Parish Support

Over the weekend of March 2nd, our parish community contributed generously. A full report will be made soon.

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.

BOOK COLLECTION

The weekend of March 1st and 2nd and the 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.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 9th for a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., sponsored by St. Leo's School PTO.

Breakfast selections are pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and home fries. $5.50 for adults, and $4.50 for seniors and children.

Join us in the auditorium for a fun breakfast and a good cause.

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.

CATHOLIC FREE PRESS

This is the time to renew or to begin a subscription to our diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Free Press. Cost for the 52 issues is still just $23 annually.

For the latest in Catholic news on the international, national and local levels, subscribe today.

PILGRIMAGE

Bishop Robert McManus of our diocese will be leading a pilgrimage to Quebec City, Canada, for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress from June 18th - 23rd, 2008.

Besides the Congress itself, visits will be made to the shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupre, Montmerency Falls, and Old Quebec.

The cost is $1395 for twin occupancy. Please contact the rectory for additional information (978-537-7257). A $500 deposit is due March 15th.

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).

Sunday, March 9th, Holy Family will host Bishop George Rueger, Remembering in our daily life and worship - "Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."

Monday, March 10th at St. Cecilia's, Fr. Dennis O'Brien will speak on Remembering the Word of God – "Breaking Open God’s Word."

Tuesday, March 11th at St. Leo's, Fr. Peter Beaulieu will speak on Remembering the forgiveness of Jesus – "Reconciliation Brings You Back to Eucharist."

Wednesday, March 12th at St. Anna's, Fr. Steven Gemme will speak on Do This in Remembrance of Me – "Breaking of the Bread."

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA

Will meet Monday, March 10th at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 165 Electric Ave., Fitchburg at 2:00 p.m.

A business meeting will be followed by refreshments and Bingo. For further information call Anita at 978-345-5279.

"WOMEN OF THE GOSPEL"

Linda Gray Kelly will perform a one-woman show entitled "Women of the Gospel" on Palm Sunday, March 16th at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Parish Center.

Using contemporary interpretation of legendary Biblical characters, her one-hour performance will bring the gospel message to life.

It is free and open to all.

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.

BULLETIN ADVERTISING

Liturgical Publications, Inc., our publisher, will have a sales representative available within the next couple of weeks for those interested in placing a new ad in our bulletin.

To place your ad, please contact the sales person listed on the ad page or our office. We would like to thank our present advertisers for renewing their ad. Keep in mind: our advertising sponsors make our publication possible.

PRO-LIFE THOUGHT

"Although it is a fundamental embryological truth that each of us was once an embryo, the advocates of embryonic stem cell research are eager to portray human embryos as different from the rest of us, unable to make the grade, and hence fair game for destruction at the hands of those who themselves are no longer embryos."

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.

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.

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.

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!

Thank You

To every member of our parish family who is making an effort to help meet our operational expenses. As with your own family needs, our parish expenses have increased greatly.

Energy costs are sky-rocketing and thus far we have spent $44,846 to heat our buildings. To date we have spent a whopping $7,888 on snowplowing—double last year's costs.

Although you may not be able to join us at Mass because of travel or illness, parish bills still need to be paid.

Thank you again for past support and please continue to be generous.

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

INNER HEALING WORKSHOP

A workshop on "Inner Healing" with Episcopal Canon Mark Pearson will be held on Saturday, March 29th, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Church, 60 West Street.

Active in the church's healing ministry, Canon Pearson regularly leads healing services, classes and conferences.

Cost is $25 and reservations can be made by calling 978-537-3560.

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.

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.

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.