Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Dedham Nativity scene is stirring national Catholic debate

Also check out Westwood FOL Book Sale on the Dedham Patch calendar

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Hi Dedham! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Dedham Nativity scene is stirring national Catholic debate
  • Could this driveway paving scam be hitting Dedham homeowners next?
  • Why Dedham’s Nativity scene is drawing national attention over immigration.

Also on today's calendar: Westwood FOL Book Sale and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 37 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Sunday: Snow and flurries, up to 1", temps: high: 31, low: 13. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Very cold, with a high of 28 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Evangelist or Catholic influencer? Spreading the Gospel in the digital age. (americamagazine.org) — A recent episode of the “Jesuitical” podcast spotlights the controversial ICE-themed Nativity scene at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Mass., using it to explore how Catholics communicate faith in today’s media landscape. Hosts also talk with a Jesuit media scholar about evangelizing on social platforms and touch on wider church debates, including women deacons and global church diplomacy.
   

• Doorbell video shows contractor wanted on arrest warrant scamming more customers (nbcboston.com) — Dedham homeowners are among those allegedly targeted in a regional paving scam linked to contractor William “Bill” Pusateri, who faces larceny charges in several Massachusetts towns. Authorities say he took deposits for driveway work and never followed through, despite a court order barring him from such jobs. Local residents are urged to be wary of unsolicited contractors offering “neighborhood” deals at the door.
   

• Prayer hands, closed fists: Religious leaders react to treatment of immigrants (latimes.com subscription) — In Dedham, St. Susanna Church’s Nativity scene now features an “ICE was here” sign and a message about immigrant sanctuary, sparking sharp criticism from the Boston Archdiocese and federal immigration officials. The display is part of a wider faith-based push nationwide to highlight immigrant struggles, with religious leaders using powerful imagery and public statements to question current enforcement policies and detention practices.
   

📸 Around Dedham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Dedham Skaters Will Perform at National Send-Off Showcase on December 18th —Courtney Megliola Read on Patch
  • Dedham Greenspace Coalition Invites Community to Holiday Edition Meeting on Tuesday, December 16 —Paul Reynolds Read on Patch
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Cake Decorator in Dedham. Apply here.
  • Dedham Public Schools posted a job opening for Daily Substitute Teachers - All Grade Levels District Wide in Dedham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Dedham here.

🗞 Nearby News

Westwood

  • Inspiring Curiosity: Which Club Are You? (westwoodhorizon.com)
  • Bay State Conference: First-year Weymouth, Needham girls basketball coaches face adversity (masslive.com)

Needham

Brookline

Ok Dedham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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