Raffle Drawing Videos

Check out the scenes from last Sunday's raffle drawing.  Thanks to all of those who purchased tickets, and to the members of our Latino community for organizing the event, which raised about $1000 for the support of our parish.

Parish Gathers to Pray for Peace

"A World at Prayer is a World at Peace" Fr. Patrick Payton, CSC

Every night in December at 6:30 p.m., the St. Vincent de Paul Parish church at 71 Linden Street will be open for community prayer of the Holy Rosary. Everyone is welcome. During this prayerful gathering, there will be guides to help you complete the rosary prayer.

Upcoming Events at St. Vincent's

It's hard to believe that the First Sunday of Advent is almost upon us!  As we begin our new liturgical year, and the season in which we await with anticipation the feast of our Savior's birth, we wanted to call to your attention a few upcoming events to help you in your spiritual preparations for Christmas.

Saturday, December 6: Morning of Recollection: Awaiting the Messiah with the Prophets

Start off Advent on the right (spiritual) foot!  Join us for a morning of prayer as we reflect on the words of the prophets who awaited the first coming of the Messiah as we prepare to celebrate the feast of His birth.

9 a.m. – Mass for the Memorial of St. Nicholas

              Followed by veneration of St. Nicholas’ Myrrh

9:30 a.m. – Light Breakfast

10 a.m. – First Reflection

10:30 a.m. - Time for Silent Prayer/Sacrament of Reconciliation

11:15 – Second Reflection

11:45 a.m. – Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

Monday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)

Today we celebrate the Virgin Mary who, from the first moment of her conception, was preseved from any stain of original sin, a foreshadowing of the work of God's grace that would take place through her son, Jesus Christ.  We offer three Masses this day:

9:00 a.m. (English/Portuguese)

5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

7:10 p.m. (English)

Following the evening Mass, there will be a time of Eucharistic Adoration for all children who died before birth, and for a greater respect for life in all of its stages, until Midnight.

Friday, December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Spanish-speaking community will lead us in the singing of the Mañanitas, the traditional songs sung at dawn in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  We will follow with the Mass of the Feast and a light social in the lower church.

Mass of Remembrance for Children Who Died Before Birth

Monday, December 8, 2014 7:10 P.M.

St. Vincent De Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, Attleboro

All are welcome to attend this Mass of Remembrance for Pre-Born Children and experience the profound peace, love and mercy of Christ. A special invitation is extended to parents, grandparents and siblings who grieve the death of children as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. These losses may be recent or extend over many years.

A special Book for first names will be available at St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent De Paul parishes in Attleboro until the Eve of the Immaculate Conception (12/7/14). Parents are invited to write the first name of their children in the book. The first names will be read at the December 8th Mass.

Following Mass, Eucharistic Adoration will be available in the parish church until Midnight.

Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul

You've probably noticed the latest addition to our church with the completion of the shrine to St. Vincent de Paul.  Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, we have completed the triptych, a 3-panel wood carving that depicts the saint in various scenes from his life.  A complete explanation of the work can be read further down the page.  St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us!

The central panel of the St. Vincent Triptych depicts the saint with several figures representing the various groups of people to whom he ministered.  St. Vincent stands in the center with his cloak spread over the other figures; in church art, this symbolizes the extension of a saint’s protection to those others.  Here, it shows St. Vincent’s role as model, minster, and intercessor to the groups represented by the figures depicted.  One of these is a poor man, representing the galley slaves to whom St. Vincent de Paul ministered to early in his priesthood, as well as the many poor whom he served later in life.  A woman of means is also depicted, calling to mind the many wealthy women who were attracted to the ministry of St. Vincent and followed him in caring for the poor and needy.  Two children are also shown, calling to mind not only St. Vincent’s care for the material needs of poor children, but also his work for their instruction in the Faith.  These many figures, rich and poor, young and old, are all under St. Vincent’s mantle, showing that every person, no matter what their condition or state  in life, are called to follow his example, which in turn reflects the living out of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

The wings of the triptych show various scenes from the life and ministry of St. Vincent.  The image in the top left-hand corner shows a scene in which he ministers towards the slaves who were condemned to row in the galleys in the French Royal Navy, a task to which he was especially devoted in the years 1622-1625, and continuing for several years thereafter.  The difficulty of their sentence caused many of the slaves to lose hope in life and in God, making St. Vincent’s task of preaching the love of Christ to them that much more difficult.  The chains around the slaves’ hands and feet represent not only the physical chains of their imprisonment, but also the spiritual chains that bind anyone who has made themselves a prisoner of sin.  The inscription says Caritate refovit corda peccato callosa, “By love, he rekindled hearts hardened by sin.”  Through caring for the material and spiritual needs of the slaves, represented by the cup of water he offers and the cross he holds, St. Vincent gradually opened their eyes and hearts to realize the love that God had for them. 

Below this is an image of St. Vincent with St. Louise de Marillac.  Beginning in 1617, St. Vincent began to organize the women who sought to help him into a group called the Ladies of Charity (Dames de la Charité), which acquired a more formal foundation as the Sisters of Charity in 1633.  St. Louise, who was a member of the minor nobility, had experienced great difficulty in her early life.  After being born out of wedlock in 1591, she grew up the care of various relatives, marrying in 1613.  She was a devoted wife and mother, and found a route for spiritual growth through her participation in the works of charity of St. Vincent de Paul.  After her husband died in 1625, she devoted herself even more to this work, while continuing to care for her only child, Michael, who had been born with special needs.  In 1642 she took vows as a religious sister completely dedicated to the work of caring for the poor, continuing in this life until 1660, when she passed from this life just a few months before St. Vincent himself did.  The inscription of this image is Concilio duxit Sanctam Ludovicam in viam sanctificationis, “By counsel, he led St. Louise in the way of holiness,” remembering the important guidance that St. Vincent gave to her through his spiritual guidance and example.  The order that they founded together would later include St. Catherine Laboure, who instituted the devotion to the Miraculous Medal, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born saint from the United States.

On the right wing, the top panel shows St. Vincent in the confessional.  In 1617, St. Vincent began undertaking missions to the poor villages of the countryside to strengthen and enliven the faith of the people who lived there.  This part of his work would later be formalized with the foundation of the Congregation of the Mission in 1625, under the auspices of which he continued this ministry until his death.  Besides preaching, an important aspect of these missions was the offering of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, by which those who been moved by the mission could turn to the mercy of God and receive His forgiveness.  The inscription reflects this, reading Misericordia reconciliavit peccatores Patri, “By mercy, he reconciled sinners to the Father.”  It was St. Vincent’s great love for God and God’s people that drove him in his efforts to renew and strengthen the relationship between God and believers.  This line is based the Easter sequence, the second stanza of which reads, Christus innocens Patri reconciliavit peccatores, “The innocent Christ reconciles sinners to the Father.”  In his ministry as a priest, St. Vincent continued the redemptive work of Christ that is realized in the sacraments.  Whenever we are absolved from our sins, the work of spiritual regeneration is accomplished within us, which will be fully realized when we are reborn to eternal life, the hope of which we see foreshadowed in Christ’s Resurrection. 

The lower right panel shows St. Vincent with the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Bl. Frederic Ozanam.  Bl. Frederic was born in 1813, and after a time of questioning in his youth, entered adulthood sincerely devoted to the Catholic faith.  Under the influence of Bl. Rosalie Rendu, a Sister of Charity, he founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1833 to care for the needs of the poor.  This movement has spread since then, with chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul Society existing throughout the world.  The inscription Exemplo instruet curam pauperum, “By example he teaches care for the poor,” refers to how the example of St. Vincent inspired Bl. Frederic to undertake his mission to the poor, and likewise should inspire us to do the same.  The image is based on the traditional icon of the Prophet Elijah ascending to Heaven while leaving his mantle to the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 2:11-13).  In a spiritual sense, St. Vincent likewise leaves his “mantle” to Bl. Frederic, as well as to all of us who are called to carry on the mission and legacy of St. Vincent in our own times.

The Donor Plaque, located to the right of the shrine

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The St. Vincent de Paul parish family welcomes individuals of all faith backgrounds that are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic to join the Adult Education process known as "RCIA". RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

RCIA offers an opportunity for individuals searching for deeper meaning in their life and for a closer relationship with God to gather in a small group setting with others who are also striving to strengthen their relationship with Christ and learn more about the Catholic faith.

All are invited to this table of inquiry. Some inquirers have been baptized in the Catholic Church or in another Christian tradition; other inquirers have not yet been baptized. Everyone is welcome to explore becoming Catholic. Inquirers may range in age from 18 to 90, plus. Each person hears the "call" in a unique way and at different periods of their lives. God and His Church patiently await a free response to the personal invitation.

RCIA sessions strive to provide a nurturing, accepting environment for adults to share their questions, insights and faith story. The meetings focus on the teachings and experience of the Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season.

Anyone interested in exploring this invitation to become Catholic is encouraged to contact the parish office in person at 71 Linden St, by phone at 508-226-1115 X2, by email at saintvincentdpattleboro@gmail.com, or through Facebook.

Assumption Mass Schedule

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday, 15 August - Holy Day of Obligation

On this day we celebrate our belief that, at the end of her earthly life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken into Heaven, body and soul.  We also remember how she foreshadows the hope and destiny that is each of ours as believers.

Mass Schedule

7 p.m. Vigil (Thurs. Evening) (English)

9 a.m. with Bishop Donald Pelletier, M.S. (English/Portuguese)

5:30 p.m. (English)

7 p.m. (Spanish)

Mark Your Calendars - Parish Dinner

While September still seems a way off, be sure to mark your calendars now for our parish dinner to mark the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul.  On the evening of Saturday, 27 September, we'll be having a dinner in the lower church hall.  Spaghetti and chicken are on the menu - plus much more!  We hope you can come as we gather as a parish family to renew and strengthen our unity in Christ.

Pictures of Recent Events

Have you visited our parish Facebook page recently?  Click here to see photos from this year's feast, and also of the group from the diocesan Pro-Life Boot Camp that we hosted last Saturday.  Be sure to "Like" us to receive updates on parish events.

Holy Ghost Feast 2014 Schedule

HOLY GHOST FEAST

City of Attleboro

June 20 - 22, 2014

 

 

 

(Unless otherwise noted, all events take place on the church grounds)

Friday, June 20th (5:00pm – 11:30pm)

• 5:00pm                     Cattle auction

                 Entertainment (DJ)

   
   
  Saturday, June 21st (2:00pm – 11:30pm)

• 5:00pm                      Procession begins at the Church accompanied by the band, Nova Alianca, Pawtucket, RI.  Procession continues to the “Mordomo’s” house and makes a small journey, distributing sweet bread and wine, while heading back to the church.
                                                            
  Entertainment after the procession through the evening
        -   Cranston Portuguese Club Folkloric dance group
        -   Our Lady of Fatima, Folkloric dance group of Cumberland
        -   David DeMelo and his band
   
   
  Sunday, June 22nd (9:30am – 10:00pm)

• 9:30am                      Procession begins at the Church accompanied by the Nova Alianca  Band, Pawtucket, RI, and the Clube Juventude Lusitana Band of
  Cumberland, RI.
  
  
  
• 11:00am                     Feast Mass
  Short Procession following the Mass
  Soup of the Holy Spirit served in church hall
  
  - - - - - - - - THE FEAST CONTINUES UNTIL 10:00pm - - - - - - - -
  Entertainment – DJ
                            
   
  A great big THANK YOU to everyone for your help and participation!
  2014 Mordomos, Jacquline & Michael Viveiros

Legion of Mary Acies Ceremony at the Cathedral

 

Our Parish Legion of Mary recently attended the Acies Ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River.  There, we joined with other Legion groups from around our diocese for a prayer service which included the Legion Prayers, the Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.  We also learned that our pastor, Fr. Richard Wilson, will be the new spiritual advisor for the Legions of Mary in our diocese.  Congratulations, Fr. Wilson!

The Holy Season of Lent at St. Vincent's

"For if by the transgression of the one, the many died,
how much more did the grace of God
and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ
overflow for the many."

- Rm. 5:15

 

Lent begins on March 5th.  We invite you to join us at one of our Ash Wednesday Masses:

• 9 a.m. (English/Portuguese)
• 5:30 p.m. (English)
• 7 p.m. (Spanish)

 

On Fridays during Lent, we will be praying the Stations of the Cross:

• Noon (English/Portuguese)
• 7 p.m. (Spanish)

Please check back for information on further events which will be taking place over the next 40 days- including the 50th anniversary celebration of our church on April 12!

Blessing of Child in the Womb

Blessing of Child in the Womb

St. Vincent’s Attleboro offers Rite of Blessing for Child in the Womb

March 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Following the example of Pope Francis, St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Catholic parish, located at 71 Linden Street, invites all parents who are expecting the birth of a child to receive a special blessing on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

All parents along with their children in the womb, along with other children, family and friends are invited to gather to pray for the health and happiness of each child awaiting their birth and for the health and well-being of each parent.

Anyone with questions is welcome to contact the Parish Office at (508) 226-1115.

Evening of Prayerful Remembrance & Intercession: Healing the Hidden Wounds

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden St, Attleboro

All are invited to gather to pray and intercede on behalf of all of those in our community affected by the trauma of abortion, seeking forgiveness and healing in God' merciful love and support for all those touched by this tragedy.

• 6:00 PM - Reading of testimonies written by health care professionals, family members, friends, and others impacted by abortion. Testimony is read by volunteers.

• 7:00 PM - A time of Eucharistic Adoration will begin, during which we will pray the rosary and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

• 8:00 PM - Celebration of the Holy Mass.

This evening of intercession was developed by Theresa Bonopartis & The Sisters of Life and is sponsored by the Respect Life Ministry of St. Vincent de Paul and St. John the Evangelist Parishes.