Four County Catholic February 2016

God's Mercy Transforms Hearts.

Volume 28 Number 2

February 2016

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

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Four County Catholic February 2016

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Lent is the time for compassion, healing and even new beginnings.

Four County

- Sister Elissa Rinere defining the essence of the Lenten season.

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

If you want to find God, seek Him in humility, seek Him in poverty, seek Him where He is hidden: in the neediest, in the sick, in the hungry, in the imprisoned.

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Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

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

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- Slogan on buttons worn by Little Sisters of the Poor at this year’s March for Life in Washington D.C. in protest of the government mandate which requires their healthcare plan to cover abortion-inducing drugs

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Those who give mercy, receive mercy.

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- The Most Reverend Michael R. Côte, Bishop of Norwich quoting Matthew 5:7, emphasizing the transforming qualities of the Holy Year of Mercy.

Corrections: In the January 2016 issue of the Four County Catholic, under “Where in the Diocese,” the Mass times for St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in Groton were incorrect. The correct Mass times are: Sunday Masses: 7:30am & 11:00am (Saturday 5:30pm) Weekday Mass: Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am Confessions: Saturday 6:30pm Also, the article on Year of Mercy Lessons in the “Our Youth” section was noted as written

by Shari Marderness. The article was submitted by Liza Roach from the Diocesan Office of Faith Events.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Let Light Shine Out of the Darkness My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As Lent begins, we contemplate God’s overwhelming mercy in preparing for the journey to the cross. It allows us time to patiently prepare for the ultimate act of divine love, sacrifice and mercy as Jesus laid down his life for our salvation. It provides us the opportunity to be repentant and to think and act compassionately toward each other. From the humbling moment of receiving ashes on our foreheads this week, we are touched by the gift of God’s mercy.

Recently, I had the honor of introducing the seven Diocesan Missionaries of Mercy whose names are included later in this issue. We are fortunate to be so well represented by these generous-hearted priests who have volunteered to help others embrace the call to mercy. They will be available for parish retreats,

preaching or to serve as confessors in parishes to which they are invited. We thank them and welcome them as they strive to reveal, more and more, the face of God who is Mercy.

Inspiring our diocesan ministry of mercy, Pope Francis has already begun his “Fridays of Mercy,” as he visits the sick, elderly and homebound in various unannounced locations in Rome. His first Friday visit to the Bruno Buozzi Rest Home was a wonderful surprise to its thirty-three grateful residents.

Here at home, we are compelled by our faith, by the example of the Holy Father and by the encouragement of the Missionaries of Mercy and the parish Disciples of Mercy to exercise the corporal and spiritual works of mercy through our ministries and through individual acts of kindness and mercy. Often, merciful behavior is administering as a

group to others experiencing misfortune. Thank God for the many soldiers of mercy who stand and serve others on the ministry front lines. Our St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchens and Catholic Charities’ social and behavioral services are often first to come to mind.

Community efforts such as the heartwarming outreach to local cancer patient, Dorian Murray, are powerful examples of compassion in action. We should be mindful, too, that, sometimes, the smallest individual acts of mercy can also make a big difference in the lives of those who need help and encouragement.

One of the most truly unique individual acts of compassion came to my attention recently from close-by Providence, Rhode Island. Some of you may have heard about it as it involves Hasbro Children’s Hospital. It all began with a volunteer at the hospital who, when saying good

night to a patient, told him he would flash his bicycle light back toward the hospital on his way home as a gesture to say goodnight. He did. And the boy in the hospital flashed his room light in return. The volunteer knew that the oncology patients often have a view toward the city of Providence. From this humble beginning, the whole idea quickly spread as more and more people and businesses began to coordinate the gesture of flashing their lights at the same time, 8:30 p.m., to blink goodnight to the children at Hasbro. Now, boats from the Providence Steamboat Company, the Biltmore Hotel, several office buildings and even cars have joined in this thoughtful little way of letting the children know that their community is thinking about them. Return flashing of hospital lights each night can be seen acknowledging the thoughtful gesture. An ex-

adelante en esta publicación.

Somos afortunados de estar bien representados por estos sacerdotes generosos de corazón quienes se han ofrecido a ayudar a otros a aceptar el llamado a la misericordia.

Ellos estarán disponibles para retiros parroquiales, predicar o para servir como confesores en las parroquias a las que se les invite. Mientras se esfuerzan por revelar, cada vez más, el rostro de Dios que es la misericordia les damos las gracias y les damos la bienvenida.

Inspirando nuestro ministerio diocesano de la misericordia, el Papa Francisco ya ha comenzado su “Viernes de la Misericordia”, él visita a los enfermos, ancianos y sale de su casa sin previo aviso a varios

lugares en Roma. Su primera visita el viernes a la casa de reposo Bruno Buozzi fue una sorpresa maravillosa para los treinta y tres residentes agradecidos.

Aquí en casa, nos vemos obligados por nuestra fe, por el ejemplo del Santo Padre y por el estímulo de los Misioneros de la Misericordia y los Discípulos de la Misericordia de las parroquias para ejercer las obras corporales y espirituales de la misericordia a través de nuestros ministerios y a través de actos individuales de bondad y misericordia.

A menudo, el comportamiento misericordioso está administrado como un grupo de otros que está sufriendo desgracia. Gracias a Dios por los muchos soldados de la mis-

ericordia que están de pie y sirven a otros en el frente del ministerio.

Los primeros en venir a la mente son a menudo nuestros comedores de San Vicente de Paul y los servicios sociales y de conducta de Caridades Católicas. Los esfuerzos de la comunidad, tales como Dorian Murray el alcance reconfortante a los pacientes de cáncer local, son ejemplos poderosos de la compasión en acción. Debemos tener en cuenta, también, que a veces, los pequeños actos individuales de piedad también pueden hacer una gran diferencia en las vidas de aquellos que necesitan ayuda y aliento.

Me llamó la atención recientemente cerca en Providence, Rhode Island uno de los actos individuales

2 Corinthians 4:6

traordinary act of mercy and compassion. “Let light shine out of the darkness.”

This true story reminds us that not only do we help others when we practice merciful actions, we also receive God’s mercy for ourselves. “Those who give mercy, receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7 Both the giver and the receiver are transformed. I felt transformed just hearing about one small bicycle light that ignited so much compassion in a community.

Light did shine out of the darkness in this instance.

Let us pray this Lenten season that people we encounter in our daily lives feel the glow of Christ’s light within us. May it radiate between us, among us and around us. Mercy is radiant. God’s mercy is eternal.

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

Brille la Luz en Medio de la Oscuridad Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Al comenzar la Cuaresma, en la preparación para el viaje a la cruz contemplamos la profunda misericordia de Dios. Ya que Jesús dio su vida por nuestra salvación nos da el tiempo para preparar pacientemente el último acto de amor divino, de sacrificio y de piedad. Nos proporciona la oportunidad de estar arrepentidos y pensar y actuar con compasión hacia los demás.

Somos conmovidos por el don de la misericordia de Dios, desde el sencillo momento de recibir cenizas en la frente esta semana.

Recientemente tuve el honor de presentar a los siete Misioneros Diocesanos de la Misericordia, cuyos nombres se incluyen más

Bishop of Norwich

Corintios 4:6

verdaderamente único de la compasión y la misericordia. Algunos de ustedes pueden haber oído hablar de él, ya que implica el Hospital de Niños Hasbro. Todo comenzó con un voluntario del hospital quien, al decir buenas noches a un paciente, le dijo que iba a encender y apagar hacia el hospital la luz de su bicicleta cuando se fuera a su casa como un gesto de decir buenas noches. Lo hizo. Y el niño en el hospital a cambio parpadeó la luz de su habitación. El voluntario sabía que los pacientes oncológicos a menudo tienen una vista hacia la ciudad de Providence. La idea se Brille la Luz en Medio de la Oscuridad

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Brille la Luz en Medio de la Oscuridad extendió rápidamente desde este sencillo comienzo, a medida que más y más personas y empresas comenzaron a coordinar el gesto de encender y apagar sus luces al mismo tiempo, a parpadear las buenas noches a los niños de Hasbro a las 8:30p.m. Ahora, los barcos de la compañía Steamboat en Providence, el Hotel Bitmore, varios edificios de oficinas e incluso automóviles se han unido a esta pequeña manera reflexiva de dejar que los niños sepan que su comunidad está pensando en ellos. Cada noche se puede ver en respuesta que el hospital reconociendo el

gesto apreciado enciende y apaga sus luces. Un extraordinario acto de misericordia y compasión. “Que brille la luz en medio de la oscuridad”.

Esta verdadera historia nos recuerda que cuando practicamos acciones misericordiosas no sólo ayudamos a otros, también recibimos la misericordia de Dios para con nosotros mismos. “Felices los compasivos porque obtendrán misericordia” Mateo 5: 7. Ambos son transformados el que da y el que recibe. Me sentí transformado sólo al escuchar sobre la luz de una pequeña bicicleta que encendió tanta

Continued from page 3

compasión en una comunidad. En este caso la Luz brilló en la oscuridad.

Oremos en este tiempo de Cuaresma que la gente que nos encontramos en nuestra vida cotidiana sienta el resplandor de la luz de Cristo en nosotros. Que irradie entre nosotros, en medio de nosotros y alrededor de nosotros.

La misericordia es radiante. La misericordia de Dios es eterna.

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

CHRISTIAN MORALITY For the Answer go to Page 10.

THURSDAY MORNINGS

March 3 & 10 9:45 am– 12 noon

St. Joseph Church (Lower Church Hall)

99 Jackson Street Willimantic, CT Fee: $20.00

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for February Universal: Care for Creation That we may take good care of creation–a gift freely given–cultivating and protecting it for future generations.

Evangelization: Asia That opportunities may increase for dialogue and encounter between the Christian faith and the peoples of Asia.

(Fee includes book and materials)

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Is it difficult to follow Christ? Is it a challenge to be faithful to the Gospel? Can it be exhausting to devote oneself to building up God’s reign of love and justice on this earth? Of Course!

These sessions will shed light on what it means for you to respond to the love of God and the connection between that response and some of the concrete moral challenges of your life.

A two­session course presented by Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Director, Office of Worship & Office of Pastoral Planning

For more information, please call the Office of Faith Events at 860­848­2237, Ext. 312.

CHRISTIAN MORALITY (Registration deadline: February 25, 2016)

Name:_____________________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Parish:_______________________________________________ Town:____________________________ Please make checks payable to: Office of Faith Events (Attn: Christian Morality Session) 199 Broadway Norwich, CT 06360

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Director of Priestly Vocations

Father Gregory Galvin

The Power of His Grace During the Lenten season of 1988, I know a young man who was still in the early stages of searching for success in the business world. A college graduate, who had developed a simple prayer life which had long been rooted in the upbringing of his parents and his faith education and enhanced by his college experience, he knew there were still many aspects of everyday life that needed to be worked on. As lent approached, he decided to try to tackle one of those vices that he noticed he was losing control of more and more. He thought, “maybe it really is time for me to see if during Lent, with God’s help, I can take full control of this situation and change the direction of my health before it gets out of control.” What exactly was he referring to? He noticed he was smoking cigarettes more and more and decided he wanted to quit.

Why? Well, first for his health, second because it was becoming a more expensive habit, a habit he was losing control of and he recognized it as truthfully a very destructive, unbecoming, and selfish habit socially. The question with regard to any vice someone tries to get control of, any behavior someone chooses to work at changing for the better, is always, can they do it and do it for good? He was not sure, but certainly believed he knew that without asking for help from someone he believed could help him, he most likely would not succeed. He therefore decided that during that particular Lenten season, he would

ask God to assist in taking away his desire for ever smoking cigarettes again, ever!

How did He think God would respond? He thought that if he gave it his own personal best effort, every day during Lent, that yes, God would respond and help him, “kick the bad habit” and head in a new and much healthier direction.

He had for some years been a rather casual, once in a while smoker, on and off during high school because he also was an athlete and did not want to endanger his sports season. During college, the smoking became a little more social, and also a way of releasing stress that would develop during the academic year. Yet it wasn’t until he got into the business world where it seemed a much more accepted activity that he began seeing himself tend closer and closer to going from smoking maybe two packs a week to smoking almost two packs every day or so. This he knew needed to stop.

What to do during Lent? He decided to try attending Mass every day that he could during that Lenten season. His intention was to ask God every day for the grace to stop desiring, and stop smoking cigarettes completely. Each time he received Holy Communion that Lent at either weekday Mass or Sunday Mass, that was his personal intention/prayer. He stopped buying cigarettes at the beginning of Lent, and gave up smoking as his sacrifice for Lent. When Easter Sunday arrived and he entered into

the first week of Easter, he had been successful with God’s help. Now the question was could he continue not wanting to smoke cigarettes in the near future and even for the rest of his life. He hoped so. He thanked God as he found success and continued praying regularly to change a behavior that had truly begun to control him. Now 28 years later, he is still thanking God and believes even more in the power of God’s healing, transforming gift of Grace, which can only be received through the sacraments of the Church. That Grace is the power of God’s life within us – and

with that Grace, we can do all things with Him who strengthens us. That young man was me! I am forever grateful for learning the lesson of God’s willingness to help me change.

This Lent will you let God help you change something in your life?

If you ask Him, He will help you.

Do it and you will discover a life changing gift in a stronger relationship with God! God bless you this Lent and please continue praying for our seminarians and those who are presently working on the application or discerning God’s will in their lives regarding taking the step

of saying “Yes, I am willing to discover if you want me to be one of your priests.”

Norwich, CT (860) 887-7468 www.mmpct.com New London, CT (860) 701-9171 www.mmpnl.com

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

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

February 25, 2016 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm All Hallows, Moosup March 31, 2016 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Philip the Apostle, Ashford

Pope Francis @Pontifex • Recent Tweet Let us thank God who is merciful and ever at our side (MV 6).

Rev. Mr. Juan Aguirre 4th Year Theology English Studies St. Mary Seminary Baltimore MD

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

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

Rev. Mr. Ron Blank 2nd Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

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

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

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

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Fridays in Lent Feb.-March 4th Annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinners Fridays in Lent: February 12th, 19th and 26th as well as March 4th, 11th & 18th. Dinners are served at the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, 48 Middlesex Avenue, Chester. Dinners range from $12-15 and include beverage and dessert. From 4-7pm.

Thursday, February 11 Young Adults Event: Fellowship, Adoration & Mass Young adults ages 18-39 are invited for Fellowship, Adoration and Mass.

Evening begins at Crossroads in Columbia with a light dinner. It is at 106 Rt. 66, East Columbia. From Crossroads, young adults will travel to St. Thomas Aquinas for Adoration and Mass from 8-9:30pm, 46 North Eagleville Rd, Storrs. The event is free and adults are welcome to come for only the fellowship Adoration or Mass. For more information, contact Liza Roach at 860-848-2237 or lroach@norwichdiocese.net.

Fridays, February 12 &19 Marriage Preparation Classes for Engaged Couples “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage,” offered by Catholic Family Services. To register for the 3-session class, please call 860-848-2237, ext.

306. Fridays, February 12 & 19, from 6:30-9pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Route 12, Gales Ferry. $60 per couple.

Wednesday, February 17 Seven-Week Life in the Spirit Seminar Begins Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich. Please call to register 860-887-0702.

Wednesday, February 17 Venerable Fulton J. Sheen DVD Series The Groton/Ledyard Parish Cluster invites you to join (by DVD) Bishop Fulton J. Sheen on Wednesday, February 17: Love is Faith at Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry. Please register by phone 860-464-7251 or by email secretary@ololgf.org. Presentations begin at 7pm. No fee.

Sunday & Monday, Feb. 21 &22 Nurturing Your Vocation to Special Motherhood Come away for two days and be transformed through prayer, the sacraments, inspiring talks and fellowship with other mothers raising children with special needs.

Learn how God has called you to the vocation of special motherhood. The cost is $120 shared room and $150 single room. For those for whom this is a burden, scholarships are available. Contact Tracie Georgetti at Enders Island for details, 860-536-0565 or email reception@endersisland.com.

Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 22 & 23 Parish Lenten Mission: Rediscover Mission, Mercy and the Meaning of Life St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell. 7-8:30pm each evening.

Admission is free and refreshments will follow. Come and hear Dr. John R. Wood as he inspires us to embrace the message of the universal call to holiness. Spend some time with this inspirational speaker, take a step into the scriptures, and build a closer relationship with God during the Lenten period of prayer and reflection. Dr. Wood will be available to greet the audience after each session.

Friday-Sunday, February 26-28 Marriage Encounter Weekend “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. To register for the weekend in Manchester or for more information call 860-376-0440 or visit www.wwmect.org.

Wednesday, March 2

Television Mass At 10:00am Channel 20 WTXX, Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast. Celebrant Monsignor James P. Carini.

Wednesday, March 2 Venerable Fulton J. Sheen DVD Series The Groton/Ledyard Parish Cluster invites you to join (by DVD) Bishop Fulton J. Sheen on Wednesday, March 2. Love is Hope at St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer. Please register by phone 860-464-7251 or email secretary@ololgf.org. Presentations begin at 7pm and there is no fee.

Thursdays, March 3 & 10 Christian Morality A two-session course presented by Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD, Direc-

tor of the Office of Worship and the Office of Pastoral Planning, St. Joseph Church (Lower Church Hall), 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic. From 9:45am-12pm. Fee: $20.00 (Fee includes book and materials). For more information call Office of Faith Events at 860848-2237, ext. 312.

Saturday, March 5 (first session) Marriage Enrichment Come and experience “Beloved”, a powerful new video series to help you enrich and fortify your marriage.

Eight sessions will be held at St. Mary’s, Baltic. Beginning on March 5th, from 7-9pm. The remainder of the sessions will be held on: April 16th, May 21st, June 18th, July 23rd, August 13th, September 10th & 15th. If you are interested, please contact Brenda Peter at 860-8878454 to sign up and purchase a Couples’ Guide ($24.95).

Sunday, March 6 2nd Annual Green Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick Father Mark O’Donnell will celebrate Mass at 10:30am to commemorate Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. The Mass will begin with a bagpipe procession into the church and feature Irish music organized by Cathedral Music Director, Douglas Green. After the Mass, the Ancient Order of Hibernians will host a free reception in the basement of the Cathedral with coffee and soda bread.

Saturday, March 12 Graduation Tag Sale Tag sale at Fair Oaks School in Oakdale from 9am-1pm, to benefit the St. Bernard School Class of 2016 graduation party.

Chrism Mass A Joyous Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:30 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich The Chrism Mass is the celebration during which the sacred Chrism is consecrated and the oil of the sick and oil of the catechumens are blessed.

Bishop Cote invites all Diocesan parishioners to attend.

Saturday, March 12 St. Luke Church Irish Night St. Luke Church in Ellington presents Irish Night, in the church hall.

Doors open at 5pm. Corned beef and cabbage with all the fixings and complimentary wine, beer and soda will be available, no BYOB please.

Entertainment by the singing group “Irish to the Last Drop” along with Irish Step Dancing and a raffle will round out this fun filled evening.

The church is located at 141 Maple Street, Ellington. Tickets are $16.00 per person advanced purchase only.

No tickets will be sold at the door.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call Jane at the church rectory, 860-875-8552 weekdays between 9am-1pm.

Sunday, March 13 The Authentic Catholic Woman Norwich Diocese Council of Catholic Women (Willimantic District), invites all ladies to a program featuring a light lunch and presentation by Genevieve Kineke. St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic. No admission fee. Please call Lynda Nappi (860-423-5064) or Annette Murphy (860-423-2397) for more information or to make a reservation.

Wednesday, March 16 Venerable Fulton J. Sheen DVD Series The Groton /Ledyard Parish Cluster invites you to join (by DVD) Bishop Fulton J. Sheen: Love is Eternal at Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry Please register by phone: 860-464-7251 or email secretary@ololgf.org. Presentations begin at 7pm and there is no fee.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Saturday, March 19 March for Mercy Youth Event The Diocese of Norwich invites grades 7-12 to the March for Mercy from 10am-3pm. Youth are asked to raise a minimum of $10. All donations above $10 will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul Place. The March will begin at St. Joseph’s in Norwich where we tour the soup kitchen, hear a witness on homelessness, and then march to the Cathedral. At the Cathedral, we will talk about the Door of Mercy, enjoy a pizza dinner and continue our mission with national speaker and song writer Vince Nims. If you are interested, please contact your Catechetical leader or Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or 860848-2237, Ext. 305.

Sunday, March 20 Palm Sunday Concert The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus and the Norwich Diocesan Choir will present a Palm Sunday Concert at 7:30pm at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 18 & under free. Call the ESCO office at 860443-2876 for tickets.

Wednesday, March 23 Venerable Fulton J. Sheen DVD Series The Groton/Ledyard Parish Cluster invites you to join (by DVD) Bishop Fulton J. Sheen: Good Friday Special at Sacred Heart, Groton. Please register by phone: 860-464-7251 or by email: secretary@ololgf.org. Presentations begin at 7pm and there is no fee.

Friday, March 25 Way of the Cross People of all Christian traditions are invite to a public procession of scripture and prayer on Good Friday, March 25th at 6pm at Chelsea Parade, Norwich.

Saturday, March 26 Holy Saturday Sunday, March 27 Easter Sunday Thursday, March 31 Holy Hour for Vocations The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour at St. Philip the Apostle, Ashford, from 6-7pm. For more information contact Father Greg Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations at vocations@norwichdiocese.net or (860) 887-9294.

www.God-Calls.com.

Wednesday, April 6 Television Mass Channel 20 WTXX, Charter. Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast.

Saturday, April 9 Be My Witness: 6th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Calling woman of all ages. Join Kathy Irr, an experienced retreat leader who specializes in the area of spiritual restoration. From 8:30am3:30pm at St. Bernard School, Uncasville. For cost and more information please call the Office of Faith Events at 860-848-2237.

See page 17 for more details.

Sunday, April 10 Remote Confirmation Retreat Join Chris Padgett from 12-4pm in the Cathedral of St. Patrick church hall. Cost is $20 per per-

son. Registration is due by March 11th. For more information, please contact Liza Roach at 860848-2237, Ext. 305.

Sunday, April 10 26th Annual White Mass Saint Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway, Norwich at 9am.

FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE 24 Hour Emergency Service

“Do not store up for yourselves, treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be!” ~ Matthew 6:19-21

Fire, Water and Smoke Cleanup and Restoration Carpet, Upholstery and Drape Cleaning Odor Removal Complete Move-Outs

of Norwich/Windham County

860-887-0447 Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration Independently Owned and Operated

PRAYER GROUP LEADERS & MEMBERS MEETING Saturday, February 6th from 9-3pm.

Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

Like it never even happened

MASS OF HEALING & HOPE Monday, February 8th & 22nd at 2pm.

Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

7-WEEK LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR – “OPPORTUNITY” Wednesdays, beginning February 17th from 2-4pm.

February 17th: introduction and “Gods unconditional love for you”. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

PRAYER & DISCERNMENT BOARD MEETING Monday, February 22nd at 10:30am.

Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

TAFTVILLE PRAYER GROUP MASS & INDIVIDULAR PRAYER Sacred Heart Church chapel, Hunters side of the church.

Thursday, February 25th at 6:30pm.

Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

CHRISMATIC PRAYER MEETING Every Tuesday at 2pm. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St. Norwich. For more information please call 860-887-0702.

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Disciples of Mercy Join Religious in Celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life Norwich — Approximately 75 Disciples of Mercy joined religious priests, brothers, sisters

By Shelley Wolf FCC Contributor

and other members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in celebrating this year’s World Day for Consecrated Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Sunday, January 31.

This year’s Mass also marked the closing of the Year Dedicated to Consecrated Life.

“The power of mercy is seen in the women and men of Consecrated Life and Apostolic Life,” said the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, who served as the main celebrant at the Mass.

He welcomed more than 100 religious, among them Jubilarians with a combined service of more than 230 years, and the Disciples of Mercy “who make communities of faith welcoming places of worship,” Bishop Cote said.

“We are all gathered to celebrate the significant contribution made

to our community and society,” he stated.

Reverend Jack Rathschmidt, O.F.M. Cap., of the Northeast Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order, was the invited homilist, a traveling preacher who spoke to both the members of Consecrated and Apostolic Life and the Disciples of Mercy.

“If you utter only one prayer, say ‘thank you,’” Father Rathschmidt advised. “Take time on a daily basis to say thank you to God for food, for a place to live, and for the call to consecrated life.”

“We hand our lives over to God trusting that He will lead us to ongoing conversion,” Father Rathschmidt said.

He told a story about Thomas Merton, a writer and Trapist monk, who visited a Buddhist monastery and asked the novices what they had learned so far. One novice said, “I have learned to close and open doors.”

Merton was delighted at the response and was intrigued by the metaphysical possibilities of the young man’s answer. Father Rath-

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schmidt was equally intrigued and saw a direct connection to the Door of Mercy.

“This year, more and more people will be sent out as missionaries,” he said. “The Holy Father has begged us not to see the Door of Mercy as just an entrance into a church but into a new way of living.”

He also explored the idea of closing doors. “What doors do we need

Sign

to close?” he asked.

Pope Francis started the Year of Mercy in Rome, Father Rathschmidt noted, and then proceeded to Africa, where he opened the Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of Bangui in the Central African Republic. There he spoke of the Christian vocation to love one’s enemies to protect against the temptation for revenge and ongoing retaliation.

“He was closing the door of their

of Peace

Especially during the winter months, some parishioners are wary of shaking hands at the Sign of Peace.

Just keep in mind that the “Sign” of Peace can be a handshake, a smile, a wave, a verbal greeting, or any combination of these. The most important point is that whatever sign we use to greet one another during Mass, the intention to bestow peace and to live in peace with our neighbors must be heartfelt and sincere.

Office of Worship, Diocese of Norwich

hearts to all that divides them,” Father Rathschmidt explained. “He was closing the door to hatred and violence in order to open the door so they might walk into the world with arms open, like Jesus Christ, and proclaim that He has come to set us all free.”

“The Pope has said very clearly, just in case you have not heard him, ‘I need your prayers. I can’t do this by myself,’” Father Rathschmidt said.

Father Rathschmidt admitted that he sometimes thinks of God as his loving father and at other times like his grandfather, who indulges him with two scoops of ice cream.

“He indulges me,” Father explained, when it comes to his mercy.

“The Pope is begging us to be missionaries,” he stressed. “When we walk out that door, we’re saints and disciples of God’s unconditional love and mercy.”

Father Rathschmidt also asked what baggage we might be carrying with us. “Who’s living in your head rent free?” he asked. “Be open to joy and hope and the possibility that

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God wants us to be missionaries who travel light. Don’t bring your hurt and your vindictive thoughts.

As St. Teresa of Avila said, ‘You’re the only hands that Jesus has.’”

Father Rathschmidt said he recently traveled to Assisi, Italy, the home of St. Francis of Assisi. There, a fellow Franciscan said to the group, “Now brothers, I don’t want you to be tourists. They take a thousand pictures and nothing changes.

But pilgrims let the saints and the places that are holy pass through them and come home transformed.”

“So let the glory of God pass through you and transform you,” Father Rathschmidt said. “If Jesus is in your heart, please inform your faith.”

During the special Mass, six sisters were honored for their years of service, which ranged from 50 to 65 years. They were Sr. Priscilla Blais, D.H.S.; Sr. Consolata Paglia, F.M.H.; Sr. Therese A. Vanasse, D.H.S; Sr. Barbara Hobbs, P.B.V.M.; Sr. Margaret Bareika, M.V.S.; and Sr. Marion Pepin, D.H.S. Following the Mass, the members of Consecrated and Apostolic Life and the Disciples of Mercy were invited to separate luncheons.

At the Disciples of Mercy lunch-

eon, Bishop Cote thanked the disciples for their willingness to accept their commission. He also noted that he read in the newspaper that morning that Pope Francis’ book, “The Name of God Is Mercy,” is ranked number three on Publisher’s Weekly nonfiction best-sellers list.

The Bishop then asked the Disciples of Mercy to take action in their parishes to bring attention to the Year of Mercy throughout the coming year. “Remember that we don’t do, God does. So let him work through you,” Bishop Cote advised.

During the luncheon, Disciples of Mercy from throughout the diocese were prompted to share ideas and any problems and solutions with other disciples in their deaneries.

Mary Scibelli of St. Bernard Church in Rockville was joined by other parishioners from her parish as well as from St. Matthew Church in Tolland. This combined mercy team, headed by Very Reverend Richard Ricard, has already drafted a list of events that includes putting ongoing mercy notes in the Sunday bulletin and scheduling a Lenten Reflection with Sister Elissa Rinere as a speaker on the topic of mercy.

Joseph Bigger of St. Agnes Church in Niantic said his mercy

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team, led by Reverend Gregory Mullaney, was advised to read “Misericordiae Vultus,” the Pope’s Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

Mr. Bigger said his team is also

looking at the book “Rebuilt: Awakening the Faith, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter” for ideas on bringing back fallen away Catholics and on being more welcoming and merciful.

“Our priest has asked us to look at going beyond the Year of Mercy,” Mr. Bigger explained. “He wants us to start with the Year of Mercy but to keep going beyond this year to continue to build up the Church.”

Missionaries of Mercy Helping the Faithful Experience the Mercy of God Effective Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016, The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has appointed the following Missionaries of Mercy to help all parishioners embrace the call to mercy during this Holy Year of Mercy:

~ List of Diocesan Missionaries of Mercy ~ Monsignor Leszek Janik, Vicar General Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown Father Richard Breton Saint Joseph Parish, North Grosvenordale and Saint Stephen Parish, Quinebaug Father Roland Cloutier, Pastor All Saints Parish, Somersville and Saint Edward the Confessor, Stafford Springs Father Gregory Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations & Pastor Saint Bridget of Kildare, Moodus Father Alfred E. Irving Retired priest of the Diocese of Portland Father Brian Maxwell Saint Michael Parish, Pawcatuck, Saint Mary Parish, Stonington and Saint Thomas More Parish, North Stonington Father Michael Phillippino, Pastor Saint John Parish, Middletown The Missionaries of Mercy have either volunteered for this ministry or been nominated by other priests. They are available for parish retreats, teaching or to serve as confessors in parishes to which they are invited. May all who hear them be brought to a stronger relationship with God in Christ during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Lent 2016 Are you ready for Lent? This year, the Christmas Season ended with the Baptism of the

By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

Saint Thomas and Saint Anne, Voluntown

Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L, J.V., Pastor Address: 61 Preston City Road, PO Box 99 Voluntown, CT 06384-0099 Phone: 860-376-8352 E-mail: stthomasvoluntown@yahoo.com Website: www.stthomasvoluntown.org Mass Times: Sunday Masses: 9:00am (Saturday 5:45pm) Daily Masses: Monday, Tuesday & Friday 8:00am First Friday: 8:00am Mass followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Holy Rosary: After weekday Mass & before Sunday Mass Yoked with St. Mary, Jewett City & St. Catherine of Sienna, Preston.

Lord, celebrated on January 10th.

From there, we had only four Sundays of “Ordinary Time” – barely enough days to take down the decorations and catch our breath – until Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10th.

The Liturgical Year gives us only two seasons of “down time” or Ordinary Time, when we are not preparing for or celebrating the two great feasts of our faith, Christmas and Easter.

This year, the transition time from Christmas to Lent is particularly short.

Liturgists and historians tell us that the Lent we observe now is not the Lent of history. The early centuries of Christianity developed in the East, in the area where Jesus lived and ministered, and then spread gradually to the West and became centered in Rome.

Throughout the centuries, East and West have traveled different cultural paths in the practice of the same faith. For this bit of history about Lent, we will consider the Church of the west, centered in Rome.

For at least two hundred years, through the third century, the only feast the early Christians celebrated was Easter. Then, according to ancient documents, time for the preparation of adults who were to be baptized was needed, and the Easter observance expanded to in-

clude the Triduum; Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

The focus of the Triduum and of Easter was always preparation for Baptism. By the late fourth century, Lent in Rome had been extended to forty days, in imitation of the forty days Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert (see Matt.4:1-11). The time of preparation for Baptism was the catechumenate, and the persons preparing for entrance into the community of believers were the catechumens. It was

the task of the community to provide the example to the catechumens of what it meant to be baptized into Christ. The baptismal commitment of both believers and catechumens was enriched in the preparation process. Of course, catechumens were adults, since there was no infant baptism in these early centuries of Christianity.

However, into the fifth century and beyond, the practice of infant baptism began to gain prominence, and adult baptisms became fewer and fewer. As this change developed over the course of a few hundred years, the focus of Lent moved from preparation for Baptism to penance, penitence and fasting. The reception of ashes on the forehead, a sacramental usually reserved for public sinners seeking readmission into the community, became stan-

dard practice for all Christians toward the end of the 11th century by decree of Pope Urban II (10881099).

This single focus for Lent of penitence and fasting prevailed for almost nine hundred years.

Preparation for infant baptism became a parish process, and the same was true for adults seeking to come into the Church. Preparation for baptism became a private affair.

Then, in 1965, the Second Vatican Council reinstated the ancient practice of having adults prepared for Baptism during Lent within the context of a community.

This process, now present in many parishes, is known as the RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

The ceremonies of the RCIA call upon the community of believers – the already baptized – to share faith and life with those preparing to be baptized, thereby enriching the faith of everyone. Today, parishes that have active RCIA programs know firsthand the benefits of this approach to preparation for Baptism.

But what does this bit of history tell us about Lent? Yes, Lent is a time of penitence and fasting. Lent is a time, perhaps, for more than the usual prayers, for sacrifice and for “giving up” something. But Lent is also the time for putting our Baptism into action by reaching out to others and sharing faith with those who are searching for faith.

Especially in the Year of Mercy, Lent is the time for compassion, healing, and even new beginnings.

Perhaps we can consider doing something for Lent rather than giving up something. Consider these words from Pope Francis: “Pardoning offenses becomes the clearest expression of merciful love, and for us Christians it is an imperative from which we cannot excuse ourselves. At times how hard it seems to forgive! And yet pardon is the instrument placed in our fragile hands to attain serenity of heart. To let go of anger, wrath, violence and revenge are necessary conditions to living joyfully (Misericordiae vultus, 9).”

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Appointment of Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishop of Norwich, announced the appointment of Edward J. Tessman, as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. This appointment became effective January 25, 2016.

Prior to assuming this position,

Mr. Tessman, served as Director of Security and Public Safety for the New Haven Parking Authority in New Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Tessman holds a Master of Science Degree and has spent his working career directing and managing the corporate operational needs for several Connecticut and New York based corporations. He is an active

member of Saint Mary of the Visitation Church in Clinton, Connecticut.

As Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Mr. Tessman succeeds Mr. Raymond Lamy, who has served as Interim Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, since September 2015.

Pictured above: Bishop Cote congratulates incoming Catholic Charities Director, Edward Tessman.

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

Pictured are: Left to right: Reverend Monsignor Leszek Janik, J.C.L., Vicar General – Angela V. Arnold, Executive Director of the Diocesan Development Office – Raymond P. Lamy, Interim Executive Director, Catholic Charities and Dr. Christopher Lipinski, Catholic Charities Board Member.

“Thank You” to a True Hero In August of 2015, Ray Lamy was asked by the Catholic Charities Board of Directors to join the Board, as well as serve on the Finance Committee, an area in

By Christine Jackel need of help.

Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities With 33 years of experience in the financial world of UTC, Ray accepted the board position and the challenge.

Ray’s enthusiasm and passion for the mission of Catholic Charities was evident. After only a very short time on the Board, Ray was asked by Bishop Michael R. Cote to serve as the Interim Executive Director of Catholic Charities as a search began to fill the role of Executive Director.

During his tenure as Interim Executive Director, Ray gave 110% to Catholic Charities, working tirelessly with the employees, met with

numerous executives in the community and other Catholic Charities’ executives to get a better understanding of the overall picture of Catholic Charities and the many areas that needed immediate help. We are so fortunate to have had Ray with us, making great strides in the community and especially with the employees of Catholic Charities, who have all said “Ray was exactly what we needed during this transition; he brought back life and increased morale in the office, and truly lived the mission of Catholic Charities.”

We wish to say “Thank you, Ray” for all you’ve done in four short months, and the enthusiasm you’ve rekindled among the employees and brought Catholic Charities back into the light of the community in a most positive way. You are a true hero!

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Catholic Charities 95th Anniversary Gala 2016 is a very special year... we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy and Catholic Charities celebrates

By Christine Jackel Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities

95 years of “Providing Help and Creating Hope” throughout Eastern Connecticut. In 1921, the New London branch of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women formed the Diocesan Bureau of Social Services, now known as Catholic Charities. The first Diocesan Bureau Office was located in New London. Other Diocesan Bureaus of Social Services were opened in Norwich, Middletown and Willimantic.

Then in 1953, with the establishment of the Diocese of Norwich, all the Bureaus came under the authority of the Bishop of Norwich.

To celebrate this significant milestone, we hope you will join us at Catholic Charities 95th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 9th at the Mystic Marriott.

The event begins at 6:00 PM with a cocktail hour, dinner and a Silent Auction. We are extremely happy to have Kevin Hogan, news anchor at WFSB Channel 3, returning as Master of Ceremonies. Last year we raised over $22,000 which enabled us to provide compassionate social services for individuals

and families in New London, Middlesex, Tolland and Windham Counties. We are most grateful to those who were sponsors at the 2015 gala: The Capano Family & ShopRite stores, Dime Bank, CorePlus Federal Credit Union, the “Worker Bees” and the “Circle of Friends.”

At the celebration, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will recognize and honor those who through their time, talent and treasure have had a significant impact on the lives of the many individuals and families we serve in our communities. Those being honored are: Humanitarian of the Year: Meg Gustafson - Since 2007, Meg has provided a loving home to 27 infants placed by Catholic Charities Adoption Program. As a foster parent, Meg welcomed the adoptive family to her home while they waited for their child to be taken

to his/her “forever” home. Meg’s husband John, daughter Caitryn and son Johnny, share in Meg’s ministry to the young children in our diocese. For the last four years Meg has volunteered as a therapeutic mentor to two young girls

Pictured (left to right) – Lois Geary, Rosalinda Bazinet, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote and Anne King. with special needs. She has volunteered at St. Mary/St. Joseph School in Willimantic for the past 19 years in the Kindergarten class.

Meg is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Willimantic.

Community Servants of the Year: Willimantic Advisory Board – This group of dedicated individuals: John McGill (Church of the Holy Family in Hebron), Lynda Nappi (St. Joseph Parish in Willimantic), Joyce Peters (St. Columba Parish), Gary Pillion (St.

Columba Parish), Pat McGill (St. Mary Parish in Willimantic), Beth Murphy (St. Mary Parish in Coventry), Jack Lester (St. Columba, Columbia) and Annette Murphy (St. Joseph, Willimantic) meet faithfully every month, and one of their primary goals is to raise funds for the Willimantic Office of Catholic Charities. They extend themselves in helping the staff in whatever is needed, whether it be stocking shelves in the Food Pantry or picking up food donated by parishioners.

They have many fundraisers throughout the year, and their biggest fundraiser this year was the one-man comedy show “Misgiv-

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These individuals are committed passionately to doing all they can to help the Willimantic Office meet the needs of all those who come to their doors.

Honoring Our Heritage: Jacqueline Keller – Jacqueline Keller has served Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Norwich for the past 37 years. She served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary of the Board until 2015.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, honored Jacqui as a recipient of the Patrici-Anne Award for Distinguished Service to the Diocese of Norwich in 2006 upon her retirement as Diocesan Communications Director. She was honored with the 2012 Family Champion Award by the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. In 2013, His Holiness, Pope Francis, awarded Jacqui the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifici Cross of Honor Medal,

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Four County Catholic February 2016

the highest honor awarded to a layperson for Distinguished Service to the Church and Supreme Pontiff. For the past 60 years, she has been a member of the Secular Order of St. Francis. Jacqui is a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton.

Catholic Charities Employee of the Year: Therese Fontaine – Therese has worked for Catholic Charities for eight years, assisting with billing for the Behavioral Health Clinic, researching insurance issues and registering participants in the Parent Education Program for divorcing couples.

She was a member of a core group that implemented the Agency’s new EHR (Electronic Health Record), and was instrumental in organizing Catholic Charities Community Christmas party, Employee Appreciation picnic and Agency Christmas party. Therese has been an active volunteer in her

children’s schools and currently serves as the Advancement Chair and Secretary for Troop 19 of the Boy Scouts of America. Therese and her husband Dennis are the parents of four (4) children: John, Jessica, Tara and Jakob, ages 16 to 33, whom she credits for keeping her “young at heart.”

Therese’s colleagues describe her as “someone who quietly works in the background, gathering toys for children in need, organizing games at the Employee picnic or attending to a client’s needs over the telephone.” She is a “steady Eddie” who comes to work every day, ready and willing to help whenever and wherever needed. She improves morale with her cheerful disposition and generous heart.

Her positive attitude is contagious!

Therese lives the mission of Catholic Charities each and every day by responding to Christ’s call to care for those in need.

The 2015 recipients honored at last year’s event were: Herbert Levinsky - “Humanitarian of the Year” - Lois Geary - “Honoring our Heritage:” – The Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women – “Community Servants of the Year” and Rosalinda Bazinet - “Catholic Charities Employee of the Year.”

Tickets for this special event are $100/per person if purchased before March 18th and $125/per person after that date. To honor the memory of a loved one, “Flames of Remembrance” candles are available for $50.

There are various ways of supporting the 95th Anniversary Gala, either as a Presenting Sponsor ($5,000+), an Anniversary Sponsor ($2,500) or a Table Sponsor ($1,500). The financial support received from your generosity is particularly significant to Catholic Charities to sustain our

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For more information, or if you wish to purchase tickets, a commemorative candle, make a dona-

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Following the Pope’s Lead, Diocese Looks Forward to 2016 ACA Campaign It is clear throughout our Diocese and the world, that Pope Francis inspires us all to be better

By Mary Ellen Mahoney Development Manager/Major Gifts

people. He leads us by his words and deeds, following the example of Jesus. While he urges us to think of others, to remember the neediest, he himself prioritizes the

marginalized. In February, the Pontiff will make a 6-day, 6-city trip to Mexico where he will fly almost daily from Mexico City to visit with those living on the periphery- the poor, the prisoners, the young and the indigenous communities. This is his fourth trip to Latin America since becoming Pope almost 3 years ago.

On December 18th, shortly

At the time of death, the Church confidently proclaims God has created us for eternal life.

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after opening the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis visited a hostel for the homeless operated by Caritas, Rome’s primary diocesan charity, in order to open a “holy door of charity.” Although similar to when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 8th to commence the Jubilee Year of Mercy, his ceremonial opening of this door was very unique because it was a door to a charity not a church. As he celebrated Mass that day for 200 people representing those served by Caritas, ranging from the homeless to refugees, Pope Francis noted how strongly this reflected the message of the Year of Mercy, “If you want to find God, seek him in humility, seek him in poverty, seek him where he is hidden: in the neediest, in the sick, in the hungry, in the imprisoned.”

Helping others provides us the opportunity to do corporal works

of mercy such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or visiting the sick, while also completing spiritual works of mercy such as comforting the afflicted.

Here at home, the Annual Catholic Appeal knows that

parishioners in our Diocese hear the Pope’s call. Thanks to all of the hard work of our priests, parish staff, ACA chairs, volunteers, and the great kindness of our donors, the ACA recently reported that the 2015 Campaign collected $28,983.20 more than last year which brings the total raised to a staggering $3,094,556.67! These monies will be used as Pope Francis urges, to support our more than 25 ministries that are helping our friends

and neighbors in need to deal with the challenges of daily living, whether it be the clients of the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, those preparing for marriage through Catholic Family Services, families desiring to adopt a child through Catholic Charities or those with imprisoned loved ones in need of comfort from the Prison Ministry, to name a few.

So many of us benefit from our Diocesan ministries each year and for that we are ever so grateful.

Looking ahead, the Diocese is excited to be kicking off its 2016 Annual Catholic Appeal campaign, entitled Mercy The Beating Heart of the Gospel, this month. As Pope Francis continues to inspire us all, our ministries look forward to welcoming donations which will allow them to be the Beating Heart of the Gospel by administering works of mercy to many!

For more information on the ACA, please visit www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or call 860-886-1928.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Bishop Cote Visits Center for Hospice Care This past November, the Center for Hospice Care received a visit from three Diocesan repreBy Mary Ellen Mahoney Development Manager/Major Gifts

sentatives eager to tour the facility which was constructed on land donated, with the approval of Bishop Cote, by Saints Peter and Paul Church, Norwich. Bishop Michael R. Cote, Monsignor Leszek Janik and Mrs. Angela Arnold met with Ms. Carol Mahier, President and CEO, the Center for Hospice Care and Board President, Mrs. Lenny Winkler at its headquarters located on Dunham Street in Norwich. Ms. Mahier and Mrs. Winkler both expressed their gratitude to the Diocese for the 2008 gift of land by Saints Peter and Paul which allowed the Center to construct its main building. Ms. Mahier commented, “The generosity of the Diocese made it possible for Center for Hospice Care to be at home in Norwich, right here in the heart of Southeast

Connecticut. We consider it a privilege to serve this community, and we look forward to being a part of it for generations to come.”

Bishop Cote, Monsignor Janik and Mrs. Arnold enjoyed touring the Center’s headquarters which also is home to its Bereavement Counseling Center and Expressive Arts Program. The Center for Hospice Care provides care to more than 700 patients each year and its Bereavement Counseling services assist 1500 families, for no cost, regardless of whether their departed loved one had been a Center patient. In addition, the Center also offers, free of charge, its unique Expressive Arts program which provides art therapy to grieving children.

The Diocesan visitors also visited the Center’s newest creation, its Healing Garden which was opened in 2014 to anyone in the community who is in need of a place for quiet contemplation during a time of loss. The Center also shared its plans to build a Hospice House residence. The

Pictured in the Healing Garden, front: Mrs. Angela Arnold, Ms. Carol Mahier, and Bishop Michael R. Cote back: Mrs. Lenny Winkler, Monsignor Leszek Janik.

Center is currently planning to dence at its current location in Hospice House will provide build the Hospice House resi- 2016-2017.

24/7 skilled medical care to patients deemed too sick to be cared for within their own homes.

When fully operational, the House will utilize 12 private paThe Ancient Order of Hibernians to Host the 2nd Annual tient suites to care for 700-800 “Green Mass” at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on March 6th, 2016 patients annually. Both Bishop Cote and Monsignor Janik were Irish eyes will be smiling on March 6th as ing members of the AOH. Governor Malloy combining of the Green Mass to honor Saint very supportive of the Center’s the second annual Green Mass will be cele- and our two US Senators have been invited Patrick on the day of the Norwich St. newest undertaking and happy Patrick’s Day parade was well received last brated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich to attend. that the Diocese’s donation of The AOH is America’s oldest Irish year. He noted that many people are aware at 10:30 AM. The Mass is sponsored by both land has been put to such a valuthe Hartford and the New London Divi- Catholic Fraternal Organization, founded in of the role of the Irish in building the Catheable and impactful use. Bishop May, 1836. The Order can dral and establishing and growing the sions of the Ancient Order Cote, “We are so happy to witness trace its roots back to a se- Catholic Church in the Norwich Diocese of Hibernians (AOH), and the incredibly positive impact that ries of similar societies that during its first 150 years. However many are will be coordinated by Saints Peter and Paul’s donation existed in Ireland for more unaware of the close relationship between Monsignor Tony Rosaforte, of land has had on our commuthan 300 years. The AOH the AOH and the churches in the Norwich with music organized by nity. The Center for Hospice Care evolved from a need in the Diocese. He noted the first New London diCathedral Music Director touches so many of our friends early sixteen-hundreds to vision of the AOH was founded in 1871 and Douglas Green. Pastor and neighbors during their most protect the lives of priests named after its Chaplain, Father Joynt, PasMark O’Donnell of St. difficult hours, bringing to them who risked immediate tor of St. Mary’s Church. Bishop Daniel A. Joseph’s Parish in New and their families compassionate, death to keep the Catholic Hart was the division chaplain of the New London (and Division loving care when it is truly most Faith alive in occupied Ire- London AOH until his untimely death in Chaplain for the New Lonneeded and cherished.” The Dioland after the reign of Eng- 2008. don AOH) will celebrate cese’s support of the Center for After the Green Mass, the AOH will host land’s King Henry VIII. the Mass on behalf of Hospice in such a tangible way is The Norwich AOH divi- a reception in the basement of the Cathedral Bishop Cote who was unevidence of how dearly it cares sion, founded in 1871, ceased to exist in with coffee and soda bread. Many particiable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. about its parishioners and our The Green Mass will feature a bagpipe 1986, leaving the New London and Hart- pants plan to stay on after the Mass to march larger community as a whole. We procession into the church with dignitaries ford divisions as the only AOH divisions in in the 3rd annual Norwich St. Patrick’s Day are ever so grateful for the continParade scheduled for 1 pm later that day. Adfrom the state and local government, the re- the eastern region of Connecticut. ued partnership between the DioAccording to Rick Connell, President of mission is free and the public is welcome to ligious community, and representatives of cese of Norwich and its the local Irish-American community, includ- the New London division of the AOH, the attend. neighbors.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Women’s Conference Registration Begins March 1st Our sixth annual Diocesan Women’s Conference is a “do not miss� event! The Conference

By Linda Norton Four County Catholic Contributor

theme, “Let Your Mercy Be on Us�, was inspired by Pope Francis’ call for a Year of Mercy. Ladies, mark your calendars to be at St. Bernard High School in Uncasville on Saturday, April 9, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM to take advantage of this special day for spiritual renewal, faith sharing opportunities, a delicious luncheon, Mass, Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration and other blessings throughout the day.

Conference chairperson, Linda Hayes comments about the need for the theme of mercy: “It is sometimes easy to give mercy, but difficult to accept.� Jesus wants to bless us with His Mercy! The conference begins with Mass at 9:00 with Bishop Cote, followed by morning refreshments. Our keynote presenter, Kathy Irr, is a dynamic Catholic speaker, retreat leader, spiritual director, nurse, and DRE from St. Mathias in East Lyme. Her book, “Ordinary Awakenings�, will be available for purchase.

Several of our priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Music will be provided

by Mary Carol Kendzia (Christ the King, Kingston, RI) and Patti Johnson (Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Baltic).

The conference vendors, as of

this writing, will be Pauline Book and Media, Care Net, Global Inspirations, Outreach to Haiti, Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, ACTS, Spiritual Renewal Services, Candle Project for Religious Freedom, and Traveling Rosaries. Our luncheon will be provided again this year by Daily Bread Catering.

The conference committee members are Linda Hayes (Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry), Pam Plasse (St. Patrick, Mystic), Toni Potter (St. Patrick, Mystic), Sandy Calabro (St. Michael the Archangel, Pawcatuck), Judith Hughes (St. Patrick, East Hampton), Judith Pappagallo (St. Patrick, Norwich), Cheryl Boland (St. James, Danielson), Liza Roach (Diocesan Youth Minister), and Sr. Mary Jude Lazarus (Hispanic Ministry). If you’d like to be a conference representative at your parish to encourage women to register please contact the Office of Faith Events at 860-848-2237 x 312.

The registration form can be downloaded from the Diocesan website: www.norwichdiocese.org. beginning March 1st or from the Office of Faith Events. Registration is $ 30.00 per person. Walkins will be accepted, but for the sake of lunch planning women are asked to register in advance.

Women are also invited to register their teen daughters/granddaughters for the conference. Come, and experience God’s loving mercy!

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Four County Catholic February 2016

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Defending Religious Liberty We are called to advocate for the most fundamental of human goods and rights, in particular, the right to life and the right not only to profess our faith, but to live it. We are advocating for the freedom to “be Catholic,” to go about our lives serving the needs of our brothers and sisters, regardless of their race, creed, or religion, not because they are Catholic but because we are Catholic.

If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the federal health care mandate by calling U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Sylvia Mathews Burwell, at 202-205-5445, and your elected representatives. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

March for Life Marks 43rd Anniversary of Roe Decision Legalizing Abortion Connecticut Right to Life buses left the Norwich area on January 21st with two full buses of passenFrom the FCC News Desk

gers, many of whom were students from the Academy of the Holy Family.

The March for Life got underway Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. A group of Little Sisters of the Poor who work at the order’s nursing home in Washington drew a sustained ovation when they were introduced.

The Denver-based order is fighting a mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services that requires employers, including most religious employers, to provide contraceptive coverage to its employees under the Affordable Health Care Act even if they have moral objections to doing so.

Their Supreme Court case, Zubik v. Burwell, will be heard in March. The order is facing $70 million in fines per year if it does not comply.

Patrick Kelly, the Knights of

Columbus vice president for public policy, said opponents of the pro-life movement, “insist on dividing and bullying those who disagree with them by speaking of a fictional war on women. Our movement, the movement to protect human life, is different. It is built by you, the grass roots. … We come here to show that we cannot be intimidated.”

Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, praised efforts by state legislatures. “The gains have been historic -- 282 pro-life laws have been enacted since 2010 including laws to stop dismemberment abortions, require a 72-hour waiting period, and informed consent.”

Smith, a Catholic, said the House override vote of President Barack Obama’s recent veto of a bill removing all federal funding from Planned Parenthood was scheduled for next week.

“We are grateful for your leadership on the culture of life,” said Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family. “It’s taken us time to come to the

party, but we are here with you!”

Daly also was headlining the first major pro-life conference for evangelicals to be held in conjunction with the March for Life. He was joined at the conference and the rally

by Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

In the days leading up to the March for Life as forecasters announced the impending blizzard headed for Washington, organizers of the annual event said it would not be canceled.

It drew “what appeared to be tens of thousands” of participants, according to an estimate from Jeanne Monahan-Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund.

“The world may think that we’re a little bit crazy to be here on a day like today, but those that are standing here know that there is no sacrifice too great to fight the human rights abuse of abortion,” MonahanMancini told the crowd.

After the rally, participants

marched up Constitution Avenue to the U.S. Supreme Court as snow began to fall -- the beginning of what turned into a major blizzard and left more than 2 feet of snow in Washington, with outer suburbs receiving even more.

Among those headed to the court were Little Sisters of the Poor, wearing buttons that read: “Life, Liberty and Loving Service,” and a reference to the government mandate: “We will have nun of it.”

Over the years, pro-lifers participating in the March for Life have endured freezing rain, snow and

sub-zero temperatures and there might have been more than one blizzard that swept through the nation’s capital on or around the Roe anniversary.

But 19 years ago, the circumstances on Jan. 22 were a carbon copy of what marchers faced this year. CNS reported that a blinding snowstorm “whited out the view of the U.S. Capitol” and “sent federal employees home from work before noon.”

The buses returning to Norwich, were able to stay ahead of the snowstorm and return home safely.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Little Sister on Religious Freedom Lawsuit: We Have No Choice But to See it Through to End Sister Constance Veit, one of the Little Sisters of the Poor in attendance at President Barack Obama’s

By CNS News

State of the Union, told CNSNews.com that a part of the speech that affected her was when he “expressed the desire for respect for all faiths in the same paragraph as he talked about Pope Francis -so it was just my prayer that it would all be a reality.”

The Little Sisters of the Poor are part of the Supreme Court case Zubik v. Burwell, which will decide whether the government can force the Little Sisters and other Christian organizations to go against their religious beliefs and cooperate with a federal mandate, issued under Obamacare, which requires almost all health care plans to cover abortion-inducing drugs and devices, as well as sterilizations and

contraceptives.

To pay for or support in conscience the use of such products and services is contrary to Catholic moral teaching.

Sister Veit, communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States, spoke with CNSNews.com at the March for Life rally on Friday, Jan. 22, where she and several other sisters came out on stage to join in prayer with those marching.

“We always try to take part in the March for Life just to show our solidarity with those who are defending the lives of the unborn because all human life is sacred,” Sister Veit said. “Although we focus on the end of life as Little Sisters of the Poor, it’s all a continuum, so we just like to be part of the movement.”

Sister Veit added that, “today we’re also here because of our law-

suit currently before the Supreme Court over the HHS mandate just to ask people to pray for us and support our efforts in that case.”

The Little Sisters of the Poor run homes in the United States and more than 30 countries around the world to care for the elderly poor. The religious order was founded in France in 1839 by Jeanne Jugan, who was canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI. As for the Sisters’ lawsuit against the Obamacare mandate, Sister Veit described it as “a matter of religious liberty,” in which the Sisters have “no choice but to see it

through to the end.”

“The issue happens to be over contraception and abortifacient drugs. But, you know, Catholic teaching is very clear on contracep-

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tion, abortion, and so we’re being mandated to facilitate the provision of those services to our employees and even though the government came up with what they call the accommodation--if we were to sign that, it’s not just a declaration that we won’t cooperate, it’s actually allowing them to take over our health plan and insert those services into it. So that’s just something that we can’t accept.”

“The reason we’ve taken it so far is that the fines being imposed on us would represent $70 million dollars across our homes in the United States, so that’s an impossible amount for us,” she explained.

“If it was some small amount maybe we would say okay, we’ll pay the fine and stick to our beliefs. But that kind of money is just impossible. So we really have no choice but to see it through to the end.”

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Four County Catholic February 2016

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

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org

Scholastic Art Award Winners

St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org

Congratulations to junior Michaela Abate and senior Nancy Kuhn, who re-

St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com

ceived Gold Key awards from the 2016 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards Show.

They received their awards during a cer-

By Shari Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

emony on January 31st at the Lincoln Theater at the University of Hartford.

The Gold Key awards will enable Michaela and Nancy to compete in the National Scholastic Art Awards.

Michaela, of New London, said her illustration, entitled “Head in the Clouds,” represents a friend of hers.

“I was basically calling him an airhead – but not in a mean spirited way,” she said.

Nancy’s illustration, “Welcome to Moes” is a self-portrait.

“I was eating food from Moe’s while I was drawing it,” the Old Lyme resident said.

St. John Paul II Regional School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0753 x113 www.saintbernardchurch.org

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

23

Four County Catholic February 2016

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Left: “Head in the Clouds� by Michaela Abate.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Xavier Freshman Christopher Carrigan Wins Catholic Charities Adoption Program Essay Contest Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich is celebrating 95 years of service to our community. During that time, its Adoption Program has assisted in hundreds of domestic and international adoptions. In celebration of those families that

have been formed through adoption, Catholic Charities held an essay contest asking students to answer the question, “How has adoption affected your life?”

The winning entry was submitted by Christopher Carrigan ‘19,

who described his own personal experience of being adopted as an infant. Judges were moved by Christopher’s tribute to his parents for supporting him “spiritually, academically, athletically and socially”, while “making faith the

family’s central focus” through Mass and prayer. Christopher and his family live their faith through community outreach that includes volunteer work at a homeless shelter. Moreover, Christopher’s essay exemplified maturity beyond his

years in his recognition that his “God given talents, personal interests and various activities are not only used to better myself, rather to better the people around me and to live like Jesus to the best of my ability.”

◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men who have not yet realized their potential. ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut Christopher is photographed with Susan Sedensky and Ray Lamy from the Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich and Christopher’s parents.

How Adoption Has Affected My Life A loving family adopted me when I was 4 months old. I was born in Odessa, Ukraine, the secBy Christopher Carrigan

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ond largest country in Europe.

The Ukraine is in Eastern Europe, north of the Black Sea. My parents and older brother flew out of JFK airport and landed in the capitol city, Kiev and traveled 17 hours by train to the port city, Odessa.

I was a very sickly infant and was placed immediately, after my birth, in an orphanage that was understaffed with deplorable living conditions. Once home, in the United States, I had numerous eye surgeries and overcame 2 bouts of pneumonia. I was very privileged to be living in the United States to receive the appropriate care.

My parents have given my brother and I the opportunity to immigrate to the United States.

However they always emphasize how proud they are of my Ukrainian heritage and my older brother’s Lithuanian heritage. I have grown up on the shoreline in Connecticut and have been fortunate to participate in scouts, music, athletics and other cultural events.

My life has been affected in such a positive way…My parents always support me spiritually, academically, athletically and socially. Faith has always been my family’s central focus and is reflected in our lifestyle. I nourish my faith by attending Mass weekly and praying often. My most rewarding spiritual activity is altar serving with my parish priest.

My mom has taught me the importance of community outreach and helping those less fortunate. Our family has been participating in various service projects since I can remember.

One of our favorite projects is serving the homeless at the overflow shelter in New Haven. Other projects include Catechism Heifer Projects, Scout food drives and Family to Family gift sharing.

My favorite family times are usually at the dinner table or away on vacation where we spend quality time with one another.

All of my God given talents, personal interests and various activities are not only used to better myself, rather to better the people around me and live like Jesus to the best of my ability. I truly am blessed.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

SBS Joins #DStrong Movement, Raises $720 for Family UNCASVILLE, Conn. — [Jan. 22, 2016]— Students and staff at Saint Bernard School showed their

By Shari Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

support on Jan. 22 for an 8-yearold Westerly boy with terminal cancer, and raised $720 for his family.

The Class of 2017 organized a school-wide dress down day to show they are #DStrong. Students and staff could pay $3 to wear blue, the favorite color of Dorian Murray who has been battling rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare muscle cancer) since he was 4 years old.

When his cancer relapsed and spread to his brain and spinal cord, Dorian and his family decided to stop treatment to focus on “enjoying the time left.” The family

learned last month that Dorian’s cancer was no longer treatable.

Noah Sisk, secretary of the junior class at Saint Bernard, said he and his peers felt it was important to help the local boy, calling him “one of our own.”

“Treatment is pretty expensive so we wanted to be able to help the family with that, and also to become part of the movement,” added Austin Malchiodi, junior class vice-president. #DStrong, the hashtag created

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by Dorian’s family on social media to help fulfill his dying wish of becoming famous in China, has gar-

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Four County Catholic February 2016

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

A Magnet School for Values

National Awards in Youth Ministry for Youth & Adults to Begin in Norwich The Diocese of Norwich is going to be awarding the St. Timothy Award to exceptional 11th

By Liza Roach Youth Minister, Office of Faith Events

• • • • • • •

PreK—3 year olds (3 half days) PreK – 4 year olds full or half days Full day Kindergarten – Gr.8 Before and after school care Weekly Art, P.E., Music, Library, Technology Classes Student to Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Challenging academic program

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and 12th Grade youth in the fall of 2016. The St. Timothy Award is a national award given annually to outstanding high school juniors and seniors who work zealously to improve their own parish ministry programs, high school ministry teams or youth ministry within the Diocese of Norwich. Nominees are Catholic and exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works and Christian leadership. This award sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry is the highest honor any diocese may be-

stow on a youth. A maximum of 1 award per Deanery and one award per Catholic high school are awarded each year in this diocese.

In the fall of 2016, the Diocese of Norwich is also going to be awarding the Companions on the Journey Award to extraordinary volunteers who have dedicated their talent and time to assisting youth. The Companions on the Journey Award is the highest adult recognition sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. It will be given annually in the Diocese of Norwich to Catholic adults who have been active members in parish, school, and/or diocesan activities for youth for at least ten years. The demonstrated criteria for this award are excellence in youth min-

istry, commitment to young people, outstanding leadership at the local and/or diocesan level, commitment to on-going education and formation, and longevity in ministry.

All applications for nominees are due by April 15th. Nominators and winners will be informed by June 3, 2016. All awards will be presented by Bishop Cote at Youth Explosion on October 2nd at St. Bernard. Nominated adults and youth are anonymous; all people who nominate must seek out the endorsement of the candidate’s Pastor. If you are interested in nominating a youth or adult, please contact Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or (860)848-2237 ex.305 and we will send you an application.

Diocesan Job Openings Principal Vacancy St. John Paul II Regional, Diocesan PreK-8 School, Middletown, CT The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic with an understanding of and commitment to the mission of Catholic education. Must have a record of successful teaching, a master’s degree and CT State Certification. Also, bi-lingual (English/Spanish) fluency preferred, as is demonstrated knowledge of curriculum. The principal will possess the ability to work effectively with teachers, parents, pastors and the Diocesan School Office. He/she must have superior written and oral communications skills.

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

The Superintendent of Schools, as the Bishop’s delegate in all school matters, is chief administrator and supervisor of all schools of the Diocese of Norwich. The Superintendent is responsible for all areas of education relating to elementary and secondary schools, including programs and personnel. A qualified candidate must be a practicing Catholic with in-depth knowledge of Church teachings. He/she should have either an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (preferred). and at least five years of successful teaching in a Catholic school system. Strong strategic, organizational, managerial, communications and collaborative skills are required.

To apply, send a cover letter, current resume, references and certification information to: superintendentdso@norwichdiocese.net ~ or ~ Edward J. Shine, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Diocesan School Office 43 Perkins Avenue Norwich, CT 06360 For full job description, please visit the “Employment” section at www.norwichdiocese.org.

Screening begins March 15, 2016. Resumes accepted until the position is filled.

27

Four County Catholic February 2016

Did You Know?

February 10 Ash Wednesday and the beginning of lent.

Discuss how to focus on lent until Easter.

iting h W H n e r

by Ka

February 14 Valentine’s Day is a time to express your love to one another. Read John 15:12-15 to find out what Jesus said about love.

Fridays in February Days to abstain from meat. Jesus called his followers to be fishers of men. Chat about that as you enjoy seafood.

All Month Black history month. Celebrate African Americans who made a difference.

A Weird Meeting with Leaders On February 20th, the reading is about a time Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah. What’s so weird about that? Well, Moses had died centuries before that day and Elijah had gone into the heavens on a fiery chariot centuries before that day. Both men stood and spoke to Jesus. Jesus didn’t look normal. His face shone and his clothes became dazzling white as he stood with

them at the top of a mountain. No one knows what they talked about.

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. Elijah, a prophet and spiritual leader, shared news of the coming of Jesus the Messiah. They may have been very excited to know Jesus at last had come and started his work on earth.

Even stranger, a voice came from

heaven. Peter, John and James saw Jesus speaking to the men and heard God speak from a cloud.

God said, This is my chosen Son; listen to him. Soon after the voice spoke Jesus stood alone and the men disappeared.

People wonder about heaven and God and here we know that these two men still existed. They remind us that there is a heaven.

Healthy Hearts February is American Heart Month as well as the month we celebrate Valentine’s Day. The second week of the month is also International Friendship week. Love helps keep our hearts healthy.

In John 14:1, Jesus gave us some heart wisdom. He said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Then he added how to keep a heart from being troubled. Circle words that help you keep your heart healthy. Use the uncircled letters to find out what Jesus said about your heart.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Pope Francis Sets February Trip to Mexico Pontiff is Expected to Highlight Migration, Indigenous Rights Issues During Six-City Tour Rome - Pope Francis will visit Mexico Feb. 12-17 on a six-city tour that will span the country and

By Francis X. Rocca in Rome and Dudley Althaus in Mexico City

highlight issues of economic justice, migration, drug-related violence and the rights of indigenous peoples.

The Vatican has released a detailed itinerary for the trip. Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Guadalupe shrine in Mexico City on Feb. 13.

Mexico, behind Brazil, has the world’s second-largest population of baptized Catholics—109 million, or 92% of the population— according to the Vatican’s statistical yearbook for 2013.

During the trip, Pope Francis will visit Ciudad Juárez, just across the U.S. border from El Paso, Texas, a likely venue for him to

speak about migration.

The pope has made migration one of his signature issues and raised it in a speech to the U.S. Congress in September.

Pope Francis had considered stopping in Mexico before his September U.S. visit.

But he said he ultimately concluded that Mexico rated a fullfledged visit of its own, including a pilgrimage to the national shrine.

“To go to Mexico without going to Our Lady of Guadalupe would have been an insult,” Pope Francis told reporters.

In Mexico City, Pope Francis will meet

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with President Enrique Peña Nieto, address government officials and the Country’s Catholic bishops, and visit a children’s hospital. He will also celebrate an outdoor Mass in the city’s working-class suburb of Ecatepec on Feb. 14.

The pope will spend Feb. 15 in the southern state of Chiapas, which sits along the border with Guatemala, and has a large indigenous population. In 1994, Mayan villagers there launched a short-lived but bloody revolt against the government.

Both Ciudad Juárez and the city of Morelia, which the pope will visit on Feb. 16, have been hit hard in recent years by drug-related violence, a subject on which the pope has spoken out more than once.

In November 2014, he deplored the deaths of 43 students apparently killed by drug traffickers in southwest Mexico. And in February, he warned in a private email against the growing “Mexicanization” of his native Argentina by drug traffickers.

A Vatican spokesman later said the “pope did not mean to hurt the feelings of the Mexican people, nor did he intend to minimize the efforts of the Mexican government” against the drug trade.

This will be Pope Francis’ 12th trip outside of Italy as pope, and his fourth to Latin America. The first Latin American pope traveled to Brazil in 2013. He made a three-country tour of Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay in July, and visited Cuba on his way to the U.S. in September.

Saint John Paul II visited Mexico five times during his 26-year pontificate. Pope Benedict visited once, in 2012.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Pope Francis Receives Leonardo DiCaprio at Vatican Leonardo DiCaprio had a private audience with Pope Francis to discuss a cause the two are pasBy Elizabeth Murray Today Show

sionate about — the environment.

The Oscar nominee and the head of the Roman Catholic Church met in the Vatican Thursday, January 28, when they also exchanged meaningful gifts.

The Associated Press reports that DiCaprio even broke out some Italian for the private visit, “Your Holiness, thank you for granting me this private audience with you,” DiCaprio said in Italian.

DiCaprio gave the pontiff a book of works by the 15th-century Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch, and showed him a reproduction of the Bosch painting that hung over the actor’s crib as

a child, “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” The painting is a triptych that depicts God presenting Eve to Adam on the left, a landscape of the Earth in the middle and an illustration of hell on the right.

In addition to the book and painting, DiCaprio presented a personal check to use for a charity close to the pope’s heart.

Pope Francis gave DiCaprio a leather-bound copy of his papal letter to the church’s bishops, “Laudato Si,” and his apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel.”

“Laudato Si” (“Praise Be” in English) has been praised by environmentalists for its demand of sustainable and green energy sources as well as its criticism of the world’s fossil fuel economy.

The letter bemoans pollution, a lack of clean water, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

DiCaprio has been a vocal advocate for the environment, and

in 1998 launched the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to support

environmental and sustainability initiatives.

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Men of Enders Island Lenten Breakfast Series February 13, 2016 With David Craig February 20, 2016 With Mike Olock February 27, 2016 With John Brodeur March 5, 2016 With Mark Gordon March 12, 2016 With Rick Georgetti March 19, 2016 With Brian Henry

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Pope Francis to Make Acting Debut in ‘Beyond the Sun’ Pope Francis will play himself in the new religious movie “Beyond the Sun,” marking his actBy Dave McNary Variety

ing debut and the first time that a pope has appeared in a feature film.

“Beyond the Sun” — from

Ambi Pictures — is a family adventure based on the Gospels.

Pope Francis asked the filmmakers to make a movie that communicated Jesus’ message to children.

AMBI co-founders Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi will finance and produce the film.

Graciela Rodriguez wrote the

screenplay and will co-produce with Gabriel Leybu. Monsignor Eduardo Garcia will be Pope Francis’ advisor.

All profits from the film will be donated to Argentinean charities El Ale-

ENJOY A YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY 12 Days ~ May 15-26, 2016

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Four full, faith­filled days in Rome including St. Peter's, St. Paul outside the wall, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, the Scala Sancta stairs, the Vatican Museums, Catacombs, the Borghese Gallery, Shrine of Divine Mercy, and panorama tour of ancient Rome. On our way to San Giovanni Rotondo, we will tour the Pompeii Ruins. A day praying at the Shrine, Tomb, Confessional, and Crucifix of St. Pio, and the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. Stop to experience the 8th Century Eucharistic Miracle of Luciano. Three full, holy and treasure­filled days in Florence including the Duomo, Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery, The Academy, and the Con­ vent of San Marco ­ filled with Fra Angelico frescos.

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mendro and Los Hogares de Cristo, which aid at-risk children

and young adults.

Iervolino made his first film in his hometown of Cassino, Italy, at age 15.

“Our excitement and gratitude toward His Holiness, Pope Francis participating in this film is beyond words,” he said. “This is not just a movie for us, it’s a message, and who better to have on your side to deliver an important societal and spiritual message than

the Pope.”

Bacardi said, “It is a great honor for Andrea and I to have the opportunity to work with His Holiness, Pope Francis, to spread the awareness of his message, through this film. We will make a movie everyone involved with can be proud of. Not only will families from around globe enjoy this film and be entertained, but they will be moved.”

Principal photography is slated to begin early this year in Italy.

Ambi will oversee worldwide distribution for “Beyond the Sun” through its Los Angeles-based international sales division.

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Four County Catholic February 2016

Pope Francis Receives Apple CEO Tim Cook at Vatican Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, January 29, in a brief

By Elizabeth Murray Today Show

get-together.

The two spoke for about 15 minutes surrounded by their personal teams and Vatican cameras.

The meeting took place a week after the Catholic leader spent time with Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google parent company Alphabet.

Silicon Valley wasn’t on the Pope’s agenda when he visited the United States in September, so visits from these key figures are prompting numerous theories.

An Apple spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about the nature of the meeting.

Is the Vatican preparing to

partner with Big Tech somehow?

Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 after Pope Benedict retired. Since then, he has used Google Hangouts to chat with children from around the world, and Twitter to share snippets of his preachings. The Pontiff often tweets from his @pontifex account to comment on global news events and controversies.

And the device he has preferred to use when he tweets? An Apple iPad. During a Google Hangout session last year, the Pope described the Internet as a “gift from God,� and promoted technology as an educational aid for people who might be struggling with disabilities.

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