PARISH SUPPORT Over the weekend of June 24th, our parish community contributed $5,506 in ordinary support, $147 for the Capital Improvement Fund, and $838 for Peter's Pence. In June we received $2,382 for capital needs. 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.   CLASS OF 2007 On Tuesday, June 12th, Saint Leo School held its 77th graduation in our church. At the Mass, thirty eight young students were recognized for their years of attendance at St. Leo's and various awards and scholarships were presented. Some of the graduates began in our pre-kindergarten and thus have been in the school for ten years. Others, such as the 8th graders who transferred from Julie Country Day School last June have only been with us for a year. Whether for a long or shorter period, we congratulate all the 8th graders and wish them every blessing as they continue their educations. Many will attend St. Bernard's High School and others Leominster High, Monty Tech, St. John's, North Middlesex, Cushing Academy. We wish them and their families every success in the future and pray that the values, education and social skills acquired by them might stand them in good stead for future endeavors. Our prayers are with them. Those who graduated were: Alexandria Aten-Roy       Amanda Refrigieri Colby Aubuchon       Arietta Rigopoulos Kristin Bell       Zachary Roth Jennifer Buckley       Dillon Roy Zephaniah Callwood       Joshua Schofield Megan Casella       Taylor Smith Brian Cosimi       Ryan Terrell Brianne Costa       Nicholas Tersigni Douglas Cote       Chelsea Thalken Ian Deming       Ashlee Young Amanda Dodge       Lucille McMilleon Alyssa Farnsworth       John Miller Quinn Faulkner       John Mullahy Cooper Foster       William Penning Brett Franciosi       Harvey Peters Rachel Fratantonio       Rocco Petitto Garrett Mahoney       Alice Raftery Shelby McFaul       James Raher Michaela Mercier       Donald Reynolds Michael Moriarty       Gladys Rheault Alexander Mosco       Ronald Richard Malia Moses       Constance Ridlon Alexander Natola       James Stacy Anthony Novelli       Mary Ellen Vincent Allison O'Connor       Wesley Wallace Kelsey O'Connor       Richard Wolanska Ryan Oldfield       Elaine Zanni Mary Penniman           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.   CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY July 29th, Sunday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Parishioners were so generous in recycling old Christmas cards last winter for us, that now we need help cutting out the images for a Religious Education Class project! So come join the fun, we'll provide scissors, Christmas music, red & green punch and cookies. Come for a little while, or stay as long as you want. A "Christmas favor" for every family who donates some time to help us out!   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 $60,763 or 93% of our goal. If everyone in the parish supports this effort to the degree possible, we will be successful again. Please be generous.   ORGANIST/MISIC DIRECTOR The Union Congregational Church in Groton is looking for a part-time organist/music director. For additional information apply to Gail Miller, PO Box 233, Groton, MA 01450 or email to .   THANK YOU A sincere "Thank You" goes out to every member of our parish who supports us each week. Now that summer is here and your travel plans may keep you away from worshipping here at St. Leo's, remember that there are still salaries to be paid and bills to be honored over the summer. As a parish family, we remain committed to returning to God a percentage of the blessings we have received from Him as we work together to meet our financial obligations.   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.   SERRA CLUB The Serra Club of Worcester North which works and prays for vocations to priesthood and religious life is asking our prayers for our local clergy that they persevere in priesthood with enthusiasm. This week we are asked to pray for Fathers Frank Listro, Theodore Laperle, Robert Bruso, Joseph Jurgelonis, Edward Chalmers, and Gerald Dorais.   PRO LIFE Scientists continue to find new, morally acceptable sources of stem cells for treatment of disease. In early January, researchers at Wake Forest University reported that the stem cells they drew from amniotic fluid donated by pregnant women hold much the same promise as embryonic stem cells which can only be obtained by killing a human embryo.     San Diego Union-Tribune 1/8/07   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.   PRO LIFE Those who counsel women with an unexpected pregnancy have a valuable technological tool at their disposal - an ultrasound machine that provides pictures of the unborn child in the womb. One young woman who was contemplating abortion said after seeing her baby's sonogram: "As soon as I seen that, I was ready. It wasn't no joke. It was real. It was like, he's not born to the world yet but he is inside of me growing." (San Diego Union Tribune 9/10/06.)   RETREAT Calvary Retreat Center in Shrewsbury will offer a retreat with a theme "The Spiritual Legacy of Henri Nouwen: Seeking Justice in our Time" from June 29th - July 1st. Nouwen had a deep concern for Christian social teachings and he founded L'Arche for disabled people. The weekend presenter will be Ernie Rivard and requested donation is $225. Call 508-842-8821 to register or on-line at www.calvaryretreat.org   DO YOU KNOW WHY WE USE CHURCH ENVELOPES? My weekly envelope says to the entire parish community "I'm with you all the way in your efforts to growth spiritually." My envelope is a mature, responsible way for me to support the work of the Church. My envelope provides me with contributions that can easily be verified for tax purposes. A weekly Church offering is a good example to other family members. My envelope underscores my conviction that Church support is everybody's business. If you are not receiving weekly envelopes and would like to have them sent to you, please call the rectory at 978-537-7257 to request them.   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 .   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 .   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!   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 Thank You to all our sponsors and supporters of this year's SUMMER BAZAAR. The Bazaar was moved inside because of rain, but everyone had a great time with a lot of community spirit. Thank you again for all your help and support!! CASH RAFFLE WINNERS: $1000. the Bell Family $500. Olivia Kozloski $200. Mel Foster $100. Paul Lussier $100. worth of lottery tickets Pat Pinder CHINESE AUCTION WINNERS: Simone Boivin Connie Boucher Maria Champa Doris DeCicco Sophie Gronroos Jeremy Harris Karen Léger Dan Legros Janelle McEachern Amanda Mills Brenda Ricker Patty St. Jean John Tremblay   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   TRIP TO BUDAPEST & PRAGUE Mary O'Malley in conjunction with Durgan Travel Services has planned a trip to Budapest & Prague Christmas Markets for December 1 - 8, 2007. This is an 8 day/ 6 night tour. Price is $1,199 cash/check (or $1,299 credit card) - $265 air/departure taxes. Contact Mary O'Malley - if interested. Space is limited and a $200 deposit with reservation form is due ASAP. Balance due September 17. A full itinerary is posted on the church bulletin boards.   KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MUSEUM At the national headquarters in New Haven, CT, is sponsoring an exhibit on St. Joan of Arc through September 3, 2007. Never before, or after, has any woman - much less a teenage girl - led national armies in combat. From French peasant to successful general, she was martyred at 21 years of age. For directions, hours, etc. call 203-865-0400 or log on to Knights of Columbus.   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.   DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA Next meeting July 9th , Monday at 11:30 a.m. at King Buffet, 488 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg. Call Jeannette for reservations 978-343-3467. For further info on becoming a member call Anita at 978-345-5279.   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.   PETER'S PENCE Each year, the annual Peter's Pence Collection, in support of the works of the Holy Father, is held in parishes throughout the world. The proceeds from this Collection fund emergency relief assistance to those who suffer from war, oppression, disease, and natural disasters. Through works of charity, Catholics provide a powerful witness of love and deeds to empower the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and to sustain those who suffer.   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 Since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion on demand for all nine months of pregnancy, almost 50 million unborn American children have been killed by abortion. More unborn children die every year than Americans died in all the nation's wars combined.   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...