Jesus sends of 72 disciples and they report on their return on their first Mission. Jesus offers practical advice as they depart, and He is not hesitant to continue to mentor them on their return to Him.
We too are sent to our families, colleagues and neighbors on mission. Perhaps, our next step could be, after hearing a challenge or problem, voice "Would you object if I pray for you?" or even "Would you like to pray together briefly?"
In another approach, Stanley Haurwas of Duke Divinity School takes up this sense of mission in reaching out to his godson, Laurence Wells. Haurwas decided to write every year on the anniversary of Laurence's baptism. In each letter, Haurwas shared his hard earned wisdom ranging from kindness, courage, humility, to joy. Haurwas has compiled these letters in the book The Character of Virtue. The annual letter writing offered Haurwas an opportunity to reflect on both the mission entrusted to him: "to godparent" Laurence as well as how best assist Laurence. Maybe, there is someone in our life we undertake such dedicated mission of writing?
Where have you been sent on mission?
Sunday Mass is available below
Church 125th Anniversary of Consecration
Sunday July 3, 2022 @ 10.30 am Mass of Thanksgiving
A steeple on the Church?
Mike Miller revealed that the North Adams Transcript on Oct 25, 1906 reported on the removal of the steeple not even ten years after the Church consecration to place an organ in the Church.
And a note below from the St Patrick Parish History speaks of the generosity of parishioners and pastor for the "new" organ in 1906.
Note in the photo below both the banners of St Patrick and St. Raphael hanging from the choir loft (and to be included in the 4th of July Parade). Note as well as the church lanterns which were replaced with gracious lanterns from St. Raphael Church.
Bishop Byrne will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving Sunday July 3 @ 10.30 am marking the 125 Anniversary of the Consecration of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church.
Bishop Thomas Beavan consecrated the Church on July 1, 1897.
Reviewing archives, listening to stories of parishioners, the activity of the Holy Spirit in this sacred space amazes me. So many people, women and men, priests and religious, contributed to the faith we celebrate. I find it so humbling that so many people brought so many skill sets, so much energy, so many different ideas, and so much support to the Church over the years. Let us honor both the space and these people who passed on a faith that meant so much to them. Their faith in Jesus changed their lives. And, the heritage of our ancestors encourage us to be just as creative, just as generous and just as thoughtful as those who gathered in the sacred space long ago.
May they be at peace. And, may they encourage our dreams for ourselves and families.
Afterwards, enjoy an outdoor reception on the South Lawn of the Church.
Fourth of July Parade Monday July 4 - meet on Southworth St to march in the Parade with Sts. Patrick and Raphael Banners
Celebrate the Fourth of July Parade (starting on Southworth Street) by walking in the Parade. Welcome to help carry banners of St. Patrick, St. Raphael and the Parish Church.
Please gather and line up at 10.30 am and enjoy the parade to Tunnel City on Spring Street.
How does a high school student view the Eucharist?
Watch student Leana Vale, Junior student, shares how she connects with Jesus in the Eucharist. Check out her two minute witness (above).
Watch student Leana Vale, Junior student, shares how she connects with Jesus in the Eucharist. Check out her two minute witness (above).
Fr. Philip Nolan, O.P who will be visiting the week of July 4th, graciously volunteered to celebrate weekday 8.30 am Masses. Plan on praying with newly ordained Fr. Philip at one or more of these upcoming Masses:
Monday, July 4 @ 8.30 am
Tuesday, July 5 @ 8.30 am
Wednesday, July 6 @ 8.30 am
Thursday, July 7 @ 8.30 am
Friday, July 8 @ 8.30 am
Fr. Philip will be continuing academic studies in the coming year. Let us continue to pray for Fr. Philip with a prayer of the Dominican students:
Heavenly Father,
We ask your blessing on these young men.
Enlighten their minds and purify their hearts.
Enlighten their minds and purify their hearts.
Give them peace and courage and grace to persevere in their studies.
Strengthen their prayer life so they may grow in spirituality and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit, with truth and with zeal for souls,
Strengthen their prayer life so they may grow in spirituality and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit, with truth and with zeal for souls,
that they too may be sent out as bold but compassionate apostles
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, your son.
Aided by the intercession of the Virgin Mary and formed in fraternity,
Aided by the intercession of the Virgin Mary and formed in fraternity,
may they share in the Church's mission of salvation,
joyfully bringing truth and love to many.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lectio Divina - Monday @ 9.30
How do you deal rejection?
Monday June 11 @ 9.30 am - 10.45 am on Zoom
Mark 6:7-13 Jesus sends his disciples on mission, Jesus gives them quite specific instructions about handling acceptance and rejection, success and failure. ‘If you are welcomed, stay. If you are not, shake the dust off your feet and move on.’ It’s simple enough advice – obvious, one might say – yet not always followed. When rejected, what helps to shake off the sting? We will explore discerning others' response to our efforts to further Jesus' mission - and where Jesus wants us to focus.
For the zoom link, reach out to saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com
Looking for High Quality Catholic Videos?
Check out Word on Fire Engage
Access these films through Flocknote, a weekly message sent by text or email to Parishioners who have shared mobile or email contact.
If a family member or a friend is not receiving a weekly Flocknote, sign up in at least two ways:
1.) Go to https://williamstown.flocknote.com/
On the sign up form for Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish Williamstown, enter your contact info.
2.) Send a text message to 84576.
Include in the text the one word:
WILLIAMSTOWN
WILLIAMSTOWN
An automatic response coming to your phone will offer a link to sign up to Flocknote Parish Network.
The annual cost for Parish wide access is only $1970 of which $400 have already been contributed. If you appreciate the Catholic films and are able to do so, consider helping the Parish defer the cost. Thank you. And, enjoy the films.
Fr Casey College Scholarship
Information on the Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year is available through the Parish office: saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com
What was your experience of the pandemic like?
The Parish will be assembling narratives of dealing with Covid-19. A collection of them will be placed in a time capsule. Jeff Welch will assist in selecting a number of these memories (some difficult and others beautiful) to assemble into a booklet to be made available to parishioners. May we grow to appreciate even better each other's experience.
@ the Clark - a new exhibit:
Nikolai Astrup - Visions of Norway
Astrup began his career following a conventional path, studying painting in Kristiania (now Oslo) and Paris. On finishing his studies abroad, he made the unexpected decision not to settle in Kristiania, the artistic capital of Norway, but to return to Jølster, the region in western Norway where he spent his childhood.
He lived in this relatively remote area for the rest of his life, producing an unparalleled body of work that celebrates Norway’s dramatic scenery, challenging climate, and rich local traditions. Despite his relative geographic isolation, he was acutely aware of, and interested in, contemporary developments in European art that nurtured his own style.
He also explored woodblock printing, adopting an increasingly complex process that resulted in almost every print being a unique impression. With intense colors, patterned surfaces, and illogical perspectives, Astrup’s art is decidedly individual and modern, and invites discovery and enjoyment.
In a number of paintings, the Norwegian artist captures contemplative moments including By the Open Door. (c 1911) Clark Institute.
“Serve one another through love.”
“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.”
Are you called to be a laborer for Christ as a priest, brother or sister?
Call Fr. Jonathan Reardon 413-248-7034, or write: vocations@diospringfield.org
Thanks
I appreciate Fr. Alex's coverage as I recovered from some vascular leg surgery this past weekend, as well as the assistance of Fr. Bill Cyr for coverage of weekday Masses. God bless them.
Weekday Masses to be held in the Parish Center June 21-28
While installation of larger fans in the Parish Center, weekday Masses will needed to be held in the Parish Center hall. Masses starting June 21 through June 28 will need to be held in the hall so as work can be proceeded unimpeded. Thank you for your understanding.
Mass -11th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Fr. Bill Cyr, Celebrant
Deacon Greg, Preacher
In the Spanish Renaissance sculpture by Diego de Pesquera who worked in Granada and Seville, completed "The Holy Family with Joachim and Ann" in 1568.
The painted wood shows two couples, with the men standing behind their seated wives - Mary and Joseph on then left and Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim on the left. Their glances and gestures focus us on the child Jesus sprawled across Mary's lap. Fingers touch and eyes glance with the ease and intimacy of a family gathering. In contrast to the adults stable stances, the Christ Child wriggles.Off balance, he causes the adults to react: they lean in and support him with their legs and hands. (Detail of the work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art below.)
Yet, we need both: to go out to those in need and to return for renewal and recreation. We need to live compassionate action as well as take time for renewal. I am grateful that Fr. Bill Cyr will be assisting with daily Masses and weekend Masses the next two weeks, as I step apart for a break. I am looking forward to the rest. May you too find a restful and renewing break this summer.
Blessings,
Fr. John
The painted wood shows two couples, with the men standing behind their seated wives - Mary and Joseph on then left and Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim on the left. Their glances and gestures focus us on the child Jesus sprawled across Mary's lap. Fingers touch and eyes glance with the ease and intimacy of a family gathering. In contrast to the adults stable stances, the Christ Child wriggles.Off balance, he causes the adults to react: they lean in and support him with their legs and hands. (Detail of the work on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art below.)
Yet, we need both: to go out to those in need and to return for renewal and recreation. We need to live compassionate action as well as take time for renewal. I am grateful that Fr. Bill Cyr will be assisting with daily Masses and weekend Masses the next two weeks, as I step apart for a break. I am looking forward to the rest. May you too find a restful and renewing break this summer.
Blessings,
Fr. John
Lectio Divina
Resumes July 11, 2022 @ 9.30 am - 10.45 am
Readings of the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Join Zoom Meeting link
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87229891618?pwd=NGRLTElPdm5BYUN0eHRzclRpaTZZQT09
Thanks Fr Bill Cyr
Thanks to Fr. Bill Cyr for celebrating weekday Masses this past week while I was taking a week long course at Boston College School of Ministry and Theology for spiritual directors who offered the 19th Annotated Exercises of St. Ignatius.
Among the Exercises of St. Ignatius is "The Daily Examen" - a review of the day. Test drive this exercise this week. One way people do this ten minute exercise is to review the day, as in:
1.) See how God sees you
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants you to see about your day, including how God was present to you, even if you were not aware of it.
2.) Be grateful for your day
Reflect on the blessings of the day.
Focus on where you experienced God's presence and grace (nature, others, reading scripture, or elsewhere).
Focus on where you experienced God's presence and grace (nature, others, reading scripture, or elsewhere).
Savor the gratitude in your heart.
3.) Reflect on specific incidents
Chose one or two. Maybe, a low point and a high point.
What were the natural and spiritual desolations - tiredness, illness, temptations, sadness?
What were the day's consolations - joys, achievements, insights?
How did your respond?
4.) Speak to God
Express to God whatever is in your heart: gratitude, sorrow, repentance, delight, yearning, conviction, joy. As you look to the next day, commit yourself anew to Christ.
Check out below what people said during the Synod Consultations throughout Western Massachusetts
What input did people throughout Western Massachusetts offer Pope Francis in the global Synod ?
Check out the "Pre" Synod Meeting (above) June 20, 2022 at St. Michael's Cathedral. I am grateful for so many who contributed to the Synod consultations in the Parish.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide the Church.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide the Church.
Congratulations to Williamstown Elementary School graduates who received their diplomas recently: Jackson Sheehy, Fiona Whaley, Emma Frost, Kieran Johnson, Alessandra Moresi, Henry Wall, Antonio (Dai) Constantine, Hunter Lawson and Danny Lawson. Maury and Dan Lawson accepted a diploma for their deceased son Tristan Lawson. God bless you!
Steubenville East Conference (hosted by Life Teen) Springfield MA
July 29-31, 2022 - Over 500 teens already registered!
Springfield MA
Check out the video introducing this exciting event for New York and New England Catholic Teens.
Scholarships available
Registration and more info available:
If you are, or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800.273.8255 or Text "help" to Crisis Help Text Line at 741-741
A note on ultraviolet light in the ceiling fans
The near silent ceiling mounted Haiku-UV-C fans, manufactured by Big Ass Fans of Kentucky, use disinfecting ultraviolet (UV) lights built into the base and aimed up at the ceiling. As the fan circulates air throughout the room, the UV lights kill airborne pathogens that cross their path. As the UV light can be dangerous to eyes if viewed directly, fans direct light to the ceiling. The manufacturer released results of a study from Innovative Bioanalysis, a California lab that tested the fan against the coronavirus this April. The testing report ,written by Kevin Noble, COO of Innovative Bioanalysis, states, “It can be concluded that between 10 and 20 minutes there was an overall [pathogen] reduction of 99.99 per cent or greater.” Thank you to everyone for your good spirits and continual cooperation.
Next Sunday @ 10.30 am Mass Bishop Byrne will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on the weekend of the consecration of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church. (The consecration of the Church was actually July 1, 1897.
Reviewing archives, listening to stories of parishioners, the activity of the Holy Spirit in this sacred space amazes me. So many people, women and men, priests and religious, contributed to the faith we celebrate. I find it so humbling that so many people brought so many skill sets, so much energy, so many different ideas, and so much support to the Church over the years. Let us honor both the space and these people who passed on a faith that meant so much to them. Their faith in Jesus changed their lives. And, the heritage of our ancestors encourage us to be just as creative, just as generous and just as thoughtful as those who gathered in the sacred space long ago.
May they be at peace. And, may they encourage our dreams for ourselves and families.
Come for the 10.30 am liturgy next Sunday. And, enjoy an outdoor reception on the South lawn of the Church.
MASSES
SATURDAY @ 4.30 PM
SUNDAY @ 8.30 AM & 10.30 AM
MONDAY @ 8.30 am
TUESDAY @ 8:30 am
WEDNESDAY @ 8.30 am Communion Service
WEDNESDAY @ 8.30 am Communion Service
THURSDAY @ 8.30 am
CONFESSIONS
SATURDAY @ 3-4 pm on the porch of the Parish Rectory, 54 Southworth St
ADORATION
SATURDAY 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm
