If you are in a parish family ministry and would like to add information on this page please contact the webmaster. The more we can add to this site, the more service it will be to our faith community.
The Abby Kelly Foster House | |
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† Abby's House is a "Bright spot in the City"... a temporary shelter for homeless women, a new start for women who need not just a home, but hope. Abby's House has been a favorite local charity of St. Columba's parish for a long time now. Fr. John Thomas began the tradition of collecting canned and dry goods for Abby's food pantry on a monthly basis. The 2004 Confirmation class has embraced Abby's House as a service project. To find out what you can do to help, contact the webmaster at this website. For more information about Abby's House, visit their website at www.abbyshouse.com. 
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Ministry to the Aged and Homebound | |
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† The ministry to the aged and homebound is a vital part of our parish life, as the people who are served are themselves vital to our identity as a family in Christ. As part of this ministry, the Sacrament of the Eucharist is made available and visiting time is spent with someone who may enjoy a visit. Are you, or someone you know unable to get out of the house easily? Is there someone you know who has become seriously ill? Contact John Torchen or the parish office at 508-755-0408 so that visits can be set up.
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How about making a Cursillo? |  |
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Six times a year, three times for men and three times for women, the Diocese of Worcester sponsors a "Cursillo", a Spanish word for "short course". The full title "Cursillo en Cristiandad or "A Short Course in Christianity" is a full three day encounter with Christ which shows us how to live out our discipleship in today's world and how to sustain the work of Christian renewal. The next Cursillo is a weekend for men, Thursday evening September 20th through Sunday September 23rd at Oakhurst Manor in Whitinsville. If you have been thinking about a need to focus on God's place in your life, consider this weekend. Contact Rich Davis at 508-791-2494 for more information. See the Calendar to verify the next weekend. The weekend is conducted by a group of lay people and a priest in the role of Spiritual Director. Activities revolve around a carefully organized progression of talks which were developed for use by Cursillos all around the world. What the presenters add to the talks is the witness of their own lives, their struggles and triumphs in Christ. The weekend features a teaching by Bishop Rueger or Bishop Reilly (both of our Worcester bishops are "Cursillistas" - having made and endorsed the Cursillo weekend). Groups of 12 to 25 candidates experience a weekend filled with spirituality, fun, singing, and delicious home cooked meals.
Many parishioners who have experienced this dynamic weekend will witness to its impact upon them. Who can you ask about the weekend? Among the list of "Cursillistas": Bishop George Rueger, Sister Catherine Guild, Deacon Richard and Janet O'Connnor, Deacon Norbert Archibald, Ursula Shea, Pete Lombardo, Mary Casavant, John Torchen, Ruth and Rich Davis, Matt and Sharon Bannister, Debbie Magnuson, Peggie Eident, Paula Szkoda, Annette Aubertin, Lorraine Bouthiller, Cecelia Carroll, Irene Dusoe... Cursillo weekends are held at the comfortable facilities at Oakhurst Manor in Whitinsville MA. You can find out more about Cursillo by visiting The Worcester Cursillo website.
Applications or more information is available by contacting Rich Davis Phone:(508)791-2494.
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Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers and Lectors | |
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†We are always seeking people to volunteer as Eucharistic Ministers. Someday we would like to have enough Eucharistic Ministers to offer the Eucharist under both species at Mass. If you know of someone who is interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister or a lector please send an email to Rick Bedard or call Fr. Shea at 508-755-0408. To view the current Eucharistic Minister and Lector schedule, †If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, keep your eyes on the bulletin for announcements on when training will be available. To view the current Altar Server schedule,
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Marriage Encounter | |
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What is a Marriage Encounter? Marriage Encounter is designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together . . . a time to share their feelings, hopes, disapointments, joys and frustrations . . . and to do so openly and honestly in a face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter with the one person they have chosen to live with for the rest of their lives. The emphasis of the Marriage Encounter weekend is on communication between husband and wife, who spend a weekend together away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, to concentrate on each other. It's not a retreat, nor a marriage clinic, nor group sensitivity. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian Marriage. This is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention
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Men's Bible Study - Faith Sharing | |
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The men's bible study currently meets on Saturday mornings for an hour from 8 to 9 AM in the downstairs hall at St. Columba Church. Each week we read the Mass Readings for the following Sunday, and after some quiet meditation, we share how we perceive the message in light of our own experiences as sons, fathers, husbands, brothers, parishoners, neighbors, citizens, workers, friends, etc. If you can make it sometimes and not others, it's perfectly okay. There is no commitment except to be open to God in the experience of listening to scripture, sharing, and fellowship. If you are interested, call Rich at 508-791-2494. Psalm 12:7(NAB) The promises of the LORD are sure, silver refined in a crucible, silver purified seven times.
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Music | |
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† If you have a gifted voice or play an instrument and would like to be part of the music ministry at St. Columba there is room for you! The St. Columba choir sings at the 5:00pm Mass on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month and at the 10:00am Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. The contemporary music ministry sings at the 10:00am Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. † The St. Columba choir is directed by organist Diane Desautels. rehearsals are held before Mass. † The contemporary music ministry meets on Tuesday nights from 7-8:00pm. For more information regarding either music ministry, call or send an email to Rich Davis (508-791-2494). Come and be part in song. For music on the web, visit our favorite links
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Saturday Morning Rosary | |
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In recent months a group of parishoners have been meeting on Saturday mornings to pray the Rosary in dedication to sanctity of life. You are welcome to join us at 9:00 a.m. in the morning, whenever you are able to make it. | |
the Marriage Encounter Homepage.