Weekly Digest

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!  Sorry this post is late.... we've been in Easter recovery mode.

First, we owe MANY, MANY thanks to Maureen and Joe Ronayne, Father Flatley, and the many other parishioners who worked to make the Egg Hunt on Sunday a big success. It was wonderful to see so many families spending time together after Mass. Remember, there is rich Catholic fellowship each Sunday after the 9 am Mass: Coffee and Donuts in the Arlington Catholic Cafeteria. We hope to meet you there!

For other events going on at the parish this week, see the calendar to the right.
Now, coming up this week:

• Playgroup Tuesday
• First Friday
• Mass of Annointing on Saturday - Volunteers needed
• Save the date - Family Geocache Hiking on April 20th

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We are very blessed to announce that Fidelity House has agreed to host our group over the winter in one of their vacant rooms!
Thus, Tuesday playgroup will take place at Fidelity House, right near church: 25 Medford Street, from 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

• There is a lot of sickness going around this winter.... please do not bring your children to playgroup if they are sick.
• Please remember some behavior guidelines: No running out of the playroom, no kids in the toy closet, respect physical limits, use a time-out chair, please discipline your own children promptly.
• Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Minimum suggested donation is $1 per each person in attendance.
• Please no food.... drinks in spill proof containers are OK.

Parking is on the street around Fidelity House. Check the street signs for the rules. Once you walk in the front door, go up the stairs, past the front desk, and to the back of the building. There is a door from the room to an outdoor courtyard, so bring your kids' coats too. We will also teach a brief lesson for the kids.

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This Friday, April 5th, is the first Friday of the month. On Thursday, April 4th from 4:00-5:00 pm, there will be the opportunity for confession in the lower church. On Friday, Saint Agnes will be offering all-day Adoration, concluding with Benediction and Mass at 5:00/5:30pm, in the lower church. Also at noon there will be a Holy Hour to pray for priests and victims of clergy sexual abuse. Adoration is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord and gain some focus in our lives - especially with all the busy distractions of family life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

Fidelity House is allowing us to have a SECOND playgroup this week on Friday, from 10:30-12:00 noon. If you would like a convenient opportunity to let your kids play while you spend some quiet time with the Lord, come join us! It will be a wonderful opportunity.

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Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 6 at 12:00 noon. Many volunteers are needed to make this event possible, including drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts, food donations, set up (on Friday, Feb. 5), etc. If you are able to help, please call the Parish Center (781-648-0220), and leave your name and number and how you would like to help. Thank you!

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Boston Sock Exchange: This ministry helps the homeless men and women of Boston, by distributing gifts of sandwiches and clothes near the Park Street T-Stop.  They are currently collecting umbrellas, ponchos, medium weight shirts, and sweatshirts.

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Making Music, Praying Twice – Easter Season
Register now for the 7 week Easter session of Making Music Praying Twice, the last session before summer break.  Classes are offered on Friday mornings at 10:30 and Saturday mornings at 9:30, beginning April 5th and 6th.  Both classes are mixed ages 0-5, and limited to 12 children accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Substantial sibling discounts are offered.  Register by March 29 to receive CDs and family songbooks at the first class.  Register online at http://www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm or by calling the Parish Office at 617-484-0279 or email Dot Bowe (dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us) with questions.