Volume 24 Number 5
May 2012
Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Jesus never asked anyone why they sought Him out. Or asked if they had insurance coverage. He never turned anyone away.
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- The wisdom of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who aided the Holocaust survivors, as quoted by ValLimar Jansen at the Diocese’s Second Annual Catholic Women’s Conference.
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- Words of St. Irenaeus as quoted by Mary J. Tunison in ”Greener Pastures” reflections.
On the Cover May Volume
Seminarians Sau Phung and Brother Adrian Duran, CPM on campus at Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell. The number of enrolled seminarians across the Country has been on the rise. Bishop Cote has shared in a letter this week to all parishioners, the good news that by the beginning of August, the number of diocesan seminarians we will be educating this year will have almost doubled from five to ten. Photo by Meredith Morrison
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Four County Catholic May 2012
The Most Reverend
Michael R. Cote, D.D.
Bishop of Norwich
We are Catholics. We are Americans. My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: “We are Catholics. We are Americans.” are the striking opening words of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty’s call to freedom, “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty” issued two weeks ago. This 12-page document frames the deep concern we share that “To be Catholic and American should mean not having to choose one over the other.” The Constitution understands this principle and protects the right of conscience for all faiths. As addressed in the document, “Religious liberty requires constant protection and vigilance or it will disappear.” I encourage you to take the time to read the bishops’ statement in its entirety. It is available on our diocesan website, norwichdiocese.org, by selecting the Preserving Religious Liberty button, or on the Bishops Conference site at usccb.org. It is a document that helps us understand our obligation to work together to help advance the common good;
while it also helps sharpen our awareness of the current threats to the fundamental God-given right of freedom of conscience and practice of our faith. More than just an isolated statement, the document sets forth an ongoing campaign of preserving religious liberty that includes a designated “fortnight of freedom” - a twoweek period leading up to Independence Day, July 4th - as a focused time of prayer and parish activities in support of the cause of religious freedom. As an information source, the document identifies a number of vital examples of recent infringements on constitutional religious liberty. These include the egregious HHS mandate attempting to force Catholic churches and affiliated healthcare, education and charitable institutions to guarantee employees insurance coverage for certain drugs and medical practices against the deepest felt pro-life teachings of the Church. Also cited are immigration laws in named states such as Alabama that prohibit the Church from
providing charitable services to undocumented immigrants. Appropriately noted is the attempt on the part of the Connecticut Judiciary Committee of the State Legislature in 2009 to alter the internal administrative structure of the Church through Bill #1098, against which we rallied in great numbers in Hartford. There is also an informative description of the struggles of Catholic foster care and adoption services denied funding based on their faith-centered policy of not including same sex couples as adoption candidates. What is clear is that the HHS mandate is part of an increasing pattern of government encroachment on religious liberty. This is not a Catholic issue. It is an American issue. As the bishops’ statement further discusses, religious liberty is more than freedom of worship. It is very much about our helping further the common good of all Americans. “Without religious liberty properly understood, all Americans suffer, deprived of essential contributions in education, health-
care, feeding the hungry, civil rights, and social services that religious Americans make every day.” Reading this document will help remind all of us how living our faith for our own spiritual well-being and for the common good depends on our government respecting the Constitution as the law of the land. With further attention to living our faith, several bishops have sent letters recently to various Congressional Committees expressing concerns that proposed budget cuts in federal programs should avoid harming hungry children, poor families and the vulnerable. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, sent a letter to the House Agriculture Committee to resist “unacceptable cuts to hunger and nutrition programs.” These diligent efforts underscore the culture of respect we must have with regard to religious liberty for all of us - for each of us - to live our faith and to help our brothers and
sisters of all faiths. I would like to remind you that there continues to be an urgent need for you to contact your Congressional representatives to let them know religious liberty in our free society is vitally important to you, your church community and our beloved Country. The names of your Connecticut U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives are accessible on norwichdiocese.org by selecting the Preserving Religious Liberty button. I know how determined you are to be good Catholics and good citizens. We will continue to stay informed together, work together and pray together toward meeting both goals. When I see the promise and joy of the seminarians on the cover of this issue, I know that the foundation of religious freedom we are preserving today will enable generations to come to freely do God’s work. Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote
Somos Católicos. Somos Americanos. Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: “Somos Católicos, Somos Americanos”, son las asombrosas palabras de apertura de la Conferencia del Comité Ad Hoc (por sus siglas en inglés) de Obispos Católicos sobre Libertad Religiosa en sus llamados a la libertad, emitido hace 2 semanas atrás “Nuestra Primera, Más Preciada Libertad”. Este documento de 12- páginas enmarca la profunda preocupación que compartimos que “Ser Católico y Estadounidense debe significar no tener que elegir uno sobre el otro.” La Constitución entiende este principio y protege el
derecho de conciencia de todas las creencias. Según lo indica el documento, “La libertad religiosa requiere constante protección y vigilancia o desaparecerá.” Les animo a tomar un tiempo para leer la discernida declaración de los Obispos en su totalidad. Se encuentra disponible en nuestra página web diocesana, norwichdiocese.org, seleccionando el botón de Protegiendo La Libertad Religiosa o en el sitio de Conferencia de Obispos en usccb.org. Es un documento que nos ayuda a entender nuestra obligación de trabajar juntos para ayudar a avanzar en el bien
común; mietras que también ayuda a fortalecer nuestro conocimiento de las amenazas actuales al derecho fundamental dado por Dios de libertad de conciencia y práctica de nuestra fe. Más que una declaración aislada, el documento establece una campaña continua para proteger la libertad religiosa, que incluye una denominada “Quincena de libertad”-un período de dos semanas previo al Día de la Independencia, 04 de Julio- como una época centrada en la oración y actividades parroquiales de apoyo a la causa de libertad religiosa, la primera libertad en este país.
Como fuente de información, el documento identifica una serie de ejemplos sustanciales de infracciones recientes a la libertad religiosa constitucional. Estos incluyen el atroz mandato de HHS (por sus siglas en inglés) tratando de forzar a las iglesias Católicas y a sevicios de salud afiliados, instituciones educativas y de caridad para garantizar cobertura de ciertos medicamentos y prácticas médicas a empleados en contra de las enseñanzas de la Iglesia acerca del más profundo sentido Por La Vida. También citadas están las leyes estatales de inmigración en estados mencionados, tales como Alabama,
que prohiben a la Iglesia la prestación de servicios de caridad a inmigrantes indocumentados. Apropiadamente observado está el intento de alterar la estructura administrativa interna de la Iglesia a través del proyecto de ley SB1098 en el 2009 por parte del Comité Judicial de Legislatura del Estado de Connecticut, del cual nos hemos congregado en contra en gran número en Hartford. También hay una descripción informativa sobre las luchas del cuidado de crianza y servicios de adopciones Católicos negados al financiamiento basado en Somos Católicos Cont. on page 4
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Somos Católicos Cont. from page 3
Discovering Our Diocese Where is This? Can you identify where this was taken? Answer is on page 25.
su política centrada en la fe de no incluir a parejas del mismo sexo como aspirantes a adopción. Lo que está claro es que el mandato del HHS (por sus siglas en inglés) es parte de un patrón creciente de la invasión del gobierno a la libertad religiosa. Este no es un problema Católico. Es un problema Americano. Tal Como el informe declara, libertad religiosa es más que libertad de culto. Es mucho más sobre nuestra ayuda para el avance del bien común de todos los estadounidenses. “Sin libertad religiosa apropiadamente discernida, todos los Americanos sufren, privados de contribuciones esenciales que los estadounidenses religiosos hacen todos los días en educación, servicio de salud, para alimentar al que sufre de hambre, derechos civiles, y servicios sociales.” El leer este documento nos ayudará a todos a recordar que vivir nuestra fe por nuestro propio bienestar espiritual y por el bien común depende de que nuestro gobierno respete la Constitución como ley de
la Patria. Con una atención más allá de vivir nuestra fe, varios Obispos han enviado recientemente cartas a varios Comités Congregacionales expresando preocupación por los propuestos recortes en el presupuesto de programas federales que deberían evitar dañar a niños que padecen hambre, familias pobres y vulnerables. El Obispo Stephen E. Blaire de Stockton, Presidente del USCCB (por sus siglas en inglés) Comité en Justicia Nacional y Desarrollo Humano, envió una carta al Comité de la Cámara de Agricultura para oponer “ Intolerables cortes a programas contra el hambre y la nutrición.” Estos esfuerzos diligentes subrayan la cultura de respeto que debemos tener con respecto a la libertad religiosa para todos nosotrospara cada uno de nosotros- para vivir nuestra fe y para ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas de todas las religiones. Me gustaría recordarle que sigue habiendo una urgente necesidad de
que usted contacte a sus representantes en el Congreso para dejarles saber que la libertad religiosa en nuestra sociedad libre es de vital importancia para usted, para su comunidad de iglesia y para su querida Patria. Los nombres de los senadores del Estado de Connecticut y los representantes del Congreso están disponibles en norwichdiocese.org seleccionando el botón de Protegiendo La Libertad Religiosa. Yo sé cuán resuelto está usted por ser un buen Católico y un buen ciudadano. Continuaremos aprendiendo juntos, trabajando juntos y orando juntos hacia ambos objetivos. Cuando veo la promesa y la alegría de los seminaristas en la portada de este ejemplar, yo sé que la base de libertad religiosa que estamos protegiendo hoy permitirá a las generaciones futuras hacer libremente la obra de Dios. Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo
Rejoice in Hope RETREATS
Days of Recollections May 24 “Re lections with Fr. Benedict” With Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
God invites us in the midst of the noise and distractions we face every day to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. Set some time aside for Him, book your retreat today!
(860) 5360565 www.endersisland.com
June 13 Sacred Heart Day of Recollection With Fr Frank Sutman, OP May 27June 2 Silent Directed Retreat With Sr. Eugene Brady, SJC & Sr. Corita Clark, RDC June 2224 Women’s Recovery Weekend Recovery Seminar with Tommie & Jane
SACRED ART June 1014 Five days of Gregorian Chant & Liturgical Music With Dr. William Tortolano
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Director of Priestly Vocations
Reverend Gregory Galvin
Gifted with a Vocation Before He Created You! The 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations was celebrated this past Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter. The theme was, Vocations, the Gift of the Love of God, a subject on which Pope Benedict reflected beforehand in a letter. Below I have chosen to focus on one aspect of what our Holy Father reflected on in his letter, that is just how wonderful and awesome the gift of a vocation is. At the very beginning of Pope Benedict’s letter he reminds us that, “the source of every perfect gift is God who is Love” as he quotes from 1Jn. 4-16; “Whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him”. This first point is extremely important for us to think about and recall consistently in our lives because of its truth. Basically we must remember that any gift given to mankind from God, collectively or individually, is a perfect gift! The Holy Father points out by turning to Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, 1:4, that God chose each one of us to be perfect and united to Him because of His love for us even before He created us! Paul writes, “He chose us, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him in love”. Our Holy Father writes, “We are loved by God even ‘before’ we come into existence!” When we consider a person’s vocation as a gift given by God, there are therefore certain things we must recall. First of all a person’s vocation is a perfect gift to them from God! Not only that, even before God created each one of us He already had gifted us with that “perfect vocation” because He loves us so much! He is the only one who knows us perfectly because He created us with a purpose and knows how we can fulfill that purpose perfectly, if we choose out of love to respond to His love for us!
Pope Benedict points out in his reflection that “the profound truth of our existence is thus contained in this surprising mystery: every creature, and in particular every human person, is the fruit of God’s thought and an act of his love, a love that is boundless, faithful and everlasting (cf.Jer31:3)”. His next point is extremely important. The Holy Father writes, “The discovery of this reality is what truly and profoundly changes our lives”. It must change our life! If we do not choose to respond to God’s perfect love in our lives and ultimately His perfect gift for our lives, our personal vocation, then we are fools! We are turning down the pathway to perfect happiness both in this world and the next! In other words, God our heavenly and loving Father created each one of us from His love, with a specific purpose in this life. That purpose is discovered in the Gift of His Love to each of us, our personal vocation, be it a vocation to single or married life, consecrated religious or apostolic life, or priestly life. Each vocation is a perfect gift of God’s love.
Therefore as baptized members of God’s family, each son and daughter of God has the responsibility to unwrap the perfect gift of their vocation given to them by our Heavenly Father. This is done in listening and discerning well what God is calling each one of us to in this life. We must discover what His Will is for each of us during this earthly journey. If we embrace His will and work at holiness, we will experience a more perfect happiness in this life until He calls us home to be perfectly happy with Him for eternal life. How is this unwrapping and discovery of the gift of our vocation best accomplished? The Holy Father give us the answer as he writes near the end of his letter; “central to this should be love of God’s Word nourished by a growing familiarity with Sacred Scripture, and attentive and unceasing prayer, both personal and in community; this will make it possible to hear God’s call amid all the voices of daily life. But above all, the Eucharist should be the heart of every vocational journey: it is here that the love of God touches us in Christ’s sacrifice, the perfect
expression of love; and it is here that we learn ever anew how to live according to the “high standard” of God’s love.” May we all together through the Diocese of Norwich continue our
prayerful efforts and remain faithful to identifying, encouraging and inviting each other to embrace the Will of God, the Gift of God offered to us through our particular vocation!
◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men who have not yet realized their potential. ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut
Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: May 24 June 21 July 19 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 December 20
Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich St. Joseph Church, Rockville St. Mary Church, Coventry St. Colman Church, Middlefield St. Luke Church, Ellington Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry St. Joseph Church, North Grosvenordale St. Andrew Church, Colchester
7-8 7-8 7-8 4-5 6-7 7-8 4-5 7-8
Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net • (860) 887-9294
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Saturday, May 5 Flea Market and Flowering Plant Sale St. John Church, Middletown, from 8am-12pm (rain or shine) Many toys, kitchen items, home decor items, furniture and more! Plus beautiful flowering plants to brighten up your yard. For any additional information, please contact church office at 860-347-5626. Monday, May 7 Spring Seminars - Five-Week Life In The Spirit Seminar Immaculata Retreat House, 289 Windham Road, Willimantic. Please contact John & Connie Misale at 860-423-2660 for more information. The Seminar will begin at 7:00pm.
Saturday, May 12 The Connecticut Right to Life Corporation Annual Convention Will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell from 8:30 am- 4:30 pm. Registration begins at 8:30- 10:00 am, with a 9:00 am Mass. The theme of this year’s convention is “Protecting Life and Liberty Across Connecticut.” The featured speakers are Dr. John Bruchalski, Leticia Velasquez, and Dr. Brian Clowes. Registration fees which include luncheon, are $40 for singles, $70 for married couples, $20 for students, and $40 for vendor booths. Make checks payable to CRLC or pay at the door (seating not guaranteed). Send to Janet Sayles, 17 Grassy Lane, Milford, CT
Memorial Day Mass Times Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012 The Norwich Deanery
In Saint Joseph Cemetery, Boswell Avenue, Norwich, Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, this Mass will be celebrated in the Mausoleum Chapel at Saint Mary Cemetery.
06461 or call (203) 8784097. For more information please call Mrs. Catherine Costello at (860) 526-2152. Saturday, May 12 Day of Renewal for Leaders and Prayer Group Members Spiritual Renewal Services Center, Norwich, from 9:00am-3:00pm. Saturday, May 12 One-Day Life in the Spirit Seminar All Hallows School, 120 Prospect Street, Moosup. Please contact Sue Newman at 860-564-0081 for more information. The seminar is from 9:00- 3:00pm. Friday- Saturday May 18 & 19 Weekend Life In The Spirit Seminar Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. Friday night at 6:30pm and Saturday at 9:00am. For more information please contact: Deacon Jim at 860-739-6455 or SRS at 860-887-0702. Saturday, May 19 One-Day Life in the Spirit Seminar Will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford TPKE, Vernon, from 9:00am-4:00pm. Please contact Fr. Ray Introvigne at 860742-2896 for more information. Sunday, May 20 Donna Cori Gibson in Concert A live concert featuring Donna Gibson will take place at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, at 7:00 pm. Tickets are free; a good will donation will be col-
lected during the concert. Donna has performed on EWTN on numerous occasions. Come listen to her Spirit filled voice! Check out her music at www.donnacorigibson.com Contact Theresa Jorsz, 860-4491625 with questions. Sunday, May 20 Memorial Mass for the victims of the Irish Hunger of 1845-50 A Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church, New London at 12:00 Noon. This event is being held in concert with similar activities across Ireland, North America, Europe and Australia to commemorate the victims of this catastrophe, most of whom died unidentified and buried ignominiously in mass graves. The Mass will be immediately followed by lunch-early dinner and a short video presentation in the Church Hall. Admission to the dinner/presentation will be $10 per person, $6 for children 12 years and younger. Net proceeds will be donated to local food pantries. Saturday, May 26 Unbound Prayer Session Held at the Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich, at 10:00am. By Appointment ONLY – Please call 860- 887-0702 for more information. Saturday- Sunday, May 26 &27 Weekend Life in the Spirit Seminar St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook. For more information please contact: Shirley Massa 860-388-4949
Saturday, June 2, One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar St. Patrick Center, Maple Street, East Hampton, from 9:00-4:00pm. Please contact George & Regina Looby at 860-267-8203 for more information. Saturday, June 16 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, from 9:004:00pm. Please contact Fr. Ray Introvigne at 860-742-2896 for more information. Friday- Sunday June 8-10 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can have a beginning with Rachel’s Vineyard. All inquiries are confidential. Retreat in Westerly, RIcall Carol Owens at 401-421-7833 ext.118 for more information. Or log onto our website at www.rachelsvineyard.org Saturday, June 16 One-Day Life in The Spirit Seminar From 9:00 -4:00pm at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown. Sunday, June 24 Leave a Legacy Month Coffee Hour Promoting Catholic wills and creative giving at 12:30pm at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 22 Maple Avenue Uncasville, RSVP by calling 860-886-1928 ext. 15 or email Marylou.gannotti@norwichdiocese.net
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 28, 2012. In case of inclement weather the Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Taftville.
Mother’s Day 2012
In Saint Patrick Cemetery, Depot Road, Montville, Reverend Robert Buongirno will celebrate Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 28, 2012. In case of inclement weather the Mass will be celebrated in Saint John Church, 22 Maple Avenue, Uncasville.
Lord Jesus Christ, you chose the Virgin Mary to be your mother, a worthy home in which to dwell. By her prayers keep us from danger and bring us to the joy of heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever, Amen
The New London Deanery
In Saint Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London, Rev. Msgr. Robert L. Brown will celebrate Mass on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012, 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.
~ Liturgy of the Hours
Parishes Priests FCC Online Mass Times Archives Streaming Catholic Radio
Annual White Mass Celebrated at Cathedral of St. Patrick NORWICH - On the Third Sunday of Easter, healthcare workers of many faiths gathered with the By Michael Strammiello
Most Reverend, Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich to celebrate the sacred calling of their profession. This was the twenty-second consecutive year a special diocesan Pontifical Mass has been dedicated to the healers and caregivers among us. Homilist Deacon Gerald Shaw, M.D. spoke of the prominent role of healing in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This was healing of the body and soul, and served to enlighten the minds of all who bore witness. “Jesus never asked anyone why they sought Him out. Or asked them if they had insurance coverage. He never turned anyone away.” Deacon Shaw further described how Jesus the Healer would reach out and touch the ailing persons, and then converse with them and comfort them. “Today”, said Deacon Shaw, “no matter how sophisticated medical technology has become, the three elements of healing we learned from Jesus remain the pri-
mary core healing practices – com- the Dr. David P. Lauler, M.D. and passion, touch and comforting con- Joan M. Lauler, B.S.N. Memorial versation.” Lecture. Dr. Puchalski conveyed the We were reminded how Mother vital importance of spiritual beliefs Theresa saw the face of Jesus in in forming patient care decisions. every poor person. We, too, must “Finding hope, meaning and pursee Him in our midst. Deacon pose in illness leads to a new and Shaw asked the congregation, “Do deeper understanding of self.” Inteyou see our suffering Lord in the grating a spiritual assessment of the face of the patient?” Here lies the patient can and does lead to better supremely divine quality of health- healthcare outcomes. The spiritual care. component to healing often proFollowing Mass, the annual motes resilience, comfort and even White Mass brunch convened in survival. It is all about connecting the Cathedral auditorium. Bishop with something bigger than ourCote welcomed all present. In his selves…and the love and compasinvocation before a gathering of sion and dignity that can physicians, nurses, chaplains, ther- accompany suffering and illness. As apists, technicians, hospital admin- Dr. Puchalski expressed the essence istrators, and specialists, the Bishop of integrating the spiritual into asked Our Gracious Father to “bless whole person healing, “Spirituality their hands – to bless their minds.” should be considered a vital sign.” Guest speaker Christina PuchalThe high interest ski, M.D., M.S., the founder and in Dr. Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health at the George Washington University in Washington, Robert J. Keltner, M.D., D.C. spoke on Spirituality in Healthcare Commentator of the Mass. – this year’s topic for Photos by Phil Twomey
Puchalski’s message continued into the Q&A session. A question posed by Dr. Frank Maletz touching on the need for healthcare professionals to interact among themselves, as well as with patients, with a respect for the spiritual aspect of healing generated considerable follow-up discussion. Dr. Puchalski concluded the day on an intriguing note, “To heal a person, you must first be a person.”
Online News & Information 24.7
Healthcare recognized as “human enterprise and supremely divine enterprise.”
www.NorwichDiocese.org
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DIOCESE OF NORWICH PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND With Bishop Michael R. Cote
October 9 to 18, 2012 For information or reservations call 860-887-9294. Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will lead a ten day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Cana, Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, Jordan River, Beit Shean, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, and several other sites. Price includes local bus to/from Boston airport, departure lunch, all tips, breakfast and dinner daily, and also includes departure tax and fuel surcharge. Reservations must be made by July 6, 2012. Cost of Tour: $3,440.00 pp double occupancy $539.00 deposit required ($239.00 optional insurance)
$500.00 single supplement (limited number)
$239.00 Travel Insurance
Photo by Trina Fulton
Diocese Celebrates Mass Dedicated to Secretaries NORWICH – The Seventeenth Annual Secretaries Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Michael By Michael Strammiello
R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, April 24, 2012. Bishop Cote welcomed all present - thanking secretaries of all faiths for all that they do and the many sacrifices they make every
ART UNLIMIT TED ED
day – an expression of faith and One of the traditions of the God’s love for others. Mass dating back to the 9/11/01 Father Gregory Galvin, Dioce- tragedy, is to recite the prayer for san Vocations Director, delivered peace. The prayer begins, “God the homily and spoke further of our Father, Creator of the World, the appreciation for the vital serv- You establish the order which govice and ministry of erns all ages. Hear secretaries. He recprayer…” These Thank you our ognized the paare words that relate tience, kindness, for all you so closely to the reunderstanding and spect for order, calm do and integrity of being a and peace in chaos your many that is the essence of faithful secretary. Father Galvin called sacrifices the secretarial profesto mind a fascinatsion. It also honors, ing sports analogy – Bishop Michael R. Cote in particular, the seca reference to the retaries who lost their 7th player in hockey and the 10th lives in the 9/11 tragedy. player in baseball. He explained A well-attended luncheon folhow the Boston Bruins in hockey lowed Mass, providing an opporand the Boston Red Sox in baseball tunity for secretaries active and give annual awards to the player in retired to enjoy reflecting on their reserve who exemplifies “team” -- much appreciated service to others. not self. The person who is consid- A wonderful event thanks to the ered the glue of the team. It is an dedication of the Secretaries Mass award that reminds Father Galvin Committee: Alice Pudvah – Chair, of the faithful and indispensable Leandra LeClair, Judy Pappagallo, role of the secretary -- that of Kimberly Quinn, Joan Balestracci, someone not usually in the lime- Cynthia Mageski, Marlene Peer, light…but someone who keeps Christine Siart, Rebecca McDoueverything going in the right direc- gal and Monsignor Robert L. tion game after game, year after Brown as Chancery Liaison. year. “Without you, the secretaries, Next year’s tribute Mass has also much of what gets done just ready been scheduled for April 23, wouldn’t.” “Thank you.” 2013. A good date to save.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Pope Benedict XVI’s Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations The theme of Pope Benedict loves; with a love that is shown in the Eucharist should be the heart XVI’s reflections for this year’s the total, faithful and fruitful gift of every vocational journey: it is World Day of Prayer, April 29, of self ”. here that the love of God touches 2012 was: “Vocations, the Gift of “It is in this soil of self-offering us in Christ’s sacrifice. ... Scripthe Love of God”. and openness to the love of God, ture, prayer and the Eucharist are His Holiness spoke of “the pro- and as the fruit of that love, that the precious treasure enabling us found truth of our existence con- all vocations are born and grow. to grasp the beauty of a life spent tained in the surprising mystery: By drawing from this wellspring fully in service of the Kingdom. every creature, and in particular through prayer, constant recourse “It is my hope that the local every human person, is the fruit to God’s word and to the Sacra- Churches ... will become places of God’s thought and an act of ments, especially the Eucharist, it where vocations are carefully disHis love, a love that is boundless, becomes possible to live a life of cerned and their authenticity faithful and everlasting. The dis- love for our neighbors, in whom tested, places where young men covery of this reality is what truly we come to perceive the face of and women are offered wise and and profoundly changes our Christ the Lord”. strong spiritual direction. ... As a lives”. “These two expressions of the response to the demands of the “It is a love that is limitless and one divine love must be lived with new commandment of Jesus, this that precedes us, sustains us and a particular intensity and purity of can find realization in Christian calls us along the path families, whose love is of life, a love rooted in I cordially impart my Apostolic an expression of the an absolutely free gift of love of Christ Who gave Blessing to all of you, ... and God. Speaking particuHimself for His larly of the ministerial especially those young men and Church. Within the women who strive to listen priesthood, my predefamily ... young people cessor, Blessed John can have a wonderful with a docile heart to God’s Paul II, stated that voice and are ready to respond experience of this self‘every ministerial action giving love. Indeed, generously and faithfully ... provides an incentive families are not only the to grow in ever greater privileged place for Pope Benedict XVI love and service of Jesus human and Christian Christ, ... a love which is always a heart by those who have decided formation; they can also be ‘the response to the free and unso- to set out on the path of vocation primary and most excellent seedlicited love of God in Christ’. discernment towards the ministe- bed of vocations to a life of conEvery specific vocation is in fact rial priesthood and the conse- secration to the Kingdom of born of the initiative of God; it is crated life; they are its God’, by helping their members a gift of the Love of God! He is distinguishing mark. Love of to see, precisely within the family, the One Who takes the ‘first step’, God, which priests and conse- the beauty and the importance of ... because of the presence of His crated persons are called to mir- the priesthood and the conseown love ‘poured out into our ror, however imperfectly, is the crated life. May pastors and all the hearts through the Holy Spirit’. motivation for answering the lay faithful always cooperate so “In every age, the source of the Lord’s call to special consecration that in the Church these ‘homes divine call is to be found in the through priestly ordination or the and schools of communion’ may initiative of the infinite love of profession of the evangelical multiply, modelled on the Holy God, Who reveals Himself fully counsels. Family of Nazareth, the harmoin Jesus Christ. It is important for the Church nious reflection on earth of the “The love of God is everlast- to create the conditions that will life of the Most Holy Trinity”. ing... Yet the appealing beauty of permit many young people to say this divine love, which precedes ‘yes’ in generous response to God’s and accompanies us, needs to be loving call. proclaimed ever anew, especially “The task of fostering vocations to younger generations. This di- will be to provide helpful guidvine love is the hidden impulse, ance and direction along the way. the motivation which never fails, Central to this should be love of PARKER MEMORIALS even in the most difficult circum- God’s word nourished by a grow& STONE COMPANY stances. ... We need to open our ing familiarity with Sacred ScripMonuments, Markers & Signs lives to this love. 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Day Of Renewal for Leaders and Prayer Group Members Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Services Center Unbound Prayer Session Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM Spiritual Renewal Center By Appointment ONLY – Please call!
Spring Seminars Five-Week Life In The Spirit Seminar Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM Immaculata Retreat House, 289 Windham Road, Willimantic, CT 06226 Contact: John & Connie Misale 860-423-2660 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM All Hallows School, 120 Prospect Street, Moosup, CT 06354 Contact: Sue Newman 860-564-0081 Weekend Life In The Spirit Seminar Friday, May 18 @ 6:30 PM and Saturday, May 19 @ 9:00 AM Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Contact: Deacon Jim 860-739-6455 or SRS 860-887-0702 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford TPKE, Vernon, CT 06066 Contact: Fr. Ray Introvigne 860-742-2896 Weekend Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 26 @ 9:00 AM and Sunday, May 27 @ 12:30 PM St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Contact: Shirley Massa 860-388-4949 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Date changed to Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM St. Patrick Center, Maple Street, East Hampton, CT 06424 Contact: George & Regina Looby 860-267-8203 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, CT 06457 Contact: Fr. Ray Introvigne 860-742-2896
spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich
Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767
P.O. Box 6 • 11 Bath Street Norwich, CT 06360 • (860) 887-0702 email: Renewal@catholicweb.com
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Spring Celebrations
The third and final Sacrament of Initiation, following Baptism and Confirmation, is the By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship
Most Holy Eucharist. These three sacraments are meant to be received by all Catholics, since the three together complete the most basic meaning of membership in the Church. By Baptism we are incorporated into Christ, by Confirmation our Baptism is sealed, and through reception of the Eucharist we are united to Christ and to the whole community of believers in a new and unique manner. The sacrament of the Eucharist is, of course, the bread and wine which has been transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The celebration of the sacrament is Mass, and Communion is the reception of the sacrament. As Catholics, we are uniquely Eucharistic since our faith calls us to gather together each Sunday for the celebration of the Eucharist which is, according to Vatican II, the source and summit of the
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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charit for His creators made you wor hy when on ear h posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in t ouble or anxiet . Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose hear is f ll of human sy pathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your ar s, and the g atit de of my hear will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mar 's and three Glories and promise publication.
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Church’s life. As individual believers, we bring to the celebration of the Eucharist all the joys and sorrows of our lives, and we receive from the celebration the
strength and encouragement to continue to live as Christians. The Eucharist is the source of all our strength and the reason for our fidelity to Jesus. In a similar way, in our parishes the celebration of the Eucharist is intended to be the high point of parish life, the source and summit of all parish ministries and activities. The sense of mission and commitment communicated to us through the ritual of the Mass that is intended to send us forth to serve others in the name of Christ. In fact, as theologians tell us, Eucharist achieves its fullest effect only when transformed into service of others. Eucharist is the embodiment of Jesus’ gift of himself to us, and we are commissioned in Baptism to follow his example by giving of ourselves to others. When we receive the Eucharist, the minister who is distributing the sacrament holds the consecrated host before us and says, “The Body of Christ!� Our response of “Amen!� is both an acclamation and a profession of faith. The “Amen!� is our statement of personal belief in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and an acknowledgment that we understand what and whom we are receiving. Ideally, everyone who receives the
We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call:
1-800-624-7407
sacrament of the Eucharist is attentive and sincere when making that personal profession of faith. Another aspect of the sacrament of the Eucharist, other than celebration and reception, is adoration. Initially, the concept of adoration of the Eucharist was not part of the Church’s life, since devotion to the Eucharist was understood to be a call to service. So, through the first millennium, the Eucharist was reserved after the celebration only for distribution to the sick and the dying. Then, toward the end of the first millennium, the practice of adoration of the Eucharist, rooted in reverence and respect for the sacrament, began to develop. The feast of Corpus Christi began to appear on liturgical calendars in the thirteenth century and became a feast in the universal church, and even a holy day of obligation in many places. With the development of this feast, the practices of reservation of the sacrament in our tabernacles and adoration through various devotions such as Benediction and Exposition also developed. Throughout the past fifty years there has been significant theological and liturgical debate about the proper balance between these two forms of Eucharistic expression, adoration and service. For some time following Vatican II, many Eucharistic devotions disappeared from parish life. However, now they are being reintroduced. Ideally, everyone who celebrates and receives the Eucharist responds to this great gift in diverse ways; being brought to deep and peaceful prayer in the presence of the sacrament and also, in virtue of union with Jesus, answering the baptismal commission to serve one another in love and generosity, as he did.
Podemos Ayudar Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la DiĂłcesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para vĂctimas, favor de llamar:
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Four County Catholic May 2012
St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Living God’s Call to Love Our Neighbors as Ourselves For the past five years, Ron Krom has served as Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul MidBy MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving
dletown, a ministry supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Ron and his staff operate a soup kitchen, a community assistance program, the Amazing Grace F o o d Pantry and permanent supportive housing. Those who live in Middletown have likely seen Ron riding his bicycle around town, a preferred method of transportation for him. Ron eloquently delivered a message regarding the core value of St. Vincent de Paul at a Diocesan social held at Mercy High School in Middletown this past February. Ron’s enthusiasm and commitment to the ministry he leads was evident in his message. He told those in attendance, “It has been my privilege to be the Executive Director at St. Vincent de Paul Middletown for the last five years. For me this position is the perfect fit – working in the community where my family and I live, leading a faith-based agency committed to caring for people in need. I have been a student of social theory and an activist for social justice, but many years ago I understood that my primary vocation was to work more on a personal level with individual people and families to help meet their basic needs, to develop relationships and build trust, to encourage them and to love them. This decision was rooted in my personal faith in a God of grace, compassion, forgiveness and mercy – a God who has called us to love our neighbors as ourselves.� St. Vincent de Paul Middletown has a 30-year history of
meeting needs and offering hope. Founded in 1980 as a community ministry of the Diocese of Norwich by Sisters of Mercy Pat McKeon and Caroline Beaudoin, St. Vincent de Paul Place was “the place� on Main St. in Middletown where people in need could come for a meal, groceries, clothing, shelter and financial assistance. The core mission of the ministry was a welcoming of guests to “a table� or “a place� where in the “breaking of the bread� one could escape from the burdens of failure, judgment, fear and hopelessness to be nourished by dignity and love. The core ministries (Soup Kitchen, Amazing Grace Food Pantry, Community Assistance and Supportive Housing) have remained the same over the years and they are the essence of St. Vincent de Paul. “The Soup Kitchen is really a community dining room, a place where people gather to share a meal,� says Ron. St. Vincent de Paul Middletown is open from 7 am to 1:30 pm Monday to Saturday to serve breakfast and lunch. The Sunday evening meal is prepared by area churches and faith-communities. Ron sees many at Saint Vincent de Paul. “Some come to our meals, eat quickly and leave; others stay like a
family around the dining table for hours after the meal to enjoy good conversation and friendships. Some come because they are hungry and have very limited resources for buying or preparing their own meals; others come because they live alone and they enjoy the company of their friends and meeting new people.� St. Vincent de Paul has had a great run recently, according to Ron. “ This past year and a half has been particularly exciting at the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. After many years of searching for a new home, we finally bought a building in September 2010 and renovated it into the best food pantry in Connecticut! The new facility is spacious, cheerful, warm and welcoming, and that spirit and tone is enhanced by the care and love shown by the staff and volunteers. The renovation was really a testament to the community commitment to sharing food. We logged more than 2,000 hours of volunteer labor in just two months! Now we are able to distribute groceries to approximately 850 households each month – enough to make approximately 234,000 meals a year!� Your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal helps St. Vincent de Paul Middletown continue to fulfill the mission of meeting needs and offering hope. By providing invaluable assistance to those whose lives are enriched by the caring and compassion Christ asks of us, we can continue to show mercy and “Love and Serve the Lord.�
Thank You On behalf of Fred Terrasi, Rochelle Hughes, the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the members of the Italian American Civic Order, I would like to publicly thank the kind people who made “GRINDERS FOR GRACE 2012� such a huge success. GRINDERS FOR GRACE is a fundraiser to benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, a program of St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown. Our biggest thank you goes to those of you who purchased our grinders. We delivered over 500 grinders to businesses and schools in Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Middletown and surrounding towns. With every dollar that goes to Amazing Grace, we are helping to buy food that helps our neighbors in need. Amazing Grace is serving over 900 families a month, so please take heart in knowing that when you bought that grinder, you were really helping your neighbors. We know that we are fortunate to have the God given energy and strength to do this work and we are thankful to all who participated in this AMAZING event! With sincerest gratitude and blessings, Claudia DeFrance, President Board of Directors, St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Photo by Susannah H. Snowden
St. Michael the Archangel Church in Pawcatuck Closed Temporarily Structural Repairs Needed Stonington - A landmark in the community for more than 150 years, St. Michael the Archangel By Jennifer McDermott Reprint from The Day
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Church closed its doors Sunday, April 22, 2012, after the morning Masses because it was deemed unsafe to keep using the church until the supports for the roof and ceiling can be fixed. The Pawcatuck parish will now decide whether to begin the repairs, build a new church or potentially consolidate with three other local churches and construct a church in a central location that they could all use. The Rev. Dennis Perkins, the church’s pastor, spoke at length about the structural problems during the 11 a.m. service. Describing the news as “sad,” he said, would be an understatement. “Heartbreaking might be a more accurate word to describe how we may be feeling today,” he said. “Our church has held a very special place in our lives.” Perkins stressed that while the building is temporarily closing, the parish remains very much intact. Parishioners will attend services at St. Mary Church in the borough, a parish with close ties to St. Michael. And St. Michael School, across Liberty Street from the church, will stay
open. “The hurricanes and the extraordinary loads placed on the church over 150 years have weakened the structure,” Perkins said. “When it was built in the beginning, the timbers were not large enough and when they were joined together, there were not enough bolts.” Father Perkins asked the parish for patience as they confront the challenges ahead. Father Perkins said after that he did not have an opinion on which option is best, rather he wants the parish to come together and decide. He said the project cost and the length of time the church will remain closed depend on which path they take. Meetings to discuss the ideas will be held at St. Mary on May 15 at 6:30 p.m. and May 16 at 12:30 p.m. “This is a time for the parish to stay together and help Father Perkins reach whatever is the proper conclusion for everyone here,” said Gene Renz of Westerly, a parishioner at St. Michael since 1980. First Selectman Edward Haberek, who also attends the church, said the town is ready to help. About 1,500 families are registered with the church. “It’s a very, very special place in all our hearts and in the community as well so I look forward to working with them on this,” Haberek said.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Memorial Mass for Victims of the Irish Hunger, 1845-1850 A Memorial Mass for the victims of the Irish Hunger of 1845-50 will be held at Saint Submitted by James J.Gallagher
Joseph’s Church, New London Sunday, May 20 , at the 12:00 Noon Mass. This event is being held in May in concert with similar activities across Ireland, North America, Europe and Australia to commemorate the victims of this catastrophe, most of whom died unidentified and buried ignominiously in mass graves. The Mass will be
immediately followed by lunchearly dinner and a short video presentation in the Church Hall. Admission to the dinner/presentation will be $10 per person, $6 for children 12 years and younger. Net proceeds will be donated to local food pantries. After dinner the video program, sponsored by New London County’s John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), will be presented. The AOH is the oldest and largest Irish-Catholic
fraternal organization in America. Father Mark O’Donnell, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, is the Chaplain of the local Division. Approximately 3.5 million Irish are believed to have died or emigrated during the five year period of the potato blight from 1845 to 1850. To put this tragedy in perspective, that human loss is essentially equivalent to the eradication of almost the entire population of Connecticut in the short span of five years.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Second Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Inspires Faith and Fellowship Approximately 144 women from throughout the diocese attended the Second By Shelley Wolf Four County Catholic Contributor
Annual Catholic Women’s Conference of the Diocese of Norwich on April 14 at St. Bernard’s School in Uncasville, up from 116 attendees last year, proving that this faithfilled event is gaining momentum. “We wanted something to bring women together, something inspirational,� said Marge Vanner, coordinator of the Office of Faith Events. “Normally you only get 50
percent of program evaluations back from attendees, but last year I got 99 percent saying ‘please have ValLimar Jansen back again.’ People left with such joy.� ValLimar Jansen, a professor, cantor, and gospel recording artist returned as this year’s keynote speaker, leading the women in spirited song, telling stories of women in the Bible, and challenging conference-goers to put the teachings of Jesus into everyday practice. Last year’s attendees also requested a Mass with the Bishop of Norwich, and their wish was granted when the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote kicked-off the
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full-day conference by celebrating Holy Mass. “It’s an honor to have Mass with the Bishop,� said conference attendee Roseann Ward, as she stood in line waiting for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ward, a member of St. Paul’s Church in Waterford, had also seen ValLimar Jansen perform elsewhere and wanted to see her perform again. “She’s so wonderful,� Ward said. Gloria Morris, a member of St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton, stood in line ahead of Ward. When Morris heard about Ward’s health struggles, she reached out in support and put an arm around Ward, a woman she had just met. “Sometimes you just have to take a day for yourself,� Morris stated. “It makes you feel so good. When we feel like this, we pass it on to the people we meet.� Other women also found great inspiration at the special event. Susan Salesses of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Storrs is a veteran of spiritual conferences. “I’ve been going to the Women of Faith Conference in Hartford for years,� Salesses said, “but I wanted to have the full Catholic experience. The keynote speaker is absolutely fantastic,� she added. Salesses said she also appreciated the many priests who turned out to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Only one week after Easter, Roberta Maurer, a former Methodist and Nazarene, attended the conference as a celebration of
her recent conversion to Catholicism and her newly-minted membership with St. Matthew’s Church in Tolland. “I joined the Catholic Church this past Holy Saturday and I wanted to follow it up with something special,� Maurer explained. “I wanted to thank God for the beautiful entry I had into the Church.� The day’s conference activities began with Holy Mass. Musical accompaniment was provided by ValLimar Jansen of Los Angeles and pianist Mary Carol Kendzia of Christ the King Parish in Rhode Island. Bishop Cote was both the celebrant and homilist. During the homily, the Bishop cited Mary Magdalen, the apostles, and St. Francis as examples of people who Jesus gifted with the Holy Spirit. “We are always to rely on this mighty gift,� Bishop Cote advised the women, “to be prayerful, humble, and obedient, to not only ponder God’s words but to actively live them in your daily lives.� In the words of St. Augustine, Bishop Cote told the attendees that when they “receive the Eucharist worthily, you are what you have received.� The Bishop also asked the women to make the love of God accessible to all. “Strive to welcome all,� he said, “so that you can serve the needs of all.� Following Mass, Mistress of Ceremonies Elizabeth Eddy of St. Mary’s Church in Coventry, acknowledged Bishop Cote for honoring the women and encouraging them with his presence. Eddy
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noted that the rest of the day would “focus on valiant women, our big sisters, our role models, who inspire us to go and do likewise. Each of us has a role to play in this troubled world,â€? Eddy said. The goal is to be strong, spirit-filled women. Highlighting courageous women from history, ValLimar Jansen gave several one-woman theatrical presentations on Women of the Hebrew Scriptures and Women of the Christian Scriptures, bringing the stories of Naomi and Ruth and Mary Magdalen to life. Sharing the wisdom of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who aided Holocaust survivors, Jansen told the audience, “Don’t worry about what you do not understand ‌ Worry about what you do understand in the Bible but do not live by.â€? In a later talk, the Reverend Ray Introvigne, co-director of Spiritual Renewal Services for the Diocese of Norwich, advised the conference attendees to go to confession for the peace, healing, and comfort that it provides, and to “spend time with Jesus every day,â€? even if it means scheduling just a few moments of prayer. Father Introvigne then led a moving Adoration and Eucharistic Procession to music provided by Colleen Puscas, director of Music at St. Andrew’s Church in Colchester. Jansen followed with a final presentation on Women in Contemporary Society, sharing the inspiring words and actions of Dorothy Day, the journalist and social activist who founded The Catholic Worker newspaper, and Sister Thea Bowman, the Franciscan African American poet and evangelist. In a final act of Christian female solidarity, Jansen wrapped up the conference by encouraging each woman in the audience to jot down her personal struggles on a note card, swap the card with another conference-goer, and return home to pray for her fellow sister’s needs.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Four County Catholic May 2012
The Greener Grass Syndrome Filled with admiration and curiosity for the Amish, I felt drawn to explore and learn more about their By Mary Tunison
way of life. So, right after college graduation, I moved to Lancaster County, PA . Content to dwell among them, quietly observing their everyday lives and culture, I was elated when offered a job as a tour guide at an Amish tourist attraction. This further broadened my perspective and understanding of the “plain people” a term by which they are sometimes referred. Initially, their world seemed ideal; rich in religious values and family life, close, supportive bonds of community, freedom from worldly influences, simplicity of life -- all very
real and genuine. But, as with any life, I discovered they had their problems and issues as well. One day, as I was driving along the Amish countryside, I noticed a cow stretching its neck trying to reach t h e grass on the other side of the f e n c e which constrained her. The pasture grass on her side of the fence was just as lush and green as the unattainable side she so long-
ingly desired. “Ha,” I laughed to myself, “So confirms the old adage, the grass is always greener on the other side!” Then it occurred to me that I had been like that cow to some extent -- perceiving the Amish world through rose-colored glasses at first, and longing for something presumably better than what I had. M a n y years have passed since that whimsical illustration, yet many experiences in life have reminded me of the truth of that adage. So often, when certain “dreams” were fulfilled or I had finally gotten to a place where I thought I’d be happy and fulfilled -- not long after, reality would set in and I’d find myself either longing for what was or looking for something better. Why is that?! I think there can be many reasons. Sometimes, a lack of focus on what’s really important and
The Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier A community in mission, inviting other men to consider joining them to “fall in love with the service of God.”
essential in life can steer us toward things seemingly better at first but of lesser value at closer range. Not having one’s priorities straight, can trigger the “greener grass” syndrome and cause serious regrets later on. The greener grass syndrome can be a good thing such as a healthy prompting to find a better job fit or a movement toward deeper growth or greater challenges. Yet, I think that feeling of longing for “greener pastures” deserves due consideration and soul searching especially if it seems to be a pattern in one’s life. Such can reveal a lack of peace within stemming from some deficiency or unmet need. Always dwelling on what might be or envying that which is just beyond the fence, diminishes our ability to appreciate and be fully alive in the present moment. In the words of St. Irenaeus, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive!” With God, each present moment counts. . .regardless of the circumstances. True, sometimes the circumstances in which we find ourselves are less than desirable and can cause one to retract or refrain from giving
DA UGH T E RS
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www.sistersofg.org
Discovering Our Diocese
Educators Social Workers Counselors Missionaries Men of Faith
Where is This? Statue on the grounds of SS Peter and Paul in Norwich of young Sister Maria Lucia praying at the apparition at Fatima.
For more information, please contract: Brother James Connolly, CFX Xaverian Brothers 4409 Frederick Avenue Baltimore, MD 21229 On the web at: www.XaverianBrothers.org or email: jconnolly@xaverianbrothers.org
one’s best. Ever feel compelled to reserve your inner resources for better times or better people, when efforts will be more valued or appreciated? The challenge is to strive toward being fully ourselves and fully alive as often as we can with God’s help. . .living each moment with reverence and awe, being in touch with the beauty around us, listening to the wind through the pine trees or the varied voice of the mocking bird. . .really seeing and being truly present to loved ones -- connecting with what is really being conveyed in their eyes, their soul, their heart. This is the meat of life. Don’t miss it by dreaming about tomorrow or longing for another pasture. Love the one you’re in. Life will take you, moment by present moment, to wherever you are meant to be. Finally, there is that holy restlessness deep within that reminds us that we are only sojourning through this life. It is passing. We are made for something greater. In the words of St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” We will never fully be at peace or satisfied with anything in this world because we are made for another. . . to be united with our Creator for all eternity. Mary Tunison works for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford, and is a freelance writer, photographer, artist, and graphic designer.
To learn more about an apostolic life, contact Sr. Donna Beauregard 67 Round Hill Road ❖ Middletown, Connecticut 06457 Call 860-346-5765 or email sr_marypatt13@sistersolg.org 53738
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Bridgeport Bishop To Lead Baltimore Catholics FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – Bridgeport Bishop William E. Lori, the leader of by Anna Helhoski
Fairfield County’s Roman Catholics, was named the 16th archbishop of Baltimore by Pope Benedict XVI. Installation will take place on May 16, 2012. Lori, 62, was introduced at a news conference at the Baltimore Basilica. The Archdiocese of Baltimore, founded in 1789, is the oldest Catholic diocese in the country. “The very thought of serving and leading the nation’s premier See fills me with joy and also with profound gratitude, first and foremost to the Lord who shepherds his people in love,” Lori said in a statement. Lori will succeed Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, who served as archbishop from October 2007 to August 2011. O’Brien will remain as apostolic administrator until Lori’s installation May 16. “I have known Bishop Lori for many years and have been impressed by his deep love of the church and her people, and by his extraordinary work both as Bishop of Bridgeport and as a valued leader on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop,” O’Brien said in a statement. Lori is a native of Louisville, Ky., and received his master’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Ky. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1977. He was ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and served as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington until 2001, when he was appointed to his post in Bridgeport. Since his appointment, Lori launched a major restructuring of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s 37 Catholic schools, after which nearly a third of the schools received the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon designation recognizing students for ranking in the top 10 percent of all schools across the nation. Under Lori’s leadership, Catholic Charities in Bridgeport
dedicated 22-supportive-housing apartments for at-risk families, providing housing and meals to those in need. Lori has served on several committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, including the Ad Hoc Committee on S e x u a l A b u s e , where he was instrumental in drafting the landmark Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People. In 2005, he was elected supreme chaplain of the Connecticut-based Knights of Columbus, where he oversees the spiritual welfare of the order’s
1.8 million members and their families. “In the coming days and in the years ahead, I look forward to working with the priests of the archdiocese, visiting our parishes, schools and charities, and working closely with the laity, religious and deacons - indeed all whose witness to Christ and whose spirit of loving service enable this historic archdiocese to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our times and bring its truths and values into the public square,” said Bishop Lori looking ahead.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Citing Doctrinal Problems, Vatican Announces Reforms of US Nuns’ Group VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Citing “serious doctrinal problems which affect many in consecrated By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service
life,” the Vatican announced a major reform of an association of women’s religious congregations in the U.S. to ensure their fidelity to Catholic teaching in areas including abortion, euthanasia, women’s ordination and homosexuality. Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle will provide “review, guidance and approval, where necessary, of the work” of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), the Vatican announced April 18. The archbishop will be assisted by Bishop Leonard P. Blair of Toledo, Ohio, and Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., and draw on the advice of fel-
low bishops, women religious and other experts. The LCWR, a Maryland-based umbrella group that claims about 1,500 leaders of U.S. women’s communities as members, represents about 80 percent of the country’s 57,000 women religious. In Silver Spring, Md., the presidency of the LCWR issued a statement saying it was “stunned by the conclusions of the doctrinal assessment of LCWR by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. “This is a moment of great import for religious life and the wider church. We ask your prayers as we meet with the LCWR National Board within the coming month to review the mandate and prepare a response,” the statement said. The announcement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith came in an
eight-page “doctrinal assessment,” based on an investigation that Bishop Blair began on behalf of the Vatican in April 2008. That investigation led the doctrinal congregation to conclude, in January 2011, that “the current doctrinal and pastoral situation of LCWR is grave and a matter of serious concern, also given the influence the LCWR exercises on religious congregation in other parts of the world.” Among the areas of concern were some of the most controversial issues of medical and sexual ethics in America today. “While there has been a great deal of work on the part of LCWR promoting issues of social justice in harmony with the church’s social doctrine, it is silent on the right to life from conception to natural death, a question that is part of the lively public debate about abortion
and euthanasia in the United States,” the doctrinal congregation said. “Further, issues of crucial importance in the life of the church and society, such as the church’s biblical view of family life and human sexuality, are not part of the LCWR agenda in a way that promotes church teaching.” The Vatican also found that “public statements by the LCWR that disagree with or challenge positions taken by the bishops, who are the church’s authentic teachers of faith and morals, are not compatible with its purpose.” According to the Vatican, such deviations from Catholic teaching have provoked a crisis “characterized by a diminution of the fundamental Christological center and focus of religious consecration.” But the congregation’s document also praised the “great contributions of women religious to the church in the United States as seen particularly in the many schools, hospitals, and institutions of support for the poor, which have been founded and staffed by religious over the years,” and insisted that
the Vatican “does not intend to offer judgment on the faith and life of women religious” in the LCWR’s member congregations. During his tenure as the Holy See’s delegate, which is to last “up to five years, as deemed necessary,” Archbishop Sartain’s tasks will include overseeing revision of the LCWR’s statutes, review of its liturgical practices, and the creation of formation programs for the conference’s member congregations. The archbishop will also investigate the LCWR’s links to two outside groups: Network, a Catholic social justice lobby; and the Resource Center for Religious Institutes, which offers legal and financial expertise to religious orders. The doctrinal assessment was separate from the Vatican’s “Apostolic Visitation of Religious Communities of Women in the United States,” a study of the “quality of life” in some 400 congregations, which began in December 2008. The visitation’s final report was submitted in December 2011 but has not yet been published.
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Connecticut votes to abolish death penalty The Legislature of the State of Connecticut has voted to abolish the death penalty. Governor Malloy signed the Death Penalty bill into law, making Connecticut the 17th state in the Country to end capital punishment. Governor Malloy called the death penalty law in Connecticut “unworkable”. The law will replace the death penalty with life in prison without any chance of parole, as well as imposing tougher living conditions on those imprisoned for capital murder.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Building Skills, A Better Life and A Better Community Marie Jinette Polycarpe knows something about beating the odds. For years, the 42-year-old has By Kyn Tolson Programs Administrator, Outreach to Haiti
cared for her mother and raised her four children, largely on her own. She often relied on a job as a firstgrade teacher for money to buy food and make her small, cinderblock house a home, although paychecks weren’t always forthcoming. Then, in January 2010, the earthquake in Port-au-Prince killed her sister, destroyed much of her own
house and devastated her entire community – leaving thousands dead, many more injured and a landscape of rubble and ruin. Marie took in her sisters’ four children, all younger than her own. Her household – under tarp and tent -- swelled to 10. In those first months following the quake, the central concern of most people in her city neighborhood of Christ Roi was simply to survive. Marie, who lives near the home base of Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, went to that Rue Acacia site. She wanted both to help
in any way she could and to see if she could find some assistance herself. Outreach’s medical clinic was busy tending to the injured and ill. There was also activity elsewhere at the Outreach site. A small masonry program, which taught the basics of reconstituting rubble into concrete blocks, was starting up. When that masonry program became bigger with a project to build about 900 small shelters (Ti-Shelters) in the Christ Roi area, Marie signed up to learn the trade. In that building project, which was a partnership effort between Catholic Re-
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about nine months. Students range in age from 16 to the 30s. About half come from the Christ Roi neighborhood. Others are from the neighborhood of the Little Brothers/Little Sisters campus, which is on the other side of Po r t - a u Prince. The program is based there. Classes are held every Friday and Saturday. At the end of the course, graduates should have either a Master Mason, Level 1 certificate (showing they have the ability to read charts, use engineer specs, do layouts, and giving them the capability of earning from $20 to $50 a day) or a Skilled Mason certificate (giving them the ability to earn up to as much as $20 a day). For Marie and others from the Christ Roi neighborhood, the trip to classes is difficult. It takes her about two hours each way; she must change “tap-taps” (public transportation) several times, and traffic is always congested. Despite the hard work and long hours, Marie is hopeful. She says she’s doing well in the course, and she enjoys learning and the challenge. “Soon,” she says to a visitor at the Masonry Program, “I will be able build a house.”
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Please Remember...
As those who came before us, let us leave a legacy to future generations. Remember to write St. Patrick Cathedral into your will and continue the sacred trust that is each generation’s preservation of this most beloved cathedral.
Please call Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte at (860) 889-8441. 53888
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.
St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.stpatscathedralschool.org Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org
Sacred Heart School, Groton According to its mission, Sacred Heart School in Groton, “…exists for the purpose of By Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office
guiding all of its students, recognizing each child’s unique learning style and abilities, toward Catholic Faith-based values and morals, academic excellence, creative expression, responsible citizenship and physical development.” Sacred Heart School provides all of its students with a valuecentered, quality education, accept-
ing all children and embracing their similarities and differences. In line with its mission, Sacred Heart School offers a sound academic curriculum in all core subjects, including Religion, Math, Science, English, Foreign Languages, Physical Education, Music and Art. The school is on the cutting edge technologically, having interactive white boards in
every classroom, and recently purchased a mobile laptop cart with fifteen computers that is signed out on a daily basis by teachers so that they can more easily integrate technology into their classroom curriculum. A middle school (grades 7-8) Science Fair was held
during Catholic Schools Week this year for the first time. In March, the six seventh and eighth grade winners participated in the Connecticut State Science Fair held at Quinnipiac University. The school provides students with the opportunity to participate in such extracurricular activities as Altar Servers/Liturgy Participation, Band, Choir, Sacred Heart School
Continued on page 24
Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John School, Middletown 860-347-3202 www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Joseph School, Rockville 860-875-4943 www.saintjosephvernon.org St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary School, New London 860-443-7758 www.stmarystarseanl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com
Students from Mrs. Doyle’s 2nd Grade class at Sacred Heart School, Groton.
Photo by Meredith Morrison
To learn more, contact the Diocesan School Office, 860-887-4086, www.norwichdso.org or contact one of the diocesan schools.
St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Priest as Person This workshop centering on the needs of priests as persons and the challenges of being a priest in the 21st century. May 21-25, 2012 presented by Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T, Senior Editor of Human Development Magazine. Offering for workshop and full accommodations is $400.00. Great gift for your Parish Priest!
Priest as Minister This program is designed to help priests understand and cope with the situation in which many find themselves pastoring multiple parishes and communities. Presented by Mr. Mark Mogilka, Director of Stewardship and Pastoral Services for the Diocese of Green Bay, WI, co-author of “Pastoring Multiple Parishes”. October 15-18, 2012 . Offering for workshop and full accommodations is $400.00.
Priest as Pray-er This retreat will take place from December 3-7, 2012. Presented by Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI. Focusing on the practice of Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer. Offering $400.00. To register or for more information: Phone: 860-423-8484 www.immaculataretreat.org
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Drama Club, Newspaper, Photography Club, Campus Ministry, and as Student Ambassadors. The Student Ambassadors are usually eighth graders and are instrumental in promoting the school by giving tours to prospective families. There is a strong athletic program, offering opportunities for soccer, basketball and track and field and cross country teams for boys and girls in grades four through eight. Each child is encouraged to discover his/her talents, and to develop these talents in a nurturing and caring environment. Faculty and staff are always available to talk, help and encourage students. Respect for others as well as a sense of social responsibility are uppermost at Sacred Heart. Students are prepared, starting in the earliest grades, to become caring and responsible citizens of the world. The school building was dedicated in 1957 and the parish has always been at the heart of the school, and thanks to a substantial bequest made by a parishioner in 1981, the decision was made to renovate the gymnasium/auditorium into a church. In making this a reality, the church was now truly at the center of the school. Also, because of this
close proximity, students are able to attend weekly Mass and hold prayer services, as well as functions such as graduation, in the church. As the school continued to grow, more changes were made. Sacred Heart originally only served students in grades one through five,
gradually expanding to K-8. A year later, Sacred Heart offers before and after school care programs for students in all grades to accommodate families who need extra care. The school also offers a daily hot lunch program prepared by a paid kitchen staff, and breakfast is offered to those children who participate in morning before school care. In 2000, a pilot inclusion program for children in the Diocese of Norwich with special needs was iniEDUCATIONAL CENTER
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tiated at Sacred Heart School. F.A.I.T.H./R.I.S.E.N. was the brainchild of parents of these children who believed in a faith-based education and wanted this to be available for all children. RISEN is the only special educational program for children within the Diocese of Norwich. The program provides both remedial support as well as an accelerated program for the exceptional child, encouraging these children to maximize their potential to the best of their ability. Sacred Heart School is fortunate to have an active parent-teacher organization, known as the Guild. In addition to the Guild, the school is fortunate to have an Advisory Board comprised of members of the community chosen for their diverse backgrounds and expertise in areas that concern the wellbeing of the school. This Board is consultive and advises the Pastor and Principal in matters that concern the school. Recently, Sacred Heart School was chosen as one of three elementary schools in the diocese, to model professional development in partnership with Catapult Learning, the “Catapult Coaching Project”. A coach from Catapult worked with two classroom teachers to implement differentiated instruction in their curriculum. In addition to this training, the school was awarded a school license for the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development which allows all staff members to participate in online professional development workshops with national leaders in education. Principal Larry Fitzgerald has been chosen to participate in the Leadership Advantage Program for New England Catholic School Principals to be held over 20 months beginning this summer at Boston College. Sacred Heart provides students with a safe and nurturing environment where it is evident that students flourish and grow. When they graduate as eight graders, they go on to high schools, armed with faith-based values and morals, and a strong foundation for continued growth and achievement.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Studio as Sanctuary: A Place of ‘Delight and Rest’ Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath can’t help but grin when he talks about his art studio. It’s been By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor
a long time coming for the 55year-old Oblate of St. Frances de Sales who grew up drawing but wasn’t able to commit to a fulltime art career until 1994. When the award-winning painter first visited the row house beside Sacred Heart Church in South Camden, N.J., three years ago, it was gutted. But Brother Mickey had a vision for what it could become, and so did the pastor of Sacred Heart, and soon lumber was arriving and electricians were wiring. “From day one,” Brother Mickey said, “it felt like home.” Now the first level is his gallery and the second level, his beloved studio. The tiled floor is checkered, black and white, and the walls are stacked with baskets of acrylic paint and buckets of paintbrushes. His desk is arranged around the window, where northern sunlight streams in, illuminating his canvas. He paints in the morning, standing up, working in silence or to the hum of NPR. From his perch he can see Sacred Heart – watch the comings and goings of parish life, admire the bronze Our Lady of Camden statue and the wide-eyed bloom of hyacinth. “It’s my perfect little place,” Brother Mickey told me. “This is like a little piece of heaven on earth for me. It’s a studio, it’s a sanctuary.” Part of the perfection comes from the absence of Internet. “A lot of people are afraid of silence,” Brother Mickey said. “We can’t hear the voice of God unless we’re silent. With all our texting and email and blah blah blah, we’re constantly doing and fussing. I find it’s such a blessing anymore if I leave my house and realize I’ve
forgotten my cell phone. It’s, ‘Thank you, Jesus!’” The images that flow from Brother Mickey’s paintbrush are full of whimsy and joy: mysteries of the rosary, scenes with saints, dark-skinned Marys. “All the big saints prayed before black Madonnas,” he explained to me, “including St. Francis de Sales. They’ve always been associated with heal-
ing and new life…the blackness of conception, creativity, fertile soil, seeds growing underground.” For centuries, he said, images of black Madonnas have offered special solace to those struggling to conceive and to those in need of a
fresh start. Brother Mickey’s first black Madonna remains his favorite: a rendition of the Visitation, the second joyful mystery of the rosary, whose feast we mark on May 31. In it we see young, pregnant Mary embrace her pregnant older cousin Elizabeth, arms intertwined, bellies touching. To their left Brother Mickey painted a quote from St. Jane de Chantal, who co-founded the Visitation order of nuns with St. Francis de Sales: “This is the place of our delight and rest.” The painting, titled “The Windsock Visitation,” hangs above the mantel in a North Minneapolis home occupied by Visitation sisters. They hang a windsock on their front porch to invite
neighborhood kids over, a refuge in an impoverished area uprooted by a tornado last May. What is your “perfect little place,” your go-to getaway? A screened-in porch? An open balcony? The corner of a coffee shop? One of the gifts of my 20s has been an appreciation for solitude and the spaces that nurture it.
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Each of us needs a place to pray and play, to design and dream. A place to recite ancient prayers or utter something spontaneous. A place to think deeply or let your mind go blank. Delight and rest. 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 2012
...fro om 1706 into the future
Our miss s ion: to brring the tenderness RI *RGÂśV ORYH WR DOOO especiallly to those most in need d. Is this your mission? If your answer is YES, please contact Sr. Therese Vanasse, DHS 860-564-2243 tvanassedhs@att.net
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New Principal of Mercy High School is Announced Sister Mary A. McCarthy, RSM, Principal of Mercy High School has announced the appointment of Mrs. Melissa Bullock as the next principal of Mercy High School beginning July, 2012. Mrs. Bullock is currently the Academic Assistant Principal at St. Catharine Academy in Bronx, NY, a position she has held since 2007. Prior to St. Catharine’s, she was the Vice President for Mission and Advancement at Mercy Education Administration in Hartsdale, NY. She is a graduate of St.
Joseph’s College in Standish, ME, completed her Master’s degree at Fordham University, and holds a certificate in Professional Development in School Supervision and Administration from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She is a member of Mercy Secondary Education (MSEA) where she served as President from 2008-2010. In addition, she is member of the Network for Mercy Education Board and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. “My 23 years as a Mercy
educator will support a seamless transition to Mercy High School. I look forward to getting to know the Mercy community and continuing the strong tradition of high quality Catholic education for the young women of the greater Middletown area. I am also excited to be working with Sr. Mary McCarthy, as she transitions into the role of President. She is an outstanding educator and one that is highly respected in the circle of Mercy educators,� commented Bullock. As President of Mercy High School, Sr. McCarthy will concentrate on finances, development, public relations and admissions and the Principal will oversee the daily, internal operation of the school.
Accepting Applications! Saint Bernard School A co-educational, college-preparatory school for students in grades 6-12. SBS students receive an education that touches the entire person. It’s an education of the mind and heart founded on scholarship, community, and spirit.
To learn more go to: www.saint-bernard.com or call (860) 848-1271, ext. 108
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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Xavier High School Engineering Surface Transportation Team doing a practice run of their presentation during Spring Break at the school before leaving for Washington, DC. Photo submitted by John Guerin
Team Xavier Wins the 2011-2012 Real World Design Challenge for Surface Transportation
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Congratulations for achievements in National Engineering Competition... NEEDHAM, MA. - April 25, 2012 - A Founding Member of the Real World Design Challenge®, (RWDC) today announced that Team Xavier representing Xavier High School won the 2011-2012 National Finals Competition in Surface Transportation. State Senator Len Suzio (R- 13th District) attended a practice run for both teams and presented moderator Mr. Michael Humphreys ` 04 and the teams with an Official Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly offering “Congratulations on this remarkable achievement which shows your commitment to excellence in engineering.” The RWDC Surface Transporta-
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tion Challenge was introduced this year for the first time as a Pilot Program. Over the past four years, thousands of teams have participated in our Real World Design Challenge Aviation competition; and for the past three years Xavier’s Aviation team has won the State competitions and represented Connecticut in the National competitions, last year winning the National competition. This year RWDC added the new Challenge focused on surface transportation and automotive design. Students were required to design a motor coach for enhanced fuel efficiency. There were 55 submissions in this new category and just one large national competition with
judging done virtually. Team Xavier was notified in advance of their victory and received a free trip to Washington, DC to present their work at the National Finals of the Aviation competition. The team delivered a 15 minute PowerPoint Presentation on their work to the whole group at the 4-H Saturday. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood presented the trophy to the team at the National Air and Space Museum. “This competition is a great way to inspire the young men and women who will build the modern transportation systems we need to keep America competitive in the global economy for years to come.”
St. Mary’s Angel Gift Shop Candles, Rosaries, Bibles, Books, Religious Articles, Baby & Wedding Gifts, Plenty of Angels... and much more! 15 Marshall Street, Putnam ~ 860-928-2032
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ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL A great education in the Catholic tradition is available for your children at St. Mary Star of the Sea School:
Competitive Academics... Diverse Community... Dedicated Faculty... REGISTRATION IS OPEN for new and returning students in Kindergarten through Grade 8! Application mate rials will be available in our Main Of ice, and will be downloadable from our website: www.stmarys tarseanl.com! You can also visit our Facebook page by searching for St. Mary Star of the Sea School, New London CT.
St. Mary Star of the Sea School… The Tradition of Catholic Education with a 21st Century World View 16 Huntington Street • New London, CT 06320
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Four County Catholic May 2012
Did You Know? May 11 Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It’s also Armed Forces Month. Thank soldiers who serve and their families. Read about a soldier Jesus met in Matthew 8:5-13. May 13 Mother’s Day so take time to show love to your mom. Make her breakfast or a pretty card and tell her you love her.
by Karen H Whiting
May 20 Neighbor Day. Read about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 and then make plans to help a neighbor. May 27 Pentecost and the birthday of the church. Celebrate with cake and ice cream.and flowers you find.
Celebrate Communion Many children celebrate First Communion in the spring. Easter is also a time we celebrate this sacrament because that’s when Jesus gave us the gift of Eucharist. Try some of these activities to focus on the meaning of Eucharist: • Make a story wheel to draw and tell your First Communion story. Overlay two round white paper plates. Cut a triangle hole in one (don’t cut out the center) and use a paper fastener to fasten the cut out one on top of the other plate. Draw your story in the windows made by the cutout. • Read in 1 Chronicles 15:28-16:5 how King David celebrated a victory by dancing and passing out cake to people. Have a cake dance of your own. • Wine is part of Eucharist. Blow up purple balloons but first put papers inside each one. Put numbers on the notes and let those match prizes for kids. Pop the balloons as a reminder that Jesus shed his blood for us as a gift –to give us eternal life. Then pass out the gifts that match the numbers on the notes inside the balloon. • Play where’s the bread? Hide a large paper host with part of it in plain sight and see who locates it first. Chat about how Jesus, the bread of life, is always with us. • Decorate a plate or breadbasket to use at the table. Let it be a reminder that Jesus, the bread of life, is with us. One time, put Bible verses on the plate and discuss them during the meal. • Make sandwiches for the homeless. Add notes in the sandwich bags that say, “Jesus loves you.” • Enjoy a family agape meal of bread and grapes. Chat about Eucharist.
Spring flowers Hunt Hunt for blooms outside and then hunt for names of flowers in the word search. Some are mentioned in the Bible. Lily (1 Kings 7:26) Azalea Willow (Isaiah 44:4) Violet Daisy
Rose (Song of Songs 2:1) Juniper (1 Kings 19:4-5) Tulip Dogwood Sycamore (Luke 19:4)
Message God made the all.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
St. Mary – St. Joseph School 35 Valley Street – Willimantic, CT 06226 860-423-8479 • www.smsjschool.org
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Four County Catholic May 2012
The Shepherds Program Partners with Xavier High School Shepherds Inc., the organization that provides inner city Connecticut youth who are “at-risk” – by Norma K. Darragh Executive Director, Shepherds, Inc.
financially, emotionally or environmentally – with a quality college preparatory education in a non-public environment is proud to announce its partnership with Xavier High School in Middletown. The Shepherds Program is a grassroots organization founded in 1998 with five students at one pilot school in Bridgeport. Over the last fourteen years, the Program has changed the lives of more than 220 deserving young people in Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven, Stamford and now Middletown, ending their cycle of poverty and opening the doors to brighter futures. The Program impacts not only the student, but their family and community as well. To-date, 156 students – most first generation to dream of
college - have earned their high school diplomas and 90%+ of them have pursued higher education. Students come from single parent homes, live with guardians or grandparents or are in foster care. Guidance Counselors fear that they will ‘fall through the cracks’ in an inner city public high school. The high school years are a critical time for any youth to form goals, develop character and mold lifelong behavioral patterns. “On the brink of success”, explains Norma K. Darragh, Executive Director, “Shepherds students face three major life hurdles. The first is graduating from high school in areas where dropout rates soar as high as 44.6%. The second is earning college acceptances and the third is accessing ample financial aid and scholarship support to be able to attend. “ The Shepherds Sponsor/Mentor relationship is unique and a proven success. In addition to fi-
nancial support, Shepherds introduces each student to an adult Mentor – a role model - who accompanies the student on the four-year high school journey, offering guidance, direction, encouragement and support and helping them reach their full academic and personal potential. In Middletown, the Xaverian Brothers share Shepherds’ commitment to improving the futures of disadvantaged young men. “Xavier High School is fortunate to be developing an on-going relationship with the Shepherds Program. It affords us an opportunity to expand financial support to students of diverse backgrounds and experiences who otherwise would not be able to attend Xavier,” shares Brother Brian Davis C.F.X., Headmaster. Kent Kirch, a Deloitte Executive, was determined to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. Introduced with a handshake and smile, he and D’Vonte were strangers. Reflect-
Shepherds Sponsor/Mentor Kent Kirch and student D’Vonte, currently a Freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University. ing on his Shepherds’ experience, Kent shares that “It is really gratifying to see how someone’s support and efforts can directly impact an individual who recognizes the opportunity that it cre-
ates for them and is committed to going somewhere as the result of that support.” Building bridges of trust over the high school journey, D’Vonte shares that “I am focused and ready for what I now know I am capable of achieving.” To learn more about becoming a Sponsor and Mentor, call 203.367.4273, email info@shepherdsinc.com or visit the website: www shepherdsinc.com.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
HOW SHEPHERDS WORKS The Shepherds Program provides inner city Connecticut youth with the opportunity to receive a quality college preparatory education at a non-public high school. Shepherds’ unique one-on-one extended Sponsor/Mentor relationship has a proven track record of helping at-risk youth reach their full academic and personal potential.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE As a Sponsor, you will pay all or part of the student’s four-year high tuition. As a Mentor, you will share your talents, experience and time to help guide a student, on the brink of success, with encouragement, direction and support through their four-year high school journey. All contributions to Shepherds are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
HOW YOU CAN SHARE IN SHEPHERDS’ SUCCESS Shepherds works. Fourteen years ago, there were 5 Shepherds students at one school. Today, 156 students have graduated from high school and 90%+ have enrolled in institutions of higher learning.
Join Shepherds and share a journey that will change not only a stranger’s life, but your own. CALL 203.367.4273 TODAY! 299 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 www.shepherdsinc.com SHEPHERDS INC. IS A NON-DENOMINATIONAL, NON-PROFIT 501 © (3) ORGANIZATION.
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Four County Catholic May 2012
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