Four County Catholic March 2011 by Diocese of Norwich

Volume 23 Number 3

March 2011

Four County Catholic March 2011

Cover Story Page 8 Our diocesan website has become the most unifying information source in the history of the diocese. - Bishop Cote, on the emergence of the newly developed and carefully maintained norwichdiocese.org

Established in 1989 and published each month except July. Publisher

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

860.887.9294

Editorial Office

31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

Director of Communications/Executive Editor

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

Faith & Finances Page 13

Fax 860.859.1253 com@norwichdiocese.net

News Editor/Layout & Design/Webmaster

Trina Fulton, 860.886.1281

comtrina@norwichdiocese.net

Administrative Assistant/Ad Sales

The new name, Annual Catholic Appeal has been well received, as the annual campaign starts its active phase earlier than usual this year. - Tom O’Brien, Executive Director, Diocesan Development Office

Meredith Morrison, 860.887.3933

commeredith@norwichdiocese.net

Theological Advisor

Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, STL, JCL

860.887.9294

Subscriptions

Susan Underhill

860.886.1928

Printing

GateHouse Media New England

Catholic Charities Reaccreditation Page 10 The COA (Council on Accreditation) confirms that Catholic Charities’ services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. - Official COA 2011 Reaccreditation communique.

Hope for Haiti Page 20 Now a community can see that change for the better is possible. Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti and Catholic Relief Services have shown the power of partnership. - Kyn Tolson, Education & Development Director for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, describing hope rising in the Christ Roi neighborhood of Haiti.

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FREE to Annual Bishop’s Appeal contributors and upon request to registered Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich, $20 per year for all others. Individual copies are $1 each. Editorial & Advertising Deadlines

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

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Four County Catholic March 2011

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

New Media – New Energy My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As a priest and Bishop of our Diocese, I devote considerable time and attention to the mission of evangelization. It is clear that there must be a balance of traditional and innovative methods to spread the good news of the Gospel in today’s connected world. On many occasions recently, The Holy Father has welcomed all Catholics, especially the young, to grab hold of the new media opportunities - “I invite young people above all to make good use of their presence in the digital world.” This is the opportunity growing before us to proclaim the Gospel in new and uncharted spaces. The practical challenge for the diocese, of course, is to construct a communications program that makes maximum use of traditional media while transitioning to digital platforms. This is what we in the Diocese of Norwich have been trying to accomplish. I thought I

would take this opportunity to review our communications strategy and progress with you. As I do so, please understand that I am still learning the vocabulary of the new media environment. I will do my humble best to speak the language. A fitting place to start the conversation is with the Four County Catholic . What we have worked to create, even with the downward pressures on the newspaper industry at large, is a bright, relevant and financially viable monthly paper that reflects the energy and interests of the diocese. Nearly 25,000 parishioners read the Four County Catholic. It is good to keep in mind that the content assembled for the newspaper is also available, along with much more news and information, on the diocesan website, norwichdiocese.org. Whatever the vehicle, it is only as effective as the content. This is where your constructive feedback helps us to continue to fine tune the site. Gradually, the diocesan website

has grown up and become the most unifying information source in the history of the diocese. There were some growing pains for sure. Some recently, as we ironed out a few stubborn programming bugs. Today, however, as illustrated on the cover of this issue and detailed in a web review on pages 8 and 9, the website is a bustling media center available 24/7. It is stocked with useful and current information about the diocese and our 76 parishes, as well as providing streaming Catholic TV and radio in English and Spanish. There is a diocesan calendar, detailed ministries information, late-breaking news and a variety of helpful links to other sites. Even my previous columns from this newspaper and pastoral letters are archived for your interest. In fact, the entire most recent Four County Catholic is posted on the site, with a new page-turning device that has quickly become a favorite. It’s a busy place – norwichdiocese.org. Visit it today.

Visit often. And when you visit, feel free to click on the “contact us” tab to share your questions or comments with us. In this way, the site serves as a convenient way for us to interact. In addition to the diocesan site, there are many local parish and/or school sites that form part of the overall interconnected diocesan communications network. There is so much going on across the diocese. Thankfully, we have both the traditional hardcopy mainstays in place as well as a robust central web hub. Beyond the web presence, there are social media opportunities such as facebook and twitter which may soon become a more active part of our digital network. In one of his recent tweets, the Holy Father wrote, “I invite Christians with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible.” The invitation is open. Our sense is that these type of initiatives

will spring from our younger faithful, for example, from within our campus ministries. We will encourage this and do everything we can to promote an appropriate “netiquette” for the Church within our control. This would mean, in Pope Benedict’s words, “a Christian style presence online that is responsible, honest and discreet.” Our diocese, I believe we would agree, has a good balance of traditional and new media working together at the moment to keep you informed. It will evolve from here. As we go forward, we must, together, recognize that the message of faith and fellowship is what unifies us in spirit and in our actions. The vehicles and the technology are delivery systems. The message is the key. May all the exciting changes in how we communicate serve to enhance the truth of Christ. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Nuevos Medios de Comunicación – Nueva Energía Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo: Como sacerdote y obispo de nuestra diócesis, dedico un tiempo considerable y una atención especial a la misión de evangelización. Está claro de que debe haber un equilibrio de métodos tradicionales e innovadores para difundir la Buena Nueva del Evangelio en el mundo conectado de hoy. En muchas ocasiones recientemente, el Santo Padre ha animado con satisfacción a todos los católicos, especialmente a los jóvenes, para explorar las nuevas oportunidades de los medios de comunicación: “Invito sobre todo a los

jóvenes para hacer buen uso de su presencia en el mundo digital”. Esta es una oportunidad que está creciendo ante nosotros para proclamar el Evangelio en espacios todavía nuevos y desconocidos. El desafío práctico para la diócesis, por supuesto, es la construcción de un programa de comunicación que haga uso máximo de los medios de comunicación tradicionales mientras que pasamos a plataformas digitales. Esto es lo que nosotros en la Diócesis de Norwich hemos estado intentando lograr. Pensé aprovechar esta oportunidad para revisar con ustedes nuestra estrate-

gia acerca de los medios de comunicación y su progreso. Al hacerlo, por favor comprendan que todavía estoy aprendiendo el vocabulario del nuevo mundo de los medios de comunicación. Humildemente haré lo mejor posible para hablar este idioma. Un lugar apropiado para iniciar la conversación es con el papel del Four County Catholic en el nuevo mundo de la comunicación. Hemos trabajado para crear, a pesar de las presiones en la industria de la prensa en general, un periódico mensual, luciente, pertinente y financieramente viable que refleja la energía y los intereses de la diócesis. Casi 25.000 fe-

ligreses leen el Four County Catholic. Es bueno tener en cuenta que el contenido reunido para el periódico también está disponible, junto con muchas más noticias e información, en el sitio Web diocesano, norwichdiocese.org. Cualquiera que sea el vehículo, sólo es tan eficaz como su contenido. Esto es donde sus comentarios constructivos nos ayudan a seguir afinando el sitio. Gradualmente, el sitio Web diocesano ha crecido y se ha convertido en la fuente de información más unificadora en la historia de la diócesis. Hubo algunos dolores de crecimiento, seguro. Al-

gunos dolores recientemente, mientras nosotros resolvíamos errores problemáticos de programación. Hoy, sin embargo, como es ilustrado en la portada de esta edición y detallado en un artículo que aparece en las páginas 6 y 7; el sitio Web es un centro de comunicación disponible 24/7. Está repleto de información útil y actual sobre la diócesis y nuestras 76 parroquias, así como al mismo tiempo proveyendo la transmisión de TV y radio católicas en inglés y español. Hay un calendario diocesano, información detallada acerca de los ministerios, noticias Nueva Energía Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic March 2011

Nueva Energía Continued from page 3

St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2011 May the sun always shine on your window pane May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain May the hand of a friend always be near you May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. Photo by Meredith Morrison

e última hora y una gran varedad de enlaces útiles a otros itios. Incluso mis columnas anteiores en este periódico y cartas astorales se archivan por su inerés. De hecho, la edición más reciente del Four County Catholic se puede encontrar en el sitio web, con un nuevo dispositivo de cambiar de página que se ha convertido rápidamente en uno de los favoritos. Es un lugar ocupado: norwichdiocese.org. Visítenlo hoy. Visítenlo a menudo. Y cuando usted lo visite, siéntanse libre de presionar en el botón para contactarnos y así poder compartir sus preguntas o comentarios con nosotros. De esta manera, el sitio sirve como una manera conveniente para interactuar con nosotros. Además del sitio diocesano, hay muchos sitios de escuela y/o parroquias que forman parte de la red global de comunicaciones diocesano interconectadas. Hay tanto sucediendo en toda la diócesis.

Afortunadamente, tenemos ambos modos de comunicación, el tradicional impreso, así como un centro web central sólido. Más allá de la presencia en el sitio web, hay oportunidades de medios sociales como facebook y twitter que pronto podrían convertirse en una parte más activa de nuestra red digital. En uno de sus últimos tweets, el Santo padre escribió, “invito a cristianos con una creatividad informada y responsable, para unirse a la red de relaciones que la era digital ha hecho posible.” La invitación está abierta. Nuestro sentido es que este tipo de iniciativas surjan de nuestros jóvenes feligreses, por ejemplo, desde dentro de nuestros Ministerios universitarios. Vamos a fomentar esta dinámica y hacer todo lo posible dentro de nuestro control para promover una adecuada “netiquette” (comportamiento apropiado en la web) para la iglesia. Esto significa, en palabras del Papa Benedicto, “una

presencia de estilo cristiano en Internet que es responsable, honesta y discreta.” Nuestra diócesis, creo que estamos de acuerdo, ha desarrollado un buen equilibrio de medios de comunicación tradicionales y nuevas formas de comunicación trabajando juntos en este momento para mantenerlos informados. Estos medios de comunicación continuarán evolucionando. Como vamos hacia adelante, juntos, debemos, reconocer que el mensaje de fe y de hermandad es lo que nos unifica en espíritu y en nuestras acciones. Los vehículos y la tecnología son sistemas de entrega. El mensaje es la clave. Que todos estos cambios emocionantes en la forma en que nos comunicamos sirvan para proclamar la verdad de Cristo. Atentamente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote

Lenten Programs at

ST. EDMUND’S RETREAT Retreats Day’s of Recollection

St. Edmund’s at Enders Island

March 8 Mardi Gras Dinner & Talk "Laugh to Your Hearts Content!" - Fr. Frank Sutman, OP March 9 Ash Wednesday “Rearranging our values as we study attitudes of the heart this Lenten Season” Sr. Eugenia Brady, SJC April 20 Bitter or Better? Our Choice for Forgiveness - Fr. Frank sutman, OP

Lenten Weekend Retreats

For further information call:

860.536.0565

Or visit www.endersisland.com

March 25-27 “Living a Life of Virtue: The Blessings and the Struggles” Mother Teresa - Lenten Retreat for Women - Fran Karpiej April 15-17 Family Lenten Retreat “Prepare for the Joy of Easter!” - Deacon John & Peggy Scarfi

Stations of the Cross and Fish Fry Join us each Friday at 6 pm for the Stations of the Cross followed by a dinner of fried or baked fish, potatoes, cole slaw and clam chowder.

March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, and 22nd

St. Michael’s Institute of Sacred Art

March 13-18 Old Masters Oil Painting with Dr. Michael Sullo April 3-9 Manuscript Illumination & Gilding Jed Gibbons & Valerie Weilmuenster April 10-14 Illuminated Prayer on Vellum – “come Holy One, Creator blessed, and in our hearts take up thy rest” Harvest Crittenden

Four County Catholic March 2011

Vocations Director

Reverend Gregory Galvin

Becoming Holy March has arrived! Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent for Catholics around the world, and, in a manner of speaking, begins our own spiritual “spring training.” We again are given the opportunity to reflect more deeply on our personal faith, our relationship with Christ and exactly what we can do to continue the daily work of living in the world but not for the world. The work of becoming holy, preparing our selves to one day be with God forever, is where perfect happiness and complete fulfillment will be had! Until then, we must continue to live our daily life here on earth remembering that we are made for much more than this world can offer. Each one of us is called by God to live a particular vocation while we spend time here on earth, journeying toward the eternal life that we have been called to receive in fullness through baptism. We conclude this month the review of the 20 signs of a vocation to priesthood in Saving a Thousand Souls; by Father Brett Brannen, Vice Rector at Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg Maryland. Last month we finished with the importance of a candidate being a Christian gentleman. We move on now to number 17 - “Events in the life of a good candidate will sometimes point towards priesthood.” In this section, Fr. Brannen makes two really important points that I think are crucial for men of any age who might be asking the question of themselves, “Am I being called”? or “What sign do I look for”? First, many men often can and do point to one particular event in their lives that started them “down the road” as it were. Secondly, it is important to realize

that it may not always be one event or occurrence, but a culmination of little steps taken with out even being aware that God was “calling them”! Do not get hung up looking for one extra-ordinary sign. Next, a good candidate for diocesan priesthood is able to accept both success and failure peacefully. This is of great importance because as Father Brannen points out in this section, “success is not a Gospel word.” When a man is called to serve Christ, to labor for the Church, to offer himself, his life as a complete sacrifice for the Church, he is not going to always experience great success. Bringing souls to Christ is not easy. Here I will make a brief sports analogy. Often in team sports it’s the high scorer who gets the glory and the accolades, but it is often the quiet playmaker who fans often forget who needs to be strong in humility and endurance. Why? Because they very rarely get the credit! In serving the Church, what Christ asks of certain men is to be His playmaker, make Him present to the souls searching him out. In many cases the people will give credit to the priest, but always, the priest must point back to Christ as the one who gets the glory. We are asked to be His instruments,

win or lose on a daily basis. The next sign of a good candidate is a man who has a healthy psycho-sexual development and orientation. Father Brannen speaks here mostly about the healthy, natural attraction to adult females and the importance of control of that attraction by one’s will. He notes that having had healthy chaste dating experience is important but not always necessary. It is important also to note that a man should not be addicted to any aberrant sexual behaviors. The question that we as vocation directors must ask and seek out is: can a man show evidence of being able to embrace fully the chaste, celibate life of a priest? The final sign and I think the most important sign of all: A good candidate for diocesan priesthood is truly open to the will of God for his life. It is in being able to give up one’s own will, to embrace the will of another that the beginning of divine love begins to show itself in a relationship. If a man loves his faith, loves the Church, loves God and is trying to discern a call to priesthood, he must ask himself this question: Do I love God enough to give up my own desires to embrace His Will for my life now and in eternity? If the answer is yes – call the vocation office!

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The Most Reverend Michael R Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following appointments:

Clergy Appointments Reverend Roger J. Lamoureux, OMI, Renewal of appointment as Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Willimantic, and Defender of the Bond in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Effective: February 4, 2011. Reverend Robert Buongirno from Spanish Language Studies in Costa Rica to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, New London. Effective: March 1, 2011. ~ Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor ~

Holy Hour for Vocations The Holy Hour for Vocations will now be held in a different deanery and parishes each month. Bishop Cote will lead the prayers of the Holy Hour each month. The schedule is as follows: March 24 April 14 May 27 June 23 July 21 Aug. 11 Sept. 15 Oct. 20 Nov. 17 Dec. 15

Saint Mary Church, Putnam St. Pius X, Middletown St. Patrick Cathedral, Norwich Holy Family Motherhouse Chapel, Baltic St. Michael, Pawcatuck Christ the King, Old Lyme St. Matthew, Tolland St. Mary, Willimantic Mary Mother of the Redeemer, Groton Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale

7-8pm 4-5pm 7-8pm 4-5pm 4-5pm 5-6pm 7-8pm 7-8pm 7-8pm 5-6pm

iocese of Norwich

Faith Matters.

Position Available Programs Administrator for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti For more information, please contact: Programs Administrator Search Committee 201 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360

Four County Catholic March 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011 Healing and Forgiveness The Thursdays at Ten series offered this year by the staff of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Sister Barbara Johnson, FSE, will speak about Healing and Forgiveness, a psychological and spiritual process of renewal, at 10:00 am at the Chiara Center, 275 Finch Avenue, Meriden. The presentation is free and refreshments will be served. For information visit the web sites at www.flcenter.org or www.franciscanhc.org. Sunday, March 13, 2011 Mass of Healing and Hope Will take place at 2:00pm at Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. Friday-Sunday, March 18-20, 2011 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat For healing and peace if you are silently grieving after an abortion. All inquiries are confidential. Retreat in Litchfield, CT. Call Mary at 203-882-1326. Rachel’s Vineyard Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org. Saturday, March 19, 2011 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4-session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. The class is from 9:30–11:45am at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 52 West Town St., Norwichtown. The cost is $50 per couple for class materials. Sun.-Tues., March 20-22, 2011 Parish Lenten Mission “Seek – And You Will Find!” Will take place at 7:00pm at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 67 West Town St., Lebanon.

MDCCW Moderator, will celebrate Mass at 7:00pm followed by a Lenten presentation in the meeting room below the chapel refreshments to follow. For more information contact Nancy Russo at nrusso910@gmail.com, or call 860344-1492, or www.MDCCW.org. Thursday, March 31, 2011

Emergency Work after Haiti Earthquake St. Peter Claver Church of West Hartford will feature a Haitian doctor who worked at the main hospital in Port-auPrince, Haiti, immediately after the earthquake in January 2010. Dr. Jude Banatte, who has been with the Catholic Relief Services in Haiti for 11 years, will talk about the emergency efforts that followed the earthquake and that continue today Dr. Banatte will speak at 7:00pm at the parish hall 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. There is no charge for attending; donations to support medical work in Port-au-Prince will be greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact the office of Outreach to Haiti at: 860-638-1018 or 860-848-2237 ext. 206. Wednesday, March 23, 2011 Middletown District Council of Catholic Women Middletown District Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring an open meeting at the new Our Lady Queen of Apostle Chapel at Holy Apostle College and Seminary at 33 Prospect Hill Rd. Cromwell. Rev. Anthony Di Marco,

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Friday-Sunday, March 25-27, 2011 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat For healing and peace if you are silently grieving after an abortion. All inquiries are confidential. Retreat in Springfield, MA. Call Mary at 413-783-8619. Spanish Retreat March 25-27, 2011 in Bridgeport. Call Christina at 203-3943898. Rachel’s Vineyard Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org Saturday, March 26, 2011 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4-session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. The class is from 9:30–11:45am at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 52 West Town St., Norwichtown. The cost is $50 per couple for class materials Sunday, March 27, 2011 Diocesan “Youth Explosion” Will be held at St. Bernard’s School, 1593 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville from 1:00-8:00pm. Sunday, March 27, 2011 Venerable Michael J. McGivney Award Ceremony This year’s award recipient is the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. This year’s dinner and ceremony will take place at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Social hour is at 4:00pm with dinner at 5:00pm. The cost for this event is $40 per person. No tickets will be issued. Seating will be done on a first come first served basis. To download your reservation form, please go to www.kofc-ct-state.org. Groups of 10 or more will be given priority seating. The deadline for reservations is March 10, 2011. Black Tie is highly encouraged.

Saturday, April 2, 2011 13th Annual Church Auction St. John Church in Cromwell will host its 13th annual church auction. The event will begin at 6:15pm and benefit parish and youth programs. There will be a silent and live auction. Anyone interested in making a donation of goods or services should contact Mike Holcomb at 860-635-4311. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Included in the ticket price are hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, coffee and desserts. For tickets, contact Robin at 860-635-4311 or mrcjh@sbcglobal.net. Saturday, April 2, 2011 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4 session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. The class is from 9:30–11:45am at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 52 West Town St., Norwichtown. The cost is $50 per couple for class materials. Sunday - Tuesday, April 3-5, 2011 Parish Lenten Mission “Seek – And You Will Find!” Will be held at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, 79 South Main St., Middletown, at 7:00pm. Sunday, April 3, 2011 Sean Forrest Confirmation Retreat Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich. Call 860-848-2237 ext.312 for information and registration. Sunday, April 3, 2011 Determining Death: Catholic Teaching on the Use of Neurological Criteria The John Paul II Bioethics Center at Holy Apostles College and Seminary is pleased to announce our featured speaker for the Spring 2011 Pope John Paul II Bioethics Lecture Series. The Honorable John M. Haas, Ph.D, will present a lecture entitled “Determining Death: Catholic Teaching on the Use of Neurological Criteria” on Sunday, April

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3, 2011 at 6:00pm in the Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the campus of Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. The lecture will be preceded by a 4:30pm performance of Spring Concerto from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Sonata #7 in C minor for Violin and Piano performed by celebrated violinist Charles Rex, accompanied by pianist Eunice Kim. For more information, please contact Heather Voccola, at 860.632.3070 or hvoccola@holyapostles.edu. Friday-Sunday, April 8-10, 2011 Marriage Encounter Weekend Designed to give married couples a time to share their feelings and hopes. Focusing on one another you have the opportunity, without distractions, to examine your lives together and revitalize your marriage. Rediscover each other for an entire weekend with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. To register for the next weekend in Groton or for more information please call 860-644-7260. Website: www. wwme.org . Friday-Sunday, April 8-10, 2011 A Lifeline for Marriages Retrouvaille begins with a weekend in which husbands and wives are helped and given tools to heal, re-establish communication, work on their issues, and gain new insight into themselves as individuals and as a couple. A series of 6 post sessions follows the weekend phase. For information or to sign up for the next weekend in Hartford call 203879-3842. All contacts are in strict confidence. Website: www.retrouvaille.org Saturday, April 9, 2011 Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4 session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283. The class is from 9:30 – 11:45am at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 52 West Town St., Norwichtown. The cost is $50 per couple for class materials. Sunday, April 10, 2011 Mass of Healing and Hope Will be held at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton at 2:00pm. Monday- Tuesday, April 11-12, 2011 “Movin' With The Spirit” Sean Forrest of the “Movin' With The Spirit” ministry, will be leading the 2011 Lenten Mission at St. John Catholic Church, West Street, Cromwell, from 7:00-8:30pm each night. Two related themes, “Why Be Catholic” and “The Eucharist”. For additional information: 860-635-5590 or 203-232-8316. Admission is free.

Four County Catholic March 2011

“Come to Me (Jesus), all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you (your name) rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy …

Diocese of Norwich Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

Lenten Message 2011 My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The season of Lent is the springtime of our spiritual lives. This season’s practices and exercises help us to leave behind the coldness of indifference to embrace the warmth of new life that only Jesus offers us through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During Lent we are challenged to be better and to do better in turning away from selfishness and sin and in embracing Gospel values. We begin this season marked by Ashes to declare our willingness to follow Christ to Calvary. There, through our Lenten exercises, in the Calvary of our lives, we recognize our sinfulness and we nail our sins to Christ’s Cross. Like His, our journey does not end with death. The journey that we begin symbolically on Ash Wednesday is truly a life-long journey to follow Christ, to imitate His love, to live His way, and to embrace His life. By His Way of the Cross, the Lord invites us to share His death so that we can rise with Him to a new life and a new way of living. That new way of living begins with Lent and it leads through Calvary to the Resurrection, His victory over death and sin. It is a victory that Jesus shares with us and one that culminates our Lenten journey. Through the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, penance, and almsgiving, we are enabled to take charge of our lives and to experience a freedom that is rooted in God’s love for us. By these exercises, we can overcome self-centeredness, free ourselves from the shackles of sin, and conquer our disinterest and despair that sap life’s meaning and purpose. Our conversation with God in prayer helps us to hear Jesus’ voice guiding our lives along His Way. Denying ourselves helps to free us to live for God and for others and it also makes us sensitive to the poor who, through no choice of their own, daily go without the necessities of life. Our penances deepen our love for God and for one another and prepare us to share in the new life that Jesus has promised. Our sacrifices and almsgiving strengthen our respect for those who are less fortunate. In our awareness of their need, we are united with them as sisters and brothers in God’s family. No longer enslaved by a selfish appetite to have more, we are strengthened to live in the newness of life that Jesus offers us, that new life by which Jesus, our Savior, redeems us and shares His life with us. Participating at Mass, both daily and Sunday, reading Sacred Scripture, following the Way of the Cross, reciting the Rosary, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, making a Holy Hour for Vocations (March 24, 7:00 pm., at Saint Mary Church in Putnam and April 14, 4:00 p.m., at Saint Pius X in Middletown), giving up something or doing something for another: all these exercises make possible a newness of life that only comes from walking with Jesus to Calvary and experiencing the intensity of His love. Every step on the way to Calvary Jesus has taken for you and me. Together, we walk with Jesus to Calvary and to the promise of a new life and a new way of living. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

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and My burden light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)

Confirmation One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, March 5, 2011 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. St. Mary Church, 51 Freestone Avenue, Portland, CT 06480 Mass of Healing and Hope Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford Tpke., Vernon, CT 06066 Parish Lenten Mission “Seek – And You Will Find!” Sunday through Tuesday, March 20-22, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. St. Francis of Assisi Church, 67 West Town St., Lebanon, CT 06249 Diocesan “Youth Explosion” Sunday, March 27, 2011 1:00 to 8:00 PM St. Bernard’s School, 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke., Uncasville, CT 06382 Parish Lenten Mission “Seek – And You Will Find!” Sunday through Tuesday, April 3-5, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, 79 South Main St., Middletown, CT 06457 Mass of Healing and Hope Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton, CT 06340 Prayer, Praise, Worship, Adoration & Benediction Held 2nd & 4th Sunday monthly at 7:00 P.M. St. Mary Church, 1600 Main Street, Coventry, CT 06238 Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Spiritual Renewal Services, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Every Tuesday, 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Spiritual Renewal Services Diocese of Norwich Dial A Prayer (860) 887-7767 P.O. Box 6, 11 Bath St. Norwich, CT 06360 (860) 887-0702 Email: Renewal@catholicweb.com

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Four County Catholic March 2011

www.NorwichDiocese.org At Your Service 24/7 Directories If you click on the “Our Diocese” tab, you can scroll down to view key contact information for the Diocese.

Links Click on the links tab to scroll through several Catholic web links.

Meet Our Bishop Click on the “Meet Our Bishop” button to read Bishop Cote’s Biography, Mission Statement, Pastoral Letters and Monthly Column.

Home Page Stories Click on “more...” at the bottom of any story on the home page and you can view the entire story with photos. From here you can also email or print any story.

Buttons Click on any of the side buttons to view other sites and timely documents.

Bishop’s Column Select a month to view any past or present Bishop’s Column.

Four County Catholic March 2011

Calendar Just click on the Calendar icon on the home page to view Diocesan events.

Parishes You can access the Parish directory by either clicking on the Parish tap in the menu bar or by scrolling to the bottom of the home page. Simply enter the town of the parish you are looking for and hit submit. All the parishes for that town will appear.

Ministries Click on the “Ministries” button to view the blue “accordian” menu below. Click on the (+) symbol next to the Ministry name to view all their contact information below the Ministry name.

Four County Catholic Click on the Four County Catholic masthead to read the latest issue.

Four County Catholic March 2011

Immigration Assistance Program Making A Difference Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich was re-accredited January 31, 2011by (COA) the CounBy Donna Antonacci

cil on Accreditation. COA is an independent, non-profit international accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and human service organizations. They congratulated Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. for their hard work and wonderful achievement, and they are proud to have them as part of their Community of Excellence. This honor for Catholic Charities recognizes among all their services the new immigrant assistance program. Additionally, in August of 2010, the immigration assistance program was accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, Board of Immigration Appeals. The center of the activity is New London, where Catholic Charities relocated to the former St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convent adjacent to St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Star of the Sea Church. In their new and expanded office space, they have been successfully serving the community with various assistance programs, in the new and expanded immigrant assistance program.

Ours is a Country built and continuing to be shaped by immigrants. They revitalize and re-invent what it means to be an American year after year. Catholic Charities believes that the immigration answer is not to close borders, but to make pathways for these industrious people to enter legally. Although immigration law reform is necessary, Alvania Hilano, Program Director and Rosalinda Bazinet Site Coordinator are lin vid Am A im the ass Acc the Ne zen Co ag of is a Lo stat nia sta to A wit

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She says it is good that we can help people and that the program is well received in the community. She and Rosalinda received training from Catholic Charities on immigration law, citizenship and office management. Through the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Clinics, they have gone all over the Country learning how to help in every step of the immigration process. Alvania said that she is an immigrant herself from the

pected to grow. The process begins when Alvania completes an in-depth intake evaluation for a new client. They will discuss family history, whether or not they are currently here illegally or if they have permanent residency. All intakes and the entire process from intake to immigration is kept confidential in the offices of Catholic Charities. Once she gains a good profile of the client she can decide what

mation. The immigration assistance program helps immigrants, or refugees wishing to become Permanent Residents or U.S. citizens. Since the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception, Alvania and Rosalinda have done naturalizations, green cards, travel documents, and sometimes require DNA testing. This would be in a case where someone would like to request bringing a family member from

Four County Catholic March 2011

No Matter What Happens, There is Always Hope In April of 1994, Immaculee Ilibagiza began an ordeal that would see her hide out for 91 days By Michael Gannon

in a three-by-four foot bathroom with seven other women during what would come to be known as the Rwandan Genocide. The last thing her father gave her was a set of rosary beads. “I prayed the Rosary 27 times a day,” she said speaking to more than 400 people at St. Matthew Church on Feb.17.”I used to complain about having to say it once.” But she said an activity born out of fear and desperation led first to hope then faith. And, upon meeting one of the men who murdered her family, to forgiveness. Ilibagiza was invited by Youth Minister Heidi Kay as part of an ongoing project with her confirmation students.”We had learned about the Holocaust last year, and one of my teachers came and said the children thought that it was a one-time occurrence,” Kay said. “She told me about Immaculee.” Ilibagiza's first book, “Left to Tell” boosted her to international prominence, quickly becoming a best-seller. Kay examined Ilibagiza's Web site, contacted her publicist, and found interest. The Rev. James Carini, pastor at St. Matthew, did not have to be asked twice for approval. “I read (Ilibagiza's) first book, and I had seen her on 60 Minutes;” Carini said. “I was pleased and proud that she agreed to come.”Kay had inquiries for tickets from as far away as New Jersey. The genocide was stoked by ethnic differences between people of Hutu and Tutsi tribal origins. On April 6, 1994, Rwandan leader Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu, was killed when his plane was shot down. Hutus in the government used the incident to orchestrate the wholesale slaughter of ethnic Tutsis. “They're coming to kill us,” her father said. Nearly one million people were killed in less than 100 days. No one was spared as entire families were killed.”This was by people who had been our neighbors, our friends,” Ilibagiza said.Her father sent Ilibagiza to the home of a

local pastor to hide. One of her brothers expressed fear, as the pastor was Hutu. Her father, a devout Catholic, expressed faith. “I know that man,” he said. Members of the army, militias and roving gangs killed indiscriminately with machetes, guns, clubs or whatever was available. She had much time and opportunity to examine herself and her life. “I was angry,' she said.”I wanted to get to avenge my family.” But she also had time to talk with God, inspired largely by the “Our Father” and the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary - specifically Jesus's death on the cross.”I got uncomfortable saying 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those...',” she said. “I

started to skip that part for a while; because I realized you had to mean it...I wanted to be sincere with God.” At one point, a mob of 300 people came to the pastor's home determined to search it. They looked on the roof; in the basement and in spaces above ceilings. And, though standing at the door to the bathroom, they never looked inside. “They were inches

away,” she said. The tipping point was reflection on Jesus' words from the cross. “Forgive them; they know not what they do,” Ilibagiza said. What I came to understand was that when I found forgiveness after feeling so much rage, I found peace.” She would emerge from her hiding place to find her entire family killed, save for a brother who had been out of the

country. And she was put to the test upon meeting the man who had killed one of her brothers. “I embraced him and said 'I forgive you.',” she said. John Caremolla is one of Kay's students. “I'm impressed to know that people could go through that,” he said. “It's a really powerful message,” said student Phoebe Szarek. Sister Mary Mark Orsulak, SCMC, principal of St, Mary-St. Joseph Elementary school in Willimantic, was astounded by her deep spiritual faith. “And we women of the cloth believe we have deep faith,” she said. “She is wonderful.” “No matter what happens,” Ilibagiza said, “there is always hope.”

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Four County Catholic March 2011

The Translation Process

Welcoming the

Rom Roman ? Missal

All parishes in the United States will begin using the new English translation of the By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

Third Edition

Plan to Attend One of the Following Events:

________________________________________________ Saturday, May 14, 2011 • 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Quaker Hill Presenters: Paul Covino and Paul Melly Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA The Revised Texts of the Missal, with Special Emphasis on Music and Musical Settings Cost $10 ________________________________________________ Saturday, June 18, 2011 • 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM St. Matthew Parish, Tolland ~ or ~ Saturday, September 17, 2011 • 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM St. Patrick Parish, East Hampton Presenter: Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P. Diocesan Office for Worship The Revised Texts of the Missal, with Special Emphasis on the History and Meaning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist Cost $10 ________________________________________________ To Register: email: worship@norwichdiocese.net or call: 860-848-2237 Also available: Rev. Paul Turner at Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford. April 5, 2011. For information go to: www.holyfamilyretreat.org

Roman Missal on November 27, 2011. Since the time is getting closer, it might be helpful for us to reflect a bit on what an enormous process it is to translate the liturgical texts of the Catholic Church into all the languages of the world. Keep in mind that one unique feature of the world-wide Roman Catholic Church is our unity in faith, which is very much maintained by our unity in prayer. Although in different languages, all Roman Catholic parishes pray the same prayers throughout the liturgical year. This unity of faith and prayer begins at the Vatican, with the publication of the official version of liturgical ceremonies in Latin. Although Latin is not what is called a “living language,” it remains the official liturgical language of the Church. These Latin texts are taken by every Conference of Bishops in the world and translated into the language of that country. This is a monumental effort, usually requiring several years for completion. The first translation of the

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called “dynamic equivalence.” This means that the goal of the translation was to capture the meaning of the Latin text, the equivalence of the original words. This equivalence approach to translation was agreed to by all eleven Conferences of Bishops whose countries use the English version of the Roman Missal, and was approved by the Vatican when completed, but other language groups used a much more formal approach to translation. These different approaches resulted in very different prayers, even just one step away from the Latin original. In the late 1990s, the story goes, Pope John Paul II, who was fluent in several languages, noticed that these different translations were actually different theologically, with the English translation being the one that deviated most form the Latin original. Adding to the difficulties already identified, was the fact that many smaller language groups around the world did not have sufficient Latin scholars. So rather than translate into their

own languages from the Latin, they used the English translation as the basis for liturgical books. This compounded the problems surrounding theological accuracy and unity in prayer. Pope John Paul then directed his advisors to seek to some remedy for the problem. The remedy came in 2001, with a change in the rules for the translation of liturgical texts. The approach was shifted from “dynamic equivalence” to an approach of literal translation called “formal equivalence,” in which the goal of the translation is fidelity to the original in order to preserve its Scriptural and theological roots. One among several examples of this shift will be in the words we say before approaching the altar to receive Communion. Where now we say “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you...” in November we will use the words from the Gospel story of the Roman Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his ill servant. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof ...” (See Matt.8:8 or Luke 7:6). The words of the Centurion have always been in the Latin text, but were not translated literally in the 1970 edition of the English Missal. The hope of the new translation is that with a new appreciation of unity in prayer, the more we will appreciate our unity in faith throughout the world. In November 2011, when we begin to use new words at Mass, there will be little impact if we do not pray those words with renewed understanding and renewed hearts.

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Four County Catholic March 2011

Do This In Memory of Me For the past 33 years, the Diocese of Norwich has implemented the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, a By MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

campaign to raise the necessary funds to support those who are in need within the Diocese and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of the faithful, the ABA has been able to support a multitude of ministries and social service programs, Catholic education, spiritual formation, outreach and more. As we embark upon a new decade in the 21st century, we realize that our support continues to have far reaching impact. Last year alone, your gifts made it possible to help those devastated by

the earthquake in Haiti, teach the faith to students attending our Catholic schools and Parish Faith formation programs and literally put food on the table for those who did not have the means to feed their hungry families. Christ led by example in his willingness to help those most in need, and now so many of you have continued his legacy through sharing your own gifts. For this, we thank you. As the world in which we live in takes on a more global perspective thanks to innovations in technology and how we communicate, we too, must take stock of just how we hope to ac-

complish our fundraising mission. Realizing that we are fulfilling the

Gospel of the Lord with our stewardship, our fundraising campaign will be known now as The

Annual Catholic Appeal. While we continue to look to our Bishop for guidance, spiritual growth and leadership, we realize that The Annual Catholic Appeal reflects what we are doing as Christians not only within our Diocese, but beyond as well. Our world has not always been kind to the Catholic Faith, but despite this, is it truly amazing how the challenges we face often strengthen our resolve. The Annual Catholic Appeal, in helping the neediest of our Christian brothers and sisters, will also allow

others to take stock of all the good works fueled by the Catholic Church. We continue to be most grateful for your generosity, which has offered hope to the poor and abandoned, help to the needy and infirmed, and kindness and compassion to those who need it most. It is with great enthusiasm that the Diocese of Norwich looks forward to a successful launching of the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal - “Do This in Memory of Me.” May God Bless you for your continued generosity.

First Annual Catholic Women’s Conference of the Diocese of Norwich

For Women of All Ages! Saturday, April 16, 2011 • 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Saint Bernard School

This conference is about building up an army of strong, spirit-filled women of God, women committed to living out their baptismal call to be Christ’s witness in the world.

Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382

Inspiring Talks • Awesome Music • Eucharist Adoration • Confession

ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/REGISTRATION A great education in the Catholic tradition is available for your children at St. Mary Star of the Sea School: Strong Academics…Diverse Community…Dedicated Faculty

Exhibitors • F

OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, 2 March from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday, 3 March from 9 am to 4 pm All are welcome to take a tour of St. Mary School and ind out more about our wonderful community of learners and teachers! REGISTRATION DAYS: Tuesday, 29 March from 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday, 30 March from 6 to 8 pm New students in grades K through 8 are welcome to join the returning Commu nity of St. Mary School! If these dates don’t match your schedule, please call the School Of ice at 8604437758 to schedule another appointment.

St. Mary Star of the Sea School… The Tradition of Catholic Education with a 21st Century World View 16 Huntington Street • New London, CT 06320

Keynote Speaker: ValLimar Jansen Internationally known gospel singer, leader of worship and prayer, lecturer and presenter

ney of Faith “The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect and a power never hitherto achieved. That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling.” - From the Closing Documents of the Second Vatican Council

8:30 - 9:00

Registration/Coffee/Exhibitors

8:45 - 9:00

Music: Praise & Worship

9:00 - 9:45

Prayer/Welcome/Introduction

9:45 - 10:30

First Talk

10:30 - 10:45

Break - Music/Exhibitors

10:45 - 11:45

Second Talk

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch/Confessions/Exhibitors

12:45 - 1:45

Adoration

1:45 - 2:00

Break/Exhibitors

2:00 - 3:30

Third Talk/Sending Forth/Closing Prayer

For more information go to www.norwichdiocese.org and click on Ministries ~ or ~ Call the Office of Faith Events • Marge Vanner 860-848-2237 faithevents@norwichdiocese.net

Four County Catholic March 2011

Still Time to Join

Enjoy the Fruits of Prayer This Lent Lent is here, but parishioners can still join Why Catholic? by reaching out to their parish contacts. By Deirdre Malacrea

Catholics throughout the Diocese of Norwich are invited to take part in the blessings offered by this small Christian community faith-sharing process. With its focus on prayer during the upcoming six-week season, Why Catholic? offers the ideal spir-

MEN ReÂdiscover the Spirit within you. Renew your Faith in Jesus Christ. Discover Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream for your life.

itual renewal opportunity for those looking for a meaningful way to journey towards Easter. Participants will explore several types of prayer and difficulties in prayer, and they will go into depth on the richness of the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer. Making new friends, deepening their commitment to praying, and learning more about faith are important benefits expressed by current participants in the Why Catholic? process. Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD, of RENEW International gathered their informal feedback on the first season which occurred in the fall. These were some of their comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am very pleased with my Why Catholic? experience. Sharing my

faith, as well as struggles, with these amazing people was so uplifting. I feel I have new friends, and a support for my spiritual journey that I hope will continue.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The whole group blended together beautifully. Our sharing, reading, and growing in faith together was natural. It was like we were friends in Christ for years.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a wonderful journey that made me think and consider how to live a more spiritual life.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;One could feel the presence of

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holy Spirit.â&#x20AC;? When participants were asked about ideas for making the program even stronger, a common response was to hope for the continuation and the spread of Why Catholic? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to see more encouraged to join even once groups are formed,â&#x20AC;? said one participant. The blessings to the life of the parish would be clear: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each member of the small groups would continue to grow in their faith journey

so they can serve the Church and their community.â&#x20AC;? Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of Why Catholic? this Lent. If you are already in a small faith-sharing group, you can speak to your friends and neighbors about participating. For more information, please contact Father Joseph Whittel at (860) 443-1875, Marge Vanner at (860) 848-2237 x 312, or Sr. Mary Jude at (860) 4563349. Why Catholic?/ÂżPor quĂŠ ser catĂłlico? is an adult faith formation and evangelization process offered by RENEW International. To learn more about RENEW Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic ministries, visit www.renewintl.org.

Care. Giver.

At Pierce, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than just a title. Eric Brais, RPT

Sandra Paine, RPT,WCC

April 30th, 2011 9:00 to 4:00 To be continuedâ&#x20AC;Ś

Brianne Nyquist, SLP, CCC

Bill Mester, OTR/L

Brad Roberts, PTA

Brittany Auger Rehab Aide

Absent from photos: Courtney Ricard, COTA

At Pierce Memorial Baptist Home our therapists and staff have something that go beyond the years of training they received. Ask anyone that has been through our program. They will tell you of the care and the compassion that came along with the therapy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the title you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see next to our names, but it is there - Care Giver.

Our services include: t IJHIMZ RVBMJÄ&#x2022;FE MJDFOTFE physical, occupational and speech therapists using stateof-the-art equipment t B IPNF MJLF FOWJSPONFOU where your stay will always be in your own private room and bath. Call us to learn more about the outstanding care and compassion at Pierce.

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Pierce Memorial Baptist Home has been awarded the Step 1 National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and is a designated highest 5-Star rated home by the Federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Agency.

+++++

Four County Catholic March 2011

DIOCESE

NORWICH 2011 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL formerly the Annual Bishop’s Appeal

“Do This in Memory of Me”

Your participation in the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal will directly affect the lives of people throughout Eastern Connecticut with programs and ministries that reach beyond the scope of any individual parish. Our collective gifts make these ministries possible. Please prayerfully consider how you can share your blessings in gratitude to God for all He has given you. PROGRAMS/SERVICES/MINISTRIES FUNDED BY YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL: Retired Priests Vocations Catholic Charities Pro-life Activities Office of Safe Environments Catholic Schools

Campus Ministry Youth Ministry Young Adult Ministry Family Life Pastoral Planning Communications Stewardship & Development

Four County Catholic Religious Education and Formation Hispanic Ministry Outreach to Haiti Spiritual Renewal Project Northeast Hospital Chaplains

Prison Ministry St. Joseph Living Center St. Vincent de Paul Place Soup Kitchen, Norwich St. Vincent de Paul Place Soup Kitchen, Middletown

Annual Catholic Appeal Commitment Weekend — April 2/3, 2011

Four County Catholic March 2011

Winter Gloom Brings Spring Bloom I am certain that many of you, like me, are ready to head south after a winter like this. With snow By Mary Tunison

up to our eyeballs and nary a blade of grass in sight for weeks, no wonder cabin fever is at epidemic pro-

portions. Winter started off mildly enough. By Christmas, I was even wondering if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ever see snow. Then it happened â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I could almost hear the ominous sound effects of the movie, Jaws, da dum. . .da dum. . .as the first

blizzard of the season blew its way north with a vengeance setting off a chain reaction of weekly blizzards, as if making up for lost time. As I drove along the white walled corridors of plow-packed snow with nowhere to go but up, the road became a daily obstacle course of

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blind spots, black ice and potholes. Each morning I ventured out into the tundra-like landscape to face the towering snow mountains and ever-growing dagger-like icicles encasing homes like prison cells. Jerking the ice scraper back and forth across my windshield with a splash of de-icer fluid for good measure, I consistently muttered to myself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enough! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had it! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m moving south!â&#x20AC;? This winter is undeniably one for the books. But as I drove to work one frigid morning, toes and fingertips tingling on the edge of frost bite -- a thought came to mind. As barren and as lifeless as things appear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; underneath it all, nature is alive and well, quietly and silently enduring. Nature is in perfect alignment with God. It never argues. Never complains. It never wishes it was somewhere else. It abides perfectly in the rhythm and pattern of life surrendered to a Creator who faithfully safeguards, revives and renews â&#x20AC;&#x201C; season after season. Though the trees stand naked against the cold and frigid winds; though the grass lie buried beneath a heavy shroud of snow, they wait, quietly cultivating inner strength for the array of beauty and fruitfulness they will produce in the spring. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to realize our progression through life is often cyclical like the seasons. We go through spring times in our lives in which we prosper. We flourish and bud forth in many dimensions of our lives. Then the winds of change blow in a winter season of sadness, loneliness, dormancy or desolation where things seem unproductive. Yet it is in these winter periods of life where we often acquire inner strength and learn vital lessons. Ralph Waldo Emerson compared the mind to a pear tree that goes through a season of barrenness only to suddenly burst forth in

fruitful growth. Throughout his career as a writer, Emerson went through dry periods when writing did not come easily. He learned that to avoid the frustration of barren times, one needs to â&#x20AC;&#x153;adopt the pace of natureâ&#x20AC;? whose â&#x20AC;&#x153;secret is patience.â&#x20AC;? Just as the farmer continues to nurture, prune and graft his trees in winter in order to reap a bountiful harvest, Emerson continued to cultivate his mind to prepare for the return of inspiration. After a mental winter, his mind inevitably bloomed again. Before Abraham Lincoln became President, he endured a long and desolate winter plagued by failures and setbacks. He lost six elections, failed in several businesses, suffered from frequent melancholy, had a nervous breakdown and lost his first love to typhoid fever. Lincoln responded to lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storms with humility and determination. He had the insight to observe that whatever ship carried him on lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbulent waters, he was not the captain but â&#x20AC;&#x153;merely a subject of the divine force. . .the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Almighty Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of existence.â&#x20AC;? Yet he also understood that he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;no idle passenger but a sailor on deck with a job to do.â&#x20AC;? So, he pressed on, continuing to sow seeds in preparation for a harvest. In this unique blend of profound deference to divine sovereignty and willingness to do what he could with what he had to the best of his ability, Lincoln achieved his spring. As many times as we experience a winter of hard times, disappointments, hurts or other sufferings, God will always bring about a spring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a resurrection. Within nature is hidden all the lessons and roadmaps of life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if we but have eyes to see. Mary Tunison works for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, and is a freelance writer, photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She can be contacted at mjtunison@comcast.net

Four County Catholic March 2011

Father Kennedy: Witness to a Recovering Chile As a representative of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit was speaking at the Masses at St. FCC News Desk

Philip in Ashford and St. Jude in Willington about the earthquake that happened in Chile on February 27, 2010, Father Russell Kennedy felt the Lord calling him to go there. He contacted the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Chile about a visit in January 2011. They said he would be most welcomed. And he was. After the eight hour flight from Miami to Santiago, Father Russ was met by Sisters who brought him to their home in La Piñata, a very poor section of southern Santiago. He spent five days with the community getting to know the neighborhood, visiting with the Columbian missionaries there, and doing some sightseeing in the capital. Then Father traveled to the northern section of Santiago, to another Daughter of the Holy Spirit community in the Conchali section of Santiago. The parish church in Conchali had been flattened by the earthquake. After a week there visiting with neighbors and more church leaders, Father Russ, along with representatives and workers of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Earthquake Solidarity Committee, headed to a more southern section of Chile, near the sea side city of Pichilemu. The parish church there was severely damaged and the parish office complex completely destroyed. From Pichilemu, they proceeded into the hill country to a pueblo called La Rodeillo, which had been utterly devastated by the quake. According to Father Russ, “We did a lot of walking up and down hill grades of 8, 9, and 10 percent, not something I am used to. I said Mass in the community center because the chapel, like hundreds of Catholic chapels and churches throughout Chile, had been destroyed or too badly damaged to be used. Everyone was so appreciative and it seems like all we did was eat!” Though Chile has a function-

ing government that is making efforts at reconstruction in urban areas, in the rural outback areas it will take much longer. In Rodeillo electricity only arrived about two years ago. Only recently were the dirt roads packed down so that the winter (June, July and August) rains do not wash them out. Until the time of the earthquake, the people lived in centuries old adobe houses that Father Russell Kennedy with a family in front of their new house in La Rodeillo. withstood many Photo taken by Sr. Roberta Rioux, DHS earthquakes, but not the 3 and ½ minute earth everywhere in Chile. An empty once stood. The tiles reminded shaking they got on February 27, lot with neatly stacked orange col- me of tombstones.” With the monies received from 2010. Father Russ reported that, ored roof tiles, marks the spot “Evidence of the earthquake is where an adobe house or building the Diocese of Norwich, as well as

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Daughters of the Holy Spirit in the United States and Europe, the DHS Earthquake Solidarity Committee has directed its attention to rebuilding and/ or replacing homes in the area in and around Rodeillo. The new homes are small simple, single story, and concrete reinforced. Thus far eight new homes have been completed, four more are in process, and materials have been supplied for many other homes where the people are doing their own smaller construction projects. Father Russ, told the Four County Catholic that, “To the owners of these new brightly painted simple homes, they are a God send from the Diocese of Norwich via the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. I blessed each house and told the people that the Daughters of the Holy Spirit had been the driving force behind our generosity. They assured me of their prayers for Bishop Cote and the wonderful people who made their new homes possible.”

Four County Catholic March 2011

El Viaje del Padre Russ Kennedy a Chile, enero del 2011 Cuando una representante de la Congregación de Las Hijas del Espíritu Santo, en las misas, en las FCC News Desk

Iglesia de San Felipe en Ashford y de San Judas en Willington, habló acerca del terremoto ocurrido en Chile el 27 de febrero del 2010, el Padre Russell Kennedy sintió el llamado del Señor para ir allí. Inmediatamente el Padre se puso en contacto con Las Hijas del Espíritu Santo en Chile para empezar los trámites de su visita en enero del 2011.

Después de ocho horas de vuelo desde Miami a Santiago, el Padre se encontró con las Hermanas que lo llevaron a su casa en La Piñata, una sección muy pobre del sur de Santiago. Pasó cinco días allí con la comunidad conociendo el barrio, visitando las casas con los misioneros Columbianos, y también, sacó un poco de tiempo para hacer algunas visitas turísticas a la capital del País. Después, el Padre viajó a una parte del norte de Santiago, a otra Comunidad de las Hijas del Espíritu Santo, en Conchali, sector

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de Santiago. La Iglesia Parroquial y las escuela en Conchali habían sido totalmente destruidas por el terremoto. Después de una semana allí, visitando con los vecinos y otros líderes de la iglesia, el Padre, con representantes y trabajadores de la Comisión de solidaridad de las Hijas dl e Espíritu Santo, se dirigió a una sección más del sur de Chile, cerca de la playa en la ciudad de Pichilemu. En ese lugar, la parroquia fue dañada severamente, al igual que el complejo de oficinas de la parroquia.

De Pichilemu, fueron hacia la montaña del país, a un pueblo llamado La Rodeillo, que había sido totalmente devastada por el terremoto. De acuerdo con el padre Russ, “caminamos muchísimo subiendo y bajando de la montaña en unos 8, 9 y 10 grados de altura, algo que no estoy acostumbrado a hacer. Celebré misa en el centro comunitario porque la capilla, como cientos de iglesias y capillas católicas en todo Chile, estaba demasiada dañada para usarse. Todo el mundo estaba muy agradecido y parece que todo lo que hicimos fue comer! “ A pesar de que Chile tiene un gobierno funcionando, y que realiza esfuerzos en la reconstrucción de las zonas urbanas, en las zonas rurales más lejanas, esto tomará mucho más tiempo. En Rodeillo la electricidad llegó sólo hace unos dos años. Los caminos de tierra fueron apenas recientemente asfaltados, para que las lluvias de invierno (junio, julio y agosto) no los deterioren.

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Hasta el momento del terremoto, la gente había vivido por siglos en antiguas casas de adobe que habían soportado muchos terremotos, pero no él de tres minutos y medio que recibieron el pasado 27 de febrero del 2010. Padre Russ informó que “la evidencia del terremoto en Chile está en todas partes. Un lote vacío con unas tejas de techo color naranja cuidadosamente apiladas, marcan el lugar donde se encontraba una casa de adobe o el edificio que una vez estuvo ahí. Las tejas me recordaron las lápidas.” Con el dinero recibido de la Diócesis de Norwich, así como de las Hijas del Espíritu Santo en los Estados Unidos y de Europa, el Comité de solidaridad de terremoto de DHS ha dirigido su atención a la reconstrucción y / o reemplazo de casas en el área y alrededor de Rodeillo. Las casas nuevas son pequeñas y sencillas de un solo piso y hormigón reforzado. Hasta la fecha se han completado ocho casas nuevas, cuatro más están en proceso y se ha proporcionado materiales para muchos otros hogares donde las personas están haciendo sus propios proyectos de construcción más pequeños. Padre Russ dijo al Four County Catholic que, “Para los dueños de estas nuevas casas sencillas, pintadas con colores brillantes, éstas son un envío de Dios desde la Diócesis de Norwich a través de las Hijas del Espíritu Santo. Yo bendije cada casa y les dije a la gente que las Hijas del Espíritu Santo han sido, detrás de todo, la fuerza impulsora de nuestra generosidad. Ellos me aseguraron sus oraciones por el Obispo Cote y por la gente maravillosa que hicieron posible sus nuevas casas.

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Four County Catholic March 2011

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Four County Catholic March 2011

Outreach & CRS Join Hands New Partnership Creates Color, Homes and Hope for a Better Community The hillside of this Christ Roi neighborhood in Port-au-Prince is a canvas of grey—relieved only by By Kyn Tolson Development Director, Outreach to Haiti

occasional spots of blue, yellow, or turquoise. Indeed, grey is the prevailing tone of Haiti’s capital. Cinderblock dominates the urban landscape, whether it’s part of buildings or in piles of rubble. At first glance, this neighborhood—hit hard by the devastating earthquake last January— offers little exception. But a closer look shows a difference. From the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti campus at #33 Rue Acacia, one can see bright dots of color amidst the warren of cinderblock housing and ruins on the slope nearby. A small blue house stands out, so, too, one

painted yellow not far away. Two more, in turquoise, are nearby. These homes are more than a chromatic relief. For the Haitian families now living in them, they are a “life relief ”—temporary but sturdy dwellings that should provide safe, clean places in their own neighborhood, rather than the danger and dislocation of a tent city. By design and material, these structures should last at least three years while the owners find the wherewithal to build permanent dwellings on their same land. Today, about 500 of these shelters have been built for free for people who have been able to clear the earthquake rubble from their land and show proof of property ownership. All of the homes are the product of the Ti Shelter (Small Shelter) pilot project, which has partnered Outreach to Haiti and the

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said Krause. “There’s one man who’s already started to build a permanent house on his property. He’s doing it around the Ti-Shelter. It’s pretty amazing.” Providing clean water and sanitation systems for these homes and other permanent ones that will rise up in the neighborhood in months and years to come is in the long-range plan. CRS has already brought in other groups for their assistance in removing the rubble of large buildings that fell in the earthquake. Clearing property is a basic requirement for re-

Photo submitted by Kyn Tolson international Catholic Relief Services (CRS). “It’s been a real success,” said Ben Krause, who spearheaded this neighborhood project for CRS, which is responsible for the funding. In a conversation in Christ Roi in January, Krause attributed much of the accomplishment to Max Delices and Pharra Hyppolite, Outreach’s Executive Director and Hospitality Director, respectively. “They’ve been here, in the neighborhood and part of it. Their creativity and knowledge are behind it. Anything that CRS accomplishes here is because of (Outreach). It couldn’t have happened without them.” The first house went up in July. Each measures 12 feet-by-16 feet and has a concrete foundation, treated lumber for the sides, and metal for the roof. Every house has two rooms and cut-outs for windows. Heavy-duty plastic is available for window coverings. The program provides the paint, which prolongs the life of the wood. Homeowners are asked to apply the color of their choosing. The cost for one house runs from $1,500 to $2,000. For the construction, a team of about five people—including carpenters and

masons—do the work. Those teams and other CRS employees working on the Ti-Shelter project here use the Outreach campus as their base. In part because of the success in Christ Roi, CRS envisions putting up 8,000 Ti Shelters throughout the city. In the Outreach neighborhood, some homeowners are still adding touches to their dwellings. People often modify their front rooms; some have created more open, porchlike spaces, while others turned the front sections into kitchens and eating areas, or second bedrooms. “Yes, for some people, these shelters are more than what they had even before the earthquake,”

development, but in many cases the task is difficult for reasons of money, logistics and disposal of the ruins. Despite these difficulties and many more ahead, the achievements in hand are significant. Men, women and children without homes are once again living safely in their neighborhood. Others have found work and wages in the redevelopment effort. Now a community can see that change for the better is possible. And Outreach and CRS have shown the power of partnership. Story by Kyn Tolson, Education & Development Director for Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti.

Four County Catholic March 2011

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Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday March 28, 29 & 30 • 7:00 pm at

Christ the King Parish Center 1 McCurdy Road Old Lyme, CT (860) 434-1669

There was a time when we were together. Perhaps it’s time to be together again.

WELCOME HOME!

Wedding Crashers at Tamarack he beautiful Tamarack lawn is so inviting that occasionally you’ll encounter an uninvited guest. And the lodge is so cozy, the fireplace so warm, the dance floor so alive that nobody will want to leave. If only all the problems in your life could be so nice. Come to Tamarack. Have your reception in the classic rustic lodge. Choose from our delicious menus and dine in the intimate front area or in the spacious back room. Some day, if you look back carefully at your wedding album, you may spot a wedding crasher or two, a fond reminder of what it was to be wed at Tamarack.

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Campus Tours and “Shadow” Days are Available by Appointment. For more information, contact the Admissions Office: 860-848-1271, ext. 108 or visit www.saint-bernard.com.

Four County Catholic March 2011

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.stpatscathedralschool.org

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Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John School, Middletown 860-347-3202 www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.stjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.stjosephct.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Joseph School, Rockville 860-875-4943 www.saintjosephrockville.com St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary School, New London 860-443-7758 www.stmaryschoolnewlondon.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org

A Promise Met... and then some The promise of our Catholic schools is to “educate the whole child.”That promise is being met - and then some By Michael Strammiello

every day of the school year across the diocese. This is true at the elementary school level and at our secondary schools. As the diocesan champion of the school system, Bishop Cote meets regularly with supporters of Catholic education in the diocese to ensure the system weathers these difficult recessionary times. He is also a regular visitor to the

schools to see first-hand how our Catholic Schools are making a difference in the lives of the students, their families and their communities. As Bishop Cote has always said, “Respect for our young people and for their potential is the cornerstone of our Catholic schools.” In recognition of the outstanding mix of school programs in math, the sciences, the arts, faith formation, sports and community service, the Four County Catholic and norwichdiocese.org will begin to catch-up with all the excitement by featuring, each month, some of the many success stories emanating from the

diocesan schools. This sampling of what’s happening inside the classroom, and in some cases cooperatively among several schools, will help share the vitality of the Diocese of Norwich Catholic schools. Please be sure to submit suggested educational topics to us that you feel should be covered in the Four County Catholic. We will consider them carefully as space allows. The Four County Catholic is pleased to help spotlight the Catholic School mission to help our young people develop their full moral character and academic potential.

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

Four County Catholic March 2011

Lord, Help Us Spring Ahead and Leap Again Five inches of snow melted yesterday, and I could hear it dripping off the roof. It sounded like By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

rain and looked like hope. We have been buried in five feet of snow over the course of this Minnesota winter, which isn’t over. One December Saturday brought nearly two feet, collapsing the roof of the V i k i n g s ’ Metrodome and capsizing our weekend plans. But today the sun is shining. A chickadee is singing. And the stems of my trimmed hydrangeas are popping out from the snow. It is a marvel to think they have slept all winter and eventually will sprout bright, fluffy bouquets. I’m reflecting on the symbols of spring in my life, the people and things that show me what it looks like to defeat winter. There’s the old oak in the backyard, spotted by moss and choked by a vine. Though it’s lost limbs and endured wood peckers, it stands firm, fanning its gnarled branches with a peacock’s pride. Then there are the people, like the meteorologist who produced today’s snow report. Paul Douglas was laid off three years ago, but he hasn’t stopped tracking heat waves and cold fronts. He created a blog and a Twitter account, and he’s got 3,287 followers, which isn’t bad. “Entrepreneur & father of 2 amazing boys, making the transition from old (dying) media to new media,” his Twitter profile reads. There’s the mom in snowy Fargo, raising five kids and pinching pennies, who posted on her blog a Luci Shaw poem that begins “Blessed be God for thaw.” There’s the widow in Wisconsin, who bought a new memoryfree house and a 105-pound Labradoodle named Gabe. They go on walks down to the lake and she’s begun taking him out at

night to star gaze. Enveloped in the dark, she’s focusing on the tiny, twinkling lights overhead. My 80-year-old grandma buried her husband at 44, with six children at her side, and stood beside a snow-covered gravesite this February, bidding farewell to her beloved companion Dick. During the visitation I watched her hug and comfort others, true to form.

On such a sad day, there was my grandma, so beautiful and vibrant. She called the other day, and I saved her voicemail. “Just know that I’m getting along real well,” she said. “It’s just kind of one special blessing after another going on around me.” That’s the promise of spring,

packed in each sunrise, in each day we try to make a little better. This month we enter into Lent, the sober liturgical season that carries us into the ultimate springtime victory. We are prepared for the 40-day journey by a Sunday Gospel reminding us how to weather the winter. Like the wise man St. Matthew describes, we must heed God’s commandments and build our homes on firm foundations. “The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” I’m grateful for the people in my corner who model resilience, who live with the faith that spring will always follow winter. They demonstrate the Latin meaning of the word: to be resilient, “to leap again.”

We 20-somethings may seem fearless, but we need to observe resilience in action, 30- and 50- and 70-somethings diving into new careers and new relationships, new homes and new hobbies. They help us imagine our lives in unrestricted terms, to see that older

can mean better. They teach us how to forgive ourselves and our loved ones, to find new strength and to leap again. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be contacted at www.Readchristina.com.

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St. James Parish in Danielson, Connecticut and the Diocesan School Office of the Diocese of Norwich have begun a search process for a new principal at St. James Elementary School effective July 1, 2011. Salary for the position is $45,000.

“Speak Lord: I Am Ready To Listen”

Interested applicants should provide a letter of interest and a completed application to be sent to: John F. Shine Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools Diocesan School Office 43 Perkins Avenue Norwich Connecticut 06360 Principal application may be found on the Diocesan School Office website: www.norwichdso.org under Career Opportunities.

This retreat will explore what it means to listen to God. Where do we find God speaking to us? What attitudes and practices help us to listen? And what gets in the way? Tuesday, May 10—Thursday May 12, 2011 $180 per person includes overnight accommodations, all meals, and retreat materials.

French Language Retreat

“Parle, Seignieur: Je Suis Prêts À Écouter” Presented by Fr. Daniel Nassaney OMI Includes four conferences in French, Masses, and opportunity for confession and spiritual direction. April 1 to 3, 2011

To register or for more information: Phone: 860-423-8484 or e-mail: dmagnum@omiusa.org www.immaculataretreat.org

Four County Catholic March 2011

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We All Have Love to G The Department of Children and Families needs foster famil adoptive families for children of all ages. We are looking for experienced parents who are able to care for and work with adolescents who have experienced abuse and/or neglect an of special care. Homes are especially needed for children years old. During our Open House, we will give description care program in which parents are asked to provide tempor special needs children in our care and of the special needs a Monday April 11 at 7:00 pm Ledyard Center Library 718 Colonel Ledyard Hwy Ledyard, CT

Wednesday April 13 at 7:00 pm DCF 2 Courthouse Square Norwich, CT

Tuesday April 19 at 7:00 pm Waterford Public Library 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT

Wednesday April 27 at 7:00 pm Mystic/Noank Library 40 Library Street Mystic, CT

Tuesday May 3 at 7:00 pm DCF 2 Courthouse Square Norwich, CT

Tuesday May 10 at 7:00 pm Montville Youth Services Bureau 289 Norwich NL Tpke. Uncasville, CT

“True Love Waits” Mass and Commitment Service celebrated by Fr. Richard Breton and Fr. Charles LeBlanc from St. Josephs, and Fr. Daniel Scott of Our Lady of LaSalette Church. Photo submitted by Susan Williams

True Love Waits

If you or someone you know are interested, please attend one of the informational meetings listed above. (For couples, both partners are encouraged to attend.) For more information, call 1 888 KID HERO. Los clases se ofrecen en español. Para mayor informa ción sobre la fecha y el lugar llame a Guadalupe R. Pillars al: 860 213 0763 (Spanish Only).

Program for Teens was held at St. Joseph’s, North Grosvenordale “True Love Waits,” a Catholic and national program for high school students about true love, By Susan Williams Offie of Family Life

sexuality and promoting the values of chastity and commitment, was held at St. Josephs in N. Grosvenordale this past January

on four Sunday afternoons. Over 80 ninth and tenth graders from the hosting Parish, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s in Putnam, Our Lady of LaSalette in Brooklyn and Sacred Heart, Webster, MA participated in the program presented by Jim Leonard, who, for over fifteen years has presented the program to the teens of our diocese. The final EDUCATIONAL CENTER

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Sunday concluded with a Mass and Commitment Service in which students participated. A heart- filled, beautiful testimony on chastity and true love was given at Mass by a former “True Love Waits” participant, Valerie Voccio a senior at Woodstock Academy. “True love Waits” challenges families to address within the home the teachings on the virtue of chastity and” true love”. It is a way to support parents and their teens in a commitment to sexual purity; and communicates to our society a preferred alternative to the so-called “safe sex” message. In our culture today, the definition of “love” is confusing. Teens are searching, looking for answers to the questions: what is love? How do I know what real love is? Who am I? Every day teens are thinking about their sexuality as they search for meaning in their lives. “True Love Waits” and Pope John Paul II’s teachings define real love as a self-donating gift and contrasting with “lust”, that which is self-seeking and use another person. We are all created for love, to love and needing to be loved. This is to be human. Teaching chastity frees us to love as God loves and affirms the sacredness of a person’s sexuality; it is the way to true happiness.

Four County Catholic March 2011

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Love Only Knows Two Words, You and Always Bishop Cote has invited all teens of the Diocese of Norwich to join him on Sunday, March 27th at St. FCC News Desk

Bernard’s School in Uncasville for the Second Annual Diocese of Norwich Youth Explosion. This will be a great day of fellowship and faith as the teens of the Diocese come together to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass, hear presentations on issues affecting you as teens by noted speaker Mike Gromley, have the opportunity to attend Confession and participate in Eucharistic Adoration, and conclude the day with a concert provided by the highly re-

garded Ike Ndolo Band. The theme for this year’s Youth Explosion is Love Only Knows Two Words, You And Always. All the talks, music, and fellowship during the day will revolve around this theme. Attending the Youth Explosion, will help develop a better understanding of what true love is, a greater realization that you are loved by God, and the knowledge that only by following the teachings of Christ, you will be able to share this love completely and without reservation with others. In his invitation, Bishop Cote reminded young people that you need friends and relationships with

peers who will encourage you to stay true to Christ. Youth Explosion is a terrific opportunity to connect with other teens from across the Diocese and share in the joy and hope of the message of Christ.

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fending Division-III state champs. In addition to the thrill of playing an outdoor hockey game at Rentschler Field, the Saints knocked off the No. 1 Division II team in the state, 4-3. “Gigantic” was the term coach Chris Discordia used to measure the scope of the win for his Saints. The game-winner had to wait for the third period and came off

the stick of James Stowe, the team’s senior captain, this time to Blake Biancamano. “I knew Blake was going to be up high. He called it,” Stowe said. “I just back-handed it from behind the net.” Goalie Danny Berry played an outstanding game fending off 26 shots. Congratulations to a deserving Saints squad.

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Four County Catholic March 2011

Mount Saint John Welcomes New Board Members Deep River - February 2011, Mount Saint John Executive Director, Douglas DeCerbo, (left), By Gary Parrington, CFRE Director of Development, Mount Saint John

welcomes new volunteer Board members Quentin Phipps, of Guilford Savings Bank and resident of Middletown and Maureen O’Grady, of Rachel Thomas Realty, and resident of Old Lyme. They are pictured here touring of one of the agency’s living quarters,

recently renovated by donor contributions that will house a new Transitional Living program. The new program prepares young men to live independently in the community. The new volunteers, Mr. Phipps and Ms. O’Grady, are part of a nineteen member Board of Directors that governs Mount Saint John’s residential treatment, educational, vocational and lifeskill services for young men and their families. To learn more please visit www.mtstjohn.org.

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Four County Catholic March 2011

Add Spirit to Springtime Fun

by Karen H Whiting

March 9 Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Choose activities to keep everyone focused on Christ. March 9 Fast of St. Frances of Rome, patroness of motorists. Pray for God to bless your car and keep you safe on the road. March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celtic blessing: May the blessing of light be on you—light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire. March 22 International Day of the seal. Try bouncing inflatable balls on noses. Talk about being sealed in God’s book March 27 Birthday of Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen. He discovered X-rays that have saved so many lives. They help you see inside a person’s body, but God can see inside your heart, mind, and soul. Pretend to have x-ray vision and try to guess how people are feeling and what they’re thinking.

Test your knowledge of the Stations of the Cross. Each question is about the station of the cross for that number station.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

1. He condemned Jesus __ __ __ __ __ __ 16 9 12 1 20 5

2. What Jesus accepted __ __ __ __ __ 3 18 15 19 19

3. He did this for the first time __ __ __ __ 6 5 12 12

4. Person Jesus met __ __ __ __ __ __ 13 15 20 8 5 18

5. What happened to Jesus? __ __ __ __ __ __ 8 5 4 9 5 4

6. She wiped the face of Jesus __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 22 5 18 15 14 9 3 1

7. Who did Jesus meet this time? __ __ __ __ __ 23 15 13 5 14

8. What did Jesus do again? __ __ __ __ 6 1 12 12

9. What did soldiers do to Jesus? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 19 20 18 9 16 16 5 4 8 9 13

10. Hanging of the cross was called what? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 3 18 21 3 9 6 9 24 9 15 14

11. Who helped Jesus carry the cross __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 19 9 13 15 14 20 8 5

__ __ __ __ __ __ 3 25 18 5 14 5

Answers: 1. Pilate, 2. Cross, 3. Fell, 4. Mother, 5. He died, 6. Veronica, 7. Women, 8. Fell, 9. Stripped him, 10. Crucifixion, 11.Simon the Cyrene.

Did you know?

Stations of the Cross Puzzle

After a cold, snowy winter it’s fun to enjoy the arrival of spring and warmer weather. It’s great to get outdoors, play, garden, and run in the sun. Add a little bit of spiritual fun to spring fun with these activities: • Harness March winds by flying kites. Attach a prayer to the kite string or write “God Bless You” on the kite in large letters for all to see. • Take a prayer hike. Pause when you spot a sign of new life and prayer for lives (soldier’s unborn, family, neighbors). • Plan for food spirits for spring sports. Buy new sport cleats or other equipment. Before baseball and other spring sports begin talk about being good sports and pray for coaches and teammates. • Visit a zoo or farm and see the new animals. Read about Noah and the ark in Genesis 8-9. • Inspect bikes for safety. Inspect hearts, too! Then take a family bike ride and stop for a snack in a pretty spot. • Plant seeds indoors. Decorate the container with flower stickers. Read about flowers in Matthew 6:27-34. • Listen to spring sounds. Identify birds, what the wind blows, and sounds of other children playing. Then make up a family cheer for spring and shout it out. • Read a description of spring in the Song of Solomon 2:11-12 and chat about what is great about spring.

Four County Catholic March 2011

Developers of New App Say It Could Bring Catholics Back to Confession SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CNS) -Can modern technology help strengthen our faith? Some technosavvy Catholics from South Bend think so. In his message for the 2011 World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI said it's not enough to just “proclaim the Gospel through the new media,” but one must also “witness consistently.” The developers of “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch think their product helps people do both. Brothers Patrick and Chip Leinen and their friend Ryan Kreager said feedback has been positive. The app, reportedly the only one with an imprimatur, is designed to help people make a better confession. “The app is really built for two kinds of people,” Kreager explained. “For Catholics who go to confession regularly, it gives the user information. They enter their name, age, their sex, their vocation and their last confession date, and it generates an examination of conscience based on that information.” Centered on the Ten Commandments, the examination would be different for a young mother than for a teenage boy, for example. The examinations were provided by two different priests, the app developers said. In addition to helping Catholics who already make use of the sacrament of reconciliation, Kreager said the confession app is helping another group of people. “It's also for people who've been away from the church and want the opportunity to go to confession,” he told Today's Catholic, newspaper of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. “You go to the examination of conscience and it literally walks you through, step by step, your confessions as you're in the confessional.” Patrick Leinen said that during testing, a man who hadn't been to confession in 20 years used the app and made his way back to the sacrament. Serving as a kind of digital notebook designed to help people remember the various prayers as well as to list the sins they want to con-

fess, the confession app provides several versions of the act of contrition, including one in Latin. Melanie Williams, a 17-year-old junior at Marian High School in Mishawaka, said going to confession is an important part of her life. A fan of technology, she appreciates the customized examination of conscience. “It makes me evaluate my personal situation in life,” she said, noting how easy it is for her to understand and remember the sins she wants to confess. “My favorite part is definitely the inspirational quote that pops up after you have

gone to confession. Each time I feel like it really tells me what I really need to hear at that moment. It is a great motivational tool after a good confession!” In addition to customizing each user's list, everything is passwordprotected for privacy. “Once you go to confession, all that information is wiped out,” said Kreager. “All it's going to remember is personal data like your name, age and date of last confession.” The three developers of the confession app named their company Littleiapps. Little “i” as in “I must decrease and he must increase,” explained Chip Leinen. They say they hope to create more Catholic apps in the future.

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Four County Catholic March 2011

Part-Time Development Coordinator

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

The Norwich Diocesan School Office seeks a part-time development coordinator to implement a comprehensive development program for the Elementary Schools (15) ofthe Diocese. Job Description available upon request. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Respect and support for the leadership and teachings of the Catholic Church and the ability to work within the organizational structure of the Church. 2. Bachelor's Degree. 3. Minimum of four (4) years of nonprofit fundraising/resource development experience to include major gifts, annual appeals, special events and similar activities. Please send resume (no phone calls please) and a letter of interest by February 15, 2011 to: Dr. John Shine Diocesan Superintendent of Schools 43 Perkins Avenue Norwich, CT 06360 superintendentdso@norwichdiocese.net

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Four County Catholic March 2011

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Four County Catholic March 2011