Easter Message from Fr. Jim

Easter Message from Fr. Jim

Mary Magdalene had barely slept for two nights. When she would begin to drift off, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of doom. Had she just had a nightmare? Then she would awake to the awful reality that it had really happened. She had stood there and seen all her hopes evaporate. Her relationship with Jesus had completely changed her life. She had lost her equilibrium. What did her life even mean without him?< In her grief, she and her friend Mary made their way to the tomb that Sunday morning. Maybe it would bring her some comfort to be close to where his body lay. When she arrived, she was shaken from her stupor. An earthquake. An angel. The stone rolled back. Could it be? Then the light of hope pierced the gloom that had overtaken her. He was alive! He had risen! And she would soon learn that she would never have to live without him. He would promise, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) And that is Jesus’ promise to you and me…

Schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023

Schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023

It is our joy and privilege to assemble so that together we might enter into the Sacred Triduum: three days beginning with Holy Thursday evening, through Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and ending on Easter Sunday evening. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Our liturgies clearly illustrate this reality – you will notice that Thursday’s liturgy has no dismissal, and Good Friday’s liturgy has no entrance and no dismissal.

Once we have entered into this sacred space and time, even when we return home, our hearts and minds remain in a very real way with the Lord Jesus.

Easter Collection for Clergy Trust

Easter Collection for Clergy Trust

Every Easter, all parish collections support Clergy Trust so that they can continue to care for the health and well-being of all active and senior priests in good standing. Our priests have dedicated their lives to serving others, and through their ministry, they create stronger and more compassionate communities. Please consider a generous donation to the Easter collection and join us in supporting the Clergy Trust.

Please take a minute to watch this very brief video featuring Fr. Gerald Souza, pastor of Ascension Parish in Sudbury, who joyfully shares his favorite parts of being a parish priest…

Sixth Week of Lent (Holy Week): The Seventh Word – “It is finished.”

Sixth Week of Lent (Holy Week): The Seventh Word – “It is finished.”

Of all the seven last words, the words, “It is finished” sound more like words of self-reflection than any others. They are not like the interactive words spoken to Mary and John; neither are they like the reconciling words spoken to the repentant thief; nor, it seems, are they like the words of anguish and committal addressed to the Father. Instead, these words seem to be those of a man who, at the point of dying, looks back at his living to see it as a unified whole. He has come to do the will of the One who sent him. Here are some thoughts and questions for your consideration this week:

Can you look back on your life and see a pattern? Can you see how God’s will has been at work in it? 

Fifth Week of Lent: The Sixth Word – “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit.”

Fifth Week of Lent: The Sixth Word – “Father, into your hands I commend my Spirit.”

Here are some thoughts and questions for your consideration this week:

Try to set aside fifteen minutes.
“Pick a time, pick a place, and then show up.” (Timothy Jones in Workaday Prayers)
Reread the above gospel selection. Be attentive to the scene, imagining it, putting yourself at the foot of the cross. You may want to speak with Jesus. 
Be grateful for the Spirit’s gift: that you desire to pray. 
Recall the deep relationship Jesus had with his Father. 
Consider world events. Focus on one picture or one story that touches your heart and pray for those people, entrusting them to God’s care. 
Whenever you feel that life is beating you, you might find consolation in Psalm 31. 

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Wednesday March 29 at 7:00pm at St. John

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Wednesday March 29 at 7:00pm at St. John

Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order in Burgundy, France, with a strong devotion to peace and reconciliation through prayer, meditation, and song.

The repetitive sung simple prayers draw you deeply into communion with the Holy Spirit and allows the clutter of your thoughts to subside. Holy Scripture and silence are interwoven in the experience in order for worshipers to be attentive to God’s voice. There will be opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout.

There can be no better way to prepare for Holy Week than to approach it full of God’s abundant grace.

This Weekend March 25-26: Special Second Collection for “City of Goodness”

This Weekend March 25-26: Special Second Collection for “City of Goodness”

Throughout Lent, the Service Commission shared the story of City of Goodness with you.  We’ve told you how, on February 24, 2022, people all around Ukraine woke up to air raid sirens and bomb explosions and their lives changed forever. We told you how, in response, City of Goodness has transformed from a social service and support center into a shelter for Ukrainians fleeing war and violence.

This is our opportunity as a Collaborative to show Christ-like love for our neighbors in distress, and for each of us to answer Lent’s clarion call to love extravagantly.  On behalf of the Collaborative Service Commission, we ask that you be as generous as your means will allow.

Checks can be made payable to your parish, with “2023 Lenten Gift” noted in the memo, and can be placed in the special second collection this weekend of mailed/dropped at either parish office.  You may also contribute online by scanning the QR code on the posters in both churches or by visiting the Collaborative Lenten Gift  page on our website.

Fourth Week of Lent: The Fifth Word – “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Fourth Week of Lent: The Fifth Word – “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Here are some thoughts and questions for your consideration this week:

Try to set aside fifteen minutes. Distractions in prayer are as normal and ordinary as they are in any relationship. Don’t get discouraged.

Read the selection from Luke 23:39-43 above. Try to imagine that scene, putting yourself at the foot of the cross. 

Recall how your own attitude toward suffering or toward a difficult situation has either helped or hindered you.

In the Hail Mary, we ask her to intercede for us “now and at the hour of our death.” Does that particular line hold much meaning for you? 

Reflect on the love that Jesus has for us, that love that invites us to be with him…

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