November 6, 2016 32 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time †Mass Schedule and Intentions† Sat Confession: 3:30 – 4:00 pm Sat Nov 5, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Walter Pudelkiewicz, 10 Yr. Anniversary by Ann Pudelkiewicz & The Phillips Family Sun Nov 6, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Marilyn Stapleton, 5 th Anniversary by the Stapleton Family † Robert & Jane Olivera by Barbara King Sun Nov 6, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Bill Guiles by Julie & Norb Saegaert Reading of the Book of Remembrance Wed Nov 9, 8:00 am Mass St. Jude For the Sick of Both of Our Parishes Thu Nov 10, 8:00 am Mass St. Jude † For the Deceased of Both of Our Parishes Thu Nov 10, 6:00 pm Mass St. Philip For Our Parishes Fri Nov 11, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund Adoration following Mass; Divine Mercy Chaplet at 1:50 pm; Benediction 2:00 pm Sat Confession: 3:30 – 4:00 pm Sat Nov 12, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Blanche Ducharme by Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Guilbault † Captain Michael Cerrone, 10 yr. Anniversary By Michelle Hipsky & Family † Dorothy Handfield, 8 th Anniversary by Lorraine Smith Sun Nov 13, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude Sun Nov 13, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † George Ference by Joe & Gwen Bartok, Paul, Mandy and Laura † Bill Guiles by Peter & Jean Piecyk OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK St. Philip Weekly Offering $2,861.00 St. Philip All Saints $ 648.00 St. Philip All Souls $ 497.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $1,042.00 St. Jude All Saints $ 187.00 St. Jude All Souls $ 282.00 ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 10/29/16 130 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 10/30/16 106 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 10/30/16 120 Total: 356 STEWARDSHIP: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.” 2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17. We are called to be generous with our encouragement and hope. As God shows us mercy, we must be merciful to others. The joy we receive from doing good works strengthens us and encourages others. Remember to turn your clock back this weekend, Nov 5/6 2016. ST. JUDE & ST. PHILIP CHOIR REHEARSALS: Mon, Nov. 7th and 14 th at 6:15 pm at St. Philip's. Ecumenical Choir Rehearsals will begin at 7:00 pm. Choir Members participating in the Norwich Diocesan Choral Festival will rehearse on Wed., Nov. 9 th at 5:30 pm. We will meet on Sunday. Nov. 13 th immediately after the 11:00 am Mass in St. Philip's parking lot to car pool to Norwich. Diocesan Choral Festival which will be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 13 th . The combined choirs will begin singing at 4:45 pm prior to the 5:00 pm Mass and for the Mass. PRAYER LIST: Gus Aiello, Lynne Allevo, Lewis Bassett, Robert Blain, Kenny Botting, Roland Cloutier, Carol Davidge, Henry Delisle, Raymond DeLorme, Elaine Fisher, Rita Fogarty, Vivian G., Jackie Goble, Lisa Gorman, Gina H., James H., Jimmy Harrison, Michael King, Judd Kosakowski, Pat Lockey, Ken M., Mary Manning, Deborah McCready, Charlotte Grace McCutcheon, Sandy and Bob Mullarkey, Pauline Mumford, George Nagy, Vincent Ouellette, Leo Passardi, Normand Ravenelle, Kris Rybicki, Victoria & Richard Santi, Marge Servedio, Carolyn Tanajes, George Tomecko, Luke and Carrie Warren, Tom Woodcock. Please help keep our list up-to-date. CCD CLASSES St. Philip: Sundays at 9:30 am. St. Jude: Wednesday afternoons. Confirmation Thur, 7 pm, St. Philip’s Parish Center. No confirmation class on Nov 10 th due to a school activity. PARISH MEETINGS: Prayer Shawl: Tue, Nov 8, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Ladies Group~Join Us: Wed, Nov 9, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Women’s Bible Study: Tue, Nov 15, 10 am, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tue, Nov 15, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Parish Council: Wed, Nov 16, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. PARISH ADULT EDUCATION WITH ED CONLAN WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 10 am St. Philip Parish Center. Studying the Book of Isaiah. ADULT EDUCATION RELIGION CLASSES Sat, 11 am, St. Jude Church. Topic: The book of Revelation. Nov 12: Chapter 6 – Breaking the first six seals. All are Welcome. In honor of 40 DAYS FOR LIFE we invite anyone who has lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion to record the name of the child in our "Book of Remembrance." At the Sunday Mass after the end of 40 Days for Life, the names of these precious souls will be read and remembered.
Transcript
November 6, 2016 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
†Mass Schedule and Intentions†
Sat Confession: 3:30 – 4:00 pm Sat Nov 5, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Walter Pudelkiewicz, 10 Yr. Anniversary
by Ann Pudelkiewicz & The Phillips Family Sun Nov 6, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Marilyn Stapleton, 5th Anniversary
by the Stapleton Family † Robert & Jane Olivera by Barbara King Sun Nov 6, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Bill Guiles by Julie & Norb Saegaert
Reading of the Book of Remembrance Wed Nov 9, 8:00 am Mass St. Jude For the Sick of Both of Our Parishes Thu Nov 10, 8:00 am Mass St. Jude † For the Deceased of Both of Our Parishes Thu Nov 10, 6:00 pm Mass St. Philip For Our Parishes
Fri Nov 11, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine & Steve Muska by Memorial Mass Fund
Adoration following Mass; Divine Mercy Chaplet at 1:50 pm; Benediction 2:00 pm
Sat Confession: 3:30 – 4:00 pm Sat Nov 12, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Blanche Ducharme by Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Guilbault † Captain Michael Cerrone, 10 yr. Anniversary By Michelle Hipsky & Family † Dorothy Handfield, 8th Anniversary by Lorraine Smith Sun Nov 13, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude Sun Nov 13, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † George Ference by Joe & Gwen Bartok, Paul, Mandy and Laura † Bill Guiles by Peter & Jean Piecyk OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK
St. Philip Weekly Offering $2,861.00
St. Philip All Saints $ 648.00
St. Philip All Souls $ 497.00
St. Jude Weekly Offering $1,042.00
St. Jude All Saints $ 187.00
St. Jude All Souls $ 282.00
ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND
Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 10/29/16 130
Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 10/30/16 106
Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 10/30/16 120 Total: 356
STEWARDSHIP: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.” 2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17. We are called to be generous with our encouragement and hope. As God shows us mercy, we must be merciful to others. The joy we receive from doing good works strengthens us and encourages others.
Remember to turn your clock back this weekend, Nov 5/6 2016.
ST. JUDE & ST. PHILIP CHOIR REHEARSALS: Mon, Nov. 7th and 14th at 6:15 pm at St. Philip's. Ecumenical Choir Rehearsals will begin at 7:00 pm.
Choir Members participating in the Norwich Diocesan Choral Festival will rehearse on Wed., Nov. 9th at 5:30 pm. We will meet on Sunday. Nov. 13th immediately after the 11:00 am Mass in St. Philip's parking lot to car pool to Norwich. Diocesan Choral Festival which will be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 13th. The combined choirs will begin singing at 4:45 pm prior to the 5:00 pm Mass and for the Mass.
PRAYER LIST: Gus Aiello, Lynne Allevo, Lewis Bassett, Robert Blain, Kenny Botting, Roland Cloutier, Carol Davidge, Henry Delisle, Raymond DeLorme, Elaine Fisher,
Rita Fogarty, Vivian G., Jackie Goble, Lisa Gorman, Gina H., James H., Jimmy Harrison, Michael King, Judd Kosakowski, Pat Lockey, Ken M., Mary Manning, Deborah McCready, Charlotte Grace McCutcheon, Sandy and Bob Mullarkey, Pauline Mumford, George Nagy, Vincent Ouellette, Leo Passardi, Normand Ravenelle, Kris Rybicki, Victoria & Richard Santi, Marge Servedio, Carolyn Tanajes, George Tomecko, Luke and Carrie Warren, Tom Woodcock. Please help keep our list up-to-date.
CCD CLASSES St. Philip: Sundays at 9:30 am. St. Jude: Wednesday afternoons. Confirmation Thur, 7 pm, St. Philip’s Parish Center. No confirmation class on Nov 10th due to a school activity.
PARISH MEETINGS: Prayer Shawl: Tue, Nov 8, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Ladies Group~Join Us: Wed, Nov 9, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Women’s Bible Study: Tue, Nov 15, 10 am, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tue, Nov 15, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Parish Council: Wed, Nov 16, 7 pm, Parish Ctr.
PARISH ADULT EDUCATION WITH ED CONLAN WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 10 am St. Philip Parish Center. Studying the Book of Isaiah.
ADULT EDUCATION RELIGION CLASSES Sat, 11 am, St. Jude Church. Topic: The book of Revelation. Nov 12: Chapter 6 – Breaking the first six seals. All are Welcome.
In honor of 40 DAYS FOR LIFE we invite anyone who has lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion to record the name of the child in our "Book of Remembrance." At the Sunday Mass after the end of 40 Days for Life, the names of these precious souls will be read and remembered.
To carpool to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, please contact Andrew & Ann Brndiar, 860-429-8314. Dates: Sun, Nov 6; Tues, Nov 15.
DIVINE MERCY MEDITATIONS Before each important action, I will stop to consider for a moment what relationship it has to eternal life and what may be the main reason for my undertaking it: is it for the glory of God, or for the good of my own soul, or for the good of the souls of others: If my heart says yes, then I will not swerve from carrying out the given action, unmindful of either obstacles or sacrifices. I will not be frightened into abandoning my intention. Diary of St. Faustina, 1549
Jesus, I trust in you! Jezu, ufam Tobie!
ASHFORD'S ECUMENICAL
THANKSGIVING SERVICE Sunday, Nov. 20th at 7:00 pm at St. Philip's Church. Please join our community in offering thanksgiving!
Congratulations to Arlen Murphy Zalonis baptized Oct 29, 2016 at St. Jude. Parents: Adam Zalonis and Robyn Murphy. Godparents: Arlen Murphy and Alice Brylawski.
URGENT NEED FOR FOOD!
We are collecting food for Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in Ashford. Please donate non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner foods. We will collect money for purchasing fresh
foods. Last year we helped 19 families. Please drop off your turkey at St. Philip office this week, if possible.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR, SAT, DEC 3rd RAFFLE BASKETS due in the Rectory by Nov. 13th! JUST ONE MORE WEEK!
PLEASE HELP US ~ WE HAVE ONLY 1 BASKET SO FAR! Some basket themes: tea, car wash, art supplies, toys, games, crafts, coffee, breakfast, snacks, movie night, chocolates, spa, gardens, tools, birds. The possibilities are endless. You may also donate a single item. Just keep the value of your basket or item under $49. No alcohol, restaurant, haircut or movie theater gift cards, please. BAKERS TAKE NOTE! PIES, BAKED GOODS, ETC. WE NEED THEM! Please contribute your specialty to make our bake sale a success! PIE BAKERS – PLEASE PICK UP PIE TINS AND BOXES AFTER MASS!
OFFICE CLOSED: NOV 18, NOV 23, 24, 25. GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating a Cumberland Farms Gas Card or a card from Walmart or Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. A card from Walmart can be used for food as well as other necessities. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COAT/BLANKET DRIVE. Donations can be left at the St. Philip Office 9:30am-2:30pm or in St. Jude and St. Philip Church. November 13th after the 11:00 Mass
is the last day to donate used coats & blankets. Thank you, Clay Wright, Grand Knight
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors: Schedules are on our website. Please return your December availability sheet by Nov 15th.
ST. JUDE SOUND SYSTEM Special Second Collection on Nov 6th at St. Jude’s. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to St. Jude Church and write "for sound system" in the memo area. UPDATE!! As of Oct 26th, we have collected $4,836.00 toward our goal of $5,576.14 for the new Sound System at St. Jude due to a very generous response to our appeal. We now need only $740.14. If extra money is collected, we will put it into the St. Jude Savings Account. Thank you for
your generosity. Father Greg
EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Entrance exam for 8th graders, Sat, Nov 12, at 8 am. at East Catholic High School. Visit www.echs.com or call our Admissions office at 860-649-5336 x 6456.
Thank you to Fr. Greg, the ladies who put on
the party, and all those who attended the Retirement Party; it was a lovely party. I truly enjoyed working at St. Philip office for the last 12 years and for St. Jude office for the last 7 years and it was a pleasure to get to know and help so many parishioners.
PARISH ENVELOPES: Please use parish envelopes each week if you would like to receive a tax donation report at the end of the year. We will no longer keep track of loose checks. Be sure to write your envelope number if you use an envelope from the vestibule, so we can keep track for you. Please contact the office if you’d like to receive envelopes.
Eucharistic Adoration: Please consider volunteering for an adoration hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 2pm or to be a substitute when necessary. Sign-up sheet in vestibule.
WHEN PLANNING YOUR ESTATE: Please consider putting St. Philip or St. Jude in your will as a way to be remembered while supporting the ongoing needs of the parish. Memorial Donation forms are on the parish website.
REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church or office. No opened or out-of-date food, please.
The ASHFORD FOOD BANK distribution is usually the 4th Friday, from 7-9 am at the Living Proof Church of Ashford.
The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open weekly: Mon, 4-6 pm, Wed & Fri, 10-Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker. Folks can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. Office hours: Mon 12-7:30 pm; Tues-Fri 9 am – 2 pm. To apply, contact: Dir, Youth, Family & Social Serv., Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279. Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860-487-3125 Email: [email protected].
PRAY FOR OUR PRIESTS If you would like to pray for our priests daily, please pick up a packet on the table on your way out of church.
The candle before the image of Divine Mercy in the side shrine at St. Philip’s is available for your intentions. Contact the office.
Philip Cemetery Sexton Volunteer position involves maintaining and coordinating records with the Town of Ashford, rules and regulations for burials, headstone and military markers, flowers and shrubs; communication with families, Funeral Homes, Monument companies and Hipsky Construction Company. There have been between 4 and 18 burials per year.
HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME VISITS If your loved one is ill at Home, hospitalized, or in a nursing
home and would like Father Greg to visit them, please call the office or Father. Please provide their name, address, phone # and room #. MASS INTENTION ENVELOPES To make it easy to order a Mass for your deceased loved ones or for any occasion like an anniversary, birthday, etc., please pick up a Mass Intention envelope in the vestibule at St. Philip's or next to the bulletins on the table at St. Jude’s. You can fill it out and place it in the collection basket. Weekend and Holy Day Masses are $20; weekdays: $15.
NEW ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER? If you or a loved one are moving out of the area or to a nursing home and don’t need envelopes, please let us know. If financial circumstances change and envelopes will no longer be used, please inform the office. Also, please notify the office of a new address or phone number if you are moving but will remain a parishioner here. This will allow us to keep our records accurate and up to date. Thank you!
Love one another as I have loved you. As you do unto the least of your brothers, you do unto me. Familiar words – How can we put them into action?
Ministering to the sick and elderly is a good beginning. St. Joseph’s Living
Center, The ONLY Catholic healthcare facility in the Norwich Diocese, is seeking volunteers to join our chapel team assisting during 11 am daily Mass. We also need volunteers to join our Vigil Team as we support our residents on their journey to eternal rest. If you hear God calling, please call Tracey Megson at 860-465-1107 ext. 124.
A NOTE ABOUT PARISH REGISTRATION If you regularly worship with us, we invite you to register with St. Philip or St. Jude parish. This allows us to provide accurate census data to the diocese. Registration forms are in the vestibule. Please return them to the office. Thank you!
ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED: St. Philip needs Altar Servers for both Masses. Please consider being trained as an Altar Server.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE!
“Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere
as a witness to Life and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. This helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.
If you need a Gluten-free host, please request one during communion.
LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are CDs with orthodox Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of individuals and their faith walk. Thank you for all your
donations. They help to keep the program going. If you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email [email protected].
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: The federal health care mandate violates religious liberty because it forces conscientious objectors to actively go against their moral principles. It also deprives those objectors of the right - a right that others continue to exercise - to do what they see as morally required. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the abortion and contraception mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445. You may clarify that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom at: www.whitehouse.gov/contact.
Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, [email protected].
St. Mary and St. Thomas Aquinas are sponsoring a trip to the Radio City Christmas Show on Sat, Nov 19. Tickets are $100 and include the bus, the ticket to the show and free popcorn and soda. If you would like to start the Christmas season off in New York style, come and join us for this fun trip. Contact Kathy Dochter at 860-429-6436 to sign up. The bus will be leaving from St. Mary Church in Coventry at 7 a.m. and leave New York at 7 p.m. This year at the St. Mary Christmas Fair we will be having a raffle for an American Girl Doll. These dolls are very popular and would be a welcome addition to any little girl’s collection. Please be sure to come to the fair on Friday November 11 or Saturday November 12 to enjoy all the fair has to offer as well as chances on the American Girl Doll.
MASS OF HEALING AND INDIVIDUAL PRAYER at Spiritual Renewal Center, 11 Bath St Norwich, CT on Monday, Nov 7th at 2 PM. Fr. Ray Celebrant, healing prayer by Judith. 860-887-0702. CHARISMATIC PRAISE, PRAYER AND WORSHIP every Tues at 2 PM at Spiritual Renewal Center. Prayer, Praise and Worship the Lord Jesus! A Holy Hour will be held for our Country and the Election Process. Tuesday Evenings from 7-8 PM until November 8th we will close with Benediction.
Marriage Preparation Classes for Engaged Couples: For info or to register, call Catholic Family Services Office at 860-848-2237, ext. 306.
Marriage Encounter Weekend ~ Fall is a beautiful season full of color and crisp fresh air. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is like autumn because it’s a weekend full of fresh air, new beginnings and a time to rejoice in the beauty of your marriage. Make this autumn special by devoting one weekend to the most important relationship in your life. It’s a great time to rekindle communication and enjoy a weekend away. To register for the Nov 18-20 weekend in the Manchester area or for more information call 860-376-0440 or visit www.wwmect.org. Email: [email protected].
RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving or suffering from an abortion, experience the healing love of Jesus Christ on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. Visit the national website at www.rachelsvineyard.org. “PROJECT RACHEL” is our Diocesan ministry for anyone seeking healing and forgiveness. Priests in the Project Rachel ministry are there with God’s Grace and Mercy. Call 860-861-4439, ext 306. All inquiries are confidential.
PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-860-889-8346 ext. 260 for registration and monthly class locations and dates.
Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. Home Study and online classes in English and Spanish are available. Classes are ongoing in our diocese. www.ccli.org.
Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800- BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.
RETROUVAILLE OF CT Is your marriage tearing you apart? Are you considering separation or divorce? For serious marriage building and repair: Retrouvaille is a lifeline. At Retrouvaille couples are given tools to re-establish communication, work on their issues, gain new insights and heal. The weekend is presented by three married couples and a priest. A series of 6 post sessions follow the weekend phase. Visit www.retrouvaille.org.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ADOPTION? Catholic Charities provides services infant adoption placements, domestic and international home studies and adoption searches. 860-889-8346 x 282 or [email protected]. Monthly meetings for couples waiting to adopt or to learn about adoption and weekly Birth Mother Support Group every Tues 9:30am at Catholic Charities, 331 Main St., Norwich. For info 860-889-8346 x 282.
Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, behind on mortgage payments or help budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8-hr. Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271.
NEW WAY TO HELP OUR PARISH! Use your IRA to support our Parish, the Diocese or your favorite Diocesan Ministry! If you are 70 ½ years old, you can now make a direct transfer of up to $100,000 from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as our Parish, without having to pay income taxes on the money. The law allowing this was made permanent by President Obama when he signed the PATH Act last December. If you are interested, please contact Mary Ellen Mahoney, Development Manager- Major Gifts at [email protected] or (860) 886-1928, ext.14 for more information.
MATTIE'S TOGS THRIFT SHOP St. Matthew Church Tolland, CT. The Summer and Winter rooms are restocked. We always have our $5 Bag Sale. There is a rack of NEW ITEMS still tagged. Specialty items like Baptismal outfits, First Communion/Flower Girl dresses, Halloween outfits, snow suits, jackets and pants can be found year 'round. Our sizes range from Preemie to 16 Youth and up. We have lots of shoes for $ 1 each. We are on the Dunn Hill side of the Church and open Sat. 9-1. Call Billie at 860-871-0260.
PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS/POSTULANTS Take a Post Card from the vestibule for any or all of our seminarians/postulants. Pray, write a brief note if you choose and drop it in the mail. Let your future priests/sisters know you are supporting them and ask them to pray for you. May God continue to send us shepherds after his own heart.
St. Bernard School, Uncasville, CT (Grades 6-12) (860) 848-1271 www.saint-bernard.com. Open House Tues, Nov 15, 6PM-8PM. We emphasize developing the mind, body, and spirit constantly assessing what will have the greatest impact on the lives of our students. In a school where it is as important to be kind as to be a scholar or an athlete, confidence grows and lifelong success follows. No student is left behind. Expanded transportation routes and Financial Aid available.
St. Mary's Haitian Ministry emersion trip to Haiti, Jan 10 -17, 2017. Experience the love, joy and faith of our brothers and sisters in Haiti who struggle in a third world country
and visit programs the Diocese of Norwich supports. Trips to an orphanage, feeding programs and twin parishes and schools are included. There will be an outing to the beautiful beaches as well. This trip will touch your heart and soul. Contact Denise Pillion: [email protected] 860-617- 3642.
Closing Celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Bishop Cote will celebrate the Closing of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy on Sunday, November 13, 2016, 10:25 a.m., Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Participants are asked to bring an item of
food or personal hygiene items for the needy in the area. These donated items will be presented prior to this Mass. For further information call Ms. Becky Cady at 860-887-9294, ext. 235.
FROSTY VILLAGE BAZAAR
Where: St. Matthew Church, Tolland When: Friday, Nov. 18th 6-9 PM
Sat, Nov. 19th 9 AM-2:30 PM
Get in the holiday mood with our great selection of hand-crafted items; home-
made pies, baked goods, and candies; knit and crochet apparel; hand-made
clothing for popular 18” girl dolls; Attic Treasures; raffles and much more. For the
kids, a Kids’ Booth and Photos with Santa! Home-made Soup and Sandwiches,
RESTROOMS AT ST. PHILIP CHURCH are locked when office/church is closed for security. We are sorry for any inconvenience. A DON’T MISS SEMINAR: Thomas Smith will be speaking on The Gospel of John, November 12, 2016, 9:00-3:00, at our Lady of Perpetual Help, Quaker Hill, CT. Registration fee is$ 30- in advance or $35- at the door. For more information contact Andrea Hoisl, Office of Faith Events, 860-848-2237, ext. 312. This is a DON’T Miss opportunity- treat yourself to some time away and some INSPIRATION! RESCHEDULED DATE: Part II of Sr. Elissa Rinere’s Workshop on POPE FRANCIS & God’s Mercy will be held on THURSDAY , November 17, 2016. It will be held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick (Lower Church Hall), 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT, from 6:30-8:30. ALL ARE WELCOME! If you were unable to attend Part I we would love to see you at Part II! Any questions or concerns contact the Office of Faith Events, 860-848-2237, ext. 312. Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford - Advent Day or Evening Retreat: Be My Light – Mother Teresa’s Journey of Doubt and Hope, with Dr. Brandon Nappi Wednesday, Dec 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 6-9 p.m. Shortly after Mother Teresa died in 1997, her secret journals were published expressing a woman of intense paradox. Even as she lived out the Christian life in heroic radiance, she was accompanied by extreme doubt, struggle and dryness in the spiritual life. In this retreat, we’ll examine Mother Teresa’s incredible contribution to the history of spirituality and discover the constructive role doubt can play in our own Advent journey toward hope and light. $40, includes meal. 860-760-9705. www.holyfamilyretreat.org
MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. October 18, 2016 My brothers and sisters in Christ,
This coming November 6 – 12, our diocesan family will be celebrating National Vocation Awareness Week. We all know that each individual vocation is both a gift from God our Father who created us for a very specific purpose here on earth and ultimately to share in eternal life with Him, His Son, and The Holy Spirit.
Through the efforts of our Diocesan Vocation Office, every parish has been sent excellent materials to be ordered/used, by parish families throughout this particular week. It is a great time for our priests to speak about their “vocation stories” and for the religious sisters and brothers who serve here in the diocese to do the same. As a diocese we have been working hard to build a “culture of vocations” over the last several years. I enjoy so much and am very inspired when I visit a parish each month to lead our Monthly Holy Hour for Vocations. I especially enjoy seeing the young people who come out to pray with us for vocations and the young families also. Also, I know that the efforts of the Catholic Community of students and several of our diocesan priests have worked together the last several years at praying for vocations and growing as disciples of our Lord at St. Thomas Aquinas parish on the campus at UCONN. Just this past June, I ordained four new priests for service in our diocese and two new permanent deacons were ordained in July. We presently have eight seminarians who are all at different junctures along the way of studies towards ordination to priesthood. These are all wonderful signs of the Harvest Master answering our prayers but we must continue. Remember that ultimately every vocation is born from the family. It is important for those who are parents to gather the family regularly in continued learning of the faith, and in sharing the sacramental life of the church regularly. Though our weekly schedules can be overloaded with activities that include school, sports, work, study and other necessities, we must work at always taking time to be open to the Lord. He might be calling your son to the priesthood, or your daughter/son to religious life. He might be asking you to identify that in your children or to encourage someone else you may see such a call in. Therefore, this coming November take time during this special week of prayer and awareness to open your heart, re-commit to searching or guiding someone else who may be searching to know their purpose in this world. Can you help them see what God is asking of them? Thank you as always for keeping all of our religious sisters/brothers, our diocesan priests and me your unworthy servant in your prayers. God, continue to bless our diocese with many more strong vocations to serve in your vineyard. With every best wish, I am Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop of Norwich
How to Vote Based on Guidelines Set Out by the Catholic Church
There are many issues of concern facing our country including war, the economy, the environment,
immigration, poverty, the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life and religious freedom. It is important to know
that the Catholic Church gives us five (5) non-negotiable issues that are “intrinsically evil and must never be
promoted by law.”1
1. Abortion – Abortion is the intentional and direct killing of an innocent human being and,
therefore, is a form of homicide.”
2. Euthanasia – often disguised as mercy killing, euthanasia is also a form of homicide. No person
has the right to take his own life and no one has the right to take the life of an innocent person.
3. Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Human embryos are human beings. The Pontifical Council
for the Family states, “Respect for the dignity of the human being excludes all experimental
manipulation or exploitation of the human embryo.”2
4. Human Cloning – “Attempts… for obtaining a human being without any connection with
sexuality… are to be considered contrary to moral law, since they are in opposition to the dignity
both of human procreation and of the conjugal union.”
5. Homosexual Marriage – True marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Legal
recognition of any other union as ‘marriage’ undermines true marriage.2
Again, these issues are all deemed “non-negotiable”. It is a serious sin to deliberately endorse or promote any of
these actions.
“It should be noted that other issues, while not necessarily “non-negotiable,” are tremendously important and
deserve prayerful consideration, such as questions of war and capital punishment, poverty issues, how to best
care for our environment, and matters relating to illegal immigration.”3
The following suggestions are quoted from the Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics distributed by Catholic
Answers:
How Not to Vote
1. “Do not just vote based on your political party affiliation, your earlier voting habits, or your
family’s voting tradition. Years ago these may have been trustworthy ways to determine who to
vote for, but today they are often not reliable. You need to evaluate where each candidate stands
on key issues.
2. Do not cast your vote based on a candidate’s appearance, personality, or media savvy. Some
attractive and engaging candidates endorse intrinsic evils, while other candidates, who may be
plain looking, uninspiring, and ill at ease in front of cameras, endorse legislation in accord with
basic Christian principles.
3. Do not vote for candidates just because they declare themselves Catholic. Unfortunately, many
self-described Catholic candidates reject basic Christian teachings.
4. Do not choose among candidates based on ‘What’s in it for me?’ Make your decision based on
which candidates seem most likely to promote common good, even if you will not benefit
directly or immediately from the legislation they propose.
5. Do not vote for candidates who are right on lesser issues but who will vote wrongly on key moral
issues. This was underscored by Pope John Paul II regarding life issues when he said, ‘The
common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights (for example, the right to health,
to home, to work, to family, to culture) is false and deceptive if the right to life, the most basic
and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with
maximum determination.’4
The following suggestions are quoted from the Voter’s Guide.
How To Vote:
1. First determine how each candidate, with a real chance of winning (this generally excludes third
party candidates), stands on each issue that will come before him or her and involves the non-
negotiable issues.
2. Rank the candidates according to how well their positions align with these non-negotiable issues.
3. Give preference to candidates who do not propose positions that contradict these issues.
4. If every candidate endorses positions contrary to the non-negotiable issues, choose the candidate
likely to do the least harm. If several are equal, (then) evaluate them based on their views on
other, lesser issues.5
We, as voters, are to choose the candidate that promotes the greatest good and entails the least evil. If you are
still not sure what moral positions are held by the Catholic Church, refer to the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, which is an excellent and authoritative source of moral teaching.
Last, but not least, pray for our country and pray for this election, that God’s will is done because “I call heaven
and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose
life, then, that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). And, “If then my people, upon whom
my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I
will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).6
The Quiet Corner Chapter of the Disabled American Vets Are you a veteran who is either combat or has a service related disability, and have filed or need assistance with filing for
Veterans Administration Benefits? Are you interested in learning more? We are looking for you. Contact:
Rocky Daigle 860 – 918-0532 Barry Bernier 860 – 830-5443
Mark Rivard 860 – 933 – 6877 or [email protected] The mission of the Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to a single purpose; empowering Veterans to led high quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by making sure Veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits
available to them; fighting for interest of Americas injured heroes on Capitol Hill and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans back to civilian life.
