Saint Irene Parish Bulletin

On Saturday, May 5th Monsignor Robert Deeley conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on our candidates. We congratulate them and their families as they become adult and full members of our faith community here at St. Irene’s.

Celeste Maria Margarida Balboni
Jillian Mary Ann Berner
Matthew Ames Gerard Boudreau
Amanda Savoia Andrea Brown
Jessica Maris Genevieve Crowley
Michael Joseph Valentino Curran
Alexander William Ferdinand Dardinski
Hannah Rose Catherine Deignan
Laura Ann Facestina Drinkwater
Michael Andrew Patrick Drinkwater
Madeline Grace Irene Dunn
Kelly Marie Patricia Faber
Alexandra Catherine Forelli
Victoria Teresa Forelli
Matthew John Luke Gardner
Marvin Miguel Gonzalez-Romero
Amanda Marie Ashley Greer
Charlotte Elizabeth Eleanor Jones
Molly Elizabeth Julia Koski
Jacklyn Rene Ann Lane
Melanie Amber Catherine MacMullan
Daniella Jean Margaret McCormick
Samantha Mary Theresa Meehan
Michael Robert Jerome Merna
Joseph Talbot Richard Nallen
Katherine Mary Sophia Nunan
Christopher Luke Peter O’Leary
Tyler Gilbride John Reichheld
Megan Katheryn Elizabeth Seifert
Sarah Elizabeth Spotts
Elizabeth Rae Teresa Ventura
Jacob Daniel Christopher White

Children’s Liturgy

We are celebrating our Children’s Liturgy this Sunday, May 6th at the 8:00 am and 11:00 am Masses. Grade 5 students will host both Masses.

May Crowning

Please join us for the May Crowning this Sunday, May 6th at 9:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Baptism

We schedule Baptisms on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 1:00 pm. The Baptism Catechesis is required for all parents for the first child in the family. The class takes place on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. Please call the Rectory to register for the class as well as to schedule a Baptism.

Tuesday Adoration and Benediction

Take a break from the world’s demands and rest in the Lord! All are invited every Tuesday at 7:30 pm to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Benediction.

First Tuesdays include periods for silent prayer, recitation of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and finish at 9:00 pm.

All other Tuesdays include the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer, the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament, and conclude at 8:30 pm.

You are most welcome to come even for a couple of minutes to rest your heart and refresh your soul! For more information contact Mary Ellen Bakken at mehbakken@msn.com.

Prayer of Petition

As we pray for the men and women in our armed forces, let us remember also the families of those brave people who risk their lives for our protection. We all know the power of prayer. Here are a few words to remember and to pray:

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for all of us in our time of need. Grant the reward of eternal life to those who have given their lives for their country. I ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Religious Education News

Classes for students in Grades K-5 are held on Sunday. Session I is from 9:00-9:50 am and Session II is from 10:00-10:50 am.

Religious Education classes will be held this Sunday for students in grades 1-5. Classes will be held on Monday evening for students in grades 6-8.

The LAST class for grades K-5 will take place Sunday, May 6th.

In addition to class, both the 9:00 am and 10:00 am sessions will celebrate the MAY CROWNING in the Church. All families/parishioners are invited. Both the 9:00 am & 10:00 am sessions will line up in the Parish Hall at 9:15 am. The May Crowning will begin at 9:30 am.

The LAST class for grades 6-8 will take place Monday, May 7th.

Class will be from 7-8:15 pm. Class will begin promptly at 7:00 pm with Mass in the Church followed by an “Ice Cream Social” in the Parish Hall. Please note the new pick up time of 8:15 p.m.

Registration Forms for 2012-2013

Registration Forms for 2012-2013 School year will be available at this website stirenes.org soon.

First Communion Items

The 2nd Grade class First Communion Folders, Workbooks and Banners are due on Sunday, May 6th as well as donations for First Communion Flowers. Please give these items to teachers.

They will receive their First Communion on Saturday, May 19th at 10 a.m.

Thank You to Religious Ed Teachers

Thank you to all the teachers, students and parents for a wonderful year! A special thank you to the teachers for their time, talent and service!

Confirmation Program

Monsignor Robert Deeley will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on our young adults next Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 am. Please keep them in your prayers.

If you have any questions about our Confirmation Program, please contact Mr. Frank Barre at 978-256-3942 or at fjbarre@aol.com.

Parish Happenings

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Council meets periodically in the Rectory to discuss and plan parish business. If you would like to serve on the Council please contact Father Tom or Father Romain.

The Parish Pastoral Council will meet Sunday, May 13th at 7:00 pm in the rectory.

The Light is On For You

You are invited! Please come and experience Christ’s healing love and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. For more information please visit: www.TheLightIsOnforYou.org.

Message from Fr. Tom

I wish to express my deepest thanks for all who planned, prepared and participated in the celebration last Sunday for my 60th Anniversary of Ordination and my 85th birthday. The Mass was a very moving experience. I thank the liturgical ministers, the musicians, the Knights of Columbus and all of you who came to celebrate with me. What can I say about the dinner and party at the Raddison Hotel? What an enjoyable and wonderful event. I thank all of you who worked to make it a memorable celebration. Even with 85 candles on the cake! I thank all of you who came to celebrate with me.

Thank you all!!!

Roses For Spring House

The Women’s Club will be selling roses to benefit Spring House, a home for pregnant women, the weekend of May 12/13th at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday and the 8:00 am and 11:00 am Masses on Sunday. Thank you in advance for your support of this fundraiser. Surprise a mom in your life with some roses and help support another mom-to-be in her journey to respect life.

Women’s Club Mothers Day Mass

St. Irene’s Women’s Club is having a Mass offered for all the mothers of the parish, past, present and future on Sunday, May 13th at 8:00 am.

Women’s Club - Trash to Treasure

Spring is here and it’s time for yearly spring cleaning - The Women’s Club will hold their annual “Trash to Treasure” on Saturday, May 12th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Now is the time to put aside your unwanted items (no clothing) for the sale. You can drop them off in the rectory garage anytime.

Roses For Spring House

The Women’s Club will be selling roses to benefit Spring House, a home for pregnant women, the weekend of May 12/13th at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday and the 8:00 am and 11:00 am Masses on Sunday. Thank you in advance for your support of this fundraiser. Surprise a mom in your life with some roses and help support another mom-to-be in her journey to respect life.

Red Cross Blood Drive

St. Irene Parish will sponsor a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, May 10th from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Women’s Club End of Year Banquet

The Women’s Club will hold their end-of-year banquet on Thursday, May 17th at Rufina’s in Chelmsford. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling Jan Brown at (978) 256-9840 before Monday the 14th. She will have the particulars at the time you make your reservation.

St. Irene Golf League

Calling all Golfers, St. Irene is forming its first ever Golf League.

We are asking anyone who might be interested in playing in a golf league, at what ever frequency of participation, to send us some basic information; your name, email, cell phone, where you typically play, and handicap.

Also indicate what day of the week you would like to play. Once we have collected the information we will organize a league that we hope will play from June through September.

The frequency, format and locations will depend on the response. It will include a round of golf and socialization afterwards around a snack/meal. Fr. Tom has already signed up. Please send your information to Deacon Charles Ferraro at cafcma@comcast.net.

RSVP - Baccalaureate Mass

St Irene Parish will be hosting a Baccalaureate Mass for graduates and their parents and families on Sunday June 3rd at the 5:00 pm Mass.

Graduates of middle school, 8th grade, high school, and college and their families will be invited to attend this special occasion as we celebrate and offer thanksgiving for their academic accomplishments in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Mass to be followed by a reception in our church hall. The acclaimed Gospel Choir of the Boston Archdiocese will be providing the music for our Mass. A reception will follow afterwards with food, drink, and refreshments and a chance to renew acquaintances for families and young adults and their guests.

Please RSVP by May 19th by emailing Deacon Charlie at cafcma@comcast.net with your name and a count of how many from your family will be attending. Your early response will assist us with proper planning.

Catholic Appeal

In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus tells us He is the true vine and all those who remain in him are the branches. He promises us that, as a branch connected to the vine will bear much fruit, so, too, are we fruitful by remaining in Him. Each year during the Catholic Appeal, the Archdiocese of Boston invites us to bear the fruit of Christian charity for those beyond our parish community. When we give to the Appeal, we support the pastoral, charitable, and educational work of 50 ministries of the Archdiocese. St. Irene Parish has raised $17,086 from 60 donors. Thank you for your generosity.

If you would like to make a difference that extends beyond our parish boundaries, please complete one of the pledge forms in the back of the church or make a gift online. For more information about the Catholic Appeal or to make a pledge to our parish campaign, please visit: www.BostonCatholicAppeal.org. Thank you!

Theatre Trip

We haven’t had a chance to get to any shows lately but . . . Billy Elliot is coming this summer from July 24th - August 19th. Please call Judy Andrews and leave a message at (978) 369-1461 or email judygucci@hotmail.com if you are interested in seeing this show.

Pastoral Planning

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning Commission (APPC) has begun a series of 20 vicariate consultations with parish pastoral and finance council members to discuss proposals to strengthen parishes for the mission of evangelization in the Archdiocese. We ask parishioners to join the Commission’s work by prayer and by visiting the planning website for important information on the proposal and the Commission’s work to date at www.planning2012.com.

The APPC is asking pastors and their councils to conduct Town Hall meetings or other sessions over the next several weeks to discuss pastoral planning efforts in the Archdiocese.

Parishioners who wish to take a web survey on pastoral planning can find it at the www.planning2012.com website.

Caring Friends Network

If you know of a parishioner who is in need of a meal, a ride to church, or a get well/sympathy card, please let us know. We have many volunteers who have signed on to help a fellow parishioner in need. Please contact mchristensen@enchoice.com, cinreynolds@comcast.net, macoscia@comcast.net.

Tuesday Adoration and Benediction

Take a break from the world’s demands and rest in the Lord! All are invited every Tuesday at 7:30 pm to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Benediction.

First Tuesdays include periods for silent prayer, recitation of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and finish at 9:00 pm.

All other Tuesdays include the Liturgy of the Hours, silent prayer, the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament, and conclude at 8:30 pm.

You are most welcome to come even for a couple of minutes to rest your heart and refresh your soul! For more information contact Mary Ellen Bakken at mehbakken@msn.com.

On The Top Shelf - Parish Library News

Our Parish Library, located in Room 6 of the Parish Hall, offers many books for reading and reflection.

Once you register, you can take out books any time the Church is open. Our library is self-service. Instructions on how to register and then take out books can found clearly marked on top of the shelves.

Our Parish Library has fiction, humor, young adult, and children’s books. There is a sampling on the top shelf. Fiction, young adult, and children’s have their own sections on the shelves. Other books may be found through the subject, author, and title cards.

Questions? Contact Sandi Cotroneo 978-250-9887, san2mum@yahoo.com.

Come, visit and check out a book.

Our parishioners and friends have generously donated hundreds of Catholic-theme books to our parish library, and continue to do so. We are still accepting book donations that are of a Catholic theme. There is a wish list of desired books in the library. Thank you!

Catholics Come Home at St. Irene Church

Pray this week for the courage to invite someone you know to come home. Now is a very acceptable time to invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who have been away from the Catholic Church to come home. For more information about the Catholics Come Home Program, visit www.CatholicsComeHomeBoston.org.

Questions may be directed to Deacon Charles Ferraro at cafcma@comcast.net.

Catholics Come Home in the Archdiocese of Boston

Whether you were baptized Catholic as a child or you’ve only recently decided to see what the Catholic Church is about, we are glad you are here.

Wherever you are in your faith journey, our desire is that the Catholics Come Home® Boston campaign and this website will help you discover—or re-discover—the Catholic faith.

Our hope is that you will find that being Catholic can help you find true peace, happiness, and purpose in life. Our goal is to provide you with the help you need to understand the Catholic Church and her teachings. Go ahead, we want you to ask us the tough questions. We want you to know God’s love for you. We ask you to be part of our global Catholic family. We invite you to join us in worship, prayer, and fellowship at one of our 290 parishes in 144 cities and towns of eastern Massachusetts.

The door is open for you. We are one family – welcome home!

Visit the Archdiocese of Boston Catholics Come Home website for information about the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Boston Catholic Peer Leadership Ministry

St. Irene Parish Peer Leadership Ministry (PLM) PLM is made up of post Confirmation young adults that are interested in developing their leadership skills by mentoring Catholic values and skills to Confirmation, middle school and younger parish children. We meet once a month around Sunday Mass.

Videos of our Peer Leadership activities are on You-Tube:

For more info contact Joe at jdcelticsfan@gmail.com or Emily at
blgmemily@yahoo.com.

Ministry at St Irene's

This is your opportunity to offer your time and talent in the various ministries and activities of our parish. Contact the Rectory or the individual person listed with a ministry. We will make every effort to respond to your responses as soon as possible.

Altar Server

Interested in Altar Service? Contact Deacon Dean.

Presentation of the Gifts - An Invitation

We would like to invite families to bring the gifts up to the altar at the Offertory of the Mass. Those who bring the gifts at Mass represent all of us.

If your family would like to bring up the gifts, please let the ushers know before the Mass.

Spread the Word, Be a Lector

Do you like to talk? Would you be interested in being a Lector? The time commitment is about one hour a month, and you can be scheduled at the Mass of your choice. All reading material is included, and a brief introduction is given to help you on your way.

For high school students, we offer community service hours. We would love to hear from you! Pleas call Debbie Coscia at 978-369-4156 or Lisa Mariano at 978-369-3940.

Caring Friends Network

If you know of a parishioner who is in need of a meal, a ride to church, or a get well/sympathy card, please let us know. We have many volunteers who have signed on to help a fellow parishioner in need. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact mchristensen@enchoice.com, cinreynolds@comcast.net, macoscia@comcast.net.

Catholic Peer Leadership Ministry

St. Irene Parish Peer Leadership Ministry (PLM) PLM is made up of post Confirmation young adults that are interested in developing their leadership skills by mentoring Catholic values and skills to Confirmation, middle school and younger parish children. We meet once a month around Sunday Mass.

Videos of our Peer Leadership activities are on You-Tube:

Bike Rally

Lake Trip

For more info contact Joe at jdcelticsfan@gmail.com or Emily at
blgmemily@yahoo.com.

Eucharistic Ministers Needed at the Emerson Hospital

Were you hospitalized and someone brought you communion? Would you like to give back by becoming a Eucharistic Minister yourself? Perhaps you would like to consider trying this ministry of prayer and Eucharist? Are there other reasons why you might like to bring communion to the sick?

This ministry entails just about 2 hours per month plus 2 gatherings per year, for support, faith sharing, prayer and a wonderful meal provided by the Hospital in one of the conference rooms. If you have any questions please call the Catholic healthcare chaplain, Georgia Gojmerac-Leiner, (978) 287-3015, or email: gleiner@emersonhosp.org. Please consider trying this ministry. You will receive training and support on an ongoing basis.

Music Ministry

Music is such a powerful tool that can be used to evangelize, lift our spirits, and draw people closer to God and His church. We all know how inspiring it is to hear our beautiful choir during Mass and our children and teens sign with such spirit. Be part of the ministry of music.

If you love to sing and especially to God, then we have a place for you! Please consider joining one of the groups. Please pick up a flyer at the main church entrance, or call Denise Glennon, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 692-9566 for further information.

The Children's choir rehearses on Thursdays from 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. This choir sings at the 8 a.m. Mass.

The Adult choir rehearses on Thursdays 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. This choir sings at the 11 a.m. Mass each week from September through June, and at the Christmas and Easter Masses.

The Youth Oriented choir rehearses Sundays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

All voices and types are needed to prayerfully sing to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Women’s Club

The St. Irene’s Women’s Club would like to thank our very generous parishioners who have participated in our many fund raisers during the 2010 - 2011 year.

In November, we baked 62 apple pies and sold them after the Masses. The proceeds were used to buy phone cards for our soldiers in the Middle East and Thanksgiving food baskets for local families in need. All food materials were donated by the Women’s Club members and a local super market.

In December, we crafted 40 Christmas Boxwood Trees and sold them after the Masses. With the proceeds we bought Christmas presents for a family shelter in Lowell and helped with Christmas food baskets for local families in need. In addition, we added extra treats to the holiday packages which St. Irene’s parish sent to our deployed troops. We also made donations to local food pantries.

In January, we collected clothing for Catie’s Closet in Lowell High School.

In April, we ran a Fashion Show and Tea with its proceeds sent to the Dana Farber Breast Cancer Research.

In May, we ran a Trash to Treasure White Elephant Sale and it was very successful. Also in May, we had our annual Rose Sale to benefit Spring House, a home for pregnant women in Berlin, MA. This enabled us to send them a donation of $610.00.

Thank you for your constant support and friendship. Stay tuned for another fruitful year.

St. Irene's Knights of Columbus

In the late 1800's, when the family breadwinner died, the widow and children struggled to keep the family together. A New Haven Connecticut parish priest, Fr. Michael J. McGivney, asked his predominantly Irish immigrant parishioners to help solve this problem.

They created an organization that would financially help the widow of members who died. Today, Fr. McGivney is under consideration for sainthood, and his organization is still growing.

The Knights support the annual Parish Picnic, the 40-hours devotion, the Tootsie-roll drive to raise funds for Special Needs children, the Christmas Party, the "Keep Christ in Christmas" religious cards, Scout Sunday, distribution of Rosary Beads to Confirmation Candidates, First Communion, the canonization work on behalf of Fr. Michael J. McGivney (the Connecticut priest who founded the Knights), and other parish and spiritual activities.

The Knights are active in several countries, financially support seminarians, have establish several charitable organizations, and pay for the world-wide satellite transmission of the Papal Midnight Mass on Christmas and Easter.

Membership in the Knights is open to Practicing Catholic men age 18 and older. All men, regardless of their parish, are invited to join St Irene's Knights.

St Irene's Council of Knights hold a business meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Parish Hall beginning at 8 pm. For information about joining St Irene's Knights, speak with Deacon Dean.

Food Baskets

St Irene's parishioners support the Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Lowell with a donation of food baskets at Thanksgiving and at Christmas. For information about how you can support this parish activity, please phone the Rectory (978) 369-3940.

Rwanda Seminary Update

The construction of the biogas production plant to support the Rwanda Jr Seminary is underway. Photographs are at our parish website.

Parish E-mails

We would like to confirm that you have been receiving regular parish e-mails on events and activities that are happening here at St Irene Church. If you have not received any e-mails from us in the past two months, please e-mail us at stirene@comcast.net and we will be sure to get you on our list. Additionally if you use a spam filter, you may need to white-list stirene@comcast.net.

Home Schooling Families

In an effort to support families in the Archdiocese of Boston that home school their children, Cardinal Sean has established a position of Spiritual Director / Liaison for Home School Families within the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese. If you would like to contact the office for more information, or be connected to other Catholic home school families, please call 617-746-5875.

Lost and Found

Please take a look in the lost and found areas in the closets in the front vestibule of the Church. All lost and found items, including those left during Religious Education class, will be placed in this one location.

If you or your child has misplaced an item, please check the closet. The items will be cleaned out periodically, and donated to charity.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts

St. Irene’s Council of the Knight of Columbus encourage Cub and Boy Scouts to earn scouting's Catholic Religious awards: Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei for Cub Scouts and Ad Altare Dei for Boy Scouts. Information about these awards is available at bostoncatholicscouting.org. If you have questions or need help please contact Steve Dardinski (692-5717) for Cub Scouts or Regis Richard (667-2165) for Boy Scouts.

For information about Catholic boy scout and girl scout activities within the archdiocese, visit bostoncatholicscouting.org. Check online information about national Catholic boy scout (www.nccs-bsa.org), girl scout and camp fire (www.nccgscf.org) activites.

Crying Room - A Quiet Spot

Occasionally during Mass, young children become noisy or fidgety, or may need a change of scenery. At those times, feel free to bring them into our Reconciliation Room in the rear of the church where Mass can be seen and heard. We are a family parish and welcome families and children at our Sunday Liturgies.

Catholic College Information

If you and your family have started your College search, please check St. Irene's website for a list of Catholic colleges in the US.

List of Catholic Schools

St. Irene's maintains a list of area Catholic schools (K-12) at our website.

The Pilot

The official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston is available on-line at thebostonpilot.com. The Pilot, America's oldest Catholic newspaper, was established in 1829.

Collection Envelopes

If you would like to receive collection envelopes, please call the Rectory.

Area Events

Military Archdiocese

The Archdiocese for the Military Services provides the Catholic Church’s full range of pastoral ministries and spiritual services to those in the Unites States Armed Forces, patients in V.A. Medical Centers and federal employees serving outside of the USA. For more information please visit www.milarch.org.

Wedding Anniversary Mass

His Eminence, Sean Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. invites all couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversary in 2012 to the Wedding Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of Holy Cross, Sunday, June 3rd at 11:30 am. Mass will include a renewal of vows. Family members and friends are welcome to attend. Please register online at www.BostonCatholic.org/MarriageMinistries or with the parish office.

Please register by May 25th to have your name included in the printed list of Anniversary Couples. A formal invitation and more information will be sent beginning in May from the Archdiocese to anniversary couples. Congratulations on your anniversary?

Pastoral Planning Update

Cardinal Seán O’Malley and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Planning Commission (APPC) met with priests of the Archdiocese of Boston and those serving in Archdiocesan parishes to begin the consultation process regarding the next phase of Pastoral Planning in the archdiocese. As part of the consultation process, the APPC has developed some principles and preliminary recommendations for strengthening the Archdiocese’s parish-based ministries, Evangelization efforts and parish staffing. Further rounds of consultations with Archdiocesan, parish leadership and laity will be conducted over the next several months. The APPC will then prepare a final recommendation to Cardinal Seán for his decision.

For more info visit http://www.bostoncatholic.org/Utility/News-And-Press/Content.aspx?id=22480 and www.2012Planning.org. The St. Irene Parish Council will follow this closely and keep the parish informed!

Project Bread

Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger will be held on May 6th. Your support will provide nutritious meals to hungry families. Information and sponsor sheets are available at the back of the Church or visit www.projectbread.org.

Catholic TV

Catholic TV is available on Comcast Cable channel 268, Verizon FiOS channel 271, Sky Angel IPTV channel 142, RCN channel 85, EWTN channel 261 and streaming on www.CatholicTV.com.

Catholic Education

St. Margaret’s School, Lowell

Partnering with parents, Catholic school education provides a learning environment that promotes academic success and the development of faith, values, and a moral compass.

St. Margaret School, a K1-8 Catholic school in Lowell, invites you to consider enrolling your child in a “school you can believe in. ”More information is available on our website: www.stmargaretschoollowell.org

Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro

The Academy of Notre Dame is a Catholic, private school comprised of a co-educational K1-8 elementary school and a college preparatory high school for young women. The school is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and is based on the educational philosophy of their foundress, St. Julie Billiart.

The Academy of Notre Dame is also a private, Catholic, all-girls college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, located at 180 Middlesex Road in Tyngsboro, MA.

Please call Barbara Aldrich-Clougherty, Director of Admissions at 978-649-7611 x 327 for more information.

Presentation of Mary Academy, Methuen

The Presentation of Mary Academy is a private, co-ed, Catholic, college preparatory high school for students gradfes 9 - 12, founded in 1958 by the Sisters of the Presentaion of Mary.

For more information, visit their website at pmamethuen.org or phone 978-682-9391.

Central Catholic High School, Lawrence

Founded by the Marist Brothers in the heart of Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1935, Central Catholic enrolls approximately 1,350 students from over 40 cities and towns and four countries. Students come from diverse backgrounds to form a caring community of faith, learning, and service.

Virtually 100% of our graduates move on to college annually. Members of recent graduating classes are currently studying at some of the finest universities in the nation and the world, including Harvard University, Brown University, the University of Notre Dame, Boston College … and the list goes on. The success of our students on AP Exams far outpaces the national standards (93% of students who take these college level, College Board accredited classes pass the exams).

For more information, visit their website at www.centralcatholic.net or phone 978-682-0260.

Ursuline Academy, Dedham

Ursuline Academy is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women in grades 7-12. The Academy inspires each young lady to reach her full potential by providing excellence in education, respect for the individual, cultivation of leadership qualities, and in a warm and spirited community. Transportation is available from many communities. For more info please call 781-326-6161 X 107 or visit www.ursulineacademy.net.

Catholic College Listing

Families looking for a Catholic college for their children should visit St. Irene's own website for a list of Catholic colleges in the United States: www.StIrenes.org/information/college_list.html.

Social Action Opportunities

Project Bread

Project Bread helps to feed the hungry. With the current economic state, many people are in need.

Your pledges will support 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in 132 communities across the state. For more information, go to www.projectbread.org

Catholic Charities

Multiple locations in Merrimack Valley and Greater Boston. www.ccab.org

Habitat for Humanity - Local Communities

Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers over the age of 16 to help Habitat build houses in Bedford. Please call George Bishop at 978-369-5080 for more information or to volunteer.

Food Pantry - Lowell

Catholic Charities Food Pantry is in need of volunteers in their Lowell location. They need people 18 and older to stuff bags, give out food, and help with intake.

Volunteers Needed - Lowell:

Food Pantry Assistants - We're looking for volunteers! The food pantry needs your help stocking shelves, bagging food for clients, and distributing food to our clients Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Contact: Scott Stolze at (978) 454-9946

Intake Associates - We're looking for volunteers to greet clients as they arrive to our pantry. Volunteers would also input client information into our database

Donations Needed:

Donate a Gift Card from a local food retailer

Drop off a bag of donated food

If you would like to make a monetary donation please make a check payable to Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities noting Lowell Food Pantry in the memo line in order for the donation to go directly for food. Mail it directly to Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities at 70 Lawrence St. Lowell, MA 01852.

We can help make a huge difference for a family, even with just one bag of food.

For more information on how you can help, contact us at (978) 454-9946

Knitting in Service Society - Carlisle

Know how to knit? Knitting in Service Society (KISS) is a group of girls and women who have been knitting since 2006 to benefit those in need. New members are always welcome. We work on hats and scarves from easy to advanced. They are knit for Boston’s homeless through Common Cathedral and given as Christmas presents. For info on Common Cathedral, their needs and a pattern see www.ecclesia-ministries.org/howto.html.

KISS meets monthly, excluding summers, and can provide knitting instructions for those who would like to learn.

Donations of goods, yarn and needles can be dropped off at the KISS poster/display basket in the entryway of First Religious Society, 27 School St., Carlisle.

For questions, call FRS at (978) 369-5180 or the Carlisle Council on Aging at (978) 371-2895. To be added to the monthly email reminder, email lindatm@comcast.net. Kiss meets monthly on Tuesday nights 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Please call for the location (often a knitter’s home).

Birthright of Lowell

The work they do goes beyond providing material goods. They offer love, friendship, and a safe place to talk. Birthright is looking for a few good women and men. They are a pregnancy help organization that provides love and support to all women and children who come in.

Please call Kath at 978-394-1231 or visit www.birthright.org for more information.

Birthright - Maynard

Birthright is a pregnancy help service that has over 500 local offices across the US and Canada. They provide nonjudgmental, loving assistance to women and families experiencing unexpected or difficult pregnancy and are interdenominational.

The local office is in Maynard. They can be reached at 978-897-6825 or on the web at www.birthright.org. New volunteers are always welcome.

My Father's House - North Chelmsford

My Father's House, located in North Chelmsford, is a Christian ministry in operation for the past twelve years as a residential program for pregnant and parenting teenaged girls. Although it is fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, no state or federal funds are used in its operation, and therefore it is funded entirely by private donations. In addition to financial support from our donors, My Father's House is seeking donations of much-needed supplies and food items from local churches and church committees. If you or your group would prayerfully consider making a regular monthly donation from our list, it would be much appreciated. Please contact Nancy Long with questions or to arrange a donation at 978-251-8191.

Drivers Needed - Concord Carlisle Area

If you can volunteer to drive a senior to essential medical appointments, or deliver hot/cold lunchtime meals to seniors during the week, please phone the Minuteman Senior Services at 781-221-7023. Travel reimbursement is available. A neighbor's independence may depend upon you.

Carlisle Council on Aging Volunteers Needed - Carlisle

The COA needs volunteers to help with driving senior to appointments and on errands, Meals on Wheels delivery, mailings, program/events coordination, home chores for the elderly, including yard work, repairs, meal preparation, one-on-one computer instruction and more.

For additional information pick up a volunteer application at the COA office at Town Hall or call Angela Smith at 371-2895. Any time or support would be greatly appreciated.

Choose Life License Plates

Cardinal Sean has endorsed the efforts of Choose Life, Inc., to make available a "vanity plate" in Massachusetts which promotes the pro-life message. For more information, go to the Mass Choose Life website.

Catholic Television

Catholic TV is available on the Internet, on COMCAST Cable channel 268 EWTN, Verizon FiOS channel 271, SkyAngel IPTV channel 142, EWTN channel 238, RCN channel 85, and streaming on www.catholictv.com.

Visit www.catholictv.com to find out what channel Catholic TV is in your area.

Catholic Radio Station

Boston’s Catholic Radio Station is dedicated to Mary Queen of Martyrs, with the call letters WQOM. You can listen at 1060 AM and online at WQOM.org. We also mention that Catholic TV programs can be seen on Comcast 268, Verizon 298, RCN 85 and at CatholicTV.com.

Lift - Catholic Worship for a NEW Generation

Join us for LIFT, an exciting monthly worship event which includes vibrant praise and worship music, dynamic, challenging speakers and Eucharistic Adoration. LIFT is for all ages - from young adults to adults to teens, to entire families.

More information about LIFT, can be found on our website at www.liftedhigher.com. Come join in worship with hundreds of Catholics from around the Boston area!

Retreat Opportunities:

Franciscan Center Retreat

The Franciscan Center in Andover offers retreats throughout the year.

Please call 978-851-3391 for more information.

Espousal Retreat Center

The Espousal Retreat Center in Waltham offers retreats during the year. Visit their website, espousal.org, for information about the Center and their work.

Please email espousaladmin@gmail.com, call (781) 209-3120 or visit their website www.espousal.org for more information.

Office of Spiritual Development

The Office of Spiritual Development offers retreats throughout the year. Each retreater will receive personal guidance in prayer from a spiritual director.

A list of area retreat houses is maintained on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston web site.

For more information, please call 617-779-3640.

Campion Renewal Center

The Campion Renewal Center offers retreats during the year.

Please call 781-788-6810 for information, and to register.

Traveling?

Get Church information and Mass schedules for Catholic parishes around the United States for directions and Mass times before you leave and pack the information in your suitcase!

Call 1-800-627-8463 or get the information on-line at www.masstimes.org

Cathedral of the Holy Cross Ireland Pilgrimage - June 13 - 23, 2012

Join Fr. Kevin O’Leary and others from the Archdiocese of Boston on a pilgrimage to IRELAND and the celebration of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress where Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the closing Mass. Pilgrimage continues with a tour of the sacred sites of Ireland including, Knock, Galway, Limerick City, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Cork and more. Complete package cost $3,295 (twin occupancy). For further details and information please contact Sofia Syversen at 800-653-0017 or email her at: Canterbury.tours@live.com.

Travel to Ireland / Scotland - June 24th to July 6, 2012

Travel to Ireland and Scotland with Fr. Shawn Allen, Pastor of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish, Billerica, MA from June 24th-July 6, 2012. The cost is $4,499 Airfare and All-Included. For any questions please call Proximo Travel at (508) 340-9370 or visit www.proximotravel.com.

Catholic Tour Pilgrimage to Greece - September 25 to October 5, 2012

Eleven Days in Greece and the Greek Isles - In the steps of Saint Paul, hosted by Fr. Agustin Anda of St. Theresa of Lisieux in Billerica. See the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens, visit St. Paul’s Corinth, take a Greek Isles cruise to Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, and more. For only $2,759 per person including airfare. For a full color brochure contact Fr. Anda at (978) 663-8816 X 23 or email au1gus2tine@yahoo.com.

Cardinal Sean's E-Mail List

We encourage all parishioners to subscribe to a new "Weekly E-mail from Cardinal Sean." The e-mail includes special messages from the Cardinal, content from Cardinal Sean's blog, official press releases from the Archdiocese, links to current stories from the Pilot (the Archdiocese Newspaper), and other helpful information to deepen Catholic life.

The Cardinal hopes that every Catholic in the Archdiocese with an e-mail account will consider signing up for this weekly e-mail. To sign-up, or for more information, visit the Archdiocese website rcab.org

The Archdiocese of Boston

For information about our archdiocese, visit the Archdiocese of Boston website, www.BostonCatholic.org

Marriage Encounter

Marriage Encounter Massachusetts offers a program for couples who believe they have a good marriage but desire a deeper understanding, a richer communication, a better quality and more spirituality in their marriage.

For information, call 800-710-WWME or visit their website. www.wwmeMA.org

Unemployed? Acton Networkers Group

Unemployed individuals in St. Irene's Parish are invited to join the Acton Networkers to share ideas on job-hunting techniques, leads and strategies. The group meets at 10 a.m. on Friday mornings at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton. The meetings, as well as membership in the unemployed support group, are free.

For more information, or if your company has job openings you would like to fill with local talent, contact John Walsh or visit their website ActonNetworkers.org.

Catholic Singles Club

The Catholic Alumni Club (CAC) of Boston is a social organization of over 500 single Catholic professionals ages 21 - 65. CAC sponsors a wide variety of social and religious activities, including dances, fine dining, sports, cultural events, liturgies and travel. For more info call Allen (978) 454-0206, Philip (508) 996-0901 or Marleen (781) 828-2370.

Financial Report

	Last Week	Year To Date
*Offertory Collection*	$ 8,685	$ 108,226
Target	$ 6,000	$ 102,000
Surplus (Deficit)	$ 2,685	$ 6,226

*Monthly Collection*	$	$ 4,710
Target	$ 3,000	$ 9,000
Surplus (Deficit)	$ (433)	$ (1,278)

The Home Missions and Black & Native Americans collection amounted to $1,216. Thank you!.

St. Irene Roman Catholic Church
181 East Street - Carlisle,MA USA
978-369-3940