ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT:

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the chapel after Mass on the first Friday of each month and available for adoration until Benediction before Mass on the day following. Call the coordinator Marty Henry, at 508-477-4558 if you wish to sign up.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST TO THE SICK:

The Eucharist is made available to our homebound parishioners and to those in the hospital through the extraordinary efforts of this group of men and women. These ministers are especially chosen but one can express a desire to be considered for this ministry. Contact the Parish Office at 508-477-7700 or ctk@cape.com

CTK YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth ministry is more than just programs and events. It is the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community. To be most effective, this is a ministry to, with, by, and for young people that involves their families, their parish community, and the larger community. At the heart of ministry with young people is the presence of caring, supportive relationships where youth experience the Good News in the flesh. For more information contact Kathy Laird, Youth Minister at youthmin@cape.com. To learn more go to CTK Youth Ministry.

PARISH NURSING

Parish Nursing and Health Ministry is a Parish-based ministry, which cares for the whole person --- body, mind and spirit. This ministry arises from the needs of the Parish Community and is realized through the talents of registered nurses and other health professionals or lay leaders who combine health science with pastoral care. While each Parish Community’s program is unique, all programs provide for wellness, health and healing as well as access to community health resources. To learn more click Parish Nursing or contact Betty Mazzucchelli, RN, FCN, ELIZMAZZ@Comcast.net 508.477.1110 Cell 508.566.1726

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS:

This program is designed for men and women who wish to become Catholic. The Catechumens, that is, adults who have never been baptized in any Christian religion and the Candidates, that is, baptized non-catholics, make up the membership of this group. Classes are held on a regularly scheduled basis. The instructors are a team of adult catechists who work with the director in formulating the curriculum and liturgical celebrations. The Catechumens are baptized and the candidates received into the church and both groups are confirmed at the Easter Vigil Mass each year. Information for prospective members or catechists can be obtained by calling the Parish Office. The same program for children is also available.
Contact Deacon Robert Lemay at 508-477-7700 ext. 13, rdlctk@cape.com or go to http://rciafallriver.com

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY:

Is a gathering of wonderful, Faith-Filled women who meet on the last Tuesday of the month for one half hour to pray, knit together in silence, and to offer to God the many notes of gratitude received from the Prayer Shawl recipients. The ministry dates back to Scripture and the Quakers. The shawls are given to women and men in need of care, comfort and support. Many times the people who do not knit supply yarn for the knitters. Sr. Dympna Smith RSM, 508-477-7700 ctk@cape.com

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP:

Is held at the parish in the fall and spring. It is usually held on Wednesday mornings and lasts for seven weeks. An announcement of the Support Group is sent to the surrounding parishes about five weeks before the group begins. This group is for anyone who has had a loved one die. It is peer ministry. Sr. Dympna Smith RSM, 508-477-7700 ctk@cape.com

MINISTRY OF HOPE

Men and women from the parish assist at the time of death, to the families whose loved one has died. They go to the homes to help the family prepare for the Funeral Liturgy and to select the readings, as well as the music for the Mass. It is our custom to bring a small loaf of bread to the bereaved family. Sr. Shirley Agnew, RSM  508-477-7700, ext. 26 ctk@cape.com

JULY B00K
Why Go To Church?
The Drama of the Eucharist
Timothy Radcliffe op

Religion

One Sunday a mother shook her son awake, telling him it was time to go to church. No effect. Ten minutes later she was back: ‘Get out of bed immediately and go to church.’ ‘Mother, I don’t want to. It’s so boring! Why should I bother?’ ‘For two reasons: You know you must go to church on a Sunday, and secondly, you are the bishop of the diocese.’
It is not only bishops who sometimes feel no desire to go to church. Surveys show that a high percentage of people in the West believe in God but attendance at Sunday services is plummeting.

Some believe religion is a private affair between themselves and God and what happens on Sundays in church is irrelevant. So why Go?

Fr. Radcliffe answers this question by asking: Why go to the Eucharist? We do go to church for all sorts of other services, for baptism, weddings and funerals. The Eucharist has as its focus the reason why we go at all.

Timothy Radcliffe was until recently Master General of the Dominican Order. He is the winner of the 2007 Michael Ramsey prize for theological writing for his book, What is the Point of Being a Christian? He lives in Oxford.

Parish Catholic Book Club Thursday, July 29th at 4:00 PM in Parish Hall. The book is available in our parish library, Market St. Book Shop or Amazon.com.  Call Sr. Shirley (facilitator) if you plan on joining the discussion. 508-477-7700 ex.26.
 

THE PARISH SCRIPTURE REFLECTION GROUP:

Is open to all members of the parish on a come when you can basis. No need to register. Walk-ins are welcome. Using materials provided, the group prepares for the following Sunday readings. This experience is for all who want to understand and reflect on the message of the Sunday scripture readings in light of your own faith experience in a group setting. Individuals are not required to share. Listening is fine. This is not a bible study group.

We meet in the lower room under the Parish Office on Thursday mornings (after Mass) from 9:15 - 10:00 AM, coffee is provided. For more information please contact: Sr. Shirley Agnew RSM, Facilitator at 508-477-7700 ex. 26 or shirleya12@comcast.net.

THE MINISTRY OF MOTHERS SHARING (M.O.M.S.):

Provides an opportunity for women to develop self-esteem, relationship skills, and a more defined sense of their own spirituality.

This ministry is for women who seek a place for personal and spiritual nurturing. Women are provided with an opportunity to share with women of all ages the stress, concerns and positive experiences that have influenced personal growth. Participants will experience the support of other women as they discover the depth of their personal spirituality.The 8-week sessions use a text called A "MOMS" Personal Journal. The sessions include exercises to nurture the sacred within you. Many women experience an inner awakening, a renewed energy, or a desire to continue to meet and discuss other issues. Three experienced facilitators prepare and present the sessions.

Childcare is provided. Requirements are: The ability to make a commitment to an initial 8-week period. The ability to respect confidentiality. A desire to grow by sharing and to support other women in their personal growth. Interested? Pick up a brochure at the church entrances or call the parish office (508-477-7700) to have one mailed to you.

If You would like to speak to someone, or view the M.O.M.S. video, contact Dottie Hiltz our M.O.M.S. Coordinator at 508-477-2837 or Sr. Shirley Agnew RSM our Parish Liaison 508-477-7700 ex.26 shirleya12@comcast.net. For more information click M.O.M.S.

St. John of the Cross Lay Carmelite Community

People of prayer, People for others, People who seek God

The Lay Carmelites are called to the Family of Carmel to be involved deeply in the mission of the Church. The Charism of Carmel is : prayer (personal and liturgical) ; community (a love of those with whom we live and work) ; and apostolic work ( solidarity with God's People everywhere). We meet the 3rd Sunday of the month for Mass, a teaching, and prayer. We also meet on the alternate Sunday evenings at 6:30pm in St. Jude's Chapel for evening prayer. 

If you are 18 years of age and seek personal and spiritual growth in the Spirit of the Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel please contact Dottie Cawley at (508) 477-2798 or Email Sue Pumphery at lspump@yahoo.com

On February 21, 2010, with the gracious assistance of Monsignor Hoye, Pamela Wood was received into
St. John of the Cross Carmelite Community.
Monsignor Hoye blessed her scapular and was present for the reception ceremony in St. Jude's Chapel.