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COLLABORATIVE PARISHES OF

March 11th, 2018 ~Fourth Sunday Of Lent

SACRED HEART SAINT THOMAS MORE &

Collaborative Office: 55 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA 02188

(781) 337-6333 or (781) 843-1980 www.SHSTM.org

Sacred Heart Elementary School 75 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 Phone: (781) 335-6010

www.sacredheartschoolweymouth.org

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For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned…

Jesus asks each one of His followers this question: “Who do you say that I AM?” Many of us might answer that God is our Creator, our Father, our Judge. These images are all true, but first and foremost God is a loving Creator. We were created from Love, for Love, to return to Love. Saint Thomas Aquinas called this “The Great Circle of Being.” But, if we perceive God as a distant Being who gave us life, and then left us to fend for ourselves, we miss the Truth that, even when we sin, God loves us. He is our Loving Father, our Loving Judge. God never leaves us. But, we can turn away from Him when we decide to go our own way, when we sin. Lent is a time to be reconciled with our Loving God. Lent reminds us that it is time to turn back to Him with all our hearts. Lent is a time to renew our relationship with Him and so discover anew that God is, indeed, LOVE. During Lent, we take time to realize more fully that Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross is proof of God’s love for us. As Saint Paul declares: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). God became man so that we might have life and life to the fullest. Jesus came so that our “joy may be full.” God became Man so that in all of life’s circumstances we could have a “peace beyond understanding.” It is true that God-Jesus, our Lord-came to save us so that we would be with Him in heaven one day. But in His love for us, He wants us to have joy and peace, here and now, in this life. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God (1 Pt 3: 18), that He might bring us to LOVE. Despite this Truth, some of us, like the first Christians, may still wonder: “What must I do to be saved?” And, the answer is still the same as the one given by the first Apostles, who knew Jesus intimately: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts 30: 30-31). The dictionary meaning of believe is: “to accept the word or evidence of” someone. So, to believe in Jesus is to accept His Word as true. When Jesus asked Peter if he believed that He, Jesus, was the Messiah, Peter answered, “Of course, Lord, I believe, to which Jesus answered, “Then feed my sheep.” If we believe in Jesus, then He tells us that we must act on this belief. We must feed His sheep. We must LOVE others as He first loved us. This is why Saint James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Believing in Jesus means sacrificing ourselves for others as He first did for us, because faith without LOVE is dead. Or, in the words of Saint Paul: If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). To believe in Jesus is to love Him and others with our whole being. This is the Law of Love He came to teach

us. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time, the Jews, had taken God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, and made them a burden on the people. God had given these Commandments to show His People how to love Him and their neighbors. But, Jesus had to become Man to show the world that the way to be saved was the way of loving sacrifice in obedience to His Law of Love. He came to show the world how to truly love God and one another. Unfortunately, our image of God is sometimes far from the Truth that God is LOVE. Yes, there are Christians today who believe that Jesus came to judge us and find us unworthy of His many blessings. They forget that God so LOVED the world that He gave us His only Son to share His Life and Love with us. He came to offer Himself as the one and only Perfect Sacrifice that would atone for the sins of each and every one of us. At every Mass, we proclaim: ‘Lord, I am not worthy,’ and that is true. As Saint Paul affirms: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest any man should boast (Eph 2:8). We cannot save ourselves; only God can save us. So, what can we offer in gratitude to our Perfect God for His Perfect Sacrifice? We can do His Will; we can love Him and others as we love ourselves, because Jesus, our loving Savior, has said: ‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven’ (Mt 7:21). Even more, we must work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2: 12). The work of salvation is the work of love. As Saint James exhorts us: Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

(James 2:18-20). Acceptance that we, with all our human faults and fail-ings, are so loved by God-that He loves us more than we can love anyone, or that anyone on this earth can love us-is difficult to believe. But, it is true. God said it. Believe it. Once we accept the awesome, overwhelm-ing love of God into our hearts, we want to share that love with all we meet. We want to help others, because God loves them and so must we. We want to feed His sheep. Our love of God means that we love as He first loved us. Lent is a time to explore the many ways we can love God by loving others. No matter how we choose to love God more, to love others more, to love ourselves as He first loved us, no matter what we do, in all things we must give thanks to God for His Love for us by loving others. Lent is a time to discover new and glorious ways to show our love and gratitude for His Loving Sacrifice by fulfilling His Law of Love.

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Registration is OPEN Shipwrecked VBS 2018 –Come Sail Away to the Best Week of the Summer!

Dates: June 25-29, 2018

Time: 9am-noon

(NEW THIS YEAR!!! Optional extended day care available until 5:00PM)

Shipwrecked is a totally Catholic VBS where kids

learn that Jesus rescues us during life’s storms. We will use learning experiences that children can see, touch, hear and even taste! Everything is hands-on – sciency-fun gizmos, team building games, cool songs, tasty treats, God-sightings, and our Team Heart Connection outreach project are just a few of the standout activities that will help faith flow into their everyday lives.

Who? Children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5

Register: www.shstm.org beginning March 1

Cost: $70.00 for the first child, $60.00 for the second with $150.00 maximum per family for 9-NOON There are additional fees for the optional extended day child care. Please contact Mary Beth Brady if you are interested.

Adult Volunteers are needed for VBS 2018 – Shipwrecked. Our Collaborative VBS staff is

looking for adult volunteers to help in any phase of Vacation Bible School - planning, preparation, set up, clean up and implementation. We will need creative decorators for set building, teams to work in food preparation (Tropical treats), crafts , Kid-Vid cinema, Ship Rec Games, Imagination Station, Bible Discovery Tide Pool, skits ( Laughs from the Lagoon ), child care, etc, etc….. Please email or call Mary Beth Brady for more information. Parents, grandparents, singles and young adults are encouraged to find out more about this summer fun event! Set up will be June 23 and 24 and VBS takes place the week of June 25-29. We end the week with mass and a family cookout. Please let us know if you would like to be involved in any part of this wonderful program.

Middle School and Teen Volunteers needed too! Registration to serve at Shipwrecked VBS is

open March 1. Students entering grades 7-12 should email Mary Beth Brady to reserve your spot. We have room for 30 teen volunteers. Preference will be given to volunteers who are in high school or entering high school in September. Confirmation and school service hour requirements are fully met by helping out with this fun event. Before you register, please be certain that you will be available for one orientation meeting on June 11th or June 13 at 6:00 – 7:00 in the Sacred Heart Lower Church hall and one set – up meeting June 23rd 10:00-12:00 or 1:00-3:00 or June 24 1:00-3:00. AND….the full week of June 26th Monday through Friday from 8:40 to 12:15 (also including break down and clean up on Friday, June 29 until 2:00) .

Save The Date! !

Collaborative Drama Club Performance of “Godspell Jr.” is this Thursday, March 15th at 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the Sacred Heart Lower Church hall. Prepare ye for the telling of Matthew’s gospel of love

based on the Broadway musical that inspired a generation. Performed by students in grade 4-7, this production

is great for children and families! Admission is free but free will offering and donations

of non-perishable food for our food pantry items are always welcome.

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Please pray for: Sara Meola, Amber Rea Johnson, Kevin Smith, Linda Antoniou, Dan O’Brien, Colman Feeney, Anita Molisse, Denise Cremins, Janet Shiels, Herbert McMeekin, Maura Marino,

Meaghan Morneau, Ann Dowd, Laura O’Neill, Roseanne Hood, Bill Romanoff, John Hastie, Theresa MacMillian, Martin Beatty, Sean & Noreen Naughton, John Keeley, Madonna Smith, Marie Rita Maurano, Paul McGovern,

Joseph O’Reilly, Rosemary Haley, Mary Fleming, Donna O’Reilly, Mary Eileen Cipullo, Pat Coleman, Frank Mahoney, Patrice Suarez, Elizabeth Mastropole, Marie Santo, John Dingee, Jean & Tony Athas,

Antoinetta Sheehan, Gina Pappas, Jackie Fuller, Robert McDermott, Paul Donohoe, Paul Hughes, Paul Boback, Diane Rogers, Julie Williams, Joseph Gavin, Peter Aitken, William Walsh, James Perkins, Tracy Cronin,

Joseph & Lee Doyle, Irene Griffin, Theresa McIsaac, Teresa Connolly, Pat Smith, Dorothy Rocks, James Larson, Ruth Campbell, Marjorie Murphy, Donnie Kenneally, Patricia Lee, Annabelle & John Coyle, Richard Murano, Debbie Turco, Irene B. Panaro, John Gifford, Maria Marini, Robert Harrington, Sheila Lucy, Joseph Yuska, Nora Hutchings,

Theresa Romanoff, Paul McNamara, Marion Feeney, Bridget Callahan, Leone Walls, Mary Gallegos, Bob Clifford, Barbara Pugliese. and our little ones: young Maeve Wilson, Olivia Marsh, Rory Tobin, Lucky Eschauzier, Ariana & Isabella, Mark

& Ethan Mondello, Wil Rooney, Baby Lucas, Baby Marino & Baby Roland

STM Readings, pg. 893 & Music SH Readings, pg.1026 & Music E. The King of Love My Shepherd Is J3 690 E: Return to God G3 478 P: Amazing Grace J3 680 P: Mercy, O God G3 480 C: Come to Me (Nobert) J3 695 C: For God So Loved the World G3 580 R: Lord of All Hopefulness J3 647 R: The Cross of Jesus G3 482

Faith Formation Monday Classes Last Week were cancelled because of school closings. Parents, whose families were una-ble to attend the Tuesday session, are asked to visit the parish collaborative office or to contact Maureen at the parish office to make arrangements to pick up the March lessons. Thank you. Discipleship I &II meets this Tuesday March 13, from 6-7:15 pm (D-I) and 7:30-8:45 pm (D-II). Come pray with us: if you, or someone you know, is suffering the after effects of cancer treatment, or who is in treatment, you are invited to join in praying a “Rosary for Life” specifically designed for cancer patients and their families and friends. We gather in Sacred Heart hall on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm to pray our Rosary in the Adoration Chapel. All are welcome! Forgiven, our collaborative Lenten DVD ser ies, continues this week on Fr iday, March 16, after the 9 am (about 9:30 am) Mass at Saint Thomas More Church hall. Even if you missed our previous sessions, each week the session stands on its own and is an uplifting exposition of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. All are welcome to attend this, or any week in our series. First Communion Retreat will be held in Sacred Heart Church Hall on Saturday, March 17 from 1-3:30 pm and again on Saturday, March 24 from 10 am -12:30 pm. Communion Visits: each week, members of our collaborative parishes bring the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass regularly because they are housebound or recovering from an illness. If someone you know would like the Eucharist brought to them at home, please contact Maureen at the parish office. Thank you!

Easter Flower Envelopes Deadline Easter Flower Envelopes may be picked up at the Church doors this weekend.

You may return these envelopes by placing in the offertory basket at SH or STM or drop them off at the parish of-fice. *Please note deadline to return Easter envelopes is March 19th.

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Fr. Sean M. Connor, Pastor Ext 118 frsean@shstm.org

Mary Gallegos, Secretary Ext 110 secretary@shstm.org

Janice Blodgett, Business Mgr. Ext. 112 businessoffice@shstm.org Vicki Dromey, FACTS/Tuition Ext. 120 FACTS-Tuition@shstm.org Deacon Kenneth N. Ryan, Senior Deacon

Mary Beth Brady, Pastoral Associate: Music & Liturgy Ext 116 mbbrady@shstm.org

Maureen Simmons, Coordinator Lifelong Faith Formation Ext 114 msimmons@shstm.org Virginia Aitken, Admin Asst Ext 124 gaitken@shstm.org

Joanne Bibeau, Executive Asst. to Pastor and Business Manager Ext 115 jbibeau@shstm.org Daniel McCarthy, Facilities Mgr. Patrick McCarthy, Asst Mgr. Joseph Donohoe, Facilities

Sacred Heart Church: 72 Washington Street, Weymouth Saint Thomas More Church: 7 Hawthorn Road, Braintree

Sacred Heart Elementary School Phone: (781) 335-6010 www.sacredheartschoolweymouth.org Christopher Beza, Principal cbeza@ sacredheartschoolweymouth.org

MaryJo Donofrio, Secretary shsoffice_weymouth@hotmail.com

Sacred Heart

Reconciliation: Saturday Afternoon from 2:45pm to 3:45pm.

Baptism: Baptisms are held the 1st Sunday of the month at 9:30 Mass. Please call the office to schedule. Catechesis class for the family is required and is held on the 4th Sunday of each month, at 1pm in the lower church.

Marriage: Contact the parish office at least six months in advance and prior to scheduling your reception to schedule an appoint-ment.

Sacrament of the Sick please see a priest at Mass or contact the office to make arrangements for the Sacrament prior to surgery.

Devotions: Adoration, Rosary and Devotionals The Rosary is prayed every Sunday after the 9:30am Mass beginning at 10:40am; Mondays at 6:30pm in the Adoration Chapel; Fridays at 5:30pm. The Novena to Mother of Perpetual Help is prayed Tuesdays in the Adoration Chapel at 6:30pm, (except for the 2nd Tuesday of the month when it is prayed in the upper church.)

Saint Thomas More

Reconciliation: Saturday Afternoon from 3:00pm to 3:45pm

Baptism: Baptisms are held the 3rd Sunday of the month at the 8:00am Mass. Please call the office to schedule. Catechesis class for the family is required and is held on the 4th Sunday of each month at 1pm in the lower church. @ Sacred Heart.

Marriage Congratulations! Contact the parish office at least six

months in advance and prior to scheduling your reception.

Sacrament of the Sick please see a priest at Mass or contact the office to make arrangements for the Sacrament prior to surgery.

Devotions: Adoration & Rosary. The Rosary is prayed every

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9 am in the Chapel.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Thursdays at 2:30pm.

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 10:00 –11:30AM in the lower church

hall. Charismatic Prayer Group meeting, every Tuesday, 7 pm. in

the Chapel.

Fourth Sunday of Lent ~ March 11th, 2018 4p Vigil Mass (SH) Fr. Bill Joy 4p Vigil Mass (STM) Fr. Sean Frank & Rita Fleming, Mary Ann Joyce Antonio Puliafico, John McCue & Frank King 9:30a Family Mass (SH) Fr. Sean 8:00a Family Mass (STM) Fr. Sean Charles Giuliano (35th) Pro Populo 11:30a (SH) Fr. Sean Carol Parsley (1st), John Doherty (1st) & Alfred (Al) Ashley

Tue. 3/13 7a (SH): Lenten Weekday: Hannah Ridge Fr. Sean Wed. 3/14 9a (STM): Lenten Weekday Martha & William Cameron Fr. Sean Thur. 3/15 7a (SH): Lenten Weekday: Mary T. McDonald Fr. Sean Fri. 3/16 9a (STM): Lenten Weekday: James E. Hart (Birthday Remembrance) Fr. Sean 6p (SH) : Stations of the Cross Fr. Sean

Fifth Sunday of Lent ~ March 18th, 2018

4p Vigil Mass (SH) Fr. Sean 4p Vigil Mass (STM) Fr. Bill Joy Margaret (Peg) Naughton, Daniel J. Daley(12th) & deceased of the Daley Family Sean & Eileen Linehan & Ann White Warren Murphy, Patrick Hanrahan 9:30a Family Mass (SH) Fr. Sean 8:00a Family Mass (STM) Fr. Sean Suzanne Duffy Gratta (3rd) Pro Populo 11:30a (SH) Fr. Sean John Hubbard, Elisabeth O’Donoghue, Gerard (Jerry) Hubbard Claire Conlon, Patricia Phillips

Fourth Sunday of Lent ~ March 11th, 2018

Collaborative offices: 55 Commercial Street, Weymouth, MA 02188 Phone: (781) 337-6333 or (781) 843-1980

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Last weekend’s Offertory totals and breakdown-3/3 & 3/4/18

Stewardship: Time, Talent & Treasure

Sacred Heart Parish St. Thomas More Parish

Mass Mass Count

Percent Capacity

Total Offertory

% Envelope

4:00pm 292 53% $2,482.00 75%

9:30am 198 36% $1,118.00 74%

11:30am 288 52% $1,959.00 44%

Coin $ 22.05

Mass Count 778 Online giving $3,746.42 36%

SH envelopes mailed in: $700 and from other parishes: $391

Total Offertory $10,418.47

Winter Woes: $3,984.73

The gifts of bread and wine, candles and sanctuary lamp are offered

In Memorial at Sacred Heart for

Frank & Rita Fleming

In Memorial at St. Thomas More for deceased members of

the Egan & Goode Families

The Society's nearly 100,000 trained volunteers in the United States provided 17.9 million hours of volunteer service in 2015, helping more than 23 million people through visits to homes, prisons

and hospitals at a value of nearly $1 billion dollars. If you need assistance, food pantry or other, please call

St. Vincent de Paul @ St Thomas More (339) 987-9624 St. Vincent de Paul @ Sacred Heart (339) 205-8029

Our Collaborative Food Pantry is located in the lower church hall at St. Thomas More.

lf you are interested in volunteering or for more information, call Maureen at the office. This is a great service opportunity for families, teens and adults of all ages. Thank you for your generosity to our food pantry.

In order to fill bags into March we need to ask for donations of: Pasta & Sauce.

As always we depend on your donations to ensure the Lord's command to feed the hungry among us.

Upcoming Collections March 10th & 11th, 17th &18th

This weekend, March 10th & 11th, there will be one passing of the basket.

This weekend we hear a brief announcement from Cardinal Sean and begin our kick off of this year’s Catholic Appeal.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. We will have in pew pledges this weekend.

Mass Mass Count

Percent Capacity

Total Offertory

% Envelope

4:00pm 217 67% $2,364.00 84%

8:00am 173 52% $2,204.00 85%

Coin -

Mass Count 390 Online giving $267.50 5%

STM envelopes mailed in: $335 and from other parishes: $682 Total Offertory $5,852.50 Winter Woes: $2,077.00