PARISH SUPPORT Over the weekend of July 15th, our parish community contributed $6,476 in ordinary support, and $275 for capital needs. In July, we have received $2,649 for the Capital Improvement Fund. 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.   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 MCPO. Jean Paul Lambert LTC Michael Tarsa LCDR Timothy Trainor, MD If you have other soldiers that you wish parishioners to pray for, please contact the rectory.   ST. ANNE The annual novena to Saint Anne at the shrine in Sturbridge will be held from July 18th - 26th. Various liturgical and non-liturgical prayer services will be held each night at 7:00 p.m. Call 508-347-7338 for more information.   BEQUEST We are happy to announce a recent bequest to St. Leo Parish from the estate of John and Barbara Dignard in the amount of $2,260. We are certainly grateful that parishioners and friends of St. Leo's remember the parish in their will. Please consider such a remembrance for the viable future of the parish.   ITALY IN THE FALL Fr. Egan, pastor of Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Leominster, has an 11 day trip to Sicily, Southern Italy and Rome leaving October 25th, 2007. You cam visit Taormina, Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Giardini Naxos, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Rome. Anyone interested in joining this trip please call Fr. Egan at 978-537-3016.   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!   CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY The Leominster Family Link in support of our troops overseas is having its 3rd annual "Christmas in July" observance to assemble and ship comfort packages to our personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be Thursday, July 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West Street. What is needed: Gatorade mix (envelopes), sunflower seeds, beef jerky, waterproof sunscreen, hand wipes, raisins, multigrain cereal bars, peanut butter, crackers, nuts, disposable cameras, and AT&T global phone cards. No gift wrapped items and no chocolate or baked goods. Donations before July 26th can be dropped off at the center or the Veterans office at City Hall. Call 978-534-7538 ext. 1 for more information. E-mail is   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 $64,708 or 99% of our goal. If everyone in the parish supports this effort to the degree possible, we will be successful again. Please be generous.   ORGANIST/MUSIC 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.   PRO LIFE Speaking to a Los Angeles rally protesting the threatened passage of an assisted suicide bill by the California legislature, Rabbi Louis Feldman asserted that the victims of physician-assisted suicide will be "the poor and disabled, ill-insured, vulnerable and lonely people.... "We must remember that the road to Auschwitz was paved with a euthanasia program. Once you negate the inviolability of human life, anything is possible." The Southern Cross, 4/12/07   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 11 donors pledge $2,500 over five years, we will attain our goal.   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 Doran, Chalmers, Liistro, Laperle, Bruso, Jurgelonis, and Dorais.   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.)   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 October 5th - 12th cost of $2,200 includes everything but lunches and dinners. Call 508-340-9370 for more information or email at .   EUCHARISTIC REVERENCE It is important to remember that when you received Holy Communion in the hand, after saying "Amen" to "The Body of Christ," you step to the side and take the host with the underneath hand and place it in your mouth immediately. Please do not walk away from the Communion station until you have placed the host in your mouth. Never reach up and snatch the host but wait until it is placed in the palm of your hand. Please observe this proper mannerism for receiving the Eucharist.   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.

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.   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!   BAZAAR NEWS St. Anthony of Padua Church, 14 Phoenix Street, Shirley is having their 102nd annual bazaar on Friday, August 3rd and Saturday, August 4th from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. (rain dates August 10th & 11th). Lobsters, clams, and corn on the cob will be served rain or shine Friday, August 3. Saturday night: chili, and chicken barbecue dinner. Hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, sausages, fried dough and drinks will be available both nights. Children's games and fun for everyone. The auction will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday on the church grounds (Phoenix Street). Bring family and friends for two fun packed evenings. Call 978-425-4588 for any questions.   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 from 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.   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.   SCHOOL NEWS St. Leo's School still has openings in: Pre K - 3 days Pre K - 5 day - ½ days Children must be 4 years old. For more info call 978-537-1007   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.   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.   BOOK SALE The Friends of the Leominster Public Library will hold a weekly book sale on Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A good selection of books for all ages. This sale is open to the public.   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 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...