Hospitality is a very strong duty in the Mediterranean region.  I could never out-do the hospitality my relatives show me when I visit them in Rome or Gaeta.

Recently returning to read the Odyssey of Homer I noted that one of the themes throughout the work is hospitality.  Hospitality in Greek is called xenia.  This word is usually translated as “guest-host relationship”. It is a reciprocal relationship between two people—a guest, host, stranger, friend and foreigner.  It is not based on friendship, but rather on obligation.  It works if each side does not violate the terms of xenia.  Those terms included a welcome, a bath, a meal, lodging and a parting gift.  Odysseus is able to get back home to Ithaca after twenty years of wandering mainly because of xenia.

In today’s Gospel from Luke (Luke 7:36-8:3), we encounter a scene of hospitality from the guest’s point of view.  There are three characters in the tale: Simon the Pharisee and host of the party, this unnamed woman who enters into Simon’s house apparently uninvited, and Jesus, the guest.

Luke is interested in hospitality and the startling difference in how Simon and the woman treat Jesus. Simon, a Pharisee, was curious and open-minded enough to invite Jesus to dinner.  Simon was interested in Jesus’ views on this or that intriguing spiritual question.  He was only interested in his own spiritual interests.  The woman, on the other hand, offers Jesus a hospitality that is all about Jesus.  It is oriented toward him, not her. Jesus rebukes Simon: “Look!  See this woman kneeling here!  When I entered your home, you didn’t bother to offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You refused me the customary kiss of greeting, but she has kissed my feet again and again from the time I first came in.  You neglected the usual courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has covered my feet with rare perfume. Therefore her sins—and they are many—are forgiven, for she loved me much; but one who is forgiven little, shows little love” (Luke 7:44-47).

How do you greet one another?  Do you come to Mass and go home without speaking to anyone?  Do you choose the ones you will be hospitable to?  When you come to Mass “greet one another warmly in the Lord”—especially now that tourists (the stranger) will be coming to our churches?

 

Hospitality

Please join us for hospitality and fellowship at our parishes.
Hospitality at St. Brigid Parish will resume in the fall in the newly renovated Keilty Hall.
At Sacred Heart Parish the hospitality is after the 10:00am Mass in the parish center

Please pray for all who are in need of our prayers that God’s healing and comforting presence may be with them, especially Father William Smith, Jen Bombaca, Marianne Slack, Elaine Murphy, Ed Burri, Bob Kozlowski, Francis Cote, Deacon Bill Wildes, William McCarthy, Marie Dempsey, Pat White, Mary Whelan, Prudy Bulger, Eleanor Mann, Phyllis Lange, Amy Galehouse Goolkosian, Jane Beauchemin, Mary Ellen Connor, Marybeth Morgan, Billy Wedgwood, Gerald McCue, Kathleen Brown, Brendan Murphy, Frank Stankowski, Theresa Flynn, Ann LaMantia, Christine Griffin, Josephine Siders, Douglas DiVito, Frank Hassett, Mary McGuinnes, Joseph Fremont-Smith, Marjorie Kearns, Shannon Capriulo, Mildred Page, Cathy Larson, Victoria Killgore, Virginia Tavilla, Christine Screeton, Olivia Moran and Brianna Cimino.  Please also remember in your prayers all of our deceased family members and parishioners, especially Charles MacDonald, Natalie Lorraine Brincklow, Elizabeth Mary Ahearn, Jennifer Long and Mary Patricia Burke Spaulding.

Looking For Support During Your Job Search?

Seasoned Human Resources and Marketing pros to lead the Lexington Job Support Group (LJSG) for the Catholic Community of Lexington and our friends.  Learn and share job search strategies, resources and networking tips while getting support during your search for that next great opportunity.  Meetings are the first and third Wednesday of the month, 7:30 - 9:00 pm at Sacred Heart Parish Center.  The next two meetings are July 7th and July 21st.  Informal, no need to sign up, come on the evenings you are free with a cup of coffee or supper, and invite a friend.  If you have any questions, contact Bob Ludwig at 781-861-7231 or Donna Heuchling at dheuchling@comcast.net.

NOTE:  Seminar at Carey Library on Using Linked In and other Web-based Tools in Your Job Search, Monday, June 14th, 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

Helping Hands

Helping Hands for June is Mary Lou Knight
781-862-3634

Northeast Catholic Family Conference

Please mark your calendars and join us for the Northeast Catholic Family Conference on June 27th.  The theme of the conference is "Called to Greatness."  The Northeast Catholic Family Conference will rekindle the Truth in hearts of all ages - that we are "Called to Greatness."  It takes place June 27 from 1pm-8pm at St. Mary's Church in Waltham.  The day will feature an event with Cardinal Sean, Mass and Adoration, a Marian Procession, workshops for adults, separate teen and children's programs, a family cookout, and inspiring speakers including Leah Darrow, a former contestant on the Reality Television Show, "America's Next Top Model."  You don't want to miss this great event for the Family.  For more information and registration please visit www.yHopefamily.org or call Fr. Mike Harrington at 781-956-0548. 

Bread For The World Sunday

Today, June 13 after, the 10 o’clock Mass at Sacred Heart write a letter and save a child from hunger.  Did you know that nearly one in five children in the United States lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table?  Our nation needs bold legislation to protect and strengthen programs that boost families above the poverty line, for example the Child Tax Credit.  Your letter counts!!!  For more details, see: http://www.bread.org/

 

Do your Vacation Plans Include On-Line Giving?

Giving on-line is an easy and safe way to support your parish, even when you’re on vacation. Visit our web site, www.lexingtoncatholic.org, and click “Sacred Heart Parish” or “St. Brigid Parish” to learn about this new way to contribute via a charge to your bank account or credit card. Check it out!

Faith And Environment

The whole nation cringes as oil continues to darken the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  People of faith agree that this disaster is a vivid sign that our current system of fossil fuel production and consumption is seriously flawed and needs to be changed.   The Catholic Bishops consider our participation in such a system a matter of conscience when it has such a severe impact on God’s Creation.
Many people are now more ready than ever to repent and clean up our act, but our politicians in Washington need to do the same.  In May, Senator Kerry proposed a bill with Senator Lieberman, The American Power Act, which would begin to steer our nation towards a cleaner economy.  It is not a perfect bill, but its measures would provide a start on addressing the problem of climate change and finding cleaner and more local sources of energy.  Our other Senator, Scott Brown, is still undecided as to this legislation.  A petition to Senator Brown will be available at the doors of the church and on the Lexington Catholic web site.  At Sacred Heart, the petition will also be in the Parish center after the 10 o’clock Mass.  Please consider signing it.

Summer Quotes

Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer’s year—it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.

Sunday, June13th

11:00 – BAPTISM INSTRUCTION – SB
BREAD FOR THE WORLD LETER WRITING AFTER ALL MASSES AT BOTH PARISHES
7:00 - JOINT PPC - SH PC
1:00 –BAPTISM – SH
2:30 – EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONY – SB -CHURCH

Monday, June 14th

12:00 – PRIEST MEETING – ST. PATRICK’S
6:00 – LACROSS BANQUET – SH - PC

Tuesday, June 15th

9:30 – RCAB MEETING OF PRIESTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   RM.10
Wednesday, June 16th

6:30 – M.A.C.I. MTG. – SB – RM. 16
8:00 – COMMUNICATON COMM. – SB – RM.10

Thursday, June 1th   

6:00 – MINUTE MEN MTG. – SH - PC
7:00-9:30  BOY SCOUTS –SB – PC
7:00 – YOUNG ADULTS – SB - L

Friday, June 18th

STAFF AWAY TO PLAN FOR THE 2010-2011 YEAR (DATE CHANGED FROM 6/11)

 

Saturday, June 12th

NO MEETINGS!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

Registrations for the 2010-2011 Religious Education Program will be mailed out in June.  For advanced planning, please be aware that classes for grades 1 thru 8 will be available on Sunday mornings at St. Brigid from 10:-11:15 (after the 9:00am Mass) and at Sacred Heart from 11:15 – 12:15 (after the 10:00 Mass).  Classes will also be held for grades 1 – 6 on Tuesday afternoon at St. Brigid from 3:45 – 4:45.  Classes will be available for grades 7 and 8 on Monday from 5:30 – 6:30pm.

New Parishioners Registration – If you are new to the parish, and/or you have a child entering the first grade, please contact the Religious Education office to register your child for classes in the fall.  Please call 781-862-8724 and we will send you out a registration form for your completion.  At this time we will also send out a parish registration form if you are not registered in either parish. 
You will also need a copy of your child’s Baptism record if he/she was baptized at a parish other than Sacred Heart or St. Brigid.

In Service To Their Country

Lt. John Schiavi, Sgt. Christopher Considine, Timothy Dunbar, Richard Rigley, Chris Cullen, Caitlin R. Battell, Robert McLaughlin, Sean Maddigan, Michelle Leverone, Marissa Leverone, Rev. Paul Passamonti, 1st Lt. Todd Donaldson, Airman Jason Cunha, Pfc. Erik Muskavitch, Mark Zarnecki, Patrick J. Nordahl, Scott and Michael Donahue, CDR Michael P. MacLellan and Captain Brian Geary. 
Lord Jesus, watch over our sons and daughters in the service of their country.  Give them the courage to serve their country with honor and dignity and grant that when their service is finished they may return to us, sound in mind, body and soul.

Sacred Heart Parish

Offertory for June 5th & 6th                            $ 5756.00
Envelope Offerings                                        $ 5036.66
Loose Cash                                                     $   720.00
St. Katharine Drexel                                      $   412.00
This week’s On-Line Giving Offertory          $  480.00

Of the 265 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 67 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.  To date 13 parishioners have signed up for on-line giving totaling $1400.  Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week! 
Fr. Colletti

2010 Catholic Appeal-Called To Love And Share

Thank you to all supporters of the 2010 Catholic Appeal.  Our parish has raised $29,914 from 82 households, reaching 70.4% percent of our parish goal of $42,500.  If you have not yet pledged, please consider a gift today and help us meet our goal.  Remember, our parish will receive 25 percent of all funds we raise above our goal.  Please remember to make your pledge now even if you plan on fulfilling that pledge later in the year.  You can pick up information packets with pledge forms in the back of the Church to be mailed in, or for more information please visit www.BostonCatholicAppeal.com or call 617-779-3700.  Every gift matters.  Thank you!

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday June 15th	Charles Hill
9:00am	Thursday June 17th	Rev. Edward Gaudette
9:00am	Saturday June 19th	Josephine & Alberico Sgrosso, Ann M. Rooney, Donna Carpenter, Michael and Scott Donahue and Dan Morin
Sacred Heart Church

 

Lexington Food Pantry St. Brigid And Sacred Heart

The collection of non-perishable food is the weekend of June 19th and 20th.  Items may be left at the food bins at the entrances of the church.  Please check the expiration dates!
Special requests for this month include canned corn and peas, hot and cold cereals, meals in a can, spaghetti, canned fruit, and low sodium chicken broth.  The food pantry also accepts personal hygiene items (toothpaste, bar soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc. and paper products (toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, etc.). Cash, supermarket gift cards and checks made payable to the Lexington Food Pantry may be placed in an envelope marked Lexington Food Pantry and placed in the offertory basket or dropped off at the office.  We thank you for your past generosity and support of this endeavor.

Going To Mass on Vacation

Good Catholics on vacation always make time for Sunday Mass.  The locations for churches and the times of services are generally easy to obtain online.  It doesn’t take much advance planning to include worship as part of one’s time away from home.

When you enter the church as a visitor, introduce yourself to the greeter or minister.  Let someone know where you come from.  Most locals are happy to say a word of welcome, but they do not always know who is visiting and who is not.

Participate well.  Pray sincerely.  Sing the hymns.  Contribute generously to the collection.  Some people contribute sparingly.  But the church you are visiting has generously provided you a place to worship.  Its members would appreciate a spot in the budget you made to enjoy your vacation.

If you know in advance that you cannot attend Mass some Sunday, you should obtain a dispensation from your pastor.  If you are in your own church when visitors arrive, help them feel welcome; show them around.  Above all, make an effort to worship every Sunday, even when you are away from home.  God never takes a vacation from you.

St. Brigid Parish

Offertory for June 5/6                                 $    8770.00
Envelope Offerings                                        $ 7777.00
Loose Cash                                                     $   993.00
This week’s On-Line Giving Offertory              265.00

Out of the 548 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners, 174 have used their envelopes.  To date 21 parishioners have signed up for on-line giving totaling $1870.  Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week! 
Fr. Colletti

2010 Catholic Appeal

Thank you to all supporters of the 2010 Catholic Appeal.  Our parish has raised $80,317 from 224 households, reaching 62.5% percent of our parish goal of $128,500.  If you have not yet pledged, please consider a gift today and help us meet our goal.  Remember, our parish will receive 25 percent of all funds we raise above our goal.  (As we did last year)  Please remember to make your pledge now even if you plan on fulfilling that pledge later in the year.  You can pick up information packets with pledge forms in the back of the Church to be mailed in, or for more information call 617-779-3700 or please visit www.BostonCatholicAppeal.com.  Every gift matters, Thank you!

St Brigid renovation Project Update

The project to add an elevator to the church building and accessible restrooms in the hall; to expand and improve handicapped seating in the church and handicapped parking; and to remodel the kitchen and Keilty Hall is underway. 

Work on the installation of the elevator and restrooms has begun. As a result, Keilty Hall will be inaccessible, with the stairway on the east side of the building being the only access to the existing restrooms and the Music Room.

During construction, the west side entrance of the church and the driveway between the church and parish center will be closed and the Reconciliation Room will be relocated to the small room off the church vestibule. 
 
Updates on this project, including building accessibility and safety issues during construction, will be provided weekly in this section of the bulletin.  

R. R. Tolkien's Take On Blessed Sacrament

He writes: I put before you the one great thing to love on earth, the Blessed Sacrament.  There you will find romance, glory, honor, fidelity and the true way of all your loves on earth and more than that.  All are invited to experience the Blessed Sacrament this Friday and every Friday from 12:00 – 2:45pm at St. Brigid Church. 

Holy Humor

Letters from Children to God

• Dear God: What does it mean You are a Jealous God?  I thought You had everything. Jane
• Dear God: Did you really mean "do unto others as they do unto you"?  Because if you did, then I'm going to fix my brother. Darla
• Dear God: Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. Joyce
• Dear God: It rained for our whole vacation and is my father mad!  He said some things about You that people are not supposed to say, but I hope You will not hurt him anyway. Your friend (But I am not going to tell you who I am)
• Dear God: Why is Sunday school on Sunday? I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest. Tom L.
• Dear God: Please send me a pony. I never asked for anything before, You can look it up. Bruce
• Dear God: If we come back as something - please don't let me be Jennifer Horton because I hate her. Denise
• Dear God: If You give me a genie lamp like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want, except my money or my chess set. Raphael
• Dear God: My brother is a rat. You should give him a tail. Ha ha. Danny

Miramar retreat Center

The 7th annual Some Enchanted Evening will be held on July 31st, 2010; beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Miramar Retreat Center, 121 Parks St., Duxbury.  Enjoy a social hour, gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment.  Bring your family and friends. Proceeds benefit the Miramar Capital Fund.  Tickets are $100.00 per person.  To make reservations, place an ad in the Program Book, make a donation, or donate an item for the auction, call Miramar 781-585-2460.  Publication deadline for ads and donations is July 25th.  Tickets are limited; reserve yours before July 25th.

A Special Collection On Behalf of All the Priests in the Archidiocese

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you information about the Clergy Funds and the current needs as we prepare to take a special second collection on the weekend of June 12th & 13th.

Currently, there are 737 priests who rely on the Clergy Funds to provide for their healthcare.  In addition, there are 267 senior priests who also rely on the Clergy Funds for their retirement benefits.  In recent years, the Clergy funds have been stressed with the increase in medical costs and expenses growing faster than income.  The continued need to stabilize this fund is critical and a top priority of Cardinal Séan and all of the priests.

We are thankful that you chose to give generously to the priests who have devoted their lives to faithfully serve God and our parishes.  On behalf of all priests, thank you in advance for your continued support.

May God bless you all,

Father Colletti