St. Roch Parish

Sister Parish — St. Anne of Chardonnieres, Haiti

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Matthew 14:27

Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him,

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:31

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME August 9, 2020

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Sunday, August 9—1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a, Rom 9:1-5,

Mt 14:22-33

Monday, August 10—2 Cor 9:6-10, Jn 12:24-26

Tuesday, August 11—Ez 2:8-3:4, Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Wednesday, August 12—Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Mt 18:15-20

Thursday, August 13—Ez 12:1-12, Mt 18:21-19:1

Friday, August 14—Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63, Mt 19:3-12

Saturday, August 15—Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab, Lk 1:39-56

Sunday, August 16—Is 56:1, 6-7, Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

PARISH DIRECTORY

334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540 Rectory Office ………………………..………(508) 987-8987 Fax ……………………………...……..……. (508) 987-8938 Religious Education Office……………..…….(508) 987-2382

Pastor Rev. Michael J. Roy Deacon Rev. Mr. Paul Connolly Director of Religious Education Mrs. Terry Ann Renaud Administrative Assistant (M-TH 9-4) Mrs. Teri Rawson Email: strochrectory@gmail.com Director of Music Ms. Anna Pizzolato St. Vincent de Paul Society.…..………Arlene (508) 987-2813

Cemetery ……..…………..Contact rectory at (508) 987-8987

Mass Schedule

Sat 4:00 PM Sun 8:30 & 11:00 AM

The 11:00 Mass will also be LIVE-Streamed on the parish website.

Office Hours

During this time, please make every effort to communi-cate with the staff by phone or email. Thank you for your cooperation.

WEBSITE: strochoxford.com

EMAILS: Teri Rawson—Rectory Office: strochrectory@gmail.com Terry Renaud—Rel. Ed. Office: strochoxford@gmail.com

ST. ROCH NOVENA

Let us all continue to recite the Novena to St. Roch, the patron saint of those afflicted with infectious diseases, daily at home with the following prayers ~

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be...

Litany in Honor of St. Roch

God our Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth...Have mercy on us

Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior… Have mercy on us

Most Holy Spirit of God… Have mercy on us

Holy Mary, Mother of God… Pray for us

Holy Mary, Mother of the Church… Pray for us

Holy Mary and all the Saints… Pray for us

Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven… Pray for us

Holy Mary, Patroness of those in danger… Pray for us

Holy Mary, Protectress of our seas and land… Pray for us

Holy Mary, Comfort of the dying and sorrowing… Pray for us

St. Roch devoted servant of God… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of those afflicted with

infectious diseases… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of the poor and hungry… Pray for us

St. Roch, our brother in Christ… Pray for us

St. Roch, Healer and caregiver… Pray for us

St. Roch, our brother in suffering and illness… Pray for us

St. Roch, our advocate in time of pain and

human misery… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of the addicted… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of the terminally ill… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of those in jails and prisons… Pray for us

St. Roch, Intercessor for the homeless… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of the afflicted… Pray for us

St. Roch, Patron of our parish community… Pray for us

St Roch, faithful witness to the healing

power of God… Pray for us

Lord God, make me an instrument of your healing; when I am weak and in pain, help me to rest; when I am anxious, help me to wait; when I am fearful, help me to trust; when I am lonely, help me to love; when I place you apart from me, help me to know you are near. Healing God, grant me not so much to demand every thing from myself as to let others help me; nor to expect others to cure me as to do my own part toward getting better. Grant me not so much to seek escape, as to face my self and learn the depths of your love. For it is in being uncertain and not in control that we find true faith; in knowing the limits of mind and body that we find wholeness of spirit; and in passing through death that we find life that lasts forever. We ask this, through the intercession of our patron, St. Roch and your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer in Time of Pandemic

O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suf-fering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for our sick brothers and sisters and deliver us from this time of trial. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:

Be not afraid, for I am with you always.

Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour, that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your Church, delivered from all distress and confident in your mercy.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME August 9, 2020

Mass Intentions for the Week:

Saturday, August 8 4:00 pm Charles & Trudie Hardigan by daughter Nancy

Sunday, August 9 8:30 am Henry Smolenski by wife Frances

11:00 am Joseph Tagg by Carmella & Robert Constanzo

Monday, August 10 8:30 am For Peace in the World, especially in Lebanon

Tuesday, August 11 6:00 pm Jim Moore by Fr. Roy

Wednesday, August 12 8:30 am South County Link Directors of Religious Education

Thursday, August 13 6:00 pm Fr. Charles Borowski by Fr. Roy

Friday, August 14 8:30 am Deliverance form Covid-19 Panemic

Saturday, August 15 8:30 am For Living & Deceased Members of Fr. Roy’s Family

4:00 pm Jak Miner & Monica Laverdure by Paula Miner & Ken Mills

Sunday, August 16 8:30 am Ronnie Clark (15th Anniversary) by wife Cindy

11:00 am Andy McDonald by Terry Ann & Ed Renaud

LET’S CONTINUE TO PRAY TOGETHER...

The Sunday Mass at 11 AM with Fr. Roy will continue to be LIVE Streamed.

Go to our website strochoxford.com and follow the prompts.

The WebEx prayer & reflections have ended for now.

Light of the World’s Small Faith Prayer Groups— please contact Teri Rawson to schedule a time to use the parish hall for gatherings 508-987-8987.

A second collection for The Church in East & Central Europe will be taken this week-end, August 8 & 9. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

AUGUST 1 & 2

Offertory Envelopes 4,313.00 Online Giving 638.00 Repairs & Maintenance 923.00 Other sources of income 470.00 Total 6,344.00 Weekly Goal 5,267.00 Result + 1,077.00

Online Giving Available on our website

www.strochoxford.com

Donations may be made through this safe & easy online method for one-time or recurring payments.

Second collection donations may also be made online.

We truly appreciate your continued support of our parish especially during this difficult time as we need

to continue to pay insurance, payroll, utilities, and other important expenses. Thank you.

Your Sacrificial Offering

334 CLUB WINNERS — Week 11

#384 Pauline Clouthier #245 Robert Courtemanche #434 Jackie Daury #213 Barbara Donovan

CONGRATULATIONS!!

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Masses will be celebrated Saturday, August 15th at 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME August 9, 2020

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As baptized Christians, we are called to care for our brothers and sisters in need. This personal mission of each disciple of Jesus Christ is also reflected in the mission of the Church, including our parishes and our diocese. We are reminded daily of our mission to serve one another just as the world has been challenged to protect and preserve human life in the face of this Coronavirus. In our own diocese, we are responding to people in need, in large part, through the 25 agencies and ministries supported by Partners in Charity. Donors who make a pledge or gift recognize that they, too, are responders by enabling others to do this work, whether specialized during this crisis, or simply made more poignant due to the pandemic. Consider for example,

A special COVID team of 20 priests has been assembled and trained by the Office for Divine Worship to be available to give the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to those critically ill with the virus across our diocese.

A team representing various ministries including Worship, Communications, Catholic Schools and Fiscal Affairs developed COVID Response procedures to keep our parishes and schools up-to-date and informed regularly about the ever-changing realities of COVID—from following heath guidelines to re-opening for public liturgies including funerals for our deceased loved ones.

Catholic Charities and Pernet Family Health Service responded to families facing hunger or other needs. Catholic Charities also continued its programs in Worcester and Leominster with recovery programs for men and women dealing with substance abuse, as well as shelter services for homeless families.

The Development Office and the Fiscal Affairs Office have been offering ongoing guidance to parishes and schools and assisted in accessing PPP loans through the CARES Act.

Religious Education, Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Marriage and Family all adapted their programs for online support to keep people engaged, informed, and on track with sacramental preparation.

TV Ministry expanded programming when churches were closed and continues to br ing the Sunday Mass in English and Spanish as well as Daily Masses to homebound and quarantined parishioners via cable TV and the internet.

These ministries, and so much more, are made possible thanks to the thousands of annual donors to Partners in Charity. If you are one of the 11,025 donors who have made a pledge or gift toward the 2020 appeal, please accept my sincere thanks. If you have NOT yet made a pledge or gift, now is the time. With only a few weeks left, we need your help. I cannot imagine what it would have been like these past few months if these agencies and ministries had not been able to respond. This crisis isn’t over. We need every gift to assure that we can continue to respond after September 1 when our new fiscal year begins. As Christians, we give out of gratitude to God so that we can be witnesses of God’s love to others in need. In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus challenged his disciples to share their five loaves and two fish in order to feed thousands of people. As Christian stewards, when we share our treasure in thanksgiving we too can respond to the needs of others in miraculous ways for, with God’s help, all things are possible. Whether you make a pledge or gift of $50 or $5,000, today is your chance to offer relief to those in

need. Please use the forms found at the front doors of the church or go online to partners-charity.net and be counted as a Partner in Charity. Please be assured of my prayers for your heath and safety and that of all your loved ones during these challenging months to come. With every prayerful best wish, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester

I want to take this opportunity to endorse this appeal from our Bishop. I am not oblivious to the fact that these are difficult times for everyone, but there may be some among us who can answer this urgent request. Recently I sent out a letter to those who gave last year but have not so far this year. In that letter I said that I was going to increase my contribution by tithing the government stimulus check we all received. I did so in response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the example I have seen in your continued support of our parish during the quarantine.

PAX, Fr. Roy

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME August 9, 2020

Mary Kilinskas Scholarships Gifts will be Awarded August 15-16 r ecognizing a special young man & 2 special young women who continue to excel in their commitment to ongoing religious education. Recipients of the Mary Kilinskas Scholarship honor Mary’s memory & our whole parish family by sharing their light of faith with others. This year’s recipients are Rebecca

Jalbert, Jason Bleau, & Ashley Vandenbrouck. Join in encouraging them with your dona-tion to “Mary Kilinskas Scholarship” by dropping it in the weekly collection.

For several years, the Registration fees have remained the same, $85 / student & $110 / family of 2 or more. (No child is ever turned away for lack of payment of fees.) Fees for Sacramental Preparation or Retreats are discussed at the parent meetings & at sacrament meetings (1st Eucharist, 1st Reconciliation & Confirmation.)

Parents are invited to provide prepackaged snacks for all events. Our fiscal year closes on August 31, 2020. Any fees or donations to help to balance the books will help.

Call 508-987-2382 if you have questions. I may not be in the office dur ing the pandemic, but I am checking mes-sages (As always, messages are returned Monday noon – Thursday noon only).

Online Registration Forms are at https://strochoxford.com/religious-education, or E-mail me, Terry Ann Renaud, at strochoxford@gmail.com.

Our St. Roch family celebrates Sacraments of initiation with children, teens & adults. If you or a family member or friend has interest in becoming a Catholic, celebrating Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation, contact Fr. Roy (508-987-8987).

September 20, 2020 is the USCCB celebration of Catechetical Sunday

We look forward to special recognition of all St Roch’s catechists, aides, and mentors.

Registration for the Fall/Spring sessions 2020 – 2021 for grades k-12 & sacramental programs for children & adults are complicated due to the current health situation. Despite uncertainty about the for-mat our process for ongoing catechesis will take, it is necessary that you & I prepare for our children’s Religious Education & our Family Faith Formation Programs. While I & my volunteers examine to best options, I am asking you to complete the registration forms for each child between the ages of 5-18, who will be part of our St Roch Parish programs including those who attend Catholic

Schools. This will allow us to clear ly address the needs of all our children & families. Thank you for completing & returning your forms ASAP. The earlier we order supplies the best price the publishers give to the parish, so please respond today.

Options of home school, online hybrids & in class sessions with all precautions are being explored. To that end volunteers are needed to delve into the publishers’ available options, & how they can be best employed in our parish. Volunteers are necessary. If you will help with the investigative process, please let me know your availability either to volun-teer with classes online or in person for sessions. “How beautiful are the footsteps of those who bring good news” (Rom 10:15-17).

As disciples we can help others see the actions of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We can by living sacramental life help others on their faith journey. As the Light of the World we share faith in-viting others to join us. To get more, call 508-987-2382.

Attention All Candidates for Confirmation New High School Candidates for the preparation process, beginning Fall 2020, may write a letter to the pastor, Father Roy, to request admittance into the preparation process, after they have completed their freshman year of religious education in parish or school programs.

Address letters to Fr Roy by Sept. 15, 2020.

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME August 9, 2020

~ 2020 Celebration of our Patron Saint, St. Roch ~

Open your mail! There’s some excitement going on here at St. Roch’s!

Along with Father’s compassionate and encouraging letter you will find some interest-ing ways to share yourself with the parish while we are dealing with this pandemic and not able to physically be together for our annual festival.

We are announcing a coloring and essay contest for the young and young at heart of our parish. You may enter either or both contests. All entries must be received by Monday, August 10, 2020. They may be mailed to the rectory 334 Main

St. Oxford, MA 01540 or dropped off in the rectory mailbox. Winners will be announced on St. Roch’s Feast Day, Sunday, August 16, 2020,

THE COLORING CONTEST consists of a picture of St. Roch. (Name and age of contestant are to be written on the back of picture.) and will be judged by a panel in the following categories: Best Picture: Ages 4-6 years old / Ages 7-9 years old / Ages 10-14 years old Winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The picture will automatically be sent to all families enrolled at St. Roch’s parish. You may also download and print one from our website—strochoxford.com

THE ESSAY CONTEST consists of writing an essay of no more than 500 words describing an experience that you have had during these days of the COVID-19 Virus. Please include a separate sheet with your name and age (it is o.k. to say over 18!) on it. Succeeding pages should contain the essay content but not your name. This is to assure anonymity in judging. The essays will be evaluated by a panel of judges and there will be a first place and runner up awarded in the following categories: Ages 10-17 Ages 18-100 The first place winners of each category in the essay contest will receive $100 cash! Runners up will receive $50. Winners will be published on the website and in the bulletin.

LAWN SIGNS—There are also opportunities to share in the support of our parish with lawn signs! These beautiful signs celebrate our Patron Saint and especially the need for his intercessory prayer for those inflicted with infectious diseases especial-ly during this pandemic. The cost is $20 each including wire stand to easily place in your lawn. The deadline has passed for orders to be delivered in time for August 16th but we are able to order more (they make take a few more days to come it). Just call or send email to strochrectory@gmail.com to place your order and we will let you know when they will be in.

FAMILY BANNERS—orders are now being taken. Families are invited to celebrate and honor loved ones with their family name on a banner for $25 or a renewal fee of $15 for those who have previously purchased a banner. They are proudly hung in our church hall all year long! Extra forms may be found at the church entrances. Call the rectory with any questions at 508-987-8987.

Kathy Perry, Owen Benway, Al Sinkis, Andrew Rivers, Raymond Joseph, Craig Ladd,

Ruth Andrzejczyk, Chloe Barbara Jones, Roseanne Ferlito, John Barton, Carol Violette, John & Bev Makowski, Dale Mahota, Liz Iandolli, Stephen Rice, Maddy Desrosier, Phyllis Day, John Hickman, Timothy Bowes, Anita Prunier, Roger St. George, Ed Carpenter, James Sumerlin, Bob St. George, Julie Guertin, Francis DeSimone, Robert & Beverly Burns, Judy Rodier, Dawn Hoeg, Sean Bushey, Richard Fleming, Olga Brault, Noelle Silverstein, Edward Wissell, Eric Lambert, James Quaiel, Yvonne Mathurin, Deborah Mancini, Susan Gallant, Doris Prouty, Maureen Germain, Dave Boucher, Daniel Ivascyn, Barbara Quaiel, Pamela Rossley, Fr. Gerard Walsh, Gary Cowperthwaite, Kathleen, Kathy Bishop, Nicole Ryan, Kathy B., Anne Englehard, Maurice Erwin, Tony Mazzone, Kevin Brenner and Marie Daige.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

(LOTW) RETREAT

Our Parish Family Invites You!

LIGHT of the WORLD RETREAT is scheduled for September 25-28, 2020

Join members of OUR parish who have enjoyed

retreats over the past 4 years at St Roch, to share what we have shared.

Register now! Limited spaces will be available.

Call 508-987-2382 or 508-987-8987 for details or questions.

LAWN SIGN