Four County Catholic May 2018

CATHOLIC

FOUR COUNTY

Volume 30 • Number 5 • May 2018 Serving The Counties Of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, Windham, CT & Fishers Island, NY

“Don’t Be Afraid to Set Your Sights Higher.”

Rejoice Glad and be

Pope Francis publishes new Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate

In This Issue

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC norwichdiocese.org

Serving The Counties Of Middlesex • New London • Tolland • Windham, CT & Fishers Island, NY

­Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

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MAY 2018

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“It is humbling to be a part of an organization that has such a rich history of charitable service and positive impact on the lives of those in our community.”

Ed Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, speaking for all in attendance at the annual gala.

“The Church needs active, fearsome, committed and faith-filled women who continue to be faithful to God no matter the cost”.

Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, the first woman Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, addressing the annual Diocesan Catholic Women’s Conference

“During the month of May, we honor how we are led to Jesus through Mary, our greatest intercessor, and the very first Christian.”

Henry Fiore Jr, Superintendent of Diocesan Schools, sharing our Catholic schools’ active devotion to Mary.

“Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart.”

St. Bernard School Senior, Graham McCauley, welcoming grandparents on their day at SBS.

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

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

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31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613 Fax 860.859.1253 Director of Communications/Executive Editor

Michael Strammiello, 860.887.3933

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Very Reverend Ted F. Tumicki, S.T.L., J.C.L., J.V. 860.887.9294 Advertising Sales/Production MANAGER

Meredith Morrison, 860.887.3933 c ommeredith@norwichdiocese.net Assistant Director of Communications/Senior Writer

Wayne Gignac, 860.886.1281

wgignac@norwichdiocese.net

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THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY “Christianity is meant, above all, to be put into practice.”

As we continue to celebrate the joyful Easter Season, we have been blessed with a wonderful message of joy and a call to holiness by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. It comes in the form of an apostolic exhortation perfectly titled Gaudete et Exsultate or Rejoice and be Glad. In his own words in the way of introduction, Pope Francis writes, “My modest goal is to re-propose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities.” I encourage you to take the time to read the document available by link on the diocesan website. You will be inspired, and will lose any fear you may have had about our shared call to sainthood.

The beautifully written document is a humble summation of the papacy of this Pope who has so consistently been teaching us to lift the poor and vulnerable, respect the sanctity of life, be merciful in how we live our faith and to be holy and joyful. These central tenets of Pope Francis’s pontificate are brightly illuminated in “Rejoice and be Glad.” You will recognize the title as the same words Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10-12) as He described, through the Beatitudes, the characteristics of a true Christian.

Pope Francis generously calls on the Beatitudes to help characterize the call to holiness in today’s world. He refers to the Beatitudes as the roadmap to holiness. Among the examples he brings forward is the seventh Beatitude, Blessed are the Merciful, reflecting the simplicity Jesus used to demonstrate what it means to be holy. Pope Francis asks us to embody them, as they will make us “genuinely happy.”

He also references many saints, forty in all I believe, who encourage and accompany us in our

daily lives. His succinct descriptions establish their lives as founded in joy and relevant to present day.

Being called to sainthood, as we all are, is attainable and not to be feared. In a conversational manner, Pope Francis talks of “saints next door,” removing some of the intimidation of our striving to be saints. I couldn’t help but be reminded of our own Saint Bernard School’s motto, “Be a Saint!” That motto in our everyday lives is precisely the spirit of Gaudete et Exsultate. Don’t be afraid, writes Pope Francis, “to set your sights higher.”

It helps to be reminded, as we are in the exhortation, that our faith teaches and offers us many ways to work on succeeding in our journey to a state of holiness. The Holy Father speaks of the importance of prayer; he uses the terms faith-filled and trust-filled prayer -- the power of prayer. He also speaks of meditating on the Word of God, celebration of Holy Mass, adoration of the Eucharist, the Sacraments, works of charity and kindness, community life and missionary outreach.

We must be vigilant, he stresses. “We must not fall asleep.”

The enablers of a holy life are presented not in a generic context, but entirely and wonderfully relevant to our time, our culture, our world. The Holy Father recognizes that the path to holiness must take emerging technology into account as it so pervasively affects social interaction. He speaks out against the “verbal abuse and lashing out” against one another on the internet, or in other words, bullying – a growing challenge to be met and overcome with the strength of holiness.

I was particularly moved by his treatment of global migration. We more often than not have a tendency to look at this crisis in political or ideological terms. If we can look first at this struggle as a call to love our fellow man, we

might begin to see their plight in a new light. If we could start there, our community response and our political views might begin to be more compassionate and less judgmental. As Pope Francis suggests, “We need to stand in the shoes of our brothers and sisters who risk their lives to offer a future to their children.” If we begin here, we will look more willingly and creatively for solutions.

“We will be grounded in love and grounded in mercy.” We can do so much more.

Self-centeredness is too often in the way. To feel more connected to those in need, whether immigrants among us or truly everyone we encounter, we must lift ourselves up first. To this point, Pope Francis calls on Saint Therese of Lisieux who speaks to us with remarkable relevance to our time, “If we are constantly upset and impatient with others, we will end up drained and weary. But if we regard the faults and limitations of others with tenderness, we can actually help them and stop wasting our energy on useless complaining.” Above all Charity.

Every page of the Holy Father’s inspiring message calls out that we are meant to be ourselves, and to recognize and embrace that God wants us to be saints. “We should not settle for a bland and mediocre existence.” Be a saint!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Michael R. Cote

MAY 2018

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

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Pope Francis - Gaudete et Exsultate

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THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

Que La Fé Muestre El Camino “El cristianismo está destinado, ante todo, a ser puesto en práctica”.

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Papa Francisco - Gaudete et Exsultate

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Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, Acabamos de concluir, con alegría y acción de gA medida que continuamos celebrando la alegre temporada de Pascua, hemos sido bendecidos con un maravilloso mensaje de alegría y un llamado a la santidad por parte del Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco. El mensaje viene en la forma de una exhortación apostólica perfectamente titulada en Gaudete et Exsultante (“Alegraos y Regocijaos” en latín). A modo de introducción, en sus propias palabras el Papa Francisco escribe: “Mi simple propósito es volver a proponer el llamado a la santidad de una manera práctica para nuestro propio tiempo, con todos sus riesgos, desafíos y oportunidades”. Le animo a tomarse el tiempo para leer el documento disponible en el sitio web diocesano. Se sentirá inspirado y perderá cualquier temor que pueda tener sobre nuestro compartido llamado a la santidad.

El documento bellamente escrito es una humilde recopilación del papado de este Papa quien constantemente nos ha enseñado a levantar a los pobres y vulnerables, a respetar la santidad de la vida, a ser misericordiosos en la forma en que vivimos nuestra fe y a ser santos y alegres.

Estos principios centrales del pontificado del Papa Francisco están brillantemente iluminados en “Alegraos y Regocijaos”. Usted reconocerá el título por las mismas palabras que Jesús pronunció en el Sermón del Monte (Mateo 5: 10-12), las caracteristicas de un verdadero cristiano, como las describió a través de las Bienaventuranzas. El Papa Francisco hace un llamado generoso a las Bienaventuranzas para ayudar a caracterizar el llamado a la santidad en el mundo contemporáneo.

Se refiere a las Bienaventuranzas como un mapa de ruta hacia la santidad. Entre los ejemplos que presenta está la séptima Bienaventuranza, Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, refleja la simplicidad que Jesús usó para demostrar lo que significa ser santo. El Papa Francisco nos pide incorporarlas, ya que nos harán “verdaderamente

felices”.

También hace referencia a muchos santos quienes nos alientan y nos acompañan en nuestra vida cotidiana, creo que son cuarenta en total. Sus descripciones sumarias establecen que sus vidas están fundadas en la alegría y son relevantes para nuestros días. Ser llamados a la santidad, como todos lo estamos, es posible y no debe temerse. El Papa Francisco de una manera conversacional habla de los “santos de al lado”, eliminando parte de la intimidación de nuestro esfuerzo por ser santos. No pude evitar recordar el lema de nuestra escuela de Saint Bernard, “Sé santo”. Ese lema en nuestra vida cotidiana es precisamente el espíritu de Gaudete et Exsultate. El Papa Francisco escribe, no tema, “para elevar su mirada”.

Nos ayuda a recordar, como en la exhortación, que nuestra fe nos enseña y nos ofrece muchas maneras de trabajar con éxito en nuestro camino hacia un estado de santidad. El Santo Padre habla de la importancia de la oración; usa los términos oración llena de fe y llena de confianza- el poder de la oración. También habla de meditar la Palabra de Dios, celebrar la Santa Misa, la adoración de la Eucaristía, los sacramentos, obras de caridad y bondad, vida comunitaria, alcance misionero.

Debemos estar atentos, enfatiza. “No debemos dormirnos”.

Los habilitadores de una vida santa se presentan no en un contexto genérico, sino entera y maravillosamente relevantes para nuestro tiempo, nuestra cultura, nuestro mundo. El Santo Padre reconoce que el camino hacia la santidad debe tener en cuenta la tecnología emergente, ya que afecta de manera generalizada la interacción social. Él habla en contra del “abuso verbal y la agresión” de unos contra otros en Internet, o en otras palabras, el acoso, un desafío creciente que se debe enfrentar y superar con la fuerza de la santidad.

Particularmente me conmovió su tratamiento de la migración global. Muy a menudo tenemos una

tendencia a mirar esta crisis en términos políticos o ideológicos. Si podemos mirar primero esta lucha como un llamado para amar a nuestro prójimo, podríamos comenzar a ver su situación bajo una nueva luz. Si pudiéramos comenzar allí, la respuesta de nuestra comunidad y nuestras opiniones políticas podrían comenzar a ser más compasivas y menos críticas. El Papa Francisco sugiere, “Necesitamos estar en el lugar de nuestros hermanos y hermanas quienes arriesgan sus vidas para ofrecer un futuro a sus hijos”. Si comenzamos aquí, estaremos más dispuestos a buscar soluciones creativas. “Nos basaremos en el amor y nos basaremos en la misericordia”. Podemos hacer mucho más.

El egocentrismo muy a menudo se interpone. Para sentirnos más conectados con los necesitados, ya sean inmigrantes entre nosotros o verdaderamente con todos los que nos encontramos, primero debemos elevarnos a nosotros mismos. En este punto, el Papa Francisco nombra a Santa Teresa de Lisieux, quien nos habla con notable relevancia para nuestro tiempo, “Si estamos constantemente molestos e impacientes con los demás, terminaremos agotados y cansados. Pero si consideramos las fallas y limitaciones de los demás con ternura, podemos ayudarlos y dejar de desperdiciar nuestra energía en quejas inútiles “ La caridad sobre todo.

Cada página del mensaje inspirador del Santo Padre nos llama a ser nosotros mismos, y a reconocer y a comprender que Dios quiere que seamos santos. “No debemos conformarnos con una existencia indiferente y mediocre”. ¡Sea santo!

Atentamente en Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

Our DIOCESE

Memorial Day Mass Schedule

Monsignor Leszek T. Janik, Vicar General, will celebrate this Mass at 9am.

In case of inclement weather this Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich.

Sacred Heart Cemetery, Harland Road, Taftville

Heavenly Father,

On this Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. May the example of their sacrifice inspire us the selfless love of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless the families of our fall and troops, and fill their homes and their lives with your strength and peace. We pray through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Be Holy...

Reverend Christopher Zmuda will celebrate this Mass at 9am. In case of inclement weather, the Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Taftville.

Saint Patrick Cemetery, Depot Road, Montville Reverend James Sucholet will celebrate this Mass at 9am.

In case of inclement weather the Mass will be celebrated in Saint John Church, Uncasville.

THE NEW LONDON DEANERY

Saint Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London Bishop Michael R. Cote will celebrate Mass at 10am.

In case of inclement weather this Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary Church, New London.

Pope Francis’ latest exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate helps every person on the road to holiness, reminding us that being holy means being yourself, and takes aim at those who would reserve holiness for the few.

MAY 2018

THE NORWICH DEANERY

Saint Joseph Cemetery, Boswell Avenue, Norwich

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Monday May 28, 2018

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Our DIOCESE Mr. Larry Barile First year Theology, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts.

Mr. Michael Castiblanco Third Year Theology Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, Maryland

Deacon Ronald Blank Fourth year -Theology, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts.

MR. Michael Bovino Second year - Theology, Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland.

“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 76 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education ~ Grades K-8 ~

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We pray for men to answer the call to be instruments of God’s grace as priests of Jesus Christ.

Discerning the Joy of Priesthood

MAY 2018

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Father Gregory Galvin, Director of Priestly Vocations

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“It is my pleasure to share with you an abbreviated article written

by Nancy Lavin, the religious correspondent for the Frederick News-Post in the coverage area of Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Ms. Lavin chronicles the journey of one of our first-year pre-theologians, Dharen Brochero Garavito, from his childhood in Columbia to his presentday experience in the Diocese of Norwich and his current studies for the priesthood. I think you will find it a fascinating account of a young man discerning a call to priestly service.

With continuing joy of the Easter Season,” Father Greg Clad in a striped skullcap and white apron, Dharen Brochero Garavito flips a skillet of sizzling shrimp in the air with what appears to be a practiced hand.

He pulls the tray of blistered tomatoes from the oven behind him, arranging them with care on the plates before adding the shrimp and rice. A drizzle of mango puree and a “sparkle” of lime zest later, Dharen presents his dish, explaining the components in a lilting accent that reflects his Colombian roots.

But beneath the charisma and culinary prowess is a farm boy whose simple upbringing in a remote Colombian village lacked luxuries such as shiny kitchen equipment and infused cooking oils.

A boy whose faith, guided by the priest of the village church, led him to conclude at the age of 14 that he also wanted to pursue the priesthood.

Now 23, Dharen is in his first year at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, and is fulfilling that same vocational vision, a vision that has never wavered since he felt God’s call nine years ago.

Though Dharen never shied away from sharing his vocational aspirations with family and friends, few believed his teenage pronouncement would come true.His friends thought he was joking, he said.

His father, a police officer, refused to acknowledge it, his lack of support essentially ending their relationship for a period of time, though they have since reconciled. His mother, a Protestant, begged her son to consider becoming a pastor in another denomination so he could marry and give her grandchildren.

Dharen understood their doubts.

This was the boy who originally wanted to be a doctor. His peers knew him as a fun, sociable classmate, who always had a girlfriend to dance with at parties.

He was smart, too, an avid reader awarded a prestigious academic scholarship after graduating from high school to study English at an institute in the city of Cartagena, Colombia.

But he was also a person of faith. His introduction to God began in early childhood after his parents divorced and his dad Dharen Brochero Garavito sautés shrimp remarried. Dharen went to live with his in the Mount Saint Mary Seminary kitchen. stepmom’s mother, Celina, whom he when his grandma couldn’t go. His considers his grandmother, although change of heart was largely due to the they are not blood relatives. Seeking new priest who took over the village company, Celina, would take him parish. along to Sunday morning Mass at the The Reverend Freddy Romero village church. was young and charismatic, a “cool At first, he had to be dragged, but priest,” according to Dharen. Dharen later, he started going willingly, even Continued to next page

Mr. Dharen Brochero UnderGrad/ Philosophy Major Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, Maryland

Deacon Frank Gilbert Fourth year - Theology, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts.

Mr. Normand Laflamme First year - Theology, Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland

Mr. Jacob Ramos Second year - Philosophy, Mount Saint Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Ruben Sanchez UCAELI Program UCONN/Storrs

OUR DIOCESE Continued from previous page

He prayed on it, and realized that Father Romero was right. A priestly vocation was exactly what Dharen was meant to do. Specifically, Dharen felt called to a missionary vocation, to be sent to some faraway place, sharing God’s message with the poor — poor in terms of lacking faith, whether or not that also meant financially poor, he clarified.

Although in Colombia, aspiring priests can enter seminary directly after high school — most theological seminaries in the U.S., including the Mount, require prospective students to attend a four-year college first Dharen realized, with a wisdom beyond his years, that committing to a life of celibacy and God at 16 years old might be a bit preemptive. He saw the break to pursue academics and employment as a way to discern if the priesthood was truly for him. He found work at a hospital in Cartagena “boring,” more paperwork than practice. He didn’t feel the satisfaction at the hospital

Life outside of work was particularly challenging during this time, too. Despite his simple upbringing, this was the first time in Dharen’s life he truly experienced hunger, sometimes going without food so he could use his meager earnings to support his mother, who was also struggling at the time.

“Studying, working, not eating ... it was tough,” he said.

Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut.

Like all seminarians, his diocesan bishop selected the Mount as the place for his priestly formation.

He felt called to be a different kind of healer of souls rather than injuries.

After a year, he decided to enroll in a missionary seminary in Colombia.

His experience in the Colombian seminary was different from his studies at the Mount. “They just send you to a parish to work,” he said of the Colombian seminary. “You learn by just doing, and there are a lot of restrictions It was through the Norwich Diocese that Dharen came to the U.S. He applied at the urging of a friend who knew someone in the diocese.

Dharen spent two years in his

During his time in Norwich, Dharen assisted a diocesan priest in his church while also taking classes at the University of Connecticut to earn his Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification.

Though thousands of miles from home, the largely rural community reminded him of his agrarian upbringing.

“He’s very loved, very much a part of our family,” said Reverend Rick Ricard, the priest whose Connecticut parish was the one in which Dharen worked. Father Ricard added that the parish was looking forward to Dharen’s visit at the end of March, for Holy Week.

Father Ricard named Dharen’s warmth, approachability and youthful energy as the source for his parishioners’ connection with him.

Finding creative ways to make church relevant was important to Dharen. He feared becoming too comfortable, too settled and complacent. He wanted to be open to new ideas, to strive for improvements and innovations.

“The church is like a computer,” he said. “The software is the same as it’s always been. But we need to update to work with the people of the time.

It’s not changing, just updating.”

Similarly, his priestly formation has not changed his identity. He’s still the same person.

His once-doubting relatives now accept his vocation, including his no-longer-estranged father, but they treat him differently. His mother sees him as a spiritual adviser, while his grandma Celina addresses him using “usted,” the formal form of “you” in Spanish typically reserved for authority or senior figures.

“I say no, Grandma, I am still your grandson,” Dharen said. “Tell me when I’m rude, or scold me if I’m late. I am a servant of God, yes, but that doesn’t make me different.”

“When you cook for somebody, you don’t think about if they will see your skills,” he said. “You think to make them happy. That is the best way to be rewarded.”

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Though Father Romero urged him to consider the vocation, Dharen was initially skeptical. “I said, ‘Father, you live alone, you are not married, you work all the time.’ That does not seem like a good life,” Dharen recalled. “He told me, ‘You are happy if you do what you love.’ That really made me think. “I see people become happy when they see the priest, welcoming him like he was part of their family,” Dharen said.

“And I thought, ‘If that’s happiness, can I be happy, too?’”

he felt when he was working with Father Romero. He felt called to be a different kind of healer — of souls rather than injuries.

Be Holy...

MAY 2018

became more involved with the church, as an altar server and lector, and later the sexton who unlocked the building in the morning and closed it up at night, ringing the bells whenever someone died.

Dharen hopes to bring that same spirit to his future congregation after he is ordained. He pictures himself as a simple priest, an academic but not someone holed up studying in an office.

“I want to be among the people, telling them God loves them, listening to them without judging,” he said.

And he hopes to cook for them, too — not necessarily Food Networkstyle fine dining, but meals that fill their stomachs and souls.

To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious.

7

Our DIOCESE

28th Annual White Mass

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Focused on Healing the Person’s Spirit, Not Just the Illness

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Drawing from Catholic priest Henri Nouwen’s book entitled, The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society, Reverend Walter M. Nagle, homilist for the 28th Annual White Mass asked the hundreds of Healthcare Workers in attendance to reflect on the ways they can bring peace to the sick and suffering.

He said, “Nouwen wrote, ‘A Christian community is therefore a healing community. Not because wounds are cured, and pains are alleviated, but because the wounds and pains become openings and occasions for sharing.’ Father Nagle continued, “It is the role of the healthcare worker to ‘touch and see’ the wounds of an ailing humanity. Saint Theresa of Avila had a wonderful prayer: ‘Christ has no body now but yours, no hands no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He looks with compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good.’”

Quoting Pope Francis’s recently published Apostolic Exhortation: Rejoice and Be Glad which echoes the Second Vatican council’s Universal Call to Holiness, “We are all, by virtue of our baptism, called to be saints.” While this might seem like a lofty goal, Father Nagle reminded those in attendance of Saint Catherine of Sienna’s advice, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

Father Nagle then went on to tell of the life of Saint Giuseppe Moscati a doctor who lived in Naples in the early 1900’s. He was canonized a Saint by the Catholic Church on October 25, 1987. Moscati, born into an aristocratic family, was known as the Doctor of the Poor. His research led to the discovery of insulin as a treatment for diabetes. He regarded his medical practice as an apostolate,

Article and photos by Wayne Gignac

a ministry to 125 healthcare his fellow professionals to suffering men. an inspired talk Father Nagle with wisdom, shared, “The stories and most following words importantly, humor were found in a gathered during her notebook of his years of experience. dated January 17, Immediately upon 1922. ‘The sick Bishop Michael R. Cote “volunteers” taking the are the faces of microphone she for Sister Rita’s demonstration.

Jesus Christ.’ In loosened up the this handwritten note he is echoing crowd by exclaiming, “I’ve had a the words of the Psalm in today’s year of anxiety!” She went on to say, liturgy: ‘Lord, let your face shine on “My good friend Father Tony asked us.’ The face of the Lord shines on me what my gimmick was. Here’s my us in the sick and suffering wounds gimmick!” And with that she donned of our brothers and sisters. Saint a red clown nose.

Giuseppe knew the limits of science Praising Father Nagle for his and medicine. He was interested homily and his choice of the book in treating the whole person. Saint —The Wounded Healer, Sister Rita Giuseppe’s faith was eucharistic. had this to say. “I love that book! You Just as Jesus is hidden under the know what? We’re never going to be appearance of ordinary bread and perfect. It’s because of our humanness wine, so too, he is hidden in the sick that we are able to touch people.” and the poor.”

She encouraged all, but especially Following the Mass, a brunch the doctors in the room to, “take took place in the lower level of the time to Be Still and sit in a chair Cathedral. Deacon Gerald Shaw, and be eye-level with your patients.

White Mass Committee Chairperson, The focus ought to be on healing a introduced the featured speaker, Sister person’s spirit, not just curing their Rita Johnson, S.S.N.D. physical illness.”

Sister Rita, Director of the Ministry Sister noted that we all need to to the Sick and Chaplain at the rejuvenate our spirit. She shared that William W. Backus Hospital since she does so by the water. Whether it’s 1981, gifted the audience of over the Marina, the river at Indian Leap—

Father Walter M. Nagle delivering a moving homily. the historic location NOT the bar, as she was quick to point out, or even a carwash. “After you pay, the first thing the carwash attendant tells you is to put the car in neutral. With that one simple act my whole body goes into neutral. Monsignor Brown would be so proud of me.”

Sharing a meditation from Bernadette Noll, Sister Rita gave everyone a piece of sea glass to focus on as she read, “I want to age like sea glass. When I am thrown against the shore and caught between the rocks and a hard place, I want to rest there until I can find the strength to do what is next. I want to age like sea glass. I want to enjoy the journey not in spite of the impacts of life, but because of them.”

Quoting Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, author of the book On Death and Dying, Sister Rita, said, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” And in her own inimitable style she added, “So let your light shine!”

Our DIOCESE

23rd Annual Secretaries Mass “If Jesus is your Joy than you can’t help but radiate it to others.”

“You are on the frontlines of evangelization!

In your office, in your parish, in your school—you bring Jesus to the people you encounter.

A smile, a kind word, an understanding nod —these are your tools.”

Father Jeffrey Ellis, homilist, addressing attendees of the 23rd Annual Secretaries Mass held Tuesday April 21st at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Bishop Michael R. Cote along with 15 diocesan priests concelebrated the annual Mass. A luncheon reception followed.

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MAY 2018

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Sherri Denomme of Norwich places a rose in the vase held by Alice Pudvah- Secretaries Mass Chairperson .

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Our DIOCESE

Founder of Paula’s Orphanage in Haiti Dies

M

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

By Fr. Frank Rouleau, Chaplain & Director Parish Twinning, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti

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adame Paula Benoit Thybulle, died in Portau-Prince, Haiti on 19 March 2018. She was 81 years old. Madame Thybulle, known to many Connecticut travelers to Haiti as “Madame Paula” founded 31 years ago the Orphanage Le Foyer des Filles de Dieu (translated as House of the Daughters of God, also known as Paula Thybulle’s Home for Girls).

Through the Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, her orphanage has been twinned with Mercy High School in Middletown for more than 15 years. There have been as many as 70 girls living at the Orphanage at any one time, ranging in age from 2 to 20 years old. Without this shelter many of these girls would be living on the streets of the capitol city Port-auPrince, Haiti.

Haitian born, Madame Paula lived on Long Island, NY for many years, raising her family there. She had worked in the US as a Lab Technician.

Following the death of her son, she received a call from her brother, a physician in Haiti, asking her to return to Haiti and help him run a large Children’s Detention Center operated by the Government. After many requests, she heeded his call, and returned to help him in Haiti.

Madame Paula Benoit Thybulle and Father Frank Rouleau Seeing young girls abandoned and living on the street amidst misery and poverty moved Madame Paula’s heart in 1987 to find a place to shelter these young girls. She was able, with the help of Outreach to Haiti and many generous donors, to provide not only food and shelter, but also an education for these children. Some, who had the ability, were able to go to University.

Her facility in downtown Port-au-

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Prince was heavily damaged by the earthquake in 2010. Like much of the city, they were displaced into tents, living in a neighbor’s and then a church’s courtyard. Two years later she was able to move to Santo, about 7 miles outside the Capital city, where there is much more room and clean air. Currently the Orphanage has 45 residents, ranging from two to twenty years of age. These girls called Madame Thybulle “Mami Paula”.

Her granddaughter intends to carry on her legacy and run the orphanage.

Sister Mary McCarthy, President of Mercy High School, shared her recollections of Paula and their twinning relationship. When I first visited Foyer des Filles de Dieu in 2000 and met Paula I felt “at home” and wanted to become part of this wonderful place. When I returned to Mercy High, I asked the Mercy girls if they would like to be involved in any way. They immediately embraced the idea, so we started a twinning relationship that continues to this day.

Paula was an inspiration to me and when she visited Mercy a few times

over the ensuing years, she captured the hearts of the Mercy students, who were touched by her commitment and her love of the girls at the orphanage.

She encouraged them to continue supporting their “Sister School” and to visit if possible. Her picture hangs on Mercy’s Haiti Wall and she will remain in the thoughts and prayers of this Mercy Community which is grateful for the witness to Mercy she was in her life.

Madame Paula Thybulle lived her life as a good Catholic woman, wife, mother to her sons and mother to many young girls at the Orphanage since 1987. Her funeral was held March 27, 2018 at St Pierre Church, Petionville, Haiti. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace!

Outreach Board Members who had worked with Paula, also shared their memories: Paula was such a mentor for me in those early years when I lived in Haiti.

I would walk down daily to teach the girls. I have many happy memories of working with her. Paula was a woman of faith, love and service. She was a trusted friend who taught me so much!

She was a valiant woman who was always there for me. May she rest in peace!

- Sister Ellen Flynn Paula was a blessing to Pat and I while living in Haiti. We must pray that God raises up a special person(s) to carry on Paula’s ministry and to comfort the girls & all those who loved her. With gratitude for Paula in our lives, - Maryann Boord She was an amazing human being!

- Ralph Stewart

Our DIOCESE Diocesan

Announcement

“ For where your treasure is (your relationship with Jesus), there also will your heart be…Be ready for whatever comes…If the master of the house (your heart and soul) had known the hour when the thief was coming (during your daily life here on earth) he would not have let his house (heart and soul) be broken into…you also (your name) must be PREPARED, for at an hour you do not expect (or have planned)…the SON of MAN (Jesus) will come.” Luke 12:34, 39-40 Bishop Daniel P. Reilly’s 90th Birthday Celebration

Prayer for Mary

Saturday, May 12 St. John High School, Shrewsbury, MA. Please pray for him.

Masses of Healing and Hope 2nd & 4th Monday at 2pm May 14 (only) June 11 & 25 Spiritual Renewal Center

Televison Mass

Wednesday, June 6th, 10am Channel 11, WCCT Comcast Channel 20, WTXX Charter

Closer Walk with Jesus Retreat Saturday, June 9 8:30-3pm Spiritual Renewal Center To register call 860-887-0702

Life in the Spirit Seminar Weekend Retreat Opportunity Friday - Sunday, June 15-17 At My Father’s House Retreat Center, Moodus, 7pm Friday- 2pm Sunday Call 860-873-1906 or www.myfathershouse.org ($150 pp) Presented by Fr. Ray Introvigne and Mrs. Judith Hughes

Spiritual Renewal Services

Spiritual Renewal Center 11 Bath Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-887-0702

“Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others.

She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us. Our converse with her consoles, frees and sanctifies us. Mary our Mother does not need a flood of words. She does not need us to tell her what is happening in our lives. All we need do is whisper, time and time again: “Hail Mary…”

Pope Francis — Gaudete et exsultate

Be Holy...

Do you work for a living?

Be Holy by laboring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters.

MAY 2018

Saturday, May 19 9-5pm Spiritual Renewal Center To register call 860-887-0702

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Healing and Freedom Conference

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Our DIOCESE

Called Home

In Loving Memory

Sister Yvonne Martell, DHS

Sister Annette Beauregard

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

January 3, 1923 – April 5, 2018

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Putnam - Sr. Yvonne Martell, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died April 5, 2018 at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT, where she had been in residence since June 2016.

She was born Yvonne Martell on January 3, 1923, in Swanton, VT the daughter of Adelard and Yvonne (l’Espérance) Martell. Sr. Yvonne entered religious life at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 1943 and made her religious profession there in 1947. She was then known as Sr. Jean Marie.

She taught on the elementary level in various schools staffed by Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Waterbury, Jewett City and Putnam, CT as well as in Pittsfield, MA and Tupper Lake, NY from 1947 to 1961. In 1962 she served as Nurse’s Aide at St. Joseph Villa in Putnam and took an LPN course at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford in 1963. Following this, she served as a nurse in Putnam, Bridgeport and Providence, RI as well as Swanton, Burlington and St. Albans, VT. In 1992 she was assigned to her hometown of Swanton, VT where she did domestic services and part-time nursing. In 2001 she served in Essex Junction, VT where she did Pastoral Ministry out of the Holy Family Parish there. She retired to the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 2010 and was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2011 and subsequently to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.

She is survived by her sisters in community, the consecrated Seculars and the DHS Associates as well as several nieces.

Sister Maria Archambault

August 16, 1930 - April 25, 2018 Putnam - Sister Maria Archambault, 87, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT, where she had been in residence since July 8, 2016.

Born Pauline Leona Archambault on August 16, 1930, in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Wilfrid and Leona (Patenaude) Archambault. She entered religious life in Putnam in 1948, and made her religious profession on August 23, 1951, at the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France. She was then known as Sister Marie Wilfrid.

Following her return to the United States she taught in schools staffed by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Fitchburg, MA and in Burlington, VT and she obtained a BS degree from Annhurst College in 1961. Sister Maria was part the first group of 13 sisters missioned to Chile. From 1963-65 she worked in Antofagasta

Janaury 5, 1923 - March 28, 2018 Putnam – Sister Annette Beauregard, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died, March 28 2018, at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT. Born Annette Irene Beauregard in Woonsocket, RI on January 5, 1923, she was the daughter of late Levi and Léa (Guilbeault) Beauregard. She entered religious life in Putnam at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in 1942 and made her religious profession in 1945. She was then known as Sr. Charles Levi.

Her first assignment was in a nursery in Fall River, MA from 1945-1948. From there she went on to teach in the elementary grades in schools operated by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Wauregan, Moosup, and Putnam having obtained an Associate degree from Annhurst College in 1979. In 1990 she became a CCD coordinator at All Hallows Parish in Moosup, CT until her retirement in 1997 with residence at All Hallows Convent in Moosup. She moved to Holy Spirit Provincial House in 2009 and following some health issues, she moved to the Holy Spirit Health Care Center in December of 2014. In 2016 the Health Care Center was closed, and all of the sisters there transferred to Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham, a Diocesan facility.

Sister Annette is survived by her spiritual family; her sisters in community; the consecrated seculars; her Daughters of the Holy Spirit associates; as well as her brother, Charles and his wife Rochelle of Slatersville, RI; her sisters, Mrs. Helen Dubois and her husband Richard and Mrs. Louise Frappier, both of Bellingham, MA.

where she served as Principal and teacher at Colegio San Luis, a Jesuit elementary school. From 1966-69 she served as Mistress of Novices in Antofagasta and from 1970-71 she did Pastoral work in Tocopilla. She became Vice Provincial of DHS communities in Chile in 1972 serving in that capacity until 1975. From 1976-79 she did Pastoral work among the poor of Antofagasta and from 1981-87 she served a second term as Vice Provincial of Latin America, which then included Peru.

From 1987-93 she resumed her Pastoral work in Antofagasta and in 1993 until 1996 she was named to the General Council of the Congregation with residence at the Generalate in Rennes, France. She returned to Latin America in 1996 and was missioned to Lima, Peru and to Pastoral work in Callao, Peru, until 2001. In addition to Pastoral work she also accompanied temporary professed Sisters as part of their formation. Following health issues, she returned to the American Province and retired to the Provincial House in August of 2008. She was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in Putnam in February of 2010 and to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, CT on July 8, 2016.

She is survived by her sisters in community, the Consecrated Seculars and the DHS Associates as well as a brother, Marcel Archambault; and several nieces and nephews of Pittsfield, MA.

Donations may be made to the

DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St, Putnam, CT.

Our DIOCESE “By means of the Funeral Rites, it has been the practice of the Church, as a tender Mother,…to commend the dead to God… and to give witness to its own faith in the future resurrection of the Baptized with Christ.”

(Congregation For Divineworship - 1969)

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Diocesan

Announcement

Holy Hour for Vocations

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

June 29th Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich Monsignor Anthony Rosaforte

7-8pm

July 19th Saint Mark, Westbrook

Father Grzegorz Brozonowicz

6-7pm

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Be Holy...

Are you married?

Be Holy by living out your commitment with joy.

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Announcement

MAY 2018

Diocesan

13

Our DIOCESE

Calendar of Events Saturday, May 19

63rd Annual Council of Catholic Women Convention

All women in the Diocese are cordially invited to attend. Held from 9-2pm at St. Matthew Church, Tolland. The guest speaker will be Sr. Elissa Rinere, C.P., J.C.D., Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich. To register please send your name, address, church, city, email and phone number to: Judy Pappagallo, 199 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Cost is $25pp, includes lunch & materials, choose Chicken or Vegetarian. Make check out to Norwich Diocesan CCW. Deadline for registrations, May 8, 2018.

Sunday, May 20

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Blue Mass Breakfast Fundraiser

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Billy Wilson’s Restaurant, Norwich from 11-1pm. Eggs, sausage wrap, pancakes, orange juice and home fries. Tickets are available, suggested donation $10.For tickets or information please contact Becky Cady at 860-887-9294, ext. 235.

compassion. It includes discussions, Living Scriptures with meditations, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service and Mass of Entrustment. For more information call Marie at 203-631-9030, email her at mlaffin@prolifeministry.org or visit the national website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Friday-Sunday July 6-8

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Married Couples give your marriage a well-deserved vacation. Plan to go on a

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend and come back with a marriage that is refreshed and full of energy! A weekend away renews the romance and excitement you experienced during your dating days.

It will help you enjoy life with a new closeness to each other and with God. For more information, or to register for the weekend in Manchester, call 860-779-7874 or visit www.wwmect.org.

Wednesday, June 6

What is an Annulment?

If you are a divorced Catholic who would like to know more about annulments or is considering beginning the annulment process but aren’t quite sure what it is or how to go about doing so, this informational workshop is for you. Join us: St. Mark’s Church Hall, Westbrook from 7-9pm. Fr. Ted Tumicki, Judicial Vicar, and Fr. Brian Romanowski, ViceChancellor and Adjutant Judicial Vicar of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, will be part of a panel that will cover the numerous aspects of the annulment process. For more information call, 860-348-2237, Ext 306

Friday-Sunday June 8-10

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend

If you are silently grieving or suffering from an abortion, experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. The weekend healing process is confidential and offers an opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands.

~ MWP ~

Diocesan

Announcement

We Can Help

TELEVISION MASS June 6, 2018 Father Ray Introvigne

At 10:00am

Channel 11, WCCT Comcast Channel 20, WTXX Charter

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

Podemos Ayudar

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

Our DIOCESE

he tradition of celebrating Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich continues this year with the 9th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner. The Seton Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 4:00pm at the Mystic Marriott Hotel, 625 North Road, Groton, Connecticut. At the dinner, individuals are honored for their contributions to Catholic education and all proceeds from the dinner are distributed by The Catholic Foundation to elementary school students in the form of tuition assistance grants.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, announced the recipients of the 2018 Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich. This year’s recipients are: Monsignor Robert L. Brown (Posthumously), Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell and Mrs. Doris Messina.

Monsignor Robert L. Brown was ordained a priest on May 3, 1969 and from 1989-2017 he served as Chancellor, Diocese of Norwich until his passing on November 4, 2017. Reverend Mark D. O’Donnell, was ordained a priest on May 25, 1985 and is currently Pastor at Saint Joseph Church,

New London, Saint Mary, Star of the Sea Church, New London and Our Lady of Grace Church, Fishers Island. Father O’Donnell is also Administrator of Saint Paul Church, Waterford and he oversees Saint Joseph School, New London. Mrs. Doris Messina, has taught at St. Michael School, Pawcatuck for 19 years and has been principal at the school for the past 12 years.

This year’s honorees represent both current and past leaders from our Diocese who have devoted much of their lives serving our Catholic schools. Since its inception in 2010, the Seton Scholarship Dinner has raised and distributed over $271,600.00 in scholarships to Catholic elementary school students. Anyone who would like to purchase a sponsorship, program advertisement or tickets to the 9th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner may contact Kathy Gaito, Stewardship Coordinator, Diocese of Norwich Office of Development at 860.886.1928 ext. 15 or kgaito@ norwichdiocese.net.

The Catholic Faith Explained video series are led by Dr. Edward Sri. Filmed at Augustine Institute and on location in Rome, the Holy Land, and Calcutta. Presentations provide a clear, comprehensive explanation of core teachings of our faith in a way to help you know, live and articulate it to others.

Presentations will be on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. in the rectory meeting room at Our Lady of Lourdes (1650 Rte. 12, Gales Ferry - across from CVS) May 23: Why Do I Need the Church?

June 6: A Catholic Moral Vision June 20: Catholic Social Teaching Mark your calendars and reserve your seat by contacting the parish secretary at 860-464-7251 / secretary @ololgf.org

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| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

T

By Kathy Gaito

The Catholic Parishes of Ledyard & Groton Invite you to SYMBOLON presentations on our Faith

MAY 2018

Seton Scholarship Dinner Celebrates Current and Past Leaders of Catholic Education

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C

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

FCC NEWSDESK

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atholic Charities recently celebrated its many successes and four honorees for their tireless service and unselfish dedication. It was an Evening of Hope nestled among the amazing and beautiful sights of the ocean. 150 people gathered and filled the Main Gallery of the Mystic Aquarium to celebrate the work of Catholic Charities throughout Eastern Connecticut.

After a brief welcome by Executive Director, Ed Tessman, who shared a number of agency successes over the past year, the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, opened the evening with a blessing of the Flames of Remembrance candles, which guests purchased to honor loved ones whom they have lost. Bishop Cote remembered a dear friend of Catholic Charities, Dr. Herbert Levinsky, who graciously served on Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors for the last fifteen years, who passed earlier this year.

Before getting to the highlight of the event, Ed Tessman remarked that “Two years ago, I stood before a group of Catholic Charities supporters, at an event much like this, a mere 75 days after being appointed by the Bishop to serve as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities. I could not be more humbled to continue to serve our Bishop and be part of an organization that has such a rich history of charitable service and positive impact on the lives of those in our community.”

Christopher Lipinski, Ph.D., Catholic Charities Humanitarian of the Year was born in Dundee Scotland in 1944 to parents who were refugees from Poland in WWII. Having lost everything in Poland, Chris’ dad was adamant that the only reliable resource for earning a living was in your head and so education was paramount in the Lipinski family.

In 1968 Chris met Nancy Flood and they were married Feb 22, 1969 in a nuptial mass at the Newman Chapel. Chris’ subsequent postdoctoral fellowship at Caltech trained him for research in the biomedical sciences and it was during this fellowship in 1970 in South Pasadena California that Robert was born.

In 1970 Chris, Nancy and Robert moved to Groton for Chris’ research position in medicinal chemistry at Pfizer. In 1971 his daughter Janet was born. In 1973, the family became parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Quaker Hill. Chris’ career

An Evenin

in research advanced at Pfizer and in 2002 he retired after five years at the highest scientific position. It was also in 2002, that his pastor, Monsignor Thomas Bride, former Vicar General and a Catholic Charities board member, nominated Chris for service as a new board member.

Ed stated, “The life that Chris has led and continues to lead, fits so well with the Catholic Charities Employee of t Christopher Lipinski, Ph.D., mission of Catholic Charities; responding Bishop Michael Cot Catholic Charities to Christ’s call to care Humanitarian of the Year for those in need and is clearly evident in and staffing recommendations to best serve the his faithful service to local community. However, Catholic Charities for the last sixteen years.” Before perhaps the most important of asking Chris to join the Bishop and accept the award, their contributions as Community Ed shared that Chris’ genuine love, entire life and Servants is their commitment to sincere dedication for charity is incredible and deeply be positive, dedicated, frequent appreciated. ambassadors for the Catholic The Community Servants of the Year, Catholic Charities message of hope and Charities Middletown Advisory Board, has an help to their own local parishes. estimated combined total of 38 years of service to Ed stated that, “For this we are the Diocese of Norwich. These dedicated individuals especially grateful since we who represent seven parishes, have served from 2 understand the importance of to 10 years on the Board and are all active members the local voice in spreading the of their own parishes as well. Members of the Catholic Charities message.”

Middletown Advisory Board of Catholic Charities Valeria Jane Leger was and the parishes they represent are Mary Garry (St. acknowledged and received the Mary, Portland), Deacon Peter Gill (St. Colman, Catholic Charities Honoring Middlefield as well as Notre Dame, Durham), Connie our Heritage Award. This award Gillies (St. Sebastian, Middletown), Jackie Haywood honors individuals who have (St. John, Cromwell), Pam Perrone (St. John, made a substantial and significant Middletown), Mary Todzia (St. Peter, Higganum) contribution to Catholic Charities and Lea Tomaszewski (St. Mary, Middletown). In over a period of years. This honor addition to the guidance provided by the Board, some is meant to ensure the recording, of the other accomplishments which the members of recognition and appreciation this Board have influenced are fundraising through for outstanding and dedicated service to Catholic their sponsorship of a comedy show, gift basket Charities. Individuals who receive this award are the contributions to events, parish communication efforts,

“We cele their comm service an commitme positive, d ambassado Catholic c message of h help.

Are you i

the Year Cynthia Mageski with te and Ed Tessman historical memory of an organization that continues to grow. By participating in Catholic Charities history and having a resolve in the organization as it evolves, these leaders help establish core goals and serve as proof to the rest of us that it is an honor to serve the mission of Catholic Charities.

Jane is a member of St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Groton.

Jane volunteers at the soup kitchen in New London with the parish, assists with the parish Liturgy committee, and serves as a Eucharist Minister.

Jane received degrees from Regis College, Connecticut College, and UCONN. Jane taught French at St. Bernard High School, Norwich Free Academy, and at East Lyme High School. She worked as a guidance counselor at St. Bernard and Norwich Free Academy. Jane served as Chair of the Diocesan Commission on Women. Jane has served on the boards of Ledyard Parks and Recreation, Ledyard Board of Education, and the Ledyard Democratic

ebrate munity nd their ent to be dedicated ors for the charities hope and . .”

Valeria Jane Leger recipient of the Catholic Charities Honoring Our Heritage Award, with Bishop Michael Cote and Ed Tessman Town Committee. Jane served as a Religious Education instructor at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for 11 years and was a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council for 4 years. Most recently, Jane served as a Catholic Charities Board Member from 2001 to 2015. Jane remains very active and continues to support Catholic Charities throughout the year and at various events. Serving on the board of Catholic Charities was a labor of love for Jane that brought spiritual growth and lasting friendships. Ed shared that, “Jane’s faith and passion for the mission of Catholic Charities is evident when you meet her and speak with her. Jane is a true champion and deserves this distinguished award.”

Catholic Charities Employee of the Year was Cynthia Mageski. Cindy was honored by Ed for her tireless work with Catholic Charities. Cindy has worked for Catholic Charities for the past eighteen and one-half years. Cindy began her career with Catholic Charities as an Administrative Assistant in New London when the agency was located at 32 Huntington Street. Cindy has done virtually every job there is and spent the first ten years of her time with Catholic Charities supporting Emergency Basic Needs in New London. Cindy came to the Norwich office eight years ago and was responsible for

supervising the administrative support staff for our three clinical locations: Norwich, New London and Middletown. Cindy was a member of a core group that implemented the Agency’s Electronic Health Record system and continues to drive that complicated system which is so critical to our success. Three years ago, Cindy was promoted to Administrative Manager.

Ed stated that, “Cindy has been a source of institutional knowledge for me during the past two years and a source of great resolve. I have found her to be an invaluable asset to this organization and could not be happier that she is our Administrative Manager. I want to thank her husband of 38 years, Bill, for sharing Cindy with us and being part of our Catholic Charities family.”

The evening could not have been successful if it wasn’t for the support of our Evening of Hope Gala Sponsors.

Catholic Charities is extremely grateful for the generous support of Dr. Stephen Coan and the Mystic Aquarium as well as Ocean Blue Catering for their generosity and priceless gifts.

Ed stated that, “Words can’t express my deep gratitude to Dr. Stephen Coan, the Mystic Aquarium and Ocean Blue Catering for their generous support and for hosting us this evening.” Although Dr. Coan was unable to attend the event, Ed acknowledged and recognized Kathy Lloyd, the Executive Director of Ocean Blue Catering, who was in attendance, representing Dr. Coan and the Mystic Aquarium.

Ed also took the time to acknowledge and express his fond appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Kenneth Capano, Sr. and his family of ShopRite stores for their priceless and most generous gift of support for the Evening of Hope. Ed stated that he, “was humbled by Ken’s commitment to Catholic Charities and the work that we do.”

Ed recognized Mr. Derek and Laura Pirruccello, who were in attendance, as well as Donation Angel who so graciously served as Silver Level Sponsors for the evening’s event. Rod Wilson and RAD Computing generously served as a Bronze Level sponsor for the night.

Be Holy...

in a position of authority? Be Holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain.

MAY 2018 | | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org JANUARY 2018 FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

ng of Hope

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Our DIOCESE

Called to Joy

Diocese Holds Inspiring Women’s Conference

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

“In order to experience the Joy of the Gospel -- WE GOTTA MOVE!!”

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Keynote Speaker ValLimar Jansen got participants at the 8th Annual Catholic Women’s Conference singing and dancing and out of their seats celebrating the Joy of the Gospel.

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I

n an inspiring and uplifting message to women in the diocese, Sister Elissa Rinere, CP, the first woman Chancellor for the Diocese of Norwich, said, “The Church needs active, fearsome, committed, and faith-filled women

who continue to be faithful to God no matter the cost. I invite you to continue to be valiant and strong… and you can enrich this Diocese immeasurably.” She made those comments during closing remarks at the 8th Annual Catholic Women’s

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Conference at St. Bernard High School in April.

Referring to thoughts she had shared earlier in the day during a workshop on Mary entitled, Mary: Not a Gentle Woman, Sr. Elissa called Mary valiant, courageous, fearless, faithful, and active, not passive, in living out her faith. Sister encouraged the women at the conference to model that image of Mary in their lives.

At the opening Mass, Bishop Michael Cote urged participants to center on the reality of God’s love for each person. “As women of faith, you are all involved in the work of evangelizing the Gospel message of Joy,” he said. “May your time together today be a moment of grace that will strengthen you personally… and encourage you to share your faith with others.”

Recording Artist and Keynote Speaker ValLimar Jansen emphasized the theme of this year’s conference, Called to Joy, throughout her message. In an entertaining series of vignettes reflecting the lives of various biblical women, Jansen challenged women not to label themselves as too young, too old, too burdened, or as sinful and unworthy or as not whole. Instead, she advocated that all women experience the joy of God’s love alive within

them in the present circumstances of their lives. Using an example of an older woman, Jansen said, “Say not, I am too old. Instead, say I am the perfect age…I am a teacher of the faith.”

She closed her address, which included a blend of stories, music and dance, by passing out cards for each woman to write what brings her joy in her life and to share those thoughts with another woman at the conference whom she did not know.

We are all called to action to spread the Gospel message of joy despite our circumstances and our age, she said.

In a change of format from previous years, this year’s conference featured 13 workshops on a variety of relevant topics from surviving divorce to praying in a busy world using technology. Most workshops were led by women living and ministering in the diocese. “We are blessed in this diocese with a wealth of spiritual and religious women who are helping to move the church forward,” said Andrea Hoisl, diocesan director of the Office of Faith Events, which cosponsors the annual conference with the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

“We wanted to give women an opportunity to learn a little more about their faith on a smaller, more intimate level,” Hoisl said about the workshops.

Lisa Foster from Sacred Heart Parish, Groton, attended the workshop on Feminine Genius. “It was inspiring and showed me ways we can make a change in our world today to get our politicians to listen to our Catholic voice,” she said. “I’ve always wondered how I can raise my voice to make a difference and this workshop gave me concrete ideas and resources on how to do so.”

Next year’s conference will be held April 6, 2019, at Mercy High School in Middletown.

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MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Our Diocese

“STANDING TOGETHER TO BUILD THE FUTURE”

Diocese of Norwich Catholic Schools

The theme for the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal is “Standing Together to Build the Future”.

Each month we will feature a group who supports our Diocesan Ministries by following this motto through their good works.

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

By Kathy Gaito

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A Catholic education is a gift! The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Norwich have been successfully developing their stewardship equation of time, talent and treasure…keeping our schools strong and constantly building toward the future.

Mr. Henry Fiore, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, answered questions about the schools and the importance of a Catholic Education: 1. The theme for this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal is, ‘Standing Together to Build the Future’. What are ways that our Diocesan schools are planning for their future?

“All schools have wonderful advisory boards. The boards, together with the pastors and school communities, are updating three to five year strategic plans in the areas of Catholic Identity, PR/Marketing, Finances, Development/Fundraising, Facilities, Education, Technology and Safety. In addition, our high schools are co-sponsored by religious orders, which provide in-depth accountability and resources in many of the above areas. Consultation with The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (our accrediting agency), and Catholic School Management, a nationally renowned consultant firm, has increased and enhanced the planning process in our schools.

Vision and planning are two areas which we embrace as essential in all of our Catholic schools. The Catholic

Diocese of Norwich School Superintendent Henry Fiore (center) Standing Together with Diocesan School PrincipalsDr. Gail Kingston, Mother Elaine, Abby Demars, Sister Mary Patrick, Marianne Cote, Catherine Reed, Sharon Briere, Dr. Pamela Potemri, Henry Fiore, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Norwich, Linda Joyal, Not pictured: Mother Christina, Lawrence Fitzgerald, Doris Messina. schools in the Diocese of Norwich place planning as a priority.”

2. What makes attending a Catholic School in the Diocese of Norwich unique?

“Our schools provide academic excellence in a faith-filled environment. They are safe schools in a caring environment, where our Catholic faith is integrated into the curricula. The faith that is being instilled is put into action with a wide variety of service projects helping those in need both locally and globally. They have access to

clergy to celebrate Mass, sacraments, confessions, etc., and Bishop Cote is a visible presence in our schools, reaffirming to the children, faculty, and administration that what we do is mission-driven, based upon the teachings of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

3. If someone asked you why they should send their child to a Catholic school how would you respond?

“The academics are solid in our Catholic schools. Faith is needed more than ever during this particular time in history. Given what children are constantly exposed to, our schools

provide a great foundation in faith, which not only spiritually regulates them, but brings joy and hope, both of which are in popular demand right now. We bring Jesus to our children and they eventually bring Him to the world.”

4. What are the schools’ strongest academic areas?

“Catholic schools have traditionally formed great readers and writers.

All of our subjects are strong, and we are more hands-on with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

I would have to include that Religion is also a course in which our students are well versed. It is reinforced by the example of living the faith daily.

I would be remiss if I did not include the strength of our Arts programs, including Music, Art, Instruments, and Drama.”

5. Approximately how many students are enrolled in our schools?

“We have approximately 1,408 students in our Pre-K to Grade 8 schools and approximately 1,423 students in our high schools.”

6. If you could make one statement that would impress upon those reading this article that support of our Catholic schools is important what would that statement be?

“Parents are the primary educators of their children. Accordingly, they have options when it comes to school choice. Our schools have proven to

Continued to next page

Our DIOCESE (Continued ) Diocese of Norwich Catholic Schools are of great importance to our longrange planning. We also welcome retirees to these positions who have the experience and time to be true stewards of our schools.”

Thank you to all who serve our Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Norwich! Your support and the support of others allow our ministries to continue their service to our community. Thank you for “Standing

Together to Build the Future” of the Diocese of Norwich!

To learn more about the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal and about how you can help support the ministries in the Diocese of Norwich please visit www. norwichdiocesedevelopment.org to view the ACA video and make your pledge. Or call the Office of Development at 860-886-1928.

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| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

funding. Support of our diocesan campaigns and school fundraisers are much needed and much appreciated.

Also, I cannot express enough how much volunteers contribute to our subcommittees and committees.

We are always seeking volunteers who have expertise in the areas of Education, Finances, Facilities, PR/ Marketing, Safety, Technology… the same areas I mentioned which

MAY 2018

have high standards academically and safe environments. Most importantly, the main reason they exist is to follow Jesus’ directive: “…make disciples of all nations, …teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew: 28:19-20). We humbly plant seeds of faith and lead our children and teens to the path of holiness. This is a very important ministry in the Diocese of Norwich.

We are blessed to have Bishop Cote prioritizing Catholic education, and the dedication of all of the clergy, faculty and staff members involved with our schools.”

7. Are there ways for others in the community to stand with our schools to help build their future?

If so, what are those ways?

“Like Catholic schools from all over the country, our schools are tuition-based with little external

21

Our YOUTH Sacred Heart School, Groton

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

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Mother Christina Van Beck, SCMC, Principal 15 Hunters Ave, Taftville, CT

Phone: 860-887-1757 www.sacredhearttaftville.org

St. James EdwardSchool, School,Danielson Stafford Springs LindaMaryAnne Marie Joyal, Principal Mrs. Pelletier, Principal 120 WaterSt, St,Stafford Danielson, CT CT 25 Church Springs, Phone: Phone: 860-774-3281 860-684-2600 www.stjamesdanielson.org www.stedward-stafford.org

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale

Ms. Sharon Briere, Principal 26 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT Phone: 860-923-2090 www.schoolofstjoseph.org

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-Confidence.

Bishop Cote visits Saint Michael School in Pawcatuck and the students had some very good questions for him.

By Elizabeth Lawrence

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Connor Anderson, 2nd grade asked Bishop Cote what is the best part of being a Bishop and his response was

22

“Being able to tell people everyday that God Loves them” Addy Cadmus 2nd grade & Gracie Smith 5th grade asked if he ever met Pope Francis.

Bishop Cote responded

“Several times and that he is a very holy man and likes to speak one on one with people”

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic Ms. Abby Demars, Principal 35 Valley St, Willimantic, CT Phone: 860-423-8479 www.smsjschool.org

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck

Mrs. Doris Messina, Principal

63 Liberty St, Pawcatuck, CT Phone: 860-599-1084 www.stmichaelschoolct.com

St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich Mrs. Catherine Reed, Principal 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT Phone: 860-889-4174 www.st-patrickschoolnorwich.org

St. John School, Old Saybrook

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

OUR YOUTH St. Joseph School, New London

St. Joseph School, Baltic

Sr. Mary Patrick Mulready, SCMC, Principal

10 School Hill Road, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-6141 www.stjosephbaltic.org

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Ms. Marianne Cote, Principal 25 Squire St, New London, CT Phone: 860-442-1720 www.sjsnl.com

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 76 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education ~ Grades K-8 ~

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Mr. Donald Macrino, Headmaster 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville, CT Phone: 860-848-1271 www.saint-bernard.com

Position Vacancy

From the Superintendent’s Office…

The Diocese of Norwich seeks a full time Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown.

My Dear Friends,

During the month of May, we honor Our Blessed Mother in many special ways in our Catholic schools. We show how we are led to Jesus through Mary, our greatest intercessor, and the very first Christian. We instill that we pray to Mary, as we pray to the saints to pray for us. Her whole mission can be summed up in Her last words quoted in the Bible, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5) We teach our students to follow Her motherly advice and do what Jesus has told us to do, namely love God and love one another. What a blessing it is to not only be able to discuss the importance of Our Lady in school, but also to be able to honor Her in so many different ways.

Job description available on Diocesan Website. (norwichdiocese.org) Deadline for application is June 15, 2018.

Send letter of application, resume, references, and salary expectations to becky@norwichdiocese.net or mail to: Office of the Chancellor Diocese of Norwich 201 Broadway, Norwich, Connecticut 06360

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Mr. Lawrence Fitzgerald, Principal 87 South Main St, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-347-2978 www.jpii.org

Pope Francis refers to Blessed Mother as our “Exemplar” who brings us to the Lord. St. John Paul II dedicated his papacy to Her with his apostolic motto Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours). Pope Benedict XVI stated that “It is because she is Mother of the Church that the Virgin is also the Mother of each one of us, members of the Mystical Body of Christ.” The list continues with papal references as to why we honor Mary. Our schools carry on the devotion of Mary, as the many popes, bishops, and clergy across the world do all for the same reason- because She was chosen by God Himself to be the Mother of Our Lord and is truly the best human model we could ever imagine having. I am happy and proud to report that devotion to Our Lady is alive and well in the Diocese of Norwich Catholic schools.

Henry Fiore Jr.

Henry Fiore Jr. Superintendent of Schools Diocese of Norwich Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic Mother Mary David, SCMC, Principal 54 West Main St, Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-9272 www.ahfbaltic.org

Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson

Mr. Joseph Hanrahan, Headmaster 26 Chase Road, Thompson, CT Phone: 860-923-9565

www.marinapolis.org

Mercy High School, Middletown

Sr. Mary McCarthy, RSM, President 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-6659

www.mercyhigh.com

Xavier High School, Middletown David C. Eustis, Headmaster Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT Phone: 860-346-7735

www.xavierhighschool.org

MAY 2018

St. John Paul II School, Middletown

23

OUR YOUTH

g n i r Sp

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Learn about all the benefits of our academic and athletic programs.

Join us for our Walkabout Wednesday program which gives parents the chance to visit the campus during a typical school day. See time, dates and registration form at www.saintbernardschool.org.

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

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Grow

24

Grow with us! We are still accepting applications for the 2018–19 school year. And be sure to ask us about our Tailored Tuition Program to help meet your family’s unique financial situation. Applications and more information available at www.saintbernardschool.org.

Discover Discover how Saint Bernard school instills the values, traditions, and skills that will guide your child through tomorrow.

Contact Admissions at 860-848-1271 to arrange a General Tour. This is a campus visit that can be tailored to your specific interests.

Contact us for more information: Saint Bernard School • Grades 6–12 1593 Norwich-New London Tpke • Uncasville, CT 06382 860-848-1271 • www.saintbernardschool.org

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2018 McAuley Awards

OUR YOUTH

Living the Ideals of the Mercy Tradition

By Marie Kalita-Leary Tim Kohs grew up around and in Xavier and Mercy High Schools.

His father taught and coached at Xavier. Tim graduated from Xavier High School and Springfield College.

Prior to working at Mercy, Tim was a

Ms. Ann Derbacher, Campus Minister, gave the invocation followed by Greetings from Sr. Patricia Moriarty, RSM and Bishop Cote. Following the presentation of awards, Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM concluded the evening with the Lori Turgeon Broderick; Sr. Maureen Reardon, RSM, Ph.D; Jack Driscoll, benediction.

Sr. Mary A. McCarthy, RSM; Bishop Michael R. Cote, Pam Burdick Rizy,

Lori Turgeon Broderick, a Marilyn Skoge, Tim Kohs loyal alumna of Mercy Class of 1980, became a member of the staff in 2007. A fast-paced Main (McAuley Award recipient 2012), coOffice Staff member, her day seldom ends at the last bell as she continues to chaired a Leadership Gift Committee, the Major Gift Committee for the work on school projects in her “free” 2007 Capital Campaign and the 2013 time. Lori co-moderated the Class of Capital Campaign.

2016 and enjoyed reliving the many Jack joined the Mercy Board of wonderful traditions she experienced Trustees in 2007 and has been Chair while a student at Mercy while also of the Board’s development committee being a second mom to the members since 2012.

In 2017, Jack was named of her Class of 2016 for the girl’s four Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees. years.

teacher, coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Xavier. In 1993, he became the Head Coach of the Mercy Tigers varsity basketball team and in 2011 he became Mercy’s Athletic Director. Tim lead the Mercy Tigers Basketball Team to winning three State Championships in 1996, 2013 and 2018 respectfully.

Sr. Maureen Reardon, RSM, Ph.D., a native of Stamford, CT, entered the Sisters of Mercy, Northeast Community, after graduating from the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall.

Her administrative roles have been at the secondary, Archdiocesan and University levels. Committed to a life of service, Sister Maureen has served on Sister of Mercy community committees and chaired a variety of boards. She is currently Chair of the Mercy High School Board.

Pam Burdick Rizy is a Mercy Alumna of the Class of 1979. She has served on the Mercy Home and School Association since her daughter attended Mercy, working countless hours on the Auction Committee and the 50th Anniversary Committee, to name but a few. She also serves on the Alumnae Association Executive Committee. For the last five years Pam has volunteered for the Mercy Classic Golf Tournament, which she chaired the past two years.

Marilyn Skoge served as President of the Mercy High School Home and School Association when her daughters attended Mercy. She became an employee of Mercy High School and worked in Mercy’s Development office for over 20 years.

She was known as Ms. Hospitality at Mercy and was responsible for hosting many hospitality events as well as several fundraisers.

Be Holy...

We are all called to Be Holy by. . . . . . living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

Jack Driscoll became involved with Mercy High School during the years that his daughters were students. Jack was on the Mercy Golf committee and served as its Co-Chair for three years.

Jack, along with his wife Marion

MAY 2018

M

ercy High School held their Catherine McAuley Awards night on Saturday, April 7th. The Catherine McAuley Award, named after the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, recognizes those who have lived by the ideals of the Mercy tradition and demonstrated a deep level of commitment, loyalty and service to the school. The honorees of the biennial award, presented by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D. D., Bishop of Norwich and Sr. Mary A. McCarthy, RSM, President of Mercy High, included two alums, staff and Board of Trustees members.

25

OUR YOUTH

Xavier High School Engineering Team Takes First Place in International Competition MIDDLETOWN– The Xavier Engineering team returned home from April vacation with the two biggest prizes in the world of high school engineering.

The team of four seniors and three sophomores won the international championship and the national championship at the Real World Design Challenge National Event in Washington, D.C. It was the first international championship for the group, which includes senior Roham Hussain, senior Noah McGuinness, senior Vincent Salabarria, senior Anthony Tedeschi, sophomore Carter Chase, sophomore Akshay Khunte and sophomore Alex Pralea.

Xavier, one of the top Catholic all-boys schools in Connecticut, has won the national championship twice in the last three years.

“These seven young men have taken what they have learned, used their imagination, created a

Parker

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

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profitable concept and put their idea up against the world,” Xavier Headmaster David Eustis said.

“To be named world champions is a credit to their hard work. The community at Xavier is now known globally for what these young men accomplished. I can’t even begin to describe the pride I have in them.”

As part of the competition, the group designed an efficient low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of spraying pesticide over 10 percent of a two mile by two mile cornfield. In an 80 page technical report, the team had to prove the viability of this design, the theory of operation and the business case.

The team, which used concepts they learned in the classroom, outscored the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands to win the U.S. National Championship and then defeated the Chinese National Championship team for the international title.

“Once again, Xavier’s Engineering Team has achieved phenomenal success,” Xavier Principal Brendan Donohue said. “This is a testament to the talent and determination of the young men who have dedicated so much time and effort to this project. I am also very grateful to Mr. Shannon Copeland for his guidance and to the mentors from Pratt and Whitney for their expert advice. Xavier is blessed to have such a great combination of talent and support.”

Pictured from left to right: senior Vincent Salabarria, senior Roham Hussain, sophomore Akshay Khunte, senior Noah McGuinness, senior Anthony Tedeschi, sophomore Alex Pralea and sophomore Carter Chase.

Pope Francis @Pontifex

: The word “happy” or “blessed” becomes a synonym for “holy”, because those faithful to God, by their self-giving, gain true happiness.

OUR YOUTH

Sasha and Theresa Regalado, with their grandmother Isabel Castillejo and Bishop Cote.

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About 250 people attended the annual Grandparents Mass and Luncheon at Saint Bernard School on Thursday, April 12.

The event is an annual tradition currently in its tenth year at Saint Bernard. The occasion aims to connect the generations and celebrate grandparents and the special meaning they hold in our lives.

The Mass was celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich.

SBS senior Graham McCauley welcomed grandparents to the Mass.

“Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory,” Graham said. “Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart.”

Following Mass, students and their grandparents attended a catered luncheon in the gymnasium.

Grandparents Mass 2018

MAY 2018

By Shari Marderness SBS Communications Coordinator

27

OUR YOUTH

MAY 2018

| FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | www.norwichdiocese.org

“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other in God’s Love” Celebrating 76 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education ~ Grades K-8 ~

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Full Day Kindergarten School Day from 8:30-2:30 After School Care Available Accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges

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OUR FAITH

U.S. Bishops Chairmen Grateful for Pre-Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment development of the Instrumentum Laboris that will guide the October Synod.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, commented on the release of the document, saying, “It is inspiring to hear such a great desire on the part of young adults for active participation and involvement in the Church, and a deep desire to grow in their faith. I look forward to accompanying them on their vocational journey.”

The complete Pre-Synodal Document can be found online at the Vatican Synod website at: www. synod2018.va/content/synod2018/en/ news/final-document-from-the-presynodal-meeting.html

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and educational institutions, came together for a presynodal gathering convened by Pope Francis to discuss the experiences, challenges, and hopes of their generation. At the conclusion of the gathering, on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018, the participants presented a summary document of insights and recommendations to Pope Francis. This document will be utilized, along with episcopal conference consultations and online feedback from young people, in the

MAY 2018

WASHINGTON— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairmen for the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth have expressed gratitude for the openness and honesty of the young adults who participated as delegates to the Pre-Synodal Meeting in anticipation of this October’s Ordinary Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.

On March 19-25, 2018, over 300 young adults, representing episcopal conferences, ecclesial movements, apostolates, and religious

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MAY 2018

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