Saturday, October 15 — 4:00 p.m.

James Harris — Memorial

Sunday, October 16 — 10:00 a.m.

Gene and Claudette Fisher—Memorial

Saturday, October 22 — 4:00 p.m.

Abraham Colon — 6th Anniversary Memorial

Sunday, October 23 — 10:00 a.m.

Jane McCarthy — 15th Anniversary Memorial

Saturday, October 15

Celebration of the Eucharist Church, 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 16

Faith Formation Grade 1—5

Classrooms, 8:30 a.m. — 9:45 a.m.

Celebration of the Eucharist

Church, 10:00 a.m.

Faith Formation Grade 9—10

Mass 10:00 a.m./Classroom till Noon

Monday, October 17

Finance Council Meeting Upstairs Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 19

Christmas Craft Meeting Parish Hall, 10:30 a.m.

Shawl Ministry Downstairs Conference Room, 6:45 p.m.

Thursday, October 20

Bereavement Group

Downstairs Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal Church, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 22

Celebration of the Eucharist Church, 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 23

Faith Formation Grade 1 to 5

Classrooms, 8:30 a.m. — 9:45 a.m.

Celebration of the Eucharist

Church, 10:00 a.m.

Faith Formation Grade 6 to 8

Classrooms, 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

ST. MATTHIAS PARISH, MARLBOROUGH, MA

Weekday Masses for the Week of October 16

Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Downstairs Conference Room

INTENTIONS OF THE

EUCHARIST

THIS WEEK AT

ST. MATTHIAS

CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST MUSIC

Gathering Song: You Gather Us

Booklet #1

Preparation of Gifts: Instrumental Communion: God’s Great Care

Booklet #8

Recessional: Go To The World

Hymnal #469

Office Hours for the Week of October 16

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. — Noon

ANOINTING OF THE S ICK

OCTOBER 22 AND 23

A communal Anointing of the Sick will be offered

during weekend masses October 22 and 23. This sacrament

is intended for the strengthening and healing of those who

are ill, elderly or about to undergo a surgery. It is a normal

part of Catholic life and not just for those who are dying.

If you would like to take part in this Sacrament of

Healing please take the pin being offered by our greeters

and have a seat that is toward the middle aisle of the pew.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT MEETING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT

10:30 A.M. On Wednesday, October 19 everyone is invited to join

the Christmas Bazaar Craft group to work on and discuss

items to be sold during this year’s Christmas Bazaar. Please

consider joining this meeting or another upcoming meeting.

OCTOBER 16, 2016

FROM FR. FRAN

One of the hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry while on earth

was his deep respect for all human beings, especially the

poor and those shunned by society. In all of his healings he

brought wholeness to whom came to him with a sincere

heart. The only group of people who angered him were

those who took advantage of others. His harshest words

were for the corrupt religious leaders of his own people,

those who should have known better. Yet, he challenged

those whose hearts were hardened, he didn’t condemn

them.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate him. He

implores us to love the people he loved, especially the poor

and outcast, and to challenge those who exercise power

unfairly.

In our pluralistic, democratic society we get the chance

to reflect Christ’s message all the time in our encounters at

work, school, the market, or the playground. Sad to say,

the current climate in our country makes supporting mercy,

forgiveness and inclusion somewhat countercultural. As

well as being the Christian thing to do, isn’t it just human

decency to treat each other with respect and dignity,

regardless of status and politics?

We are living through a difficult time in our country

where societal polarization has opened up a Pandora’s box

of prejudice, disrespect, name-calling and a host of other

darknesses that serve up heaping portions of the worst of

the human condition. When a public figure is caught in a

lie, she or he has “misspoken”. When someone’s

reprehensible behavior is uncovered, a lame excuse of

“immaturity” or a “lapse of judgement” is supposed to get

him or her off the hook.

In the context of Christianity, none of this holds water.

Sure, we are all fallible human beings who have sinned, and

we often look out for our own hide more than the needs of

others. But a true disciple of Christ acknowledges that sin,

and seeks forgiveness. A true disciple welcomes and

supports those less fortunate, those shunned by society, and

those strangers fleeing their homeland because of danger or

lack of work. A true disciple does not put burdens before

those who are struggling. A true disciple seeks to lighten

the load of our sisters and brothers.

These are not the core values of any particular political

party, these are Christ’s commandments. Jesus does not call

us to a politicized faith. In any given time, one party or

another may reflect Christ’s message more closely, but in

our pluralistic, secular society there will never be a leader

who will fulfill all the requirements of Christ. In fact, there

were no leaders in Jesus’ day that fit the bill either.

So how do we make our way through this morass? How

do we make good decisions in the marketplace and in the

ballot booth? A start would be to reflect upon Jesus and

how he lived his life, how he stood up to the haters and the

hypocrites and how he embraced everyone of good will.

He is the example that we should tell our children to follow.

The words that came out of his mouth should be our words.

In turn, we should look for words and attitudes in our

political candidates that reflect the things he was about. We

should be about seeking truth, healing, respect, and mercy.

This is the call for the Christian in the marketplace.

You are encouraged to pray these readings at home during

the week as you reflect on this Sunday’s Word and

prepare to celebrate next week’s Eucharist.

Readings for October 15, 16 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary time

Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8

Readings for October 22, 23 – 30th Sunday in Ordinary time

Wisdom 11:22-12:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Pray for the Heal ing

of the s ick

Please Pray For...

Richard Abraham, Laurie Burt, Peggy Cronin, Delia Cruz,

Connie Cyr, Del Cyr, Clara Mae Dickerson, John Gifford,

Joe Gillis, Russ Hokanson, Emma Johnson, Kathryn Keeler,

Frank Mangan, Kay McNeill, Holly McIntyre, Roger

Melenson, Theresa Perry, Jean Peltak, Andy Rivers, Benjamin

Smith, Edward Suzano, Ray Thomas, Ann Vigeant and Amy

Noel Wyman. To add someone to this prayer list, please call the Parish office at 508-460-9255 or email admin@stmattpar.org.

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

FAITH FORMATION

Faith Formation gatherings for October 23 are as

follows:

Grades 1 to 5 8:30 – 9:45 am

Grades 6, 7, 8 6:00 – 7:15 pm

Weekly Offertory Goal: $4,000.00

Total Collection of October 8, 9 $4,358.00

Of that amount ParishPay donations were $2,019.00

Parishioners celebrating Mass October 8, 9 ….……..340

Special Collection for October

October 15 and 16 — Hurricane Relief Fund

October 22 and 23 — World Mission Sunday

PARISH FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL AT ST. MATTHIAS

Almost a year ago our parish started on a journey to

establish a St. Vincent DePaul conference at St. Matthias. We

ran into some roadblocks, and at one time we were not sure if

the time was right to continue or if we should just wait and

analyze our options. Recently we made the decision to proceed

and have found out how to get over and past the hurdles.

The mission of the Society of St. Vincent dePaul in the

U.S. is as follows: Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent dePaul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to

join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person

services to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition

of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St.

Vincent dePaul.

The Society is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and

healing individuals and families in our community who have

nowhere else to turn for help. As important, the Society

provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to help their

neighbors in need with love and compassion. It provides help

for people's physical, mental and spiritual needs. In doing this

the volunteers show those in need that they matter and they are

children of God.

On October 29 and 30, our parish will be hosting a Ministry Fair after both masses. If you would like a little

more information about the St. Vincent dePaul Society, please

stop by the table and talk to a parishioner about what is needed

and expected. Please take a few minutes between now and the

Fair to give some honest thought: is this a vocation that God is

calling you to? If the answer is yes and you want to come on

this journey with other parishioners, there will be a meeting on

Monday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall to start

establishing a Conference at St. Matthias.

TRIDUUM 2017

Last week, if you read the flyer, you noticed that Triduum

has a Kickoff date of October 24th @ 7PM in the conference

room which the Liturgical committee will be heading up.

Many hearts and hands make Triduum most holy and

blessed. The Parish Ministry Members are very involved

throughout this season.

We appreciate your considering participating in our

sacred holy days by being an active disciple. There are many

tasks that the Parish needs assistance with during Triduum

and Easter. From Adoration set up, reading of the Stations of

the Cross, to host Easter Vigil reception, cross bearers, foot

washers etc.

God will bless you for any assistance that you can lend

the Parish. No task is too small and all hearts and souls are

appreciated. Let us grow in faith, respect, and love by

working together this Triduum Season. Thank you in

advance for your time and consideration. Bless You!

SPECIAL COLLECTION—HURRICANE MATTHEW

Cardinal Sean O’Malley has authorized a special

collection at all parishes in the archdiocese for this

weekend, October 15 and 16, to aid in relief efforts. Thank

you for your donations and your prayers for those living in

these devastated areas.

ST. FRANCIS HOUSE CLOTHING DRIVE

Our annual St. Francis House

Clothing Drive will be held next

weekend, October 22 and 23. St.

Francis House is the largest day

shelter in New England, serving over

800 poor and homeless men and women each day. This year,

St. Francis House has asked us to focus on men’s clothing,

specifically:

· Men’s Footwear new - sizes 9-14

· Men’s Pants (especially jeans) and Shirts

· Men’s Coats, Jackets, Sweater, Sweatshirts/hoodies

· Men’s Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

· Men’s Socks & Underwear & Undershirts

(only NEW undergarments accepted)

Clothing may be dropped off following mass at the

portico in the back of the building, across from the parish

hall kitchen door. If you need to make other arrangements

for drop off or have any questions please contact the office at

508-460-9255.

Thank you so much for your generosity. You are making

a difference in the life of those receiving the clothing.

MASS OF REMEMBRANCE

NOVEMBER 13, 2016

T h e a n n u a l “ M a s s o f

Remembrance” will be celebrated

on Sunday, November 13, 2016.

This annual celebration provides us

with the opportunity to join with all

our fellow parishioners who have lost a loved one in the past

year, to remind them that we continue to care for them and

walk with them. The Art and Environment Committee will

be busy creating a proper and dignified pictorial memorial

which will be located in the foyer of the church starting

November until the first Sunday of Advent. It will display

pictures of all of those whose funerals were celebrated here

at St. Matthias in the past year. Additionally, we also include

parishioners whose loved ones died this past year and their

funerals were celebrated outside of St. Matthias.

As we have in the past, we want to display these

pictures as part of the memorial and include them in the

book of the dead and roll of names to be read aloud at the

“Mass of Remembrance” on November 13. If you have lost

a loved one since last November and the funeral was

celebrated outside St. Matthias, please be sure to contact

Deacon Doug as early as possible at 508-460-9255 with the

information. We ask that all photos be submitted by

October 28 to allow the Art and Environment Team ample

time to plan and put the display together.

ST. MATTHIAS PARISH

MINISTRY FAIR

A Harvest of Volunteer Opportunities Did you know that St. Matthias Parish has over 20

ministries? Come learn more at our Parish Ministry Fair

on October 29 and 30! From Art and Environment to Youth

Altar Servers, our parish strives to create a community

where people can feel welcome, develop a sense of

belonging, and have the opportunity to become actively

involved in the spiritual and community life of the parish.

At the fair, you can learn more about the breadth of

volunteer opportunities across our parish, which involve

service to the church and outreach into the greater

Marlborough community. Whether you are interested in

offering silent prayer for others at home through the Prayer

Line or taking part in organizing a parish event such as the

St. Patrick’s Day dinner, there is always room for one more

in our ministries.

Take a stroll through the Parish Hall and visit with

Ministry Members:

Saturday, October 29 - Following 4:00 p.m. Mass

- Harvest Fair Wine and Cheese Reception

Sunday, October 30 - Following 10:00 a.m. Mass

- Harvest Fair Social Food and beverages will be available and a chance to win

a Giving Thanks Basket.