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Statistics indicate that only 30% of Catholics believe in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This leaves 70% of Catholics who do not believe it at all or think that the Eucharist is merely a symbol of Christ's presence. These numbers are chilling. Yet, it would explain the mass exodus of baptized Catholics from the regular practice of the faith. It would explain why so many practicing Catholics do not go to confession. Furthermore, it explains why there is a great shortage of vocations in the priesthood and religious life, not just in the Diocese of Springfield but all over the country. How is it possible that we have gotten to this state in our Church?
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In my own opinion, those who were in charge of leading and shepherding did not fulfill their obligation to do so. They were lax in faith and morals, and so the sheep, the faithful, became lax. The Mass became more about the priest and less about Christ's presence. The last few decades the Church has seen a steady decline because - why bother coming, if it's not real? Why bother coming if I'm already a "good person"? Those entrusted to shepherd us have failed us. They chose to align themselves more with the secular culture rather than stand firm in Truth.
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The Second Vatican Council teaches us that the Eucharist is the very source and summit of our Catholic faith. Jesus made it very clear as well that His flesh is true food, His blood is true drink. And on the night of the Last Supper, gathered with His apostles, He gave them bread as His body and wine as His blood. This is precisely what happens in the Mass ... the Sacrifice of Christ takes place on our altar and He is made present to us.
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Today, in my generation of priesthood, the pendulum begins to swing back to a return to Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, to deeper awareness of God's presence via a more faithful and reverent worship. In his pastoral letter, Bishop Byrne reflected on getting "back to better". The liturgical changes that have been made in our parish are a response to that call. They are meant to reclaim an authentic worship of God. In this way, we might begin to understand exactly what the Council Fathers meant when they said that the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of our faith and, as such, see more clearly, with the eyes of faith, the mystery that unfolds before our eyes.
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Bishop Byrne will lead a holy hour for vocations on May 6th, 7pm at Holy Family. All are welcome to come pray for vocations, especially young men discerning a call to priesthood.
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Mother's Day Mass remembrance envelopes are available at the doors of the church. Envelopes will be placed in sanctuary with the names of our moms for all the Masses Mother's Day weekend.
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First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday May 2nd at the 10:30am Mass.
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On Saturday April 17, 2021, Take and Eat served American Chop Suey with salad and chocolate cake for dessert. Thank you for the continued monetary and food donations that keeps this wonderful ministry going! Volunteers are NEEDED! Please call the office for more information.
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Welcome Father Frank Furman!
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Fr. Frank studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and was ordained in 2018 by Bishop Rozanski. After a year of continued studies in Rome, he was assigned to St. Mary's in Westfield for the last 2 years. He is originally from Easthampton and the only child of his parents. Father is of Polish descent!
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With the arrival of Fr. Frank to the parish on May 1st, additional Mass times will be added to our weekly Mass schedule. Daily Mass will now be offered Monday-Friday at 8am and on Saturday at 9am. Our regular weekend Mass and confession schedule will remain the same. These changes go into effect on Friday May 7th and Saturday May 8th, with Mass at 9am. The additional Masses are open for anyone to book intentions.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
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Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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