In the Community & the World

Mass of Remembrance

Each year, during the month of November, when Catholics traditionally remember and pray for all the dead, we gather for our Annual Masses of Remembrance. At these Masses, we pray especially for all those whose funerals or burials we celebrated here in the past year, but all are welcome to join us and pray for all their beloved dead. This well attended liturgy allows us once again to mourn our loss with others who are also grieving. Together we look with hope to what our loved ones have gained and seek strength and comfort as we continue our own journey. 

Book of the Dead

During the month of November you are invited to enter the names of your deceased family members and friends in the Book of the Dead (found on a stand next to the ambo in the church or chapel), and we will remember those listed in the book during the entire month whenever we gather for liturgy.      

Cemetery Mass

Each year, we gather at St. Francis Cemetery on Washington Street on Memorial Day to celebrate the lives of loved one who have died. This outdoor mass is a special time for us to come together in our shared grief to mourn our loved ones. It is truly a communal celebration and people linger after the liturgy to share their lives and stories with each other over coffee and donuts. If there is inclement weather this mass is held in the church.

The Matthew13 Catholic Collaborative has a strong bond with the Walpole Knights of Columbus located on Stone Street in Walpole.

We work in tandem with the K of C to provide community support and outreach.  The Knights of Columbus also hold social events like Friday Fish Dinners during Lent and themed dinners throughout the year. If you would like to find out more about joining the Knights of Columbus, please contact Frank Mosher at 508-668-9037.

When you go to the Hospital

All hospitals have Chaplains/Pastoral Care Departments that provide for the sacramental needs (Penance, Eucharist, Anointing) of all patients while they are hospitalized. While in the hospital, ask for the chaplain to visit, to bring you communion or to be anointed.

Our Priests, visit parishioners at Norwood Hospital often. If you go to a different Hospital for your health care, we will need you or someone in your family to let us know. Please contact us so that we can remember you in our prayers at weekend Masses and attend to your needs when you return home.

When one of our parishioners go to Assisted Living or Nursing Home facilities in the area, please let us know so that we can include them in our outreach programs.

To let us know how we can help you through a family illness or to ask for our prayers, contact either parish office - Blessed Sacrament 508-668-4700 or St. Mary's 508-668-4974.

Anointing

"Is any among you sick?  Let them call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed sins, they will be forgiven."   (James 5:14-15) 

When you are diagnosed with a serious illness, facing surgery, receiving chemo or radiation treatments, living with a chronic illness, struggling with an addiction, or facing the physical struggles of growing older, this is the time to ask for the Sacrament of the Sick. This anointing is to give strength and healing power to help us live with and cope with serious illness.

The Anointing of the Sick  is not the sacrament of the dying. Viaticum (Eucharist) is actually the sacrament of the dying. Viaticum is when a priest or lay person visits the dying to pray with them, their family and caregivers and to bring them the Eucharist as food for the journey.

Each year, we celebrate a special Mass of Anointing in the handicapped accessible school auditorium, followed by a reception hosted by many of our school children.  It is a joy-filled celebration of Christ's healing ministry.

If you can get to church, you can receive the Anointing of the Sick either at Mass or in the chapel after any weekend or daily Mass. If you are homebound, we will arrange to visit you at home. Please call either parish office, Blessed Sacrament 508-668-4700 or St. Mary's 508-668-4974.

Eucharistic Visitors

The entire collaborative community is the primary provider of pastoral outreach through our presence, prayer and sacrament.  Our Eucharistic & Friendly Visitors belong to an ever growing circle of dedicated volunteers who generously give of their time, care, love, compassion and listening presence. They are the visible signs of Jesus' healing presence, bringing the care of our parish to people who are often frightened, confused, lonely, depressed or isolated.

Quality pastoral care supports life, brings comfort, hope and connectedness to people in need. It is an integral part of our parishes. Eucharistic visitors bring communion to those who are confined to home especially the elderly, the terminally ill and their families, and senior housing residents, patients at  Norwood Hospital and people facing crisis. Friendly visitors bring prayer and friendship to those who are ill or shut in.    Email Fr. John Healy at frjohn@matt13catholic to get involved to find out more.

Our next collection will be on November 26 (Tuesday- due to Thanksgiving holiday) and Saturday, November 30.  We will be collecting healthy snack items that will be served to the guests for lunches at the shelter, but will also go to outreach vans.  We are asking that you sign up to bring 10/bars/bags of different items from the list provided.
We will be collecting healthy snack items that will be served to the guests for lunches at the shelter, but will also go to outreach vans.  We are asking that you sign up to bring 10/bars/bags of different items from the list provided.  
 Please click on the following link to use our Sign Up Genius.
Pine Street Inn Donation
Our collections will be monthly on Thursday mornings (9:30am-12pm) and on Saturday mornings (10-11am) at St. Mary Parish Center (205 Washington St., 1^st awning, off the parking lot).  

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Connors at [email protected].  

 

St. Mary's Prayer Line

If you wish to add a name to the prayer requests,  contact: Louise Fahey at [email protected].

The respect for all of human life, from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death, is at the heart of Catholic teaching.  There is no justice for all, unless there is justice for the most vulnerable among us...

Our Respect Life group meets regularly to pray and plan events around pro-life activities.  Activities include selling Christmas cards, roses at Mother's Day, annual baby shower, and participation in the annual Pro Life Walk in Boston, and a Holy Hour for Life.

To get involved, email Ann Corkery at [email protected]

St. Vincent de Paul lived in France in the 17th century. He was the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, and with St. Louise de Marillac, founded the Daughters of Charity. He spent his life caring for the poor.

Our Walpole St. Vincent de Paul Society follows the example of its founder.  We provide spiritual and financial support for those who are struggling financially.  We provide assistance with food, heating, housing costs, and temporary assistance with shelter.  We look for the face of Jesus in those we serve.

Our poor boxes are one way you can support our mission and help the poor. The poor boxes located near the front and side doors of our churches.  We have a second collection two times a year, which accounts for a majority of our funding. All donations, by check or cash, are welcome. If paying by check, please make your check out to SVdP.  80-100% of your gift supports the poor right here in Walpole and is distributed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Because of your generosity, our Walpole conference of SvdP has been able to help hundreds of local families in their time of need. 

On your way out of church please say a special prayer for the poor and forgotten, as you place your gift in the poor box. Thank you on behalf of those who have received your gracious gifts!

Please call 508-476-6003 if you are in need of assistance and we will get back to you and schedule a home visit.