Today’s Gospel reading is from Luke 10:25-37 and concerns the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor.  The lawyer recites the law as he understands it from Leviticus 19:18 and Jesus congratulates him as having the correct answer to the lawyer’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  I suspect that he knows the law as a lawyer must but he has been listening to Jesus and, according to Jesus’ words, something more is required of him.  In his tradition “neighbor” refers to “one who is near” in terms of members of the same people and religious community, that is, fellow Jews.  The lawyer has already been doing that and he feels good about himself—he is a good Jew.  “But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’”  He seeks to defend his position by closely defining words.  What is your definition of “neighbor”?

Jesus answers the question with a parable—perhaps the second most remembered parable next to the prodigal son story.  Jesus is calling upon his hearers’ awareness of the dangers of traveling alone on the Jericho-Jerusalem road.  I have been on that road several times and have been scared simply by the total darkness and the uncertainty of the road due to flash floods, and wild animals—not to mention being a stranger in a strange land.

Jesus tells the story of the man who was attacked by robbers who beat him to incapacitate him from following them or inflicting him so he would not be tempted to identify him and left him half-dead.  The priest, and later the Levite, perhaps coming from services in Jerusalem going home for Jericho was known as the principal residence for priests, passed him by.  We could easily say that worship for them did not translate into action.  They did not want to get involved.

Now Jesus introduces a Samaritan into the story.  The Samaritans were particularly hated in Jesus’ day.  Remember Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well when John observed: “Jews do not associate with Samaritans” (John 4:9).  This man has pity on the beaten man, binds up his wounds and pays his bills.  The Samaritan’s mercy is a generous mercy “whatever he needs,” is the limit of his mercy.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the wounded man?”  “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
As Christians our motivation for doing good must be love for others, an interest in meeting their basic needs, a heart of mercy that is moved by compassion.  How are we to emulate the Good Samaritan by ‘doing likewise’?  What is God speaking to you from this Gospel?

 

St. Brigid Church
9:00am	Tuesday July 17th	Mary Connolly
9:00am	Thursday July 19th	Joseph A. DiDomenico
8:00am	Saturday July 21st	Joan Fitzgerald O’Hara
Sacred Heart Church
9:00am	Monday July 16th	Memorial Fund Members
9:00am	Wednesday July 18th	Vikas Antony
9:00am	Friday July 20th	Msgr. George Casey
9:00am	Saturday July 21st	Arnold J. Smith

 

Please pray for all who are in need of our prayers that God’s healing and comforting presence may be with them especially Edmund Frazar and Dave Demers.  Please also remember Guissepina Rullo and John Collins whose funerals were this past week and all of our deceased relatives and friends. 

Father Jose Medina, the newly appointed principal to North Cambridge Catholic High School in Cambridge, will be moving into Sacred Heart Rectory this week.  Father Medina is a native of Spain and a member of the priestly fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo.  He received his civil engineering degree from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontificia Universita Lateranense in Rome, Italy and a Masters in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He will have a seminarian with him who is seeking a Masters in Education from Boston University and will be joined later by two other priests from his order.  Please welcome these Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo to our parish.  May they and we be a blessing to each other.

Helping Hands

The Helping Hands for June is
Maryanne King – 781-860-0229

 

Summer Mass Schedule

St. Brigid
Offertory for July 7th & 8th	$  8,003.00
Envelope Offerings	$  7,009.00
Loose Cash	$     994.00

Out of the 1464 envelopes we sent to St. Brigid parishioners 230 have used their envelopes.

Sacred Heart
Offertory for June 28th & 29th	$  4,629.00
Envelope Offerings	$  4,125.00
Loose Cash	$     504.00

Of the 561 envelopes we sent to Sacred Heart parishioners, 112 parishioners have used their envelopes this week.

Thank you to all who so generously contribute to our parishes each week!

—Fr. Colletti

Holy Humor

Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50."

The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100."

The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"

In Service For Their Country

Harold J. McAlduff, Sgt. Christopher Considine, Christopher Collins, Timothy Dunbar, Richard Rigley, Caitlin R. Battell, Robert McLaughlin, Mark Zarnecki, Scott and Michael Donahue, John Mulkern, Sgt. Ian Edmunston, Brian Geary and John Bellamaciana.
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.

Wanted - Sacred Heart Photos

As part of the 75th anniversary celebration for Sacred Heart Parish this fall, we are seeking photos of people and activities over the years that have particular interest from Sacred Heart’s rich history.  We ask that you loan the pictures to our  75th  Anniversary Nostalgia committee, with your name, phone number and title/description of the photo,  and approximate date (s) on the back of the picture and submit them to the Parish Office, in an envelop entitled “ 75th Anniversary photos”.  Also, please indicate names of persons in the photo.  We will make digital copies of the photo and return it to you within a few weeks of submission.  These will be combined with the Sacred Heart Archives to produce collages, posters and a short video program as part of the 75th Anniversary celebration for the parish.   Please call Bob Ludwig (781)861-7231 for more information. Thank you.

Prayer for Freedom

Dear Lord,
so many today misunderstand freedom
believing that it is the ability to do whatever we want.
Help us always to remember that freedom, true freedom,
is being able to do what we ought to do.
That freedom, true freedom,
is not indulging our every want and whim,
but instead is the ability to rise above any desires
that are wrong, disordered, dangerous or excessive.
Give us the grace always to remember
that true freedom makes us the people you wish us to be,
that true freedom brings us closer to you,
and reshapes our world in the likeness of your kingdom.
Amen.

It’s Cool to be with the Lord

Every Friday during the summer months, there will be adoration in the air conditioned St. Brigid's Church from 12-2:45 PM.  If you can sign up in advance there is a sign up sheet by the tabernacle.  The current month is on one side of the black board and the following month is on the other side of the blackboard.  If you cannot commit to a time just drop in for as long as you can.  Everyone is always welcome!

CREA

Please join Sister Ruth Rosenbaum, TC, PhD from the Center for Reflection, Education and Action as she leads a social justice study group. The discussions are in keeping with the CREA mission statement which is as follows:  "Believing that the earth is home to all, CREA facilitates analysis of human, social and economic policies from the perspective of their effects on human lives beginning with the lives of those who are poor." The meeting takes place on Thursday, June 28th at St. Brigid at 7pm in the library.

All are welcome.

Parish Business Manager

St. Theresa Parish in North Reading is seeking a fulltime Parish Business Manager to provide financial, administrative, and human resource functions for a busy parish.  The applicant must have at least five years experience in an office environment with proficiency in basic accounting, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to anticipate needs and establish priorities.  Must possess strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; be competent with human resource functions and be able to deal with sensitive and confidential matters. The candidate must possess computer knowledge and demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, Access and Quickbooks. Candidate should be an active Catholic.  The position is fulltime, 9-5pm Monday – Friday with salary commensurate with experience and does include benefits.  If qualified and interested, please send a cover letter and resume by August 1st, 2007 to:  Business Manager Search Committee St. Theresa Parish, 63 Winter Street, North Reading, MA  01864.

Lexington Food Pantry

This weekend is the collection of non-perishable food at St. Brigid.  Items may be placed in the food bins at each entrance of the church.  Cash, supermarket gift cards or checks made out to the Lexington Food Pantry may be  placed in the offertory basket in an envelope marked Lexington Food Pantry that  may be found at each food bin.  Your continued generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

Faith and Environment

“Yahweh, what variety you have created arranging everything so wisely!” Ps 104

A simple reminder this week: Take time, and use all your senses, to note the wonders, great and small, that are in every moment of your day.  Shadows that dapple the grass, the taste of fresh strawberries, the curve of a baby’s cheek, stars without number and a thousand others.  Really look, really listen…Perhaps this gives rise to a silent prayer of thanks and praise, a poem or simply sharing the observation with another.  Savor and enjoy creation.  Let these moments be reminders of our Creator and our role as just stewards where necessary.  At www.climate.org go to education links and find information for K through post-doc on effects of climate change, global and local action, ways to measure your carbon “footprint” etc.  Take time over the next weeks of summer to explore these resources.

Preparing for Mass by Praying at Home

The joy of being Catholic is in the Eucharist. The Most Holy Eucharist, also called the Sacred Liturgy, is the wellspring of Catholic life and its summit. The Church lives from Eucharist to Eucharist, amazed by the wonder of so great a gift, and waits with “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) for the return of Christ in glory.

      The Eucharistic life begins on the way to church. Go to church with a heart made ready for the mystery. Begin at home by reading the texts appointed for the day’s Mass:  First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and Gospel. The references for these texts are readily available in your parish bulletin, on your church calendar, or in your missal. Let the word of God resonate in your heart; read the texts aloud, slowly, and with attention. Repeat the phrases that strike you. Let the word itself become your prayer; send back to God the word he has addressed to you. Then, for a few minutes remain in silence. Adore the God who has spoken to you. As him to give you hunger for the “daily bread” (Luke 11:4) you will receive at Mass. Go to church with hunger and desire; you will not be sent away empty (cf. Luke 1:53) for God will fill you with good things (cf. Luke 1:53).

Prepared by Father Mark-Daniel Kirby,OCIST, PHD. Copyright ©2005, Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.ltp.org

Church Snipits

If you are all dressed up in yourself, you’re overdressed!

Megan Chenaille, Director of Youth Ministry
E-mail: Megan Chenaille
781-862-8724

LIFT- Catholic Worship for a NEW Generation

Please consider attending LIFT- an exciting new monthly worship event which includes vibrant praise and worship music, dynamic, challenging speakers and Eucharistic Adoration.  LIFT is for all ages- from young adults to adults to teens to entire families.  Join LIFT on Tuesday, July 17th w/ Sean Flynn as the speaker.  The evening runs from 7pm-9pm at Fontbonne Academy, 930 Brook Road, Milton, MA.  Directions and a downloadable flyer, along w/ more information about LIFT, can be found on the website at www.liftedhigher.com.  Join LIFT in worship with hundreds of Catholics from around the Boston area!!

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. 

Worship Needs Your Full and Active Participation

The worship commission is looking for disciples in our community to help foster and encourage high quality liturgies in our two churches. What are needed are small teams of 3-4 people per season to help with seasonal liturgy preparation. Some examples include: Fall ordinary time - thanksgiving liturgy; Advent – reconciliation service, twilight mini retreat; Christmas and Epiphany; Winter Ordinary time - the Feast of St. Brigid; Lent – reconciliation service; Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil; Easter season – renewal of commitment to ministry; Summer ordinary time – Feast of the Sacred Heart as well as suggestions for home worship during these seasons. These are just a few of the examples of opportunities to enhance the worship life of our community. If we had 3-4 people to help with each season, we could share the burden and enrich and encourage one another with new ideas and energy. Some of these activities require about 2-4 hours of your time during the particular season. Others may require more. There are many opportunities to participate both large and small. Training opportunities will be provided as well as support and guidance from the staff.

If you would like to increase your own appreciation worship and share your gifts with the community please contact Anne Willhite, 781-863-0319, or by email.

What Is The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults?

The RCIA is a process by which adults are fully initiated into the Catholic faith community. It is a process that not only affects the individuals seeking the sacraments, but the entire community that journeys with those being initiated. It is a spiritual journey that is marked by: conversion, professing faith in Christ, incorporation into the church and participation in the mission of Christ. This process is for:

• People who have never been baptized
• People who were baptized into another Christian faith tradition, but now desire to enter into the Catholic Church and to receive the sacraments of Communion or Confirmation
• Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation

If you feel that God might be calling you in this direction or are interested in learning more about this process, please call our Pastoral Associate Anne Willhite at 781-863-0319, or email Anne.Willhite

Catholic Young Adult Group

The Catholic Community of Lexington has a Young Adult Group for people in their 20s and 30s (college students too), for Lexington, the neighboring towns, and anybody else who would like to come. Come join us at St Brigid Parish in Lexington on Thursday nights at 7pm for weekly discussions of the Sunday Readings. This will go from 7-8pm. Followed afterwards with a little social time (food/drinks) out somewhere.

This group is based on 3 pillars, spirituality, service and social. Spiritual events include: lectures by guest speakers, prayer/adoration, forums/discussions, retreats, Mass, book club, and more. Service events include: Habitat for Humanity, the Food Pantry, Helping Hands, day service trips, Bread for the World, and more. Social events include: dinners, movies, hiking, playing sports, BBQs, parties, fishing, and more. Archdiocese events include: Theology on Tap, forums, special Masses, social events, and more. There is one of these events every month.

So come and grow in your faith, help others in need, meet people, and have fun! If interested or have any questions, please call Billy Robinson at 781-572-8081 or send an email to aol.com address colecrops, or you can just show up. Also check out http://lexcatholicyoungadultgroup.googlepages.com our website.  Come to as much or as little as you like and feel free to bring friends.

  We hope to see you soon!