Dear Parishioners:
A few parishioners have asked if we are using a new chalice at Sunday Masses. The answer is no as the chalice has been used for years at OLM. It was recently refinished and that explains the “new look.” The 
chalice is Father Francis Brady’s who served as Pastor of OLM for twenty-three years from 1947 until his retirement in 1970. The chalice was given to Fr. Brady by his aunt at his ordination in 1920. After the recent refinishing it now looks as it did in 1920. We continue to use this chalice at Sunday Masses and other special parish celebrations.
Next weekend we welcome Missionhurst Missionary Father Roy Shea, CICM to OLM. Father Shea is coming to preach all the Masses next weekend on behalf of the good works done by the Missionhurst Missionaries 
across the globe. Each year a missionary comes to our parish as part of the Mission Co-op Program for the Diocese of Providence. It is our time to offer our prayers and financial support of the missions. There is more about the work of the Missionhurst Missions in the bulletin. The Second Collection next weekend is dedicated to supporting the Missionhurst Missions. There is no envelope for this special collection so I ask you to be pleased be prepared in advance for it. Any check you write should be made payable to OLM. The entire second collection is then sent to the Diocesan Finance Office who then disburse the collection directly to the Missionhurst Headquarters. I thank you in advance for your support and encourage you to please pray for Fr. Shea and all the Missionhurst Missionaries throughout the world.
This is the last week for our Summer Seminarian Eric Silva. It’s hard to believe that he has been here ten weeks already! On Monday night he leads a Bible Study in the OLM
School Library on the Letters of St. Paul. I hope you can make time to attend as I am sure it will be time well spent for you and for Eric. Next weekend is to be Eric’s last weekend here at OLM. He leaves on Monday, July 27th to spend some vacation time with his family and reports to St. John’s Seminary in Boston in mid August to begin his studies for the priesthood as a First Theologian. I invite you to wish him well after Masses next weekend and also to join us in Mercy Park following the 10:30AM Mass for a “Farewell Reception” for him. Please keep Eric in your prayers as prepares for the priesthood. It was wonderful having Eric with us for these ten weeks. He was a joy to live and work with during his time here. He was a great help teaching at OLM School, helping at the OLM Bible Camp, serving Masses, visiting our shut-ins and working along side me and Fr. Connors. I know he enjoyed his time here and the experience of living and working at the parish. I know I speak for Fr. Connors and Deacon Dowd when I offer thanks to Eric for his presence and ministry here at OLM.
In this week’s bulletin there is an insert announcing the 2nd Annual Wild Harvest Open House and Food Drive. On both Saturday and Sunday the Open House includes a “Bistro Night” with great food and live music. The food is being prepared by their terrific Chef Erica Maddalena. All donations go to support the work of OLM Outreach as well as the RI Food Bank. Wild Harvest has long supported OLM Outreach with their sponsorship of OLM's Lunch on the Hill at Saint Luke's every first Wednesday of each month. We are grateful to OLM parishioners, Chef Erica Maddalena and Mike Balsamo, for their generous support of our OLM Outreach Ministry. The event next weekend is a great way to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening eating great food, listening to great music and helping a great cause. The event takes place at the Wild Harvest Log Cabin on Route 2. I hope you can stop by and say thanks and offer some support. More details are on the flyer in the bulletin this weekend.
It may be summer but there’s plenty going on here at OLM! Remember the Missions next weekend! Be well. Do good. Enjoy the summer! God Bless.