Four County Catholic April 2016 by Diocese of Norwich

God's Mercy Transforms Hearts. Volume 28 Number 4

April 2016

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

Four County Catholic April 2016

God’s Loving Mercy is Eternal! - A sign created and carried by a student in the March for Mercy to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich.

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- Pope Francis as quoted by Sister Elissa Rinere from the Holy Father’s address to Congress.

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

We know that the tragedy of Jesus’ death ends in triumph, and that Jesus’ death brings life. - Bishop Michael R. Cote leading an interdenominational Good Friday service at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

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‘Where do priests come from?’ Answer: ‘From Families!’ - Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations, on the importance of nurturing families.

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Publisher’s Note: Pope Francis Publishes Landmark Document on the Mission of Family As this issue of the Four County Catholic is going to press, we are hearing the news from the Vatican of Pope Francis having issued, April 8, 2016, a post-synod apostolic exhortation -- Amoris Laetitia (the Joy of Love). By doing so, the Holy Father is sharing the Church’s vision of strong and loving families at the heart of God’s plan for our lives. In the coming weeks and months, the Joy of Love will be at the center of many discussions within the diocese and all parishes as we learn to understand and apply the wisdom of the papal letter. As Pope Francis has written, “The Joy of Love represents an invitation to Christian families to value the gifts of marriage and the family, and to preserve them in a love strengthened by the virtues of generosity, commitment, fidelity and patience.” More information on the impact of this extraordinary document to appear online and in the May Four County Catholic.

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The deadline for advertising is the second Monday of the preceding month. (Discount rate available to Diocesan-sponsored ministries and programs.) The editorial deadline is the third Monday of the preceding month. Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification. Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to comtrina@norwichdiocese.net or fax to 860.859.1253. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Jesus Rises From Death to New Life, and All Creation Rises with Him My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Easter Sunday, celebrated early this year was, as always, a glorious reminder of the Resurrection of Jesus filling our hearts with life, mercy and the light of faith. The celebration of Easter is, we know, not a one-day experience. Eastertide continues for 49 days culminating in the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Church at Pentecost. Along the journey of those many days, we all have opportunities to hear, and some of us to deliver, joyful messages reflecting on the essence of the saving grace of Easter. It is the triumph of eternal life over death that is the universally bonding message of our faith. Recently, I heard a deeply moving and inspired homily that

spoke eloquently to the heart of the Easter promise. It was not intended as an Easter homily. It was spoken by an Episcopal priest at a funeral. It happened to be the funeral of former first lady, Nancy Reagan. It was delivered as words of comfort for family and friends gathered at a private ceremony. So compellingly, it touched on the central tenet of the Christian faith imbedded in the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning. I would like to share a substantial excerpt of the homily by Reverend Stuart Kenworthy, Vicar of Washington National Cathedral, an institution with a deserved reputation for deep respect of ecumenical and interfaith ministry: “The God in whose presence we gather today is a God of justice who wants to lift up the poor, the vulnerable, and all on the margins

of life, a God of love who wants you to know that, in every circumstance of life, you are beloved, precious, sacred, just because you are you. As we give thanks for the life of Nancy Reagan, I want to speak of an even greater love. It’s one we know as Christians, in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, climaxing at that first Easter. Each Gospel tells of it differently, ironically… unparalleled in all of literature and life. The events of Holy Week leading to Jesus’ death sent his closest disciples into fearful hiding and finally brought strong women to his tomb in the dark of that first Easter dawn. There, God had acted. A cosmos-altering explosion of divine light and life was released, surging at God’s com-

mand, breaking the three-day canopy of silence. There, Jesus rises from death to new life, and all creation rises with him. In a newly beheld radiance that is without analogy in the risen Christ, death is defeated, vanquished forever. God raised Jesus that you and I might share in his resurrection. It is true. We are raised with him. Nancy, dear Nancy, may you gaze upon our lord face-to-face. May angels surround you, and saints welcome you in peace. And may your heart and soul now ring out in joy, to the living God in whose presence you are held forever. Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life that through the grave and gate of death, we

may pass with him to our joyful resurrection. Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and, with all thy saints, to receive the crown of life, which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy son, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” Easter, as the Reverend’s comments bear witness, strengthens us as Christians and inspires us the whole year through to be mindful of our faith’s gift of eternal life and to be grateful, helpful and loving to each other at every opportunity. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Jesús Resucita de la Muerte a Una Nueva Vida, y Toda la Creación Resucita con él Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas, El domingo de Pascua, celebrado temprano este año, fue como siempre, un recordatorio glorioso de la resurrección de Jesús llenando nuestros corazones con la vida, la misericordia y la luz de la fe. Como sabemos, la celebración de la Pascua, no es una experiencia, de un día. La Pascua se prolonga durante 50 días que culminan en Pentecostés en la unción del Espíritu Santo sobre los Apóstoles y la Iglesia.

A lo largo del recorrido de esos días, todos tenemos la oportunidad de escuchar, y algunos de nosotros de entregar mensajes alegres que reflejan la esencia de la gracia salvadora de la Pascua. El triunfo de la vida eterna sobre la muerte ése es el mensaje universal de unión de nuestra fe. Recientemente, escuché una homilía conmovedora e inspirada que habló elocuentemente al corazón de la promesa de Pascua. No pretendía ser una homilía de Pascua. Fue hablada en un funeral

por un sacerdote episcopal. Fue el funeral de la ex primera dama, Nancy Reagan. Fue entregado como palabras de consuelo a la familia y amigos que estaban reunidos en una ceremonia privada. De modo convincente, tocó el principio central de la fe cristiana incrustada en la resurrección de Jesús en la mañana de la Pascua. Me gustaría compartir un fragmento sustancial de la homilía por el reverendo Stuart Kenworthy, Vicario de la Catedral Nacional de Washington, una institución con

una merecida reputación por su profundo respeto del ministerio ecuménico e interreligioso. “El Dios en cuya presencia nos reunimos hoy es un Dios de justicia que quiere levantar a los pobres, los vulnerables, y todo en los márgenes de la vida, un Dios de amor que quiere que sepa que en cada circunstancia de la vida, usted es amado, precioso, sagrado, sólo porque usted es usted.” Mientras damos gracias por la vida de Nancy Reagan, quiero hablar de un amor aún mayor. Es

uno que conocemos como cristianos, en la vida, muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo, culminando en esa primera Pascua. Cada Evangelio lo cuenta diferente, irónicamente… incomparable en toda la literatura y la vida. Los acontecimientos de la Semana Santa que conducen a la muerte de Jesús envió a sus discípulos más cercanos a esconderse temerosos y finalmente trajo mujeres fuertes a su tumba en la osJesús Resucita de la Muerte

Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic April 2016

Jesús Resucita de la Muerte curidad de esa primera aurora de Pascua. Allí, Dios había actuado. Por orden de Dios, surgió la explosión de un cosmos alterando la luz divina y la vida fue lanzada, rompiendo el velo de tres días de silencio. Allí, Jesús resucita de la muerte a una nueva vida, y toda la creación, resucita con él. En un resplandor recién visto que sin analogía en el Cristo resucitado, la muerte es derrotada, vencida para siempre. Dios resucitó a Jesús para que usted y yo podamos participar de su resurrección. Es verdad. Somos resucitados con él. Nancy, querida Nancy, que pueda contemplar a nuestro Señor

cara a cara, Que los ángeles le rodeen, y los santos le den la bienvenida en paz. Y que su corazón y su alma resuenen en la alegría, al Dios vivo en cuya presencia es sostenida para siempre. Concede a todos aquellos que han sido bautizados en la muerte y la resurrección de Cristo que puedan morir al pecado y resucitar a una nueva vida y que a través de la tumba y el umbral de la muerte, podamos pasar con él a nuestra gozosa resurrección. Concédenos, con todos los que han muerto en la esperanza de la resurrección, tener la consumación y felicidad en tu gloria eterna y, con todos tus santos recibir la corona de vida, que tu

Continued from page 3

prometes a todos los que comparten en la victoria de tu hijo, Jesucristo, que vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un sólo Dios, por los siglos de los siglos”. La Pascua, al igual que los comentarios del reverendo da testimonio, es una cualidad que vive fortaleciéndonos como cristianos e inspirándonos a través de todo el año para ser conscientes del don de la fe de la vida eterna y en cada oportunidad ser agradecidos, serviciales y cariñosos los unos a otros. Atentamente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women 61st Annual Convention:

CATHOLIC WOMEN

Instuments of Mercy, Sowers of Hope For the Answer go to Page 15.

Saturday May 14, 2016 • 9:00am

Saint Andrew’s Church • 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT

VACATION IN KENNEBUNK BEACH, MAINE!

Franciscan Guestand House Retreat Facilities

Enjoy our full breakfast, stroll the beach and Kennebunkport shops. Visit the Monastery for daily Mass, devotions, and gift shop. Choose from 65 rooms, with own AC, Bath, and Cable TV. On the Scenic Trolley Route Offseason retreat rooms at $50+tax

Franciscan Guest House A little taste of Heaven on Earth 26 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, Maine telephone 207-967-4865 • toll free 1-844-253-2972 email info@franciscanguesthouse.com www.franciscanguesthouse.com

Celebration of the Eucharist with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. Keynote address by Father Brian Maxwell, Spiritual Advisor for the NDCCW and Missionary of Mercy appointed by Bishop Michael R. Cote.

Beautiful Mercy When we open up our hearts, and let God in, he does wonders. Amazing grace. Our Lord's mercy is a love story for you and me. Father Brian was ordained a Priest for the Diocese by Bishop Cote in 2013. Raised in a traditional Catholic family, following college, pursued an initial career in National Corporate Marketing and then migrated to Maine to start-up and manage a retail business selling hand-painted ceramics and housewares. Along the way, his need for God and His mercy came to light and in his mid-30’s, began attending daily Mass. Next thing you know, God’s transformative grace took over – and there was no turning back. Father Brian shares how God’s Beautiful Mercy is lovingly available to all and what it will do - when we humbly give ourselves over to Jesus.

Reserve your space now, deadline is May 2, 2016. $25.00 includes luncheon.

For additional information, please contact: Annette Murphy at 860-423-2397 or Anne King at 860-208-1514.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Director of Priestly Vocations

Father Gregory Galvin

Lift High the Name of Jesus He is truly risen, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!!! Happy Easter season to everyone. We have entered into one of the great seasons of the Church. The Vocations Office of the Diocese is now in full preparation for our largest ordination class in thirteen years, when we last had four men ordained to the priesthood at one time. Deacons, Jeff Ellis, Peter Langevin, Tom Griffin and Juan Aguirre have received their official Call to Orders from his Excellency Bishop Cote. Ordination in planned for June 25, 2016 at 10:30am at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. Praise be Jesus Christ the Great High Priest! This past Holy Week, we established a first for the Vocations Office which I think speaks well to the growth of seminarians! The Chrism Mass on Tuesday of Holy Week was the first time in my tenure as Vocations Director that we were not able to use all of our seminarians to serve the Holy Mass! Why? Because of eleven men in all, five deacons; four to be ordained this summer to the Holy Priesthood; and one who was a permanent deacon, Deacon Ron Blank, entering his third year of theology and just two years away from ordination to the Priesthood. One particular biblical account comes to mind that I would like to share with you. Focused on the

healing of a crippled man who often sat at the “beautiful gate” near Solomon’s portico, the apostles Peter and John continue to be interrogated regarding what they had done to heal this man. Peter with great humility, and loyal discipleship to Christ, continues to point out to all their accusers, that he and John did not heal this man, but that his healing was the work of the name of Jesus, the one all their accusers had killed by crucifixion. Peter steadfastly credits the healing power as that which comes through the name of Jesus, through whose name the gift of faith is also given. One might ask, why is this point important? It is important because, The Name, Jesus, as taught in Holy Scripture, is the most powerful name in all the world! “That in the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...” (Philippians: 2:10-11) We are also told by Jesus himself, “...if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” (Matthew: 18:19) If you believe in the power of Jesus’ name, I ask you and your family, when you pray for vocations to the priesthood for our diocese, either begin or end your prayer by saying to our Heavenly

Father, “we ask this prayer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”. That in His name, we may continue to find the men He is calling to serve the Church in this part of His vineyard, the Norwich Diocese. The reason I ask your family to pray this way is because of a discussion I have been having with the young students at many of our schools around the diocese. “Where do priests come from?” The answer is definitely, from families. Have a blessed Easter Season! Praised be Jesus Christ both now and forever! Amen.

~ Philippians 2:9

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Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net

(860) 887-9294

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April 28, 2016 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm St. Mary Star of the Sea, New London

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Rev. Mr. Juan Aguirre 4th Year Theology English Studies St. Mary Seminary Baltimore MD

Frank Gilbert 2nd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Michael Bovino 2nd Year Philosophy Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Rev. Mr. Ron Blank 2nd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Rev. Mr. Jeffrey Ellis 4th Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Rev. Mr. Peter Langevin 4th Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Rev. Mr. Thomas Grifﬁn 4th Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Wednesday, April 13 The Dangers of Pornography Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry invites you to the adult education presentations in the rectory meeting room from 7-8:30pm. on the dangers of pornography. Hosted by Ryan Hinton, the Director of Family Life, for the Archdiocese of Hartford. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes. Thursday Evenings, April 14- September 29 Bible Timeline Bible Timeline is a Catholic Bible study. The Divine Mercy Faith Community will begin the timeline on April 14th through September 29th from 7-9:00pm at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish Hall, Oakdale. The cost of the 24 part study program is $35.00. For more information please contact Our Lady of the Lakes at 860-859-1575.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Friday, April 15 Retrouvaille Is your marriage tearing you apart? Is there little or no meaningful communication? Are you considering separation or divorce? For serious marriage-building and repair, Retrouvaille is a lifeline. At a Retrouvaille weekend, couples are given tools to re-establish communication, work on their issues, gain new insights and heal. The weekend is presented by three married couples and a priest. A series of 6 post sessions follow the weekend phase. For more information or to sign up for the next weekend on April 15th in the Hartford area, call 413-5251634 or visit the Website at www.retrouvaille.org. Fridays, April 15 & 22 Marriage Preparation Classes Marriage Preparation Classes for Engaged Couples: Registration is

currently underway for God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage, a three-session marriage preparation class to be held Friday nights, April 15 & 22 from 6:30 – 9pm. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 10 Elm St., Middletown. For more information or to register, call the Catholic Family Services Office at 860-848-2237, ext. 306. The cost is $60 per couple Monday, April 18th Natural Family Planning Natural Family Planning is scientific, safe, and is 99 percent effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. A class for married and engaged couples begins at 6:30pm at St. John’s in Old Saybrook. For more information call the Collisons at 860-399-8265 or to register for a class go to www.ccli.org. Another resource for couples with infertility that is based on the Catholic faith is the Creighton Model Fertility Care System and NaPro Technology. For more information on this additional form of NFP contact Jennifer Tress at 860-466-9612 or jen.tress@gmail.com Mondays, April 18-May 2 Bereavement Support Group For anyone who has lost a loved one, and is struggling with the day to day challenges in life. Our professional bereavement support team at St. Mary and St. Lawrence is offering a support group. Our program will meet for eight sessions and will include prayer, meditation, reflection and sharing. Small group sessions will provide comfort and hope as one journeys through the task of grieving to a place of healing

and understanding. We will meet in the library at St. Mary’s Church, 54 Grove St, Clinton. Beginning Monday’s starting March 14th thru May 2nd from 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, recent or past loss, all denominations. Call Jeanne Perlman 860-669-5123 or Ali Mielcarz 860304-5504 for more information.

nual Diocesan Secretaries Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich at 12 noon. Father Jonathan Ficara will be the homilist. Secretaries of all faiths are invited to attend as well as their families, friends and employers. To register please call 860-887-9294 ext.234.

Saturday, April 23 Outreach to Haiti 9th Annual Gala Outreach to Haiti welcomes Masters of Ceremonies: Fox 61 Personalities John Carlton & Lorenzo Hall. Featuring Live and Silent Auctions. Cocktails at 6pm followed by dinner. $100 per person ($50 tax-deductible) Please RSVP by calling 860-887-1019 x817. www.outreachtohaiti.org. The gala will be held at the Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Rd, Waterford, from 6-9pm.

Wednesday, April 27 How to Talk About Same Sex Union St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer in Groton invites you to the adult education presentations in the Parish hall from 7-8:30pm. on How to Talk About Same Sex Union, a DVD presentation. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes.

April 24-30 National Infertility Awareness Week The Creighton Model FertilityCare System, which is based on our Catholic faith, provides new hope for couples who are going through the experience of infertility or low fertility. Not only does this system inform couples of when they are most fertile, it also aids in identifying factors that may be contributing to infertility. For more information, please contact Jennifer Tress at 860466-9612 or jen.tress@gmail.com. Tuesday, April 26 21st Annual Secretaries Mass The Most Reverend Michael R Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, cordially invites you to the 21st an-

Thursday, April 28 Holy Hour for Vocations Join the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, as he leads the Holy Hour at St Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St, New London, from 78pm. For more information contact

Wednesday, May 4

Television Mass At 10:00am Channel 20 WTXX, Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast. Celebrant Father Ray Introvigne.

21st Annual

Secretaries Mass

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 • 12:00pm Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich Following the Mass a complimentary luncheon will be served. For reservations or more information call 860-887-9294, ext. 234

Four County Catholic April 2016

Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@ norwichdiocese.net or (860) 8879294. www.God-Calls.com. Thursday, May 5 Ascension Thursday Friday-Sunday, May 6-8 Seussical the Musical The Saints Players present Seussical the Musical at St. Bernard School, Uncasville. $7 general admission, $5 students and free for SBS students. Bring a gently-used book to donate to the New London Public Library and receive $1 off admission. May 6 &7 show time is at 7pm. and May 8th at 2pm. Sunday, May 8 The Spirituality of Recovery St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in Groton invites you to the adult education presentations in the Parish hall from 7-8:30pm. on the Spirituality of Recovery. Hosted by Fr. Tom Hoar. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes. Wednesday, May 11 Moral Injury & PTSD Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry invites you to the adult education presentation in the rectory meeting room from 7-8:30pm. on Moral Injury & PTSD. Hosted by Ryan Hinton, the Director of Family Life for the Archdiocese of Hartford. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes.

Saturday, May 14 Spring Gala St Mary -St Joseph School in Willimantic is having their annual Spring Gala. Doors open at 2pm. Dinner is from 4:30-6:30pm. Live auction starts at 7pm, preview days are May 9-13, from 11am-3pm. New 50/50 raffle or 75/25 if used towards tuition at the school. For more information or to buy tickets please call the school at 860-4238479. Thursday, May 19 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at St. Mary in Portland from 6-7pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwich diocese.net or 860-887-9294. www.God-Calls.com Saturday, May 28 Tailgate Tag Sale Spaces are now available for the St. Mark the Evangelist Church Tailgate Tag Sale to be held Saturday, May 28 (rain or shine), from 9:00 am-2:00 pm in the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper parking lot at 222 McVeagh Rd., Westbrook. The cost is $25 for 2 adjacent parking spaces. Pack up your car or truck with interesting new or used items, drive to the parking lot, open your trunk and sell your stuff. You may also set up your own tables. This promises to be a huge sale: antiques, collectibles,

jewelry, crafted items, toys, housewaresâ&#x20AC;Śyou name it. St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Group is sponsoring this sale and will sell hot dogs, beverages, snacks, baked goods, membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plants and garden books. Proceeds will be used to beautify and maintain the church grounds. To register or for further information please call Julia Gallicchio at 860- 388-9675, jakoloski60@gmail.com or jgfay@hotmail.com; 860-5524492.

St. Mary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Joseph School

Annual Spring Gala Saturday, May 14th Spaghetti Dinner $8 Adults $6 Children/Seniors (Handicapped accessible for parking and dinner)

Evening Includes: â&#x20AC;˘ LIVE/Silent Auctions â&#x20AC;˘ White Ticket Raffle â&#x20AC;˘ 100+ Raffle Baskets â&#x20AC;˘ Ritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Ice â&#x20AC;˘ NEW 50/50 Raffle or 75/25 if used towards tuition at school Doors open @ 2pm Dinner is 4:30pm - 6:30pm LIVE Auction & Raffles start at 7pm Open to Everyone! Please join us for an enjoyable afternoon and evening. Preview the Baskets: Monday - Friday May 9-13, 11am-3pm

FAMILY RETREATS Family Retreats for parents and their children are being offered at a retreat center near an ocean beach in Duxbury, MA.

July 3-8 & July 31-August 5 Contact Deacon John & Peggy Scarfi 845-621-7000 www.starofthesearetreats.com

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IMMACULATA RETREAT HOUSE A Ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate 289 Windham Road, Rte. 32 Willimantic, Connecticut

GARDEN RETREAT: Tuesday April 26. Fr. Ron Meyer opens the 1st of series of garden retreats with â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Prayerful Cultivationâ&#x20AC;?. Prayer, Conference, Celebration of Eucharist with Homily, lunch, andresource sharing. Offering is $25.00

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Wednesday April 20, 2016. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pathways to Holiness in Everyday Lifeâ&#x20AC;? series by Fr. Roger Couture. Come and join your fellow seniors on February 17 for a morning centered around â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holiness Flourishes Amid Human Frailty.â&#x20AC;? Offering is $10.00 and includes lunch. The day begins at 9 AM.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: St. Mary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St. Joseph School 35 Valley Street Willimantic, CT 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org

For all who want to examine in detail and strengthen their relationship with God, we offer one-on-one personal counselling. Free will offering accepted according to ability to give. Suggested: $20-$50 per hour. Contact Immaculata front desk.

INDIVIDUAL and/or GROUP RETREATS: Conference halls, chef-prepared meals, private rooms w/bath, WIFI. Call for details. To register or for more information: Phone: 860-423-8484 E-mail: info@immaculataretreat.org

Four County Catholic April 2016

Chrism Mass Gives Witness to the Presence of Christ in His Church Norwich – The Most Reverend, Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, in unity with all the By Michael Strammiello Executive Editor, Four County Catholic

priests and deacons of the Diocese of Norwich and parishioners representing all seventy-six parishes, celebrated the Annual Chrism Mass, March 22, 2016, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. It was an overflowing gathering

fied for use in all parishes for baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and for the ordination of priests. Together, the three oils symbolize the sacramental life of the Church as they represent sanctification, healing, strengthening, dedication, consecration and sacrifice. One of the most sentimental and gracious moments was the recognition by Bishop Cote of the Priest Jubilarians. Grateful and resounding applause filled the Church.

Bishop Cote asked all priests present to renew their priestly promises and then addressed the faithful – “Dearest sons and daughters, pray for your priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as

cluding the news that same morning of the attack at the airport in Brussels. He asked for the prayers of all present for the injured and those

who lost their lives. He acknowledged the balance of strengthening national and international security while upholding our responsibilities

Priest Jubilarians for 2016 ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to Him, who is the source of salvation.” As one, the congregation responded “Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.” Bishop Cote also spoke, in his homily, of the horrific terrorist events taking place in the world, inof priests, their Bishop, deacons, seminarians, religious, student greeters, disciples of mercy and lay faithful who filled the Cathedral with the spirit of togetherness in worship, wonder of the sacramental gifts of the Church, joyful music, prayer and the unfolding of sacred tradition. As is tradition, the sacred Chrism was consecrated and the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens blessed. These oils are sanctiPhoto by Michael Strammiello

65 Years Reverend John Morin, O.M.I.

July 29, 1951

60 Years Reverend John Marciniak

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50 Years Reverend Roland C. Cloutier, LCSW Reverend Michael J. Gill Reverend Michael Sequeira

May 19, 1966 July 10, 1966 January 6, 1966

45 Years Reverend Ronald Meyer, O.M.I. Reverend Augustine Naduvilekoot Reverend Stanley Szczapa

December 18, 1971 March 15, 1971 May 15, 1971

40 Years Reverend Joseph C. Ashe

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35 Years Reverend George Villamthanam, CST

December 29, 1981

25 Years Reverend Brian J. Converse Reverend Michael C. Giannitelli Reverend James J. Sucholet

May 25, 1991 May 25, 1991 May 25, 1991

Four County Catholic April 2016

Medical Works of Mercy Are Focus of 26th Annual Mass for Healthcare Workers Norwich - In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, healthcare workers from throughout the region By Shelley Wolf FCC Contributor

joined together on April 10 for an inspiring Mass, homily, and a lecture on “Merciful Medical Care” in Haiti at the 26th Annual Diocesan Mass for Healthcare Workers. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, was the principal celebrant, while Monsignor Anthony S. Rosaforte and Reverend Brian Romanowski served as the concelebrants. “During this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, the risen Christ opens our minds to understand the Scriptures,” Bishop Cote told all in his welcome address. “In Christ and through Christ, God becomes especially visible in his mercy. God’s merciful love is always ready to raise up and forgive and always ready to heal,” Bishop Cote said.

Chrism Mass

“Through the eyes of faith we see Christ in the Eucharist and we see him in one another. The Lord gives us the strength to care for others, to raise them up and fill them with hope, and to heal them in his name. In this Mass we pray for all healthcare workers,” he said. “May they always find in Jesus a model for a ministry of mercy, healing, and compassion.” The homily was delivered by Monsignor James P. Carini, a retired priest of the diocese who went on the first immersion trip to Haiti in 1982 and helped found the Diocesan Ministry to Haiti. He said he has seen firsthand the excellent medical care that healthcare workers in the diocese have delivered to God’s people… “Jesus is present in all the sick Continued from page 8

Photos by Meredith Morrison as Christians to follow the biblical mandate of embracing innocent refugees. During the designated Year of Mercy, we are called even more resolutely to be charitable and forgiving. As expressed in the recessional hymn, we pray to “The Lord our King…triumphant o’re the world and sin, the Prince of Peace.” Following the Eucharist cere-

mony and the blessing of the oils, parish representatives stayed in the Cathedral to receive their respective supplies of consecrated oils to return to their parishes. Together, all parishes are renewed in grace, in mission and in witness to the presence of Christ in his Church and the continuation of His work in the Diocese.

and suffering. Doctors and nurses are those who reach out with gentle healing love and compassion. Their words speak of God’s comfort and reassurance. In this Year of Mercy, I pray that all of you will become closer to the Lord. May his mercy fill your hearts. Jesus asks each of us, ‘Do you love me? Feed my sheep, care for my lambs, heal my lambs, and know that I choose you to bring healing and merciful love to my people.’” After the Mass, attendees enjoyed a brunch in the cathedral auditorium and a lecture on “Merciful Medical Care” by Dr. Jeremiah J. Lowney, who mixed humor, humility, and compassion for others during his presentation. Originally an orthodontist in Norwich, Dr. Lowney later earned a master’s degree in public health and founded the Haitian Health Foundation in 1982 along with his wife, Mrs. Virginia Lowney. Today he serves as its president. The Haitian Health Foundation is an outreach organization in Southwestern Haiti that provides full health care and disease prevention programs to more than 230,000 of the hemisphere’s poorest citizens in Jeremie, Haiti, and in 104 rural mountain villages. Looking back to the 1980s, Dr. Lowney said he found himself happily married with four children, a successful practice as an orthodontist, and he had even survived cancer. “I thought, ‘I’ve been given so much and felt I’ve given so little,’” he said, characterizing his works of mercy as “anemic.” As a dentist, he wondered how much he could really do to help.

However, when he took his first trip to Haiti, he realized it was possible for people to die from an abscessed tooth there due to the lack of dental care and antibiotics. Upon his arrival in Port au Prince, a sister said to him, “God must have sent you, because no one ever comes here.” At that point, Dr. Lowney decided to return every three months. He said it was five years before other volunteers began to join him in significant numbers. In time, Mother Teresa of Calcutta herself asked him to go to Jeremie, a town 140 miles to the west of Port au Prince. There he and others decided to build a 27,000foot outpatient clinic. “We put up our own money and once we got started, we had other people join us,” he said. Today the clinic offers well baby visits, prenatal care, dental care, a pharmacy and testing and insulin for diabetes, he said. All equipment for the dental clinic was donated by the Connecticut Dental Society. “We see 300 to 400 people a day at the outpatient facility,” he added. Dr. Lowney was also instrumental in building the Chapel of St. Rose, dedicated to the patron saint of missionaries. In 1990, Mrs. Lowney, a registered nurse, managed the “Save a Family” program, which matches more than 1,000 sponsors in the United States with poor families in Jeremie to provide food, shelter, education, and medical

care. The program also provides school tuition, uniforms, shoes, and school supplies, allowing 1,500 children to attend school. Dr. Lowney showed the lecture attendees slides of Haitians washing their clothes in the river, carrying fresh water in jugs, and living in huts with thatched roofs and dirt floors. “It’s hard to believe, it’s only 90 miles from Miami,” he said. The Haitian Health Foundation is making a difference through public health outreach and health education. “We’ve just about eliminated deaths to diarrhea by replacing electrolytes, and we’ve also cut the death rate due to bacterial pneumonia by 50 percent,” Dr. Lowney reported. In addition, he said, the foundation started the Happy House program that has built thousands of concrete homes with tin roofs for just $1,250 each. “The people are very appreciative,” Dr. Lowney said. “It improves their health and gives them a legacy to give to their children.” Dr. Lowney said he was grateful for the support of Bishop Cote, who has joined him on many trips to Haiti over the years, as well as the employees in Haiti plus the many volunteers from the Diocese of Norwich. “All of this is God doing it,” Dr. Lowney concluded. “We were sent there to look for Christ in disguise – and he’s there.” Photos: (Left) White Mass Committee Chair, Deacon Gerald Shaw, M.D., introducing keynote lecturer, Dr. Jeremiah J. Lowney. (Top) Monsignor James J. Carini delivers White Mass homily. Photos by Michael Deren, M.D.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Four Americans Cited by Pope Francis During his visit to the United States in September 2015, Pope Francis became the By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

first pope ever to address the U.S. Congress. He spoke eloquently of the history of our country as a land of freedom and opportunity, and he articulated his hope that even in these turbulent times in the world, the United States would continue to represent these values to the world. In the course of this address to Congress, Pope Francis named four Americans whom he set before us as models worthy of imitation. The four were Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr.,

Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Each of the four was, in his or her own circumstances, a reconciler who sought to bring about peace where there was no peace. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, elected in November 1860, and re-elected in November 1864. His presidency coincided with the Civil War, which began with the battle of Fort Sumter in April 1861, and ended on April 9, 1865 following the Battle of Appomattox. Lincoln was assassinated just five days later, on April 14, 1865. Pope Francis, citing Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, spoke of Lincoln as a guardian of liberty who labored tirelessly that “this nation under God might have a new birth of freedom.” Pope Francis

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went on the mention the value of dialogue over polarization, and the idea that building a future of freedom requires love of the common good and a spirit of cooperation. The second American pointed out by Pope Francis was Martin Luther King, Jr. who led the non-violent movement for civil and political rights for African-Americans in the 1960’s. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in Memphis, TN on April 4, 1968. Pope Francis spoke of Dr. King’s dream of equality for all people as a dream that still inspires so many today. He said that this dream of equality awakens what is deep and true in the life of a nation. Pope Francis expressed happiness that America continues to be, for so many, a land of dreams that lead to action, participation and commitment. The third American cited by Pope Francis was Dorothy Day, the founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. She was born in New Yok City in 1897, and throughout her life worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and oppressed. As Pope Francis said in his address to Congress, Dorothy Day’s passion for justice was inspired by the Gospel, her faith,

and the example of the saints. What began for Dorothy Day as a newsletter, The Catholic Worker, became a nation-wide system of houses in which the poor and homeless were welcomed as “ambassadors of God.” Day was a pacifist, as was Martin Luther King, Jr. In the

1960’s the Catholic Worker supported the civil rights struggle, to the point of Catholic Worker houses in Georgia being violently attacked by the Ku Klux Klan. By the time of her death in 1980, Dorothy Day was regarded by many as a saint. Her autobiography, The Long Loneliness, first published in 1952, is still in print. The cause for Dorothy Day’s canonization is now in process in Rome. She is quoted as saying “If I have achieved anything in my life, it is because I have not been embarrassed to talk about God.” The fourth American mentioned by Pope Francis was Thomas Merton who, after a very turbulent childhood and youth, lived the last decades of his life as a Trappist monk. Pope Francis de-

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scribed Merton as a source of spiritual inspiration, a man of prayer and dialogue, and a promoter of peace. As an author, Thomas Merton is remembered for his more than seventy books, many of them dealing with spirituality, social justice and pacifism. His autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, was first published in 1948, and remains widely read today. As a contemplative and a mystic, Merton is remembered for opening dialogues between Christianity and the great religions of the East, especially Zen Buddhism. Merton died in 1968, while in India participating in an inter-religious symposium. He is buried at the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemane, in Kentucky. The visit of Pope Francis to the United States was certainly a well planned and well considered event. Consequently, placing these four Americans before the entire country as examples of virtue can be taken as a very deliberate move. What was the message Pope Francis wanted to give us, especially during this Year of Mercy? Perhaps delving more into the life and work of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day or Thomas Merton will provide us with several different insights and responses. The qualities cited by Pope Francis included dialogue, tolerance, compassion, understanding, social justice, peacemaking. What qualities can you find in these four great Americans?

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Four County Catholic April 2016

Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Brothers and Sisters in Need:

How ‘The Christopher Society’ Makes a Difference! As the Diocese embarks on the 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA), a celebration was held on By Kathy Gaito Stewardship Coordinator, Development Office

March 5, 2016 at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, Haddam, Connecticut to say ‘Thank You’ to the members of The Christopher Society. The Christophers are donors who have given $1,000.00 or more to the previous year’s (2015) Annual Catholic Appeal. The Christopher Society’s name is a depiction of Saint Christopher who worked diligently to bring the Christ child to safety across a raging river. It is said that the child became heavier and heavier, because he carried the weight of the world. Members of the Christopher Society help to alleviate the burdens of others through their giving at the Christopher level. Their support helps to calm the waters, allowing those in need to find relief from their struggles and hardships, helping them to make it to solid ground. Angela Arnold, Executive Director of Development opened the evening by thanking the donors and their guests for making the 2015 ACA a success. “You give much to help our ministries and you do it out of the goodness of your heart. The ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal sustain a wide array of programs that crossover many aspects of everyday life. Social service programs, spiritual guidance programs, educational programs and informational programs are a few of the areas that are supported…providing comfort, sustenance and aid to those suffering hardships,” Angela stated. Attendees at the Christopher Dinner were informed that funds from the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal totaled $3,094,556.67 of which members of the Christopher Society made up 36% of total pledges/gifts or $1,119,620.16.

Bishop Cote and Sister Rita engage Gracie’ routine. Angela excitedly reported that, “the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal reached $28,983.20 MORE than last year

the crowd with their ‘George and

(2014)!” Before dinner, The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, thanked the Christophers for their generous donations which allow the Diocesan Ministries to continue their work and help people in need

man to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Tessman joined Catholic Charities in January 2016 and is the new Executive Director. This year, Catholic Charities is celebrating 95 years of “Providing Help and Creating Hope!”

across the Diocese. Bishop Cote led a prayer asking all to join in the refrain “For his mercy endures forever,” as he recited Psalm 136:1-9. Angela Arnold returned to the podium and introduced Edward Tess-

After dinner, the attendees were treated to a preview of the 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal video, MERCY – The Beating Heart of the Gospel. Following the airing of the video, Angela Arnold introduced the speaker for the evening, Deacon Christopher Deskus, a Catholic Chaplain at CorriganRadgowski and Brooklyn Correctional Institutions. Deacon Deskus shared the importance of recognizing the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters and lending a hand to those in need. He read a passage from the Book of Matthew that reiterated the importance of exercising the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Part of that reading included the fitting verse…”Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Near the end of the evening, members of the Christopher Society were treated to a tradition that began a few years ago, a routine that is fashioned after the late George Burns and Gracie Allen. Bishop Cote starred in the role of George and Sister Rita Johnson, played Gracie. This custom has become a favorite of all attending the Christopher Dinner, with Bishop Cote and Sister Rita’s routine filling the room with laughter. The evening concluded with Bishop Cote asking all to join with him in reciting Pope Francis’

Prayer for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. As guests left for the night, each household was given a copy of Pope Francis’ book “The Joy of the Gospel,” as a ‘Thank You’ for helping to make the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal a success. If you would like to become a member of the Christopher Society and join Bishop Cote and other Christophers at next year’s Christopher Dinner, please contact: The Office of Development 197 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 860-886-1928 www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org The Office of Development, as one of the ministries in the Diocese of Norwich, is responsible for securing the necessary funds to assist the Diocese in its mission to serve God’s people throughout our communities. One of the key fundraising programs that the Development Office ministers is the Annual Catholic Appeal. It is because of the ACA and the generosity of the people that support this endeavor that the Diocese of Norwich is able to make a difference in the lives of many people in our cities and towns. The Development Office knows that our Diocese is made up of people that have different means and acknowledges each person’s personal sacrifice to help make a difference in the lives of others when donating to the Annual Catholic Appeal.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

Marching for Mercy

After Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Mercy, our Diocesan Youth Council decided to plan a By Linda Norton

(Top & Top Left:) Father Brian Maxwell and Ryan Dillon (holding cross) lead the March for Mercy. Photos by Liza Roach. (Left:) Carter Chase, Evan Fleig and Dominic Lena, all members of the Edge Program at St. Peter’s Church in Higganum, a village of Haddam, CT. Photo by Angela Cacace.

Four County Catholic Contributor

youth event that not only talked about God’s mercy but gave teens an opportunity to practice it and proclaim it within the local community. They called it a “March for Mercy”. After checking in at St. Joseph Church in Norwich on March 19th, the young people and their chaperones had a tour of St. Vincent de Paul Place. The tour raised awareness about the needs of our homeless brothers and sisters and families struggling with financial difficulties and how they could help. They observed some of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in action.

Afterwards, they made creative posters to carry in the March. Two of the posters read: “Be Doers of the Word” and “God’s loving mercy is eternal”.

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enlisted the help of Connor Ullrich, Kareem Grisham, and Seamus Sullivan (from St. Patrick’s school), dubbed them the “Three Saints”, and they helped leading song motions which had everyone moving and laughing. Ralph Davis from Midnight Moment (Search on “You Tube”) also spoke prior to the March and touched everyone’s hearts with his words. Initially posing as a homeless man sleeping on the floor of the church, Ralph rose and shared his personal witness of previously being homeless and how God now uses him to reach out to the homeless by providing clothing and home cooked food in the Providence, RI area. Before the march, Ryan Dillon, a young adult from St. Thomas parish in Voluntown and a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, explained the Year of Mercy. Ryan co-led the march with Father Brian Maxwell one of our diocesan Missionaries of Mercy.

Ryan carried a large wooden cross and teens took turns carrying the cross in the march. Norwich police officers were available during the march to make sure everything proceeded smoothly. Upon arriving at the Cathedral, Father Brian led everyone through the Holy Doors of Mercy and gave two talks. After a pizza lunch, the afternoon included more time with Vince; and Father Brian was available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Parishes attending this event were from the Holy Martyrs Cluster (Waterford, Niantic and E. Lyme), St. Joseph (New London) St. John (Cromwell), St. John (Uncasville), St. Mary (New London), St. Patrick School (Norwich), St. Peter (Higganum), and St. Matthew (Tolland). For more information on Youth Ministry events contact Liza Roach at 860-848-2237, Ext. 305 or lroach@norwichdiocese.net. Cover photo by Tim Cook/The Day.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Joyful Return of Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra to Cathedral Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Music Director & Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada, conducts second annual Palm Sunday Concert at Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, March 20, 2016.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

“Let me (us) not grow weary of doing good; if I (we) do not relax my (our) efforts, in due time I (we) shall reap my (our) harvest. While I (we) have the opportunity, let me (us) do good to all people…but especially… …those of the HOUSEHOLD of FAITH! ~ Matthew 7: 24-25, 29 Thanks for supporting our “Annual Catholic Appeal!”

Rockville Prayer Group Mass and Individual Prayer Wed., April 6, 2016 at 7:30 PM St. Joseph Hall, 33 West Street Masses of Healing and Hope Monday, April 11 and April 25, 2016 @ 2:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Center – Individual Prayer Gales Ferry Prayer Group Mass – Individual Prayer Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM Philips Retreat Team Meeting Monday, April 18, 2016 at 6:30 PM Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich Philips Spiritual Retreat (Personal Experience) Sat., April 23, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sun., April 24, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM (with Mass) Call to register 860-887-0702 (limited room) Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) Sat., April 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM By appointment only – call 860-887-0702 Television Mass Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM Channel 20 WTXX Charter Channel 11 WCCT Comcast Celebrant – Fr. Ray Introvigne The Brothers and Sisters of Charity – Music Ministry Charismatic Prayer Meeting Every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich

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Healing Ministries Available at Our Diocesan Spiritual Renewal Center Sometimes life gets the best of us and we hurt. Sometimes the hurt is physical, and sometimes it By Linda Norton Four County Catholic Contributor

can be emotional, psychological, or spiritual. Our Diocesan Spiritual Renewal Center at 11 Bath Street in Norwich offers several ministries that bring God’s healing love into people’s lives. In 1976, Bishop Reilly appointed Fr. Ray Introvigne to head the Spiritual Renewal Ministry for the diocese. When Fr. Ray was called to pastor a parish, Bishop Hart appointed Judith Hughes, a lay minister, to join Father Ray as co-director of the Spiritual Renewal Center. Father Ray shared that “this ministry is

the fulfillment of Vatican II, when Pope Saint John XXIII prayed for a second Pentecost. Vatican II was an ecumenical council, trying to unite all of God’s children.” Healing Masses are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 2:00 pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center. Each person is prayed over for their particular needs during the Mass by Father Ray and Judith, but Jesus does the healing. Healings, as God wills them, do happen and sometimes people will contact the center afterwards to report a healing. Judith stated that sometimes people share that they felt a lot of warmth, great peace, and that their pain went away. Another ministry provided at the Spiritual Renewal Center is

Congratulations to St. Vincent de Paul Place for receiving a $5,000 grant from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation. The donation was specifically intended to help buy peanut butter and cereal for families that come to its food pantry.

called “Unbound Ministry”. This is a gentle and deeply profound ministry which helps people receive freedom from past hurts, scars and burdens they’ve carried throughout their lives. Anyone interested in this particular ministry should contact the Spiritual Renewal Center for a private appointment. The Spiritual Renewal Center also holds “Philip Retreats”. These retreats assist people in deepening their relationship with the Holy Spirit. They are held at the Spiritual Renewal Center. The next one is scheduled for this month on April 23-24. Father Ray states that the eleven prayer groups in our diocese also offer “Life in the Spirit Seminars” and that these are opportunities “to experience the Pentecost gift of a personal relationship with Jesus.” The ministries offered at the Spiritual Renewal Center are open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Father Ray and Judith know that with God’s loving touch, healing is available and lives can be changed. Feel free to call the Spiritual Renewal Center with questions, to request more information on the specific ministries, for directions, or to request the Spiritual Renewal Center’s newsletter 860-887-0702.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Bishop Cote, assisted by Luis Rivera as cross bearer, stops at one of the Stations of the Cross during an ecumenical service at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Good Friday, March 25, 2016. Photo by Dana Jensen

Faithful Take Up Cross on Good Friday in Norwich Norwich - The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, described Good Friday as not By Ryan Blessing Reprint from the Noriwch Bulletin

a day of mourning, but of thanksgiving. “We join with Christians around the world to give visible witness to the Lord’s sufferings,” the Bishop said before the start of the annual Way of the Cross procession Friday evening at the Cathedral of St. Patrick. “We know that the tragedy of Jesus’ death ends in triumph, and that Jesus’ death brings life.” Bishop Cote led representatives from a dozen churches and faithbased organizations in the interdenominational ceremony marking Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and death. A Lord’s Passion ceremony was held at the Cathedral in the af-

ternoon. “Good Friday is an integral part of the Easter Triduum — Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” Bishop Cote said. “Good Friday has a long tradition of celebrating the Way of the Cross and walking in the footsteps of the Lord, and remembering his last moments on Earth.” The procession was held inside the Cathedral this year due to the threat of rain. It typically is held outdoors, starting at Chelsea Parade and traveling down Broadway and Union Streets to the Central Baptist Church. When it is outdoors, participants carry a large wooden cross. Carrying the Cross this year was Luis Rivera, of Norwich, who has worked on the grounds of the Diocese for several years. “It’s a very special time,” Rivera said. “I’m very proud and honored

to do it.” The Bishop, clergy and a lector from each visiting church stopped at each of the 14 stations of the cross, the carvings on the church walls that depict Christ’s suffering and death. At each station they sang a hymn and read from scripture. A different church leader did so for each of the stations. The Rev. Sam Chesser, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norwich, read for the ninth station, when Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem just before he is crucified. “This is my third year taking part in it,” he said. “It’s a really nice opportunity for all the churches to get together. There are small groups of churches that get together at other times of the year, but this is the only time that it feels like everyone is part of the same service. It’s very nice.”

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Four County Catholic April 2016

A Teacher’s Legacy

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with the Battle of Verdun raging on the Western Front. The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park, now known as Wrigley Field. In Dublin, the Easter Rising occurred, which led to the independence of the Irish Republic a few years later. Meanwhile, on the third of the month, in Chicopee, Mass., Catholic couple Edouard and Amanda Page welcomed a little girl into the world. A century later, she’s still here. That little girl from western Massachusetts grew up to become Sister Marie Ruth Page, better known today as Sr. Mary Ruth, who’s been a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit (DHS) since 1937. She was then called Sister Edouard de la Croix. Founded in France in 1706, the DHS is well known as a religious order for teachers. That’s why the 21-year-old from Chicopee made her final vows with the DHS on September 2, 1937, at the order’s motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. Shortly afterwards, Sister Mary Ruth started working as a teacher, with a three-year stint at the former St. Mary’s School in Jewett City. “I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl, so the Daughters were where I wanted to go,” she said. “I started out teaching everything.” Retired from teaching since 1990, she spent over 50 years in the classroom at Catholic grade schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Sr. Mary Ruth moved to the DHS’s U. S. A. Provincial House in Putnam a dozen years ago. Sunday, April 3, her DHS sisters, former students, family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday, with

a Mass and luncheon at the Provincial House. “They were all peak moments. I wish I could go back and do it all again,” she said. “I miss the children. The students let me know about their troubles and I tried to help them. And the parents were supportive of the teachers. They were for us.” Sister Mary Ruth said she faced many challenges as time went on. “(Starting in the 1 9 6 0 s ) Drugs were something we had to deal with,” she said. “Computers were a big change. About the children, it was always important to get the students to understand that they would soon be out on their own in the world. I tried to teach them to choose their friends carefully and to talk to their parents. I wanted them to keep their minds on the future.” Sister Mary Ruth is particularly pleased that several of her former students became priests. Two of them joined DHS Chaplain Richard L. Archambault to celebrate Sunday’s Mass in the Provincial House’s chapel. Rev. Robert E. Gariepy, 85, traveled to Putnam from his home in Shrewsbury, Mass., for the celebration. The retired priest was one of Sister Mary Ruth’s fifth grade students in his home town of Leominster, during her first year at St. Cecilia’s, in 1940. The third priest on Sunday was Leominster native Rev. Donald G. Lozier, OMI, 81, who splits his time between the Immaculata Re-

treat House in Willimantic and being the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Lowell, Mass. Sister Mary Ruth was his sixth-grade teacher at St. Cecilia’s in the 1940s. He remembers her fondly. DHS Sister and Bridgeport resident Patricia Rickis, now 73 and retired from a 46year teaching career of her own, spent her first teaching assignment at St. Cecilia’s, with Sister Mary Ruth, from 1965 to 1969. “I was 22 and brand new when I went there,” she said. “Sister Mary Ruth was a guardian angel for me. She encouraged me and we always ended up together.” Sister Patricia remembers her friend and former colleague as a remarkable teacher. “She had a good rapport with the kids,” Sister Patricia said. “Her students all loved her. She never had a discipline problem. Sister (Mary Ruth) just had that certain something. She could relate to eighth graders, even the big boys. She was wonderful.” One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of a blessing from Pope Francis for Sister Mary Ruth on her 100th birthday. The parchment from the Vatican was obtained for her by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich. As the celebrations were finishing up on Sunday, Sister Mary Ruth smiled one last time. “I’ve been so lucky,” she said.

Four County Catholic April 2016

State Awards Former Saint Mary Star of the Sea School 2.75 Million Toward Conversion to 20 Apartments The State of Connecticut has awarded The Connection up to $2.75 million to rehabilitate and convert the historic St. Mary Star of the Sea elementary school in the heart of New London to 20 units of affordable rental apartments. “The recent announcement from The State Department of Housing is great news for Bishop Cote’s Initiative on Housing that began almost three years ago,” said Peter Harding, Director of Housing Development for the Diocese of Norwich. Peter further noted that “The pastor and parish have been meeting with The Connection Fund Inc. for months discussing ways to change what once was a ‘Vibrant Educational Facility’ into a ‘New Vibrant Housing Community’ for families in New London.” The rehabilitation of the school built in 1899, will preserve the building’s historic character. The award is part of nearly $28 million in funding directed toward affordable housing projects in eight communities throughout the State that will create, rehabilitate or preserve approximately 200 units of affordable housing. A portion of the apartments will be set aside to provide housing for chronically homeless individuals. The funding was made available under the state’s Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) program. The beautiful St. Mary Star of the Sea property will not only help to fulfill the goal of ending chronic homelessness, but will also help The Connection fulfill its mission of “building safe, healthy, caring communities and inspiring people to

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fulfill their potential as productive and valued citizens,” said Connection President and CEO Peter Nucci. Connecticut Department of Housing Commissioner Evonne M. Klein stated, “Affordable housing is a key component of economic growth and stability,” Commissioner Klein said. “These investments throughout the state ensure Connecticut’s continued economic recovery and the ability to remain an attractive state to call home, work, and raise a family. The CHAMP funding rounds provide an excellent opportunity for municipalities to attract a workforce, keep seniors in their community, give young families a start, and provide a home to someone who has been homeless. I am proud to say that we have made real progress when it comes to expanding access to affordable housing, while working to prevent and end homelessness.”

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Four County Catholic April 2016

Sister Priscilla Paradis October 31, 1934 – February 20, 2016 Sr. Priscilla Paradis, 81, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at The Holy Spirit Provincial House where she had been in residence since 2010. Born Priscilla Vivienne Paradis in Norwich, CT on October 31, 1934, she was the daughter of Lionel Joseph Paradis and Emmanuella (Varieur) Paradis. She entered religious life in Putnam at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in September 1954 and made her religious profession in April of 1955. She was then known as Sr. Priscilla Joseph. She held a B.A. in Education from the Diocesan Sisters’ College, Putnam branch and an M.A. in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She began her teaching career in elementary schools operated by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit at St. Anne’s in Hartford in 1958, and also later taught at St. Mary’s in Putnam and St. Bernard High School in Uncasville until 1986. In 1987 she took a job with Day Kimball Hospital providing Home Health Care to the sick and elderly in the area until 1994. She was very much appreciated by Day Kimball for her contribution and services . Most of all, she provided professional and compassionate care to all of her clients. She was well liked and often requested. She retired from this work in 2009 and moved to the Provincial House in 2010. Donations may be made to the DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

Sister Jeannette Levesque, DHS

“By means of the Funeral Rites, it has been the practice of the Church, as a tender Mother,…to commend the dead to God…and to give witness to its own faith in the future resurrection of the Baptized with Christ.” (CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP ~ 1969)

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February 22,1923 – March 6, 2016 Putnam - Sr. Jeannette Levesque, 93, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the daughters of the Holy Spirit Provincial House. Born Marie Jeannette Levesque in Fall River, MA on February 22, 1923, the daughter of Alfred J. and Marie (St. Onge) Levesque, Sr. Jeannette entered religious life in 1946 and made her religious profession on August 23, 1950 at the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. She was then known as Sr. Alvarez de Jesus. Upon her return to the United States, from 1950-1987, Sr. Jeannette served as dietician at Annhurst College, South Woodstock, CT; Résidence des Filles du St. Esprit in Greenfield Park, Canada; Sr. Anne Convent, Swanton, VT; St. Elizabeth Guest House in Hartford, CT; St. Joseph Guest House in New Haven, CT and St. Joseph Villa, Putnam, CT. In 1987 she was assigned to the Provincial House in Putnam where she served as seamstress and driver for the community until 2005 when she retired there. Donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

Sister Flore Trudeau, DHS February 15, 1925 –March 20, 2016 Putnam - Sr. Flore Trudeau, 91, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she had been in residence since 2011. She was born on February 15, 1925 in Graniteville, VT and was the daughter of Louis and Hélène (Thériault) Trudeau. She entered religious life in 1941 at Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam, CT and made her religious profession there on August 20, 1945. She was then known as Sr. Hélène de St. Joseph. She earned a B.A. from Diocesan Sisters’ College in Woodstock, CT in 1969 and an MA in Theology from St. Michael College in Winooski, VT in 1976. She was a teacher for most of her religious life from 1945-1991 in schools operated by Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Burlington and Swanton, VT as well as various schools in CT and one in San Francisco, CA. In 1994 she took over as Transportation Director at Holy Spirit Provincial House where she coordinated medical trips to doctors and to the hospital for sisters in residence there. She retired to Notre Dame Convent in Putnam in 2001 and moved to the Provincial House in 2007. She was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2011. Donations may be made to the DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

Four County Catholic April 2016

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Father Bruce Quinn, O.F.M. Cap. April 10, 1931 - April 6, 2016 The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother Fr. Bruce &RPH YLVLW XV DQG VHH« Quinn, who passed away ൪An environment that respects the dignity of each student as a sacred trust on April 6, 2016 in Mid൪A safe place with strong Christian values where our young women thrive dletown, CT at the age of 84. Arthur J. Quinn, son ൪A family atmosphere with small classes, focusing on YOU! of Arthur A. Quinn and ൪A college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities Margaret Rose Doran, was born on April 10, ൪Extra tutoring to make it happen 1931 in Balboa, Canal ൪Sports, Activities and Unique Traditions to round out your personality and Zone, Panama in Central build community America. Arthur entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars at St. Felix Friary, HuntBecome one of the family! ington, IN on August 31, 1949 receiving the name “Bruce” For family visits and student shadowing or for more information, please call us or send a date request by e-mail to: where one year later professed first vows on September 1, admissions@ahfbaltic.org 1950. “Frater” Bruce completed his undergraduate studies www.ahfbaltic.org 1-860-822-6279 at Mary Immaculate Friary, Garrison, NY where he pro54 West Main Street Baltic, CT 06330 fessed solemn vows in 1953. Father Bruce completed his theological studies at Mary Immaculate Friary [1953-58] and was ordained to the priestSERVING THE AREA FOR OVER 100 YEARS hood on June 22, 1957 at Sacred Heart Friary, Yonkers, NY. For the next 58 years, Father Bruce would serve the People of God as missionary, parochial minister, chapel associate, Personalized Service hospital chaplain, foron All Types of Insurance mator and nurse. For Edward J. Waitte nearly 20 years Fr. Bruce resided at St. Pius X, Middletown Pat Zils and served the people of the area as hospital Michael J. Waitte chaplain, visitor to nursing homes, parochial assistant, Debbie Froio friend and example to the Capuchin Franciscan fraternity of St. Pius X. Father Bruce FAX: 860 886-1965 was survived by his 116 BROADWAY, mother Margaret Rose; his two brothers James NORWICH A. Quinn and Thomas NEXT TO NORWICH J. Quinn and their CITY HALL families.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

A Ton of Help

Defending Religious Liberty The Catholic Church is not asking for special treatment when it comes to the federal healthcare mandate. She is simply asking that every American’s right to religious freedom be protected. This right is not only about our ability to go to Mass on Sunday, or to pray the Rosary at home. It is about adhering to the tenets of our faith, so that we can contribute to the common good of all Americans. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445, and your elected state representatives. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus, Pays Tribute to Mother Angelica “In passing to eternal life, Mother Angelica leaves behind a legacy of holiness and commitment to the New Evangelization that should inspire us all. I was honored to know and be able to assist Mother Angelica during the early days of EWTN. Over the years, that relationship grew, and today the Knights of Columbus and EWTN partner regularly on important projects. Mother Angelica was fearless,

because she had God on her side. She saw what He needed her to do and she did it! She transformed the world of Catholic broadcasting, and brought the Gospel to far corners of our world. That witness of faith was unmistakable to anyone who met and worked with her, and generations of Catholics have, and will continue to be formed by her vision, and her “yes” to God’s will.”

Groups Collect Cash & Food for Local Needy Putnam, Conn. – With the economy still teetering, over the last two weeks three Putnam-based orBy John D. Ryan Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, Putnam

ganizations came together to help the area’s people in need. Boy Scout Troop 21 joined with Daughters of Isabella St. Mary’s Circle 543 and Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 to raise over $2,700 and collect almost 1,450 pounds of non-perishable food for Project Northeast. The volunteers passed out hundreds of distinctive bright yellow plastic “Scouting for Food” shopping bags for donors to fill with groceries, while at the same time asking for monetary donations. This month’s collection effort is the second such drive by these volunteers since last November. Combined, they’ve collected and donated more than $6,300 in cash and just over 2,000 pounds – a ton – of food for local people in need in less than five months. Project Northeast is one of the region’s non-profit, non-denominational, private food pantries and social service agencies for the needy. Located in two small basement rooms at St. Mary Church of the Visitation on Providence Street in Putnam, Project Northeast helps an average of about 150 of the region’s families every month, based solely on need, regardless of race, color or religion. Serving the area from Plainfield and Sterling, north to the Massachusetts border, recipients can get temporary help, if it’s avail-

able, with non-perishable food, as well as money for utilities and other basic necessities. Although it’s part of the Catholic Diocese of Norwich, it’s supported almost entirely by donations. Project Northeast Assistant Director Sister Eleanor Baldoni, a member of the Secular Branch of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, says the $2,700 covers about ninety percent of an average month’s worth of assistance to recipients, while the newly-donated food is today literally overflowing the shelves. Sister Baldoni says those recipients are deserving people who need a break. “I’ve been here (working at Project Northeast) since 1978,” she said. “Back then, most of the people we were helping were on welfare. Today most of the people we help are working but can’t make it on what they’re getting. They’re the working poor. Many of the rest of the people we see have serious medical problems and are on disability. God bless everyone who helps us to help them.” The drive was capped off on Saturday morning, March 19, at the Cargill Council 64 Hall on Providence Street. During Saturday’s outdoor event, motorists pulled into the parking lot with their money and bags of groceries, while customers were giving their donations to volunteers two blocks away, at the Putnam Supermarket. Just after noon, the Scouts and Knights trucked everything over to Project Northeast and brought it inside. The very first donor was Putnam

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Mayor Tony Falzarano, who was thrilled with the results. “The people of Putnam and the surrounding area stepped up and answered the bell,” Falzarano said. “I’m so proud and happy with what these Scouts and the other volunteers have done to help their neighbors. It’s just been a great effort.” That effort began on the weekend of March 5 and 6, when Scouts, Daughters and Knights made appeals at the Masses being celebrated at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Following up at the two churches a week later, the drive also included Scouts, Knights and Daughters passing out the yellow food-donation bags in the neighborhood around Providence Street. A member of the Knights of Columbus himself, Project Northeast Director Rev. Richard L. Archambault said this effort will make a positive difference in local people’s lives. “This is for the poor in the tentown area. They certainly need it,” Father Archambault said. “We are so grateful to everyone. The more we get in donations, the more we can do for people.” Peter A. Lombardo, of Putnam, is in a unique position to comment on the just-completed project. Lombardo is both Troop 21’s Scoutmaster and one of Council 64’s Past Grand Knights. “This was just remarkable,” he said. “It far exceeded our expectations, thanks to so many generous people. It shows that a small group of dedicated people can get together and do a great good for the people of their community.” The drive is over, but Project Northeast’s recipients always need help. Checks may be mailed to: Project Northeast, 81 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Donations of non-perishable food and money may also be left during business hours at the two locations of Joseph’s Jewelers, 153 School Street in Putnam and 158 Main Street in Danielson.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Gettysburg Students See Importance of Education in Haiti Besides running a full service primary care clinic and having a scholarship program to help educate Haitian youth, Outreach to Haiti runs immersion trips to Haiti. This is a chance for people interested in experiencing, in a more direct way, what Haiti is like. There is a generic program, visiting neighborhoods, clinics, twins, the national museum, etc. But we also can put together specialized programs. We put together such a program for students from Gettysburg University, who were led by Conor Brooks, a young man who had been to Haiti with Outreach before, and had wanted to share the experience with others. This is his report on that trip. By Conor Brooks

This past spring break, I was able to lead a group of 10 of my fellow Gettysburg College students to Haiti. The things I saw on my first trip, four years ago, will never leave my mind, things both beautiful and devastating. Almost predictably, every one of the first-time visitors went in with an open mind and heart, ready to learn. Our trip focused mostly on access to education, an issue that is a hot button topic as much in Haiti as in the United States. Outreach to Haiti provided us with this incredible opportunity to meet and speak with students, teachers, school administrators, human rights activists, even government officials, all working towards a more educated Haiti. Four months prior to arrival, we formed pen-pal partnerships with university students in Outreach’s program. Students exchanged messages mostly using Facebook or email. When we got to Haiti, one of the first things we did was meet with all the pen pals. Together we talked

somberly about problems with the government one minute, laughing hysterically about the latest episode of “Orange is the New Black” the next. It is conversations like these, the ones that show us all as people, that I hope we never forget. We had the chance to visit a local primary school. In every classroom we entered we asked the same question: “Do you think education is important?” Without exception, every hand went up, every time. In Haiti, the job prospects for an uneducated person are brutally limited. In a country with 80 percent unemployment, children as young as 6 or 7 are fully aware of the struggle they face if they are left outside the school walls. We also met a member of the Haiti Ministry of Education. In Haiti opportunity for education is not guaranteed. Fewer than 20 percent of children in Haiti receive a public school education. Without the scholarships offered by Outreach’s sponsors, tuition costs make enrollment in private schools prohibitive for most families. The minister was clearly aware of the problems with the education system, and deeply desired to fix them. Lack of funding has been devastating to their cause. A government without any significant tax income has difficult choices to make. One day, he hoped a well-funded public education system would serve everyone. Haiti is a beautiful place. There are so many things working against the Haitian people, and yet their hope and potential persist. The time our group spent in Haiti was focused not on how we knew what the Haitians didn’t, but rather how we could learn from the Haitians. I am

confident in saying I have gotten far more out of Haiti than I have given. Haiti is a country with so much to offer. As we learned on our trip, it needs dedicated leaders with heroic levels of patience. These leaders are already there. They are sitting in the desks and chairs of the cinderblock schools. We won’t know the extent of their success for years to come, and yet we cannot wait to see it. Photo: Second graders after being asked by Gettysburg students to raise their hands if they thought education was important.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

Sacred Heart School, Groton

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

St. Edward School, Stafford Springs

St. James School, Danielson

Mr. Lawrence Fitzgerald, Principal 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org/school

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

Mrs. MaryAnne Pelletier, Principal 25 Church St, Stafford Springs, CT Phone: 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org

Ms. Monique Almquist, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson, CT Phone: 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.org

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-Confidence.

Mercy Astronomy Club Returns from Meeting Vatican Astronomers in Tuscon, Arizona February 24 -28 members of the Astronomy Club from Mercy High School By Marie Kalita-Leary Director of Communications, Mercy High School

traveled to Tucson, Arizona to meet with Vatican astronomers. Ms. Gianna Iannucci, Mercy Science teacher, and Mrs.

Melissa Bullock, Dean of Curriculum and Technology, led twelve members of the Mercy High School Astronomy club: Mary Balasuriyar ‘16, Eugenia Cho ‘17, Hannah Chua-Reyes ‘17, Devon Garrett ‘17, Lauren Gasior ‘16, Ashley Getsie ‘16, Lan Lou ‘17, Michelle Orlando ‘16, Maria Socarras ‘16, Emily Tyler ‘16, Mara

VanGeystelen ‘17, Jenny Weiss ‘17 to Tucson, Arizona whose surrounding area is known as a prime spot for star-gazing and is the location of the University of Arizona and the Vatican Observatory. The girls and their moderators were privileged to meet with Vatican astronomers and also experience a bit of the culture of

the area. Working with them was Patricia Bellm, Co-Director of the Science and Religion Initiative of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. Ms. Iannucci and Mrs. Bullock met Mrs. Bellm at a summer institute they attended with Ms. Jean Pepitone, a Theology teacher at Mercy, at Notre Dame the Summer of 2015. At that summer institute, contacts were made, which enabled the planning of this trip where students would experience first-hand the relationship between science and faith. At the seminar, the Mercy team met Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory. A video conference had taken place between Br. Guy and the student body of Mercy High School on October 28, 2015. Br. Guy connected with the students from the Vatican Observatory in Rome and spoke about the work of the Vatican astronomers, his personal journey as an astronomer and a Jesuit Brother, as well as the interconnection between science and faith. Little did the students know in October that they would met Br. Guy in Arizona four months later. The first day in Arizona included a visit to the Flandrau Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus. Mercy travelers viewed the planetarium show on the Tucson sky at night and also toured the expansive mineral exhibits. The days that followed included: • Visit to the Mission San Xavier del Bac • Star gazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory • Tour of the Steward

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck

St. Patrick School, Norwich

Ms. Sharon Briere, Principal 26 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT Phone: 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.org

Ms. Abby Demars, Principal 35 Valley St, Willimantic, CT Phone: 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org

Mrs. Doris Messina, Principal 63 Liberty St, Pawcatuck, CT Phone: 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com

Mrs. Catherine Reed, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT Phone: 860-889-4174 www.st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

Four County Catholic April 2016

St. John School, Old Saybrook

St. John Paul II School, Middletown

St. Joseph School, Baltic

St. Joseph School, New London

Mother Elaine Moorcroft, SCMC, Principal 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook, CT Phone: 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com

Mrs. Kathleen Pec, Principal 87 South Main St, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org

Ms. Marianne Cote, Principal 25 Squire St, New London, CT Phone: 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com

Observatory Mirror Lab • Tour of the University of Arizona Campus • Q & A with Astronomer Dr. Brenda Frye of the University of Arizona • Meeting with Br. Guy Consolmagno, SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory • Visit to the remote viewing room for the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope • Star gazing with Vatican astronomers Fr. Chris Corbally, SJ and Fr. Paul Gabor, SJ using the Steward Observatory telescope. • Skyping with a Physics class back at Mercy High School and with Fr. John Braverman, SJ, assistant professor of Biology at St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA. Ms Iannucci summed up the trip saying, “Stepping out into the night on top of Kitt Peak, the stars were so clear and brilliant that my students exclaimed in awe. As a Catholic educator and scientist, to hear the expression of reverence from my students brought home the purpose of my work…one of the finer things in life. Faith and science are not incompatible”. Emily Tyler from Clinton, CT remarked, “Meeting Brenda Fry was an ex-

perience I will never forget. She was very excited about the material she is studying and passionate about the career she had chosen for herself, which was a huge inspiration for a group of girls aspiring to be future scientists and free-thinkers.” Ashley Getsie from Kensington was quick to add, “Meeting inspiring people combined with breath-taking experiences allowed us to gain a new perspective on our journey of interactive learning that we will cherish forever. The students are now back home and their work continues. The astronomy club will be sending the astronomer Father Boyle at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope coordinates for the Horsehead Nebula and a galaxy. He will aim the telescope for the girls and take images of the objects with red, blue, and green filters. Members of the astronomy club will then make a composite of the color images which the Vatican astronomers will publish on the Vatican website www.vaticanobservatory.va. The club gained two new mentors from the trip: Vatican Astronomer Father Chris Corbally, S.J. at the University of Arizona and Dr. Philip J. Sakimoto of the University of Notre Dame who has also worked for NASA and the Goddard Space Center.

Pictures L to R: Brendan Aube ‘18 of Rocky Hill, Nate Kiley ‘17 of East Haddam, Ben Russ ‘17 of East Hampton, and Matt Lyons ‘18 of Higganum.

Xavier Art Students Recognized by Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Brendan Aube ‘18 of Rocky Hill, Nate Kiley ‘17 of East Haddam, Ben Russ ‘17 of East Hampton, and Matt Lyons ‘18 of Higganum will be recognized at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Gallery in Old Lyme for art work they recently completed. Hundreds of works are submitted to this

exhibit but only a few are selected. Additionally, Nate Kiley received a Continuing Education Award from the college, and Ben Russ received an Honorable Mention for DRAWING.

(Top) Artwork by Brendan Aube. (Left) Artwork by Nate Kiley.

To learn more, contact the Diocesan School Office, 860-887-4086 or visit www.norwichdso.org. St. Bernard School, Uncasville

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic

Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson

Mercy High School, Middletown

Mr. Donald Macrino, Headmaster 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville, CT Phone: 860-848-1271 www.saint-bernard.com

Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal 54 West Main St, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-9272 www.ahfbaltic.org

Mr. Joseph Hanrahan, Headmaster 26 Chase Road, Thompson, CT Phone: 860-923-9565 www.marinapolis.org

Mary McCarthy, RSM, President 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-6659 www.mercyhigh.com

Xavier High School, Middletown Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X, Headmaster Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-7735 www.xavierhighschool.org

Four County Catholic April 2016

Comfort the Shipwrecked: Titanic Priest a Model of Mercy Father Thomas Byles was 42 when he boarded the Titanic with his second-class ticket By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

and portable altar stone. He had made arrangements with Captain Edward Smith to secure space on the ocean liner to celebrate Mass. Even on vacation a priest is never off duty, he knew, but the Catholic convert would have it no other way. He saw his faith as “a wonderfully great gift,” he once wrote to his brother, William, “a truly marvelous and altogether supernatural support…” It was William who had prompted Father Byles’ cross-Atlantic trip, asking his oldest brother to come to New York to marry

him. The British priest had served a decade of priestly ministry and was well loved by his small rural parish, St. Helen’s, where folks helped pay for his Titanic ticket. It cost 13 pounds. He boarded on Wednesday, April 10, 1912 – three days after Easter Sunday – sized up the ship, then wrote to his parish housekeeper while the Titanic was anchored at Cherbourg, France: “Everything so far has gone very well, except that I have somehow managed to lose my umbrella.” He wondered when he would next be able to celebrate Mass and promised to write again

as soon as he arrived in New York. Clad in his Roman collar, the priest with the gentle, scholarly look – glasses, a strong nose and firm jawline – became a familiar sight throughout the week. Father

Byles spent most of Saturday, travel day four, hearing confessions. On the fifth day he celebrated Mass in the second-class lounge and again in the designated third-class space. It was Divine Mercy Sunday. He preached about the prospect of “spiritual shipwreck,” urging the

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Catholics to seek a spiritual lifeboat in the form of prayer and the sacraments. At 11:40 that night Father Byles was on the deck clutching his breviary and praying Night Prayer when the Titanic struck the iceberg. He packed a lifetime of priestly ministry into the next three hours, performing the most intense mix of corporal and spiritual works of mercy he had ever done – a model for all in this Year of Mercy. Once he recognized the gravity of the situation, he headed down to the steerage to help third-class women and children onto the deck and into the lifeboats. “Be calm, my good people,” he was heard saying. Father Byles met the haunting sights, sounds and smells with an otherworldly peace. “A few around us became very excited,” Ellen Mocklare, a young Irish woman, later told reporters, “and then it was that the priest again raised his hand and instantly they were calm once more. The passengers were immediately impressed by the ab-

solute self-control of the priest.” Survivors said Father Byles was offered a lifeboat twice but refused it, determined to minister to passengers in their hour of greatest need, even though it would cost him his life. He heard confessions, gave absolution, offered blessings and led prayers, including the Hail Mary, whose back-and-forth recitation provided a steady measure amid chaos. The words “Holy Mary” rang out loud and clear. As 2:20 am neared, more than 100 people were trapped on the stern, raising perilously high, Father Byles among them. They knelt before him in an act of contrition, and he granted them general absolution. As Ellen Mocklare was carried away on a lifeboat, she could hear the priest’s voice and murmured responses to his prayers. “They then became fainter and fainter, until I could only hear the strains of ‘Nearer, My God, To Thee.’” “There let the way appear, steps unto heaven,” the old hymn goes. “All that thou sendest me, in mercy given. Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.” Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and the editor of SisterStory.org.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

St. Luke’s and the Last Supper There’s nothing like a unique Last Supper experience to bring teens closer to Jesus and that’s just By Linda Norton Four County Catholic Contributor

what Joan Robinson, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Luke’s in Ellington, and her youth ministry team provided for about thirty teens on Palm Sunday evening! The event helped to reinforce the reality of what happens at every Mass by creatively reenacting the Last Supper. Instead of ancient costumes teens wore their usual clothes to play the roles of Jesus and his apostles. Part of the experience was discussing what it might have been like to be at the Last Supper, not only for the apostles but also for Jesus. Joan said the team wanted to help the teens “remember where it all began” as they heard “the words Jesus spoke to his closest friends”. Coinciding nicely with the Year of Mercy, the team’s focus was on “Jesus’ teaching example” of mercy. Joan shared that they experienced “an act of mercy by washing the feet of their peers, to know and understand that this is what Jesus wants us to do for others. Living a life of mercy often invites us to go outside of our

comfort zones.” High School Seniors played key roles. Adam Giard portraying Jesus, washed the feet of Caitlin Wing and Brigid McGrath, who then washed the feet of their peers. Adam, as Jesus, then explained the meaning of the foot washing to the group. April Phelps, a junior, commented that the experience brought her closer to Jesus because the foot washing “showed me how much he cared for his disciples”. The focus on God’s Mercy inspired Daniel Bocchino, also a junior, to share “I liked this

teens develop a closer relationship with Jesus and a more meaningful connection to their parish. St. Luke’s pastor, Fa-

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activity because it really showed me what the Last Supper was like in a way that related to our modern society.” Senior, Olivia Gionet, said “it was an experience that really bonded the group together. We got to re-live and learn about an important event that happened within our faith, and we got to do it as a whole cohesive group.” Youth Ministers, like Joan and her team, use their talents to assist their priests and the wider Church in evangelizing and catechizing teens through creative experiences. The outcome is that

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Four County Catholic April 2016

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National History Day Nine people wandered around the Saints gym with clipboards on February 26th, By Shari L. Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

taking in every detail from the history projects that lined rows of tables. They had the easy job – judging. Things were a bit more nerve wracking for the sophomores, on the other hand, who were grilled about their National History Day projects. Clad in a business suit and tie, Henry Cox answered questions about why he chose to focus on 19th Century Film. Henry, a self-proclaimed “movie buff ” and Saint Bernard School drama club member, said it helped to pick a topic he is passionate about. “I love film and wanted to learn more about the topic and this project presented me with an opportunity to do just that,” he said. Students created exhibits, documentaries and websites to present their knowledge on historical subjects, which included Mount Everest, the 19th Amendment, the Titanic, underwater exploration, The Mohegan Tribe,

and Caesar. Angela Abraham and Emily Smith created a display all about the Waco siege in Texas, which entailed a 51day standoff between government agents and the Branch Davidian religious sect in 1993. At least 74 people, including 25 children, died when fire consumed the ranch at Mount Carmel where David Koresh and his followers were located. There had long been allegations of child abuse and illegal weaponry within the compound. “It’s interesting because it was so recent in history and it still happens today,” Emily said. Judges were comprised of former and current faculty, community members and parents. Among them was Wayland Currie, former history teacher and SBS alumnus from the class of 1963. History teacher Jennifer Frazier said the top three scorers in the SBS competition will advance to the state contest on April 30th at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. Those students are: Liv Barry, Angela Wang, and Sydnie Ziegler.

Four County Catholic April 2016

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Four County Catholic April 2016

Congratulations Mercy High School 2016 McAuley Award Recipients

L – R: Sylvia Garstka; Jack Lutz; the Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich; Sr. Mary McCarthy, RSM; Sr. Patricia McCarthy, CND; Marianne Fitzgerald; Ellen Ryczek; Donna DiMauro . Photo by Curtis Photography On April 2nd, Sr. Mary McCarthy, RSM, President of Mercy High School, and Most Reverend By Marie Kalita-Leary Director of Communications, Mercy High School

Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, presented the Catherine McAuley Award to six members of the Mercy High School community for their dedication and service to the Mercy community: Ms. Donna DiMauro ‘67, Mrs. Marianne Fitzgerald, Mrs. Sylvia A. Garstka, Mr. John M. Lutz, Sr, Patricia A. McCarthy, CND, Ms. Ellen S. Ryczek ‘74. The award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the Mercy High School community in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the

foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, and who have lived by the ideals of the Mercy tradition. Recipients are honored for their outstanding professional achievements, their humanitarian efforts and their loyalty and service to Mercy High School. Donna DiMauro, a graduate of the first class at Mercy, has been an active member of the Alumnae Association, a twenty plus year volunteer on the Mercy Classic Golf Committee. True to the Mercy tradition of service to others, Donna also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Marianne Fitzgerald continues to volunteer at Mercy, after her daughter Erin’s graduation in 2011. She has served as the chairperson and committee member

for events such as the Yellow Rose Auction, Safe Graduation Night, and Mercy’s 50th Anniversary. Her volunteerism is certainly not limited to Mercy as she assists many other community programs. Sylvia Garstka retired from Mercy in 2015 after being on the faculty for forty-nine years. Besides the classroom, she worked with students as their class moderator, yearbook co-moderator, and served on numerous committees. A quintessential educator, she continues to help at Mercy even in retirement. Sylvia’s daughter, Alexis, graduated from Mercy. Mr. (John) Jack Lutz, a member of the America’s Institute of Certified Public Accountants and

a member of the Connecticut and American Bar Association, serves on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee of Mercy. This Mercy dad, whose daughter Tara graduated in ‘06, is often seen in the Mercy gym giving play by play commentary as he is an announcer with WCNXradio.com. Sr. Patricia McCarthy, CND, is a superb Catholic educator, congregational leader and peace advocate who has consistently shared her message, wisdom and humor with Mercy students and parents through retreat days, presentations at Mercy and numerous books she has authored. Sr. Pat has worked with abused children, administered a school for emotionally disturbed children, and taught elementary and high

school in the inner city. Ellen Ryczek, a graduate of Mercy, is a strong supporter of the Mercy mission and is a founding member of the Spirit of Catherine Scholarship Fund. She is active in the Mercy Alumnae Association. She volunteers for educational programs in the Hartford Public School system, and with Hands-on-Hartford as a volunteer with co-workers at the Soup kitchen, along with other community charity events. Ms. Joanne Nesti, a Mercy alumna, served as emcee for the evening. Greetings were presented by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich; Sr. Patricia Colla, RSM, local coordinator for the Sisters of Mercy; and Sr. Mary McCarthy.

Four County Catholic April 2016

Did You Know? April It’s Holy Humor Month, so find some holy jokes to share. April 17 World Day of Prayer. April 17-23 Coin week. Check out coins and notice the words, “Trust in God.” Talk about savings, taxes, giving, and the family budget. Read about the fish with a coin Jesus sent Peter to find to pay taxes, in Matthew 17:24-27 and a generous woman in Mark 12:41-44.

by Karen H Whiting

April 29 National Pro-life T-shirt Week. Don a shirt that celebrates life and read Psalm 139.

Hooray for God’s Brown Earth! It’s the time of year when seeds are planted, grass turns green, and plants sprout. God created the earth and made it a place where plants grow to supply food for us. So much grows up from the soil. Take a closer look at dirt and you’ll make lots of discoveries. • Crush chocolate cookies for dirt and add gummy worms to make a dirt snack • Earthworms may make you squirm, but they help mix the soil, compost, and convert nutrients into forms plants absorb easily. Dig up a foot of soil and count the worms. Ten or more means the soil is rich in organisms. • See what’s in your soil. Dump dirt into a jar about 1/3 full. Add water to fill 2/3 of jar. Stir well. Let it sit one hour. Study the layers

•

• • •

formed. Stones fall to the bottom. Sand also goes to the bottom. Silt is next with clay on top of the silt. Then you’ll see water. Organic material is floating on the top. In Numbers 13:20, God told Moses to check the land and discover if the soil is good or poor. Why do farmers need good soil? How does fertilizer make soil richer? Read Job 14:19 about soil erosion. Make a pile of dirt and then see how it runs off if you spray water on it with a hose. Isaiah 5:1 rejoices about a vineyard in rich soil. What grows well in your area? The secrets in the soil! Read the parable of the soils in Matthew 13. Discuss the soil of your heart.

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Four County Catholic April 2016

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