The Collaborative of St. James & St. John the Baptist

Two Diverse Roman Catholic Parishes of the Archdiocese of Boston

REINSTATEMENT OF SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION

We are pleased to share a message from the Cardinal regarding the reinstatement of the Sunday Mass obligation the weekend of June 19/20.

June 8, 2021

Brothers and Sisters,

“Without the Lord’s day, we cannot live!” His Holiness, Pope Benedict, in his homily at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Vienna on September 9, 2007, quoted the Abitinian Martyrs, who during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian were arrested for celebrating Sunday Mass. The martyrs responded to the magistrate: “Sine dominico non possumus!” – without the Lord’s day, we cannot live! The Pope went on to say: “For these Christians, the Sunday Eucharist was not a commandment, but an inner necessity. Without him who sustains our lives, life itself is empty. To do without or to betray this focus would deprive life of its very foundation, would take away its inner dignity and beauty.”

Aware that the opportunity to participate in Sunday Mass is increasingly available and increasingly safe for our Catholic people, we are joining dioceses in the Boston Province (Boston, Fall River, Springfield, Manchester, and Portland) in lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation, effective the weekend of June 19 and 20, 2021.

We are mindful of the Lord’s statement: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20). While we certainly can pray alone, there is both strength and blessedness in communal prayer.

We do also note that attendance at Mass is our way of following the Third Commandment of the Decalogue: “Remember the sabbath day – keep it holy. For six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.” (Ex. 20:8,11).

We call to mind the many times we see Jesus observing the sabbath by going to the synagogue and teaching there (Mt 13:54, Mk 1:21-28, Lk 4:16-30, Jn 6:22-59). It is a desire of every Christian to conform his or her life to the life of Jesus, and Jesus went to the synagogue on the sabbath.

Most significantly, receiving the Eucharist is the center of every Catholic life. The Lord commands us to take and eat, and to do it in memory of Him. (Mt 26:26-30, Mk 14:22-26, Lk 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-26, CCC 1324). The Eucharist is food for our difficult journey through life, filling us with joy and strengthening us to embrace our suffering. It transforms us from the inside out and creates a unity among us that is a strong witness to the whole world.

Therefore, it is with great confidence and trust in the Lord that we reinstate this Sunday Mass obligation. It has been a long, difficult year. People have experienced great pain and suffering throughout this pandemic. Loss of life has been immense. People continue to recover from the long-term effects of the coronavirus.

The heroes among us — our nurses, doctors, first responders and all medical professionals — were a source of enormous comfort. Priests brought the Sacrament of the Sick to COVID patients. Now we are able to join together, remembering the lives changed and the sacrifices made. Let us gather together again in joy, as one people united around the Eucharist.

In this year of Saint Joseph, who was always a faithful observer of the sabbath, we chose Father’s Day as an appropriate day to encourage all of our people, and especially our families, to return to the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist.

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have been recently exposed to COVID or any other communicable illness; those who are confined to their homes or to hospitals or other facilities due to illness, infirmity, frailty, or age; and those who are not yet able to be vaccinated, due to age or any health consideration. Parishioners should consult their local pastor if they have questions about the obligation.

To all of those who have not been able to be with us during this last year, we look forward to welcoming you back to the celebration of the Mass.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap

Archbishop of Boston

RESTABLECIMIENTO DE LA OBLIGACIÓN DE LA MISA DEL DOMINGO

8 de Junio, 2021

Hemanos y hermanas,

“Sin el día del Señor, no podemos vivir” dijo su santidad el Papa Benedicto, en su homilía en la Catedral de San Esteban, el 9 de septiembre del 2007, citando a los Mártires de Abitinia, quienes durante la persecución del emperador Diocleciano fueron arrestados por celebrar la Misa dominical. Los mártires respondieron al magistrado: ¡“Sine diminico non possumus!”-¡Sin el día del Señor no podemos vivir! El papa continúo diciendo, “Para aquellos cristianos la celebración Eucarística dominical no era un precepto, sino una necesidad interior. Sin Aquel que sostiene nuestra vida, la vida misma queda vacía. Abandonar o traicionar este centro quitaría a la vida misma su fundamento, su dignidad interior y su belleza”.

Cocientes de que las oportunidades de participar en la Misa del Domingo están siendo cada vez mayores y también son cada vez más seguras para nuestro pueblo católico, estamos uniéndonos a las diócesis de la Provincia de Boston (Boston, Fall River, Springfield, Manchester, and Portland) en levantar la dispensa de la obligación de asistir a Misa los Domingos, comenzando el fin de semana del 19 y 20 de Junio del 2021.

Estamos conscientes de lo que nos dijo el Señor “Donde dos o tres se reúnen en mi nombre, allí estoy yo en medio de ellos” (Mt 18,20). Aunque nosotros, ciertamente, podemos orar solos, recibimos fuerza y bendiciones que provienen de la oración en comunitaria.

También recordamos que la asistencia a Misa es nuestra manera de cumplir el tercer mandamiento. “Acuérdate del sábado, para consagrarlo al Señor. Porque el Señor hizo en seis días el cielo, la tierra, el mar y todo lo que hay en ellos, y descansó el día séptimo. Por eso el Señor bendijo el sábado y lo declaró día sagrado” (Ex 20,8.11). Traemos a nuestra mente las muchas veces en las que vemos a Jesus guardando el precepto del Sabbath yendo a la sinagoga y enseñando en ella. (Mt 13,54; Mc1,21; Lc 4, 16-30, Jn 6, 22-59. Es el deseo de cada cristiano, poder conformar su vida con la vida de Jesus, Jesús fue a la sinagoga en el Sabbath.

Y lo que es más importante, recibir la Eucaristía es el centro de la vida de todos los católicos. El Señor nos manda a tomar y comer, y a hacerlo en memoria suya. (Mt 26,26-30, Mc 14,22-26, Lc 22, 14-20, 1 Cor 11,23-26, CIC 1324) La Eucaristía es alimento para nuestro difícil camino en la vida, nos llena de alegría y nos fortalece para aceptar

nuestros sufrimientos. Nos trasforma desde nuestro interior y crea la unidad entre nosotros, y esta unidad es un fuerte testimonio para todo el mundo.

Es por eso que con gran confianza y fe en el Señor volvemos a comenzar la obligación de asistir a la Misa Dominical. Este ha sido un largo y difícil año. Las personas han experimentado gran dolor y sufrimiento a lo largo de esta pandemia, la pérdida de vidas ha sido inmensa. Muchas personas siguen recuperándose de los efectos a largo plazo que les ha dejado el coronavirus.

Los héroes entre nosotros - nuestros enfermeros y enfermeras, doctores, aquellos que trabajan en los servicios de emergencia y todos los profesionales médicos - fueron una fuente de gran consuelo. Los sacerdotes llevaron el sacramento de la Unción de los Enfermos a los pacientes de COVID. Ahora todos podemos reunirnos, recordando las vidas que han cambiado y los sacrificios que se han hecho. Reunámonos nuevamente

con alegría, como un pueblo reunido alrededor de la Eucaristía.

En este año de San José, que siempre fue un fiel cumplidor del Sabbath, elegimos el Día del Padre como un día adecuado para animar a todo nuestro pueblo, especialmente a nuestras familias, a regresar a la celebración de la Eucaristía dominical.

Esta obligación no aplica para aquellos que están enfermos; a los que recientemente han estado expuestos al COVID o cualquier otra enfermedad contagiosa; a aquellos que están confinados en sus casas, hospitales u otros centros debido a la enfermedad, fragilidad o edad; y a aquellos que no han podido ser vacunados debido a su edad o alguna situación médica. Los feligreses deben hablar con sus párrocos si tienen alguna pregunta sobre el precepto de la Misa.

Para todos aquellos que aún no han podido estar con nosotros, desde el año pasado, estamos muy emocionados de darles la bienvenida nuevamente a la celebración de la Misa.

Gracias y Dios los bendiga.

Cardenal Seán P. O'Malley, OFM Cap

Arzobispo de Boston

Dear Friends,

Each year around this time, we launch our Catholic Appeal and you have the opportunity to hear all the ways in which the Archdiocese’s Central Ministries assist our parish and help us carry out our mission. Over the course of the past year, that help has never been more needed or available.

Please take just a few minutes and watch this year’s Catholic Appeal video that highlights the tremendous help that is provided by Central Ministries during the pandemic—and also every day—to ensure we can all live our faith together in a meaningful and safe way. https://vimeo.com/503079904

I know the past year has been difficult for so many, but if you find yourself in the position to do so, please give what you can to this year’s Appeal. If you have already donated to the Catholic Appeal, thank you! Your gift not only helps Central Ministries, it helps our parish directly.

Thank you to all of you who have contributed to the 2021 Catholic Appeal. Your gift has an immediate impact on the Central Ministries that are supporting our parish, our schools, and our communities across the Archdiocese of Boston. Our St. James Parish goal is $22,859.16 and thanks to your generosity we are almost there with $12,592.50. St. John the Baptist goal is $7,555.97 and thanks to your generosity we are almost there with $3,925.00. If you haven’t had a chance to make your contribution, help us reach our goal by making your gift at bostoncatholicappeal.org. This weekend, we will have envelopes on the back tables. Thank you!

As always, I am so grateful for your support and everything that you do for our parish community.

Wishing you a blessed and safe Lent,

Rev. Anthony Le

As you may know, there is immense suffering and loss of life occurring in India and Brazil due to the pandemic. The Catholic Church, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is on the ground in those countries working to support local hospitals and programs which are being overwhelmed and which have reached a breaking point.

Given our own experience in the United States with regards to the pandemic and the important role the Church has in being able to respond to global events, we have an opportunity to assist relief efforts in India and Brazil. To learn more about CRS efforts in the affected areas please click here.

Congratulations to all the children that received their sacrament of First Holy Communion on May 15, 2021.

Samuel Angel, Lillee Burdier, John Centauro, Jovita Chavez, Brayden Cyr, Claire DaSilveira, Hayleigh Evans, Dominic Frias, Anthony Matthias, Connor Mazza, Thomas Osorio Nikoll Osorio, Daniela Osorio-Gomez, Jerely Pena, Elian Polanco, Jaymil Rodriguez, Adelis & Adervin Reyes, Zoa Odette Rosario, Zachary Spero, Adrian Tiburcio, Jason Veras, Capri Walfield.

Thank you everyone who made this a beautiful service and day!

St. James Parish Scholarship Awards

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are pleased to announce that the following parishioners have been awarded scholarships from the funds administered by St. James Parish: Kallie McGonagle, Shane McGonagle, Abigail Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Jacob Martinez, Dat Nguyen and Steven Spero. The parish offers its congratulations and prayerful best wishes for your success.

St James & St. John the Baptist Collaborative Office Hours:

Tuesdays & Fridays 8:30AM - 3:30PM

Liz Murphy Open Hand Pantry

is in need of:

Jams & Jellies

Lemonade

Ice Tea

Coffee

Hot Cocoa Packets

Individually wrapped snacks: Crackers, brownies, cookies, twinkies, cupcakes, teddie grahams, fruit snacks, etc.

Pop-Tarts

Individuals wrapped microwave popcorn bags

toothpaste (no children's toothpaste)

Shampoo

Deodorant

We thank everyone from St. James and St. John the Baptist for the wonderful support the past year. Your generosity has touch the lives of many. God bless.

Please no medications: (Insulin, cough syrup, cold medications, aspirin, OTC drugs, etc.) Thank you!

Catholic Parishes of Haverhill

Annual Raffle

Grand Prize: $5,000 CASH!

Second Prize: $500 cash

Third Prize: $250 cash

BONUS PRIZE: $250 cash to seller of Grand Prize ticket

Drawing date: September 27, 2020

All Saints Parish - Immediately following the 12:00pm Mass

Plus, 10 $50 Gift Cards to Haverhill Restaurants. 10 Winners! Start selling your tickets today! Cost is $5 per ticket or $25 for a book of six…Get one ticket free! Every ticket you sell will benefit your parish! Increase your opportunities for winning the bonus prize by including co-workers, neighbors and out-of-town friends and relatives. If you need additional tickets, please call your parish office.

Checks can be made payable to the Parish that mailed you the tickets. In addition, please return any unsold tickets to your parish office. Deadline for returning tickets is Thursday, September 24, 2020 By 3:00pm.

https://www.bostoncatholic.org/yearoftheeucharist

https://www.bostoncatholic.org/yearoftheeucharist/coordinators

https://vimeo.com/channels/1520440

https://www.bostoncatholic.org/sites/g/files/zjfyce811/files/2019-12/YearOfTheEucharistIntroLetter_FINAL.pdf

Weekend Mass Schedule

Saturday:

4:00pm (English) & 7:00pm (Vietnamese) (SJ)

Sunday:

Resuming 8:30am (English) (SJ) on 6/21

10:00am (English) (SJB)

11:30am (Spanish) (SJ)

Daily Masses:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 9:00am (SJB)

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - 9:00am (SJ)

For more details, please see the weekly bulletin.

Tuesday and Thursday Adoration (SJ)

Please call the parish office at 978.372.8537 or email stjamesandjohnnews@gmail.com before 4:00pm Friday for confession by appointment. Thank you.

My Jesus,

I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there

and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Eucharistic Adoration

Tuesday & Thursday

9:00am - 11:00am

Monday / Wednesday / Friday

7:00-8:00pm

St. James Lower Church - Haverhill

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The summer months are here! We are looking for some specific items for the pantry and hoping our parishioners to help us stock the shelves. St. James and St. John's Parishioners have been so supportive of the pantry and we and the clients appreciate all you do.

12oz size or smaller of: Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Salad Dressing, jams, jellies

Individually wrapped snacks: cheese crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, granola bars

Kool-aid, Lemonade, Ice tea mixes, Coffee, Tea, Shelf Milk and Juice boxes,

Canned Fruit: peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, pineapple

Thank you!!

Viewers can watch these Masses on demand at any time at www.WatchtheMass.com.

For more information about CatholicTV and where you can watch it, visit http://www.catholictv.org

Ways to Watch the CatholicTV Network:

Cable: Comcast Ch 268, Verizon Ch 296, RCN Ch 85

Livestream: CatholicTVLIVE.com

Daily Masses: WatchtheMass.com

Catholic TV (click here)

Catholic TV Facebook page (click here)

Archdiocese of Boston’s Facebook page (click here)

Bostoncatholic.org (click here)