Four County Catholic May 2016 by Diocese of Norwich

God's Mercy Transforms Hearts. Volume 28 Number 5

May 2016

April 9, 2016

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Four County Catholic May 2016

The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love. - Pope Francis as quoted by Sister Elissa Rinere in Liturgy Notes.

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24 Love takes precedence over everything else. - Pope Francis from Amoris Laetitia as referenced by Christina Capecchi in her column on the Francis Effect on Wedding Planning.

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Four County Catholic May 2016

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

The Joy of Love. The Joy of Family. My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Increasingly, during this furious political primary season, we are reminded of the vast and treacherous problems of our time. Many of them, if not most, seem out of reach for each of us to remedy. So it sometimes seems. What is within reach is family. The crisis of family in today’s culture literally hits home. It is home. That’s precisely why there is so much opportunity for us to consider how we can together strengthen the family in the face of cultural stress. Though the social problems we face are daunting, there are gathering signs that the faith-centered values of family and community are very much alive and regaining attention and strength. I say this as we have now entered May, the month of our Merciful Mother Mary. As we celebrate our devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church and the Holy Family, we are mindful, naturally, of the Holy Father’s designated Year of Mercy. We find ourselves contemplating the power of mercy in our lives, espe-

cially in our family lives. Family life remains forever the building block of a healthy society and the secure path to our spiritual wellbeing as Christians. We must turn to God’s mercy to find the answers to lift up our own families and others when in a weakened or broken state. Pope Francis has opened the Holy Door of Mercy and is walking us through with a guiding hand, as with his most recent exhortation on love in the family, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love. As Sister Elissa Rinere shares in Liturgy Notes in this same issue, the Holy Father “hopes that all who read the text of the exhortation will feel called to love and cherish family life.” It is going to take a while for all of us to become more closely familiar with the Holy Father’s extraordinary document. Even as we begin to absorb the wisdom of Pope Francis’ writing, it is clear that there is an overarching consistency of message regarding the need for the Church to be more merciful and considerate of each person and individual family situation. The Holy Father

is calling us to do our best to be embracing and inclusive and to help families cope with today’s problems. It is a mission of love. A joyful mission. Outside of our own Church initiatives to reverse the forces responsible for wounding or weakening so many families, I have observed some cultural signals lately in support of preserving strong family values. It may surprise you that one of the signals is from the movie industry of all unlikely places. With so much objectionable content normally associated with the movie and TV programming business, this is not a place you might expect to find a spring of pro-family values. But it may be happening ever so gradually. Occasionally, if there is a faithinspired movie mentioned in the media, it might catch my attention. If several such movie projects spring up, they would definitely catch my attention. They have. I couldn’t help but notice the extensive coverage in both the secular and Catholic press of the movie Miracles from Heaven, a true story,

I understand, of a Texas mother whose daughter miraculously overcame a life-threatening disease. The powerful role of faith was central to the real life experience of this family. It’s good to hear the reviews and conversation centering on faith. Other movies I have seen in the news recently have been Risen, God is Not Dead II and The Young Messiah. I have not seen all these movies and can’t comment on their quality and storyline authenticity. My mentioning them, even unseen, is to recognize that faith-related films with strong family messages have been conspicuously in the news of late. There are signs of a trending interest in reawakening the importance of family in our chaotic culture at the moment. A little spring right in the middle of a too often dark cultural forest. More films of a faith-centric hopeful nature seem to be on the way. You have likely been hearing of the film to be released this week, I Hope You Dance, the Power and Spirit of Song. I understand that it is based on a popular coun-

try song of a few years back that speaks to “giving faith a fighting chance.” To add an exclamation point, a quote I came across by filmmaker George Lucas, involved in one of these projects, confided that “we’re using the power of cinema to show the real truth…the awesome power and unending love of Jesus Christ.” Just when it may seem that our society is looking the other way as families struggle, signs in the most improbable places suggest otherwise. Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy and now the Joy of Love letter have helped to break some of the thickest ice surrounding challenged families. The Francis Effect continues to reach the wounded and lost. We welcome back our brothers and sisters to restore their families and to reengage with our community of faith in our parishes and across the diocese to rediscover the joy of family. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love and joy, Bishop Michael R. Cote

La Alegría del Amor. La Alegría de la Familia Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, Durante esta temporada desenfrenada de primarias política, cada vez más, se nos recuerda de los vastos e inciertos problemas de nuestro tiempo. Muchos, si no la mayoría de ellos por corregir parecen fuera del alcance de cada uno de nosotros. Por lo que a veces parece. Lo que está dentro del alcance es la familia. En la cultura actual la crisis de la familia, literalmente, sacude al hogar. Es el

hogar. Eso es precisamente por qué hay tantas oportunidades para considerar como juntos podemos fortalecer la familia frente a la tensión cultural. A pesar que los problemas sociales que enfrentamos son desalentadores, se reúnen señales que la fe-los valores centrados en la familia y la comunidad son muy vivos y recobran atención y fuerza. Digo esto ya que hemos entrado en mayo, el mes de nuestra

Clemente Madre María. Al celebrar nuestra devoción a María como Madre de la Iglesia y de la Sagrada Familia, naturalmente, somos conscientes, del Año de la Misericordia designado por el Santo Padre. Nos encontramos contemplando el poder de la misericordia en nuestras vidas, sobre todo en nuestra vida familiar. La vida familiar constantemente sigue siendo la piedra angular de una sociedad sana y el camino seguro para nuestro bienestar espir-

itual como cristianos. Debemos volver a la misericordia de Dios para encontrar las respuestas para edificar nuestras propias familias y otras cuando se encuentran en un estado debilitado o roto. El Papa Francisco ha abierto la puerta santa de la misericordia y nos está caminando a través de una mano que guía, al igual que con su más reciente exhortación sobre el amor en la familia. Amoris Laetitia, la alegría del amor. Como comparte la hermana

Elisa Rinere en las notas de la liturgia en este mismo ejemplar, el Santo Padre “espera que todos quienes lean el texto de la exhortación se sientan llamados a amar y a cuidar la vida familiar.” Va a tomar un tiempo para que todos nosotros estemos más estrechamente familiarizados con el extraordinario documento del Santo Padre. A pesar de que empezamos a absorber la sabiduría de La Alegría de la Familia

Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic May 2016

La Alegría de la Familia la escritura el Papa Francisco, es evidente que existe una reacción global del mensaje sobre la necesidad de que la iglesia sea más compasiva y considerada con cada persona y situación familiar individual. El Santo Padre nos está llamando a hacer todo lo posible para ser comprensivos e inclusivos. La misión pastoral es comprender e incluir en lugar de juzgar absolutamente y abandonar. La misión pastoral de la misericordia es ayudar a las familias a hacer frente a los problemas de hoy. Es una misión de amor. Una misión alegre. Fuera de nuestras propias iniciativas de la iglesia para revocar las fuerzas responsables de la herida o debilitamiento de tantas familias, he observado últimamente algunas señales culturales en apoyo de la preservación de los valores familiares fuertes. Puede que se sorprenda que de todos los lugares inverosímiles una de las

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for May Universal: Respect for Women That in every country of the world, women may be honored and respected and that their essential contribution to society may be highly esteemed. Evangelization: Holy Rosary That families, communities, and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelization and peace.

Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net

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May 19th, 2016 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saint Mary, Portland June 24th, 2016 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich

Continued from page 3

señales sea de la industria del cine. Con tanta producción censurable normalmente asociada con la industria del cine y la programación de televisión, este no es un lugar que se podría esperar encontrar un manantial de valores pro-familia. Pero podría pasar alguna vez gradualmente. De vez en cuando, si hay una película inspirada en la fe mencionada en los medios de comunicación, podría captar mi atención. Si surgen varios de estos proyectos de películas, definitivamente captan mi atención. Lo han hecho. No pude dejar de notar la amplia cobertura tanto en la prensa secular y católica de la película Milagros del cielo, una historia real, entiendo, de una madre de Texas cuya hija milagrosamente se sobrepuso a una enfermedad que amenazaba su vida. El poderoso papel de la fe fue fundamental para la experiencia de la vida real de esta familia. Es bueno escuchar los comentarios y las conversaciones centradas en la fe. Otras películas que he visto recientemente en las noticias han sido Resucitado, Dios no está Muerto y el Joven Mesías. No he visto todas estas películas y no puedo opinar sobre su calidad y autenticidad de historia. Las menciono, aún sin ser vistas, para reconocer que las películas relacionadas con la fe con fuertes mensajes familiares recientemente han estado notablemente en las noticias. En nuestra cultura caótica del momento hay signos de un interés de tendencias en despertar la importancia de la familia. Un poco de primavera en el medio de un bosque cultural muy

a menudo oscuro o, más correctamente, sombrío. Más películas de carácter esperanzador centradas en la fe parecen estar en camino. Usted probablemente ha oído de la película que se lanzará esta semana, Yo espero que bailes, el poder y el espíritu de la canción. Entiendo que se basa en una canción popular country de hace unos años que habla de “dar a la fe una oportunidad de luchar.” Para añadir un punto de exclamación, una cita que encontré por el cineasta George Lucas, involucrado en uno de estos proyectos, señaló que “estamos usando el poder del cine para mostrar la verdad real…el impresionante poder y el amor interminable de Jesucristo. “ Mientras las familias luchan, justo cuando pueda parecer que nuestra sociedad está mirando hacia otro lado, en los lugares más improbables pero influyentes señales sugieren lo contrario. El Año de la Misericordia del Papa Francisco y ahora la carta La Alegría del Amor han ayudado a romper parte del hielo más grueso que rodea a las familias con problemas. El efecto del Papa Francisco sigue llegando a los heridos y extraviados. Damos la bienvenida a nuestros hermanos y hermanas para restaurar sus familias y para volver a participar con nuestra comunidad de fe en nuestras parroquias y en la diócesis y para volver a descubrir la alegría de la familia. Atentamente en el amor y la alegría de Cristo, Obispo de Norwich

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Four County Catholic May 2016

Director of Priestly Vocations

Father Gregory Galvin

A Vocation is the Communal Effort by the Family of God May is here Alleluia! It is just over a month from now that our diocese will celebrate the priestly ordination of four wonderful men: Deacon Jeff Ellis, Deacon Juan Aguirre, Deacon Tom Griffin and Deacon Jeff Langevin. You are welcome to join our diocesan family at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich on June 25, 2016 at 10:30am for the Mass of Priestly Ordination. If you have never had the opportunity to attend a priestly ordination, please consider joining us. Following the Mass of Ordination, everyone will have the opportunity to receive each new priest’s first blessing. As we continue preparations for the June Priestly Ordination, I would be remiss if I did not take this time and space to speak directly to a few groups around the diocese. First of all, thank you to the parents and families of each of these men. Thank you also to the parish communities where these men have each grown up in the Church, both here in the diocese and outside the diocese. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus councils who have prayed for and sponsored each of these men throughout their seminary journeys. Thank you to all the parishes around the diocese who hold holy hours for vocations and pray for our seminarians daily/weekly at Masses. Thank you to so many of our diocesan family members who have attended one or more of the monthly holy hours with Bishop Cote as he has traveled parish to parish. Thank you to those members of the Diocesan prayer team who quietly yet with great perseverance have continued to pray for our seminarians. Many thanks as well to those who have sent one of our prayer postcards to the seminarians letting them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. Thank you if

you have ever made a donation towards assisting in the education costs to form and prepare men to be good and holy priests. Thank you to all my brother priests and to our Bishop, Bishop Cote, for your priestly example and leadership. Thank you to all the children and young adults in our schools who pray for our seminarians and who may themselves one day be called by God to respond to a priestly or consecrated religious vocation. We have been blessed and we must continue praying for the Harvest Master to continue to send future priests to lead the faithful in this small corner of His vineyard. Having just celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations this past April 17, 2016, below is a brief explanation of exactly why it was very important to thank those mentioned above for their prayers and support of our seminarians! In his letter for World Day of Prayer, His Holiness Pope Francis highlighted three very important points regarding vocations in the Church, be they priestly, diaconate, religious, missionary, married or single. Those include that vocations are born within the Church, they grow within the Church and are sustained by the Church, in other words, by the people of God. As Pope Francis wrote the following: “The call of God comes to us by means of a mediation which is

communal. God calls us to become a part of the Church and, after we have reached a certain maturity within it, he bestows on us a specific vocation. The vocational journey is undertaken together with the brothers and sisters whom the Lord has given to us: it is a con-vocation. The ecclesial dynamism of the call is an antidote to indifference and to individualism. It establishes the communion in which indifference is vanquished by love, because it demands that we go beyond ourselves and place our lives at the service of God’s plan, embracing the historical circumstances of his holy people.” In his words, the Holy Father is underlining for us the communal action that brings a vocation, any vocation, to its fruition. Our parents and sometimes other members of the Church, lead us either as children or sometimes as adults to the Church through baptism. As a child of God at the moment of baptism, our vocational journey begins. Through the love, support, friendship and guidance of our “brothers and sisters in Christ,” we may slowly discover our particular vocation. The Holy Father is pointing out that a vocation is most commonly discovered with the assistance of others and rarely if ever on our own. I think he is also making the point that it is through the co-union with our brothers and sisters in Christ, that those who may be receiving a “special-call” to religious life,

diocesan priesthood or missionary work are indeed answering the call to love more distinctly in the ways of God by going “beyond ourselves.” “By doing so, we place our lives at the service of God’s plan”. This, I believe, as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Norwich, is why every one of us has an important role to play in bringing to fruition the particular vocations of the priesthood and religious life in our diocese. Because as brothers and sisters in God’s family, it is

our duty, not only to answer the call ourselves if we hear it, but to always assist and support however best we can those God continues to call to serve. May our Heavenly Father bless in a special way all those who have assisted in any way the vocational journeys of Deacon Juan, Deacon Tom, Deacon Peter and Deacon Jeff! May You O Lord continue to send good and dedicated laborers to work as your priests here in the Diocese of Norwich.

Pope Francis @Pontifex • Recent Tweet All are called to love and cherish family life, for families are not a problem; they are ﬁrst and foremost an opportunity.

For the Answer go to Page 15.

Four County Catholic May 2016

Friday-Sunday, May 13-15 St. Sebastian’s Church Annual Feast St. Sebastian’s Church; 155 Washington St., Middletown, will be holding their annual feast Friday from 5-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm and Sunday, 11am-10pm. There will be food, music, carnival and a live auction. All are welcome! For more information please call 860347-2638. Saturday, May 14 St. Mary-St. Joseph, Willimantic Annual Spring Gala Doors open at 2pm. Dinner is from

4:30-6:30pm. Live auction starts at 7pm. Preview days are May 9-13, from 11am-3pm. New 50/50 raffle or 75/25 if used towards tuition at the school. For more information or to buy tickets please call the school at 860-423-8479. Wednesday, May 18 Spirituality of Recovery St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton, invites you to the adult education presentation in the Parish Center at 7pm. Presented by Fr. Tom Hoar, S.S.E., PhD, President, St. Edmonds Retreat Center in Mystic. Sponsored by the

Memorial Day Mass Schedule Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2016 The Norwich Deanery Saint Joseph Cemetery, Norwich Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery, Norwich. Sacred Heart Cemetery, Taftville Monsignor Henry N. Archambault, P.A., J.C.D., will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Taftville. Saint Patrick Cemetery, Montville Reverend Robert Buongirno will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in Saint John Church, Uncasville.

The New London Deanery Saint Mary Cemetery, New London Monsignor Robert L. Brown will celebrate Mass at 10:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery, New London.

Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes. Thursday, May 19 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at St. Mary in Portland from 6-7pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwichdiocese.net or 860-887-9294. www.God-Calls.com. Saturday, May 21 Beloved Video Series Come and experience “Beloved”, a powerful new video series to help you enrich and fortify your marriage. Held at St. Mary’s, Baltic, from 7-9pm. For more information, please contact Brenda Peter at 860-887-8454 to sign up and purchase a couples’ guide ($24.95). Saturday, May 21 Touch-A-Truck The East Lyme Auxiliary of Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut and the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Department will co-sponsor our 9th annual Touch-A-Truck event. This family event will take place from 9am2pm at McCook Point Park in Niantic. For more information please call Child & Family Agency at 860443-2896, Ext. 1407. Sunday, May 22 Medications for Seniors, Home Care and Health Insurance Medications for seniors, home care and health insurance to be presented by Maria Laffin, RN, Clinical Supervisor, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, following the 9:30am Mass.at St. John

Church, Cromwell. For more information about this educational program please call St. John Parish at 860- 635-5590. Monday, May 23 National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea The day is observed in conjunction with National Maritime Day, which has been celebrated since 1933, to recognize merchant mariners and others in the maritime industry. Saturday, May 28 Tailgate Tag Sale St. Mark the Evangelist Church Tailgate Tag Sale will be held rain or shine, from 9:00am-2:00pm in the church’s upper parking lot at, 222 McVeagh Rd., Westbrook. The cost is $25 for 2 adjacent parking spaces. Pack up your car/ truck with interesting new or used items, drive to the lot, open your trunk and sell. You may also set up tables. This promises to be a huge sale: antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafted items, toys, housewares…you name it. St. Mark’s Garden Group is

Wednesday, June 1

Television Mass At 10:00am Channel 20 WTXX, Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast. Celebrant Father Joseph Whittel.

sponsoring this sale and will sell hot dogs, beverages, snacks, baked goods, members’ plants and garden books. Proceeds will be used to beautify and maintain the church grounds. To register or for further information please call Julia Gallicchio at 860- 388-9675. Friday, June 3 Golf Tournament St. Luke Church, Ellington, will be holding its 15th annual golf tournament at Rolling Meadows Country Club in Ellington. The event will be a scramble format starting at 12:30pm. Lunch included. Dinner, prizes, and raffle will follow at St. Luke Church. There will be prizes for men’s, women’s and mixed divisions. We welcome all golfers, individuals or teams, to sign up for this event. Please call Bob at 860-8712542 to register or for more information. $120 per person. Saturday-Sunday, June 4 & 5 Our Lady of Fatima Feast Our Lady of Fatima Society welcomes you to St. Mary Church, in Stonington Borough. Saturday, June 4th at 7:30pm, Mass of Our Lady of Fatima. Candlelight procession to follow in the Church Hall. Sunday, June 5th at 10:30am Mass. Rosary, & benediction to follow in the Church Hall. Wednesday, June 8 Theology & Process of Annulments Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry, invites you to the adult education presentation in the rectory meeting room at 7pm. presented by Fr. Ted Tumicki, S.T.L, J.C.L., Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Norwich. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes. Sunday, June 12 Blue Mass Breakfast Fundraiser Tickets for the breakfast are at no cost. However a donation to help defray the costs associated with the Blue Mass is appreciated. To benefit the Blue Mass Committee to defray expenses associated with the Annual Mass honoring law enforcement personnel. For more information or tickets please call Monsignor Brown at 860-887-9294, ext. 232 or Ms. Becky Cady 860-887-9294, ext. 235. Held at Billy Wilson’s Restau-

Four County Catholic May 2016

rant, 57 Broadway, Norwich from 9:00am -11:00am. Menu: eggs, sausage wrap, pancakes, orange juice, home fries. Sunday, June 12 Civil Wills Andrew J. O’Keefe, Esquire, will present civil wills, following the 9:30am Mass.at St. John Church, Cromwell. For more information about this educational program please call St. John Parish at 860635-5590. Wednesday, June 15 Theological & Practical Aspects of Marriage & Family Life Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry, invites you to the adult education presentation in the rectory meeting room at 7pm. Presented by Mr. Ryan Hinton, Director, Office of Family Life, Archdiocese of Hartford. Sponsored by the Groton/Ledyard cluster of parishes. Friday, June 17 St. Joseph School Golf Tournament Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council #2336. Held at Mohegan Sun Golf Club, 7 Dows Lane, Baltic. There will be specific sponsorships and additional sponsorships available, as well as the option to sign up to golf, or for dinner and auction only. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, closest to the pin, hole-in-one, putting contest, silent auction and 50/50 raffle. To register online please visit www.kofcbaltic.org . For more information please contact Carl Holte at 860-576-0714 or info@kofcbaltic.org/golftournament . This tournament will benefit Saint Joseph School in Baltic. Saturday, June 18 Saint Lawrence Strawberry Festival Saint Lawrence Church hosts its annual Strawberry Festival and Auction at 7 Hemlock Drive, Killingworth. Festival hours are 10am to 3pm. New this year, the live auction will run the same hours as the festival. The live auction features antiques, collectibles, furniture, and household items, Other attractions include a silent auction, plant sale, and food, including strawberry shortcake. For more information, contact Stlawrence@yahoo.com or visit www.stlawrencechurch.com.

Saturday, June 18 Beloved Video Series Come and experience “Beloved”, a powerful new video series to help you enrich and fortify your marriage. Held at St. Mary’s, Baltic, from 7-9pm. For more information, please contact Brenda Peter at 860-887-8454 to sign up and purchase a Couples’ Guide ($24.95). June 21-July 4 Fortnight for Freedom The bishops’ Fortnight for Freedom takes place June 21-July 4. This year’s theme is “Witnesses to Freedom” and will include a nationwide tour of relics of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher. The Fortnight will also highlight stories of several people of faith from around the world. Friday, June 24 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at The Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich, from 7-8pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwichdiocese.net or 860-887-9294. www.GodCalls.com. Saturday, July 23 Beloved Video Series Come and experience “Beloved”, a powerful new video series to help you enrich and fortify your marriage. Held at St. Mary’s, Baltic, from 7-9pm. For more information, please contact Brenda Peter at 860-887-8454 to sign up and purchase a couples’ guide ($24.95). Thursday, July 28 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at St. Francis of Assisi, Middletown from 6-7pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwichdiocese.net or 860-887-9294. www.GodCalls.com. Sunday, July 31 63rd Annual Blessing of the Fleet St. Mary Church in Stonington Borough will celebrate the 63rd annual Blessing of the Fleet. Bishop Cote, along with other members of the clergy, will officiate Mass at 10:30am. Following Mass, a parade will proceed to the Town Dock.

Once at the dock, Bishop Cote will bless the vessels that will go out to sea in the coming year along with blessing the captains and crews of the boats. Fishermen who have died at sea will be remembered in prayer as a wreath in the shape of a broken anchor will be placed into water at the mouth of Stonington Harbor. Food and soft drinks will be for sale, and music will be provided by “The Country Misfits”. Festivities will run from 12-4pm.

St. Mary – St. Joseph School

Annual Spring Gala Saturday, May 14th Spaghetti Dinner $8 Adults $6 Children/Seniors (Handicapped accessible for parking and dinner)

Evening Includes: • LIVE/Silent Auctions • White Ticket Raffle • 100+ Raffle Baskets • Rita’s Italian Ice • NEW 50/50 Raffle or 75/25 if used towards tuition at school Doors open @ 2pm Dinner is 4:30pm - 6:30pm LIVE Auction & Raffles start at 7pm Open to Everyone! Please join us for an enjoyable afternoon and evening. Preview the Baskets: Monday - Friday May 9-13, 11am-3pm

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

I called you My friends because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father. It was not you who chose Me, but I who chose you (your name here) and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name...

...He will give you!

~ John 15:15-17

7 Week Life in the Spirit Seminar Immaculata Retreat House Prayer Group Begins May 1, 2016 - 7 – 8:30PM Television Mass Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 10:00AM Channel 11 WCCT Comcast Channel 20 WTXX Charter Celebrant – Fr. Ray Introvigne Music Ministry – Brothers and Sisters of Charity Other 7 Week Life in the Spirit Seminars Wednesday, May 4, 2016 St. Joseph Hall, Rockville – 7:30PM Thursday, May 5, 2016 St. Patrick Hall, East Hampton – 7:30PM Annual Prayer Group Leaders Meeting Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 9:00AM – 3:00PM Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich Masses of Healing and Hope Mondays, May 9, 2016 and May 23, 2016 at 2:00PM All are prayed with individually Pentecost Diocesan Prayer Meeting Sunday, May 15th at 2:00PM Cathedral of St. Patrick Hall Music by “Jerusalem Road” Music Ministry Prayer Group Mass – St. John Chapel. Middletown Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 7:00PM Unbound Conference Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 9:00AM – 5:00PM Please call to register 1-860-887-0702

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 2016

A Tradition of Grace and Service

Annual Diocesan Mass for Secretaries Celebrated at Cathedral

Norwich – The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich celebrated the 21st AnBy Michael Strammiello Executive Editor, Four County Catholic

nual Mass for Secretaries at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, April 26, 2016, assisted by Diocesan Vicar General Reverend Monsignor Leszek Janik and eleven diocesan

priests as concelebrants, and by Masters of Ceremonies, Diocesan Chancellor Monsignor Robert L. Brown and Deacon Jorge Escalona. The bright and colorful Cathedral interior provided a perfect setting, including, the purple, red and yellow uniform appointments of the attending Knights of Columbus, the luminous stained

Position Vacancy

Director of Office of Faith Events Full-time Director of Office of Faith Events in Norwich, Diocese of Norwich. Job description available on request. Send letter of application, resume, references, and salary expectations to: Office of the Chancellor, Diocese of Norwich 201 Broadway, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 Attention: Monsignor Brown Deadline for application is May 31, 2016.

glass windows not diminished by the April showers outside, and the dozen pink roses which are the signature of the Secretaries Mass. Further adding to the joyful atmosphere were the uplifting voices of the Cathedral choir and Cantor Carroll Mailhot under the direction and church organ accompaniment of Douglas Green. It was a beautiful ceremony in keeping with the grace and dedication of secretaries of all faiths and professions. Homilist, Reverend Jonathan Ficara, spoke of the dedication of secretaries who in many ways are like first responders in whatever crisis may occur in any and all organizations. He expressed the gratitude of all assembled for the call secretaries have always answered to serve others in Jesus’ name.

With grace reflective of faith fertory Procession; Marlene Peer and service to others, many of the as server and Kimberly Quinn as secretaries present participated in usher. Presenting the roses representthe Eucharist liturgy, among them ing the counties Rosanna Caraand deaneries of belas, Mary Cho May every act the Diocese and and Christine of service I offer the Diocese itself Siart as readers; reflect my faith were Sandy BenBarbara Laliberte in You, and may jamin, Annette as commentator; my daily work be H o c h d o r f e r, Judy Pappagallo a true sign to Laura Malone, and Dorla others of Your Joni TramonLandry in the Patricia O f - own patience and tozzi, Vincente, Cindy compassion. Mageski, Linda A Secretary’s Prayer Precopio, Susan Underhill, Christine Jackel and Terri Zampini. Following Mass, a luncheon for secretaries and guests was held in the Cathedral auditorium. Bishop Cote gave the blessing and led those gathered in the Year of Mercy prayer, making a close and grateful connection to the generosity of secretaries who are living examples of the best of service and mercy. Congratulations to the Secretaries Mass Committee and its Chair, Alice Pudvah, for organizing such an uplifting and well supported and appreciated event.

Photos by Meredith Morrison

Four County Catholic May 2016

The Year of Mercy Continues On April 8, 2016, Pope Francis issued a new document, an apostolic exhortation, titled By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

Amoris laetitia (The Joy of Love). The roots of this document go back to 2013, when a questionnaire dealing with issues of marriage and family life was sent from the Vatican to all dioceses of the world for response. The responses to these questionnaires formed the basis for discussion of marriage and family in two Synods of Bishops, one in October 2014 and the second in October 2015. Both Synods received fairly significant media coverage when they were in session because the issues raised during the discussions were so difficult and so contemporary. Following after these two Synods, Pope Francis proclaimed the Jubilee Year of Mercy which began in December 2015. In the document of proclamation, Pope Francis stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mercy is the very foundation of the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. All her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love.â&#x20AC;? Then, in August 2015, Pope Francis announced some significant changes in the canon law regulating annulments. These changes went into effect in December 2015. In the document announc-

We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

ing these changes, Pope Francis again explained his motives: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charity and mercy therefore require that the Church, as a mother, make herself closer to her children who consider themselves separated.â&#x20AC;? Now, following

in a direct path from these events, we have Amoris Laetitia, which is Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; official response to the Synod discussions on marriage and family. Here again, the motive is clear: â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The exhortation] seeks to encourage everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wherever family life remains imperfect and lacks peaceâ&#x20AC;? (#5). Pope Francis describes marriage as a gift to the Church and to society, and family as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;image of the Trinity, a communion of persons.â&#x20AC;? He expresses the hope that all who read the text of the document will â&#x20AC;&#x153;feel called to love and cherish family life.â&#x20AC;? The text is lengthy, over 250 pages, but the introduction suggests a slow, almost meditative reading, even indicating which chapters would be more suited to married couples or those preparing for marriage, and which are more suited to priests or bishops in their pastoral ministry to married couples and families. Chapter Four, entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love in Marriage,â&#x20AC;? is a scriptural and theological study of the famous passage

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from 1Corinthians 13: 4-7 that begins â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love is patient, love is kind...â&#x20AC;? Each quality of love named in the passage is explained in a way that is both simple and profound, and is then applied to married life. Anyone, but especially married couples, will profit from a prayerful reading of the entire chapter. Chapter Seven, directed to parents, discusses the education of children, in both morality with respect to the culture, and in the passing on of the faith. In the latter, Pope Francis states, example is much more effective than any words. Chapter Eight, on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accompanying, Discerning and Integrating Weaknessâ&#x20AC;? is directed more to bishops and pastors, but contains very important teaching for any reader. The heart of this chapter, as many theologians have pointed out, is that mercy is the hallmark of the

Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministry, and mercy must never be subordinated to law. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed,â&#x20AC;? the exhortation states (#325), and consequently pastors must meet their people where they are, in the midst of whatever trials or irregularities exist in their lives. No one, Pope Francis says, is excluded from grace if their intentions are sincere. Therefore, no one is excluded from the ministry of pastors. Writing specifically of those married outside the Church, Pope Francis teaches that every situation is different. Consequently, not everyone in an â&#x20AC;&#x153;irregularâ&#x20AC;? marriage can be put into the same category. Rather, he says, every situation must be considered separately, since each situation has its own roots and causes. Also, in addressing each complex situation, Pope Francis gives renewed emphasis to the role of conscience and use of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;internal forumâ&#x20AC;? as a means for an indi-

vidual to acknowledge his or her own failings and assess suitable participation in the life of the Church community. Pastors, we are told, are responsible not only for upholding the teachings of the Church on marriage but also for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pastoral discernment of the situations of a great many who no longer live this realityâ&#x20AC;? (#293). The way of the Church is not to condemn forever, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;to pour out the mercy of God on all who ask for it with a sincere heartâ&#x20AC;? (#296). This extraordinary document makes no changes in Church teaching. However, it challenges each member of the Church to place mercy above judgment. Pope Francis teaches eloquently of the presence of grace in the sincere heart, whatever might be the circumstances of the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. May each of us take this teaching to heart, not only for others but also for ourselves.

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Four County Catholic May 2016

Saint Joseph Living Center and Office of Development Host End of Life Discussion and Lunch St. Joseph Living Center, a 120-bed residential nursing and rehabilitation center located in By Mary Ellen Mahoney Office of Development Manager/Major Gifts

Windham, collaborated with the Diocesan Office of Development on an April 14th luncheon with Bishop Michael R. Cote and fellow priests about end of life issues. Twenty people filled the brightly decorated room at St. Joseph Living Center and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Center’s culinary staff. Mrs. Angela Arnold, Executive Director, Diocesan Office of Development welcomed everyone and thanked Ms. Lynn Iverson, Director of St. Joseph Living Center for hosting the event. Ms. Iverson in turn thanked each of the priests for attending and expressed her appreciation to Bishop Cote for the Diocese’s ongoing support of the Center. Ms. Iverson continued, “We are pleased to host this event for the dedicated priests in our Diocese in order to educate them to the support and services we offer at St. Joseph Living Center. We strive to meet the health care needs of not only our immediate community but the entire Diocese as well.”

After lunch, three representatives from the Center spoke about their specific areas of care. Mrs. Pat Duffy, Director of Nursing led off by describing the medical and nursing support that patients receive during their convalescence or end of life. She stressed the importance of “doing whatever it takes to make the patient comfortable and at ease.” She also noted that she felt it was a “privilege to be able to provide both physical and spiritual support at the end of life.” Mrs. Paula Haney, Director of Rehabilitation Services spoke about the various ways in which the rehabilitation service is able to support patients even at the end of their life to continue to do some of what made them happy when they were not as ill. By modifying certain activities, patients are

able to enjoy as much as is possible, given their unique circumstances. Mrs. Haney commented,

“Beautiful Things For Children”

From left to right: Very Reverend Laurence LaPointe (standing), Reverend Roland Cloutier, Reverend Brian Converse, Very Reverend Ted Tumicki and Reverend Brian Maxwell. “Our compassionate, professional staff take pride in helping our patients achieve their rehab goals. These

goals are individually developed to maximize their potential and quality of life.” The staff presentation concluded with Mrs. Jo-Ann Hay, of Pastoral Care. She discussed the Center’s desire to walk with patients experiencing the end of their lives on earth, as they move closer to being with God. Mrs.

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Hay observed “I feel blessed to be able to serve God’s people in a faith based environment. “ She also noted that the Center has a beautiful chapel equipped with a closed circuit camera purchased from a grant received from the Catholic Foundation. This camera allows patients to participate in Mass from their rooms when they are unable to get to the chapel. Mrs. Hay also thanked the many priests who so generously give of their time to say Mass and administer the sacraments. The Very Reverend Larry LaPointe, chair of the Center’s Board of Directors, also spoke about the beautifully designed building which allows nature to be viewed from all rooms and encourages residents to go outside into the garden filled courtyard whenever weather allows. Father LaPointe also commented that many priests who do come to stay at the Center continue their ministry while there, serving fellow patients as well as the staff. Mrs. Mary Ellen Mahoney, of the Development Office concluded the presentation portion of the afternoon speaking on planned giving opportunities available to people who are inter-

ested in supporting their parish, school or the Diocese, both during and after their lives. She also stated that since the Annual Catholic Appeal video was shown in March, her office has been contacted by parishioners who are interested in establishing endowments in the Foundation to help their specific Diocesan interests, whether they are a parish, school, or ministry. She is hopeful that more people will consider an endowment within the Catholic Foundation as a means to assist a Diocesan entity on a continual basis, since the endowed funds will live on after the donor has passed. The afternoon concluded with the Center’s staff giving attendees a tour of the facility. St. Joseph Living Center hopes to coordinate with the Office of Development again in the near future to host more priests in a similar lunchtime program. For more information on the St. Joseph Living Center, please contact Ms. Lynn Iverson at (860) 456-1107 or Lynn.Iverson@ sjlcct.org. If interested in planned giving, please contact Mrs. Mary Ellen Mahoney at (860) 886-1928 or memahoney@norwichdiocese.net.

Four County Catholic May 2016

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Four County Catholic May 2016

Contributions to Catholic Education Take on Many Forms:

7th Annual Seton Scholarship Honorees Announced S.C.M.C. is currently the Principal at the Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, CT and Director of Development for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. Mother Mary David entered the Sisters of Charity in Baltic after graduating from the Academy of the Holy Family. She did her undergraduate (Left to right) Mr. William J. Russell, C.P.A.; Attorney Michael E. Driscoll/Brown Jacobson, P.C.; Mother Mary David Riquier, S.C.M.C.; and graduate The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. Photo by Meredith Morrison studies in education and When we think of Catholic Ed- and those who are at work behind Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner business at Eastern Connecticut ucation, we think of our schools, the scenes that make our Catholic to be held on Sunday, October 30, State University. Mother Mary teachers, employees and principals. Schools in the Diocese of Norwich 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mystic David served in the apostolate at Marriott Hotel in Groton, Con- St. Charles Children’s Home in successful! By Kathy Gaito necticut. In looking at the big picture of Rochester, NH, St. Joseph School Stewardship Coordinator, Office of Development The honorees, with their diverse in Baltic, CT, St. Mary – St. Joseph our Diocesan Catholic Schools, While these facets of Catholic Ed- The Most Reverend Michael R. backgrounds, each play an impor- School in Willimantic, CT and the ucation are critical to its success, Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, tant role in supporting our Academy of the Holy Family, but many other components are in- announced the recipients of the Catholic Schools. Mother Mary spent most of her educational cavolved in keeping our Diocesan 2016 Most Reverend Michael R. David, S.C.M.C. represents the reer at Sacred Heart School in Catholic Schools vibrant and oper- Cote, D.D. Award for Contribu- teaching/administrative aspect of Taftville, CT teaching for five years ational in the world today. Individ- tions to Catholic Education in the education. Michael E. Driscoll and before becoming principal in 1991. uals from many professions are Diocese of Norwich. This year’s re- his colleagues at the law firm of She left Sacred Heart in 2012 when involved in the day to day activities cipients, Mother Mary David Brown Jacobson, P.C. handle the she was elected to a leadership poof our schools and play a vital role Riquier, S.C.M.C., Attorney legal needs of our schools. Addi- sition on the General Council of in the ultimate success of these in- Michael E. Driscoll, representing tionally, Brown Jacobson assists the Sisters of Charity. stitutions. It’s the combined efforts the law firm of Brown Jacobson, with the legalities of the Catholic Michael E. Driscoll has practiced of those who are visible to the chil- P.C. and Mr. William J. Russell, Foundation, which provides tu- law with Brown Jacobson in Nordren and families at our schools C.P.A., will be honored at the 7th ition assistance to elementary wich, Connecticut since 1973. school children attending Born and raised in Norwich, Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Michael graduated from GeorgeNorwich. William J. Russell, town University in 1970 with a C.P.A., is the recently retired Bachelor of Science degree. He Diocesan Finance Officer after continued his education at GeorgeFUNERAL HOME, INC. serving 12 years in this role. Bill, town University Law Center and in as he likes to be called, worked 1973 graduated with a J.D. (Juris Serving All Faiths • Pre-Need Arrangements with the schools, overseeing finan- Doctor). Michael has an active Traditional Services or Cremations cial issues. All three of these indi- practice that includes insurance deDirectors: Joseph R. Introvigne, viduals have made contributions fense and municipal law. He also Joseph R. Introvigne, Jr. & Michael J. Introvigne that help keep our Catholic serves as Diocesan Counsel for the Schools strong…each bringing an Roman Catholic Diocese of Nor51 East Main St. important skill set to their role. wich. On July 27, 2013 at the 60th Stafford Springs, CT www.introvignefuneralhome.com Mother Mary David Riquier, Jubilee Mass, Bishop Cote pre-

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sented Michael with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, on behalf of Pope Francis for service to the church. Michael and his wife, Mary, are parishioners at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Mr. William J. Russell, C.P.A. is a lifelong parishioner of St. John Church in Middletown, Connecticut. Having served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War years, upon returning home, Bill attended the University of Hartford where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Bill currently serves on many boards including: the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Cemetery Corp., St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich and the Academy at Mount Saint John, Deep River. Bill is the Director of Finance for Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. Before joining the Diocese as Finance Officer, Bill served on the Principal’s Council and later the Board of Trustees of Mercy High School. He served on an ad hoc committee along with a former Superintendent of Schools, pastors and laity that was commissioned by Bishop Cote to study the parochial schools in the Diocese of Norwich. He has been inducted into the Knights of Holy Sepulcher, and on July 27, 2013 at the 60th Jubilee Mass, Bishop Cote presented Bill with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, on behalf of Pope Francis for service to the Church. Bill and his wife Diane have two children and four grandsons. The Seton Scholarship Dinner has raised and distributed over $205,000.00 in scholarships to Catholic Elementary School children since its inception in 2010. Anyone who would like to purchase a sponsorship, program advertisement or tickets to the 7th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner may contact Kathy Gaito, Stewardship Coordinator, Diocese of Norwich Office of Development at 860.886.1928 ext. 15 or kgaito@norwichdiocese.net.

Four County Catholic May 2016

The Office of Family Life, Now Catholic Family Services When I showed my husband the job description for the position of coordinator of Catholic By Mary-Jo McLaughlin Catholic Family Services

Family Services for the diocese, he told me that based on my different life experiences, he thought I would be well suited for the job. The office provides resources and support to parishes and families to promote and celebrate happy and holy marriages and family, two areas that have always held a particular fondness for me. After 12 years in Catholic education, I was looking for a change where I could do something meaningful for God while still utilizing my gifts and skills as an educator. Overseeing the marriage preparation program for the diocese gives me an opportunity to teach outside of the classroom structure and share some of my real-life experience with couples beginning their journey in living a sacramental lifestyle through their vocation to married life. My husband Pat and I will be married 26 years in June. When we married, he was a widower and our oldest two children, Eamonn and Sharon, were 4 and 5. I adopted them and together we had our youngest daughter Molly.

Norwich, CT (860) 887-7468 www.mmpct.com New London, CT (860) 701-9171 www.mmpnl.com

So, I understand some of the difficult and challenging issues facing couples entering marriages with a ready-made family. As a family, we also cared for my elderly, handicapped father who lived with us for five years before dying at home. Since 2009, my husband and I have been involved as a presenting team couple with Wo r l d w i d e Marriage Encounter, (WWME) a Catholicbased weeke n d experience for couples who want to make their good marriages even better. In April, we were selected to a three-year term as regional servant leaders of WWME. Over the past seven years, we have given numerous enrichment talks to couples on topical issues related to married life. These experiences will assist me in providing enrichment programs for married couples in the

diocese. Also, my husband and I previously served in the marriage preparation ministry for our parish, St. James in Danielson. The Catholic Family Services ministry provides programs in the areas of marriage preparation, marriage enrichment and support, natural family planning, chastity for teens and serves as a resource for various diocesan support groups. My office also coordinates the Annual Silver and golden Marriage Anniversary Pontifical Mass and the Pontifical Mass of Remembrance, for pre-born children who have died from miscarriages, stillbirths or abortions. I also oversee Project Rachel, which is the diocesan post-abortion ministry for anyone seeking healing from the emotional and spiritual pain of an abortion. Previously, this ministry was called the Office of Family Life and was under the auspices of Catholic Charities. When Susan Williams, the former coordinator, left that position last summer, the diocese restructured the ministry bringing it under the Diocesan Office of Faith Events. Currently, my office is located at the Bishop Flanagan Ministry Center across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich.

If you have just become engaged, or are looking for ways to enrich your good marriage or for support with a troubled marriage, as well as want information on any of the programs offered by Catholic Family Services, please contact my office at 860-8482237, Ext. 306 or email: mm-

claughlin@norwichdiocese.net. As Pope Francis once stated, “The first setting in which faith enlightens the human city is the family.” This ministry is here to promote and support happy and holy marriages and families as they strive to reflect visible signs of God’s love in the world.

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CENTERING PRAYER RETREAT: July 28 - Aug 03, “The Heart of The Matter”. A silent retreat for men & women presented by Father Bill Sheehan, OMI. “Our God, who delights in us, simply wants to be in our presence! And when we dwell in God’s Presence through Centering Prayer, we find a freedom only possible to God! Offering is $600 & includes all meals & private accommodations.

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Four County Catholic May 2016

Bishops Call Hispanics to a Fifth Encuentro On June 9, 2013, the USCCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs convened pastoral leaders of By Sister Mary Jude Lazarus, S.C.M.C. Diocese of Norwich Hispanic Ministry Director

the Hispanic/Latino community to engage once again in the process of Encuentro. Since the mid 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Hispanic Ministry in the United States has seen four national gatherings, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encuentros,â&#x20AC;? which have been profoundly instrumental in moving the ministry forward. The Encuentro is more than a gathering, however. More importantly, it is a process of theological reflection by which pastoral leaders, together with their people, engage in an in-depth self-study, beginning on the parish level, then moving to the diocesan and regional levels, and finally ending on the national level. On each of the levels the process ends with an event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Encuentro â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which synthesizes and celebrates the achievements and findings of the consultation. Proposals are formulated and delegates appointed to take the proposals to the next level. At the final celebration, the national gathering, delegates from across the country work to synthesize the proposals which have

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been garnered from the different levels and put them together in a working document, with practical applications. The Encuentros have shaped Hispanic Ministry in this Country. They have given it a focus and direction which has been important in guiding the ministry as the Hispanic/Latino presence continues to grow amid increasing pastoral challenges. They have given the Hispanic/Latino people the opportunity to interpret and to project into the future their own identity, presence, and contribution to the Church and to U.S. society as a whole. This Fifth Encuentro - V Encuentro - is convened in the context of the New Evangelization. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary objective is to discern ways in which the Church can more effectively respond to the Hispanic/Latino presence, and to strengthen the way in which Hispanic/Latinos respond as Church.

It will be a process of listening with close attention to the voice of the poor and marginalized; it will seek to build up the faith of our youth, especially second and third generation Hispanics/Latinos and to involve them in the life of the Church; it will seek to identify and call forth new leaders from among the laity. The V Encuentro will help to discern best practices in the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastoral and evangelizing response to the Hispanic/Latino presence in our parishes and dioceses, as well as at the regional and national levels. The vision and theme of the V Encuentro is one of missionary discipleship, a spirit of accompaniment based on the Emmaus story from the Gospel of St. Luke. The V Encuentro calls for a continual pastoral conversation that allows the Church, consistent with its missionary nature, to respond with more fidelity and enthusiasm to the Hispanic/Latino

presence in parishes and dioceses, thereby empowering the Hispanic/Latino people to live their discipleship more fully as joyful missionaries to the whole Church. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, together with Bishops Arturo Cepeda, Gerald Barnes, and Nelson PĂŠrez will oversee the Encuentro process. In February, 2015, the Bishops established and commissioned the National Steering Committee which will guide the process. In the Spring of that year, the National Team created and prepared teams in each of the 14 Episcopal Regions, whose task it is to create and oversee teams in the dioceses of their respective regions. In February of this year, Bishop Cote appointed representatives from the five parishes with Hispanic Ministry in this Diocese to serve on our Diocesan Team. On April 7, 2016, they met for a day of orientation and reflection, as they came together to begin their work as a team. They are: from St. Mary Star of the Sea, New London â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alberto and Altagracia ColĂłn, Alvania Tejada, Jorge and RosamarĂa Lemus; from St. Mary of the Visitation, Clinton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Isamir MartĂnez; from St. Francis, Middletown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IvĂĄn & Sonia Godoy; from St. Mary, Norwich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iris FernĂĄndez and Narcisa ValentĂn; from Sagrado CorazĂłn, Windham â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Zoila DĂaz, Estela Hernandez and JosĂŠ Luis MonzĂłn. Also serving on the team are Sister Gloria Saldarriaga, RODA, Pastoral Associate at St. Francis, Middletown and St. Mary, Clinton; Rev. Robert Washabaugh, pastor St. Mary, Sts. Peter & Paul & St. Joseph, Norwich, and Sister Mary Jude Lazarus, SCMC, Director for Hispanic Ministry. The Encuentro sees the Bishop or his delegate as a key player in the process. Bishop Cote has named Reverend Washabaugh to represent him in all the deliberations of this diocese. The Diocesan Team is now preparing to form Parish Teams, which will guide the grassroots consultation, to take place in the early part of 2017. The national gathering of the V Encuentro will take place in September, 2018, in Dallas, TX.

Four County Catholic May 2016

Los Obispos Piden a Los Hispanos un Quinto Encuentro El 9 de junio del 2013, el Subcomité para los Asuntos Hispanos de la Conferencia de los Obispos Por la hermana Mary Jude Lazarus, S.C.M.C. Diócesis de Director de Ministerio Hispano de Norwich

Católicos de Estados Unidos convocó a los líderes pastorales de la comunidad hispana/latina para participar una vez más en el proceso de Encuentro. Desde mediados de 1970, el Ministerio Hispano en los Estados Unidos ha tenido cuatro reuniones nacionales, llamadas “Encuentros”, que han sido profundamente útiles para sacar adelante el ministerio. El Encuentro sin embargo es más que una reunión. Más importante, es un proceso de reflexión teológica por la cual los líderes pastorales, junto con su gente, se involucran en un auto-estudio en profundidad, comenzando a nivel parroquial, luego pasa a los niveles diocesanos y regionales, y finalmente termina en el nivel nacional. Cada uno de los niveles del proceso termina con un evento-Encuentroque sintetiza y celebra los logros y los resultados de la consulta. Las propuestas son formuladas y los delegados designados llevan las propuestas al siguiente nivel. En la celebración final, la reunión nacional, delegados de todo el país trabajan para sintetizar las propuestas que han sido recolectadas de los diferentes niveles y puestas juntas en un documento de trabajo, con aplicaciones prácticas. Los Encuentros han dado forma al Ministerio Hispano en este país. Han dado un enfoque y dirección que ha sido importante en la orientación del ministerio ya que la presencia hispana/ latina sigue creciendo y aumenta los desafíos pastorales. Ha dado a los hispanos/latinos la oportunidad de interpretar y proyectar hacia el futuro su propia identidad, presencia y contribución a la iglesia y a la sociedad estadounidense en su conjunto. Este Quinto Encuentro-V Encuentro-es convocado en el contexto de la Nueva Evangelización. El objetivo principal es discernir las formas en que la iglesia puede responder con mayor eficacia a la

presencia hispana/latina, y para fortalecer la forma en que los hispanos/latinos responden como iglesia. Será un proceso de escuchar con mucha atención a la voz de los pobres y marginados, buscará construir la fe de nuestros jóvenes, especialmente de segunda y tercera generación de hispanos/latinos para involucrarlos en la vida de la iglesia; se tratará de identificar y suscitar nuevos líderes entre los laicos. El V Encuentro ayudará a discernir las mejores prácticas de respuesta pastoral y evangelizadora de la Iglesia a la presencia hispana/latina en nuestras parroquias y diócesis, así como a nivel regional y nacional. La visión y el tema del V Encuentro es una de discipulado misionero, un espíritu de acompañamiento basado en la historia de Emaús del Evangelio de San Lucas. El V Encuentro llama a una conversación pastoral constante que permite a la Iglesia, de acuerdo con su naturaleza misionera, responder con más fidelidad y entusiasmo a la presencia hispana/latina en parroquias y diócesis, de este modo hará posible a las personas hispanas/latinas en toda la iglesia vivir su discipulado más plenamente como misioneros alegres. El Arzobispo Gustavo García Siller, junto con los Obispos Arturo Cepeda, Gerald Barnes, y Nelson Pérez supervisarán el proceso del Encuentro. En febrero del 2015, Los obispos fundaron y nombraron el Comité Directivo Nacional que guiará el proceso. En la primavera de ese año, el Equipo Nacional creó y preparó los equipos en cada una de las 14 regiones episcopales, cuya

tarea es crear y supervisar los equipos en las diócesis de sus respectivas regiones. En febrero de este año, el Obispo Cote designó representantes de las cincos parroquias con Ministerio Hispano en esta Diócesis para formar parte de nuestro Equipo Diocesano. El 7 de abril de 2016, se reunieron por un día de orientación y reflexión, ya que comenzarán su trabajo en equipo. Ellos son: de Saint Mary Star of the Sea, New London Alberto y Altagracia Colón, Alvania Tejada, Jorge y Rosamaría Lemus; de Saint Mary of the Visitation, Clinton Isamir Martínez; de Saint Francis of Assisi, Middletown Iván y Sonia Godoy; de Saint Mary, Norwich Iris Fernández y Narcisa Valentín; de Sagrado Corazón, Windham Zoila Díaz, Estela Hernández y José Luis Monzón. También sirven en el equipo la hermana Gloria Saldarriaga, RODA, Asistente Pastoral de Saint Francis of Assisi, Middletown y Saint Mary of the Visitation, Clinton, el Padre Robert Washabaugh, Pastor de Saint Mary, Saint Peter & Paul y Saint Joseph, Norwich, y la hermana Mary Jude Lazarus, SCMC, Directora del Ministerio Hispano. El Encuentro ve al obispo o a su delegado, como un actor clave en el proceso. El Obispo Cote ha nombrado al Padre Washabaugh para representarlo en todas las deliberaciones de esta diócesis. El Equipo Diocesano ahora se prepara para formar equipos parroquiales, quienes guiarán la consulta de base, que tendrá lugar en la primera parte del 2017. La reunión nacional del V Encuentro tendrá lugar en septiembre de 2018 en Dallas, Texas.

Saint Matthias, East Lyme

Monsignor Michael T. Donohue, Pastor

Address: 317 Chesterfield Road, PO Box 25 East Lyme, CT 06333-0025 Phone: 860-739-5208 Email: matthiasel@aol.com Website: www.saintmatthiasparish.org Mass Times: Sunday Masses: 7:30am, 9:00am & 11:00am (Saturday 5:00pm)

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

C r e at i n g H o p e a n d S e r v i n g P e The Catholic Charities 95th Anniversary gala was held on Saturday, April 9th at the Mystic Marriott. The evening began with a cocktail hour and By Christine Jackel Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities

Silent Auction. In the Mystic Ballroom with over 150 in attendance, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, began the evening with a blessing of the “Flames of Remembrance” candles and the opening prayer. Kevin Hogan, news anchor at WFSB, Channel 3, was Master of Ceremonies. Kevin invited Henry Tessman, youngest son of Executive Director Edward Tessman and his wife Kathleen, to the podium to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Among those in attendance presenting proclamations recognizing Catholic Charities were State Senator Cathy Osten from the 19th Senate District, State Representative Emmett Riley and Mayor of New London, Michael Passero. The General Assembly of the State of Connecticut also sent citations to each of the honorees. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Christopher Murphy, U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney and Mayor of Norwich Deberey Hinchey were unable to attend, but sent proclamations. It was a very special evening honoring indi-

(Above, left to right): Edward Tessman, Catholic Charities Executive Director, Meg Gustafson, “Humanitarian of the Year,” John Gustafson (Meg’s husband), Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D., Caitryn Gustafson (Meg’s daughter) and Johnny Gustafson (Meg’s son). (Right: ) Therese Fontaine receives Catholic Charities “Employee of the Year” Award from Bishop Cote. viduals in our community who have made a difference in the lives of others, through their charitable works. Those honored were: “Humanitarian of the Year” – Meg Gustafson has been providing homes for babies in need for decades. Meg and her family have provided round-the-clock care for 27 newborn babies since 2002! In the time that Meg has been with Catholic Charities, not one hospital request has been denied, accepting a new baby into her home within a mere 24hour period. At the time Meg applied to be a foster mother, her two chil-

dren were six (6) and ten (10) years old, and she said how fortunate she was to be a stayat-home Mom. When her children were in school full time, Meg said she felt it was the perfect time to be a foster family. She said “to love and nurture and care for an infant would be a joy and a blessing for us.” If caring and loving 27 newborns has been a blessing for Meg and her family, there is no doubt that the blessings received by those babies has been immeasurable. The Willimantic Advisory Board was chosen as “Community Servants of the Year.” This group of dedicated individuals,

Jack Lester, Annette Murphy, John McGill, Lynda Nappi, Joyce Peters, Gary Pillion, Pat McGill and Beth Murphy have been raising funds for the Willimantic Office of Catholic Charities for many years, their largest raised approximately $2,000 this past October. This group is passionate about what they do and are committed to do all they can to help meet the needs of those who come to the doors of the Willimantic Office. Jacqueline Keller received the “Honoring our Heritage Award” for her numerous con-

M i l e s t on e s of C at h ol i c C h a r Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Norwich, then part of the Diocese of Hartford that encompassed all of Connecticut, traces its beginning to a meeting held May 1921 in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in New London, Connecticut. Father Matthew J. Judge came from Hartford at the invita-

tion of Father Timothy M. Crowley, pastor of St. Mary’s, to explain the recently established Hartford Diocesan Bureau of Social Services. St. Mary’s had a very active branch of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women and its sister organization, The Crowley Club, named after the pastor. Many Catholic women in New London belonged

to both groups for social activities and raised money for parish and civic soup kitchens, homes for orphans, assistance to widows, elderly people and families. Father Judge’s request for a New London District of Social Services was enthusiastically received. In July, the New London District of the Hartford Diocesan Bureau of Social

ople of all faiths Since 1921 tributions to Catholic Charities. Jacqui has served Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Norwich for the past 37 years. In 2013, His Holiness Pope Francis, awarded Jacqui the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifici Cross of Honor Medal, the highest honor awarded to a layperson for Distinguished Service to the Church and Supreme Pontiff. For the past 60 years, she has been a member of the Secular Order of St. Francis. Catholic Charities “Employee of the Year” chosen by her peers, was Therese Fontaine. Terri has worked for Catholic Charities for eight (8) years. She was a member of the core group who implemented the Agency’s Electronic Health Record System. Terri lives the mission of Catholic Charities each and every day by responding to Christ’s call to care for those in need. Her co-workers say “her positive attitude is contagious.” Special thanks to our $2,500 Anniversary Sponsor, Stephen and Patricia Coan, and Gala Sponsors Michael and Angela Arnold, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Tessman, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Capano, Sr., Ms. Jacqueline Keller, Ms. Christine Jackel, Mr. Everest Brustolon, Chelsea Groton Bank and Dime Bank. In his closing remarks, Bishop Cote stated “The fact that so many people have come together with such enthusiasm and joy is a true testament to the commitment that Continued on page 18

M a r g a r e t L . K el l er En d o w m en t t o Hel p C at h ol i c C h a r i t i e s At the 95th Gala Celebration for Catholic Charities held Saturday, April 9 at the Mystic By Christine Jackel Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities

Marriott, Edward Tessman Executive Director of Catholic Charities, had a very special announcement! As many of you know, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich has been a big supporter of Catholic Charities for the past 15 years. Since the Foundation’s inception, many generous donors have established endowments within the Foundation, which have provided funding for grants to help Diocesan ministries, schools and parishes with necessary financing. Each year, Catholic Charities is a beneficiary of this kindness and receives money from the Foundation. This year, it is an honor to report that another endowment has been established within the Catholic Foundation for the benefit of Catholic Charities. This will be the Foundation’s 21st endowment! Jacqueline Keller has established the Margaret L. Keller Catholic Charities Heritage Endowment Fund in honor of her mother. The money that this endowment earns will be used to help support single mothers to break the cycle of poverty by furthering their education. This is the first endowment that has been established within the Catholic Foundation solely for the support of Catholic Charities! Executive Director Edward Tessman asked Jacqueline Keller and Bishop Cote to join him at the podium. He stated “Jacqui on be-

half of Catholic Charities and all the people we serve, please accept our sincere appreciation for establishing the Margaret L. Keller Catholic Charities Heritage Endowment Fund. We present you with this plaque with a picture of your mother that reads: The Margaret L. Keller Catholic Charities Heritage Endowment Fund: to provide single mothers with financial aid to further their education to break the cycle of dependence. Quoting Proverbs 31, verse 29 ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed.’” Bishop Cote presented the plaque to Jacqui and Director Tessman stated a similar plaque will be mounted on the wall of the reception area at the Norwich Office of Catholic Charities as a testament to your kindness and support. Ms. Keller shared that “as I began thinking about the heritage of Catholic Charities and the people of faith who have been so caring, I thought of my own mother. Mom, like so many mothers, made great sacrifices for her children. She and my father never received any public acknowledgement and did not expect any. Mom was trained as a nurse but never practiced outside our home. She and my father took care of us; five children including two sets of twins. My sister of the second set was born oxygen deprived and lived with intellectual impairment and cerebral palsy. My mother would be very embar-

rassed that I am naming her for this endowment. But she would be very pleased that the endowment, which is entrusted to the care of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich, will be used to fund the education of single mothers to break the cycle of dependence.” Executive Director Edward J. Tessman, in his closing remarks, thanked Jacqui for her amazing gift and contribution, noting it will have a lasting impact on the lives of single mothers, who will be able to make their way out of poverty through education. He said “Jacqui you have joined the ranks of other Catholic Foundation donors who have generously committed to supporting our Diocesan organizations through endowments. Your money will be well spent and always much appreciated by Catholic Charities and those we serve.”

r i t i e s i n t h e Di o c e se of N or w i c h 1 9 2 1 - 2 0 1 6 Services was established. The District’s office was at first located at 42 Jay St. In its first year, the New London District provided care to thirty-five children and five families. The New London Branch of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women had raised $1,470.68 to fund Catholic charities. Even today, a portion of the Council’s yearly mem-

bership drive is given to Catholic Charities. The Great Depression and World War II presented new challenges and District Offices were established in Middletown and Norwich. In 1953, the Diocese of Norwich was established by Pope Pius XII with Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan as Bishop. The four

counties of Eastern Connecticut: New London, Norwich, Middlesex and Tolland came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Norwich, with St. Patrick Church in Norwich as the Cathedral and Norwich as the See of the Diocese. The Norwich Diocesan Bureau of Social Services was incorporated as a not-for profit entity in the State of Connecticut on

March 23, 1954. February 7, 1961, Bishop Hines announced a reorganization of the Diocesan Bureau of Social Services. The purpose of the reorganization was to coordinate the activities of the Norwich, New London and Middletown offices and to adopt uniform practices.

Four County Catholic May 2016

C r e at i n g H o p e a n d S e r v i n g P e o p l e o f a l l f a i t h s S i n c e 1 9 2 1 Continued from page 16

Catholic Charities has made in our community to improve the lives of others.” Catholic Charities USA is the second largest provider of social services in the United States, second only to the Federal government. At the conclusion of the program, Catholic Charities’ Executive Director, Ed Tessman shared with the audience that the U.S. Flag was flown above the U.S. Capital today to commemorate the 95th Anniver-

sary of Catholic Charities. Mr. Tessman ended a wonderful evening saying “As I look over this room tonight, I am truly inspired by the outpouring of support for Catholic Charities and look forward to our future with the hope of continuing our tradition of serving the poor and disadvantaged, of all faiths, throughout Eastern Connecticut. I want to thank you for your continued support and prayers.”

Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women help support Catholic Charities East Lyme - Judith K. Pappagallo, President of the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and members of the Council (pictured) gathered at St. Matthias Parish in East Lyme, April 3, for a luncheon to present Catholic Charities with items collected throughout the Diocese for their Layette Program. Every year, through the Council’s Layette Program, the women of the council actively collect baby clothes, diapers, baby wipes, blankets, and formula. These items are presented to Catholic Charities at a luncheon. Edward J. Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic Charities was joined by three staff members: Rosalinda Bazinet, Program Manager; Miriam Rodriguez, Willimantic Site Supervisor; and Annisa Mrowka, Empowering People for Success and Pregnancy Case Worker. Ed was in awe of the items that the members of the Council had collected, which had been stacked and covered five tables. Ed stated, “Through your efforts and generosity, the Layette Program al-

lows Catholic Charities to continue Providing Help and Creating Hope for those who are poor and disadvantaged throughout our Diocese. These gifts will be life changing for some and provide so many with a new sense of being and belonging to a community. A community of unselfish people who truly care about others.” “These women are amazing,” stated Rosalinda. Rosalinda shared with the group of women that she looks forward to this every year as it is such a heartwarming event. Rosalinda candidly spoke of the impact that the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has had on the lives of struggling mothers and how their dedication, hard work and generous gifts help to fill the financial gaps for so many. The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women have been supporting women in need since the council founded Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich in 1921.

M i l e s t on e s (Continued) Bishop Hines announced that the ofsponsored by the Norwich, New Lonficial name of the charities program don, Willimantic and Middletown Adwould be changed from the Diocesan visory Boards provide contact with Bureau of Social Service, to Catholic donors and parishioners. Charities. In 2008, Catholic Charities merged New office locations were established with Affirmation Counseling Center in in Middletown at 33 St. John’s Square; Portland. The Portland Office moved to in New London at 10 Pearl Street, a new 151 Broad Street in Middletown, in a storefront location; in Norwich at 11 building leased from St. Sebastian Bath Street, a newly constructed locaParish. tion. The newly established Willimantic In 2009, the Willimantic Office was District’s Office was located at 197 moved from Ash Street to 88 Jackson Pleasant Street. Street, in a building shared with the Advisory boards at each of the four loministries of the Sisters of Charity, Our cations offered, and continue to offer Lady Mother of the Church. immeasurable support. The New London Office moved to In 1986, the Office of Family Life 28 Huntington Street, in the former was aligned with Catholic Charities and convent, leased from St. Mary Star of the office was renamed Catholic Charithe Sea Parish. ties-Catholic Family Services. ProfesIn 2013, the first “Flames of Charity” sional counseling services were provided Gala was held at the Mystic Marriott in by Catholic Charities. Groton to increase funding for the necIn 1997, the Middletown office was essary programs. The first recognitions moved to Portland. for service to Catholic Charities In 1998, the Norwich ofwere awarded. fice was moved to its curThis past year marked rent location at 331 the transition from Main Street. Mr. Raymond P. Catholic Charities Lamy, who served Behavioral Health as Interim ExecuServices received tive Director, to its license after a the appointment rigorous assesson January 25, ment. 2016 of Mr. EdIn 2000, ward J. Tessman, Bishop Hart esMS, as Executive tablished on June Director. 6th The Catholic In 2016, Foundation of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich celebrates 95 years of for the financial sup“Providing Help, Creatport of the spiritual, eduing Hope” to those most cational, and social needs of in need in Eastern Connectithe diocesan famKevin Hogan, again this year, helped as cut. They provide ily. Donors have the following servMaster of Ceremonies to make the the opportunity to ices: Adoption Pro2016 Gala a resounding success. establish endowgram, Behavioral ments especially for funding grants to Health Services, Adolescent Substance Catholic Charities. Abuse Counseling, Parenting Education In 2006, Bishop Cote approved the Classes, Immigration Counseling and Board’s request for establishment of the Mortgage Counseling. Each day, we Annual Catholic Charities Collection. provide Emergency Basic Needs and Requests were mailed to families in the Case Management for individuals and Diocese. The Annual Golf Tournament families in need of food, clothing, baby sponsored by the New London Adviformula and diapers, emergency transsory Board continues to provide necesportation and fuel, utility and rental assary funding. The initiation of socials sistance.

Four County Catholic May 2016

95 Catholic Charities would like to thank everyone who attended our 95th Anniversary Gala and supported the good work that we do. To those that purchased a ticket, donated or purchased a silent auction item, purchased a Flame of Remembrance, or simply made a donation to Catholic Charities; thank you!

7KH HYHQLQJ VLJQLILHG D ´1HZ %HJLQQLQJµ IRU &DWKROLF Charities and could not have been possible without your support.

THANK YOU TO OUR 95th ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR Stephen and Patricia Coan THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS Michael and Angela Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tessman Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Capano, Sr. Ms. Jacqueline Keller Ms. Christine Jackel Mr. Everest Brustolon Chelsea Groton Bank Dime Bank

´,W was an amazing night and celebration, allowing Catholic Charities to honor those in our community who support our organization through their hard word and unselfish dedication. We are truly blessed.µ said Edward J. Tessman, Executive Director 331 Main Street, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 / 860.889.8346 / www.ccfsn.org

Four County Catholic May 2016

Father John Marciniak SAINT MARY CEMETERY

Community Mausoleum Available 600 Jefferson Ave, New London • 860-443-3465

SAINT MARY & ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich • 860-887-1019

ALL HALLOWS CEMETERY

Green Hallow Road, Moosup • 860-887-1019

SACRED HEART CEMETERY

Wauregan Road, Wauregan • 860-887-1019

SACRED HEART CEMETERY

Harland Road, Taftville • 860-887-1019

October 29, 1927 – April 18, 2016 Middletown - Reverend John Merciniak, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died on April 18, 2016 at his niece’s home in Marlborough, Connecticut. Father Merciniak was born, educated and ordained in Olsztyn, Poland. His ordination took place June 24, 1956, celebrated by The Most Reverend Bishop Jankowski. It was in September of 1967, that Father John received his first diocesan assignment at St. Joseph Church in Rockville, having previously served several parishes in Poland for the first twelve years of his priestly ministry. Following his initial assignment at St. Joseph, he served at St. Joseph in Norwich and St. Mary of Czestochowa in Middletown. His final diocesan assignment was a temporary return to St. Joseph in Rockville in 1978. Father Merciniak’s funeral was held in Poland according to his wishes. In a humble prayer he, himself, had prepared for the occasion of his death, Father John asked “our Lord Jesus Christ for only the mercy He gave to the thief on the cross,” as Father then wrote, “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” May the Lord grant him eternal rest.

SAINT PATRICK CEMETERY

Depot Road, Uncasville • 860-887-1019

RESURRECTION CEMETERY

Route 145, Westbrook • 860-443-3465 The Church, through its funeral rites: • Celebrates the life and faith of the deceased • Expresses the Church’s belief in the Communion of Saints • Recognizes the spiritual bond that exists between the living and the dead • Brings hope and consolation to the bereaved • Reminds faithful to turn to God in time of need and crisis • Seeks God’s mercy and love • Nourishes the faith of the bereaved • Acknowledges that the deceased benefit from our prayers

Norwich Diocesan Cemetery Corporation 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich CT 06360

860-887-1019

Sister Marion Julie O’Leary, S.N.D. Worchester - Sister Marion Julie O’Leary, 89, of the Sisters of Notre Dame, formerly of Manchester, died April 11, 2016 in the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Sister Marion Julie was born Eileen O’Leary in Worcester, daughter of William F. and Marion (Harmon) O’Leary. After graduating from Ascension High School in Worcester and Worcester State College, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1947. She later received a master’s degree in Education from Fairfield University and a master’s degree in English from University of Conn. Sister Marion had a long career in education. She was a high school teacher for more than 20 years at Notre Dame high schools in Mass., Providence, R.I. and Conn., including six years at East Catholic High School in Manchester, Conn. She later returned to East Catholic as its Resource Center Co-Ordinator, before retiring. Sister Marion was also a Vice-Principal at Notre Dame High School in Norwich and St. Bernard’s High School in Uncasville. From 1974 to 1982, Sister was the Co-Ordinator of Secondary Education Curriculum for the Archdiocese of Hartford. She was Education Co-Ordinator for the Sisters of Notre Dame in Boston from 1985 to 1990. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 468 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, CT 06095.

Four County Catholic May 2016

Joint Letter To Congress: Twenty-six Organizations Urge Passage of Conscience Protection Act of 2016 The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joined twentyfive other major pro-life, religious, and health care organizations on April 19 urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Conscience Protection Act of 2016 (H.R. 4828). Signatories include ten medical groups representing tens of thousands of health care professionals who object to abortion and are seeking legal protection to serve their patients in good conscience. “Federal laws protecting conscientious objection to abortion have been approved for decades by Con-

gresses and Presidents of both parties. Even many ‘pro-choice’ Americans realize that the logic of their position requires them to respect a choice not to be involved in abortion,” they wrote. “Yet it is increasingly clear that the current laws offer far less protection in practice than in theory.” The Conscience Protection Act (H.R. 4828), introduced on March 22 by Reps. John Fleming, M.D. (R-LA) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), addresses several “loopholes” in current federal laws that have allowed violations of conscience rights to continue. The let-

ter cites a recent California mandate for almost all health plans in the state to pay for elective abortions, and the government’s failure to vindicate the rights of New York nurse Cathy DeCarlo after she was pressured to assist at a late-term abortion. The joint letter highlights the modest nature of the bill, explaining that it “would mean almost no change in the substantive policy of Congress” but “would be an enormous step forward in assuring Americans who serve the sick and needy that they can do so without being forced by government to violate their most deeply held convictions on respect for innocent human life.”

Defending Religious Liberty Religious liberty is not an eccentric uncle of the human rights family. It is as real as our Constitution. It is very real to our ministries, to our clients and to all Americans. Catholic organizations will have to face exorbitant penalties amounting to tens of millions of dollars, or shut down, if the federal healthcare mandate is not revised. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445, and your elected state representatives. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

392 South Main Street, Colchester

8605370079 Store Hours: MonWed 105, Thurs & Fri 106, Sat 103

Spring Celebrations Donate your unwanted car, truck, suv, boat or camper today! WE DO ALL THE WORK K - fa fast & free pick up You o receive a tax deduction. Yo ou decide where your donation goes.

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FIRST COMMUNION Gift Sets, Prayer/Mass Books, Bibles, Giftware, Jewelry, Rosaries, Charm and Rosary Bracelets, White & Dark Ties, Veils, Gloves, Picture Frames/Albums, Pocketbooks, Wall Crosses/Crucifixes, Party Goods, Invitations & Greeting Cards, Communion Dolls. CONFIRMATION Bibles, Jewelry, Patron Saint Medals, Charm and Rosary Bracelets, Crosses/CrucifIxes, Rosaries, Prayer Books, Giftware, Party Goods, Greeting Cards, Invitations & Sponsor Gifts.

FIRST RECONCILIATION ~ BAPTISMS WEDDINGS ~ ANNIVERSARIES ~ ORDINATIONS MOTHER’S DAY ~ FATHER’S DAY ~ GRADUATION Giftware and Greeting Cards We also carry: Rosary Beads, Jewelry, Music, Books, Bibles, Indoor & Outdoor Statues, Crucifixes, Wall Crosses/Crucifixes, Eternal Lights & Candles, Greeting Cards for all occasions, Missals, Prayer Books & Cards, Giftware for Sacramental Celebrations, DVD's, Baptism Gifts for children and adults.

Four County Catholic May 2016

Sacred Heart School, Groton

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

St. Edward School, Stafford Springs

St. James School, Danielson

Mr. Lawrence Fitzgerald, Principal 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, CT 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org/school

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

Mrs. MaryAnne Pelletier, Principal 25 Church St, Stafford Springs, CT Phone: 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org

Ms. Monique Almquist, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson, CT Phone: 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.org

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-Confidence.

Music Groups Perform in New York City Landmarks Members of the Saint Bernard School choir and band were recently invited to By Shari Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

perform aboard the USS Intrepid and at St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral in New York City. On April 11, the groups boarded a bus and left school grounds early in the morning for their day of prestigious performances. Amid authentically restored aircraft, the choir and band performed on The Intrepid, a National Historical Landmark. Launched in 1943, the carrier fought in World War II and later served in the Cold War and the Vietnam War.

It also served as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s. The vessel was decommissioned in 1974 and today is berthed on the Hudson River as the centerpiece of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The groups then traveled to the historic St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral. The SBS choir was featured as a guest choir for visitors to the decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic church, which is a prominent landmark of New York City.

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck

St. Patrick School, Norwich

Ms. Sharon Briere, Principal 26 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT Phone: 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.org

Ms. Abby Demars, Principal 35 Valley St, Willimantic, CT Phone: 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org

Mrs. Doris Messina, Principal 63 Liberty St, Pawcatuck, CT Phone: 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com

Mrs. Catherine Reed, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT Phone: 860-889-4174 www.st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

Four County Catholic May 2016

St. John School, Old Saybrook

St. John Paul II School, Middletown

St. Joseph School, Baltic

St. Joseph School, New London

Mother Elaine Moorcroft, SCMC, Principal 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook, CT Phone: 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com

Mrs. Kathleen Pec, Principal 87 South Main St, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal 10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org

Ms. Marianne Cote, Principal 25 Squire St, New London, CT Phone: 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com

TechTigers win Imagery Award at Recent FIRST Robotics Competition At the 2016 Hartford FRC District Competition, the Imagery Award was preBy Marie Kalita-Leary Director of Communications and Public Relations

sented to the TechTigers Robotics Team of Mercy High School. The award is in honor of Jack Kamen. Jack is the father of Dean Kamen the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a program that inspires students interested in science, technology, and engineering. The award celebrates attractiveness in en-

gineering and outstanding visual aesthetic integration. The Judges at the competition wrote,” With Styrofoam, PVC, glue and spray paint, this team’s business sub-group worked their magic. They embraced the game theme and ‘roared’ with

it.” --- Kat Seelig, an employee of ESPN and mentor to the TechTigers explained, “The

award is for an overarching theme. It is carried through each element of the team: something as simple as having fun with the tiger on the team’s t-shirt which extends to the mascot at competition.”

Annual Catholic Scouting Awards Ceremony

Sunday, April 24, 2016 Left to right: Very Reverend Gregory Galvin, Director of Vocations; Edward Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic Charities and the recipient of the Bronze Pelican Award; Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich; and Henry Tessman, recipient of the Parvuli Dei Award. Both Ed and Henry Tessman are members of St. Mary parish in Clinton.

(Left:) Mikaela Shea, a senior at Mercy, holds the Imagery Award and Stronghold plaque awarded to the TechTigers 3654 at the Hartford Regional Competition in April. (Below:) TechTiger members Caroline Killian of Middletown stands in front of the TechTigers 3654 pit with Kate Soboleski of Colchester in the background.

To learn more, contact the Diocesan School Office, 860-887-4086 or visit www.norwichdso.org. St. Bernard School, Uncasville

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic

Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson

Mercy High School, Middletown

Mr. Donald Macrino, Headmaster 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville, CT Phone: 860-848-1271 www.saint-bernard.com

Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal 54 West Main St, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-9272 www.ahfbaltic.org

Mr. Joseph Hanrahan, Headmaster 26 Chase Road, Thompson, CT Phone: 860-923-9565 www.marinapolis.org

Mary McCarthy, RSM, President 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-6659 www.mercyhigh.com

Xavier High School, Middletown Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X, Headmaster Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-7735 www.xavierhighschool.org

Four County Catholic May 2016

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

A Magnet School for Values

A Word to Fiancés:

The Francis Effect on Wedding Planning It had been a long Thursday, and Brooke Paris couldn’t wait to take off her heels, peel off her contacts By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

• • • • • • •

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

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

An Education You Can Believe In.

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community. Embracing Service. Living Faith. Supported financially and spiritually by 10 parishes in the Middletown Deanery. Currently the only regional Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Norwich Diocese.

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

and wipe off her make-up. She changed into her pajamas, climbed into bed and opened her MacBook to the pope’s new apostolic exhortation. “Amoris Laetitia” was released two weeks after Brooke’s high-school sweetheart, Timothy Foley, had dropped on bended knee in Mary’s Garden, the grounds behind the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC. As he proposed, the sunset lit the flowering crabapple trees with a soft glow, and a fountain trickled behind them. It was the most easy, joyful yes of her life – and it was rooted in a relationship that felt ordained by God. But since that idyllic moment last month, the soonto-be college graduate had managed to squeeze in just enough wedding-related activity to make her dizzy. She’d bought The Southern Weddings Planner, ordered sample wedding invitations and conducted a midnight Google into pricing of a couple reception venues. She had doubled over from the sticker shock. So she took a deep breath and began scrolling through Pope Francis’ 264-page document. Within five minutes Brooke found herself in chapter six, in a section titled “Preparing engaged couples for marriage,” arrested by these words: “Here let me say a word to fiancés. Have the courage to be different. Don’t let yourselves get swallowed up by a society of consumption and empty appearances. What is

important is the love you share, strengthened and sanctified by grace. You are capable of opting for a more modest and simple celebration in which love takes precedence over everything else.” “I knew immediately that was what I was supposed to find at that time,” said Brooke, 21, a Virginia native preparing to complete her bachelor’s in theology and religious studies from the Catholic Univer-

sity of America. “It was a great reminder that it doesn’t matter if my venue is as lavish as my Pinterest boards.

There are ways I can save money and still make my reception a celebration of the love Timmy and I share.” The timing of Pope Francis’ justlaunched reflection to inspire their brand-new engagement was not lost on Brooke. “I think God gives you tools to live out your voca-

tion.” Brooke is drawing a double value from “Amoris Laetitia” – for her own 2017 nuptials and for the clients she hopes to one day serve in her dream job as a Catholic wedding planner. She envisions a service that combines planning of the liturgy, planning the reception and preparing for marriage. And she has a clear-cut approach in mind: She’ll begin by helping couples plan a liturgy that reflects their unique relationship and God’s vision for marriage; then she’ll help plan a reception that echoes that liturgy. It’s an approach that reminds couples the liturgy is the pinnacle of their wedding day, not a pit stop to the party. Brooke nearly bursts with giddiness to consider the rich possibilities of a distinctly Catholic reception. It may mean framing verses from the readings at your wedding Mass and using them as table centerpieces. It could mean asking reception goers to sign a Bible versus a guestbook or inviting them to write prayer intentions and place them in a jar. It might mean saluting the longest-married couples in the room. It could mean having the groom and bride wash each other’s feet as a symbolic act of service rather than challenging him to remove her garter. It definitely informs the way you handle mealtime, toasts, dancing and alcohol. Brooke has the courage to be different, and this wedding season she’s encouraging other engaged Catholics to do the same, to heed the Holy Father and let love take precedence over everything else. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and the editor of SisterStory.org.

Four County Catholic May 2016

Confirmed in Faith, Committed to Action Young people are the future of the Church. Someday they will be our priests, religious, lay leaders By Linda Norton Four County Catholic Contributor

and faithful laity. They are also members of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church and many have a desire to participate and share the gifts and talents they have been given. Here, three teens share a few thoughts regarding Confirmation: Nathan Skopas, 15, Church of the Holy Family (Hebron) will be confirmed on May 22nd. St. William of Rochester, patron of adopted children, is his Confirmation name. Nathan explained â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel that my own adoption has formed my relationship with God, because even when I was younger, my parents would always tell me that God planned for us to be together. My parents have really encouraged my journey to Confirmation. Through every step â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Communion, Confession, and

volunteer events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my parents have been supporting me and have been my biggest fans. I want to be Catholic for the rest of my life, because I love having that connection with God.â&#x20AC;? Sebastian Fazzino, 14, St. Sebastianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Middletown), was confirmed in the 8th grade. He chose St. Michael the Archangel for his Confirmation name and shared that the gifts of the Holy Spirit help him understand things better and become closer to God. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have used my gifts and talents to give back to the community that provided me with the knowledge and wisdom that have shaped who I am today.â&#x20AC;? He encourages other teens that â&#x20AC;&#x153;no matter how silly or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;not coolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; you may think you look, always stay in a close relationship with God.â&#x20AC;? Alyssa Mercaldi, now 17, was confirmed in 2012 and is also a parishioner of St. Sebastianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Middletown. She chose St. Maria Goretti for her Confirmation

name. She wants to tell other teens that â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is really important to regularly go to church after you receive Confirmationâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;you need to keep praying and make this relationship stronger and stronger.â&#x20AC;? In regards to St. Maria, Alyssa said â&#x20AC;&#x153;if she can forgive someone for assaulting and killing her, then I can

forgive the little problems that people commit against me in my everyday life.â&#x20AC;? Courage is the particular gift of the Holy Spirit that has most impacted Alyssa. As an example, she mentioned that some teens use social media to put down those who practice their Catholic faith. Courage gives her the

strength to stand up and speak up for her faith when these things happen. Nathan, Sebastian, and Alyssa are committed to their Catholic faith and are an inspiration to all of us. May all our young, and not so young, Catholics follow their example. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

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Four County Catholic May 2016

Academy of the HOLY FAMILY At the Academy of the Holy Family, friends become family, so our house is always open to you!

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ŕľŞAn environment that respects the dignity of each student as a sacred trust ŕľŞA safe place with strong Christian values where our young women thrive ŕľŞA family atmosphere with small classes, focusing on YOU! ŕľŞA college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities ŕľŞExtra tutoring to make it happen ŕľŞSports, Activities and Unique Traditions to round out your personality and build community

Become one of the family! For family visits and student shadowing or for more information, please call us or send a date request by e-mail to:

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1-860-822-6279 54 West Main Street

The Holy Martyrs 1st Communion Retreat

Baltic, CT 06330

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Presented by the Holy Martyrs Youth Ministry and the Religious Education Offices of St. Agnes- Niantic CT, St. Matthias- East Lyme CT and St. Paul- Waterford CT On Saturday, April 2nd, 2016, at St. Agnes Parish, the Youth Ministry and Religious Education Offices of the Holy Martyrs Cluster presented to the 1st Communion Students, from each parish in our cluster, an extra opportunity to help them understand the importance of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Through engaging activities, they had a day filled with learning and fun. Our goal was to get the 1st Communion students involved, active, and excited in the Sacrament that they are about to receive! This was a day devoted to mini activities for the children. The activities range from crafts, music, movies, engaging skits, and interactive games. Everything that took place was centered on Christ and had the children learn more about the Eucharist. It acted as a refresher from their weekly classes throughout the year as well as gave them the chance to learn some new aspects they may not have cov-

ered in class. From all the music and games to crafts and lessons that were prepared for the kids, the first 1st Communion Retreat was an absolute blast! We had 47 of our 2nd grade religious education students from our cluster parishes come together and experience this wonderful preparation retreat for their sacrament! The students completely immersed themselves into this retreat and came out excited and on fire about the sacrament they are about to receive! They had a great time with many laughs, smiles, and eagerness to keep moving forward in their sessions. We are grateful that their parents encouraged the retreatants to go. Our volunteers, teens and adults, provided outstanding efforts through teamwork in putting this successful retreat together. Their dedication and hard work really made a difference in our studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith journey! We look forward to doing it again next year!

Four County Catholic May 2016

Seniors at Mercy & Xavier High Schools Win Good Citizenship Awards Wadsworth Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored Frederick Augur of Northford as the 2016 Good Citizens Award winner for Xavier High School and Gabriella St. Pierre of Wethersfield as the 2016 Good Citizens Award winner for Mercy High School. Given as part of DAR’s commitment to education of our youth, the Good Citizen Award recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Photograph includes: Gail Whitright, Wadsworth Chapter Connor Ryan Dale, Middletown High School Frederick (Van) Augur, Xavier High School Ashley Ramirez, Cromwell High School Gabriella St. Pierre, Mercy High School Donna Marie Agogliati, Vinal Technical High School Sarah Donahue, Portland High School Brenda Prunty, Wadsworth Chapter Seated: Lillian White, Wadsworth Chapter

Rejoice in Hope Day of Recollection June Day of Recollection “Has Anyone Seen My Faith?" June 8, 2016 With Deacon Art Miller

Special Event God invites us in the midst of the noise and distractions we face every day to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. Set some time aside for Him, book your retreat today!

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Holy Smoke! Cigar Dinner June 17, 2016 Come enjoy an evening of fun & fellowship

Retreats Silent Directed Retreat June 5 June 11, 2016 With Sr. Eugenia Brady, SJC

Coping with Death, Bereavement, Grief & Mourning June 26 June 29, 2016 With Father Ed Dempsey

Sacred Art Institute Sculpture & Clay Modeling June 5 June 11, 2016 With Chady Elias

Greek Iconography June 12 June 18, 2016 With Father Anthony Salzman

Four County Catholic May 2016

Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Eastern Canada You are Invited to Join Father Brian Maxwell; Missionary of Mercy, as we visit: Holy Doors of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Québec, Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré, Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape, Saint Joseph's Oratory & more! Senior Nancy Kuhn & her grandmother, Kaete Rubelmann.

September 5 - 10, 2016 $1,295 for Double Occupancy from Norwich, CT For more inf nfformation contact Liza Roach wichdiocese.net or at lroach@norrw 2237 ex.305 (860)848-2 DAILY MASS AT THE HOLY SITES

Grandparents Mass 2016 Saint Bernard School celebrated grandparents on April By Shari Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

12th with a Grandparents’ Mass and Brunch, attended by 250 people.

The event is an annual tradition currently in its eighth year at Saint Bernard. The occasion aims to connect the generations and celebrate grandparents and the special meaning they hold in our lives. The Mass was celebrated by the

“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 76 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education ~ Grades K-8 ~

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

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Full Day Kindergarten School Day from 8:30-2:30 After School Care Available Accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges

25 Squire Street New London, CT For information call 860-442-1720 sjsscty@ct.metrocast.net www.sjsnl.com

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich. During his homily, Bishop Cote said grandparents “have a wonderful job, and a simple one - to spoil us and to love us.” The Bishop told those in attendance that he still fondly remembers his own grandparents who “left a mark on me that I will never forget.” He said grandparents nurture us and feed us by their good example. “They remind us we are good,” he said. “Grandparents, we thank you.” Following Mass, a video featuring students speaking about their grandparents was shown. A light brunch was served immediately afterward in the gym.

Four County Catholic May 2016

by Karen H Whiting

Did You Know? May 8 Mother’s Day. Make plans to honor your mother and thank God for her. May 8 The Ascension of Jesus. The disciples watched Jesus return to heaven.

Jackson Morrison, a 1st grader at Saint Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich, crowns the Statue of Blessed Mary at the Children’s Mass on May 5th, Ascension Thursday.

May 13 National Frog Day. Hunt for tadpoles. Play leapfrog. Read about frogs in the Bible in a leader’s bed, in Exodus 8:1-15. May 29 The feast of Corpus Christi (the body of Christ). Rejoice with children who made their First Communion this month and are able to take part in communion.

Jesus Sends a Helper Throughout May, the gospel readings talk His Holy Spirit to us. This year Pentecost is about a promise Jesus made. He said he would on May 15th. The Holy Spirit is God and one of the persend a helper, the Holy Spirit. He told us how sons of God in the trinity. Celebrate the day. the Holy Spirit helps us: • Wear red for the fiery tongues that de• Gives us power from God scended on the heads of the disciples. • Teaches us • Cut a triangle from the corner of an en• Reminds us of the words of Jesus velope to use as a bookmark. Draw sym• Calls the spirit an advocate, meaning to bols (cross, flame, eye) on each corner as support believers reminders of the three persons in one • Aids us in our weakness God. Write the number one in the cen• Intercedes (prays) for us ter. • Produces fruits (read Galatians 5:22-23 • Chat about the differences and how each to learn about these fruits) person of the Trinity helps you. Pentecost is the day we celebrate this prom• Make a cake of cupcakes with red frostise. It’s the day God sent His Holy Spirit to ing. Add candles and light the flames. the disciples and other believers. He still sends

Registration Form for World Youth Day– CT (Retreat fills up fast, so get your registration in before May 20, 2016) Parish: ______________________________Town: _____________________________ Contact Person: _________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________ Email:________________________________ Number of Youth: _________ ($10 each) Number of Adults: ________ ($10.00 Each) Total fees: __________ Mail form and deposit to: Office of Faith Events, 199 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360

Four County Catholic May 2016

Teenagers Get Surprise Chance to Confess Sins to Pope Francis Rome, Italy - Pope Francis has challenged young people to commit to practicing the corporal By Ann Schneible Catholic News Agency

works of mercy in order to recognize the face of Jesus in each other. “As you know, the works of mercy are simple gestures, allowing you to recognize the face of Jesus in many persons. Even young people!” the Pope said in a video message to a youth rally at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. Saturday’s rally was part of a three-day Jubilee of Mercy event geared toward young people. The event kicked off with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Then priests – and even the Pope – heard confessions in St. Peter’s Square. In a video message, the Holy Father said mercy necessitates forgiveness, which he admitted is not easy.

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“It can happen that, at times, in the family, at school, in the parish, at the gym, or in places of amusement, someone can do us wrong and we feel offended; or, in a moment of irritability, we can be the ones who offend others,” he reflected. But, the Pope warned, revenge is “a worm which eats our soul and does not allow us to be happy.” “Let us not remain with resentment or the desire for revenge!” he urged the young people. “Let us forgive! Let us forgive and forget the wrong done…in order that we may understand the teaching of Jesus and be his disciples, and be witnesses of mercy.” “You have gathered for a moment of celebration and joy,” he said. “This morning you transformed St. Peter’s Square into a great confessional, and then you went through the Holy Door.” “Do not forget that the Door points to an encounter with Christ, who introduces us to the love of the Father, and who asks us to become merciful, as he is merciful.” The Pope also encouraged young people to foster a personal relationship with Jesus. He compared a healthy relationship with Christ to a strong phone signal. “Remember…when Jesus is not in our life, there is no signal!”

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Four County Catholic Please contact: Meredith Morrison (860) 887-3933 commeredith@ norwichdiocese.net

Four County Catholic May 2016

Statue of Mary Untouched by the Devastating Ecuador Earthquake Guayaquil, Ecuador (CNA/EWTN News) - Everything collapsed around it, but the glass case with the statue of our Lady of Light remained intact after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador on April 16. The statue was housed at the Leonie Aviat school in Manta Canton, Ecuador, one of the areas most strongly affected by the earthquake. Sister Patricia Esperanza, a member of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales community in Guayaquil, told CNA that the school run by her congregation

was reduced to rubble. But while the entire school collapsed, the glass case of the Blessed Mother – who is patroness of the Oblates – was completely unharmed. The sisters cannot get over their amazement, she said. Now, the occurrence is giving hope to the Tarqui community and consolation to Ecuadorans in the entire country. The April 16 earthquake was declared the worst in Ecuador in some 70 years. Prayers and offers of support continue to gather from around the world.

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May The Month of Mary

She lives now and is protecting us. She is there [in heaven], body and soul, with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. She is the same person who was born in Palestine, who gave herself to God while still a child, who received the message from St. Gabriel the Archangel, who gave birth to our Savior, and who stood beside him at the foot of the Cross. In her, all ideals become a reality. But we should never think that this sublime greatness of hers makes her inaccessible to us. She is the one who is full of grace and the sum of all perfections...and she is also our Mother.

Four County Catholic May 2016

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