The subject of the scriptures this week is sin. We are all in need of a savior because our sins prevent our union with our God and with one another.  We have a savior.  Isaiah saw him from afar and wrote: “…through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.  ”The writer of the letter to the Hebrews states: “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our profession of faith.”  The Gospel of Mark quotes Jesus as saying: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The story is told of Clem coming home from church services and his wife asking him what did the preacher talk about. He answered, “He talked about sin.”  “What did he say about it,” she asked.  “He was agin’ it” Clem responded.  

We are all against sin.  The problem today is to identify it and to avoid it.  I read an interesting ad from the Middletown Bible Church in Connecticut. It was entitled “How Safe is Sin?”

“Consider today’s message: ‘It is all right to sin as long as you practice safe sin.  Drunkenness is OK as long as someone sober drives you home.  Narcotics are OK as long as you use clean needles.  Promiscuity is OK as long as you take precautions.  It is alright to sin, but please, play it SAFE!’  The Bible gives the true perspective: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death…FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH (James 1:15 and Rom. 6:23).

Safe sin is a flat contradiction.  It would be like talking of a “healthy disease” or “harmless poison” or “clean dirt” or a “lively death.”  It would be like a mouse talking about a safe mousetrap or a fish speaking of a safe hook or a pig thinking of a safe slaughterhouse.  Sin is never safe.  It is always dangerous, destructive, damning and always brings with it disastrous consequences.”

We have a savior. “For God made Christ to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).  Thank God he does more than keep an eye on us.  Through His Spirit He “guides us in right paths.”  Pray for the insight to know when we are not on the right path.

Offertory for October 11^th & 12^th           $5258.50

Envelope Offerings       $4794.50

Loose Cash                          $ 464.00

St. John/St. Hugh               $245.00

Many thanks to all who use the parish envelopes each week.  You are the mainstay of our parish support.  This week we received 129 envelopes from the 649 families that are sent envelopes.

9:00 – Monday, Oct. 20^th           Frances & Patrick Sullivan

9:00 – Tuesday, Oct. 21^st                                George Grey

9:00 – Wednesday, Oct. 22^nd                  Mary MacGillivray

9:00 – Saturday, Oct. 25^th                           Howard Duffy

This week we ask you to pray for those who are ill, including, Brianna Cimino, Rosemary Harvey, Regina Jones, Andrea Hynes, Joyce Amos, James Reilly, Regina Wingard, Elaine Ring, Erin McMehon, Maria Aguis, George Beck, Dr. Kenneth Spengler, Josephine Murphy, Peter Bugda, Norma Berstein, Camille Michals, Rob Morway, Patricia Hassett, Paul McCann, William Francis, Lillian Davenport, James Fontaini, Henri Fradette, William Blair, Agatha Pals, Richard Gaudet, Kath Rodriegas, Estelle Szalajeski, Nancy Driscoll, Dante DiManna, Margie Levine, Ruth Pike, Doug Phillips, Ralph Tatro, Andrew Day,  Peggy Sue Grow, Mary Serpa, Deborah Miller, Dorothy Lee, William MacKinnon, Mary Jefferson, Elizabeth Conte, Dave Rissmiller, Violet Caldaroni, Ruth McAleer, John McAleer, Frank Cote, James Bresnahan, Ann Mulray, Bea Lingane, Rita Mahan, Paul Bentley, Connie Perrotta, Gerard Sarno, Dorothy Grant,Gretin Cervantes and Midge Moran, Marisol O’Brien, Matthew Gablor, Ted Baird, Paul Pantano, Fran Ressetar, Lori Robbins, Cecelia Hines, Peter Bellini, and Don Sabat. 

Retirement Fund For Women Religious

Next weekend, October 25^th & 26^th we will have our annual collection for Women Religious.  Last year you contributed $1897 to this very worthy collection.  The women religious of our diocese did not participate in the Social Security program until the 1970’s.  Now that most of their communities are well past retirement age, they are finding if difficult to maintain an acceptable standard of living.  Because of the decline in vocations, each Sister, in community, who works is responsible for the monetary care of three retired sisters.  We ask that you be as generous as possible in this collection to show your appreciation for all that the religious sisters have done over the years for each of us.

The flowers that decorate the altar this weekend have been donated by Louise Nolan in memory of Frank L. & Louise S. Davis

If you did not receive a letter from Father Colletti over the past few weeks, it means that you are not on our Census List.  Call Claire at 781-862-4646 to register and to receive your letter.

Food Pantry Bags

On the first Sunday of each month, non-perishable food items are collected at Mass and then distributed to food pantries.  This is an easy way for those of any age get involved in serving the community.  As a helpful reminder, Susan Ingard's Religious Education class will be decorating supermarket bags that will be distributed next Sunday at Mass, so they can be filled up and brought in the following week.  Thank you to the children for their hard work, and thank you to those who are able to contribute!

Save November 7^th for our Sacred Heart Spaghetti Supper.  Frank & Cindy Bellini and their assistants are planning a great time for all!

The Harvest is Ready, Labors are few

What is God Calling us to do

A while ago we formed the Family Chalice for Vocations Program.  Each family or household was asked to bring into their homes the beautiful chalice used in our Eucharist celebration.  As a centerpiece for daily prayer, it serves as a reminder to pray for more people to respond to religious vocations.  If you have not been contacted as yet by those participating in this powerful ministry, please call John Collins at 781-862-5805 for more information or to sign up to become involved in this ministry.

The 8^th Annual Genesis Battlegreen Run

On Sunday, November 2, 2003 you are invited to join us for one of The Finest Road Races in New England!

For more information, or if you would like to enter,

you may do so on-line at www.genesis-cos.com or www.coolrunning.com.  If you would like to help...We need Volunteers!  Many are needed to Direct Runners, Assist at Water Stations and Serve Food. 

Lastly, if you would like to co-sponsor this event, please contact Bob Ludwig at 781-861-7231 or bring your donation to the parish office and we will see that it reaches the proper destination!  No donation is too small!  Proceeds from the event benefit Habitat for Humanity, The Genesis Community Fund and Lexington High School Hall of Fame.

Eucharistic Ministers Needed

Massachusetts General Hospital is looking for Eucharistic Ministers.  If you are interested in serving the wider Church in this important volunteer role, please call Sister Joanne Lappetito, RSM at 617-726-2827.

Winchester Voice of the Faithful

The Winchester Voice of the Faithful is welcoming Stephen Pope, Associate Professor of Theology, Boston College, on Monday, October 20^th @ 7:30pm discussing “The Church in Boston: Where Should We Go From Here?”.  This lecture is part of a series that will continue at 7:30pm on Monday, October 27^th with  members of The Boston Priests’ Forum discussing “How Is God Calling The Ordained and Laity To Be Church Together?”

East Village Cake Sale

On Thursday, October 30^th beginning at 10:00am to 3:30pm the East Village Activities Department will hold a Bake Sale.  They are seeking baked items.  Homemade or store-bought items are gratefully accepted.  Please contact Dana Spinney or Cheryl Benoit with any questions, 781-861-8630.

Thank you to all of those who responded to our recent Ministry Day.  Volunteer numbers for the parish ministries and commissions were: Liturgical Ministries, 32; Catechetical Ministries, 23; Youth Ministry, 12; Christian Service, 41, Community Service, 10; Stewardship, 7 and 16   who will pray each day for the life of Sacred Heart. Many thanks to all who responded.  These represent a terrific response.  We are a far richer parish for your input.  You can expect to be contacted in the near future to coordinate your efforts.  If you missed signups be assured we are always looking for those who are looking for opportunities to serve.  Please contact any member of the parish staff or the Stewardship Commission; our contact information is in pamphlets at the entrances to the church.  You can also e-mail us through shepherd@sacredheartlex.org. 

Your Sacred Heart Stewardship Commission

An event that need an immediate response:

A program at Regis College in the Spring featuring Rob Surrette.  Some of you might have experienced his performances previously.  Details are on the poster in the Parish Center.

Look for information regarding the program to follow our next Youth Mass on Nov. 2^nd.  The program is open to anyone who is interested and will be required of 9^th and 10^th grade classes.

Our new Youth Music Director, Denise Glennon, is looking forward to more of our young people joining the Youth Music Group.  You can contact her at DSGsing@aol.com.  We are looking forward to having the best youth music in the area!  The next rehearsal will be on Sunday, October 19 @ 5:00pm in the Parish Center.

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