5/7/2005

by Louise Haggett

WHO: SACRED HEART CHURCH PARISHIONERS
WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2005, 10:30 AM
WHERE: SHAW PARK, RT. 16, ELIOT STREET, NATICK, MASS.
WHAT: SACRED HEART CHURCH CELEBRATES MOTHER'S DAY MASS WITH MARRIED CATHOLIC PRIESTS

For the second time this spring, Sacred Heart parish in Natick, Massachusetts, whose Church was bolted by the Archdiocese of Boston on Christmas Day, will celebrate as a community on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, at 10:30 A.M. with married Catholic priests. The event is planned to take place at Shaw Park in Natick, a few steps from their beloved Sacred Heart Church that now has a for sale sign in front.

The congregation invited married priests on Easter Sunday on March 27, for its first outdoor Mass at Shaw Park. Over 200 people turned out, with standing room only, even though there was snow and mud on the ground. The Boston Archdiocese had said the Mass would draw only a few people. With the weather much warmer, it is expected that Sunday's gathering will have as large if not a larger turnout.

According to co-chair of the closed Church committee, Anne Green, "We requested a priest from the Archbishop and he refused. This is not about defying the Church as much as it is wanting to continue to worship in South Natick as a community. We're entitled to the Eucharist and we are using our Baptismal right to have it. Married priests are valid, we welcome them and we hope other congregations who want to stay together will do likewise."

Twenty-one church laws (Canons) allow for married priests to provide sacramental ministry that is valid and licit (legal) providing the request comes from the people. For more information on the ministry of married priests, log on to www.rentapriest.com or call 1-800-PRIEST 9 (774-3789).

Directions: Shaw Park is on Eliot Street (Route 16) in the center of South Natick, not Natick proper. It is opposite the Bacon Free Library, which is located at 58 Eliot Street, at the intersection of Eliot, Union and Pleasant streets. People are asked to bring folding chairs in the event of another overflow. Coffee will be served after Mass.