Four County Catholic January 2016

God's Mercy Transforms Hearts.

Volume 28 Number 1

January 2016

National Catholic Schools Week

January 31 ~ February 6, 2016

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

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Four County Catholic January 2016

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The gift of mercy is a light that radiates hope at the start of the new year.

Four County

- Pope Francis addressing an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Eve.

atholic

We need to think about 22 the time God has given us, and we need to use it well.

- Leah Darrow, popular Catholic speaker and originator of the Heroic Minute Challenge -- as quoted by Christina Capecchi, FCC contributor.

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

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8 I am so happy to serve God. - Deacon Juan Aguirre on the occasion of his Ordination to the Deaconate at the Cathedral of Sr. Patrick.

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Catholic school students gain an appreciation for how they can serve others their entire life.

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Thank you, Saint John Paul II Regional School, Middletown, for providing the cover photo of an industrious student exemplifying Catholic education in our Diocese.

Volum e 28 Nu mber 1

God's M Transfor ercy ms Hear ts.

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e in par t thr oug

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Four County Catholic January 2016

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D.

Bishop of Norwich

Our Catholic Schools: An Advantage for Life My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: We find ourselves barely a step or two across the threshold of a new year. As we step forward, we do so cautiously, aware that the world is in so much turmoil. Although cautious, we are encouraged by Pope Francis who has tirelessly hand-carried his message of hope and peace to us and to so many around the world. His designation of a Holy Year of Mercy is a bright light of hope in the troubled climate we face as a world community at the moment. As the Holy Father reminds us, “The mercy of God is able to transform hearts.” It is the transformation of hearts that will begin to reverse the global scourge of hateful violence. We pray that the Year of Mercy will lead the worldwide human family in the direction of tolerance, love and respect for one another and for our common home.

As we continue to celebrate the remaining days of the Christmas cycle, we find comfort and strength in focusing on the birth and childhood of Jesus. It follows that this is a perfect time to be thinking of the young, and how vitally important spiritual guidance, education and characterbuilding is for them. The future of our freedom to live, and share our faith, ultimately will rest with our children. Thankfully, we have an excellent Catholic school system in place within the Diocese to ensure that our children have the opportunity to grow spiritually, excel academically and develop into responsible citizens.

May I again take the opportunity to thank all who participated in the Faith for the Future campaign for Catholic elementary schools.

Every contribution and investment of time you have made is making a significant difference to help preserve a vitally important

learning environment for our children.

Recently, I read an article in The Day of New London about St. Joseph School in New London. It focused primarily on the financial and enrollment challenges of today’s Catholic schools.

Overall, it gave St. Joseph School deservingly high grades for quality of education, dedication of principal, faculty and staff and high student morale. I took the time to read the online comments, not something I ordinarily do. One of the commenters, familiar with the school, wrote about how important it is to visit the school to experience what it is like – right from the family-like opening assembly. She went on to comment on the collaborative atmosphere and a number of other positives. The one that stuck most in my mind was her observation that “the kids were polite and enthusiastic”. Knowing that

the children are learning, deepening their faith and are also growing into polite and enthusiastic young people is a joy to behold.

It makes me think of one of Pope Francis’ core messages that “a healthy Christian is a joyful Christian.” That starts at a young age.

We look forward to National Catholic Schools Week later this month, January 31 – February 6, 2016, the annual nationwide celebration of Catholic education.

The theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” You will be hearing through your parish bulletins and the diocesan website of local school events focusing that week on the value of Catholic education to young people, the Church, our communities and our Nation.

Our Catholic schools have a long-standing tradition of diversity and inclusion – welcoming

children of all faiths and economic circumstances, including the poor and the immigrant. It is the strong sense of a nurturing community that has always been the hallmark of the Catholic school model.

One of the key events taking place at many of the schools during Catholic Schools Week will be open houses. Be sure to stop by one of our schools, all listed on the diocesan website, to see, first-hand, their learning and nurturing environment.

We are blessed with so many dedicated educators and supporters of Catholic education. We pray for our exceptional schools.

May God, who hears our every prayer, bless you as we embark together on a new year and meet the challenges before us.

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

Nuestras Escuelas Católicas: Una Ventaja Para la Vida Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas: Nos encontramos apenas a uno o dos pasos en el umbral de un nuevo año. Mientras damos un paso hacia adelante, lo hacemos con cautela, conscientes de que el mundo está en tanto caos. Aunque cautelosos, nos sentimos alentados por el Papa Francisco que incansablemente ha llevado a mano su mensaje de esperanza y paz para nosotros y para tantas personas alrededor del mundo. Su designación de un Año Santo de la Misericordia es una luz brillante de esperanza a los problemas climáticos que enfrentamos en este momento como comunidad mundial.

A medida que el santo Padre nos recuerda: “La misericordia de Dios

es capaz de transformar los corazones.” Se trata de la transformación de los corazones que comenzará a revertir el flagelo mundial de la violencia de odio.

Oramos para que en todo el mundo el Año de la Misericordia conduzca a la familia humana en la dirección de la tolerancia, el amor y el respeto por el otro y por nuestro hogar común.

A medida que continuamos festejando los días restantes del ciclo de Navidad encontramos consuelo y fortaleza al centrarnos en el nacimiento y la infancia de Jesús.

Se deduce que este es un momento perfecto para pensar en los jóvenes, y de cómo para ellos es de vital importancia la orientación espiritual,

la educación y la formación del carácter. El futuro de nuestra libertad de vivir y de compartir nuestra fe, en última instancia, corresponderá a nuestros hijos.

Afortunadamente, para asegurar que nuestros hijos tengan la oportunidad de crecer espiritualmente, sobresalgan académicamente y se conviertan en ciudadanos responsables tenemos un excelente sistema escolar católico dentro de la Diócesis. Quisiera nuevamente tomar la oportunidad para agradecer a todos quienes participaron en la campaña para las escuelas católicas primarias “Fe para el Futuro”.

Cada contribución e inversión de tiempo que ha hecho está haciendo una diferencia significativa

para ayudar a preservar un entorno de aprendizaje de vital importancia para nuestros hijos.

Recientemente, leí un artículo en The Day de New London sobre la escuela Saint Joseph en New London. Se centró principalmente en los retos financieros y de matrícula de las escuelas católicas de hoy. En general, le dio a la escuela Saint Joseph merecidamente altos grados de calidad por la educación, la dedicación de la directora, la facultad, el personal y la moral alta de los estudiantes. Me tome el tiempo para leer los comentarios en línea, no es algo que normalmente hago.

Me alegró haberlo hecho. Una de las comentaristas, familiarizada con la escuela escribió acerca de lo

importante que es visitar la escuela para experimentar lo que es-desde la familia-como la apertura de reuniones. Ella llego a comentar sobre el ambiente de colaboración y una serie de otros aspectos positivos. Lo que quedo más grabado en mi mente fue su observación de que “los niños eran educados y entusiastas”. Es una alegría el saber que los niños están aprendiendo, profundizando su fe y también están creciendo como jóvenes educados y entusiastas. Me hace pensar en uno de los mensajes centrales del Papa Francisco que “un cristiano saludable es un cristiano alegre.” Eso comienza a una UNuestras escuelas católicas

Continued on page 4

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Nuestras escuelas católicas

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 Luis Henry Agudelo, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Willimantic, and Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Parish, Windham, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, New London, Saint Joseph Parish, New London and Our Lady of Grace, Fishers Island.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Tomasz Albrecht, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, Norwich, and Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Norwich, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Norwich, Saint Joseph Parish, Norwich, and Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Norwich. Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Anthony J. DiMarco, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Parish, New London and Our Lady of Grace, Fishers Island, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, New London, Saint Joseph Parish, New London and Our Lady of Grace, Fishers Island.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Christopher Feeney, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish, Pawcatuck, Saint Mary Parish, Stonington, and Saint Thomas More Parish, North Stonington, to Leave of Absence for personal reasons.

Effective: December 1, 2015.

Reverend Msgr. Leszek T. Janik, from Vicar General and Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Norwich, and Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Norwich, to Vicar General and Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Gerald Kirby, Pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Norwich, to Pastor, Saint Patrick Parish, East Hampton.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Brian Maxwell, from Administrator, Saint Patrick Parish, East Hampton, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish, Pawcatuck, Saint Mary Parish, Stonington, and Saint Thomas More Parish, North Stonington.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

edad temprana.

Esperamos a finales de este mes, desde el 31 de enero hasta el 6 de febrero del 2016, la Semana Nacional de las Escuelas Católicas, celebración nacional anual de la educación católica. El tema de este año es “Escuelas Católicas: Comunidades de Fe, Conocimiento y Servicio”. Usted va a enterarse sobre los eventos escolares locales centrados esa semana en el valor de la educación católica, los jóvenes, la Iglesia, nuestras comunidades y nuestra nación a través de sus boletines parroquiales y de la página web diocesana. Nuestras escuelas católicas tienen una larga tradición de diversidad e inclusión-acoge a los niños de todas las creencias y de las circunstancias económicas, incluyendo a los pobres y a los inmigrantes. Es el fuerte sentido de una comunidad de crianza que siempre ha sido el sello distintivo del modelo de la escuela católica.

Durante la Semana de las Escuelas Católicas uno de los eventos clave que tienen lugar en muchas de las escuelas serán las jornadas de puertas abiertas. Asegúrese de pasar por una de nuestras escuelas, para ver, de primera mano, su aprendizaje y el medio ambiente enriquecedor. Todas figuran en el sitio web de la diócesis.

Hemos sido bendecidos con tantos educadores dedicados y con defensores de la educación católica. Oramos por nuestras excepcionales escuelas. Que Dios, que oye todas nuestras oraciones, les bendiga mientras nos embarcamos juntos en un nuevo año y afrontamos los retos que tenemos ante nosotros.

Estamos agradecidos.

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

Reverend Mark O’Donnell, from Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, New London and Our Lady of Grace, Fishers Island, to Pastor, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, New London, Saint Joseph Parish, New London and Our Lady of Grace, Fishers Island.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Mr. Juan Angel Aguirre Palacio, newly Ordained Transitional Deacon, to Saint Joseph Parish, Willimantic, and Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Parish, Windham. Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Brian Romanowski, from Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Norwichtown and Judge for Diocesan Tribunal Office, to Bishop’s Delegate for Safe Environments and Judge for Diocesan Tribunal Office.

Effective: January 21, 2016.

Reverend Robert Washabaugh, from Pastor, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, New London, to Pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Norwich, Saint Joseph Parish, Norwich, and Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Norwich. Effective: January 21, 2016.

Cont. from page 3

For the Answer go to Page 11.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Director of Priestly Vocations

Father Gregory Galvin Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Like many of you, I am amazed at how fast the years seem to be going by. We have so much to be thankful for in the Vocation Office as we continue the celebration of the Incarnation of our Lord. Before we know it though, it will be Ash Wednesday, Lent will be under way, Easter will have happened and we will be preparing for our first Ordination Class of four men since the year 2003! Wow, a thirteen year wait. God willing we will continue to grow the number of priestly vocations for the Diocese for years to come.

Before getting too far ahead of ourselves, though, we must look back with great appreciation and great joy at this past December 19, 2015 when we received an early Christmas blessing for the Diocese.

On that morning at a beautiful Mass of Ordination in St. Patrick

Cathedral in Norwich, Deacon Juan Angel Aguirre Palacio was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Cote for service here in the Diocese of Norwich. At a very busy time of the Advent season and final preparations for Christmas going on everywhere, about two hundred people gathered for this special occasion. Deacon Juan’s mother, Marley Palacio, and two nephews, all who live in the Boston area were able to attend along with a close friend of Deacon Juan’s from Venezuela.

Mrs. Palacio beamed with pride and joy as she witnessed her son be officially called forward to make his promises before the Bishop. As her son Juan lay prostrate on the floor during the singing and praying of the litany of saints, his youngest nephew whispered in Spanish, “uncle, uncle” to see if he was all right because he was face down on

the floor. It was a precious moment as his nephew learned about the rite of ordination.

Bishop Cote prayed much of the ordination rite in Spanish to Juan, and many of the parts of the Mass were sung in both Spanish and English making it a beautiful bilingual experience for all.

You will want to read Shelley Wolfe’s first-hand account of this very special occasion and see photographs in this same issue.

Deacon Juan will finish his academic work by taking his comprehensive exams in Baltimore at St. Mary Seminary later this coming January. He will then return and serve at St. Joseph Church and Sagrado de Corazon de Jesus Church in Windham for the next

six months.

Exciting for us as we now begin to anticipate the calling of four men to priestly ordination for the diocese later in June this coming year, is the fact that we have the possibility of having another two, possibly three men who by this summer will be accepted into sponsorship to begin their formal preparation for studies to the priesthood with the Diocese.

Again, this is the fruit of your prayers for vocations.

Please continue to keep praying for an increase of priestly vocations in the diocese, and if you know someone who you think has priestly qualities already, someone who strikes you as a possible candidate, please say something to

them or to your pastor. Also, pray for that person to become more aware that God might be calling them to serve Him and His Church. Someday that man might be the instrument that allows Christ to touch your life directly!

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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

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for January January 28, 2016 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Saint Catherine of Siena, Preston

General Intention: That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace.

Missionary Intention: That in this year dedicated to consecrated life, religious men and women may rediscover the joy of following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal.

February 25, 2016 • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm All Hallows, Moosup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Prayer, Praise & Worship Every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm.

For more information please contact Spiritual Renewal at 860-887-0702.

Wednesday, January 20 Panel Discussion on the Prevalence and Effects of Substance Abuse & Dependency You are invited to a panel discussion

on the prevalence and effects of substance abuse & medication dependency in our community. From 7-8:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 1650 Rte 12, Gales Ferry. There is no fee but please register. For more information, including scheduled panelist, please call Randy at 860-464-7251 or email secretary@ololgf.org. (Snow date Jan. 27th)

NOTICE: The diocesan Office of Faith Events & Youth Ministry has cancelled this year’s diocesan youth bus trip to attend the March for Life in Washington D.C., January 21-22. Expectations are that the normally well-attended trip will resume next year.

Thursday, January 21 2016 March For Life Buses At 9pm. buses sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of Connecticut Right to Life will leave from the Norwich Municipal Parking Lot (Exit 11, formally Exit 80, I-395) and travel to D.C. to attend the March For Life on January 22, 2016. Bus fare is $65 per person.

(Reduced rate available for students) For further information or to reserve or to sponsor a seat, please call Margaret Becotte at 860-8221362.

Saturday, January 23 Unbound Prayer Ministry By appointment ONLY – please call 860-887-0702. Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich.

Sunday, January 31 19th Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Consecrated Life On Sunday, January 31, 2016, the 19th Annual Mass of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Consecrated Life will be celebrated at 10:30am, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. All are invited to join Bishop Cote in thanking God for the gift of Consecrated Life and for the sisters, brothers, and religious priests who enrich the Church and build up

God’s Kingdom with the witness of their religious commitment. The theme is Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, with their testimony of faith, holiness, and hope. The homilist will be Father Jack Rathschmidt, O.F.M. Cap. of Saint Conrad Friary, White Plains, New York.

Wednesday, February 3

Television Mass At 10:00am Channel 20 WTXX, Charter Channel 11 WCCT, Comcast.

January 31- February 6 National Catholic Schools Week Catholic Schools Week honors the education provided by Catholic schools with Masses, open houses, and numerous activities. The week is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

19th Annual

Mass of Consecrated Life “The beauty of the consecrated life is joy. It is the joy of freshness, the joy of following Jesus, the joy anointed by the Holy Spirit.” ~ Pope Francis Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 10:30 am Cathedral of Saint Patrick • 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT

Saturday, February 6 Annual Prayer Group Leaders Meeting 9-3pm at Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath Street, Norwich.

For more information please call 860-887-0702.

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

Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 22-23 Parish Lenten Mission: Rediscover: Mission, Mercy and the Meaning of Life St. John Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell. 7:00-8:30pm each evening. Admission is free and refreshments will follow. Featuring Dr. John R. Wood as the guest speaker. Dr. Wood is a husband, father of 4 children, author and missionary. He is also a mobile eye doctor, traveling to more than 40 nursing homes and developmental disability facilities to provide eye care through his business Mobile Eyes. Dr. Wood wrote the bestselling book “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission: 5 Steps to Winning the War Within.” Come and hear Dr. Wood as he inspires us to embrace the message of the universal call to holiness. Spend some time with this inspirational speaker, take a step into the scriptures, and build a closer relationship with God during the

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Lenten period of prayer and reflection. Dr. Wood will be available to greet the audience after each session.

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

Doors open at 5pm. Corned Beef and Cabbage with all the fixings and complimentary wine, beer and soda will be available, no BYOB please. Entertainment by the singing group “Irish To The Last

Drop� along with Irish Step Dancing and a raffle will round out this fun filled evening. The church is located at 141 Maple Street, Ellington. Tickets are $16.00 per person advanced purchase only. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Jane at the church rectory; 860-875-8552 weekdays between 9- 1pm.

St. John’s University. Join 3000 teens from throughout the area for three days of fellowship, faith, the sacraments, and awesome music.

Open to graduating 8th -12th grade. $75 deposit due by January 15th. Total Cost is $330. Deposit includes: sendoff Mass with Bishop Cote, three T– Shirts, pizza, transportation, and more. Cost for conference is $255 for early bird due in April. For further information email Liza Roach at lroach@norwichdiocese.net or 860-848-2237.

Friday– Sunday, June 24-26 Steubenville NYC 2016

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

R E SERVA TIONS FOR D I O CE SA N T RIP TO :

Steubenville NYC 2016 St. John's University Friday June 24² Sunday June 26, 2016

Annual Prayer Group Leaders Meeting Saturday, January 9, and February 6, 2016 9AM – 3PM Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich CT

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Freedom, Peace, Renewal Saturday January 23, 2016- Spiritual Renewal Center By appointment ONLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please call 860-887-0702

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Monday, January 11th, 2016 at 10:30 AM

Unbound Prayer Ministry

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Prayer and Discernment Board Meeting

Mondays, January 11, and 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM With personal individual prayer Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT

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Prayer, Praise and Worship Every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 PM Spiritual Renewal Center, Norwich, CT

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Dial-A-Prayer (860) 887-7767

P.O. Box 6 â&#x20AC;˘ 11 Bath Street Norwich, CT 06360 â&#x20AC;˘ (860) 887-0702 email: Renewal@catholicweb.com

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Transitional Deacon Ordained in the Year of Mercy Norwich — In a beautiful celebration, the Rite of Ordination to the Deaconate, Juan

By Shelley Wolf FCC Contributor

Aguirre was ordained as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Norwich at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on December 19, bringing him one step closer to the priest-

hood.

If he continues on the path, Aguirre will be ordained to the priesthood in June, along with three other transitional deacons.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, celebrated the special Mass in a mix of Spanish and English to acknowledge Aguirre’s Colombian heritage and to welcome his Span-

ish-speaking family and friends who gathered at the Cathedral.

Angel Correa, Hispanic music director at St. Mary Star of the Sea in New London, joined Douglas Green, director of music at St. Patrick Cathedral, along with cantor, choir, trumpet and violin, in a music program that also deftly blended Spanish and English prayers and hymns.

at Clark University and at the Holy Name of Jesus House of Study, both in Worcester, Massachusetts; at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland; and especially Father Gregory Galvin, diocesan director of priestly vocations.

“It’s no coincidence that Pope Francis wants us to allow God to surprise us,” the Bishop said. “We never know where God will lead us if we remain open to his grace.”

As a transitional deacon, Juan Aguirre will be bringing God’s word to the people by presiding over public prayer, baptizing, blessing marriages, assisting in the celebration of the Eucharist, and leading funeral rites, Bishop Cote explained.

“He is a true disciple of Jesus who has come to serve, not to be served,” the Bishop said. “This summer, God willing, he will become a priest i n

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“It’s a great day for Juan, it’s a great day for his family, and it’s a great day for the Diocese,” Bishop Cote said. He then thanked all those who assisted Aguirre along his spiritual path, including those in his native country of Colombia;

this Year of Mercy.”

The Bishop instructed Juan Aguirre to make God’s mercy apparent in all his dealings with parishioners, and to look for God’s presence in every circumstance of

life. “When it comes to your sacred duties, remember to carry them out with mercy,” the Bishop advised.

“We can only give what we ourselves possess. Carefully attend to your spiritual life,” Bishop Cote said. “Be still and quiet so you can listen to his voice. You will never be alone.”

During the Mass, the ordinand, Juan Aguirre, laid prostrate on the floor while the Bishop, priests, deacons, and the entire congregation prayed the Litany of Supplication, chanting the names of the saints, and asking God to pour out the grace of his blessing.

Following the Litany, Juan Aguirre knelt before Bishop Cote for the Laying on of Hands, in which Bishop Cote put both hands on the ordinand’s head and silently summoned the Holy Spirit.

After the Prayer of Ordination, the newly ordained deacon was invested with the stole and dalmatic.

Deacon Aguirre was then embraced by Bishop Cote and by each of the priests, after which he assisted the Bishop in celebrating the Eucharist.

The choir, accompanied by trumpet and violin, offered a moving version of “Pescador de Hombres” as the Communion meditation.

Following the Mass, Deacon Aguirre’s mother, Marleny Palacio of Boston, said through an interpreter, “I’m very happy and very grateful to God for this gift. I cried a lot.”

Deacon Aguirre was overjoyed and reflected on the meaning of this special day.

“Well, I was waiting for this day many years ago. Every day God was calling me to be a priest,” he said. “I am so happy to serve God.” Deacon Aguirre has completed his seminary studies and is scheduled for ordination to the priesthood in June. Until that time, according to Father Galvin, Aguirre has been assigned by Bishop Cote to serve as a transitional deacon at St. Joseph Church in Willimantic and at Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Church in Windham.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

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City of Norwich and Diocese Reach Agreement Regarding Location of St. Vincent de Paul Place After three years of legal process, the Norwich Commission on the City Plan last month approved a settlement agreement that allows St. Vincent de Paul Place to continue its ministry at its current Cliff Street location.

The Diocese of Norwich is grateful for the agreement that allows St. Vincent de Paul Place to continue its 36-year ministry of serving the local community. The long-standing tradition of helping those in need will endure on the St. Joseph Church campus through the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul Place, community support, and the parish. The decision will allow St. Vincent de Paul Place to continue to provide com-

munity meals, food from the pantry for preparation at home, and wrap-around services that address the complexities of a life of poverty through a ministry of care, compassion, and a spirit of hospitality. We now have the opportunity to work together in Norwich to end homelessness and hunger, to affirm the dignity of all people who are physically, mentally, or spiritually impoverished, while building a better community.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Conversion of Saint Paul On Monday, January 25th the Church celebrates the feast of the Conversion of Saint

By Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, JCD Office of Worship

Saint Mary, Mother Of The Redeemer, Groton Reverend Dariusz K. Dudzik, J.C.L., Pastor Address: 69 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340-4806 Phone: 860-445-1446 E-mail: office@stmarysgroton.org Website: www.stmarysgroton.org Mass Times: Sunday Masses: 7:30am & 11:00am (Saturday 5:30pm) Weekday Mass: Monday, Tuesday & Friday 8:00am Confessions: Saturday 6:30pm Yoked with Sacred Heart Church, Groton

Paul. The story as told in the Acts of the Apostles (9:1-19) is familiar to many. Saul of Tarsus, as he was known, traveled from one city to another to persecute and even kill those who left the traditions of Judaism to follow the teaching of Jesus. Saul was a zealous opponent of these first Christians. Then, while traveling to the city of Damascus, he experienced what we would call a conversion experience. According to the narrative, when Saul was on his way to Damascus intent on his mission of persecution he was in a “murderous rage,” and “breathing threats of slaughter” against the followers of Jesus.

Then, along the road, Saul saw a flash of light, was knocked off his feet, and heard a voice asking why Saul was so intent on persecution of Jesus’ followers. When Paul asked “Who are you?” the answer came “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.”

Saul’s entire world was turned upside down at that moment, when he encountered Jesus. After a few days of disorientation, he realized how wrong he had been about his own attitudes, prejudices, actions and convictions. He turned to Jesus, accepted the gift of faith, was baptized, and went on to become the great preacher of the Good News, and even an apostle.

St. Paul’s epistles to the early Christians, read so often at Mass, are a treasury of faith and courage for the whole Church, even after 2000 years.

Saint Paul’s conversion experience was so profound and so important to the spread of Christianity, that it is memorialized each year in the Church’s liturgical calendar. But what is “conversion”?

Spiritual writers tell us that conversion is an experience of

profound change, a reorientation and a redirection of one’s life brought about by some new insight or understanding. These writers also explain that, unlike the account of Saint Paul’s sudden and compete conversion to the Risen Lord, most of us experience much more subtle, and much more frequent, conversion experiences.

Ideally, every sacramental encounter is a type of conversion experience. For those baptized in infancy, every effort made throughout life to live up to the meaning of baptism into Christ is a conversion experience. For children and teenagers, reception of the Eucharist for the first time or the conferral of Confirmation, calls for a new conversion to Christ appropriate to the recipient’s age. The sacrament of Marriage is certainly a reorientation of life for both hus-

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band and wife, and a time of conversion in and with Christ. Clearly, the sacrament of Penance is a call to contrition and conversion. The sacrament of Orders reorients the life and actions of the priest or the deacon to service God’s people.

Last, the sacrament of Anointing is a call to conversion from concern for our present life toward the life to come.

The call to reorientation and conversion comes to us in many ways throughout our lives. It is not a rare occurrence. God is constantly inviting us to deeper faith and growth in holiness. In fact, conversion to Christ is a gradual, life-long process to which we are dedicated through Baptism. Saint Paul is presented to us on this feast day as a marvel of “instant” conversion, but even after his extraordinary experience of Christ, he continued on the path of conversion and faith for the remainder of his life, as is clear in his epistles.

Sometimes biographies of other Christians who have struggled with their own conversion process are helpful to us in our journeys.

When Pope Francis was in the United States in September 2015 he mentioned four Americans whom be considered to be models of justice and peace: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. The lives of these four individuals are accounts of conversion from one inner place to another, throughout their lives. To each invitation to “re-orient,” they responded with generosity and courage. None of these four is a saint in the technical sense of having been canonized by the Church, but each was presented to us by Pope Francis as an example of a virtuous life well lived, one step at a time.

On the Church’s feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, perhaps we can take a few minutes of quiet time to consider our individual conversion journeys. What, or who, might reach out to you today with an invitation to re-orient to Christ?

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Four County Catholic January 2016

The Spirit of Giving is Always Present in the Diocese of Norwich!

“Thank You!” As we start a new year, we felt it was important to start with those two simple words.

By Kathy Gaito Stewardship Coordinator

“Thank you” for supporting the work of your Diocese. “Thank you” for making your parish strong. “Thank you” for praying for your friends, your neighbors, people you don’t know who are in need and the priests and religious in your Diocese and beyond.

“Thank you” for being generous with your time, your talent and your treasures. It doesn’t matter what month it is, your thoughtfulness helps fellow parish families and others, served by the works of the Diocese of Norwich.

It’s amazing how when people come together, much can be accomplished. Through your sacrifice, you are helping to do the work of Christ here on earth and making a difference in the Diocese, helping those in need. Here’s an overview of how your generosity extends throughout the cities and towns of the Diocese of Norwich all year: Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) – The ACA is responsible for securing the necessary funds to assist the Diocese of Norwich in its mission to serve God’s people.

The ACA supports and assists 76 Parishes, 20 Catholic Schools (Preschool, Elementary & Secondary), over 25 Ministries/Programs and hundreds of thousands of our parishioners and neighbors throughout our Diocese. The hope offered by the ministries supported by the ACA takes many forms – from the education and formation of our clergy, to programs that support those with physical and mental disabilities.

Those struggling with poverty are assisted. Children, youth and

young adults are formed in faith.

These are just a few examples of how your generosity helps the ministries and programs funded by the ACA. As of December 18th, the 2015 Annual Catholic Appeal has raised $3,041,277 which places us at

how important our young people are to each of our futures, as well as to the future of our Diocese and the Church. Our Catholic elementary schools help develop students who will be our future leaders within our church, communities and Nation.

Pontifi-

97% of our 2015 goal.

The Catholic Foundation – The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation, organized to provide endowments for the Diocese of Norwich and its parishes, schools, agencies and organizations. The Foundation encourages Catholics to be good stewards through gifts of assets, provides for the investment of those assets and distributes the income according to the Gospel and the wishes of the donors. Endowments through the Foundation are a means to greater financial stability and growth for our Diocese and its entities. The Foundation now oversees nineteen endowments with the recent addition of the St. Edward Parish Endowment of $117,000. In 2015, the Catholic Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary and since its inception has awarded $3,171,103 in grant and scholarship assistance within the Diocese.

Catholic School Campaign – Last year marked the fourth year that we have come together as a Diocese to support our 12 elementary schools, raising $108,861 in 2015 through our campaign titled, Faith for the Future. This campaign recognizes

cal Masses – Since 2011, your donations to the Pontifical Masses total over $103,000.00, allowing us to continue to honor our servicemen and women, healthcare professionals, firefighters and

EMS responders, women and men Religious, law enforcement officers, attorneys, secretaries and educators. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Seton Scholarship Dinner – Each year at the Seton Scholarship Dinner, Bishop Cote presents the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the teaching of children within our Catholic schools. The Seton Scholarship Dinner recognizes these contributions and celebrates our Catholic schools. Since its inception in 2010, the Seton Scholarship Dinner has raised over $205,000 to assist elementary

school students in the Diocese of Norwich in the form of tuition assistance.

Your kindheartedness spans beyond the Diocese of Norwich.

Through the diocesan Combined Collections (National/World/ Mission), the Universal Church is assisted by your generosity. Your contributions show how our Catholic Faith reaches across boundaries throughout the world, helping others.

Many parishioners also work with our planned giving office to remember their church or other diocesan organizations in their estate plans. By including the Diocese in their Wills and other planned gifts, donors continue to provide for their favorite ministries, schools, or parishes.

Again, “Thank You!”

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Four County Catholic January 2016

March for Life Changes Venues, Strengthens Message Washington - The annual March for Life, set for Jan. 22, will convene in a new location in the naBy Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service

tion’s capital for the traditional midday rally.

Because of the ongoing refurbishment of the National Mall and strict new regulations that require temporary flooring to protect the grass, the rally has been moved from the West Front of the Capitol to the Washington Monument grounds.

Held since 1974, the march marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion.

“Pro-Life is Pro-Woman” is this year’s theme.

“We know that abortion takes the life of one and wounds the life of another, so we always try to emphasize … that there’s always hope and healing for anyone who’s made that sad decision, and it’s very important in terms of our messaging,” Jeanne Monahan-Mancini, President, March for Life, told Catholic News Service.

It’s also intended as a way to

blunt critics, “because of the (presidential) election and a lot of the rhetoric about the false ‘war on women,’” Monahan-Mancini added.

Retired Baltimore Ravens football player Matt Birk is the

headline speaker at the rally and that evening’s Rose Dinner.

The day before the march, Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, will lead a prayer rally at the Planned Parenthood offices in Washington. A youth rally at the Renaissance Hotel follows.

Other march-related activities include a Mass opening the overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Jan. 21 and a Mass the next morning at the Basilica; a Mass and interdenominational prayer service at Constitution Hall prior to the march; and two similar events, Youth Rally and Mass for Life, sponsored by the Arch-

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diocese of Washington at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will be honored at the Constitution Hall event for being the first governor to sign the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. The legislation is under review in a state appeals court.

Reversing the landmark Supreme Court decision remains the long-term goal of the march.

But organizers told CNS they prefer to focus on changing the nationwide conversation.

“I think we have a much loftier goal, and that’s to change the hearts and minds of Americans. That no woman would ever choose abortion.

Because we really have a deprived culture when any woman thinks that’s an empowering act,” Monahan-Mancini said.

Michael Ciccocioppo, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, said the challenge to the pro-life movement in its quest to overturn Roe v. Wade is “that the court is still stacked against us.”

“But we’re in this for the long haul. This is going to be going on for as long as it takes,” he said.

“First of all, to recognize the hu-

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March for Life Bus Trip On Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:00pm, buses sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of Connecticut Right to Life will leave from the Norwich Municipal Parking Lot (Exit 11, formally Exit 80, I-395) and travel to D.C. to attend the March For Life on January 22, 2016. Bus fare is $65 per person. (Reduced rate available for students) If you are unable to attend the March For Life, please consider sponsoring a seat on the bus.

For further information and/or to reserve a seat or to sponsor a seat, please call Margaret Becotte at 860-822-1362. manity of the unborn child in law,” he continued. “But also, another focus of the march is obviously to help get the truth out there about how abortion harms women physically, emotionally and mentally, and kills living human beings, so we can get the hearts and minds of the culture to really accept the fact that this is

killing of little human beings, citizens of our country.”

NOTICE: The diocesan Office of Faith Events & Youth Ministry has cancelled this year’s diocesan youth bus trip to attend the March for Life in Washington D.C., January 2122. Expectations are that the normally well-attended trip will resume next year.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Putnam Knights of Columbus Helping Realize Year of Mercy Founded in Putnam on July 26, 1892 , Cargill Council 64 is made up of over 200 local Submitted by John D. Ryan Director of Public Relations , Cargill Council 64

Roman Catholic men and their families. The council serves Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock and parts of the surrounding towns, as a ministry of both St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam and Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Working continuously since 1892, it’s the 64th local council founded since the Knights international organization began ten years before.

The council sponsors or assists year-round with many positive local programs, including, among literally dozens of events, its annual “Joe Bousquet Christmas Giving Appeal” for the needy in the area, co-sponsoring the annual “Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dip” at Quaddick Pond in Thompson to raise funds for

special needs Camp Quinebaug in Killingly, food drives for the local poor, providing free winter coats for needy local children, annual Easter egg hunts for children at its two parishes, and continuing work to end abortion and assisted suicide and to otherwise support the “Culture of Life.”

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic lay organization, a fraternal benefit society made up of Catholic men and their families.

Council 64 and the world’s other K of C councils provide members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. Worldwide, annually the Knights of Columbus donates more than $170 million and 70 million hours of service to charitable causes. Please visit www.kofc.org for more information.

Cargill Council 64 widow Lucille K. Duhamel, of Putnam, holds the poinsettia that was just presented to her by Cargill Council Knight of Columbus Casey M. Dundon (right) during a visit to her home on Friday, Dec. 11.

Duhamel is one of the 27 widows of Cargill Council 64 Knights who are visited or contacted every Christmas season as part of the council’s yearround widow’s program.

Photo by John D. Ryan.

Pictured from left to right are: Mr. Ronald Nadeau, Grand Knight of Council 14209, Ms. Kerry Johnson, Sonographer, Mrs. Molly Hurtado, Executive Director of ABC, Dr. Anthony Kotula, Chair of Council 14209 Pro Life Initiative and Mr. Francis Molozzi, Grand Knight of Council 9653 in Lebanon, CT. Submitted by K.L. Kotula.

Pro Life Initiative of The Knights of Columbus, Council 14209, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Storrs CT On December 6, 2015, a dedication ceremony was held to acknowledge the gift of the pictured S9 Sonoscape, Universal Imaging Ultrasound from the Knights of Columbus to “A Better Choice Women’s Center” of Middletown, CT. The new S9 Sonoscape Ultrasound provides advanced technology, and is a vast improvement over their previous ultrasound.

Dr. Daniel O’Neill, M.D., Medical Director of ABC Women’s Center, indicated, “A Better Choice Women’s Center, 180 E Main Street, Middletown, CT, serves the needs of hundreds of pregnant women yearly who are facing a pregnancy decision and need various types of support services.” This organization exists to extend hope, help and healing to men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy by offering a fullrange of life affirming options and support. The Center offers a wide range of free and confidential services including pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, pre natal vitamins, prenatal and parenting courses and material support assistance. Our ultrasound appointments provide an incredible opportunity for women to see their growing child in utero, hear the heart beat and determine the viability of their pregnancy.

Post ultrasound, our Clients are referred to local OB doctors in the area to continue their prenatal care. Executive Director Molly Hurtado of ABC states, “We believe that couples deserve an

opportunity to learn about all of their pregnancy options before making a decision. Many of our clients come into our office feeling afraid and overwhelmed by the news of their pregnancy.

After their appointment, 99% of our clients indicate on their Exit Form that they feel hopeful and empowered by the information and services rendered at ABC. “ Executive Director Mrs. Molly Hurtado may be contacted at (860) 7040078 x1 for further information or to schedule an appointment.

The sale price of the S9 Sonoscape Ultrasound was approximately $39,900. The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus, Councils within the Diocese, and anonymous contributors, participated in making the ultrasound a reality. The intent of the Pro Life Initiative of Council 14209 is to continue to save the lives of unborn babies. Hopefully, with continued support, especially from anonymous contributors, we will continue our Pro Life Initiative. The Supreme Council of the Knight of Columbus has to date provided 644 ultrasounds to pregnancy centers throughout the world. Participants in this Pro Life Initiative will forever remember actually saving lives of babies during the anticipated five-year lifespan of the ultrasound.

May God Bless all who participated and will continue to participate in this initiative.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Sr. Carla Hopkins, DHS 1921 – 2016 Putnam - Sr. Carla Hopkins, 94, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on January 7, 2016 at the Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she had been in residence since 2009. Born Eunice Lucille Hopkins in Plainfield, CT she was the daughter of Charles and Laurette (Guillet) Hopkins. She entered religious life in Putnam, CT, in 1938 and made her religious profession there on July 1, 1943. She was then known as Sr. Charles Edward. Following her religious profession she taught in elementary schools in Hartford, Chicopee, MA and Moosup. She became a Professor at Diocesan Sisters’ College in 1956 and a Professor at Annhurst College in 1958 until 1962. She was among the first group of 13 sisters who went to Chile in 1962 in response to an invitation from the Bishops of Chile. While there, Sr. Carla opened a Normal School for the granting of teaching diplomas and served as Professor and Director of Escuela Normal Superior annexed to the Jesuit-run Universidad del Norte in Antofagasta. She returned to the USA, in 1969 at which time she became Director of the New London Office of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Norwich. Here she worked with marginalized Spanish-speaking black and poor Indians and Caucasians as well as the resettlement of Vietnamese after the fall of Saigon.

From 1986-92 she supervised the construction of the residence and Clinic of the Haitian Health Foundation in Jeremie, Haiti and served as Administrator of the Clinic until September 1992.

She retired in 2002 and moved to the Provincial House in Putnam in 2008, and to the Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2009. All of her sister Daughters of the Holy Spirit, family, as well as many friends mourn her passing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.

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Putnam - Sr. Constance Charette, 75, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit died on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam. Constance Madeleine Charette was born in Leominster, MA on April 20, 1940, the daughter of the late Camille and Alice (Meunier) Charette. She entered religious life in Putnam at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in September 1958, and made her religious profession on July 2, 1960. She was then known as Sr. Stephen of the Sacred Heart.

She earned a B.A. in Education from Diocesan Sisters’ College and an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Detroit. From 1962-67 she taught in elementary schools in CT and VT. In 1967 she became Directress of Postulants in Putnam, and from 1969-74 she taught religion at Putnam Catholic Academy. She was missioned to California in 1974, and served in the Campus Ministry Team of the University of California at Davis. In 1979 she returned to the east coast and served as Directress of Formation for the province, while also working in ministry with single adults and widowed persons in the Bridgeport, CT diocese. In 1983 she was named Provincial Councilor, with residence in Putnam.

In 1989 she enjoyed a Sabbatical Chaplaincy Program at Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI, and then began a new ministry as Coordinator of Volunteers at Dorcas Place, a women’s literacy center in Providence. In 1995 she was appointed Provincial of the U.S. Daughters of the Holy Spirit, and within the next year was elected as a General Councilor in the international administration of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, and she served in that capacity for 12 years, with a main residence in RENNES, France. She returned to the US in 2008 and began her much-loved ministry as a Community Organizer at Pernet Family Services in Worcester, MA. In 2009, she was named Directress of Associates in addition to her work at Pernet, and these two combined ministries brought special joy to Connie and to those involved. In August 2013, Sr. Connie again lived her full availability to Mission by going to Burkina Faso in Africa in order to live among and serve the younger Sisters there. She both received and gave great joy in her many ministries! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Little Sisters to Highest Court: Defending Religious Liberty We must remember that when the Supreme Court rendered its decision about the federal health care mandate, it upheld it as a tax, and did not rule on the First Amendment aspect of the mandate. This is why the Supreme Court has agreed to hear seven cases challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) mandate. Let us pray that when they hear these cases they preserve our right to religious freedom.

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

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GARDEN RETREAT: Tuesday, January 26. Father Ron Meyer opens the 1st of series of garden retreats with “Catalogues & Choices”.

Prayer, Conference, Celebration of Eucharist with Homily, Lunch, and resource sharing. Offering is $25.00.

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: The “Pathways to Holiness in Everyday Life” series by Father Roger Couture. Come and join your fellow seniors on January 20 for a morning centered around “Openness to Suffering and Death and Holiness” Offering is $10.00 and includes lunch. The day begins at 9AM.

Protect Our Ministry Washington D.C. - The Little Sisters of the Poor have again urged the Supreme Court to protect them From the FCC News Desk

from $70 million dollars in government fines for refusing to violate their Catholic faith. This is the second time the Sisters have been forced to ask the Supreme Court for protection from the government’s efforts to make them provide contraceptives to their employees. The Supreme Court gave the Sisters preliminary protection in January 2014, and it will hear their case in March of this year.

“The Little Sisters spend their lives taking care of the neediest members of our society —that is work our government should applaud, not punish,” said Mark Rienzi, Senior Counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. “The Little Sisters should not have to fight their own government to get an exemption it has already given to thousands of other employers, including big companies like Exxon and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company.”

Today’s brief, which was filed by the Becket Fund along with former Solicitor General Paul Clement, chides the government for its “deceptive labels and diversionary tactics” designed to falsely suggest that the Little Sisters can “opt out” of the

mandate. The brief also explains why the government does not need the Little Sisters at all: because it already has many other ways to get contraceptive coverage to those who want it. “Indeed, the government has invested billions of dollars in creating exchanges for the express purpose of making it easy to obtain qualifying insurance when it is not available through an employer. The government cannot explain why those exchanges suffice to advance its goal of getting contraceptive coverage to the tens of millions of [other] people . . . yet are not good enough” for the employees of the Little Sisters.

“As Little Sisters of the Poor, we offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they are welcomed. We perform this loving ministry because of our faith and cannot possibly choose between our care for the elderly poor and our faith, and we shouldn’t have to,” said Sr. Loraine Marie Maguire, Mother Provincial of the Little Sisters of the Poor. “All we ask is that our rights not be taken away. The government exempts large corporations, small businesses, and other religious ministries from what they are imposing on us – we just want to keep serving the elderly poor as we have always done for 175 years. We look forward to the Supreme Court hearing our

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case, and pray for God’s protection of our ministry.”

The brief was filed on behalf of several other entities facing the same mandate as the Little Sisters, including Becket clients Christian Brothers Employee Benefit Trust, Christian Brothers Services, Reaching Souls International, Truett-McConnell College, and GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, Houston Baptist and East Texas Baptist Universities, along with Westminster Theological Seminary, South Nazarene University, and Geneva College. The religious objectors are also represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, Locke Lord LLP, Professor Kevin Walsh of the University of Richmond, Ken Wynne, and Bradley Tupi.

“It is ridiculous for the federal government to claim, in this day and age, that it can’t figure out how to distribute contraceptives without involving nuns and their health plans.” said Senior Counsel Mark Rienzi.

The Becket Fund continues to lead the charge against the unconstitutional HHS mandate, winning a landmark victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in Burwell v.

Hobby Lobby. It currently represents the Little Sisters of the Poor, Mother Angelica’s Eternal Word Television Network, Houston Baptist and East Texas Baptist Universities, along with many other religious ministries.

The Becket Fund is a non-profit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. For over 20 years, it has defended clients of all faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Native Americans, Sikhs, and Zoroastrians. Its recent cases include three major Supreme Court victories: the landmark ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, and the 9-0 rulings in Holt v.

Hobbs and Hosanna-Tabor v.

EEOC, the latter of which The Wall Street Journal called one of “the most important religious liberty cases in a half century.”

Four County Catholic January 2016

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Keeping Elders Connected, a Work of Mercy During a recent family reunion my elderly mother and I were the only ones at the table without smart

By Sister Constance Veit Little Sisters of the Poor

phones. We felt left out. A few days later I read that Pope Francis advised parents to ban mobile devices from the dinner table to help restore the quality of family relationships.

These two occurrences reminded me of the life of our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan. In her time the poor were essentially swept aside in the wake of the French Revolution and rapid industrialization. Today we are experiencing a different type of revolution as digital technologies evolve nearly every day.

New modes of social communication, it is claimed, foster unimagined levels of human connectedness.

But just as the poor and elderly were marginalized in Saint Jeanne Jugan’s day, they are often left behind in the communications revolution of today when they lack the means or the know-how to keep up with the latest technology. Consider these statistics from the Pew Internet and American Life Project: • While 95 percent of millennials own cell phones, less than half of those over 75 own one. Only 18 percent of seniors own a smart phone.

• Only 10 percent of those belonging to the G.I. Generation own a laptop, compared with 70 percent of Millennials and 65 percent of Baby Boomers.

• Only 27 percent of older adults engage in online social networking.

• Younger, higher-income and more highly educated seniors use the internet more than those who are older or of more modest means. For both groups, usage drops off dramatically after age 75.

Regardless of age, users of social networking say they interact more

with other digitally connected people than with those who do not use digital communication. These new forms of technology, with their rapid changes, have created a new generation gap.

Recently I was shocked to read that more than one million older people in the United Kingdom go a month without talking to another human being. This figure would surely be comparable in our own country. Such loneliness is deadly!

Studies show that inadequate social interaction is linked to premature death. The increased mortality risk associated with loneliness is comparable to smoking, and twice as great as the risk associated with obesity!

I hope you find this data as startling as I do. Through Pope Francis’ repeated calls for a culture of encounter I believe God is asking us to do something to relieve the social isolation of the elderly and poor.

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy he is inviting us to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy; among these are visiting the sick and imprisoned and comforting the afflicted.

So what can we do? If you know an older person, who has the means but not the know-how to access digital media, then practice mercy by teaching them how to use the technology they already own.

For those unable to afford computers and smart phones, as well as those whose physical or cognitive limitations prevent them from being able to use them, visit them with your laptop on a regular basis and facilitate their connection to longdistance loved ones via Skype or a similar platform.

Finally, enrich the lives of the elderly through real, in-person face time. What better way could there be to celebrate the Jubilee of Mercy than to commit to spending time with our elderly loved ones or homebound neighbors and sharing

a meal or a memory with them?

Pope Francis inspires us to practice this form of mercy: “Sharing and knowing how to share is a precious virtue!” he said. “Its symbol, its ‘icon,’ is the family gathered around the dinner table. The sharing of meals – and in addition to food also of affection, of stories, of

events – is a common experience.”

The pope added, “A family that hardly ever eats together, or that does not talk at the table but watches television, or looks at a smartphone is a ‘barely familial’ family … It is like a boarding house!”

Let’s apply the pope’s thinking to

our relationships with elders. Let’s do all we can to make sure that family togetherness and intergenerational bonds grow stronger during this Jubilee Year of Mercy!

Sister Constance Veit is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States.

The staff at St. Josephs Living center held a Toys for Tots drive collecting about 75 toys for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) through the month of November and part of December. They also held a coat drive collecting over 60 coats for Windham Area Interfaith Ministry through the month of November. Pictured from left to right are staff members Gloria Ouimette and Lynn Bellware who helped organize the Toys for Tots Drive.

19

Four County Catholic January 2016

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Four County Catholic January 2016

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Sacred Heart School, Taftville 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org Sacred Heart School, Groton 860-445-0611 www.sacredheartgroton.org St. Edward School, Stafford Springs 860-684-2600 www.stedward-stafford.org St. James School, Danielson 860-774-3281 www.stjamesdanielson.com St. John Paul II Regional School, Middletown 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org St. John School, Old Saybrook 860-388-0849 www.saintjohnschoolos.com St. Joseph School, Baltic 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.com St. Joseph School, New London 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org St. Michael School, Pawcatuck 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland 860-872-0200 www.stmatthewct.org St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville 860-875-0753 x113 www.saintbernardchurch.org

National Catholic Schools Week January 31 - February 6, 2016 National Catholic Schools Week, celebrated every year in January, honors the education provided by Catholic schools with Masses, open houses, and numerous activities.

In 2016, the 41st annual National Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated nationwide Jan. 31 through February 6.

The week is sponsored by the Na-

tional Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” a theme that “resonates with the New Evangelization and will provide schools the opportunity to create long-term Catholic identity projects in their communities.

The theme encompasses several con-

cepts that are at the heart of a Catholic education. First, schools are communities — small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city, and nation.

Faith, knowledge and service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. Catholic schools have a rich history of teaching students the value of service.

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

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Catholic Schools Week 2016 Daily Themes & Celebrations Sunday Celebrating Your Parish Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. Many parishes join in the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting a Mass to Catholic education. Many schools start the week by inviting parishioners and community members to parish-centered events and school open houses that feature their outstanding academic programs, religious education and service opportunities.

Monday Celebrating Your Community A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others.

When students take part in service activities—both local and beyond—they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and learn how to make the world a better place. When they observe how others serve the community, they gain an appreciation for how they can continue to serve others their entire lives.

Tuesday Celebrating Students Schools celebrate students during National Catholic Schools Week by planning enjoyable and meaningful activities for them and recognizing their accomplishments. They encourage students to reflect on the benefits of Catholic education and how the grounding in faith, knowledge and service it provides will help them throughout their lives.

Wednesday Celebrating the Nation On National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools, students, families, educators and other

Catholic school supporters communicate the value of Catholic education to government leaders.

They share information with leaders on the significant contributions Catholic schools make to the nation and their role in preparing students to be good citizens. They pray for the nation and recognize all those who serve it.

Thursday Celebrating Vocations By focusing on faith, knowledge and service, Catholic schools prepare children to use their Godgiven talents to the fullest later in life. National Catholic Schools Week offers an opportunity for students to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well in the service of

God and others — by answering the call to a religious vocation, by nurturing a family through sacramental marriage, by volunteering in church activities and charities, and/or by pursuing a career that makes the world a better place.

Friday Celebrating Faculty, Staff & Volunteers The backbone of Catholic schools, teachers are honored on National Teacher Appreciation Day. On this day, schools also recognize the administrators and staff who support teachers in their im-

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portant work and thank the parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners and school board members who provide volunteer service.

Saturday Celebrating Families Parents, guardians and other family members play a vital role in

Catholic education. Not only do they volunteer at the school, they instill values and expectations for academic excellence in their children at home. We acknowledge the role of families in Catholic education and celebrate their contributions to the success of our schools on the last day of National Catholic Schools Week and all year long.

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22

Four County Catholic January 2016

Tackling the New Year One Heroic Minute at a Time Oprah Winfrey has joined Weight Watchers, which means she is not only a card-

wrote in her back-page column.

She’s lost 26 pounds since last August and gained a powerful sense of well-being.

What strikes me about her slickly marketed invitation to join Weight Watchers is how tempting it is, how eagerly many of us are waiting for an entry point into the future we’ve always imagined. We’re paralyzed by the mounting gap between dreaming and doing, wondering what to do with 2016 in light of our Catholic faith and our packed calendars.

Bert Hernandez recognized his chance to finally turn things around when he spotted a random tweet one Monday last August.

The 40-year-old youth minister

By Christina Capecchi Four County Catholic Contributor

carrying, point-counting member of the weight-loss club, she is also a part owner. That’s how you do it when you’re Oprah: You go big (“you get a car, you get a car, you get a car”) or you don’t bother.

For the 61-year-old billionaire, news of her involvement in the company and her investment of a 10-percent stake yielded a big pay day: Weight Weights’ stock doubled, netting Oprah about $45 million in one day.

She reported her progress in the January issue of O: The Oprah Magazine, appearing on the cover in her most stripped-down look yet – barefoot in taupe spandex and a purple shawl. “I wanted a plan for life, and here it was in the form of Weight Watchers,” Oprah

from San Antonio had already determined that getting on top of things, for him, would mean rising early like Teddy Roosevelt. He wanted to exercise daily, clean his house and strengthen his prayer life.

For several months Bert had been setting his alarm for 4 a.m., with a success

rate he could count on one hand.

Then came Leah Darrow’s tweet inviting people to participate in the Heroic Minute Challenge, a hashtag the popular Catholic speaker had borrowed from St. Josemaría Escrivá, who wrote: “Conquer yourself each day from

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the very first moment, getting up on the dot, at a fixed time, without yielding a single minute to laziness. If, with God’s help, you conquer yourself, you will be well ahead for the rest of the day…The heroic minute: here you have a modification that strengthens your will and does no harm to your body.”

Bert saw Leah’s movement as a club he could be part of, informed by Catholicism and driven by accountability, so he tweeted, “I accept the #HeroicMinuteChallenge” and made his pledge public. The next day, at 4 a.m., he got out of bed and scurried to the kitchen, turning on the stove to make coffee, then retreating to the den to begin morning prayer. He tweeted the evidence: a screenshot of his Office of Readings, his iPhone at a 98 percent charge, his body, much lower.

By 6:30 a.m. he’d prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, run two

miles and showered.

The second morning was easier, and his Twitter picture showed the hymn lyrics “morning has broken like the first morning.” He was doing it!

“My day always seemed better, starting that way,” Bert told me. “I definitely felt more peace.” The added prayer time also helped him discern a job change that has brought many rewards.

The Heroic Minute Challenge wasn’t easy for Leah either, but the 36-year-old mom from St. Louis couldn’t abandon others who had signed on, and she wanted to offer real-time “likes” of their earlymorning evidence – snapshots of sunrises, Scripture and coffee.

“The most important thing is getting my feet on the floor,” Leah told me. “If I can move my feet out from under the covers and they can touch the hard-wood floor, half the battle’s done.”

The path to holiness, Leah says, requires time management. “We need to think about the time God has given us, and we need to use it well.”

Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and the editor of SisterStory.org.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

New Diocesan Young Adult Council Looks Forward to 2016 This autumn, our Diocesan Office of Faith Events proactively initiated a Young Adult Council to

By Linda Norton Four County Catholic Contributor

specifically address the ministry needs of those in the 18-39 age range. Whether married or single, college students or working professionals, stay at home moms, discerning vocations, or for those who might still be deciding on a life path, this new Young Adult Council encourages all young adults in our Diocese, and beyond, to consider participating in upcoming events in 2016.

October’s initial meeting was a good start for what the council members hope will be a productive ministry. Many Catholic young adults seek spiritually enriching ministry programs with opportunities for socializing in a welcoming environment. The first diocesan Young Adult council event in November was just that sort of event, featuring well-

known Catholic speaker Chris Padgett.

The initial Young Adult Council planning meeting involved a few young adults in addition to our Diocesan Youth Minister, Liza Roach, and our previous Youth Minister, Pam Plasse. The young adults were Ashley Dombrowski from the Church of Holy Family in Hebron, Rachel O’Grady from Christ the King Parish in Old Lyme, and Stephanie Gromko from the Cathedral of St Patrick.

Ms. Gromko stated that the main goal of the Young Adult Council is “to reach out and offer dynamic experiences for them to share their faith with others in the same age group.” Currently the Young Adult Council is brainstorming and exploring ideas for future gatherings. Ms. Gromko said that they are considering starting something like “Theology on Tap”, a program that is popular in other dioceses.

When asked about her personal reason for being involved in this

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gether on behalf of the diocese.

The Holy Spirit is at work and there are many people who will benefit from this!”

In general, diocesan Young Adult Ministries serve a wide age range, needs, and geographical areas. Our council will do their best to develop events that will sustain a vibrant ministry while considering these factors, as well as having an awareness that young adults today are often busy and

may be traveling some distance or changing their schedules in order to attend events. Stay tuned for more information on Young Adult events in our diocese!

If you are a young adult who would like to be involved in the council, have ideas to share, or want more information on events, please contact Liza Roach at the Office of Faith Events, lroach@norwichdiocese.net, or 860-848-2237, Ext. 305.

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ministry, Ms. Gromko shared “I came fully into the church at Easter of 2013 and I was totally on fire for the faith. I wanted to meet other young people with the same desires as I, but there wasn’t anything in our diocese targeted for me. The past few years I have spent praying for something like this to come together, and I know I am not alone. Many young adults have wanted and needed something like this to come to-

24

Four County Catholic January 2016

Year of Mercy Lessons for Grades K- 6 As the Year of Mercy begins, many Catholics are starting to engage in many levels of the

By Shari Marderness Communications & Advancement Assistant, SBS

Catholic Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;mission to be a witness to mercy.â&#x20AC;? (Pope Francis, Lenten Penance Service on March 13) Times for Confession and activities are planned throughout the Diocese, but we must engage ALL of our faithful in the Year of Mercy. The children

of our parish are eager to learn and participate, too.

The Office of Faith Events has developed a series of lesson plans.

There is a lesson for Grades K-2, Grades 3-4, and Grades 5-6. The lessons are crafted to help each level learn about mercy at their intellectual abilities.

At every grade level, the lesson contains an interactive prayer, crafts, discussion questions, and extra worksheets. Some of the fun things you would find in the les-

sons would be using sign language with the opening prayer, making a Corporal Works of Mercy calendar, doing a word search, coloring and more.

The learning will begin with the catechists or educators in the Catholic Schools who will teach the lesson. The Diocesan Office of Faith Events with the assistance of area Catechetical Leaders, look forward to helping to prepare the catechist or educators for the classroom lesson plan.

Grade 6 Craft - Corporal Works of Mercy Helping Hands Calendar.

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In photo (L to R): They are (pictured above, l-r) Julie Sedensky, Shenandoah Terry, Colleen Kelly, Michalene Lee (Distinguished Senior Leader), Noah Sisk, Faith McBride, and Haley Zawilinski.

XBSS Leaders Named One senior and six juniors have been chosen to represent Saint Bernard School at a

By Shari Marderness Communications and Advancement Assistant

five-day Xaverian Brothers retreat in March in West Hartford.

The junior XBSS leaders are: Julie Sedensky, Noah Sisk, Colleen Kelly, Haley Zawilinski, Shenandoah Terry and Faith

McBride.

Michalene Lee was chosen as the distinguished senior leader. She attended the XBSS retreat last year and will return to retreat this year to embrace a significant mentoring role as a proven leader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Michalene describes herself as filled with zeal, someone who loves Saint Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the servant hearts we nurture here,â&#x20AC;? Campus Minister Holly Cyr said.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Did You Know?

January 6 Three King’s Day (Epiphany). Read about the magi in Matthew 2:1-12. Wear crowns as reminders that the wise men recognized Jesus as the new king.

January 14 Organize your home day. Let children organize toys, books, and other items. 1 Corinthians tells us that God is a God of order.

January 18 Sanctity of Life Day. Read Psalm 139 and chat about how God created life and it is precious.

This is also MLK Day to honor a man who strove for peace and valuing life.

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in t i h W H y Karen

January 27 Holocaust Memorial Day that recalls the day of the liberation of the largest Nazi death camp.

Pray for peace and for Israel today.

Candlemas: First Time Jesus Went to Church It’s been forty days since Christmas. In Bible times, Jewish parents brought their child to the temple at forty days old. The mother offered a sacrifice of purification. Two wonderful things happened that day.

For years the old prophet Simeon hobbled to the temple and looked for the right person. God had promised Simeon that he would live to see the Messiah. On that day, God pointed out Mary and Joseph as they entered the temple with their baby son. Simeon cradled Jesus in his arms and held him. He lifted up Jesus and said, “My eyes have seen my salvation.”

Simeon knew Jesus was the Messiah! Jesus is also called Jesus ‘a light of revelation to the gentiles.’

The church still celebrate this first time Jesus went to church. The church also calls this day The Feast of The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Read about it in Luke 2:22-39.

Someone else also knew the identity of Jesus. Anna, a widow and prophetess, saw Jesus and began to praise God. She told others about Jesus.

Celebrate this day: • Light a candle and parade around your home, ending at the place where you pray as a family.

• Place a light in your window as a reminder that the light of the world is in your home. This can be a battery-operated candle, or if you have a candle that can safely be lit on a window sill, light it.

• Decorate a candle for prayer times. Pin on sequins in the shape of a cross or heart. Use it all year. You can light it when someone has a victory, birthdays, or when praying for someone who is sick.

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Year of Mercy Beefs Up Pope’s Already Busy Year VATICAN CITY — When Pope Francis established the Year of Mercy, a full slate of Jubilee

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

events were slotted into his already packed calendar for 2016.

A typical “business as usual” year for a pope is already full with meetings, liturgies and foreign trips.

But then add the extraordinary Jubilee Year, which will run until Nov. 13, and the pope will now preside over at least one major public ceremony or event each month. He will carry out a personal “work of mercy” in Rome one Friday a month and lead an extra general audience one Saturday a month in addition to his weekly Wednesday gatherings.

The only load that has been lightened, at least one that has been announced ahead of time by the Vatican, is there will be no pastoral visits to Italian parishes for the year.

But that does not mean he’s putting away his passport, since he still plans pastoral journeys across the globe.

A six-day, six-city trip to Mexico in February has been finalized with almost daily flights out of Mexico City to the “peripheries” to meet with indigenous communities, young people, prisoners and the poor. This will be his fourth visit to Latin America and his 12th trip abroad in his three years as pope.

Pope Francis will take a short flight to Poland for World Youth Day in Krakow in July. So far the unofficial, tentative schedule has the pope attending the last four days of events during the weeklong gathering, including a Way of the Cross, a prayer vigil, and the closing Mass where, traditionally, he will announce the next World Youth Day host country.

The Vatican never makes an official announcement of future papal trips until a few months

closer to the departure date but, looking at past practice, he took five trips abroad each year, trying to hit more marginalized nations and countries with a Catholic mi-

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nority — especially places where Christians had suffered persecution.

For 2016, one possible stop might be Armenia. He celebrated

a special Mass at the Vatican in April 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1915-18 genocide of up to 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman-Turkish empire.

The pope told journalists in November he had already promised the Armenian Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs he would visit their country.

When asked about other trips planned, especially for Latin America, he said, “You know, traveling at my age isn’t good for you. You can do it, but it takes its toll.”

However, he will invite the world to come to Rome for a dozen major “jubilees” planned for the Year of Mercy, dedicated to: catechists; deacons; priests; religious; the Roman Curia and those administering offices connected with the Vatican; children; the ill; prisoners; and those in need of consolation, to name a few.

He will send out more than 800 missionaries of mercy on Ash Wednesday to go to different parts of the world to be “preachers and confessors of mercy.”

That event will coincide with the relics of St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin priest who bore the stigmata of Jesus, being shown in Rome for the first time. The pope requested the saint’s corpse be ex-

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Four County Catholic January 2016

posed for veneration in St. Peter’s Basilica, according to jubilee organizers, to be a sign for the missionaries of how God welcomes those who seek forgiveness.

Pope Francis is expected to canonize Blessed Teresa of Kolkata in early September as the church celebrates the jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy.

Beyond the jubilee, the pope will preside over major traditional liturgical events throughout the year, meet with ambassadors, papal nuncios, Vatican officials and groups from all over the world.

He will also visit Rome’s synagogue Jan. 17 and meet with the city’s Jewish community, making it the third time a pope has visited the city’s place of worship.

He gave more than 200 speeches in 2015, and it’s quite likely a similar stream of encounters will continue with scripted or off-the-cuff talks to kids, teachers, religious men and women, Catholic associations and experts attending Vatican-sponsored conferences. It is in these addresses that the pope often outlines what needs to be done in the world — as a disciple of Christ or a man or

woman of good will.

Observers expect him to issue his second apostolic exhortation in 2016, following the conclusion of two gatherings of the Synod of Bishops on the family in 2014 and 2015.

As far as major meetings, he will probably convene the world’s cardinals in February as he did the last two years. Such consistories offer the pope a chance to hold working meetings on some of his most urgent priorities and tap into the College of Cardinals as an advisory body as well as vote on upcoming saints’ causes.

The pope’s smaller consultative body, the Council of Cardinals or the C9, will come together in February, too, beginning their cycle of five scheduled gatherings for the year dealing with internal issues of reforming the Vatican’s structures and processes.

Their next working sessions, which will last for three days instead of two starting in April, will be dedicated to drawing up details for a new Vatican congregation merging offices dealing with justice, peace, migration and charity. The pope is also expected to release further details about the

already announced establishment of a new office for laity, family and life.

As far as time off? Pope Francis does staycations. Almost all audiences and meetings will be suspended for a few weeks in the summer. But he’ll be busy nonetheless, as he uses the short lull to play catch-up on paperwork, upcoming documents and personally responding to letters, especially from friends and acquaintances — a habit he had as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and tries to stay true to as pope.

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Mercy Enlightens Past Year, Gives Hope for New Year, Pope Says Vatican City - The gift of mercy is a light that helps Christians reflect on the past year and radiates

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

hope at the start of the new year, Pope Francis said.

While retracing the events of 2015 may recall moments of both joy and sorrow, it also offers a moment to understand the presence of God who “renews and sustains with his help,” Pope Francis said during an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Eve. The prayer service included eucharistic adoration and Benediction, as well as the singing of the

“Te Deum,” a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God, for the closing year.

The “Te Deum,” he said, is the church’s way of giving thanks and recognizing the loving presence of God throughout history.

“With this hymn, we look back at the history of salvation where, through God’s mysterious plan, the various events of our life in this past year find” their place and meaning, the pope said.

The pope said Christians must interpret the signs given by God to truly see his merciful love. Even though the year was marred by violence and the suffering of people fleeing for better living conditions, there were also gestures of good-

ness, love and solidarity, even if they are not covered by the news.

“These signs of love cannot and should not be obscured by the strength of evil,” the pope said.

“Good always triumphs, even if in some moments it may seem weaker and hidden.”

Despite the 40-degree temperature -- cold for Rome -- Pope Francis visited and prayed before the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. He also spent time greeting the crowds gathered, wishing them all a “Happy New Year.”

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Four County Catholic January 2016

Mother Teresa to Become Saint After Pope Recognizes Second Miracle Pope Francis Has Signed Off on the Second Miracle Required to Grant the Late Nun Sainthood Pope Francis has recognized a second miracle attributed to the late Mother Teresa, clearing the path for

By Vasco Cotovio & Ben Brumfield, CNN

her to be elevated to sainthood next year, the Vatican said today.

Mother Teresa, celebrated for her work with the poor in the Indian city of Kolkata, is expected to be canonized on September 4, a day already dedicated to the late nunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory, experts say.

Archbishop of Kolkata, Thomas Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Souza, said the Vatican has recognized that Mother Teresa cured a Brazilian man suffering from multiple brain tumours in 2008.

Teresa, who was born to Albanian parents in what is now Skopje in Macedonia, was known across the world for her charity work. She died in 1997 at the age of 87. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Saint of the Guttersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saint of the Guttersâ&#x20AC;?, she dedicated her life to the poor, the sick and the dying in the slums of Kolkata, one of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest cities, founding the Missionaries of Charity order of nuns.

She won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

She was beatified by then pope John Paul II in a fast-tracked process in 2003, in a ceremony attended by some 300,000 pilgrims.

Beatification is a first step towards sainthood.

Her missionary order in Kolkata

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; formerly known as Calcutta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;thrilledâ&#x20AC;? and grateful to Pope Francis.

In 2002, the Vatican officially recognised a miracle Mother Teresa was said to have carried out after her death, namely the 1998 healing of a Bengali tribal woman, Monika Besra, who was suffering from an abdominal tumor.

Tumors â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;suddenly, inexplicably disappearedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The traditional canonisation procedure requires at least two miracles.

The second miracle involved a 35-year-old Brazilian man who had not long been married when he was diagnosed with eight brain tumors in 2008, according to Vatican expert Andrea Tornielli.

On 9 December, the man was wheeled into the operating room in an induced coma, but doctors were forced to delay the medical procedure by half an hour because of technical problems.

While they waited, the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife led prayers to Mother Teresa in the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chapel. When the surgeon returned to the operating room he is sais to have found the patient awake, sitting up and asking â&#x20AC;&#x153;what am I doing here?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never seen a case like it,â&#x20AC;? the surgeon was quoted as saying, after a CAT scan showed that the Brazilianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tumors â&#x20AC;&#x153;had suddenly and inexplicably disappearedâ&#x20AC;?, Tornielli said in La Stampa daily.

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Missionaries of Mercy to Be Sent Out Under the Gaze of Padre Pio The body of Padre Pio will be on display for veneration at next

By Ann Schneible CNA/EWTN News

month’s Ash Wednesday Mass in the Vatican, where a group of priests will be sent out as “Missionaries of Mercy” for the Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis “has expressed his keen desire” for the relics of the Capuchin saint to be exposed during the Feb. 10 Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Ash Wednesday is the day on which the Pope “will send the Missionaries of Mercy throughout the world, conferring on them the special mandate of preaching and hearing confessions, as a living sign

of how the Father welcomes all those who seek his forgiveness.”

The presence of St. Pio’s remains will be a precious sign for all missionaries and priests, who will find strength for their own mission in the wondrous example of this untiring, welcoming and patient confessor, an authentic witness of the Father’s mercy.

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These Missionaries of Mercy are will arrive Feb. 3 at Rome’s Basilpriests who, during the Jubilee of ica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Mercy, will be given the faculties Walls, where it will remain to pardon sins in cases through Feb. 4, under the otherwise reserved to care of the Capuchins. the Holy See. On Feb. 5, the St. Pio of relics will be carPietrelcina, colried in procesloquially sion from known as S a i n t “Padre Pio,” Lawrence to was a priest St. Peter’s of the Order Basilica, of the Friars where they Minor Cawill remain puchin, a until Feb. 11. stigmatist, Various events and a mystic, will be held who lived from during this pe1887-1968. He riod, including a was beatified in papal audience Feb. 1999, and canonized 6 with members of in 2002 by St. “Padre Pio St. Pio of Pietrelcina John Paul II. prayer groups,” He was born in Pietrelcina, but workers at the Home to Relieve ministered in San Giovanni Ro- Suffering – founded by St. Pio in tondo from 1916 until his death. 1956.

February’s exposition of Padre On Feb. 9, Pope Francis will Pio’s remains at the Vatican is part preside over Mass with Capuchin of the relics’ tour for the Year of brothers, Padre Pio’s own order, Mercy, which will include stops in from around the world.

Rome and Pietrelcina, according After Mass Feb. 11 for the feast to newly released information. of Our Lady of Lourdes presided Italian media reports that Padre over by Archbishop Fisichella, St. Pio’s relics, which reside in the Pio’s relics will be taken for three shrine at San Giovanni Rotondo, days to Pietrelcina.

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