Four County Catholic April 2012

Volume 24 Number 4

April 2012

M

ay the truth, joy and blessings of Easter be with us this day and all days.

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

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Four County Catholic April 2012

The Catholic Church is not asking for special privileges in Cuba, but for the recognition of the basic right to religious freedom...

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Four County

atholic at c

- Pope Benedict XVI addressing crowds at Havana’s Revolution Square.

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

Constitutional rights are not determined by polls. Constitutional rights are not a judgement call.

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- Bishop Cote placing religious liberty in a constitutional rights context.

Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

Publisher

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

860.887.9294

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31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

Fax 860.859.1253

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The presence of the Holy Spirit is fundamental to any efforts on our part to put our faith into action

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- Sister Elissa Riniere describing the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation.

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com@norwichdiocese.net

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- Catholic freelance writer, Mary Tunison, illustrating the spiritual principle of God’s generosity.

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Editorial & Advertising Deadlines

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We encourage academic success, instill discipline and infuse lifetime learning skills in each student.

- Excerpt from the mission statement of St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale.

On the Cover 2012 April Vo ume

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

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

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

Member of

ber 4 24 Num

M

y th, jo e tru er ay th s of East y ing a s s d e s l i b s th and th u days. be wi all

An Easter prayer framed by white lilies.

The lily traditionally symbolizes purity, virtue, hope and life the spiritual essence of Easter.

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No content may be reproduced without expressed consent.

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

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Four County Catholic April 2012

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Religious Liberty. The First Freedom.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: In speaking with parishioners and non-Catholics as well, I hear with each passing day a deepening concern regarding the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate for Catholic institutions to provide coverage for sterilization procedures, abortifacient drugs and contraceptives.

People of faith and conscience recognize the mandate as a violation of our First Amendment rights. They recognize, as the fog of political maneuvering subsides, that clearly this is a constitutional matter of Religious Liberty. Religious liberty is often referred to as our first freedom. It is. It is a fundamental freedom valued not just by people of faith, but by all Americans.

This HHS controversy never was about access to contraceptives, nor about their cost in a society where they are abundantly available, inexpensive and even free in qualified cases. It is about

the government forcing the Church to provide them against its teachings – against the core doctrines of the faith. My fellow Bishop, William E. Lori, Archbishop-designate of Baltimore and Chairman of the Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, rightfully has testified that “…for the federal government to ask us to over-ride our teachings, whether popular or not, there has to be a compelling government interest.” There are so many other ways to increase access to contraceptives that do not violate free exercise of religion. In the absence, therefore, of a compelling public health or other national interest, the mandate and its subsequent accommodation squarely become an egregious violation of conscience rights.

Conscience rights apply as well to the individual employer unaffiliated with the Church or the self-employed who value their First Amendment protection.

The timing of this assault on

the Constitution is in the plainest possible terms, not good. The recession, even with some encouraging economic data these past few months, is still a painful reality in our daily lives and looks to be with us for a long while. In the middle of this continuing crisis, the administration in Washington has chosen to violate the religious liberty of the Catholic Church and threaten to penalize noncompliance with overwhelming fines. Do we need to remind our federal healthcare administrators that 620 Catholic hospitals care for 1 out of every 6 patients in the U.S. And they employ over 550,000 full-time workers and 240,000 part-time workers. Is this a segment of patient-care and the workforce that should be at risk because of an unnecessary and over-reaching dictate?

Even closer to home, Catholic Charities in the diocese, with operating offices in New London, Willimantic, Norwich and Portland/Middletown, served over

8,500 individuals last year – providing assistance with basic needs, behavioral health, housing counseling, adoption services, and immigration assistance. These numbers continue to increase as the recession remains with us.

These are services provided to Catholic and non-Catholic families. Should these programs, that lift so many lives right here in our communities, be at risk?

Should our state-wide Catholic schools that save Connecticut tax payers over $400 million per year be at risk?

The Catholic Church relies on the constitution to protect its right to uphold its teachings as it goes about its mission to help those most in need while living its faith. This mission, as described

by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, is “The charity of Christ and of the Church towards those who suffer.”

The good works of the Church have been put at risk in the middle of a deep recession without a

compelling national interest at stake. Why? It may be that the administration, with its myriad of election year polls, thought they saw divided thinking within the Church and chose to challenge free exercise of religion, expecting only mild resistance. If so, they made a gross miscalculation. People of all faiths respect and value religious freedom. Constitutional rights are not determined by polls.

Constitutional rights are not a judgment call. Erosion of the constitution can be insidiously gradual. We people of faith are not going to stand by and let erosion take its toll. We will fight to preserve religious liberty in America.

We ask all people of conscience and faith to contact your Congressional Representative and United States Senators to express your opposition to the mandate.

It must be rescinded.

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

Libertad Religiosa. La Primera Libertad.

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: Al hablar con feligreses y también con no-Católicos, oigo cada día que pasa una profunda preocupación en relación al mandato del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos para que las Instituciones Católicas proporcionen cobertura de anticonceptivos, medicamentos abortivos y procedimientos de esterilización. La gente de fe y conciencia reconoce al mandato como una violación a nuestros derechos de Primera Enmienda.

Reconoce, a medida que la confusión de la maniobra política ha disminuído un poco, que clara-

mente este es un asunto constitucional de libertad religiosa. La libertad religiosa es a menudo referida como nuestra primera libertad. Lo es. Es una libertad fundamental valorada no solo por la gente de fe, sino por todos los estadounidenses.

Esta controversia HHS (por sus siglas en inglés) nunca fue sobre el acceso a los anticonceptivos, ni sobre su costo en una sociedad donde están disponibles en abundancia, económicos e incluso gratis en casos limitados. Es acerca del gobierno forzando a la Iglesia a proporcionarlos en contra de sus enseñanzas-en contra del núcleo de doctrinas fundamentales de la

fe. Mi compañero el Obispo, William E. Lori, Arzobispo - designado de Baltimore y Presidente de Ad Hoc (por sus siglas en inglés) Comisión de Obispos para la Libertad Religiosa, correctamente ha declararado que”…para que el gobierno federal nos pida hacer caso omiso a nuestras enseñanzas, ya sea popular o No, tiene que haber un interés gubernamental.”

Hay muchas otras formas de desarrollar acceso a los anticonceptivos que no violan el libre ejercicio de religión. Por consiguiente, a falta de solución a la salud pública forzada u otro interés nacional, el mandato y su ajuste posterior en torno se convirtió en una

infame violación de los derechos de conciencia.

Los derechos de conciencia también se aplican a cada empleador no afiliado con la Iglesia o los trabajadores autónomos quienes valoran su Primera Enmienda de protección.

En términos más claros posibles el tiempo de esta ofensa a la Constitución, no es bueno. La recesión, incluso con algunos datos económicos alentadores en estos últimos meses, es aún una dolorosa realidad en nuestra vida diaria y parece estar con nosotros por un largo tiempo. En medio de esta crisis continua, la administración en Washington ha optado

por violar la libertad religiosa de la Iglesia Católica y amenaza con sancionar el incumplimiento con multas abrumadoras . ¿Necesitamos recordar a nuestros administradores de salud federal que 620 hospitales Católicos atienden a 1 de cada 6 pacientes en los EE.UU. y que emplean a más de 550.000 trabajadores a tiempo completo y 240.000 trabajadores a tiempo parcial. ¿Es esta una sección de atención a pacientes y mano de obra que debería estar en riesgo a causa de un innecesario y excedido mandato?

Incluso más cerca al hogar, Caridad Católica en la diócesis, La Primera Libertad Cont. on page 4

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Four County Catholic April 2012

La Primera Libertad

Cont. from page 3

con oficinas operativas en New London, Willimantic, Norwich y Portland/ Middletown, sirvió a más de 8.500 personas el año pasado- prestando asistencia con necesidades básicas, salud mental, consejería de vivienda, servicios de adopción, y asistencia de inmigración. Estas cifras siguen aumentando a medida que la recesión se mantiene con nosotros. Estos son servicios otorgados a familias Católicas y noCatólicas. ¿Deberían estos

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programas, que auxilian a tantas personas aquí, en nuestras comunidades, estar en riesgo? ¿Debería nuestro estado-amplio de escuelas Católicas que ahorra a contribuyentes de impuestos de Connecticut por año más de $ 400 millones estar en riesgo?

La Iglesia Católica depende de la Constitución para proteger sus derechos de defender sus enseñanzas, a medida que lleva a cabo su misión de ayudar a aquellos más necesitados , mientras viven su fe.

Esta misión, como descrita por Su Santidad el Papa Benedicto XVI, es “La caridad de Cristo y de la Iglesia hacia aquellos que sufren.”

Las buenas obras de la Iglesia han sido puestas en riesgo en medio de una profunda recesión, y de un forzado interés nacional. ¿Por qué? Puede ser que la administración, con un sinfin de problemas en las urnas electorales en un año de elecciones, pensó que el pensamiento dentro de la Iglesia estaba dividido y optó desafiar

el ejercicio libre de religión, esperando solo una leve resistencia.

Si es así, hicieron un mal cálculo.

La gente de todas las creencias respetan y valoran la libertad religiosa.

Los derechos constitucionales no están determinados por las urnas electorales.

Los derechos constitucionales no están llamados a ser puestos en juicio. El deterioro de la constitución puede ser insidiosamente progresivo. Nosotros la gente de fe no vamos a detenernos y dejar que el deterioro siga su curso.

Lucharemos para proteger la libertad religiosa en Estados Unidos.

Pediremos a toda la gente de conciencia y fe contactar a sus Representantes Congregacionales y Senadores de Estados Unidos para expresar su oposición al mandato.

Debe ser revocado.

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

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April 13­18 Illuminated Letters of Rassu Varied in style from simple to complex, we will transfer patterns of letters onto vel­ lum and learn different painting techniques. This class is designed for all skill levels with no previous experience necessary. With Harvest Crittenden.

April 24­26 The Style and Interpretation of Gregorian Chant Explore the New Roman Missal and experience a great variety of chants.

With Dr. William Tortolano.

May 6­12 Manuscript Illumination and Gilding Study the 12­16th century techniques of medieval illumination in a prayerful at­ mosphere. With Valerie Weilmuenster.

RETREATS Days of Recollections April 18 “On Being a Hopeful People” With Fr. Eric Carpine, OFM May 24 “Re lections with Fr. Benedict” With Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR

Summer Guided Retreats We have many Guided Retreats from June to September. Please see the full schedule at www.endersisland.com.

Register for any week­long program and receive $50 off the full price of the retreat, call for details 860­536­0565.

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

The Call – The Adventure – The Meeting!

This past March 7th through March 10th, the Vocation Office of the Diocese of Norwich sponsored and hosted the Theatre of The Word, Inc. and had three different dramas presented around the diocese.

Mr. Kevin O’Brien, founder and creative director of the company, says about Theatre of The Word, “This is an incarnational process, as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, so the words on paper become flesh in dramatic performance.” He also notes, “It is our calling to evangelize, to spread the Word of the Lord by incorporating the written word, by fleshing it out in performance, by bringing to bear literature that enlightens us and strengthens our faith.”

On the morning of March 7th, Mr. O’Brien and his acting ensemble presented the play, The Call, to the whole community at Xavier High School in Middletown. A play set in an apartment focused on the discussion of two brothers regarding the life direction of the less “success-

ful” sibling. Sam, the younger brother struggling to figure life out, discovers that the real meaning in life is found in discovering one’s vocation, the “call” from God. The struggle of learning to hear the voice of God when there is so much other noise in our lives makes it rather difficult. Yet the point was clear that if one takes time to listen, search and understand, they can identify “the call”. Then they must choose whether to respond or not!

Later that day and also during the next two days, Theatre of the Word then visited different groupings of our Diocesan Middle Schools, grades six, seven and eight. For each of them, they presented the The Great Adventure of Faith. As many as fifteen students each day were asked to take “bit-parts” in the presentation and one each day was chosen to take on the role of the hero, Anykid, who must make right decisions to complete his adventure!

The students and the audience learn the importance of relying on the Sacraments and God’s grace in

Benedict XVI’s Prayer Intentions for April

order to remain faithful during their faith adventure in this life. Each presentation was a perfect combination of Faith, Formation and Fun! The final presentation, Socrates meets Jesus, was presented both at UCONN at the Saint Thomas Aquinas Student Center and at Saint John Parish School in Old Saybrook. Billed as an adaptation of the classic by Peter Kreeft, the reac-

tion by the audiences was phenomenal at both locations! We hope to bring this play back to be presented again at UCONN and also at Saint Bernard’s High School, Mercy High School and Xavier. In this particular dramatic presentation, Socrates comes back to life on a modern college campus and attends a philosophy class! What happens when a real philosopher, determined to find

and embrace truth meets philosophers of today who are not even willing to admit the existence of truth?

It was a whirlwind four days of drama, good conversation with the actors, and a great opportunity to embrace and reinvigorate one’s faith. The amazing thing in each show was how the words really came to life!

…young men of our community hear the call of the Lord and respond generously with open hearts and spirits.

Together, we pray.

Vatican City - Pope Benedict’s general prayer intention for April is: “That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow Him in the priesthood and religious life”.

BATHROOMS • ROOFING • KITCHENS • SIDING Specializing pe ng in Quality ua y Home Improvement Ho em

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Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour: April 19 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 December 20

St. Mark Church, Westbrook Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich St. Joseph Church, Rockville St. Mary Church, Coventry St. Colman Church, Middlefield St. Luke Church, Ellington Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry St. Joseph Church, North Grosvenordale St. Andrew Church, Colchester

Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations vocations@norwichdiocese.net • (860) 887-9294

6-7 7-8 7-8 7-8 4-5 6-7 7-8 4-5 7-8

pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Marriage Preparation Class for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” offered by the Office of Family Life. To register for the 4 session class please call 860-889-8346 ext.283 The dates are as follows: Fridays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 2012 from 7:00-9:15pm at Our Lady of

St. Mary – St. Joseph School

Annual Spring Gala All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner $7 Adults $5 Children/Seniors (Handicapped accessible for parking and dinner)

Large Basket Raffles Silent Auction White Ticket Raffle (Prizes worth over $2,500)

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Saturday, May 5th Doors opening @ 3pm Dinner starts @ 4pm Raffles start @ 7pm Open to Everyone!

Please join for an enjoyable afternoon and evening.

Preview the Baskets Wed-Fri, May 2-4, 9am-3pm

Lourdes, RT. 12, Gales Ferry. The cost is $50.00 per couple.

Wednesday, April 4 Natural Family Planning Classes The Sympto-Thermal Method is scientific, helps with fertility problems, easily learned and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing a baby. NFP is your loving and safe alternative to dangerous chemicals, devices, synthetic hormones and side-effects of contraception and birth control. With NFP marriage insurance is covered by GOD. NFP classes for married and engaged couples are 3- part monthly. A class begins on April 4th at 6pm in Westerly, RI, call the Bliers at 401596-9582. To register for a NFP class go to www.ccli.org .

Friday, April 6 Way of the Cross Please reserve Good Friday at 6:00pm for the celebration of the Way of the Cross on Chelsea Parade, Norwich.

Saturday, April 14 Third Annual CT Walks for Haiti To Benefit the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti and Other Nonprofits. Please join The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti and other nonprofits working in Haiti for the 3rd annual CT Walks for Haiti on April 14, 2012 at S. Peter Claver Church, West Hartford. Registration starts at 10:30 am, and the walk goes from noon to 2 pm. The event will feature music, crafts, food, and a silent auction from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. For walk-a-thon donations, please make all checks to CT Walks for Haiti. For information on how to donate, volunteer, or register

for the event, please visit www.ctwalksforhaiti.org or e-mail mail@ctwalksforhaiti.org.

Saturday, April 14 Catholic Women’s Conference This year’s conference will be held at St Bernard School, Uncasville. Our speaker is back by popular demand; Val Limar Jansen. For more information please contact the Office of Faith Events: 860-848-2237 ext 312 or faithevents@norwichdiocese.net Monday, April 16 Seven-Week Life in the Spirit Seminar The Seminar will begin at 7:00pm at the Immaculata Retreat House, 289 Windham Road, Willimantic. For more information please contact John & Connie Misale at 860-4232660 Friday-Sunday April 20-22 Retrouvaille Couples Weekend Reaching for a lifeline for your troubled marriage? Serious marriage building and repair: Retrouvaille is that lifeline. At a Retrouvaille weekend couples are given tools to heal, re-establish communication, work on their issues and gain new insight into themselves as individuals and as a couple. A series of 6-post sessions follows the weekend phase. For information or to sign up for the next weekend in the Hartford area on April 20-22, 2012 please call Bill and Terri Mason at 203-879-3842.

All contacts are in strict confidence.

Website www.retrouvaille.org.

Friday-Sunday April 20-22 Marriage Encounter Weekend For couples desiring to experience a richer and loving life together. Rediscover each other for an entire week-

end with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. To register for the next weekend in East Hartford, on April 20-22, 2012 or for information please call 860-644-7260 or email: info@wwmect.org.

Sat. - Sun., April 21 & 22 Philip Retreat Weekend Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

For more information please call 860-887-0702 Saturday, April 21 The Order of Christian Funerals The Office for Worship and the Diocesan Liturgical Commission will present an opening talk on contemporary issues and challenges as well as the Order of Christian Funerals. Followed by workshop sessions on: bereavement ministry, music for funerals, and planning for funerals.

The talk will take from 9:00amnoon at a St. Matthew Parish Center, 11 Tolland Green, Tolland. The registration fee is $10.00 per person.

Tuesday, April 24 Evenings of Discernment with Prayer for Peace An opportunity for Catholic men and woman ages 18-45 considering vowed life or priesthood. Please join us at 15 Lincoln Street, New Haven from 7:30-9:00pm. For more information or to register please call Sr. Ann at 203-245-0401; Sr. Pat at 860-436-8430; or Sr. Maria at 203762-4152. This event is sponsored by the Connecticut Vocation Council.

Wednesday, April 25 Seven-Week Life In The Spirit Seminar

17th Annual Secretaries Mass St. Mary – St. Joseph School 35 Valley Street Willimantic, CT 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org

Tuesday, April 24, 2011 Bishop Michael R. Cote will celebrate Mass for all Secretaries at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, at 12:10pm. Family, friends, and employers are also invited. A luncheon will follow in the lower Cathedral Auditorium. For information call 860-887-9294 ext. 232 or 234.

The Seminar will begin at 7:00pm at St. Joseph Church Hall, 33 West Street, Rockville. For more information please contact Connie Swatik at 860-684-3996 Saturday, April 28 Unbound Prayer Session Join us 10:00am at the Spiritual Renewal Center by appointment ONLY – Please call!

Sunday, April 29 Layette Program Beginning at 1:30 pm. At St. Joseph Church Hall, 350 Hartford Pike (Rte 101), Dayville. All women in the diocese are cordially invited to attend the NCCW Layette Program.

Hear about “Caring for today’s babies” and “Making memories with Home Photos”. Please bring baby items and/or clothing for newborn/3T. Items collected will be given to Catholic Charities Pregnancy/Adoption Programs. For more information please contact Doris Bury at 860-779-1773.

Sunday April 29 St. Mary School 100th Anniversary Celebration Please join us for a very special homecoming Mass! All Alumni, current and former St. Mary School students and their families, parishioners and friends of St. Mary School are invited. There will be a special presentation of “The Bells of St. Mary’s” performed by the St. Mary School Children’s Chime Choir. For more information please call 860-3472978 to reach the school office or email smshsanotes@hotmail.com with any questions Saturday, May 12 Day of Renewal for Leaders and Prayer Group Members Spiritual Renewal Services Center from 9:00am-3:00 PM Saturday, May 19 One-Day Life in the Spirit Seminar Will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford TPKE, Vernon, from 9:00am-4:00pm. Please contact Fr. Ray Introvigne at 860742-2896 for more information.

Saturday- Sunday, May 26 &27 Weekend Life in the Spirit Seminar St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook. For more information please contact: Shirley Massa 860-388-4949

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Annual Chrism Mass

A Joyful Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments Norwich – On Tuesday of Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, parishioners From the FCC News Desk

tion between priestly and sacramental life, Bishop Cote reminded all present that Jesus shepherds us through his priests and sacraments. The Bishop asked that all pray that the Lord will bless our priests with the fullness of His love and help them be

faithful ministers of Christ.

As per tradition, parish representatives stayed on after Mass to receive their respective parishes’ supply of the three oils.

Photo by Susannah H. Snowden

from across the diocese, priests, deacons and religious, seminarians, student greeters – ushers – and oil bearers and Jubilarian honorees joined Bishop Michael R. Cote in celebrating a Mass dedicated to the renewal of the priestly commitment to service and the blessing of the sacred sacramental oils.

The ceremony, liturgy and musical accompaniment on this special occasion were joyfully representative of the diversity and cultural harmony within the diocese. Many of the readings, prayers and hymns were recited in Spanish and Creole as well as English. It was, in every respect, a gathering of the expanding diocesan family.

The three sacred oils blessed were the Oil of Catechumens for adult catechumens and infants, Oil of The Sick for anointing the sick, and the Holy Chrism for Baptism, ConWalk with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, firmation, the Ordination Bishop of Norwich, and leaders of other Christian of priests and the consecration of altars and churches.

Communities as we pray the Way of the Cross.

Drawing on the connec-

Way of the Cross Good Friday, April 6 • 6:00 pm Chelsea Parade, Norwich

Bishop Cote recognizes the priest jubilarians: 65 Years Reverend Sylva P. LeCours February 3, 1947 Reverend Monsignor Thaddeus F. Malanowski May 15, 1947 60 Years Reverend Adam Pupsys

January 20, 1952

55 Years Reverend Stephen Fronckewicz, OSB Reverend Bruce Quinn, OFM Cap

June 1, 1957 June 22, 1957

50 Years Reverend John J. O’Neill, MS

May 26, 1962

45 Years Reverend Monsignor Thomas R. Bride, PA, KCHS May 4, 1967 Reverend Edward M. Dempsey May 4, 1967 Reverend Jose Rizal Dimapilis, OP May 20, 1967 Reverend Edward J. Wisneski, S.T.D., Ph.D. May 4, 1967 40 Years Reverend Henry G. Bolieau Reverend John J. Gwudz Reverend William J. Olesik

May 13, 1972 May 13, 1972 May 13, 1972

30 Years Very Reverend Gregoire Fluet, Ph.D. Reverend Thomas J. Smith Reverend Damian Tomiczek, SDS

May 22, 1982 May 22, 1982 May 8, 1982

25 Years Reverend Thomas Lavin, OFM Conv.

May 23, 1987

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Four County Catholic April 2012

22nd Annual

White Mass for Healthcare Workers & Caregivers of All Faiths

DIOCESE OF NORWICH PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND With Bishop Michael R. Cote

Sunday, April 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT All are welcome to join the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, in a grateful celebration of the healers and caregivers in our lives.

Homilist Deacon Gerald Shaw, M.D., MS. Brunch to follow, featuring...

October 9 to 18, 2012 For information or reservations call 860-887-9294.

The Dr. David P. Lauler, M.D. and Joan M. Lauler, B.S.N. Memorial Lecture given by Christina Puchalski, M.D., MS Dr. Puchalski is Founder and Director of The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She will be speaking on Spirituality in Healthcare. Dr. Puchalski is a pioneer and leader in the movement to integrate spirituality into healthcare in both the clinical setting and in medical education. She most recently published “Making Health Care Whole.” At a time of intense concern over the role of faith and conscience in healthcare, Dr. Puchalski will provide a timely perspective.

For more information, to make a reservation, or to reserve a table, please call 860-887-9294, ext. 261.

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will lead a ten day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Cana, Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, Jordan River, Beit Shean, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, and several other sites.

Price includes local bus to/from Boston airport, departure lunch, all tips, breakfast and dinner daily, and also includes departure tax and fuel surcharge.

Reservations must be made by July 6, 2012.

Cost of Tour: $3,440.00 pp double occupancy $539.00 deposit required ($239.00 optional insurance)

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: “Beautiful Things For Children”

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Confirmation The sacrament of Confirmation is the second step of initiation into the Church. HistoriBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

cally, this anointing with Chrism was the conclusion of the rite of Baptism. As the early Church grew in numbers and territory, it became impossible for bishops, the leaders of the local churches, to be present at every Baptism, so the last blessing of the ceremony was delayed until the bishop could visit. It is this tradition that eventually, through the course of some centuries, gave us the separate sacrament of Confirmation.

The unity, or spirit of communion, between a bishop and his people is still evident in the use of Chrism during the ritual of Confirmation. Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balsam is a symbol of consecration and holiness. Each year it is blessed by the bishop of the diocese at the Chrism Mass, usually celebrated during Holy Week. This blessed Chrism is then used in the diocese at the conferral of Confirmation. Whether or not the bishop visits every parish personally, the Chrism blessed by him is used to Confirm.

Chrism is also an integral part of celebrations of Ordination, and the dedication of altars and churches.

Any person or any object anointed with Chrism is understood to be holy, and dedicated to the service of the Gospel.

For adults coming into the Church at the Easter Vigil, all three sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, are celebrated at once. For “Cradle Catholics” who were baptized as infants, there are various thoughts about when Confirmation is to be celebrated. In some dioceses, the celebration takes place about the age of seven, and before the children receive their First Communion. This approach maintains the proper order of the sacraments of Initiation, and presents Confirmation as the completion of Baptism. However, this approach also presents chal-

lenges for parents and religious educators concerning faith formation programs for teenagers.

In other dioceses, the sacrament of Confirmation can be delayed until Catholic youth are between

the ages of 13 and 16. In these instances, Confirmation is often presented as a personal ratification of one’s Catholic faith, and a sign of entrance in to adulthood in the Church. Unfortunately, many teenagers usually stop attending parish-based faith formation programs after they are Confirmed.

There are positive and negative points to each of these approaches to the sacrament of Confirmation.

At this time, both schools of thought are in use, and there is no sign of a unified practice being

adopted. However, common to both approaches is the effect of the sacrament - the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Of course, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, is already with all the baptized. However, Confirmation provides another opportunity to think about what this means.

The gifts of the Spirit are well known: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord.

These gifts inspire us, and enable us to be one with the Spirit of God. They enable us, if we accept them, to act with virtue and in keeping with grace. The gifts of the Spirit become, if we welcome them, the hallmarks of all our relationships. It isn’t that we must strive for them, or do special works to acquire these gifts. Rather, they are with us already, since the Spirit of God is already with us. Our task is to welcome them. The presence of the Holy Spirit is fundamental to any efforts on our part to put our faith into action. As the first letter to the Corinthians tells us: No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (12:3).

Clergy Appointments The Most Reverend Michael R Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy appointments in the Diocese of Norwich: Reverend Monsignor Henry Archambault, JCD, PA, 1 year renewal as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Taftville. Effective: March 2, 2012.

Very Reverend Leszek T. Janik, JCL, VG, Dean of the Norwich Deanery. Effective: March 13, 2012.

Reverend Nicholas Mukama Mbogo, from Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, North Grosvenordale, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, New London. Effective: March 14, 2012. ~ Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor ~

“...If you, with all your sins, know how to give good gifts to your children (because you love them so much) – how much more will your Heavenly Father give good things…

...to those who ASK HIM!” Matthew 7:11

Philip Retreat Weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 21 & 22, 2012 Location changed to: Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Pre-registration is required by April 10, 2012 please call 860-887-0702 Unbound Prayer Session Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10:00 AM Spiritual Renewal Center

By Appointment ONLY – Please call!

Day Of Renewal for Leaders and Prayer Group Members Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Services Center

SPRING SEMINARS

Seven-Week Life In The Spirit Seminar Monday, April 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM Immaculata Retreat House, 289 Windham Road, Willimantic, CT 06226 Contact: John & Connie Misale 860-423-2660 Seven-Week Life In The Spirit Seminar Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7:30 PM St. Joseph Church Hall, 33 West Street, Rockville, CT 06066 Contact: Connie Swatik 860-684-3996 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sacred Heart Church, 550 Hartford TPKE, Vernon, CT 06066 Contact: Fr. Ray Introvigne 860-742-2896 Weekend Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 2012 St. John Church, 161 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Contact: Shirley Massa 860-388-4949 One-Day Life In The Spirit Seminar Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, CT 06457

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

10

Four County Catholic April 2012

To Love and Serve the Lord With the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal, “To Love and Serve the Lord,” well underway, we would

By MaryLou Gannotti Director of Planned Giving

like to extend great thanks and appreciation to all those who have made a gift. Your participation in the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal is a wonderful way to demonstrate your faithful stewardship. The ACA allows us to put our faith into action and gives support to

the many ministries and programs in our Diocese that have become a vital part of so many lives.

In order to recognize and thank significant contributions made by individuals, families, and Foundations to the Annual Catholic Appeal, The Christopher Society was formed. The group meets annually with the Bishop at the conclusion of the ACA for an appreciation dinner. Truly, the Christopher Dinner is far more than an annual gathering for a meal. This event celebrates the

great generosity of donors and the many services that the Annual Appeal makes available As of January 31st, 2012, funds raised toward the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal totaled $3,356,592 which represented 99 percent of our goal of $3,400,000.

Of that total, the Christophers pledged $1,127,895. The Christopher Society comprised 34 percent of our Annual Catholic Appeal contributions.

The word Christopher is from the Greek meaning Christ Bearer

FROm ONE gENERATION TO THE NExT.

- one who carries Christ. Saint Christopher is believed to have carried the Christ Child across a raging river. He helped Christ on his journey. And just as Saint Christopher was unaware that he was bearing the Christ c h i l d through the dangerous curr e n t s , many are unaware of the countless Christs they carry each day through their generosity to the Annual Catholic Appeal.

This year, the Christopher Dinner proved to be memorable and enjoyable, with a wonderful lineup of speakers. Bishop Cote led the program with an opening prayer and introductory remarks.

Executive Director of Diocesan Development, Angela V. Arnold, served as Master of Ceremonies.

The speakers for the evening all discussed their participation in programs facilitated through the Annual Catholic Appeal. Jill Patten, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Bernard School in Uncasville

and her daughter Emily, a junior at St. Bernard, shared highlights of Youth Explosion, conducted through the Office of Faith Events, and St. Bernard students’ participation in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Tony and Linda Jordan of St o n i n g ton, Connecticut, w i t h humor and c a n d o r, told their story of becoming adoptive parents through the Adoption Program at Catholic Charities.

Concluding the speaking program and evoking bellowing laughter, was Sister Rita Johnson, who, through Ministry to the Sick, serves as Chaplain at Backus Hospital. She shared her “funny bone” part of her personal medical kit, with all those in attendance, as well as her “wish bone,” to dream the impossible dream and to hope.

Those interested in learning more about the Christopher Society please contact the Office of Development at 860-886-1928, or visit www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org.

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We All Have Love to G The Department of Children and Families need ilies and adoptive families for children of all ag an informational meeting where we will give d of our foster and adoptive family programs. Ho pecially needed for children over ten years old Wednesday April 11 at 7:00pm Dept. Children & Families 2 Courthouse Square Norwich, CT

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Catholic Charities is expanding to Middletown and is expected to open its new office in April. The

By Colleen Egan Four County Catholic Contributor

social service agency now has an office in Portland that services the Middletown area, but moving that office to Middletown will allow Catholic Charities to provide more services and reach more people in need.

“It will be a full service, much bigger office,” said Josh Piteo, Chairman of the Middletown Advisory Board for Catholic Charities. “We will have a lot more

clients coming in.”

Catholic Charities has acquired a property at 151 Broad St. in Middletown for its new office.

The agency, according to Advisory Board members, had an office in town several decades ago, but it closed in 1989.

“We used to be in Middletown and always hoped we would return,” said Piteo.

The agency will close its office in Portland and transfer employees to the new Middletown office.

“We are very excited about establishing an office of Catholic Charities in downtown Middletown,” said Marek Kulkulka, Ex-

ecutive Director of Catholic Charities. “Increasing presence and visibility of Catholic Charities in all areas of the Diocese, including Middlesex County, has been a strategic objective specified by the agency’s Governing Board and our Bishop. This new office location will allow us to carry out the essential component of our mission which is bringing help to those in need on

behalf of the Church.”

Mark Ricciardelli, a member of the Governing Board of Catholic Charities and President and CEO

of Asterisk Financial, a financial services company in Middletown, said of the new office, “It is one of

the most ideal locations you can have. It’s within walking distance of downtown and is on the bus route.”

Ricciardelli said having an office of Catholic Charities in downtown Middletown will benefit local businesses.

“I want to be sure that my employees always have the services they need,” he said.

Local church leaders have also lauded the move. Father Michael Philippino, Pastor of St. John Parish in Middletown, said, “It will be a great asset to the town.

We have a lot of poor. Catholic Charities will be a good presence.”

It has been an ongoing process to get the permits and variances from Planning and Zoning boards in Middletown in order to be able to open Catholic Charities at the Broad Street site. Currently, the agency is awaiting licensing from the state in order to offer some of its services.

Once opened, the agency will offer Housing Counseling Serv-

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ices, Adoption Services, activities of the Office of Family Life, a Parent Education Program, Family and Individual Counseling as well as information and referral for basic needs services in collaboration with an existing diocesan organization that has been providing these type of services with great success for years in the area, namely St. Vincent DePaul Middletown soup kitchen.

“As we become settled in the area we will make an attempt to respond to other human service requests and needs as they become apparent to us and, of course, within our available financial resources,” said Kulkulka.

A grand opening is planned and announcements regarding this will be posted in local newspapers, and the information will be shared by local church leaders.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charit for His creators made you wor hy when on ear h posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in t ouble or anxiet .

Encouraged by this thought I implore to you to obtain for me (request) The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so you are the saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony whose hear is f ll of human sy pathy whisper my petition into the ears of sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your ar s, and the g atit de of my hear will ever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never been known to fail. Say three Hail Mar 's and three Glories and promise publication.

~ CC ~

Parishes Priests FCC Online Mass Times Archives Streaming Catholic Radio

Online News & Information 24.7

Catholic Charities to Open Office in Middletown

www.NorwichDiocese.org

11

Four County Catholic April 2012

12

Four County Catholic April 2012

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In 2006, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and the Common Council of the City of Middletown voted to appropriate a matching grant for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, a program of St. Vincent DePaul, Middletown.

For every dollar that the food pantry raised, the city would match fifty cents, up to $25,000.

The first event was the Amazing Challenge Soup Supper, which was a combination thank you to friends of Amazing Grace and a delicious supper of soup and bread all donated by area restaurants, churches and friends.

Scores of people attended the no charge event and brought along their checkbooks. Thanks to the generosity of so many, a substantial amount of money was raised to begin the match.

In the meantime, Claudia DeFrance was thinking of a way to raise more money for the food pantry. She knew that the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi

Church in Middletown would be ready to help.

Giannelli’s Early Learning Center on Round Hill Road, devotedly and lovingly operated by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden, had always hosted a meatball grinder day as a major fund raiser for their facility. Mrs. DeFrance had heard that they were not doing the fundraiser anymore and approached Sister Donna and Sister Consulata about having a meatball grinder day for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. The Sisters were happy to turn the day over to Amazing Grace and the first “GRINDERS FOR GRACE” was established.

Help was needed to organize this huge task. Fred Terrasi was the President of the Italian American Civic Order at the time. The IACO has a reputation in Middletown for having some of the best cooks in town. So they were asked. They said YES and with them came the now famous, se-

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Saturday, April 28, 2012 St. Matthias Church 317 Chesterfield Road • East Lyme, CT 9 am Mass with Bishop Michael R. Cote 8:30 am doors open 2:30 pm closing Cost for the day is $20 - includes lunch w/pre-registration Sponsored by the Norwich Diocese, Office of Faith Events For Further Information call: (860) 848-2237 ext 312, Marge Vanner

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cret (Vinnie Munno) meatball recipe.

Together the members of the IACO and the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Middletown rallied to organize and perform the herculean task of making and delivering the grinders. One was Rochelle Hughes, a parishioner and member of the Finance Committee, who came forward to be the official bean counter – organizing orders, collecting money, keeping track of the totals. A daunting, crucial job to the success of the event and she shines each year as a true community organizer. One by one, members of every church in Middletown came forward to chop fresh parsley and garlic, roll thousands of meatballs, make gallons of homemade sauce, and of course make, wrap and deliver the grinders to Middletown and many, many surrounding towns and at the end of a very long day wash pans and clean the kitchen!

The first year, 600 grinders were purchased by area businesses, schools and friends. In 2011, 1,197 grinders were sold, resulting in over $6,000.00 donated to Amazing Grace.

This year, “GRINDERS FOR GRACE” will take place on April 19th at the Monsignor M. Davitt Fox Parish Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown.

Help is needed and if you have the time and energy, please join a remarkable group of individuals and work to help your neighbors in need.

Please email grindersforgrace@gmail.com and you will be sent a schedule of work times. If you do not have an email, please send a self addressed stamped envelope to: GRINDERS FOR GRACE PO Box 182 Middletown, CT 06457 “Like” Grinders for Grace on Facebook and follow the events leading up to April 19th…or call 860-930-3447.

Thank you for supporting Amazing Grace. And thank you for helping your neighbors.

13

Four County Catholic April 2012

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Father George Busto, CO, Catholic Chaplain at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, has been honored for his service in the hospice and palliative care programs.

Father Busto was presented the “Heart of Hospice, Pulse of Palliative Care Award” for his ministry as external advocate and supporter.

Melanie Cama, program director of the Hospice and Palliative Care Team, in presenting

the award wrote: “Father George takes time with patients and families and provides a healing and comforting presence…

He is not afraid of spending time with our dying patients. He is

committed to this apostolate, and his presence has improved the spiritual offerings of our program. He is truly committed to our patients and families and most deserving of the ‘Heart of Hospice, Pulse of Palliative Care Award.’”

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Reverend Joseph Edward Nichols May 4, 1921 – March 12, 2012

Norwich – The Reverend Joseph Edward Nichols, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died March 12, 2012, in Windham, Connecticut. He was 90. Father Nichols honorably served his Country as a United States Navy veteran of World War II and faithfully served the Catholic Church as pastor of several parishes in the Diocese, including Saint Mary Parish for ten years before retiring in 1996. In retirement, Father Nichols is fondly remembered for his visitation of the sick and his familiar presence at Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich.

Father Nichols was born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1921, son of Robert A. Nichols and Retta Nichols. He received an undergraduate degree from Franklin and Marshall College and a degree in Philosophy at St. Jerome College in Ontario, Canada.

Father Nichols completed his theology studies at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, PA. He was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Norwich on May 19, 1962, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick , D.D., Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese in Pennsylvania.

Father Nichols served in his first assignment as Assistant Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Middletown. In 1965, he was assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Pawcatuck, and six years later as Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Church in New London. In 1974 Father Nichols became the Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Dayville, and Administrator of St. Ignatius Church in Rogers.

In 1986 he was appointed Pastor at St. Mary in Baltic. In 1990, Father Nichols was appointed Bishop’s Liaison with the Retired Clergy of the Diocese.

Father Nichols is survived by his cousins, Robert M. Gillin of Bryn Mawr, PA. and Robert McDonald of Philadelphia, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Robert Nichols and his sisters, Valerie, Joan and Frances Nichols.

Father Nichols’ Funeral Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Patrick Cathedral School, 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06320 or St. Joseph School, 10 School Rd., Baltic, CT. 06330.

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14

Four County Catholic April 2012

140 Cities Participated in Defending Religious Liberty Religious Freedom Rallies Thousands gather in opposition to the HHS mandate on second anniversary of health-care reform act.

A Nationwide Rally for Religious Freedom took place March 23 in 140 cities across the country, including Hartford and

By Trent Beattie

New Haven, Connecticut. Meeting places included historic sites, congressional offices and federal buildings. The theme for the rally was “Stand Up for Religious Freedom — Stop the HHS Mandate!”

The rallies, took place on the second anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (commonly called Obamacare) in response to the recent Department of Health and Human Services mandate requiring most employers’ healthinsurance plans to provide co-pay-free sterilization, contraception and aborProtesters participate in a “Stand Up for Religious Freedom” rally in front of the Department of Health and Human Services March 23, 2012 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images.

tion-causing drugs.

Twenty-two Catholic bishops took to the podium at various rally sites, including Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, Ala., and Bishop Salvatore Cordileone Oakland, Calif.

Commenting on the cause, Penny Nance, president and CEO of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public-policy women’s organization, stated “We are deeply concerned about the dismantling of our constitutional freedoms and the assault on Christian institutions in America.”

“When religious groups are forced to deny their deeply held religious convictions, it is not called ‘balance’; it is called ‘tyranny,’” Nance said.

“America’s social safety nets will not hold up without the contributions of Christian institutions — many of them run by the Catholic Church — and that churches and religious institutions provide the strong moral threads of the nation’s social fabric.”

The Amish are exempt from the entire federal health care reform mandate because they do not believe in insurance. And, members of Medi-Share, a Christian Care Ministry, are also exempt. Yet, when the Catholic Church asks for a religious exemption that would exclude its religious organizations from paying for procedures such as sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception that violate its moral convictions, the government is saying, “No.” We cannot allow the government to dic-

tate which religious beliefs it respects, and which it does not? We, as American citizens, are granted freedom of religion under the Constitution of the United States and the First Amendment. We need to ensure that this inalienable right is never taken away.

Please contact the offices of your State Representatives and State Senators to express your opposition to the mandate.

Please see the addresses and phones numbers below, or visit: www.ctcatholic.org or www.norwichdiocese.org.

U.S. Congress The Honorable John Larson 221 Main Street, 2nd Floor Hartford, CT 06106 Phone: (860) 278-8888 Fax: (860) 278-2111

The Honorable Rosa DeLauro 59 Elm Street New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: (203) 562-3718 Fax: (201) 772-2260

The Honorable Joseph Courtney 101 Water Street, Suite 301 Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: (860)886-0139 Fax: (860) 886-2974

The Honorable Jim Himes 211 State Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (866) 453-0028 Fax: (203) 333-6655

The Honorable Christopher Murphy 114 West Main Street, Suite 206 New Britain, CT 06051 Phone: (860) 223-8412 Fax: (860) 827-9009

U.S. Senate The Honorable Joseph Lieberman One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 Voice: 860.549.8463 (Voice) Phone: 800.225.5605 (In CT) Fax: 866.317.2242

The Honorable Richard Blumenthal 90 State House Square, 10th Floor Hartford, CT, 06103 Phone: (860) 258-6940 Fax: (860) 258-6958

15

Four County Catholic April 2012

Timothy Cardinal Dolan Interviewed by Bill O’Reilly Fox News/March 28, 2012 Personal Story Segment” tonight, a “Factor Exclusive”: an interview with the most powerful Catholic cleric in America, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York.

DOLAN: I don’t want to act like I’m judging the President. I don’t know. There are those who tell me that I was misled. There are those who tell me that you simply misunderstood.

O’REILLY: Now they haven’t backed off and you have a number of options that you can challenge. However, the church basically is in a position now of promoting an unpopular concept, the ban of contraception.

DOLAN: You’re right on target.

It’s a tough battle because of that and our opponents are very shrewd because they’ve chosen an issue that they know -- we’re not very popular on. And that is why, Bill, we have to be -- we have to be very vigorous in insisting that this is not about contraception.

It’s about religion freedom.

But we can’t back down from this fight because it’s about religious freedom; it’s close to the very heart of what the -- of what the democratic enterprise that we know and love as the United States of America is all about.

torian than I am Bill, you know that every great movement in American history has been driven by people of religious conviction.

And if we duct tape the churches -- I’m just not talking about the Catholic Church -- if we duct tape the role of religion and the churches and morally convince people in the marketplace, that’s going to lead to a huge deficit a huge void. And there are many people who want to fill it up, namely a new religion called secularism, ok, which would be as doctrinaire and would consider itself as infallible as they caricature the other religions doing.

So to see that morally-driven religiously-convinced people want to exercise their political responsibility, I think that is not only at the heart of biblical religion, it is at the heart of American enterprise.

O’REILLY: I want -- I want to get into one more thing before I let you go. You said the religion of secularism. All right. So it’s basically the Catholic Church and other faith-based people, other religions against the American media and entertainment industry. That’s how I see, all right the American press very secular, would you agree?

think we can. But I’m wondering if this is the issue that will bring us together.

O’REILLY: Do you think they might be united then.

O’REILLY: Maybe. Would you say to American Catholics don’t vote for President Obama based upon this intrusion? Would you say that?

DOLAN: That could be uniting.

It has been fractured a bit since February 10 because there are some who say ok now the administration has seen our point and we can back off. We Bishops don’t

DOLAN: I wouldn’t say that -- I would never myself say don’t vote against or don’t vote for a partic-

ular candidate. For one it’s counterproductive. I would probably be doing the opponent a big favor if I would. Because even our very faithful Catholics, Bill, don’t like their bishops or priests telling them how to vote. They like to us to speak about principle; they like us to get clear and cogent and compelling. They don’t like us to get very personal. So I wouldn’t - I wouldn’t say that, no.

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DOLAN: Yes.

O’REILLY: Does the Catholic Church want to be a player in the American politics?

O’REILLY: Ok and the entertainment industry pounding secularism all day long.

DOLAN: Yes. Well, the Catholic Church wants its people to be a player in the American politics, all right. 28 percent of the population of the United States are Catholics, ok and the Catholic Church through them, you bet, wants to have a say in the direction of our beloved country.

DOLAN: Yes.

To think that there is a Berlin Wall between one’s religious convictions and one’s political activity is crazy, it’s ludicrous. It’s not only non-Catholic, non-Christian, non-biblical, it is also un-American. Because -- you’re a better his-

dented intrusion in the life of the Church and we can’t go there as Americans.

Trust Officers

O’REILLY: So you find yourself on the defensive.

Thomas McAvoy, Jr.

DOLAN: Yes. O’REILLY: All right, now you have the intrusion by the Obama administration into how you operate your faith.

DOLAN: Yes. Bill, there is a remarkable unanimity among Catholics saying this is time for the Church to stand up, this is an unwarranted, radical, unprece-

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Four County Catholic April 2012

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Lessons From the Life of Christ Over the years, I have come to realize that God, in His wisdom, pairs and parallels many of the Lord’s real

By Mary Tunison

life experiences with faith principles and lessons He wants us to learn.

When Jesus walked among us, many of His encounters, miracles and other experiences, as recorded in the gospels, are more than historical and biographical accounts of His life. They are imbued with spiritual significance and some even foreshadow sacramental elements which He would institute into His church. Such can be easily overlooked if one does not perceive beyond the circumstantial into the transcendent.

To illustrate my point, let us consider the Gospel of Matthew 14:22 which recounts what happened after Jesus has a long day of preaching to the crowds: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

The story goes on simply to say that later that night, “he was there alone and the boat was already a considerable distance from land.” It doesn’t explain what they were doing out there – perhaps they were just killing time until Jesus signalled for them to pick him up, perhaps they were on a quick fishing trip to provide for the evening’s repast.

Regardless of the reason, it was just an ordinary evening much like any other – or so they thought.

They were “on their way”, doing their thing, unaware of the impending danger that lie ahead. The skies darkened, the winds kicked up, the waves lapped relentlessly at the sides of their fragile boat. Suddenly, they were in the midst of a storm. Fo-

cused on the danger, they huddled together, cowering in fear.

Then, out of nowhere, came Jesus, walking on the water toward their boat. At first, they thought He was a ghost. Who wouldn’t? I mean, who would know what to make of such a sight?! Then he called forth something in them they did not expect. “Come,” He beckoned. Peter could have stayed in the safety of t h a t b o a t but, so enraptured by the Lord’s miraculous display, he stepped out onto the water. His focus was solely on Jesus, not the turbulence around and beneath him. And for one brief glorious moment, Peter was able to do what he would have never thought possible in his own strength.

Then, distracted by the power of the wind, he faltered, crying out for the Lord to save him. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” Jesus said, “why did you doubt?”

Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Certainly the story recaps a miraculous event which strengthened and confirmed the faith of all the apostles who witnessed it.

The story also teaches a lesson to the generations to come, that we, too, must trust Him in all the storms of life. At times, we must keep focused on the Lord and “step out into the deep” knowing that the Lord will see us through, no matter what the distraction or cause of our fear.

Many times we, too, are “on our way,” expecting the normal routine when our life is suddenly upended by the proverbial “storm” of one kind or another. It could be the loss of a job, the betrayal of a friend, a turbulent marital period, an uncertain time of transition or an unexpected diagnosis of illness.

Whatever the storm, we are challenged to push beyond our comfort

zone, to yield to the One who is more than able.

When we try to do our best and give our all, God will not only pick up where we fall short but will abundantly bless our efforts.

When Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish, he did so not solely to satisfy the physical hunger of the approximately 5000 people who came to listen to him that day.

Some scholars point out a deeper, spiritual significance -- a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, the Bread of

Life; which satisfies our inner longings and spiritual hunger for union with God. There was a boy in the crowd who offered his five barley loaves and two fish. Jesus took the loaves, said a blessing, broke them and gave them to the disciples. The disciples then distributed the loaves to the people which miraculously multiplied and fed all with some leftover.

They were the first “Eucharistic ministers.”

In addition, this story illustrates the spiritual principle of how God

shows mercy as well as the fact that He will not be undone in generosity when we are ready to offer what little we have. He will take the gifts we offer and multiply them in ways beyond what we could ever imagine.

It’s all about stepping out, making an effort, and offering what we can – He will be there at the edge of our limits to fill the gap between the point of our struggle and the touch of His strength to weave the gentle balance, that sensitive tension, between the point where we cannot and God can.

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Four County Catholic April 2012

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This past month the coming-ofage story “October Baby” premiered in theaters. I had an

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opportunity to view It’s not your trad coming-of-age story. the story of the naï year old college fr Hannah who just dis that her whole life ha lie.

The movie opens drama of Hannah, Rachel Hendrix, col stage from an appare attack while perfor school play. Her fa (John Schneider), w tor, rushes to her sid revive her. He yells o one to get her inhale call for an ambulanc bilized at the hospita ple of days after her see her with both of the doctor explains tion”. This has not ju dinary asthma at symptom of a larger learn about her oth the past like repeated and numerous brea Then the doctor reveals that her physical problems and emotional problems of late are directly tied to being the victim of an unsuccessful

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abortion attempt. She learns that her parents she has known her whole life adopted her as an infant.

Her biological mother tried to b h I if

that the truth shall set her free, and she goes on the road trip with Jason and a group of misfit college friends including Jason’s girlfriend.

J di h the girlfriend ce to Hannah, annah head off Mobile, Alawas born. she and Jason o used to work clinic (Jasmine rse reveals anthat disturbs d yet again, but o give away too movie makes investigation Hannah finds ther fairly rapht in Mobile. nts her birth ndy, played by y, and is sorely ed because her does not want ah traveled all or answers and none. As she eper into quespose for being, her faith. She olic priest who on the road to

read in Hannahs diary that she was depressed and feeling out of place.

Enraged by her parent’s secrets and her overprotective father’s prying, Hannah storms out of the doctor’s office deeper in emotional and psychological turmoil.

Her childhood friend Jason, played by Jason Burkey, has a long talk with her and invites her to take a road trip for spring break and make a convenient detour to find her birth mother. After consulting her diary again, she decides

The importance of the details of how Hannah came into existence fade, and the truth becomes revealed which is that she is a beautiful life and has a beautiful life with people who love her. Although “October Baby” is not dialogue heavy and a little light with some plot details, it is very emotional and powerful. It is truly an example of how through God all things are possible and how faith and forgiveness can heal. She connects again with her faith, forgives her birth mother for giving her up, her parents for lying, and charges ahead to live her life to the fullest.

This strong, faith-centered movie ends well and is very life-affirming. The producers of “October Baby” have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to “Every Life is Beautiful”, who will distribute funds to frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans.

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Outreach to Haiti: Helping Needy Children for Over 25 Years Four-year-old Marvens Damis holds his sister’s hand as they walk through the streets of the hillside

By Anna DeBiasi Development Director, Outreach to Haiti

neighborhood where they live in Port-au-Prince. Their bellies growl from hunger, because their family does not have enough money to cook meals for them every day. Five days a week, the siblings are welcomed with open arms into Madame Sampson’s house, where she serves them their only hot meals of the week.

Syndie Simon is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. She is growing up in an orphanage in Portau-Prince, because her family does not have the means to care for her. She wants to be a doctor one day and would like to work in the clinic next to the orphanage where she lives— Foyer des Filles de Dieu, a home known to many friends and supporters of Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti as Paula’s orphanage.

The Diocese of Norwich has been supporting needy children in Haiti for over 25 years. Today, thanks to Outreach to Haiti, girls like Syndie have bright days and hope, and children like Marvens have food in their bellies.

Outreach to Haiti reaches thousands of children. The ministry supports a neighborhood meal program and two orphanages, provides education sponsorships to 300 students, facilitates medical outreach and nutrition programs, and operates a primary care clinic in Port-au-Prince.

These programs serve thousands of the most vulnerable children in Haiti.

Action for Children In 1988, members of the Dioceses of Norwich traveled to Haiti.

They met a woman named Madame Sampson in a crowded slum neighborhood in Port-auPrince. She explained that many of the children in her neighborhood go without a hot meal on most days.

The sight of starving children was too much for her to bear.

“They’re starving, and many go all day without eating. They have malnutrition,” she said in 1988 when she came to the gate of our nearby mission house. As a neighbor, Outreach to Haiti decided to help her help the children around her. The ministry provided a stipend to purchase the food so that she

could continue to provide meals for the most vulnerable children in her neighborhood.

With the support of the Diocese behind her, Mme. Samson soon began the neighborhood meal program, Aksyon Pou Timoun(Action for Children). She began cooking cauldrons of food for a group of young children at her small cinderblock house. For many, the midday meal they received at Madame Sampson’s was the only food they had.

Today, Madame Sampson continues to run the meal program out of her home. More than 70 children visit her home in 2 shifts, 5 days a week to have a hot meal and vitamin supplements. This program embodies the true essence of Outreach to Haiti’s mission of helping Haitians help Haitians.

The House of the Girls of God Like Madame Sampson, Madame Paula Thybulle also provides a safety net for the most vulnerable of children. She founded Le Foyer des Filles de Dieu (The House of the Girls of God, also known as Paula’s orphanage) in 1987, and she continues to run it today. The orphanage is not far from downtown Port-au-Prince and has almost 70

girls in its close quarters.

The Rainbow House In the mountains above Port-auPrince lies La Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel, or The Rainbow House. Founded in the 1980s, by Daniele and Robert Penette, The Rainbow House was the first of its kind to provide a haven for children affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Many have lost at least one relative to the disease, and some are HIV-positive. The Rainbow House provides a safe and loving environment for these children, who have daily medical oversight and education and/or vocational training.

For the Love of a Child As the Diocese of Norwich continues our work in Haiti, we remain committed to serving the Haitian people in the spirit of the gospel, especially children.

Join us in support of needy children in Haiti at the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti’s 2012 annual For the Love of a Child gala,

‘For the Love of a Child’ A Gala Evening to Benefit Needy Children in Haiti Saturday, April 21 at 6:00 pm The Clinton Country Club Tickets $150 ($75 Tax Deductible)

For more information: 860.848.2237 x206 info@outreachhaiti.org

Saturday, April 21, at The Clinton Country Club, Clinton CT at 6 pm. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, a Caribbeanthemed meal, Haitian a cappella and local children’s choirs.

We welcome parishioners from throughout the diocese and beyond

to take part in celebrating, honoring, and supporting the most vulnerable of our Haitian sisters and brothers. Tickets are $150 each, $75 of which is tax deductible. For more information please contact Anna DeBiasi at 860.848.2237 (x206); anna@outreachtohaiti.org.

Rock-A-Thon for Haiti For over 20 years the youth group at St. Andrew Church in Colchester has done a 24-hour rock-a-thon for Haiti. The money raised at the rock-a-thon goes directly to the Haitian Health Foundation. The Haitian Health Foundation was started by Dr. Jeremy Lowney. Dr. Lowney is a resident of Norwich and a parishioner of St. Andrew Parish. In 1984, during one of their many personal phone conversations, Mother Theresa asked Dr. Lowney if he would build a health clinic in Jeremie Haiti. He did so at her request and the clinic was opened.

Twenty years later, the tradition of the rock-a-thon is continuing.

What initially was about 500 dollars raised at a rock-a-thon has grown to approximately $24,000 a year. This is due largely to two reasons. The youth group grew dramatically in size and commitment after implementing Life Teen as our high school youth ministry program. The second way that they money collected grew was by finding new ways to educate all friends and family members, that we sought donations from, about the desperation in Faith,. The money raised by the rock-a-thon pays the FULL TIME salary of approximately 7 nurses per year. The annual salary for a nurse at this clinic is about $3,500 a year.

Each person participating in the 24 hour rock-a-thon must raise a minimum of $100 dollars to participate. The high school Life Teen members participate for the entire 24 hours and are joined by some members of the 8th grade confirmation class for 10 of those hours.

Teens are kept busy with a variety fun and faith filled activities.

This year’s activities included Zoomba, Hawaiian dance and Lip Sync contest. The group also had a praise and worship time as well as attending 4:00 PM mass on Saturday as a group.

Local pizza places donated pizzas in order to supply dinner for the hungry crowd!

If you are interested in supporting the Haitian Health Foundation by having a rock-a-thon for Haiti in your parish, please feel free to contact Carol Pettit at standrewym@sbcglobal.net.

20

Four County Catholic April 2012

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich 860-889-4174 www.stpatscathedralschool.org Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale History tells us that as early as 1927, St. Joseph School ranked as one of the first

By Sheila Cerjanec Technology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

bilingual schools in Connecticut, teaching French along with English. When the school first opened in 1881, it was staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, whose mother house was St. Laurence, in Montreal, Quebec. When the Sisters arrived in Thompson, they were warmly received and the welcoming address was pro-

nounced in both French and in English. In its early years, St. Joseph’s enrollment was booming (over 300 students) due to the large number of families who came to the United States from Canada looking for work in the highly successful textile mills located in Thompson. As the mills closed, and employment became scarce, the school enrollment declined but remained steady enough to support the school. In spite of these hardships, and financial constraints, construction on the current school building began in

1959, under the direction of Fr. Omar Mandler and when completed, was considered state of the art. Following the departure of the Sisters of the Holy Cross at the end of the school year in 1981, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, were invited to take over the education of the students at St. Joseph. In 1988, the school was restructured to include a new Pre-Kindergarten class through grade four. This addition of the Pre-Kindergarten class sparked an increase in enrollment, and the new pastor, Father Gre-

groire Fluet, made the decision to add a grade each year until in 1994, when St. Joseph once again was a PreKindergarten through Grade 8 school.

Surviving all of these hardships has served to make St. Joseph School strong – strong in academics, spirit, faith, and determination.

“The mission of St. Joseph School is to create a strong foundation of Catholic faith in a caring, respectful, and nurturing environment. We encourage academic success, St. Joseph School

Continued on page 22

Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John School, Middletown 860-347-3202 www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Joseph School, Rockville 860-875-4943 www.saintjosephvernon.org St. Mary School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.stmarymiddletown.com St. Mary School, New London 860-443-7758 www.stmarystarseanl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, visit St. Josephs School.

Photo submitted by Sheila Cerjanec

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

St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0475 www.saintbernardchurch.org

22

Four County Catholic April 2012

St. Joseph School EDUCATIONAL CENTER

West Main Street • Baltic, Connecticut

INDIVIDUALIZED TUTORING All Ages Welcome!

Classes now in session 9AM - 7PM

Continued from page 21

instill discipline, and infuse lifetime learning skills in each student.”

Currently, enrollment is 140 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. The strong foundation of academic excellence is apparent in the school. Students study the core subjects, Religion, Math, Algebra, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Chorus on all grade levels in addition to Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Technology, and Band. Students also participate in the Invention Convention and Science Fair competitions.

Teachers encourage each student to set goals to achieve at his/her own level and to be proud of that achievement. Title I programs are available for students in grades one through four who are experiencing difficulties in reading and/or math. Grade level teachers work with resource staff from the Thompson Public School Special Education Office and the parents to identify ways to best serve the needs of these children. A Speech pro-

gram is also available for students who qualify. The school also provides an am and pm program (PAC) for all students on all grade levels. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are offered as either

a half or a full day program.

Sports play a huge role in the lives of all children today. At St. Joseph, boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in an extensive sports program throughout the year. There is Soccer, Basketball, Track, Golf, Cheerleading and Cross Country for students.

St. Joseph’s also has a strong Student

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Your are cordially invited to the 32nd Annual Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s

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Sunday, April 29, 2012 1:30-4:00 pm St. Joseph Church Hall 350 Hartford Pike (Route 101) Dayville, CT 06241 Hear about: “Caring for Today’s Babies” & “Making Memories with Home Photos”

Council, which provides students with the opportunity to participate in and practice leadership and responsible decision making which will serve them well as they advance into their high school years and beyond.

There is a dedicated parent organization, the Home School Association, which works hand in hand with the administration, faculty and staff to support the school family.

In May, the highly anticipated Annual Fun Fest will take place for three days and includes a carnival, flea market, and lots of entertainment to name only a few of the activities. This is the largest and most lucrative fund raiser of the year, and is a time when everyone pulls together, parishoners, parents, faculty, staff and students to raise money for the school and most of all, to have fun.

In addition, students are taught the value of giving back, and are encouraged to really understand the meaning of Christ’s words, “Do unto others…” On May 18, 2012, many St. Joseph students in grades Kindergarten through grade 8 , will participate in the Relay for Life. They have set a goal to raise $5,000 for the American Cancer Society and are already more than half way there.

It is easy to understand why St. Joseph School continues to thrive and has continued to educate the children of Thompson area for over 130 years. Pope Pius XII pronounced that the primary purpose of Catholic education is to educate the whole person-religiously, scholastically, socially, physically, emotionally and culturally. This is indeed what is going on at St. Joseph on a daily basis, all year long.

There are still some openings on some grade levels, for the academic year 2012-2013. If you are interested in finding out more about the school, email the Principal, Sharon Briere at brieresharon@yahoo.com, or call the school, 860.923.2090 for more information. St. Joseph School is NEASC accredited.

23

Four County Catholic April 2012

Catholics Missing from Italian Shipwreck Still Inspire

By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

buried two and a half miles below the Atlantic bobs to the surface once again.

But I keep circling back to the shipwreck of 2012, the cruise liner Costa Concordia that struck a reef off the Italian island Giglio one Friday night in January. Of the 32 casualties, only two Americans remain missing, a retired couple from Minnesota: Barb Heil, 70, and her husband, Jerry, 69, parents of four and devout Catholics.

They had waited their whole lives to take a cruise like this one, having paid for years of Catholic school tuition and medical bills from a bout with cancer. Finally, their chance had come – time to see the Vatican City and Tuscany’s rolling hills.

Four days after the shipwreck, a reporting assignment brought me to Barb and Jerry’s parish, St. Pius X in White Bear Lake, a mile and a half from their blue Ranch-style home. Their fingerprints were everywhere.

I pulled up to the church as the maintenance guy Randy was changing the marquee sign on the front lawn, removing the words “school book fair” and loading the message “Barb Jerry prayer service.”

In the front entrance I passed boxes of raffle tickets for the parish festival three weeks away. Barb and Jerry’s envelope was not there.

They must have retrieved it before leaving on their trip.

A little further in, sign-ups for volunteer positions were taped on a table. On the second sheet, Barb had written her name in loopy cursive, committing to a kitchen duty to be fulfilled Sunday, Feb. 12: “hot dogs 10:45 am-1:45 pm.”

The small Eucharistic Adora-

tion chapel tucked behind the sacristy was occupied by four parishioners. Jerry and Barb attended daily Mass and weekly adoration, and now that chapel was being filled in their honor. I flipped through the register, a three-ringer binder marked with arrivals and departures at every hour, overlapping five or 10 minutes. Outside the chapel door, a turquoise Mead

notebook held petitions for Barb and Jerry scrawled in black ink.

“Peace,” someone wrote, “closure for their family.”

One of the parishioners in adoration was Dennis Bechel, 71, who belonged to the same Knights of Columbus council Jerry had served on.

“It’s a shock,” Dennis told me.

“You become almost like a second family when you’re involved in a church community like St. Pius.”

I learned that Jerry taught adult faith formation and had helped set up the church’s first website. Barb, meanwhile, was an active volunteer at the Dorothy Day homeless shelter.

One month later I was back at St. Pius attending the memorial Mass for Barb and Jerry.

We sang “Be Not Afraid,” and during his homily the priest addressed the scenario playing out in all our minds. He gave us the words we want to believe: “I can imagine them very calmly allowing others to get ahead, not pushing others, probably figuring it was going to be OK.” Surely, he said, Barb and Jerry were praying as they waited their turn.

When I reviewed all my report-

Yolanda “YoYo” Carroll “The Shoreline Specialist!”

ing notes, it was hard to find anything unrelated to Catholicism.

For me that’s the takeaway, that’s the testimony: to be so wholly Catholic that there is nothing outside your faith, nothing untouched, nothing walled off, nothing hidden. It’s where you

begin and end and where you dwell all day. It’s not showy or pious, it’s just who you are – Catholic, through and through.

Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. She can be contacted at www.ReadChristina.com.

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Youth Explosion Gets ‘Kids Fired Up About Faith’ Montville, CT - More than 300 youths from throughout the Diocese of Norwich came together

By Kate Bucklin Reprint from the Bulletin

Sunday, March 25 in Montville to reaffirm their faith and have a little fun.

The Roman Catholic teenagers gathered at St. Bernard High School for the third annual Youth Explosion, an all-day event that included speakers, musicians, worship and athletics.

“We do this to get kids fired up about faith,” said Jill Patten, chairwoman of the Diocese Youth Council. Youth Explosion is organized by the Council, which is a part of the Office of Faith Events.

The keynote speaker for the event was Brian Kissinger, a youth minister based in Virginia who travels the country speaking to young Catholics.

Kissinger spoke about worship, relating it to the crowd by telling them a story about bringing his neices to a Jonas Brothers concert and watching the crowd go “insane.”

“Everybody worships something,” said Kissinger. “We go nuts for sports, musicians, celebrities ...”

Kissinger said while those objects of worship are short-lived, God is not.

“There’s one thing in our lives that will never be updated,” said Kissinger. “We are reminded who is worth our worship and our time.”

Participants at the event said they appreciated the way Kissinger and Sara Kroger, another speaker, related faith and worship to them.

“He’s a very good speaker,” said St. Bernard freshman Sam Whewell, of Niantic. “What he said relates to all teens. He knows what we go through as teens.”

Claire Jasper, a sophomore at East Lyme High School and a communicant of St. Agnes Church

in Niantic, said she appreciated that the speakers were young.

“We can relate to them,” she

said. “It’s also great to see all these other people here, from different churches.”

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Four County Catholic April 2012

St. Mary School Middletown Begins Year of Celebration 100th Anniversary Mass to begin Sunday April 29, 2012 at 11am A very special homecoming Mass will be celebrated on April 29 at 11AM at St. Mary of Submitted by Marie Kalita-Leary

Czestochowa in Middletown. The Mass is to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. Mary School. All Alumni, current and former St. Mary School students and their families, parishioners and friends of St. Mary School are invited.

Pass the word, all are welcome!

During the Mass there will be a special presentation of “The Bells of St.Mary’s” performed by the St. Mary School Children’s Chime Choir. The School Principal, Alumni, and special guests will assist and be part of the Mass.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by The Knights of Columbus, The Ladies Guild and the St. Mary Home and School Association in the Parish Center following Mass.

Open house and tours of St. Mary School will take place from 12noon – 2pm. The tours will be led by current St. Mary School students and hosted by Principal, Mrs. Dutil and the St. Mary School teachers.

While touring the school,

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guests may visit “A Step Back in Time.” The memorabilia museum will be open for guests to see.

Treasured items include old

school uniforms, CYO basketball & cheerleading uniforms, tro-

phies, photos of the Felician Sisters and much more! There is even a diploma from the first graduating class!

Alumni of St. Mary School planning to attend the Mass should pre-register by contacting the school at 860-347-2978, 87 South Main Street Middletown, CT 06457 or by sending an email to smshsanotes@hotmail.com.

Get up-to-date information on Classmates.com and the St. Mary School Middletown Alum Facebook Page.

Be sure to “Like Us” while you are there. Please call 860347-2978 to reach the school office or email smshsanotes@hotmail.com with any questions.

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Hunter Baillargeon, a player for the St. Patrick Cathedral junior varsity boys team is interviewed by Channel 8 News in front of a crowd Monday morning, April 2.

Photo by Trina Fulton

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The team was honored with a police escort Monday morning, April 2 from Chelsea Parade to St. Patrick Cathedral School.

St. Patrick went undefeated (14-0) and won the Route 395 Basketball and Cheerleading Conference title this season.

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Did You Know?

April 8 Easter Sunday when we celebrate Jesus rose and opened the gates of heaven so we can live with him forever.

April 14 Beginning of National Park Week so visit a local park this week

by Karen H Whiting

April 15 Divine Mercy Sunday. This is a day to be thankful for God’s mercy. He forgives all our sins because he loves us. Read 1:9.

April 22 In God We Trust Day and a great day to pray for our country. Look at a coin and read the words.

When you find a penny think of it as a whisper from God to trust in Him. Read Proverbs 3:4-5 about trusting God.

Plants in the Bible

April 28 Sense of smell day. Take a scent walk and smell fresh air, scents of spring, and flowers you find.

Directions: Unscramble the name of each type of tree or flower. The Bible verse where they are found is beside the scrambled word.

1. crosuc

___ ___ ____

Isaiah 35:1

Celebrate Jesus is Risen!

2. has

___ ___ ___

Isaiah 44:14

3. kao

___ ___ ____

4. eloiv

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

5. mpla

___ ___ ___ ___

6. yba

___ ___ ___

Play a new life hunt scavenger hunt with these and other items to find:

7. egeeenvrer

___ ___ ___ ___ ____ ___ ___ ___ ___

Hosea 8:14

• Bud • New penny • Green blade of grass • Sign of growth (pants too short) • New idea

8. wwlloi

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Isaiah 44:4

9. ylli

___ ___ ___ ___

10. oarplp

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Hosea 4:13

11. sloea

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Psalm 45:8

12. reulmbry

__ ___ __ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

13. eipn

___ ___ ___ ___

14. eosr

__ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

15. mdanol

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

• • • • •

New leaf Caterpillar Worm New clothes Bible verse about Jesus

Make Easter basket treats by filling flat-bottomed ice cream cones and adding handles from licorice. Fill them with small candies, nuts, or ice cream.

Mix up rice crispy treats and let kids shape them into crosses, flowers, and eggs. Put out sprinkles and candies to use for decorating the treats.

Let children plant marigold seeds in paper cups. Explain they can watch for the new life of the plant to begin. The flower is named for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary’s gold is Jesus!

Hold an Easter parade and let the children march to music and shout, “He is risen” and “He is risen indeed.”

Have an egg rolling contest and an egg hunt. Before the hunt begins read this Bible verse: And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew24:31. The hunt is a reminder that God will send angels to gather his believers. Let a few eggs be empty for the empty tomb and give children those finding empty eggs special prizes.

Judges 6:11-19 Psalm 128 Exodus 15:27 Psalm 37:35

1 Kings 7:26

2 Samuel 5:23,24 Isaiah 41:19 Song of Songs 2:1 Jeremiah 1:11

16. emoprganate ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Deuteronomy 8:8 Answers: 1.crocus 2.ash 3. oak, 4. olive 5. palm, 6. bay 7.evergreen, 8. willow 9. lily, 10. poplar 11. aloes 12. mulberry 13. pine 14.rose 15. almond 16. pomegranate

Plan and enjoy an Easter party. The Easter season last six weeks from Easter until Pentecost so there’s plenty of time. Decorate with butterflies, lilies, and other signs of new life. Greet guests with the phrase, “He is risen!” or “Jesus Christ is risen!”

Set up a tree branch that has small branches to decorate and put out supplies for guests to color plastic eggs and hang them on the branches.

28

Four County Catholic April 2012

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Four County Catholic April 2012

Holy Week’s Solemnities Pope Benedict to Celebrate 6 Masses and Preaches 5 Homilies Holy Week at the Vatican this year will be as intense as usual for the Holy Father, who is scheduled

By Edward Pentin National Catholic Register, Rome Correspondent

to celebrate six Masses and deliver five homilies and addresses that will usher in the Solemnity of Easter for the Catholic Church.

As in almost every Catholic diocese throughout the world, the Vatican’s Holy Week began with the blessing of the palms, procession and Holy Mass on Palm Sunday, April 1.

As usual, the outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square drew large crowds of pilgrims holding palm fronds and olive branches.

Pope Benedict XVI, wearing crimson-and-gold-colored robes, reminded the faithful of the meaning of the celebration that marks the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed in his path before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday.

The Holy Father will then celebrate his next Holy Week liturgy on Holy Thursday morning, when he preaches a homily at the chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Chrism Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop through the blessing of three oils that will be used throughout the year.

In the evening, at 5:30pm, the Holy Father will begin the Paschal Triduum with Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Benedict usually devotes his homilies on Holy Thursday — both at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Chrism Mass — to the priesthood and the holy Eucharist, which were instituted by Christ on this day. The Pope also washes the feet of a select group of 12 Roman priests, imitating the gesture of Jesus to the apostles.

And as in every other church on Maundy Thursday, the altar of the basilica will be stripped as a reminder of how Jesus was stripped of his garments when he fell into the hands of the Romans and was exposed naked to their insults.

Throughout that evening, until midnight, the doors of the Lateran basilica and all of Rome’s churches are thrown open for pilgrims to visit seven altars of repose — a tradition that dates back to early Christianity.

Most Romans visit seven churches that are usually in close proximity. Many of them will spend time praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and every church will have chapels turned into tastefully adorned altars of repose.

So m e enjoy the tradition so much that they will visit far more than the traditional seven churches.

At 5pm on Good Friday, the Holy Father

will preside over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s, during which the homily will be delivered, as is the custom, by the papal preacher, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa.

But unlike last year on Good Friday, the Pope won’t be offering television viewers a pre-recorded question-and-answer session from seven people around the world.

That program was a first in papal broadcasting history.

At 9:15pm, the Via Crucis devotion (Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross) will take place at the Colosseum. Commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ through the reading of prayers along a path of 14 stations, each station is accompanied by meditations written by a guest author.

The Via Crucis at the Colosseum dates back to the 18th century and was revived in 1964 by Pope Paul VI. It has since become a worldwide televised event.

Also guaranteed to attract a large worldwide audience will be the Easter vigil Mass presided by the Pope on April 7.

Easter Day Mass will be celebrated in the morning in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the Pope’s message and blessing urbi et orbi (to the city of Rome and to the world).

As in previous years, the Holy Father is expected to draw attention to areas of conflict and suffering in the world today and offer words of hope. Concerns over the ongoing violence and bloodshed in Syria are likely to figure highly into his remarks.

Not only will this be the usual, intensive Holy Week for the Pope, it also follows on the heels of his recent trip to Cuba and Mexico.

The Holy Father is therefore likely to do what he normally does after Easter: take a short, wellearned rest at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo.

136 Sachem Street Norwich CT 06360 860-889-2374 Fax 860-886-2396

213 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360

Please Remember...

As those who came before us, let us leave a legacy to future generations.

Remember to write St. Patrick Cathedral into your will and continue the sacred trust that is each generation’s preservation of this most beloved cathedral.

Please call Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte at (860) 889-8441.

30

Four County Catholic April 2012

Pope, at Mass, Calls for Full Religious Freedom in Cuba HAVANA - Preaching at Mass in Havana’s Revolution Square, location of the headquarters of

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Pope Benedict meets with Fidel Castro during recent Latin America trip.

AP Photo

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Cuba’s Communist Party, Pope Benedict XVI called for full religious freedom and greater respect for human rights on the island.

“In Cuba steps have been taken to enable the church to carry out her essential mission of expressing the faith openly and publicly,” the pope said during his homily March 28. “Nonetheless, this must continue forward.”

With President Raul Castro seated near the altar platform, the pope said, “I wish to encourage the country’s government authorities to strengthen what has already been achieved and advance along this path of genuine service to the true good of Cuban society as a whole.”

The Mass began at 9 a.m. under a clear blue sky with a light breeze blowing. As at the papal Mass in

Santiago de Cuba March 26, thousands in the crowd were dressed in white T-shirts and baseball caps.

A priest led chants once the pope arrived and made his way in the popemobile through the crowd. One of the priest’s louder inventions was “Benedicto, Benedicto, confirmanos en Cristo,” (“Benedict, Benedict, confirm us in Christ”).

In his homily, Pope Benedict said that faith in God and Jesus Christ is the key to salvation, true happiness and authentic freedom, and that the daily lives and work of committed Catholics can benefit the whole society.

The truth about the human person created in God’s image and saved from sin by Jesus is the foundation of an ethical code that all reasonable people of good will can share, he said.

The ethical code “contains clear and precise indications concerning life and death, duties and rights, marriage, family and society, in short, regarding the inviolable dignity of the human person,” he said.

“Cuba and the world need change,” he said, but that will happen only if each and every person “is in a position to seek the truth and chooses the way of love, sowing reconciliation and fraternity.”

The Catholic Church is not asking for special privileges in Cuba, but for the recognition of the basic right to religious freedom and freedom of expression, which includes expressing one’s faith in concrete acts of charity and service to society, the pope said.

To carry out its obligations to proclaim and live the Gospel, he said, the church “must count on basic religious freedom, which consists in her being able to proclaim and to celebrate her faith also in public, bringing to others the message of love, reconciliation and peace.”

Pope Benedict said the church’s witness is usually expressed through “preaching and teaching,” which is one of the reasons why the church hopes that “the moment will soon arrive” when it can operate schools and universities in

31

Four County Catholic April 2012

Cuba.

Catholics want to be witnesses of love and respond to evil with good, he said. “Let us walk in the light of Christ, who alone can destroy the darkness of error. And let us beg him that, with the courage and strength of the saints, we may be able -- without fear of rancor, but freely, generously and consistently -- to respond to God.” One of the men in the crowd, 65-year-old Orlando Perez, said he was pleased to be at the papal Mass. Wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with an image of Cuba’s patroness, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, he said, “I am very happy because he is the vicar of God.” Asked how the crowd size compared with the number present in 1998 when Blessed John Paul II celebrated Mass in the same plaza, he said, “there are many more people here now.”

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