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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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November 22, 2020 - The Solemnity of Our Lord jesus Christ the king
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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 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 nation during this time of transition and for all newly-elected leaders.
+We pray for racial harmony and respectful, constructive dialogue between cultural communities and those in positions of authority.
+We join to keep in our prayers Pope Francis’ Personal PrayerIntention for the month of November that progress in technology will be used to serve and not diminish human dignity.
+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, especially David O’Connor and Preston Hall and those whose lives have been lost to the ongoing pandemic. May all the faithful departed find mercy and peace with God
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Today: 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 of Jesus Christ, primarily through the words of the gospel according to Matthew (Cycle A). Soon, the lectionary will beckon us to reflect on the gospels of Mark and John through the up-coming year (Cycle B).
The gospel for the Solemnity of Christ the King depicts the final judgment in the form of a parable of sheep and goats. In the story, we will be reminded of what ultimately counts in life. Throughout our lives, Christ calls us to live as members of His Kingdom.
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’ kingdom 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 it 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
We will gather to celebrate Mass at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 26th – 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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Parish Life During the Health Emergency
Please be sure to wear a face mask upon entering the church.
Everyone is encouraged to sanitize their hands with sanitizer upon entering the church and before receiving Communion. Feel free to bring your own sanitizer.
Please respect the “every other row” arrangement for seating as well as practice six (6) feet distancing when coming up the main aisle to receive Holy Communion.
Please do not gather or congregate at or around the church entrances before or after the celebration of Mass.
Be mindful that we try to keep some doors and windows open at all times to assure ventilation and a constant flow of fresh air into the church during liturgical services. As the weather gets colder, the church may be a bit “chillier.” Please dress accordingly. Everyone’s safety and peace of mind is of utmost importance. 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 MassesOn the day itself: Usually 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: 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM and other times upon request.
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Adoration Times
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
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Upcoming Sacramental Celebrations
*On Sunday, November 8th, Bishop McManus will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation upon a group of our young people at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester. Please keep our young adults and their families in your prayers.
*The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3:00-3:45 pm in the sacristy to the right of the sanctuary. Due to health protocols, we are not utilizing the Reconciliation Chapel at this time. If you see the sacristy door open during the time for Confession, feel free to enter. If you see the door closed please wait and allow privacy for the person who is there. Thank you!
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Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays 3 - 7 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 3:00-7:00 pm.
Already a group of parishioners has committed to one hour of prayer between 3:00-7:00 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 3:00-7:00 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 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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Re-Opening of Our Lady of Good Counsel for Public Masses
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 1 IS 29:17-24Responsorial Psalm PS 27:1, 4, 13-14Gospel MT 9:27-31
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Catholic News Service
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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1) Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6;...
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Fourth Sunday of Advent 1) 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27,...
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Word on Fire
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Around the Diocese
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Friday, December 4, 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 MoreSaturday, December 5, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Sunday, December 6, 11:30 AMThe Diocesan African Ministry will hold Mass weekly as follows: St. Andrew African Mass is at 10am and 11:30am (Two Masses) St. Joan of Arc Ghanaian Mass is at 2:00pm and 3:30pm (Two Masses) St. Anthony of Padua African Mass is still the same at 12:30pm. All restrictions to protect everyone from the Coronavirus will be followed.Read More
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