The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King                                                           November 23, 2008

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       READINGS  FOR THIS WEEKEND                                   READINGS FOR NEXT WEEKEND          
          1^st Reading: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17                                                1^st Reading: Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
             Responsorial Psalm                                                                                            Responsorial Psalm
             2^nd Reading: 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28                                                                2^nd Reading: 1 Cor 1:3-9
             Gospel Reading: Mt 25:31-46                                                                      Gospel Reading: Mk 13:33-37
 

A HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING

THANKSGIVING DAY MASSES

On Wednesday evening, November 27th  at 7:30 PM we will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving.  There will be a 9:00 AM Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28th.  NOTE:  At the Offertory of the Mass Wednesday evening and Thursday morning those present will be invited to bring NON-PERISHABLE FOODS to the altar at the presentation of gifts.  These foods will be distributed to the needy of our community.

"The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'" - Mt. 25:20-21

SACRIFICIAL GIVING…..for November 23, 2008

                $     1,189.60   loose

                $     3,607.00   163 envelopes     

    $    4,796.60 TOTAL     

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Poverty in America is on the rise – nearly 35 million Americans live below the poverty line.  But we can reverse the trend by rekindling the spirit of community with those in need – by joining in solidarity to break the cycle of poverty.  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) supports self-help projects of poor and low-income people working together to improve their lives and their communities.  Please give generously to CCHD in this weekends’ collection.

GRAND ANNUAL…… We received $522 for the Grand Annual from five families.  Thank you for your support of the parish.

BAPTISMS:  We are pleased to welcome the following newly baptized into the family of Sts. Martha and Mary through the Sacrament of Baptism:  Serena L. Cornell, Claire F. Lucey, Audrey J. Perkins, Jacob A. Sasville, Ava K. Duphily, Elizabeth A. Ollerhead, Maria P. Shippee and Parker C. Osenkowski.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Grade 2 Mass

November 23rd  …….9:00 a.m.

 CLASSES

As scheduled Nov. 23rd, 24th & 25th

 No classes Nov. 26th (Thanksgiving Eve)

But there will be a  Mass of Thanksgiving Wednesday, Nov. 26th  at 7:30 p.m. and all are invited to attend.

CARE CORPS

In an effort to strengthen our church family, a small group of church members would like to increase our ability to help fellow parishioners in need by placing a box in the back of the church to receive requests.  If you know someone in the parish who has a need: for prayer, meals, card, ride to mass, anything, please let the parish know by writing a note which will need to include the best way to contact the person (if appropriate). A Care Corps box will remain in the back of the church in which you can place the request.  If you would like to  help meet the needs of members of our parish and/or community please provide your name and phone in the Care Corps box and you will be contacted as needs arise. 

NEEDED: ALTAR SERVERS

Deacon Richie will be starting training for new altar servers on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.  Requirement:  girls or boys third grade and up.  If you would like to participate please call the rectory and leave your name and phone number.  This is a wonderful way for our young people to serve the parish and take a more active part in the liturgy.  If you would like to participate but cannot make it on Wednesday evenings please call the rectory and leave your name and phone number and when you would be available and we will try to work something out.

A BIG "THANK YOU" TO ALL WHO DONATED TO OUR REQUESTS FOR FOOD

Your response to our requests for food donations for the turkey baskets and the Food Pantry food drive was beyond our expectations.  During these difficult times for so many your generosity and charitable works share the love God gives you with your brothers and sisters.  Thank you, both from the parish and those who are the recipients of your kindness. Our next monthly food drive will be on the weekend of December 20^th/21^st.

MAKE YOUR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE

“Open to all 5^th – 8^th graders a Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop on Saturday, December 6^th from 1-3 in the church hall.  Space is limited. Reservations are required and must be made by December 1^st.  Please call Yvonne Capella at (508)947-5806 to reserve your gingerbread house.

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

THANKSGIVING CONCERT: The annual Middleboro Music Guild's Thanksgiving Concert will be held on Sunday, November 23, at 3:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Church, Middleboro.  Area church choirs as well as music groups from  Apponequet High School and Middleboro High School will perform.  There is no charge to attend the concert, but a free will offering may be made towards the Music Guild's scholarship fund.  Each year the Guild awards a scholarship to a Middleboro or Apponequet graduate planning to pursue a music degree.

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL CHRISTMAS SINGERS:  Join the fun as we prepare for the traditional Christmas Midnight Mass.  Parishioners who are interested in making a short term commitment to the parish Chorale by singing at the Midnight Mass should call Henry at (508) 947-1263 so that sheet music folders can be prepared.  There will be Wednesday rehearsals from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. on December 3, 10, and 17.  Those wishing to sing should plan to attend these rehearsals. 

CHILDREN'S CHOIR: The parish  Children's Choir is rehearsing for the First Sunday of Advent Mass on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 9:00 A.M.  The group is already working on Christmas music as well and will sing at the first Christmas Vigil Mass at 4:00 P.M. on Dec. 24.  New members are welcome.  Rehearsals are held Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 10:40.  Please call Rita and Henry Rondelli at (508) 947-1263 for more info.

WIC

GOOD FOOD AND A WHOLE LOT MORE

The WIC program is designed to help working and nonworking families through free food checks and other free services.  The goal is to keep pregnant women, infants, and children under five healthy through good nutrition.  Grandparents, fathers, foster parents, and other legal guardians may also apply for WIC for children under five years of age.  Call 508-823-6346 or 508-226-4543

U THOUGHTS ON THE  LITURGY U

It is most significant that the ultimate test of our human nature and our spiritual nature is the same.  Compassion is the mark of an authentic human being as well is the badge of a faithful Christian.  We manifest our true kingship to God and to one another in our compassion for those in need.

The God of the prophet Ezekiel treats people with compassion.  God is like a shepherd who risks his life to protect his flock from wolves, who misses sleep to find the straying lamb who seeks out greener pastures for their food.

According to Paul, God is concerned about all aspects of our lives.  Out of compassion God sends his Son into the world to live and die for us.  The compassion is the power that saves us from death and equips us for life.

This passage of scripture has to be embarrassing to those who define religion in terms of doctrinal purity or ritual observances.  Jesus separated sheep from goats on the basis of a single norm:  whether they showed compassion to needy people.

Taking Christ at his word is a terrifying thing.  But what if we have been too busy or too blind to see Christ coming to us in the needy of the world?  While we have sought Christ in the sanctuary, he has confronted us in the streets.  While we were calling to him in our prayers, he is speaking to us through our needy neighbors.

Jesus Christ embraced all of humanity, sharing God’s love with the poor as well as the rich, with the downtrodden as well as the powerful.  Let us pray for the strength to seek Christ among those people who heed God’s love the most.

If you have a family member or know of someone who is unable to attend Mass and would like to receive the Sacraments, please notify the office.

If you are new to the area, we welcome you to join our parish family.  Please introduce yourself after Mass.  To register in the Parish, please stop by the Parish Office or call us at 508-947-2107. We want to know you and serve you.