JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD 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 1/21 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 +Martha Parsons 1st Anniversary Remembrance r/b the Parish 11:00AM +Theresa Forcier Birthday Remembrance r/b Roger BeaudoinMon 1/23 7:00AM +Alfred Drapeau 2nd Anniversary Remembrance r/b his wife Barbara Kelley DrapeauTue 1/24 7:00AM +Walter Couture 6th Anniversary Remembrance r/b his wife LorraineWed 1/25 7:00AM +H. Joseph Sullivan 33rd Anniversary Remembrance r/b the Sullivan FamilyThu 1/26 7:00AM Communion ServiceFri 1/27 7:00AM Communion ServiceSat 1/28 8:00AM +Jacky LaBrecque Birthday Remembrance r/b John & Ursula Tuohey 4:00PM +Yvette Pignatare r/b Andew PignatareSun 1/29 7:00AM +James Yvon 3rd Anniversary Remembrance r/b his Family 8:30AM +Rudolfo Saruca r/b Kharmen & Carlo Saruca 11:00AM +Ray & Cecile Leger r/b Lisa & Gary Gauthier

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JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PRAYER-LINE

To request prayers for yourself or a loved one, please call Pauline at 862-3885 or Diane at 568-9754.

FROM FR. DAN’S DESK… One of my favorite events each year happens at the end of the Christmas Season, and that is something called the “Boars Head Festival” held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sumner Avenue in Springfield. For those who have never been, it’s a medieval old English celebration of the Epiphany. It comprises music, an orchestra, dance, a living nativity, wonderful costumes, etc. I try to go every year, and this year was no exception. I attended last week with some friends and happened to be seated at the end of a pew. There are many characters in the performance and some happen to be nuns in very traditional habits. Before the performance begins they have a “pre-show” where the characters interact with the audience. Well there happened to be some space next to me in the pew, so one of the “nun characters” sits down next to me. Staying in character, she puts her head in her hands, starts weeping, and tells me she needs to confess her sins! Now I have my blacks on but I didn’t have the white tab in my collar, so she really would not have noticed I was a priest. Well, while she had her head in her hands, I slipped the white tab in my collar and turned to her and send, “You’ve come to the right place, my child”! Well, you should have seen the look on her face – when she saw that I was a priest! How lucky she was to sit down in my pew! The performance as always was wonderful! But that “nun” really made my night – I guess I’m just never “off duty”! Some of you have asked about not seeing Fr. Tom Shea recently, who has been assisting me at weekend Masses over the last year. I’m sure Fr. Shea is happy to know that you noticed he was missing the last month and look forward to seeing him when he is here! Being one of our very valuable and healthy retired senior priests, Fr. Shea often gets asked to help in more emergency situations in our Diocese. Bishop Rozanski has asked Fr. Shea if he would cover St. Theresa’s Parish in South Hadley till the end of March while the priest from St. Theresa’s is off on a medical leave. Let me tell you, no one misses Fr. Shea more than I do during these months! He is a tremendous help to me on the weekends and I certainly look forward to him returning and assisting me with weekend Masses in the future! As I mentioned last week, the planning by our Parish Evangelization Team and Pastoral Council has begun for our Wednesday Evening Lenten Speaker Series. Last year we looked at speakers that we could attract from the greater New England - New York area, and I think we had quite a good line up! We have some good ideas for some speakers this year, but I wanted to open it up for any suggestions of people you may have heard who you think would make a good speaker for our Lenten Series. We don’t have a “theme” for the Series yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as we do. Anyone with any ideas for a speaker (we want good speakers from the area, that would not have to travel too far, and would not command a high speaker’s fee!). If you have seen anyone interviewed on TV, read any news article about someone, or know of anyone from the area, please let me know! Even the long shots are worth a shot! (Ok, I don’t think Pope Francis is a viable option!) Just looking ahead – a reminder that we are planning once again our “2017 Taste of OLBS” which is scheduled for Sunday February 26. That’s the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, so it will be a kind of “Fat Tuesday” on Sunday! Our “Taste” involves parishioners making a recipe either from our Parish Cookbook or a recipe of your own. We sell tickets, and for a certain number of tickets, you can purchase a “taste” size portion of many foods and desserts! Mark your calendar and 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! Just a reminder that I will be going to the “March for Life” in Washington, DC this Friday January 27. I was invited to attend with St. Cecilia’s Parish Youth Group in Wilbraham. We will attend the Youth Rally and Mass which precedes the March. Please keep us in your prayers for a safe trip, (and a little sleep on the bus overnight to Washington!). When I return, I will look forward to sharing with you this powerful experience of standing up for one of the most important beliefs of our Faith… LIFE! Finally, this weekend our Parish “Just Faith Group” will be selling Trappestine Boxed Chocolates as a fundraiser for “Harmony House of Western Mass” - a planned home in Chicopee that will offer care for those who are

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JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME terminally ill with no family to care for them. These chocolates are made by the Trappestine Nuns in Wrentham, MA, with milk products from their own dairy farm! Consider buying a box for Valentine’s Day, or a friend who is ill! God Bless, Fr. Dan

SANCTUARY CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of

+ROBERT LEAVITT2 ND ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE

requested by his Family

SPECIAL INTENTION CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of

+PAULA ROY1 ST ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE

requested by her husband Roger Roy

MARY GARDEN CANDLEIs burning this week in loving memory of

+SAL & IRENE PORCELLOrequested 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).

CHOCOLATE SALE Delicious, preservative free milk and dark chocolate Trappistine Quality Candy, made by the Nuns of Wrentham, MA with love and prayer, will be sold after the Masses this weekend. Proceeds will benefit Harmony House, a future home for the terminally ill. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

YOUTH MINISTRY BAKE SALEOur Youth Ministry will hold a bake sale after all Masses next weekend. The bake sale will be the final fundraiser to benefit our youth who are going on a Pilgrimage to Rome in a few weeks. Thank you as always for your support! 

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 were mailed out to all parishioners this week. Thank you!

OUR STEWARDSHIP

January 8, 2017Regular and Development (gold) $ 10,532Budget Requirement per Week 9,600 932

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.

DOMINICAN SISTERS BAKE SALEThe Dominican Sisters from West Hartford, CT will be here the weekend of February 4 & 5 at all the Masses for their bake sale. They will be selling bread, brownies, and pies. These are all baked according to the Dominican Sisters recipes. The proceeds from the sale will be used to buy medical supplies for their mission to support the lepers. They are greatly appreciative of our support for their ministry.

 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!

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JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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!

A THANK YOU FROM ELMS COLLEGEYour contributions to the annual Diocesan Appeal for the College of Our Lady of the Elms help us continue to be true to our mission of educating reflective, principled, and creative learners in the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Working together, the Diocese of Springfield and the College of Our Lady of the Elms will continue to provide learners of all ages with an education rooted in the very best Catholic liberal arts tradition. We thank each and every one of you for your gift and for helping us continue to build a future of excellence. If you were unable to make a contribution

and still wish to do so, you can go online at www.elms.edu/give or call the Advancement office at 413-265-2227.

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. 

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017 IN THE PARISHSunday Evening Masses at 6:00PM

Feb 12, Mar 12, Apr 92017 “Taste of OLBS”

Sunday February 26Lenten Wednesday Evening Speaker Series

March 1 – April 12Girl Scouts

Cookie Sales – Feb 11/12Religious Education

First Reconciliation – Jan 28“Souper Bowl” of Caring – Feb 5

Confirmation – April 30First Communion – May 21

Parish Men’s RetreatMarch 17-19

Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford, CTAnnual Diocesan Men’s Conference

Saturday March 25, 2017Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference

Saturday April 27, 20172017 Vacation Bible Camp

July 31- August 4Please 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 range in age from students entering 6th grade through adults.

Parish Adult EducationOn 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 Activities

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JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME As we look ahead to 2017, we are excited about the events the youth group is planning for the new year!~ Pilgrimage to Rome and the Vatican ~ Trips to area Shrines ~ Our 4th annual family Irish Night, with basket raffle ~ Holy Thursday 7 Churches Pilgrimage ~ Living Last Supper presentation ~ XLT ~ Youth Retreat ~ Bible study ~ Service projects ~ Steubenville East Youth Conference ~ Ongoing fundraisers ~ regular events in the Outlet. 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 28/29READERS

4:00PM Lynn Nault 7:00AM Melissa Trzasko 8:30AM Kathy Sitler 11:00AM Diane Czerwiecki

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS 4:00PM Bob Ragone, Trish Ragone, Maureen Harju 7:00AM Dave Trotman, Steve Murphy, Rita Hutchinson 8:30AM Irene Breton, Donna Bourbeau, Bruce Campbell11:00AM Karl Weckstrom, Rosemary Adams, Mikey Hebda

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.

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. 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.

MID-WINTER "SOUP"ATHONOnce again, the Rosary Sodality of St. Peter & St. Casimir's Parish will be making soup for sale, sold by the quart, on February 1st, and 2nd. Our famous hearty Golumpki Soup will be available for $7.50 per quart and can be picked up on Friday afternoon, February 3rd from 3:00-5:00 pm, and Saturday, February 4th from 9:00am-noon in the Parish Social Center. Soup must be pre-ordered by Monday, January 30th by calling Sharon Wielgus at 568-7767. If paying by check, please make it payable to the St. Peter & St. Casimir Rosary Sodality. Don't miss out on this mid-winter treat for fresh home-made soup!

SUSAN CONROY TO SPEAKAT ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL

On Tuesday, January 31st, in conjunction with Catholic School's Week, Susan Conroy will speak at St. Mary's Parish School in Westfield. At the age of 21, and straight out of college, Susan Conroy traveled to Calcutta, India to work beside Mother Teresa. Over the course of 11 years, until the passing of Saint Mother Teresa, Susan served children in orphanages and the destitute. Prior to her passing, Mother Teresa gave Susan her blessing and approval to write her first book: "Mother Teresa's Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity." She has since written nine books of her faith experiences and has hosted various segments of shows on EWTN. Her presentation is filled with Mother Teresa's own words of wisdom and messages of mercy and she will share her many stories of faith and Mother Teresa's influence as they served together. St. Mary's Parish School welcomes all who would like to join us for this presentation. The presentation will begin at 1pm in the High School Gym. Please arrive by 12:45 if you plan on attending.

ST MARY WESTFIELD BIBLE STUDYEXODUS: CALLED TO FREEDOM

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JANUARY 22, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Exodus: Called to Freedom bible study will be held at St. Mary’s Parish Center beginning on Wednesday February 1st from 9:30-11am. All, no matter the level of Bible knowledge, are welcome to this 10 week study. Exodus: Called to Freedom shows that, more than just seeking to free His people from the domination of Pharaoh, God desired to free His people from the far more sinister tyranny of sin, so they could live the authentic freedom that belongs to children of God. Because of this, the Exodus story is not just Israel's story, it is our story as well; it tells us who God is and what He calls us to be. For more info or to register, please call the Office of Religious Education at 562-5484, or email jbagge@stmsaints.org.

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