Four County Catholic May 2014 by Diocese of Norwich

Volume 26 Number 5

May 2014

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

Four County Catholic May 2014

To believe in Christ means to desire unity.

Four County

atholic at c

- Saint John Paul II citing the foundational unifying principles of his papacy, as conveyed in Bishop Cote’s reflections on the recent canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

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

Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

If you love me, keep my 27 commandments. - Gospel reading from Last Sunday of May, as narrated by Karen Whiting on the Family Page.

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

860.887.9294

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Director of Communications/Executive Editor

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

Evangelization is about encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast. - Excerpt from Pope Francis’ Easter message.

- Rev. Mr. Jonathan Ficara anticipating his ordination to the priesthood this July.

Trina Fulton, 860.886.1281

Also, the pencil portraits of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, on page 3, were done by local Norwich artist, Mark O’Neill, known for his pencil drawings.

Volume

26 Num

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Mad e Po si le in p rt thr oug

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Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V.

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The deadline for advertising is the second Monday of the preceding month. (Discount rate available to Diocesan-sponsored ministries and programs.) The editorial deadline is the third Monday of the preceding month. Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification. Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to comtrina@norwichdiocese.net or fax to 860.859.1253. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper.

On the Cover Pope Francis greets faithful as he is driven through the crowd along Via della Conciliazione after celebrating the ceremony for the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, April 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

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Four County Catholic May 2014

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Two Lives Reverberating in History My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Less than two weeks ago, we witnessed one of the most joyful moments in the recent history of the Church as we and the world watched the emotional canonization ceremonies in Rome for Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II. It is not easy to keep such an event simple and restrained when there are nearly a million enthusiastic attendees crowding St. Peter’s Square to join the Holy Father Pope Francis and 700 bishops and cardinals. Yet the character of the event was unmistakably humble and peaceful. This was profoundly appropriate given that humility and mercy are the compelling traits that connect Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II to each other and both to present Pope Francis. It is fitting that Pope John and Pope John Paul would be canonized together on Divine Mercy Sunday by His Holiness Pope Francis who so recognizes the healing role of mercy in a troubled and changing contemporary society. The lives of our two newest saints were both influenced by currents of societal change. Pope John XXIII recognized that the Church would need to be prepared for some of the forces of global change in an early 60’s world churning with conflict and tension stirred by feminism, civil rights, anti-war protest, widening division with the Orthodox Church and increasing

secularization. He bravely faced these challenges by convoking the Second Vatican Council to renew life in the Church, encourage reform of its institutions, and explore ways and means of promoting unity among Christians. As Pope John would describe Vatican II, it was like “throwing open a window for the Church to see the world with hope.” Years later, Pope John Paul II would take the name John as a gesture of continuity with John XXIII in maintaining the faith and transmitting it to another generation. There was clearly a shared legacy of bold action to meet a changing world and a living example of mercy and evangelization of the faith. In the words of Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Vatican Congregation of Saints’ Causes, “Their lives reverberate in the history of the world as examples of hope and light.” On the holy and joyous day of their canonization, those reverber-

ations rang more loudly than ever. Pope John had a relatively short papacy from 1958 to 1963, but had a momentous impact on the Church at a critical time in history. He is well remembered as a champion of ecumenical reconciliation for all baptized Christians. Years later, Pope John Paul II would follow his direction and make

further e c u menical inroads in the Christian and Jewish communities. It was in March, 2000, that Pope John Paul stood at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem and symbolically placed a prayer card

between the ancient stones of the wall. It read: God of our fathers, You chose Abraham and his descendants to bring your Name to the Nations: we are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer, and asking your forgiveness we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant. These were true saints among us, Pope John and Pope John Paul. Both unifiers. Both bold thinkers prepared to face the challenges before them. Both were aware of the tyrannies of communism and godless ideologies. Both recognized the opportunity to advance interreligious respect and closer ties. They chose to pursue unity and to embrace change. They both moved forward with the conviction “Do not be afraid” as they sought patient and fraternal dialogue with the hope of a more united community of faith. In his encyclical Ut unum sint, John Paul II wrote that “to believe in Christ means to desire unity.” This is, today, very much a shared belief by His Holi-

ness Pope Francis. The legacy of Saints John and John Paul inspires us still. They showed the way to opening the saving message of Jesus Christ through all the distractions and turbulence of an unsettled world. They were creative, confident and courageous successors of Saint Peter. In his homily at the canonization ceremonies, Pope Francis spoke of John XXIII and John Paul II as “men of courage who bore witness before the Church and the world to God’s goodness and mercy…They lived through the tragic events of the 20th century, but were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful; faith was more powerful.” I had the privilege to be in Saint John Paul II’s presence several times including attending Mass in his private chapel and having lunch together, and can tell you that even in his advanced infirmity, Pope John Paul radiated strength of spirit and a remarkable holiness. We are grateful for the bestowal of sainthood on Saint John Paul II and Saint John XXIII. We see their courage and wisdom in his holiness Pope Francis. We pray for them and we ask Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II to pray for us. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Dos Vidas Reverberando en la Historia Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Hace menos de dos semanas, fuimos testigos de uno de los momentos más alegres en la historia reciente de la Iglesia cuando nosotros y el mundo vimos las

emocionales ceremonias de canonización en Roma de San Juan XXIII y San Juan Pablo II. No es fácil mantener semejante evento sencillo y sereno cuando hay casi un millón de asistentes

entusiastas apiñados en la Plaza de San Pedro para unirse al Santo Padre Francisco y a 700 obispos y cardenales. Sin embargo, el carácter del evento fue sin lugar a dudas humilde y pacífico. Esto

fue profundamente apropiado dada que la humildad y la misericordia son los rasgos decisivos que conectan al Papa Juan XXIII y al Papa Juan Pablo II el uno al otro y ambos al actual Papa Francisco.

Es adecuado que el Papa Juan y el Papa Juan Pablo fueran canonizados juntos en el domingo de la Divina Misericordia por su SantiDos vidas reverberando en la historia

Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic May 2014

Dos Vidas Reverberando en la Historia dad el Papa Francisco quien reconoce en una sociedad contemporánea con problemas y cambios el papel curativo de la misericordia. Las vidas de nuestros dos

Continued from page 3

novísimos santos fueron ambas influenciadas por las corrientes de cambio social. El Papa Juan XXIII reconoció que la Iglesia necesitaría estar preparada para algunas de las fuerzas del cambio global a

principios de los 60’s en un mundo alterado por el conflicto y la tensión agitada por el feminismo, los derechos civiles, las protestas contra la guerra, la ampliación de la división con la Igle-

Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: May 15, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Mary of Czestochowa, Middletown June 26, 2014 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm St. John, Cromwell July 25, 2014 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich Reverend Brian Christopher Maxwell, Ordained to Priesthood on May 25, 2013, by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich

August 21, 2014 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm All Saints, Somersville September 18, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Agnes, Niantic October 16, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Francis of Assisi, Lebanon November 20, 2014 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Storrs December 18, 2014 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Sacred Heart, Norwichtown

Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net

(860) 887-9294

www.God-Calls.com

Kurt O’Brien 3rd Year College Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

Juan Aguirre 2nd Year English Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

Reverend Mr. Martin Noe 4th Year Theology Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

Reverend Mr. Jonathan Ficara 4th Year Theology Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State

Jeffrey Ellis 2nd Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Peter Langevin 2nd Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Thomas Grifﬁn 2nd Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National S minary Weston, MA

sia Ortodoxa y la creciente secularización. Él valientemente enfrentó esos retos convocando al Concilio Vaticano Segundo para renovar la vida en la Iglesia, animando a la reforma de sus instituciones, y explorando formas y medios de promover la unidad entre los cristianos. Como el Papa Juan Pablo describiría el Vaticano II, fue como “abriendo una ventana de la Iglesia para ver el mundo con esperanza.” Años más tarde, el Papa Juan Pablo II tomaría el nombre de Juan, como un gesto de continuidad con Juan XXIII en mantener la fe y transmitirla a otra generación. Había claramente una herencia compartida de acción audaz para alcanzar un mundo cambiante y un ejemplo viviente de la misericordia y de la evangelización de la fe. En las palabras del cardenal Angelo Amato, prefecto de la Congregación para las Causas de los Santos del Vaticano, “Sus vidas resuenan en la historia del mundo como ejemplo de esperanza y de luz.” En el día Santo y gozoso de sus canonizaciones, esas reverberaciones sonaron con más fuerza que nunca. El Papa Juan tuvo un papado relativamente corto desde 1958 hasta 1963, pero tuvo un impacto trascendental en la Iglesia en un momento crítico en la historia. Él es bien recordado como un campeón de la reconciliación ecuménica para todos los cristianos bautizados. Años más tarde, el Papa Juan Pablo II seguiría su dirección y haría nuevas incursiones ecuménicas en las comunidades cristianas y judía. Fue en marzo del 2000, que el Papa Juan Pablo se paró en el Muro Occidental en la vieja ciudad de Jerusalén y simbólicamente puso una tarjeta de oración entre las antiguas piedras de la pared. Decía así: Dios de nuestros padres, que elegiste a Abraham y a sus descendientes para llevar tu Nombre a las naciones nos duele profundamente el comportamiento de aquellos quienes en el curso de la historia han causado sufrimiento a estos hijos tuyos, y pedimos tu perdón, queremos comprometernos en una auténtica fraternidad con el pueblo de la Alianza. Estos fueron verdaderos santos

entre nosotros, el papa Juan y el Papa Juan Pablo. Ambos unificadores. Ambos audaces eruditos preparados para enfrentar los desafíos ante ellos. Ambos estaban conscientes de las tiranías del comunismo y de las ideologías ateas, Ambos reconocieron la oportunidad para avanzar en el respeto interreligioso y las relaciones más estrechas. Ambos se movieron hacia adelante con la convicción de “No tener miedo”, mientras con paciencia buscaron diálogos fraternos con la esperanza de una comunidad de fe más unida. En su encíclica Ut unum sint, Juan Pablo II escribió que “Ser un Cristiano significa desear la unidad.” Esto es, hoy, en gran medida una convicción compartida por Su Santidad el Papa Francisco. El legado de los Santos Juan y Juan Pablo todavía nos inspira. A través de todas las distracciones y turbulencias de un mundo inestable ellos mostraron el camino abriendo el mensaje salvador de Jesucristo. Fueron creativos, seguros y valientes sucesores de San Pedro. En su homilía en la ceremonia de canonización, el Papa Francisco habló de Juan XXIII y Juan Pablo II como “hombres de valentía quienes dieron testimonio de la bondad y misericordia de Dios ante la Iglesia y el mundo… Ellos vivieron a través de eventos trágicos del siglo 20, pero no estaban abrumados por ello. Para ellos, Dios era más poderoso; la fe era más poderosa.” Tuve el privilegio de estar en la presencia de San Juan Pablo II varias veces, incluyendo asistir a misa en su capilla privada y almorzar juntos, y puedo decir que incluso en su enfermedad avanzada, el Papa Juan Pablo irradiaba fuerza de espíritu y una santidad extraordinaria. Estamos muy agradecidos por el otorgamiento de santidad a San Juan Pablo II y a San Juan XXIII. Ellos aún están con nosotros. Vemos su valentía y sabiduría en su santidad el Papa Francisco. Oremos por ellos y pidamos a San Juan XXIII y a San Juan Pablo II orar por nosotros. Sinceramente, en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

Four County Catholic May 2014

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

The Gift of Priesthood, The Gift of Faith The World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed on Sunday, May 11th, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The purpose of this day is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). We are blessed to have two Deacons in the Diocese this year who will be ordained into the priesthood this coming July. It is my pleasure to relinquish my monthly column space to these young men who have been called to serve. Following are reflections on their journeys by Deacons Jonathan Ficara and Martin Noe. Father Gregory Galvin Rev. Mr. Jonathan Ficara It was six years ago to the month—my last semester at the University of Connecticut—when I publicly announced to my college fraternity brothers that I would be entering the seminary after graduation to begin my studies for the Catholic priesthood. As expected, reactions to the news were mixed; each of them, to a greater or less extent, questioned my decision. For some, this was conveyed as skepticism and doubt; for others, particularly those who expressly believed in Christ and practiced the faith, it was a noticeable manifestation of their underlying joy and excitement for me as I began this new chapter in my life’s journey with the Lord. With priestly ordination just two months away, and this new chapter in my life’s journey now drawing to a close, I think back to this original event with my fraternity brothers and have come to regard it as one of the more significant and profound moments of my journey of faith toward priesthood. Not only has it served as a sort of symbolic marker or transition point for me between one life and the next—between

fraternity Jon and seminarian Jon—but it also, on a much deeper spiritual level, elicited what I have since regarded as the dramatic and abiding tension between trusting and doubting that resonates in every life of faith— mine included— that seeks to know Christ and follow him. As a guiding thread for this brief and final reflection of mine on my journey toward the priesthood, I wish to use this event as a way for me to get back to the basics, as it were, and reflect on what has been most fundamental and influential in my journey toward the priesthood: the gift of faith. Six years ago, my fraternity brothers responded to my testimony of God’s work in my life with questions. We all, by nature, question; it is itself a gift of God, which He Himself bestows on us in creating us as rational beings. By means of the gift of faith, this inner desire in us for meaning and truth is dynamically transformed and elevated by the Holy Spirit into an integral and personal relationship with the Truth Himself— Jesus Christ—to whom we humbly submit in faith, in cooperation with His grace, through our continual striving each day to know the mysterious unfolding of

the Father’s Will in our lives. The gift of faith is thus the decisive factor in both our coming to know Christ and our personal vocations in life—whether its priesthood, marriage or consecrated life. It is the lens and power through and by which we come to analogously perceive the world from the perspective of Divine Love and desire to give of ourselves like Christ, in Christ, by consigning ourselves to the Father’s unique plan for us. As St. Paul acclaims in his letter to the Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). By the gift of faith, we seek; we question; we marvel at the mysterious work of God in peoples lives, and for this reason we rejoice and give thanks, not only because it witnesses to the power of Christ’s Love at work in others, but it also reminds us of the gift of His Love at work in us. The joy and excitement expressed in the questions asked by some of my fraternity brothers that evening six years ago testified to this truth. The faith that moved them to respond so positively to my announcement of pursuing

Pope Francis @Pontifex April 15 Each encounter with Jesus changes our life.

the priesthood was the same faith that moved me, for example, when I was formally accepted by Bishop Cote to study for the priesthood for the Diocese of Norwich; or when I was sent to study in Rome;

or, most recently, when I was ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica to the Order of Deacons last October by James Cardinal Harvey through The Gift of Priesthood

Continued on page 7

Four County Catholic May 2014

Saturday, May 10 Workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion From 9:00 am to noon, the Diocesan Office for Worship will conduct a workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in parishes, and for those who bring Communion to the sick and homebound. Place: St. Columba Parish, Columbia. Cost: $20.00. For more information call 860-848-2237x203 or go to www.norwichdiocese.org for registration form.

Monday, May 12 Mass of Healing 1:00pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. Fr. Ray, Celebrant, Judith Hughes-Healing Prayers. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal Center at 860-887-0702. Wednesday, May 14 Life in the Spirit Seminar 6 Weeks beginning Wednesday, May 14 at7:30pm St. Edwards Church, Stafford Springs. For more information please call Spir-

itual Renewal Center at 860-8870702. Saturday, May 17 Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women 59th Annual Convention The day will begin with registration at 9:00am at St. Mary’s Church in Putnam. The keynote address will be given by Sister Mary Ellen Ryley, SCMM (Sister of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy.) Her topic will be The Transformative Power of Dreams.

St. Joseph Parish, Norwich, CT Invites you to

Poland September 7-16, 2014

Spiritual Director: Monsignor Leszek Janik

Saturday, May 17 One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar From 9:00am to 3:30pm at St. Mary Church Chapel, Portland. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal Center at 860887-0702. Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend Healing, forgiveness and peace from post abortion grief can have a beginning with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. Retreat May 30June 1 in Hamden, CT call 203-631-9030. Inquiries are confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org. Saturday, May 31 Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) From 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. By appointment only. Please call 860-887-0702. Saturday, May 31 St. Francis of Assisi Church Tag Sale 10 Elm Street, Middletown at the Monsignor M. Davitt Fox Parish Center. From 8:00am – 3:00pm. Vendors are welcome- Cost for space is $40.00 inside-$20.00 outside- $5.00 for electricity.

10 days in historic picturesque Poland!

WARSAW, CZESTOCHOWA, KRAKOW, WADOWICE, ZAKOPANE AND BUSKO ZDROJ Visit vibrant cities, sacred shrines, stunning architecture, special places in the life of Saint John Paul II and unique symbols of Poland’s national identity. Tour cost of $2,975. covers round-trip air, private motor coach, 8 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily. For more information and to register, call Monsignor Janik 860-887-1565. Zawsze pamiętaj, wycieczka do

ART UNLIMIT TED ED

Breakfast and lunch will be available. For more info contact Sherrie at 860-346-4383. Tuesday, June 10, 2014 29th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction Honoring Kevin Ollie, Jackie MacMullan The 29th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction to benefit The Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care will be held from, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut. Honored guests are: Saint Francis Award: Kevin Ollie, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, UCONN Huskies NCAA Champions; Saint Clare Award: Jackie MacMullan, award-winning columnist, author and sports writer, ESPN; Jim Calhoun Community Service Award: Guy DeFrances, Sr., Esquire; The Dean of Sport Award, Dave Bike, Retired Men’s Basketball Coach, Sacred Heart University; Special recognition to Jon Proto, Defensive Tackle, Mount Ida College; North Haven and Southington Football Teams; Connecticut Special Olympians. For reservations or more information visit www.flcenter.org or call 203-237-8084. Gift of Grace 2014 The Gift of Grace 2014 training schedule is as follows: Saturday, September 20, Saturday, September 27, Saturday, October 4, Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, December 7. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Sheree at 860.848.2237 Ext. 211 or email prison@norwichdiocese.net. Tuesdays Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm, Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. Leaders: Usually Deacon Jim Delaney and Nancy Delaney.

Four County Catholic May 2014

The Gift of Priesthood Continued from page 5 the invocation of the Holy Sprit by the laying on of hands. It is the living faith of Jesus Christ that dwells in us and witnesses to the saving presence of God in the world. It tells us that He is the One who sustains and nurtures us; He is the reason for our hope and true cause for our joy. All we need to do is believe and trust in Him—Nothing else matters! At times, however, this proves difficult for us and we are tempted to doubt and question our faith. Much like the skeptical responses expressed by some of my fraternity brothers six years ago, I, too, since entering the seminary, have similarly fallen at times into a sort of skepticism and doubt about my vocation to the priesthood and the LORD’s presence in my life. In prayer, however, I have soon realized, thanks to God’s grace, that these sorts of feelings were not from Him, but from me; a doubtless consequence of my fallen nature and sinful tendency to turn away from the LORD out of fear, relying solely on myself to measure and judge the truth of God’s Will in my life. It’s been my experience that doubts and feelings of uncertainty and unworthiness often creep into our hearts when we lose sight of the gift of faith and begin believing that we ourselves have the know-how to make it on our own in this world without the LORD’s help and sustaining grace. It is Christ who transforms us and makes us worthy to not only believe in him and to adore him in prayer, but also to respond faithfully to His Divine call in service of others. So just as no man or woman is worthy in himself to stand before God in adoration without the gift of faith, no man is worthy in himself without the grace of Holy Orders to stand before God and serve Christ’s Church as one of His priests. Am I humbled by the idea that in two short months, I will be ordained a priest of Jesus Christ? Absolutely; more than words can describe. Am I nervous, however, or perhaps feel apprehensive about what lies in store for me as a priest in the coming months and years after ordination? No way. Why? Because in faith I know that the Lord will be with me to guide, sustain and em-

power me along my journey of priesthood, just as he has done for me these last six years in seminary. I must say, in truth, that all I feel I will need to do from now until July 26 is try to contain myself from bursting with sheer joy and excitement at the thought that I will soon be a priest! Praised be Jesus Christ! Rev. Mr. Martin J. Noe I am Deacon Martin J. Noe and I will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Norwich on this July 26th, 2014. Currently, I am finishing my final year in the seminary at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell Ct. with graduation later this month. The purpose of this letter is to give a reflection on my past years of seminary formation and now the anticipation of my upcoming priestly formation. However, first and foremost, I would like to thank all those in the Diocese of Norwich and all here at Holy Apostles for their continual support in helping me fulfill my calling to the priesthood. I am most grateful to you for your prayers, teachings, and generosity. Most importantly when reflecting on my years in the seminary is that all the activities of the days, weeks, months, and years are centered on a life that conforms to the life of Jesus Christ. More specifically, from our Catholic perspective, the Eucharistic is the source and summit of my life in the seminary and will be for me during my years as a priest. In the seminary there are four pillars or aspects of priestly formation that are used to help build and support the life of holiness required for a priest. The four pillars of spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral formation are interwoven and are implemented into our daily lives in the seminary. Every day begins with Morning Prayer committed to the Liturgy of the Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist which begins our spiritual formation. The spiritual aspects of the day also consist of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 45pm. Evening prayer and the Sacrament of Penance. Human formation is recognized in several ways throughout the day with the building of relationships. This op-

portunity to show respect, kindness, and generosity to others presents itself at meals, work (such as dish team duty) and various other projects that require integrating with seminarians, students, nuns, priest, and faculty. The intellectual formation is highlighted on this road to the priesthood from the classroom subjects of philosophy and theology and a diligence to complete these academic requirements. Pastoral formation builds during seminary life through pastoral programs which entail work at Parishes, hospital and nursing home visits, and prison ministry. This requires a demonstration and commitment to carry out this type of work within the Church. There are other activities in seminary life that help to foster these pillars of formation such as rector’s conferences, days of recollection, choir practice, Friday work periods and charity. My ordination to the diaconate last year brought me much joy because I was able to serve the diocese and the seminary in that capacity. I’m looking forward to serving the Diocese of Norwich as a priest with a great love for the Blessed Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Church. I thank God for the blessings He bestowed upon me by calling me to the vocation of the priesthood.

I AM the vine, you (your name) are the branches. Whoever remains in ME (JESUS) and I in him/her, will bear much fruit, because...

“...without ME, you can do NOTHING!” John 15:5

“...I AM the WAY, and the TRUTH and the LIFE!” John 14:6

Philips Retreat (Head to Heart Experience) “An opportunity of a Lifetime” Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4 Must call Spiritual Renewal Center to register, 860-887-0702 Fr. Ray, Judith Hughes and Team Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday evening @ 6:30 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leaders: Usually Deacon Jim Delaney and Nancy Delaney Life In The Spirit Seminar Sacred Heart Chapel, Taftville 7 Weeks beginning May 1, @ 7:00 pm Spirit of Love Community Mass Wednesday, May 7 @ 7:00 pm All Hallows Church Hall, 120 Prospect St, Moosup, CT Life in the Spirit Seminar Begins St. John Church Chapel, Middletown, CT 5 Weeks beginning Thursday, May 8 @ 7:00 pm Mass of Healing – Monday, May 12 1:00 pm - Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich Fr. Ray, Celebrant, Judith Hughes-Healing Prayers Life in the Spirit Seminar Begins 6 Weeks beginning Wednesday, May 14 @ 7:30pm St. Edwards Church, Stafford Springs, CT One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 17, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm St. Mary Church Chapel, Portland, CT

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen. Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

~ PM ~

Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT By appointment only. Please call (860)887-0702 “Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

P.O. Box 6 • 11 Bath Street Norwich, CT 06360 • (860) 887-0702 email: Renewal@catholicweb.com

Four County Catholic May 2014

Anoint Us with Your Love Mass of Chrism Returns to Cathedral of St. Patrick Norwich - The symbolic Mass of Chrism returned this April 15, 2014, to the Cathedral of Saint By Michael Strammiello Executive Editor, Four County Catholic

Patrick, now resplendently restored, including the recent completion of the Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph and Child Jesus murals above the respective shrines on either side of the sanctuary. In its now stunningly reconditioned state, the Cathedral provided a magnificent venue for the diocesan priests, deacons, religious and laity to gather and celebrate the annual blessing of the sacred oils by The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich.

A packed cathedral, on this midweek occasion, witnessed the blessing of the chrism used to anoint those who receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders; used as well for consecrating altars and churches. Each priest, having been anointed with chrism at the time of his ordination, had the opportunity at the Chrism Mass to renew his commitment to ministry in the diocese under the Bishop’s leadership. In the Bishop’s words, “May the Lord keep us all in his charity and lead all of us, shepherds and flock, to eternal life.” All parishes in the diocese were represented by their priests and by lay delegates who would be taking the blessed oils back to their respective

churches. In addition to the Chrism, a supply of the blessed Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick would also be brought back to each individual parish. Together, the sacred oils, deeply rooted in tradition, symbolize the unity of the Church in faith and communion. Additionally, opportunity was provided on this occasion to extend prayerful best wishes to the diocesan Jubilarians for their years of faithful priestly service in the Name of the Lord. Bishop Cote recognized the honorees by name to resounding applause. The most senior anniversaries are listed on page 9. Further distinguishing this year’s Chrism celebration was the ac-

Four County Catholic May 2014

knowledgement that the Holy See they serve others.” Christ, as has recognized with distinction the Bishop Cote reminded all present, ministry of three priests of the “came to serve and not be served.” Diocese of Norwich and named Bishop Cote thanked the Holy them to the papal household. Very Father for his generosity in honorReverend ing these outLeszek T. Janik, standing priests. J.C.L., V.G., A proud and Oil of wisdom, Vicar General enthusiastic oil of love, of the Diocese congregation of Norwich vigorously apoil of victory and Pastor of plauded the and strength, Saints Peter good news. one together we and Paul and Bishop Cote Saint Joseph become anointed also took this Church in occasion in this in His name. Norwich, Very setting to recogRosemary C. Campbel R e v e r e n d Song for the Blessing of the Oils nize John CanJames P. Carini, ning Studios Pastor of Saint LTD for the Matthew Church, in Tolland, and masterful and faithful restoration Dean of the Vernon Deanery, and of the Cathedral of St. Patrick. Very Reverend Michael T. Dono- Bishop Cote presented John Canhue, Pastor of Saint Matthias ning with the Patrici-Anne Award recordings too – to savor the resonant sound of the pipe organ as played by Michael McCarthy, the Jonathan Clark Brass Ensemble, Cantor Carroll Mailhot and the Norwich Diocesan Choir and Parish Choir as directed by Douglas Green. It was the first Chrism

Mass in the restored Cathedral and for many it was their first look at the magnificent transformation. Clearly, there was a collective appreciation for the beauty and inspiration of the work as expressed by Bishop Cote. This was a day to remember.

Bishop Cote recognizes priest jubilarians for 2014: 60 Years Rev. Eslyn Drummond

August 24, 1954

55 Years Rev Msgr. Henry N. Archambault, PA, JCD July 11, 1959 Rev. Roger J. Lamoureux, O.M.I. June 24, 1959 Rev. William J. McCarthy, M.S.A. December 20, 1959 50 Years Rev. William J. Flynn May 7, 1964 Rev. Raymond D. Introvigne May 7, 1964 Rev. William J. McNulty February 22, 1964 Rev. Don Bosco Duquette, O.F.M.Cap. November 28, 1964 Bishop Cote conferring with newly appointed Monsignor Leszek Janik, Monsignor James Carini and Monsignor Michael Donohue. Photos by Donna Antonacci Church, in East Lyme, and Dean for Distinguished Service to the hearts in prayerful worship to the of the New London Deanery, have Diocese for Canning Studio’s out- honor, glory and praise of God the been named Chaplains to His Ho- standing efforts to keep the restora- Father, in union with His Son, liness with the title of Reverend tion true to the original vision of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.” Monsignor. The Bishop extended the founders and builders. As in- The congregation responded with his blessing and asked that “they scribed on the award, “For genera- sustained applause. This was a day to remember and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit tions to come, the impact of this and remain humble of heart as great work will raise minds and capture with photographs and

45 Years Rev. Monsignor Robert L. Brown Rev. Francis A. Liszewski Rev. David Zercie, M.S.A. 40 Years Rev. Timothy J. Roth, M.I.C. Rev. Halbert Weidner, CO., D.Phil Rev. Douglas Mosey, C.S.B.

May 3, 1969 May 3, 1969 June 28, 1969

September 14, 1974 June 8, 1974 May 11, 1974

Four County Catholic May 2014

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Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation Recognizes Cathedral of St. Patrick Restoration Hartford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; At a ceremony in Canning Studios had to create the historic Hall of Flags in the a new series of period murals, State Capital in Hartford, recreate the original stenciling motif and design architecFrom the FCC News Desk turally appropriate surrounds April 9, 2014, the Connecti- for the Stations of the Cross. cut Trust for Historic PreservaAs summarized by the tion presented its annual Preservation trust, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canning Connecticut Preservation Studios expertise in 19th-cenAwards to nine recipients, in- tury decorative principles has cluding John Canning of John made possible the seamless Canning Studios for faithful reintegration of art restoration of the Cathedral of and historic archiSt. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Norwich) interior tecture to reflect murals, stenciling and colthe intentions orful appointof the ments.

original designer while serving the present day needs of the Diocese and local church members.â&#x20AC;? Congratulations to John Canning Studios and to F. William Brown Construction for this recognition and for the many awards they have garnered for their magnificent work restoring the Cathedral of St. Patrick. John Canning of Canning Studios LTD receives Patrici-Anne Award from Bishop Cote, recognizing his distinguished work restoring the interior of the Cathedral of St. Patrick. Photos by Donna Antonacci

Four County Catholic May 2014

The Ascension of the Lord

This year, on Thursday May 29th, we will observe the solemnity of the Ascension By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

of the Lord. In the early centuries of the Church there were disputes about this feast, since some saw it as “interfering” with the celebration of Easter, which went on for fifty days. However, by the fourth century, the Ascension was accepted as the fortieth day of Easter, and the beginning of preparation for the fiftieth day, Pentecost. The scene upon which the celebration is based is found only in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 28:16-20). Scripture scholars tell us that the account of Ascension provides a culmination to the Gospel narrative, as well as a summary of the entire Gospel message. As the passage tells us, Jesus has been given supreme and universal authority, the disciples are to share their discipleship with the entire world, and the Spirit of God will guide and protect the Church until God’s reign is established in its fullness. Scripture scholars also tell us that the Ascension provides a point of transition in the life and ministry of Jesus, and in the lives of his disciples. Jesus has completed one aspect of his saving mission, and now commissions his followers to a new maturity in their own mission to spread the

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the work of Jesus in our own lives, always preparing the world for the reign of God. Another interesting point about the feast of the Ascension, although perhaps not so inspirational, is its history as a Holy Day of Obligation. In 1991 the bishops of the United States affirmed that the Ascension was one of six Holy Days to be observed in this country. Its celebration was retained on the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter, even though the bishops had the option to move the observance of the feast

to the following Sunday. Evidently, there continued to be some discussion about maintaining the observance of the feast on a Thursday. In 1999, the bishops of the United States issued another decree which allowed each ecclesiastical province in the country to determine whether observance of the Ascension should remain a Holy Day of Obligation on the sixth Thursday of Easter or be moved to the following Sunday. (The United States is divided into 33 ecclesiastical provinces, each of which is a grouping of dioceses.) Currently, six ecclesiastical provinces retain the observance of the Ascension on the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter, and as a Holy Day of Obligation. These provinces encompass the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nebraska. The remaining 27 provinces (and 41 states) have transferred the observance of the Ascension to the fol-

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Four County Catholic May 2014

Charitable Opportunities to Share and Help In philanthropy, donors come in all shapes and sizes – some are wealthy, some have modest inBy MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

comes, and some fall somewhere in the middle. What all of these individuals have in common is a desire to give to an organization they feel strongly about. In the Diocese of Norwich, we have the good fortune of meeting many selfless stewards who donate in

thanksgiving. Their gifts come in steadily, without fanfare or much heralding, and make a tremendous difference in the lives of others. They give because they want to. Several years ago, “Martha,” a parishioner in the Diocese, decided God had blessed her abundantly in her life and she had the resources to provide for others. When Martha died, she left over $135,000 to her beloved Diocese of Norwich as the result of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust

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(CRUT) she began nearly 15 years earlier. It was her wish to bless others since she felt God had blessed her so abundantly. Martha wanted to make sure her gift would go to help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. She and her husband also felt very strongly about supporting vocations and sustaining the future of the Church. Martha made the choice to enter into a charitable remainder unitrust, also known as a CRUT, with the Diocese of Norwich. A charitable remainder unitrust is a gift to charity in the form of an irrevocable trust. There are two basic attributes of a CRUT. The first is once the CRUT is established, the charitable remainder unitrust will distribute a fixed percentage of the value of its assets to the non-charitable beneficiary. In

this case, Martha was the recipient of a quarterly payment from her CRUT, or non-charitable beneficiary. Secondly, upon the expiration of the CRUT, the remaining balance of the CRUT goes to the donor’s charity of choice. When Martha passed away, what re-

mained in her CRUT went directly to the Diocese of Norwich, her charity of choice. It should be noted that a charitable remainder unitrust can only be established with charities approved by the IRS holding tax-exempt status

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under the Internal Revenue Code. When Martha began her CRUT she did so by donating $40,000. Thanks to her initial gift, Martha was able to claim $22,214.80 as a charitable deduction. With a payout rate of 5%, Martha’s income from the CRUT that year was $2,000. Martha had a choice of what to do with her savings, and felt a CRUT was a good option for her. Feeling strongly about the acts of mercy that occur each day in the Church, Martha realized she ultimately wanted to give to the Diocese. She and her husband knew of the tax benefits associated with having a CRUT and realized that in addition to getting a substantial tax deduction, Martha would receive a quarterly payment. As time went on, Martha continued to transfer part of her savings to the CRUT and each time she did, she received an attractive tax deduction along with a higher quarterly payment thanks to the interest the fund was earning. Martha and her husband were wise with their money. They wanted to give to charity, but ultimately, also wanted their gift to work for them in regards to tax savings and quarterly payments. Thanks to Martha’s continued donations to the CRUT, it gained interest and grew, ultimately providing the Diocese with a gift well beyond what Martha started with. A charitable remainder unitrust, or CRUT, is one of many options available to those who are interested in making a gift to the Diocese through their estate. It is a wonderful way to provide for others while taking advantage of the attractive tax deductions and payment options available. To learn more about how you can establish a CRUT, or to learn about other philanthropic estate gifts, contact MaryLou Gannotti, Director of Planned Giving at 860886-1928 ext. 15 or email marylou.gannotti@norwichdiocese.net.

Four County Catholic May 2014

Faithful Take up the Cross in Norwich All walks of life were represented at the Good Friday Way of the Cross in downtown Norwich By Elizabeth Regan Reprint from the Bulletin

when about 150 people followed a heavy wooden cross borne from Chelsea Parade to Union Square by clergy and lay people from several Christian denominations. The living Stations of the Cross began as the faithful from more than ten churches gathered in front of the Soldiers’ Monument for a call to worship by the Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich. The Cathedral of St. Patrick and Park Congregational Church were among the churches where stations, which featured Bible readings and prayers, were performed. The burden on each of those who bore the brunt of the cross was eased by David Fournier, of Norwich, who served as the procession’s Simon of Cyrene for his eighth and final year. Unlike Simon, whom the Romans compelled by force to carry Jesus’ cross, Fournier said he was compelled by faith when Sister

Mary Ann of the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen first asked him to step up. He felt unworthy, but honored. “It was the least I could do after what Jesus did for us,” he said. Despite irreparable damage to his lungs after treatment for cancer in his kidneys, Fournier held the 8-foot cross aloft through several stations when the crowd stopped for Bible readings and prayers. One of the lay people who took a turn in Jesus’ image as a carrier of the cross was Alvaro Funes of Norwich, who was invited by Pastor Fred LaFountain of Cornerstone International Church. Funes said he received the Lord two years ago, and this is another step on his journey. Along Union Street, residents peered out windows, came out on decks and stood on stoops to watch the cross — and the crowd — go by. They saw a diverse crowd of all ages, from babies pushed in strollers to seniors in wheelchairs. They saw a child on a soldier’s shoulders. They saw people singing, and some crying. Photo by Donna Antonacci

Diocese Honors Secretaries at Nineteenth Annual Mass for Secretaries Norwich – The Most Rev- Patrick. The newly restored Catheerend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, was the dral of St. Patrick provided a lovely setting for the Mass and By Meredith Morrison for the tradition of placing Principal Celebrant at the An- roses at the altar representing nual Diocesan Mass for Secre- the four counties, seven taries, April 24, 2014 during deaneries and the diocese itself. nationally recognized Secre- The rose bearers were Mrs. taries Week. Among the con- Sheree Denomme, Ms. Cyncelebrants were Monsignor thia Mageski, Mrs. Roseanne Leszek Janik, Diocesan Vicar Muscarella, Ms. Linda PrecoGeneral and Monsignor pio, Ms. Marie Skinger, Ms. Henry Archambault. Monsi- Susan Underhill, Ms. Sharon gnor Robert L. Brown and LeBeau, Ms. Bianca MusDeacon Jorge Escalona served carella, Mrs. Marlene Peer, as Masters of Ceremonies. Ms.Traci Racklyeft, Ms. Sheila Very Reverend Dennis Perkins, Taylor and Mrs. Terri Vicar for Clergy was the Zampini. In his homily, Father Perkins homilist. Welcoming comments were provided by Mon- emphasized that within the signor Anthony Rosaforte, Church and outside the Rector, Cathedral of Saint Church, secretaries remain the

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backbone of any organization. This was clearly a day to celebrate the patience, talents and resourcefulness of all who serve in the secretaries ministry. That sentiment of the day resides too in A Secretary”s Prayer: “Help me to remember, loving God, that what I Do for others as a secretary, even the most trivial tasks, I do for You. May every act of service I offer, reflect my faith in You, and may my daily work be a true sign to others of Your own patience and compassion.” Congratulations to Alice Pudvah, Chair 2014, and the Secretaries Mass Committee for this special event bringing honor to secretaries of all faiths.

Four County Catholic May 2014

Norwich Council of Catholic Women Host 34th Annual Baby Layette for Catholic Charities Colchester - On April 6, 2014, Saint Andrew’s Parish Hall in Colchester was all By Anna DeBiasi Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich

abuzz. The room was full of women from throughout the diocese who had come together to attend the Norwich Diocese Council of Catholic Women’s “Annual Layette Program and Catholic Charities Sunday.” Mountains of diapers lined the stage in the front of the room, and next to them lay piles of handmade quilted and crocheted baby blankets. Tables lined the back of the room filled with baby clothes, ranging from infant to toddler sizes, along with shoes and bath

items. The Norwich Diocese Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) had done it again- for the 34th year, the group came together to fundraise and collect baby items for local women in need who are served by Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich Pregnancy Support Program. This year’s event was generously cohosted by St. Andrew’s of Colchester and St. Francis of Assisi in Lebanon. Bishop Michael R. Cote attended the event, along with Catholic Charities Executive Director, James Maffuid. Rosa Almonte, Rosalinda Bazinet, and Sharyn Goode, staff members of the Pregnancy Program, were also in attendance to accept the gifts on behalf of the pregnant women they

serve. “I want to thank you all, because you are part of us. You may not see first-hand the women you are helping, but I do get to see them and I hear their stories of how much we have helped- and I want you all to know that you are part of that,” Rosalinda Bazinet of Catholic Charities New London Office told the women. NDCCW President, Anne King proudly presented Bishop Cote with a check for $19,859.20, the largest donation to Catholic Charities in the history of the Layette

program. The generous donation is comprised of 60% of the annual NDCCW membership dues, which are $5 per person to become

a member. Anne thanked the NDCCW members for their tireless efforts, and acknowledged the hard work of the staff of the Pregnancy Program for their service to women in need, a cause which is at the heart of the mission of NDCCW. The staff of the program each spoke to the group, expressing their gratitude for the support of local

women helping local women. The afternoon’s program was followed by a luncheon and lively conversation among the women. At the end of the aftern o o n , Catholic Charities filled 5 cars and a van with the donated goods, which were dispersed among the New London, Norwich, and Willimantic Offices. NDCCW and Catholic Charities have a long standing history in eastern Connecticut. In fact, Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich can trace its beginning to a meeting of the New London branch of the CT Council of Catholic Women in May of 1921, at which Rev. Matthew Judge dis-

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Four County Catholic May 2014

cussed the need for a Diocesan Bureau of Social Services in eastern Connecticut. At that time, eastern CT was part of the Diocese of Hartford. The women came together to help found the Bureau, using space on the property of St. Mary Star of the Sea in New London. In its first year of existence, the Diocesan Bureau served thirty-five children, five families and had a total expenditure of $1,470.68. Today, what has become Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich operates multiple programs, serves over 7,300 individuals per year, and has an annual operating budget of over $2.5 million. In this past year alone, the Pregnancy Program has served 75 mothers-to-be and their families. Services offered include free pregnancy testing, bilingual free counseling services, assistance in obtaining medical care, parenting education, independent living skills, and referrals to other community resources as needed. The women who come to the program are often afraid and over-

whelmed, and the well-trained, compassionate staff at Catholic Charities are there to help them in a nonjudgmental, confidential and comforting way. Thanks to the generous donations from the NDCCW, each woman in the program receives baby clothes and other items to get them ready for the birth of their new babies. Rosa Almonte, from Catholic Charities Willimantic Office reflected, “For me, it is a great privilege and a pleasure to work with these women every day. Look at all of these diapers and clothes and blankets here today! For my clients it means so much. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you.” If you would like to learn more about Catholic Charities Pregnancy Support Program, or would like to support local women in need, please visit www.ccfsn.org or call 860.889.8346 for more information. Anyone interested in learning more about NDCCW or interested in becoming a member, please call Diocesan President, Anne King at 860.456.0474.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich and James Maffuid, Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese, gratefully accept a very generous contribution from the proceeds of the annual layette fundraiser presented to the Diocese by Anne King, of the Norwich Diocese Council of Catholic Women and Eva O’Connell, with the St. Andrews Guild, Colchester.”

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Four County Catholic May 2014

Local Catholics Celebrate Popesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Elevation to Sainthood Norwich - As parishioners entered the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich early Sunday By John Penney Reprint from the Bulletin

morning, many stopped in front of a large display just inside the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foyer. Pictures of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII filled large pieces of poster board near a spray of yellow flowers. The photos showed the newly canonized saints in various locations around the globe, reaching out to touch

the hands of stretching groups and celebrating Mass in different churches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two popes being canonized,â&#x20AC;? said parishioner Mary Fitzgerald, 89. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a happy occasion for the world.â&#x20AC;? In an unprecedented ceremony Sunday in St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square in Rome, Pope Francis, accompanied by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, declared John and John Paul saints. The significance of the ceremony, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, reverberated among local Catholics.

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Just hours after the canonization, prayer cards on a back pew of the Norwich church were identifing the Polish pope as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saint John Paul II.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in Rome in 1960 at St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square and saw Pope John XXIII appear on the balcony during a general audience,â&#x20AC;? Fitzgerald said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was my most happy day. I also went on a pilgrimage to Poland and visited many of the places important to John Paul (II), including his birthplace.â&#x20AC;? For many of the faithful attending Mass on Sunday, John Paul IIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s papacy, which ran from 19782005, was the one they remembered most clearly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up with him as pope,â&#x20AC;? Norwich resident Matt Jacobs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, the priest for our wedding was late to our rehearsal dinner back in 1995 because he was in New York seeing John Paul. Our kids have medals and rosaries blessed by John Paul.â&#x20AC;? For some of the Massâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attendees, the legacy of Pope John XXIII could be seen just by look-

Twin 5-month-old sisters Hailey, left, and Catherine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien of Quaker Hill attend Mass on Sunday at Saint Joseph Church in Norwich in honor of the canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII. Their mother, Amy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, right, and the twinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grandmother (Amyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother) Christine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, left, of Yantic, watch over them Photo by Tim Martin/The Day ing at the altar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He helped take the Mass, which was then only in Latin, and

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allowed it to be said in English,â&#x20AC;? said Norwich resident Carol Cournoyer, 45. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He brought the altar forward and we could now face the priest saying Mass. It became a more inclusive ceremony.â&#x20AC;? John XXIII, who reigned from 1958-63, convened Vatican II, which allowed Mass to be celebrated in local languages, and also pushed for a stronger relationship between Catholics and member of other faiths.

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CO Court Halts Obamacare Abortion Pill Mandate for Catholic Campus Outreach A Colorado federal court ordered to halt the Obamacare abortion pill mandate for the Fellowship of By Sarah Jean Seman

Catholic University Students due to the statuteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct violation of its sincere religious beliefs. The group filed the lawsuit in December explaining: FOCUS holds, as a matter of religious conviction, that it is immoral for FOCUS to intentionally participate in, pay for, train others to engage in, enable or otherwise support or facilitate access to contraceptives, sterilization, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, devices, and services. Plaintiffs claimed the mandate therefore directly violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which forbids the government from

â&#x20AC;&#x153;substantially burdening a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.â&#x20AC;? They also demanded their Free Exercise, Establishment, and Free Speech rights be respected per the First Amendmentof the U.S. Constitution and called into play their guaranteed liberties of due process and equal protection under the Fifth Amendment. In 1998, the year FOCUS cofounder Curtis Martin launched the group, he met Pope John Paul II. According to their website, the Pope listened to Curtisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vision for the Catholic campus outreach and â&#x20AC;&#x153;simply told Curtis, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Be soldiers.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Little did he know how true to life the imperative statement would become.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly condemns abortion or taking any part in assisting an abortion: Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conceptionâ&#x20AC;Ś.Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human lifeâ&#x20AC;Ś. More than two dozen catholic organizations have filed suit decrying the unconstitutional nature of the Obamacare abortion pill mandate. The federal courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preliminary injunction will stand until the Supreme Court makes a ruling in the Hobby Lobby case. The decision is expected by summer.

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Defending Religious Liberty The U.S. Supreme Court listened to oral arguments in the case of Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby in March. In its mission statement, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a nation-wide chain of craft stores, includes: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.â&#x20AC;? Hobby Lobby is arguing that it should not be forced by the government to pay for provisions of the federal health insurance mandate that violate its moral beliefs. The ruling by the Supreme Court is expected in June before the Court breaks for summer recess. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 202-205-5445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

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Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Clinic Offering a full range of behavioral services in our licensed clinics located in Norwich, New London and Middletown. • Psychological Assessment • Intensive Treatment Programming • Anger Management therapy • Specialized Treatment for Persons with Co-occuring Disorders • Substance Abuse Treatment • Availability of Agency Based Self Help (Dual Recovery Anonymous) Meetings • Individual, Group, Family and Couples (Marriage) therapy • Case Management For Questions about our services or for more information please contact: Dr D . Kathleen Ellis, Ellis Ph.D, P LADC At Catholic Charities when we hear Christ’s call-we respond, support the Annual Appeal today. www.ccfsn.org

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Seton Scholarship Dinner Announcements The Most Revered Michael R. Cote,D.D., Bishop of Norwich anBy Mary Ellen Mahoney Diocese of Norwich Development Office

nounced on April 4, 2014, the recipients of the 2014 Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese to be honored at the Seton Scholarship Dinner, to be held on Sunday, October 26, at 4:00 p.m., at the Mystic Marriott in Groton. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees include Father

Gregory Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Norwich, Ms. Marianne Cote, principal of St. Joseph School in New London, and Dr. Jeremiah Lowney, DDS, MS, MPH and his wife, Mrs. Virginia Lowney, RN, active community leaders and volunteers. These individuals were chosen to be honored based on their devotion and support of Catholic education. The Seton Scholarship Dinner also serves to celebrate our fine Catholic schools. Proceeds of the event will benefit Diocesan schools by

providing tuition assistance to families in need. Father Gregory Galvin, a resident of Storrs, has taken on many roles in the Diocese. In addition to serving as Director of Priestly Vocations, he also is the Spiritual Administrator at Saint Bridget of Kildare Parish in Moodus and is the resident administrator of FOCUS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, serving UCONN students at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Storrs. Father Galvin has spent the past 20 years in our

St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0753 x113 www.saintbernardchurch.org

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

Four County Catholic May 2014

Diocese promoting the education of our youth. He is a former Chaplain and teacher at Xavier High School in Middletown, and still regularly participates in programs and educational outreach endeavors at Xavier and Mercy High School, as well as at Diocesan elementary schools. Ms. Marianne Cote, a Willimantic resident, has been the principal of St. Joseph School in New London for the past 17 years. Prior to becoming principal, Ms. Cote worked as a teacher and assistant principal at St. Joseph School for 10 years. She also taught at St. Mary-St. Joseph School in Willimantic for 16 years. She has dedicated her life to education and has served on the Education and Faith Committee for the Diocesan Synod as well as the Diocesan School Board. Dr. Jeremiah Lowney, DDS, MS, MPH and his wife, Virginia Lowney, RN, reside in Norwich where they have both been great

supporters of Catholic education. Dr. Lowney earned the honor of a Knight of St. Gregory, bestowed by Pope John Paul II. He is a former chairman of the Board of Governors for Higher Education and also a Knight of Malta. In addition to his many awards and accolades, Dr. Lowney was recognized by the American Dental Association as Humanitarian of the Year and was given the Connecticut Jefferson Award. Dr. Lowney is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich. Mrs. Virginia Lowney has also been cited for her humanitarian efforts and is a Dame of Malta. In 1982, Dr. and Mrs. Lowney established the Haitian Health Foundation, an outreach to southwestern Haiti that provides full health care and disease prevention programs in Jeremie, Haiti to over 230,000 of the hemisphere’s poorest citizens. Virginia Lowney has been the manager of HHF’s Save a Family

program since 1990. The Seton Scholarship Dinner Planning Committee is beginning its work to ensure that the evening is a special tribute to all of the honorees and looks forward to Diocesan-wide attendance. This year marks the fifth year of the Seton Scholarship Dinner. During this time, the Dinner has raised and distributed over $135,000.00 to students in need of tuition assistance. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will serve as host of this year’s Seton Scholarship Dinner. Those who wish to attend the Seton Scholarship Dinner can contact Mary Ellen Mahoney, Development Coordinator for Diocesan Schools at 860-886-1928 ext. 14, or e-mail developmentdso@norwichdiocese.net. Additional opportunities to support the event are available in the form of sponsorships, program advertising, and silent auction donations.

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Biking Across Iowa for the Heart and Soul When Father Joe Schneider climbs onto his 27-speed Trek Pilot and dips its front tire into the MisBy Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

souri River, his summer vacation has officially begun. Then he pushes off and bikes across Iowa. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, began in 1973 when two reporters from the Des Moines Register decided to pedal the width of the State – from Sioux City to Davenport – in a quest for writing fodder. The 7-day, eastward voyage winds bikers through a different route every year, averaging 67 miles a day. For the past 31 years, Father

Schneider has been among them. It’s a chance for the 66-year-old pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, to ditch his priestly responsibilities. For one July week, he looks like all the other bikers – helmet, jersey, sunburned nose – and he is treated as

one. Few realize he is a priest. “I’m just one of 20,000 bikers,” he told me. “I’m able to leave the office behind. I can just be myself. I’m not the priest. Some [bikers] call me Joe. And if someone asks what I do, I usually say teacher.” Fresh air and freedom wash over him – lungs filling, heart pumping, forearms tanning. “I feel really en-

ergized,” he said. Father Schneider begins each ride at 5 am, when it’s still cool, and bikes into the sunrise. “You pray all the time. You find yourself singing a hymn – ‘Glory and Praise to Our God,’ ‘How Great Thou Art.’” He’s been to nearly every small town in Iowa and recalls routes as if they lined his palms: the hilly 90-mile stretch from Lakeview to Webster City; the flat stretch on Highway 20 when it rained all the way from Waterloo to Manchester; the big curve in Quimby where a state trooper stopped a biker for texting as she rode; the strong south wind from Coralville to Sigourney, when an Amish clan countered the humidity by handing out ice milk. On Sunday, the prairie churches

fill to capacity, road-weary travelers resting in worship. At night, the bikers set up tents in parks or fields. A local Catholic family enlisted by the church secretary often invites Father Schneider to stay in their home, serving lasagna and offering up a basement couch or guest bedroom. Those little kindnesses – cold shower, hot meal, soft pillow – illustrate the generosity of strangers, said Father Schneider. “It shows you the real goodness of Iowa people.” He’s known that generosity his whole life, which began under difficult circumstances: a 20-year-old mom and her 17-year-old boyfriend, an alcoholic who would father 24 children.

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At age 4, the future priest and his younger brother Charlie wound up in St. Mary’s Orphanage in Dubuque, run by the Franciscan sisters. “It was survival of the fittest,” Father Schneider said, yet it also planted the seed of his vocation, thanks to Father Bill Menster. The Navy chaplain entertained orphans by dressing as a cowboy and playing Stephen Foster songs on guitar – “The Blue-Tail Fly,” “Oh, Susanna.” Two years later a married couple pulled up in a ‘53 Pontiac to adopt Joe and Charlie. They gave the boys a happy childhood in Cedar Falls – milk and cookies after school, Sunday Mass, family rosary, support and stability. This month Father Schneider marks his 40th anniversary as a priest and looks back on the many graces he’s been given – and he looks forward to his next RAGBRAI. “I’ve encountered God in many ways.” He boils it down to a simple philosophy: “Love comes from God. God gives you that gift, and you can’t keep it to yourself. You have to give it away.” Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and editor of SisterStory.org, the official website of National Catholic Sisters Week.

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UConn Campus Ministry Champions for Christ Through our Campus Ministries, the Diocese of Norwich has a presence at various colBy MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

leges in the region, including UCONN in Storrs, Connecticut College in New London, Eastern Connecticut University in Willimantic, and Wesleyan in Middletown. Students and members of the college community have the opportunity to practice their faith on campus through reception of the sacraments and moral and spiritual guidance. Campus Ministries at UCONN were showcased in a recent Annual Catholic Appeal event held for donors. The Friday night event, featured a Lenten fish dinner and a wonderful glimpse at Campus Ministries. The St. Thomas Aquinas event wrapped up a series of Annual Catholic Appeal gatherings which began this past February, celebrating the 2014 theme “Shine the Light of HOPE.” These events give the Bishop an opportunity to personally thank those who attend for their support of the ACA. The events also give donors a chance to hear how their gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal are put into action. Following dinner, the program

started with opening remarks by St. Thomas Aquinas Pastor, Father John Antonelle. As testament to the work he is doing in Storrs, Father John recently celebrated his five year anniversary at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. Father John spoke about the impact of the ACA through his own vocation as a priest. His training as a Diocesan priest at Holy Apostles seminary was thanks to the support of priestly vocations through the Annual Catholic Appeal. As a later vocation, Father John answered the call to the priesthood after a successful career in graphic arts and advertising in New York City. In his role as Pastor, he has said it is inspiring to work with young people and truly a “great joy to be a part of the St. Thomas Aquinas Community.” Soon the program was underway featuring the students who devote their time to Campus Ministries. The St. Thomas Aquinas Choir, under the direction of Jane Frogley, performed “Gentle Woman.” Next up was Tom’s Leadership Council, a student organization committed to hosting social and spiritual events, volunteering at local soup kitchens, leading retreats and holding pasta suppers. Then those in attendance heard about service to others from Liz Steadman, who is one of many UCONN students who spend their Spring Break each

year doing work for the Appalachia Project. Led by Father John, students travel to Kentucky where they participate in a variety of service projects helping those who live in rural poverty. Shannon Zurcher of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, discussed how the group introduces Jesus and Catholicism to students, teaches prayer, and leads Bible study. FOCUS gives students the opportunity to put Christ at the center of their lives and navigate the sometimes stressful waters that come with the pressures associated with being a student. Bishop Cote noted how encouraged he was to see such positive role models for youth in the Diocese. “It is truly inspiring to see so many young people actively engaged in our Campus Ministry programs,” he told the group. A very special thanks goes out to Father John Antonelle for his hospitality and many thanks to Christopher Smith whose attention to detail and behind the scenes efforts helped to make the night a huge success. Through the generosity of those who donate to the Annual Catholic Appeal, the programs of Campus Ministries are made possible and help to “Shine the Light of HOPE” on those seeking the Holy Spirit in their lives.

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Four County Catholic May 2014

Saint Thomas More School Celebrates “Faith Day” by John Bushnell, English Department

Thursday, April 2. Faith Day, which was introduced last fall by school chaplain Fr. Richard Crawley, is designed to encourage individuals to take a step back from daily routine in order to reflect on the role of faith in our lives. “Faith Day at St. Thomas More is a miniretreat that helps us remember that there is a bigger picture when it comes to learning about God, life, and community,” Fr. Crawley said. “This is especially true for a generation that is hopelessly entangled in individualized activities such as smart-phones, PlayStation, and computers. Faith day is a day in which we actually interact with each other and learn a little about God’s love.” Instead of following the regular schedule, students were presented with a wide variety of faith-building activities they could attend over the course of the day. The break from the normal routine was championed by the students, but not just because they were out of school. “Faith day is more than just missing class,” said senior Ajou Deng. “It’s an opportunity to connect with God.” One activity that was particularly popular with the students was called Cooking for Christ, and it highlighted the relationship between food and faith in Latin America. Spanish teachers Nicholas

Gillis and Madison Moore showed the students how to make a variety of ethnic dishes. They also taught the students about the significance of certain foods as they relate to the Catholic faith. “This is a cooking activity where students learn the importance of the connection between cuisine and faith,” said Gillis, who is a native of Ecuador. “For example, in Ecuador there are certain types of soup that people only eat during Easter as a very important symbol of their faith. What we are doing today is trying to tie that concept in with some Ecuadorian food that we are making in honor of Faith Day.” Students also enjoyed making t-shirts with the art teacher, Casey Hanrahan. “We are designing our own t-shirts using tye-dye, word stencils, and paint,” Hanrahan said. “The theme of these tshirts revolves around faith and the Saint Thomas More School spirit.” While the students had many different ideas about what they wanted their shirts to represent, they all had one common theme: Faith. Junior Mauricio Chavez-Guerra said, “My t-shirt says ‘have faith’. You have to have faith to live.” Fellow junior Ricardo Dox made a faith-based shirt to give to his friend who recently joined the army and will soon be shipping out. “This shirt has significance because it will remind her of me and remind her to keep her faith,” Dox said. “Without faith you have

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nothing. Without faith you can’t go anywhere.” The focus of Faith Day extended far beyond the school community. A school-wide food drive provided a generous amount of essential non-perishables that were taken by a busload of students to the St. Vincent de Paul Place Food Pantry in Norwich, CT. Additionally, the

profits from a student-initiated recycling program were taken to the local supermarket, where the money was used to purchase more supplies to donate to the less fortunate. Students were also able to enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine for one of the first times this spring, and it turned out to be an unchar-

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The Saint Thomas More School community recently celebrated the second biannual “Faith Day” on

acteristically beautiful day considering the dreary weather as of late. A group of student volunteers traveled to nearby Hopemead State Park to pick up trash in an effort to preserve the local ecosystem. On campus, students had the opportunity to fly kites on the soccer field, a symbol of trying to bring oneself closer to God. There were also hiking and yoga activities to promote healthy, peaceful reflection. Jere Quinn, a longtime teacher and basketball coach at Saint Thomas More School, is an ardent proponent of Faith Day. “I thought Faith Day brought the community together in a myriad of ways, certainly spiritually and socially, as well as physically through our activities. It is a wonderful day when you look around and see 160 smiling faces from our student population.”

Four County Catholic May 2014

Director of Admissions XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

Xavier High School, a college preparatory Catholic secondary school for young men in grades 9 12, sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers and the Diocese of Norwich and located in Middletown, CT is seeking applicants and nominations for the position of Director of Admissions. The Director of Admissions serves as the school’s chief enrollment management officer and reports directly to the Headmaster. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled and candidates with at least two years of experience will be given preference. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2014. Applications or nominations should be directed to Calvin H. Stoney, Partner, Gonser Gerber LLP, via email in PDF or MS Word format to cstoney@gonsergerber.com and should include a letter of application or nomination, current curriculum vitae, a statement of educational philosophy, and the names, addresses, and telephone number of three current references. Background investigations will be conducted on all final applicants recommended for employment. Xavier High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action Employer.

The Very Reverend Dennis M. Perkins gave a blessing for the 61st Season of the Pawcatuck Little League at the opening ceremony held Sunday, April 27th. Both St. Michael’s School of Pawcatuck and St. Mary’s in Stonington, have teams in the league. Photo by Trina Fulton

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Four County Catholic May 2014

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Fifth grade students of St John School in Old Saybrook, with the help of the fourth grade choir, presented the Living Stations of the Cross at St. John Church on April 11, 2014. Submitted by Ann Corcoran, 5th grade teacher, SJS, OS

Four County Catholic May 2014

Did You Know? Easter continues all through May. The Easter season ends with Pentecost and that’s in June this year. Keep using eggs for decorations and games. Chat about why Easter is so important. April 11 Mother’s Day, so think of a great way to honor your mom and make the day special for her. April 13 Frog Jumping Day. Watch for tadpoles and frogs. Play leapfrog. Read about jumping frogs in a palace in Exodus 8:1-15. April 18 Neighbor Day, so think of ways to be nice to your neighbors and maybe your family can plan a neighborhood picnic.

by Karen H Whiting

April 18-24 Emergency Medical Services Week. Practice first aid and pray every time you hear an ambulance.

If you Love Jesus. . . You know that Jesus loves you. He died so you could go to heaven. But, do you show that you love Jesus? On the last Sunday of May in the gospel reading Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” He gave us the two greatest commandments and wants you to follow them. They are to love God and to love other people. You can show you love Jesus by spending time with him and by loving people. To love people means to care for them, and put them first, and before what you want. Try these ideas to show your love:

New Life Word Search Jesus came to give us new life. Hunt for words about new life or show signs of new life.

For God: • Pray each day • Thank God each night for all he has given you (count your blessings) • Go to church and listen to the readings from the Bible. That’s one way that God talks to you. • Read your Bible • Listen to music that praises God For People: • Share what you have • Give toy and clothes to the poor • Earn money to give to the poor • Let friends take the first turn • Pass out lots of compliments, smiles, and hugs • Find something nice to say, even when things go wrong • Let others get the first choice of activities or even dessert • Do something kind for others • Help a neighbor • Be honest • Be respectful do your parents and obey them • Remember to show you care with good manners (please, thank-you, I’m sorry) • Do extra chores at home to help your family • Thank your mom for the good food she makes Answer: I am the resurrection and the life.

Enjoy a day that celebrates numbers and have a piece of pie too!

Four County Catholic May 2014

Easter Proclaims That Love Gives Life, Pope Says: Share It With Others VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Pope Francis urged Christians to remember how they first encounBy Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

tered Christ and to share his love and mercy with others, especially through acts of caring and sharing. Proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection means giving concrete witness “to unconditional and faithful love,” he said April 20 before solemnly giving his Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world). Celebrating the second Easter of his pontificate, the pope told at least 150,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square and on adjacent streets that evangelization “is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles,

sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast.” Whatever is going on in one’s life, he said from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Jesus’ victory over sin and death demonstrates that “love is more powerful, love gives life, love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.” Overlooking the square where he had just celebrated Easter morning Mass surrounded by hundreds of flowering trees and bushes and thousands of daffodils, tulips and roses, Pope Francis said Christians proclaim to the world that “Jesus, love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death.” In his Easter message, the pope prayed that the risen Lord would “help us to overcome the scourge

of hunger, aggravated by conflicts and by the immense wastefulness for which we are often responsible.” He also prayed that Christians would be given the strength “to protect the vulnerable, especially children, women and the elderly, who are at times exploited and abandoned.” The pope offered special prayers for those facing serious difficulties and threats in various parts of the world: for victims of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa; the victims of kidnapping; migrants and refugees; and for the victims of war and conflict in Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic, Nigeria, South Sudan and Venezuela. Celebrating the fact that in 2014 Easter fell on the same day on the Gregorian calendar used in the West and on the Julian calendar used by many Orthodox and East-

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ern Catholics, the pope’s Easter morning Mass included a Byzantine choir singing “stichi” and “stichira,” hymns that in ancient times were sung in the presence of the bishop of Rome on Easter. In his “urbi et orbi” message, the pope offered special prayers for peace in Ukraine, a country with various Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Latin-rite Catholic communities. The pope prayed that all sides in the current political tensions would avoid violence and, “in a spirit of unity and dialogue, chart a path for the Country’s future.” The pope’s celebration of Easter got underway the night before in a packed St. Peter’s Basilica. His Easter Vigil began with the lighting of the fire and Easter candle in the atrium of the basilica; walking behind the Easter candle

and carrying a candle of his own, Pope Francis entered the darkened basilica. In the silence and solemnity of the moment, very few pilgrims and tourists disturbed the atmosphere with their camera flashes. Brian Baker, a deacon and seminarian from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, sang the Exultet -- the poetic hymn of praise calling the whole world to rejoice at the resurrection of Christ. As the bells of St. Peter’s pealed the joy of the Resurrection through the night, torrential rains beat down on Rome. In his homily Pope Francis, who often tells people to look up the date of their baptism and commemorate it each year, urged people to remember and reflect on the first moment they really recall having encountered Jesus. Referring to the Easter account from the Gospel of St. Matthew, Pope Francis noted how the women who went to Jesus’ tomb were told first by the angel and then by the risen Lord to await him in Galilee and tell the disciples to go as well. “After the death of the Master, the disciples had scattered; their faith had been utterly shaken, everything seemed over,” the pope said. Yet they were told to go back to Galilee, the place they first met Jesus. Returning to Galilee, he said, means re-reading everything -“Jesus’ preaching, his miracles, the new community, the excitement and the defections, even the betrayal -- to re-read everything starting from the end, which is a new beginning,” one that begins with Jesus’ “supreme act of love” in dying for humanity’s sin. Departing repeatedly from his prepared text, Pope Francis kept telling people: “Have no fear. Do not be afraid. Have the courage to open your hearts” to the Lord’s love. Returning to Galilee, he said, “means treasuring in my heart the living memory” of “the moment

Four County Catholic May 2014

when his eyes met mine.” “Where is my Galilee,” the pope urged people to ask themselves. “Have I forgotten it? Have I gone off on roads and paths which made me forget it?” Pope Francis encouraged people to ask the Lord’s help in remembering and in telling the Lord, “I want to return there to encounter you and to let myself be embraced by your mercy.” Pope Francis baptized 10 people

at the Easter Vigil; they ranged from a 7-year-old Italian boy to a 58-year-old Vietnamese woman. Four other Italians and one person each from Senegal, Lebanon, France and Belarus also were baptized. As each stepped forward, the pope asked if they wanted to be baptized and waited for their response; he asked one man twice because his response had not been clear. The catechumens bent over the baptismal font and the pope,

putting one hand on their heads, used a deep silver shell to pour water over their foreheads. The pope confirmed the 10 during the liturgy, anointing them with oil and giving each a kiss on the cheek. And, although Pope Francis does not usually distribute Communion at large public Masses, he made an exception for the 10 new Catholics, who received their first Communion during the vigil.

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Service to Poor Will Be Focus of 2014 Fortnight for Freedom The U.S. bishops have announced a third Fortnight for Freedom to encourage prayer and awareness of religious liberty, with a particular focus on how it enables service to the poor and vulnerable. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, noted that the June 21-July 4 initiative includes the Catholic feasts of saints like John Fisher, Thomas More, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul and the first martyrs of Rome who “remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power.” This is the third consecutive year that the Fortnight for Freedom has been conducted as a period of prayer, education and advocacy for religious liberty. As in 2012 and 2013, this year’s event will include two nationally televised Masses. Archbishop Lori will celebrate an opening Mass at the Balti-

more Basilica on June 21 at 5:30 p.m. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington will celebrate a closing Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on July 4 at noon, with U.S. bishops’ conference president Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., serving as homilist. The U.S. bishops have prepared fact sheets to highlight current domestic and foreign religious freedom concerns. Domestic concerns include the federal HHS mandate that requires most employers, including many Catholic organizations, to provide employees with health coverage for sterilization, contraception and drugs that can cause abortions, despite their religious and moral objections. Violators of the mandate face heavy penalties. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue an important ruling on the mandate as it affects religious individuals

running for-profit businesses this June. The bishops have also noted threats to religious organizations and businesses caused by the redefinition of marriage and laws that consider objections to “gay marriage” to be illegal discrimination. Catholic adoption agencies in Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Illinois have been shut down because they cannot in good conscience place children with same-sex couples. In addition, businesses have faced lawsuits for declining to serve same-sex “wedding” ceremonies. State immigration laws have also threatened charitable outreach and pastoral care to undocumented immigrants, while Catholic medical personnel and others who object to abortion have faced pressure to participate in the deadly procedures, the bishops’ conference explains. The Fortnight for Freedom website is www.fortnight4freedom.org.

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Four County Catholic May 2014

Catholic Charities Agencies Helping Storm-Damaged Southern U.S. Washington (CNS) - Catholic Charities agencies were on the ground assessing damage after a series of storms with deadly tornadoes

and massive floods swept through the southern United States April 27May 1. The storms killed 35 people and

left thousands without power while razing homes and businesses. Arkansas and Mississippi were the hardest hit, but deaths also were

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reported in Oklahoma, Iowa, Alabama and Tennessee. Georgia residents lost power, and the Carolinas and Florida experienced flash floods. In areas hit by tornados, thousands of people forced out of their homes sought temporary shelter while the National Guard, local police and residents sifted through the rubble searching for victims. Patricia Cole, communications director for Catholic Charities USA, said its disaster response operations team has been coordinating with local Catholic Charities agencies in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama “where conditions on the ground are changing by the hour.” She said Catholic Charities USA had received requests for grants for financial assistance and is staying in close contact with Catholic dioceses and agencies in the damaged areas as they assess the needs in their communities. Patrick Gallaher, executive director of Catholic Charities of Arkansas, posted updates on the agency’s website, noting that the search and rescue phase of the relief effort finished April 30. He also said the overflow of donations made it impossible to store any other contributions until new collection points were established. “The immediate need of survivors is being met,” he said. St. Joseph Church in Conway, Ark., initially was used as an American Red Cross shelter, but the shelter was closed April 29 because not

enough people were using it. Parishes in the Little Rock Diocese have been conducting their own drives to mobilize and collect donated materials. Gallaher said the local Catholic Charities agency continues to coordinate with other agencies to provide support during the cleanup phase and is gathering case managers for the rebuilding effort that will come in the months ahead. “The long-term relief effort will take months as we assist people in obtaining replacement housing, furniture, clothing and counseling,” he said. “As needs crystallize, we shall seek help from among our parishes.” Greg Patin, executive director of Catholic Charities in Jackson, Miss., told Catholic News Service April 30 that staff members would begin to assess local needs May 1 after the first responders were finished their work. Once needs are assessed, he said, “we will begin to provide what assistance we can,” but he also noted that the agency has limited staffing resources and will need volunteer assistance. The agency has reached out to the Knights of Columbus for help and is looking for monetary donations because it cannot accept donated goods at this time. To support Catholic Charities’ disaster relief effort, visit their website at https://support.catholiccharitiesusa.org, call 1-800-919-9338, or mail a donation to Catholic Charities USA P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, Md., 21297-1066.

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Four County Catholic May 2014

Heaven is For Real The Burpos are the perfect picture of a small-town Americana family: mom and dad, daughter and son. Young Colton and his dad are inseparable … until an illness lands Colton in the hospital. Fearing they will lose their son, the parents cry out to God to spare him. While Colton’s amazing recovery should lead his family back to normalcy, they quickly discover nothing will ever be the same again. With childlike innocence, Colton begins talking about having visited Heaven and his incredible experiences there … including meeting family members he never knew about. Based on the beloved book, the movie HEAVEN IS FOR REAL

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Cardinal recalls John Paul II’s devotion to Mary Cardinal Giovanni Coppa recently recalled John Paul II’s commitment to the Blessed Mother. The former nuncio to the Czech Republic noted that it was John Paul II’s custom to write the words from St. Louis Marie de Monfort’s prayer at the top of each page of his writings, beginning with the phrase “Totus tuus,” which was his papal motto. “The Pope not only recited this prayer every day, but he also wrote part of it on the right-hand corner of each page of his homilies, speeches and encyclicals.” “On the first page he wrote the beginning of the prayer: Totus tuus ego sum, ‘I am all yours;’ on the second page, Et omnia mea tua sunt, ‘And everything I have belongs to you;’ on the third, Accipio Te in mea omnia, ‘I put you at the center of my life;’ and on the fourth, ‘Praebe mihi cor tuum,’ Give me your heart’.” “At the archives of the secretary of state we have thousands of these pages on which John Paul II intimately and movingly expressed his love for the Virgin Mary,” he added. This custom practiced by the pilgrim Pope showed that “his love for the Virgin Mary was a love without limits,” the cardinal continued. “He never lost an opportunity to speak about Mary. He dedicated his encyclical ‘Redemptoris Mater’ to her: redemption in fact became the common thread of his entire Petrine teaching.”

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