Welcome to Sacred Heart Catholic Community!

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT

Bishop William Byrne has announced that Fr. Steven Montesanti has been assigned
to Sacred Heart parish effective March 1st.

We welcome our new pastor, his spiritual leadership and direction, as we continue
to move forward.

MASS SCHEDULE CHANGES

Beginning this week, our Daily Mass schedule will change. Mass will be at 9 AM Monday thru Thursday. We will have a Communion Service every Friday at 9 AM, with Adoration
to follow until noon.

Fridays 4pm - Stations of the Cross
Daily Mass - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday - 9 AM
Friday - Communion Service - 9 AM
Weekend Masses - SA 4 pm SU 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
Adoration- Friday's 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Baptisms - 2nd Sunday of the month

WE’RE MOVING!

The parish offices will be moving from the rectory to the Parish Center,
Newell Street entrance.

The offices will be closed to all business from Wednesday, February 24th thru
Monday, March 8th.

A LETTER FROM THE BISHOP:

Dear Friends in Christ:

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is on February 17, 2021.

A visible sign of our Lenten practices comes Ash Wednesday when ashes mark the faithful with an outward sign of our frail human nature, with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust
you shall return.”

This year, because of COVID limitations, ashes will not be applied to the forehead, but rather, sprinkled over the head of the faithful, thus avoiding close physical contact. The practices of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays
of Lent are outward signs of the work we seek to do during Lent: to make our interior disposition
more of what Christ would have us be. The acts of almsgiving and self-sacrifice help us to grow in our understanding of all God has done for us. A special undertaking can be Operation Rice Bowl, a sacrifice by each of us for those who never have a full meal.

History indicates that in the Diocese of Springfield Lenten Penance services have been beacons of light
for Catholics returning to the practice of their faith through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I am
grateful for your ministry of healing, particularly for those who have felt hurt by the Church in any way.
At this time of global pandemic, our Lenten activities of Reconciliation and gathering will look and feel different. As we navigate the coming days, let us be aware of the many ways in which we can provide healing to our Catholic family.

Please refer to the guidelines for Lenten practices as they pertain to fasting, abstinence and almsgiving.

May this Lent be a time of growth in our relationship with Christ and with others, and may we find ourselves in a more meaningful and intentional relationship with our God.

With every best wish,

In Christ

+Most Reverend William D. Byrne

Bishop of Springfield

Televised Masses
Should you not be able to attend church during these trying times, we you
to stay connected via televised masses:

Sunday - 'Chalice of Salvation'
6:00 AM - WXXA Fox 23 Albany
10:00 AM - WWLP - 22 News
You may also enjoy: Bishop Barron—Daily Mass
at www.wordonfire.org/dailymass

Parishioner Pledge Envelopes:
Please feel free to place your weekly envelope in the mail, addressed to:
Sacred Heart Church - 191 Elm Street Pittsfield, 01201
This may be a good time to sign up for Online Giving.

Simply click on the link below:

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ministries we are planning on re-activating when we are
back to normal masses.

Lectors
Ushers / Welcoming Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers
Music Ministry
Altar Servers
Coffee Hour
Rosary Sodality
CCD Teachers / Volunteers
Pastoral Ministry
Technical Support
Friends of St. Vincent de Paul

If you would like to be part of any of these ministries, please call the rectory at (413)443-6960
and your name will be put on the list to be called. If you can think of any other potential
ministry groups, please let us know. Sacred Heart Parish is also looking for people who are willing to spend time with homebound parishioners who are lonely, elderly, suffering, or sick. You don’t need to have a professional background, but you do need a willingness to listen, be empathetic,
and offer reassurance that our community has not forgotten them. Sacred Heart will train you
to visit these people in their home, in the hospital or in a nursing home and take them the
Eucharist (if they desire that) Call the rectory at(413)443-6960

E-Mail Address: Today more than ever, it is important to strengthen our communication within our parish. On-line and digital engagement provides us a wonderful opportunity to provide on-going, timely and important communications. Please help us develop a stronger connection to you, by simply submitting your e-mail address to: pinkchurch@aol.com.

Prayer Line: We are in need of people to pray for our prayer line intentions. This is so
easy to do, and perfect for this time of isolation. We have a prayer line every week or so.
You can receive a list either by phone or e-mail, of the first names and their prayer
request. All we ask is that you pray for these people and their intentions. If interested,
please call Nancy McGill at (413)443-6942 or e-mail nancyvgm904@gmail.com.

Please click here for the weekly Bulletin

Diocese of

Springfield, MA