FEBRUARY 12, 2017 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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FEBRUARY 12, 2017 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP
Finance Council Chairs….Kimberly Schoolcraft, Matthew Barnes
Parish Pastoral Council Chair..………………Kathleen Harrington
Rel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne Harlow
RCIA ……………………………Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher
Bible Study………………………………………..........Sue Fratini
Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS
Rosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula Tuohey
Social Justice………………….…………….Andrea Cook-Hewitt
Just Faith…………………………………Pat Mack, Karen Scahill
St. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. Dan
Men’s Ministry Group………………………...Deacon Paul Briere
Women’s Ministry Group..……………………..…..Mary Federici
Youth Group (JPII Crew)………………….………Lisa Laferriere
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Cursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen Scahill
Schoenstatt Movement .……………..……….…Diane Czerwiecki
Boy Scout Troop 821 …………………..………………..Joe Muto
Girl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’Connor
Knights of Columbus………………………………Greg Perreault
PARISH MINISTRIES
Altar Server Scheduling……………………..……… Cindy Monti
Altar Server Training……………………………….Jim O’Connor
Baptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou Mastroianni
Children’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue Fratini
Eucharistic Ministers/Readers, Scheduling ......……Beth Modlish
Homebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………..........Mary Federici
Music Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir……………Melanie Peetz
Contemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).………………Tom Fucci
Sacristans.…………………..……..Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa,
Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen Scahill
Soup Kitchen……………… …..... Marcia Daly, Sandy O’Connor
Take & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl Wood
Wedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan
Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick,
Christina Straney, Tina Broderick
Prayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754
OFFICE HOURS
The Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM. Sue is available to greet and assist you.
NEW PARISHIONERS
We warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration and active participation is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors, as well as Catholic School Parish Subsidy.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
The Sacrament is celebrated monthly. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed, active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
The Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least 6 months in advance. Be sure to contact the church BEFORE committing to date or venue with a deposit.
SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to the hospitalized sick and homebound is provided by the pastoral staff, and trained parishioners.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament with Confession is celebrated each Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass, and from 3:15- 3:45 pm, as well as by appointment.
HOSPITAL VISITS
If anyone has a hospital stay, please have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit, or if they would like their name mentioned at Mass during the Prayers of the Faithful.
HEARING ASSISTED DEVICES
Hearing Assisted Devices are located near the American Flag at the back of the church.
LOW-GLUTEN HOSTS
Low-Gluten Hosts are available at Communion time in the Chapel
MASS SCHEDULE
Sat 2/11 4:00PM +William Sarro
Birthday Remembrance
r/b Maureen, Wayne & Stephanie
Sun 2/12 7:00AM +Edward & Irene Sienkiewicz
Birthday Remembrance
r/b their children
8:30AM +Mary Lou Exware
r/b Donald Exware & Family
11:00AM +Frank Labato, Sr.
r/b his Family
6:00PM +David Laferriere
r/b the Laferriere Family
Mon 2/13 7:00AM +Stephanie M. Pacholec
r/b Aurore Juke
Tue 2/14 7:00AM +Charles & Rita Hague
r/b their Family
Wed 2/15 7:00AM +Jane Buchanan
r/b Lee Blair
Thu 2/16 7:00AM Communion Service
Fri 2/17 7:00AM Communion Service
Sat 2/18 8:00AM +H. Joseph Sullivan
Birthday Remembrance
r/b the Sullivan Family
4:00PM +Margaret & Tony Cardaropoli
r/b their daughter Pat Gilberti & Family
Sun 2/19 7:00AM +Sheila Breton
6th Anniversary Remembrance
r/b Ray Breton & Family
8:30AM +Marcus Dinkel
Birthday Remembrance
r/b his daughter Anna Horkun
11:00AM +Jeffrey Leavitt
Birthday Remembrance
r/b his sister Carol
PRAYER-LINE
To request prayers for yourself or a loved one, please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754.
SHOP ON AMAZON & SUPPORT OUR PARISH!
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FEBRUARY 12, 2017 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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FEBRUARY 12, 2017 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FROM FR. DAN’S DESK…
As I mentioned last week, I have either celebrated or attended many funerals since Christmas, both in the parish and outside, and they seem to keep coming! Last week I concelebrated the funeral of Sr. Elizabeth Sullivan, SSJ at Mont Marie. Sr. Betty was a Sister of St. Joseph who I first met at Elms College when I would regularly celebrate the 12:15 daily Mass on campus. Sr. Betty worked in the Library at Elms and would often be at that Mass. I later caught up with Sr. Betty when she became a resident at the Mont Marie Healthcare Center where my mother resided these last 9 years. Though Sr. Betty lived all the way at the other end of the hall on the second floor, the dining room was at the other end of the hall just past my mom’s room. And so 3 times a day for a few years, Sr. Betty would stop in my mom’s room on the way to breakfast, lunch or dinner, and say hi to my mom! Since my mother was bed bound the last 4 years, she was “always in” and I often thought of her room as a check in point for anyone going to the dining room or the Rehab Room which was also at her end of the hall. I used to kid my mom that we should make her room a “toll both station” and we could have made a lot of money with all the people that would stop in to see her! I was always very grateful for Sr. Betty’s visits to my mom, and she often looked for me to be visiting as well. If I wasn’t there she would ask my mom, “when is ‘himself’ going to be in”? I always enjoyed seeing Sr. Betty. So much has changed in the last few months and I see that change especially when I drop in at Mont Marie now and visit the nurses and aides on my mom’s floor. So many new faces and so many of the regulars like Sr. Betty and my mom are now gone. It’s been a big adjustment to living without any parents – some days are busy and fine, and other days… well, you know!
We currently have a couple of openings on both the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Finance Council, of which I wanted to make you all aware. I am grateful for those who serve on the Councils, but it’s not a lifetime appointment and so the “retirement” of some, gives others the opportunity to serve. The Parish Pastoral Council model that we adopted several years ago focuses the Council on issues of Evangelization in the Parish – how we welcome people, the image we put forth, and many events/efforts throughout the year which have an evangelization basis to them, like our Parish Lenten Speaker Series which draws in people – both Catholic and non-Catholic, as well as people from other parishes. Currently the Pastoral Council is working with the Parish Evangelization Team that Bishop asked us to form last year during the Year of Mercy. Together these two committees have a dynamic group of people working on several events including the Lenten Speaker Series. We have (2) openings on the Pastoral Council. The Council meets on the Third Wednesday of every month (except July and August) at 6:00Pm, (except for the next few weeks we are meeting a little more frequently). If you are interested in serving or have questions, please contact me or Kathy Harrington our Pastoral Council Chair, through the Parish Office. The Parish Finance Council is mandated by the Diocese to exist in every parish, and serves in an advisory capacity to the Pastor on issues regarding the finances of the parish. A background in accounting, banking or finance is helpful but not necessary. There are (2) openings on the Parish Finance Council, which generally meets on the First Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at 7:00Pm. If you think you might like to serve on the Finance Council or have questions, please contact me or our Chairs – Matt Barnes and Kim Schoolcraft, through the Parish Office. It is a great service to our parish to serve on one of these two important Parish Committees – my thanks to all who continue to serve so faithfully!
Just a reminder that we will be having a Blood Drive at the Parish Center - next Saturday from 10:00-3:00 in memory of our former parishioner, Laurie Beliveau, who passed away a few years ago. Laurie’s’ daughters are coordinating this Blood Drive and I hope many of you will consider donating in order to make the drive a success!
Just a reminder that also next weekend - Feb 18/19 - The “Wall of Healing and Hope” will be visiting our parish and will be set up in the Gathering Space. The Wall contains messages of hope and support from families who have lost a loved one to drug overdose. Our own Kathy Sitler is the Drug Task Force Coordinator for the City of Westfield, and she has arranged to have this Travelling Wall visit our Parish that weekend.
I hope everyone is getting their recipes ready for our “2017 Taste of OLBS” on Sunday February 26 from 12:00-2:30. I am getting myself ready to make 100 of my dad’s golumbki! Let me tell you – that is a great labor of love – and A LOT OF WORK!!!! But I enjoy doing it and I’m hoping they will be as popular at The Taste as they were two years ago – I want that coveted “Measuring Cup Trophy” in my office this year!
God Bless, Fr. Dan
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FEBRUARY 12, 2017 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SANCTUARY CANDLE
Is burning this week in loving memory of
+KEVIN REGAN
BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE
requested by Lynda & Family
Any of the memorial candles can be requested through our parish office. The Special Intention and Mary Garden Candles burn for 1 week (requested donation $10). The Sanctuary Candle burns for 2 weeks (requested donation $20).
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE
The Girl Scout troop will be selling cookies in the Gathering Space this weekend at all the Masses. Please stop by to purchase some of their delicious cookies, or purchase a gift of caring!
BLOOD DRIVE
The Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive at the Parish Center next Saturday February 18 from 10:00am-3:00pm in memory of our former parishioner, Laurie Beliveau, who passed away a few years ago. Please consider donating in order to make the drive a success!
THE TASTE OF OLBS – FEBRUARY 26
The Taste of OLBS Parish Fundraiser is a chance for you and/or your family to share a favorite entree, dessert, snack, or appetizer with your parish family and raise money for our church. Here’s how to join in the fun:
- complete the reservation form (on the tables near the bulletins) & drop in the collection basket
- or email to your name, phone number, dish you will prepare, and whether an outlet is needed
- on Sunday, February 26th bring your double-sized entry, dessert, snack or appetizer to the parish center gym and you and your family will serve samples
- then from noon—2:30pm sample your way through the tables… tickets are 50 cents each
Please complete your registration by February 20th.
FAMILY IRISH NIGHT -
SAVE THE DATE
Our Youth Ministry looks forward to hosting our 4th Annual Family Irish Night with basket raffle on Saturday March 11th! Please save the date – details to follow.
SHOW US YOUR TALENT!
Do you sing in the shower? Do you still have awesome dance moves? Do you have a unique talent that you want to show off? The Schoenstatt Girls Youth Group is again putting on a Variety Show, Saturday, May 27th, and we would love you to join us! Put together your own act or get together with your family or friends. Please call (413) 386-8999 to reserve your time slot for either Wednesday, March 8th from 6:30-8:30pm or Saturday, March 11th from 2–4pm so you can show us what you’ve got! Time slots will be scheduled in 15 minute increments. We do not practice age discrimination, so whether you’re young, old or in-between, please consider being part of our show. It’s all in good fun!
ANNUAL PARISH MEN’S RETREAT
Our annual Parish Men’s Retreat will be March 17-19 at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT. The theme is “The Light of Simplicity.” In this age of stress and distraction, we’ll explore what it means to live a simple life and discover true freedom and joy. The retreat includes private rooms, delicious meals, inspirational liturgies, uplifting music, free time and workshops. It begins with dinner at 6PM on Friday and concludes with Sunday brunch at noon. Brochures with registration forms are available in the Gathering Space on the tables with the weekly bulletins. Financial support is also available is needed. We sincerely hope that you will join us for this wonderful experience. For questions, call Paul Lussier at 413-529-2326 or John Strauss 413-562-9818.
POOR BOX DEC 2016 / JAN 2017:
SAMARITAN INN
Poor Box envelopes are located in the Gathering Space on the table with the bulletins. Please take one, make your donation, and return it in the collection at Mass.
OUR STEWARDSHIP
January 29, 2017
Regular and Development (gold) $ 9,464
Budget Requirement per Week 9,600
(deficit) (136)
January Mortgage $ collected $ 5,847
Mortgage due for month 4,182
1,665
THANK YOU!
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017 IN THE PARISH
Sunday Evening Masses at 6:00PM
Mar 12, Apr 9
2017 “Taste of OLBS”
Sunday February 26
4th Annual Family Irish Night
March 11
Lenten Wednesday Evening Speaker Series
March 1 – April 12
Religious Education
Confirmation – April 30
First Communion – May 21
Parish Men’s Retreat
March 17-19
Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford, CT
Annual Diocesan Men’s Conference
Saturday March 25
Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference
Saturday April 22
2017 Vacation Bible Camp
July 31- August 4