Four County Catholic March 2013 by Diocese of Norwich

LENT

prayer, penance, sacrifice.

Volume 25 Number 3

March 2013

2012 ~ 2013

Four County Catholic March 2013

13 Together we can move mountains.

atholic at c Four County

- MaryLou Gannotti, Diocesan Development Office, describing the combined generosity and impact of the Christopher Society and all Annual Catholic Appeal supporters.

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

Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

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A lightening bolt in a clear blue sky.

- Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Dean of College of Cardinals, commenting on Pope Benedict XVI’s unexpected resignation.

sacrif

2012 ~

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On the Cover

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

2013

Historic photo of cardinals in conclave in Sistine Chapel when electing Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

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Four County Catholic March 2013

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

An Extraordinary Moment My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: On the morning of February 11th, when I first heard the news of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, I was stunned. I quickly turned on the TV, as many of you must have done, just as Timothy Cardinal Dolan was appearing on the Today show. He had walked over from his residence in Manhattan to the NBC studios to share his first reaction to the news as it was unfolding. He was shocked by the announcement, as we all were -- reminding us that it had been nearly 600 years since we have had a papal resignation. We were all trying to fathom this sudden news. Even at the Vatican, the news was a complete and startling surprise. Angelo Cardinal Sodano, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, called the news “A lightening bolt in a clear blue sky.” In my initial conversations with the local media, I referred to it as “An extraordinary moment.” Actually, we are still very much in the moment. We have had a chance now to catch our breath; yet the full impact of the moment won’t be realized until a successor

is chosen. At this moment, 115 cardinals remain in conclave in the Sistine Chapel deciding who will next assume the Chair of Peter. Speculation is understandably running at full speed and in all directions as to who will be elected and how that choice will impact the direction of the Church in these globally shifting and challenging times. Much of that speculation is ahead of the moment. We must be patient. We must pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the process and deliver a pope for this time. Prayers now will serve us better than speculation. As Americans, we have been subjected the past year to some of the most divisive partisan politics of any presidential election in memory. Majority did rule. Still we often feel more divided as a nation than united. Hopefully, of course, we will gradually rebuild our trust in government and place national interest and the common good above politics. It is this conditioning that has many among us looking at the proceedings surrounding the election of a new pope in a political context. You frequently hear media pundits

speaking about the liberal/ conservative struggle within the Church. In a political sense, will a new pope be more the traditionalist or the reformer? These are typical questions imbedded in the media dialogue. The transition to a new pope is not, however, about politics. The truths of the faith are universal. The pope, as the Vicar of Christ, is dedicated to the universal and timeless principles of defending all human life, protecting the sanctity of marriage, standing with the immigrant or stranger, lifting the poor, defending religious liberty and making known the Gospel of salvation. Think of the tenure of each pope as a building block on which to build a vigorous Church -timeless yet powerfully relevant to its age and place. Pope Benedict brought a remarkable intellect to the theological and liturgical framing of the Church in what has become an increasingly secularized culture. In the continuum of following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, our new pope will have the opportunity to build on the work of his predecessor and those before him.

Un Momento Extraordinario Queridos hermanos y Hermanas: En la mañana del 11 de febrero, cuando me enteré de la noticia de la renuncia del Santo Padre Benedicto XVI, estaba asombrado. Rápidamente encendí la televisión, como muchos de ustedes deben haberlo hecho, justo cuando el Cardenal Timothy Dolan estaba apareciendo en el programa Today. Él había caminado desde su residencia en Manhattan a los estudios de la NBC

para compartir su primera reacción ante la noticia que se estaba desarrollando. Él, al igual que todos nosotros estaba sorprendido por el anuncio-recordándonos que habían pasado casi 600 años desde que hemos tenido una renuncia papal. Todos estábamos tratando de comprender esta repentina noticia. Incluso en el Vaticano, la noticia fue una total sorpresa. El

Cardenal Angelo Sodano, Decano del Colegio Cardenalicio, llamó la noticia “Un rayo en un cielo azul claro.” En mis conversaciones ini-

Un Momento Extraordinario Continued on page 4

Pope Benedict, with remarkable humility and piety, has abdicated his position to ensure that the Church has a leader with the vigor necessary to meet the enormous challenges of the day. It is not politics. It is the work of The Lord. The Holy Father’s legacy will no doubt involve his robust intellectual contributions, his encouragement of a Catholic culture of evangelism, his support for the intentions and direction of Vatican II and his ecumenical openness There seems little doubt that his legacy will also embrace the wisdom and courage he has shown to step aside for the sake of the Church to ensure that the energy to carry the Church forward is present in the new shepherd who will soon emerge. What began as a moment of stunning surprise, will now transition to an extraordinary mo-

ment of succession steeped in tradition, but prepared to face our time. May God bless the conclave of Cardinals from 50 countries and all continents as they will soon choose the Church’s 266th pope in this historic Year of Faith. Perhaps within a few short days, the waiting crowds and the watching world will see the appearance of white smoke from the chimney of the conclave room. As is tradition, the words “habemus papam’ will be a popular first response. Translation – “We have a Pope.” Sincerely yours in Christ’s love,

Bishop Michael R. Cote

Four County Catholic March 2013

Un Momento Extraordinario Continued from page 3 ciales con los medios de comunicación locales, me referí a ella como “Un momento extraordinario.” En realidad, todavía estamos muy en el momento. Hemos tenido ahora una oportunidad para recuperar nuestro aliento, y aún, todo el impacto del momento no ocurrirá hasta que un sucesor sea elegido. En este mismo momento, 115 cardenales están convocados en cónclave en la Capilla Sixtina decidiendo quién será el próximo en asumir la Cátedra de Pedro.

La especulación en cuanto a quien será elegido y como esa opción afectará la dirección de la Iglesia en estos tiempos cambiantes y desafiantes a nivel mundial, comprensivamente está corriendo a toda velocidad y en todas las direcciones. Mucha de esa especulación está por delante del momento. Debemos ser pacientes. Debemos orar para que el Espíritu Santo guíe el proceso y entregue un Papa para este tiempo. Las oraciones ahora nos servirán mejor que las especulaciones.

Como estadounidenses, hemos estado sometidos el año pasado a algunos de los partidistas políticos más divisivos de cualquier elección presidencial en la memoria. La mayoría se pronunció. Sin embargo, a medida que vamos hacia adelante a menudo nos sentimos como nación más divididos que unidos. Esperamos, por supuesto, poco a poco reconstruir nuestra confianza en el gobierno y poner el interés nacional y el bien común por encima de la política. Este es el condicionamiento que tiene a

Diocese of Norwich Pilgrimage to Greece and Rome With Bishop Michael R. Cote

~ November 16 to 25, 2013 ~ For information or reservations call Rebecca McDougal at 860 887 9294.

ost Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will lead a 10-day pilgrimage to Rome and the historic cities of Corinth and Thessaloniki, Greece, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus. When in Rome, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the Palazzo Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum. The group will attend the Closing Ceremonies for the Year of Faith in Vatican City. Price includes local bus to/from JFK Airport, airfare, four-star hotels, departure lunch, all tips; also, breakfast and dinner daily, and departure tax and fuel surcharge.

que la Iglesia tenga un líder con el vigor necesario para enfrentar los enormes desafíos de hoy. No es política. Es la obra del Señor. El legado del santo Padre, sin duda, involucrará sus sólidas contribuciones intelectuales, su fomento a una cultura Católica de evangelización, su apoyo a las intenciones y dirección del Vaticano II y su apertura ecuménica. No cabe duda de que su legado también abarcará la sabiduría y la valentía que ha mostrado al apartarse por el bien de la Iglesia para asegurar que la energía para dirigir la Iglesia hacia adelante esté presente en el nuevo pastor que pronto aparecerá. Lo que comenzó como un momento de sorpresa desconcertante, ahora pasará a un momento extraordinario de sucesión impregnado en tradición, pero preparado para enfrentar nuestro tiempo. Que Dios bendiga el cónclave de los Cardenales de 50 países de todos los continentes, ya que pronto elegirán en este año histórico de la fe el Papa 266º de la Iglesia. Tal vez dentro de unos pocos días, la multitud y el mundo vigilante verán la aparición de humo blanco de la chimenea de la sala de cónclave. Como es tradición las palabras “Habemus Papam” Traducción-”Tenemos un Papa” serán una primera popular respuesta. Sinceramente, en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote

BenedictXVI @Pontifex

Translated by Paulina Angulo

Feb. 28, 2013

Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives.

Cost of Tour: $3,899.00 pp double occupancy $300.00 deposit required $239.00 optional travel insurance (paid with deposit) $450.00 single supplement (limited number) Reservations must be made by August 13, 2013.

muchos de nosotros mirando el proceso en torno a la elección de un nuevo Papa en un contexto político. De hecho, usted oye frecuentemente a expertos de los medios hablar acerca de la lucha dentro de la Iglesia liberal/conservadora. En un sentido político, ¿será el nuevo Papa más tradicional o reformador? Estas son preguntas típicas incrustadas en el dialogo de los medios. Sin embargo, el cambio a un nuevo Papa no es, acerca de política. Las verdades de la fe son universales. El Papa, como Vicario de Cristo, está dedicado a los principios universales y eternos de defender toda vida humana, proteger la santidad del matrimonio, de pie con el inmigrante o extranjero, levantar a los pobres, defender la libertad religiosa y dar a conocer el Evangelio de la salvación. Piense en la tenencia de cada Papa como un elemento fundamental para construir una Iglesia vigorosa-eterna todavía poderosamente pertinente para su época y lugar. El Papa Benedicto trajo un notable intelecto para definir el encuadre teológico y litúrgico de la Iglesia en lo que se ha convertido en una cultura cada vez más secularizada. En el continuo seguimiento de ejemplo y enseñanzas de Jesucristo, nuestro nuevo Papa tendrá la oportunidad de construir sobre el trabajo de su predecesor y de aquellos que le precedieron. El Papa Benedicto XVI, con notable humildad y piedad, ha renunciado a su cargo para asegurar

2012 ~ 2013

Four County Catholic March 2013

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

Offer Spiritual Sacrifices to the Lord This past February 28, 2013 the Catholic Church entered into a time period referred to as sede vacante, following the resignation of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. It is, as Bishop Cote has said, a time for prayer and reflection. It also is a time of important history for the Church. Pope Benedict said that he has been called by the Lord to “climb the mountain”, devoting himself to prayer and meditation which he said is “better suited to my age and my strength”. Yet this is a time that the whole Church is called to prayer. As we are in the middle of the Year of Faith, the Lenten season, and the election of the next Vicar of Christ, it is important for every baptized son and daughter of God to approach this most historic time prayerfully. During this time we need to be renewing our understanding and commitment to offering spiritual sacrifices for the good of the Church. What is meant by offering spiritual sacrifices? To understand this concept of spiritual sacrifices, we return to one of the great documents of Vatican Council II, Lumen Gentium, dated November 21, 1964, and see what it says regarding this particular subject. Following is an excerpt from Lumen Gentium, chapter 4 paragraph 34: “To those whom he intimately joins to his life and mission he also gives a share in his priestly office, to offer spiritual worship for the glory of the Father and the salvation of man. Hence the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and prepared so that even richer fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind

and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit – indeed even the hardships of life if patiently borne – all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (cf.Pet. 2:5) At the beginning of the above quotation is a reference to those who have been intimately joined to His life and mission and also been given a share in his “priestly office” with the purpose of “offering spiritual worship for the glory of the Father and the salvation of man”. First, this refers to the exercising of one’s share in the common priesthood of Christ which is received at baptism. All the baptized, especially the laity, as instruments of Christ in the world are able to make every aspect of their daily undertakings a means of assisting in the prayer of the Church and the sanctification of the world by offering their efforts as “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” through the Eucharistic sacrifice of Christ (Cf. Lumen Gentium 34). Christ’s perfect sacrifice, perfects each and every spiritual sacrifice of the faithful which is brought and spiritually offered at the altar during each Holy Mass. Therefore, since all members of the Church are called to pray during this time of sede vacante, the best way for the laity to pray is to take their daily tasks, whatever they may be, and offer them as a prayer, make them a spiritual sacrifice that they bring to the Holy Mass and offered through Christ’s perfect sacrifice for the good of the Church. May God continue to watch over His church, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in answer to our many prayers, send us quickly the man you have called to be the new Vicar of Christ.

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

March 21, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saint Patrick, East Hampton April 18, 2013 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saint Augustine, Canterbury May 24, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich June 20, 2013 • 5:00-6:00 p.m. Saint Joseph, Willimantic July 18, 2013 • 5:00-6:00 p.m. Saint Patrick, Mystic August 22, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Sacred Heart, Vernon September 19, 2013 • 4:00-5:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Clinton October 17, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Baltic November 21, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saint Joseph, New London

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

(860) 887-9294

December 19, 2013 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. Saint Edward, Stafford Springs

We pray for our Seminarians.... Kurt O Brien 2nd Year College Holy Apostles S minary Cromwell, CT

Jeffrey Ellis 1st Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Juan Palacio 1st Year English Studies Clark University Worc ster, MA

Martin Noe 3rd Year Theology Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

Jonathan Ficara 3rd Year Theology Pontiﬁcal North American College, Vatican City State

Ruben Sanchez 1st Year English Studi s Clark University Worcester, MA

Brian Maxwell 4th Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA

Peter Langevin 1st Year Theology Mt. St. Mary S minary Emmitsburg, MD

Thomas Grifﬁn 1st Year Theology Bl ssed John XXIII National Seminary W ston, MA

Four County Catholic March 2013

Be My Witness Calling Women of All Ages! 3rd Annual Catholic Women’s Conference of the Diocese of Nor wich T WO G REAT SPEAKERS 8:30am Mass

Sister Car ol Cimino KM M other Olga

Saturday, April 13, 2013 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Saint Bernard School 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke. Uncasville CT 06382

Live Music Inspiration Prayer Worship Lunch

Registration forms can be found online Adoration @ www.norwichdiocese.org/Ministries Office of Faith Events Confession 199 Broadway Norwich Exhibitors (860) 848-2237 ext 312 Registration fee includes lunch: * $25 before March 27 Religious are Free * $30 after March 27 * $15 Student fee Also collecting canned good donation. *Those outside diocese add $5

Thursdays, beginning March 14 An Educational and Spiritual Enrichment Program Sponsored by Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Join us at 10:00am for a Lenten Reflection to ponder your faith and to explore the meaning of holiness. It’s All About You presented by Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE, Administrator, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care Location: San Damiano Seminar room of the Chiara Center on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden. Open to the public. No charge. Refreshments are offered. Call 203-2381441 or visit www.franciscanhc.org for more information. Sunday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Parade The John P Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will participate in the New London St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1:00pm on Bank Street, as will the New London Currach Rowers. One of the club’s Currachs will be in the parade’s line of March. After the parade there will be videos pertaining to Currachs shown at the Custom House Maritime Museum on Bank Street. An admission fee of $5.00 will be donated to the Rowers Club for assistance in the restoration of their Currachs. Saturday -Sunday, March 16-17 Youth Leaders St. Patrick’s Day Retreat Immaculate Conception Spiritual Center, Putnam. This retreat is de-

Chrism Mass

A Joyous Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments Tuesday, March 26th, 2013 at 10:30 am Saint Joseph Church • 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic

Celtic Concert Friday, March 15

The Cathedral concert will start at 7; 30 pm and feature performances by Celticity and the Norwich Diocesan Choir. The event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door. Further information may be obtained by calling the Cathedral Music Office at 860-886-0403.

signed to allow youths to encounter the incredible power of God’s grace to convert and transform their lives. Based on the life of St .Paul, teens will see that con-

version is a process not an event. A professional retreat leader plus a musician will be our guides. Cost is $60.00. Open to teens in grade 9-12, optional for

Passion Play The 9th Annual St. Andrew Church

Passion Play

will be presented Friday & Saturday, March 22 & 23 7:00 pm at St. Andrew Church 128 Norwich Ave, Colchester, CT The play is a musical performance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A cast of over 100. A 60-Voice Choir and a 40-Voice Children’s Choir. Tickets for the performance are free; however, offerings to help defray production cost will be gratefully excepted. Tickets are available in Colchester at Merciful Saviour, the Parish Office or by phoning Gary Dziatko at 860-295-8315. A limited number of tickets are available. No more than 10 tickets per person.

Four County Catholic March 2013

juniors and seniors only is Friday night start at 7:00pm for additional $15.00. Limit to 60 Teens – register with the Office of Faith Events 860-848-2237, x312. Monday, March 18 Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich at 11:15 am. Saturday, March 23 Bus trip to the New Irish Hunger Museum The John P Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will sponsor a bus trip to the new Irish Hunger Museum in Hamden. The museum commemorates the approximately 3.5 million Irish who emigrated during the five year period of the potato blight from 1845 to 1850. The bus will have pickup spots in Pawcatuck and in New London in route to the Hamden museum; first pickup will be at 9:15am returning home at 4:00pm. The total cost for transportation and admission is $10.00. An optional lunch can be purchased at a Hamden restaurant. Reservations must be made in advance; call Sean Moore at 860389-3553. Saturday, March 23 Discover What Mercy High School is all About “Discover Mercy” is a Saturday

morning program for fifth, sixth and seventh grade girls and their parents to get their first look at Mercy by enjoying activities, student performances and informal conversations with Mercy students, parents, administrators and faculty. For more information and to register, visit www.mercyhigh.com or call Mercy High School at 860346-6659. Wednesday, March 25 Natural Family Planning Classes For Married and Engaged. (NFP) Is scientific, helps with fertility problems and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. NFP is the loving and safe alternative to the dangerous chemicals, synthetic hormones and side-effects of contraception and birth control. A 3- part NFP class begins at 7:00pm at St. John’s Old Saybrook call the Collisons at 860399-8265 www.ccli.org. Wednesday, April 3 Television Mass At 10:00am. Channel 20 WTXX Charter; Channel 11 WCCT Comcast Fr. Ray, Celebrant. Saturday, April 6 CT Walks for Haiti 4th Annual Walkathon Join us on for a healthy way to support organizations working in Haiti. You can connect with friends and meet new people. It’s

an ideal event for children and families. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford, CT. Walkers go through West Hartford Center. You can pre-register or register on April 6th. For more info: www.ctwalksfor haiti.org. The festival will feature CT Fox’s Joe Furey as master of ceremonies. There’ll be music, food, crafts, a silent auction and much more. Saturday, April 20 New Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion The Office for Worship will hold a workshop for new Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (both ministries in one group) from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Registration and distribution of materials begins at 9:00am at St. Columba Parish Hall, Junction of Routes 66 and 87 in Columbia. There is a $10.00 registration fee. The workshop will cover the Diocesan Guidelines for these ministries and all requirements contained in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal This workshop must be supplemented by the practical aspects of both ministries unique to each parish community. Pre-register by April 15 at: worship@norwichdiocese.net or call: 860-8482237x203.

“NEVER repay injury with injury. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay’, says the Lord. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’ Do not be conquered by evil, but...

…conquer evil with GOOD.” Romans 12:17a, 19b, 20a, 21

“I call you (your name here) friends, because I have told you EVERYTHING I have heard from My Father.” John 15:15

Prayer Group Mass of Healing and Hope Thursday, March 7, 2013 @ 6:30 pm Hearts of the Spirit Prayer Group with Fr. Ray and Judith Hughes Sacred Heart Church, Taftville, CT

One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar Saturday, March 9, 2013, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT To register – call 1-860-887-0702

Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting Monday, March 18, 2013 @ 11:15 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT

Unbound Prayer Ministry March 23, 2013, Renewal Center 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Call for appointment 1-860-887-0702

Television Mass Wednesday, April 3, 2013 @ 10:00 am Channel 20 WTXX Charter; Channel 11 WCCT Comcast Fr. Ray, Celebrant

Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday evening @ 7:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leaders: Deacon James Delaney and Nancy Delaney

Philip Retreat Weekend Saturday, April 20 and Sunday April 21, 2013 Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT (Please call 1-860-887-0702 to register, donation $25.00)

“Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

Way of the Cross Good Friday, March 29 • 6:00 pm Chelsea Parade, Norwich

Walk with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, and leaders of other Christian Communities as we pray the Way of the Cross.

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

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

Four County Catholic March 2013

Father Ray Introvige

Televised Mass Brings Hope and Inspiration to Homebound “Our audience depends on this program to provide them hope and inspiration to begin their day with the knowledge that the God they love will be by their side to be their strength throughout the day.” Father John P. Gatzak, Director, ORTV The Hartford Archdiocese Office of Radio and Television (ORTV) continues to produce the daily televised Celebration of the Eucharist By Michael Strammiello Office of Communications

as they have now for 29 years. Seven days a week, the televised Mass, broadcast from the ORTV studios in Prospect, spreads the good news of God’s love and compassion to those struggling with the challenges of age, loneliness, loss and sickness preventing them from attending Mass in person. In this Year of Faith as designated by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the televised Mass is an inspiring example of evangelizing the faith. The Mass, for example, can be accessed online through the ORTV website, ORTV.org. Combining all electronic media, the daily TV Mass reaches an estimated 80,000 viewers/listeners across Connecticut, central and southern Massachusetts and portions of New York and Rhode Is-

land. A vital part of the success of the program is the participation of clergy from all the dioceses in Connecticut. This network of priests has been orchestrated by ORTV Director, Father John Gatzak. The Diocese of Norwich, by direction of Bishop Cote, continues to enthusiastically support and participate in the program. A Diocese of Norwich priest serves as the celebrant the first Wednesday of every month. Most recently, Father Ray Introvigne represented the Diocese as celebrant. Father Ray, who oversees the diocesan Spiritual Renewal Ministry, has been a regular participant in the TV Mass program. As Father Ray noted following Mass last month, “There is a special joy in knowing that the Word going forth from the studio is reaching and comforting the sick and the homebound. Everyone in the studio can feel the message of hope getting through. It is a powerful worship experience for everyone.”

Photos by Meredith Morrison

Four County Catholic March 2013

The viewers can and do take an active role in the celebration by sending in requests for prayers and special intentions. The names are either scrolled on screen or included during the “Prayer of the Faithful” - another way to reach and involve those who may feel otherwise disconnected for a time from regular parish life. Even the studio set is especially welcoming. The bright lights of television shining on the stunning stained glass windows that once adorned the original brownstone Cathedral of St. Joseph on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, create a warm and colorful backdrop. The

presence of a lector, an on-camera congregation and musicians complete the celebratory experience. Judith Hughes served as lector the day we attended in studio. Mass is aired each morning at 10:00 a.m. on WCCT TV, WJMJ FM Radio on Sundays and online at ORTV.org. Those wishing to help support this worship opportunity, please send your contribution to the TV Mass at ORTV, 15 Peace Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1052. Thank you. The Diocese of Norwich is committed to continuing to be an active part of this media ministry. As the ORTV staff likes to describe their

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work, it “brings good news to life” every day. The Diocese of Norwich agrees and remains engaged in helping the ministry expand its reach and its message of hope and love.

LENT Renewing Our Discipleship in Christ

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

~ FP ~

The Light is ON for You

Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation All parishioners are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Lent. Your church will be open one night a week, with the lights on and a priest available to hear confessions. Check with your church for night & hours. The peace of mind and soul which this sacrament imparts is one for which there is no substitute. Our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God, the Church and one another.

Giving up something for Lent, eating fish on Fridays, almsgiving and penance throughout the forty days of Lent—these are some of the traditional Catholic practices. But why do we as Catholics do this? Because through these commitments—known as “Lenten practices” or “Lenten disciplines”—the Church calls us each year to renew our discipleship in Christ. Specifically, each year during the liturgical season of Lent, the Church asks us to pray, give alms, and fast. We know the importance of prayer in our lives—as individuals, as families, and as a community. Prayer is especially important during Lent. The Lenten season is a time for reflection, evaluation, and repentance. Lent asks us: “What needs changing?” Lent calls us to a personal conversion and renewal— to a recommitted life in Christ so that we might not just celebrate Easter forty days later but also feel the risen Christ alive in us and in the world. This means prayer. During Lent we set aside time for prayer that is reflective in nature and reveals places where we have failed to open ourselves to God. Every day we witness situations of injustice, violence, and hatred. Television and the Internet bring these into our living rooms, but we also observe and live them in our

own cities and homes. The Church calls us during Lent to be especially conscious of the needs of others and to act accordingly. Giving materially to another is an act of Christian charity. During Lent, the Church also calls us to first convert ourselves and then to transform the world for justice, so that we might serve the Kingdom which Jesus lived and preached. Fasting and abstinence are not sacrifices for the sake of pain or vain discomfort. Sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice is not a Christian virtue. We are asked by the Catholic Church to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and not to eat meat on the Fridays of Lent. Feeling an empty stomach, or fighting the urge to have that juicy steak or candy bar does more than just remind us that for some people an empty stomach is their daily bread. Fasting and abstinence help us to ask ourselves the question: “What sustains me and gives me life?” What nourishes me on my journey of life? We will find the answer, not in the steak or the candy bar, but at the end of these forty days of Lent—in the Resurrection of Jesus. We fast and abstain because, when we do, we are reminded of who we are— followers of the risen Christ. As Catholics, we joyfully engage in Lenten disciplines because we are disciples (and yes, both words have the same root). We pray, give and sacrifice because we follow Christ, who loved us so much that He gave his own life so that we might share in Eternal Life.

Four County Catholic March 2013

History of the Diocese: The Bishop Reilly Years By the 1970’s, there were nearly 200,000 registered Catholics in the Diocese, an increase of over 50% By Michael Strammiello Office of Communications

since the inception of the Diocese in 1953. It was a time for the now more settled Diocese to focus its energies as a community of faith on outreach, works of charity and faith in action initiatives. This would be the mission of the episcopate of the third Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich. Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly was ordained and installed as the Third Bishop of Norwich, August 6, 1975. At the time of his appointment to the Norwich see, he had been Vicar General of the Providence Diocese. His experience in the similar New England environment of Rhode Island,

would serve him well in immediately understanding the strengths, challenges and character of eastern Connecticut. One of the

most important initiatives at the outset of Bishop Reilly’s episcopate was to increase lay involvement and participation in Church life. Under his guidance, lay leadership steadily increased on committees, boards, councils and ministries, as well as at Mass and all liturgical activities. It was Bishop Reilly who inaugurated, in 1978, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal to help support the vital ministries that serve those most in need spiritually, emotionally and materially. Today, the campaign, known as the Annual Catholic Appeal, carries on the tradition initiated by Bishop Reilly. That same year, 1978, was a milestone jubilee year for the Diocese and for the Cathedral of St. Patrick. It was the 25th

year anniversary for the Diocese, and the centennial celebration for the Cathedral. The words of Bishop Reilly reflecting back on the origins of the Diocese speak just as clearly today as we celebrate the 60th jubilee anniversary -- “Through the years, problems we faced were solved not by hoping they would go away. They were solved by ingenuity, and hard work, by a willingness to seek new an-

swers to new questions, by holding on to tradition and at the same time changing whatever needed to be changed to keep the tradition alive.” Challenges are there with every generation. Many may be the same today as then. Among the continuing challenges are the need for more priests and religious, the financial stress of a troubled economy and the increasing need for evangelization of the faith. Then and now, we are called to overcome these challenges. Bishop Reilly is remembered as a remarkably exuberant personality who was ever reaching forward to break new ground where possible to get ahead of the currents of change. One of his initiatives in the area of improved communications

se of Nor Dioce 1953-2013 wich

was to establish a diocesan newspaper. His vision was a monthly publication that would help connect the faithful across the vast geography of the diocese, while also serving as an evangelization vehicle for those who may have drifted from the Church. Today, the Four County Catholic, authorized by Bishop Reilly in 1989, is celebrating its 25th year of spreading the Good News of the Gospel. “Informing, connecting, encouraging faith in action” remains the mission of the newspaper and electronic media that have gone beyond Bishop Reilly’s original vision but not the intent. Another living example of Bishop Reilly’s initiatives still serving the Church today is the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Ministry. In the early 1980’s, Bishop Reilly made several pilgrimages to Haiti discovering the staggering poverty there. Follow-

up visits by Father Jim Carini lead to a task force recommendation to establish a permanent ministry presence in Haiti to

reach out to the poorest population in the Western Hemisphere. The first diocesan mission house was in place by 1987. Since that time, the twinning of parishes in the Norwich Diocese with parishes in Haiti has strengthened the bonds between the diocese and our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Still another lasting program initiated by Bishop Reilly is the St. Vincent de Paul Place, first opening to serve hot meals in 1979. The extraordinary ministry is serving more people in need today than ever in its history – and very much in the news these days. Bishop Reilly was also instrumental in expanding outreach and support to the Hispanic population, recognizing the growing Hispanic presence within the Church family. In 1994, having served the Diocese of Norwich for 19 years the longest tenure of any Bishop of Norwich to date, Bishop Reilly was transferred to the Worchester see. His lasting legacy here in the Diocese of Norwich is manifest in his motto, “In Kindness and in Truth.”

Four County Catholic March 2013

Bishop Cote Thanks Supporters of the Annual Catholic Appeal NORWICH — A very grateful Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, thanked more than 200

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diocesan parishioners for their generous contributions to the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) during a breakfast for ACA supporters held at the Holiday Inn in Norwich on Sunday, February 24. “Thank you so kindly for making this effort,” Bishop Cote told the group, who braved inclement weather to attend the breakfast. Angela V. Arnold, Executive Director of the Diocesan Office of Development, also thanked attendees. “Without you, our diocesan parishioners, none of this would have been possible,” Arnold said. Similar events are being held throughout the diocese to express appreciation to the many contributors in all the deaneries for their financial support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, which raised more than $3 million during its 2012 campaign to fund the many vital programs and ministries of the Diocese of Norwich. In addition to expressing gratitude for parishioners’ response to its 2012 campaign, the Office of Development took the opportunity at the breakfast to introduce its 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, titled “Faith with Charity and Love.” “As we mark the 60th anniversary of the diocese, we also mark this as our Year of Faith with Charity and Love,” Arnold said. She noted that the Norwich diocese is “a vibrant family of faith” with 76 parishes, 21 schools serving more than 4,500 students, Masses of worship, the seven sacraments, and parishioners who do what Jesus asked of them by assisting those who have nowhere else to turn. “Stewardship, in and of itself, is an amazing testament to your charity and love,” Arnold said. Following breakfast, parishioners got a preview of the 2013 Annual

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Catholic Appeal video, which demonstrated how ACA funds are currently being used to support brothers and sisters in need at diocesan soup kitchens, including St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown and St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich. The money is also being used to fund the training of Eucharistic ministers who visit the sick, the Hispanic Ministry and immigrants, a variety of youth ministries, programs for Vocations, and lay ministries such as Catholic Charities, Outreach to Haiti, and Campus Ministry, just to name a few. To bring these programs and ministries to life and to give attendees the opportunity to learn even more about them, 20 booths were set up onsite at the Holiday Inn and staffed by representatives and volunteers of the many different diocesan ministries. Representatives provided information and handouts detailing their numerous services, ranging from spiritual retreats, to behavioral health services, to the prison ministry, to soup kitchens and adoption services.

Ron Krom, Director of St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown and Jillian Corbin, Director of St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, answer questions from a diocesan parishioner at the Annual Catholic Appeal Breakfast and Ministry Fair held Sunday, February 24th at the Holiday Inn in Norwich. Following the video, Bishop Cote presented awards to chair persons of the Annual Catholic Appeal, honoring them for their many years of service. Honorees in attendance included John Kelley, John and Sheila O’Keeffe, Joan Scungio, and Richard and Sharon Torrenti. Bishop Cote closed the event by addressing the recent and surprising resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who has stepped down and plans to spend the remainder of his life in prayer. “He is climbing the mountain to be with the Lord and the Church in a new way,” Bishop Cote explained. “He will continue, and our work will continue on.” The Bishop then urged diocesan parishioners to persist in working to make a difference in this world. “Whatever we do in the name of Christ will never be in vain,” Bishop Cote said. “Let us inspire others to give of their treasures to help those in need.

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Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini In this saint, presented to us in a special way for the Year of Faith, we see a woman who alBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

ways had a clear dream for her life. However, as her life unfolded, her personal dream gave way to the needs of people who were right in front of her, and new dreams were realized. Frances Cabrini was born in northern Italy in July 1850. From early childhood she heard stories of great missionaries like St. Francis Xavier, who had gone to China and the Orient to preach the Gospel. Her dream was to follow in their footsteps. Her family was comfortable economically, so Frances was able to attend a private boarding school run by a religious community of women. She asked to join the order but was refused because of her poor

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health. In 1871, at the age of twenty-one, she returned home and began teaching in a local school, still holding the dream of one day going to China as a missionary. Just a few

years later she was asked by the local bishop to take charge of an orphanage. There, she worked with other generous-hearted women, and took the first steps to establish her own religious order, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As a Sister she took the name Frances Xavier, in honor of the saint she sought to imitate. Her dream of going to China was still very much with her. In 1888, Sister Frances Xavier received another request from the local bishop. This time she was asked to travel to the United States and minister to the thousands of Italian immigrants in New York City, since they were poor, needy and discriminated against. She hes-

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itated to take on this task since it would either delay or destroy any chance of going to China. However, she finally agreed. In 1889, she and six other Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus set out on their trans-Atlantic voyage to New York. For the next twenty-seven years, until her death in 1917, Mother Cabrini, as she became known, crisscrossed the United States establishing schools, orphanages and hospitals, first for Italian immigrants and then for anyone in need. She and her Sisters begged on the streets of American cities, from New York and Chicago to New Orleans and Seattle, to help support those they served. In the course of those years, Mother Cabrini not only traveled and worked tirelessly, but she also found the time to complete the necessary requirements for U.S. citizenship, and took the oath in 1909. In 1917, Mother Cabrini died at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, which she had established just a few years earlier. Her biography notes that at the time of her death she was helping to wrap candy for a children’s Christmas party. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1946, the first citizen of the United States to be so honored by the Church, and she was named the patron saint of immigrants. Just last year, in September 2012, the Archdiocese of Chicago established a new national shrine to honor Mother Cabrini, after Columbus Hospital, the place of her death and a place of pilgrimage, was closed. Her tomb, however, is at Cabrini High School in midtown Manhattan. Her feast is celebrated on November 12. Mother Cabrini’s dream of going to China was never realized, but her life was rich and fruitful for so many. Throughout her life, she prayed the following words, which hold meaning for everyone seeking God’s will. “Jesus, I have not always recognized your loving plans for me. I want to follow the purpose for which I was created. I need you to help me choose the best way to serve you. Walk with me, Jesus. Stay by my side and guide me. Amen.”

Four County Catholic March 2013

Our Faith in Action as a Diocesan Family A wintry February evening at the Mystic Marriott was the setting for the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal Christopher Dinner. Just a week By MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

after digging out of the 2013 blizzard, a faithful group of Diocesan parishioners braved some flurries to attend the Christopher Dinner. The event serves as an official celebration of the Annual Catholic Appeal campaign. It also conveys the power of stewardship, as the ACA serves as a lifeline to the 25 ministries within our Diocese of Norwich. These ministries provide vital programs and services to people who have nowhere else to turn. It is through the generosity of the Christopher Society members and all Annual Catholic Appeal supporters that the work of the Church can be carried out. Together, we can move mountains. During this year of Faith and Diocesan jubilee, the Annual Catholic Appeal theme celebrates “Faith with Charity and Love.” This Christopher Dinner also gives people an opportunity to come together, share a meal, pray, and meet with Bishop Cote. Our Bishop personally conveys to those in attendance that their generous donations have helped to continue the important work that Christ asks of us – to help our brothers and sisters in need. His motto throughout his 10 years with the Diocese has been “Above All Charity.” This evening provides a wonderful opportunity to say “thank you” to the individuals who make charity a priority. In these difficult economic times, when many families are feeling the crunch of increasing prices and now, shrinking paychecks, so many continue to come forward to lend their support to others. As Christopher’s, or Christ bearers, these generous donors are acting out the Gospel through service to others. Their commitment and generosity

$1,113,125.78 of the $3,067,232.58 raised for the Annual Catholic Appeal came from members of the Christopher Society. Joining Bishop Cote (center) at his table at the Christopher Dinner (from left to right) were Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Rossi, Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Lipinksi, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gillies, Sister Rita Johnson and Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Flanagan.

helps to accomplish tremendous things in our ministries. The Annual Catholic Appeal Leadership Giving Program recognizes individuals, families and organizations that have made extraordinary gifts to the ACA. Christopher’s are those who know that the gospel ministries of “Faith with Charity and Love” extend beyond parish boundaries into the broader community and world where many needs exist. Christopher membership is a strong endorsement of the belief that local Catholics can touch the lives of thousands in need when united in spirit and stewardship through the Annual Catholic Appeal. The Catholic Church asks that we share our gifts and so many have done so in a most generous and willing fashion. It is through these donations that we are able to help a struggling family heat their home and we are able to feed a hungry family. It is through these donations that a mother without the resources to properly raise a child can turn to our Adoption Program at Catholic Charities to find that unborn child a home. It is through parishioners’ generosity that immigrants who

once faced deportation and separation from their loved ones can apply for the documentation necessary to stay in this country and live the American dream. Gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal demonstrate

“Faith with Charity and Love.” Funds raised for the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal totaled over three million dollars. The Christopher Society members pledged 36 % of this total. In these difficult

economic times, this is a remarkable and humbling number. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who come forward to pledge their generosity to the Annual Catholic Appeal.

Four County Catholic March 2013

St. Joseph Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Place Join Together To Carry On Friday Night Fish Fry Lenten Tradition Jillian Corbin, Director of St. Vincent de Paul Place, spoke for everyone involved in expressing “It By FCC News Desk

has been a pleasure to work with the parishioners of St. Joseph to make this long standing tradition

continue. The partnership of St. Joseph and St. Vincent de Paul Place is an extension of our mutual commitment to outreach to our neighbors.” St. Vincent shares the school basement space for the Friday night meal; while the fish fry volunteers welcome and have meals

available for all who attend the fish fry. It is a true example of how two laborers in God’s vineyard have come together for the common good. From the outset of St. Vincent de Paul’s still temporary relocation to the former St. Joseph School, their

one and only interest has been to feed and bring comfort to those neighbors most in need. The history of caring for one’s neighbor runs deep in both the soup kitchen and the Parish. St. Joseph Parish has been reaching out to others in need either Catholic or non-Catholic for

over 100 years at the same location on the Cliff Street hill. The togetherness demonstrated by the Church and St. Vincent de Paul ministry on the occasion of the Friday night Fish Fries is a living example of neighborly good will, parish spirit and living the faith.

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Four County Catholic March 2013

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Four County Catholic March 2013

Of Chickens and Eagles As I looked back, recently, on the experience of writing this column, it occurred to me that, even By Mary Tunison

though there have been times when I was hard-pressed to share how I found God in the everyday experience, more times than not – God found me. There have been some very significant “epiphany” moments these past few months – ones in which God has enlightened my heart and mind to know that old roads long tread were clearly no longer viable for me. Sometimes, we can walk down a specific road for a long time, pretty sure that it is the right path either because it was a childhood dream or a very strong attraction during an impressionable time in life. Such dreams can carry

a lot of influence because, tied to the roots of our past, they become imbedded and intertwined deeply within our memories. Feelings and attractions are often not enough to indicate whether or not we are on the right path. Prayer, self-knowledge and discernment are key elements. But when even these fall short to some extent, God will often step in to get us on the right track. He doesn’t want us to spend our lives going in the wrong direction. He wants to give us His best. Sometimes He will place us in a negative, lesser version of what we truly desire in order to help us realize that we want and need more out of life. For example, He might place us in a job that we intensely dislike for a while because He knows it will give us the incentive to start our own business using the real gifts and talents we

have – an endeavor we may never have had the courage to initiate otherwise. Or He might place us in a situation with some narrow, negative individuals only to prompt us to realize we need to find positive, nurturing and uplifting relationships and be that caliber of support to others.

It is often very painful at first, but once acceptance and the realization of certain truths trumps our comfort zones, it gets easier -peace follows. Sometimes, the path we initially choose, might very well be some form of what God desires for us but He is calling us to a better, broader and more

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relevant form of its existence. History has proven that those who went on to create great things often encountered multiple setbacks, rejections or failures at first or were exposed to several imperfect prototypes before realizing they were called to a different, more excellent way of expressing themselves and/or the needs of their times with a renewed sense of vision and purpose. Walt Disney was fired by his newspaper editor, who cited, “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Disney started a number of businesses that ended in failure and bankruptcy before he discovered the recipe for success. Albert Einstein, perceived as mentally handicapped because he did not speak until he or read until he was seven, was eventually expelled from school and denied admittance to the Zurich Polytechnic School. Despite these setbacks, he went on to win the Nobel Prize and transformed the face of modern physics. Isaac Newton was also acquainted with failure early in his life. When put in charge of running the family farm, he failed so miserably that an uncle stepped in and sent him off to Cambridge where he finally blossomed into one of the most widely influential scientists of all time. Many saintly men and women over the centuries formed new and vibrant communities after experiencing a growing dissatisfaction with the mediocrity and status quo of the religious clergy of their day. Often a more genuine, renewed way of life will emerge after having lived or endured heartache, failure or a more imperfect way at first. It forces one to take stock of lessons learned, what works and what does not and to see with greater clarity what will benefit from revitalization, renewal or reconnection to an original purpose. It serves to lead one to the “Holy Grail” and come to terms with what one is truly called to do in life.

They are turning points. And we arrive at these wonderful crossroads in the journey after having tread paths we think were right at the time but ended up being very wrong. Perhaps, for a time, it was the right direction God wanted us to go, if only to prompt us to discover that there is a bigger, broader, better version of the same path or an entirely different one. As the saying goes, “Sometimes the wrong roads lead to the right ones.” Often when one is on the brink of a breakthrough of some kind, a person may start to sense that they just don’t fit in with the status quo. They were made differently, wired for greater things. There is an undefined restlessness. They begin to feel like eagles in a chicken coupe – destined for more. Chickens are groupies, often focused on or squabbling over little things. They are content to live in the coupe, walking around with their eyes to the ground, endlessly scratching in the dirt for morsels to eat. Earthbound and limited by their surroundings, most of them will never fly. Eagles, on the other hand, are destined for great heights. They do not travel in flocks. They see life in a broad prospective. Responsibility, independence, stability and beauty constitute their make-up. They also sense when it is the right time to soar. Strong and courageous, they are made for elevations of which many others cannot even imagine. If you are feeling these inner rumblings, take heart. The Lord may very well be calling you to new heights . . .don’t be afraid to fly! This Lent, spend less time on insignificant things and more time in prayer, reflection and discernment about where He might be leading you. Mary Tunison works for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, and is a freelance writer, photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She can be contacted at mtunison@comcast.net.

Four County Catholic March 2013

Bobby Valentine Introduced as Sacred Heart’s New Athletic Director would respond to people who say his appointment is a joke, Valentine responded (via the Connecticut Post): “If it’s a joke, it’s an inside joke. I’m very serious about everything I do in my life. I deal with passion and commitment and I deal with excellence.” Valentine, who officially takes over July 1, apparently is not locked into his position for any set time, and he did not rule out a return to baseball.

“It’s a term that will last until it’s no longer beneficial to each other,” Valentine said of his contract with Sacred Heart, a Division 1 school in Fairfield, Conn., near his hometown of Stamford. “It’s a significant and wonderful moment for Sacred Heart University,” said Jim Barquinero, senior vice president for intercollegiate athletics and student affairs. “Bobby’s a leader and brings great energy.”

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Liberty

Catholic Bishops Ask Congress for Contraceptives Reprieve WASHINGTON - U.S. Roman Catholic bishops stepped up their battle against President Obama’s contraceptives policy by urging Congress to use its fiscal debate to free religious employers from a mandate requiring insurance coverage for birth control. In a letter to all 535 members of Congress, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore suggested two provisions to extend existing federal conscience protections to the contraceptives mandate and strengthen the ability of opponents to seek vindication in federal court. “The federal government’s respect for believers and people of conscience no longer measures up to the treatment Americans have a right to expect from their elected representatives,” wrote Lori, who chairs the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “I urge you in the strongest terms possible to incorporate the provisions ... in the upcoming legislative proposals to fund the federal government,” Lori added. The conference also plans to send out an action alert via email and text message calling on supporters across the country to visit local congressional offices. Obama’s 2010 Patient Protec-

tion and Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide health insurance coverage through group coverage plans for all contraceptives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including the so-called “morning after” pill. The archbishop’s letter underscored a growing sense of urgency among church leaders over the birth control coverage rules that are due to take effect on August 1 for religiously affiliated employers including universities, hospitals and charities. The bishops have tried several times to get Congress to act over the past year, amid numerous protests and more than 40 lawsuits by religious groups and employers. But Lori’s letter marks their first attempt to use the debates over deficit reduction, the debt limit and government funding. “To many people, this looks like the main must-pass vehicle going through Congress this year,” said Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the conference’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. The new healthcare law contains an exemption for houses of worship but has come under attack from Catholic leaders, Protestant Evangelicals and other social con-

servatives who also want religious nonprofit organizations and religious business owners exempted. The Catholic Church regards contraception as a sin and birth control products like the morningafter pill a form of abortion. In a development that could intensify the debate, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported this week that growing numbers of American women are using the morningafter pill. The Obama administration offered its opponents a compromise on February 1 by proposing new regulations that would allow religious employers to avoid paying for birth control coverage for their workers. Instead, insurers would provide the benefits free through separate coverage plans. The president of the bishops conference, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, rejected the plan as inadequate. Doerflinger said church efforts to get favorable language on contraceptives included in funding legislation follows a congressional precedent for including conscience provisions in appropriations bills in the U.S. House of Representatives. But he acknowledged that the bishops could face an uphill fight on Capitol Hill. “The pressure

Defending Our Religious Liberty The Obama administration’s accommodation for religious institutions in the dispute over the federal healthcare mandate includes a stipulation that says once a religiously-affiliated (or believing individual) employer purchases insurance (as it must by law), the insurance company – not the employer – will be responsible for contacting the insured employees to advise them that the terms of the policy cover morally objectionable procedures and medications. How does such an accommodation preserve religious freedom? Obviously, it does not. If you haven’t expressed your opposition to the federal healthcare mandate, please contact the White House at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact or call: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414.

everywhere is for just trying to address the money issues,” he said. “That’s why we need to remind

members of Congress that these issues of fundamental rights are also pending and won’t go away.”

IMMACULATA RETREAT HOUSE A Ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate 289 Windham Road, Rte. 32 Willimantic, Connecticut

Senior Renewal Day Come and join your fellow seniors on March 20 for a morning centered around the question of “Why Is There So Much Suffering?” Offering is $10.00 and includes lunch. The day begins at 9 AM.

Married Couples’ Retreat We invite married couples to join us for a blend of presentations on “Sacred Passion.” Married couples and Oblates reflect on the graces and experience of marriage. The dates are March 15-17, 2013, and the fee is $340.00 per couple.

Christian Seder Meal On Sunday, March 24, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, we are sponsoring a Christian Seder Meal as an introduction to our Sacred Triduum experiences. The cost is $20. Register early, as space is limited.

To register or for more information: Phone: 860-423-8484 E-mail: dmangum@immaculataretreat.org

Four County Catholic March 2013

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March 1517 Men’s 11th Step on the Rock

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March 2831 Journey from the Holy Thursday at the last supper to the death and resurrection of Christ on the Third day. Let the triduum lead you into a better understanding of “the real historical Jesus”.

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Four County Catholic March 2013

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.stpatscathedralschool.org Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John School, Middletown 860-347-3202 www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com

Students Reflect on Faith As we continue to celebrate the Year of Faith, universally proby Sister Mary Mark, SCMC St. Mary-St.Joseph, Willimantic

claimed by, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, our eighth grade class reflected on faith in the world and our own personal faith. Guided by questions pro-

posed by our principal, the following are a sample of responses to these questions that come from various members of the Class of 2013. We hope that these reflections will encourage our readers to consider their own faith response to the Holy Father’s call to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and with the Church.

Q. What does the word “faith” mean to you? A. The word faith has many meanings. To me it means the unconditional belief and love in something or someone that you cannot see, feel or hear. (James D.) Faith means going to church, celebrating the Eucharist and believing in my re-

ligion. (Olin G.) It is the belief in something more than what you know, believing without seeing. (Vanessa S.) To me faith is having the confidence in God and your fellowman to admit your deepest sins without worry of judgment; it is placing your trust in someone other than Students Reflect Cont. on page 22

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

St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org

Four County Catholic March 2013

Students Reflect Continued from page 21 yourself. (David L.) Q. What does your faith mean to you? A. My faith means trusting my life with God and believing in Him. (Brittany C.) Faith, to me, means to believe in the one true God who gave His Son to die for us. It is living your life for Jesus with a strong belief no matter what anyone says. (Kienan G.) My faith is very special to me. Every Sunday I go to church and I always try to pray even if I don’t want to. (Luc P.) What my faith means to me is having trust and patience with God when difficult events happen in my life. My faith means everything to me. (Azaria R.) My faith is not being afraid to follow the word of God. (Seth P.) My faith is my religion and to me it is to help me fulfill my purpose on earth by being the best I can be and by helping others. (Vanessa V.) My faith means I am

a child of God. It means I am called to do something for Jesus because He gave His life for me. (Caitlin P.) Q. Why do you think Pope Benedict XVI called the Christian people to a Year of Faith? A. We have steered away from our paths to God. This year is a year for seeking redemption. (Seth P.) Society is moving away from God with all of its daily activities. The Pope wants to pull us back to God and reality. (Kienan G.) Too many Christians are straying from the Church. (Sean P.) Many people have lost their way on the path to eternal life. (Mariya B.) I think the Pope noticed that in many people’s lives there is a hole that needs to be filled and it was overdue, so now this is the year to begin to be more faithful. (Vanessa V.) The Pope felt as though the love for God was fading. By calling this Year of Faith

he might be able to help people replenish their love for God. (Brittany C.) Q. What do you think is the best way to live out your faith? A. ...to be thankful, respectful, helpful, serving and following the Ten Commandments. (Vanessa V.) ...by going to church and receiving the Eucharist and by avoiding meanness, gossiping and swearing. (Mariya B.) ...by spreading God’s word to those who are not close to God. It is our mission as God’s servants to become saints. (Seth P.) ...by going to church and by participating in the sacraments. (James D.) ...by thanking God for having every day and for having us in His hands. (Luc P.) ...by being a herald and living like Jesus was standing next to you every second of your life. (Brittany C.) The simplest thing that I can think of to live out my faith is to be a Christian exam-

ple for others so that they can, in turn, be an example to more “others.” In that way I can change the lives of persons whom I have never met. (David L.) Q. What can you do to help people in your life live out their faith? A. Invite people to church events, mass, community service and find other ways to help them to make their faith grow. (Azaria R.) Be a role model and show others how you live out your faith. (Brittany C.) I would encourage them by showing what a better person you are when you have faith within you. (Caitlin P.) I would tell people that it is okay to practice your faith and not to care what people think of you. (Luc P.) I could be a kind of missionary and show people the faith and pray for them. (Seth P.) I could invite the m to worship with me and do community service

with me. (Mariya B.) I can help them be a better person. (Olin G.) The only thing I am capable of doing is helping bring them closer to God, but the rest is their choice. (Vanessa V.) Q. If you were on the stage of the world and you were asked to give a testimony of God in your life, what would you want to tell the world? A. I would want the world to know that God is the most important person in my life. (James D.) Even though we cannot see Him, we know God is there. He is our best friend. He gives His undivided attention to all of us. (Vanessa S.) I would tell the people that life is a road trip with heaven as our destination and that going to church is as simple as filling up on gas. How will you ever get to your destination without stopping for gas once and a while? (David L.)

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Saint Joseph School Earns NAEYC Accreditation North Grosvenordale- The National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] By Meredith Morrison Office of Communications

has awarded St. Joseph Preschool with an NAEYC accreditation. NAEYC is the largest nonprofit association in the United States representing early childhood education. The organization was founded in 1926 and dedicated to improving the well-being of young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC has led the way toward excellence in high-quality early care and education. NAEYC accredits early childhood programs according to health, safety and education standards. They provide many different programs and resources to assist professionals who work to educate young children. In a collaborative effort with Thompson Public Schools, St Joseph Preschool has been taking part in a readiness grant. This

grant funds a certain number of children to attend school at a much reduced tuition rate. In order to continue to participate in the grant program and rec e i v e funding, both St. Joseph and Thompson Public Schools must be NAEYC accredited. To continue as part of the early childhood collaborative with the town, St. Joseph started the process of applying for accreditation; it took three years to com-

plete. The school was officially notified in early February that they achieved their goal and would once again be part of the program for the 2013-2014 school year. St. Joseph Preschool has earned a truly prestigious award. Congratulations to Principal Sharon Briere, who in thanking all involved at St. Joseph and the NAECY, noted that “It is a pleasure working with people who share the common goal of making things better for the kids.”

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Four County Catholic March 2013

Principal named for regional Catholic school in Middletown MIDDLETOWN - St. Mary School Principal Kathleen Peck will become the principal at the Reprint from the Middletown Press

city’s new joint Catholic school. The announcement was made Friday by Edward J. Shine, superintendent of schools of the Diocese of Norwich, which oversees all Catholic schools in Middletown. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, announced in January that St. John School and St. Mary of Czestochowa School in Middle-

town would be combined into a school called Blessed John Paul II Regional PreK-8 School. The school will serve all families in the greater Middletown area who wish to have their children receive a PreK-8 Catholic education, according to a statement from the diocese. The new school will be housed in the current St. Mary School building, centrally located on South Main Street in Middletown. It is scheduled to open July 1. Prior to her tenure at St. Mary’s, Peck was the principal of St. Joseph

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School in Rockville. She started at St. Mary’s in the fall of 2012, but has 35 years of experience in teaching. Peck started as an elementary school music teacher and has worked to improve faith-based education, technology and communication since she started at the Middletown school. Peck has a B.A. degree in English from Southern Nazarene University, an M.Ed. degree from Cambridge College, a Certificate of Advanced Study from Regent University, and she completed graduate study in Christian School Leadership at Regent University, according to the diocese. Shine also announced that there will be a part-time associate principal position, focusing on the Kathleen Peck, the newly installed principal at St. Mary of Czestochowa transition of the two schools into School. The school, one of two Catholic elementary schools in Middletown one, enrollment recruitment, de- is celebrating it’s one hundred anniversary this year. Catherine Avalone/The Middletown Press velopment and advancement of the school’s mission and long range cese at the time said that was not a cipals and support staff to apply for planning to strengthen regional viable option. St. Sebastian School a position at the new regional participation in Catholic educa- closed later that year, and the school. tion. This position will be posted building will now become the city’s The Rev. Richard Sliwinski, pasand filled as quickly as possible, he new senior center after the city tor of St. Mary of Czestochowa said. bought it for $800,000 from the Parish, will be the spiritual leader Most Catholic schools in the diocese. of the new school. area have struggled with a decrease The diocese said in its January Each of the 10 parishes in the in enrollment in recent years. A statement that a transitional plan Middletown Deanery would merger of St. Sebastian, St. John in Middletown would provide the begin, on a scaled basis, to conand St. Mary schools was discussed opportunity for current St. Mary tribute to the new regional school in the spring of 2009, but the dio- and St. John School teachers, prin- in 2014, the statement said.

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CT RWDC Champions shown with Governors Cup (L-R) moderator Michael Humphreys `04, Mark Breault `13 (Ivoryton), Zach Ziobrowski `13 (Cheshire), John Reidy `13 (Northford), Mario Chris `13 (Storrs), Tyler Cusack `13 (Clinton), Jeff Witz `13 (New Britain), and Brian Wilcox `14 (Marlborough)

Xavier Engineering Team Captures Fourth Consecutive State Championship Will again represent Connecticut at the national competition in Washington DC in April... Middletown, CT, February 1, 2013: Yesterday, the Xavier Engineering Team participated in the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) for the 5th year in a row. The team of 6 seniors and 1 junior competed against 7 other teams from around the state and was chosen as the State Champions after the team presented their final design at the state competition held at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. In this design competition, teams compete against other teams within the state with the hope to be chosen to represent the state at the national competition in Washington, DC.

This will be Xavier’s 4th consecutive year representing Connecticut at the national competition. The National challenge will be in April. In 2011 the team was named National Aviation Challenge Champions. Principal Brendan Donohue announced the victory this morning during morning announcements and congratulated all the team members. Xavier’s 2012-13 Aviation Engineering Team members are: Mario Chris `13 (Storrs), Tyler Cusack `13 (Clinton), Zach Ziobrowski `13 (Cheshire), Jeff Witz `13 (New Britain), John Reidy `13 (Northford), Mark Breault `13

(Ivoryton), Brian Wilcox `14 (Marlborough) and team moderator Michael Humphreys `04 who also teaches Mathematics and Science at Xavier. The team is pictured just inside the Xavier foyer with Mario Chris holding the Governor’s Cup which will remain with the school for another year. The State Challenge was to design a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), which includes one or more fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and to develop a business plan in support of commercial applications based on a specified mission scenario.

For information please call Tom Kenny - General Agent, at (860) 434-7002 or email: thomas.kenny@kofc.org

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Four County Catholic March 2013

26th Anniversary Catholic Schools Week Art Exhibit:

Raise the Standard

Hosted by Saint Bernard School, Visual Arts Department Catholic Schools Week 2013 was celebrated January 27 through February 2, 2013. This year’s celeSubmitted Susan Griffin Director of Communications, St. Bernard School

bration, appropriately titled “Catholic Schools: Raise the Standards”, was a time for our entire Diocesan Family to celebrate the talents and excellence of our young people in Catholic Education. At Saint Bernard School, this year also marks the 26th Anniversary Catholic Schools Week Art Exhibit. To commemorate the “Twenty-six years of Art and Faith-

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Filled Arts Exhibit”, the art department once again hosted elementary and secondary school students’ artwork in our Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, D.D., Fine Arts Center. The exhibit ran from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm daily, January 28 – February 8, 2013. This event showcased the students’ hard work and creative expression as a part of this noteworthy anniversary celebration. All pieces were original student work. Schools that participated in the exhibition included, St. Joseph, Baltic; St. James, Danielson; Sacred Heart, Groton; St. Joseph, New London; St. Patrick Cathedral,

Norwich; St. John, Old Saybrook; Sacred Heart, Taftville; St. Mary – St. Joseph, Willimantic; Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic; Mercy High School, Middletown; Saint Bernard, Uncasville; and Mount St. John, Deep River. In addition to exhibiting student artwork, schools were invited to bring students to visit the exhibit and/or to participate in an art lesson. On January 30th, Mrs. Paula Hebb’s third grade class from Sacred Heart, Taftville, was hosted by Saint Bernard art teachers, Mr. David Belval and Mrs. Patti Kelley, who taught the students how to make pinch pots from clay. The ‘prayer pots’ are made for remembrance and celebrating a special person in the life of the children, i.e. their mom, dad or grandparent. The students are instructed to form items that are characteristic of that person that can be noted in the design. Students from Saint Bernard art classes assisted the visitors from Sacred Heart to share their talents and experience with clay design. “This year’s exhibit of colorful, fun-loving drawings and 3-D projects, are varied experiences in design. It is a strong reflection of the visual creativity within our community,” noted Art Director, David Belval.

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Did You Know? March 17

St. Patrick’s Day. Wear green and tell someone about God’s evergreen love.

March 24

Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Decide with your family what Holy day services to attend and what to do to remember Jesus died for you.

March 31

by Karen H Whiting

Easter Sunday! Jesus is risen! Rise up early and thank Jesus for giving believers life forever in heaven.

The Pope and Smoke Signals Pope Benedict XVI decided it’s time to retire and let someone else be chosen to lead the Catholic Church. This is amazing. It has been over 600 years since a Pope stepped down. Most popes remain as pope until they die. What is a pope and how is one chosen. The Pope is the leader of the church. Ever since Jesus left and told Peter he has the keys of the kingdom, there has been a leader. The word Pope comes from the Latin word papa and does mean daddy. The Pope is our father on earth and loves all Catholic people as his children. Pope Benedict XVI prayed and believes his health is too poor for him to remain Pope. He will continue to pray for all Catholics everywhere and he will continue to write about God. He has written a number of books already. The cardinals choose the Pope. There are 115 cardinals who come together in what is called a conclave. Conclave means secret meeting. The cardinals meet in private and never talk about how they chose the new pope. They write their chose on paper and they are collected and the voting is done until they agree on the new Pope. After each vote the papers are burned and Smoke comes out of the chimney. When no one receives enough votes straw is mixed with the papers and the smoke is black. Once the choice is made only the papers are burned and white smoke comes out of the chimney. Then there is a big ceremony when the Pope is crowned. There have been nine popes in the last 100 years. Pray for the cardinals to make the choice God wants for Pope and pray for the people who are Catholic. It’s a big change. Watch the news to see what happens. Learn about the new Pope once he is chosen.

Celebrate God’s Love Booklet Jesus came to save us. He loves us so much. Make this booklet as a reminder of his love. Make another for a friend. Materials and Preparation: Fold 4 sheets of paper in half and staple to make a booklet. Supplies: band aid, red paper, cotton balls, birthday candle, foil stars, canceled postage stamps, glue, scissors, and markers. 1. On the cover write, “God Shows Love Through Jesus.” 2. Write the words in quotes in the book. Follow the art directions. Page 1: “God sent Jesus from heaven above to teach me all about His great love.” Art: cut and glue 6 red hearts to form a cross shape. Page 2: “No matter where we’re from, Jesus says, “Let the children come.” Art: Glue on postage stamps. If possible, add some from other countries. Page 3: “I don’t ever have to worry. Do you know why? Because Jesus is with me, anywhere under the sky.” Art: Draw stars. Add the foil star stickers. Page 4: “Jesus is my Good Shepherd. I’m His lamb, it says so in His Word.” Art: Glue on 2 cotton balls for a lamb’s body. Draw legs and head. Page 5: “When I am sad, hurt, or sick, Jesus helps me get well quick.” Art: Glue on band aid. Draw a happy face. Page 6: “I’m not afraid day or night, because Jesus is my light.” Art: Glue on candle. 3. Write your name on the back of the book.

Four County Catholic March 2013

How a New Pope is Chosen The voting by cardinals to elect the next pope takes place behind the locked doors of the Sistine By John Thavis Catholic News Service

Chapel, following a highly detailed procedure last revised by Pope Benedict XVI. Under the rules, secret ballots can be cast once on the first day of the conclave, then normally twice during each subsequent morning and evening session. Except for periodic pauses, the voting continues until a new pontiff is elected. Only cardinals under the age of 80 when the “sede vacante,” or the period between the death or lawful resignation of one pope and the election of his successor, begins are eligible to enter the conclave and vote for the next pope. In theory, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope, but current church law says he must become a bishop before taking office; since the 15th century, the electors always have chosen a fellow cardinal. Each vote begins with the preparation and distribution of paper ballots by two masters of ceremonies, who are among a handful of noncardinals allowed into the chapel at the start of the session. Then the names of nine voting cardinals are chosen at random: three to serve as “scrutineers,” or voting judges; three to collect the votes of any sick cardinals who remain in their quarters at the Domus Sanctae Marthae; and three “revisers” who check the work of the scrutineers. The paper ballot is rectangular. On the top half is printed the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as the most high pontiff ”), and the lower half is blank for the writing of the name of the person chosen. After all the noncardinals have left the chapel, the cardinals fill out their ballots secretly, legibly, and fold them twice. Meanwhile, any ballots from sick cardinals are collected and brought back to the chapel. Each cardinal then walks to the altar, holding up his folded ballot so it can be seen, and says aloud: “I call as my witness Christ the Lord

who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.” He places his ballot on a plate, or paten, and then slides it into a receptacle, traditionally a large chalice. When all the ballots have been cast, the first scrutineer shakes the receptacle to mix them. He then transfers the ballots to a new urn, counting them to make sure they correspond to the number of electors. The ballots are read out. Each of the three scrutineers examines each ballot one by one, with the last scrutineer calling out the name on the ballot, so all the cardinals can record the tally. The last scrutineer pierces each ballot with a needle through the word “Eligo” and places it on a thread, so they can be secured. After the names have been read out, the votes are counted to see if someone has obtained a two-thirds majority needed for election. The revisers then double-check the work of the scrutineers for possible mistakes.

At this point, any handwritten notes made by the cardinals during the vote are collected for burning with the ballots. If the first vote of the morning or evening session is inconclusive, a second vote normally follows immediately, and the ballots from both votes are burned together at the end. If a conclave has not elected a pope after 13 days, the cardinals pause for a day of prayer, reflection and dialogue, then move to a runoff election between the two cardinals who obtained the most votes on the previous ballot. The two leading cardinals do not vote in the runoff ballots, though they remain in the Sistine Chapel. When a pope is elected, the ballots are burned immediately. By tradition, the ballots are burned dry—or with chemical additives— to produce white smoke when a pope has been elected; they are burned with damp straw or other chemicals to produce black smoke when the voting has been inconclusive.

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Four County Catholic March 2013

Dear Editor, Four Cou My purpose in writing share with you a need t countered while visiti sponsored children i Lorenzo (Boaco), Nic this past Christmas. While there, I vis Lorenzo Church to pr and to participate in th brations including a streets of the village i Sacrament. This beaut San Lorenzo and the p spiration and guidance

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It was brought to my sonorous church bells t ley “disappeared” one d ers of inferior quality. The existing bells do not resonate or carry the peals of the bells the distance they once did. As a result, the local people are not alerted as they once were to the important hours of the day for Mass or the Angelus. I had occasion to be nearby the church one evening when I heard the bells ringing. I had initially thought that there was to be a “special Mass”; however, when I arrived I saw that a truck had crashed into the courtyard adjacent to the church. The bells had sounded and there the men of the village were gathering, discussing and implementing measures to extricate the truck from the wall and fencing surrounding a portion of the courtyard. My part in all of this is to convey to Four County Catholic readers, the need for two church bells that will recapture the carrying sound of the original bells so that the village and church of San Lorenzo can return to its former glory. If you would like to help, please contact Sam Matos at 860-4659061 or email me at samueldasilvamatos62@gmail.com and I will see that Father Sergio Aleman, the pastor at San Lorenzo church in Nicaragua becomes informed of it. Sincerely, Samuel Matos

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