Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes:  Mike Tetrault and I will be speaking at all the SMG Masses this weekend about the Increased Offertory Appeal we will be conducting in that parish the next several weeks.  I am asking all individuals or families belonging to St. Maria Parish to consider increasing their sacrificial giving of treasure to support our mission of drawing others to Christ and to his Church.  You have three options: a pledge to the Offertory Awareness Program, which can be paid in increments throughout the calendar year or in one lump sum; the weekly envelopes; or online giving, which we are introducing on our website for your convenience.  Please give careful and prayerful consideration to these options in the brochure you will be receiving in the mail this coming week (if you are a registered parishioner), and give as generously as you can in your own circumstances as a way of giving thanks to the Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed on you.  I am pleased to announce that Angela Siraco from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish has been chosen to receive the Bishop Cheverus medal of the Archdiocese of Boston on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 3PM at a Solemn Vespers Service of Evening Prayer at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 1400 Washington Street, Boston.  This award is given in grateful appreciation of the “unsung heroes” of the Archdiocese.  All are invited to attend and show your support.  Congratulations, Angela!  Also, next Sunday, St. Maria’s will be hosting the Lynnfield Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at 7PM.  Also, mark your calendars now for the God of This City event on Monday, December 1 at SMG beginning at 7PM.  It will surely be an uplifting evening of praise and worship music, preaching, Eucharistic Adoration and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Finally, the Christmas Concert led by Jim Dennis will be at OLA this year on Sunday, December 14 at 2PM.  Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!