"If you loved me, you would do what I told you to do." - my mother
When I heard my mother say that to me, I wanted to do what she told me to do. I did love and respect her. She had caught my attention. I would follow through. Jesus tells us this Sunday, "If you loved me, you would keep my commandments." (John 14:15) Jesus reminds me that He is on my mother's side. And as my mother knew, love is expressed not only in words, but also in deeds.
How are we doing in manifesting our love in deeds?
Jesus tells us he is sending the Holy Spirit to be with us. The Spirit always leaves finger prints. Among the Spirit's finger prints are joy and love. When we leave people better than when we first found them, the Spirit is with us. We sense they are buoyed, energized and expansive. We put our love into action, we the Spirit is with us, too.
Margaret, my mother, manifested joy and love consistently. I met the Holy Spirit in her so often. I trust you too have met the Spirit in your mother. Let us thank God for our mothers and our mothers manifesting God, particularly the Holy Spirit, through their joy and love.
Happy Mothers today to the Mothers of the Parish!
- Fr. John
Ascension of Jesus
St James Church, Concord North Carolina
...why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven. - Acts of Apostles 1:11
Ascension Thursday, May 18
Holy Day Masses @ 8.30 am and 7 pm
The Sunday Mass is broadcast on Willinet TV Channel 1302 at 11 am and available on Parish Website: williamstowncatholics.org and the link above.
Faith Formation Open House at monthly "coffee hour" after 10.30 Sunday Mass May 21
This is a great time to have an "open house" of sorts for our Faith Formation program, allowing the students to show their families their classrooms and introduce their teachers. We look forward to greeting prospective students for a glance at what we do and even for potential volunteers to how they may enjoy being a part of the effort.
For information about the Faith Formation program contact Karyn O'Toole at 413.458.5443.
Parish Coffee Hour
Sunday, May 21 after 8.30 am and 10.30 Masses
First Communion held Sunday May 7th, at the 10:30 Mass
Katy Day -Giarolo, Grace Fahey, Nadine Kilayko Fiorentino, and Carol Lawrence joyfully received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. While it certainly was a special day for these four young ladies, it was also a special one for their parents and families who have been nurturing their faith since their Baptisms. For all of us, it is an opportunity to witness their innocence and blossoming faith as they take this important step in their spiritual journeys.
The girls prepared for this day since September with great anticipation. Under the skillful, creative, and caring guidance of Mrs. Sandra King, their catechist, they grew in their knowledge of God and came to a better understanding of what they were to receive. Through an interactive, multi-modality approach, these students engaged their minds, their senses, and their spirits to grow in their faith.
As an example and extension of their learning, the children processed in carrying plants which they have been taking care of for several months. These plants reminded them that Jesus is the vine and that they are the branches. Taking care of their plants is a reminder to stay close to Jesus. They offered these plants to our Blessed Mother as together they crowned Mary. They are grateful for their Prayer Partners who have developed special bonds with them. Appreciation is expressed for John and Martha Buoni, Anne and Dave Leja, Amy Nowlan, and Regina Quinn for praying and encouraging the young people over the past several months.
Summer Days brings more learning opportunities
We recognize that our students want to keep learning and desire to be connected to their church and to each other. Look for summer opportunities in the coming weeks.
For information about the Faith Formation program contact Karyn O'Toole at 413.458.5443.
A hearty thank you to Karyn O'Toole for coordinating such a wonderful Faith Formation year for the students, families and the Parish. - Fr. John
Baby bottle fundraiser this weekend for New Directions Women's Center
“New Direction provides free and confidential pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting support classes, and pregnancy options counseling. Our donations help to ensure that New Direction can continue to offer these services for free.”
Pregnancy Options Counseling
Call or text 24 hours a day
413.242.4959
Pregnancy Tests, Parenting Classes, Abortion Recover, Miscarriage Healing
Tues, Wed & Thurs 12 Noon - 5.30 pm
25 First Street, Pittsfield MA 01201
Lectio Divina
Monday, May 15 for May 20 - 21, 2023 Sixth Sunday of Easter
9.30 am - 10.45 am
"..whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name." - 1 Peter4:13-16
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82332293685?pwd=aXZLMVdlS3RwSUVuUUdicjJxc1Rtdz09
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82332293685?pwd=aXZLMVdlS3RwSUVuUUdicjJxc1Rtdz09
Thanks for support of the Annual Catholic Appeal
Sts. Patrick & Raphael Parish raised $13,390.00 including $4,500.00 in pledges for a total of $17,890.00 raised.Thanks to all who have contributed. You are bringing light of Christ to many. God bless you.
“Radiate the Light of Christ” the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal funds ministries and service agencies to your neighbors in need.
If you have not made a donation, please contribute It is possible to use the envelopes available at church or go on line to http://diospringfield.org/aca/ and click on the secure link. If we go over the Parish goal, the funds will be made available to our Parish. Thank you and God bless you!
By sharing the gifts God grants us, we can work together to build our faith and the future of the Catholic Church.
Dealing with loss: Life is Goodbye, Life is Hello
Next Meeting: Monday, May 22 @1.30 pm in the Parish Center
If you know someone who is dealing with loss, suggest he or she may find the last meeting of the group helpful. We will be viewing and discussing the film The Shack a powerful film about loss and healing. Popcorn will be available.
Adoration this Saturday (2:30 pm - 4 pm)
Come let us adore Him.
Appreciation for Confirmation Celebration Support
Our celebration of Confirmation on April 29th was indeed a blessed night for our parish. We were honored to have the Very Reverend Piotr S. Calik with us to confer the sacrament on our candidates. All in attendance were inspired by his words, especially those directed toward the sponsors as he, himself, shared his recent experience of returning to his homeland of Poland to be a Confirmation Sponsor for his niece. We would be remiss if we did not take the time to acknowledge all those who contributed to the celebration.
We are grateful for the beautiful music provided by Joshua Birns-Sprague who prayerfully and joyfully contributed to the special night. We are thankful to Jeff Betti and Dai Constantine for serving as acolytes. We are blessed to have the ongoing work of the Altar Guild to prepare our worship space and who took great care for this important event. Amy Ditter, Victoria Flynn, Carole Kalisz, Anne Leja, Regina Quinn, Joan Taylor, and Betsy Wolf give of their time on a bi-weekly rotation to beautify our environment.
The Confirmati and their families were treated to a lovely reception to which many contributed. Thank you to Lynne Blake, Sandra King, Mary Beth Miller, Mauren Moore, Cathy Nolan, Karen Nolan, Maureen Strype and Jean Taylor. We are especially blessed to have Bob St. Pierre on our reception team. The cakes which he offers for our special events are baked to perfection and then decorated as true works of art. The impression lasts long after the sweet confection has been consumed! We are indebted to Debbie Cameron, parish secretary, who worked well after hours to create a beautiful keepsake program for our candidates with their photos and writings about their chosen saints.
Finally and most importantly, deep gratitude is expressed to Father John for preparing our six candidates for Confirmation this year. Making time in his already full schedule to meet with the students on Sunday mornings between Masses was a blessing for them as he shared his own faith and experience with them to help them develop a closer relationship with God. We look forward to the continued involvement of our newly Confirmed in the months ahead as they put to use their Gifts of the Spirit.
Church Entry Project
Thank you to those who have offered comments and suggestions. Renderings of the project are located in the Church vestibule.
A video of the Presentation Meeting is available in the link below or through Easter Sunday's flocknote. If you have additional questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact John Benzinger, john.benzinger@skanska.com 413.281.8934 cell
Presentation available here:
To establish an accurate budget, Greylock Design, after meeting with Buildings and Grounds Committee, has begun to draw up construction documents. We look forward to hearing and sharing more details soon.
Tuesday, May 16 @ 7 pm
Mt Greylock Regional High School Gym
Mt Greylock Regional High School Gym
Doors open @ 6 pm
This year with clickers. The Select Board and town moderator have planned to experiment this year with an electronic voting tabulation system. In order to expedite check in and distribution of the "clickers," town meeting attendees are encouraged to arrive well before the start of the meeting.
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
Starting this week:
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry
Audit One Summer Course for Free!
Summer Session 1 May 15th—June 30th
*Introduction to Biblical Studies / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
*Archeology and the Bible / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
Philosophy for Theologians / Stephen Loughlin, Ph.D.
American Saints and Blesseds / Lisa Lickona, S.T.L.
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology / Rev. Anthony Barratt, S.T.L., Ph.D. Philosophy of God / Matthew Pietropaoli, Ph.D.
Summer Session ll July 5th—August 23rd
*My Beloved is Mine and I am My Beloved’s: Mystical Commentary on the Song of Songs / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
*Co-Worker in the Truth: The Legacy and Thought of Joseph Ratzinger— Pope Benedict XVl / All FullTime Faculty
*Atheism as a Pastoral Problem: Unbelief, Evil and the Theology of Atonement / Daniel Drain, Ph.D. (cand.)
*Philosophy of Nature / Erik Van Versendaal, Ph.D.
Learn more:
www.stbernards.edu/one-free-audit
*Introduction to Biblical Studies / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
*Archeology and the Bible / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
Philosophy for Theologians / Stephen Loughlin, Ph.D.
American Saints and Blesseds / Lisa Lickona, S.T.L.
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology / Rev. Anthony Barratt, S.T.L., Ph.D. Philosophy of God / Matthew Pietropaoli, Ph.D.
Summer Session ll July 5th—August 23rd
*My Beloved is Mine and I am My Beloved’s: Mystical Commentary on the Song of Songs / Charles Hughes Huff, Ph.D.
*Co-Worker in the Truth: The Legacy and Thought of Joseph Ratzinger— Pope Benedict XVl / All FullTime Faculty
*Atheism as a Pastoral Problem: Unbelief, Evil and the Theology of Atonement / Daniel Drain, Ph.D. (cand.)
*Philosophy of Nature / Erik Van Versendaal, Ph.D.
Learn more:
www.stbernards.edu/one-free-audit
or speak with parishioner Marco Stango.
And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.
Is your love for the Lord leading you to grow in holiness as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? If you are considering this possibility, contact Fr. Jonathan Reardon. Director of Recruiting. 413-248-7034.
Springfest @ Williamstown Youth Center - next Sunday, May 23 @ WES
A family fun field day to support great programs for local chidden
Caricature artists, big chair photos, arts activities for all ages, Bounce House, air brush hats, parents vs. kids dodgeball games and more. Check it out:
A Message for Our Time
Our Lady of Kibeho: The Queen of Seven Sorrows
Guest Speaker: Reverend Valentine Nworah
- "Our Lady of Kibeho: The Queen of Seven Sorrows"
- The Sacrament of Confession will be available
- Rosary Procession through downtown Northampton (1.8 miles), (transportation available for those who are unable to walk in the procession)
- Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Adoration, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, upon returning to the church
- Reception to follow prayerful event
For more information or to volunteer, call George or Brenda at: (413) 221-4372
Steubenville East Catholic youth conference hosted by Life Teen is coming back to the diocese next summer. The conference, which features an impressive lineup of engaging speakers, a worship band, exciting and interactive activities, and beautiful prayer-centered experiences will take place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield the weekend of July 21-23,2023.
Check out details:
lifeteen.com/events/steubenville-east for more info.
MASSES
SATURDAY 4.30 PM
SUNDAY 8.30 AM & 10.30 AM
MONDAY 8.30 am Mass
MONDAY 8.30 am Mass
TUESDAY 8:30 am Mass
WEDNESDAY8:30 am Mass
THURSDAY 8.30 AM & 7 PM Masses Ascension Thursday HOLYDAY
CONFESSIONS
SATURDAY @ 3-4 pm Church Sacristy Enter through door to the left of the Madonna and Child painting
ADORATION
SATURDAY 2.30 - 4 pm
Safe Environment & Victim Assistance
Bishop William D. Byrne encourages anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by representatives (Clergy, educators, employees or volunteers) of the Roman Catholic Church to come forward by contacting the Office of Safe Environment & Victim Assistance, at (413) 452-0624, confidential toll free number at 800-842-9055 or email reportabuse@diospringfield.org.
Bishop Byrne encourages victims of sexual abuse to contact law enforcement if they believe a crime has been committed. Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office: (413) 443-595
In your kindness, please remember in your prayer...
Michael Kennedy, husband of Mary Kennedy, who is in hospice care. May he be comforted.
The deceased mothers of the Parish, may they be at peace.
