Holy Family Parish, East Taunton, MA 02718

Phone Numbers Rectory 508-824-5707 Rectory Fax 508-822-2915 Religious Education Office 508-824-3578

Parish Center Address 438 Middleboro Ave. East Taunton, MA 02718

[ARCHIVE] December 20, 2009
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

"Building Together Our Family of Faith"
                              MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, December 19
 4:00 p.m.   John, Russell, John Jr. & Shayne Lopes

SUNDAY, December 20
 7:30 a.m.   Joseph deFreitas
 9:00 a.m.   Philomena & Jaime Gomes
                 Jose & Francesca da Rocha
10:30 a.m.   Mary Malone 3rd Anniversary
11:45 a.m.   Daniel Nunes - 2nd Anniversary

MONDAY, December 21
 8:00 a.m.   Anna Furmanik

TUESDAY, December 22
 8:00 a.m.   For the People of the Parish

WEDNESDAY, December 23
 8:00 a.m.   Jose R. Maranhas

THURSDAY, December 24
 8:00 a.m.   Arthur Deniz
 4:00 p.m.   (Upstairs) James & Madalaine Maddock, Gerald Dugan,
                James W. Maddock, Jr., Theodore A. Pearson, Jr., &
                J. Stephen Pearson
 4:00 p.m.   (Downstairs) Joseph & Mary Rapoza
 7:00 p.m.   Burke & Mercier Family

FRIDAY, December 25
12:00 Midnight   Margaret Carvalho - 11th Anniversary
10:00 a.m.   Bisio (Ben) Conti

SATURDAY, December 26
 4:00 p.m.   Adelina Cabral Melo

SUNDAY, December 27
 7:30 a.m.   Mary & Frederick Silvia
                 Francis Casey & Bella Medeiros
 9:00 a.m.   Vasco Texeira & Maria Texeira
10:30 a.m.   Maria Melo
11:45 a.m.   Jane Rogers

OUR SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND is for our PARISH RENOVATION, EXPANSION and IMPROVEMENT FUND. THANKS
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THE PARISH OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT THE NEW PARISH CENTER, 438 MIDDLEBORO AVENUE, EAST TAUNTON.  The Office Hours are as follows:
     Mon - Thurs., 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Please conduct all business with the parish at the Center during those hours.

On other days and at other times, please contact the person you wish to see or talk with by phone or e-mail.
Fr. Jay: 508-824-5707         frj@holyfamilytaunton.org
Deacon John: 508-824-5707     zekefitz@comcast.net
Karen Coughlin: 508-824-3578
          dirkaren@holyfamilytaunton.org
Viviane Burke (Secretary): 508-824-5707
          secretary@holyfamilytaunton.org
PARISH FAX #: 508-822-2915

REMEMBER WHENEVER THE PARISH CENTER IS OPEN, THE CHAPEL IS AVAILABLE FOR VISITS WITH THE LORD.  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR PRAYER.

You can always leave a message at 508-824-5707 for all matters except for Religious Education.  Messages for Religious Education can be left at 508-824-3578.

WELCOME to all who join us this weekend for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and later this week for our celebration of Christmas.  We welcome our visitors, including former parishioners who are here for Christmas, our college students home on Christmas break, our parishioners who perhaps do not join us every weekend (please know we would love to have you with us each weekend for Mass) and our parishioners who regularly join around the Lord's table for the celebration of Mass.
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CHRISTMAS AT HOLY FAMILY PARISH

THURSDAY, DEC. 24
4:00 p.m.    Vigil Mass with music
4:00 p.m.    Vigil Mass in Church Hall.  This 2nd Mass is due to the
               fact that many people usually attend Christmas Eve Mass
               at this time.
7:00 p.m.    Vigil Mass with music

FRIDAY, DEC. 25
12:00 Midnight        Midnight  Mass with music
10:00 a.m.            Christmas Mass with music

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES will resume on SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010.  HAPPY VACATION to students, teachers & aides.

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STUDENTS IN GRADES 7, 8 & 9 and their parents are reminded that their retreat packets and payment are due before Dec. 31.  If you have any questions please call or e-mail Karen.

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WE HAVE ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT on Wednesday's at the Chapel at our Parish Center, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon.   ALL ARE WELCOME.

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YOUNG MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH (GRADES 8 & ABOVE) interested in going to the MARCH FOR LIFE in Washington, D.C. from Jan. 21 - 23 are asked to call Karen at 508-824-3578 or e-mail her at dirkaren@holyfamilytaunton.org

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OUR ANNUAL PARISH APPEAL IS UNDERWAY: Your generosity to this Appeal, which stays entirely in our parish, will help us continue to have money to undertake projects such as improving the side entrance to the church as well as meeting our ever increasing expenses for the running of our parish and the fulfillment of our mission.  Returns can be made through the collection basket, by mail or by dropping it off at the Rectory and/or Parish Center.  THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES.

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DONATIONS FOR FLOWERS TO HELP DECORATE OUR ALTAR AT CHRISTMAS are being accepted.  Please use the envelope you received with your budget packets or one that is available at the entrances of Church.  Please put the names of those in whose memory/honor you are making the donation on the envelope.

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ADDRESSES FOR OUR RETIRED PASTORS AND FOR SISTER ANITA MARIE: Rev. Robert Kirby, 50 Otis Trailer Village, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542-1302; Rev. George Almeida, Cardinal Medeiros Residence, 375 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720; Sister Anita Marie DaCosta, MSBT, 3501 Solley Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136-2313

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STOP BY OUR OUTDOOR MANGER SCENE: Please recall that it was through the generosity of many of you that we have this beautiful reminder of the birth of Jesus.  Stop and say a prayer.  We hope these beautiful figures will remind us of the true reason for celebrating Christmas.  DO YOU HAVE A MANGER IN YOUR HOME?  If not, please consider having one.  It should be the CENTRAL FOCUS OF OUR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.

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THANKS TO THE MANY PARISHIONERS who have worked so hard in preparation for Christmas.  At the risk of leaving someone out, I thank our Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers, Ushers, Religious Education Teachers and Aides, members of our Women's Guild, members of our St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Decorating Committee, our Knights of Columbus, all who worked so hard to present our annual Concert, those who helped clean the Church and all who have given their time and talent to help us have a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus.  WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY (Little Christmas on Sun., Jan. 3).  Why not leave your Christmas decorations up THROUGHOUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

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OUR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY wishes to thank everyone who has helped them throughout the year with monetary gifts and other donations.  Your generosity has helped them give assistance to many people throughout the past year.  Please remember that your donations on Holy Days of Obligation go to our Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society to help those in need here in our own parish.

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ARE YOU AN ADULT (OVER 17) WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED EITHER BAPTISM, EUCHARIST AND/OR CONFIRMATION?  WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THESE SACRAMENTS?  There will be classes for this purpose starting Sat., Feb. 6 and running 5 consecutive Saturdays until March 6 at Holy Family Parish Center from 10 - 11:30 a.m.  If you wish to attend or at least find out more information about these classes, please see Fr. Jay as soon as possible.

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BABY BOTTLES: Those who took home a baby bottle or two for Advent, are asked to bring them back with you to Church NEXT WEEKEND, Dec. 26-27.  They may be put in the CONTAINERS that will be at the Church entrances.  All proceeds go to A WOMAN'S CONCERN who help women and families in crisis pregnancies.  THANKS.

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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Now that the cold weather is here, it's a good time to pull out those knitting needles/crochet hooks & yarn.  Our Holy Family Parish has been most successful in reaching out to the homebound, those in nursing facilities and those suffering from illnesses.  As we continue this ministry, we welcome new participants.  Call Peggy O'Neill at 508-880-2571 for more information.

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CHRISTMAS MASS ON TELEVISION with Bishop George Coleman will be on Channel 6 at 11:35 p.m. Christmas Eve and again at 9:00 a.m. on Christmas morning.

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LECTORS, EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION AND ALTAR SERVER are asked to pick up their new schedules in the Sacristy after Mass this weekend.

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WOMEN'S GUILD MEMBERS are asked to pick up a prayer intention in the Sacristy after Mass this weekend.

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JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, DEC. 20, in the Parish Center, right after the 9:00 a.m. Mass for BREAKFAST WITH SANTA CLAUS.  It's for PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.  Coffee, Juice & Donuts will be served and SANTA WILL BE WITH US.  This is a great family event and we thank the men of the HOLY FAMILY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS for sponsoring this annual celebration.  NEED A LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PRESENT?  The 2010 Our Lady of Lourdes School Calendars are available.  For only $10.00, each calendar purchased comes with a raffle ticket for a chance at two (2) monthly drawings of $50.00 each.  Contact Lisa Borges (508-880-0365) or Sr. Margareta (508-822-3746) for more information.

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KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS: Let's endeavor to proclaim the true meaning of Christmas, for ourselves and especially for our young.  Some ideas: Use postage stamps with a religious theme; purchase an Advent Calendar; make use of a creche in a window or outdoors; place a lighted candle in the window; use bumper stickers that say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".  The same can apply to Christmas cards you send.

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THE HOLY FAMILY VOCATION PRAYER CROSS  is being taken home this week by Fr. Jay and next week by  Rose Davis. Please join them in praying for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Mary set out in haste , carrying the good news of God's great love.  Wherever you go today, take God with you.

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WILL YOU HELP ENCOURAGE VOCATIONS BY PRAYING FOR THEM??  The opportunity is here this weekend for individuals and families to sign up to take home the vocation prayer cross for one week and offer prayers each day (prayer book is provided) for vocations.  SIGN-UP SHEET is at the table near the stairs to the choir loft.  If you have any questions see Fr. Jay, Bob or Kathy Craig.

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A NOTE FROM FR. JAY: As we approach the celebration of Christmas, we hopefully desire to be free from sin and able to celebrate this great Feast by the worthy reception of Holy Communion.  Remember as Catholics  WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIVILEGE TO PARTICIPATE IN MASS EVERY SUNDAY (or Sat. Vigil Mass).  We do this because Jesus told us "DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME".  It is a serious sin to miss Mass on Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation for reasons other than sickness.  If you have missed Mass you should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before receiving Communion.  Please feel welcome to call Fr. Jay to arrange to receive the Sacrament if you can't make it at the scheduled times.

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OUR SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND is to help pay for our NEW PARISH LAND which will be about $3,700.00 per month.  Your generosity helps us meet the present and future needs of our parish. THANKS.

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FR. JAY, DEACON AND MRS. JOHN FITZPATRICK, KAREN COUGHLIN, MARY ANDERSON AND DOUGLAS MEDEIROS extend to all members of our parish family and all our visitors, best wishes for a Blessed and Joyful Christmas.

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PLEASE PRAY for peace in our world, for our men and women serving in the military, law enforcement, fire protection and emergency services .Remember too our parishioners who are sick at home, in hospitals or nursing homes. Please pray for too for all the deceased benefactors of Holy Family Parish.  THANKS.

Go to the current bulletin: September 5, 2010

Go to a recent bulletin:
August 29, 2010
August 22, 2010
August 15, 2010

Go to list of all archived bulletins.


370 Middleboro Avenue	East Taunton
P.O. Box 619	Massachusetts 02718