Rectory: 170 Mechanic Street Leominster, Massachusetts Telephone (978) 537-6541 / 537-6542 / 537-6543

Parish Office Hours are Monday thru Thursday 9 am - 5 pm and Friday 9 am - 4 pm Religious Education (C.C.D) Office Telephone (978)537-5596

Bingo Telephone: (978)537-5596

February 18, 2018 - First Sunday of Lent

Celebration of the Eucharist

Saturday Vigil Masses: 4:00 & 6:30 P.M. Sunday Masses: 7:00, 9:45, and 11:15 A.M. Weekday Masses (Monday - Saturday): 6:30 A.M. Holy Day Masses: As Announced In Bulletin

Rev. Robert D. Bruso

Pastor

Rev. Eric K. Asante Associate Pastor

Deacon Ronald J. Aubuchon Deacon Robert S. Connor, Jr.

Confessions: Fridays, 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Saturdays, 3:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Baptisms: Please call the rectory in advance to

schedule baptismal instruction.

Marriages: Couple should contact the rectory at

least one year in advance. A marriage preparation program is required.

Mr. David M. Lasky

Music Director, Organist

Mrs. Patricia A. Secino, Religious Education Director

and Director of Evangelization and RCIA

2

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

The Sympathies of the parish community are extended to the family and friends of

Doris M. Pollock and Rita Wilson whose Funeral Masses were held recently.

Please remember them in your prayers.

Saturday February 17 Vigil Masses Mass on pg. 55

4:00 p.m. Nelson Crochetiere (12th anniv.) by John, Mary & Mike 6:30 p.m. Ronald E. Cote (30th day) by Kevin & Michele Mack, Simard’s Sunday February 18 First Sunday of Lent Mass on pg. 55

7:00 a.m. Alonzo Gaudet by Bert & Ginette 9:45 a.m. Leo E. Tisdale (17th anniv.) by his wife & children 11:15 a.m. Oscar Brodeur (3rd anniv.) by his wife & children Monday February 19 Lenten Weekday Mass on pg. 60

6:30 a.m. Yvette Desharnais by her estate 5:30 p.m. Antoine, Rita & Rosemarie Poirier by the Daughter Tuesday February 20 Lenten Weekday Mass on pg. 61

6:30 a.m. The Parishioners of St. Cecilia Parish 5:30 p.m. Melende & Alyre LeBlanc by Ginette & Bert Wednesday February 21 Saint Peter Damian, Bishop Mass on pg. 63

6:30 a.m. Robert F. Dube, Sr. by his wife and Children 4:30 p.m. Adoration and Confessions 5:30 p.m. Deceased members of Emile & Rita Gould’s Family Thursday February 22 The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle Mass on pg. 65

6:30 a.m. Felix, Arthemise & Roger Prince by last will 5:30 p.m. Lien (Theresa) Le by her family Friday February 23 Lenten Weekday Mass on pg. 67

6:30 a.m. Raymond Leclerc by his wife Lorraine & son Richard Leclerc 3:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross 5:30 p.m. Claire (Bolduc) Breault by her brother 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Confession Saturday February 24 Lenten Weekday Mass on pg. 68

6:30 a.m. Rev. Richard Roger by Carol, Daniel & Karen Watts 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Confession Vigil Masses Mass on pg. 70 4:00 p.m. Arthur J. Cormier (24th anniv.) by Jan & Wayne Doucet 6:30 p.m. Ernest, Jeannette, Andre & Iris Aubuchon by Robert & Diane Sunday February 25 Second Sunday of Lent Mass on pg. 70

7:00 a.m. Theresa Hamel (9th anniv.) by the family 9:45 a.m. Lee LeBlanc (1st anniv.) by his family 11:15 a.m. John M. Kinsey (51st anniv.) by Jack & Linda Kinsey

3

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

A Message From Our Pastor.

Dear Friends,

The easiest way to deal with temptation is to give in to it. I didn’t say that was the best way, just the easiest way. Wherever sin abounds, grace abounds more. If we believe this, then we will have to have courage not to give in to temptation, but to confront it head on. There’s a part of all of us that wants the easy way out, but the easy way out leads us nowhere. Think about all those Olympians who have spent years and years preparing for their moment of glory. How many times were they tempted to just stay in bed on a cold morning, or stay up late carousing with friends? The choices they made brought them to the center of the world’s stage today, to compete against the very best.

In some of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ temptation, there is a great deal of detail as to how the devil tempted Jesus and how he responded. Today, we read from Mark’s Gospel where he leaves out the details. For Mark, it is not the specifics of the temptation that is important. What is important is how Jesus’ overcoming of temptation set the tone for the next step in His life. Because He was able to overcome Satan, He was in a strong position to confront the evil surrounding Him and the people of Israel.

Herod, a petty tyrant and puppet of the conquering Roman overlords, had arrested the prophet John the Baptist. This was a warning to those who would defy the status quo. Herod was not to be trifled with. Yet Jesus, having confronted the ultimate evil of the devil, was not intimidated by the power of Herod. Indeed because He had faced down an even greater evil, there was nothing Herod could do to stop Jesus, short of killing Him, even as he planned to kill John the Baptist. And, as we know, even the united power of Herod and Pontius Pilate could not conquer Jesus. His triumph over death is what we celebrate as we go through the days of Lent to the glory of Easter. We are a Resurrection people, even in the depths of Lent.

We enter into these days of Lent in a somber mood. We prepare ourselves like the athletes at the Olympic games, day by day, challenge by challenge, each time getting a little strong spiritually. We know that temptation will come our way. It is almost inevitable. But we don’t have to give in to it.

Our Lenten fasts and sacrifices, willingly undertaken, strengthen us and prepare us for the difficul-ties we will endure in life. Because the sacrifices of Lent lead us to the joy of Easter, we have the courage to hope that the sacrifices we suffer in everyday life will also lead us to fulfillment and joy. We don’t observe Lent as an endless cycle that comes around every year, beginning again at square one on Ash Wednesday. Rather it is our hope that the faithful ob-servance of Lent will find us in a better position spiritually on Easter Sunday 2018 than we were on Easter 2017. The courage of Jesus is our example. The grace of God is our strength. We enter into Lent, not as “same old thing,

another year older,” but a brand new commitment, a conscious choice to bring our lives more into line with the Gospel, coming ever more close to Christ in our hearts.

May God bless you all,

For those who receive packets of envelopes in the mail for your church contributions: The Catholic Free Press Annual Subscription price is $39 not $30 as stated on the envelope. If you have not subscribed in the past, please consider doing so this year.

4

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

Religious Education/CCD Classes

Monday Evening No Classes for this week on 2/19/18 at 7:00 pm.

Sunday Morning Classes for Grades 1-6 con-tinue next Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Attending the 11:15 a.m. Mass is included in the program.

Adult Confirmation Classes...

Adult Confirmation Classes -- we often get calls at the rectory from a person who has been invited to serve as a godparent for baptism, who is now in a panic, "How do I get Confirmed, quickly?" Confirmation completes the initiation into the Catholic Church that was begun at baptism. While it is important to point out that it is not necessary to be Confirmed to be married in the Catholic Church (although highly recommended), it is necessary to be Confirmed to be a godmother or godfather for the Sacrament of Baptism.

A Godparent at baptism fills a unique spiritual role: that person repre-sents the Church community into which the child or adult being baptized is being welcomed. When you think about it, would you ask someone to be your guide to going to a place that he or she has not yet been? A person is not fully a member of the Catholic Church unless they are baptized and Confirmed, and have made First Communion. Therefore, a person who is not Confirmed is not qualified to be a godparent at baptism.

Every Year, Saint Cecilia's Parish has provided a program by which persons who were not Confirmed can celebrate this Sacrament. Some of these persons are Confirmed in the parish Confirmation, others take part in the adult Confirmation ceremonies that are scheduled each year at the Cathedral in Worcester.

The Call Of God to a living relationship with Himself exists throughout our lives. Are you hearing his call?

Adults 18 years Of Age Or Older who are baptized and have made First Communion, but have not been confirmed are invited to take part in a special course leading to Confirmation. If you or someone you know has not been confirmed and would like to be confirmed, please call Mrs. Patricia Secino at the rectory 978-537-6541. The course will begin in March.

There will be a Parish Council meeting on Tuesday February 20th, at 6:30 p.m. in the rectory. All parishioner are welcomed.

If you would like to have an extra Mass said during Lent for a deceased loved one or a special intention, 6:30 am Masses as well as 5:30 pm Masses are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Masses may be booked at the rectory during office hours which are Monday thru Thursday 9 am - 5 pm and Friday 9 am - 4 pm.

5

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

Thanks to all who picked up a flyer and plan to participate in this year’s food drive. The charities we distribute the goods to report an increased need due to high demand and the ever rising food prices. Next weekend will be be collecting: canned spaghetti sauce, canned or boxed pasta and rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, coffee (instant and ground), tea, and iced tea mix.

We would like to invite all the men in our parish, as well as their sons, brothers,fathers and friends to concider coming to the 17th Annual Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference, scheduled at Assumption College in Worcester on Saturday, March 17th. You will hear dynamic talks form outstanding Catholic leaders: Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Father David Cavanagh, Robert Rogers, Ryan Trmblay and Elvis Grbac. As he does each year, Bishop McManus will offer the conference Mass. There will be 50 diocesan priests an bishops to hear confessions for all those men who wish to go. For a Conference brochure, further information, or registration, you can call 508-929-4345. It is important to visit our website - www.firstmensconf.org - for much more information and direct online ticket purchases.

Keep Fridays in Lent open for the Fish Fry at Madonna of the Holy Roasary, 118 Theresa Street, Fitchburg beginning on Friday, February 16yh. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

RICE BOWLS

Cardboard “rice bowls” are available on the table in front of the altar in the church. Use them to save loose change and return them at the end of Lent. A little bit every day adds up to a large donation to help children around the world.

6

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

Collection Report Last Week’s Stewardship $7,744.51

St. Cecilia’s Bingo

Friday Evenings at 6:30 PM

Doors Open at 4 PM

Come Try Your Luck!

JR. HIGH and HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Join the EASTER YOUTH CHOIR and/or BELL CHOIR – Rehearsals begin after FEB break. The BELL CHOIR made its debut at the 4:00 Christmas Eve Mass – what a beautiful addition to the liturgy! If you’d like to join us for Easter, no musical background is required. AND/OR, if you’re a singer, our new Easter YOUTH CHOIR is for you! Everyone is welcome to partici- pate in both.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Wednesdays OR Thursday

Beginning February 28th

– March 28th Day and Time TBD

Sign-up at Religious Ed (CCD) Class or email Mrs. Maloney @ dmmaloney58@gmail.com

The Rosary Is Prayed Monday thru Friday at 3:00 p.m. in the church. Please Join Us!

Ongoing During Lent

Daily Mass: Monday-Friday: 6:30 AM, 5:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM

Rosary: Monday-Thursday 3:00 PM

Confession: Wednesday 4:30-5:30 PM, Friday 6:00-7:00 PM, Saturday 3:00-4:00 PM

Adoration: Wednesday 4:30-5:30 PM

Stations of the Cross: Friday 3:00 PM

Wednesdays 4:00-6:30 Simple Meal (soups, stews, etc.) in parish center, lower hall. No charge, but free will donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society will be accepted. (Beginning on Ash Wednesday.) If you can spare a few hours to volunteer, please call Jeannine at 978-537-4697.

This Week’s Menu: Fricot

Attention Lector

The new schedules are now ready for pickup in the Sacristy.

Start the year off on the right foot, join us on Sunday, March 18th at 1:30 for Bunko in the Parish Center. Never played before? No problem! Bunko is fast paced, highly sociable, and easy to learn. Just show up around 1:10 for a quick lesson or refresher on how to play. Cost to play is $6.00 per person, refreshments are served and cash prizes are awarded. Must be 18 years of age or older. Pre-registration is a must! Please call Deanne at 978-537-4774 to sign up and reserve your spot.

7

First Sunday in Lent St. Cecilia Church, Leominster MA February 18, 2018

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Saint Cecilia, Leominster, MA 7008

David Pelletier: Parishioner 165 Mechanic Street, Leominster

www.legereins.com

9 7 8 - 5 3 7 - 4 3 8 391 Central St., Leominster, MA

w w w . W e D o Fu r n i t u r e . c o m

Since 1926

LIFE CARE CENTER OF LEOMINSTER

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility

Contact OurAdmissions Department

PH 978-537-0771FX 978-537-8421

Rosaries from Flowers “Handmade from the Flowers

of your Loved One”

841 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876

(978) 851-9103

www.rosariesfromflowers.com

Wright-Roy Funeral Home

109 West Street Leominster

978-534-9372www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

SMARTER HEATING & COOLING

800-880-9780BrideauEnergy.com

HEATING OIL, PROPANE AND 24 HOUR HEATING SERVICE

. Air Conditioned

. 2 Progressive GamesDoors Open @ 4:00

. 2 Winner-take-all games

. 20 $10 Door Prizes

“God is Love” 1 John 4:8

SSimard Funeral Home

Serving the Residents of Leominster since 1906.

Kevin J. Mack Funeral Director14 Walker Street Leominster 978-534-8420

PROTECT GOD’SPRECIOUS INFANTS

END ABUSEEND ABORTION

Joe O’Donnell Tax & Pension 978-840-1040

Join us as we welcome Summer with delicious desserts and music from the Jazz Trio “String Swing.” Enjoy our lovely outdoor garden area, and tour our beautiful community.

Saturday, June 26 th, 2 – 4 pm

Kindly RSVP by June 23 | 978.369.4728

68 Commonwealth Avenue West Concord, MA 01742 ConcordPark.net

BookletsBookmarksBusiness CardsCalendarsDoor HangersFlyers/BrochuresGreeting CardsMagnetsNewsletters

NotepadsPlastic CardsPostcardsPostersPresentation FoldersStickersTable Tent Cards& much more

Proud Printers of This Bulletin

Save 30% to 50% On Most Printing Costs!If you bring your printing to a chain store

or other printer, money is leaving with those print jobs.

We can help save you money.

What’s Inside

617-779-3777 printing@PilotPrinting.net

www.PilotPrinting.net

MIRIAM GOODMAN

CORY SILKEN

ARTHUR GRIFFIN

Through a unique collaboration with The Cambridge Homes, a local assisted living residence and The Gri�n Museum, come view remarkable and inspiring photography in a comfortable home-like setting.

MAC T A

N E E N e w E n g l a n d O p e n M a y 2 8 t h t o J u n e 1 s t

J u n e 2 8 t h t o J u l y 1 s t

N e w E n g l a n d J r . C l a y C o u r t C h a m p i o n s h i p s J u l y 1 0 t h t o J u l y 1 3 t h

N e w E n g l a n d J r . H a r d C o u r t C h a m p i o n s h i p sA u g u s t 1 4 t h t o A u g u s t 1 7 t h

F r a n c i s c o M o n t o y a A c a d e m y D i r e c t o r

C e l e s t e F r e y A c a d e m y M a n a g e r

A l e x H o w a r d H e a d C o a c h

D a v e C o l b yJ u n i o r P r o g r a m D i r e c t o r

D a n i e l Q u i c e n o T e n n i s P r o f e s s i o n a l

C h r i s C l a y t o nT e n n i s P r o f e s s i o n a l

F r a n c i s c o M o n t o y a | f m o n t o y a @ m a c t e n n i s . c o m 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 9 0 0 e x t . 2 3 2

C e l e s t e F r e y | c f r e y @ m a c t e n n i s . c o m 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 9 0 0 e x t . 3 5 1

SUMMER 2010

Ramp up Your GameJ u n e 1 4 t h t o A u g u s t 2 7 t hM o n d a y s - F r i d a y s

1 : 3 0 - 5 : 3 0 p m 8 y e a r s a n d u p

•

•

•

•

•

ChowderFEST

Join us as we welcome Summer with delicious desserts and music from the Jazz Trio “String Swing.” Enjoy our lovely outdoor garden area, and tour our beautiful community.

Saturday, June 26 th, 2 – 4 pm

Kindly RSVP by June 23 | 978.369.4728

68 Commonwealth Avenue West Concord, MA 01742 ConcordPark.net

BookletsBookmarksBusiness CardsCalendarsDoor HangersFlyers/BrochuresGreeting CardsMagnetsNewsletters

NotepadsPlastic CardsPostcardsPostersPresentation FoldersStickersTable Tent Cards& much more

Proud Printers of This Bulletin

Save 30% to 50% On Most Printing Costs!If you bring your printing to a chain store

or other printer, money is leaving with those print jobs.

We can help save you money.

What’s Inside

617-779-3777 printing@PilotPrinting.net

www.PilotPrinting.net

MIRIAM GOODMAN

CORY SILKEN

ARTHUR GRIFFIN

Through a unique collaboration with The Cambridge Homes, a local assisted living residence and The Gri�n Museum, come view remarkable and inspiring photography in a comfortable home-like setting.

MAC T A

N E E N e w E n g l a n d O p e n M a y 2 8 t h t o J u n e 1 s t

J u n e 2 8 t h t o J u l y 1 s t

N e w E n g l a n d J r . C l a y C o u r t C h a m p i o n s h i p s J u l y 1 0 t h t o J u l y 1 3 t h

N e w E n g l a n d J r . H a r d C o u r t C h a m p i o n s h i p sA u g u s t 1 4 t h t o A u g u s t 1 7 t h

F r a n c i s c o M o n t o y a A c a d e m y D i r e c t o r

C e l e s t e F r e y A c a d e m y M a n a g e r

A l e x H o w a r d H e a d C o a c h

D a v e C o l b yJ u n i o r P r o g r a m D i r e c t o r

D a n i e l Q u i c e n o T e n n i s P r o f e s s i o n a l

C h r i s C l a y t o nT e n n i s P r o f e s s i o n a l

F r a n c i s c o M o n t o y a | f m o n t o y a @ m a c t e n n i s . c o m 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 9 0 0 e x t . 2 3 2

C e l e s t e F r e y | c f r e y @ m a c t e n n i s . c o m 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 9 0 0 e x t . 3 5 1

SUMMER 2010

Ramp up Your GameJ u n e 1 4 t h t o A u g u s t 2 7 t hM o n d a y s - F r i d a y s

1 : 3 0 - 5 : 3 0 p m 8 y e a r s a n d u p

•

•

•

•

•

ChowderFEST

SAVE UP TO 50% ON PRINTING

printing@pilotprinting.net | 617-779-3777 | www.pilotprinting.net

Banners, Bookmarks, Business Cards, Flyers/Brochures, Greeting Cards, Magnets, Notepads, Posters and much more.

978. 368. 7539626 M A I N S T . • C L I N T O N M A 0 1 51 0

• GRANITE • BRONZE • LETTERING • CLEANING

Regonini - Zoll Memorials

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771

Rt’s 110 & 117 Bolton, MA 978-779-2733boltonorchards.com

Local Apples & Fresh Cider All Year RoundOpen Daily - 8:00am - 6:00pm

Come on down for the season's best Harvests, the freshest produce, daily

specialties from the Deli, premium Ice Cream, the Red Barn Co� ee Cafe,

and so much more!

River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Deficiency-free State Survey 2016 & 2017Cardiopulmonary Rehab program overseen by specialty physicians

Short-term Rehab & Long-term Care1675 Main St., Lancaster, MA | Tel: 978-365-4537 | www.riverterracerehab.com

5 Star Quality Care is Closer Than You Think

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771

~Pope Francis

“�e joy of the gospel �lls the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. �ose who accept his o�er of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.”

Evangelization Focus

339 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462www.leominstermonument.com

978-345-8263

CASH FOR YOUR HOMEAny Size Big Or Small | Any Condition We Buy Them All

✔ House Needs Repairs✔ No Home Inspection✔ Close In as Few as 5 Days

800-983-1193 | www.GarmourMultiFamily.com

✔ Downsizing✔ Life Transition✔ Inherited Property

As Seen On

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771