Four County Catholic December 2020 by Diocese of Norwich

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 32 • Number 11 • DECEMBER 2020 •

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

(Isaiah 9:1b)

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

In This Issue “The Church needs courageous and fearsome women who are faith-filled, who continuously make choices to be faithful to God, and put their faith into action. Mary lived her faith. May we do the same.”

Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, a canon lawyer and retired chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, imparting an image of Our Blessed Mother as a strong, fearsome and courageous woman in a workshop entitled Mary, Not So Gentle, during the 10th Annual Women’s Conference.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

PUBLISHER

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

860.887.9294

EDITORIAL OFFICE

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“Father McGivney had the simple, indispensable requirement for a pastor – to love his people. He watched them work, organized activities for them and was with them in their sorrows. He was sanctified by doing what good parish priests still do today, day in and day out.” Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, N.J., principal celebrant and homilist of the Beatification Mass for Blessed Michael McGivney, held Oct. 31 in Hartford.

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“We’re in such a time where you can’t communicate as well and I think sign language really helped everyone with the thought process and to connect emotions to music, which is so important.” Saint Bernard School junior Emma Lemire, who co-directed and taught fellow school choir members how to sign - a unique and inspirational way to share their music

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The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 060115 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINES Deadline for advertising and editorial is the first Monday of the previous month. Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification. Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to editorial@norwichdiocese.net. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper. POSTMASTER - SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Four County Catholic, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613. Four County Catholic Issue 11, December (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613. Periodicals postage paid in Hartford, CT 06101 and at additional mailing offices.

Podemos ayudar

We Can Help To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562 To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407

Para reportar una conducta inapropiada de cualquier tipo por parte de un obispo diocesano, por favor contacte ReportBishopAbuse.org o llame al 1-800-276-1562 Para reportar contacto inapropiado de cualquier tipo por medio de un representante de la Diócesis de Norwich o para asistencia a víctimas, por favor llame a La Línea de Reportaje de la Diócesis de Norwich 1-800-624-7407

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

Si el incidente involucra a un menor (personas menores de 18 años), también debe llamar a Departamento de Niños y Familias de CT 1-800-842-2288 -O-Servicios de Protección de Niños del Estado de NY 1-800-635-1522.

Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services - AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 1-844-878-8923 Incidents involving abuse of

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

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

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

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Christmas Message 2020 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone." My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, These words of the prophet Isaiah, taken from the first reading proclaimed at the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, seem particularly poignant for us this year. As we celebrate Christmas and draw near to the end of this calendar year, I think that many of us feel that this has indeed been a year dominated by darkness and gloom. This year has certainly been a difficult one: from the ongoing pandemic that has changed our lives in so many ways and sadly has taken the lives of family members and friends throughout the world, to the devastation wrought by numerous wildfires, hurricanes and natural disasters, continued racial division, as well as what has been one of the most bitterly contentious election cycles in the history of our nation. Chaos and darkness are all around us. It has become increasingly clear, therefore, that our world needs the light of the Lord Jesus now more than ever. In commemorating His birth at Christmas, it is important we remember that we celebrate something far more profound than simply the Lord’s “birthday.” What we celebrate is the

ultimate triumph of light over darkness. As Saint John writes, referring to the Lord, in the prologue to his account of the Gospel, “…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) While the world was yet still in darkness, a great light broke forth on the first Christmas night: the unchanging truth of God’s abundant love for His people - a love so pure that it took flesh in the person of Jesus, born in the manger at Bethlehem; a love so deep that it enabled the Lord to endure the agony of His passion and death on the cross; a love so powerful that it would destroy even sin and death itself in the glory of His resurrection, affording each of us the opportunity to share in the eternal joy of Heaven. While our gatherings and Christmas celebrations will indeed be different this year, it is vitally important that we remember this central truth: nothing and no one can change the fact that God has sent His Divine Son into the world and that He suffered, died and rose again for our redemption. The same risen Lord Jesus likewise continues to be present through His body, the Church, as the true light which can dispel the darkness and gloom present in our own lives as well as in the world

around us. As individual members of His Church, the Lord is now calling each of us, in the midst of our present challenges and difficulties, to allow His light to shine brightly through the witness of our lives, that, as His instruments, we may bring much needed love, hope, and peace to our families, communities and world, here and now. And so, in this season of light and hope, let us give thanks to God for the tremendous gift He has given to the world in the person of Jesus and spend some time in prayer, asking how He is calling us to reflect and radiate the light of His love to others. May you, your families and loved ones have a truly merry Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s blessings! Sincerely yours in the life of Christ,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

(Isaiah 9:1)

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Mensaje de Navidad 2020 "El pueblo que caminaba en la noche divisó una luz grande; habitaban el oscuro país de la muerte, pero fueron iluminados."

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Estas palabras del profeta Isaías, tomadas de la primera lectura proclamada en la Misa de vigilia de la Solemnidad de la Natividad del Señor, parecen especialmente profundas este año. A medida que celebramos la Navidad y nos acercamos al final de este año, creo que muchos de nosotros sentimos que este ha sido un año dominado por la oscuridad y la tristeza. Ciertamente este año ha sido difícil: desde la pandemia en curso que ha cambiado nuestras vidas de tantas maneras y que lamentablemente ha cobrado la vida de familiares y amigos en todo el mundo, hasta la devastación provocada por numerosos incendios forestales, huracanes y desastres naturales, la continua división racial, así como lo que ha sido uno de los ciclos electorales más amagamente cotritos en la historia de nuestra nación. El caos y la oscuridad nos rodean. Por lo tanto, se ha vuelto cada vez más claro que nuestro mundo necesita ahora más que nunca la luz del Señor Jesús. Al conmemorar Su nacimiento en Navidad, es importante recordar que celebramos algo mucho más profundo que simplemente el "cumpleaños" del Señor. Lo que celebramos es el triunfo definitivo de la luz sobre

las tinieblas. Como escribe San Juan, refiriéndose al Señor, en el prólogo de su relato del Evangelio, "... la luz brilla en las tinieblas, y las tinieblas no la vencieron.” (Juan 1: 5.) Mientras el mundo aún estaba en tinieblas, una gran luz irrumpió en la primera noche de Navidad: la verdad inmutable del abundante amor de Dios por Su pueblo, un amor tan puro que se hizo carne en la persona de Jesús. , nacido en el pesebre de Belén; un amor tan profundo que permitió al Señor soportar la agonía de su pasión y muerte en la cruz; un amor tan poderoso que destruiría incluso el pecado y la muerte misma en la gloria de Su resurrección, brindándonos a cada uno de nosotros la oportunidad de compartir el gozo eterno del Cielo. Si bien nuestras reuniones y celebraciones navideñas este año serán diferentes, es de vital importancia que recordemos esta verdad central: nada ni nadie puede cambiar el hecho de que Dios envió a su Hijo Divino al mundo y que sufrió, murió y resucitó para nuestra redención. El mismo Señor Jesús resucitado continúa igualmente presente a través de Su cuerpo, la Iglesia, como la verdadera luz que puede disipar las tinieblas y la tristeza presentes en nuestras propias vidas, así como en

MONTHLY

Holy Hour for Vocations

(Isaiah 9:1) el mundo que nos rodea. El Señor ahora nos llama a cada uno de nosotros, en medio de nuestros desafíos, como miembros individuales de Su Iglesia, a permitir que Su luz brille con fuerza a través del testimonio de nuestra vida, para que, como Sus instrumentos, podamos aportar mucho amor, esperanza y paz para nuestras familias, comunidades y el mundo, aquí y ahora. Demos gracias a Dios en este tiempo de luz y esperanza, por el tremendo regalo que ha dado al mundo en la persona de Jesús y pasemos un rato en oración, preguntándonos cómo nos está llamando a reflexionar e irradiar el luz de su amor por los demás. ¡Que ustedes, sus familias y seres queridos tengan una Navidad verdaderamente feliz y un Año Nuevo lleno de las bendiciones de Dios! Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour DECEMBER 17TH Most Holy Trinity, Pomfret 6-7pm JANUARY 21ST St. Joseph, Chester, 6pm

God-Calls.com

Vocations Corner

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

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

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

A Seminarian Reflection It’s hard to believe we have celebrated All Saints, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, and now find ourselves at Advent. Recently, three of our seminarians, Eric, Julian and Alex, received Admission to Candidacy. They did so on November 20th at Holy Mass. Each candidate petitions their bishop in writing, expressing their desire to continue their studies for the Holy Priesthood and ultimately priestly ordination. Please continue to pray for all our seminarians. Additionally, I’d like to thank the members of our diocesan family and my brother priests who have supported our seminarians through our Advent gift card program. It is vital that we financially assist them through the academic year. Because of COVID-19, this year’s gift card program is especially appreciated. Each of the men are scheduled to meet with Bishop Cote this Advent and Christmas season and we will also share a Christmas luncheon together with him. Below is Mark Johnson’s reflection. I had the honor of watching Mark as a student at UCONN and was especially impressed with the man he is and the priest he could become. Please let him tell you the rest Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations

Studying philosophy for my first time, prayer and the sacraments second year at Mount St. Mary took high priority in my daily Seminary, I am expected to enter schedule. I had had thoughts about theological studies next year and the priesthood sporadically starting ultimately to be ordained in 2025. from junior year of high school thanks to reading To Save a Thousand Souls Spending my whole life in the and recognizing the Pauline Fathers’ Diocese of Norwich, I grew up great example at my parish, but it was in Tolland and received all of my in the humdrum days of performing sacraments at St. Joseph Church reactions and collecting data for hours in Rockville. I treasured my on end that these thoughts became Catholic faith as a child, joining daily and insuppressible. Ultimately the Children of Mary in third choosing God over my childhood Mr. Mark Johnson grade and the altar servers in 2nd Pre-Theology dream, I graduated from UConn with a fifth. Curious about the sciences, Mount Saint Mary Seminary B.S. in chemistry and a B.S. in physics I aspired to become a chemist in Emmitsburg, MD and turned down five Ph.D. programs sixth grade, working fervently in to attend Mount St. Mary Seminary. my quest to understand how the world works. Although I was initially wary of Ultimately, after falling intellectually into an anti- philosophy, I have come to enjoy it immensely, even religious atheism (though not giving up the bare to the point where I am working on a Master’s thesis practices thanks to my mother), it was with this about the philosophy of quantum physics. Through curiosity about the world and the desire to firmly this philosophical study and the spiritual formation understand it that I began to discover the rationality given to us, I have grown to have a profoundly deeper of God, Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. It was understanding of God and His love for us, especially during the years surrounding Confirmation. From that through the Eucharist and His priests. point, I began to live as a Catholic set on fire with love I am truly blessed to be here and to be able to grow for the Faith. as close to the Lord as I have over the past year of In my last summer before graduating college, I was formation, and I thank all of you for your continued a research intern at UCSB. Living on my own for the prayers and support.

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

Mr. Eric Hosmer 2nd Year Pre-Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

Mr. Julian Cuervo 2nd Year Pre-Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

Bishop Cote Announces New Award to Honor a

Diocesan Woman

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

n recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Diocesan Women’s Conference, Bishop Michael R. Cote announces the Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award to honor a woman in the diocese for her vision and leadership in the Catholic Church. The award is named after Mary, our Mother, who is our role model and in whom we place our trust. It will be distributed each year to a woman of faith in the diocese during the Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference. The winner will be presented with a plaque and a check for $200 payable to the charity or ministry of her choice. The recipient will also have her name inscribed on a plaque to be hung at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich.

Award nominees should display the following attributes: strong faith, commitment to living out Catholic/ Christian values, spiritual leadership at the local or diocesan level, and a spirit of love and service to the Catholic Church. She also has been part of successful initiatives that benefit the church and has moved her parish community forward through her vision. The award winner will be determined by the Women’s Conference Committee. The nomination form, which is available on the diocesan website, must be completed in full by January 22, 2021. Contact the Office of Faith Events with any questions or concerns 860-848-2237, ext. 304 or manicholas@norwichdiocese.net.

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Comfort from Our Lady of Guadalupe

hen I was a high school student at St. Bernard School, I had the good fortune to travel on a school trip to Mexico where we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I remember feeling awestruck as I entered the building, reading the inscription above me, "¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre?" ("Am I not here, I who am your mother?") I will never forget the amazement I felt when I beheld the tilma that Juan Diego unfolded to his bishop in 1531. As the story goes, Our Lady had presented herself to Juan Diego twice, asking him to go to his bishop and request him to build a shrine in her honor. After two rebuffs from the bishop, Juan Diego decided to travel a different route when he went to get a priest for his dying uncle, hoping to avoid meeting Our Lady for the third time. Of course, we all know that Our Lady met Juan Diego on his new path, telling him that he should have faith in her and that his uncle would recover. It was then that she uttered her famous quote above. Relying on his renewed faith in Our Lady, Juan Diego returned to his bishop and unfolded his tilma, which now overflowed with beautiful flowers and was covered with a

breathtaking portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Juan Diego’s uncle was healed, and the shrine was built, and millions of inhabitants of South and Central America became Catholics. In 2002 Juan Diego was canonized, St. Juan Diego. While there are many parts of this story that I love, I believe that it is Our Lady’s simple reassurance, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” that means the most to me. In her simplicity, Mary reminds us, that she loves us as a mother, and that she is always with us. When I think of my mom, I feel immense, unconditional love and I know that there is nothing she would not do to help and support me. As a mother myself, I too know that love, and likewise, would go to any lengths to provide for and protect my children. How wonderful for each of us to know that we have this love coming to us from Our Lady every day, all the time. A couple years ago, I was asked by Sister Mary Jude, director of our Hispanic Ministry, if I would be a lector for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass held in the Cathedral of St. Patrick. It was the most beautiful celebration of Our Lady that I have ever seen. The children were dressed

in their finest, a mariachi band played, and dancers glided down the aisle. The celebration was one of love and so much hope. With so many young people in attendance, I walked away with such excitement for our church’s future. While a celebration of that magnitude will not be taking place at the Cathedral this year, Sister Mary Jude has reported that smaller scale celebrations will take place at some of our parishes. I hope that on December 12, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we all take a moment to say a prayer to Our Lady and thank her for her motherly love and also remind ourselves, that we have nothing to fear, because she is always with us. As the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, “One Faith, One Family” comes to a close, I would ask each of us to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for this year. Even amidst the challenges and stress of this difficult time, we each have been blessed in different ways. It is helpful to take the time to think about our blessings. For those of you who have received monetary blessings and have not yet given to the ACA, please consider contacting the Development Office at (860) 886-1928 or go online to

NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org to make your 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal donation. In doing so, you will help not only our Hispanic Ministry, but all our ministries provide spiritual, physical, economic and emotional help to those in need during this pandemic. Thank you very much.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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or many of us, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas has become a special time for us to reflect on the approaching birth of Christ and to thank God for His many gifts by allowing His love to shine through us to help others. Faith, our most important gift, allows us to know God and each other. While God has given each of us at least one talent, we know through the gift of faith we are brothers and sisters literally and figuratively because all men are made in the image and likeness of God. This gift of faith is evidenced by the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti twinning program that encourages parishes and schools in the United States to twin with parishes and schools in Haiti. These relationships are based on faith and allow us to share gospel values. Faith is reflected in a message recently sent from a priest in one of our twin parishes in Haiti to Outreach chaplain, Father Frank Rouleau. “Good morning Father, how are you? Thanks be to God we are here; life is tough in Haiti. We didn’t feel human while the storm Laura was passing by. Gardens were lost, and many trees were uprooted. The suffering of the people is becoming tougher each day. Next month there can be a lot of political problems. Continue to pray

Wisken Saint Brave in 2019 when he entered Outreach’s food and nutritional program

for the country.” Hope shines in the smiles and hearts of young people in Haiti who are provided scholarships through Outreach’s Education Sponsorship Program. It enables more than 200 young people who cannot afford to go to school the opportunity to attend primary, secondary and postsecondary schools. These young people can now realize their dreams of a better future for themselves, their families and Haiti. The gift of hope is given to the men, women and children who visit our

Wisken Saint Brave today

medical clinic in the Christ the King neighborhood of Port-au-Prince and are served by our healthcare services and food and nutritional supplements program. Wisken Saint Brave was only three years old when he visited our staff at the medical clinic on Nov. 25, 2019. The youngest of seven children, he and his family had just moved to Christ the King from Cap Haitian, a city in northern Haiti. Our pediatrician, Dr. Jacquet, noted when Wisken first visited the clinic he was so malnourished he had the look of a “wizened” adult in a child’s body. He was admitted through our outpatient

therapeutic program, and his very concerned father, who had hope, devotedly followed all treatments to help Wisken gain his health. Today Wisken Saint Brave looks every inch the adorable and healthy child he became when he was discharged from our program April 22. The gifts of love and charity are evident in the services and compassion our Haitian staff show the men, women and children who visit us because they have nowhere else to turn. It is love that keeps our staff in Haiti determined to keep our doors open despite challenges that can, at times, be overwhelming. Charity and love help us not to judge, but to realize, there but for the grace of God go I. We are thankful and deeply appreciative of the many gifts you share with us including your time (praying for our ministry), your talents and your treasure. In the upcoming season of Faith, Hope, Love and Charity, please know your gifts make a difference in the lives of Haitian children and their families. More importantly, by sharing your gifts, you let God’s love shine through you to your brothers and sisters throughout the world, and especially in Haiti.

Visit OUTREACHtoHAITI.org/HELP or Call 860.887.1019 ext. 817

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Susan Wallace

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS

Author, Speaker Addresses Virtual Women’s Conference

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

hroughout the Bible one can find stories of women who considered themselves failures, were disillusioned, suffered physical and emotional wounds, and felt abandoned and broken by the circumstances life had inflicted on them. Even so, their stories have a message for women today, says author and television host Danielle Bean. “God calls each of us to greatness. Despite our failures, our sinfulness and our woundedness, God calls us, sees us and tells us He has a plan for us.” Bean delivered the keynote speech at the 10th Annual Norwich Diocesan Women’s Conference, which focused on what women can learn from

the stories of biblical women. The conference was held in October in a virtual online format.

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In her first presentation, Bean shared stories from the Old Testament about women who were considered outcasts and suffered social stigmas. Despite the labels society imposed on them, God chose them as instruments to fulfill His plans for salvation. Like these biblical women, “God has a message for each of us,” she said. “God uses all of us in His plans for His mission…God doesn’t care about our labels, our failures and our flaws… God will bless us in our vocation to womanhood and honor our dignity as daughters of God.” Bean based much of her conference presentation on material in her two books: You are Enough: What Women of the Bible Teach You about Your Mission and Worth, which focuses on women in the Old Testament; and You’re Worth It! Change How You Feel About Yourself by Discovering How Jesus Feels About You, which focuses on women in the gospel stories. She also hosts The Gist, a show about women’s issues on CatholicTV, and has a successful podcast for Catholic women called Girlfriends. With stories of women in the New Testament as a backdrop, Bean emphasized how Jesus is looking for a real relationship with each of us. “Jesus wants to enter your life in a real way and heal you wherever you

find yourself broken,” she said. “Jesus knows each one of us and loves us right there inside the messiness of our lives.” She encouraged the women to be steadfast in their prayer and to read Sacred Scripture to discover ways that Jesus may be speaking to them through the lives and stories of biblical women. She praised the women for taking the time to nurture their faith lives by attending the conference. “Don’t let the gift you have given yourselves in attending today end here,” she said. “Let it inspire you in your connection with Jesus Christ and with other women who share your faith.” The conference also included two workshops on Mary, the Mother of God. The first was entitled Mary Not So Gentle Woman given by former Diocese of Norwich Chancellor Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP. (See story Workshop Challenges Women to See Mary as Not So Gentle) The second was on Mary As Model of Lectio Divina given by Dr. Lisa Gulino, academic dean of oncampus programs, dean of women, and director of professional development for parish life and Catholic schools at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Lectio Divina is a form of prayer in which one reads a passage from sacred Scripture, prays, meditates and contemplates on it. From this interaction with the Word of God, one would then be moved to take some type of action in which the results of their prayer can bear fruit. Gulino illustrated how Mary modeled this style of prayer in the story of the Annunciation in the Gospel of St. Luke. “Mary models how to pray for us in this passage,” she said. Mary heard the Word of God as spoken through the Angel Gabriel, she pondered or meditated on what this could mean for her, dialogued with the Angel about it, listened for a response, responded to God’s request through her Magnificat and acted on the Word by bearing the Son of God.

New Diocesan Book Club Encourages Catholic Discussion By Andrea Hoisl

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860-774-3284

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usually do and it’s been really nice to make connections with people in the Diocese, especially during this time of COVID,” Fran Ciotto, from St. John Church, Cromwell, said. “To be able to discuss our faith- with the book as a base for our discussion has been really fun.” The first session of the Diocesan Book Club will end December 2nd and the next will begin with a new book on Epiphany, January 6, through February 10. To register for the winter book club, please contact the Office of Faith Events at faithevents@norwichdiocese. net or call 860-848-2237, ext. 304.

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

the Catholic Church that the reader new Diocesan book club needs to pause to digest it all. It is is helping readers connect also important to note that the writer with one another and delve is a sports enthusiast because the deeper into the foundations description that surrounds the ‘pick of their Catholic faith. up’ basketball games between the two The Office of Faith Events Diocesan main characters is very extensive! Book Club began in late September The reader is continuously pulled into with the reading of The Father’s Son the lives of the characters and their by Jim Sano. It tells the story of a evolving relationships while being culturally successful sales executive, immersed in Catholic traditions. who by most standards ‘has it all,’ and Sano creatively poses subtle questions his unlikely friendship with a Boston about living one’s faith in a world Irish-Catholic priest. The Boston where it is a countercultural concept. setting uses local references and The difficulty we all face weaving our landmarks that are familiar to most faith and religion into our physical New Englanders. lives is highlighted throughout this The story chronicles the life of David, piece of Catholic fiction. It is easy a 30-something sales executive, who to read and immediately draws has major trust and intimacy issues, the reader into the life of the main which directly affect his ability to have character. long-term, meaningful relationships. The members of the book club are As the story unfolds, David and a local from parishes across the Diocese, who priest cross paths and a friendship come together once a week virtually slowly blossoms. Their common bond to share their love of reading. Many is the game of basketball as well as a lively discussions about the main competitive spirit. The book is a story of friendship, emotional connection Reading and discussing the novel The Father’s character, David, and the people God has placed in his life, have resulted and the importance of confronting Son by Jim Sano has helped participants in from the book discussions. your past so that you can live a healthy the Diocesan Book Club delve deeper into the present. teachings and practices of their Catholic faith. Coming together in this forum gives participants the opportunity to pray, The author weaves discussions and share and laugh together. debates over science and religion, book offers so much information philosophy and fundamental principles about the teachings and practices of “I joined because I was interested in of the Catholic faith. At times, the reading Christian fiction, which I don’t

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

‘Tis the Season to be Grateful

By Laura Malone

he act of reaching out and asking for a helping hand is difficult for many people to do. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich is here to help those who are in crisis and need assistance. The only way we are able to keep helping others is because of our supporters. We would not be in the position to help our neighbors if it were not for those contributors and grantors who have blessed us with many different forms of contributions. We have been given diapers, wipes, baby items, food, toiletries, monetary gifts and donations honoring loved ones who have passed, treasure boxes, toys for children at Christmas and much more. Catholic Charities would like to express how humbled and grateful the agency is for the response from our parishes, friends, families and grantors when we have asked for help. Your generous replies to our requests enable us to help others on your behalf. We would like to let you know that every donation, no

matter the size, is treasured and appreciated by not only our agency but by the clients themselves. The following is just one of the stories of how your donations are truly making a difference in the lives of others: A gentleman who recently became homeless due to a tropical storm received aid through our Intensive Case Management / Emergency Basic Needs Program and was ever so grateful for the help Catholic Charities was able to provide. Because of your donations, we were able to give him a grocery store gift card as well as pharmacy/prescription payment assistance, which was a very critical need for him. Our client also received help with referrals, which aided him with his homeless situation. The client was so touched he wrote a sincere thank you note saying, “Thanks twice for your help today! God bless in Christ & stay well,” and cited Matthew 25:35: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I

was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me. This is just one of many notes from our clients that Catholic Charities was able to assist, because of your support. On behalf of the staff and the clients we serve, Catholic Charities would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all who have supported our mission throughout the year. We ask that you please keep Catholic Charities in your prayers so we may be able to continue to help those least among us in their time of need. If you wish to make a donation or would like to know how you can help us Provide Help & Create Hope, visit ccfsn.org or call 860-889-8346. Make sure to follow us on social media for news, updates, tips and more! Facebook: @CatholicCharitiesNorwichCt; Instagram: @CatholicCharitiesNorwich and Twitter: @Cc_Norwich

"God grant you the light of Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ." –Wilda English

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Workshop Challenges Women to See Mary as Not So Gentle

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

hen Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, hears Mary, the Mother of Jesus, referred to in a wellknown church song as a gentle woman, quiet light, or peaceful dove, she cringes. She prefers the image she has instead of Mary as a strong, fearsome and courageous woman who dealt with the events of her life with Jesus with determination and loyalty. In a workshop entitled Mary, Not So Gentle during the 10th Annual Women’s Conference held virtually, Sr. Elissa shared her insights and perspectives on Mary. By focusing on some of the major New Testament stories about Mary – the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Mary at the foot of the Cross, one can see that, said Sr. Elissa, “Mary needed to be more than gentle and quiet to deal with the events that happened to her.”

At the Annunciation, Mary jumped wholeheartedly into her life with God by saying ‘Yes’ when asked to bear His son. “Her response required faith, courage and freedom. She had to be free to say no in order to say yes, otherwise there was no value in what she did. Mary gentle? Maybe. Mary courageous, Mary strong, Mary faithfilled,” emphasized Sr Elissa, a canon lawyer and retired chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich. She encouraged her audience to appreciate the strength, courage and fidelity Mary needed when, while nine months pregnant, she endured the grueling trip to Bethlehem and faced the painful birth of Jesus most likely alone. Calling Mary an exquisite human being, Sr. Elissa told the women, “When you find yourself in difficult circumstances and alone, Mary has been there before you and

she understands what you are going through.” When Jesus was presented in the temple as a baby, Simeon, a temple elder, prophesied that, while Jesus would be the instrument of salvation for all people, a sword would pierce Mary’s soul. “What kind of fear would that arouse in Mary’s heart?” asked Sr. Elissa. Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus’ mission would entail, she noted, still, “Mary was willing to live with the mystery… and walk into the darkness, trusting in God. What qualities would she need to do that: fidelity, dedication and a willingness to live with insecurity?” At the cross, Mary must have experienced incredible fear, heartache, and desolation, said Sr. Elissa, yet she remained then, as she did throughout her life, courageous, strong and fiercely

loyal to God. As women of faith, Sr. Elissa urged conference participants to model Mary’s attributes. “The Church needs courageous and fearsome women who are faith-filled, who continuously make choices to be faithful to God, and put their faith into action. Mary lived her faith. May we do the same.” Sr Elissa will give a virtual workshop on Julian of Norwich on January 12, 2021, from 6:30 – 8 P.M. Julian was a 14th century hermit, mystic and spiritual guide best remembered for her simple rule of life: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, all manner of things shall be well.” To register and receive a link for the workshop, contact Marianne at manicholas@ norwichdiocese.net or call her at 860848-2237, Ext 304.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day.Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet,the words repeat. Of peace on earth, good-will to men. Would you like to help struggling families this Christmas?

Give a brighter Christmas to Children in need!

Catholic Charities is seeking donations of new and unwrapped toys and gift cards for children, as well as non-perishable food for Christmas dinner. Please Call: 860.889.8346 x263 for more information. Thank you!

‘Blessed’ Father McGivney Moves Closer to Sainthood

n attaining the title of Blessed, Father Michael J. McGivney is one step closer to becoming a Saint. He is held up for his “heroic level of virtue,” which he displayed as an exemplary parish priest in the Archdiocese of Hartford and as the founder of the Knights of Columbus. During the historic Mass and Beatification event Oct. 31 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, N.J., served as representative of Pope Francis. As the principal celebrant of the Mass, he delivered the homily. “Father McGivney had the simple, indispensable requirement for a pastor – to love his people,” Cardinal Tobin said. “He watched them work, organized activities for them and was with them in their sorrows. He was sanctified by doing what good parish priests still do today, day in and day out.”

Beatified October 31, 2020

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Article by FCC News Desk

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Cardinal Tobin called McGivney’s founding of the Knights of Columbus his signature accomplishment. Today, the Knights of Columbus has more than 2 million members worldwide, he noted, and continues to do charitable work. During the solemn rite, Tobin read in Latin the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, supreme chaplain of the Knights, read an English translation: “We, by our Apostolic Authority, decree that Venerable Servant of God Michael McGivney, Diocesan Priest, Founder of the Knights of Columbus, whose zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters, made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance, henceforth be given the title of Blessed and that his liturgical memorial be kept each year on 13 August.” A large tapestry image in the sanctuary of the newly beatified Father McGivney was unveiled to the sounds of applause from the congregation and singing by the Cathedral Schola Cantorum. In a touching moment, five-year-old Michael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle, the child who was saved through the miraculous intercession of Father McGivney through an in utero miracle approved by the Vatican, carried a relic of the priest to the sanctuary where it was incensed. His parents, Daniel and Michelle Schachle, of Dickson, Tennessee, and several of his siblings joined him. Father McGivney was born in Waterbury in 1852 and became parochial vicar at St. Mary Church in New Haven until 1884. While there, he founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 in the basement of the church with a small group of parishioners, with the intention of strengthening the Catholic men and their families while providing financial protection

Photos by Aaron Joseph

when they suffered the death of a breadwinner. In 1884, he became the pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, where he resided until his death in 1890 during a pandemic. His remains are interred in a sarcophagus in St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. The canonization cause for Father McGivney was opened in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1997. Canonization will require the confirmation of another miracle by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Diocese of Norwich Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294 MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D

November 3, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Understanding that a more extensive review of Diocesan records would further elucidate this initial work, in April of 2019, I met with retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge Michael E. Riley, a member of the Internal Investigations and Alternative Dispute Resolution practice at the law firm of Pullman & Comley. Following this meeting, I invited Judge Riley to lead a Clerical Sexual Abuse Accountability Investigation for the Diocese of Norwich. Since last October, Judge Riley has been overseeing a comprehensive analysis and review of claims of clerical sexual abuse of minors, the Dioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of such abuse, and its response to allegations it received. As part of his investigation, Judge Riley has been given complete and unrestricted access to all Diocesan files, records, and archives dating back to the establishment of the Diocese in 1953, along with the opportunity to interview Diocesan clergy and administrators with information relevant to the investigation. Judge Riley has been assisted by a team of attorneys and paralegals who have extensive experience in this area, including retired Connecticut Superior Court Judge Robert L. Holzberg, who served as counsel and lead investigator for a similar accountability investigation conducted for the Diocese of Bridgeport. Anyone who has information that can assist in this investigation can make a report by calling toll-free: 844-311-2111 (English); 800-216-1288 (Spanish), or by visiting: www.lighthouse-services.com/norwichdiocese. The hotlines and website are operated by a provider of secure hotlines for organizations conducting investigations. All communications with Judge Riley and his team will be confidential. Results of the investigation will be presented in a public report that will address sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Diocese of Norwich, along with the response of Church leadership to that abuse and any relevant recommendations resulting from the review. It is in a spirit of accountability and transparency that I invited and welcomed Judge Riley and the team from Pullman & Comley. I look forward to their report and I believe that their investigation will help to clarify the thorough work undertaken last year in compiling and publishing the list of clergy with substantive allegations involving sexual abuse of a minor. As we continue our longstanding commitment to protecting our children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, we place our faith in the Lord Jesus who strengthens us with the help of His grace, that by these efforts, we might bring much-needed light to this dark chapter in the life of the Church. It likewise continues to be my fervent prayer that this process will bring some further measure of healing and peace both to victims and their families, as well as to all the faithful of our Diocese.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

One year ago, as part of our ongoing commitment to protect our children and young people, the Diocese of Norwich published a list of clergy who have had substantive allegations made against them regarding sexual abuse of a minor. The list, presented in February of 2019, was the result of a review of all clergy files by an independent team of volunteer lay people with law enforcement and canonical expertise. I am grateful that they so willingly gave of their time in undertaking this very important task.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Bishop of Norwich

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

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

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

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-Confidence.

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

St. John School, Old Saybrook

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

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

St. Joseph School, Baltic

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Dear Friends, December is a very special month for all of us. It is certainly about Christmas, but for all of us it is also about Advent. Advent is the time to remember and prepare for the real meaning of Christmas and the coming of Jesus into the world. This is an important educational opportunity for our schools. We all know that our schools are excellent academically, but we realize that they also exist for the purpose of spreading the Word of the Lord. In our very secular world, our teachers can talk to our students about our faith and how it relates to Advent and Christmas. Also, during these difficult times of the pandemic we can certainly be thankful for the coming of Our Lord and the gift of faith. It is through faith and prayer that we can succeed in difficult times. This is the message we instill in our students. It is wonderful to be able to speak of faith and Our Lord in our schools. Advent is a very important time in our schools. Each year it seems that the Christmas season becomes more commercialized and secularized. Once again, we have the opportunity to be the counterculture for the true meaning of Christmas. During Advent, our students can prepare for and remember the birthday of Our Lord. It is with great pride that I know I would be able to walk into any of our classrooms and see that our students truly understand the faith importance of Advent and Christmas. This is the true value of Catholic education and Catholic schools. I cannot think of another time when Catholic education has been more important for our youth.

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

My prayers are with you during this special time and we must share the opportunity to spread the Word of the Lord both in our schools and at home. I wish you a very merry and faith filled Christmas season.

Xavier High School, Middletown

George A. Milot Superintendent of Schools

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

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

SBS Concert Choir Learns Sign Language to Make Music By Kim Hodges Something” by A Great Big World, but no choirs. This piece was a good fit musically for the SBS Concert Choir. The words had a logical progression and expressed what many of us are feeling now - a sense of loss. Fortunately, junior Emma Lemire is efluent in ASL. When Emma was in elementary school, she became friends with someone who was hearing impaired. The desire to communicate with her friend led her to learn sign language. Emma has been signing since the fifth grade. She has taught a class at the American School for the Deaf, signs at church next to choirs, and has been involved with various other projects. Emma was a natural fit to co-direct the Concert Choir and teach members how to sign. Students paired up to learn the piece and received encouragement from Ms. Tortora on how best to connect with their emotions. She explained that typically, when signing, one’s facial features help convey the message. However, students’ faces were masked. This required them to be in touch with the emotion of the piece and make larger hand movements to convey that feeling. As Emma said, “We’re in such a time where you can’t communicate as well and I think sign language really helped everyone with the thought process and to connect emotions to music, which is so important.” When Head of School Don Macrino saw the student’s practice, he knew that this was something special and wanted to share it with the greater community.

View the Video of the Choir’s Performance and the FOX61 report at NorwichDiocese.org

He contacted Ralph Belfiglio, P ’18, ’21 owner of Astor Place Productions to come to SBS and film the choir. At first Ralph was a little unsure, but once he saw the students perform the piece grabbed him and he had to make the video. According to Ms. Tortora, participating in this project strengthened the students’ musicianship, expressivity, bond and confidence. “Watching these

Saints is a gift that I don’t take lightly,” she said, “And it is a blessing to be part of the Saint Bernard community.” Since the original video was made and sent out to the Saints community, The Day newspaper and Jim Altman from Fox 61 have reported on the piece. In addition to the other pieces the students are working on, they are in the process of selecting a new song to sign in the future.

From the Saint Bernard Family to Your Family…

May your Christmas be Blessed and your New Year filled with Peace and Joy.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

t a time when music educators, choirs, bands and ensembles have struggled to express their musicianship, Saint Bernard School’s Concert Choir has found a rather unique and inspirational way to share their music, through American Sign Language (ASL). Using ASL, the concert choir was able to capture the emotions so many of us are feeling and create community in the time of COVID. Ms. Anne Halloran Tortora, teacher and Director of Music realized that classes could not be the same as in the past and began looking for ways to continue the musical tradition for which Saint Bernard School is known. “Music educators around the world struggled with what we were going to face when we returned in the fall,” she said. “We were looking for ways to continue to build on the musicianship but keep everybody safe. Current CDC guidelines require band students to sit 12 feet apart and choral students six feet apart. However, music is a community endeavor, each voice and instrument is intrinsically entwined and dependent upon each other to produce quality sound.” As Ms. Tortora researched how to help the choir express themselves musically, she began to think about incorporating sign language into the program. In the past, she had used simple sign language with younger students teaching them the signs for “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Building on this idea, she saw individuals signing to the song “Say

Saint Bernard School • Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-NL Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382

By Marie Kalita

Mercy Students Earn AP Scholar Awards

ixty students at Mercy High School earned Advanced Placement Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP exams for the 2019-20 school year.

Fifteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams.

Twenty-four students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP exams with scores of 3 or higher.

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP exams.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Holly Lewis ‘20, daughter of French and Suzanne Lewis of Middletown, earned the National AP Scholar Distinction by receiving an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of her exams.

Eight students earned the AP Capstone Diploma recognition. This is awarded to any student who earns scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP exams of their choosing. Twelve students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

AP Scholar

Through different college-level courses and exams, AP provides students the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admission process. In the 2019-20 school year Mercy High School taught 20 of those courses. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. Mercy High School administered 275 AP exams in 18 subject areas to 138 of students. 80.4% of those who took exams received a passing grade of 3, 4 or 5 on one or more exams. Research shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher college graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

AP Scholar with Honor

AP Scholar with Distinction

Eleni Anzenberger Isabella Bartolomei Jordyn Belcourt Patricia Bigos Alexa Boone Carissa Civitello Anna Bonaiuto Delaney Boone Ashley DesRoberts Andrea Elmeer Ashley DeLuca Jacqueline Egidio Angelica French Kayla Fordyce Gabrielle Grant Sarah Godbout Kylie Fordyce Amanda Greco Michelle Grelotti Lily Herron Grace Higgins Nannan Gu Giuliana Judge Emma Kief Isabel Kessler Kaila Lujambio Holly Lewis Karena Kulakowski Julia Morgan Feiyang Li Gabriela Maguder-Castro mma Pfau Amanda Pernerewski Grace Novack Julia Santostefano Kennedy Truscinski Shreya Oberai Alison Tuttle Elisia Pagliuca Yuhan Yang AP Capstone Diploma Kate Pillion Tessa Zajack Jordyn Belcourt Vivian Qiu Carissa Civitello Dilawaiz Rao Ashley DesRoberts National AP Scholar Jacqueline Egidio Kayla Richardson Sarah Ritter Holly Lewis Gabrielle Grant Anastasia Rosenthal Emma Kief Alexa Scalise Holly Lewis Lily Zeffiro Emma Pfau Yanrong Zhou Katie Zimmer

Mercy Students Earn AP Scholar Awards Continued An Education You Can Believe In.

St. Joseph School New London, CT

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

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community. Embracing Service. Living Faith.

Registration is ongoing, please call for information

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

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

SAINT BERNARD SCHOOL

Virtual Open House

We invite you to join us at our VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, December 5th where you can learn about our academic programs, athletics, campus life and much more.

PLACEMENT TEST dates and more VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE dates will be announced in the spring.

Or book a private in-person tour any time of the year!

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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By Maria Kalita

Mercy Math Club Seeks to Extend First Place Streak

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ercy High School continues its unblemished track record with a string of three firstplace finishes in the competitive Middlesex County Math League, which includes teams representing 11 high schools from throughout the county. Mercy has been the only all-girls team to participate in the Middlesex County Math League since they began participating a few years ago. Mercy entered the league just four years ago, in the fall of 2016. In that premiere year, the students earned second place in the large high school division in the league. In only their second year, the 2017-18 academic year, they earned first place. That finish was replicated a year later, and then again last year. The results have been impressive, consistent and increasingly gaining statewide notice.

During their run of outstanding scholarship, the students have been honored by the Middletown Town Council, which approved a resolution stating that the math team “has indisputably proven that girls do, indeed, embrace their inner mathematician as evidenced by this stellar team performance as well as exceptional individual performances.” This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the competition will be conducted differently, but the participating students still hope to excel as they begin their fifth season. Competitions have been held remotely, with the first varsity math team meet held Oct. 8. Mercy mathletes finished the meet in first place, beating second place Xavier High School by just three points. Official participants were Anna Gu of Middletown, Helen Yang of Cromwell, Tina Yan of Old Lyme, Alexia Fenteany

from Old Saybrook and Samantha Magro of Marlborough. The League also keeps track of highest scoring senior, junior and underclassman. Anna Gu is the current highest league scorer for seniors and Alexia Fenteany is the current highest league scoring junior. Unofficial participants were Calle Dennis of Colchester, Lucy Zajack and Yuca Tang both from Middletown. The Mercy chapter of Mu Alpha Theta is an affiliated chapter of the National High School & Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society. Every member of the society is active in the Mercy Math Club, which is open to students in grades 9-12. As part of honor society membership, the girls provide peer tutoring and commit to enrolling in a mathematics course each of their four years at Mercy. “I have always been passionate about math and what I like about tutoring

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their love of mathematics through everything from games to national competitions. The Mercy Math Team is moderated by Mrs. Maureen Wellman, a Mercy alumna and retired Mercy Math teacher and department chair. Mrs. Janette Dziatko, also a Mercy alumna and current Math Department chairperson, is co-moderating the Math Team and moderates the Math Club and the Math Honor Society. The student officers this year for Mu Alpha Theta Math NHS are President Yuhan ‘Helen’ Yang of Cromwell; VP Tutoring Wenhui ‘Tina’ Yan of Old Lyme; VP Community Outreach Kaila Lujambio of Wallingford; and Secretary/Treasurer Angelica French of Clinton. “I am and always have been proud of how hard these ladies work and how seriously they take the challenge. And it’s a huge challenge - these questions are more difficult then they see in their math classes,” Wellman said.

“I find math to be as beautiful to me as someone else would see beauty in a work by Chopin or a painting by Renoir. It’s pure, it makes sense, it can be whimsical, it can be invigorating and fun. It’s my second language. And to so many young ladies who

have joined the team over the years, it’s their second language also.” Photos: Math Team practice, 20192020 school year Math National Honor Society, fall 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

is that it provides me an opportunity to apply my knowledge to help other people, which makes me feel happy and rewarding,” said student Tina Yan, ’21. In addition, the students are collecting gift cards, personal care toiletries and personal care dental items for farm workers and their families living in Connecticut. The Connecticut River Valley Farmworker Health Program provides basic healthcare services to these families, most of whom live below the federal poverty level. “With COVID-19, their situation got worse; nevertheless, farmworkers never stopped and have continued working to provide food to all Americans and that is why the Math Honor Society has invited the Mercy community to participate in this campaign,” said student Kaila Lujambio, ‘21. The Mercy Math Club is an opportunity for the students to enjoy

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Partners in Mission:

Understanding the Xaverian Way and make it relevant to the current generation of Xaverian-educated students,” said XBSS Formation Director Ben Horgan, who led the project. “The previous language from the ‘Mission, Vision, Values’ document had not been updated since its creation in 1998.”

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

So 22 years later there is a new document, reflecting changing times. “Each of our 13 network schools are incredibly unique,” Horgan said. “They serve a unique population and have a unique relationship with the Xaverian Brothers. This document honors those unique qualities but highlights what brings us together.

By Jeff Otterbein

Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X.

t was more than a year in the making, and more than 100 people were involved in one way or another. These things take time, and now the 13 Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools have a new document, “Partners In Mission: Understanding The Xaverian Way.”

“It was clear that our Xaverian schools were looking for a common language for our network to use 26 to describe our Xaverian identity

“As students, staff, and administrators of Xaverian schools navigate the challenging waters we find ourselves in today, we hope that this document is a source of both confidence and challenge. It should affirm each of our schools in how they live our mission, while inspiring growth to adapt to the needs of our changing world. For example, there is an intentional focus on peace, justice, diversity, and inclusion in this document. This is an important issue the Xaverian Brothers champion today in their ministry and certainly meets the needs of the Church Pope Francis is calling us to be.” Inclusion is a central theme, and it goes well beyond the people who played a role in developing the document. It continues with the Xaverian Brothers’ belief that all members of the Xaverian schools (board directors, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and benefactors) are partners in their shared mission of a Catholic education.

Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X., represented Xavier, Middletown.

“periphery: being Christ’s eyes, ears and hands in our world today.”

“The new document better reflects the social, spiritual and religious realities of our time,” Brother Philip said. “The vocabulary is contemporary, and it recognizes the greater diversity of our school populations. It includes very explicit references to the spiritual vision of Theodore James Ryken, in a way that perhaps the original documents did not. It reflects much more the spirituality of the fundamental principles of the Xaverian Brothers.”

Another call is “to build diverse and inclusive communities that encourage enduring personal relationships through an understanding of culture and perspectives.” Our 13 schools are challenged “to teach and promote respectful dialogue to bridge divides between cultures, nations, religious beliefs and traditions.”

While the number of brothers teaching in XBSS schools may be fewer, the passion for the mission remains. “It recognizes the fact that there are very few brothers in the schools and that the charism of the congregation in its educational mission is entrusted to our lay collaborators, teachers and staff,” Brother Philip said. Part of the document contains various “Calls of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools.” One is to “recognize our Christian responsibility to work for justice and peace by responding to the needs of others. “ The challenge for XBSS schools is to reach those on the

In 2016, the Xaverian Brothers did a study of the Sponsorship Office to better understand the needs of the schools, Horgan said. An updated document became one of Horgan’s biggest priorities when he was hired in 2018. From January 2019 until the spring of this year, the document was refined. There is a lot to it, a lot to think about, a lot to act on. Horgan was asked what overarching message he’d like people to take from this. “We are all partners in mission,” he said. “The future of Xaverian education flourishes when each of us take responsibility for perpetuating the rich legacy given to us by the Xaverian Brothers and our Catholic faith.”

PRAYER INTENTION We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer - Pope Francis

New Banners Adorn Xavier’s Dining Hall

he Xaverian values of humility, trust, compassion, simplicity and zeal are on display as part of a new set of banners that hang in Xavier High School’s dining hall. The new banners, with words written in white on a black background, replace older blue felt banners. Also shown on the new banners, unlike the previous ones, are the stainedglass windows that are such a part of Xaverian history. “The windows were originally in the Xaverian house of formation (novitiate) in Torhout, Belgium,” said Brother Philip Revell, who helped lead the project to replace the old banners that will now hang in a stairwell heading to the second floor.

“When the house closed, they were taken out and put in storage. When the Brothers rebuilt the community chapel at the house/school in Bruges, the windows were used to make a wall of windows on one side of the chapel where they would get natural light from the courtyard.” Details of each window are underneath the pictures of them next to the statue of St. Joseph outside the dining hall. They are all connected with the story of the early years of the congregation. Stained glass windows in churches and chapels have a long history. Early on, they served as a way to teach people who did not have access to Bible stories in written form or could not read. They told a story, just as the stained-glass windows of the Xaverian Brothers do.

Before pouring out His love for us on the cross, Jesus shares His final wishes. He tells us that the good we do to one of our least brothers and sisters – hungry, thirsty, strangers, in need, sick, imprisoned – we do to Him (Mt 25:37-40)

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Jeff Otterbein

Christmas is a Time for Giving in Our Schools By Gina Foster

hristmas has always been my favorite holiday. In Catholic elementary and high school, we decorated our classrooms, prepared for our Christmas pageant, and made Christmas cards for veterans and our elderly community. There was an air of love and joy among the students and teachers, which we still see today in the Catholic elementary schools within the Diocese.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Despite the pandemic, we take comfort in trusting God. Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something. Let us continue to have trust, optimism and gratitude as “One Faith, One Family.” I am sure many of our students will be excited to share their letters to Santa with their friends, sing Christmas carols, and decorate their homes and classrooms, but more importantly organize and participate in charitable events and food drives. The need for food and essentials has significantly increased this year for many people

in the diocese due to the pandemic. Saint Joseph School, Baltic will be holding a food drive for Haiti, collecting non-perishable food items. Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich organizes a food drive for St. Vincent de Paul Place as well as a hats and mittens collection for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Saint James School, Danielson held a sock collection for the St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry. In addition, each classroom brought in canned goods for the annual Thanksgiving food drive, which assisted the food pantry in providing 400 boxes of food for families in town. Sacred Heart School, Groton coordinated a Box of Joy program. This program was sponsored by Cross Catholic Outreach, and previously reached 75,797 children in seven countries including Guatemala and Haiti. The students bring in items for children ages 2-14. They have both a material and spiritual impact on children in developing countries,

Saint Joseph School, New London continued its annual food drive for the Gemma Moran Food Pantry at Thanksgiving. The school held a toy drive for foster children coordinating with the Department of Children and Families, in addition to a sock collection for St. Vincent de Paul in Norwich. Our Catholic elementary school students recognize that giving is so important, especially because the need for support has dramatically increased. It is imperative now more than ever to do what we all can to help people in our community and around the world.

Let us follow the example of our students and give what we can to the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, “One Faith, One Family.” To make a contribution to the ACA, please go online to www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or contact Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at 860-886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Merry Christmas and God bless you.

Your generous donations to the Annual Catholic Appeal allow our diocese to help those in need by supporting our many ministries which provide physical, spiritual, emotional and financial help to those dealing with daily challenges and the added burdens imposed by the pandemic.

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

Confirmation Imagine yourself in the middle of an ongoing war, the two sides battling back and forth to put themselves in a place of command over the other side. However, there is never a clear victor in the midst of the fighting. The war goes on and on without either side gaining dominance over the other. Now, imagine that this war has been going on for close to 100 years. That means, not only your parents, but even your grandparents and probably your great-grandparents lived through the very same war that you are living through today. Then, apparently out of nowhere, you hear that the most unlikely of heroes, a teenage girl, has stepped up, and led a brief campaign to bring the war to a decisive end. Perhaps such a scenario is hard to imagine but this is the true story of Saint Joan of Arc. Regarding this incredible event, Mark Twain comments, “In seven weeks, [the war] was finished. In seven weeks [Joan of Arc] hopelessly crippled that gigantic war that was 91 years old” (Joan of Arc, Twain). Through her efforts, she became one of the great heroes of France. But for us, she also exemplifies what our next sacrament is all about. In Baptism, the “gateway sacrament” into the life of grace, the doors to salvation were opened before us and we became a member of the Family of God. And, while the significance of Baptism cannot be emphasized enough, still, it is only the first of the sacraments that our Lord gives to us. In the other sacraments, He continues to summon us into deeper relationship with Him, challenging us to reach greater heights and to be holy as God is holy.

After Baptism, the Church lists Confirmation as the next sacrament in order. Confirmation has been called the sacrament that gives us “the completion of baptismal grace” (Roman Ritual, Rite of Confirmation, Introduction 1). And one of the main themes which runs throughout the Church’s explanation of Confirmation is that of being a witness. Receiving Confirmation, in the mind of the Church, makes the recipient a public witness to Christ Jesus. Now, becoming a public witness may not sound like a big deal. But for the mind of the Church, the notion of witness is used to call to mind the image of Joan of Arc…the image of a warrior. Only, in the case of Confirmation, we don’t enlist as soldiers for the U.S. military, but rather as spiritual warriors for our Lord and His Church. If we think of Baptism bringing us into the fold of the Church, it is through Confirmation that we are given the duty of being sent out as official ambassadors, official witnesses, for our Lord and His Church. In the first centuries of Christianity, before it was legal to be Christian, the notion of being a witness for Christ was most perfectly exemplified in the lives of the martyrs, those who gave up their lives for Christ. Today the Church emphasizes that this role of being a witness to Christ summons us “to spread and defend the faith by word and action” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1303). The article for next month will focus on the Rite of Confirmation. Specifically, we’ll look at how the form and the matter deepen our understanding of this Sacrament.

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Father Michael Bovino

Class is in session... 29

Fai th Sparks

Christmas Commercialism Clouds Advent's Patient Waiting

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Liza Roach

dvent dawns upon us and once again we begin our journey of patient waiting for the arrival of Christmas – which can be a special challenge and struggle for children and young people, but also for adults. The culture decorates for Christmas even before Halloween is over. The Hallmark Channel began showing Christmas movies with its countdown to Christmas on October 24. Holiday displays and advertisements for toys began circulating at the same time, and the Amazon toy catalog came in my mailbox in mid-October! This year, Santa is showing up in our homes for virtual visits the day after Thanksgiving. With all this rush to commercialize the season, I often get the question, “How do we get across to our children that the real reason for the Christmas season is the birth of Jesus?”

Let me introduce you to one of my alltime favorite Christmas tales, Santa’s Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki. In this sweet picture book, children will discover the true meaning of Christmas as Santa Claus retells the story of the first Christmas. When Santa Claus tells the forest animals that he is not looking forward to delivering all those heavy packages, they are worried that there won’t be a Christmas anymore. To help everyone understand that Christmas would still come even if he didn’t deliver presents, Santa tells the story of the first Christmas, and they all learn a good lesson about the true meaning of Christmas. If you would like to order this book for your family you can purchase it at your favorite bookstore for under $9. Or if you prefer, you can find a video of someone reading the book on YouTube. A link is included in

the online version of this story which can be found at NorwichDiocese.org/ FaithSparks. All this early holiday saturation, in addition to the stress and worry about the pandemic, can affect all of us. Perhaps this year, more than any before, we need to take this Advent season to dive deeper in prayer, receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, and slow down to reflect on the meaning behind this special liturgical season. For us to appreciate Christmas, we need to take time to prepare and journey through Advent before we can celebrate the gift of the newborn Christ. To support you in doing this, the Office of Faith Events is offering a virtual Diocesan Advent Mission. It will take place the first three Thursdays in December at 7 P.M. and focus on three of the themes of Advent: Patience, Love and Peace.

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

On December 3 we will look at patient waiting; December 10, will focus on ways love is coming into our lives and our world, and on December 17 we will consider the various aspects of peace in our lives, homes, hearts and world. Each evening we will watch a reflective video related to the evening’s theme, have discussions, and contemplate what God calls us to do in preparation for the birth of His son within the context of our lived realities. There is no cost to participate in the Advent Mission, but registration is required. You can do so by emailing Marianne Nicholas at manicholas@ norwichdiocese.net or calling her at 860-848-2237, 304. We hope you will join us for this spiritually enriching mission experience without ever having to leave the comfort of your homes.

at The Cathedral of St. Patrick Streaming live on WCTY.com Tune in early for Christmas Carols Airing on WICH 1310AM and WCTY 97.7FM

Christmas Mass Times at the

Cathedral of St. Patrick

Christmas Eve

4pm, 6pm Vigil Mass Midnight Mass

Christmas Music begins at 11:30PM

Christmas Day

7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 5pm * Capacity is limited to 100 people per Mass Schedule is subject to change due to COVID mandates Please check cathedralofsaintpatrick.org

Watch the live-stream video of the Midnight Mass on NorwichDiocese.org beginning at 11:30PM

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

DECEMBER 2020 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

The Good News is that Christmas brings the gift of faith, the blessings of hope and the peace of His love.

Thank You for the opportunity to continue to share the news of our faith with you and for your kind and generous response to our recent fundraising appeal.*

Wishing you every blessing this Christmas and in the New Year. Your Four County Catholic Team * Donations can be sent to 25 Otis Street, Norwich or made on-line at NorwichDiocese.org/FCCGIVE