Lent is situated in the perfect time of year for us. It comes at the crossroads of winter and spring; darkness and light; lifelessness and life.  All nature is a metaphor for what we are going through if we live Lent.

In the second reading this weekend, (1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12), Paul, who is absent from his parish, must respond to a number of problems the community is undergoing.  Fortunately for us, those early believers experienced a variety of problems with several weighty spiritual issues.

Those Christians thought they had arrived at union with God through their baptism and Eucharist.  Paul has to tell them that there are a lot of miles to travel before we are where we want to be or where God wants us to be so we must continue to struggle on the way.  Paul connects the experience of ancient Israel in their wandering in the desert under Moses to the experience of the present Christian experience.  Paul likens the crossing of the Red Sea to baptism—a journey that leads from slavery to freedom. He compares the food provided by God on that journey, the manna, quail and water from the rock to the Eucharist provided for our journey.

Paul’s point was to have his parishioners recall all the “sacraments” God gave the Israelites.  Israel often failed to respond adequately to those sacramental graces.  Believers in Jesus are warned against making the same mistakes.  The good news of God’s unconditional love and presence among his people may be told so often that the Christian may take it all for granted and become indifferent, arrogant and presumptuous.  God could be seen as a doting parent who cannot refuse anything to his spoiled children.  Paul warns his parishioners not to overlook their weaknesses lest they become like the ancients who grumbled repeatedly and criticized Moses and fashioned idols to worship and “were struck down in the desert” for doing these things.

Paul’s warning comes to us this Lent and calls everyone not to take God and salvation for granted. What is required is a renewed humility and a responsive gratitude for all God is and does for us sinners.

Offertory for March 6^th & 7^th             $7106.50

Envelope Offerings       $6255.50

Loose Cash                          $  851.00

St. John/St. Hugh                                             $735.00

Many thanks to all who use the parish envelopes each week.  You are the mainstay of our parish support.  This week we received 185 envelopes from the 655 families that are sent envelopes each month. 

9:00 – Tuesday, March 16^th                   For the Family of

Pauline Briggs

9:00 – Saturday, March 20^th              The MacGillivray and

                                                           MacArthur Families

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, Linda Riley, Lauren Forgette, Don Sabatand, and Pauline Briggs.  Please pray for Karen Plasse Nora Zelck, Elaine Ring, sister of Margaret Blouin and James Turano, father of Carmen Turano all of whom died this week.

Meals to Heal

Last week a new ministry was introduced at Sacred Heart:  Meals to Heal.  A form was included with a tear slip to fill out if you would like to participate.  It might not have been clear that the form was meant for anyone interested in preparing a meal.  If we can build a substantial base, we can offer this service to anyone in need.  If you have any questions, call Carol Nealon @ 781/648-3053 or Claire Martin @ 781/862-4646.

Honduran Mission

Sacred Heart parishioners will share their experiences in Guaimaca, Honduras after Mass on this 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.

Rice Bowl

Where does the money from my Rice Bowl go?  75% of Operation Rice Bowl contributions go to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and help fund projects in 40 countries around the world.  No Operation Rice Bowl monies are used for emergency programming.  CRS development projects include: agricultural enrichment, water and sanitation, maternal/child health, micro-finance and job training.  All of these projects are designed to uphold human dignity and encourage self-reliance for the project participants…to be continued next week.

Vatican II Revisited

Our Vatican II Revisited series will continue this Sunday evening at 7:00 in the church.  Please join with us as we listen to Father Bob McMillan re-visit Vatican II and share with us the changes it brought to the church.

Bread for the World

Our letters last year helped win an extra $1.5 billion to go in 2004 to the world’s poor and hungry through the new Millennium Challenges Account and emergency plan for AIDS Relief.  BFW also helped shape policies governing the MCA bringing together a broad cross section of citizens - especially poor people – into the design and implementation of MCA projects.  We have made a good start.

Prayer Vigil For Pauline

Beginning this Sunday, (and every Sunday to follow), there will be a prayer vigil at Sacred Heart church from 4:00 to 4:45 for Pauline Briggs.  Everyone is welcome!  Spread the word!

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list that will keep you posted when there is a change or new information, please send an e-mail to Bob Burbidge at  and rburbidge@genesis-cos.com and he will add you to the list.

Attention Young People Grades 5 and Up (and their families)!    Next Tuesday, March 16, from 7:00-8:00 pm, there will be a Reconciliation Service planned especially for you!  Remember your First Reconciliation how scared you were at first, and how glad you were afterward because you had the chance to bring your failures to God and experience his forgiveness?  Here’s your chance to get straight with God again, along with all your friends.  And yes, do bring your older sibs and parents along if you wish.  None of us are perfect, and we all need God’s help!  It all starts at 7:00pm in the church.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Next Saturday, March 20 at 11:00, we will welcome 33 children, and their parents, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  They are to be congratulated for their hard work preparing for the Sacrament, and for the renewal they will bring to the whole parish by their participation.  Their names are on the Good Shepherd banner in church—please keep them and their families in your prayers.

Lost & Found

A ring was found on the grounds last week.  Please call the office, 781-862-4646, if you think it belongs to you or someone you know.

Life Choices

Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson, Surgeon and Renowned Pro-Life Advocate will be a guest speaker at St. Michael Parish Hall in Bedford on Tuesday, March 16^th, at 7:00pm.  Dr. Jefferson will speak on a variety of issues relating to Life Choices.  Please join us and be enlightened and informed on these crucial topics.  Please call Mary Walsh at 781-275-9317 for more information.

Blessing

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.

Coordinator of YM: Maureen McKeown

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

ANOTHER CHANCE TO PLAY BINGO AT YOUVILLE PLACE!!:  If you missed out last time, set aside from 1:30 to 3:30 TODAY, Sunday, March 14^th, if you would like to participate.  Bring a permission slip (in parish center or on web page) and meet at Youville Place @ 1:30!  See you then.

NOTE:  PERMISSION SLIPS AND CHECKS ARE DUE TODAY.  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^th/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.” 

FRIDAY MORNINGS IN LENT:  What a wonderful opportunity to find some “space” for prayer!  And that is just what several teens (and a few adults) have been doing each Friday morning in Lent from 6:30 to 7:15 AM.  Time with God needs to be scheduled – just like piano practice, workouts at the gym, cruising the Mall!  .  A light breakfast is served and you can get to school (or get a ride if needed) on time.  The meetings are held in the upper hall of the parish center.  All are welcome.

C.L.I.    Letters will be mailed soon to teens who will be incoming Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors outlining the opportunity to participate in Catholic Leadership Institute at Merrimack College this July.  Several of our teens have participated in this program (as well as the next step:  CLIMB).  Their commitment, enthusiasm and leadership are very evident in the Sacred Heart faith community during this past year.  We need others who will be trained and willing to serve during the years ahead.  This is your parish – if you want an active community for young adults, the ball is in your court.  Dates for C.L.I.(at Merrimack College) are July 19-23 or July 26-30.  Call Maureen or speak to any member of our T.L.C. for more info.

Bulletins	Sacred Heart Parish Bulletin - March 14, 2004	Home