Fifth Sunday of Easter

News and Notes:  This weekend, we welcome back Francis Pham, our seminarian in the Collaborative for four years.  He was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on April 14 in Lowell, MA and will serve as Deacon of the 4PM Mass at OLA on Saturday, April 28.  A Pasta Dinner in his honor will take place in the OLA Church Hall after that Mass.  Congratulations and best wishes to Deacon Francis as he takes the last major step to priesthood!

Next weekend, we will welcome our second grade children from the Religious Education programs of both parishes to the table of the Lord to receive their first Holy Communion.  Thanks to our Parish Faith Formation Coordinators, Piri Collard (OLA) and Bethany Kilroy (SMG), their assistants Kate McGrath (OLA) and Jamie Bossi (SMG) and all the second grade catechists in both parishes for their ministry in preparing our children for this spiritual milestone in their young lives.  Let’s pray for these children, their parents and their families; that their regular attendance at Mass and frequent reception of the Eucharist will help them become committed disciples of Jesus and active participants in the mission of his Church. 

Here is the latest update on the 2018 Catholic Appeal:  As of April 13, SMG donors had pledged $38,415, which is 102% of St. Maria’s goal of $37,832; OLA donors had pledged $47,760, which is 77% of Our Lady’s goal of $62,343. Many thanks go out to all who have contributed to the annual Catholic Appeal thus far.  If you have not yet made a pledge, please do as soon as possible.  This year, all paid pledges over a parish’s fair-share assessment will bring about 50% of the excess funds back to that parish. Pledge cards are available at the entrances of both churches.  You can also donate online at www.bostoncatholicappeal.org.  Let’s keep up this amazing start to the 2018 Appeal…and blessings to all of you in the week ahead!