The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2020 · Zibroski, Anthony S.,Janice T., John Maciejowski, Bonnie...
Transcript of The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2020 · Zibroski, Anthony S.,Janice T., John Maciejowski, Bonnie...
Parish of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Melrose and Saugus
The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2020
The Good Shepherd
Incarnation Parish Bulletin
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 3, 2020
Dear Friends,
“When is this all going to end?”I have found myself asking this question so many times over the past few weeks. I am pretty sure you too have pondered similar questions in your head and life during this pandemic and unprecedented time. “Enough already!”
It is really tough to watch the news or read the newspaper and find many “silver linings.” The Covid-19 virus has changed our daily lives and more than likely our futures as well. Both the present and the future are pretty scary right now. Every time I see the word scary I am reminded of the quote attributed to Mr. Rogers
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Things right now are scary and following Mr. Roger’s advice I looked for those helpers and I found plenty of them. I want to give a shout out for their example of being “helpers.”
The first examples are obviously the doctors and nurses who are waging this war against the virus
on the front line. The long strenuous hours of caring for the sick all the while not thinking about their own wellness is admirable. Our first responders also fall into this category of courageous people among us.
Locally, let me mention a few others who have stepped up as helpers. Last week we had a Drive Through Food Drive in the parking lots. So many people came by with food and cash donations and were greeted by a few of our college age (and high school) young adults who went out to the vehicles to carry in the food for them. College kids who are home from their schools because of the virus who gave up a day to volunteer and
make the food drive so successful. Thank you to them and so many families who stopped by with
�1
Incarnation Parish Bulletin food. (We are doing it again this coming week.) Mr. Rogers would be proud of them, I am for sure!
We also had a teenager from the parish use his extra time away from his virtual school work to make masses for people. I am proudly wearing a Bruins one he made for me. “Look for the helpers!”
As we all continue our social distancing and separation from one another which prevents us from gathering on the weekend as a community I want to once again assure you of my prayers. These are indeed very difficult days for all of us. It is so easy to get discouraged and anxious about the existing and long range consequences of the virus. It is indeed scary. This week when you see or hear something scary, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Have a good week-stay safeFr. Steve
MILESTONES
Please remember family and friends in need of prayer, especially Sarah Fradkin, Bill Connors, Maureen, Irene Lawless, Perry Brown, Betty Howard, Stephen Gaeta, Jim R., Ted Ayotte, Robert Burke, Sandra W., John Anderson, April Crouse, Adele Maciejowski, Colleen Sullivan, Debbie Saschuk, Julia G., Donna Correia, Sandra V., Don Marsden, Georgia Rose Okerholm, Donna Page, Denise, Sr. Mary Shaun, Nicholas Ward, Frank Zizzo, Helen Staunton, Domenic DeLuca, Maia DeLuca, Joseph Connelly, Jeannette Bailey, Anita V., Leona Dewhurst, Jacqueline, Chuck Giorgio, Kathleen O’Neill, Thomas M., Michael Lester, Sydni Simpson Garrity, Carole R. , Patricia
Zibroski, Anthony S.,Janice T., John Maciejowski, Bonnie Strudas, Helen Giorgio, Andrew Reczeck, Frank Stankavish, Susan D., Ed M., Joyce D., Joshua B., and parishioners facing surgery.
If there is anyone you wish to add to the prayer list, please contact the rectory. Please note: All names will remain on our Prayer List and will be prayed for unless our office is notified to remove an individual.
GRAND ANNUAL APPEALOur Grand Annual Appeal is underway and thanks to so many of you for your generosity! As of last week, our Grand Annual contributions totaled $87,397.00
If you did not receive a Grand Annual letter, it means you are not registered in our membership data base. Please call Gina at the Rectory Office. If you would like to contribute to the Grand Annual Collection and did not receive an envelope, you can contribute online through our website:www.incarnationmelrose.org, or use one of the envelopes available at the doors of the church.
�2
Incarnation Parish Bulletin
CALENDAR
If you have scheduled an announced mass during this time, Gina Distefano will be in touch with you when masses resume to reschedule.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Our office is now closed at the direction of the Diocese, financial information is not available at this time. Thanks to all of you who have been giving online!Use the following link to sign up for Online Giving!https://www.myowngiving.com/Default.aspx?cid=45
FOOD RESOURCES FOR VETERANSThe Melrose Veterans Services Office would like to share a couple of opportunities for food assistance to Veterans and surviving spouses. First, the Melrose Veterans Services Office partners with the Greater Boston Food Bank to provide food to Veterans and their surviving spouses the third Wednesday of the month. Currently they offer a drive-thru food pantry. If you are unable to pick up, they will deliver to you. Please call 781-979-4186 to register. This offering is year round.In addition, there is now another offering for food assistance in the North Shore. Many of you may have heard about the food
distribution for Veterans that was held at Gillette Stadium. In order to make this more accessible to Veterans on the North Shore, the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center and Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Food4Vets is bringing the food drive to the North Shore and Merrimack Valley! They have partnered together with local VSOs to offer assistance to Massachusetts Veterans experiencing limited access to food due to COVID 19. They will be holding drive-through food distribution events on Wednesdays from April 22nd through May 13. Distributions will be held on alternate weeks at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill and North Shore Community College in Danvers. Veterans will need to pre-register. If you are a Melrose, Wakefield or Saugus Veteran and are unable to pick up your food, please register and then contact Melrose VSO Karen Burke at [email protected] or [email protected] to arrange delivery assistance. At this time they are able to offer
delivery assistance for the Danvers distribution.
DRIVE THROUGH FOOD DRIVE
This coming week we will host another “Drive-Through Food Drive”. Come by the rectory garage on Tuesday, May 5 from 1-3pm or Thursday May 7 from 10-12pm. Some needed items for Bread of Life in Malden include juiceboxes, granola bars and single serving cereal bowls.
�3
Incarnation Parish Bulletin
CATHOLIC APPEALThe launch of the Catholic Appeal will be postponed until May or another weekend that would be well suited for the parish. For those who wish to make a contribution currently can do so online (www.bostoncatholicappeal.org) or through the request you may have received in the mail.
MY BROTHER’S TABLE
Sign up now!This monthly volunteer opportunity is open to all ages. Singles, pairs, groups, families -- all are welcome. Meet in the church parking lot to coordinate transportation, or meet us there. Please go to www.tinyurl.com/incarnationMBT to get more information and to sign up. This link can also be found at www.incarnationmelrose.org.
BOSTON CATHOLIC TVDaily Mass With Pope FrancisHoly Mass at Casa Santa Marta presided over by Pope Francis.Everyday 12:30pm For The KidsChildren’s Liturgy of the Word
20 minute liturgies each Sunday for Children to watch while their parents watch the Mass online.Sun 8:30am
Women of the ChurchAs I Have DoneSee how sisters in Uganda and Kenya are working together by managing farms, caring for those with disabilities, and helping familiies affected by HIV.Thurs 4am/Fri 8:30pm
CatholicTV PresentsThe Movies and the ChurchThis documentary produced by Catholic News Service examines Catholicism's imprint on the moral integrity of motion pictures.Mon 9:30pm/Thurs 8pm/Sat 3:30am
CatholicTV ShowcaseScience and FaithThis documentary features four scientists from different disciplines and backgrounds who all share a strong faith in God.Thurs 5pm/Sat 1pm
CatholicTV Presents SpanishHill of DreamsThe Catholic Church in Myanmar is active and vocations are growing. Though, as this film reveals, the challenges are great.Thurs 9:30pm
* Schedule subject to change; all times Eastern.
DAILY MASS9:30am LIVE, 7pm and 11:30pm
CatholicTV Mass Celebrants* :
�4
Incarnation Parish Bulletin Sunday, May 3Cardinal Seán O'MalleyBoston Monday, May 4Father Peter DeFazioBoston
Tuesday, May 5Father Ed RileyBoston
Wednesday, May 6Father Robert ConnorsBraintree
Thursday, May 7Father John SheridanChelsea/Revere
Friday, May 8Father Bill MurphyWeston
Saturday, May 9Father Frank SevolaBoston
Divine OfficeDaily9am Morning Prayer9pm Evening Prayer
RosaryMon.-Sat. 10am & 6:30pmSun. 9:30am & 6:30pm
Chaplet of Divine Mercy:Daily, 3pm
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" Let your heart burn for Jesus and your spouse by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Jun 6-7, 2020 in Medway, MA and Sep 12-13, 2020 in Medway, MA. For more information, call Stephen & Michelle O'Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org/.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERMAY 3, 2020
Sheepish?What are some facts about those woolly creatures we call sheep? Jesus talks about them and their shepherds in the Gospel this week.
Well, did you (or I) in our childhood have fun by turning various insects on their backs? Childishly, we would watched them struggle and never achieve their proper leg-side down
position, unless we had mercy on them. Shepherds tell us an unshorn sheep is the same way: completely stranded if it gets turned on its back. In order to turn it right-side up when it was in need,
�5
Incarnation Parish Bulletin the shepherd would carry a “crook” and with it would hook the sheep and turn it right. He was kind and careful.
That was why they followed him.
History tells us that in Jesus’ time the many shepherds all brought their small flocks down to Jerusalem and that they kept these together in one big sheepfold. There were no brands, no markings of any kind, just a fuzzy mob. How, you might ask, would each shepherd retrieve the sheep that belonged to him (or to his boss)?
The first way was by calling each of his sheep by name. He had been with them on the hillsides to the point that they were no longer strangers to him. For instance, there was the one with the nick in its ear, the one with the pretty face, the one that limped. He had a name for each because they each had a personality that was special, just as you and I do today. When they heard their name, they got up and followed.
Second, the sheep recognized not only its name but the actual voice of the shepherd, a much loved sound. It belonged to the one who flipped them back on their feet, the one who shielded them from wolves, the one who led them to fresh pastures instead of what they had eaten down to nubs. A stranger’s voice could not have the gentle consonance of their master and friend.
The appropriate sheep flocked to him.
Why does Jesus use such imagery on the Fourth Sunday of Easter? I suppose you know the answer already, but—if you will pardon the comparison—you and I are much like sheep. The shepherd calls us by name, which means that the magnificent God
of the universe pays attention to us. He knows each and every one of us better than we know ourselves. The name he confirms for each of us finds its way down to the deepest interior of our souls. Christ calls each of us by name to be most truly who we are.
Of course, we often mishear such a voice. We ignore it, resist it, button our ears to it. But in our moments of sane and solitary wholeness, or maybe in our times of trouble, our spirits pulse to the rhythm of God’s voice. It resounds within us.
Like the shepherd with his sheep, and in spite of wolves and wildness all around, this call is safe. Christ's call lets our fear drop away; it turns us right side up. It lets us follow our master and friend, around rocks and even through dark valleys.
Sometimes the phrase, “people are sheep,” is deemed an insult. This Sunday it is the greatest compliment we could get.
John Foley, SJFr. John Foley, SJ, is a composer and scholar at Saint Louis University.
�6
Incarnation Parish Bulletin
THE PERSPECTIVE OF JUSTICE
The True ShepherdThe risen Jesus is the true shepherd, “the one who enters through the gate, who walks in front of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.”
True Christians follow the true shepherd: they recognize his voice and they obey his commands. They hear his message about loving enemies, about seeking first the kingdom of God, about forgiving seventy times a day.
They hear him talk of concern for the poor, of selling all that one has, of being perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. They listen to him say that they should not worry about tomorrow, that they should turn the other cheek, that they should lose their lives.
They hear and obey, following their shepherd through the gate.
There are false shepherds who speak other words, who talk of defending one’s rights, of accumulating wealth, of achieving social prominence. Some Christians listen to them rather than to the true shepherd.
Both the true and the false shepherds lead one to death. The difference is that the true shepherd leads beyond death to resurrection.
In Christ and through Christ God has revealed himself fully to mankind and has definitively drawn close to it; at the same time, in Christ and through Christ man has acquired full awareness of his dignity, of the heights to which
he is raised, of the surpassing worth of his own humanity, and of the meaning of his existence.
Pope John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis, 1979:11.
Gerald Darring
Now published in book form, To Love and Serve: Lectionary Based Meditations, by Gerald Darring This entire three year cycle is available at Amazon.com.
�7
Incarnation Parish Bulletin HOW TO FIND USAs a Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Boston, we are committed to excellence in liturgy, service, hospitality, and life-long learning, all centered in Christ. 429 Upham Street, Melrose, MA 02176 Office: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm1-781-662-8844 Office1-781-662-9340 FAX e-mail: [email protected] website: www.incarnationmelrose.org Follow us on Twitter @IncParish Like us on Facebook!PASTORAL and SUPPORT STAFF Fr. Steve Madden,[email protected]. Michael Ssenfuma, Parochial [email protected]. André Brouillette, Weekend AssistantDeacon Bob [email protected] Lahiff, Director of Faith Formation [email protected] Gelzleichter, Director of Music [email protected] Gina Distefano, Business [email protected] David E. Wiggin, C.F.X., Bookkeeper Jim Guiry, Maintenance ManagerDottie Ahlin, Household Assistant
LITURGY (Suspended due to COVID-19) Mass Schedule~ Saturday 4:30; Sunday 8:00 am & 10:30amDaily Mass ~Thursday-Friday at 8:00.
SCRIPTURE STUDY (Suspended due to COVID-19)Every Friday morning after Mass we share coffee and conversation about God’s Word for the week. Everyone is welcome in this lively and interesting forum.
RECONCILIATION (Suspended due to COVID-19)Saturday, 3:30 - 4:15 pm, or by appointment at any time.
JOINING THE PARISHNo matter what your journey has been, we want to be your companions for the next steps, to share the Gospel together and to help each other along the way.Please introduce yourself to a staff member, or drop in for
coffee on Sunday. You can register as a parishioner online via our website, or stop by the rectory. ADULT INITIATION, RCIAWe are always ready to begin the process by which an adult or older child becomes a Catholic, either by full initiation in baptism, or by reception into full communion. We are also happy to prepare you for adult Confirmation. Contact Deacon Bob Breen.
BAPTISM FOR INFANTSCongratulations! The baptism of infants is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, or within the Sunday assembly. Fr. Steve is the staff contact person for preparation.
GENERATIONS OF FAITHWe are a community of life-long learners. Our parish program of inter-generational learning and celebration of faith is called Generations of Faith. Contact:Ann Lahiff.
MARRIAGECongratulations! The engaged couple must contact the Rectory at least six months in advance, preferably a year ahead
CARE OF THE SICK To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion for the home-bound, or Viaticum for the Dying, please contact the parish office. We normally send ministers out with communion after the eight o’clock on Sunday, and also schedule regular home visits during the week. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies. All you have to do is ask!
ORDER of CHRISTIAN FUNERALSWe will work with you to plan your own funeral liturgy or that of a loved one, and are prepared to celebrate the Vigil, also known as the “Wake,” in the Church building for those who choose.
BULLETIN INFORMATIONPlease contact Ann Lahiff at [email protected] with any questions, information or submissions for our bulletin.http://www.incarnationmelrose.orgTo view bulletin, click “bulletin archive,” and then, “Incarnation bulletins”
�8
For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Incarnation, Melrose, MA 1074
Watch the Mass on CatholicTV
Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleship of The Sea of the United States of America
Catholic Cruises and Tours to Worldwide Destinations
Call us today at 860-399-1785 or email [email protected]
Take your
FAITH ON A
JOURNEYCatholic Cruises and Tours
Holy Land Discovery • Fatima, Lourdes and Shrines of Spain • Grand Catholic Italy • Footsteps of Apostle Paul • Shrines of Alpine Europe • Pilgrimage to Lourdes • Scottish Highlands
• Camino, A walking journey for the soul
Mass is included with all of our tours!
For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Incarnation, Melrose, MA 1074
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, businesses and consumer behavior
are significantly impacted.
Also, visit their websites to see how they can assist you with any of their services
you may need through these difficult times.
Please consider supporting the sponsors on the back pages to help
keep the local economy strong.
from our family to yours
508.875.7600371 Worcester Rd., Rte 9 (Rear) / Framingham
www.automaticapplianceservice.com Amana - Speed Queen - Kitchen Aid - Maytag Whirlpool - Frigidaire - GE - LG - Electrolux
For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Incarnation, Melrose, MA 1074
“Serving All Faiths With Excellence”
809 Main Street Melrose
781-665-1900
RobinsonR
F U N E R A L H O M EROBINSON FUNERAL HOME
www.RobinsonFuneralHome.comRappaLaw
Henry A. Rappa, Jr. [email protected]
SERVING MELROSE FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS
PRACTICE AREASEstate Planning | Real Estate
Business Law | Probate
204 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 | P: 781-662-1126 | F:781-662-6037 | F:781-662-6037204 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176
RappaLawHenry A. Rappa, Jr. www.rappalaw.com
SERVING MELROSE FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS
PRACTICE AREASEstate Planning | Real Estate
Business Law | Probate
204 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 | P: 781-662-1126 | F:781-662-6037 | F:781-662-6037204 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176
“Be a Servant” Matthew 20:26
GREG SPADAFORA, Master Plumber
NICK LENTO, Realtor/CPA
617-755-5804
Lifelong Melrose Resident
GATELY FUNERAL HOMEGATELY FUNERAL HOMEServing the Parish for 131 years
Cremation Services & Irrevocable Trusts Available
79 West Foster St., Melrose • 781-665-1949 • www.gatelyfh.comThe oldest family run business in Melrose
Visit us on
Malden Catholic High SchoolA Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School Since 1932
Two Exceptional Schools
One Tradition of Excellence
Call to shadow 781.475.5308
Apply Online maldencatholic.org
(781) 245-2826
Removal • Lot Clearing • Firewood Stump Grinding • Competitive Rates
Aerial Bucket & Crane Services
Robert Moses Free Estimates | Fully Insured
Total Tree Care
Diane M. Bonanni, D.M.D.FAMILY & COSMETIC
DENTISTRY
781-438-7900Two Main Street, Suite 210, Stoneham StonehamCosmeticDentist.com
Get Acquainted Offer
AD SPACE AVAILABLE
617-779-3771
Rosaries from Flowers “Handmade from the Flowers
of your Loved One”
841 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876
(978) 851-9103
www.rosariesfromflowers.com
Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.
DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE
LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
Greg PrenticeField Agent
DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCERely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.
Greg Prentice, Field Agent, FIC978-969-1672 • [email protected]
LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
To learn more, please visit our website:www.ymcamalden.org
781-324-7680
JOBS AVAILABLE!Full Time PositionsPreschool Teachers
$16-$21 p/hourPart Time Positions
LifeguardsSchool Bus Drivers
& more!
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT DONOR NEEDED
BLOOD TYPE “O” POSITIVECONTACT: [email protected]
☺SAVE A LIFE☺
Fr. John UnniPASTOR
Saint Cecilia Parish, BostonAssociate Fire Chaplain
Boston Fire Department
BOARD MEMBER
Pine Street Inn
Healthier Priests. Stronger Communities.
The strength of our communities depends on the well-being of our priests who tirelessly serve others.
Please support our priests at clergytrust.orgClergy Health and Retirement Trust is an independently managed trust for the care of active and senior priests in good standing.