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From the Pastor's Desk
I’m delighted to announce that our long-awaited confessional has been installed in the upper church, and the timing could not be more fitting. Starting with Passion or Palm Sunday, the Church enters into her holiest week of the year. In the Paschal Triduum, we contemplate the deepest mysteries of our salvation. Every action, teaching, and suffering of Christ had but one goal: our salvation from sin and death, and the restoration of all things in Him. The power of these saving events touches us in every sacrament the Church celebrates, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Christ’s power to lift us out of the darkness of sin, however, touches us in a particularly personal way in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I’m thrilled that Holy Name now has a proper and beautiful place for the marvel of Christ’s mercy to be poured out upon us. Please join me in thanking the donors whose generosity made this project possible. I’m especially grateful to Bob Joyce and another donor who got the project off the ground. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Larry Roux, the craftsman who designed the confessional and oversaw its construction. Larry works with a team of devoted Catholic craftsmen to beautify Catholic churches. All of them donate their labor to these projects, charging only for the cost of the materials. May the Lord bless them and their families.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom
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A Study on the Sacred:
A Walk-Through of the Mass
With Palm Sunday, we enter into the most solemn week of the entire liturgical year – Holy Week. During these days we commemorate the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Christ. Given the significance and profundity of these days, it makes sense that the liturgies of Holy Week have many unique elements. I’d like to direct our attention just to some of them.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. The name comes from the two Gospels which will be read at this Mass. The first recalls Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, when the people greeted him with song and palm branches. The second is the Passion narrative, this year from Matthew. (Hence why we wear red this day, and why the veils covering the altar and processional crosses will turn red, as well). Palm Sunday sets up for us the whole week ahead. As the Roman Missal reads: “On this day the Church recalls the entrance of Christ the Lord into Jerusalem to accomplish his Paschal Mystery.”
The element which most stands out on this day is the solemn procession. Singing hymns and holding palm branches, we process into the Church. It’s the first of many occasions during Holy Week where the liturgy engages our whole body. As we recall the crowds in Jerusalem on that day so long ago, we in a sense become them. And soon in this same Mass we will take up their voice in the Passion narrative.
Holy Thursday
This night we recall the Last Supper and Jesus being handed over to death. Much can be said, but I will draw our attention to only a few elements. There is a festive, joyful character, at least at the beginning. We wear white for the Mass, and the altar and processional crosses match. We will sing the Gloria, during which we will rings bells (inside and out!). After this, all bells will go silent until the Easter Vigil. Thus, you’ll hear no bells coming from Holy Name until Saturday night. A sort of silence reigns from Christ’s betrayal until His Resurrection. Instead of bells, then, at the consecration during this Mass, a small wooden device is used which is called a crotalus. This way some noise can still be made to draw attention to the consecration.
The Eucharistic prayer itself has unique elements this night. One such element is worth mentioning especially. Typically, you hear the priest pray: “On the day before He was to suffer, He took bread in His holy and venerable hands…” However, tonight, he will pray: “On the day before He was to suffer for our salvation and the salvation of all, that is today, He took bread in His holy and venerable hands…” It’s a very powerful moment, and one which reminds us forcefully: in celebrating these mysteries, we are in a sense living them out and entering into them. It’s more than a mere remembering.
Finally, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper ends in a unique way. In fact, it doesn’t really end at all. After the Prayer after Communion, we form a procession and make our way to the altar of repose, a magnificently decorated space meant to remind us of the Garden Jesus made His way to after the Last Supper. We take the Blessed Sacrament there and are invited to “watch and pray” as Our Lord enters into His Passion. Indeed, this is our invitation the whole week long.
After this Mass, the altar and sanctuary upstairs are stripped bare, setting the stage for the somber solemnity of Good Friday.
Good Friday
Just as at the end of Holy Thursday there is no final blessing, so Good Friday has no opening Sign of the Cross. We are in the midst of one big liturgy, one great mystery. Today’s celebration is not a Mass, but The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord. The Eucharist distributed was consecrated the evening before. As the Roman Missal states: “On this and the following day, by a most ancient tradition, the Church does not celebrate the Sacraments at all, except for Penance and the Anointing of the Sick.”
This service has three main parts: a Liturgy of the Word, which includes the Passion narrative (always from John) and the solemn intercessions; then the adoration of the Holy Cross; and finally Holy Communion. Once again, there is no final blessing here, but everyone simply departs in silence.
Easter Vigil
Too much can be said about this solemn night. The Missal calls it “the greatest and most noble of all solemnities.” Though it is a Mass, it also is extremely unique. It consists of four main parts: 1. The Lucernarium, with the Easter fire and the blessing of the Paschal Candle; 2. The Liturgy of the Word; 3. The Baptismal Liturgy; and 4. The Liturgy of the Eucharist. This “mother of all vigils,” as the Missal calls it, is replete with beautiful moments and prayers. I simply suggest you to find a hand missal or some version online and read through all the readings and prayers and moments of this grand liturgy.
I look forward to celebrating these glorious days with all of you, to entering into these sacred mysteries, to heeding the Lord’s call to “watch and pray,” and to basking in the light of Easter glory in a week’s time.
In Christ,
Fr. Joseph
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From The Choir Loft
You may have seen “Tenebrae” on our Holy Week schedule and wondered, “what is that?”
Tenebrae is Latin for “darkness” and was originally the combined offices of Matins and Lauds on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This service is not only a great opportunity for prayer and reflection, but also an opportunity to prepare your hearts and minds for the Triduum and Easter.
The gradual extinction of lights in the church will symbolize the temporary triumph of the prince of darkness over the Light of the World, and the opportunity to make a loud noise, or strepitus, at the conclusion of the service suggests the earthquake described in the Passion narratives.
The service will last approximately one hour. I hope you are able to join us on Wednesday, April 1 at 7 PM in the Upper Church.
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We want to hear from you!
The Family Engagement Committee would like your feedback! We are revamping the "Kid Corner" in the back of the church and would like the input of everyone, from those who use the zone to those who don't have kids. Please let us know your thoughts in this short survey.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehetQ-hcbrY7RUIYluaI17I52UHilEjvgetYZ8AUgl2kjoqg/viewform
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Religious Education Update
Thank you to all of our students who attended our Religious Education Program on Sundays this year. Our final class is March 29. We are grateful to the catechists, volunteers, and all of our families. May God continue to bless you all during the Easter Season and summer months.
This year we have 66 students who will receive their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 2 at the 4:00pm Mass or Sunday, May 3, at the 9:00am Mass or at the 11:00am Mass. We ask that you please keep them all in your prayers.
For anyone who would like to offer special intentions for an individual student, please choose a scroll containing a student’s name from the basket at the back of the church after the Masses starting the weekend of April 11/12. Your prayers are appreciated and well received!
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Holy Name Sodality
The next Holy Name Sodality meeting will be held on Monday, April 13th at 1:00 p.m. in the lower church.
Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Brian Clary from Sacred Heart in Roslindale and followed by the rosary. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
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Special Collections
You may submit your Grand Annual at anytime.
April 3rd- Holy Land Shrines
April 5th- Clergy Trust
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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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.
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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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Confessors
Saturday, March 28
Father Mcdonald
Sunday, March 29
Father Ferme
Monday, March 30
Father Macdonald
Holy Saturday
Saturday, April 4
Father Macdonald
Confessions after morning prayer
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The Rectory Office will be Closed:
April 6th: Easter Monday
April 20th: Patriot's Day
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Recitation of the Rosary
First Sunday of the Month
8:40am
Blessed Mother Altar
Upper Church
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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. | | | | |
