See more photos from Easter here
OUR LADY OF VICTORIES
Since the 1880’s, the Shrine of Our Lady of Victories has stood as a place of prayer and worship of God, dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. As Catholics, we ponder the loving presence of the Virgin Mary in a special way during this month of May. The Marists who serve here have always encouraged parishioners and visitors to seek Our Lady’s intercession for their own intentions and the needs of others. Before the statue of our Patroness, you will find note paper upon which you can write out your intentions to place before our Lady. We pray consciously for those intentions at our Wednesday Masses, and we also pray a litany to Our Lady, asking that we might share more fully in the victory of Christ in His Resurrection. We invite you to join us in prayer to Our Lady, whether you can be present at Mass on Wednesdays or not. We trust in her compassion and in the power of her intercession. This is a part of the prayer that we use each Wednesday; it’s the same prayer that is printed on the prayer card in front of Mary’s statue: “Our Lady of Victories, we come before you in prayer. You are in complete union with the will of the Father and with the mission of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask your intercession that all that binds us and burdens us will be overcome by the saving death and resurrection of your Son.” May this prayer be a part of our personal prayer this week! My best wishes to you all, and may God bless you!
OUR YOUNGER COUPLES
Today, we invite any couples married in the Catholic Church in recent years to a gathering in our Parish Center after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. This is the second in the series of meetings meant to encourage and support our “young marrieds,” including those with young children. If you cannot come but would be interested in future gatherings, please give us your names by calling or visiting the Rectory. You are most welcome.
NOVENAS
Novenas, in Catholic tradition, are a series of devotional prayers offered for a particular intention and prayed over a nine day period. The name is taken from the Latin word for nine: novem. They were very popular years ago, and are still prayed by some Catholics, asking intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary or other saints before God. Where does the idea of 9 days come from? Why, from the “first” novena! Nine was the number of days between the Ascension of Our Lord and the feast of Pentecost. Acts 1:13-14 says that the apostles and disciples of Jesus (including Mary, the mother of Jesus) gathered in the “upper room” after the Ascension and were devoted to prayer and waiting for the Holy Spirit. You are invited to go to www.novena.com for the specific prayers that can be offered in these days before Pentecost.
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Jesus is the perfect steward—watching carefully over all who have been entrusted to Him by the Father and then sending them all out into the world in service. May I similarly protect and wisely use the gifts entrusted to me!
FR. ED
Our parishioners know Fr. Edward Sheehan, s.m., who has celebrated some of our weekend and weekday Masses here for several years. He’s been away from Boston for several weeks, helping out in our Marist Parish in White River Junction, Vermont. Both of our priests there have had health problems and Fr. Ed generously responded to a request for his help. We’d appreciate your prayers for Fr. Ed, and for the return to health of Frs. Kenneth Thibodeau, s.m. and Kenneth Ridgeway, s.m.
NEXT WEEK’S SPECIAL COLLECTION
Next week’s second collection supports the formation and training of seminarians in the Archdiocese of Boston for service, we pray, as future priests. We are blessed that many are responding to the call to serve as priests. Please be generous to support these seminarians on their journey toward their ordination to the priesthood. For more information, please visit www.VocationsBoston.org.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Our Parish Center hosts several groups that meet weekly in order to support those who are dealing with issues of addiction and other life problems. These groups include Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, and Overeaters Anonymous. They follow a 12 step format that can help people on the road to recovery. For more information, go to the websites of the above organizations or get in contact with us at the rectory; we can give you the date and time of the meeting you or someone you know might be interested in.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
This past week we received $270.00 from the week-day collections, $1,996.00 from the weekend collection, and $433.00 for the Catholic Communication Campaign. We are grateful for your support.
BIBLE SHARING
You are welcome to our parish’s Bible Sharing Group, which meets each Friday after the 12:10 p.m. Mass in the rectory at 27 Isabella Street. You do not need any special Bible knowledge or training to participate. We are now going through St. Matthew’s Gospel, chapter by chapter. Join us if you are able!
HOST FAMILY
A male student from China is attending The Newman School this fall and is looking forward to this learning experience. If any of you are interested in helping this young man, please email
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or call Kathleen at 703 368 6838.
A BIT OF HUMOR
On Sunday morning, as Fr. Doyle was preaching his homily, a large plant fell over right behind the pulpit, crashing to the ground. Acknowledging his reputation for long-windedness, he smiled and said: “Well, that’s the first time I actually put a plant to sleep.”
