Four County Catholic September 2014

Volume 26 Number 8

September 2014

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

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Four County Catholic September 2014

I never expected that calling me to the priesthood would be part of the Lord’s answer to my prayers for an increase in vocations in our diocese.

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Four County

atholic at c

- Deacon Ron Blank’s personal reflection on his calling to the priesthood.

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

Music is a bridge uniting our knowledge of God with our love of God.

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- Sr. Elissa Rinere referencing the USCCB document on liturgical music entitled Sing to the Lord.

Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

Publisher

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

860.887.9294

Editorial Office

31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

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Since each of us is made in the image of God and bound by His love, possessing a profound human dignity, we have an obligation to love and honor that dignity in one another, and especially in our work.

- Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami appealing for dignity among workers in the 2014 USCCB Labor Day message.

The Catholic school education that my daughter benefited from, prepared her for life, both intellectually and spiritually. We are so thankful.

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Opening Mass Procession.

Mercy High School, September 5, 2014.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich was Mass Celebrant.

Photo by Meredith Morrison, Diocesan Communications Office.

26 Num b r8 Se tem ber 20

Mad e Pos si

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le in p rt throug

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com@norwichdiocese.net

Managing Editor/Layout & Design/Webmaster

Trina Fulton, 860.886.1281

comtrina@norwichdiocese.net

Theological Advisor

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

860.887.9294

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commeredith@norwichdiocese.net

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FREE to Annual Catholic Appeal contributors and upon request to registered Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich.

- Marta Perez, parishioner of Santiago Cuba’s San Pedrito Church, which they hope to rebuild

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On the Cover

Director of Communications/Executive Editor

Subscriptions

- Michael of Ledyard, CT speaking first-hand of the value of a Catholic education.

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Fax 860.859.1253

g ner ous

upp

rt of the Ann ual

C tho lic Ap eal

Editorial & Advertising Deadlines

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

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

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

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Four County Catholic September 2014

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Living Our Faith in the Communications Age My Dear Brothers and Sisters in newspaper will help us to underChrist: stand better some of the issues that How forward thinking of Bishop challenge our Catholic faith and Daniel P. Reilly to have recognized Church in these complex times, and in 1989 how to be better preimportant it was pared to deal The Church for the Diocese with them in needs to be to publish its our personal concerned for, own newspaper and family to help share the lives…”, could and present in, good news in a he have envithe world of world racing tosioned the paper communication, someday being ward a new prolific age of available online? in order to communicaAccessed on an dialogue with tion. Sharing iPhone or iPad? people today and Could he have the Catholic experience and the envisioned conto help them Catholic posi- encounter Christ tent that would tion on critical include the latissues of the day est tweet from is the foundathe Pope? Might tion of a healthy dialogue. It deepens he have imagined the Diocese havour understanding of our living faith ing a Facebook presence? Technolin the world around us, whatever ogy has in many ways out-paced our new and different news delivery imaginations. But certainly he venues come along. Bishop Reilly sensed a serious need to be prepared knew this. We are indebted to his by gathering news and reaching out foresight. As sophisticated as com- to one another “to help us grow munications has become today, the closer together as a better informed process of centralizing news relevant family.” Thank you Bishop Reilly for to our lives as Catholics is still the preparing the way. key to faith-centered communicaWe find ourselves today in a comtions. munications era flooded with mesWhen Bishop Reilly wrote in the sages, impressions and prompts that first ever issue of the Four County easily overwhelm. We live constantly Catholic twenty-five years ago, on the edge of information over“Welcome to the official newspaper load, much of it of a secular nature. of the Diocese of Norwich….Our We also find ourselves confronted

~ Pope Francis

with a world in a state of unrest and extreme tension. It is an acute challenge just to get the facts straight from competing news organizations that have agendas to serve.

Here is where having our own newspaper and online venue are so important as we work to evaluate world conditions near and far from a Catholic perspective.

In the two most recent issues of The Four County Catholic, for example, we have shared news and a Catholic point of view on the horrific persecution of Christians in the Middle East, the battle for religious liberty here in the courts especially with regard to the HHS mandate associated with the Affordable Care Act, the plight of sovereign Ukraine, the case for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform heightened by the child refugee crisis at our southern border, the breakthrough of the building of a new Catholic church in Cuba, pro-life initiatives and other intense national and interna-

tional news. All of this in addition to reporting on our closer to home diocesan programs and events such as the continuing efforts of St. Vincent de Paul Place to serve those in need in the greater Norwich

community, updates on the Outreach to Haiti Ministry serving the Church’s mission there, Catholic Charities’ increasing efforts to help those struggling with all aspects of the economic recession still gripping eastern Connecticut and, of course, the many joyful stories such as the re-

cent ordination of two diocesan priests, Father Ficara and Father Noe, along with updates on our Catholic schools having just opened for the new school year and the many celebrations across the diocese, including the Feast of the Assumption in New London and Pawcatuck.

The complex times Bishop Reilly referenced have intensified.

The world is painfully complicated at the moment.

Our communications challenge in the Diocese is to provide information and perspective relevant to living our faith in a part of the world where we are blessed to live and worship freely. We pray, together, that we stay closely connected, well-informed, in dialogue and lifted by our faith to face the challenges before us, and that we contribute to a better world in keeping with the truth and hope of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

Vivir Nuestra Fe en la Era de las Comunicaciones Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Que avanzado pensamiento del Obispo Daniel P. Reilly al haber reconocido en 1989 en un mundo apresurado hacia una inagotable nueva era de comunicaciones cuán importante era para la Diócesis publicar su propio periódico para ayudar a compartir las buenas noticias de la

fe. Compartir la experiencia y la posición Católica sobre temas críticos del día es la base de un dialogo sano. Profundiza nuestra comprensión de nuestra fe viva en el mundo que nos rodea, cualquiera que sea también viene a lo largo de lugares de entrega de noticias nuevos y diferentes. El Obispo Reilly sabía esto. Estamos en deuda con su

previsión. Las comunicaciones se han convertido en la actualidad tan sofisticadas, así como el proceso de recopilar noticias relevantes a nuestras vidas como Católicos sique siendo la clave para las comunicaciones del centro de la fe.

Cuando el obispo Reilly escribió en el primer ejemplar de Four Catholic

County veinticinco años atrás, “Bienvenidos al periódico oficial de la Diócesis de Norwich…Nuestro periódico nos ayudara a comprender mejor algunos de los temas que desafían nuestra fe y la Iglesia Católica en estos tiempos complejos, y para estar mejor preparados para tratar con ellos en nuestra vida personal y famil-

iar...” ¿Podríamos haber imaginado que el periódico algún día estaría disponible en la línea? ¿Accesible en un İPhone o İPad? ¿Podríamos haber imaginado contenido que incluyera el ultimo tweet del Papa? ¿Podríamos haber imaginado que la Diócesis tuEra de las Comunicaciones

Continued on page 4

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Era de las Comunicaciones viera una presencia en Facebook? La tecnología en muchas formas ha sacado de ritmo nuestra imaginación.

Continued from page 3

Pero sin duda él percibió una gran necesidad de estar preparados mediante la recopilación de noticias y de

llegar los unos a los otros “para ayudarnos a crecer juntos como una familia mejor informada.” Obispo Reilly gracias por preparar el camino.

Hoy nos encontramos en una era de comunicaciones inundada con impresiones y mensajes que abruman fácilmente. Vivimos constantemente en el borde de la sobrecarga de información, mucha de ella de carácter secular.

También nos encontramos ante un mundo en un estado de inquietud y

tensión extrema. Es un reto agudo el tan solo obtener los hechos directo de organizaciones de noticias competitivas que tienen agendas para servir.

Aquí es donde tener nuestro propio periódico y un lugar de encuentro en la línea es tan importante mientras trabajamos, para evaluar desde una perspectiva Católica, las condiciones del mundo cerca y lejos.

Por ejemplo, en los dos últimos ejemplares de Four County Catholic,

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, has made the following clergy and diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Norwich:

Clergy Appointments Reverend Msgr. James Carini, 1 year renewal of appointment as Pastor, Saint Matthew Parish, Tolland.

Effective: July 26, 2014.

Reverend Roland Cloutier, Pastor, All Saints Parish, Somersville, to Pastor, Saint Edward Parish, Stafford Springs, while continuing as Pastor, All Saints Parish, Somersville. Effective: September 1, 2014.

Reverend Martin Jones, Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Clinton, To Parochial Vicar, Saint Edward Parish, Stafford Springs and All Saints Parish, Somersville.

Effective: September 1, 2014. ~ Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor ~

24th Annual

Red Mass The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, will concelebrate the Red Mass and deliver the homily. All lawyers, judges and members of the legal community of all faiths are invited to attend.

hemos compartido noticias y puntos de vista Católicos sobre la horrible persecución a los cristianos en el Medio Oriente, aquí en los tribunales, la batalla por la libertad religiosa especialmente en lo que respecta al mandato HHS (por sus siglas en inglés) asociado a la Ley de Asistencia Asequible, la difícil situación de soberanía de Ucrania, el caso por una reforma de inmigración integral y compasiva acentuada por la crisis de los niños refugiados en nuestra frontera sur, el avance de la construcción de una nueva Iglesia Católica en Cuba, iniciativas pro- vida y otras intensas noticias nacionales e internacionales . Además de todo esto, más cerca de casa se añaden informaciones sobre nuestros programas diocesanos y eventos tales como los continuos esfuerzos de San Vicente de Paul lugar que sirve a aquellos en necesidad en la comunidad en Norwich, actualizaciones sobre el Alcance del Ministerio de Haití para servir a la misión de la iglesia allí, los crecientes esfuerzos de Caridades Católicas para ayudar a aquellos que luchan en todos los aspectos con respecto a la recesión económica, aun apoderándose del este de Connecticut y, por supuesto, las muchas historias alegres, como la reciente ordenación de dos sacerdotes diocesanos, Padre Ficara y Padre Noe, junto con actualizaciones de nuestras escuelas Católicas que acaban de abrir para el nuevo año escolar y las muchas celebraciones en toda la Diócesis, entre ellas la Festividad de La Asunción en New London y en Pawcatuck.

Los tiempos complejos que Obispo Reilly menciono se han intensificado.

El mundo es dolorosamente complicado en este momento. En la Diócesis, nuestro reto en las comunicaciones, es proporcionar información y perspectiva relevante para vivir nuestra fe en una parte del mundo donde todos somos bendecidos de vivir y adorar libremente.

Oramos juntos, que nos mantengamos estrechamente conectados y bien informados, en dialogo y elevados por nuestra fe para enfrentar los desafíos que tenemos ante nosotros, y que podamos contribuir a un mundo mejor en armonía con la verdad y la esperanza de Jesucristo Señor y Salvador, nuestro.

Atentamente en el amor de Cristo,

Sunday, October 5, 2014, at 10:30 a.m.

Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

Obispo Michael R. Cote Translated by Paulina Angulo

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

Seminarian Reflection: Deacon Ron Blank It has been just over a month since Bishop Cote ordained two of our seminarians to the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ, Father Martin Noe and Father Jonathan Ficara, and the reverberation of joy can still be felt from the epicenter of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.

We have seven men who have already arrived at their respective seminaries to either continue or start anew their formation and journey towards the priesthood. During the fall months here in the Vocation Corner and on our Website, www.godcalls.com, you will have the opportunity to meet our three newest seminarians: Deacon Ron Blank, Michael Bovino and Frank Gilbert.

You will also have the opportunity to hear from both Peter Langevin and Jeff Ellis regarding their experiences in Guatemala for six weeks this past summer.

Deacon Ron Blank who has served here in the diocese for over ten years as a permanent deacon, explains below a little about his journey the last year or so which has brought him to a crossroads and now a new journey, a new call. Please keep Deacon Ron Blank and each of our seminarians and newly ordained priests in your prayers.

A Crossroads and A New Journey I was ordained as a permanent deacon on July 12, 2005 and had been serving at Notre Dame Parish for several years. I continued there when it was yoked with St. Colman Parish a little more than three years ago. My wife was also active in the parishes. It was Holy Thursday of 2013 when after a few weeks of not feeling well she was diagnosed with stage three cancer and two weeks

later the cancer was determined to be stage four and we were informed it was terminal.

When my wife lost her short battle with cancer and the Lord called her to her heavenly home, I knew my life would change dramatically. I was surprised when at the wake, a woman I have known all my life walked up to me and told me to become a priest.

My reaction, though unspoken, was that I could not consider making any major decisions just then.

The next evening, my thirty one year old son suggested that I consider becoming a priest. Three weeks later my father called on a Wednesday evening and suggested the same thing. In each case, my first response was surprise followed by the same statement about it being too soon for me to make any decisions.

The really surprising thing about these events is that I never once mentioned anything about ministry, including the priesthood, to any of them. Also, none of these three people knew that any of the other two had mentioned anything to me about becoming a priest.

Nevertheless, the idea had been firmly planted in my mind.

Six months later while at work in my career as an engineer, I realized that I had spent the whole day thinking about becoming a priest.

I prayed about if for a whole month and the idea that the Lord was calling me to the priesthood only became stronger and more certain. It was now six months since my wife’s passing. I felt that the time had come when I could make major decisions and I decided to answer the call to the priesthood.

I spoke to our parish priest about it. He took it seriously and referred me to the Vocations Office for the Diocese of Norwich. I contacted Father Greg Galvin by email which was followed up with a phone call. We talked and met a couple times, but I never felt pressured or rushed. I also discussed it with my family and they were very happy about it. Soon I began the process for applying for sponsorship for study to become a diocesan priest.

As I filled out paperwork and gathered the required documents, I felt some level of assurance that I was doing the right thing. As a permanent deacon I had always been very much aware of the need for more priests and often added prayer for more priests to the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. I often prayed for more priests in my own private prayers as well. I never expected that calling me to the priesthood would be a part of the Lord’s answer to my prayers for an increase

in vocations in our diocese. I am glad to be part of the answer to these prayers and I am very happy to be attending Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary this fall in Weston Massachusetts.

I think back to those three people who told me to become a priest beginning at my wife’s funeral and I see how the Lord had spoken to me through those people. I have no doubt he continues to speak through others calling more men to the priesthood.

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

(860) 887-9294

www.God-Calls.com

September 18, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Agnes, Niantic October 16, 2014 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm St. Francis of Assisi, Lebanon November 20, 2014 • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas, Storrs Reverend Brian Christopher Maxwell, Ordained to Priesthood on May 25, 2013, by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich

Juan Aguirre Theology English Studies St. Mary Seminary Baltimore MD

Frank Gilbert 1st Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

December 18, 2014 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Sacred Heart, Norwichtown

Michael Bovino 1st Year Philosophy Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Deacon Ron Blank 1st Year Theology Pope Saint John XXIII National S minary Weston, MA

Jeffrey Ellis 3rd Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Peter Langevin 3rd Year Theology Mt. St. Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

Thomas Griffin 3rd Year Theology Blessed John XXIII National Seminary Weston, MA

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Thursday, September 11 ~ Saturday, September 13 St. Joseph Church

Fall Festival From 9:00am-4:00pm, with the Yard Sale and Kidz Kloset only. On Friday, September 12, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday, September 13, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in addition to the Yard Sale and Kidz Kloset there will be Food, Needlework, Baked Goods, General Store, Treasure Chest, Silent Auction, Books, CD’s, DVD’s, and much more. Our Famous Fish N Chips is Friday, September 12, from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm; Major Raffle Drawing begins at 7:00 pm on Saturday. St. Joseph’s Church, 11 Baltic Road, Versailles.

For more information please call (860)-822-8020.

ical personnel in attendance. The Malades must be ambulatory enough to be at the proper place of departure.

Handicap accessible buses will leave from Northwest Catholic High School, 29 Wampanoag Dr., West Hartford, CT at 8:00am Buses will return to the school at approximately 5:30pm.

Please contact Mark Sullivan at sllvnchrth@yahoo.com or at (860)523-1405.

Saturday, September 13 Safe Environments Called to Protect Workshop St. John’s Church, Cromwell at 10:00am To pre-register please call 860-635-5870.

Sunday, September 14 Italy-Pilgrimage Gathering At 2:00pm, Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St., Norwich. For all preparing for the October 29-Nov. 8 journey. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal at (860) 887-0702.

Tuesday, September 16 Safe Environments Called to Protect Workshop St. John’s Church, Cromwell at 7:00pm To pre-register please call 860635-5870.

Thursday, September 18 East Hampton Prayer Group Mass At 7:30pm St. Patrick Center, Maple St., E. Hampton. For more information please call Spiritual Renewal at (860) 887-0702.

Saturday, September 13 One-Day Pilgrimage of the Sick The Order of Malta of the Hartford/Norwich chapters would like to invite you to a one-day pilgrimage of the sick, a no cost event. The pilgrimage will be held at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. There will be ample med-

Friday-Sunday, September 19-21 Retrouvaille Weekend A lifeline for your troubled marriage with serious marriage building and repair, and tools to heal, communicate and work on issues. For information or to sign up for the next weekend on September 19-21 in Hartford area call (413)-525-1634. Retrouvaille.org.

Wednesday, September 17

Catholic Charities 9th Annual Golf Tournament At Fox Hopyard Golf Club in East Haddam. Registration is from 10:30am-11:30am followed by lunch and a shotgun start at 1:00pm For more information please call Catholic Charities at (860)-889-8346.

Sunday, September 21 Safe Environments Called to Protect Workshop St. Mary Church, Coventry from 1:003:00pm To pre-register please call 860742-1092.

Sunday, September 21 24th Annual Blue Mass The 24th Annual Blue Mass and Brunch for Law Enforcement Personnel and their families, will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, at 10:15am. Law enforcement personnel of all faiths and their families are invited to attend. Seating has been reserved for all law enforcement personnel (active and retired) with their families. There will be a procession of officers and active personnel. Those retirees who wish to march are asked to display their badge. All active officers are asked to wear their full dress uniform. Following Mass, a brunch will be held in the Cathedral Auditorium.

Monday, September 22 Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting Held at the Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich at 10:45am For more information, please call 860-887-0702.

Tuesday, September 23 40 Days for Life Mass Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich will be the main celebrant and Homilist for the 8th Annual 40 Days for Life Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mass begins at 7:00pm and will be followed by refreshments downstairs. The Mass is to prepare and to pray for 40 days and 40 nights of prayer, fasting, and a peaceful vigil in front of Planned Parenthood at 12 Case St. in Norwich CT. Please come and bring a friend!

Wed.-Sun., Sept. 24 - Nov. 2 40 Days for LIFE Our 8th consecutive year of running this round-the-clock prayer vigil for The 40 Days for LIFE campaign begins on September 24th and continues until November 2, 2014. For more information please visit www.40daysforlife.com/norwich or email BJDaly@aol.com or call Brian Daly at 860-822-1788 Saturday-Sunday, September 27-28 Harvest the Fun Day Christ the King Church in Old Lyme is hosting the annual Harvest the Fun day from 9:00am-3:00pm The Rummage Sale only on Sunday the 28th until noon. Begin Fall with Fun for the kids, food for the soul and flowers for your garden. You can find treasures in our annual Rummage Sale or something special for the Holidays! Church grounds, 1 McCurdy Road in the heart of the Old Lyme Village. Plenty of parking. For more information please visit www.christthekingchurch.net.

24th Annual

Blue Mass Homilist

Sunday, September 21 • 10:15 am

Very Reverend David P. Choquette

Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich

Police Chaplain & Pastor Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret & St. Mary Church, Putnam

All law enforcement officers (federal, state and municipal, active and retired) and their families are invited.

All parishioners are cordially invited to attend this Mass.

Saturday, September 27 Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) From 9:00am-3:00pm at the Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich. By appointment ONLY. Please call (860)8870702.

Sunday, September 28

6th Annual Youth Explosion Youth Explosion is the biggest Catholic youth conference in Eastern CT. Discover the sacraments, dive deeper into your faith, make new friends and encounter Jesus in an entirely new way. A perfect day-retreat for individuals, youth groups and Confirmation programs.

Join us at Saint Bernard School in Uncasville. Doors open at noon. Registration is $20 per person. Register before 9/19 for only $15! A portion of the registration will be donated to Feeding Children Everywhere.

This year’s theme is “Be Fed”.

Filled with His love and grace.

We are teaming up with Feeding Children Everywhere and each teen attending YX will participate in a massive food-bagging-marathon.

Your teens will help feed thousands! From 12:30-7:00pm.

For more information please call the Office of Faith Events at (860)-848-2237 ext: 312. www.youthexplosionct.com/#about

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Prison Ministry- Gift of Grace 2014 The Gift of Grace 2014 training schedule is as follows: Saturday, September 20, Saturday, September 27, Saturday, October 4, Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, December 7. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Sheree at (860) 848-2237 Ext. 211 or email prison@norwichdiocese.net.

Saturday-Sunday, October 4-5 Philips Retreat (Head to Heart Experience) An opportunity of a lifetime. Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:00am-4:00pm and Sunday.

Oct 5, 9:00am-1:00pm Must register $25.00 Donation 860-887-0702 (limited capacity) Father Ray, Judith and Team.

Saturday, October 4 Fall Polka Dance To benefit St. Joseph Church in Norwich. The event will be held at the Bozrah Moose Center in Bozrah. All you can eat polish buffet with desserts.

Cash bar. Doors open at 4pm Buffet served 4:30pm to 10:00pm Dancing 6:00-10:00pm to Dennis Polisky & Maestro ‘s Men. $25.00 per person.

For tickets or more information please call Terry at 860-908-0774.

Saturday, October 4 Harvest Fest The Academy of Mount St. John will host its first annual Harvest Fest from 5:00-9:00pm All proceeds to benefit The Academy of Mount St. John’s educational and vocational programs. Autumn food, wine parings, music and much more. The cost per ticket is $75.00 per person. For more information please call Kathy White at 860343-1357 or Carol Stewart at 860-343-1331.

Saturday, October 4 The Park Church Fall Festival To Benefit St. Vincent de Paul Place Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry from 9:00am-3:00pm Featuring fun for all ages including, arts & crafts, affordably chic tag sale, basket raffle, cakes and more, food-on-the-go...hotdogs, chips, popcorn and drinks. Free kids pavilion with games and prizes! Free coffee, soup kitchen food concession, 283 Broadway Norwich.

Sunday, October 5 24th Annual Red Mass The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, will host and celebrate the 24th Annual Red Mass at 10:30am in St. Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway, Norwich, for judges, lawyers, paralegal, law students - all involved in administration of justice: legislators, public officials, civic leaders, and all interested persons are invited.

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, will concelebrate the Red Mass and deliver the homily.

Saturday-Sunday, October 11-12 The Mission Combined Collection World Mission Appeal, U.S. Bishops Appeal for Latin America, Black and Indian Missions, and Catholic Home Missions Appeal.

Saturday, October 18 22nd Annual Firefighters Mass The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, will host and celebrate the 22nd Annual Firefighters/EMS Mass that will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, at 5:00pm. At 3:00pm those who are able will gather at Chelsea Parade to process down Broadway with fire and EMS apparatus. Father Walter Riley, Pastor at Immaculate Conception Church, Worcester, MA and current Worcester F.D. Chaplain will deliver the homily this year.

Saturday, October 18 One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar From 8:45am-4:00pm at Spiritual Renewal Center (860)887-0702. Please call to register (limited capacity).

Tuesday, October 21 Mass of Healing and Hope St. Thomas Seminary Chapel, Bloomfield at 7:30pm Father Ray Introvigne, Celebrant, Judith Hughes, Healing Prayer. For more information, please call 860-887-0702.

Sunday, October 18

Praise the Lord in Song A workshop with Tom Kendzia sponsored by the Office of Worship

St. Matthias Parish, East Lyme, from 9:30am-12:30pm Keynote speaker Tom Kendzia. Come discover the connection between liturgy well done and parish life well lived. For presiders, music ministers, choirs, cantors, RCIA Teams, catechists, liturgy committees, parish councils, and all interested parishioners. Keynote followed by a choice of two workshops. Fee: $10.00. Register by mail: Office of Worship 199 Broadway Norwich CT 06360 or at worship@norwichdiocese.net or at www.norwichdiocese.org.

Sunday, October 19 Silver and Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass Inviting all couples married 25 & 50 years, also those celebrating a significant anniversary year, to attend and participate in renewal of wedding vows in the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Cote at 2:00p.m, St. Patrick Cathedral. Family invited to share in your special testimony and witness to love and marriage. Refreshments will follow the Mass. Register through your parish in September. For information call Family Life Office (860)-889-8346 ext. 283.

Saturday, October 25 7th Annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference Goodwin College, East Hartford, CT. 8:00am-5:00pm Dynamic Catholic Speakers Featuring: Bryan Mercier, Peter Freissle, and Br. Bob Moriarty.

S.M. with Music by Upper Room.

Q&A with the Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair Archbishop of Hartford. Keynote Speaker Jon Leonetti. For more information please call 860-739-4607 or email them at info@ctcatholicmen.org.

Sunday, October 26 Seton Scholarship Dinner The Seton Scholarship Dinner, will be held at 4:00 pm, at the Mystic Marriott in Groton. For more information or if you are interested in sponsorships, program advertising, and/or raffle item donations for this event please call Kathy Gaito, Stewardship Coordinator at 860-886-1928 ext. 15, or e-mail kgaito@norwichdiocese.net.

“Let me (us) not grow weary of doing good; if I (we) do not relax my (our) efforts, in due time I (we) shall reap my (our) harvest. While I (we) have the opportunity, let me (us) do good to all people...but especially...

“...those of the household of the FAITH!” Galatians 6:9-10

Masses of Healing-Mondays, Sept. 8th & 22nd, 2014 1:00 pm - Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich Fr. Ray, Celebrant, Judith Hughes-Healing Prayers

Prayer, Praise, Worship and Adoration Every Tuesday Evening at 6:30 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT Leaders: Usually Deacon Jim Delaney and Nancy Delaney

Italy-Pilgrimage Gathering Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 @ 2:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St., Norwich, CT For all preparing for the Oct. 29-Nov. 8 Pilgrimage

East Hampton Prayer Group Mass Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 @ 6:30 pm (this Prayer Group will now meet every Sunday NOT THURSDAY) St. Patrick Center, Maple St., E. Hampton

Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting Monday, September 22, 2014 @ 10:45 am Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT

Unbound Prayer Ministry (Freedom) Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT By appointment ONLY Please call (860)887-0702

Philips Retreat (Head to Heart Experience) (An opportunity of a lifetime) Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm & Sun. Oct 5, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Must register - $25. Donation (860)887-0702 (limited capacity) Fr. Ray, Judith and Team

One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar Sat. Oct. 18, 8:45 am – 4:00 pm Spiritual Renewal Center (860)887-0702 Please call to register (limited capacity)

Mass of Healing and Hope Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7:30 pm St. Thomas Seminary Chapel, Bloomfield, CT Fr. Ray Introvigne, Celebrant, Judith Hughes, Healing Prayer

“Everyone’s welcomed to these programs!

We Can Help To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

Podemos Ayudar Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar: 1-800-624-7407

spiritual renewal services Diocese of Norwich

Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

P.O. Box 6 • 11 Bath Street Norwich, CT 06360 • (860) 887-0702 email: Renewal@catholicweb.com

8

Four County Catholic September 2014

Feast of The Assumption “Mary, How Lovely the Light of Your Glory” New London and Pawcatuck, Connecticut - On successive Sunday’s , August 10 and August 17,

By Meredith Morrison Contributor to the Four County Catholic

2014, the Parishes of St. Joseph and St. Mary Star of the Sea in New London and St. Michael the Archangel in Pawcatuck respectively celebrated the Feast of the Assumption, also known as the Feast of Maria Assunta. Both celebrations followed the tradition of crowning the statue of the Blessed Mother following a procession through neighborhood streets as has been done in Pawcatuck for 94 consecutive years and for 84 years in New London.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich was both principal celebrant and

homilist at the Mass celebrated at St. Mary Church in Stonington Borough. Bishop Cote and Pastor Very Reverend Dennis Perkins would, after Mass, lead the procession in Pawcatuck. Much of the planning again this year and sponsorship was by the Maria Assunta Society carrying forward the customs originating in Sicily for the Pawcatuck and Westerly Communities to enjoy.

In New London, the ceremonies were set in a stunning water’s edge venue on a grassy slope on the grounds of Fort Trumbull. Monsignor Robert L. Brown, Chancellor, Diocese of Norwich was the principal celebrant joined by concelebrants Father Mark O’Donnell, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Father Robert Washabaugh, Pastor St. Mary Star

of the Sea, Father Anthony DeMarco and Father Joseph Castaldi (ret.).

Beautiful summer weather contributed to the festivities and parishioner participation. As expressed in the Offertory, “Let us rejoice in the Lord celebrating the feast in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in whose Assumption the angels rejoice while the archangels praise the Son of God. Alleluia.”

Right: The Venerated Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was crowned in New London by Sarah Ferraro.

Nico Argarin was the crown bearer.

Photo by Meredith Morrison Below: The processionfor Feast of the Assumption on Liberty Street in Pawcatuck.

Photo by Donna Antonacci

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Four County Catholic September 2014

The Role of Music in Liturgy Currently, beginning in October 2012 and until December 2015, the whole Church is observBy Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

ing the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The full impact of this Council on the Church will not be clear for many more years, but some of its impact is visible now in how we participate in Mass together as a community of believers.

Many people can recall how Mass was celebrated “in the old days” when the only language used was Latin, and the only music heard, when there was music, was Gregorian Chant. Vatican II instituted several liturgical changes, and its major goal in all of them was to foster “full, conscious and active participation” on the part of the people.

This overall goal of participation contained many smaller elements.

First, the rite of Mass itself was simplified, and certain responses and prayers were assigned to the people.

Also, with the core elements of the Mass always maintained, a degree of cultural diversity was introduced into the celebration. Cultural expressions included using the language of the people, art and environment used in decoration and symbols, the prayers of intercession (called the Universal Prayer), music and musical instruments. All of these were to be meaningful to the

people, wherever in the universal Church the Eucharist was celebrated.

Of all these expressions of cultural diversity which we now accept as proper aspects of the Mass, it is music that

still raises the most questions. Some people still ask why it is important that we have music at Sunday Mass.

Why is everyone supposed to sing?

Why can’t we let the choir do the singing, and then everyone else can listen? On Sundays, some people still seek out an early morning “quiet” Mass and, unfortunately, some parishes still provide them.

In the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II taught that the purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the people, and that any liturgical service takes on a “nobler aspect” when celebrated with singing (see nn. 112, 113).

In 2007 the bishops of the United States published a document on liturgical music entitled, Sing to the Lord!-There the bishops taught: “The quality of joy and enthusiasm which music adds to community worship cannot be gained in any other way. Music imparts a sense of unity to the congregation.” Music,

then, gives glory to God, sanctifies the people, adds nobility to the celebration, provides joy and enthusiasm and gives the people a sense of unity.

In that 2007 document the bishops also taught that “the entire worshipping assembly exercises a ministry of music.” This means that when we participate in the singing we are ministering to one another, each one doing his or her part to make the Mass a joyful and prayerful and unifying experience for everyone present. Even those who claim they cannot sing are called to be music ministers to the worshipping community.

In addition to the sense of joy, worship, praise and unity which can be created by good liturgical music and congregational singing, the US bishops have stated an even more urgent reason for encouraging full participation. “God dwells in each person, in the place where music takes its source.”

This “place” where God and music dwell together is not, of course, a physical location, but an emotional one. Music is a bridge uniting our knowledge of God with our love of God. Singing, which the bishops call “the natural expression of the soul,” allows us to express that love which is held so deeply in our spirits.

When everyone in the church is enabled to sing with gusto, energy and praise, souls are transformed, lifted up, refreshed and energized.

Our faith is renewed and we hear again our call to be disciples of Jesus.

For the Answer go to Page 20.

22nd Annual

Firefighters/EMS Mass All Firefighters, EMS Personnel, their families and parishioners are invited to attend.

Saturday, October 18, 2014 3:00 P.M. Assembly & Procession • 5:00 P.M. Mass Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Please Support Our Catholic Schools!

The end of August marked the beginning of yet another school year for our Catholic elementary

By Mary Ellen Mahoney Development Manager; Major Gifts

school students. As we look forward to a challenging and rewarding year for our students, we reflect on the financial needs of our Catholic schools and how we can best support all the good work they do. This September, during the weekend of September

20 and 21st, parishes throughout the Diocese will hold a second collection dedicated to our fine elementary Catholic Schools.

This year’s campaign is entitled Hope for the Future, in recognition that our hope lies in the future of our young students. Your support of our Catholic elementary schools helps ensure that future generations will benefit from the rich educational and spiritual de-

velopment that a Catholic education provides. We will raise chil-

dren who will live out their faith, in a very meaningful way, supporting their families, communities, country and the world.

Together, with the support of our parishioners, our 12 elementary schools in the Diocese of Norwich will be in a much better position to provide opportunities for our students to grow and thrive, emotionally, academically, socially and spiritually. As Pope Francis calls us to provide a sound education to students that is grounded in “mature moral values�, we recognize our duty to follow Christ and support our fellow students and their families.

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Our last school campaign, held June 2013, generated $102,606 in revenue for our schools.

We received 1,253 gifts and pledges with an average of $82 per donation. Donors were given the opportunity to identify specific schools to which their donations were directed. Schools

welcomed the contributions and applied the funds to crucial programs such as tuition assistance or the purchase of new textbooks.

The generosity of our Catholic school supporters is truly amazing. One donor who wished to remain anonymous made a $10,000 donation “acting in obedience to the Lord� in supporting Catholic elementary schools.

Parents throughout the Diocese have praised the superb education that their children have received at our Diocesan schools.

Michael of Ledyard remarked “The Catholic school education that my daughter benefited from, prepared her for life, both intellectually and spiritually. We are so thankful that the values we instilled in her at home were reinforced throughout her Catholic school education and we recognize how important her Catholic school education has been to her current success.�

Parishioners will receive in the mail the week prior to the Collection Weekend an envelope specific to the Hope for the Future school campaign. We ask you to bring your envelopes to church on the weekend of September 20-21 or mail them to the Development Office at 197 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.

Donations may be made directly online at www.norwichdso.org.

We will also have extra envelopes available in the church. For any further information on the collection, please contact, Sue Underhill, Campaign Manager, in the Development Office at (860) 886-1928, ext. 11 or dodsu@norwichdiocese.net.

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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Pro Life Initiative of The Knights of Columbus Council 14209 Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Storrs CT On July 20, 2014, a dedication ceremony was held to acknowledge the gift of the

By Reverend Walter Nagle Diocesan Director, Pro Life Activities

pictured 2/D black and white ultrasound unit from the Knights of Columbus. Pictured from left to right are Ms. Lisa Maloney, Director of the Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Southeastern New England, Ms. Susan Baker, Nurse. All others are 4th Degree Knights of Columbus members. They include Gregory Shaw, MD, OBGYN and Medical Director of the Center, Father Walter Nagle, Pro Life Director of the Norwich Diocese, Anthony W. Kotula, Ph.D., Chair of The Pro Life Initiative of sponsoring Council 14209, Tom Kenny, FICF, General Agent Eastern CT, Klaus Stankiewicz, State Council Warden, and Francis Molozzi, Grand Knight Coun-

cil 9653, Lebanon CT. The Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center in New London serves the material, spiritual, and psychological needs of 700 to 800 pregnant women per year, many of whom seriously consider aborting their pregnancies. The Center’s caring and compassionate staff has been successful in convincing 90% of their clients who are inclined to abortion to carry their pregnancies to term, and much of the success is attributed to the ability of the medical and nursing staff to demonstrate the beating heart and image of the unborn child by means of an early obstetrical ultrasound examination. Dr. Shaw had indicated the ultrasound unit in use at the Center was nearly obsolete and needed replacement.

The new ultrasound pictured above is a vast improvement. It allows the parents to view the live baby at even six weeks and

to actually see the heart beat.

The parents and family are invited to return to view the growth and development of the baby as the pregnancy continues. The Center provides all their services, including ultrasound images required by insurance companies, free of charge.

The cost of the 2/D black and white ultrasound unit was approximately $40,000. As many as 30 Councils or entities participated in making the ultrasound a reality. The intent of the Pro Life Initiative of Council 14209 was to save the lives of the unborn children. Additionally, it demonstrates baby lives can be saved without new legislation or dealing with politicians. Participants in The Pro Life Initiative will forever remember they actually will be saving the lives of babies as long as the new ultrasound unit is functioning.

June 2 - Nov. 2, 2014

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Diocese of Norwich Issues Financial Report The Diocese of Norwich has issued a financial report for The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation and The Annual Catholic Appeal of The Diocese of Norwich, Inc. for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.

The Diocese of more than 228,520 Catholics spent $3,566,107 on funding for ministries and programs, including but not limited to, Catholic Charities/Family Services in Norwich, New London, Willimantic and Middletown, St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich and St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, Project Northeast in Putnam, the Hispanic and Haitian Ministries throughout the Diocese, and the offices of Faith Events, Prison Ministry, Pastoral Planning, and Ministry to the Sick.

Contributions and collections including the Annual Catholic Appeal and diocesan assessments accounted for approximately 32 percent of the total diocesan revenue of $18,877,785.

Contributions and collections decreased 12 percent from the previous year, to $3,588,833, and diocesan assessments were $2,380,258, a decrease of less than 1 percent from the 2012 fiscal year.

Insurance premiums that the diocese

charges various diocesan entities for property and liability coverage, amounted to $1,823,091. Insurance premiums paid to Catholic Mutual Insurance and other commercial carriers for property and liability insurance, for Catholic Umbrella Pool assessments, claims paid under the self-insurance program, and auto and workmen’s compensation insurance amounted to $1,174,200.

In 2009 the diocese changed its medical plan from a self-insured plan to coverage under the RETA Trust, which is a selfinsured trust comprised of Catholic dioceses and organizations nationwide with over 40,000 insured lives participating. The plan operates as a fully insured plan and is presented in the financial statements in the same manner as the other types of insurances carried by the diocese. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 premiums billed under the plan were $8,549,528 and payments to the Trust were $7,713,201.

All Diocesan investments are made in accordance with guidelines issued by the

USCCB and they are subject to an independent scanning process semi-annually by Aquinas Associates to ensure compliance with these guidelines. For the year ended June 30, 2013, net investment income including realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities was $943,139 which is fairly reflective of overall market trends.

Expenses for seminarians totaled $368,434, and include expenses for tuition and subsistence for current seminarians and payment of educational loans for seminary graduates who are active priests in the diocese.

Payments to aid in the support of retired and infirm priests were $289,746.

These costs are offset partially by the Easter Sunday collection, which amounted to $166,410.

Administration expenses increased by 4 percent to $1,935,733 consisting primarily of $1,198,576 in direct employee expenses including salaries, payroll taxes, pensions and medical insurance.

Direct subsidies to high schools attended

by diocesan students were $1,438,000 including the fair market rental value of the facilities.

Included in the Statement of Activities at June 30, 2012, is the accrual of a lawsuit settlement stemming from a sexual abuse claim from the year 1976. The total settlement of the suit amounted to $1,100,000.

Insurance coverage provided $875,000 toward the settlement and paid the legal costs of defense. Since the settlement was reached after the close of the June 30, 2012 fiscal year, the settlement amount is included in the Statements of Financial Position with the Accounts and Accruals Payable and the insurance proceeds are included with the Accounts Receivable.

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, the Diocese was required to adopt the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 158 which requires full disclosure of post-retirement benefits. The actuarially determined benefit of the Priests’ post- retirement benefits at June 30, 2013 was $4,848,139 and $6,535,326 at June 30, 2012.

The combined diocesan financial statements do not reflect the finances of the diocese’s parishes or any of its schools.

Combined Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2013 and 2012 Assets

2013

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Diocesan Corporation Cash and Cash Equivalents - Annual Catholic Appeal Inc.

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents Short-Term Investments Accounts Receivable Current Unconditional Promises to Give Loans Receivable Cash Restricted to Future Programs Mortgage Receivable Beneficial interest in Trusts Catholic Umbrella Pool Interest Long-Term Investments Property and Equipment, Net Total Assets

$ 339,129 531,919 871,048 2,628,718 4,834,854 817,861 1,057,632 57,925 652,962 455,540 6,351,207 4,651,330 $ 22,379,077

2012 $ 287,023 346,918 633,941 2,873,383 5,803,829 788,866 1,030,837 57,326 643,989 427,431 5,596,664 4,942,674 $ 22,798,940

Pope Francis @Pontifex • August 18

Liabilities

2013

2012

Lines of Credit Advances

$ 276,543

$ 276,543

Accounts and Accruals Payable

387,266

1,377,811

Agency Obligations

390,354

521,807

Grants Payable

-

-

Split-Interest Liabilities

89,944

146,468

Loans Payable

2,410,718

2,410,718

Other Retirement Obligations

4,848,139

6,535,326

Total Liabilities

8,402,964

11,268,673

Unrestricted

6,782,619

4,032,997

Temporarily Restricted

6,672,410

6,974,428

Permanently Restricted

521,084

522,842

13,976,113

11,530,267

$ 22,379,077

$ 22,798,940

Net Assets

Total Net Assets

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Total Liabilities and Net Assets

13

Four County Catholic September 2014

Combined Statements of Activities June 30, 2013 and 2012 Revenues and Support Contributions and Collections Diocesan Tax Insurance Program- Property Insurance Program- Medical Investment Income Net Realized and Unrealized Gains Change in Value of Split-Interest Agreements Gain on Asset Disposition Insurance Proceeds Facility Rental & Other Income Total Revenue and Support

2013 $ 3,588,833 2,380,258 1,823,091 8,549,528 205,421 737,718 45,529 212,605 1,334,802 $ 18,877,785

2012 $ 4,077,501 2,387,346 2,441,227 8,232,333 186,342 151,316 66,678 875,000 1,274,137 $ 19,691,880

Expenses Ministries and Programs Retired and Infirm Priests Seminarians High School Subsidies Insurance Program-Property Insurance Program-Medical Administration Fund-Raising Medical Plan Subsidy Interest

2012 $ 3,628,741 277,878 192,203 1,338,700 1,705,478 7,892,617 1,854,884 375,482 127,000

Litigation Settlement Depreciation

2013 $ 3,566,107 289,746 368,434 1,438,000 1,174,200 7,596,316 1,935,733 373,526 127,449 850,000 260,650

Total Expenses

17,980,161

18,751,172

897,624

940,708

1,548,222 11,530,267

(1,907,409) 12,496,968

$ 13,976,113

$ 11,530,267

Uncollectible Support & Insurance

Change in Net Assets Post Retirement Benefit Recognition Net Assets Beginning Net Assets Ending

1,100,000 258,189

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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IMMACULATA RETREAT HOUSE A Ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate 289 Windham Road, Rte. 32 Willimantic, Connecticut

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Father Roger Couture, OMI, invites all seniors to join him for this year’s series entitled “The Parables of Jesus — Guide for Faith Pilgrims,” beginning on Wednesday, September 17 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The series will be on the third Wednesday of the month.

Fee is $10.00 and includes lunch.

Father Nicholas Caiazzo June 26, 1941 ~ August 19, 2014 Son of the late Louis and Lucia “Lucy” (Santilli) Caiazzo.

Father Nick was an outstanding athlete who demonstrated exceptional skill on the baseball field at a young age. Immediately following his graduation from Everett High School in 1959, he was signed by the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher at the age of eighteen. After his baseball career, Nick continued his education at Pueblo College in Colorado. Later in life he found his calling to the priesthood. He entered the Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, CT where he received his Masters of Theology.

Father Nick was ordained a Catholic priest on May 30, 1992 in the Diocese of Norwich, CT. Father Nick, was fun loving and very spiritual. He was very humbled to have been called to the priesthood and he will be missed by his brother priests, his family, and his friends. THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER .

MARRIED COUPLES’ RETREAT: Come and join us from September 26-28 for our 10th Married Couples’ Retreat for couples joined in the Sacrament of Matrimony seeking to strengthen their spiritual life together. Seasoned couples and Father Ron Meyer, OMI will share their spiritual journeys in a program of prayer, reflection and fun surprises.

SERENITY DAY: Saturday, September 13 from 9 AM to 5 PM, we will present a day of prayer for those affected by alcoholism. Fee for the day is $30.00.

Come and find support on your journey.

To register or for more information: Phone: 860-423-8484 E-mail: info@immaculataretreat.org

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Immigration Becomes ‘Pro-Life’ Issue for Catholic Leaders The big picture for the church is that immigration is taking its place at the Catholic table as a fully “pro-

Defending Religious Liberty Unless reversed or modified, the current federal health care mandate threatens religious liberty, guaranteed to all Americans in the U.S. Constitution under the First Amendment.

If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the health care mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-2055445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

By John L. Allen, Jr., The Boston Globe

life” issue.

Popes are generally reluctant to pronounce on domestic political squabbles, but this isn’t just any pope. Not only is Francis the first pontiff from Latin America, he’s the son of Italian emigres to Argentina whose affection for immigrants is clear.

“Such a humanitarian emergency demands as a first urgent measure that these minors be protected and duly taken in,” the pope said, insisting that these young people “cross

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the border under extreme conditions, in pursuit of a hope that in most cases turns out to be vain.”

Defense of immigrants has been a cornerstone of Francis’ papacy.

His first trip outside Rome was to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, laying a wreath in the sea to commemorate 20,000 people believed to have perished attempting to make the crossing from North Africa to Europe during the last two decades, and blasting what he called a “globalization of indifference.”

The US bishops have followed his lead by, among other things, staging a dramatic photo-op at the USMexico border in April in which they distributed communion to people on the Mexican side through slats in the massive security barrier separating the two countries. They cited Lampedusa as their inspiration.

The bishops have dispatched more than 1,200 Spanish-language Bibles to about 1,000 youth from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador detained by the US Border Patrol near Nogales, Ariz. They publicized the donation widely, obviously intending it as a way of

making sure the situation stays in the spotlight.

Here’s the Catholic significance of all this: Especially in the United States, the social agenda of the church in recent years has been largely identified with abortion, gay marriage, and contraception, and there’s no indication those issues are receding as top-shelf concerns.

From the beginning, however, Francis has been a pope of the social gospel, making equivalent priorities of poverty relief, conflict resolution, human trafficking, and the environment, as well as immigrant rights.

His aim seems to be to expand the notion of what counts as a “pro-life” issue, meaning a matter where human dignity is at stake and where the church is obligated to respond.

In practical terms, calling something a “pro-life” issue for the church means that it’s really, really important, something that justifies the investment of serious time and treasure beyond issuing an occasional press release, or delivering a sermon every so often.

In the Francis era, being pro-life will still mean opposing abortion, but it won’t be limited to that.

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Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (state request here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

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17

Four County Catholic September 2014

2014 Labor Day Statement Focuses on Unemployment Among Young People Washington - The high unemployment rate of young adults, both in the United States and around the world, was the focus of the 2014 Labor Day Statement from the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami. The statement, dated September 1, applies it to the millions of unemployed young adults in the United States.

“For those fortunate enough to have jobs, many pay poorly.

Greater numbers of debt-strapped college graduates move back in with their parents, while high school graduates and others may have less debt but very few decent job opportunities,” wrote Archbishop Wenski.

Archbishop Wenski added, “Meaningful and decent work is

vital if young adults hope to form healthy and stable families.” He noted that in other countries unemployment among young adults reaches as high as three to four times the national average.

Archbishop Wenski said policies and institutions “that create decent jobs, pay just wages, and support family formation and stability” help honor the dignity of workers.

“Raising the minimum wage, more and better workforce training programs, and smarter regulations that minimize negative unintended consequences would be good places

to start.”

Archbishop Wenski noted that Pope Francis has called young people a source of hope for humanity. “We need to do more to nurture this hopefulness and provide our young adults with skills, support, and opportunities to flourish,” Archbishop Wenski wrote.

He also called for greater solidarity: “Since each of us is made in the image of God and bound by His love, possessing a profound human dignity, we have an obligation to love and honor that dignity in one another, and especially in our work.”

Prayer for Priests Editor’s Note: A prayer for our priests and for new priests. Submitted by Linda Norton who found this prayer on the EWTN website. Thank you, Linda.

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Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us; and obtain for us numerous and holy priests and religious.

Amen.

18

Four County Catholic September 2014

Pope Francis: The Church Is Our Mother The Church gives us life in Christ, the Holy Father said Sept. 3 VATICAN CITY -- In his general audience on Sept. 3, Pope

By CNA/EWTN News

Francis continued his catechesis on the Church, turning to the as-

pect of her maternity, of which the Virgin Mary is a model, encouraging us to reach out to our brothers and sisters.

“The Church is also mother, because she cares for her children

and guides us on the path of salvation,” the Pope stated.

“She nourishes and sustains us with the sacraments; she illuminates us with the light of the Gospel, orients us to the good,

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encourages us in moments of darkness and defends us from the snares of evil, exhorting us to vigilance, so as not to succumb to its seductions.”

Addressing the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear his weekly address, the Holy Father began by noting, “In our catechesis, we have o f t e n noted that we do not become a Christian on our own, but by being born and nurtured in the faith in the midst of the people of God, that is the Church.”

The Church, he said, “is a true mother, who gives us life in Christ and, in the communion of the Holy Spirit, brings us into a common life with our brothers and sisters.”

Pointing to the Mother of Jesus, he explained, “The model of maternity for the Church is the Virgin Mary,” who, “in the fullness of time, conceived through the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God.” “Her motherhood continues through the Church, who brings forth sons and daughters through baptism, whom she nourishes through the word of God,” he said.

“The birth of Jesus in the womb of Mary as firstborn of many brothers is a prelude of the new life that Christians receive in baptism.”

The Bishop of Rome observed how Jesus “gave the Gospel to the Church” in order to “bring forth new life by generously proclaiming his word and winning other sons and daughters for God, our

Father.”

As a mother, he explained, the Church “nurtures us throughout life by illuminating our path with the light of the Gospel and by sustaining us with the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.”

“With this nourishment, we are able to choose the good and be vigilant against evil and deceit and overcome the difficult moments of life w i t h courage and hope,” he noted, stating, “This is the Church: a mother who has at heart the good of her children.”

Concluding his address, Pope Francis explained that since we are all a part of the Church, we have the call “to live this same spiritual, maternal attitude toward our brothers and sisters.”

“Let’s not forget that in the Church we are all baptized and that her maternity is also expressed in our ability to welcome, to forgive and to instill courage and hope.”

He then invited all present to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that we can “learn from her that tenderness allows us to be witnesses of the maternity of the Church.”

Following his reflections, the Pope extended greetings to groups of pilgrims present from various countries around the world, including Ireland, Malta, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Canada, the United States, Cuba, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia and bishops visiting from Cameroon for their ad limina meetings with the Pope.

19

Four County Catholic September 2014

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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New Fatima Revelation On the site liberoquotidiano.it, Italian journalist Antonio Socci reveals some new text reportedly

by Pat Archbold National Catholic Register

Saint Patrick, Mystic Reverend Kevin M. Reilly, Pastor Address: 32 East Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-1800 E-mail: stpatrickchurch@snet.net Website: stpatrickmystic.org Mass Times: Sunday Masses: 8:30am & 10:15am (Saturday 5:00pm) Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:05pm Holy Day Masses: 12:05pm & 7:00pm Confessions: Saturday 4:00pm or by appointment

written by Sister Lucia of Fatima.

Socci is the Italian journalist who in 2006 published the book, “The Fourth Secret of Fatima” which contends that there is an additional text composed by Sister Lucia and sent to the Vatican which has never been revealed.

In this most recent article, Socci relays additional information reportedly from an unpublished diary of Sister Lucia, the provenance of which he reports is “contained in an official publication of the Carmel of Coimbra, the one where she lived and died (in 2005) Sister Lucia dos Santos, the last seer. Entitled “A caminho sob or olhar de Maria” and a biography of Sister Lucia, written by the sisters, with the valuable unpublished documents of the same seer.”

The specific context of the reported text surrounds the time in 1944 when Sister Lucia struggled mightily with writing down the

third secret of Fatima.

The relevant section of the article follows : Towards 16:00 hours on January 3rd, 1944, in the convent’s chapel, before the Tabernacle, Lucia asked Jesus to let her know His will: ‘I then feel that a friendly hand, affectionate and maternal, touches my shoulder.’

It is ‘the Mother of Heaven’ who says to her: ‘be at peace and write what they command you to, but not that which you were given to understand about its meaning,’ intending to allude to the meaning of the vision that the Virgin herself had revealed to her.

Right after – says Sr. Lucia – ‘I felt my spirit flooded by a lightfilled mystery which is God and in Him I saw and heard: the point of the flame-like lance which detaches, touches the axis of the earth and it [the earth] shakes: mountains, cities, towns and villages with their inhabitants are buried. The sea, rivers and clouds leave their bounds, they overflow, flood and drag with them into a whirlpool, houses and people in a number unable to be counted; it is the purification of the world

from the sin it is immersed in.

Hatred, ambition, cause detructive wars. Afterward I felt in the increased beating of my heart and in my spirit a quiet voice which said: ‘in time, one faith, one baptism, one Church, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic. Heaven in eternity!’ This word, ‘Heaven,’ filled my heart with peace and happiness, so much so that, almost without realizing it, I continued to repeat for some time: Heaven, Heaven!’

That is how she was given the strength to write the Third Secret.

Antonio Socci suggests that this diary entry seems to lend credence to the assertion of his 2006 book that there were indeed two parts to the Fatima revelation, one of which is the vision of the “Bishop in white” released in the year 2000 and another part, perhaps composed at a different time and sent later and thus not considered part of the ‘secret’ by some in the Vatican, that contains the ‘meaning of the vision.’

During a pilgrimage to Fatima in 2010, Pope Benedict said, “It is mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is completed.”

21

Four County Catholic September 2014

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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Diocese Celebrates Nineteenth Annual Mass for Those Dedicated to Education Dear Lord, help us share your knowledge with gentle patience, and endeavor always to seek your truth.

From the very beginning of the Mass for Those Dedicated to Education when the procession was still

By Michael Strammiello Executive Editor, Four County Catholic

gathering in the vestibule of the Cathedral of St. Patrick on the morning of September 7, 2014, there was an unmistakable sense of the critical role of Catholic education in today’s unsettled world. The burden of an increasingly unstable world falls ultimately on the next generation. Those present at Mass -- teachers, administrators, staff, coaches, counselors, parents, sponsors and students themselves – were united in their support of Catholic Education. Our children will be inheriting a world not particularly well-managed. They must be prepared. Prepared academically, spiritually and socially. Being there at Mass was one of those moments for everyone to pull together behind Bishop Michael R. Cote to bring new energy and resolve to the diocesan school effort.

Bishop Cote has been a champion of our schools through all the economic pressures in recent years. It was

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

23

Four County Catholic September 2014

appropriate for this Mass to be dedicated to the Bishop this year with the acknowledgement and gratitude of the Mass Committee, chaired by Mary Ann Enright, Sacred Heart, Norwichtown.

Bishop Cote, the Principal Celebrant, spoke in his welcoming comments of the teacher’s obligation to teach respect, love and trust in the Risen Lord -- “May all students,” noted Bishop Cote, “find the image of Christ the teacher in their teachers.”

Father Brian Romanowski, in his homily, recalled the public service announcements he remembered as a child watching TV. He made a connection to how as a community of faith, we must watch out for each other. How we and teachers in particular each have the responsibility and accountability to teach truth and respect.

Teachers are, he described, “God’s watchers.” Teachers must impart respect in their students – respect for ourselves, for the dignity and well-being of others and respect for life itself from the unborn to the very old. And these love-centered teachings must be passed onto the next generation.

Reinforcing these principles, Bishop Cote in the commissioning prayer spoke of “… rededicating ourselves to our mission as parents, teachers, administrators, and support staff in education confirming and strengthening each other’s efforts in our common commitment and shared ministry.”

It is the shared goals and united effort that embody the essence of the Mass for Those Dedicated to Education.

I noticed in the Mass program, an announcement of the upcoming Seton Scholarship Dinner at the Mystic Marriot, October 26. This has become a wonderful occasion of celebration and support for our diocesan schools. You may wish to check your calendar and call 860-886-1928 for reservations to join Bishop Cote that evening and be a part of the answer to securing quality education and a faith-centered learning experience for our children.

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Four County Catholic September 2014

The Twenty-Something Decorator: Creating Beauty at Home When my cousin Emily moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborBy Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

hood this June, it marked her 10th home in five years, a residential whiplash involving sweat, tears and 11 roommates.

But it was also a notable first: Emily’s first time living alone. Six hundred square feet, all hers.

Where to begin, what to do

with that exclusive space? The prospect was overwhelming, so Emily mapped out the apartment, breaking it down foot by foot, complete with 3’1” windows and markers for the kitchen sink.

At 23, Emily is one year out of college, working in marketing and development at a Catholic primary school. Her future, like her apartment, remains a work in progress.

She gave me a Skype tour Monday night, wearing a white tank top, a messy bun and a broad

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

smile. She was sunburned and hot, perched between a box fan and her MacBook, planning to lug the patio table she had inherited from the previous owners into the kitchen later that night.

Settling in has been a slow process, she said.

“I think I might still be searching for that feeling of being home.”

I spotted familiar elements amid the cherry hardwood floor: the big blue reading chair Emily purchased with babysitting money back in sixth-grade, the Ikea curtains splattered with pink rosebuds, the quilted headboard she scored through a One Kings Lane mega-sale. But most of all, Emily’s new apartment is becoming familiar through the estrogenlaced act of decorating by tip toe – breathlessly, experimentally, Pinterest-ly, the kind that is done

with a tilted head and a searching soul. Is this who I am? Who I want to be?

Among the young women I know – both the renters and the mortgage-bound – decorating is not just an exercise in aesthetics but in awareness and gratitude, an attempt to create a little beauty in the place where you hang your key, lay your head and stack your dishes. It’s not just an HGTV habit but a worldview.

“I think it has to do with Catholic social teaching,” Emily said, “that we believe there’s value and dignity in everything, there’s beauty everywhere. Taking a second to appreciate that goes a long way in valuing your own daily life

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and appreciating what you have.”

For Emily that means arranging souvenirs that make a small space feel as vast as her passport: masks from Venice, a starfish from China, a five-inch Eiffel Tower and a wooden necklace from Brazil.

They’re piled on her dresserturned-hutch right now, awaiting proper display.

It means buying herself flowers just because.

It means posting the occasional Instagram picture, like the bustling street scene she recently snapped while walking home from work, a way to pause and soak in the moment.

I have far to go in my spiritual journey, but my ability to recognize the beauty around me feels like a sacred one. I can’t help but marvel over the nearby Aspens, fluttering in the late-summer sun.

They look just like the impressionistic leaves painted by the late children’s-book illustrator Gyo Fujikawa, sage and lime-green circles filling the page, spiraling toward the heavens.

“You were born to make art,” writes Emily Freeman in her latest book, “A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live.” “You were also made to live art.”

Indeed, we were fashioned in the image and likeness of the Creator, and so we are called to create – with our sunburns and our oneyear leases, with the borrowed and the broken, the reupholstered, the rearranged and the reimagined, with our feet planted in the here and now and our eyes looking up.

Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and editor of SisterStory.org, the official website of National Catholic Sisters Week.

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Strategic Plan for Mission Driven Education The Saint Bernard School community looks forward to the 2014-2015 academic year with

By Susan Griffin Director of Admissions/Marketing/Communications

new leadership, additions to curriculum, and embarking on implementation of a five year strategic plan.

On July 1, Mr. D o n a l d Macrino began his tenure as the new headmaster of Saint Bernard School.

As a vete r a n teacher-administrator, Mr. Macrino earned a Master’s Degree in Education and a certification in Administration from Sacred Heart University. He began his career in New London and then moved on to Waterford where he served as principal of the high school for 17 years and was named the Connecticut Principal of the Year in 2008; Mr. Macrino recently held interim principal positions in both Norwich and North Stonington. In a letter to the community, Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D. stated, “Mr. Macrino’s extensive experience in curriculum development on both the middle school and high school levels and his strong background in teacher supervision and evaluation as well as facilities planning will serve St. Bernard’s well as it launches a new strategic plan and seeks the support of the wider St. Bernard School community to advance its strategic initiatives.”

Having just completed the 10 year accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the faculty, staff and administration of Saint Bernard are eager to begin implementing the action steps of the five year strategic plan that will be presented to the Board of Trustees in September. With the

assistance from the Xaverian School Office and input from the entire school community of students, parents, faculty, staff and trustees, Saint Bernard compiled a thorough analysis of the school, which helped give direction to the new strategic plan. The plan encompasses the areas of Curricular and Cocurricular Prog r a m s , Catholic and Xaverian Identity, Fa c u l t y a n d Staff S u p port, Ad m i s sions and Enrollment, Finance, and Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Over the summer months, Mr. Macrino has led the administration in finalizing the documents that have grown from the school’s mission statement. Saint Bernard School will continue to provide a faith based co-educational college preparatory education for grades 6 through 12. The mission will remain focused over the next five years, and it will continue to drive decision making. Through a seven year program, Saint Bernard education provides students with access to technology and educational methods that prepare them for high academic achievement at the college level, and will continue to promote the qualities that have established the school as South-

eastern Connecticut’s premier secondary academic institution.

Excellence at Saint Bernard continues far beyond academics and honor classes. Achievement beyond the traditional classroom includes rich programming in athletics, arts, music, and extracurricular clubs and activities.

Saint Bernard School offers 23 varsity sports, competes in the ECC and is a member of the CIAC; in 2013-2014 the athletic program earned 8 ECC Small Championship titles in girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls fencing, cheerleading, and boys and girls tennis.

Music Department Director, Caitlyn Meyer, will offer students the opportunity to test for the Associative Board of the Royal School of Music. ABRSM is the

world’s leading provider of music exams and assessments. Ms. Meyer is a certified instructor for ABRSM and has a 100 percent pass rate for her students who have trained and tested under her instruction. New to the music program, the band and choir students will be traveling to and performing in Disney World during the February winter vacation as a part of Disney’s Youth Performing Arts Program. For students involved in the Visual Arts, Saint Bernard provides a rich curriculum in drawing, painting, photography and pottery. From the introductory level to the Honors AP and UCONN college credit, courses are offered for those who enjoy art and for those hoping to pursue art in college. Students can also qualify to become mem-

bers of the National Art Honor Society and are encouraged to participate in local, state and national contests. Saint Bernard students have earned recognition in the CT Regional Competition of Scholastic Art Awards and the Mystic Art Competition and Show.

Saint Bernard School is committed to working with students and families and offers flexible tuition payment options, as well as tuition assistance opportunities.

On average, 40 percent of students receive merit scholarships or financial aid awards. Students and families interested in more information about a Saint Bernard education can contact the Admissions Office at 860848-1271 or visit our website at www.beasaint.us.

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26

Four County Catholic September 2014

High-Scoring Schools The 2014 assessment of academic progress as measured by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills concluded From the FCC News Desk

5th Annual

SETON SCHOLARSHIP DINNER Honoring the recipients of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich:

MS. MARIANNE COTE REVEREND GREGORY GALVIN DR. JEREMIAH LOWNEY MRS. VIRGINIA LOWNEY

in mid-May of this past school year and the results have been shared with students and parents in all twelve of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Norwich. Students in all grades and schools continue to perform well with our 8th grade students, the capstone of our PreK8 program, scoring as follows (using GE = grade equivalent of average standard scores against the national data, for all 231 grade 8 students in our 12 primary schools): Reading – 10.7 GE Written Expression – 12.9 GE Conventions of Writing – 12.5 GE Vocabulary – 10.9 GE

Total ELA for grade 8 – 12.0 GE Math – 9.4 GE Computation – 9.6 GE Total Math – 9.5 GE Social Studies – 11.5 GE Science – 11.0 GE Generally, all other grade level scores are at one to two GEs above the grade the students are in, with the usual variations in grade, between grade, in school and between schools.

School principals have the information for each school and each student and teachers have or will have the information for their in-

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coming students, as students move up. Parent questions should be directed to the principal and teacher at each school.

As noted in the data, math results are good, but not as strong as other areas. For the last two years our focus has been to improve student performance in mathematics and it will receive additional attention in the 2014-15 school year.

In the full context of the Catholic education experience, our students learn the principles of the faith as well. They will, in time, take an active part in shaping the important issues of life, whether intellectual, social, political, literary, philosophical, or religious. Their preparation will be advanced both in academic excellence and spiritual readiness.

Today, the Church in the U.S. teaches 3 million students a day in its more than 250 colleges and universities, in its more than 1,200 high schools, and its more than 5,000 elementary school.

Catholic-school students do better than their public-school counterparts in reading, writing, verbal skills, and mathematics. The dropout rates are lower than those in public schools. This success is due in large measure to the cooperation among educators, administrators, and families of students.

The determined and generous parents, educators and parishioners across the Diocese who continue to enthusiastically support our schools, can be very proud of the return on investment in the form of well-educated students and future faithful and conscientious citizens.

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Did You Know?

September 11 Patriot Day and a day to remember the people who died when terrorists attacked our country. Pray for peace.

September 14 A special day to remember the cross. Wear a cross.

Think about how Jesus died on a cross to pay for your sins, so you could live in heaven.

September 21 The feast day of St Matthew. The gospel readings for most of the past few months have been from the gospel of Matthew. He was a tax collector before Jesus asked him to be one of his followers.

by Karen H Whiting

September 22 Family day and ice cream cone day. Have a great time eating ice cream cones with your family.

September 25 Math story telling day. Can you share stories with lots of numbers or math in them? Can you think of special numbers in the Bible (like the two greatest commandments)?

Puzzle: A Famous Bible Verse

Talking to God

On September 14, the gospel includes one of the most memorized verses in the Bible.

It’s in the Gospel of John and reminds us of God’s promise of life in heaven.

Code

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

A

Eternal

God

Everyone

Loved

May

For

Him

B

Perish

Have

This

Is

How

Believes

In

C

World

Life

Son

The

May

His

Not

D

He

Only

Gave

So

Who

That

But

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ _____; A6 B3 B4 B5 A2 A4 C4 C1 ______ ______ ______ ______ _____, D1 D3 C6 D2 C3 ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ D4 D6 A3 D5 B6 B7 A7 ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ _____.

C5 C7 B1 D7 A5 B2 A1 C2 Look up John 3:16 to check you answer.

Prayer is simply talking to God. On Sunday, September 7th, in the gospel reading Jesus talked about prayer. He said that if two or three people come together He is with them. He also said that if people prayed and agreed that God would answer them. Jesus wants us to pray.

How do you start? Well, when you call a friend you generally say hello.

When you call on God, start with greeting him. You can use words like Father, Lord, or My Creator.

God wants you to talk to him about anything on your mind. Talk about your day. Thank him for all he has given you, like food, a home, friends, and your family. He also wants to hear about your problems and to have you tell him you are sorry if you did something wrong or hurt someone’s feelings. Try different ways and times to pray: • Singing is a way to pray and praise God. • Keep a prayer journal and write notes to God. Write in how God answers your prayers.

• Use the word A-C-T-S as a reminder of what to say. A is for adore (praise). C is for confess (to say you are sorry). T is for thanks. S is for supplication and that means to ask.

• Read the Bible as those words come from God That’s one way he talks to you. Repeat verses you like. Say them as prayers.

• Pray at meals to thank God for the food and your day.

• Pray before you leave home to ask God to bless you and keep you safe.

• Pray before you go to bed and ask God to give you a peaceful sleep.

• You can say the Our Father or other prayers you have learned. Jesus taught the Our Father. It reminds you how to pray: • Greeting God (Our Father who is in heaven) • Praise God (Hallowed, or holy, be thy name) • Show you believe God knows best (Thy kingdom come and thy will be done . . .)

• Ask for God to help you and other people (give us this day our daily bread) • Ask God to forgive you (forgive us…)

• Ask God to help you forgive others (as we forgive…)

• Ask God to guide you (and lead us not into temptation)

28

Four County Catholic September 2014

Catholics Try to Build First New Catholic Church in Cuba Since Fidel Castro Reign, $250K Still Needed Cuban residents are hoping to build the country’s first new Catholic Church since the comBy Scharon Harding The Latin Post

munist island’s 1959 revolution.

Fausto Veloz, the project’s head engineer, plans to build the church in Santiago de Cuba out of scrap metal bars salvaged from a stage built for Pope Benedict XVI’s 2012 visited to the city, BBC News reports.

“Re-using the metal means keeping alive the memory of something good for us Catholics,” he said. “It gives it new life, so it can serve future generations.”

A few things are still needed before the church can be built, however.

For one, the team needs one more permit to have the five permits required.

In addition, the church builders need to find more support from Catholics in the formerly atheist, now secular state. Although religious freedom is more tolerated in Cuba today, as things like secret baptisms have gone away, Catholics have only managed to renovate old churches, and the building of new ones were never sanctioned since Fidel Castro took over.

The church also needs more funding. Currently, the project is mostly backed by the St. Lawrence parish in Tampa, Florida,Fox News Latino reports, but officials still need $250,000 to fund the church.

The need for a new church is perhaps stronger now than ever as Hurricane Sandy destroyed seven churches and damaged another 28.

One of the churches destroyed was Santiago’s San Pedrito, which was

93-years-old.

Marta Perez, a parishioner of the church, managed to save some of the church’s items such as candle sticks and nativity scene statues.

“The rest were carried off by

thieves,” she said. “We really need our church back.”

Church officials have hope that despite obstacles, a new Catholic church will rise in Cuba.

“I think this doesn’t only show

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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Ice bucket challenge brings attention to pro-life research center Cincinatti, Ohio (CNS) -Showing his support for those suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Cincinnati Archdiocese took part in the ice bucket challenge Aug. 21.

Superintendent Jim Rigg was joined by Tom Otten, principal of Elder Catholic High School, on the school’s campus. The challenge has taken the nation by storm to raise money in support of research into the disease, which is formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which

there is no cure and no proven treatments.

In the challenge, people are asked to share videos through social media that show them dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads -- or having someone else do the dumping. They also have to name others to do the same in the next 24 hours or donate $100 to the ALS Association.

But questions raised about research supported by the ALS Association have left some Catholics concerned about participating in the effort.

The association, which has re-

ceived the most donations related to the ice bucket challenge, supports research associated with the use of embryonic stem cells, which the Catholic Church opposes. So many Catholic participants in the challenge, in Cincinnati and elsewhere, have chosen to send their donations to the John Paul II Medical Research Institute, based in Iowa City, Iowa.

The institute focuses on “the most ethical and cost-effective way of conducting medical research to help develop therapies and cures for a variety of diseases.�

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Four County Catholic September 2014

Catholic Network Sets Up California Base: EWTN Looks to Branch Out With Newsroom on Campus of Former Crystal Cathedral

The Roman Catholic Church bought the Crystal Cathedral out of bankruptcy in 2011 and is currently transforming the iconic campus into a cathedral.

Kendrick Brinson for The Wall Street Journal

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By Tamara Audi Wall Street Journal

glass sanctuary where, for more than three decades before his church went bankrupt, the televangelist Rev. Robert H. Schuller won a global following for his sermons and lavish productions.

Now, a Catholic television network is resurrecting the site’s broadcast tradition as the church is transformed from a pioneering Protestant ministry into a Roman Catholic cathedral.

Alabama-based EWTN Global Catholic Network, which broad-

casts in more than 140 countries, is building a newsroom on the campus of the former Crystal Cathedral—now called Christ Cathedral.

The move underscores the growth of Catholicism in the western U.S., as well as the efforts of the church to make the re-christened structure a center of Catholic culture on the West Coast.

“The church is alive and growing in Southern California, and the diversity there is important to us,” said EWTN Chief Executive Michael Warsaw, adding that the location will help create programming for its Spanish-language stations.

There are more than 75 million Catholics in the U.S., constituting 24% of the population, according to a 2010 study from the Pew Research Center. In Orange County, a sprawling territory southeast of Los Angeles that is home to Disneyland, Catholicism is gaining ground. The number of Catholics in the county surged to 1.3 million in 2014 from 595,101 in 1996, according to the Official Catholic Directory.

Straining for space and in need of a central location, the Diocese of Orange purchased the former Crystal Cathedral out of bankruptcy for $58 million in 2011 and took over the campus last year. The “Hour of Power,” the broadcast Rev. Schuller started in 1970, is now hosted by his grandson, who broadcasts from a smaller church a mile away.

The diocese plans to spend about $53 million or more to renovate the 34-acre campus, which features seven buildings. One, by Richard Meier, who designed the Getty Center museum in Los Angeles, appeared as Starfleet Command in the 2013 film “Star Trek: Into Darkness.”

On Sundays, the campus holds 10 masses in languages including English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

It hosts movie nights and live concerts on its vast lawn; recently, Chef Pascal Olhats hosted a pop-up restaurant. “It’s beginning to grow into a live community of faith,” said Bishop of Orange Kevin Vann, who will likely appear on EWTN programs, which will include broadcasts of special events and Masses at the cathedral. “It’s a point of unity.”

Visitors pressed their faces against glass windows of the main sanctuary, closed for renovations.

The 78,379-square-foot space is mostly gutted. Pews will replace theater-style seating, air conditioning will be installed and a Catholic altar built.

In remaking the campus, officials have sometimes walked a fine line between preservation and progress.

Former Crystal Cathedral members were upset to learn that the diocese plans to remove nearly all of the 1,800 inscribed walkway stones that were purchased to memorialize loved ones. The stones will be moved to a new garden space or returned to owners who request them, according to Ryan Lilyengren, a spokesman for the diocese.

EWTN had considered other western locations for its broadcast facility, but Rev. Schuller’s legacy— a church with dramatic indoor and outdoor spaces—”absolutely helped make this the right fit for us,” EWTN’s Mr. Warsaw said. It helped, too, that Rev. Schuller gave his blessing for such a collaboration when they met last year at a Catholic conference.

Rev. Schuller’s daughter, Carol Schuller Milner, said her father supports the Catholics’ efforts. “He felt the Catholic Church would take good care of the grounds,” she said. “He wanted it to be full of life and hope again.”

Diocese officials say Rev. Schuller still has keys to an office and library on campus and will have access for the rest of his life.

31

Four County Catholic September 2014

Catholics: Military Action May Be Justified in Iraq “Never war! Never war!”

Those were the words of Pope Francis less than a month ago,

By Peter Smith Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

marking the centennial of the outbreak of the cataclysmic First World War. “I think most of all about children, whose hopes for a dignified life, a future, are dashed.”

But sometimes, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, thinking about the children and other innocent victims means thinking about the use of warfare to protect them.

And a top Vatican diplomat and other church officials say that could be the case now in northern Iraq, with Christians and other religious minorities facing exile or extermination by the extremist Sunni militant group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

In a rare departure from the Vatican’s fierce criticism of the U.S. military invasions of Iraq in 1991 and 2003 and its aborted threat of action in Syria last year, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Vatican envoy to the United Nations, said last weekend that the U.S. airstrikes that have slowed the ISIS advance may be necessary.

He cited the recently developed United Nations doctrine of the “responsibility to protect,” in which international forces can override local sovereignty to prevent mass slaughter.

Archbishop Tomasi told Vatican Radio that Iraq is a case that can justify not only economic sanctions but “all the force that is necessary to stop this evil and this tragedy.”

He said the international community may come to regret inaction in Iraq as much as it laments its paralysis during the Rwanda genocide of 1994.

His words shouldn’t be a surprise, said Anna Floerke Scheid, professor of theology at Duquesne University and a specialist in Catholic social ethics. Ancient Catholic doctrine authorizes a “just war” as a last resort.

“To suggest that military action might be a possible ethical response to the murder of civilians in a war situation or in any kind of conflict is very much in keeping with the just-war tradition,” she said. “It’s

not really a switch.”

Pope Francis, who vociferously opposed the U.S. preparations to attack Syria in response to its chemical attacks on regime opponents in 2013, himself has not directly called for the use of force in Iraq now. But he wrote to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, calling for international action on behalf of minorities “forced to flee from their homes and witness the destruction of their places of worship and religious patrimony.” He cited the “the tears, the suffering and the heartfelt cries of despair of Christians and other religious minorities of the beloved land of Iraq.”

Similarly, Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, sent a letter to President Barack Obama calling on the nation to “do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities.”

His spokeswoman, Melissa

Pope Francis is welcomed on the tarmac following his arrival at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, South Korea. The pontiff arrived looking to fuel a new era of Catholic growth in Asia — a mission fraught with complex political challenges but huge potential rewards.

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Four County Catholic September 2014

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