Christians are called to be children of the light. We are all called to be responsible for using our God-given gifts on behalf of the reign of God and the good of all. Our talents must be used and we must keep developing them. Each of us has a measure of responsibility to use our talents for the spread of the gospel in the world. Catholicism is all about our relationship with Jesus and how we share this with others.

| November 15th, 2008 | more letters ...

Every Thursday an email newsletter goes out with information pertinent to families with children in the parish. There is information both about the religious ed program but also activities and things going on in the parish for children, youth, families, etc. There are also often family faith activities or articles to help grow your family’s faith at home. The newsletter helps to connect us as a family of faith and serves as a helpful reminder of upcoming events.

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| November 10th, 2008 |

Sunday, November 23rd, there will be a second collection for the Campaign for Human Development. This collection is used to help create community based programs that work to lift people above the poverty line through assistance and education.

| November 15th, 2008 |

What times am I giving to prayer lately?

How have I developed the talents that God has given to me?

How have I helped others to feel welcomed in our church and parish?

| November 15th, 2008 |

His Eminence Cardinal Sean invites all of us to join him for the celebration of the Concluding Liturgy of the Bicentennial Year of the Archdiocese on Sunday, November 23rd, at 2:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. There will be a reception to follow at Cathedral High School Gymnasium.

| November 15th, 2008 |

Presently we are at 94% of our goal with $ 89,213 having been pledged. If you have not already made a contribution, may I ask you to consider this worthy cause. Our parish has had two hundred and eight pledges made to reach this amount. Our designated goal of participation had been set at two hundred and seventy-eight pledges. Many of the programs of the Archdiocese which address the needs of the poor come from this program. In any event, thank you for whatever ways you can help.

| November 15th, 2008 |

The Heart of a Saint by Bert Ghezzi, The Word Among us Press, Ijamsville, MD. 2007

Letters to Exodus Catholics by Edward Hays, Forest of Peace, Notre Dame, IN. 2008

| November 15th, 2008 |

G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19th, at 10:00 am in the O’Brien Rom at the rectory. The format is simple: a short social followed by prayer and reflection. For those who have never been to the Prayer Group, we invite you to come and spend some quiet time with the Lord—to grow in your spirituality. Try it…you’ll be glad you did.

| November 15th, 2008 |

The next rehearsal will be Monday, November 17, from 5-5:45 PM in the church. New members are always welcome.

| November 15th, 2008 |

Religious Education

Class Schedule:

• All grades have class on Nov. 17th
• K-6 have class on Nov. 24th

8th grade Parents meeting

• To discuss the chastity unit of the curriculum Monday, Nov 24th, 7pm in theMcCulloch Room.

| November 15th, 2008 |

One of our parishioners who lives alone, has begun treatment for an illness that has left her with very little energy to recuperate. In order to support her through this treatment, we are asking on her behalf for help with basic tasks, in particular meal preparation. If you could make an extra portion or meal that can quickly and easily be heated in the microwave, please contact the rectory or drop meals off to the rectory. Meals must be fully cooked and labeled with contents and date made.

| November 15th, 2008 |

The Getting Started program focuses on how to get a diagnosis, addressing behavior and communication problems, how to find and what to expect from local resources. Presented by trained staff and volunteers.

This program is for family members who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

Group size may be limited. Program is free of charge. Pre-registration is necessary.

Call 1 800.272.3900 for more information or to register for this program. Save your spot!

CARA CLUB Date: Monday, November 17

Location: Veronica Smith Senior Center

Time: 1:30-3:00 pm 20 Chestnut Hill Ave.

Presenter: Mike Kincade Brighton, MA 02135

| November 15th, 2008 |

There will be no class on Monday, November 10th. Classes continue on Monday, November 17th, at 10 am in the O’Brien Room. Please read chapters fifteen and sixteen in Mark’s Gospel. During Advent we will begin the study of St. Paul’s Letters.

| November 7th, 2008 |

The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed next Sunday, November 16th, immediately following the 11:30 am Mass.

| November 7th, 2008 |

Amy’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, November 25. One of the books to be read is Touching the Holy: Ordinariness, Self-Esteem and Friendship by Robert J. Wicks. There will also be a book about Advent which will be detailed in another bulletin.

| November 7th, 2008 |

Movie Night will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7:00 pm in the O’Brien Room at the rectory. We will be showing “Paul: Contending for the Faith.” Join the adventure on the road as St. Paul travels through Israel, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Italy. You’ll better understand the life, ministry, and sufferings of Paul the Apostle. You’ll also better understand the gift of salvation and the Jewish roots of the Catholic Church.

| November 7th, 2008 |

As has been the custom here, once again this year the parish, in conjunction with St. Sebastian’s School, will be collecting non-perishable food items to give to Our Daily Bread to help others who otherwise would not have much for Thanksgiving. Beginning Monday boxes will be at the rear of the Church for anyone who would like to donate. If you would like to contribute monetarily, please make checks payable to “Our Daily Bread” and mail them to the rectory or put in the collection baskets with a note that it is for Our Daily Bread.

| November 7th, 2008 |

Advent Wreaths and Candles will be available for sale after all Masses Nov 22-23 & Nov 29- 30. Parishioners are needed to help sell the wreaths. If it is possible for you to stay for about 20 minutes following a Mass that you are already attending on one of those weekends please contact the rectory.

| November 7th, 2008 |

The Senior Social Club will gather in the church on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 2:30 pm for our annual Mass of Remembrance. This is the time each year when we remember our deceased members. Please join us for this special Mass and for refreshments in Ward Hall after the Mass.

| November 7th, 2008 |

Drop your kids off for a movie and pizza while mom and dad enjoy a few hours to themselves.

When: Saturday, December 13, after the 4:00 Mass until 9:00 pm

Who: All children grades K-6

All children MUST be pre-registered by Wednesday, Dec. 10th, if they wish to attend. Parents must fill out an emergency form and an awareness food allergy info form when dropping their child off. No one will be admitted at the door without registering. We need to know ahead of time how much pizza is needed.

To register or to volunteer to help call Debby at the Parish Office at 781-444-3434. Leave your name, how many children will attend, the names and ages of the children, and your phone number.

There will be a number of Christmas movies shown. Also, if your child would like to bring a sleeping bag or blanket to snuggle up with, please feel free to do so! There will be more info in upcoming bulletins; we just wanted to get the date out ASAP

| November 7th, 2008 |

It gives us great pleasure to report to you on the financial condition of our parish. The parish continues to be in sound financial condition. This is due primarily to your generous support and the disciplined stewardship of our management team led by Father McGaugh and Barbara Dury.

Click on the links below for the financial statements:

• Detailed financial statements as filed with the Archdiocese of Boston
• Report to Parishioners as published in the October 26, 2008 Bulletin
• 2008-2009 Parish Budget Projections

| October 24th, 2008 |

Parishioners are needed to help with the many aspects of hospitality and welcoming that accompany our many events and activities that go on at St Bart’s. Please contact Dorothea O’Connell for information or to sign up for this important ministry at Speechwin@aol.com or call 781-449-4110.

A sampling of St Bart’s Hospitality includes:

• Preparing and hosting simple receptions such as those that follow the Bereavement Mass, Parish Missions, and other special events
• Welcoming parishioners before or after Mass
• Visiting new parishioners to acquaint them with the parish
• Visiting and assisting parishioners in need with basic tasks (You may wish to help with one or more aspects)

| October 24th, 2008 |

Are you looking to join a ministry at St. Bartholomew’s? Why not consider the Music Ministry. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Church. No auditions! Consider joining a fun group of people who enjoy praising God with beautiful and meaningful music. You can also join just to sing for the Little Christmas Concert. If you have any questions, please call Marianne Germano at 781-326-3670.

| October 24th, 2008 |

November – All Saints & All Souls

November is a time when we remember our family and friends who have gone before us to join the Lord, and especially those souls in Purgatory. It is a month in which we celebrate All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Veteran’s Day, St Gertrude, and our parish Bereavement Mass honoring those who have died in the last year and offer special support to those who grieve.

Faith@Home

Saints – research the saints for whom members of the family are named after, whose birthdays are on a Saint’s feast day, or chose a patron saint based on a hobby or passion. Here are 2 websites with a searchable index of saints: http://www.catholic.org/saints/ http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm

Souls – take out old family albums and share stories of grandparents or other family members who have passed away.

Think of people in your community, focusing on those who serve in quiet, unsung ways – let them know that to you they are a living saint with a card or a simple way of honoring and thanking them!

Go to a cemetery and clean up around a tomb that has been neglected, pull up the weeds around it, place fresh flowers and say a prayer for that person (even if you don’t know them)

The Eternal Rest (Requiem aeternam) is a good prayer to recite especially during November:

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The Religious Ed office has a number of books on saints for various ages, if you would like to borrow or take a look at them please contact Melisa melisahughes@comcast.net or 781-444-4343

Catholic Facts

What is the Communion of Saints??? - We are all called to be saints as we are all called to be holy, this is the idea that together, all followers of Christ in the Catholic Church (living & dead) form a “Communion of Saints”. The term “communion of saints” has two closely linked meanings: communion in holy things and among holy persons.

The Church is a “communion of saints”: this expression refers first to the “holy things”, above all the Eucharist, by which “the unity of believers, who form one body in Christ, is both represented and brought about”. The term “communion of saints” refers also to the communion of “holy persons” in Christ who “died for all,” so that what each one does or suffers in and for Christ bears fruit for all.

“We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers”.

Did you know? … How people are recognized by the Church as Saints? In addition to all of us called to be saints, there are certain people that the Church publicly recognizes as being exceptionally holy and as definitely being in heaven. Because they are definitely in heaven, they are closer to Jesus and can intercede on our behalf to Jesus or to God the Father when we pray to them.

An example of how this works might be if a child wants to borrow something from another child but they feel shy asking, they might ask another friend who knows both to ask for them. The saint themselves does not answer prayers but advocates for us to help get prayers answered.

Here is a website that describes briefly how someone becomes a saint: http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/process.asp

| October 24th, 2008 |

Please take a look at the bulletin for other activities and events that are coming in the next few weeks:

• Espousal Retreat Center Programs - November 14-16
• Project Rachel healing retreat - November 15
• Pancake Breakfast - November 16 
• Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet - November 16
• Bible Study - November 17
• Youth Choir - November 17
• Memory Loss workshop - November 17
• Protecting God’s Children Workshop - November 17
• Bloodmobile - November 18
• Movie Night - November 18
• Prayer Group (G.I.F.T.) - November 19
• Senior Social Club - November 19
• Advent Wreaths and Candles - November 22, 23
• 2nd Collection - November 22, 23
• Concluding Liturgy of the Bicentennial Year - November 23
• 8th Grade Parents’ meeting - November 24
• Book Club - November 25
• Thanksgiving Day Dinner - November 27
• Advent Wreaths and Candles - November 29, 30
• Marriage Encounter - December 5-7
• Kids Night Out - December 13
• Holy Land Pilgrimage - January 12-21, 2009

Or call the rectory for more information.

| November 15th, 2008 |