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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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January 24, 2021 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
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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 healing, respectful dialogue, and unity in 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.
+ We pray for those who provide essential services, especially police officers, firefighters, and emergency help providers.
+We pray for those facing economic and financial hardships.
+We pray for our newly-elected leaders during this time of transition and uncertainty.
+We keep Pope Francis’ personal prayer intention for the month of January in our hearts: That the different religions of our world live in fellowship and peace.
+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 those who have died. May all the faithful departed find mercy and peace with God.
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A Spirituality of Winter
This is the darkest, coldest time of the year. The trees are bare reminding us of the stark, bare beauty of things.
There is a special stillness in winter. Everything seems dead and frozen but life is quietly unfolding deep in the darkness.
In late winter we begin to see the very first signs of new life. Trees begin to bud, crocuses begin poking their heads. The ground may still covered with snow but deep underground, life is stirring. Winter invites us to stillness and reflection: What would I like to change in my life? What new beginning might I make? How might I invite a few supportive people to help me move toward a “springtime” of new beginning?
Even in the cold of winter, grace warmly beckons our souls forward...
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Prayers for Those Assuming Public Office
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Saint Paul writes, “ I ask that prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity” (1 Timothy 2: 1-2). The following is an adaptation of the prayer composed by Archbishop John Carroll on the occasion of George Washington’s inauguration in 1789:
God of power and might,
assist the President of these United States that
his administration
may be conducted in righteousness.
May he execute the laws with
justice and mercy.
Let the light of your wisdom direct the
deliberations of Congress
and shine forth in all the proceedings
and laws framed.
May the members of legislatures and the courts
be enabled, by your powerful protection,
to discharge their duties with honesty and ability.
We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy
all the citizens of the United States.
May we be preserved in union and in that peace
which the world cannot give;
and, after enjoying the blessings of this life,
be admitted to those which are eternal.
We pray to you, who are Lord and God,
Forever and ever.
Amen.
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The Blessing of St. Blaise Feb. 6 & 7
It is long-standing liturgical practice that the Blessing of Saint Blaise be bestowed on February 3rd or on the Sunday closest to his feast day.
In light of the present health emergency, the blessing will be bestowed collectively during Masses on the weekend of February 6-7.
This observance, which implores the intercession of Saint Blaise, who was at once physician, bishop, and martyr for the faith, invites us to pray for all caring for the sick during this challenging time.
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January 2021 Religious Education Update
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Dear Parishioners:
On behalf of the Office of Religious Education, I hope you enjoyed a blessed Christmas and a pleasant New Year. Our team of instructors and I wanted to take a moment to provide with an update on the progress of this year's Religious Education efforts. We are grateful for your continued prayers and support!
I am pleased to share that we have approximately 70 students from 30+ families enrolled in the Religious Education program. While our Confirmation candidates gather in-person, the majority of this year's program is facilitated remotely via video conference. The curriculum for our K-8 cohorts is grounded in the renowned program, Be My Disciples by RCL Benzinger. Be My Disciples teaches Scripture, Doctrine, and Liturgical celebration through its balanced and spiral structure, while challenging students to integrate faith and life through activities and faith choices. Instruction for our 9th and 10th grade cohorts is more closely tailored to support the goals of Confirmation catechesis. This includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive review of key teachings of the Catholic faith, reflections on how we encounter Christ in the sacraments and how to live according to the moral teachings of the Catholic faith.
None of what has been accomplished so far would be possible without our dedicated team of volunteer instructors, most of whom have been teaching for several years in a number of capacities, and who are able to integrate diverse approaches and techniques into the curriculum. We are also grateful for the commitment of our Religious Education families who remain diligent about engaging this remote platform and for those who have opted to participate this year via home school learning exclusively. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our efforts and reinforce resilience moving forward.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at k.oconnell@goodcounselma.com with any questions or comments you may have. Thank you and God Bless.
Very Best,
Kevin O'Connell
Director of Religious Education
OLGC Religious Education Team
Jacqueline Leonardo
Karen Hennessy
Janet Vignaly
Kim Fitzpatrick
Kevin O'Connell
The 2021 Religious Education Calendar is available in .pdf format by clicking here.
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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 Heb 10:19-25Responsorial Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6Gospel Mk 4:21-25
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Catholic News Service
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis met with David M. Beasley, the executive director of...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — World Youth Day organizers released the winning theme song for the...
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Remembering the Holocaust and its victims is not only an act...
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ROME (CNS) — Two cardinals, an archbishop and a dozen priests concelebrated a funeral Mass...
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CINCINNATI (CNS) — As a journalist, Franciscan Father Jack Wintz covered stories that explored human...
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Word on Fire
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Around the Diocese
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Thursday, January 28, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
All are invited to attend the annual Mass for Life on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 19 Chatham St., Worcester. A special Holy Hour for Life will follow at 7:30 p.m. Celebrant will be Fr. Richard Reidy, Vicar General. Please join us on the eve of the March for Life as we remember the 48th tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade and pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of our nation. All are welcome!Read More -
Friday, January 29, 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, January 30, 9:15 AM - 11:30 AMWe need PPE (personal protective equipment) for our souls and emotions. Explore eight concrete tips from the Bible, the Saints, and our Catholic Faith.Read More
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