Sunday, October 1, 2023

WHAT IS REALM?

What is Realm? Realm is an online ministry tool designed for real time connection. It helps our church connect with you and you, with us.

If you consider yourself part of this church family, you’ll love it. Realm allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, control your egiving, and keep in touch with the groups that matter to you.

If you haven't already, please check your email for your personal invitation to join Realm. Click on the link in the email to set up your account and profile in Realm.

ST. MARY’S ANNUAL APPEAL - a/o Sept. 26, 2023

Many thanks for your continued spiritual and financial commitment to our Parish and community.

THE SEARCH

Small Group "The Search”, continues on Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Parish Center.
Click here to learn more.

ST. MARY’S THRIFT STORE HOURS

10 am to 2 pm - Wednesdays
12 pm to 2 pm - Fridays
10 am to 2 pm - Saturdays

GREETERS NEEDED

We need Greeters to welcome our friends to Mass! We need YOU! To joyfully and sincerely welcome each person coming to Mass and/or other services and events at St. Mary’s.

Please sign-up to be a greeter, by visiting our webpage.

Thank you!

SNOWBIRDS

If you are going away this winter, please call the office to let us know you will be away.  Parish Office phone number is 508-992-7505

ST PATRICK’S DAY DISPENSATION

MASS INTENTION SCHEDULING

Beginning October 1st (for the booking of Masses from January 1st to March 31st of 2024), only four Masses per individual are allowed. Of these four Masses, one can be on the weekend and the other three are for during the week. Masses are $10 each and Sanctuary Candles are $25. Please provide payment at the time of booking.  

October 1st for January, February and March
January 1st for April, May, June
April 1st for July, August, September
July 1st for October, November, December

WINDOWS ON HEAVEN: PRAYING WITH ICONS
October 29-31, 2023

-Kathy Marzilli Miraglia, EdD, MAE, BFA, Professor Emerita of Art Education at UMass Dartmouth
-Sister Cynthia Bauer, OP, MA, BCC and Board-Certified interfaith Chaplain
-Sister Madeleine Tacy, OP, D.Min., and Certified in Spiritual Direction

This three-day retreat will offer historical overviews and information regarding icon painting tradition and technique. Since icons are referred to as “windows on heaven,” we will explore the meaning of icons and how they can be used in prayer.

Our time together will include small discussion groups, prayer with a chosen icon, silent reflection following the overview of liturgical and contemplative practices related to ways in which to pray with icons. Icon prayer cards will be provided.

Location: Mercy by the Sea, Madison, CT 06443

Cost: Single Bed $450, Double Bed $400 (includes ensuite bathroom and all meals from Sunday dinner, through Tuesday breakfast)

To register: call Guest Services at (203) 245.0401, Ext. 114 or click here.

 

FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION

All Day Adoration will be held on the First Friday of each month. On Oct. 6th, adoration will be from 8:30am to 5:00pm, concluding with a Benediction.

SMALL GROUPS FORMING NOW!

Small Groups is where our large church gets small. Groups are 4-6 people who meet to discuss faith, go deeper in the weekly homily, and support one another in their relationship with Christ. This is the place to care for others and be cared for; a place to impact our community and the world. Small Groups are a great place to explore, ask questions, and grow.

The next Small Group series begins October 15, click here to learn more:

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

Lord God, the Provider of all our needs, You have asked us to pray for workers in the vineyard. Manifest in Your Church the Spirit whom you so abundantly bestowed on the Apostles at Pentecost.

Bless our Parish and Diocese with an increase of men and women to minister in Your Church as priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers. Form our Parish in Your Image to be the sacred environment for listening to the Spirit. May those whom You call give themselves, their time, and their talent to serve Your Son and the Church.

Increase the life of faith of our Parish Family that we may be a living sign of Your Kingdom for all to see. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

We are incredibly blessed to have thoughtful and generous parishioners who support the good works of St. Mary's.

The Weekly Offering for 9/24/23: $ 4,982.75
egiving from 9/20/23 - 9/26/23: $ 2,413.50
Cardinal Medeiros Residence Collection: $436.53

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayer Line: If you would like to have someone prayed for please either call the Parish Office at 508-992-7505, submit the prayer request on our website by clicking here.

THE NEED IS GREAT! YOU CAN HELP!

Canned goods and other non-perishable food items are needed to restock the Solanus Casey Food Pantry at Catholic Social Svcs. in New Bedford.

Non-perishable items needed most are:
Breakfast Cereal
Peanut Butter
Canned Soups
Canned Veggies
Canned Fruit
Canned Meats
Canned Tuna
Pasta Sauce and Pasta
Macaroni & Cheese
1lb. bags of Rice
1lb. bags of Dry Beans

Any donation made—large or small—will directly benefit families in need.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to storage issues, please do not donate any fresh vegetables or fresh fruit. The Greater Boston Food Bank provides necessary fresh produce. Also, the Pantry cannot accept opened boxes or containers or items past their expiration date.

MANDATED REPORTING

 All members of the clergy, Directors of Religious Education and teachers in our schools are Mandated Reporters in Massachusetts and required by law to report any suspected child abuse. Many children will not tell anyone they are being abused. Because the Diocese believes in our moral obligation to protect children, we extend the safe environment training to all who minister, work or volunteer. Watch for signs of abuse and, if you are concerned about a child, share those concerns with a mandated reporter at your parish or school. Let us all be a voice for children who may not be able to speak for themselves.