They shall beat their swords into pruning hooks:
One nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
nor shall they train for war again.
...Let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:1-5
We can not be adequately prepared for the coming of the Savior unless and until we feel in our bones that there is something we need to be saved from, Bishop Barron writes. The Advent hymn, "O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear" catches this fundamental Christian truth. We need God to help us.
While our culture teaches us to affirm our guiltlessness "I'm, okay, you're okay", the Bible calls us to admit where we need help, where we need the divine physician.
As with our health care providers, we can't possibly think of being healed, unless we are honest about what hurts us and where we are in pain. Then, the possibility of physical healing arises. Same in our spiritual lives, we can't be healed unless we admit where we need help: what attitude, what relationship, what resentment? Where can we turn our own personal swords into acts of care?
We begin Advent, asking God for help.
Check out the beautiful booklet Word Made Flesh (pictured above) by Bishop Barron, available at Church this weekend. The scripture, reflections and poetry foster a contemplative and reflective beat to the busyness of Christmas preparations. Available to each family, free.
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
Advent Wreath making on Sunday, November 27 and Monday November 28
Sunday students are not scheduled for class on Sunday, but all families who are in town will join the fun on this First Sunday of Advent.
Monday Students will do this project within their class time on Monday afternoon.
The Season of Advent initiates a season of giving
The scripture and tradition of Advent calls us to open our hearts to others in preparation of gift giving and charitable giving.
As the season kicks off, let us put our Catholic faith at the center of our giving. As you may know, a nationally recognized day of giving called Giving Tuesday this Tuesday, November 29, 2022. At the suggestion of the Finance Council, our Parish is participating.
Everyone, including the Parish in its operating expenses, experiences increased costs this year. If your means allow, please consider making a one time donation on-line, by returning an envelope received in the mail or that can be found in the pews. It will make a difference.
Thank you for your support of the Parish.
Fr. John
Exterior Christmas Creche Blessing and Lighting - Mon Dec 5 @ 4 pm
The custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223 in Greccio high in the mountains of what is Central Italy (not far from Arezzo).
A wonderful Parish event last year sponsored by Generations of Faith, we will be gathering in conjunction with our Monday classes. But, the outdoor event (in front of the Church) will be open to the Sunday students - all the Parish.
All are welcome.
All are welcome.
Enjoy pizza and hot chocolate in the Parish hall following this blessed event.
ChristmCheer at the Harper Center: Mon Dec 19 @ 3:30 pm
Sharing the Christmas message in story and song. Refreshments.
Parishioners and community are invited to attend. Bring your joy and singing voice.
Christmas Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve
3 pm
4.30 pm
10 pm - Candlelight Mass
Christmas Day
8.30 am
10.30 am
Whom do you think would appreciate your invitation to Christmas Mass this year? Invite them...now.
Special thanks to Bishop Byrne who gave permission for an early (3 pm) Mass on Christmas Eve so people will have more space for Christmas Eve' Masses.
The Food Pantry is now taking orders for Christmas Meals
Christmas distribution will be on Wednesday, December 14th.
We need turkeys or hams for Christmas. We would appreciate vegetables, cake or brownie mixes, candy, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, butter, coffee & tea; in fact, anything you would want to donate will be most welcome.
Please note we need your contributions by December 13 to be distributed. We have also found that gift cards are useful for those with special dietary needs. Please feel free to call Carol DeMayo at 413.458.3149 if you have any questions. Thank you
Lectio Divina
Monday Nov 28, 2022
9.30 am - 10.45 am
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12
"John appeared...
as a voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths."
as a voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths."
- Matthew 3:1-12
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84458334963? pwd=NS82MHZJd1hsVzVQK0JrQzRvZ1Bvdz09
Buildings and Grounds Meeting Meets Tuesday Dec 6 @ 5 pm discussing front church entry work.
"The LORD is our righteousness."
Are you being called to bring the word of God as a priest, religious brother or sister?
Call Fr. Jonathan Reardon 413-248-7034, or write: vocations@diospringfield.org
Coffee Hour - Thank you
Many thanks to all who participated in the robust coffee hour following the Masses this past weekend. Our appreciation goes to Sandra King for organizing, Lorraine Saulnier & Maureen Moore for hostessing, Amy Hubner for her help in the kitchen. Bakers included Irene Lestage, Lorraine Saulnier, Jen Welch & Karyn O’Toole. Thanks to all who reached out and visited before Thanksgiving Holiday. Appreciate too all those who brought their coffee mugs to keep at the Church kitchen.
God bless you.
God bless you.
Next coffee Hour, Sunday Dec 17 after Masses
Scheduled for the Sunday before Christmas. Mark it on your calendars. And someone home for Christmas to come along with you.
Thanksgiving Day Mass - Thanks
Thanks to all who participated, those who prepared the attractive loaves wrapped for distribution and those who helped replenish the Food Pantry shelves.
Adoration
Saturdays 2.30 pm - 4 pm
Come apart and rest awhile with the Lord in the Eucharist. .
Williams Brass Ensemble, led by Travis Dobson and Steve Felix features soloists and brass groups. A newly invigorated ensemble will feature music by William Byrd, Ola Gjeil, Adam Schoenberg, and Maurice Ravel.
Masks Required
NOVEMBER 29TH, 2022
7:30 PM
Chapin Hall
Festivities include: See complete list of happenings: DestinationWilliamstown.org
10am-5pm SALE at Williams College Museum of Art Shop: Everything is 50% off.
11am-1pm COOKIE DECORATING & CRAFTS (Sponsored by The Print Shop Williamstown). Free.
1-6pm YULETIDE TREASURES POP-UP SHOP* at First Congregational Church (Vintage & handmade tree ornaments, jewelry, and small gifts for sale)
LIVE ACAPELLA MUSIC on Post Office Front Steps
Saturday Dec 2
2 pm Springstreeters
2.20 pm Aristocows
2.40 pm Good Quesiton
3.20 pm Ephlats
3.40 pm Northern Berkshire Choral
2 - 4 pm HOT CHOCOLATE AND COOKIES on Williams Inn Lawn (Free)
2-5pm PENNY SOCIAL & NONPROFIT FAIR at Williams College Lasell Gym (Benefiting Williamstown Community Chest)
3pm REINDOG PARADE on Spring Street (Sponsored by Southwestern Vermont Medical Center)
3-5pm HOT CIDER & FIRESIDE CHAT at Paresky Park across from Images Cinema (Sponsored by the Williamstown D.I.R.E. Committee). Free.
5pm TREE LIGHTING & CAROLING on The Williams Inn Lawn (Sponsored by The Williams Inn)
PARISH CHRISTMAS MISSION - OUTREACH TO OUR NEIGHBORS
Once again this year, we will be handing out mostly gift cards for our Christmas Mission. However, we will collect some gifts. We are asking for gift cards in denominations of $10 to $25 but are most grateful for any amount that you are able to share.
Please note that there are some tags for blankets, towels, Christmas candy, etc. which our clients greatly appreciate. You can place your gift cards in the collection basket on the weekends, drop off at the rectory or You can mail gift cards to: Williamstown Food Pantry c/o Sts. Patrick & Raphael Church 54 Southworth Street Williamstown, MA 01267
LAST DAYS FOR DONATING
Gifts and gift cards are due by December 11th in the church proper and December 13th in the Parish Center. Thank you so much for your continued support of our friends and neighbors. You make all this possible! Questions, please contact Carol at 413.458.3149 or williamstownfoodpantry@gmail.com.
Lessons and Carols at Williams
Saturday Dec 3 @ 4 pm and 7 pm
Thompson Memorial Chapel
Thompson Memorial Chapel
Masks Required
The annual Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at Williams College features choral music by the Williams Concert and Chamber Choirs, and the traditional reading of the biblical Christmas story.
There is no admission charge for the service but all are encouraged to bring an item of non-perishable canned or packaged food for local emergency food pantries. Collection boxes will be in the rear of Thompson Chapel.
Students, faculty and staff from the College, and members of the local community read the traditional “lessons” derived from the biblical Christmas story. Catholic Chaplain Bridget Power will offer A Prayer for the World and Chaplain to the College, the Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer will offer a meditation on Luke 2. A free-will offering of money is received at the conclusion of the service.
The service, modeled on the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols first held on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, has been described as one that “presents the Christmas story in an ambiance of mystery, splendor, hope and joy.” The Service of Lessons and Carols has been a beloved holiday tradition at Williams since the 1960’s.
In a short talk labeled "The Impossible" Fr. Michael Zimmerman explores the impossible requests made in scripture. He encourages us to face the impossible knowing seemingly contradiction that God is with us even if we don't accomplish the task. What do you think?
When we allow darkness to overcome the light,
forgive us, Lord.
When we reduce Christmas to plastic and tinsel,
have mercy on us, Father.
When hardness of heart keeps us from seeing
and hearing and touching the needs of others,
let your grace consume us, O God.
When the wars around us are of no concern,
forgive us, Lord, and move us to compassion
for those who suffer.
When our caring is not extended to action,
move us to seek justice for our brothers and sisters.
We come to confess our sinfulness
before you and before each other.
Remove all barriers that divide us,
and let there be no obstacle to our love for you
and for one another. Amen.
Confessions before Christmas
At the Parish
Saturdays @ 3 - 4 pm in classroom in the Parish Center. (Enter from Parking Lot)
Monday, Dec 19 @ 6 - 7.30 pm in the Church. "Last Chance" St. Elizabeth of Hungry and Sts. Patrick and Raphael being invited for confession.
Nearby Parishes
Sat Dec 17 @ 10.30 - 12 Noon - St Charles, Pittsfield
Wednesdays during Advent @ 5.30 - 6.30 pm - St. Joseph's, Pittsfield
Saturdays @ 2.30 - 3.30 pm - St. Elizabeth of Hungry, North Adams (Adoration Chapel)
Eucharistic Congress is coming to Springfield March 4th
This day is for you! Young or old, single or with the whole family, involved in your parish or on the edges, you are invited to come learn more about the Eucharist and deepen your love for the gift of Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Reawaken your heart to what is essentially beautiful, good, and true about our faith, and center your life around Christ in the Eucharist. Come experience amazing speakers, a display of Eucharistic miracles, fellow Catholics from around the diocese, a full convention center of all things Catholic with Catholic ministries and materials, as well as Eucharistic Adoration and Mass with Bishop Byrne.
The Eucharistic Conference at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Pick up a brochure in the church or go to catholiclifeconference.org to register. Register by Feb 1, 2023, to have lunch included in your registration.
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 contacts.
Blessing the Creche at Home:
When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a
parent or another family member.
When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a
parent or another family member.
All make the sign of the cross as the leader says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Response: Who made heaven and earth.
One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 (lines 1-8)
Reader concludes: The Gospel of the Lord.
Response: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The leader prays with hands joined:
God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Savior was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.
Lord,
bless all who look upon this manger;
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
and who lives and reigns forever and ever.
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Savior was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.
Lord,
bless all who look upon this manger;
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise our thoughts to him,
who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
and who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Response: Amen.
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 Parish Center classroom accessible from the Parking Lot
ADORATION
SATURDAY 2.30 - 4 pm
November 21, 2022
Dear friends in Christ,
Soon, our parishes will be conducting the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection, an annual appeal that benefits nearly 25,000 elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. Our senior religious are a treasure—both for their service to our Church and for the ways their prayer and witness enrich our faith. “Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age” (Ps 92:14-15).
As I reflect on the ministry of women and men religious—past and present—I am grateful for the ways they have shaped my own faith. I also value the tremendous service they have offered our diocese. Perhaps you, too, recall an older religious who made a positive difference in your life.
Most senior religious worked many years for little pay, leaving their religious communities with a shortage of retirement savings. Rising health-care costs and decreased income compound the challenge to meet day-to-day needs for medications, nursing assistance, and other necessities. Donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious provide financial support that helps religious communities care for aging members while ensuring younger ones can continue the good works of their elders.
I understand you are asked to support many worthy causes. I invite you to give what you can. Most importantly, please pray for God’s continued blessing on all our women and men religious. Rest assured that they are praying for you.
In Christ,
+Most Reverend William D. Byrne
Bishop of Springfield
Pope Francis on World AIDS calls for solidarity with victims. Dec 1, 2021
The course of the war in Ukraine has become so serious, devastating and
threatening, as to cause great concern. Indeed, this terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity, instead of healing, continues to shed even more blood, risking to spread further.
threatening, as to cause great concern. Indeed, this terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity, instead of healing, continues to shed even more blood, risking to spread further.
I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these months. I am
saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and threaten vast territories with cold and hunger. Certain actions can never be justified, never! It is disturbing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through names such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaparizhzhia and other areas, which have become places of indescribable suffering and fear. And what about the fact that humanity is once again faced with the atomic threat? It is absurd.
In the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Let there be a halt to arms, and let us seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable. And they will be so if they are based on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.
—Pope Francis, Angelus, October 2, 2022
—Pope Francis, Angelus, October 2, 2022
Life is Goodbye, Life is Hello - a new Parish effort to deal with loss
Our Parish just gathered for All Souls Day Mass to pray with those who have recently lost loved ones. Continue to pray for all knowing loss to be blessed with grace of peace. Loss is tough. And, at some point, we all deal with loss.
I am aware that many people know loss in their life right now. It maybe grief, it may be other losses: health, relationships, financial. I sense that it would be healthy for our relationship with God, others and ourselves if we sought to deal with whatever loss we struggle.
I have done some training with Sister Patricia Smith, SSJ, a sister who worked for many years in Kenya and with people dealing with loss.
I would like to bring people together to embrace some tools, spiritual exercises, scripture that can help us in our relationships with God, others and ourselves. If you think you would have something to offer, or would benefit from such an experience, prayerfully consider it.
I am thinking of assembling together after the New Year. Meet at the convenience of the group, in the early afternoon or early evening. We would engage in some spiritual exercises together and others at home between our eight meetings.
"Enlarge the Space of Your Tent" (Isaiah 54:2)
Working Document for the Continental Stage of the Synod
Working Document for the Continental Stage of the Synod
The 50 page document can be found in the link below. The Parish Council began to look at it at this week's meeting. And, asked sections be made available in the bulletin and Flocknote. The document embraces input from around the world.
We are asked to consider three questions as we look at this working document:
1) After having read and prayed over the working document, which intuitions resonate most strongly with your lived experiences and the realities of the Church in your continent? (North America) Which experiences are new, or illuminating to you?
2) After having read and prayed with the document, what substantial tensions or divergences emerge as particularly important in your continent’s perspective? Consequently, what are the questions or issues that should be addressed and considered in the next steps of the process?”
3) Looking at what emerges from the previous two questions, what are the priorities, recurring themes and calls to action that can be shared with other local Churches around the world and discussed during the First Session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2023?
In your kindness, please remember in your prayer
Theresa Brooks whose Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 2 at 10 am. May she rest in peace.
Dorothy Lynch O'Brien at 100, whose funeral and services will be private and held Friday, December 2 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY. May Dorothy know peace and her family including her son, Charles and his wife Lisa of Williamstown support at their loss.
When the gentle light of the Advent candles begins to shine in the dark days of December - a mysterious light in a mysterious darkness - it awakens in us the consoling thought that divine light, the Holy Spirit, has never ceased to illumine the darkness of the fallen world." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross