PARISH SUPPORT Over the weekend of May 27th, our parish community contributed $5,385 in ordinary support, $130 for the Capital Improvement Fund, and $76 for phase 3 of our fuel collection. In May we received $2,689 for capital needs, and our fuel collection now stands at $6,556. The next collection for our Capital Improvement Fund will be held . Thank you for your continued support!   WELCOME You enter this Church... not as a stranger, but as a guest of God. God is your heavenly Father. Come, then, with joy in your heart and thanks on your lips into God's presence, offering God your love and service. Be grateful to the strong and the loyal ones who, in the name of Jesus Christ, built this place of worship and to all who have beautified it and hallowed it with their prayers and praise. Ask God's blessing on those who live this house of faith as the inspiration of their labor, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, and may that blessing rest on you, both on your going out and your coming in.   PASTORAL VISITS If there are parishioners who are homebound, in a nursing facility, or in the hospital and who wish pastoral visits and Holy Communion, please contact the Rectory by calling 978-537-7257. We rely on parishioners to notify us if there are patients to be visited. Please keep the Rectory informed. Due to the new confidentiality guidelines for Leominster hospital, the hospital will no longer be able to notify us when parishioners are in the hospital. Unless you specifically ask the chaplain to contact us, we will not know of your admission. Therefore, we ask that you please call us if you would like a visit while in the hospital. If you anticipate a stay in the hospital, please let us know so we can keep you in our prayers.   WEDDING BANNS None this week   PRAY FOR Please remember in your prayers our parishioners who are on active duty in our military and others commended to our prayers. LTC Francis Burns MAJ Arthur Elbthal 1LT Ryan Hamel LTC Michael Tarsa LCDR Timothy Trainor, MD If you have other soldiers that you wish parishioners to pray for, please contact the rectory.   FIRST COMMUNION, 2007 The weekend of May 12th, our parish community rejoiced with our young members and their families as 59 children received the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist for the first time. The ceremonies were Saturday, May 12th, at both 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m, and these special young people received the second Sacrament of Initiation. May the faith, innocence and enthusiasm that these young people bring to their First Holy Communion be an inspiration to us adults. The awesome nature of this special gift calls upon us to appreciate how blessed we are as Catholics. Every time we celebrate Mass on a weekend or daily we have the opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Many churches celebrate Eucharist just once per month or even four times per year. We rejoice in this special gift daily. Congratulations to the following second graders and their families as they receive Holy Eucharist: Justin Baron     Colin Laakso Natalie Bergeron     Ariel Lovane Jared Bosworth     Ian Lovane John Burke     Charles Luby Keagan Castles     Connor Malone Mark Cerritelli     Nathaniel Mansour Brennan Daigle     Myles Martinez Cory DelleChiaie     Conal McBride Rebekah Domenichella     Ashley McCloud Kelsey Donovan     Samantha McNamara Madison Duffey     Samantha Moriarty Meagan Edleston     Angela Morin Michelle Farnsworth     Joel Normandin, Jr. Griffin Finnegan     Kyleigh Olivier Nicholas Flagg     Dominic Ortiz Lauren Fleming     Andrew Pasquale Megan Gale     Andrew Perodeau Brianna Gauthier     Samantha Peznola Philip Hahn III     Shelby Poultney Aidan Hauver     Hannah Ramos Jacqueline Heffler     Holly Rank Shelby Higgins     Asia Rivera Spencer Higgins     Edwin Rosado Steven Hoffmann     Joshua Santiago-Fournier Emily Howard     Gabriel Torres Laura Jenny     Maeghan Ventura Morgan Joseph     Hannah Wells Matema Kateme     Connor Wironen Sheylagh Killay     Alec Wong Ethan Kirouac       FREE ALCOHOLISM COUNSELING FOR WOMEN The Couples Project for Women at AdCare Hospital of Worcester provides women one-on-one alcoholism counseling with a 12-step/spiritual component. Some women also receive couples counseling to promote recovery and improve communication. Counseling is free of charge as part of a research study. For more information call 800-345-3552 ext 4043.   PRO LIFE An assisted suicide bill has again been introduced into the California legislature. Opponents of the bill say that legalizing assisted suicide would turn physicians into killers rather than healers. To assist in suicide goes against the whole ethic of the medical profession.   PRO LIFE Pat Anderson, a former attorney for Terri Schiavo's family says the family's efforts to prevent their daughter's euthanasia changed her mind on abortion. She stated in an interview, "Killing babies is not the way out of social problems or personal problems." In many ways, euthanasia is simply the other end of the abortion debate, the former pro-abortion advocate commented. "Killing off your elderly or disabled is not the way to keep your healthcare budget balanced."     Lifenews.com, 3/11/06   MARRIAGE AMENDMENT The Marriage Amendment will again be before the Constitutional Convention of the Massachusetts Legislature, scheduled for Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14th. We have a duty to pass on a strong institution of marriage for the good of future generations. Each of us in the community of faith should exercise our rights as citizens, and urge our legislators to vote to move the Marriage Amendment to the 2008 ballot and allow every citizen's voice to be heard. We have a moral responsibility to pass on a strong institution of marriage for the good of future generations. Each of us in the community must exercise our rights as citizens and urge our legislatures to vote to move the Marriage Amendment to the 2008 ballot and allow every citizen's voice to be heard. Please contact your Senator and Representative at 617-722-2000. For the e-mail address of legislators, go to Massachusetts Catholic Conference and click on "Legislator's e-mail."   PARTNERS IN CHARITY The 2007 Partners in Charity annual drive (formerly the Bishop's Fund) has begun at St. Leo's Parish and throughout the diocese. This fund helps 31 agencies and ministries supported fully or in part by this appeal. St. Francis of Assisi is patron for this effort in 2007 as we seek support for Catholic Charities, prison ministry, retired priests, Seminarian education, religious education, financial help for families with children in our school, Hispanic and many other ministries. The overall diocesan goal this year is $4.6 million and our parish goal is the same as last year - $65,000. To date we have received $47,301 or 73% of our goal. If everyone in the parish supports this effort to the degree possible, we will be successful again. Please be generous.   SPRING BABY BOTTLE DRIVE Your spare change can save lives. Once again St. Leo's will join other local churches in assisting Care Net, our local pro-life pregnancy resource center, in raising funds. On the weekend of May 19th - 20th, baby bottles were be distributed after weekend Masses and you can place spare change in them until Father's Day. Then the bottles are collected and the funds raised support free pregnancy testing, obstetrical ultrasounds, parenting classes, abstinence education and post abortion support.   RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Grades 1-6 meet on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Grades 7-11 meet on Monday nights from 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Medeiros at 978-537-7257 or 978-537-1194.   ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTH CARE Sometimes referred to as a "Living Will", the selection of someone to serve as health care proxy, and discussing one's wishes with their health care proxy and members of their family are all integral end-of-life issues. The Massachusetts Catholic Conference, which represents the Bishops of the four Roman Catholic dioceses in Massachusetts and serves as the official public policy voice for the Catholic Church in the Commonwealth, has prepared a document entitled "Appointing a health Care Agent in Massachusetts, a Catholic Guide". Copies of this invaluable document are available from the Conference's website.   STARBURST 2007 Leominster's annual summer kick-off event will be held at Doyle Field on Saturday, June 9th (rain date June 10th) with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. This year's event features the all-city Youth Band, Montachusett Chorale, Leominster High School Jazz Band, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. This community event is free and open to everyone.   MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY FAIR Prince of Peace Parish in Princeton is holding their annual Mountain Holiday Fair on Sunday, June 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (rain date June 10th) on the parish grounds with a chicken barbecue from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. The fair will feature live music, Sunshine the clown, a moonwalk, youth activities and games, as well as booths offering jewelry, toys, books, attic treasures, perennials, and baked goods. Come join the fun - there is something for everyone (like strawberry shortcake all day)!!   SUPPORT ENVELOPES If you are not receiving a monthly packet of parish support envelopes in the mail, please give serious thought to using them for your weekly donations to support our works of faith, education, and charity. We depend on your regular and consistent financial support each week to fund our ongoing operational needs and there is no better way to do so than regular use of church envelopes.   SPANISH MASS AT ST. LEO'S Because of the recent transfer of Father Edwin Gomez to Webster, MA, Bishop McManus has decided to discontinue the 6:00 p.m. Mass at St. Leo Parish and the 2:00 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph in Fitchburg effective immediately. Spanish speaking persons will be asked to attend Mass now at St. Francis Parish, Fitchburg at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. It is hoped that the joining of the Fitchburg and Leominster Hispanic communities will more fully nourish the spiritual growth of the participants. Please pray for the success of this consolidation.   ATTENTION: PARISHIONERS ON MEDIACRE Medicare Part D Prescription coverage is available to all parishioners on Medicare through Catholic Golden Age. Call 1-800-706-1268 for enrollment information.

FOOD DRIVE Our Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Charities will be collecting food, and canned goods for distribution to those in need . Your monetary donations and donations of canned goods and other non-perishable food items allow us to help many needy families of our Parish each month. Please bring your donations to the back of the Church before Mass. Thank you for your generosity.   NEW PARISHIONERS Are you new in Leominster or unaffiliated with a Catholic parish here? If so, please consider joining St. Leo's Parish. We always welcome new parishioners and feel it very important to show a warmth and openness to new individuals or families. Please take the time to register at St. Leo's rectory. We should have the pertinent personal information about you and your family. You can even add or update your information online! YOU ARE MOST WELCOME!   PILGRIMAGE "A Day With Mary" pilgrimages is sponsoring a pilgrimage to Fatima from July 12th - 20th (9 days) for $1070 for a twin room and $1,170 for a single. Price includes full board and the flight from London. A three-day International Conference on Our Lady is included (July 17th - 19th). Call Judith Cruz at 401-438-0437 or e-mail at .   TRIP TO ITALY Dr. Anthony Nachef of West Boylston is leading two trips to Rome, Tuscany, and Florence from June 23rd - July 1st and October 5th - 12th cost of $2,200 includes everything but lunches and dinners. Call 508-340-9370 for more information or email at .   ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL Are you a graduate or know someone who is a graduate of St. Joseph School in Fitchburg? They are searching for names and addressed of alumni and alumnae. Please submit their names to the School at 35 Columbus St., Fitchburg or call 978-343-3630.   ST. LEO'S SUMMER BAZAAR Will be held Saturday, June 9th from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Bazaar will feature games for all ages. Area Crafters booths, children's craft and game area, Chinese raffle, Pot-Luck, Money Tree, inflatable rides. Special performances of live music and Magic Show for all ages at 1:00 p.m. This year the Bazaar will be held at Carter Park across the street from our church. Please join in a wonderful St. Leo's community event.   ADOPT A SEMINARIAN The Serra Club of Worcester North invites St. Leo parishioners to adopt a seminarian of our diocese by sending a card or note and letting him know we care. The designated seminarian is: Michael Clements Mount Saint Mary's Seminary 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd. Emmitsburg, MD 21727-7797   SEPARATED & DIVORCED CATHOLICS A group meeting of Separated & Divorced Catholics meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester. All are welcome!   PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The American Red Cross Blood Donor Center opens at the Leominster Elks, 134 North Main St. every Tuesday from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Give the Gift of Life!   PARISH TRIPS - 2007 Through the parish association with Collette Vacations, there are two holiday trips coming up in December. "Christmas on the Danube" features a river cruise from November 30th - December 8th for $2,099 (including 19 meals). "San Antonio Holiday" is a five day trip (December 2nd - 7th) to south Texas for $1,299. Both trips include air and hotel rooms. Call Fr. Doran for more details if interested (978-537-7257).   RCIA Are you a non-Catholic interested in becoming a Catholic? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never received the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and or Confirmation? Do you need Confirmation before marriage? If so, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is geared especially to you. It comprises classes and prayer experiences every other Tuesday and culminates with the Sacraments at Easter. Please consider prayerfully your call to join us and contact Fr. Doran at 978-537-7257.   RETROUVAILLE... a Lifeline Are you experiencing stress or difficulties in your marriage? Are you contemplating separation and divorce? Have you heard about Retrouvaille? It's a program designed to help heal and renew troubled marriages. If you would like to participate in a program that offers you a chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse and a loving relationship in your marriage, call 800-470-2230 or visit www.retrouvaille.org. All inquiries are confidential.   ST. LEO'S ADULT CHOIR Our choir is looking for new voices and for people who love liturgy and love to sing. Please come forward and join our choir at rehearsals on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. and singing at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. St. Benedict said, "Whoever sings prays twice." Please lift your voice in praising the Lord.   SAME-SEX MARRIAGE As Boston's Archbishop Sean O'Malley has stated: "Marriage as the union between one man and one woman must be approved on its own merits. Joining this amendment to the issue of civil unions deprives the people an opportunity to express their views on marriage. Citizens have that right. Linking the two coerces people in a way that is unfair. Voting on them respects the will of the public." Call the Senate clerk or our State Senator Robert Antonioni, at 617-722-2356 or the House clerk or our state representative, Representative Jennifer L. Flanagan, at 617-722-2356 to register your opinion.   THIS IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT... ...to remember the parish when making plans for a last will & testament. Certainly, we know that you must provide for your family when you make a will, but remember the blessings that you have received as a member of Saint Leo's parish, and be assured that a gift after your death will allow the parish to continue providing spiritual benefits to many for years to come. Your children and their children will benefit from charitable donations and bequests to the parish.   2007 PARISH TRIP Once again in collaboration with Collette Vacations, our parish will sponsor a trip to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. The trip will visit Banff, Calgary, Jasper, Glacier National Park and other sights. We will leave May 19th and return May 26th, 2007, the cost is $1,849 per person for a double room. REMEMBER: You must have a Passport!   BUILDING FUND Our St. Leo's Parish Building Fund Campaign continues and we have now reached toward our goal of $1.6 million. THANKS! At present we have received gifts with many potential donors still being solicited. Please consider the "Tree of Life" memorial. If 60 donors pledge $2,500 over five years, we will attain our goal.   LAW SCHOLARSHIP The St. Thomas More Society of our diocese will be offering a $3,000 scholarship for law students who are attending an accredited law school in the fall of 2007 or who is presently a law school student. Applicants must be members of a diocesan parish. Contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 508-791-7171 or write to the Society at 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609.   MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER A Get-Away Weekend!!! Do you need a vacation? Give yourself and your spouse time away from the pressures of work and everyday responsibilities. Enjoy a chance to talk and listen to that special someone who loves you! Enrich your relationship by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. It's a great time to rekindle communication and enjoy a weekend away. Upcoming dates are are June 22nd - 24th, July 20th - 22nd, and September 14th - 16th. For more information call: Ray & Beth 1-800-710-WWME or visit www.wwmema.org.   MARRIAGE Many Massachusetts state representatives and senators have remarked that a simple phone call is the most effective form of expressing your personal opinion. Call your state representative and state senator to express your personal support for the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. They can be reached at 617-722-2000 or visit www.voteonmarriage.org and click 'COMMUNICATE' to find your state legislator's name and direct telephone number.   EXPOSITION of BLESSED SACRAMENT On Fridays, beginning after the 7:00 a.m. Mass and concluding with Benediction at 4:00 p.m. Parishioners are needed to be present with the Eucharist during the day. Please call the rectory to give us a time slot when you can visit with Our Lord. Parishioners are asked to volunteer to spend an hour or a half-hour in Church because the exposed Blessed Sacrament should never be unattended. Remember the words of Jesus to His Apostles, "Could you not watch one hour with me?"   PRO LIFE Some contend that the pro-life issue is less important than the war issue. Fr Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, comments: "How many innocent lives, and how many children, have been deliberately targeted for destruction in the current war? "By comparison, every abortion deliberately targets and destroys a child. Otherwise it wouldn't be an abortion... Catholic teaching allows more than one position on war, but it does not allow more than one position on abortion."   HEART SMARTS FOR WOMEN Although women do not realize it, heart disease is America's #1 killer of women. Women do not always recognize the symptoms and those who have heart attacks are treated less aggressively than men. Increased awareness and prevention are the keys to preventing this "silent killer." Women's heart attack symptoms are oftentimes more subtle than those of men. While men often experience sudden, intense, "elephant on the chest" pain, women are more likely to have the following symptoms: chest discomfort, upper body pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, indigestion symptoms or a cold sweat. Exercising at least 30 minutes on most days helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Vigorous exercise such as brisk walking is most beneficial but even moderate activities such as gardening and housework improve heart fitness. Everyone's heart has 4 chambers and several ounces of muscle tissue. But heart disease symptoms differ between men and women, perhaps due to fat on the heart vessel walls being distributed differently in the sexes. Another difference is that many women ignore their symptoms so that by the time they see a doctor their heart has severe damage. In many cases heart disease can be prevented by reducing those risk factors within your control. You can help your heart by getting enough exercise, eating right, not smoking, controlling stress and having heart tests on time. Learn More...