As I Have Done For You ~ Dan Shutte ~ Text based on John 13:16

In This Place ~ Trevor Thomson ~ Victoria Thomson 

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises

In This Place · Trevor Thomson · Victoria Thomson

Choose Christ 2009, Vol. 3 ℗ 2009 OCP. All rights reserved. All selections BMI.

Released on: 2008-10-30 Music Publisher: OCP

Who Is This Man ~ Don Besig and Nancy Price

https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10040871

Triumphant and bold, this Palm Sunday anthem for mixed voices combines the 19th century hymn text Ride On! Ride On in Majesty! with invigorating new music. Melodic repetition and mostly unison voicing in the men's vocal part offer choirs with limited rehearsal time the chance to learn the piece quickly and easily.

https://www.jwpepper.com/ 

I Will Rise ~ Mary McDonald, Louie Giglio ~ The Lorenz Corporation

10/4732L - Mary McDonald transforms "I Will Rise" from a popular worship song to a church choral classic in this brilliant arrangement. The powerful text proclaims the glory of the resurrection and how it enables Christ's people to rise above the storms of life. The piano accompaniment and optional instrumental ensemble add zest to this dynamic tune.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord A20

This Palm Sunday is a unique celebration: no blessing of palms to be given out, no parts to be spoken during the reading of The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew, no choir or singing, and for most of us, no reception of the Eucharist. How very odd! And further, the rest of Holy Week including Tenebrae and the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday Vigil of Easter) will likewise be celebrated (?) in a like manner. I will surely miss you, your presence, your enthusiasm, your smiling faces (except on Good Friday), and your joy on Easter Sunday.

A new directive from the Archdiocese of Hartford states that the "time has now come to suspend publicly scheduled confessions until further notice in light of the growing spread of the virus in Connecticut, which is anticipated to peak in the coming weeks. This is necessary for the protection of both penitents and priests." However, during Holy Week the church will be open for Eucharistic Adoration on Palm Sunday from 4:00-4:45 pm and for individual prayer on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please observe guidelines for spatial distancing. There will be disinfectants available at the entrances, so you can be sure of a clean place to pray while you are in church. If possible, we ask that you wipe down your pew before you leave so it will be sanitized for the next parishioner who may come in.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

          “Christ is Risen!” Even though we have to practice “social distancing” we are always spiritually close as members of the one Body of Christ. Baptism makes us a family in faith, and at Easter we joyfully proclaim the glorious news that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Easter this year may be unlike any other, but the light of the resurrection remains undimmed, the cause of our joy undiminished, and the strength of our faith unbroken.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL COPY OF THE LETTER

Due to the restrictions placed on social distancing from the on-going coronavirus pandemic, the Knights of Columbus are extending the due date for the 2019-2020 scholarship applications from March 31, 2020 to April 15, 2020. Additionally, e-mail approvals from school and church officals will be accepted rather than physical signatures.

Applications can be found in the left colomn of this page (or click here to go to the article or click here to download the application) and sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Good luck and stay safe!

When Jesus goes to the grave of Lazarus we see a very human, relatable Jesus. He weeps, he is mourning the loss of his friend. The key is what and how he does next – he prays. But not simply asking God for something, which is a trap we often fall into. He instead begins with “Father, I thank you for hearing me.  I know that you always hear me.” I think this message is poignant given our current circumstances. In all things, give thanks. If Jesus at a time of tremendous pain and loss can begin his prayer with gratitude and thanksgiving, we should take note. I found great comfort in knowing that even in these uncertain times, we can and must find things to give thanks to God.  Maybe for some it will just be thank you for this moment and that is fine!! At different points, everyone is struggling, the key is to remember that we can find comfort in knowing we do not walk alone and if we look carefully we will see God is working in and around us and for that we should give thanks and this is incredibly comforting. (Written by Jen O'Neill)

Prayer to St. Lazarus

Dear Saint Lazarus, friend of Christ Incarnate and patron of the poor and the sick; I request your intercession, with the aid of the Holy Spirit; May the Lord, Who prefigured His resurrection through your own miraculous rising, always guide me in my earthly pilgrimage and protect me in sickness and in health.

In light of the current public health emergency and the indefinite cancellation of St. John Fisher's weekend Masses, our parish will have none of its usual income from weekly collections, which it relies upon to meet ongoing expenses. Therefore, we ask you to please consider signing up for our online giving program. Some of our parishioners already choose to contribute weekly through this convenient method instead of using envelopes. Any help you can provide in the interim for the ongoing support of our parish will be greatly appreciated.

The Marlborough Food Bank remains open with their regular Tuesday hours; however, they will offer only drive-up service. Those currently using the food bank have shopping lists that are submitted with groceries ready for pick-up the following week. Those new to the food bank will be given lists to fill out when you arrive from your car and then shopping will be done for you and filled bags provided while you wait. Donations are being accepted Monday and Tuesday. Please visit their website for details and/or reach out via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Opportunities For Mass And Prayer At Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center

For many, the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center has been a place of peaceful growth and contemplation. With the Center closed to the public, there are wonderful online reflections, musical selections, and weekly Sunday Mass to provide support and hope during these difficult times. Visit their website to find their "Messages of Hope" series and other links.

The church building is open from 9:00 am–2:00 pm, Monday–Thursday. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Mondays from 5:30–6:30 pm and on Saturdays from 3:00–3:30 pm or until all confessions are heard. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Sundays from 4:00–4:45 pm. In all these situations follow the directives for spatial distancing.

I believe you all know that Archbishop Blair has extended the cancellation of public Masses at least to April 30th. This includes Palm Sunday, all of Holy Week, the Triduum (three days; Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday), and Easter itself. This is the first time in my life this has happened. I will truly miss celebrating these days with you. As of now, I don’t know how we are to keep those special days of grace. But, know this: I will be praying especially for you, for your health and safety, and for the end of this pandemic in my private Masses.

The church building is open from 9:00 am–2:00 pm, Monday–Thursday. The Sacrament of Penance will be held on Mondays from 5:30–6:30 pm and on Saturdays from 3:00–3:30 pm or until all confessions are heard. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place on Sundays from 4:00–4:45 pm. In all these situations follow the directives for spatial distancing. What will be available during Holy Week will be announced as it gets closer.

Although we can’t gather together in the church, we are still the Church, united in faith and love and prayer. May God bless and protect us all.

5^th Sunday of Lent, Year A

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) is the shortest verse in the entire New Testament. It stands there all alone, stark, out there. It’s meant to make one think: “Why?” Why did Jesus weep?

He’s already determined to bring Lazarus back to life. That wouldn’t be the reason for his tears. Maybe he was overcome with emotion, seeing Mary and the people accompanying her weeping. We all had that experience: tears beget tears just as laughter is contagious.

Why did Jesus weep? I think it was frustration and anger on Jesus’ part. He’s getting ready to perform the sign that would culminate his miracles in John’s Gospel, a sign that brings life to Lazarus but would be a death sentence for him. He’s become a threat to the leadership and the fragile peace they had made with the occupying Romans. He had to go! He had to die!

Furthermore, he perhaps recognized the fickleness of the crowds and his own chosen 12 and the rest of his disciples. His hour was fast approaching, And, he would be all alone.

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35).

What do we do that causes Jesus to weep today?

Calling children of all ages. St John Fisher Faith Formation invites all parishioners to fill the St John Fisher Parking Lot and sidewalks with messages of hope, promise and love Saturday April 4^th .

Only 2 families can be there at a time (One on right side of parking lot and one on left side of parking lot)

Please email Theresa Brysgel at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I will give you a 20 minute time slot for April 4th

Please strictly adhere to time slot and bring your own chalk

Just as Christ entered Jerusalem with palms on the ground, which depicted goodness and victory, let us place messages of hope and love on the ground for Palm Sunday to spread that same goodness.

THANK YOU FOR SPREADING LOVE AND JOY!   CLICK HERE FOR FLYER