The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

News and Notes:  This weekend, representatives from the Collaborative Development Committee and other parish representatives will speak at Mass about the important Development Initiative that is underway in both parishes.  Hopefully by now, you have received a pledge packet in the mail, asking you to commit to a certain amount of your treasure to help us implement our Pastoral Plan in the next three years.  It is important that every family in the Lynnfield Catholic Community prayerfully consider the level of financial support they are prepared to offer their respective parish in return for all the good the Lord has done for them. The vitality and even viability of our parishes going forward will largely depend on the faithful and generous stewardship of our laypeople, each according to their means.  Join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass this Thursday, November 26 at 9AM.  According to our rotation, the holiday liturgy will be celebrated at OLA this year.  Thanks to those who organized this Sunday’s Pancake Breakfast at SMG Church Hall following the 10AM Mass.  Next Sunday afternoon 11/29, Sr. Josephine Harty from OLA School and Parish, and Jim McGovern from St. Maria Goretti Parish will receive the Cheverus Award medal from Cardinal Sean O’Malley at a 3PM Vespers (Evening Prayer) Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 1400 Washington Street in Boston.  Bus transportation is available.  All are welcome.   Here is a prayer that can be used to bless the food when families sit down to eat on Thanksgiving Day:

God most provident, we join all creation in raising to you a hymn of thanksgiving through Jesus Christ, your Son.  For generation upon generation peoples of this land have sung of your bounty; we too offer you praise for the rich harvest we have received at your hands.  Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts.  Continue to make our land fruitful and let our love for you be seen in our pursuit of peace and justice and in our generous response to those in need.  Praise and glory to you, Lord God, now and forever… Amen

…and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!