Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes:  We will have a Lenten Mission in the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative during the week of February 15; it will be led by Father Paul Soper and Sister Patricia Boyle from the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Planning.  Stay tuned for details about this Mission and other Lenten offerings in February and March.  Speaking of Pastoral Planning, Matthew Kelly, the popular Catholic writer and evangelist has done some research on lay participation in Catholic parishes, and the results are sobering, to say the least.  According to Kelly’s research, 6.4% of registered parishioners contribute 80% of the volunteer hours of service in any given Catholic parish in the United States.  In addition, 6.8% of registered parishioners donate 80% of the financial contributions in their particular parish.  As a result, about 7% of Catholic parishioners are doing almost all the volunteer work in their faith community and paying the bills to maintain and grow their parish.  This is not a formula for vitality in any parish, including our two.  If you are reading this column and are not part of that 7%, maybe now is the time to offer some  of your time, talent and treasure to support our parishes and/or school. 

Here is a sneak preview of our Ash Wednesday schedule on February 10:

7AM Mass at SMG, 9AM Mass at OLA, 4PM Liturgy of the Word at SMG, 7PM Liturgy of the Word at OLA

All the above liturgical services will include the distribution of ashes.  Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!