Four County Catholic March 2012 by Diocese of Norwich

Volume 24 Number 3

March 2012

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

Four County Catholic March 2012

If we must fight to preserve the Constitution and retain its intended religious freedom, we will fight with inexhaustible resolve.

Four County

atholic at c

- Bishop Cote in defense of religious liberty

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

If we are not willing to pay the price, someone else must.

- Alan Malizia, parishioner, St. James Church, urging all Catholics to actively defend the First Amendment rights denied by the HHS mandate

Established in 1989 and published each month except July. Publisher

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

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No hay camino… el camino se hace al andar.

(There is no path, the path is forged as one walks along.) - The words of Machado often quoted by Sister Roberta Rioux expressing missionary initiatives in Chile.

Life is a collaboration, not a competition, and Lent is the perfect time to fast from comparisons and focus on our many blessings.

- Christina Capecchi providing a seasonal perspective.

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2012

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be 24 Num

The Prayer at Valley Forge, oil on canvas by Arnold Friberg, 1976, capturing the founder of our Country seeking God’s help on his knees. Inspired by the eye witness historical account of 26-year old Isaac Potts.

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Four County Catholic March 2012

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is Freedom My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: These have become extraordinary times. While the recession remains painfully with us, we as Catholics find ourselves also engaged in a critical battle to preserve religious liberty. We have been intensely focused on the Health and Human Services mandate for Catholic institutions to provide health insurance coverage to employees covering sterilization, abortioninducing drugs and contraception. A focus that includes the Administration’s subsequent accommodation to Catholic organizations. Your outrage at this assault on religious liberty has been heard and will continue to help Catholics and all people of good faith and conscience work together to ensure religious lib-

erty is securely preserved in both the spirit and letter of the law. Your support of the critical constitutional principles at stake strengthens the solidarity of the Church as we work without rest to ensure that the First Amendment is upheld and that any manipulations or work-arounds are exposed as such. In my previous column, I spoke of the urgency of the New Evangelization within our community of faith--a renewed commitment for each of us to share the Good News of the Gospel and to defend our faith in the ongoing struggle within an increasingly secularized culture. Our mission is before us. It is formidable. It is not just contained in a single issue or moment such as the HHS conflict. Our attention needs to be a 360-degree vigi-

lance. More than ever, the Catholic Church, faithfully represented by each of you, must actively stand up and protect the freedom to do God’s work. It is often overlooked that the Catholic Church is, outside of government programs, the largest provider of social services and charitable good works in America. We do this work because our faith calls us to love and help each other, especially those most in need and vulnerable. We are not alone in this labor of love. Other religious organizations, Christian and non-Christian, assist their fellow travelers in charitable ways, often quietly and far from the spotlight of public recognition. We are the most caring, loving and giving society on God’s earth. In following God’s will and in keeping with this

Country’s founding spirit of freedom to worship and freedom to help each other, we shouldn’t be fighting over such matters – we should be recognized as faithful citizens in every respect. But if we must fight to preserve the Constitution and retain its intended religious freedom, we will fight with inexhaustible resolve. In my pastoral Lenten message I shared with you that Lent is a special time to learn about Christ, the teachings of the Church and the truths of our faith. I can’t remember Lent arriving at a more critical time for us to stand together and appreciate the vital foundations of our faith’s moral vision for contemporary society. We must first be assured of religious liberty as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Encroachment on religious

la Iglesia a trabajar a través del desconcierto para garantizar que la libertad religiosa esté firmemente protegida en ambos, el espíritu y el poder de la ley. Su apoyo a los principios constitucionales fundamentales en juego refuerza la solidaridad de la Iglesia a medida que trabajamos sin descanso para garantizar que la Primera Enmienda se mantenga y que cualquier manipulación o trabajos en la dirección opuesta sean expuestos como tales. En mi columna anterior, hablé de la urgencia de la Nueva Evangelización dentro de nuestra comunidad de fe- un compromiso renovado para cada uno de nosotros de compartir la Buena Nueva del Evangelio y de defender nuestra fe en la lucha constante dentro de una cultura cada vez más secularizada. Nuestra misión está

enfrente de nosotros. Es formidable. No está solo contenida en un único tema o momento particular como el conflicto del HHS (por sus siglas en inglés). Nuestra atención necesita estar en una vigilancia de 360- grados. Más que nunca, la Iglesia Católica, fielmente representada por cada uno de ustedes, debe defender activamente y proteger la libertad para hacer la obra de Dios. A menudo pasa por alto que la Iglesia Católica es, fuera de los programas de gobierno, el mayor proveedor de servicios sociales y de buenas obras de caridad en los Estados Unidos. Hacemos este trabajo porque nuestra fe nos llama a amar y ayudarnos los unos a los otros y especialmente a aquellos más necesitados y vulnerables. No estamos solos en esta labor de amor. Otras organizaciones religiosas,

Cristianas y no-Cristianas, asisten a su prójimo en formas caritativas , a menudo en silencio y lejos de la luz del reconocimiento público. Nosotros somos la sociedad de mayor auxilio, amor, y entrega en el pueblo de Dios. Al seguir la voluntad de Dios y al mantener los principios de espíritu de libertad para rendir culto y libertad para ayudarnos los unos a los otros, no deberíamos estar luchando por estos asuntos- deberíamos ser reconocidos como ciudadanos fieles en todos los aspectos. Pero si tenemos que luchar para proteger la constitución y conservar su propósito de libertad religiosa , lucharemos con determinación inagotable. En mi mensaje pastoral de Cuaresma, compartí con usted que la Cuaresma es un tiempo especial para aprender acerca de Cristo, las

2 Corinthians 3:17

liberty denies us, as Americans of faith, the opportunity to defend the sanctity of marriage, the dignity of those suffering through hard times, protection of the unborn, positive immigration reform and other living principles central to our Christian beliefs. These principles are all worthy of Lenten reflection, and are all dependent on religious liberty in America. May we live in an ever-protected free society. May the recessionary times run their course soon. May we always follow God’s loving example. And may we have the strength and solidarity to defend our faith. Always. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Donde está el Espíritu del Señor, hay Libertad Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: Estos se han convertido en tiempos extraordinarios. Mientras la recesión dolorosamente permanece con nosotros, como Católicos nos encontramos en una batalla noeconómica para proteger la libertad religiosa. Esa batalla tiene muchos enfrentamientos. Hemos estado intensamente enfocados en el mandato de Salud y Servicios Humanos a las instituciones Católicas de proporcionar cobertura de seguro medico a empleados cubriendo esterilización, aborto-inducido por drogas y anticoncepción. Ese enfoque además incluye la subsiguiente acomodación de la Administración a organizaciones Católicas. Su indignación a la agresión de la libertad religiosa ha sido escuchada y continuará ayudando a los Obispos de

Bishop of Norwich

2 Corintios 3:17

enseñanzas de la Iglesia y las verdades de nuestra Fe. No puedo recordar una Cuaresma que llega en un momento más crítico para nosotros juntos defender y apreciar las bases vitales de la visión moral de nuestra fe en la sociedad contemporánea. Primero debemos asegurarnos que la libertad religiosa sea garantizada por la Primera Enmienda. Luego la justicia y la misericordia guiarán el camino. Intrusión en la libertad religiosa nos niega como Americanos de fe, la oportunidad de defender la santidad del matrimonio, la dignidad de aquellos que sufren a través de los tiempos difíciles, la protección al no-nacido, reformas positivas de inmigración y otros principios vitales centrales a nuestras creencias Cristianas. Estos principios son todos digHay Libertad Cont. on page 4

Four County Catholic March 2012

Hay Libertad

D IME T RUST S ERVICES Experienced Team • Personal Attention • Local Service Trust Officers

Cont. from page 3

nos de reflexión Cuaresmal y todos dependen de la libertad religiosa en America. Que vivamos en una sociedad siempre- libre protegida. Que los tiempos de recesión sigan su curso pronto. Que siempre sigamos el ejemplo del amor de Dios. Y que

tengamos la fuerza y la solidaridad para defender nuestra Fe. Siempre. Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

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Rejoice in Hope St. Edmund's Retreat Friday’s during Lent

Stations of the Cross & Fish Fry Dinner Includes Fish & Chips, Coleslaw, Beverage and our own Homemade Clam Chowder, Baked Fish Available March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • 5:00 pm & 6:30 pm (before and after the Stations of the Cross) Stations of the Cross in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption, Enders Island at 6:00 pm each Friday Reservations Required for Fish Fry 8605360565 x142 or www.endersisland.com No reservations will be accepted after 12 Noon the day of the Fish Fry.

Sacred Art

Lenten Activities & Retreats

God invites us in the midst of the noise and distractions we face every day to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.

March 1823 Oil Painting in the Style of the Masters Learn techniques not usually taught in American Schools of Art. All of the processes used by the mas ters are explained and demonstrated. You will com plete your own piece of art in the style of the masters. With Dr. Michael Sullo

March 19 Feast of St. Joseph Day of Recollection With Sr. Eugenia Brady, SJC

Set some time aside for Him, book your retreat today!

April 1318 Illuminated Prayer on Vellum This class will explore writing, painting and illuminat ing on vellum. This beautiful form of prayer is open to all. With Harvest Crittenden

(860) 5360565 www.endersisland.com

April 2426 The Style and Interpretation of Gregorian Chant Explore the New Roman Missal and experience a great variety of chants. With Dr. William Tortolano

March 2324 Women’s Lenten Retreat Becoming Women of Courage, Conviction and Compassion. With Fran Karpiej, OFS

April 58 Triduum Retreat Experience the richness of the Triduum in prayerful re lection as we await the Risen Christ. With Fr. Michael May, SJ from St. Louis University

Four County Catholic March 2012

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

The Prophetic Dimension of Priestly Celibacy This past week I had the opportunity and privilege to attend a conference at Notre Dame University which was a Symposium on the Charism of Priestly Celibacy. It was an honor to attend and an experience I will not soon forget. Included among the presenters were two Archbishops, one lay woman, two religious priests and two diocesan priests, each of whom gave very thorough presentations with a high level of scholarship and humility! The highlight of the two days without question was having the opportunity to hear Fr. Raniero Cantlamessa, OFMCap, the Papal Household preacher. What does this mean? My understanding is that his duties include preaching at the Vatican Basilica during the two spiritual seasons of Advent and Lent and being “house preacher” for the Pope. He is the only one allowed to preach to the Pope! Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa was asked by Blessed John Paul II to take on this role and has continued in this role for our present Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. As I listened to Father Cantalamessa during his presentation the first evening of the conference, one thought continued to work its way to the forefront of my mind over and over again that was, what a holy and humble man! I will humbly attempt to give you a brief overview of the first section of Father Cantalamessa’s, presentation, “The Prophetic Dimension of Priestly Celibacy.” Father points out that before Jesus, living in any particular state just for the sake of the Kingdom did not really exist. He points out that what Jesus has actually done is “established a second state of life in the world… an alternative calling to marriage”. What is the motive for this sec-

ond state of life? The motive for living celibacy is doing so “for the sake of the Kingdom”. It is at this point in his discussion that Father Cantalamessa points out that “through its very existence”; living in the celibate state is a way of showing what the “ultimate state of human beings will be”! He made the point that this prophetic state, celibacy/virginity, is in no way opposed to the married life but actually complements it. He writes that “it reminds them that marriage is holy, beautiful, created by God and redeemed by Christ”. He then reminds us that “marriage is a structure tied to this world and is therefore transitory”. This is important he points out because ultimately after the resurrection of the dead, there will be no need to “complete oneself ” because “God will be everything to everyone” (1 Cor 15:28) Father Raniero then points out

the falsity of the view that celibacy is contrary to nature and in some way does not allow a man to become fulfilled. He points out, and I agree, that this is a great concern among young people today who may sense a call by God to serve His Church but this question regarding choosing virginity or celibacy seems to get in the way. It

is at this point in his presentation that Father makes a great distinction. Regarding a question about which state of life is more perfect, marriage or the celibate/chaste state, he writes; “I believe that celibacy is not ontologically more perfect: each of the two states of life is perfect for the person who is called to it. It is, however, a state

in life that is eschatologically more advanced, in the sense that it more clearly approximates the definitive state toward which we are all journeying.” In other words, he sums his thought up with the words of St. Cyprian, who he quotes as having written, “What we shall be, already you have begun to be”.

…young men of our community hear the call of the Lord and respond generously with open hearts and spirits. Together, we pray.

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

~ RO ~

Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: March 15 April 19 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 December 20

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Quaker Hill 5-6 pm St. Mark Church, Westbrook 6-7 pm Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich 7-8 pm St. Joseph Church, Rockville 7-8 pm St. Mary Church, Coventry 7-8 pm St. Colman Church, Middlefield 4-5 pm St. Luke Church, Ellington 6-7 pm Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry 7-8 pm St. Joseph Church, North Grosvenordale 4-5 pm St. Andrew Church, Colchester 7-8 pm

Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net • (860) 887-9294

Four County Catholic March 2012

Thursday(s), March 8 & 15 Liturgy and Sacraments Two evenings of adult catechesis presented by Sr Elissa Rinere, C.P. Held at St. Patrick Cathedral Auditorium from 6:30 - 8:30pm FREE - Call to reserve your spot. Office of Faith Events - 860-848-2237 ext 312. Monday, March 19 Natural Family Planning Classes The Sympto-Thermal Method is scientific, helps with fertility problems, easily learned and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. NFP is your loving and safe alternative to dangerous chemicals, devices, synthetic hormones and side-effects of contraception and birth control. With NFP, marriage insurance is covered by GOD. NFP classes for married and engaged couples are 3- part monthly. To register for a NFP class, go to www.ccli.org .

Chrism Mass Tuesday, April 3 Bishop Michael R. Cote will celebrate The Mass of Chrism in the Cathedral of St. Patrick at 10:30am. During this special liturgy, the holy Chrism and other sacred oils are blessed. Come gather for this unique celebration.

Friday-Sunday March 23-25 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend If you are silently grieving after an abortion - healing, forgiveness and peace can have a beginning with Rachel’s Vineyard. All inquiries are confidential. Retreat March 23-25, 2012 in Westerly, RI call Carol Owens at 401-421-7833 ext.118. Retreat March 23-25, 2012 in Litchfield, CT call Mary at 203882-1326. Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org. Saturday, March 24 Natural Family Planning Classes The Sympto-Thermal Method is scientific, helps with fertility problems, easily learned and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. NFP is your loving and safe alternative to dangerous chemicals, devices, synthetic hormones and side-effects of contraception and birth control. With NFP marriage insurance is covered by GOD. NFP classes for married and engaged couples are 3- part monthly. A class begins March 24, 2012 at 2:00pm in Gales Ferry. Call the Schantzs at 860-464-1184. To register for a NFP class go to www.ccli.org.

Saturday, March 24 Goods & Services Auction Tickets are currently on sale for our annual Goods and Services Auction to be held at St. Pius X Church hall, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown. The event will take place from 6:00-10:00pm and will include a buffet dinner, silent auction and a live auction. Tickets may be purchased for $20.00 by visiting the friary or calling 860-347-4441. The deadline for purchasing tickets is March 20, 2012. Come join us for this fun filled evening. Sun. -Tues., March 25, 26 & 27 Parish Mission “Nothing is Impossible with God” Starting at 7:00 pm at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington Street, Middletown. Father James Thaikoottathil, Pastor. A Parish Life in the Spirit Seminar will follow. Sunday, March 25 Youth Explosion This annual event is open to all teens in Junior/Senior High Schools. Held at St Bernard School in Uncasville. Doors open at 12:30pm - closing at 8:30pm. For more information, please contact the Office of Faith Events: 860848-2237 ext 312 or faithevents@norwichdiocese.net

Tuesday, March 27 Evenings of Discernment with Prayer for Peace An opportunity for Catholic men and woman ages 18-45 considering vowed life or priesthood. Please join us at 15 Lincoln Street, New Haven from 7:30-9:00pm. For more information or to register please call Sr. Ann at 203-2450401; Sr. Pat at 860-436-8430; or Sr. Maria at 203-762-4152. This event is sponsored by the Connecticut Vocation Council. Friday, March 30 Natural Family Planning Presentation Anyone is welcome to attend a presentation on Natural Family Planning on March 30, 2012 at 8:15pm at St. Francis of Assisi, Middletown. For more information please call Susan Williams, Office of Family Life, at 860-889-8346 ext. 283. Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. For more information or to register for the 4-session class, please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. Dates: Fridays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00pm-9:15pm Location: St. Francis of Assisi 10 Elm St., Mid-

dletown. Dates: Fridays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 7:00pm-9:15pm Location: Our Lady of Lourdes, Rte.12, Gales Ferry Wednesday, April 4 Natural Family Planning Classes The Sympto-Thermal Method is scientific, helps with fertility problems, easily learned and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. NFP is your loving and safe alternative to dangerous chemicals, devices, synthetic hormones and side-effects of contraception and birth control. With NFP marriage insurance is covered by GOD. NFP classes for married and engaged couples are 3- part monthly. A class begins on April 4, 2012 at 6:00pm in Westerly, RI, call the Bliers at 401-596-9582. To register for a NFP class go to www.ccli.org . Saturday, April 14 Catholic Women’s Conference This year’s conference will be held at St Bernard School, Uncasville. Our speaker is back by popular demand: Val Limar Jansen. For more information please contact the Office of Faith Events: 860-848-2237 ext 312 or faithevents@norwichdiocese.net.

Passion Play The 8th Annual St. Andrew Church

Passion Play

will be presented March 30 & 31 at St. Andrew Church 128 Norwich Ave, Colchester, CT The play is a musical performance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A cast of over 100. A 60-Voice Choir and a 40-Voice Children’s Choir. Tickets for the performance are free; however, offerings to help defray production cost will be gratefully excepted. Tickets are available in Colchester at Wild Geese, Merciful Saviour, the Parish Office or by phoning Gary Dziatko at 860-295-8315. A limited number of tickets are available. No more than 10 tickets per person.

Way of the Cross Good Friday, April 6 • 6:00 pm Chelsea Parade, Norwich Walk with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, and leaders of other Christian Communities as we pray the Way of the Cross.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Signs of the Kingdom in Our Midst Celebrating Consecrated Life and Diocesan Outreach to Haiti Norwich -- Dozens of religious brothers, sisters and priests, and lay people throughout

and to serve God and his people,” Father Carini told the audience. Father Carini also said that he was “especially pleased” that this year’s By Shelley Wolf theme focused on the Diocesan Four County Catholic Outreach to Haiti. He noted that Contributor the Haitian ministry has been close the Diocese of Norwich celebrated to his heart ever since he was part of World Day for Consecrated Life on the first Diocesan trip to Haiti in February 5 in a beautiful and 1982. solemn Mass at the Cathedral of St. He said he is often asked what he Patrick. and others do on their visits to Haiti. The principal celebrant, the Most “The greatest thing we do is just visit Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop the people,” Father Carini explained. of Norwich, led the special service in “We share their joy, their happiness which members of various religious at receiving us into their homes and, orders joined their peers around the above all, we share their faith. We world in renewing their vows of stand in solidarity with them with poverty, chastity and obedience, Christ as our model. And when we rededicating themselves to leave, we realize that we have another year in the misreceived much more sion of the Church. than we have given.” The celebration Father Carini began with Mass. and a parish During the group from St. opening proMatthew’s in cession, memTolland just bers of 37 returned in religious and January from secular instia visit with tutes and astheir sister sociations of parish (or the Christwin parish) tian Faithful of St. Pierrre filled the in Ganthier, pews, rising Haiti, near to welcome the DominiBishop Cote can border. St. and the conceleMatthew’s has brants, Monsicommitted to gnor Anthony S. support St. Pierre’s Rosaforte, Reverend parish school by payTomasz Albrecht, Reving the primary teachers’ erend Bernard Backsalaries. In 2000, St. iel, M.I.C., and Photo by Andrew Martin Matthew’s began supReverend Raymond D. Introvigne. porting the education of 45 stuThe homily was delivered by the dents; today it supports 634 Very Reverend James Carini, Pastor students. “It is very satisfying and of St. Matthew Church in Tolland humbling to recognize what the and Dean of the Vernon Deanery. Lord is doing in Haiti through us,” Father Carini noted that he was Father Carini said. both honored and humbled to give Father Carini said he is also often thanks for the great gift of the con- asked if he has seen much progress secrated life in the Diocese of Nor- in Haiti since the devastating earthwich. quake in January 2010. “At first “Through your living of the evan- glance it doesn’t appear that much is gelical counsels, you reveal what it taking place,” he said, “but there are means to be redeemed persons in some marvelous stories of progress.” Christ—inwardly set free to love The Church is doing a great deal,

especially through Catholic Relief Services (CRS). In the two years since the quake, CRS has built 10,600 transitional shelters, provided 10 million meals, organized medical teams that have performed more than 1,000 surgeries and conducted 71,000 outpatient consultations, and they have hired 12,000 people in temporary programs, Father Carini reported. “And this is only one agency,” he said. “There are

so many others at work. “Our own Outreach to Haiti has partnered with Catholic Relief Services in a pilot project and we have built over 900 TI Shelters (small shelters),” he added. “These are temporary but sturdy dwellings that provide clean and safe places to live.” Father Carini acknowledged that there is still much work to be done in Haiti. “There is so much more to be done, but slowly we see wonder-

ful things happening. It’s a work in progress and we are privileged to wait in faith, hope and love in solidarity with the Haitian people.” At the dinner that followed the Mass, Bishop Cote thanked Father Carini for intertwining Haiti and consecrated life. The Bishop also blessed “all members of consecrated life in all its various forms as signs of the Kingdom in our midst.” Consecrated Life Cont. on page 8

22nd Annual

White Mass for Healthcare Workers & Caregivers of All Faiths Sunday, April 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT All are welcome to join the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, in a grateful celebration of the healers and caregivers in our lives. Homilist Deacon Gerald Shaw, M.D., MS. Brunch to follow, featuring... The Dr. David P. Lauler, M.D. and Joan M. Lauler, B.S.N. Memorial Lecture given by Christina Puchalski, M.D., MS Dr. Puchalski is Founder and Director of The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She will be speaking on Spirituality in Healthcare. Dr. Puchalski is a pioneer and leader in the movement to integrate spirituality into healthcare in both the clinical setting and in medical education. She most recently published “Making Health Care Whole.” At a time of intense concern over the role of faith and conscience in healthcare, Dr. Puchalski will provide a timely perspective. For more information, to make a reservation, or to reserve a table, please call 860-887-9294, ext. 261.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Consecrated Life

Cont. from page 7

Following dinner, those observing the day were treated to a special presentation from invited guest speaker and Haitian native Sister Yannick Saieh, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny and the Bishop’s personal representative to Haiti. Sister Saieh was appointed by Bishop Cote in 2009 to help oversee the works of the Diocese of Norwich’s Outreach to Haiti program within Haiti. “I saw how important

it was to him,” she said, referring to Bishop Cote. The program operates under the Diocese of Norwich with offices in both Connecticut and Port-au-Prince. Sister Saieh, who currently resides in Haiti, described the Country as a land of beauty but also one of pain and suffering. Haiti, which became independent in 1804, now has a population of 9 million people and is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. According to the Sister, most Haitians live on less than $2.00 a day. She detailed numerous programs sponsored by Outreach to Haiti, including emergency relief, education, medical care, food for children and orphanage support, community redevelopment, artisan support, and hospitality and immersion trips. One of the most popular programs—twinning—typically pairs parishes and schools in the U.S. with parishes and groups in need in

Haiti. “Partnerships are at the heart of the mission,” Sister Saieh explained. There are currently 12 such twinnings in the Diocese, involving 24 communities. For instance, the all-girl Mercy High School in Middletown has chosen to twin with an all-girl orphanage in Port-au-Prince that houses 70 girls age 3 to 18. This announcement drew a burst of applause from the audience. The Diocese also supports a second orphanage for 50 children affected by HIV. In addition, through its Outreach to Haiti education program, the Diocese sponsors 300 students in private schools. To date, two alumni have gone on to become doctors and one has become an engineer, Sister Saieh reported. This year alone, three students have already been accepted into Haitian universities. The Diocese also operates a fullservice primary care clinic in Port-

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au-Prince that is staffed by three part-time physicians. Health aides also visit in the home. Moreover, through Outreach to Haiti, the Diocese operates a food program for 60 children, providing one hot meal a day. Artisan support takes the form of shipping colorful metal artwork made from used oil drums to Haiti’s Back Porch, a shop in Middletown, and to parishes willing to sponsor Haitian craft sale events. Finally, the Outreach to Haiti mission itself offers hospitality to travelers who perform medical or educational works as well as to immersion trip travelers seeking a

Photo by Shelly Wolf glimpse of Haitian life. All are invited to stay at the Petion-Ville mission, which accommodates travelers on 5- to 10-day visits at $80 per night. “We welcome visitors who come from the U.S. to enter more deeply into the life of Haiti,” Sister Saieh said. According to the Sister, anyone can get involved in the Diocese’s Outreach to Haiti program by sponsoring a student, planning a trip to Haiti, supporting current programs, or by volunteering to host a Haitian craft sale event. For more information on how a parish can help, call (860) 848-2237, ext. 206 or visit www.outreachtohaiti.org.

Calling Women of all ages! Saturday, April 14, 2012 • Saint Bernard School Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Events and Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Keynote Speaker: ValLimar Jansen Back by Popular Demand!

ValLimar uses music and drama to deliver a powerful message, calling women to live their baptismal call to be Christ’s witnesses in the world. This con ference is about building up an army of strong, spirit filled women of God. ValLimar is an internationally known gospel singer, leader of worship and prayer, lecturer and presen ter. Don’t miss this moment of Grace!

8:00 - 8:30

Registration/Coffee/Exhibitors

8:30 - 9:30

Holy Mass with Bishop Cote/Welcome

9:30 - 9:45

Announcements/Orientation

9:45 - 10:00

Coffee Break

10:00 - 11:00

First Talk: Women of the Hebrew Scriptures

11:10 - 12:10

Second Talk: Women of Christian Scriptures

12:10 - 1:30

Lunch/Exhibits/Reconciliation

1:30 - 2:15

Adoration & Eucharistic Procession

2:15 - 2:30

Break/Exhibits

2:30 - 3:30

Third Talk: Women in Contemporary Society

For more information or to register go to www.norwichdiocese.org and click on Ministries, then Office of Faith Events for registration flyer or call Office of Faith Events Marge Vanner 860-848-2237.

Discovering Our Diocese

Where is This? Can you identify the Statue pictured above? Answer is on page 24.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Baptism: Where It All Begins The season of Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to consider the sacrament of BapBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

tism. Throughout the Catholic world, many unbaptized adults are in the process of preparing for the sacraments of Initiation through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, often referred to as the R.C.I.A. At the Easter Vigil, all these individuals will be welcomed into the Catholic Church and will be Baptized, Confirmed and receive the Eucharist. That is, they will be fully initiated into the community of the Church. For those who come into the Church as adults, the day of their Initiation is seldom forgotten, and often, what it means to be baptized into Christ is grasped in a unique way. In contrast to this, those who were baptized as infants - those often referred to as “cradle Catholics” - must consciously foster an understanding of the meaning of Baptism as they mature in faith. Unfortunately, with so much importance given to the other sacraments of Initiation, which are usually celebrated over the course of several years, Baptism can be often overlooked or undervalued to some degree. Today, the Rite of Baptism for Children calls for these baptisms to

be celebrated at parish masses, especially during the Easter Season. There is no better way of showing “cradle Catholics” the meaning of Baptism than to have them partic-

ipate in an actual ceremony. Liturgy is always the best teacher. At the very beginning of the Baptismal ritual, the priest or deacon addresses the parents or guardians of the child, to have them declare to everyone that do want the child baptized, and are willing and ready to undertake the responsibility of raising the child in the Catholic faith. Then the celebrant continues, and directs words to the child: “The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior...” Certainly, an infant is too young to hear and understand these words at the time of Baptism. One basic goal of all our religious education, CCD, faith formation, or whatever title is given to the effort, is that every baptized person comes to understand what it means to be claimed for Christ. In the course of the Baptismal rite, every child is anointed with

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chrism as a sign of being incorporated into Christ, “who is Priest, Prophet and King.” Every infant is clothed with a white garment, as an outward sign of his or her Christian dignity. The parents of every infant receive a lighted candle, symbolizing the Light of Christ. It is parents who must pass this flame to their children, so they will always walk as children of light. The Baptismal ceremony contains powerful symbols of what it means to be claimed by Christ. It is no wonder, then, that Blessed Pope John Paul II once said that holiness is the natural state of the Baptized. His point was that having been anointed and incorporated into Christ, everyone who is baptized is already in a relationship to Christ. Holiness, Pope John Paul said, is this ongoing relationship. What is needed is response to the relationship which already exists. Sometimes, those who are baptized can become discouraged that they are not “good enough” to be loved by God, and certainly not good enough to be considered holy in any way. However, the truth is that through Baptism, we already belong to Christ. We are already blessed and holy and loved by God. What is required from us is acceptance of and response to our Baptism.

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Television Mass Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 10:00 AM Channel 20 WTXX Celebrant: Fr. Ray Introvigne Confirmation Students & Sponsors Retreat Day Saturday, March 10, 2012 St. Mary Church, 51 Freestone Avenue, Portland, CT 06480 Father John Ashe, Pastor Unbound Prayer Session Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM Spiritual Renewal Services Center By Appointment ONLY – Please call! Parish Mission “Nothing is Impossible With God” Sunday through Tuesday, March 25, 26 & 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington Street Middletown, CT 06457 Offered by: Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes. A Parish Life In The Spirit Seminar will follow! Philip Retreat Weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 21 & 22, 2012 St. Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock, Killingworth, CT 06419 Pre-registration is required by calling 860-887-0702.

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Four County Catholic March 2012

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A Message from Our Bishop and the Diocesan Development Office The 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal was a success, thanks to the generosity of the faithful who stepped forward and heeded the call to share their gifts with others. A special thank you to all the pastors, chair people and secretaries in the parishes for assisting with the campaign. As we move forward we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the 2011 campaign. We are honored to share these words of gratitude from our Bishop:

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ewardyour generous st You hrist, of C e in us s ca er st be Si d d ge l. an an My Brothers se lives will be ch the 2011 Annual Catholic Appea ho w e os th l al of On behalf y of Me.” al donations to for your sacrifici campaign: “Do This in Memor despite difficult u yo k an th I , ip e sh th that eased to report, goal for the 2011 ed the theme of pl th ea ry br ve y e ul ar tr e w ve ha ur support that our campaign It is because of yo we came very close to achieving esents 99% of our goal. What ch repr ions, %. economic condit 31st we raised $3,356,592, whi icipation remained strong at 31 y rt ar pa sh nu of ge us to are ACA. As of Ja that the percenta e unified by a mission that calls ewards, is e m to ve si es h, we ar atholic st is more impr e Catholic Churc ers in need. As C As members of th provide for our brothers and sist at people in our communities fts and ing to ensure th g spiritual hunger and isoour abundant gi another by help e udin on r fo ve lo r Christ to ut hunger - incl ho it w we show ou e liv to bring the love of ed us ne lp ey he th se t ce or io have the supp tries of our D hope. The minis through lation, and with ct support, service, and hope. d the oppressed clergy an k ea w e re th di s, h es ug mel tired others thro e hungry, the ho ncies. It will give back to our re ur genth e rv se ill w ft Your gi ols and Age is Church. Yo our Parishes, Scho ’s people and H education the ministries of dicated their lives to serve God ols and religious ho sc r ou de h ve ug ha ro ce the chaled th - men who ith is strengthen ceive the training they need to fa fa at th re su en inarians re erosity will sure that our sem ors by reprograms, and en n Church. serve your neighb d an er od G od m se r ai call to pr lenges of ou response to the upon you. atively and Your gift is your any blessings He has bestowed ne that –appreci do ve m ha e u th Yo of e d. m or the L rs. turning so ory of Me,” says od’s love to othe “Do This in Mem for all you do to be a sign of G ose in need and ask God’s confor th nk you generously. Tha ateful and proud for all you do gr ry ve . I am so loved ones on you and your In Christ,, tinued blessings Gratefully Yours Michael R. Cote Most Reverend ich Bishop of Norw

Echoing the Bishop’s words, the staff of the Diocesan Development Office would like to thank you for your gracious stewardship. We encourage you to visit our website at www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, or contact one of us by calling 860-886-1928. We look forward to hearing from you.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Diocese of Norwich 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal

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Four County Catholic March 2012

Nuns Celebrate 100th Birthdays at Putnam Convent Two Sisters Served Church for More Than 70 Years Putnam, Conn. — For more than 70 years, Sisters Angela Joseph and Gilberte Desilets have By Adam Benson The Bulletin

quietly devoted themselves to their faith and community. So it came as no surprise when the women shied away from the spotlight during a large birthday celebration for them at the Daughters of the Holy Spirit provincial house in Putnam to mark their 100th birthdays. The two reached the century mark within days of one another. The two women have spent a lifetime of service and teaching, so

the people who came to the party had much to say about them. “It’s a wonderful day. We can’t believe she made it, but she’s one of a kind and very strong,” Desilets’ sister, Fernande, 90. Sister Angela Joseph, also known as Maria Lucia Calderone, celebrated her 100th birthday this February as did Desilets, becoming the convent’s second centenarian. Prior to a luncheon in the provincial house gymnasium, about 30 people attended a special Mass celebrated by the Rev. John Dolan, pastor of Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster, Mass. Dolan used to be the pastor at St. Mary Church in Jewett City, where he

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got to know the women. “It is good we are able to celebrate 100 years of life, and we celebrate the difference they have made in so many lives as women of faith and as educators,” Dolan said. “It is a day for us to thank God. How wonderful it is to be able to say thank you to them while they are still with us.” Sister Angela took her first profession of vows in 1935, becoming a teacher at parish schools, including in Leominster and Chicopee, Mass., New Haven, Plainfield, Moosup and Waterbury. She retired to the Provincial House in 1991. “Tell the students I can’t forget them. I pray for them, and I love them,” she was quoted as saying in the Order’s winter newsletter. Desilets took her vows in 1931, retiring to the Provincial House in 2001, where she remains active knitting for her companions — but is most known for keeping an emblem of the Holy Spirit polished at all times. “I try to live one day at a time

Sister Gilberte Desilets accepts communion from the Rev. John Dolan Saturday morning at Putnam’s Daughters of the Holy Spirit provincial house. Photo by Adam Benson/NorwichBulletin.com and pray God will guide me. I don’t want anything special for my big day, but I will take whatever is done for me,” she said. “But no

Dime Foundation Awards Grant The Dime Bank Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich. The donation was given to ensure the community meal site and food pantry can continue to serve the needy in the greater Norwich area through its food programs and care-and-advocacy program. St. Vincent de Paul Place is a community meal site and food pantry that assists homeless people and families with limited income in the greater Norwich area. Established by the Catholic Diocese of Norwich in 1979, St. Vincent de Paul provides food, companionship and advocacy for the needy. For more information, visit www.svdpp.org.

chocolate cake.” Tami Masi, Sister Angela Joseph’s younger sister, said she was committed to living a faithful life since childhood. “She is one perfect nun,” said Masi, who turns 99 in April.

~ VL ~

Four County Catholic March 2012

Experience The Why Catholic? process continues progressing throughout the diocese during Lent, with many

cations.) Each parish will have the opportunity to send a retreat team of about five people to the workshop; more are welcome if needed. Sister will guide them through each of the movements of the retreat, giving them all the materials and direction they need to put the retreat on in their own parishes. These teams will then return home and, in consultation with the pastor, set a date when the retreat will be given in their parish. In this manner, each parish will have its own retreat in its own location open to all the parishioners who wish to attend. What’s more, the retreat will represent a meaningful spiritual experience delivered by members of the parish community for its members. Since the theme for this year´s

By Deirdre Trabert Malacrea Director, Communications and Marketing, Renew International

small communities in the parishes exploring the beliefs of the Catholic Church through the sessions of the book, BELIEVE: The Creed . While these small faith sharing communities form the heart of the Why Catholic? process, the entire community within the participating parishes can experience its blessings by taking part in the faith enrichment presentations and the annual parish retreats. In January, RENEW International presenters came back to the diocese to provide the faith enrichment presentations on the topic Why Catholics Read the Bible. Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD will return during March 11-14, 2012 to deliver the next presentation in English: the Parish Retreat Team Training session (see dates and lo-

faith sharing has been the Apostle’s Creed, the theme of the retreat is Finding God in the Ordinary. Through reflections on nature, and a look at some of our saints, who so often led ordinary lives with great faith, we give thanks for our God who considers all of our moments important. When the retreat is done in the parishes, there will be time for silence, for faith sharing, for praising in song. If you would like your parish to participate in this process, please

contact Marge Vanner at (860) 848-2237 x 312, or Sr. Mary Jude at (860) 456-3349. RENEW International is a canonically-recognized Catholic organization operating under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey. RENEW International fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action. For the past three decades, RENEW staff have worked with dioceses, parishes, and campuses in 23 countries. RENEW International can be found on the web at http://www.renewintl.org

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Parish Retreats to Deepen

Four County Catholic March 2012

True Love Waits: Program for Teens was held at St. Mary’s in Putnam “True Love Waits” a Catholic and national program for high school students about true love, Submitted by Susan Williams Office of Family Life

sexuality and promoting the values of chastity and commitment was held at St. Mary’s Parish in Putnam in January on four Sunday afternoons. Ninth and tenth graders from St. Mary’s Parish and Most Holy Trinity Parish in Pomfret participated in the program presented by the Office of Family Life and Jim Leonard, who for over fifteen years has presented the pro-

gram to hundreds of teens in our diocese. The final Sunday concluded with a Mass and Commitment Service in which students participated. A moving testimony on the meaning of dignity and love was given at Mass by Eric Bordua, a former “True Love Waits” participant and a junior at Marianapolis Preparatory School. Following the Mass, teens and their families enjoyed a pizza party in the church hall. “True Love Waits” communicates to teenagers the power of commitment and spiritual, emotional and physical values of re-

maining sexually pure as a single person, the most loving choice for themselves. “True Love Waits” is based on God’s definition of love, the teachings of the Church and Blessed Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body”. Promoting abstinence-only programs to teens has proven to work; however, TLW’s elevates this to a much higher level in the virtue of chastity…. the why of abstaining. There is a spiritual and emotional as well as a physical price tag in the choice teens make on sexual relationships outside of a marital relationship.

“True love Waits” assists families in addressing the values of the virtue of chastity and “true love”. It is a way to support parents and their teens in a commitment to sexual purity; and communicates to our society a preferred alternative to the misguided and dangerous so-called “safe sex” message being sent out from our culture. Today, our culture promotes a definition and idea of “love” that is confusing and untrue. Teens are searching, looking for answers to the questions: what is love? How do I know what real love is? Teens are thinking about their sexuality

as they search for meaning in their lives. “True Love Waits” and Pope John Paul II’s teachings define real love as a self-donating gift and an act of something truly good for another person; and contrasts with “lust”, that which is self-seeking and the using of another person for self-gratification. We are all created for authentic love, to love and needing to be loved. This is to be human. Teaching chastity frees us to choose to respect ourselves and others, love as God loves and affirms the sacredness and dignity of a person and his/her sexuality. It is the way to true happiness.

Sister Roberta Rioux Enters Life Eternal from Chile

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It was on the eve of celebrating 50 years of her mission work in Chile that Roberta Rioux, DHS (Paul du Sauveur) responded to her Lord’s invitation to eternal life midday on February 7, 2012. Sr. Roberta, Paula to many, was born on June 18, 1936 in Hartford, CT and baptized Mary Lucille Roberta by her parents Ernest and Eliana (Gosselin) Rioux. At 19 she entered the Novitiate of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Putnam, CT and pronounced her first vows in 1956. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Sister was assigned as a teacher in DHS operated schools in Burlington and Swanton, Vermont for the next three years.In 1962, Roberta was among the dozen Daughters of the Holy Spirit who responded to the Church’s request for missionaries to South America. She traveled to Santiago, Chile for a short period of acculturation. From Santiago, Roberta went to Antofagasta and Tocopilla where she worked as a teacher for six years. After a short break in France for health reasons , Hermana Paula returned to Chile and assisted in the formation of the young Chilean Sisters. It was at this time also that she became highly involved in parish, social and socio-political work in various ‘poblaciones’.In 1994 Sister spent a few more months in France honing her skills as a translator. She returned to Chile until 1997 when she was missioned to the DHS center in neighboring Callao, Perú where she focused on her translation work for the Congregation and performed social work among the Peruvians. Since the fall of 1997 Roberta had been back in Chile working extensively as a translator and being responsible for a large group of Associates. She was also highly involved in Accompaniment and Formation work. Sister Roberta was in the front lines with her sleeves rolled up to respond to the immediate needs of her people and to collaborate with other local movements and groups when the devastating earthquake struck 2 years ago.When asked recently why she had chosen to stay 50 years in Chile, Roberta answered without flinching:”The important factor has always been the Latin Americans themselves, a joyful, welcoming and warm people...despite many years of continuous exploitation and poverty they have proven their solidarity and have maintained a profound hope”. Indeed la Hermana Paula experienced first-hand the situations of her ‘chosen people’ as she served them so well and so long with love and dedication as teacher, social worker, evangelizer, factory worker, victim of dishonest business practices, health care worker, counselor , translator , formator and spiritual advisor. The impact that Sister Roberta made on the thousands of lives she touched during her 50 years among the people of Chile and Peru is indeed to be celebrated. Paulita often read and sang the words of Machado “no hay camino...el camino se hace al andar” (there is no path, the path is forged as one walks along) and, as she greets her Lord we can imagine her saying, “Lord, be with them all, guide them and send your Spirit upon them to assure the path they continue to forge be one of justice and love for them and future generations”. Sister Roberta will be laid to rest in her adopted and beloved land where she indeed carried out our Lord’s mandate to “teach all nations.”

Four County Catholic March 2012

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Four County Catholic March 2012

“We know so very well that religious freedom is our heritage, our legacy and our firm belief, both as loyal Catholics and Americans. There have been many threats to religious freedom over the decades and years, but these often came from without. This one sadly comes from within. As our ancestors did with previous threats, we will tirelessly defend the timeless and enduring truth of religious freedom.” - Timothy Cardinal Dolan, President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

President Obama: Render Unto God the Things that Are God’s USCCBlog - Jesus is often quoted for his saying to “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” The rest of the quote could be a message to the Obama Administration: “Render unto God the things that are God’s.” The current tensions over religious freedom come down to a simple fact: the First Amendment guarantees free exercise of religion. That includes the right of Catholic and other religious institutions to define and carry out their ministry. The HHS regulation that compels virtually all employers to provide sterilization and contraceptives, including abortion-causing drugs, to employees without co-pay, has a religious exemption. But the exemption is so narrow that Jesus himself wouldn’t qualify. Religious ministries qualify for the exemption only if the people providing the service are Catholic, the ones being served are Catholic, and the service itself comes packaged with religious instruction. So much for hospital ministry. Will “Where does it hurt?” have to be replaced with “Where were you baptized?” At the soup kitchen will “Are you hungry?” be replaced with “Are you Catholic?” Will we have to teach the hungry the Apostle’s Creed before we feed them?

It is the church, not Caesar, that defines ministry. We Catholics are called to serve others because we’re Catholic, not because they are. We help others because of their need, not their creed. For the government to hold fast to its new definition of ministry, one crafted by the American Civil Liberties Union, reflects deafness to the Constitution that is unbecoming to the man sworn to defend it. There is the so-called “accommodation”, whereby (it is claimed) some Catholic institutions would not have to pay for services that violate their religious beliefs. Apparently, their insurance companies would pay for the services instead. One doesn’t have to be a cynic to question where the money to pay for those services will come from, as the only pool of available funds seems to be the premiums subsidized by the objecting religious institutions. And the government’s problematic definition of religious ministry still remains. There also is the question of what self-insured Catholic organizations are supposed to do. What good does it do to say the dirty work will be done by the insurer rather than the employer, if they are one and the same? The Administration’s intrusive decision about what does and does not constitute religious ministry should make every

American pause. What falls after freedom of religion? Freedom of the press? Will Caesar tell you what you have to print or air? Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision pertinent to religious freedom. In the Hosanna-Tabor case, the Court upheld 9-0 the right of a Lutheran Church to decide who its ministers are. The Obama Administration had taken the opposite, and losing side, arguing that the church had no more right of religious liberty than a secular organization. One would have expected the Court’s resounding rejection of that argument to bring the Administration’s eyes into focus on the religious liberty question. Clearly it did not. The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution makes freedom of religion the “First Freedom.” The Founding Fathers stressed that this freedom was sacred. George Washington in 1789 wrote to an annual meeting of Quakers that “The conscientious scruples of all men should be treated with great delicacy and tenderness and it is my wish and desire, that the laws may always be extremely accommodated to them.” Certainly our government, wise as it is, can’t be expected (and shouldn’t purport) to know everything. It might well ease its burdens by leaving some things to the Almighty and rendering unto God the things that are God’s.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Defending Religious Liberty On Monday, February 27, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, and Bishop Michael R. Cote of Norwich, met with Connecticut’s Congressional Representatives to voice their strong opposition to the federal health care insurance mandate that violates our First Amendment Right to freedom of religion. The Obama Administration has left many questions unanswered re-

garding the federal health care insurance mandate. In a so-called “accommodation,” President Obama said that insurance companies will pay for sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptives that go against our Catholic moral teachings. But, he has neglected to address the many religious organizations that are self-insured! These include the Archdiocese of Hartford, the Diocese of Bridgeport, and the Diocese of Norwich.

Under the current mandate, these institutions would still be expected to pay for these controversial procedures. The administration needs to address this crucial question, and many more, before the elections. Please contact the offices of your State Representatives and State Senators to express your opposition to the mandate. Please see the addresses and phones numbers below, or visit: www.ctcatholic.org or www.archdioceseofhartford.org.

The Honorable John Larson 221 Main Street, 2nd Floor Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 278-8888 Fax: (860) 278-2111

The Honorable Rosa DeLauro 59 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: (203) 562-3718 Fax: (201) 772-2260

The Honorable Christopher Murphy 114 West Main Street, Suite 206 New Britain, CT 06051 Phone: (860) 223-8412 Fax: (860) 827-9009

The Honorable Joseph Courtney 101 Water Street, Suite 301 Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: (860)886-0139 Fax: (860) 886-2974

The Honorable Jim Himes 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655

U.S. Congress

U.S. Senate The Honorable Joseph Lieberman One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 Voice: 860.549.8463 (Voice) Phone: 800.225.5605 (In CT) Fax: 866.317.2242

The Honorable Richard Blumenthal 90 State House Square, 10th Floor Hartford, CT, 06103 Phone: (860) 258-6940 Fax: (860) 258-6958

States, Catholics Sue Over Religious Liberty WASHINGTON (Reuters) Seven states, Catholic groups and individuals have filed the first major lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s new contraceptive regulations, arguing that the policy violated the constitutional rights to religious freedom. Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas joined with Catholic organizations and two Catholics to fight the new rules issued earlier in February requiring healthcare coverage for free birth control. The Obama administration initially proposed that religious-affiliated groups such as charities, hospitals and universities - but not churches - provide free

contraceptive coverage to female employees as other healthcare providers must do. The compromise shifts the burden to insurance companies, ordering them to provide

workers at religious-affiliated institutions with free family planning if they request it, without involving their employer. That did little to satisfy many religious groups and conservatives in key states that will be the battleground in the 2012 presidential election, like Ohio and Michigan where Republican attorneys general joined other states to sue. “Any rule, regulation or law that forces faith-based institutions to provide for services that violate their free exercise of religion, or that penalizes them for failing to kneel at the altar of government, is a flat-out violation of the First Amendment,” Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement.

Letter to the Editor We are at this moment experiencing what many Catholic/ Christians are experiencing around the world. Namely persecution for our belief. The HHS mandate for all intents and purposes, has put all religions in the United States, in particular Roman Catholics, in a defensive position. A defensive position because, if the present administration is prepared to violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, then those, whose religious tenets are being challenged, must be prepared to defend it as United States citizens. I’m sure this administration felt it was time to test the waters, sensing fragmentation among some groups within the Catholic Church. Not solely those who are entrusted with the running of the institutional church, but we who fill the pews at Masses. And enough of us would have to attest to just that, if we were to search the truth in the depths of our own hearts. Thereby, giving those who find the church an obstruction to their agendas, encouragement. In all of the reports or articles that I have come across on this topic, the name of Jesus Christ has not been mentioned. We have heard many profess their Christianity, but neglect its founder. There are those that feel that they speak for Him, when they believe there is wiggle room for compromise. The reason why we are Christians, and in our case, Catholics, is Christ. Before anyone presumes to speak for Him, other than the Pope, the question must be asked: “What does He think of all this?” His very crucifixion validates that there are no easy solutions to the problems we face. Save for obedience. Our permissiveness over the centuries, has put us in the unenviable position we find ourselves in today. Those who stood beneath the cross some two thousand years ago, clamored for Christ to come down and they would believe. Come down. Just please, no suffering. We are no different today, as we avoid responsibility because it is too demanding, inconvenient or uncomfortable. If we are not willing to pay the price, someone else must. Be it the unborn or Christ. Christ chose to hang on the cross, and proved that He could not be any less than He was, Divine. And in so doing, He shows us, through our shared humanity with Him, how much more we could be. As Christ did not compromise, so neither can we. The HHS mandate must be rescinded. Provided we are who we say we are; Roman Catholic Christians. So let us stand together, beneath the cross. And instead of asking Him to come down, let Him take us up. Take up this cross, that stands before us now, as it has never before been presented in this Country to this magnitude. Alan A. Malizia Danielson, CT St. James Church Parishioner

AJustice Department spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment. The 25-page lawsuit, filed in federal court in Nebraska, argued that the regulations “represent an unprecedented encroachment on the liberty of religious organization employers” and that the religious exemption offered is “insufficiently narrow.” The states, religious groups and

individuals also argued that they could be at immediate injury from the new regulations despite the one-year delay in enforcement, saying that it could be withdrawn at anytime. The case is State of Nebraska et al v.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services et al; No. 12-cv-3035, in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska.

Four County Catholic March 2012

Lent, A Time to Shoulder Our Christian Responsibilities (VIS) Vatican City - Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI reminds us, “Participation of the whole

community in the various stages of the Lenten journey underlines an important dimension of Chris-

Connecticut

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We All Have Love to G The Department of Children and Families need ilies and adoptive families for children of all ag an informational meeting where we will give d of our foster and adoptive family programs. Ho pecially needed for children over ten years old Wednesday February 22 at 7:00pm Stonington Human Services 166 S. Broad Street Pawcatuck, CT

Tuesday February 28 at 7:00pm East Lyme Community Ctr 39 Society Road East Lyme, CT

y March 1 at 7:00pm Gales Ferry Library 18 Hurlbutt Road Gales Ferry, CT

Wednesday March 7 at 7:00pm Groton Public Library 52 Newtown Road Groton, CT

Wednesday April 4 at 7:00pm Waterford Public Library 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT

Wednesday April 11 at 7:00pm Dept. Children & Families 2 Courthouse Square Norwich, CT

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tian spirituality: the fact that redemption is available not just for the few, but for everyone, thanks to Christ’s death and resurrection”. “The time leading up to Easter is a time of change and penance, a time which identifies our human lives and our entire history as a process of conversion, which begins to move now in order to meet the Lord at the end of time”. The Church calls this period “Quadragesima”, a period of forty days which has precise references in Holy Scripture. Indeed, “forty is the symbolic number with which the Old and New Testaments represent the most important moments of the People of God’s experience of faith. It is a figure which expresses a time of expectation, purification, return to the Lord, awareness that God is faithful to His promises; ... a time within which we must make our choice, shoulder our responsibilities without further delay. It is a time for mature decisions”. Jesus spent forty days praying in the wilderness before beginning His

public life and, following the resurrection, He spent forty days instructing His disciples before ascending to heaven. The liturgy of Lent helps us to imitate Jesus Who, in the forty days He spent in the wilderness, taught us to overcome temptation through the Word of God. ... Jesus went into the wilderness in order to be in profound contact with the Father. This was a constant aspect of Christ’s earthly life. He always sought out moments of solitude to pray to His Father and abide in intimate and exclusive communion with Him, before returning among mankind. But in the ‘wilderness’ ... Jesus was beset by temptation and the seduction of the Evil One, who suggested a messianic path, a path which was far from God’s plans because it involved power, success and dominion, not love and the total gift of self on the Cross”. Benedict XVI went on to suggest that the Church herself is a pilgrim in the “wilderness” of the world and history. This wilderness

is made up of “the aridity and poverty of words, life and values, of secularism and the culture of materialism which enclose people within a worldly horizon and detach them from any reference to transcendence. In such an atmosphere the sky above us is dark, because veiled with clouds of selfishness, misunderstanding and deceit. Nonetheless, even for the Church today, the wilderness can become a period of grace, because we have the certainty that even from the hardest rock God can cause the living water to gush forth, water which quenches thirst and restores strength”. “During Lent”, said the Holy Father in conclusion, “may we discover fresh courage to accept situations of difficulty, affliction and suffering with patience and faith, aware that, from the darkness, the Lord will cause a new day to shine forth. And if we have been faithful to Jesus, following Him on the way of the Cross, the luminous world of God, the world of light, truth and joy, will be ours again”.

Four County Catholic March 2012

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Four County Catholic March 2012

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.stpatscathedralschool.org Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John School, Middletown 860-347-3202 www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com

Living Their Mission Since 1874 Photo by Isabelle Deojay, Eighth Grade Student at St. James St. James School is located on Water Street in Danielson, in the quiet corner of ConBy Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

necticut. St. Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; history dates back to the year 1874, when it opened for the first time in the basement of the parish church. It was the hope of Father James Pricen and Thomas Preston to provide a sound, Catholic faith-based

education to the students whose families belonged to St. James parish. Some years later, in 1889, a three story school built of wood, was erected on Franklin Street. That September, the school opened with an enrollment of 300 students and was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, who came to Danielson from Lee, Massachusetts. This structure remained as a school until, fifty years later, Father Leo Martel, a Missionary of

LaSalette, undertook the project of building a new school on Water Street. Ground was broken for the new school in September 1954 and one year later, the present St. James School was dedicated. Today, the school is staffed by a team of dedicated lay administrators, teachers and others who help to encourage and foster the spiritual, academic, social and emotional wellbeing of all students, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Students may begin their academic journey at St. James in a Pre-Kindergarten program for three and four year olds and continue through grade eight. St. James also has an Extended Day Program. Students in all grades are welcome and may stay until 5:30 pm daily. Academic achievement is clearly uppermost in hearts and minds of those who teach St. James School Continued on page 22

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

St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Joseph School, Rockville 860-875-4943 www.saintjosephvernon.org St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary School, New London 860-443-7758 www.stmarystarseanl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org

Four County Catholic March 2012

St. James School EDUCATIONAL CENTER

West Main Street • Baltic, Connecticut

INDIVIDUALIZED TUTORING All Ages Welcome! Classes now in session 9AM - 7PM

Continued from page 21

and those who matriculate at St. James School. All of the core subjects are taught including Spanish, Art, and Physical Education. Students are encouraged to try their hardest and always do their best. This year, there will be an Academic Fair held in April, highlighting different aspects of the curriculum taught in each of the classes. Throughout the school, in the halls and in the classrooms, the students’ work is displayed, demonstrating the justifiable pride that both students and teachers have in their work. Excellence in learning is recognized, as students strive to achieve Honor Roll status. The school also belongs to the National Junior Honor Society. St. James has a very enthusiastic sports program. Soccer, track and basketball are extremely popular. Cheerleading is also offered for those interested in grades five

through eight. There is also a Pep Squad comprised of girls in grades one, two and three, who cheer at home games for both boys’ and girls’ Junior Varsity teams. The parent support group plays an important role at St. James. In addition to coaching athletic teams, parents also run many fundraising activities as part of the school’s Development Committee. All families, old and new, are invited and encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. In addition to encouraging participation in the ongoing, yearlong Scrips gift card program, and various other card registration fundraisers, upcoming events include the annual Lenten Fish Fry, Clam Cakes and Chowder, held every Friday during Lent, February 24 through March 30, 4:00-8:00, co hosted with the Knights of Columbus, and the 150 Club Dinner held on March 17, St. Patrick’s

Day. As Monique Almquist, new principal, said, “I am very happy in my new position at St. James School. There is a sense of joy throughout the building, sparked, no doubt, by the care given by the staff to the students and the students’ respect for the staff. Fr. John O’Neill’s example of how to treat others also sets the tone.” As one enters through the front door of the school, a sense of peaceful welcome is immediately apparent . The school’s Mission Statement states that St. James exemplifies a strong Catholic Christian community of learners who support and care for one another. Students pass quietly and confidently in the halls, interact comfortably and respectfully with faculty and staff in class and out evidence that this school truly lives its mission to the fullest.

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ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SESSIONS

248 Grove St., Putnam (On Rte. 12 at exit 96 off Rte. 395)

A great education in the Catholic tradition is available for your children at St. Mary Star of the Sea School: Competitive Academics... Diverse Community... Dedicated Faculty... Join us for our OPEN HOUSE WEEK, from Monday, 12 March through Friday, 16 March from 9am to 4pm. Evening tours will be available between 6 and 8 pm! Additional tours will be held on Tuesdays between 9 and 11 am, starting on 20 March. For more information call 8604437758.

ver your lifestyle or pleasure, you’ll d the perfect ﬁt at Creamery Brook. Leave behind the struggles of home ownership and the worries of rising nergy and home maintenance costs. Find peace of mind, friendship, and more when you mfort and safety of a ottage or apartment.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for new and returning students in Kinder garten through Grade 8! Applica tion materials will be available in our Main Of ice, and will be downloadable from our web site: www.stmarystarseanl.com! You can also visit our Facebook page by searching for St. Mary Star of the Sea School, New London CT.

Thursday, March 29 at 10 a.m. Call 860-779-8700 to reserve your seat.

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Four County Catholic March 2012

Parading Through Homes, Tracking the Joneses Spring is almost here and the sweet home-show season is upon us! Time to inspect the Joneses’ By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

mansion and discover just how far behind we’ve fallen. This month we’ll be allowed to try on bigger homes for size, drooling over the amenities on our wish lists and finding new ones to add. And you can linger a little – pull open the jewelry drawer, step inside the master-bathroom shower – because the Joneses haven’t moved in yet. Last fall my husband and I joined his parents for Minnesota’s Parade of Homes. We seized one of those magical October afternoons when the slanted sun makes everything glow, piled into their Lincoln and pointed it west, toward Lake Minnetonka and Minneapolis’ richest suburbs. It was time to see how the other half lives. We started at a suburban community called Locust Hills, where an empty lot had been reduced from $650,000 to $480,000. My father-in-law, a farmer, crinkled his face at the price. We ended our excursion with the most expensive: an 8,000-squarefoot classical home in Edina that cost $2.4 million. I read the description from the magazine as we pulled up to the corner lot: “This spectacular custom Dream Home will melt your heart and stir your soul.” Dream Home, an official Parade of Homes term that necessitates capitalization, is code for costs-$5a-person-to-enter. That wasn’t the only pretension awaiting us: Unlike other Parade homes, where you leave your shoes outside the front door, we were instructed to carry our shoes in a plastic bag while we toured the home. My husband refused to be undignified by the mandate, so he stashed his sneakers in a bush. He had the right idea. It’s hard to

be swept away by the make-believe Parade of Homes world and pretend this fortress is your own when you’re carrying your shoes in a grocery sack. I don’t know that our souls were stirred, but we did get lost. About two-thirds of the way through it was hard to determine where we had come from, where we were headed and where my father-in-law had gone. (He was checking out the

garage.) The home was impressive, but not quite my style. A little cold. Deep down, that’s the response I was hoping for. You parade through the Joneses’ home with the secret goal of spotting something, anything to critique. You look for something that cost too much or not enough, something that would be hard to clean. So much Brazilian cherry you’d live

in fear of scratching it, you’d long for a little carpet to warm your feet. So many amenities – wet bar, indoor gym – you’d never leave home, you’d become antisocial. But parading through the Joneses’ home can be risky business, at odds with the first commandment – making gods of granite – and the 10th, the prohibition against coveting a neighbor’s goods. (That includes the kitchen and closet, pantry and porch.) I want to be like my husband’s aunt, who indulged neighbors in an in-depth tour of their big new home, then smiled and offered the heartfelt remark: “We’re really happy for you!” Life is a collaboration, not a competition, and Lent is the perfect time to fast from comparisons and focus on the many blessings we do have: good friends, warm homes and a reason to step outside every now and then. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be reached at www.ReadChristina.com.

St. Mary – St. Joseph School 35 Valley Street – Willimantic, CT 06226 860-423-8479 • www.smsjschool.org

A Magnet School for Values

• • • • • • •

◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men who have not yet realized their potential. ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut

PreK—3 year olds (3 half days) PreK – 4 year olds full or half days Full day Kindergarten – Gr.8 Before and after school care Weekly Art, P.E., Music, Library, Technology Classes Student to Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Challenging academic program

Trust your child to a Catholic School where faith, knowledge and life meet. Come visit us!

Open House: March 12-16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 6 - 8p.m. on March 14th

Four County Catholic March 2012

FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE 24 Hour Emergency Service Fire, Water and Smoke Cleanup and Restoration Carpet, Upholstery and Drape Cleaning Odor Removal Complete Move-Outs

St. Bernard School Receives $330,000 Endowment St. Bernard School has received a $330,000 endowment, the single largest gift in the school’s history. By Kala Kachmar Reprint from the Bulletin

of Norwich/Windham County

860-887-0447 Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration Independently Owned and Operated

Like it never even happened

The endowment comes from the Philip and Hazel Bushnell Deschenes Trust. The late Deschenes, who lived in Montville, never finished

FATHER RALPH DIORIO

Mass & Healing Service St. Anne's Shrine, Sturbridge, MA Sunday, April 29 (Depart Mystic 10:30 am) Tuesday, August 7 (Depart Mystic 8:30 am) Cost: $39 - Children & teenagers welcome as our guest BUS DEPARTS: 10:45 am, St. Patrick Church, Mystic ♥ I-95 New London Shopping Center ♥ I-395 Commuter Parking Lots @ Norwich, Plainfield, Dayville JANET PRZYBYSZ 860-536-6638 przybyszjanet@sbcglobal.net

high school, but wanted to help others get the Catholic education they desired themselves. Headmaster Thomas Doherty said the money will be used for tuition assistance for students. “Part of the nature of this gift and other gifts from the endowment is that we don’t use the money,” he said. “We use the interest from the gift to help finance students’ education. The money it’s giving out now will still give 20, 50 and 100 years from now.” Betty Baillargeon, the school’s director of advancement, said the gift brings the school’s total endowment to more than $1 million. “That’s what our endowment portfolio is all about,” Doherty said. “Making sure kids who want a St. Bernard’s education, but maybe can’t afford it, can become part of our community.” Tuition for the 2012-13 school year will be $10,900 for grades nine through 12, and $5,450 for students

in the middle school, according to the admissions office. Doherty said the same trust gave a one-time gift of $26,000 last year, which was used to provide students with scholarships for this school year. Frankie Ann Marcille, a senior at the school from Mystic, received a scholarship this year from the trust. “For a lot of people, tuition is something that holds them back from being able to come to this school,” Marcille said. Anthony Munton, a senior from Waterford, said he hopes the endowment will help more students get the opportunity to attend St. Bernard. Munton also received a scholarship from the trust this year. “Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t be here,” Munton said. “It makes me feel proud that I went here, and I know in the future I can come back and look at it as an alumnus and see kids here that are still being helped by this endowment.”

More than one-third of the students at the school receive some kind of financial assistance, Doherty said. “Sustainability is so important for Catholic schools these days,” Doherty said. “We want to make sure we have the pieces in place to make sure we’re here for a long time in the future.”

Discovering Our Diocese

Where is This? St. John Church, Middletown

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 • 6-8:00 PM

ENTRANCE EXAM

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 • 8:30-NOON

To register for these events go to: www.saint-bernard.com or call (860) 848-1271, ext. 108

Four County Catholic March 2012

Your are cordially invited to the 32nd Annual Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s

LAYETTE PROGRAM

Hosted by the Putnam District CCW • Layette Items Given to Catholic Charities

From New London to London & Back Again Pen pal program makes friends between New London First Graders and London Primary Schoolers St. Mary Star of the Sea School (New London, Connecticut, USA) first graders paired up with Year 1 priBy Samantha Batch 1st Grade Teacher, St. Mary Star of the Sea School

mary schoolers from All Souls Church of England (London, England, UK) for a pen pal program, sharing culture across the miles. When Mrs. Batch, a first grade teacher at St. Mary Star of the Sea School (SMSSS), discovered her cousin Lauren Bagwell of East Lyme, a senior at Roger Williams University, was going to study abroad for the fall semester, an idea sparked and came to life. Mrs. Batch had the idea to put together a pen pal program. A perfect match as Lauren would be student teaching a Year 1 primary school class – the same grade as Mrs. Batch’s first graders. In preparation, Mrs. Batch’s class created a binder including a question for each student, pictures of the SMSSS first graders during a computer class and on a field trip to the New London Fire Department, and many brochures and maps of the New London, Connecticut area. Lauren could then show the students in London where she and the SMSSS class are from. Each student also made a Union Jack flag and wrote a letter to the London class. Even Mrs. Batch wrote a letter. Each letter told the UK students a little about the authoring New London student and also included a picture of each student on the first day of school. Unfortunately, the students were unable to Skype and actually see and talk to

each other during Lauren’s time there. The completed binder made the trip to the United Kingdom in October 2011 tormenting the first graders at SMSSS by having to wait very patiently for the replies until Lauren’s return in December 2011. When Lauren returned home, she delivered the pen pal letters to a very excited group of first graders. After

reading all the letters to the class, students learned that some of their UK counterparts were multi-lingual, liked American football teams, took public transportation to get to school and even some tidbits about their siblings. From New London to London and back again, a pen pal program connecting young lives across the miles.

Sunday, April 29, 2012 1:30-4:00 pm St. Joseph Church Hall 350 Hartford Pike (Route 101) Dayville, CT 06241 Hear about: “Caring for Today’s Babies” & “Making Memories with Home Photos”

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Four County Catholic March 2012

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It’s part of the school culture at the Catholic school, whose motto is Faith, Academics, Service. The students and staff recently celebrated their unique qualities as a school for Catholic School Week, a national effort to mark the achievements of the private schools. “Jesus is the reason this school exists,” said Doreen Ellis, an assistant principal of the school, second-grade teacher and adviser to the student council. “Jesus’ way is to use all the gifts God has given us. Because of that, we strive for excellence in everything we do.” The school serves students in preschool through eighth grade.

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This week’s events include special presentations, events and service projects. On Tuesday, students were allowed to wear crazy hats, socks and ties as part of their uniform. For each crazy item they wore, they had to bring in a nonperishable item to be donated to a local shelter. Fifth-grader Bethany Lafontaine brought in three canned goods. “It’s nice to do things for other people,” Bethany said. “We do that kind of thing all the time here.” Buddy days Fifth-graders had buddied up with kindergarten students as part of the events Tuesday. Kindergarten teacher Deborah Dalton said the school has a buddy day every month when older students can mentor younger students. “It gives the older students a

sense of responsibility, and for the younger students, they feel safe knowing they have older friends in the school,” Dalton said. Dalton, who has taught at the school for 24 years, said the family atmosphere is unrivaled. “Everyone takes care of each other here,” she said. Many transfers Fifth-grade teacher Anne Marie Ternullo has taught at the school for 14 years. She has seen peaks and valleys in student enrollment. She has had classes as large as 30. Her class this year is 24 students. Eleven of them are transfers from the Windham public schools. “Fifth grade is always the year we see transfers,” Ternullo said. “But I’ve never had this many.” Aracelis Gomez and Cole Paquin are in their first year at the Catholic school, and both said they are relieved they are not attending Windham Middle School. “I told my mom I didn’t want to go there,” Cole said. “It’s so big, and you hear about fights happening all the time.” Aracelis said she believes she is learning more than she ever has. “We have the best teachers here,” she said. “They make us work hard and they challenge us.” Ellis said her second-grade class is the only one in the school that does not have transfer students. She believes that is a first for the school. Catholic school students do not take the state standardized tests. They do take other national standardized tests, however. Ellis said the state does not allow private schools to take the state tests. Ellis has taught for 15 years at the school and also has taught in Windham public schools. She said she has nothing but respect for the staff at the public schools. However, she was willing to take a pay cut to teach at the Catholic school. “I have more freedom to teach. I think a second-grader needs to learn to be a productive person and grow into their full potential,” Ellis said.

Four County Catholic March 2012

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Fifth-grader Nathan Doherty, 10, works with kindergarten student Kandace Royce, 6, on a door decoration for the classroom during crazy hat, sock and tie day at St. Mary-St. Joseph School in Willimantic. The event was part of Catholic School Week. Photo by Aaron Flaum/NorwichBulletin.com

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The Saint John School, Old Saybrook, and Sacred Heart School, Groton, JV and Varsity girls basketball teams teamed up to raise money this week to benefit Operation Homefront. Sales of patriotic cupcakes and signatures on a banner to support the troops were just some of the fundraisers held during their regular season game on Tuesday, January 24. The student-athletes, coaches, and families raised over $1,000 to benefit Operation Homefront, which provides emergency, financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and the Wounded Warriors. Submitted by Jackie Beck

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Four County Catholic March 2012

Did You Know? March 11 Daylight savings time begins so change the clocks March 14 Ask a question day so find out more about friends and family March 20 Spring begins

by Karen H Whiting

March 23-28 Pope will visit Cuba so pray for his trip and freedom for Cubans March25 Feast of the Annunciation when Angel Gabriel asked Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Luke 1:26-33. Make a Christmas ornament and sing Christmas carols.

Pagans kidnapped young Patrick from his home and Scotland and took him to Ireland. He eventually escaped but later became a Catholic and returned to Ireland to share his faith in Jesus. He was a great missionary, and also became a priest and then a bishop. Have fun celebrating and wearing green, a color that reminds us of God’s eternal love, and our growth as Christians. Plant a tree that will have pretty green leaves. A fruit tree would be a reminder to be fruitful (Galatians 5:22). Have a coin toss into a green bowl or container. Use a gold coin if available (or cover one with gold foil). Read how Jesus paid taxes with a coin in a fish’s mouth in Matthew 17:27. Make a bracelet. Braid green yarn and add three gold or green beads for the trinity. Use the bracelet to share about the trinity. Use plants inside your home as natural air fresheners. Spider plants remove chemicals found in rubber gloves and balloons, Chrysanthemum need direct sunlight and filter out benzene found in glues, pains, plastics, and detergents, and Golden Pothos stays green in the dark and it filter out the formaldehyde from car exhaust. So put Pothos in the garage. Fertilize the grass for a green lawn. Read about grass in the Bible in Isaiah 40:8 and Psalm 103:15. Enjoy a treasure hunt of finding green items or making clues and setting up a treasure hunt. Read Scriptures about treasures, in Matthew 6:21. Make a rainbow bookmark for your Bible. Attach rainbow colored ribbons to a 1-inch wide index card and slip in in the top of the binding. Or, color a rainbow on a 2x8-inch piece of poster board. Find out about the first rainbow in Genesis 9:12-17.

There’s a saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. March is the time the weather changes from cold, windy days, to warmer spring days. Yet sometimes there’s freak snowstorm the end of March. The weather can be unpredictable. A lot of strange weather occurred in the Bible too. That showed God’s power and amazing control over nature. 1. Fire from heaven and a dedication

a. Consumed a sacrifice 1 Kings 18:33-39

2. God decorated the sky

b. God’s House built 2 Chronicles 2:1-4

3. Weird dew

c. Quail from heaven Numbers 11:31-33

4. Heaven sent fire

d. Disobedient Jonah 1:12

5. Earthquake at death of Jesus

e. Disobedient people died Numbers 16:33

6. Saved in a storm at sea

f. Flood Genesis 7:10-34

7. pouring rain covered everything

g. Rainbow Genesis 9:12-17

8. Man caused Stormy seas

h. Sea parted Exodus 14:21-22

9. Rained birds for real

i. Food from heaven Exodus 16:33-35

10. Whirlwind ride to heaven

j. Balls from heaven killed enemies Joshua 10:11

11. Earthquake swallowed people 12. Storm scares disciples

k. Jesus calmed wind and waves Matthew 8:23-27 l. Paul rescued Acts 27:18-44

13. Hail in a battle

m. Sun stood still 10 minutes 1 Kings 16:41-46

14. Extra sunny day

n. Elijah’ spaceflight 2 Kings 2:11

15. Earthquake opened doors

0. Collapsed roof Job 1:18-19

16. Destructive wind kills children

p. Split temple curtain Matthew 27:50-51

17. Strong winds caused a water miracle q. Paul freed from prison Acts 16:25-27 Answer key: 1b 2g 3i 4a 5p 6l 7f 8d 9c 10n 11e 12k 13j 14m 15q 16o 17h

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Four County Catholic March 2012

Newly Elected Cardinals Entrusted with the Service of Love

FROm ONE gENERATION TO THE NExT.

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Pope Benedict, putting his mark on his Church’s future, on February 18, 2012 inducted 22 men into the exclusive group of cardinals who will one day elect one of their own to succeed him as leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics. Among the most prominent in the group is New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who is already being touted by some Vatican experts as a possible future candidate to become the first American pope. Benedict, who turns 85 in April and is showing signs of his age, elevated the men to the highest Church rank below him at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica known as a consistory. “Cardinals are entrusted with the service of love: love for God, love for his Church, an absolute and unconditional love for his brothers and sisters, even unto shedding their blood, if necessary (in defense of the faith),” the pope

told the new cardinals before giving them their rings and red birettas, or hats. The new cardinals are from the United States, Hong Kong, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, India, Canada, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Romania, Belgium, and Malta. Eighteen of them are aged under 80 and thus will be eligible to enter a secret conclave to elect the next pope from among their own ranks. Twelve of those are Europeans, bringing the number of “cardinal electors” from the continent to 67 out of 125. With the new appointments, Benedict, who was elected in a secret conclave in 2005, has now named more than half the cardinal electors. The others were named by his predecessor John Paul. Compared to the 67 “cardinal electors” from Europe, Latin America now has 22, North America has 15, Africa has 11, Asia has nine and Oceania has one.

Pope wants to see Fidel Castro on Cuba trip

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VATICAN CITY (Reuters) Pope Benedict wants to see Fidel Castro on his trip to Cuba next month but the meeting will depend on the health of the communist country’s revolutionary leader, a senior Vatican official told Reuters. The official, speaking of the

sidelines of a ceremony after the pope elevated new cardinals, said the status of the meeting was still pending. “It will depend on his health,” the prelate said. At present, the pope is only scheduled to meet Fidel Castro’s younger brother, President Raul

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