Four County Catholic December 2013

Volume 25 Number 11

December 2013

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Four County Catholic December 2013

God’s grace is always greater than the prayer which sought it.

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Four County - Excerpt from Pope Francis’ homily at the Year of Faith closing ceremonies in Rome.

Mr. President, please, you’re really kind of pushing aside some of your greatest supporters here.

atholic at c Serving the Counties of Middlesex New London Tolland Windham & Fishers Island NY

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Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

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

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Editorial Office - Timothy Cardinal Dolan speaking to moderator, David Gregory, on Meet the Press, regarding the Church’s strong objection to the HHS mandate.

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The people of the Diocese should be most proud that Outreach to Haiti allows the promise of the Gospel to reach not only those who are served but those who serve.

This is the true work of the Diocese of Norwich in Haiti.

- Dennis and Sue Petruzzi having just returned from a week of volunteering in Port-au-Prince.

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The typhoon may have destroyed John’s house, but it also strengthened his Catholic faith.

- Jim Stipe on the ground in the Philippines describing the ongoing CRS relief efforts.

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Numb er 11 Decem ber 201 3

One of five candles of the traditional Advent wreath is lit each Sunday during Advent, each representing an aspect of spiritual preparation for Christmas. The candles represent hope, love, joy and peace. On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit, representing the life of Christ that has come into the world.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

We Must Talk and Walk Together My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As we find ourselves at the beginning of the new Liturgical year as of the First Sunday of Advent, and as we approach the closing moments of the calendar year, 2013, it is clear that these are extraordinary times. As a Diocese, we have celebrated significant milestones this past year, among them the sixtieth anniversary of the Diocese and the restoration of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. We have also participated in the historic Year of Faith celebration. Of course, the most momentous of all recent Church events has been the election of Pope Francis.

So many of you have commented positively on our having published the Pope Francis interview in its entirety in the previous Four County Catholic. I am very glad you enjoyed the opportunity

to read and contemplate the Holy Father’s vision of mercy and love for the Church. It is a vision of hope; it is a call to care for the poor and vulnerable with increased urgency; it is a challenge to spread the good news of the Gospel to the farthest reaches of our individual lives. Pope Francis has quickly captured the attention of people of all faiths and many of no faith everywhere his voice has carried. As we become more familiar with his message, we must talk and walk together to learn how to follow his lead in our daily lives.

We bishops will be right there with you. By now, you have likely heard that Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop-designate Leonard Paul Blair to succeed Archbishop Mansell as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Hartford Archdiocese. Bishop Blair had formerly been the Bishop of Toledo, Ohio. I know Bishop Blair

well, having been classmates at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome some years ago and friends ever since. I know him to be a collaborative and compassionate priest. In his first interview in Hartford following the announcement of his appointment, he acknowledged, “Like all of you, I am very intrigued by the new Holy Father, and very challenged by him in the best of ways…he is bringing new energy to the Church.” Sharing this sentiment, our prayers and support are with the incoming Archbishop-designate Blair. I look forward to standing with him and Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Bridgeport Diocese on the occasion of Bishop Blair’s installation in Hartford, next Monday, December 16.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, who has been elected

President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Succeeding Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, Archbishop Kurtz will be the main spokesman on national issues for the Catholic Church in the United States and acts as a representative of the American church to the Vatican and Pope Francis. Our prayers are with Archbishop Kurtz as the U.S. Bishops continue to work toward achieving balance among our commitments while defending religious liberty and conscience rights in the face of strong headwinds in Washington.

The Year of Faith has provided a timely and lasting refocusing on the principles of our faith and the responsibility we share to protect and lift up those most in need. On Sunday, November 24, I was in Rome on the final day of our diocesan pilgrimage to witness the Year of Faith closing Mass in St.

Peter’s Square. We have since learned that we were among 8 million pilgrims who visited the tomb of St. Peter to profess their faith during the year. It was gratifying to know that the Diocese of Norwich had a presence on such an historic occasion.

As we now experience the joyful anticipation of Advent, we look forward to a blessed Christmas and a new year of hope, love and peace in our currently unsettled world.

We are grateful for the spiritual guidance of Pope Francis, and feel strengthened by the experience of the Year of Faith. Together as a diocese, as a statewide community of faith and as a Nation under God, we will help make our world a kinder gentler place to freely worship the God of all creation.

Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Debemos Hablar y Caminar Juntos Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: A medida que nos encontramos en el inicio del nuevo año Litúrgico con el primer domingo de Adviento, y a medida que nos acercarnos a los momentos finales del año calendario 2013, está claro que estos son tiempos extraordinarios. Como diócesis, hemos celebrado en este pasado año acontecimientos significativos, entre ellos el sexagésimo aniversario de la diócesis y la restauración de la catedral Saint Patrick en Norwich. También hemos participado en la histórica celebración del Año de la Fe. Por supuesto, el más transcendental de todos los recientes eventos de la iglesia ha sido la elección del Papa Francisco.

Muchos de ustedes han comen-

tado positivamente el que nosotros hayamos publicado en el ejemplar anterior de Four County Catholic la entrevista al Papa Francisco en su totalidad. Estoy muy contento de que haya disfrutado la oportunidad de escuchar la visión del Santo Padre de misericordia y de amor a la iglesia. Es una visión de esperanza, es un llamado con una mayor urgencia a cuidar a los pobres y vulnerables, es un reto para difundir la buena nueva del Evangelio hasta los lugares más alejados de nuestras vidas individuales. El Papa Francisco ha captado rápidamente por todas partes donde su voz ha llegado la atención de personas de todos los credos y la de muchos que no tienen fe. A medida que nos familiarizamos con su

mensaje, debemos hablar y caminar juntos para aprender a seguir su ejemplo en nuestra vida cotidiana.

Nosotros, los obispos estaremos ahí con usted. A estas alturas, probablemente ha de haber escuchado que el Papa Francisco ha nombrado al Arzobispo –designado Leonard Paul Blair para reemplazar al Arzobispo Mansell como Arzobispo Metropolitano de la Arquidiócesis de Hartford. El Obispo Blair ha sido anteriormente Obispo de Toledo, Ohio. Yo conozco bien al Obispo Blair, hemos sido compañeros de clase en la Universidad Pontificia Gregoriana de Roma hace algunos años y amigos desde entonces. Sé que él es un sacerdote de colaboración y

compasivo. En su primera entrevista en Hartford, tras el anuncio de su nombramiento, reconoció, “Al igual que todos ustedes, estoy muy fascinado por el nuevo Santo Padre, y muy desafiado por él en la mejor forma... él está trayendo nueva energía a la iglesia”. Compartiendo esta opinión, nuestras oraciones y apoyo están con el entrante designado Arzobispo Blair.

Espero con interés estar junto a él, y al obispo Frank Caggiano de la diócesis de Bridgeport el próximo lunes, 16 de diciembre con motivo de la instalación del obispo Blair en Hartford.

También me gustaría aprovechar esta oportunidad para felicitar al Arzobispo Joseph Kurtz de

Louisville, Kentucky, quien ha sido elegido presidente de la Conferencia Estadounidense de Obispos Católicos. Reemplazando al Cardenal Timothy Dolan de Nueva York, el Arzobispo Kurtz será el principal vocero en temas nacionales para la iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos y actuará como un representante de la iglesia Estadounidense con el Papa Francisco en el Vaticano. A medida que los obispos de Estados Unidos continúan trabajando para lograr el equilibrio entre nuestros compromisos de fe sin dejar de defender la libertad religiosa y los derechos de conciencia frente a fuertes vientos en contra en Washington nuestras Debemos Hablar y Caminar Juntos

Continued on page 4

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Debemos Hablar y Caminar Juntos oraciones están con el Arzobispo Kurtz.

El Año de la Fe ha proporcionado una reorientación oportuna y duradera de los principios de nuestra fe y de la responsabilidad que compartimos para proteger y levantar a aquellos que más lo necesitan. El domingo, 24 de noviembre estaba en Roma en el último día de nuestra peregrinación diocesana para presenciar la misa de clausura del Año de la Fe en la plaza de San Pedro. Desde entonces, hemos aprendido que estuvimos entre 8 millones de peregrinos que visitaron la tumba de San Pedro durante el año para profesar su fe. Fue gratificante saber que la diócesis de Norwich tuvo presencia en tal ocasión histórica.

Continued from page 3

A medida que experimentamos la gozosa anticipación de Adviento, esperamos una Navidad bendecida y un Año Nuevo de esperanza, amor y paz en nuestro actual mundo inestable. Estamos muy agradecidos por la guía espiritual del Papa Francisco, y nos sentimos fortalecidos por la experiencia del Año de la Fe. Juntos como una diócesis, como una comunidad de fe en todo el estado y como una Nación bajo Dios, ayudaremos a hacer nuestro mundo un lugar más apacible y bondadoso para adorar libremente al Dios de toda la creación.

Sinceramente, en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

Position Available:

Director of Music Ministry Full-time Music Director/Organist needed for St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ellington, CT. Duties include playing the organ/piano at three weekend Masses, Funerals, Weddings and other Liturgical Celebrations. The individual is responsible for planning, rehearsing and leading the Traditional (Adult) and Contemporary Choirs, Children’s Choir and rehearsing with cantors. Knowledge of the Catholic Liturgy, proficiency in organ and/or piano/keyboard and conducting, plus good interpersonal skills are essential. Allen Organ (CF-15, 2 manuals, 33 drawknob stops), Kawai Upright Piano, Yamaha MM8 Keyboard located in choir loft.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume and two references to:

Reverend George Villamthanam St. Luke Church P.O. Box 246 Ellington, CT 06029 Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Position is available now.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

2nd Annual Help A Seminarian Advent Drive Expands!

For the second year in a row, we are holding our annual Help a Seminarian Advent Drive. Why help a seminarian? Because we need them and they need our support. We seek out both prayerful support and, if able, financial support. While we do have a collection for the seminary education fund every year in the Spring, those funds cover tuition and fees and are not used for any study related expenses such as books, or everyday support, or the upkeep and running of a personal vehicle.

We need to remember that these men have given up a full time job to have themselves prepared to give their life over to the Church.

They need whatever assistance we

together, as God’s family, can provide spiritually and otherwise during their time of education and formation.

The first way is through a gift of prayer! Choose a name from below and send a seminarian a Christmas Spiritual Bouquet! For example; you might say in a note that you will remember to pray at each Sunday Mass throughout the Christmas season for his intentions. Maybe you would choose to offer five rosaries for him, or offer to remember him each day at a certain hour by praying the Hail Mary or Our Father or a prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood. It is your gift, so be creative!

Write a note and mail it with the

seminarian’s name on it to the address mentioned below.

Secondly, maybe you have the ability to make a small financial gift and, if so, you may have heard the announcement during the first weekend of Advent regarding the “giving-tree tags” that were mailed out just before Christmas.

Every parish received one set of seven so they usually go very fast.

Each tag has the name of one seminarian. We ask that if you can help with a financial gift and do not have access to one of the tree

tags this year, simply choose one of the names listed below to help.

Send one gift card, either Staples, Wal Mart, CVS, Rite Aide, Best Buy, a Gas Card, Visa or Mastercard gift card of any denomination. Please place it in a secure envelope and mail it with the seminarian’s name on it to the Vocation Office of the Norwich Diocese, 201 Broadway, Norwich CT. 06360.

All gifts will be separated by seminarian name and during the Christmas season at a gathering

with Bishop Cote, we will deliver them as their Christmas gift from the Diocesan Family. Thank you for joining in supporting our present seminarians and letting others whom God may be calling to make this sacrifice know they will have our full support. Have a Blessed Advent season, A Blessed Christmas season and thank you for your kindness and prayers.

SEMINARIANS: Deacon Martin Noe, Deacon Jonathan Ficara, Jeff Ellis, Peter Langevin, Tom Griffin, Kurt O’Brien, Juan Palacio.

Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: December 19, 2013 • 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Saint Edward, Stafford Springs January 16, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Joseph, Occum

We pray for our Seminarians....

860.536.2964

Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net

(860) 887-9294

Fine Gifts, Collectibles & Jewelry Since 1975

800.243.3176

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Mystic, Connecticut 06355

Kurt O’Brien 2nd Year College Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

Jeffrey Ellis 1st Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Juan Palacio 1st Year Engli h Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

Deacon Martin Noe 3rd Year Theology Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

Deacon Jonathan Ficara 3rd Year Theology, Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State

Peter Langevin 1st Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Thomas Griffin 1st Year Theology, Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Teacher, which commandment of the Law is the greatest? “You shall Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the First Commandment. The second is like it: You (your name) shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself. The whole Law (the 10 commandments) and the Prophets (God’s spokespeople)...

…depend on these two commandments!”

Matthew 22:36-39

“With Me, (your name) you can do all things, without Me, you can do NOTHING!” John 15:5

Prayer, Praise, Worship, Adoration Every Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leaders: Deacon James Delaney and Nancy Delaney Pro-Life Mass Saturday, Dec. 7 8:30 am St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Norwich, CT Father Ray Celebrant Diocesan Prayer Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 4 @ 7:30 pm • St. Mary Parish 51 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT Hosted by Light of Christ Prayer Group Prayer & Discernment Board Meeting Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 @ 11:15 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Hearts of the Spirit Prayer Community Mass Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 @ 6:30 PM Sacred Heart Church 156 Providence St., Taftville, CT Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) Saturday, December 28, 10:00 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Call for an appointment (860)-887-0702 Prayer Group Leaders Meeting 9:00 AM - Saturday, January 4th and 9:00 AM - Saturday, February 1st Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Father Ray Introvigne & Mrs. Judith Hughes, & Team “Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

P.O. Box 6 • 11 Bath Street Norwich, CT 06360 • (860) 887-0702 email: Renewal@catholicweb.com

Thursday, December 12 Hearts of the Spirit Prayer Community Mass Sacred Heart Church, 156 Providence St., Taftville, at 6:30pm. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal at 860-887-0702.

Saturday, December 14 Christmas Cookie Sale St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 222 McVeagh Rd., Westbrook, will hold its 8th annual Christmas Cookie Sale from 9:00am to 12:00pm (or till sold out) in the church hall. Decorated wrapped plates of 2 ½ dozen assorted delicious home-baked cookies will be sold for $12.00. They make great

hostess/office/teacher gifts, holiday platters or just for family munching. Themed baskets will be raffled.

Proceeds will benefit the beautification of the church grounds and gardens. For further Cookie Sale information call Joan (860)7671049 or Julia (860) 388-5186.

Saturday, December 28 Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) At 10:00am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. Call for an appointment 860-887-0702.

Saturday, January 4 Prayer Group Leaders Meeting At 9:00am - Spiritual Renewal

Center, Norwich. Fr. Ray Introvigne, Mrs. Judith Hughes, and team. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal at 860-8870702.

Friday-Sunday January 17-19 Retrouvaille Weekend A lifeline for your troubled marriage with serious marriage building and repair, and tools to heal, communicate and work on issues.

For information or to sign up for the next weekend in Hartford, CT please call 413-525-1634. Retrouvaille.org.

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 21-22, 2014 Diocese of Norwich, Youth March for Life Trip Student Cost $95 (Payable to Office of Faith Events) Stand up for your faith and it will change your world! Join us for an exciting and faith-filled two days as we experience what it means to be PROLIFE in Washington D.C.! We will travel by coach bus, attend the Archdiocese of Washington’s Youth Rally and Mass for Life at the Verizon Center and participate in the 41st annual March for Life before returning home. Student accommodations are quad occupancy; chaperones are double at the Courtyard Marriott in Washington D.C. For more information: Pam Plasse at (860)848-2237x311.

Saturday, February 1 Prayer Group Leaders Meeting At 9:00am - Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. Father Ray Introvigne, Mrs. Judith Hughes, and team. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal at 860-8870702.

Saturdays, Feb.8, 15, 22, 2014 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. For info or to register for the 3 session class please call 860889-8346 ext.283 Time: 9:30am– 12:00pm. Location: St. Joseph Church Hall, 11 Baltic Rd. Occum.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

A Joyous Year of Faith Pilgrimage to the See of Peter Encouraged by the intent to make the Year of Faith a journey of reawakening and deepening of

By Michael Strammiello With contributions by Monsignor Robert L. Brown and Sister Barbara T. Gould, R.S.M., Ed.D

faith, Bishop Michael R. Cote organized a pilgrimage of diocesan lay, religious and clergy to several ancient biblical cities in Greece and then Rome, culminating in attending the Year of Faith closing Mass in St. Peter’s Square, 24 November, 2013.

The original vision of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI when initiating the Year of Faith, was to dedicate this time to the importance of our spiritual journey to

strengthen our relationship with the Lord and one another. One of the earliest recommendations was for dioceses to organize pilgrimages in pursuit of learning more about the life of Jesus, Mary, the Apostles and Saints. We were reminded that we are pilgrims on a journey that begins and ends with God. The Diocese of Norwich pilgrimage, began with visiting the historic cities of Athens, Corinth, Thessaloniki, and Philippi, Greece, to finally culminate the pilgrimage in Rome. The road to Corinth meant walking the same path as St. Paul. From Corinth, Paul traveled to Ephesus. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul wrote, “I shall be staying at Ephesus until

Pentecost because a big and important door has opened for my work…” (I Cor: 16:9). The “open door” theme that originated with St. Paul, is very much central to the overall message of the new evangelization embedded in the Year of Faith.

While traversing the pilgrimage stops, Bishop Cote led the Liturgy of the Hours and the recitation of the Rosary. Daily, Bishop Cote had the opportunity to celebrate Mass, as he did at the magnificent Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin in Thessaloniki.

Of course, it was again proven to be true that “all roads lead to Rome.” There, in Rome, at St.

Peter’s Square, on Sunday, 24 November, the diocesan pilgrims witnessed the Year of Faith closing ceremonies as His Holiness Pope Francis celebrated Mass and addressed the enormous crowd.

The full translation of the Holy Father’s homily follows: “Today’s solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the crowning of the liturgical year, also marks the conclusion of the Year of Faith opened by Pope Benedict XVI, to whom our thoughts now turn with affection and gratitude. By this providential initiative, he gave us an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the journey of faith begun on the day of our Baptism, which made us

children of God and brothers and sisters in the Church. A journey which has as its ultimate end our full encounter with God, and throughout which the Holy Spirit purifies us, lifts us up and sanctifies us, so that we may enter into the happiness for which our hearts long.

I offer a cordial greeting to the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches present. The exchange of peace which I will share with them is above all a sign of the appreciation of the Bishop of Rome for these communities which have confessed the name of Christ with exPilgrimage to the See of Peter

Continued on page 8

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Pilgrimage to the See of Peter emplary faithfulness, often at a high price. With this gesture, through them, I would like to reach all those Christians living in the Holy Land, in Syria and in the entire East, and obtain for them the gift of peace and concord.

The Scripture readings proclaimed to us have as their common theme the centrality of Christ. Christ as the centre of creation, the centre of his people and the centre of history. 1. The apostle Paul, in the second reading, taken from the letter to the Colossians, offers us a profound vision of the centrality of Jesus. He presents Christ to us as the first-born of all creation: in him, through him and for him all things were created. He is the centre of all things, he is the beginning. God has given him the fullness, the totality, so that in him all things might be reconciled (cf.

Col 1:12-20).

Continued from page 7

This image enables to see that Jesus is the centre of creation; and so the attitude demanded of us as true believers is that of recognizing and accepting in our lives the centrality of Jesus Christ, in our thoughts, in our words and in our works. When this centre is lost, when it is replaced by something else, only harm can result for everything around us and for ourselves. 2. Besides being the centre of creation, Christ is the centre of the people of God. We see this in the first reading which describes the time when the tribes of Israel came to look for David and anointed him king of Israel before the Lord (cf. 2 Sam 5:1-3). In searching for an ideal king, the people were seeking God himself: a God who would be close to them, who would accompany them on their journey, who would be a brother to them.

Christ, the descendant of King David, is the “brother” around whom God’s people come together. It is he who cares for his people, for all of us, even at the price of his life. In him we are all one; united with him, we share a single journey, a single destiny. 3.

Finally, Christ is the centre of the history of the human race and of every man and woman. To him we can bring the joys and the hopes, the sorrows and troubles which are part of our lives. When Jesus is the centre, light shines even amid the darkest times of our lives; he gives us hope, as he does to the good thief in today’s Gospel.

While all the others treat Jesus with disdain – “If you are the Christ, the Messiah King, save yourself by coming down from the cross!” – the thief who went astray in his life but now repents, clinging to the crucified Jesus, begs him:

Bishop Cote celebrates Mass, assisted by Deacon Jonathan Ficara, in the Irish chapel of St Columbanus the Abbot, the first national chapel built in the Vatican grottoes, levels beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Remember me, when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42).

And Jesus promises him: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (v.

43). Jesus speaks only a word of forgiveness, not of condemnation; whenever anyone finds the courage to ask for this forgiveness, the Lord does not let such a petition go unheard. Jesus’ promise to the good thief gives us great hope: it tells us that God’s grace is always greater than the prayer which sought it.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

The Lord always grants more than what he has been asked: you ask him to remember you, and he brings you into his Kingdom!

Let us ask the Lord to remember us, in the certainty that by his mercy we will be able to share his glory in paradise. Amen!”

The following morning on the final day of the pilgrimage, Bishop Cote celebrated Mass in the Columba Chapel at St. Peter’s with Deacon Jonathan Ficara, recently ordained in Rome.

As pilgrimages are meant to be, this was a transformative journey.

The pilgrim’s prayer, describes the overarching sentiment shared by all: Guardian of my soul, strengthen your love within me That I may be a presence of your peace in our world.

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar:

~ MB ~

1-800-624-7407

We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call:

1-800-624-7407 Podemos Ayudar

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Prison Ministry Celebrates the Joy of Serving The Father Edward F. Barry, M.S. Service Award Presented to: Frederick Bruning, Deacon James Delaney and Thomas Moriarty, KM After a day at St. Edmund’s Retreat on Ender’s Island, clergy and laypersons alike gathered to recogBy Donna Antonacci

nize and give thanks to those who dedicate their time to helping the imprisoned. Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich was the principal celebrant at the chapel Mass in the afternoon, December 8, 2013. In his homily he thanked all those present who through the Gift of Grace program serve those in Connecticut prisons.

He told them they are truly doing the work of Jesus, since our savior so identified with those less fortunate souls. He stressed that each day that they devote to those incarcerated is a day that God is speaking to them.

Following the Mass, Bishop Cote presented service awards in the chapel to several lay volunteers.

Then, guests proceeded to the main building for dinner and the evening awards ceremony where three honored guests received the Father Edward F. Barry, M.S. Service Award.

The first to receive an award was Frederick Bruning who has been involved in prison ministry for over two decades. He began as a layperson in the ‘90s at Gates Prison in Niantic, CT. Later he became a part of the Alpha Program at CorriganRadgowski, and currently assists with the Wednesday Mass at Corrigan.

The second service award was presented to Deacon James Delaney who took part in the lay ministry from 1995. He was later ordained as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Norwich in 2001, and was assigned to St. Agnes Church. He has conducted communion services at both Niantic Men’s and York Women’s correctional institutions.

A third recipient, Thomas Moriarty, also received the Father Edward F. Barry award. He has served the incarcerated for over two decades in various institutions throughout the

State. As a chairperson of New Life Prison Ministry, Tom has also been a very successful grant writer raising 90% of the money.

The program provides one-onone mentoring support and encouragement to reintegrate women into the community after incarceration.

The program boasts an over 80% success rate.

The award recipients, the many volunteers recognized during the course of the day, the ministry staff, Chaplains and all in the community who kindly and generously support their efforts are united in their belief in the healing power of the Gospel.

Together they reach prisoners every day in Eastern Connecticut through education, evangelization and the

Bishop Cote and Prison Ministry Director, Sheree Antoch, recognize Luis Michael Del Rosario for his exemplary service to others.

Photo by Donna Antonacci presence of the Church. It is all about fellowship for current and former prisoners and for victims and

families affected by crime. Congratulations to the award recipients and to the prisoners and their families

for being open to the Holy Spirit entering their lives through the outreach of the Gift of Grace.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Diocese of Norwich Issues Financial Report The Diocese of Norwich has issued a financial report for The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation and The Annual Catholic Appeal of The Diocese of Norwich, Inc. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.

The Diocese of more than 228,520 Catholics spent $3,628,741 on funding for ministries and programs, including but not limited to, Catholic Charities/Family Services in Norwich, New London, Willimantic and Middletown, St. Vincent de Paul Places in Norwich and Middletown, Project Northeast in Putnam, the Hispanic and Haitian Ministries throughout the Diocese, and the offices of Faith Events, Prison Ministry, Pastoral Planning, and Ministry to the Sick.

Contributions and collections including the Annual Catholic Appeal and diocesan assessments accounted for approximately 33 percent of the total diocesan revenue of $19,691,880.

Contributions and collections decreased less than one percent from the previous year, to $4,077,501, and diocesan assessments were $2,387,346, an increase of 10 percent from the 2011 fiscal year.

Insurance premiums that the diocese

charges various diocesan entities for property and liability coverage, amounted to $2,441,227. Insurance premiums paid to Catholic Mutual Insurance and other commercial carriers for property and liability insurance, for Catholic Umbrella Pool assessments, claims paid under the self-insurance program, and auto and workmen’s compensation insurance amounted to $1,705,478.

In 2009 the diocese changed its medical plan from a self-insured plan to coverage under the RETA Trust, which is a selfinsured trust comprised of Catholic dioceses and organizations nationwide with over 40,000 insured lives participating. The plan operates as a fully insured plan and is presented in the financial statements in the same manner as the other types of insurances carried by the diocese. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 premiums billed under the plan were $8,232,333 and payments to the Trust were $7,892,617.

All Diocesan investments are made in accordance with guidelines issued by the

USCCB and they are subject to an independent scanning process semi-annually by Aquinas Associates to insure compliance with these guidelines. For the year ended June 30, 2012 net investment gain including realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities was $337,658 which is fairly reflective of overall market trends.

Expenses for seminarians totaled $192,203, and include expenses for tuition and subsistence for current seminarians and payment of educational loans for seminary graduates who are active priests in the diocese.

Payments to aid in the support of retired and infirm priests were $277,878.

These costs are offset partially by the Easter Sunday collection, which amounted to $179,549.

Administration expenses increased by 12 percent to $1,854,884 consisting primarily of $1,116,092 in direct employee expenses including salaries, payroll taxes, pensions and medical insurance.

Direct subsidies to high schools attended

by diocesan students were $1,338,700 including the fair market rental value of the facilities.

Included in the Statement of Activities at June 30, 2012, is the accrual of a lawsuit settlement stemming from a sexual abuse claim from the year 1976. The total settlement of the suit amounted to $1,100,000.

Insurance coverage provided $875,000 toward the settlement and paid the legal costs of defense. Since the settlement was reached after the close of the June 30, 2012 fiscal year, the settlement amount is included in the Statements of Financial Position with the Accounts and Accruals Payable and the insurance proceeds are included with the Accounts Receivable.

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 the Diocese was required to adopt the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 158 which requires full disclosure of postretirement benefits. The actuarially determined benefit of the Priests’ post-retirement benefits at June 30, 2012 was $6,535,326 and $4,771,951 at June 30, 2011.

The combined diocesan financial statements do not reflect the finances of the diocese’s parishes or any of its schools.

Combined Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2012 and 2011 Assets

2012

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Diocesan Corporation Cash and Cash Equivalents - Annual Catholic Appeal Inc.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents Short-Term Investments Accounts Receivable Current Unconditional Promises to Give Loans Receivable Cash Restricted to Future Programs Mortgage Receivable Beneficial interest in Trusts Long-Term Investments Property and Equipment, Net Total Assets

Pope Francis @Pontifex

$ 287,023 346,918 633,941 2,873,383 5,803,829 788,866 1,030,837 57,326 1,071,420 5,596,664 4,942,674 $ 22,798,940

2011 $ 533,664 593,711 1,127,375 2,748,308 3,607,730 956,095 1,005,189 56,939 79,852 928,454 5,995,740 4,550,322 $ 21,056,004

Let’s try to be open to God’s word, and open to the Lord’s surprises when he speaks to us.

Liabilities

2012

2011

Lines of Credit Advances

$ 276,543

276,868

Accounts and Accruals Payable

1,377,811

268,141

Agency Obligations

521,807

520,749

Grants Payable

-

119,370

Split-Interest Liabilities

146,468

191,239

Loans Payable

2,410,718

2,410,718

Other Retirement Obligations

6,535,326

4,771,951

11,268,673

8,559,036

Unrestricted

4,032,997

4,559,898

Temporarily Restricted

6,974,428

7,545,302

Permanently Restricted

522,842

391,768

11,530,267

12,496,968

$ 22,798,940

$ 21,056,004

Total Liabilities Net Assets

Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

11

Four County Catholic December 2013

Combined Statements of Activities June 30, 2012 and 2011 Revenues and Support Contributions and Collections Diocesan Tax Insurance Program- Property Insurance Program- Medical Investment Income Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Change in Value of Split-Interest Agreements Loss on Asset Disposition Insurance Proceeds Facility Rental & Other Income Total Revenue and Support

2012 $ 4,077,501 2,387,346 2,441,227 8,232,333 186,342 151,316 66,678 875,000 1,274,137 $ 19,691,880

2011 $ 4,149,439 2,165,875 2,314,487 7,197,987 301,102 973,146 -2,271 312 1,284,978 $ 18,385,055

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Expenses Ministries and Programs Retired and Infirm Priests Seminarians High School Subsidies Insurance Program-Property Insurance Program-Medical Administration Fund-Raising Medical Plan Subsidy Interest Litigation Settlement Depreciation Total Expenses Change in Net Assets Post Retirement Benefit Recognition Net Assets Beginning Net Assets Ending

2012 $ 3,628,741 277,878 192,203 1,338,700 1,705,478 7,892,617 1,854,884 375,482 127,000 1,100,000 258,189 18,751,172

2011 $ 3,459,356 186,746 259,848 1,340,300 1,663,414 7,202,718 1,634,569 473,438 127,775 267,302 16,615,466

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By making a donation, you can make an important difference to a non-profit organization, Church, school or special charity. Gift giving planned properly will benefit your family as well as the organization you choose. Gifts both large and small give you an instant tax deduction, income for life and reduce your estate taxes.

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Norwich demonstrate their charity through the Annual Catholic Appeal. To date, close to 3 million dollars has been pledged in support of ACA programs and ministries.

The success of the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Faith with Charity and Love,” is due to the collaborative efforts of all those involved. We are grateful for the assistance of our dedicated Pastors, Parish Annual Catholic Appeal Chairs, parish secretaries, volunteers and support staff. With their help and your kindness and generosity, the ACA assists individuals in need of the comfort and compassion offered by Christ, providing funding and support

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

~ AG ~

through social services, housing services, adoption and pregnancy support, immigration reform, homeless advocacy, education, faith formation and so much more. We are so grateful to all those who displayed their incredible “Faith with Charity and Love,” for the 2013 ACA. In an earlier column this fall, we re-

ported on those parishes that had exceeded their ACA goals. As our campaign draws to a close, we wish to recognize and thank those parishes who raised the most money and had the highest participation rates.

This year, the top 10 parishes in total dollars raised for the ACA include: Christ the King Parish, Old Lyme; Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich; Saint Andrew Parish, Colchester; Saint Joseph Parish, New London; Saint Agnes Parish, Niantic; Saint Patrick Parish, Mystic; Saint Bernard Parish, Rockville; Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Gales Ferry; Saint Mary Parish, Groton; Saint John Parish, Old Saybrook.

While the above parishes do-

nated the most dollars, the following parishes had the highest percentage of participation from parishioners in regard to pledging their financial support to the ACA. The top 10 parishes in total participation include: Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown; St. John Mission, Fitchville; Sacred Heart Parish, Wauregan; Saint John Parish, Middletown; Saint Andrew Parish, Colchester; Saint Mary Parish, Baltic; Saint Mary Parish, Willimantic; Saint Augustine Parish, Canterbury; Saint Luke Parish, Ellington; Saint Stephen Parish, No. Grosvenordale; Saint Colman Parish, Middlefield.

The tremendous support demonstrated by the faithful is most humbling. Your “Faith with Charity and Love” allows the ministries and programs funded by the Annual Catholic Appeal to continue their mission of spreading Christ’s love by providing compassion, hope, opportunity, education and empowerment to those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity and for your participation in the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Faith with Charity and Love.” You can make your gift to the 2013 ACA through December 31st by visiting www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, or call 860-886-1928. **Giving and participation reflective of November 20, 2013.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Catholic Charities Responds to Federal Cuts: Need for Food and Other Assistance Continues to Grow in Our Region, Kevin Hogan of WFSB Channel 3 News Interviews Staff and Clients about federal cuts Twenty-eight-year-old Pamela is a mother of 2, and is 6 months pregnant - with

By Anna DeBiasi Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich

triplets. She is expecting 2 girls and a boy. Although she was employed, she was forced to stop working because of her condition.

She now depends on unemployment and food stamps to feed her growing family.

Recently, millions of Americans who rely on food stamps to supplement their families’ food budget have had to tighten their belts even further due to a reduction in food stamps from the federal government. On November 1, the federal government cut benefits to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, affecting 47 million lower-income families.

Hearing about the work that Catholic Charities is doing to help struggling families in our region, Kevin Hogan of WFSB Channel 3 News came to Norwich to talk to staff members about what their clients are facing as a result of these cuts.

With food pantries in New London, Norwich, and Willimantic, Catholic Charities’ staff is seeing the need for food and other basic needs continue to grow throughout our Diocese.

“We usually get about 4-5 calls from people on the last day of the month when budgets are stressed, but on the last day of October, we had 17 calls for food assistance— and that was before the cuts had taken effect. In November, the numbers have only continued to rise,” reflected Program Manager

Sylvia Laudette.

For Pamela, the cut in food stamps means about $10 less per person, or about $40 less per month for the family. “That’s $40 less per month that we have in our pocket to go out and buy milk, bread, eggs - items that are necessary to feed a family.”

When Kevin asked Pamela how she will handle her growing food needs with the addition of 3 more children, she offered, “We will have to budget and plan as much as we can and still look for any kind of help-- Catholic Charities is one of those places that can help.”

“People are coming through our doors who never thought they would need to ask for help feed-

ing their families. They are scared and under an extreme amount of stress,” said Rosa Almonte, Site Supervisor of Catholic Charities’ Willimantic office. “Here, we listen, we give them some food, and we do our best to help in any way we can. Sometimes just listening and letting them know we are here is the most important thing we can do.”

The repercussions of the SNAP cuts go far beyond Catholic Charities’ food pantries. Catholic Charities Mortgage & Foreclosure Counseling is also seeing the effects of the reduction in assistance. Connecticut is the 6th most expensive state in the U.S. for housing, and many families are spending nearly ¾ of their household income for rent and utilities alone.

When a family of four loses $40 a month from their food

budget, it means that they have $480 less per year to spend on housing or other bills they need to pay. With little to no room to save money, a crisis such as an expensive car repair, an illness in the family, loss of a job, or even a drop in hours at work can result in that family not being able to pay their mortgage or rent, and becoming at risk of homelessness.

Catholic Charities Housing Counselors meet with families on a regular basis to help manage their finances and offer them the best solution possible if they are facing foreclosure or cannot pay rent.

One family who recently worked with the counselors was facing extreme obstacles, but came to Catholic Charities to help sort it out. Susan had been diagnosed with cancer and had become extremely ill and could no longer work. A week and a half after her diagnosis, her husband Steve, was laid off from his job.

This meant that Susan lost her health coverage at a time when the medical bills were piling up.

They began having trouble making mortgage payments and were at risk of losing their home.

“We had exhausted everything and didn’t know where to turn.

We didn’t know what paperwork to file where, or who to talk to, and when we did get someone on the phone we weren’t getting anywhere,” remembers Susan, “It was really scary.”

When the couple came in to Catholic Charities, the situation looked bleak, and the counselors were not sure what they could do to help this couple. But something told housing counselor Cathy McNeeley that she would find an answer, somehow.

“We worked and worked, and kept finding ourselves at what seemed to be dead ends, but we kept at it and worked really hard on behalf of this family. I knew that somehow, some way we were going to keep these people in their home—and we were able to do just that. It felt really good to be able to help such deserving people who were facing such overwhelming obstacles.”

Catholic Charities annually helps approximately 5,000 individuals and their families throughout the Diocese of Nor-

wich with basic needs such as rent, food, oil, and electricity, as well as offering services in case management, mortgage counseling, adoption, immigration, and behavioral health services.

If you wish to directly help families in need in our Diocese this Christmas season, please visit www.ccfsn.org and give a gift to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal. Every dollar collected will be used to assist individuals and families struggling to meet their basic needs in eastern Connecticut.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

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Dottie King, DRE from St. John, Cromwell and Caitlin Ferraiolo, a sixth grade teacher at Gideon Wells School in Glastonbury, gave presentations on ‘The Role & The Person of the Catechist and Getting Started – Methodology of Classroom Management.’

St. Pius X in Middletown Host a Catechist Certification Workshop Day On Saturday, October 26th, the Catechetical Leaders from several of the parishes in the Middletown and Old Saybrook deaneries held their 13th Annual Catechist Workshop Day at St. Pius X. The 75 attendees represented 14 parishes from around the Diocese, as far north as

All Saints parish in Somersville and as far east as St. Thomas in Voluntown. Support also came from St. Paul parish in Kensington, CT. The day began with a key note address on Spirituality by speaker Kevin Dowd, titled, “The Spirituality of Imperfection.” The speaker was

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

~ AR ~

15

Four County Catholic December 2013

GIVE THEM THE GIFT THAT LASTS LONG AFTER THE HOLIDAYS HAVE PASSED Schedule A COMPLIMENTARY Orthodontic Evaluation Today!

Family Orthodontic Care Brother Robert J. Sullivan, C.F.X. Brother Robert J. Sullivan, C.F.X., 85, a member of the Xaverian Brothers community in Melrose, died on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 following several years of declining health.

Born in Somerville on Dec. 14, 1927, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Clare (Rodgers) Sullivan. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1945 and then entered the Congregation of the Brothers of St. Francis Xavier.

After graduating from Catholic University in 1951, his teaching apostolate first brought him to Flaget High School in Louisville, KY, which was followed by a return to Catholic University where he completed graduate studies in theology and philosophy. In 1975, he received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston College.

His manifold career included teaching at the Xaverian Brothers Novitiate and at Ryken High School in Leonardtown, MD. He then served as Director of Studies at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers from 1960-1963. He was appointed first Headmaster of Xavier High School in Middletown, CT and led the school through its first four years. Bro. Robert then served for several years as Novice Master and Scholastic Director at Newton Highlands. He also taught philosophy at Newton College of the Sacred Heart before returning to St. John’s Prep where he taught philosophy and psychology for five years and advanced placement physics for ten years. From 1986 until his retirement in 1992, he served as Headmaster of Malden Catholic High School.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sullivan Family Scholarship fund at Malden Catholic High School, 99 Crystal St., Malden, MA 02148.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

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NY Cardinal Dolan:

Catholic Church Could Have Been ‘Cheerleader’ for Obamacare The Catholic Church could have been one of Obamacare’s “biggest cheerleaders” if not for some of its mandates involving contraception, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a Meet the Press interview, December 1, 2013.

Dolan, one of the most influential Catholic leaders in the U.S. who just wrapped up a term as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, lamented some of the elements of President Barack Obama’s health care law that caused the Catholic Church to stop short of embracing the law.

“We’ve been asking for reform in healthcare for a long time. So we were kind of an early supporter in this,” Dolan said in the interview. “Where we started bristling and saying, ‘Uh-oh, first of all this isn’t comprehensive, be-

cause it’s excluding the undocumented immigrant and it’s excluding the unborn baby,’ so we began to bristle at that.”

In particular, Catholic leaders have expressed concern with Obamacare’s requirement that employers and health care providers include access to contraceptive and family-planning services as part of their coverage. Catholic teaching is opposed to abortion rights and the use of contraceptives.

Obama had sought to defuse controversy surrounding the contraceptive mandate in particular by allowing employers to opt against providing coverage for contraceptives, but requiring insurers to communicate the option for such coverage directly to consumers whose employers decline to cover contraceptives because of moral objections.

“So that’s when we began to worry and draw back and say, ‘Mr. President, please, you’re really kind of pushing aside some of your greatest supporters here. We want to be with you, we want to be strong. And if you keep doing this, we’re not going to be able to be one of your cheerleaders,’” Dolan explained. “And that sadly is what happened.”

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CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS ON THE HILL! Come view the wonderful Christmas displays and artworks of Fr. Ronald Meyer, OMI. The display begins on Sunday, December 01, and every Sunday until Epiphany Sunday 1:00 5:00 pm. Free cookies and refreshments. Donations accepted.

MARIAN DAY OF RECOLLECTION: Father Daniel Nassaney, OMI will offer a day of prayer in honor of the Blessed Mother on Sunday, December 8, from 10 5. Fee for the day is $20.00, lunch included. To register, call (860) 423 8484.

HOLY WEEK RETREATS: Come spend Holy Week 2014 on the Hill. Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI and Father Bill Sheehan, OMI will conduct retreats during Holy Week.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Archbishop Kurtz Elected President of U.S. Bishops, Cardinal Dinardo Elected Vice President Baltimore - The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops have elected Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Kentucky to be their new president.

Kurtz, who leads the Archdiocese of Louisville, won just over half the votes in a field of 10 candidates during a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He succeeds New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who is ending his three-year term. The new vice president is Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas.

The conference president is the main spokesman on national issues for the Catholic Church in the United States.

For the last three years, Kurtz has served as vice president of the bishops’ conference. It is customary for the vice president to move onto the top job.

A Pennsylvania native, the Archbishop earned a master’s degree in divinity and another in social work, worked for more than two decades in the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., before becoming Bishop of Knoxville, Tenn. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to lead Louisville in 2007. The Louisville Archdiocese serves 200,000 Catholics.

DiNardo was elevated to Cardinal by Benedict in 2006. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.3 million Catholics.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Technology and the Mystical: A Meditation on the Film “Gravity” Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” is the most visually arresting movie since “Avatar.” Its special effects have

By Very Reverend Robert Barron Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary

been quite rightly characterized as revolutionary and groundbreaking.

But what is perhaps most surprising about this stunning film is its clear and profound religious import.

The movie opens with a splendid vista of the earth viewed from outer space. As we are taking in this delicious vision, we begin to notice a vehicle moving toward our point of vantage. We then make out around the craft a crew of astronauts busily working, fixing, and exploring. The sheer wonder of human technology, our capacity to master our environment, is vividly on display.

But trouble quickly comes. The debris from a series of shattered satellites, we learn, is moving rapidly toward the craft. Before the crew can fully brace for impact, the space station is struck and catastrophically compromised. Most of them are killed instantly, but two figures—mission commander Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock)—are left alive but in desperate danger.

After a series of unfortunate accidents and coincidences, Kowalski is left clinging to Stone as she clings to the remains of an abandoned Soyuz Soviet space station. It becomes clear that Stone can survive only if Kowalski detaches himself from her. Despite her tearful protestations, he lets go and drifts lazily off into space and certain death.

The last word we hear from him— and it is the first hint of the movie’s spiritual ambitions—is his serene comment that the Ganges looks beautiful with the sun glinting off of it. As he performs the supreme act of love (“greater love hath no man than to give his life for his friend.”), he contemplates one of the most religiously charged locales on the planet.

Freed from Kowalski, Stone

makes her way into the Soyuz and finds the pod on which she hopes to fly to a Chinese vehicle, which will finally take her home. But to her infinite chagrin, she discovers that there is no fuel in the Soviet pod and that she is, accordingly, surely doomed. With tears and much hesitation, she commences to pray, though she admits she doesn’t really know how to pray, and at this point, we notice an icon of St. Christopher on the instrument panel of the pod. Her prayer apparently unanswered and resigned to her demise, she then allows the oxygen to run down, so as to commit suicide by hypoxia. But just as she starts to drift into unconsciousness, Kowalski, to our infinite surprise, suddenly opens the hatch and bursts in. With bravado and confidence, he switches on the lights, turns on the oxygen and shows Stone how to activate the pod.

However, just when we thought that the day had been saved by this deus ex machina, we discover, in the next scene, that Stone is still alone.

Had Kowalski’s appearance been just a hallucination produced by oxygen deprivation, or had it in fact been a visitation from a figure now in heaven, or was it, perhaps, the latter by means of the former? At any rate, she took it to be a link to the transcendent, for she immediately asked Kowalski to communicate her love to her four year old daughter who had died some years before in a freak accident. None of the vaunted technology that she had mastered had ever allowed her to contact her beloved daughter, but now she had found, precisely through a figure who had manifested perfect love, a route of access, a means of communication to a realm beyond this one.

Inspired by her supernatural visitation, Stone summons the courage to fly to the Chinese spacecraft and hurtle on it back to earth.

While she navigates the vessel, she sees, over its instrument panel, a little statue of the smiling Buddha— the third explicitly religious symbol

in the film. After splashing down in an unidentified body of water, Stone crawls to shore, grasps the wet sand in her hands, and mutters the final word of the movie: “Thanks.”

The one who had admitted that she didn’t know how to pray utters, at the end, a beautiful and altogether appropriate prayer.

The technology which this film legitimately celebrates is marvelously useful and, in its own way, beautiful. But it can’t save us, and it can’t provide the means by which we establish real contact with each other. The Ganges in the sun, the St. Christopher icon, the statue of the Buddha, and above all, a visit from a denizen of heaven, signal that there is a dimension of reality that lies beyond what technology

can master or access. The key that most effectively opens the door to the reality of God is nothing other than the kind of self-forgetting love that George Clooney’s character displayed, for God, as the first letter of John tells us, is love. In and through that love, which permeates and animates the whole of the creation, we find connection to everything else and everyone else—even to those who have passed from this life to the next. How wonderful the technology that allows us to explore the depths of space, but infinitely more wonderful is the love which, in Dante’s unforgettable phrase, “moves the planets and the other stars.”

Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word

on Fire, and the Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary. He is the creator of the award winning documentary series, “Catholicism” and the recently released documentary, “Catholicism:The New Evangelization.” www.WordonFire.org.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Christmas Gifts with a Spiritual Message Keep Christ in the center of Christmas with gifts that include a spiritual emphasis. Games, toys,

By Karen Whiting

and even stuffed animals can be paired with messages about God’s love or remind children of biblical truths. This year lots of toys related to Noah serve as reminders to care about the earth and creatures God made. Here are gift ideas to check out:

Shining Light Dolls (0+ months) These colorful lightweight circular vinyl dolls stand fine inches high and three inches in diameter. Dolls are screen painted to represent the appearances of Mary around the world. An included card provides a prayer and description of the visitation. Ten percent of the profits go to Catholic charities.

Other dolls to represent various saints will be added soon.

Noah’s Ark Matching Game from Wee Believers (ages 3+) Twenty-four pairs of sturdy, colorful an-

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imal discs are easy for children to grasp. A tip sheet includes ideas to use the pieces with little ones to younger school age kids, learning the account of Noah’s ark. It comes in a cylinder container that also functions as a kaleidoscope for added fun.

Add you own ideas of practicing animal sounds, calling the beginning letter of the animals, or even spelling the names to increase learning with fun.

Joseph the Carpenter’s Helper Tool Set from Wee Believers (ages 3+) Six colorful wooden tools fit in five pockets of this apron. The back of the washable denim apron includes a write up about St Joseph that reminds children they can glorify God in whatever task they do. The apron is twenty inches long and fifteen inches wide with wide bands to tie around the neck and waist with an extra top pocket to hold little treasures. Let it inspire a youngster to be a helper and conversations about saints.

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Seven colorful sea creatures pairs plus an ark and dove all made of washable foam provide lots of bathtub fun. The figures float and don’t absorb water. The set comes with a mesh bag and suction cup hangers for easy storage. An attached cardboard disc tag tells the story.

Similar artwork is used for a set of twenty refrigerator magnets add some land animals and a magnetic disc of the about Noah’s ark.

Lion and other Lil Prayer Buddies from Wee Believers (ages 3+) A stuffed animal includes a button on one leg, wing, or flipper that says a prayer or Bible verse. The lion comes with the Angel of God Bedtime Prayer in a child’s voice. The dove recites Matthew 5:9 on being peacemakers and the sea turtle recites the familiar 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 passage on love.

The colorful mix of plush fuzzy fur and cotton must be spot cleaned only.

Noah’s Ark Travel Game from Smart Games (ages 5+) Similar to a tangram, ten mag-

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netic puzzle pieces of colorful animal pairs, made of plastic, need to be placed correctly into the squares of the ark. Forty-eight challenges provide clues for placing one to four animals and the child must then add all the others to fill the ark while keeping animal pairs together. This promotes logic, strategic planning, and spatial perception. It does not include the story of Noah. A folding plasticcoated cardboard book holds the set, challenges, and the ark. Challenge pages are paper and attached to a spiral binding.

Downloadable Games from http://www.uncommoncourtesy.com (ages 5-adult) For $1.99 you can download and print several bingo games, including ones on sacraments, Advent, Eucharist, and saints. Two cards per sheet of paper plus the calling cards can be easily printed in full color on paper of your choice. Most games

This collectable trading card game has been popular with kids and teens for years but now there’s a new start deck and streamlined rule book.

Noble heroes direct battle evil forces to save lost souls. Games include artifacts and characters from the Bible.

And don’t forget to add some great books for kids for gift giving. A few to consider: The One-Year My Princess Devotions: Preschool Edition by Karen Whiting helps little girls learn and put Bible verses into daily life to develop character.

Saint Francis and Brother Duck by Jay Stoeckl is a graphic novel adaptation of the Saint’s life as he saves a little duck.

Dear God, I Don’t Get It by Patti M. Armstrong is a story of a sixth grader who faces a crisis of faith. Humor and prayer are woven in to make the book enjoyable.

come with ten different playing cards, but they are also available for larger groups with fifty cards. Try a free ten-card printable game by subscribing. All the games and symbols are great for generating discussions.

Redemption Game new starter deck from Cactus Games (ages 7+)

The Catholic Children’s Bible from St Mary’s Press features 125 stories in full color with key Bible verses.

Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gotler and Donna Piscitelli Colorful art and engaging prose helps children learn Catholic customs.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Liberty

Supreme Court to Hear Challenge Over ObamaCare Contraception Mandate WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has agreed to hear another challenge to President Obama’s health care law -- this time on the so-called contraception mandate.

The justices announced Tuesday that they will take up the long-running dispute over whether businesses can use religious objections to avoid a requirement in the law to cover birth control for employees. Despite the 2012 high court ruling that upheld most of the Affordable Care Act, dozens of lawsuits have continued to proceed from companies asking to be spared from having to cover some or all forms

of contraception.

The matter has divided the lower courts. The Supreme Court could consider the challenge as early as March.

The court will consider two cases. One involves Hobby Lobby Inc., an Oklahoma City-based arts and crafts chain with 13,000 fulltime employees. Hobby Lobby, owned by founder David Green and his family, won in the lower courts.

“This is a major step for the Greens and their family businesses in an important fight for Americans’ religious liberty,” said Kyle Duncan, general counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

which is representing Hobby Lobby. “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will clarify once and for all that religious freedom in our country should be protected for family business owners like the Greens.”

The other case being considered is an appeal from Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp., a Pennsylvania company that employs 950 people in making wood cabinets. Lower courts rejected that company’s claims.

The announcement from the high court comes as the president’s signature domestic policy achievement is weathering a storm of criticism, over the troubled insurance

website and a wave of policy cancellations.

The White House put out a statement recently defending the requirement that employers offer access to contraception coverage.

“The health care law puts women and families in control of their health care by covering vital preventive care, like cancer screenings and birth control, free of charge,” the statement said. “We believe this requirement is lawful

and essential to women’s health and are confident the Supreme Court will agree.”

The statement noted that the administration already tried to accommodate religious organizations, with a change last year that would have insurers sell those policies directly to their employees.

But some groups said the change doesn’t go far enough. And nonreligious organizations were also left out of the arrangement.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Outreach in Action We have just returned from Portau-Prince after a week of volunteering with Diocese of Norwich

By Dennis Petruzzi

Outreach to Haiti (Outreach).

While we have long been familiar with the work being done by Outreach, this most recent experience did much to focus our thoughts on the significant impact the Diocese is having.

While we were staying at the Norwich Mission House we were joined by other volunteers from different places each there for seemingly different purposes.

There was a dentist from Connecticut and his wife who led a team of volunteers who treated over 400 people in 5 days. That’s correct, 1 dentist doing extractions, restorations and cleanings on eighty patients a day. Working outdoors in the day’s heat and using an overturned 5 gallon pail as a stool, he greeted every patient warmly in

their native Haitian Kreyole before deferring to a translator.

A couple from Indiana met with 25 of Outreach’s post secondary students to hear their stories and to gather biographical information for a foundation whose grant will support their school tuitions for the next three years. These students, enrolled in medical, engineering, business and vocational programs represent the hope for Haiti’s future.

A lively group of eight from a Seattle parish who are twinned, or partnered, with a parish in rural Haiti were also there on an exploratory mission to determine the needs of their twinned parish and to discern the best ways in which to develop their cross cultural relationship.

Father Frank Rouleau, The Chaplain and Twinning Director for Outreach and a permanently assigned priest of the Diocese of Norwich, offered liturgy each morning.

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It was not lost on us that, during these times of worship, the Gospel was not only spoken but came to life and continued to grow and spread long after the final blessing.

These days Pope Francis’s message of the preferential option for the poor is seen as “new” by many casual observers. But we know that it goes back 2000 years to our church’s founder. The people of the Diocese should be most proud that Outreach to Haiti allows the challenge and the promise of the Gospel to reach not only those who are served but those who strive to serve as well. This is the true work and mission of the Diocese of Norwich in Haiti.

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

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24

Four County Catholic December 2013

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By Kyn Tolson Programs Administrator, Outreach to Haiti

The 8-year-old also craves ‘chamcham’ - roasted and crushed corn kernels. In fact, just the mention of cham-cham makes Gaetens squirm with delight.

Named after his father and often called Junior, he lives in Port-auPrince with a sister and his parents. Their life is humble, even

by Haitian standards. Living in extreme poverty (defined as having a daily average of $1.25 or less a person), the family survives on about $125 a month. Some of that money goes to rent - $700 a year for their two rooms and to relatives in Hinche, a town in the central plateau of Haiti. That’s where Junior’s oldest sister, who is 13, lives with a grandmother.

“We try to make as much money as we can,” explains the senior Gaetens, their 44-year-old father.

On this day before school before the academic year began on Oct. 1, he has accompanied Junior and his youngest daughter, Angy, to the mission house of Outreach to Haiti.

For him, the mission, which provides the money to send both Junior and 9-year-old Angy to school, is a Godsend.

“Outreach makes it possible that they are educated,” he said.

The Education Program of Outreach to Haiti has been operating for more than a dozen years. It enrolls about 250 students - from kindergarten to university - in private schools and institutions in the capital city. Donations from sponsors in the United States pay for their tuitions and textbooks and help to defray expenses for the dental and medical examinations provided free to students annually.

Private schooling is the mainstay of education for Haitians, because the public system simply isn’t big enough to handle the population.

Today, only about 60 percent of the country’s school-aged children are in school, largely because families don’t have the means to pay tuitions.

“It’s a hard cycle to break,” said Erold Ezerbe, education director for Outreach. “But education and good health are essentials for improvement to society.”

The Education Program tackles fundamental problems head on. It ac-

cepts students based on economic need, and they remain in the program based on their academic merit.

Outreach requires at least an overall 6.0 grade average - higher than the 5.0 needed to advance to a higher grade.

To ensure that students have the best education that sponsors’ donations can provide, Outreach has selected the 14 “sending schools” for all the primary and secondary students based on their institutional performances. Such measurements include: teacher qualifications; percentage of students who graduate; percentage of students who pass the national examinations given in the 6th, 9th, 12th, and 13th grades. (In Haiti, secondary school ends after the 13th grade.)

The program, thanks to the donor sponsorships, follows students from primary-school grades through post-secondary education.

Women and men with degrees from universities and technical institutions are much more likely to find jobs with wages that will improve their lives. In turn, their livelihoods will lift their families, their commu-

nities and the larger society.

Thirty-seven of the 250 students in the program this past academic year were in universities or other post-secondary institutions, many of which provide vocational training.

All but seven of the 37 entered the program in their early years of schooling.

A sampling of the studies of these advanced students are: medicine doctors and nurses (9); accounting (7); engineering (6); and computer sciences (5).

Gaetens, who hopes his children will earn higher education degrees, was able to get an electrician’s license when he was younger. He hasn’t found much work, he says, because he should be connected with a civil engineer to get jobs and that has not worked out. In the meantime, his wife brings in a bit of money by selling packages of spaghetti noodles and other food on the street. More and more he’s getting paid for tutoring other young students. Parents in his neighborhood and at their church have learned he’s educated, and they know his children do well in school.

Angy wants to be a doctor, even though her favorite subject is history. (The stories are exciting, she says.)

With an overall average of 8.26 from second grade, Junior is an excellent student. He hasn’t yet latched onto an idea for his future. He says he likes mathematics because it’s easy.

When it comes to talking about his wishes, Junior is quick to point out that the thing he’d like to have is a car for his family. “But the most important thing to me, “ he adds, “is God. Because every time I pray, he listens to my voice, and he hears what I ask.”

There are many bright and eager children like Gaetens Junior and Angy who want an education. If you’d like to sponsor a student, please contact us at: 860.848.2237 ext. 206; info@outreachtohaiti.org.

25

Four County Catholic December 2013

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.St-patrickschoolnorwich.org

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com Blessed John Paul II Regional School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com

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Colchester students from fifth grade class at Sacred Heart School look at prepared slides through the microscope in preparation for labs. Pictured from left to right are: Jason Consiglio, John Tischio, Juliets Brady, Alxis Davis and Grace Kukulka.

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To learn more, contact the Diocesan School Office, 860-887-4086, www.norwichdso.org or contact one of the diocesan schools.

26

Four County Catholic December 2013

Mercy Students Take Part in the Yale Physics Olympics Fifty school teams from around Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New Submitted by Marie Kalita-Leary Director of Communication and Public Relations

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York competed at the Yale Physics Olympics held Saturday, Oct. 19 on the Yale Campus. Mercy High School’s team members are all members of the Class of 2014: Grace Brodeur from Old Saybrook, CT; Ashley Chase of East Hampton, CT; Marinna Lorence of Rocky Hill, CT; and Anna Snarski from Marlborough, CT. Since the autumn of 1998 the Department of Physics at Yale University has organized the annual Physics Olympics Competition. The theme of our event is “physics is fun!” It is run by Yale Physics professors who volunteer their time to get students excited about science. The hope is that the participants enjoy themselves while applying basic ideas from physics in a practical context and hopefully learn some new physics

during the day. According to Marinna Lorence, “The professors were really informative and it was a truly great learning experience, especially with the Higgs particle.”

The event takes the form of a pentathlon, performed by teams of four students, consisting of five 35-minute events. Each event is a task or simple experiment which the students perform as a term and for which they obtain a result or measurement. “The Physics Olympics allowed our team to collaborate with each other as well as other teams. I felt being one of the few all female teams gave us a different viewpoint on how to perform the unique five tasks, stated Anna Snarski. It was fun, competitive and challenging according to Ashely Chase, “At the Physics Olympics I had the ability to work with teammates and to learn new concepts during the hands-on workshops.” Grace Brodeur commented, “I don’t think I would have had this expe-

ARRANGE TO

SHADOW A

SAINT

Marinna Lorence, Ashley Chase, Anna Snarski and Grace Brodeur Caption: Given twenty pennies, a coffee filter, salt water and tinfoil the girls are seen creating a battery that contains they highest amount of voltage obtainable either by making a parallel or series circuit. rience anywhere else. I’m very happy I participated.”

The pentathlon was followed by explosive physics demonstrations or a lecture on “Yale and the Higgs.”

Saint Bernard School Grades 6 -12

VISIT US FOR A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF WHO WE ARE AND WHAT W WE OFFER. Meet students, faculty support staff, and alumni; and you will discover things that can’t be captured on a web site or in a brocure.

Prayer to St. Jude

REGISTER: WWW.SAINT-BERNARD.COM Call: 860-848-1271 ext. 131

Email: admissions@saint-bernard.com

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithf l ser ant and iend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the pat on of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use I implore you, of that par icular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this g eat need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, t ibulations, and sufferings that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindf l of this g eat favor, to always honor you as my special and powerf l pat on, and to g atef lly encourage devotion to you. Amen.

~ FC ~

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Waiting For a Baby: On Advent & Adoption For years folks told Mike and Maria Slavik that their blue colonial-style house looked like a

By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

Christmas card. Maria would be out mowing the lawn in the middle of July and someone would stop to say he loved the way it was decorated for the holidays. So they decided to make it into a card, editing a picture to resemble a painting, blurring the lights into longer strokes, darkening the red poinsettias in the window boxes and the red bows on the wreaths.

Their romance was kindled on Wednesday nights at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, Minn., a river town on the southern outskirts of the Twin Cities, where Maria led youthgroup gatherings and Mike attended choir practice. They’d linger till it was time to lock up the church and then they’d take it to Tamales Mexican restaurant down the road, nursing margaritas, munching on chips and continuing the conversation. There were never enough hours.

Mike was drawn to Maria’s deep faith, compassionate nature and beautiful brown eyes. Maria admired Mike’s willingness to help anyone in need, manifest in his bright smile and the friendly tilt of his eyebrows. They married four years ago and settled into an 85-year-old house with hardwood floors, cast-iron radiators and built-ins, plus a fenced-in backyard where Maria planted two vegetable gardens.

Decorating for Christmas became one of their favorite things to do together. They begin the weekend after Thanksgiving. The first ornaments they hang on the tree are their matching “Baby’s First Christmas” satin balls, a kitten and a teddy on clear plastic framing the year 1978. The rest of the ornaments, along with the wrapped gifts below, are all silver

and gold, like icicles dipped in honey.

But there is something missing from the happy scene: a baby of their own. Over the past three years, Maria has miscarried four times. She is one of 6.7 million American women – nearly 11 percent – who struggles to either conceive or carry a baby to term.

The decision she and Mike made to pursue adoption through Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis gave her a new sense of purpose. “One of the things

that was so difficult for me, spiritually, with the pregnancy loss was this feeling of losing hope,” she told me. “Our Catholic faith is such a hope-based faith – it’s an

Easter faith. The dark Friday eventually turns into Easter morning. When we moved into adoption, it was like, ‘There’s going to be some sun again.’”

M a r i a poured herself into creating a profile for prospective birth parents, curling up with her laptop in the three-season porch every evening for two weeks. She wrote about what kind of parents she and Mike intend to be and sprinkled in photos.

With some editing from Mike, she went through several drafts. “The whole thing felt like a prayer,” she said.

Their profile is part of a personal website they built, MikeAndMariaAdopt.com, and it went live on Catholic Charities’ website two weeks before Thanksgiving. It is one of 10 in a book that birth parents who visit the agency can review.

In this open-adoption era, some adoptive couples launch ambitious marketing campaigns,

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securing newspaper ads, Craigslist notices, even billboards to reach women considering giving up their babies.

But Mike and Maria trust that their simpler approach will speak to the right woman.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to convey the three things that remain from their protracted quest to become parents: faith, hope and love.

For now Mike and Maria are embracing Advent, a season of anticipation, of waiting and praying for a baby that changes everything. Each Sunday they light their Advent wreath, trusting that light will one day conquer the darkness.

Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be reached at www.ReadChristina.com.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Blessed John Paul II Regional School The newly formed Blessed John Paul II Regional School is now accepting registrations for grades Pre-K-4 through 8th. We strive to work together with parents to develop in each child a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for one another.

We look forward to building a faith-filled community, one child at a time.

www.jpii.org

For more information Please contact the Admissions Office: 87 South Main Street Middletown, CT 06457

860.347.2978

29

Four County Catholic December 2013

St. John School, Old Saybrook, Launches New Website www.SaintJohnSchoolOS.org Old Saybrook, CT – Saint John School is pleased to announce the launch of their new content management website www.SaintJohnSchoolOS.org.

The new website provides information to those who might be interested in attending the school, including an overview of the people, facility and curriculum, and admissions process. Currently enrolled families will find details about school clubs & activities, sports, and daily operations. Each teacher can personalize their own page and emails will link them to current and former students. The Middle School team has also activated the Edline system, a separate portal to post grades for each student, accessible to parents via a private login password. A central calendar displays important school dates, family and fundraising activities, and sporting events.

The principal Mother Elaine, SCMC, is especially excited about the news and announcements feature. She can activate it from any computer and inform people about school closing or other urgent items. She can also share news about the wonderful things happening at the school through photos and descriptions of special events and achievements.

A goal during the school’s twentieth anniversary year is to reach out to alumni and invite them to share in the monthly celebrations. The new website features an online form for alumni to add their contact information and submit memories about the school. The school will send an alumni newsletter and invitations to alumni gatherings that are planned during the year.

Saint John School is fully accredited with certified teachers, and is known for individual student growth, building self-discipline and confidence. A secure, modern facility, close-knit family atmosphere, and adherence to Christian values, provides the ideal environment for “educating the whole child.” A comprehensive 6th to 8th grade Middle School program, including science lab and Spanish language instruction, prepares students to excel in high school and beyond.

Full day Pre-K and Kindergarten is offered, including structured academics and creative play. In addition, the school offers a before and aftercare program, a tournament-winning sports program, instrument lessons and band, community service projects, and other clubs and activities.

Christ Within Us St. Patrick Cathedral School

Excellence in education since 1877 • Grades Pre-K-8

Congratulations to Msgr. Anthony S. Rosaforte

(Father Tony) Celebrating his 75th birthday this week. A friend and supporter of the Four County Catholic A friend to all in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, and the Diocese of Norwich.

All Day Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds Full Day Kindergarten After-School care Available until 5:30 School Day from 7:50-1:50

211 Broadway Norwich, CT Information Call

(860) 889-4174 www.stpatsnorwich.org

30

Four County Catholic December 2013

Did You Know?

December 8 Feast for Mary and how her beginning was special. The angel said she was full of grace.

December 12 Gingerbread house day so try making one. Talk about how Jesus didn’t have a house at his birth and what you can do to help the homeless.

December 21 World peace day. Pray for peace. Look up what the angels said in Luke 2:14.

December 26 National Thank-you Note Day. Write thanks for gifts you received.

Thank God for sending Jesus!

by Karen H Whiting

Angels and Christ’s Birth Angels took an active role in the first Christmas. The angel named Gabriel spoke to Mary about being the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) and the angel of the Lord told Zacharias his wife would give birth to John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-17). John would be a special man who would prepare people for Jesus.

When Joseph was upset that Mary would have a baby when she was not married an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream to say the baby was from God (Matthew 1:18-25).

On the night of the birth of Jesus the sky filled with angels who sang praises to God and celebrated the birth. They celebrated with a party in the sky. One announced to the shepherds that they could find the savior in Bethlehem in a stable (Luke 2:8-14). To save Jesus from King Herod who wanted to kill him, an angel appeared to Joseph in another dream and told him to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).

Angels are God’s special helpers. Celebrate angels this Christmas: • Be secret angels by helping people. You can give a present to someone in need or secretly do extra chores around the house.

• Sing Christmas songs about angels like Hark the Herald Angel Sing!

• If it snows, make snow angels.

• Make angels in ice cream or whip cream like snow angels. Use a plastic knife to make the shape of the body and wings by swishing it back and forth.

• Check out angel crafts on Pinterest for ideas to make angel ornaments and decorations.

• Dress up and angels and go caroling.

• Make angel cookies.

• Be like angels and tell others about the birth of Jesus.

• Go on an angel hunt when shopping at the mall.

• Blow up white balloons to hang from the ceiling as angels in the sky.

Christmas Plexers A Plexer is a word puzzle where the placement or the words helps to express the message.

Try solving these Christmas related plexers:

2.

maAnWgAeYr

peace earth

4.

star wisemen

3.

M ER RRYC HRISTM AS

Answers: 1. Away in a manger; 2. Peace on earth 3. Merry Christmas tree; 4. Wise men followed the star

1.

Grover Boone and Charlie Norris (background) participate in the 2013 World Sport Stacking Association Stack Up! at Sacred Heart School, Taftville. The students attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people sport stacking cups at multiple locations in one day on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013. Submitted by Mother Christina, SCMC, Principal Sacred Heart School.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

Philippines Emergency: Faith Stronger Than Typhoon Three people clung to a tree, hanging on for their lives as 195 mph winds tore at their clothing

By Jim Stipe/CRS

and pelted them with debris and rain. They watched as others were blown away by the wind.

That’s how John describes the scene outside his home as Ty p h o o n Haiyan, believed to be the strongest storm ever to make landfall, r i p p e d through the middle of the Philippines on November 8.

His given name is Hermogenes Cortez Jr., but his friends call him John.

“Like John the Baptist,” he says, smiling. The nickname is a testament to his deep Catholic faith.

Years ago, in the complex he shares with his extended family, he built a small chapel. Once a

month, a priest would celebrate Mass in their chapel. On the other three Sundays, they were led by John, who is a lay minister.

John, his wife and their two children, who live in the Haubon section of

Ormoc, lost their home but escaped injury. His two aunts weren’t as fortunate: their house collapsed with them inside, injuring both. One of them is still in

the hospital 2 weeks after the typhoon.

Like many Filipinos, John has lived through numerous typhoons—but this is the first time one destroyed his home.

Fortunately for John and his family, Catholic Relief Services was able to provide a quick, inexpensive way to shelter the family. While families such as John’s collect the salvageable pieces of their old homes, CRS is showing them how to use these materials, along with tools, durable tarps and other hardware, to build temporary shelters that can be upgraded later on.

The scene in John’s front yard is now quite different. A CRShired carpenter and volunteers come together for what looks like an old-fashioned barn raising, using materials and tools from

CRS and wood John salvaged from the storm. As they work, a new form is raised from the very wood that the typhoon ripped from the ground. While families begin to rebuild, CRS staff are on hand to show them simple ways to make their houses more durable and resistant to wind and rain.

John is looking to his temporary emergency shelter for longerterm use, joking that it’s “a permanent temporary shelter.”

He thinks it will last a year or more, and plans to use it as a base for making upgrades when he

saves money. He says he’ll strengthen it and build additions to provide his family with longerterm use.

The typhoon may have destroyed John’s house, but it also strengthened his Catholic faith.

“God knows what happened in this country,” he says. “The typhoon makes my faith stronger, because I’m still alive!”

Jim Stipe is a CRS communications officer who specializes in digital and visual media. He is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently on temporary duty in the Philippines.

Prayer to St. Jude Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of.

Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

~ AG ~

The St. John School 17th Annual Golf Classic Raises $9,000 St. John School of Old Saybrook held its 17th Annual Golf Classic on October 5, 2013 at Lyman Orchards Golf Course.

The day was spectacular, with many families from the school and community participating for the first time in a junior’s golf tournament and “Eagles in the Orchards” family event.

The tournament’s first placed foursome went to Brian Carroll, Ron Isenberg, Paul Boothroyd and Matt Cooper. The fundraiser earned over $9,000 for science and technology education. The majority of the success of the Golf Classic is due to the generosity of community businesses.

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Four County Catholic December 2013

M W O E O R N W PEN

O O SH OW N

Wish shing you a HAPPY& & HEALTHY Holiday Season From our family to yours

5RXWH 0\VWLF ‡ www.Brusto tolo lon.com ‡ 860-536-2626 Serving Serving Southeastern Southeastern Connecticutt’s Community for f over 60 Years