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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Mary T. Kos

October 13, 2025

It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary T (Kusek) Kos on October 9, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Mary's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Motyka Funeral Home, 2186 Main St. Three Rivers, MA. There will be a calling hour from 9AM-10AM, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at St Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish St, Belchertown at 11AM, and Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery, Fuller Rd, Palmer.

Anita Coulombe

September 18, 2025

Anita C. (Roy) Coulombe, entered eternal rest on Sept. 12, 2025, at the age of 92, at home with her son Roy by her side. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Anita's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A calling hour will be held on Mon., Sept. 22, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. This will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Church. Burial will be private, at the family's request. For more information see here .

Patricia Skaza

September 7, 2025

Patricia (Barney) Skaza, passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 77 in New Bedford, MA. 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 Funeral Mass in Patricia's honor will take place on Saturday, September 13th, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Church, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Chicopee. For more information see Legacy.com

Marilyn Brunelle

August 20, 2025

Marilyn R. (Claus) Brunelle, 84, of South Hadley, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pioneer Valley Nursing Home in South Hadley. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Marilyn's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Calling Hours for Marilyn will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00 pm in Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, Ware, MA 01082. A Funeral Service will be held the following morning, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:00 am in Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. Entombment will be held at 12:30 pm in St. Michael's Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109, following the church service. An online tribute page is available at www.charbonneaufh.com .

Jean Baptiste Bangoret

By Donna Laviolette • July 1, 2025

Jean Baptiste Bangoret Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jean'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 his honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, July 5th at 1:00pm.

Elizabeth Smola

June 18, 2025

Elizabeth Smola passed away earlier this year. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Elizabeth'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 on June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Wilfrid V. Roy

June 18, 2025

Wilfrid Victor Roy (“Will” or “Bee”), 77, of Belchertown, MA, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Medical Center. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Wilfrid's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street. On Monday, June 23rd, family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home at 8:30am for a funeral procession to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown for a 10:00am Funeral Mass. Burial will immediately follow at West Street Cemetery in Granby. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

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.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish