SATURDAY, JUNE 28

   4:30 PM   Albin F. Norbut by Louise R. Norbut

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

   7:30 AM   Edward Kane by Connie Jenning Gauvin

10:30 AM   Eleanor A. Barron by Mary Logan & Family

 

MONDAY, JUNE 30

   8:00 AM   Randolph Carroll by Bill & Kathy Kingsley

 

TUESDAY, JULY 1

   8:00 AM   Eucharistic Service

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

   8:00 AM   Parish Family

 

THURSDAY, JULY 3

   8:00 AM   Eucharistic Service

 

FRIDAY, JULY 4

   8:00 AM   Stephen Pallotta by Roccy & Marcia Risbara

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

MASSES NEXT WEEKEND:

 

SATURDAY, JULY 5

   4:30 PM   David Vachon, Ph.D., by Irene & Charles Pinette

 

SUNDAY, JULY 6

   7:30 AM   Donald F. Meade by the O’Neil Family

10:30 AM   Carole Mallozzi by the Family

 

FAITH FACTS: Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. This feast commemorates the martyrdom at Rome of the two great Apostles. The celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being either the anniversary of their death or of the translation of their relics.

THE SANCTUARY LAMP WILL BURN

THIS WEEK

JUNE 29~ JULY 5

For the Intentions of

MARY A. BONANNO

 

 

WEEKLY REFLECTION: Solemnity of Sts. Peter & Paul

Peter and Paul are wonderful examples of discipleship. While they had their virtues they also had some serious faults.  Peter was always putting his foot in his mouth and even denied Jesus.  Paul was so committed to the Law that he persecuted Jesus’ followers.  Yet both were used by God to spread the Good News and God can use us in this mission too.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me.

~Psalm 34:4

 

“STEWARDSHIP  -- A Disciple’s Way of Life!”

Both the first reading and the Gospel this weekend speak of hospitality and welcome.  Our ministers of hospitality are a most visible example of using one’s time and talent to welcome the people of God.  But the Gospel assures us that all who give even just “a cup of cold water” to one of His lowliest ones will be rewarded.

(From Stewardship By The Book, by Sharon Hueckel.  Used with permission.)

Commentary:

During a meeting of a parish Stewardship Commission, one of the members said, “There are times during the Mass when I will see people three or four pews away, and I would like to exchange the gift of peace with them. But I’m afraid that if I step out of the pew and go to them, other people will laugh at me or criticize me.”  No wonder survey after survey shows that Catholic churches are seen as being unwelcoming. Jesus never hesitated to greet His friends; why should we? How often do we let fear of criticism or ridicule stop us from making connections with others?

FINANCIAL REPORT JUNE 22, 2008

Total Required to Support Parish                $  9,500.00

Parish Offertory Collection                         $  6,953.00

Building Fund                                             $     870.00

Electronic Funds June (weekly Offertory)   $    967.36

Electronic Funds June (weekly Bldg Fund  )$   220.86

Total                                                          $ 9,011.22

Catholic Communications Campaign             $1,225.00

 

(in case you miss this two weeks ago, here it is again)

 

At the end of May 2008, a total of $441,215.00 has been received from pledges from the Capital Campaign. The balance of the loan is currently at $611,633.00. A total of $782,881.00 has been applied to the principal on the loan from the pledges received; from the sale of St. Jude’s; and from the sale of the property and building adjourning the church. We want to thank all those whose generosity continues to support our parish building and programs.

 

MISSION BASKET FOR JUNE

The Archdiocese for the Military Services is responsible for the spiritual welfare of Catholics serving in our Armed Forces, their family members, patients in VA Medical Centers and U.S. Government personnel serving overseas – a total of more than 1.5 million souls! We receive no financial support from the U.S. Government and must rely on donations from the Catholic Community to provide pastoral care to our faithful members. We need to increase the number of priests to serve Catholics in the military, and encourage young men to pursue a priestly vocation for all our dioceses through Discernment Weekends. Last year we had more than 70 young participate in such spiritual seminars.In the meantime, we have developed and implemented a ministry entitled Catholics Seeking Christ (CSC) .CSC is a young adult peer-to-peer ministry designed to “keep the Faith alive” among our young Catholic military members when there is no priest available to them. Maintaining spiritual sustenance for our military members is essential, but these ministries are not inexpensive. Please be as generous as you can. Thank You!

 

Project G.R.A.C.E. News

Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort

P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846

883-5111  E-mail address: pgme@projectgracemaine.org

 

WE NEED YOU FOR SUMMERFEST!:   We invite you to have some fun at the Project G.R.A.C.E. Summerfest booth.  We need volunteers- Summerfest is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.  If you or a group of friends would like to join us in planning this event and/or working the event, please give us a call.  Any amount of time you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

SUMMERFEST SPONSORSHIP:  The Project G.R.A.C.E. Summerfest booths will be filled with food and fun for all ages- for two days!  Would you or your business consider sponsorship?  Available for sponsorship are games for the whole family, as well as our back-by-popular demand Race for G.R.A.C.E.!

 

CLEANING OUT THE YARD OR GARAGE?:  If so, Project G.R.A.C.E. has a few items that we are looking for:  a push lawn-mower and a picnic table.  If you have either of these items that you are looking for a good home for, we can take them off your hands, and they will indeed go to a good home!    

 

2008 FOOD AND FUEL CHALLENGE, NEED HELP TO HIT THE GOAL!:  As you may imagine, there are more and more neighbors in need of this type of assistance.  The skyrocketing fuel prices have hit many residents hard.  We are making our way towards the goal, but we are not there yet!  Local businessman Eddie Woodin, has challenged Project G.R.A.C.E. to raise $30,000 this year to provide fuel and nutritious food to Scarborough families whose budgets are at the breaking point. As part of the challenge we will offer incentives to recipient families to enhance the assistance they receive, such as extra gift cards to purchase fruits, vegetables and whole grain items as well as free participation in nutrition, cooking and fitness classes offered by community partners.  Donors wishing to contribute to the challenge can send the above address, mark check, Food and Fuel Challenge.

 

IF YOU KNOW: of anyone in the Greater Scarborough area, who is struggling to meet basic needs, please consider referring them to a volunteer at Project G.R.A.C.E.  Referrals can be done anonymously.  Call our office at 883-5111 or send an email to pgme@projectgracemaine.org

 

PROJECT G.R.A.C.E. NEEDS YOUR TIME AND TALENT!:   Project G.R.A.C.E. is taking a summer break from meetings.  We will resume our bi-weekly meetings in mid-September. If you can’t attend bi-weekly committee meetings, there are many other ways to volunteer, just give us a call and we can discuss opportunities.

CYCLES

OF FAITH

 

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

 

On October 12, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the "Bronze Door," the nearly 400-year-old but newly refurbished principal entrance to the Vatican Apostolic Palace in Rome. In his remarks, the Holy Father said, "this door assumes a symbolic and spiritual significance. Those who come to meet Peter's successor pass through here." It is Benedict's hope that those who pass through these doors will feel his embrace.

            Jesus asks his disciples two very important questions: Who do the people say the Son of Man is, and who do you say that I am? Imagine Jesus' joy in Peter's response-"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter didn't hesitate in speaking from his heart, and was rewarded with the embrace of Jesus Christ and the authority to govern the Church. What can we learn from Peter's immediate, heartfelt response?

            When we recite the Apostles' Creed, we renew to ourselves our mission as members of the Church to be apostolic, to carry out the message of Christ's love to the world (CCC 863). Just as Peter was acknowledged for his true faith received from God, and just as Paul and the apostles traveled throughout the land, we are called to know the gift of God's grace, and to share our gift whenever and wherever possible.

 

WAYSIDE EVENING SOUP KITCHEN

Please consider helping us cook or serve this weekend, Sunday, June 29th. Call Steve Gressani (541-3281 daytime or 510-1875 evenings), if you wish to volunteer this month.

 

STRUGGLING WITH ALCOHOL/DRUG ISSUES?

Catholic Charities Maine Counseling Services offers confidential substance abuse and mental health counseling for those experiencing problems and/or family members needing assistance. Immediate appointments available. Walk-ins welcome. Mon-Fri, 10AM-4PM at 250 Anderson St., Portland. 775-5671.

 

 

Looking for news from the Church in Maine? Need information on Mass times from various parishes? Would you like to contact a Church official or look up events happening across the state? You’ll find that and so much more, including prayer resources and social service programs on the diocesan web site: www.portlanddiocese.net  Information is updated daily so visit us often!

Also, if you are traveling out of state, go to www.masstimes.org and find a church plus times of masses.

 

 

If you have any comments or questions regarding the Parish or its activities, please email us at: Feedback@SaintMax.com. Please do not submit comments anonymously but give your name so that we can get back to you for further information or insights.

 

 

 

SOLES4SOULS: Over 1.5 billion pairs of shoes lay idle in American closets. Over 300 million children are without shoes. Soles4souls is a non profit organization that has a simple mission; “To impact as many lives as possible with the simple gift of shoes.” Alex, Lindsay, Maddy, and Hannah Dobecki are coordinating a shoe drive for Soles4souls for the town of Scarborough. We are asking that you clean your closets and donate gently used shoes of all types. If you could; please donate two dollars per pair, to help cover the cost of shipping the shoes. This shoes drive is from Saturday June 7th, till Monday July 7th. There is a tall box in the Narthex where you can place your shoes and donation in the envelope above.

FMI, call the Dobecki’s at 885-5628. Thank you!

 

The DOMINICAN SISTERS will be here, as in many years past, the weekend of July 12th & 13th, to sell their home-made bread, brownies, apple & blueberry pies. These are all baked by the sisters and the proceeds will go to buy medical supplies for the lepers and orphanages in their mission. Please support their sale. Thank you.

 

 

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED: Catherine McAuley High School is currently looking for families to host exchange students from Korea for the 2008-2009 academic year. Families will be paid a monthly stipend of $500 and be able to take part in a wonderful ministry. If you are interested in possibly hosting a student or know someone who you think would be, please contact the Admissions Office at 797-3802 ext.2043 or email dsalvaggio@mcauleyhs.org.

 

PARISH OFFICES CLOSED on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day!

Have a safe & happy Fourth!

 

 

The date of St. Maximilian’s Golf Tournament is September 8th with a start time of 10:00 AM at the Purpoodock Golf Club in Cape Elizabeth. The $95 entrance fee includes lunch and dinner, as well as use of a golf cart and prizes. So all you St. Max “duffers” mark your calendars! Also, we need volunteers for our Committee! Come join us on Tuesday, July 1st at 6:00 PM in St. Max Library. We will have some fun and raise some money for the Building Fund.

 

Worship & Spirituality

Saint Peter and Saint Paul Solemnity

 

1st Reading: Acts: The story of Peter’s escape from prison.

2nd Reading: Timothy: Paul has fought the good fight and run the race.

Gospel: Matthew: Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom.

 

These two preachers were also missionaries to the Jewish people and also to the Gentiles. Peter was the Galilean fisherman. Paul was the convert from Judaism who evangelized in Europe and Asia. It is believed both Peter and Paul died during the reign of Nero. Nero persecuted Christians in order to take away attention from the fact that he set the city of Rome on fire.

(64-67)

 

Peter was crucified upside down because he claimed he was not worthy to dies as Jesus did. Paul being a Roman citizen was allowed to die by being beheaded. The basilicas that bear their names is the place where both of these great martyrs were buried.

 

NOTE: Feasts and solemnities of the Lord and solemnities of the saints take precedence over a Sunday in Ordinary Time. On this Sunday in Ordinary Time we observe the Solemnity of Peter and Paul. The church uses the color red to honor those who have died for the faith.

CENTERING PRAYER will take place every Friday at 9:00 AM in the Library. Come for group meditation. All are welcome. FMI, Ann Howard, 767-4477.

 

 

*************************************

Catechetics & Initiation

CLASSROOM CLEAN-UP DAY: Thanks to Suzanne Berry, Helen Griffin, Katy Paradis, Belinda Ledue, Elizabeth Prosack, Meg Warren, Kelledy Farino, Meredith Carbone and Ann Howard who spent a morning organizing and cleaning closets, drawers, bulletin boards, etc. Many hands really do make light work. Blessed are they who clean up!

(Catechetics continued in next column)

ADELE MILLETTE’S DISCIPLES IN MISSION GROUP: Tuesday, July 8, 2:30 PM in the parish library. Our little group has found that breaking open the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday prepares us well for Mass.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL “RAINFOREST TREETOP ADVENTURE”

August 11-15; 8:45 AM-12:30 PM. Ages: Entering kindergarten through grade 5. Grade 6+ are invited to be junior counselors. Tuition: $50 per child or $125 for family of 3 or more. Please register by July 15 to receive a 10% discount. Children of adult volunteers: $25 per child and $20, each additional child. Nursery for babies and toddlers program is available for volunteers’ children. Registration forms are available at the table in the narthex and in the Catechetics office. The next planning meeting is Tuesday, July 8, 6:30 PM at St. Bart’s. Join us! This VBS encourages us to recycle, so we are asking parishioners for the following Decorating and Craft Supplies: Plastic Flowers & vines, floral foam, green, brown or white sheets, rope for swinging bridge, old couch cushions or pillows for swinging bridge, potted plants, big pieces of cardboard for tree house, tissue paper for tissue paper flowers, brown paper rolls, small plastic bugs, frogs, and lizards, stuffed rainforest animals (monkeys, macaws, toucans, frogs), 250 sheets white drawing paper(9x12). 150 cardboard masks, feathers (bright colors), yarn, ¼” elastic (for bird masks), ribbon, one large piece of canvas, 125 pieces of heavy tag board or cardboard,(8½”x11”), and pipe cleaners. Please save your toilet paper rolls, too! We would prefer that you donate used items to help us stay with the “green” theme, but new items are fine, too. Please put your donated items into our collection basket in the narthex. Thank you for your generosity. FMI: contact Debbie Allen debnsteve@maine.rr.com 799-6220 or Pauline Keenan Pkeenan@maine.rr.com

 

FALL REGISTRATION: Family registration forms have been mailed out. If you desire a particular time for your child to attend, please register early. Please remember that we are a volunteer organization and need over 100 volunteers to have a successful program. All volunteers have to fill out forms for a background check and complete a 3 hour class: “Protecting God’s Children”. If you are new to the parish or have a kindergartner that has never attended before, please call Kathy Sparda (883-1742) at the Catechetics Office for registration information. Children who will be celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist will need a copy of their Baptismal certificate when they register.