RECONFIGURATION

The first phase toward reconfiguration of the Archdiocese has ended this week with the handing over of the reports of each of the 80 clusters.  On February 17^th the Clergy and the Pastoral Associates from St. Brigid and Sacred Heart Parishes along with members of the Pastoral Council and Finance Council met to respond to the Archbishop’s mandate.  The charge given to each cluster was to answer the question: “If the Archbishop finds it necessary to close one parish in our cluster, what parish would you name?” Our cluster is unusual in that it contains only two parishes.  Since Sacred Heart is the smaller of the two parishes it would seem likely to be named for closure if circumstances directed.  The cluster participants, however, unanimously recommends that both parishes are viable, stable, growing and needed for the Catholic community of Lexington and those who come to us from surrounding towns.

This is a recommendation, not a final decision.  The process for reconfiguration continues.  First, our recommendations are sent to the Vicar, Father Mark Sheehan, pastor of Saint Michael’s church in Bedford, who forwards our recommendation along with his own recommendation to the Regional Bishop, Bishop Emilio Allue.  The bishop forwards all that material and his recommendations to the Central Committee. After reviewing all the material of our cluster and others, they will offer a recommendation to Archbishop Sean O’Malley.  After hearing from the Presbyteral Council, the Archbishop will announce his decisions.  The whole process should take about two months.

Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and bless us through this process and beyond. 

Offertory for Feb.28^th & 29^th             $5827.50

Envelope Offerings       $5052.50

Loose Cash                          $  775.00

St. John/St. Hugh                                             $72.00

Many thanks to all who use the parish envelopes each week.  You are the mainstay of our parish support.  This week we received 170 envelopes from the 655 families that are sent envelopes each month.

9:00 – Wednesday, March 10^th             Richard Colletti

9:00 – Friday, March 13^th                            Peter Rommell

A Blessing

Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away, but never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.

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, Al Busa, Peter Bellini, Christine Gainer, Chris Ann Colletti Feener, Katherine Bingham, Helen McLaughlin, Jorge Loayza, Joseph Brault, Lauren Forgette, Don Sabatand, Karen Plasse and Pauline Briggs.

Please pray for Fr. John J. Sheehan who died this week.

Rice Bowl

Operation Rice Bowl brings families, parishes, schools and other faith communities together during Lent to pray, fast, learn and give. Operation Rice Bowl challenges us to put our faith into action and walk in solidarity with our neighbors in need around the world.  Through daily reflection, prayer, and action.  Operation Rice Bowl connects you with our global community.  What sacrifice will you make this week?  What will you put in your “RICE BOWL” this week?

Do You Have A Vocation?

Peter, John and James had a mountaintop experience with Jesus by witnessing His Transfiguration.  We too can have a mountaintop experience when we open our minds and hearts to following God’s Will for our life.  If God is calling you, call the Vocation Office 617-746-5436.

Vatican II Revisited

Our Vatican II Revisited series will continue this Sunday evening at 7:00.  This week the presentation will be held in the church in order that the middle school may have a program after the Youth Mass.  We had a wonderful group attending last week.  Please join us as we journey through this Lenten Series.

Bingo Prizes Needed!

Our Youth Group will be participating in another Sunday Bingo at Youville Place on March 14^th.  Once again we ask your help in gathering small gifts for prizes.  Perhaps you received a small gift for Christmas that you will not be using.  This is a very enjoyable day for the residents and our teens.  One note:  we cannot give candles; the residents are not allowed to have them in the rooms.

Food Pantry

This weekend, March 6^th & 7^th we will have our monthly food pantry collection.  This month the food collected will be donated to St. John/ St. Hugh, our sister parish in Roxbury.  Thank you to Linda Rosa's students for decorating and distributing the bags last week!

Honduran Mission

Sacred Heart parishioners will share their experiences in Guaimaca, Honduras after the youth Mass on March 7 and again on Sunday, March 14 at 10:30 in the parish hall.  The team helped Dominican Sister Maria Ceballos with health clinics in the town and in several mountain villages.  Sister is now looking for funding for bottles to carry pure water for families in her parish.  Come and "meet" some wonderful Honduran people (via a slide show) and learn about other ways to help Sister Maria in her work.

St. Eulalia Christian/Muslim Dialog

Advent  Ramaden  Lent

Two speakers, one Catholic and one Muslim, will explain the history, spiritual significance the practice of their faith’s Holy season.  A question and answer period will be followed by a facilitated discussion.  The presentation will be held at St. Mary Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester.  For information contact Jim White, 781-646-7140.

Winchester Voice of the Faithful

The Winchester Voice of the Faithful invites you to a special program:  PASTORAL ASSOCIATES: THE PRESENT AND FUTURE.  The presenters will be Mary Lou Burke, PA at St. Eulalia’s, Winchester; Marie LaBollita, S.C., PA, Out Lady Help of Christians, Newton; Linda DeChristoforo, PA, Immaculate Conception, Revere and Sr. Mary O’Rourke, CSJ, PA, Blessed Sacrament, Saugus.  The program will be held Monday, March 15^th at 7:30pm at St. Eulalia’s Church, 50 Ridge St., Winchester.

Pennies for the Poor

Jo Murphy called the office this week and was very sad to think that people may have forgotten her Pennies for the Poor ministry!  Let’s show her that we have not forgotten by collecting all of our pennies kept in various jars and bottles and putting them into a bag marked “ Pennies for Jo” and placing them in the collection basket.  Jo in turn will donate all that is collected to a charitable organization.

Women’s Retreat

Glastonbury Abbey is hosting a Women’s Retreat March 12^th – 14^th, 2004.  The facilitator of the retreat will be Sandra DeRome, Obl. St. Benedict.  For further information please call 781-749-2155 x200.

The New Medicaid Laws

Youville Place will host a program featuring Timothy Loff, Elder Care Attorney who will speak on The New Medicaid Laws.  The program will be held Thursday, April 1^st from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Youville Place.  Please call 781-861-9863 for further information.

Coordinator of YM: Maureen McKeown

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

YOUTH MASS:  TODAY

SUNDAY, MARCH 7^th at 5:00pm

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).

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).  "Flyer and permission slips are available in parish center outside YM Office.”  Parents/Guardians of 9^th & 10^th graders, please return your permission slip with your check no later than March 14^th.

FRIDAY MORNINGS IN LENT:  The teen group that is meeting on Friday mornings during Lent welcomes anyone that would like to meet with them for prayer, reflection and a light breakfast.  The time is 6:30am to 7:15am which will allow time to get to the High School (or other schools) on time.  This is a special sacrifice to make during Lent and everyone is welcome to participate.  The meetings are held in the upper hall of the parish center.

Bulletins	Sacred Heart Parish Bulletin - March 7, 2004	Home