Saint Cecilia - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 9 September 2018
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Saint Cecilia
P A R I S H
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 September 2018
Streams will burst forth in the desert,
and rivers in the steppe.
(Today’s First Reading)
Gobi Desert
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
OUR COMMUNITY NEWS
MINISTERS OF THE LITURGY
Saturday, September 8 | 5:00 p.m. SPECIAL INTENTIONS
Rev. Peter Grover, OMV, celebrant
Cynthia Wanner, lector Saturday, September 8 | 5:00 p.m.
Betty Botosh, Memorial
Sunday, September 9 | 8:00 a.m.
Rev. John Unni, celebrant Sunday, September 9 | 9:30 a.m.
Jordan Barnes, lector Fran Reynolds, Memorial
Sunday, September 9 | 9:30 a.m. Sunday, September 9 | 9:30 a.m.
Rev. John Unni, celebrant Daniel Souza, 4th Anniversary
Ludovico Rollo, Mary Kane, and
Ben DeWinter, lectors Sunday, September 9 | 11:15 a.m.
Mary Nichols, Memorial
Sunday, September 9 | 11:15 a.m.
Rev. John Unni, celebrant
Jim English, Zachary Boutin, and
Kelly McClintock, lectors
Sunday, September 9 | 6:00 p.m.
Rev. John Unni, celebrant This week at
Michael Lake and Nikko Mendoza, lectors Saint Cecilia
• Saturday, September 8 | Morning Prayer
9:00
TODAY'S READINGS • Sunday, September 9 | Farewell Richard
Reception | after the 11:15 Mass
Isaiah 35:4-7A
James 2:1-5 • Sunday, September 9 | 6:00 Mass
Mark 7:31-37 resumes
• Wednesday, September 12 | Parish
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sharing and Listening Session | 6:30
Isaiah 50:5-9A Parish Hall
James 2:14-18
• Thursday, September 13 | Vespers 6:30
Mark 8:27-35
2
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
Prayers & Occasions
Our Sick
Please pray for all our sick and for those who are in need of
our prayer, especially Angelo Valente, Eugenia Valente, Jim
Mootos, Mary Pickering, and Bill Croke.
Weddings at Saint Cecilia
Congratulations to Aubrey Hartnett and Jason Haynes who
were married here this weekend on September 8. May God PARISH SHARING & LISTENING SESSION
bless the happy couple as they start this next phase of their
lives together. Please join us this Wednesday, September 12 from
6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall for a listening/re-
flection forum regarding the Pennsylvania grand jury
Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish report on the sexual abuse of children and system-
We are pleased to welcome the following new members atic cover-up by Church officials. This will be a time to
of our parish who have recently registered: Cara Aiello of come together as a community to share our thoughts
Boston, Adam Pisarski of Boston, and Amy Marie Cook of and feelings and to think about a way of moving for-
Boston. If you have not previously registered with the par- ward as Catholics.
ish, there are forms in the narthex for this purpose or you
can register online at www.stceciliaboston.org.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON OFFICE OF
Morning and Evening Prayer This Week PASTORAL SUPPORT & CHILD PROTECTION
Saturday, September 8 there will be Morning Prayer at
9:00 a.m. in honor of the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. To survivors in the Archdiocese of Boston who strug-
On Thursday, September 13 is the memorial of Saint John gle to process their pain and whose wounds are
Chrysostom. We will celebrate Vespers at 6:30 p.m. All are opened especially wide with the reports from Penn-
welcome. sylvania, please know that Vivian Soper, Director of
the Archdiocese's Office of Pastoral Support and
Child Protection and her colleagues stand ready to
Resumption of the Six o'Clock Mass provide assistance. We encourage you to contact Viv-
We are happy to have you celebrate with us at our six ian at 617-746-5985. To the survivors and their loved
o'clock liturgy resuming this evening, September 9. ones, we must again apologize and ask forgiveness.
While much has been accomplished in the protection
of children with the participation of the laity, there
Farewell to Richard remains much more to be done. We are committed
Join us after the 11:15 a.m. liturgy to celebrate Richard's last to the fulfillment of this responsibility as a continuing
weekend with us. We will have a reception in the Parish Hall priority for the work of the Church.
to send him off with our love and well wishes.
3
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
VIRTUS Training - september 16 Wisdom & Mature
Spirituality Group
All catechists, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Com-
munion, greeters, and members of Saint Cecilia CARES who Due to the flood and postponement of our August meet-
have not yet attended a VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" ing, we will keep "Stumbling Over the Stumbling Stone", the
training session are urged to attend the next session sched- fifth chapter of the book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for
uled for Sunday, September 16 following the 9:30 a.m. Mass the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr, OFM, as the topic for
(10:45 - 12:30 p.m. in classroom 5). Included will be two our meeting on Sunday, September 16.
thirty-minute videos, questions and answers, an overview
on mandated reporting, and info on how to file a 51A re- There must be at least one situation in our lives that we can-
port. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. Please RSVP to not fix, control, explain, change, or even understand. Did
Leah Bennett (lbennett@stceciliaboston.org) if you plan to you ever stumble over what once sustained you?
attend.
Our Wisdom Group is a community of adults who meet
once a month, journeying in the second half of life and look-
ing to build a deeper relationship with our Christian faith
through fellowship, trust, sharing and prayer. We welcome
new members. Join us next Sunday, September 16 at 10:00
a.m. outside the conference room in the Parish Hall.
New Choir Members WELCOME!
We are in need of new choir members to sing with us. If
you have a musical talent to share with the community, we
would love to have you join us. To join one of the Sunday
morning choirs, please stop by and see Music Director, Tim-
othy Zimmerman after Mass, or email him at timothy.zim-
merman@bc.edu. To join the 6:00 p.m. choir please email
Rachel Burckardt at rachy.rb2@gmail.com or see her after
the 6:00 p.m. Mass. We look forward to hearing from you!
All Hail, Saint Cecilia Keep our Doors Open!
On Saturday, September 22, Emmanuel Music is presenting The Open Doors ministry began several years ago in the
a concert entitled "All Hail St. hopes that we could offer a peaceful sanctuary to the pass-
Cecilia". The program features er-by to enjoy quiet time with the Lord. We have found
Handel's Ode for St. Cecilia's that while many enter with prayer in mind, others come to
Day with soloists Susan Con- take in the beauty of Saint Cecilia, find out more about our
soli, Carley DeFranco, Sarah history, or to learn about our vibrant community. As Open
Moyer, Kristen Watson, sopra- Door ministers, we have a unique opportunity to meet and
nos, and Matthew Anderson, interact with neighbors, visitors, and fellow parishioners.
Charles Blandy, and Jonas Bu- We are responsive to the needs of those that walk through
dris, tenors. The second piece our doors, whether it be answering questions or providing
will be Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia. If you are interested in a silent, welcoming nod as they enter in to pray. In order to
attending, tickets are being offered for free to members of keep our front doors open, we need parishioner help. At this
Saint Cecilia Parish. Please send all ticket requests to mu- time, we are looking for anyone who is able to commit to a
sic@emmanuelmusic.org. For more information, please couple hours a month to this ministry. If this opportunity is
email pat@emmanuelmusic.org or call 617-536-3356. of interest to you, please contact Amy Paulin at amy.pau-
lin1@gmail.com. Thank you for helping to keep the beauty
and peace of Saint Cecilia open.
4
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
FILM CREW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Walk to end alzheimer's
Saint Cecilia is looking for three The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Boston Walk to
more volunteers to join the film End Alzheimer's will take place on Sunday, September 23
crew that is working on filming, at 10:00 a.m. in North Point Park, Cambridge (near the
editing, and posting the homilies MBTA's Green Line Science Park station). There are short
each week. If you have an interest 1.5-mile and longer 3.5-mile scenic flat ground routes. If
in learning more about the filming you would like to join parishioner Kathleen Brolly's walk
and editing process, please contact team, The Memorables, please visit http://act.alz.org/goto/
Mary Kaye at mkaye@stceciliaboston.org. kathleenbrolly to register. If you have any questions, you can
e-mail Kathleen directly at kbrolly@loyola.edu. Kathleen is
also looking for volunteer musicians willing to donate their
HUNGER & HOMELESSNESS MINISTRY: time and talent to sing/play for walkers along the route.
DRIVERS NEEDED Thank you for your support. Together we will #ENDALZ!
Each weekend parishioners have the opportunity to pick
up donated meat, dairy products, and produce from four
local supermarkets and deliver it to either Catholic Chari-
ties' Haitian Multi-Service Center in Dorchester or the Pine
Street Inn in the South End. This vital ministry takes place at
7:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday morning and on Sun-
days can be completed in time to attend the 9:30 Mass. We Join the Saint Cecilia Team
need drivers for all the Saturdays and Sundays in September.
We've got a small but growing team planning to run/walk
Please email Mark.Lippolt@gmail.com if you can help out.
the Boston 10K for Women on October 8. The cost for reg-
istration is $50 per person. If you'd like to run, please email
lbennett@stceciliaboston.org for instructions on how to of-
ficially join the team. For more information about the race
or for suggested training materials, you can visit https://
Prison and After Needs Help boston10kforwomen.com/.
Every Monday night for the past six years, a dedicated group
of parishioners has been providing a support group and din-
ner for men who are returning to the community after serv-
ing time in prison.
Donations – This ministry has been supported by the gen-
erous donations of Saint Cecilia parishioners. Contributions
of any amount are appreciated and can be given to Mark
Donohoe or Scott MacDonald any Sunday, placed in the col- RODMAN RIDE FOR KIDS!
lection basket clearly labeled "Prison and After" or mailed
to: Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, MA 02115. The Rodman Ride for Kids is taking place on Saturday Sep-
Any checks should be made out to Saint Cecilia Parish with tember 22nd. On that day over 1500 riders and 700 volun-
Prison and After written in the memo line. teers will work together to raise over $14 million in a non-
competitive cycling tour of 25, 50, or 100 miles. Heading
Volunteers – The group is looking for one or two parish- out on her 13th Ride is Letitia Howland, one of our parishio-
ioners who are interested in volunteering and can make a ners. She will be riding 25 miles to raise money for Robert F.
commitment to come every (or most) Monday nights from Kennedy Children’s Action Corps which provides direct care
5:30 – 9:00 p.m. If you would like more information please and educational services to kids across the Commonwealth
email Peg at scprisonandafter@gmail.com. and works to improve systems for kids and families across
the country. If you’d like to sponsor Letitia, you can find
her after mass or email her at LHowland@rfkchildren.org.
Thank you for your consideration.
5
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
LITURGY OF THE
HOURS
Wednesday, September 5 @ 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer – Memorial of St. Teresa of Calcutta
Saturday, September 8 @ 9:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer – Feast of the Nativity of Mary
Thursday, September 13 @ 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer – Memorial of St. John Chrysostom
Monday, September 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer – Memorial of St. Hildegard von Bingen
Friday, September 21 @ 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer – Feast of St. Matthew
Saturday, September 29 @ 9:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer – Feast of SS. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael
Please join us in September for
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer
Liturgy lasts approximately half an hour. All are welcome.
Young Families
September Meeting
The Young Families group will hold its September meet-
ing on Sunday, 9/16 following the 9:30 mass. At this meet-
ing, we'll be sharing some of what was discussed at our
recent Advisory Council meeting, and we'll talk about our
On Tuesday, September 18, parishioners across the Archdi-
fall events and the direction of the group moving forward.
ocese of Boston will gather to honor and thank our priests
Childcare will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
at the Tenth Annual Dinner in Celebration of the Priest-
Please join us!
hood. This event, held at the Seaport World Trade Center,
benefits the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust, which
The Young Families ministry is a collaborative effort to bet-
helps to ensure the highest level of care and quality of life
ter support young families at the parish as we navigate the
for our 614 active and senior diocesan priests. This year's
daily dyings and risings of family life. If you have a young
guest speaker is Mark Wahlberg. If you would like to pur-
child or children or are expecting or hoping to grow your
chase a ticket or learn more about other sponsorship op-
family through adoption, fostering, or any other means,
portunities visit www.clergyfunds.org/ celebration. Thank
please consider joining us! The best way to get informed
you for your generous and prayerful support of our Boston
about upcoming events is to join our listserv. Email Erin at
priests.
sc.youngfamilies@gmail.com to learn more and sign up.
6
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
"Go and make disciples" — Matthew 28:19
Last Easter we were blessed to initiate fifteen adults into the life of the Church. These men and women participated in the par-
ish's RCIA process — a process designed specifically for non-Catholics and uncatechized Catholics who wish to explore a deeper
relationship with Jesus Christ in the context of the Catholic Church.
RCIA is offered each year for the following people:
• Individuals who have never been baptized and who wish to be baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist.
• Individuals who have been baptized in another Christian tradition and who wish to enter into full communion with the
Catholic Church through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.
• Individuals who were baptized in the Catholic Church but never received first Eucharist.
The next season of RCIA will begin on Tuesday, October 2. The first eleven weeks are an "inquiry period" and anyone is welcome
to attend without obligation or commitment. On the Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2018), those who feel called to be
baptized next Easter will be received into the Order of Catechumens and then are counted among those who will receive the
Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil in 2019. Others will continue preparing for recep-
tion into full communion with the Catholic Church, and, in the case of uncatechized Catholics, to complete their initiation by
being confirmed and receiving Eucharist.
RCIA entails participation in 90-minute weekly sessions that take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00. These sessions
will go from October 2, 2018 until May 21, 2019. There is also an expectation that participants attend the Sunday 11:15 liturgy
together. It is at this liturgy that the RCIA community is dismissed following the homily to go downstairs to our Parish Pastoral
Center to reflect together on the Sunday scripture readings.
WISDOM FROM THE ANCIENT CHURCH — St. Basil the Great (AD 329–379)
"Love of God does not spring from study. It is not from others, after all, that we learn to enjoy the light, to yearn for
life, and to love our parents and those who nourish us. Much less, then, does love of God arise from external teach-
ing. Rather, as soon as people exist they have the germ of reason, and this contains the power and impulse to love.
In the school of divine instruction, therefore, we but cultivate this power and wisely nourish it; thus, with God's help,
it is brought to full development. For our part, we shall endeavor here, as far as the Holy Spirit enables us, to fan into
flame this spark of love for God that is hidden within you."
This is a wonderful summary of what is at the heart of Christian formation. The RCIA is not a program or a class in Catholicism,
but rather a process of discerning and ritualizing stages of gradual conversion that take place within the parish community. The
process is about growing in relationship with Jesus and being accompanied and supported by both the RCIA and the wider par-
ish communities.
If this sounds like something you might like to pursue, all that is needed is an open heart and a sincere desire to grow in relation-
ship with Jesus. To learn more or to sign-up for our 2018/19 season, please e-mail Scott MacDonald (smacdonald@stceciliabos-
ton.org). We would be privileged to walk with you and help "fan into flame this spark of love for God that is hidden within you."
7
SAINT CECILIA PARISH
MARRIAGE MINISTRY KICKING OFF!
The Saint Cecilia Marriage Ministry is an inclusive community that promotes growth in faith and marriage. Through
service in our community, fellowship activities, and spiritual development, we hope to deepen existing marriages and
provide wisdom to those discerning the sacrament.
A strong marriage does not happen on its own; nurturing a couple’s relationship with God, with each other and with
the larger community, as well as having tools that promote communication and understanding and hospitality can be
helpful in going from good to great! And knowing that you’re not alone in the challenges you may face can be helpful.
The ministry will include a range of activities like:
• A Marriage Prep Program
• A Book Discussion Group that will meet at 5:00 p.m. nearly every Sunday
• Eventually there will be other social opportunities to meet other couples, service opportunities that offer
shared experiences to deepen a couple’s relationship together as well as with the community, and opportuni-
ties to reflect on expanding God’s role in shaping us as individuals and together as couples.
Join us on Sunday, September 16 after the 11:15 Mass in Classroom 1 to learn more about this ministry's plans! We will
meet from 12:45 – 2:00 p.m., with refreshments provided. Sign up for our mailing list by visiting one of our representa-
tives after Sunday Masses in the narthex, or emailing stc.marriage@gmail.com.
WELCOMING THE STRANGER
For the past two years, our parish has provided ongoing
support to Catholic Charities’ Refugee and Immigration
Services, heeding Pope Francis’ words, “With regard to mi-
grants, displaced persons and refugees, a common commit- Join the BOSTON HOLY LAND
ment is needed, one focused on offering them a dignified
welcome.” CHRISTIAN FORUM
Sundays Sept. 9, Oct. 14, and Nov. 4 | 4:00 p.m.
At this point in time, the parish has offered to provide refu- Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church in Chestnut Hill
gee families with supermarket gift cards so that they will
have food while their applications for political asylum are The Boston Holy Land Christian Ecumenical
processed. If you would like to purchase gift cards to Mar- Foundation is sponsoring a discussion series using
ket Basket specifically—and no more than $25 per card— Catholic Social Teaching and Ignatian Priciples
please feel free to drop them in the offertory basket. You of Discernment to examine the challenges and
can also contribute by check, noting “Refugee Families” in opportunities concering the future of the Holy Land.
the memo line of your check made payable to “Saint Cecilia For more information, please contact Jeanne Bruno
Parish.” (jbruno@stceciliaboston.org).
A Weekend Retreat: Nourish Your
Relationship with God
Spend a quiet weekend away, September 28–30, to nour-
ish your relationship with God at the Notre Dame Spiri-
tual Life Center in Ipswich, MA. Presenters include Sr.
Peggy Cummins, SNDdN, Gloria Hayes, Mary MacGillivray,
and Bryn Walsh. The cost of this retreat is $175. Spiritual
Direction is included. To register call: 978-380-1574 or
email: ndscips@sndden.org.
8SAINT CECILIA PARISH
The Women’s Table Welcomes You!
The Women’s Table of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston,
offers hospitality, welcome and compassion to women
from all walks of life. Programs range from monthly circles
of support for mothers of children with special needs, to
retreats and enrichment series that encourage women to
THE WOMEN'S LUNCH PLACE ANNUAL explore the meaning and wisdom of their lives. Check out
FUNDRAISER our website at: www.thewomenstable.org. All programs are
free, though goodwill donations are always welcome. This
The annual Spaghetti Dinner gala to benefit the day shel- fall The Women’s Table will host monthly circles of support
ter on Newbury Street will be held on Friday, October 19th for mothers on the third Monday of each month, beginning
at the Fairmont Copley Plaza with a cocktail reception at on September 17th. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A four-
6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and a live auction at 7:00 p.m. week series entitled, “Crossroads and Thresholds: Embrac-
If you would like to join the Saint Cecilia table at the event, ing the Second Half of Life,” will begin on October 17th and
please email Mark Lippolt at mark.lippolt@gmail.com. Tick- meet for four consecutive Wednesday mornings from 10:00
ets are $250 each. The WLP is also looking for folks who a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Six-week writing workshops provide a
would like to purchase full tables or serve as a table captain. balance of thought-provoking writing prompts and oppor-
tunities for participants to share their writing, as they wish.
This series begins on Thursday, October 11th, and runs for
A REMINDER TO PARENTS six consecutive Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All
programs are held at the Sisters of St. Joseph residence at
While at Saint Cecilia, children should never go to the rest- 637 Cambridge St., Brighton (beside St. Joseph Preparatory
room alone. We are happy that you feel so safe here, but High School). For more information, please call Mary Rita at
please remember that we are in a building that is wide open 617.746.2056 or email: maryrita.weschler@csjboston.org.
and has multiple entrances. For the safety of our children,
please do not allow them to wander around unsupervised
and please do not ever allow them to go to the restroom Pie Sellers Needed!
unaccompanied by a parent.
As part of our on-going relationship with Community Serv-
ings, we are looking for parishioners willing to assist with
their annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser. Every Thanksgiving
pie sold for $30 feeds a Community Servings client in East-
ern Massachusetts suffering with a life-threatening illness
for one week. The delicious pies—apple, pecan, pumpkin,
and sweet potato—are baked by some of the most gener-
BHCHP Fall Soiree ous local restaurant chefs and caterers and are the perfect
dessert for your Thanksgiving table. If you are willing to help
On Thursday, October 18, Boston Health Care for the Home- sell pies at Saint Cecilia liturgies as well as to your friends
less Program will host its third annual Emerging Leaders and colleagues, please email Mark Lippolt at mark.lippolt@
Gala, the 2018 Fall Soiree. The Soiree is our main event gmail.com.
where we raise critical funds to support the care of over
12,000 under-served and high-risk patients served by BH- LOW-GLUTEN ALTAR BREAD AVAILABLE
CHP each year, while celebrating Boston’s young profession-
als and their commitment to service. The Soiree will feature If you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a sup-
an award ceremony, live band, passed hors-d'oeuvres, com- ply of low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot
plimentary beer and wine, and even a cocktail hour with the tolerate gluten. These hosts are prepared by the Benedic-
penguins at the New England Aquarium! tine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri.
Tickets are $125 and you can find more information about
individual tickets and corporate sponsorship opportunities
at this link: https://www.bhchp.org/events/2018-fall-soi-
rée.
9SAINT CECILIA PARISH
Adult Faith
Formation Events Social and Racial
BOSTON COLLEGE EVENTS Justice Ministry
For further details or to register for these events, please
check the School of Theology and Ministry website:
https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/stm/continuing- To find out more about this ministry, visit https://bit.
education/campus-events.html ly/2JLWWYa
The First Annual Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., Lecture
Register to Vote!
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the School of The- Sunday, September 16 | After all Masses | Narthex
ology and Ministry
Presenter: James Martin, S.J. Representatives from the Social and Racial Justice Minis-
Thursday, September 20, 2018 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. try and Vote Remote will be in the narthex after all Mass-
Robsham Theater, Chestnut Hill Campus | Registration es to help you register to vote, sign up for absentee bal-
confirmation required for admission to the lecture lots, and set up election reminders. Being away from your
Free of charge home state during elections doesn’t prevent you from
voting. You can register with us in any state!
The Brien O'Brien and Mary Hasten Lecture in Interreli-
gious Dialogue Interested in registering others to vote? To get started
Signs of Hope in Muslim-Christian Relations email sc.socialracialjustice@gmail.com.
Panel Discussion Presenters: Daniel A. Madigan, S.J.,
Klaus Von Stosch and Joshua Ralston Stand in Solidarity with Our Transgender Neighbors
Thursday, September 27, 2018 | 5:00 p.m. | Robsham September 27 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Temple Israel
Theater, Chestnut Hill Campus | No Registration
In collaboration with JALSA (Jewish Alliance for Law and
ONLINE COURSES Social Action) and other faith groups, we will be attending
an evening of conversation and organizing for action in
For further details or to register for these events, please response to Ballot Question 3.
check the STM Online: Crossroads website: www.
bc.edu/bc-web/schools/stm/sites/crossroads.html On Election Day, Massachusetts voters will face the first-
ever statewide popular vote on protections for transgen-
Catholic Social Teaching: Living Faith in Our Social der people from discrimination. The referendum would
Context repeal our state law that protects transgender people
September 19 - October 24, 2018 | 5-Week Online from discrimination in public places, including restau-
Course Registration Required| $50.00 rants, stores, and doctors’ offices. A “YES” vote on Ques-
tion 3 keeps the current law as it is, protecting transgen-
Liturgy Committee der persons from discrimination. For more information,
September 19 - October 17, 2018 | 4-Week Online see freedommassachusetts.org
Course | Registration Required| $25.00
To RSVP for the inter-faith event or to express interest in
New Testament Visions of Faith further action to protect transgender rights please email
September 26 - November 6, 2018 | 6-Week Online sc.socialracialjustice@gmail.com. You can also pledge
Course | Registration Required| $50.00 your vote at bit.ly/Yeson3
Spirituality Matters
September 26 – October 30, 2018 | 5-Week Online
Course | Registration Required| $50.00
10SAINT CECILIA PARISH
AS THE CHURCH FACES ANOTHER CRISIS, LOOK
TO WOMEN FOR HELP
By VALERIE SCHULTZ
So you are a Catholic mother bringing up daughters, and along with the by-now-familiar cover-up of criminal
as soon as they are old enough, you have some explain- behavior by the church hierarchy, perhaps even more
ing to do. sickened than I was in the past by similar reports from
Boston or from Ireland or from Los Angeles—the
Because even though Jesus wasn’t sexist, the institutional archdiocese I contribute to—or from Chile or from
church is, right? It is a given for women. When an entire any other Catholic diocese, because it is a cumulative
sacrament is denied you solely because of your gender, illness. Most infuriating, it is a preventable illness.
that is textbook sexism. I say this with love, as a Catholic
mother who is not leaving, as a faithful dissenter, as an It is high time for us to understand how this keeps
imperfect follower of Jesus. happening and to stop it. But as long as we continue
to treat clergymen as though they are somehow more
I was recently chafing on Jesus’ behalf at the inher- angelic than us inferior lay people, as long as we expect
ent sexism lurking behind some dress code notes in a them to be asexual super-humans, as long as we do not
parish bulletin. The text implied that women and girls monitor them as we do any adults who interact with
who come to Mass in skimpy clothing—and we have all our children, we will suffer sexual predation. As long as
seen them—are responsible for causing sinful thoughts we shy away from any honest discussions of sexuality
in the minds of “others” (meaning: men). Apparently, and cloak sexuality in shame-filled secrecy, as long as
men cannot ever grow up or be trusted to treat women we refuse to allow women to occupy positions of real
like fellow human beings. I am not a fan of cleavage in authority within the church, we will bring these revolt-
church, but it occurred to me that female rape victims ing abuses and subsequent headlines on ourselves.
are the only victims of crime who are ever asked, “What
were you wearing?” Jesus relied on women to get it right. From his own
mother to the women who questioned or challenged
Jesus doesn’t ask, “What are you wearing?” him to the women who befriended him to the wom-
en who braved the crucifixion to the women who
Why didn’t the pastor’s notes admonish men not to wear proclaimed the resurrection, Jesus treated women
tight T-shirts, the kind that might outline a pair of broad as equals and as holy. We have been there with him.
shoulders and a righteous six-pack of abs, thereby caus- That is our historical and spiritual birthright. Over the
ing impure thoughts in many an ovulating woman? That centuries, we have tended to the sick and fed the hun-
sounds ridiculous only because we unthinkingly accept gry and taught the children and laundered the linens
the rut of sexism into which our human church has fall- and staffed the offices and offered our envelopes and
en. witnessed our faith and kept the church’s home fires
burning, but we have not been in power. We have not
This example of small-scale sexism in the Sunday bul- been empowered. And maybe that is partly on us. We
letin cannot, of course, compare to the deeper pit of the allowed generations of societal norms to obscure Je-
sex abuse scandals in which the church currently sprawls. sus’ example.
I am sickened to the depths of my soul by the recent
grand jury report in Pennsylvania, detailing episodes of Jesus talked to men and women about loving God and
pedophilia, sexual assault and rape committed by 301 loving your neighbor and not being afraid to follow
members of the Catholic clergy on over 1,000 victims, God’s will. Jesus also taught us to love our enemies and
11SAINT CECILIA PARISH
do good to those who persecute us. These predators
hiding in priestly vestments among us are surely our
enemies. They surely persecute our children. While we
mothers might like to strangle these monstrous ma-
nipulators ourselves, we are called to forgive them. Just
as certainly, however, we are not called to enable them.
They and the official protocols that protected them
have lost our trust.
We women are being called to shake things up, to rede-
sign and repurpose this church of Jesus, our beloved
one, holy, catholic, apostolic church. It is hard to think
of the Holy Spirit in the same thought as sex offend-
ers, but we are experiencing a radical call to get our
act together. The male-centric church and its ordained
ministers may only truly heal when women—lay and
religious—apply the salve. It is sometimes our ten-
dency as women to let the professionals—the men in
charge—sort out the problems, but that is obviously
not working. We can choose to leave this corrupt and
stinking edifice and find another house of worship,
but that is not helping. We can withhold our time, tal-
ent and treasure, but that mostly hurts us.
What are we to do? What would Jesus do? Maybe Je-
sus would agree with Mr. Rogers’s mother, who ad-
vised Mr. Rogers, in times of confusion and tragedy, to
“look for the helpers.” We are the helpers. We women,
the proven and time-honored helpers, must stand for
the littlest ones, the injured ones, the vulnerable ones.
Regarding church personnel and practices, we must
keep the best and throw out the rest, the sexism, the
clericalism, the dishonesty, the hypocrisy. We must
welcome the fresh and feminine breath of the Holy
Spirit. That is exactly what Jesus did.
So what might Jesus hashtag? Maybe, in lay terms:
#timesup.
~ Valerie Schultz is a freelance writer, a columnist for The Ba-
kersfield Californian and the author of "Closer: Musings on In-
timacy, Marriage, and God." She and her husband Randy have
four daughters.
First News (Of The Resurrection)
Rose Datoc Dall (1968)
12SAINT CECILIA PARISH
PARISH RESOURCES
Parish Office & Mailing Address Marriage
18 Belvidere Street, Boston, MA 02115 Couples who wish to prepare for marriage should contact Mark
Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Donohoe in the Parish Office at least six months in advance.
Phone | 617 536 4548 Care of the Sick
Fax | 617 536 1781 To arrange for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Holy Communion to be
E-mail | info@stceciliaparish.org brought to those unable to attend the Sunday celebration, or for
Website | www.stceciliaboston.org Viaticum for the Dying (Holy Communion for those in danger of death),
please contact the Parish Office. It is always possible to anoint the
Parish Staff sick during regularly scheduled liturgies.
Rev. John J. Unni, Pastor
Mary Kaye, Pastoral Director of Operations, Order of Christian Funerals
mkaye@stceciliaboston.org The parish is prepared to celebrate the Vigil (wake) in the church.
Colleen Melaugh, Finance Director, Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
cmelaugh@stceciliaboston.org
Mark Donohoe, Pastoral Associate for Administration, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Team
mdonohoe@stceciliaboston.org The CAP Team is responsible for training all parish staff and volunteers
Scott J. MacDonald, Director of Faith Formation and Parish Visibility, in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God’s Children program
smacdonald@stceciliaboston.org (VIRTUS). They also provide consultation and support to anyone in
John Glynn, Director of College and Youth Ministry, the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect.
jglynn@stceciliaboston.org, Please contact Lois Flaherty (loisflaherty@gmail.com), Maria Roche
Jeanne Bruno, Chaplain, Pastoral Associate, (maria.roche15@gmail.com), Letitia Howland (l_howland@hotmail.
Coordinator of Pastoral Outreach, com), or Erin Young (erin.t.young@gmail.com) if you have any ques-
jbruno@stceciliaboston.org tions or concerns.
Richard J. Clark, Director of Music and Organist,
rclark@stceciliaboston.org The Archdiocese of Boston has in place a vigorous program to protect
Lisa Pickering, Events and Facilities Manager, children from harm and to educate its ministers and faithful about the
lpickering@stceciliaboston.org nature of abuse, with a goal of increasing knowledge, creating a safe
Leah Bennett,Communications and Operations Coordinator, environment for children, and recognizing and reporting potentially
lbennett@stceciliaboston.org dangerous situations. The full text of the policy is also available in the
narthex and Parish Office, as well as on our website.
Assisting Clergy
Rev. Erick Berrelleza, SJ For Those with Celiac Disease
Rev. Peter Grover, OMV If you have celiac disease, please let us know. We have a supply of
Rev. Peter Gyves, SJ low-gluten altar bread available for those who cannot tolerate gluten.
Rev. James Shaughnessy, SJ
Hearing Assistance in Church
Schedule for Liturgy The church is equipped with an FM listening device. Small receivers
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday | 8:00 a.m. are available for anyone who may have trouble hearing the sound
Lord’s Day | Sat 5:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00, 9:30, 11:15, and 6:00 p.m. system. Simply request a receiver from any one of our greeters
Holy Days | 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. before Mass.
Reconciliation Access for the Disabled
The sacrament of reconciliation is available by appointment. Please Both the church and Parish Pastoral Center are accessible by elevator.
call the Parish Office.
Parking
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) There is reduced rate parking for $11.00 at the Hynes Auditorium
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the communal process Garage located on Dalton Street on Sundays until 3:00 p.m. and every
through which non-baptized men and women become members of the evening after 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to ask one of our greeters for
Catholic Church. It is also suitable for those baptized in different faith a parking validation ticket before leaving the church. There is also
traditions who are interested in becoming Catholic, or, for those who reduced rate parking on Sundays only at the Prudential Center South
were baptized Catholic, but have yet to receive the sacraments of Garage (enter at Huntington Avenue or Dalton Street); up to 4 hours:
Eucharist and confirmation. $14.00, up to 5 hours: $20.00.
Baptism for Infants Joining Our Community
Infant baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. For We’re happy that you’re with us! Our community offers a warm,
more information, please contact Mark Donohoe in the Parish Office. spiritual home for a diverse group of Catholics. We come from many
neighborhoods in and around Boston but also have parishioners
Faith Formation for Children from as far afield as Marlborough, Newburyport, and Stow. Please
To register your child for our Faith Formation Program, please contact introduce yourself to a staff member, drop in for coffee on Sunday,
Scott MacDonald in the Parish Office. or fill out a new parishioner form in the narthex.. No matter what
your background, please know that you are always welcome at
Saint Cecilia.
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