Today, the gospel is from Luke (1:1-4; 4:14-21). Jesus now begins his ministry by reading from Isaiah and the prophesy about the Messiah:

God has anointed me, to

bring good news to the afflicted,

proclaim liberty to captives,

give sight to the blind,

set the oppressed free,

proclaim a year of favor from the Lord.

Once he has finished reading he proclaims that this is fulfilled today in me.

Last week I wrote a letter in the bulletin about parishes closing and added if we wanted our parish to be here ten or twenty years from now we had better be working to make this an even stronger faith community.

One of the ways we could make this a stronger faith community is through small faith communities. There is a car ad “Ask somebody…. Ask somebody who drives one!”  If you want to know about small faith communities you should ask someone who belongs to one.  We have ten in our parish now with another three French groups and there are some fifty families formed into clusters of three or four families each preparing their children for first Communion.

People who belong to a small faith community tell me how important the monthly meetings have become for them and their families.  Some groups are getting to know the Bible while others are discussing a book.  All begin in prayer and all are deepening their faith through their open conversations.  Saint Paul wrote to the Hebrews (10:24-25) and to us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, but let us encourage one another.”  We cannot reweave the bonds of community, offering every member the gift of knowing and being known, apart from a small group structure.

I would really want a parish of small faith communities rather than a parish with small faith communities.  I know that this seems to be impossible for we do not see the whole faith community gathered about the altar in worship never mind gathering in homes each month.  But we need to begin.

I have told our various commissions that we cannot start a new ministry until we have leaders in place. We can come up with really good ideas but if we do not have the leaders we will fail.  I need you to think about and pray over your gifts to the community.  Perhaps you have the gift of calling up to a dozen people to your home to meet once a month.  I will meet with you and prepare you for this ministry.  You have been blessed for this ministry and with Jesus you are able to say: “God has anointed me to bring good news.”

Many of you have been to Europe.  Come with me to the Europe you perhaps have not seen.  We depart June 15, 2004 for Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Warsaw.  Join us for a slide presentation on Sunday, February 8^th at 2:00pm in the Parish Center, lower hall.  Call me for a brochure filled with details.

Offertory for January 17^th & 18^th        $4844.50

Envelope Offerings       $4254.50

Loose Cash                          $  595.00

St. John/St. Hugh               $86.00

Habitat for Humanity Work Day

We are grateful to the many Sacred Heart parishioners who have supported building the Lexington Houses for Habitat for Humanity in Dorchester.  We are now recruiting volunteers age 16 and above to work on a new Habitat home on February 14^th from 7AM to 4PM.  This work team will use more than $500 in building materials and we ask for donations to support this work.  Checks should be made out to Habitat For Humanity Boston, and can be put in the collection basket.  God bless you and the more than 150 volunteers from Sacred Heart who have worked to build Homes for Habitat in Boston.  Thank You.  Call Bob Ludwig 781-861-7231 to reserve a spot.  We ask your continued prayers in supporting this effort.

Progressive Dinners

The Sacred Heart Community Commission is planning a night of Progressive Dinners on Saturday February 21st.  More information will follow soon, save the date. Those interested should contact Cathy Opar 781-863-8422 for more information. 

Super Bowl Sunday

Join us in the Parish Center and watch the Super Bowl XXVIII live from Houston Texas on Sunday, February 1^st at 4:00pm.  Come share the day with your friends as you watch the game on multiple screens.  Soft drinks, beer and wine will be provided, and dinner will be served at halftime.  All proceeds from the event will support the Gretin Fund.  The suggested donation for this event is $30 per person.  RSVP by Wednesday, January 28^th to 781-862-4646 so we may plan the food accordingly. 

9:00 – Monday, Jan. 26^th             Memorial Fund Members

This week we ask you to pray for those who are ill, including, Brianna Cimino, Rosemary Harvey, Regina Jones, Andrea Hynes, Joyce Amos, James Reilly, Regina Wingard, Elaine Ring, Erin McMehon, Maria Aguis, George Beck, Dr. Kenneth Spengler, Josephine Murphy, Peter Bugda, Norma Berstein, Camille Michals, Rob Morway, Patricia Hassett, Paul McCann, William Francis, Lillian Davenport, James Fontaini, Henri Fradette, William Blair, Agatha Pals, Richard Gaudet, Kath Rodriegas, Estelle Szalajeski, Nancy Driscoll, Dante DiManna, Margie Levine, Ruth Pike, Doug Phillips, Ralph Tatro, Andrew Day,  Peggy Sue Grow, Mary Serpa, Deborah Miller, Dorothy Lee, William MacKinnon, Mary Jefferson, Elizabeth Conte, Dave Rissmiller, Violet Caldaroni, Frank Cote, James Bresnahan, Ann Mulray, Bea Lingane, Rita Mahan, Connie Perrotta, Gerard Sarno, Dorothy Grant, Gretin Cervantes, Midge Moran, Marisol O’Brien, Matthew Gablor, Paul Pantano, Fran Ressetar, Lori Robbins, Cecelia Hines, Renee Chapman, Peter Bellini, Katherine Bingham, Elizabeth Marrisk, Don Sabatand and David De Thomasis. 

Please also pray for Father William Walsh, Father John E. Jusseaume, Colette Rees, Virginia Yasaitis, mother of John Yasaitis and Marco Federico, father of Richard Federico all of whom died this past week.

Virtus Program Training Dates

Please set aside the following date for attending the training session for the Virtus program, Sunday, February 29^th from 1-4:30.  All who volunteer in the parish are required to attend this training program.

Preparing for Sunday Mass

Do you prepare yourself for the Sunday Liturgy each week?  Do you read the scripture beforehand so you can listen more attentively?  Do you meet with family members or friends to talk about this week’s scripture readings?  There is a book “AT HOME WITH THE WORD” that can help you to do just that.  There are limited copies available in the Parish Center for you to take home.  Please take one and enjoy reading the Sunday Scripture at home

Catholic Leadership Institute

PARENTS/GUARDIANS :  Please note piece in Youth News regarding C.L.I.  (Catholic Leadership Institute).  If you are interested in having your teen attend this well-established program please call me for details.

Another different week can be spent in service on Gospel Road.  These programs fill up fast.  Also you can visit the Office of Youth Ministry website @ www.OYMBoston.org

Thank You

Thank you to all who made the Pancake Breakfast a great success.  Pancake Flippers Jim Osten, Emilie Coakley, Lou Quateraro; Servers Jo Ciccarelli, Caroline Ruocco, Cathleen Russell, Pat Kush, Pauline Briggs, Alex and Patty Quateraro; Coffee Bernie and Marsha Lannquist and Christine Maestri; Tickets Brendan Casey, Alex and Max Laffey; Cleanup Crew Bob Ludwig and Howie Vogel; Coordinators, Frank & Cindy Bellini.  Brendan, Alex and Max also helped to leave the hall spotless!

Catholic Defense of Marriage Information Meetings

Your voice must be heard concerning the Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment!  As Catholics and as citizens we are responsible for participating in the decisions made in our society.  To assist you to understand Catholic doctrine on marriage and the importance of the vote to be held in the legislature on February 11, meetings have been organized throughout the Archdiocese over the next 10 days.  All Catholics are strongly encouraged to attend one of these meetings.  The closest meetings to our parish are:        January 27^th – St. Agnes, Arlington

                        February 2^nd – St. Margaret, Burlington

                        February 3^rd – St. Barbara, Woburn

                        February 4^th St. Peter, Cambridge

Food Pantry

We will have our food pantry collection on February 7^th & 8^th.  As a helpful reminder to bring in non-perishable goods for the food pantry collection, religious education students have decorated bags to be brought home, filled and returned at mass next week.  Thank you to Kirstie Fiora's students for decorating and distributing the bags!

Coordinator of YM: Maureen McKeown

781-861-8385 X21 - email: nychick1@att.net

CATHOLIC YOUTH RALLY:  Saturday, February 7 from 1 – 6 PM.  This is really exciting news for any teen between 13 and 19.  You are invited to meet your new Archbishop Sean (O’Malley) at Merrimack College.  There will be a program with skits, music and lots of fun.  Mass will be celebrated.  Over 1,000 youth are expected.   Mark your calendar now!

ALL 9^th& 10^th GRADERS/PARENTS/GUARDIANS:  You have received a letter and permission form this week with details of the 9/10^th grade Retreat Day at Merrimack College.  We need to have your permission slip returned ASAP.  There is no charge for 9/10^th grade teens – it is part of the program.  (The retreat is a program requirement).

ANOTHER CHANCE TO PLAY BINGO AT YOUVILLE PLACE!!:  If you missed out last time, set aside SUNDAY, MARCH 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 if you would like to participate.  (See pictures on board outside YM Office in the Parish Center).

YOUTH MASS:  FEBRUARY 1^ST AT 11:30AM.  NOTE CHANGE OF TIME.  REGULAR CLASS TIME BEFORE MASS.

Planning Your Summer Vacation?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:  Would you like to gain some great leadership skills and have a week of fun-filled activity this summer?? If you entering grades 9-12, think about signing up for a week at C.L.I. (Catholic Leadership Institute) this summer at Merrimack College.  DATES:  Week of July 19 – 23 or July 26-30.

COME AND SEE ROB SURETTE BRING CHRIST TO LIFE:  SUNDAY, MARCH 21 @ 7:00 PM @ Regis College.  This will be a regular component of the 9/10^th grade program (replacing class for the week).  Tickets have been purchased for this group plus 20 Adult (teachers/chaperones).  Anyone 7 or older is welcome to attend.  To purchase go on line at www.AmazingHeroArt.com.  Bus transportation will be available for all.  (Over half the tickets to the performance have been sold).

Bulletins	Sacred Heart Parish Bulletin - Jan. 25, 2004	Home