Little Amal, a a giant puppet, makes a stop at St. Patrick's - the St. Patrick's on Fifth Ave
Little Amal, on a 5,000 mile pilgrimage from the Syrian border, raises awareness about the plight of the unaccompanied refugee minors. Little Amal (her name translates as "Hope") is looking for her mother and hoping to start a new life. Amal aims to tell the stories of those who are often marginalized, feared or pitied.
Refugees and migrants need blankets and food. Yes. But, Little Amal points out that they also need dignity and a voice. Little Amal highlights not only their dire circumstances but also their potential.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus this week, Abraham is depicted in heaven as making room for Lazarus. Not surprisingly, as Abraham had sat at the door of his tent, looking for travelers coming.
We can do better as a nation as how we deal with refugees and migrants. Just as well, in our personal lives, there may be people whom we could bless with our welcome. Too many people are enslaved by neglect. Check out Pope Francis putting his hand of welcome into the hand of Little Amal.
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.
Willinet Mass for September 25, 2022
Parish Mass is available through the blue button below:
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
Adoration of the Eucharist
Saturdays 2.30 - 4 pm Church
Life can be hectic, even when is good. Holy places can offer a respite from the hustle and bustle.
Consider Adoration. No agenda. No expectations. Just come in, sit down and breathe. Stay as short or as long as you desire.
Spend some time speaking and listening to Jesus in the Eucharist.
Catechetical Sunday is meant to be an occasion to renew and strengthen our commitment to pass on the faith to our children and youth. As a Parish family, we entrust this ministry to our Faith Formation coordinator, teachers, and support staff, yet all of us are involved in the passing on of the faith to the children and youth of our Parish family, especially the parents and extended families of them. We may not teach a Faith Formation class, but by our lives and participation in the life of the Church, we bear witness to faith lived.
Saints Patrick and Raphael Parish
Faith Formation 2022-23
Program Information Page
Registration Fees:
First child in family: $50
Each additional child: $25
Online payments may be made through our website, williamstowncatholics.org.
Go to the Home Page, scroll to the bottom, and select Give Online.
Note Faith Formation.
Fees may be mailed to the Parish Office or submitted on the first day.
Saints Patrick and Raphael Parish
54 Southworth Street
Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267
Faith Formation Office will be staffed during all times of instruction by either Karyn O'Toole, Coordinator, or an assistant. The telephone number is 413.458.5443. Email communication regarding the program can be sent to saintspatrickandraphael@gmail.com
Absences, tardiness, or late pick-ups: As a courtesy, please let us know if your child will be absent or late to class. As well, please advise us if you are going to be late picking up your child. Call 413.458.5443 to let us know.
Sunday Morning Program for Kindergarten and Grades 7-10
Mass is included as part of the Faith Formation Program. Students and their families may attend either the 8:30 or 10:30 Mass. Class in the Parish Center will be held from 9:30 to 10:15. Kindergarten students should be escorted to and from class by a parent or designated adult.
Monday Afternoon Elementary School Program for Grades 1-6
The program runs from after school to 4:30 pm. Parents are responsible for their child's (children's) safe arrival after school and for picking them up at the Parish Center on Southworth Street at 4:30 PM.
After School Snacks will be offered to students in the Elementary Program on Mondays.
We will be seeking assistance from families as the program gets started. Let us know if you are willing to help on a rotating basis. Please make sure to carefully list any food allergies on the registration form.
Parental support: Parents are the primary catechists of the Catholic faith. We ask for your support of their formation by attending Mass regularly, by participating in the sacraments, by praying with them as they learn their prayers, by ensuring their regular attendance, and by helping them with their homework assignments.
Ministry Assistance: Faith Formation is an ongoing process involving the entire family. Please consider how you would like to engage in ministry for the parish. We will be sure to use your talents at the same day and time as your child/children.
Full time Catechist *Assistant Catechist*Substitute Catechist*Office Assistant
Bishop Byrne sharing his Five Favorite Things about The Big E
The Big E continues in West Springfield until Oct 2.
"But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.”
Is your faith in Christ leading you to grow in holiness as a priest, or in the consecrated life?
Call Fr. Jonathan Reardon 413-248-7034, or write: vocations@diospringfield.org
A Disruptive Darkness:
The Literary Memory of Enslaved Christ-followers in Early (Christian) Households
Williams College Public Lecture by Dr. Emerson Powery, Groghan Bicentennial Professor in Biblical and Early Christian Studies
As members of an ancient Roman household, the enslaved occupied an important, albeit conspicuous, spaces within the family circle. The literature of early Christianity testifies to this experience. The enslaved appear in the parables of Jesus, serve as analogies for discipleship, and even perform as comic relief. The talk acknowledges the centrality of human bondage to the early Christian experience.
What might look like to center this experience in the scholarly depictions of the movement that have come down to us? Whether used literally, figuratively or metaphorically, the language of enslavement reveals the earliest (Jewish) Christian writers as thinkers in their time in a slavocracy that permeated the Roman world.
Although the metaphorical use of bondage language has attracted much scholarly attention, this public lecture will concentrate on the physical presence of the enslaved with the Christian household community. Many early Christian thinkers thought with slave-discourse as one appropriate way to promote a new message of this newly developing religious movement. On the other hand, many of the Christ following enslaved contributed to the movement as well.
Hosted by the Department of Religion, Williams College
Griffin Hall, Room 6
(The building to the East of Thompson Chapel)
Tuesday, Sept 27 @ 4.30 pm
Thank you for wearing a mask.
September 22, 2022
As we have witnessed on the news this past week, Hurricane Fiona has brought destruction to the Caribbean Islands including Puerto Rico where so many of our diocesan Latino brothers and sisters have family and friends.
This latest storm comes just five years after the catastrophic one two punch caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 - devastation from which the residents there are still dealing with even as this new storm impacts them. In light of our close ties to Puerto Rico, I think it would be appropriate for parishes to take up a special collection this weekend and/or next to help those whose lives have once again been setback by natural disaster. The very act of taking up a special collection, is a sign of Christian solidarity and support for those in need.
We have also posted on our diocesan website, www.diospringfield.org a link to Catholic Charities USA which has established a fund for this current crisis. Kindly encourage your parish to participate in this outreach.
I thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Most Reverend William D. Byrne
Bishop of Springfield
Parish Council
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Sept 28 @ 6 pm, Parish Center
Welcome Sebastian Felix Stango
Congratulations to Marco and Ursula Stango (the couple on the right) on the baptism of Sebastian last Sunday. With Sebastian's godparents (the couple on the left with their own child) to help, may the be his first and best teachers in the ways of faith.
St Joseph Icon at the Parish
The Parish experienced a special blessing last week. Every few years, the Knights of Columbus selects an icon of a saint whose patronage is particularly inspiring to the Knights and their communities. More than 174,800 council and parish prayer services, with some 22 million participants, have been held since the first traveling pilgrim icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1979. Flowing from the Year of Saint Joseph declared by Pope Francis, and inspired by his apostolic letter Patris Corde, comes a new Pilgrim Icon Program in honor of Saint Joseph.
A beautiful icon depicting Saint Joseph holding the Christ child arrived last Monday afternoon and remained in our church through last Thursday. Praying with the icon allowed individuals to reflect upon Saint Joseph who carried out his mission of raising, guarding, and preparing Christ quietly, courageously, and faithfully.
A Prayer Service on Monday evening included recitation of the Rosary and Scripture readings as well as quiet prayer. Thanks to Al Chrosny (depicted), Karyn O'Toole and Michael Blewit for their assistance in making the visit of the icon possible.
New Developments in Bioscience and Bioethics
Celebrate life’s historic Supreme Court win at the Massachusetts Citizens for Life annual pro-life fundraising banquet! Keynote speaker Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center and a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, will present “New Developments in Bioscience and Bioethics.” Thursday, October 6, 6:00 PM at Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood. Reserve your seats today!
If you are, or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available twenty-four hours a day. Call 988 or Text "help" to Crisis Help Text Line at 988
Put the new national three digit phone number 988 in your phone.
MASSES
SATURDAY @ 4.30 PM
SUNDAY @ 8.30 AM & 10.30 AM & 8 PM (Thompson Chapel)
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 - 4 pm
Watch for info about Giving Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
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.
In your kindness...
Please pray for Marilyn Coll Marilyn participated in the life of the Parish for decades as CCD Teacher, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and in the Choir. Please remember her children Kathleen, Thomas, Delia and Kevin as well as her six grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sat Sept 24 2022
May the road rise with you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God keep you in the palm of His hand.
Amen.
Amen.
Abraham used to pursue even passers-by and drag them into his home, while the rich man disregarded someone lying in his own doorway...Scripture offers the advice: Remember to welcome strangers into your homes, for some by doing so have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)