Sunday February 7, 2010

For the week of February 8th- 14th

Mass Intentions/Bread & Wine/Readings/Parish Activities


MONDAY 02/08/10
St. Jerome Emiliani, priest
7:30 +Ellen Sheehan - Sheehan Family
Rdgs.:329:1 Kgs 8:1-7,9-13/Ps 132:6-7,8-10/Mk 6:53-56
7:30 AA Mtg.

TUESDAY 02/09/10
7:30 Int. of Jean Cooke - Gerry & Virginia George
Rdgs.:330:1 Kgs 8:22-23,27-30/Ps 84:3-5,10-11/Mk 7:1-13
7PM - Ladies Guild Mtg.

WEDNESDAY 02/10/10
St. Scholastica, virgin
7:30 +Stephanie & +Frank Yamont
Rdgs.331:1 Kgs 10:1-10/Ps 37:5-6,30-31,39-40/Mk 7:14-23
7PM - Knights of Columbus

THURSDAY 02/11/10
Our Lady of Lourdes
7:30 +Florence Wanzyk - Helen Wanzyk
Rdgs.:332: 1 Kgs 11:4-13/Ps 106:3-4,35-37,40/Mk 7:24-30
6:45PM - Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY 02/12/10
7:30 +Joseph & +Josephine Bolduc - +Joe Bolduc
Rdgs.:333:1 Kgs 11:29-32;12:19/Ps 81:10-11b,12-15/ Mk 7:31-37
Bread & Wine +Veronica Snyder - Janice McNamara

SATURDAY 02/13/10
8:00 +Marie Venturini - daughter & family
5PM +Veronica C. Snyder - Janice McNamara
Rdgs.334:1Kgs12:26-32;33-34/Ps 106:6-7b,19-22/Mk 8:1-10
9-10:30am - Secular Franciscan Mtg.

SUNDAY 02/14/10
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
7:30 +Cronin Family - Palanzo Family
9:30 +Walter Preisner - wife, Maria
11:30 +Terry Fitzsimons - Hagan Family
Bread & Wine +Marie Venturini- godchild
Rdgs.:78:Jer 17:5-8/Ps 1:1-4,6/1 Cor 15:12,16-20/ Lk 6:17,20-26
No Religious Education


WELCOME
We extend our warmest welcome to all visitors who have joined us for today's Eucharistic Celebration! Why not bring someone to Church with you next weekend to introduce them to our wonderful, welcoming, forgiving, and loving Lord Jesus… and to our warm, friendly parish family of Sacred Heart of Jesus!


If Mass is being offered for your intention and you would like to bring up the gifts of bread & wine to the altar, please see the usher before Mass begins.



Next weekend's readings
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Jeremiah compares a man who seeks strength in flesh but abandons God to a bush in the desert, bereft of nourishment and unable to grow. Yet a man who trusts in God is like a tree beside a river, fed & strengthened by it even during times of drought.
Second Reading: I Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
Paul addresses those who believe in Christ's teachings, but are not convinced that he rose from the dead. He calls their faith worthless, because they have not been freed from their sins. Paul then emphatically declares that Jesus did rise up again, as will all those who truly believe in him.
Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20-26
Jesus tells his followers that those who are insulted in this life because of him will be rewarded richly in heaven. Yet those well received by all will despair in heaven, since people had often respected false prophets and mistreated true prophets. Those who hunger, perhaps for spiritual knowledge, shall be filled. Yet those who are full in this life will be hungry. ©2000 Bon Venture Services, Inc.



A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY
by Rev. William J. Reilly
FifTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
February 7, 2010
As the crowd pressed in on Jesus to hear the word of God, he saw two boats moored by the side of the lake… He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon and asked him to pull out a short distance from the shore; then remaining seated, he continued to teach the crowds from the boat.  When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.'” Reflecting upon the gospel scene, we can add many elements. Feel the breeze from the sea, catch the blue skies and wavy clouds, and even sniff the odor of freshly caught fish. Jesus used Simon's boat for His pulpit or classroom. Luke does not tell us what lesson He spoke, because what followed was the great teaching. After a short protest by the veteran fisherman, he lowered the nets. Bonanza!  Simon learned to listen and his life was totally changed. Not only did he have an amazing catch, he found himself having a new job. We find him abandoning what was familiar and starting out in a new direction. Isaiah had an earlier experience when his lips were purified and when the voice of the Lord asked 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?' The scripture says 'Here I am' he said, 'send me!' We too have been called, purified and are sent to bring the same message to others. When we sadly hear the statistics of persons not practicing the faith (the second largest Christian group in the United States are 'non-practicing Catholics), or people who find Christ convenient for certain occasions or at certain times, we realize that the Lord asks us to make a change in our lives and theirs. The Lord continues to call Isaiahs and Simons today. When He asks 'Whom shall I send?' what is my response?


Feb. 13th & 14th
Mass Lector/ Ministers of the Precious Blood /Ministers of the Body (H)
5PM Eileen Huber /Richard & Diana Portante(H)
7:30 R.J. Bates/Charlene Bates & D. DeRosa/M. Walkovich (H)
9:30 Kevin Swenson/Mark & Nancy Swenson/Deacon John (H)
11:30 R. Volpe/J. Duford & Sr. Doris Thibault/Deacon John(H)


Prayer List
Your prayers are requested
for our hospitalized parishioners, family members and friends who are bearing the cross of suffering:
John Pinkos,Sr.
May they receive comfort and strength from God's abiding presence. We pray also for all those who are feeling the pain of illness and suffering.


Our Dearly Departed For those who have died and for those who mourn their passing. Especially
+Shirley Hamm
+Joyce McCarthy
May all who sleep in Christ find in His presence light, happiness and peace.


Stewardship our Financial View
Our parish expenses can only be met by your responsible financial stewardship.
Your financial contribution for the weekend of
January 30th & 31st $ 4821
THANK YOU


To Sacred Heart of Jesus Parishioners,
Thank you for your wonderful Giving Tree gifts that were donated in December 2009 for needy clients that are counseled through our organization. These clients were very appreciative of the gifts that they received. Through your generosity their Christmas was made a little brighter.
Very truly yours, Elaine Malgeri
District Executive Director, Catholic Charities



Electronic Fund Giving (EFT)
If you would be interested in learning about making your offertory donations electronically, please call the parish office. Members of our parish have found this to be a convenient way of weekly giving. As always, thank you very much for your continuing support of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.




DO YOU NEED COMMUNION AT HOME?
Our Pastoral Care Ministers bring Holy Communion to those who are unable to join us for Liturgy at Church. If you or a member of your family is unable to come to Mass and would like to receive Communion at home, please call us at the parish office (748-9029)

The Outreach Ministry
needs help! We are looking for volunteers who are willing to commit to a regular schedule of either helping prepare a main course ahead of time, or working at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 5PM. If you are willing to commit some time and effort to help your parish in this evangelical endeavor, please contact Dennis Fischer at 744-4660.


REMEMBERING THE DEAD “...the church...from the very earliest days of the Christian religion has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and, 'because it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins” (2 Maccabees 12:46) she offers her offerings for them.” From “The Dogmatic Constitution on the church “ of the Second Vatican Council November, in our Roman Catholic tradition, is the month set aside for remembering the dead- especially our deceased love ones.
Therefore, November is an appropriate time to share how deceased members of your family and friends can be remembered here at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. The following possibilities are available throughout the year, to make an offering of the repose of the souls of the deceased: At the time of death, it is appropriate that the Rites of the Church for the deceased be celebrated. Our Catholic ritual usually consists of a Vigil of Prayer before the funeral (wake), the Mass of Christian Burial with the person's body or remains present, and Committal (burial in the earth or placement of remains in a crypt). Sometime before each new calendar year begins the members of the parish can make requests to have Mass offerings accepted in memory of the deceased during the upcoming year.
Memorial donations can be made to the parish to honor someone who has died . These donations are published in the bulletin and a card acknowledging the gift is given to the donor to present to the family of the deceased. Larger donations are memorialized with a memorial candle.
Votive lights have been and continue to be a beautiful symbol of our constant prayers for those who have died. Offerings for votive lights may be made to have a light lit for one, three, six or twelve months.
At the time of someone's death it is a tradition to make Mass offerings with a Mass card in memory of the deceased. Additionally, before each new calendar year begins anyone can make requests to have Mass offerings accepted in memory of the deceased during the upcoming year.
Similarly, an offering may be made for the Bread and Wine used at any Mass in memory of a deceased person. Envelopes for this offering can be found in the foyer of the church.
Offerings in memory of the deceased can also be made to support Franciscan missionaries. The deceased, who are enrolled in the Franciscan Mission Association, are remembered in Masses in Assisi, the home of St. Francis, and around the world. At the time an offering is made a card is given to the donor to present to the family of the deceased.
Weekly Flower Memorials are also available. The flowers that adorn the altar each week can be in memory of a loved one.
CALL THE PARISH OFFICE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE MEMORIALS

How do YOU wish to be remembered? You have probably seen death notices in the newspaper that said, “in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church”

How would YOU like to be remembered at the time of your death? Perhaps now is the time to indicate to your family how you would like to be remembered. Perhaps you might wish to consider including Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in your will as a way of thanking God for the good He has done for you in this life.

Pray for the Dead
Finally, and most importantly, remember to pray for those who have died- especially those members of your family who made it possible for you to be here and enjoy this life. And remember to pray for yourself as well- that one day you may be reunited with all those whom you have loved during your pilgrim journey here on earth.

Don't forget the Living! Celebrate a birthday; Mark an anniversary; Pray for someone's' health and healing; Offer thanks for blessings received… These are some good reasons to offer a SPIRITUAL GIFT for someone.



********************AROUND THE DIOCESE/COMMUNITY**************************

Pilgrimage to Europe sponsored by St. Marguerite Church, Brookfield, CT September 10-21, 2010 For complete itinerary and to sign up contact Fr. Pawel Hrebenko at frhrebenko@diobpt.org or call 203-775-5117 Ext. 27.


Catholic Alumni Project St. Peter-Sacred Heart School is blessed to be one of more than 300 schools, across seven arch/dioceses, participating in the Catholic Alumni Project (CAP). CAP is a groundbreaking program-enabling us to reconnect with and re-engage our alumni for ongoing support. St. Peter-Sacred Heart School has been, and will continually be, working closely with CAP staff to identify our alumni and creating opportunities for those individuals to become active members of our school community. CAP is new, privately funded initiative to support Catholic elementary schools by implementing strong, sustainable annual fundraising programs for each participating school, with alumni support as the foundation. In a recent issue Fairfield County Catholic, Dr. Margaret Dames, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport, stated that, “Despite their strong history of academic excellence and alumni support, Catholic schools face tremendous economic challenges. CAP will help us to take a major leap forward. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Catholic education while building support.” Are you a graduate of Catholic elementary school? If so, go to www.clickYES.com to sign-up now, and to see if your alma mater is participating in CAP! Catholic education needs you today more than ever!

Lenten Retreat for Women -- “I Am the Vine, You are the Branches: Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5” at St. Edmund's Retreat Center, Enders Island, Mystic, CT, March 19, 20, 21, 2010, Directed by Fran Karpiej of Sharing Christ Ministry.   This Lent, come learn the value of the virtue of "detachment" from the world and discover the peace and joy that staying close to Christ can bring.  Based on John 15:1-17 and other scriptural references, this retreat will include enlightening presentations, daily Mass, creative prayer services, time for personal reflection and more. Friday evening, 7:00 pm to Sunday after lunch. $170/pp for double room. NOTE: For further info and to register, contact Janet Virmalo at St. Edmund's, 860-536-0565, ext. 110 or visit their website at:  www.endersisland.com.
Healing Mass:  Thurs. February 4, 2010 7:30pm St. Philip Church, 1 Fr. Conlon Place, Norwalk, CT - celebrant: Fr. Bill McCarthy a Missionary of the Holy Apostles Father & Co-Director of My Father's House in Moodus, CT   

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT DAY - A Perfect Valentine's Gift for married couples! Please join us Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at The Catholic Center, Bridgeport for a Day to Remember, Celebrate and Believe in the Power of Your Marital Love.  This workshop is based on the book “Forever and a Day: An Invitation to Create a Marriage That Lasts a Lifetime” by Robert and Rita Boeke.   Boekes' presentations combine great stories filled with humor, faith, gentleness and affection with hints, tips and things learned over many years of married life.  This is a day designed to strengthen and enhance marriages.  The registration fee of $35 per couple includes a continental breakfast, lunch and featured book.  Registration is required; please contact Family Life Ministry for details, 203-416-1442 or bcasaretti@diobpt.org.


MORNING GLORY in Danbury seeks volunteers to assist in preparing and serving breakfast to the disadvantaged, Monday-Friday; 6:30-9 a.m., at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House. For more info, call Michele Conderino: 748-0848, ext. 231


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Ministry & Organization Directory

“As generous distributors of God's manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another..."
1 Peter 4:10.
The following is a list of parish ministries. These are ways that you can share your gifts of time and talent with your parish family. You are invited to pray with this list and see if you think God may be calling you to serve in a ministry. If interested please call the contact person listed below the ministry.

Youth Ministers
Roger Palanzo 792-7549
Debbie Natale 792-4604
(Youth Group meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month)

Altar Server Coordinators
Anthony Scalzo 748-6296

Pastoral Care Ministry
Joan Duford 743-6137
Millie Mietelski 748-7750

Hospitality Ministry
Peter Nero 792-1130

Ushers
Stan Strusky 748-1374

R.C.I.A., Eucharistic Ministers &
Sacramental Life Ministries
Deacon John Esterheld 743-5337
(7:00PM-10:00PM)

Outreach Ministry
Dennis Fischer 744-4660

Secular Franciscan Order
Janina Dziatkowski

Ladies Guild
Peggy Dyer 748-6181

Martha Ministry
Michele Hossan 730-8325

Music Ministry
Toni Salom 797-0329

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Letter from the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Margaret Dames regarding St. Peter-Sacred Heart School

From the Principal's Desk,
The Lord Bless You and Keep You! Celebrating Catholic Schools Week this weekend, February 7th, with you is a joy for many reasons. Having been on Sacred Heart Campus, as Principal, for over six years I have been privileged to come to know you, share conversation, liturgy, prayer, joy, sorrow and to know of your commitment to Catholic Education. Therefore it is most fitting we as a school community close our Catholic Schools Week with you at the 9:30 Mass. The official week may close but the continuation of our dedication and commitment to Catholic Education continues. During these remaining months of school there will be a continuation of presentation about our school and the wonderful dividends Catholic Education pays for your child as a life-long learner. As you know, our economy is poor, financial worries continue to plague us and yet we desire only to provide the best for our children. Having our child/children in an environment of safety, caring and God's presence is an investment well worth the expense. Saint Peter-Sacred Heart parents and especially parishioners have been major instruments in providing financial aid to those students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity for a Catholic Education. Please know you are most welcome to call (203) 748-2895 to come and talk to us about enrollment, volunteering as a tutor, a classroom reader, school lunch assistant and/or library helper. Most importantly, please pray for the continuance of our Catholic Schools. It is through our schools our children will come to know that God is alive and well and loves us, His dear children. Mrs. Mary T. McCormack, Principal

Sacred Heart Campus Office-203- 792-6194 Fax #- 778-4025
St. Peter Campus Office 203-748-2895
School Principal - Mrs. Mary T. McCormack



FR. JUSTIN ROSARY HOUR -74th season.
This new year of radio evangelization of Polonia will be opened with a program dedicated to the life and the legacy of Fr. Justin Figas, and contains some original recordings of Fr. Justin. This program was recorded during a special program commemorating the 45th anniversary of the death of Fr. Justin. The Rosary Hour is broadcast in Polish for Polonia of the United States and Canada through a network of 40 radio stations. Please check the schedule below for the correct stations and times.
FR. JUSTIN ROSARY HOUR
P.O. Box 454 Athol Springs, NY 14010
LIST OF RADIO STATIONS (broadcasting in Polish)
Location .. Station..Dial...Day...Time
Hartford WACE 730 Sunday 1:30 PM
Hartford WRYM 840 Sunday 3:00PM
New Britain WACE 730 Sunday 1:30 PM
New Britain WRYM 840 Sunday 3:00 PM
Waterbury WRYM 840 Sunday 3:00 PM