-
Welcome to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish!
-
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", Deacon Scott or another member of the pastoral staff after Mass. You may also contact Rachel Crouse, our parish Office Administrator, at 508.835.3606. She will be happy to assist you.
-
-
January 23, 2022 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
-
We Join In Prayer
+ We join our hearts in prayer for a greater respect for human life and for the dignity of every human being.
+ We pray for respectful dialogue and reconciliation within our nation.
+ We pray for greater unity and collaboration between Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant Christian communities.
+ We pray for cooperation between nations in caring for our fragile earth.
+ We pray for communities and schools beset by violence.
+ We pray for all those who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially our health care workers.
+ We pray for those whose lives have been overwhelmed by storms and disasters.
+ We pray for parents, godparents and families preparing for the baptism of a child.
+ Pope Francis' personal prayer intention for the month of January: For the human family - we pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution. May their dignity be affirmed and their rights upheld.
+ We pray for all who are sick, hospitalized or recovering from injury, illness, or surgery, especially, Deacon John Barton and Father Thirburse Millott.
-
-
-
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - January 18 - 25, 2022
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity began on Tuesday, January 18th. It is tragic that the Body of Christ remains divided. Sadly, just as there are divisions within families and within our nation, there are painful centuries-old divisions within the Christian faith. These divisions are contrary to the will of Christ who prayed that “all would be one."
When we encounter Christians of other traditions (Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant) we can be grateful for the extraordinary fullness of our Catholic tradition and at the same time marvel at the holiness and goodness of our non-Catholic brothers and sisters. This week we ask the Holy Spirit to help us to recognize Christ in one another. We pray for the courage to dialogue honestly and respectfully about what unites us and about what divides us. We also pray for all who have left the practice of their Christian faith, having been scandalized by the deep divisions that tear us apart.
Specifically, this week, let us pray for our brothers and sisters who are part of other Christian communities here in the town of West Boylston, namely: First Congregational Church, Oakdale United Methodist Church, Freedom Worship Center, Next Level Church, and Bethlehem Bible Church.
-
-
-
The Blessing of St. Blaise - the weekend of February 5 - 6
Saint Blaise was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia during the 4th century. He was martyred during a persecution of Christians under the reign of the emperor Lucinius. According to various accounts, Blaise was a physician before becoming a bishop. Since the 8th century, he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with diseases of the throat, because he was reputed to have saved the life of a boy who was choking.
The Feast day of Saint Blaise is February 3rd. It has become a tradition to bestow a blessing invoking his intercession on or around his feast day. This is a prayer seeking the help of God’s grace in our struggle against illness disease. Christ and his apostles attended to the sick in their midst. Saint Blaise’s vocation as both a physician and a bishop is a reminder that the Christian community is called to attend to both the physical and spiritual needs of its members.
Being the patron saint of those afflicted with diseases of the throat, we are reminded that our throats are the origins of our voices. And while the physical health of our throats might be sound, the spiritual health of our throats may be suffering. In daily life, are our voices affirming or destructive? Do we engage in hurtful or toxic conversations? The spiritual health of our throats is a matter of importance.
While imprisoned for his faith, a compassionate woman brought two tapers to light Blaise’s jail cell. Hence it is a custom to use two candles tied with red ribbon in bestowing the blessing. The red ribbon signifies his blood shed for the sake of his Christian faith.
The Blessing of Saint Blaise will be bestowed at the conclusion of all Masses on the weekend of February 5-6th.
-
-
-
Get Involved at OLGC!
Youth Altar Serving
Join our growing number of youth in the OLGC altar server ministry! Parents who are interested in having their children participate or have questions can contact the office directly at 505-835-3606, or reach out to Deacon Scott or Kevin O'Connell.
OLGC Prayer Line
Those who wish to have their intentions remembered in prayer or who want to join our prayer line can contact Renate Isbell at 508-835-3286, or submit a request directly through the form on this page below.
Lector & Server
Prayerfully consider joining our Lector or Altar Server ministries. Contact Deacon Mick or Deacon Scott for details!
Experience Adoration
Wednesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
-
-
-
As we enter into the winter months, we offer this reminder regarding winter weather and weekday Masses:
In the event of severe winter weather, if the West Boylston public school classes are canceled or delayed, the 9:00 am is canceled. The cancelation of daily Mass and of Eurhcaristic Adoration will also be communicated by means of Facebook and Flocknote emails.
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!
-
-
Sacraments
-
SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN: Parents wishing to have their child baptized should contact the parish office. Prior to the actual celebration of the sacrament there is a catechesis for parents on the meaning of baptism and Christian parenting.
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION FOR ADULTS: Adults seeking to be baptized as well as those already baptized (in both Catholic and non-Catholic communities) who seek to be confirmed and to receive Holy Communion, are invited to join with others in exploring our Catholic faith. For more information, please contact the parish office at 508-835-3606.
SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: Couples intending to marry should contact the parish priest at least six months prior to the intended wedding date.
HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK & HOMEBOUND: We are eager to bring Holy Communion to those unable to come to church. The priest, deacon and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will assure that the Eucharist is brought to homes of those wishing to receive it.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Those experiencing serious illness should contact the parish office or speak with the parish priest as soon as possible.
PARISH PRAYER LINE: Those who wish to have their personal intentions remembered in prayer are asked to contact Renate Isbell at 508.835.3286 or use the form on this page below.
-
-
-
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 Rachel Crouse in the parish office at r.crouse@goodcounselma.com. The addresses will be added to the parish Flocknote 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!
-
-
Liturgical Schedule At Our Lady Of Good Counsel
-
Mass Times
- Saturday: 4:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Sunday: 8:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 10:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN
- MonThu 9:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN
-
Holy Day MassesCelebrated on the day: 9 am and 7 pm
When traveling: click catholicmasstime.org or call 1-410-676-6000 for mass time anywhere
-
Confession Times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM and other times upon request.
-
Adoration Times
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
-
-
-
Rectory Office Hours
Monday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
-
-
-
Eucharistic Adoration is observed in our parish church every Wednesday from 3:00- 6:00 pm.
In the midst of these extraordinary times, we invite you to be joined in quiet prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. In sacred silence, we find peace, strength and grace for the journey of life.
Please use the parking lot side entrance to enter the church. Masks must be worn at all times. Eucharistic Adoration allows for prayer within a socially distanced context while in church. Silence is observed at all times. All are welcome.
-
-
-
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!
-
-
-
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) on Saturdays from 3:30 - 4:15 pm
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is offered every Saturday in our parish church from 3:30 - 4:15 pm.
We will no longer be using the sacristy but will resume using the Reconciliation Chapel off the main entrance lobby which is accessed through the door on the right behind the pews.
For those receiving the sacrament: When the Reconciliation Chapel opens, please feel free to enter and close the door so as to assure privacy. If the door is closed, please wait until the door is opened before entering.
Thank you
-
-
-
Catholic News Service
-
NEW YORK (CNS) — Linda Mele Dougherty said she is old enough to remember when...
-
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The cruelty of the Holocaust must never be repeated, Pope Francis...
-
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Justice Stephen Breyer is planning to retire at the end of the...
-
“Blessed are they who mourn,” Jesus tells us in the second beatitude delivered at his...
-
Five million people across the world are dead from a pandemic. Millions more have suffered...
-
-
Word on Fire
-
Around the Diocese
-
Wednesday, January 26, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PMAdoration will be held 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesdays, in the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St. All are welcome. Volunteer for an hour a week, an hour a month, or be placed on a substitute list. Contact Anne Roberts 978-632-4075.Read More
-
Wednesday, January 26, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PMMsgr. James P. Moroney will conduct a new course via zoom. A Concise Introduction to the Sacred Liturgy on the following Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m.: Jan. 19 - an introduction to the liturgy; Jan. 26 - a brief history of the liturgy; Feb. 2 - liturgical books and liturgical law; Feb. 9 - the liturgical renewal of Vatican II; Feb. 16 - the Mass explained; Feb. 23 - the Roman ritual explained. To pre-register email msgr@stceciliachurch.net.Read More
-
Friday, January 28, 6:30 PMPack 37 Cub Scouts, chartered through Christ the King Church Worcester meets every Friday 6:30pm.Read More
-
-
