Four County Catholic May 2021

FOUR COUNTY

CATHOLIC

Volume 33 • Number 5 • MAY 2021 • SERVING THE COUNTIES OF MIDDLESEX • NEW LONDON • TOLLAND • WINDHAM, CT & FISHERS ISLAND, NY MAY

The Month of Mary

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord ” Luke 1:46

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“You are holy in God’s eyes, precious, loved and valued…Holy doesn’t mean perfect. It means to keep on keeping on in your daily dedication . . .”

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Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, addressing the attendees of the 11th Annual

Diocesan Women’s Conference.

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

­ESTABLISHED IN 1989 AND PUBLISHED EACH MONTH EXCEPT JULY. PUBLISHER

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

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860.887.9294

EDITORIAL OFFICE

25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613

“Our staff are valiant in their efforts to come to work, defying the risks every day, knowing their absence means not helping a pregnant woman seeking care, not giving a malnourished child food and medicine, and placing students at risk of losing school time if tuition payments are not made. We give thanks to God each day we can be of service.”

Jude Cangé, Director of Operations in Haiti, reporting on the resilience of the ministry staff to deal with the needs of the people they serve in spite of kidnappings, COVID-19, and political unrest.

Fax 860.859.1253

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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“Xavier was critical to my development as a person and I was always looking for a way to pay that back.”

Mason Passavant of the Class of 2012, explaining why he and his fellow alumni returned to Xavier to assist students and staff during the pandemic.

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin

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This month we dedicate our paper to the Mother of God. There are many images of Mary throughout the world. Few are more beautiful than this closeup view of Mary as depicted in the north transept stained glass window at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich.

© Copyright 2021, Diocese of Norwich. All rights reserved.

No content may be reproduced without expressed consent.

Podemos ayudar

We Can Help To report inappropriate conduct of any kind by a Diocesan Bishop please contact ReportBishopAbuse.org or call 1-800-276-1562 To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance for victims, please call: The Diocesan Reporting Line @ 1-800-624-7407 If the incident involves a minor (persons under the age of 18), you must also call: State of CT Department of Children and Families Care Line 1-800-842-2288 -OR –State of NY Child Protective Services 1-800-635-1522

Incidents involving abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18-59 should be reported to: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services - AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 1-844-878-8923

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

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

Four County Catholic Issue 5, MAY (PE 9934) is published monthly except July by The Diocese of Norwich, 25 Otis Street, Norwich, CT 06360-3613.

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

ON THE COVER MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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In This Issue

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

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

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

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

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

Behold, Your Mother Immaculate Conception, be named as the authority in her life. She did not keep Him to herself but instead shared the meaning and Spring is here. A time for us to witness patroness of our United States. rebirth in the blossoming flowers and trees. This dedication has been renewed many times experience with others.

Another form of rebirth occurred at Easter throughout the subsequent centuries. The title Aware that life in the Spirit consists of Vigil Masses in churches across the world. of “Mother of the Church” was bestowed on serving others, she “left with haste” on a I pray that everyone who entered into our the Blessed Virgin Mary by Saint Pope Paul 100-mile journey through dangerous terrain to the hill country to tend to the needs of her spiritual family through baptism this year VI during the Second Vatican Council. will continue to experience the joy of Christ, Our Blessed Mother has held us in her care elderly cousin Elizabeth. finding love and support from each of us, for a very long time. their new brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Through Mary’s compassionate presence This theme of family continues in May, the at the cross, she can understand our trials month dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary. and support us, as does a loving mother. As She is our mother – gifted to us by Jesus who she relied in this certain embrace of divine said from the cross, “Woman, behold, your providence, she can assure us of God’s loving son.” Then He said to the beloved disciple, care and with great grace will continue to do “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:26-27) so.

From that very instant we have all been Our Holy Mother not only understands our gathered under her mantle of protection. trials but can intercede for us. The Catechism

Like our Mother Mary, I pray that you invite the Spirit of God to have full authority in your life, and if necessary, are given the strength to endure the journey in service to Jesus.

Our new brothers and sisters, who came into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil, received the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

This is the same Spirit we all received. It is our baptismal promise to share in the informs us that, “Mary is the perfect Orans outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us. (pray-er) . . . We can pray with and to her. Through the renewal of this promise and The prayer of the Church is sustained by the your service to the Lord and His people, may prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.” your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord (CCC 2679) and your spirit rejoice in God our Savior.

Last May, as the world faced the ongoing effects of the global pandemic, Catholics rededicated and renewed the consecration of our beloved nation, our Diocese of Norwich, our individual homes, and families, to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin There are many prayers to Mary. One of the Mary. most well-known, second only to the Hail Consecrating our country to Our Lady has Mary, also comes from scripture. This prayer a very long history. In 1792, Bishop John of Mary, known as the Magnificat, begins, Carroll of Baltimore, the very first bishop “My soul proclaims the greatness of the of the United States, promoted devotion to Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” the Mother of God, and placed our country (Luke 1:46-47) under her protection. In 1846, the 22 bishops We can learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the nation present for the Sixth Provincial whose entire life was an ongoing Magnificat.

Council of Baltimore, determined that the She allowed the Spirit of God to have full Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the

I extend my continued prayers for everyone’s safety and renewed health.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Risen Lord,

Michael R. Cote Bishop of Norwich 3

THE MOST REVEREND

MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

BISHOP OF NORWICH

LET FAITH LEAD THE WAY

He Aquí Tu Madre bajo su título de Inmaculada Concepción, La primavera está aquí. Es un tiempo para fuera nombrada patrona de los Estados presenciar el renacimiento en las flores y en Unidos. los árboles. Otra forma de renacimiento A lo largo de los siglos posteriores, esta ocurrió en las Misas de la Vigilia Pascual dedicación se ha renovado muchas veces. El en Iglesias en todo el mundo. Rezo para que título de “Madre de la Iglesia” fue otorgado a todos los que ingresaron a nuestra familia la Santísima Virgen María por el Papa Pablo espiritual a través del Bautismo este año, VI durante el Concilio Vaticano II. continúen experimentando el gozo de Cristo, Nuestra Santísima Madre nos ha tenido a su encontrando amor y apoyo en cada uno de cuidado durante mucho tiempo. nosotros, sus nuevos hermanos y hermanas María, al igual que una madre amorosa, puede en el Señor. comprender nuestras pruebas y apoyarnos Este tema de la familia continúa en mayo, a través de su presencia compasiva en la el mes dedicado a nuestra Santísima Madre cruz. Ella confíó en el brazo seguro de la María. Ella es nuestra madre, nos la regaló providencia divina y puede asegurarnos Jesús, quien dijo desde la cruz: “Mujer, ahí el cuidado amoroso de Dios y con mucha tienes a tu hijo.” Luego le dijo al discipulo gracia continuará haciéndolo. amado: “Ahí tienes a tu madre.” (Juan 19: 26-27) Desde ese mismo instante todos nos Nuestra Santa Madre no solo comprende hemos reunido bajo su manto de protección. nuestras pruebas, sino que puede interceder por nosotros. El Catecismo nos informa que Mientras el mundo enfrentaba los efectos “María es la Orans perfecta (oración)… continuos de la pandemia global, los Podemos orar con ella y a ella. La oración de católicos en mayo pasado volvieron a la Iglesia se sustenta con la oración de María dedicar y renovaron la consagración de y se une a ella en la esperanza.” (CCC 2679) nuestra amada nación, nuestra Diócesis de Norwich, nuestros hogares y familias, al Hay muchas oraciones a María, Una de las cuidado y protección de la Santísima Virgen más conocidas, solo superada por el Ave María, también proviene de las escrituras.

María.

Esta oración de María, conocida como el Consagrar nuestro país a Nuestra Señora Magnificat, comienza: “Mi alma proclama tiene una historia muy larga. El obispo la grandeza del Señor, mi espíritu se regocija John Carroll de Baltimore, primer obispo en Dios mi Salvador.” (Lucas 1: 46-47) de los Estados Unidos, en 1772 promovió la devoción a la Madre de Dios y colocó Podemos aprender de la Santísima Virgen a nuestro país bajo su protección. Los 22 María, cuya vida entera fue un Magnificat obispos de la nación presentes en el Sexto continuo. Ella permitió que el Espíritu de Concilio Provincial de Baltimore, en 1846 Dios tuviera plena autoridad en su vida. determinaron que la Santísima Virgen María, No lo guardó para sí misma, sino que

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

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compartió con los demás el significado y la experiencia. Conciente de que la vida en el Espríritu consiste en servir a los demás “partió apresuradamente” en un viaje de 100 millas a través de un terreno peligroso hasta la región montañosa para atender las necesidades de Isabel su prima anciana.

Rezo para que usted, al igual que nuestra Madre María, invite al Espíritu de Dios a tener plena autoridad en su vida y, si es necesario, le den la fuerza para soportar el viaje al servicio de Jesús.

Nuestros hermanos y hermanas que entraron en plena comunión con la Iglesia en la Vigilia Pascual, recibieron el Espíritu Santo en los sacramentos del Bautismo y la Confirmación. Este es el mismo Espíritu que todos recibimos. Compartir el derramamiento del Espíritu Santo entre nosotros es nuestra promesa bautismal.

Que su alma proclame la grandeza del Señor y su espíritu se regocije en Dios nuestro Salvador, a través de la renovación de esta promesa y de su servicio al Señor y a Su pueblo.

Extiendo mis continuas oraciones por la seguridad y la salud renovada de todos.

Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Michael R. Cote Obispo de Norwich

Vocations Corner Please join us for the Mass of Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of

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

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

Mr. Julian Cuervo 1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

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

Mr. Jacob Ramos Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7pm Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich

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

Masks are required.

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

The Mass will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend.

MONTHLY

Holy Hour

for Vocations

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 17TH 6-7pm –Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich

God-Calls.com

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mr. Eric Hosmer 1st Theology Mount Saint Mary Seminary Emmitsburg, MD

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We Want to Hear from You!

Please Share Your ACA Stories with Us

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By Mary Ellen Mahoney

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ecently I have been going to midday Mass more often, carrying in my heart intentions for Zoe, a premature baby weighing 1 lb.

8 oz. who is fighting for her life (all prayers welcome). I like to stay after Mass and say a few prayers alone. Leaving Mass one day, an older woman told me how much she enjoyed my articles in the Four County Catholic. I was elated. Then she said that she really liked how we included quotes from people who benefited from the diocesan ministries and programs supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal in our 2021 ACA brochure.

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as a seminarian, or were comforted by our Ministry to the Sick, I would love to hear from you.

You may send your thoughts and comments to me at memahoney@ norwichdiocese.net.

While during the year I can speak with parishioners at various churches, it is never enough, and I truly look forward to hearing about how you feel the Annual Catholic Appeal has affected you and your family.

I would also like to learn more about you, our many generous donors. Our diocese is truly blessed with many compassionate Going back to my office, I began and giving individuals. This to think more about what she is clear every year, as you dig had said, and it struck me that in deep into your pockets to make addition to having our ministry sacrificial donations to the directors send me quotes from Annual Catholic Appeal. As I the participants in their programs, have written before, we were I should also use this forum to all so amazed that during this go directly to those of you who past year, so many people, while would like to share your stories faced with job loss or financial and health insecurity continued with me. to support the ACA. Some made Whether you participated in multiple gifts. As members of the many online programs “One Faith, One Family,” we are that the Office of Faith Events all doing our best to follow Jesus’ conducted this past year; sought directive to love one another as spiritual guidance from Spiritual He has loved us. Incredibly, we Renewal; received or know ended the year, just 3% shy of our someone who has gotten food, goal: a true testament to you, our basic needs or assistance with large-hearted donors. fuel and utilities from St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, St. I would love to get comments Vincent de Paul, Middletown or about why you give to the ACA. Catholic Charities; have children So many people have incredible attending our Catholic schools; stories, and it would be wonderful watched online streaming of to be able to share them here as Mass; continued your education well. If you feel inclined, please

send me a message detailing what motivates you to support the many ministries and programs of the ACA. So many of you have a long history of giving -- many through multiple generations.

I will cherish hearing your thoughts and will share some of them in upcoming articles, as appropriate.

to view this year’s video message from Bishop Cote, or make an online payment, you may go to NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org.

If you prefer to make a gift or pledge over the phone, please contact Heather Harris, campaign manager at (860) 886-1928, ext.

111. May God bless you and your Thank you for your continued families while you enjoy this support of the 2021 Annual glorious Spring.

Catholic Appeal. If you would like

On Sunday, April 18th, Bishop Michael R. Cote bestowed the Rite of Candidacy on five men who are currently in formation for the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Norwich. The new candidates are: (left to right) Ronald Krystofic - St. Andrew, Colchester, Christopher Hammond Sacred Heart, Groton, Joseph Delaney - St. James, Danielson, Mark Desrosiers - St. Columba, Columbia, and David Imhof - St. Mary, Coventry.

The ceremony took place at St. Andrew Church, Colchester.

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 APPOINTMENT

Reverend Jonathan Ficara from Administrator,

Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Coventry and Storrs, to Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Coventry and Storrs and Diocesan Director of Vocations.

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Bestowing the Rite of Candidacy

Fr. Peter Langevin, Chancellor 7

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Discipleship Begins with Accepting God’s Unconditional Love “The most difficult part of being a disciple is accepting that we are loved, wholly, completely and tenderly by God,” Sr. Elissa Rinere, CP, told participants at the 11th Diocesan Women’s Conference that focused on the theme of Women as Disciples.

“God’s love is given to each of us; it is unending…never wavering.”

“Even when we sin, even when we turn our back on God, God is not angry with us. God is better than us. God loves us and waits for our return to that love,” Sr. Elissa emphasized to participants attending the virtual conference.

“God loves you whether you like it or not…whether you think it or not, whether you are aware of it or not, whether you can understand and accept it or not…Being loved and accepted by God means we are holy, wholly, holy, head to toe, whether we like it or not.” The proof of this love, she says, is in our very existence and the life and death of Jesus.

In her talk, “Holy, Wholly, Holy: The Path of Discipleship,” Sr. Elissa told the women that discipleship will “rise up out of your soul” when you come to know, with utter confidence, of God’s

Things to reflect on after listening to Julianne and Sr. Elissa...

the 20th century, the concept of holiness was thought to be reserved only for those who followed a vocation to priesthood or religious life. It wasn’t until after the Second Vatican Council that there was a shift in understanding that holiness is rooted not in a person’s vocation, but in his or her baptism.

• Have I ever seen myself as one of Christ’s disciples - why or why not?

• What traits necessary for discipleship do I possess?

• How have I answered my baptismal call to do more and be more Christian?

• How has the gift of faith made me “more than I can be?” love for you. Experiencing God’s love in this way, she said, will spur you to feelings of gratitude and it is gratitude that will lead you to service and discipleship.

keep on keeping on in your daily dedication to your marriages, your families, your parish, and your neighborhoods, always moving forward. That’s holiness,” she said.

Holiness begins with the sacrament of baptism, when we are anointed head to toe with Chrism, an oil of consecration, and we become dedicated to God. She told the women that the fact that they were attending a women’s conference sponsored by the Diocese of Norwich on a beautiful Saturday on the edge of spring was evidence that their baptism was not a minor factor in their life choices.

“When something happens and we fall short of our goal, we do what we have preferred not to do,” she continued. “When we sin, we get up, we make amends and we keep on keeping on, always striving to do the right thing for the right reason, over and over again, maybe not always succeeding, but always striving. That’s discipleship. That’s holiness.”

“You are holy in God’s eyes, precious, loved and valued…Holy doesn’t mean perfect. It means to

Join us for a virtual evening of reflection created just for Dads. Deepen your relationship with Christ through personal prayer refection and spiritual enrichment. Call Liza Roach at (860) 848-2237 ext. 305 or email lroach@norwichdiocese.net

Sr. Elissa, the former chancellor for the diocese, explained that beginning in the 3rd century and continuing through most of

“Everyone who is baptized has a mission, is consecrated to God, and called to be disciples,” she stressed. “Will all of us accept the responsibility of discipleship or not? Will the path of holiness be left to a minority of the chosen few, or will the whole people of God rise up and walk the path of holiness together? If that teaching about baptism is received…and lived out as you are being called to live it out, then the whole Church will be alive, and vibrant and filled with the spirit of the love of God in ways we have never seen before.”

Some theologians refer to the laity as the sleeping giant of the Church, she said. “Is the sleeping giant going to rise up and claim holiness and discipleship and mission? We are on the road to this now. You are doing your part because you are hearing and absorbing these teachings.”

Virtual Rachel Rosary Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Come and pray the Project Rachel Rosary online the third Tuesday of each month at 3pm. Project Rachel Rosary focuses on an end to abortion and healing for those who have been involved with an abortion.

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/faithevents Or Call (415) 655-0001 Access Code: 132 917 2663

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

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Instruments of His Love

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Population Forgotten by Their Government But Not By God

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By Susan Wallace and Jude Cangé

T

he Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti has been serving some of God’s most fragile people, whose extreme poverty makes their lives tenuous. Our ministry walks with and serves the 60,000 men, women and children who live in Kris Roi (Christ the King) neighborhood of Haiti’s capital city, Port-auPrince.

We have a staff of approximately 21 Haitians who are the “face” of our diocesan ministry. They feed the hungry, care for the sick and malnourished, and manage our education sponsorship program that sends about 200 young people to primary, secondary

and post-secondary schools.

Outreach also supports Twinning Relationships with parishes and schools in the United States who are twinned with 14 parishes, schools and clinics in and around Port-au-Prince. Our Twins develop meaningful relationships and help support God’s work.

Recently, our Director of Operations in Haiti, Jude Cangé, shared the following with us.

Dear Friends, As I write to you today there are many people huddled in groups waiting to be seen at the clinic.

I see the fear on their faces and

know how they have braved the road to travel here today. They are among the many thousands who count on the support of Outreach to Haiti to ensure their survival. Haiti is the most fragile and poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and this past year the situation has been worsening.

The protracted political crisis, civil unrest with the demands for the resignation of President Moise, and the unbearable climate of insecurity due to thousands of kidnappings by armed gangs, has led to a paralysis of the economy. The survival of more than 3 million Haitians here in the capital

is threatened by hunger and inaccessibility to food and drinking water. Help is needed to avoid starvation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hugely impacted our ministry as prices have soared for protective gear for our clinic doctors, medical staff, and patients. The depreciation of the currency and increasing prices of basic goods make it impossible for many parents to secure enough food to feed their families. We have used every conceivable strategy to reduce costs so we can continue to deliver the same level of services to the residents of Kris Wa.

All the staff know very well that their work represents the only hope for a population forgotten by the government and targeted by villains. We know there is no impossible effort or sacrifice for us to bring support to those who are languishing in misery.

We serve our sisters and brothers

who live in indescribable, inexpressible poverty and seek our help. For us, serving them in their fragile situation is more than work; it is a special vocation as we answer God’s call, and serve as His instrument of love. We ask for your prayers and support.”

Christ’s death and resurrection represent His gifts to us of Love and Hope. The Easter Liturgical Season, which ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, is a powerful reminder to us to reflect Christ’s gifts by helping our brothers and sisters throughout the world, especially in Haiti.

If you would like to learn more about our work, please visit us at www.outreachtohaiti.org or call us at 860-800-3603.

Mothers' Evening of Reflection

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

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

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

~ MC ~

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

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

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

~ WC ~

VIRTUAL

BINGO

Thursday, May 20, 2021 You are invited to take time for your own personal growth and wellness. Join us at 7pm for a virtual evening of refection created just for moms.

Deepen your relationship with Christ though personal prayer, refection and spiritual enrichment. If you would like to join, please email Mary-Jo McLaughlin at mmclaughlin@norwichdiocese.net or call (860) 848-2237 ext. 312

GREAT PRIZES AND FUN FOR ALL AGES! GAMES ARE $6 EACH ONLY 200 CARDS AVAILABLE CARDS SENT VIA EMAIL TO REGISTER CALL MARIANNE AT (860) 848-2237 EXT. 304 Sunday, June 13, 2021 3:30-5pm

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Our staff are valiant in their efforts to come to work, defying the risks every day, knowing their absence means not helping a pregnant woman seeking care, not giving a malnourished child food and medicine, and placing students at risk of losing school time if tuition payments are not made. We give thanks to God each day we can be of service.

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12

Case Workers Exemplify Compassionate Caring

By Sally Velcofsky appreciate what drives these special individuals to do the work that they do.

More than 70% of our clients are female. There are countless situations where mothers come into one of our offices seeking help for their families. Our case workers take the time to listen and give immediate assistance as well as evaluate what other programs are available for their long-term needs.

Yahaira from our New London Office shared a story of a mom who came to Catholic Charities in need of many baby items. The mother was pregnant and without any income. We provided her with a playpen, gift card, clothing, diapers and wipes. We also invited her to our monthly pregnancy/ parenting support group. She never thought there were organizations out there that would help her. She cried tears of joy. “This really touched my heart,” Yahaira said. She understood that there is hope, after all.

Miriam from our Willimantic Office

tells of a woman who came to the office asking for help with rent. She was experiencing a difficult situation, being a single mom with three children, with no means of support.

Through the conversation, Miriam also learned that the woman did not have any food for her children that day. Catholic Charities gave her food and personal items so that she could make a meal for her children and assisted with rent and utilities.

In the Middletown Office, Melissa assisted a client who was living in a shelter two years ago. The client lived in an apartment in Meriden for a short time with her one-year-old son but had to move due to a domestic violence situation. Catholic Charities was able to find her an apartment in Middletown, help her with the security deposit and give her and her son some stability.

“Sometimes just listening and being compassionate helps ease some of the stressors,” Terri in our Norwich Office said.

This amazing group of women agreed that the most rewarding and at the same time challenging aspect of their job is being able to help those in need and to find other resources for them when a client has lost all hope.

All the case workers share a common trait – compassion. It is their compassion that makes them willing to patiently listen, willing to do whatever it takes to meet the client’s needs, giving them the hope and acceptance required to get them through this challenging time.

Another thing the case workers have in common is a strong sense of family. They are all looking forward to Mother’s Day whether as a mom or a daughter. This could be why they are able to connect with clients to make a difference in their lives.

If you would like to make a difference and become part of the mission of Catholic charities of Providing Help and Creating Hope, please visit our website at CCFSN.org. Thank you for your support.

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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t Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, we are blessed to have caring employees who go above and beyond what is expected of them. Nine of these are our case workers. Throughout the Diocese, in our four offices you will find these dedicated individuals, tirelessly striving to improve the lives of people in need in their communities – putting into action our mission of “Providing Help and Creating Hope.”

Their goal is to assist clients no matter their faith, race, ethnicity, age, gender or circumstances. In other words, to help anyone in need. Our case workers continue to provide aid to our clients, despite the challenges of the last year.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we not only want to highlight some of the many successes our case workers have achieved, especially for the mothers in our communities, but also highlight the case workers themselves, to understand and

13

Staying Connected to Our Faith

By Gina Foster

T

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

he warmer weather has arrived, and I see so many people outdoors jogging, walking their dogs, strolling with their babies, and sipping coffee with friends. We are eager to worship together, safely enjoy meals together and attend holiday gatherings once again. We continue to see a brighter and happier future together, as “One Faith, One Family.”

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Many of us were truly blessed to be able to stay connected with friends and family during this very challenging pandemic year. We communicated over our phones and computers, which allowed us to see each other’s faces but remain safely at home. We attended virtual birthday parties and still got to witness the expression on our loved one’s face as they opened that special gift or enjoyed their birthday cake. People across the world converted rooms in their homes into office spaces and classrooms. Our communication with others remained constant.

Communication is described as the act of transferring information from one place, person, or group to another.

One very important ministry, especially during this past year, supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal is the Office of Communications.

The Office of Communications: • Serves as the communications and media liaison for the diocese.

• Publishes the Four County Catholic, the official newspaper of the diocese.

• Oversees the development and maintenance of three websites to keep us connected to the ministries of the diocese: Diocese of Norwich — NorwichDiocese.org; Catholic Charities — CCFSN.org; The Office of Development — NorwichDioceseDevelopment.org When Covid hit, and inperson Masses were halted, the Communications team jumped into action and within a few weeks began streaming all Masses and special services from the Cathedral, keeping parishioners well-connected to their faith while they remained home safe.

Throughout the pandemic, this office worked diligently by keeping us informed.

“There are a lot of good things happening throughout the diocese.

The parishes that are livestreaming shared with us their information to share with the rest of the diocese,” Office of Communications Director Wayne Gignac said. “We serve as a resource and a clearing house of items of interest that would appeal to our broader diocesan family. We want our parishes to take advantage of the wide reach of our print and digital platforms.”

The Four County Catholic newspaper has a monthly readership of 25,000. “The exciting story, however, is the growth that is happening on the digital platforms,” Gignac said.

“The NorwichDiocese.org site has 13,000 unique pageviews every month and the weekly email newsletter is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers each and every week.” The digital side has allowed

for the inclusion of video content - homilies, reflections, masses, prayer resources and workshops.

donations, and their gratitude is so evident by their kind words and graciousness.

If you haven’t yet signed up for the email newsletter you can do so here - NorwichDiocese.org/Newsletter

Your financial support of the ACA, along with your prayers are crucial to allowing our ministries to carry out their spiritually-affirming and life-changing missions.

The Office of Communications along with our other vital ACA supported ministries are certainly blessed to receive your assistance.

We receive such compassionate feedback from those who have been assisted through these very challenging times.I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the people who have been personally assisted by ACA

Contributions to the 2021 ACA campaign can be made at NorwichDioceseDevelopment. org or contact Heather Harris, campaign manager, at 860-8861928 ext. 111. Thank you so much for your generosity. Stay safe and be well.

Communication is described as the act of transferring information from one place, person, or group to another.

A Prayer for Mothers

M

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love- the very heart of the vocation of motherhood.

May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son. On this Mother’s Day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you...

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Mother’s Day Sunday May 9, 2021

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

ary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace.

Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

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THE BLESSED MOTH MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The Magnificat

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My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen

HER, OUR MOTHER Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

The Memorare

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

CALLED BY MANY NAMES

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Blessed Mother Feast Day January 1

Immaculate Conception Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day February 11

Queen of Peace Feast Day July 9

Our Lady of Czestochowa, or The Black Madonna Feast Day August 26

Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day May 13

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Feast Day November 27

Mother of Perpetual Help Feast Day June 23

Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day December 12

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

Celebrated every year on the Monday following Pentecost.

Speaker Tells Women Sharing Their ‘Thing’ Can Transform Lives

By Mary-Jo McLaughlin

From the stories she told, it was evident Stanz has done just that in her own life. Currently, she is the Director of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin and serves as a consultant to the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She is also the author of several books, including “The Catechist’s Backpack and Starting with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church.”

One way Jesus drew disciples into His mission was through storytelling. “You are each a story of faith,” Stanz told the audience during her keynote speech, entitled, “Women Disciples: Past, Present and Future.”

She continued: “If we don’t share our stories of faith, who will? And if we don’t share our stories now, when will we? Let’s get moving for Jesus now as holy, bold, faith-filled women disciples.”

One way to share those stories is through shared prayer, Stanz said, urging the women to do so whenever the opportunity arrives.

“When someone shares their struggles with you and asks you to pray for them, stop right there and say to them, ‘Let us pray now.’ Be present to their pain and suffering in that moment…Praying with someone makes the kingdom of God real,” she said.

When faced with those who voice negative experiences of God in their lives, Stanz says, be a disciple and lean into the conversation, and say, “Tell me more about why you think that.” Listen to their story and then add, “I’m sorry you feel that way.

That has not been my experience of God. My experience is that He has carried me through some very difficult things in my life.”

She added, “You might be the only Gospel people will read. Let them read it in your life.”

Julianne Stanz’ ‘thing’ hangs in the garden of her Wisconsin home as a reminder of the ways the ‘things’ that make up our stories of faith can transform the lives of others.

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

On a visit home to her native Ireland to be with her dying mother, Julianne Stanz discovered ‘the thing.’ She didn’t know what it was, what it was for, why she was drawn to it, or even why she bought it. She just knows that while she lingered in a trinket shop in Ireland for 22 minutes deciding whether to buy it, her mother died.

“The ‘thing’ prevented me from being there with my mom when she died,” Stanz told women at the 11th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference held virtually last month. “So, I took my ‘thing’ and hid it away for several years.” She walled up her ‘thing’ and her grief, eventually taking it out of its hiding place last year and hanging it in the garden of her Wisconsin home. It was the first time since her mother died that she was able to look at it without pain.

Stanz, with the lilt of her Irish brogue and the warmth of her gentle smile, told conference participants that like her, we all have ‘things’ in our life that we lock away, whether it’s grief for the loss of a loved one, the pain of a divorce, the heartache of a miscarriage, the pang of an eating disorder, or diminished health. “God wants us to take our ‘things’ out and put them in the light,” she said. God wants us to see His love present to us in the things that hurt us the most.

“We need each other when we carry our ‘things’ to help transform them from the things that hurt us into something beautiful,” she said. She urged participants to consider the ‘things’ in their life that are part of their story that they can share with others, and, by doing so, “Your ‘thing’ can transform others.”

Stanz believes that the sharing of our faith stories with others is the key to discipleship and evangelization.

“Discipleship is having the courage and grace to say to another, ‘I have seen the Lord. Have you?’”

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Saint Brendan the Navigator

Feast of the Assumption Mass 9:30 AM

Sunday, August 15, 2021 Saint Mary

Star of the Sea Church New London

11:00 AM

Procession to

Saint Joseph Church New London

12-3 PM

Celebration Following Saint Paul Church Waterford

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H IGH SC

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MERC

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Food Available for Purchase

Jesus spoke to ordinary people who lived in an oral culture. Parables allowed Jesus to teach spiritual lessons in a way disciples could easily remember. Sr. Elissa Rinere will teach the importance of the parables and their meaning in our lives today. To register email lroach@norwichdiocese.net or call (860) 848-2237 ext. 305

A R S H IP FU

ND

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20 Mercy_Golf2021_FourCountyCathAd_Apr21_R1.indd 1

3/22/21 2:28 PM

Scholarship Created to Honor a Terrific Volunteer

By Linda Nystrom

worker.

So many people knew and loved Andy. He worked for 25 years as the Chief of Probation for the State of Connecticut and volunteered for more than 30 years with the Poquetanuck Fire Department.

After retiring from the state in 2010, he continued to work in the community in various positions including at Home Depot in Lisbon, driving a school bus in town and working in several retail stores.

Andy dedicated his after-work hours volunteering at Saint Patrick Cathedral School in Norwich, from which his two girls, Megan and Molly, graduated.

He was president of the Home and School

A college prep program that opens the doors to opportunities.

Association, volunteered as athletic director for three years, coached basketball, chaired several annual auctions, coordinated spaghetti dinners and was a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

He was also secretary on the Board of Stewards for the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, one of his many roles as a member.

Andy genuinely loved St. Patrick School and enjoyed being around people. That love resonated with everyone around him, so much so that people gravitated toward him to do whatever they could to help. If he asked you to do something, he was one of those people you did not want to say no to.

In his memory we created the Andrew Cannon scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating Saint Patrick School student beginning this year.

Saint Patrick Cathedral School will hold its first

A safe environment with strong Christian values.

Spring Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 15 in memory of Andy. Proceeds from the event will be dedicated to the scholarship fund and to benefit the school.

The Spring Festival will be held in the Cathedral parking lot and feature fun activities. Crafters, vendors and food trucks will showcase their goods and food. DJ Mike Herman of Big Herm Productions will play music and host karaoke.

Some of the children’s activities include mask decorating, rock painting and sunflower planting.

Pray for a sunny day! Should it rain the event will be moved to May 22nd.

I sincerely hope you can join us on May 15th as we bring our school and local communities together to continue the legacy of our friend Andy.

Mary is not only the bridge joining us to God; she is more. She is the road that God travelled to reach us, and the road that we must travel in order to reach him. #AnnunciationOfTheLord

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

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

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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few months ago we lost Andrew R. Cannon, a wonderful man, a community leader, a fun guy to be around and a hard

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

Sacred Heart School, Taftville

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

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

St. John School, Old Saybrook

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

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

St. Joseph School, Baltic

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

St. Joseph School, New London

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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

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

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

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

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

St. Bernard School, Uncasville

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

Dear Friends of Catholic Education: Edwin Way Teale, an American naturalist wrote: “The world’s favorite season is the spring.

All things seem possible in May.” May is such a wonderful month, but what makes it very special for us Catholics is that it is the “Month of Mary.”

Our reverence, as Catholics, for the Mother of Jesus stems from exactly that fact: she was chosen by God to be the person through which He would enter this world as a man. Mary’s “yes” further illustrates the importance of her role in history as she could have simply rejected God’s request. From facing ridicule for being pregnant outside of her marriage, to raising her Son only to see Him sacrificed on the cross for us, Mary knew in her heart this would be a hard road to travel. So, Mary’s “yes” only heightens our sense of reverence for her as she suffered as only a mother could for all of us.

As Jesus said from the cross to the few remaining followers, including Mary, “Behold your Mother,” He was letting us know that this was not simply His earthly mother, but the mother of us all. There is no coincidence that Mary, Our Mother, is so visible through all different mediums. This is evidenced by the number of references to Mary in literature, song, and art; the number of churches, universities, hospitals, etc. named for her; and the recounting of her appearances at places such as Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe. She is the mediatrix between us and Jesus. Let us not forget that she intercedes on our behalf and continues to bring our concerns to her.

During this special month, our schools will be celebrating Mary, Our Mother, in a variety of ways. The most popular is the crowning of Our Mother. It is a solemn procession and at the close of the procession a statue of the Blessed Mother is adorned with a crown of flowers honoring Mary as “the Queen of May.” It is also a month where the rosary is highlighted in our schools. St. John Paul II in his document on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary asked that the whole world pray the Holy Rosary for the salvation of the family and for world peace.

May you all have a wonderful spring season and let us always remember the month of May as the month of Mary.

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

God Bless, George A. Milot Superintendent of Schools

Saint John School Student Receives the Bishop Vincent Hines Honors Memorial Scholarship

S

aint John School 8th grade student Owen Jones received the Bishop Vincent Hines Honors Memorial Scholarship from Xavier High School.

This scholarship is attained by scoring in the 99th percentile in the Xavier High School entrance exam and applies to all four years at Xavier.

High School, which is awarded to all students who score in the 95th percentile and above. According to Admissions Director Nicholas Grasso, there were 15 Ryken Scholars recognized this year out of more than 200 students who took the entrance test.

Owen, the son of Jennifer and Wallace Jones of Killingworth, also received the honor of Ryken Scholar at Xavier

Owen joins the list of scholarship recipients who have graduated from St. John School in Old Saybrook.

TELEVISION MASS May 5th 10am

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To place a Novena prayer request, or for pricing, please call Meredith Vernott at 860-887-3933 commeredith@norwichdiocese.net

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

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Learning to Lead

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

SBS Students Attend Leadership Seminar

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By Shari L. Marderness

F

ive freshmen recently represented Saint Bernard School at the Hugh O’Brien (HOBY) Youth Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW).

This year’s workshop was held virtually due to COVID-19.

The event, HOBY’s introductory leadership workshop for high school freshmen, focuses on leadership exploration — helping students learn what leadership is and how to start developing their own skills.

“I got to know myself …,” said Lucas Dellacono. “It encouraged me to become a better leader.”

He and his fellow SBS attendees - Valentina Gjonbalaj, Magnus Henson, Caitlyn Kuhn, and Ava Little - all agreed the workshop was

a positive experience. For Valentina, one of the highlights was getting to know students from different cities and states.

Students interacted with local community leaders, from CEOs to politicians to leaders of nonprofits, through keynote presentations about real-world issues and in-depth group discussions. They learned to form diverse relationships with adult professionals, volunteer mentors, and students with varied leadership styles and backgrounds.

They also took part in activities to explore and exercise leadership on personal and group levels. One such activity Ava enjoyed was creating a vision board. “The biggest thing I learned was how to be a better leader by setting goals for yourself

and finding things you’re interested in and passionate about,” she said.

Magnus said he enjoyed working with other HOBY students and instructors on activities that discussed career plans and what kind of leader they would want to be. “As a leader, the energy we give off affects those around us, and it’s our job to change our community for the better,” he said.

“It was encouraging and inspiring to hear from other successful people on what to do to help others and make a change, whether it’s in the community or in the world,” added Caitlyn. “Happiness and gratitude help open up your mind to ideas and observations on the world, so you can be an effective leader in your community.”

In June 2021, Saint Bernard School sophomores – Adeline Arvidson, Joseph Basso, Abagail Kowalyshyn and Charlotte Kunka will attend the HOBY State Leadership Seminars.

Parker

parkermemorials@yahoo.com

See a Need — Fill a Need

Xavier Students Help Families in Texas and Guatemala

By Jeff Otterbein

who went on the trip last year, led the effort to raise money to benefit families in need in Guatemala. The one-day collection this month totaled $3,463.89.

“We enjoyed helping everyone last year,” Conneely said, “and it created a lasting impression of other parts of

the world and how fortunate we are.”

“When you get there,” Anastasiades said, “it is tough to see the amount of poverty … we’re a lot more fortunate than they are, and they need all the help they can get.”

So that is why they led the effort

to raise money. The need remains.

Guatemala is the fifth poorest economy in Latin America and the Caribbean, with persistently high rates of poverty and inequality, according to the World Bank Group, which works to reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.

And now Anastasiades and Conneely are taking it to another level. They will work with their local parish, the Church of the Incarnation in Wethersfield, and their former school, Corpus Christi in Wethersfield, to raise more money for Guatemala.

Anastasiades and Conneely have known each other since middle school at Corpus Christi.

That’s more than $5,000 raised in two events to benefit others.

Middletown … the U.S. … the world … Xavier’s students help wherever and whenever they can.

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Amen

Amen

Say this prayer for 3 days and promise publication

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MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

X

avier senior Drew Errera was talking to his mother about the situation in Texas, which was ravaged by storms and cold weather in February. What could he do to help, he wondered? Errera took it to Director of Campus Ministry Peter Lyons, and it was decided to have a Xavier dress down day and a bake sale.

Between the two, the school raised $1,795 and sent the money to Texas through Catholic Charities.

Errera was living out one of the missions of the school.

“Helping other people, not just yourself,” Errera said. Try to fill the need wherever it exists.

In Middletown … in the United States … in the world.

Xavier routinely takes a mission trip to Guatemala but could not this year because of Covid-19. Niko Anastasiades and Eamon Conneely,

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Xavier Alums Return Home to Help

Jonathan Farrell

Mason Passavant

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Jeff Otterbein

M

ason Passavant ’12, Jonathan Farrell ’16, and Frank Perrotti ’17 each rattled off name after name of faculty and staff members who influenced them while at Xavier.

Each spoke about how Xavier helped shape their lives. And that is in part why each has given back to Xavier this school year amid the Covid challenge.

Xavier has been fortunate to have alumni help cover classes for colleagues who at times weren’t

physically in the classroom in the 2020-21 school year. While the teacher instructs virtually, the alum is in the classroom to help in any way needed.

Passavant has done so all year.

Farrell has been here for the second semester. Perrotti was here during the first semester and still helps out periodically. Regis O’Neill ‘14 and Brendan Donohue ’19 also helped out for a few weeks.

“I love it. It doesn’t feel different at all,” Passavant said. “People

want to be here. They care about the students, and that level of care continues to astound me. And now I am getting a fuller version of that, which has always been educating the whole person and not just what’s between the lines of a textbook. It’s about everything else.”

Passavant is a Georgetown graduate who started law school but realized it was not for him. He remained in New York doing odd jobs before coming back home to Connecticut and Xavier.

“Xavier was critical to my development as a person and I was always looking for a way to pay that back,” Passavant said.

Passavant, who was on the Ultimate Frisbee team all four years here, will help David Applegate coach the team this year. The experience in the classroom has Passavant interested in teaching. He has done some SAT tutoring.

Farrell ’16 graduated from Bates in the spring of 2020, via Zoom of course, and then worked for

We Are A Pentecost People Come, Holy Spirit, and make us Pentecost people, Let your wisdom and right judgment guide our decisions and temper our impulses. Let knowledge and understanding increase our capacity for empathy and compassion. Let reverence and awe fill us with gratitude and respect for all of creation.

Give us the courage to witness boldly to our faith in word and deed. Through and with and in Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen

26

Our DIOCESE

Pasta for Hope – Serving

By Edward J. Tessman Executive Director, Catholic Charities

C

atholic Charities, with the help and support from the Knights of Columbus great evening. The pasta was cooked to Council #14 and the Willimantic the sauce was handmade and simmered Community held a Pasta for Hope the meatballs were huge and the desserts Dinner at Saint Joseph Church Hall on Saturday, of this world. We were excited to have By Susan Wallace, Executive Director Outreach October 29th. Children of all ages were encouraged join us forto thisHaiti community event which to dress in costumes and play games for candy. us to continue to “Provide Help and Cre Dedicating our love, compassion and Father Larry LaPointe graciously offered the use of for those most in need. our community. the Parish Hall and theservice event was to a success.

Patrons bid on over twenty silent auct Ed Tessman, Executive Director of Catholic which ranged from a UCONN basket, d Charities, stated that, “we could not have done this from the Willimantic Advisory Board of Specializing in: without the support of Father Larry, the Willimantic Charities, Jelly Belly Machine, Totally Central he trained for nine months to become a Chinook helicopter mechanic. He came back to Central and he was deployed to Afghanistan from 2019-2020.

“A lot of different situations were going on at that time in Afghanistan, and we also had to deal with Covid,” Perrotti said. “I was on night shifts four to five of the nine months in Afghanistan.

Altogether I was deployed for 11 months. It was one of the most interesting things I’ve done in my life.”

It also changed his life.

“There are things I notice now that I never did before, and I’m in a different mindset,” Perrotti said.

“I look at things differently. There is a lot of planning that goes on, and I take that into account now . . .” He went on to say that his time as a crew chief on a helicopter taught him the importance of communication, especially in a team environment.

“It is essential to … make it home; that’s what it boils down to.”

Perrotti is now in his third year at Central and majoring in construction management.

“Xavier gave me the moral and religious background to look back on -- to keep the faith,” Perrotti said. “It always stuck with me in the back of my mind overseas …

God will take care of me.”

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

Defending Our Religious Liberty

We are called to advocate of human goods and righ to life and the right not Sponsored Sponsoredby bythe the but to live it out. We are Dioces of Norwich Diocese of Norwich dom to “be Catholic,” to ing the needs of our bro less of their race, creed, they are Catholic but b

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Frank Perrotti AmeriCorps, his stint ending early in January.

“I had always kept in contact with Brother Ryan, and he told me Xavier needed some help, so that’s how I got here,” Farrell said.

He came here a different person than when he left. He was a leader of a group of about nine people in AmeriCorps. Their work ranged from disaster relief after Hurricane Laura in Louisiana and Texas to helping Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. They slept anywhere from church basements to tents. And ever-present was Covid.

“I think the experience really changed my life, gave me more confidence for one thing, and if Xavier had not instilled in me the value of service, I never would have done something like that,” Farrell said. “And I think this was at a time when service to our country was really needed.”

Farrell would like to be a teacher and eventually get a Masters in Creative Writing and English. For now, he’s happy to be back here, helping his alma mater.

“My growth here was helped along by certain teachers, and I love being back, working with students and getting involved,” Farrell said.

After graduating from Xavier, Perrotti went to Central but also enlisted into the Connecticut Army National Guard. After a year at

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

Volume 9 Confession Part II As we established last month, Confession is a kind of spiritual “bathing station” for us pilgrims along the journey of life. But another important dimension of Confession is its healing component. Sin, among other things, wounds us and harms us. Most significantly, sin either damages (venial sins) or destroys (mortal sins) our relationship with God (1 John 5:16-17). Sin does to our souls what poison does to our bodies.

Because of this, when we sin, our souls become afflicted with spiritual illness. And Jesus, of course, we know to be the Divine Physician. Therefore, just as we go for an annual check-up for our physical health, so too does the Church instruct us to go to Confession at least once a year (sometime during the Easter Season).

One reason that the Church asks this of us is because regular “checkups” help us to catch potentially serious illnesses before they get too advanced.

That being said, we’ll look briefly at what happens in Confession. First, it should be out of contrition (sorrow for sin) that someone approaches Confession. If a person is not sorry or doesn’t see anything wrong with committing sin, then most likely they would not seek forgiveness.

Secondly, there is the actual confession of sin itself. This makes up the matter for the Sacrament. In other words, the naming of the sin(s) is one of the essential components required for the Sacrament to be valid. This naming of sin(s) should be done with enough detail for the

priest to know what was done, while at the same time, not going into more detail than necessary. In this way, it’s helpful to think of Confession like a check-up: you want to let the doctor know what is wrong—what hurts.

Generally, though, they only need to know enough so that they can prescribe a proper remedy. (Really, sin is quite boring and repetitive, so it is unnecessary to describe it too much detail).

Third, after the confession of the sin(s), the priest may offer some brief words of counsel along with some penance to be done—both of which should serve as a kind of antidote or remedy for the sin(s).

Lastly, after some brief counsel and the penance, the priest prays the words of absolution, which make up the form of this Sacrament.

In closing, just as a personal note, I have found Confession to be one of the most beautiful and helpful Sacraments for growing in the Christian life, first as a penitent, and secondly, as a priest. There is nothing to fear—the Lord Jesus only wants to shine His light so as to bestow His blessing more abundantly upon us!

As always, if you have any follow-up questions that you would like further clarification on regarding Confession, or any of the other Sacraments we have covered so far, please feel free to send an email to father.michaelbovino@gmail.com. If there are enough questions, the answers to some of them may even be included in a later column.

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Father Michael Bovino

Class is in session...

29

Is this the Beginning or the End?

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

By Andrea Hoisl

30

W

hen we reach this point of the year, we are usually giddy with anticipation over the promise and joy our summer events provide – longer days, warmer nights, outdoor activities, vacations, family gatherings, beach days, hiking/biking, swimming – and the list goes on and on! We have worked hard all year at our jobs and in school, so we welcome summer as a reward for our perseverance and dedication. This year is no exception to that rule – we look forward to the simple pleasures of summer more than ever.

Many of us thought that 2020 was the year of Covid. We jubilantly said goodbye to it in January and the many challenges it held for all of us. Our homes became schools and places of business. They also

Fai th Sparks

doubled as fitness centers and places of worship. We broke bread, laughed, and cried from our humble abodes, not because we wanted to but because we had to. Much to our chagrin, 2021 quickly became a year filled with its own issues and concerns. But as people of hope we did not lose faith, nor did we give up. No, instead we persevered and worked through every issue, obstacle, and roadblock this year has thrown at us thus far.

The challenges of 2021 have not broken us even if there have been moments when we felt as if we could not go on. In actuality, the events of 2020-21 have made us stronger. We emerged this Easter feeling more blessed and spiritually alive than we have in years. There is so much to be joyful about and we look forward with childlike

anticipation and hope at all the future possibilities.

So where do we go from here?

Is this point in history and in our lives – a beginning of something new and improved or an ending to loved and cherished traditions?

Are our pre-Covid behaviors and lifestyles something we grieve, or are we excited to embrace our “new normal?” As Christians we have been at this point historically many times. Church history shows us that to build a strong faith and a united Church you need to endure the pangs of hardship and disappointment. We know that out of crucifixion comes resurrection!

How do we move forward? How do we as individuals collectively focus on building a stronger community of believers? How do

we get our friends and neighbors who have been defeated by Covid to return to the Church that will nourish them and bring them new life? We do it by being an example to others of all that we want to see happen in our Church. We have to reach out and welcome others back in faith. We have to be willing to share ourselves and our experiences with others so they can see Christ alive and well in our world. We have to meet people where they are and accept and love them back into Church. We have to take all the negative changes and turn them into positive learning experiences that help us grow. We have to embrace the new graces that arrived through our adversity. We have to no longer “go to Church,” we now need to be Church!

Ignite Your Faith.

Visit NorwichDiocese.org/FaithSparks for additional resources.

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

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

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For more info about class dates, times, descriptions, and fees visit www.saintbernardschool.org or call 860-848-1271 or email Mrs. Cyr at hcyr@saint-bernard.com Also, we are now accepting applications for the 2021–22 school year. Contact us at the info above.

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

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Monday, May 31, 2021

MAY 2021 | FOUR COUNTY CATHOLIC | NorwichDiocese.org

Mass Schedule

32

Prayer for the Fallen

THE NORWICH DEANERY In Saint Joseph Cemetery, Norwich

Reverend Monsignor. Leszek Janik, VG, will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich.

In Sacred Heart Cemetery, Taftville,

Reverend Christopher Zmuda will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Taftville.

In Saint Patrick Cemetery, Montville

Reverend James Sucholet will celebrate Mass at 9:00am. In case of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated at Saint John Church, Uncasville.

THE NEW LONDON DEANERY

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

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

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 in us the selfless love of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with your strength and peace. In union with people of goodwill of every nation, embolden us to answer the call to work for peace and justice, and thus, seek an end to violence and conflict around the globe.

We pray through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.