Parish Lay Leadership



PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP

Finance Council Chairs….Kimberly Schoolcraft, Matthew Barnes

Parish Pastoral Council Chair..………………Kathleen Harrington

Rel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne Harlow

RCIA ……………………………Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher

Bible Study………………………………………..........Sue Fratini

Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS

Rosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula Tuohey

Social Justice………………….…………….Andrea Cook-Hewitt

Just Faith…………………………………Pat Mack, Karen Scahill

St. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. Dan

Men’s Ministry Group………………………...Deacon Paul Briere

Women’s Ministry Group..……………………..…..Mary Federici

Youth Group (JPII Crew)………………….………Lisa Laferriere

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Cursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen Scahill

Schoenstatt Movement .……………..……….…Diane Czerwiecki

Boy Scout Troop 821 …………………..………………..Joe Muto

Girl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’Connor

Knights of Columbus………………………………Greg Perreault

PARISH MINISTRIES

Altar Server Scheduling……………………..……… Cindy Monti

Altar Server Training……………………………….Jim O’Connor

Baptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou Mastroianni

Children’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue Fratini

Eucharistic Ministers/Readers, Scheduling ......……Beth Modlish

Homebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………..........Mary Federici

Music Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir……………Melanie Peetz

Contemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).………………Tom Fucci

Sacristans.…………………..……..Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa,

Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen Scahill

Soup Kitchen……………… …..... Marcia Daly, Sandy O’Connor

Take & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl Wood

Wedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan

Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick,

Christina Straney, Tina Broderick

Prayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754

OFFICE HOURS

The Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM. Sue is available to greet and assist you.

NEW PARISHIONERS

We warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration and active participation is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors, as well as Catholic School Parish Subsidy.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

The Sacrament is celebrated monthly. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed, active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

The Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least 6 months in advance. Be sure to contact the church BEFORE committing to date or venue with a deposit.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to the hospitalized sick and homebound is provided by the pastoral staff, and trained parishioners.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament with Confession is celebrated each Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass, and from 3:15- 3:45 pm, as well as by appointment.

HOSPITAL VISITS

If anyone has a hospital stay, please have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit, or if they would like their name mentioned at Mass during the Prayers of the Faithful.

HEARING ASSISTED DEVICES

Hearing Assisted Devices are located near the American Flag at the back of the church.

LOW-GLUTEN HOSTS

Low-Gluten Hosts are available at Communion time in the Chapel

MASS SCHEDULE & DEVOTIONS

Sat 12/10 3:15-3:45PM CONFESSIONS (Chapel)

4:00PM +Agnes Kelly

10th Anniversary Remembrance

r/b Pat & Bob Pouliot

Sun 12/11 7:00AM +Dario & Alan Masciadrelli

r/b Gary & Luanne Gurrette

8:30AM +Lelia & Frank Quinn

r/their daughter Jeannette Fletcher

11:00AM +Sal Porcello

2nd Anniversary Remembrance

r/b his Family

6:00PM +Stanley & Glady Kowal

+Clemente & Elizabeth Fucci

r/b Tom & Darlene

Mon 12/12 7:00AM +Blaze McGrath

1st Anniversary Remembrance

r/b the Parish

Tue 12/13 7:00AM + Hilda Rivera

Anniversary Remembrance

r/b Jose & Daisy Montalvo

Wed 12/14 7:00AM +Chet Kalis

6th Anniversary Remembrance

r/b his daughter Lynn Nault

Thu 12/15 7:00AM Communion Service

Fri 12/16 7:00AM Communion Service

Sat 12/17 8:00AM + Grimaldi & Fisher Families

Christmas Remembrance

r/b Family

3:15-3:45PM CONFESSIONS (Chapel)

4:00PM +Mary Tuohey

Birthday Remembrance

r/b John & Ursula Tuohey

Sun 12/18 7:00AM +Rita Hall

20th Anniversary Remembrance

r/b the Hall Family

8:30AM +Joseph LaPlante

Birthday Remembrance

r/b his Famiy

11:00AM +Paul “Winkler

4th Anniversary Remembrance

r/b the Bourbeau Family

PRAYER-LINE

To request prayers for yourself or a loved one, please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754.

FROM FR. DAN’S DESK…

Continued from last week… Last week I was sharing with all of you my brief but wonderful trip to Rome and Venice over Thanksgiving Week. As I had shared, though I had been reluctant to go on this trip I had planned before my mom’s passing, in the end I was glad I did go, and the trip certainly bore many blessings to me! As I mentioned last week, I did have the chance to pass through the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Peter’s before it was closed the weekend before Thanksgiving. I shared with you last week that I did “take all of you with me” through the Holy Door, and I am told that those blessings are conveyed to all of you! There were so many other experiences in Rome that of course make it an awe-inspiring experience – especially for a priest! I’m not sure everyone enjoys as much as I and other priests do, the experience of going into churches and shrines and visiting the burial places of saints, versus the other great site seeing, eating and shopping available in Rome? Of course eating was an important and “essential” part of the experience - especially to keep up one’s strength (haha)! And the great pasta available in Italy really helps! I did have the opportunity to pray at the burial place of St. John Paul II - now in a side Altar on the main floor of St. Peter’s. I got to see the burial places of Saints Philip and James the Lesser, the burial place of St. Lucy and St. Mark the Gospel Writer in Venice, the burial place of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and my favorite and most inspiring – to see the “Foot” of St. Mary Magdalene! The first foot to step into the empty Tomb of Jesus after His Resurrection! Think about it! The Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel - each place was an opportunity for prayer and gratitude for the great Catholic Faith that is ours! And lots of gelato (ice cream) as only the Italians can make it! I also had the opportunity to connect with Seminarian Bernardo Rios. Some of you may remember Bernardo stayed with us at Christmas time two years ago. He is now studying for the priesthood for our Diocese at the North American College in Rome which is on Janiculum Hill and overlooks the city and the Vatican! It was good to see Bernardo – he is very excited as his parents will be travelling from Bolivia, and planning to visit him for the first time in two years just after the New Year.

I began this column last week with the words, from the Wizard of Oz – “There’s no place like home”, and I end in the same way. I feel like you can travel the world , see amazing things, be uplifted in your faith, enjoy time with family and friends, but there is nothing like coming back home to familiar surroundings! I am grateful I made the trip, and grateful again that so many of you encouraged me to do it! This year of my 20th Anniversary of Ordination has certainly been filled with both joys and sorrows. But all time is precious and a gift from God, and I continue “Always Forward”, on this great spiritual journey, called life!

The Advent Evening of Reflection and Dinner on December 1 was a great success! Thanks to the men in the Kitchen – Nick Morganelli, Bob Ragone, Pete Fratini, Steve Cipriani, Jack Brida, Lucas Morganelli, and Bob Stack who made the coffee! We were assisted by a few wives – Donna Cipriani and Jeanne Morganelli were right there for us, helping to serve and clean up! The lemon chicken and penne was just great according to so many of you who attended. I thank Fr. Dan Lanahan, OFM, for leading us in a wonderful reflection. Among the 95 people who attended, there was a nice mix of people from the parish and a great spirit in the conversation around the tables. By the way, I just love our new “round” tables in the Hall – we can thank Cathedral High School for GIVING us their tables and chairs at the end of the academic year last year. The round tables really create a great forum for fellowship and good conversation!

I was recently invited to attend the Induction Ceremony of the National Honor Society at St. Mary’s High School. Congratulations to two of our parishioners who were recently inducted as Juniors – Danielle Bovat and Kevin Rockwal. In addition to Danielle and Kevin, Katie Sadakierski is a Senior at St. Mary’s in the National Honor Society and serving on its Leadership Team. Katie gave a great speech at the Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to all our young people at St. Mary’s, Pope Francis, Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, and Suffield Academy in their academic endeavors!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have responded in some way to the Increased Giving Appeal we have made in the parish over the last few weeks. If you have been able to increase your Weekly Offertory – I am immensely grateful for your kindness and faith, if you cannot, please know that I appreciate all that you already do, whether in offertory giving, time or service offered the parish, or support of special giving opportunities throughout the year! As you know from the letter you received, this idea for an Appeal for our Offertory comes from the Bishop himself, and all parishes in the Hampden East and Hamden West Deanery (basically our neighboring parishes), have been asked by Bishop to conduct this appeal. As I said a few weeks ago, I regret the “timing” of this Appeal. You all have been so kind and good in sending cards and expressions of sympathy to me for my mom’s passing, and I regret having to send out this letter now asking you to do more for the parish! I hope you understand, and again I am grateful to ALL OF YOU for whatever it is you can do! God Bless you all!

Hope you are taking some time for quiet during this busy Season – you will enjoy Christmas much more if you can!

God Bless, Fr. Dan

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is burning this week in loving memory of

+THERESA FORCIER

+EUGENE & YVONNE BEAUDOIN

requested by Roger Beaudoin

MARY GARDEN CANDLE

Is burning this week in loving memory of

+EDWARD ZAGRANY, JR.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

requested by his Family

GIVING TREE

Please return your wrapped gift - with the angel tag taped on – this weekend and place it under the tree. Thanks!

JANUARY CALENDAR RAFFLE

TO BENEFIT ST MARY’S SCHOOLS

Calendar raffle tickets to benefit St. Mary’s Schools in Westfield are available for purchase in the parish office. The tickets are $5 and offer a chance to win money each day of the month of January. See Sue in the parish office between 9am and 2pm Monday through Friday to purchase your ticket, support St. Mary’s Schools, and have a chance to win!

YEAR-END GIVING

As we approach the end of the year, many people consider “Year–End Giving” as a way to donate to churches, non-profits and charities, and also have the benefit of a tax deduction. Many companies also offer “Matching Gift Programs” for their employees, and we have a few such parishioners who apply with their companies for this matching gift to the Parish. Also, those who are in retirement might want to make a donation from proceeds from an IRA Distribution and also reduce their taxes in this way. If you are able to, please consider an end of the year donation to the parish that will help our parish tremendously, as well as offer a tax benefit. All contributions must be received by December 31. Please know that all your stewardship to our parish, both during the year, and at year end, is very much appreciated!

BEQUESTS

We have been blessed as a Parish over the years, to be named in parishioners’ Wills and Trusts, and we are always grateful for such gifts! Please consider remembering the parish in your own Will as a lasting legacy to the Parish. GOD BLESS and THANK YOU!

“CHRISTMAS SHOPPING” AT THE PARISH

Though we will not have “Fr. Dan’s Christmas Shoppe” this year, we do have several items for sale at the Parish Office for your Christmas Gift-Giving! As always our Parish Cookbook makes a great gift idea and it now contains the latest chapter of the Cookbook with some great new recipes. Also Parish aprons and mugs are available, as well as a nice assortment of spiritual books by local authors and speakers. Stop by the Parish Office between 9:00am and 2:00pm, Mon – Fri., or call Sue and she can put an item aside for you.

HARMONY HOUSE

HOME FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL

QUILT RAFFLE

Harmony House volunteers would like to congratulate Richard & Rochelle Benoit of Southampton who won the hand-made quilt raffled off on November 20th. Fr. Paul Wildrotter picked the winning raffle ticket after Mass on Sunday. Thank you to Fr. Dan for letting us have our raffle on that weekend.

Gratefully,

Harmony House Volunteers

POOR BOX DEC 2016 / JAN 2017:

SAMARITAN INN

The Samaritan Inn, a non-profit organization, is a clean and sober shelter. It houses an average of 37 people a night during the winter and approximately 30 during the summer. The shelter also offers a transitional area for up to 10 people. Breakfast and lunch are served every day at the shelter.

Funding for the Samaritan Inn is from government grant programs. The Samaritan Inn relies on the Food Bank for food donations as well as private donations.

OUR STEWARDSHIP

November 27, 2016

Regular and Development (gold) $ 9,700

Budget Requirement per Week 9,600

100

November Mortgage $ collected $ 4,585

Mortgage due for month 4,182

403

THANK YOU!

Our Increased Weekly Giving Program is coming to a close. It is because of the prayers and sacrifices of so many that our program has been a success.

THANK YOU FROM CROSS CATHOLIC

Dear Fr. Dan,

Thank you for the privilege of sharing the ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach with your church family October 22-23. Your church family was “most welcoming and friendly.” I was happy to see the beautiful church facility you have. I will be remembering your mother at Mass this Saturday morning here in Ozark, MO.

Fraternally in Christ Jesus,

Msgr. Ed Eftink

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SOLDIERS

For those who made Home-Made Christmas Cards for Soldiers who will be deployed in the Spring but will be spending this Christmas on Fr. Jim Longe’s base, please place your home-made cards in a blank envelope and return to the box in the Gathering Space by this Sunday December 11. Thank you!

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for helping the St. Vincent de Paul Society carry out its mission to serve the poor in Westfield. You contributed nearly $700 to our fund which will be used to help people with rent and utility money this winter. It is always a pleasure to attend Mass at your beautiful church when we do a stand-out collection. Thanks again for your wonderful support.

Sincerely, 

Jerry Rheaume

SCHOENSTATT GIRLS YOUTH

The Schoenstatt Girls’ Youth is a Catholic girls group, which is a branch of the International Schoenstatt Movement, founded in Germany by Fr. Joseph Kentenich in 1914. During monthly meetings, the girls work on developing the longing and ability to integrate the Catholic faith into their daily lives. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diane Czerwiecki @ 562-9147 or 386-8999.

DECEMBER 17/18

READERS

4:00PM John Lanoue 7:00AM George Plante

8:30AM Sue Fratini 11:00AM Diane Czerwiecki

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS

4:00PM Diane Wright, Darlene Fucci, Ken Malo

7:00AM Steve Murphy, Dave Trotman, Pat Mack

8:30AM Paul Lussier, Irene Breton, Donna Bourbeau

11:00AM Lisa Stawasz, Diane Sullivan, Karen Scahill

LETTER FROM BISHOP ROZANSKI

Dear Parishioner,

Reflecting on the fruits of the Year of Mercy, I cannot help but recall the example of thousands of now elderly women and men religious who, for so many, were a living sign of God’s mercy. These women and men—Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests—were indeed the hands of Christ as they educated the young, cared for the sick, and ministered to the neediest among us. Through their service and witness, they modeled the compassionate love of Jesus and showed us that we, too, could be instruments of peace and mercy.

Today, many senior religious continue to be vessels of mercy, serving in a wide range of volunteer and prayer ministries. Others are frail and need assistance. Most older religious ministered for small stipends, leaving a substantial gap in retirement savings. With the ever-rising cost of health care and the increased number of those needing care, many religious communities struggle to provide for aging members.

Soon, our parishes will be conducting the appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious, an annual collection that benefits nearly 33,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. Your gift provides vital support for medications, nursing care, and more. It also helps religious communities implement long-term retirement strategies that ensure both quality eldercare and continued service to the People of God.

I recognize this is but one of numerous worthy causes in need of support; I ask you simply to give what you can. In thanksgiving for the lessons of mercy senior religious have shared with us, please join me in supporting the Retirement Fund for Religious.

In Christ,

Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski

Bishop of Springfield

RCIA

The preparations for Christmas include buying or making gifts for those whom we love. You can give no better gift than the gift that God has given to us: his Son, Jesus. Invite someone who is not Catholic to attend Mass with you at Christmas.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program is the process established for individuals to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. The RCIA program is beginning in our parish – for more information contact Deacon Paul Federici at deaconpaulf@

PURPLE HEART TRAIL

We are asking citizens and businesses of Westfield to consider donating to the Purple Heart Trail Project. This fundraiser is to honor the men and women in the Westfield area who were wounded or killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces. Anyone wishing to participate in this honor, as an induvial donor, a family member, friend, business, or organization, is welcome. Since June 2010, over 1,800,000 were honored with receiving the Purple Heart. On the Highway Route 202, between Holyoke to the Southwick line, signs will be erected a total of ten miles. Anyone donating will be recognized as a charter donor with a plaque placed in City Hall and in the Westfield News. If there are funds left over after this project, working in conjunction with the City and Water Department, a drinking water fountain will be erected at Parker Memorial Park in honor of all veterans who served their country; a project long overdue. Please make a check payable to the American Legion Post 454, Post Office Box # 367, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086, Purple Heart Project. Your donation will be tax deductible.

Thank You, Don Wielgus

ADVENT VESPERS

The Sisters, Associates and Agrégées of the Community of St. Joseph, cordially invite you to join in a celebration of Advent Vespers, Sunday, December 11 at 4pm in the Chapel at Mont Marie, Holyoke.

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS

The combined adult, youth, and children’s choirs of St, Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham will present their annual Festival of Carols in the church on Sunday, December 11 at 7 pm The concert will feature Advent and Christmas favorites, sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. Admission to the concert is free!

SURGE OF THE HEART LIVE EVENT

HOLY FAMILY PARISH, DEERFIELD

Mark your calendars for our surge of the heart live event on Sunday, December 18th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Holy Family Parish, 29 Sugarloaf Street in South Deerfield. Confessions to follow. Refreshments and snacks will be available. Our presenter is Jon Leonetti, a nationally recognized Catholic Speaker, radio host and best-selling author to two books entitled, Mission of the Family and Your God is Too Boring. Jon travels extensively helping Catholics understand this greatest story ever told - the story of Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church. And you’re a part of it! Bring your family and friends.

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE

WITH CONFESSIONS

Our Westfield area Advent Penance Service will take place at St. Mary’s Parish THIS TUESDAY, December 13th in the upstairs Church starting at 7 PM with Fr. Frank, Fr. Ryan, Fr. Dan, Fr. Rene, Fr. Bill and other guest priests. Advent is a great time to examine our lives and turn again to God in His great gift of Reconciliation. Individual Confessions will be available with any of the priests.

BOTTLE & CAN DRIVE

Just a reminder that as an on-going fundraiser, our Parish collects empty bottles and cans with a deposit on them. Our parishioners Ron Gerlip, Carol Conroy, and Joanne Fucci take care of redeeming these for us. So please save your empty cans and bottles you’re your holiday parties and place them in the green shed by the ball field. Since 2007 we have raised a total of $23,825.90! Thank you for your support!

THE GIVING TREE.

Haiti Plunge Inc. will once again be offering the Giving Tree Project as a unique option for a Christmas gift. Last year mango trees were given to 280 Haitian children ages 8-12 living in the nine bush villages that Haiti Plunge Inc. serves. In five years the children can sell the fruit and use the money for school tuition. This year newborns to 7 years olds will receive a tree. By the time newborns reach school age they will have a financial resource for school. For $20 you can give the tree of life to a Haitian child. A photo of the child receiving the tree will be sent to you when the March and April Haiti teams return from their mission trips. Gift cards will be given to those who wish to give a tree as a Christmas gift. Send your name, address, number of trees, total amount enclosed, and, if a gift, the name of the person receiving it to: Haiti Plunge Inc., PO Box 745, North Adams, MA 01247 Make all checks payable to Haiti Plunge Inc./GT or purchase online at .

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