WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

"Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." Jesus asks us to love Him and one another. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend in New England is June 20-22. For more information call Ray and Beth Ginepro at 800-710-WWME or visit their webpage at www.wwmeMA.org.

PRAYER LINE REQUESTS

Prayer line requests may be called in to Mary Lou LaBarge at 413-531-4644. The person’s first name and the intention is all that is required. Intentions/petitions remain on the prayer line for two months.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

As we begin the 49th Annual Catholic Appeal the efforts of our parishioners over the years are deeply appreciated.

The diocesan goal for the 2008 Appeal is $2,900,000 the same as last year. The parish goal for St. Mary's also remains the same, $21, 694. Considering the current economic conditions nationally and locally it is not prudent to increase the overall goal for the Appeal or individual parish goal this year.

As Church and as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have to address the ever-increasing need for services for our brothers and sisters in our diocese. The Appeal enables us to do that.

The key ingredient to the success of our Appeal is participation. In order for St. Mary's to reach its goal of $21,694, we ask that each family participate in this important annual fund drive to the best of their ability.

Please consider making a contribution and helping those who need us the most. No gift is too small or too large - every gift helps!

PILGRIMAGE TO OBERAMMERGAU

Once in a lifetime opportunity, sponsored by Catholic Communications. From August 20th to 30th, 2010, diocesan Director of Vocations Father Gary Dailey will celebrate his Silver Jubilee as a priest by leading a pilgrimage to Oberammergau, Germany, for the 41^st performance of the world-renowned Passion Play. The Passion of Christ is re-enacted by some 2,000 townsfolk once each decade to fulfill a promise made to God while facing mortal threat. Attend an upcoming information session:

7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 14^th, Most Holy Redeemer Parish Center,

120 Russell Street (Rte. 9), Hadley

7:00 PM, Thursday, May 15^th, Bishop Marshall Center (rear of St. Michael’s Cathedral),

254 State Street, Springfield

or go to iObserve.org to learn more about this pilgrimage.

MASSES AND SANCTUARY CANDLE

There are dates available for Masses and the 7-Day Sanctuary Candle in memory of loved ones or for a special intention. One special way to offer a prayer for someone is to light a candle for them. Please contact the parish office for available dates at 584-7310.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education Classes - The Last Class

April 27th - Last class for Grades K-5, 6-9

May 4th - First Communion

Religious Education Registration for next fall will take place again on April 27^th after classes. Please don't wait to register!

First Holy Communion

The following students will receive Holy Communion on Sunday, May 4th, at the 10:00 AM Mass:

Anna Connly

Sophia DeBlase

Philip Hempstead

Jillian Kloc

Victoria Nicoletti

Patrick Osborne

Danielle Parent

FREE HUG COUPON

Good for One Free Hug

Redeem Whenever Needed

PRAYER FOR THE FIRST COMMUNICANTS

Jesus, True Bread come down from heaven, bless these children at this special time of grace. Like the woman at the well, may they encounter Your Living Presence and then share the Good News of Your love with all they meet. May they trust in Your promise to be always near, in their heart, in the Bread of Life, in the communion of those who share at the Eucharistic table. We pledge to encourage the life of grace in them and ask that You sanctify them through Your sacred Body and Blood. And even though they may receive communion ten thousand times, may they always be grateful for this greatest of gifts. Amen.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF REMEMBERING ST. MARY'S IN YOUR WILL?

FREE CHAPEL CONCERT AT PROVIDENCE PLACE

A free Chapel Concert at Providence Place, Holyoke, is scheduled for Sunday, May 4th at 2:30 PM. This concert features the touring A Cappella Choir of Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Categorized as a choral ensemble, these talented young adults offer their audience a rich variety of sacred and secular music all expertly drawn from different style periods.

Providence Place, 413-534-9700, is located at 5 Gamelin Street, Holyoke, behind Providence Hospital.

WELCOMING CHRIST IN THE MIGRANT

Sunday, May 4, 2008

4:00 PM

The Cathedral of St. Michael

206 State Street

Springfield, MA

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) nationally gives recognition to the world's 35 million immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons, many who live in desperate poverty. Here in the Diocese of Springfield, Catholic Charities Agency's Department of Immigration Services is again sponsoring a special mass to welcome the newcomers and share in their celebration. A reception will follow the service.

THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER AT ELMS COLLEGE

The Irish Cultural Center at Elms College announces a bus trip to Worcester to attend Pilgrim Soul Productions of Brian Friel’s Irish play, The Loves of Cass McGuire. The play takes place on Friday, May 2, 2008, at 8:00 PM in the Worcester Ancient Order of Hiberians Cultural Center. The bus will leave the Elms parking lot on the corner of Springfield and Fairview Streets at the Gaylord Building at 6:15 PM and will return to Chicopee immediately after the performance. There is no dinner stop. Tickets are $40 for members, $45 for non-members. Seats are limited; to reserve tickets, call 413-265-2537 or send an email to irishcenter@elms.edu.

DONATIONS

April 19 - April 20, 2008

Weekly - $2,081.71

THE WEEK AHEAD...

Wednesday, April 30th

                      7:00 PM                   RCIA

Thursday, May 1st

                    10:00 AM                  Church Cleaning

Saturday, May 3rd

                      8:00 AM                  Church Cleaning

                      3:00 PM                  Reconciliation

SANCTUARY CANDLE

This week our sanctuary candle burns in loving memory of

Marciano Chua

requested by Cherrie

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER - APRIL 27, 2008

Jesus tells us not to be troubled. Therefore, pray that the Lord will show you the way in your life. Just ask Him. If you think God is calling you to a Church vocation give a call to Fr. Gary Dailey at 413-452-0811.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you." – Jn 14:15-17

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 27, 2008

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