Sunday,
March 30, 2008
For the week of March 31st-April 6th
Mass
Intentions/Bread & Wine/Readings/Parish Activities
MONDAY
03/31/08
The Annunciation of The Lord
7:30 +Mary Kraska - John Kraska
Rdgs.:Is 7:10-14;8:10/Ps 40:7-11/Heb
10:4-10/Lk 1:26-38
7:30 AA Mtg.
TUESDAY 04/01/08
7:30 Vicky Stepkoski - Edward Prybylski Jr.
Rdgs.:Ats 4:32-37/Ps 93:1-2,5/Jn
3:7b-15
7- 8PM Holy Hour
WEDNESDAY 04/02/08
St. Francis of Paoli, hermit
7:30 +Stephanie & +Frank Yamont - Paul & Al Yamont
Rdgs.:Acts 5:17-26/Ps 34:2-9/Jn 3:16-21
7-9PM - CYO Mtg.
THURSDAY 04/03/08
7:30 Parishioners Living & Deceased
Rdgs.:Acts 5:27-33/Ps 34:2,9,17-20/Jn
3:31-36
FRIDAY 04/04/08
St. Isidore, bishop
7:30 +Joseph Hill - Janice McNamara
Rdgs.:Acts 5:34-42/Ps 27:1,4,13-14/Jn
6:1-15
Communion Visits to the Homebound
SATURDAY 04/05/08
St. Vincent Ferrer, priest
8:00 +Deceased members of the +Kieras & +Walkovich Families - Vic Walkovich
5PM +John Rozanski - Irene Pawlinski
B & W - Marsha Ricard - Kathy & Mert Reynolds
Rdgs:Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33:1-2,4-5,18-19/Jn
6:16-21
3:30 - 4:45PM - Eucharist/Confirmation Workshop
SUNDAY 04/06/08
Third Sunday of Easter
7:30 +Diane Octavio - Kolwicz Family
9:30 +Dominick & +Peter Volpe - Volpe Family
11:30 +Celina Batista - Mac & Laura Morgado
Rdgs.:Acts 2:14,22-33/Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11/Pt
1:17-21/ Lk 24:13-35
April 5th & 6th -Dorothy Day Hospitality House dry goods collection at
all Masses.
Many thanks:
In the Catholic tradition our senses play an important role in our life
of faith. This is appropriate since God Himself became human; people
were able to see, hear and touch Him when He walked the roads of Palestine.
In the Liturgy we continue to see, hear and touch Him. And how true that
was during the Great Three Days from the evening of Holy Thursday to the
evening Easter Sunday. Many thanks to all who participated in the Liturgies.
You supported one another in faith by that participation. Thank you
to those who prepared the church and its appointments: Joe Braz, Maggie
Casey, Marie Fitzgerald, Kate Lamson, Michele Hossan, Bill Jakubek, Ann
Galvin and Anthony Scalzo. And thanks to all who contributed to the purchase
of flowers. Our senses of sight and smell are delighted by the beauty
you provide. Our gratitude to Toni Salom, Director of Music Ministry;
Suzanne Najman, Associate Director, St. Cecilia Choir Members and Debbie
Isaacson. Their musical leadership made it possible for us to praise God in
the mysteries of salvation. Our sense of hearing was awakened and the
music touched our hearts. God's blessings to Deacon John Esterheld
for his Ministry of Word in proclaiming the Gospels, preaching, singing
the wonderful news of the Easter Proclamation at the Vigil, and faithful
service at the altar of the Lord. May the Lord reward those who serve
as Ministers of the Word (lectors), Ministers of the Eucharist who helped
us to taste the goodness of the Lord, Ministers of Hospitality (ushers),
and Ministers of the Altar (servers). You enabled us to celebrate reverently
and well. Thanks to the members of our Youth Group and their leaders for
their presentation of the devotion of the Living Stations, a feast for
the senses of faith. This year our worship was enhanced with blessing
and installation of our new ambry, constructed by Bill Jakubek. The Holy
Oils are now visible to us and stand as reminders of God's presence and
power given to us in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing
of the Sick and Holy Orders when these Oils are used. Additionally we
were able to worship our Eucharistic Lord at the specially prepared Chapel
of Reposition, with the altar draperies made by Ann Galvin, on the evening
of Holy Thursday. With the completion of the Great Three Days we are launched
into the Easter Season. For fifty days we will continue to experience
the glory of the Lord in sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Colors
will surround us, music will uplift us, aromas will please us, God goodness
will touch us as waters falls upon us and taste will be satisfied in the
banquet of Word and Eucharist.. As we have fasted for the forty days of
Lent, so may we feast for the fifty days of Easter.
Enjoy the season. With love and a prayer, Fr. Dennis
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!
April 5th & 6th
Third Sunday of Easter
First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-23
After
the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, Peter preaches with great
enthusiasm to both Jews and Christians. He recalls for them in vivid terms
the miracles and wonders that Jesus performed.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21
Peter
makes reference to the Passover, when the Jews escaped from Egypt because
the blood of the paschal lamb was shed. Now they are being saved from
sin by the blood of Christ, the Lamb of the New Testament.
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Jesus
reveals Himself to two disciples on the way to Emmaus. After explaining
to them the passages in Scripture which referred to Him, Christ “took
bread, broke it, and distributed it to them.” Then they recognized Christ
and their “hearts burned within them.”
©1999
Bon Venture Services, Inc.
Gospel
Glimpses
Mar
30, 2008 Jn 20:19-31
The bottom of the barrel
We've all hit bottom a time or two, when we don't have one last drop of
faith or hope. Overnight we shift from faithful Peter to doubting Thomas,
shattered by the horrors of seeing Jesus crucified and buried. If loved
ones try to renew our faith, we lash out with the same resentment Thomas'
showed: either they're lying or Jesus purposely chose to leave us out
when He blessed them. Great. But if we're truly being Thomas, there's
hope for us. Even in the dry depths of doubt, Thomas kept the top of the
barrel open, yearning to be filled again. If Jesus lives, Thomas said,
I want to see and touch him myself. Yes, it was a statement of doubt,
but it was also a desperate plea for God to prove Thomas wrong. When he
couldn't muster a single drop of faith, Thomas turned to God and begged
for renewal. And Jesus lovingly gave Thomas what he needed to walk in
faith again. If you've hit the bottom of the barrel in your faith life
today, do what Thomas did. Reach up, push off the lid of despair and ask
God pour a new helping of faith into your empty heart.
©Copyright 2008 C L Enterprises
LITURGICAL
MINISTER SCHEDULES
April 5th & 6th
Mass Lector/
Ministers of the Precious Blood /Ministers of the Body (H)
5PME.
Huber/Karen & Frank Dascano/J. Garofalo (H)
7:30 R.J. Bates/M. Walkovich & L. Klecha/Deacon John (H)
9:30 Dennis Gehring/M. Sweeney & P. Saviano/Deacon John (H)
11:30 Gloria Rogalski/Dottie & Peter Nero/Joan Duford (H)
ALTAR SERVERS
March 31st -April 5th
Michael Volpe
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
(Easter) March 22nd & 23rd $8608.75
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:______________________________________________________________
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: $23,317
Average Gift: $ 205.71
Number of Donors : 126
% of Goal: 58.29. %
Deacon Reggie Norman converted to Catholicism and became a Deacon in
2006. He served as the Administrator for Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport
and has since entered the seminary to study for the priesthood. Deacon
Reggie believes that the 2008 Living Our Faith Annual Appeal touches all
aspects of his diaconate and priestly formation. The Appeal has funded
all of his classes and provides a monthly living stipend. This removes
a huge stumbling block that seminarians in other dioceses face. Instead
of finding ways to pay for his classes, the Appeal allows Deacon Reggie
to focus on his studies. Bishop Lori overhauled the program in our Diocese
to make the process of becoming a deacon or priest more affordable during
the formative years. Your support to the 2008 Living Our Faith Annual
Appeal supports our Clergy and Religious. It ensures the ministries of
our chaplains in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes. It is funding
our Priests and Sisters working in our many ethnic communities. And, it
assists our retired priests at the Catherine Dennis Keefe Queen of Clergy
Residence in Stamford.
**********************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..*****************
Diocesan Celebration
of Marriage Anniversaries: Bishop
William Edward Lori, S.T.D., will celebrate a Mass, in which the commemoration
of significant marriage anniversaries will occur, at Saint Theresa Church,
Trumbull, on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at 3:00 P.M. Bishop Lori will be the
homilist and will administer both the renewal of marriage vows and the
presentation of commemorative certificates. Couples who have or will be
celebrating (during the months of January - June) one of the following
wedding anniversaries -- 15TH, 30TH ,25TH,30TH,35TH,40TH,45TH,50TH AND
50 PLUS YEARS -- are invited to participate with family and friends. Interested
couples should register with one's own parish office as soon as possible.
The deadline for registration is May 19, 2008.
The
46th Annual Catholic Charities Danbury Charity Ball will
take place Saturday, April 26. This year s event will be held at the Ridgewood
Country Club in Danbury and will begin at 7:00 p.m. Music by the band
Higher and Higher ; Black Tie Optional; Great Silent Auction! For tickets
or more information, please contact Elaine Malgieri at 203-743-4412.
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 Catholic elementary school educating
children Birth through Grade 8 with an emphasis on Catholic values and
spiritual growth. Through a faith-based character education, using Christ
as a model, Saint Peter-Sacred Heart fosters academic excellence through
a strong curriculum, creating lifelong learners. Faculty and staff partner
with parents and strive to inspire, nurture and challenge our students
to be responsible citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ.
“Rejoice and be glad, Christ our Savior has risen from the dead…” Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia. The joy as well as the mystery of Easter is upon us.
Everywhere we look, new life is blossoming beautifully. Hopefully, you
have noticed the lovely garden we have at each campus. Yes indeed, our
rocks, symbolic of hardness of heart have been beautified with many spring
plants, symbolic of new life, new hope and joy. As part of our Easter
Joy, we share with you the beauty of our children. Jesus has risen from
the dead, He rises to heaven above my head. I visit my family this gracious
day, We think about God, give Him thanks and pray. By: Lorena I look forward
to Easter Sunday And continue to celebrate on Easter Monday. Jesus rose
from the dead,. We think of Him when we rest our heads. By: Blaise Registration
Ongoing: PreK-3 through Grade 8
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