Four County Catholic March 2021

FOUR COUNTY

C CATHOLIC HOLY WEEK MARCH 28 APRIL 3

Volume 33 • Number 3 • MARCH 2021 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

“. . . as I have done for you, – you should also do.”

John 13:15

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John 13:15

In This Issue page

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“By providing food kits, we contribute to reducing misery, suffering, and pain in our intervention areas and we are convinced that, more than food, we share love and hope with families in distress.”

Jude Cangé, Outreach to Haiti Operations Director, addressing the secondary gifts that your support provides.

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

­ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY. PUBLISHER

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

25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

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“Every person, from volunteers to clients, are treated with respect and appreciated.”

Sue Underhill, recently retired ACA campaign manager, expressing the satisfaction she receives from volunteering at Saint Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich.

Fax 860.859.1253

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V. 860.887.9294

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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“Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your stocks are going good or the stock that you invested in was a good choice. Even if you do your research on the stocks you invest in it could always go the other way.”

Saint Bernard School student, Kiely Flores Nahue, learning about the realities of the Stock Market in a fun and interactive way.

“Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders.

Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want.”

College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations, Stefanie Sanford, explaining why Mercy students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it.

To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562 To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407 Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services - AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 1-844-878-8923

The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 060115 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINES Deadline for advertising and editorial is the first Monday of the previous month. Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-word max and must include name, address and phone number for verification. Email photos as JPEG attachments and MS Word copy to editorial@norwichdiocese.net. Publication not guaranteed. The Editor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertising copy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of this newspaper.

POSTMASTER - SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Four County Catholic, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.

Four County Catholic Issue 3, March (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.

Periodicals postage paid in Hartford, CT 06101 and at additional mailing offices.

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We Can Help

If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of CT Department of Children and Families Care Line 1-800-842-2288 -OR –State of NY Child Protective Services 1-800-635-1522

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Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 60 and over should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Social Services for the Elderly 1-888-385-4225

Para reportar una conducta inapropiada de cualquier tipo por parte de un obispo diocesano, por favor contacte ReportBishopAbuse.org o llame al 1-800-276-1562 Para reportar contacto inapropiado de cualquier tipo por medio de un representante de la Diócesis de Norwich o para asistencia a víctimas, por favor llame a La Línea de Reportaje de la Diócesis de Norwich 1-800-624-7407 Si el incidente involucra a un menor (personas menores de 18 años), también debe llamar a Departamento de Niños y Familias de CT 1-800-842-2288 -O-Servicios de Protección de Niños del Estado de NY 1-800-635-1522.

Incidentes relacionados con el abuso de adultos vulnerables de 18-59 años de edad deben ser reportados a Departamento de Servicios al Desarrollo del Estado de Connecticut-División de Ayuda para Personas con Incapacidad Intelectual 1-844-878-8923.

Incidentes relacionados con el abuso de adultos vulnerables de 60 años de edad o más deben ser reportados a Departamento de Servicios Sociales Para Ancianos de Connecticut 1-888-385-4225.

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Lessons of the Basin and the Towel “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Our 40-day Lenten journey of sacrifice and self-reflection is well underway. As we move toward Holy Week it is easy for us to become distracted by current events. I pray that you can free yourself from the distractions of the world to contemplate Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection and allow the peace of His love, forgiveness, and joy to wash over you.

It has been one year since we all began to deal with the pandemic. Reflecting on the past year, I was struck by the many changes we made to our way of life. Holy Week 2020, for example, was celebrated without you, the faithful, present in the Cathedral. This teaches us to not take anything for granted.

This year, following Covid-19 safety guidelines, we will be able to have a limited number of parishioners in attendance. However, this will only be the second Holy Thursday since becoming the shepherd of the Diocese of Norwich that I will not be washing the feet of 12 parishioners at the Cathedral.

Let us not view this as a loss, rather let us focus our attention on a few of the details of this powerful event of the basin and the towel.

This gesture of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet is an image of what it means to be compassionate as God is compassionate. It is, as Jesus tells us in sacred scripture, a model to follow.

Certain details of this simple act may be lost on our modern-day sensibilities. For example, when I symbolically wash the feet of parishioners at

the Cathedral, their feet are already clean. In the first century, that would not have been the case.

Walking in sandals on dusty roads that were also used by beasts of burden, would have made this a very unpleasant task.

Scripture indicates that Jesus “took off His outer garment.” (John 13:4) By removing this outer garment, Jesus was shedding Himself of more than just a sash that might get in the way when He stooped down. In the eyes of the disciples, Jesus was stripping off outer things such as superiority, pride, and personal dignity. He truly humbled Himself to show the disciples, and us, how to “wash the feet of others.”

Jesus knowingly performed this task on the one who would deny Him (Peter) and the one who would betray Him (Judas). How often are we hesitant to help someone because we might not think they are deserving of our compassion.

It is important to recognize that the giver of compassion is not the only one who is humbled.

As Peter demonstrated, it is sometimes difficult, and humbling, to be on the receiving end of compassion. I am aware that this year many of you, due to the pandemic, had to humble yourselves to ask for help from one of our many ministries. Catholic Charities and the Saint Vincent DePaul ministries in the Diocese of Norwich experienced an increase in the number of individuals and families that they helped.

This would not have been possible had it not been for those of you who were able to “wash the feet” of those in need by your continued support of the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) campaign,

“One Faith, One Family”. Many of you increased your donations to help meet the increased demand during this unprecedented time.

Please do not be disheartened should you not be able to offer financial assistance. Know that making a difference in someone’s life often comes through small actions. Taking the time amid your busy schedule to pray for and be present with someone else is one of the greatest gifts you can give this world.

To share completely in Jesus’ life, we must journey with Him to Jerusalem, to Calvary and to Resurrection. This journey requires reflection upon our own lives and the way in which we are called to serve the Lord and one another.

Ask yourself, “whose feet can I wash?” In other words, “How can I be the one that brings kindness in the midst of chaos?”

Lent sets us on a spiritual journey of renewal with heightened awareness of the Lord’s unconditional and unyielding love for us. A love that was evident as He stooped with the basin and the towel at the feet of His disciples.

Through a well-lived Lent, may we come to the glory of Easter and may we discover new life in Christ.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

John 13:15

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THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

El Ejemplo Del Lavatorio Y La Toalla ‘‘Yo les he dado ejemplo, y ustedes deben hacer como he hecho yo.”

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Nuestro recorrido de 40 días de sacrificio y autoreflexión de Cuaresma está bien encaminado.

A medida que avanzamos hacia la Semana Santa, es fácil distraernos con los eventos actuales. Rezo para que pueda liberarse de las distracciones del mundo para contemplar el sufrimiento, la muerte y la resurrección de Cristo permitiendo que la paz de Su amor, perdón y gozo le llene.

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Ha pasado un año desde que comenzamos a lidiar con la pandemia. Al reflexionar sobre el año pasado, me sorprendieron los muchos cambios que hicimos en nuestra forma de vida. La Semana Santa 2020, por ejemplo, se celebró sin ustedes, los fieles presentes en la catedral. Esto nos enseña a no dar nada por sentado.

Siguiendo las pautas de seguridad de Covid-19, este año podremos tener un número limitado de feligreses presentes. Sin embargo, este será el Segundo Jueves Santo desde que me convertí en el pastor de la Diócesis de Norwich en el que no lavaré los pies de 12 feligreses en la Catedral.

No veamos esto como una pérdida, más bien centremos nuestra atención en algunos detalles de este poderoso evento del lavatorio y la toalla.

Este gesto de Jesús lavando los pies de sus discípulos es una imagen de lo que significa ser compasivo como lo es Dios. Es, como nos dice Jesús en las Sagradas Escrituras, un ejemplo a seguir.

Ciertos detalles de este simple acto pueden perderse en nuestra sensibilidad moderna. Cuando simbólicamente lavo los pies de los feligreses en la catedral, ya están limpios. Ese no habria sido el

caso en el primer siglo. Caminar con sandalias por caminos polvorientos que también eran usados por animales de carga, habría hecho de esto una tarea muy desagradable.

Las Escrituras indican que Jesús “se quitó su prenda exterior.” (Juan 13:4.) Al quitarse esta prenda exterior, Jesús se estaba despojando de algo más que una faja que podría estorbar cuando se inclinara. A los ojos de los discipulos, Jesús se estaba despojando de cosas externas como la superioridad, el orgullo y la dignidad personal. Realmente se humilló para mostrar a los discípulos, y a nosotros, como “lavar los pies de los demás.”

Jesús sabiendo realizó esta tarea sobre el que lo negaría (Pedro) y sobre el que lo traicionaría (Judas). ¿Con qué frecuencia dudamos en ayudar a alguien porque pensamos que no merece nuestra compasión?

Es importante reconocer que el dador de la compasión no es el único que se siente humilde.

Como demostró Pedro, a veces es dificil y humillante recibir compasión. Soy conciente de que este año muchos de ustedes, debido a la pandemia, tuvieron que humillarse para pedir ayuda a alguno de nuestros muchos ministerios. Caridades Católicas y los ministerios de San Vicente de Paúl en la Diócesis de Norwich experimentaron un aumento en el número de personas y familias a las que ayudaron.

Esto no habría sido possible si no hubiese sido por aquellos de ustedes que pidieron “lavar los pies” de los necesitados con su continuo apoyo a la Campaña Católica Anual (ACA), “Una fe, una familia.”

Muchos de ustedes aumentaron sus donaciones para ayudar a satisfacer la mayor demanda durante este tiempo sin precedentes.

MONTHLY

Holy Hour for Vocations

Juan 13:15

No se desanime si no puede ofrecer ayuda financiera.

Sepa que marcar la diferencia en la vida de alguien a menudo se logra mediante pequeñas acciones.

Tomarse el tiempo en medio de su ocupada agenda para orar y estar presente con otra persona es uno de los mejores regalos que puede dar a este mundo.

Para compartir completamente la vida de Jesús, debemos viajar con Él a Jerusalén, al Calvario y a la Resurrección. Este viaje require una reflexión sobre nuestras propias vidas y la forma en que estamos llamados a servir al Señor y los unos a los otros.

Pregúntese: “¿A quién puedo lavar los pies?” En otras palabras, ¿Como puedo ser yo el que trae bondad en medio del caos?”

La Cuaresma nos pone en un viaje espiritual de renovación con una mayor conciencia del amor incondicional e inquebrantable del Señor por nosotros. Un amor que se hizo evidente cuando se inclinó a los pies de sus discípulos con un lavatorio y una toalla.

Que lleguemos a la gloria de Pascua y descubramos una nueva vida en Cristo, a través de una Cuaresma bien vivida.

Sinceramente en la misericordia de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour MARCH 18TH St. John, Cromwell • 6pm APRIL 15TH St. Francis, Middletown • 6pm

God-Calls.com

Mr. Jacob Ramos 3rd Theology Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Mr. Dharen Brochero 2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Dive into Lent

At the beginning of the first week of Lent, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. The next day, during Holy Mass, we heard proclaimed the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6: verses 7-25 where Jesus teaches the apostles to pray. I highlight these two points as a way to simply yet significantly enter more deeply into the Lenten season — to assist in diving deeper into the spiritual journey that Lent can be for us.

The significance of the timing of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter highlights for us a call to imitate the man Simon, to whom Jesus said, “I will call you Peter, for through you I will build my Church.”

Christ points out that neither man nor anyone else but His Father inspires Peter to be able to speak so confidently about who Jesus truly is when he responds to the question that Jesus puts to all the apostles, “but who do you say that I am.” Peter remarks immediately, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” ... The truth is spoken and with great confidence and conviction.

The second point comes during the liturgy of the Word at Holy Mass on Tuesday morning. In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear the passage where the apostles ask Jesus to teach them to pray. He teaches them the prayer of the Our Father.

Consider how important this moment is. Saint Cyprian’s treatise on the Our Father is used as a reading for the Divine Office that day and he is quoted as he wrote.

“God willed that many things should be said by the prophets, His servants, and listened to by His people. How much greater are the things spoken by the Son.”

Ruben Garcia Sanchez 2nd Theology Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

As I was reading this it struck me again just how powerful a prayer the Our Father can be for each one of us. Directly given to His Church by Himself, the very Word of God and the Son of God.

Mr. Alexander Pandolfe 1st Theology Mount St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

The two points above, which I prefer calling two gifts from God to us His children, highlight a simple way to pray throughout the Lenten season every year. An opportunity to allow each of us to dive deeper into the call we each have received as sons and daughters of God and adopted brothers and sisters of Christ.

To remind ourselves of the gift of God’s spirit of truth that filled Peter’s heart with the confidence to proclaim who Jesus is, not just for himself but for the whole Church, for God’s whole family.

Then Christ, in response to His apostles, teaches as Word, Son, and Savior, His Church how best to pray.

Mr. Julian Cuervo 1st Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

Pray to the Father. Give Him glory, honor Him, petition Him for His Mercy and seek to understand His Will and live it.

If each of us can focus on these two points, meditate on them, and allow ourselves to prayerfully enter into what they each say, we can then strive throughout our Lenten sacrifices or acts of charity to pray to our Father in Heaven with a greater focus and certainty of why we choose to follow Christ, and desire to unite ourselves to them both through the very Spirit that influenced Peter’s confidence and through whom Jesus promised to always guide His Church.

Mr. Eric Hosmer 1st Theology Mount St. Mary’s Emmitsburg, MD

May you all have a very blessed and holy experience this Lenten season. You remain in my prayers and please keep all our seminarians in yours. Blessings in Christ.

Father Greg Galvin

Director of Priestly Vocations

Mr. Mark Johnson 2nd Pre-Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Deacon Larry Barile 4th Theology Pope John XXIII Seminary Weston, MA

Vocations Corner

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In Memoriam

Sr. Marie Anita Leger, DHS October 8, 1927 - January 31, 2021

Sr. Marie Anita Leger, DHS, 93, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on January 31, 2021 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut, of complications from COVID-19.

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Born Anita Marie Leger on October 8, 1927 in Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of Philippe Joseph and Aurelie Marie (Goguen) Leger. She attended school in New Brunswick before relocating to Fitchburg, Massachusetts with her family. She entered religious life at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in September of 1957 and made her religious profession there on July 2, 1959. She was then known as Sr. Marie Anita.

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After profession, Sr. Marie Anita worked as a dietician for many years in Fairfield, Connecticut and at St Joseph Guest House in New Haven. She then ministered in domestic services at St. Joseph Villa and the DHS Provincial House, always helping any sister in her quiet, unassuming manner even after her retirement in 2010. Sr. Marie Anita was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in June of 2011, moving to St. Joseph Living Center in 2016.

Sr. Marie Anita is survived by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit spiritual family – her Sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associates. She is also survived by her sister Juliette Brodeur of Lunenburg, Massachusetts and a brother, George Leger, of Florida as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister Joseph, Alpherie, Aris, Renald, Rene and Dorine.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to DHS Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 497, Putnam, CT 06260.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE PALM SUNDAY MARCH 28TH

7:30am † 9am † 10:30am* † 5pm

HOLY THURSDAY APRIL 1ST

MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER - 7pm* CONFESSION FOLLOWING MASS

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 2ND

THE LORD’S PASSION - 3pm* CONFESSION FOLLOWING SERVICE STATIONS OF THE CROSS 6pm

HOLY SATURDAY APRIL 3RD

CONFESSION - 10-11AM EASTER VIGIL - 8pm*

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 4TH

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD 7:30am † 9am* † 10:30am † 5pm

* Live-stream can be viewed at NorwichDiocese.org/Masses

Space is limited due to social distancing requirements as mandated by the state of CT

Full of Gratitude 2020 ACA is a Wrap

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

Despite not having our traditional Annual Catholic Appeal in-pew collection weekend last March, so many of you made your yearly donations, even while facing the stress and uncertainty brought by the pandemic. Without a second thought, many of you even increased your donations, because you knew of so many people who had lost jobs and needed food and support from our St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, and Catholic Charities. You also had empathy for many who were isolated and so desperate for spiritual sustenance or the human connection that could

only be met with online prayer gatherings or meditations. Coming together, as one true family in Christ, each of you recognized these needs and did your part to alleviate the suffering of others.

And for those who did not have the means to donate this year to the ACA, we know that many of you kept all of us in your prayers.

I remember reading notes that we had received from past donors saying that while their current circumstances prevented them from contributing this year, they wanted me to know that they would be praying for our success. When I made phone calls to some of our isolated elderly donors, asking them if there was anything I could do for them or bring to them, they invariably turned the conversation away from themselves and to me.

They would ask me about my family, my parents and tell me that they were sending me their prayers.

Inspiring does not even begin to describe these people. They are truly astounding people, living the word of Christ every day.

As we look ahead to our 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal set to launch March 6-7, we close the book on a year of gratitude, a year in which we have met 97% of our

goal, receiving a total of $2,612,120 in gifts and pledges. We count 7,980 donors who have made an average gift of $327. For those who decided to make a pledge rather than a one-time gift, and spread their gift throughout the year, these donors were able to donate more, making an average gift of $574. With the support and hard work of our priests and ACA chairpeople, 23 parishes reached or exceeded their parish goals, while another 16 parishes were very close to reaching their goals, falling between 90% and 100% of goal. We extend our great gratitude to these priests and ACA chairpeople who bring the ACA to the people and make it happen.

You will be receiving your 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal materials in the mail shortly ahead of our March 6-7 announcement weekend and our March 13-14 in-pew collection weekend. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity and prayers. You, the people of our diocese, have come together truly as One Faith, One Family, and I am confident that together, we will continue to work as one for the benefit of many. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and my hope that you and your family have a healthy 2021. If you would

like to donate online, please go to NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org or call Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at (860) 886-1928.

Thank you.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your love for God and charity for His creators made you worthy when on earth posses miraculous power which you were ready to speak for those who are in trouble or anxiety.

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

CHRISM MASS Tuesday March 30, 10:30AM

~ EH~

A Joyous Celebration of Priestly Service and Holy Sacraments

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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cannot even begin to express how my heart is bursting with gratitude for you, our generous donors who have stepped up in such unbelievable ways to help our 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal, One Faith, One Family. Time and time again, when everything changed this year, when churches were closed, when we migrated to online Masses, when we worried about our family’s health, when we may have even become sick ourselves - through it all, the people of the Diocese of Norwich persevered in ways big and small, carrying the love of Jesus to all in need.

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Bishop Cote Shares Faith Through the Eyes of Scripture

By Andrea Hoisl

D

id John the Baptist ever lose faith in God? How did Mary get through the difficulties of raising a child? How was Judas swayed by money? Why did Peter have doubts? Why did Mary Magdalene stand by Jesus?

These are just a few of the questions posed during a virtual Diocesan Lenten Mission sponsored by the Office of Faith Events.

The mission includes reflections from Bishop Michael Cote and Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Peter Langevin that will focus on the spiritual journey of five biblical characters who knew and loved

Jesus. Their insights will help participants consider how they can come to know Christ more fully in their lives through the lives and stories of John the Baptist; Mary, the mother of Jesus; Peter, the apostle; Judas, the betrayer; and Mary Magdalene. Both presenters will help participants understand how the people who were part of Christ’s life can help us grow spiritually.

The lives of these familiar Biblical people will be the backdrop for thought-provoking prayer, reflection and videos during the five-week mission that will take

place each Thursday night from 7-7:45pm beginning February 25 and continuing through March 25.

By focusing each week on the life of a different person who loved Jesus, the mission hopes to give participants a way of looking at familiar stories through the lens of ‘new eyes’ that see the similarities we all share as human beings; that help us see our own weakness and flaws; that show compassion and care for others, even when we don’t agree with or like them; and that are wide open to the hurt and pain in those around us. These are the eyes that Christ calls us to see with. This is the vision the mission hopes to

provide for all who attend.

Each session will give participants insight and reflection for the week and will seek to give attendees a deeper understanding of their faith and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

The mission is free and open to everyone; however, registration is required. Registrants can attend all five sessions or individual ones as their schedule allows. To register, please contact Marianne at 860848-2237, ext. 304 or email her at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net or, contact the Office of Faith events at ext. 203 with any questions.

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Previous sessions are available at NorwichDiocese.org/Lent

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Lenten Gifts

Praying, Fasting, and Giving Alms

By Susan Wallace

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

L

ent is the time for the baptized to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized. During the 40 days of Lent, we have the opportunity to seek the Lord in prayer; to practice self-control by fasting, and to serve by giving alms to those in need.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we walk together in this world.

The Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Ministry has purposefully walked with our Haitian brothers and sisters in Haiti. We serve the 60,000 men, women and children who live in Christ Roi (Christ the King), one of the poorest neighborhoods in Haiti’s capital city, and the families who live in the neighborhoods and villages of the parishes in Haiti who twin with parishes in our diocese and dioceses in Connecticut and other states.

Our ministry is built on serving some of God’s poorest children, and Jesus reminds us in St. Matthew (25:40), “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Julien André

Vital Verdé

Haiti has very few safety nets for those who need help. Due to prolonged political unrest and the pandemic, food has been in short supply and many more people face fragile economic situations. Our

Outreach staff in Haiti has been supporting those most in need by distributing food kits that include rice, beans, corn, oil, salmon and 250 Haitian gourdes to buy fuel to cook.

Please meet some of the families who have been helped: Julien André is 73 years old and lives with his wife and two children. He has been blind for more than17 years and cannot work to take care of his family.

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Thirty-eight-year-old Guirlène Celestin lives with her mother and her 10 children. Until recently she was a street vendor selling bread with eggs each evening, but the ongoing political crisis prevents her from doing so now.

Vital Verdé is 35 years old. He built houses, but recently fell while on the job and now is unable to work. He, his wife and four children, on a good day live on the barest of essentials and on a bad day have nothing to eat.

Living with her three fatherless children, Sonia Laguerre fights hard each day to take care of her family and educate her children. She has no assistance and lives day by day, counting on providence to eat.

As Jude Cangé, our operations director in Haiti, said, “By providing food kits, we contribute to reducing misery, suffering, and pain in our intervention areas and we are convinced that, more than food, we share love and hope with families in distress.”

During Lent, I hope all of us take time to pray, fast and give alms to the poor.

For more information on our ministry, please visit our website: Outreachtohaiti.org or call us at 860800-3601.

GERARDIONLINE.COM

Father Michael Bovino

Channel 11, WCCT • Channel 20, WTXX • Channel 59, WCTX

A Message of Hope and Appreciation 2021 ACA Video with Bishop Cote

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

I wish that each of you could have joined me during these meetings, because I know that your spirits would have been lifted just as mine always were. So, when thinking of our yearly Annual Catholic Appeal video, I knew without a doubt that this year, we all would want to see and hear from our shepherd, Bishop Cote.

You are all in for a treat when you watch the ACA video which will be shown in your church on the weekend of March 6-7, when we launch our 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. While it is not possible for Bishop Cote to meet with each of us in person, when you watch this video and listen to his very heartfelt message, I guarantee you will feel he is with you spiritually and that he has been throughout this past difficult year.

In the video, you will see Bishop

Cote speaking directly to you, from both his office and the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. As I watched the taping of the video, Bishop Cote’s sincere desire to communicate to his flock was evident. You will hear the Bishop note that while he is unable to know exactly how each of us has been affected by the pandemic, he knows that “when confronted with difficulty, no matter its source or size, we take comfort and find our strength in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. When we come together in prayer or pray alone at home, no matter where, it is our personal relationship with God that reinforces that He is always with us, that His love knows no bounds and that He alone can take all of our burdens and lighten our load.”

After discussing the great strength that we each take from our relationship with God, the video captures Bishop Cote

recognizing the support that we received from one another, from our medical personnel, first responders, essential workers and of course, from each of us, who have lifted each other up in prayer and carried out our own personal acts of kindness. In closing, Bishop Cote highlights the many ministries that have helped to sustain our friends and neighbors by providing physical or spiritual support: our soup kitchens, Catholic Charities, Office of Faith Events and Ministry to the Sick, just to name a few, acted as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, providing His love.

Bishop Cote’s message is one of hope and great appreciation for what each of you have done to support our Annual Catholic Appeal. He is truly grateful for each of you and the sacrifices that you have made this past year to continue your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal. I hope

you enjoy the video as much as I do and walk away, like me, from my time with Bishop Cote, with a grateful and hopeful heart. If you are unable to participate in Mass on March 6-7, you will be able to watch the video on our website at NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org . The ACA collection will be taken at Mass during March 1314. You will also be able to donate online or by contacting Heather Harris, Campaign Manager at (860) 886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you and God Bless!

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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hroughout this pandemic, I have had the pleasure of being able to meet with my boss, Bishop Cote, on a regular basis. I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve treasured these meetings. We of course talked about my job responsibilities in the Development Office, how our Annual Catholic Appeal, Catholic Foundation and planned giving efforts were doing amidst so much uncertainty and such an increase in the needs of those in our communities. Although he always gave me productive advice and support, it was Bishop Cote’s fortitude, his faith that we would get through this together, hand in hand with our God, that I treasured the most. Because like all of you, I look to our Bishop for strength and encouragement, just as I do to Jesus Christ, my rock and Savior.

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Champion of Families to Retire

By Catholic Charities News Desk

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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he Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich family whole-heartedly congratulates Cindy Mageski on her retirement from the agency.

From day one, 21 years ago, Cindy has helped move mountains. She began her career as an administrative assistant in the New London office where she practically performed every job in the office.

The first decade of her career was spent helping support the agency’s Emergency Basic Needs program in New London. In 2010 Cindy moved to the agency’s Norwich office, where she was responsible for supervising the administrative support staff of the previous clinical locations: Norwich, New London and Middletown.

Another major milestone for Cindy’s career was being a part of the core group that implemented the agency’s electronic health record system. Cindy played a key role in managing the system and has since “passed the keys to the castle” to a coworker.

In 2015, Cindy received a promotion to administrative manager. Because of the feats she had accomplished over the years, she also was recognized as one of the Connecticut Council of Family Services 2018 Family Champions. Her loving husband Bill has played in the annual Catholic Charities golf tournament over the years.

Thank you Cindy for all that you have done. Although this is farewell, it is not goodbye.

May the Road Rise Up to Meet You May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Gina Foster

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A Donation of Time is Truly a Selfless Gift

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

t doesn’t seem possible that we are approaching one year since the pandemic started. I know firsthand what a difficult year this has been for so many of us.

Despite the many challenges that we all have faced, the ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal, “One Faith, One Family” have provided sustenance, spiritual support and connection to those in need. In addition to thanking our many kind donors for their generous monetary support, our ministries are appreciative of the volunteers who give the gift of their time. Volunteering is an act of a person or group generously giving time and labor to an organization or a community.

In September 2019, our diocesan employees participated in a day of service.

Sue Underhill, recently-retired ACA campaign manager and I had the opportunity to visit Saint Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich. We met and spoke with the volunteers, clients and employees. We learned about the day-to-day operations, meal preparation and services provided. After our visit, my family and I returned to Saint Vincent De Paul with many donations. My husband enjoyed

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some great conversations with some of their clients while my daughter and I met with the volunteers who so graciously donated their time.

Since retiring, Sue has become a volunteer at SVDPP. She and others have helped ensure daily meals are provided for clients, the food pantry stays wellstocked and daily deliveries are fulfilled. When Sue retired, she knew that if she was going to volunteer anywhere it would be for Director Jillian Corbin at SVDPP. “Every person, from volunteers to clients, are treated with respect and appreciated,” Sue said. “I find great satisfaction volunteering at SVDPP because I truly feel like we make a difference there. The clients are all very appreciative of the services that are offered and the ‘thank yous’ we receive for just preparing a hot cup of coffee or giving out a hygiene or food bag are reward enough for the time spent volunteering.

I wish more people would come down and see the work being done by the staff and the volunteers. Maybe they would be motivated to volunteer and get the incredible feeling of gratitude that I get every day.”

Saint Vincent de Paul Place in

Norwich, along with Catholic Charities, continue to reach out for support. SVDPP needs volunteer drivers, kitchen, front desk and food pantry assistance.

If you can help, please visit svdpp.org/volunteer for details.

Catholic Charities needs volunteers in all locations that can help with loading and unloading food deliveries and organizing and stocking the food pantry. Please reach out to Susan Connelly, chief operations officer of Catholic Charities, at 860-889-8346 X264 for volunteer information.

A donation of time is truly a selfless gift. Our ministries are indeed blessed to receive your help. Our ACA monetary donations along with our gifts of time continue to be extremely important to help all our ministries carry out their spiritually-affirming and lifechanging missions. To make a monetary contribution to our 2021 ACA “One Faith, One Family,” please go online to NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org or contact Heather Harris, Campaign Manager, at 860886-1928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity.

Stay safe and be well.

Amen

.

SAINT PIUS X VIRTUAL AUCTION March 6 – March 14, 2021 Attention fellow followers in Christ. St. Pius X Church in Middletown is holding their 21st Annual Extraordinary Year, Extraordinary Giving Auction virtually! This means ALL in our community are invited to participate in our online auction for the first time! From March 6th through March 14th you will be able to go to saintpius.org and click on our link to our virtual auction. (Our Auction site will be live on March 1st for previewing items and the bidding will begin on March 6) From here you can bid on a wide variety of items from gift baskets, to excursions and virtual/zoom classes, as well as home improvement items.

We appreciate your support and generosity! God Bless you all.

Grand Street 48 Grand48 Street Niantic, CT Niantic, CT 739-6112 739-6112

www.neilanfuneralhome.com FUNERAL HOMES

12 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 443-1871

48 Grand Street Niantic, CT 739-6112

www.neilanfuneralhome.com

FUNERAL HOMES

12 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 443-1871

48 Grand Street Niantic, CT 739-6112

During the Season of Lent, the Holy Spirit drives us too, like Jesus, into the desert (Mk 1:12-15). It is not a physical place, but rather an existential dimension in which we can be silent and listen to the word of God, so that a true conversion might be effected in us.

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

FUNERAL HOMES

12 Ocean Avenue 12 Ocean Avenue New London, CT New London, CT 443-1871 443-1871

www.neilanfuneralhome.com

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The Stations of the Cross began as the practice of pious pilgrims to Jerusalem who would retrace the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary.

Prayerful meditation through the Stations of the Cross is especially common during Lent and on Fridays throughout the year, in commemoration of Christ's Crucifixion on Good Friday.

Check with your parish for times and location of stations near you.

For those wishing to remain socially distanced we have provided the pictures to your left to aid in your meditation.

A video version of the Stations of the Cross, led

by Fr. Peter Langevin from the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich can be found at NorwichDiocese.org/Lent where you will find additonal versions of the Stations of the Cross.

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Later, for the many who wanted to pass along the same route, but could not make the trip to Jerusalem, a practice developed that eventually took the form of the fourteen stations currently found in almost every church.

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Virtual Conference to Focus on Saint Joseph

By Catholic News Agency

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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s part of the Year of Saint Joseph called for

by Pope Francis, the National Shrine of St. Joseph will host a virtual conference and rededicate the saint’s statue.

The event takes place on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and includes a day of prayer and talks from Catholic leaders.

A highlight of the conference will be the rededication of a restored statue of St. Joseph - a life-size depiction of Joseph holding the infant Christ. According to the website, the crowns of the two characters had deteriorated and Joseph’s cloak had faded prior to the restoration.

“Be part of a historic day on March 19th when the National Shrine of St Joseph holds an all-day event filled with prayer, insightful and inspirational talks,” the website reads.

“This day will feature the historic rededication of the shrine’s statue of St. Joseph and offer a powerful entrustment of the Nation to Saint Joseph during this year dedicated to him. This will be a powerful grace-filled day.”

During the event, Father Don Calloway, Marian of the Immaculate Conception, will lead an entrustment of the United States to St. Joseph and preside over the statue’s crowning. The statue still needs to be installed and the shrine is accepting donations to help complete the project.

Father Don Calloway A rosary will be led by Father Francis Hoffman, host of the Family Rosary Across America and CEO at Relevant Radio; and a Divine Mercy Chaplet will be led by Drew Mariani, host of “The Drew Mariani Show.”

Father Chad Ripperger Prior to the event, people may submit prayer requests to be placed below the shrine’s main altar, After a month, the intentions will be relocated to the St. Joseph prayer chest.

The speakers at the virtual conference will discuss the life of St. Joseph and the spiritual benefit of the saint’s intercession and Christian example. Teresa Tomeo, a host for Catholic television and radio, will be the master of ceremonies.

Father Michael Brennan, Norbertine priest and director of the Archconfraternity of St. Joseph, will discuss the rich history of the National Shrine of St. Joseph and the Norbertines’ spiritual practices. Established in 1892, the shrine is located on the campus of St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. The order has conducted a novena to St. Joseph for over 100 years.

Dr. Mark Miravalle, a mariologist and the author of “Meet your Spiritual Father,” will describe some benefits attached to St. Joseph’s intercession, especially for struggling families. He will encourage participants to pray to St. Joseph, especially for their future spouse and to heal divisions in the family.

Father Chad Ripperger, an exorcist in the Archdiocese of Denver, will emphasize the role of St. Joseph as a spiritual protector and father.

Father Matthew Spencer, the former host for Relevant Radio’s St. Joseph’s Workshop with Fr. Matthew Spencer, will share a variety of devotions to the saint.

For more information and to register visit TheYearofSaintJoseph.org/the-online-conference

14 Club Road Windham, CT 06280 860.456.1107 www.sjlivingcenter.org

Dedicating our love, compassion and service to our community.

By Susan Wallace, Executive Director Outreach to Haiti

Specializing in:

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A safe environment with strong Christian values.

Safety precautions in place to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.

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◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men who have not yet realized their potential. ◆ Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

*Short-term Rehabilitation *Long-term Care *End-of-Life Care *Daily Mass

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By Meredith Vernott

St. Joseph

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Solemnity—March 19

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The spouse of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the legal father of Jesus according to Jewish law, Joseph is a model of humility and obedience to God’s will. He followed God’s instructions, given by angels in dreams, and took the pregnant Mary into his home as his wife, protected her and Jesus at the child’s birth in Bethlehem through the family’s sojourn in Egypt, and provided for them as a carpenter in Nazareth. This feast, which was celebrated as early as the ninth century, became a universal feast in the 15th century, when it was placed on the liturgical calendar. Pope Pius IX named St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church in 1870; he is also the patron saint of carpenters, the dying and workers.

“Being a guardian is the distinctive trait of Joseph: Being the guardian is his great mission . . . We look to Joseph as the model educator, who watches over and accompanies Jesus as he grows ‘in wisdom, age and grace,’ as the Gospel says. He was not Jesus’ father: the father of Jesus was God, but he was a father to Jesus, he was a father to Jesus to help him grow. And how did he help him grow? In wisdom, age and grace.” —Pope Francis Today, St. Joseph’s Day is celebrated all over the world on March 19th with a feast. In Sicily, St. Joseph’s Day is a giant feast full of delicious food, but because it occurs during Lent, it does not include meat.

Foods for the Feast of St. Joseph People all around the world will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, or La Festa di San Giuseppe, on March 19th. The holiday’s roots date back to the middle ages, when Sicily underwent a major drought that threatened a massive famine. The locals prayed to their patron saint to bring them relief in the form of rain. In exchange, they promised to honor St. Joseph with a proper banquet. Sure enough, he answered their prayers. In return, they feasted on local foods such as fava beans, which thrived after the rain, lemons and breadcrumbs, all of which have symbolic meanings — for example, the breadcrumbs symbolize sawdust, because Joseph was a carpenter (a trade he is believed to have passed on to Jesus) as well as many sweets. On St. Joseph’s Day, Italian tables are filled with fig dishes, including fig cookies. St. Joseph also happens to be the patron saint of pastry chefs. Zeppole or Sfinge are traditionally eaten on this day.

St. Patrick

The patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was born in Roman Britain. He describes his life and ministry, including his work to convert the Irish people, in his short autobiography and testimony, Confessions. Kidnapped at age 16 by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland, his time spent in captivity transformed him spiritually. He was a lonely shepherd for six years before escaping and returning home.

After returning home, his dream of converting the Irish from pagan belief propelled him to priestly studies in Gaul (now France). In about 432, Pope Celestine I consecrated him as a bishop and sent him to Ireland. For almost 30 years, he preached tirelessly, made countless converts, founded monasteries and established the primatial see at Armagh in modern-day Northern Ireland. Toward the end of his life, he made a 40-day retreat on Croagh Patrick mountain in present-day County Mayo. That gave rise to the pilgrimages that are made on the mountain to this day. Legend has it that Patrick taught the Irish the faith using the three-leaf clover to illustrate the Trinity and that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. His feast day is celebrated on March 17 and he is the patron saint of Ireland and engineers.

Typical Traditions and Customs

There are several traditions to consider that are associated with St Patrick’s Day. Some are associated with religious traditions, others relate to people celebrating being Irish for the day, even for those who have no connections with Ireland.

Wearing of the green

Many people wear something green on St Patrick ’s Day. This is known by many as the ‘wearing of the green’ to celebrate their Irish heritage.

In Ireland, people wear a small bunch of shamrocks on the right breast of their outer clothing. The shamrocks are blessed in ceremonies all over Ireland by either the local priests or bishops. This is known as the Blessing of the Shamrock.

Religious observance

In Ireland, practicing Catholics attend Church on St Patrick’s Day. Families often dress in their best clothes, with shamrocks pinned on their breast, and attend Church together.

After attending Mass families typically return home and sit down to a large roast dinner. It mostly consists of meat and vegetables served with roast and mashed potatoes.

A day of parades and festivals

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in New York City in 1766.

Today, parades for St. Patrick’s Day are held all over the world, inviting millions of people to celebrate being Irish, even if only for a day.

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Feast Day—March 17

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Sacred Heart School, Groton Gail Kingston, Principal 50 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton 860-445-0611 sacredheartgroton.org/school

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Mother Christina Van Beck, SCMC, Principal 15 Hunters Ave, Taftville 860-887-1757 sacredhearttaftville.org

St. James School, Danielson Linda Marie Joyal, Principal 120 Water St, Danielson 860-774-3281 stjamesdanielson.org

St. John School, Old Saybrook

Mother Elaine Moorcroft, SCMC, Principal 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 saintjohnschoolos.org

St. John Paul II School, Middletown Larry Fitzgerald, Principal 87 South Main Street. Middletown 860-347-2978 JPII.org

St. Joseph School, Baltic

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal 10 School Hill Road, Baltic 860-822-6141 Stjosephschoolbaltic.com

St. Joseph School, New London

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Marianne Cote, Principle 25 Squire Street, New London 860-442-1720 SJSNL.com

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St. Michael School, Pawcatuck Doris Messina, Principal West Broad St., Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 stmichaelschoolct.com

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich Sharon Stewart, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich 860-889-4174 st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal 54 West Main St, Baltic 860-822-9272 ahfbaltic.org

Mercy High School, Middletown Alissa DeJonge, President 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown 860-346-6659 mercyhigh.com

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

Donald Macrino, Headmaster 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville 860-848-1271 saint-bernard.com

Xavier High School, Middletown David C. Eustis, Headmaster Brendan Donohue, Principal 181 Randolph Road, Middletown 860-346-7735 xavierhighschool.org

Dear Friends, As we are now in the season of Lent, we are provided by the Church a time to remind us of our faith.

A time to deepen our faith and to prepare for Easter, which is the great celebration of the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus. During Lent, we enter a season of preparation, self-reflection, and repentance when we seek to realign our lives and focus on the teachings of Our Lord. We often think of it as a time to give up things, but it is also a time to give to others and love as more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our schools have a wonderful opportunity to bring our students closer to God and Our Lord. We emphasize that Lent is a special season of prayer where we look at our own lives and make sure we are doing what God wants us to do and becoming the people God wants us to be. As I have said before, Catholic education is so important today as we face an increasingly more commercialized and secularized world. It is uplifting to read the thoughts of some of our middle school students, which I will share with you: “To me, the Season of Lent is a time of preparation and repentance. It prepares us for one of the most important and influential times in our Church. More importantly, we are called to remember all the things Jesus did for us before and after His departure to the desert.” Jaycek “Lent is an important part of our life because it gives us a way to give something up to God as He gave up His only Son. This is a way to thank Him.” Michael “Lent is a time to be close to Jesus. He gave up His life for us and this is our time to reflect on it.”

Annabella “Lent is important because it makes us reflect on what we have done and helps us to be better.” Ian “Lent means to me the preparation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. I prepare by going to Ash Wednesday and Stations of the Cross every Friday with my class. Easter to me means the Resurrection of Jesus saving us from sin.” Dory I believe these quotes are typical responses in all our Catholic schools in the diocese. It is a wonderful tribute to our administrators and teachers as they prepare our children in the knowledge and living out of our Catholic faith.

God Bless, George A. Milot Superintendent of Schools

PLEASE HELP

“We love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.”

- Saint Vincent de Paul

Donations are welcomed and especially needed during the current health crisis. Visit the websites below to see how you can help.

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown 860-344-0097 • svdmiddletown.org

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

An Education You Can Believe In.

Inspiring Achievement. Celebrating Community.

Embracing Service. Living Faith.

Supported financially and spiritually by 10 parishes in the Middletown Deanery.

Currently the only regional Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Norwich Diocese.

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

St. Joseph School Trust in the mercy of God’s love.

If you are carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions, call Project Rachel a post-abortion healing ministry.

All calls are confidential.

New London, CT

“A Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 81 Years of Excellence In Catholic Education Grades K-8

860-861-4439

TO PLACE A NOVENA PRAYER REQUEST OR FOR PRICING INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL MEREDITH VERNOTT 860-887-3933

COMMEREDITH@NORWICHDIOCESE.NET

Registration is ongoing, please call for information

St. Joseph School 25 Squire St New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-1720

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

St.Vincent de Paul Place Norwich 860-889-7374 • svdpp.org

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Understanding the Global Economy

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Saint Bernard students learn about the Stock Market in a fun way

By Kimberly S. Hodges

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or the past three years, Kelli Hammond’s eighthgrade history classes have learned valuable lessons using the Stock Market Game.

Since its inception in 1977, the Stock Market Game has helped almost 20 million students prepare for financially independent futures. Students are introduced to saving and investing through a simulation of the stock and bond markets and given their own virtual $100,000 portfolio to invest, according to the sponsor of the game, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Foundation (SIFMA).

During the 10-week game, students team up to research and decide where they will invest their virtual money. They gain an understanding of how to trade stocks on the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchanges, pay brokers’ fees and have the

option of investing in bonds and mutual funds. Mrs. Hammond said she could just explain how the stock market works and its impact on society, but it’s not until students actually participate in the process that they gain a fuller understanding of the global economy and their role in it - all with fun and friendly competition.

Students research companies and draw on skills learned in all of their classes at Saint Bernard School to make the best financial decisions. As the teams plan their portfolios, students tend to select products they are familiar with, companies their family members work for, or businesses that represent something they are passionate about. Mrs. Hammond said one year a team invested in a pet food company because they were passionate about animals.

Other teams have invested in green energy projects or Tesla.

This year a group invested in

GameStop, which brought them to the top of the board and sparked a discussion about short sales. Students Zach Pazzaglia and Raymond Zhang are excited about their stock trades and said it’s cool to learn about stocks and become confident about their choices.

Mrs. Hammond tells students to research the companies from which they want to buy stock and not to just think about what will make them the most money.

When a team has questions about a purchase, she reminds them to be aware of the ethics of the company they are investing in and to ask themselves if they support those values.

In Connecticut, 250 middle and high schools are competing for awards and prizes. Currently, two of the Saint Bernard School teams are ranked first and second for middle school and 13th and 14th overall. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your stocks

are going good or the stock that you invested in was a good choice,” eighth-grader Kiely Flores Nahue said. “Even if you do your research on the stocks you invest in it could always go the other way.”

Parker

parkermemorials@yahoo.com

“Close the Gaps — Expand Your Horizons”

By Kim Hodges

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foundational and for-credit courses that will help students brush up on their skills. We believe that participation in this program will close some of the educational gaps created by the pandemic.”

Courses are taught by Saint Bernard Faculty members and range from general interest classes such as Exploring Computer Science to more specialized topics such as Geometry Via Origami, Astronomy, Number Theory, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Journalism. Enrichment classes include SAT Prep, Writing the College Essay, Math Skills and Study Skills.

Costs for the classes range from $200 for two-week enrichment courses to $250 for a three-week half-credit course and $400 for a six-week one-credit. The SAT Preparation course is a four-week class offered at $350.

“We see our summer program as part of our school’s wider mission to serve the needs of students not just at our school but throughout the region,” Director of School Counseling and Summer Programming Holly Cyr says.

“Based on last year’s positive response, we are offering a robust program for the summer of 2021.”

For more information about the Saint Bernard School summer

program go to the school website at www.saintbernardschool.org or call

860-848-1271 or email Mrs. Holly Cyr (hcyr@saint-bernard.com).

MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

aint Bernard School will launch its second year of the comprehensive Summer Studies Program.

This program provides academic enrichment and builds skills in many subject areas. It offers something for every student and all students in grades 6-12 are welcome.

A variety of in-person and virtual courses will be offered throughout the summer. Those who desire the classroom experience will attend at our Uncasville campus. Students who are traveling or who prefer virtual classes will have that option.

Jack, an 11th grader, took three classes last summer: Introduction to Advanced Mathematics, Constitutional Law and Writing the College Essay. He said when it came time to apply for college, he was less stressed because his college essay was complete and ready for submission. To date, he’s been accepted at Villanova, Purdue, Baylor and Stonehill. He said the Constitutional Law class prepared him for his Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics class this year.

As an incoming sixth-grader in 2020, Theresa took three summer classes: The Writing Process, Math Skills and Study Skills.

“I got to know the teachers and kids that would be in my classes in the fall. I would tell other students that even if you are pretty good in math, study skills and writing, you will learn a lot of things that will help you in middle school and I think in high school. I’m good at math but the class taught me so many things that I have been using this year.”

According to Head of School Don Macrino, with school closures and remote learning because of the pandemic, students have not been able to get 100% of their learning experience.

“We have built a program that offers a selection of 19 enrichment,

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MARCH 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mercy High Closes the Gender Gap in Computer Science

Back row, left to right: Madeleine Thompson ’21, Kaila Lujambio ’21, Elena Cahill ‘21 Front row, left to right: Michele Grelotti ’21, Hannah Wrubleski ’22, Hannah DeFilippo ‘21

By Marie Kalita

M

ercy High School in Middletown has earned the AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award from the College Board for achieving high female representation in the Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles course.

Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP Computer Science courses.

Mercy High School was one of 831 schools across the country recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles for the 2019-20 school year.

“During an unprecedented year, Mercy students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication in their 26 study of AP Computer Science,”

said Melissa Bullock, Principal of Academics and Technology at Mercy. “We could not be prouder of our students for staking their claim as the next generation of STEM and computer science professionals. We can’t wait to see their passion for next generation technology lead to lifelong success.”

AP Computer Science Principles is a full-year introductory college- level computing course that introduces students to the field of computer science through hands- on, projectbased, collaborative learning.

The course introduces students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity and how computing affects our world.

Students develop the computational thinking skills needed to fully exploit the power of digital technology and help build a strong foundation in core programming and problemsolving.

“Young women deserve an equal opportunity to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and tech leaders. Closing the gap in computer science education empowers young women to build the future they want,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations. “Mercy students need the power to shape technology, not just cope with it.”

Ensuring female students have access to computer science courses is critical to achieving gender parity

in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in May 2019. However, a code.org analysis of 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds women represent just 24% of the 5 million people in computing occupations.

“This is the third consecutive year that Mercy has received the AP Computer Science Principles Award,” said Alissa DeJonge, President of Mercy High School.

“AP Computer Science Principles is a great introduction to computer science, providing a in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of the field and an awareness of the varied career potential. We

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are immensely proud of the dedication of our students and their noteworthy achievement.”

Additional AP classes in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields offered to students at Mercy High School include Biology AP/ECE, Chemistry AP, AP Computer Science A, Physics 1 AP, and Physics 2 AP. In addition, Mercy offers extra-curricular coursework in Robotics.

College Board is the nation’s largest college-going organization, helping millions of students navigate the transition from high school to college each year. According to College Board data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to similar female students who did not take CSP. The studyalso finds that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping- stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.

The schools that received this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award should serve as inspirations and models for all American high schools, where overall, female students remain under-represented in computer science classes, comprising just 34% of AP Computer Science Principles participants, according to the College Board.

These findings make it all the more imperative, the College Board points out, that schools nationwide achieve gender parity in AP Computer Science classrooms. Currently, less than half of the nation’s high schools teach foundational computer science, a clear opportunity to be addressed by strong partnerships between policymakers, the tech industry and educators.

The College Board noted the increasing number of students taking the AP Computer Science Principles exam since it was first

offered in 2016-17. Overall last year, more than 116,000 students took the AP CSP Exam - a 21% increase over the previous year.

In 2020, 39,570 women took the AP CSP exam, nearly three times the number who tested in 2017.

Mercy High School is an AP Capstone Diploma, Catholic diocesan college preparatory high school for young women, where each student is encouraged to recognize the abilities and strengths that will enable her to achieve her potential. The top-rated private high school is committed to providing a challenging educational experience in a safe and nurturing environment.

Mercy High School responds to individual needs and provides students with the technological and social skills needed in the 21st Century. Students attend from across Connecticut, from communities in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London counties.

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Sacraments 101 + A.M.D.G. +

Volume 7: Eucharist Part II As we’ve seen in both the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, each Sacrament of the Church comes to us with a particular form and a particular matter which are required in order for the Sacrament to be valid.

But if we step back for a minute, we can see that there is a coherent reason why each Sacrament should have a proper form and matter to them. In order to show this, we’ll look at one of the stories in the Gospel that is closely tied to the Eucharist.

In Chapter 14 of St. Matthew’s Gospel, we are told the familiar story of the “Feeding of the Five Thousand.” At this point in Jesus’ ministry, the crowds have been following Him closely - and for good reason. He has been making the deaf hear, cleansing lepers, giving sight to the blind, and preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God. And all of this activity is what brings such a large crowd to Jesus for this miraculous feeding. Here, Jesus is presented with a mere five loaves of bread and two fish. We are told that he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied.

Now, what does this story have to do with the form and matter of the Sacraments?

Well, from one perspective, this story shows us that part of what Jesus does is to take what is ordinary (five loaves and two fish) and make it superabundant (enough food to more than satisfy thousands of people).

So too, in the Sacraments Jesus does something similar. He takes ordinary materials - ordinary matter (In Baptism, water; in Confirmation, oil; in the Holy Eucharist, bread and wine), and transforms them into something much more. And the way that the matter for each Sacrament is transformed, is by means of the form which is applied to the matter.

In other words, the matter/form structure of the Sacraments is not some new way of doing things that the Church just made up. It is, as we said in previous months, the very continuation of Jesus’ own ministry.

He took what was ordinary, insufficient, and common, and, by His word, transformed it into a means of bestowing His own Divine life to the world. Through the Sacraments He acts in a similar, and in some ways, even greater way.

Like Baptism and Confirmation, for the Sacrament of the Eucharist, there is a certain matter and form as well. The matter required for the offering of the Holy Eucharist is wheat bread and grape wine mixed with a little water, and an ordained priest. The words of consecration spoken by a Catholic priest are the proper form for offering the Holy Eucharist.

Through the words of consecration spoken over the bread and wine by the priest, the ordinary material elements placed upon the altar are changed into the Body, Blood, soul, and Divinity of Jesus. And in this, we see once again how Jesus continues to transform the ordinary matter of earth, into something heavenly - what is insufficient into what is superabundant.

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By Father Michael Bovino

Class is in session...

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Fai th Sparks

Photo Jane Papineau

Baskets line the altar for the yearly food blessing at St. Joseph Parish in Norwich

Keeping Alive the Tradition of Polish Easter Baskets

By Marianne Nicholas eing Polish-American Catholics, my family has always adhered to Polish holiday traditions.

As a child, one of the most loved and awaited traditions for me every year was the blessing of the Easter baskets on Holy Saturday at our home parish, St. Joseph’s in Norwich.

On Holy Saturday morning, my mother, brother and I would meet my aunt and all my cousins at church with our wicker baskets full of Easter goodies to be blessed by the priest. It was a fun task but sometimes a hurried one. Getting that basket ready on Saturday morning meant the eggs had to be colored and everything else set to go. It also meant, however, that the excitement of Easter Sunday festivities was beginning. For me, it signified that after the solemnity of the Good Friday service, Saturday was not just another day in between while waiting for Easter Sunday. The Holy Saturday food blessing kept

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the three days of the Holy Triduum connected for me as a child.

Every year, our pastor, the late Fr. Eugene Pilatowski, would look out among all the baskets and before the blessing, give us a brief lesson on the many customary foods and what they symbolized. The eggs are of course an absolute must in the traditional Polish Easter basket. This is where I first learned that Easter eggs were not just pretty and fun to make, but a symbol of new life, and that the chick breaking open its shell to begin life symbolizes Christ breaking open his tomb to emerge and bring us new life.

Other important components to the Polish Easter basket include small rye breads as well as Babka, which reminds us of course that Jesus is the “bread of life,” and just as the bread rises, Christ also rises from the dead. Salt represents preservation from corruption and joins bread as a basic sign of hospitality serving to remind us that we “are the salt of

Ignite Your Faith.

the earth.” (Mt 5:13) Horseradish and pepper signify the bitterness of the sufferings of Jesus on the cross.

A bottle of vinegar represents the gall Christ was given to drink on the cross. Kielbasa, ham and pork are traditionally the main course as they symbolize the forbidden foods of the Old Testament that are now acceptable. One especially important component to the basket is a paschal lamb made of butter or cake as a symbol of the compassion of Christ. Rounding out the basket is a bottle of wine, signifying the blood of Christ.

All these foods are customarily eaten first on Easter morning by the millions of faithful Polish people around the world in keeping with a thousand-year-old tradition.

The current pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Norwich, Fr. Robert Washabaugh, has continued the tradition of blessing Easter food.

“We held the blessing last Holy Saturday, with lots of physical

distancing and precautions, and I’m sure we will be back this year. It is a proud Polish tradition that will last,” he said recently.

As followers of Christ, we must remember that many of our traditions and ceremonies are thousands of years old and it is important to pass these rituals down to our children. I am forever grateful to my mother for showing my brother and me how to keep these traditions and instilling in me a desire to continue them for my two children. Sometimes it is the happy traditions that we remember from our youth that help us to stay close to our faith and connected to our church. If you have lost some of your holiday traditions, I extend an invitation for you to reclaim them and join the celebration this Easter season.

For a printable document of Polish Easter traditions visit: NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks for additional resources.

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4TH

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