Four County Catholic March 2017

FOUR COUNTY

Lent

CATHOLIC

Our faith calls us to action

Serving The Counties Of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, Windham, CT & Fishers Island, NY Volume 29 • Number 3 • March 2017

norwichdiocese.org

Repentance, Grace and Renewal

FOUR COUNTY

In this Issue

CATHOLIC

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“The basis for all Catholic Charities’ activity is the dignity of the human person.”

Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, summarizing the essence of ministry service to others.

MICHAEL R. COTE. D.D.

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

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Serving The Counties Of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, Windham, CT & Fishers Island, NY

­Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

Four County

Our DIOCESE

BISHOP OF NORWICH

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“He went about doing good.”

Acts 10:38

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“They taught me that with God in my life, and by doing what I can to help other people, I will have a happy life.”

Patrick Cote, Grade 7, Sacred Heart School, Taftville, appreciating the wisdom of his grandparents, Joe and Noreen Gravel.

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“We pray before meals and snacks.”

Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Henry Fiore, Jr. describing the faith-building practice of prayer in our Catholic schools – even before snacks.

“When I’m out working in the garden, I feel like I am tending the garden and the garden is tending me.God is tending me.”

Sister Amy, a Sister of St. Joseph, recognizing the spirituality of working the soil and connecting to Pope Francis’ simple living principles of ‘Laudato Si.’

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My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is hard to imagine a time of more intense public division over issues of national governance, morality, social justice, personal freedom, the sanctity of life and even the preservation of the earth our common home. These are times that bring us to a deep realization of the strength of faith.

We realize that however polarized the politics of the day may be, the ministry of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is consistent, universal and allembracing.

At turbulent times like these, it helps to remind ourselves that the Church as a community of faith is a living missionary body. We are here to serve others, as Christ continuously inspires us to do. In the remarkably efficient words of Saint Peter describing Jesus as our model -- "He went about doing good." (Acts 10:38). How perfectly simple and powerful a message. This remains our aspiration, whatever the challenges of this increasingly complex world. We are here to serve.

Here to love. Here to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. This is our universal calling. This is the path to a fulfilling life. It is toward this mission that "our faith calls us to action."

I am looking forward to attending the annual diocesan Ministry Fair this weekend. For a few hours under one roof, representatives of twenty five diocesan ministries, volunteers, sponsors, donors, clergy advisors and friends of the diocese will have an opportunity to recognize each other's extraordinary call to action. It is always a reawakening, even to those of us so close to the full network of ministries, to see the breadth of services and kindness provided to those most in need. This would include our extended diocesan mission in Haiti, the poorest of all countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Gathered together at this event of thanksgiving and renewed commitment will be your dedicated Catholic Charities team who provide social and behavioral health service, food and shelter, immigration assistance and life counseling support to thousands of our neighbors each year. Also represented will be the St. Vincent de Paul missions in Norwich and Middletown who feed the hungry and help find shelter for those on the edge of being homeless. Other vital ministries such as the Catholic Foundation and the Diocesan School Office will be recognized as being right there on the front lines helping make a quality education accessible to

as many young people in the diocese as possible. Here is an opportunity as well to appreciate how the Hispanic Ministry helps reach out in so many ways to the growing Hispanic and Latino population in the diocese and in the Universal Church. The ministry list is long and gratifying.

We are immensely grateful to every contributor to the Annual Catholic Appeal for supporting so many ways to show our love of neighbor. We are blessed to have so many at work trying to follow the Christian example to "go about doing good."

Lent is now upon us. The spirit of sacrifice, so central to this Holy Season, provides a fitting connection to the giving efforts of all engaged in lifting lives. Somewhere within our considerable geography as a diocese, there is an expectant mother faced with the decision of her life and the life of her unborn child; somewhere unseen to most of us is an elderly person whose loneliness is calling to us -- and we will answer that call thanks to your kindness and compassion as an ACA contributor; somewhere is a neighbor you may know, but have no idea they are in need of food or utility assistance to survive the winter. The ministries you support reach those who might otherwise be left in crisis, unnoticed

in their time of need. Your generosity is a life-saver for many neighbors you will never meet. Please never for a second underestimate the good you do for others. May God bless you for your sacrifice and your strength of faith.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, speaks of Lent as a “favorable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ.”

God bless your good and faithful service to one another. Thank you profoundly for opening so many doors and helping so many.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Michael R. Cote

March 2017

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

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CATHOLIC

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY “Andaba haciendo el bien.”

March 2017

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

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Es difícil imaginar un momento más intenso de división política sobre cuestiones de gobierno, moralidad, justicia social, libertad personal, la santidad de la vida e incluso la preservación del planeta. Estos son tiempos que nos llevan a una profunda realización de la fuerza de la fe. Nos damos cuenta de que, no importa lo polarizada que la política del día sea, el ministerio de Nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo es consistente, universal y abarca todo.

En momentos turbulentos como estos, nos ayuda a recordar que la iglesia como comunidad de fe es un cuerpo misionero vivo. Estamos aquí para servir a otros, como continuamente Cristo nos inspira a hacer. En las palabras notablemente eficientes de San Pedro describiendo a Jesús como nuestro modelo“Andaba haciendo el bien.” (Hechos 10:38). Qué mensaje tan simple y potente. Cualquiera que sean los desafíos de este mundo cada vez más complicado, ésta sigue siendo nuestra aspiración. Estamos aquí para servir.

Aquí para amar. Aquí para amar a Dios y amar a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos. Este es nuestro llamado universal. Este es el camino hacia una vida plena. Es hacia esta

misión que “nuestra fe nos llama a la acción.”

Estoy deseando asistir esta semana a la exposición anual del Ministerio Diocesano. Durante unas horas bajo un mismo techo, representantes de los veinticinco ministerios diocesanos, voluntarios, patrocinadores, donantes, consejeros de clero y amigos de la diócesis tendrán la oportunidad de reconocer mutuamente el extraordinario llamado a la acción.

Siempre está despertando, incluso a aquellos de nosotros tan cerca de la red completa de ministerios, para ver la amplitud de los servicios y la bondad proporcionada a los más necesitados. Esto incluiría nuestra amplia misión diocesana en Haiti, la más pobre de todos los países del Hemisferio Occidental.

Reunidos en este evento de acción de gracias y de compromiso renovado estará su dedicado equipo de Caridades Católicas que brindan servicios de Salud social y de comportamiento, comida y refugio, ayuda de inmigración y apoyo psicológico a miles de nuestros vecinos cada año. También estarán representadas las misiones de San Vicente de Paul en Norwich y Middletown quienes alimentan a los que pasan hambre y ayudan a encontrar refugio a aquellos al borde de perder sus hogares. Otros

Hechos 10-38

ministerios vitales como la Fundación Católica y la Oficina de la Escuela Diocesana, serán reconocidas como las que están al frente ayudando a que sea accessible una educación de calidad al mayor número posible de jóvenes de la diócesis. También esta es una oportunidad para apreciar como el Ministerio Hispano ayuda a llegar de muchas maneras a la creciente población Hispana y Latina en la diócesis y en la iglesia Universal. La lista de los ministerios es larga y gratificante.

Estamos inmensamente agradecidos a todos los contribuyentes a la Campaña Anual Católica por hacer tantas maneras posibles para demostrar nuestro amor al prójimo.

Tenemos la bendición de tener a tantos en el trabajo tratando de seguir el ejemplo Cristiano de “hacer el bi en.”

La Cuaresma ahora está sobre nosotros. El espíritu de sacrificio, tan central en esta temporada santa, proporciona una conexión apropiada a los esfuerzos de entrega de todos los involucrados en levantar vidas.

En alguna parte dentro de nuestra considerable geografía como diócesis, hay una madre expectante frente a la decisión de su vida y la vida de su niño no nacido; En algún lugar no visto por la mayoría de nosotros hay una persona de edad

Journey to the foot of the Cross

avanzada cuya soledad nos está llamando-y vamos a responder a esa llamada gracias a su bondad y compasión como un contribuyente de ACA; En algún lugar hay un vecino que usted puede conocer pero usted no tiene idea de que está en necesidad de comida o asistencia con los servicios de utilidades para sobrevivir el invierno. Estos ministerios que usted apoya llegan a los que de otro modo podrian quedar en crisis. Su generosidad es un salvavidas para muchos vecinos que nunca conocerá.

Por favor, nunca por un segundo subestime el bien que hace por los demás. Que Dios le bendiga por su sacrificio y su fuerza de fe.

Su Santidad, el Papa Francisco, habla de la Cuaresma como “una época favorable para abrir las puertas a todos los necesitados y reconocer en ellos el rostro de Cristo.”

Dios bendiga su servicio bueno y fiel a los otros. Gracias profundamente por abrir tantas puertas y ayudar a tantos.

CATHOLIC

VOCATIONS CORNER

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE. D.D.

Four County

Our DIOCESE FATHER GREGORY GALVIN, DIRECTOR OF PRIESTLY VOCATIONS

Make the Commitment This Lent

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n March 1, 2017, for all the Christian world, Lent began. A time as many know of prayer, sacrifice, fasting and abstinence. Over the years in many different homilies I have often made the analogy that what spring training is for major league baseball players, Lent is for us as Christians and Catholics. It is a time to put ourselves in much better condition for who we are as sons and daughters of God, baptized and sent into the world to bear the light we received at baptism, the light of Christ. both look back 2:25 at PM New VocationsMar FCCTo 2017_Layout 1 2/23/2017

our lives as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, recognize our failings, our struggles, and our level of commitment to being the best we can be by taking this time of Lent to really focus on working on our relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Why? It begins with the words we find in the Letter of James: 5:12,

"But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no that you may not fall under condemnation."

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

(860) 887-9294

www.God-Calls.com

March 16, 2017 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saints peter & Paul, Norwich

Sinceramente en Cristo,

April 20, 2017 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saint Mary, Willimantic

We Pray for our seminarians

Obispo Michael R. Cote Normand Laflamme 2nd Year PreTheology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburh, MD

Michael Bovino 1st Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Jacob ramos 1st Year PreTheology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Dharen Brochero 2nd Year English Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

Frank Gilbert 3rd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Rev. Mr. Ron Blank 3rd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Lawrence Barile.

1st Year PreTheology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Michael Castiblanco 2nd Year English Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

There are two important words in this quotation that struck me as having two acronyms that are really important. I offer them to you to consider as you commit yourself to living the Lenten season, or not.

"Let your yes be yes and your no be no that you may not fall under condemnation".

First the acronym for no, Not Open. When we say no to God, either in the person of the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit it is simply our expression of Not Being Open to the will of God. If we are going to say no, fine but we must realize what we are saying no too. This brings us to the acronym for yes. Your Eternal Salvation.

When the apostles asked Jesus to teach them to pray, it was not by accident that Jesus taught them to pray the Our Father and that included in this most powerful prayer are the words, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven".

Lent, is a time for each of us to renew our Yes to God. It is a reminder to us of God's unconditional love which brings to us through the gift of the incarnation of His Son, our Lord and Savior, the gift also of His Divine Mercy. Each time we receive the sacrament of reconciliation we get to renew our Yes to God. Having fallen, we get to stand up again with the help of God's love to start again. We must

Jesus is condemned to death.

remember that we are not a people walking aimlessly through the world.

We have a purpose, we are loved, we are redeemed, we have been given a new destination, a new goal to live for. We should not be living for the things of this world but for the world we were ultimately created for. The world of eternity. Life with God.

Lent is our forty days of recommitting ourselves to our unique and personal relationship with the God who holds us in existence through His love for us. Our life as sons and daughters of God is not easy and therefore our Lenten exercises are not easy. In the same way any athlete looks at the endless hours of practice, the monotony of constant drills in practice, the sacrifice of time in order to perfect their craft, as does any artist, musician, or specialist in other fields, so must we determine to be all in for our relationship with God when we say yes. When we say yes, we want to remember first why we are saying it, because we want Life Eternal with God.

March 2017

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“Our Faith Calls US To ACTION”!

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he theme for the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal is “Our Faith Calls US to ACTION”. Each month we will feature someone who supports our Diocesan Ministries by following this motto.

March 2017

Shortly before Joseph Pelliccio retired, around July of 2014, he began volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich (SVdPP). He started by working about 3 hours each month on the second Saturday since that was the only weekend time slot available.

After retirement, Joseph increased the time he spends helping SVdPP, assisting in many aspects of this ministry’s daily mission. Joseph took time out of his schedule to talk to us about his volunteerism: 1. In what areas of SVdPP do you volunteer and what do those activities entail?

“I currently work in several areas.

I help in the food pantry, distributing food for families. I also try to stop in and help unload the trucks and stock the shelves when I have time. The client base has increased substantially from year to year. Under the direction of Pantry Director, Daniel Lamphere, all families are accommodated. I help Dan in any way that I can.”

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Volunteer – Joseph Pelliccio

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Our DIOCESE

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On St. Patricks Day - March 17, 2017 -

“In my previous job as an analyst, I was required to write reports. I thought that this was a skill that might be useful in Grant Writing. I volunteered to assist our Grant Writer, Martha Murphy, with the grant writing.

I have been able to help on some of the grants with proof reading or writing rough drafts whenever asked.

Additionally, when I have time, I also help the person in charge of bookkeeping, Corinne Kelly. My tasks are primarily data entry.”

“I have made myself available to assist the Director, Jillian Corbin, on special projects. I have worked to review contracts regarding repair work. I have also assisted when asked to negotiate various other agreements with financial institutions.”

2. Why do you volunteer?

“I volunteer because I knew that I wanted to have something fulfilling to do after I retired. I always felt that no one should go hungry in a country like ours. I had donated food to Saint Vincent de Paul Place in the past and thought that it might be a good place

to spend my time.

Once I started, I found that SVdPP did a lot of good work, and I could not find a better group of people with whom to spend my time.”

3. What do you enjoy most about your current volunteer role(s)?

“I get a great deal of satisfaction in helping to reduce hunger in my community. I am constantly humbled by the staff and volunteers working here (SVdPP). Many of them have many more years here than I do. However, their dedication and commitment is undiminished and infectious.”

4. If someone were to ask you why they should volunteer in the Diocese what would you tell them?

“I often hear of retirees who are bored. They have too much time and not enough to do. When I suggest that they volunteer, they are concerned that it is too much of a commitment of time. I would suggest they find something that interests them. The Diocese has a ministry for just about any interest. All of them are sorely in need of volunteers. I started with a commitment of three hours a month. They were happy to get that little bit of time from me. It was my decision to expand the time that I spend here. So, essentially, someone could

Journey to the foot of the Cross

volunteer for as long as they want and know that they are helping in an area that they think needs some help.”

5. Has there ever been one particular event or outcome that has occurred as part of your volunteering that has made you realize it’s truly worth your time and effort? If so what was that event/outcome?

“My goal was to see that no one goes hungry in our country. I was concerned that we waste too much food while people don’t get enough to eat. I have been able to see, first hand, that we are able to redistribute food that might otherwise end up in a landfill. It is going to feed people who can use it. This is especially true of baked goods and cosmetically challenged produce. I have also witnessed prior clients of our pantry now working at various establishments in the community. Part of my goal was to help people who were temporarily disadvantaged by economic challenges get back on their feet. It is really satisfying when I can see that happen.”

Thank you Joseph Pelliccio from all of us here at the Diocese of Norwich for your volunteerism. You are truly appreciated! Volunteers are vital to our ministries that are supported by the time, talent and treasures of people in our Diocese. Your support and the support of others allows our ministries to continue their service to our community. Thank you for hearing and responding to: “Our Faith Calls US To ACTION”!

wishing you...

God's wisdom to guide you, God's hand to guard you, God's sheild to protect you.

May you always be surrounded by Gods Love.

The Foundation Of Catholic Charities

By Edward J. Tessman

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one that is often told and used to not only describe the foundation of Catholic Charities agencies but is also used to support the strategic priorities that are identified by agencies around the United States. We are 1 of more than 160 agencies across the county that faithfully serve the unique needs of communities in 2,631 different locations.

I recently returned from the Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering with a gift. A gift from Sr. Donna Markham OP, PhD, President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA. It was a newly published work, Poor for the Poor: The Mission of the Church (Muller, 2016). It has been quite a reflective read of essays surrounding the Liberating Mission of the Church and the Evangelizing Mission of the Church from Latin America to the Universal Church. Interestingly enough, reference is made to the story of the Good Samaritan and how it has served as a model for spirituality and one that continues

to forge spirituality today.

At Catholic Charities, we labor in the streets inviting and serving those who have been left out, to know and experience the tremendous and abundant love of God through Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to break down walls of division that keep sisters and brothers separated from one another, excluded, or rendered disposable by our society. With joy, we resolve to build bridges of hope, mercy and justice toward the creation of a culture of care responsive to the cries of those who are poor.

Pope Francis says that our human poverty invites us to humility and intricately connects us to our sisters and brothers. We are inspired to think about our sacred mission to organize love as the local Catholic Charities office representing the ministry of the Bishop of Norwich in the Church’s work in charity and justice.

We are Catholic Charities.

Way of the Cross

A public procession of scripture and prayer Friday, April 14 • 6:00PM Chelsea Parade, Norwich

Jesus carries his cross.

March 2017

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The Diocese of Norwich Moves Forward with V Encuentro

CATHOLIC

Sister Mary Jude, SCMC

n the first Sunday of Lent, the V Encuentro process began in full swing in the parishes of St. Mary, Clinton; St. Mary, New London; St. Mary, Norwich; St. Francis, Middletown; and Sagrado Corazon, Windham. The V Encuentro, a priority activity in the USCCB Strategic Plan 2017-2020, is a four-year process of reflection and action that invites Catholics in the United States to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development, and identification of best ministerial practices, in the spirit of the New Evangelization.

The heart of the program is 5 sessions of reflection, consultation and missionary activity which take place in the parish. At these sessions participants are prepared to go out to proclaim the Joy of the Gospel as Missionary Disciples: witnesses of God’s Love. In the Diocese of Norwich, 502 parishioners are taking part in this Lenten experience. Every week for 5 weeks, these Missionary Disciples will be in their communities, reaching out to others, discerning their needs, and engaged in spreading the Joy of the Gospel in intentional and specific ways.

The evangelization process follows the method

that Jesus himself teaches us in the Emmaus story (Lk. 24), a method of attentive listening to the needs of others, accompanying them on their journey, and responding to their needs. The themes of the sessions are taken from Art. 24 of Pope

Francis’ Apostolic Letter – The Joy of the Gospel.

There the Holy Father challenges those of us in the pews to become communities with eyes open to really see who are not in the pews and hearts ready to respond to their needs. This requires communities to: 1) take the first step to reach out to others, 2) get involved in their lives in a spirit of missionary discipleship, 3) accompany them on the journey, 4) produce fruits of new life, and 5) celebrate what has been in achieved through the grace of God and the action of the Holy Spirit.

After Easter and before June 30, at a date set

by the parish, there will be a parish gathering – Parish Encuentro – to evaluate the experience and synthesize the findings, so as to make recommendations and plans for the parish going forward, in the spirit of being a welcoming and missionary community. These discussions and reflections will then move to the diocesan level, then the regional level, finally culminating in a national gathering that will take place in Texas, Sept, 2018. From this experience will come recommendations to be implemented at each of the levels.

Our baptism calls us to be missionary disciples and to share the joy of the Gospel. We all do that in one way or another, most often indirectly.

The V Encuentro calls us to become intentional missionary disciples, to take up Pope Francis’ challenge to be a Church with its doors wide open so that its members go out into their neighborhoods and transform it by their presence. During this Lent, each week, 502 parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich will be doing that in very specific and intentional ways.

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La Diócesis de Norwich Sigue Adelante Con el V Encuentro

Sister Mary Jude, SCMC

l primer domingo de Cuaresma, el proceso del V Encuentro se inició de a plenitud en las parroquias de Sta. María, Clinton; Sta. María, New London; Sta. María, Norwich; San Francisco, Middletown; y Sagrado Corazón, Windham. El V Encuentro, una actividad prioritaria del Plan Estratégico del USCCB para 2017-2020, es un proceso de reflexión y acción de cuatro años que invita a Católicos de los EE.UU a entrar en un proceso intenso de actividad misionera, consulta, desarrollo de liderazgo, e identificación de mejores prácticas pastorales, en el espíritu de la Nueva Evangelización.

El corazón del programa son las 5 sesiones de reflexión, consulta, y actividad misionera que se realiza en la parroquia. En estas sesiones se preparan los participantes para salir cada semana a proclamar la alegría del Evangelio como Discípulos Misioneros: Testigos del Amor de

Dios. En la Diócesis de Norwich, 502 feligreses están participando en esta experiencia cuaresmal.

Cada semana por 5 semanas consecutivas, estos Discípulos Misioneros estarán en sus comunidades, llegando a los demás, discerniendo sus necesidades, y llevándoles la alegría del Evangelio en maneras muy específicas.

El proceso de evangelización sigue el método que el mismo Jesús nos enseñó en el relato de Emaús (Lc. 24), un método de escuchar atentamente a las necesidades de otros, acompañarlos en su camino, y responder a sus necesidades. Los temas de las sesiones son inspirados por el Art. 24 de la Carta del Papa Francisco – La Alegría del Evangelio.

Allí el Papa reta a los que estamos en las bancas a convertirnos en comunidades con los ojos bien abiertos para ver de verdad aquéllos que no están en las bancas, y con corazones dispuestos a responder a sus necesidades. Esto le requiere a la comunidad: 1) tomar el primer paso para llegar a otros, 2) involucrarse en las vidas de otros en un espíritu de discípulo misionero, 3) acompañarlos en el camino, 4) producir frutos de nueva vida, y 5) celebrar los logros alcanzado por la gracia de Dios y la obra del Espíritu Santo.

Después de la Pascua y antes del 30 de Junio, habrá un Encuentro Parroquial para evaluar la experiencia y resumir los resultados de la consulta, para formular recomendaciones y planes para la parroquia, y así seguir siendo una comunidad misionera acogedora.

Estas discusiones y reflexiones se van a hacer a nivel diocesano, regional y nacional – culminando en un evento nacional que se va a realizar en Texas, Septiembre del 2018. Después, habrá recomendaciones para implementar en los diferentes niveles.

Nuestro bautismo nos llama a ser discípulos misioneros y compartir la alegría del Evangelio. Todos lo hacemos en una manera u otra, muchas veces indirectamente. El V Encuentro nos llama a ser discípulos misioneros intencionales, dispuestos a aceptar el reto del Papa a ser una Iglesia con las puertas abiertas, para que los miembros salgan a los vecindarios y transformarlos por su presencia. Durante esta Cuaresma, cada semana 502 feligreses en la Diócesis de Norwich estarán haciendo esto en una manera muy específica.

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS April 6, 2017-

MUSEUM

March 2017

March 2017

BEYOND THE FRONT LINES

Dec. 30, 2018

1 State Street, New Haven • 203-865-0400 • kofcmuseum.org • Free admission & parking

Journey to the foot of the Cross

Jesus falls the first time.

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Sunday, March 26

CATHOLIC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Layette Program The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Layette Program. 2pm at St. Mary, Portland. All women of the diocese are invited to attend, please bring baby items sizes 0 to 3 years to be donated to Catholic Charities.

Wednesday, March 29 Presentation on Eucharistic Miracles.

Deacon Mike Puscas will provide a presentation on Eucharistic Miracles to be held at 7pm. at Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry. There is no fee. Please contact 860-464-7251 or secreatry@ololgf.org to register.

Saturday, April 29 Outreach to Haiti’s 10th Annual for the Love of a Child Gala The gala will be held at the Deanston House in Storrs. Tickets for the evening are $100 per plate. Tables can be reserved for groups of eight. Reservations can be made through the Outreach to Haiti Office at 860-877-1019, ext. 219. For further information about the efforts of the Outreach to Haiti please visit www. outreachtohaiti.org

24 Hours for the Lord In every deanery in the Diocese, 24 Hours for the Lord will be observed on March 24-25. Confessions will be heard and the Sacrament of Penance celebrated: Middletown Deanery - Saint Francis Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown, beginning at 6:00am through 6:00pm on Friday, March 24th, and resuming at 6:00pm on Saturday, March 25th, through 2:00pm.

New London Deanery - Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry, beginning at 8:00am to 10:00pm on Friday, March 24th, and resuming at 7:00am on Saturday, March 25th, through 4:30pm.

March 2017

Television Mass

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Bishop Michael R. Cote At 10:00am Channel 11 WCCT Comcast Channel 20 WTXX Charter

Tuesday, April 4 • 10:30 am A Joyous Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments

Journey to the foot of the Cross

April 16th

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Finding Healing From Loss

7 Week Life in the Spirit Seminar

Come find a place of holy ground to grieve and remember departed loved ones. A newly formed Catholic-based Bereavement Support Group will be meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month at three alternating parishes.

Monday, March 6 - Growth in Faith Monday, March 12 - Transformation with Jesus

Charismatic Prayer Meeting Every Tuesday afternoon, 2-3pm Spiritual Renewal Center

Masses of Healing and Hope

Every 2nd & 4th Mondays at 2pm March 13 & 27, Individual Prayer and Anointing Spiritual Renewal Center

Sunday, March 12 at the Holiday Inn, Norwich Fair begins at 11am by invitation only For reservations please call 860-889-1928

Chris Ma

Easter Sunday

Matthew 11:28-30

Old Saybrook Deanery - Saint John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, beginning at 3:00pm through 10:00pm on Friday, March 24th, and resuming at 8:00am on Saturday, March 25th, through 12:00 Noon.

Vernon Deanery - Saint Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard’s Square, Rockville, on Friday, March 24th, beginning at 6:00am through 10:00pm.

CATHOLIC

“Come to me (Jesus), All you who labor and are heavenly burdened (your name), and I will give you REST (my peace).

Take my yoke upon your shoulders, and LEARN from Me, for I AM meek and humble of heart --And you WILL find REST (peace) for yourselves. For My yoke (not yours) is EASY – and My burden is LIGHT.”

York Correctional Healing Mass & Prayer

Willimantic Deanery - Saint Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, on Friday, March 24th, beginning at 9:00am through 9:00pm, and resuming on Saturday, March 25th, from 8:00am through 4:00pm.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

2x10 SpiritualRenewal Mar17FCC_Main 2/27/2017 2:16 PM Page 1

Norwich Deanery - Saints Peter & Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth Street, Norwich, beginning at 12:30pm on Friday, March 24th, through 12:30pm on Saturday, March 25th.

Putnam Deanery - Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret Street (Route 169), Pomfret, beginning at 12:00 Noon through 8:00pm on Friday, March 24th, and resuming at 9:00am on Saturday, March 25th, through 11:00am.

Four County

Our DIOCESE

March 16 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Put�am April 20 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Covent�� May 18 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Jewett Cit� June 15 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Put�am July 20 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Covent�� Aug�st 17 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Jewett Cit� September 21 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Put�am October 19 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Covent�� November 16 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Jewett Cit� December 21 ~ St. Mar�’s Church, Put�am

Saturdays, March 11 & April 8 at 1pm Individual Prayer and Anointing (Blessing)

Ministry Fair – Diocese of Norwich

Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting Monday, March 20 (Spring begins today) 11am. Spiritual Renewal Center

Prayer Group Mass

St. Joseph Church Basement, Rockville Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30pm Individual Prayer and Anointing

Mass of Healing and Hope

Sunday March 26, at 1pm St. Thomas the Apostle Church 872 Farmington Ave, West Hartford Individual Prayer and Anointing

All sessions will run from 7-8:30 PM.

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

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

For more information, please call Catholic Family Services at 860-848-2237, ext. 306 or email: mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net

Pope Francis @Pontifex

Do not underestimate the value of example, for it is more powerful than a thousand words, a thousand “likes”, retweets or YouTube videos.

Jesus meets his mother.

March 2017

Four County

Our DIOCESE

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Four County

Our DIOCESE

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CATHOLIC

Pastoral Planning Overview

Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P., J.C.D.

March 2017

Far out costume contest for coolest 50’s or 60’s costume!

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Guaranteed to be a gas!

Only 27 parishes in the diocese continue to have the “one pastor – one parish” structure.

There are other statistics that might be helpful in understanding our present situation. For instance, in 2000 there were 92 diocesan priests assigned to parish ministry in the diocese. Today there are 62. Also since 2000, parish population, as measured every year in October, has fallen by an average of almost 45% throughout the diocese.

In the Diocese of Norwich, one of the more challenging developments for parishioners and pastors alike has been yoking. For parishioners, such an arrangement can be very unsettling, and can raise anxiety about the future of a beloved parish. For pastors, the care of multiple parishes can be challenging and at times even overwhelming. But the experience can also be enriching and rewarding for both pastors and parishioners.

Not everything is perfect, of course, but the positive results far outweigh the difficulties. A singular challenge is to find a balance between parishes being individual congregations, and the need to bring the congregations

ST. PIUS X CHURCH 60TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE Saturday, March 18th 6:30-11:00P.M. Buffet Dinner & Dancing to

BEATLES FOREVER

Radisson Hotel 10 Berlin Road, Cromwell Tickets $40 (cash bar) Available now at the Friary Office

It’s gonna be out of sight

Trivia!

Games!

Prizes!

together to form one community.

The Holy Spirit Community, in the Norwich deanery, consists of three parishes; St. Catherine of Siena in Preston, St. Thomas in Voluntown and St. Mary in Jewett City. These three parishes were at first clustered, and now, for the last five years, have had one pastor, Father Ted Tumicki.

The Community also has the ministry of Father Steven Gulino and Deacon Paul Baillargeon, along with a very capable staff to coordinate activites in the three parishes.

In taking on this assignment to pastor three parishes, Father Tumicki said that he needed to “rethink” both parish administration and his own ministry. In a new situation, he said, new ideas had to be tried. Over the course of the past five years, various activities have brought the three groups of parishioners together.

Most successful has been having one music director for the three parishes, who coordinates not only music, but also choirs. Holy Week services are celebrated at St. Mary’s in Jewett City, with a combined choir from the three parishes. Other Holy Week observances such as Stations of the Cross or Morning and Evening prayer are celebrated at the other two parishes. In that way, all three parishes participate in the Holy Week observances. Also, the Holy Spirit Community enjoys an annual Christmas party, a tri-parish picnic and other combined activities throughout the year.

Certainly, challenges remain. There is some resistance to change on all sides, but generally, this adventure for the Holy Spirit Community, the

Journey to the foot of the Cross

parishes of St. Catherine, St. Thomas and St. Mary, appears to have been a positive experience.

Also in the Norwich Deanery is the Divine Mercy Community, consisting of the parishes of St. John, Montville, Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Quaker Hill, all under the pastoral leadership of Father Robert Buongirno, assisted by Father James Sucholet and Deacon William Herrmann, and a staff to coordinate activities in all three parishes. Here also, there have been, over the last few years, a mixture of administrative and pastoral adjustments, including a unified music program, a single weekly bulletin, a unified website, and a Community Committee made up of representatives from the three parishes. Parishioners from the three parishes come together for “Family Film Night” once a month as well as a Fellowship and Pot Luck. There is also an annual celebration on Divine Mercy Sunday, which the Church observes just after Easter.

Certainly, neither the pastors interviewed nor their parishioners would say that the yoking process is ideal, or even simple. But experience shows that when priests and people work together, cooperating, accepting change and setting priorities, parishes are able to continue and even to flourish under this structure.

There are several other priests in the Diocese of Norwich who are pastoring multiple parishes, and they will be interviewed in the coming weeks.

Why Should You Choose A Catholic Cemetery? e Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church defines only two places as being sacred: the Church building where Jesus resides in the tabernacle; and the Catholic Cemetery which is an expression of faith and an extension of the parish community. Catholic Cemeteries are both a consolation to the bereaved and an inspiration to the living.

SAINT MARY CEMETERY

FUNERAL HOMES

12 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 443-1871

48 Grand Street Niantic, CT 739-6112

www.neilanfuneralhome.com

Community Mausoleum Available 600 Jefferson Ave, New London • 860-443-3465 SAINT MARY & ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich • 860-887-1019 ALL HALLOWS CEMETERY Green Hallow Road, Moosup • 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Wauregan Road, Wauregan • 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Harland Road, Taftville • 860-887-1019 SAINT PATRICK CEMETERY Depot Road, Uncasville • 860-887-1019

Donate your unwanted car, truck, suv, boat or camper today!

RESURRECTION CEMETERY Route 145, Westbrook • 860-443-3465

You receive a tax deduction. You decide where your donation goes.

Norwich Diocesan Cemetery Corporation

WE DO ALL THE WORK - fast & free pick up

Support Catholic Charities of Norwich DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY

815 Boswell Ave, Norwich CT 06360 cemeteries@norwichdiocese.net

860-887-1019

NOTICE Please remove All Winter Decorations on or Before March 26, 2017 Decorations left on the lots after this date will be removed and discarded.

www.donationangel.org/ccfsn

866-434-1131

Trust in the mercy of God’s love.

If you are carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions, call Project Rachel a post-abortion healing ministry.

All calls are confidential.

860-861-4439

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.

March 2017

s in so many dioceses around the country, pastoral planning in the Diocese of Norwich has been moving ahead steadily for several years. The need for pastoral planning is driven by many factors, such as population shifts from the North and Northeast to the South and Southwest, a general decline in church attendance, a decline in the number of priests, and in New England a decreasing and aging population.

In our diocese, the first phase in recent pastoral planning efforts was a series of meetings held in every deanery which resulted in the formation of parish clusters. These clusters were encouraged to work together in order to pool resources and improve parish life. The parishes that did work together found their efforts well rewarded when, in the next phase of pastoral planning, the parishes were yoked under the leadership of one pastor.

Since then, as circumstances have required it, yoking has continued until today, when 49 parishes, or 64% of the parishes of the diocese are yoked.

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Our DIOCESE

CATHOLIC

Your Support Allows Our Ministries to Take ACTION!

heltering the homeless, feeding many throughout our communities, educating children, assisting with behavioral health issues, keeping our Diocese safe and informed…these are just a few of the ACTIONS that are performed daily by our Diocesan Ministries. All of these ACTIONS are made possible because of your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your generous donations allow our ministries to reach out to people in our community who need assistance. Many of these deeds performed by our ministries happen every day and may go unnoticed by many of us. But, for the people our ministries help, these works do not go unseen. They are vital! Our Diocesan Ministries provide a place for people to seek help, be understood, and receive the aid necessary to help them through their challenges.

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Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich, Inc.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CAN HELP!

SERVICES INCLUDE

March 2017

• Do you need help getting through a crisis?

Adoption - Creating Families • Are you having problems with to drugs or alcohol?

PregnancySupporting Families Catholic Charities would like thank everyone who THANK YOU TO OUR 95thNew ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR • Do you need help with paying your utilities, rent or help with other Behavioral Health th attended our 95 Anniversary Gala and supported the Stephen and Patricia Coan emergency basic needs?

Medication Management - Strengthening Families good work that we do.

Emergency Basic Need - Stabilizing Families in Crisis • Are you feeling depressed or anxious?

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS Court Ordered Parenting • Going through a divorce and need court ordered parenting education?

To those that purchased a ticket, donated or purchased a Michael and Angela Arnold Education For Divorcing Couples - Teaching Families • Are you worried about your child’s behavior? silent• Are auction item, purchased a Flame of Remembrance, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Immigration - Uniting Families Tessman you interested in adoption?

14

or simply made a donation to Catholic Charities; thank Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Capano, Sr. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE CATHOLIC TO ACCCESS OUR SERVICES - WE PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS you!

Ms.SERVE Jacqueline Keller Ms. Christine Jackel 7KH HYHQLQJ VLJQLILHG D ´1HZ %HJLQQLQJµ IRU &DWKROLF Mr. EverestStreet Brustolon NORWICH • 331 Main Street • 860.889.8346 | NEW LONDON • 28 Huntington • 860.443.5328 Charities and could not have been possible without Chelsea Groton Bank MIDDLETOWN • 151 Broad Streetyour • 860.346.0060 | WILLIMANTIC • 88 Jackson Street • 860.423.7065 support.

Dime Bank

Four Locations Throughout The Diocese Of Norwich www.ccfsn.org

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

Several of our ministries were asked: What ACTIONS are happening in your ministry that are making a difference in our community?

“One of our biggest challenges during the winter months is having a warm, dry and safe place for homeless people to go when the Soup Kitchen and public library are closed. St. Vincent de Paul Middletown runs a Warming Center every night from 9 pm to 7 am, and even opens on some very cold and/or snowy evenings and holiday afternoons.

We not only make a difference in the lives of our homeless guests, but we also provide opportunities for three churches to host the Warming Center (including St. Johns in Middletown) and six churches to serve a hot Sunday morning breakfast. The hospitality shown by our partner churches enables us to Meet Needs & Offer Hope to a

very vulnerable and at-risk population.”

– Ron Krom, Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown “Each and every day, Catholic Charities is empowered to provide help and create hope to people of all faiths who come to us for help. Working with our clients to identify and break down the barriers they face, gives them a greater sense of self and selfsufficiency. Witnessing the successes of an individual, of a family and of a community is truly a humbling experience.” – Edward J. Tessman, Executive Director, Catholic Charities “We find that when people reflect on the gifts God has given them, they decide to share their bounty with others, allowing their faith to be put into action, helping those in need. Each year, people contact planned giving interested in making outright gifts, bequests or memorial gifts to the Diocese to be used for the care of those served by our many ministries.”

– Mary Ellen Mahoney, Development Manager/Major Gifts “Every week an average of 250 different households receive food from our pantry. Thirty-two percent (32%) of the more than 3,700 unique household members served in 2016 were children under eighteen. Ninety-three percent (93%) of our visits are from clients within Norwich. The generosity of donors is a key part of what allows us to make sure everyone who comes to us receives the food they need.”

– Daniel Lamphere, Pantry Manager, St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich “Sometimes ACTION is a reaction to what someone else says or does. The actions we take at SVdPP through our Care and Advocacy Program motivate

individuals to find jobs, enter treatment programs, find affordable housing, follow up with necessary medical care, re-unify with family members, and a number of other self-help measures.”

– Julie Way, Case Manager, St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich “There is a growing number of people who are attending the Formation Day for Eucharistic Ministers and then becoming more involved with their parishes by volunteering their time to bring communion to the sick and/or homebound.”

– Sister Elissa Rinere, C.P., J.C.D., Office of Worship “Outreach to Haiti is tremendously affecting the health and education of thousands of Haitians each year. Right now, the nutrition program is helping malnourished infants, children, and expectant mothers. The clinic treats thousands more with other ailments.

Outreach's direct sponsorship program helps around 200 students, Kindergarten through University receive an education, and the 15 US- Haiti twin relationships Outreach coordinates, help about 3,000 more students get at least an elementary education. Within the Diocese itself, this ministry provides an opportunity for scores of people to grow in their faith through reaching out to their Haitian brothers and sisters with financial as well as prayer support.”

Dan O'Sullivan, Director of Administration and Programs, Outreach to Haiti “In 2016 we had 11,346 people contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Their generous support allows our ministries to continue doing ‘good works’ throughout our communities.”

– Susan Underhill, Campaign Manager

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

“Our workshops and support groups for bereavement, caregivers and divorced Catholics are providing support, encouragement and prayer to believers who are hurting and broken.

The continual support of others, sharing their experiences, lets them know they are not alone.”

-Andrea Hoisl, Director, Office of Faith Events “While our ministry is responsible for both background screening and safe environments training; it is our hope that people realize the importance of the educational component. The abuse awareness programs that we use are not intended to protect just our children, but also to protect the adults who minister to them.”

– Karen Caise, Director, Office for Safe Environments These ministries, along with all of our ministries in the Diocese, are meeting a need! Their words above just touch on a few of the programs that are available, the numbers of people who need assistance, the relief volunteers provide to our ministries and those they serve, and most importantly the sense of self that is fostered among those who are helped. As you can see, your ACTIONS to support our ministries through the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Our Faith Calls US to ACTION,” do make a difference. Together we are taking ACTION to make our neighborhoods a better place for all to live.

To donate to the 2017 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Our Faith Calls US to ACTION!” please visit www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or call The Office of Development at 860-886-1928.

March 2017

S

By Kathy Gaito

VI

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Four County

CATHOLIC

Parker

FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE 24 Hour Emergency Service Fire, Water and Smoke Cleanup and Restoration Carpet, Upholstery and Drape Cleaning Odor Removal Complete Move-Outs

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To Advertise in the Four County Catholic Please Contact: Meredith Morrison (860) 887-3933

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orced and separated nsoring a new program for div spo is ce offi s vice Ser ily Fam e new ministry, open The Catholic Parish Rectory in Groton. Th art He d cre Sa at ril Ap in ing second and fourth Catholics beginn orce or separation, will meet the div m fro d fere suf e hav o wh n to men and wome P.M. through September from 7-8:30 program featuring 30-minute DVD Monday of each month April n sio ses RVIVAL Guide, is a 12ldren, The Catholic’s DIVORCE SU giveness, money, the courts, chi re. for lt, anger, grief, gui ial, den mo ck, ch sho mu of ics and , top gle er g sin sessions that cov spirituality, remarriage or stayin nselors, and authors ity, ual sex , ing dat , ent ulm the ex-spouse, ann htest teachers, cou lude some of the best and brig Divorced Heart; Dr. Ray Experts in the DVD series inc of er and author Healing the duc pro ies ser , eet Sw se Ro : tch Pacwa, EWTN in Catholic media EWTN talk show host; Fr. Mi and , hor aut ist, log cho psy lic of divorce; Christopher Guarendi, Catho ay, popular speaker and child llow Ca d nal Do Fr. e; orc div of and Fr. Steve Porter, a host and a child Paul II’s Theology of the Body; n Joh St. of r che tea and n women who share their West, theologia also includes Catholic men and ies ser D DV e Th or. ect dir al seasoned spiritu ds ries of divorce and recovery. gut-wrenching but inspiring sto chings of the Catholic Church and open to anyone who nee son tea per the per on 0 ed $2 is bas m is progra The program or separation. The cost of the e orc div a er aft rity at s cla vice and l Ser comfort, counse Catholic Family n is required. To register, call to cover materials and registratio 860-848-2237, ext. 306. oton. d at 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Gr ate loc is ry cto Re art He d cre Sa

Join us for an evening of questions and answers.

Ask questions about your faith- past, present or future.

A panel of experts ready to answer any questions include:

March 2017

Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Peru; Domestic Destinations; Columbia; Brazil; Argentina; etc…

We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Call us 24/7 508-340-9370 Hablamos Español 855-842-8001 www.proximotravel.com anthony@proximotravel.com

Dedicating our love, compassion and service to our community.

Bishop Michael R. Cote, Bishop of the Norwich Diocese Sr. Elissa Rinere CP, Director of Office of Worship/Pastoral Planning, Norwich Diocese Deacon Chris Deskus, Director of Prison Ministry Office, Norwich Diocese Mr. Paul Kieda, Morality and Apologetics Teacher, Xavier High School, Middletown

Specializing in:

St. Andrew Parish Hall, Colchester April 27th from 7-9 pm Wine, soft drinks and snacks will be provided.

Journey to the foot of the Cross

Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included from anywhere in the USA

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

Learn more about your faith and share some fellowship with other adult Catholics.

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CATHOLIC

ANNOUNCEMENT

Wine, Wisdom and Why Night

QUESTIONS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED WHEN YOU RSVP RSVP BY APRIL 13th (need to register to attend) Via email faithevents@norwichdiocese.net or via phone 860-848-2237, ext. 304

Four County

Our DIOCESE

If you would like to donate a bottle of wine please drop off at the Bishop Flanagan Ministry Center, Norwich by April 13th

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

March 2017

Our DIOCESE

Sponsored by the Dioces of Norwich

Jesus falls the second time

VII

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Four County

Our DIOCESE

V  K B, M

CATHOLIC

Ash Wednesday Mass

Monthly meetings on Third Tuesday of the month. Meetings will rotate among three location- meetings are 6:30-8:00pm

Enjoy our full breakfast, stroll the beach and shops Visit the Monastery for daily Mass, devotions, and gift shop Choose from 65 rooms, with own AC, bath, and cable TV On the scenic trolley route Affordable rates and clergy discounts Retreat facilities

Franciscan Guest House

Independently Owned and Operated Since 1881

Steve Bennardo

A little taste of Heaven on Earth

26 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk, Maine 207-967-4865 or toll free1-844-253-2972 email info@franciscanguesthouse.com www.franciscanguesthouse.com

Owner/Funeral Director 433 Main Street, Danielson, CT

25 Main Street, Central Village, CT

860-774-3284

860-564-2147

Introvigne FUNERAL HOME, INC.

Serving All Faiths • Pre-Need Arrangements Traditional Services or Cremations Directors: Joseph R. Introvigne, Joseph R. Introvigne, Jr. & Michael J. Introvigne 51 East Main St. Stafford Springs, CT

You can’t make the decision for them, but you can help discuss the options.

March 2017

18

36 Vina Lane, Brooklyn, CT 06234 www.piercecare.org

SeAting iS limited. CAll 860-779-8700 fOr reServAtiOnS.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry

6:30-8:00pm

Bishop Cote celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, assisted by Joseph Muscarella, Director of Diocesan Properties and Cemeteries, and members of the cemetery operations team.

April 18

St. Philip the Apostle, Ashford

6:30-8:00pm

May 16

St. John, Middletown

6:30-8:00pm

June 20

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry

6:30-8:00pm

JULY- OFF

SUMMER BREAK

August 15

“The Shoreline Specialist!”

REAL ESTATE SERVICES SALES & RENTALS

They helped you plan your future with love and understanding. Now, when it's their turn to decide where they want to live their best years, they may ask your opinion.

Join us for an Open House designed specifically for children of future residents featuring a presentation and discussion on the services, amenities and benefits of living a Creamery Brook lifestyle:

Program begins at 10 a.m.

Check-in and coffee at 9:45 a.m.

www.introvignefuneralhome.com

March 21

Yolanda “YoYo” Carroll

You may play an essential role in helping your parents make a decision about their future.

Saturday, April 1

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Photo by Meredith Morrison

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Journey to the foot of the Cross

St. Philip the Apostle, Ashford

6:30-8:00pm

September 19 St. Sebastian, Middletown

6:30-8:00pm

October 17

6:30-8:00pm

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry

November 21 St. Philip the Apostle, Ashford

6:30-8:00pm

December 12

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry

6:30-8:00pm

January 16

St. Sebastian, Middletown

6:30-8:00pm

Senior Housing in Cromwell, CT for those age 55 and over.

One and Two Bedroom Units Call for an appointment today!

860-632-1688

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

March 2017

• • • • • •

Caregiver Spirituality Support Group Schedule:

VIII

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Four County

Our DIOCESE

CATHOLIC

The Miracle That Led to Faustina’s Sainthood: Bringing Divine Mercy to the whole world!

Passion Play The 13th Annual St. Andrew Church

Passion Play

will be presented Friday & Saturday, April 7 & 8 7:30 pm at St. Andrew Church 128 Norwich Ave, Colchester.

(Doors open at 7:00 pm)

Hear Deacon Bob & Maureen Digan Inernational Speakers on The Mercy of God & Maureen’s Miraculous Cure

The play is a musical performance of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With a cast of over 100. Featuring a 60-voice choir and a 40-voice childrens choir. Tickets for the performance are free; however, offerings to help defray production cost will be gratefully accepted. Tickets are available at Merciful Saviour in Colchester, the Parish Office or by phoning Theresa Dziatko at 860-295-8315.

A limited number of tickets are available.

No more than 10 tickets per person.

1:00PM SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lakes Church 752 Norwich-Salem Turnpike, Oakdale, CT 06370

MARCH FOR MERCY SATURDAY, MARCH 25th

“Beautiful Things For Children”

Come See Our Exquisite Collection of First Communion Dresses Veils & Accessories

An Education You Can Believe In.

Available in All Sizes!

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community.

Embracing Service. Living Faith.

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

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY Wednesday March 15 At 9:00am. Father Roger Couture, OMI invites all seniors to join him for this exploration on the “Lesser-Known Saints in the Church and Beyond”.

INDIVIDUAL / GROUP RETREATS Conference halls, chef-prepared meals, private rooms w/bath, WIFI. Call for details.

• Students will collect pledges for the march which will be donated to help agencies who assist with drug addiction.

(Minimum is $15 to participate) • March will begin at St. Joseph Church, Norwich where they will hear a witness about the realities of drug addiction, tour St. Vincent de Paul Place, and then March to the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for March That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always.

To Register: Contact Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net

Journey to the foot of the Cross

To register or for more information please call 860-423-8484 or email -info@immaculataretreat.org

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

Jesus falls the third time.

March 2017

March 2017

860.536.4895

www.thebluehorse.com

Immaculata RetReat House

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

10AM at ST. JOSEPH CHURCH in NORWICH

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Open Seven Days • Personal Attention

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

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

PICKUP AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PATRICK AT 3PM GRADES 7-12 Cooper Ray will be leading our Service Event. Cooper is quickly becoming one of today’s more popular and sought after speakers, worship leaders and retreat facilitators. He is a dynamic and light-hearted speaker and musician who shares his faith with honesty and passion. Through music, story, humor, and audience participation, Cooper leads groups of all ages to greater awareness of who they are as Catholic Christians and how to recognize a presence in their lives.

On the bridge, downtown Mystic

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Sacred Heart School, Groton

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

CATHOLIC Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Mother Christina Van Beck, SCMC, Principal 15 Hunters Ave, Taftville, CT

Phone: 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org

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

St. James School, Danielson Linda Marie Joya, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson, CT Phone: 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.org

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-Confidence.

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n honor of World Marriage Day, February 12, 2017, the Catholic Family Services Office sponsored an essay writing contest among our Diocesan Catholic high school students and Diocesan elementary school students in grades 5-8. Students in grades 5-8 were asked to write on the topic: Describe a Catholic married couple you admire and explain why. High school students were asked to: Describe a married couple that you know who, in your eyes, reflects God’s love through their commitment to one another.

The following are the two winning essays.

Patrick Cote Grade 7, Sacred Heart School, Taftville A Catholic couple that I admire very much are my very own

Essay Winners

each other’s side, no matter what has come their way. I know that they have had many ups and downs over the years, but they make being married look so easy.

They love each other so much and are both so devoted to God. There are many ways that I am impressed by my grandparents.

They spend every day caring for one another and others. In fact, my grandfather (who we call ‘TepTep’) cooks special dishes and feeds all of the volunteer firefighters in the state as they are going through training. He and his father, Buster, used to run a diner together in downtown Norwich. Not only did they serve delicious meals, they served smiles to hundreds of people just Essay award recipients Nicole Ladas and Patrick Cote recognized to brighten up their days. TepTep

by Bishop Michael R. Cote.

(Photo by Meredith Morrison) also spreads his gift of cooking to our whole family whenever we grandparents, Joe and Noreen Gravel. accomplish many good things. They get together or celebrate special inspire me every day because they My grandparents have been married moments. have been able to stick together by for 57 years now, allowing them to

Four County

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CATHOLIC

St. John School, Old Saybrook

St. John Paul II School, Middletown Dr. Darryl Bullock, Principal 87 South Main St, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org

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

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal

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

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic

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

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck

Mrs. Doris Messina, Principal

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

Journey to the foot of the Cross

St. Patrick School, Norwich

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

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

10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org

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Essay Winners

My grandma is a nurse and helps us out when one of us is not feeling well, even when we do not know what is wrong. She used to work as a school nurse at Norwich Free Academy and Plainfield Catholic School. Now, even though she is retired, she still works at the Arc, a place for people with disabilities, to help keep them happy and healthy. My grandma also has a wonderful gift of sewing.

She helps us during Halloween when we are making homemade costumes, and she made all of her children’s clothing as they were growing up.

But the thing that inspires me the most about them is that they brought seven beautiful children into the world, one of which is my mom, and have always kept a strong relationship with God and each other. They faced many difficult obstacles in their lives, the most heartbreaking being the loss of two sons (my Uncle Rob at age 28, and my Uncle Danny at only four months old), and their faith has always taught

them how important it is to help others.

They raised their children with the same beliefs, which led them to all branch out into careers with the same goal: to help others. They were able to teach me that, with God in my life, and by doing what I can to help other people, I will have a happy life. I hope that sometime in the future, I will be lucky enough to encounter my soul mate, just as my grandparents did so many years ago.

By Nicole Ladas, Senior, Mercy High School, Middletown

St. Mary – St. Joseph School

through the good and the bad times never doubting their faith or regretting the commitment they made to one another 58 years ago.

Raising four happy, healthy children, providing them with love, acceptance and instilling the love of God in their life, was at times challenging but also rewarding. I marvel at their abilities to hold onto their culture and language of origin and yet be able to assimilate into our culture and language.

My grandmother came to this country with her father at the age of 16 and my grandfather came to the states

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

A Magnet School for Values

• • • • • • •

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

Trust your child to a Catholic School where faith, knowledge and life meet.

The love and compassion my grandparents, Emily and Joseph Rizza have had for each other over the past 58 years is remarkable. My grandparents’ commitment to one another is what everyone aspires to have in a relationship. In my 17 years of witnessing my grandparents together, I have seen them go

Come visit us!

Mass

April 9 10:30 AM Cathedral of St. Patrick

-continued on next page

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale

St. Joseph School, New London

St. Joseph School, Baltic

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

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

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic

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

Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson

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

Mercy High School, Middletown

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

Jesus is stripped of his garments.

Xavier High School, Middletown

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

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CATHOLIC

Almsgiving is our duty as Christians. We

This month, we find ourselves in one of my favorite Liturgical Seasons: Lent.

frequently collect money and/or items for the needy locally and globally. It is important to teach our children that giving of our time to help our neighbors: the elderly, the sick, the lonely, and others is equally as important.

As we all know, the three things we as Christians increase during this holy time are prayer, almsgiving, and sacrifice. Although these duties are more emphasized during Lent, they are duties that are commonplace during the entire year at our schools in the Diocese of Norwich.

Prayer is one of the most integral and commonplace occurrences each and every day at our schools. We begin and end each day in prayer. We pray before meals and snacks. We pray the Rosary. We celebrate First Fridays with prayer services and Masses. One thing we instill upon our children is the fact that no prayer is too small or insignificant, and that prayer is a two-way process in which we talk to and listen to Our Heavenly Father and our intercessors.

O

Sacrificing is encouraged as a personal commitment to our Lord for giving us the ultimate sacrifice of His life in order to open the gates of heaven for us to eventually live in eternal happiness with Him in heaven. We also want you, the parents, to know how much your sacrificing to send your children to our schools is very much appreciated. Our employees sacrifice to work at our schools. They could be making almost twice their salaries in the public sector, but choose the ministry of Catholic education because it is a ministry and not a job.

It is our collective sacrificing which keeps our schools alive and well in these tough economic times.

March 2017

My prayer for you this month is that we ask for God’s graces as we continue to be living models of our faith during this Holy Season of Lent. In this way, we are ensured to follow Jesus’ direction to “let the children come to me”.

Henry Fiore, Jr. God Bless,

Superintendent of Schools

Giving Day

By Melissa Egbert

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It is our duty to our children to be models of the faith in prayer, almsgiving, and sacrifice.

If they witness firsthand our commitment to increasing the quality of our faith, they will be extremely more likely to model our commitment. We don’t always have to instill the faith by preaching, but also as St. Teresa of Calcutta so simply but elegantly stated, we should “preach without preaching.”

n February 1st, Saint Patrick Cathedral School had its second annual Giving Day. Donations were brought in by the students to help those in the Norwich community and beyond. All of the students came together in the church hall to assemble gift bags for our deployed soldiers, make coloring activity bags for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, organize bags of donations for the Madonna House, and make 100 sandwiches for the St. Vincent DePaul soup kitchen. Along with that, 242 pounds of soup was collected and donated to the soup kitchen. A donation from the Norwich Stop and Shop helped buy the items needed for the sandwiches.

The students enjoyed gathering together to do something kind for others. It is a day that Saint Patrick School plans to continue and add charities to in the coming years.

Finishing up the week, students enjoyed a presentation on the science of music! It was an awesome week with much service, community and faith.

Journey to the foot of the Cross

CATHOLIC

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Something

From the Superintendent’s Office…..

Dear Friends,

Four County

Our YOUTH

‘Greater Horizons’: Tending to Each Other and Our Common Home

T

By Christina Capecchi he old farmers used to say you should leave a field better than you found it. Sometimes that called for heavy lifting. Other times it just meant picking up a rock as you crossed and placing it at the field’s edge.

That counsel stuck with Amy Hereford, who grew up on a 10-acre Missouri farm where sheep roamed and blackberries grew wild. She planted whatever vegetable seemed to be lacking.

For Amy and her three younger sisters, singing lightened their footsteps. “This Land Is Your Land,” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” “Edelweiss.” The music never ceased. At night, she carried the earth inside – under her fingernails, on her cheeks, scenting her hair.

Studying biology in college added an intellectual appreciation for the things she already knew. Then life carried her from the farm: teaching, entering religious life, attending law school, traveling and working in canon law.

She arrived at each new stop with gratitude, as Catholic sisters seem to model so well, thinking, “Who would’ve thought I’d be here now, doing this?” At 58, Sister Amy

describes being a Sister of St. Joseph as a life of “adventure,” with some tough challenges and many amazing opportunities.

About a decade ago, she found herself coming full circle, getting her hands back in the dirt. Her work coalesced with her continued study of sustainability.

She moved into the Dogtown Ecovillage on the edge of St. Louis and tried to cultivate new life with her neighbors.

“There’s something so wholesome about the soil, about growing things,” Sister Amy told me.

“When I’m out working on the garden, I feel like I’m tending the garden and the garden is tending me.

God is tending me.”

In the summer, it’s how she starts her day, heading out in the quiet of early morning. Then, before she sets to her business, she prays. “That flow from garden to prayer is a natural

one.”

When Pope Francis released “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home,” Sister Amy devoured it. “I think the linking of ecology, technology, economy and sociology was spot on,” she said.

Just as we can no longer think in terms of individual species, but rather an ecosystem, she said, we also must be mindful of our social ecosystem.

“Half of our native bird species is in decline, if not endangered.

A lot of that is because we’re not planning the right plants that bring the right insects that these birds want to eat. It’s all interconnected. As a society, we’re also interconnected. What I do affects you, what you do affects me. We are all in this together. It really is our common home.”

This month, as winter melts into spring, she’s joining in the fourth annual celebration of National Catholic Sisters Week March 8-14,

Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross

an official component of Women’s History Month, by hosting an event in her eco-village called “Sisters and Sustainability.” She’ll be teaming up with other women religious and lay people to install a bat-house and a bee-house and plant Missouri-native plants to help support pollinator populations and increase soil fertility.

To me, it embodies what women religious do best, and why we salute them this month: they tend to their neighbors and our common home.

They practice the simple living Pope Francis called for in “Laudato Si’,” resisting the “constant flood of new consumer goods” in order to “be serenely present to each reality” and open to “greater horizons of understanding.”

“It is not a lesser life,” he wrote.

“On the contrary, it is a way of living life to the full.”

Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and the editor of SisterStory.org.

March 2017

Four County

Our YOUTH

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Four County

CATHOLIC

Four County

Our YOUTH

CATHOLIC

Youth Pop – Experiencing Church in a New Way

By Andrea D. Hoisl

March 2017

With a keen understanding that young people are the future of our Church, the Diocese is creating a new program initiative called Youth Pop that it hopes will enliven our youth to minister to one another more effectively. The goal of Youth Pop is to engage our youth into our Youth Ministry programs on a larger spectrum. To kick the program off, the diocese held leadership training programs for adults and youth in mid-February directed by Author and National Youth Ministry Leader, Tom East, director of the Center for Ministry Development and a former recipient of the National Catholic Youth Ministry Award for National Leadership.

Thirty-six high school youth and adults, representing 14 different diocesan parishes, gathered at the

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first leadership training program.

They in turn will lead youth ministry events in their local areas. During the leadership training, East had participants work in small groups on a series of activities to foster team-building and collaboration skills. Groups worked cooperatively to solve puzzles and resolve conflicts. Participants were given the opportunity to facilitate group discussions that focused on a broadbase of communication dynamics.

East stressed to the group that ministry is successful when we meet the needs of those we are serving.

East served as editor and author for Leadership for Catholic Youth Ministry; Effective Practices for Dynamic Youth Ministry; and Ministry Resources for Prayer and Worship. He was also the general editor for Call to Faith—A Thematic Approach to Young Adolescent

Catechesis.

According to Liza Roach, Youth and Young Adult Minister for the Diocese of Norwich, plans for the Youth Pop program came as a result of a survey of youth following last fall’s Youth Explosion at St. Bernard’s High School in Montville. The surveys indicated that young people judge they are not given enough opportunities to have fun with their peers in a faith-based experience. As a result, the Diocese wants to provide more programs that allows youth to experience church in a new way resulting in the formation of Youth Pop, she said.

Uniting youth ministry groups from different parishes is what makes the Youth Pop program unique.

“In a world where our youth are in constant contact with one another through social media, widening their circle of friends in faith seems like a natural progression” says Roach. One of the unique qualities of Youth Pop is that it is directed by the leadership of the youth on We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

Journey to the foot of the Cross

Saint Bernard School Students of the Month

the teams overseen by adults. The youth will create projects and worship activities they are interested in and invite friends from their area to attend.

“If our youth take ownership for their faith and the faith of others around them, the possibilities are endless,” said Andrea Hoisl, director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Events. “This new program affords us the opportunity to move forward with new initiatives and programs that our youth are interested in, instead of having adults generate activities and worship experiences. This is the wave of the future in our church and we are happy to be moving forward with such amazing people leading the charge.”

Podemos Ayudar Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar: 1-800-624-7407

◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men who have not yet realized their potential. ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut Sixth-grader Crystal Nguyen and senior David Galvez are February’s Students of the Month for Saint Bernard School.

Senior David Galvez and sixth-grader Crystal Nguyen have been named Saint Bernard School Students of the Month for February.

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

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

David Galvez, who lives in New London, is an accomplished percussionist in both the school concert band and pit orchestra and professionally through the Hispanic Heritage Festival, the Connecticut Symphony Wind Ensemble, the All-New England Band and Jazz Band festivals and with his dad’s Latin music group, Grupo Tentación. He also sings in the school choir, plays soccer, and serves on the Student Council, National Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M music honor society and Student Ambassador Club.

Crystal Nguyen, who lives in Norwich, also serves on both Student Council and as a Student Ambassador. She was one of the first students to take over the school Instagram account to show off what she loves about the school and enjoys the challenging curriculum. She is an altar server at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, enjoys drawing, and loves helping others, including caring for her one-year-old sister.

March 2017

Our YOUTH

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

Jesus dies on the cross.

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CATHOLIC

The Carpenters Son “And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know, that I must be about my father’s business?” – Luke 2: 48-49 Jesus, at the age of twelve, during the Passover, was missing for three days. When His frantic parents, who thought he was with relatives or acquaintances, had returned to Jerusalem, they found Him in the Temple discoursing with the elders.

As He said, He was in His Father’s house tending to His Father’s business. All, save for His earthly parents, did not understand His

meaning. For often it was said among those who knew the family: “Is this not Jesus, the son of the carpenter, Joseph?”

When God, the Father, sent His Word into the world in Christ, He sent Him by way of the womb of a sinless women. But, why to a surrogate Father who was a carpenter? Why not to a man of some other vocation?

Have you ever shaken the hand of carpenter? It is a strong firm hand of rough texture. It is a hand of one who knows hard work. But also a hand that validates the skilled craftsman.

A hand that attests to a keen creative mind of one who is disciplined to the laws governing his trade. A hand that demonstrates the characteristic of one who

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860-537-0079

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

March 2017

CONFIRMATION Bibles, Jewelry, Patron Saint Medals, Charm and Rosary Bracelets, Giftware, Crosses/CrucifIxes, Rosaries, Prayer Books, Party Goods, Greeting Cards, Invitations & Sponsor Gifts.

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FIRST RECONCILIATION ~ BAPTISMS WEDDINGS ~ ANNIVERSARIES ~ ORDINATIONS MOTHER’S DAY ~ FATHER’S DAY ~ GRADUATION Giftware and Greeting Cards

We also carry: Rosary Beads, Jewelry, Music, Books, Bibles, Indoor & Outdoor Statues, Crucifixes, Wall Crosses/Crucifixes, Eternal Lights & Candles, Greeting Cards for all occasions, Missals, Prayer Books & Cards, Giftware for Sacramental Celebrations, DVD's, Baptism Gifts for children and adults.

possesses an eye for the aesthetic. A hand that transforms an idea into a reality.

Christ spent the first thirty years of His life obeying. In that He was obedient to the nurturing and direction of His earthly parents. During that period of time He learned and practiced the art of carpentry; as was the profession of Joseph. He knew the purpose and proper use of the tools of carpentry of his time; including the predecessors of the hammer and nail.

Christ’s hands were also strong and rough. Made so by His apprenticeship.

Yet, His hands healed, as well.

Not solely in the repair of worn furniture and broken plows, but, of most importance, the restoration of a malfunctioning mankind. Broken bodies, empty hearts and tortured hopeless souls were made anew. His were not the soft hands of one who handles money or fine cloth. His work in the practice of carpentry was hard and demanding, requiring much physical strength. God sent Him not to be raised by a money changer nor a trader in goods. He was sent to one who would train Him in hard labor.

For the true mission that lay before Him would be hard and laborious, as well. Joseph was a skilled craftsman in the use of the instruments of his trade. He cut and shaped the wood according to the image that he had in mind for a particular item that he was commissioned to make or repair.

The parts were then firmly joined by hammer driven nails resulting in the desired product of that image.

The Son of God, too, was a craftsman. Except one of a divine nature. The knowledge, skill and discipline of His earthly trade would be implemented in the mission for which God had commissioned Him to accomplish. Christ was God’s

Journey to the foot of the Cross

idea and reality. As in carpentry His mission required some tearing down and rebuilding. The then unmerited altered and tainted truths being taught by the learned, which were once truths revealed in perfect purity by God to His creatures as the guiding principles of life, had to be torn asunder. And by the power of divine sacrificial love, God’s reinstated truth would be secured in the longing hearts of the contrite, as the carpenter’s hammer drives nails in fastening. By this action the son of the carpenter set the stage for the Son Of God. In an absurd divine irony, the son of the carpenter, who often tore down to build anew, would, Himself, be torn down by the very tools of His trade. Hammer and nail that joined two pieces of wood now has fixed the hands and feet of the Son of God to the tabernacle of His own making, formed from the successful execution of His very mission. And on that tabernacle of pain and suffering the Son of God would achieve for mankind what no son of a carpenter ever could; redemption. The hands that once pierced to restore broken woodwork have now, themselves, been pierced to restore a broken world.

By that redemptive act, Christ would forgive the sins that have since The Fall separated man from a complete and loving relationship with God. And in three days hence, He would renew a never-ending relationship between God and mankind.

The work done by a good carpenter can last a lifetime. But the work of the Divine Carpenter lasts forever.

Alan A. Malizia Danielson, CT St. James Church

Four County

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CATHOLIC

Pope Francis to Visit Fatima in May 2017 for the 100th Anniversary of the Marian Apparitions VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Portugal in May to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima.

The pope, who accepted the invitation made by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the bishops of Portugal, "will go on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima from May 12-13,” The pilgrimage will mark the anniversary of the Marian apparitions, which first began on May 13, 1917, when three shepherd children reported seeing the Virgin Mary.

The apparitions continued

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once a month until Oct. 13, 1917, and later were declared worthy of belief by the Catholic Church.

Following the announcement, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, rector of the Fatima shrine told Agencia Ecclesia, the news agency of the Portuguese bishops' conference, that the visit was a "cause for joy" for the shrine.

"For the shrine of Fatima, it is a great joy to receive this confirmation of Pope Francis' visit," he said.

"We know that those days will be a pilgrimage marked by this festivity that, on the one hand is for the centennial of the apparitions and, on the other hand, marks the presence of the pope in our midst and a pope as beloved as Pope Francis," Father Cabecinhas said.

While the Vatican confirmed the dates of the visit, the pope had already said that he intended to go.

Pope Francis will be the fourth pontiff to visit the Marian shrine, following the footsteps of Blessed Paul VI, Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, who each paid homage different years to Mary on the anniversary of the first apparition May 13.

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Auto • Home • Business • Health • Financial Services

Jesus is taken down from the cross

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House Votes to Overturn Rule Forcing States to Fund Planned Parenthood

March 2017

By Steven Ertelt

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The House of Representatives voted to overturn a rule put in place preventing states from defunding the Planned Parenthood abortion business. The rule from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) prevented states from blocking Title X funding to abortion companies like Planned Parenthood. The House voted 230188 to overturn the anti-defunding rule with Republicans voting 227-2 for it and Democrats voting 186-2 against it.

In recent years, several states receiving Title X family planning grants have opted to direct those funds to county health departments, community health centers, or other types of providers, in preference to organizations engaged in objectionable activities, such as Planned Parenthood, a megamarketer of abortion that has also been involved in selling aborted baby parts.

H.J. Res. 43, if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, would mean that states, if they chose, could continue to attempt to redirect Title X funds away from organizations like Planned Parenthood.

Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) filed bills to overturn the rule and the House passed the measure.

“State legislatures around the country have spoken out about their preference for prioritizing more comprehensive primary and

preventative care providers for the receipt of Title X funding,” the duo wrote in a joint op-ed for the Washington Examiner, “and their voice should be respected by bureaucrats in the federal government.”

“According to its 2014-2015 annual report, Planned Parenthood performed 323,999 abortion procedures in just one year.

Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the abortion industry in this country. Nor should they be forced to foot the bill for an organization like Planned Parenthood that has displayed such blatant disregard for human life.”

“With a pro-life president in the White House and pro-life majorities in the House and Senate, we will continue to work together this year to undo the damage done by the previous administration,” the women write.

Leading pro-life groups like National Right to Life support the bill. In its letter to House members, NRLC wrote: “Over one-third of all abortions in the U.S. are performed at PPFA-affiliated facilities.

Longstanding objections to the massive governmental funding of PPFA have been reinforced by widely publicized undercover videos, which illuminate the callous brutality that occurs daily in these abortion mills.”

Other groups also applauded the House.

SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “The legacy of forcing Americans to finance the abortion

industry is being steadily dismantled by our new pro-life President and the pro-life Congress. We look forward to swift passage of this resolution in the Senate so that it can receive the President's signature.”

She told LifeNews: “Planned Parenthood which, according to their latest annual report, performed 323,999 abortions in a single year, does not need or deserve taxpayer dollars. We thank Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) for leading the effort to overturn this unpopular rule. Their leadership reflects the truth that women largely support stopping taxpayer funding of the abortion industry and redirecting funds to centers that offer real health care.”

Recently, two new videos showed former Planned Parenthood employees discussing how women were “treated like cattle” and “herded” through clinics. In last week’s video, a former manager admitted Planned Parenthood had “abortion quotas” that, if met, would result in pizza parties. Other videos have exposed Planned Parenthood’s claim of providing prenatal services and demonstrated that ultrasounds are used almost exclusively for abortion.

Under current state law, the state of Tennessee doles out Title X funding provided by HHS to county health departments, who then determine appropriate sub-grantees. All 95 counties have identified community health centers and other providers aside from Planned Parenthood who meet all Title X eligibility criteria

Journey to the foot of the Cross

to receive this funding, effectively cutting off Planned Parenthood’s access to Title X funds in the state of Tennessee.

The rule from HHS cites other examples of states such as Florida and Texas enacting or attempting to enact similar measures.

Save the Date!

Defending Religious Liberty

7th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference of the Diocese of Norwich

Eucharistic Miracles

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Events and Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Keynote Speaker: ValLimar Jansen Saturday April 8, 8:30am – 3:30pm St. Bernard School-Uncasville, CT

Over the last several years, the federal government has eroded our First Amendment right to religious freedom. The HHS mandate poses an incredibly heavy burden for the Little Sisters of the Poor and others due to conscientious objections to facilitating coverage of sterilization and contraception, including drugs and devices that may cause abortions. The Little Sisters—and so many others—still do not have adequate relief and still face possible fines in the tens of millions of dollars if they do not comply with the HHS mandate. The new administration must work to change this.

Includes Mass with Bishop Cote, Reconciliation, Lunch, Adoration, Music, Vendors and much more!

to Church Sunday!

Sunday, March 26, 2017 We hope to see you at Mass on Sunday!

Deacon Mike Puscas will provide a presentation on Eucharistic Miracles Wednesday, March 29th 7 pm.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry There is no fee.

Please contact the parish 860-464-7251 or secreatry@ololgf.org to register.

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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mar�

O Most Beautif�l Flower of Mt. Car�el, Fr�itf�l Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessit�. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mar�, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Ear�h, I humbly beseech you f�om the bot�om of my hear� to succor me in my necessit�.

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mar� conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Holy Mar�, I place this cause in your hands.

~-LBFIM ~

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