Dear Parishioners:
What a week! We celebrated mercy and faith all week here at OLM. On Monday we began with a Solemn Feast Day Mass at which OLM native son, Fr. Brian Morris, preached a terrific homily. It was a truly prayerful and holy way to begin our OLM Feast Week. We then made our way to the OLM Saints and Scholars Open!
Father Gerry Beirne, Father Nick Smith, Deacon John Dowd and Msgr. Gerry Sabourin enjoyed golfing for the Saints and Scholars of OLM School!
This annual golf tournament is always a great day of fun in support of our parish school. We had close to 100 golfers teeing it up for OLM at Warwick Country Club. Fr. Barrow and I even played! We hit the ball many, many times!! The Chair of the OLM Saints and Scholars Open, Jaime Pedro, deserves kudos for her hard work and dedication on this event. Save the date for next year’s Saints and Scholars Open at Quidnessett Country Club on Monday, September 23, 2019!
On Tuesday night we came together to pray before the Eucharistic Lord. Our OLM Choirs provided beautiful sacred music in honor of our Blessed Mother. Fr. Stephen Battey delivered an outstanding message on the meaning of mercy. It was truly a peaceful and prayerful way to celebrate mercy. I thank our parish choirs led by Henri St. Louis and Deirdre Donovan for sharing their many talents in honor of God.
OLM School 4th Grader Joseph Ferris helps during the Act of Mercy, Socks & Sandwiches for the Homeless!
Wednesday night saw a great crowd come together for an Act of Mercy. “Socks and Sandwiches for the Homeless” was a wonderful way to help the poor and needy. We are grateful to the OLM Parishioners who helped us make a few hundred sandwiches and distribute some needed socks for the homeless. This Act of Mercy truly was a terrific way to put our faith into action with charity and mercy.
Finally on Friday night we gathered to celebrate Octoberfest! This fun-filled family event was a great time to celebrate as the Our Lady of Mercy Family! German food and beer was in ample supply as were lots of good times for parishioners of all ages. The Octoberfest wouldn’t have been such fun without the hard work of many volunteers and the dedication of the OLM Staff.
Also we are grateful for the generous support of the Lynch Construction Company and their lights, the Galleshaw Family of Wrights Farm and their tent, OLM Parishioner Scott Nicchia from Boars Head Meats for all the bratwurst, knockwurst and sauerkraut, Erica Maddaena of Wild Harvest Bakery for the delicious German Potato Salad and Apple Streusel, and the Granatiero of Savory Grape for the gift baskets.
In your name, I offer thanks and gratitude to the many people who volunteered and worked so hard to ensure the Week of Mercy was such a great success for our parish family. We also thank the many generous people who donated financially in support of this celebration of Our Lady of Mercy. We now look forward to the month of October which begins on Monday!
Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!
Of course, October is a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each Monday during October join us for Marian Devotions as we pray the Rosary before the Eucharistic Lord. This Monday we offer a Rosary of Reparation for the Sins of the Church. In this challenging time for our Church it is important we continue to turn to prayer and seek the Blessed Mother’s powerful intercession.
Next Monday, October 7th. Deacon Eric Sliva, who served here at OLM as a Summer Seminarian, leads our Devotions and offers us a reflection. Our Rosary on October 7th is offered for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Be sure to put October Devotions on your weekly schedule and join us each Monday at 7pm to pray the Rosary in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary. It will be the among the most peaceful and fruitful half hour you spend during the week!
St. Padre Pio reminds us: “Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother.”
Next weekend we welcome as team of educators from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges as they visit OLM School and review our accreditation. Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Sox! Go Pats!!!