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.
+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.
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...
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.
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.
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! |
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!
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.
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 3:00 - 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
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 |
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!
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