us by our Diocesan Office for the Propagation of the Faith. The Earthquake in Haiti calls for a response from the world community to assist those who are in the throws of disaster. We have been so faithful these last 20 years in assisting our sister-parish St. Gerard’s. How heartbreaking it is when we have worked together, supporting their efforts and in one day it all comes tumbling down. We will do what we canto help them rebuild. Your gifts these past two weekends to assist Haiti right now totals $4,355.00. This will be pooled with the donations from our other 94 parishes in our diocese.
Dear Fellow Parishioners. During the height of the pandemic (although we are not sure if that is past or future) we invited the whole community to join in “Rethinking Church.” We as communities of faith need to work together to build a post-pandemic church worth coming back to. Many have absented themselves from the community these last 16 months and we don’t know what lies ahead for us all as we see signs of the Delta variant raising the numbers of those hospitalized, sick, and dying. These are tough times in the church. Not just our parish, but all parishes, catholic and non-Catholic, Christian, and non-Christian communities are struggling.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, With the special collection for the Sisters of Christ the Light in India, the overwhelming attention to the situation in Afghanistan, hurricanes Henri and Ida; the earthquake in Haiti for many has slipped into the background and off the radar. The situation is dire and the needs overwhelming. I am asking us all to consider how you can help, a one-time gift through the special collection we are taking up here at Sacred Heart this weekend September 4-5 and next weekend September 11-12. Maybe some of you are in a position to join several of us in making a monthly pledge to assist our sister parish, St. Gerard’s as they try to rebuild their church and their community after the earthquake.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, What a washout these past few months have been for most of New England. However, I would rather the rain, than, drought, forest fires, tornadoes and hurricanes. Where has the summer gone? I guess we say that every year at this time, especially when we had to go back to school. Next weekend is Labor Day weekend and summer comes to an end, vacations are over, schools prepare to open, and we prepare for our usual Fall activities. Or are we?
Dear Fellow Parishioners, News from Les Cayes, our sister parish, St. Gerard’s and Haiti continue to trickle in. The news is not encouraging. For Haiti it seems there is one step forward and four steps backwards. I thank the many who have been in touch with me, promising prayers and a willingness to assist when we hold a collection to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We have posted photos and information regarding St. Gerard’s on our Facebook page, website and in the briefs. As more information comes it will be posted. Inside the bulletin is the prayer I use daily for Haiti. Join me!
Dear Fellow Parishioners, “Whenever you do this remember me!” “Do you believe Jesus did not abandon us, but sent to Holy Spirit to help us remember everything he taught?”
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Summertime and the livin’ is easy! So, they say. And because we are in summer mode some things may slip through the cracks, so I am going to bring four items to your attention, so they don’t fall through the cracks, or off the radar so to speak. Yes, we are still planning on installing Solar Panels in our parking lot. The pandemic has caused a hold up, along with waiting for the approval of the “SMART” application to finance the project. Kevin Maldarelli is partnering with Stephen Chaplin to draw up a new contract with NextGrid, who will build the project along with being our Tenant. As more information unfolds, we will keep you informed. Every small effort we as individuals make, makes a difference. Our community's effort with solar panels will make a bigger difference in Hopedale, as well as within the Diocese of Worcester. We are continuing to seek pledges from the community for the Diocesan Capital Campaign Legacy of Hope. Our target is $334,199.00. Currently we have $240,610.00 pledged which is 65% of our goal. Again, if every household makes a pledge, we can meet our target and be able to finish our parish projects. Have you made a pledge? If so, thank you so much. If you have not, please prayerfully consider what you and your family can do. Envelopes are at the doors of the church, or you can pledge online at: legacyofhope.worcesterdiocese.org We are still accepting nominations for two youth positions for one year and one adult for three years on our Pastoral Planning Team (PPT). Nominations are accepted until Sunday August 15th. The following Sunday we will place their names in a chalice as seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Faith Formation classes will be beginning in October. Please be sure to check the bulletin and our website and register for classes. We are also looking for Catechists on several levels, be in touch with Pam for details. Again, we need to work together for all this to happen. It is summertime and I am hoping that these reminders will be pleasantly received and acted upon so that we transition smoothly into the months ahead. If we all do our part, all will be well and the livin’ will be easer! Fr. Bill
Dear Fellow Parishioners, “There’s a boy here with five loaves and two fish, but what good is that for so many?” (Jn 6:9) Did that young boy know how his small contribution would assist in feeding 5000? Sometimes we don’t realize that our small attempts and contributions can make a difference. I’m thinking of how overwhelming climate change seems these days as we witness drought, fires, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes in overwhelming force. Many are waiting for governments throughout the world to step in and act. We often forget that our lifestyle and actions do help as we strive to assist in the efforts to take “care for our common home.”
Dear Fellow Parishioners, How lucky we are to have families that are part of our journey through life, beyond the family we are born into. We have our biological family, and we also have our parish family. For me as a priest, I also journey with my brother priests. I have encouraged us all to make sure we have someone who walks with us on our spiritual journey. How fortunate I am to be part of an Emmaus group with three other priests who have been meeting monthly for almost 40 years! The support we offer each other is incredible. Knowing that they are there and just a phone call away between meetings is a gift.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, How wonderful it is to see so many returning to weekend Mass. It has been a long time coming and we continue to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy. We are following the Diocesan guidelines for worship, that are directed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At the same time, we are listening to the needs of the community here on the local level.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, What page are we on? Catechism, CCD, Religious Education, Faith Formation, whole Community Catechesis…Lifelong Learning! Those of us who have been involved with our Catholic faith for the past 40 years will recognize the journey we have been making as a Church to impart faith and encourage others to follow Christ.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Throughout the pandemic, our Pastoral Planning Team (PPT) has been meeting on Zoom and working diligently in spite of many unknowns to keep our physical plant and our spiritual reality moving forward. You are welcome to read the minutes of our meetings, located on our website under Our Parish and Parish Planning Team, but at this time I want to bring several items to your attention.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Right from the very beginning of the Hebrew Scriptures in the Book of Genesis, “The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Gen 12:1) The Exodus story is movement from Egypt to a promised land. Last week we heard Jesus say to the disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” (Mark 4:35) and of course the raging storm as Jesus is asleep on a cushion. The spiritual call is always to move forward, leave that which is known, comfortable and go to the unknown, trusting that God is with us through the turbulence, the storms, the challenges, the surprises.
Dear Fellow Parishioners, “How good it is for us to be here!” (Peter’s words to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration) Slowly but surely, we are gathering together as The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart. We are continuing to provide space for social distancing, and at the same time following through with the new CDC, state, and diocesan precautions as we move safely into the weeks and months ahead. It is great to see people returning to Mass and to be able to greet people after Mass. How good is that!
Dear Fellow Parishioners, Whenever we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, Holy Trinity, and Corpus Christi I have in the past always wished they were spaced out and not one right after another. I decided to take some time to reflect on what message there was for me personally and for us as a community in the celebration of each of these feasts. I shared that this past weekend and want us to recognize the mission the whole Church is called to as we deepen our relationship with God and the world.