Four County Catholic November 2011

Volume 23 Number 10 November 2011

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

Reverend Kevin M. Reilly, Pastor,St. Patrick Church, Mystic,reviewing the revised English translation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal.Photo by Susannah H. Snowden

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

at cFour County

atholic Established in 1989 and published each month except July.

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Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. 860.887.9294Bishop of Norwich

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31 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360-3613 Fax 860.859.1253

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The deadline for advertising is the second Monday of the precedingmonth. (Discount rate available to Diocesan-sponsored ministries and pro-grams.) The editorial deadline is the third Monday of the preceding month.Articles limited to 500-word max; letters to the editor limited to 200-wordmax and must include name, address and phone number for verification.Email photos as Jpeg attachments and MS Word copy to [email protected] or fax to 860.859.1253. Publication not guaranteed. TheEditor reserves the right to reject, omit or edit all editorial and advertisingcopy. Published opinions and advertisements do not necessarily reflect theeditorial position of this newspaper.

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2 Four County Catholic November 2011

Dear Faithful Readers...Thank you in advance for responding to ourannual Four County Catholic appeal to help defraythe increasing cost of postage. Please see theenclosed envelope for your convenience.

The Four County Catholic has been deliveredright to your doorstep for 23 years. It is ourpleasure to help the newspaper continueto evolve in print and online.

We are grateful for your generoussupport and encouragement.

The Four County CatholicEditorial Team

The Most Reverend

Michael R. Cote, D.D. Bishopof Norwich

My Dear Brothers and Sisters inChrist:

As we approach the harvest sea-son of thanksgiving, we all recog-nize these are far from ordinarytimes. There has been no apprecia-ble letup in the recession and littleevidence of an economic turn-around any time soon. Congressremains gridlocked. Much of theworld is suffering either politicalunrest, economic hardship orboth. Tough times.

These are times that remind uswho we are as faithful followers ofChrist. We are, as described in myprevious column, “people ofhope.” No matter how harsh thegoing gets, we remain hopefulknowing that “God is love and toworship Him means to serve ourbrothers and sisters with sincereand generous love.” Our livingfaith does not accept turning awayfrom those who most need our

help. Every one of us is either per-sonally affected by the continuingrecession or we know of someoneor many who are unemployed, un-deremployed or marginally able toearn enough to survive financially.How is the spirit of thanksgivingappropriate and alive at a time likethis?

It is. It is because we live by God’s

grace in a Country of opportunitywith the privilege to worship freely– a place that provides the spaceand light for hope to prosper. Thefirst settlers who celebrated athankful meal with the nativeWanpanoag Americans at thissame time of year, not all that farfrom our easternmost diocesanborder, were very much in precar-ious survival mode. Not a recessionby contemporary definition.Worse. Much worse. They neededa successful harvest to store enough

food to survive another winterahead. They were thankful for thefriendships and cooperation andopportunity to pull together andtake on another winter. I’ve heardit said that these hearty soulsweren’t thankful that they sur-vived…as much as they survivedbecause they were thankful. Thissentiment speaks to the strength ofthe Christian faith in action. It isas true during these challengingtimes as it was in 1621 – and as itwas in 1863 when Abraham Lin-coln invited a divided Nation to“set aside and observe a day ofthanksgiving and praise to ourbeneficent Father who dwelleth inthe heavens”.

The spirit of Thanksgiving inthis great land has always beenclosely aligned with the spirit ofChristian love for our fellow trav-elers. Presidential ThanksgivingDay proclamations have tradition-

ally born this out. There was somequestion about a departure fromany reference to God in the 2009proclamation. Last year, however,our President returned to a moretraditional recognition of thesource of our most precious gifts.Said the President, “Let us rejoicein the abundance that graces ourtables, in the simple gifts that markour days, in the loved ones whoenrich our lives, and in the gifts ofa gracious God. Let us recall thatour forebears met their challengeswith hope and an unfailing spirit,and let us resolve to do the same.”

Our community of faith in theDiocese has found the love, energy,wherewithal and spirit of giving tohelp families across our 76parishes, including and embracingmany non-Catholic brothers andsisters in need. We are truly thank-ful, together, for the extraordinarygood works of Catholic Charities,

Habitat for Humanity, the St. Vin-cent de Paul kitchens and pantries,Project Northeast, the CatholicFoundation assisting families withCatholic school tuition, pastoralcare in our community hospitals,the diocesan prison ministries, themany ministries supported by theAnnual Catholic Appeal, outreachto Haiti and Chile and so many ofyour personal acts of kindness andgenerosity. This is our 21st Cen-tury harvest of compassion andhope.

May you receive God’s specialblessings and graces for all youhave done to bring His love tothose in need. May the Lord con-tinue to bless you and your lovedones abundantly. The joy ofthanksgiving is very much with us.

Sincerely yours in Christ’s love,

Bishop Michael R. Cote

The Harvest Season

Queridos hermanos y hermanasen Cristo:

A medida que nos acercamos ala temporada de cosecha de acciónde gracias, todos reconocemos queestos tiempos están lejos de ser co-munes. No ha habido una dismin-ución apreciable en la recesión yhay una poca evidencia de recu-peración económica a corto plazo.El Congreso se mantiene paral-izado. Gran parte de el mundoestá sufriendo ya sea por la inesta-bilidad politica, dificultadeseconómicas o ambas. Son tiemposdifíciles.

Estos son tiempos que nos re-cuerdan quienes somos comoseguidores fieles de Cristo. Somos,como descrito en mi columna pre-via, “gente de esperanza.” No im-porta cuanto de penosas las cosasmarchen, nosotros nos mantemos

esperanzados, sabiendo que “Dioses amor y venerarlo significa servira nuestros hermanos y hermanascon amor sincero y generoso.”Nuestra fé viva no acepta rechazara aquellos que más necesitan denuestra ayuda. Cada uno denosotros está personalmente afec-tado por la continuación de la re-cesión o conocemos a alguien o amuchos de los que están desem-pleados, subempleados o incapac-itados de ganar lo suficiente parasobrevivir económicamente.¿Como está vivo el espíritu apropi-ado de acción de gracias en unmomento como éste?.

Lo está.Lo está porque vivimos por gra-

cia de Dios en un país de oportu-nidades con el privilegio de asistiral culto libremente- un lugar queofrece espacio y luz de esperanza

para prosperar. Los primeros col-onizadores que celebraron los ali-mentos de agradecimiento con latribu nativa Wanpanoag en estamisma epoca del año, más al esteno tan lejos desde nuestro bordediocesano, eran mucho más in-estables en su modo de sobre-vivencia No había una recesiónpor estándares contemporáneos.Peor. Mucho peor. Necesitabanuna cosecha exitosa para almace-nar suficiente comida para sobre-vivir otro invierno más adelante.Ellos estaban agradecidos por laamistad y cooperación y oportu-nidad de salir a flote juntos y de-safiar otro invierno. Yo he oídoque esas almas bondadosas no es-taban agradecidas por haber sobre-vivido… tanto comosobrevivieron porque eran agrade-cidas. Este sentimiento habla de la

Fortaleza de la Fé Cristiana en ac-ción. Es tan verdadera en estostiempos desafiantes como lo fuéen 1621- y como fué en 1863,cuando Abraham Lincoln invitó auna nación dividida a “separar yobservar un día de acción de gra-cias y alabanza a nuestro Padreprotector que habita en los cielos”.

El espíritu de Acción de Graciasen este gran país siempre ha estadoestrechamente vinculado con el es-píritu de amor Cristiano por nue-stro prójimo. Tradicionalmente lasProclamaciones presidenciales deDía de Acción de Gracias ven estoinnato. Había alguna pregunta acerca de la ausencia de toda men-ción a Dios en la proclamación enel 2009. Sin embargo, el añopasado nuestro presidente regresóa un reconocimiento más tradi-cional a la fuente de nuestros más

preciosos dones. El presidentedijo, “Regocijemos en la abundan-cia que adornan nuestras mesas, enlos regalos simples que marcannuestros días, en los seres queridosque enriquecen nuestras vidas, yen los dones de la gracia de Dios.Recordemos que nuestros an-tepasados cumplieron sus retoscon esperanza y un espíritu inque-brantable, y resolvamos hacer lomismo.”

Nuestra comunidad de fé en laDiócesis ha encontrado el amor,energia, medios y el espíritu de darpara ayudar a las familias a travésde nuestras 76 parroquias, in-cluyendo y abarcando a muchoshermanos y hermanas no Católi-cos en necesidad. Estamos ver-daderamente agradecidos, juntos ,por las extraordinarias buenas

La Temporada de Cosecha

La Temporada Cont. on page 4

Four County Catholic November 2011 3

For further information call:

860.536.0565Or visit www.endersisland.com

St. Edmund’s at Enders Island

ST. EDMUND’S RETREAT

December 2-4Advent Weekend Retreatwith Deacon & Mrs. Scarfi

December 8Feast of Immaculate Conception10am-3:30pm Day of Recollectionwith Father Tom Hoar, S.S.E.

December 16Advent Evening of Reflectionwith Pasta Dinner6pm-8pm with Father Tom Hoar, S.S.E.

December 18-23Advent Silent Directed Retreatwith Sister Eugenia Brady, S.J.C.

Decembr 9-11 (Retreat is Full)Women’s 11th Step on theRock Recovery Weekendwith Sister Maurice and Sister Rose

December 16-18 (New)Women’s AA/AlanonRecovery Weekendwith Sister Maurice and Sister Rose

Join us while we explorethe history, the sacred na-ture and the techniques ofthe Sacred Arts in aprayerful manner.

November 6-13Icon Writing inthe Russian Style

St. Michael’sInstitute of Sacred Art

WeekendRecovery Retreats

PROGRAMS

Couples Renew Wedding Vows at theSilver and Gold Jubilee Anniversary Mass

Married couples from parishes throughout theNorwich Diocese came to participate in their Cel-

ebration of God’sGift of Love in theSacrament of Mar-

riage at the Annual Silver and Gold Jubilee An-niversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick onSunday, October 16th.

Couples celebrating their silver, gold or otheranniversary significant to the couple renewedtheir marriage vows at the Pontifical Mass cele-brated by Bishop Michael R. Cote and witnessedby family and friends. Along with all couples pres-ent, seven couples celebrated sixty or more yearsof marriage.

Certificates blessing the marriages of coupleswho were present were awarded by BishopMichael R. Cote. Following the Mass, celebratingcouples along with their family and friends en-joyed spending time with Bishop Cote in theCathedral Hall. Refreshments were enjoyed by all.


By Susan WilliamsThe Office of Family Life

obras de Caridad Católica, Habi-tat para la Humanidad, las cocinasy despensas de San Vicent De Paul, El Proyecto Noreste , la Fun-dación Católica asistiendo a las fa-milias con matrículas de escuelaCatólica, la atención pastoral enlos hospitales de nuestra comu-nidad, los ministerios de prisióndiocesano, los muchos ministeriosde apoyo de la Campaña CatólicaAnual, la extensión a Haiti yChile, y muchos de sus actos per-sonales de bondad y generosidad.Este es nuestro siglo 21 cosecha decompasión y esperanza.

Reciba de Dios una bendiciónespecial e indultos por todo lo queha hecho para llevar Su amor aaquellos en necesidad. Que elSeñor continúe bendiciendo enabundancia a usted y a sus seresqueridos. La alegría de Acción deGracias está con nosotros.

Sinceramente en el amor de Cristo,

Obispo Michael R. CoteTranslated by Paulina Angulo

La Temporada Cont. from page 3

Director of Priestly Vocations

Reverend Gregory Galvin

Recently I was struck by the sim-ple reminders I read in an article onPriestly and Religious Vocations-Generous Gifts from God writtenby Rev. Thomas Nelson, O. Praem.

In the article he wrote aboutcommon myths and misconcep-tions regarding vocations. I think fo-cusing on those myths andmisconceptions would be helpful tous all as we continue to strive tobuild a culture of vocations in ourdiocese and better identify thosewho are being called to priestly orreligious vocations.

Fr. Nelson discusses five differentmyths about vocations. They are: 1. “Priests and religious are “super”Christians or you have to be perfector a “holy Joe.” Or said another way,“priests, sisters and brother are au-tomatically holier than otherCatholics”.2. “Celibacy means a loveless, lonely,unhappy life”.3. “The misunderstanding of thespecial nature of religious consecra-tion”.4. “The fear that they are limitingtheir children’s freedom, that parentsare forcing their own will uponthem”.5. “Priestly and religious vocationsare rare and exceptional”.

Let’s review each one. First there are no “perfect” or

“super” priests or religious becausewe are all human and all sinners! Itis true as Fr. Nelson states that “reli-gious and priests are committed tostrive for holiness” but we must re-member that is part of the call we allhave received. Religious and priestsare called to be examples to all theworld of that commitment beinglived out in everyday life.

“Celibacy means a loveless, lonely,unhappy life”. Certainly no parentwants their kids to enter into a lifethat will make them unhappy.Think about this point; when oneenters into a celibate relationship,priestly or religious, they are work-

ing with God who is always faithful,who is Love. If there is failure insuch a relationship, it’s from thehuman side not the divine.

Regarding the “misunderstandingof the special nature of religious con-secration”, Fr. Nelson reminds hisreader that instead of looking at vo-cations from a democratic mindset,where vocations would be looked atas all equal in God’s eyes, we mustlook at vocations from the perspec-tive of the order of grace, by whichthe very nature of such a vocation isspecifically ordered to a unique in-timacy through prayer and contem-plation with Christ. Not everyone iscalled to be a priest or consecratedreligious. We are reminded in theGospel of Luke 12:48, that “towhom much is given, much will beexpected”.

In responding to the concernabout limiting their children’s free-dom, Father Nelson points out thatthis is a completely unfounded fear!Why? Because as he points out, “thepreparation and formation for reli-

gious life and priesthood is too rig-orous and long for it to be just basedon emotional “feeling” without re-ally understanding what it is allabout”.

Finally regarding priestly and re-ligious vocations being rare and ex-ceptional, by the fact that many ofthe seminaries around the countryare presently full helps us to pointout the falsity of such a statement.Fr. Nelson, though, says it even bet-ter as he writes, “It is a lie of the devilto say that a vocation to the conse-crated life is rare and exceptional.No, Our Lord is generous and mostgenerous with His choicest gifts.The call to consecrated life is notrare and exceptional but commonand ordinary. What is rare and ex-ceptional is our generous responseto God’s generous gifts.

Therefore, as we continue pray-ing for an increase of priestly and re-ligious vocations for our diocese, wemust remember to pray that thoseGod is calling will recognize the calland respond with a generous heart.

God’s Generous Gifts

Holy Hour for Vocations

The Holy Hour for Vocations is held in a different deanery andparish each month. Bishop Cote will lead the prayers of the Holy

Hour each month. The schedule is as follows:

Nov. 17 Mary Mother of the Redeemer, Groton 7-8pmDec. 15 Our Lady of the Lakes, Oakdale 5-6pm

...Nothing will be impossible for you!” (Matthew 17:18-21)

“Jesus rebuked him and the demoncame out of him. The disciples said,

‘Why could we not drive it out?” Jesussaid, ‘Because of your little fai h. AmenI say to you, if you have fai h he size ofa mustard seed (minimal), you will say

to his mountain ( he impossible),‘Move’ and it will move! NOTHING…

Diocese of Norwich

Dial A Prayer (860) 887-7767P.O. Box 6, 11 Bath St.Norwich, CT 06360 (860) 887-0702Email: [email protected]

Television MassWednesday, November 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM

Channel 20 WTXXCelebrant: Fr. Ray Introvigne

2011 National Leader & Ministries ConferenceNovember 4 through 6, 2011 in Baltimore, MD

Philip Retreat Weekend (Head to Heart Experience)Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMSunday, November 6, 2011 at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Spiritual Renewal Services Center(Pre-registration is required by calling 1-860-887-0702.)

Combined Prayer MeetingWednesday, November 9, 2011 at 7:30 PM

St. Mary Church, 51 Freestone Avenue,Portland, CT 06480

Combined Prayer MeetingWednesday, November 9, 2011 at 7:30 PM

St. Mary Church, 51 Freestone Avenue,Portland, CT 06480

Prayer and Discernment Board MeetingsMonday, November 14, 2011 at 11:15 AM

Spiritual Renewal Services Center

Prayer, Praise, Worship and AdorationEvery Tuesday, 7:00 PM

Spiritual Renewal Services Center

Spiritual Renewal Services


Stroll the beach, Kennebunkportshops, and enjoy our pool.

• Visit the beautiful Monastery, withdaily Mass, gift shop, and shrines.

• Choose from 65 rooms, withown AC, Bath, and Cable TV.

• Auditorium for Groups.• On the Scenic Trolley route.

Franciscan Guest House & Retreat FacilitiesVACATION IN KENNEBUNK BEACH, MAINE!

Every Tuesday Night • 7:00pmSpiritual Renewal Services CenterPrayer, Praise, Worship& Adoration

Saturday-Sunday, November 5-6Philip Retreat WeekendHead to Heart ExperienceSpiritual Renewal Services Center, 11Bath Street, Norwich. Weekend is$25.00 per person. Pre-registrationrequired. Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm, and on Sunday from9:00am-1:00pm. 860-887-0702.

Saturday, November 5Holiday Fair St. Mary Church, 1600 Main St.(Rt. 31) Coventry, invites you tojoin them at their one day HolidayFair, from 9:00am -2:00pm. Boothsinclude: Small Raffle, Country Cup-board & Bakery, Christmas Shoppeand more. For information call 860-742-0681.

Saturday, November 5Sleigh Bells Ring” Christmas FairThe annual “Sleigh Bells Ring”Christmas Fair will be held from10:00am – 7:00pm in the St. Pius XBill Fortin Memorial Hall, 310Westfield St., Middletown.10:00am. Free admission. Featuredbooths include Arts and Crafts,Country Store, Gourmet Coffee,Fresh Baked Goods, Kids Booth, 50-50 Raffle & more. Raffle tickets &more information at 860-347-4441.

Wednesday, November 9Combined Prayer MeetingAt 7:30pm at St. Mary Church, 51Freestone Avenue, Portland.

Saturday-Sunday, November 12-13Toys for Tots G Gauge Train Dis-playKnights of Columbus, Our Lady ofthe Lakes Council 8903 with theMohegan Pequot Model Railroad

Club and the Central Con-necticut G Gaugers Club presents aG Gauge (Large Scale) Train Displayon Saturday November 12, 2011from 11:00 am-3:00pm, and SundayNovember 13, 2011 from 12:00 pm-3:00 pm. The display will be locatedin the Church Hall of Our Lady ofthe Lakes Church, 742 Norwich-Salem Turnpike, Oakdale.

Friday-Sunday, November 11-13Marriage Encounter WeekendFor couples desiring to experience aricher and loving life together. Redis-cover each other for an entire week-end with a heart-to-heart marriageencounter. To register for the nextweekend in Willimantic or for moreinformation please call 860-644-7260 or email: [email protected].

Monday, November 14, 2011Prayer and DiscernmentBoard MeetingsAt 11:15am, Spiritual Renewal Serv-ices Center.

Monday, November 14, 2011Natural Family Planning ClassesFor married and engaged couples(NFP) the Sympto-Thermal Methodis scientifically sound, helps with fer-tility problems, easily learned and

99% effective both for conceiving achild or responsibly postponing con-ception. 3- Part monthly class beginsat 7:00pm at St John’s Church inOld Saybrook. Please call 860-399-8265 or to register for a NFP class orHome Study Course go towww.ccli.org.

Saturday, November 19St. Maurice Church Annual SleighBells Ring Christmas Fair

All are invited to the 41st annualChristmas Fair from 9:00am-3:00pmat 32 Hebron Road, Bolton. Enjoyhandmade treasures including dolls,stuffed animals, greens and customornaments. Hot food, free admissionand free parking. Call 860-646-0564.

Sunday, November 27Messiah ConcertSaint Peter Church in Higganumwill salute the beginning of Adventby hosting the New England Cham-ber Choir and its performance ofGeorge Frideric Handel’s Messiah,Part One. Richard Wm. Donohue,Director of Music at Saint PeterChurch will be conducting and ac-companying the concert. Furtherdetails at www.newenglandchamber-choir.org.

Saturday, December 3St. Joseph ChurchAnnual Christmas FairSt. Joseph Church will be holding itsAnnual Christmas Fair from 9:00am-2:00pm at 48 Middlesex Avenue,Chester. Over 30 vendors will bepresent. Luncheon, Silent Auction,Dixie Baskets, Children's area andmuch more. Raffle items include 22"Lawnmower, Chainsaw and Trim-mer; iPad; Bowe Music System toname a few

Saturday, December 10Mount Saint JohnChristmas BoutiqueCrafters and artisans will displaytheir wares at the First AnnualMount Saint John Christmas Bou-tique from 10:00am-3:00pm, 135Kirtland Street, Deep River, CT.Enjoy live entertainment by theMount Saint John Christmas Choirand Visit with Santa. Homemadesoup, sandwiches and beveragesavailable for purchase. The school’sculinary program is featuring a bakesale. Shop for your entire gift givingthis season: Admission is free! Formore information or to reserve yourtable as a vendor, please contactVicki McKenney at 860-343-1340or [email protected]

Saturday, December 10Festival of Angels FairCome join us for a day of fun at theFox Parish Center of St. FrancisChurch, 10 Elm Street, Middletownfor the Festival of Angels. The fairruns from 9:00am-2:00pm. Therewill be a wide variety of artisan ven-dors, grandma’s attic, raffle items andbaked goods. Food to include home-made soups, chili and grinders.


For Active Duty, Retired &Reserve Personnel, Veterans,Veterans’ Organizations &

Auxiliaries of all Faiths

Sunday, November 13th10:15am

Cathedral of St. Patrick213 Broadway,Norwich CT

The Most ReverendMichael R. Cote, D.D.,

Bishop of Norwich, Celebrant

For more information,please call 860.887.9294

Friday, November 18Seton Scholarship DinnerThe Diocese of Norwich and theOffice of Catholic Schools in-vites you to attend the annualSeton Scholarship Dinner hon-oring the recipients of the 1stAnnual Most Reverend MichaelR. Cote, D.D. Award for contri-butions to Catholic education atThe Riverhouse at GoodspeedStation, Haddam, from 6:30pm-10:30 pm. Tickets are $150 perperson. All proceeds benefitCatholic Schools within theDiocese. For information, pleasecontact 860-887-4086. To pur-chase tickets go to www.nor-wichdiocesedevelopment.org


Annual

SETONSCHOLARSHIP

DINNERHonoring the recipients of the First Annual

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for contributionsto Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich:

Reverend Joseph CastaldiRobert E. Miller, Ph.D.

��FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

THE RIVERHOUSE AT GOODSPEED STATIONHADDAM, CT

6:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.$150 PER PERSON

All proceeds to benefit tuition assistance for Catholic Schools.Please R S.V.P. to:

Diocese of Norwich Catholic Schools OfficeAnn Crooks, Development Coordinator43 Perkins Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360

Checks payable to: DSO Seton Scholarshipor to pay by credit card:

www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.orgFor more information please call (860) 887-4086

Area firefighters and EMS re-sponders gathered at the Cathe-dral of Saint Patrick in Norwich

on October 8th to pay homage totheir “fallen brothers and sisters”at the 19th annual Mass. The an-nual Firefighters/EMS Mass isvery important to the brave menand women who believe thatwhat they do is not merely a job,but a calling. Taftville’s “pride ofthe village” were in attendanceagain. Taftville firefighters takethe event very seriously. Some at-tend whether on duty or not.This special Mass shows their rev-erence for God’s guidance andprotection as they protect others.They respectfully paid tribute toSaint Florian, their patron andSaint Michael, the Archangel andprotector.

The event began as fire truckssolemnly paraded down Broad-way toward the Cathedral, lightsflashing and the sound of bag-pipes and drums in the air. At theCathedral they created an arch-way with the tall ladders from theCromwell and Mohegan Tribetrucks. Over 100 firefighters andEMS workers marched into theCathedral lead by Most ReverendMichael R. Cote, Bishop of Nor-wich, Monsignors Brown and

Rosaforte, several priests and dea-cons, and uniformed Knights ofColumbus. Firefighters and EMSworkers attended in full dressuniform with their families stand-ing by them. Celebrant BishopCote welcomed the guests andpraised the brave men andwoman firefighters and EMS.The Gospel of Matthew 22:1-14was read by Deacon WilliamHerrman illustrating the weddingbanquet parable where “many areinvited, but few are chosen.” It isperfect and appropriate for fire-fighters and EMS workers whomany believe are in a chosen pro-fession.

Reverend Robert J. Post, fromStamford, gave the homily. Rev-erend Post, a former Brother andnow a priest in the BridgeportDiocese serving asChaplain/Deputy Chief at TheStamford Fire Rescue Depart-ment, acknowledged that he hasbeen a fire service chaplain since1982. But since September 11,2001, he has felt a deeper connec-tion to firefighters, and gainednew vision about their great sac-rifice. He spoke of this in hishomily and spoke of his respectfor their calling. He stressed theimportance of their work andhow proud he is to serve themwhether they are grieving for their

colleagues, friends or relatives, orrejoicing during happy occasionslike weddings and baptisms.

Area firefighters from Baltic,Yantic and Portland also partici-pated in the Mass as altar serversand readers. Following commun-ion, there was the reading of thehonor roll of the fallen from prioryears to present. After each year,the silver firefighters’ bell rangfrom the altar echoing loudly inthe solemn silence of the mo-ment. Then Bishop Cote recog-nized the families of LieutenantSteven Velasquez, FirefighterMichael Baik and FirefighterRobert Watts who were most re-cently departed.

The Connecticut FirefightersPipes and Drums gathered againat the altar to play “AmazingGrace” for the honored dead. Wesang “How Great Thou Art”along with the “The Star Span-gled Banner”, and firefighters leadthe recessional “Mine Eyes HaveSeen the Glory”. The two laddertrucks now were turned towardthe cathedral providing the gate-way at the end of the sidewalk.The Mass was a beautiful synergyof prayer, patriotism, duty andhonor. It is a great tribute to thosewho can never receive enoughprayerful gratitude and honor fortheir dedication.

19th Annual Firefighters & EMS Mass

By Donna Antonacci

The first annual diocesan Sen-ior de los Milagros (Lord of Mira-cles) procession and Mass was

celebrated at the Cathedral of St.Patrick in Norwich, October 14,2011. The tradition of this cele-bration dates back to 17th Cen-tury Lima, Peru where a mural ofthe crucifixion of Christ was leftstanding after a devastating earth-quake had destroyed the churcharound it and most of the city.This same mural would surviveother future earthquakes andwould be associated with manymiraculous incidents. In honor ofthe miraculous painting, a like-ness of the image was taken outinto the streets of Lima creating atradition that has evolved into thelargest procession of its kind inthe world. This year, this great cel-ebration was renewed here in theNorwich Diocese by Catholicfaithful of Peruvian ancestry whocomprise one of the largest grow-ing branches of the diocesan fam-ily.

In the Diocese of Norwich this

great celebration has been cele-brated for several years as a parishevent at St. Mary Star of the Seain New London with hundredsprocessing through the streetssinging, praying and taking turnscarrying the image.

Next year’s diocesan celebra-tion, already in the planningstages, will be expanded and willcontinue the tradition of a joyfulprocession from the Cathedral,through the streets of Norwichand returning to the Cathedral,carrying a likeness of the Senor delos Milagros painting decoratedwith abundant flowers and purpleribbons on a regal platformdraped with intricately designedtapestry and carried on the shoul-ders of an honor guard dressed inpurple robes.

The Mass was celebrated by theMost Reverend Michael R. Cote,Bishop of Norwich. A full Cathe-dral also enjoyed a stirring homilyby Deacon Jesus Canseco. Con-celebrant, Father Marty Jones,was a key organizational leaderthroughout the planning of theevent.


Senior de los Milagros Celebration Honors Centuries of Peruvian Tradition

By Michael Strammiello

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Image of Senior de los Milagros in procession inside Cathedral. Event organizer, Noe Serna carrying the adornedplatform with son, Noe. Also shown are Mercedes, Mauricio and Jonaton Serna

Photo submitted by Noe Serna.

La primera misa y procesión anualdiocesana de El Señor DE Los Milagros(Lord Of Miracles) fue celebrada en la

Catedral de San Patricio en Norwich,en el 14 de Octubre de 2011. La tradi-ción de esta celebración remonta alSiglo 17 en Lima, Perú, donde unapintura mural de la crucifixión deCristo quedó en pie después de queun devastador terremoto hubo de-struído los alrededores de la iglesia y lamayor parte de la ciudad. Esta mismapintura mural sobreviría otros terre-motos futuros y estaría asociada a mu-chos sucesos milagrosos. En honor ala pintura milagrosa, un retrato de laimagen fué sacado hacia el interior delas calles de Lima creando una tradi-ción que ha evolucionado dentro desu género a la procesión más grandeen el mundo. Este año, esta gran cele-bración fué reanudada aquí en laDiócesis de Norwich por fieles Católi-

cos de descendencia Peruana quienesconstituyen una de las ramas cre-cientes más grandes de la familiadiocesana.

En la Diócesis de Norwich estagran celebración ha sido celebrada porvarios años como un evento parro-quial en Santa María Estrella del Maren New London con cientos en pro-cesión por las calles cantando, rezandoy tomando turnos para cargar la ima-gen.

La celebración de el próximo año,ya está en la etapa de planificación paraampliar, será ampliada y continuará latradición de una alegre procesióndesde la Catedral hacia las calles deNorwich retornando a la Catedral, ll-evando un retratro de la pintura de ElSeñor De Los Milagros decorada conabundantes flores y cintas púrpuras enuna esplendida plataforma cubierta deintrincados diseños de tapicería y lle-vada en los hombros de un guardia dehonor vestido en túnica púrpura.

La misa fué celebrada por el Más

Reverendo Michael R. Cote, Obispode Norwich. La Catedral llena tam-bién disfrutó una homilía conmove-dora por el Diácono Jesús Canseco. ElPadre Marty Jones, concelebrante, fuéun líder organizacional clave a travésde la planificación de el evento.

Esta extraordinaria tradición se haestablecido ahora en la Diócesis y es-pera reunir aún más apoyo el próximoaño como una verdadera experienciareligiosa y cultural combinando una

misa en la Catedral con una procesiónmás grande con música y festejo paraseguir después de la misa en una local-ización que será determinada.

Detalles avanzados de el evento deel próximo año serán publicados eneste periódico cuando esténdisponibles.

Pintura de la imagen que ha sidotomada en la pocesión en ese Oc-tubre- la tradición que continúa hastanuestros días.

La Celebración de El Señor De Los MilagrosHonra Siglos de Tradición Peruana


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Por Michael StrammielloTranslated by Paulina Angulo

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These few thoughts about the Con-cluding Rites, the fourth division of

the Mass, can be consid-

ered a continuation of lastmonth’s article concerningthe Liturgy of the Eu-charist.

Every celebration ofMass has a purpose and aplan. Basically, the ritualis divided into fourparts; Introductory Rites, Liturgyof the Word, Liturgy of the Eu-charist and Concluding Rites. Thecelebration as a whole takes on itstrue character only when we under-stand the progression and meaningof each individual part.

After the Eucharist has been dis-tributed and all have returned totheir places, there is a period of si-

lence to allow for personal prayerand thanksgiving for the receptionof the Eucharist. This time of si-lence is ended when the priest prays

the “post-communion”prayer, the lastof the three

presidential prayers he proclaims inthe name of the whole community.All the people respond to theprayer with an “Amen!” This is theend of the Liturgy of the Eucharist,and then begins the ConcludingRite: the announcements, theblessing and the dismissal.

The main point of the Conclud-ing Rite is to prepare the congrega-

tion to go forth and put the Eu-charist into action in their lives.The announcements, hopefully,give information about events call-ing for time and talent of theparishioners. The blessing impartedby the priest serves as a reminder tothe people of their holiness, andalso serves as a parting gesture tothe community.

The final dialogue of the Masscomes next, when either the priestor the deacon dismisses the congre-gation. The Latin words for the dis-missal are, and have always been,Ite, missa est (Go forth, the Mass isended). However, because thissending forth of the community isso important, there are several op-tions available in the new transla-tion of the Roman Missal, allintended to emphasize the impor-tance of the mission of the Bap-tized.

The priest or deacon will have a

choice of any one of the followingfour phrases: Go forth, the mass is ended.Go and announce theGospel of the Lord.Go in peace, glorifyingthe Lord by your life.Go in peace.

To each of these, the acclamationof the people is “Thanks be toGod!” The acclamation expressesagreement with the commission tolive the Gospel, as well as thanks-giving for the privilege of havingparticipated in the celebration ofthe Eucharist.

The last action of the Mass is theprocession of the priest, deacon andlay ministers out of the church,while either the congregation singsthe closing hymn of thanksgivingor the choir or instrumentalistsprovide the music. The drama infour acts is concluded.

Some food for thought: Is the

period of silence following Com-munion observed and used well inyour parish? In your parish, do allthe people return to their seats afterreceiving Communion, or domany of them leave? Do the peoplehear and respond to the words ofthe Dismissal with a true sense ofbeing commissioned to put theirfaith into action?

In just a few weeks, on Novem-ber 27th, we begin using the newtranslation of the Roman Missal inall our parishes. We also begin anew liturgical year and the seasonof Advent. As has been said manytimes, the new words of the Masswill not make any difference to usunless we hear and speak themwith new energy. The true “trans-lation” of the Mass is its translationinto action through our lives offaith. The new translation of thewords is intended to enrich thatprimary goal.

By Sister ElissaRinere, CP, JCDOffice of Worship

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Concluding Rites and a New Beginning

Welcoming theROMAN MISSALOn November 27, 2011 we, along with all Catholic dioceses in the United States, will begin using a new translation of the Roman Missal.This means that the words of many of the prayers of the Mass will be changing, both for you and for the priest. There will be informationin your parish bulletin each week, and your parish will be holding other meetings and discussions to prepare for this new missal. You alsohave been reading the Liturgy Notes by Sister Elissa Rinere in this newspaper for several months, preparing us for the transition to the newMissal. This is an excellent time to continue to learn more about the celebration of the Eucharist, and to refresh and reconsider how weparticipate in the celebration. A sampling of the wording changes in the Order of Mass as per the new translation of the Roman Missal:

Missellettes, laminated responsecards and new music sheets

will be available in all parishchurches on Sunday, November

27 to follow the wordingchanges in the Liturgy of

Prayer and Music.

Photo by Trina Fulton


Part of Mass Before After

Greeting Priest: The Lord be with you Priest: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you. People: And with your spirit.

Preface Dialogue Priest: The Lord be with you. Priest: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you. People: And with your spirit.Priest: Lift up your hearts. Priest: Lift up your hearts.People: We lift them up to the Lord. People: We lift them up to the Lord.Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. People: It is right and just.

Sign of Peace Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always. Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.People: And also with you. People: And with your spirit.

Invitation to Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him whoCommunion the sins of the world. Happy are those takes away the sins of the world Blessed are

who are called to his supper. those called to the supper of the Lamb.All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter

only say the word and I shall be healed. under my roof, but only say the word andmy soul shall be healed.

Concluding Rites Priest: The Lord be with you. Priest: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you. People: And with your spirit.


“Faith” is a donor within ourDiocese who has said she has“lived on a wing and a prayer” for

most of her life. Faith, a singleprofessional, is a faithful commu-nicant at her parish.

Several years ago, after beinglaid off from her job and decidingto embark upon her own business,Faith felt the call to tithe duringprayer. Realizing she was, in her

words, “on an incredibly tightbudget and barely making it by fi-nancially,” with just enough tomake her rent, Faith wasn’t quitesure why she was being called togive at this point in her life. De-spite her difficult economic cir-cumstances, Faith kept hearing thevoice urging her to share her re-sources. Then one Sunday duringthe month of October, with about$20 coming in for the week, Faithplaced $2 in the basket. It washard for her to do, realizing shecould put the $2 toward a much

needed gallon of milk, but she feltshe was “called by the Holy Spirit”to give. Faith had always aspiredto be a philanthropist, but wasconcerned her limited financial re-sources might not allow herto realize that dream. How-ever, her calling was strongand soon Faith, who de-scribes herself as the “queenof budgeting,” began giving10% of what she earnedeach week. At first she wasable to give $2, sometimesshe was able to give $20.Other times, Faith was ableto give even more. She de-scribes her tithing as “a freeing ex-perience.” It was Faith’s feelingthat despite her hardships, Godwould always provide. “I always

got what I needed,” Faith says.As she nurtured her business

and career, Faith continued hertithing weekly, meeting her goal ofbecoming as she describes, a “little

philanthropist.” Faith faithfullymade her gifts, whether they belarge or small, all depending onher weekly circumstances.Through hard work and carefulplanning, Faith was able to sharesome of her resources. Within afew years of setting and meetingher goals, Faith’s savvy budgetingeventually enabled her to realizeyet another goal - purchasing ahome.

With her beloved church inmind, Faith decided she wanted todo something that would make adifference. Not too long ago, Faithhad her will drafted. It was her de-cision to make sure most of her as-

sets went to her parish followingher passing. Because she knew justwhat she wanted to do and wasquite organized, the process of cre-ating her will was done with rela-

tive ease. Faith notes shelives modestly out of neces-sity due to the economy,but truly hopes that the“small seed” she has plantedwill someday turn into a“mighty oak.” She has beenespecially inspired byMother Teresa’s generosityduring her lifetime and herteaching about giving. Asthe late saint said, “it is not

how much we give, but how muchlove we put in the giving.” Faithhas certainly put a lot of love intoher giving, and for this we aremost grateful.

Please note: “Faith” is one ofmany generous donors within ourDiocese. She has asked to remainanonymous for the purpose of thisarticle we have honored herwishes.

If you have a question regardingcharitable giving through your es-tate, please contact Director ofPlanned Giving, MaryLou Gan-notti, at 860-886-1928 ext. 15, ore-mail [email protected].

To Give is to LoveBy MaryLouGannottiDirector of Planned Giving

At the time of death, the Church confidentlyproclaims God has created us for eternal life.

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Looking Back & Looking Ahead at St. Mary, CoventrySt. Mary in Coventry has made

inviting parishioners the centerpiece ofits Why Catholic? effort since its very

beginning. More than a year ago, thefirst year of Why Catholic? at St. Maryin Coventry was launched with a dis-play booth at CoventryFest in July2010. CoventryFest is the commu-nity’s Fourth of July celebration withgames, inflatables, live music, and, ofcourse, fireworks. It was a great oppor-tunity for our parish team to get outwhere the people mix and seek funtimes in our community and share ourfaith and information about WhyCatholic? Our booth highlighted an 8-foot banner with the Why Catholic?logo. Sample books for each of the 4years of faith-sharing groups were ondisplay, along with other materials. St.Mary parishioners handed out theWhy Catholic? bookmarks with thedrawing of Jesus teaching and spread-ing the Good News and the Disciple’sPrayer. Attached to the bookmark wasa “stick-on” label asking, “Looking forhope and answers? Find them in JesusChrist and His Church.”

We also used the internet to get theword out. The St. Mary parish web sitehas a link to Why Catholic? web pagesdesigned just for St. Mary parish. Theweb site contains basic informationabout Why Catholic?, how to join afaith-sharing group, and a special pageof testimonies of people who have ap-preciated their Why Catholic? experi-ence.

One couple described how WhyCatholic? transformed their faith lives:“We were meeting as couples formonths before Why Catholic? started.It was more of a social get-together.Now there seems to be a greater focuson sharing our personal faith, which iscreating a greater hunger and thirst inour group for knowing, understand-ing, and appreciating our Catholicfaith more than ever before ...andmany of us are cradle Catholics!”

Today, the web site has been up-dated and made ready for Year Two,“The Profession of Faith – What WeBelieve.” You can visit the site by firstgoing to www.stmaryscoventry.orgthen clicking on the button on thehome page for Why Catholic? All are

welcome to visit the web site.This year getting ready for Year Two

of Why Catholic? was a bit more chal-lenging with a very busy schedule ofactivities at St. Mary in September. Westarted with bulletin an-nouncements and “pulpittalks” to encourage newpeople to attend theSmall CommunityLeader training with Sis-ter Veronica of RENEWInternational. St. Maryhosted a session on Au-gust 22, 2011. Even though it was wellattended, at St. Mary, we remain withfour active groups.

We have continued with bulletinand verbal announcements encourag-ing new participants to join one of thesmall Christian community groupsthat restarted in October. The tabledisplay in the church hall held sign-upcards, the bookmarks, and other WhyCatholic? materials on display. It seems

the most effective way to spread theword about the faith-sharing groups isto spread the word by ... you guessedit, sharing. The group leaders and par-ticipants are spreading the good news

about how to hear andlearn about “The GoodNews.” The faith sharingexperience is based on thewealth and riches found inSacred Scripture and theCatechism and the booksand study aids fromRENEW International.

It is never too late to join a smallChristian community to both widenand deepen your faith through readingtogether, sharing, studying, and put-ting your faith into action with per-sonal or group activities in betweenmeetings. Then, when family orfriends ask you “Why are youCatholic?” you will have confidence inanswering.

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experience of deepening faith, pleasecall Father Joseph Whittel at (860)443-1875, Marge Vanner at (860)848-2237 x 312, or Sr. Mary Jude at(860) 456-3349.

RENEW International is a canoni-cally-recognized Catholic organizationoperating under the auspices of the Arch-diocese of Newark in New Jersey.RENEW International fosters spiritual

renewal in the Catholic tradition by em-powering individuals and communitiesto encounter God in everyday life, deepenand share faith, and connect faith withaction. For the past three decades,RENEW staff have worked with dioce-ses, parishes, and campuses in 23 coun-tries. RENEW International can befound on the web at http://www.re-newintl.org.


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Approximately 200 parishionersfrom churches throughout the New

London area at-

tended an informational meeting atSt. Paul in Waterford on September25 to begin the process of evaluat-ing the possibility of sharing priestsand ministerial services.

The informational meetingmarked the kickoff of what is ex-pected to be a year-long evalua-tion/planning process initiated bythe Diocese of Norwich and affect-ing the New London Deanery, acollection of 13 parishes stretchingalong the shoreline from East Lymeto Pawcatuck.

More specifically, the evaluationaffects 9,000 Roman Catholics at

the following parishes: St. Agnesand St. Matthias in East Lyme, St.Paul in Waterford, St. Joseph andSt. Mary Star of the Sea in NewLondon, Our Lady of Lourdes inGales Ferry, Sacred Heart and St.Mary in Groton, St. Patrick inMystic, St. Mary in Stonington, St.Thomas More in North Stoning-ton, St. Michael in Pawcatuck, andOur Lady of Grace on Fishers Is-land. Our Lady of Perpetual Helpin Quaker Hill is no longer part ofthe New London deanery; it hasjoined the Norwich Deanery.

The Diocese of Norwich beganthe process of reorganizing itsdeaneries in 2006 in response topopulation shifts, priests nearingand even working past the averageretirement age of 75, and a shortageof newly-ordained priests. The dio-cese has already completed restruc-

turing in the Putnam, Willimantic,and Norwich Deaneries. The Ver-non and Middletown Deanerieshave submitted recommendations,which are currently under review.Now the New London and OldSaybrook Deaneries are beginningthe process.

Sister Elissa Rinere, from the of-fice of Pastoral Planning, conductedthe September 25th informationalmeeting, inviting parishioners toparticipate in the process from theoutset. “The purpose of the processis to have vibrant, healthy, life-giv-ing parishes for all and to make thebest use of the resources available tous,” she said.

The parishes have selected repre-sentatives to form a committee thatwill meet on a monthly basis at St.Matthias in East Lyme. The goal ofthe process is to submit recommen-dations in writing to BishopMichael R. Cote by June 2012.

The representatives will be askedto come up with ways to cooperate,and to imagine ways they might ef-ficiently operate if parishes were toshare a priest. “The goal is to keepparishes going with no one aban-doned,” said Sister Rinere.

She stressed that closure “is notthe next step in the process,” butthat parishes need to begin thinkingin a more regional way.

In the Norwich Diocese, for ex-ample, 16 priests are slated to retirein the next four years while four areexpected to be ordained. The lim-ited number of priests overall makes

it difficult for pastors to arrange forcoverage when they are ill, go on va-cation, or choose to go on retreat,Sister Rinere said.

In addition, the New Londondeanery is comprised of 13 parishesthat host a total of 49 Masses onSunday for 9,000 parishioners. Andthese Masses are held at churches,some of which are within 20 min-utes of one another. Attendancevaries widely from church tochurch, with an average attendanceof 1,500 at some churches and ap-proximately 200 at at least oneparish.

Mass attendance in the NewLondon deanery overall has de-creased by an estimated 7% since2006. “Parishes need increasedevangelization,” Sister Rinere said.

The Diocese of Norwich wel-comes parishioner participation inthe pastoral planning process, Rep-resentatives must possess three im-portant qualities. “They must havea broad view of the Church,” SisterRinere said, noting that there aremore than 1 billion Catholics in theworld and that the fastest growthrate is in Asia and Africa. Here inthe United States, the Catholicpopulation is holding steady at 65million due to immigration, espe-cially from South America, but the

Catholic population is shiftingfrom the East to the South andSouthwest. “We need to have adeep love of the Eucharist,” sheadded, emphasizing that this sacra-ment is not specific to any parish orpriest. “And we are Christians,” shestated. “We must operate on Chris-tian principles.”

Representatives will be expectedto attend all reorganization meet-ings, to sit down with their parishpriest, to fill out a 5-page question-naire on basic data about theirchurch, and to meet with parish-ioners at large and bring their con-cerns back to the committee. Allpastors are invited to attend themeetings.

Elsewhere in the Norwich Dio-cese, where the process has alreadybeen completed, restructuring hasresulted in some priests serving twoparishes, some priests serving threeparishes, and a consolidation andsharing of education services andvarious ministries, Sister Rineresaid. So far in Eastern Connecticut,two parishes and two missionchurches have closed, but all dioce-san churches remain open, shestressed. The process also resulted inchanges in Mass schedules andConfession times.

Parish Restructuring Discussions Exploring Collaborative Opportunities

By Shelley WolfFour County CatholicContributor

At a meeting of the New London Deanery held October 19 at St. MatthiasChurch in East Lyme, parishes broke into group meetings. The above groupincludes representatives from St. Michael, Pawcatuck; St. Thomas More,N Stonington; St. Patrick, Mystic and St. Mary, Stonington.

Photo by Trina Fulton

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On the first Sunday in October ata cleared building site on FairmontSt. in Norwich, the Diocese of

Norwich in partnership withHabitat for Humanity ofSoutheastern Connecticut,hosted a formal ground-break-ing for a new home to be con-structed by volunteers for afortunate family to be announced ata later date. The Diocese of Nor-wich is the lead sponsor of thehouse-building project and is ex-tremely pleased to help give a localfamily a chance for affordable homeownership.

Father Leszek Janik, Vicar Gen-eral of the Diocese, described theopportunity as “a wonderful expres-sion of faith at work in the diocese -a demonstration of living the Chris-tian principles of helping our broth-ers and sisters when most in need.”One of the best outcomes of this co-operative project will be an oppor-tunity for the Catholic youth of theDiocese to be involved in meaning-ful service. Habitat of Southeastern

Con-necticut has re-served ten building days for youthover the age of sixteen to actuallywork on the house.

Other youth, mainly Confirma-tion candidates under the age of 16,can initiate fundraisers in theirparish to defray the cost of materials.The confirmation class at St. JosephChurch in Chester, for example,

raised almost $500 at a recent carwash.

Father Janik further stated that “itis a privilege to partner with an or-ganization such as Habitat for Hu-manity who share the sameprinciples of neighbor helpingneighbor through difficult times.”This was the giving spirit shared byall at the kick-off ceremony.

By Michael StrammielloWith contributions from Marge Vanner

Vicar General of the Dioceseof Norwich, Father

Leszek Janik, oversee-ing the day’s eventsat the historic firsthome sponsorship

for the Diocesein cooperation

with the South-eastern Connecti-

cut Habitat forHumanity.

Photo by SusannahH. Snowden


Diocese of Norwich & Habitat for Humanity

Building Hope Together

Peter Nystrom, Mayor of Norwich; Very Reverend Leszek T. Janik, J.C.L.,Vicar General, Diocese of Norwich; Diocese of Norwich Office of FaithEvents Coordinator, Marge Vanner and Monica Tijerina of the PfizerCommunity Grants Program break ground on the new Habitat for Hu-manity House in celebration of World Habitat Day.

Photo by Susannah H. Snowden

The Confirmation class at St. Joseph’s in Chester raised $493 for theHabitat for the Humanity House in Norwich at a recent car wash.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

Holy St Anthony gentlest of Saints. Your lovefor God and charit� for His creators made

you wor�hy when on ear�h posses miraculouspower which you were ready to speak for

those who are in t�ouble or anxiet�.Encouraged by this thought I implore to youto obtain for me (request) The answer to my

prayer may require a miracle, even so you arethe saint of miracles Oh gentle and loving St.Anthony whose hear� is f�ll of human sy�-pathy whisper my petition into the ears of

sweet infant Jesus, who loved to be folded inyour ar�s, and the g�atit�de of my hear� willever be yours. This 13 day Novena has never

been known to fail. Say three Hail Mar�'s andthree Glories and promise publication.

~ JK ~


Under blue October skies, felinesand canines, ranging in size from

Chihuahuas to

Great Danes, scampered into theparking lot behind St. AgnesChurch in Niantic.

Assembled in a semicircle aroundRev. Mark D. O’Donnell, approxi-mately 40 pet owners and theirbeloved pets listened attentively to areading from the Book of Genesis tohear how God created the fish of thesea, fowl of the air, and cattle of theearth and, in the end, saw that it wasgood.

This October 2 gathering ofpriest, parishioners, and pets markedthe church’s fourth annual Blessing

of the Animals. Similar blessingswere held at other churchesthroughout the Diocese of Norwichearly in the month in remembranceof St. Francis of Assisi, whose feastday was celebrated on October 4.

St. Francis of Assisi, who lived inthe 13th century, is remembered forhis special connection to, and deeplove for, all of God’s creatures. It’s alove that has spanned the centuries.It’s shared by men of God and laypeople alike. And it’s a love that cir-cles back to the Divine.

“The care of any of God’s crea-tures brings one closer to the Cre-ator,” Rev. O’Donnell said. “Here’sanother one of His creations thatenables us to experience the breadthof God’s beauty and love.”

Rev. O’Donnell initiated the an-nual Blessing of the Animals at St.

Agnes four years ago to bless the petsin his congregation, which includesSt. Agnes and its nearby summerchapel, St. Francis. “I just love ani-mals,” he said quickly and emphat-ically.

Rev. O’Donnell has enjoyed thecompany of dogs all his life and iscurrently the owner of Kaegan, athree-year-old, hypoallergenic KerryBlue Terrier, who lives with the pas-tor at the rectory. “Kaegan is the firstone at the door to greet everyone,”Rev. O’Donnell said proudly. “Hebeats the secretary and the recep-tionist.”

Many parishioners share the pas-tor’s affection for animals of allkinds. According to Rev. O’Don-nell, over the years church membershave brought their parrots, geckos,lizards, and even snakes to the an-

nual blessing.“I guess snakesare God’s crea-tures, too,” hesaid, afterpausing for amoment tothink about it.

This year’sevent began asa minor bark-fest. Largebarking dogson leashesyanked theirowners in thedirection ofother largebarking dogs.Small dogsyipped. Rev.O’Donnel lcircled theparking area to greet church mem-bers and bent down to pet friendlydogs.

After reading the creation storyfrom the Bible and saying severalprayers, Rev. O’Donnell weaved hisway through parishioners and pets,sprinkling holy water on Pugs, Shet-land Sheepdogs, Persian cats, andkittens. The pets calmly stayed inplace, receiving the blessing fromtheir priest.

Before the blessing, attendeesshared what drew them to the spe-cial service.

Joan Ducey, volunteer secretary atthe church, held her small white andtan Papillon, GiGi, in an attempt tocalm the dog and quiet her nonstop

yipping. “I want her blessed. Sheneeds blessing. She needs help!”Ducey said in mock exasperation.

Anna Donnelly, age 12, carriedher two gray and white kittens, Caliand Dexter, in a small green crate,which she hugged protectively toher chest. “She wants them to bebaptized,” her father said. “I wantthem to be blessed,” the pre-teensaid, gently correcting her father.

Rose and Jeff Morrissey drove infrom Salem with their gray andblack spotted Great Dane puppy,Comanche. At just 10 months old,Comanche was large enough to fillthe back seat of a car. “Our niecetold us about the Blessing of the An-imals,” they said.

Blessing All God’s Creatures, Great & SmallBy Shelley WolfFour County CatholicContributor

Anna Donnelly, age 12, holds her two new kittens, Caliand Dexter. Photo by Shelley Wolf

A native of New London, Con-necticut, and a priest of the Dio-cese of Norwich having served at

Our lady of Lourdes Parish, GalesFerry and St. Joseph Parish, NewLondon, Monsignor Kevin S.Randall a diplomat of the HolySee has been promoted to the rankof Prelate of Honor of His Holi-ness. Monsignor Randall has a dis-tinguished record of service to theHoly See Diplomatic Corps, theoldest existing international diplo-matic service in the world.

Prior to his current assignmentin the Nunciature in Peru, Mon-signor had on the ground experi-ence assisting the nuncio inRwanda and also saw service inwar-torn Serbia and Montenegro.

As a U.S. Air Force ReserveChaplain attached to the 31stFighter Wing, Aviano Air Base,Italy, Msgr Randall collaboratedwith U.S. State Department offi-cials in Slovenia to faciliate thepromotion of peace and dialoguein the region.

Monsignor Randall’s educationachievements include a Licentiateof Sacred Theology (Master’s inthe Roman System) and a Licen-tiate in “utruisque iuris” (Master’sin Canon and Roman Law), andDoctorate in “utruisque iuris”(Double Doctorate in Canon andRoman Law).

Congratulations to a devotedparish priest, a chaplain of theLedyard Police Force, a decoratedmilitary chaplain, and an honoreddiplomat of the Holy See.


The Most Reverend MichaelR. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Nor-wich, announces the appoint-

ment of Mrs. Angela Arnold asthe Director of Developmentfor the Diocese of Norwich.

Mrs. Arnold has a B.A. in ed-ucation with a minor in com-munications from theUniversity of Rhode Island. Shehas an accomplished back-ground in Marketing and Busi-ness Development. Previously aDirector with CorePlus, Presi-dent of American AmbulanceService Inc. and Vice Presidentof The American Group inNorwich. Before that she wasDirector of Development andMarketing at St. Bernard HighSchool in Montville for 10years.

She and her husbandMichael have been married for34 years and live in Ledyard.They have four children, all ofwhom live in the area. She andher husband are members of St.Mary Mother of the Redeemer

Church in Groton.Mrs. Arnold has been very

involved in the community forover 34 years. She is onthe Board of Direc-tors of CatholicCharities Dio-cese of Nor-w i c h ,AmericanA m b u -l a n c eS e r v i c eInc, theChamberof Com-merce ofEastern Con-necticut, and wason the board of di-rectors for the AmericanHeart Association. In 2007 shereceived the Volunteer of theYear Award from the EasternCT Chamber of Commerce.Angela is a member of theMontville Rotary Club and wasthe first woman President ofthe club in 1996. She has re-ceived the Paul Harris FellowAward from Rotary Interna-

tional. Angela also served onthe Board of Natchaug Hospi-tal. She is a corporator at

Lawrence and MemorialHospital and the

William W.Backus Hos-

pital.In ac-

c e p t i n gher newappoint-ment asDirectorof Devel-

o p m e n tfor the Dio-

cese, Mrs.Arnold said

“She is delighted tohave the opportunity to

bring her life-long interest incommunity along with herdeep commitment to familyand faith to the vital challengeof helping the Diocese raiseawareness and resources to helpso many in need find hope andspiritual comfort. It is an ab-solutely wonderful privilege totake on this opportunity.”

New Director ofDevelopment for Diocese

By Michael Strammiello

Pilgrimage forTHE FEAST OF OURLADY OF LOURDES

February 5 February 13, 2012

2012 LOURDESThe Year of the Rosary

“With Bernadette we pray the Hail Mary”Visit Paris and the Miraculous Medal Shrine,

Visit the Family home of St. Therese,

“The Little Flower,” the Carmel and Basilica

Venerate the Incorrupt Body of St.Bernadette,

Visit the Convent where she lived. Join in the

Celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

PARIS, LISIEUX, NEVERS, LOURDESSpiritual Director

Father Joseph Allen, O.P.

Pastor, St. Mary’s, New Haven, Conn.

Departure from NEWARK

Contact:CATHOLIC TRAVEL OFFICETOLLFREE: 18772767279

EMAIL: [email protected]: www.lourdespilgrimage.com

Diocesan Priest Receives High Papal HonorFrom the Editor’s Desk

Monsignor (Major) Kevin S. Randall, J.U.D. greeted by His Holiness, PopeBenedict XVI on the occasion of his recent promotion within the Diplo-matic Corps of the Holy See.

ARUN

TTARARIIM TEDDEETTIIMILLUN

Mystic, CT - Simple acts of serv-ice to Church and communityoften go unrecognized. Ordinary

people doing extraordinary thingsoften go unnoticed. But membersand friends of St. Edmund’s Retreatchoose instead to celebrate andhonor these extraordinary yet unas-suming people. The St. Edmund’sMedal is presented annually tothose men and women who, likeSt. Edmund, see their talents asGod given gifts.

The St. Edmund’s Eighth Medalof Honor held on October 7 hon-ored the following distinguished re-cipients: Sister Georgette Lehmuth,OFS, President & CEO of the Na-tional Catholic Development Con-ference; Brother Sean Sammon,FMS, former Superior General ofthe Marist Brothers; MayorThomas Koch of Quincy, MA; andMr. and Mrs. Henry J. Nardone,

Sr. of Westerly, RI.The evening began with a Mass

at Our Lady of the AssumptionChapel on Enders Island celebratedby The Most Reverend Michael R.Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich. Inhis homily, Bishop Cote said that

“Each of these individuals in-spires us by their lives of unselfishservice to Church and commu-nity.”

A reception and dinner for 205guests followed at the Mystic Mar-riott in Groton.

The first presentation was theannual St. Edmund’s Honor Schol-arship awarded to Daniel Jezierski,a senior at St. Bernard School inUncasville, CT by CatherineBenoit, Co-Chair of the Medal ofHonor Committee and SusanneDaly, a Trustee of the St. Edmund’sRetreat. The Honor Scholarship isgiven to a first semester senior whoexemplifies the ideals of living – ata young age - a life of virtue seekingGod’s will and helping others

through service and dedication forthe Church and community.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nardonewere the first to receive Medals ofHonor presented by John Casey,St. Edmund’s Trustee and Presidentof Electric Boat.

Honoree Mayor Thomas P.Koch of Quincy MA was also hon-ored and said “I have been blessedbeyond measure by our beautifulLord and all I have done is a tributeto Jesus Christ.”

Brother Sean Sammon, FMS,former superior general of theMarist Brothers accepted his Medalin the name of the entire Maristcommunity.

Sister Georgette Lehmuth, OSF,President and CEO of the NationalCatholic Development Conference(NCDC) received her Medal fromChad McEachern, Trustee of St.Edmund’s and a member of theNCDC Board of Directors. Sistertold the guests that she always triesher best, that the honor was a trueprivilege in light of all the other dis-tinguished recipients.

The evening concluded withclosing remarks by The ReverendThomas F.X. Hoar, SSE, Ph.D..

Father commented that “whatthe recipients have done individu-ally and collectively in an unassum-ing manner is simply quiteextraordinary.” Benediction wasconferred by The Most ReverendDaniel A. Cronin, S.T.D., Arch-bishop Emeritus of Hartford, CT.


By Dianne KinneyDirector of Development, Ender’s Island

3RD ANNUAL

MEN FOR CHRISTWEEKEND

DECEMBER 16, 17 & 18, 2011“Are you a true disciple?”

The retreat is open to high school seniors, college men, and thosewho are married or single. The retreat includes talks specific to par

ticular vocations, communal and private prayer, adoration timewith Jesus, opportunity for confession, Holy Mass, and dinner with

Bishop Cote. Discerning or already living your life vocations, thistime away with your Lord and God is priceless! Come and see!

Retreatants will have an opportunity to meet Bishop Cote.

Participants are asked to have a referral from a priest or Religious.

Register By: December 8, 2011.

For more information,e-mail [email protected]

or [email protected] call (860) 887-9294

From left to right:Mr. and Mrs.Daniel Jezierski,The Most ReverendMichael R. Cote,D.D., Bishop ofNorwich, DanielJezierski – HonorScholarship recipi-ent – and Rev-erend Thomas F.X.Hoar, SSE, Ph.D.

St. Edmund’s Eighth AnnualMedal of Honor Ceremonies

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Be Hot or Cold But Never LukewarmI was sitting in prayer one night

when I began to realize what aprivilege and a grace it was to have

the faith to freely engage in conver-sation with God. Although Ichoose to engage in exercises that

will hopefully deepen my spiritual-ity, God is ultimately the one whowill bring about such growth, inhidden ways and in concrete per-sonal ways that increase my aware-ness of His deep, abiding presencein my daily life.

Faith is a gift. Not everyone has

it. However, I do believe God isready and willing to bestow it uponanyone who sincerely seeks Him -- the Truth.

There are many Chris-tians who sincerely walkthe walk and make aprofound difference inthe world. Others. ..not so much. So what isit that distinguishes sanctityfrom mediocrity? Perhaps, forthe latter, an ultimate decisionhas never been made – the kindof choice that would dictatechange, commitment, action. AsJesus said, “By their fruits, you willknow them.” With many, that fineline between comfort and commit-ment has never been crossed. It’seasier to stay in the “comfort zone”of somewhat believing but notthinking about it enough to makethe kind of radical changes re-quired of a true believer.

If one truly believes that Jesus isLord, all knowing, ever-loving, al-ways in our midst – would notsuch an awesome reality astound

us? Would not conversation withHim come as easily as with a closefriend? And, if He suddenly ap-

peared int h e

flesh, would He not have a captiveaudience, attentive to His everyword?

Faith in something requirescommitment and commitmentimpels one into action -- living alife worthy of one’s calling -- chal-lenges which some might not bewilling to face. As the Englishwriter, G.K. Chesterton oncewrote, “Christianity has not beentried and found wanting, it hasbeen found difficult and not tried.”

It can be difficult to relate to that

which is invisible. Granted. But theact of faith – plays an integral rolein God’s purpose for this spiritualjourney of life. Otherwise, Godwould have made His presence un-

deniably visible. Faith holdsthe key to a critical elementof union within the soul.Faith and love are inti-

mately connected. Thegreater the faith and trust inGod – the greater the capacityto receive Love. The more we

step out into the deep waters offaith and trust, the greater is the

sign of God’s presence in a soul. Asscripture says, “Perfect love castsout all fear.”

Ask God to help you in the areasof faith in which you struggle. Wewill always have to live with someuncertainty in this life. But we arecalled to walk by faith, not bysight.

Decide to believe or not to be-lieve. Then live accordingly withgreat enthusiasm.

If we spend our lives as fence sit-ters, never really coming to thepoint of that ultimate conscious

choice – then we stay in a kindof safe, unknown zone that doesn’timpel us toward anything mean-ingful or fruitful. That is why God,so strongly opposed to lukewarm-ness, admonishes in Revelation 3:15, “I know your works; I knowthat you are neither cold nor hot.*I wish you were either cold or hot.So, because you are lukewarm, nei-ther hot nor cold, I will spit youout of my mouth.” Strong words. ..but can you see His point? With-out passion and purpose, we willhave little effect in this world andbe of less use to the Kingdom ofGod.

Life is short – eternity is forever.Do you really want to pass intoeternity having lived only amediocre life? The life you live nowwill have consequences and rever-berations throughout all eternity.

The world today, more thanever, needs heros not couch pota-toes. Make your life count.

Mary Tunison works for CatholicCharities, Archdiocese of Hartford,and is a freelance writer, photogra-pher, artist, and graphic designer. Shecan be contacted at [email protected].

By Mary Tunison

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Gabriel Powell, A Living MiracleOne of the joys of being

Catholic is noticing all the littleways in which Our Lord takes care

of us. Often this goes unnoticed inthe hustle and bustle of life, butfrom time to time some-thing so spectacularhappens that therecan be no deny-ing that itcame fromGod.

Gabrie lPower isjust such asign. Noone ex-p e c t e dhim to liveafter heunderwentgrueling sur-gery to correcta heart prob-lem. But OurBlessed Lady inter-vened in young Gabe’slife and today he is ahealthy, happy little boy.

“My wife and I had been tryingto have a child for 2 ½ years.” saidMatt Powell (28). “(Wife) Paula(26) got pregnant with a full-termpregnancy. There was no alarm ofany kind.”

Gariele was born Oct. 27, 2009,at 5:44 p.m. With joy in theirhearts, the Powells took their littlebaby and cut his umbilicul cord,never expecting what was to hap-pen next. When the cord was cut,Gabriel turned blue. He was notbreathing. He had to be trans-ported immediately to Hartford,and then to the Children’s Hospi-tal in Boston.

Seven hours after birth, littleGabe was having open heart sur-gery.

“It was scary. Very, very scary,”said Matt.

Gabriel had what is called a totalanomylus pulmonary venous re-turn (tapvr). His cardiologistRahul Rathod, MD, at BostonChildren’s Hospital, said, “He hada very rare form of congenitalheart disease with a rare treatment.When he was born, he was very,

very, verysick. Allthe bloodfrom thelungs didn’t

go where itwas supposed

to go. He wasextremely sick,“Very few in this

condition make itthrough the first night.”

Rathod said.A side-effect of the brain surgery

is that Gabe developed a stroke onhis right side, limiting his handmovement. His oxygen saturationlevel, normally at 95 to 100 per-cent, was 20 percent. Unable tobreathe on his own after surgery,Garbriel was put on a ventilator.

After a few days went by, Paulaand Matt were told that Gabe maynever come off a respirator. Thatnight, they returned home de-spondent. Saying that his wife washysterical, Matt felt like he neededsomething to help soothe her. Al-though he had not prayed the

rosary since he was a child, andPaula had not since her early years.

Blood backed up in his lungs.He was literally drowning. He wasvery oxygen deprived. As a resulthe had a stroke on the left side ofhis brain. “He was very, very sick.”Said Paula.

Because his lungs were wet,Gabe needed to be in a medically

induced coma and was placed ona ventilator.

The couple put photos ofGabriel all over their bed andmeditated on the Rosary, specifi-cally asking Mary to heal their son.“Praying made us feel at peace.”

The next day they went into thehospital to get the daily update onGabe’s condition and the doctortold them his morning x-raysshowed NO fluid in his lungs. Thedoctor said the “fluid was simplygone.”

“We knew how it happened. Weknew what had occurred,” saidMatt Powell.

For the next 2 days Gabe wasweaned off the ventilator. Mattsaid throughout Gabe’s stay in thehospital, there was a CD player inthe crib playing soft classicalmusic. As soon as the ventilatortube came out, he said, the Al-leluhua Chorus started playingand Gabe “was breathing on hisown.”

Gabe needed lots of rehabilita-tion before he was ready to go

home. Because he had always re-ceived nutrition by IV, he had tolearn how to eat, and he needed togain some weight. He got to gohome about a month later onThanksgiving Day, Nov. 25.

Although Matt had done anemergency baptism on Gabe at thehospital before his open heart sur-gery, Gabe was formally baptizedon Dec. 27 2009, surrounded bycongregation and friends.

Gabe is now a healthy 2—year-old. He gets checkups from a car-diologist every two years. He haslimited use of his right hand dueto the stroke he suffered on the leftside of his brain.

“If you saw him you wouldnever think he had a heart condi-tion,” said Matt. “He has nobreathing problems except asthma,which runs in the family.”

“I had never prayed the rosarybefore (despite being raisedCatholic). After that first night, weprayed it every night. I think allthe praying made the difference,”Paula Powell said.

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Choose from our delicious menus and dine in the intimate front area or in the spacious back room.Some day, if you look back carefully at your wedding album, you may spota wedding crasher or two, a fond reminder of what it was to be wed at Tamarack.

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136 Sachem Street Norwich CT 06360

860-889-2374 Fax 860-886-2396

Church Cites Discrepancy InAbortion Numbers In Connecticut

A new report by the CatholicChurch in Connecticut says that19 percent of abortions in the

state are going unreported eachyear, prompting a call for a changein state law to allow sanctionsagainst clinics that fail to accountfor every abortion.

The church made its findingsafter studying statistics that

showed discrepancies between thenumber of abortions reported bythe state Department of PublicHealth and those reported by theGuttmacher Institute, a well-known national organization thatcompiles abortion statistics in all50 states.

The Connecticut Catholic Pub-lic Affairs Conference — the ad-vocacy office that represents thestate’s Catholic bishops — says12,456 abortions “went unre-ported during the four years ex-amined.’’

As a result, the conference isasking the State Health Depart-ment to enforce a law that saysthat all abortions must be reportedby physicians to the state healthcommissioner within seven days.

It asks the state legislature goeven further. The report says,“The General Assembly shouldmodify state law to allow fines orlicense suspensions/revocations to

be used against abortion providersfor failing to comply with themandatory abortion reporting re-quirements.”

Michael C. Culhane, the con-ference’s Executive Director, saidthat abortion providers “need tobe fined, suspended or have theirlicense revoked’’ if they fail tocomply.

He said he did not have an ex-planation for the discrepancy inthe numbers.

“I’m not pointing the finger atanybody,’’ Culhane said in an in-terview. “The only thing we’redoing is raising the question, andwe’d like to get an answer.’’

Culhane has sent a letter on theissue to the state health commis-sioner, Dr. Jewel Mullen, but saidhe had not received a response yet.

The health department’sspokesman, William Gerrish, saidthe agency was familiar with theletter and was reviewing the issue.

By Christopher KeatingThe Hartford Courant

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IMMACULATA, Pa. (AP) —Here’s a sports fairy tale that nevergets old: Underdog team with few

resourcesbut a lotof heart

beats the odds and comes out ontop.

That is what actually happenedto the 1971-72 women’s basketballsquad at tiny Immaculata College.

It’s also what happened to “TheMighty Macs,” a small-budgetmovie about the team’s improbablenational championship that over-came its own obstacles to make itto Hollywood.

The film starring Carla Gugino,Marley Shelton, David Boreanazand Ellen Burstyn is at a theaternear you and will soon be availableon DVD.

“We really needed to be patientand believe in the story and theright distribution platform for thestory,” said Tim Chambers, whowrote and directed the film. “... Itwas definitely worth the wait.”

The true story of the MightyMacs has always read like a moviescript.

It starts in 1971 with a 23-year-old named Cathy Rush. The for-

mer high school basketball star wascoaching the ragtag team at Im-maculata, a struggling Catholicschool for women near Philadel-phia. She was barely older than herplayers.

The Macs, who had no homecourt because their field house hadburned down, practiced at localgyms and played all their games onthe road. When they earned the15th seed in the first-ever women’sU.S. collegiate championship tour-nament in 1972, players held raf-fles and sold toothbrushes to raisemoney for the trip.

Immaculata upset three teams toreach the finals. There, the scrappyMacs faced off against nemesisWest Chester in a nail-biting re-match — and won. Cue the con-fetti.

In the following years, Rush wasapproached many times aboutmaking the Macs’ Cinderella storyinto a movie. But every would-beproduction turned into a pump-kin.

So Rush was understandablywary when Chambers came to heraround 2004. But she was wonover by his strong backing — for-mer Philadelphia 76ers president

Pat Croce is an executive producer— and has personal connections tothe story.

Chambers had grown up in thearea and, as a child, saw Rush andthe Mighty Macs practice at hisCatholic grade school’s gym. Andhe was taught by the same nunswho run Immaculata — the Sis-ters, Servants of the ImmaculateHeart of Mary.

“The more I was around him,the more I was convinced that ifanyone could do this, he could doit,” Rush said.

Filming for “Our Lady of Vic-tory” — the movie’s original title— began in 2007 at Immaculataand, ironically, in the gym ofnearby West Chester University.Chambers cast Katie Hayek, a for-mer University of Miami shootingguard and theater major, as starplayer Trish Sharkey.

But Hayek was diagnosed withcancer as cameras were set to roll.A wig, tenacious work ethic andrearranged shooting schedulehelped mask the effects ofchemotherapy, which Hayek saidsuccessfully treated her Hodgkin’slymphoma.

Then, just as the $7.5 million

production wrapped in 2008, therecession hit. Chambers couldn’tfind a distributor.

So he took the G-rated movie— billed as part “Sister Act,” part“Hoosiers” — on the festival cir-cuit for family films. Good recep-tion, but still no bites. Chamberswas offered a straight-to-video dealand turned it down. He wanted ashot at the big dance.

Three years after filming ended,Chambers got it. Freestyle Releas-ing is distributing “The MightyMacs” on the 40th anniversary ofthe team’s winning season.

Chambers described the movieas transcending gender and sportsto tell a story about “the equalityof dreams” — in this case, thatyoung women in the 1970s wereentitled to pursue their passionsthe same way men did.

The film takes some libertieswith details; the nuns who cheeredon their beloved Macs probablydidn’t wear high-top Conversesneakers, as they do in the movie.And Rush didn’t have a nun for anassistant coach (Sister Sunday,played by Shelton). But the overallmessage is faithful to history.

“It’s an enjoyable, wholesomestory about something that reallydid happen,” said Theresa ShankGrentz, who played on the cham-pionship team and is the basis forHayek’s character.

Rush set the example for them— and many other women — tofollow their dreams, said Cham-bers.

“That’s a remarkable testamentto her, and why she’s in the Hall ofFame, and why she’s a pioneer inwomen’s sports,” Chambers said.


By Kathy MathesonAssociated Press

On the set of the film “The Mighty Macs,” from right to left are actresses Carla Gugino as coach Cathy Rush, Marley Shelton as SisterSunday, Taylor Steel and Meghan Sabia in West Chester, Pa. The film recounts the journey of the team Mighty Macs of tiny ImmaculataCollege, which won the first national collegiate women’s basketball championship in 1972. Photo by Matt Rourke/AP

“Christmas On The Hill”Thursday, December 1 • 6:30 pm

A Choral benefit concert for Immaculata.Featuring

“The United States Coast Guard Academy Choir”Dr. Robert G. Newton-director

Music, Wine and Hors d’oeuvre social. Seating is limited.

Advent Themed Retreatfor Men & Women

Friday, December 9 - Sunday, December 12Preached by the IRH preaching team. A great way to pre-pare for the birth of Christ. Retreat includes talks, music,

mass, reconciliation and great food and accommodations.$180.00 offering for the whole weekend.

Twelve Steps to Christian GrowthFriday, November 4 - Sunday, November 6

This retreat based on the Twelve Steps of A.A. will focus onthe Christian principles that lead to a better, happier, new

person in Christ. Open to all. Cost: $180.00

To register or for more information:Phone: 860-423-8484 or e-mail: [email protected]

www.immaculataretreat.org

IMMACULATARETREAT HOUSEA Ministry of the Missionary Oblates

of Mary Immaculate

289 Windham Road, Rte. 32Willimantic, Connecticut

‘Mighty Macs’ Team & Film Overcome Obstacles


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St. Patrick Cathedral School, Norwich860-889-4174

www.stpatscathedralschool.org

Sacred Heart School, Taftville860-887-1757

www.sacredhearttaftville.org

Sacred Heart School, Groton860-445-0611

www.sacredheartgroton.org

St. Edward School, Stafford Springs860-684-2600

www.stedward-stafford.org

St. James School, Danielson860-774-3281

www.stjamesdanielson.com

St. John School, Middletown860-347-3202

www.stjohnschoolmiddletown.org

St. John School, Old Saybrook860-388-0849

www.stjohnschoolos.com

St. Joseph School, Baltic860-822-6141

www.stjosephbaltic.org

St. Joseph School, North Grosvenordale860-923-2090

www.stjosephct.com

St. Joseph School, New London860-442-1720www.sjsnl.com

St. Joseph School, Rockville860-875-4943

www.saintjosephrockville.com

St. Mary School, Middletown860-347-2978

www.stmarymiddletown.com

St. Mary School, New London860-443-7758

www.stmarystarseanl.com

St. Mary-St. Joseph School, Willimantic860-423-8479

www.smsjschool.org

St. Michael School, Pawcatuck860-599-1084

www.stmichaelschoolct.com

St. Matthew Pre-School, Tolland860-872-0200

www.stmatthewct.org

St. Bernard Pre-School, Rockville860-875-0475

www.saintbernardchurch.org

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

The dream of St. Joseph School, onSquire Street in New London, began

with the first pastor, Fr. Fitzsim-

mons. Father started a building fund towhich the parishioners donated twenty-five cents per week. This dream of build-ing a parochial school for the parishchildren was finally realized under thepastorate of Fr. Denis O’Brien. The cor-nerstone was laid in May of 1937 and St.Joseph School opened its doors in Sep-

tember of that year with an enrollmentof 120 students in grades kindergartenthrough three. Upon opening, St. JosephSchool was staffed by the Sisters of Mercywith Father O’Brien as its principal. Eachyear, an additional grade was added untilin 1943, St. Joseph School graduated itsfirst eighth grade class. In 1962, the in-creased need for Catholic education inthe intermediate and upper grades forcedthe elimination of Kindergarten throughgrade three, allowing for the expansionsof grades four through eight to twoclasses each. In 1974, grades one through

three were reopened and in 1976, theKindergarten was reestablished. Whilelay teachers gradually replaced the teach-ing Sisters and in 1984, the administra-tion, faculty, and staff were comprisedcompletely of laity, the charism of wel-coming and hospitality of the Mercy Sis-ters continues to this day. Continuing tofollow its tradition of excellence in aca-demics, in 1984, the school curriculumwas expanded to include computer sci-ence, French, art, music, and band.

Academic Excellence. Character. Self-confidence.

By Sheila CerjanecTechnology Coordinator, Diocesan School Office

A Tradition of Excellence on Squire Street

Most Reverend Michael R.Cote, D.D., Bishop ofNorwich, visits withstudents at St. JosephSchool, New London.Photo by Phil Twomey

Tradition of ExcellenceContinued on page 27

When Mary Chilton first spot-ted the New World in November1620, the 13-year-old had been

aboard the Mayflower for 10weeks, stuck in the sameclothes and cramped indark, damp quartersamong seasick passen-gers and dying goats.Each family was allot-ted one storage trunkfor all their possessions.

Imagine the terrorand thrill of squinting at CapeCod’s thickets.

Mary earned the distinction ofbeing the first European woman toset foot on Plymouth Rock.

The week before Christmas, herfather died. Three weeks afterChristmas, the illness they calledthe “general sickness” had claimedher mother. Only half of theMayflower’s 102 passengers lived

to see spring in Massachusetts. Mary marked her 14th birthday

as an orphan, grasping the ways ofa foreign land, where theWampanoag Indians offeredguideposts: how to grow corn,catch fish, extract maple sap andidentify poisonous plants.

She was present at what we con-sider the first Thanksgiving, athree-day feast called for by Gover-nor William Bradford to celebratea successful corn harvest. The Ply-mouth colonists were joined bytheir teachers, the Wampanoag,who arrived with five deer. Theycooked wild duck over an openflame, feasted on seasoned cornand gave thanks: for their harvest,for their friendship, and ultimately,

for their survival. The general sickness had ceased.

Their food was hot, their faith, in-tact. It was hard for him to fathomwhat more they could possiblywant. It was, to him, “all things ingood plenty.”

It takes an awful lot to make21st-century Ameri-cans decide we have

“all things in goodplenty.” We haven’t re-

ally got there. We’restill upgrading ourvehicles, filling our

basements and thenpaying to store the over-

flow.It’s hard to see much of the first

Thanksgiving in our 390th, withstuffing and pie and football onbig-screen TVs.

But I’m trying to look back. Ihave such awe for the pioneers whopaved the way – saints and settlers,miners and mothers.

I’m praying with St. Francis deSales, who said: “Give me onemore thing, O Lord: a gratefulheart.” I know that can cover andcure every matter, turning myportion into “all things in goodplenty.”

I’m giving thanks while hopingfor a life as full and rich as MaryChilton’s, who married and deliv-ered 10 children. She died an oldlady who had raised a family, wel-comed grandkids and written awill. In it, she accounted for sixwhite aprons, three pocket hand-kerchiefs, two leather chairs and abrass candlestick.

Mary understood what reallycounted. “Knowing the uncer-tainty of this present life and beingdesirous to settle that outward es-tate the Lord hath lent me, I domake this make this my last willand testament,” she wrote. “Firstand principally, I commend mysoul into the hands of AlmightyGod, my Creator.”

Here’s to putting first thingsfirst.

Christina Capecchi is a freelancewriter from Inver Grove Heights,Minn. She can be reached atwww.ReadChristina.com.


◆ Renowned college preparatory boarding school foryoung men who have not yet realized their potential.

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Giving Thanks For‘All Things in Good Plenty’

By ChristinaCapecchiFour County Catholic Contributor

FATHERRALPH DIORIOMass & Healing Service

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Under the leadership of Princi-pal Marianne Cote, St. JosephSchool continues to thrive with astudent population of 195, and asstated in its mission statement, itremains “a holy place” where allmembers of the school family“discover each other in God’slove”. It is a place where childrengrow spiritually, academically andsocially, as they interact with oneanother and with their teachersand principal in a safe learningenvironment, rooted in theGospel of Jesus Christ. The giftsand talents of all are recognizedand developed in an atmospherewhere respect for one another asGod’s creation is inherent in thephilosophy and mission. Prayer isa vital part of each school day, forit is through prayer that we nour-ish our relationship with God.School wide prayer for special oc-casions and seasons, as well as themonthly celebration of the Eu-charist are planned by studentsand faculty at all levels.

Recognizing that as the stu-dents enter a relationship withGod, that relationship is estab-lished not only through prayer,worship, and study, but also byserving others. Students partici-pate in age appropriate activitiesboth in school and within thecommunity such as food collec-tions, the Rice Bowl, cards andletters to healthcare facilities andservicemen, in school “buddy”

programs, and peer tutoring. Stu-dents in the upper grades preparemeals for the local soup kitchenand along with faculty and par-ents serve these to the guests atthe facility. Students in Grade 8offer service at a local convales-cent home weekly during per-sonal time after school to spendtime with the residents.

St. Joseph School follows thecurriculum set forth by the Dio-cese of Norwich and provides itsstudents with the tools needed tobe responsible, creative and criti-cal thinkers. The school offers aplanned program of integratedstudies in the areas of religion,language arts, mathematics, sci-ence and technology, social stud-

ies, foreign language, fine arts,music, physical education andhealth. In addition, the schooloffers many interdisciplinary op-portunities, such Literary publi-cations, public speaking andwriting programs, chorus, band,art exhibitions, and sports pro-grams, including basketball forgirls and boys and co-ed soccerfor students in grades fivethrough eight. Students at eachclassroom level also perform classplays monthly. Field trips and cul-tural and science assemblies alsoprovide the opportunity to en-hance the school curriculum.

St. Joseph School is fully ac-credited by the New England As-sociation of Schools and Colleges.


We All Have Love to GThe Department of Children and Families need

ilies and adoptive families for children of all ag

an informational meeting where we will give d

of our foster and adoptive family programs. Ho

pecially needed for children over ten years old

For more information, call 1888KIDHEROor visit our website: www.ctfosteradopt.com

Los clases se ofrecen en espanol. Para mayor informacion sobre la fecha y el lugar llame aGuadalupe Pillars al: 860 213 0763 (Spanish Only)

WednesdayNovember 9 at 7:00pm

Stonington Human Services166 S. Broad Street

Pawcatuck, CT

MondayNovember 14 at 7:00pm

Griswold Town Hall28 Main StreetJewett City, CT

yNovember 22 at 7:00pm

East Lyme Community Ctr.39 Society RoadEast Lyme, CT

ThursdayDecember 1 at 7:00pm

Gales Ferry Library18 Hurlbutt Road

Gales Ferry, CT

WednesdayDecember 7 at 7:00pm

Waterford Public Library15 Rope Ferry Road

Waterford, CT (Eng/Spanish)

MondayDecember 12 at 7:00pm

Groton Public Library53 Newtown Road

Groton, CT

Connecticut

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Tradition of Excellence Continued from page 25

On Friday October 7, 2011 theAcademy of the Holy Family cele-brated the 137th anniversary of the

opening of the school. The AHFstudent council organized a funfilled celebration, which includeddecorating the school, races in thegymnasium and good-natured ac-ademic and athletic competitionamong classes. The school’s birth-day was celebrated with cake popsand ice cream provided by the stu-dents in the Foods Class, amidst arousing chorus of Happy Birthday!

Included in the celebration wasthe praying of an internationalrosary in our chapel, which re-joiced in the different cultures atthe school. Each decade of therosary was recited in a different

language. This year, Latin, Span-ish, Swahili, Norwegian and Ko-rean were the languages chosen forthe rosary.

The Academy is a Catholic col-lege preparatory boarding and dayhigh school for American and In-ternational young women. Stu-dents at the Academy come frommany different states and coun-tries, including South Korea,China, Vietnam, Hong Kong,Norway, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Haiti,Mexico, Spain, and Australia.With fewer than 70 students at theAcademy, students receive individ-ual attention suited to their needs.Of the seventeen faculty members,nearly half are lay teachers. TheMarist Eagles participate in theConstitution State Conference forsoccer, basketball, and softball. Al-most all graduates continue their

education, and recent graduates re-ceived acceptances from Fordham,Iona, Assumption, St. Michael’s,Manhattan, Drexel, Boston Uni-versity, Northeastern Universityand the University of Connecticut.

The school has been run andoperated by the Sisters of Charityof Our Lady, Mother of theChurch since 1874, promoting thetradition of educating youngwomen. Father John Zwiisen, ahumble priest from the Nether-lands, founded the Order in 1832when he became aware of the needto educate the poor. Soon theamazing tradition that we celebratetoday was born. The Academy ofthe Holy Family has evolved froma group of sisters helping the poorto a school that helps and teachesyoung women from all over theworld.


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Happy 137th Birthday!By Stephanie RiveraSenior, Academy of the Holy Family

On Sunday October16th over 100 people at-tended the first annualDiocese of NorwichTeen Mass and Vigil forlife at St. John the Evan-gelist Church inMontville. The Masswas con-celebrated byFather Pat Biegler,M.S.A. (St. Joseph’sChester Parish Adminis-trator) and FatherCharles Bak, M.S.A(Priest in residence St.Joseph’s Chester) withassistance from DeaconLarry Moneypenny. The

worship music was lead by Stephen LaBreck from St. Agnes. Following a brief pizza social, hosted bythe Knights of Columbus, the group participated in a one hour prayer vigil at Planned Parenthoodas part of the 40 Days for Life. At the prayer vigil the teens learned about five pro-life saints as theysaid the Rosary together. The vigil concluded with Brother Glenn Breed leading the group in EveningPrayer. This event was coordinated by the Diocese of Norwich Youth Advisory Council. Mark yourcalendars now for Sunday, October 14, 2012 to attend next year.


Christmas is

ComingAdvent Prepares the Way

As Christmas draws near there’s more than gift lists to prepare. Weneed to prepare our hearts. One way is with an advent wreath. Eachweek has a theme around which you can do activities that help focuson Jesus, the reason for Christmas.

Week 1-Hope• Read about the hope of Jesus coming in prophecies:

Isaiah 9:7 the prophecy of the savior to comefrom the line of DavidMicah 5:2 the prophecy of Christ's birth in BethlehemIsaiah 7:14 the prophecy of the virgin birthHosea 11:1 the prophecy of Mary and Joseph fleeing toEgypt with JesusIsaiah 61:1 and Isaiah 35:4-6 the prophecies that Jesus wouldperform miracles

• Bring hope to the needy by choosing names from a giving tree or shop-ping to fill Toys for Tots containers

• Say Merry Christmas as often as possible

Week 2 Peace is what the angels proclaimed, to people of good will. First, havegood will. That means to want the best for other people.

• Work at not arguing and being polite to everyone, especially family members• Think of acts of love to do for one another and for neighbors and then do

them. • Before speaking, consider if the words will be kind.• Peace doesn't mean avoiding problems, but reminds us to discuss differences,

listen calmly and find a solution that benefits people without hurting any-one.

• Practice listening skills. • Pray for world peace and peace with the people you see daily.

Week 3 Joy because Christmas is so much closer and the wreath is so lit up. Joyis not the same as feeling happy. Joy is an inner gladness of heart that comesfrom trusting God.

• Sing Christmas carols• Send Christmas cards• Talk the acronym j-o-y for Jesus-others-self. If we put Jesus first and think of

others before ourselves it is much easier to have joy.• Look at how the three-lit candles glow. God's light dispels. Play flashlight tag

to notice how light helps us see. • Rejoice with the candy cane shape of a shepherd’s staff. The shepherds re-

joiced when they saw Jesus. Make rolls, cookies, and cake in the shape of acandy cane this week.

• Hang candy cane decorations around the house as a reminder to keep rejoic-ing.

Week 4 Love, the purpose of Christ coming was to show God’s love to us. • Read John 3:16 of why God the Father sent Jesus, God the Son• Read the account of the birth of

Jesus• Hold a wreath hug by having a

big group hug. • Hold hands to form a human

wreath and say a prayer for theperson on the right, goingaround the circle. Then compli-ment the person on the left.

• Make a special effort to showlove to difficult people. Bethankful for each person whotook time to give you a gift.

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November

Family Stories Month soshare stories and ask parentsand grandparents to tell sto-

ries of their childhood.

November 8-14

World Kindness Week.Do kind deeds every day.Read Colossians 3:12 and

Psalm 136.

November 19

National Day of Play. Holda family play and game day.

November 24

Thanksgiving so rememberto thank God!

November 27

First Sunday of Advent

Holiday acrosticFill in the words for the clues and discover the word in the box.

1. Physical well-being 2. Place where you live3. Mom, dad, sisters, brothers4. Pals5. What you gain by learning facts6. He saved you so you can go to heaven

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by Karen H Whiting

Vatican – Pope Benedict XVIhas announced a Year of Faith. Itwill begin on 11 October 2012,the fiftieth anniversary of theopening of Vatican Council II,and it will end on the Solemnityof Our Lord Jesus Christ, Univer-sal King, on 24 November 2013.

The Holy Father has noted,“Moreover, the theme of the Gen-eral Assembly of the Synod ofBishops that I have convoked forOctober 2012 is ‘The New Evan-gelisation for the Transmission ofthe Christian Faith’. This will bea good opportunity to usher thewhole Church into a time of par-ticular reflection and rediscoveryof the faith.

The Year of Faith is a summonsto an authentic and renewed con-version to the Lord, the one Sav-iour of the world. In the mysteryof His death and resurrection,God has revealed in its fullnessthe Love that saves and calls us toconversion of life through the for-giveness of sins. ‘Faith workingthrough love’ becomes a new cri-terion of understanding and ac-

tion that changes the whole ofman’s life.

Through His love, Jesus Christattracts to Himself the people ofevery generation: in everyage He convokesthe Church, en-trusting herwith theproclama-tion oft h eGospelby am a n -d a t ethat ise v e rn e w .Today too,there is aneed forstronger ecclesialcommitment to newevangelisation in order to redis-cover the joy of believing and theenthusiasm for communicatingthe faith. In rediscovering Hislove day by day, the missionarycommitment of believers attains

force and vigour that can neverfade away. Faith grows when it islived as an experience of love re-ceived and when it is communi-

cated as an experience ofgrace and joy.

We want theYear of Faith

to arouse inevery be-liever thea s p i r a -tion toprofesst h efaith infullnessand with

renewedconviction,

with confi-dence and

hope. It will alsobe a good opportunity

to intensify the celebration ofthe faith in the liturgy, especiallyin the Eucharist, which is ‘thesummit towards which the activ-ity of the Church is directed; ...and also the source from which allits power flows.’ At the same time,we make it our prayer that believ-ers’ witness of life may grow incredibility. To rediscover the con-tent of the faith that is professed,celebrated, lived and prayed, andto reflect on the act of faith, is atask that every believer must makehis own, especially in the courseof this Year.

Evidently, knowledge of thecontent of faith is essential for giv-ing one’s own assent, that is to sayfor adhering fully with intellectand will to what the Church pro-poses. Knowledge of faith opens adoor into the fullness of the sav-ing mystery revealed by God. Thegiving of assent implies that,when we believe, we freely acceptthe whole mystery of faith, be-cause the guarantor of its truth isGod who reveals Himself and al-lows us to know His mystery oflove.

What the world is in particularneed of today is the credible wit-ness of people enlightened inmind and heart by the word ofthe Lord, and capable of openingthe hearts and minds of many tothe desire for God and for truelife, life without end”.


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To Get The Date You Want

Dr. Lowney

receives

humanitarian

award for

Haiti Efforts

The American Dental As-sociation honored Dr. Jere-miah Lowney of Norwichwith the 2011 Humanitar-ian Award Monday at itsannual meeting in LasVegas.

Lowney is being recog-nized for his service to theneedy in Haiti for the pastthree decades, providinghealth care, food, shelter

and much more, the ADA said in a news release.He received a plaque and a $5,000 donation to the organ-

ization he and others founded, the Haitian Health Founda-tion. The organization provides health care to Jérémie insouthwestern Haiti, an area of extreme poverty that previ-ously had little or no health care.

“I’m convinced that the worst poverty is hopelessness - wak-ing up every morning lacking even the imagination to thinktomorrow will ever be any better than today,” Lowney said.“The best gift you can give is hope for a better future.”

The Holy Father Announces Year of Faith

Sisters ofCharity Release

Christmas AlbumThe Sisters of Charity of Our Lady,

Mother of the Church Schola have releasedtheir latest album, Christmas Joy which fea-tures 13 Christmas choral selections. TheSchola was directed by Mrs. Carroll Mailhotand produced by Michael Frishman withGerami Production Studio. Christmas Joycan be purchased at Holy Family Mother-house for $15.00. For further information,please call (860) 822-8241 or at the Sisters ofCharity website, www.sistersofcharity.com.


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FROmONEgENERATION TO THENExT.

I N V E S T M E N T S . T R U S T S . R E T I R E M E N T P L A N SSI Financial Advisors is the wealth management division of Savings Institute Bank & Trust.

Financial AdvisorsY O U. F I R S T.

(860) 450-7800www.sifinancialadvisors.com


www.Brustolon.com 860-536-2626

Serving Southeastern Connecticut s Community for over 60 Years

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outheastern Connecticut

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s Community for over 60 Years

s Community for over 60 Years

Documents

Four County Catholic November 2011