Parish Support

Over the weekend of February 17th, our parish community contributed $6,182 in ordinary support, $262 for capital needs, $50 for phase 2 of winter fuel, and $522 for the church in Latin America.

In February we have received $2,053 for our Capital Improvement Fund, and phase 2 of winter fuel is at $8,100.

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

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.

Registration for Religious Education 2007 - 2008

If you are new to our parish program, please call the rectory 978-537-7257 to request a registration form or you can download a form.

Religious Education Calendar.

The files above require the Adobe Acrobat Reader®

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 16 donors pledge $2,500 over five years, we will attain our goal.

MEMORIAL BRICKS

The Leominster Veterans agent reminds us that March 7th is the deadline to order a memorial brick for Carter Park in time for Memorial Day.

The cost is $40. Call 978-534-7538.

BOOK COLLECTION

The weekend of March 1st and 2nd and the following weekend March 8th and 9th our St. Vincent DePaul Society will be collecting new and gently used childrens books for Ginny's Thrift Shop.

BIBLE STUDY

Fr. O'Mara started a new 12 week Bible Study course, February 7th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the conference room.

The theme is "Recovery" achieving healthy habits. We will study scripture to help people to recover and strengthen their minds and bodies.

"I've tried so many diets and exercise plans, they either don't work or I don't stick with them. I hate what I see in the mirror. But what do I do? I feel like giving up."

Join us for this experience in hearing the word of God.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

There is an opening on the Diocesan Pastoral Council for a lay representative from our Montachusett Area. The Council advises Bishop McManus on church issues from the perspective of church members. If interested in being nominated, please call Fr. Doran at the rectory 978-537-7257.

LENT

The sacred season began on Ash Wednesday, February 6th, and Easter is March 23rd.

Each Friday of Lent beginning February 8th we will have Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 3:30 p.m.

Each Sunday beginning February 10th we will have Evening Prayer and Benediction at 5:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat for those 14 years old or older.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting (three meals only – nothing but liquids between meals) for those between 18-59 years of age.

CROSS INTERNATIONAL

The weekend of February 23rd - 24th we welcome to our parish Fr. Paul Farin from Florida who will speak at all our Masses on behalf of Cross International.

This organization assists the poor in our hemisphere – particularly in the Caribbean area with food and other basic necessities. His talk will focus on awareness of the needs. There is no special collection.

MISSION

Our annual citywide Lenten Mission will soon be here. The Mission will be March 9th - 12th and at a different cluster church each night at 7:00 p.m.

The overall theme this year is "Do This in Memory of Me." (LK 22, 19).

On Sunday, March 9th, there will be Adoration and a talk at St. Anna's.

On Monday, March 10th, there will be Mass and a homily at St. Cecilia's.

Tuesday, March 11th, there will be a Penance Service at St. Leo's.

Wednesday, March 12th, there will be a Mass, homily and social at Holy Family.

Please mark your calendars.

DAY OF PRAYER

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are holding a day of prayer for women at Presentation Convent on Saturday, February 23rd.

Sr. Patricia Dowler and Sr. Maureen Hickey will be the presenters.

The topic is "A Time to Heal" and the day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and will end by 3:00 p.m.

There will be an opportunity for quiet reflection and sharing. Lunch will be included. Free will offerings are accepted.

To register contact Sr. Brian 978-537-7108 or Sr. Maureen 978-790-0056. The registration deadline was February 15th.

ART OF DIVINE MERCY

A program featuring the Art of Divine Mercy will be held at St. Camillus Church, Fitchburg, on Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Admission is free but a love offering will be appreciated. Presenters are Tommy Canning and Allan Canning from Scotland. Bring your own lunch.

CONFERENCE

A day-long conference on End Times with Carol Ameche and John Neary will be held on March 15th, at the Bethel Retreat House, 82 Mechanic Street, Fitchburg, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cost is $50 per person and you are asked to bring a bagged lunch. RSVP with payment to Marline Crooks, PO Box 2291, Fitchburg, or call 978-345-5710.

Volunteer Opportunities

Catholic Charities Family & Community Services, 196 Mechanic St., Leominster

To volunteer call 978-840-0696

They need help with:

• Material Assistance: working with staff in assisting those in need of food, clothing and/or furniture.
• Maintenance: tending to the indoor/outdoor needs of the Catholic Charities office.
• Purchase: materials for agency use and items needed for distribution to clients.
• Clerical /Receptionist: provide coverage for secretarial staff during periods of intense work load and relief to staff during breaks and vacations.
• Friendly Visitation: provide services to elderly persons including letter writing, advocacy and Escort services. Outreach is through home visits and telephone reassurance calls

WELCOME HOME MILITARY

American Family Link, a monthly group that provides support, advocacy and information for the families of the deployed military is set to "Welcome Home" several area servicemen and women on Thursday, February 28th at the Leominster Veterans Center, 100 West Street, Leominster at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.

TAX RECEIPTS

2007 tax receipts for church contributions are now available. Anyone wishing a receipt is asked to call the rectory at 978-537-7257.

A THOUGHT FROM CARDINAL NEWMAN

"God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.

"Somehow I am necessary for His purposes, as necessary in my place as an archangel in His. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons; He has not created me for naught.

"I will do His work, while not intending it, if I but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him. My sickness, my perplexity, my sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond me.

"He does nothing in vain; He knows what He is about."

Fish Fry

The annual Lenten Fish Fry, held on the Fridays of Lent, will be held at Madonna of the Holy Rosary Church, 118 Theresa Street, Fitchburg beginning February 8th at 4:30 p.m.

Baked or fried Haddock, Potato, Macaroni & Cheese, Coleslaw, Rolls & Butter, Corn or Fish Chowder. Desserts, Coffee, Soda, Beer & Wine are available for purchase.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Exposition of the 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?"

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 Parishoners

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!

Be Alert!

The movie, The Golden Compass, was released late 2007 throughout the U.S. and translated into 32 different languages.

The movie is based on a trilogy, His Dark Materials. The author, Phillip Pullman has said in an interview that this trilogy concentrates upon this theme: "I Want to Kill God in the Minds of children...I want them to decide against God and the Kingdom of heaven" quote from Phillip Pullman.

The Golden Compass, a sanitized version of the book, wants to have children and young people rebel against parents, teachers, the Church, and anyone in authority.

Please avoid going to the movie and call your local theater and ask them not to show the movie.

8TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE

All parish men, as well as their sons, brothers, fathers and friends are invited to this great annual Conference, scheduled for Worcester's DCU Center, on Saturday, March 8th.

Hear dynamic talks from outstanding Catholic leaders: Dr. Ray Guarendi ('Why Be Catholic?'), Professor Russell Stannard ('Cosmology: Room for a Creator?'); Father John Riccardo ('Confession: A Fireside Chat with the Lord'); John Martignoni ('A Re-Conversion Story'); Thomas H. Powell, Ph.D. ('Different Gifts But the Same Spirit: How We Are Called to Lead').

Bishop McManus will offer the conference Mass. Diocesan priests and bishops will hear confessions.

Tickets are $35 and the parish will pay $20, attendees $15, youth tickets are $20 & the parish will pay $10.

Please register by February 15th by calling the rectory 537-7257 or our parish representative Doug Bonin 978-534-7019.

RICE BOWL CONTAINERS

Rice Bowl containers for Lenten sacrificial offerings can be obtained at the church doors.

Donations received by "giving things up" in Lent will be sent to Catholic Relief Services which serves the needy and hungry at home and & abroad on behalf of American Catholics.

Please Give Blood

The American Red Cross Blood Donor Center opens at the Leominster Elks, 134 North Main Street every Tuesday from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Give the Gift of Life!

Pray For

Please remember in your prayers our parishioners who are on active duty in our military and others commended to our prayers.

• COL Francis Burns
• SGT Andrew Ciprotti
• LTC Arthur Elbthal
• SRA Elizabeth Galvin
• 1LT Ryan Hamel
• CPT. Matthew James
• PFC Jarred Merriam
• LCDR Shane Sullivan

If you have other soldiers that you wish parishioners to pray for, please contact the rectory.

Bible Study

On six Wednesday mornings in Lent from February 13th to March 19th, Fr. John Doran will lead a Bible Study on the "Passion Accounts in the Four Gospels."

The meetings will be in the new conference room from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. for the six weeks. All are welcome.

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 Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-7797

BIBLE STUDY COURSE

Seven weeks from January 23rd to March 5th on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Saint Cecilia's Parish Center.

Topic: The Prophecies Concerning Jesus in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
Instructor: Father Francis Goguen.

This course is open to all interested in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah.

Food Stamps

New eligibility information about Food Stamps

Did you know that there is no asset limit for families with children under the age of 19 years old who apply and that a family of four can make up to $3,442 per month gross & many legal immigrants are now eligible! (Pending certain criteria)

You can apply for food stamps online or call 866-950-FOOD.

Open Gym

Now that we have our new gymnasium, we will be opening it up for open gym basketball (for starters – maybe others sports as interest develops).

We will have an open gym on Tuesdays for women from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. and Wednesdays for men from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

These times are for ages 15 and above.

ST. LEO SCHOOL SNOWBALL RAFFLE WINNERS

Jan 1 - David Putnam - $50.00
Jan 2 - Ida LaFlamme - $50.00
Jan 3 - Maria Baker - $100.00
Jan 4 - Vincent Spingola - $50.00
Jan 5 - Mal & Janice Colgate - $25.00
Jan 6 - Lucy Ciuffetti - $50.00
Jan 7 - Gail Sullivan - $50.00
Jan 8 - Joan Ferrera $25.00
Jan 9 - Patricia Keegan - $50.00
Jan 10 - Bernadet Dignard - $100.00
Jan 11 - Father Rudy Carchidi - $50.00
Jan 12 - Sean Hanley - $50.00
Jan 13 - Francis Duval - $25.00
Jan 14 - Laura Berger - $50.00
Jan 15 - Paul Smith - $50.00
Jan 16 - James Flanagan - $25.00
Jan 17 - Linda Abreau - $50.00
Jan 18 - Joe Scola - $50.00
Jan 19 - Matthew Mann - $25.00
Jan 20 - Carol Wilbur - $50.00
Jan 21 - Ron Rogers - $25.00
Jan 22 - Mildred Benoit - $50.00

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. Beginning in September, 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.

PARISH TRIP

Once again this year St. Leo's in conjunction with Collette Vacations will offer a parish trip for those interested.

The trip this year will be from September 4th – 11th and will feature the Northern National Parks of the U.S.

We will visit Salt Lake City, Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Idaho Falls and other sights. The cost is $1,699 per person double occupancy.

Monday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in the new conference room, a Collette representative will give an overview of the trip as well as future planning for the Oberamegau Passion play in 2010. This meeting is open to anyone interested in either adventure.

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.

Pro Life

"Stem cell research is about helping the living, but embryonic stem cell research is about destructively harming some of the living, in the name of helping others who are struggling with disease and injury.

"Should we really allow discrimination against some human beings, i,e. embryos, in the interests of others?"

- Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. The Ethics of Stem Cell Research (USCCB pamphlet)

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 coming soon.

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.

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.