An Act of Mercy...

...Feed the Hungry

Second Sunday

of Lent

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 21, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016 4:00 PM Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sklarz by Stanley & Ginny Sklarz Sunday, February 21, 2016 8:30 AM William T. Stevens by the family 11:00 AM Waclaw Malinowski by the Palkon FamilyMonday, February 22, 2016 8:30 AM The Stoltz Family by the family Tuesday, February 23, 2016 8:30 AM The People of St. Roch Parish Wednesday, February 24, 2016 8:30 AM NO MASS Thursday, February 25, 2016 8:30 AM Friday, February 26, 2016 8:30 AM Marshall Russell by the parish Saturday, February 27, 2016 4:00 PM Ted Guertin (1st Anniversary) by wife Julie Sunday, February 28, 2016 8:30 AM Brian O’Reilly by Terry & Ed Renaud 11:00 AM Judy Prunier by Corine Prunier

Sunday, February 21 Gen 15:5-12, 17-18 Phil 3:17-4:1 Lk 9:28b-36 Monday, February 22 1 Pt 5:1-4, Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday, February 23

Wednesday, February 24 Jer 18:18-20, Mt 20:17-28 Thursday, February 25 Jer 17:5-10 Lk 16:19-31 Friday, February 26 Gen 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday, February 27 Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday, February 28 Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Lk 13:1-9

Scripture Readings

PARISH DIRECTORY

334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540

Rectory Office ………………………………(508) 987-8987 Fax ……………………………...…………. (508) 987-8938 Religious Education Office………………….(508) 987-2382

Pastor Rev. Michael J. Roy Deacon Rev. Mr. Paul Connolly Director of Religious Education Mrs. Terry Ann Renaud Administrative Assistant Mrs. Teri Rawson Email: trawson@parishmail.com Director of Music Ms. Anna Pizzolato St. Vincent de Paul Society.……….. Arlene (508) 987-2813

Cemetery ………………..Contact rectory at (508) 987-8987

Mass Schedule Saturday: 4:00 PM & Sunday: 8:30 & 11:00 AM Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 AM

Confessions: 3:00 PM Saturday or anytime on request.

February 6 & 7

Offertory Envelopes (103) $2,918.00 Loose Money 275.00 Other sources of income 1,161.00 Total 4,354.00 Weekly Goal 5,881.00 Result Thank You!! - 1,527.00 Church in Latin America 444.00

Kathy Perry, Owen Benway, Irene Richardson, Jane Lewicke, Anthony Nguyen, Andrew Rivers, Judy Chiancola, Olga Brault, Raymond Joseph, Al Sinkis, Barbara Swenson, Joe Roy, Chloe Barbara Jones, Fr. Robert Kelley, Ruth An-drzejczyk, James Butler Jr., Craig Ladd, Carol Violette, Roseanne Ferlito, John & Bev Makowski, Dale Mahota, Maddy Desrosier, Phyllis Day, John Hickman, John Barton, Stephen Rice, Debbie Byrne, Timothy Bowes, Cindy Flores, Liz Iandolli, Anita Prunier, Roger St. George, Ed Carpenter, Charlene White, James Sumerlin, Bob St. George, Julie Guertin, Francis & Louise McGrath, Francis DeSimone, Robert & Beverly Burns, Judy Rodier, Dawn Hoeg, Sean Bushey, Paul Rock, Franklin Saad, Jerry Coffey, Richard Fleming, Noelle Silverstein, and Fr. Gerard Walsh.

LOOKING FOR BAKERS The parish is updating its volunteer Baker’s List and looking for new bakers. If you would like to volunteer to bake for funerals or fundraisers please sign up on the sheets at the entrances to the church or call the rectory at 508-987-8987. If you are currently on the list and

would like to continue, we ask that you also put your name on the sign up sheet or call the rectory. This is such an im-portant ministry—we appreciate all those who have been baking

and providing the parish and grieving families your homemade goodies. Thank you!!!!

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 21, 2016

My dear parishioners, This first week of our Novena to St. Roch will be centered around the work of Mercy spoken of in Matthew’s Gospel— “I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” It is an act of kindness that is clear and unmistakable. It is also something that is happening continually all year long in every family. Babies and children are fed when they are hungry. Sweet little babies can make a big sound when they are hungry. Mom and Dad have to drop everything and attend to that cry of the poor child. The sacrifices and the hard work that is necessary to provide the where-with-all to put the food on the table is often taken for granted by the children They have to be taught to be grateful. However, on a very deep level a child being provided with food feels comforted and loved and secure. So much so that when later on the same person is feeling anxious and troubled often times they turn to food to comfort themselves. It goes without saying that food plays an enormous part in our lives. With that being said I am struggling to understand what the Lenten discipline of fasting means for us today. It is an admonition that you hear frequently. Our Blessed Mother during her apparitions at Medugorje when she is calling for conversion and repentance asks for fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. Our own patron St. Roch whom we honor every year with the Lenten Novena himself frequently fasted and was taught to do so by the example of his mother. It is one of the disciplines of the committed brotherhood I belong to, The Fraternity of Priests—to fast one day a week. I have to admit that I find it difficult. I’m often asking myself, “what’s the benefit?” If I am honest it makes me very much aware of how deeply I’ve been influenced by the indulgent culture that surrounds me. A culture that sees little value in sacrifice unless it helps make us look better and be physically stronger. For us, believing Christians, fasting is not an end in itself, but a means to help us grow in holiness. The discipline of fasting strengthens our willpower to make the good, but difficult decisions in other aspects of our life. By prayer we attach ourselves to God and by fasting we detach our heart from those things that tie us to the affairs of this passing world. Fasting will lead us to a new freedom of heart and mind. It’s a call to conversion directed at our bodies and so we become free and independent of material stuff, and this can free us from the passions within. This new freedom will make room in our body for new values. Muslims put a great importance on fasting especially during the month of Ramadan. So too many of the Eastern religions. Jews have a strict fast on the Day of Atonement: I can see how a revival of this practice in Catholicism can be of benefit to helping us become a more focused and faithful people. As an act of Mercy, I sug-gest that the money saved by fasting then be put in the Rice Bowl, living more simply that others may simply live. You know that our Parish Center is the gathering place on Wednesday and Friday for two Alcoholic Anonymous support groups. How essential fasting from alcohol is to these good men and women. Let us keep them in prayer and all those struggling to be liberated from this addition. Anyone looking for help with this is welcome at those meetings.

Let us continue to love one another,

Fr. Roy

The Readings for next Sunday, February 28, 2016

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

Luke 13:1-9

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 21, 2016

Lenten GuidelinesLenten GuidelinesLenten GuidelinesLenten Guidelines

Tradionally the Lenten season is a me of penance

throughout the Catholic Church. Lent is a season in which

prayer, fas�ng and almsgiving are emphasized. Abs-

nence from meat is to be observed all the Fridays of Lent

by all Catholics 14 years and older. Fasng is observed on

Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but

not yet 59. Two smaller meals are permi)ed as necessary

to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eang

solid foods between meals is not permi)ed.

Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf for March

St. Roch Parish is responsible for providing 12-15 adults on each of the five Thursdays in March to volunteer at the Food Shelf which is located in the Community Center. People are invited to sign-up for one or more Thursdays in March to help clients shop or to carry out their groceries. The Food Shelf counts on help each month from the host Church. This is a big commit-ment. Please be there by 5:15 pm. The Food Shelf usual-ly closes by 7:00 pm. Sign up sheets are on the tables at the front of the Church an near the Sacristy. If there is an emergency which prevents you from helping after you have signed up please find a replacement for yourself.

Thank you so much for your help.

Lazarus, A Poor Man’s Supper, March 19,

(Passion Practices Tuesdays at 4:15 PM February 23, March 1, 8, 15)

On March 19, 2016 we will have Lazarus, A Poor Man’s Supper, where our children will portray the Passion of Jesus Christ as the finale to the soup sup-per that will benefit those in need by donations through St. Vincent De Paul.

DROP-A-SOCK CAMPAIGN

The St. Vincent dePaul Society is asking for your help. There are many among us in need. One of those needs is warmth. We are asking you to buy new socks for men, wom-

en, and children and place them in the bins at the doors of the church. This drive will continue throughout the Month of February. They will be donated to local nursing homes, veteran’s shelters, and places that assist families in need. You always help in such a generous manner. We know that we can count on you!

About Rice Bowl

Over 40 years ago, Catholics in the United States want-ed to respond to famine in Africa. The response came in the form of a small cardboard box – a rice bowl. Now, in 2016, CRS Rice Bowl is your way to help our sisters and brothers in need. Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith-in-action program for families and faith communities. Through Rice Bowl, we hear stories from our sisters and brothers in need worldwide and devote our Lenten pray-ers, fasting and gifts to change the lives of the poor. Learn more at www.crsricebowl.org where you can even download a ricebowl app for your smartphone or tablet. Rice bowls are available at the front and side entrances of the church. We will collect them at the end of Lent.

St. Roch Parish Proudly Presents

“MisGivings”

A comedy of bellylaughs, blessing, blarney and bingo with lead character Father Patrick Aloysius Misgivings, as he shares stories and one-liners about growing up Catholic. Nothing escapes the “good-Father’s” razor sharp wit. this hilarious interactive comedy includes a collection, a raffle and even an actual Bingo game!

MARCH 13 Doors open 12:30 pm Showtime: 1:00 pm

$13

Don’t Miss New England’s Most Entertaining One Man Show!

Advance Tickets on Sale Now!

For reservations: Call Terry Renaud 987-2382.

Supplying the Wine for Mass

John Tagg, who serves the daily Mass, has for some time been organizing donors who are willing to give $20 every couple of months to pay for the sacramental wine that is used dur-ing the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass.

Anyone who would like to become a Vintner for the Lord is asked to call the rectory at 508-987-8987.

Please check out our NEW WEBSITE! You will find more information on the calendar for religious education, faith formation and other special parish events and prayer offerings along with copies of the bulletin & ministry schedules at:

www.strochoxford.com

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 21, 2016

Sunday, Feb 21— Second Sunday of Lent K-12 9:40-10:50 AM

Tuesday Feb 23— K-7 5:00-6:00 PM

Sunday, Feb 28— 3rd Sunday of Lent. 1st Scrutiny of Elect. K-12 9:40-10:50 AM

Tuesday Mar 1— K-7 5:00-6:00 PM

Sunday, Mar 6—4th Sunday of Lent. 2nd Scrutiny of Elect. K-12 9:40-10:50 AM

Tuesday, Mar 8— K-7 5:00-6:00 PM

Sunday, Mar 13— 5th Sunday of Lent 3rd Scrutiny of Elect. K-12 9:40-10:50 AM Fr. Misgivings 1 PM

Tuesday, Mar 15— K-7 5:00-6:00 PM

Saturday March 19— Lazarus, A poor Man’s Supper tickets at Religious Ed office $5 donation profits to St Vincent De Paul.

Sunday, Mar 20—Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion K-12 9:40-10:50 AM

Tuesday, Mar 22—K-7 5:00-6:00 PM

Sunday, Mar 27— EASTER SUNDAY—The Resurrection of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

PAB-LCDE MCFCGHAI

Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick is looking for new members.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 15th at 8:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church. You are all invited and you are needed.

Confirmation classes

February

21 School Vacation—No class

28 Sunday 6:30-8

March

6, 13, 20 Sunday 6:30-8

27 Easter No class

April

3, 10 Sunday 6:30-8

17, 24 School Vacation—No class

May Sunday 6:30-8

1, 8, 15 TBA Service projects

Let’s put our heads, hearts & hands together during Lent.

What a great opportunity to live out our patron St. Roch’s way of life in this Year

of Mercy!

Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 PM February 24, March 2, 9, 16

Mass, Novena & Book Reading

Mondays 7:00-8:00 PM February 22, 29, March 7, 14 Benediction, Novena & Speaker

Books can be ordered through the office. Suggested donation $5

Family of Friends Vital 3.0 Challenge

Mr. Stoltz’ 7th and 8th grade class has adopted Room 6 in the Parish Center to give a well needed facelift. The rooms in the building need a thorough cleaning, paint and upgraded technology.

The class is setting forth a challenge to other groups or families to adopt a room in the center or help with the wish list. There are 2 offices, a foyer, 2 hallways, 2 restrooms, 2 smaller rooms with storage, 5 classrooms, all have very large windows in need of new treatments.

To get the job done a wish list is set to include: paint supplies, rags, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, window coverings and gift cards to Home Depot, or Walmart. Lots of helping hands and con-tinued tender loving care.

Call 508-987-2382 for details or drop by to check it out.

CMF YBN CBBO A BMHPQ BD AREACPMFCQBS SNEI?

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is look-ing for people to help out by making a pot of American Chop Suey.

This cooking involves a very simple recipe. Brown 1 pound of hamburger. Drain. Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce. Cook 1 box of elbow macaroni. Mix all togeth-er and place in a gallon zip lock bag.

This cooking is done to help out Rachel’s Table (an organization that feeds those less fortunate). We ask that anyone who would like to participate to follow this recipe and place it in the refrigerator in the church hall on the first Monday of each month.

We also invite anyone who would like to join the St. Vincent de Paul Society to join us in the parish hall on the first Monday of each month. Thank you in advance for your continued support!

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The Church of Saint Roch, Oxford, MA THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT February 21, 2016

Bible Study

Wednesday morning Bible Study in the Parish Center 9:30 AM.

All are welcome.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel 17 E. Main St, Webster

The Chapel is in need of scheduled adorers for the following hours: Sun 12-1 am, Tues 2-3 am, 3-4am, 8-9 am, Wed 9-10 am, 2-3 pm, Thurs 10-11 am, Fri 3-4 am, 4-5 am, 7-8 am, 8-9 am, Sat 3-4 pm.

To register, please call Ken or Jane Sprague 943-8955, Barbara Avery 943-1489 or Jeanne Guerin 943-2284. We are also in need of substitutes, those willing to cover an hour for someone who is sick or has an appointment or for whatever reason they cannot make their hour with Jesus.

St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet on Monday, March 7th at 6:30 PM in the church hall (to sort socks).

Festival Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 15th at 6:30 PM in the Par ish Center . All are invited!

Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 PM in the rectory.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This message of mercy is my personal passion and I hope in this year we can understand God’s great mercy for all of us.

Jesus, the Divine Mercy

The devotion to Jesus as the Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina, a Polish nun who wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy.

�����

“My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls .... If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fountain overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as the King of Mercy. I desire to bestow my graces upon souls, but they do not want to accept them.... Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much goodness, to so many proofs of love! .... They have time for everything, but they have no time to come to me for graces.” (Diary, 367)

“For them I dwell in the tabernacle” what power in this passage, last week Fr. Roy spoke about the little magazine “The Word Among Us”, spending just a few minutes to pray. I think about how pre-cious time is to me and how little I have to spare. Graces lost? Who would knowingly give up grac-es from God? But in the daily struggle of life I think we all give up some. Let’s use this Lent to renew our prayer life! No more lost graces!

Yours in Christ, Deacon Paul

334 CLUB WINNERS — Week 12

# 125 Gloria Gauthier # 243 Pat Metcalf # 434 Jackie Daury # 485 Shirley Deluca

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

16th Annual Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference All men are invited to this important annual Conference, scheduled for Worcester’s DCU Center, on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Hear dynamic talks from outstand-ing Catholic leaders. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered. Bishop McManus will offer Mass. For a Conference brochure, further information, or registration, call 508-929-4345. Visit our website - www.firstmensconf.org for more information / tickets.

How about making a Cursillo weekend?

Cursillo or "short course in Christianity" is an uplifting and educational experience. Cursillo was brought from Spain to the United States in 1962. The weekend is con-ducted by a team of laypeople and clergy who deliver organized talks and discussions. What the presenters add to the talks is the witness of their own lives, their struggles and triumphs in Christ. The weekend is full of laughter, prayer, great music, wonderful meals and so much more. The next men’s Cursillo weekend is being held April 21-24, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Spiritual Renewal Center in Putnam, CT. For additional information and/or an application, please contact: Joan Laracy 774-239-2474 or Carolyn Galgano 508-847-7005.

Please renew or begin your subscription today! A full year subscription is only $30! When you subscribe you are not only receiving a quality weekly newspaper you are also sup-porting St. Roch Parish as we are assessed a certain number of subscriptions. Your envelope may be placed in any collec-tion basket. Thank you for your support!

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