saint cecilia - the pilotlast 6:00 p.m. mass of 2016 today, december 11, is the last six...

Third Sunday of Advent

Gaudete!11 December 2016

Disciples Visit John the Baptist in PrisonGilded Bronze Relief — South Doors of the Florence Baptistry

Andrea Pisano (1330)

Saint CeciliaP A R I S H

Ministers of the Liturgy

Saturday | 5:00 p.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrantEve Nagler, lector

Sunday | 8:00 a.m.Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrant Jordan Barnes, lector

Sunday | 9:30 a.m.Rev. John Unni, celebrant Frederico Rollo, Letitia Howland, &Michele Maniscalco, lectors

Sunday | 11:15 a.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrantJames Paradis, Jim English, &Brian Himes lectors

Sunday | 6:00 p.m. Rev. John Unni, celebrantLauren Miner and Maggie Dolan, lectors

today’s readingsIsaiah 35: 1-6James 5: 7-10Matthew 11: 2-11

next sunday’s ReadingsIsaiah 7: 10-14Romans 1: 1-7Matthew 1: 18-24

special intentionsSunday, December 11 | 9:30 a.m.Joseph F. Ford, 12th anniversary

Sunday, December 11 | 9:30 a.m.Angelo Valente, Sr., Memorial

Sunday, December 11 | 11:15 a.m.Jaconda & Sam Coluccio, Memorial

Sunday, December 11 | 11:15 a.m.Richard Howland, Memorial

Sunday, December 11 | 6:00 p.m.James DiBona & Angelina Brigalli, Memorial

Wednesday, December 14 | 8:00 a.m.Wilfred and Josephine Crozier, Memorial

Thursday, December 15 | 8:00 a.m.Kathleen M. McCann, Memorial

Friday, December 16 | 8:00 a.m.Scott J. Babin, Memorial

SAINT CECILIA PARISH

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our community news

weekly FOOD DONATIONS

First featured donation item is:CANNED TUNA

Second featured donation item is:PASTA NOODLES!

Donations of featured items are preferred as these are more popular among Catholic Charities clients. Please leave food donations in the narthex baskets.

Prayers & Occasions

Our SickPlease pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of our prayer, especially Annette Kulas, Anthony Simboli, Anne Frenette Handly, Roséa Aubrey, Owen Kyes, Pilar Estrada, Mildred McLaughlin, Pam Phillips, Brenna Smith, Michalina Maniscalco, Michael Patrick Kelly, Mark Anderson, Bill Downing, Skyler Stevenson, Silvana Franco, Silvia Basagni, Brian Donnelly, Theresa Wier, Bill Ahern, Lena Bryant, Kenny Borum, Kevin, George Driscoll, Mary Curley, Bill Pennington, Bryan Thomas, Joanne DeMare, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bob Carroll, John Morris, Mark Edward McHugh, Jean Hughes, Laura Bellias, Angelo Valente, Eugenia Valente, Betty Sellers, Jack Kacewicz, Daniel Grapski, Nancy Wolterman, Callie Boyce, Bill Croke, Mary Chisholm, Brian Burdette, Chuck Christian, John Pelletier, Tim Postma, Maureen Kelly, Mary Maciora, Stephanie Brown, Scott Costigan, Bob Butler, Mary Du-pont, Mary Jacobs, Mary Goodrow, Francesca Stanizzi, Hilary Dillon, Paul Lakschewitz, Pam Phillips, Mer-edith Deignan, Louise Reohr, Jacy-Lyn Poland, Tom O'Keefe, Claire Smith, and Gerard Franchi.

Welcome to Saint Cecilia! We are pleased to welcome the following new members of our parish who have recently registered: Joseph Manning of Boston, Maria Zapatero of Boston, Matthew Donahue of East Boston, and Christian Hernandez of Boston, If you have not previously registered with the parish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you can register online at www.stceciliaboston.org.

Happy Anniversary, Mimi!This week we celebrate the baptismal anniversary ofMimi Love who was baptized on December 12. Maythe Lord continue to bless Mimi with the grace to liveout her baptismal call. Happy Feast Day, Mimi!

For Our StudentsPray that all of our students may successfully complete the semester and have safe travels as they head home to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

Christmas FlowersYou are invited to remember your loved ones by donating towards the Christmas flowers that will grace our sanctuary. In the narthex you'll find envelopes that you can use for this purpose. Please drop the envelope in the col-lection basket or hand it to any staff person. The names of those remembered will be published in the Christmas and Epiphany bulletins. Please be sure to PRINT clearly.

Last 6:00 p.m. Mass of 2016Today, December 11, is the last six o'clock Sundayliturgy before Christmas. The six o'clock liturgy willresume on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord(January 8).

RCIA—Rite of Acceptance Into The Order of Catechumens TodayAt this morning’s eleven-ffteen liturgy, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. This ritual acknowledges the next part of the catechu-mens’ spiritual journey with us. For the unbaptized, the Rite of Acceptance indicates a stage of growth on their journey of faith. They now enter the Order of Catechu-mens (from the Greek, meaning “one in whom word echoes”) and continue their preparation for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confrmation, and Eucharist. The Rite points to their ongoing experience of conversion, and is an invitation to all of us to be consciously growing in faith. Please keep these new members of our commu-nity in your prayer. Greet them and help them feel athome here.

Evening Prayer This Week—MondayFeast of Our Lady of GuadalupePlease join us as we commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Evening Prayer this Monday, December 12 at 6:30.


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HOLIDAY LITURGIES

Christmas Eve – 4:00 & 6:30 p.m.Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m.New Year’s Eve – 5:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day – 8:00, 9:30, & 11:15 a.m.

The Advent Wreath

THIRD WEEKLight two of the violet candles and the rose candle.During the rest of the week, these candles are relitat the evening meal or whenever you choose to do so.

Jesus, we gather here as a family to dedi-cate our lives to you, as John the Baptist did. Help us to know, love, and serve you. As we light this candle, we remember that you bring the light of joy into our lives. May your Word be always in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.

Amen.

JOIN US AT COMMUNITY SERVINGS

Join us from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Decem-ber 24 or Saturday, December 31 when we volunteer in the kitchens of Community Servings. We are looking for volunteers to assist in preparing and packaging nutri-tious meals for those who are home-bound with life-threatening illnesses throughout Eastern Massachusetts. No culinary skills are required, but volunteers need to be at least thirteen years of age. Please feel free to join us even if you can't be there until a bit later than 9:00 a.m. Community Servings is conveniently located next to the Stony Brook T Station in Jamaica Plain. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Mark Lippolt at: [email protected].


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GAUDETE SUNDAY

Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.

Dominus enim prope est.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! �e Lord is near.

We are now midway through Advent and today is a day of rejoicing, traditionally called “Gaudete Sunday” (gow–DAY–tay). “Gaudete” is Latin for “rejoice” and antiphon for the �ird Sunday of Advent. Before we started singing hymns in Eng-lish, the Introit was normally chanted in Latin as the priest approached the altar. It helped to set the mood and theme of the Mass of the day. �e In-troit for the �ird Sunday of Advent comes from Philippians 4, Paul’s warm and loving letter to the community at Philippi. �e optional use of rose–colored vestments underscores the joyful character of today’s liturgy.

Gaudete Sunday dates back to the Middle Ages, when the season of Advent bore a penitential char-acter similar to that of Lent. At that time, Advent was a forty–day period of fasting and penance in preparation for Christmas. It commenced on the day a�er Saint Martin’s Day (November 12) and was thus o�en referred to as “St. Martin’s Lent.” In the midst of a dark and serious Advent, Gaudete Sunday helped to brighten the mood. In the ninth century, Advent was reduced to four weeks and its austere character gave way to a new understanding of Advent as a time of longing, hoping, and waiting for the Lord.

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New Choir Members Needed

We are in need of new choir members for our morning choirs, as well as for our 6:00 p.m. choir. If you have a musical talent to share with the community, we would love to have you join us. We look forward to hearing from you! Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass, call him at 617-536-4548 or e-mail: [email protected]. You can also find more information about our music ministry at www.stceciliaboston.org/music-ministry/

CHRISTMAS EVE CHOIR INVITATION

We are looking for parishioners to sing in our Christ-mas Eve Choir. This is a one-time commitment to sing on Christmas Eve at our 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. liturgies. Rehearsals for Christmas Eve will be:

• Thursday, December 15 | 7:00 p.m. • Thursday, December 22 | 7:00 p.m. • Christmas Eve, December 24 | 2:30 p.m.

Please stop by and see Richard Clark after Mass, or e-mail him at [email protected]. We look for-ward to hearing from you!

PINE STREET INN CARDS FOR SALE

We are once again be selling Christmas cards to support Pine Street Inn, where Father John and several parish-ioners serve on the board of directors. This is a wonder-ful way of supporting Pine Street Inn's mission of finding permanent solutions to homelessness while sharing some wonderful Boston–themed Christmas cards with family and friends. The cards are priced at $18 for a pack of 10.

UNREPAIRED GAS LEAKS

Downtown Neighborhood Organizations Join Forces With "Mothers Out Front" To Highlight Unrepaired Gas Leaks

Residents of the South End, Beacon Hill, and Back Bay are working with climate change activists Mothers Our Front to accelerate the passage of City Councilor Matt O'Malley's proposed Gas Leaks Ordinance. Gas leaking from aged infrastructure under our streets costs the ratepayers of Greater Boston 90 million dollars annually. These leaks contribute more to climate change than all tailpipe emissions in the Greater Boston area. These leaks can cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses and accelerate the death of street trees by suffocating their roots. This campaign seeks to raise awareness in our communities about gas leaks and to to encourage a faster rate of repair of our inadequate gas infrastruc-ture. This Saturday, December 10, from noon to 2:00 p.m., Mothers Out Front along with individuals from the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, the Beacon Hill Civic Association, The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association, the Friends of the Public Garden, and other community groups met on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall at Arlington Street to rally and then visit Back Bay, South End, and Beacon Hill neighborhoods to post informative signs in areas known to have unrepaired gas leaks, such as on St. Cecilia Street. The signs urge residents to call National Grid if they smell gas in their neighborhood and to sign an on-line petition calling for the passage of Councilor O'Malley's proposed Gas Leaks Ordinance. This proposed City of Boston Ordinance aims to eliminate all Boston gas leaks in six years. For more information and to sign the petition to pass Councilor O'Malley's proposed Gas Leaks Ordinance, visit www.mothersoutfront.org/ma_petition_to_pass_gas_leaks_ordinance_20161118.

Christmas Concert ReceptionTuesday, December 13 | 7:00 p.m.

Our annual Christmas concert featuring the Copley Singers will be taking place on Tuesday! Following the concert there will be a gala reception in the

Parish Hall. This is one of the highlights of the year at Saint Cecilia, but we need quite a bit of help to make it happen. If you are able to assist with shop-ping, cooking, decorating, setting-up the hall, and

clean-up, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact Lisa Pickering if you would like to be part of this

year's hospitality team. [email protected]

617-536-4548

47th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST

Monday, January 16 — 8:00 Boston Convention and Exhibition Center 415 Summer Street

The 47th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast to commemorate the noble legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday, January 16 at eight o'clock. The breakfast features engaging speeches, delicious food, live music, and a diverse gathering of over 1,000 people, including business, civic, and religious leaders from across Massachusetts. This year's event will feature a dynamic keynote address from commentator and TV/radio host Callie Crossley. Ms. Crossley was a producer for Blackside Inc.'s Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Right Years, which earned her an Academy Award nomination, a National Emmy, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award. A former producer for ABC News 20/20, Ms. Crossley is a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow, guest-lecturing at col-leges and universities about media literacy, media and politics, and the intersection of race, gender, and media. Ms. Crossley's commitment to truth-telling, justice, and civil discourse will provide the basis for a truly inspiration-al address. Other invited speakers include Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, US Senator Elizabeth Warren, US Senator Edward Markey, and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.

Tickets are $50 each and we need to reserve tables prior to December 31. If you would like to join us and sit at one of the Saint Cecilia tables, please call the parish office or e-mail Megan Riggle at [email protected]. If you've attended this breakfast in the past, you know what a moving and hope-filled way this is to commemo-rate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Homeless Persons Interfaith Memorial Service

Wednesday, December 21 | 12:00 p.m.Church on the Hill | 140 Bowdoin Street

December 21 is the first day of winter—the day with the fewest hours of sunlight during the whole year and therefore the day with the longest night of the year. On this day, the Church on the Hill hosts a memorial ser-vice at 12:00 p.m. for homeless people who have died in Boston during the past year. Consider attending this event and remembering and praying for our brothers and sisters who have died without homes.

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saint cecilia parish

Smeetups: RebootedCall for Leaders I Now through December 16Group Sign-Ups I December 18 through January 6

Looking for a group of young adults with whom to practice Lectio Divina? Itching to read and share some thoughts on Jim Martin's most recent book? Or maybe you just want to meet up with some folks after Mass to discuss Fr. John's homily questions? We are seeking young adults to serve as Smeetup leaders for a topic of their choice, to start peri-odic meetings in the new year. Once groups are formed, it will be up to you to decide when and how often you meet! The tentative commitment period is January through May (roughly the spring semester), but this can be flexible for your group. This new format for Smeetups is open to all young adults, though existing Smeetups will continue meet-ing according to their plan. Contact [email protected] to sign up as a leader by December 16.

Prison and After MinistryMonday, December 12 I 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Saint Cecilia Church

A team of six volunteers is needed to bring large quanti-ties of food to feed men who are getting on their feet after prison.

Holy Hour Happy HourSunday, December 18 I 6:00 p.m.—Prayer 6:45 p.m.—Happy HourSaint Cecilia and Back Bay Social Club 867 Boylston Street

It's time to get FANCY. Dress in your Christmas best for this time around. Let's get our minds in the right place with a night prayer at Saint Cecilia (no 6:00 p.m. Mass) and then head over to get a drink at Back Bay Social Club.

To RSVP for any of these activities, please e-mail [email protected].

SAINTCECILIAYOUNGADULTS

Saint Cecilia Young Adults ministry welcomes parishioners ages 20-40.

RSVP and more when you type URL: eepurl.com/bBbbLr

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NEWS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES—PRESENT & EXPECTING—AND THOSE WHO WOULD

LIKE TO HELP THEM• If you are a parent of a child younger than four years of age, please consider joining our growing Young Families group! We currently meet monthly between the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. lit-urgies for fellowship and mutual support as we navigate the ups and downs of life with young children. The best way to stay in touch is to join our listserv—if you're not on it already, e-mail Erin at [email protected].

• If you are expecting a child in the coming months and would be interested in connecting with other expecting parents, we want to hear from you. Please e-mail Sarah Donohue ([email protected]) for more information and details on an upcoming social for expecting parents.

WELCOMING THE STRANGER

While visiting a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos Pope Francis decided to bring twelve Syrian Mus-lims back to the Vatican with him on the papal plane. The Pope addressed the refugees and said, "As people of faith, we wish to join our voices to speak out on your behalf. We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity."

Inspired by the Pope's words and actions, Saint Ceci-lia parish is working with Catholic Charities to assist two Muslim Syrian families who have relocated to the Greater Boston area. With no friends or relatives in the United States, they have a great many needs. At this point in time, the parish has offered to provide them with supermarket gift cards so that they will have food while their applications for political asylum are processed. If you would like to purchase gift cards to Market Basket specifically--and no more than $25 per card--please feel free to drop them in the offertory basket. If you do not live near a Market Basket and can-not purchase a gift card, you can also help by making a check for $25 or $50 payable to “Saint Cecilia Parish” and putting it in the offertory. Please write “Syrian Refugees” in the memo line.

PRISON AND AFTER

Every Monday night the Prison and After Committee hosts an evening of discussion and dinner for men who have recently been released from a prison or jail. If you have served time, please join us. All you need to do is come to the Parish Pastoral Center entrance on St. Cecilia Street between 5:45 and 6:00. For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or call 617-752-2885.

Christmas In PrisonPlease Help

Bridgewater State Hospital is a psychiatric prison hospital where 325 men with very serious mental illnesses live, some for a short period of evaluation and some for a lifetime.Though it is a hospital, it is also very much a prison setting complete with barbed wire, correction officers and prison food. It can be one of the saddest, dreariest places on earth during the holiday season. You can help to change that. The Catholic Chaplain, Peg Newman, is a parishioner here at Saint Cecilia. She is collecting the following items to give to the men on Christmas Eve:

• Stick Deodorant• Shampoo• Soap• Toothpaste

Any of these items will be very much appreciated. A bag with these items will be the only gift these men will receive. They will put the items to good use, but more importantly, they will know that they are being thought of and cared about. Your gift will be an expression of God's love.

There is a bin in the narthex where these items can be dropped off. Please feel free to contact Peg if you have any questions or if you would like to make a cash donation — 617-943-6511 or [email protected].

"In truth I tell you in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."

Matthew 25:40

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Nativity Prep Christmas Store

For the third year, we will be supporting the students’ Christmas Store at Nativity Prep in Jamaica Plain, where Father John serves on the board of directors.

Each year one of the school's teachers sets up a little store for the Nativity students (ages 8 to 14) that allows them to shop for gifts for their families. For many of the students, this will be the first time they have been able to select and wrap a Christmas present for their mothers, fathers, and grandparents.

Items that "sell" (the boys at Nativity earn points that enable them to purchase these gifts):

• men’s ties • cologne for men • key chains • soap • earrings• tiny toys• perfume• lotion • small gift bags are needed too

There is a bin in the narthex if you can provide some of the above items. Next Sunday, December 18, will be the last day to donate. Thank you!

Calling all Cooks!

Do you enjoy cooking? Might you occasionally be able to contribute a meal to a family who would truly ben-efit from it? Our growing Young Families group is look-ing for parishioners who would be willing to prepare and deliver meals to parents welcoming a new child into their families. This is a flexible commitment that allows you to participate as much or as little as your schedule allows. If you are interested, please e-mail Aubrey Hartnett ([email protected]) for more information.

Wisdom and Mature Spirituality Group If you think you might like to become involved with the Wisdom and Mature Spirituality Group, please come to our next meeting next Sunday, December 18 in the Parish Pastoral Center's Conference Room from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We are a group of women and men in the second half of life who are interested in growing spiritually as we reflect on our interior life. At our November meeting, we discussed the spirituality of struggle by reflecting on the book Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittister, OSB. Our December meeting topic is "Showing Up and Speaking Out—Taking Action on Issues of Impor-tance." We will share experiences of walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, witnessing the struggle at Stand-ing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline, and other peaceful and prayerful activities. Please join us!

Parish operating statement

We are pleased to present the Parish Operating State-ment (page 10) for the first quarter of the fiscal year, the three months ending September 30, 2016. Our Total Income for the quarter was less than budgeted by almost $22,000. This was due largely to delayed lease payments from Berklee. The correction will show in the next quarter. Our Total Expenses were also considerably under budget. This was due to seasonal issues which we always experience in the first quarter. We expect this to be corrected as we progress through the fiscal year.In general, the Parish’s first quarter was very much in line with past performance. We anticipate that, as in past years, the variations from budget will even out in subsequent quarters.

As always, we thank you for your support as we strive to further the mission of our parish. It is only through sustained and predictable giving that we can plan for the future of Saint Cecilia, so we continue to request that all parishioners first make sure they are formally registered in the parish and then consider joining our Offertory Commitment Program (OCP), which will assist us in this planning. Please contact Mark Donohoe in the parish office for more information.

Saint Cecilia Parish Operating Statement FY 2017 - July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016

Checking Account as of 9/30/16 $263,692.11 Savings Accounts as of 9/30/16 $563,055.48

Income Offertory $70,131.67 OCP Offertory 116,050.50 Shrines, Candles & Flowers 200.00 Sacramental Offerings 28,523.00 Catholic Appeal Rebate 8,068.08 Gifts & Bequests 123,480.67 Religious Education 625.00 Books and Pamphlets 60.00 Lease/Rental Income 3,200.00 Interest and Dividend Income 776.66 Other Donations 36,592.00 Total Income $387,707.58 Expense Salaries Exempt & Non Exempt $103,915.64 Staff Benefits 23,165.30 All Clergy: Assigned and Unassigned Including Benefits 17,423.13 Data Processing Fees, Bank Service Charges 1,761.53 Professional Fees 711.20 Office Supplies, Postage, Printing, Audio Visual 7,510.05 Telephone & Internet 5,156.55 Office Equipment Repair & Contracts 2,277.48 Books, Pamphlets, Dues, Subscriptions, Missalettes 827.58 Household 1,576.21 Utilities, Heat, Water & Sewer 25,453.30 Building Insurance 10,020.00 Maintenance 37,685.02 Pastoral/Liturgical 13,762.55 Charitable Giving 32,522.83 Religious Education Expenses 25.47 Central Ministry Tithe 20,961.75 Pilot Newspaper - Miscellaneous 1,213.00 Acquisitions/Improvements – Site - Acquisitions/Improvements – Furniture & Equipment 1,609.98 Acquisitions/Improvements – Building 6,708.59 Total Expense $314,287.16 Net Operating Income $73,420.42

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I had the occasion recently to chat with a former stu-dent whose family I've come to know rather well over the years. Our conversation ranged over a number of topics and eventually I asked him about the campus ministry pro-gram at his university. His vague and somewhat stuttering response prompted me to ask, "Well, do you ever go to Mass on campus?" His response was disappointing but not surpris-ing, "No, not really. I just don't get anything out of going any more."

I've written before that I think it one of the salutary features of the Mass to be boring. From morning to night, I am bom-barded by a constant stream of texts, Tweets, Facebook mes-sages, phone calls, and emails. I turn to edit an article and find myself moving the cursor to my web browser and reading an article; I decide I want to pray for fifteen minutes and discover that I waste the time looking for a perfect piece of music to accompany my meditation. I go for an eve-ning stroll, deciding to leave my phone at home, only to feel some anxiety (1) that someone might call me and I'm not there to take the call and (2) I won't have any way of knowing if this walk took me past the 10,000 steps I hear I'm supposed to walk each day.

In this last year of priesthood, I will admit that I've come to love the Eucharist even more because I have learned that the liturgy is fundamentally useless. That is to say, the hour that we spend praying together does not ad-vance us one quantitative step in this life. The hour or so that could have been spent answering emails, making phone calls, exercising, or reading is turned over com-pletely and, at the end of it, I have nothing to show for it. By the measure of this world, the liturgy can well be reckoned totally pointless: an un-billable, non-service-able hour of the week in which one accomplishes noth-ing. Indeed, I imagine that three minutes on the tread-mill would burn more calories than what is metabolized

by kneeling, genuflecting, and shuffling up to receive Communion.

Paradoxically, it is the brilliant uselessness of the liturgy that is its point. The Mass is a sign of contradiction in a

workaday world, carving out space in our managed-and-measured schedules wherein we are allowed to center ourselves. Iris Murdoch, the British novelist and philoso-pher, expresses this beauti-fully when she notes that contemplation is

...an attention which is not just the planning of particular good actions but an attempt to look right away from self towards a distant transcen-dent perfection, a source of uncontaminated energy, a source of new and quite

undreamt-of virtue.

The point of the liturgy is not to "get" something but to allow oneself to begin, again and again, to become someone: a person who finds her or his center in what Christ has done, is doing, and desires to do in our lives. To admit that Mass is useless, that it doesn't add a single gobbet of accomplishment to our quantifiable life, is to credit it mightily. For, by de-centering my attention from the self to the Eucharist, I can think less of "who I am right now" and begin to contemplate "who I am being called to be."

From the moment Mass begins "In the name of the Fa-ther..." until we are bidden to "Go in peace," a space is created wherein we can encounter the One who desires to be the center of our lives. The entire liturgy can be thought of as a way for us to "look right away from self" toward the Holy One. But this is maddeningly difficult to do and, often, provokes something of an allergic reaction among Catholics.

The Liturgy Is Useless, Not Pointless

By RYAN DUNS, SJ

(Article continue on page 12)

Just consider how many of us do, or have done, the fol-lowing:

• When the opening hymn stretches to a fourth or fifth verse, we close the books (if we even opened them!) and mutter under our breaths about "get-ting this over with."

• While the lector is reading, we are checking to see if anyone has emailed us in the last ten minutes.

• During the homily, when we don't feel represented or addressed directly, we try to make reservations for brunch or read the bulletin.

• Feel a sense of indignation when the priest chooses Eucharistic prayers that are a little bit longer than we should like, making us kneel for an extra two minutes (some of the alternative prayers are abso-lutely beautiful). As we hear "Take this, all of you, and eat" we are more concerned with the length of the line at the donut shop.

• We shamble up to Communion and shoot right out the door, counting now our Sunday obligation ac-complished.

What is the common denominator to all of these? The self remains at the center. It's no wonder people find Mass boring: when my greatest concern is me and my desires, anything that does not flow directly toward me or stroke my (admittedly fragile) ego is discounted.

But when I enter into the liturgy in the right spirit, it is a tremendous event of being rocked back on my heels, of being sometimes nudged, sometimes thrown, off-center. I turn my gaze away from myself and open my ears and heart. In the Psalm I hear soothing counsel for my sad soul; in the Gospel I hear the Word who gives me strength; in the opening hymn my heart is untethered and allowed to soar upward with the music to touch, for but a moment, the Holy One we praise. During the Eucharistic prayer, I turn my eyes from myself toward the altar and contemplate that God, the Creator of the Universe, the God who raised Jesus from the dead, the God whose Spirit gathers us into the Body of Christ, this God is working the greatest of miracles in making present here-and-now the point of my life: Jesus Christ. Inspired by Word and strengthened in Sacrament, I am given a chance to rise again with the Risen One and sent forward to be the Good News I have heard. By de-centering me, by not being focused upon my petty whims and wishes, the liturgy focuses me anew on Who most matters in my life. For love of the Christ who loves

me, who gives himself to me, I continue as a sinful dis-ciple. Over time and with great grace, the practice of the liturgy tutors us to see things as they are in themselves, not as they are for us. For me, all that is given is useless to my whims, and this is the point: what is, is gift, given freely to be shared and celebrated as we turn our eyes toward the Point of our lives and approach with joy and thanksgiving.

Ryan Duns, SJ is a Roman Catholic Priest and a member of the Society of Jesus. His writes articles for his blog, �e Musical Priest, in the spirit of his Jesuit vocation.

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(Article continues from page 11)

ChristmasA Living Reality

John Paul II, in his Angelus message of December 19, 1999, explained that Christmas is not simply the remem-brance of the Event that took place 2000 years ago when, according to the Gos-pel, the power of God took on the frailty of a baby. It is really about a living reality that is repeated every year in the heart of believers.

"�e mystery of the Holy Night, which historically happened two thousand years ago, must be lived as a spiritual event in the ‘today’ of the Liturgy," the Pope clari�ed. "�e Word who found a dwelling in Mary’s womb comes to knock on the heart of every person with singular intensity this Christmas."

St. John Paul II December 19, 1999

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Parish RESOURCES

Parish Office & Mailing Address18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Phone | 617 536 4548Fax | 617 536 1781E-mail | [email protected] | www.stceciliaboston.org

Parish StaffRev. John J. Unni, PastorMary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations, [email protected] Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, [email protected] J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development, [email protected] Bruno, Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach, [email protected] J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist, [email protected] Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager,[email protected] Riggle, Business and Marketing Coordinator,[email protected]

Assisting ClergyRev. Erick Berrelleza, SJRev. Arthur M. CalterRev. Peter Grover, OMVRev. Peter Gyves, SJRev. James Shaughnessy, SJ

Schedule for LiturgyWednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 8:00 a.m.Lord’s Day | Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.Holy Days | 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Liturgy of the HoursEvening Prayer and Morning Prayer, as announced. Please check the bulletin for dates and times.

ReconciliationThe sacrament of reconciliation is available at Saint Cecilia by ap-pointment, or at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine (617-266-5999 x221), St. Francis Chapel in the Prudential Center (617-437-7117), and St. Anthony Shrine (617-542-6440). Please call for scheduled times.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process through which non-baptized men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of eucharist and confirmation. For more information, please contact Scott MacDonald.

Care of the SickTo arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death), please contact the parish office. It is always possible to anoint the sick during regularly scheduled liturgies.

Baptism for InfantsInfant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For more information, please contact Mark Donohoe.

MarriageCouples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark Donohoe in the parish office at least six months in advance.

Order of Christian FuneralsThe parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church. Please contact the parish office for more information.

Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) TeamThe CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children program (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Please contact Lois Flaherty ([email protected]), Maria Roche ([email protected]), Letitia Howland ([email protected]), or Erin Young ([email protected]) if you have any questions or concerns.The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the narthex and parish office, as well as on our website.

For Those with Celiac DiseaseIf you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten.

Hearing Assistance in ChurchThe church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters before Mass.

Access for the DisabledThe church is accessible by elevator.

Sunday ParkingThere is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium Garage located on Dalton Street (next to Summer Shack/Kings) on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for a parking validation ticket before leaving Mass. Discounted parking is no longer available at the Hilton Boston Back Bay, but reduced-rate parking continues to be available on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours: $14.00, up to 5 hours: $20.00.

Saint Cecilia Rainbow MinistrySaint Cecilia Rainbow Ministry is a GLBTQ community at Saint Cecilia. For more information, contact [email protected].

Joining Our CommunityWe’re happy that you’re with us! Our community offers a warm, spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many neighborhoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday, or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.

For Advertising Information, Please Call 617-779-3770 Pilot Bulletins www.PilotBulletins.net

Booklets & Newsletters

Business Cards &

Bookmarks

Flyers

The Standish Wellness Series

Pro-active Tips for Women

Early Detection and Prevention of Gynecologic Cancers: Presented by leading minimally invasive

gynecologist Dr Purnima Sangal.

Join us at Standish Village Assisted Living

on May 22nd, 11-1 PM for this valuable seminar and a light lunch.

1190 Adams Street | Boston, MA 02124

Dr. Purnima Sangal has a private practice in the Merrimack Valley, and is

affiliated with Saints Memorial Medical Center and Lowell General Hospital

where she served as chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a specialist

in Gynecology, she offers expertise in Laser Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy,

Pelvic pain and endometriosis, as well as prevention guidance and advice.

RSVP by calling 617.298.5656

COMPASS MEMORY SUPPORT PREMIER INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING

The Standish Wellness Series

Pro-active Tips for Women

cologic Cancers: Presented by leading min




on May 22on May 22ndnd, 11-1 PM for this valuable seminar and a lig

, 11-1 PM for this valuable seminar and a lig

Dr. Purnima Sangal Dr. Purnima Sangal

affiliated with Saints affiliated with Saints

where she served aswhere she served as

in Gynecology, sin Gynecology, s

Pelvic pain and ePelvic pain and e





affiliated with Saints affiliated with Saints affiliated with Saints

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Dr. Purnima Sangal Dr. Purnima Sangal Dr. Purnima Sangal

affiliated with Saints affiliated with Saints affiliated with Saints

Join us as we welcome Summer with delicious desserts and music from the Jazz Trio “String Swing.” Enjoy our lovely outdoor garden area, and tour our beautiful community.

Saturday, June 26th, 2 – 4 pm

Kindly RSVP by June 23 | 978.369.4728

68 Commonwealth Avenue West Concord, MA 01742 ConcordPark.net

What’s InsideWhat’s Inside

Postcards & Slim Jims

ChowderFEST

ChowderFEST

ChowderFEST

Chowder

MIRIAM GOODMAN

CORY SILKEN

ARTHUR GRIFFIN

Through a unique collaboration with The Cambridge Homes, a local assisted living residence and The Griffin Museum, come view remarkable and inspiring photography in a comfortable home-like setting.

RIFFIN

Graphic designservices are availablefor all projects upon

request.

Through a unique collaboration with Cambridge Homesresidence and view remarkable and inspiring photography in a comfortable home-like setting.

ARTHUR GRIFFIN

HIC# 15931919 Greens Point RoadIpswich, MA 01938

Dana Tarrc: 978-500-9274e: [email protected]

expert painting, carpentry & home repair

Dana TarrHome Maintenance Services

BrochuresAvailable in a varietyof sizes and layouts

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New England Open

May 28th to June 1st

New England Jr. Sec on Championships

June 28th to July 1st

New England Jr. Clay Court Championships

July 10th to July 13th

New England Jr. Hard Court Championships

August 14th to August 17th

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Francisco Montoya

Academy Director

Celeste Frey

Academy Manager

Alex Howard

Head Coach

Dave Colby

Junior Program Director

Daniel Quiceno

Tennis Professional

Chris Clayton

Tennis Professional

Francisco Montoya | [email protected]

978-526-8900 ext. 232

Celeste Frey | [email protected]

978-526-8900 ext. 351

SUMMER

2010

Ramp up

Your Game

June 14th to August 27th

Mondays - Fridays

1:30 - 5:30 pm

8 years and up

Program Designed by Nick Bolle eri

•

•

•

•

•

Many folding options available

Bookmarks

UMMER

Ramp up

Your Game


Bookmarks

UMMER

Ramp up

Your Game


PEDDLER’S DAUGHTER45 Wingate St. Haverhill, MA Tel. 978-372-9555www.thepeddlersdaughter.comAuthentically prepared Irish dishes & American fare. Live music Thursday, Friday & Saturday night! Lunch & dinner Mon-Sat 11 a.m.–1 a.m. & Sun Noon – 1a.m.

BISTRO 4545 Wingate Street, Haverhill, MATel. 978-469-9700www.bistro-45.comWednesday to Saturday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. / Bar until 1 a.m.Cuisine: Tapas & European influence

Relax, rejuvenate in a Massage or Spa treatment.

Pop into the pub for a pint or treat yourself to a Tapas Bar.

CARING HANDS Center for Massage and Wellbeing55 Wingate StreetHaverhill, MATel. 978-994-3188www.caringhandsmt.com

Massage, Energy Work & Opportunities to Explore Mind, Body, and Spirit

AVEDA CONCEPT SALON62 Wingate StreetHaverhill, MATel. 978-556-9131www.mizansalon.com

Studio @ 13 Salon and Spa13 Railroad SquareTel. 978-373-1433www.studioat13salon.com

Maria’s Family Restaurant8 Locust Street Tel. 978-521-1472www.mariasfamilyrestaurant.com

Project Sound Recording Studio45 Wingate StreetTel. 978-374-4339www.projectsoundrecording.comEssex Street Grille25 Essex StreetTel. 978-372-4477www.essexstreetgrille.net

Additional Places to Wander:

Design: Jim Fonseca • www.compuart.net

BUILDING THE COMMUNITY.

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

Downtown Map of Wingate Arts District

80 - Angles and Art63 - Second Thoughts62 - Mizan Aveda Concept Salon61 - Positive Images Gallery 6157 - Wei Chi

55 - Caring Hands45 - Peddler’s Daughter &

Bistro 45 Restaurant21 - North Star Yoga19 - Wicked Big Cafe

Wander on Wingate!We invite you to explore the Wingate Street Arts District, a fun and funky area of Haverhill, centrally located yet slightly tucked away.

Just minutes from the train station and one street over from downtown’s Washington Street, adventure awaits you!What ties it all together is our love of the Arts. Keep an eye out for the mural in the center of Wingate Street, a project created by the community that depicts the history of the city.Check out the exhibits in the various businesses; the Arts District supports local artists by inviting them to show and sell their work in a variety of venues. And watch for upcoming events... There is always something in the works on Wingate !

55

62

45 1961

80

57

63

21W inga t e S t r e e t A r t s D i s t r i c t

PRINTING SERVICESfor Small Businesses

Professional Printing for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses

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Door HangersEnvelopeFlyers/BrochuresGreeting CardsLetterhead

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PostersPresentation FoldersStickersTable Tent Cards& much more

Our Newest Feature: Large-Format Printing

Banners Car Magnets Posters Yard Signs

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Saint Cecilia, Boston, MA 4338

Eck | MacNeely Architects inc.Boston, MA 617.367.9696 www.eckmacneely.com

Rosaries from F low ers “Handmade from the Flowers

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We serve over 100 Parishes and have available space in those bulletins to serve you better.

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617-779-3770 For more information

Clergy Health and Retirement TrustCaring for the Well-being of our Priests

Boston Priests.

There for us.

Give online at clergyfunds.org or text PRIEST to 56512. Msg. & data rates may apply.

Call Ken Romano 617-779-3771Sell Ads for this Bulletin and more.

ADVERTISING SALESPART TIME. FULL TIME. FLEXIBLE.

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Wishing the peace, hope, wonder & joy

of the Holy Family to you and

your family this Christmas!

ishing the peace, hope, wonder & joy

of the Holy Family to you and

your family this Christmas!

Christmas is Just Around the Corner

Order These Beautiful Christmas Cards Today

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Cover ImageSaint Clement Eucharistic Shrine

Boston, MassachusettsPhoto by George Martell

Clergy Health and Retirement TrustP.O. Box 424

Canton, MA 02021-0424

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Good News. Good Works. Good Faith. Boston Priests. There For Us.

Is Jesus Calling YouTo The Priesthood?

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For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Saint Cecilia, Boston, MA 4338

330 Newbury StreetBoston, MA 02115

617-262-0363Hours:

Mon - Sat 10AM – 11PMSun 12PM – 8PM

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Specializing in Fine Luxury Residential Sales www.campionre.com

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THE NEWMAN SCHOOLA coed, private college preparatory high school in the Back Bay. Small class sizes, quality college acceptances, vibrant sports program, International Baccalaureate diploma option.www.newmanboston.org

7 8 1 • 9 3 3 • 1 1 0 0 • A L B R E CH T A U T O . c o m

INFINITI OF NASHUA • INFINITI OF NORWOODMILFORD NISSAN • MARLBORO NISSAN • WOBURN TOYOTA

�e Albrecht Family is a proud supporter of

St. Cecilia’s�ank you for all you do.

“Be a Servant” Matthew 20:26

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Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Tom DeYoung, SRES®, ABRREALTOR®, Notary Public

1730 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge MA 02138

www.NewEnglandMoves.com

(617) 864-4430 Office(617) 245-3913 VM/Fax(617) 913-0022 [email protected]

Owned And Operated By NRT Incorporated.

Tom DeYoung, SRES®, ABRREALTOR®, Notary Public

. BSBA Northeastern University

. 35+ Years of Marketing & Sales Experience in New England

. Member of The St Cecilia and Jesuit Urban Center Community

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGETom DeYoung, Realtor, SRES, ABR, Notary Public [email protected]

617.913.0022

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Since 1896www.CanniffMonuments.com

Monuments &Lettering

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A Wonderful Experience Needed For All People Of All Denominations.

Thought Provoking And Positive Motivation For Enhancing Our Lives.

St. Cecilia’s

TBROSTRETHEWEY BROTHERS INC.

For all your cooling needs.4280 Washington St. Roslindale MA

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Edward F. Cahill, J.D., CFP®Financial Adviser*, Eagle Strategies LLC,

A Registered Investment Advisor

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*Registered Representative o�ering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency

saint cecilia - the pilotlast 6:00 p.m. mass of 2016 today, december 11, is the last six...

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