St.Julia Parish Announcements: Week of December 16, 2024
Note: The Parish Office will be closed from Dec. 25 – 29th.
Wishing you peace and blessings this Christmas season!
(BULLETIN NOTICES should be proposed, by e-mail if possible, to the Parish Office by Monday mornings to: parish@stjulia.org)
• RECEIVE our weekly Bulletin announcements by email! Sign up here: parishesonline.com/home
• FOLLOW Us on Social Media:
Facebook: “Saint Julia Parish – Weston & Lincoln”
Instagram: “St Julia Parish – Weston & Lincoln”
YouTube: @St. JuliaParish
• WATCH Masses streamed live daily, or archived recordings online.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Give Online Today! DONATE Easily Online to St. Julia’s OFFERTORY!
We encourage parishioners to use the above “Give Online” blue button to easily donate to our weekly Offertory, or to conveniently make automatic recurring donations of your choosing. To mail your donation, please make a check payable to: St. Julia Parish, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA 02493.
Our parish relies on your generosity and donations to maintain our two church buildings and programs. WE THANK ALL who continue to donate and sustain us!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BECOME a St. Julia Parishioner and Join Our Faith Community
Would you and/or your family like to become parishioners of St. Julia? We welcome you!
Please go to the “Become a Parishioner” page of our website to complete a brief questionnaire and register you/your family so that we can get to know you and reach out! Thank you for joining us!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MASSES for Prayers and Intentions
Unable to attend Mass in church?
WATCH daily and weekend Masses live-streamed or archived recordings, along with the Worship Aid on our Homepage.
Go to the Mass Schedule page for both church locations, Christmas Masses, and upcoming Holy Day(s) of Obligation.
DECEMBER
Tue. 12/17 – 8AM: Ruth Mary Donahue
Wed. 12/18 – 8AM: Natalie and Bob Duffy, Sr.
Sun. 12/22 – 8AM: Ralph and Leanne Gonzalez
Sun. 12/22 – 9:30AM: Elisabeth Heistracher
Mon. 12/23 – 8AM: Theresa and Daniel Donahue & Family
Thu. 12/26 – 8AM: Allan and Theresa Greaves
Sun. 12/29 – 8AM: Lucille A. Tye
Sun. 12/29 – 9:30AM: Conrado Bondoc
The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Mass Schedule:
8AM and 9:30AM – St. Julia Church, Weston
5:30PM – St. Joseph Church, Lincoln
WOULD YOU like the Eucharist to be Brought to You?
If you or a loved one have been unable to receive Communion due to a short term illness (broken leg, surgery, etc.), or for longer, please reach out to us to schedule a Home Visit with Jesus. Visiting the Sick is a Corporal Work of Mercy, a tradition that dates back to the early Church. One of our trained Eucharistic Ministers will visit with you, and administer to you the Body of Christ.
To schedule a Home Visit, please contact us at 781-899-2611 or parish@stjulia.org.
A GIFT from St. Julia
“The Three Ordinary Voices of God” By Matthew Kelly
At the back of both our churches, there are copies of Matthew Kelly’s new book, “The Three Ordinary Voices of God” available for parishioners to read. Please take one!
Merry Christmas from St. Julia Parish Staff!
ST. JULIA 2024 -25 Grand Annual Appeal Reaches $133K+ toward Goal!
Please Support Your Parish – A Letter from Father Mark
Friend and Parishioner,
Christmas is soon upon us and this season of giving has brought forth many blessings of kindness and charity. I am so very grateful to all those who have already responded to our 2024 – 25 Saint Julia Parish Grand Annual Appeal.
This Appeal is essential to the financial stability of our Parish. Presently, our Parish expenses exceed contributions resulting in the use of savings for some very necessary capital needs and improvements. This year, along with some required mechanical updates, we fully refreshed our Saint Julia Parish Parking lot, renovated our Parish Center’s Upper and Lower Lobbies and the Center Hall. In Lincoln, our Saint Joseph House also received new windows and siding. The ongoing care of our Churches and facilities, that earlier generations have entrusted to us, bears witness to our faith and commitment to future generations. This work must go on to preserve and protect our heritage. Please help to put St. Julia Parish in a better position to meet both our regular financial obligations and deferred maintenance issues.
Our Grand Annual goal is $265,000. A suggested Grand Annual contribution of $1200.00 will truly help our parish meet our financial obligations. I am very grateful to parishioners who are able to give an even more substantial gift to support our Parish. I am mindful that some cannot afford to be so generous or even give at all this year. I simply ask you to prayerfully reflect on God’s blessings as you consider your financial resources and decide what you can contribute to our 2024 – 25 Parish Grand Annual.
Mailed to registered parishioners and in the back of the Church you will find my Grand Annual letter, the Annual Report and envelopes for our Grand Annual Collection. (Our Parish Financial Report can also be viewed online here.)
You may place the envelope in the regular collection at any Parish Mass or drop the self-addressed stamped envelope in the mail. Also, donations may be made easily online (see Donate link below) at StJulia.org. Contributions by a monthly or quarterly pledge and donations by means of stocks or some other instrument will happily be received. Thank you for your kind assistance in the spiritual and financial support of our Parish!
With wishes of Christmas Joy and Peace,
Fr. Mark
If you would like to prayerfully consider how you can continue to best help sustain St. Julia throughout the year:
DONATE HERE (Your charitable gift is tax-deductible!)
Or, you may send your donation by check to: St. Julia Parish, 374 Boston Post Rd. Weston MA 02493
St. Julia parish is grateful for your generosity and your continued support!
Christmas Giving Tree: All Gifts Due By This Weekend!!
Thank you to everyone who has already donated a gift for children in our communities of Lincoln and Weston and in our sister parish in Dorchester.
ALL GIFTS MUST BE DROPPED OFF BY THIS WEEKEND, DECEMBER 21/22! Gifts can be left at either churches or in the St. Julia Parish Center.
Please follow all instructions on the gift tags.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation, please DONATE here.
Checks should be made to “St. Vincent de Paul” (NOT St. Julia Parish) and sent to St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln/Weston, PO Box 324, Lincoln MA 01773.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! Wishing you peace, blessings and a very Merry Christmas!
To learn more about the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, St. Joseph Conference and their charitable work, please go to the SVdP website.
SING-ALONG: St. Julia Parish Christmas Pops Concert
Sunday, Dec. 22 @ 3PM
All are welcome to join us for an hour of seasonal music and sing-a-long by parish musicians and guests, led by our Music Director, Brian Moll. This year marks the return of soprano, Mara Bonde to our Pops Concerts, as well as solos from members of our new children’s choir.
Children are especially welcome — in addition to having fun, we hope to acquaint children with some of the traditional Christmas carols!
Free to all. Refreshments will be served.
JOIN the Christmas Eve Pageant!
December 24, 2024 @ 4PM at St. Julia Church
Children in Grades K-6 are invited to participate in our annual Christmas Eve Pageant, taking place at St. Julia’s 4PM Mass on Christmas Eve, December 24. Adults and teens are also needed to assist!
While only those in Grades 4-6 can apply for the roles of Mary, Joseph, Archangel Gabriel, and Emperor, ONLY ONE for each role will be selected. Those not chosen for these roles and others in grades K-6 can be an angel or shepherd – the limit will be based on costume availability. Baby Jesus is needed too.
• REHEARSAL: Wed. December 18th @ 4PM – 5PM
Report to Parish Center large classroom where kids will get their costumes. Once everyone is in costume, we walk over to the church to rehearse through the Mass.
• PAGEANT: Tue. December 24, ARRIVE @ 3PM (before 4PM Mass)
Report to Parish Center classroom at 3PM to get in costume. We will wait there, take a picture in front of the Christmas Tree, and then walk over to Church, right before Mass starts, to process in.
TO SIGN UP/QUESTIONS CONTACT: Donna Scipione (dmcote@hotmail.com) with Child(ren) name, grade, role.
SUPPORT Dismas Ministry to Prisoners
Providing faith, prayer and scripture resources to prisoners and those who minister to them in all 50 states.
An appeal from Fr. Richard Deshaies, S.J. Catholic Chaplain, Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, Billerica, MA
Dismas Ministry (DM) is a national Catholic service agency, located in the Milwaukee area with offices at Alverno College, that has been supporting Catholic prison and jail chaplains, parish volunteers and Catholic prisoners for 25 years. DM provides these folks with free Catholic print materials to supplement their ministry behind bars and to give to prisoners for their private spiritual use. These materials include Catholic Bibles (Spanish & English), a unique Dismas Ministry-developed prayer book (in both Spanish and English), Catholic scripture and faith study programs (in both English and Spanish), and other materials used for training chaplains and explaining the various aspects of prison ministry.
I have been a grateful recipient of Dismas Ministry materials for free since I began as a prison chaplain in 2011. I have been a Director on the Board and/or actively involved for 10 years now.
Please consider making a financial contribution or gift to Dismas Ministry in order to help our organization to continue its critical Catholic outreach to prisoners. Your donation allows us to purchase Bibles, print our other Catholic educational materials, and send them for free via USPS to prisoners who are seeking to practice their faith with these religious and spiritual materials from Dismas Ministry. Your donation can be made directly to: Dismas Ministry Dismas Ministry, P.O. Box 2113, Milwaukee, WI 53234
Learn more about our national outreach: www.dismasministry.org
YOUTH Faith Formation News
NEWS! Our 4th Graders had a field trip and bought groceries for the Food Pantry!
NOTE: No Class on Dec. 22/23 or Dec. 29/30 (Christmas Break). See you next year!
St. Julia parish Faith Formation staff wishes all a blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
SING with St. Julia Parish Children’s Choir!
Do you have a child who loves to sing? Children in grades 2 and above are invited to join the Children’s choir to sing at the 9:30 am Masses.
Cantor Mara Bonde will lead and support the choir singing. Sunday rehearsals may be extended, when there are no Faith classes.
Parents of interested children should email our Music Director, Brian Moll or call/text at 617-548- 5841. Any older singers who would be interested in assisting as youth cantors at 9:30 or other Masses are also welcome to be in contact.
DO YOU Like Organizing Parties and Social Gatherings?
Join Our Hospitality and Parish Social Committee
St. Julia is looking for assistance in organizing and hosting Parish Events during the year. Past socials have provided a valuable means of deepening bonds in our community. If you are interested please contact us at 781-899-2611 or email Parish Office.
EXPERIENCE an Upcoming Session in 2025
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Grow and prosper in your marriage relationship, in keeping with the promise of the Lord.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter sponsors a variety of in-person and virtual marriage experiences, on both weekends and on weekdays. Couples explore their relationship with each other, God, and the Church.
Upcoming Session:
• January 7-February 18, 2025, Virtual NY
Find dates/location for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience at: WWME.org
Registration is limited; there is a $100 application fee.For more information or to apply, call Matt & Julie King at 978-870-5646 or https://wwmema.org/.
GOD Needs Priests! Is He Calling You?
Come Visit on a First Friday: Jan. 3
If you are 30-60, you may be surprised…
Explore the possibility with a ‘First Friday Visit’ at the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston MA, where you can discern if God is calling you.
In-person visits include Holy Hour and Evening Prayer at 5PM, dinner with seminarians and tour of the Seminary. Virtual visits include a live-stream of Holy Hour followed by a Zoom visit (link provided at registration.)
Upcoming Next First Friday Visit: Feb. 7, 2025
To Register: Contact Msgr. William Fay (781) 899-5500, ext. 134 or email: firstfriday@psjs.edu
Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Ave. Weston MA
SEEKING Eucharistic Ministers for the Homebound
Are you a parishioner who would like to bring Christ to the homebound by being a Eucharistic Minister?
If you are interested in providing this vital sacramental service to those who wish to receive Communion but unable to attend Mass, please contact the parish office at 781-899-2611 or Parish Office by email.
FOOD Donations for SVdP Food Pantry Needed!
Collection at St. Julia Church 9:30am Masses
Please consider helping by donating non-perishables for the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Food Pantry! Cereal, pasta sauce, gluten-free items and condiments are especially needed now.
Food donations will be collected at each 9:30am Mass. We invite all families with children to participate in this important ministry! Thank you for your support!!
DID You Know SVdP offers MORE THAN a Food Pantry?
As many of you know, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lincoln and Weston operates a food pantry, but did you know we also offer emergency support for neighbors who are experiencing difficult times, or those seeking vocational or technical educational opportunities? We also hold special events during the year, like the Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive, the Christmas Giving Tree, and the Spring Concert. We are neighbors helping neighbors and welcome your support! Please consider a donation today, and feel free to contact us with any questions or if you’d like to be involved.
For more information or to donate, please visit our website: www.svdplincolnweston.org
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TRANSFORM Lives: Become an NPH Godparent
Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) means “Our Little Brothers and Sisters” in Spanish. Founded in 1954 by Father William Wasson, NPH has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of the most vulnerable children and young adults, providing a nurturing family environment, education, health care, and vocational and life skills training. NPH USA helps children in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru achieve their full potential, becoming productive, caring leaders in their communities and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
NPH also fills a vital, lifesaving role with its operation of St. Damien Pediatric Hospital, the only hospital wholly dedicated to pediatric and high-risk maternity care in Haiti, and the only Haitian hospital equipped to provide pediatric oncology care.
We support NPH through fundraising and volunteer programs. In addition to our national office, we have three fundraising areas (South and West, Midwest, East Coast) and the St. Damien Pediatric Hospital Fund each working in tandem to build support for our mission.
Are you ready to change two lives?
By making the decision to sponsor an NPH child, you will not only transform a child’s life forever, but YOUR own life will also be enriched.
If you are interested in becoming a Godparent, supporting NPH Youth, and/or are able to assist them through any kind of donation, please go to: nphusa.org/donate
Learn How You Can Transform Lives: NHPUSA.org
May God Bless You –
Andrea Nahigian, Donor Relations, 617-206-4943
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOU Can Make a Difference!
Seeking Volunteer Drivers in Lincoln for Senior Meals on Wheels
Feel the joy of impacting someone’s life directly! Here is an ideal opportunity during Lent to give back to the community and brighten the lives of many homebound older adults. Join the team of Minuteman Senior Services volunteers who have served older adults and their caregivers for over 45 years in Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
Minuteman Senior Services needs help to deliver meals from 11am to 1pm on weekdays, once a week or twice a month (mileage can be submitted for reimbursement).
If you are interested or have questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Yuen Li at volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org or call 781-221-7093.
For more information:www.MinutemanSenior.org
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EUCHARISTIC Adoration
Adoration will be held onFridays, 12PM – 1PM at St. Julia Church
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SEEKING the Adult Sacraments of Initiation?
Are you thinking of joining the Catholic Church? Do you need to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion?
We warmly welcome you, and we have an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process designed for you! To find out more, please contact Deacon Rafe through the Parish Office.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2024 CATHOLIC APPEAL: Forward in Faith
Thanks to you, we’ve reached 83% of our Goal!
Once a year, Catholics throughout the Archdiocese are asked to partner with one another to support their parish and the many outreach ministries by contributing to the Catholic Appeal. Many of you have received a letter from Cardinal Seán requesting your participation and early support of the 2024 Appeal.
We hope that you will respond to his invitation with a generous gift, knowing that each contribution has a significant impact on the lives of thousands across the Archdiocese.
Learn how your gift makes an impact to the Catholic parishes: Watch a video of Cardinal Seán’s appeal here.
You can make a gift by returning your pledge card or by making an online donation at www.bostoncatholicappeal.org. For those who have already made a gift, thank you for your early support! The Appeal is a primary means by which we care for our brothers and sisters and move forward in our faith together.
HELP US MOVE OUR FAITH FORWARD! DONATE TO THE CATHOLIC APPEAL HERE.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Give Online Today!
THANK YOU for giving your offertory online!
Our parish relies on your generosity and donations to maintain our two church buildings and programs. We encourage you to use the above “Give Online” button to donate to our offertory to easily make a recurring donation. To mail your donation, please make a check payable to: St. Julia Parish, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA 02493
WE THANK ALL who continue to donate and sustain us!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PARISH SERVICES
EMAIL: parish@stjulia.org
CONTACT US: Parish Office
MAIN OFFICE PHONE:
MAILING ADDRESS: St. Julia Parish
374 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA 02493
OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
RECONCILIATION
Parish Center Conference Room, Saturday: 3:00 – 3:45 PM
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
By request after the 4:00 PM Saturday Mass; or contact Parish Office.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Fridays in St. Julia Church, from Noon – 1:00 PM (except during July and August)
EUCHARIST AND VISITS TO THE SICK
Contact Parish Office to notify of anyone ill, home-bound or hospitalized.
ROSARY ON ZOOM
After each daily Mass; ask for link at director.of.ministries@stjulia.org.
BAPTISM
Please contact the Parish Office in advance to make arrangements.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
