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

Parish Safety Advisory Committee………………………..Fr. Dan

RCIA …………….Ray Breton, Rosemary Thresher, Don Mercure

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

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

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS

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

Parish Outreach……….…….Mary Federici, Andrea Cook-Hewitt

Pat Mack, Karen Scahill

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

Men’s Ministry Group………………………......................Fr. Dan

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

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

Boy Scout Troop 821 …………………..…………Chris Muldrew

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

Knights of Columbus……………………………………Ken Malo

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-Thursday, 9am-2pm; Friday 9am-noon. The office is closed on civil holidays.

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.

CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

The Chaplet is prayed as a group on Saturday afternoons at 3:45 in the Chapel.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA

The Novena is prayed every Saturday morning at the 8:00AM Mass in the Chapel.

HOSPITAL VISITS

If anyone has a hospital stay, have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit.

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

PRAYER LINE

For prayers call Pauline – 862-3885 or Diane 568-9754.

Saturday February 8

4:00 PM +Caron Family

requested by Ursula Tuohey

Sunday February 9

7:00 AM +Kimberly Larivee

requested by Paul & Louise Stevens

8:30 AM +Stephen & +Margaret Golas

requested by Kristine Wailgum

11:00 AM +Duane Cousins

requested by the Moriarty Family

Monday February 10

7:00 AM +Clemente Calderon, Anniversary Remembrance

requested by Jose & Daisy Montalvo

Tuesday February 11

5:30 PM +Margaret Golas

requested by the Parish

Wednesday February 12

7:00 AM +Peter Chlastawa

requested by Carol Bates

Thursday February 13 and Friday February 14

7:00 AM Communion Services

Saturday February 15

8:00 AM +Daniel Moore

requested by Diane & Hank Kozak

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA

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

3:45 PM CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY (Chapel)

4:00 PM +Nick Perfido, 2nd Anniversary Remembrance

requested by wife Pam Perfido

Sunday February 16

7:00 AM +Raymond G. Benoit, 36th Anniversary Remembrance

requested by Richard & Rochelle Benoit

8:30 AM +Sheila A. Breton, 9th Anniversary Remembrance

requested by Ray & Martha Breton & Family

11:00 AM +Peg & Joe Conroy, Birthday Remembrance

requested by the Conroy Family

FROM FR. DAN’S DESK…

Well things are beginning to get busy again after the holidays! The Diocesan Catholic Life Conference – on March 21 is getting closer! After not having a Men’s and Women’s Conference in the Diocese for the last five years, this new “Family” Conference promises to offer something for everyone! The speakers, including Scott and Kimberly Hahn from EWTN, will offer a great experience for those who attend. Pamphlets are near the bulletins and I would encourage everyone to register as early as possible so that the planners of the event can know how many people will be attending. If anyone wants to attend but feels they cannot afford the cost of the registration please talk to me or Deacon Andrew or Deacon Paul. Several people in the parish have been generous in giving some money to assist families and individuals who like to go. So please consider giving a Saturday in March to have what could be a life-changing faith experience!

I have been very happy that our combined Parish Pastoral Council and Evangelization Team has been diligently meeting the last several weeks to plan our Parish Lenten Speaker Series. Now in its 5th year, our Speaker Series is a highlight in our parish each year. It has also become an event that is anticipated throughout the Diocese. I want to thank Kathy Harrington – Chair of the Pastoral Council and Mary Federici - Chair of the Evangelization Team. I would like to also thank the Members of the Combined Committees – Eileen Rockwal, Karen Scahill, Sue Fratini, Melissa Taylor, Kevin Richardson, Tom Layman, Deacon Andrew, Deacon Paul, Liz Labrie, Rita Hutchinson, and Kharmen Saruca. The theme for the Series this year answers the question – Why Am I Catholic? The answer – THE EUCHARIST! This year’s Series will talk about the “Foundation of the Eucharist in Salvation History”; it will examine the prevalence of “Eucharist Miracles” around the world through the centuries; we will look at the relationship between “The Eucharist and Mary the Mother of God”, we will hear a “Witness Talk from a Convert” who so loves the Eucharist that he was drawn to our faith and could not imagine his life without it; we will experience Eucharistic Adoration and its meaning for us as adults, and on the same evening we will have a special “Family Night” and offer our young children and their parents an experience of “Adoration for Children”. We are pleased that Fr. Warren Savage will join us again this year on the first night – Wednesday March 4. And I’m very happy to announce that on Wednesday March 25, one of the Speakers is Navy Seal and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient – Master Sergeant Edward Byers, Jr., who received the Medal from the President of the United States in 2016 for his heroic acts, saving a hostage held in Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Edward Byers is a strong and faithful Catholic, and a proud Knight of Columbus! I was thrilled when we were able to confirm him as a Speaker for our Series this year! I will be asking our Knights of Columbus Council to partner with the parish in welcoming this National Hero to Westfield and our parish. That night veterans groups as well as military representatives from Barnes and Westover will be with us as well as the Jazz Band and Chorus from Westfield High School under the direction of Patrick Kennedy, who will provide the music that night. I am very excited by what we will be offering in our Lenten Speaker Series and I hope that all of you will support our efforts by your attendance!

GOD BLESS FR. DAN

SANCTUARY CANDLE

In loving memory of

+RICHARD A. FORTIER

requested by Bruce & Donna Campbell

MARY GARDEN CANDLE

In loving memory of

+PAT GILBERTI

requested by the Elementary Religious Education Teachers & Children

Special thanks to Richard & Linda Smigielski

for sponsoring the Rosary Ministry

for the month of February!

SACRED HEART CANDLE

In loving memory of

+MARGARET SCAGLIARINI

requested by The Parish

PLEASE PRAY FOR

OUR PARISHIONERS WHO ARE ILL

Alberta Fournier, Ethel Anne “Mickie” Farr, Andrea Cook-Hewitt, Newton Thompson, David Stawasz, Jose & Daisy Montalvo, Anne Kelley, John Freniere, Kathy Masciotra, Wanda Folini, Fr. Hector Vega, Colleen Cekovsky, Norman Smith, Sandy Fucci, Ellaine Cicierchia, Angela Bovat, Tony Phaneuf, Matthew

RCIA

Please remember in your prayers our parishioners Laura and Nataly who have begun the RCIA process.

May God bless them!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS

December 25, 2019

To the Parishioners of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament,

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and thoughts during my illness and recovery. I endured a five year battle which was ended when God sent me my Angel donor on January 12 of this year. The knowledge that your parish had my name on your prayer list gave me a closeness to God that helped me through this terrible sickness. My sickness is gone and I am completely cured. This I owe to God, my donor, and good people such as yourselves. I live 1,700 miles away from your parish, but your prayers traveled, first the God and then to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

David Cadran

2019 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS

Due to tax law changes, very few individuals are able to deduct contributions on their tax returns. In order to save printing and postage costs, the statements will not be automatically issued this year. If you will need a 2019 contribution statement for tax or other purposes, please contact the parish office to request a statement at 562-3450 or olbsoffice@. We will be happy to mail (or email) a statement to you.

Thanks to all for your contributions to the parish!

NEW ALTAR SERVER CLASS

We are planning to hold a class for new altar servers. Anyone entering grade 3 or older may attend the class to become an Altar Server. Please contact the parish office for more information or to sign up for the class.

WESTFIELD 350th CELEBRATION BOOK -

available at the parish office for $10!

FEBRUARY POOR BOX:

BETHLEHEM HOUSE

Bethlehem House, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Easthampton which offers free pregnancy resources for women/families in crisis. Services at Bethlehem House include a 24 hr. crisis hotline, counseling and referrals for free confidential pregnancy testing, and assistance in obtaining prenatal care, financial/legal aid, job training, emergency food, maternity and baby supplies, childbirth educational assistance, adoption information and abstinence and STD education.

The Parish “Poor Box” is located on the wall near the glass doors at the back of the church. THANK YOU for supporting local agencies serving those in need!

SUPER BOWL 50/50 RAFFLE

Congratulations to Mary Lou Pieczarka who won $750! Thank you to everyone who participated!

TAKE & EAT

Our parish Take & Eat program continues to be a wonderful ministry, and gratefully appreciated by the homebound in Westfield who receive a monthly Sunday meal. One of the rewarding ‘jobs’ is being the delivery person – they are so happy to see you! We currently have openings for delivery people on the 4th Sunday of every other month. This involves picking up the cooked meals at approximately 11AM, making the stops, and finishing shortly after noontime. Please call Cheryl Wood at 219-6124 if you are interested!

ANNUAL PARISH MEN’S RETREAT

Our Annual Parish Men’s Retreat at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Harford CT will be held March 13-15. Registration forms are available near the bulletins. For more information visit , or call Paul Lussier 413-529-2326 or Bob Stack 413 533-6008.

PARISH WOMEN’S RETREAT!

Our Annual Women’s Retreat is being held this year at Our Lady of Calvary in Farmington CT March 27-29th. The suggested cost is $275. Register online or through Mary at the Parish Office. Please let us know as soon as you can if you would like to attend.

THAT MAN IS YOU!

Our men’s group - That Man is You! – meets on Saturday mornings from 7:45-9:30am. All men are welcome! For information contact Deacon Andrew: 297-5000 or deaconandrewhogan.olbs@.

JPII CREW YOUTH MINISTRY

INFORMATION AND

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family Link on Website: olbs

then look for “olbsfamilies” link

Flocknote: to join our Parish texting system,

please contact Lisa Laferriere at 413-562-3450

Friday February 14th - Family Valentine Dinner!

Excited to celebrate Valentine's day? Not excited to join ALL the other people who want to go out to dinner that night? Join us as we transform the parish center into a festive venue for a nice sit down dinner on Friday night, February 14th at 6:30 PM. Our meal will be from Emma's and desserts will be served! Cost is $15 per family; reservations are required for planning purposes. Please call the office to reserve your table! ALL are invited!

IRISH NIGHT

Save the Date for our 7th Annual Family Irish night! We are excited to have entertainment by Mic Finnerty and Friends, Irish step dancing and as always our widely popular Basket and 50/50 raffles! As in past years we will have corned beef sandwiches, snacks and food options for kids. Tickets will be on sale at the parish office or at all Masses on March 7&8.

Basket raffle! Every year our parishioners make the most beautiful baskets for our raffle and we are always incredibly grateful! Grab a basket idea or come up with your own and bring them back before March 6. We will be displaying baskets the weekend of March 7&8. Thank you as always for your support!

FEBRUARY 15/16

6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

READINGS

First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

READERS

4:00PM Ray Breton 7:00AM Bob Stack

8:30AM Joanne Brooks 11:00AM Kathy Harrington

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS

4:00PM Beth Modlish, Diane Wright, Karl Weckstrom,

Jim O’Connor

7:00AM Steve Murphy, Dave Trotman, Lee Reynolds

8:30AM Melissa Taylor, Marilyn Orszak, Donna Whelan

11:00AM Mikey Hebda, Diane Sullivan, Karen Scahill,

Liz Falcetti

The Catholic Life Conference

will bring Scott Hahn to Springfield

“What I love about Scott Hahn is, because he converted to Catholicism, he sees the Catholic faith with an appreciation that those born into it may not have--at least not in the same way. Scott Hahn had to do the work--he checked every Church teaching and tradition with Scripture and with the Early Church Fathers. He knows the Bible inside out, knows all the papal encyclicals, and has hammered his way through Catholic belief on all fronts. It’s fair to say that God has given Dr. Hahn’s brilliance as a gift to all Catholics.”--J.D. Hear him in person. Take a day off to give your faith your full attention! The Catholic Life Conference, March 21, 8:30am-5:30pm at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Register today at . Or call Virginia at 413 768-0698.

Parish sponsorship of families interested in attending is available!

Thank you for your donations and orders for the Souper Bowl of Caring - $466 was collected for our Take & Eat program!

CALLING ALL 7TH & 8TH GRADERS!

Snow Camp’s 2020 is happening Friday February 28th to Sunday March 1st. Call Nick Morganelli at 949-0165 or Lisa Laferriere for more information.

PLANNED GIVING

Our parish has benefitted greatly because of some parishioners who have remembered the parish in their Wills or Estates. If you have questions about making a gift to the parish this way, please call the Parish Office.

OUR STEWARDSHIP

Month of January 2020

Regular / Development (gold) $ 35,249.18

Budget requirement per month 44,400.00

January Month (deficit) (9,150.82)

Mortgage collection $ 3,264.40

Mortgage due per month 4,182.00

January Month (deficit) 917.60

Thanks to all who regularly support Our Parish!

THANKS FROM BISHOP

On behalf of Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference wishes to thank everyone who participated in the “Let Your Voices Be Heard - Again” campaign. Your voices do matter, and they have been heard. Hundreds of individuals contacted and continue to contact their elected officials expressing opposition to the expanded abortion legislation currently pending at the State House. We are deeply grateful.

MASS OF HEALING AND ANOINTING

On Tuesday February 11 Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills will be hosting the annual Mass of Healing and Anointing. The observance of the World Day of the Sick was instituted in 1992 by St. John Paul II who designated that day – the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – as a special day in which to pray for those who are sick and suffering in any way. All are invited to join us in this special liturgy at 6PM. The Sacrament of the Sick will be available as well as the opportunity to be prayed over by one of the many priests and deacons that we hope will be there for this event. Following the Mass there will be a reception at the Parish Center. The church is located at 1065 Springfield Street and is accessible for the physically challenged as is the Parish Center.

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Adult Confirmation classes will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 833 Main Street, Agawam. Classes will be offered on Sunday evenings from 6-8pm on February 23, March 8 & 22, April 5 & 19, May 3. Confirmation will take place at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield on May 31. Registration is required by calling 413-786-8105 or emailing SjeAdultConfirmation@.

IRISH GALA TO BENEFIT

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield will sponsor an Irish Gala on Sunday February 23 from 1–5PM at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee. The fundraiser will include raffles, corned beef sandwiches, cash bar, music by the Andy Healy Band with Mary Ward, Irish dancing performance. Irish soda bread made by Sisters and friends will be sold. Proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph. Tickets are $25 and are available at the SSJ Offices, 577 Carew Street, Springfield. Contact Sr. Eleanor Harrington at 536-0853 or EHarrington@ for more information.

THANK-YOU!

Dear Friends,

Our hearts are full. Your gift is an inspiration to us all! Your gift of $118 demonstrates your wonderful commitment to the families living with different abilities here in your community. The impact your support will have on these families is treasured by all and includes:

- access to advocacy for disabled adults, their families and the agencies who assist them, or

- attending amazing dances that give long-time friends the chance to reconnect every other month, or

- religious education programs that allow everyone, regardless of their abilities, to participate fully in the sacraments.

I invite you to explore our website () and learn more about the work your bigheartedness provides. I so appreciate you and offer many thanks to, and for, you. Thank you for thinking of Jericho. God bless you!

Warmly,

Sr. Joan Magnani, SSJ

Executive Director of Jericho

(Jericho was the recipient of the December 2019 Poor Box collection.)

MAJESTIC THEATER

CATHOLIC EDUCATION FUNDRAISER

The St. Thomas More Society, an organization of Catholic Lawyers, is selling Majestic Theater tickets for “The Pitch” on February 26 at 7:30pm. Ticket proceeds are donated to Catholic scholarships. Please order tickets by calling 413-747-7797. For questions: Attorney Michael G. McDonough mgm@.

PRO-LIFE VIGIL

Please join Catholics for the Unborn for a pro-life vigil on Thursday February 13 at 10am in the Holy Spirit Chapel, St Michael's Cathedral, Springfield. The vigil begins with Exposition, Recitation of the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet then Adoration until noon. Come for all or part. For info: Marilyn at 567-6085.

LENTEN SEMINAR

Fr. Warren Savage and Mary Keator will lead this seminar, which is based on the book What’s Your Decision? How to Make Choices with Confidence and Clarity, An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making, being held at DeCicé Hall at the Marian Center in Holyoke, Mondays March 2, 9, 16, 7–8:30pm. For information on registration, cost and materials needed, contact Chris Clark (413) 687-1858.[pic][pic][pic]

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