Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (pm)

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Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, we will be holding Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. To print a written schedule of our summer playgroup locations, please click here. To see a map of our summer park schedule, please click here.

This Tuesday, May 28, we will be at Mullen Playground (80 Lockeland Rd., Winchester). This park is fenced and has lots of slides (good for Hot Wheels, etc.) There is also a large, un-fenced field suitable for soccer or kites. We will meet at 10:30 am. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, our usual rain location will be at Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington. Thanks!**

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Did you know? Saint Camillus Parish has a Thrift Shop!
It is located in the low building, to the side of the parish parking lot (1185 Concord Turnpike, Arlington MA 02476).
The Thrift Shop is open from 9:00-11:00 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is closed on Wednesdays and holidays. Happy hunting!

Remember: SUMMER CAMPING!!

Don't forget to mark your calendars: SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT, JULY 12-14!  If you know you are coming (or when you decide you are coming), please use the form to the right, so we can keep track of how many people and WHO we are expecting to meet at the park! Ultimately, I will need everyone to fill out this form, so I have names and numbers in case of any emergency. So go ahead and fill it out ASAP.

The dates for this camping trip are July 12-14. We will plan to camp at Greenfield State Park in Greenfield, NH - about an hour-and-a-half drive from Arlington. This park has come highly recommended as a fun and easy park for family camping. The park features camping (with toilets/showers), hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a camp store.

Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park and for a link to the reservations page (ReserveAmerica), see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or drive an RV (if you have one). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + small fee. This is for two adults and their dependent children. If you plan on bringing a pet, please read the park's pet policy VERY CAREFULLY and be sure to reserve a site which allows pets... since most sites prohibit pets.
• Greenfield State Park Ranger "Harry" was extremely generous to answer my many questions over the phone. He is friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to stay at his park!Ranger Harry recommends the "Small Loop," sites 26-64 for families with small children, because it is a loop with little traffic and close walking distances.  For families with slightly older children, Ranger Harry recommends sites 220-227, 230 because they have a very beautiful pond view.
• This is our first ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. Together, we will take on the great adventure of family camping! While we are really excited about this, we are using the good old KISS rule - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Therefore, we will distribute information about the campground, and a rough schedule of breakfast / activities / dinner / Sunday Masses, etc. However, each family will be primarily responsible for their own specific plans and accommodations. If you don't want to stay both nights - that's cool - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, camping survival (hehe). We will not be caravanning or providing transportation. We will meet you there!

I will be happy to answer questions, post camping tips, attempt to anticipate concerns, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Local NFP

Attention Married Couples:

Would you like…

• a natural, hormone-free way to postpone pregnancy?
• to start a family or have another child?
• to improve communication with your spouse?
• to learn more about church teaching on "the Theology of the Body?"
• to understand why the Bishops were so unsettled by the HHS mandate?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an organic, chemical-free method that is just as effective as the Pill at postponing pregnancy and nearly twice as effective as IVF for achieving pregnancy. The divorce rate among couples that practice NFP is less than 2%.

Want to learn more? Josh and Meredith Phelps are teaching a 3-class NFP series this summer in Arlington. Only a few spots are left! Email Meredith.Phelps [at] gmail.com for details.

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!

This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Golf Tournament, Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting, FIAT Discernment Meeting (pm)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (pm)
• Friday - Young Adults' Jesus in the North End (pm)
• Saturday - Last Day to Register for Wedding Anniversary Mass

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Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, we will be holding Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. To print a written schedule of our summer playgroup locations, please click here. To see a map of our summer park schedule, please click here.

This Tuesday, May 14, we will be at Cummings Park (19 Lyman Ave., Medford). This park has lots of sand toys, as well as tennis courts.  We will meet at 10:30 am. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, our usual rain location will be at Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington. Thanks!**

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Mom's Night - THURSDAY, May 23 - We will get together for a stress-free evening, and play some get-to-know-you games (think: Apples to Apples) . I would rather not publish the hostesses address, so please email me at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com if you plan to come. We will kick it off with snacks and drinks at 7:00 pm.

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FIAT! is a discernment group for women in the Archdiocese of Boston who are considering a vocation to religious life. The meeting is held at 7:00 pm in the McPherson Room at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton. The topic for May is “Discernment”.

If you are interested in attending, please respond to Sister Marian Batho, CSJ, Delegate for Religious (Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org).

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!

This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Wednesday - Arlington Catholic Women's Club (am), Bereavement Meeting (pm)
• Friday - Virtus Training (pm)
• Saturday - ALL DAY FiHo events - Children's Fair, BBQ, and Adult's Evening Fiesta!
  Virtus Training (am)
  St. Brigid Consignment Sale (am)

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Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, we will be holding Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. To print a written schedule of our summer playgroup locations, please click here. To see a map of our summer park schedule, please click here.

This Tuesday, May 14, we will be at McClennen Park (680 Summer St., Arlington). This park has a lot of climbing equipment, as well as a skate park that is good for rolling cars or balls. It also has pavement and a path around for bikes and scooters. We will meet at 10:30 am. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, our usual rain location will be at Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington. Thanks!**

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Volunteer (OR ATTEND) at the Fidelity House Fair and Fiesta!
Fidelity House will kick off a day of festivities this Saturday with a Children's Fair from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. There will be face painting, children's games, and barbecue Come bring your kids and join us!
Fidelity House’s 16th Annual Fundraiser, "FiHo Fiesta," will be held Saturday, May 18th from 6:30-11 pm. The evening will feature a silent auction, live auction, food stations, music and dancing. Donate your time, ideas, new items, gift certificates, tickets, etc. to our silent or live auction. Corporate donations, matching gifts, family and individual sponsors are needed and appreciated. Buy a ticket and have a chance at a $1,000 door prize.

To attend or help with volunteer efforts at the Fiesta, call Fidelity House at 781-648-2005.

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LexFUN Consignment Sale
Are you trying to keep up with the costs of clothing a growing family? Do you need to clear out some old baby gear? Lexington's parents' group, LexFun, teams up with Saint Brigid parish to host a consignment sale on May 18th, from 8 am-2 pm.

You can find information on the sale, as well as selling your gear, and volunteering (comes with "first pick" perks) at this website. Happy hunting!

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Virtus Training
Do you volunteer in the parish? Volunteers are required to attend a training program as part of our efforts to protect our children. The Parish Child Abuse Prevention Team has scheduled two training sessions. One is on Friday evening, May 17, 7-9 PM; the other is on Saturday, May 18, 9:30-11:30 AM. Please register by calling the Religious Education Office at 781-646-5579.

Happy Mothers' Day - Let's Go Camping!

When you make reservations to come, please use the form to the right, so we can keep track of how many people and WHO we are expecting to meet at the park!

• The dates for this camping trip are July 12-14. We will plan to camp at Greenfield State Park in Greenfield, NH - about an 1-1/2 hour drive from Arlington. This park has come highly recommended as a fun and easy park for family camping.  The park features camping (with toilets/showers), hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a camp store.
• Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park and for a link to the reservations page (ReserveAmerica), see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx
• (Please note that some people have had trouble with the reservation system.  Try using a different browser.)
• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or drive an RV (if you have one). Cost for a campsite per night is $25. This is for two adults and their dependent children. If you plan on bringing a pet, please read the park's pet policy VERY CAREFULLY and be sure to reserve a site which allows pets... since most sites prohibit pets.
• Greenfield State Park Ranger "Harry" was extremely generous to answer my many questions over the phone. He is friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to stay at his park!Ranger Harry recommends the "Small Loop," sites 26-64 for families with small children, because it is a loop with little traffic and close walking distances.
• For families with slightly older children, Ranger Harry recommends sites 220-227, 230 because they have a very beautiful pond view.
• This is our first ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. Together, we will take on the great adventure of family camping! While we are really excited about this, we are using the good old KISS rule - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Therefore, we will distribute information about the campground, and a rough schedule of breakfast / activities / dinner / Sunday Masses, etc. However, each family will be primarily responsible for their own specific plans and accommodations. If you don't want to stay both nights - that's cool - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, camping survival (hehe). We will not be caravanning or providing transportation. We will meet you there!
• I will be happy to answer questions, post camping tips, attempt to anticipate concerns, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Drumlin Farm is On!

It looks like the rain will hold off this morning, so we hope you can join us for our family outing to Drumlin Farm! If you don't arrive late, call Marianne (617-999-9601) to find us when you get there. See you there!

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Saturday, May 11 is our monthly Family Outing, at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. We will meet at the entrance to the farm at 11:00 am. Let’s explore Drumlin Farm together, and get the kids out into the spring sunshine!

Activities include things like:• Animal Barns
• Naturalist educational presentations – kid approved!
• Hayrides for $2 adult, $1 kids
• Hiking trails

Many libraries have passes to the farm for a discounted price. Check the website or circulation desk of your nearest library to see if you can get a pass. Regular admission to the farm is $7 for adults and $5 for kids two and older. Or, if you have (or choose to purchase) an Annual Mass Audubon Membership, family admission is "free." Bring a lunch to share.

Rain Warning for Family Outing Tomorrow

There is a strong possibility of rain tomorrow, in which case the family outing to Drumlin Farm might be cancelled.  Were you planning to join us?  Please email SaintAgnesFamilies [at] gmail.com in order to receive potential rain notifications about tomorrow.

If it is sunny, we are looking forward to meeting you there!  Here's the info:

Saturday, May 11 is our monthly Family Outing, at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. We will meet at the entrance to the farm at 11:00 am. Let’s explore Drumlin Farm together, and get the kids out into the spring sunshine!

Activities include things like:

• Animal Barns

• Naturalist educational presentations – kid approved!
• Hayrides for $2 adult, $1 kids
• Hiking trails

Many libraries have passes to the farm for a discounted price. Check the website or circulation desk of your nearest library to see if you can get a pass. Regular admission to the farm is $7 for adults and $5 for kids two and older. Or, if you have (or choose to purchase) an Annual Mass Audubon Membership, family admission is "free." Bring a lunch to share. We hope to see you there!

Spiritual Bouquet for Bombing Victims

"Pray constantly... always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” St. Paul adds, “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints.” For “we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing.”

This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer.

It is always possible to pray: The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise. Our time is in the hands of God: It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop,... while buying or selling,... or even while cooking. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2742-2743)

We know that prayer is the one of the most important tools we have as humans in relationship with the Lord.  If you are not familiar with the idea of a spiritual bouquet, it is basically the idea of committing and gifting prayer to someone who needs it most.

The Boston Archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization invites you to offer up a spiritual bouquet for those affected by the Marathon Bombings.  You can go here to sign up with your spiritual offering.  As an Spiritual Work of Mercy, please continue to pray for all those involved.  Thank you!

Catholic Speaker - TONIGHT!

If you crave the opportunity to hear solid, edifying, challenging Catholic speakers, tonight is your chance!

Thanks to Eileen Cahill, we just found out that Dr. Meg Meeker is speaking at St. Paul's in Wellesley tonight at 7:00 pm! The details of the event, which is open to the public, are here.

Dr. Meeker is a Catholic pediatrician and author. Tonight, she will be speaking on the topic of her latest book, "The Ten Habits of Happy Mothers, Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose and Sanity". She is published in a number of other books on such topics as parenting, abstinence, and pro-life.

Hope you can join us!  If you would like to carpool, please reply to eileentighecahill [at] gmail.com.

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!

This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (pm)
• Thursday - Pops Concert (pm)
• Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (pm)
• Saturday - Boston Sock Exchange & Family Outing (am)

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Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, we will be holding Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks.  To print a written schedule of our summer playgroup locations, please click here.  To see a map of our summer park schedule, please click here.

This Tuesday, May 7, we will be at Magnolia Playground (36 Herbert Rd., Arlington).  This park has a large field that is good for balls and kites.  It also has pavement and a path around for bikes and scooters.  We will meet at 10:30 am.  Feel free to bring a picnic lunch, and join us.  We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather.  If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup.  In case of rain, our usual rain location will be at Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington.  Thanks!**

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

This weekend is our monthly Family Outing, at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. We will meet at the entrance to the farm at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11.  Let’s explore Drumlin Farm together, and get the kids out into the spring sunshine!

Activities include things like:

• Animal Barns

• Naturalist educational presentations – kid approved!

• Hayrides for $2 adult, $1 kids

• Hiking trails

Many libraries have passes to the farm for a discounted price. Check the website or circulation desk of your nearest library to see if you can get a pass. Regular admission to the farm is $7 for adults and $5 for kids two and older. Or, if you have (or choose to purchase) an Annual Mass Audubon Membership, family admission is "free."  Bring a lunch to share. We hope to see you there!

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The Boston Sock Exchange will hand out sandwiches and supplies to the homeless on Boston Common this Saturday, May 11 at 11:00 am at the Park Street T-Stop. This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for older children accompanied by adults.

Preparation of the materials to be distributed will take place on Friday night, May 10 at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.

As we transition to spring, the Sock Exchange is collecting a variety of items that our patrons can use to face the unpredictable New England weather. We would sincerely appreciate your donations of t-shirts, baseball caps, medium-weight shirts, sweatshirts, umbrellas and rain ponchos. You can leave contributions in the bins at the front of the upper or lower church or drop them off at the Parish Center.

Please email Jennifer for more information about how to get involved: jennifer.hermanski@gmail.com. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Our city has been deeply affected by the Boston Marathon Bombing and the events following.  Please remember to pray for everyone involved; for the Holy Spirit's guidance in faith and forgiveness.  Daily Mass is held at Saint Agnes at 7:00 am each weekday, followed by a recitation of the rosary.  Confessions are on Saturday afternoons.

In addition, please take time this First Friday to stop by the church and pray before our Eucharistic Lord, regarding this sad tragedy.

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Volunteer (OR ATTEND) at the Fidelity House Fair and Fiesta!
Fidelity House’s 16th Annual Fundraiser, "FiHo Fiesta," will be held Saturday, May 18th from 6:30-11 pm.  The evening will feature a silent auction, live auction, food stations, music and dancing. Donate your time, ideas, new items, gift certificates, tickets, etc. to our silent or live auction. Corporate donations, matching gifts, family and individual sponsors are needed and appreciated.  Buy a ticket and have a chance at a $1,000 door prize.

To attend or help with volunteer efforts at the Fiesta, call Fidelity House at 781-648-2005.

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LexFUN Consignment Sale!
Are you trying to keep up with the costs of clothing a growing family?  Do you need to clear out some old baby gear?  Lexington's parents' group, LexFun, teams up with Saint Brigid parish to host a consignment sale on May 18th, from 8 am-2 pm.

You can find information on the sale, as well as selling your gear, and volunteering (comes with "first pick" perks) at this website.  Happy  hunting!