Dear Parishioners:
This Wednesday, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. The devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of "Our Lady of Mercy" has its origin in the Order of Our Lady of Mercy. The Order was founded in 1218 for the ministry of redeeming captives, a work of great Mercy, and has always attributed to Mary a special role in its foundation. For this reason, Saint Peter Nolasco, the founder, dedicated the first church in her honor in 1249.
Our Lady of Mercy with the Mercedrains, by Francisco de Zurbarán cicra 17th Century
Mercedarians through the centuries have seen in Mary the prototype of that freedom and truth accomplished for us by Jesus in the merciful work of our Redemption. And in the words of the Magnificat, we recognize the liberating mission of Jesus, reflected in the prayerful song of His Mother: "His Mercy is from age to age…He has lifted up the lowly, the hungry He has filled with good things."
This week is a very special week for our parish family. It's Mercy Feast Week! We have special events planned for each day, including a visit by our new Bishop! I hope you can join us for at least part of this week of faith, family, and fun. On Monday, we kick off the Feast Week with the Annual Saints and Scholars Golf Open at Quidnessett Country Club. We expect about 124 golfers to join us for a great day of golf and fun. Pray for good weather. Good luck to our golfers, including Fr. Brodeur and the returning Fr. Mahoney.
On Tuesday evening, we invite you for a time of prayer, adoration, and reflection on Mercy.. Join us at 7:00 pm for Eucharistic Adoration, a reflection on Mercy by Fr. Brodeur, meditative music, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is excellent way to pray for Mercy and seek the intercession of our parish patroness, Our Lady of Mercy.
The Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., the Tenth Bishop of Providence
Wednesday is the Patronal Feast Day of Our Lady of Mercy. Bishop Lewandowski will celebrate and preach the Feast Day Mass at 9:00 am. As we continue to celebrate the 21 Days of Mercy, it is a special blessing for our parish to have the Bishop with us for the very first time. Following the Mass, the Bishop will bless our newly renovated OLM School Library, which is dedicated to the loving memory of the late George and Annette Murray. We are grateful to the Campion Family for the generous donation that funded the renovation project. After the blessing, the Bishop will visit with our students. So please be sure to join us on Wednesday for our Feast Day Mass and welcome Bishop Lewandowski to OLM.
On Thursday, we invite parishioners, including children, to join us for an Act of Mercy. We will gather at 6:00 pm on the Lynch Field under the Oktoberfest Tent and fill backpacks for the homeless and needy. We supply the backpacks and the needed supplies. We ask you to please bring with you either a new pair of white crew socks or a $5 Dunkin' Donuts gift card. Join us as we put Mercy into action!
The Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, and Father Bernie Healey, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, celebrate Oktoberfest 2024!
Friday at 6:00 pm, we once again celebrate Oktoberfest as we welcome Mary's Month. We will have German food, beer, and music! It's fun for the whole family and a great event to gather with parishioners and celebrate our parish family. Be sure to wear your lederhosen and dirndl.
Also on Friday night at the Oktoberfest, we will draw the winners of the "See You in September" Raffle. It will take place during the celebration of Oktoberfest. We have five prizes totaling $10,000! A Grand Prize of $5,000, First Prize of $2,500, Second and Third Prizes of $1,000 each, and a Fourth Prize of $500. Tickets are $100 each and will be sold until the drawing time! You've got to be in it to win it, so get your tickets today!
It's a fantastic week ahead of us as we celebrate Our Lady of Mercy as a family of faith. Whether you can make it to only one event or to all the events, be sure to celebrate Mercy this week. Pray for Mercy! Turn to Our Lady of Mercy! Join us this week as we golf, pray, act, eat, drink, and celebrate Mercy!
I thank you again in advance for your generous support of the Second Collection this weekend for the Senior Priests' Retirement Fund. It supports the modest pension enjoyed by our Senior Priests. I know they are grateful for your generosity. I hope to see you this week at our Feast Week events!
Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Sox!? Go Pats!!