ST. ROCH NOVENA Mass or Benediction, Novena prayers, and small faith sharing groups on Wednesday evenings.

Monday, March 2 6:30 PM Benediction Wednesday, March 4 6:30 PM Mass Monday, March 9 6:30 PM Benediction Wednesday, March 11 6:30 PM Mass Monday, March 16 6:30 PM Benediction Wednesday, March 18 6:30 PM Mass Wednesday, March 25 6:30 PM Mass

Monday, March 30 6:30 PM Benediction Wednesday, April 1 6:30 PM Mass

Stations

of the Cross and Holy Eucharist

At Noon

Days of Abstinence Friday February 28 Friday March 6 Friday March 13 Friday March 20 Friday March 27 Friday April 3

Weekday Masses

8:30 AM

Monday-Friday During Lent

(except Mar 25)

Communal Penance Service St. Ann’s Church

North Oxford

Tuesday, April 7 ~ 6:30 PM

February 26

Masses with Distribution of Ashes 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM

Day of Fast and Abstinence

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 23, 2020

Saturday, February 22, 2020 4:00 PM Jaimie Wahlstrom by Ginny & Stan SklarzSunday, February 23, 2020 8:30 AM Rev. Albin Weber (27th Anniversary) by St. Roch Parish 11:00 AM Peter DeLong by Rosie & FamilyMonday, February 24, 2020 8:30 AM Martin Paul Bouthiller by mother Paula Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:30 PM No Mass Wednesday, February 26, 2020 8:30 AM John Jeremy Saltzman by a friend 6:30 AM Rev. Donald Howard Thursday, February 27, 2020 8:30 AM Jeannette Allard by Marlene & Jim Gondek Friday, February 28, 2020 8:30 AM Jack Roy (living) by his brother Saturday, February 29, 2020 4:00 PM Theodore Guertin, Sr. by wife JulieSunday, March 1, 2020 8:30 AM Russell A. Gagnon by Roland P. Malboeuf 11:00 AM David Garrey (3rd Anniversary) by family

Scripture Readings

Sunday, February 23 Lv 19:1-2, 17-18, 1 Cor 3:16-23 Mt 5:38-48 Monday, February 24 Jas 3:13-18 Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday, February 25 Jas 4:1-10 Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday, February 26 Jl 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday, February 27 Dt 30:15-20 Lk 9:22-25 Friday, February 28 Is 58:1-9a, Mt 9:14-15 Saturday, February 29 Is 58:9b-14 Lk 5:27-32 Sunday, March 1 Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7,Rom 5:12-19 Mt 4:1-11

PARISH DIRECTORY

334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540

Rectory Office ………………………………(508) 987-8987 Fax ……………………………...…………. (508) 987-8938 Religious Education Office………………….(508) 987-2382

Pastor Rev. Michael J. Roy Deacon Rev. Mr. Paul Connolly Director of Religious Education Mrs. Terry Ann Renaud Administrative Assistant (M-TH 9-4) Mrs. Teri Rawson Email: strochrectory@gmail.com Director of Music Ms. Anna Pizzolato St. Vincent de Paul Society.…………Arlene (508) 987-2813

Cemetery ………………..Contact rectory at (508) 987-8987

Mass Schedule

Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 AM

(No Mass here on the fourth Wednesday of the month—Fr. Roy has Mass at

St. Paul’s Cathedral)

Confessions: 3:00 PM Saturday or anytime on request.

Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 8:30-4 Pastoral Care: All the time

WEBSITE: strochoxford.com

EMAILS: Teri Rawson—Rectory Office: strochrectory@gmail.com Terry Renaud—Rel. Ed. Office: strochoxford@gmail.com

February 15 & 16

Offertory Envelopes (119) $3,772.00 Loose Money 329.00 Other sources of income 1,166.00 Total 5,267.00 Weekly Goal 5,267.00 Result Thank you! - .00

Collection for the People of Puerto Rico 1,021.00

Your Sacrificial Offering

February 26

Masses with Distribution of Ashes 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM

Day of Fast and Abstinence

There will be a second collection next weekend Feb 29th & Mar 1st for The Church

in Latin America. Thank you for your generosity.

LENTEN REGULATIONS FOR FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

The Church teaches that Catholics in good health are to observe the following practices during Lent

unless for some serious reason they are unable to do so:

Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Catho-lics 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.

Fasting as explained by the U.S. bishops means partaking of only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal the main meal. Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not eggs, milk products or condiments made of animal fat.

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 23, 2020

My Dear Parishioners, Each year I am encouraged by the perfect timing with the arrival of the holy season of Lent. The Holy Spirit knows exactly what we are in need of and for me Ash Wednesday is coming right on time. It happens that we keep accommodating ourselves, often slowly and imperceptibly, to the powerful secular culture of our times. If this were to go on unchecked we would end by betraying the Lord Jesus. I can be still do divided. I truly want to follow my Lord, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure and power. Lent can truly help me to become deaf to these voices and more tuned into hearing Jesus, who often calls me to choose the narrow road, the road often not taken. I don’t want to let the opportunity to slip by. I remember of hearing the parable of a man newly arrived in heaven and walking with St. Peter down a long corridor he saw a door with his name on it. He asked St. Peter what was inside that room. St. Peter advised him not to open the door, that it would only depress him, but he insisted. Inside the room was filled with beautifully wrapped boxes. “What’s all this,” he said. Peter explained, “These are the blessings and gifts God tried to send you, but you were too distracted to receive them.” How often we get sidetracked by passing things that seem so urgent at the time. We missed out on opportuni-ties to open the door. Lent is a good time to get out our priority meter and ask: Who and what matters the most to me? You have heard me say numerous times how valuable I find the excellent publication The Word Among Us to be for a daily scripture read and the one page meditation. It is practical and doable. There are plenty of copies for everyone to take. Of course during this Lent we will have another Light of the World retreat. If you haven't’ made yours yet, what are you waiting for? The St. Roch Novena will start next week on Monday, March 2nd. This year on the Mondays and Wednesdays of lent we will continue the theme we started as part of the Legacy of Hope that was such a success, “You see My Church is in ruins, Rebuild it.” O course there is always the possibility to sign up with Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic for the daily Best Lent Ever.

Let us continue to love one another, Fr. Roy

The Readings for next Sunday, March 1, 2020

Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 23, 2020

Sunday Coffee Shop meets every week, delicious donuts & hospitality flows with the morning brew after Mass with friends. Pancake breakfasts on Sundays, Mar 8, Apr 19, help raise funds for our youth and

scholarship funds for Mary Kilinskas. So, come share breakfast. Please check 508-987-2382 for what you may donate, or to tell us when you will help, in future breakfasts.

The Spring Lenten retreat is

March 20-23, 2020

Consider the Adoration schedule listed at the entrance of the church during the retreat you can help by being there in

prayer for an hour or two. Please, pray for the team: Paul Fitzpatrick the main evangelizer, our speakers, those con-sidering the retreat for the first time and Fr Roy.

But … have you really prayed for yourself.? How about your response to the retreat? God is calling you. God is looking for you. Will you answer Him?

Please call Father Roy at 508-987-8987 or Terry Ann at 508-987-2382, to register or to get more information.

An Ash Wednesday Prayer

Almighty and Merciful God, Ash

Wednesday marks the first day of the holy season, Lent. I ask that it be a time for re-flection of myself and a time of renewal for my faith.

During these forty days, let me be aware of the needs of others and of our church. By self-examination, prayer and fasting, allow me to repent for the sins that I have committed and regret any sign of contempt that I have shown towards those who differ from me.

Let these weeks leading up to Good Friday and the glory of Your Resurrection show me how much You suffered for me and how much You love me. Grant that these ashes, remind me of my own mortality and the realization that only through You can I receive everlasting life.

In Your Name I pray, Amen.

AMERICAN CHOP SUEY may be dropped off in the church kitchen on Monday, February 3rd before 3:00 PM.

Thank you!

There is a CHOIR EMERGENCY brewing!!

As it currently stands, there will only be TWO people in the choir for Holy Week and Easter. That means we need more members to join us for our first meeting on Ash Wednesday, and once a week through Lent, for rehears-als, culminating in the Masses and services of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil.

It's a great way to learn about Holy Week, especially if you've never attended those services before; from celebration to sadness on Holy Thursday, the emptiness of Good Friday and

the return of light at Easter Vigil. Everyone needs to experience Easter Vigil, which celebrates our history from Creation at the beginning of time to today, from God creating darkness and light to the Light of the World entering converts and those receiving sacraments to the resurrection and joy at the empty tomb. There is nothing else in the liturgical year like it. The best part is having a bird's eye view from the choir loft as you lift your voice to help the parish mourn and then, CELEBRATE!!

No experience is necessary. If you are 14 or older, join us for a brief initial meeting after the evening Mass on Ash Wednesday. If you have any questions, please see Anna after any Mass.

St. Roch Family of Friends Youth Ministry under -stands the needs of today's families. Teens especially need a safe place to gather with friends to play, study, get help with homework, visit friends, just be in a group of like-minded people. This option is available every Thursday from 4:30- 6:00 PM. Please consider being a chaperone one week a month. Call Terry Ann Renaud for details. (508-987-2382)

DROP-A-SOCK CAMPAIGN The St. Vincent dePaul Society is asking for your help. There are many among us in need. One of those needs is warmth. We are asking you to buy new socks for men, women, and

children and place them in the bins at the doors of the church. This drive will be held throughout the

Month of February.

They will be donated to local nursing homes, veteran’s shelters, and places that assist fami-lies in need. You always help in such a gener-ous manner. We know that we can count on you!

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 23, 2020

Visit formed.org, click on Register, enter parish code M8R36X. Enter your email and create password. That’s it! Now sit back, enjoy and enrich your life with an incredible array of resources focused on our rich Catholic faith. Books, videos, movies, audios, etc. It’s EASY and FREE to Register! A Gift of St. Roch Parish to Y ou!!

PLEASE NOTE Parents: for all missing student attendance messages and/or weather cancellations call 508-987-2382. DO NOT USE E-MAIL to advise of absences, no computer coverage during class times. Calls are returned MON NOON -THURS NOON ONLY no calls are returned on the weekends.

Feb 23 School vacation -no classes 26 Ash Wednesday

Mar 1 K-8/conf (gr 7-8 reconciliation 9:45) 7 Eucharist Family Mass 5:30 PM 8 K-8/conf (gr 5-6 reconciliation 9:45) 8 Breakfast 8-11 conf candidates serve 15 K-8/conf (3-4 reconciliation 9:45) 22 no classes 29 K-8/conf

Apr 5 Passion Sunday K-8/conf 9 Holy Thurs Mass of the Lord’s Supper 10 Good Friday Living Stations noon 12 Easter Sunday -no classes 19 Divine Mercy Sunday Breakfast 8-11

confirmation candidates serve 19, 26 School vacation -no classes

May 2 Eucharist Family Mass 5:30 PM 3 K-8 Last Day K-8 assessments 3 Conf. rehearsal 7:15 PM details TBA 7 Confirmation celebration 10 Mother’s Day No Classes 17 First Eucharist Celebration 2 PM 21 Ascension of the Lord 31 Pentecost Sunday

Jun 7 Most Holy Trinity

Jul 13-17 Vacation Bible Camp

First Eucharist Sacrament Family Masses are scheduled for all candi-dates: Saturdays, Mar 7 and May 2 at 5:30 pm. All candidates with their families are required to attend. Please bring copies of baptism certificates to Mass.

Mary Kilinskas Scholarship is given to recognize special young men and women who excel in their commit-ment to ongoing religious education in Catholic high school and college.

Mary Kilinskas was a dedicated pa-rishioner of St Roch, who took the

stewardship of her church to heart. She and her husband supported all efforts of the parish in time, talents and treasures. From flowers in the sanctuary and grounds to fruits of the harvest at Thanksgiving, this was easily seen. She also brought the fruits of her extensive gardening to members of the community. Not so visible was the forty plus years of teaching as a catechist in our religious edu-cation program. Hours of preparation and sincere love of Christ was quietly shared week after week with the youngest of our children, who are called to continue in her love of Jesus. These fruits may not be seen by the eye but are felt throughout our parish family, some of you may be sitting here today because she first taught you the importance of prayer and the Eucharist in your life.

The previous recipients of the Mary Kilinskas Scholarship honor her and our whole parish by continuing their own commitment in religious educa-tion and sharing their faith with oth-ers. Keeping Mary’s footsteps from fading from our parish halls some notable recipients are studying at Catholic colleges and return each break to help teach in our Sunday sessions and Summer Vacation Bible Camp. To apply for the scholarship those students pursuing Catholic education in a Catholic High School or College may apply by Palm Sunday for this year’s awards. Forms are available in the parish center.

Donations to the Fund are accepted at the March 8th breakfast and in the weekly collections in an envelope addressed ATTN: MARY KILINSKAS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

All are invited!!! Children grades k-6

Youth Guides (grades 7-12) & Adult conductors

Get your Tickets here… Come on your greatest Adventure

this summer, Jesus’ power pulls us through.

Get on Board the express, July 13-17, 2020

right here at St Roch in the parish hall, the church, and on the parish grounds.

The transformation is full speed ahead at St Roch’s Rocky Railway

Monday through Friday 8:15 AM to 1:15 PM Watch for more details in the bulletins.

Call 508-987-2387 to pre-register seats will go quickly!!

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 23, 2020

Kathy Perry, Owen Benway, Al Sinkis, Andrew Rivers, Raymond Joseph, Ruth Andrzejczyk, Chloe

Barbara Jones, Craig Ladd, Roseanne Ferlito, John Barton, Carol Violette, John & Bev Makowski, Dale Mahota, Liz Iandolli, Stephen Rice, Maddy Desrosier, Phyllis Day, John Hickman, Timothy Bowes, Anita Prunier, Ed Carpenter, Roger St. George, James Sumerlin, Bob St. George, Julie Guertin, Francis DeSimone, Robert & Beverly Burns, Judy Rodier, Dawn Hoeg, Sean Bushey, Richard Fleming, Olga Brault, Noelle Silverstein, Edward Wissell, Eric Lambert, Paul Murphy, James Quaiel, Yvonne Mathurin, Deborah Mancini, Susan Gallant, Doris Prouty, Maureen Germain, Andy McDonald, Dave Boucher, Daniel Ivascyn, Barbara Quaiel, Pamela Rossley, Alfred Bianchi, Fr. Gerard Walsh, Gary Cowperthwaite, Kathleen, Kathy Bishop, Faith Caron, Nicole Ryan, and Anne Englehard.

334 CLUB WINNERS — Week 12

#508 Diane Kaminski #118 Eva Givner #525 Len Kasperak #317 Evonne St. Germain

CONGRATULATIONS!!

St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet in the par ish center on Monday, March 2nd at 6:00 PM in the church hall.

20th Anniversary Diocesan Catholic Men's Conference Men (of all ages, including teens and college students) are invited to this important 20th Anniversary Conference, scheduled for Assumption College on Saturday, March 28. Visit the conference website at www.firstmensconf.org for information and to purchase tickets online and elsewhere. Come and hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: Scott Hahn, Luis Soto and with Bishop Robert Reed of Boston speaking on the need for confession. Bish-ops and priests will hear confessions. Bishop McManus will offer the Conference Mass. For a Conference brochure, fur-ther information or registration, call Joan DeMasi at 508-929-4345. Adult tickets are $45 until March 11th, after-wards $60. Student tickets are always $30.

Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers, Greeters, Music Ministers, Ministers of the Eucharist, Readers, Lectors, are needed at all Masses, and those who would be available to be with young people as youth ministers or chaperone for Thursday 4:30-6 PM drop-in... call 508-987-2382 or 508-987-8987 for more details.

Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf We Need Volunteers for St. Roch Month

St. Roch Parish is responsible for sending about 15 adults to the Food Shelf on the four Thursdays in March to help clients shop and carry groceries to their vehicles. (March 5, 12, 19, 26)

Sign up sheets are available at the entrances to the Church. Parishioners are asked to be present by 5 pm in order to be prepared to help. Please feel free to sign up for one Thursday or all four, but only sign up for those Thursdays that you can definitely be present. The Food Shelf is located on the lower level in the Oxford Commu-nity Center. This food distribution center is a very well recognized facility. Thanks so much for continually sup-porting the Food Shelf. Come join us this year!

There has also been a request for assorted greeting cards and stickers for children to be put in the food bin.

KNITTING & CROCHETING CLUB

Tuesdays from 7-9 PM -Parish Center Join us for knitting, crocheting, fellowship and laughter. Pick your own projects, gifts, or even donate items for our church fairs or baby

hats for St. Vincent Hospital. The choice is yours. If you need help getting started we are here for you! From begin-ners to experienced. All are welcome!

We want to add you to our St Roch Flocknote family. To help us communicate better at less cost. Please send me your e-mail address so we will be able to keep you informed about the news and what is coming up in our parish. You can decide which groups you wish to be notified about, like ministries, religious education and/or special events. Send me an e-mail at my e-mail with your name at strochoxford@gmail.com to Terry Ann Renaud, questions call 508-987-2382.

A Salute to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Auditions May 11 & 13. Performances: August 21, 22, 23 Rehearsals held Mondays & Wednesdays 6-8:30 pm

(Full day/evening rehearsals, August 17th-20th.) For tickets or to get more information…contact: An-drew Bennett abennett82689@charter.net