St. Barbara’s Parish Sunday Bulletin

Sunday, January 1, 2006

MASS INTENTIONS

WE REMEMBER IN A SPECIAL WAY AT MASS THIS WEEKEND

those whose names are inscribed in our Book of Remembrance; members of St. Barbara Benefactor Society; your family members, relatives and friends, and the following deceased: David Danforth; James Head; Albert Donovan; James Lundy; Cecilia Gorman; Margaret Sullivan; Tom & Pauline Brooks; John Tuohy; Richard Heffernan, Jr.; Florence Brousseau-Rith.

NEW YEAR’S MASSES

New Year's Eve (Saturday, December 31st)

4:00 P.M. ONLY

New Year's Day (Sunday, January 1st) (normal Sunday schedule)

7:30 A.M.

9:00 A.M.

11:00 A.M.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Sick will be administered this Saturdayh at the 4:00 P.M.. Mass. Who can receive this Sacrament? Those who are chronically ill, are having treatments, or will be having surgery this month. We invite you to come receive the Sacrament of the Sick, a source of strength, healing, and grace. If you would like to receive this Sacrament, tell the Priest before Mass.

A GREAT BIG “THANK YOU”

right from the heart to all of St. Barbara’s Family members for the many delicious goodies that came pouring into the rectory these past few weeks – the cards, candies, fruit, cookies, etc. are all evidence of your thoughtfulness and generosity. They are greatly appreciated and are being thoroughly enjoyed. We, for our part, promise to remember all of you and your families in our Masses and prayers throughout this Christmas season.

SIGN OF PEACE

In this season of colds and other illnesses, some parishioners may not feel comfortable extending the Handshake of Peace. Please do not feel offended if someone merely nods at this time of the Liturgy.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Catholic Gentlemen who make a difference. Join us!! Call Richard Carlson at 617-876-8338.

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU!!

To all who have assisted us as needed throughout the past year… Lectors, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, the members of CALM who deliver plants to the homebound at Christmas and Easter, the Choir, Ministers of Care, the ladies who answer the phone in the rectory each evening; Ted Szymanski, Phil Hawley, Leo Bahan, Tony Galluzzo, Paul Coffey who ably assist us as needed. To Eleanor Craven & Mary O’Doherty who keep our altars looking so lovely, Peg & Arthur Flaherty for the beautiful outdoor decorations and last, but not least, Jim Power, our talented, tireless, hardworking custodian… and to all those UNHERALDED parishioners, too numerous to mention, we offer a great big “THANK YOU” for all that you do for St. Barbara’s. It is real PARISH PRIDE that will settle for nothing but the very best. God bless you all in the coming New Year.

ST. BARBARA STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Did you know:

• The Stewardship Program was introduced to Parishes by the Archdiocese about 10 years ago.
• The purpose of the program is to offer parishioners an opportunity to use their time, their talent and their treasure to renew your Church, to help other people and thereby to create a closer relationship with Jesus who said to us in Mt. 20:4, “You also go and work in my vineyard.”
• Everyone is invited to work in St. Barbara’s vineyard. All are welcome.
• If you haven’t all ready signed up for a Ministry, please do so by picking up a sign-up card from the rectory.

PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORGIE

Father Tom Reilly of St. Michael’s Parish, Bedford will be chaplain for this pilgrimage – April 25 to May 5, 2006. Cost is approximately $1,500. Brochures are available at the rectory office for anyone interested.

33rd ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE

The I.C. Respect Life Committee is once again planning a pilgrimage to the Annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the infamous Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. The group will leave from St. Margaret’s Church in Burlington by motor coach on Sunday morning, Jan. 22nd and will return on Tuesday evening, Jan. 24th. The cost is $210 per person, double occupancy ($330 single), Come and be inspired by the tens of thousands of young people who will witness to the Gospel of Life in this non-confrontational event. Please call Janet Callahan @781-324-3564 for more information.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Mary did not give Him His divinity, she gave Him His human nature. She is the mother of the man, Jesus. He is God by reason of His union with the Creator – Jesus, the firstborn of all creation, who was sent as His Father’s representative and witness. Just as our parents shared their humanity with us in the process of life, so Mary gave human form to Jesus. So she is the mother of Jesus who is the Son of God. He was born this way to let himself be known to simple everyday laborers, the shepherds. Notice that it is through them that He spreads the good news; not through the priests in the Temple, or the theologians of His day. St. Paul says that Jesus chose the weak and powerless of this world to confound the wise.

In a real way Jesus came as a servant, not as a powerful magistrate or king. Born in a cave, placed in a feeding trough, wrapped in swaddling clothes, not in a palace or wealthy home, Jesus comes as our brother. If you consider yourself unworthy, insignificant, so did the shepherds. But remember they were given a task to announce the good news. How do you tell the world about Jesus? By your example. Thus you, too, are chosen and sent.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION FOR RETIRED PRIESTS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE. IN YOUR GENEROSITY YOU GAVE $14,229.00. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR KINDNESS.

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ALTAR SERVERS

Fr. Carroll invites boys and girls, Grade 4 and up, to join our Altar Servers. Please consider it and call the rectory for further information.

HOSPITALIZED PARISHIONERS

If you, or a loved one is hospitalized, please feel free to contact the parish and let us know. Also, be sure to allow your name to appear on the hospital’s religious census to ensure that you receive communion and the comfort and support of the parish and hospital spiritual caregivers during your stay.

CAMP FATIMA FOR BOYS AND CAMP BERNADETTE FOR GIRLS

in New Hampshire are taking registrations for their summer sessions. Some sessions are filling up quickly so don’t wait. For more information please contact Michael Drumm (603-364-5851) or E-mail mdrumm@diocamps.org or write P.O. Box 206, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837.

DAY RETREAT FOR WOMEN

January 11th at the Franciscan Center, 459 River Road, Andover, Rte 93N, Exit 45 – Phone 1-978-851-3391. Offering $15.00 – Topic: “Obedience, Another Word for Holiness” Time: 9:30-2:00 PM. Liturgy at 1:00 PM – Bag lunch.

ST. AGNES SCHOOL, ARLINGTON

will hold registration for new students for the 2006-07 school year as follows:

KINDERGARTEN through GRADE SEVEN

on Tues., February 7, 2006 from 9:00-11:00 AM.
Please bring a copy of the following: birth certificate, baptismal record and immunization record.
Grades 1-7 also bring a copy of your child’s last report card.
Please note: in case of a storm and school is cancelled, registration will take place on Feb 8th at the same time.
Kindergarten students must be five by Sept. 1, 2006 and
Grade One students must be six years old by Sept. 1st also.

OPEN HOUSE

Jan. 26, 2006 – 7:00-8:00 PM. This is for NEW PARENTS who might be interested in enrolling their children in St. Agnes school.

THANK YOU

to all who attended St. Barbara’s Adult Education Program with Fr. Ned Carroll. He will be back with a new, exciting, dynamic, mind-boggling program in the Spring. (Guess who wrote this??)

A FEW THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

• Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
• If you need help… ask God. If you don’t… thank God.
• Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.
• Remember your blessings; forget your troubles.

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