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The Catholic Parishes of Stoughton Weekly Newsletter

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Message From The Pastor - Father Joseph Mazzone

This month, my friends, we honor our Blessed Mother, under her title, “Nossa Senhora de Fátima”, Our Lady of Fatima (May 13). In fact, the whole month of May is dedicated to Mary. When Our Lady appeared to the children at Fatima, she came with a message of peace and asked the world to pray for peace. Her message is as important now as it was the day she spoke them over 100 years ago. My friends, may we all unite in a prayer for peace; peace in our communities, in our families, in our world and peace in our hearts.. May we be the “blessed peacemakers” our Savior, Jesus, has called us to be.

Given that this is the month of Mary, I would like to share with you some of my favorite quotes about Mary from the saints. May we model them not only in their courage and faithfulness but in their devotion to Our Blessed Mother.

“If you ever feel distressed during your day — call upon our Lady — just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit — this prayer has never failed me.”

--Blessed Mother Teresa

“Only after the Last Judgment will Mary get any rest; from now until then, she is much too busy with her children.”

--St. John Vianney

“As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary.”

--Saint Thomas Aquinas

“What a joy to remember that she is our Mother! Since she loves us and knows our weakness, what have we to fear?”

--Saint Therese of Lisieux

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

--Saint Maximilian Kolbe

"So your strength is failing you? Why don't you tell your mother about it?...Mother! Call her with a loud voice. She is listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she--your holy mother Mary--offers you, along with the grace of her son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace...and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle."

- Saint Josemaria Escriva

The "Risus Paschalis" (Easter Laugh)

Secretary: "Doctor, the Invisible Man is here. He says he has an appointment.

Doctor: "Tell him I can't see him."

Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass with Father Will

May 3, 2020

SMAC will be airing our Sunday Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 8:30 am on Comcast Channel 9 and

on Verizon Channel 28

Recognizing the Voice of Jesus

When my wireless provider introduced HD Voice, the voice I heard on my phone was unbelievably clear, and it felt at times like both the caller and I were in the same room. The best aspect of this feature is that it didn’t cost the customer any additional fees, and it didn’t require any changes to the phone. I could say it was free, but I suspect I was already paying for it in my monthly bill anyway. At least it felt free.

The clearer the voice calling you, the easier it is to recognize who it is on the other end of the line. In John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the gatekeeper who opens the gate and calls for his sheep. They respond because they know his voice. Others try to lure the sheep when the gatekeeper is not there, but the sheep find their voices unclear or unfamiliar.

Jesus is our gatekeeper. But unlike receiving something for free from a wireless company, to be able to hear his voice we need to pay attention and practice listening. By developing a stewardship way of life that is mindful and prayerful, we become attuned to his voice and are able to discern when the call is from our Lord and when it is from an imposter. It is great to talk about all the things we can do and all the gifts we can share, but if we are not listening for his call to hear where our offerings are needed, we can end up like a lost sheep searching for the gatekeeper.

—Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

©LP

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The month of May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, and is a great opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Mother of God. Click on the below image for more Mary activities during the month of May.

May is the month of Mary and one of the most popular activities is to venerate the Mother of God during this month is to participate in a May crowning ceremony. Below is a how to plan a May crowing for kids. Click on the image for more information.

SUPPORT YOUR PARISH

We understand that there are very challenging days ahead for many people. We ask that you please continue to support our parishes, if at all possible, during these troubling times, as we rely on our weekly Offertory Collections to cover operating expenses (heating and maintaining our buildings, staff salaries and healthcare benefits, etc.).

Three ways to support your Parishes:

1. Weekly donations may be mailed to our Parish Office:

Immaculate Conception

122 Canton Street - Stoughton 02072

or

St. James Parish

560 Page Street - Stoughton 02072

2. Online Giving - Please consider switching to online giving, for your Weekly and Monthly donations. With online giving, you can support your parish even when Mass attendance is disrupted. You can also use online giving to make a one-time donation. Go to www.stoughtoncatholic.org to access the link to make your online gift. Thank you for your continued support of your parish and our collaborative.

3. 90 Days Now Campaign. Donate a little each day for 90 Days. Together we can make a difference.

May the Holy Spirit fill us with love for God and help us discern his will for our lives. For the sick, for the dying, or for special intentions. Lord Hear Our Prayer.

Please submit your prayer requests on our website and one of our Parish priests will pray for your intention either during daily/weekend mass or during their personal mass.

Saint Anthony’s is continuing to provide free food assistance to our Stoughton families. The care packages are being prepared by the volunteers and delivered outside of the pantry.