Parish Support

Over the weekend of June 8th, our parish community contributed $6,280 in ordinary support, $2,416 for capital needs, and $50 for phase 3 of winter fuel.

Our fuel collection now stands at $5,100.

The next collection for our Capital Improvement Fund will be held .

Thank you for your continued support!

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

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

1 - Nathaniel Shay & Jennifer Koehler

Religious Education

Classes meet from September through April.

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.

WHY REGISTER IN THE PARISH?

Being part of a parish is an important way to both claim your identity as a Catholic Christian and also to become part of our official parish record, which allows us to serve you (and your family) most effectively.

It is necessary, unless unusual circumstances exist, for you to be registered in the parish before Baptisms and Marriages can be celebrated; before participation in Religious Education Programs; and before we can offer you a "Sponsor Certificate" for you to be able to stand as a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation in another parish.

Registration is a simple process – a five minute stop in the rectory during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) or by appointment at a more convenient time for you.

PRO LIFE

On January 17, 2008, the biotech company Stemagen announced the first cloning of human embryos by fusing donated egg cells with DNA from skin cells of an adult man.

When scientist clone human beings for research purposes, they fail to recognize that "the artificial creation of a human life for the sole purpose of exploitation and destruction will always be gravely unethical" since it "sanctions the direct and explicit exploitation of one human being by another, in this case, the exploitation of the weak by the powerful."

Family Research Council, Stem Cell Research, Cloning & Human Embryos.

PARTNERS IN CHARITY

Our 2008 participation in the annual Partners in Charity Appeal (formerly the Bishop's Fund) has begun.

This important drive throughout our whole diocese helps to fund 29 vital agencies and ministries in education, charity and pastoral services. This year's theme is "Bless Worcester County as a Partner In Charity" and we invoke the intercession of Blessed Pope John XXIII as our patron.

The appeal aids seminarians, college students, Catholic schools, Priests' retirement, religious education (CCD) and family life programs.

The overall goal is $4.7 million and our parish goal is $67,000. Please be generous.

To date we have received gifts amounting to $64,976 or 97% of goal.

Please make your pledge or donation as soon as possible so that we can reach our parish goal for these much needed services.

ST. LEO'S BOY SCOUT TROOP 11
FRANCISCO TORRES – EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Used Instrument Drive

Please donate your used electric and acoustic guitars and electric key-boards. Any and all instruments are very much appreciated and will empower local youth to express themselves through the arts!

Saturday and Sunday, June 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information call 508-527-6998. Thanks for your help!

CARE NET BABY BOTTLE DRIVE

Beginning the weekend of May 18th we have baby bottles available to be used to collect your coins and bills for the pro-life programs of CareNet in our area.

Please take a baby bottle home, fill it with spare change and return it by Fathers' Day, June 15th.

Please be generous.

ITALIAN FESTA

St. Anthony Parish, 123 Salem Street, Fitchburg is holding its Italian Festival on Saturday, June 14th from 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Some of the scheduled events include a cash raffle, live entertainment, arcade games for the children, and a moonwalk. Their delicious Italian specialties and summer fare will highlight the day. Hope to see you at the Festa!

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.

ST.THOMAS MORE SCHOLARSHIP

Law students may obtain an application for the St. Thomas More Scholarship by contacting:

The St. Thomas More Society
Chancery Office
49 Elm Street
Worcester, MA 01609

Or you may call the chancery at 508-791-7171, and ask for Eileen in the Diocesan Tribunal.

Applicants may be currently enrolled in an accredited law school or entering their first year. Applicants or their parents must be members of a parish in the Diocese of Worcester.

The scholarship is usually in the amount of $3,000. The deadline for returning the application June 30, 2008.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon is holding its annual Strawberry Festival on Friday, June 13th, Saturday, June 14th, and Sunday, June 15th.

Friday booths are open from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Casino Night 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, booths open from 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. and a Country Auction at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, booths open from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and they also feature a Father's Day Breakfast from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Join them for entertainment, games, raffles, fun, food, and fellowship, and don't forget their famous Strawberry Booth and Country Kitchen filled with delicious treats!

CONGRATULATIONS

To all our young people who have or will be graduating from college and high school during this season.

We offer sincere best wishes to students and their families from Leominster High School, St. Bernard's High School, St. John's High School, Montachusett Regional Technical Vocation School, Holy Name High School, and Nashoba.

Our prayers and salutations are with the graduates.

PROJECT RACHEL

Not every pregnancy is easy to talk about.

If you are hurting from a past abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or other reproductive loss, Project Rachel can help.

Call Project Rachel at 508-791-HOPE.

Services are free and strictly confidential. Trust in the tender embrace of God's love & mercy!

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!

Pro Life

In his encyclical, The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II compassionately spoke to women who have had an abortion, "The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope..."

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Flea Market

Saturday, June 14th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., the Clinton Council of Knights will hold a huge flea market in St. John's Gym, 149 Chestnut Street, Clinton.

The day will include sales of many flea market items, a silent auction, raffles, children's games and lunches served.

All proceeds are to benefit the Clinton Knights of Columbus.

GOOD BYE & HELLO

On June 14th our parish was notified by Bishop McManus that Fr. Dennis O’Mara would be reassigned to St. Luke Parish, Westboro, effective July 1st.

We wish Fr. O’Mara well in his new ministry and thank him for his heartfelt and compassionate service to our spiritual needs here at St. Leo’s.

We welcome Fr. Kevin Hartford who comes to us from St. Mary Parish, Milford, MA. We offer a hearty St. Leo welcome to our new associate pastor!

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 by making an appointment right now!

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

St. Leo's Parish in collaboration with Collette Vacations announces that we will be sponsoring a trip to the Oberammergau Passion Play and the Imperial Cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest from August 26th – September 4th, 2010.

The world famous Passion Play is held every ten years and dates back to 1634. Saved from the Black Plague in the Middle Ages, the townspeople offer the performance in thanksgiving to God.

An open meeting with a Collette representative will be held in our conference room on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome.

CONSCIENCE

As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate's position on a single issue that involves an intrinsic evil, such as support for legal abortion or the promotion of racism, may legitimately lead a voter to disqualify a candidate from receiving support.

"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" 11/14/07

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.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

North Central Mass Habitat for Humanity is building homes with families in need in Acton, Ashburnham, Fitchburg, and Townsend.

Sign up to volunteer online or call 978-348-2749.

Work days vary – most Saturdays and some weekdays.

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

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.

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 2008 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.

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

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.

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 in New England are June 20th-22nd, July 18th-20th, and September 19th-21st.

For more information call: Ray & Beth 1-800-710-WWME or visit www.wwmema.org.

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.