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71 Central St. Stoneham, MA 02180

Pastor's Notes

Pastor's Notes

01/24/24 - The Catholic Church LOVES Marriage

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last weekend I offered a Nuptial Mass for a wonderful young couple named Austin and Sarah. I met them when they were students at the Boston University Catholic Center when I was the chaplain. It was such a beautiful wedding. I was especially moved by ... Read More »

01/17/24 - Sacrament of the Sick Helpful Hints

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week I wrote to you about who should receive the Sacrament of the Sick and what exactly is the Sacrament of the Sick. This week, I want to offer a few practical “helpful hints.”

1. Do not wait until a loved one is close ... Read More »

01/10/24 - Sacrament of the Sick

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Recently, a priest friend of mine was attending a basketball tournament and one of the players–just twenty years old–collapsed and died on the court. Thankfully, thanks to the quick action of some of the coaches and bystanders, the young man was resuscitated and survived. While ... Read More »

01/03/24 - Happy Epiphany!

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Fr. Sijo and I wish to thank all of you who extended so many kindnesses to us during these days of Christmas. We are very grateful for the many ways that you expressed your love toward us.

I know I have mentioned it several times ... Read More »

12/27/23 - The Feast of the Holy Family

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Although, because of the bulletin deadline, this letter is being written before Christmas, I want to thank all of you for the magnificent way that you have prepared for and celebrated Our Lord’s Birth. St. Patrick School had its Christmas Pageant, the church has been ... Read More »

12/20/23 - Christmas Message

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

On Christmas Day 1863, a man from Cambridge, Massachusetts was heavily burdened. He was still mourning the death of his wife who had died in a tragic fire. More recently, he had received a telegram informing him that his eldest son was seriously wounded in ... Read More »

12/13/23 - Do You See What I See?

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Do you see what I see?

I see a Catholic Community that worships God devoutly, that generously supports the parish, cares for the poor, and that is marked by a love for one another. I see a parish staff that works tirelessly for the people ... Read More »

12/06/23 - Preparing for Advent

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

Because of the various holidays, our bulletin deadlines have been weeks in advance, so it is not possible to write in “real time.” So, this bulletin is being written back on November 20th!

As you know by now, Fr. Frank Campo has transitioned from St. ... Read More »

11/29/23 - Beginning the Season of Advent

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

A couple of years ago, I went to a monastery for my yearly retreat. Before arriving, the nuns sent me a contract to sign. It was not a contract for how much I would have to pay to be a guest, but rather a contract ... Read More »

11/22/23 - The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Posted by Fr. David Barnes

Dear Friends in Christ,

The large stained-glass window behind our church altar depicts today’s Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. At the center of the window is Jesus Christ, and gathered around him are the saints and angels. Jesus Christ is the center of everything. ... Read More »