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3. FROM THE BISHOP
5. FROM THE EDITOR’S KEYBOARD
One hit wonder?
6. LENT
Letting Love consume us
8. OUR SCHOOLS
God’s works of art
9. CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Knowledge is power
10. COVER STORY
The true sense of life
12. FEATURE STORY
To love is to serve
14. FAITH IN ACTION
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PAGES 6-19
Sisters brighten Christmas for Ukrainian classmates
15. IN MEMORIAM/CLERGY APPOINTMENTS/HOLY HOURS
16. MARRIAGE MATTERS
Deepening marital unity with a unicycle
17. SAINT OF THE MONTH St. Valentine
18. WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Dinner with Jesus
19. VOCATIONS
Forgive them, they know not what they do/An unlikely chaplain evangelizing an unlikely team
21. ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL
2022 ACA surpasses goal for the second year
We Can Help
To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1.800.276.1562. To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan Reporting Line @ at 800.624.7407.
If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of CT Department of Children and Families Care Line 1.800.842.2288 OR State of NY Child Protective Services 1.800.635.1522
Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services - AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 1.844.878.8923
Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 60 and over should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Social Services for the Elderly 1.888.385.4225
As we enter the season of Lent, we take on the 40-day journey as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. It is a contemplative time of intense soul-searching. It is also an opportunity to think beyond ourselves. As Christians alive in our faith, we turn with love and compassion during this season of hope toward our brothers and sisters who most need our help. More than any other time of the year, Lent reminds us that love for one another is how love is ultimately defined at the cross of Jesus.
“Lord, I love You” — these were the final words spoken by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, who passed into eternal life on Dec. 31, 2022. In reflecting on his pontificate, I am reminded of his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), which explores living the charity which the love of God should compel in each of us. In his writing, he helped us to recognize that God’s relationship to the world is best understood as a love story, not as a relationship of power that expresses itself in a contest of wills.
Ash Wednesday this year falls two days before the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return” remind us of the fragility of life that so many of our brothers and sisters around the world face in reality on a daily basis.
At turbulent times like these, it helps to remind ourselves that the Church as a community of faith is a living missionary body. We are here to serve others, as Christ continuously inspires us to do. In the remarkably efficient words of St. Peter describing Jesus as our model — "He went about doing good." (Acts 10:38) How perfectly simple and powerful a message. This remains our aspiration, whatever the challenges of this increasingly complex world. We are here to serve. Here to love. Here to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. This is our universal calling. This is the path to a fulfilling life. It is toward this mission that "our faith calls us to action."
Our moral responsibility is defined by our faith, our values, the teachings of the Church and the example of Christ’s love for us. It is our responsibility from a social perspective to pray for and support organizations dedicated to bringing relief to those in need. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. Not when there are members of our human family residing in the margins. The hungry, the displaced and the discouraged are all counting on us.
Our sacrifices strengthen our
respect for those less fortunate. In our awareness of their need, we are united with them as sisters and brothers in God’s family.
This year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, One Faith One Family, is a wonderful opportunity to express our thanks for the blessings we receive in our lives and to extend ourselves to help those in need to survive and preserve their dignity. By lifting others, we are all lifted.
I thank everyone who so generously supports and voluntarily helps the many ministries in the diocese, all of whom work so hard to restore dignity to the lives of our brothers and sisters who may be hungry, suffering or without a roof over their head.
During this sacred season of Lent, may we pray for those most in need and may we renew our true Christian spirit in the knowledge that we love our neighbor because we have first been loved by God.
May the last words of Pope Benedict be forever on our lips, “Lord, I love You.”
Sincerely yours in Christ’s love,
Bishop of Norwich
MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35
“En esto reconocerán todos que son mis discípulos, en que se amen unos a otros.” — Juan 13:35
Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,
Al entrar en la temporada de Cuaresma, asumimos la jornada de 40 días como una oportunidad para fortalecer nuestra relación con el Señor. Es un tiempo contemplativo de una intensa búsqueda del alma. También es una oportunidad para pensar más allá de nosotros mismos. Como Cristianos activos en nuestra fe, miramos con amor y compasión a nuestros hermanos y hermanas que más necesitan nuestra ayuda durante esta temporada de esperanza. La Cuaresma más que cualquier otra época del año, nos recuerda que el amor mutuo es finalmente definido en la cruz de Jesús.
“Señor, te amo” : estas fueron las últimas palabras pronunciadas por el Papa Emérito Benedicto XVI, quien pasó a la vida eterna el 31 de diciembre. Al relexionar sobre su pontificado, recuerdo su primera encíclica, Deus Caritas Est (Dios es Amor), que explora la vivencia de la caridad que el amor de Dios debe impulsar en cada uno de nosotros. En sus escritos nos ayudó a reconocer que la relación de Dios con el mundo se entiende mejor como una historia de amor, no como una relación de poder o una competencia de voluntades.
El Miércoles de Ceniza de este año cae dos días antes del primer aniversario de la invasión Rusa en Ucrania. Las palabras, “Recuerda que eres polvo y al polvo volverás” nos recuerda la fragilidad de la vida que tantos de nuestros hermanos y hermanas enfrentan en la realidad a diario en todo el mundo.
En tiempos turbulentos como estos, es útil recordar que la Iglesia como comunidad de fe es un cuerpo misionero vivo. Estamos aquí para servir a los demás, como Cristo nos inspira continuamente a hacer. En las palabras notablemente eficientes de San Pedro describiendo a Jesús como nuestro modelo: Él anduvo haciendo el bien.” (Hechos 10:38). Qué mensaje tan perfectamente simple y poderoso. Esta sigue siendo nuestra aspiración,
independientemente de los desafíos de este mundo cada vez más complejos. Estamos aquí para servir. Aquí para amar. Aquí para amar a Dios y amar a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos. Este es nuestro llamado universal. Este es el camino hacia una vida plena. Es hacia esta misión que “nuestra fe nos llama a la acción.”
Nuestra responsabilidad moral se define por nuestra fe, nuestros valores, las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y el ejemplo del amor de Cristo por nosotros. Nuestra responsabilidad desde una perspectiva social es orar y apoyar a las organizaciones dedicadas a brindar ayuda a los necesitados. Quedarnos al margen no es una opción. No cuando hay miembros de nuestra familia humana que viven marginados. Los hambrientos, los desplazados y los desanimados cuentan con nosotros.
Nuestros sacrificios fortalecen nuestro respeto por los menos afortunados. Al ser concientes de sus necesidades, nos unimos a ellos como hermanos y hermanas en la familia de Dios.
La Campaña Católica Anual de este año, Una Fe Una Familia, es una maravillosa oportunidad para expresar nuestro agradecimiento por las bendiciones que recibimos en nuestras vidas y para extendernos y ayudar a los necesitados a sobrevivir y preservar su dignidad. Al levantar a otros, todos somos enaltecidos.
Agradezco a todos los que tan generosamente apoyan y ayudan voluntariamente a los muchos ministerios de la diócesis, todos los cuales trabajan arduamente para restaurar la dignidad en las vidas de nuestros hermanos y hermanas que pueden estar hambrientos, sufriendo o sin un techo.
Que durante este tiempo Sagrado de Cuaresma oremos por los más necesitados y renovemos nuestro verdadero espíritu Cristiano sabiendo que amamos a nuestro prójimo porque primero nosotros hemos sido amados por Dios.
Que las últimas palabras del Papa Benedicto permanezcan para siempre en nuestros labios: “Señor, te amo.”
Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo, Obispo de Norwich
The Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Patrick on March 17. The following prayer is attributed to Saint Patrick and has a personalized inspiration for all of us who reside in our diocese placed under his protection and reliant on his intercession.
“Christ be with me, Christ within me… Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
As you read this, can you place yourself in Christ? Place Him before you, behind you. Imagine Him comforting you, restoring you. What does that look like? He will come to each of us exactly as we need Him to, if we allow Him the time and place to do so. Place yourself in His heart, and place His hand on yours. From your heart, offer Him a need, desire, hope or dream for Him to touch.
Little by little, as we allow Him to surround us and abide in us, He will become our All in All, as He did for Saint Patrick. This all-encompassing friendship with Christ that we see demonstrated in his prayer led Saint Patrick to become one of the Church’s most memorable missionaries.
Saint Patrick, patron of the Diocese of Norwich, pray for us.
It is with a little apprehension and excitement that I welcome you to the second issue of the Four County Catholic magazine.
I read somewhere that authors’ second books or the sequels to movies are rarely better than the originals. As we began preparing this issue the thought entered my mind, “How can we top this? What if the success of the first issue was just a fluke, a lucky first time at bat, a one hit wonder?”
WAYNE GIGNAC Communications Director & Executive Editor
Deacon Ben LoCasto’s article with pictures of Saint Mary, the second oldest parish in the diocese, whose 100 year-old building is in need of repair and Liza Roach’s Lenten reflection on seeing the face of Christ in others are both excellent and worth your time to read and share.
Rescue the tower or close the church: That’s the dilemma facing congregants of St. Mary Church in Norwich and their pastor, the Rev. Robert Washabaugh. Parts of the exterior of the 100 year-old church are crumbling and have been declared a safety hazard ...
THIS LENT
By Liza RoachIt’s hard to believe but fairly soon we will be in the midst of the Lenten season. This is a time for us to focus on God by devoting time to deepening our faith and prayer lives. ...
Then I remembered two very important things: first, there are authors and movie makers whose second venture exceeded their initial offerings. Tolkien, Bradbury, Hemingway, Coppola, Cameron and Austen come to mind.
But more importantly, I realized that the work of ministry belongs to the Holy Spirit.
When God calls us into ministry, it is not a task that we can do on our own. It is almost always a task that exceeds our power, but He has given us the power of the Holy Spirit that works in us and through us to accomplish our ministry.
Putting this issue together had its challenges. Mainly, there were so many articles from which to choose. So, rather than point out all the great articles you will find in this issue, I would like to draw your attention to some of the equally great articles that didn’t make it onto these pages.
The Second Annual Connecticut March for Life will be taking place on March 22, and in case you were on the fence about attending, you will want to read Knights of Columbus Life Activity Director Scott Evans’ article on Why We March for Life
If, like me, you are struggling with a problem that plagues many of us older Catholics, then you will appreciate Finding Hope When Your Children Fall Away from the Church by Mary-Jo McLaughlin.
The good news is you can receive these articles and read about other happenings around the diocese if you are a subscriber to the free weekly diocesan email newsletter. It’s easy, sign up at NorwichDiocese.org/Newsletter.
While you are at it sign up a friend.
On the way home from attending a luncheon for the Connecticut March for Life kickoff last month, my wife Kerry and I began discussing the value in holding such a rally in Hartford this spring. It’s expensive to charter buses, print signs and pay for gas and parking. Why not instead use this money to fund pregnancy ...
The question is one that many Catholic parents struggle with: Why don’t my adult children attend Mass or practice their faith? ...
Something is going to consume us. We are wired that way. If we don’t choose what we want to consume us, something or someone will. Our hearts desire a “one thing.”
This human drive for a “one thing” leaves our spirits longing to pour ourselves into something or someone we love. We want to be centered, connected, grounded and rooted deeply in something or someone. This drive for an undivided, passionate love is written across history, literature, modern media, and in our very bodies and souls. Victor Hugo, author of the 1862 classic Les Miserables, writes, “To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” Even Nicholas Sparks’ popular chick-flick, The Notebook, dreams of this undivided love; “I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.” A gym-goer’s t-shirt begs us to “find your passion, and let it consume you.”
MORGAN MARTENS is a lifelong member of the Diocese of Norwich and strives to bring the light of Christ to everyone she encounters.
Something or someone has to drive us. But these exclamations of this drive or desire are not the fullness of our deepest desire.
We want a singular love. We want to lose ourselves into a “one thing.” Our deepest human desire is for Love. This Love we long for is a person; one person.
“My heart is restless until I rest in You,” St. Augustine says of God.
THE FIRST STATION: Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die
Consider how Jesus Christ, after being scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross. (Pause)
Jesus, we ask that You call young men and women today to publicly accept Your invitation to follow You in spite of what others may think or say. Give to them a passion for reaching out through Your love to the needs of Your brothers and sisters.
Many of us have lost sight of this drive for passionate love. Would you agree? It is silenced in us, often from a very young age. Silenced by disappointment and dissatisfaction, silenced because we are afraid to ask for what we want. That is not the end of our story, though. A desire for the divine is a desire for Love, and this desire is never totally extinguishable. It is the deepest desire in us.
If this desire seems distant from you, wake it up! Wake it up with the Eucharist! By sitting with Love in the Eucharist, Love Himself will set our hearts ablaze again, little by little. So, let us begin.
If God is Love (1 Jn 4:8) and God is the Word Made Flesh, then the Word Made Flesh is Love. If the Word was made flesh and is dwelling among us in the Eucharist (Jn 1:14), how can we keep ourselves from basking in His presence? He is like the sun and we are like sunflowers; sunflowers are content to soak in the sun’s warmth. Sunflowers also turn to face the sun as it moves through the day.
We must go be in the presence of Love because it is what our hearts are made for. His singular Love is what our hearts want and can inflame all other loves in our lives.
This Lent, can Love be our
“one thing?”Can we simplify our lives to focus more on the “one thing?” Can we allow this desire to warm our hearts and drive our decisions? Can we grow towards Him this Lent, like sunflowers to the sun?
If we believe God is who He says He is, if we believe it is Jesus Who dwells in the tabernacle, then the habit of visiting Him in our churches will change our lives. We can come as we are, sit with Him, He says, “Come, sit and stay.”
Let us make a point of visiting Jesus in our churches during this first Lent of our national Eucharistic Revival. We can make a schedule and carve out even a little time each day. If we absolutely cannot get to the church, let us
at least visit Him in our hearts. He is dwelling among us so that we can abide with Him. (Jn 15:4) Perhaps we can even stay in the church, near the Eucharist, just longer than we’re comfortable with. The practice of simply staying pays off.
In time, He will fulfill all our desires with Himself. He alone is the “one thing” that fills our human desire for Love, for He Himself is Love. As He becomes our “one thing,” our every action will be centered on Love, and we will be grounded in Love, grounded in ourselves. And as we sit in His presence, we will come to know Him and ourselves. Let us go, go to Jesus in the Eucharist this Lent.
He loves you, don’t forget it.
Consider Jesus as He walked this road with the cross on His shoulders, thinking of us, and offering to His Father, on our behalf, the death He was about to suffer. (Pause) Jesus, help those You call to see in the cross the symbol of union with You. Give to them the zeal and talent to minister to those who are burdened with pain, sorrow, confusion and alienation. Let them see that in the cross is life.
His Cross
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Jesus
Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Norwich are an inclusive educational ministry focused on the overall development of the child. Children with special needs are included in all activities through differentiated instruction and support, thereby maximizing their ability. It is through this philosophy that embracing and nurturing each child’s differences that we come to learn their true strengths and God-given talents. The entire faith community is enriched by supporting and participating in each child’s journey in an education rooted in the Catholic faith which embraces each other’s differences.
Here are a few people you would recognize who learned differently: Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, George Bernard Shaw, Hans Christian Andersen, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, Michelangelo and Winston Churchill.
Schools in the Diocese of Norwich offer students with special needs academic support, speech/language and occupational therapy. Students are identified through the Child Find Process in collaboration with the local school district. Service plans are developed and implemented for each child that is identified through this process. Accommodation plans are also developed and implemented for any student that may need accommodations prescribed by a physician. Students that are accelerated in a particular area are challenged through individualized enrichment activities.
Pope Francis said, “Disability, in all its forms, represents a challenge and an opportunity to build together a more inclusive and civil society, where family members, teachers and associations are supported. For this reason, it is necessary to continue to raise awareness about the various aspects of disability, breaking down prejudices and promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging, based on the dignity of the person.”
Each one of us is God’s work of art.
Consider Jesus as He walked this road with the cross on His shoulders, thinking of us, and offering to His Father on our behalf, the death He was about to suffer. (Pause)
Consider the first fall of Jesus. Loss of blood from the scourging and crowning with thorns had so weakened Him that He could hardly walk; and yet He had to carry that great load upon His shoulders. As the soldiers struck Him cruelly, He fell several times under the heavy cross. (Pause)
Jesus, help those You call to see in the cross the symbol of union with You. Give to them the zeal and talent to minister to those who are burdened with pain, sorrow, confusion and alienation. Let them see that in the cross is life.
Jesus, let those You call know that they do not have to be perfect. Let them be open to Your transforming grace that can accomplish more than anyone could imagine. Give to those who respond to Your call to the priesthood and consecrated life, a deep trust that You will complete what You have begun in them.
Sir Francis Bacon is famous for saying, “Knowledge is power.” This quote is often used to relay the idea that having and sharing knowledge is the cornerstone of education and achievement. When it comes to finances, knowledge is simply not just dollars and cents. It is the ability to reason, set goals and achieve greater things.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich recognizes that financial empowerment is a path to greater stability and future success for the people in our community. It is not enough to just help individuals pay their rent or utilities. We need to arm them with the knowledge to achieve so much more than obtaining assistance.
Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Catholic Charities, USA, designed a program to cultivate financial empowerment for both Catholic Charities’ employees and clients. It is a four-part series of financial topics that are helpful in managing your everyday life.
• Cash Flow and the Impact of Your Financial Decisions
• Understanding Credit Reports and Their Impact on Your Everyday Life
• Consumer Debt
• Saving for a Rainy Day
ers, who work directly with our clients, to attend the first three sessions, as a trainer. Based on the case worker’s response to the material, they not only found the information helpful in their personal lives but were also able to provide feedback and offer suggestions as to how the information would be received by their clients. Yahaira thoughtfully stated, “One is not born with the capacity to make
sound financial decisions. It comes through education and reading the right material.”
Additionally, we engaged the help of financial partners in our communities to cover the fourth and final session of the program. Local financial specialists are on board to help design a personal financial plan for each attendee. Typically, low- to moderate-income individuals do not know where to turn for financial education and planning. There is little to no opportunity for them to get advice and guidance in financial matters. A program like the Financial Empowerment Program is a non-intimidating option for this population.
So, whatever your goals may be, your 2023 to-do list could include:
is a grant writer and special events coordinator for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, with a focus on providing help and creating hope for those most in need.
Many individuals do not focus on the big picture of their financial situation. Understandably, they tend to focus on what is in front of them. The basics, like paying rent, cell phone bills, food and gas, all dominate their financial decisions. Something as simple as buying a latte every day may not seem like it would affect one’s financial situation, but, in reality, it can be an unaffordable luxury to many.
The first phase of the program required our case work-
Consider how the Son met His Mother on His way to Calvary. Jesus and Mary gazed at each other and their looks became as so many arrows to wound those hearts which loved each other so tenderly. (Pause)
Jesus, instill in young men and women the desire to come to know Your Mother and find in their prayerful reflection of the Scriptures, a woman of faith, hope and love whose vocation is an example for all. Help parents to promote and support vocations among their children, families and church communities.
• Talk to your local Catholic Charities case worker to get more information. Offices are located in Norwich, New London, Willimantic and Middletown.
• Visit the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich website at www.ccfsn.org.
• Call Catholic Charities at 860.889.8346 for more information.
• Register for the Catholic Charities Financial Empowerment Class.
THE FOURTH STATION: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
I am Sherley Saintervé, a young woman and medical doctor who is 31 years old. As I have matured and faced the challenges that come with living on this earth, I have learned “the urgent necessity to refocus my life on Jesus.”
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I grew up in the Tabarre Section and lived with my mother Jeanne, my father Syrhilhomme and
my two little sisters, Monica and Shlaydine. Growing up, we didn’t have much money because there are limited opportunities in Haiti due in part to earthquakes, hurricanes, tropical storms and political unrest. My dad is disabled, but my mom worked really, really hard to put food on the table, a roof over our heads and keep us clothed. As with any first-born in my community, big expectations were placed on my shoulders, even though educational opportunities were few.
From a very young age, I have been grateful to my parents for giving me life and raising me in a Christian family. I began attending Sainte Claire Catholic Church in Petit Place Cazeau with my parents, and because I naturally like to sing, I was a member of the children’s choir and then an active member of the Lamercie Choir for many years.
As a teenager, I learned the importance and beauty of music and service to others, including caring for those who are sick, which gave me true happiness in being able to share my gifts with others. I joined the Mouvement Eucharistique des Jeunes, a group of young people serving the church in all areas, from cleaning and supervising the youngest to organizing activities for the young in and outside the church.
With the help of the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Education Sponsorship Program that provides scholarships to students, I graduated from high school, passed the state exam in 2011 and realized my biggest dream, to study medicine, when I was admitted to one of the top three medical schools in Haiti. As a young, female medical student, I sent a great positive message to the young people of my neighborhood: If I could go to college, they could too. In 2017, I was able to graduate from the Faculty of Medicine at Quisqueya University. I am very lucky. God does lots of miracles in my life, especially through Outreach to Haiti, which has contributed considerably to who I am today.
I have a lot of overambitious projects and dreams because I want to contribute more to the sustainable development of my country. I began working as a doctor in a private clinic in Canaan, Croix-des-Bouquets. In 2021, I worked for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Les Cayes in a management position.
Consider how weak and weary Jesus was. At each step, He was at the point of expiring. Fearing that He would die on the way when they wished Him to die the infamous death of the cross, they forced Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross after our Lord. (Pause) Jesus, send forth your grace upon those you call to Church leadership. Help them to accept and affirm others’ gifts in the building of community, in proclaiming the message and in reaching out in service.
FIFTH STATION: Simon Helps Jesus Carry The Cross
Les Cayes was one of the areas impacted by the Aug. 14 earthquake. I was under lots of pressure to attain performance indicators and specified results. The pressure grew and became intense to the point of my not having enough time to eat, which completely unbalanced my health system. One day, faced with my critical health situation, I began questioning myself about the true sense of life. This self-doubt made me realize I had completely forgotten the divine part of my life by working to excess in order to succeed in my material life.
Today, I would like to tell my younger self that it is very important to always have big dreams, but never forget to put God at the center of your life because He will never abandon you in times of sorrow, difficulties and failure. When I lost my good health, I was devastated and felt life had no meaning, that it had collapsed.
This experience has changed my life and opened my eyes to the urgent necessity to refocus on Jesus. While my faith has always played an integral role in my life, I now strive to see God in all aspects of my daily life and place Him at the center of everything I do at work and at home. For me, it is the best way to dedicate my life to God and be closer to Him. Every single activity in which I take part helps me to experience God through the people I serve and to consolidate my relationship with Him.
I was raised Catholic and did my primary and secondary classes at Catholic schools. I love the Catholic faith, the operating principles at the base of Catholicism and the solidarity and sense of sharing animating the Catholic community in Haiti and around the world.
In dealing with the illness facing me while I was working in Les Cayes in 2021, I quickly realized that life is priceless, and the greatest gift that God has given me is health. And this disease inspired me to review my dreams so I can refocus my life on God. And now, I consider this disease an opportunity God gave me to grow spiritually. It is a second chance to reconnect myself to God and to strengthen my relationship with Him.
Each new day, I ask myself, when will I completely recover my health so I can return to finalizing my studies and continue with my projects and dreams? I believe God will help me to achieve these goals. My faith is in God. I know He is at the center of my life and that He will help me at the right time. I now know to take care of my body and, most importantly, my soul. Each day, I pray and thank God for His many blessings. I want people everywhere to know God is our Savior, our Redeemer, the only way that leads to Truth and Love. The true sense of life can be found in God.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Dr. Saintervé was one of our Education Sponsorship participants whose tuition from primary through medical school was paid for by Outreach to Haiti (OTH) sponsors. Now, as a doctor she provides medical care to those in need in the poor neighborhood where she grew up.
*True to our ministry and its mission, this article was a team effort involving Dr. Sherley Saintervé; and our staff: Jude Cangé, our immediate past director of operations, who conducted the interview in Creole; and Ivlande Eugene, our acting director of operations, who coordinated a photo shoot with the help of one of our scholarship recipients, Jean Jacques Gauvin Filosca, who is in his final year of school.
Susan Wallace · Executive Director · Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti
Learn how you can become an Education Sponsor and help put a young person through school in Haiti by visiting outreachtohaiti.org or call Susan Wallace, OTH Executive Director at 860-800-3604.
Consider
Jesus,
Who knew that a young boy’s Catholic school education would solidify his career path in life? Especially when he really did not want to continue on to a Catholic high school as an adolescent. But life has a way of redirecting us and showing us what is truly important. That is what happened to Nicholas P. Cerreta, dean of students at Xavier High School in Middletown.
After attending Mount Carmel Catholic grammar school in Meriden, Connecticut, from kindergarten through grade 8, Cerreta was ready to move on to a local public high school, but his mom had other plans for him. “My mother let me know that she was picking my high school, and I was free to pick my college,” remembers Cerreta. And, as they say, “The rest is history.”
Cerreta followed in his big brother Chuck’s footsteps, attending Xavier High School as a freshman when Chuck was a senior. Neither of them was prepared for the events of that summer, though, when his parents went through an arduous divorce that affected the whole family. Xavier became a “safe zone” and a home away from home for Cerreta. He fondly remembers the teachers and staff that checked in on him regularly and helped him personally get through that difficult time in his life. “It was right then that I understood that Xavier was more than a school — it was a community, a community of different people who cared,” he said.
in addition to being the Director of the Office of Faith Events for the diocese, Andrea is also the Chapter Director for Twilight Wish CT.
During this time, he came to a greater understanding of the mission of Xavier High School, run by the Xaverian Brothers, which is: To educate the whole person you have to care about and care for the whole person. “I experienced that firsthand as soon as I entered Xavier. They cared about my mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as much as my academic success. They knew it was all interconnected,” he said.
One of the fundamental principles of the Xaverian Brothers is to foster enduring personal relationships. Experiencing that in his own life, Cerreta said he believes this is one of the main reasons he returned to Xavier after college to teach and work in the Campus Ministry Office.
Consider how the second fall of Jesus under His cross renews the pain in all the wounds of the head and members of our afflicted Lord. (Pause)
Jesus, teach those You call to the priesthood and consecrated life to accept their own and others’ limitations, relying on God’s merciful grace. Help them in these times of darkness to reach out especially to those whom the world calls “fallen” — persons who are addicted, imprisoned, poor, aged, of ill health.
“I wanted to come back to help young men learn lifelong lessons that will affect their decisions and actions for years to come,” he said.
As a student, Cerreta focused on his studies and participated in very few extracurricular activities. Before beginning his senior year, he attended the Xavier Leadership Institute, a five-day retreat for incoming seniors that changed the trajectory of his life. On that retreat, Cerreta took his responsibilities and role as a student leader seriously and earned the respect of the faculty and students who attended. It was clear that he had tapped into his leadership potential and was a natural-born leader.
When his senior year began, the director of campus ministry at the time encouraged him to apply to become a peer minister. It was a role Cerreta had never considered before and he gave serious thought to the impact this would have for him during his senior year. He applied, was accepted and excelled as a student leader. “As a peer minister, I learned more about others, myself and God than I ever would have in any other leadership role,” he recalled. “I had the privilege of sharing my gifts and talents with others and learning from theirs, which they shared with me.”
Cerreta pinpoints this as a pivotal moment in his development, one which forced him to recognize his own potential and the ability to help others by sharing it. “The role I held as a peer minister taught me about being a servant leader and all the good and bad that goes along with that.” He ended his education at Xavier as a student leader working on retreats and service projects. Ironically, it is also where he started his career four years later after graduating from Providence College in Rhode Island.
After graduation, Xavier hired him to teach English and work as a member of the campus ministry team. With this job offer, his life had come full circle. He was now prepared to teach, through word and deed, morals, values and principles that became the foundation on which he has built his life. “Xavier reinforced daily the values my mother had instilled in my brother and me — respect, loyalty, trustworthiness, compassion and hard work.” They are values he continues to stress to Xavier students today.
When asked what makes Catholic education a different experience for children and youth, Cerreta highlighted the opportunities to educate the whole person through faith sharing.
“The ability to help students develop spiritually affects everything else in their lives in a positive way,” he said. Accountability is also another lesson Cerreta stresses in his job as dean of students. “Every time a student is sent to my office due to an action or choice they made, I have the opportunity to teach a life lesson in hopes that it won’t happen again.”
Despite the demands of his current post, Cerreta also volunteers in campus ministry as a member of the retreat team. He takes on this additional role because, he said, “You really get to know kids in retreat settings. They get to open up and show a side that is often hidden day-to-day. They can share real emotion — fear, hope, anger, disappointment — in a safe and nurturing environment where they will not be judged.” For him, it is a privilege to be able to share in those formative moments with the students.
A philosophy he tries to live by each day is, “To love is to serve.” He believes it is important to follow Jesus’ example of service to others by getting your hands dirty and doing the hard work. “When you serve out of love, you have a quicker impact on people because they can see firsthand how much you care,” he said. He considers his care and commitment to the students and mission of Xavier High School as part of his vocation to help others. “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” he stressed.
Another role Cerreta has at Xavier is head coach for the school’s varsity baseball team. How has his Catholic education affected this role?
“I want my players to be better human beings first — better sons, brothers, friends, students — then they will become better baseball players,” he said. “Development of character is crucial for members of a team to be successful.”
Through baseball, Cerreta aims to teach his team members life lessons that will stay with them. “Sports are relatable to young men, so these lessons learned through baseball will serve as the foundation on which they will build their future,” he said.
Wearing many hats at Xavier is something Cerreta enjoys because it affords him the opportunity to relate to students on different levels. In turn, it helps students to see various sides of Cerreta and not just his role as dean of students.
Thinking about the future, Cerreta smiled and said, “I have been dean of students for 16 years and the natural progression would be to use my administrative master’s degree and become a principal. That being said, I would never be able to lose contact with the students. No matter what role I hold, the students will always be my number one priority.”
Consider how the women wept with compassion seeing Jesus so distressed and dripping with blood as He walked along. Jesus said to them, “Weep not so much for Me, but rather for Your children.’’ (Pause)
Jesus, remove any prejudices or biases from all whom You call to walk with You as priests or in the consecrated life. Let those who follow You see that all God’s people are created equal, male and female, regardless of race or culture, and that our heavenly Father has no favorites. Let their words and example speak of Christ’s justice, peace and joy.
THE EIGHTH STATION: Jesus Speaks to the Women
“I want my players to be better human beings first — better sons, brothers, friends, students — then they will become better baseball players.”
school officials to distribute. The money was used to purchase gift cards for each of the six students.
On Dec. 13, Head of School
Don Macrino called the Ukrainian students, as well as the Ryan sisters, to the school lobby and spoke about the girls’ fundraising effort.
“I just want you to know that the whole school admires you. I wish we could make your life a little easier,” Macrino said to the Ukrainian students. “It’s a little gift from the St. Bernard family to you for Christmas. These two young ladies worked very hard to make it happen.”
Ellie and Abbie presented each student with a gift card.
“We are very grateful for this and for everything the St. Bernard community has done for us,” added sophomore Sophia Breslavets. “From the scholarships we got, to the way people treat us, for everything, we are just very grateful.”
Members of the Saints community have opened their hearts to the Ukrainian students.
Sisters Ellie and Abbie Ryan helped make Christmas extra special for six of their Ukrainian classmates attending St. Bernard School.
The school opened its doors to the Ukrainian students at no cost this school year so they could continue their education in the United States as their home country continues to fight off a Russian invasion.
“I just really feel for them. They are going through so much,” Ellie said.
With the help of their mother,
Ellie and Abbie partnered with the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society of Stonington’s Fall Fish and Chip nights. The girls set up a table outside the venue on two different occasions and asked patrons for donations to support their friends.
The girls raised $700 and were delighted with the generous outpouring of support from the community.
“It makes me very happy,” Ellie said.
The girls’ mother turned the monetary donations over to
The students, who typically would celebrate Christmas in Ukraine on Jan. 7, smiled and expressed their gratitude for the Ryan sisters and the Saints community.
“This is unexpected. We really appreciate it,” Nikita Shovkomud, a junior, said.
Most recently, a woman donated coats, boots and other items to the students. And a number of people within the school community support the homestay funds for the Ukrainian students. Host families receive a monthly stipend of $500 funded by donations.
St. Bernard’s has long engaged in the mission of helping the less fortunate, Macrino said. “It is fundamental to our mission of preparing young men and women for a life in which, in their personal way, they make the world a better place.”
THE NINTH STATION: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Consider how Jesus Christ fell for the third time. He was extremely weak and the cruelty of His executioners was excessive; they tried to hasten His steps though He hardly had strength to move. (Pause)
Jesus, help those You call to know that all vocations are grace-filled; that priests, sisters, brothers, deacons, consecrated men and women, married and single are all favored by God. Instill in them the understanding that nothing can separate them from the love of God who is actively present in good times and in bad.
Reverend John F. Ashe, retired pastor of St.Mary Parish in Portland, Connecticut, died Dec. 16, 2022. He was ordained on June 29, 1963, in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Father Ashe served as a state chaplain for the Daughters of Isabella.
Sister Anita Paul, DHS, 92, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Nov. 23, 2022, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut.
The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, DD, bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich:
Reverend Kevin Reilly, Diocesan Director of Vocations, while continuing as pastor of St. Patrick Church, Mystic. Effective Dec. 20, 2022.
Deacon Douglas Hoffman, Director of Permanent Deacon Personnel. Effective Dec. 6, 2022.
Reverend Stephen S. Gulino, from Leave of Absence, To Parochial Vicar, Blessed Sacrament Parish-St. Bernard, Rockville, and St. Matthew, Tolland. Effective: February 2, 2023.
Reverend Peter J. Langevin, chancellor
Sister Mary Daniel (Theresa) Benjamin, 75, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Nov. 1, 2022, at Holy Family Motherhouse, Baltic after a long illness. Sister entered the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church on Sept. 1, 1977, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 18, 1985.
FEBRUARY 16, 6PM
St. John, Montville
Reverend Monsignor Richard P. LaRocque, pastor emeritus of St. Mary Church in Stonington, died Oct. 28, 2022. He was appointed world chaplain for the International Catholic Conference of Scouting in 1989 and appointed prelate of honor by Pope St. John Paul II in 1992. He served as the vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Norwich for 23 years.
MARCH 16, 6PM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Quaker Hill
APRIL 20, 6PM
St. Philip, Ashford
Sister Mary Alice Kline, RSM died at St. Mary Home, West Hartford on Oct. 26, 2022. Born in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 1934, Sister Mary Alice served as the first diocesan coordinator of pastoral planning.
Reverend John J. O'Neill, MS, pastor of St. James Church in Danielson, Connecticut, died on Oct. 11, 2022. He was appointed pastor of St. James Church in 1991.
and let Your perpetual light shine upon them.
Consider how Jesus was violently stripped of His clothes by His executioners. The inner garments adhered to His lacerated flesh and the soldiers tore them off so roughly that the skin came off with them. Have pity for your Savior so cruelly treated. (Pause)
Jesus, grant that all those being called to the priesthood and consecrated life will clothe themselves with sincere compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness and patience, forgiveness and thankfulness … and over all these virtues, let them put on love. May they understand that their vocational discernment is their deepest response to Your love.
THE TENTH STATION: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,Monstrance Getty Images/Kattiyaearn
MARY-JO MCLAUGHLIN
in addition to being the coordinator of Catholic Family Services for the diocese, MaryJo, along with her husband, facilitate workshops that help strengthen marriages.
For as far back as I can remember, my husband has wanted to learn how to ride a unicycle. Often at Christmas or around his birthday, he would mention his desire for one as a possible gift. I would just scoff, roll my eyes and shake my head no.
My attitude about the topic was further cemented in January 2022 when he fell on the ice, resulting in a serious injury to his knee. It required surgery to repair it and months of physical therapy and recovery. This, and the fact he isn’t getting any younger, prompted me to judge a unicycle wasn’t in his best interest and should remain an unfulfilled dream.
After all, as his wife, don’t I know what’s best for him?
As Christmas 2022 neared, he once again mentioned the unicycle. This time, however, my heart softened, allowing me to appreciate that he is capable of making his own decisions. If a unicycle is something he really wants, who am I to say that’s right or wrong for him?
When he opened it up on Christmas morning, the joy, surprise and excitement on his face brought tears to my eyes. He was like Ralphie from the classic movie A Christmas Story, finding the Red Ryder air rifle he had always wanted waiting for him on Christmas morning.
Sometimes, a spouse can develop a superior attitude thinking he or she knows what’s best for the other or, even worse, is better at something than the other. The wife believes she’s a better parent because she’s more compassionate and sensitive to the needs of her children. The husband thinks he’s better
THE ELEVENTH STATION: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
at handling money because he has a greater understanding of the complexities of finances and long-term financial planning. Without realizing it, superior attitudes can lead to condescending remarks to one another or behaviors that can create a wedge in the relationship, deriding the unity that God desires for marriage. Scripture tells us that in marriage, “The two shall become one.” Couples come to the altar as two separate and unique individuals who die to self and resurrect as one. It is the unity the couple shares that strengthens them through the challenges and difficulties they will experience throughout their married lives.
This unity requires that both spouses work together in a shared purpose to create a family life and home filled with peace and harmony where love and faith take root and deepen. It means making decisions with the good of the other and the good of the relationship always in the forefront. United as one, and filled with God’s grace, a couple faces the unknown mysteries of life trusting each other will be there to lean on for love and support. Each spouse has equal dignity and should be honored and respected by the other as someone uniquely created in God’s image and likeness. That dignity is compromised when we allow superior attitudes to take root in our relationship or think we know what is best for our spouse and make decisions therein without considering his or her feelings or input. So, I bought my husband the unicycle and will cringe each time he rides it. I’m going to trust his wisdom in knowing what precautions he has to take to keep his body safe. And, if he falls, and I imagine he probably will, I won’t say, “I told you so.” I’ll just help him up, support him in fulfilling this dream and deepen our unity through his travels on the unicycle.
Consider Jesus, thrown down upon the cross, He stretched out His arms and offered to His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. They nailed His hands and feet, and then, raising the cross, left Him to die in anguish. (Pause)
Jesus, instill in youth today a deep desire to make a difference in the world no matter what the cost. Let the courageous example of modern martyrs inspire them to meet all challenges with faith, hope and love. Fill them with Your presence and the grace to respond to the call to “go out to all the world.”
FEAST DAY • FEB. 14
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
The Church celebrates the memorial of St. Valentine, bishop and martyr, on Feb. 14. So does the rest of the world. Many people just don’t know it.
Most of us know St. Valentine as the patron saint of love. Sacrificing his life out of love for Christ and His Church, Valentine modeled a mind set on the Spirit of God. “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom 8:6) He truly lived because he loved.
Christ asks spouses to be obedient to each other’s needs and give themselves up for one another as Christ did for the Church. (Eph 5:24-25) Christ laid down His life for us. Let us find new ways (or just one for today) to lay down our lives for each other. However, St. Valentine’s example is not only for spouses. His (ultimate) act of love nurtured the beginning of the Church. We can do the same with our daily acts of love that begin in our homes, workplaces
Consider how Jesus, after three hours of agony on the cross, is finally overwhelmed with suffering and, abandoning Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head and dies. (Pause) Jesus, give to all who are considering their vocation a deep love of the Eucharist, the Most Holy Sacrament of Your Passion, death and resurrection. Let them find in the Mass a daily renewal of Your invitation to live their lives through You, with You, and in You, giving glory and honor to God our Father.
and parishes. The martyrs “paid back the price Christ paid for them, thus fulfilling the words of St. John: Just as Christ laid down his life for us, we too must lay down our lives for our brothers.” (St. Augustine, Common of Martyrs) How can we apply this to our lives?
More than 1,700 years after St. Valentine’s martyrdom, it is still Love that keeps the Church moving forward. Not that we have loved Christ, but He has loved us. And as He has loved us, we must love one another. (1 Jn 4:19) Just as St. Valentine did.
If the “blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” (Tertullian), our everyday acts of love are the fertilizer. If “the Church everywhere flourishes through the glorious deeds of the holy martyrs” (St. Augustine, Common of Martyrs), the Church also grows each time we put ourselves aside for the wellbeing of another.
St. Valentine, pray for us.
MARIANNE NICHOLAS is the administrative assistant for the Office of Faith Events. She is an artist and she and her husband have two sons.
The Norwich Diocesan Women’s Conference Committee is putting a fresh face on this year’s event. The newly imagined conference, entitled “Dinner with Jesus,” will change format and location this year to be an inspirational evening out at 6 p.m. on March 22 at the historic Inn at Middletown, Connecticut. Bring your sisters, daughters, friends and fellow parishioners to be inspired and fed in a deep and meaningful way.
Returning keynote speaker will be author Julianne Stanz Julianne is currently the director of discipleship and parish life for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and is a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization. Julianne was the keynote speaker and loved by all for the Norwich Diocesan Women’s Conference in 2020 for the first virtual event due to the pandemic. This year, Stanz will finally join us in person with her
humble knowledge and charm to elaborate on her book, Start with Jesus, while a sit-down dinner is enjoyed by all.
The evening will also celebrate the third recipient of the annual Our Lady Queen of Hope Award. The award, which began in 2020, is given to a woman who has been nominated by her community and is of strong faith, living out a commitment of Catholic values, spiritual leadership and a spirit of love and service to the Church. The recipient receives $200 to the charity of her choice, a framed award signed by Bishop Cote, a Mass said for her at her home parish and her name added to a plaque that hangs in the diocesan offices.
Adding to the fun of the evening, in addition to the annual basket raffle that has always accompanied the conference, there will be a silent auction. Among the many items up for grabs is a beautifully framed print of the Blessed Mother by artist Robert Pinnette. We hope that women of all ages from around the diocese will come together with us for this very special event. Seating is limited, so don’t delay in reserving your space. To register, please visit the diocesan website, NorwichDiocese.org, or contact the Office of Faith Events with questions and concerns at 860.848.2237.
THE THIRTEENTH STATION: Jesus is
Down From the Cross
Consider how, after Our Lord had died, He was taken down from the cross by two of His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, and placed in the arms of His afflicted Mother. She received Him with unutterable tenderness and pressed Him close to her bosom. (Pause)
Jesus, touch the minds, hearts and spirits of those You call to serve the people of God. Fill them with the assurance of our Blessed Mother’s love and care for them, especially as they grow to embrace their vocations. Enable them to respond to Your call to bring Your redeeming presence to a world grieving, fearful and hungry for Your Truth through prayer and service.
Taken
The words below are an edited transcript of a sermon given recently in the diocese.
Whenever I’m giving a homily on the radio, I always have notes in front of me in case I go blank (which is most of the time). Not too long ago, I read the Gospel from the pulpit and then looked down to pick up my notes. After 52 years in the priesthood and nine years in the seminary (61 years), I forgot my notes. “Dear Lord, what do I do now?” Well, I couldn’t retreat, so I had to move forward. I said, “Lord, this is in your hands.” All I could do is keep talking. I hadn’t the slightest idea what I was about to say.
In the midst of my rambling, a story from a book I read, which I had told the week before, came to mind. “Well,” I thought, “They’re accustomed to seeing reruns all the time. I’m going to tell it again.”
The story goes like this: There was a boy, Kevin, who got in constant trouble. His father said to him, “Next time you get in trouble, there will be consequences.” A week later, the boy got in trouble again. The police called: “We have your son here. It’s minor, but you have to come down and get him.” The father went down to the police station and picked up his son. He said to the police officer, “He really is a good boy. We love him. We will work this out.”
On the way home, he calmly said to his son, “You remember that I said there will be consequences?”
“Yes, Dad,” Kevin said.
“Tonight, Mom’s cooking your favorite meal. You will have bread and water.”
However, as Kevin went to pick up the bread on his plate at dinnertime, his father reached over and put his hand on Kevin’s. He took his son’s plate. In other words, he took his son’s punishment. Nothing was said at the meal. When they finished, the father left the table first. Kevin excused himself and went to his room.
About a month later, Kevin’s mother stopped him. “You’ve been
doing so well lately. What changed? Was it the fact that your father picked up your meal that night?”
“No,” Kevin said, “that wasn’t it at all.”
“Then what changed?”
“When I passed his room later, I heard dad crying. Then I knew how much he really loved me. That’s what changed.” Kevin said.
A few days after telling that story, I walked into the rectory and noticed the light blinking on the answering machine. I pushed the button and heard a woman’s voice. She said this: “Would the priest who said the nine o’clock Mass on the radio please call me? I would like to talk to you.” I thought, “Oh no, here we go.”
When I called, she said: “You don’t know me, but Sunday morning my husband, Kevin, and I were driving home. I turned on the radio. We picked up your broadcast, but I moved to change it. To my surprise, my husband said, ‘No. It’s OK. Leave it alone. Might do us some good.’ So I continued to say my rosary for a safe trip home. Then you began your sermon. You told the story about a father and the boy who got in trouble. I went to turn it off (again) and my husband said, “Leave it on. Please, let’s hear what he’s got to say.” We both listened in silence. When you finished, I looked at my husband. There were tears in his eyes. We were dead silent the rest of the way home. I continued to say my rosary.”
She continued, “When we reached our exit, my husband kept driving. I said to him, ‘Kevin! You missed our exit.’
“‘I know. I know,’ he replied.
Consider how the disciples carried the body of Jesus to its burial, while His holy Mother went with them. They then closed the tomb and all departed. (Pause)
We thank you, Jesus, for the infinite power of Your death and resurrection which brought salvation and healing to the world. We thank You for all whom You have called to follow You in the past 2000 years, men and women dedicating their lives to the building up of Your Church. We pray for all seminarians and novices in formation. Let all young men and women today reflect on the lives of the saints, and let them come to know priests, religious, and lay ministers who continue to respond to Christ’s call, “Come, follow me.”
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“I thought we were going for a ride. I had no idea. I kept praying my rosary. I prayed, ‘Blessed Mother, help us, help him.’
“Then, I knew. I knew Kevin was the prodigal son. We were on our way to see his father and mother, who he had not seen in 10 years. You see, over 10 years ago, Kevin had gotten in trouble. His father tried to talk to him. There was an argument. And Kevin walked out of the house, never to return again. We got married and had two children. I’d never met my in-laws. My children have never met their grandparents.
“As we turned down their street, I asked him, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’
“‘I have to,’ Kevin said.
“I held his hand as we walked to the door. I noticed a gray-haired woman looking out the window. I saw Kevin’s hand shaking as he went to ring the doorbell. His mother slowly opened the door and immediately began to cry. ‘Kevin!’ she said, ‘Oh, Kevin.’ She ran to embrace her son. She cried, he cried, I cried.
“Hearing his wife’s cry, Kevin’s dad rushed into the room. ‘Mary, are you OK?’ He then stopped dead in his tracks. It was the most deadly silence I’ve ever heard in my life. Slowly, my husband walked over to his father.
“He threw his arms around him and they both said at the same time, ‘I’m sorry. I am so sorry.’
“As I raised my arms to hug my mother-in-law, we both noticed a rosary in our hands. Mary said to me, ‘I’ve been praying for 10 years.’ ‘I’ve been praying to Our Lady, too,’ I said.”
There was reconciliation. Kevin’s wife said to me, “By the blessing of the Blessed Mother and your sermon, I heard my husband say to his father today, ‘I realized how much you really loved me. I am so sorry.’”
The reconciled family sat and talked for hours. They arranged for Kevin’s children to meet their grandparents and planned for the holidays together. I thanked them for sharing the story and said I would pray to God that this reconciliation will be one of great happiness and joy.
We all hurt. Sometimes we’re so selfish. We can’t forgive one another. Why? There’s a man hanging up on that cross who gave His life for us. His words were, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We don’t know what we’re doing. Because my friends, as much as we are hurt in this life, we have to ask forgiveness.
Because if we do not in this life, we will in the next. Christ has told us that. But we are so proud that it goes over our heads. “Oh I forgive you, but I can never forget.” It doesn’t go like that.
What I’m saying to you is, my friends, in the name of Our Lady, there is a man hanging up on the cross. He cries out to His Father, for us, “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” We will know what we’ve done when we close our eyes and pass on to the next and when we walk into that confessional (which He has given us for the forgiveness of our sins in this life). In that confession, Christ will whisper in your ear, “I forgive you. I love you.”
God bless you.
Do you want to know who said these words? Scan the QR code below with your smartphone to view the video.
BY MARK JOHNSON
Mount St. Mary Seminary has a tradition of allowing seminarians to act as chaplains for the university’s sports teams. Thanks to the work of now Father Jacob Ramos, who was head chaplain at the time, I was asked to act as sports chaplain for the women’s rugby team — a group that had not had sports chaplains the previous four years.
What that meant for me was that I was working with a team that had no idea what a sports chaplain was supposed to do, and I didn’t either. Throwing everything against the wall for the past three semesters to see what would stick, this is the story of an unlikely chaplain evangelizing an unlikely team.
The first semester was one of disappointment and perseverance. Although I was told the team really wanted chaplains, it didn’t seem like that. Lacking what I thought was the requisite charisma, I made an extra effort, making it to as many practices, games and team dinners as I could to try and get to know the 40 players on the team.
The second semester was when things turned around. Early on, I decided to help two players promote their volleyball tournament. I spent the next four hours with them, answering every question they had about Catholicism, bringing them to adoration and lighting prayer candles.
These two players came at the end of the semester to my lector installation Mass — for one, it was her first Mass; for the other, it was her first Mass since her confirmation. At a student athlete retreat, six players and their assistant coach
came to play games and learn how to include Jesus in their lives. Eight players came to Mass that semester, three for the first time. Ten came to spend a couple of minutes in silent prayer or adoration. Two even asked me for help in learning how to pray well. Not every day was a success, but it was clear that I had established some real trust with the players.
Time and time again, I was impressed with how open and willing the players were to learning about Catholicism.
I look forward to continuing this adventure in helping these players develop a relationship with Jesus.
If you have never seen a women’s rugby game before, the Mount sometimes plays games at Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac if you would like to come and support the team.
An unlikely chaplain evangelizing an unlikely team
Contact Deacon Ben LoCasto, deaconlocasto@norwichdiocese.net
It is with extreme gratitude that we announce that our 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) surpassed its goal of $2.7 million. Because of your sacrificial giving, the 2022 ACA met 101.41% of its goal, receiving a total of $2,737,980 in gifts/pledges. This is truly an amazing feat, especially in light of the challenges of this past year, such as unemployment, sickness, the high price of essentials and other effects of steep inflation and severe stock market declines. We know how much our parishioners have sacrificed to donate to our ACA. It is not easy for many to do, but, year after year, we each recognize that, as members of One Faith, One Family, we do whatever we are able. Thank you to each and every person who has helped us over this past year.
Our ACA received a much-needed boost in the last quarter of the year, when the Rossi Foundation and the Padre Pio Foundation of America announced that they would match all new donations received up to goal, for a total combined match of $100,000. This generous match encouraged new donors to give and established donors to make new gifts. We cannot thank the Rossi Foundation and the Padre Pio Foundation of America enough for their kindness.
“The Padre Pio Foundation is thrilled to have been able to offer a contribution match to the Diocese which enabled you to meet your appeal goal through the beneficence of all the other individual contributors,” said Andrew Becker, president of the board of the Padre Pio Foundation of America. Ted Rossi continued, “The Rossi Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the matching contributors that helped the ACA achieve its goal this year. We are proud to have been a part of this successful collaborative effort that will allow the ACA to continue its meaningful and needed generosity to those less fortunate.”
We also thank the directors, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly at our ACA supported ministries and programs doing the work of Christ each day. While we are all called by Jesus to love one another as He has loved us, many of us cannot directly teach the faith, help the homeless or comfort the dying, so we are so thankful that our ministries and programs are doing this important
MARY ELLEN MAHONEY is the director of development.
COUNTY
The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Norwich
PUBLISHER
Most Reverend
Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich 860.887.9294
EDITORIAL OFFICE 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Wayne Gignac 860.886.1281 wgignac@norwichdiocese.net
MARKETING/PRODUCTION MANAGER
Deacon Benedict LoCasto 860.887.3933 deaconlocasto@norwichdiocese.net
SENIOR WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Ryan Blessing 860.887.3933 rblessing@norwichdiocese.net
WEB SPECIALIST/WRITER Morgan Martens 860.887.3933 mmartens@norwichdiocese.net
THEOLOGICAL ADVISOR
Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V. 860.887.9294
MAGAZINE LAYOUT & DESIGN
Matt Watters
work on our behalf. Whether it be educating our seminarians, providing food or essentials to those in need, connecting with those searching for spiritual guidance, supporting a person facing an illness or instilling our faith in our children, the work of our ministries is endless and reaches many. The beneficiaries of our ACA supported ministries and programs are ever so grateful for the assistance received:
“I’m very grateful for the ACA and all the generous benefactors who support seminarian education and aid the men that are striving to be priests of Jesus Christ and lay down their lives to serve the faithful in our diocese.” — Julian Cuervo, 3rd year Theology, Mount St. Mary Seminary
“We truly valued your class so much and appreciate all that you taught us in preparation for our life together and with God. We still talk about class and things that we have learned. We are so excited for our next chapter and feel prepared in a new way thanks to you.” — Couple, Catholic Marriage Preparation Class
“The groceries and baby supplies I received from Catholic Charities have been lifesaving to me and my family.” — Anita, Catholic Charities
“Living at St. Joseph Living Center and being able to attend Mass right here has brought a lot of joy to my life. I have wonderful friends and am treated very kindly.” — Resident, St. Joseph Living Center
“The spiritual support I received during a very troubling time brought me closer to God and made such a difference in my life.” — Martin, Ministry to the Sick
“I would never be able to keep my family fed without the food from St. Vincent de Paul Place. God Bless them.” — Vincent, St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich
As we kick off the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal, One Faith, One Family, let us recall the words of Jesus, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister,” (Matthew 12:50). We truly are a family of faith. This year’s ACA will be launched on the weekend of March 11-12 with the showing of a video of Bishop Cote working at the Amazing Grace Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul in Middletown and also visiting with residents of St. Joseph Living Center in Windham. The following weekend, March 18-19, parishioners are asked to make their ACA commitment by bringing their completed pledge envelopes to church and placing them in the collection. For those parishioners who did not receive a packet in the mail, they can find pledge envelopes and brochures at their church.
Thank you for your continued assistance. Please keep the ACA, and the many ministries and programs it supports in your prayers. If you need more information or would like to make a gift, please see our website at www.norwichdiocesedevelopment. org, or contact our ACA Campaign Manager, Heather Harris at hharris@norwichdiocese.net or at (860) 886-1928. May God continue to bless us all.
“Being able to eat a hot meal and be with other people is the high point of my day. I am very thankful.”
— Tom, St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown
