Feast of the Sacred Heart
Please join us for mass on Friday, June 12th at 4:30PM in the Upper Church for a special mass to celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart!
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From the Pastor's Desk
This weekend we welcome our third seminarian to Holy Name Parish. His name is Aaron Beecher and you can read his short biography below. Be sure to give him a warm welcome. Nick Colon has left for Costa Rica for a Spanish immersion program, but will be returning to the parish in the fall to help with our confirmation and OCIA programs. We are blessed to have Huan, Nick, and Aaron assigned to our parish. The future of the Church in Boston is very bright!
I beg your pardon and patience as we wait for the company that manufactured our chiller to bring it online. The technical team from the company is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday for this purpose.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom
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Meet our Seminarian
Hello everyone! My name is Aaron Beecher, I am a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Boston, and I look forward to joining you here in the parish for the summer! Originally born in the suburbs of New York City, I spent most of my childhood growing up in Western Massachusetts, living seven years in Ludlow, outside Springfield, and another seven years in Warren, near Sturbridge. I studied liberal arts and politics at Magdalen College in Warner, New Hampshire. It was sometime during my freshman year that my family moved to Pepperell, making me a member of the Archdiocese of Boston. Since graduation, I have spent the last four years living in Shirley and working as a banker in Pepperell. It was during this time that I began to seriously consider the possibility of a vocation to the diocesan priesthood.
I am very excited to be coming here to Holy Name Parish! Please keep me in your prayers and know that you are already in mine! I look forward to meeting you all soon!
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A Study on the Sacred:
A Walk-Through of the Mass
Last week, we began our discussion on the homily. We saw how the homily is an explanation of the Scriptures, or some other part of the Mass, meant to expound the Faith and the Christian life. The homily, especially in the context of the Mass, is unique. It is not a speech, it is not a talk, it is not a lecture. In fact, Pope Francis wrote that the homily is “a distinctive genre.” He pointed out that it “cannot be a form of entertainment like those presented by the media.”
Last week we shifted the question of what makes for a “good” homily to what makes for an effective homily. To begin to answer this, we need to recall the context. The homily occurs after the readings, and before going to the altar for the liturgy of the Eucharist. We can see it, then, as something of a bridge between these two parts of the Mass. So, what makes it an effective bridge?
Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Verbum Domini: “The homily is a means of bringing the scriptural message to life in a way that helps the faithful to realize that God’s word is present and at work in their everyday lives. It should lead to an understanding of the mystery being celebrated, serve as a summons to mission, and prepare the assembly for the profession of faith, the universal prayer and the Eucharistic liturgy.”
The Holy Father points out three goals of the homily: it provides some understanding to the mystery being celebrated; it inspires one to mission; and finally it prepares the assembly for the remaining parts of the Mass. This third purpose especially distinguishes the homily from other things. We may receive catechesis in many other settings and ways, and we may be summoned to mission by talks and presentations; but the homily has this distinguishing characteristic of preparing the assembly to profess the faith, to pray deeply, and to offer the sacrifice of the altar.
An effective homily – an effective bridge between the readings and the altar – opens up the Scriptures and expounds the mystery; it leads the hearer to approach the altar with zeal, with intention, with faith, with longing for the Eucharistic Lord; and it summons one to mission.
One easily thinks here of the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35), where we find all three of these elements. On the road, the Risen Jesus opened up for them the Scriptures, explaining hidden meaning. It set the disciples’ hearts on fire. And this all culminated in the Eucharist, in the disciples recognizing the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread. And finally those disciples go out on mission, to announce this good news to others.
In the Homiletic Directory published by the Vatican, this triple movement of a homily is spoken of. First, “the preacher speaks about the readings and prayers of the celebration in such a way that their meaning is found in the death and Resurrection of the Lord.” Then, the homily prepares the community to celebrate the Eucharist, and to recognize that in this celebration they truly share in the mystery of the Lord’s death and Resurrection.” And finally, the homily “suggests how the members of the community, transformed by the Eucharist, can carry the Gospel into the world in their daily lives.”
This dynamic is really the flow of the entire Mass. We hear the Scriptures, which are opened up for us in the homily. We then move to the altar, to offer the sacrifice of the Eucharist. And then we are sent out, to bring the good news we have heard and the Lord we have received to others. “Go forth, the Mass is ended.”
In Christ,
Fr. Joseph
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From the Choir Loft
Last Sunday marked the end of the choir’s season and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our choir members for leading our congregation with such prayerful musicianship over the past year. I would also like to particularly thank our new members and encourage anyone who loves to sing to think about joining the choir in the fall. At the rate we are growing we will need a bigger choir loft in a couple years!
This week we will begin singing a new setting of the Glory to God by John Lee. It has been such a joy to listen to all of you learn and sing our current setting of the Glory to God over the past year. This change is intended to increase our repertoire and contrast with the setting we currently use. It follows the same musical pattern throughout and I hope you will find it both prayerful and easy to sing. A recording is available at the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/newglorytogod.
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Upcoming Protecting God's Children Sessions
Protecting God's Children Sessions are required by the Archdiocese for any and all parish volunteers who serve as ushers, lectors, musicians, eucharistic ministers, and/or have any potential contact with those under age 18. We are required to show proof of attendance. You may take a session that is offered anywhere in the Archdiocese. For your convenience, we are offering the following session in the upcoming weeks at Holy Name.
June 18 at 6:00pm
Classes will be held in the convent and people should preregister on VirtusOnline.org.
You only have to take ONE session.
If you have taken one in the past, please send proof of completion to Maryellen.mcnally@holynameparish.com or email with any questions.
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Summer Office Hours
Starting July 1st, the rectory office will be open Monday through Thursday 8:30am-2:00pm and closed on Fridays. Please note the office has moved to the lower level of the rectory and is accessible via the door adjacent to the parking lot.
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Save the Date!
Our parish retreat will be September 25-27th in Groton, MA. Stay tuned for more details to come!
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Do you know someone who could use a helping hand? The SVdP is here to offer support to our parish community–sometimes that means financial help, but it can take many other forms also. If you or someone you know could benefit from our assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call the Rectory and leave your name and phone number–all communication is kept confidential and handled with care and compassion by members of SVdP. We’re here to listen, to help, and to walk with you in times of need.
If you would like to donate, please follow the link below.
https://securelink-prod.rocpos.com/?redirect=1&uid=44f642f2-55cf-11f1-a8e1-12a0879a85b1
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Donation of Medical Supplies Available for Those in Need
A parishioner has a large quantity of adult care supplies available, including absorbent pads and other items commonly used for someone who is homebound or bedridden. He is hoping to pass these along to a fellow parishioner who may find them helpful.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these supplies, please contact Fr. Joseph at frjoseph@holynameparish.com who can provide additional details and make a confidential connection with the donor.
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Confessors
Saturday, June 13th
Father Macdonald
Sunday, June 14th
Father Macdonald
Monday, June 15th
Father Macdonald
Saturday, June 20th
Father Macdonald
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Recitation of the Rosary
First Sunday of the Month
8:40am
Blessed Mother Altar
Upper Church
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Special Collections
You may submit your Grand Annual and Catholic Appeal at anytime.
6/21/26 | Promoting the Gospel
Banking regulations require check must be
Pay to the Order of: Holy Name Parish or Holy Name Parish School ONLY
regardless of the Collection name.
On the memo line indicate: Offertory, Religious Ed., Grand Annual, etc.
Consider online donations with Weshare
https://holynameparish.churchgiving.com/
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We encourage you to subscribe to Holy Name's Facebook page.
On an irregular basis, the priests have been celebrating Mass in the evening; and these Mass times get announced on the Facebook page.
If you would like to be kept up to date on these Masses and other happenings at Holy Name Parish, join our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557077608332
| | Hearing Assistance Devices for the Upper Church There are 4 personal listening devices available to those hard of hearing. They are stored in the sacristy and will be available to parishioners prior to Mass on a first come first serve basis. | | |
Men’s Group
The Holy Name men’s group is for men of the parish 21+. We typically meet twice a month on Saturday mornings, offering a time for fraternity and discussion. We also meet on various other occasions for more social gatherings. To be kept in the loop, contact Fr. Joseph at frjoseph@holynameparish.com.
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Women’s Group
Who are we? We are HNWG; a low-stakes/high fun, drop-in-but-leave-the-kids-at-home group of fabulous women who get together (and do productive stuff sometimes) lightly sprinkled with faith, and splashed with mimosas!
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
1st Sat @9:30-11am (after optional 9am mass in UC)
3rd Sat@5-6:30pm (after the 4pm vigil mass in LC)
Come alone or bring friends and share with ladies who are 21+ who may be interested in what we are doing and making genuine connections and lasting memories!
Contact Trudy.roddy@gmail.com for more info!
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Mass Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:00am Lower Church
Saturday: 4:00pm Lower Church
Sunday: 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am and 6:00pm Upper Church
Holy Day
Eve 4:00pm, Holy Day 8:00am and 7:00pm
Filipino Mass
Fourth Sunday of the month 1:00pm
Novena
Mother of Perpetual Help Wednesday 8:30am
Adoration
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-9:30am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Sunday 10:15-10:45am Ramp Entrance
Monday 4:00-5:00pm Ramp Entrance
Saturday 3:00-3:45pm Ramp Entrance
Private Prayer
Lower Church open Monday through Friday following the 8:00am Mass until 2:30pm
Upper Church open, starting Tuesday, September 2, 2:30-8:00pm (ramp entrance)
Baptism
Visit website https://www.holynameparish.com/baptism
Marriage
Visit website https://www.holynameparish.com/weddings
Archdiocese of Boston Transformed in Love Marriage Preparation If you are engaged visit: at https://www.evangelizeboston.com/for-couples/transformed-in-love/
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Thursdays (follows HNPSchool calendar year) 10:00-11:30am. Enter & sign in at main entrance.
The Playgroup is a chance for caregivers and children to gather for play and conversation. There is no age restriction; all ages of children are invited. There is no membership fee, church/school affiliation or registration required. Families can drop in for tasty snacks, good vibes, fun toys, art and crafts and friendly faces. At 11:00am, we have circle time, which includes songs, story and prayer. Consider joining us, donating to our snack/craft fund or spreading the word!
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Holy Name Parish School
535 West Roxbury Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Phone 617 325 9338
Fax 617 325 7885
Admissions 617 325 9338
| | | Visit Us - Click HERE or contact Debra Buckley, Director of Admissions and Enrollment at admissions@holynameparish.com or call 617 325 9338. | | |
Means a short course of lectures in Christian living, but it is not intended to simply refer to a course of instruction (lectures). Rather, it means a short running course (such as St. Paul’s admonition to run the good race). It is something to experience, not just to understand intellectually, which is implied in thinking of a course of instruction. Do yourself a big favor. Make time to live a Cursillo. Click this link: www.bostoncursillo.org. Still unsure, contact Father Tom or Father Joseph.
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Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary encourages prospective candidates between 30 and 60 years to discern a possible vocation to Priesthood. We host First Friday Visits where men discerning the priesthood are invited to join the Seminary community for prayer, fellowship, and dinner. These brief and informal evenings begin at 5:00pm and conclude at 7:30pm. During their visit here, the men will join the community for Holy Hour and Evening Prayer, followed by dinner with the seminarians and an opportunity to tour the Seminary. If a candidate wishes to speak with a priest faculty member during his visit, we will arrange for that as well. There is the option to attend virtually via the Chapel live-stream link of evening prayer followed by a Zoom meeting. The Zoom meeting link is available once registered.
Contact: Rev. Msgr. William P. Fay, 781 899 5500 x127 FirstFriday@psjs.edu
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What is Pregnancy Help? It is a crisis pregnancy center founded in 1973 with a mission is to provide compassionate, practical, life-affirming alternatives to abortion. Pregnancy Help is an integral part of the commitment of the Archdiocese to build a culture of life. It serves all women regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic background or economic status. Women are assisted from pregnancy testing through delivery and into the post-partum period and some into the parenting period.
Contact: 888-771-3914 https://www.pregnancyhelpboston.org/
| | Project Rachel Ministry extends an invitation to women suffering from the pain of a past abortion to attend a “Come to the Waters of Healing” one-day retreats. Limited to ten participants per retreat. Visit https://www.projectrachelboston.com/ | | Retrouvaille helps Christian couples through difficult times in their marriages. Catholic in origin, the program is designed to provide the tools to help couples get their marriages back on track, giving them the opportunity to rediscover one another and examine their lives together in a new and positive way. Call 508-271-7155. | | | | |
