Lenten Parish-wide Journey, ASP Rock-a-thon, Adult Servers for Funerals, Prayer Shawl Ministry, KofC Juggler, KofC Comedy Night, Bereavement Support Program, Youth Ministry, Confirmation Students' Mass, Scholarship Opportunities, New Moms Group, Quiet Ways to Pray, English Classes, HS Volunteer Opportunity, Summer Vacation Bible School, OCIA Candidates, Driver Needed, Cooks Needed, Catholic School Open House, Lenten Books, Schedules, Rice Bowls, & Resources, Thank you from our Pastor, Parish Photos.
Word on Fire, Why Fast?
PLEASE PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS
St. Luke's Adult Studies
Invites You To
A Parish-wide Lenten Journey
Do you desire clarity of purpose, stronger faith,
enduring hope, and love in action?
Is Christ at the center of your life?
Join us this Lent
Join us in a parish-wide journey of introspection and penance as we prepare for the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus.
Starting March 5th, Ash Wednesday, with daily meditations until April 20, Easter Sunday. Take the journey independently, as a family, with friends/co-workers, or within a Small Group.
There are 2 Small Groups that will meet on Sundays.
When?
Sundays,
March 5th through April 20th
10:00 - 10:55am
Where?
- Small Groups for All Ages will meet in the Rectory Meeting Room
- Enter the door labeled "Meeting Room" located at the side of the rectory next to the garage & parking lot, and go downstairs.
- Enter the door labeled "Meeting Room" located at the side of the rectory next to the garage & parking lot, and go downstairs.
- Small Groups for Parents will meet in Room 23, Parish Center
No sign-up necessary—feel free to drop by!
Books available at all Sunday Masses on
February 23, March 2, and March 9
Or you can get them in the Parish Center during Office Hours.
Or you can get them in the Parish Center during Office Hours.
Books Cost $5.00
Lenten Opportunities at St. Luke's Church
DAILY MASS
9am Monday-Friday
ADORATION
9:30am-6pm Tuesdays
BENEDICTION
6pm Tuesdays
CONFESSION
5pm-6pm Tuesdays
3pm-3:50pm Saturdays
3pm-3:50pm Saturdays
MORNING PRAYER
7am-8am Wednesdays
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
9:30am Fridays
3:00pm Good Friday
SOUP & STATIONS
Friday, April 4, 6pm
Stations with Soup to follow
TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT
Wed., March 12, 7pm-8pm
PARISH PENANCE SERVICE
Wed., April 2, 7pm-9pm
Scroll down this message to sign up for Lenten messages and more.
View our Lenten Resource Flocknote for Monday's comprehensive email, or visit our website for up-to-date news and resources for Lent at St. Luke's!
Recruiting
Adult Altar Servers for Funerals
Would you like to join St. Luke's Altar Server Funeral Ministry?
There are three servers for every funeral and responsibilities include assisting the priest during the Mass.
Funeral Masses are offered on weekdays from 10:30 am – 12 noon and occasionally on Saturdays. You would receive a call once a need arises, and you can say yes or no based on your availability.
Training will be provided. If interested or you would like more information, please contact Julie Basque at 508-366-5502, ext 15 or pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Tuesday, March 11th
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Room 23 of the Parish Center
This ministry is open to all interested in knitting or crocheting prayer shawls, lap robes or afghans for the sick and suffering. We also makes hats and mittens for the Giving Tree at Christmas.
We would love to have new members to fill the many requests for the handmade items. Yarn is available at the Parish Center.
If you would like to participate but can’t make the monthly meetings, please contact Carol Mulcahy at cmmulcahy@live.com or 508-898-0409 for more information about patterns and yarn.
John Boyle O'Reilly Hall / KofC
17 Willow Street, Westborough
Join "Father Patrick Aloysius Misgivings" for this divine presentation of stories and one liners about growing up Catholic. From miracles and marriage counseling to bazaars and birth control, nothing escapes the good father's razor sharp Irish wit. This hilarious, interactive comedy includes a collection, a raffle and even an actual Bingo game.
Friday, March 14th - KofC Hall
6:30pm: Doors open
7:00pm: Dinner (Lenten-Friendly)
8:00pm: Show starts
Tickets $25/pp, includes show & dinner. Cash Bar.
To Reserve Tickets
Contact Joe Black: joeblacksr@verizon.net or 508-212-2848. Make checks payable to "KofC Council 85." Send to Joe Black, 2 Dover Way, Westborough, MA.
Henry the Juggler!
NEW DATE
Sunday, March 16th, 1:00PM
FREE! Open to all! Refreshments!
Contact Joe: joeblacksr@verizon.net
Donations to K of C accepted
NEW DATE!!
Come see Henry the Juggler defy the laws of gravity by juggling any number of balls, clubs, and rings, and by balancing strange items on the tip of his nose.
Everything is accomplished wordlessly as Henry uses body language (and road signs!) to express himself. Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act!
Quiet Ways to Pray
Monday, March 10th at 2pm
Second Monday of Every Month:
March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9
2pm - Parish Center, Room 23
Prayer Guide: Kathy Burbank
Please let us know you are coming:
508-366-5502, ext. 15, or pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org.
ALL women of St. Luke’s are invited!
Rescheduled!
WOSL Communion Luncheon
Sunday, March 30th
Join us at 11am Mass for a special blessing!
Luncheon follows, 12pm, in the Parish Center Hall.
Luncheon follows, 12pm, in the Parish Center Hall.
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, Mimosas, pastries, a variety of sandwiches, salad, potato salad, chips, pickles, chicken soup and dessert! All compliments of the Women's Club!
If you were already signed up, there is no need to RSVP. (You will receive a full refund due to the weather cancellation.)
If you have not signed up already and wish to attend,
you must RSVP by calling:
Kathy Kivlehan 508-755-5408 or
Cindy Haskell 508-366-1715
Kathy Kivlehan 508-755-5408 or
Cindy Haskell 508-366-1715
New Moms Group
Friday Mornings:
April 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16
10:15am -11:30am
10:15am -11:30am
Are you a new mom with a baby under 1 year old? Are you looking to meet other new moms?
If so, we'd love to have you join us for a six-week new mom group. The group, moms and babies, will be facilitated by one of our parish moms, Meghan McLoughlin, in her Westborough home.
Each week moms will have the opportunity to share the joys (those first baby smiles) and struggles of motherhood (will I ever sleep again?)
Topics we will discuss include: your new identity as a mom, changing relationships, infant sleep, things to do with your baby, and sharing your faith with your child.
For more information or to register, please email pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org, or
call 508-366-5502, ext 15 and ask for Julie.
St. Luke’s Parish Presents
Spring
Bereavement Series
Starts Wednesday, April 9th
6:30pm - 8:00pm
St. Luke's Parish Center
1 Ruggles Street, Westborough
Wednesday, April 9
Introduction to Grief: I am not alone.
Wednesday, Apr. 16
The Mosaic of Grief: What Can I Expect?
Wednesday, April 23
Anniversaries and Holidays
Wednesday, April 30
Spiritual Care: Loss and Meaning
Wednesday May 7
Restoring Balance, care while moving forward.
Every human being has a great, yet often unknown, gift to care, to be compassionate, to become present to the other, to listen, to hear and to receive... Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief, and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart, can breakthrough paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
Offered by the St. Luke’s Bereavement Ministry.
Space is limited. Register with Julie Basque at 508-366-5502, ext. 15 or pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org
THANK YOU
From Fr. Diego
Thanks to your generous donations, we have a new set of vestments in all liturgical colors of the year with the design pattern of our church. A special thanks to Pat Gagnon for her diligent and dedicated service to make this possible.
GRAND ANNUAL UPDATE:
Beginning on March 10, Sunshine Sign will start the process of excavating the old St. Luke’s sign and installing the new one.
Do you enjoy being with teens and sharing your faith with them?
We are in need of a Youth Minister and invite you to our vibrant community!
Please contact Fr. Diego if interested
508-366-5502 x11
frdiego@stlukes-parish.org
508-366-5502 x11
frdiego@stlukes-parish.org
Attention:
Parents of High School Students
All High School students from Grades 9 - 12 are encouraged to volunteer. If your son or daughter is in the 9th or 10th grade, this opportunity would be part of the “Action” program. Please see below:
Event: Feeding the Homeless
Where: Oscar Romero Food Pantry, 19 Chatham Street, Worcester
Date: Saturday Mornings
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Sign Up: If interested, please email Denise Pelkey at dpelkey@stlukes-parish.org. Volunteers Needed: 2 students needed each week. First 2 to respond will be able to attend.
Attention: Parents of
Confirmation Students
St. Luke’s would like to recognize your son or daughter during a regularly scheduled mass and present them to the St. Luke’s community for their dedication towards the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Masses will be held on March 29 and March 30. If you would like your son or daughter to be recognized, please contact Denise Pelkey at dpelkey@stlukes-parish.org.
Attention:
Parents of Seniors
Women of St. Luke's Scholarship
Congratulations on your son or daughter graduating this year! It is a very exciting time but it can also be overwhelming and costly. There are scholarships available to help with the cost of his or her education.
Please contact Denise Pelkey at dpelkey@stlukes-parish.org to get the scholarship application.
The WOSL Scholarship Application is due Wednesday, May 1st at 5:00PM.
Please note that recipients of this scholarship can be from towns and schools other than Westborough, as long as your service was with St. Luke's Parish.
Attention: Parents of Seniors
Westborough Women’s Club Scholarship
Announcing a Scholarship from the Westborough Women’s Club! For the 2024-25 school year, they will award $3,000 scholarships to Westborough residents who are seniors. They are offering scholarships for those going to college as well as those who have an alternative path such as a two-year school program or a trade!
Application Process and Deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Application criteria:
- List your community service and work experiences on a chart that is provided.
- A well-written essay of < 500 words describing your community service and HOW it has impacted your life.
- Email your completed application to deblamothe@hotmail.com by the deadline.
You must use your personal email account; they are unable to open your school account.
If you would like a copy of the application, please come to Room 25 in the Parish Center.
If you have questions, please contact Deb Lamothe, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, deblamothe@hotmail.com.
Westborough Appalachia Service Project
Youth Group
ASP's Annual Rock-a-thon!
Please pray for and help ASP youth during their biggest fundraiser of the year, the ROCK-A-THON!
This weekend, our youth will rock in rocking chairs for 8 hours (with 5 minute breaks on the hour) in St. Luke's Parish Hall to raise money, all while doing activities that focus on team-building, such as with the famous ASP Olympics; plus videos and conversations around Appalachian issues, what it means to be in service, sensitivity, and sharing God's love.
Please support our youth and this important mission trip! To sponsor a youth, you can make a secure online donation by clicking the red box. Thank you!
Scenes from ASP's 2024 Rock-a-thon at St. Luke's
ASP's ADULT MISSION TRIP
INFO MEETING
March 16 at 10:00am
First United Methodist Church, Westborough
There is an mission trip for adults in the fall every year. If you are over 18 and interested in spending a week helping others through basic home repair, this trip might be for you! This meeting will cover the basics of what's involved and try to pin down some dates. The trip will be in October. Both those who are ready to commit for this fall and those who are merely curious are invited!
SAVE THE DATE!
True North : Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
Mark your calendars and get ready for a week of fun and faith-filled activities!
Westborough Ecumenical Vacation Bible School will be held from July 28 - August 1, from 9am - 12noon at St. Luke's Parish Center. Details and registration information will be coming soon!
Adult volunteers will be needed as well as students grades 7 - 12. Please let us know if you're interested in helping to make VBS a fun and successful week! We will reach out to let you know later in March about a planning meeting (TBD.) Thanks!
Vacation Bible School
Please let us know you might be interested in helping.
Please contact me about VBS.
Questions?
Contact Dianne Patrick, Site Coordinator at diannempatrick@yahoo.com or Stephanie Shepardson, Program Director at sshepardson@comcast.net.
An OCIA Milestone for St. Luke's Candidates
Our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) candidates, Michele Conway, Bob Potters, Keila Santa, and Quinn Stanton, celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester on March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, with Bishop McManus presiding. Through the OCIA (formerly called RCIA), our candidates are seeking the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist that will bring them into full communion with the Catholic Church. Michele, Bob and Quinn were baptized in another Christian faith tradition and have chosen to become in full communion with the Catholic Church. Keila, while baptized Catholic, will also be receiving the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. This is a milestone in their spiritual journey, which has already been enhanced through the support of the St. Luke’s parish community.
Our candidates join hundreds of other catechumens and candidates from the Worcester Diocese who celebrate the Rite of Election (for the unbaptized) and Call to Continuing Conversion (for those like our candidates who have already received a Christian baptism). Our candidates have now moved into the final phase of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) to be conferred at the Easter Vigil Mass. The past several months of catechesis focused on a conversion of heart and mind to follow Christ in the Catholic faith tradition.
Our candidates join hundreds of other catechumens and candidates from the Worcester Diocese who celebrate the Rite of Election (for the unbaptized) and Call to Continuing Conversion (for those like our candidates who have already received a Christian baptism). Our candidates have now moved into the final phase of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) to be conferred at the Easter Vigil Mass. The past several months of catechesis focused on a conversion of heart and mind to follow Christ in the Catholic faith tradition.
The gathering at the cathedral is a memorable occasion for catechumens and candidates. St. Paul’s Cathedral is magnificent, and the throngs of people throughout the diocese seeking full communion into the Catholic Church represent a powerful witness to God’s work along with all the sponsors, who have chosen to walk with the catechumens and candidates on their spiritual journey through the OCIA process.
The Rite of Sending at our own parish precedes the ceremony at the cathedral. As awe-inspiring as the Rite of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion is, the Rite of Sending is a more intimate expression of support from our own St. Luke’s Parish as we prepare our candidates to go before our bishop. At the Rite of Sending, our
candidates inscribe their names in the book of our parish, a long-standing tradition. In so doing, they inscribe their lives in the heart of our St. Luke’s faith community and remind all of us at St. Luke’s to not take our own faith for granted.
Please keep Michele Conway, Bob Potters, Keila Santa, and Quinn Stanton in your prayers as they complete this final phase of OCIA preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Lenten In-box Resources for St. Luke's!
Below find a selection of inspirational and interesting messages for Lent: Little in-box reminders to help us stay focused this Lent.
Click the box to subscribe. (Unsubscribe at any time.)
Most subscriptions start on Ash Wednesday.
GOSPEL LENTEN REFLECTIONS
Bishop Barron's Word on Fire ENGAGE
Receive Bishop Barron's powerful, engaging, and insightful reflections for Sundays and major feasts of the Lenten season.
HOLINESS AT HOME - Family & Children
Bishop Barron's Word on Fire ENGAGE
We all love fun challenges, and so do children! Lent is a beautiful time to challenge yourself, and your children, to make true sacrifices and grow closer to the Lord. Kick-off and journey through Lent and Holy Week with these family-based reflections and activities.
BEST LENT EVER - Dynamic Catholic
Experience Divine Mercy Like Never Before
This Lent, join Matthew Kelly and nearly one million Catholics for a brand new consecration journey. Are you ready to encounter God’s mercy like never before?
DAILY LENTEN REFLECTIONS - FORMED.org
Dive deep into the Mystery of Christ this Lent.
As we journey with Christ for 40 days, make his Word your constant companion with Daily Reflections. This year, you’ll be ready for Lent. Journey with us with two brand new series from the Augustine Institute: How to Lent and Foretold.
"33 DAYS TO EUCHARISTIC GLORY"
You are invited to participate in a spiritual journey - a Spiritual Pilgrimage with the new book by best-selling author, Matthew Kelly, from Dynamic Catholic.
For 33 days, you will journey alongside Mother Teresa, John Paul II, Thérèse of Lisieux and other spiritual masters to experience Jesus in the Eucharist like never before. This consecration is an invitation to dedicate yourself to God and make yourself 100 percent available to Him. It will prepare you to make an unconditional surrender to Jesus in the Eucharist, filling your life with the astounding clarity and lasting joy only He can provide. In only 15 minutes a day!
Books are FREE in the vestibule of the church.
Thank you to an anonymous donor!
Contributions are welcome.
Catholic Relief Services
Operation Rice Bowl
Please take a Rice Bowl and collect donations as a family!
Lenten alms donated through Catholic Relief Service Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 120 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts.
They will be available in the vestibule of the church and in the Parish Center during Lent. Filled bowls can be dropped off at the Parish Center. Thank you!
ENGLISH CLASSES
Are you or someone you know looking for English Classes? Call Carmen at (508) 826-5172.
Carmen teaches classes at St. Luke’s Parish Center
Mondays 6-8pm for Beginners, and
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm for Advanced.
Calling All Cooks!
We are looking for people willing to make a meal once a month for a parishioner in need starting in January. Our meal ministry coordinates meals to be delivered weekly to a parishioner in need of a home cooked meal. A group of four cooks each take one Wednesday per month to make their meal for the parishioner. These meals are greatly appreciated. If you would be able to help us or would like more information, please contact Julie Basque at pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org or call 508-366-8509, ext 15.
OPEN HOUSE!
March 12 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
A private Catholic school for grades Pre K - 8
Driver Needed!
A parishioner who lives at the Willows on Lyman St. in Westborough is in need of a ride to Mass on the weekends. Any Mass time works for her and she is able-bodied. Please contact Julie Basque at pastoralassociate@stlukes-parish.org or
call 508-366-8509 x15 for more information.
call 508-366-8509 x15 for more information.
Why Fasting?
Fasting denotes abstinence from food.
Before diets made it cool, religious men and women of many creeds have fasted regularly as part of their spiritual exercises for generations and generations.
But why?
Why Fast at All?
Jesus himself fasted for 40 days at the start of his ministry and challenged his disciples to pray and fast regularly (Mark 9:29). Early Christians and the Church Fathers (Augustine, Anthony, Polycarp, etc.) fasted rigorously and expected their peers to do the same.
There are obvious health benefits to fasting and cleansing our systems at regular intervals, as well!
How Should I Fast?
Fasting ought to make us uncomfortable. The goal isn't to have an attitude of "What can I get away with today?" or to eat a lobster seafood platter. How is the Lord calling you to take up the challenge of fasting this Lent?
In the Latin (Roman) Catholic Church, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal; this sacrifice is asked of Catholics from ages 18 to 59. And no meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, or on Fridays during Lent!
What's the Spiritual Fruit of This?
Fasting without prayer is just dieting; when we fast and feel those hunger pains, we should transfer that ache to God, the only one who can satisfy our hungry hearts. Writes Fr. Blake Britton:
"It aids the soul in acquiring maturity. As any psychologist will recognize, lack of discipline and self-control are clear signs of immaturity. The failure to be patient, make wise decisions, and responsibly enjoy food, drink, or relationships represents a severe lapse in human development. This is why practicing self-restraint on a regular basis through fasting is so crucial to the spiritual life. It is not just about giving something up because the Church says so. The more we practice abstinence, the more mature we become, passing from the immaturity of immediate gratification to the maturity of regulated consumption."
St. Francis is one of the most beloved figures of the Church and a model of hunger and poverty par excellence. Watch this clip from the series Pivotal Players with Bishop Barron here:
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world!
Mass Times and More: Visit our website: St. Luke the Evangelist
- View St. Luke's weekly bulletins online, here: BULLETINS
- View recent Flocknote Newsletters or sign in here: FLOCKNOTES
- Browse Bishop Barron's Word on Fire content, here: WORD on FIRE
- Browse all FORMED content or sign up as a parishioner, here: FORMED.org
- Secure donations and contributions can be made here: WeShare
Parish Center Office:
508-366-5502
9:30am to 4:00pm: Monday - Thursday
St. Luke's Church is always open -
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take time out of your busy week to spend some quiet time with the Lord.
