Four County Catholic August 2011

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Volume 23 Number 7

August 2011

Open Wide the Doors to Christ Blessed John Paul II

Shoreline parishes welcome summer families

St. Agnes Church Niantic, CT Photo by Michael Strammiello

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


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life, a yearning for something really truly greater.

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~ Pope Benedict XVI reflecting on the World Youth Day phenomenon.

We cannot be the Church the Lord calls us to be without serving those in need.

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~ Marek Kulkulka, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, speaking to generous supporters of Catholic Charities

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

Established in 1989 and published each month except July. Publisher

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

860.887.9294

Editorial Office

31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

Fax 860.859.1253

Director of Communications/Executive Editor

The general structure of Mass, as we have it today, has been fairly constant in the Roman Catholic Church for almost 500 years. The basic plan of the ritual is quite simple, but also quite elegant.

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~ Sister Elissa Reniere, speaking of the upcoming changes to wording in the liturgy of the Mass in the new Roman Missal

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

com@norwichdiocese.net

News Editor/Layout & Design/Webmaster

Trina Fulton, 860.886.1281

comtrina@norwichdiocese.net

Theological Advisor

Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, STL, JCL

860.887.9294

Advertising Sales

Meredith Morrison, 860.887.3933

commeredith@norwichdiocese.net

Subscriptions

Susan Underhill

Somewhere inside each of us is a quiet knowing and an undeniable impulse toward perfect fruition and fulfillment – where unspoken words will have their say… and God’s truth be fully known. Love never fails.

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~ Mary Tunison’s God Only Cries for the Living

860.886.1928

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Annual Subscription Price

FREE to Annual Catholic Appeal contributors and upon request to registered Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich, $20 per year for all others. Individual copies are $1 each. Editorial & Advertising Deadlines

God is the One who takes all our broken pieces and turns them into art. He is the sunlight that makes our stained glass radiate.

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~ Chiristina Capecchi reflecting on a summer’s search for spiritual light

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. Member of

PopeBenedictXVI Pope Benedict XVI I invite Chris ans, with an informed & responsible crea vity, to join the network of rela onships which the digital era has made possible

© Copyright 2011, Diocese of Norwich. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without expressed consent. Periodical Postage paid at New Haven, CT 06511 Postmaster - Send address changes to: Four County Catholic, 31 Perkins Ave., Norwich, CT 06360-3613


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Four County Catholic August 2011

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Something Really Truly Greater My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I hope your summer has brought you generous opportunity for rest, recreation and quiet time to recharge your energy and renew your spirit. We are blessed as a diocese with magnificent natural resources that give us so much joy this time of year -- the shoreline, lakes, trails and all those historic town greens and open spaces. This is the place to be this time of year. How fortunate we are. Our most precious resource, of course, this or any time, is our youth. They are the future of the Church and of humanity; and as we guide them and watch them grow into the faith, we can see that the future is promising. This is very much the principle behind Blessed John Paul II’s inspiration in 1984 to initiate the now enormously popular World Youth Day. Pope John Paul believed, as does Pope Benedict, that in a world of increasing relativism, immorality and injustice, the youth-

ful desire for spiritual truth and fulfillment will prevail. Young people more than ever want to experience Christ and turn the world in His direction toward peace, hope and justice. The future will be on display in Madrid, beginning August 16 as World Youth Day 2011 opens with the Holy Father’s blessing. Estimates are that upwards of 500,000 young people will be there in Madrid, with an equal number participating through social media, including the new Vatican-approved iGPII application for iPhones and iPads. Over one million young pilgrims joining together to get closer to Jesus Christ and experience and grow in their faith. As Pope Benedict reminds us, “Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life, a yearning for something really truly greater. The desire for a more meaningful life is a sign that God created us and that we bear his imprint.” The beauty of the Christian message will be intensely present during the six days

of celebration. Throughout the city, over 50 churches will open their doors for adoration. All participants will in this way experience the sacred mystery of the Eucharist and feel the unity of being part of the mystical Body of Christ. The Holy Father is also preparing to administer the sacrament of forgiveness in public for one hour on the next to last day of the event at Buen Retiro Park. Immersed in the messages and acts of faith, these young stewards of the future will grow in their understanding of Christ’s mission: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The young have the capacity to seek a better life to an abundant degree. They are open to a life of abundant grace. Their openness is uniquely theirs. The words on the cover of this issue, “Open wide

the doors to Christ,” speak right to the heart of how young people can so courageously open themselves up to the fullness of life and what it means to follow Christ. Their fervor is irrepressible. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:3839) Irrepressible. These young people are not going to Madrid looking for something to do; they are looking for something to be. May I once again repeat what I have previously discussed in two recent columns - that is, the tie that binds us as Catholics and binds us as generations, is the de-

sire and active choice to know Jesus better. We are called to know Christ and to make Him known. In Madrid and around the connected world, over one million young souls will make that choice to know Jesus better as they gather together in His Name. The world can be a tough place these days, and we should be deeply concerned about secular neglect for Christian principles. But I suggest to you that our young people are not intimidated by the challenges of the faith. They will demonstrate in Madrid in a week or so, here at home and around the world that their choice is to “Open wide the doors to Christ.” God bless you and grant you abundant optimism for the power of faith to transform the world into an ever-more peaceful, kind and just place in His Holy Name. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Algo Mas Grande Realmente Verdadero Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo: Espero que el verano le haya traído una oportunidad generosa para algo de descanso, recreación y tiempo tranquilo para recargar su energía y renovar su espíritu. Como diócesis estamos bendecidos con recursos naturales magníficos que nos dan tanta alegría en este tiempo del aňo – la costa, lagos, senderos y todos esos pueblos históricos verdosos esperando con quioscos y espacios libres. Este es el lugar para estar esta temporada del aňo. ¡Que afortunados somos!. Por supuesto, nuestro recurso

más preciado, en este o cualquier tiempo, es nuestra juventud. Ellos son el futuro de la Iglesia y de la humanidad y mientras nosotros les guiamos y les vemos crecer dentro de la fé, nosotros podemos ver que ese futuro está presente. Esto es mucho de el motivo detrás de la inspiración de el Beato Juan Pablo II para iniciar en 1984 el ahora enormemente popular Día Mundial de la Juventud. El Papa Juan Pablo creyó, como lo hace el Papa Benedicto que en un mundo de relativismo que va en aumento, inmoralidad e injusticia, el deseo juvenil por la realización y la vida espiritual prevalecerá. La

gente joven más que nunca quiere conocer a Cristo y transformar el mundo en su dirección hacia la paz, esperanza y justicia. El futuro estará en una manifestación en Madrid, comenzando el dia 16 de Agosto cuando el Santo Padre abra con su bendición el Día Mundial de la Juventud 2011. Se estima que un ascendiente de 500,000 jóvenes estarán en Madrid, con un numero equivalente de participantes del medio social. Sobre un millón de jóvenes peregrinos juntos reunidos para estar más cerca de Jesucristo y experimentar y crecer en la fé. Tal como nos recuerda el Papa Bene-

dicto “Parte de ser joven es desear algo más allá de la vida diaria, una aňoranza por algo más grande realmente verdadero. El deseo de una vida más significativa, es una seňal de que Dios nos creó y que nosotros llevamos impresos su marca.” La belleza de el mensaje Cristiano estará presente intensamente durante séis días de celebración. A través de la ciudad sobre 50 Iglesias abrirán sus puertas para adoración. En esta forma todos los participantes experimentarán el sagrado misterio de la Eucaristía y sentirán la unidad de ser parte de el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo. También el Santo

Padre está preparando administrar el sacramento del perdón en público por una hora en el siguiente o el último día de el evento en el parque Buen Retiro. Sumergidos en los mensajes y actos de su fé, estos jóvenes delegados de el futuro crecerán en el entendimiento de la misión de Cristo: “Yo he venido para que puedan tener vida y para que la tengan en abundancin” ( Juan 10:10) . El joven tiene la capacidad de buscar una vida mejor a un grado abundante . Ellos son receptivos a una vida de gracia abundante. Su franqueza es exclu-

Verdadero Cont. on page 4


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Verdadero

On the Cover

Continued from page 3

sivamente de ellos. Las palabras en la portada de este ejemplar “Abran amplias las puertas a Cristo” habla directo al Corazón de como la gente joven con valentía puede abrirse a sí misma y a la plenitud de la vida y de qué significa seguir a Cristo. Es irresistible su fervor. “Estoy convencido que ni la muerte, ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni las fuerzas del universo, ni el presente ni el futuro, ni las fuerzas espirituales, ya sean del cielo o de los abismos, ni ninguna otra criatura podrá apartarnos del amor de Dios, manifestado en Cristo Jesús, nuestro señor” (Romanos 8:38-39). Irresistible. Estos jóvenes no están yendo a Madrid buscando por algo que hacer; ellos están buscando por algo que ser. Podría repetir una vez más lo que previamente he deliberado en dos recientes columnas- Esto es, el lazo que nos une como Católicos y nos une a las generaciones, es el deseo y la activa elección de

St. Agnes Church, Niantic Reverend Mark O’Donnell, Pastor “Open wide the doors to Christ” is inscribed in stone in the vestibule of St. Agnes Church. These few words speak directly to what it means to be a Christian today. It was with these simple words that both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI began their papal ministries. Here in the Diocese of Norwich, waves of vacationers, many from out of State, increase the Sunday folds of the shoreline parishes over the summer months. Parishes such as St. Agnes in Niantic even open auxiliary facilities, such as the St. Francis Chapel, to accommodate the increased number of seasonal parishioners. This “Open Door & Open Arms” sentiment can be found all along the shoreline parishes from St. Mary of the Visitation in Clinton to St. Michael the Archangel in Pawcatuck – 14 churches in all, located right in the heart of the popular Southeastern Connecticut vacation district.

conocer a Jesús mejor. Estamos llamados a conocer a Cristo y hacerle conocer. En Madrid y alrededor del mundo conectado, sobre un millón de almas jóvenes harán esa elección conocer a Jesús mejor unidos juntos en su nombre. Estos días el mundo puede ser un lugar difícil y nosotros deberíamos estar preocupados a cerca de la negligencia secular por doctrinas cristianas. Pero, yo le sugiero que nuestra gente joven no está intimidada por los desafíos de la fé. Ellos demostrarán en Madrid en una semana o aún, aquí en el hogar y alrededor del mundo que su elección es “Abrir amplias las puertas a Cristo.” Que Dios le bendiga y le conceda abundante optimismo y por el poder de la fé en su Santo Nombre transforme el mundo en un lugar pacífico, bondadoso y justo. Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote

ST. EDMUND’S RETREAT ARGIA Sunset Cruises August 8th & 15th Monday Evenings 5:15 pm - 7:30 pm The cares of the day fade away as the salty waters lap against the hull of the Argia, a richly detailed, 81-foot replica of a 19th-century schooner. If you have never tried a sunset cruise, you will be surprised how quickly the change in perspective.

St. Edmund’s at Enders Island

Retreats Day of Recollection

For further information call:

860.536.0565

Or visit www.endersisland.com

St. Michael’s Institute of Sacred Art

August 31 Learning from the Prodigal Son through Art, Scripture & Spirituality - Fr. Eric Carpine, OFM

Join us while we explore the history, the sacred nature and the techniques of the Sacred Arts in a prayerful manner.

Summer Guided Retreats

September 10-15 The Beautiful Borders of Rassu of Vellum

August 18-21 All Will Be Well - Julian of Norwich Crisis in Life August 28-September 2 With What Great Love You Have Loved Us

September 11-18 Illuminated Miniatures St. Michael the Archangel


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

Summer Waves and A Special Thank You! The summer winds have come and almost gone, and with them all kinds of happenings in and out of the vocation office! This month is dedicated to the waves of happening that have hit the beach front since the end of May and the beginning of June. May ended with the very celebrated Ordination Mass of Father Henry Agudelo who is now serving at Saint Joseph Church in Willimantic. The Cathedral of St. Patrick was full, and Father Henry’s mother and brother were in attendance. The excitement in the air was tangible! Four of our seminarians began summer assignments in different locations around the diocese which they each finished on July 31st. They are now each enjoying two or three weeks before heading back to their respective seminaries to begin the new academic year and continue on with their priestly formation and education. The two seminarians in Rome are completing their summer assignments, one in Poland, the other in London England. Please continue to keep all of them in your prayers. Please also keep in your prayers Sister Christine Ann Hoffner who made her Perpetual Profession of Vows on Saturday, July 30th for The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and for Brother Ambrose Mary Little, O.P. who will make his Solemn Profession for the Dominican Order of Preachers on August 13, 2011 in Washington D.C.. Sister Christine is originally from Saint Patrick parish in East Hampton and Brother Ambrose, (Cal Little) from Holy Family in Hebron. The Chalice Vocation program is now in its fifth month! It has been hosted by parishes in East Hampton, Chester, Hebron, and Dayville and presently is at St. Thomas Aquinas in Storrs. This program asks a parish to host the special chalice for a month, allowing a family to take it home for a week, placing it

in a prominent place and gathering as a family each day/evening to pray for our seminarians and for more vocations, priestly and religious. THANK YOU to all the people, parishes, religious orders, adoration chapels, retreat communities, priests, deacons and families who participated in the request to assist in sending Pope Benedict XVI a special spiritual bouquet as a gift to honor his 60th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination, which was on the Feast of Peter and Paul, June 29, 2011. The request was to organize sixty hours of Eucharistic Adoration for the intention of the sanctification of the clergy and for the gift of new and holy priestly vocations. By mid July we were ready to send a letter documenting more than 2,042 Eucharistic hours that had been prayed throughout the diocese for this purpose. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR COMMITMENT, PRAYERS AND SHOW OF UNITY! On the evening of June 30th, more than 150 altar servers and some of their family members participated in Appreciation Night at Dodd Stadium, enjoying a grand barbecue with Bishop Cote, our seminarians and some of the priests from around the diocese, and an exciting baseball game. July 19, 2011 was the 2nd Annual Diocesan Vocation Prayer Team Mass and Picnic which was held at the Immaculata Retreat

Center in Windham. Bishop Cote was joined by newly ordained Father Henry Agudelo, Fr. John Antonelle, four seminarians and seven men who are considering a priestly vocation along with many of the prayer team members. If you would like to officially join the team, just contact the vocation office of the diocese. The Monthly Holy Hour for Vocations to the priesthood has also continued on. In June it was held at the Holy Family Motherhouse Chapel in Baltic Connecticut. In July, it was held at Saint Michaels in Pawcatuck; and this month, August 11, 2011, it is being held at Christ the King Parish in Old Lyme, Connecticut from 5p.m. to 6p.m. If you can join us, please do! You can see the rest of the schedule for the year on the new Vocation Poster that is in all our parishes and will also be in all our schools starting in August! I had the opportunity to celebrate the fourth of July with family and meet my first Great Nephew, John Weston Block who is the first born son of my oldest niece, the first born daughter of my oldest sister Kristin Galvin! Of course, because he is from Vancouver Canada, I furnished him with his first ever Stanley Cup Champion Bruins hat and a black, white and gold t-shirt! I hope to do something similar from Boston after this present baseball season! Get the drift? Enjoy the rest of the summer waves! See you in September! God bless you all!

Holy Hour for Vocations The Holy Hour for Vocations will now be held in a different deanery and parish each month. Bishop Cote will lead the prayers of the Holy Hour each month. The schedule is as follows: Aug. 11 Sept. 15 Oct. 20 Nov. 17 Dec. 15

Christ the King, Old Lyme St. Matthew, Tolland St. Mary, Willimantic Mary Mother of the Redeemer, Groton Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale

5-6pm 7-8pm 7-8pm 7-8pm 5-6pm

“But if we are CHILDREN of God, we are HEIRS as well, HEIRS with Him, if ONLY we suffer with Him… so as to be GLORIFIED in Him!” (Romans 8:17) “RE-IGNITING THE FLAME OF THE SPIRIT” Charismatic Conference at My Father’s House Team from Franciscan University of Steubenville Fr. Denny Gang, Mr. Mark Nehrbas, also Fr. Ray Introvigne, Mrs. Judith Hughes, Fr. Bill McCarthy, Mary Alice Rossini and Marty Rotella Friday, August 26, 2011 through Sunday, August 28, 2011 Cost for weekend $125 – Cost per day $45 To Register: 1-860-873-1906 WomFn’s Retreat September 13-16, 2011 Marie Joseph Spiritual Renewal Center, Biddeford, Maine –FILLED Presenters: Fr. Ray Introvigne & Mrs. Judith Hughes Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Services, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT 06360 SAVE THESE DATES: Day of Renewal 35TH Anniversary of Spiritual Renewal Services Theme: “This is Our Faith” Guest Speaker: Mr. Mike Cumbie, Catholic Evangelist Saturday, October 15, 2011 Cathedral of St. Patrick Auditorium, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 Free-will offering. Springfield Diocese Charismatic Retreat Friday, October 28, 2011 through Sunday, October 30, 2011 Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford, CT Presenters are Father Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes For more INFO or to register call Lorraine Bernier at 1-413-547-0118 Philip Retreat Weekend Saturday, November 5, 2011 and Sunday, November 6, 2011 Spiritual Renewal Services Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT (Pre-registration is required by calling 1-860-887-0702, Fee $25)

Spiritual Renewal Services Diocese of Norwich

Dial A Prayer (860) 887-7767 P.O. Box 6, 11 Bath St. Norwich, CT 06360 (860) 887-0702 Email: Renewal@catholicweb.com


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Friday-Sunday, August 26-28 Re-Igniting the Flame of the Spirit Charismatic Conference at My Father’s House, 39 North Moodus Road, Moodus. A team from Franciscan University of Steubenville: Fr. Denny Gang, Mr. Mark Nehrbas, also Fr. Ray

Introvigne, Judith Hughes, Fr. Bill McCarthy, Mary Alice Rossini and Marty Rotella. The cost for weekend is $125.00 per person. Cost per day is $45.00. To register, please call (860)873-1906.

Saturday, September 3 2nd Annual Bazaar St. Mary Church, 95 Main Street in Stonington Borough will be holding its 2nd Annual Bazaar on Saturday, September 3, 2011, from 10:00am – 3:00 pm. Venues include: Handmade Knitted Items, Jewelry, Tools and Hardware, Gardening Items, Mums, Book Sale, Silent Auction, Children’s Painting Studio, Moon bounce, Face Painting, Crafts and more. We are offering great food: Homemade Baked Goods, Pulled Pork, Ribs, Fried Dough and Portuguese Sweet Bread. Great Family Fun Friday-Sunday, September 9-11 Retrouvaille Marriage Rebuilding Reaching for a lifeline for your troubled marriage? Retrouvaille is that lifeline. Marriage building and serious repair: Retrouvaille begins with a weekend in which husbands and wives are helped and given tools to heal, reestablish communication, work on their issues and gain new insight into themselves as individuals and as a couple. A series of 6 post sessions follows the weekend phase. For more information or to sign up for the next weekend in the Hartford area on September 9-11, 2011, please call Bill and Terri Mason at (203)879-3842. All contacts are in strict confidence. Website: www.retrouvaille.org. Tuesday-Friday, September 13-16 Women’s Retreat Marie Joseph Spiritual Renewal Center, Biddeford, Maine. Presenters: Fr. Ray Introvigne and Judith Hughes.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary August 15, 2011 “We must not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties. The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon. We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge ahead in our lives under Mary’s guidance.”

Friday- Saturday, Sept. 16-17 St. Joseph Church, 11 Baltic Road, Occum will host its annual yard sale from 9:00am4:00pm, both days. They have it all, including hundreds of pieces of children’s clothing. Friday-Sunday, September 16-18 Marriage Encounter Weekend Any married couple who desires a richer, fuller, loving joy-filled life together deserves to experience a Marriage Encounter Weekend! Marriage Encounter is designed to give couples a time to share their feelings and hopes, focus on one another, examine your lives together and revitalize your Christian marriage. Rediscover each other for an entire weekend with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. To register for the next weekend in Groton, CT on September 16-18, 2011 or

for more information call (860)6447260. Website: wwme.org.

Friday- Saturday, Sept. 23-24 This year’s fall festival at St. Joseph Church in Occum will be from 4:00-8:00pm. Fish N Chips from 5:00-8:00pm, the major drawing raffle begins at 7:00pm on September 24, 2011. Food, needlework, baked goods, general store, treasure chest, silent auction, children’s games. Prizes, attic treasures, kidz closet and much, much more! Saturday, September 24 One Day in the Life Seminar Come join us at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 N. Eagleville Rd, Storrs from 9:00am-4:00pm. Fr. Ray Introvigne, Judith Hughes, and team will be presenting. Saturday, September 24 3rd Annual 5K Road Race Saint Andrew Church Choir of Colchester, Connecticut will be hosting its 3rd Annual 5K Road Race. Our 5K “Rhythm Run” is being promoted as a community event, with a Giant Tag Sale to follow the race. Online registration is available at www.RunReg.com. Paper registrations are also available at www.5kRhythmRun.webs.com or in the Saint Andrew Church Choir loft. For Sponsorship or race information, please visit www.5krhythmrun.webs.com or contact Race Director, Martin Lane at (860) 303-0710. Sunday, October 16 Silver and Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass Inviting all couples married 25 & 50 years, also those celebrating any significant anniversary year, to participate in and renew your wedding vows in a Pontifical Mass which will be celebrated by Bishop Michael R. Cote at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich at 2:00pm. Family and friends are invited to share in this special testimony and witness to love and marriage. Light refreshments will be provided in the Cathedral Hall following the Mass. For information call Susan Williams at (860) 889-8346 ext. 283 . Friday-Sunday, October 28-30 Engaged Encounter Weekend One of the most important parts of your wedding planning is your mar-

riage preparation program. Engaged Encounter is a weekend-long program and meets all the aspects of marriage preparation required by the Diocese. Engaged Encounter weekends: October 28-30, 2011 at Immaculata Retreat House, Willimantic call (860)536-8665. Early registration is advised. Or visit www.engagedencounter.org Fridays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4 session class please call (860)889-8346 ext.283. Time: 7:00pm – 9:15pm Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT. Cost: $50.00 per couple Saturday, October 15 35th Anniversary of Spiritual Renewal Services Will be held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick Auditorium, 213 Broadway, Norwich from 9:00am-4:00pm. The theme is “This is Our Faith” Guest Speaker: Mike Cumbie, Catholic Evangelist. Free-will offering. Friday-Sunday, October 28-30 Springfield Diocese Charismatic Retreat Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford. Presenters are Father Ray Introvigne and Judith Hughes. For more information or to register, please call Lorraine Bernier at (413)5470118.

A Sacred Place A Sacred Place, a non-profit, interdenominational, faith-based initiative at York Correctional Institution will hold a fundraising performance entitled Sacred Sounds, featuring internationally renowned soprano Susan von Reichenbach on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 3:00pm at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Renowned pianist and conductor Joseph D’Eugenio will accompany Ms. von Reichenbach. Marilyn Nelson, awardwinning poet laureate, will complete the afternoon of sacred songs with her sacred words. All proceeds from the performance will support A Sacred Place programs designed to promote healing, recovery and spiritual transformation of incarcerated women at York CI. Tickets purchased in advance are $20.00 and at the door $25.00. For reservations call: 860-739-4518.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, foreground, and altar server David Sutton move from boat to boat at the Town Dock blessing the fishing fleet during the 57th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Stonington Sunday. Photo by Dana Jensen/The Day

C e l e br at e S u m m e r !

Bridal & Gift Registry Make your Patio, Pool and Dockside Entertaining

Blessing of the Fleet Stonington - On the morning of April 12, 1990, Wayne Cale woke, and from his bed, peered through a By Jeffrey A. Johnson Reprint from The Day

window and watched the wind violently whip a flag outside. Immediately, Cale thought of his brother, Robert. He picked up the phone and reached his sibling. Cale suggested that Robert, a lobsterman, take the day off from work. By noon, Cale was on the phone again - another call he will never forget. Robert had not heeded his advice, he was told, and had been involved in a fishing accident. He soon died from his injuries and became another fisherman to lose his life on a fishing boat that called the Town Dock home. On Sunday, Cale visited the fishermen's memorial at the Town Dock to pay his respects to his brother, who died at the age of 50. He then joined about 40 others aboard the Neptune, a fishing trawler, which brought them out into Stonington Harbor to lay on the water an anchor-shaped wreath covered with flowers. “I'll never forget the day,� said Cale, 70, of Mystic. He said he has attended every blessing dating back to when he was 13 years old. “It's the only way I feel I can honor my brother's memory.� The Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is meant to evoke such mem-

ories. It's a celebration of the state's last commercial fishing fleet, and an opportunity to remember the fishermen who have lost their lives at sea and to pray for the success and safety of the current fleet. After celebrating a special Fishermen's Mass at St. Mary Church, in which the names of the more than 50 fishermen who have died at sea were read, Bishop of Norwich Michael R. Cote spoke at the fishermen's memorial and then made his rounds with Arthur Medeiros, the longtime organizer of the blessing.

Cote sprinkled holy water on the boats and then took to the deck of the Neptune. He offered a blessing as part of the wreath ceremony. “The Blessing of the Fleet in itself is a testimony to the faith of the fishermen themselves,â€? Cote said. â€œâ€Ś For me, it's a wonderful occasion to be part of. It's a wonderful event to witness.â€?

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Four County Catholic August 2011

A n n u a l R e p o rt 2 0 1 0 Mission “The mission of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. is to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing compassionate social services for individuals and families living in the Diocese of Norwich. These services shall be provided in a fiscally responsible manner with an emphasis on quality, efficiency and effectiveness, with special attention to people who are poor or disadvantaged.” Catholic Charities is the social service arm of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Norwich. It provides a wide array of social services to the residents of New London County, Middlesex County, Windham County, Tolland County and Fishers Island, New York. All agency programs are accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services. Catholic Charities has had a presence in the area since 1921, making it one of the oldest social service agency in the region. The agency provides social services in the areas of basic human needs, adoption, mental health, family life education, and pregnancy services. The agency goal is to assist families and individuals of all faiths in meeting their basic human needs, as well as supporting, strengthening, and empowering them to attain their highest level of selfsufficiency through education and enrichment programs. Catholic Charities is funded by the Annual Catholic Appeal, federal and state grants, the United Way, client fees and gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Board of Directors Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. President Monsignor Thomas R. Bride Vice President Rev. Dennis G. Carey Treasurer Jacqueline Keller Secretary Valerie Jane Leger, Kenneth Capano, Lois Geary, Dr. Christopher Lipinski, Dr. Herbert V. Levinsky, Attorney Kathryn D. Guinan, Angela Arnold, Attorney Michael Jewell, Mildred E. Devine, John Estelle

Advisory Board [ New London ] Attorney Ralph Monaco | Sheila Barrs | Madeline Raddatz Robert Smith | Gay Mullen | Janis Reed | Kristine Raddatz Roseann Ward | Emily Higgins | Jane Wickham [ Willimantic ] Annette Murphy | Jack Lester | Marlene Coughlin Rose Farrell | Richard Long | John McGill | Gary Pillion [ Norwich ] Jane Leger | Gen Bergendall | Cathy Cummings Agnes Carver | Karen Andrew [ Middletown ] Josh Piteo | Very Rev. Charles LeBlanc, V.F. | Jackie Haywood Mary Garry | Deacon Ron Blank Deacon Peter Gill | Bill Maune

O

ver 3,250 adults and children were served with the Emergency Food, Clothing, Shelter, Rent and Utility Assistance programs. Case Management Services provided help to 934 households to develop comprehensive plans for self-sufficiency using resources to obtain and maintain employment, stable housing, and better financial management skills. The Housing Program also provided Home Buyer’s and Foreclosure Prevention education classes to 566 households. 873 individuals received over 8,500 hours of direct service in our licensed and accredited Behavioral Health Services. Clinical services were provided to people of all ages and situations to address issues including depression, anxiety, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief, behavioral problems as well as adult and adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment to abusers and family members. These psychiatric, group, family and individual services included therapeutic interventions designed to meet a variety of family needs to improve the well-being of family members, reducing risks of crisis, abuse and neglect, with the goal of keeping families together. In our Pregnancy Services, 76 families were assisted with services which included education about parenting, community referrals and ongoing counseling and support. Our Adoption Services assisted 4 families with requested adoption services and 18 searches for birth relatives were processed. Over 700 individuals participated in Office of Family Life activities which included Marriage

designed to Preparation teach adolesfacilitator This is how all will training, know that you are my cents to deal Marriage disciples, if you have responsibly with issues Support love for one another. of sexuality Programs, John 13:35 including post-aborthe goal of tion counseling, and Abstinence Education preventing teenage pregnancies.

Diocese of Norwich Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294 Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Dear Friends in Christ, Catholic Charities carries out the Church’s social teaching on behalf of the Diocese. The work of the agency reflects the compassion and love of the Catholic community for individuals and families who are in need of social services or are disadvantaged in our society. This annual report summarizes the caring and competent work of the agency’s staff, volunteers, benefactors and Board of Directors. Hundreds of people in our communities, who were in variety of needs, received hope, were counseled in their difficult circumstances, received food and clothing, were supported as they tried to put their lives together. This work would not have been possible without the generous contributions of the many individuals and agencies that supported Catholic Charities this past year. On behalf of all of our Diocesan family, and in the name of the poor and needy who are served by Catholic Charities, I wish to acknowledge these contributions and express my sincere appreciation to all of our benefactors. In supporting the agency, you give witness to the compassion and love of Jesus for His brothers and sisters. Catholic Charities makes real the message of Jesus to serve the needs of others. Your work is wonderful both in the help you offer and in the love of God that you manifest. May God Bless you for your goodness and generosity. Cordially yours in Christ, Bishop of Norwich


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Dear Friends and Supporters of Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities in our diocese is the expression of the Church’s commitment to justice and charity. This local ministry and institution established by the Church represents every member of the Catholic community. In order to remain faithful to the mandate of Christ rooted in His call to “have love for one another,” concern for the poor is among the highest Diocesan priorities. Biblical understanding of love expressed through charity is an essential part of the identity of the Christian and must be practiced by individuals and by the community of the Church. In other words, we cannot be the Church the Lord calls us to be without serving those in need. This year and throughout the years, Board members, volunteers, donors and the staff of Catholic Charities have worked diligently to deliver care to all who seek our assistance in order to fulfill our local Church’s responsibility to practice love and charity in faithfulness to the Gospel. Increasing numbers of individuals and members of their families received assistance with food, housing, utilities, transportation, medication, baby necessities, and other basic needs. Others obtained the highest caliber behavioral health counseling, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, adoption and foster care services, foreclosure mediation, support throughout pregnancy, and other vital family oriented services. With a budget of $2.4 million and staff of 52 employees, 180 volunteers and 900 donors, we have worked conscientiously to deliver Christ’s call to help our brothers and sisters. This past year was a challenging year financially for everyone. Catholic Charities has seen an increase in the number of poverty-stricken people requesting help. As they came to us for food, housing, utilities and other basic necessities, we required even more resources to keep up with their needs. I was encouraged by the response of our staff, volunteers and benefactors as we endured the harsh reality of the economic crisis. We were there to carry out the essential component of our mission which is bringing help to those in need in these difficult times. This is why Catholic Charities exists. I am also proud to report to you that we have relocated our New London office location to the newly renovated former convent at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish. The new office is larger, more accessible to our clients, and centrally located as well as convenient to other relevant community resources. The office is also arranged in a way that results in greater safety for our clients as well as personnel. We have also made tremendous progress in establishing our new Immigration Assistance Program which will address the unmet need to serve low income immigrants and their families in their legal process of establishing permanent residency and naturalization in eastern Connecticut. This will be the only such program in the area to address the urgent need for professional resources to help, within the constraints of current immigration law, a significant number of newcomers in our community. Working on preparing the agency for its reaccredidation by the Council on Accreditation was another focus in the past year. Accreditation status attests that our organization meets the highest national standards and is delivering the best quality services to the community it serves. I am thankful for the financial support that you have provided in the past and I am blessed to have your ongoing support. Thank you for your continued support of our work, and for enabling us to live out our mission of Providing Help and Creating Hope as we respond to Christ’s call to love one another. With Heartfelt Thanks, Executive Director

Revenue Sources Other Income 28%*

Diocese of Norwich 19%

(Norwich, CT) - A $5,000 award from the Dime Bank Foundation will help Catholic Charities of Norwich ensure that individuals and families that come to them in crisis have their basic needs met. The Emergency Basic Needs and Case Management Program, sponsored by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, provides services to individuals and families in need of food, shelter, clothing, utility assistance, transportation, medications, information, and referrals. Clients are assisted with immediate needs as well as with developing a plan of self sufficiency for the future. Marek Kukulka, Executive Director of the Catholic Charities states, “The face of our client has changed over the last 2 years and we have seen an increase in the number of middle class families requiring basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, etc. for the first time in their lives. The support we have received from Dime Bank Foundation will assist us in our mission of providing compassionate social services for individuals and families with special attention to people who are poor or disadvantaged.” About Dime Bank Foundation In 1998, Dime Bank established the Dime Foundation; enabling the bank to support and give back to the communities it serves, providing funding for charitable, cultural, literary, scientific, and educational non-profit organizations. The foundation accepts applications on a year-round basis. For more information on Dime Bank, please visit us at www.dime-bank.com and click on the Foundation link.

Expenses by Category Fundraising 3%

Government Support 10%

Dime Bank’s Award Helps Catholic Charities of Norwich Fulfill Basic Needs

Pregnancy 5%

Support Services 35%

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Office of Family Life 4%

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Celebrating St. Michael Milestone Parishioners Mark the 150th Anniversary with Published Historical Book, Special Mass In 1859, as the town’s burgeoning Irish Catholic population was shifting from St. Mary Church in By Joe Wojtas Reprint from The Day

the borough to the eastern section of town, the Catholic Diocese of Hartford decided that an additional church was needed in Pawcatuck. Bishop Francis McFarland purchased a 1.5-acre lot along the south side of Liberty Street from the Maxson family on Feb. 16 1859. By the following summer, construction had begun on St. Michael the Archangel Church and a cemetery was established. The 100 families who comprised the initial congregation contributed money and labor towards the construction. Just a few weeks after the Civil War began, St. Michaels’ first pastor, Rev. Michael O’Reilly, notified Bishop McFarland that the 2,400-square-foot church was complete. On May 26, 1861, Bishop McFarland came to Pawcatuck to preside over a mass to

dedicate the church and confirm some of the parishioners. Admission to the dedication ceremony was 50 cents, a steep price at a time when that was what the typical laborer earned for a half-day of work. With the opening of St. Michael, St. Mary Church and St. Patrick in Mystic became mission churches with the St. Michael pastor traveling there to say Mass and administer sacraments. Two years later, land was purchased for the existing rectory and in 1868 a large addition was constructed increasing the church’s capacity. The school, which today has 158 students in grades K-8, was established in 1873. Over the past century and a half, St. Mike’s, as it known to many residents, has played an important role in the religious life of the community and educated thousands of children. From those early Irish immigrants, the church has been home to Italian and then Portuguese families, many of whose descendants still attend the church and comprise some of the congregation’s 1,500 families.

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Parishioners line up for Communion as Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, participates in a Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the dedication of St. Michael Church in Pawcatuck on June 12. Photo by Tim Martin/The Day

In June, the church kicked off its 150th anniversary celebration with a Mass said by Bishop Michael R. Cote and Rev. Dennis Perkins, who has been its pastor for the past 12 years. After Mass, a lunch was held under a tent behind the school. Coinciding with the anniversary is the completion of an exhaustive four-year project to research, write and assemble a 466-page history of the church. The project, which was overseen by parishioner Larry O’Keefe, weaves the history of the nation, region and town with that of the parish and includes photographs, maps, historical documents and more. Copies are available for parishioners. O’Keefe was assisted by nine other church members who researched and compiled individual chapters about various periods in the church’s history. The period from 2000 to the present was done by Connor Beverly, a seventh-grade student at the school. Father Perkins called the book “quite a gift to the parish.” In a letter to parishioners, Father Perkins wrote that by preserving the events of the past, the book’s creators “have given us and generations to come a priceless gift.” “As we mark the 150th anniversary of the dedication of St. Michael Church with the publication of this history, may we be in-

Photo by Susannah H. Snowden spired by stories of our past and so commit ourselves to the preservation of this lived tradition of faith, education, and outreach to neighbors - for which St. Michael’s is known - well into the future.” Father Perkins said St. Michael’s has remained a vibrant parish, “We have a nice mix of ages. For an older parish we have quite a few young families. We have fam-

ilies who have been here for generations and ones who have just moved here. We have a nice mix of backgrounds and perspectives.” Father Perkins said the school has added to the stability of the parish keeping adults connected to the church through their children. “We like to say where investing in the future here,” he said.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Introductory Rites In just a few short months, many of the words we say together at Mass will be changing. HopeBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

fully, by this time, most parishioners know about these changes, and preparations have begun in all parishes so that no one will be surprised on the weekend of November 27. Although words are changing, our actions and the general plan of the Mass will not be changed. These last few months of preparation for the new translation of the Missal seems to be a perfect time to review a few points about Mass, other than words. The general structure of Mass, as we have it today, has been fairly constant in the Roman Catholic Church for almost 500 years. The basic plan of the ritual is quite simple, but also quite elegant. The four parts of the Mass are: Introductory rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Dismissal. Each part is related to all the other parts, and each has a purpose which is related to the meaning and intent of the overall ritual. In these months leading up to the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal, we will look at each of the four parts of the Mass. The purpose of the Introductory rites is to form all the assembled people into one worshiping community. We gather in the church building from so many different places, and with so many personal concerns. The transition from the fast pace of living to the slower and

more prayerful pace of the Mass is intended to be made during these first actions of the ritual. Of course, this approach presumes that everyone gathers promptly before Mass begins, and is ready to relax, pray and pay at-

tention. Mass begins with the Entrance Procession. Everyone stands to greet the priest and the liturgical ministers and, most importantly, the Book of the Gospels. The hymn we sing is a sign of joy and celebration, since we have gathered to recall and to celebrate our salvation in Christ. The Sign of the Cross, the Greeting and the Penitential Rite provide an opportunity for us to collect our thoughts, and join with everyone in the church to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Especially during the Penitential Rite, silence plays an important role since silence allows us to focus our minds and hearts. At this point, on most Sundays, the community now gathered, quiet, focused and forgiven, joins together to pray the “Glory to God,” either in spoken words or in song. Our participation in this joyful, ancient prayer is intended to give glory to God! The final piece of the Introductory rites is the first of three prayers, prayed by the priest in the name of everyone in attendance at Mass. This prayer, commonly called the “Collect,” begins with the words of

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the priest, “Let us pray!” There should follow a brief silence, so that everyone can focus on what is to come and listen carefully. At the conclusion of the Collect, we all answer “Amen!” as an affirmation of our commitment to the prayer. This “Amen” concludes the Introductory Rites. The community gathered, forgiven, prayerful and united in prayer, is now ready to hear the Word of God proclaimed. Some food for thought: When at Mass, do you sense the progression of these rites to gather you and all the people together as a community? Do most of the people in your parish arrive on time for Mass? Do most people in your parish join in the singing of the hymn and the “Glory to God” ? How well do the people listen to the words of Collect? In November, when we begin to use the new words of the Roman Missal, let us try to hear the new words with new ears, and speak them with renewed hearts.

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Catholic Foundation to Award Tuition Grants mer day, she was scanning and bagging and, I suspect, engaging her customers in conversation with her bubbly personality. I also suspect a portion of her paycheck likely helped to defray the costs of her education at her beloved Catholic School. This August, the Catholic Foundation will again award tuition assistance to families in need within the Diocese of Norwich who have chosen a Catholic Education for their children. A report of the 2011 Grant Award winners will appear in the September issue of the Four County Catholic. The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich is a nonprofit corporation, established to

Recently, while shopping at a local grocery store, I had the pleasure of spotting a young By MaryLou Gannotti

Director of Planned Giving

woman whose acquaintance I first made at the annual Catholic Foundation Breakfast last August. This young lady, who was working as a cashier, made it very clear to me when I met her that she would like to someday become a doctor. At the breakfast she was awarded a grant to help offset the cost of her tuition at a Diocesan high school. This partial scholarship surely helped in what was certainly a financial sacrifice for her parents. While many of her friends were enjoying a day at the beach on this blazingly hot sum-

provide endowments for the Diocese of Norwich and its parishes, schools, agencies and organiza-

tions. The Foundation encourages Catholics to be good stewards through gifts of assets; it provides for the investment of those assets and distributes the income according to the Gospel and the specific wishes of the donors. The Catholic Foundation is

governed by a Board of Directors, composed of clergy and lay people representing each of the seven Deaneries of the Diocese of Norwich. The Foundation distributes earnings from the endowment investments to give support for the educational, pastoral, and ministry needs of the Diocese of Norwich. Funds in the Foundation are invested with professional money managers with oversight by the Investment Subcommittee of the Foundation. All investments must adhere to the Diocesan Guidelines for Socially Responsible Investing. The Disbursement Subcommittee of the Foundation reviews all grant requests and makes funding recommendations to the Board of

Directors. A final decision on grants is made by the Board of Directors. The amount of funds distributed each year depends on the earnings of the Foundation’s assets. In 2010, the Foundation distributed $221,567 to parishioners, Parishes, Schools and Ministries throughout the Diocese of Norwich. Of this amount, $148,593 was distributed as grants, and $72,974 was distributed to Parish Endowments and pre-selected recipients designated by the Donor. All of this is thanks to the generosity of the faithful. To find out more information about the Catholic Foundation, visit www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, and click on Catholic Foundation.

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Focuses on What Catholics Believe Jesus, in the Gospel of John, asserts, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even By Deirdre Malacrea

though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” He then asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” Martha professes her faith to Jesus; likewise, each of us has the opportunity to answer this question in the affirmative. But do we really know what we believe as Catholics? Parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich will be invited to deepen their understanding of the basic teachings of the Catholic faith by participating in Why Catholic? Over the course of six weeks this fall, small faithsharing groups at parishes around the diocese will journey together through the second book of the Why Catholic? series, entitled BELIEVE: Profession of Faith. Each session of BELIEVE: Profession of Faith relates to a major tenet of Catholicism expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, often referred to as the “the oldest Roman Catechism.” Participants will reflect on Catholics’ fundamental beliefs in a God who loves them, who is Trinitarian, who sent his Son for their salvation. Participants will explore the richness of Sacred Tradition, Mary´s special role, the promise and presence of the Holy Spirit, the nature of the Church, and belief in the Resurrection. These topics are also covered in a companion Spanish-language resource, La profesión do nuestra fe: lo que creemos. During the week of August 20 – 24, 2011, Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD, presenter for RENEW International, will return to the Diocese of Norwich to introduce the leaders of the Why Catholic? small community faith sharing groups to the content and process for BELIEVE. According to Sr. Veronica, every small community leader needs to attend one of these sessions to pre-

pare to facilitate these new and important topics. There will be multiple English locations and one in Spanish. (Preliminary schedule follows, more sessions to be announced.) As in the past, leaders are welcomed to go to whichever presentation is closest and most convenient for them. Sr. Veronica indicated that the enthusiasm of those who participated in the first year of Why Catholic? –which focused on prayer—is truly exciting. A parishioner of St. Mary in Coventry emailed Sr. Veronica recently, saying “Marge Vanner sent out the note already about the August meetings. I can’t wait. We are so blessed to have RENEW offer this fulfilling min-

istry. Thank you for being His servant.” Later in the year, all parishioners have the opportunity to attend a Faith Enrichment session, Why Catholics Read the Bible, which highlights the two great sources of revelation: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. This year, a special workshop will train retreat teams

from each Why Catholic? parish to offer their own parish-wide retreat experience on this year´s theme. Parishes and parishioners are encouraged to join Why Catholic? at any point in the process. Those who are interested in beginning this fall may contact Father Joseph Whittel at (860) 443-1875, Marge Vanner at (860) 848-2237 x 312,

or Sr. Mary Jude at (860) 4563349. RENEW International fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action. RENEW International can be found on the web at http://www.renewintl.org.

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Memorial Mass

Victims of the Irish Hunger, 1845-1850 A Memorial Mass for the victims of the Irish Hunger of 1845-50 will be held at Saint Agnes Church, NiSubmitted by James Gallagher

The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held their 56th Annual Convention, on Saturday May 21st, at St. Bernard Church in Rockville, with Bishop Cote presiding at the Celebration of the Liturgy. After Mass, a luncheon was held in the Church Hall during which a check from the Council, for $15,722.80 was presented by Judy Pappagallo, NDCCW President, to Bishop Cote, as a donation for the Office of Catholic Charities. Pictured along with Bishop Cote and Judy, is Anne King, NDCCW Membership Chair.

Connecticut Woman a Candidate for President -Elect of the National Council of Catholic Women Maribeth Stewart, past NCCW Province Director, has been nominated as a President-elect candidate of the National Council of Catholic Women. The other candidates for President -elect are from Georgia; Illinois; and Oklahoma. Ms. Stewart is the first woman from the Hartford Province which includes Connecticut and Rhode Island, to be a candidate for NCCW president-elect. She is currently the NCCW representative to WUCWO –World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. She attended the Centenary General Assembly of WUCWO in Israel in October 2010 and was elected Regional Vice President, for North America.The General Assembly celebrated 100 years of women’s global solidarity of service to church and society. The NCCW election will take place in September. NCCW affiliate representatives and individual members of NCCW will be eligible to vote. If you would like more information about programs or membership in the National Council of Catholic Women, please contact Connie Gillies Province Director429 Ridge Road Middletown CT 06457, phone 860-347-4733 or e-mail pwgillies@sbcglobal.net.

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antic, Sunday, September 18 , at the 11:00 AM Mass. The Mass will be immediately followed by a video presentation in the Church Hall. Admission to the presentation will be an item of non-perishable food, which will be donated to a local Food Pantry. This commemoration is being held in concert with similar activities across Ireland in September. Approximately 3.5 million Irish peasants are believed to have died or emigrated during the five year period of the potato blight from 1845 to 1850. To put this tragedy in perspective, that human loss is essentially equivalent to the eradication of almost the entire population of Connecticut in the short span of five years. The causes of the devastating impact on the Irish peasant population can be traced back to, at least, the 17th Century Cromwellian purge and the later Penal Laws. The Irish peasant could own no land, paid exorbitant rents and subsisted exclusively on potatoes. The potato fungus that caused the blight ruined the potato crop. However, government neglect and mismanagement intensified the calamitous death of

The Irish Famine, 1850 By George Frederick Watts

the Irish population and near-destruction of the Irish culture. Historians refer to this “Hunger” tragedy as “the worst social disaster of 19th Century Europe.” Further, since food continued to be exported from Ireland during this five year period, in the form of livestock, grains, fruits and vegetables, the term “Famine” is a gross misnomer. Emigration was seen by the victims as the only possible means of survival. Yet, approximately 20% of these emigrants died at sea, in “coffin ships,” and in quarantine stations. This Irish exodus to the United States and Canada was the

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first large wave of European immigration in North America. It was also the first to include large numbers of young, single women travelling alone. This massive wave of Irish Catholic emigrants was greeted in America with the same bigotry that they experienced in Ireland. Most took menial and dangerous jobs at very little pay. As a result, they resided in the poorest slums in U.S. east coast cities and in transient camps while working to build railroads and to work in mines. The major difference in America was that there was opportunity. But, it was not until the Irish demonstrated their valor and patriotism in the U.S. Civil War that they began to be slowly assimilated into American society. This was the beginning of Irish America. The Mass and video program are being sponsored by New London County’s John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The AOH is the oldest and largest Irish-Catholic fraternal organization in America. Father Mark O’Donnell, Pastor of St. Agnes Church, is the Chaplain of the local Division. For information, contact: www.NewLondon-CT-AOH.org, or, write: AOH, P.O. Box 1463, New London, CT, 06320.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Area Knights Raise Funds for Ultrasound Machine “Tashema� was single, and pregnant. She also had lost her job. And with no support from her family, By Garry Beausoleil Knights of Columbuc, St. James Council #2883

the 22-year old woman felt she had no options left. “I couldn’t see how I could ever

take care of a child,� she said. “So I decided to get an abortion.� But a friend of Tashema urged her go slow. She told her about the St. Gerard’s Crisis Pregnancy Center in Hartford and the new ultrasound machine they have there. Tashema agreed to go, and 20 minutes after seeing a picture of her

Front row left to right: Sisters Norma Bourdon, Provincial, Gilberte DĂŠsilets, MarĂ­a Pauline Archambault. Back row left to right: Janet Lewis, Linda Babineau, Claire HĂŠroux, Rochelle Doyon, Lesley Despathy, Anne Cacciapuoti, Elaine Bolduc, Theresa Spittle.

Knights Honor Jubilarians At a recent standing-room only celebration at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Putnam, members of the Cargill 64 Knights of Columbus Chapter honored 10 Daughters of the Holy Spirit for a total of 515 years of service to the Church and the Civic Communities. These women, members of a Congregation founded in Brittany, France in 1706, have worked collectively in California, Alabama, Appalachia, New York State, New England, Canada, and South America. They range from 25 through 80 years of service, especially in schools, as social workers at the city and state levels, and in deprived areas of the world working for justice and equity for those they served and with whom they worked. In addition to forming a color honor guard at the ceremony, the Knights prepared and presented a personalized recognition of service certificate to each jubilarian at the reception that followed at the Provincial House in Putnam. Further information about the jubilarians may be obtained by contacting the Office of Development of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit at devofdhs@yahoo.com or by calling 860 928-0891 ext. 148.

unborn child in her womb, had completely changed her mind. “I don’t know how I could have ever even thought about getting an abortion,� she said fighting back some tears. “Getting rid of my baby would have meant getting rid of a part of me,� she said. Counselors from the Center promised to get Tashema whatever assistance she would need to follow through with her decision. “I never knew there was help like this available,� she said, and “that there were people who cared so much.� The new ultrasound machine at St. Gerard’s was the result of a major pro-life initiative launched by the Knights of Columbus. Under the program, the KofC’s Supreme Council will pay half the cost for a machine, if the balance is raised by the State Council and local councils. A fundraising drive is currently underway in the Norwich Diocese to purchase an Ultrasound machine for the recently-opened CARENET facility in Willimantic. A new ultrasound costs about $40,000, which means $20,000 has to be raised locally. To date, about $9000 has been raised. The fundraising effort is being spearheaded by St. James Council #2883 in Danielson with help from Councils throughout the Diocese, and assistance from the Connecticut State Council. “The Ultrasound initiative is a top priority for us,� said Immediate Past Connecticut State Deputy Scott Flood. “As an organization, we believe that all human life is sacred� he said, and that it’s worth putting “significant effort and resources� behind that belief. Pati Adams, the director of the new CARENET facility in Willimantic, says there is a great need for it. Besides the women at the nearby University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University, there are many low-income women from the Willimantic area who may find themselves considering abortion at some point. CARENET has had an ultrasound at its Danielson office since 2006. Since then, more than 150

women have used the machine, with well over half deciding to keep their babies. Nationally, upwards of 90 percent of women with troubled pregnancies who get a chance to see an ultrasound image of their unborn child end up choosing life. Adams says it’s always a “powerful moment� when the person operating the machine shows a woman her child’s heartbeat. “It’s no longer a just a blob of tissue at that point,� she said, “It’s clearly a life that’s living in their womb�. Adams says when they walk in the door, many of these women are thinking “their lives are ended� because they are pregnant. But Father Tony De Marco the Parochial Vicar at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pomfret, who sits on the CARENET Board of Directors, says that’s a mistaken impression. “We will do whatever It takes to help these women keep their babies,� he said. Although supporters of legalized abortion often make the claim of “freedom of choice� to support their position, for many women it’s

anything but a freely made choice. Often they are coerced into ending their pregnancies by boyfriends, family members or economic hardship. But Father De Marco says the pro life movement is committed to showing women who find themselves in difficult situations that they do have options. “There is no woman in Connecticut who wants to keep her baby we can’t help,� he added. “But first they have to decide to have the child,� he said. And being able to show them an ultrasound image of the unborn life in their womb is “critically important� in helping them to make that decision, he added. There will be a dinner to benefit the ultrasound cause held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church of Quaker Hill, CT, Saturday September 17th starting at 6:30 p.m.. The price of the dinner is $25 per person. If you would like to attend the dinner or make a donation to this effort, please contact Tom Kenny on (860) 434-7002 or send your check to: Knights of Columbus , 8 Vista Dr., Old Lyme, CT 06371.

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Memorial Mass for Archbishop Pietro Sambi Remembered for Priestly Example, Timeless Service

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic BishProvided by the USCCB

ops (USCCB), will celebrate a Memorial Mass, September 14, at noon, for the late Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The Mass will be at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Archbishop Sambi, a Vatican diplomat, died July 27, at Johns

Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore from post-operative complications. On July 29 and 30, his body lay in state at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington and was then to be transported to Italy for funeral services. Bishops from around the country will concelebrate the Mass, which will also serve as an opportunity for the diplomatic corps to pay its respects to Archbishop Sambi. As the Vatican ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Sambi was a member of the corps.

Reverend Eugene L. Pilatowski September 5, 1929 ~ June 27, 2011

“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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Rev. Eugene L. Pilatowski, 81, of Norwich entered eternal rest on Monday, June 27, 2011 in Hamden. Father Eugene was born in New Haven, on September 5, 1929, one of eight children of the late Anthony and Anna (Marchut) Pilatowski. He attended elementary, high school and New Haven State Teacher’s College in New Haven. After teaching on the junior high school level in New Haven, he joined the Vincentian Fathers in Northampton, PA. Upon completion of his studies Fr. Pilatowski was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1960 at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton. He served as assistant pastor of St. Stanislaus Church in New Haven from 1960 to 1962. Later he served at St. Vincent’s Mission House in Whitestone, New York from 1962 to 1965. Then, from 1965 to 1966, he attended the Theology Institute in Krakow, Poland. Upon returning to the United States, Fr. Pilatowski was assigned to St. Vincent’s Mission House in Utica, NY where he also served as a civilian chaplain at Griffins Air Force Base in Rome, NY until 1968. In 1968, Fr. Pilatowski was assigned to St. Joseph’s Church in Ansonia as an assistant pastor. In 1969, he was reassigned to St. Vincent’s Mission House in Utica. Later in 1973 he was named assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Putnam where he served until he was assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City. Then in 1975, he was assigned to St. Joseph’s Church in Norwich as an assistant pastor and was named pastor of the parish in September of 1980.Fr. Pilatowski served as chaplain of several parish societies and was also the moderator of the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in the Norwich District. He is survived by his brother, Rev. Augustine Pilatowski; sister, Elizabeth Orzolek; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Victor Pelatowski, Theodore Pilatowski and Rev. Frederick J. Pilatowski; and two sisters, Nell Pilatowski and Tess Bellis. Private burial was at All Saint’s Cemetery in North Haven.

Sister Alice Carrow March 14, 1928 – June 13, 2011 Sr. Alice Carrow, DHS, 83, member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on Monday, June 13, at the Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she has been in residence since 2003. Sr. Alice was born on March 14, 1928 in Tupper Lake, NY, the daughter of the late Adelard and Bertha (LaRose) Carrow. In 1950, she entered religious life and made her religious profession on August 18, 1953 at the Provincial House in Putnam, CT. She was then known as Sr. Elizabeth Adelard. A graduate of Diocesan Sisters’ College, Sr. Alice earned a B.A. in Education. Following which she taught in elementary and Junior high school in Waterbury, Jewett City, Moosup and Plainville – all in Connecticut as well as in Burlington, VT and Tupper Lake, NY. In 1995 she retired from teaching and did Pastoral work at St. Alphonsus Parish, Tupper Lake, NY, until her retirement at Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam, CT in 2003.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

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Four County Catholic August 2011

God Only Cries for the Living Death is never a pleasant topic for most – at least this side of heaven. Although we believe Jesus By Mary Tunison

Christ suffered, died and rose from the dead, paving the way for eternal salvation, the funeral of a loved one is often a very somber event. Knowing that we will all be reunited in heaven someday is a consolation, yet deep sadness often grips our hearts. We grieve not for them but for ourselves. We deeply miss their presence and know that we must journey on without them for a while longer. Recently, a fellow co-worker shared a song with me by Rio Diamond entitled, God Only Cries. This beautiful song echoes heaven’s perspective on a loved one’s passing: “God only cries for the living cause it’s the living that are left to

carry on. And all the angels up in Heaven they’re not grieving because they’ve gone. There’s a smile on their faces cause they’re in a better place than they’ve ever known. God only cries for the living cause it’s the living that are so far from home.” Grief a n d

sorrow can overshadow the uplifting reality this song conveys and evoke a wide range of thoughts and emotions as we try to process and acknowledge the loss of a loved one. The impact of each life leaves behind a legacy of love, memories, lessons and, of course, residue -- re-

grets, unanswered questions, enigmatic or unresolved issues. While we honor and cherish memories, we can also grapple with such questions as, “Why didn’t I express my love in more ways? Did they really know how much I loved them? Why weren’t we closer? Why didn’t God heal them? If I only I had shared more. If only we had had more time. . .” Sound familiar? It is common and natural to wish you had done more for a loved one or to rehash things that were never quite resolved. But the reality is, we don’t always have the satisfaction of complete closure. But I believe God does carry our love, our unspoken words and desires to our loved ones in heaven so that they know the true story behind some of those crazy things we did or what we really wanted to express but perhaps did not. Prayers and sacrifices that we continue to offer up for them can be wonderful spir-

itual gifts and graces they receive with joy. One day, I was pondering a very big “what if” about death itself which led me to a very certain “what is.” After having recently lost a very close family member, I hypothetically imagined what life would be like without a loving, personal God who loves us so much that He has given us the gift of eternal life. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that this carefully engineered and intricately designed universe was created by an Intelligent Being. But what if when we died, we just died – no heaven, no consciousness -- just non-existence. The works and writings of great thinkers and artists live on throughout the centuries in books and museums. But what about what truly matters -- the human experience, with all its suffering, trials, love, sacrifice, interior lessons of the heart and spiritual growth. It

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would all have no meaning, no consequence, recompense or continuity. Stepping over to the dark side for a moment and pondering such dire what-ifs actually reaffirmed for me what is – heaven! It actually makes more logical sense than the alternative. How could a magnificently brilliant Creator bring all that we are into being only to bring it to naught? It is all culminating toward something greater. Somewhere inside each of us is a quiet knowing and an undeniable impulse toward perfect fruition and fulfillment – where unspoken words will have their say, mysteries will be revealed, perfect justice will reign, residue be resolved, and God’s Truth fully known. Love never fails. Mary Tunison works for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, and is a freelance writer, photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She can be contacted at mjtunison@comcast.net.

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A new video gives married couples’ reflections on marriage issues, the place of children and the comCatholic News Agency

plementary nature of the union of a man and a woman. Openness to children, it says, has a “major impact” on the Catholic view towards proposals to redefine marriage. Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, chair of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, announced the new video “Made for Life” during his report to the U.S. bishops at their June 2011 meeting in Seattle. “Our culture is one that often forgets the sacred gift of the child, and in so doing it also fails to recognize the vital importance of a mother and a father together for the life and upbringing of that child,” he said. “In contemporary debates about the meaning of marriage, the rights and dignity of the child should be at the forefront.” He said the video addresses a “real gap” in public awareness about “the close connection between a culture of life and a culture that promotes and protects marriage.” “The two cannot be separated,” Bishop Cordileone explained. The new video is the second of five videos in a series aimed at promoting and defending marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The video opens with several quotations from Genesis and shots of vineyards. It features several married couples and one single mother who reflect on the gift of

children, sexual difference and the indispensible place of fathers and mothers. “Being open to children is so

foundational,” one married woman says in the video. “You’re not only open to children, you’re not just opening yourself to the possibility of the gift of life, but you’re (also) opening yourself up to your spouse.” Other speakers reflect on their children as “a gift and a blessing,” the place of mothers and fathers as “the building blocks of the family,” and the right of a child to have a mother and a father. Marriage is “perfectly designed” so that spouses love for each other can not only conceive but nurture and raise a child, one husband says. “Life can only come forth because of our differences, and it only makes sense that the true way to raise that life is by having those differences, meaning a husband

and a wife,” his wife adds. “You have to have a husband and a wife to create a child. How perfect, then, and better for that child, to

have a mother and a father in a stable unit to raise them.” The video’s viewer’s guide calls

marriage the “fundamental and irreplaceable pro-child social institution.” The attempt to redefine marriage to include two persons of the same sex is a proposal that will “ultimately empty marriage of its most basic elements.” In addition to the viewer’s guide, the subcommittee also provides a resource guide for priests, deacons, catechists and teachers. Previously, the subcommittee was called the Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage. As a permanent subcommittee, it is now under the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, which is chaired by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort WayneSouth Bend. The video and guides may be purchased through USCCB Publishing or may be accessed online at www.marriageuniquefora reason.org.

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Four County Catholic August 2011


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Bishops Approve Physician-Assisted Suicide Statement

Call on Catholic to Support the Dying, Ensure Their Legal Protection Special Note: Physician-assisted suicide has been proposed in the Connecticut General Assembly sevProvided by the USCCB

eral times and never enacted. The proponents of physician-assisted are continuing to pursue it in several states. Please take the time to read this very important statement on this critical issue.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a policy statement on physician-assisted suicide at its Spring General Assembly in Seattle on June 16. The statement, To Live Each Day with Dignity, passed with a vote of 191-1. It marks the first time the full body of bishops has issued a statement devoted to this issue. The full text of the statement is

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available online at www.usccb.org/toliveeachday, along with fact sheets and articles on the issue, relevant Church documents, and prayers for use with those who are ill. The statement speaks of the hardships and fears of patients facing terminal illness and the importance of life-affirming palliative care. It cites the Church’s concern for those who are

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tempted to commit suicide, its opposition to physician-assisted suicide, and the consistency of this stance with the principle of equal and inherent human rights and the ethical principles of the medical profession. Countering two claims of the assisted suicide movement, that its agenda affirms patients’ “choices” and expresses “compassion” for their suffering, the statement says physician-assisted suicide does not promote compassion because its focus is not on eliminating suffering, but on eliminating the patient. True compassion, it states, dedicates itself to meeting patients’ needs and presupposes a commitment to their equal worth. The statement says that “compassion” that is not rooted in such respect inevitably finds more and more people whose suffering is considered serious enough for assisted death,

such as those with chronic illness and disabilities. According to the statement, the practice also undermines patients’ freedom by putting pressure on them to choose death, once society has officially declared the suicides of certain people to be good and acceptable while working to prevent the suicides of others. Undermining the value of some people’s lives will undermine respect for their freedom as well, the statement says, citing countries such as the Netherlands where voluntary assisted suicide has led to involuntary euthanasia. The statement argues that assisted suicide is not an addition to palliative care, but a poor substitute that can ultimately become an excuse for denying better medical care to seriously ill people, including those who never considered suicide an option. It concludes by advancing what Pope John Paul II called “the way of love and true mercy,” and calls on Catholics to work with others to uphold the right of each person to live with dignity.

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charit for His creators made you wor hy when on ear h posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in t ouble or anxiet . Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose hear is f ll of human sy pathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your ar s, and the g atit de of my hear will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mar 's and three Glories and promise publication.

~L~


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

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St. Mary, Star of the Sea, New London According to the school’s website, www.stmarystarseanl.com, “the mission of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School By Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

is to create a caring, nurturing environment, which integrates Catholic faith with everyday teaching and learning experiences. We prepare students for high academic achievement that will enable the students to attend the high school of

their choice. We strive to formulate a home-school connection that is committed to creating responsible independent learners. We teach the virtues of faith, hope, and love, with emphasis put on family; home family, school family, church family, and the worldwide family.” Living that mission, the school was recently awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to open a language learning

lab using Rosetta Stone software. According to Principal Anne Tortora, the lab, which will be run in conjunction with the Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Connecticut, will be used by the students during school hours, and open for the public to use at other times. In conjunction with this initiative, St. Mary, Star of the Sea will be the first Catholic school in the state of Connecticut to offer a dual

Star of the Sea Cont. on page 23

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

St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary School, New London 860-443-7758 www.stmaryschoolnewlondon.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org


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Four County Catholic August 2011

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Stained-Glass Spirituality: The Power of Christ’s Light Implementing a Twitter firewall at home is a bit like asking a roommate to hide your Halloween By Christina Capecchi

Four County Catholic Contributor

candy. It is an act of surrender and of conquest. What you lack in self control you make up for in self knowledge. My self-imposed Twitter sabbatical has been a good move, setting my summer on a sunnier course. More than 200 million people use the website, firing off tweets of 140 characters or fewer. But me? I’m ready for a break. I’d like to think longer thoughts. I decided to seize the summer, vowing to replace my aimless web surfing with creative endeavors. Less technology, more art. On Memorial Day I bought a $16.95 sketchpad, cringing at the price – no sale, no coupon – while relishing the splurge. The hard, black cover and thick pages dignified my work. Soon I was drawing

teacups and peacock feathers, tilting my head and smiling inside. Later that week I memorized some poetry, which I hadn’t done since high school Shakespeare. I’ve been reciting the verses all summer, and each time it’s like unwrapping a Hershey’s Kiss. I assembled my clarinet, read the porch and journaled my heart out – 103 pages since

Memorial Day. It’s much more honest when no one else is reading and you’re not secretly vying to pick up followers. How often life morphs into a popularity contest – and how often we play along. But the most formal artistic undertaking of my summer was also the most foreign: taking a stainedglass window class through St. Paul, Minn., community education. Oh, to be a student again, experiencing that same old arc of emotions that makes you feel so young: EDUCATIONAL CENTER

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thrilled to get an email from the instructor, anxious to depart for the first class, empowered to master a new skill. I’m one of five students gathering on Monday nights to cut glass and solder lead. One student looks to be 20. Two appear close to 60. And we all look happy to be there. We want to make art. Before the class began, I’d put a lot of thought into my design, dreaming up intricate patterns and imagining them as birthday gifts. But stained glass is more about skill than artistry. I like the physicality of it – standing there for three hours, leaning into an oak work bench and hearing the sizzle of severing glass. It is a welcome antidote to a day at the computer, a pleasant switch from head to hands. I panicked when I cut my longest section of glass and veered off the line. “Life Goes On” was playing in the studio, and Peggy, the student across from me, helped me through it. When I cut the wrong side of the glass, I beckoned our instructor, Bob. “I think I made a mistake,” I told him. “We don’t say that in art,” he said. Later we slid our glass into lead, which made our imperfect pieces fit together perfectly. “It hides a lot of sinning,” Bob said. I thought of 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.” God is the One who takes all our broken pieces and turns them into art. He is the sunlight that makes our stained glass radiate. I’m seeing the world in sharper lines and richer hues this summer – and it is one unspoken, unceasing thank you to the Creator, who looks at everything he has made and finds it very good. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be reached at www.ReadChristina.com.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

Star of the Sea Continued from page 21 language program beginning with the kindergarten class in the fall of 2011 and continuing to expand each year. According to Sister Barbara Gould, Diocesan Assistant Superintendent of Schools, such a program is the result of a report by the Notre Dame Task Force on the Participation of Latino Children and Families in Catholic Schools which “highlights the growth of the Latino population and the challenges Catholic schools face to address the educational and spiritual needs of this population.” With the blessing of Bishop Michael R. Cote and the Rev. Robert Washabaugh, pastor at St. Mary, the school applied for and received a grant from the Shea Foundation and is awaiting word on a request from the Sullivan Foundation to help fund this initiative. Founded in 1892, by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Mary Star of the Sea School in New London has remained a vibrant and wonderful example of quality Catholic education for almost 120 years. It is a multicultural Catholic school made unique by its diverse student population. One walks through the doors, and is instantly greeted by smiling faces and open hearts. There is a lot of love and learning going on behind these walls. The staff, headed by Principal Anne Tortora, strives to create a learning environment that while maintaining a contemporary curriculum accepts all children where they are and helps them to develop their

God- given talents to become responsible adults in an ever-changing world. In fact, one does not even have to step foot in the school to experience all the wonderful happenings going on there. Simply visit the school blog, http://stmarystaroftheseanewlondon.blogspot.com/! Check out the entries posted, such as Read Across America Day, which was celebrated on Theodor Geisel’s birthday, better known as Dr. Seuss. Eight guest readers from New London County were invited to come and share their favorite Dr. Seuss story with the children in grades kindergarten through four. It is clear from the posted pictures that the day was a huge success. Here one can also find dates for Open Houses, and registration dates for the next school year. If that isn’t enough, the school has a Facebook page that is regularly updated! If one has a Facebook account, a reader can “like” St. Mary’s, and get daily news on the wonderful things happening at this school. St. Mary Star of the Sea School has definitely entered the digital age with a bang! Its original mission statement of message, community, and service has not only remained constant, but responds effectively and creatively to changing conditions in population, economics, and urbanization. True to its name, St Mary ‘Star of the Sea’ School remains a sign of hope and a guiding star for generations of children who are lucky enough to call it “home”.

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Four County Catholic August 2011

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic A Community of “J.O.Y.” (Jesus, Others, Yourself)

St. Mary-St. Joseph School located in Willimantic, has a fascinating history. The two original By Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

schools, St. Mary School and St. Joseph School evolved into one in 1968, the first consolidated school in the Diocese of Norwich. Interestingly, the origin of the two parochial schools can be traced back to the same man, the Reverend Florimond DeBruyker, a Belgian Catholic missionary. He arrived in Willimantic in 1863. After much effort, in 1874, he built St. Joseph Church on Jackson Street and four years later organized St. Joseph School. The school was originally staffed by six Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy from Tilburg, Holland. Boys and girls were taught separately. Classes for

the boys were held in the church basement, and the girls were schooled in the convent. Later a larger structure was built on Valley Street and classes were held there. Father DeBruycker served as principal of St. Joseph School for twentyfour years from 1878 until 1902. In the early 1900s, there were a large number of St. Joseph parishioners who were of French-Canadian descent. When Father DeBruycker died in 1902, he bequeathed the property on Valley Street to these parishioners with the understanding that it would be used to build a church for their use. Permission was granted by the Bishop of Hartford, and St. Mary Church was built and dedicated in 1905. St. Joseph Hall, then became St. Mary School and was staffed by the same order of Sisters from Holland. In 1953, a fire destroyed the school,

but parishioners rallied and a new school was built and commissioned in 1955. For many years, St. Mary School and St. Joseph School continued to successfully educate the youth of

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their respective parishes. By 1968 both were faced with increasing costs and other factors, and a merger of the two schools was considered to be in the best interest of both school communities. The result was the establishment of St. Mary-St. Joseph School. Today, the school is staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church and a very dedicated lay staff. The school community consists of students in grades Pre-K through eight. Each year there is an increase in diversity among the school families. At present more than twenty per cent of the students are from minority ethnic groups all of whom enrich the culture of the school. As one walks the halls of St. Mary-St. Joseph School, one is aware of the close-knit bond that exists among students, parents, faculty and staff. Students thrive in an atmosphere of “J.O.Y.” (Jesus, Others, Yourself) A challenging curriculum in all core subjects are taught by qualified teachers. At the present time the teacher to student ratio is 1:16, which according to Principal, Sr. Mary Mark Orsulak, SCMC, in her message on the school website, http://www.smsjschool.org, “is an ideal proportion, enabling the teachers to assist students in a productive and effective way and to accommodate the more academically challenged students.” St. Mary-St. Joseph School also

offers a wide range of activities and special programs such as basketball and a cheerleading squad. There is also a drama club and chorus. Upper grade students may participate in a math enrichment club, Mathcounts, which promotes achievement in mathematics through competition at school, area, state, and national levels. For older students interested in writing, there is a newspaper club as well as Mock Trial, both of which encourage not only research and trial simulations, but critical thinking and public speaking skills that will serve graduates well as they move on to higher education. In addition to these clubs and activities, the students take part in the Modern Woodman Oratory Contest at the local, regional and state levels. Before and after school Latch Key programs are offered for families that need this service and a homework club exists for students who need extra tutoring after school hours. St. Mary-St. Joseph School is fortunate to have a full time Title 1 teacher on staff. Working collaboratively with the Windham Public Schools, a speech teacher is available when her services are needed. One of the most significant events that takes place every Monday morning is the weekly prayer service, led by the middle school students on a rotating basis. The entire student body assembles in the gymnasium with dimmed lights and soft music to create a prayerful atmosphere. The reading of the mission statement, Scripture reflections, prayers of the faithful and pledge to the Cross and to the American Flag are part of every service. The serious and prayerful manner in which the students approach this spiritual exercise adds to the Catholicity of the school’s atmosphere and sets the tone for the week. St. Mary-St. Joseph School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the State of Connecticut, serving students in the greater Windham area and surrounding towns.


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Four County Catholic August 2011

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Diocese Names New Principal at Sacred Heart School, Groton Rev. Darius Dudzik, Pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Groton, and Dr. John F. Shine, SuperinBy Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

tendent of Schools for the Norwich Diocese, have announced the appointment of Mr. Larry Fitzgerald to succeed Mrs. Soraya V. Betancourt-Calle as Principal of Sacred Heart School, beginning July 2011. Mr. Fitzgerald most recently

chairperson on numerous Visiting Committes for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Mr. Fitzgerald commented, “I am truly honored to be selected for this position. I look forward to working with the great faculty and staff at Sacred Heart School and with the Diocese of Norwich.”

served as principal of Holy Family Catholic School in Fairfield, Connecticut, for eight years. He has served on several committees in the Diocese of Bridgeport including curriculum mapping. He has also served as

FROm ONE gENERATION TO THE NExT.

Changes to Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act During the 2011 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly H. B. No. 6525, An Act Concerning the Continuance of the Majority Leaders’ By John Cattelan Job Growth Director, Connecticut Federation Roundtable, passed of Catholic School Parents the General Assembly and was signed by Governor Malloy. The bill contained changes to the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act and will now allow S. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and sole proprieties to donate to non-profit organization programs and receive a 60% tax credit or a 100% tax credit for donations that assist with energy conservation. This program can be used by our schools to provide scholarships and obtain funds for capital improvements. For more information please visit the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website www.ct.gov/drs or contact John Cattelan at 860-508-3395.

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Monday August 15 at 7:00 pm Stonington Human Services 166 South Broad Street Pawcatuck, CT

Wednesday August 24 at 7:00 pm Griswold Town Hall 28 Main Street Jewett City, CT

Tuesday September 6 at 7:00 pm Groton Public Library 52 Newtown Road Groton, CT

Tuesday September 13 at 7:00 pm Waterford Public Library 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Heaven At Easter we celebrated Jesus rising from being dead. Forty days after he rose, Jesus went up into the clouds and returned to heaven. That left us with lots of questions about heaven: where is heaven? What is heaven like? Why can’t we live in heaven now? There are more than six hundred verses in the Bible that use the word heaven. God created the heavens and plans to create a new heaven and earth in the future. In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the Apostle John described one scene in heaven (that is where God the Father lives). John looked through a door into heaven and saw God sitting on a throne surrounded by a rainbow, angels, and people. He saw flashes of light, and heard singing and thunder. In John 14:2 Jesus told his followers that in His Father’s home there Summer fun often includes travel. You may be riding in boats, planes, buses, cars, or on bicycles or horses, or even walking. Do you know how people traveled in Bible times? are many rooms and he will prepare a place for each of us there. See if you can fill in who traveled these different ways. Peter heard a voice from heaven in a dream (Acts 11) and Paul talked about 1. Rode a donkey who kept turning off the path being in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 2. In a fiery chariot 12:2). Paul also talked about a desire to be in heaven but an understanding that 3. Walked along the beach God wanted him on earth (Philippians 4. Walked on water 1:23). God has great things in store for our eternal future but he also has plans 5. Horse for us on earth. Jeremiah 29:11 states that God has plans to prosper us and 6. Ship traveling away from not to harm us. Pray for God to show where God sent him you his plans for your life. Enjoy the 7. Traveled by wagon with his family earth God made and the people around you. Look up and know that God is 8. Camels watching over you.

by Karen H Whiting

Happiness Happens Monthkeep track of happy things that happen and thank God for those blessings! August 3 Watermelon Day-have a slice and enjoy the fruit. Check out a different kind of fruit in Galataians 5:22. August 15 Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This celebrates that Mary is in heaven. August 22 Be an angel day! Don’t try to fly but do try to tell others the Good News about Jesus (check out Luke 2:8-14) August 30 National Toasted Marshmallow Day! Summer is ending so enjoy another cookout and sit around a fire toasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Read about Jesus having a picnic at the beach in John 21.

Travel in Bible Days

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Four County Catholic August 2011

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29

Four County Catholic August 2011

Two By Two: A Real-Life Noah’s Ark An hour outside of Amsterdam in Dordrecht, Netherlands, a ship is under construction. But this By Mike Krumboltz

ain’t your typical sailboat, bub. Johan Huibers is building a full-

scale replica of Noah’s ark. Yes, that Noah’s ark. And Johan, an expert builder, isn’t skimping on the details. The ship, which he’s been constructing for the past three years, is built to biblical specs. Johan culled informa-

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tion on the ark’s size and shape directly from the good book. In the end, the ship is four stories high and the length of a football field. And yes, it’s seaworthy. The result is an incredibly impressive ship, especially consider-

ing it was realized simply by a man with a dream. Johan dreamt that Holland suffered a great flood. The next morning, he woke up determined to start preparing for that worst-case scenario. As for the craft proper, it’s not

complete yet, but it’s getting close. The master plan is to sail the ship up the Thames in time for the London Olympics next year. Expect to see plenty of lifesize plastic animals aboard (two of each type, of course).

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Four County Catholic August 2011

Pope names Chaput to Succeed Philadelphia Archbishop His Native American Potawatami tribe calls Kansasborn Charles Chaput a name for By Cathy Lynn Grossman USA Today

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“the wind that rustles the trees.” When he served in his first post as a Roman Catholic Bishop, in Rapid City, S.D., the Lakota Sioux nicknamed Chaput “Good Eagle.” As archbishop of Denver since 1997, Chaput quickly made his name as an energetic, conservative voice in the national public square. He is known as a champion on social-justice issues, but he opposes gay marriage and abortion, and he is a scourge of Catholic politicians who don’t hew to their church’s teachings. Now, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will call Chaput their archbishop. And, likely within a few years, he’ll become the first Native American to don the red hat of a

cardinal and be eligible to vote for the next pope. He pledged that no bishop would “try harder to help people who were hurt by the sins of the past.” “Solving the scandal is not the primary reason Benedict sent him here. Chaput doesn’t play defense. He plays offense. He won’t be looking to make enemies, but he’s an outsider looking to shake things up politically,” he says. “He is not the kind of bishop the Democrats want in a swing state like Pennsylvania,” says Thomas Reese, a political scientist and Jesuit priest. During the 2008 presidential election campaign Chaput called then-senator Barack Obama the “most committed ‘abortion-rights’ presidential candidate … since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973.” Chaput’s book, Render Unto Caesar, spells out how Catholic citizens and politicians should stand by church doctrine in public life.

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Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput puts on a Philadelphia Phillies hat after the Vatican named him Cardinal Justin Rigali’s successor as Archbishop of Philadelphia. By Matt Rourke, AP

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Four County Catholic August 2011

U.S. Bishops Voice Solidarity with Bishops of Scandinavia Assault speaks of fragility of life and challenge to overcome evil, Prayers needed for consolation at time of outrage, pain

The Catholic Diocese of Orange has joined the bidding to purchase the bankrupt Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. By Ana Venegas, AP

Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral May Be Reborn as Catholic GARDEN GROVE, Calif. - A Roman Catholic diocese made a $50 million cash offer to buy USA Today

Southern California’s financially struggling Crystal Cathedral, officials report. The Diocese of Orange said its proposal could pull the megachurch, which was founded more than 50 years ago by pioneering televangelist Rev. Robert H. Schuller, out of bankruptcy by the end of the year. The Crystal Cathedral is trying to sell the property and lease back portions of it for use for services to help erase a $36 million mortgage and settle nearly $10 million in unsecured debt. The church has been plagued by financial troubles after a disastrous leadership transition and a devastating slump in donations. The church is also mulling several other offers. A real estate investment firm offered $46 million, as did Chapman University, which is considering building a medical school on the sprawling campus. A Norco-based church, My Father’s House Church International, also made a $50 million offer for the property, which includes the fa-

mous glass-spired church designed by architect Philip Johnson. The diocese, which is looking for a less expensive alternative to building a new cathedral for its 1.2 million parishioners, said its proposal would allow the Crystal Cathedral to lease portions of the property for three years at below market rates. At the end of the lease, the ministry would have to find a new location with the help of the diocese. The bid “respects the legacy Rev. Schuller worked so hard to establish,” Diocese of Orange Bishop Tod D. Brown said in a statement. “Our offer also clearly accommodates future diocesan needs for a cathedral and modern administrative campus.”

WASHINGTON - The U.S. bishops offered prayers and solidarity with the bishops of Scandinavia after the bombings in Oslo and shootings in Utoya. They offered condolences in a July 26 letter from Archbishop Provided by the USCCB Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to Bishop Anders Arborelius, OCD of Stockholm, President of the Scandinavian Episcopal Conference, and Bishop Bernt Ivar Eidsvig of Oslo. “Please accept the deepest condolences of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at this moment of terrible sadness in the beautiful nation of Norway. The assault on government buildings in Oslo and a neighboring youth camp reminds us again of the fragility of life and the challenge to overcome evil in its many forms,” Archbishop Dolan said. “The almost unfathomable tragedy and the deaths of so many innocent people touch the hearts of people all around the world and call us to special prayer for the victims, their families and the people of Norway especially. “We join with the church in Scandinavia in working towards peace in our society. As we see exacerbated social divisions overshadow the fact that we are all brothers and sisters who seek a better world for all, we ask God’s A woman lights candles among flowers and tributes laid guidance and inspiration and gift of outside the Oslo Cathedral in Oslo, Norway in memory of the victims. AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis peace at this troubled time.”

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Four County Catholic August 2011


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