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Welcome to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish!
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Our Lady of Good Counsel is a vibrant and diverse Roman Catholic community serving the West Boylston, Massachusetts area. In the name of Christ, we welcome all who gather with us in worship and prayer. Though imperfect, we strive to be a community of open hearts, enlivened by the gospel, growing in faith, hope, and love. Whether you are a visitor, traveler, new to the parish, or in search of a spiritual home, you are most welcome here. Your presence is a blessing to us.
If you should have a question or seek more information about the parish, please feel free to introduce yourself to Fr. Steven, Deacon "Mick" or another member of the pastoral staff after Mass. You may also contact Terri King, our parish Office Administrator, at 508.835.3606. She will be happy to assist you.
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May 9, 2021 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
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We Join In Prayer
+ We join our hearts in prayer to all those overwhelmed by anxiety and fear.
+ We pray for respectful dialogue and healing between diverse communities.
+ We pray for an end to the violence and shootings plaguing our nation.
+ We pray for physicians, nurses, health care providers, researchers, hospital chaplains, medical researchers and all who are on the front lines in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
+ During the month of May, traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray that like Mary, each of us will be creative in finding ways of bringing Christ to others.
+ Pope Francis’ personal prayer intention for the month of May: That those who work in the world of business and finance always be guided by honesty, integrity and compassion.
+ We pray for Scott Camilleri as he prepares to be ordained to the Order of Deacon on June 5that the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester.
+ We pray for our parishioners who are sick or recovering from injury, illness or surgery, especially, retired Deacon John Barton and Father Thirburse Millott.
+ We pray for our departed brothers and sisters, especially Mark Mingolla. May they find peace with God in the company of the saint.
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Legacy of Hope Campaign PresentationsOur Lady of Good Counsel Church proudly stands in the heart of West Boylston. More importantly, Our Lady of Good Counsel is the heart of the town’s Catholic community. Beginning in the mid-1800’s the Catholics who settled here formed a community, and eventually a parish. Generations before us worshiped, worked, and sacrificed so that a legacy might be forged.
The Legacy of Hope Campaign, which we are undertaking with the Diocese and along with forty (40) other parishes this spring of 2021, is an opportunity for us to build upon the legacy of which we have received. (The other parishes in the Diocese participated earlier, including St Richard’s in Sterling, St Mary in Shrewsbury, and St, Mary in Jefferson.)
40% of all monies raised at Our Lady of Good Counsel will remain in the parish. Three projects will be addressed: estimates were given in 2020:
- The repair of the exterior stone church walkways and steps: Walkway: $33,925.00
Steps: $27,720.00
- The repair of the parking lot doorway entrance to church: $10,000.00
- Repainting of the church interior: $60,000.00+
- Repair and upgrade of the Religious Education area: $10,000.00
Total: $141,645.00
60% of the monies raised will go towards Diocesan endeavors of Catholic Education, Priest Retirement, Charitable Outreach, and Evangelization.
We are hoping to raise these funds over the next four years by inviting parishioners to consider pledging to the campaign. Our overall parish goal is $ 352,958 over a four-year period. The pledges can be fulfilled on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Pledges are not legally binding but are simply an indication of your giving intention. Contributions to Legacy of Hope are tax-deductible as provided by law.
All parishioners are invited to attend a presentation inaugurating our Legacy of Hope Campaign. At the presentation, you will have an opportunity to hear from members of our parish leadership team regarding how this campaign will benefit us as a parish and as a diocesan family. It is hoped that you will attend one of the presentations listed below to learn about this historic campaign, the ministries, and programs it will support, and to have your questions answered.Tuesday, May 11th Thursday, May 13th
at 7:00 p.m. in the Following the 9 a.m.
Church Mass in the ChurchPlease RSVP by Wednesday, May 5th to the Parish Office at (508) 835-3606 or by email to terri@goodcounselma.org. The presentation will last about an hour and it is hoped you will attend this important event. We look forward to seeing you there!
We are the grateful recipients of what previous generations have handed on to us. We pray that we will be good stewards of the legacy handed on to us. May our efforts be a blessing for the generation to come as we hand on the legacy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, the heart of our West Boylston Catholic Community.
Thank you for considering building a path to the future for our parish and our diocese.
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No Weekday Masses May 17 - 20
There will be no 9:00 am weekday Masses from Monday, May 17 through Thursday, May 20. Father Steven will be away.
However, Eucharistic Adoration will still be held on Wednesday, May 19.
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The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Thursday, May 13, 2021
Our celebration of the Easter Season continues as we observe the Ascension of the Lord on Thursday, May 13th. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am.
Our Easter faith proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord of heaven and earth. Christ remains with the church and each of us through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus prepared to visibly leave this world, he instructed the disciples to await the gift of the Spirit. This "gift" would strengthen them to understand more deeply the work entrusted to them, trusting that Christ will abide with his church even until the end of time.
On this Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, we are reminded that Christ companions us as we discern how to participate in his ministry in our own lives.
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Connecting our Parish Community During the Health Emergency
Our Parish website www.goodcounselma.com offers much information about our parish, as well as links to other websites, and live feeds with news every day. Please consider “bookmarking” the Our Lady of Good Counsel website so as to more easily access it. The website is designed to make information about Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish available to our parishioners and to the wider community 24/7, every day of the year. This includes the latest edition of the weekly bulletin.
Regular Flocknote messages sent to your email offer a summary of the Sunday homily given at Mass. If you are not receiving these and would like to, simply contact the parish office.
Also, our parish Facebook page, Our Lady of Good Counsel West Boylston, is regularly updated with news, announcements, and reflections.
The Word Among Us booklets at the entrances to the church are offered free of charge. Many find these booklets helpful for daily prayer and reflection.
Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays in the church from 3:00-6:00 pm provides a socially distanced way of praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Please help us stay connected as a parish during this challenging time!
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As we enter into the winter months, we offer this reminder regarding winter weather and weekday Masses:
In the event of severe winter weather, the cancelation of daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will be announced by means of Facebook and Flocknote emails. We will also need to rely on our parishioners to “spread the word” to those who are not connected by the internet.
At this time, due to the fact that school is not in session in the usual way, we cannot use the “school cancellation policy” as a way of signaling the cancelation of Mass due to winter weather as we have done in the past. When the weather is bad, it is important to remain safe at home and allow the snow removal crews to do their work.
Please share this information with others. Thank you!
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Liturgical Schedule At Our Lady Of Good Counsel
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Mass Times
- Saturday: 4:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Sunday: 8:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 10:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN
- MonThu 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN
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Holy Day MassesCelebrated on the day: Generally 9 am
When traveling: click catholicmasstime.org or call 1-410-676-6000 for mass time anywhere
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Confession Times
- Saturday: 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM and other times upon request.
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Adoration Times
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays 3 - 6 pm
Eucharistic Adoration is the practice of quiet, reflective prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed upon the Altar. The practice invites us to be still and contemplate the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We join our hearts and minds to the One who is a fountain of mercy and who journeys with us on our pilgrimage through life.
During the present COVID-19 health emergency, some parishioners feel uncomfortable being part of gatherings of any kind, including the celebration of Mass. Eucharistic Adoration provides a context of (socially distanced) quiet prayer in church with only a few individuals being present.
Weekly Eucharistic Adoration has now begun. It is held every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 pm.
Already a group of parishioners has committed to one hour of prayer between 3:00-6:00 pm. We welcome others. Some might wish to commit on a weekly basis, others monthly. Even if you are unable to commit to a specific time, you are always able to join us, as you are able.
Our thanks are extended to all who are participating in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The attendance has been very positive and enthusiastic. Many of the scheduled individuals have asked if have a “substitute” list that can be called in case of a necessary absence. If you would be willing to volunteer as an occasional substitute between 3:00-6:00 pm on Wednesdays, please contact Deacon Mick at m.beck@goodcounselma.com.
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Praying the Rosary on Saturdays at 4 pm
A group of parishioners has been praying the rosary in the church on Saturdays at 4 pm. This endeavor has been well received. During these extraordinary times of anxiety and uncertainty, many appreciate the opportunity to pray for peace and reconciliation in our nation, our communities, our families, and our hearts. The rosary also helps transition to a quiet, prayerful environment in church before the start of Mass. All are welcome!
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) on Saturdays from 3:00 - 3:45 pm
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered every Saturday in our parish church from 3:00-3:45 pm.
At this time, the Sacrament is celebrated in the sacristy (room to the right of the sanctuary) and not in the confessional room. The sacristy, being a larger room, is more conducive to social distancing protocols.
For those receiving the sacrament: When the sacristy door is open (to the right of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary), please feel free to enter and close the sacristy door so as to assure privacy. If the door is closed, please wait until the door is opened before entering. Thank you
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Our Lady of Good Counsel Public Masses Covid Guidelines
Those attending Mass are to be aware of the following State and Diocesan guidelines:
- Those attending Mass must wear masks or some kind of face covering.
- Upon entering the church please use sanitizer provided at the entrances.
- Please maintain a distance of approximately six (6) feet between yourself and others (family members excluded) upon entering and leaving the church.
- Please do the same when processing down the main aisle to receive Holy Communion.
- Please sanitize your hands before receiving Holy Communion.
- Seating in the church will be every other row.
Please be mindful of the following:
- There will be no congregational singing. Only the cantor will sing at the 4:30 and 10:30 Masses.
- The offertory collection will not be taken up. Baskets for this purpose are placed at the entrances to the church.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered in the sacristy on Saturdays at 3:00 pm until 3:45 pm only.
- The parish office is open during usual business hours by appointment only. Please call or email Terri beforehand to make an appointment. Please wear a mask when coming to the office.
Father Steven Labaire
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Periodic Flocknote Mailings to the Parish
It is important that the entire parish stay connected and informed during these challenging times. In an effort to regularly communicate by email with as many OLGC parishioners as possible, Fr. Steven is sending periodic emails with parish information through Flocknote, an email service used by many local parishes and the Worcester Diocese. The emails will display "OLGC All Parish" in the From field in the email heading.
If you have not received these emails, it may be because we do not have your most current email address. If you would like to receive these OLGC All Parish emails, please be sure to send your name and email to Terri King in the parish office at t.king@goodcounselma.com. The addresses will be added to the parish email list, and will not be used for any other purpose.
Alternatively, you will find a Flocknote Signup Form below. Please feel free to signup there and check off All Parish as the group you would like to join.
Thank you!
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Rectory Office Hours
Monday By appointment 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday By appointment 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Wednesday By appointment 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday By appointment 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
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Today's Readings
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Reading I Acts 16:22-34Responsorial Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8Gospel Jn 16:5-11
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Catholic News Service
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling for formal recognition of “those lay men and women who...
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The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ 1) Ex 24:3-8 Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16,...
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NEW YORK (CNS) — Though it’s adapted from a book that’s over a decade old,...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has urged the...
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JERUSALEM (CNS) — The patriarchs and heads of Christian churches of Jerusalem expressed deep concern...
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Word on Fire
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Around the Diocese
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Friday, May 14, 6:30 PMPack 37 Cub Scouts, chartered through Christ the King Church Worcester meets every Friday 6:30pm.Read More
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Read MoreFriday, May 14, 7:00 PM
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Sunday, May 16, 6:00 PMJoin us for an 8-part study as we take a closer look at Scripture, what it means, and why it is important for our lives. If you are interested in learning more about the Bible and how it all fits together, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! Our study will be broken up into 8 sessions that will be roughly 45 minutes each.Read More
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