The theme from this Sunday’s readings ought to be one of hope.  Isaiah (8:23-9:3) speaks to his people a vision: “The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.”  The prophet speaks of a dark time in the history of the chosen people.  The ten tribes of the north have been conquered by the Assyrians in the year 733 B.C.  In the darkest time of their lives Isaiah says that evil will not have the last word, Israel will be restored.  God will rescue them promising them a bright future.  They, in turn, can even now give thanksgiving and praise to God who will save them.

The Gospel of Matthew (4:12-23) will say that the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who is “the light shining in the darkness.”  The light that has arisen is Jesus who proclaims that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Jesus can’t build the kingdom alone but calls workers to make the kingdom real and thus visible.

Today, as the Commission from the Archbishop visits us, we live in hope.  We will make our case before Peter Meade and Mary Lou Batt to the effect that our parish closing is a big mistake.  We will present a picture of who we are and what we are and why we are needed in the rebuilding of the church in Boston.  At the time of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians Christians belonged to small house communities.  Each community developed and nurtured its faith in different ways.  We have developed in unique ways and with Christ always at the center of our communal and individual life.  We hope that this Sunday’s gathering will convince the powers that be that it would be a colossal mistake to close this parish.

Like the people in the time of Isaiah we live in a dark period for the Archdiocese but we long for and hope for our permanence as a part of the diocesan restoration.  Like the people in the time of Isaiah we too will praise God with thanksgiving and seek his favor once anew.

God living among us through the coming of your Son, help us to remember what we have seen of your love and closeness in this parish and help us to know and trust that the kingdom of heaven is ever at hand. Amen.

Offertory for January 15^th & 16^th        $4477.00

Envelope Offerings                         $4017.00

Loose Cash                                            $ 460.00

St. John/St. Hugh         $ 360.00

Sacred Heart Honduras Team

Our team: Cindy and Frank Bellini, Bob and Fran Ludwig, Tom and Emilie Coakley, Joan O'Connor, and Sarah Andryauskas, will travel to Guaimaca over February vacation to help Sr. Maria Ceballos in her work.  We need your help!  You can help by providing school supplies, over the counter medications and money for school shoes and construction supplies, etc.  In addition reading glasses (new or gently used) are needed.  For details, please take a flier at the church doors or in the parish hall. 

Rosies Place Says Thanks!

Rosie's Place, "where hope has an address", invites its many Sacred Heart cooks and drivers to a Volunteer Appreciation Party at the Museum of Science on Feb. 10^th from 6:30-9:30pm.  Says Rosies:  "Our volunteers make a real difference by improving the quality of the lives of poor and homeless women."  Call Fran Ludwig, 781-861-7231, for details and reservations. 

This week we ask you to pray for those who are ill, including, Brianna Cimino, Rosemary Harvey, Regina Jones, Andrea Hynes, Joyce Amos, Regina Wingard, 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, Kath Rodriegas, Nancy Driscoll, Dante DiManna, Margie Levine, Doug Phillips, Andrew Day, Peggy Sue Grow, Mary Serpa, Deborah Miller, Dorothy Lee, William MacKinnon, Mary Jefferson, Elizabeth Conte, Shane McCarthy, Mildred Wood, Violet Caldaroni, Frank Cote, James Bresnahan, Ann Mulray, Rita Mahan, Connie Perrotta, Jackie Sullivan, Jean Babbin, Gerard Sarno, Dorothy Grant, Gretin Cervantes, Marisol O’Brien, Paul Pantano, Fran Ressetar, Cecelia Hines, Margaret Wright, Renee Chapman, Peter Bellini, Christine Gainer, Chris Ann Colletti, Helen McLaughlin, Paul Doherty, Don Costello, Jorge Loayza, Joseph Brault, Lauren Forgette, Chuck Kiernan, Margaret Coughlin, John McCarthy, Don Sabatand, Laura Mac Aulay, Stella Guarino, Bill Graham, Bob Remeika, Edward Semanko, Mary Hosford, Morgan Brady, Jose Rubiero, Jane Eastham, Maureen Manfredi and Dorothy Barton.  Please also remember in your prayers, Mary She, mother of Nancy Savoy and Connie Perrotta, mother of Maria Griffin who died this past week.

Holy Humor

A pastor adjusted his height and knelt in front of a group of church preschoolers at a special service. He talked to the children about being good and going to heaven.  At the end of his talk, the pastor asked, “Where do you want to go?” 

The little voices shouted out, “Heaven!” 

“And what must you be to get to heaven?” the pastor asked.  “Dead!” a loud chorus yelled.

Thank You from Warwick House

Special thanks to Sacred Heart Parishioners from the guests and staff at Warwick House Shelter in Roxbury for the 35 bags of groceries they received last week from our food pantry collection.  Their cupboard was in need.

Valentine Concert

Join vocalist Lisa Screeton, and pianist Todd Theriault, for a Valentine Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 13, at St. Brigid’s Church.  From Irving Berlin to Broadway, this dynamic duo holds some surprises, including a very special guest soloist!  Tickets for this elegant afternoon of music and fun are $10 per person ($20 per couple).  Cost includes a champagne reception in Keilty Hall following the concert, and proceeds will benefit the music program at St. Brigid.  Call Lisa Screeton at 781-862-0335 or email her at music@stbrigidlexington.org to reserve tickets

St. Agnes School

St. Agnes. Arlington will hold registration for K thru Grade 7 on Tuesday, February 8^th from 9:00am to 11:00am.  Please bring copies of the following: birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization record; Grades 7-7 also bring a copy of First Eucharist certificate and last report card.  Snow date will be February 9^th same time.  There will be an open house on January 27^th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm for new parents who might be interested in the school.

Matignon High School

Matignon High School is currently accepting applications for the Class of 2009.  Applications can be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 617-876-1212 x11 or may be picked up at the school at One Matignon Road, Cambridge.  Applications for students interested in transferring to Matignon High School may also be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office.

Bulletins	Sacred Heart Parish Bulletin - January 23, 2005	Home