Fr. Chip reminds us that Advent is a time of preparation and one of the best ways to prepare for Jesus is the Sacrament of Confession.

Dom Bettinelli begins a series of columns discussing the upcoming Year of Mercy, what it is and why Pope Francis called it.

We are in need of a driver with a truck or van to deliver gifts from our Giving Tree to the Pine Street Inn in Boston on Monday Dec. 14 or Tuesday Dec. 15. Driving directions will be provided. Please make arrangements by contacting Margaret Kelly at 508-668-4700 or mkelly@matt13catholic.org

Tuesday, Dec. 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation. We have a schedule of Masses on Monday and Tuesday for your convenience.

The next meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Walpole will be at 7pm on Dec. 15, 2015 at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. This year the Society was able to assist over 95 individuals with food, utilities, rent and other expenses while expressing our love and solidarity. Won’t you join them in their ministry? Call 508-921-1028 ext. 1004 for more information.

Please take a tag from our Giving Tree to purchase an Christmas gift for someone in need.

Fr. Chip admits to a change of heart and asks us all to put fear aside in favor of mercy and charity when it comes to refugees.

Please consider making a donation toward Christmas flowers in memory of a loved one.

​As we begin the Jubilee Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, it is appropriate that we gather together on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7pm in Blessed Sacrament Church for an Advent Penance Service.

There will be no faith formation classes from November 22nd - December 1. Classes will resume for all Grades 1-8 and Year I Confirmation Students on Sunday, December 6th.

Fr. Chip tells us that Pints with the Pastors was a great success and he hopes we can have more opportunities to gather in a friendly and open environment.

Both St. Mary Parish and Blessed Sacrament Parish were among a group of 32 parishes in the diocese that increased their contributions to the September Collection for the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust by more than 22%.

Pieta, a support group for parents who have suffered the loss of a child of any age, will be holding their 32nd Annual Lighting Service on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 at 2pm at Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Our Pastoral Associate, Margaret Manning, gave birth to her first child this week and reflects on the proximity to Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord.

Fr. Chip has seen the new Spotlight movie and believes we need to acknowledge the movie and the pain it brings up again, but that we should also feel confident in the lessons learned and steps taken to ensure the sex-abuse scandal doesn't happen again.

The next meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Walpole will be at 7pm on Nov. 17, 2015 at St. Mary’s parish hall. We help all in need with direct and confidential assistance. Won’t you join us? Call 508-921-1028 ext. 1004 for more information.

Thank you to the many families who have already made their gift! If you have not yet given to the Grand Annual please prayerfully consider your gift this week.

Fr. Chip looks at the generosity of the widow in this Sunday's Gospel and how we respond to God's blessings.

Renovation of the chapel began this past week and will continue for several weeks while the plaster is repaired. Daily Masses, weekly Adoration and other events scheduled for the chapel will be moved temporarily to the main church.

The Respect Life committee will be holding its annual sale of Christmas cards on the weekend of Nov. 21-22 and Nov. 28-29, 2015 and at the school Christmas bazaar, Dec. 5.