[Jesus]...is at the door to our heart. He knocks. Do you know how to listen to the Lord...who has come today to visit you...? He came to Bethlehem, he will come at the end of the world, but every day he comes to us. Be attentive, look at what you feel in your heart when the Lord knocks. ANGELUS, ROME, NOVEMBER 29, 2020
Saint Vincent de Paul and the West Boylston Food Pantry would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to all our parishioners who participated in the Fall brown bag food drive! Through your generosity, they were able to collect over 80 bags of food, which was used to serve upwards of 70 families and many others in need through our community!
A Rorate Caeli Mass is an ancient Advent devotion whereby a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated by candlelight just before dawn. The interplay of light and darkness speaks to the meaning of Advent and the coming of the Light of the World. The Mass takes its title Rorate Caeli ("Drop down dew, you heavens") from the initial Latin words of Isaiah 45:8. In the dimly lit church, priest and faithful prepare to honor the Light of the World, who is soon to be born, and offer praise to God for the gift of Our Lady. As the Mass proceeds and sunlight approaches, the church becomes progressively brighter, illumined by the sun just as our faith is illumined by Christ. This year we pray for a dawning of peace, overcoming the darkness of violence which shrouds nations and human hearts. All are welcome.
Friday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is a patronal feast of the United States of America and a holyday of obligation. This holyday celebrates the creativity of God's grace that touched Mary's life from the first moments of her existence, preparing her to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we honor the mother of Jesus, the day invites us to contemplate how God's grace has wonderfully and often mysteriously shaped the course of our lives. We will celebrate Mass on Thursday, December 7 (Vigil Mass) at 7:00 pm and Friday, December 8 at 9:00 am.
From Memorial Day (5/29) through Labor Day (9/4) the parish office hours will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 8:00 am - 11:00 am. To reach the parish office outside of those times, please call 508-835-3606 or email Rachel Crouse at [email protected]. Thank you! Happy Summer!