Dominican Friar, Father Justin Mary Bolger, OP, plays tunes from the Hillbilly Thomists’ new album, Living for the Other Side
Dear Parishioners:
In your name, I thank Fr. James Mary Sullivan, OP, and Fr. Justin Mary Bolger, OP, for leading our Annual Parish Lenten Mission this past week. Their preaching and the music were truly outstanding, and we are grateful for the opportunity we had to renew our lives in faith, hope, and charity. Their reflections and songs on "Living for the Other Side" provide us with much food for thought. As the Hillbilly Thomists’ album liner notes: "This collection of new and old songs gives wide-ranging appeal to the human heart and soul so that even those 'who don't know what to listen for' will nonetheless be drawn to the One whom Flannery O'Connor called 'My Dear God.'"
Indeed we must be grateful to our Dear God, who has provided us with the many blessings and graces of our Lenten Mission. A year ago, we had to close our Church and cease the public worship of God. Thankfully last Pentecost, we were able to resume public Masses. We have continued since last spring to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments at Our Lady of Mercy safely.
Many parishioners have stayed away from attending Mass for legitimate reasons of health and safety. This is perfectly reasonable and actually encouraged for those who have serious health concerns and suffer any illnesses. But many others have stopped regularly attending Sunday Mass for no other reason than a bad habit developed over this last year.
Yet, I see many parishioners regularly eating out at restaurants, shopping at stores, attending sports practices and games, and traveling for holidays and vacations. But they are not regularly making their way to Sunday Mass. We invite you back to Mass! Join us in the worship and praise of our good and generous God every Sunday at Mass.
Vaccinations and good weather are a hopeful sign of a springtime of renewal for our parish community. Indeed it is a sign of great hope that the pandemic, with its many restrictions on our lives, is easing up a bit. Many people need a renewal of their social life. More importantly, however, many need a renewal of their spiritual life. This renewal begins at Holy Mass. Make Sunday Mass a regular habit again. Nourishing our souls and strengthening our communion with our Lord and His Church should be reason enough to come back to Mass. St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) reminds us: "It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass."
We mark two special events this week at OLM. On Wednesday, March 17th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester is the celebrant and homilist for the St. Patrick's Day Mass at 12:05 pm. In your name, I thank Bishop McManus for coming to our celebration. The Mass features readings in Irish and Irish hymns in honor of Glorious St. Patrick. The Mass is live-streamed for those who cannot join us in person. I hope you can come and celebrate this special feast with us. If you do come to the St. Patrick's Day Mass, be sure to wear something green to celebrate our Irish brothers’ and sisters' heritage! There is no public reception as in years past due to the COVID restrictions. So you'll have to bake your own Irish Soda Bread and make your own Irish Coffee!!
On Friday, March 19th, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Bishop Evans, our Auxiliary Bishop and OLM neighbor has kindly agreed to celebrate the Mass in Italian. Monsignor Anthony Mancini, Rector of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, serves as the homilist. The Mass features readings and music in Italian. However, the homily is in English. Join us for what I believe is the only St. Joseph Day Mass in Italian in the state! If you do come to celebrate with us at St. Joseph Day Mass, be sure to wear something red to celebrate the heritage of our Italian brothers and sisters! The Mass is live-streamed. You'll have to get your own zeppoles as we are prohibited from having our reception.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! Happy St. Patrick's Day! Buona Festa di San Giuseppe! Happy Feast of St. Joseph! Stay safe. Be well. Do good. God Bless! Pray, fast, and give alms!