Sacred Heart Parish Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

and St. John the Baptist Parish

Essex, MA

2

Sacred Heart, Manchester St. John the Baptist, Essex

Sacred Heart Church 62 School St.

Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944-1342 Established 1905

St. John the Baptist Church 52 Main St.

Essex, MA 01929-1343 Established 1931

We are here to welcome and serve you. No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church.

No matter what your current family or marital situation, No matter your personal history, age, background, race, etc.,

No matter what your self image— You are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected in

Sacred Heart and St. John the Baptist Parishes.

Parish Staff Rev. John W. Gentleman, Pastor jwg41859@comcast.net Jay Caress, Director of Religious Education 978 526-1781 jay.caress@yahoo.com Stephanie O’Connell, Youth Ministry stephanierangelym@yahoo.com Chris Moore, Adult Faith Formation Director shsjadultfaith@comcast.net Joseph Sebastian Stella, Music Director & Organist js12is@yahoo.com Darice McIntire, Secretary & Bulletin Editor shsjbulletin@comcast.net

Nancy Smith, Business Manager shsjparishes@comcast.net

Rectory Hours: Monday—Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Website: www.shsjparishes.com Facebook: SacredHeartStJohn

Parish Information Sacred Heart Rectory-978-526-1263

St. John the Baptist Rectory-978-768-6284 Parishes’ Fax 978-526-4335

Liturgy Schedule Saturday Vigil: St. John the Baptist 4:00 pm Sacred Heart 5:30 pm Sunday Masses: Sacred Heart 8:30 am St. John the Baptist 10:00 am Weekday Masses: At Sacred Heart Manchester Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday—8:00 am Eucharistic Service—Thursday & Friday—8:00 am Rosary: Daily 7:30 am before Mass & Monday 7 pm Adoration– Monday 8:30 am to 9:30 am

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays: Sacred Heart First Saturday of the month 12 noon to 12:45 pm St. John the Baptist Second Saturday of the month 12 noon to 12:45 pm

Sacrament of Baptism Sacred Heart First Sunday of the month St. John the Baptist Second Sunday of the month

Sacraments of Marriage and Anointing of the Sick Please call the Rectory for more information.

3

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2014 Sacred Heart, Manchester St. John the Baptist, Essex

Saturday February 1, 2014

4:00 pm St. John The People of the Parish

5:30 pm Sacred Heart Those Memorialized in the Endowment Fund

Sunday February 2, 2014

8:30 am Sacred Heart Florence Hatcher

10:00 am St. John The People of the Parish

Friday February 7, 2014

8:00 am Sacred Heart First Friday Mass

Saturday February 8, 2014

4:00 pm St. John The People of the Parish

5:30 pm Sacred Heart World Marriage Day

Sunday February 9, 2014

8:30 am Sacred Heart The People of the Parish

10:00 am St. John World Marriage Day

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH OFFERTORY

Weekend of January 26, 2014

OCP and MAIL $ 805.00

NON-OCP and CASH 730.50

OFFERTORY TOTAL $ 1,535.50

Mass Attendance for the Weekend of January 26, 2014

4:00 pm St. John 88

5:30 pm Sacred Heart 67

8:30 am Sacred Heart 140

10:00 am St. John 131

Mass Intentions

Please remember in your prayers: All those who have died, and those who mourn the loss of a loved one; the sick and the suffering of our community, and for their families and caregivers; those in the military and in service to their community, those who have asked to be remembered in prayer, those who have no one to pray for them, and those who are searching for a faith community. Please pray for those who are unemployed and underemployed. If you would like to have a name or intention added to our prayer circle, please contact the rectory or email the requests to SHSJPrayerCircle@comcast.net.

SACRED HEART PARISH OFFERTORY

Weekend of January 26, 2014

OCP and MAIL $ 7,456.00

NON-OCP and CASH 819.00

OFFERTORY TOTAL $ 8,275.00

ROSARY

Rosary group meets every Monday at 7:00 pm in the Sacred Heart Chapel to pray the Rosary together. Join us to pray for peace or your special intention.

All are welcome.

Please join us Friday, February 7th for Mass at 8:00 followed by

Breakfast with the Pastor which will be served in the Rectory.

This is a great time to gather together for fellowship

and conversation.

Hospitality Volunteers Needed World Marriage Day, Mardi Gras, Soup and Stations, St. Patrick’s Day, and Italian Night are all approaching quickly. If you are new to the Parishes, or have been here for years, we are looking for help hosting and serving at these events. If you would like to get involved, please contact Darice at the Parish Office at 978-526-1263.

4

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2014 Sacred Heart, Manchester St. John the Baptist, Essex

Flu Prevention

If you are seriously ill, it is not a sin to miss Mass. If you are sick you can infect others and spread disease by contact with them. If you are well enough to attend Mass you may forgo shaking hands during the Sign of Peace. A gesture, a nod, or other acknowledgement of those around you is a way of conveying the Sing of Peace to others. If you are sick, you should refrain from receiving from the cup. When receiving the Body of Christ in the form of bread, it may be less likely to spread germs if you receive in your hand. Due to the danger of the Precious Blood dripping to the floor, or fingers going into the cup, the Host should never be dipped (Intinction) by the communicant. Hand sanitizers will be available on the credence tables for the ministers to clean their hands before and after the distribution of communion. As we exercise caution, without over reaction, we will be able to control the sharing of our colds and flu.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This was part of the traditional observance

of the Mosaic Law in the time of Jesus. The law required that all first born males be consecrated to the Lord (Ex 13:2,12) and "redeemed" (Num 18:15). In fulfilling the Law, as our Gospel tells us, Joseph and Mary encounter Anna and Simeon. In this encounter, Anna and Simeon remind us that waiting for the Lord is to look in expectation for his coming and to proclaim it when we see the goodness of the Lord. In many ways, like the shepherds and the Magi, Anna and Simeon are evangelizers of the manifestation of the Lord. Like them we too are called to share that Good News with all.

In earlier times, this was called the Feast of the Meeting named such because Jesus enters the Temple, God's dwelling place and meets Simeon and Anna. In the fifth century, the Feast was associated with candlelight processions in reference to the Jesus as the "light of revelation to the gentiles". Eventually, it was also called Candlemas day, the day that candles are blessed for Church use.

On Monday, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Blaise. This is the day that throats are blessed in memory of the life of St. Blaise. Tradition holds that while Blaise was the Bishop of Sebastea, in Armenia in the early fourth century he was a very visible witness of the Gospel and died during the persecutions of Diocletian. Legend teaches us that during his imprisonment, a woman brought her son to him who was choking on a fish bone. Blaise prayed over him and the fish bone was dislodged and the boy was returned to health. Throats will be blessed during the 8:00 Mass on Monday morning as part of the observance of the feast. Peace, Fr. Jack

Faith Book Reflection on Today’s Readings The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3: 1-4 Psalm 24 Hebrews 2: 14-18 Luke 2: 22-40

From today’s Gospel reading: “[Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Reflection: Our church is reminding each of us of our role as evangelists. Anna might be called “the patron saint of evangelists.” She demonstrates that, if we are to make Jesus known to our world, we must be persistent in prayer; trust in God’s goodness and, when the opportunity arises, speak a word of enlightenment to others -- just as Anna did. So we ask ourselves: Are we shy about sharing our faith with others? What holds us back and what can we do to overcome that shyness?

5

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2014 Sacred Heart, Manchester St. John the Baptist, Essex

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY

SECOND SUNDAY IN FEBRUARY

February 8, 2014 at 5:30 pm Sacred Heart Church February 9, 2014 at 10:00 am St. John the Baptist Church

World Marriage Day, held each year on the second Sunday in February, honors the lifelong commitment of husband and wife. World Marriage Day events provide the visible sign of support couples need to continue to make the daily decision to love one another. During the Mass, couples will renew their marriage vows and following the Mass, there will be a reception in the Parish Halls. In order that we may recognize the married couples of our parish, and prepare for the reception, we ask you to fill out the form below and return it to the parishes' office by February 3. Name of Married Couple: ____________________________________________________________________ Date and Location of Marriage: _______________________________________________________________

Cursillo and Pot Luck Supper

Cursillo Ultreya/Pot Luck—The Cape Ann Cursillo Community will be hosting their next Ultreya/Pot Luck on Saturday, February 8th at St. John the Baptist Church. The Pot Luck begins at 5 pm and the Ultreya starts at 6 pm. Please join us. All are welcome and need not have been on a Cursillo Encounter to attend. Please call Albie Mitchell at 978-879-3655 for more information.

New Aspergillum and Aspersorium

In response to the donations in memory of the late Annette Osborn a new Aspergillum and Aspersorium were purchased for St. John's Church. The Aspergillum is the instrument that is used to sprinkle Holy Water and the Aspersorium is the pail that contains the Holy Water. These religious objects will be blessed during the 10:00 Mass at St. John's this weekend. Thank you to all who contributed in memory of Annette. We are waiting for the arrival of new Altar Clothes and a vestment also purchased in Annette's memory.

Minimum Wage and Unemployment Benefits

At the rear of the church are cards that you are asked to send to our Representatives in the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth, regarding the raising of the minimum wage. Speaker DeLeo has proposed that any increase in the raise of the minimum wage be linked to a decrease in unemployment benefits. To do so would betray the neediest in the Commonwealth. The Representative for Manchester, Ipswich, Hamilton is Rep Brad Hill, State House, Room 128, Boston, MA 02133-Phone: 617-722-2100-Email: Brad.Hill@mahouse.gov The Representative of Essex and Gloucester is: Ann Margaret Ferrante, State House, Room 36 , Boston, MA 02133 -Phone: 617-722-2370 Email: Ann-Margaret.Ferrante@mahouse.gov

6

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2014 Sacred Heart, Manchester St. John the Baptist, Essex

What am I doing here?? What is God's plan for my life?? We have all the answers along with fun, fellowship, and food!!!

Join us for dinner and a movie…every Monday evening at St. Johns' Parish Hall, at 6:30PM. It's NEVER too late to jump join us!!

LENT IS JUST AROUD THE CORNER (March 5)!! Be prepared for a Lenten journey, different than before, after all, Lent...what’s in it for me??

We will be hosting some interesting talks, a 'mini -mission', and Healing Mass, while trying to help us discover what Lent means to you and for you!!

Join us during our Lenten journey! ********

Prayer Shawl Ministry Calling all knitters and crochet-ers!! We need more prayer shawls!! All of the shawls have been given away…please consider being a part of this ministry. We are always looking for new members; please consider joining us, or making one in the privacy of your home. We have easy to follow patterns. And….if you know anyone who would benefit from having a lot of prayers wrapped around them, please let us know. You may contact Chris at the parish office or Gloria Landy, Jane Shaw, Eleanor Hatcher, or Barbara Stasium. The Prayer Shawl ministry meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 4PM in the Sacred Heart Rectory.. If you cannot join our ministry, please consider donating money, yarn (preferably soft yarn), or gift bags (to distribute them in), all donations are graciously accepted.

Ministry of Consolation Our parish has a group of volunteers willing to sit and talk with someone after a loss. Please contact Chris at the parish office to schedule a time to meet. Ministry to the Homebound and Sick Our ministry is growing, so if you know someone ill, homebound, or alone that would like to receive Eucharist, or a short visit from a fellow parishioner, please contact Chris at the Parish Office and we can make arrangements. RCIA Our RCIA 'Conversations' are continuing for those interested in becoming Catholic or wish to receive their Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist or Confirmation). We will be meeting on Sundays after the 8:30AM Mass at Sacred Heart rectory. Please pass the word if you know anyone who may be interested in becoming Catholic or receiving the rest of their Sacraments of Initiation. Contact Chris at the parish office. Baptism Prep Classes Baptism preparation classes are being held in the Chapel at Sacred Heart Church and is currently offered the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00PM.These classes are designed for parents and godparents of infants. The goal of the class is to help parents become aware of the theological and historical reasons for baptizing your child and the significance of Baptism as a beginning, not an end, to a lifelong commitment. The one hour class explores the purpose of Baptism from both a spiritual and practical standpoint. Parishioners are asked to sign up for the class prior to having their infants baptized. You may sign up at the same time you schedule your baby's baptism. Reservations are suggested. Please contact Chris at the parish office with any questions or concerns.