Sisters brighten Christmas for Ukrainian classmates

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.

Clergy Appointments

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.

Upcoming Holy Hours For Vocations

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 and let Your perpetual light shine upon them.

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.

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

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.