13 December

2020

CHARLTON, MA10 H. Putnam Ext.

P.O. Box 338 Charlton City, MA 01508

Pastor Reverend Bob Grattaroti

Associate Pastor Reverend Charles Omolo

Permanent Deacons

Bill Shea Steve Miller

Sacrament of Reconciliation by appointment at 508-248-7862

Sacrament of Baptism Baptismal preparation is required. Our next session is December 5th.

Sacrament of Marriage Arrangements for a wedding begin a year prior to the date.

Call Parish Office at 508-248-7862 for arrangements.

Eucharistic Adoration Perpetual Adoration takes place from the second story window to

the right of the portico until further notice.

Rosary Suspended for the time being.

CURRENT MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday 4:30 pm Sunday 10:00 am & 5:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 am

Parish Office: 508-248-7862 Fax: 508-248-5832

Email: stjoecharlton@aol.com Website: stjosephscharlton.com

Saturday, December 12 4:30 pm Roger Goudreau by his daughter Christine Sunday, December 13 10:00 am Charles Durand by Pierre and Anna-Marie Durand 5:00 pm Paul Thibodeau by his wife Ellen Tuesday, December 15 8:30 am Fr. Dennis Rocheford by Friends Thursday, December 17 8:30 am Grace Neves by her Godmother Saturday, December 19 4:30 pm George and Winifred Shea by the Family Sunday, December 20 10:00 am George Bellerose by his Wife & Family 5:00 pm Ovide Cournoyer by his Wife

Rest in Peace KATHLEEN GIBSON sister of Arlene Stanton. May she rest in the arms of the Lord and may her family

find comfort in their faith.

2021 Wall calendars are available

in the Narthex. Please take one.

With the blessing of St. Mary, Fr. Nick will make an appearance at the Knights' tree lot on Sunday

December 13th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Visit with him while enjoying your tree buying experience.

The Knights are selling 6-7’ Balsam Fir trees for $40 on Saturdays from 10:00-5:30 pm. Sundays from 10:30-4:00 pm. Times may be arranged by

calling Dennis Lataille at 508-612-2629.

The Sanctuary Lamp burns this week for Mark “Nuzzy” Nozzolillo

by Mike & Theresa Mahan

Mass Monday-Friday at 9:00 am will be aired on Charlton Channel

191. Also Sundays at 10:00 am from the Cathedral with Bishop

McManus. Our thanks to Dick Vaughan for making this service available.

Baptismal Preparation session will take place next

Saturday, January 9th. Please call the parish office at

508-248-7862 to register for the session.

1st Bann Vinnie Tiberri and Katelyn Seguin

There are several ways donations will be accepted and 'tags' can be obtained

for this year’s Giving Tree. We are accepting gift cards

in any denomination. Walmart is preferred but picking up a gift card wherever you shop

would be great. Send gift cards to St. Joseph Church at P.O. Box 338 Charlton City, MA

01508 or drop them in the collection basket or at the church office. If you wish to obtain a

‘TAG’….visit the Urban Missionaries Christmas Gift Giving Program link for complete details

on how to obtain and return a tag. www.urbanmissionaries.com click

programs link for Christmas giving.

EDGE Weekly Winner

of the Random Gift

Card Drawing was

Nina Falcone.

There will not be a 5:00 pm Mass on Sunday, December 27th. The 5:00 pm Mass will

resume on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Thank you.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

The Blessed Sacrament is located in the front second floor window of the East wing of the building. Adoration continues outside at

the Church 24/7. You are able to park and pray from your vehicle.

As we begin the 3rd Week of Advent (Rose Sunday), we anticipate Christmas, and so we ask Christ to grant us His grace that we might be prepared for welcoming His

birth. This Sunday marks a traditional turning point in this period of preparation, and we see it visually in the Advent wreath. Not only do we light more candles than we leave unlit for the first time in Advent—thus providing more light, symbolizing

the light of Christ. The purple candles of the first two weeks (and of the fourth week) are symbols of penance, but the rose candle is a symbol of our coming joy.

O ANTIPHONS highlight a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel.

If you pray the O Antiphons with your family this last week of Advent, you’ll find your own heart joining in the chant: “Come, Lord Jesus!” He’s almost here, and you have made yourself ready for him.

December 17— O Wisdom, O Holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

December 18—O Sacred Lord of Ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.

December 19—O Flower of Jesse’s Stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

December 20—O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.

December 21—O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 22—O King of All the Nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.

December 23—O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the Nations, Savior of all People, come and set us free, Lord our God.

JOY

Christmas Eve-Thursday, December 24

4:00 pm in the Main Church

4:00 pm downstairs in the Church hall

7:00 pm in the Main Church

Christmas Day-Friday, December 25

10:00 am Mass (no 8:00 am or 5:00 pm Mass)

Feast of the Holy Family 4:30 pm Mass-Saturday. December 26 10:00 am Mass-Sunday, December 27 (no 5:00 pm Mass Sunday, December 27)

New Year’s Eve –Thursday, December 31 4:30 pm Mass New Year’s Day-Friday, January 1 10:00 am Mass

The book I Heard God Laugh by

Matthew Kelly will be available as

our gift to you (while supplies last).

Pick up your copy in the Narthex.

The song, The 12 Days of Christmas is an English

Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman

Catholics in England were not permitted to

practice their faith openly. This carol was written

as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has 2

levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a

hidden meaning known only to members of the

Church. Each element has a code word for a

religious reality which the children could remember.

My true love and The partridge in the pear tree

represent Jesus.

Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments

Three French hens stands for faith, hope, and love

Four calling birds are the 4 Gospels of Matthew,

Mark, Luke, and John

Five golden rings represents the first 5 books of

the Old Testament

Six geese a-laying stands for the 6 days of creation

Seven swans a-swimming represents the 7 gifts

of the Holy Spirit-Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,

Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy

Eight maids a-milking are the 8 beatitudes

Nine ladies dancing are the 9 fruits of the Holy

Spirit; Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness,

Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Chastity

Ten lords a-leaping are the 10 Commandments

Eleven pipers piping are the 11 faithful Apostles

Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12

points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.

The 12 Trees of Christmas Join us for A Drive-Through Advent Experience

Saturday, December 19th

Immediately after the 4:30 Mass on December 19th there will be a unique celebration of song and creativity. Tune to sacred music in your car

on 89.5 FM, and drive under the portico to view

depictions of The 12 Days of Christmas on evergreens in

front of the church. The trees will be decorated by members of our parish family and will be on

display until the Feast of the Epiphany.

Don’t let the Pandemic steal your Christmas spirit this year. Prepare for our Lord’s birthday

in safety, comfort and joy!

Sponsored by Adult Faith Formation Ministry

SOME IDEAS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON:

•Use stamps that feature a religious theme.

•Display a Nativity scene in a window or on the

lawn where others may see it.

•Purchase a gift and give it to a person in need

and encourage children to do the same.

•Research, then explain the meaning of the

original Christmas tree to your children.

•Pray that all people celebrate the birth of Jesus,

the Son of God through whom all things were

created and not regard Christmas as just another

holiday free from work.

,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgXYt2WKLXc

Consider this YouTube video of Wexford Carol by Alison Krauss & YoYo Ma this Advent.

At Holy Trinity Church Southbridge

Please use the lower level entrance

Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 am

Corner

PARISH OFFERINGS for the

weekend of December 6th were

$12,401.00 and $555.00 for our

Building Fund. We are in awe at the

marvelous goodness of our people

in their return to the Lord of His

many gifts. This is especially true

with the challenge of a winter storm

last Saturday. Only 11 folks were in attendance for

the 4:30 Mass (Brave and Hearty Souls), yet our

offerings have kept apace. This is an inspiring

indication of the deep spiritual sensitivity of our

good people. Someone once said, "What goes around,

comes around". That may have been meant negatively,

but it also bears truth positively. We need only refer

to the promises of the Lord...to those who give of

themselves, of their means of their mercy and love

and then we become assured that we are blessed one-

hundred fold....even in this life...as Our Lord tells....as

well as receiving the glory of eternal life.

Many thanks for your offerings for

Christmas Flowers. The names of your

departed loved ones and for your

intentions will be placed on the Altar at

Christmas.

A great big thank you once

again to all our Service

Ministry folks; ushers,

musicians, Communion

ministers, lectors, altar

servers, secretarial staff...etc. Your dedication

especially during this difficult time is vital and so very

much appreciated.

The roses on our Altar this weekend for Rose Sunday were given through the goodness and generosity of Barbara and Paul Faford. Many thanks to them.

Let us stay in touch with you through texts and/or emails. Text the word CHARLTON to 84576 or visit

app.flocknote.com/stjosephscharlton

Scripture readings for week of December 13th

S: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11/Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 51-54 [Is

61:10b]/1 Thes 5:16-24/Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

M: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a/Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-

9 [4]/Mt 21:23-27

T: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13/Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23

[7a]/Mt 21:28-32

W: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21c-25/Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12,

13-14 [Is 45:8]/Lk 7:18b-23

Th: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 [cf.

7]/Mt 1:1-17

F: Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19/Mt 1:18-25

S: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 [cf.

8]/Lk 1:5-25

Next Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-

3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom 16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38

WELCOME to St. Joseph Parish, we are glad you are here. If you are new to the Parish please

contact Sr. Agnes at 508-248-7862

to register.

PRAYER BEFORE MASS-O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

DON'T FALL FOR THE GIFT CARD SCAM!

Pastors have experienced a scam email claiming they need gift cards. This is a reminder that the parish would

only use normal and ordinary means to communicate any requests, particularly involving donations. If an

email request looks odd, hit DELETE!

Advanced Water Quality, Bill Delaney 508-248-1500

Alliance Realty, Diane Dabrowski (P) 508-248-6966

Allworth Realty 508-434-5871

Aucoin-Ryan Realty (Brenda Ryan) 508-765-9155

Bair Insurance Agency (Edward Bair) 508-248-4204

Bellanger-Bullard Funeral Home 508-764-3968

Camosse Masonry Supply (P) 508-248-4044

Carmelite Sisters of the Eucharist (P) 508-248-2936

CatholicMatch.com/MA 888-605-3977

Charlton Furniture 508-248-5566

Charlton Manor Rest Home 508-248-5136

Charlton Oil Company 508-248-9797

Charlton Optical 508-248-1188

Charlton Funeral Home 508-248-4200

Coonan Insurance Agency (P) 508-987-7122

CBR Realtor-Anne Marie Sorenson (P) 508-612-8647

Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home 508-764-7922

David Barbale Home Improvement 508-248-6709

DiPietro Masonry, Allen DiPietro (P) 508-248-4704

Elliot Burlingame & Sons, Inc. (P) 508-248-5076

Fairway NE Mortgage-William Murphy (P) 508-407-8300

George’s Pizza and Subs 508-248-2048

Harrison Landscaping 508-248-5488

Jeff D. Helgerson Excavating & Septic 508-248-7242

Jalbert Engineering (P) 508-347-5136

Joseph J. Szela & Associates P.C. 508-248-1040

Joshua Somers-House to Home Real Estate

O’Malley’s Truck & Auto Body (P) 508-248-5829

RPM Heating & Air 508-248-4474

Sansoucy Funeral Home 508-764-2567

Senior Link America 877-801-7772

(P) denotes St. Joseph Parishioners

FOOD PANTRY

2nd & 4th Wednesdays 9:00-11:00 am.

Food donations are gladly accepted.

508-248-7862

NEXT STEP BEREAVEMENT For parents who have lost a child. 4th Tuesday of the month, Medical

Office Bldg. Harrington Hosp. Rm 4. Sue Brunell 508-344-1564.

HOMELESS SHELTER ST. LUKE’S stlukesguesthouse.wordpress.com

MARY MARTHA GUILD Dedicated women serving the needs

of the church community. We are always seeking new members.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS meet the 1st Wednesday of the month

in the Knight's Room at 7:00 pm

SECULAR FRANCISCANS 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm

www.stjosephscharlton.com/order-Franciscan-seculars

RCIA & RCIC Rite of Christian Initiation for

Adults or Children. Interested in becoming Catholic? Contact Ted or Patty Covill at tcovill@charter.net.

MARIAN PRAYER CENACLE Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction of the Blessed

Sacrament Mondays at 7:00 pm

DIVORCE SUPPORT MINISTRY the 2nd and 4th Monday each month

7:00-9:00 pm in the K of C Room.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Contact Ellen Thibodeau at

774-696-7544 if one is needed.

CANCER SUPPORT St. Vincent Cancer & Wellness,

Worcester. 1st Thursday with Mass at 11:30 am. 508-363-6246.

CALIX SOCIETY Catholic Support for those fighting

Addictions-3rd Saturday of the month. 9:30-10:30 am 2nd floor of Emmaus

Center, Webster. 508-887-2225

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION First Lights (gr. k-5)

Sr. Agnes Patricia sisteragnespatricia@yahoo.com

EDGE Youth Ministry (gr. 6-8) Sandra Buron

mrsbedge2018@gmail.com

LifeTEEN Ministry (gr. 9-12) Deacon Bill Shea

deaconbill@stjosephscharlton.com

Adult Faith Formation (AFF) Susan Montville

tsmontville@aol.com

YOUTH MINISTRY Sarah Stone

sastone1614@gmail.com

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

Sharing experiences caring & learning about resources.

Dianne 508-764-4553

24 HOUR PRAYER LINE 508-434-0106 or

prayer@missionariesofmercy.net

Parish Mission Statement-We are a Community of Faith, called by Jesus Christ to become His hands, His feet, His heart, reaching out in love to each other, our families, our neighbors, our nation and the world.