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Spring 2020

Table of ConTenTs

respect Life Ministry . . . . . . . . 2

parish Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Suggested reading for Lent . . . . 3

The Saint irene Women’s Club . 4

5 Ways You Can place the Lord in the Center of Lent . . . . 5

Saint irene Knights of Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Love never Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Dynamic parish . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Everyone should Know How to Swim . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Join The mailing lisT

if you’re a registered parishioner and would like to include additional, or newer, e-mail addresses in our newsletter distribution list, or perhaps add more family members’ e-mail addresses to the list, please send a request to info@stirenes .org . if you think a friend isn’t receiving the newsletter, consider forwarding so they can decide to join the distribution list . Thank you .

Welcome

“Fun fact: “Happy Lent” and “Happy Spring” say the same thing! The word “Lent” actually is the old English word for “Spring” . All the great features that are part of Spring: new life, the outdoors, sunshine, that feeling of happiness, are all associated with Lent . Lent is a time that Jesus calls us come closer to Himself, and, to each other .

Lent is a 40-day journey that we as individuals and as community take to become holier and happier . For inspiration let’s look some others who have taken such a 40-day journey and the fruits that followed: After Moses spent 40 days with god on Mt . Sinai . . .israel was born . After Elijah searched for forty days…he met god . After nineveh (a powerful but corrupt city) was given forty days to repent…the city repented . After Jesus spent forty days in wilderness praying and fasting…He began His public ministry and redeemed the entire world .

A few practical tips for us walking with Jesus during this Lent: 1) Listen to the Holy Spirit, search Him out, see where He is working in our lives and meet Him where we find Him. 2) Pick one permanent change we want to make for ourselves that brings us closer to god and neighbor. It can be something like getting rid of a bad habit, fixing a relationship that needs work, joining a church or community group that helps others, going to the Sacrament of Confession routinely, etc . 3) Always remember that Jesus has a wonderful and unique plan for each of us this Lent . He loves each of us so much that He is going to walk this journey with us every step of the way .

So let’s take Jesus by the hand and begin our Lenten journey, we will be amazed by what we find along the way and at the finish line!

- Fr Bill

SAinT irEnE CATHoLiC CHurCH

The Messenger of

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Respect life ministRy

From January 23-24, four members of the St irene respect Life Ministry participated in the Archdiocese of Boston 24-hours for Life pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington, DC . They left on buses on Thursday night and arrived in DC early Friday morning to join with other Boston pilgrims at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart . A Mass for Life was celebrated by Cardinal Sean o’Malley, with music led by the boys of the St . paul Choir School in Harvard Square .

parishioners of the Shrine gener-ously provided a hot breakfast and bag lunches for the pilgrims . Buses then dropped the pilgrims off at the Lincoln Monument for photos . Then the marchers headed to the Mall, where the President spoke and offering support of the pro-Life cause .

Boston pilgrims then marched behind Cardinal Sean along with 500,000 other pro-life supporters .

it was an inspirational day and all were impressed with the huge number of high school and college students, as well as the many reli-gious priests, brothers and sisters . Many of these sisters in full habit and some seen dancing and singing at this positive and peaceful event . The respect Life Ministry looks forward to a larger group attending next year and asks you to prayerfully consider joining us next January.

please look for upcoming activities such as our rose sale Mother’s Day Weekend and our collaboration with the Knights of Columbus to collect new baby clothes and items for the Archdiocese pro-Life mission .

The respect Life Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm followed by Adoration and a rosary for Life at 7:30pm . For more information please contact Amy regan aj .regan@verizon .net .

calendaR of special Happenings

Every Tuesday at 7:30: adoration & evening prayer

Friday March 6 5:30: soup & Bread supper 7pm: stations of the cross

Friday, March 13 7pm: Confirmation Stations of the cross

Saturday, March 14 6pm: parish corned Beef & cabbage dinner

Friday, March 27 5:30: soup & Bread supper 7pm: stations of the cross

Sunday, April 5 Palm Sunday – 8am & 11am Mass

Thursday, April 9 Holy thursday – 9am prayer Service

Friday, April 10 good friday – 3pm Service

Saturday, April 11 Holy saturday – 9am prayer Service

Easter Sunday 7:30am Mass & 10am Mass

Saturday, April 25 italian night dinner

Saturday, May 9 11am Confirmation

Saturday, May 16 10am First Communion (no 9am Mass this day)

RegulaR mass scHedule

Saturday Vigil 5pm Sunday 8am & 11am

Daily: 9am Tue, Thur, Sat

Saint irene Church 181 East St .

Carlisle, MA 01741 (978)369-3940

info@stirenes .orgMary Ellen Bakken, Cindy Reynolds, Cheryl McGrath and Amy Regan at the March

for Life in Washington, DC.

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tHe little Way of lent

Lent is not meant to foster morbid gloominess and debilitating self-loathing, but to thrust us into the heart of Divine love .—From the introduction

While reading the autobiography

of St . Therese, Fr . Caster had an ‘ah-ha’ moment that transformed his experience of Lent from one of narrow concern over what to give up to one of joyful freedom to lift up ones relationship with Jesus Christ . “What struck me,” he says, “was St . Therese’s insistence on the manner in which we do things for god, rather than the things we do for Him . it wasn’t about what i was offering; it was about why.”

lent and easteR

Timeless words from the pen of Bishop Fulton J . Sheen inspire the heart and imagination as readers embark on a Lenten journey toward a better under-standing of their spiritual selves . Covering the traditional themes of Lent--sin and salvation, death and resurrection, sorrow and hope, ashes and lilies--these 50 passages and accompanying mini-prayers offer readers a practical spiritual program as a retreat from the cares and concerns of a secular world view .

tHe doloRous passion of ouR loRd Jesus cHRist

What a great read for Lent or anytime, for that matter . CAuTion: You need to take this book with a grain of salt . it seems that the transcriber took some liberties with what Anne Emmerich, the mystic, relayed to him . Each Lent, i view Mel gibson’s The passion’ so i know it well . As i read the book, i found several similarities between the movie and her book. When I finished the book, i did some research and found that there, indeed, were indeed similari-ties . in spite of this, the book is a knockout and should illustrate the love god has for us His creatures . pauper, servus et humilis .

tHe sacRed HeaRt of lent

This book contains an entry for each day of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Easter Sunday . The simple meditations are meant to deepen a Chris-tian’s journey through Lent by helping us to know Christ’s heart more intimately .

fast pRay give

Fast, Pray, Give is a six-week study program for Lent that can be used by small groups and individuals alike . it focuses on key concepts of Lent in a fresh, contem-porary way that will inspire readers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. The six weeks give an overview of these topics: What Lent is, prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving, Conversion and Discipleship .

sHoW me tHe Way

nouwen invites readers to join him on a 40-day Lenten path as fellow pilgrims, from the solemn beginning of Ash Wednesday to the joyous climax of Easter . This inspi-rational “search for the way” speaks directly to the heart during this time of reflection and prayer .

suggested Reading foR lent

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tHe saint iRene Women’s cluB

practicing faith through commu-nity is what our Women’s Club is all about . The past few months have been a busy time for this amazing group of women here at our parish . From hosting a Ham & Bean dinner for parishioners in october, preparation and baking of apple pies in November; to creating beautiful boxwood trees for the group’s Christmas fund-raiser; the purpose of caring for others is feeding and adorning our community in each season .

Profits from the above mentioned events went to help The pregnancy Care Center of Lowell, Methuen & Lawrence . Funds raised were also used to purchase food and gifts for families experiencing hard times during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season . Donations were also made to the Appliance Fund for the rectory, to the grand Annual Collection and to help cover expenses incurred by the COA (Council on Aging) luncheons. Our efforts all focus on giving back to the community and parish .

Above: Chris Doucette Leads

the charge to create beautiful

boxwood trees.

Above: Jeanie Morin demonstrates how to make amazing culinary creations at the

Women’s Club hors d’oeurves night.

Join us foR tHese upcoming events:

• Soup and Bread suppers in Lent, consisting of homemade soup and bread before partici-pating in the Stations of the Cross on March 6th and March 27th .

• Italian Dinner Night on April 25th after the 5:00 pm Mass, and a Trash to Treasures sale on Saturday morning, May 9th . Mark your calendars for the italian dinner . The menu includes an antipasto, spaghetti tossed with a red sauce that includes meatballs and sausage, as well as home-made desserts provided by the members .

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5 Ways you can place tHe loRd in tHe centeR

of lentHere are some great ways to get that little extra boost to your prayer and reflection time this Lent. If you know you are not meeting the level of daily prayer and reflec-tion you had planned on, then consider using some of the simple suggestions below to easily meet and even exceed your planned time for thanking the Lord and Son this Lent and every day .

WHen you aRe gRoceRy sHopping

How easily do you get irritated at the grocery store? We’re usually in a hurry and want to quickly find all the items we need, only to be slowed down by other shoppers and a maze of carts . Clearly, a place many of us need Jesus .

Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to buy healthy food

to nourish myself and my family. Thank you for making a

way for us to afford what is in this cart. Please help me be

aware when You ask me to step up and be Your hands and

feet when others are in need. No matter my own circum-

stances, help me to be a blessing. Amen.

HouseHold cHoRes

Whether you enjoy cleaning, taking the trash out or doing the laundry, it’s a great time to thank god for all He has given you . With social media, television shows, etc ., it can become a bad habit to constantly compare what you have with what others have, and what you need to do as compared to the chores that you believe other do not need to do . inviting god into the chores you may enjoy the least will make them more enjoyable and meaningful .

God, thank you for everything you have given me and that

I must care for. Thank you for the running water I use to

bathe and clean my clothes with, for the home that helps

to keep me warm and cool, for the pots and pans that I

am able to prepare meals in, and for all of the things I use

to make my life easier than if I did not have and care for

them. Amen.

WHile dRinking a glass of WateR

it’s easy to take access to clean drinking water for granted . in the times of Jesus in the physical human form, it was a process to get water for drinking and everyday chores . Jesus met the Samaritan Woman at the well and introduced her to the concept of Living Water. He offered her a chance, for the first time ever, to be fully known and fully loved – something that will never leave a person dry .

Jesus, Thank you for offering us something that will satisfy

our spiritual thirst. Help me to recognize that You know

everything about me and love me. Open my eyes to what

will truly satisfy me and lead me into a deeper relationship

with You. Inspire me to offer those around me this same

Living Water. Amen.

WHen you’Re dRiving

When we get behind the wheel, we are often solely focused on two things: where we need to go and when we need to get there . This is especially true when commuting to work . For many this is an open oppor-tunity for annoyance with traffic and concern with arrival time to disrupt what could have been an enjoy-able drive . When you invite god into your vehicle with you, your attitude in such situations is much more likely to change. Any anxiety or annoyance lessens, and you remember that you’re not the only one in a hurry or with somewhere to be .

Jesus, As I grip this steering wheel, remind me that You’re

the One who’s actually in the driver’s seat of my life. Help

me to know that being safe and showing kindness is

always more important than my own agenda and time-

table. Amen.

WHen you aRe looking in tHe miRRoR

Especially when we’re getting ready, our interaction with the mirror can very easily set the tone for how we will feel and act throughout the day . What thoughts run through your head when you’re staring at your reflection? Notice them the next time you’re standing in front of the mirror . Are they positive or negative? Either way, you can invite god into your moment in front of the mirror .

God, Thank you for being so creative when you made

me. I know You fashioned me with love, intention, and

purpose. Help me to see myself as You see me. Keep me

away from the comparison trap. And as I grow content

with how and who I am, both inside and out, help me to

recognize the beauty in those around me. Amen.

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saint iRene knigHts of columBus

The Saint irene Knights of Columbus is one of those ministries that even until this point, ten years after the founding of our Council; most parishioners seem to have a misconception of what we really are .

i too had no idea what the K of C was and if i recall correctly, saw it as a secret society where within rituals of shrouded mystery were performed and old guys sat around in funny hats talking about what old guy in funny hats talk about .

After joining at the behest of my father, it immediately became apparent that the Saint irene Knights are a group of men in our parish that want to help main-tain a strong faith community . i found myself with opportunities to volunteer that i had always said i would like to do but never took the time to decide on the where, when and how of it .

While the K of C is a fraternal organization, family is the strength of our and all Councils . How well we serve the families of our parish and community is the measure of our strength as a Council .

Here are some of the questions we have been asked about the St . irene Knights .

How much time would I be expected to commit to the Saint Irene Knights? As much or as little time as you would like . our members spend an average of ten hours per year helping with parish events like the picnic each September, the parish Christmas party or the Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner in March . other opportunities include volunteering at Lazarus House Minis-tries in Lawrence to prepare and serve meals to the shelter residents . partici-pation in the Knights is also seen with our members who are Lectors, ushers at the Mass, Youth Faith Formation Teachers, Choir Members and more .

it’s really all about what you want to do and have time for . Best of all, families are always invited to help out for Council specific initiatives .

How many parishioners are members of the St Irene Knights? Currently there are about 30 members of the Council .

Why do men join the Knights of Columbus? Men join the Knights for different reasons . However, one that is shared between all of us is a desire to serve our church . The foundation of the organization is service to the Catholic Church . From this all of the charitable and community based opportunities come .

How do I get more information or join?

KofC@stirenes .org Happy to answer any more questions you may have .

Left to right, Marcel Boule, Rich Boule and Dan Hurley prepared and served an

awesome meal at the Lazarus House Shelter in January.

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love neveR fails

Love is patient, Love is kind

Through Jesus Christ, love you will find.

Love does not envy, It is not puffed up

Seek Him with your heart, He will fill your cup.

Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own

Be kind to others, for this God has shown.

Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things,

Give love to all and blessings God brings.

Love Never Fails.

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Some of the Happiest People on EarthTen years ago, the Dynamic Catholic Institute studied some of the happiest people on earth: Dynamic Catholics. These individuals strive to be all that God created them to be and serve their parish community powerfully. The study revealed that, at their core, these individuals shared a commitment to four life-changing habits:

Prayer: Conversing with God at least 10 minutes daily.

Study: Growing in knowledge of God and the Catholic faith.

Generosity: Serving powerfully with one’s time, talent and treasure.

Evangelization: Sharing our faith intentionally with others.

When lived out, these four habits open our lives to the power of God’s grace and the amazing possibilities God has for each of us. We are collaborating with Dynamic Catholic to unleash these habits into our own lives, the lives of our families, and the life of our parish.

Our parish is teaming up with Dynamic Catholic to launch Dynamic Parish®

For over a decade, Dynamic Catholic has been helping Catholics deepen their relationship with God and one another through the four habits. They are dedicated to spending the next decade implementing all they have learned to help parish communities like ours become all that God intends us to be. They will do that by:

• Helping us to grow in faith by deepening our commitment to the four life-enhancing habits

• Inspiring each of us to do our part in helping the parish to serve others more powerfully

• Encouraging us to reach out to those who are less engaged with the invitation to encounter Jesus personally

What is Dynamic Parish®?Dynamic Parish is a collaboration between our parish and Dynamic Catholic to invite everyone to rediscover Jesus, the beauty of Catholicism, and the commitment of our parish community to love and serve each other. Together, we will meet people where they are and point them to where God is leading them. We will learn what helps the parish grow and what doesn’t. And we will share what we learn here in this parish with every parish in America.

Together, with God’s grace and guidance, something incredible is going to happen.

The 5 Year PartnershipOver the course of the five-year partnership, Dynamic Catholic will provide our parish with resources and experiences proven to deepen our connection to God and to each other.

Each year will focus on one of the four life-changing habits, beginning with an invitation to start dreaming for ourselves and for the life of the parish.

Year 1: Invitation - Taking the next right step toward God. Year 2: Prayer - Developing a daily habit of prayer.Year 3: Study - Becoming continuous learners of the faith.Year 4: Generosity - Experiencing the joy of generous living.Year 5: Evangelization - Inviting others to know Jesus.

Dynamic Catholic ResourcesHere is a quick look at the resources we will experience:

• Catholic books which encourage us to grow in faith and inspire us to share the Good News with others.

• Programs that guide us in encountering the life, teaching, and person of Jesus.

• Events that inspire Catholics across the spectrum of engagement to take the next right step toward God.

• Consulting and coaching that aid the pastor and his leadership team in the implementation of their important work.

Through the generosity of Dynamic Catholic Ambassadors, all of these resources are free for our parish.

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Some of the Happiest People on EarthTen years ago, the Dynamic Catholic Institute studied some of the happiest people on earth: Dynamic Catholics. These individuals strive to be all that God created them to be and serve their parish community powerfully. The study revealed that, at their core, these individuals shared a commitment to four life-changing habits:

Prayer: Conversing with God at least 10 minutes daily.

Study: Growing in knowledge of God and the Catholic faith.

Generosity: Serving powerfully with one’s time, talent and treasure.

Evangelization: Sharing our faith intentionally with others.

When lived out, these four habits open our lives to the power of God’s grace and the amazing possibilities God has for each of us. We are collaborating with Dynamic Catholic to unleash these habits into our own lives, the lives of our families, and the life of our parish.

Our parish is teaming up with Dynamic Catholic to launch Dynamic Parish®

For over a decade, Dynamic Catholic has been helping Catholics deepen their relationship with God and one another through the four habits. They are dedicated to spending the next decade implementing all they have learned to help parish communities like ours become all that God intends us to be. They will do that by:

• Helping us to grow in faith by deepening our commitment to the four life-enhancing habits

• Inspiring each of us to do our part in helping the parish to serve others more powerfully

• Encouraging us to reach out to those who are less engaged with the invitation to encounter Jesus personally

What is Dynamic Parish®?Dynamic Parish is a collaboration between our parish and Dynamic Catholic to invite everyone to rediscover Jesus, the beauty of Catholicism, and the commitment of our parish community to love and serve each other. Together, we will meet people where they are and point them to where God is leading them. We will learn what helps the parish grow and what doesn’t. And we will share what we learn here in this parish with every parish in America.

Together, with God’s grace and guidance, something incredible is going to happen.

The 5 Year PartnershipOver the course of the five-year partnership, Dynamic Catholic will provide our parish with resources and experiences proven to deepen our connection to God and to each other.

Each year will focus on one of the four life-changing habits, beginning with an invitation to start dreaming for ourselves and for the life of the parish.

Year 1: Invitation - Taking the next right step toward God. Year 2: Prayer - Developing a daily habit of prayer.Year 3: Study - Becoming continuous learners of the faith.Year 4: Generosity - Experiencing the joy of generous living.Year 5: Evangelization - Inviting others to know Jesus.

Dynamic Catholic ResourcesHere is a quick look at the resources we will experience:

• Catholic books which encourage us to grow in faith and inspire us to share the Good News with others.

• Programs that guide us in encountering the life, teaching, and person of Jesus.

• Events that inspire Catholics across the spectrum of engagement to take the next right step toward God.

• Consulting and coaching that aid the pastor and his leadership team in the implementation of their important work.

Through the generosity of Dynamic Catholic Ambassadors, all of these resources are free for our parish.

God transforms parishes one person at a time

How will you respond?God wants to transform every parish into the dynamic community each is called to be, one-person-at-a-time. If enough parishes engage in this transformation not only will parish life in America be better, but it will change the world.

As simple as it may seem, changing the world for the better really can begin with an individual decision to embrace the four life-changing habits of prayer, study, generosity, and evangelization.

Get InvolvedIf you’d like to be a part of this ground-breaking work, here are five ways to get involved:

1. Pray for this parish and its partnership with Dynamic Catholic.

2. Volunteer your time and energy for a Dynamic Parish initiative.

3. Invite others to serve with you.

4. Utilize the resources made available to pray, study, serve, and evangelize.

5. If the resources don’t speak directly to you, share them with someone who you think will benefit from them.

Something wonderful is happening at ourparish

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eveRyone sHould knoW HoW to sWimBy leon Hagins

When reading and sharing the gospel, it is important to always emphasize the fact that God wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us, so we can be vessels of His love.

Through Luke 19:10, Jesus tells us he has come to ‘seek and save the lost’. Jesus is in every way on a rescue mission. He can fix the broken, provide “minor” yet needed spiritual enhancements to others and spur countless change for everyone in between. All for the purpose of encouraging us to keep our eyes open for those who also need the same.

This is beautifully described in a simply cute story you have probably never heard. The story is Jesus, Confucius, Socrates and the Drowning Man. The story goes as so…A man who was struggling off shore after falling from his small boat yelled for assistance to the three people he saw on the shore line and recognized as Jesus, Confucius and Socrates.

The first to respond was Confucius. He told the man to keep his head above water, rotate his arms in a circular motion and this would propel him to shore. When this didn’t work he yelled to the second man who was Socrates. He told the drowning man that he needed to kick his legs much faster, and this would get him to shore. When this failed and his strength was dwindling, he cried out “Jesus Save Me” in a final desperate plea for rescue.

Immediately Jesus swam out to the man, brought him to shore and got him some warm clothes. When the man was feeling better, Jesus taught him how to swim. From that day on the man gave swimming lessons, and watched the shoreline for anyone who may have been in trouble……..hallelujah!

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