News and Notes:  Here is an excerpt of Fr. Tony’s comments at Masses on August 18-19 following the recent news of clergy sexual abuse in our country: 

“I speak to you as a priest with a broken heart and broken spirit.  These past few weeks have been horrific; nightmarish reminders of the sexual abuse instances that were revealed to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Boston some 17 years ago.  Three weeks ago, we were informed of the sinful, immoral and illegal behavior of then Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.  What we heard was a disgraceful display of abuse of church power by a man of God---by a “prince” of the Church.  This week the Pennsylvania Grand Jury reported…a monstrous account that covered some 70 years and six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania.  The report named 300 predator priests; more than 1,000 child/adolescent victims; denials, cover-ups, and deceit by monsignors, bishops and cardinals.  What this report revealed were sins and crimes committed by the American Catholic hierarchy that are beyond credulity….Please pray for all traumatized victims and families who have endured this nightmare of sinfulness.  Pray for our Cardinal Sean who has been working steadily to establish Church laws, guidelines and actions to investigate instances of abuse, protect innocent children and adolescents, and canonically prosecute [all members of the clergy, including] failing bishops and cardinals.”  I heartily concur.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

A New Member of our Parish Team

I am happy to announce the appointment of Audrey Sullivan as our Parish Finance Assistant.  Audrey is an organist and all-purpose volunteer in her home parish, Our Lady of Fatima in Peabody.  She has corporate experience in Information Technology and financial reporting.  Audrey is a graduate of the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and is certified by the Archdiocese for work in parish finances.  She was a former student of mine in the Master of Arts in Ministry program at St. John’s Seminary.  Audrey will work with Fran Burke and Melina Prestia in the Financial Management Office of our Collaborative.   Welcome aboard, Audrey!

Miscellaneous Reminders

Thanks to all parish families who have made contributions to our respective Summer Challenges: the Chimney Challenge at OLA and the Stairs Challenge at SMG.  The donations are still coming in…I hope to publish the final figures in the next week or so. 

Don’t forget our annual Softball Game at SMG this Sunday morning September 9 following the 10AM Mass.  This year the contest pits the Dads and Daughters against the Moms and Sons…it promises to be loads of fun.  Join us as players or fans and enjoy a Cookout after the game!

Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!