Four County Catholic January 2021

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 33 • Number 1 • JANUARY 2021 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

With a Father’s Heart Year of Saint Joseph December 8, 2020 –– December 8, 2021

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

­ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY.

In This Issue page

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“The prayer squares went like hotcakes and we will continue to distribute as many prayer squares as we can get, especially in the hospice ward at the hospital.”

Sister Rita Johnson, director of Ministry to the Sick at Backus Hospital, reporting on the enthusiastic response to the knitted “Prayer Squares” provided by the Square and a Prayer Ministry.

“A virtual Marriage Encounter was a truly lifegiving experience for us, with the intimacy enhanced by being able to share together in our own home.”

Ron and Judy Pekny, one of the many couples who recently benefitted from a virtual Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

“Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

A personal reflection of Pope Francis, in his apostolic letter, Patris corde, issued on December 8, 2020 - the beginning of the Year of Saint Joseph.

“Veterans don’t want to get something for nothing. But our guys appreciate what they get. We’re very grateful.”

Richard Conti, director of Plainfield-based Focus on Veterans, responding to the donation of blankets and socks by area Knights of Columbus councils.

PUBLISHER

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

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Four County Catholic Issue 11, Janauary (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.

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ON THE COVER

St Joseph with Infant Christ in his Arms by Italian Artist Guido Reni (1575-1642). Italy, circa 1635

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 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

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

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

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

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

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I recently saw a photograph of a broken piece of pottery that had been repaired by filling in the cracks with a mixture of lacquer and powdered gold. The process is called Kintsugi or “golden joinery”. The result was magnificent. Rather than discarding the broken pot or disguising the repair, the brokenness was illuminated.

This image of a broken pot, being made into an object of beauty is what God, the Master Potter, seeks to do for each one of us, when we invite Him into our lives and share with Him our own brokenness. Through His word and through the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist, we are given the grace that will transform us into the works of art that we are meant to be. Our “cracks” when filled with the love of Christ make our lives into objects of beauty to be shared.

Once we see ourselves and our lives in this way, we can then begin to see others and the world in the same way.

A commentator on a national news program this week characterized 2020 as the worst year –– ever, listing all the circumstances that led to this distinction.

A focus on the negative aspects of the year is not what we, as Christians, aspire to. It is important, however, to acknowledge the great price we have paid in the past 12 months. As a spiritual family we stand together, in continuous prayer for the loved ones lost. We uplift our neighbors, those whose names and faces we know and those who we do not. Many have endured hardships, and through it all, you, my brothers and sisters, have answered the call, fulfilling your baptismal promise to, “Love

one another” by sharing your prayers and gifts with our ministries. So many people have been helped

by Catholic Charities and Saint Vincent de Paul ministries through your support. I thank you for your caring generosity.

classroom education, proving that with faith and planning our students can learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Although the virus kept us separated physically, we found new ways to connect. Children and grandchildren went out of their way to check in on older relatives and friends, bringing groceries and sharing a smile through a window or from the front sidewalk. Many equipped their seniors with the technology needed to help them stay even more connected.

There were many other positive outcomes to 2020, should you care to look for them. Significant to Catholics is the proclamation of the Year of Saint Joseph by Pope Francis on December 8.

In the book of Proverbs, we are reminded that, “A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22) In that light, let us walk into 2021, celebrating a few of the positive outcomes of the past year.

We as a family of faith used technological innovation to reconnect our local parishes to the holy sacrifice of the Mass. An added, unforeseen benefit of this was evangelization. Those who have been away from the church, and people of other faiths, are experiencing the beauty of the Eucharistic celebration – many for the very first time.

Priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, as well as the lay faithful, initiated online prayer groups to experience the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross. Online workshops on various topics continue to be viewed and attended by people throughout the Diocese who otherwise could not have made the trip.

The pandemic also brought awareness and increased enrollment to our Catholic schools, which continue to lead the way in advancing the importance of in-

As an added blessing, the events of 2020 also taught us to not take each other for granted. Relying on essential workers, who, working long hours, place their health at risk to serve, feed, protect, care for, and minister to us, we have a renewed appreciation and gratefulness for those among us that we may have previously overlooked.

May we implore this great saint’s intercession while imitating his virtues and zeal. His silent example of courage and self-sacrifice is a gift to us all.

I pray that we find the courage to bring our brokenness to God for Him to transform.

May you and your families have a healthy, prosperous, and safe New Year.

Sincerely yours in the life of Christ,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

A Beauty in Broken Things

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THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Belleza en las cosas rotas Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Recientemente vi una fotografía de una pieza de cerámica rota que había sido reparada rellenando las grietas con una mezcla de laca y oro en polvo. El proceso se llama Kintsugi o “ensambladura dorada”.

El resultado fue magnífico. En lugar de desechar el tiesto roto o camuflar la reparación, la rotura se iluminó.

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Esta imagen del tiesto roto, convertido en un objeto de belleza, es lo que Dios, el Maestro Alfarero, busca hacer con cada uno de nosotros, cuando lo invitamos a nuestras vidas y compartimos con Él nuestras aflicciones. A través de Su palabra y de los Sacramentos, especialmente la Reconciliación y la Eucaristía, se nos da la gracia que nos transforma en las obras de arte que estamos destinados a ser. Nuestras “grietas” cuando están llenas del amor de Cristo hacen de nuestras vidas un objeto de belleza para compartir.

Una vez que nos vemos a nosotros mismos y a nuestras vidas de esta forma, podemos comenzar a ver de la misma manera a los demás y al mundo.

Un comentarista de un programa de noticias nacional esta semana calificó a 2020 como el peor año de todos los tiempos, y enumeró todos los sucesos que llevaron a esta distinción.

Centrarse en los aspectos negativos del año no es lo que nosotros, como cristianos, aspiramos. Sin embargo, es importante reconocer el gran precio que hemos pagado en los últimos 12 meses. Nos mantenemos unidos, como familia espiritual, en continua oración por los seres queridos que han partido. Levantamos a nuestros vecinos, aquellos cuyos nombres y rostros conocemos y aquellos a quienes no. Muchos han soportado dificultades y, a pesar de todo, ustedes, mis hermanos y hermanas, han respondido al llamado,

cumpliendo su promesa bautismal de “Amarse los unos a los otros” al compartir sus oraciones y dones con nuestros ministerios. A través de su apoyo, tantas personas han sido ayudadas por Caridades Católicas y por los ministerios de San Vicente de Paul. Agradezco su amable generosidad.

En el libro de Proverbios, se nos recuerda que, “Un corazón alegre es la salud del cuerpo, pero un espíritu deprimido seca los huesos” (Proverbios 17:22).

Caminemos hacia el 2021, en esa luz, celebrando los pocos resultados positivos del año pasado.

Aunque el virus nos mantuvo separados físicamente, encontramos nuevas formas de conectarnos. Los niños y nietos hicieron todo lo posible para ver cómo estaban sus familiares y amigos mayores, llevando comestibles y compartiendo una sonrisa a través de una ventana o desde la acera. Muchos equiparon a sus adultos mayores con la tecnología necesaria para ayudarlos a mantenerse aún más conectados.

Nosotros, como familia de fe, usamos la innovación tecnológica para volver a conectar nuestras parroquias locales al santo sacrificio de la Misa. Un beneficio adicional e imprevisto de esto fue la evangelización.

Aquellos que han estado alejados de la iglesia y personas de otras religiones, muchos por primera vez, están experimentando la belleza de la celebración eucarística. Sacerdotes, diáconos, religiosas y hermanos, así como los fieles laicos, iniciaron grupos de oración en línea para rezar el Rosario, la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y el Vía Crucis. Los talleres en línea sobre varios temas continúan siendo vistos y asistidos por personas de toda la Diócesis que de otra manera no podrían haber participado.

continúan liderando el camino para promover la importancia de la educación en el aula, demostrando que con fe y planificación nuestros estudiantes pueden aprender y crecer en un ambiente seguro y saludable.

Como una bendición adicional, los eventos de 2020 también nos enseñaron a no darnos por sentados los unos a los otros. Confiamos en los trabajadores esenciales, quienes, trabajan muchas horas, ponen en riesgo su salud para servirnos, alimentarnos, protegernos, cuidarnos y ministrarnos, tenemos aprecio y agradecimiento renovados por aquellos entre nosotros que quizás anteriormente hayan sido pasados por alto.

Hubo muchos otros resultados positivos en 2020, si desea buscarlos. Para los católicos es significativa la proclamación del Año de San José por parte del Papa Francisco el 8 de diciembre. Que imploremos la intercesión de este gran santo imitando sus virtudes y celo. Su ejemplo silencioso de valentía y abnegación es un regalo para todos nosotros.

Oro para que encontremos el valor para llevar nuestras aflicciones a Dios para que Él las transforme.

Que usted y sus familias tengan un Año Nuevo saludable, próspero y seguro.

Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

La pandemia también generó conciencia y aumentó la inscripción en nuestras escuelas católicas, que

MONTHLY

Holy Hour for Vocations

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour JANUARY 21ST St. Joseph, Chester, 6pm FEBRUARY 18STH St. Michael, Pawcatuck, 6pm

God-Calls.com

Vocations Corner W

ith the new year here, I hope and pray that the grace and blessings of God’s Love will continue to fill our hearts with joy for the gift of life we all share, and the gift of faith that has made us all children of God’s family.

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

Please continue praying for priestly vocations for our diocese. Please always include in your prayer for vocations those young people preparing to enter Holy Matrimony, and those young women or men who sense a call to religious life. May they all continue to grow in a firmness of heart to accept the gift of the vocation to which our heavenly Father calls them.

I hope that during the past year you enjoyed the monthly reflections our seminarians shared about their vocation journey. We truly are blessed with men who desire to embrace the Father’s will for them, and step forward to labor for His sons and daughters in this part of His vast vineyard.

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

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

The eight men studying for the priesthood will return to seminary in the next week to continue their academic, spiritual, pastoral and human formation after having worked remotely on their first semester exams beginning after Thanksgiving. Then they were each able to spend some of the Christmas season with their families in addition to taking an important mental break from their studies. As they head back to their respective seminaries, please keep them in your prayers these next five months.

The year 2021 hopefully will continue to bear fruit for the diocese as we anticipate two of our men preparing for ordination. Jacob Ramos is just a few months away from being called to ordination as a Transitional Deacon in May. Deacon Larry Barile will finish his studies this semester while anticipating a Call to Orders from Bishop Cote to be ordained a priest for the Norwich Diocese on the final Saturday of June, 2021. As the months go by, these men and each

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

of our seminarians continue to ready themselves to lay their lives down so that each of you, their brothers, and sisters in Christ, will always have access to the sacraments of the Church and the opportunity to continue to grow in faith.

On behalf of each of our seminarians, thank you all for sending prayer postcards to our men throughout the year. Thank you for continuing to pray for an increase of vocations and joining us each month for our Holy Hour for Vocations.

The seminarians will gather with Bishop Cote early in January for our annual Christmas get together, this year for a luncheon. It is always at this gathering that the men receive from all of you the gift cards that have been sent in for them. Thank you to all from across the diocese who participated again this year in the Advent Gift Card Drive for our seminarians. It truly does make a big difference for them with many of their personal needs.

Finally, I thank you for your prayers and support of the Vocation Office. May each of us continue to pray for the end of the coronavirus, the dissolving of fear that the virus has brought to so many, the end of families having to be away from loved ones when ill and most importantly a rebirth of devotion to the sacraments of the Church.

Mr. Julian Cuervo 1st Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

Mr. Eric Hosmer 1st Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

May those of you who have been separated from our Eucharistic Lord not hesitate to return to Him. We must remember, our greatest and most powerful prayer is the Holy Mass. With grateful hearts may we fill our Churches in appreciation for the love and protection our Lord has given us through these past 10 months. God bless you all and may each of you have a great 2021.

Father Greg Galvin

Director of Priestly Vocations

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

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

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“Be Still and Know that I am God”

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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f the many Scripture passages that I love, I think my favorite is the one I have framed in my office which reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). It is ironic because Psalm 46 was most probably written during a time of war. When God speaks, He is telling those caught up in the fight to realize that He is their refuge and strength. At a time when we are all concerned with the course of the pandemic, our common enemy, we can take heed of God’s message.

On a more personal level, I have always interpreted this passage much more intimately. Throughout my life, when I recite “Be still and know that I am God,” I internalize it and feel like God is speaking directly to me. As if God is telling me to stop worrying, to be quiet, to rest in the confidence of knowing that He is in control. While this reassurance has helped me face life’s challenges, it has never been a more positive force than it has been during this past year. I have been concerned as we all have been with

the pandemic and the health of our loved ones; my daughter-in-law, a nurse at Mass General, carried our first grandchild this year, as she continued to work in a hospital battling COVID-19. While none of us know what tomorrow holds, we all can take comfort in knowing that God is always with us.

As we begin a new year, many of us will resurrect our familiar resolutions to get in shape, finish those home projects, pay off our debts or spend more time with family. While these goals are laudable, the one that will truly affect us the most throughout the new year would be to come into a

closer relationship with God. To find the time to be still with Him and pray with Him. If we let Him, when we pray, He will speak back to us. God is always listening to us and ready for a visit.

From the perspective of my job as director of the Annual Catholic Appeal, I look back at 2020 remembering times when I brought my concern for our ministries and the people they served to God in prayer. I knew that the people in our diocese were extremely generous but that many were facing very difficult challenges. I also knew our ministries were helping many

more people during this pandemic than in prior years, providing food, clothing, help with housing and basic needs, as well as spiritual support, guidance, ministry to the sick, faith formation and education of young and old alike.

We worked as hard as we could in our department and so many of you rose to the challenge and donated your hard-earned money to the ACA in order to help your neighbors and friends. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and sacrifice. Currently, at the writing of this column, we have reached approximately 87% of our goal, nearing $2.4 million dollars in gifts and pledges. With God’s help, we truly came together as “One Faith, One Family.”

While we look ahead to our 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal which we will launch in March, we hope that you will see fit to renew your generous commitment to the ACA. In the meantime, if you have not completed your pledge payments, you may contact Heather Harris at hharris@norwichdiocese.net or (860) 886-1928 to do so.

Thank you and may God continue to keep you safe and bless you in 2021.

Trust in the mercy of God’s love.

If you are carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions, call Project Rachel a post-abortion healing ministry.

All calls are confidential.

860-861-4439

See the latest list of retreats on NorwichDiocese.org

Norwich Diocesan Our Lady, Queen of Hope Award

To honor a woman in the Diocese for Vision and Leadership in the Catholic Church

The winner will be presented with an award and a check for $200 made out to the Catholic charity, parish, or diocesan ministry of her choice.

Nominees should… *Display strong faith *Be committed to living out Catholic values *Display spiritual leadership at the local or diocesan level(s) *Display a spirit of love and service to the Catholic Church *Have been part of successful initiatives that benefit the Church *Have moved the parish community forward through her vision

The award winner will be determined by the Women’s Conference Committee. The nomination form 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. *To access application go to the Office of Faith Events Webpage at NorwichDiocese.org*

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Respect Honor Remember ST. MARY & ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich • 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Harland Road, Taftville • 860-887-1019 ST. PATRICK CEMETERY Depot Road, Uncasville • 860-887-1019 ST. MARY CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 600 Jefferson Ave, New London • 860-443-3465 RESURRECTION CEMETERY Route 145, Westbrook • 860-443-3465 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Wauregan Road, Wauregan • 860-887-1019 ALL HALLOWS CEMETERY Green Hallow Road, Moosup • 860-887-1019

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

This award will be given out by Bishop Michael Cote to a woman of faith in the Norwich Diocese.

The award is named after Mary, our mother, who is our role model and in whom we place our hope.

Norwich Diocesan Cemetery Corporation

815 Boswell Ave, Norwich CT 06360 860-887-1019

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Hispanic Ministry Respects and Values the Way of Being and Culture of All

By Gina Foster

held in early December each year at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

This is usually followed by a celebratory fiesta in the church hall. This year instead, churches had their own small celebrations.

Sister Mary Jude said, “We were all disappointed that we were not able to celebrate in the Cathedral with our Bishop and our Englishspeaking brothers and sisters for the first time in more than 30 years. As this virus continues to bear down upon us with all its devastating effects, I am comforted by the words of Our Lady to Juan Diego:

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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s the holidays wind down, I hope that you have had the opportunity to safely celebrate with family, attend virtual or in-person Christmas Mass, and drive through your neighborhoods viewing the sparkling Christmas lights and decorations. We say farewell to 2020 and remain hopeful for a happy and healthier 2021. Many in our community continue to be affected by the pandemic financially, emotionally and physically, and with the cold weather many are in need of our support now more than ever. We seek comfort in our commitment to God, Our Father. A commitment is the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.

Let us continue to be committed to God, Our Father as “One Faith, One Family.”

The Hispanic Ministry and its director, Sister Mary Jude Lazarus, are extremely committed to God, Our Father, and the Spanishspeaking population, serving in the areas of Middletown, Clinton, New London, Norwich and Willimantic.

They are committed to work for the promotion of the family, with special attention to youth; and for social justice, especially to defend and advocate for the most vulnerable immigrants among us. This ministry is carried out in the

‘Hear me and understand well... that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish.

Am I not here, who is your Mother?

Are you not under my protection?

Am I not your health? Are you not within the fold of my arms? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.’ language and culture of the people, while working for the effective integration of the Hispanic people into their parishes and society, in a way that respects and values the way of being and culture of all.

In the parishes the Sisters have been very energetic and creative, working with their parish staff to support the spiritual growth of the people. They are offering faith formation and spiritual development opportunities through Zoom and in person, while always being faithful, of course, to CDC guidelines. Many of the cultural events have continued,

although in a modified form. The Peruvian celebration of the Lord of the Miracles (El Senor de los Milagros), a celebration at the heart of Peruvian spirituality, takes place every year in October in both St. Mary Norwich and St. Mary New London. There is usually a procession through the streets after the Mass carrying the image, with lots of ethnic dances and festivities.

Unfortunately, festivities could not commence in 2020, and fiestas were cancelled.

The Hispanic Ministry also had to cancel its annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass,

Oh, lovely Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.”

May we follow Sister Mary Jude and the Hispanic Ministry’s support of one another, and again donate to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, “One Faith, One Family,” set to launch in March.

If you have not finished making your 2020 pledge payments, you may contact Heather Harris at hharris@norwichdiocese.net or (860) 886-1928 to do so.

Thank you so much for your generosity. Wishing you a blessed and healthy New Year.

Parker

parkermemorials@yahoo.com

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charity for His creators made you worthy when on earth posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in trouble or anxiety.

Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose heart is full of human sympathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mary's and three Glories and promise publication.

~ AB~

A safe environment with strong Christian values.

Safety precautions in place to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.

Visit the Virtual Admissions Center admissions@ahfbaltic.org | 54 West Main St. Baltic, CT ahfbaltic.org 860-822-6279

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

A college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities.

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A Square and A Prayer Ministry Sharing Love and Hope

By Marianne Nicholas

and St. Joseph Living Center, Windham.

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Sister Rita Johnson, director of Ministry to the Sick at Backus Hospital, is enthusiastic about the response from patients who have received them. “The prayer squares went like hotcakes and we will continue to distribute as many prayer squares as we can get, especially in the hospice ward at the hospital,” she said.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

new Square and a Prayer Ministry through the Office of Faith Events provides comfort and solace to shut-ins and those in medical facilities throughout the diocese.

The idea for the ministry came from Alice Pelletier, a lifelong knitter and secretary to Bishop Cote. Her original design of a three-inch knitted square is coupled with an inspirational prayer to spread love and hope to those who need encouragement during the pandemic.

Squares are bagged individually to be kept sanitary for distribution to rehabilitation centers and medical centers around the diocese. The prayer accompanying each square reads: “This prayer square was made especially for y o u

with the love, hope, and prayers of the Norwich Diocesan community.

During this time of uncertainty and fear, may this square be a reminder that God’s love is constant, and you are never alone. Carry this square with you so it is close at hand to hold as you move forward in this world.”

As the ministry developed, over a dozen volunteers across the diocese answered the call to contribute their time and yarn to make hundreds of prayer squares to send to waiting hands. They

TELEVISION MASS

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Mary Brown, who received squares at her facility, added, “The square is a comfort in the hand as it is also to the heart and spirit.”

10am

FEBRUARY 3RD

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were joined by members of four parish prayer shawl groups from St. Mary Parish, Groton; St. Theresa Parish, Pomfret, Putnam, North Grosvenordale and Quinebaug; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Quaker Hill; and St. Mary Parish, Clinton.

Volunteer Nina Romero-Caron put her own unique spin on the squares, making hundreds of multi-colored granny squares. She was also instrumental in delivering square and prayer packages to facilities in the Quiet Corner, in northeastern Connecticut.

Rehabilitation and medical centers that have received the prayer squares include: Matulaitis Nursing Home, Putnam; Pierce Care, Brooklyn; Bayview Rehabilitation, Niantic; Norwichtown Rehabilitation Center, Norwich Hospice, and Backus Hospital in Norwich; Chestelm Rehabilitation Center, Moodus; Atria at Crossroads, Waterford; Apple Rehabilitation, Old Saybrook; Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam; Backus Emergency Center, Plainfield;

Marie Sola, recreation director of Chestelm Rehabilitation Center, Moodus, remarked, “The squares arrived at the most perfect time with all that is going on in the world today. The squares are bringing comfort to the staff as well as the residents.”

Additionally, through a donation by volunteer Dennis Chopp, the ministry was able to distribute 25 prayer shawls. Beth Ann Heath, director of Recreation Services at Norwichtown Rehabilitation, Norwich, upon receiving the shawls said, “Yes! Prayer shawls.

They are always welcomed and so cherished and enjoyed by our residents.”

The Square and a Prayer Ministry will continue to reach out to those who need a little extra hope, love and prayers. If you would like more information on volunteering for this ministry, please contact Marianne at manicholas@norwichdiocese. net or at 860-848-2237, extension 304.

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

S

ix months into her new job, Office for Safe Environments (OSE) Director Kathy D’Amelio said she is honored and excited about her role and the possibilities that come with it.

Those possibilities include consolidating and digitizing the office’s records and providing educational support for parishes in implementing the Diocesan No Go Tell safe environment curriculum for children in parish faith formation programs. Her office is overseeing the production of a video parishes can use to teach the program to students.

D’Amelio expects the video to be available in mid-January.

Her job involves overseeing the background screening and training of all diocesan volunteers who work with minors. Those safeguards also extend to all clergy, religious and diocesan employees.

She also makes sure the diocese complies with safe environment training and screening protocols, D’Amelio said every aspect of her job is important in ensuring that God’s children are protected.

“I know that the work I am doing

Kathy D’Amelio, the new director of the Office of Safe Environments for the Diocese. here is benefitting children and helping them in other ways and that is important to me,” she said.

Whether answering questions from parishes about screening protocols, updating records, or overseeing the No Go Tell program, D’Amelio’s work is part of the critical measures the diocese takes to give children the knowledge they need to protect themselves in all situations.

In assuming her new duties, life has come full circle for D’Amelio.

Her road to the OSE began at Northeastern University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As part of her degree requirements, she spent

18 months in an experiential learning program assisting with an investigation unit of the Connecticut State Police.

After graduation she worked for the United States Department of Defense for 20 years, doing background checks for people who needed security clearances to work with classified government information.

Eventually, she felt a calling to education and returned to graduate school to get her master’s degree in education and professional teaching certification. After 12 years as a public-school teacher she left that post to become director of faith formation for Our

Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Coventry and Storrs.

D’Amelio praised the contributions her OSE predecessor, Karen Caisse, and former OSE Database Coordinator Randy Bouley, who both retired last July, made to the office.

“Coming into this position I had concerns about the demands of the job, but because the office was so well-managed and organized by Karen and Randy, my transition was an easy one,” she said. “I am grateful for the knowledge and support they have given me in making my transition go well.”

D’Amelio is married to Deacon Dan D’Amelio. The couple, married 36 years, were high school sweethearts. They have two sons, three grandsons and are parishioners of St. Bridget of Kildare in Moodus, where Dan is assigned as well as at St. Patrick Church, East Hampton.

Reflecting on how their journey has brought both of them to ministry in the church, D’Amelio said, “It is amazing where our faith has led Dan and me over the years. God has truly blessed both of us in our lives.”

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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11

The Season of Creating Positive and Sustainable Change

By Shannen Barnard

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

“Catholic Charities provided hope and happiness when I lost hope, when no one was going to help me with my situation”.

This is just one of the many thank you messages Catholic Charities has received from our clients. Our mission, of Providing Help and Creating Hope is followed every day by our staff at our four offices within the diocese.

Through our Intensive Case Management Program, case workers assist clients on a one-to-one level, by assessing each individual’s situation. The workers then provide a tailored plan to help clients become self-sustainable. We know we are achieving our mission when we hear back from our clients with positive comments after receiving help.

Some examples of services offered include emergency basic needs such as utility and rental assistance, shelter referrals, emergency food for three days, baby items such as diapers, wipes and formula, prescription assistance, and furniture and clothing referrals.

To further help our clients on a sustainable and self-sufficient level, our case workers provide job readiness and development assistance, pregnancy education and support groups, as well as financial and budgeting education.

12 Recently, a mother and her family

been a blessing in my life.”

This is another example of how Catholic Charities works to break the poverty cycle, and truly helps make the lives of those in our community better.

We see individuals and families every day that have different stories. Now more families and individuals have fallen into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and do not have the slightest idea how to find and ask for assistance. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact an office near you, and our case workers will be able to answer your questions.

Catholic Charities would like to say thank YOU for your continued prayers and donations that make all of our work possible. Together with your help, we are able to extend a friendly hand to our neighbors in need, help ease their burdens, and to be the light of hope that they need.

found themselves in an emergency situation where they desperately needed help. The woman’s child has a heart condition, and she regularly drives to and from Hartford Children’s Hospital for her child’s treatment. The trips require her to spend a lot of money on travel, and like many people, she has a tight budget. Unfortunately, she ran out of money for essential baby needs. That was when she

reached out to Catholic Charities for help, and we were glad to step in and provide it.

The case worker who helped the mother offered immediate baby needs as well as budgeting advice and resources. She helped the client apply and get approved for SNAP Benefits, which will help ease the strain on her tight budget.

This particular client shared with us that, “Catholic Charities has

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

-Matthew 25: 35-36 If you would like to join us in providing help and hope, visit our website at ccfsn.org, or call 860889-8346. Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the most up to date information.

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

THE MASTER WEAVER

By Susan Wallace

I

sometimes think of God’s plan as one beautiful tapestry that will not be revealed to us until we meet Him. God’s plan involves all His children. He wants us to love and help each other as He loves and helps us.

Each of us is one thread in the tapestry, but all the threads are needed. In this life, we need each other to do good works and to accept good works. The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti (Outreach) is one example of people loving each other and helping one another.

Almost 40 years ago, lay people and religious from the Diocese of Norwich, including Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, visited Haiti. Their

interest, care and concern for our Haitian brothers and sisters and our Gospel mission have carried forward to the present day with Outreach to Haiti.

Thanks to our many friends, fellow Christians, and religious, we are able to walk with and provide life-saving and life-enhancing aid to many in Haiti including the 60,000 men, women, and children who live in the neighborhood we serve, Christ Roi (Christ the King). Outreach intentionally hires Haitians to work with us in our ministry.

The vast majority of Haitians are extremely poor, and the country has few safety nets to help people with life’s necessities. Outreach runs a medical clinic, healthcare services, a food and nutritional supplement program, an

educational sponsorship program, a microbusiness development program for mothers, to name just a few of our efforts. We also have a twinning program that promotes relationships between parishes and schools in the United States with parishes, schools and clinics in Haiti. These relationships are built on God’s love and foster a better understanding among God’s children.

Throughout the many years of our ministry in Haiti, relationships have been cultivated and support has been shared to help those in need who have few places to come in from the storms of life and receive support. We love each other, we support one another, and we learn important lessons.

A board member received a note this year from one of our artisan

friends in Haiti who shared that he and many Haitians are praying for us as we live through the pandemic. He didn’t mention any of the many problems they are facing, he just wanted us to know that he and the Haitians are praying to God on our behalf and that they are thankful for our friendship.

Our Haitian friends understand the interconnectedness; that each of us is a thread in God’s tapestry and that when all the threads have been woven it will be a spectacularly beautiful masterpiece. My wish for all of us is that we share our time, talent and treasure with our neighbors next door and in other countries.

Our lives will be enriched for doing so.

Visit OutreachtoHaiti.org to see the good work being done in Haiti on your behalf.

14

Virtual Marriage Encounter Helps Couples Thrive

A

re you looking for a way to enrich your marriage without leaving your home?

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is offering an experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your home, using your computer.

A virtual Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience in this region will take place Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12-14, 2021.

Traditionally experiences are offered in a hotel or retreat house, but to adapt to current needs, Worldwide Marriage Encounter is bringing it to where couples are – in the privacy of their homes. It features a series of presentations by three married couples and a Catholic

priest that touch on many aspects of marriage. Each presentation aims to help couples achieve more success in their marriages.

Couples who recently attended a virtual Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience said their time together was enhanced by being at home. “A virtual Marriage Encounter experience was a truly life-giving experience for us, with the intimacy enhanced by being able to share together in our own home,” said Ron and Judy Pekny, of Fort Worth, Texas. “Each presentation felt very natural, as if we were simply having a conversation with the presenters.”

The experience helps married couples thrive together and live their best lives in love. It gives couples the opportunity to spend

time focusing on each other; provides them with tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today’s world; and learn skills not only to improve their relationship but to thrive together for years to come.

There is no group sharing and the experience respects the privacy of each couple.

There is a non-refundable $100 application fee for the experience.

For more information, or to register for this virtual experience, contact Frank and Margie Pearson at 860-337-2447, or call Mary-Jo McLaughlin at Catholic Family Services, 860-848-2237, Ext. 312.

Marriage Preparation Classes to Meet Virtually With the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, the Catholic Family Services Office will be offering virtual or one-on-one marriage preparation classes for engaged couples. All formal live classes have been suspended through July 1, 2021. Couples getting married in 2021 or beyond, should contact Mary-Jo McLaughlin at the Catholic Family Services Office to establish class dates. She can be reached Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 860-848-2237, Ext 312 or by email at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net.

Love of a Child Raffle

T

he Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti announces the winner of its first ever raffle held this fall. The winning ticket was drawn on Friday, November 27, 2020!

The Grand Prize was awarded to Mrs. Mary Ellen Mahoney from Colchester.

We are grateful to all who support our diocesan mission in Haiti, especially those who purchased raffle tickets.

The funds raised from the raffle sales support our Sister Ann Weller Medical Clinic in Haiti. The clinic provides medical and healthcare services, food and nutritional supplements to severely malnourished children and expectant mothers, and communitywide health services and education.

Outreach has an education sponsorship program that provides scholarships to approximately 200 poor children in Christ Roi (Christ the King) neighborhood of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. Outreach also provides training, coaching and small loans to impoverished women so they can create micro businesses to support their families. Outreach’s mission reflects its commitment to serve the people of Haiti in the spirit and values of the Gospel. We encourage you to visit outreachtohaiti.org - We thank you for making the raffle a success.

May God bless you for helping our Haitian brothers and sisters.

Sue Petruzzi, Board member, Susan Wallace Executive Director, Winner Mary Ellen Mahoney, and Dennis Petruzzi, Vice Chair of the Board.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

15

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

With a Father’s Heart Pope Francis Proclaims Year of Saint Joseph December 8, 2020 — December 8, 2021

FCC News Desk

P

ope Francis announced a Year of Saint Joseph on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the Universal Church.

The decree said that the Holy Father established a Year of Saint Joseph so that, “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.”

In addition to the decree, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter dedicated to the foster father of Jesus.

The pope explained in the letter, entitled Patris corde (“With a father’s heart”), that he wanted to share some “personal reflections” on the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

16 “My desire to do so increased

during these months of pandemic,” he said, noting that many people had made hidden sacrifices during the crisis in order to protect others.

“Each of us can discover in Joseph -- the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence -- an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” he wrote.

“Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

Pope Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph patron of the Universal Church on Dec. 8, 1870, in the decree Quemadmodum Deus.

In his apostolic letter, Pope Francis reflected on the fatherly qualities of Saint Joseph, describing him as beloved, tender and loving, obedient, accepting, and “creatively courageous.” He also underlined that he was a working father.

“In his relationship to Jesus, Joseph was the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father: he watched over him and protected him, never leaving him to go his own way,” the pope wrote.

Francis said that the contemporary world required examples of true fatherhood.

“Our world today needs fathers. It has no use for tyrants who would domineer others as a means of compensating for their own needs,” he wrote.

“It rejects those who confuse authority with authoritarianism, service with servility, discussion with oppression, charity with a welfare mentality, power with destruction.”

“Every true vocation is born of the gift of oneself, which is the fruit of mature sacrifice. The priesthood and consecrated life likewise require this kind of maturity. Whatever our vocation,

whether to marriage, celibacy or virginity, our gift of self will not come to fulfillment if it stops at sacrifice; were that the case, instead of becoming a sign of the beauty and joy of love, the gift of self would risk being an expression of unhappiness, sadness and frustration.”

He continued: “When fathers refuse to live the lives of their children for them, new and unexpected vistas open up. Every child is the bearer of a unique mystery that can only be brought to light with the help of a father who respects that child’s freedom.

A father who realizes that he is most a father and educator at the point when he becomes ‘useless,’ when he sees that his child has become independent and can walk the paths of life unaccompanied.

When he becomes like Joseph, who always knew that his child was not his own but had merely been entrusted to his care.”

not the virtue of the weak but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love,” he said.

During an apostolic visit to the Philippines in 2015, the pope explained why he kept an image of the saint on his desk.

“I would also like to tell you something very personal,” he said. “I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength.”

“On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church! Yes! We know that he can do that. So when I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and I put it underneath Saint Joseph, so that he can dream about it! In other words I tell him: pray for this problem!”

At his general audience on March 18 this year, he urged Catholics to turn to Saint Joseph in times of adversity.

“In life, at work and within the family, through joys and sorrows, he always sought and loved the Lord, deserving the Scriptures’ eulogy that described him as a just and wise man,” he said.

“Always invoke him, especially in difficult times and entrust your life to this great saint.”

The pope concluded his new apostolic letter by urging Catholics to pray to Saint Joseph for “the grace of graces: our conversion”.

Material for this article provided

by Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Saint Joseph

This prayer appears at the conclusion of Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter regarding Saint Joseph.

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil.

Amen.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The pope added: “In every exercise of our fatherhood, we should always keep in mind that it has nothing to do with possession, but is rather a ‘sign’ pointing to a greater fatherhood.

In a way, we are all like Joseph: a shadow of the heavenly Father, who ‘makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45). And a shadow that follows his Son.” Pope Francis has promoted devotion to Saint Joseph throughout his pontificate.

He began his petrine ministry on March 19, 2013, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and dedicated the homily at his inauguration Mass to the saint.

“In the Gospels, Saint Joseph appears as a strong and courageous man, a working man, yet in his heart we see great tenderness, which is

17

Knights of Columbus Distribute Winter Coats

By John Ryan

F

ive of Windham County’s local Knights of Columbus councils have joined forces to buy or collect new and used winter coats for local children and adults.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

More than 750 coats are being given away by the area Knights this year, the eighth year they have done so.

Working for several months, the local councils ﹘ which cover an area from Ashford east to Thompson and south to Plainfield and Moosup ﹘ bought and donated new children’s winter coats for Kids during the two-part charitable program.

18

The first part happened on November 27, when more than two dozen members of the Catholic family fraternal group gathered in the parking lot outside the Brooklyn Parks and Recreation Department’s offices on South Main Street to give new children’s coats away.

While the new coats were being given away, the second part of the program kicked in. Used coats, blankets and socks were taken in batches to area non-profit agencies to help needy families.

In addition to the used coats, the drive included about 30 used blankets, all clean and in good condition, and more than 100 pairs of new winter socks. It all went to local homeless programs, clothing banks, veterans’ groups and social service agencies.

Because of COVID-19 the event was moved outside this year.

Knights wore face masks and gloves and gave coats to recipients who drove up and stayed in their cars, so personal contact was kept to a minimum. Knights asked for each child’s size, then loaded the coats in the trunks of each vehicle.

“COVID-19

was

certainly

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veterans, while providing rides to medical appointments throughout eastern and northwestern Connecticut. Director Richard Conti said the blankets and socks they received from the Knights may seem like a small thing but having them makes a difference.

In order to find recipients, Knights organizers contacted more than 100 schools, churches and social service agencies throughout the county.

“Veterans don’t want to get something for nothing,” Conti said.

“But our guys appreciate what they get. We’re very grateful.”

“The Knights of Columbus live by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, and we demonstrated that,” Past Grand Knight and Windham County Coats for Kids Director Clifford C. Soucy, of Brooklyn, said. “It shows what Brother Knights can do when we work together to help people in our community.”

The Plainfield-based Focus on Veterans organization was one of the social service organizations that received donations. The group operates a homeless shelter for

The distribution program is named in memory of the late Brother Knight Richard T. Brophy, an area K. of C. district deputy and devoted supporter of the program who died in 2018.

Councils contributing to and helping Council 49 with the effort included Cargill Council 64 of Putnam, St. James Council 2883 of Danielson, Father William J. Dunn Council 6934 of Ashford and St. Francis of Assisi Council 6999 of Plainfield.

who came out to do this,” said Connecticut District 23 Deputy David G. Lamontagne Sr., who oversees operations for the state council in northern Windham County.

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers who put out the effort.”

Coats for Kids began 10 years ago, when the worldwide Knights of Columbus recognized the needs of children in the United States and Canada who were living in extreme poverty. Since 2009, Knights have bought and donated more than 660,000 new coats to needy children in 49 states and all 10 provinces in Canada.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

challenge this year,” said Dr. William P. Macnamara, III, of Brooklyn, who serves as the volunteer advocate for the Connecticut State Council of the K. of C. “We adjusted, kept everybody safe and still helped hundreds of local people. Everybody wins.”

“We’re grateful to all the Knights 19

Putnam Knights of Columbus Sponsor Blood Drives

O

ver the last five months, Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, has collected 89 pints of blood for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross.

as both Cargill Council’s Health Director and its District Deputy.

The blood drives were the brainchild of Cargill Council 64 Brother Knight David G. Lamontagne, Sr., who proposed the idea and went to work with Red Cross, church and K of C officials to put the collection efforts together. Lamontagne, a Past Grand Knight, serves today

of Columbus organization more than 80 years ago. In 1938, the K of C was the first national organization to sponsor a blood donor program, working with local hospitals to organize blood drives in centers set up by Knights.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

“Most of us know someone who has been a receiver of blood from a donor; we just may not know who that person is,” On Friday, December 4, the Lamontagne said. “As a person Catholic family fraternal group who has needed blood in the sponsored its third and final blood past and has had close family drive of 2020. Red Cross blood that needed blood, this is an donor teams went to work in the important cause to me and I am basement of St. Mary Church thrilled that people have helped of the Visitation on Providence so much, especially in these Street in July, October, and times we are currently in.”

December screening donors By hosting blood drives, Cargill from the public and taking their Council is carrying on a tradition blood. started by the worldwide Knights

The program quickly caught

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Now that the Putnam program has proven successful, Cargill Council has committed to hosting at least four blood drives at St. Mary’s in 2021. The next one will be held on Friday, February 19. Go to www. redcrossblood.org to sign up today.

pay for their programs.

Among its many activities, Cargill Council raised and donated thousands of dollars locally in the last year, as part of conducting literally dozens of positive, local programs and events.

Highlights include raising over $5,000 for the local needy as part of the council’s annual “Joe Bousquet Christmas Giving Appeal,” a year-round program for the widows of deceased

council members, financial and moral support for a Norwich diocesan seminarian studying for the priesthood, holding a large food drive for the local poor, providing free winter coats for needy local children and families, as well as holding an annual council golf tournament and continuing work to end abortion and assisted suicide and to otherwise support the “Culture of Life.”

Interested in becoming a Knight? Visit KofC.org

Lamontagne understands that blood donors are critical to saving lives and protecting health.

“If one of these blood donations helps save a life, then we all have done our part. I cannot thank everyone enough, from the donors, to my fellow Brother Knights for their help and the Red Cross for all their hard work,” he said.

Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, is made up of over 200 local Catholic men and their families. The council serves Putnam, Pomfret, Thompson and Woodstock and the immediately surrounding areas served by St. Mary’s, Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret, St. Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale and St. Stephen Church in Quinebaug. It’s one of 178 active local councils in Connecticut.

In addition to support for its members and their families, Cargill Council maintains a dedicated, strong, ongoing commitment to its four churches and the local community. Led by current Grand Knight John D. Ryan, the council’s elected officers run the organization.

The Knights do their own fundraising, using the net proceeds to

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charity for His creators made you worthy when on earth posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in trouble or anxiety.

Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose heart is full of human sympathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mary's and three Glories and promise publication.

~ EB~

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

on. By the end of 1939, more than 400 local councils had blood donor groups. During World War II, councils ramped up blood drives, joining the Red Cross campaign for 100,000 blood donations to benefit soldiers and air raid victims. Today, Knights of Columbus blood drives collect an average of more than 400,000 pints of blood annually.

NEXT TO NORWICH CITY HALL

21

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

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

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck

January is always a special time in our schools as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week at the end of the month (January 31 through February 6). The theme for the week from the National Catholic Education Association is, “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service.” During this week, our schools will celebrate with Masses and other activities, spotlighting the value Catholic education provides to young people and its many contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich

As we consider the theme for the week, Faith certainly is at the forefront in our schools. Our principals and teachers have a true understanding that our schools exist to bring Christ and our faith into the lives of our students. And when our parents participate in this endeavor, as they most certainly do, then we are really building communities of faith.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

St. Joseph School, New London

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Dear Friends,

Marianne Cote, Principle 25 Squire Street, New London 860-442-1720 SJSNL.com Doris Messina, Principal West Broad St., Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 stmichaelschoolct.com

Sharon Stewart, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich 860-889-4174 st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

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

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

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

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

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

Excellence is also a vital part of our schools. Certainly, that exists academically as Catholic schools are well known for the tradition of academic excellence. Our teachers are continually challenging our students and changing with the times as technology has become so important in education.

Our schools have also initiated the NWEA/MAP testing program to evaluate student proficiencies.

These tests are given three times during the school year, and they provide teachers an understanding of individual students’ growth in subject areas. This gives teachers the opportunity to help students who may be struggling in certain areas or to provide more challenges for those who are excelling.

Service is also very important in our schools. Service is an outgrowth of our faith and therefore our students perform many hours of service annually within the school and in their parishes and communities.

I believe the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program stated it the best when they published the following: “Catholic schools have shown unparalleled success in educating children, promoting a lifelong commitment to faith and virtue, and encouraging civic engagement.

In the face of increasing secularization, Catholic schools provide an atmosphere that privileges Gospel values and the role of parents as the primary educators of their children.”

George A. Milot Superintendent of Schools

By Kim Hodges indsey Reilly, a junior at Saint Bernard School, has been named to the AllNational Honor Ensembles Mixed Choir by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Lindsey is one of 30 Soprano 2 members selected among the thousands of applicants from across the nation to be part of the 240-person choir. She is also the only student in southeastern Connecticut to be chosen for any All-National Honor Ensemble.

“I was so excited. I had auditioned as a sophomore and I didn’t expect to be considered. I can’t believe that I got in. It’s crazy to think that I will be singing with some of the best high school singers in the country. This is such an honor,” said Lindsey, who has been singing for as long as she can remember.

When she heard about her selection (and after a moment or two of tears and rejoicing with her family), Lindsey contacted the director of music at Saint Bernard

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School, Mrs. Anne Halloran Tortora.

According to NAfME, AllNational Honor Ensembles represent the top performing high school musicians in the country.

Students must first compete at their local, regional and state levels to be eligible for consideration. All applicants then compete at the national level for this distinguished honor. Each year, students perform under the direction of some of the most prominent conductors in the United States.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s performances will be virtual.

With the impact of COVID-19, NAfME educators across the country have had to prepare their students for competition virtually.

In a typical year, Mrs. Tortora would have spent countless in-person hours coaching and preparing Lindsey for her audition.

But with the pandemic, that just wasn’t possible. Lindsey practiced on her own, Zoomed with Mrs. Tortora, and when it was safe to do so, limited distanced in-person coaching took place. “Lindsey

displayed a tremendous amount of patience, focus, and good humor while preparing for her audition,” Mrs. Tortora said.

In place of an in-person audition in front of judges, Lindsey submitted a video, choosing to sing two selections instead of one. “In some ways it was a little bit easier than being in front of the judges, but it was also a little strange not being there in person, “she said.

She is looking forward to meeting the other students in the ensemble over Zoom and being conducted

by Dr. Frances Fonza.

Lindsey transferred to Saint Bernard School as a sophomore, and quickly found her place. Not only is Lindsey a gifted musician and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, she is also a strong academic student and a member of the girls’ soccer team.

Mrs. Tortora describes Lindsey as a humble person and all-around team player. “All of our students at Saint Bernard are great. Lindsey is just another example of the way our kids embody leadership

among their peers and guide the younger students, showing them the way.”

As the music department launches its latest honor society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Junior Chapter for seventh and eighthgraders, leadership by the Music Council and students such as Lindsey will be instrumental in helping younger students.

Music students, like all students at Saint Bernard School, believe that they have a responsibility to pass onto younger students the knowledge and instruction they have received. The motto of the department is “Saint Bernard School Music, Where Tradition Does Not Graduate.”

We look forward to hearing Lindsey as part of the All-National Honor Mixed Choir. In addition, we congratulate John Paul Hammond and Julie Lin for being selected for the 2019/2020 All State Festival. Currently, seven students have completed audition videos for the 2020/2021 Eastern regional competition.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Saint Bernard School Junior Joins All-National Honor Choir

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Xavier Grad Wins $20,000 Entrepreneurial Award

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Peter Goggins, Xavier Class of 2017, at his business, Pisces Atlantic, which makes commercial fish food with healthier ingredients, mainly vegetable and insect protein.

By Jeff Otterbein

X

avier graduate Peter Goggins recently reeled in a $20,000 first prize in a competition for start-up entrepreneurs.

Goggins, ‘17, has a passion for improving the ecosystem that produces fish that ultimately end up on the dinner plate.

The UConn senior, an environmental science major, has a startup company, Pisces Atlantic, which makes commercial fish food with healthier ingredients - mainly vegetable and insect protein. Most commercial fish foods contain fishmeal, ground-up trash fish, which can be expensive and contain some levels of mercury and polycarbonate plastics.

“It gets passed on to the farm fish and eventually the consumer,” Goggins said.

That didn’t suit him well.

“Aquaculture will grow the fish of the future, Pisces Atlantic will feed them,” is a line on the Pisces Atlantic website.

People are eating more fish: The rise in worldwide aquaculture production from 1990 to 2018 is 527 percent, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The rise in fish consumption, as some turn away from meat, is 122 percent.

Goggins believes that the fish food needs to be healthy and the judges of the Wolff New Venture Competition believe in Goggins, who won the top prize in a competition that features five of the top startups coming out of UConn each year. Those finalists are selected from the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Summer Fellowship program based on venture viability and value added to the market.

With that $20,000 he can keep going and says he’ll use it in part to grow sales. He now works out of

rented space in East Hartford with a couple of interns and has advisers.

His father helps out, too. In fact his father came up with the company name as they sat around one night.

Goggins grew up in Middletown but spent time in the summers with family in Clinton. He enjoyed fishing and was interested in working in the industry. About four or five years ago he read a story in National Geographic about the need for more sustainable and economical fish food, and that eventually led him to where he is today.

Goggins says one of his most influential classes at Xavier was Advanced Placement Environmental Science taught by the now-retired Mrs. Linda Charpentier. She emailed him upon learning he had won. Goggins took a lot of science courses at Xavier and feels he would not be where he is without that strong background.

Want to know more? Visit PiscesAtlantic.com

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charity for His creators made you worthy when on earth posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in trouble or anxiety.

Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose heart is full of human sympathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mary's and three Glories and promise publication.

~ MM~

Cecilia’s Artist Adventure

Academy of the Holy Family Senior is a Published Illustrator

Saint Juan Diego. After an intense two weeks of drawing and some waiting, Cecilia received the layout of the completed book in March.

The drawings are beautiful, as are the saints they represent.

Cecilia will graduate from the Academy of the Holy Family this year and plans to enter the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. “

By the Sisters of Charity

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s a child, Cecilia Vu enjoyed drawing and could often be found doodling in class, but it came second to orchestra. Only at the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic, Connecticut did she expand her artistic boundaries. Art teacher Sister Gabriel encouraged her to try different mediums including gouache, watercolor, and acrylic.

Cecilia let God unfold this gift of art within her as she invested in paints and developed her talents.

While staying in New Hampshire with a friend from school, Cecilia took time to draw and paint. Her friend saw her work and was inspired to share Cecilia’s work with her older sister, who was looking for an illustrator for a new project with Sophia Institute Press. Cecilia had reservations about her ability to meet the expectations as an illustrator.

Her dorm-mates encouraged her to take the opportunity and helped her keep up with schoolwork while completing this project. Cecilia sent a copy of a small painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe she had done for Church History class and Sophia Institute Press was impressed with her work but had other artists in the running. After some time, Cecilia

was offered the challenge by Sophia Press.

The challenge was 50 drawings of saints for a new children’s book - in two weeks. Cecilia devoted the entire February school break to drawing beloved saints. Among the first of her completed saints were Louis and Zelie Martin, Saint Nicholas and

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

“Receiving the opportunity to illustrate the Storybook of Saints was such a gift from God. It was a joy to work with Sophia Press and be able to share God’s gift with others.” Cecilia

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A Prayer to Keep God First This New Year

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ear God, thank you that you make all things new.

Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.

We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.” We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts.

We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We

pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of temptations. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run, and whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground.

We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

THE MIRACLE PRAYER THE MIRACLE PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favors. This time I ask you for this special favor (mention favor). Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favor, not mine.

Amen

Prayer to St. Jude

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

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

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I ave asked for many favors. This Say this prayer for 3 days, promise publication and the favor will be ime I ask you for this special favor granted, no matter how impossible. mention favor). Take it, Dear Heart~ MM ~ f Jesus, and place it within your 26

~ JMO ~

distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways. We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm, on solid ground, helping us to be consistent and faithful. Give us supernatural endurance to stay the course, not swerving to the right or to the left, or being too easily distracted by other things that would seek to call us away from a close walk with you.

Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence. We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We

Conversion is a grace that we need to forcefully ask God for. We are converted to the degree in which we open ourselves up to the beauty, the goodness, the tenderness of God. Thus let us leave what is false and fleeting for what is true, beautiful and everlasting.

(Mt 25:37-40)

ask that you make all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, for this coming year. We pray for your refreshing over us.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, as you remind us we are safe with you and your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls.

Lord, lead us on your level ground.

We ask that you provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us; we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.”

Help us to be known as great givers, help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own. May we be lovers of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in our lives - your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us.

May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. To you be glory and honor, in this New Year, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By FCC News desk This Christmas Season visitors to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich were greeted by a larger-than-life depiction of the first Christmas in Bethlehem. In addition to the Holy Family, the set, whose presence in the Cathedral was made possible by three very generous, anonymous donors, includes a shepherd, a sheep, a donkey, a cow, three wise men and an angel that stands over eight feet tall.

Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte, rector of the cathedral, reported that this creche will be displayed outside next year. He also informed us that the creche that had for years been in front of the school, was placed on public display in downtown Norwich.

Join us for the *NEW* Diocesan Virtual Book Club Streaming Wednesday nights, January 6 to February 10th, 6:30- 8 PM we will be discussing:

Becoming Who You Are:

Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints

by James Martin, S.J.

Experience The Creamery Brook Difference Call 860-779-8700 today for more information or to schedule a personal tour to experience the Creamery Brook Difference for yourself.

Peace of mind. At Creamery Brook, we know there’s nothing else like it. With over 20 years under our belts, our residents know they can sit back and relax – we’re here for them.

From hanging their favorite pictures on the wall to weekly housekeeping, we take care of it all. When they want to socialize, we’ll give them interesting options while keeping them safe. When they sleep at night they can rest easy with 24/7 security. Whether independent or assisted living, we have the knowledgeable staff and record of integrity that puts their minds, and their family’s minds, at ease each and every day.

36 Vina Lane, Brooklyn, CT www.piercecare.org

Our book club moderator will be Andrea Hoisl, Director of the Office of Faith Events

Space is limited so register now!

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Larger than Life

For details and to register:

Please contact Marianne at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net or 860-848-2237 ext. 304

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SAINT BERNARD SCHOOL

Virtual Open House

PRAYER INTENTION May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.

- Pope Francis

We invite you to join us at one of our Virtual Open Houses where you can learn about our academic programs, athletics, campus life and much more. " Thursday, January 14

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!

To register, call 860-848-1271 or visit SaintBernardSchool.org for a 3-D Tour and to learn more!

Introvigne FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Serving All Faiths • Pre-Need Arrangements Traditional Services or Cremations Directors: Joseph R. Introvigne, Joseph R. Introvigne, Jr. & Michael J. Introvigne 51 East Main St. Stafford Springs, CT

860-684-2538

www.introvignefuneralhome.com

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Saint Bernard School: Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 Ask us

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about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation.

St. Joseph School New London, CT

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I

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

Registration is ongoing, please call for information

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

I

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

Confirmation Part 2 In thinking about the Sacrament of Confirmation last month we held up St. Joan of Arc as a model for us. Her heroism as a soldier exemplified for us what Confirmation commissions us to do on the spiritual level as public witnesses of our Lord.

While Confirmation is intrinsically connected to being a public witness of Christ and His Church, we can also learn a lot more about this Sacrament by looking at the prayers and actions that take place in the Rite of Confirmation.

The Church tells us that Confirmation is conferred upon the candidate “through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand,” and through the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” You may notice that this two-fold formula contains both “matter” (the anointing with chrism on the forehead and the laying on of the hand), as well as “form” (the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”). This structure follows the same format that was introduced with the Sacrament of Baptism, namely, that there is a proper matter and a proper form for the celebration of each of the Sacraments.

The fact that Confirmation includes an anointing with chrism oil indicates its direct connection with Baptism. Not all Sacraments use Sacred Chrism in their celebration. In fact, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders are the only Sacraments that involve an anointing with chrism. Because of this, these three Sacraments are unrepeatable, meaning that a person can

only validly receive each Sacrament once.

Each one confers on the Christian an “indelible mark,” or a spiritual seal. This seal indicates that we belong totally to Christ: “It is God who…has put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Cor 1:21-22).

With this new seal, the Christian is consecrated, or set aside for a new purpose, a new role in the Church. The baptized Christian is incorporated as a member of the Body of Christ; the confirmed Christian is commissioned as a public witness to the Faith; and the ordained priest is configured to Christ as Head of the Body, in order to serve the Christian faithful (more on Holy Orders later).

That covers the “matter” for Confirmation but the form (again, the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”), also instructs us more deeply as to what Confirmation is.

It’s clear from the words: the Holy Spirit is the protagonist, the “main character” in Confirmation. The Holy Spirit is perhaps the person of the Holy Trinity who is spoken about the least but He plays a vital role in our lives today.

We have been, after all, in the “age” of the Holy Spirit, since the day of Pentecost.

Confirmation plants the Holy Spirit deep in our hearts as Christians.

Perhaps, as we begin this new year, we can all make a renewed effort to get more deeply acquainted with the Holy Spirit, who was poured into our hearts in a new and fuller way at Confirmation.

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Father Michael Bovino

Class is in session...

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Fai th Sparks

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?

By Andrea D. Hoisl

H

appy New Year is what we say as we enter January, the first month of the year, filled with hope and promise. We look ahead at our hopes and dreams for the year knowing that all things are possible. But as we look ahead this year, with the next few months of winter enveloping us in darkness, we all share an uneasy sense of helplessness that seems to permeate all we do.

Instead of post-Christmas joy, we are entering this year with fear and trepidation of the unknown – of the many unknowns – that now affect each of us daily. Although we are faced with a new year full of possibilities and circumstances, questions remain. When will the pandemic end? When will we get

the vaccine? What is really going to change in our world in the future?

So what do we have to look forward to?

The deep darkness that winter provides is not the best backdrop for all the unresolved feelings that haunt us daily. But for us as Catholics, all of this becomes manageable because we know that Christ is our light in the darkness. His promises are real and give us hope even when it seems there is none to be had. We have the advantage of knowing that our universal Church has and will continue to bring order out of chaos and joy out of suffering. The real question becomes how we spread that to others - specifically to those who do not have the privilege of knowing, loving and worshipping

Christ. It’s a challenge we all need to face as we go about our daily routines in 2021.

To many of us it may seem like an impossible task – bringing hope to a world that is wracked with fear, pain and suffering. But truthfully, that is when the world needs to hear Christ’s message of love and forgiveness most. It is not easy to bring the importance of Christ’s message to a world that rejects it, but that’s what we are all called to do as baptized Christians. It was not easy for Christians in the early Church, who suffered persecution and death, to witness to their faith.

It was not easy for Christians in the Middle Ages, when the Church was spiritually exhausted and desperately in need of a reformation, to witness

to their faith. It was not easy for Christians pre-Vatican II, when the letter of the law meant more than the spirit of the law, to witness to their faith.

It’s not easy to be a practicing Catholic and it never will be.

Christ’s message is radical and countercultural.

It takes hard work and dedication to share with others the faith that gives our lives meaning. That’s why Jesus came as a human being, to be a role model of how to do that. With Christ’s help and guidance, we can be the light of Christ for others in our world today.

If we all embraced this in our daily lives, our world would be filled with light and love.

Ignite Your Faith.

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks for additional resources.

Julian of Norwich: A Virtual Workshop Hermit, Mystic, Spiritual Guide, Woman of God

January 12th 6:30-8:00 pm

An Education You Can Believe In.

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community.

Embracing Service. Living Faith.

Supported financially and spiritually by 10 parishes in the Middletown Deanery.

Currently the only regional Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Norwich Diocese.

Presented by Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P. Julian is best remembered for her simple rule of life: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, all manner of thing shall be well.”

From a small city in England in the 14th century, Julian’s writings still reach out to us, teaching about God, and about relationship with God. This presentation will consider her life, her world, and her message of love.

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

To register and receive the link please contact Marianne at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net or 860-848-2237 ext. 304

JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

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JANUARY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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LIC O H T A C OUNTY

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Deuteronomy 15:10 Father Michael Patrick Bovino Ordained to the PriesthoodJune 27, 2020 imparts his first blessing on Bishop Michael R. Cote

Helping Others Is What We Do

Isaiah 43:1