Four County Catholic October 2013

2012 ~ 2013

23rd Annual

BLUE MASS Change is not brought about by legislation; it takes conversion of the human heart... through prayer, thanksgiving and love...

Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, Pastor St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, CT, Homilist

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

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Behind the badge sits a heart filled with compassion and care.

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Four County

atholic at c

- Monsignor Robert Weiss, Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Ct, gratefully remembering the police officers and first responders at the Sandy Hook tragedy, December 14, 2012.

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

Holiness is found in the ordinary events of life.

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Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

Publisher

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

860.887.9294

Editorial Office

31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

- Sister Elissa Riniere describing the true legacy of Saint Andre Bessette, canonized by Pope Benedict XVI, October 17, 2010.

Fax 860.859.1253

Director of Communications/Executive Editor

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We are united in our resolve to continue to defend our right to live by our faith, and our duty to serve the poor, heal the sick...

- Timothy Cardinal Dolan, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaking to the bishops of America of the commitment to defending religious liberty.

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

com@norwichdiocese.net

Managing Editor/Layout & Design/Webmaster

Trina Fulton, 860.886.1281

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Theological Advisor

Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V.

860.887.9294

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It’s humbling to see the kids in Haiti and what we take for granted.

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- Ben Godley, freshman, Fitch High School reflecting on the humanitarian context of his Eagle Scout project to provide soccer shoes and equipment to the children of Grand Bois, Haiti

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In the end, love is the only thing that matters. Projects come and go. Relationships based in love are the only things that last - Kim Lamberty, program manager at CRS, sharing a core thought at a leaders’ workshop on parish partnering in Haiti.

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On the Cover

Judy Pappagallo, 860.848.2237 x302

judypapp@norwichdiocese.net

Printing

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The deadline for advertising is the second Monday of the preceding month. (Discount rate available to Diocesan-sponsored ministries and programs.) The editorial deadline is the third Monday of the preceding month.

Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification.

Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to comtrina@norwichdiocese.net or fax to 860.859.1253. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper.

3 er 201 Octob r9 Numbe e 25 Volum

ual

23rd Ann

BLUESS MA t abou ght es brou not n; it tak heart... ge is io n Chan legislat he huma t by ayer, n of .. ersio rough prnd love. conv th ing a Pastor list ksgiv Weiss CT Homi than rt E

Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, Pastor, St. Rose of Lima School, Newtown, CT, homilist at 23rd Annual Blue Mass at Cathedral of St. Patrick, September 22, 2013.

Photo by Donna Antonacci

© Copyright 2013, Diocese of Norwich. All rights reserved.

No content may be reproduced without expressed consent.

Periodical Postage paid at New Haven, CT 06511 Postmaster - Send address changes to: Four County Catholic, 31 Perkins Ave., Norwich, CT 06360-3613

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Four County Catholic October 2013

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Together We Pray. Together We Stand.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: There are those moments in our lives when just the right person shows up at our front door to visit at just the right time. We were fortunate on a recent Sunday to have Monsignor Robert Weiss from Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown join us as our honored guest and homilist at the Annual Blue Mass. On behalf of a grateful diocese and the many law enforcement professionals who organized this year’s Blue Mass, I would like to thank Monsignor Weiss for being with us and sharing his heartfelt message of perseverance and hope. Way too soon, we have again experienced the agony of the loss of innocent lives at the Washington Navy Yard and the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. Having Monsignor Weiss here reminded us, in the most emotional way, how faith is the path to healing and hope. We are thankful that we again had an opportunity, this time in person, to embrace Monsignor and to stand with him in prayer as we offer him and the Saint Rose of Lima parishioners our love and solidarity. Thank you, Monsignor. So glad you could be with us.

The power of prayer in the face of violence extends, of course, to every corner of the world. This would include Syria. It is not easy to discuss Syria, given the intensely divided politics on this subject. Yet, something extraordinary has taken place in a humanitarian regard that has been lost among all the political posturing.

In the middle of the threats on all sides of the conflict, Pope Francis stepped forward to ask the world to pray. In the midst of a raging war with the prospect of impending military action on the part of the U.S, there stood Pope Francis -- calling for prayer -- advocating for peace.

Even with the ubiquitous news updates online, on cable, everywhere, at all hours, still -- few realize that the Holy Father wrote a letter to Vladimir Putin before the G-20 Summit urging diplomacy in the face of impending military action following the reported reprehensible use of chemical weapons. It was Pope Francis who reminded all sides that “The path to follow is dialogue, because violence never begets peace.” It was Pope Francis who warned that bombing Syria would increase suffering of innocent victims, would

worsen the refugee crisis, endan- effectively put military intervenger Christian and other minority tion on hold. Has all this last communities and would risk minute activity enhanced the posparking a wider war. litical capital of Russia in the RePope Francis called for a univer- gion? Has it diminished the sal day of prayer and fasting for credibility of the U. S. in the Repeace. We in the gion? The poliDiocese of Nortics involved are ...the power wich joined in outside this disof prayer the September cussion. History 7th Day of make a judgcan heal and will Prayer, including ment there. Pocan move speaking to this litical analysts cause from the will debate it for mountains pulpit in many a long time. The clearing the point is that the of our parishes on that Sunday.

Father way for hope. Holy Our current U.S. called upon the administration power of prayer continued in the meantime to to prevent more bombs and to prepare to conduct a vote of sup- promote dialogue. In the most port by Congress and to ready unlikely, completely unscripted, military assets in the Gulf. close to if not miraculous way, this At the very last minute, while is what happened. engaged in a press conference, To add to the unlikely aspect of Secretary of State John Kerry it all, President Putin wrote in his spoke off-script and tossed out a September 11 editorial to the throw-away idea regarding Syria New York Times that a military relinquishing their chemical strike at this time would be weapons. Even the White House “against strong opposition by shortly afterwards dismissed it as major political leaders including the Secretary having misspoken. the pope.” He further stated that An out of the blue, off the cuff re- “we must not forget that God cremark that the Russian administra- ated us equal.” Yes, the sincerity tion suddenly ran with and has and context of President Putin’s

words are open for speculation.

We hope that President Putin was sincere. But even if he was not sincere of heart in this matter, he still signed his name to a public document that contained references to the pope and to God. Is that not extraordinary? Is that not shocking? Was Secretary Kerry’s mysterious slip of the tongue rather shocking? Has faith intervened here? Has the power of prayer not brought about a life-saving result?

The Holy Father and Monsignor Weiss have shown us that the power of prayer can heal and can move mountains clearing the way for hope. As we have an opportunity over the days ahead to carefully study the Holy Father’s vision as detailed in his in-depth interview in America Magazine, we will gain in our understanding of his call for a Church body even more engaged in truly living the merciful and healing ways of Christ’s ministry. Pope Francis has come to the “front door” of the Church at just the right time for a world so in need of spiritual healing and guidance.

Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

Juntos Oramos. Juntos Unidos.

Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Existen esos momentos en nuestras vidas cuando se presenta a visitar a nuestras puertas la persona correcta en el momento justo.

Fuimos afortunados en la Catedral al tener junto a nosotros como nuestro homilista e invitado de honor en la Misa Azul Anual a Monseñor Robert Weiss de la parroquia Saint Rose of Lima, de Newtown un domingo reciente. En nombre de

una diócesis agradecida y de los muchos profesionales de la ley quienes prepararon la Misa Azul de este año, me gustaría dar las gracias a Monseñor Weiss por haber estado con nosotros y haber compartido su sincero mensaje de perseverancia y de esperanza. Demasiado pronto, una vez más hemos experimentado la agonía de la pérdida de vidas inocentes en el Navy Yard de Washington y en el centro comercial

Westgate en Nairobi. Haber tenido aquí a Monseñor Weiss nos recordó, de la manera más emocional, que la fe es el camino hacia la curación y la esperanza. Estamos agradecidos de que tuvimos nuevamente una oportunidad, esta vez en persona, de abrazar a Monseñor y de estar junto a él en oración, ofreciéndole a él y a los feligreses de Saint Rose of Lima nuestro amor y solaridad.

Gracias, Monseñor. Me alegró que

pudiera estar con nosotros.

Frente a la violencia el poder de la oración se extiende a cada rincón del mundo incluyendo, por supuesto a Siria. No es fácil hablar de Siria en este momento, dada que la política en este tema está intensamente divida. Algo extraordinario en un sentido humanitario ha tomado lugar, sin embargo se ha perdido entre todas las posturas políticas. En medio de las amenazas

por todos los bandos del conflicto, el Papa Francisco dio un paso adelante para pedir al mundo oración.

En medio de la posibilidad de una guerra violenta con una inmediata acción militar por parte de los E.E.U.U., allí estaba el Papa Francisco- pidiendo oración-abogando por la paz.

Incluso con las noticias actualJuntos Oramos. Juntos Unidos.

Continued on page 4

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Juntos Oramos. Juntos Unidos. izadas en la red, en el cable, en todas partes, a todas horas, todavía-pocos se dan cuenta de que el Santo Padre escribió una carta a Vladimir Putin antes de la Cumbre del G-20 instando a la diplomacia frente a la inmediata acción militar por E.E.U.U. tras el uso reproblable de armas químicas. Fue el Papa Francisco, quien recordó a todas las partes que “El camino a seguir es el diálogo, porque la violencia nunca engendra la paz.” Fue el Papa Francisco quien advirtió que el bom-

Continued from page 3

bardeo de Siria aumentaría el sufrimiento de las víctimas inocentes, empeoraría la crisis de los refugiados, poniendo en peligro a cristianos y a otras comunidades minoritarias, y correría el riesgo de desatar una guerra más amplia.

El Papa Francisco después convocó a una jornada universal de oración y ayuno por la paz. En la Diócesis de Norwich nos unimos el 7 de septiembre en un Día de Oración, incluyendo en ese domingo hablar de esta causa desde

los púlpitos en muchas de nuestras parroquias. Nuestro gobierno actual de E.E.U.U. mientras tanto continuó, preparándose, para negociar un voto de apoyo por el Congreso y tener listos a militares activos en el Golfo.

En el ejercicio de una conferencia de prensa, en el último minuto, el secretario de estado John Kerry hizo un comentario improvisado con respecto a Siria para que renunciara a sus armas químicas. Incluso la Casa Blanca descartó el comentario de-

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

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

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

Cost of Tour: $3,899.00 pp double occupancy $300.00 deposit required $239.00 optional travel insurance (paid with deposit) $450.00 single supplement (limited number)

clarando que el secretario se había expresado mal y había cometido un error. Inesperadamente, fruto de la casualidad el gobierno ruso tomó en serio el comentario y como resultado ha puesto la intervención militar en espera. ¿Toda esta actividad de última hora habrá mejorado el capital político de Rusia en la región? ¿Habrá disminuido la credibilidad de los E.E.U.U. en la región? Para los propósitos de mi discusión de hoy, la política no importa. La historia hará un juicio allí.

Los analistas políticos debatirán durante mucho tiempo. El punto es que el Santo Padre exhortó al poder de la oración para evitar más bombas y promover el diálogo. A pesar de que era muy poco probable, sucedió de forma inesperada, de forma milagrosa.

Para agregar, al inverosímil factor el presidente Putin escribió en su editorial del 11 de septiembre al New York Times que un ataque militar en este momento sería “contra la fuerte oposición de los principales líderes políticos, entre ellos el Papa.’ Además, declaró que “no hay que olvidar que Dios nos creó iguales.” Sí, la sinceridad y el contexto de las palabras del presidente Putin están abiertos a la especulación. Esperamos que el presidente Putin haya sido sincero. Pero in-

cluso si no fuera sincero de corazón en este tema, aún firmó su nombre a un documento público que contiene referencias al Papa y a Dios. ¿No es extraordinario? ¿No es eso sorprendente? ¿Fue más sorprendente el misterioso lapsus linguae del Secretario Kerry? ¿Habrá intervenido aquí la fe? ¿Habrá traído el poder de la fe un resultado para salvar vidas?

El Santo Padre y Monseñor Weiss nos han demostrado que el poder de la oración puede curar y puede mover montañas despejando el camino a la esperanza. En los próximos días tendremos una oportunidad para estudiar cuidadosamente la visión del Santo Padre, detallada en profundidad en su entrevista en la revista América, lograremos comprender su llamado por una Iglesia más comprometida en vivir verdaderamente la manera del ministerio de Cristo de misericordia y de curación. El Papa Francisco ha llegado a la “puerta de entrada” de la Iglesia en el momento justo para un mundo tan necesitado de sanación espiritual y de orientación.

Sinceramente, en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

Clergy Appointments The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich: Reverend Dennis Mercieri, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Bernard Parish, Rockville, to Assistant Catholic Hospital Chaplain, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London, and W.W. Backus Hospital, Norwich.

Effective: September 21, 2013.

Reverend Victor Chaker, 1 year renewal of appointment as Pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Coventry.

Effective: September 13, 2013. ~ Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor ~

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin This morning, October 4, 2013, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome at about 9:20 a.m., the procession for the Holy Mass of Ordination for a Deacon began to move forward. An estimated 500 priests and deacons, several bishops and three Cardinals were given an honor guard pathway as we left the Basilica’s main sacristy area heading to the Altar of the Chair. As we proceeded, the seminarian choir chanted “Laudate Dominum, Omnes Gentes Alleluia”.

Family and friends gathered on a glorious morning to witness the laying on of hands by His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey who was the main celebrant and ordaining prelate for the Mass of Ordination with an estimated attendance of one thousand guests, including clergy.

It was with great joy that I was able to be there to represent Bishop Cote and the Diocese of Norwich along with Father Michael Donohue and Monsignor Thomas Bride, at the ordination of seminarian Jonathan Ficara, now Deacon Jonathan Ficara. Father Donohue, a graduate of the North American College, had the honor of vesting Deacon Jonathan during the ordination rite. Jonathan’s mother, grandmother, aunt, nephew and some close family friends were present to witness this very special day in his life and the life of the Diocese of Norwich.

Following the ordination rite itself which concludes with the fraternal sign of peace, Jonathan took on the role of the Deacon of the Eucharist for the rest of the Mass.

It was my first opportunity as a priest and as our diocese’s vocation director to attend an ordination of one of our men outside the diocese and at Saint Peter’s Basilica. One of the most prayerful moments before the actual laying on of the hands in silence by the ordaining prelate is the chanting of the Litany of

Following the Ordination Rite, Deacon Jonathan Ficara (left) joins with new Deacon Jared Twenty (right) of the Diocese of Rockford in assisting his Eminence James Cardinal Harvey (center) during the incensation at the offertory of the Mass.

Photo by PNAC Photo Service

Saints.

Each of the 41 men lay prostrate on the floor while everyone else kneels and prays with and for them. It was during those moments that the names of each of our present seminarians along with each of the men who may become seminarians was prayed for in a special way. As I was praying, I was also struck by the opportunity I had to be kneeling next to my own vocation director and good friend Msgr. Bride who just over 20 years ago was leading me through my own diaconate ordination at Saint John’s Church in Cromwell.

His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey spoke beautifully about the question that is at the very beginning of the Rite of Ordination asked of all the men being presented for ordination: “Do you know them to be worthy?” In his homily, he points out that though no one truly is worthy of this call, it is God’s grace that makes one worthy as His instrument. That he is called by God to be sent out to proclaim God’s Word and to teach all nations.

Following the Mass, the celebration slowly moved up the hill to the North American College where these men from all over the United States have been studying for the past three years. On a beautiful sun splashed afternoon, everyone from clergy, seminarians, faculty and staff, family and invited guests gathered for sandwiches, refreshments and a sharing of joy that comes with such beautiful witness to the power of God. As I sat wit-

nessing the ordination and also again at the reception, I continued to experience a great

joy within, caused by recognizing that many young men are certainly embracing God’s call to serve. In speaking briefly with Deacon Jonathan’s nephew, I asked him if he had noticed anything about the long line of priests and the new deacons. His response was simply; “there are a lot more young priests than I would

have thought”. This recognition in itself, I believe, is a bright positive sign concerning the future of the priesthood, both in America and around the whole world.

If you know a young man whom you think would make a great priest, encourage him and pray for him. He very well may embrace “The Gift of the Call” and maybe one day you will witnessing his ordination, recognizing in your own heart just what the love of God is doing for us all.

To learn more about the Altar of the Chair at Saint Peter’s or to see other pictures, please visit our vocation website, www.god-calls.com.

Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: October 17, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Saint Mary, Baltic November 21, 2013 • 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Saint Joseph, New London December 19, 2013 • 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Saint Edward, Stafford Springs

We pray for our Seminarians....

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

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

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

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

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

(860) 887-9294

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, October 12, 21st Annual Mass for Firefighters/EMS Personnel On Saturday at 5:00pm, Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass for all Firefighters/EMS personnel, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Assembly at Chelsea Parade for the lineup and the procession of all personnel and apparatus will begin at 3:00pm. Firefighter Heather Mislivets is the Mass Committee Chair. The Homilist will be Reverend J. Leckie, Chaplain, New England Association of Fire Chiefs and Pastor, Saint Joseph Church, Hope Valley, Rhode Island. All companies, departments, and personnel and their families are cordially invited to participate. For more information call, Monsignor Brown 860-887-9294, x232, or Mrs. Terri Zampini 860-887-9294 x 240.

Saturday, October 12 History of the AOH in CT, with emphasis on New London County New London Library Community Room, 1:00pm - National AOH Deputy Historian Phil Gallagher, Danbury Division, CT., will speak about “The History of the AOH in Connecticut, with emphasis on New London County”. The talk is open to all and is free; his talk will be preceded by a full Irish Breakfast in Hanafin’s Pub, beginning at 11:00am, the cost of which is $10.00. For information please call 860-739-8216.

Tuesday, October 15 Evening of Reflection The Norwich District Council of Catholic Women invites you to an “Evening of Reflection” at St. John

Four County Catholic October 2013

the Evangelist Church hall, Montville. The evening will begin with a buffet dinner at 6:00pm and conclude with a prayer service led

by Judith Hughes. Cost is $15.00 per person. Checks should be made out to Norwich District CCW and mailed to Viola Mulcahy, 24 Teecomwas Drive, Uncasville, CT 06382. Everyone attending is asked to bring items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, e.g. paper goods, soaps (personal, dish & laundry), cleaning supplies, etc.

These will be distributed to the Senior Citizen housing complexes in the District.

Thursdays, October 17 & 24 Christology: True God, True Man A Two Session Course presented by Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Diocesan Director Office of Worship and Office of Pastoral Planning at The Cathedral of St. Patrick Hall, from 6:30–8:30pm. Fee: $20.00 Fee includes book, Christology: True God, True Man & New Testament Bible.

Friday-Sunday October 18-20 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend Healing, forgiveness and peace from post abortion grief can have a beginning with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. A Spanish Retreat on October 18-20 in Providence, RI call 401-421-7833 ext.118. An English Retreat on November 1-3 in Stockbridge, MA. Call 413-452-0661.

Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Monday, October 21 Prayer & Discernment Board Meeting 11:15 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich.860-887-7020.

Wednesday, October 23 New England Liaison Meeting 10:00 am, Berlin, MA. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal 860-887-7020.

Saturday, October 26 Square Dance St. Peter Church Hall, 30 St. Peter Lane, Higganum. From 7:0010:00pm. A good old fashion barn howdown. Get ready for lots of laughs, fun and enjoyment. Live caller and band. Never square danced before, you don’t have to know how, the Caller will guide you through each dance before doing it. There will also be line dancing. Sure to be a good time!

Advanced ticket purchase recommended. Adults and teens $8.00, 12 years old and under $5.00.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Families with children welcome. Contact Bill at (860) 345-4910, Ray at (860) 345-4687 or Debbie at (860) 345-8018 to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the door on a space available basis.

Saturday, October 26 Live and Silent Auction Saints Thomas and Anne Live and Silent Auction-at the Voluntown Firehouse, route 165 in Voluntown.

6:00pm preview and 7:00pm auction. New merchandise, gift certificates. event and admissions tickets and much, much more.

Saturday, October 26 Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference Gather for a day of faith, reflection, and Reconciliation. This year’s Conference is entitled, “Rebuild Our Church, Our Faith, and Our

Life: Following Pope Francis.” The Conference will be from 8:30am 5:00pm at Goodwin College, 1 Riverside Drive, East Hartford. For more information please log onto: https://www.ctcatholicmen.org/ Sunday, October 27 Mass for AOH St. Joseph’s Church, New London will be sponsoring a Noon Mass to commemorate its 50th Anniversary and all its deceased members. The Mass will be followed immediately, in the School Hall, by an afternoon of Irish historical and cultural displays including History of the New London AOH, genealogy, Irish Language, Irish step dancing demonstration. Tea and Soda Bread will be served. This activity is open to all. For information log onto: www.aohnewlondonct.myclubcircle.com, or, call 860-739-8216.

Saturday, November 2 Healing and Freedom Conference (Unbound) We are told that about 90% of our problems, at least in part, are rooted in “unforgiveness.” A powerful conference dealing with stubbornness, pride, selfishness, un-forgiveness, poor self-image, control, self-righteousness, addictions, etc. You must pre-register. Limited to the first 20 registrants because of space. Held at the Spiritual Renewal Center from 8:30am-7:15pm. Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes and Team.

Call Spiritual Renewal Center to register 860-887-7020.

Saturday, November 2 Christmas Bazzar Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Rt. 12 in Gales Ferry will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar from

21st Annual

10:00am to 7:00pm (closed from 56pm for Mass.) Sponsored by the Ladies Guild, the bazaar will feature many hand-made items including quilts, afghans, wall hangings, ornaments, knitted and crochet items and 18 inch doll clothes to fit the American Girl dolls. Vintage linens, jewelry, religious articles, a silent auction, huge bake sale and a luncheon.

Sunday, November 3 22nd Annual Red White and Blue Mass On Sunday, at 10:15 a.m., Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick for all military personnel, those who are active, in the reserves and Veterans.

The purpose of this celebration is to honor our service men and women as we recognize the many sacrifices made by the families and loved ones of our military. The theme for the 2013 Red White and Blue Mass is Military Chaplains. The Homilist will be Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services. The Mass Committee Chairs are BG CT Edward J. Waitte, (Ret.) and Mr. David K. Harding, U.S. Merchant Marine.

For more information call, Monsignor Brown 860-887-9294 x 232, or Mrs. Alice Pudvah, 860-8879294, x 234.

Monday, November 4, He Is Alive Prayer Community Mass 7:00 pm at St. Mary Church, Putnam.

Monday, November 4 Challenges for Young Catholics in Forming Healthy Relationships St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel pres-

Firefighters/EMS Mass All Firefighters, EMS Personnel, their families and parishioners are invited to attend.

Saturday, October 12, 2013 3:00 P.M. Assembly & Procession • 5:00 P.M. Mass Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

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Four County Catholic October 2013

ents Kerry Cronin, Associate Director of the Lonergan Institute and Faculty Fellow in the Center for Student Formation at Boston College, speaking on the subject “The Imperfect Art of Dating: Hooking Up and Opting Out.” At 7:30pm in the Aquinas Student Center, 46 North Eagleville Road on the UConn Storrs Campus. Admission is free. Come and learn how this expert in spiritual and cultural formation of young Catholics views the challenges posed by the materialistic milieu that pervades contemporary American culture. She will take a light-hearted look at the serious subject of campus dating and relationships, explore the good, the bad and the ugly of the “hook-up culture” and discuss alternatives rooted in traditional moral precepts and the practices of previous generations.

Friday-Sunday November 8-10 Marriage Encounter Weekend The perfect weekend for couples to experience a richer and loving life together. Rediscover each other with a heart to heart Marriage Encounter. For the weekend in Willimantic on November 8-10 call 860-376-0440. Website: www. wwme.org.

Saturday, November 23 43rd Annual Sleigh Bells Ring Christmas Fair St. Maurice Church will hold its annual Christmas Fair – “Sleigh Bells Ring” – on Saturday from 9:00am until 3:00pm at 23 Hebron Road, Bolton. This much anticipated holiday event abounds with handmade gifts such as Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, unique hostess gifts, handcrafted ornaments, fresh evergreen baskets, American Girl clothes, a quilt raffle, Christmas tree skirts and - of course – those favorite homemade apple pies and

We Can Help

delicious holiday baked goods!

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to delight the children and will be available for photos. Start your Christmas shopping early and stay for lunch. Homemade clam chowder, baked potatoes and chili are just a few items on the menu along with hot chocolate and spicy mulled cider. Over 35 talented crafters will be on the premises. For more information please contact Barbara Baker at 860-295-9254.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Promise publication and for nine consecutive days, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

~ SMK ~

The Catholic Community at Connecticut College, ew London, CT proudly presents

Paul Baumann Editor of Commonweal magazine

Liberal, Conservative, or Just Catholic?

Religious Identity in a Pluralistic Age Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m.

Harkness Chapel Connecticut College 270 Mohegan Ave. ew London, CT Free and open to the public For more information: facebook.com/ConnCatholics

To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call:

Are these real distinctions? Are we Catholics really fragmented into divi sions, or do we actually share common ground? There is perhaps no better informed person to speak on this topic than Paul Baumann, one of the most respected observers and commentators on the Catholic scene today.

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Mr. Baumann came to Commonweal (founded in 1924 as the independent biweekly journal of opinion edited by lay Catholics), in 1990 after work ing as an editorial writer and reporter for The ew London Day, and has been editor since 2003. His writing has also appeared in the ew York Times, the Washington Post, the Washington Monthly, The ation, the Wall Street Journal, and other newspapers and magazines. He is co editor, along with Patrick Jordan, of Commonweal Confronts the Century: Lib eral Convictions, Catholic Tradition (Touchstone).

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“I am the vine and you are the branches.

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“I love you (your name) with an EVERLASTING love!”

Jeremiah 31:3

Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Tuesday, October 1 and every Tuesday evening @ 7:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leader: Deacon James Delaney and Nancy Delaney Television Mass Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 @ 10:00 am Channel 20, WTXX Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast Celebrant Fr. Ray Introvigne Philips Retreat (Head to Heart Experience) “An opportunity of a Lifetime” Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm with Eucharist Call Spiritual Renewal Center to register (860-887-702) Fr. Ray Introvigne, Judith Hughes and Team Life in the Spirit Prayer Community Mass Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 pm St. Joseph Church (basement), 33 West St., Rockville, CT Prayer & Discernment Board Meeting Monday, October 21, 2013 11:15 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT New England Liaison Meeting October 23, 10:00 am, Berlin, MA Healing and Freedom Conference (Unbound) Saturday, November 2, 8:30 am – 7:15 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St., Norwich, CT Fr. Ray Introvigne, Judith Hughes and Team Call Spiritual Renewal Center to register (860-887-702) He Is Alive Prayer Community Mass Monday, November 4, 7:00 pm St. Mary Church, Putnam “Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

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8

Four County Catholic October 2013

Angels Sing Angels sing with heavenly voices Their wings spread wide in glory Trumpets herald — a bright light shines Twenty-six souls enter the Kingdom Moments of fear no longer exist The coldness is gone His comfort is soothing The warmth of His love is real His heavenly embrace As gentle — as sweet As a mother’s hug As a father’s touch Tears of sadness become tears of joy The hallowed droplets Fall from the sky Cleansing those left behind Smiles that brightened each day Buried in the darkness of death Now light the skies In radiant beauty Eyes gaze upward For a glimpse Perhaps for a sign That all is well above Souls that have been lost Now stand as guardians Protecting all that is dear Their love evermore strong Worry not — they are in His care Sheltered from all that is bad The serenity of His home As beautiful as the one left behind The secular why Possibly never to be answered The spiritual why visible In the way the world gathered in sorrow One Town, one State, one Nation, one World Wept in unison — unified in prayer Evil decimated the innocence of life Love and Grace brought all together © 2013 by Detective Frank S. Jarvis New London, Connecticut Police Department.

In honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

23rd Annual Blue Mass

Dedicated to Protecting and Serving Our Children Norwich — Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, joined the Most Reverend

By Shelley Wolf Four County Catholic Contributor

Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich, in honoring law enforcement officers and children at the 23rd Annual Blue Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Sunday, September 22.

For their part, law enforcement officers and professionals from throughout the diocese and beyond gathered at the cathedral to rededicate themselves to protecting and serving “our children,” the theme of this year’s Blue Mass.

Mass opened with a colorful procession of police color guards — officers from East Hartford, Glastonbury, Groton, Hartford, Fairfield, Ledyard, Manchester, Middletown, Montville, New London, Norwich,

Stratford, the Department of Correction, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Connecticut State Police — all marching to bagpipes played by the tartan-wearing Connecticut Department of Correction Pipe and Drum Corp.

Then the entire congregation — including law enforcement professionals, their families, and guests — rose to greet a second procession comprised of officers carrying the cross and candles, followed by the Knights of Columbus, invited priests, and Bishop Cote, the principal celebrant of the Mass. During the second procession, all joined in singing the majestic hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King,” led by the Cathedral Choir with music played on the organ and timpani drum.

During the communal hymn of praise, the Bishop removed his miter and incensed the altar, offering the congregation’s united prayers to Heaven as the color guards

clicked their heels on the marble floors and positioned their flags on either side of the sanctuary.

Bishop Cote welcomed all in attendance.

“We thank God for all law enforcement officers and for the families who encourage and support them,” the Bishop said.

The Bishop also welcomed Monsignor Weiss, the invited homilist, and congratulated him on receiving the first-ever Caritas Award from the Knights of Columbus for his extraordinary works of charity and service, working tirelessly to help the community of Newtown in the aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

“We remember the residents of Newtown and their families. They remain in our prayers,” Bishop Cote said.

In a moving homily, Monsignor Weiss said it was a great privilege to be invited to speak at the Blue Mass. He said he “felt the

9

Four County Catholic October 2013

love and support” of law officers and other first responders throughout the State and that he is “still emotional when speaking of those days.”

“We come asking for God’s safety. We have lost too much in this society. For too long we have let darkness overwhelm us in this culture of death,” Monsignor Weiss said. “But we have been called out of darkness through the light of Christ, to think of a world in which we could live.”

We all need to work together to bring peace, hope, and justice to this world, the Monsignor said.

Anyone can change if they just ask Christ and open themselves to the grace of that conversion, Monsignor Weiss said. “We are so caught up in the secular world of money, relationships, and addictions. That’s where grief can take us. It’s only when we turn to Christ that we have healing,” the Monsignor said.

“We have found in our experience that there was only one place to go — and that was to God,” Monsignor Weiss said.

The Monsignor praised law enforcement officers for their fidelity to an oath of service to others. “Behind the badge sits a heart filled with compassion and care,” he said.

Then Monsignor Weiss rapidly recited a litany of visual images — as seen through his eyes — of the reaction of law officers and other first responders to the tragic school shootings.

He recalled police cruisers lining the street to Sandy Hook Elementary School as a “path of hope leading to a school that was so destroyed.” He remembered the “endless concern” of officers taking children by the hand and

leading them to the fire house, where their parents anxiously awaited. He recalled ambulance drivers walking away with blank stares on their faces because they had to drive away with empty ambulances.

He witnessed police officers giving up sick time and vacation time to stay by the side of the stricken families, even spotting police cars outside their homes at 4:00 in the morning.

Many of the funerals and wakes were held at his parish, St. Rose of Lima. Monsignor Weiss recalled firefighters lining the road to one funeral for a boy who wanted to be a firefighter. He recalled police officers standing beside caskets.

And he remembered the poignant sight of police officers releasing purple balloons to Heaven. “It goes on and on,” he said.

“You’re not just heroes, you’re human beings who made a difference in the lives of people who were so broken,” Monsignor Weiss said. “Thank you for being there.”

During the presentation of the gifts, nine police officers’ children, ranging in age from toddler to teen and symbolizing our hope for the future, presented the gifts to Bishop Cote.

This year’s Blue Mass ended with a reading of the poem “Angels Sing” by its author, Detective Frank S. Jarvis of the New London Police Force.

“I felt useless, frustrated” after the events at Sandy Hook School, Detective Jarvis told the congregation. But two months later, as he processed the events, Jarvis wrote a poem that he said he hoped would be comforting to all.

On August 8, 2013, he presented fr d i f h

ART UNLIMIT TED ED

Prayer to St. Jude

Photos by Donna Antonacci to the families affected by the tragedy, as well as to Newtown’s police chief, fire marshal, and assistant superintendent of schools; l il d M i

Weiss.

“Anytime something like this happens, you just want to reach out to people,” Detective Jarvis l i d

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithf l ser ant and iend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the pat on of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.

Make use I implore you, of that par icular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this g eat need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, t ibulations, and sufferings that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindf l of this g eat favor, to always honor you as my special and powerf l pat on, and to g atef lly encourage devotion to you. Amen.

~ EB ~

22nd Annual

Red, White & Blue Mass All Active Duty, Retired & Reserve Personnel, Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations & Auxiliaries of all Faiths are invited to attend.

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 10:30 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

10

Four County Catholic October 2013

Saint Andre Bessette Local boy makes good! This is what residents of Eastern Connecticut might say when disBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

Three Sisters of Christian Charity are welcomed with applause moments after pronouncing their First Vows during a liturgy in the Motherhouse chapel on August 16, 2013 in Mendham, NJ. From left to right are Sister Mary Grace Harazim, Sister Sophia Marie Peralta, and Sister Mary Peter Tartaglia. Sister Mary Grace and her parents, Dan and Pam Harazim, are parishioners at St. Patrick Church in East Hampton, CT. Sister Mary Grace is a 2007 graduate of Mercy High School in Middletown and is now studying nursing at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ.

cussing Saint Andre Bessette, a lay brother in the Congregation of the Holy Cross, who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010.

Alfred (later André) Bessette was born in Canada in 1845. He was the ninth of thirteen children, and grew up in very poor circumstances. Alfred’s father, a woodsman, died in a tragic accident when Alfred was only nine years old. His mother died just a few years later, and Alfred was an orphan at the age of twelve.

Because he was noticeably prayerful, the pastor of his parish recommended Alfred as a candidate to the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He began his novitiate at the age of fifteen, but was then deemed not suitable for vows and sent away.

Alfred, then about seventeen years old, was on his own.

Frail and with little formal edu-

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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.

~ PG ~

cation, he moved from job to job for the next several years, as opportunities presented themselves. One biographer lists his occupations as farmhand, tinsmith, blacksmith, baker, shoemaker and

coachman. Although the exact years are not clear, it was during this time as an itinerant laborer that Alfred left Canada and spent three or four years working in a textile mill in Moosup, CT. Still not settled within himself, Alfred returned to Canada around 1867, and again asked to be accepted into the Congregation of the Holy Cross. This time, he entered the novitiate in 1870 and remained in the community until his death in 1937, at the age of ninety-one.

Now in the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Brother André, as he was known, was given one major assignment to which he was extraordinarily faithful. He answered the door. He explained this in his own words: “When I entered the community, my superiors showed me the door, and I remained there for forty years without leaving.” In addition to answering the door, Brother André’s other tasks included washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood and delivering messages.

From this we learn again that holiness is found in the ordinary

events of life. For forty years, Brother André greeted each person at the door as if that person were Jesus himself. He prayed with them, listened to them, consoled and comforted them, and shared with them his great devotion to Saint Joseph. When people began to speak of being cured from their illnesses, Brother André always attributed any good work to Saint Joseph, and described himself as the servant.

Year by year, Brother André’s reputation for holiness grew. People came to the door, not to visit anyone in the house, but to visit him. Eventually, because the crowds were so numerous, Brother André moved to a small church nearby, where he could continue to carry on his work of prayer and hospitality.

From that little church, the shrine now known as Saint Joseph’s Oratory in the city of Montreal was established. The Oratory is the largest church in Canada, and a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world. It is recorded that at Brother André’s death in 1937, over one million people came to the Oratory to pay their last respects.

From this one person who could barely read or write, we have another clear example of what it means to be a true Christian. A Christian lives an integrated life in which faith and life are in harmony.

Brother André’s actions always reflected his faith, and his faith was always seen in his actions. As the Year of Faith comes to a close in November, may we make progress each day in walking this pathway of integration.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Imagine What We Can Accomplish During the monumental Year of Faith, our 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal marked a year of “Faith

By MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

with Charity and Love.� Thousands of parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich have responded to the call of stewardship this year, pledging their support to the ACA. We are so grateful for your generous gifts!

Each and every dollar contributed to the Annual Catholic Appeal counts.

These gifts go to fund the ministries and programs of the ACA, which provide emergency needs, counseling services, spiritual renewal, and more for those people in need of care, compassion, resources and empowerment.

While the campaign gains momentum in early spring, it is conducted until the end of the year.

Gifts to the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal “Faith with Charity and Love,� can be made through December 31.

The ACA is implemented at the parish level, with Pastors, campaign chairs and support staff doing the critical work of getting the word out. To date, 18 out of 76 parishes in the Diocese have surpassed their initial fundraising goals for the campaigns. These include: Saint Colman Parish, Middlefield; Sacred Heart Parish, Groton; Saint Joseph Parish, Dayville; Saint

Bridget Parish, Moodus; Saint Francis Parish, Lebanon; Saint Mary Parish, Willimantic; Saint Thomas More Parish, North Stonington; Saint Mary Parish, Jewett City; Saint Patrick Parish, Mystic; Notre Dame Parish, Durham; Saint Andrew Parish, Colchester; Saint Jude Parish, West Willington; Holy

Family Parish, Hebron; Saint Augustine Parish, Canterbury; Saint Mary Parish, Baltic; Saint Mary Parish, Groton; Saint Bernard Parish, Rockville; Sacred Heart Parish, Taftville.

The final push of the Annual Catholic Appeal often involves encouraging people to put their faith into action through stewardship, sharing their treasure. These donations are vital to the success of the ACA. There are a variety of reasons some prefer end of year gift giving,

including year end tax savings.

Gifts of appreciated securities also prove popular in December. Sometimes, year-end gifts are the result of donors who gave in the past, but realize they have yet make their pledge to the ACA for the current year.

The support of each and every individual who participates in the Annual Catholic Appeal makes a difference in the lives of those in need. Your donations to the ACA help to promote family life and Catholic marriage, the faith formation of youth and young adults, and religious life. ACA-funded ministries and programs champion the unborn, provide pregnancy and adoption services, immigration reform, foreclosure prevention and mortgage counseling, home heating assistance, and so much more.

Imagine what we can accomplish if everyone gives!

Please consider making your gift to the Annual Catholic today by donating online at www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, or call 860-886-1928 for more information.

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Married Couples Renew Wedding Vows at the Silver & Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass Married couples from parishes throughout our Diocese came together to particiBy Susan Williams Diocese of Norwich Office of Family Life

pate in the Celebration of God’s Gift of Love and the Sacrament of Marriage in the renewal of their wedding vows at the Annual Silver and Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Sunday, September 29th.

Couples celebrating their silver, gold or other significant anniversaries to the couples renewed their marriage vows in the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael R. Cote which was also witnessed by about 200 family members and friends. It is truly a beautiful experience for couples to have their family being present to witness and share in the renewal of their wedding vows and a blessing of their marriage by

Bishop Cote. 60 couples participating in the Jubilee Mass and three couples celebrated sixty years of marriage.

The three couples celebrating sixty years of marriage, participating in the renewal of their wedding vows and honored as the longest married couples are Henry and Elizabeth Belisle from St. Patrick Cathedral, Robert and Gerardine McKeon from Saint Joseph Parish in Occum and George and Grace Richter from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Quaker Hill.

Certificates commemorating the renewal of the marriage vows and the blessing of their marriage of the couples were awarded by Bishop Michael R. Cote for the couples. Following the Pontifical Mass, celebrating couples along with their family and friends enjoyed spending time with Bishop Cote in the Cathedral Hall. Refreshments were enjoyed by all.

12

Four County Catholic October 2013

Catholic Charities Hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament and Inaugural Flames of Charity Gala On Wednesday, September 18, 2013, Fox Hopyard Golf Club welcomed approxiBy Anna DeBiasi Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich

mately 80 golfers to the 8th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament to benefit local families in need. A combination of some familiar faces, and some new ones came out to support the work Catholic Charities is doing in Eastern Connecticut.

The tournament was presented

by ShopRite Supermarkets in Norwich, New London, and Clinton. Conway, Londregan,

Sheehan, & Monaco were also a major sponsor. The Knights of Columbus, Supreme Council sponsored the post-reception meal.

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote came out to show his support for this ministry of the Church. “It was a beautiful day in support of such a worthy cause. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, it was wonderful to see,” reflected Bishop Cote after he finished his round of golf.

Catholic Charities’ New London Advisory Board has been coordinating this annual golf tournament for the past 8 years.

Ralph Monaco, attorney at law with Conway, Londregan, Shee-

han, & Monaco, P.C. chairs the committee, made up of a small group of parishioners throughout

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the New London Deanery.

Sheila Barrs, Madeline Raddatz, Kristine Raddatz, Gay Mullen, and Roseann Ward make up the golf committee.

The members of the New London Advisory Board & Golf Committee were chosen to be honored at this year’s first annual Flames of Charity Gala, which was held on Friday, October 4, at The Mystic Marriott. The group received recognition as “Community Servants of the Year” for their dedication to supporting local families in need.

“It is amazing to see this group of volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy over the years to help sustain the work happening at Catholic Charities. We are very blessed to have the support of such a committed, hard-working group of people.” Catholic Charities Executive Director, James Maffuid ex-

pressed.

“We felt like for all they have done for us over the years, honoring them at our first annual gala was the least we could do for them.”

A special memorial prayer was said by Bishop Cote in memory of Bob Smith during the Flames of Remembrance portion of the gala evening. Bob was a long-time member of the New London Advisory Board and golf committee, until his passing in August. His presence will be greatly missed at future golf tournaments to come, but his legacy will live on through the acts of love happening every day at Catholic Charities.

Next year’s tournament will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Catholic Charities welcomes new golfers to next year’s tournament, and hopes to grow the event in future years.

For more information about all that Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich does for families in need throughout our diocese, visit www.ccfsn.org.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Two Middletown Religious Figures Among Papal Award Honorees Middletown - Recently both Sister Mary McCarthy and Brother J. Robert Houlihan received the

By Kaitlyn Schroyer Reprint from the Middletown Press

highest papal honor by the Pope, “for their extraordinary service to the Church in their accomplished careers in Catholic education,” said The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich.

The pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal is known as the Cross of Honour and given for distinguished service to the church by lay people and clergy.

“I’m very honored and very humbled,” said Sister Mary, President of Mercy High School. “I was totally surprised.”

This year both Mercy High School and Xavier High School are celebrating their 50th anniversaries, their jubilee year.

Brother Houlihan “was completely surprised by the award.

None of us knew it was coming.

In fact, Sister Mary had to push me out into the aisle when they called my name to go up and receive the medal from Bishop Cote,” Brother Houlihan said in a press release from Xavier.

Brother Houlihan is a member of the support staff at Xavier and a former faculty member.

On July 27, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop Cote in which the honorees for the medal were announced.

Bishop Cote said that the honorees “have honored all of us in our community of faith with their dedication to the young people of the Diocese. They have positively influenced so many young lives.” via email Monday.

“Sometimes they’re announced ahead of time. This one was a surprise,” Sister Mary said.

Bishop Cote submitted both Sister Mary and Brother Houlihan for the honor.

“In recognition of her effective and distinguished service to the Church of Norwich and its Bishops,” Bishop Cote said of Sister Mary in a press release by Mercy High. By the act of decree and medal, “The Holy See has recognized her extraordinary service to the Church and her generosity of mind and heart in sharing her many gifts and talents to build up the local Church,” Bishop Cote added.

The medal was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. The front of the medal depicts the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. On the left of the cross is the inscription Pro Ecclesia (For Church), on the right of the cross is Et Pontifice (And Pope) and on the bottom of the cross is the Papal Coat of Arms.

The thirteen distinguished recipients of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medals are: Sr. Mary McCarthy, R.S.M., Sr. Rita Johnson S.S.N.D.; Mother Mary Jude Lazarus S.C.M.C.; Sr. Sally Tolles, CONS, SEC, D.H.S; Br. J. Robert Houlihan C.F.X, former member of the Xavier faculty and moderator of the Mercy/Xavier MYARC club; Jacqueline Keller; Alice Pudvah; David Belval; Michael Driscoll; Donald Macrino; Robert Miller Ph.D; William Russell, C.P.A. KHS, former member of the Mercy Board of Trustees; and John F. Shine Ph.D, former Superintendent of Schools for the Norwich Diocese.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

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On Monday, September 30, 2013, the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, presented Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grants to eleven organizations: Birthright to Greater Norwich, Inc. - $850; CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center - $750; Care and Share Soup Kitchen - $1,170; Malta, Inc. - $1,085; Malta, Inc. - $1,000; New Life Prison Ministry of Old Lyme - $850; Sacred Heart Educational Center $2,000; St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown - $1,170; St. Vincent de Paul, Norwich - $1,170; Thames River Family Program - $670; Windham AIDS Program - $175.

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Boat to Be Used for Breast Cancer Therapy Blessed in Norwich Norwich, CT - Carline Lutynski wore a shirt to the Marina at American Wharf in Norwich on

By Adam Benson Reprint from the Bulletin

Friday that was embroidered with a single word: “Wish.”

It was fitting for a woman who has spent the past decade building a breast cancer therapy program that’s the only one of its kind in the country.

“I’m overcome,” Lutynski, of Norwich, said in front of the IROLITA, a 31-foot Eastward Ho sailboat that will offer hourlong relaxation treatment at no cost to women battling breast cancer.

The Very Reverend Leszek T. Janik, Vicar General of the Diocese of Norwich, performed a boat blessing on Friday in the city, sprinkling holy water on the IROLITA’s hull.

In December, Lutynski and a small research team published “Wave Motion as a Stress Intervention Method for Stage II and Stage II Breast-Cancer Survivors” in the academic journal Alternative and Complementary Therapies.

The argument was that the buoyancy and steady, gentle rocking motion of water against a boat brought to patients a sense of serenity and calm far removed from the clinical settings where they received cancer treatment — “a place to come out for refuge from the maelstrom going on in your mind,” as Lutynski explained it.

After a series of setbacks with two other vessels, the Maritime Funding Association of Maine, which donates boats to nonprofit organizations, stepped forward with the IROLITA. “Make this sailboat a place of peace and a center of love, where physicians practice the art of healing wisely and where nurses and aides serve the sick with care,” Father Janik said in blessing the vessel.

Lutysnki, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2000, is a founding member and

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Celebrates 50-Year Anniversary Gales Ferry - The year 2013 has been a year of anniversaries in the Norwich Diocese. ReFrom the FCC News Desk

Carline Lutynski makes remarks during the blessing of the breast cancer therapy boat IROLITA at the Marina at American Wharf in Norwich on Friday, September 20.

Aaron Flaum/ NorwichBulletin.com

president of Del Function Inc., which began in the mid-1980s working with urban school districts.

“It’s a wonderful resource. The soothing, quiet environment comes a time in their lives when their life is turned upside-down,” she said.

Ultimately, Del Function hopes to raise $500,000 for the restora-

tion of a 57-foot long schooner that will be permanently docked at the marina for cancer patients.

Though the service will be geared toward breast cancer patients, Lutynski said women with other forms of the disease will be welcomed as well. Organizers also hope to set aside a day for men battling cancer to use the IROLITA.

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cently, the Diocese celebrated its 60th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of Bishop Cote’s installation as Bishop of Norwich. Among the most distinguished of the anniversaries taking place this year is the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Church of Gales Ferry.

Our Lady of Lourdes began as a mission church of Sacred Heart in 1957. It was named in honor of the upcoming 1958 centennial of St. Bernadette’s visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France. In 1963, the mission church was established as Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, its own parish in the then ten year-old Diocese of Norwich. Through the 1960’s, the population of Ledyard and the Lady of Lourdes congregation continued to significantly grow. By the late 1970’s, it was time for a new and larger church – dedicated in December 1980.

One of the most extraordinary additions to the church property has been the Lourdes replica shrine, dedicated in 1967. The shrine contains a grotto, similar to the one at Massabieille, and was built beside a cascading brook reminiscent of the River Gave de Pau at Lourdes.

Today, the parish is active and thriving with over 1,000 families. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, a special Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on June 22, 2013.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish now enjoys a pastoral collaborative relationship with St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church and Sacred Heart Church, both in Groton.

These three parishes now work closely together to coordinate programs, ministries, buildings and staff to ensure a strong Catholic presence in each community.

Congratulation Our Lady of Lourdes on your historic 50th anniversary.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

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Bishop of Norwich at the 18th Annual Mass for Those dedicated to Education on Sunday, September 8, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

From the presentation of the gifts and rose-bearers to carrying of the ceremonial banner, each participant was among those dedicated to education throughout the Diocese. Anna Alfiero carried the Memorial book of deceased educators and support staff remembered on this occasion, including Phyllis Lapuc who most recently passed in late June and was a member of the Mass committee.

The Mass was the first such occasion since the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School last year, and was dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives. There in the Mass program alongside a heart-clenching poem about “twenty beautiful children storming through heaven’s gate,” were the names of each child called

to heaven on that day in December of 2012 in Newtown.

On this solemn occasion, teachers, administrators, support staff and parents renewed their com-

Alone I am a drop of water, but in the Spirit I am a roaring fountain” Amado Nervo mitment to education. These are often some of the first heroes in the lives of our children. The hymn “Christ the Teacher” filled the cathedral as we remembered the importance of our first teachers.

We prayed for the intercession of Mary for greater reverence, courage, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, judgment, wonder and awe in the new school year.

We were honored to have Very Reverend Leszek T. Janik, J.C.L., Vicar General of the Diocese of Norwich, give a compelling hom-

ily about the call to educate.

Father Janik compared the call of teachers to that of the disciples being called to follow Jesus and go forth to teach the world. He reminds us that we have a choice to follow God. Humans can say yes or no to God. We have free will.

When answering the call to God to be an educator, it is always better to say “yes” because we are stronger in the Spirit. Father Janik reminded educators present that each day is an act of love to follow God in their chosen vocation of teaching. As Father Janik so eloquently conveyed to those dedicated to education, “You are incredibly powerful people. Because of you, because of your words and your presence, others learn about life, truth, faith and love. By your words and presence, you teach others to understand the full meaning and purpose of life.’

It was a beautiful, inspiring Mass giving educators hope and clarity of vision as they start the new year, and providing a powerful and faithful tribute to those children and educators lost at Sandy Hook.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

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Bishop Caggiano Installed as Bishop of Bridgeport in Ceremony of Hope In Hopeful Homily, He Invites Catholics To Come Home Trumbull, CT – Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano became the fifth bishop of Bridgeport Thursday, SepBy Daniela Altimari Reprint from the Hartford Courant

tember 19, in a ceremony rich with tradition and imbued with hope.

The Brooklyn-born son of Italian immigrants who once studied at Yale University delivered a message of inclusion to the more than 460,000 Catholics who live in Fairfield County, especially those who have fallen away from, or become disillusioned with, the church. “We must remember this day and resolve to leave no one behind,�

Bishop Caggiano told the hundreds of people who packed into the elegant wooden sanctuary of St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, “to leave no one to fend for themselves, to leave no one to be tossed into the shadows of our parishes,

schools, neighborhoods and homes.

All have been called, all must serve, all must be strengthened in faith, hope and love.’’ Bishop Caggiano succeeds William E. Lori, who left Bridgeport last year to become the archbishop of Baltimore. Lori was in attendance Thursday, as were other prominent church leaders, both past and present, including Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and his predecessor, Edward Egan, who was also a former bishop of Bridgeport and archbishop of New York.

Henry J. Mansell, archbishop of Hartford, who presided over the service and Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich.

Bishop Caggiano — born on Easter Sunday in 1959 to parents who had left Salerno, Italy, the year before — made references to the Brooklyn Bridge, “the iconic symbol of the borough of my birth� in his

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homily. “As we reflect and recall how bridges made with human hands can transform life ‌ let us reflect upon the transformative power that spiritual bridges made by the hands of God can have, has had, and will continue to have in our lives,’’ he said. “Many struggle with broken hearts and perhaps, broken trust,’’ Bishop Caggiano said. “Let us resolve together on this day to invite them home, one person at a time.

Let us not be afraid to listen to their concerns, to offer them anew an invitation to come and to join us ‌ the time for them to come home is now ‌ and together let us build a bridge of love and mercy and compassion to them.�

He also singled out the youth of the diocese, “the hope� and “the future of the church.� As part of his installation ceremony, Bishop Caggiano invited schoolchildren from each of the Bridgeport diocese’s 35 schools to attend; he greeted each one. During his homily, the new bishop pledged to listen to young people, to harness their energy and optimism “so that, through you, every young person who is searching or struggling in life, every young person who is looking for hope and joy will find it here in the Catholic community of faith.�

The emphasis on youth drew applause from many in the audience. “We’re so excited,’’ said Kali DiMarco, director of religious education at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Norwalk. “Everything I hear is wonderful. It’s an exciting time for our church right now and he fits right into that.â€? “The challenge before us is great,’’ Bishop Caggiano said. Alluding to the dominance of secularism and the power of technology, he said there are “so many competing voices that claim to lead us to happiness ... and the truth, a time when technology is no longer a tool, but technology molds human life ‌ that is the age in which you and I find ourselves.â€?

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Knights of Columbus Presents Gift of $100K to Newtown Parish New Haven, CT - The Knights of Columbus will donate $100,000 to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish in Newtown, Conn., to supp o r t ongoing parish programs related to last December’s elementary school shooting.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson presented the gift following Mass at St. Rose on Monday, Sept. 30. Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano served as principal celebrant and homilist.

The supreme knight and Msgr.

Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose, offered remarks at a brief ceremony following Mass.

The Newtown elementary school shooting gripped the nation and the world as the small community mourned the loss of area residents, including 20 children, following the tragic Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“In the 24-hour news cycle, we often read or see the news, are affected for a time, and then quickly move on,” said Anderson.

“But the people of Newtown could not simply ‘move on,’ and our gift and award are meant to acknowledge that the work of Msgr. Weiss and the St. Rose of Lima community continues.”

He said Msgr. Weiss, in particular, continues to assist the families that lost loved ones and helps with many practical matters, including community projects and donations.

The funding donation follows the presentation at the Knights’ annual international convention of the organization’s new Caritas Awards “for exemplary works of charity,” one of which was awarded to Msgr. Weiss.

Conferring the award at the convention last month in San Antonio, Anderson paraphrased Pope Francis, explaining that “Monsignor was able ‘to sympathize with the brokenness of others w it ho u t losing his o w n strength and identity,’ which was no easy task under these circumstances.”

At the convention, Anderson explained that the award goes to the heart of the Knights’ mission: “To come to the aid of neighbors and friends in their hour of need.”

Visiting Homilist, the Most Reverend Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, joined the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, principal celebrant at the 23rd Annual Red Mass at Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Sunday, October 6, 2013.

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USCCB Chairman Calls on House of Representatives to Begin Consideration of Immigration Reform Legislation Archbishop Gomez urges House to move on path to citizenship for undocumented.

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Washington (USCCB) - Invoking Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, released September 24, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, called upon members of the U.S. House of Representatives to begin consideration of c o m p re h e n s i ve immigration reform legislation.

In a message, released in advance of the January 19, 2014, World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis called for a “change in attitude’ toward migrants and refugees around the world, moving away from attitudes of “defensiveness and fear, indifference and fear.” “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity,” the Holy Father wrote.

Archbishop Gomez echoed the Holy Father’s remarks, stating that the current situation in the United States undermines the human rights and dignity of migrants.

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“Migrants have few rights in our economic system,” Archbishop Gomez said. “They are working for low wages in our restaurants and fields; our factories, gardens, homes and hotels.

And these men and women have no security against sickness, disability or old age — and no protections against being exploited in the workplace.”

Calling on the House of Representatives to correct this situation, Archbishop Gomez added, “I urge our leaders in the House of Representatives to debate and pass a bill that gives these undocumented men and women a path to citizenship and full membership in our society.”

The U.S. Senate passed S. 744, comprehensive immigration reform legislation, June 27. The U.S. House of Representatives has yet to act on the Senate bill or its own version of immigration reform.

Pope Francis’ statement can be found at www.news.va/en/news/ popes-message-for-word-day-ofmigrants-and-refugee.

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As a member of the Board of Advisors of the Archbishop Sheen Foundation, I join my fellow board members in encouraging all to pray for the beatification and canonization of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Archbishop Sheen was an inspiration to millions as a pioneer in TV evangelization. He was a leader of the New Evangelization before it was “new”. Today he would most certainly embrace the new media with every ounce of his extraordinary enthusiasm. Please pray for Archbishop Sheen, the Venerable servant of God.

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U.S. Bishops Seek to Live by Faith, Serve Needy, Insure Employees and Continue Legal, Moral Analysis of HHS Mandate Washington - The U.S. bishops continue to study the legal and moral implications of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate in the Affordable Care Act, and to “develop avenues of response that would both preserve our strong unity and protect our consciences,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a September 17 letter to bishops. His letter followed the September 10-11 meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee, the top ranking USCCB body outside a plenary session.

The bishops’ “efforts are proceeding apace, and, as you know, include a careful legal and moral analysis of the final rule,” Cardinal Dolan said.

Further discussion will take place at the bishops’ fall plenary, Nov. 11-14 in Baltimore.

“We are united in our resolve to continue to defend our right to live by our faith, and our duty to serve the poor, heal the sick, keep our apostolates strong and faithful, and insure our people,” he said.

The full text of Cardinal Dolan’s letter follows.

Cardinal Dolan emphasized that the members of the Administrative Committee “were unanimous in their resolve to continue our struggle against the HHS Mandate.” He likewise voiced concern regarding the Catholic Health Association’s “hurried acceptance of the accom-

modation” which he called “untimely and unhelpful.”

“We highly value CHA’s great expertise in their ministry of healing,” Cardinal Dolan said, “but as they have been the first to say, they do not represent the Magisterium of the Church.”

September 17, 2013 Year of Faith My brother bishops, I write at the request of our brother bishops on the USCCB Administrative Committee, who asked me to update you, as I have now grown accustomed to doing, on the tough and delicate matter of the HHS Mandate, and our ongoing response to it. You won’t be surprised to hear that, at our meeting last week, we spent a great deal of time focused on this matter of major concern to us all.

I have to tell you first that we took the occasion to vent. The Catholic Church in America has long been a leader in providing affordable health care, and in advocating for policies that advance that goal. The bishops on a national level have been at it for almost one hundred years, and our heroic women and men religious have done so even longer. Yet, instead of spending our time, energy, and treasure on increasing access to health care, as we have done for many decades, we’re now forced to spend those re-

sources on determining how to respond to recently enacted government regulations that restrict and burden our religious freedom. Catholics – our parents and grandparents, religious sisters, brothers and priests – were among the first at the table to advance and provide health care, and now we are being burdened because of the same Catholic values that compel us into these ministries! All this in a country that puts religious liberty first on the list of its most cherished freedoms. As I’ve said before, this is a fight that we didn’t ask for, and would rather not be in, but it’s certainly one that we won’t run from.

It might be helpful if we keep in mind our recent history on the HHS mandate and our efforts regarding it.

Last February 1, the Administration announced its updated “accommodation.” We immediately said that we needed time to analyze it, but that our initial read indicated that, regrettably, not much had changed, and our objections remained. Nonetheless, we took the administration at its word when it said it would consider our concerns, and after a detailed analysis, our Conference again submitted extensive comments, as invited to do by HHS. On June 28, we got our answer: despite our grave concerns – concerns we share with believers of many other

faiths, and with so many of the 400,000 others who commented on the rule – the “accommodation” was finalized with only minor changes.

While the administration gave us a much-needed extra five months to determine how to respond, the final version of the mandate still suffers from the same three basic problems we have highlighted from the start: its narrow definition of “religious employer” reduces religious freedom to the freedom of worship by dividing our community between houses of worship and ministries of service; its second-class treatment of those great ministries—the so-called “accommodation”—leaves them without adequate relief; and its failure to offer any relief at all to forprofit businesses run by so many of our faithful in the pews.

As you know, we are continuing our efforts in Congress and in the courts, and we are confident that our rights under the Constitution and other laws protecting religious freedom will eventually be vindicated. While much remains uncertain, it is plain that the HHS Mandate lessens the ability of our ministries to give full-throated witness to our faith, a central mission of all Catholic apostolates.

At the Administrative Committee meeting, the members were unanimous in their resolve to continue our struggle against the HHS Mandate, and they asked me to convey that firm resolve to you. If there’s any perception that our dedication to this fight is flagging, that’s dead wrong.

That perception may come in part from the Catholic Health Association’s hurried acceptance of the accommodation, which was, I’m afraid, untimely and unhelpful. We highly value CHA’s great expertise in their ministry of healing, but as they have been the first to say, they do not represent the Magisterium of the Church. Even in their document stating that they could live with the “accommodation” they remarked that we bishops, along with others, have wider concerns than they do.

We continue to follow the excellent process established at the meeting of the body of bishops in June, to develop avenues of response that would both preserve our strong unity and protect our consciences. Those efforts are proceeding apace, and as you know, include a careful legal and moral analysis of the final rule. We will then have another opportunity to discuss the rule at our November plenary assembly.

We are united in our resolve to continue to defend our right to live by our faith, and our duty to serve the poor, heal the sick, keep our apostolates strong and faithful, and insure our people. I remain grateful for your continued unity in response to this matter of deep concern to us all. I’ll try my best to keep you posted.

With prayerful best wishes, I am, Fraternally in Christ, Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Defending Religious Liberty “Beautiful Things For Children”

The federal healthcare mandate is much more sweeping than existing state mandates. Employers can generally avoid the contraceptive mandates in 28 states by self-insuring their prescription drug coverage, dropping that part of their coverage altogether, or opting for regulation under a federal law (ERISA) that pre-empts state law. The HHS mandate closes off all these avenues of relief. We need the government to realize that it is seriously encroaching on religious liberty. To voice your opposition to the mandate, please call the Capitol switchboard in Washington, D.C. at 202-224-3121 and urge your Congressmen or Congresswoman and/or U.S. Senators to support legislation that will overturn the mandate. You can also write to the White House at: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

We are a Mission People Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti & CRS Parish Partnership Leaders’ Workshop “The pilgrim Church is missionary by her very nature,” Ad Gentes 2.

By Catherine Foley Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

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When I was a young girl our home was filled with the magazines that shared the stories of missionaries from around the world. The Maryknoll Magazine, The Liguorian, St. Anthony’s Messenger and Catholic Digest all featured prominently on the coffee table and magazine stand in our living room. My sisters and I grew up reading the stories of Catholic religious men and

women traveling far from home to live among the poorest of the poor in what were exotic places to girls from New Jersey. Every Friday morning a collection for the poor was taken up in our classrooms at St. Luke School in HoHo-Kus. At night if one of us complained about having to do the dishes for a second night in a row or didn’t like the dinner we were being served, Dad would gently say, “Offer it up for the people in Biafra.”

As children the poor were never far from our thoughts and prayers. We prayed for them each evening and remembered them in

our donations, yet ministry with the poor was something reserved for religious who dedicated their entire lives to this beautiful ministry. As evidenced by the nearly forty people who attended the provocative and powerful conference lead by Kim Lamberty and Mari Barboza from Catholic Relief Services (CRS), much has changed since my childhood.

Representatives from fourteen parishes or organizations from across the Diocese of Norwich and beyond gathered on September 13 and 14 at St. John the Evangelist in Uncasville to deepen their awareness and understand-

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ing of parish partnerships in Haiti. Each has a special and unique call to journey with the people of Haiti. They are mission people.

Kim Lamberty, program manager at Catholic Relief Services, presented the leaders workshop on parish partnership in Haiti, which included the mission history, contemporary approaches and a vision for mission in partnership. Because understanding where people have been and where they are now is critical to relationships, Kim provided a history of the Haitian people and the role its history has played in forming the Haitian perspective. This history flowed from the evolution of mission to expand the Catholic faith to one that embraces evangelization along with justice and peace.

“Mission means to share in the mission of Jesus: to preach, to serve and to be witness to the reign of God,” Lamberty quoted from Evangelii Nuntiandi.

Kim continued to teach us that mission invites each of us to solidarity with and commitment to the poor. It calls us to reject poverty as an unacceptable abomination - a depravation of human dignity. It invites us to detach from material goods and to not make decisions based on our “stuff ”. It brings us closer to our God. Before we begin to work with others as mission, we are called both individually and as faith communities to seek responsible, effective pastoral witness, to seek personal and social transformation and to seek to contribute to the reign of God. How do we live as mission people?

We grow in our relationships with the poor and accompany them in love. We listen and share our stories of death and resurrection. In the process they and we are transformed and empowered.

Often relationships and accompaniment in love is enough. Out of our relationships a project can

organically develop and we are called to respond by investing in community-led economic development projects that preserve the communities, the way of life and, most importantly, the dignity of the Haitian people.

Some best practices for leaders of parish partnerships in Haiti include: • Learn the language, culture and traditions of your Haitian partners • Pray for and with each other • Build and strengthen your relationships through regular presence both in Haiti and in the U.S. • Create a process for mutual and joint decision-making that respects the leadership of both faith communities.

“In the end,” Kim shared, “love is the only thing that matters.

Projects come and go. Relationships based in love are the only things that last.”

Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti (OTH) is the official Haitian ministry of the Diocese of Norwich.

OTH supports a medical clinic with special emphasis on maternal, infant and child health and an education sponsorship program both run by Haitians for the poorest of the poor in Port-au-Prince. OTH coordinates parish-twinning partnerships between faith communities and organizations in the U.S. and Haiti including the twinning relationship between the Diocese of Norwich and the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince and provides immersion experiences for those interested in learning more about the beautiful people of Haiti. If you are interested in learning more about OTH programs or would like to join an immersion experience, please contact us at info@outreachtohaiti.org or 860.848.2237. Your support and prayers for OTH literally helps to create sustainable services that save and change the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable in Haiti.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Prospective Eagle Scout Opened a Lot of Eyes Sending Barrels of Shoes to Haiti Like the barrels he filled to the brim with soccer shoes, shin guards and balls, Ben Godley is well on his

By Catherine Foley Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

way. A freshman at Fitch High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 17G at Sacred Heart Church in Groton, Ben recently completed the requirements to become an Eagle Scout – the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting.

To make this rank, a Boy Scout must progress through six previous ranks, complete 21 merit badges, serve six months in a troop leadership position, plan, develop and give leadership to a service project, take part in a Scoutmaster conference and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

While still a student at Sacred Heart School, Ben sought guidance from Fr. Darius, his pastor, for potential projects, especially ones related to children and youth in Haiti. St. Pierre Church in Grand Bois, a Haitian faith community twinned with Sacred Heart Church in Groton, became the beneficiary of Ben’s Eagle Scout service project.

Grand Bois is located in the Département de l’Ouest, the center of which is about 40 miles (77 kilometers) east of Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. A single, unpaved road bisects the region, which measures approximately 200 square miles (450 square kilometers) and is bordered to the south by Lake Étang Saumâtre and to the east by the Dominican Republic. Residential areas cluster around sources of water, which include small ponds, lakes, and a stream that is dry for a portion of the year. There is little to no electricity, telephone, postal services, television or radio signals or internet access. According to the 2003 Haitian census, Grand-Bois has approximately 65,000 residents. 25,000 are under the age of 18. Approximately 70% of the residents work as subsistence farmers.

The median household income in rural Haiti is $300 per year. GrandBois is one of the poorest rural regions in Haiti.

“It’s kind of humbling to see the

kids in Haiti and what we take for granted,” said Ben as he pointed to the display of the Haitian children dressed in their school uniforms playing soccer in a dirt lot.

Ben prepared a list of questions related to potential projects, which Fr. Darius took to Haiti when representatives from Sacred Heart Church went to visit their twin parish. Out of those questions, the project – to collect soccer shoes and equipment for the children and youth of Grand Bois - was born.

Over the next several months, Ben worked with his church, school and local community and collected and sanitized dozens of pairs of sneakers and soccer equipment, planned events to raise funds for shipping and coordinated the logistics.

“It opened a lot of eyes,” shared Ben. The biggest challenge for Ben was the paperwork for Eagle Scout and making arrangements for ship-

ping. “The barrels had to ship from Brooklyn, New York. We hand-delivered them to John Boulay (OTH board member) in Tolland, who brought them to Brooklyn,” Ben stated.

“We purchased plastic barrels because they can be reused and they hold water and are airtight,” explained Ben. “Some people even send the barrels with spigots so that they can punch in a hole and get the water out.”

The barrels, which will be delivered to the Diocese of Norwich OTH Mission House, cost $52 each and $120 per barrel to ship to Haiti. Ben raised the funds for shipping and donated an additional $500 plus to the St. Pierre faith community.

Ben did not stop when the barrels were shipped and the donation made. He also created a workbook for Sacred Heart School to sustain the project in years to come. “I hope that the Junior National

Honor Society (7th and 8th graders) at Sacred Heart School will continue the project,” shared Ben. While Ben waits to hear if the barrels have safely arrived in Grand Bois, the board is reviewing his Eagle Scout submission. If all goes well, the children in Haiti will soon have new soccer shoes and equipment and Ben will have beaten his father’s accomplishment by becom-

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ing an Eagle Scout at age 14, one year earlier than his dad.

Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti (OTH) is the official Diocese of Norwich ministry in Haiti.

OTH supports a maternal, infant and child health clinic, education for nearly 250 students, a comprehensive nutrition program and parish twinning in the Diocese of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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Four County Catholic October 2013

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

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Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com

Youth Explosion 2013: Declare Victory!

On Sunday, September 22, an explosion of faith rocked the Diocese of

By Kaete Kuhn and Maria Junco Seniors at Saint Bernard School

Norwich. Over 600 teens and youth

leaders from youth groups and parishes across the diocese came together for the fifth annual Youth Explosion, a motivational and inspirational day for Catholic teens. Since March 2010, the event has grown astronomically from

about 350 teens to the 600 that filled St. Bernard’s school auditorium in Uncasville.

Claire Jasper, a senior at East Lyme High School, also a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, and Travis

Blessed John Paul II Regional School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.jpii.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. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0753 x113 www.saintbernardchurch.org

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

27

Four County Catholic October 2013

Moran, a senior at Quinnipiac University, were the masters of ceremony. This year’s theme was “Declare Victory”. The keynote speaker, Jackie Francois-Angel, along with worship leaders, John Niven and the LIFT Band highlighted how victorious we really are with Jesus.

Teens were able to go to confession with any of the 15 priests at the Youth Explosion, participate in a wonderful Mass celebrated by Bishop Cote, and worship Jesus Christ in the Eucharist during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Youth Explosion was not only a day to grow in your faith but also a day to show off your dance moves! A light show and dance party got us up from our seats and out of our comfort zones to celebrate. Cas Woznica and Ryan Dillon, of St. Bernard School, who alter served for the rally, said “The Youth Explosion was an amazing experience. Everyone had fun. I like how a bunch of Catholic teens can gather and profess our faith with no judgment.” A sophomore, Nancy Kuhn, of St. Bernard’s School said “It was fun!

I really liked the inspirational speaker, Jackie”. Jackie made us laugh with her crazy accents and jokes, yet was also able to speak on a more serious note and truly inspire us. She emphasized our ability to overcome the temptation to sin, our victory in Jesus, and our responsibility to share our faith and love of God with others.

One of the most passionate ways we can show our love for God is through music. The amazingly talented, John Niven and the LIFT Band provided upbeat and lively music for the rally and dance party, but also inspiring and spiritual songs for Mass and Adoration.

A team of dedicated individuals led by the Diocesan Youth Council, worked hard to make Youth Explosion V the success that it was. Clearly their efforts have paid off: hundreds of teens from all over our Diocese gathered together to worship God, enliven their faith, and to be challenged.

As the sun set and the event came to a close, teens walked out of Youth Explosion with a smile on their lips and a song in their hearts: “Declare Victory!”

Jackie Francois, popular Christian Praise and Worship singer and speaker, performing at St. Bernard Church’s ‘Hour of Power’ youth event. Saturday, September 21st. Photo submitted by Pamela Plasse.

28

Four County Catholic October 2013

The Xavier Co Community would like to extend a war m welcome to all prospective members of the Class of 2018

_______________________________________ Open House for 6th, 7th and 8th Graders Sunday Oct. 27th, 1-4 p.m.

Entrance Exam Saturday Nov. 16th 8 a.m.-Noon _________________________ For more infor mation about a Xav X erian education, call us at (860) 346-7735 or visit vierhighschool.org our website at ww ww.xavierhighsc Xavier is sponsoored jointly by the Di nd the Congre Diocese of Norwich and Cong gation of Brothers of St. Frrancis Xavier

Blessed John Paul II Regional School The newly formed Blessed John Paul II Regional School is now accepting registrations for grades Pre-K-4 through 8th. We strive to work together with parents to develop in each child a lifelong love of learning and a deep respect for one another.

We look forward to building a faith-filled community, one child at a time.

www.jpii.org

For more information Please contact the Admissions Office: 87 South Main Street Middletown, CT 06457

860.347.2978

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Xavier Announces Plans To Begin Next 50 Years “Sustaining Excellence” Focuses on Building, Fine Arts and Athletic Fields SETON SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Honoring the recipients of the Third Annual Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich:

Reverend Roger Lamoureux, O.M.I. Sister Patricia Anne Barry, R.S.M., Posthumously John F. Shine, Ph.D.

Middletown, CT - September 15, 2013: At last night’s 50th Anniversary Gala celebration at Xavier High School on Saybrook Road, the school made public its “Sustaining Excellence” capital campaign to improve its athletic facilities, fine arts program and increase classroom space. Campaign Chairpersons, Robert Guere and Brian Hetherington (both Xavier Class of 1981) made the announcement and showed archi-

tects’ renderings of the planned work.

The $8.5 million comprehensive campaign began quietly on July 1, 2012, said Director of Advancement Mr. Matt Strekel (Xavier Class of 1999) and has raised more than $3 million so far.

The campaign committee hopes to raise the remaining $5.5 million in the next four years during the public phase. Technology improvements and growing the

school’s annual fund are also part of the campaign.

The athletic complex would feature a new turf football/multipurpose field, a new track, a new baseball field and a new athletic facility which would house coaches rooms, team rooms, concession stands and ticket booths.

However, for the foreseeable future, Strekel said, varsity football and baseball home games are still planned to be played at Palmer Field.

The fine arts building would provide needed space for the school’s music program which has been growing steadily for a number of years and now serves about 125 students. The plan would also create additional classroom space within the main building.

If there are any questions, please contact Director of Advancement Mr. Matt Strekel (Xavier Class of 1999). (860)347-6079.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013 AT 4:00 PM THE RIVERHOUSE AT GOODSPEED STATION HADDAM, CT $150 PER PERSON All proceeds to benefit tuition assistance for Catholic Schools.

The following sponsorships are available: $5,000 SETON SPONSOR Premium reserved table for 10, full-page program ad $2,500 AQUINAS SPONSOR Reserved table for 10, half-page program ad $1,500 NEWMAN SPONSOR Seating for 4, quarter-page ad Individual program ads are also available.

For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Mahoney at 860-886-1928 or developmentdso@norwichdiocese.net WWW.NORWICHDSO.ORG

30

Four County Catholic October 2013

Something Old, Something New: The Allure of the Vintage When we were married, my husband and I moved into a house that had never been lived in beBy Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

fore. No nicks in the woodwork, no carpet stains, no glow-in-thedark constellations stuck to the ceiling. A blank slate for a new marriage.

We marveled over its pristine condition, breathing in that newhouse smell and sprawling across the empty living room.

Immediately, I started scheming

about how to adorn the bare walls.

Left to my own devices, I would’ve headed to the nearest Kohl’s and filled my cart with home décor of the live-love-laugh variety, but Ted urged me to wait.

Though I felt a bit sheepish after several months of inviting visitors into such a sparse house, I came to see the wisdom in taking my time, especially when we eventually found décor that felt unique. We inherited a painting by my great grandpa, a crock Ted’s grandma had used to store coleslaw and an ice chest his parents had accepted as one round of payment on the

sale of their first home. I bought a St. Andrew Daily Missal with a 1950 imprimatur at a church sale.

And my latest find came through Craigslist: a 7-foot, century-old church pew. The seller, who was moving, traced it to California and accepted $200 for it, as long as I was willing to haul it out of his laundry room. It is made of pine, engraved with the doodles of restless children and smells like prayer.

The most loving response to a beautiful new home, I have decided, is to fill it with beautiful old stuff. I’m tethering mine to history, to pre-computer days and the values that seem embedded in the patina: patience, simplicity, togetherness.

My friends have the same impulse, scouring eBay and Etsy and then saving their finds on Pinterest under headers like “shabby chic” and “rustic elegance.” Anything old can be reclaimed or recovered, turned upside down, imagined

anew – a pastry blender as a towel rack or note holder, weathered trunks as coffee tables, washboards atop cupboards, mason jars holding skeleton keys. Work pieces become whimsical: a dress form draped in costume pearls, peonies popping from a rusted watering

can, a Remington typewriter perched on a dresser.

My sister framed family photos in an old window frame, one picture per pane. My neighbor decorated her home office with her parents’ first mailbox and rotary phone, a whacky delight for her iPad-using kids. We feel the tug of the old-fashioned, of things that were not designed like Apple products. Somewhere deep down, we understand that the old is the perfect antidote to the new, that it

adds meaning and contrast, salt to sweet.

In the same way, we are called to reclaim Catholicism, with all its artistry and riches, gilded and rusted many times over throughout the span of two millennia. It is the ultimate treasure trove, whispering to us with saints and stories, welcoming us with ancient rituals, waiting to be rediscovered.

No other Christian faith has our depth and history.

Other denominations are modern re-castings of ours, the original. We may not have rock bands and frappuccino makers, but we have the saving grace of sacraments, which you could classify as vintage. The older I get and the faster our world moves, the more I appreciate an old, unvarnished hymn. Maybe life is to be performed in largo: slowly and broadly. And maybe, more than ever, we need the quiet power of Catholicism.

Why Should You Choose A Catholic Cemetery?

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

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Four County Catholic October 2013

Did You Know?

October 6 Respect life Sunday and a great time to read Psalm 139. Chat about the importance of life.

October 20-26 Freedom of speech week

October 24-30 Peace, friendship, and good will week.

October 31 All Hallow’s Eve is really a time to be thankful for saints who loved God and served him.

Amazing Maize Mazes

by Karen H Whiting

It’s autumn and time to enjoy harvests, apple picking, and even an adventure romping though corn mazes.

Growing mazes: Building and growing mazes started long ago. Egyptian pyramids include tunnels of mazes. Romans designed floors and streets with puzzle patterns. About the 15th century, noblemen started designing garden mazes to entertain guests. Hampton Court’s Royal Palace planted a maze hedge that is 300 years old. Farmers plant a corn maze with a grid pattern. When the corn is six feet tall, the farmer mows out the actual maze and uses weed killer and hay on the mowed path to keep anything from growing. The remaining corn continues to grow taller. The corn is harvested and people are allowed in to go through the maze. Some places even have themes for the mazes, decorate them, create maze maps, and add clues for extra fun. Many places have teams hold flags they can raise in case they really get lost. It’s a challenge to make the right turns and stay on the path that leads to the exit.

Paths in life: A wrong turn in a maze is part of the adventure and fun where you simply make a U-turn and seek the right path. In life, making good choices is more important. Psalm 119: 105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp to help us on our path. Proverbs 4:154 reminds us not to choose the path of sinners. Thankfully, God forgives us and helps us make U-turns in life. Make the right choice and follow these words: The path of those who do what is right is like the first gleam of dawn. It shines brighter and brighter until the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18. Check out other verses on paths in the Bible: Psalm 23:3, Proverbs 3:4-5, Proverbs 15:24, Proverbs 22:5, Proverbs 28:6, Acts 2:28, 1 John 3:7.

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Bully Match Up October is Bully prevention month. Bullying is not new as you’ll find it often happened in the Bible. God does not like bullies and dealt with many of them. Sometimes the bullying happened in wars and the victims did fight (David). Victims did get hurt at times. Match the type of bully actions in the Bible to people involved and what happened. It’s important discuss bullies and what to do about them.

Bully Action

Victim

Bully

What Happened?

1. Threatened

A. Jesus

k. Goliath

20. Bully eaten by dogs as prophesied

2. Beat him/left for dead

B. Paul

l. Paul/helpers

21. Victims prayed + stood together

3. Extortion

C. David

m. Aram army

22. Victim killed bully with stone (this was during war)

4. Chased

D. Elijah

n. Teens

23. Confronted with questions

5. Stoned

E. Stephen

o. Pharisees

24. Bullies swallowed by sea

6. Crucified

F. Nehemiah

p. Pharaoh

25. God blinded and scared bullies

7. Planned to attack

G. Moses/people

q. Jezebel+Ahab

26. Bullies mauled by bears

8. Tried to trick/embarrass

H. Elisha

r. Angry men

27. Victim forgave bullies

9. Name Calling

I. Israel’s King

s. Sanballat

28. Victim prayed for bullies

10. Teased/Scared

J. Jesus

t. Roman soldiers

29. God healed victim/he got up walked back

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Corny word: Corn is mentioned in the Bible but it doesn’t mean corn on the cob. Corn was the word used for grain, especially grain that dried hard and could be crushed to make flour or meal.

When Europeans first saw what we call corn they called it Indian corn.

Later people dropped the word Indian and just called it corn. Native Americans called it mahis, meaning source of life, and later spelled the way it was pronounced as maize.

Answer: 1-D-q-20, 2-B-r-29, 3-I-m-25, 4, G-p-24, 5. E-l-28, J or A-t-27, 7.-F-s-21, 8-AorJ-0-23, 9-H-n-26, 10-C-k-22

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Four County Catholic October 2013

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