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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", 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.
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November 21, 2021 - 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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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 between diverse communities.
+ We pray for cooperation between nations in caring for our fragile earth.
+ We pray for Christians who are persecuted or experience hostility because of their faith.
+ We pray for all those who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
+ We pray for those for whom the upcoming holiday season will be difficult.
+ We pray that our parish community be an instrument of Christ’s healing and reconciling love.
+ During the month of November, traditionally dedicated to prayer for the faithful departed, we pray for those who have died and all who mourn the loss of someone the love.
+ Pope Francis' personal prayer intention for the month of November: We pray for all who are struggling with depression. May they find support and discover a light that opens them to a renewal of life.
+ We pray for all who are sick or recovering from injury, illness or surgery, especially, Fathers Thirburse Millott and Robert Gariepy.
+ For Jake O'Connor who was buried from our parish church this past week. May he find peace with God.
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Today (11/21/21) - The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
This week we reach the end of another liturgical year. Over the past twelve extraordinary months, we have pondered the Good News with Jesus Christ, primarily through the words of the gospel according to Mark and John. Soon, the lectionary will beckon us to reflect on the gospel of Luke through the up-coming year (Cycle C).
The gospel for the Solemnity of christ the King depicts Jesus standing before Pilate. Jesus states that he has come to testify to "the truth". Throughout our lives, Christ calls us to live as members of his Kingdom as witnesses to the truth of the gospel.
Where is Christ's Kingdom? It is not a point on a map. It exists wherever people embody Jesus' way of acting and relating to others; wherever the Spirit of Jesus is the rule of life. We enter Jesus' kindom whenever we listen to his voice. We validate our citizenship whenever we put his words into practice. Christ's kingdom does not "belong" to this world. Rather is is meant to transform it.
Whenever human relationships are transformed by the love of Christ, we are given a foretaste, a glimpse of that eternal kingdom which will be the culmination of human history.
Thus, at the end of the liturgical year, we are invited to once again fall in love with our King, and allow him to rule our hearts. With hearts infused with divine love, we face the coming year, the future, with hope. The "King of hearts" walks with us, and ahead of us.
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Thanksgiving Day 2021
The Pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving in 1621. After landing in Massachusetts, the Pilgrims had a tragic winter during which half of the settlers died. In the spring, help came from the Pawtuxet Indians who showed them how to plant and care for native crops. Because of this, they had a bountiful harvest. Inviting their Native American helpers, they celebrated a 3-day harvest festival in gratitude to God for what they had been given.
Now 400 years later, having weathered a long “pandemic winter,” we recognize certain people, specific communities who have supported us and given us strength and inspired hope. Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the ways we have been graced by the goodness of others.
We will gather to celebrate Mass at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 25th – Thanksgiving Day. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to the liturgy which will be donated to the food pantry. Beginning the day at the table of the Eucharist is a wonderful way of giving thanks for all the gifts and blessings we share in our parish community.
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NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF ALL SOULS
During the days of autumn, all of nature speaks to us of harvest: Crops are gathered into storage and into barns. Our homes and tables are decorated with the furits of field and orchard. It is during these days of nature's harvest that the Sacred Liturgy begins to speak of God's eternal harvest and of the last things.
When we die, most of us leave important pieces of our lives unfinished, broken and un-repented. It is our Catholic faith that healing and purification are realities that transcend the doorway of death. Christ's redeeming love is at work even on the "other side." The scriptures teach us to pray for one another. Through prayer, love is mysteriously diffused throughout the Body of Christ, even to those who have passed beyond this world. "All the ties of affection and love that knit us through life do not unravel with death." The departed are assisted by our prayers for them.
Intention cards (for those who have not received them with parish envelopes by mail) are now available at the entrances to the church. Please inscribe the names of deceased loved ones and return by mail or by placing them in the offertory baskets in church. The deceased will be prayed for by the priest and parish community at every Mass during the month of November and at monthly Masses throughout the year to come.
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Interfaith Hospitality Network Evening and Overnight hosts are needed for December 5 - 11
During the week of December 5-11, our parish will host homeless families at the IHN at 91 June Street in Worcester. Evening & Overnight hosts are needed.
You can now sign-up electronically by clicking: SignUp Genius. If you have not volunteered previously, you may be matched with an experienced volunteer.
If you are interested, please click on the Sign-Up Genius link above or contact Janet Vignaly at janet.vignaly@gmail.com or 508-835-9084.
In the past, we have given the children Christmas gifts at the end of the week. Our team is in need of monetary donations to purchase gifts. If you can help with this, please send your donation in the weekly offertory or to the parish office marked “IHN”. Checks should be made out to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Please send donations by 12/1 in time for our shoppers!
All help & prayers are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your generosity!
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Restoring the Peace at Mass
With the continued lessening of the pandemic in our area, Bishop McManus has given permission for the restoration of the exchange of the Sign of Peace at Mass. Here at Our Lady of Good Counsel, we will re-introduce the Sign of Peace on the weekend of November 27-28th.
The exchange of the sign of peace is one of our oldest liturgical practices. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and expresses the state of a person who lives in complete harmony with nature, self and God. Since the Risen Christ is the source of all peace, this gesture expresses the faith that Christ is present in his people. It is both a call to reconciliation, unity and communion, as well as a seal that ratifies the very meaning of a Eucharistic assembly whose members both find and pray for one another.
The Sign of Peace should not be confused with “Hi, great to see you” or “good morning.” These are important secular, social greetings, appropriate for other contexts. Rather, the Sign of Peace is a prayer. It is a prayer expressing the desire that Christ unite us in peace (shalom) as we prepare to share in Holy Communion.
The rubrics of the Mass instruct the deacon (or the priest), when appropriate, to say: “Let us offer to one another the Sign of Peace.” The participants then turn to one another and say:
The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
To which the reply is:
Amen.
In the United States, participants typically shake hands or embrace while saying the greeting of peace. The custom varies from country and culture. At the present time some may still feel more comfortable simply turning to one’s neighbor and speaking the greeting of peace. Please don’t be offended if the person next to you doesn’t reciprocate and extend their hand. (We all have our own comfort zones right now!) What is important, is that we extend a prayerful greeting of peace as a community united in Christ.
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Sacraments
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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.
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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 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!
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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: 9 am and 7 pm
When traveling: click catholicmasstime.org or call 1-410-676-6000 for mass time anywhere
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Confession Times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM and other times upon request.
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Adoration Times
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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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
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Eucharistic Adoration is observed in our parish church every Wednesday from 3:00- 6:00 pm.
*** Eucharistic Adoration is cancelled for 11/24/21, the day before Thanksgiving, and will resume 12/1/21. ***
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.
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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 3:30 - 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 open, 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
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We offer this reminder regarding weather and weekday Masses:
In the event of severe 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.
Please share this information with others. Thank you!
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Catholic News Service
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will draw the world’s attention to migration once again...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the guardian of Jesus and Mary, St. Joseph’s reassuring presence...
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Word on Fire
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Around the Diocese
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Friday, November 26, 6:30 PMPack 37 Cub Scouts, chartered through Christ the King Church Worcester meets every Friday 6:30pm.Read More
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Saturday, November 27, 5:00 PMKofC Council #11020 will hold a spaghetti dinner and meat raffle, 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 27 in the St. Augustine parish hall, 15 Lincoln St. Dinner is $7 and will be followed by a meat raffle, $2/table or$20/10-game pass.Read More
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Sunday, November 28, 2:00 PMSacred Heart Church, 16 East Main St., will host a presentation by the Treasures of the Church Ministry, a Vatican-sanctioned ministry tour that carries a plenary indulgence, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. Each exposition includes a presentation on each relic followed by an opportunity to venerate the relics in the parish hall, 11 Day St. Visit treasuresofthechurch.com to learn more.Read More
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