Sunday,
March 23, 2008
For the week of March 24th -30th
Mass
Intentions/Bread & Wine/Readings/Parish Activities
MONDAY in the Octave of EASTER 03/24/08
7:30 +Joseph Hill - Janice McNamara
Rdgs.:Acts
2:14,22-33/Ps 16:1-2a,5,7-11/Mt 28:8-15
7:30 AA Mtg. Parish Office Closed
TUESDAY in the Octave of EASTER 03/25/08
7:30 Parishioners Living & Deceased
Rdgs.:Acts
2:36-41/Ps 33:4-5,18-20,22/Jn 20:11-18
WEDNESDAY in the Octave of EASTER 03/26/08
7:30 +Joe Kieras - wife, Valeria
Rdgs.:Acts
3:1-10/Ps 105:1-4,6-9/Lk 24:13-35
THURSDAY
in the Octave of EASTER 03/27/08
7:30 +Paul & +Helen Wanzyk - daughter
Rdgs.:Acts
3:11-26/Ps 8:2ab,5-9/Lk 24:35-48
FRIDAY
in the Octave of EASTER 03/28/08
7:30 +Marie Kraska - John Kraska
Rdgs.:Acts
4:1-12/Ps 118:1-2,4,22-27a/Jn 21:1-14
SATURDAY
in the Octave of EASTER 03/29/08
8:00 +Jozef ,+Marianna & +Wincenty Iglewski - Family
5PM +Charles Brightly - Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Yakacki
Rdgs:Acts
4:13-21/Ps 118:1,14-15b,16-21/Mk 16:9-15
Confirmation Retreat 10 - 6PM
DIVINE MERCY
SUNDAY 03/30/08
7:30 +William Moran - Palanzo &Moran Family
9:30 +Mary Gannon - Joe & Helen Tomanic & family
11:30 ++Donald & Jane McDonald - Debbie Isaacson
Rdgs.:Acts 2:42-47/Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24/ 1Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31
Happy Easter
Over
these last three days, we have again celebrated the mystery of the Lord's
dying and rising. We have not simply remembered or re-enacted scenes from
the Gospel. We have joined the Lord Jesus, uniting our hurts and dyings
to His. We have stood with Him at the entrance of the tomb, renewed in
the new life He gives us. We have been made hopeful once more in the promise
of His return. The experience of being united with Jesus in His dying
and rising is too deep to be appreciated in the Liturgy of one Sunday.
For the next seven weeks every Sunday will be Easter in our Catholic tradition. During
this season we will again tell the stories of the risen Christ and find
ourselves in those stories. We will break the bread and share the cup
of Christ's risen Body and Blood and be drawn ever more deeply into His
heart. For fifty days we will feast on the glory of life renewed in Jesus.
Saturday night, at the Easter Vigil we built a fire in front of our church.
It was a beacon to symbolize Christ alive and rising. Thank you for being
such a strong beacon of the presence of Christ in this community in which
we live. May all who see our light on the hill continue to find in Sacred
Heart Parish the example of faith, hope and love which will lead them
to share the life which is ours. For the forty days of Lent we fasted.
Now- let the feasting begin. May the blessings of the Easter season be
bright and rich in your hearts. Happy Easter.
With love and a prayer, Fr. Dennis and the Staff of Sacred Heart of Jesus
Parish.
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!
March 29th & 30th
Divine Mercy Sunday
First
Reading: Acts 2:42-47
In the early days of the Church in Jerusalem, the faithful listened intently
to the teachings of the apostles. They lived a communal life, sharing
all property in common and praying and taking their meals together.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
In this first letter from Peter, he speaks to the Christians with great
joy and confidence, reminding them that through Christ's resurrection,
they have been given a new birth and are heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
Gospel: John 20:19-31
After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them
the power to forgive sins. Thomas, who is absent, sees Christ later and
believes in His resurrection after feeling His wounds. Christ admonishes
Thomas by saying, “You became a believer because you saw Me. Blessed are
they who have not seen and believed.” ©1999 Bon Venture Services, Inc.
Gospel
Glimpses
Resurrection
of Our Lord
March 23, 2008 Jn 20:1-9
That hollow feeling
If you've spent more than a few years on this earth, you've likely lost
someone you love, whether parent, spouse, child or friend. You've faced
the sorrow of that last goodbye, felt the hollow feeling where your heart
used to be, sure that joy had left your life for good. You look at the
future and all you see is a grave. Look again. Each of those graves, so
bleak and painful, is an Easter miracle. One day those graves will be
as empty as Jesus' was. Our God, who endured first the separation, then
the death of His beloved Son, has provided a way past the sorrow of death
for all of us. Jesus' resurrection was the first, not the last. Through
His sacrifice on the Cross, we each have the chance to be together eternally,
with our God and our loved ones. The choice is up to us. Will we endure
the grief or accept the gift of solace and salvation that Easter provides?
©Copyright 2008 C L Enterprises
LITURGICAL
MINISTER SCHEDULES
March 29th &30th
Mass Lector/
Ministers of the Precious Blood /Ministers of the Body (H)
5PM Stacie Noreika/Eileen Huber & N.Scudiero/C. Noreika (H)
7:30 C. Volpe Jr./Charlene Bates & D. DeRosa/Rita Kolwicz (H)
9:30 Kathleen DeAngelo/Stan & Geri Strusky/Deacon John (H)
11:30 D. Grahame/J. Duford & Sr. Doris /Deacon John(H)
ALTAR SERVERS
March 24th - 29th
Dennis Gehring
Prayer List
Your
prayers are requested
for our hospitalized parishioners, family members and friends who are
bearing the cross of suffering:
Kay Costello, John Pinkos,Sr, Bryan Joseph, Jane Falis
& Jessica (Timm) Merling
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.
Stewardship
our Financial View
Our parish expenses can only be met by your responsible financial stewardship.
Your financial contribution for the weekend of
March 15th & 16th $6322
THANK YOU
APPRECIATION
NIGHT…an invitation to all who lend a hand throughout the year!!
Attention all Adult Ministers & Volunteers
We want to say thank you in a special way. So once again we'd like to
share fellowship and food as the parish's way of offering gratitude for
your service to God and God's people. We don't want to forget anyone,
so...we're asking all who serve in the various ministries and volunteer
positions in the parish to accept this invitation to gather for a dinner
buffet on Saturday, April 26th immediately following the 5 PM Mass. “Should
I sign up?” you're wondering. If you are an adult and serve in a parish
ministry or volunteer your time and talent to the parish, no need to wonder
- sign up. Parish ministers & volunteers, who will be attending the buffet
with a spouse or friend are asked to please fill out the form below and
return to the parish office via mail or collection basket by April 12th
This will give us plenty of time to prepare for the festivities. Ministers
& Volunteers, we hope you'll join us so Sacred Heart (the parish) can
say THANK YOU for your service to God and God's people.
NAME:______________________________________________________________________________
Phone#:____________________________________
Number of People attending:______________________________________________________________
2008 Youth Group News
Thought we'd give everyone an update on the group's activities and upcoming
events! In January we participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in
Brookfield, where we sanded and painted a NEW 2 Bedroom home! The house
is now ready for its new owners to enjoy! We would like to thank Newbury
Congregational Church for providing sandwiches, drinks and PIE for lunch!
In February we met at Lorre's Lanes in New Milford for an afternoon of
bowling! It was great fun mixed with some healthy competition as some
bowling rookies' scores challenged those of the more experienced bowlers!
Our Irish Soda Bread Fundraiser and Coffee Social went wonderfully Palm
Sunday Weekend! Group members met at Michelina's Bakery in Wilton and
made from scratch the traditional bread enjoyed on our St. Patrick's Day
celebrations! We would like to thank everyone for their generous support
after all the masses this weekend! It was so nice to meet so many of you
at the Social! Also, a special thanks to Michelina's Bakery - 203-834-2253
- for their continued support! After the Social on Palm Sunday, we visited
our home bound parishioners! It is such a pleasure to celebrate the Glory
of Easter with our very special friends!
Here are some of our upcoming events:
Living Stations of the Cross- March 21st,7:00pm
Habitat for Humanity Project - March 22nd
Danbury City Clean-Up Project - April
Youth Rally with the POPE! April 19th
Mother's Day Flower Sale- May
Election of Youth Officers - May
Our Annual NYC Trip!
The year is off to a great start. There are many fun and exciting activities
and projects yet to do! Want to get involved? If you are between the ages
of 13 and 18, meet us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7:00
pm in the Fr. Edmund Room in the lower level of the church! Any questions,
please contact Roger Palanzo 203-770-3219, Debbie Natale -203-417-8168
, or any of the youth group officers, Roger Palanzo Jr, Raquel Cordeiro,
Don Gehring, and Matthew Lorkiewicz.
Thank You and God Bless The Sacred Heart Youth Group
LITURGY
OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 3rd, Children's Liturgy
of the Word will be celebrated every Sunday in the Church Hall during
the 9:30am Liturgy. After the opening prayer of the Mass, the children
of the assembly (congregation) will go downstairs to the church hall with
our catechists. There they will hear the Bible readings in a translation
which is suited for young people. One of the catechists will offer the
children a reflection on the readings. They will sing the praise of God
and offer their prayers together while the adults of the assembly do the
same upstairs. The children will then return to the assembly upstairs
for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We look forward to being able to worship
with you, girls and boys, at your very own Liturgy of God's Word.
SACRAMENT
OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK - Saturday 8:00am
The
Sacrament of Anointing continues the concern, which Jesus Himself showed
for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick. In it the Church and
her members follow the command of the Lord to turn to Him in need and
to care for one another. Each Saturday we will celebrate this Sacrament
at the 8am Liturgy for any of our parishioners who will be entering the
hospital during the following week. If you are entering the hospital and
wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please call
and leave your name at the Parish office before Friday of any week. In
an emergency, please call at any time.
2008
Bishops Appeal
Sacred
Heart Parish Results
Week Closing 03/14/08
Parish Goal: $40,000.00
Total Raised to Date: $19,542.00
Average Gift: $ 205.71
Number of Donors : 95
% of Goal: 50. %
Nina and Jack were recently married. In advance of their wedding day,
they participated in a two-session Marriage Preparation Program that offered
life-long skills in building a successful marriage. Nina mentioned that
the presentations offered perspective on a wide-range of issues including
communication skills, conflict resolution, decision making, finances,
and more. Jack also felt that the presentations, discussions and exercises
provided them with an opportunity to discuss areas so important. The Marriage
Preparation program is funded through the generous support of the 2008
Living Our Faith Appeal. More than 600 couples have participated in the
program over the last year. Please consider supporting the Appeal this
year.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE- 2008
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE Tuesday, March 18, 2008 7:00 pm
(This will be the final opportunity for confession before Easter)
HOLY THURSDAY March 20, 2008
No Morning Mass Evening
Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7:00 pm with Washing of Feet
Private Adoration until Night Prayer at 10:00 pm
GOOD FRIDAY March 21, 2008
No Morning Mass Morning Prayer at 7:30 am
Midday Prayer at 12:00 noon
Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at 3:00 pm Private veneration of
the Cross until 6:55 pm Living Stations of the Cross by Sacred Heart Youth
Group at 7:00 pm
HOLY SATURDAY March 22, 2008
No Morning Mass Morning Prayer at 8:00 AM
Midday Prayer with Blessing of Food at 12:00 noon
No 5:00 PM Mass; No confessions
Easter Vigil Liturgy at 8:00 pm
EASTER SUNDAY March 23, 2008
Masses at 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am
Please Note Parish Office schedule for Holy Week & Easter.
Office closed at 12PM on Holy Thursday and will re-open on Tuesday,
March 25th.
**********************GENERAL PARISH
INFORMATION***************
PARISH
REGISRTATION
New families in the parish should call the parish office
to register (748-9029). Also, please inform the parish office if you are
moving or if your phone number has changed.
RCIA
Interested in the Catholic faith? Have questions about
Catholicism? Curious about the Catholic way of life? RITE OF CHRISTIAN
INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.) “Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.” The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) is a catechetical program developed on the premise that conversion,
the coming to faith, is an ongoing process. In addition, while recognizing
that this coming to faith is a lifelong journey, there are significant
events in our lives which, when reflected upon and shared, can become
experiences of grace and growth for all concerned. The Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults serves as a wonderful opportunity for adult non-Catholics
who would like to be initiated into the faith, for those who have already
been baptized but lack the other sacraments, for those who seek to know
more about their faith, and for those who simply want to rediscover the
Good News within a friendly, warm and loving Eucharistic community. In
other words, RCIA has something for everyone! If you would like to join
us on this faith journey, or if you would like additional information,
or if you know someone else who would be interested in participating in
this process, please contact Deacon John at 743-5337.
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..*****************
PROJECT RACHEL/RACHEL'S VINEYARD - If
you've had an abortion in your past, would like to talk with someone who
understands what you have been through. Please call 203-218-0291 for a
confidential conversation. You are also invited to a Rachel's Vineyard
Retreat weekend, April 11-13. For more information, please call the retreat
director at 203-218-0291 or e-mail her at Jeremiah31v17@aol.com or visit
www.rachelsvineyardbpt.com. This ministry is sponsored by the Respect
Life Office of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
YOU ARE INVITED to register online now
to join Bishop William Lori and the Diocese of Bridgeport at the 49th
International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada, June 14-23. A dedicated
link is posted on the diocesan website, www.bridgeportdiocese.com. Please
come as a family for this "Eucharistic Vacation"!
Immaculate High School will present the
musical, Les Miserables School Edition on Friday, April 4 at 7:30pm and
Saturday, April 5, at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. For tickets, please call Sharon
at 798-2273 after March 18, 2008. Ticket prices are $15 adults, $10 students/seniors.
Matinee $10.
New Workshops for
Engaged and Newly Married Couples in
February and March: If you are engaged or newly married, join us for a
series of diocesan workshops for living a marriage according to God's
Plan for a lifetime. We are offering workshops at The Catholic Center
on three consecutive Thursday evenings starting at 7:30 - 9:00pm: on March
6 - "Growing in our Faith Together;" and on March 13 - "Financial Planning
for a Lifetime. For additional information, please contact Betty Anne
Casaretti, Director of the Family Life Ministry Office, (203) 416-1442
or e-mail marriage@diopt.org.
WORLD
YOUTH DAY 2008:
World
Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI will be held in Sydney, Australia, July
12-24, 2008.The Diocese is organizing a pilgrimage for youth, parents,
and adults. Registration is OPEN. The itinerary begins with a New York
City departure on July 12 and arrival to Sydney on July 14 . Pope Benedict
will join the celebration on July 17 and celebrate a closing Mass on July
20. The trip concludes on July 24th. The package includes: roundtrip airfare,
taxes and fees, WYD registration fees; budget accommodations; transportation;
meals during the WYD, and tours of the South Coast and Southern Highlands,
Blue Mountains and a Sydney Harbour Cruise. The total cost is $3,506.
For more information, please contact Sr. Ana Montoya: 203-416-1449 or
e-mail srmontoya@diobpt.org, or visit www.officepastoralservices.org/world.htm.
*******************************************************************************
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
Sharon/Rich Bartley 740-1923
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
Financial Planning
Bill Jakubek 748-9029
Secular Franciscan Order
Joe Kieras
Ladies Guild
Martha Ministry
Michele Hossan 730-8325
*******************************************************************
Saint Peter-Sacred Heart School
Mission Statement: Saint Peter-Sacred Heart School is a private, Catholic
School dedicated to developing a strong academic and spiritual foundation
for all students.
Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen
as He said….”Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Peace, Joy and Happiness of
this Easter Season are wished for each one of you from the Administration,
Faculty, Staff and students of Saint Peter-Sacred Heart School. Further
Joy and Pride for Saint Peter-Sacred Heart School. Our girls' Varsity
Basketball team, known as the Crusaders, have won the basketball league
as undefeated champions 14-0, and also Basketball League Tournament champions
for this 2007-2008 season. Congratulations to Caitlin Connors, Nichole
Hanna, Juliana Leone, Lindsay Danise, Nicara Enright, Emily Sousa and
recently brought up Junior Varsity member Alexa Kozlowski. We salute our
coaches as well.. Tom Connors, Tom Hanna and Greg Toba. Congratulations
a job well done!l
Office- 792-6194 Fax #- 778-4025
School Hall 748-9645
School Principal - Mrs. Mary T. McCormack
Secretary - Lorraine Kozlowski
Home School Assoc. - Donna McNamara
Bingo - Michele Hossan - 730-8325
- Nicholas Valluzzo-
Athletic Director - Chick Volpe, Jr - 797-1570
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