Four County Catholic September 2022

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 34 • Number 8 • SEPTEMBER 2022 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY

“I

will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel with my eye upon you.

”

Psalm 32:8

From the Editor’s Desk It’s been a busy summer in the Communications Office.

Normally this is a quiet time for us. This year we focused on evaluating what communications in the Diocese looks like and more importantly, how more people could be reached.

Our mission has always been to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and show how that faith is put into action through our ministries and our people. Our evaluating and planning also had one additional criterion, do it with the resources we already have. In other words, do more with less.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Always up for a challenge, the team went about planning the future of our social media presence, our email newsletter, and the Four County Catholic. This publication has gone through several significant changes over the course of the last 35 years, from the number of issues per year to the number of pages in each issue, to who receives it. Adapting to the needs of our readers has always been a priority and remains so to this day.

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Please know that exciting changes are coming. You will read about the specifics of these changes in the next issue of the Four County Catholic or sooner if you are a subscriber to the email newsletter. I encourage you all to subscribe to the newsletter at NorwichDiocese.org/Newsletter.

Wayne

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

860.887.9294

EDITORIAL OFFICE

25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

Fax 860.859.1253

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Wayne Gignac, 860.886.1281

wgignac@norwichdiocese.net

MARKETING/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Deacon Benedict LoCasto, 860.887.3933 deaconlocasto@norwichdiocese.net SENIOR WRITER/SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Ryan Blessing, 860.887.3933 rblessing@norwichdiocese.net THEOLOGICAL ADVISOR

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

860.887.9294

PRINTING/LAYOUT

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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 8, SEPTEMBER (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.

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No content may be reproduced without expressed consent.

Please be sure to notify us of an address change, a name change of a recipient of the Four County Catholic, or a request to discontinue receiving the newspaper. You may notify us via email at subscriptions@norwichdiocese.net or call 860-887-3933.

Thank you for helping us maintain accurate mailing information to better serve you.

Podemos ayudar

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

PUBLISHER

ADDRESS CHANGES

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

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

­ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY.

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

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Maintaining the dignity of life through its entire earthly journey is one of the essential callings of our beliefs. At the core, it defines our Catholic faith and who we are –– sons and daughters of a loving God. A recent development in our diocese, serves as a wonderful example of the dignity of life and the biblical teaching of hospitality.

What is hospitality? Going beyond the secular understanding of hospitality, which is to extend kindness to those whom we are acquainted, the Bible teaches hospitality as the virtue of kindness and generosity toward strangers and guests. It is characterized by a spirit of welcome to those to whom we may not be acquainted or in some cases can be seen as dissimilar to us.

Saint Bernard School located in Uncasville, is extending this spirit of hospitality to seven Ukrainian students who have been displaced due to the ongoing war in their homeland.

Headmaster, Don Macrino and the leadership staff of Saint Bernard School decided to help these young war refugees from Ukraine complete their education, supplying them with books and supplies as well as tuition.

This act of hospitality is extending well beyond the walls of the school to the larger Saint Bernard School community as local families open their homes to these students. This opportunity will be a benefit to all involved as they move from strangers to friends.

The call to hospitality is found throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis, where God as host provides a garden for Adam and Eve and walks with them in that garden.

Further on in Genesis, Abraham and Sarah welcome and prepare a lavish meal for three strangers, messengers of God, sent to reveal that Sarah would give birth to a son.

Maybe we as individuals are not in a position to take refugees into our homes. We are not all called to do that. What we can do is identify those among us who are strangers and begin to act hospitably towards them.

Who in your life is a stranger? It might be a son or daughter who has moved away from the church. Perhaps a neighbor or family member holds an opposing political view, or a member of your parish does not accept all church teaching. How might we be hospitable towards them?

We can start by loving them where they are. Interactions that are harsh, controlling, shaming, or meant to impress another, while not only unproductive, are not inspired by God. Blaming or accusing is not how God talks.

We can trust it as the voice of God if it comes from a place of love and can be passed on to others with love.

A wonderful demonstration of hospitality and respect for life takes place throughout the diocese at Saint Vincent dePaul Middletown and Saint Vincent dePaul in Norwich and the

four Catholic Charities locations.

Staff and volunteers reach out to help our brothers and sisters in need – the poor and disadvantaged among us. Your support of these and other diocesan ministries with your time or financial support means so much to so many. Thank you to those who have stepped forward with their prayers and donations, especially during the last few years when the need has been the greatest.

Finally, know that the Lord is looking for hospitality. In the book of Revelation He said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with Me.” Let Him in.

I pray that we all can be hospitable to the strangers among us because as St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Hebrews “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”

May God’s love shine through you to bless the strangers in your life.

Sincerely yours in the hospitality of Christ,

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me

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THE MOST REVEREND

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LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

Fui forastero y me hospedaste

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

eMantener la dignidad a través de todo el viaje de la vida terrenal es uno de los llamados esenciales de nuestras creencias. En esencia, define nuestra fe católica y quiénes somos: hijos e hijas de un Dios amoroso.

Un reciente desarrollo en nuestra diócesis sirve como un maravilloso ejemplo de la dignidad de la vida y la enseñanza bíblica de la hospitalidad. ¿Qué es la hospitalidad?

Yendo más allá de la comprensión secular de la hospitalidad, que es extender bondad a aquellos a quienes conocemos, la Biblia enseña la hospitalidad como la virtud de la bondad y la generosidad hacia los extraños y los invitados. Se caracteriza por un espíritu de bienvenida a aquellos a quienes no conocemos o, en algunos casos, a los que podemos ver como diferentes a nosotros.

La escuela Saint Bernard, ubicada en Uncasville, está extendiendo este espíritu de hospitalidad a siete estudiantes ucranianos que han sido desplazados debido a la guerra en curso en su tierra natal. El director, Don Macrino y el personal de liderazgo de la escuela Saint Bernard decidieron ayudar a estos jóvenes refugiados de guerra de Ucrania para que continúen su educación, proporcionándoles libros y útiles, así como la matrícula.

Este acto de hospitalidad se está extendiendo más allá de las paredes de la escuela a una comunidad más grande que la escuela Saint Bernard ya que familias locales abren sus hogares a estos estudiantes. A medida que pasen de extraños a amigos, esta oportunidad será un beneficio para todos los involucrados.

El llamado a la hospitalidad se encuentra a lo largo de la Biblia, comenzando en Génesis, donde Dios como anfitrión proporciona un jardín para Adán y Eva y camina con ellos en ese jardín.

Más adelante en Génesis, Abraham y Sara dan la bienvenida y preparan una comida suntuosa para tres extraños, mensajeros de Dios, enviados para revelar que Sara daría a luz a un hijo.

Tal vez nosotros, como individuos, no estemos en condiciones de recibir refugiados en nuestros hogares. No todos estamos llamados a hacer eso.

Lo que podemos hacer es identificar a aquellos entre nosotros que son extraños y comenzar a ser hospitalarios con ellos. ¿Quién en su vida es un extraño? Puede ser un hijo o una hija que se ha alejado de la iglesia. Tal vez un vecino o familiar que tenga un punto de vista político opuesto, o un miembro de su parroquia que no acepte todas las enseñanzas de la iglesia. ¿Cómo podemos ser hospitalarios con ellos?

Podemos empezar amándolos donde están.

Las interacciones que son duras, controladoras, vergonzosas o destinadas a impresionar a otros, aunque no solo son improductivas, no están inspiradas por Dios. Culpar o acusar no es la forma en que Dios habla.

Podemos confiar en ello ya que la voz de Dios proviene de un lugar de amor y puede transmitirse a otros con amor.

Una maravillosa demostración de hospitalidad y respeto por la vida se lleva a cabo a través de la diócesis en Saint Vincent de Paul en Middletown y Saint Vincent de Paul en Norwich y en las cuatro

ubicaciones de Caridades Católicas.

El personal y los voluntarios se acercan para ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas necesitados: los pobres y los desfavorecidos entre nosotros. Su apoyo a estos y otros ministerios diocesanos con su tiempo o ayuda financiera significa mucho para tantos. Gracias a aquellos que han dado un paso al frente con sus oraciones y donaciones, especialmente durante los últimos años cuando la necesidad ha sido mayor.

Finalmente, sepa que el Señor está buscando hospitalidad. En el libro de Apocalipsis Él dijo: “He aquí, yo estoy a la puerta y llamo. si alguno oye mi voz y abre la puerta, [entonces] entraré en su casa y cenaré con él, y él conmigo”.

Déjelo entrar.

Rezo para que todos podamos ser hospitalarios con los extraños entre nosotros porque, como escribió San Pablo en su carta a los Hebreos: “No descuides la hospitalidad, porque por medio de ella algunos sin saberlo hospedaron ángeles”.

Que el amor de Dios brille a través de usted para bendecir a los extraños en su vida.

Sinceramente en la hospitalidad de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

MONTHLY

Holy Hour

for Vocations

September 15, 6-7 pm - St. Catherine of Siena, Preston

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Reverendísimo Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich, leads the Holy Hour Obispo de Norwich

God-Calls.com

Vocations Corner

Reflecting on Summer Assignments

An integral part of a seminarian’s priestly formation is his summer assignment. Each summer, upon returning home from the seminary, our seminarians are assigned to different parishes in the Diocese for eight weeks of pastoral work and experience. This time in the parish is important for them. It serves to assist them in developing pastoral competency, it teaches them about pastoral leadership, and it provides opportunities for collaboration with others. Most of all, it helps them become true shepherds after the heart and example of Jesus Christ.

Just before returning to the seminary this fall, I asked the men to share with me (and with all of you) what their experience in the parish was like. This is what they said:

Eric Hosmer, third year theologian, was assigned to the parish of St. Brendan the Navigator in New London, Waterford and Fishers Island this summer. He wrote: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” I am drawn to this passage from Matthew 18:20, because I spent my summer at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community in New London and Waterford. My time was spent with people from different backgrounds who were focused on Christ and His salvific message. One thing I noticed is how Christ’s light radiates through them to share that same joy and peace that I experienced when participating in liturgies. I appreciate your prayers for my discernment and will pray for the people of Norwich.

Alex Pandolfe, third year theologian, was assigned to the parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Storrs and Coventry this summer. He wrote: My summer experience might best be described first in terms of prayer. Throughout the summer, I received a great gift in being able to return daily to the chapel, St. Thomas Aquinas, in which I started a more lengthy dialogue with God as a UConn student, and this gift of prayer spread to Our Lady Queen of Peace’s other worship site, St. Mary’s, especially as I participated in the daily celebration of Mass. Often during this time of prayer, I was supported by the fraternal presence of Fr. Jonathan and Fr. Jacob, which leads me to a second aspect of this summer experience: fraternity. Through my time with these two priests – praying, eating, and often laughing together – I appreciated a seemingly indispensable gift of priestly fraternity. Finally, I would be remiss to neglect mentioning the great love that the people of Our Lady Queen of Peace showed me. Truly, this was a gift of a summer experience, for it was first a summer with God, it was then a summer with two wonderful priests, and finally it was a summer with many parishioners filled with the Spirit of God. Mark Johnson, second year theologian, was assigned to the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes in Gales Ferry, Sacred Heart in Groton, and Saint Mary, Mother of the Redeemer in Groton this summer. He wrote: This summer I had the privilege of assisting Fr. Brian Converse at the Tri-Parish Community of Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer, and Sacred Heart in Gales Ferry and Groton. Under Fr. Converse’s guidance, I learned much about the hard work required to run a parish: balancing the spiritual and administrative tasks that a priest is called to complete for the sake of Christ’s people. From helping out at Masses and gravesides to sitting in on various meetings with staff and councils, Fr. Converse provided me with ample opportunity to experience the life of a priest. I was also taught how to embrace priestly fraternity by frequently hosting and cooking for priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Norwich.

Thank God for our seminarians. Let’s continue to pray for them as they begin another year of formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. May the Lord who has begun a good work in them bring it to completion.

- Father Jonathan Ficara, Director of Vocations

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Julian Cuervo, third year theologian, was assigned to the parish of St. Michael in Pawcatuck this summer. He wrote: By laying down his life to the Lord, the priest is transformed into an expression of Jesus’ own love to His people.

My summer assignment at St. Michael’s parish, under the direction of Fr. Perkins and Fr. Ellis, magnified this reality. I was blessed to witness the various ways they continue Jesus’ ministry of shepherd of souls: through the daily Eucharistic nourishment provided at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, the healing offered through Confession, the joyful witness of those entering a sacramental marriage, the blessed and life-giving celebration of Baptism, the counsel and solidarity provided those who are sick or homebound, and the prayerful accompaniment of those suffering with the loss of a loved one. May the Lord of the harvest grant us continual growth in holiness under the direction of our pastors and may He continue to call young men in our diocese to this noble vocation.

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ACA Donors Continue to Amaze

By Mary Ellen Mahoney

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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s Director of the Annual Catholic Appeal, parishioners at my own church, St. Andrew, Colchester sometimes ask me about how the ACA is doing and specifically about how our own parish is progressing toward its goal. I really enjoy these encounters because it gives me an opportunity to personally thank the parishioner for his/her generous donation to the ACA and also it gives me a minute to share something about the twenty-five plus ministries and programs that are doing the work of Christ thanks to the support received from the ACA. In addition, more often than not, this conversation gives me a glimpse into why this person has supported the ACA and what the donation means to him/her. I am struck by two constants: 1. Our parishioners have huge hearts and are willing to make themselves sacrifice in order to help others and 2. They have a very good understanding of the important work that our ministries are doing. Both of these, of course, bring me great joy!

On another Sunday, a young father told me that he and his wife had just celebrated their oneyear anniversary and were so appreciative of the guidance that they received from their priest, that they increased their donation with the hopes that more young men would be called to the priesthood and begin their seminarian education.

While we all know people who truly

live their lives by Jesus’ command to love your brothers as yourself, it always amazes me when I meet people who make sacrificial gifts over and over each year. A mom of a child who had been very sick and in need of specialized care, burdened with her share of debt and fear, continued to make her usual donation. I believe that she like many of our donors live by another of Jesus’ teachings, captured in, Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Thankfully, we all share a love of Christ and a desire to follow Him and are able to see beyond our own personal problems and put them in the context of the needs of others.

As followers of Christ, we strive

every day to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do what we may to help other brothers and sisters face their personal challenges, strengthen one another’s faith, provide comfort to our sick and educate our youth and seminarians, just to name a few of the good works of our ACA supported ministries.

Currently we have received gifts and pledges amounting to 86% of our goal with 15% of our parishioners having made donations. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge to the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal, we would appreciate any size donation.

We know that if we come together as One Faith, One Family, we will be able to close the gap and reach our goal of $2.7 million. Our ministries are depending on it. You may make your donation online at norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or by contacting our Campaign Manager, Heather Harris at (860) 886-1928 or hharris@ norwichdiocese.net .

Thank you and God Bless you all.

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Recently, I spoke to a middle-aged woman who, a short while ago, took in her daughter and her family when they hit tough times. Despite her income being severely stretched, she was genuinely concerned with our soup kitchens’ ability to help people put food on the table now that inflation has drastically shrunk what people are able to buy for themselves. Despite her own challenges, helping out with her daughter’s family, she told me that she increased her ACA donation “a bit” to help those in need.

Grand Street 4848 Grand Street Niantic, CTCT Niantic, 739-6112 739-6112

www.neilanfuneralhome.com

Father Martin J. Noe, October 5 Channel 11, WCCT • Channel 20, WTXX • Channel 59, WCTX

The Norwich 40 Days For Life Campaign will begin with a Vigil Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 PM. Bishop Michael R. Cote will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

This year we are also inviting parishes to promote pro-life parish prayer vigils at their churches, and we also encourage participation in parish and diocesan efforts to help mothers in need by your prayers and support. Look for upcoming announcements as your Parish rolls out it’s parish pro-life plans.

Please contact the Norwich 40 Days For Life Team at (860) 875-5770 or 40DaysNorwich@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you and may God bless you, your family, and your future children and grandchildren. Amen.

6:30PM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27,2022

KICK-OFF VIGIL MASS

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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his year, the 40 Days for Life Campaign runs from Wednesday, September 28th through Sunday, November 6th. We hope you will join us again in praying and fasting during this peaceful prayer vigil for Life throughout these 40 days.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK NORWICH 7

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12th Annual SETON SETON SCHOLARSHIP DINNER SCHOLARSHIP DINNER

Virtual Program Explores Mary’s Seven Sorrows

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022 AT PM AT 4:00 4:00PM

MYSTIC MARRIOTT SAINT CLEMENTS CASTLEHOTEL & MARINA 625 NORTH ROAD ROAD 1931 PORTLAND-COBALT GROTON, PORTLAND, CTCT 06480 Honoring the recipients of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award

for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich:

Monsignor L. Brown AmyRobert Freeman

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

(Posthumously)

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Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft S.C.M.C. Reverend MarkJoseph D. O'Donnell Reverend Tito

Mrs. Doris Messina

All proceeds to benefit tuition assistance for Catholic Schools.

The following sponsorships are available: $5,000 SETON SPONSOR Premium Premium reserved reserved table for 10, full-page program program ad full-page $2,500 AQUINAS SPONSOR Reserved Reserved table table for for 10, 8, half-page program program ad ad $1,500 NEWMAN SPONSOR Seating for 4, quarter-page program ad Individual program ads are also available.

For more information orPlease to purchase tickets, contact Gina Foster 860-886-1928 or please at contact Kathy Gaito gfoster@NorwichDiocese.net at 860-886-1928 or kgaito@norwichdiocese.net WWW.NORWICHDIOCESEDEVELOPMENT.ORG

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

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session will include a reflection on one of Mary’s sorrows, guided prayer imagery and discussion.

The Catholic Family Services office is offering a virtual seven-week program called “A Journey with Mary Through Her Seven Sorrows.” Each session will explore one of the Seven Sorrows of Mary’s life and the message of strength and encouragement each contains. It is based on the book “Your Sorrow is My Sorrow: Hope and Strength in Times of Suffering,” by Sr. Joyce Rupp. Each

The program is free, but registration is required. To do so, or for more information, contact Mary-Jo McLaughlin at the Catholic Family Services Office at (860) 848-2237, Ext. 312, or email mmclaughlin@ norwichdiocese.net.

f you are seeking to find hope, strength and comfort from a loss, burden, trouble, or sorrow, come take a walk with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and find a message of strength and support from a woman who transformed her heartache and sorrow into peace and hope.

The program will be offered Monday nights from 7-8:15 p.m., September 12, 19, October 3, 17, 24, 31 and November 7. It takes place online and requires participants to have an internet connection.

Why a 3 Year Eucharistic Revival?

“Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith: his Real Presence in the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States.”

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

By Andrea Hoisl

What the Bishops envision is focused, united initiative to

Time is Running Out!!

help Catholics come to a deeper understanding of how blessed we are to have the gift of the Eucharist.

This unified focus is envisioned to extend over three or more years, with the Revival continuing at the diocesan level until the following summer. The Diocese will offer workshops, seminars, missions and provide numerous resources to enrich our understanding of the Eucharist. But greater than an expansive understanding of our

belief in the Eucharist, the hope is that it will bring us all into a deeper communion with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, whenever we receive the Eucharist.

We hope that all of our efforts this year will help you attain a faith that is deeper and richer We are being called in a very unique than you ever imagined, as you way at this point in or Church’s experience the real presence of history to experience God on new Christ at Mass every week. and deeper levels. With the help of our Bishops, priests, deacons and lay ministers the diocese will do it’s best to help deepen and enliven

CATHOLIC CHARITIES,

GOLF

DIOCESE OF NORWICH

17th

Annual

TOURNAMENT

SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2022 Sponsorships Available

www.ccfsn.org

Christ’s presence in the Eucharist for all of us.

Great Neck Country Club

Foursomes Still Available

Waterford, CT

Contact Sally sallyvelcofsky@ccfsn.org

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

O

n the feast of Corpus Christi June 16, 2022, our diocese joined with all the other diocese across the country, to kick off the 3 Year Eucharistic Revival.

Part of the impetus prompting this effort by the USCCB, was a Pew study in the fall of 2019 that showed that only 30% of Catholics understand the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

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Prayer to Begin a New School Year At the beginning of this new school year we implore your mercy: bless the students, teachers, and staff throughout the Diocese of Norwich that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love as we learn from you and each other how to follow your Son Jesus.

Expand the horizons of our minds, that we may grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge; deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways; and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.

Amen

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

-Matthew 11:28

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Come join us for a Healing Mass & Healing Service 2:00-3:00 pm 3:00-4:00 pm 2 PM the second Sunday of every month with Fr. Ray Introvigne and Fr. Michael Philippino Music by Joe D’Ambrose

All will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Family 185 Church St, Hebron September 11 October 9

November 13 December 11

For more information contact Andrea Hoisl at faithevents@norwichdiocese.net Or 860-848-2237 ext. 203

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so, you learn to love by loving. All those who think to learn in any other way deceive themselves.

-- Saint Francis de Sales

Saturday Golf, Anyone?

above water” was getting harder for his mother. After enrolling in the program, he gave his very best, worked hard and became a top student.

RIDE TO REBUILD OUTREACH TO HAITI CLINIC 7th Annual Bike Ride for Haiti October 11-15, 2021

McNil’s experience of seeing Support finishing our new building in Christ Roi (Christ the King) houses collapse before his very The team will ride 337 miles over 5 days through five of the six New England eyes during the 2010 earthquake states. Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral greeted by Bishop Cote, along with other twinned parishes and sites at a beautiful time of the year .

By Marie and Farrellhis love for mathematics inspired him to go to college he Diocese of Norwich Can’t golf? Sponsors are bike welcome.

Come, and join the team for a fabulous ride! Even for a day. and major in civil engineering.

Please donate: call us 860 800-3601 or visit our website Outreachtohaiti.org Outreach to Haiti Annual Your gifts support our Diocesan He passionately believesMission real in Haiti including or send a check to: Outreach to Haiti, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich, CT 06360 Charity Golf Tournament the changeSeptember in Haiti will is Saturday, 10 not at happen medical clinic, healthcare services, McNil Wintonbury Hills incorporating Golf Course - a food without soundand nutritional supplement OutreachtoHaiti.org we are sponsorships, willing, God lets His Thank you to all who take Christ’s it’s ranked the sixth best municipal programs, If education construction system. golf course in the U.S. by Sports the parish light twinning program, andeach of us. message to heart, “Just so, your shine through life; instead, she created a Illustrated small Even though McNil is very completion busy at Golf.com. of our While manynewly-built people who do not light must shine before others, business selling cosmetics so she school, he also lets his lightclinic shineand center of operations in live in Haiti may think there is that they may see your good deeds could put food on the table to are through his monthly participation There beautiful rolling hills the Christ little the King to beneighborhood thankful for there right and glorify your heavenly Father.” and scenic – andtocarts are Alumni of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. feed her children. in views Outreach Haiti’s now, we know better. Haitians Please pray for everyone, but available.Association, Check in is and at 11 fora.m.. the past two At 11 years old, McNil joined our Golf, lunch andserved dinner first are included Register throughout on-line at their www. country, especially for the people of Haiti. years as vice president Education Sponsorship Program, especially our staff, for the great price of $175. All outreachtohaiti.org, or call theshine their then secretary. Inspired by which came at a very good activities time, and are held outdoors with office (860)800-3601. light and bring hope to others. mother, started ownyou for your support. since he was getting ready to ofhis plenty space for thishesmall but his Thank We are thankful for them and all business year making jam, fun group.

Come aslast a foursome or enter high school and “staying of our friends and supporters. cremas, make new friendsand and cocktails. join one.

7th Annual

Outreach to Haiti

“For “Forthe theLove LoveofofaaChild” Child”

Charity Golf Tournament

Wintonbury Hills Golf Course, Bloomfield, CT September 10, 2022 Sponsorships Available:

Tournaments Sponsorships (2) – $2,500 Other Sponsorships (23) $1000 Carts, Lunch, Dinner Tee Sign Sponsors (18) $150

Check in at 11 AM Lunch at 12 PM Shotgun Start 1 PM Dinner and Reception 6 PM Golf Tournament Price $175 (includes lunch and dinner) Dinner Only $50

Additional Activities: Putting Contest

(winner gets a foursome at Winterberry Hills)

Hole in One 50-50 Hit the Green Closest to the Pin Longest Drive (men and women)

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Sign up at OutreachtoHaiti.org or call 860-800-3601 19 11

CLASS IN SESSION: ACA giving helps students

By Gina Foster hope you all had a great summer and had the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, a day at the shore, a fun family outing, or even journeyed to one of your favorite vacation spots.

My husband, daughter and I enjoyed lots of beach days and barbecues.

Now that the fall is approaching, I am sure many of your children and grandchildren are getting so excited for that first day of school.

I remember shopping for school supplies with my mom, and picking out my favorite backpack, lunch box, new markers to create the perfect drawing for our refrigerator and grocery shopping with her to pick out my lunches and snacks.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Saint Benedict said, “Whenever you begin any good work you should first of all make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord to bring it to perfection.” Appeal can be defined as a serious or urgent request, typically to the public.

invited all of the seven public elementary schools plus St. John Paul II School in Middletown as well. All signed up.

At the end of the year, they were providing just shy of five pounds of fresh or shelf-stable weekend nutrition to 337 students, well over 1,500 pounds a week through the school system. All of the school administrators want them back this year, and surveys from parents are heartwarming.

At St. Vincent de Paul Place, Middletown, they have a mission statement of only four words, which says it all: Meeting Needs – Offering Hope.

All of us, together, assist our ACA supported ministries with their good works as “One Faith, One Family.”

and Tolland counties. They also collaborate with Norwich Public Schools to help students who need supplies.

Their clients sign up to receive a backpack full of school supplies for the new school year. They love to see the faces of all the children when they get their new backpacks.

One client was so happy to receive backpacks for her grandchild, and stated, “Thank you so much for all you do to help.”

Catholic Charities, an extremely important ACA supported ministry, collects backpacks and school supplies for families in need in New London, Windham, Middlesex

Another incredibly important ACA ministry is Saint Vincent de Paul, Middletown.

Peter Keast, Director of Special Programs, Community Relations

Your prayers for our students are always appreciated, and so is your continued commitment to our ministries, which has been evident through your kind and generous gifts to the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal.

and Development recently met with a Middletown High School special education teacher at their food pantry. She has been buying food for her students for years, spending hundreds of dollars each year on snacks like Pop Tarts and Nutrigrain bars. She buys multiple cases of water every week. She keeps a stock in her office, as she doesn’t have a classroom of her own.

Dozens of students come to her throughout the week. Two years ago, SVDP Middletown started a backpack program containing weekend food for students. The response was so positive that SVDP

God bless our students, teachers, faculty and staff as they begin the 2022-23 school year, and God bless you, our Annual Catholic Appeal supporters, for helping our ministries fulfill their missions and provide spiritual, educational and physical help to those in need.

Our ACA supported ministries are certainly blessed to receive your generous assistance. Your financial support of the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal along with your prayers continue to be extremely important to all of our ministries.

To make a monetary contribution to our 2022 ACA “One Faith, One Family,” please go online to www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or contact Heather Harris, campaign manager, at (860) 886-1928 ext.

111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Stay safe and be well.

Awakening Program Aims to Deepen Faith Lives

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin their daily lives.

Offered in a mission-format over four nights, the program will begin Tuesday and Thursday evening October 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 7-8:30 P.M. It will be held at Sacred Heart Church Norwichtown. Additional programs will be offered throughout the diocese later this year and the next.

Awakenings is open to people of all ages and stages of life. It will include a series of

presentations as well as personal faith and Scripture sharing. An offshoot of each program will be the formation of prayer groups in each of the Diocese’s seven deaneries.

The program is free, but registration is required.

Those interested in registering for the October program can contact Marianne Nicholas at the Office of Faith Events, 860-848-2237, Ext. 304, or at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net

Awakening A college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities.

A safe environment with strong Christian values.

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

Visit the Virtual Admissions Center admissions@ahfbaltic.org | 54 West Main St. Baltic, CT ahfbaltic.org 860-822-6279

How is the Holy Spirit at work in your life?

Join us for a 4-part Mission designed to help deepen your faith!

Rediscover God’s Unconditional Love Learn more about the Holy Spirit’s Gifts Develop a deep and meaningful prayer life Experience the mercy of God through a deeper understanding of reconciliation

Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown October 18, 20, 25 and 27 Tuesday and Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm for two weeks

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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new program beginning next month hopes to awaken participants to the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Called “Awakening: How is the Holy Spirit at Work in Your Life?” the program seeks to help participants deepen their faith lives, rediscover God’s unconditional love for them, develop a richer and more meaningful prayer life and enrich their understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how those gifts are active in

Register online at manicholas@norwichdiocese.net or call Marianne at 860-848-2237, ext. 304.

Sponsored by the Office of Faith Events

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Calendar of Events Brothers in Christ Brothers in Christ: A Men’s Virtual Faith Group Meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month. Join this gathering of men who will share faith, personal experiences, and discussion. If you are interested in developing fellowship and discipleship with other men devoted to Christ, register by emailing Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or call 860-848-2237 ext. 305.

Virtual Program Explores Mary’s Seven Sorrows

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The Catholic Family Services office is offering a virtual seven-week program entitled “A Journey with Mary Through Her Seven Sorrows.” The program will be offered Monday nights from 7-8:15 p.m., Sept. 12, 19, Oct. 3, 17, 24, 31 and Nov. 7. See article on page 8 for more details.

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September 3 Notre Dame Church Monthly Tag Sale Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 at 272 Main St., Durham, rain or shine. Outside you will find records, tapes, cds, books, pictures and frames, baskets, stuffed animals, electronics, sporting equipment, religious items and a full range of miscellaneous tag sale items.

Inside our church hall we have a huge assortment of clothing, toys, jewelry, china, a variety of linens, kitchen supplies, craft supplies and more. Refreshments in the church hall.

September 11 Mass of Healing and Hope Come join us for a Mass of Healing and Hope the second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m., at Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St, Hebron. The next masses scheduled will be on Sept. 11, Oct. 9, and Nov. 13. Mass will be celebrated by Father Ray Introvigne with a healing service following the mass led by Father Ray and Judith Hughes.

For more information contact Andrea Hoisl at faithevents@ norwichdiocese.net or 860-848-2237 ext. 203

September 16-18 Basket Raffle and Bake Sale Join the fun - the Circle of Fun, that is: Daughters of Isabella will hold a large basket raffle, bake sale, tag sale plus rides, food and live music. Sept. 16-18 at St. Mary’s Church, 218 Providence St, Putnam.

September 17 Lourdes in a Day Pilgrimage The Order of Malta’s 8th annual Lourdes in a Day Pilgrimage will be held Sept. 17 at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. It is fully handicapped accessible. Details about this event can be found in the article on page 19.

Calendar of Events September 24 “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”

Feast of St. Francis Blessing of Pets

You are invited to a forum to consider our future in the company of immigrants, refugees, welcomers, advocates, and questioners of all kinds. See page 31 for details

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, a lover of all creatures, a Blessing of Pets will be held. All are invited to bring your pets to the St. John Church front parking lot on Saturday, October 1 at 10:00am to receive a special blessing. Be part of this very exciting event to thank God for all the joy your furry and feathered friends give you every day.

Join us from 3:30 to 5pm for bingo played through the internet. Great prizes and fun for all ages! Cards are $6 each and will be emailed. Only 200 cards, so act fast! to register call Marianne at 860-848-2237 ext 304

October 1 St. Andrew Church Giant Tag Sale The 13th St. Andrew Church Multi-Family Tag Sale will be held 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at St. Andrew Church hall, 128 Norwich Ave., Colchester. Proceeds from this event will go toward a new outdoor creche. Donations will be accepted from 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the parish hall. Please no clothing, shoes, or large furniture/appliances. There is room for up to 20 families to reserve a space to sell their own tag sale items.

The cost is $20 for two six-foot tables. Set up will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30. Doors will open at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1 for early bird entry (fee of $5). For table rental and donation information, contact Carol at 860-303-1842.

St. John Church, 5 St. John’s Court, Cromwell

October 1 Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Little Flower Join us as we follow the “little way” to celebrate the Memorial of St. Thérèse. See page 27 for details.

Sign Up Today NorwichDiocese.org/Newsletter

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.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

September 25 Virtual Bingo

Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m.

860-861-4439

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Blessing Returns to Traditio

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Ryan Blessing

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large crowd turned out in Stonington Borough on a warm and sunny Sunday, July 31, to continue the time-honored tradition of blessing those fishermen who set out to sea from here.

The Blessing of the Fleet also remembers local fishermen who have died at sea and honors the vessels -- along with their captains, owners, crews and families -- that will go out to sea in the year ahead.

The blessing is the culmination of a weekend of events surrounding it in Stonington Borough. There was a 5K race and walk on Friday in the Borough, followed by a gathering with food and music Saturday at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society.

From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, visitors to the pier could learn about the history of Stonington’s industrious fleet, grab a bite to eat and listen to live music, as the Blessing returned in large part to the type of ceremonies that took place in years past.

The Most Reverend Bishop Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, celebrated the Fishermen’s Mass Sunday morning in St. Mary Church in the Borough. The names of the members of the Stonington

Fishermen Association who died while doing their jobs were read aloud at Mass. A statue of St. Peter, patron saint of fishermen, was part of the procession through the streets of the borough following the Mass. Marchers included local fife and drum bands, brass bands and students from diocesan schools.

Then Bishop Cote, Fr. Dennis Perkins and local and state officials joined the families of fishermen at the fishermen’s memorial, at the end of the pier that is home base to the fleet.

The Bishop said a prayer for the safety of the fishermen and the important but often dangerous work that they do on the water.

After the ceremony, Bishop Cote walked the docks, blessing each fishing boat with holy water and meeting some of the crews. Fr. Perkins joined some of the fishermen and their families on the fishing vessel Heritage, which steamed out past the breakwater. Other boats from the fleet followed in procession.

The ceremony concluded there, where a wreath in the shape of a broken anchor, commemorating the deceased local fishermen was cast into the water.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ons, Honors Fishing Fleet

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Couples’ Happy Hour to Enrich Relationships 12th Annual

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SETON SETON he Diocesan Catholic Family via a Webex platform.

To register, SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Services Office is sponsoring call Mary-Jo McLaughlin at 860SCHOLARSHIP DINNER a virtual Couples’ Happy 848-2237, Ext. 312, or email her

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018 AT 4:00 PM

Hour the second Friday every at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022 other month net. A link to the beginning AT 4:00PM event will be sent September 9 out a few days from 7-8:15 September SAINT CLEMENTS CASTLEprior & toMARINA P.M. Each 9. There is no cost 1931 PORTLAND-COBALT ROAD evening will to participate. include a Grab your favorite PORTLAND, CT 06480 presentation beverage and join on topics Honoring the recipients of the couples other relevant for an uplifting to today’s Most Reverend Michael R. Cote,‘Couples’ D.D. Award Happy couples, their relationship, and Hour’ that will inspire you and for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich: families. Couples will have time offer different perspectives about to share privately on questions romance, relationships, and family pertinent to the evening’s topic. life. Freeman Amy The program will take place online (Posthumously)

MYSTIC MARRIOTT HOTEL 625 NORTH ROAD GROTON, CT

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AUGUST 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Monsignor Robert L. Brown

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2022S.C.M.C. LUXURY Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft Reverend MarkJoseph D. O'Donnell Reverend Tito

RAFFLE

1st Prize - 2023 CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE

Mrs. Doris Messina

MJ Sullivan Automotive Corner, New London, CT All proceeds benefit tuition assistance for Catholic Schools.

2ndtoPrize - $10,000 TRAVEL GIFT CERTIFICATE The following sponsorships are available: Klingerman Travel, East Lyme, CT

$5,000 SETON SPONSOR GIFT CARD - Stop & Shop 3rd Prize Premium –Premium $2,500 GROCERIES reserved reserved table for 10, full-page full-page ad 4th Prize – $2,000 Gprogram AS CARD

$2,500 AQUINAS SPONSOR Reserved Reserved table table for for 8, L10, UXURY RAFFLE DRAWING half-page program ad half-page program ad PM, St. John School, 42 Maynard Rd, Old Saybrook, CT. Saturday December 3, 2022 at 7:00 $1,500 NEWMAN TicketSPONSOR holders need not be present to win.

Seating for 4,will be sold at $100 per ticket. 2021 was a sellout.

Only 2,500 tickets quarter-page programBUY ad YOUR TICKETS EARLY!

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Individual program ads TICKETS AND INFORMATION are also available.

Scan QR Code above with phone or tablet camera to access secure site.

For more information PIOCT.ORG Online: SAINT orPlease to purchase tickets, contact Gina Foster Call with Credit Card: 860-575-7553-Questions; sjsluxraffle@gmail.com 860-886-1928 or please at contact Kathy Gaito gfoster@NorwichDiocese.net at 860-886-1928 or this form with payment to St. John School Raffle PO Box Send the bottom portion of kgaito@norwichdiocese.net 1075 Old Saybrook, CT 06475 WWW.NORWICHDIOCESEDEVELOPMENT.ORG Stay informed by visiting us @ www.saintjohnschoolos.org/page/luxury-raffle.

Lourdes in a Day

By Mark Sullivan

It is sponsored by The Order of Malta, which is the oldest Catholic Lay Order of the Church that practices a special mission of care to the sick and the poor.

The events of the day mirror the experiences in Lourdes, France, where Mother Mary appeared to Bernadette. We start with Reconciliation, followed by Washing, Mass and Anointing – all with the backdrop of beautiful music.

There are two principal priests that are Order of Malta Chaplains.

A brief talk to the infirmed and to caregivers follows, and the day comes to a close with Adoration and Benediction.

A complimentary choice of lunch follows for those who register by September 9. All those attending leave with a small bottle of water from Lourdes. This experience and enrichment is not limited to the infirm, but to those seeking grace and Holy Spirit Intervention.

We hope you will join us.

St. Bernadette of Lourdes

The Grotto in Lourdes, France where the Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette.

PRAYER INTENTION We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country - Pope Francis

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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he 8th annual Lourdes in a Day Pilgrimage will be held on September 17 at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford, which is fully handicapped accessible.

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A Beacon of Hope for Haiti 8th Annual Ride to Rebuild

By Dan O’Sullivan

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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n Monday, October 10, a team of cyclists from the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti Ministry will embark on our eighth annual Ride to Rebuild.

The team will cover 337 miles over five days, ending on October 14. The course has been planned as a “virtual trip” across the country of Haiti to raise awareness of and funds to support the diocese’s mission there. This year the team is returning to its New England tour and will begin in Maine and work down to Connecticut, visiting all of the New England states (except Vermont).

children living in the neighborhood. It also allows us to maintain our close relationship with the Archdiocese of Portau-Prince with whom we twin, and the location puts us in close proximity to the 16 parishes within the archdiocese who are part of our Parish Twinning Program.

To support Jim in his “80 for Haiti” and all the riders to raise funds for this diocesan ministry, please visit https:// outreachtohaiti.org/help Funds raised from this year’s ride will be used Some riders, like Board to finish the building Member Tom Campbell, plan completely taking us to complete the entire route across the finish line so while others will join the to speak and to support Eighty for Haiti group for one or two days of our programs. Please the trip. As in past years, Jim visit our website to learn Jim Hubbard of East Hampton, pictured here with Outreach to Haiti board Hubert of East Hampton will member Tom Campbell, will be riding 80 of the miles in commemoration of more about our medical, join the team of riders. Jim nutrition, education, his 80th birthday in October. turns 80 years old in October parish twinning and and plans to cover 80 miles economic development of the course over two days, programs and how they and trust in God. Raising funds to of operations and includes a ending with greeting Bishop Cote support Outreach Programs is my chapel, medical clinic, laboratory, continue to fulfill the diocese’s and the students at St. Patrick small way to help.” pharmacy, administrative offices Gospel mission to walk with our Cathedral School. We are calling and guest rooms for future brothers and sisters in Haiti. his legs of the ride “80 for Haiti.” Many loyal and generous donors “immersion trips.” The Ride to Jim is busy preparing – some days have supported this annual ride, Rebuild is one of many “Beacons If you are interested in joining us adding a 25-mile ride with one of contributing more than $155,000 of Hope’’ for Haitians as we reflect for all or any leg of the ride, please his 11 grandchildren to his training over the last seven years. These God’s great love for all of us. contact Tom Campbell (thomas. schedule. campbell@outreachtohaiti.org) or much-needed funds have helped Outreach reconstruct the building We are located in the Christ Roi Dan O’Sullivan (dan.osullivan@ When asked why this event is lost in the 2010 earthquake. It has (Christ the King) neighborhood outreachtohaiti.org). important to him, Jim said without been a long haul, but the first phase of Haiti’s capital city, Port-auhesitation, “The Haitian people of the building was completed in Prince, which enables us to serve Thank you for your prayers and inspire me with their perseverance October of 2021. It is our center the 60,000 men, women and financial support.

Anniversary Mass Deadline Nears

The Mass, which will take place October 16 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, is open to all couples married 25 & 50 years or celebrating any significant anniversary year. Bishop Michael Cote will celebrate this annual Mass which honors the enduring love of married couples.

To register, send the following information: husband and wife’s

name, address, telephone number, wedding date, anniversary being celebrated and parish to: MaryJo McLaughlin, Catholic Family Services Coordinator, 199 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360, call 860-848-2237, Ext 312, or email at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net.

Couples may also email McLaughlin a recent digital photo of themselves in a jpeg format to be included in a video and gallery of pictures on the Diocesan Website. Mass will begin promptly at 2 P.M. All attendees are asked to be seated in the Cathedral by 1:45 P.M. There will be open seating in the church.

To love like Jesus means to serve & give our life.

To serve means to put others’ interests first, to fight the cancer of indifference, to share the gifts God has given us. To give our life means to leave egoism behind, to make our lives a gift, spending ourselves for all in need.

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Specializing in:

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Sponsoredby bythe the Sponsored Dioces of Norwich Diocese of Norwich

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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he September 19 deadline for registering for the 2022 Silver and Golden Jubilee Anniversary Mass is fast approaching.

This is a firm date, so please register soon if you plan to attend.

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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 Elyse McAteer, 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

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

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

Where Everybody is Somebody

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

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St. John School:

My dear friends, this month we focus the spotlight on another one of the outstanding educational institutions in the diocese, St. John School, Old Saybrook.

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t. John Catholic School was founded in 19641972 and re-established in 1994. In 1999 a new wing was added to the school and the science lab was modernized in 2002-03.

The goal of Saint John School is to be Jesus to the world. By focusing on the commitment to both heart and mind, Saint John School sustains the traditional values of Catholic formation and community involvement. In addition to teaching the “three Rs,” Saint John School promotes reverence, respect and responsibility.

The mission of Saint John School is, “to provide an opportunity for students, parents and staff to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Infused with our faith, we strive to provide challenging academic programs in which educators and

families work together to inspire individual growth, self-discipline, confidence and Christian service.”

For almost 30 years, our school has been blessed to have the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church serve at St. John. This year, one sister serves as principal and another as the second grade teacher. Following in the footsteps of their founders, the sisters endeavor to bring Christ’s love to all members of the school and parish community.

St. John is a close-knit community that reaches far beyond Old Saybrook drawing students from several different towns within the area. Every day our students, teachers, staff, faculty, parents and administrators strive to live the motto - “Where everybody is somebody.”.

Individualized programs and small-sized classes allow teachers to better reach each child with his or her own unique gifts and talents.

Working with parents, St. John School prepares students for their place in society. This program is implemented in a creative way, keeping the worth and ability of the individual as the center of all activities. The aim of this approach is to provide an environment which promotes the understanding which is basic to love of and respect for God, oneself and neighbor, while assuring each child the opportunity to enjoy a

made in developing the whole child spiritually, intellectually, affectively, socially, physically and emotionally.

Teachers are encouraged to use their gifts and talents as they develop their lesson plans while always abiding by the educational s t a n d a r d s designated by the Diocese of Norwich and approved by the State of Connecticut. Saint John school is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is open to students of all cultures, ethnicities and faiths. We are a family of believers that seek to know and value each other.

Students have won state championships in robotics, essay writing, public speaking and spelling.

The benchmark of our success as a school is not only measured in grades or percentages, but in the development of individuals ready to explore possibilities and meet the challenges of life. It is our goal to guide students to extend themselves to others in order to do the work of Christ, and to always rise to their potential with confidence and compassion. A continual effort is

Saint John School not only excels academically but also offers a wide range of after-care and extracurricular programs including but not limited to traveling choir, drama, computer, music, art, journalism and student leadership.

In addition, Saint John School has a robust athletic program that helps students to develop physically as effective team members and

responsible future citizens. Students can participate in cross country, soccer, basketball, golf, skiing and other intramural sports.

St. John School is not considered a private or faith-based school. It is a Catholic school in its definition and in its philosophy. The school continues to welcome and respect students of all faiths, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

We invite you to come visit us and learn more about our school family.

May God bless you and keep you safe, Dr. Gail Kingston Superintendent of Schools

Your son/daughter will succeed.

ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL • Renowned college preparatory boarding school for young men and women who have not yet realized their potential.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

A continuing effort is made to develop a close parent-staff relationship to aid the school in guiding each student in his or her ability to reflect, to form character, to learn and to love.

positive, rewarding and successful school experience.

• Located in scenic southeastern Connecticut

860.823.3861

stmct.org

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SBS Welcomes Ukrainian Students

SAINT BERNARD SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATES! PLACEMENT TEST

Recognizing students have various academic strengths, skills and abilities our Placement Test allows us to put students in the correct classes to challenge and strengthen them.

Registration Required:

OPEN HOUSE

We invite you to join us at our Open House where you can learn about our academic programs, athletics, campus life and much more.

• • • • •

Saturday, November 5th Saturday, December 3rd Saturday, February 11th Saturday, March 11th Saturday, April 22nd

Registration Required:

• Saturday, October 22nd • Thursday, January 12th (Virtual) • Saturday, March 4th

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

To register, call 860-848-1271, email admissions@saint-bernard.com or visit SaintBernardSchool.org to learn more!

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Saint Bernard School: Grades 6–12 • 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 Ask us about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation.

By Shari Marderness

S

Connecticut based dormitory over the summer until they are matched with a host family from the Saint Bernard School community.

Apex International Partners (AIEP) partnered with the school in Uncasville to assist the high school students in continuing their studies in the United States as their home country continues to fight off a Russian invasion.

“Our history of working with Saint Bernard School, homestay support staff and our long record of giving back - both to the local and international communities gives us pleasure to announce our support for this program”, says David Guerrera, President at AIEP.

aint Bernard School will open its doors to seven Ukrainian students for the 2022-23 school year, which begins September 6.

“Saint Bernard’s has long engaged in the mission of helping the less fortunate. While the war in Ukraine is one of many crises in the world today, the opportunity to help children who have escaped from war continue their education could not be ignored,” says Donald Macrino, Head of School at Saint Bernard School.

Saint Bernard School has waived all tuition and fees for all seven students. AIEP will be housing the students in their Derby,

Both AIEP and Saint Bernard School share a commitment to students’ education and wellbeing.

Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine, this partnership was a natural fit.

“When we heard of the need, we opened our doors immediately,” Macrino said. “It’s the fundamental message of our school.”

If you are interested in hosting a Ukrainian student, please email info@aiepusa.com.

St. Jude Council 4313 Coventry

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A Fond Farewell

By Sally Velcofsky

I

t is with both excitement and sadness that Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, says goodbye to one of our most valued employees.

Laura joined Catholic Charities in 2016 as an executive assistant. Over the years, she has worn many hats, from performing accounts payable to overseeing all the social media activity for Catholic Charities, doing whatever it takes to make Catholic Charities run smoothly.

Over the years, she has acquired so much institutional knowledge that her input on any topic is invaluable to all of us at the agency.

Before joining Catholic Charities, Laura has kept her work experience within the Norwich Diocese, working at St. Joseph’s Church in Norwich as a secretary and bookkeeper, Saints Peter and Paul in Norwich as a bookkeeper and Sacred Heart Church in

Norwichtown, where she is not only a parishioner but also served a number of years as president of the Rosary and Altar Society, focusing on women of the parish.

In addition to her dedicated work ethic, we will equally miss her care and enthusiasm for her co-workers.

Laura is always on hand to celebrate a co-worker’s milestone or gather employees for holiday celebrations, making everyone feel special.

Susan Connelly, chief operations officer for Catholic Charities, said, “Laura was such an important part of Catholic Charities and will be truly missed.”

Why Don’t our Adult Children Go to Church C

atholic Family Services and the Office of Faith Events is sponsoring a virtual workshop with Deacon Dennis Dolan and Catholic Family Services Coordinator, MaryJo McLaughlin on October 5, from 7- 8:30 PM. The evening will offer thoughts, insights and hope for parents burdened with the knowledge

that their adult children have lost touch with their faith. Time for prayer and reflection will be included. To register for this free workshop, email Marianne at manicholas@ norwichdiocese.net or call 860-848-2237, ext.

304. A follow up day of reflection will be offered to all participants at a later date.

We wish Laura and her husband, Bill, all the best on their new adventure. They will be moving back to Florida, where they once lived, but now it will be for some rest and relaxation.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

On August 12, Laura Malone, chief administration officer, retired.

Laura has been a loyal and devoted employee of Catholic Charities for the last six years.

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Let His Love Shine Through What You Do

By Deacon Ben LoCasto

M

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

usic, especially Liturgical music, has always been a passion for Colleen Puscas.

Some 30 years ago, she was the director of liturgy and music at Christ the Teacher Parish/Newman Center at Northern Illinois University. Then her husband, Michael, had a job opportunity in Connecticut, so she and her family moved to Colchester.

One Sunday orning, after moving there, the family was running late preparing their four children for church, so they ended up attending a later Mass, 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Church. That was the first time Colleen heard the choir sing for Mass, and although the choir was composed of only a dozen members, she was struck by their spirit.

Sometime after that, the pastor, having learned of her credentials (master’s degrees in Liturgy and Music Composition), offered her the job of director of music. Since then, for the past 28 years, she has not only provided St. Andrew Church with beautiful liturgical music, but 16 Passion Plays, 12 choir concert performances around the world, and assorted Madrigals and dinner/ musical concerts.

The St. Andrew choir calls itself the “Gumby Choir” (referring to Art Clokey’s 1950 clay animation figure who could bend and flex in any position), because of the choir’s ability to bend and flex to the musical challenges offered by Colleen. And indeed bend and flex they did.

Up until 2020, when performances were curtailed due to Covid restrictions, she had written and produced 16 unique versions.

Each included 120 to 150 actors and dancers, numerous stagehands and behind-the-scenes personnel, professional sound and lighting equipment, and of course the Gumby choir. “Launching a Passion Play was a dream come true, as I know

hundreds of people were touched by the Spirit of God as they watched the Gospel come to life,” Colleen said.

St. Joseph School New London, CT

“A Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love”

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

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Twenty years ago Colleen began formulating what was to be her magnum opus, the St. Andrew Passion Play. Colleen’s version can actually be referred to as “The life of Christ and His Passion,” as it begins with the nativity, progresses through major events of the life of Christ, and culminates with the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

St. Joseph School Registration is ongoing 25 Squire Street Please call or visit New London, CT 06320 www.sjsnl.com for information Phone: 860-442-1720

Colleen is now moving on to new adventures in her life. Sadly, on Nov. 27, 2021, her husband of 42 years, Deacon Michael Puscas, passed away.

“Michael’s sudden journey to eternity changed almost everything about my life and caused me, with great

sadness and intentionality, to seek the Lord’s counsel regarding my future,” Colleen said.

As Providence would have it, she was offered the position of director of music and liturgy at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Noblesville, Indiana, the very parish where her daughter, Julia, is the director of youth ministry.

“I have been inordinately happy to serve the parish of St Andrew for most of my adult life. The Principal Choir and the Young People’s Choir have been my joy,” she said.

Colleen believes that, “Everybody has a gift that God has given them and it is just so unsettling to me that people use their gifts for something other than worshiping God.” She has truly used her gifts to worship and praise God. We thank her for her faithful service, and pray for her continued success.

All are invited to bid farewell to Colleen after each Mass, at

St. Andrew Church, Colchester, September 24th and 25th.

Shrine of the Little Flower Pilgrimage SATURDAY, October 1ST

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8:30 AM – Depart Sacred Heart Church in Groton 9:30 AM - Arrive at the Shrine of The Little Flower, Burrillville, RI 10 AM - Mass in the Shrine 11 AM – Shrine Grounds & Gift Store 12 Noon – Buffet Lunch – Catered by Wright’s Chicken Farm 1:30 PM – Talk on St. Therese 2:30 PM – Depart Shrine 3:50 PM – Arrive back at Sacred Heart Church

Cost for the day is $65 per person.

For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Melissa Johndreau -Sacred Heart Church (860) 464-7251 or secretary@ololgf.org

Little Flower, Show Your Power!

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

However, the Gumby choir had more bending and flexing ahead of them. At a conference she attended, Colleen came across a workshop entitled,”Take your Choir to Rome.”

She inquired and had a discussion about the possibility of the St. Andrew choir singing at the Vatican.

Seven months later, in October 1998, the Gumby choir was in Rome singing for Pope St. John Paul II, on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as the Holy Father. This concert was the first of 11 more venues where the Gumbies performed, including: Lourdes, Fatima, Athens, Dublin, Salzburg and others.

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27

By Edward J. Tessman Executive Director, Catholic Charities

Church community and the Knigh from Council #14, specifically Gr Charlie Nadile, Larry King, Sam B atholic Charities, with the help and Rice, Dan Roberts and John DeVi support from the Knights of Columbus great evening. The pasta was coo Council #14 and the Willimantic the sauce was handmade and simm Community held a Pasta for Hope the meatballs were huge and the d Dinner at Saint Joseph Church Hall on Saturday, of this world. We were excited to “FOR I WAS October 29th. Children of all ages were encouraged join us for this community event w AND to dress in costumes and play games for candy. HUNGRY us to continue to “Provide Help an Father Larry LaPointe graciously offered the useYOU of for those most in GAVE need.

ME the Parish Hall and the event was a success.

Patrons bid on over twenty silen I WAS Ed Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic FOOD, which ranged from a UCONN bas THIRSTY AND Charities, stated that, “we could not have done this from the Willimantic Advisory Bo without the support of Father Larry, the Willimantic YOU Charities,GAVE Jelly Belly Machine, T

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SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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866-434-1131

Diakonia: Instrument of God’s Charity

Prison Ministry

By Deacon Dennis Dolan aving been a high school religion teacher for 18 years, I was in diaconal formation when my second high school was closed and I was jobless.

H

At a retreat for deacon candidates and lay ministers on Ender’s Island, I was mulling over where I would do my six-week ministry rotation.

I believed that deacons needed to go where no one else would go and where the need was great.

One of the lay ministers I had met was a deputy warden at JB Gates. So I asked him about doing something at his institution.

After teaching a class called, “How to Make a Moral Decision,” he offered me a job. I took that as an answer to my prayer for a ministry job that would sustain my family.

For the next 21 years, I worked fulltime as the Catholic chaplain for the Department of Corrections, with men and women, in five different institutions, across all five security levels, eventually becoming the senior Catholic chaplain in the state.

My decision was further confirmed in that I discovered that my experience working with high

school-aged students was the best possible preparation for prison ministry because most inmates (because of drug and alcohol use) suffered socially and emotionally from arrested development. In short, instead of starting from scratch, I knew how to minister to this population.

What is prison? It is the catch basin for all the problems that our society refuses to deal with. And 97% will have to be legally released at some point. A very small portion of inmates are what the general public assumes they are: people who have made a bad moral choice.

Being of sound mind the punishment of incarceration will (rationally) show them the error of their ways.

That is the theory prisons were designed on and it works for those people who are rational actors who have committed a moral lapse. They don’t come back.

And yet, statistics show a high rate of recidivism. The “revolving door,” in and out of prison. We on staff called it “doing life on the installment plan.” Most inmates are what we called “frequent flyers,” and you have no idea of the sinking feeling

that comes from meeting a new inmate who knows you from when she was a child visiting her mother in the visiting room 15 years ago.

Many inmates are victims of poverty, addiction/alcoholism (theirs or their parents), trauma, abuse, untreated mental illness, and more.

They are not moral lapses that a few years in prison will fix anymore than locking up a diabetic will cure their diabetes. We are involved in a category mistake that is the biggest item in our state budget. And we know it’s a mistake for three reasons: 1. It doesn’t work.

2. We could send them to college (or give them treatment) every year for far less money.

3. In Europe, because they do deal with these issues, very few people are in prison in comparison to us.

(And Original Sin is still operative on the other side of the Atlantic to the best of my knowledge.)

The good news is that as Pope Francis has called on us to “accompany” (to walk with) the poor and the marginal, and the State has gathered them together in prison for our ministerial convenience.

Prison ministry is generally, in

my view, safer than walking in a major city. The inmates know who you are. They know you are not their jailer and that you are there to make their life better. Even if a particular inmate would never come to a church program, they would be protective of a volunteer if for no other reason than their volunteer for say an art program may not come in if volunteers are not safe. I was once protected by inmates from walking into the middle of a riot in the yard.

What volunteers need to do is follow the rules that protect them, believe in the value of the program they are offering and trust the Holy Spirit and maintain a pastoral relationship and avoid a personal relationship.

So, does prison ministry work? Yes, about as well as ministry in your parish does. People often look for some miraculous radical change from inmates. How many of those do you see at your church? Our job is simply to “sow the seed.”

The joy of prison ministry is the experience that Christ was not speaking metaphorically when he said, “I was in prison, and you visited me.” (MT 25:36) He waits for us there today.

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The word “deacon” is derived from “diakonia,” a Greek word which means “to serve.” Deacons are members of the clergy along with priests and bishops. The deacon’s ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service. Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ,who came “to serve and not to be served.”

This column will focus on the service of the Deacons in the Diocese of Norwich.

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Fai t h Sparks

Coming Back to Church: There’s No Place Like Home

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

I

30

nterestingly, at a campground my husband and I stayed at recently there were two outdoor showers, something we hadn’t encountered before. While each shower stall was enclosed for privacy, it was refreshing to look up and see the open sky above us or the grass surrounding the shower floor.

But showering at a campground is quite different from home, where everything I need is at my fingertips. At camp, I had to remember to bring all the necessary toiletries, towels and a change of clothes. Luckily, this trip I didn’t have to wait for a shower to open, as often is the case. At home, I can run the water as hot as I want and for as long as I would like. That’s different from most campgrounds, where showers usually cost a dollar for a fixed time or, if they are free, you have to keep pressing the water on

every 30 seconds or so. And you can’t really call it hot water.

Yes, going on vacation and discovering new adventures is great. But, as cliched as it sounds, there’s no place like home.

Three years ago, my husband and I relocated to a new parish. While it has taken time to adjust to the change from one faith community to another, our new parish has finally become ‘home’ for us. We may not know everyone by name, but we recognize most people by sight. We know who sits where, how the flow of the liturgy goes, who the lectors and Eucharistic ministers are, and have become acquainted with new songs of praise. Not only is it a comfortable and familiar place for us to pray, but we have found a sense of belonging there as well.

We have watched as more people have returned to the weekend liturgies after long months of

separation during Covid-19. Still, there are others we haven’t seen return yet, or at least not on a regular basis.

At one point, we, too, were skeptical about returning to inperson liturgies. We liked the pandemic routine when we sat comfortably in our living room watching Mass live streamed while sipping a hot morning beverage. We didn’t have to get dressed up and when Mass was over, we could slip right into the kitchen and make breakfast. Our Sunday morning routine was easy, but, for me, something was always missing – the sense of community I find in our parish.

Community was important to Jesus. People mattered to Him, and other than the times He spent in prayerful solitude, He made it a point to surround Himself with others. He encourages us to do the same and tells us in Scripture,

“Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus understood we need the support of one another in living out our mission here on earth.

If you haven’t returned to your parish community yet because you are hesitant to attend in-person Mass, or have gotten out of the weekend Mass routine, consider these words of Pope Francis: “We all come to Mass with needs, wants and hopes, but when we gather in community, our personal intentions give way to something bigger than what’s on our minds.

We are asking for the grace to move beyond ourselves – grace to live our lives better, to love our families more, to be more honest and more faith-filled than when we entered – so that we may bring Christ to the world.”

Now isn’t that reason enough to come home?

Ignite Your Faith.

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks to find additional resources to grow in faith in 2022.

4th Year Anniversary Sale September 20th thru the 24th

Merciful Saviour Gift Shop 392 South Main Street, Colchester (860) 527-0079 mercifulsaviourgifts.com

Christian & Catholic books, art, Henry & Suzanne Bombria greeting cards, jewelry, church T-W 10am-5pm supplies, sacramental gifts & more Th & F 10am-6pm Sat 10am-3pm

“Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” Pope Francis’ theme for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 25 September 2022 Forced displacement of people is at its highest level since WWII: more than 65 million people displaced around the world and over 22 million refugees.

“The Kingdom of God is to be built with them [migrants] for without them it would not be the kingdom God wants.”-PopeFrancis

You are invited:

a forum to consider our future in the company of immigrants, refugees, welcomers, advocates, and questioners of all kinds.

Saturday, September 24, 2022 9:00am – 2:00pm (Check-in & Coffee: 9:00 – 9:15. Program begins at 9:15) The Johnson Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library at Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 call (860) 456-3349 Registration deadline: September 20, 2022 (Free will offering to cover the cost of lunch)

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER

This event is sponsored by the Office for Hispanic Ministry and Campus Ministry at Eastern Connecticut State University. For More information, please contact Sister Mary Jude at: email: aposthispano@gmail.com / Tel: 860-456-3349

Mercy_Visit_FourCountyCathAd_Sept22_R1.indd 1

8/1/22 3:53 PM

Norwich Diocesan Cemeteries SAINT MARY & ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich - 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Harland Road, Taftville - 860-887-1019 SAINT PATRICK CEMETERY Depot Road, Uncasville - 860-887-1019 SAINT MARY CEMETERY Community Mausoleum Available 600 Jefferson Ave., New London - 860-887-1019 RESURRECTION CEMETERY Route 145, Westbrook - 860-887-1019 SACRED HEART CEMETERY Wauregan Road, Wauregan - 860-887-1019 ALL HALLOWS CEMETERY Green Hallow Road, Moosup - 860-887-1019

The Church, through its Funeral Rites:

• Celebrates the life and faith of the deceased • Expresses the Church’s belief in the Communion of Saints • Recognizes the spiritual bond that exists between the living and the dead • Brings hope and consolation to the bereaved • Reminds faithful to turn to God in time of need and crisis • Seeks God’s mercy and love • Nourishes the faith of the bereaved • Acknowledges that the deceased benefit from our prayers

SEPTEMBER 2022 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

mercifulsaviourgifts@gmail.com

Norwich Diocesan Cemetery Corporation 815 Boswell Ave, Norwich, CT 06360 860-887-1019

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FOUR COUNTY

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

Because of their great concern for the welfare of others, each year, many of our dearly departed family and friends generously supported our Annual Catholic Appeal. In honor of their devotion to the Church and all its good works, we invite you to make a donation to the 2022 ACA, Faithfully Loved, Faithfully Remembered, and have their name(s) listed in our Book of Remembrance. These intentions will be included in the Mass of All Souls’ Day, celebrated by Bishop Michael R. Cote, D. D. at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich on November 2, 2022, at noon. Please see the form below for further information. Thank you.

To have your departed included in the Book of Remembrance, please send their name and donate a minimum of $25, either online or via check payable to the Annual Catholic Appeal and mail to ACA, 197 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Include your contact information and your parish name.

To donate online with a credit card or EFT please go to norwichdiocesedevelopment.org, click the DONATE button and select All Souls Donation option.

All submissions with full payment must be received by October 10th and will be applied to the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal. Previous donations do not qualify.