In the first reading for this weekend (Acts 14:21-27), Paul and Barnabas have finished their first missionary journey preaching the kingdom of God.  Many people today ask the question: “Jesus preached a kingdom—so why do we have the church?”  When we see that one in six Catholics attend Church each week we understand that many people are divorcing their search for God from involvement within a church community.

Some have decided that adherence to strict obedience to church authority renders its members somewhat adolescent.  Today people are asking: “Does your Christian faith, with its emphasis on obedience to authority, make you a docile sheep who is more easily led—or does it inspire you to live in the glorious freedom of the children of God?”

Others see a compromised institution with too much blood on its hands and corruption among its leaders. Some have read the DaVinci Code and have believed it even when it calls itself a novel.  The Sword of Constantine is more historical and certainly more condemning.

Still others find Christianity lacking in any real contribution to civilization.  In The Holy Longing we read, “ The Christian church has tried for two thousand years and not really changed anything, analogous to a two-thousand-year-old sports franchise that has never won a championship.  It’s time for a change.”

In spite of all this, the constant remains.  People want the church to be there for them when they need it.  They still come to baptisms, First Communions, weddings and funerals.  In Fragmented Gods the author writes, “People aren’t leaving their churches, they just aren’t going to them.”

In a few weeks, it will be announced what parishes will close in the Archdiocese.  We will hear from all those people who certainly love their parish but we will also hear from those who simply want the parish to be there if and when they need it.  In all of this, I am reminded of a delivery room in a hospital—there is much blood and loud cries but in the end there is new birth.  I pray that this time is an opportunity for new birth in the church of Boston.

Offertory for May 1/2            $6761.50

Envelope Offerings       $5778.50

Loose Cash                          $983.00

St. John/St. Hugh                                             $523.00

Many thanks to all who use the parish envelopes each week.  You are the mainstay of our parish support.  This week we received 152 envelopes from the 649 families that are sent envelopes each month.

Thank You – Mesi Anpil

The Sacred Heart Community has again demonstrated its concern for the people of Haiti by generously responding to the Holy Thursday Collection to benefit our sister parish in Fond des Blancs.  $1,523 was collected and has been distributed in the form of over the counter medication and funding for the nutrition center at the hospital run by St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, as well as financial support for further training for the teachers at St. Francois Center School.  The conditions in Haiti continue to deteriorate, so you support and generosity are greatly needed and appreciated.  Please keep the Haitian people in your prayers.  They are people of tremendous faith.

Class of 2004 and Families

A special Graduation Mass, followed by a reception hosted by our teens from T.L.C., is planned for Saturday, June 5^th at 4:00 PM for all our graduates and their families and extended families.  A special invitation will be mailed shortly.  Please mark your calendar NOW.  We are looking forward to this opportunity to wish you well on your journey next year.

9:00am – Monday, May 10^th                        Josephine Rago

9:00am – Tuesday, May 11^th            Mary Cassidy, 1^st Ann.

9:00am – Wednesday, May 12^th                       John Cotter

9:00am – Saturday, May 15^th     Josephine & Peter Crivello

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, 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, Chrysostom Blanchard, Frank Cote, James Bresnahan, Ann Mulray, Rita Mahan, Connie Perrotta, Gerard Sarno, Dorothy Grant, Gretin Cervantes, Marisol O’Brien, Matthew Gablor, Paul Pantano, Fran Ressetar, Lori Robbins, Cecelia Hines, Renee Chapman, Peter Bellini, Christine Gainer, Chris Ann Colletti Feener, Katherine Bingham, Helen McLaughlin, Paul Doherty, Jorge Loayza, Joseph Brault, Lauren Forgette, Jim Galehouse, Bill Attaya, Mary Angela Palladino, Lea Vetter, John McCarthy, Don Sabatand, and Pauline Briggs.  Please also pray for Victor Walsh, father of Molly McNamara, and Rita O’Loughlin, both of whom died this past week.

Happy Mother’s Day

Mothers are the place that we call home.

 On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.

There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,

Happiness, contentment, sweet release

Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,

Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom.

Barry Taylor

Parents/Guardians/Grandparents!

PLEASE READ the Youth News regarding upcoming events.  Our teens need your encouragement to participate in these events.  We cannot expect enthusiastic participation will just happen.  We need our youth to know that their presence is an important part of their growth in faith in our community--and most importantly that we value that presence.  Members of our Team Leadership Crew (T.L.C.) will be speaking at various Masses of their experience at C.L.I. and Gospel Road.  Please call with any questions.  (Or talk with one of the Leadership team).

2004 Annual Catholic Appeal

The Annual Catholic Appeal has begun.  It is through the Catholic Appeal that we come Together in Faith to meet the needs of our Catholic family.  This Appeal is to the Archdiocese what the Sunday offertory is to our parish.  We encourage you to mail your pledge and to support the Catholic Appeal as generously as you can.  If at all possible, please consider pledging throughout the year.  We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our Catholic Appeal last year.  We raised $57,504 from 257 parishioners during a challenging time.  This year the target for our parish is $77,661.  You should have received your letters in the mail.  If you did not receive your letter, you will find extra copies at the doors of the church. 

Flowers this weekend are donated by Louise M. Nolan in memory of Helen Spiers and John Joseph Nolan.

The following children will receive First Communion at the 9:00 Mass Sunday, May 9^th

Joseph Caira                            Riley Muir

Daniel Casey                             Emily O’Brien

Elena DiRamio                           Lucas O’Brien

Lucy Fallon                               Hugh O’Neil

Fiona Fitzgerald                       Esteban Perrin

Joseph Fitzgerald                     Daniel Palmer

Mallory Griffin                         Thomas Pierce

Jordan Herbert                        Leah Rapperport

Amanda Lamoretti                     Christopher Ruocco

Ashley Lamoretti                       Elizabeth Trombley

David Meister                           Olivia Wright

Emma Moresco                          Amile Zaaf

The new date for our “Celebrating Our Parish”. festivity is June 12^th & 13^th.following each Mass.  Please plan to join us after Mass in the Parish Center.  To share a meal and friendship! 

Vocations

The new commandment of love is required of every one who follows the risen Lord.  How do you fulfill the command?  If God is calling you, call the Vocation Office, 617-746-5436.

Coordinator of YM: Maureen McKeown

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

GOSPEL ROAD:  Week of August 9 – 13. The date has been established for this great event.  It is a week of team building and service at several sites.  Evenings have time for processing the experience, a spiritual component and lots of fun and games. The cost is $165 and any teen in the 8^th grade or older is eligible.  Great news – Fr. Chris O’Connor is one of the leaders – you might remember him from Youth Mass this year.  This will definitely be a sell-out.  Go on the website for the Office of Youth Ministry for more details.  www.OYMBoston.,org   You don’t want to miss this opportunity!  Call with any questions.

12^th ANNUAL HARBOR CRUISE – MIDDLE SCHOOL.  The dates are Monday, June 21 or Monday June 28.  Time:  Leave Lexington @ 6:30, arrive home by 11 PM.  Cost $15 per person (Bus fee will be additional).  Forms available at Parish Center or on line. 

C.L.I.    Letters have been mailed 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.  Date for C.L.I.(at Merrimack College) are July 19-23.  Call Maureen or speak to any member of our T.L.C. for more info.

PLEASE NOTE:  Any adult willing to chaperone Gospel Road or the Middle school Harbor Cruise, please call or e-mail Maureen.  Thank you.

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