Saint Agnes School Play this Weekend!

Come out this weekend to support our parish school, spend family time,

and enjoy a great production by Saint Agnes students and teachers!

The Saint Agnes School Theatre and Drama Club is proud to present their spring production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie.” Students and teachers have worked hard for seven weeks getting ready for this production, so come and enjoy with family and friends!

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

"Bye, Bye, Birdie"

Friday, May 1st – 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 2nd – 2:00 pm

Saint Agnes School Hall

39 Medford St., Arlington MA

Weekly Digest

Welcome, EVERYONE!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), End-of-Year Choir Party (7 pm), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Thursday - Arlington Catholic Women's Club (11 am), First Friday Confessions (4 pm), Saint Dymphna Society (6:30 pm)
• Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30), Saint Agnes School Play "Bye Bye Birdie" (7 pm)
• Saturday  - Saint Agnes School Play "Bye Bye Birdie" (1 pm), Confessions (3 pm)
• Sunday - Coffee and Donuts (after 9:00 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass), Infant Baptisms (2 pm)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK THE BLOG BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Now that we are in summer mode, 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, April 28th, we will meet at Cummings Park (19 Lyman Ave., Medford).  This park has lots of its own toys, sand to dig in, and a basketball court for balls or scooter play.  Please bring your own scooters, balls, etc., a lunch or snack and join us!

**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, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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This Friday, May 1st, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, April 30th, 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 daily life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

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Arlington Catholic $10,000 Lottery!

Arlington Catholic High School’s $10,000 Lottery Drawing is just around the corner; we have a limited number of tickets still available. Come and join us for some food, drinks and fun and, of course, a chance to win $10,000! The drawing will take place on May 8 at Arlington Catholic High School. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the drawing to be held at 7:30 pm. If you would like to purchase a tickets, please contact Lee-Ann at 781-646-5101 or lpepicelli [at] achs.net

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Fidelity House - Date Night!

Fidelity House’s 18th Annual Fundraiser, "Celebrating 60 Years", will be held Saturday evening, May 16th from 6:30-11:00 pm. A silent auction, live auction, food stations, music and dancing will be part of the fun. Tickets are on sale at Fidelity House, and each ticket also is eligible for a $1,000 door prize. Your support is appreciated.  Please visit www.fidelityhouse.org or call 781-648-2005 for more information.

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Respect Life Rose Drive

Parishioners for Life will sponsor a Rose Drive to benefit Massachusetts Citizens for Life after all Masses the weekend of June 6 and 7th. If you would like to help distribute the roses and collect donations after any of the Masses, please e-mail saparishforlife [at] gmail.com. Children with their parents are welcome to help!

FALL 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Links to these websites are located at the top right-hand of the blog page.

When you invest and involve your family here, you can participate

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

which are offered by - and in the long tradition of - our very own Catholic Church.

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

Rose Drive & Respect Life at Saint Agnes

2015 Respect Life Rose Drive: June 6 & 7

Parishioners for Life will sponsor a Rose Drive to benefit Massachusetts Citizens for Life after all Masses the weekend of June 6 and 7th. If you would like to help distribute the roses and collect donations after any of the Masses, please e-mail saparishforlife [at] gmail.com. Children with their parents are welcome to help!

How can we be PRO-life every day?

By maintaining a positive attitude towards others,

appreciating the unique person that God has created in each individual,

reaching out in kindness and compassion,

praying for the unborn, disabled and elderly,

and giving alms to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable in our society.

“Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.”Matthew 25:40

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Do you like to Run (or walk?)

Calling all runners and walkers… have you heard of the national organization LIFE Runners? It is the world’s largest Pro-Life Running/Walking Team with chapters in all 50 states and 17 countries! LIFE Runners pray and run (or walk) to defend Life from conception to natural death… All in Christ for Pro-Life! There are two chapters in Massachusetts (Springfield and Still River), but no Boston area chapter yet. Would you be interested in starting a Boston area chapter of LIFE Runners? E-mail SAParishforLife [at] gmail.com or call Eileen Cahill at 781-643-5915. This would be a great way for all ages in our parish and our community to work and pray together to support God’s gift of life.

“All life has inestimable value even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”

-Pope Francis

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LOCAL Natural Family Planning

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 certified teachers of a 3-class NFP series, offered in our locale!  For sign-ups, details, or questions about dates, please email Meredith.Phelps [at] gmail.com.

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Project Rachel
Project Rachel is a confidential Catholic outreach ministry offering healing, compassion and hope to women and men hurting from an abortion experience. People are available to listen, to answer questions, to pray for you, and to help in any way. Project Rachel can help begin the experience of forgiveness, freedom and peace waiting for you in the tender embrace of God’s love and mercy. The phone number for Project Rachel is 508-651-3100, email is help [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com, and the website is www.ProjectRachelBoston.com.  All inquiries are confidential.

Summer: Camping Trip, Fidelity House, and Youth Programs!

Are your relatives calling you?  They want to know what the summer plans are. 

Well before you give away all your dates to in-laws, make sure you mark your calendars!

THIRD ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT

July 10-12, 2015

Greenfield State Park, NH
"Day Campers" invited to join us on Saturday, July 11th*

Details:

1. If you know you are coming (or when you decide you are coming), please use this form, 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.


2. The dates for this camping trip are July 10-12. 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.

3. Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park, see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

Reservations are through Reserve America, and can be found here.  We will try to cluster our group around campsite #44 on the small loop near Beaver Pond.  A map is here.

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or make a tent (boyscouts anyone?). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + a small processing 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 the most fun together, try to cluster our reservations around campsite #44.
• This is our third ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. It is meant to build community and friendships that will serve as an organic support network for people in our parish, as well as encourage you to give back to the community in the way you feel called.
  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 fine - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, and camping survival! 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. See you there!

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As you make arrangements for the summer, make sure you check out our own awesome parish resource - Fidelity House!

Fidelity House offers many community summer youth programs including day camps, a summer preschool program, sports camps, and Full Day Programs!  They also have adult leagues, and a certified preschool and Pre-K that have open enrollment and start in the fall!

For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

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Weekly Digest

Welcome, EVERYONE!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Sodality of Our Lady Day of Recollection (9:45 am), Adult Education and Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Saturday  - Confessions (3 pm)
• Sunday - Coffee and Donuts (after 9:00 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK THE BLOG BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Now that we are in summer mode, 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, April 21st, we will meet at McClennen Park (680 Summer St., Arlington).  This park has a pavement area for scooters and also a soccer field for kites or balls.  Please bring your own scooters, balls, etc., a lunch or snack and join us!

**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, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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

Arlington Catholic $10,000 Lottery!

Arlington Catholic High School’s $10,000 Lottery Drawing is just around the corner; we have a limited number of tickets still available. Come and join us for some food, drinks and fun and, of course, a chance to win $10,000! The drawing will take place on May 8 at Arlington Catholic High School. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the drawing to be held at 7:30 pm. If you would like to purchase a tickets, please contact Lee-Ann at 781-646-5101 or lpepicelli [at] achs.net

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Fidelity House - Date Night!

Fidelity House’s 18th Annual Fundraiser, "Celebrating 60 Years", will be held Saturday evening, May 16th from 6:30-11:00 pm. A silent auction, live auction, food stations, music and dancing will be part of the fun. Tickets are on sale at Fidelity House, and each ticket also is eligible for a $1,000 door prize. Your support is appreciated.  Please visit www.fidelityhouse.org or call 781-648-2005 for more information.

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Respect Life Rose Drive

Parishioners for Life will sponsor a Rose Drive to benefit Massachusetts Citizens for Life after all Masses the weekend of June 6 and 7th. If you would like to help distribute the roses and collect donations after any of the Masses, please e-mail saparishforlife [at] gmail.com. Children with their parents are welcome to help!

FALL 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Links to these websites are located at the top right-hand of the blog page.

When you invest and involve your family here, you can participate

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

which are offered by - and in the long tradition of - our very own Catholic Church.

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

"Little Boy" Film at AMC Burtlington

Are you looking for something different to do with your kids during school vacation week?  The independently produced film, "Little Boy" is coming to AMC Burlington on Thursday, April 23!  Details and a link for seat reservations are below.  Please pass it on!

Two very generous benefactors bought out the AMC Burlington theater (ten screens, 700+ seats) for a LITTLE BOY pre-premiere event on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm. The film opens on April 24th.

Cardinal O'Malley pre-screened the film, and his blog review excerpt is below.  The Globe is going to do a story about one of the benefactors- Sword and Spoon - based in Lexington, which works to highlight the intersection of business and culture.

CLICK HERE to reserve a seat for this FREE event to see "Little Boy" on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm.

Cardinal Sean's blog review of the film:
Finally, this week I was given the opportunity to screen the film Little Boy, which I found very moving.  The film is about a family during World War II. It speaks of the havoc that the war wreaked on this family, but also the importance of faith and works of mercy. I particularly liked the two priests in the film (played by Eduardo Verástegui and Tom Wilkinson) who are portrayed in a very positive and pastoral way. For example, in the film they help the people overcome their fear and prejudice against Japanese Americans.

It has a wonderful message and I feel it’s the kind of film that anyone in the family would enjoy. Unfortunately, when independent films like this are made they often don’t have the same kind of advertising budgets that big studio films have, so it’s up to us to spread the word— and this is a film with a message that deserves to be spread.

Mom's Night In, Summer Camping Trip and Fidelity House

Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is THURSDAY, April 16th

We will get together for a stress-free evening, enjoy feminine fellowship, maybe play a game or two, and pray a devotion together.

I will not publish the hostesses address online, so please email me at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com if you plan to come.

Please bring a snack or drink to share!

 We will kick it off at 8:00 pm.

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Are your relatives calling you?  They want to know what the summer plans are. 

Well before you give away all your dates to in-laws, make sure you mark your calendars!

THIRD ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT

July 10-12, 2015

Greenfield State Park, NH
"Day Campers" invited to join us on Saturday, July 11th*

Details:

1. If you know you are coming (or when you decide you are coming), please use this form, 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.


2. The dates for this camping trip are July 10-12. 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.

3. Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park, see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

Reservations are through Reserve America, and can be found here.  We will try to cluster our group around campsite #44 on the small loop near Beaver Pond.  A map is here.

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or make a tent (boyscouts anyone?). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + a small processing 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 the most fun together, try to cluster our reservations around campsite #44.
• This is our third ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. It is meant to build community and friendships that will serve as an organic support network for people in our parish, as well as encourage you to give back to the community in the way you feel called.
  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 fine - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, and camping survival! 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. See you there!

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

As you make arrangements for the summer, make sure you check out our own awesome parish resource - Fidelity House!
Fidelity House offers many community summer youth programs including day camps, a summer preschool program, sports camps, and Full Day Programs!  They also have adult leagues, and a certified preschool and Pre-K that have open enrollment and start in the fall!

For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

Weekly Digest

Welcome, EVERYONE!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Saint Agnes School Open House (1 pm), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (8 pm)
• Friday - Jesus in the North End, Saint Leonard's (7:30 pm)
• Saturday  - Confessions (3 pm)
• Sunday - Coffee and Donuts (after 9:00 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass), Infant Baptisms (2 pm)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK THE BLOG BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Now that we are in summer mode, 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, April 14th, we will meet at Magnolia Playground (36 Herbert Rd., Arlington).  This park has a pavement area for scooters and also a soccer field for kites or balls.  Please bring your own scooters, balls, etc., a lunch or snack and join us!

**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, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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Mom's Night In - THURSDAY, April 16th at 8:00 pm

We will get together for a stress-free evening, play some get-to-know-you games (think: Apples to Apples), and PRAY together.  I will not publish the hostesses address online, so please email me at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com if you plan to come. Please bring a snack or drink to share!  We will kick it off at 8:00 pm.

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Jesus in the North End – www.one4boston.org

This wonderful diocesan event is targeted for Catholic Young Adults, although everyone is welcome to join in this evening of Adoration, Confession, and Evangelization.  Throw in a meatless Italian dinner beforehand, and it makes a great date to share with someone, and time spent together with our Lord.

April 17th at Saint Leonard’s Parish in Boston’s North End

7:30 pm - Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration

9:00 pm - Mass

10:00 pm - Social Time

**Confession and Evangelization are held throughout the event.**

FALL 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Links to these websites are located at the top right-hand of the blog page.

When you invest and involve your family here, you can participate

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

which are offered by - and in the long tradition of - our very own Catholic Church.

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

World Youth Day 2016

In July of 2016, World Youth Day will be held in Krakow, Poland.  Three travel groups are being offered by the Archdiocese of Boston: High School, Young Adults, and Families.  Would you like to go??

To learn more about this life-changing experience, call Saint Agnes' Confirmation Director, Nancy Feeman (781-641-6621).  The Pilgrimage begins in Warsaw, visits our Lady of Czestochowa, Auschwitz, and the beautiful city of Krakow.  It would be wonderful to have a group from Arlington join the Diocesan Group to pray with the Pope in Poland!

Weekly Digest

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Baptism Catechesis and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Thursday - ACHS Blood Drive (8am - 1pm)
• Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7 pm)
• Saturday  - Boston Sock Exchange (11 am at Park Street T-stop), Mass of Anointing (12 noon Upper Church), Altar Server Training (1 pm Lower Church), Confessions (3 pm), Saint Agnes 10K Raffle Dinner (7 pm)
• Divine Mercy Sunday - Altar Server Installation (9 am Mass), Coffee and Donuts (after 9:00 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass)
• Monday - Respect Life Meeting (7 pm)

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Mass of Anointing
Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11th at 12:00 noon. Volunteers are needed as drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts/hostesses and people to make/donate sandwiches and desserts. If you are donating sandwiches or dessert, please let us know what and how many you will donate. You may deliver your donations before the luncheon on Saturday by noon. Thank you for your kindness. If you can help, or if you would like to attend and need transportation, please call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220.

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK THE BLOG BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Now that we are in summer mode, 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, April 7th, we will meet at Crosby Park (81 Oxford St., Arlington).  This park has a pavement area for scooters and also a soccer field for kites or balls.  Please bring your own scooters, balls, etc., a lunch or snack and join us!

**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, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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Blood Drive sponsored by Arlington Catholic High School

Individuals at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 120 pounds, and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood on Thursday, April 9th from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. You must have a positive form of identification. If you are interested in giving blood, please contact Sister Barbara McHugh: 781-648-5384 to set up an appointment. It is important to be well rested, to eat a healthy breakfast and to drink extra glasses of water before you donate. This is one way to Respect Life and join in offering up yourself for the sake of those who suffer.  Blood Drive occurs in Arlington Catholic High School Gymnasium, 16 Medford St., Arlington MA.

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Altar Server Training

All Parish youth currently in Grades 4 and up are invited to join the Parish Altar Server Program. Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month. Instruction sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the lower Church on Saturdays: March 21, 28, April 4 and April 11. The Installation Mass will be on Sunday, April 12, at the 9:00 am Family Mass.  If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.

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Boston Sock Exchange

This Saturday, April 11th is the Boston Sock Exchange at 11:00 am at the Park Street T-Stop.  This ministry helps the homeless men and women of Boston, by distributing gifts of sandwiches and clothes near the Park Street T-Stop on the second Saturday of the month. Prep and packaging for the day is held in the parish center on Friday night, April 10th at 7:00 pm. Help and/or donations is a wonderful way to put your faith in action!  For more information, see the calendar to the right, or email Natasha Buckley (NQBuck [at] aol.com).

The Boston Sock Exchange is currently in need of small 8 oz. bottled water, SOCKS, sweatshirts, long sleeved-shirts, fleece jackets, coats, winter hats, scarves and gloves.  We also need rain gear: ponchos and umbrellas.  Thank you!

"Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe of what the poor have

to carry, rather than stand in judgement of how they carry it." Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ

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Saint Agnes $10,000 Raffle

The North End comes to Saint Agnes School for its Annual $10,000 Raffle Dinner, Saturday, April 11th.. Tickets are still available for this event, which is such a fun way to show your support of our beloved school! Your ticket purchase includes an Italian style buffet dinner (for two!), a raffle entry into the drawing for $10,000 and the chance to win some other great prizes! For more information, please contact. Maureen Kenney at 781.697.7017 or Liz Sousa at 617.291.6227 You can also email us at SaintAgnes10K [at] gmail.com or visit the Saint Agnes School website at www.saintagnesschool.com.

FALL 2015 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Links to these websites are located at the top right-hand of the blog page.

When you invest and involve your family here, you can participate

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

which are offered by - and in the long tradition of - our very own Catholic Church.

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

What are you doing this summer?

Are your relatives calling you?  They want to know what the summer plans are. 

Well before you give away all your dates to in-laws, make sure you mark your calendars!

THIRD ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT

July 10-12, 2015

Greenfield State Park, NH
"Day Campers" invited to join us on Saturday, July 11th*

Details:

1. If you know you are coming (or when you decide you are coming), please use this form, 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.


2. The dates for this camping trip are July 10-12. 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.

3. Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park, see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

Reservations are through Reserve America, and can be found here.  We will try to cluster our group around campsite #44 on the small loop near Beaver Pond.  A map is here.

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or make a tent (boyscouts anyone?). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + a small processing 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 the most fun together, try to cluster our reservations around campsite #44.
• This is our third ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. It is meant to build community and friendships that will serve as an organic support network for people in our parish, as well as encourage you to give back to the community in the way you feel called.
  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 fine - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, and camping survival! 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. See you there!

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As you make arrangements for the summer, make sure you check out our own awesome parish resource - Fidelity House!
Fidelity House offers many community summer youth programs including day camps, a summer preschool program, sports camps, and Full Day Programs!  They also have adult leagues, and a certified preschool and Pre-K that have open enrollment and start in the fall!

For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org