54-Day Rosary Novena 2019

Beginning on the Feast of the Assumption - Wednesday. August 15 - we began the 54-day Rosary Novena at the St. Mary Grotto. We were grateful for your presence, and hope you will be able to join us as we conclude the novena on Monday, October 7th, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.  
 
On Sunday, October 6th, 2019, we joined in both body and spirit with numerous Rosary communities throughout the United States. We process with the Blessed Mother statue from the parking lot to gazebo just outside the new parish center, weher Upon arrival at the gazebo, we will pray the Rosary, sing Marian songs, and then lay flowers at the feet of Our Mother. 

54-Day Rosary

Lessons and Carols

Lessons and Carols is an annual Advent prayer service of Scripture and song. Originating in England in the late 19th century, Lessons and Carols was originally conducted on Christmas Eve and consisted of exactly nine Lessons. It has since been adapted and can be found being celebrated throughout Advent with a variable number of Lessons. Regardless of the number of Lessons or when in the season leading up to Christmas it is observed, a Lessons and Carols service will focus on the mystery of the Incarnation and its role in salvation history. As Christ came for all, each evening will represent and honor a different culture each of the four evenings. Readings and Songs will be read and sung in the native language of that particular evening.

Upcoming Lessons and Carols
 

Annual Blessing of the Animals

                  “All creatures, great and small… The Lord God made them all”    

This once-upon-a-time long-standing tradition returned to us this past Spring!

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Fr Brian celebrated the Blessing of the Bikes. 20+ bikes and their riders showed up for this event, in which the weather greatly cooperated. This event was sponsored by Christ the King Chapter of The Catholic Cross Bearers Motorcycle Ministry, who also coupled it with a food drive to support our collaborative food pantries.

2022 Photos

Fourth of July Parade: 2019
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Between the train passengers, the float riders, and the walkers, we had 15 people representing our collaborative at the 52nd Chelmsford Fourth of July Parade! Thanks to the donations from our parishioners, we had four large Easter baskets full of candy that were distributed to the sizeable crowd of parade onlookers. The theme of our float was “Building a Community in Christ.” Everyone wore construction hats and Home Depot vests, and the float carried a church that appeared to be made out of LEGOs. Music from the LEGO movies accompanied our journey down North Road!  Special thanks to Tim Fitzgerald, Dolan Funeral Home and the Martignetti Family. Their donations of time, materials and labor resulted in our float being awarded the Committee’s Choice Award! Congratulations to all! And a SPECIAL, SPECIAL thanks to Julie and Tom Souza, without whom NONE of this would have come to fruition!

Fourth of July Parade: 2018
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The Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative shouted out God’s love along the Chelmsford Fourth of July parade route and gave witness to our Catholic faith at our booth as part of the July 4th Annual County Fair on the town common. We are extremely grateful for the faithful and dedicated support received by MANY in our collaborative. There were those who offered their gift of crafting, those who marched in the parade, and those who worked the fair booth… ALL of whom gave great and bold witness to our faith. Due to the generosity of various parishioners, we were even able to offer free give-aways at our booth, including a free raffle for a gift certificate! Thank you again to all who contributed to the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative July 4th Parade Event, especially to our Master Carpenter, Tim Fitzgerald, who spent countless hours in the intense summer heat and humidity to make our “Answer His Call, Make the Connection and Change Your Life” parade float. The pictures tell the rest of the story!  

Fourth of July Parade: 2017
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We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in all or some of our various tasks related to the 4th of July booth and float. Some of the tasks were: sale of t-shirts, purchase of booth supplies, minding the booth, decorating the float, painting our logo for the train, decorating the train, giving us ideas for the float, prepping the decorating pieces, crocheting the globe “hat”, making the Rosary sign for the float, making the rosaries to donate to our booth, marching or riding the train, plus many more. Special hanks to Jerry Cowgill and his wife Judith for making their tow truck available to us, as well as for their time driving it at the parade; and thank you to Champions Sporting Goods in Belmont for giving us a generous deal on the shirts. In keeping ‘true’ to our 2017 message, Marching with Faith, He worked our hands to give witness of His perfect plan to others; not only to those in our larger Chelmsford community, but more importantly, we came together as a collaborative team to bring forth the Word and Work of God to each other, regardless of where we worship each week.  As we traveled the parade route, all our hard work reaped its rewards as we saw the smiling faces of fellow parishioners in the crowd appreciating what we were bringing to the community. 

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Fr. Brian led a group of 27 individuals—18 of whom are parishioners and/or staff members—through the Holy Land. Througout their journey, everyone was kind enough to send photos back home so we could enjoy the Holy Land vicariously through them. Below are those photos—over 1,000, spread across 37 albums! Take some time to enjoy these beautiful photos, as they remind of us the beautiful story of the life, death and resurrection of our dearly beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

And welcome home to our pilgrims! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

-Your Collaborative Family

Photo Album

2nd Annual Homebound Luncheon: July 31, 2019
Photo Album

On Wednesday, July 31st, the Collaborative held their second annual Homebound Invitational Mass and Luncheon... our very small way of letting you know that although you don't get out often, you are a VERY important member of our parish. Over 80 homebound parishioners were invited, and including caregivers who attended alongside them, 60 attended. At the Mass, Fr. Brian and Fr. O’Brien individually anointed each and every homebound family member. Afterwards, a catered lunch, entertainment and friendly fellowship was enjoyed by all!
 

1st Annual Homebound Luncheon: July 18, 2018
Photo Album

On Wednesday, July 18th, the Collaborative held their very first (of many) Homebound Invitational Mass and Luncheon. Over 60 homebound parishioners were invited, and including caregivers who attended alongside them, 87 attended. At the Mass, Fr. Brian and Fr. O’Brien individually anointed each and every homebound family member. Afterwards, a catered lunch and  fellowship was enjoyed by all!

Lenten Scripture and Song

This is an Annual Lenten Event that we offer for our community. It is approximatley a 30 minute service, allowing us sit in stillness and reflect through word and music of the Lenten Season.

Lowell Transitional Living Center
Drive-Thru Dessert-Drop-Off Event                                                                                                             
September 30, 2020

The Lowell Transitional Center is a homeless shelter that serves 3 meals a day, 365 days a year—that’s over 100,000 meals a year! Although they are always in need of food donations, St. John Parishioner Kathleen Cassels had noticed—during her volunteer shifts—just how much the LTC clients LOVE DESSERTS! Being familiar with the generous spirit of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative, she reached out to see if anyone would be willing and able to donate a homemade or store bought dessert. This event was a HUGE success!

Thank YOU!

Ministry Fair 2022: November 18th/19th
Thoughts and Thanks offered by Christine Trznadel

Photo Album

All I can say is WOW!

Back on Sunday, November 20, I attended all three ministry fairs and personally visited each ministry table. Although I was blessed to work with many of you leading up to this event, to see your tables staffed with dedicated ministry members was a sight to behold. Then add games, music, and incredible 1950’s/60’s costumes and decorations! Again, all I can say is WOW!

I would first like to thank the Ministry Fair Committee Members. It is because of them that this even got off the ground. It is due to the sacrifice of their time and creative energy that all were able to enjoy another unique communal experience. Over 65 ministries were represented at all three churches, and we had a great number of sign-ups in many of them.

As a follow-up to this fair, and to accommodate all those who could not attend, we will be publishing a weekly piece in the bulletin called SPOTLIGHT ON MINISTRY beginning, hopefully, in February, 2023. This piece will spotlight a specific ministry for a period of 2 weeks before moving on to another. This will educate our parish families about where they volunteer their gifts for the further growth of our community and beyond.

If you signed up for a ministry at the fair, and not have heard back from anyone, please email me or call me at (978) 254-4406.

Ministry Fair 2019: September 7th/8th
 Photo Album

The Western Frontier moseyed into town the weekend of September 7th/8th, 2019.  In addition to the many ministry tables, there were activity tables, game stations of differing sorts, and a saloon and country store where you could enjoy some snacks and refreshment; milling about the floor were a sheriff and his deputy, cowboys and horses! Between both parishes, over 160 individuals signed up for ministries. Thank you to EVERYONE who made this day a grand success!
 

Ministry Fair 2017: November 4th/5th
Thoughts and Thanks offered by Christine Trznadel

Photo Album

This is the weekend when our Collaborative sponsored its first Stewardship Showcase! The theme was a “Renaissance Fair,” and oh, what fun was had! Costumes were worn proudly; jesters, ladies-in-waiting, peasants, monks, and bell-ringing town criers were bustling about; castles were built brick by brick and new pennants were hung from their turrets; games were played; raffles were won; recipes were shared and food was enjoyed; fellowship was honored as new friendships were made and old ones were treasured. All in all, our community of faith shared smiles and laughter. For the first-ever event of its type, we could not have asked for more… the energy was contagious! The Spirit was, in fact, moving. 

The purpose of this ‘first of many’ events of this kind was to introduce to our parish families all that we, as a collaborative, do for our community… both within and outside our walls. Between our two parishes, over 40 ministries were represented, and at the conclusion of the fair, over 250 individuals signed on to various ministries… our newly crowned Stewards of Service.
 
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with a most wonderful team of dedicated and faith-filled individuals who clearly want NOTHING BUT THE BEST for their parish families. They are to be commended for their selflessness and their creativity. In addition to thanking our committees and our numerous ministry heads, none of this could have happened without the hundreds of parish members who, brick by brick, pennant by pennant, began a momentum of growth within our city walls. A thousand thank you’s, and then some….

Annual Outdoor (Indoor)Mass and Barbeque
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 10:30 am

St. John's started this traditional back the early 2000's under the leadership of Fr. Paul Ritt. Since then, it has been a success in bringing the parish family together for the celebration of an outdoor liturgy followed by food, games, ministry tables and maybe a talent show thrown in there a time or two, or three.  

When St. John's and St. Mary's collaborated in June of 2015, this tradition continued with its growing family up until 2019. As we all know, 2020 brought a unique set of challenges with the COVID-19 Pandemic, so we were not able to gather as community. We were blessed that 2021 brought this cherished tradition back!

Unfortunately, 2023 brought this event indoors due to the expectation of bad weather. But that did NOT destroy the spirit of this typically outdoor event. Check out the photos!

2023 Photos2022 Photos 2021 Photos2019 Photos2018 Photos2016 Photos

Annual Pastor's Pasta Supper

An Annual Collaborative Tradition born on April 30th, 2016

Every April, Fr. Brian makes his very own Pasta Sauce by the oodles, and alongside a crew of dedicated volunteers, an evening of pasta and conversation is born! Each plate of pasta is accompanied by a salad, bread, dessert and beverages. If you haven't attended any of these evenings, you are missing an awesome time!  If you have, looking forward to seeing you the next time!

2023 Photos   2022 Photos2019 Photos2018 Photos

Another Successful Deep Dive!
         -by Christine Trznadel, Communications Director

Photos

Thursday evening, January 16th, 2019, over 150 parishioners, young and old alike – moms, dads, grandparents; brothers, sisters; friends, family – made 21 no-sew fleece blankets for local youth in need as part of our Family Faith Formation Program. There was a wide array of different patterns to choose from, and the 9 that were remaining at the end of the 1-hour and 10-minute project, were taken by families to complete at home, making a total of 30 blankets that will be distributed.

Each blanket pattern came with a story of a child, anywhere from the age of 6 to 17, who is in need. As each blanket was made, a prayer was said for the recipient, and each child’s bio was shared and prayers were again said at the conclusion of the event as a large group.

As I walked around, snapping pictures of the 16 work groups, I was struck by the level of focus to the task at hand and the community that was being built around serving the needs of others. Not one person looked bored; not one person was inactive; not one person was left out.  This is community. This is faith in action. This is our wonderful collaborative family at one of its best moments!

Thank you to all who shared their time with us.  And a special thanks to a special group of  remarkable women from our Prayer Shawl and Knitting ministries

 

Rosary in the St. Mary Marian Grotto

St. Mary’s is blessed with the patronage of our Mother Mary and a beautiful Marian Grotto, which is the exact location that we gather together as a community every May [Month of Mary], and October [Month of the Most Holy Rosary] to pray one of the most powerful prayers in our Catholic heritage.

Join us at 7 pm every Monday - Friday during the months of May and October.

Rosary Resources

• History of The Rosary: Dynamic Catholic
• How to Pray the Rosary: Dynamic Catholic
• The Fatima Message: Rosary Center
• The Power of Praying The Rosary [Ascension Press Video] 

• Bishop Robert Barron on The Rosary [video]

St. Patrick's Annual Dinner
Well, our 2020 event was cancelled (boo hoo COVID), but we still were able to hold the basket raffle, which raised funds for St. John's. Hopefull, 2021 will see this event return!

Each year, this event is a grand success, as members from both our communites gather together for food, fun and bulding both new and old friendships!

2023 Photos 2019 Photos 2018 Photos

January 26, 2021

On behalf of the Saint John’s Saint Vincent de Paul Society, we thank you—the parishioners of the Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative—for your support of our recent “Drive-Through Drop-Off” Donation Event.  

Your charitable donations of food and financial support help us reach our goal of being able to provide food to families in our community, as well as purchase other necessary supplies needed. Your generosity resulted in an estimated $3,600 in food donations, and an additional $2,895 in monetary donations, including gift cards to local grocers. The SVdP Society could not do what it does without the generous support of a caring community.  Thank you again, for your thoughtful donations to help those in need who rely on us for help and services.

May 14, 2020

The success of the FIRST Drive-Thru Drop-Off Donatiaon event, has spurred a second!

April 21, 2020

St. John’s St. Vincent de Paul chapter held its first event of this kind. Just like everyone else trying to roll with the changes, they tuned in to their creative energy and, not knowing what to expect, were blown away at the turn out and generosity of our parish communities. Four members tirelessly worked trying to keep up with the donations.

Our Chelmsford Catholic Collaborative went above and beyond to help those who need help, not only for our SVdP but to be able to share the donations with Catholic Charities. Check out this INSTAGRAM POST from Catholic Charities!

Donations received from the at least 50 vehicles that ‘drove-thru’ included… over $2,500 in food donations, $150 in grocery store gift cards and over $350 in cash/check donations! Thank you!

PHOTO ALBUM