St. Thomas More Church
374 Middlesex Road • Darien, Connecticut • 06820
(203) 655-3303
The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time • July 15, 2018
Saint Thomas More Church
Parish Office Hours
9:00AM to 3:00PM Monday - Thursday
9:00AM to 1:00PM Friday
Liturgical Schedule Saturday Vigil Mass.......................................................................... 4:30PM
Sunday Masses ......................7:30AM, 8:45AM, 10:00AM Family Mass
11:30AM & 5:15PM
Confessions ................................................. Saturdays 3:45PM - 4:15PM
Sundays 8:15AM - 8:45AM & 4:45PM - 5:15PM
Baptisms ......................................... Sundays 12:30PM (by appointment)
Daily Masses (Monday - Saturday) ............................................. 9:00AM
Eucharistic Adoration ........................ First Fridays 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Parish Staff [email protected] Rev. Paul G. Murphy, Pastor ......................................... 655-3303 ext 12
Rev. John Connaughton, Priest-in-Residence .............. 655-3303 ext 18
Rev. Mr. Gauthier Vincent, Deacon ........................................ 718-9275
Anna Bauts, Business Manager ..................................... 655-3303 ext 25
Patty Catino, Office Manager ....................................... 655-3303 ext 10
Susan Lattimer, Administrative Assistant ..................... 655-3303 ext 24
Faith Formation (K-5) [email protected] Maria Hillman, Director .................................................. 655-3077 ext 16
Geraldine Flynn, Administrative Assistant .................... 655-3077 ext 17
Faith Formation (6-8) [email protected] Jennifer Sommer, Coordinator ................................................... 655-6295
Betsy Reilly, Administrative Assistant............................ 655-6295 ext 21
Youth Ministry [email protected] Susan Lattimer, Coordinator .......................................... 655-3303 ext 22
Music Ministry [email protected] Galen Tate, Music Director / Organist ......................... 655-3303 ext 19
Happiness Preschool [email protected]
Maria Hillman, Director ............................................................... 655-6053
Geraldine Flynn, Administrative Assistant .................... 655-6053 ext 23
Adult Faith Formation Jim Davis, RCIA ..................................................... [email protected]
Maryann Knag, Bible Study ........................................ [email protected]
Outreach & Ministries Women’s Circle .................................... [email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Patty Catino, [email protected]
Bereavement, Lillian Toll ..................................................................... 966-9367
Lay Leadership Joseph D. Roxe, Parish Trustee ................................................. 655-9908
Brian D. Young, Parish Trustee.................................................. 972-1178
James Sullivan, Finance Council Chairperson ............................ 556-3005
Other Contacts Parish FAX .................................................................................... 655-6478
Religious Ed. / Preschool FAX ................................................. 655-8901
Parish E-mail ................................................. [email protected]
Parish Media (Website/Bulletin) ................ STMDarienNews.aol.com
WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 15, 2018
Don’t miss out on another wonderful season of Walking with
Purpose at St. Thomas More Church. Our bible study starting
this Fall will be Touching The Divine – A study of the Gospel of
John.
Do people’s opinions of
you cause your feelings to
fluctuate up and down?
Have you based your
worth on something other
than what God thinks of
you? Do you find it hard
to feel close to Christ
because you just don’t
know Him very well? This
22 week study of the Gos-
pel of John will teach you
how much Jesus loves you, and how His love is the only thing
that will truly satisfy your soul.
This is a sampling of what some of the women had to say about
WWP at STM:
WWP has greatly improved my life. It has brought me closer to
God, which has brought a tremendous sense of peace and com-
fort into my life. I am so thankful for this program!
I feel extraordinarily blessed to have participated in the WWP
group over this past year. It has had a profound impact on my
every day life and greatly deepened my faith and relationship
with God. I now pray daily with gratitude and surrender and have
placed God central in my family's lives. Thank you, thank you,
thank you!
I have felt the transformation in my heart and my life. All of the
lessons are relevant to women everywhere. No matter the age,
we struggle with the same issues.
I feel part of my parish now in a way that I didn't before. I have a
sense of community and it makes all the difference in how I feel
about going to Mass
Walking with Purpose is a Catholic Bible study that aims to bring
women to a deeper, personal relationship with Christ through
personal study and small group discussions that link our every-
day challenges with solutions given to us through the teachings
of Christ and the Catholic Church.
Our morning group meets Thursdays starting October 4 from
9:30AM-11:00AM in the Parish Hall. Our evening group meets
on Wednesdays starting October 3 from 7:30PM-9:00PM in the
Rectory Annex. Childcare is available for the morning session,
but please register early so we can plan accordingly.
The cost of this 22-week program is $50 (excluding study guide
cost of $40 which can be purchased online at the Walking with
Purpose website.) For more information, contact Kelly Frank at
[email protected] or 917-613-3621 or check our STM
website for online registration.
Cover Icon: St. Kateri Tekakwitha
THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 15, 2018
CCHURCHHURCH RRENOVATIONSENOVATIONS UUPDATEPDATE Please continue to keep the success of the renovations in your
prayers. Our Parish Renovation Prayer can be found each week
here in the bulletin. I am extremely grateful for the on-going gen-
erosity, encouragement and prayers that have made this mile-
stone in the history of St. Thomas More Parish possible. I am
greatly impressed by the spirit of collegiality and mutual respect
with which everyone has worked together toward achieving our
goal of a welcoming, reverent and beautiful church in which to
pray, to celebrate the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, and to confer
the Church’s other sacraments. In Christ, Fr. Paul
OOURUR PPARISHARISH RRENOVATIONENOVATION PPRAYERRAYER Heavenly Father, who led the people of Israel with a cloud by
day and a flame by night, we ask you to lead us on our own journey of faith as we undertake the renovation of Your house, whose living stones we are; keep us close to You as a
community making this transition by deepening our faith, and grant us patience and serenity while worshiping in a tempo-
rary space; so that our joy may be complete when we come to that renewal which is Your will for the Church in Darien.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for
ever and ever. Amen.
SSTEWARDSHIPTEWARDSHIP
Offertory
The chart above details our weekly, monthly and fiscal year-to-date offertory contribu-tions. Also, please remember St. Thomas More Parish in your estate planning.
Annual Catholic Appeal (through July 1)
The chart above represents 325 gifts from 270 families or 23% of
registered families participating. We ask all Parish families to
prayerfully consider supporting the Diocese in its important
work and services and gratefully acknowledge those families who
have already pledged their gifts.
MMICHAELICHAEL CCLARKLARK -- RRITEITE OFOF CCANDIDACYANDIDACY On Saturday, September 8 at the 4:30PM Mass, Bishop
Caggiano will be at St. Thomas More for the Rite of Candidacy
for Michael which is a formal step on the way to priestly ordina-
tion for the Diocese of Bridgeport.
AADORATIONDORATION OFOF THETHE BBLESSEDLESSED SSACRAMENTACRAMENT
& DDEVOTIONEVOTION TOTO THETHE SSACREDACRED HHEARTEART OFOF JJESUSESUS
Friday, August 3, 2018 - 10:00AM - 5:00PM On First Fridays the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration
on the altar of the Chapel from 10:00AM-5:00PM. At 4:45PM,
following the Litany to the Sacred Heart, we celebrate Benedic-
tion before reposing the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. To
be with Him will reassure you that because of his glorious resur-
rection you have nothing to fear. To adore Jesus in the Eucharist
is to receive and enjoy the gift of his eternal real presence.
CCOMMUNIONOMMUNION TOTO THETHE SSICKICK & H& HOMEBOUNDOMEBOUND If you have a family member or close friend who, due to illness
or physical limitations, cannot attend Sunday Mass and would like
to receive the Eucharist, call the parish office to arrange a home
visit by a priest or Extraordinary Minister of Communion.
Blessings for
July 8 Actual Budget Variance
Weekly Offertory $13,667 $15,467 ($1,801)
Month-to-Date Offertory $28,602 $30,934 ($2,332)
FY-to-Date Offertory $28,602 $30,934 ($2,332)
WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG
MMASSASS IINTENTIONSNTENTIONS Saturday, July 14
9:00 AM Mary Tomao Phil Gallo
4:30 PM John Cotter The Cotter Family
Sunday, July 15
7:30 AM Joe Costello The Grozier Family
8:45 AM Rose Ventre Cahoon Tom & Josephine Minogue
10:00 AM The People of the Parish
11:30 AM Janette Fenton Diane Daniele
5:15 PM Kevin Cassidy The Brannigan Family
Monday, July 16
9:00 AM Daniel Seutaro Phil Gallo
Tuesday, July 17
9:00 AM Nicholas Bluestone Judy & John McCarty
Wednesday, July 18
9:00 AM Inder Paul Malhotice Lina DoNoso Reyes & Family
Thursday, July 19
9:00 AM Joseph Gallo Phil Gallo
Friday, July 20
9:00 AM Ruth Cosenza Janet & Larry Oliveri
Saturday, July 21
9:00 AM Infant Edward Chudy Jo Mitchell
4:30 PM Oswaldo Alcoser Lina DoNoso Reyes & Family
Sunday, July 22
7:30 AM Rose & Pasquale Pepenella Phil Gallo
8:45 AM Rose Ventre Phil Gallo
10:00 AM Steven Cappelli & Ann Cappelli The Cappelli Family
11:30 AM Christopher Haupman Chris & Gene Cronin
5:15 PM Joseph Costello The Cassidy Family
Banns of Marriage
Kelly Joyce and
Taylor Ingraham
Pledged Goal Variance % of Goal
$492,257 $500,000 ($7,473) 98.51%
WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG JULY 15, 2018 THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SSTEWARDSHIPTEWARDSHIP ATAT STMSTM Become more involved in your parish community, make new
friends, enrich your spiritual life and have fun! Explore and con-
sider joining in one or more of St. Thomas More’s varied minis-
tries that serve fellow parishioners. Please review the descrip-
tions below and learn more by contacting ministry leaders. Share
your energy, experience and enthusiasm in support of St. Thomas
More! We need and want your participation.
Altar Servers Ministry
Children in the fourth grade or above are encouraged to become
altar servers. Charles Cope, [email protected]
Bible Study Ministry
Two groups meet weekly, on Mondays at 7:30PM and Tuesdays at
9:30AM, to deepen their faith through better understanding of
the academic and spiritual aspects of the Bible. Ms. Maryann
Knag, 213-4809, [email protected]
Eucharistic Ministry
Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of Com-
munion at Mass and deliver and administer Communion to the
homebound. A brief training session is required to become com-
missioned as a Eucharistic Minister. Typically, 3 Eucharistic Minis-
ters are needed at each of our 5 weekend Masses. Eucharistic
Ministers volunteer to serve at the Mass they normally attend.
Father Paul Murphy, 655-3303, x12, [email protected]
Grieving Ministry
Trains parishioners to provide confidential, supportive counseling
to fellow parishioners struggling with grief due to death of a loved
one, divorce, job loss, severe illness or other life crises. Lillian
Toll, 966-9367, [email protected]
Lector Ministry
Lectors proclaim readings from Scripture to parishioners, an-
nounce the intentions for the General Intercessions, and deliver
announcements of important upcoming parish events. A brief
training session is required to become commissioned as a Lector.
Lectors volunteer to serve at the Mass they normally attend, and
can expect to serve once monthly. Father Paul Murphy, 655-3303,
x12, [email protected]
Men’s Ministry
Instituted in the fall of 2015, the St. Thomas More Men's Ministry
assists parish men of all ages to explore what it means to be a
Catholic man in today's world. Meetings are held weekly on Sat-
urday mornings to avoid conflicts with family and other obliga-
tions. Activities include studying, group prayer, guest speakers,
and meeting in small groups to discuss successes and struggles in
our daily personal and professional lives. Father Paul Murphy at
655-3303 x12 or Father John Connaughton at 655-3303 x18, of-
Music Ministry (Adult & Children’s Choirs)
The Adult Choir is open to men and women ages high school and
above; the Children’s Choir is open to grades 2-5. The Adult
Choir rehearses monthly and on Sunday mornings while singing at
the 11:30AM Mass from September through June. Galen Tate,
Music Director, 655-3303, x19, [email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knits or crochets shawls, blankets and scarves to bring comfort
and peace to the recipient. Also, teddy bears are knitted to bring
comfort to babies and as a gift for being a new big brother or
sister. Parish Office, 655-3303, x10, [email protected]
Religious Education Ministry
Support efforts of parents and guardians who want to instruct
children about Catholic faith, values and practices. Our priests,
religious education staff, and catechists assist parents in the task
of laying a solid foundation to encourage spiritual growth, foster
discipleship, and help their children develop a lasting relationship
with God. Roles include classroom teacher (catechist), weekly
helper or substitute. Teaching is frequently done by duos to share
the work and the fun. Maria Hillman (K–5), 655-3077, x14,
[email protected], and Jennifer Sommer (6th - Confirmation),
655-6295, [email protected]
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Inquirers interested in learning about the Catholic tradition do so
with the support of adult parishioners who serve as sponsors and
team members. An Inquirer may be any adult unbaptized, bap-
tized in another tradition, or baptized Catholic who has not re-
ceived the other sacraments. RCIA meets weekly in the Rectory
Annex. Please help enlarge our parish community. Jim Davis, da-
Senior’s Social Ministry
Currently identifying senior needs, developing new programs to
engage seniors in interesting trips, luncheons and activities. Patty
Catino, 655-3303, x10, [email protected]
Usher Ministry
Ushers welcome and seat parishioners when they arrive at Mass,
select parishioners for carrying the gifts to the altar at the Offer-
tory, take collections, guide the Communion line, distribute the
Bulletin at the end of Mass and clean the pews for the next Mass.
Patty Catino, 655-3303, x10, [email protected]
Welcome Ministry
Welcomes new Catholic residents of Darien to our parish, in-
forms them of its ministries, resources, and activities, and helps
integrate them into the parish community. Parish Office, 655-
3303, x10, [email protected]
Walking with Purpose
A 22-week course designed for women who are new to Walking
with Purpose as well as those with more Bible Experience. A
study in scripture to discover the relevance of Old Testament
and New Testament wisdom to our daily challenges. The goal is a
lifestyle of health and holiness. Kelly Frank, kellytalk-
Women’s Circle Ministry
Open to all parish women seeking fellowship among Catholic
women through social events and spiritual enrichment by helping
others in need. The Women’s Circle sponsors social and fund-
raising events throughout the year. Adrienne Kelly, ad-
HHAPPINESSAPPINESS PPRESCHOOLRESCHOOL
The St. Thomas More Happiness
Preschool has a few openings in a few
of our classes for fall 2018. Please call
Maria Hillman, the director, at 655-
6053 for a tour and more infor-
mation on our preschool and all the
incredible enrichment programs! Our
summer camp is currently going on if
anyone is interested or would like
more information. Please call today!
AAROUNDROUND THETHE DDIOCESEIOCESE The annual Fan the Fire youth rally will be on Saturday, August
19, 9:00AM-9:00PM at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull. All
young people throughout the diocese grades 8 thru 12 are invit-
ed to attend this day of prayer, fun and inspiration. Bishop Frank
Caggiano will deliver the morning keynote talk and Dom Quaglia,
a nationally known Catholic speaker and former LifeTeen youth
minister will speak in the afternoon session. The program also
includes uplifting worship music led by Catholic artist Sarah
Kroger, opportunities for reconciliation, breakout and reflection
sessions, and a Eucharistic focus with Adoration and Mass. Fan
the Fire is being sponsored by the Faith Formation Office and the
diocesan Leadership Institute. To register go online to www.dob-
youth.com/fan-the-fire-youth-rally. Questions can be directed to
Evan Psencik at 416-1649 or [email protected].
$25,000 Tuition Raffle Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Fairfield is excited to an-
nounce our Parish-SeptemberberFest raffle! Only 2,000 tickets
will be sold at $25 per ticket. The prize can be used for any stu-
dent of the winner’s choice to attend any K-12 school, college or
university, located and accredited in the U.S or used to pay back
college loans! We must sell 1,000 tickets by August 15 for the
raffle to proceed. The drawing takes place on September 16 at
6:00PM. To purchase, contact the parish office at 333-9065.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Have faith that God can increase the blessings in your marriage
by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The
next weekend is November 2-4, 2018 in Manchester, CT. For
more info, call 860-315-2127 or visit wwmectw.org.
JULY 15, 2018 WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
STM YSTM YOUTHOUTH GGROUPROUP JJAMAICAAMAICA MMISSIONISSION TTRIPRIP 20182018
WWW.STMDARIENCT.ORG JULY 15, 2018 THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SSAINTAINT TTHOMASHOMAS MMOREORE FFAITHAITH FFORMATIONORMATION Office hours: Monday - Thursdays 10:00AM to 5:00PM
KKINDERGARTENINDERGARTEN -- GGRADERADE 5 N5 NEWSEWS Catechists Needed
We are looking for Catechists for all K-5 grades...all days. Please
contact Maria Hillman at 655-3077 or [email protected].
FFAITHAITH FFORMATIONORMATION RREGISTRATIONEGISTRATION
Kindergarten Wed 4:15PM or Thurs 4:15PM (limited space catechist first choice)
Grade 1 thru Grade 5 Sun 8:45AM or 11:00AM;
Mon 4:15PM; Wed 4:15PM; Thurs 4:15PM
Grade 6 Tues 4:15PM
Grade 7 Tues 6:30PM
Grade 8/Confirmation Mon 6:00PM or Alternative Tue 6:30PM (space limited)
Please note that registration is not considered complete until all
fees have been paid. You may submit your forms either by mail
or in person. Blank forms are available online (stmdarienct.org)
under the Faith Formation tab. If there are any questions or con-
cerns please let us know.
Regards, Maria, Jennifer, Betsy & Geraldine
MMIDDLEIDDLE SSCHOOLCHOOL NNEWSEWS
Quote of the Week “Dearest Lord, Teach me to be generous, Teach me to serve you as
you deserve, to give, and not to count the cost; to give of myself, and
not to ask for reward, except the reward of knowing that I am doing
your will.” - St. Ignatius of Loyola
Catechists Needed We are still in need of one more grade 7 Catechist. This addi-
tional class, will allow us to keep class size at 12 students per
class. Please call our office at: 655-6295 or email us at:
[email protected] if you are interested in serving. This is
such a rewarding ministry. You do not have to have a student in
the program to be a Catechist.
July Birthdays
CCONFIRMATIONONFIRMATION NNEWSEWS The new Confirmation photos are now available in the Parish
hall foyer. Please pick up your Fall 2018 and Spring 2018 Confir-
mation photo reprints. They will be available through the end of
June; 8:00AM - 2:00PM, Monday through Friday and again on the
weekends during Mass times.
Summer Book Recommendations for Parents The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for
Health and Lifelong by Dr. Lisa Miller (NEW YORK TIMES
Bestseller; USA TODAY Bestseller; PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Bestseller)
In The Spiritual Child, psychologist Lisa Miller presents the
next big idea in psychology: the science and the power of spiritu-
ality. She explains the clear, scientific link between spirituality
and health and shows that children who have a positive, active
relationship to spirituality:
• are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances
• are 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers
• are 80% less likely to have dangerous or unprotected sex
And they have significantly more positive markers for thriving
including an increased sense of meaning and purpose, and high
levels of academic success.
A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the
Age of Distraction by Christopher O. Blum & Joshua P.
Hochschild
These past two decades, modern technology has brought into
being scores of powerful challenges to our interior peace and
well-being. We’re experiencing a worldwide crisis of attention in
which information overwhelms us, corrodes true communion
with others, and leaves us anxious, unsettled, bored, isolated,
and lonely. These pages provide the time-tested antidote that
enables you to regain an ordered and peaceful mind in a techno-
logically advanced world. Drawing on the wisdom of the world’s
greatest thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St.
Thomas Aquinas, these pages help you identify – and show you
how to cultivate – the qualities of character you need to survive
in our media-saturated environment.
Websites bustedhalo.com: Busted Halo is a Catholic website for young
adults. Spiritual Side of Cinema examines the spiritual side of
favorite movies. Take a unique look at the intersection of faith
and Hollywood. Parents might find this site helpful when dis-
cussing the faith aspects of a movie their kids.
pluggedin.com: Focus on the Family sponsors this website
which offers faith based reviews of current movies and television
programs as well as video games.
Traveling or On Vacation? No need to miss Mass! For nationwide Mass times and locations
call: 1-800-627-7846 or visit www.masstimes.org. We are always
welcome and comfortable at Mass all over the world and the
kids will enjoy seeing another Catholic Church.
Kyle Bloomer
Nolan Bryson
William Calabro
Chase Caruso
Marcos Chadwick
Jake Dansker
Lexi Dansker
Scott Dansker
Andie Durkin
Stefan Fusco
Laci Gentile
Emmett Heissan
Devan Jordan
James Leone
Christopher Lia
Matthew Lia
Connor Lombra
James Macdonald
Keira Maher
Finnegan Murphy
Jillian Roche
John Sarsen
Erika Stephens
Gianni Vivenzio
Nicholas Yoo