Four County Catholic April 2021 by Diocese of Norwich

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 33 • Number 4 • APRIL 2021 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

We are Called to Holiness Easter Vigil Baptism

In This Issue page

“We contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal knowing that each dollar will be used to support the neediest in our communities with charity directly from the heart.” John Bear, parishioner of St. Andrew Church in Colchester, expressing his willingness to help the many ministries and programs of the Diocese through his financial support.

Made Possible in part through your generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal

ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY. PUBLISHER

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich EDITORIAL OFFICE

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“Your priests and your bishop miss you. I pray you miss us as well.” Bishop Cote addressing the online viewing audience during his homily at this year’s Mass of Chrism which, due to pandemic guidelines, could only be viewed via livestream.

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“I was a nurse at Misquamicut from 1981 to 1983 and ran the first aid station, which was also the lost and found. . .” Nancy Hedman, who now lives in Tallahassee, Florida, sharing the history behind the nearly 40-year-old Xavier High School class ring she discovered in her attic.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ON THE COVER

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote administers the Sacrament of Baptism to Ariana Jean Boss of Norwich. Story and Pictures of the Easter Vigil can be found on Page 16. Video of this, and all Holy Week Masses can be viewed at NorwichDiocese.org/Masses

To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562 To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407 Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services - AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 1-844-878-8923

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINES Deadline for advertising and editorial is the first Monday of the previous month. Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification. Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to editorial@norwichdiocese.net. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper. POSTMASTER - SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Four County Catholic, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613. Four County Catholic Issue 4, APRIL (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613. Periodicals postage paid in Hartford, CT 06101 and at additional mailing offices.

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We Can Help

If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of CT Department of Children and Families Care Line 1-800-842-2288 -OR –State of NY Child Protective Services 1-800-635-1522

The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 060115

Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 60 and over should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Social Services for the Elderly 1-888-385-4225

Para reportar una conducta inapropiada de cualquier tipo por parte de un obispo diocesano, por favor contacte ReportBishopAbuse.org o llame al 1-800-276-1562 Para reportar contacto inapropiado de cualquier tipo por medio de un representante de la Diócesis de Norwich o para asistencia a víctimas, por favor llame a La Línea de Reportaje de la Diócesis de Norwich 1-800-624-7407 Si el incidente involucra a un menor (personas menores de 18 años), también debe llamar a Departamento de Niños y Familias de CT 1-800-842-2288 -O-Servicios de Protección de Niños del Estado de NY 1-800-635-1522.

Incidentes relacionados con el abuso de adultos vulnerables de 18-59 años de edad deben ser reportados a Departamento de Servicios al Desarrollo del Estado de Connecticut-División de Ayuda para Personas con Incapacidad Intelectual 1-844-878-8923.

Incidentes relacionados con el abuso de adultos vulnerables de 60 años de edad o más deben ser reportados a Departamento de Servicios Sociales Para Ancianos de Connecticut 1-888-385-4225.

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Hidden to Our Senses

“The two recounted what had taken place on the way and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” wanted to inspire and strengthen their faith, not simply give an “easy” answer to their One of the most interesting and often longing and questions. In other words, He puzzling aspects about the appearances of had a deeper purpose in remaining “hidden” our Lord after His resurrection is that in to them for the time being. most cases, those to whom He appears fail to recognize Him. Mary Magdalen, the Jesus asked these disciples to recount what Apostles, and the two disciples on the road to had taken place in Jerusalem so that He, the Emmaus all fail to recognize that it is Jesus Word made flesh, could explain and break with whom they are speaking, at first. The open the Word of God for them. Jesus gave ways in which the Lord reveals His identity the impression of going on farther so that, at to them through these interactions can teach supper, when the Lord took the bread, said us about the power of the Resurrection, as the blessing, broke and gave it to them, the well as give us some food for thought about disciples would recognize Jesus in the Most our own encounters with the Risen Lord who Holy Eucharist – the way the Risen Lord continues to make His presence known to us! Jesus has chosen to remain with us until the end of time, hidden to our senses, under the In the particular appearance to the disciples humble appearances of bread and wine! journeying on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus draws near and begins to speak with them. What does this mean for us? By reflecting St. Luke, who narrates the account for us, on this resurrection appearance on the first includes an interesting detail: “their eyes Easter as recounted in the Gospel, we too were prevented from recognizing him…” (Lk are called to recognize that although the 24:16b) This sounds like Jesus deliberately Lord Jesus may be hidden from our physical concealed his identity from them. The eyes, it is the very same risen Lord who is Lord likewise seemed to conceal Himself present to us when we read Holy Scripture or His intentions twice more throughout and gather together to celebrate the Holy the interaction – both when He asked why Eucharist. This begs an important question: they appeared to be upset, and when He Do we really believe this? Do we not only “pretended” that He is going to continue live, but orient our lives, i.e., prioritize how His journey beyond the town itself. This we live and use the time we have been given can sound somewhat shocking to us: why us in a way that acknowledges this profound would Jesus do that? The answer is that He reality? Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Lord,

Luke 24:35

It seems that we are also reminded that when we are downcast because of the situation of our lives, wearied as we have been throughout the past year due to the ongoing pandemic for example, Jesus draws near and speaks words of comfort and hope to us. Sometimes Jesus conceals His presence among us as a way to challenge us to deepen our faith in Him, and in His enduring presence among us in both Word and Sacrament. But dear brothers and sisters, once we do recognize Him and encounter the power of His presence, most of all in the Holy Eucharist, we, like those first disciples, are called to go forth and tell others so that they might believe that Jesus is real; that He is alive; that He is truly risen, and that He continues to make Himself, and the redeeming grace He won for us present in so many ways! Please be assured of my prayerful closeness to you all, particularly in these challenging times. May you and your loved ones have a truly blessed and grace-filled Easter! Sincerely yours in Christ,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY “Ellos, por su parte, contaron lo sucedido en el camino y cómo lo habían reconocido al partir el pan.”

Lucas 24: 35

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en el Señor Resucitado:

Uno de los aspectos más interesantes y a menudo desconcertantes acerca de las apariciones de nuestro Señor después de Su resurrección es que, en la mayoría de los casos, aquellos a quienes Él se aparece no lo reconocen. Al principio, María Magdalena, los Apóstoles y los dos discípulos en el camino a Emaύs no reconocieron que era con Jesύs con quien estaban hablando. Las formas en que el Señor les reveló Su identidad pueden enseñarnos sobre el poder de la Resurrección, así como también hacernos pensar sobre nuestros propios Encuentros con el Señor Resucitado quien continύa dándonos a conocer Su presencia. Jesύs se apareció a los discipulos en el camino a Emaύs y comenzó a hablar con ellos. San Lucas que nos narra el relato, incluye un detalle interesante: “sus ojos no pudieron reconocerlo…” (Lucas 24, 16b). Esto suena a que Jesύs deliberadamente les ocultó su identidad. El Señor pareció ocultarse a sí mismo y sus intenciones dos veces más durante la interacción, tanto cuando preguntó por qué parecían estar molestos, como cuando “fingió” que iba a continuar su viaje más allá de la ciudad. Esto puede sonarnos algo extraño: ¿por qué Jesύs haría eso? La respuesta es que Él quería inspirarlos y fortalecerles la fe, no simplemente darles una respuesta “fácil” a sus anhelos y preguntas. En otras palabras, tenía un propósito más profundo al permanecer “escondido.”

Jesύs le pidió a estos discipulos que le contaran lo que había sucedido en Jerusalén para que Él, el Verbo hecho carne, pudiera explicarles la Palabra de Dios. Jesύs dió la impresión de ir más lejos para que, en la cena, cuando el Señor tomara el pan, dijera la bendición, lo partiera y se los diera, los discipulos reconocieran a Jesύs en la Santísima Eucaristía. Es la forma en la que el Señor Jesύs Resucitado, eligió permanecer con nosotros hasta el fin de los tiempos, oculto a nuestros sentidos, bajo las humildes apariencias del pan y del vino.

¿Qué significa esto para nosotros? Al reflexionar sobre esta aparición de la resurrección en la primera Pascua como se narra en el Evangelio, también nosotros estamos llamados a reconocer que, aunque el Señor Jesύs puede estar oculto a nuestros ojos físicos, es el mismo Señor resucitado quien está presente cuando leemos la Sagrada Escritura y nos reunimos para celebrar la Sagrada Eucaristía. Esto plantea una pregunta importante: ¿Realmemte creemos esto? ¿orientamos nuestra vida, es decir, priorizamos como vivimos y usamos el tiempo que se nos ha dado de una manera que podamos reconocer esta profunda realidad?

Parece que también se nos recuerda que cuando estamos abatidos por la situación de nuestras vidas, cansados como lo hemos estado durante el año pasado debido a la pandemia en curso, por ejemplo, Jesύs se acerca y nos habla palabras de consuelo y esperanza. A veces, Jesύs nos oculta su presencia como una forma de desafiarnos a profundizar

MONTHLY

Holy Hour for Vocations

nuestra fe en Él y en Su presencia perdurable entre nosotros tanto en la Palabra como en el Sacramento. Queridos hermanos y hermanas, una vez que lo reconocemos y encontramos el poder de Su presencia, sobre todo en la Sagrada Eucaristía, nosotros, como esos primeros discípulos, estamos llamados a salir y decirle a otros para que puedan creer que Jesύs es verdadero; que esta vivo; que Él verdaderamente ha resucitado, y que continύa haciéndose a sí mismo, y que la gracia redentora que ganó para nosotros, está ¡presente de tantas maneras! Por favor, tenga la seguridad de mi cercanía en oración con todos ustedes, particularmente en estos tiempos desafiantes. ¡Que usted y sus seres queridos tengan una Pascua verdaderamente bendecida y llena de gracia!

Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour APRIL 15TH 6 pm. St. Francis, Middletown MAY 20TH 6 pm. St. Lawrence, Killingworth JUNE 25TH 7 pm. Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich

God-Calls.com

Deacon Larry Barile 4th Theology Pope John XXIII Seminary Weston, MA

Vocations Corner

This month, Jacob Ramos presents us with a brief look at his journey as he prepares to be called by Bishop Cote to ordination as a Transitional Deacon on May 27, 2021. Please keep Jacob and all of our seminarians in your prayers.

Mr. Alexander Pandolfe 1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Father Greg Galvin

We Respond to the Lord’s Call with

Mr. Dharen Brochero 2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Ruben Garcia Sanchez 2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

ecently, I was meditating on the times in scripture when men called by the Lord responded, “Here I am.” This phrase, “Here I am,” is a translation of the Hebrew word, hineni and has richer meaning than a simple response. Early on in my journey following the Lord, I was responding to a call. In the depth of prayer, through the encouragement of faithful friends and family, the Lord was making clear that He wanted me to “come and see.” This mysterious invitation required a response, some recognition that I had heard His call and was willing to hear Him out. This response to a call is one that has echoed from Abraham and Jacob, to Moses and Isaiah, all the way to Ananias in the Book of Acts; always their response was, “Here I am.” Through the guidance of the priests and people of the Diocese of Norwich I was able to start Seminary in 2016 and said to the Lord, “Here I am.” This word though, hineni, can also be translated to mean “behold me.” During the years of seminary formation, I have been constantly learning more about myself and the path Jesus has been leading me on. In this time of selfreflection and actualization I have done my best to reveal to the Lord and the Church who I am. That way, in full freedom and having stepped into the light of truth I could say to the Lord and the Church, “behold me”; this is Jacob Ramos, his faults and failings, his triumphs and joys, his

striving after holiness by the grace of God.

Mr. Julian Cuervo 1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

In many ways this is something we all do in our vocations. Just as a man and woman continue to reveal who they are to each other as they are dating and in preparation for marriage, I was getting to know the Church and Christ’s call better. At the same time, I was also revealing more of myself to the Church. Spending time in parishes and getting to know the people of the Diocese of Norwich has been a great joy; getting to know more of you as you have gotten to know more of me. Lastly this word, hineni, can mean “yes,” a total affirmative response. It is in the last meaning that with great joy I wrote our Bishop, petitioning him to be able to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. By first saying “Here I am,” Jesus took me on an adventure of following Him. Just like those disciples called in Galilee, I have had the privilege of learning from the Lord and growing in relationship with Him during these years of seminary. Now, confident that the Lord is calling me to the transitional diaconate, and God willing the priesthood, I can say “yes” to all that such a call entails. Jesus is so good to us and loves each of us with unconditional love. Whenever we hear His call, may we always respond with our whole hearts saying, “Here I am, behold me, yes!” Rest assured of my prayers for all of you and please keep me in yours.

Mr. Eric Hosmer 1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Mr. Mark Johnson 2nd Pre-Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mr. Jacob Ramos 3rd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

‘Here I Am’

ACA Weekend Off to a Great Start By Mary Ellen Mahoney

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

hile throughout the year I have the pleasure of speaking about the Annual Catholic Appeal, there is no more exciting time to be given the opportunity to discuss the ACA than during its launch weekend, held this year, on March 6th and 7th. How wonderful that unlike March 2020, this year our churches were open! This year was also especially enjoyable because I was able to address two congregations very dear to me: St. Andrew, in Colchester, and St. Francis of Assisi, in Lebanon. I say dear to me because I have been a member of St. Andrew Parish all my life and St. Francis, being so close to Colchester, has been a church I have visited and attended Mass at through the years. We are very blessed to share between these two parishes two amazing priests: Father Mark Masnicki and Father Richard Bretton, as well as our exceptional Deacon, Michael Puscas. I was invited to speak directly after the showing of the 2021 ACA video, which was a message from Bishop Cote. For those of you unable to see this year’s ACA video, you can find it at NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org.

John, Peter, Janay, and Susan Bear, parishioners of St. Andrew Parish, Colchester. In it, Bishop Cote thanked our parishioners who have cared for the sick, served as first responders, or conducted other essential duties,

such as driving delivery trucks and working in grocery stores. He also expressed gratitude to our priests and religious who reached out to their parishioners either individually with personal calls or through online Mass during the pandemic. And of course, Bishop Cote acknowledged with deep appreciation all our ACA supported ministries and programs that provided much needed food, basic needs, health and hygiene items, as well as education and spiritual guidance during this past year. He also thanked each of us for our prayers and all we each did to uplift one another. While we cannot say how 2021 will affect each of us, Bishop Cote has asked us to have the confidence we can again make the sacrifices necessary to support our

2021 ACA, “One Faith, One Family.” In my brief remarks, I expressed my gratitude to both parishes for their generous support of the 2020 ACA, emphasizing the important role that our ACA supported ministries and programs have in diocesan wide efforts to help people face life’s challenges while also forging a closer relationship with Jesus. While I noted that approximately 13% and 16% of the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Andrew, respectfully, donated, I did ask, if possible, for more people to donate this year, reminding parishioners that any donation, no matter its size, is appreciated. I was also able to mention the gratitude that beneficiaries of these services had expressed to me when I met them while delivering to the ministries the masks that were so generously donated by Ruth and Ted Rossi of St. Mary Parish, Portland. People who were given meals, formula, diapers, or help finding an apartment could not say enough about how life-saving this assistance had been. Other people I spoke to during the year told me that the Office of Faith Events online prayer groups and missions really saved them from the isolation and depression they were feeling. Our Spiritual Renewal Services also prayed with many people in need of Christ’s strength and of course, our priests continued to livestream Mass to the homebound, bringing them in direct contact with the love of Jesus Christ each weekend. I also reported that our school children were doing well, attending our Catholic schools, as were our seminarians. Thanks be to God, our future is looking bright, and we have so much for which to be thankful. After each Mass I was able to chat with parishioners, many of whom

with a new office at 65 S. Main Street, Norwich, as our videographer. Each year, Rick donates a portion of the time he spends on the video. “I really enjoy working and collaborating with the Bishop, Mary Ellen and all of the ministries every year. It is a long process which is an honor and a privilege to be involved with,” he said. “I look forward to it every year. I am constantly amazed by all the great work which goes on within the ministries with little fanfare and publicity but makes such a huge impact on the community…I applaud what the Bishop and the Diocese does behind the scenes as well as what everyone sees as their mission is both genuine and sincere. “ Please feel free to go online at NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org to donate or if you would like to donate via phone, please call our office to speak with our Campaign Manager, Heather Harris, at (860) 886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generous support of our 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. May God bless you and your families.

Safe Environments Protects Our Young People Keeping Kids Safe

pril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout the United States. This month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. We in the Diocese of Norwich, our parishes, schools and ministries take child protection as a top priority. We are working each day to

provide safe places for our young people to learn and grow in their faith. Through the work on the NO GO TELL curriculum, conversations and support, we will continue to strive for safe environments for all our young people and vulnerable adults to have safe places and opportunities to flourish and share their faith.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Sandra Spedaliere with her daughter, Elizabeth, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi, Lebanon.

expressed how happy they were to support the 2021 ACA. Sandra Spedaliere, a parishioner of St. Francis, told me that she and her husband, “have been donating to the ACA for many years and are happy to do so as it supports so many important diocesan ministries doing the good works of Christ.” John Bear of St. Andrew echoed these sentiments, saying, “We contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal knowing that each dollar will be used to support the neediest in our communities with charity directly from the heart. May God bless our Bishop, priests, brothers and sisters who contribute and participate in this most worthy program.” Many also told me that they especially enjoyed the video this year as it was a heartfelt peek into the way Bishop Cote viewed the pandemic and how much gratitude he had for all the good works being done by not only the ACA supported ministries but by each of us in our own humble ways. For the past few years, we have had the good fortune to have the services of Rick Roberts of Marsal Studios,

Diocesan Woman Honored for Vision and Leadership By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

t the 10th anniversary Diocesan Women’s Conference held in March, Bishop Michael Cote honored Elizabeth Percy for her vision and leadership in the Church by presenting her with the newly created Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award. Percy is a parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Coventry.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The award will be given to a woman of faith in the diocese each year during the Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference. Members of the women’s conference committee who selected Percy from a slate of nominations agreed that she embodied the attributes for which the award was created: strong faith, commitment to living out Catholic/Christian values, spiritual leadership, and a spirit of love and service to the Catholic Church.

In a letter nominating Percy for the award, members of her parish described her as, “a humble woman of deep faith who loves her parish.” She joined Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in 2005 and serves as coordinator of eucharistic ministers, faith formation teacher, a member of its music ministry, and, with her husband Jim, is the

parish pro-life representative. In addition, Percy has been actively involved in the ACTS Retreat program at her parish and helped develop the ACTS Catholic Guide Manual for Connecticut. She has also been instrumental in developing and presenting parish-centered retreats for women.

Norwich

Diocesan

Our Lady Queen of Hope Award 2021

Elizabeth Percy

Bishop Cote said he was struck by Percy’s generosity in sharing her gifts with the Church. In a video played at the Women’s Conference, he thanked her for distinguishing herself as a worthy recipient of the award. “The good Lord has been and will continue to be good to you. Congratulations and we applaud you for your accomplishments.” Fr. John Antonelle, Percy’s former pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace, also acknowledged her witness of faith to other women in the Church. He said he had no doubt that Percy judged there were other women more deserving of the honor than her, noting her humility is one of her most appealing qualities. Her current pastor, Fr. Jonathan Ficara, said, “The people of the parish are thrilled about Elizabeth receiving this award.

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Elizabeth Percy of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Coventry is the first recipient of the Our Lady, Queen of Hope award given to a woman in the diocese for her outstanding vision and leadership in the church.

Nobody is more deserving of this honor than she. Already, in the short time I’ve been at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Elizabeth stands out as a dedicated and selfless servant of the Lord and His Church. She is a tremendous gift to the parish and to this Diocese. I couldn’t be happier for Elizabeth.” The Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award is named after Mary, our Mother, who is our role model and in whom we place our trust.

Percy received a plaque with a picture of Mary holding the infant Jesus as well as a $200 check to be donated to a charity or agency selected by Percy. She chose to donate the money to her parish’s Haitian Ministry, which supports its twin parish of Our Lady of the Presentation in Les Palmes, Haiti. Percy said the money would help pay teachers’ salaries and tuition for students attending the parish school in Les Palmes.

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Percy and her husband have been married for 52 years, have seven children and 10 grandchildren. They are both members of the Domestic Expression of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a lay community in which Percy serves in several leadership positions. Before joining the parish community in Coventry, the Percys attended St. Francis of Assisi Church in their hometown of South Windsor, where she was Social Action Minister and developed

a sandwich meals program for a Hartford soup kitchen. She is also a certified spiritual director. Andrea Hoisl, director of the Office of Faith Events -- which oversees the annual Diocesan Women’s Conference -- said, “Elizabeth’s continuous witness of faith through the years has been a source of inspiration to so many people, and we are glad we can acknowledge that in a meaningful way.”

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Elizabeth Percy and her husband Jim pose with their daughter Heather at the Little Portion Hermitage Monastery in Arkansas following Heather’s permanent profession of vows.

‘God is Truly Alive’

Chrism Mass Celebrated

By Ryan Blessing

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

he annual Chrism Mass took place Tuesday morning, March 30, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. Although closed to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions, clergy attended in person and the Mass was live streamed. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, blessed the sacramental oils used by parishes throughout the diocese in the coming year for baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and the ordination of priests. “Today in the midst of Holy Week, we gather as the Church of Norwich

55 Years

to bless the oils that will be used throughout the year in our parishes and institutions, bringing Christ to us through His sacraments,” the Bishop said. “During this Holy Week and throughout the year, God is truly alive in our midst: in our Diocese and our families, and in each one of us today.” In his homily, the bishop told the online viewing audience that, “your priests and your bishop miss you. I pray you miss us as well.” “Distance has become too frequent a word,” he said. “While pandemic has limited us, I pray we may retain a deep desire to gather to worship

To the priests, Bishop Cote quoted Pope Francis: “We are not distributors of bottled oil. We anoint by distributing ourselves, our vocation. When we anoint others, we ourselves are anointed anew by the faith and affection of our people.” After his homily, the Bishop led the Renewal of Priestly Promises before the assembled priests and Jubilarians. Twelve Jubilarians celebrating anniversaries of

between 25 and 55 years took part. “Our priests are here to renew their priestly promises, and we gather together in spirit with the faithful throughout our Diocese to call upon the Savior of the world to renew His presence in our lives, our ministries and our work in building God’s kingdom in this portion of His vineyard,” Bishop Cote remarked. The priests resolved to renew their promises, to be more united with and more closely conformed to the Lord, to “be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God” in liturgical rites and to “discharge faithfully the office of teaching.”

Prayerful Best Wishes are extended to all Priest Jubilarians!

Reverend Roland C. Cloutier -May 19, 1966 Reverend Michael J. Gill - July 10, 1966 Reverend Michael Sequeira -January 6, 1966

50 Years

Reverend Augustine Naduvilekoot - March 15, 1971 Reverend Stanley J. Szczapa -May 15, 1971 Reverend Alfred Irving -June 5, 1971

45 Years

God as individuals, but also as communities, because God called us as individuals, but He called us as a people. A community of faith.”

Reverend Joseph C. Ashe - November 20, 1976

40 Years

Reverend George Villamthanam, CST -December 29, 1981

30 Years

Reverend Brian J. Converse -May 25, 1991 Reverend Michael C. Giannitelli -May 25, 1991 Reverend James J. Suchole - May 25, 1991

25 Years

Reverend Grzegorz Brozonowicz -May 25, 1996

A Time for Renewing Our Relationship with God By Gina Foster

While we encountered many difficulties this past year, we persist and succeed together, as “One Faith, One Family.” Our diocesan ministries and programs have played an important role in helping those in need by providing nutritious meals, spiritual inspiration, education and opportunities for celebration of faith. The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal launched last month has gotten off to a good start thanks to the generosity of so many. Our diocesan members pray daily, check in on loved ones and attend in-person or virtual Mass. Some of us have strengthened and renewed our relationship with God. Spiritual Renewal Services is a very important ACA supported ministry, committed to members of the Diocese of Norwich for more than 40 years. Its mission is to help people develop a closer relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit by offering spiritual programs such as parish missions, seminars, retreats and Masses of healing and hope. Spiritual Renewal Services knows that God is always there to help in any situation. They offer a wide

range of support to members of the diocese who would like to renew or maintain their connection with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Father Ray Introvigne and Judith Hughes, co-directors of Spiritual Renewal Services, have consistently supported our parishioners. Many members of our diocese continue to remain home staying safe, so Father Ray and Judith pray together with them over the phone. They have also developed Prayer Teams to pray with individuals who are struggling with fears, anxiety, anger or unforgiveness. These teams have been very effective, and individuals feel relief from these struggles and are able to accept God’s love for them. In compliance with pandemic protocols, Spiritual Renewal Services has continued to schedule in-person events. They have offered three opportunities over the past six months to attend Life in the Spirit, a seminar at My Father’s House in Moodus, with their next retreat scheduled on April 23-25. Participants can choose to attend for the day or overnight. If you are interested in attending, please contact Judith Hughes or Father Ray Introvigne at srs1223@sbcglobal. net or 860-887-0702 for more information. You also may register at www.MyFathersHouseCT.org. This April, Confirmation students will attend a one-day seminar,

Life in the Holy Spirit. Spiritual Renewal Services will travel to South Windsor for a One Day in the Life seminar, and soon will begin to develop weekly in-person prayer meetings as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Spiritual Renewal Services recognizes the importance of our relationships with God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and welcomes anyone to seek their guidance. “But seek first God’s Kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33. Our ministries are certainly blessed to receive your help. We receive such gracious feedback from those who have been assisted through these difficult times. Your financial support of the ACA along with your prayers continue to be extremely important to help all our ministries

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carry out their spiritually affirming and life changing missions. To make a monetary contribution to our 2021 ACA “One Faith, One Family,” please go online to NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org or contact Heather Harris, campaign manager, at (860) 8861928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Stay safe and be well. APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

hrist has risen, the daffodils are starting to bloom, the grass is looking greener, and the warm weather is approaching, as we strive to be enthusiastic for a brighter future.

Father Jonathan Ficara Channel 11, WCCT • Channel 20, WTXX • Channel 59, WCTX

Virtual Programs Supporting Pregnancy and New Parents are a Success

By Shannen Barnard

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

he Virtual Pregnancy and New Parent Support Group has been in full-swing these past few months. Just recently one of our caseworkers had a support group turnout of nine parents. The Pregnancy and New Parent Program aims to bring together new mothers and fathers to create a safe space to connect and learn together. Our caseworkers help the parents feel like they are not alone with the difficulties they are going through and to be a “light in a time of darkness.” Each of these monthly support groups run by our agency’s caseworkers has its own topic. Our caseworkers advise clients that taking care of themselves is very important. If any of our participants need clinical assistance or more specific support, Catholic Charities offers referrals to agencies in the area to help with the issues which affect them personally. The caseworkers also organize guest speakers for the sessions. Many times they are board certified specialists in the medical field who provide professional insight on related topics. A recent meeting topic on postpartum depression was led by Ashley Parent, A.S., a senior clinical research coordinator at the

Ms. B was in desperate need of help to prepare for her baby, which was soon to arrive. One important item she needed in particular was a car seat, which Catholic Charities provided. Upon receiving the car seat, Ms. B. was so grateful for the agency’s help she said, “You guys are a blessing. Thank you!” The caseworker said Mrs. B was very humbled and thankful. “Her expression really showed the amount of gratitude,” the caseworker said. “Just seeing her appreciative reaction really meant a lot.” Catholic Charities will also help this client by providing diapers, wipes and clothing as soon as the baby is born. Ms. B., along with other regular attendees, will join our next Virtual Pregnancy Group. The parents from the group and the caseworker are extremely excited to meet next month.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Care in Norwich. This special new parent group has helped so many already. One of the caseworker’s clients, Ms. B., is an

expecting mother who was laid off from her job in June of 2020 due to the pandemic. She was in need of assistance. One of her close friends referred her to our agency.

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PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

Photo by Peggy Ernst

ather Michael Phillippino and Deacon Benedict LoCasto, of St. Columba and the Church of the Holy Family, process with donkeys to commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The donkeys, Chewbacca and Dominique, were provided by a parishioner, Regina Molnar of Donifer Farms. Out of an abundance of caution during the Pandemic, the donkeys wore protective masks.

“Stay with Me . . . Remain Here with Me . . . Watch and Pray”

Bishop Michael Cote kneels before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in a veiled ciborium located in the tabernacle at the Altar of Reposition.

GOOD FRIDAY

“Behold the wood of The Cross”

“Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world” chants Fr. Peter Langevin as Deacon Jorge Escalona elevates the Crucifix at the Good Friday Service at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

HOLY THURSDAY

Holy Saturday

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night

By Ryan Blessing

sea of candlelight brought a comforting glow to those gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick, where an in-person Easter Vigil returned on Holy Saturday, April 3. The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) began as Bishop Michael R. Cote and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, the Bishop read to the faithful about the meaning of the vigil before performing a blessing of the new fire, which is used to light the Paschal candle. “On this most sacred night in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, the Church calls upon her sons and daughters scattered throughout the world to come together to watch and pray,” Bishop Cote said. “If we keep the memorial of the Lord’s Paschal solemnity in this way, listening to His word and celebrating His mysteries, then we shall have the

sure hope of sharing His triumph over death and living with Him in God.” The lighted candle was carried by Father Michael Bovino along the main aisle into the darkened Cathedral, and Fr. Michael stopped three times, singing “The Light of Christ” with congregants responding “Praise Be to God.” Flame from the Paschal candle was spread to the smaller white candles held by parishioners, and the whole church soon was bathed in warm light. When the Easter candle arrived in the sanctuary, Father Peter Langevin chanted the Easter Proclamation, also called the Exsultet, from the Latin, “Rejoice.” The Proclamation tells of the mystery of Easter and of Jesus’ death and resurrection to redeem man. Following readings during the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop

Cote intoned, “Glory to God in the highest,” and the Cathedral bells and organ, mute since Holy Thursday, sounded again in fanfare. The Diocese of Norwich welcomed five catechumens, those who have never been officially baptized into a church prior to entering the Catholic Church, at the holy liturgy. In the Liturgy of Baptism, Bishop Cote blessed the Holy Water and baptized the five catechumens, who were accompanied by their sponsors. They are Ariana Jean Boss of Norwich, Carson Everett Hadley of Dayville, Heather Rose Kelly of Norwich, Heather Harris of Uncasville, and Aaron Priest McCoy, of Norwich. In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the catechumens took communion for the first time. The catechumens were joined by three Candidates – non-Catholic Christians requesting entrance

into the Catholic Church. They were Jamie Harris of Uncasville, Matthew John Howard of North Stonington, and Jessica Ruth Ruley of Norwich. Each made a profession of faith at the altar. “In this faith you will be one with us for the first time, at the Eucharistic table of the Lord Jesus, the sign of the Church of unity,” Bishop Cote said. Those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, in addition to those listed above, were Francesca Mia Brown of Lisbon, Ellis Ruley of Norwich, and Courtney Irene Ruszczyk of Brooklyn. “By your Baptism you have been born again in Christ, and you have become members of Christ and all his priestly people. Now you are to share in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us,” Bishop Cote told them.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Pasta for Hope – Servin

Hippity Hoppity

By Edward J. Tessman Executive Director, Catholic Charities

Church community and the Knigh from Council #14, specifically Gra Charlie Nadile, Larry King, Sam B atholic Charities, with the help and Rice, Dan Roberts and John DeViv support from the Knights of Columbus great evening. The pasta was cook Council #14 and the Willimantic the sauce was handmade and simm Community held a Pasta for Hope the meatballs were huge and the d Dinner at Saint Joseph Church Hall on Saturday, of this world. We were excited to October 29th. Children of all ages were encouraged join us for this community event w to dress in costumes and play games for candy. us to continue to “Provide Help an Father Larry LaPointe graciously offered the use of for those most in need. the Parish Hall and the event was a success. Patrons bid on over twenty silen Ed Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic which ranged from a UCONN bas Charities, stated that, “we could not have done this from the Willimantic Advisory Bo without the support of Father Larry, the Willimantic Charities, Jelly Belly Machine, To

Easter’s On Its Way

Defending Our Religious Liberty

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

St. Patrick Cathedral school, Norwich got a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny on Thursday, April 1, 2021. The fully vaccinated bunny hopped his way to take pictures with students.

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charity for His creators made you worthy when on earth posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose heart is full of human sympathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mary's and three Glories and promise publication.

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

~ PD ~

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Brother James M. Kelly Endowment Fund at Xavier Longtime Friends Honor Brother Whose Wit and Wisdom Changed Lives

By Jeff Otterbein

“Based on what we learned from Jim,” one of the friends said, “we started the fund because we want to support the teaching legacy of the Xaverian Brothers.” Brother Kelly died in 2011, but if he were alive today we’re sure he’d have something witty to say about an endowment fund in his name. “There might be some selfdeprecating humor,” the friend said, “but probably genuine surprise. He would be glad for future students and would acknowledge that any good he had been able to do had

come from his training with the Brothers and from his total faith and commitment to God. He would likely hope that even without new Brothers on the faculty, endowments would help to provide a supportive and caring teaching environment for boys well into the future.” This is important to the friends. “More than ever, the world needs educational institutions that focus on the intellectual growth and wellbeing of their students,” the friend said. “Unfortunately these schools are getting harder to find and, for many families, much harder to afford.” In his final letter to Xavier parents in June 1990, Brother Kelly talked about such things as worrying about money and the maintenance of the building. He talked about doing the little things, like locking up at night or doing some shoveling. But he came back to this: “When I stand before the judgment seat of God and He reviews my years as principal of Xavier, I

doubt He is going to ask me about the balance sheet or the state of the physical plant. I suspect he is going to ask me if I did my best to shepherd this little portion of His flock. In all humility I will be able to answer, ‘Yes, Lord, I did. At times it didn’t seem good enough, but it was my best, and I did it with my whole heart.’ ” That he did. And fittingly, Brother Kelly died on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

n the spring of 1982, Brother James Kelly, C.F.X., was preparing to become the next principal of Xavier High School by attending a convention of the National Catholic Education Association in Chicago. One of the speakers talked about writing monthly letters to the parents of boys at his school. Brother Kelly not only adopted the idea, but he flourished, and these letters became must-reads. This would eventually lead to Brother writing two books, collections of what he had written to parents through the years. Brother Kelly left Xavier in 1991 after nine years as principal. Following his time in Middletown, he was president of St. Xavier in Louisville, Ky., and Mount St. Joseph in Baltimore. His letters to parents combined his “Irish storytelling” techniques with wisdom and a firm message. He often would tell students: “Don’t do anything that will break your mothers’ hearts.” Those books will live on, and so will his name, on a new Brother James M. Kelly Endowed Scholarship here at Xavier. Longtime friends are making sure of that. The endowment fund will allow students to attend Xavier who otherwise might not have the opportunity. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the fund by clearly marking that it is for the Brother James Kelly Endowment Fund.

Sacred Heart School, Groton Gail Kingston, Principal 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton 860-445-0611 sacredheartgroton.org/school

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Mother Christina Van Beck, SCMC, Principal 15 Hunters Ave, Taftville 860-887-1757 sacredhearttaftville.org

St. James School, Danielson Linda Marie Joyal, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson 860-774-3281 stjamesdanielson.org

St. John School, Old Saybrook

Mother Elaine Moorcroft, SCMC, Principal 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 saintjohnschoolos.org

St. John Paul II School, Middletown Larry Fitzgerald, Principal 87 South Main Street. Middletown 860-347-2978 JPII.org

St. Joseph School, Baltic

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal 10 School Hill Road, Baltic 860-822-6141 Stjosephschoolbaltic.com

St. Joseph School, New London

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Marianne Cote, Principle 25 Squire Street, New London 860-442-1720 SJSNL.com

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck Doris Messina, Principal West Broad St., Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 stmichaelschoolct.com

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich Sharon Stewart, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich 860-889-4174 st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal 54 West Main St, Baltic 860-822-9272 ahfbaltic.org

Mercy High School, Middletown Alissa DeJonge, President 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown 860-346-6659 mercyhigh.com

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

Donald Macrino, Headmaster 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville 860-848-1271 saint-bernard.com

Xavier High School, Middletown David C. Eustis, Headmaster Brendan Donohue, Principal 181 Randolph Road, Middletown 860-346-7735 xavierhighschool.org

Dear Friends: As the Easter season is upon us, we celebrate the greatest feast in our Catholic calendar, we share the joy of the resurrection. Easter is a day of celebration because it represents the fulfillment of our faith as Christians. St. Paul wrote that, “Unless Christ rose from the dead, our faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Since a major part of our mission as Catholic schools is to proclaim the Gospel of Our Lord, it is at this time of year that our children are learning about the meaning of Easter and understanding that, on the one hand, it is about mourning the death of Jesus, but on the other hand, it is about celebrating his rebirth. It is a time when we reflect on the life of Jesus who suffered, died, and rose again as we also hope to rise to new life with and in Him. April is also a time of joy as we welcome the Spring season, which brings us better weather, leaves on the trees, plantings, and more. It is also a time of joy as we have finally made headway with the COVID-19 vaccine and immunizations. As I reported earlier, it has been a blessing that our schools have been open since the beginning of the school year with minimal disruptions. Although all our schools have remote learning protocols, children need the social interactions and all the other academic benefits of being physically in school. Hopefully as we continue to move forward with our fight against this disease, all our lives will be more manageable. I would like to thank all the administrators, teachers and staff who have made this school year possible for our students. I must also thank all the parents for their cooperation and help during this somewhat difficult school year. We now hope that our next school year will begin under normal circumstances. I hope that your Easter Sunday was a joyous one with family. God Bless, George A. Milot Superintendent of Schools

“Just Mercy” Delivers Many Messages Amid a Range of Emotions Xavier Students, Faculty, Staff Participate In Racial Respect Day

atholic Social Teaching promotes the dignity of the human person. We are all created in God’s image. Our actions toward others must always be rooted in Christ’s love. With that in mind, Xavier High School students, faculty and staff viewed the film “Just Mercy” as part of a racial respect program designed by the Diversity Committee, chaired by Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X., and social studies teacher Jim Royce ‘99. The movie was shown in small groups, which also met to talk about what they saw, and how they felt. How many messages can you take out of the movie “Just Mercy?” Too many to count, really, but enough to make you think about a lot of things. “I thought the day was a great opportunity for the Xavier students, faculty and staff to step out of our comfort zones just enough to begin a discussion about some of the social ills that

our society faces,” Royce said. “As a Christian community, it’s important that we take the time to acknowledge the social justice issues of our time and work to fix them. The best way to begin addressing issues such as these is to engage the whole community in an open and honest conversation about them, and that was the Diversity Committee’s main goal of the day.” How many emotions are there when watching “Mercy?” Too many to count, really, and they run the gamut. The film is about Harvard graduate Bryan Stevenson, who chooses to work in Alabama “defending those wrongly condemned or those not afforded proper representation. One of his first cases is that of Walter McMillian, who is sentenced to die in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. In the years that follow, Stevenson encounters racism and legal and political

maneuverings as he tirelessly fights for McMillian’s life.” It is also a movie about what it is like to be on death row; a movie about a corrupt political and justice system; a movie about never giving up, and a movie showing it’s never too late to do the right thing. “We chose the film so that we could look at the experience of racial minorities in the criminal justice system,” Brother Philip said. “The film and the discussion groups were in that context: What does the Church want us to do as Catholics in response to racial injustice in America? The whole exercise was to try and raise awareness that there is a problem and we as Catholics should be concerned about it and do what we can to bring about change.” The film is based on a true story. And in the end Walter McMillian is freed as an innocent man. “You’re upset about how people are treated,” said one student, “and then other parts make you happy.”

You’re frustrated, sad, angry that this could happen. Yet you’re happy that justice prevails. Happy that some of the characters change for the better as time goes on. Mercy and compassion take hold. But as another student said, “What about the people it didn’t work out for?” That is evident in a statistic at the end of the film: “For every nine people who have been executed in the U.S., one person on death row has been exonerated and released, a shocking rate of error.” The movie leaves you shaking your head. “It gives you a more in-depth perspective, and you understand more of what can actually happen, and how bad it can be,” one student said. Said another: “It helps you realize … I can never know the little things [minorities] go through, but if I understand the big things it will make it easier to understand the small things.”

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Jeff Otterbein

2020 Ryken Award Winner Helps School Navigate Tough Times

By Shari L. Marderness

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

he 2020 Ryken Award was presented to Mr. Robert Bernard, who has been the Director of Finance at Saint Bernard School for the past eight years. The award is given annually on the feast of St. Francis Xavier at each of the 13 Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools. This year’s presentation, however, was delayed by COVID-19. It recognizes an adult member of the school community for his or her commitment to the mission of Saint Bernard School and dedication to the values of the Xaverian Brothers. Each year the recipient is nominated by his or her peers and approved by the administration. Head of School Don Macrino said

Bernard is most deserving of the honor. “In short, Robert Bernard safely brought the school through the worst financial crisis perhaps in its 64-year history in his quiet, unassuming manner reminiscent of the XBSS founder, Theodore James Ryken,” Macrino said. Bernard began working at Saint Bernard in October of 2012. He rebuilt the school’s financial accounting system and has since guided Saint Bernard School through some of the most challenging fiscal times. Most recently, as the world fell into the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic and SBS was pushed to a financial limit by international students unable to return, families

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needing additional financial aid, and a general downturn in eastern Connecticut’s economy, “our very own quiet, unassuming superhero, Robert Bernard, rolled up his sleeves and went to work,” Macrino said. According to Macrino, Bernard applied to the federal government and secured the first payroll protection plan, developed a strategy in which funds were locked into a low yield financial plan, were moved to a higher yielding fund, and he shifted funds into the general operating budget so that our institution remains financially stable. Bernard is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. He is also certified as a long-term healthcare administrator and came to Saint Bernard from the health field.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

~ TA ~

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

~ MG ~

Lost and Found

Reunited with Ring Almost 40 Years Later By Jeff Otterbein in Tallahassee, Florida, found it recently while she and her husband were cleaning out their attic. Hedman contacted Xavier, and Suzanne Berry, manager of the Advancement office, had her send photos of the ring on Feb. 23. The initials were DJH. The Class was 1983. There was only one name in the yearbook with those initials: Daniel J. Hoey. Hoey’s contact information was in the database, so Berry reached out to him. Within hours Hedman and Hoey had talked, and the next day the ring was on its way to Connecticut. “Over the years, I thought about seeing if I could get a replacement; I didn’t even buy a college ring with my history of keeping a class

ring for less than a year,” Hoey said. Hedman was at the beach that day, too. “I was a nurse at Misquamicut from 1981 to 1983 and ran the first aid station, which was also the lost and found,” Hedman said. “The only thing I can think of is someone found it in the water or the sand and brought it to the first aid station. I don’t remember seeing it or receiving it, but it ended up in the lost and found stuff.” Hedman figures it made its way into a box when she packed up after her last summer of working at the beach. That box also had her grades from the University of Rhode Island, her college transcript, and bills from

back in the day. “My husband and I decided to clean out the attic, and I said, ‘Wow, whose ring is this?’ So I got on the internet and found out where the school was,” Hedman said. When we reached out to Hedman on the morning of Feb. 24, she was in her car. She was on her way to the post office with a very special delivery. Hoey opened the package on a recent Saturday morning. “It was crazy, just absolutely crazy,” Hoey said. “Forty years ago I’m swimming and my new ring is gone, and 40 years later a new ring comes in the mail … and it brings back a lot of good memories, too.”

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

n the summer of 1982, between his junior and senior years at Xavier, Dan Hoey and some friends went to Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island. Just months earlier he had received his class ring. “I lost the ring in the water,” Hoey said. “I remember the waves were awesome that day. I looked for it for a while, but knowing it was gone for good, and having to tell my dad about losing it put a real damper on the day. It was a long ride home. We got through it, though, and life went on.” And here we are, just shy of 40 years later, and Hoey, Class of 1983, is reunited with his ring. Nancy Hedman, who now lives

Caring for The Environment

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Xavier Students Pick Up 450 Pounds Of Trash

By Matthew Conyers

arlier this school year, Aidan Higgins, ‘22, approached Xavier High School Academic Dean Kyle St. George with a proposal. After researching the Surfrider Foundation, which works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches, Higgins wanted to start a new chapter at Xavier. And he wanted to know if St. George would serve as moderator. At the start, the dean didn’t know too much about the foundation and everything it does to sustain marine and coastal ecosystems. But he did know one thing. If Higgins was leading the way, the Xavier Surfrider Chapter would have a hardworking crew assembled soon enough. So

Dean St. George was in. It didn’t take long for Higgins and the rest of the group to prove him right. In its first year as a club, the Xavier Surfrider Foundation Club has already made strides by cleaning up trash around the state. The club held its second clean-up of the year Jan. 23 at Pettipaug Yacht Club in Essex. Despite strong winds and frigid temperatures, Higgins and the rest of his classmates, mostly from the Class of 2022, made good on their commitment to the foundation, picking up about 450 lbs. of trash. The crew included Higgins, Dylan Levesque ‘22, Sam Rector ‘22, Charles Puckhaber ‘22, Wyatt McElroy ‘22, Michael McCauley ‘22,

Liam Sheeley ‘22, Hartley Torrison ‘22, Kyle Kirejczyk ‘22, Matt O’Connor ‘22, Kyle Bulkovitch ‘23, and Selorm Dogbey ‘22. Together, the group has not only gotten involved in a worthy cause to help coastal preservation and ocean protection, they have made a difference.

By Shari L. Marderness

ongratulations to the following students who have been selected as Saint Bernard School’s Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS) Leaders for the 2020-21 school year.

Junior Leaders: Jackson Brenek, Olivia Busher, Angeljolee Carter, Julia Ferris, Emma Lemire, Erin Londregan, Joshua Porterfield, and Lindsey Reilly.

These eight students will attend a retreat where their faith lives will be nurtured and their leadership skills honed as they meet with students from the other 12 Xaverian schools within our network. Distinguished Senior Leader: Olivia Massad. Olivia attended the retreat as a junior and will return again this year in a significant mentoring role.

PLEASE HELP

“We love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.” - Saint Vincent de Paul

Donations are welcomed and especially needed during the current health crisis. Visit the websites below to see how you can help.

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown 860-344-0097 • svdmiddletown.org St.Vincent de Paul Place Norwich 860-889-7374 • svdpp.org

136 Sachem Street Norwich CT 06360 860-889-2374 Fax 860-886-2396

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

St. Bernard Names XBSS Leaders

PRAYER INTENTION

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Sacraments 101 + A.M.D.G. +

Volume 8: Confession, Part I Life is often thought of as a kind of journey. Far from being something static or stagnant, our lives are constantly subject to change, growth, decay, and all other kinds of movement. For us as Catholic Christians, one of the most common images used to describe life here on earth is that of pilgrimage. In other words, our lives consist of traveling “on the way” to our destination. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert for forty years, so too, our lives on earth can be likened to a journey aiming for the Promised Land of Heaven. And if you have ever been on a long journey before, (whether it be a backpacking trip, a long hike, or a religious pilgrimage), you’ve probably discovered that one of the most difficult parts of these long journeys is staying clean. Walking for many hours over long distances each day tends to make a person sweaty and dirty—not to mention the unpleasant odor that clings to a traveler. This is true for us in our spiritual lives as well—as we travel through life, our days are often filled with many long hours of labor, messy situations, and even difficult or tragic circumstances. And in the midst of this difficult journey of life, it can be hard to remain spiritually “clean.” Perhaps we lash out at somebody while we’re driving—perhaps our family members know just exactly how to get on our nerves—or maybe we just get consumed by the problems

of the world and lose sight of what God is doing in our own life. Whatever the case…the pilgrimage of life is messy and because of this, we sometimes fall short of the standards that God has set for us…the standards of a good, beautiful, and holy life. This is where the Sacrament of Confession comes in for us. God left us the Sacrament of Confession to serve as a kind of spiritual “bathing station” for us pilgrims. Confession allows us to be washed clean again from the sins and failings that can cling to us along the way. Confession cleanses us from the odor of sin in our lives and renews us with the odor of the Lord’s Divine mercy—the odor of newness—the odor of God’s own Divine life given to us at Baptism. In Confession, the Lord wants to cleanse and forgive us of our sins—all we have to do is bring them to Him with (1) sorrow for having sinned and (2) the intention to not sin again (which, of course, does not necessarily mean that we won’t). Life on earth is a journey—it is filled with many beautiful sights—but it is also filled with hazards and difficulties. To be a pilgrim on earth is to be someone who gets covered at times with “dust and dirt” on the way. The Lord has given us the Sacrament of Confession so that we can be cleaned up whenever we need to be—and get back on the road so that we can continue our journey the Promised Land.

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Father Michael Bovino

Class is in session... 29

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Fai th Sparks

We Are an Easter People and Alleluia is Our Song!

By Liza Roach

ow exciting, it is Easter! We return to the rituals at Mass that come with this season. One of my favorites is the singing of the “Alleluia.” Once again, we say out loud, “Alleluia, Christ has risen.” Did you ever pause to wonder what the word alleluia means? Often people will confuse the translation of the word with “Christ is risen,” but that is not its meaning. Alleluia comes from a Hebrew word hallĕlūyāh meaning “Praise ye the Lord.” Moving into the New Testament, it is translated to Greek then Latin where it became alleluia and means “praise the Lord.” St. Pius X Church in Middletown has a great tradition at the beginning of Lent. Since the

alleluia will not be used during Lent, the parish literally buries the word in a box. This leads to the question as to why we stop saying and singing “Alleluia” during Lent. The translation is important here, as we are quite literally saying “Praise the Lord” when we say alleluia. This word is a joyous and celebratory phrase. Since Lent is a time that is somber, prayerful, and used to reflect on our faults so as to strengthen our relationship with God, we do not continue to use such a festive word. At Easter, the parish resurrects the buried word and boldly displays it in a banner inside the church. As St. John Paul reminds us, “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.” It’s a beautiful tradition of our faith.

Fasting from saying alleluia during the Lenten time of sacrifice and repentance helps us appreciate the depth and meaning of the word. If you go through all of Lent, but don’t experience the release of great joy with the news of the Risen Lord on Easter Sunday, then you are missing the point of this season. This practice also serves to remind us that although this life may be filled with trials, sacrifice and struggles, there is an incredible joy that awaits us when we reach heaven. Pope Francis has called all of us to be missionary disciples of Christ. What he means by this is that we should not just say “Alleluia” during the celebration of Mass, but live the Easter joy in our lives. In his book Evangelii Gaudium:

The Joy of the Gospel, the Pope writes, “(We) must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral. Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm, that delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow.” Each of us need to show the Easter joy we experience in all that we do and wherever we go. Attending Mass during the Easter season is not the time to be somber; it is a time to rejoice and celebrate. We are called to live our lives reflecting that Easter joy. Let us live with the joy of the Lord in our hearts this Easter. Let us resurrect the “Alleluia!” .

Ignite Your Faith. Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks for additional resources.

SAINT BERNARD SCHOOL

SUMMER PROGRAM Classes are open to all students entering grades 6 through 12 and are offered on a staggered basis throughout the summer. Subjects range from general interest, specialized topics and enrichment courses such as: 2 Computer Science 2 SAT Prep 2 Writing the College Essay 2 Math Skills 2 Study Skills

For more info about class dates, times, descriptions, and fees visit www.saintbernardschool.org or call 860-848-1271 or email Mrs. Cyr at hcyr@saint-bernard.com Also, we are now accepting applications for the 2021–22 school year. Contact us at the info above. Saint Bernard School: Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 Ask us about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation.

Trust in the mercy of God’s love. If you are carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions, call Project Rachel a post-abortion healing ministry. All calls are confidential.

An Education You Can Believe In.

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community. Embracing Service. Living Faith. Supported financially and spiritually by 10 parishes in the Middletown Deanery. Currently the only regional Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Norwich Diocese.

St. John Paul II Regional Catholic School 87 South Main Street / Middletown, CT 06457 Telephone: 860-347-2978 / www.jpii.org

St. Joseph School New London, CT

“A Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 81 Years of Excellence In Catholic Education Grades K-8

860-861-4439

To place a Novena prayer request, or for pricing, please call Meredith Vernott at 860-887-3933 commeredith@norwichdiocese.net

Registration is ongoing, please call for information

St. Joseph School 25 Squire St New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-1720

APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

2 Journalism 2 Geometry Via Origami 2 Astronomy 2 Number Theory 2 Entrepreneurship 2 Economics

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC Made Possible in part through your generous support of the Annual Catholic Appeal

Your Generosity at Work… Education /Spiritual Formation

Compassionate Care

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APRIL 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Adapting to COVID19 protocols, our ministries involved in educating people of all ages continue to provide much needed connection and support during this difficult period. Whether it be a participant in an online spiritual life/faith events program, a seminarian or a young student, they each greatly benefit from expanding their knowledge and strengthening their relationship with our Lord.

During the pandemic, the effect of illness profoundly impacts the ill and their families. Our ministries care for both the patient and family, offering spiritual support, compassion and practical aid. Through the love of Jesus, we work to combat the isolation felt by many. We are also grateful to those in our community serving us as medical personnel and first responders.

Social Services

Outreach

With so many people facing unemployment or reduced pay, more families than ever turn to our social services ministries for aid. Offering essentials such as food, clothing, utility assistance and help finding housing, our ministries answer the call of Jesus to love one another. As a lifeline for many, the care provided by our ministries is truly transformative.

The love of Jesus binds us to one another no more greatly than during a pandemic. Our outreach ministries provide life changing support, guidance and renewal of faith within our diocese as well as Haiti. We strengthen our faith as we continue to recognize that we are truly one family though our members are from near and far.

Please visit NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org to make your donation to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal.

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