Welcome

    Parish of the Transfiguration Wilmington, MA

    St. Dorothy Church and St Thomas of Villanova Church

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    Loving Christ,
    Loving Others

    Join us in the celebration of Word and Sacrament as we continue to grow in our Catholic faith and as a faith community. We welcome all to join us as we seek to follow Christ, to come alive in His Spirit, and to share His love with one another.

    View our mass times and special services

    Get directions to our parish to come visit
    See our religious education classes
    View all of our upcoming events and services

    PHISHING EMAILS

    There have been emails going out that look like they are from Fr. Colarusso and/or parish staff.  Please note that we will never send emails that look like the following: 


    Hello xxxxxx,
           How're you today? May the blessings and mercy of God be with you...... I need some assistance, I would be happy if you could help me out.
    I will wait for your reply via this email. 
    PS; Am on a conference meeting on zoom i will only reply via email. 
    Yours in Christ
         Fr. Darin Colarusso


    If you receive an email like this  please report it as junk and DO NOT RESPOND.  If you have any questions please call the parish office at 978-658-4665.


    Mass Times

    St. Thomas Church

    Sunday: 8:00am, 12:00noon, 4:00pm*

    St. Dorothy Church

    Saturday: 4:00pm

    Sunday: 10:00am


    Weekday Masses
    Monday - Friday: 9:00am at St. Dorothy Church


    First Saturday of every Month

    9:00am Mass at St. Thomas Church

    8:30am Rosary

    Rosary 

    Starts at 8:25am prior to Daily Mass


    Sacrament of Reconciliation 

    Saturday: 3:00 to 3:45pm at St. Dorothy Church or by appointment


    Adoration

    Friday, 3:00 to 4:00pm at St. Thomas Church - Holy Hour with Confession



    Thursday, 6:00 to 7:00pm at St. Dorothy Church - Holy Hour with Confession




    *4:00pm Mass on Sundays at St. Thomas Church on Faith Formation Sundays ONLY.   For the Faith Formation students and families, however all are welcome.

     

    Upcoming & Current Events


    • Pastor's Note

      Happy Autumn!


         I hope the beginning of the school year and busy season has started smoothly for all of you.  In the Parish we are starting new initiatives in an effort to build on where we left off last year.  For instance, instituting a 4:00pm Sunday Mass at St. Thomas to serve our Confirmation and Religious Ed families.  As I’ve said, that Mass is open to everybody as a way to see if a Sunday evening Mass could be helpful in meeting the needs of our faith community.  That’s not to say everything has gone smoothly.  For example, our parish cookout was a great success, but we had to scramble due to the rain and held it in the lower church hall.  Nevertheless, the company and the food were both great and the Saints display in Villanova Hall was an impressive experience.


         That’s kind of emblematic of our overall parish life: striving to restore or build important ministries amidst challenges, like starting a Youth Ministry group or eventually training more Altar Servers.  The case is the same for finances.  As you know, I’ve been foreshadowing our need to revamp our finances with the coming of Fall.  The reason is that we have spent down our savings for capital improvements (i.e. fixing our facilities as necessary).  To be clear, our budget DOES include money for routine maintenance items such as cleaning or “changing light bulbs,” so to speak, but NOT to do major repairs or facility improvements.  In the last year we made some staffing and ministry decisions to lower our operational costs, but we only take in enough money from all revenue streams to maintain a balanced budget so long as it does NOT include capital improvements.  Essentially, we’ve been deficit spending for a few years, but you just haven’t noticed it because we were using saved money for the building projects that were done.  That’s fine in a way, but masks the true cost “soup to nuts” to sustain a parish long-term with five facilities and multiple ministries. 


         That’s what the numbers in the bulletin reflect on a weekly basis.  When it says: “Offertory needed for a balanced budget,” that is what must come in on a weekly basis to fulfill our parish needs, without including revenue from the Grand Annual, Religious Ed, or even funerals and other sacraments, but anticipating what should be there for capital improvements.  We tend to run low, so we require a monthly “Deficit Reduction Collection,” which will also be printed when that occurs.  Our goal is for that to go away if we get the weekly offertory where it needs to be!  


         Which brings me to the next topic: this year’s Grand Annual.  Generically speaking, the original purpose of a Grand Annual was to provide revenue for a yearly capital improvement when the number of donors to the parish started to historically decline.  As that trend continued, the Grand Annual was used to boost the overall offertory needed to sustain routine operational costs, while the capital expenditures required to maintain the facilities long-term dropped away.  That’s why this year’s Grand Annual will be a much bigger ask, sorry to say.  The yearly collection is still needed to sustain operational costs, but an additional, larger amount will be added to cover repairs, like the St. Dorothy air conditioning system, and others that can no longer be pushed off.  I know, after spending money on parking lots and church doors, that’s like having rain on your parish cookout.  But the reality is that capital improvements are an ongoing process and are, actually, more efficient when not left to pile up.  On a happier note, we will be having more and larger fundraisers, like the Novemberfest, so that parish life, whether socially or financially, is as fun as possible.  Thank you for all your support of the Parish!


    • RCIA

      The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church.   


      We will begin Classes next Sunday, October 19th at the 4pm Mass at St. Thomas Church.   


      Anyone interested or if you know anyone who may be interested in completing their sacraments in the Catholic Church please call the office 978.658.4665 and leave your contact information so  Fr Colarusso can reach out to you.    


    • New England Woodcarvers

      New England Woodcarvers - 

      “Spirit of Wood” Show and Craft Fair


      Presented by The Wilmington Arts Council


      Saturday, Oct 18 & Sunday, Oct 19

      9am - 4pm in  Villanova Hall. 


      Cost: $10 donation  (Children under 12 free)

      $5 for members of the New England Woodcarvers.


      Lots of Raffles and Vendors

      ✓Carvings from individual artists for sale.

      ✓ Woodcarvings from all over New England on display.


      (Saturday only events below)

      ✓ Free knife sharpening from NH Guild of Woodworkers.

      ✓ Woodcarving and art classes being offered from NEWC, WAC & KidsCreate.

      ✓ Soap Carving for kids with Rachelle from “Crafts and Stuff”. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.


      Sign up to become a NEWC member to get a free carving knife and a block of wood!

      Visit www.newc.org for the most up-to-date information.


      Our parish will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and baked goods as a fundraiser.  


      Lunch will be served from 11:30am - 1:30pm 


      Drop by and grab a bite to eat and check out the show!


      If you would like to donate a baked good or help, please call Diane Garrity at 978-658-4665 x 104 or email dianeg@parishofthetransfiguration.org.


    • Mass of Remembrance

      Our Mass of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 12:00noon at St. Thomas Church.


      This Mass will be for our faithful departed parishioners who have died in the past year from October 2024 through October 2025. The names of loved ones who have died, will be read as a candle is lit by the family.


      A light reception will follow downstairs with coffee and light refreshments. 


    • Novemberfest 50/50 Raffle QR Code

    • Novemberfest

      We would like to thank everyone again who donated to our Novemberfest last year - whether it was time, talents, or treasures.  We hope you will support our Parish's largest fundraiser again! 


      We will be in need of gift cards, monetary donations, raffle baskets, silent auction items, bake sale items, treasure chest merchandise, etc.  We will also add children's activities so there's even more to get involved with!  There are so many ways you can contribute!  We will have more details next month.


      Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 9/10 from 6:30 - 8:00 downstairs in St. Dorothy Church for anyone that wants to join our committee.  We welcome new members!


      In September, we will be collecting the following items in good conditions for Novemberfest's Treasure Chest if you would like to donate:

                 small electronics       

                 books 

                 toys  

                small hand tools

                games 

                small home décor

                small appliances 

                jewelry

                pocketbooks  

               wallets

               DVDs / CDs  

               trading cards


      Please email Diane Garrity @ dianeg@parishofthetransfiguration.org or call her at 978-658-4665 x 104 with any questions. Thank you!



    • RENEW - Advent Program

      SAVE THE DATE November 11, 2025 

      RENEW ADVENT PROGRAM begins with Kickoff Potluck Supper on November 11, 2025. 

      Program will run from November 11 to December 16.


      All are welcome to attend this Advent Program with small group discussions. 


      More information to follow.  If you have questions, you may contact:  

      Mike Champoux at 978 973-9816 and Julie Sbraccia-Manos at 978 284-3260 


    • Men's Prayer Group

      SATURDAY MORNING MEN'S PRAYER GROUP MEETING.  Join fellow gentlemen of the Parish of the Transfiguration reading and 

      reflecting on Sunday’s Gospel and sharing in personal experiences with Christ and 

      prayer in an open and unintimidating, spiritual environment.  We meet in St. Thomas Church, lower level.  Contact Mike Champoux, mchampoux@comcast.net for more information

    • Youth Ministry

      Hello Parish Families!! Our first Youth Ministry Group session is in the books. Boy, the 90 minutes flew by!! The thought-provoking video was amazing. We also spent time with Matthew 7: 7-11.

      Our Youth Ministry goal is to seek God first in all that we do. We also made it a goal this week to pray for those who criticize our faith. That God will open their eyes and fill their hearts.

      Our next meeting is October 19th, 7-8:30 at St. Thomas Church. If you’re a High School student and have a desire to grow closer to Jesus, then this is your place!! All are welcome.

      Reach out to me with any questions: Daveg@parishofthetransfiguration.org



    • iThirst Recovery

      Looking for spiritual help and support from addiction? Click here to learn more.

    • A Note from Deacon Fred

      “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become.  Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”  These are the words that Cardinal Sean O’Malley spoke to me on the day of my Ordination to the Diaconate.  The word “diakonia” means to serve.  I was consecrated to make present Jesus the servant who cares for the poor and those in need.  


      It has been my greatest privilege to serve the people of the Parish of the Transfiguration.  You are a most loving family to me and always will be.  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for embracing me as a new deacon.  You did this with your warmest hospitality.  Many of you shared the stories of your lives with me and asked for my prayers.  You frequently asked me to bring communion to family members who couldn’t physically attend church or to your friends who were suffering in some way.  During all of these times, I encountered the Crucified Christ.  Those who are poor and broken teach all of us about our faith and about what God loves.  


      In today’s Gospel, our Lord sent them out in pairs.  I receive enormous benefit walking in the faith with Martha, my wife.  We have partnered on many ministries in our parish, including Friday night Adoration, bible study and Faith Sharing programs.  We are saddened to be leaving our parish family.  However, we see that the Holy Spirit is very active in the Parish of the Transfiguration.  You are the Body of Christ.  Continue to serve one another with joy.  In all things, seek to serve the one true King by serving one another.  Blessings and peace will always follow.  


      Your brother in Christ, 

      Deacon fred


    • Catholic TV Daily & Sunday Mass

      CATHOLIC TV DAILY AND SUNDAY MASS


      Cardinal Seán encourages Catholics to participate in the daily and Sunday Masses broadcast from the CatholicTV chapel.


      • Daily Mass airs live at 9:30am and is rebroadcast at 7pm and 11:30pm.
      • Sunday Masses air throughout the day at 10am, 4pm, 7pm, and 11:30pm.
      • The Sunday Spanish Mass airs live at 8am and is rebroadcast at 5:30pm and 10pm.

      Viewers can watch these Masses on demand at any time at www.WatchtheMass.com. For more information about CatholicTV and where you can watch it, visit http://www.catholictv.org/.




    • First Saturday Mass

      FIRST SATURDAY MASS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

       

      9:00AM IN ST. THOMAS CHURCH 


      Rosary begins at 8:30am.  Guided meditation and Confession follows Mass. 


      To keep the First Saturday Devotion in reparation for the sins and blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart and to receive the graces promised from it, one must attend Mass and receive Holy Communion, pray the rosary, and meditate on a mystery on the Rosary for 15 minutes. All are welcome to join us in this devotion to honor the Blessed Mother

    • 2025 Catholic Appeal

    • Jubilee Year Prayer


      Father in heaven, may the faith you have gifted us in your son Jesus Christ, our brother,

      and the flame of charity kindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. 


      May your grace transform us into diligent cultivators of the evangelical seeds that make humanity and the cosmos rise unto the confident expectation of the new heavens and the new earth when,  with the powers of Evil overcome, your glory shall be manifested eternally. 


      May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, the yearning for heavenly treasures  and pour over all the earth the joy and peace of our Redeemer.


      To you God blessed in eternity, be praise and glory for ever and ever.  


      Amen.


    • Parish Volunteers

      A CORI FORM must be completed EVERY YEAR BY ALL VOLUNTEERS,  The new year began July 1, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026 


      NEW (FY) 25/26 CORI FORMS are available in the sacristy of both churches and at the Parish Office.   


      A Code of Conduct will be given to All New volunteers when the Cori is returned to be verified. 


      Again all volunteers must complete a CORI background screening prior to beginning ministry and annually after that. 


      All  Staff and Volunteers including all those in worship ministry, must complete a Protecting God’s Children VIRTUS TRAINING CLASS . 

      The Training class is only needed to be taken once.. 


      A Training class will be held: 


      Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 10:00am -

          Downsairs, St. Dorothy Church

      Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:00pm -

          Downstairs, St. Thomas Church

      Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 9am -

         Downstairs at St. Thomas Church


      Please sign up by going to:
      www.VIRTUSonline.org 


      Any questions please call Jeanie Pettingill 978-658-6040



    • Wood Carving

      Do you like to carve wood?  We create handcrafted ornaments that we sell to provide money to vets and other people in need.  We meet on the first Saturday of every month in the basement of St. Thomas Church from 10AM to 4 PM. For More information, contact:   darren_boehm@yahoo.com

    • Grand Annual Letter

    • Faith Formation Registration

      Faith Formation Registration is now open for 2025-2026. Click here for the registration form. We also offer an adaptive faith formation class for students that need more assistance in the classroom. We also offer a heritage faith formation session class for students that have missed 1 or more years of faith formation and would like to return. If you have any question please email jeaniep@parishofthetransfiguration.org or call 978-658-6040.

    • Cursillo

    • Pray for Ukraine

      Forgive us for the war, Lord. Lord Jesus, son of God, have mercy on us sinners. Lord Jesus, born under the bombs of Kyiv, have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, dead in the arms of a mother in Kharkiv, have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, in the 20-year-olds sent to the frontline, have mercy on us. Lord Jesus, who continues to see hands armed with weapons under the shadow of the cross, forgive us, Lord. Forgive us if, not content with the nails with which we pierced your hand, we continue to drink from the blood of the dead torn apart by weapons. Forgive us if these hands that you had created to protect have been turned into instruments of death. Forgive us, Lord, if we continue to kill our brother. Forgive us, Lord, if we continue to kill our brother, if we continue like Cain to take the stones from our field to kill Abel. Forgive us if we go out of our way to justify cruelty, if, in our pain, we legitimize the cruelty of our actions. Forgive us the war, Lord. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, we implore you to stop the hand of Cain, enlighten our conscience, let not our will be done, do not abandon us to our own doing. Stop us, Lord, stop us, and when you have stopped the hand of Cain, take care of him also. He is our brother. O Lord, stop the violence. Stop us, Lord. Amen.          Pope Francis

    And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
    Matthew 28: 18-20 (RSV-CE)

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