Third Sunday of Easter

News and Notes: 

A new chapter… As the members of the OLA School Community know, Jim Grocki, the Principal of OLA School, has accepted an offer to become the Vice-Principal of Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody (Jim’s alma mater) beginning July 1.  Needless to say, this a great opportunity for Jim to take the next step in his education administration career, and though we are sad to see him leave us, we are very grateful for his energetic and fruitful leadership of our school the last five years. Join me in thanking Jim for his service to OLA School and wishing him, his wife Chris, and son Hunter abundant blessings in the years to come. 

Gratitude… Many thanks to Father Tony; Deacons Ed and Tom; Donna Delahanty, our Director of Parish Ministries; Donna Hegan and Francis Pham, our Pastoral Associates; Jayson Cote, our Director of Liturgical Music; and everyone else who contributed in any way to the preparation for and celebration of the Easter Triduum in our Collaborative!

First Communicants… Congratulations to all the second graders from our Faith Formation programs who will be receiving Holy Communion for the first time next weekend.  Let’s all pray that their frequent reception of the Eucharist nourish and strengthen them to follow Christ for the rest of their lives. 

Catholic Appeal… Here is the latest Catholic Appeal update: as of April 24, SMG parishioners had pledged $28,910 which is 84% of their goal of $34,347; while OLA parishioners had pledged $54,864, which is 93% of their goal of $59,211.  If you have not yet made a pledge to the 2017 Catholic Appeal to support the 50+ ministries offered by our local Church in Eastern Massachusetts, please do so as soon as possible.  You can either fill out a pledge card that can be found in the entrances of both parishes and put it in the collection basket, or go online to www.bostoncatholicappeal.org and make a pledge.  Each parish will receive 60% of the funds pledged and paid for above their fair-share assessment. 

Blessings to all of you in the Easter week ahead!