9 Days for Life Novena - Day 5

January 22, 2018

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available. Visit www.hopeafterabortion.org.

Intercession: May each person suffering from the loss of a child through abortion find hope & healing in Christ.

Prayers: Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: Today, on this 45 ^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade , we consider the past four decades in which our society has legally permitted abortion. Since that tragic decision, many children's lives have been lost, and many suffer that loss—often in silence. Yet God's greatest desire is to forgive. No matter how far we have each strayed from his side, he says to us, "Don't be afraid. Draw close to my heart."

"In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also called confession, we meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life in him. … We bishops and priests are eager to help you if you experience difficulty, hesitation, or uncertainty about approaching the Lord in this sacrament. …we are ready to welcome you."*

Let us run into the arms of Jesus, who is love and mercy.

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

Go to confession today or this week. Before you go, look up St. Faustina and learn a little about the message of Divine Mercy that she shared during her life ( www.usccb.org/divine-mercy ).
Do you know how to help women and men suffering after abortion? Consider the suggestions in "Bridges of Mercy for Post-Abortion Healing" ( www.usccb.org/bridges-of-mercy ).
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy ( www.usccb.org/divine-mercy-chaplet ) for those who are suffering the loss of a child through abortion, asking that they find healing and peace.

One Step Further: If a friend confided in you tomorrow that she had an abortion, would you be able to respond in a way that brings her closer to healing? Learn what to do and say in "How to Talk to a Friend Who's Had an Abortion" ( www.usccb.org/friend-had-abortion ).

Did You Know? In the Catholic Church in the United States, January 22 ^nd is designated as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." As Catholics, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting, and/or giving alms.

More Information: www.usccb.org/january-22.

*"God's Gift of Forgiveness: Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation," www.usccb.org/forgiveness.

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Theresa Simone Murray

April 24, 2025

Theresa Simone Murray, born Pepin on August 24, 1934, in Chicopee, MA, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the Arbors in Westfield. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Theresa's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy on April 28, 2025 at 11am. Click here for more information.

Sheilamae M. Cole

April 9, 2025

Sheilamae M. (Marchessault) Cole, 86, of Ware, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 4, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Sheilamae's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 Visitation will be at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church in Belchertown at 12:30 pm, with Interment to follow at South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

James L. Scott

April 4, 2025

James Leonard Scott, 78, passed away March 25, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May James' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 9:30-10:30am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi. Burial will immediately follow in New St. Williams Cemetery in Ware. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Patricia A. Squires

March 19, 2025

On February 24, 2025, six days after her 85th birthday, Patricia Ann (DeSantis) Squires passed away at Cooley Dickinson Hospital following a brief illness. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Patricia's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Francis Church, 24 Jabish St., Belchertown from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by the Liturgy of Christian burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

Thomas T. Soja

March 7, 2025

Thomas T. Soja, 82, of Belchertown passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Tom's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12 from 9:30-11:30 am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 12pm at St. Francis Church. Burial will be at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Denise O. Cote

February 14, 2025

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Denise O. (Grondin) Cote, who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on February 10th, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Denise's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home during calling hours on Wednesday, February 19th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Church. Following the Mass, the burial will take place at West Cemetery in Granby. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Dennis Riel

February 12, 2025

Dennis Louis Riel, 72, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Dennis' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A calling hour to honor Dennis' memory will be held on Monday, February 17th, from 9:00am -10:00am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Francis Church, Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Veronica C. Shea

February 5, 2025

Veronica C. Shea (née Higgins), born April 7, 1941, in Holyoke, MA, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Springfield, MA. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Veronica's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be on February 6 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St. A Funeral Mass will be conducted on February 7 at 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 24 Jabish St in Belchertown, followed by her interment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Gerald J. Millen

January 30, 2025

Gerald "Jerry" J. Millen, 84, passed away January 26, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jerry's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to join the funeral procession on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11 am to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where Jerry’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at 12pm. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2 pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Michael J. Lamoureux

December 18, 2024

Michael J. Lamoureux passed away on December 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Michael's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A celebration of Michael’s life will commence with a period of visitation on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish