Serving the Parishes of
St. Martha and St. Mary
Plainville & Wrentham MA
St. Martha and St. Mary
Plainville & Wrentham MA
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Supporting the Rest of the Body of Christ
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Supporting the Rest of the Body of Christ
One important link between the Assumption of our Blessed Mother and our message series on the Eucharist can be found in what is called the Mystical Body of Christ, which means that we who are baptized into the Church are all members of the Body of Christ. Far more than just a person in a large organization, “members” here signifies a part of the body. We are integral, living parts of Christ’s Body which continues His mission on earth. This is why we miss you so much when you are not here with us in the Sunday assembly!
I am extremely grateful that we have been able to continue gathering together at Mass. This would not be possible without the expertise and work our parish relies on from the Archdiocese’s Central Ministries. In addition to helping keep our parish open and safe, Central Ministries provides support for many individuals and families throughout our collaborative and broader communities in so many ways. Allow me to share three examples…
(1). Twice now the General Counsel’s Office helped us negotiate with the movie production company that came to Plainville to achieve license agreements which protect St. Martha Parish, thus allowing us to help this event happen in our town and receive a significant donation for St. Martha Parish Family.
(2). The Ministry for Persons with Disabilities helps priests and parishioners better understand and address the needs of people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Many of you know Fr. Shawn Carey, who is a native of St. Mary Parish and used to celebrate Mass with us each Christmas. He is the director of the Deaf Catholic Ministry, and his passion for this ministry more fully incorporates these members of Christ’s Body in the life of the Church.
(3). Our collaborative’s Marriage Preparation team is preparing for our workshop this October helping couples prepare for the joys and challenges of marriage as they begin their life journey together. We use the archdiocesan Transformed in Love program, which is also offered virtually in English and Spanish, and has allowed for more than 1,000 couples during Covid to continue to learn to build their marriage upon a foundation of faith.
These ministries, and the many others supported by your gift to the Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal, have an immediate impact on countless lives throughout our Archdiocese. Many of you have already given since this campaign began in March, and each parish is within $3,000 of their goal for the 2021 Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal. While I am mindful that you may be faced with your own financial challenges, any gift you did or will provide makes a meaningful difference.
Your sisters and brothers in the Body of Christ (including me) cannot thank you enough for everything you do to help our collaborative parishes and the wider Church; we are so blessed by your support and participation!
- Fr. Joe