Four County Catholic September 2015 by Diocese of Norwich

Volume 27 Number 8

September 2015

St. Mary Church, Willimantic Photo by Trina Fulton

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

Four County Catholic September 2015

The people who worship here have a sense of identity and of destiny.

Four County

atholic

- The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, speaking to the resilient congregation at St. Mary Church in Willimantic on the occasion of the church’s rededication two years after the devastating fire of 2013.

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

Care for the earth and care for the poor cannot be separated.

- Pope Francis quoted by Sister Elissa Rinere from his Laudato si encyclical.

Our future as individuals and as a diocese is dependent upon the development of spiritually, morally, academically and socially well-developed children. - Mary Ellen Mahoney speaking of the Faith for the Future initiative in support of our diocesan Catholic schools.

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Dear Lord, As we remember the evils of September 11, 2001, let us turn our hearts and minds towards the good found only in You; Protect those who go in harm’s way to save others; Give wisdom to our leaders; Convert the hearts of those who seek our destruction; Let Your love rain down upon us, and let Your peace flourish on the Earth; All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

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Four County Catholic September 2015

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Anticipation Builds for Pope Francis’ Historic Visit “Among our tasks as witnesses to the love of Christ is that of giving a voice to the cry of the poor.” Pope Francis My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: History is about to unfold. It is now only two weeks until His Holiness Pope Francis arrives in Washington for the first ever papal address to a joint meeting of Congress. The president’s cabinet, the diplomatic corps and members of the Supreme Court, six of whom are Catholic, will be in attendance along with 434 House members and 100 senators. Each attendee, I understand, will receive one gallery ticket for a guest. This has become the hottest ticket in town. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, for example, will be giving her one ticket to her mother who has been a longstanding champion of Catholic Charities of Maine. Senator Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, will be presenting his gallery ticket to his wife. Each Congressional attendee will surely have a story to tell about his/her special invitee. Outside the Capital, the Holy Father’s address will be broadcast live to the public on the West Front of the Capitol, where the Pope is expected to make an appearance fol-

lowing his address. However scarce the tickets and lawn viewing may be, we will all have an opportunity to watch and listen through live broadcast and streaming media coverage. There has been so much speculation as to the Holy Father’s message to a Country eager to greet and hear him. What extraordinary timing. There have been few times in our still young history as a Country when we have faced so many profoundly challenging issues culturally, politically, environmentally, technologically and economically. All converging with such urgency. Pope Francis arrives in the middle of this tumult. He will be here to remind us to keep the poor and the vulnerable foremost in our thinking as we wrestle with the continuing pursuit of an America ever more true to its ideals. Pope Francis in his direct way will speak up for the poor and appeal to each of us and all of us not to leave the poor behind. This message is a cry he has made in other countries with very different governments and degrees of resources. I expect that his words will

make some, if not many, in the audience uncomfortable. Pope Francis has broken through the media clutter by making the world uncomfortable about the plight of the poor. The United States will have no exception to the discomfort that comes with this universal appeal. There is no country with as much determination to be a force for good than the United States. God bless this great Country that believes in opportunity, self-reliance, the dignity of the individual, the dignity of work, religious freedom, freedom of speech and assembly, the value of life, and looking out for one another. These ideals are a work in progress. We are gaining on them. We live in a society where the top 20% earners pay 84% of income taxes to help fund programs and infrastructure for the common good. In this society, the Catholic Church is second only to the government in providing food, shelter, health and social services to those in need. Additionally, philanthropic donors

give back enormous acquired wealth to help the less fortunate. Last year alone, the top fifty donors gave back $10.2 billion to not-for-profit orga-

nizations to help those in need. The private sector generosity, including the faithful support of contributing Catholics, is staggering. There is no more giving country in the world community. Can we do better? Always. This is where Pope Francis, I believe, will enter the conversation. How can the world’s most prosperous nation reduce excess where it may exist; how can we become more involved in tighter steward-

ship of God’s good earth; and how can we lift the poor out of dependency and into gainfully employed independence? How can we redouble our efforts to lift lives from poverty and protect the planet’s natural resources? We, perhaps more often than we should, look at the world in political or ideological terms. We let politics divide us. Pope Francis is bringing his message of “taking care of one another” as universal to all of us and to all nations. Let the challenge of lifting our brothers and sisters be what unites us. Let it be a higher calling than political party affiliation. Progress in helping the poor is not a left or right struggle. It is, as this Pope will most certainly tell us, a matter of following the ministry of Jesus Christ. What better place to lead in that regard than in a country with one of its most prominent declarations being “In God we trust!” Sincerely yours in Christ’s love, Bishop Michael R. Cote

La Histórica Visita del Papa Francisco Crea Prioridad “Entre nuestros deberes como testigos del amor de Cristo está el de dar una voz al clamor de los pobres.” Papa Francisco Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: La historia está a punto de avanzar. Estamos ahora a sólo dos semanas hasta que Su Santidad el Papa Francisco llegue a Washington por primera vez para el discurso papal a una reunión conjunta del Congreso. El gabinete del presidente, el cuerpo diplomático y los miembros de la Corte Suprema, seis de los cuales quienes son católicos, estarán presente junto con 434 miembros de la Cámara y 100 senadores. Cada

asistente, entiendo, recibirá un boleto de galería para un invitado. Este se ha convertido en el boleto más popular de la ciudad. La Senadora Susan Collins, RMaine, por ejemplo, dará un boleto a su madre quien ha sido desde hace mucho tiempo una defensora de Caridades Católicas de Maine. El senador Ben Cardin, D- Maryland, estará presentando su boleto de galería a su esposa. Cada asistente del Congreso seguramente tendrá

una historia que contar acerca de su invitado especial. El discurso del Santo Padre será transmitido en vivo al público en el frente oeste del Capitolio, fuera de la capital, donde se espera que el Papa haga una aparición tras su discurso. Pueden ser escasas las entradas y la visualización de césped, sin embargo todos tendremos la oportunidad de ver y escuchar a través de la transmisión en vivo y de la cobertura de medios de trans-

misión. Ha habido mucha especulación sobre el mensaje del Santo Padre a un país con ganas de saludar y de escucharlo. Que tiempo extraordinario. Ha habido pocas veces en nuestra historia todavía joven como país, en las que nos hemos enfrentado a tantos asuntos profundamente desafiantes cultural, político, ambiental, tecnológico y económico. Todos hallados con tanta urgencia. El Papa Francisco llega en medio de este tu-

multo. El estará aquí para recordarnos mantener ante todo en nuestro pensamiento a los pobres y vulnerables mientras luchamos con la continua búsqueda de un Estados Unidos cada vez más fiel a sus ideales. El Papa francisco de manera directa hablará por los pobres y pedirá a cada uno de nosotros y a todos nosotros no dejar atrás a los pobres. Este mensaje es el mismo ruego que Histórica Visita del Papa Francisco

Continued on page 4

Four County Catholic September 2015

Histórica Visita del Papa Francisco Continued from page 3 ha hecho en otros países con muy diferentes gobiernos y grados de recursos. Espero que sus palabras en la audiencia hará que algunos, si no muchos incómodos. El Papa Francisco ha interrumpido a través del desorden de los medios de comunicación haciendo al mundo incómodo sobre la difícil situación de los pobres. Estados Unidos no tendrá ninguna excepción a la molestia

que viene con este reclamo universal. No hay país con tanta determinación para ser una fuerza para el bien que los Estados Unidos. Que Dios bendiga a este gran país que cree en la oportunidad, la autonomía, la dignidad de la persona, la dignidad del trabajo, la libertad religiosa, la libertad de expresión y de reunión, el valor de la vida, y

mirar el uno por el otro. Estos ideales son un trabajo en progreso. Estamos ganando en ellos. Vivimos en una sociedad donde el 20% de la población paga el 80% de los impuestos para ayudar a los programas y la infraestructura de los fondos para el bien común. En esta sociedad, la Iglesia Católica sólo es segunda al gobierno en el suministro de alimentos, vivienda, salud y ser-

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

(860) 887-9294 www.God-Calls.com

vicios sociales a los necesitados. Hacemos una enorme diferencia. Los donantes filantrópicos devuelven enorme riqueza adquirida para ayudar a los menos afortunados. Solo el año pasado, los cincuenta principales donantes devolvieron $ 10.2 mil millones a organizaciones sin fines de lucro para ayudar a los necesitados. La generosidad del sector privado, incluyendo el apoyo fiel de los contribuyentes católicos es asombrosa. No hay otro país en la comunidad mundial que da más. ¿Podemos hacerlo mejor? Siempre. Aquí es donde El Papa Francisco creo, va a entrar en conversación. ¿Cómo puede la nación más próspera del mundo reducir el exceso donde pueda haberlo? ¿Cómo podemos participar en una más estricta administración de la buena tierra de Dios? Y ¿Cómo podemos sacar a los pobres de la dependencia y llevarlos a la independencia de un trabajo remunerado? ¿Cómo podemos redoblar nuestros esfuerzos para levantar las vidas de la pobreza y

proteger los recursos naturales del planeta? Nosotros tal vez con más frecuencia de lo que deberíamos, observamos el mundo en términos políticos o ideológicos. Dejamos que la política nos divida. El Papa Francisco está trayendo su mensaje de “cuidar el uno del otro” tan universal para todos nosotros y para todas las naciones. Deje que el desafío de levantar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas sea lo que nos una. Que sea una vocación más alta que la afiliación a un partido político. El progreso en ayudar a los pobres no es una lucha de izquierda o derecha. Es como este Papa sin duda nos va a decir, una lucha de seguir el ministerio de Jesucristo. ¡Qué mejor lugar para llevar esta reflexión que a un país con una de sus declaraciones más destacadas que son “En Dios Confiamos”! Atentamente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

September 17, 2015 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saint Joseph, Chester October 15, 2015 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saint Paul, Waterford

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy appointments in the Diocese of Norwich: Juan Aguirre 4th Year Theology English Studies St. Mary Seminary Baltimore MD

Frank Gilbert 2nd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Michael Bovino 2nd Year Philosophy Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Deacon Ron Blank 2nd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Jeffrey Ellis 4th Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

25th Annual

Red Mass The Most Reverend Arthur L. Kennedy, a Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, will concelebrate and deliver the homily. All lawyers, judges and members of the legal community of all faiths are invited to attend.

Sunday, October 4, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

Peter Langevin 4th Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Thomas Griffin 4th Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

Clergy Appointments Reverend Michael Gill, from Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown, to Retirement. Effective: August 15, 2015. Reverend Brian Romanowski, from Judge, Diocesan Tribunal Office, to Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown, while continuing as Judge in the Diocesan Tribunal Office. Effective: August 15, 2015 Reverend Roland C. Cloutier, Renewal of appointment as Pastor of All Saints Parish, Somersville, and Saint Edward Parish, Stafford Springs. Effective: August 19, 2015. ~ Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor ~

Four County Catholic September 2015

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin Congratulations to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church (the Baltic Sisters) who this past August 13, 2015 welcomed Sister Mary Kateri Ludick fully into their congregation through her profession of perpetual vows! May God continue the good work he has begun in Sister Kateri and in all of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. It was a beautifully reverent and joy filled celebration of one young daughter of God deciding in a difficult culture and world to fully give herself to the commitment of serving God’s family, and in the name of Christ as a Sister of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, for the rest of her life! Rev. Monsignor Leszek T. Janik, J.C.L., and Diocesan Vicar General, was the main celebrant and spoke of the special gift of Sister Kateri’s commitment at this time in our society and world. Read below the words Sister prayed near the end of Mass, a part of her prayer of Consecration which is adapted from Ephesians, 3: 1421. “Out of His infinite glory may

God give me the power, through His Spirit, for my hidden self to grow strong, so that Christ may live in my heart through faith, and then, planted in love, I will, with all the saints, have strength to grasp the breadth and length, the height and the depth, until, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond all knowledge, I am filled with the utter fullness of God…” As Sister Kateri prayed this aloud before our Lord and the gathering of her community with the Church, I was moved to think both how beautiful a prayer it is and how truly it speaks to the call of each of God’s children, son and daughter, regarding the journey towards the universal call to holiness. We truly can become holy but must realize it is through the power God gives each one of us, so that as His children we might inwardly grow strong by inviting His Son truly into our heart through faith. When we as sons and daughters choose to freely open our hearts to God, our first step is always one of giving our hearts to Him. Through this, we experience His love and slowly He takes us deeper

in the relationship that allows us to continue to trust more, desire, more, and want to have Him more in our lives. We must each remember we are all called to holiness. We are called to be Saints! Yet, we can only become such by opening ourselves to the love of God in such a way that His Spirit dwells within our daily lives more and more. St. Paul reminds us of this when he speaks of “...it’s not I who live, but Christ who lives in me...” Thank you, Sister Mary Kateri, for your complete yes to our Lord. May many more young women follow the example you have given and each of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church has given. God bless you all. VOCATION NOTES: As September arrives, things get busy for all of us. Some highlights of activities for the coming months: First up is the NCDVD National Convention in St. Louis between September 12th and 18th. September 24th through Sunday September 27th, I will be accompanying the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Philadelphia for Pope

Francis’ visit. On Thursday September 3rd we begin again our weekly Holy Hour and Mass for students at UCONN’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. You are always welcome to join us on a Thursday evening, 8pm – 9:30pm. Our Monthly Holy Hour for Vocations continues this Fall with Bishop Cote as we stop at each of the following parishes; St. Joseph in Chester, St. Paul’s in Waterford, Notre Dame in Durham and St. Joseph in Norwich. Watch for our new calendar for 2016 which will be ready hopefully before Thanksgiving. Finally, please keep all our seminarians in your prayers as this year we have 11 men studying for us. In a special way please pray for Juan Aguirre as he prepares for Candidacy and God willing will

be called to Transitional Diaconate Ordination sometime during the winter. Thank you all for your continuing prayers for an increase of priestly and consecrated religious vocations. Thank you God for your positive answers also!

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Four County Catholic September 2015

Thursday, September 10 ~ Saturday, September 12

Fall Festival St. Joseph Church, 11 Baltic Road, Versailles-Occum

Fall Festival 2015 begins on Thursday, 9/10, from 9:00am-4:00pm, with the Yard Sale and Family Closet. On Friday, 9/11, from 9:00am-8:00pm & Saturday, 9/12, from 9:00am-7:00pm. In addition to the Yard Sale and Family Closet, we will have Needlework, Baked Goods, General Store, Games, Food, Silent Auction, Books, CD’s, DVD’s, and much more. Major Raffle Drawing begins at 7:00pm on Saturday, 9/12. Friday, September 11 Blue Mass Steak Dinner Fundraiser Held at the East Great Plain Fire Department, 488 New London Turnpike, Norwich. From 5:30 – 7:30pm. Steak, baked potato, salad, bread & butter, soda & water. $20 adults, $10 children, 12 and under. The Blue Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral on September 20th, at 10:15am, for all law enforcement personnel and their families. This fundraiser helps to defray expenses. For more information or tickets please call Monsignor

Brown at 860-887-9294, ext. 232 or Becky Cady 860-887-9294, ext. 235.

Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at St. Joseph Church, Chester, 6-7pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwichdiocese.net or 860- 887-9294. www.God-Calls.com. Saturday, September 19 St. Joseph Living Center’s Annual Outdoor Fall Festival Seeking Vendors! Held from 10-2pm, 14 Club Road in Windham. Crafts, art work, plants, home goods, your home business (Avon, Pampered Chef, etc), tag sale, jewelry, fabrics, wood working, and so on. We are still taking applications for vendors. Call the recreation department for an application. 860-456-1107 ext. 123 or 124. Please leave a message.

Monday, September 14 Introduction to Christian Meditation Introductory session at 5:15pm., Harkness Chapel, Connecticut College. Led by Joe Murray. For more information, please call Deborah McCann Connors at 860-447-1431, ext. 232

Sat. & Sun., September 19-20 Harvest Fun Day Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, from 9am-3pm. The rummage sale, bake sale, and plant sale will continue Sunday, September 20 from 9- noon. Visit www.christthekingchurch.net for directions. For more information, please call 860-434-1669.

Thursday, September 17 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote,

Tuesday September 22 40 Day for Life Campaign The 9th Annual 40 Days for Life Mass

Wednesday, September 16

Catholic Charities 10th Annual Golf Tournament The New London Advisory Board will host the tournament at Fox Hopyard Golf Club, East Haddam. Registration will be at 10:30am, followed by lunch at 11:30am and a “shotgun start” at 1:00pm. Hors d’oeuvres and awards at 6:00pm, with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, presenting the awards. All of the monies raised will help provide social services in the areas of basic human needs, adoption, mental health, family life education, pregnancy and teen mentoring to individuals and families throughout Eastern CT. For more information, contact Christine Jackel, Development Coordinator at 860-886-1928 x12 or via e-mail cjackel@norwichdiocese.net

20th Annual

Diocesan Mass for Those Dedicated to Education Public, parochial and private educators, active and retired, and all support staff of all faiths are invited to attend.

Sunday, September 13th • 8:45 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich

at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich begins at 7pm and will be followed by refreshments downstairs. Please bring diapers, baby wipes and a dish to share. The Mass is to prepare and to pray for 40 days and 40 nights of prayer, fasting, and a peaceful vigil in front of Planned Parenthood at 12 Case St. in Norwich.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Television Mass At 10:00am Channel 20 WTXX, Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast. Celebrant is Rev. Russell F. Kennedy. Thurs.-Sun., September 24 – 27 Pilgrimage to Participate in the Papal Visit Saturday, September 26 Prison Ministry: Gift of Grace Program Prison Ministry is offering a training program for adults interested in serving the spiritual needs of prisoners in correctional institutions of Eastern CT. Prison Ministry trains volunteers for scripture study and sharing, sacramental preparation, prayer groups, religious education, retreat days, small Christian communities, and music for liturgies. Training will take place Sept. 26, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, and Dec. 6. Volunteers bi-lingual in Spanish and English are especially needed. Pre-registrationn is required. For more information, please contact Sheree Antoch, at 860-848-2237 ext. 211 or prison@norwichdiocese.net. Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Pilgrimage of Mercy: Tour of the Major Relics of St. Maria Goretti From September to November of this year the major relics of St. Maria Goretti

25th Annual

Blue Mass Homilist

Sunday, September 20 • 10:15 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich

All law enforcement officers (federal, state and municipal, active and retired) and their families are invited. All parishioners are cordially invited to attend this Mass. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, Celebrant

Reverend Jonathan Ficara

Parochial Vicar/Campus Minister St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Storrs & St. Mary Parish, Coventry

Four County Catholic September 2015

concert will feature the group “Daughters of God”, which includes cantors from the church, along with instrumentalists and other talented performers from the community. The concert is $10 per person with seniors and children free of charge. Proceeds from this concert would go towards the purchase of a new projection screen for the church. The CD, entitled “Enter the Song”, will also be available for $15. If you have any questions, contact Nicole Bernier at 860228-8367. The Church of the Holy Family is located at 185 Church Street, Hebron. Saturday, October 24 Workshop for New Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers 9-Noon at St. Joseph Parish, Willimantic. For more information please contact the Office of Worship at 860-848-2237.

will make a pilgrimage to the United States. It is the first time that her body travels to the USA and only the second time it has left Italy. While St. Maria is universally known as the Patroness of Purity, her greatest virtue was her unyielding forgiveness of her attacker even in the midst of horrendous physical suffering, a forgiveness that would completely convert him and set him on a path to personal holiness. The opportunity to venerate St. Maria can bring many graces and a renewed and deeper relationship with God. St. Theresa Church at 5301 Main St., Trumbull, will host St. Maria Goretti on: October 6, 2015. Public veneration of St. Maria will begin at: 10:00am; Solemn Mass celebrated in St. Maria’s Honor: 7:00pm; Public Veneration ends: 11:45pm.

Saturday October 10 A Day with Scott Hahn St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich is presenting “A Day with Scott Hahn” from 9:30am -3:30pm. Scott Hahn, a professor of Biblical Theology and a Catholic convert, will speak about “Evangelizing Catholics: The Bible, The Eucharist and the New Evangelization.” The Healing Power of Confession & Angels and Saints” For more information and tickets, please call Karen at 860-303-0513. Saturday, October 17 Workshop for Eucharistic Ministers who Bring Communion to the Sick and Homebound From 9am-Noon at St. Patrick Parish, East Hampton. For more information please contact the Office of Worship at 860-848-2237. Sunday, October 18 Daughters of God Concert Church of the Holy Family at 3pm.The

Sunday, October 18 Silver & Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass A Mass celebrating Silver and Golden Wedding Anniversaries will be celebrated at 2pm in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. All couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries are invited to participate and to renew their marriage vows at the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Cote. Register through your parish or on the Diocesan website or e-mail-worship@norwichdiocese.net. For information, call the Chancery at 860-887-9294, ext. 232.

Saturday, October 24 8th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference Goodwin College, 1 Riverside Dr., East Hartford. From 8am-5pm. Our Theme is “Family Man”. Get ready for a relaxed day. Adoration and confession will be available all day. The band named, “Jerusalem Road” will also be there. The master of ceremonies is Father John Gatzak, Director of the Office of Radio & Television of the Archdiocese of Hartford & General Manager of WJMJ Radio. The keynote address is given by prolific author & radio host, Patrick Madrid. Ticket cost is $40 which includes lunch. Parking is free. Purchase tickets at: www.ctcatholicmen.org or register by mail, before October 17th. Please make checks payable to: Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference, c/o St. Gabriel Productions, PO Box 1561 South Windsor, CT 06074. For more information please call 860 484 7950. Tuesday, October 27, 2015 Evening of Reflection The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women cordially invites all women of the diocese to an evening of reflection at St. John the Evangelist hall, 22 Maple Avenue, Montville. Buffet Dinner begin at 6pm. Our guest speaker is Sr. Elissa Rinere, and the topic for discussion is on the Apparitions of Mary. Please bring canned meat, tuna fish and soup. These items will be given to St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich. The cost is $15 please make out the check to Norwich District CCW & mail to: Viola Mulcahy, 24 Teecomwas Drive, Uncasville, CT 06382. For more info call Helen Connell, 860-848-8998. Saturday, November 7 Outreach to Haiti-30th Celebration Mercy High School, Middletown. Mass is at 4pm. Dinner and awards following. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich will honor: Bishop Emeritus Daniel Patrick Reilly, Sue & Dennis Petruzzi & Monsignor James Carini. For tickets, call the Outreach to Haiti office at 860-887-1019.

“Everyone (your name here) who LISTENS to these words of Mine (Jesus) and ACTS on them, will be a ‘wise man’ who built his house (daily prayer) on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house (relationship with Jesus’). But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock (prayer). For He (Jesus) taught them as ONE having authority”. Not as their leader! Matthew 7: 24-25, 29

Prayer Group Mass – Sacred Heart Taftville Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 6:30pm. Church chapel on Hunters Ave. side of church . Healing Masses, Monday’s September 14 &28 at 2:00pm Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. Masses on first floor- handicap accessible. Prayer & Discernment Board Meeting Monday, September 21, 2015 at 10:30 am. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. Spiritual Retreat, Residents – St. Joseph Living Center Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 10:00am-4:00pm. Father Ray Introvigne & Judith Hughes. Prayer Group Mass- St. Joseph Church Hall, Rockville Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 7:30pm. All are welcome. Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) Saturday, September 26, 2015. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. By appointment only. Please call 860-887-0702. Mass of Healing – Catholic Daughters, Somersville September 28, 2015 at 6:00pm. 25 School Street, Somersville. Prayer Group Mass – Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 7:00pm. Philip Retreat Team Meeting & Pot Luck Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 3:00pm.For more information please call the Spiritual Renewal Center at 860-887-0702. Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. “Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

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

Four County Catholic September 2015

St. Mary Church of Willimantic Rejoices in Rebuilt and Rededicated Church Willimantic (June 20, 2015) — During a special Mass of Rededication, the Most Reverend By Shelley Wolf FCC Contributor

Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, lighted the paschal candle and sprinkled holy water on the walls of the gloriously rebuilt and restored St. Mary Church, officially rededicating the 110-year-old, yellow-brick Romanesque house of worship for service once again, following a devastating fire more than two years ago. The rainy day did nothing to dampen the joy of parishioners, who gathered for their first vigil Mass in the newly rededicated church on Valley Street in the center of the city. All in attendance aptly sang the words “Rejoice and be glad, give thanks to the Lord for God is good.” Throughout the day, parishioners greeted one another, saying hello to St. Mary’s pastor of 30 years, Reverend Roger “Red” Lamoureux, OMI, shaking hands with one another during a joyful “peace be with you,” embracing in the aisles after Mass, and chatting over coffee during a reception that followed at St. Mary and St. Joseph School next door. The Homecoming: ‘Truly Holy Ground’ “I’m just so pleased and happy that I want to cry,” said Glory Beer, a lifetime parishioner, who said she made all of her sacraments at St. Mary’s, from her baptism to her wedding. “We’re finally back in our

own church.” “I feel sorrow,” she quickly added, “for the parishioners who passed away and could not have a funeral Mass in their own church.” “It’s nice to be home,” agreed Carolyn Lebeau, a parishioner who attended the Rededication Mass with her niece Michelle Gammel and Gammel’s two young children, Nicholas and Meghan. Lebeau said she was baptized at St. Mary’s and attended its school. “It was fine at St. Joseph’s, but this is our church.” During the two long years of reconstruction, parishioners of St. Mary’s attended Mass at St. Joseph Church on nearby Jackson Street. “We were sad about the fire,” said Marge Bachand, another member of St. Mary’s parish for more than 20 years. “St. Joe’s was wonderful to take us in, and I met some wonderful people there. But I’m ready to come home.” Bishop Cote touched on this very connection between parishioners and parish during his homily at the Rededication Mass. “The people who worship here have a sense of identity and of destiny,” the Bishop said. “A church is truly holy ground. It’s the abode of God, the gateway to heaven,” Bishop Cote said. “It’s where you come to make known to God your every need, your every fear, where you come to confess your sins and to receive forgiveness. It’s where you come in times of your greatest sorrows and greatest joys, where you

join your daily life with Jesus, and where he embraces you.” “Truly it is a wonderful place where God dwells with his people, and where you can worship him in spirit and in truth,” Bishop Cote said. The Fire: ‘Watching It Burn’ In addition to longtime parishioners, many other members of the local community turned out for the Rededication, including

firefighters from the 14 fire departments that responded to the fire on the evening of Thursday, May 16, 2013. Tony Kasacek, a firefighter with the Scotland Fire Department, said he attended the Rededication Mass because he knew that the parishioners of the church really appreciated what the firefighters

accomplished. “Usually, you don’t save a church,” Kasacek explained. “Churches go. But it was all hands on deck, and it worked out great.” Parishioners also recalled the night of the fire. “When you’re watching it burn, and you don’t know the outcome, oh dear,” said Glory Beer. According to Mark Lafontaine, the art director who helped orchestrate the rebuilding of St. Mary’s, firefighters were never able to determine the cause of the fire, which did considerable damage. Lafontaine, also a lifetime member

23rd Annual

of the parish, gave a formal presentation on the fire and reconstruction efforts during a special Prayer Service of Welcome, held at St. Mary Church just one week before the Rededication Mass, in which parishioners were invited to get their first look at the rebuilt and renovated structure. According to Lafontaine, the congregation of St. Mary’s had raised all the funds needed for a planned renovation of the church, which was set to begin on Monday, May 20, 2013. But the fire broke out on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m., just four days before the renovation work was scheduled to start. The fire raced across the top of the church, and firemen had to break through the roof and windows to quell it. The ceiling collapsed onto the scaffolding, a steel column in a support pillar near the altar was twisted and bent, the wood floor was warped from water damage, and the pews were destroyed. “It was a mess. People were crying,” Lafontaine recalled. “That very night the Bishop said ‘We will rebuild,’ and we thank him for that.” The Rebuilding: ‘A Beautiful

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

Saturday, October 17, 2015 3:00 P.M. Assembly & Procession • 5:00 P.M. Mass Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

Four County Catholic September 2015

Sight’ In time, parishioners learned that the cost of rebuilding would be fully covered by a combination of insurance money as well as by the funds they had already raised for the previously planned renovation. The parish hired Pelletier Builders as general contractor to oversee the many subcontractors, and brought in John Canning & Company for the architectural finishing work. The slate roof was rebuilt, the damaged column was replaced from basement to ceiling, and light maple wood flooring was installed. A stateof-the-art fire detection system was also added. Walls were replastered, and workmen from Russia recast the delicate plaster molds for the Corinthian capitals. A portion of the pews was sent to a woodshop in Pennsylvania that carved exact replicas of the originals. The previously white walls were painted beige with sage green columns that subtly set off the stained glass windows of greens and browns along the nave, and purples and blues above the sanctuary. “We’re a simple people, so we wanted a simple church,” Lafontaine explained, referring to the thread and textile mill workers of French-Canadian descent who originally founded the parish in 1903, when it spun off from St. Joseph Church. During the rebuilding of St. Mary’s, Secretary Donna Marouski posted blogs on the church’s website

to keep parishioners updated on the progress. Stained glass windows were repaired by Vasiloff Stained Glass, and the painting of the Baptism of Jesus was restored by John Canning studios. The ceiling above the altar was painted blue with metallic gold stars, in the constellation of the Northern sky, just as it appeared on the evening of the very first Mass celebrated at St. Mary Church on New Year’s Day in 1905. The Madonna and Child were painted on the ceiling above the nave. Finally, the crucifix arrived from Italy. “It’s just a beautiful sight, our Lord and our stars,” Lafontaine said. A refurbished pipe organ with more than 1,000 pipes was also purchased and installed in the choir loft. “There’s more miraculous work in this building than I have ever seen,” said Father Red, referring to the teams of artisans and craftsmen who rebuilt and restored the church. “It feels very, very special,” said Father Red. “I’m happy that it worked out well. And when the people like it, it’s very consoling.” Following the Mass of Rededication, Bishop Cote unveiled a portrait of Father Red that was painted from a photo without his knowledge. The painting was offered as a gift by John Canning & Company, and will be hung in the church to honor the humble and soft-spoken priest who oversaw the immense undertaking of rebuilding St. Mary Church.

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St. Joseph Church, New London: Restoring a Century-Old Sacred Building for Future Generations New London — On a hot Saturday morning in July, the sound of power tools could be By Shelley Wolf FCC Contributor

heard whirring away above the blue scaffolding as workmen moved around on the roof of St. Joseph Church, laying EPDM rubber roofing to seal the sacristy after having just laid 700 new Spanish tiles. The century-old, gray granite Gothic church on Montauk Avenue saw steady progress throughout the summer as part of an 18-month, capital improvement project aimed at restoring the sacred structure. “I believe in this church and the good people here,” said Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell, Pastor of St. Joseph Church. “We can accomplish this goal to rebuild this beautiful church that has been around since 1907.” New Challenges: In January 2012, Father O’Donnell was reassigned as Pastor of St. Joseph Church. He soon realized that the busy city parish had extensive aging facilities to manage: a century-old church, a large rec-

tory/office, a K-8 school, a convent, and multiple rental properties. According to Father O’Donnell, the combined rectory/office at 17 Squire Street needed electrical updating, major repairs, and was found by three independent inspectors to have serious mold and air quality issues due to leaks in the roof, making it uninhabitable. Moreover, he discovered peeling paint problems in the interior of the church, which had undergone a beautiful interior renovation not long ago in 2006, thanks to funds from a benefactor. To assist in tackling the many facilities challenges, Father O’Donnell assembled a 10-member Building Committee of parishioners, chaired by local attorney Tom Londregan. The Building Committee brought in contractors to investigate the source of the peeling paint in the church. “We found several leaks in the roof and windows, cracked granite stones, and the lime leaching effect,” Father O’Donnell said, explaining that the lime concrete mortar between the stones had washed out, leaving only sand holding some stones together, especially

in the bell tower, rendering it unsafe. What started out as a minor interior fix, turned into a major exterior restoration. The church needed a new roof, sealing around the windows, repointing of the stones, removal of a portion of the bell tower, and replacement of the limestone trim and stone column in front. “We didn’t anticipate the extent of the undertaking,” said parishioner Lou Camerota. The Campaign: A Lofty Goal To raise the funds to secure and seal the exterior of the church, St. Joseph’s created a separate Capital Campaign Committee, and Camerota, a local car sales manager, signed on as chairman. “I saw the need to help Father Mark and be an additional pair of hands,” Camerota said. “We all have to shoulder the wheel a bit more.” In November and December of 2014, Father O’Donnell and Camerota teamed up during seven fundraising events held at different parishioners’ homes, where they detailed the restoration plans and exSt. Joseph, New London

Continued on page 11

Four County Catholic September 2015

REBUILD YOUR PARISH ŽŵŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŝŽĐĞƐĞ ŽĨ EŽƌǁŝĐŚ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ϯ͕ ϮϬϭϱ͕ ϴ͗ϯϬ ʹ EŽŽŶ ^ƚ͘ ĞƌŶĂƌĚ ^ĐŚŽŽů͕ ϭϱϵϯ EŽƌǁŝĐŚ-EĞǁ >ŽŶĚŽŶ dƉŬĞ͕͘ hŶĐĂƐǀŝůůĞ d &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐĂůů ƚŚĞ KĸĐĞ ŽĨ &ĂŝƚŚ ǀĞŶƚƐ ϴϲϬ-ϴϰϴ-ϮϮϯϳ ǆƚ͘ϯϭϮ

dŚŝƐ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ƚŽ WĂƐƚŽƌƐ͕ WĂƌŝƐŚ >ĞĂĚĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉĞǁƐ ǁŚŽ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďƌŝŶŐ ŶĞǁ ůŝĨĞ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĂƌŝƐŚĞƐ͘ ŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂƌ ŚŽǁ Ă ƉĂƌŝƐŚ ŚĂƐ ĂůŵŽƐƚ ƚƌŝƉůĞĚ ŝŶ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ ĂƩĞŶĚĂŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͕ϰϬϬ ƚŽ ŽǀĞƌ ϰ͕ϬϬϬ͘

^ƉĞĂŬĞƌƐ͗ &ĂƚŚĞƌ DŝĐŚĂĞů tŚŝƚĞ Θ dŽŵ ŽƌĐŽƌĂŶ͕ ŽŽ ĂƵƚŚŽƌƐ ŽĨ ZĞďƵŝůƚ ĂŶĚ dŽŽůƐ ĨŽƌ ZĞďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ

By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD

&ĂƚŚĞƌ DŝĐŚĂĞů tŚŝƚĞ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ ŚŝƐ ďĂĐŚĞůŽƌ͛Ɛ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ĨƌŽŵ >ŽǇŽůĂ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚǇ DĂƌǇůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ŚŝƐ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ĚĞŐƌĞĞƐ ŝŶ ƐĂĐƌĞĚ ƚŚĞŽůŽŐǇ ĂŶĚ ĞĐĐůĞƐŝŽůŽŐǇ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ WŽŶƟĮĐĂů 'ƌĞͲ ŐŽƌŝĂŶ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚǇ ŝŶ ZŽŵĞ͘ ƵƌŝŶŐ ŚŝƐ ƚĞŶƵƌĞ ĂƐ ƉĂƐƚŽƌ Ăƚ ŚƵƌĐŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ EĂƟǀŝƚǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ŚĂƐ ĂůŵŽƐƚ ƚƌŝƉůĞĚ ŝŶ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ ĂƩĞŶĚĂŶĐĞ͘ DŽƌĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ ŚĂƐ ŐƌŽǁŶ͕ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞĚ ďǇ ƚŚĞ ƐŝŐͲ ŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŽĨ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŝŶ ŵŝŶŝƐƚƌǇ

Office of Worship

dŽŵ ŽƌĐŽƌĂŶ͕ ĐŽ-ĂƵƚŚŽƌ ŽĨ Z h/>d͕ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ ŚŝƐ ďĂĐŚĞůŽƌ͛ƌ Ɛ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ĨƌŽŵ >ŽǇŽůĂ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚǇ DĂƌͲ ǇůĂŶĚ͘ dŽŵ ŚĂƐ ƐĞƌǀĞĚ ŚƵƌĐŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ EĂƟǀŝƚǇ ŝŶ Ă ǀĂƌŝĞƚǇ ŽĨ ƌŽůĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂǀĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ Śŝŵ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƉĞƌͲ ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞ ŽŶ ƉĂƌŝƐŚ ŵŝŶŝƐƚƌǇ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ͘ ,Ğ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůǇ ƐĞƌǀĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ WĂƐƚŽƌĂů ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂī ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ͘

ZĞďƵŝůĚ zŽƵƌ WĂƌŝƐŚ ZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ĞĂĚůŝŶĞ͗ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ Ϯϴ͕ ϮϬϭϱ EĂŵĞ͗

WŚŽŶĞη͗

WĂƌŝƐŚ͗ EĂŵĞ

By now, most of us have heard of the new encyclical on the environment issued by Pope

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ΨϭϬ WĞƌ WĞƌƐŽŶ ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ΨϰϬ WĞƌ WĂƌŝƐŚ ŽĨ ϰ Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ;ŶƵŵďĞƌ ĂƩĞŶĚŝŶŐͿ ͺͺͺͺͺͺͺͺ ^ĞŶĚ ĐŚĞĐŬ ƉĂǇĂďůĞ ƚŽ KĸĐĞ ŽĨ &ĂŝƚŚ ǀĞŶƚƐ Ăƚ ϭϵϵ ƌŽĂĚǁĂǇ͕ EŽƌǁŝĐŚ͕ d ϬϲϯϲϬ

6$9( 7+( ' '$7( &+5,67,$1 025$/,7< ,1 7+( %5($7+ 2) *2' Is it difficult to follow Christ? Is it a challenge to be faithful to the Gospel? Can it be exhausting to devote oneself to building up God’s reign of love and justice on this earth? Of Course! These sessions will shed light on what it means for you to respond to the love of God and the connection between that response and some of the concrete moral challenges of your life.

A two session course presented by Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Director of the Office of Worship and the Office of Pastoral Planning Thursday Evening, October 22nd & 29th, 2015 (6:30pm-8:30pm) Cathedral of St. Patrick (Lower Church Hall) 213 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360 Fee: $20.00 (Fee includes book and materials)

This course will be repeated on March 3rd & 10, 2016 at St. Joseph Parish, Willimantic from 10 am – 12 pm

Francis on May 24, 2015. In Catholic tradition, an encyclical is a letter written by a pope to address a specific topic of concern. “Laudato si” is the second encyclical issued by Pope Francis, the first being ‘The Light of Faith,” published just two months after his election. “The Light of Faith” is the last in a series of three encyclicals begun by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, the first two being on Hope and Love. The title of this new encyclical, “Laudato si,” is taken from the prayer known as the “Canticle of the Sun” written by St. Francis of Assisi in the early thirteenth century. The opening sentence of the English text of the encyclical uses the original Italian of the prayer: “Laudato si, mi Signore…” and then translates: “Praise be to you, my Lord…” Even in the Introduction to the encyclical, Pope Francis cites Saint Francis as “particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and the outcast” (n. 10). Further, “His response to the world around him was so much more than intellectual appreciation or economic calculus, for to him each and every creature was a sister or brother, united to him by bonds of affection” (n.11). From that introduction, Pope Francis proceeds through the six chapters of the text to set out a portrait of the earth as a gift to all of humanity from the hand of God, and our common home. This gift, he says, is for the use of all people, not just a few, and misuse by one causes others to suffer. Throughout the text, the encyclical emphasizes that care for the earth and care for the poor cannot be separated. Certainly, since its publication, “Laudato si”

has been both highly praised and harshly criticized. Only time will tell the true impact of this extraordinary document. The first chapter begins with a review of current scientific

consensus on the harm being done to the earth by pollution and climate change. Among other issues, the encyclical highlights the increasing lack of drinking water for so many: “Our world has a grave social debt toward the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity” (n. 30). Also so in this chapter are some statements very critical of “global inequality,” the situation in which some countries live in abundance while others have little or nothing of life’s necessities. The encyclical cites a pastoral letter issued in 2012 by the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia: “Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest” (n. 48). In fact, the encyclical consistently equates care of the earth with care of the poor; that is, to accomplish the first task is also to accomplish the second. The encyclical contains several citations from Scripture which support this view, one being the concept of a “universal communion within all of nature,” which cannot be real if we lack compassion and concern for our fellow human beings. “Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures” (n. 91, 92).

The third chapter of the encyclical is titled “Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis.” Here, there are harsh words for consumerism with its underlying presumption that the resources of the earth are infinite. There is also criticism of the idea that technology will eventually address all social ills. “The economy accepts every advance in technology with a view to profit, without concern for its potential negative impact on human beings” (n. 109). Pope Francis calls for honesty and dialogue with respect to technological advances because “a technology severed from ethics will not easily be able to limit its own power” (n. 136). The fourth chapter, “Integral Ecology,” goes more deeply into the relationship between care of the earth and care of the poor. Also brought into the discussion is the concept of the Common Good, first defined by Vatican II as “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment.” The Common Good, the encyclical teaches, has as its underlying principle respect for every person (n. 157). To illustrate this point in reference to indigenous peoples, the encyclical states: “The disappearance of a culture can be just as serious, or even more serious, than the disappearance of a species of plant or animal” (n. 165). The fifth chapter, “Lines of Approach and Action,” calls for dialogue, dialogue and more dialogue, on national, international and local levels, so that solutions to global problems will benefit all of humanity, and not only economic interests of some. “Interdependence obliges us to think of one world with a common plan” (n. 164). There are calls to end the use of fossil fuels and to have enforceable international agreements on pollution, to decrease greenhouse gases, and to increase Liturgy Notes: Laudato Si

Continued on page 12

Four County Catholic September 2015

St. Joseph, New London Continued from page 9

Very Reverend Dennis M. Perkins, Pastor, St. Michael the Archangel Church & St. Mary marches with the Most Reverend Paul D. Loverde of Arlington, Virginia. Photo by Meredith Morrison

Honoring the Feast of the Assumption Pawcatuck & New London (August 16, 2015) - Honoring the Feast of the Assumption has been From the FCC News Desk

a local tradition in Pawcatuck and New London for 95 and 85 years respectively. This year, a sunny and very warm summer’s day provided a perfect backdrop to the day’s activities at both St. Michael the Archangel and St. Joseph parishes. In New London, Mass was, again this year, celebrated outdoors at Fort Trumbull on the banks of the Thames River. Monsignor James Carini, enjoying his fiftieth year of priesthood, was the celebrant. His Excellency, Bishop Emeritus Daniel P. Reilly, enjoying his 40th year as a Bishop, presided; while Reverend Joseph Castaldi

delivered the homily in Italian. Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish and enjoying his 30th year in the priesthood, and Reverend Anthony DiMarco, Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph, concelebrated Mass. Mass was followed by a procession to St. Joseph Church; then followed by a festive picnic for parishioners with food provided by Tony D’s, Stash and Daddy Jack, three of the most popular eateries in the New London area. On the other side of the Thames River in Pawcatuck, St. Michael Parish conducted a Feast of the Assumption three-day festival organized by the Maria Assunta Society. The special weekend began on Friday with a rosary and a candle-

light procession. On Sunday, the Most Reverend Bishop Paul D. Loverde, of Arlington, Va, returned home to Pawcatuck to serve as celebrant and homilist at Mass, held at St. Mary in Stonington Borough while renovations at St. Michael Church continue. Following Mass, the traditional procession with the statue of the Blessed Mother and a marching band moved through the streets of Pawcatuck. The carved wooden statue of the Blessed Mother was originally shipped to Pawcatuck from Sicily in 1935. Both the festivities in New London and Pawcatuck brought enthusiastic attention, pride and honor to the joyful celebration of the Assumption of Mary.

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plained why 36 feet of the bell tower required permanent removal. “Safety and the need to restore the church but not be frivolous with parishioners’ money were foremost in our planning,” Camerota explained. Father O’Donnell also outlined the fundraising goal and shared his own financial commitment to the restoration project. “I’ve pledged from my own pocket $10,000 over 5 years,” Father O’Donnell said. “If I expect people to give, I have to do the same.” According to Father O’Donnell, the response of parishioners was very positive. “We received some gifts that were large, some small, and all gifts in between,” he said. Members of the Capital Campaign Committee continued the fundraising effort by placing hundreds of follow-up phone calls. As of this writing, they were working on a mailing to parishioners who haven’t donated yet. Exterior Work Underway: As for the actual construction, Bishop Cote and the Diocesan Building Commission approved G.L. Capasso as the general contractor for the work. “We’ve also been very fortunate to have Bob Sullivan and Ted Olynciew, who are both in the construction business, serving as clerks of the works on the Building Committee,” Camerota said. “They have quite a few years of experience in how to get the biggest bang for our buck and bring back the integrity of our buttresses.” To date, the tiles on the roof have been replaced, the roof channels and joints have been shored up and waterproofed, and all of the stones

have been repointed three inches deep, Father O’Donnell said. The clouded Lexan on the stained glass has been cleaned, and tempered glass has been added over the stained glass to protect it. Bovard Studio of Iowa also replaced the trim around the windows with state-of-the art weatherproof materials. The top half of the bell tower has been permanently removed for safety, but the bells remain. Stainless steel chains that will resist rust still must be added, and the Building Committee is looking into adding decorative metal trim or a few feet of stone to hide the bells from view and give the bell tower a finished look, Father O’Donnell said. The front stone pillar that is currently surrounded by blue scaffolding is still scheduled to be replaced. According to Father O’Donnell, all exterior work is expected to be completed by November of this year. Long-Term Plans: Since the interior of the church was renovated just a decade ago, future interior fixes are likely to be minimal, Father O’Donnell said, and will be focused primarily on resolving the peeling paint issue. To head off future maintenance surprises, Father O’Donnell created a new Planning and Capital Improvement Committee, chaired by parishioner Jim O’Reilly, to assess the condition of all church property, including St. Joseph School, and to begin setting aside funds for future repairs. “One of the things Father Mark brought to us,” Camerota said upon reflection, “is some long-term planning and thinking.”

Father Ralph DiOrio

Holy Mass, Benediction, Spoken Love Scripture, the Healing Ministry

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Four County Catholic September 2015

Adoption Party Brings Adoptive & Foster Families Together More than 70 people who have been touched by adoption, met in August for the 1st Annual By Susan Sedensky Director of Adoption Programs, Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities Adoption picnic. Some foster parents had not seen children since they were in

their care as newborns. They were delighted to catch up with adoptive families who shared their children’s accomplishments – from dance recitals and sporting events to growth spurts! Families waiting to adopt a child received advice from families who had previously adopted from Connecticut, out-

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of-state or internationally. Most importantly, children had the opportunity to meet kids, like themselves, who had been adopted. Angela and Michael Arnold graciously hosted the event at their home, which provided a relaxing location for folks to share a meal, swim in the pool, and kids to use the playscape, blow bubbles, get face painted and hula hoop. Guests were especially grate-

ful to spend the day with Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, Monsignor Leszek Janik and Reverends Greg Brozonowicsz and Martin Noe. In his

blessing and remarks, Bishop Cote reminded those in attendance that

adoption is a beautiful example of the blessings we receive through the gift of life. This special event celebrated families formed through adoption, and provided an opportunity for parents to recall the unique and remarkable journey that they each took to simply bring their child home. Catholic Charities will be celebrating 95 years of serving people of all faiths in Southeast Connecticut. If you are interested in learning more about adoption, contact Susan Sedensky, Director of Adoption Programs at (860) 889 – 8346, ext. 282 or susansedensky@ccfsn.org.

Liturgy Notes: Laudato Si Continued from page 10

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availability of renewable forms of energy. To show its own willingness to contribute to global efforts, just this past July the Vatican sponsored a conference in Rome attended by mayors of sixty cities around the world. The topics discussed included climate change, poverty and human trafficking. Much emphasis was given to the need for cities and other local governments to work together to bring about policy changes. The sixth and final chapter of the encyclical, “Ecology Education and Spirituality” places the issues of caring for the earth and caring for each other in the context of personal conversion. “Only by cultivating sound virtues will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment” (n. 211). The encyclical suggests small ges-

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tures which might put individuals on the path to greater appreciation of the earth as our common home. One practice is simply to say Grace or some other prayer before meals as a sign of gratitude for the benefits the earth provides to us (see n. 227). Another is to have greater devotion to the Eucharist which joins heaven and earth together in Christ. “Eucharist is a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation” (n. 236). Also, devotion to the Holy Trinity can lead us to a greater appreciation of the ways in which all of creation is interrelated and interdependent. “The divine persons are subsistent relations, and the world, created according to the divine model, is a web of relationships” (n. 240). Finally, devotion to Mary, “who cares for this wounded world,” and to Saint Joseph who “can inspire us to work with generosity and tenderness in protecting this world which God has entrusted to us” (n. 242). These small gestures and prayers are powerful means of growing in personal awareness and conversion. The text of the encyclical concludes with two prayers, “A Prayer for Our Earth,” and “A Christian Prayer in Union with Creation.” (All citations taken from “Laudato si” available at http://w2vatican.va)

Four County Catholic September 2015

A Protest to Save the Babies and De-Fund Planned Parenthood A National Day of Protest was held at 300 Planned Parenthood offices across the county on Saturday, By Linda Norton

8/22/15. One of the protests was held in our Diocese at the Planned Parenthood office in Norwich. This national event was sponsored by ProtestPP, a coalition of pro-life groups in our country www.protest pp.com. The four main sponsors in this coalition are Created Equal, The Pro-Life Action League, 40 Days for Life, and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society. The goal was to raise awareness about the atrocities of the killing, harvesting, and selling of the body parts of aborted babies and to bring awareness of the need to stop all government funding of Planned Parenthood. The recent releases of undercover videos by The Center for Medical Progress (www.centerformedicalprogress.org) showing Planned Parenthood personnel talking about these horrific acts against God’s precious children have greatly upset many people. It has been reported that at least half of the American population has viewed at least some of these videos and even staunch proabortion advocates are starting to question their support of abortion. The news of this protest was re-

ceived on short notice, but about 35 people participated in the protest at the Planned Parenthood office on Case Street in Norwich. They prayed the rosary, as well as offered individual silent prayers, while carrying signs. One sign even questioned our own State’s children protection agency asking “Abortion equals child abuse – where is DCF ?”. Another sign read “Black Lives Matter – born and unborn” and still another, “Life counts”. Representatives from the following churches were present: St. Michael the Archangel in Pawcatuck, St. Patrick in Mystic, St. John in Uncasville, St. Thomas in Storrs, Our Lady of the Lakes in Oakdale,

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Quaker Hill, St. Agnes in Niantic, St. Mary in Baltic, St. Mary in Coventry, the Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church, the Colchester Bible Baptist Church, the First Baptist Church in Waterford, the Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland, and the Lighthouse Church of God in Plainfield. The protest was a beautiful ecumenical expression of faith and solidarity to stand up against the illegal, immoral, and sinful actions of Planned Parenthood. Let us continue to pray for the de-funding of Planned Parenthood, an end to abortion, and for the souls of those who are committing these atrocities.

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Four County Catholic September 2015

Diocese of Norwich Issues Financial Report The Diocese of Norwich has issued a financial report for The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation and The Annual Catholic Appeal of The Diocese of Norwich, Inc. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. The Diocese of more than 228,520 Catholics spent $4,907,125 on funding for ministries and programs, including but not limited to, Catholic Charities/Family Services in Norwich, New London, Willimantic and Middletown, St. Vincent de Paul Places in Norwich and Middletown, Project Northeast in Putnam, the Hispanic and Haitian Ministries throughout the Diocese, and the offices of Faith Events, Prison Ministry, Pastoral Planning, and Ministry to the Sick. Contributions and collections including the Annual Catholic Appeal and diocesan assessments accounted for approximately 33 percent of the total diocesan revenue of $17,878,000. Contributions and collections decreased 1 percent from the previous year, to $3,567,757 and diocesan assessments were

$2,262,084, a decrease of 5 percent from the 2013 fiscal year. Insurance premiums that the Diocese charges various diocesan entities for property and liability coverage, amounted to $1,901,649. Insurance premiums paid to Catholic Mutual Insurance and other commercial carriers for property and liability insurance, for Catholic Umbrella Pool assessments, claims paid under the self-insurance program, and auto and workmen’s compensation insurance amounted to $1,179,502. The Diocese is a member of the RETA Trust, which is a self-insured trust comprised of Catholic dioceses and organizations nationwide with over 40,000 insured lives participating in its medical plan. The plan operates as a fully insured plan and is presented in the financial statements in the same manner as the other types of insur-

ances carried by the Diocese. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 premiums billed under the plan were $7,630,086 and payments to the Trust were $6,355,650. All Diocesan investments are made in accordance with guidelines issued by the USCCB and they are subject to an independent scanning process semi-annually by Aquinas Associates to ensure compliance with these guidelines. For the year ended June 30, 2014, net investment income including realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities was $1,303,384 which is fairly reflective of overall market trends. Expenses for seminarians totaled $337,623, and include expenses for tuition and subsistence for current seminarians and payment of educational loans for seminary graduates who are active priests in the Diocese.

Payments to aid in the support of retired and infirm priests were $187,168. These costs are offset partially by the Easter Sunday collection, which amounted to $159,048. Administration expenses increased by 4 percent to $2,011,537 consisting primarily of $1,278,102 in direct employee expenses including salaries, payroll taxes, pensions and medical insurance. Direct subsidies to high schools attended by diocesan students were $1,409,700 including the fair market rental value of the facilities. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, the Diocese was required to adopt the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 158 which requires full disclosure of post-retirement benefits. The actuarially determined benefit of the priests’ post-retirement benefits at June 30, 2014 was $4,876,877 and $4,848,139 at June 30, 2013. The combined diocesan financial statements do not reflect the finances of the Diocese’s parishes or any of its schools.

Combined Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2014 and 2013 Assets

2014

2013

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Diocesan Corporation

$ 529,671

$ 339,129

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Annual Catholic Appeal Inc. Total Cash and Cash Equivalents Short-Term Investments Accounts Receivable Current Unconditional Promises to Give Loans Receivable Cash Restricted to Future Programs Beneficial interest in Trusts Catholic Umbrella Pool Interest Long-Term Investments Property and Equipment, Net

898,535 1,428,206 2,121,425 5,460,928 892,732 1,026,642 53,768 491,397 525,392 6,857,204 4,448,469

531,919 871,048 2,628,718 4,834,854 817,861 1,057,632 57,925 652,962 455,540 6,351,207 4,651,330

$ 23,306,163

$ 22,379,077

Total Assets

Pope Francis @Pontifex • Recent Tweet

When we experience the merciful love of the Father, we are more able to share this joy with our neighbor.

Liabilities

2014

Lines of Credit Advances

$ 276,543

276,543

Accounts and Accruals Payable

411,725

387,266

Agency Obligations

469,747

390,354

Grants Payable

250,000

52,384

89,944

Loans Payable

2,410,718

Other Retirement Obligations

4,876,877

4,848,139

Total Liabilities

8,747,994

8,402,964

Unrestricted

7,495,638

6,782,619

Temporarily Restricted

6,561,134

6,672,410

Permanently Restricted

501,397

521,084

14,558,169

13,976,113

$ 23,306,163

$ 22,379,077

Split-Interest Liabilities

2013

Net Assets

Total Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

Four County Catholic September 2015

Combined Statements of Activities June 30, 2014 and 2013 Revenues and Support Contributions and Collections Diocesan Tax Insurance Program- Property Insurance Program- Medical Investment Income Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Change in Value of Split-Interest Agreements Loss on Asset Disposition Facility Rental & Other Income

2014 3,567,757 2,262,084 1,901,649 7,630,086 258,689 1,044,695 (9,589) 6,296 1,216,333

2013 3,588,833 2,380,258 1,823,091 8,549,528 205,421 737,718 45,529 212,605 1,334,802

Expenses Ministries and Programs Retired and Infirm Priests Seminarians High School Subsidies Insurance Program-Property Insurance Program-Medical Administration Fund-Raising Interest

Total Revenue and Support

$ 17,878,000

$ 18,877,785

Uncollectible Support & Insurance

2014 4,907,125 187,168 337,623 1,409,700 1,179,502 6,355,650 2,011,537 386,993 127,450

2013 3,566,107 289,746 368,434 1,438,000 1,174,200 7,596,316 1,935,733 373,526 127,449

850,000

256,857

260,650

17,159,605

17,980,161

718,395

897,624

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1,548,222

13,976,113

11,530,267

$ 14,558,169

$ 13,976,113

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2015 Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the United States of America The schedule for Pope Francis’ September 2015 Apostolic Journey to the United States of America as released by the Vatican on June 30, 2015. All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (WASHINGTON, DC) 4:00pm Arrival from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (WASHINGTON, DC) 9:15am Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House 11:30am Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew’s Cathedral 4:15pm Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (WASHINGTON, DC, NEW YORK CITY) 9:20am Address to Joint Meeting of the United States Congress 11:15am Visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington 4:00pm Depart from Joint Base Andrews 5:00pm Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport 6:45pm Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick’s Cathedral FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (NEW YORK CITY) 8:30am Visit to the United Nations and Address to the United Nations General Assembly 11:30am Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center 4:00pm Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem 6:00pm Mass at Madison Square Garden SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (NEW YORK CITY, PHILADELPHIA) 8:40am Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport 9:30am Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia 10:30am Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia 4:45pm Visit to Independence Mall 7:30pm Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (PHILADELPHIA) 9:15am Meeting with bishops at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 11:00am Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility 4:00pm Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway 7:00pm Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation 8:00pm Departure for Rome

In US Workshop, an Altar for Pope Francis Takes Shape Frederick, US - Deacon David Cahoon is a carpenter on the holiest of deadlines: to build the altar from which Pope Francis will By Robert MacPherson, AFP

celebrate Mass before an al fresco crowd of thousands in Washington later in September. “Not many days left,” he said Monday, sweat beading on his brow, as the altar and accompanying papal chair took shape in a dusty cabinetmaker’s shop an hour’s drive from the US capital. “One day late is not going to make it... but I’m honored and blessed to do it,” he said. Graceful in its simplicity, the altar pays hommage to the Vatican’s recent encyclical letter to bishops on the environment and global warming with its use of recycled fiberboard and American-sourced poplar and cherry veneer. Besides the papal chair, it will be complemented by 12 other pieces, including a set of eight deacons’ chairs and an ambo, or lectern, from which the Gospel will be read. “We’re not using South American stuff from the rain forest,” Cahoon, 58, told AFP with pride as his partner Carlos Hernandez put sandpaper to some rough edges. - Like Jesus, a carpenter “Deacon Dave” -- who, following in the footsteps of Jesus, found his calling in carpentry -- is no stranger to the pressures of building to papal order. After all, he built the altar used Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the last visit to the United States by a R o m a n Catholic pontiff. “ ‘ H e y, Deacon, you think you’d like to do it again?’” he remembered a bishop asking him after a confirmation ceremony

this summer at his local parish in rural Maryland. “So it developed from there.” Pope Francis arrives in Washington on September 22 on a tour -- his first since his investiture -- that will also see him in New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The new altar will be a centerpiece of the Mass that Pope Francis will celebrate on the east portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The basilica, in northeast Washington, is the biggest Roman Catholic house of worship in North America, and one of the 10 largest in the world, with one million visitors a year. From the altar that Cahoon is building, Pope Francis will canonize Junipero Serra, the Spanish missionary who in the 18th century introduced Christianity to California. - Winning design The altar’s design is the result of a competition among students at the Catholic University of America (CUA), next door to the basilica, that involved 18 teams. It salutes the Argentine pontiff ’s Jesuit background, with four columns to signify the four vows taken by members of the Society of Jesus. Together those four columns create three arches, representing the Holy Trinity. A removal stone slab will rest on top of the altar. “To be honest, all of our inspiration came right from the basilica,” said Joe Taylor, 23, a member of the winning team who has just graduated from CUA’s architecture program. “We took a really contextualist approach,” he told AFP. “We wanted to design an altar that looked like it belonged to the basilica and had always been there.” That’s just as well, because plans call for the altar to remain a permanent fixture of the basilica, built in the Byzantine-Romanesque style, after the papal visit. In his baggy carpenter’s trousers and the dark blue T-shirt of the woodworking company, aptly named the Saint Joseph Carpentry Shop, Cahoon said he feels “lucky and graced.”

2015 Four County Catholic September 2015

ates

RANCIS

September 22-27

Cardinal O’Malley, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Welcomes Pope’s Year of Mercy Plan for Post-Abortion Healing September 1, 2015 - Pope Francis has given the Church and the world a great gift in his announcement of Jubilee Year of Mercy that will begin December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, continuing through to the Solemnity of Christ the King in November of 2016.

The Holy Father today shared that there will be many occasions for the faithful to experience the graces of the Year of Mercy, including those who are confined at home or at a medical facility and those who are incarcerated. Recognizing the seriousness of the Continued on page 19

Philly inmates make carved chair for Pope Francis

Pope Francis Mural Emerges in Manhattan The pope’s likeness takes form on a high-profile ad space in Manhattan When Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Madison Square Garden later this month, he will be greeted by crowds and a larger-than-life By Keiko Morris and Kate King

painting of the Holy Father himself. This week, a painted ad depicting the pope’s face began to take shape on the south-facing wall of 494 Eighth Ave., just north of Madison Square Garden, drawing attention from workers and tourists. The Roman Catholic Diocese

of Brooklyn, purchased the mammoth advertising sign to tell people to tune into its Catholic cable channel offering 24-hour coverage of the pope’s trip to the U.S. The 225ft. X 93ft image will remain in place for about six weeks, in the hopes that people will reflect on the pope’s words even after his visit. The image is accompanied by the words “Welcome Pope Francis” and the public hashtags #PopeInUSA and #PapaEnUSA.

Inmates in the Philadelphia prison system participate in the Philacorp furniture making program. They built a chair for Pope Francis to sit on during his September 2015 visit to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on State Road. (Story on page 18) Photo by Alejandro A. Alvarez, AP

Accommodations for visitors during Pope’s Philadelphia visit includes a battleship Visitors looking for a place to stay By Andrew Medichini, Associated Press

during Pope Francis’ trip to Philadelphia have an unusual option.

The Battleship New Jersey is offering 400 bunks for $75 per person for a night between Sept. 22 and Sept. 26. Those are the same bunks where sailors slept.

The price includes breakfast and dinner. Guests also will get a tour of the museum and a ride in a flight simulator. But there are no showers available. The ship is docked in Camden, across

the river from Philadelphia and less than a mile from the Ben Franklin Bridge. The bridge will be closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians and bicyclists during the pope’s visit.

Four County Catholic September 2015

Philly inmates make carved chair for Pope Francis 136 Sachem Street Norwich CT 06360 860-889-2374 Fax 860-886-2396

Evan Davis sanded the back of a large walnut throne, scrubbing in the direction of the grain, to By Julia Terruso, Inquirer

smooth the seat Pope Francis will sit on when he visits later this month. In a carpentry shop at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center (PICC), Davis and

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about a dozen other inmates have been working for four weeks on the chair, nearly six feet high. “At first I thought it was a little strange, honestly, like, why’s he coming to a prison?” Davis, 26, of West Philadelphia, said. “But then you realize, he’s coming to the prison basically to show people everybody in jail is not a criminal. And we need hope now just as

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much as anybody.” Davis, the father of two young girls, has been in the prison system 21/2 years. He’s awaiting a retrial on third-degree murder charges after a mistrial in March, he said. On Monday, he joined other inmates working in the PHILACOR program, and discussed preparations for Francis’ visit to the neighboring Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. PHILACOR is one of several vocational programs to help inmates learn skills that can be transferred to the community after their release. Five inmates carved the chair, and several others are working on upholstery and decoration. Many of the workers will be in the audience of 100 inmates and their families when Francis visits Curran-Fromhold on Sept. 27, the morning of the day of the afternoon papal Mass. “It really gives you joy knowing you’re making something for someone so big that’s coming to the city,” another inmate, Michael Green of Chester, said. “And that everyone’s going to get a chance to see the craft we’re learning here.” Green said he knows he and other inmates had “made bad decisions to be in jail, but by doing this right here, it gives me a sense of gratitude that I can give something back to my community and be a better person when I come home.” Anthony Newman, assistant director of PHILACOR, designed the chair. He picked walnut because it’s an American wood, added papal crosses - with three bars - to each side of the chair, and designed a Jesuit emblem to decorate the area near the headrest. In addition to the chair, the inmates will give the pope a basket of fruit from the prison orchard and a plaque engraved in the textile shop. Deputy Warden Gerald May, a lector at his Catholic parish, had the idea for the plaque. It’s inscribed with an excerpt from Matthew 25:35-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

Four County Catholic September 2015

sin of abortion and the implications this can have for those involved, Pope Francis is making particular outreach to women, noting that many women were under great pressure and felt that they had no choice. Under the provisions of canon law, absolution of certain serious sins, including abortion, was reserved to the diocesan bishop. For many years in the United States, including in the Archdiocese of Boston, diocesan bishops have granted their priests the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. As part of the outreach of the Year of

Mercy, the Holy Father will now grant all priests worldwide the faculty “to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it.” His words acknowledge the reality of God’s abiding mercy in the Sacrament of Penance, and that God welcomes all with open arms. My hope and prayer is that all those carrying the burden of an experience of abortion would turn to the Church and her sacraments and experience the Lord’s mercy and love. Wherever a person might be

in their healing journey, please know that in the Archdiocese of Boston and most dioceses in the United States, Project Rachel and other post-abortion healing ministries offer a compassionate and understanding pathway to renewal. To find the nearest diocesan healing ministry, go to the ‘Find Help’ map at www.hopeafterabortion.com or www.esperanzaposaborto.com. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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Campus Ministr C Ministry ry is one of the programs progrraams supp supported ported by by the Annual Cath Catholic holic Appeal in the Diocese of Norwich. Norwicch h. ::[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ [YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[ :[YLUN[O [OYV\NO [OL /VS` :WPYP[

“I think th that at w what h hat really inspired me m to gi give ve to the Annual Catholic C Appeal he here ere in Norwic Norwich h is just the fact that I am currently serving s the c church hurch in Norwic Norwich……this h……this is th the he c church hurch w where h here I am liliving v ving and celebrating celebr ating g the Euc Eucharist harist on a daily y basis. During m my y time in college I comm committed mitted to taking my my Catho Catholic olic faith more serio seriously ously and committed myself myself y to be Catholic for th the he rest off m my y life. lif I love lo l ve being b i a FOCUS m missionary i i because b I work work o k to t lead stude students ents on this campus into the beautiful relationship p that JJesus esus offer offers! rs! When we are lookin looking g at the future of our church chu urch and we’ we’re ’re r making plans for what what h w we hope it’s it’’s going to look loo ok like in 10 or 2 20 0 years, years, it really depends ds on the way way we are form forming ming our y young oung g adults today.” today.” – Am Amy y JJanicki anicki FOCUS Missionary- UCO UCONN/ ONN/ St. T Thomas homas Aquinas h q Church Chu urch

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your today. y. our gift to the ACA ACA toda Please consider making y Your over Y o support sup programs in the Diocese of Norwich. Norwich. our will help our o ver 25 ministries and programs To your www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org T o make m y o pledge online, our o please visit www w..norwicch hdiocesedevvelopment.org e Development or call the Diocesan Dev evvelopment e Office at a 860-886-1928 for more information.

THANK Y YOU OU to all w O who h ha ho have ve supported this y year’s ear’’s Annual Catholic Appeal!

Four County Catholic September 2015

Knights of Columbus Honor Founder at New Haven Mass By Mary O’Leary New Haven Register

founder of the Knights of Columbus “as the parish priest of my soul.” The Most Rev. William E. Lori, now the Archbishop of Baltimore and supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, came back to Connecticut Friday to celebrate a Mass at St. Mary’s Church to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the death of the Venerable

Rev. Michael J. McGivney. McGivney, while he was an assistant parish priest at St. Mary’s, founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 as a fraternal organization to help impoverished immigrants, particularly widows and children. The priest’s remains are in a granite sarcophagus in the church, which has become a place of pilgrimage for the Knights and others since they were placed there in 1982. McGivney was declared venerable by the Vatican in 2008 and his supporters are hoping the Water-

Defending Religious Liberty If religious liberty is not properly understood, all people will suffer and be deprived of the essential contribution to the common good, be it in education, health care, feeding the hungry, civil rights, and social services that they rely on every day. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org) encourages you to stay informed and do what you can to protect religious freedom. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445, and your elected representatives. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

Szymon Czyszek, left, and Paul Phillipino of New Haven carry a statue of the Venerable Rev. Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, after Mass in honor of the 125th anniversary of his death at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven on Friday. Photo by Arnold Gold, New Haven Register bury native is canonized a saint, a

quest that began in 1997.

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Brian V. Caulfield, vice postulator for the canonization cause, Friday said venerable means McGivney was a man of “heroic virtue.” “He lived life to an heroic level of faith, hope and charity,” Caulfield said. Archbishop Lori, in his homily, said McGivney lived the principles of the Knights — charity, unity and fraternity. If he had not shown personal generosity and compassion, the organization would never have taken off, Lori said.

Four County Catholic September 2015

Ride to Rebuild A small team from the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti (OTH), will start a six-day, 339 By Dan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan Director of Administration & Programs, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

mile bike ride, touching five of the six New England states, on September 28th to raise awareness and funds in order to rebuild facilities in Haiti. OTH has been in Haiti for almost 30 years, serving the poor in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas with a healthcare clinic, nutrition programs, education program, developing and maintaining twinn i n g relationships, and cultural immersion trips. For more information on our programs go to www.outreachtohaiti.org. O T H facilities in Haiti were destroyed in the earthquake of 2010. An economical rebuilding plan has been put in place, and a capital campaign has been started to fund the building. So far, $220,000 of the $350,000 target has been raised. The bike ride has been planned as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtual tripâ&#x20AC;? across Haiti. That is, the distance chosen for the trip is the distance from Jere-

mie on the west coast of Haiti, through the capital city of Port-auPrince in the middle of the country, to CapHaitien on the North Coast. In the interest of time and money, (and for better roads and weather!), the actual ride will start in Southern Maine, go through

30th Anniversary Celebration

Outreach to Haiti Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti is thirty years old this fall! We are celebrating this milestone on November 7, 2015. All are invited to attend - especially the many people that have helped in this ministry over the last 30 years. Besides celebrating 30 years of service to and relationship with the Haitian people, we are also honoring a few of the many individuals who have played large roles in leading our efforts in this ministry.

Honorees: Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop Emeritus Monsignor James Carini Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Petruzzi

What: Mass at 4:00 or schools in Haiti. To learn more about the ride, donate, or actually follow the ride, go to www.outreachtohaiti.org, or

Most Reverend Michael R Cote, Bishop of Norwich, Celebrant Reception at 5:00 Dinner at 5:45 Program 6:45

Where: Mercy High School Middletown, CT Cost: $60 per person, $50 for religious Sponsorships available.

The October issue of Four County Catholic will have features on the history and programs of Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti. For more information on the celebration call 860887-1019, or visit our website at www.outreachtohaiti.org.

N e w Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and then wend around in Connecticut, going past all of the parishes in Connecticut that are twinned through OTH with parishes, orphanages,

call 860-887-1019. To follow the ride on twitter @outreachtohaiti, and on Facebook at OutreachtoHaiti?

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Four County Catholic September 2015

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

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

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

Saint Bernard School Opening Day Saint Bernard School began the academic school year on Wednesday, August 26, with new student Orientation Day By Susan Griffin

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

Director of Admissions, Grades 9-12 and Marketing, Saint Bernard School

followed on Thursday as the first day of classes. The school doors opened to students in grades 6 -12 from all corners of the Norwich Diocese from Plainfield to Clinton, from Sterling to Colchester, from Hampton to Stonington, CT, and also from Westerly, RI. Saint Bernard welcomes a group of very talented new faculty to its teaching staff. Stephanie Codner will be occupying the new position of English as a Second Lan-

guage teacher; Ted Kenyon, who is a former journalist and veteran teacher will be teaching English and History; Renju Paul will teach theology and comes to SBS with a Masters of Arts degree in theology and ministry from Boston College; Joseph Park, who attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study mechanical engineering and graduated from the University of New Hampshire, will join the math department; Jennifer Trowsdale, after working at Pfizer in microbiology in drug safety evolution, gained her teaching certificate and will be teaching in the science department; and Rhonda and David Weber, each accomplished artists and certified art teachers, will join our art department.

The students, faculty, and staff will benefit from a visually subtle, but major, improvement that involves a total upgrade in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology infrastructure. This new equipment allows for wireless access in every classroom. The school will implement the new technology on a gradated basis, with students informed on the proper use of wireless devices and an acceptable use policy. Supported by the Marist College New York Cloud Computing and Analytics Center, Saint Bernard students will be able to access a collegiatelevel digital curriculum through the SAKI website. Two teachers from SB, Music Director Caitlyn Meyer and Math Department Chair, Matthew Donnelly, were

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

Four County Catholic September 2015

beneficiaries of a Marist grant which allowed them the opportunity to study and develop two new online courses for our students. Ms. Meyer will be offering Music History from ancient to modern times. Mr. Donnelly will be offering two courses in the Math curriculum; Game Theory will examine how to apply math to areas such as competition, politics, and economics. Number Theory will cover the math of puzzles. Including how numbers work in such areas as coding, cryptography, and similar disciplines. Technology is just one aspect of the student learning experience at

Saint Bernard School. An emphasis is placed upon developing the mind, body, and spirit of each student. The administration and faculty are constantly assessing what learning will have the greatest impact on the lives of our students. As the new school year begins, headmaster Donald Macrino stated that, “We take the responsibility of guiding our students through his or her adolescent years very seriously. Built upon a long tradition of academic excellence, social consciousness, and emotional well-being, Saint Bernard students enjoy a very positive middle and high school experience. “

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Saint Francis Of Assisi, Lebanon

Reverend Marek Masnicki, Pastor Address: 67 West Town Street, Lebanon, CT 06249 Phone: 860-642-6711 E-mail: cheryl@stfrancisassisilebanonct.org Mass Times: Sunday Masses: 8:00am & 10:30am (Saturday 5:00pm) Weekday Masses: Wednesday & Friday 9:00am Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00-4:45pm; Anytime by appointment by calling the Rectory. Yoked with St. Andrew, Colchester

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Four County Catholic September 2015

Support our Schools: 2015 Annual School Collection Approaches The weekend of September 19 and 20th, parishioners will have an opportunity to support our twelve By Mary Ellen Mahoney Major Gifts, Diocese of Norwich Office of Development

Diocesan Catholic Schools through the Annual Catholic Elementary School Collection. This year marks the fourth year that all members of the Diocese have come together to help our schools. This initiative, titled Faith for the Future, recognizes that our future as individuals and as a Diocese is dependent upon the development of spiritually, morally, academically and socially well-developed children. Our Catholic Schools provide an ideal environment in which to nurture such children. While parishes themselves have

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supported our schools by paying church subsidies to those Diocesan schools its parishioners attend, such subsidies are not enough to defray increased operational costs

confronting each of our schools. “We continue to depend on the generosity of all Catholics in the Diocese to support the evangelical Mission of our schools; i.e., to bring Christ into the education of the whole child,” Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edward J. Shine. Our Catholic schools provide our children with the highest edu-

Catholic Elementar ElementaryythScSchool c oo Co Collection ect o th September er 199 & 20 , 2015

OR O R THE T E FU FUTURE UTUR RE

www.norwichdso.org www w..norwicch hdso.org

St.. Michael School

63 Liber ty Str eet, Liberty Street, et,, Pawcatuck Pawcatuck w 860-599-1084 www .stmichaelschoolct.com www.stmichaelschoolct.com

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SUPPORT YOUR FINANCIAL OLIC TH CA E TH L AL OF HOOLS IN ELEMENTARY SC NORWICH OF E THE DIOCES IS IMPORTANT!

Sacr Sacred ed Heart Heart School 15 Hunters A Avenue, venue, Taftville Taaftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org www.sacredhearttaftville.org

Sacr Sacred ed Heart Heart School 50 Sacred Drive, ive, Gr Groton Sacred Heart Heart Dr oton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org/school www.sacredheartg roton.org/school

St.. Joseph Joseph School 26 Main Str Street, eet,, P.O. P.O . . Bo Box x 137 North Grosvenordale Nor th Gr osvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.org www .schoolofstjoseph.org

St.. John John School 42 Ma Maynard ay ynard Road, ad,, Old Sa Saybrook aybr y ook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com www .saintjohnschoolos.com

St.. Mary Mar y - St.. Joseph Joseph School 35 V Valley aalley Str Street, Willimantic i eet, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org www .smsjschool.org

St.. Edward Edward School 25 Chur ch Str eet, Church Street, et, t, Staffor St Stafford ff d Springs Spr ings 860-684-2600 www .stedward-stafford.org www.stedward-stafford.org

St.. Joseph Joseph School 25 Squir e Str eet, Squire Street, t,, New New London 860-442-1720 www .sjsnl.com www.sjsnl.com

St. Patrick St. Patr ick Cathedral 211 Br Broadway, oadway, N Norwich 860-889-4174 www.st-patrickschoolnorwich.org www.st-patr ickschoolnorwich.org

St.. Joseph Joseph School 10 School Hill Road,, Baltic 860-822-6141 www .stjosephbaltic.org www.stjosephbaltic.org

St.. James James School 120 W Water aater Str Street, eet, et,, Danielson 860-774-3281 http://stjamesdanielson.or http://stjamesda g http://stjamesdanielson.org

St.. John John Paul Paul II Re g ional Catholic School Regional 87 South Main Str Street, eet,, Middletown Middletown 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org www .jpii.org

FFAITH AAITH FOR F THE THHE FUT FUTURE TURE

Ann Annual ual Catholic Elementar Elementaryy School Collection

cational program subject to stringent academic standards while also affording each student ample opportunity to become involved in a variety of community and school service programs. The Gospel message is brought to life on a daily basis at each school and teache r s help students to not only excel academically but to also build a strong foundation in our faith. As one parent shared, “We are here because of Christ; He is known and ever present to our children in the classroom, on the fields and in the pews! The children grow in a wholesome environment that develops their creative mind, their body and strives for holiness.” Ulli Dzimian, a third grade teacher at St. Paul II School, Middletown echoed similar sentiments, “ To me, teaching means educating not only the mind, but also the soul, and St. Paul II enables me to do this freely and creatively.” The Catholic education that our students receive in our 12 elementary schools prepares them to be able to handle the academic, social and moral challenges that high school and post-secondary pro-

grams entail. It is not unusual for our teachers and principals to be thanked by former students for the outstanding job they did preparing them for high school and even college. The cornerstone upon which a Catholic school education is built is strong and long lasting. As noted by Dr. Edward Shine, “Our alumni understand the Mind-Body-Spirit commitment made to them each day by their teachers. Wherever our alumni live, they support our schools because they believe in the Mission and because they know

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what Catholic education has done for them.” Parishioners will receive donation envelopes in church to be used for the in-pew collection. All money collected in either a parish that has an elementary school or is yoked with such a parish will be given directly to that particular school. All monies collected within the Middletown deanery will be distributed to St. John Paul II School. Funds collected in the remaining parishes will be disbursed to the schools based on need. A complete listing of Diocesan schools may be found at www.norwichdso.org. For further information, please contact the School Office at (860) 887-4086.

We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407 Podemos Ayudar Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar: 1-800-624-7407

Four County Catholic September 2015

The Pope’s Ravioli Story:

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

Asking Questions That Unlock Wisdom I’m reading a book that speaks to me as a journalist, Brian Grazer’s 2015 release “A Curious By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

Mind: The Secret To A Bigger Life.” In it, the 64-year-old Emmy-winning movie producer recounts his practice of conducting “curiosity conversations” twice a month for the past three decades to fill up his knowledge reserve and walk in someone else’s head. The book is part memoir, part how-to, urging readers to unleash the power of curiosity in daily life – in the break room, on the bleachers – by asking, in essence, “What is it like to be you?” It’s an ode to the power of learning, to the joy of being surprised and making connections. “We are all trapped in our own way of thinking,” writes Grazer, “trapped in our own way of relating to people.” The reporter’s way as a lifestyle strikes me as an inherently Christian proposal. It suggests that everyone we encounter – from stranger to spouse – possesses wisdom that could be acquired if only we care enough to ask. It hints at the bedrock of Catholic social teaching, human dignity, each of us created in the image and likeness of God. It submits that an understanding of the world comes not from pedigree but from shoe-leather reporting –listening, observing, leaning in and following up. Pope Francis conducted a curiosity conversation last month, as reported in a quiet, six-sentence Associated Press story. During an audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope made his driver stop the popemobile so he could talk to “a tiny granny with shining eyes.” There was something in her eyes that captivated him, whispering of secret knowledge: an old body, a childlike light. He had to ask her: “Tell me your recipe” for joy. Her response surprised him. “I eat ravioli,” she said. “I make them.”

It was such a concrete answer to an abstract question, its simplicity blanketing layers of meaning: a woman who has learned to sustain herself as she cares for others, gathering them around her table, warming bellies and doling out love in little pockets of pasta. It makes me wonder what wisdom figures are right under my nose, masquerading as bank tellers and mail carriers, as the familiar or the strange, as the young or the old. This month I went to a 50th an-

niversary party in a packed church gym, where the bride’s $90 satin gown was fluffed up on a mannequin, beckoning from the past. More than 500 people were there, but one niece and her fiancé couldn’t be there due to their pre-Cana formation. Ironic, I thought, to attend formal marriage prep and, as a result, miss out on the chance to learn from these experts.

And so I started asking. I started assuming the people in my path are generous and wise, and, borrowing from Pope Francis, I started asking for their recipes for joy. The cashier at a McDonald’s drive-thru, the cart pusher at my local grocery store, whomever I could manage. I found myself in the speckled shade of an oak on a Thursday afternoon, handing over a dollar for a bag of jingle bells and ribbon, shopping for secondhand wisdom at a garage sale on the edge of town. The woman who lives there told me she spends more than a month adorning her house with Christmas lights and inflatables. Then she and her husband dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus, giving toys to the children who visit and responding to their letters on official North Pole stationery with personalized, handwritten details. Her faith is at the heart of the operation, she said, smiling broadly in the sun. “What you give comes back to you tenfold.” Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and the editor of SisterStory.org.

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

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

Four County Catholic September 2015

ASSUMPTION AS SUMPTION Early Learning Center ɒ /HDʏʖQ ɍ O ɵ ʕ \ʝʦɠ ɭ Է ɨ Wɛ ʃȱɏ Mʝ ʢɨ ʏLVFʝɃʑ PreK (ages 3-4) and K Full year or school year Fa amilyfriendly hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on UCONN campus welcomed over 300 students to a Bar-B-Q on Sunday, August 30 following the Student Mass. The atmosphere was charged with laughter and good wishes as new and renewed friendships were made. (Right) Rev. John Antonelle, Pastor and Campus Minister and (Left) Rev. Jonathan Ficara, Parochial Vicar and Campus Minister were available to welcome the students.

Four County Catholic September 2015

Serving Others In the gospel readings this moth Jesus helps a deaf person and talks about how we need to serve others. God wants you to be a great helper and to keep your eyes and ears open to discover how to serve people. Notice if someone needs you to open a door or if someone mentions something they don’t do well that you can do, like helping with math or soccer skills. September is also National Hunger Month and you can start serving others by helping the hungry. • Check out food in your cupboards and see what you can give. • Offer to give up dessert for a week to save the money to buy food for the hungry. • Check out sales to see what your family might be able to buy to give to a food pantry. • Offer to make sandwiches for a homeless ministry.

The parents of your mom and dad are your grandparents. Below is a list of grandchildren. Unscramble the names to find the grandparent’s and parent’s names. You can check the Bible verses for clues to the parents and grandparents.

Grandchild

Grandparent

Clue

Parent

1. Timothy

OSIL

(2 Timothy 1:5)

ENICEU

2. Enosh

DMAA

(Genesis 5:3,6)

THES

3. Jesse

ZABO

(Ruth 4:21-22)

SEESJ

4. Jacob

BRAAHMA

(Genesis 21:5, 25:26) SACIA

5. Ephraim

OCBAJ

(Genesis 48:11-13)

POSEJH

6. Rehoboam VIDDA

(2 Samuel 12:24 and 1 Kings 11:43)

MOONOLS

7. Obed

(Ruth 4:14-17)

UTRH

OMANI

Answer Key: 1. Lois, Eunice, 2. Adam, Seth, 3. Boaz, Jesse, 4. Abraham, Isaac, 5. Jacob, Joseph, 6. David, Solomon, 7. Naomi, Ruth

in t i h W H Karen

Celebrate Grandparents Day

Did You Know? September 10-12 Popcorn days. Enjoy popping corn as a family. September 15 Get Ready for Emergency Days. Check out your emergency supplies, fire escape route, and what your family plans in case of emergencies. September 20 Deaf awareness week. Be thankful for your hearing. Check out some sign language words online to learn. September 21 Feast of St Matthew the Apostle. Read from the gospel of Matthew this week.

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Four County Catholic September 2015

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Rejoice in Hope Faithful Followers

Day of Recollection

September 1820, 2015 Retreat for Women Sr. Eugenia Brady, SJC

September 29 Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Ministers of God’s People Proclaiming God’s Mercy With Fr. Tom Hoar, SSE

Stained Glass September 27 October 3 Workshop with Nick Parrendo

God invites us in the midst of the noise and distractions we face every day to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. Set some time aside for Him, book your retreat today!

(860) 5360565 www.endersisland.com

(Nick is the creator of our beautiful stained glass windows in our Chapel on Enders Island)

Save the Date Monday, October 5, 2015 12th Annual Enders Island Gold Classic Friday, October 16, 2015 12th Annual Medal of Honor Gala

October 911 Deacon Couples Retreat With Deacon Michael & Mary Frances Berstene

Four County Catholic September 2015

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14 Club Rd. Windham, CT (860) 456-1107

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Four County Catholic September 2015

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