Four County Catholic May 2013 by Diocese of Norwich

Volume 25 Number 5

2012 ~ 2013

It is my privilege to shepherd a diocese that has shown such resilience through hard economic times, with enduring faith and above all...

Charity The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich on the occasion of his tenth anniversary as Bishop of Norwich

Four County Catholic May 2013

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Students at St. John School, Old Saybrook, welcoming Bishop Cote to their school, April 22, 2013. The cover photo of Bishop Cote is from that same visit. Photos by Donna Antonacci.

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Four County Catholic May 2013

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Building a Culture of Life, Love and Hope My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: This month marks the tenth anniversary of my installation as Bishop of Norwich. Every day of these past ten years has been a privilege to serve the Lord in such a wonderfully vital community of faith. Who we are as a diocese, as people of faith – all faiths – and as a Nation under God has been severely tested these past ten years by economic struggles, culture erosion and acts of violence, most recently very close to home in Newtown and Boston. Our strength of faith and all that we have worked through together for ten years, is now reflected in our response to these conditions and tragedies. How we withstand the aggression of evil against all that is good in the human heart enlightened by the love of Christ our Savior, is the truest possible commentary on what we have built as a Diocese. Everything we believe as Christians is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. Living our faith and adhering to the gospel message unites us in believing in the dignity of the person, the sanctity of marriage and the family, and respect for life. Building a culture of life, love and hope starts right here at home. As a diocese, we have been increasingly engaged over the past ten years in respecting and defending the dignity of each child of God. This determined effort

has shown itself in the continuing loud voice we have raised against the life-denying HHS mandate associated with the Affordable Care Act. Letters of objection to congressional representatives have outpoured from every corner of the Diocese. We stand united to protect each precious life. Both the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have been immensely helpful in keeping us informed of local and national legislation that infringe on our religious freedom. We are well supported. We stand for life. The tireless work of Catholic Charities and the comfort and food provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Ministries and the Outreach to Haiti Ministry give daily witness to the Church’s commitment to those who are most in need among us, those most vulnerable, the hungry and the abandoned. This is a shared mission by dedicated professionals and kind volunteers. It is community service. Neighbor above self. It is living our faith. I have always said that “the laity doesn’t just attend church; they are the Church.” This, again, is why it has been my

privilege to be the shepherd of this caring Diocese. Love is stronger than hate. Stronger than neglect. Love for all life will prevail over those who choose evil or neglect. We are a Diocese growing in diversity, as with an increasing Hispanic-presence. With a tutor’s patient help, I have been learning Spanish and find myself comfortable now celebrating Mass in Spanish, as on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe or when we celebrate the Senor de los Milagros Mass. I have also been translating my monthly column into Spanish, as I will this column. Gloria a Dios por el entusiasmo de la fe entre nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanos. Every parish, every school, every pastor and parishioner have been affected by the great economic recession of the past seven years. To preserve our parish structure and Catholic education in the Diocese, we have had to do some restructuring and realignment. This was also brought about by the shortage of priests across the Diocese. It has been very encouraging to find that the parishes that have been yoked more closely together have emerged as stronger parish com-

munities as they have truly pulled together. The participation of the laity has increased and our diaconate program has been reactivated which will help in the future to support many of the charitable outreach activities at the parish level. It all contributes to more energized parish life and heightened support for the pastor. Our efforts across all parishes to encourage vocations is beginning to make a promising difference. At the moment we have seven candidates for the permanent diaconate; and later this month and in early June, we will celebrate the ordinations of Deacon Brian Maxwell to the Holy Priesthood and Martin Noe to the transitional diaconate. Later this year, Jonathan Ficara will be ordained in Rome to the transitional diaconate. Next year, we look forward to two ordinations to the priesthood. Additionally, we have two seminarian candidates from Medellin, Columbia, presently in their second year of English studies, who will be warmly received by the Hispanic parishioners in the diocesan family. Our vocations outlook is clearly hopeful as we look to the future. Having been a product of Catholic education from kindergarten through post graduate studies, I have a special appreciation and fondness for Catholic schools. It is so true that “you may leave a Catholic school, but it never leaves you.” The diocesan school system has stabilized now,

and our objective is to preserve Catholic education in the Diocese. This September, we will be opening our first regional school in Middletown, the Blessed John Paul II Regional School, as we think beyond the strictly parochial model. This consolidating approach will help preserve Catholic education for all families in the Greater Middletown area. It may well work effectively in other communities as well. Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine will be exploring the possibilities. Disciplined and respectful Catholic education will survive and flourish in the Diocese as we plan forward. Through these trying times, the Diocese has emerged stronger and in harmony with the loving ministry of Jesus. Shepherding a parish is a great privilege. Shepherding a diocese is a great privilege and has been an immense blessing for me. I am grateful to my priests for all they do to help people through the most significant passages of their lives. I am grateful to the deacons and religious who so love the Church, and to each and every person of faith who together are the Church. I am grateful to God to have been called to the priesthood and to have had the high privilege of being your Bishop these ten years. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Construcción de Una Cultura de Vida, Amor y Esperanza Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Este mes se cumple el décimo aniversario de mi instalación como obispo de Norwich. Ha sido un privilegio servir al Señor

todos los días de estos diez años en una comunidad de fe tan vital y activa. Quienes somos como diócesis, como personas de fe-todos los cre-

dos- y como nación bajo Dios ha sido severamente puesta a prueba estos últimos diez años por horribles actos de violencia en contra de nuestros hermanos y hermanas

inocentes, más recientemente, muy cerca de casa en Newton y en Boston. Nuestra firmeza de fe y todo lo que hemos trabajado juntos por diez años, se refleja ahora

en la respuesta a aquellas tragedias. El más auténtico comentario posible que hemos construido estos Amor y Esperanza

Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic May 2013

Amor y Esperanza últimos diez años es cómo soportar el azote del mal contra lo que es bueno en el corazón humano iluminado por el amor de Cristo nuestro Salvador. Todo lo que creemos como cristianos está basado en la dignidad de la persona, la santidad del matrimonio y la familia, y el respeto por la vida. Construir una cultura de vida y derrotar la cultura de la muerte es la esencia de nuestra misión como fieles seguidores de Jesucristo. Construir una cultura de vida, amor y esperanza comienza aquí en casa. Como diócesis, en los últimos diez años hemos estado cada vez más comprometidos, en respetar y defender la dignidad de cada hijo

Continued from page 3

de Dios. Este esfuerzo determinado se ha mostrado en el grito continuo que hemos alzado contra la privación a la vida del mandato HHS (por sus siglas en inglés) asociado a la Ley de Asistencia Asequible. Las cartas de objeción a los representantes del Congreso han provenido desde todos los rincones de la diócesis. Estamos unidos para proteger cada vida preciosa. Ambas la Conferencia de Asuntos Católicos de Connecticut y la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos han sido sumamente útiles en mantenernos informados de la legislación local y nacional, que atentan contra la libertad religiosa. Estamos bien apoyados. Estamos

a favor de la vida. El incansable trabajo de caridades católicas y el consuelo y alimentos proporcionados por el Ministerio de San Vicente De Paul, dan diario testimonio del compromiso de la Iglesia con aquellos quienes están más necesitados entre nosotros, aquellos los más vulnerables, los hambrientos y los abandonados. Esta es una misión compartida por dedicados profesionales y bondadosos voluntarios. Es servicio a la comunidad. El prójimo por encima de sí mismo. Es vivir nuestra fe. Siempre he dicho que “los laicos no sólo asisten a la iglesia, sino que son la Iglesia.’ Esto, es de nuevo, el por qué ha sido mi privilegio ser

el pastor de esta esmerada diócesis. El amor es más fuerte que el odio. Más fuerte que la negligencia. El amor por toda vida sobresaldrá sobre aquellos quienes eligen el mal en este peligroso mundo de ahora. Somos una diócesis que crece en diversidad, particularmente la creciente presencia hispana. Con la paciente ayuda de un tutor, he estado aprendiendo español y ahora me siento cómodo celebrando la misa en español, como en la ocasión de la Festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe o cuando celebramos la misa del Señor de los Milagros. También he estado traduciendo al español mi columna mensual, como lo haré con esta columna. Gloria a Dios por el entusiasmo de la fe entre nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanos. Cada parroquia, cada escuela, cada párroco y feligrés se ha visto afectado por la gran recesión económica en estos últimos siete años. Para preservar nuestra estructura parroquial y educación católica en la diócesis, hemos tenido que hacer una reestructuración y reorganización. Esto también fue provocado por la escasez de sacerdotes en toda la diócesis. Ha sido muy alentador ver que las parroquias que han sido yuxtapuestas más estrechamente han surgido como comunidades parroquiales más fuertes ya que realmente se han unido. La participación de los laicos ha aumentado y nuestro programa de diaconado ha sido reactivado para ayudar a apoyar muchas de las actividades de extensión caritativa a nivel parroquial. Todo contribuye a una vida parroquial más energizada y a un aumento de apoyo para el párroco. Nuestros esfuerzos por fomentar las vocaciones están empezando a dar frutos. Por el momento tenemos siete candidatos para el diaconado, y a finales de este mes y a principios de junio, celebraremos respectivamente la ordenación del diácono Brian Maxwell al Santo Sacerdocio y Martin Noe y Jonathan Ficara al diaconado transitorio. El próximo año, esperamos con ilusión a dos seminaristas más como candidatos a la ordenación

sacerdotal. Adicionalmente tenemos dos candidatos seminaristas de Medellín, Colombia, quienes serán cariñosamente recibidos en la familia diocesana por los feligreses hispanos. A medida que miramos hacia el futuro nuestros esfuerzos por las vocaciones son claramente optimistas. Habiendo sido un producto de la educación católica desde el Kindergarten hasta los estudios de Posgrado, tengo un especial aprecio y cariño por las escuelas católicas. Es tan cierto que “usted puede dejar un colegio católico, pero él nunca le abandona.” El sistema escolar diocesano ahora se ha estabilizado, y nuestro objetivo número uno es el de preservar la educación católica en la diócesis. Este septiembre, abriremos nuestra primera escuela regional en Middletown, la Escuela Regional Beato Juan Pablo II, pensamos más allá del modelo estrictamente parroquial. Este enfoque ayudará a preservar la consolidación de la educación católica para todas las familias en el área de Middletown. Bien puede trabajar con eficacia en otras comunidades también. El Superintendente el Dr. Ed Shine estará explorando las posibilidades. A medida que planifiquemos hacia adelante la respetable y disciplinada educación católica sobrevivirá y prosperará en la diócesis. A través de estos tiempos de prueba, la diócesis ha surgido más fuerte y en armonía con el amoroso ministerio de Jesús. Pastorear una parroquia es un gran privilegio. Pastorear una diócesis es un gran privilegio y ha sido una enorme bendición para mí. Agradezco a mis sacerdotes por todo lo que hacen para ayudar a la gente por medio de los acontecimientos más relevantes de sus vidas. Agradezco a los diáconos y religiosos quienes aman la Iglesia, y a cada persona de fe quienes juntos son la Iglesia. Agradezco a Dios el haber sido llamado al sacerdocio y el haber tenido el gran privilegio de ser su obispo estos diez años. Sinceramente, en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

Four County Catholic May 2013

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

“Youth Must Be Placed at the Service of Great Ideals” The snow has melted, spring has been in the air now for several weeks, and as we enter into the month of May there is much to anticipate. There are many young people around the diocese who will be receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Others have or will be receiving the sacrament of confirmation, being anointed in the Holy Spirit. Many young couples have been preparing to enter into the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and will be making that lifelong commitment during the coming months. On the diocesan level, we are very excited for three of our seminarians who will be receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders, one as a priest and two as transitional deacons. Rev. Mr. Brian Maxwell has been called to orders by Bishop Cote who will, through the laying on of hands, ordain him to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on Saturday May 25, 2013 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich at 10:30 am. The Mass is open to the public. Two weeks later on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Saint Peter and Paul Church in Norwich, also at 10:30am, Mr. Martin Noe will be ordained to the transitional diaconate by the laying on of hands by Bishop Cote. Then as a diocese we will anticipate the ordination also to the transitional diaconate of Mr. Jonathan Ficara who, God willing, will be called to orders and ordained

next October in Rome, Italy. It is and has been an exciting time for the church locally as we anticipate the celebration of our Diocese’s 60th anniversary and Bishop Cote’s 10th anniversary as our Bishop. For the Church worldwide we continue to join in the celebration of the Year of Faith during which Catholics along with the rest of the world have witnessed history in action with the resignation of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis. As we anticipate the coming ordinations in our diocese, I think it is important for all the young people of our diocese to consider the words of Pope Francis as he reflected on the Gospel of the Good Shepherd on World Day of Vocations and said; “Youth must be placed at the service of great ideals... Ask Jesus what He wants of you and be courageous! Be Courageous! Ask Him! Behind and prior to every vocation to the priesthood or the consecrated life there is always someone’s powerful and intense prayer: a grandmother’s, a grandfather’s, a mother’s, a father’s, a community’s. This is why Jesus said: “Pray to The Lord of the harvest,” that is, God the Father, “that he might send workers for the harvest.” We all must encourage young people around the diocese to ask our Lord about the direction of their lives because they have to deal with so many distractions and temptations to go after things that do not really bring

Pope Francis @Pontifex

fulfillment and true happiness to them. I do not think one can find a greater happiness in this world than knowing that, no matter the difficulty they may encounter, if they are living according to His will for them,

they will not only experience but will one day attain the happiness that they were created for, a perfect union with God for eternity. May God bless our seminarians, applicants, those considering applying to study for our

diocese or for a religious order, with the grace of confidence and commitment for embracing His Will. Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers and continue to send us those you created for this purpose.

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

May 24, 2013 • 7:00 8:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich June 20, 2013 • 5:00-6:00 p.m. Saint Joseph, Willimantic July 18, 2013 • 5:00-6:00 p.m. Saint Patrick, Mystic August 22, 2013 • 7:00 8:00 p.m. Sacred Heart, Vernon September 19, 2013 • 4:00-5:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Clinton October 17, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saint Mary, Baltic

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

November 21, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saint Joseph, New London

(860) 887-9294

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

We pray for our Seminarians....

April 22, 2013

Each of us longs for love, for truth, for life - and Jesus is all of these things in abundance!

Kurt O Brien 2nd Year College Holy Apostles Seminary Cromwell, CT

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

Juan Palacio 1st Year English Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

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

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

Ruben Sanchez 1st Year English Studies Clark University Worcester, MA

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

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

Thomas Grifﬁn 1st Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Four County Catholic May 2013

Saturday, May 11 One Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Talks given on God’s Love, Salvation, New Life, Forgiveness, and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray over them for the release (activation) of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that were received in baptism. From 9:00am-5:00pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. Must call center to register 860-860-887-0702. Saturday, May 18 Commemoration for the Victims of the Irish Hunger The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) will sponsor its annual Commemoration for the Victims of the Irish Hunger (Famine)” Mass begins at 5:00pm at St.

Joseph’s Church, New London. Immediately following the Mass, a program and dinner will take place in the School hall. The featured speaker will be Dr. Grace Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Hunger Museum, in Hamden. Admission is $10.00 per person for the dinner and $5.00 for children 12 years old and younger. Net proceeds will be donated to local soup kitchens. Donations of non-perishable food items are also encouraged. For information and reservations, contact jimgall98@juno.com or (860) 7398216. Sunday, May 19 Diocesan Prayer Meeting Feast of Pentecost All are invited to praise and worship

Our Lord as is done in the individual prayer meetings throughout the year. Now we celebrate together (Pentecost being the “Birthday” of the Catholic Church) Cathedral of St. Patrick Auditorium, Norwich at 2:00pm. Tuesday, May 23 Prayer Group Mass of Healing & Hope Circle of Love Prayer Group, St. John Chapel, Middletown at 7:00pm. Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes. Sunday, May 25 Unbound Prayer Ministry Freedom from the negative forces that disturb us in our lives. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Call for an appointment 860-887-0702. Saturday, June 1 One Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Talks given on God’s Love, Salvation, New Life, Forgiveness and The Gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray over them for the release (activation) of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that were received in baptism. From 9:00am – 4:00pm at Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry. To register call Peg Gorman at 860-464-2400. Tuesday, June 4 Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction:

92nd Annual Feast of St. Sebastian Friday-Sunday, May 17-19

St Sebastian Church is located at 155 Washington Street (Rt 66) in Middletown. The festival events include the running of the “Nuri” before the High Mass on Sunday. There will be three days of rides for children, food for adults, an auction and music. The St. Theresa Guild has compiled a cookbook of over 250 Italian recipes. The cookbook “Mangia” will be sold at the Festival. A Tribute to Coach Jim Calhoun From 5:30pm – 9:30pm at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville. Honored guests include: Jim Calhoun, Jack McDonald, AD, Quinnipiac University, Saint Francis Award, and John Mirabello, Head

Memorial Day Mass Schedule

Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013 The Norwich Deanery In Saint Joseph Cemetery, Boswell Avenue, Norwich, Very Rev. Leszek T. Janik, J.C.L., V.G., will celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, this Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery. In Sacred Heart Cemetery, Harland Road, Taftville, Rev. Msgr. Henry N. Archambault, P.A., J.C.D., will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2013. In case of inclement weather the Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Taftville. In Saint Patrick Cemetery, Depot Road, Montville, Reverend Robert Buongirno will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2013. In case of inclement weather, the Mass will be celebrated in Saint John Church, Uncasville.

The New London Deanery In Saint Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London, monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor, will celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, this Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery, New London.

Boy’s Basketball Coach, Northwest Catholic- the Dean of Sports Award. Proceeds benefit the mission of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care For more information visit www.flcenter.org or call 203-237-8084. Friday-Sunday, June 7-9 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend Healing, forgiveness and peace from post abortion grief can have a beginning with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. Inquiries are confidential. Retreat June 7-9 in Westerly, RI call 401-421-7833 ext.118. www.rachelsvineyard.org.

ART UNLIMIT TED ED

May

The Month of Mary During the month of May – the month of Mary – we feel a special protection of Our Lady that extends to all the faithful; we feel a special joy that shines and illuminates our hearts expressing the universal certainty of Catholics that the indispensable patronage of our heavenly Mother becomes even more tender, more loving and more full of visible mercy and exorable condescendence during her month of May.

Four County Catholic May 2013

Region’s Healthcare Workers Celebrate Annual White Mass at St. Matthias in East Lyme EAST LYME - More than 100 healthcare providers from throughout the By Shelley Wolf Four County Catholic Contributor

Diocese of Norwich gathered for the Twenty-third Annual Diocesan Mass for Healthcare Workers on Sunday, April 14 at St. Matthias Church in East Lyme, where they received spiritual support for their vital work in promoting human health and healing. The White Mass, normally held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, was moved to East Lyme this year due to ongoing renovations at the cathedral. The open, airy, light-filled St. Matthias Church, a modern eightsided house of worship with both stained glass windows and clear glass windows, served as a wonderful setting for the inspiring White Mass. This year’s Mass was held on the third Sunday of Easter and was celebrated in a sanctuary filled with beautiful spring flowers — white Easter lilies, white hydrangeas, pink azaleas, and yellow tulips. A white banner proclaimed “The Year of Faith.” The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, the principal celebrant, welcomed the White Mass attendees — men and women of all ages, including physicians, specialists, nurses, therapists, technicians, chaplains, and hospital administrators, some even dressed in white lab coats, coming to and from their various work

shifts. “We come together to restore our hope and our faith,” Bishop Cote told the healthcare employees in attendance. Deacon William H. McGann III, of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry, served as the homilist. He noted that Apri 15, tax day, is a day of reckoning Similarly, he said, those who have experienced the three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation — also have dues to pay. “The tax that we owe is a positive contribution to building up God’s kingdom through our own acts of love,” Deacon McGann explained. “Practice not just by government and professional standards but by those of Christ,” he advised “We must obey God rather than men,” the Deacon said. He suggested all healthcare providers turn to the Eucharist as their source o strength. “May God give you the strength to speak out freely.” Finally, Deacon McGann asked the healthcare employees to exemplify the joy of those who know they are redeemed. “We cannot lead others to Jesus Christ unless we show others that we are blessed and know God’s goodness and love,”

Please join us for the

White Mass Continued on page 8

Ordination to Holy Priesthood of Brian Maxwell Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 10:30 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich

Top: Setu Vora, M.D. and the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. Photo by Dr. Michael Deren. Left: The Connecticut String Trio perform. Photo by Michael Strammiello.

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

~ MP ~

Four County Catholic May 2013

White Mass Continued from page 7 saying, “We thank you for these healthcare workers and the healing they bring.” After a time of fellowship and food, featured speaker Setu Vora, M.D., spoke on the topic of “Mindfulness in Medicine.” Dr. Vora is the Medical Director of Critical Care at Backus Hospital in Norwich as well as the Hospital’s Quality and Safety Officer. He is an internist who specializes in pulmonary care, critical care, and sleep medicine. He lives in East Lyme, and is a parishioner of St. Matthias Church. Dr. Vora cited statistics from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control showing that the majority of deaths in the U.S. today are lifestyle diseases. “We’re often too busy to take time for ourselves,”

Dr. Vora explained. cians reported moderate to high High-stress, busy lifestyles burnout rates. In the same study, plague healthcare workers as well nurses reported a 40% burnout as the general public. “We live in rate. chaos, and that’s life,” Dr. Vora All this multitasking on the job said, citing cell also spells uninphones, overtended consehead pages, quences for Sometimes I feel and multitaskpatient care. Dr. discouraged, ing on the job. Vora cited staAnd think my “But societal tistics published expectations work’s in vain, But in the book “To then the Holy have not Err is Human: changed. We Building a Safer Spirit Revives my are still exHealth Syssoul again. pected to be tem,” which esLyrics from the spiritual smart, affable, timated that “There is a Balm in Gilea and available.” approximately sung at the White Mass Healthcare 100,000 paproviders are tients die annuworking harder than ever but ex- ally in hospitals due to preventable periencing diminishing returns, he errors. The moments of admission said. In one study, 87% of physi- and discharge, when the workload

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is up, are when the margin of safety is at its lowest, Dr. Vora said. “The underlying theme is stress — the rust of life, the oxidation of species that corrodes our cells and our life,” Dr. Vora said. This stress occurs in all facets of the healthcare profession. “When people are engaged in cognitive tasks, we interrupt. We do not respect the attention that is needed of our nurses and our colleagues,” Dr. Vora stated. “It’s surprising how well we do in light of all these interruptions.” The risks of multitasking are high, Dr. Vora said. Multitasking has been shown to result in a 40% forget rate and it may take as long as 10 to 15 minutes for workers to refocus attention after a phone call. Dr. Vora also referenced the book “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman, which details two systems of thinking: System 1, which is intuitive and involves snap judgments, and System 2, which is slower and uses more logic and reasoning. System 1 can be good 95% of the time, Dr. Vora said, but it can also lead to errors 5% of the time. “In the case of medical diagnostic errors, the problem is often that we did not connect the dots,” Dr. Vora explained. “Our mind is still focused on the last problem we dealt with. Or we came to a premature closure — we came to a conclusion too soon.” To improve cognitive performance in high-stress healthcare settings, Dr. Vora recommended the following: • Employ emergence. Emergence in the workplace is the seemingly coordinated movement of a group that is not controlled by any leader. This often takes place

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in healthcare settings and can be effective if you follow simple rules, rely on the power of habits and rituals, know the cues, and respond to them, Dr. Vora said. • Be mindful. “Mindfulness is an inclination to be aware, to be present, to be alive, to be conscious,” Dr. Vora explained. • Meditate. “Develop the desire to meditate,” Dr. Vora said. Studies have shown that in the short term, meditation improves attention and focus on the task at hand. It also cuts down on the firing of the amygdala area of the brain improving cognition, specifically decision making, memory, global thinking, concentration, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. • Show respect. Respect your colleagues, your patients, and yourselves. Focus on the intention to love, to be merciful, to not judge, to not condemn, to forgive and to give, Dr. Vora said. • Practice 5.15.30, menu, mind, and move. “Eat 5 fruits and veggies a day, practice 15 minutes of meditation, and get 30 minutes of exercise,” Dr. Vora advised. “This is a prescription.” • Practice mindful medicine. Keep the acronym CHAMP in mind, Dr. Vora said. Communicate clearly. Handoff effectively. Attention to detail. Mentor each other. Practice a questioning attitude; validate and verify. • Focus on the rational process. “Ask yourself ‘What’s going on? Why did this happen,’” Dr. Vora advised. • Use a microscope. Apply the concept of the power of the microscope at four key times during patient care. “Always go with the lowest power first, during diagnosis, delivery of care, at the time of documentation, and at the time of disposition,” Dr. Vora stressed. • Ask for Divine Mercy. “We are the recipients of this majestic power and loving grace and kindness,” Dr. Vora said. “Reflect this love and grace at home and at work. Radiate it outward to others.” In conclusion Dr. Vora said, “Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, got it right. ‘With tenderness and love, open up a horizon of hope.’”

Four County Catholic May 2013

“And so I say to you, you are Peter (the First Pope), and upon this Rock (foundation) I will build My (New) Church, and the gates of hell (satan) shall NOT prevail against it. I will give you (My New Church Leader(s)) the Keys (Spiritual power) to the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever You (Church) bind on earth, shall be bound (upheld) in Heaven, and whatever You (Church) loose on earth...

….shall be loosed in Heaven.”

A prayerful moment during the eighteenth Annual Mass for Secretaries, April 23, 2013, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick while still under restoration construction. Bishop Michael R. Cote celebrated the Mass, strongly supported by twelve concelebrants and Father Gregorz Jednaki as homilist. Committee members Alice Pudvah as Chair, Cynthia Mageski, Marlene Peer, Christine Siart, Joan Balestracci, Judy Pappagallo, Kimberly Quinn and Chancery Liaison Monsignor Robert L. Brown organized the well-attended Mass and brunch honoring those who dedicate themselves as secretaries throughout the Diocese. Photo by Donna Antonacci

Pope Francis is our 266th Pope (Holy Father) in these 2000 years – Thank You Jesus!

A Seminarian’s Reflection: Peter Langevin

Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration May 7, 2013, and every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leader: Deacon James Delaney and Nancy Delaney

“Have you ever thought about being a priest?” The voice of Bishop Daniel Reilly reverberates though my mind as clearly today as when he asked me this question prior to celebrating Confirmation at my home parish in Southbridge, Massachusetts almost 20 years ago! Since that time, I have prayed and thought about this question often, with varying degrees of openness, seriousness and action on my part. In his message for the 25th World Youth Day in 2010, our Holy Father Emeritus, Benedict XVI wrote: “Jesus never tires of turning to us with love and calling us to be his disciples; to some, however, he proposes an even more radical choice... along the path of priestly ministry.” As I reflect on the experiences of my life, I can see how God has consistently and lovingly called me and represented this question through many different people that I have been blessed to know. The only thing that I had to do was to respond. “Mr. Langevin, have you ever

thought about being a priest?” Years later, the Lord was speaking through the voice of the students and faculty with whom I had the privilege to work at Xavier High School. From 2004-2012, I served the Xavier community in a variety of capacities but the most important was as a religion teacher. Each day I worked to share our Catholic faith with the young men I taught. I challenged them to be open to what God was asking them to do with their lives. Over time, it became increasingly clear to me that God was inviting me to listen more carefully to the lessons I was trying to impart to my students. Time and again, the Lord was presenting me with the same question; the only thing that I had to do was to respond. “Do not be afraid,” Pope Benedict’s message continued, “if the Lord is calling you to the religious, monastic or missionary life, or a life of special consecration: He knows how to bestow deep joy upon those who respond to Him with courage!” One year ago this month, I was

accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Norwich and assigned to begin my theological studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Looking back over this past year, despite the many changes, new experiences, and challenges, the Lord has indeed blessed me with a deep peace and abiding joy. An example of this came during this year’s Chrism Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Willimantic. As I watched the opening procession with the priests of the diocese together with Bishop Cote and representatives of our Diocesan family, I was overwhelmed with a sense of joy and gratitude to God for calling me to find my home here in the Diocese of Norwich. To all the other men of our Diocese who may feel the Lord calling them to something more: have you ever thought about being a priest? By the grace of God and sustained by the prayers of many, I finally had the courage to respond to His call – and it has made a world of difference!

Matthew 16:18-19

Pro-Life Mass Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 8:30 am Saints Peter and Paul Church, Norwich, CT Fr. Ray Introvigne, Celebrant

One Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 11, 2013 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT To register-call 860-887-0702 Diocesan Prayer Meeting – Feast of Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 2:00 pm Cathedral of St. Patrick Auditorium, Norwich Prayer Group Mass of Healing and Hope Tuesday, May 23, 2013 at 7:00 pm Circle of Love Prayer Group, St. John Chapel, Middletown Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) May 25, 2013 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Call for appointment 860-887-0702 One Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, June 1, 2013 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry To register call Peg Gorman 860-464-2400 “Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

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Four County Catholic May 2013

History of the Diocese: The Bishop Cote Years On May 14, 2003, in the fiftieth year of its existence, the Diocese welcomed Most Reverend Michael By William J. Russell, C.P.A. Diocesan Finance Officer

R. Cote, a new, young Bishop from our most northerly New England diocesan neighbor, Portland, Maine. He had been appointed to the position on March 11, 2003. Before his arrival at Norwich, Bishop Cote had served as Auxiliary Bishop of his home Diocese from the time of his appointment on May 9, 1995 and his consecration on July 27, 1995. The growth in the number of parishioners that had been experienced in the Diocese, and in most dioceses in New England for some time, began to level off as Bishop Cote began his episcopacy as the Fifth Bishop of Norwich. The challenges of a now maturing diocese would not be building churches, schools and ministries as much as it would become weathering the storms of the economy, cultural shifts and an aging lay population. Adding to these challenges would be a gradually diminishing supply of priests to serve a steady state of nearly 250,000 parishioners. It was a time not of expansion, but a time of severe challenge to find solutions to maintaining an appropriate church and school footprint across the diocese. These were formidable challenges, all within the overall mission of reinvigorating the spirit of worship, service and “Above all Charity.” Bishop Cote recognized that it was through Catholic Education that the evangelization of future

generations was to occur, and he has devoted a great deal of energy and diocesan support toward that end. His Episcopacy has been marked throughout by his efforts to support Catholic Education at

lished to provide scholarships through the Catholic Foundation, and, a diocesan-wide collection was established so that parishioners in all corners of

t, Bishop Emer Daniel A. Har erend Daniel d en er ev R t os ev The M Most R h (left) and the orcester (right) join itus of Norwic W of op ish B ed P. Reilly, Retir ter) on his Installation day. en Bishop Cote (c

all levels. The Diocesan School Office has been restructured and strengthened to provide support for students at all grade levels and to recognize and gain a new appreciation for those that teach and administer to our students. Under the term of Bishop Cote, the Seton Dinner was estab-

the Diocese could support Catholic Education. Bishop Cote realized that adult education and formation are as important as the education of children and he took steps to institute a new Office of Faith Formation which is not only tasked with the education and formation of our Children who are not in Catholic or Parochial schools and are involved in the programs and retreats of Youth Ministry; but also adults, through the continuance of the Rite of Christian Initiation and through pro-

Bishop Cote with the eighth grade class at a recent visit to St. Joseph School in North Grosvenordale, CT.

se of Nor Dioce 1953-2013 wich

grams like Why Catholic?, a program of RENEW International. Retreat days, for men, women, ministry directors, and those involved in all manner of parish life have been instituted. For the past few years, the Diocese has formed a collaboration with The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and has invited members of the group to work on the campus of The University of Connecticut. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and Sacred tradition, FOCUS was born out of a passion and zeal to share how a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith can transform the world. In partnership with the university, FOCUS missionaries host large group outreach events, weekly Bible studies, and they offer one-on-one mentoring with student leaders. The Vocations Program is also a priority for Bishop Cote. By uniting the positions of Vocations Director and Director of Promotion and Development, the office now oversees a num-

ber of initiatives that all serve to further the awareness of vocations, and to pray for them. A Holy Hour for Vocations is held each month in a different host church throughout the Diocese Probably one of the most challenging aspects of Bishop Cote’s tenure in Norwich is the restructuring of parishes. The Office of Pastoral Planning works closely with Bishop Cote to listen, to hear, and to consider the comments and concerns of the priests and parishioners in the Diocese. The subject of yoking, clustering, or combining of parishes in any manner requires a Pastoral outlook that is realistic but that is mindful of the need to treat all parishioners in a way that is fair and equitable. Bishop Cote’s ten years have been busy and challenging. He has come to be well respected and well liked by the presbyterate and by the religious and lay members of the Diocese.

Four County Catholic May 2013

The Year of Faith, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Ordination to Priesthood Eucharistic Adoration - In this Year our Holy Father, Pope Francis of Faith, a Holy Hour of Eucharis- (and with dioceses around the tic Adoration will world) in an hour be celebrated by of Eucharistic Bishop Michael R. Adoration in a Cote, Bishop of profound comNorwich, on Frimunion with day, May 24, Christ to intensify 2013, at 7:00 our faith in the p.m., in the CatheEucharist during dral of Saint the Year of Faith. Patrick, 213 All are encouraged Broadway in Norto participate in wich. This Holy the Holy Hour Hour will be celeand in Deacon brated on the eve Maxwell’s Ordina2012 ~ 2013 of the Ordination tion on Saturday, to the Priesthood of Deacon Brian May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at our Maxwell. Also, we will join with newly restored Cathedral.

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Banners Announce Diocese’s Anniversary Celebration The Very Reverend Leszek Janik, J.C.L., Vicar General of the Diocese of Norwich and Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul and Saint Joseph Parishes in Norwich, has led the effort of the diocesan Jubilee Committee to announce a year of celebration in the form of a festive banner. This year, designated as the Year of Faith, marks the tenth anniversary of the installation of Bishop Cote as Bishop of Norwich and the sixtieth anniversary of the inauguration of the Diocese of Norwich. Three concurrent celebrations. The Jubilee Committee has been preparing for a Eucharistic Celebration to honor all three special designations. A special Father Les displaying “Year of Faith” celebration banner. Photo by Donna Antonacci.

Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will take place Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. The banner and posters have begun to build awareness in some parishes of the unique combination of anniversaries with which the Diocese is blessed this year. The large colorful banners are a cheerful reminder of the Celebration Event planned for July 27. All parishioners across the Diocese are welcome to join Bishop Cote, their parish priests, deacons and religious along with invited guests, dignitaries, a

number of our Catholic School students and faculty, and community friends of all faiths who will be sharing in the joy of these happy anniversaries. If your church, school or institution does not yet have a banner on display outside or inside, you may wish to suggest to your pastor, principal or director to order one as soon as possible. Simply call Mrs . Becky Cady at 860-887-9294, ext. 235, or send an e-mail request to Becky@norwichdiocese.net. The deadline for banner orders is May 31st. Banners are available in both English and Spanish.

Four County Catholic May 2013

Third Annual Catholic Women’s Conference: Spiritual Comfort, Inspirational Insights, and Advice on Spreading the Faith An all-day conference designed especially for women of the Diocese of Norwich ofBy Shelley Wolf Four County Catholic Contributor

fered spiritual comfort, encouragement, and the charge for women to go forth as critical evangelizers of the faith. The Third Annual Catholic Women’s Conference, held on Saturday April 13 at St. Bernard School in Montville, attracted 147 women from throughout the diocese to participate in the day’s events which were organized around this year’s theme “Be My Witness.” Women of all ages, including laity and religious sisters, gathered together for a day of prayer, music, and featured speakers. The day began with the celebration of Mass. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, served as the main celebrant and homilist. Father Ray Introvigne was the concelebrant. Pianist, guitarist, and singer Sarah Hart of Nashville, Tennessee, pro-

vided upbeat contemporary Christian music during the Mass and throughout the day. During the homily, Bishop Cote reflected on the weekly readings, recounting several stories of the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples, especially when they were at sea and afraid. “‘It is I. Do not be afraid’ is the message he wanted to give them that day and always,” Bishop Cote said. The disciples experience of darkness at sea was really a darkness of spirit, the Bishop explained, something that we are all susceptible to at times. “There are times when we feel distant and alone, perhaps during times of great illness, when we receive a horrible prognosis, or we may feel his distance in moments of painful disappointment,” Bishop Cote said. “Even Mother Teresa had long stretches of darkness when God felt very far from her. Experiencing God as distant is not unnatural.” Moreover, there are moments when people lose trust in God, but instead we should seek God’s con-

solation, the Bishop said. “He is always very present and close by. Looking back, we may realize that he was closest to us at the darkest time,” Bishop Cote said. “In times of trial, hold onto Him very consciously,” the Bishop advised. “Trials and challenges, no matter how large and threatening, may not be moments of despair. Instead, they can become moments that deepen and strengthen our faith.” “Jesus promises to bring us to our place of haven, a place of rest, a place of safety,” the Bishop said. “Nothing can separate us from the profound love our Lord has for us.” Following morning Mass, conference attendees were treated to a

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light and humorous presentation titled “Who Cooked the Last Supper?” by Sister Carol Cimino, SSJ, Ed. D., an author, college professor, and accomplished national speaker from Rochester, New York. She was just appointed as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Buffalo. Between her entertaining quips, Sister Carol discussed her serious belief that Jesus had a special relationship with women and treated them with kindness and respect. She detailed many instances in the Gospels in which Jesus paid as much attention to women as men. “He called them to holiness as much as anyone,” Sister Carol pointed out. The second featured speaker, Mother Olga Yaqob, was born in Iraq, served as a campus chaplain at Boston University, and founded a new religious order known as the Daughters of Mary, Our Lady of Nazareth, in Boston in 2011. Mother Olga first arrived in the U.S. in 2001 to study and is now a U.S. citizen. At the conference she spoke on the topic “Faith Moves Mountains.” She noted that her whole life is a testament to overcoming obstacles. It was her faith that helped her to found a new order at the request of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, and

that even helped her to face cancer. “I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless,” she said. “I believe that God was calling me to help people climb their own mountains, deal with their own difficulties, their own challenges,” she said. Some of Mother Olga’s darkest times were those spent enduring the hardships of war between the U.S. and Iraq, living in Iraq during the first war when she witnessed casualties and later living in both Boston and Iraq during the second war. “My heart was torn between two nations, two families,” Mother Olga said. “There are no winners in war,” she stated emphatically. My life is testimony that faith moves mountains ─ the faith of the Church, the faith of the Sacraments, the saints, the rosary,” Mother Olga said. “So trust me that faith moves mountains. And please do not give up, whatever mountains you face.” After lunch and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Sister Carol Cimino gave a final presentation titled “Doing Our Baptism,” which focused on the need for continued evangelization. Evangelization changes lives so that they can change the world,” Sister Carol explained.

Four County Catholic May 2013

Deacon Berstene Receives Highest NADD Honor Columbus, Ohio - The National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD) recognized Deacon by Deacon Thomas R. Dubois, MPS NADD Executive Director

Michael Berstene of the Diocese of Norwich with the Bart O’Leary Award at the NADD 2013 convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April

12. Deacon Berstene received the Bart O’Leary Award – the Association’s highest honor – in recognition of his leadership among deacon formation directors and his outstanding service to NADD. Deacon Berstene received the award for his extensive work as Chair of the NADD Finance Committee and for directing and implementing NADD’s information technology system. Upon receiving the award, Deacon Berstene commented, “To receive an award for outstanding leadership and service touches me deeply because leadership and service are at the very core of what I understand a deacon to be.” “I believe that when we say that diakonia is at the core of the 21st century Church, we mean that service for Christ, service by the body of Christ, is to raise or lift up, to lift up those who are lost, forsaken, rejected to help them to rise with Christ and experience

the light of Christ and the Love of Christ in a way that the world is transformed in God’s image and God’s love.” “We are simple servants, humbly and boldly answering God’s call to help all of his people to become the diakonia that transforms the world.” The “Bart O’Leary Award” is presented in memory of Rev. Bart

O’Leary, twice president of NADD who exemplified dedication and leadership during his years as a member of the Association. The 2013 NADD convention was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 10 to 12, 2013

at the invitation of Most Reverend Michael J. Sheehan, Archbishop of Santa Fe. The convention carried the theme, “Deacon as Servant of the New Evangelization.” The convention keynote speaker was His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston – Houston. Session speakers included Dr. Ralph Martin, consultor to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization, and Most Reverend Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn and episcopal liaison to NADD for the USCCB Committee on Clergy Consecrated Life and Vocation. The NADD convention is an annual event designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for deacon formation directors. NADD members represent 166 dioceses from the United States and Canada. The National Association of Diaconate Directors is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association of deacon formation directors serving member Roman Catholic dioceses of the United States and Canada. NADD assists member dioceses in their work of human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual formation of candidates in preparation for ordination into diaconal ministry.

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Office of Worship

examples of what it means to put faith into action. This installment takes us to Hawaii in the days when Hawaii was still a kingdom under the rule of the Kamehameha family, and the government was working hard to resist being taken over by various countries of Europe. Joseph De Veuster was born in Belgium in 1840. When just nineteen years old, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother and joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a religious community of priests and brothers which had been founded in Paris in the eighteenth century. He took the religious name of Damien. When Joseph’s older brother became ill and unable to go to Hawaii as a missionary, Damien volunteered to take his place, even though he was not yet ordained. After a sea voyage that lasted more than one month, Damien and his companions arrived in Honolulu in March 1864. He was ordained a priest the following May.

France and then Great Britain. In 1865 the Hawaiian legislature passed the “Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy,” then considered to be incurable, which exiled all who contracted this disease to a small peninsula of land on the island of Molokai. It was to this place that Father Damien went in response to the call of the local Bishop for volunteers. In May 1973, Father Damien began his ministry to the 816 victims of leprosy (now Hansen’s disease) then living on Molokai. In addition to building a Catholic church, Father Damien built homes and furniture, bandaged wounds, cared for the sick, made coffins, dug graves and even started a school for the children of the island who, although healthy, were exiled to Molokai along with their ill parents.

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Under his leadership, the residents established rules for their society, and even set up a system of farms to assure a steady supply of food for the residents of the island. Several letters written by Father Damien have been preserved. Two quotes give insight into his dedication to his mission. “It is a pleasure to serve the Lord and his poor children rejected by other people.” “I would gladly give my life for them. I do not spare myself when it is necessary to go on a sick call that takes me twenty or twenty-five miles away.” In December 1844, Father Damien began to see the signs of leprosy in his own body, but he continued working to the best of his ability. Just a few months before, a group of Franciscan Sisters had arrived from Syracuse, New York to set up a proper hospital and an orphanage. It was these Sisters, one of whom was Saint Marianne Cope, canonized in October 2012, who cared for Father Damien as his illness progressed. Father Damien died on April 15, 1889, at the age of 49. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2009. His feast is celebrated on May 10. Most likely, no one reading this article will be called to a far away and unknown place to care for people who are terminally ill from a disease that is mysterious, contagious and incurable. But we might be called on to care for a friend, or a member of our own family who needs help while undergoing chemotherapy, or who is sick with something as harmless as a cold. Perhaps at those times, the example of Father Damien can inspire us to patience, generosity and even cheerfulness as we strive to put our faith into action.

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Four County Catholic May 2013

A Legacy of Caring Spring is here, a time for new life after a long winter. For those of us who tend to our gardens, now is the time to take action, planting seeds By MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

in anticipation of the late summer harvest. Who can resist the charms of a home grown tomato plucked from the vine in a summer salad? Just like our gardens need tending, our personal financial affairs need tending to as well. June of 2013 is “Leave a Legacy” month in the Diocese of Norwich. This public awareness campaign stresses the importance of charitable g i v i n g through estate planning. The term “estate” might intimidate some, but it’s a fairly simple concept. Your estate comprises your “stuff.” It’s what you own – your home, your savings and retirement accounts, insurance policies, jewelry, clothing, cars, etc. Half of all Americans die without a will. This is a sobering statistic considering that if you die without a will your home and your savings are not divided among your family, but are subject to probate court. Carefully planning your will can ease many of the difficult decisions children must face upon the passing of a parent. Creating or updating your last will and testament will ensure that your wishes are carried out just as you intended. Family members, friends and beloved charities, namely your parish, an ACA sup-

ported ministry, or a beloved Catholic school, can be remembered through a gift in your will. As a testimony to their faith, some donors have created endowments through the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese to support our Catholic school students, future priests, the homeless, and others. These grants are distributed on a yearly basis. Anyone can make a charitable bequest. You do not have to be wealthy to do so. Studies have shown that those who earn less actually give more. Most people are accustomed to making a gift of cash to charity. While 75% of Americans have reported donating a gift of cash to a charity, only 7% of Americans leave a gift in their will to charity. The number one reason people do not explore this form of philanthropy is fairly simple – they were not asked to. Carefully planning your estate and leaving your legacy has many advantages. Your values can be reflected within your will by including a gift to the Church. There are also tax advantages that you may wish to discuss with your financial advisor or accountant. Some people choose to mark their legacy through gifts in memoriam upon their passing in lieu of flowers. These carefully thought out plans do indeed help to strengthen the fiscal health of the Church in tenuous economic times. One of the most notable bequests received in the Diocese of Norwich came from a person who lived quite modestly. He chose to leave a gen-

erous sum to the Cathedral of Saint Patrick to help restore his beloved church to its original glory upon his passing. That gift spearheaded the SPIRIT endeavor and serves as testimony to the importance of legacy giving. One gift can make a tremendous difference. To learn more about leaving your legacy or to request a presentation on the topic, please contact MaryLou Gannotti, Director of Planned Giving at 860-886-1928 or e-mail marylou.gannotti@norwichdiocese.net.

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Four County Catholic May 2013

Women Helping Women

Catholic Charities and CT Council of Catholic Women Team up to Help Local New Moms On Sunday, April 7, the women of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women By Anna DeBiasi Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich

(CCCW) hosted their 22nd annual Baby Layette Program to benefit Catholic Charities. This special display of charity and love began a few months ago while the women began collecting baby layettes, clothes, diapers and more from individuals throughout the Diocese of Nor-

wich. When the day of the event arrived, members of CCCW transported these generously donated items to SS Peter and Paul Church in Norwich, where the celebration was held. Once inside, the display of gifts filled a table that ran the entire length of the large room. Piles of

homemade baby blankets, onesies, shoes, diapers, and pacifiers lined

the table. The women organized the donations by size and age, and spoke with wonder and love about the sweet little ones that would soon fill the clothes. The gifts from the event were donated to Catholic Charities Pregnancy Services. This program exists to guide pregnant women though this important time in their lives with as much support as possible. Case workers follow the women throughout their entire pregnancy, help them gain access to healthcare, teach them about the changes their bodies will go through and what to ex-

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pect during childbirth. The program also provides parenting classes and helps the women create a parenting plan that will work best for them and their babies. Catholic Charities also helps purchase cribs for newborns whose families cannot afford to purchase one on their own. This year’s celebration was generously hosted by the St. Joseph Ladies Guild, who provided refreshments for the special occasion. During lunch, the Catholic Charities pregnancy program staff spoke to the group about the services offered through the program, the types of hardships their clients are facing, and how Catholic Charities is helping local women get on their feet. Rosalinda Bazinet, Site Supervisor of Catholic Charities’ New London office, explained to the audience: “Many of the moms we help are young single mothers trying to do their best to provide for their babies. Many are just learning how to take care of themselves, let alone a baby. Many are scared and have little or no resources or source of support—so they come here—and we do everything we can to help.” Ties between the two groups run deep. In 1921, The CCCW founded the Diocesan Bureau of Social Services, which would later become Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich. Both groups exist to serve others in the context of the Catholic faith, with the two missions being closely intertwined. In its first year of existence, the Diocesan Bureau served thirty-five chil-

dren, five families and had a total expenditure of $1,470.68. Today, we serve over 4,500 individuals and their families annually, with an operating budget of approximately $2.5 million. The Layette Program began at a National Council of Catholic Women seminar in New York City, on April 5, 1981. Here, former President of the National Division of Catholic Women, Helen Connell, and former International Affairs Commissioner, Geraldine Lamire, were given a layette at the seminar. The two women were so touched by the experience, they decided to present the idea to the local CCCW Board of Directors as a project for the entire Diocese of Norwich to take part in. Twenty-seven years later, the Layette Program (formally called Twin Layette) is still providing help and creating hope for local mothers in need, and continues to be a critical source of support to the work happening at Catholic Charities. “In a time of economic difficulty, this annual program really does provide help for those in need.” Said Anne King, President of CCCW, “And thanks to this group of caring compassionate women, hundreds of new baby clothes, receiving blankets, packages of diapers, monetary gifts and more, will be passed on to local women in need of help as they plan to bring new life into this world.” If you would like to learn more about becoming involved in supporting local women through our Pregnancy Services, please call Anna DeBiasi at 860.889.8346 x285.

Four County Catholic May 2013

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

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Four County Catholic May 2013

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Four County Catholic May 2013

With Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

Now, Here, This I traveled in March to Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti in Portau-Prince for a visit. Before I left, I By Geri Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare

listened to an interview with Fr. Greg Boyle. He is a Jesuit priest working for the past 25 years in Los Angeles with gang members. He mentioned in the interview how the ancient Desert Fathers and Mothers used one word as a mantra to help them focus, especially when things were difficult. Their word was not God or Jesus, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;today.â&#x20AC;? We know it as mindfulness, and he mentioned the sort of mantra he uses after seeing an off-Broadway play titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, Here, This.â&#x20AC;? This phrase stuck with me during my March visit. Now. Here. This. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m standing in the hall of the Sr. Ann Weller Clinic at the Outreach home-base, which is in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince called Christ Roi. Now, I smile to myself, because every time I am here and step on this concrete slab, I remember the pool underneath. We always said we needed to do something with this area of the property. Now it is the floor of the clinic, poured over with concrete and filled in by rubble from the old building -- our mission house that was destroyed in the earthquake of January 2010. The clinic is a plywood structure with two exam rooms, a pharmacy, medical records and storage rooms. In the back is the lab. Out front is a shaded waiting area with three rows of metal seats, all salvaged from the destroyed mission house. The roof is corrugated metal, which gives the added effect of a convection oven with the help of the afternoon sun. I am here on a short visit to help monitor and evaluate our Nutrition Program. Rose Laure -- our clinic nurse and mother of our Nutrition Program -- is showing me the cases of Medical Mamba/Plumpy-Nut that we just received from Haitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Health. But she is worried; she is

not optimistic about the Ministry of Health continuing to supply this life-saving medical necessity for children with severe malnutrition. She knows all too well that here in Christ Roi, this nutritional supplement is the difference between survival and death. She fears now its supply to our program is threatened. The afternoon heat and humidity intensify. The air becomes heavier with the burning of trash. My tearing and stinging eyes tell me that somewhere plastic is burning. I am now speaking with three others at the clinic -- Dr. Jacqueline Lavallette, our pediatrician; Toyle Mick Alange, our nurse/pharmacist; and Nita Boule, our lab tech. I have asked them to share with me the stories of patients who have moved them the most over the past six months -- the women and children whose lives they have touched and, in turn, have been enriched and blessed to know. They tell me of the pregnant woman with preeclampsia and our obstetriciangynecologist who tried and tried to get her into the hospital for treatment only to have the mother and baby lose their lives. And they tell me about the 15month-old triplets and their teen mother, all doing well after being part of our Nutrition Program. When the triplets were losing weight and looking malnourished, their mother came to the Outreach clinic. Having been a patient here herself when growing up in Christ

Roi, she knew here, in the clinic, she would find treatment for her now ill children. I stand up to stretch and turn around to see Rose Laure speaking to the newest admission to the Medical Mamba program. Sitting straight, perched on the edge of a metal chair, is an older woman with an infant on her lap. Each is dressed in Sunday best. Rose Laure introduces me to Ismeal, the 13-monthold granddaughter of Mme. Jean Marie. I focus on Ismeal. Sitting quietly in her grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lap, she has all the signs and symptoms of Kwashiorkor syndrome, a type of malnutrition due to a complete lack of protein. I think to myself: 30 years after my first visit to Haiti and I am still staring into the face of Kwash â&#x20AC;Ś brittle, rust-colored hair, swollen hands, arms, face, feet, legs and belly. And skin that is pale with scattered abrasions where the swelling was just too much to hold. And the expressionless face with eyes that just beg. I look again at Mme Jean Marie. I am moved by the depth of her need and in awe of the measure of her dignity sitting quietly in front of me. Rose Laure tells me that Ismeal was evaluated by our pediatrician in the morning and was immediately enrolled in the program. Rose Laure picks up Ismeal and looks into her face with the confidence of a nurse whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen this all before and knows how the story can end. She is very

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clinic. Here, today, in your patient reading of this story. This is the business of the lives of all who work at the Sr. Ann Weller clinic, all who are part of Outreach, and its sustaining efforts.

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litigants challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate, which forces employers to pay for contraceptive services even over their religious and moral objections. The statement was issued April 8. Archbishop Lori issued his statement as dozens of lawsuits against the mandate are being considered nationwide. Among litigants are Catholic dioceses, Catholic and other religious nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies that operate according to the religious principles of their owners. In voicing his support for bishops and other Catholic entities, he noted that “Their goal is nothing less than securing the freedom of the Church to continue to

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obey the Lord’s command—and, in turn, to serve the common good—by providing charitable ministries in health care, education, and service to the poor, all without compromising Catholic beliefs.” He also expressed “deep gratitude to the scores of people and organizations—from various denominations and walks of life—who have challenged the HHS mandate in federal courts around our country over the last year.” “We continue to pray for the success of all of these lawsuits,” he said. Archbishop Lori added that “in our Catholic tradition, the right to religious freedom proceeds from the inherent dignity of each and every human person. Accordingly, our concern for religious freedom extends well beyond our own ministries of service.” He singled out for special praise “those in the business sector who have courageously challenged the HHS mandate in court.” “Their actions have been a source of encouragement, particularly because of their high rate of success in obtaining early injunc-

tions to block the mandate,” Archbishop Lori said. He acknowledged the recent move by the government to clarify the definition of a “religious employer”—which would receive a full exemption from the mandate. He said that “this small, incremental step is welcomed,” but added that “most of the serious problems with the definition and mandate remain, and so we will continue our vigorous efforts to correct those remaining flaws.” Archbishop Lori said that “Catholics in America have long been advocates for religious liberty, and we continue to affirm this basic right today. “We have consistently supported the rights of individuals not to act against their religious beliefs or moral convictions, especially when individuals seek to protect the dignity of human life,” he said. “As Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, I would like to urge all people of good will to pray that our leaders, and all people of this great Country, will promote and protect religious liberty and its fundamental place in society.”

Defending Religious Liberty With the federal healthcare mandate taking effect in August, many religious employers, businesses operated by people of faith, and individuals will not be exempt, and will be forced to violate their religious beliefs or pay a fine. The time is now to contact the White House. Let them know that the mandate violates the First Amendment, which guarantees every American freedom of religion. Call the White House at: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 or email: www.whitehouse.gov/contact.

Four County Catholic May 2013

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Four County Catholic May 2013

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“What Charity Means to Me” Essay Winners During this Year of Faith, we celebrate the 60th Jubilee of the Diocese of Norwich and the tenth anniversary of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote as Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich. Bishop Cote’s motto “Above All Charity” was the underpinning of an essay contest among the sixth grade students. Each student wrote an essay entitled “What Charity Means to Me”. The winning essays from each school have been submitted for publication in the Four County Catholic. The following winners are from Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich. Ashley Grayson, Grade 6

Many people have different definitions for the term charity. Some people might think charity is donating money to a homeless shelter, others might think it means to volunteer at your local soup kitchen. The real meaning behind the word charity is the presence of God in your heart while committing an act of kindness. You may ask yourself, what does God have to do with charity? Well, God is the most charitable person ever because Jesus gave us charity by suffering on the cross to save us from our sins. Therefore, whenever we do something charitable we think of Jesus and the charity he gave us. We all have a conscience. That means that when our conscience makes us feel like we are doing the right thing, most likely Jesus feels the same way. When we do an act of kindness for charity it can be simple, such as putting all of your old clothes that don’t fit in a bag and giving it to a parent to drop off at a donation box. As long as we do something we know God appreciates, that is all that matters. When I hear the word charity not only do I think of the presence of God, I think of my favorite charity story. My favorite charity story is about a seventeen year old girl who went shopping at Target to buy gifts for her friends because it

was Christmas time. While she was there, she started a conversation with a little girl who was about six years old. The girl asked the young child what she was asking Santa for Christmas. The little girl responded saying; “I don’t want Santa to bring me anything, I just want him to bring Mama something nice. We don’t have much money and she cries sometimes worrying about things.” The girl gave the young child the money she was going to buy gifts for friends with and told her to give it to her mom. That story motivates me to do more acts of kindness, more and more each day. It amazes me how such a little action can make a big difference to just one person. I would like to end my thoughts on what charity means to me by sharing a Bible verse that sums up everything. 2 Corinthians 9:7 - “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That means you don’t have to give charity but you know it is the right thing to do and God wants you to. Always remember that it is better to give than to receive. Thanks for reading about what charity means to me. God bless you!

Donald Duca, Grade 6

Charity, to me, is changing hearts in the simplest form. I used to think and say to God, “Change Hearts and Raise It to You”, a poem that spells charity. We do the simple things of giving people good spirits, hope, and faith. It’s not all about charity though; we need to start doing acts of kindness out of our choice, not just because of charity. A 3-minute retreat we had included a verse, Luke 13:12, that gave me new thoughts on what charity truly means. Luke 13:12 is, “Sell what you have and give alms...”, alms meaning to give freely to the poor. Now it’s that one word that truly touched me, freely, not meaning by guilt or persuasion, but freely. It is giving, but also as my father says, “It’s the thought that counts, not the action sometimes.” There was a homily in church that I want to share. I know other kids in my class might give the same thing, but it gave me a great story for my essay. The homily is about a nun who was on a bus; she had two bananas for food. One of the bananas flew out of her hand out the window of the bus; she had the bus stop and looked for it. All she found was a goat, eating the banana, with a boy watching. The boy then pried open the goat’s mouth in hope of a banana. The nun was shocked and said to the boy,

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

Four County Catholic May 2013

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here, take this one, not that one.â&#x20AC;? and then handed the boy the banana. The boy went out across the street to an old, very sick man and peeled the banana, giving the man the good part, while he ate the skin. This homily showed me we all can give and all show charity to each other, even when we are tired or sick. We all take what we receive for granted, all of us, when we eat the good part of the banana, or choose not to give our spare or earned change for charity. We should give, but NOT out of guilt. We need to think of how we would feel if we were the homeless, the beggars. A bible story I can think of shows why we should show charity. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a man and a thief, and it starts in the desert. A merchant was traveling with a caravan of goods, going to a city where he would make many profits. A thief knew about him and plotted to steal the goods for the profits. After ambushing the caravan, he left the merchant to die and went and sold the goods for an immense profit, making him wealthy. At both their deaths, the thief went to the devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place while the merchant ascended to heaven, and the thief asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who are you and why am I here?â&#x20AC;? The merchant replied â&#x20AC;&#x153;You did not follow the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders, to live a

good and healthy life.â&#x20AC;? The thief also said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I lived a good, long, wealthy life though!â&#x20AC;? Then God said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You lived a good life, but you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow my commands along the way.â&#x20AC;? This shows that the tiny things we do God watches, even ignoring a person in need, passing up on giving change, disobeying even one commandment, or ignoring the lesson we learn in church. This, obeying the laws, helping others, LOVING others, to me, is charity. We change hearts and minds through these actions, that is charity to me. My school did a penny challenge, where we divide it between the boys and the girls and bring in our change to give to Dr. Lowney, who gives it to Haiti. Every drop of a dime, a penny, a quarter, a nickel, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye and angels look onto us, because every time we show charity, think of that change going ting and a little drop of faith added to the end of time, where we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be where the thief was. Charity can be other things too. More definitions of charity are generous actions or donations to

aid the poor; a charitable fund; benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in favor. All these point to kindness, in acts or feelings of love. Jesus said himself treat one another as you would treat yourself. We have to think to ourselves! Are we charitable? Would you be a Good Samaritan? Would we help someone up? Would we take the place of those who need to get better? Would we be like Jesus, one who came to help and chose to be around those who needed help, not in the glory of the rich? Are we choosing to follow those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t showing charity, those who ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T picking someone back up? The last thing to say is that charity is all around us, in all our hearts, all our minds, and almost everywhere. We all help, charity, that benevolent feeling, the ones we use to make good choices of picking someone up or giving someone a hug. The ones we use to drop a penny in a cup. These are all shining examples of good deeds and charity in the eyes of the Lord we all have these feelings, we all help. We need to realize though that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just here. We can use

our benevolent feelings in Haiti, with the tsunami, in Japan, with the earthquake, and other natural disasters that will occur one day.

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Four County Catholic May 2013

Starry Night: The Power of Prayer, Wherever You Are A woman’s mind is like a teleprompter of to-dos that never stops turning. By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

Unanswered email, unwritten thank-yous, unfolded laundry. Tupperware that needs to be washed and returned. Overdue RSVPs and expired milk. Empty gas tank, full memory card. Birthdays and deadlines, the personal and the professional knotted together beyond the point of repair. Which is why Tammy Block needed a plan for the pool. The 39-year-old from Rosemount, Minn., is raising two children and running her own law firm. When she added a weekly swim to her exercise routine, she found herself drowning in her thoughts. “My mind was all over the place,” she told me. “I was getting more stressed out. It wasn’t doing me any good.” She knew she needed to find a

focus, something that could quiet her head, and one day she came up with a remedy: the rosary. Now Tammy prays a rosary during her morning swim. It times out just right for a work-out, running 45 minutes to an hour, and it helps regulate her breathing. “It’s perfect,” she said. “It has this calming effect.” I’ve been reflecting on the many forms of prayer as we mark the half-way point of the Year of Faith initiated by one pope and advanced by another. “The ‘door of faith’ is always open for us,” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote in his apostolic letter, “ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. …To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.” Jacob Rudd’s journey brought him to the seminary and, this past January, to a lakeside retreat cen-

ter. On the last night of his silent retreat, after a week of cloudy skies, it finally cleared up. The late hour and freezing tempera-

the school year. Young adulthood is an important time to delve deeper into prayer, which I once approached

ture didn’t deter him. “Something drew me to go outside, so I bundled up and went out onto the lake,” the 23year-old from Oshkosh, Wis., told me. Gazing up at the stars, he spotted the Orion constellation and turned to his go-to devotion, the 15 prayers of St. Bridget. It was a night of serenity and intimacy with God, a memory he keeps close as he discerns his future and plows through the final weeks of

as a poetry competition. Spiritual life was a classroom where I sat in the front row, raised my hand often and requested extra credit. Now I just focus on showing up, being present and being myself. We aren’t graded on form. Prayer is an honest measure of what’s our hearts at any given moment, however ugly or ill formed. It’s handing those emotions over to the Carpenter who can sand

our raw timber into character. I’ve learned there is something profound in the elementary, that the simplest prayers often come from the deepest places. Cardinal Tim Dolan of New York expressed a similar view last year on Twitter, writing: “A big chunk of my morning prayers are the words of St. Peter. Prayers like, ‘Lord, it’s good to be here’ and ‘Save me, Lord, I’m drowning!’” Thanks! Help! Every prayer we utter ultimately boils down to one of these two words. They are a lifeline to God. Offer them up freely, wherever you are, however you feel – in the pool or in the chapel, behind the wheel, before the meeting, after the sunset. Then prepare for a shift: a lighter struggle and a brighter view. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be reached at www.ReadChristina.com.

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Four County Catholic May 2013

My Dear Friends in Christ, In the Diocese of Norwich, and Christ’s mandate is manifest in a very visible way in and through our PreK-8 elementary schools. Currently, thirteen parish schools in the four counties with more than 2,000 students are engaged in a full elementary school program with the added dimension of school life fully immersed in Catholic formation and sacramental preparation. Our young students are the future of the church. We must continue to make a commitment to their faith formation. A Catholic education provides students with the building blocks they need in order to become successful, Christian adults. In the academic world, achievement is measured by rubrics, standards and assessments. In faith formation, our success is measured by the care, compassion and kindness that our teachers develop in the children and the moral standards that are taught and practiced at home and in the community. Academic excellence is important and our schools demonstrate success in achieving this. However, instruction in religion is an integral part of the instructional program at our elementary schools, PreK-8. This is what differentiates our Catholic schools from all others. During this Year of Faith we are conscious of the need to preserve Catholic education and we are ever mindful of the financial burden for parents and parishes in responding to Christ’s command. Please make a gift to help support Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich. Your generosity has and always will be truly appreciated and it will find its reward. Thank you for your kindness. Sincerely,

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

Edward J. Shine, Ed.D., Superintendent

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Four County Catholic May 2013

St. Andrew Life Teen Participates in Life in the Spirit

Teens Desire Depth; Celebrating the Year of Faith Every four years, St. Andrew Life Teen has participated in a Life in the Spirit seminar with Submitted by Carol Pettit

their teens. It is our belief that this is an essential part of our teen’s faith development. Catholic Speaker Mark Hart is quoted as saying, “The longest journey you will ever go on is that from your head to your heart”. We believe that Life in the Spirit (LIS) seminars have been a big part of that head to heart journey. LIS seminars help the teens grow madly in love with God through a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. If there is one thing that this Life in the Spirit seminar proved beyond a shadow of a doubt it is indeed that teen’s desire depth. They are searching for the truth and are clear that the truth is a message

that is not being given to them by society at large. The opening talk was done by Danielle Olsen from the Archdiocese of Boston, office of Evangelization for Youth and Young Adults. Olsen referred to a mission trip she took to Nicaragua where over 500 families lived in a dump. She talked about the missionaries returning to the dump to help the families, offering to build homes to get them out of the dump they were literally living in. She told them that the families revolted and wanted to stay in the dump. She then asked the teens if their lives weren’t a lot like that, comfortable ‘in their own junk’, afraid or unwilling to get out. She challenged the teens to be committed to the 7-week Life in the Spirit seminar, allowing God to love them and help mold them into

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who they were created to be. Week two, Love of the Father was given by Steve Demassio. Steve is a 2011 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the FOCUS campus missionary at UCONN. Demassimo talked about the great love our heavenly Father has for each and every one of us. He shared a story about an earthly dad from Argentina who would drop his son off each day from school saying, that “no matter what, I will always be there for you.” After dropping him off at school one day, there was an earthquake when the dad had barely left the school parking lot. He witnessed his son’s school collapse into a pile of rubble. He talked about how the dad clawed his way through the rubble to get to his son. When he finally reached him, his son was calm and said to his dad that he knew he would come for him. He said that’s what your Heavenly Father would do for you. He indeed will be there for you no matter what. Week three, the healing touch of God was on March 17th. The talk was given by Matt and Amy

Four County Catholic May 2013

Taylor, both graduates of Franciscan University of Steubenville. They spoke about three main facts. First, we all need to be healed. Matt told the teens that Jesus came to heal their hearts and to draw them close to Him. Amy told the teens that in order to receive the healing that you have to admit that you are broken and that you need to be open to His healing. She also talked about needing faith for this to happen. Second, they spoke about the purpose of healing is to “Draw close to Christ, to have an encounter with Him.” Third, they spoke about how you experience healing tangibly: through the sacraments, prayer, and scripture. Week four continued with healing: God’s Divine Mercy and the constant call to be reconciled to Him. Bryan Mercier gave the talk. Brian talked about the fact that in order to be healed form a disease you need an antidote. He told them that sin is like disease for our souls and the antidote is

the sacrament of reconciliation. He told them that in confession God is saying, “I’m so glad you’ve come, let me heal your sins, let me take them away, let me heal your soul. Let me heal your mind, let me heal your spirit, let me make you new and anytime you think he says something different, it is a lie from the devil. God says I love you my child.” He reminded them that when we get to our own judgment day that our fate is already sealed, that our actions will have already determined if we will be in heaven or hell. He told us that now is the time to seek forgiveness in reconciliation and that when we do this, scripture tells us that God will “throw our sins as far away as the east is from the west and He will never think of it again.” Week 5 was on the awesome power of the Holy Spirit. The talk was given by Sarah Behrend, a 2007 graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville. Sarah made the gifts of the Holy Spirit come alive with an applicable

way to apply each of them to their present lives. She also went into the fruits of the Holy Spirit. She said the gifts were like an iPhone and the fruits were like an iTunes card… the fruits will super charge the gifts, help you to get more out of them. In John 14:13, Jesus tells us Whatever you ask in my name I will give it to you . She told the teens not to doubt that Jesus wants to give you these gifts. She went on to tell them that we not only have the opportunity to use these gifts, we have an obligation to use them. God wants you to give you these gifts to draw you closer to Him and He wants to use you to draw others close to Him as well. If you are open to God, He will give you what you need. Week six – the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was led by Father Matt Williams from the office on the New Evangelization for Youth and Young Adults in the Archdiocese of Boston. Father Ray Intovigne also came to help call down the blessings of the

Holy Spirit upon the 50 teens and 11 adults who received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that evening. Father Ray told me he was so touched to see the teens and adults “resting in His love and embrace”. He also expressed that it was “one of the most powerful Baptism’s of the Holy Spirit SERVICES OFFERED: Companionship Light Housekeeping Meal Planning/Prep

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Four County Catholic May 2013

What Are You Doing for Pentecost? It’s a question that you probably don’t hear much. People get excited and plan By Lorene Hanley Duquin

so Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would enlighten them and give them every-

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Members from the Divine Mercy Teen Group recently presented a donation check of $2,142.87 to Jillian Corbin, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich, CT. This donation represented proceeds from collections made in February for Souper Bowl of Caring. Souper Bowl of Caring is a nationwide, youth-led effort which encourages people to give one dollar while leaving worship services on Super Bowl Sunday. It encourages our youth to work towards fighting hunger and poverty in their own communities. Currently, 7,852 participating groups have raised $7,230,982 in cash and food items for charities in their area for 2013. Every group can donate to the charity of their choice. The Divine Mercy Teen Group consists of teens from Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Oakdale, St. John the Evangelist in Montville and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Quaker Hill. Pictured from left to right: Back Row – Colleen Durkee, Charlie Lyden, Janelle Branstrom, Jillian Corbin, Theresa Durkee. Front Row – Nathan Orsini, Katie Durkee.

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ahead for most holidays, but Pentecost isn’t usually one of them. In fact, many people don’t really understand what Pentecost is or why it is so important in the Church calendar. The Story of Pentecost Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. After Jesus rose on Easter, he appeared to the apostles over the next 40 days, teaching them the significance of what had happened to Him. They listened, but didn’t really understand,

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Then Jesus ascended into heaven, and the apostles were more confused than ever! They gathered in an upper room with the mother of Jesus to pray. Ten days later they heard a loud noise, and the Holy Spirit descended upon them in tongues of fire. When that happened, they received spiritual gifts that transformed their lives and gave them the power to touch the lives of other people. They ran into the streets and began to tell people about Jesus. Each person in the crowd understood the apostles in his or her own language. Thousands became believers that day. Today we celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the Church.

Four County Catholic May 2013

Did You Know? May 6-10 Teacher appreciation week. Thank our teachers and thank your parents who also teach you many skills. May 10 Military Spouse appreciation day. Thank the family of a soldier. Pray for peace and for military families. May 19 Pentecost when the Holy Spirit rushed in like wind and fire and the flame divided and appeared as tongues of fire on each disciple. Light a candle and talk about the Holy Spirit. June 2 Corpus Christi Sunday (that means the body and blood of Jesus). We celebrate the gift of Eucharist on this day.

by Karen H Whiting

The Trinity May 26th is Trinity Sunday when we celebrate the unity of God the Father, Jesus who is God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It’s a puzzle called a mystery and hard to understand. We can do activities to help us think about what this means but it will still remain a great mystery. All during Sundays in May we listen to Jesus in the Gospel of John talk about the Holy Spirit that the Father will send. We know that the three work together and are each unique. We saw signs of all three persons in one God at the baptism of Jesus. Jesus was in the river when God spoke from heaven and the Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove. Read about it in Mark 1:9-11. Try these activities to think about the idea of three in one:\ • Use refrigerated dough to make three balls. Roll each one in a different color of sugar sprinkles. Place them in a cupcake liner in a cupcake tray. Make more to fill the tray. Bake them and see how they join together in one. See how the colored sugar can still remind you of the three separate balls. • Cut a triangle from the corner of an envelope. This can be used as a bookmark and slipped over the corner of a page. Decorate the three corners of the triangle. Draw an eye in one corner to remember God the Father is always watching over you. Draw a cross in on corner to remember Jesus died for you, and draw a flame or dove as a sign of the Holy Spirit. • Read Matthew 28:19 where Jesus told his disciples to baptize people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Make the sign of the cross and think abut what you say.

Follow the Clues Use the clues to fill in the blanks and find a Bible verse that tells what happens when you believe in Jesus. 1. Opposite of here 3. Opposite of out 5. Opposite of she 7. Opposite of old 9. Opposite of new 11. When you buy something it is brand ____

2. What is left when you subtract two from three 4. Another name for Jesus (begins with C) 6. Letter before B 8. You already ____e all your food. 10. He left, he is ______ 12. When you call your dog you say, ____ here.

__ __ __ __ __ fore, if any__ __ __ is __ __

__ __ __ __ __, __ __ is __ __ __ __

cre __ __ ion; the __ __ __ has __ __ __ __, the ___ __ __ has __ __ __ __! 9.

10.

11.

12.

This is 2 Corinthians 5:17. Answer: 1. there 2. One 3. In 4. Christ 5. He 6. A 7. New 8. Ate 9. Old 10. Gone 11. New 12. Come

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Four County Catholic May 2013

Pope Francis Tasks Cardinals with Studying Reform of Catholic Church Rome (CNN) -- Pope Francis has appointed a group of eight cardinals from around the world to look into ways of reforming the Catholic Church, the Vatican said Saturday. The group, which includes U.S. Cardinal Sean O’Malley from Boston, will examine ways to revise the Vatican constitution, Pastor Bonus, which sets the rules for running the Roman Curia, or church hierarchy. The cardinals -- who come from North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe -- will first meet in October, the Vatican said. The move follows on from suggestions made during the General Congregations, a series of meetings that brought together all the cardinals before they elected FranEmeritus Pope Benedict XVI, left, is welcomed back to the Vatican from the pontifical summer residence of Castel Gandolfo by Pope Francis. His return begins an unprecedented era of a retired pontiff living side by side with a reigning one inside the Vatican gardens. L’Osservatore Romano/AP Photo.

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cis as pope, the Vatican said. The other seven cardinals are: Giuseppe Bertello, president of the Vatican City State governorate; Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa from Chile; Oswald Gracias from India; Reinhard Marx from Germany; Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; George Pell from Australia; and Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga from Honduras. An Italian bishop, Monsignor Marcello Semeraro, will act as secretary for the group. Pope Francis has already been in touch with the chosen cardinals, the Vatican said. The Rev. Thomas Rosica, issuing guidance on behalf of the Vat-

ican, said the group of cardinals was - “not a commission, committee or council.” It “has no legislative power and its main function is to ‘advise’ the pope,” he said. “The group will not in any way interfere in the normal functions of the Roman Curia, which helps the Pope in the daily governance of the Church.” The group’s formation, exactly a month after Francis was elected, shows that the pope “listens attentively” to what the cardinals say, Rosica said. The document the cardinals are studying is the Apostolic Constitution of Pope John Paul II, known as the Pastor Bonus, which was published in 1988.

Four County Catholic May 2013

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