Four County Catholic May 2022

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 34 • Number 5 • MAY 2022 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me Isaiah 61:1

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote with Priest Jubilarians – Chrism Mass – April 12, 2022

From the Editor Dear readers, Happy Easter! We have a jam-packed issue of the Four County Catholic this month. So jam-packed that we couldn’t squeeze all the articles we received into these pages. But don’t worry you can view them online and have them delivered to your email inbox weekly. Subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter, so that you don’t miss a thing.

For instance, did you know that the gingham dress worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz is going up for auction at the end of May? It was donated decades ago to Catholic University.

The proceeds will go to the Drama department.

You can sign up for the free weekly newsletter at NorwichDiocese.org/newsletter. We hope you give it a try.

Meanwhile in these pages, because it’s May, you will find numerous articles pertaining to Mary.

You will also see pictures and articles regarding events that took place after a three-year hiatus, due to the pandemic. The Chrism Mass and the ECSO concert at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick were wellattended, beautiful events. You can find picture galleries of both events on the website, as well.

I am confident that you will enjoy this issue and encourage you to sign up for the e-mail newsletter.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to let us know how we are doing.

Wayne

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ON THE COVER

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Prayerful Best Wishes are extended to all Priest Jubilarians! (pictured l-r) Reverend Edward M. Dempsey (55), Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki (25), Reverend Msgr. Leszek T. Janik (30), Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Reverend Marek A. Masnicki (30), Reverend John J. O’Neill, MS (60), Reverend Msgr. Kevin S. Randall (30), Reverend Gregoire J. Fluet (40). (not pictured) Reverend Matthias Wesnofske, OFM Cap (55), Reverend Edward J. Wisneski, (55), Reverend John S. Gwudz (50), Reverend William J. Oleski(50), Reverend Stephen S. Gulino (25) Photo Credit: Catherine Hoffman

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Thank you for helping us maintain accurate mailing information to better serve you.

We Can Help

Podemos ayudar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

“Peace be with you”

One of the greatest and most meaningful signs of Jesus’ Resurrection is His empty tomb. Tombs are meant for the dead; they are not places where the living reside. However, Jesus’ tomb is very different.

“On the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2) the women who go to the Lord’s tomb are struck with amazement when they find it empty.

They were the first to hear the news that Jesus was alive. The white robed young man whom they encountered told them: “There is no need for alarm. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here. See, here is the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6) Yet the women were bewildered and afraid. (Mark 16:8) They are told to tell the good news to Peter and to Jesus’ disciples. When the women tell the Eleven and those gathered with them, the majority thought it was “pure nonsense.” (Luke 24:11) Despite the doubt expressed by the others, Peter and John went to see the empty tomb. ( John 20:3) John writes that when he himself entered the tomb; “he saw and believed.” ( John 20:8) Our own experience of Easter this year is not so different from that first one. As we listen to the report of the empty tomb and hear that Jesus is alive, we can likewise experience the amazement and bewilderment of this great event. We recall that, in the midst of the grief that must have been overwhelming to the disciples of our Lord following his Passion and Death comes the news that He is alive;

He has risen from the dead. Confronting His disciples’ fear and guilt, Jesus greets them with His Peace. Through the power of the Resurrection, Jesus does the same for us today as well. Filled with His Spirit, we are now called to carry on the Lord’s mission. We are empowered to bring His peace to the world.

Like on that first Easter, Jesus greets us with those powerful, lifegiving words, “Peace be with you.” ( John: 20:21) His peace calms fears, restores courage, and strengthens virtue. As Jesus reveals God to us, we must make Jesus real to others. In our words as well as our deeds we must show others that Jesus is alive in us.

My dear brothers and sisters, even in the midst of our own challenges, suffering and that of our world today, we are called to rejoice this Easter in the good news of the empty tomb and Jesus’ Resurrection.

Like the women who went to the tomb in the early hours of that first Easter, we are tasked with sharing this good news with everyone.

Each day, may we come to know the power of Jesus’ Resurrection, the power to live His Gospel and bring His peace into our world today.

Please be assured of my prayerful closeness to you all; may you and your loved ones have a truly blessed and grace-filled Easter!

Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

“La paz esté con ustedes” Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en el Señor Resucitado: Uno de los signos más grandes y significativos de la Resurrección de Jesús es su tumba vacía. Las tumbas están destinadas para los muertos; no son lugares donde residen los vivos. Sin embargo, la tumba de Jesús es muy diferente.

“Y muy temprano, el primer día de la semana, llegaron al sepulcro, apenas salido el sol. Se decían unas a otras:” (Marcos 16:2) “¿Quién nos quitará la piedra de la entrada del sepulcro? Pero cuando miraron, vieron que la piedra había sido retirada a un lado, a pesar de ser una piedra muy grande. Al entrar en el sepulcro, vieron a un joven sentado al lado derecho, vestido enteramente de blanco, y se

asustaron. Pero él les dijo: No se asusten. Si ustedes buscan a Jesús Nazareno, el crucificado, no está aquí, ha resucitado; pero éste es el lugar donde lo pusieron.” (Marcos 16:6) “Las mujeres salieron corriendo del sepulcro. Estaban asustadas y asombradas, y no dijeron nada a nadie por el miedo que tenían.”(Marcos 16:8.) “Al volver del sepulcro, les contaron a los Once y a todos los demás lo que les había sucedido.” (Lucas 24:11) “Pero no les creyeron, y esta novedad les pareció puros cuentos.”(Lucas 24:11) “Pedro y el otro discípulo salieron para el sepulcro.”( Juan 20:3) “Entonces entró también el otro discípulo, el que había llegado primero, vio y creyó.” ( Juan 20:8)

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

My dear brothers and sisters in the risen Lord:

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Nuestra propia experiencia de la Pascua este año no es tan diferente de la primera. Mientras escuchamos el informe de la tumba vacía y escuchamos que Jesús está vivo, también podemos experimentar el asombro y el desconcierto de este gran evento. Recordamos que, en medio del dolor que debió sobrecoger a los discípulos de nuestro Señor tras su Pasión y Muerte, llega la noticia de que Él está vivo; Ha resucitado de entre los muertos.

Enfrentando el miedo y la culpa de sus discípulos, Jesús los saluda con su paz. A través del poder de la Resurrección, Jesús también hace hoy lo mismo por nosotros. Llenos de su Espíritu, ahora estamos llamados a llevar

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich.

a cabo la misión del Señor. Tenemos el poder de llevar su paz al mundo.

Jesús nos saluda, como en aquella primera Pascua, con aquellas palabras poderosas y vivificantes: “La paz esté con ustedes.” ( Juan: 20:21) Su paz calma los temores, restaura el valor y fortalece la virtud. A medida que Jesús nos revela a Dios, debemos hacer que Jesús sea real para los demás.

Tanto con nuestras palabras como con nuestras obras, debemos mostrar a los demás que Jesús vive en nosotros.

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas, incluso en medio de nuestros propios desafíos, sufrimientos y los de nuestro mundo de hoy, estamos llamados a alegrarnos esta Pascua en la Buena Nueva de la tumba vacía y la Resurrección de Jesús. Nosotros tenemos la tarea, como las mujeres que fueron al sepulcro en la madrugada de aquella primera Pascua, de compartir esta Buena Nueva con todos. Que cada día lleguemos a conocer el poder de la Resurrección de Jesús, el poder de vivir su Evangelio y traer su paz a nuestro mundo hoy.

Tenga la seguridad que me uno en oración a todos ustedes; ¡Que usted y sus seres queridos tengan una Pascua verdaderamente bendecida y llena de gracia!

Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Reverend Daniel Long, new to the Diocese, to Temporary Parochial Vicar, Saint John Church, Middletown and Saint Sebastian Church, Middletown. Effective: April 22, 2022

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Reverend Peter Langevin, Chancellor

A college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities.

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Reverendísimo Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

All-inclusive 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartments and cottages.See how easy life can be with maintenance-free living and restaurant-style dining.

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A safe environment with strong Christian values.

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

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

Vocations Corner

4th Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Dharen Brochero

3rd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Ruben Garcia Sanchez

3rd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

First, a shoutout to seminarian Mark Johnson, our first year theologian, who received the ministry of lector with his classmates on Friday, April 22, in the seminary’s Immaculate Conception Chapel. The ministry of lector is conferred upon those who prepare and proclaim readings from scripture at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

Second, a shoutout to seminarians Julian Cuervo, Alex Pandolfe and Eric Hosmer, our second year theologians, who received the ministry of acolyte with their classmates on Saturday, April 23, in the seminary’s Immaculate Conception Chapel. An acolyte assists a deacon or priest, primarily in the celebration of Mass. He attends to the needs of the altar and may distribute Communion as an auxiliary minister.

Lastly, a shoutout to Deacon Jacob Ramos, our fourth year theologian, who received a letter from Bishop Cote calling him to Orders for the Priesthood! Deacon Ramos is scheduled to be ordained a priest on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:30am in the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. Come if you can!

I asked Deacon Ramos to reflect on his seminary experience as he anticipates his priesthood ordination. Here is what he had to say…

Six years ago, I set out from Connecticut for the rural northern Maryland town of Emmitsburg to begin seminary formation. Honestly, I didn’t exactly know what to expect. I knew the Lord was asking me to discern this call to the priesthood in a formal way, but it was all so new; a new state, a new university, a new group of classmates, and a new community to live, study, grow, and work with. I remember my parents telling me to call when I arrived and that if I needed anything they always had my back. Reflecting, I have realized that the support I had from my parents has always been a boon to me in trying something new or going into uncharted waters.

Over the years I found that this familial support and encouragement only grew. It grew because over time I was entering more and more into the larger family of the Diocese of Norwich. My brother seminarians, the priests, deacons, and lay faithful of the diocese all became bigger parts of my life. In each new parish assignment I was able to meet the families of the parishes, the elderly, the newly-weds, and those who were still seeking out their own vocations. Each year as I went back for a new year of seminary formation there were more and more people who were praying for me, encouraging me, and checking in on me through prayer cards and letters.

As I now look forward to June 25th, the day that Bishop Cote will ordain

Alexander Pandolfe

2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

me a Priest of Jesus Christ, I am filled with excitement, joy, awe, and many other feelings. The uncertainty and the challenges that are inevitable in any vocation will come my way, but just as I was able to take the steps towards seminary without fear because of the support I had from my parents I know that I can enter the life of priesthood without fear because of the support I have known from so many people in the diocese.

2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

I walk this path because the Lord Jesus called me as He calls each one of us to follow Him in whatever vocation He has prepared for us. When we say “yes” to the call of the Lord there will be uncertainty, there will be adventure, there will be suffering, and there will be unimaginable joy and beauty too. I look forward to thanking the Lord, with all of you, for the gift of Priesthood this June; you see it is not my own but the Lord’s, and it is His gift to me and to all of us.

2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Julian Cuervo

Eric Hosmer

Please pray for Deacon Ramos as he responds generously to the Lord’s call to serve God and our diocesan family.

If you think God is calling you or someone you know to a priestly or religious vocation contact me at vocations@norwichdiocese.net - Father Jonathan Ficara, Director of Vocations

Mark Johnson

1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

MONTHLY

Holy Hour

for Vocations

May 12, 6 PM – St. Bridgett

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour

God-Calls.com

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Deacon Jacob Ramos

Shoutouts to our seminarians

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Christopher Dinner Returns

Seated from L to R: Sandra Gill, Deacon Peter Gill, Bishop Cote, Ted Rossi, Ruth Rossi, Nancy Lipinski, Dr. Christopher Lipinski. Standing L to R: Dr. Jeremiah Lowney, Virginia Lowney and Tom Carty.

Seated L to R: Dorothy Paine, Ron Paine, Rev. Roland Cloutier, Rev. Raymond Introvigne, Heather Harris Standing L to R: Michael Arnold, Angela Arnold, Fred DeWick, Diane DeWick.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

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H

aving missed so many events during the pandemic, it was truly a joy to gather together with the members of our Christopher Society on Saturday, April 2nd. After a three-year hiatus, the Annual Catholic Appeal’s Christopher Dinner finally returned when close to 190 people convened at the Mystic Marriott. Each year, the ACA holds a dinner to personally thank our Christopher Society donors, those who give $1,000 or more to the Annual Catholic Appeal, for their extremely generous commitment to the ACA. No matter the difficulties they, their families, or the world is facing, these donors continue to give with kindness and grace, and in doing so, enable our many ministries and programs to be the hands of Christ to so many in need in our communities. This past year, 610 families made the commitment to be Christophers and together these Christophers accounted for more than 40% of the ACA goal of $2.7 million dollars.

When asked why they support the ACA each year as Christophers, Ron and Dorothy Paine of Christ

the King Church, Old Lyme shared, “It’s always been important to us to give more than a little, it reminds us that there are others in our diocese who have very little and as God has blessed us, we hope to be able to bless others. By giving to the ACA and combining our gift with others, we understand that it might make more of an impact to bring hope and help to someone in need.” Dr. Jeremiah Lowney and his wife, Virginia echoed similar sentiments when they shared that “An excellent life guide is Matthew: 25” which challenges each of us to feed the hungry, care for the sick and clothe the naked.

The excitement in the room was palpable as many people visited with those they had not seen during the past two years. The evening opened with Mrs. Mary Ellen Mahoney, ACA Executive Director welcoming Bishop Cote, Monsignor Janik, invited guests and members of the Christopher Society. Mrs. Mahoney provided a brief synopsis of the 2021 ACA in which she shared how well our ACA supported ministries and programs rose to the challenge,

continuing to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors for spiritual, educational, and physical sustenance. She noted that close to 8,000 people received help with basic needs, financial assistance and help with parenting, while over 1.1 million meal and meal equivalents were distributed and over 9,000 students were educated in faith, just to share a few statistics.

She thanked the Christophers and all ACA donors for their great generosity and allowing the ACA to exceed its goal for the first time since 2007.

Before dinner Bishop Cote greeted the Christophers thanking them for their “unwavering support of the Annual Catholic Appeal.” Bishop Cote continued, “You truly do live your faith each and every day and because of your sacrifice and generosity, you keep our ministries doing the work of Christ.” After Bishop Cote delivered a blessing, a delicious dinner was served.

Following dinner, Deacon Peter Gill, a deacon at Our Lady of Mercy Parish and also a longtime volunteer chef at St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich gave an

inspiring talk on how we all must feel the “nudge” of the Holy Spirit to always do more, and to look at the problems confronting our society, through a larger lens.

Although, we all do what we can to help our individual brothers and sisters with their difficulties, and try to save them one by one, as they “float down the river to us,” we must also look “upriver” to see what is causing the problems that we as a society need to address.

Problems, such as poverty, homelessness, drug abuse. Bishop Cote closed this wonderful evening with remarks and sent everyone home with a blessing.

To view the ACA video or learn more about the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal and about how you can help support the ministries and programs in the Diocese of Norwich please visit www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org and make your pledge, or call the Office of Development at 860886-1928. For specific questions, Heather Harris, our Campaign Manager may be reached at hharris@norwichdiocese.net or 860-886-1928, ext. 111.

(l-r)Stephan Tieszen, Jurate Svedaite, Toshiyuki Shimada, Bishop Cote, Robert Reed

By Ryan Blessing

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fter a three-year hiatus, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra again filled the Cathedral of St. Patrick with beautiful music on April 10 in a special Palm Sunday evening concert.

The orchestra and chorus performed before an audience that almost filled the cathedral, and which included The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich.

“It’s been a while since we have all been able to gather, and I’m grateful to the Almighty that things are beginning to settle down for us,” Bishop Cote told an audience of several hundred that came to experience the live music performance.

“We need beauty in our lives right now,” Bishop Cote continued, thanking the musicians. “One of the titles that God has is that He is all beautiful ... whenever we hear things such as beautiful music, we hear a little word from Almighty God.” ECSO Music Director Toshiyuki Shimada conducted the orchestra, which presented three pieces by Bach -- from the St. Matthew Passion,” the “Violin Concerto in E. Major,” and “Air” from Suite No. 3.

Giazotto’s “Adagio for Organ and Strings,” based on the wellknown Albinoni music, began the presentation. The evening also featured solo performances

from soprano Jurate Svedaite and violinist Stephan Tieszen.

Svedaite has performed more than 20 leading roles on the operatic stage, has appeared at Carnegie Hall and is the granddaughter of one of Lithuania’s most revered composers and arrangers of traditional music, Jonas Svedas. She lives in Southeastern Connecticut and is an associate professor at Connecticut College.

Tieszen, concertmaster of the ECSO, is also a teacher and the Principal Second Violin of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He is an active performer and lecturer in educational outreach programs.

The orchestra presented works by

Giovanni Pergolesi from “Stabat Mater,” Mascagni’s Intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana,” the Meditation from “Thais” by Massenet, the Ave Maria from “Otello” by Verdi and Edward Elgar’s “Chanson de Nuit.”

The evening concluded with Tchaikovsky’s “Preghiera” from Orchestral Suite No. 4.

The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation sponsored the concert, and guests made donations to Saint Vincent de Paul Place. The St. Vincent DePaul Food Center will receive $1,334.50 from the donations from the Palm Sunday Concert.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ECSO Graces Cathedral with Beautiful Music

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Parish helps displaced Ukrainians in Poland

By Deacon Ben LoCasto It all started with a couch.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Rev. Richard Sliwinski, pastor of St. Mary Czestochowa Parish in Middletown, was visiting his mother in Konin, Poland, just as Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. Due to her medical issues, Fr. Richard’s mother was in need of a hospital bed, and in order to make room for it, a couch had to be removed.

Fr. Richard asked around if anyone could use it, and a local priest knew

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Sergiy Emanuel, a Ukrainian priest for Brooklyn, N.Y., Fr. Peter Buczek (Archdiocese of Hartford), Fr. Martin Jones, Fr. Mark Curesky and more than 200 others.

Then things began to happen. The first Sunday after this, the parish raised $3,700, and to date they have raised more than $13,000.

Fr. Richard has sent some funds directly to Ivan, who has dispersed it to support Ukrainian refugee

Paul II have also joined this effort.

Principal Lawrence Fitzgerald said the students recite a special prayer for the Ukraine every morning; and thus far they have raised $2,150.They have collected socks, underwear and toiletries, plus over-the-counter medicine. Additionally, the school has offered 26 used laptops and 16 tablets to Ukraine students in Konin and Poznan, Poland.

Referencing the Ukrainian victims during his General Audience on March 16, Pope Francis said, “Christ is once more nailed to the Cross in mothers who mourn the unjust death of husbands and sons. He is crucified in refugees who flee from bombs with children in their arms.”

It is estimated that to date more than 2.8 million Ukrainian refugees have entered Poland. Some have left for other countries, but about 2 million have remained, not living in refugee camps, but taken into the private homes of the Polish people.

St. John Paul II students display the Ukrainian colors. a family that could. Thus began Fr. Richard’s relationship with Ivan Volvin. Ivan is a Ukrainian Catholic who emigrated to Poland some 12 years ago, and still maintains close communications with family and friends he left behind. Since their meeting Fr. Richard has been in almost daily contact with him in order to find ways to help the close to 2,000 displaced Ukrainians who have taken refuge in Konin.

Ivan gave Fr. Richard a ribbon with the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which Fr. Richard placed around a candle on the altar of St. Mary’s, and asked the parishioners to pray for peace in the Ukraine.

He also initiated a Holy Hour of Devotion – Prayer for Peace, which was attended by Bishop Cote, Rev.

students who are now attending the middle school in Konin, Szkola Podstawowa nr 4 – Gustawa Morcinka. The funds were used to buy clothing, medicine and school supplies for the Ukrainian students, as well as to aid their families with the basic necessities of daily living.

Fr. Richard has also contacted a missionary priest in Poland who frequently crosses the border from Poland and Ukraine. Through this priest, Fr. Richard has sent some funds to support a children’s hospital in Mielnickiem (Podole), Ukraine.

The parishioners of St. Mary’s have also donated ten laptops and three tablets, which Fr. Richard will bring to Poland when he returns.

The children with their parents and staff of the regional school, St. John

(l-r) Rev. Sergiy Emanuel, Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, and Rev. Richard Sliwinski The parishioners of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, and families of St. John Paul II Regional School have shown true Christian charity in aiding helpless victims of this atrocious Russian aggression against Ukraine. May peace prevail.

SPECIAL DIOCESAN COLLECTION UPDATE In early March, Bishop Cote authorized a voluntary appeal for financial support to assist in the relief efforts resulting from the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine and the surrounding countries.

To date contributing parishes of our Diocese have collected

$151,627

If you haven’t done so and would like to give please send your donation to The Chancery Diocese of Norwich 201 Broadway Norwich, CT 03630 Please add Ukraine Collection to the memo line of your check.

Dive In and Help Out

By Sally Velcofsky more appropriate to reflect what our work represents. We have some fun activities planned for children so they can have a great experience in addition to enjoying all the amenities that the aquarium has to offer and adults can have fun too, bidding on some great silent auction items, mingling with others and sampling different food stations located throughout the aquarium.

Finally, when we help others in some way, it creates amazing joy in ourselves. The most prevalent reason for holding this event is to help others. Catholic Charities mission is to help individuals and families of all faiths, get through difficult times, especially those who are underserved or disadvantaged.

Our case workers work with clients to not only satisfy their immediate basic needs of food, clothing, rent and utility assistance, prescription assistance, transportation and infant and toddler needs but also offer programs such as parenting classes, pregnancy groups, budgeting, job readiness and SNAP assistance in order to support, strengthen and empower our clients for the highest level of selfsufficiency and long-term success.

Catholic Charities provides these services with care and respect to every client who walks through our doors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or circumstances. Quotes like; “Asked for help without feeling judgement”, “Helps us to move forward as a family” and “Sets out to improve our lives” are just a few of the hundreds of

notes and feedback that Catholic Charities has received from our clients.

So, we look forward to seeing you on May 14th and together we can all feel good about helping others in need, in our communities. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or our mission at Catholic Charities,

please visit our website at www.ccfsn.org.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~Saint Francis of Assisi

Party with the Penguins!

Catholic Charities Centennial Celebration Saturday, May 14th, 2022 Mystic Aquarium 6:00 PM

Tickets - $100 per person Children Ages 12 and under are FREE (Limit 2 Children per Adult)

Reserve your tickets today Contact Sally Velcofsky sallyvelcofsky@ccfsn.org or 203-556-0115

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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here can you go to have a great night out with family or friends, visit a beautiful, local attraction, eat delicious food, socialize with others and all the while, do good for others? Join us for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich Centennial Celebration!!!

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich is holding its Centennial Celebration on May 14th, 2022 at the Mystic Aquarium at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $100 per person and children 12 and under are FREE. We are looking forward to celebrating this momentous occasion for many reasons.

First, it marks a milestone worth celebrating. Due to COVID restrictions, we have not been able to hold an event like this one in two years. The pandemic took away many of the things we enjoyed.

We can finally get out and attend venues like this one, once again.

Our celebration is a great place to start. It will be a fun event for the whole family for a great cause.

Additionally, this is one of the largest fundraising events that Catholic Charities holds all year.

Fortunately, through the generosity of our donors and grant foundations, we have been able to continue our work of helping individuals and families, despite the pandemic.

In the past, we would hold a more formal gala for our fundraising event. However, given the work that Catholic Charities does, especially for families, we felt that a family event would be much

Visit our Website at www.ccfsn.org

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Calendar of Events Mother’s Day Plant and Patriotic Quilt Sale May 6-8

Mother’s Day, purchase food and ice cream from the food trucks that will be there like Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ and La Stella, watch the Norwich Police Department demonstrate their K9 dogs, and visit the face painting station. Of course, there will be the usual 50/50 table, This charming quilt (66”x90”) created by a baked goods table, DJ Mike Herm Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner, Debbie Van Haverbeke, will be raffled on Sunday, playing music including kid’s karaoke, a basket raffle and more. The May 8th at noon. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the plant sale. Winner will rain date is May 21.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335, Friday May 6, 10am - 4pm, Saturday May 7, 10am - 6pm, and Sunday May 8, 9am - noon.

The Mother’s Day Weekend Plant and Patriotic Quilt Sale will once again display a beautiful selection of colorful hanging baskets, herbs, be notified. (Photo of quilt provided by Ed deck tomato plants, annuals and Miller) perennials. A Patriotic Quilt will be St. Patrick Spring Fair raffled off on Sunday at noon. The Saturday, May 7 quilt measures 66”x 90” and will be displayed throughout the Plant Sale. The 2nd annual St. Patrick School Tickets can be purchased for $1 at Spring Festival in memory of Anthe Plant Sale, fish frys and after drew Cannon will be held outdoors Masses. The Craft Corner and do- on Saturday, May 7 from 9 am – nated garden plants/gardening tools 3 pm. In the parking lot you can shop local vendors and crafters for will be back this year.

Notre Dame Church Monthly Tag Sales Saturday, May 7 & June 4 Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Saturday, May 7, 8am - 1 p.m. at 272 Main St., Durham, rain or shine. Refreshments in the church hall. See you at our next Saturday tag sale June 4.

Catholic Charities Centennial Celebration Saturday, May 14 In commemoration of its 100th Anniversary, Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich will host a Centennial Celebration at 6 pm on May 14 at the Mystic Aquarium. The event will be fun for the whole family, with face painting, a scavenger hunt, silent auction and various food stations, while enjoying all the amenities of Mystic Aquarium. Tickets are $100 per person and children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or all the great works Catholic Charities does in your community, visit our website at www.ccfsn.org.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Visit NorwichDiocese.org for additional pictures and details of the concert. May God continue to bless David in his important ministerial work.

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Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic You’re invited to the Academy of the Holy Family’s TOP-Life Cafe organized by the Teens of Pro-Life club. Speakers, entertainment, and food will be provided! Please join the community to celebrate the beauty and sacredness of life. Please RSVP to admissions@ahfbaltic.org by May 12th.

Choral Concert at St. Patrick Cathedral Wednesday, May 18 at 7pm Cathedral of St. Patrick, Broadway, Norwich A touring choir will contain about 27 singers, and the program will be entirely a cappella. It will feature music by Palestrina, Samuel Barber, and Wolfram Buchen-

berg, as well as folk songs and spirituals arranged by Howard Helvey, Stacey V. Gibbs, and Moses Hogan.

Marriage Encounter May 21-22 (see article on this page) Worldwide Marriage Encounter is offering a non-residential two day experience May 21-22 at St. Patrick Church Hall, East Hampton. This experience will be conducted in accordance with CDC safety protocols including social distancing. For that reason, we will be accepting fewer couples, so it is important that couples register as soon as possible. To apply, contact Frank and Margie Pearson at 860-869-2610 or sign up online at apply - Worldwide Marriage Encounter (wwme.org) and click on May 21-22, East Hampton, CT (ACWM) .

Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries SAINT MARY & ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich - 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Harland Road, Taftville - 860-887-1019 SAINT PATRICK CEMETERY Depot Road, Uncasville - 860-887-1019 SAINT MARY CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 600 Jefferson Ave., New London - 860-887-1019 RESURRECTION CEMETERY Route 145, Westbrook - 860-887-1019

Healing Weekend June 3-5 Beginning Experience Of Connecticut invites men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a marriage due to death, divorce or separation to a Healing Weekend, a program designed to assist you along the road to recovery from one of life’s most traumatic experiences. For individualized grief topics to reflect upon who you were, who you are now and where you want to be.

Lourdes of Litchfield, Ministry of the Montford Missionaries, 50 Montford Road, Litchfield, CT. Reservations are required: Call Victoria 860-993-5469, Info@BeginningExperiencect. org www.Beginningexperiencect.org

Pentecost Mass of Healing and Hope Sunday, June 5, 2 PM Church of the Holy Family, Hebron Come join us for a Pentecost Mass of Healing and Hope (spiritual, emotional, psychological) at the Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St, Hebron Mass celebrated by Fr. Ray Introvigne With healing prayers by Judith Hughes. Fr. Ray and Judith will also be available for those needing individual prayer.

For more information contact Andrea Hoisl at faithevents@ norwichdiocese.net or 860-8482237 ext. 203

Experience a Worldwide Marriage Encounter

Give you and your spouse the gift of your time and discover the secrets to a lasting, supportive, transformational marriage.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is offering a non-residential two-day experience May 21-22 at St. Patrick Church Hall, East Hampton.

There’s no group discussion. It’s just about the two of you learning to be the best, most loving and thriving couple you can be. Over the course of the experience three couples and a priest provide new tools, using examples from their own lives, to help couples work through common themes of which all married couples can relate.

Every relationship is a journey, and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse. If you have a “normal” marriage, you know that the honeymoon doesn’t last forever.

Long-term relationships inevitably have moments of disillusionment, boredom, or isolation. But that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Make the time to come closer together and learn the tools to keep nurturing your love.

To apply, contact Frank and Margie Pearson at (860) 869-2610 or sign up online at wwme.org in the ‘apply’ online menu item and click on ‘May 21-22, East Hampton, CT (ACWM).’

For more information, contact the Pearsons at the number above or call Mary-Jo McLaughlin at Catholic Family Services, (860) 848-2237, Ext. 312.

SACRED HEART CEMETERY Wauregan Road, Wauregan - 860-887-1019 ALL HALLOWS CEMETERY Green Hallow Road, Moosup - 860-887-1019

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Norwich Diocesan Cemetery Corporation 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich, CT 06360 860-887-1019

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MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

TOP-Life Café Saturday, May 14th, 5:30-8pm

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MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mary, The Blessed Mother is There for Us Daily

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By Gina Foster

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ince the 13th century, the month of May has been dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary. Our Blessed Mother is known to be one of our greatest saints. She was born in Jerusalem and was presented in the Temple and took a vow of virginity. The archangel Gabriel visited Mary in Nazareth and announced to her that she would become the Mother of Jesus, by the Holy Spirit. She married Saint Joseph and gave birth to a son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

A very cherished story my mother shared with me as a child was about her fifth grade Confirmation class trivia contest. They held this contest in loving memory of an older classmate that had passed away in a car accident. Each student was quizzed on their knowledge of the Old and New Testament with the winner receiving a new prayer missal. The contest continued for

a couple of hours one Saturday with only my mom and two other students remaining. My mom and another student were finally eliminated when they incorrectly answered the question, for how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Jesus. Both my mother and the other student were both deeply disappointed after a long day of participating, however the panel was so impressed with them that they gave each of them a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. For nearly 60 years, this serene statue and the wonderful story of its origin have been a lovely part of our family. It serves as a reminder that Mary the Blessed Mother is there for us daily, to guide and nurture us. Nurture can be defined as to care for and encourage the growth or development of.

Motherhood is truly a gift to be cherished. In the month of May

especially, we celebrate our moms and show them appreciation for all they do for us. Pro-Life Activities, an extremely important ACA supported ministry, focuses on education about the beginning and natural end of life as well as the threat to all human life posed by abortion and euthanasia.

Pro-Life Activities provides morally acceptable alternatives by expanding education, health, nutrition, and other services to disadvantaged mothers, fathers, and their children.

The Reverend Walter Nagle, Diocesan Director of Pro-Life Activities, sharing his philosophy, stated “Life is beautiful, and I paraphrase Saint Gianna Beretta Molla who said, “We must be living witnesses of the beauty and grandeur of Christianity.” I say, “We must be living witnesses of the beauty and grandeur of life.”

Pro-Life Activities is just one of the many important ministries that benefits from our Annual Catholic Appeal. With your support you can help many parents and children with support services through the Pro-Life Activities Ministry. With our 2022 campaign now underway, please consider a monetary gift to the ACA, to help our ministries carry out their spiritually affirming and life changing missions. To make a contribution to our 2022 ACA “One Faith, One Family” please go online to www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or contact Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at 860-886-1928 ext. 111.

Thank you so much for your generosity. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and best friend, Donna, and all the beautiful moms of the diocese.

Keynote Speaker Urges Women to Love Like A Saint

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

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book that she prayerfully read on her knees about the saint’s life.

he Theme of this year’s 12th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference was Love Like a Saint and through the stories told of two unknown, yet faithfilled women, the keynote speaker inspired participants to do just that.

Liz Kelly, an award-winning author, professor, and spiritual director told women attending the virtual conference, “If love needs revision in you – a reboot or a deeper conversion – you can trust Jesus is here. He is calling your name.”

Through the stories of two women featured in her latest book, Love Like a Saint: Cultivating Virtue with Holy Women, Kelly showed how Jesus worked miracles in the lives of these women calling them to a deeper understanding of the virtues of perseverance and love.

She began with the story of Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro, a young woman from Forli, Italy whose aspirations of becoming a medical missionary doctor were thwarted by a debilitating degenerative disease that took her life at age 28.

Kelly called Benedetta a perfect example of someone who practiced the virtue of perseverance, which she defined – using a quote from her former professor – as ‘the graced

ability to continue giving one’s deepest heart.’ “Perseverance has nothing to do with one’s ability to be tough and not give up,” said Kelly.

“The emphasis is on what God will do and my deepest confidence in Him. It is my confidence in His ability to give me the graced ability to continue giving my heart to Him no matter what may be happening to me.”

Benedetta’s life is an example of that graced ability, said Kelly.

While Benedetta never achieved her dream of being a missionary doctor,

Kelly judges she became a ‘spiritual doctor’ who had the capacity to read souls with an uncanny capacity to radiate joy despite the limitations of her life.

A woman who espoused the virtue of love was Eve Lavalliere, a star of the Paris stage in the early 20th Century.

Despite the fame and fortune Eve achieved, she could never rid herself of the demons that tortured her following her traumatic childhood. That changed drastically for Eve when she encountered the life of St. Mary Magdalene in a

Heavenly Father,

On this day we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe.

Eve’s story reminds us that we all fall down in love,” said Kelly. I want to reassure you that there’s nothing you can have done, no sin you can have committed…no place where the love of God cannot find you. There’s no place where Jesus will not go; no darkness he will not enter to find you and to love you just like He did with Eve.” In living out this virtue of love in our lives, Kelly said each of us must ask the question Eve asked herself, ‘Where is my love needed?’

She challenged participants to prayerfully consider, “Who needs your love right now and how might you bestow it? Also consider that maybe the person who needs your love at this moment might be you.”

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

“The woman who got up thereafter was a new creation,” said Kelly. Eve became a joyful penitent, received communion for the second time in her life and left the distractions of the stage and her once lavish lifestyle behind her. She spent the later years of her life working with the underprivileged making several trips to North Africa asking the question each day, ‘Where is my love needed?’

Amen

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Easter Triduum at the Cathedral Easter Triduum at the Cathedral

The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

Easter Vigil - The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote cuts a cross into the Paschal Candle with a stylus.

Bishop Cote delivering a Joyful Homily

Good Friday - In front of an empty tabernacle, in the sanctuary devoid of decorations, Reverends Bovino, Langevin, and Romanowski proclaim the Passion of Our Lord.

Reverend Peter Langevin sings the Exultant while Reverend Monsignor Anthony S. Rosaforte and Reverend Michael Bovino look on.

The newly Baptized and their Godparents

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Holy Thursday - Reverend Michael Bovino, Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral, placing the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle of Repose.

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Hundreds Return to Annual Chrism Mass

By Ryan Blessing

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he annual Chrism Mass took place Tuesday morning, April 12, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich.

Hundreds of faithful communicants continued the celebration of Holy Week leading up to Easter. It was the first time in three years that the cathedral was open for the Chrism Mass.

The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, blessed the sacramental oils that will be used by parishes throughout the diocese in the coming year for baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and the ordination of priests.

After his homily, the bishop led the Renewal of Priestly Promises before the assembled priests and Jubilarians.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

“Our priests are here to renew their priestly promises, and we gather together in spirit with the faithful throughout our Diocese to call upon the Savior of the world to renew His presence in our lives, our ministries and our work in building God’s kingdom in this portion of His vineyard,” Bishop Cote remarked.

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The priests resolved to renew their promises, to be more united with and more closely conformed to the Lord, to “be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God” in liturgical rites and to “discharge faithfully the office of teaching.”

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/Masses to view the Chrism Mass and all Holy Week services from the Cathedral of Saint Patrick

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“Make her known throughout the world”

Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Patroness of Haiti

By Father Frank Rouleau Chaplain & Director of Twinning Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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he month of May is devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary, who is honored under many titles including Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mary holds a special place in the hearts of Haitians and is honored by the people of Haiti and our local Haitian population under the name Notre-Dame du Perpètuel Secours.

Many Catholic Churches throughout the United States, including the Catholic Church in Quaker Hill (part of Divine Mercy Parish), also honor our Blessed Mother under this title and contain the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. It is the most universally-loved Marian icon in the world.

The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is connected to an icon said to have originated on the island of Crete according to a document in the Vatican Library stating that the Holy Virgin has worked many miracles through it.

The icon, painted on wood, reflects the style of the earliest Marian portraits and was carbon dated to 1325-1480 and arrived in Rome in 1499. Its composition and style are classically Byzantine, with the Greek abbreviations for “Jesus Christ” and “Mother of God” above the image and Byzantine-style angels on either side of Our Lady.

Tradition says Our Lady herself, in an apparition, gave the icon the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Blessed Pope Pius IX presented the original icon to the Redemptorist Religious community in 1866.

Tradition says he told the Redemptorist Superior General, “Make her known throughout the world.”

The icon was placed in the newly-built Church of the Most Holy Redeemer and St. Alphonsus, enshrined above the main altar in the Church that is located near the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Thanks to the Redemptorist Community, devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has spread throughout the world, especially in Haiti.

In 1881 a plague of cholera and smallpox struck Haiti, devastating the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The plague worsened in the beginning of 1882, with no relief in sight. The doctors knew it would take heavy rains and thunder to clear the air so Haitians could breathe more easily, but unfortunately it was Haiti’s dry season.

During this time, a lady from France arrived in Haiti and had with her a copy of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She offered this to the pastor of the Cathedral in Port-au-Prince. She hoped the parishioners would invoke the Holy Virgin to come to their aid and help alleviate the deadly catastrophe taking place. On Feb. 5, 1882, a solemn procession displaying the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help walked to a small chapel on

the mountain, where they began a Novena. On Feb. 10, against all odds and weather forecasts, heavy rains fell on Haiti, after which the epidemic subsided with no new cases of contagion. The sick began to recover.

All the Haitians became aware that it was Our Lady of Perpetual Help who heard their prayers and saved the city. Since that time she

has been called the “Miraculous Virgin.”

The National Bishops Conference placed the Haitian people officially under the patronage of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and in 1942 the president of Haiti petitioned the Holy See to declare Our Lady of Perpetual Help the National Patroness of the country. Pope Pius XII approved the request and our

Pasta for Hope – Serving A good Cause

By Edward J. Tessman Blessed Mother, under the title of OurDirector, Lady ofCatholic Perpetual Help, has Executive Charities

community and Help, the KnightsOutreach of Columbus to Haiti) as it is to all the OurChurch Lady of Perpetual Haitians who pray to and honor from Council #14, specifically Grand Knight help us, Mary, the mother of God. been honored by both the church protect Charlie Nadile,Haiti, Larry King, Sam Bruder, Colin and the civil government in Haiti.

OurIt new protect Church, atholic Charities, with the help and Rice, Dan the Roberts and John DeVivo.” was a chapel in Haiti will contain the icon formerly displayed Her Feast Day is June 27 and protect the whole world, support from the Knights of Columbus great evening. The pasta was cooked to perfection, in our guest house in Haiti that was Haitians in their own country and protect our homes and Council the Willimantic the sauce was handmade and simmered for by hours, ruined the 2010 earthquake. If abroad hold#14 anandannual Novena bless our children. you have in the days leading up for to Hope the Community held a Pasta the meatballs were huge and the desserts werebeen out to Haiti, you know Amen. the Haitian people have great faith celebration of Her feast day. Many

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If you would like more information about our ministry and to support our work in Haiti, please visit https://outreachtohaiti.org or call us at (860) 800-3601. Thank you and please pray for all of us, especially the Haitian people.

Dinner at Saint Joseph Church Hall on Saturday, of this world. We were excited to have the Bishop people of Haiti have an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is as which sustains them during their Octobertheir 29th.“Protectress” Children of allinages werehomes encouraged join ustoforusthis community event which will allow periods of tribulation and gives their important and our ministry for a better tomorrow. say the following prayer: to dressand in costumes and play games for candy. in Haiti us to continue Help andthem Createhope Hope” (Dioceseto “Provide of Norwich Father Larry LaPointe graciously offered the use of for those most in need. the Parish Hall and the event was a success.

Patrons bid on over twenty silent auction items Ed Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic which ranged from a UCONN basket, donated from Avery’s Beverages, to a tin Exit Sign that Charities, stated that, “we could not have done this from the Willimantic Advisory Board of Catholic without the support of Father Larry, the Willimantic Charities, Jelly Belly Machine, Totally Gross Soda everyone had their eyes on.

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Join Us on a Eucharistic Pilgrimage

By Fr. Brian Maxwell

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ver since a 2019 Pew Research Center study found that only 31 percent of self- identifying Catholics said they believe that Jesus Christ truly becomes present in Holy Communion, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been calling for a Eucharistic Revival in the Church.

A core tenet of the Catholic faith is that the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is truly made present in the Eucharist. But belief in The True Presence has waned in recent years.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Cardinal Seán O’Malley invites all the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Boston and surrounding dioceses to join him in a day-long Eucharistic Congress, entitled Jesus is Here, which will take place on June 18, 2022, at the

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Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

This Spiritual event with thousands of pilgrims will begin with a beautiful Mass and continue throughout the day with great national Catholic speakers and musicians, Eucharistic A d o r a t i o n , opportunities for Confession, and conclude with a Eucharistic Procession throughout the streets of Lowell.

SSION

SSION | EUCHARISTIC PROCE

MASS| ADORATION | CONFE

d Heart Dr., Groton d Heart Church, 56 Sacre 6:00 AM – Bus departs Sacre 201 Broadway, Norwich Cathedral of St. Patrick, 6:30 AM – Bus departs Lowell, MA, r, Cente as Congress, Tsong 8 AM – Arrive at Eucharistic Confessions available ed by break & visit follow Mass, of ation & Celebr 8:30 AM - Welcome, Music, exhibitors, Confessions -Sivers & Bishop ing Deacon Harold Burke 10:45 AM - Session 1 - featur Daniel Flores tors Exhibi Visit & Break 12:15 PM - Lunch , followed by break & ing Bishop Robert Barron 1:30 PM - Session 2 - featur

visit exhibitors, Confessions Jackie and Bobby Angel 3 PM - Session 3 - featuring & Procession through Lowell 4 PM - Eucharistic Adoration 5 PM -Depart Lowell Cathedral, Norwich 6:30 PM – Arrive back at d Heart, Groton 7 PM - Arrive back at Sacre

The Tri-Parish Community of Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in

Groton, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry invite you to join us as we journey to Massachusetts, June 18th to give a day to our Eucharistic Lord!

Jesus is Here can be an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of the mystery of Jesus’ Presence with us - by listening to powerful talks on the Eucharist, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass, and by loving

Him in a time of adoration and worship. This concluding day of Boston’s Year of the Eucharist promises to be one of those most memorable, Spiritual days of our lives ! We’ll be with Our Lord, significant Catholic leaders of our U.S. Catholic Church, some of the best Christian music artists in the country, and thousands of Adorers - on Fire!

See application and schedule below for details. Deluxe motorcoach leaves Sacred Heart Church in Groton at 6AM and The Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich at 6:30AM, returning at 6:30PM and 7PM, respectively. Lunch will be provided. $100 cost includes admission to Eucharistic Congress, round-trip transportation, lunch, water, and snacks. To make a

St. Joseph School New London, CT

14 Club Road Windham, CT 06280 860.456.1107 www.sjlivingcenter.org

“A Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love”

Dedicating our love, compassion and service to our community.

Specializing in: *Short-term Rehabilitation *Long-term Care *End-of-Life Care *Daily Mass

Sponsoredby bythe the Sponsored Dioces of Norwich Diocese of Norwich

St. Joseph School Registration is ongoing 25 Squire Street Please call or visit New London, CT 06320 www.sjsnl.com for information Phone: 860-442-1720

reservation to join us in our pilgrimage to the Jesus is Here Eucharistic Congress, or for further information, please call our

parish office at (860) 445-1446 or email at secretary@ololgf.org

MASS| ADORATION | CONFESSION | EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION

Application for Bus Trip Saturday, June 18th

$100/person payable to Sacred Heart Church PLEASE DROP OFF OR MAIL APPLICATION and PAYMENT Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335

Name:___________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________ City:______________ State_____ Zip_______________ Telephone:_________________ Cell________________ Email:____________________________________________ Person to be notified in case of emergency: Name:___________________________________________ Telephone:_________________ Cell________________

The USCCB has deemed the next 3 years as a Eucharistic Revival.

An Education You Can Believe In.

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community.

Embracing Service. Living Faith.

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

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

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

MASS| ADORATION | CONFESSION | EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION

The cost is $93 for the Conference and transportation.

Departure will take place at 6 A.M. from the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich.

Register before May 17th by going to https://bit.ly/2Laol7Y

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

See Schedule for Departure/Return Times and Locations

or contact Marianne Nicholas at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net | (860)848-2237 ex.304 Masks will be worn on the bus.

21

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

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

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

St. James School, Danielson Elyse McAteer, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson 860-774-3281 stjamesdanielson.org

St. John School, Old Saybrook

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

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

St. Joseph School, Baltic

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

St. Joseph School, New London

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

22

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

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

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

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

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

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

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

Sacred Heart School, Taftville My dear friends, This month we focus the spotlight on another one of the outstanding educational institutions in the diocese - Sacred Heart School in Taftville.

In the Fall of 2022, Sacred Heart School in Taftville will begin its 135th year of providing an excellent Catholic education to students in Taftville and eighteen surrounding towns.

Founded in 1888, the original school building was located on School Street in Taftville. After a disastrous fire wiped out the school in 1908, a much larger brick building was built on Hunters Avenue with the cornerstone laid in 1909. By 1924 there were 630 students enrolled in the school. Today Sacred Heart serves a much smaller student body of Pre-K - Grade 8 students but the excellent education provided in the beginning of its foundation continues to be a hallmark of the school. The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church continue to staff the school, along with a dedicated group of lay teachers and support staff having as its mission to promote academic excellence and spiritual development.

There is no doubt that Sacred Heart is a small Catholic school with a close-knit group of families active in its operation and success as well!

Our Catholic identity, our commitment to academics, and our mission are very strong attributes of the school. Our Catholic identity can be seen by the way we begin and end each day with prayer in each classroom. Our principal, Mother

Christina, engages the student body in schoolwide prayer as well as giving announcements in the morning over the intercom. Our students have a daily religion class and prayer is a part of our religion curriculum. On the First Friday of every month, students attend Mass and receive the Eucharist. Praying the Way of the Cross as a student body during Lent as well as the Crowning of Mary in May are examples of how we celebrate Liturgical seasons. Our faculty, committed to prayer, meets several mornings a week before school to pray together. It is a great way to begin the day!

The faculty and staff consider it a privilege to play a part in the academic development of each student. We value our role in the partnership we have with our parents.

Through the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies and science, as well as the fine arts, foreign language and physical activity the whole child is developed. The integration of technology and Google classroom in recent years has enhanced our academic program and provided additional tools to foster independent learning.

This aligns with our mission of fostering positive individual growth and self-discipline.

Community involvement is a notable strength of Sacred Heart School. With the example of Jesus as our guide, we teach our students to live out our school motto, “Love Serves,” with service projects and charitable outreach. We support a young man from Kenya with student donations

that school and life brings. It is not unusual for an alumni to call and ask for the student body to pray for their particular needs. Many students consider Sacred Heart to be their second family!

A comment by a parent sums it up well: “I am extremely grateful for Sacred Heart because our faith is very important to us as well as education. Knowing that my son can go to school in a loving environment and be able to express and learn about his faith more is a blessing. One of the reasons we moved to this area was because of having an excellent Catholic school in the area.”

~ MTD ~

Sacred Heart School is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Additional aspects of Sacred Heart School that parents especially appreciate is the Pre-K 3 & 4

year old program, daily hot lunch program and local bussing provided

by Norwich Public Schools, our before and aftercare program, and our spacious and beautifully updated Parish Life Center (gymnasium) that allows for sports events and school gatherings. Our Future Musicians band program, our after school intervention program and various club offerings are also attractions and benefit students in countless ways.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Dr. Gail Kingston Superintendent of Schools ~ EB ~

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

in our classroom Mission Jars. We hold food drives to keep our parish food pantry stocked. Monthly dress down days to benefit local charities such the Haitian Health Foundation, Madonna Place, and Holy Family Home and Shelter involve the entire student body. Our Student Leadership Club recently collected baby items at the request of Catholic Charities and made sandwiches for St. Vincent de Paul Place. “Love Serves” around our school can be seen by the courtesy and respect we strive to show one another. Students learn to step up and help whenever there is a need.

A Sacred Heart graduate could be described as a student who is confident, focused, responsible, and aware that their gifts and talents belong to God. Our alumni often tell us that they have been well prepared for high school and college and are able to meet the challenges

Your son/daughter will succeed.

ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL • Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men and women who have not yet realized their potential.

• Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut

860.823.3861

stmct.org

23 Mercy_SumProg22_FourCountyCathAd_R2.indd 1

1/19/22 12:47 PM

Student Sells Dress Creation to Local Artists

By Shari Marderness

JUNE/JULY MAY 2022 | 2021 FOUR| COUNTY FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org | NorwichDiocese.org

A

Saint Bernard student turned trash into cash when two local artists bought a dress she made from scraps of materials she found in the high school’s art room.

Quinn Lee, a junior, wanted to create a unique design for a quarterly project for Fine Arts III class taught by Marsha Regan, director of visual arts at Saint Bernard School.

“I looked at what I saw around the art department and wanted to make something out of materials that I found,” Quinn said. “It took about a week to put together on top of a month of slowly collecting materials.”

She used some cotton fabric as a base, pieces of cut matboard for framing, paper from an old

unfinished sketchbook, and dried paint brushes that would have otherwise been thrown out. She repurposed the materials into a dress.

Quinn’s design was shown at the Hygienic Art gallery in New London during an art exhibit featuring the works of students from SBS, and New London and Waterford high schools.

Hundreds of guests attended, including Mark and Juner Patnode, a local couple who are professional artists, as well as teaching artists.

While viewing and admiring the students’ creations, one piece that caught their eyes was Quinn’s design.

“We are quite pleased with Quinn Lee’s matboard dress,” said Mark

Patnode who asked to buy the piece, even though it was originally not for sale.

With Quinn’s blessing, the Patnodes bought her dress for $250 at the show’s conclusion in late January.

“I was shocked and really excited because I didn’t think someone would want to buy it,” Quinn said.

“This is the first time I’ve sold any piece of art, let alone a design.”

The dress is now on permanent display at the entrance to the Sapphire House which, until recently, was part of the Griffiths Art Center in New London.

“We have chosen the location due to the number of students Juner has coming (there) and the inspiration it provides,” Mark Patnode said.

The entire experience has given Quinn a boost of confidence in her artistic ability, as well as an idea of

a possible career path. “I think I’d like to go into a career of fashion designing,” she said.

Saint Bernard’s art program teaches the fundamentals necessary to anyone interested in art. It emphasizes the elements of art and principles of design - drawing, painting, pottery.

Students take those skills and their own creativity to become artists.

“Taking it to the next level - taking risks - is what it’s all about in art,” said Mrs. Regan. “Who would think of making a dress out of matboard? Only an artist.”

Saint Bernard School

SAVE THE DATE

PLACEMENT TEST

Saturday, April 30th • 8:15

am

• Preregistration is required.

Recognizing students have various academic strengths, skills and abilities our Placement Test allows us to put students in the correct classes to challenge and strengthen them.

To register, call 860-848-1271 or visit SaintBernardSchool.org Also, we are now accepting applications for the 2022–23 school year. Contact us today.

Saint Bernard School: Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 Ask us about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation.

24 00

Saint Bernard School Summer Studies Program “Become a Summer Saint”

By Kimberly S. Hodges from general interest classes such as Exploring Computer Science, Honors Accelerated Pre-Calculus and Health to more specialized topics such as Constitutional Law, Money Management, Journalism and more.

Enrichment classes include SAT Prep, Writing the College Essay, Common Application Seminar, Math Skills, Make a Video, Advanced Study Skills and Study Skills.

A variety of courses will be offered throughout the summer.

New this year is our action packed Full STEAM Ahead summer camp for middle school students, packed with science, technology, engineering, art and math components each day of the week. The cost for the Full STEAM Ahead summer camp is $350.

Costs for the classes begin at $200 for enrichment courses to $250 for half-credit courses and $400 for one-credit courses. The SAT Preparation course is a four week class offered at $350.

As an incoming sixth grader in 2020, Theresa took three summer classes, The Writing Process, Math Skills and Study Skills. “I got to know the teachers and other kids that would be in my classes in the fall. I would tell other students that even if you are pretty good in math, study skills and writing, you will learn a lot of things that will help you in middle school and I think in high school. I’m good in math but the class taught me so many things that I have been using this year.”

“We see our summer program as part of our school’s wider mission to serve the needs of students not just at our school but throughout the region,” Director of School Counseling and Summer Programming, Holly Cyr says.

“Based on previous years positive responses we are offering a robust program for the summer of 2022.”

For more information about the Saint Bernard School summer program go to the school website at www.saintbernardschool.org or call 860-848-1271 or email Mrs. Holly Cyr (hcyr@saint-bernard.com).

Join us

“Full STEAM Ahead” Summer Camp Week JUNE 27TH – JULY 1ST

Students will explore and problem solve by combining science, technology, engineering, art, math, and movement!

Join in our week-long experience of dynamic learning fun!

For questions, contact Mrs. Holly Cyr at hcyr@saint-bernard.com, call 860-848-1271 or visit SaintBernardSchool.org today!

SAINT BERNARD SCHOOL

Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 Ask us about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation.

According to Head of School Don Macrino, with school closures and remote learning during the pandemic students have not been able to get 100% of their learning experience.

“We have built a program that offers a selection of enrichment, foundational and for credit courses that will help students brush up on their skills. We believe that participation in this program will close some of the educational gaps created by the pandemic.”

Courses are taught by a Saint Bernard Faculty members and range

N, L O I O T EN CHO !

T AT LE S NTS DD E MI STUD for our action-packed…

I ask everyone to increase their prayers for peace and to have the courage to say, to show that peace is possible.

Political leaders, please, listen to the voice of the people who want peace, not an escalation of the conflict. ~ PC ~

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

S

aint Bernard School will continue its third year of the comprehensive Summer Studies Program. This program has been designed to provide academic enrichment and to build skills in many subject areas. It offers something for every student and all students in grades 6-12 are welcome. All participants will receive an “I’m a Summer Saint!” t-shirt.

25

AHF in Action Young and Unborn Saints

By Eleanor Cooper and Iris Gillette

T

he month of March is always very busy for the Academy of the Holy Family, but this year was unique in several ways.

Usually, an outside ministry plans AHF’s Lenten retreat, and the school’s Top-Life Club goes to the

National March for Life.

In early March, AHF had its yearly Lenten retreat, “Called to be Saints,” led by National Honor Society members. The students had the honor of having Father Michael Najim speak about three

Work Search Find the corporal and spiritual works of mercy hidden horizontally, vertically, and diagonally and writ-

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ten both forward and backward in this puzzle.

26

H D K E M T A O D C N U L G I D L P J B N N J N J

Q W J G I V E D R I N K T O T H E T H I R S T Y Q

A G P V I S I T T H E I M P R I S O N E D C L P K

Y L T N E I T A P S G N O R W R A E B L O G R Y J

Y S M C L O T H E T H E N A K E D Y B M N L R T Z

S T B W I T Z E X W N R A Y G N X A F I S K X N E

S X Q C M Q X V S G M A A F D T V O L U R C A R G

X R L E P Y H Y H G S F K O V D R L Q W S O E B B

E Y X K P A N F L O C C D R J T I V A I H U D P P

N Y V P T Z V Z K S I K Y T T W F D O Y E N C L M

Corporal Works of Mercy

Y E J V G W I L J S K G Q H S I M T P M L S Y O B

O O Y R G N U H E H T D E E F O A L U K T E D N M

L I F I O M H H K E Z S S L N N J Z M Z E L H I F

K S A C C X T N A R O N G I E H T T C U R T S N I

N G N E N T E H E R E I S V W N C O E I T H R L M

M O K I I F H W R F Y H C I Y W U T L P H E L K Z

X D D S K Z B O F O T H F N B U R Y T H E D E A D

L H I I W B W O C H O G V G O E N F K Q H O E V L

L V P W H F E Y E S C Q Z A Z S P S L Y O U U A H

T Z G U U V D S U H D M O N S Q G Q H U M B S T L

I F J L I R I V R N F C T D W M X G M G E T A P K

W R B G S N O M V J U D X D S O O U P Q L F H Y D

M I R V N L O Q W A I C B E C K K V K F E U T T K

C O P E T T C Y Q M Y A Q A A R H X X M S L U R S

F X R A M Y R H C Z N E Y D F N T L E Y S P Y R D

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry

Counsel the doubtful

Give drink to the thirsty

Instruct the ignorant

Clothe the naked

Admonish the sinner

Shelter the homeless

Comfort the sorrowful

Visit the sick

Forgive offenses willingly

Visit the imprisoned

Bear wrongs patiently

Bury the dead

Pray for the living and dead

ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 31

modern saints-to-be: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Chiara Badano.

After every talk the students split into small discussion groups, where they discussed the main takeaway messages.

The students found these blessed people to be very relevant in their young lives; they knew their potential to inspire future generations to listen to God’s calling. What really inspired the students was Chiara’s story. As a young teenager she was diagnosed with cancer. She chose to make the best of the time she had left. When people came to visit her during this tough time, they got more out of it than she did. Chiara brought God’s light into those who came to her.

Toward the end of March, AHF’s Top-Life Club typically attends the National March for Life, but due to COVID they were unable to attend physically. So instead, they joined virtually. Then, the Connecticut March for Life was announced – the first such march in the state. Many waited to see if the school could go, and in the end it was approved.

AHF’s Top-Life Club attended the first Connecticut March for Life on March 23.

When the girls arrived at the capitol, many were full of anticipation, waiting for the speakers to come to the stage. The March for Life had many amazing people in attendance, such as Archbishop Leonard Blair and Jeanne Mancini, the president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund.

After these wonderful people spoke, along with a few others, the actual march began. About 3,000 people marched around Bushnell Park, praying for the end to abortion and euthanasia. After the March, the girls returned to school with their hearts full, knowing that they helped bring change to this state.

The school-led retreat and the state March for Life were new experiences for many of the students. Even though AHF had many hurdles this March, these events were great.

Artie Kohs, 1937-2022

Diocesan Catholic Schools Tournament Winners

A Xavier Legend Whose Memory Lives On

By Matthew Conyers

St. James Girls Varsity

H

is nickname was “King,” and from the time he took the athletic director job at Xavier in 1963 as the school’s first hire that’s exactly what he was to so many in the Xavier community.

ketball coach, the first soccer coach and the first baseball coach.

Xavier was his family, and his family was Xavier.

He was an administrator, a teacher, a coach, an official, a storyteller, a jokester, a fan, a legend.

And Xavier was his kingdom.

On Sunday, March 20, Kohs died unexpectedly, a month shy of his 85th birthday, leaving behind an unmatched legacy.

“A Xavier man through and through,” Xavier Headmaster Dave Eustis said. “He helped create the brand from day one.

He is a great part of our history and our legacy is tied to Artie and the entire Kohs family.”

In 1963, Kohs interviewed for the Xavier job at St. Pius Church on Westfield Street in Middletown because the Xavier building was under construction. But

from that moment on, Kohs had his hands on everything that Xavier would become and everything it remains.

“Artie Kohs will forever be a pillar of the Xavier High School community,” current Xavier Athletic Director Dan DeConti, ’01, said. “His caring personality and laughter will echo in the gym for years to come.”

When the school opened, Kohs was not just the first athletic director – he did everything and was given free rein to build the athletic department. He picked out the school colors and the nickname. He was the first bas-

“I had a great career here,” Kohs said at the time. “Other than my wife and family, Xavier was the most important thing in my life and always will be. … Love the school. Love what it is.”

St. Joseph Boys Varsity

St. John Girls Junior Varsity

He would have been extremely proud of what transpired after his funeral. The funeral procession stopped for a moment in front of Xavier, where students were lining the sidewalk, single file, to pay their respects. A final salute to a man who helped make the school what it is today.

St. James Boys Junior Varsity

Sign Up Today

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

For more than 59 years, Arthur M. Kohs cast a larger-than-life presence over the school.

“Artie was all about faith and family,” former Athletic Director Tony Jaskot, ’69, said. “Artie loved what Xavier is all about, especially when it comes to nurturing and challenging his coaches, students and athletes to reach their full potential in everything they do, and most importantly as human beings.”

NorwichDiocese.org/Newsletter 27

Let Your Faith Shine Through What You Do

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Deacon Ben LoCasto On April 22nd priests, deacons and religious from around the Northeast attended a one-day course on self-healing hosted free of charge

by Crossroads Physical Therapy, in Columbia, Connecticut. The course was about physical healing and the integration of body and soul.

Attendees were instructed in how the body functions, given a basic daily exercise routine, as well as tips on nutrition.

“We have been blessed personally and professionally through the prayers and work of clergy and religious,” Crossroads founder Stephen Moran said. “Our desire is to give back and provide an opportunity for them to be supported through the work we do.

It is our firm conviction that if a person learns more about the body and how to be supported in the healing process, they will be much better disposed to serve others.

Healing leads to the Divine Healer.”

The primary instructors of the course were Stephen Moran and his son, Travis. They were assisted by Matthew Gardella and Zachary Moran. There was also a Holy Hour, time for personal prayer and reflection; and Rev. James Brent O.P., a Dominican priest of the Province

28

Travis Moran leads the group in exercise.

of St. Joseph, provided the sacrament of reconciliation, spiritual direction and celebrated Mass.

The sign in the Crossroads waiting room announces, “We treat with love,” and a photo of Mother Theresa standing next to the owner’s uncle “Tony” (Fr. Anthony LaGreca), a Jesuit priest who worked with her in Calcutta, hangs

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on the adjacent wall. Many other photos and religious art can be seen throughout the building, providing reminders of the faith which underpins their mission and the therapy they provide.

“We are inspired by the incredibly beautiful people that come here,” cofounder Laureen Moran said. “Children with special needs, victims of terrible accidents, people with chronic pain, elite athletes, and the infirm elderly are just some of the many who have found hope in the healing process. We have been in the presence of future saints who are suffering now, for a greater good. We have witnessed healing in people who have been given little chance of recovery. We have encountered clergy and religious who are finally experiencing the ability to serve without pain. The healing arts are a beautiful calling, and it is truly an honor and blessing to encounter Christ in those we serve.”

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Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, We pray for all young people, called with courage and creativity to live life to the fullest.

May they see in Mary’s life the way listen, and in the power oftothe the depth of discernment, the Holy Spirit. courage that faith generates, and the

PRAYER INTENTION

dedication to service.

- Pope Francis

Diakonia: Instrument of God’s Charity

The word “deacon” is derived from “diakonia,” a Greek word which means “to serve.” Deacons are members of the clergy along with priests and bishops. The deacon’s ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service. Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ,who came “to serve and not to be served.”

This column will focus on the service of the Deacons in the Diocese of Norwich.

(L to R) Ronald Krystofik, David Imhof, Christopher Hammond, Deacon Ben LoCasto, Bishop Cote, Rev. Brian Converse, Mark Desrosiers, Joseph Delaney.

Candidate Christopher Hammond receiving a Bible from Bishop Cote

By Deacon Ben LoCasto

B

ishop Michael R. Cote installed five candidates for the Order of the Permanent Diaconate into the Ministry of Lector on May 27: Joseph Delaney, Mark Desrosiers, Christopher Hammond, David Imhof and Ronald Krystofik.

The installation into the Ministry of Lector was one of the required steps in the process of their diaconate formation.

Pope Paul VI re-established the Permanent Diaconate during the Second Vatican Council in 1967. Its mission is to assist bishops and priests to carry out their duties in continuing the work entrusted by Christ to the Apostles to “preach to all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Diaconate is an ordained, clerical state within the Catholic Church.

Deacons assist at Mass, and they have the faculties of baptizing, marrying couples and conducting funeral services. Deacons are preachers and teachers.

Once ordained, the Bishop typically assigns them to a parish, and they are also given a specific ministry within the Diocese. Permanent deacons are enabled to preach homilies at the request of the pastor, and they are also expected to be actively involved in animating the laity by spreading and enhancing the faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Children’s Religious Education (CRE) and related programs.

Our candidates are in the fourth year of the five-year Diocese of Norwich

diaconate formation program. Formation consists of four dimensions: spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and human. Thus far the candidates have participated in a 32-week Ignatian Spiritual Exercise Retreat ; they have completed 26 of the 34 required college credits; they have participated in two of the three required summer ministry programs; and they have undergone a one-day psychological evaluation, as well as continual Diaconate Review Board evaluations for their ability to collaborate with others, aptitude with regard to issues of social justice, and understanding the role of the deacon in Church and in society.

The next 14 months will indeed be busy for our candidates. In addition to continuing monthly meetings with me and their spiritual directors, they have several more steps to complete before being considered for ordination: ● Completing four more courses ● Completing one more summer ministry assignment ● Installation into the Ministry of Acolyte ● Two more reviews by the Diaconate Review Board ● A practicum ● A five-day canonical retreat Please keep these men in your prayers. They have come a long way and have a way to go, but if they persist and the Church approves, at the end of this process the Diocese of Norwich will have five new and outstanding deacons.

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Installation into the Ministry of Lector

29

Finding Wisdom and Encouragement in Mary’s Friendship Fai t h Sparks

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

G

30

rowing up, I was never drawn to a close relationship with the Mother of Jesus. This was despite being a devout Catholic in a home where we prayed the family Rosary, and where pictures and statues of our Lady were always present. My sister Mary Ellen and I were both named after Mary, too.

I prayed the Hail Mary every day and other Marian prayers when I needed some extra help at school or in life. But, for too many years, Mary was just that ‘lovely lady dressed in blue’ in the background who I admired for her courage to say “Yes” when called by the Lord. But that was about it.

Today, in my Norwich office, I can count 28 pictures and images of Mary around the room. What changed? I did.

It started when I was a teacher and discovered the children’s book “Mary, Mother of Jesus” by Mary Joslin. In the story, Mary is a wise old woman sitting under a tree, sharing her story with the village children. It opened my eyes to consider Mary as someone other than a teenage girl and see her instead as a mature woman with wisdom and insight who

could teach me honest and candid lessons about life if I allowed myself to make room for her in mine.

I started to do that in a more intentional way when I discovered Sr. Joyce Rupp’s book about the Seven Sorrows of Mary entitled, “Your Sorrow is My Sorrow.”

As I delved into Mary’s sorrows, she became for me someone who understood the pain and heartache I was experiencing in my grief journey. Another book, “Into the Heart of Mary” by Sr. Rea McDonnell, deepened Mary’s presence in my life as it helped me to use my imagination to discover Mary as an intimate friend with whom I could share my personal struggles.

These books fell into my life quite by accident. I wasn’t looking for reading material about Mary, but these books were looking for me, or should I say, Mary was the one looking, and these authors were the instrument she used to allow me to be open enough to find her.

She found me at the point in my life when she knew I needed her most, and her timing was perfect.

I think of her at the cross. As Jesus looked down at her, he saw love looking back at him. I want to be like her, with courage and stamina enough to stand by the crosses of those I love and never give up hoping or believing that love and goodness will prevail.

I think of her at the door saying goodbye to Jesus as he started his public ministry. As he walked away from home, he did so with qualities instilled in him by Mary – confidence, strength, and courage – that would sustain him as he faced the unknown future.

I want each of my adult children to look back on their life and say, “My mom did that for me, too.”

I think of her sitting with me in my prayer corner reminding me as I ponder that I am not alone in my fears, or my anxieties. She murmurs gently to me, “I am here, Mary-Jo. Talk to me, woman to

woman, friend to friend.”

My lovely lady, dressed in blue, is not the young woman who stood in the garden and said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.” She is a woman looking back on the passages of life who tells me with certitude that, “God never left my side,” and assures me, He’s never left mine either. My Mary is older, wiser, with wisps of gray hair and soft wrinkles on her face and hands. And when she is with me, her welcoming smile beckons me to relax and confide in her, ask her for advice or just allow her to wrap me in her motherly cloak of love.

The names given to Mary are numerous – Blessed Mother, Star of the Sea, Queen of Heaven, Mother of the Church, Mystical Rose, Queen of Peace, Morning Star. I like to simply call her Mary, my friend, my confidant and my intercessor who whispers my name to her Son and says, “Jesus, heal Mary-Jo’s sorrows, calm her anxieties, and help my friend experience joy in her life.”

And, I believe, He does!

Ignite Your Faith.

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks to find additional resources to grow in faith in 2022.

Knights Korner

Awards and Scholarships

T

he Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield and St. Edmund’s Retreat on Enders Island received the 2021 and 2022 Blessed Michael McGivney Award, respectively.

The 46th annual McGivney Awards banquet was held March 27 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut. The 2021 award to the Little Sisters of the Poor was presented after a one-year delay caused by the pandemic. Knights of Columbus State Deputy Matthew McGrath was the master of ceremonies.

The Connecticut State Council of the Knights of Columbus established the award in 1975 to honor the ideals of the order’s founder, Blessed Michael McGivney. The award recognizes those who have made significant humanitarian, civic and social contributions to their state, church or country.

The Little Sisters of the Poor have ministered for more than a century to the poor elderly at the St. Andrew’s Home for the Elderly, established in 1902 in New Haven and moved to Enfield in 1972. They care for the elderly poor in the same spirit of humble service they received from

their founder, St. Jeanne Jugan.

They welcome the elderly as we would Jesus Christ himself and serve them with love and respect until God calls them home.

The mission of St. Edmund’s Retreat is to proclaim in word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the light of the Catholic Faith. St. Edmund’s has three principal ministries: retreats and programs that promote spiritual development for priests, religious and laity; hands-on learning and instruction in sacred art within the Catholic tradition which uphold the beauty and the dignity of the human person; and programs that promote healing and renewal through 12Step meetings, retreats, workshops and pastoral counseling.

The Connecticut State Council recognizes the spiritual beauty of St Edmund’s Retreat and holds the Annual Living Rosary there each May in honor of Our Blessed Mother. This year the Living Rosary will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15.

All are welcome.

Car Show in Portland On June 3, more than 100 amazing show cars and trucks will meet in the parking lot of St. Mary Church.

charitable programs of the Knights and is dedicated to the memory of Grand Knight Craig Weske, who was a beloved Knight, member of the choir and longtime Special Olympics volunteer. Craig passed away after a 15-year battle with cancer.

Early registration is now open to all for a $15 fee. For a registration form, call Mark D’Angelo at 342-0944 or email at dangelo283@comcast. net. The show opens at 3p.m., with trophies awarded at 7:30.

The show is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Freestone Council to raise funds for local

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MAY 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Knights Present McGivney Awards

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FOUR COUNTY

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

You are Cordially Invited…..

Diocese of Norwich 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal “One Faith, One Family”

MINISTRY FAIR

Sunday, May 15th 11:00am – 12:30pm • Meet our ministries & hear about their good works • Complimentary continental breakfast • Open house style event • Kids’ Corner • Reservations are required due to space limitations – Check-in required at the door

For details and location information for this Norwich area event please contact Gina Foster at 860-886-1928 ext. 115 or gfoster@norwichdiocese.net