JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PARISH LAY LEADERSHIP

Finance Council Chairs….Kimberly Schoolcraft, Matthew BarnesParish Pastoral Council Chair..………………Kathleen HarringtonRel Ed Advisory Committee ...Melissa Moriarty, Suzanne HarlowRCIA ……………………………Ray Breton, Rosemary ThresherBible Study………………………………………..........Sue Fratini Adult Education………………………..Mary Federici, Bob Stack

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMSRosary Sodality……………..………Nancy Garen/Ursula TuoheySocial Justice………………….…………….Andrea Cook-HewittJust Faith…………………………………Pat Mack, Karen ScahillSt. Joseph’s Workers………………………………………Fr. DanMen’s Ministry Group………………………...Deacon Paul BriereWomen’s Ministry Group..……………………..…..Mary FedericiYouth Group (JPII Crew)………………….………Lisa Laferriere

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONSCursillo Movement ……………………….………...Karen ScahillSchoenstatt Movement .……………..……….…Diane CzerwieckiBoy Scout Troop 821 …………………..………………..Joe MutoGirl Scout Troops…………………….……..……....Pat O’ConnorKnights of Columbus………………………………Greg Perreault

PARISH MINISTRIESAltar Server Scheduling……………………..……… Cindy MontiAltar Server Training……………………………….Jim O’ConnorBaptismal Prep……………………………..…… Lou MastroianniChildren’s Liturgy of the Word……………….……….Sue FratiniEucharistic Ministers/Readers, Scheduling ......……Beth ModlishHomebound/Pastoral Care Ministry…………..........Mary FedericiMusic Ministry – Adult & Youth Choir……………Melanie PeetzContemporary Music Group (Psalm 33).………………Tom FucciSacristans.…………………..……..Irene King, Phyllis Chlastawa, Jim O’Connor, Irene Breton, Karen ScahillSoup Kitchen……………… …..... Marcia Daly, Sandy O’ConnorTake & Eat Ministry……..…………………………Cheryl WoodWedding Coordinator………………………….…..Donna Whelan Wedding Team……...…Kathy Harrington, Gina Broderick, Christina Straney, Tina BroderickPrayer Line………………..Pauline, 862-3885 or Diane, 568-9754

OFFICE HOURSThe Parish Office is located at the Parish Center. Entrance is across from the Mary Garden. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-2:00PM. Sue is available to greet and assist you.

NEW PARISHIONERSWe warmly welcome new members to join our parish. Please fill out a registration card on the tables in the church and place in the collection basket. Registration and active participation is necessary for Religious Education and letters of eligibility for godparents and sponsors, as well as Catholic School Parish Subsidy.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMThe Sacrament is celebrated monthly. Please call the Office to arrange. At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed, active parishioner in their parish, attending Mass weekly.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGEThe Sacrament of Marriage is planned by an initial meeting with a priest or deacon, at least 6 months in advance. Be sure to contact the church BEFORE committing to date or venue with a deposit.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest, when requested. Pastoral care to the hospitalized sick and homebound is provided by the pastoral staff, and trained parishioners.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONThe Sacrament with Confession is celebrated each Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass, and from 3:15- 3:45 pm, as well as by appointment.

HOSPITAL VISITSIf anyone has a hospital stay, please have a family member call the parish and indicate whether the parishioner would like to have a visit, or if they would like their name mentioned at Mass during the Prayers of the Faithful.

HEARING ASSISTED DEVICESHearing Assisted Devices are located near the American Flag at the back of the church.

LOW-GLUTEN HOSTSLow-Gluten Hosts are available at Communion time in the Chapel

MASS SCHEDULE Sat 1/14 4:00PM +Justin M. Giles 2nd AnniversaryRemembrance r/b his mother Carol ChouinardSun 1/15 7:00AM +Ed Kantor r/b John & Rebecca Perazella 8:30AM +Olive James r/b the Adult Choir 11:00AM +Robert Leavitt 2nd Anniversary Remembrance r/b his FamilyMon 1/16 8:00AM Communion ServiceTue 1/17 7:00AM +Emily Szwedzinski Birthday Remembrance r/b the Cipriani FamilyWed 1/18 7:00AM +Tom Trottier 53rd Wedding Anniversary Remembrance r/b his wife Therese TrottierThu 1/19 7:00AM Communion ServiceFri 1/20 7:00AM Communion ServiceSat 1/21 8:00AM Diane Wright, Special Intention r/b the Bonfitto Family 4:00PM +Deceased Members of The Benoit Family r/b R. & R. BenoitSun 1/22 7:00AM +Mr. & Mrs. John Perazella Birthday Remembrance r/b John & Rebecca Perazella 8:30AM +Marth Parsons 1st Anniversary Remembrance r/b the Parish 11:00AM +Theresa Forcier Birthday Remembrance r/b Roger Beaudoin

PRAYER-LINE

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JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME To request prayers for yourself or a loved one, please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754.

SANCTUARY CANDLE

Is burning this week in loving memory of +ROBERT LEAVITT

2 ND ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE requested by his Family

FROM FR. DAN’S DESK… Taking down our Christmas Decorations in the church is always a sign that we are well into the New Year at the Parish, and beginning to plan many events for the months ahead – believe it or not – even our Lenten Speaker Series for this year! This year Lent starts a little later - Ash Wednesday is March 1. But before we look to Lent, we’d like to plan something for the long Winter Season – and food is always a good idea! A couple of years ago we had an event called “The Taste of OLBS”. It was a chance for people who had recipes in our Parish Cookbook – “A Taste of Heaven”, to make their recipe and offer samples (tastes) of that item in exchange for 50 cent tickets. It was a great success! I even made my dad’s golumbki recipe, and if I do say so myself, they were pretty popular – having made 100 - I sold out in the first 20 minutes! We even had a voting for “Most Popular Recipe” and I shared the coveted “Measuring Cup Trophy” with Dale Nelson and someone else whose name I forget. We were going to have a “Cook-Off” but that never happened, so we will just have to enter again into the “2017 Taste of OLBS” which we are planning for Sunday February 26. That’s the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, so it will be a kind of “Fat Tuesday” on Sunday! Did I mention “The Taste” includes recipes for desserts as well? This time we may also open it up to any recipes whether in our cookbook or not. So start thinking about what you would like to make. Proceeds from the ticket sales at “The Taste” will benefit our on-going fundraising needs of the parish! The Annual “March For Life” is coming up once again in Washington on Friday January 27. It’s a week later this year than usual because of the Inauguration. I used to enjoy going to the March with the youth groups from my former parishes. It’s really a wonderful experience for both youth and adults to experience the power of standing up for the right to life in such a visible way. This year’s theme for the March is “THE POWER OF ONE”. The Parish Youth Group from St. Cecilia’s in Wilbraham has invited me to go down to the March with them. They’d like to have a priest with them and since their priest is not going, and we don’t have any Youth here from our parish who are able to go, it seems like a good fit! We will leave on buses sponsored by Mass Citizens for Life from St. Stanislaus Basilica in Chicopee on Thursday evening, and will take the bus overnight to Washington, arriving in the morning in time to celebrate a Youth Mass at the Verizon Center in Washington. Then we will do the March, grab a bite, and then head back on the busses for a return trip home, getting back late Friday night/Saturday morning. It’s a long experience, but it’s well worth it! (and sleeping on a bus seems to come more easily to me now as I get older!). If there is anyone who would like to go with us on the bus and join the group from Wilbraham, please let me know – you would be more than welcome! Reservations for the bus do need to be made soon. As a “Pro-Life” experience, “The March” is always a powerful experience of standing up for the most important God-given right that we have and must defend! I also wanted to offer a “shout out” to our Parishioner and Senior Altar Server - Ashley Zecca – for her participation in the “Model Congress” at American International College a couple of weeks ago! I caught a clip of Ashley being interviewed on the local news and was proud to learn of her involvement! Ashley is a student at Pope Francis High School. Participation in the Model Congress gives students a firsthand experience of the legislative process of government, and perhaps peaks a student’s interest in government service. Congratulations Ashley, on your involvement in this great educational experience! Looking forward to the Girl Scout Cookie Sale this weekend – I believe there is at least one “NEW” cookie available this year! The Cookie Sale is always a bright spot in the otherwise long and dark months of Winter! Pick up a box or two today, brighten your day, and support our Parish Girl Scout Troops! God Bless, Fr. Dan

SPECIAL INTENTION CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of

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JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME +HENRY DOLAT

90 TH BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE requested by his wife Doris

MARY GARDEN CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of

+FR. FRANCIS X. SULLIVANrequested by Michael & Mary Zyra

Any of the memorial candles can be requested through our parish office. The Special Intention and Mary Garden Candles burn for 1 week (requested donation $10). The Sanctuary Candle burns for 2 weeks (requested donation $20).

CHILDREN’S LITURGY PROGRAMPlease note that Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word Program starts back up again on this Sunday January 15 at the 11:00 AM Mass. Your children, age pre-K to grade 4, are encouraged to come forward for the blessing when Fr. Dan calls them, and to go with adult leaders to the multipurpose room off the gathering space for a celebration of the Mass readings, prayers and a song. Parents are always welcome to accompany their children! This is a wonderful way they can participate at Mass and release some energy, before returning for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

CHILDREN’S OFFERTORY ENVELOPESPlease be sure to take a box of Children’s Offertory Envelopes from the baskets near the bulletins. The children’s envelopes provide parents the opportunity to teach children about sharing their resources, sacrificial giving, and importance of support of their church. Last year, monies raised in the Children’s Envelopes allowed us to install High Def TV Screens and a Projection System in the church for use at the Youth Masses each month.

POOR BOX DEC 2016 / JAN 2017:SAMARITAN INN

Poor Box Envelopes are located in the Gathering Space on the table with the bulletins. Please take one, make your donation, and return it in the collection basket at Mass.

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS2016 Parish Contribution Statements will be mailed out to all parishioners before the end of this month. Thank you!

OUR STEWARDSHIP

January 1, 2017Regular and Development (gold) $ 10,945Budget Requirement per Week 9,600 1,345

THANK YOU!

GIRLS WANTED FOR NEW TROOPThere is interest in starting a new Brownie Girl Scout troop in our parish. If you know a girl in grade 2 or 3 interested in joining scouts, contact Pat O'Connor at oconnorp1749@comcast.net or call 413-563-7286.

REGISTER IN THE PARISHIf anyone is joining us this weekend and would like to make our Parish your home, we would love to have you – please pick up a Parish Registration Card at the entrance tables in the church, fill it out, and drop it into the collection basket.

 SHOPPING ON AMAZON?DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT OUR PARISH!

Our Parish can earn money on purchases you make through AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Westfield MA) is a registered charity with AmazonSmile, so we hope you will select us and help us raise needed funds while you make your purchases! Please register at www.smile.amazon.com today to help support Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. Thank you!

THANK YOU - BULLETIN ADVERTISERS

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JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME At this time of year we want to thank all those businesses who advertise in our bulletin throughout the year. We appreciate your support of our Parish in this way. Our bulletin company provides this bulletin – free of charge - to our Parish each week, but they depend on local business advertising for the bulletin, as a source of revenue. Thank You to all those who advertise in our bulletin! For any businesses or parishioners that might be interested in placing an ad, please call John Patrick Publishing at 1-800-333-3166.

ONGOING COLLECTIONS

Parish Center Lobby -

Hope Phones makes phones available for medical personnel in Third World Countries. Donate used cell phones (working or not) in the Hope Phones suitcase.192 phones have been collected to date!

Bethlehem House, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Easthampton which offers free pregnancy resources for women/families in crisis. They are always in need of baby blankets, diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, clothing, bottles, etc.

Westfield Soup Kitchen gratefully accepts the non-perishable food items collected here each weekend - cash donations may be sent to: Westfield Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 2017, Westfield MA 01086.

Green Shed -

Bottles & Cans can be placed in the green shed by the ball field. As an ongoing fundraiser, our parishioners Ron Gerlip, Carol Conroy, and Joanne Fucci take care of redeeming these for us. Since 2007 we have raised a total of $23,825.90!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

SAVE THE DATE!!DIOCESAN WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

The 10th annual Catholic Women’s Conference will be held Saturday, April 22 at the Bellamy School in Chicopee and feature three dynamic and inspiring women. The speakers are: Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, Patricia Livingston and Therese Wilson Favors. Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart is the founder and mother servant of Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, a new religious order in the Archdiocese of Boston. She was born and raised in Iraq and lived through four wars.

Therese Wilson Favors is the director of African American Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Mrs. Favors has extensive experience as an educator in both Catholic Schools and parish religious education programs.  Patricia Livingston, a speaker on spirituality, is best known for her touching, story-telling style of illuminating the presence of God in everyday life. Pat is an award-winning writer whose work has been featured in Living Faith, Living With Christ, Catholic Digest, Liguorian, and US Catholic.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017 IN THE PARISH

Sunday Evening Masses at 6:00PMFeb 12, Mar 12, Apr 9

Lenten Wednesday Evening Speaker SeriesMarch 1 – April 12

Girl ScoutsCookie Sales – Jan 14/15, Feb 11/12

Religious EducationFirst Reconciliation – Jan 28

“Souper Bowl” of Caring – Feb 5First Communion – May 21

Vacation Bible Camp Please join us this summer at Vacation Bible Camp for “Maker Fun Factory” ! Kids ages 4 through entering 5th grade will become hands-on inventors who discover they're lovingly crafted by God through music, games, crafts, and Bible stories. Helpers for this program range in age from students entering 6th grade through adults. Together we can make this the best VBC yet!

Vacation Bible Camp will take placeJuly 31- August 4, 2017.

Parish Men’s RetreatMarch 17-19 – Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center,

West Hartford, CT

Parish Adult EducationVarious adult education opportunities continue. On Thursday mornings from 10-noon, adults gather for varying series of faith topics. All are welcome at the Thursday sessions! Please call the Parish office for updates on topics and dates. A new Tuesday evening bible study will begin in February – look for details in future bulletins, or call the Office for information.

JPII Crew – Parish Youth Ministry ActivitiesAs we look ahead to 2017, we are excited about the events the youth group is planning for the new year!~ Three Kings Party ~ Pilgrimage to Rome and the Vatican ~ Trips to area Shrines ~ Our 4th annual

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JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME family Irish Night, with basket raffle ~ Holy Thursday 7 Churches tour ~ Living Last Supper presentation ~ XLT ~ Youth Retreat ~ Bible study ~ Service projects ~ Steubenville East Youth Conference ~ Ongoing fundraisers ~ regular events in the Outlet ~ most importantly time to learn more about our religion and deepen our relationship and Jesus Christ. All Youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us, please contact Lisa at olbsccd@gmail.com or 562-3450 for more details!

JANUARY 21/22READERS

4:00PM John Lanoue 7:00AM George Plante 8:30AM Kharmen Saruca 11:00AM Rob Stevenson

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS 4:00PM Darlene Fucci, Diane Wright, Rochelle Benoit 7:00AM Alex Trzasko III, Lee Reynolds, Mike Skehan 8:30AM Mary Regan, Donna Whelan, Donna Bourbeau11:00AM Karen Scahill, Lisa Stawasz, Rosemary Adams

MARRIAGE HELPIf your marriage has become troubled and stressed, unloving or uncaring; even if you are divorced or separated but want to try again, the Retrouvaille program can help. Retrouvaille provides tools to communicate better, resolve conflicts fairly, and re-discover why you fell in love. The next local Retrouvaille weekend is January 20-22. For information, call confidentially 1-800-470-2230, email helds4marriage@gmail.com or go to our website www.helpourmarriage.com for information & registration.

GRANDDAUGHTER OF DOROTHY DAYTO SPEAK AT MT. HOLYOKE

Kate Hennessey, granddaughter of Dorothy Day, renowned Catholic convert, author, pacifist and founder of "The Catholic Worker House”, will read from her new book Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved by Beauty on Wednesday January 25 th   at   7:00 pm in the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center at Mt. Holyoke College, 26 Park St, South Hadley, MA. The Center is handicapped accessible. The Catholic Communications ministry of the Diocese of Springfield is among this event's community co-sponsors.  There is no charge for this event and light refreshments will be served.  

ST. MICHAEL’S ACADEMY

OPEN HOUSESt. Michael's Academy, 153 Eddywood Street in Springfield, will be holding its annual Open House Celebration on Sunday, January 29th from noon-2pm. There will be a special presentation at noon for prospective families as well as a full school Open House for current students. Join us for this exciting day and learn what St. Michael's Academy has to offer your family! For further information, contact the academy at (413) 782-5246.

GOD BLESS & THANK YOU!We thank the following who have made donations to the Youth Group Rome Pilgrimage:In memory of: Martina FedericiRichard & Irene BretonBob & Carleen SmykMelanie PeetzAnthony FerreiraBob & Marilyn OrszakHazel BaschwitzTom & Chad Clarke & FamilyFratini FamilyHubert & Patricia McGovernKelly & Jay O’SullivanJohn & Pat MackRichard & Frances CurranJeanne & Charles WainwrightFred & Beth Modlish

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESMercy Medical Center is looking for caring people to volunteer throughout our Health System in the Spiritual Care Department as Eucharistic Ministers, Spiritual Care Associates and giving assistance in reciting the Rosary.  Positions are also available at lobby desks, performing clerical duties, the Emergency Department, Patient Floors, Gift Shop, recreational activities and home visiting.  Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (some areas are 18) and able to give 4 hours a week of their time. (may vary according to assignment)  If you are interested, please fill out an online application at www.mercycares.com or contact the Mercy Medical Center Volunteer Department at 413-748-9074 or nancy.reilly@sphs.com .

IRISH GALA FEB. 26 TO BENEFITSISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield will sponsor an Irish Gala on Sunday, February 26, from 1–5PM at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee.

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JANUARY 15, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME The fundraiser will include dancing, raffles, food (warm corned beef sandwiches), cash bar and music by the Andy Healy Band with Mary Ward. Irish Soda Bread made by Sisters and friends will be sold. Proceeds will benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph. Tickets are $25 per person and will be available at the Sisters of St. Joseph Congregational Offices at 577 Carew St., Springfield during business hours. Contact Sr. Eleanor Harrington at (413) 536-0853 or email EHarrington@ssjspringfield.com or Mary Campbell at (413) 739-7563 for more information.

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