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10/16/2020

Blessed by the many initiatives

October 16, 2020

Dear Friends on the Journey,

We are blessed by the initiatives of Paulist Center Community members who reach out to one another. Just this last weekend, as during previous Columbus Day Weekends, a large group of families got together (this time virtually) for an annual retreat. As one participant described it,

The kids took a special planning and leadership role in the Zoom liturgy this weekend (so even those Paulist Center members who weren’t attending the retreat experienced a taste of it!). Then we capped it all off with small group, outdoor, in-person gatherings on Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t quite as good as Craigville [Cape Cod], but it was a whole lot better than nothing. It really did fill the void that otherwise would have been there. I’m so glad we did it.

Two Wednesdays ago, 7pm, a new Lay Initiative began, a biweekly 30 Minute Prayer Service (which “leapfrogs” and mirrors the biweekly LGBTQ prayer service at the same time). Last time, Care for our Common Home committee led the service; this coming Wednesday, our Young Adult Ministry will lead us in 30 Minutes of Prayer, including music, scripture, and reflection (see link below).

So on many fronts we are taking care of one another.

But I am concerned about those without access to Zoom. Or about those who are not members. I invite you to think creatively about how, as Jesus’ followers in the Catholic tradition, we might reach out and welcome new members to the Paulist Center Community. The Pastoral Council is reflecting on this.

Finally, on another note, I am sorry for anyone who got an email this week purporting to be from me and asking for an immediate response because “I needed a favor.” Of course it was a scam and I hope it ends immediately. Be careful out there!

We continue to address Racism within ourselves and our society. So…

As part of learning the history, we need to know more about Black Women and the Making of American Catholicism. Hear the dynamic Villanova History Professor Shannen Dee Williams on this topic. Tuesday, October 20, 6pm. You must register beforehand, so go to this link to learn more. (When you register, just say you are a “friend.” You don’t have to be an alum of Fordham to “attend” the lecture”). Here’s the  link

And now for a commercial message…

We Paulist Fathers invite you to join us Saturday, October 17th at 8:30pm for a very special Gala Event: HOPE COAST TO COAST: A Virtual Groundbreaking with the Paulists. It will be LIVE on the Paulist Fathers’ YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. It’s going to be a party to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new House of Mission and Studies in Washington, DC. Our very own Paula Cuozzo will also be honored that evening, receiving the “Spirit of Hecker Award” for her embodying the charism of the Paulist Fathers. This will also be an opportunity to re-launch our Comprehensive Campaign to help secure a Paulist future. To RSVP and get in on the Prize Drawing, go to Paulist.org/Hope. Gather your friends for this uniquely Paulist evening! Remember the Paulists put the FUN in Fundraising!

Secondly, please consider making a leadership pledge that evening to the campaign. All pledges made that evening will be applied toward the Paulist Center’s local goal.

If you are a member of the Paulist Center Community and would like to serve our community by being a member of the Pastoral Council, please let me know (michael@paulistcenter.org), and I am happy to explain the next steps. Thank you!

BustedHalo, a Ministry of the Paulist Fathers, has together a short video (6 minutes) that presents an overview of what it means to be a Catholic and to vote. Here’s the link

And to show love and respect to one another during a contentious time, check this Golden Rule

Worshiping In-Person at the Paulist Center Chapel
(imperative if you will be worshiping with us) …

We have re-entered our Paulist Center Chapel. Please reserve a place for either the 5pm Mass on Saturday or the 10am on Sunday.

How to reserve a place?

Call the Center (617.742.4460) Wednesday through noontime Friday during business hours (10am-5pm).  Sal, our receptionist, will take your name and contact information (either email or phone number. We need this information so that we can contact you should we become aware, after the liturgy, of a person with Covid who attended your Mass).

Again, please read the Procedures carefully and watch the video [both links below]).  Of special note:

• The doors open 10 minutes before the service.
• Masks must be worn at all times in the Chapel.
• Please follow the directions of the hospitality ministers when entering, exiting, and at communion.
• Because central Boston is now in the “Red Zone,” we will be taking the temperature of everyone who enters the Chapel. Thank you for your understanding;
• Once seated, please stay in place.
• We invite you to hum along with the songs (no singing).

Procedures:

1) Here are the expectations and requirements: Procedures
2) A wonderful YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5A6uzhJH-Y&feature=youtu.be

If you can assist with welcoming, seating, and directing people into and out of the Chapel, we would love to hear from you! If you are not in a vulnerable group with regard to COVID-19 and are willing and able to assist in this very important ministry, please contact Peter Ghiloni at peter@paulistcenter.org.

1.) 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Sunday, October 18, Live Streamed Liturgy/Mass from the Chapel, at 10am (available as recording at same link after 11:15pm):
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/Ee1CaQBSZ3I

2) Paulist Center Families Prayer Service, 10 am, Sunday
New Zoom meeting ID.  See the emailed weekly Missive from Fr. Mike McGarry for the link.

Please note that this service – to which all are invited – is only live. That is, you can join only at 10am. The recording of the live-streamed Mass can be viewed anytime: “live” at 10am or recorded any time after 11:15am, same link.

4) All are welcome to a prayer gathering with/from the Paulist Center’s Young Adults Ministry next Wednesday, October 21^st, 7pm. All are welcome!
See the emailed weekly Missive from Fr. Mike McGarry for the link and the Words to the Music.

Spreading the Wealth:

Our “Community Gift” is our tradition of giving away 5% of our weekend offerings, averaged out over the whole year, to a group outside of ourselves.

We are so very grateful for your support during this time of uncertainly and financial peril. Here are two ways to give:

1. To make a one-time or recurring donation using your bank account or credit card, click on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/DonatePaulistCenter
   Giving by text: Text 844-899-7511 with the amount you would like to donate (whole dollars only). Donations collected this way will be designated as part of the “Weekend Offering.”
2. Giving by text: Text a whole dollar donation amount to 844-899-7511; this will be designated as your “Weekend Offering.”

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I conclude with the wise words of St. Teresa of Avila:

Nothing can trouble,
nothing can frighten.
Those who seek God shall
never go wanting.
Nothing can trouble,
nothing can frighten.
God alone fills us.

And let us pray for/with one another.

Michael
Michael McGarry, C.S.P.
Director, the Paulist Center

Along with Patty, Chuck, Susan, Peter, Dorothy, John, Barbara, Rob, Alvaro, and Sal. Please feel free to call upon your Pastoral Ministers if you wish.

I will be sending out something every Thursday or Friday as the “shut down” continues.