January 3/4 2015 - Assumption Church

4 January 2015
The Epiphany of the Lord
CHURCH OF THE
ON SAUGATUCK
THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT
• Celebrating 139 Years 1876-2015 •
Phone: (203) 227-5161
98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880
CLERGY
(203) 227-5161
Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, Pastor
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson, Parochial Vicar
Dn. David P. Clark, Deacon
Fr. Matthew Krankall, Resident Priest (Grad Student)
EMERGENCY 1-203-249-4383
PARISH STAFF
Michelle P. Hankey, Pastoral Administrator
([email protected])
John P. Kondub, Finance Administrator
([email protected])
Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager
Lee McGuire, Secretary (Monday & Tuesday)
Marilyn Price - Volunteer Receptionist (Wednesday - am)
Nancy Wright - Secretary (Wednesday pm, Thursday & Friday)
Dennis Stypinski, Custodian
Gerard Barreau, Part-time Custodian
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Office: (203) 226-5448
Cell:
(203) 939-8910
Catherine J. Romano, Director
Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)
Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
YOUTH MINISTRY
(203) 222-8486
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS
Fr. Lawrence A. Larson
First Sunday of the month at 1:30pm
R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Marilyn Moran, Parish Director
Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist
(203) 286-6939
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
Fax: (203) 227-1206
LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION
Theresa M. Perry, Trustee
Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee
Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus
FINANCE COUNCIL
Nancy Axthelm, Chair (203) 227-6569
Maria Onorato, Esq., Vice-Chair
Joseph Cardello
Michael O’Loughlin
PARISH COUNCIL
Maureen Belford, Chair
Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair
Ronnie Estony, Secretary
Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus
SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY
Frank Matto, Director & Organist
(203) 335-0894
([email protected])
Donna Gambino, Flutist
Aidan Andrews, Cantor
Jim Andrews, Bassist (Sunday 9:00am & 5:00pm)
MASS SCHEDULE
Mon. – Sat.
7:30 am
Saturday
5:00 pm Vigil
Sunday
7:30 am, 9:00 am (Family Mass),
10:30 am (Choir Mass), 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday 4:00pm – 4:30pm
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Michelle P. Hankey
(203) 227-5161
FUNERAL COORDINATOR
Catherine J. Romano
(203) 226-5448
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Monday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - Thursday 7:25am
Third Thurs. 7:00pm - 8:00pm
New Members: We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what
we Catholic Christians believe. Visit our web site www.assumption-westport.org
Page 2
In Loving Memory/Honor
The flowers at Mary’s Statue are
in loving memory of
Luigi & Mary Izzo
The candles at Mary’s Statue burn
in loving memory of
Susan Crook
The Sanctuary candle burns in
loving memory of
Ralph Bianchini
The candles at the Tabernacle
burn in loving memory of
John Wanat
The candles at the Altar burn
in loving memory of
Anthony Wilcox
Pray for our men and women
currently serving our country
Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army
L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC
Matthew Bradstock, US Army
Tony Cuseo, USMC
Ryan J. David, USN
2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army
Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army
Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army
Brodie Galloway, US Army
Col. Gerald E. Galloway, US Army
Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army
Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army
Sgt. Matthew Harwedel, USMC
Sgt. Joseph Kelly, USMC
2nd Lt. Karl Kuechenmeister
Cpl. Michael Linnen, USMC
Sgt. Andre Mercado-Divoff
P.F.C., Brad Myers, US Army
Spec., Jonathan Morris, US Army
LT Jonathan R. Nelson, USN
LTJG Ryan T. Nelson, USN
Sgt. Colin Santacroce, US Army
Maj. Devin A. Smiley, USMC
Sgt. Zachary B. Taylor, USAF
Patrick Tazella, US Army
Capt. James Tesauro, US Army
Cpl. Calvin Robert Wauchope, USMC
L.Cpl. Patrick Zingaro, USMC
Please pray for all those who have been
wounded or have sacrificed their lives for
the cause of peace.
Please pray for our sick
Catherine Alter
Mary Ann Andronaco
Noelle Anastasia
Joan Bailey
Bob Barker
Ryan Brewster
Kathy Bridges
Mary Bulakites
Victoria Callas
Sr. Lucy Caporaso
Joseph Cardello, Sr.
Bill Chadwell
Aida Ciferri
Tonino Covatta
Andrea Charboneau
Connie & Howard Danner
Nicholas DeMatteo
Matt Dudzik
Colette Dunham
Gail Eichinger
David Ellison
Dr. Harry Engel
Angela Farricielli
Marge Gabriele
Katarina Hale
Julie Halka
Jane Hawley
Logan Howard
Frank Illuzzi
Marie James
Bernadette Juoan
Nancy Kelly
Bernadette Kenney
Laura Kesling
Mary Louise Krone
Frank Kropf
Mary-Ellen Kuhn
Michelle Lombardi
Jack Allen Loshuk
Cara MacDonald
Frank Machi
Helen Maggio
Nancy Marino
Gabriella McCrae
Kristina Miller
Rhoda Miller
Clarissa Moore
Jana Moorman
Danielle Murrugarra
Denise Murtha
Rennie Nourie
Donna Olsen
Frank Palmieri
Tom Pellicano
Kim Preston
Bella Price
Brian Richards
Ann Rimby
James Rosati
Deanne Ryan
Sandra Ryan
Teresa Sacouto
Adrian Sandiford
Bill & Charlene Surette
Carmela Tornatore
Cheri Travis
Nicholas Valas
Ron & Pat Viesti
James Dominick Zwolinski
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday, January 3
Vigil 5:00PM
Tom & Nettie Rietano Family
Sunday, January 4
7:30AM
Rose Van
9:00AM
Mary Roberta Christiaans
10:30AM
Edward Regan
12:00PM
Adeline Renzulli
5:00PM
Family of Assumption
Monday, January 5
7:30AM
John & Mary Wanat
Tuesday, January 6
7:30AM
Peter & Jenny Palmer
Wednesday, January 7
7:30AM
Alphonse Iannacone
Thursday, January 8
7:30AM
Vinnie Sheridan
Friday, January 9
7:30AM
Louis Kesselman
Saturday, January 10
7:30AM
Carol Izzo Beach
Vigil 5:00PM
Sr. Carol Kozek, S.N.D. and
Sr. Mathilde Campbell, C.N.D.
Sunday, January 11
7:30AM
Family of Assumption
9:00AM
Margaret Reichenstein
10:30AM
Joseph Cabral
12:00PM
Edward Zigmond
Joan Dorf
5:00PM
Pray For Our Recently Deceased
Ethel Ann McMahon
Walter Melillo
Theresa Falasco
Ernest Herold
Irene Deegan
Anthony Wilcox
John Wanat
Tony Tazella
May they rest in peace.
Page 3
Stewardship Report
•
•
•
Sunday Offertory (December 21 - December 22, 2014) $ 11,200.00
Sunday Offertory for the weekend of December 27 - December 28 will be
published in the next bulletin
This weekends Second Collection is for the First Sunday of the Month Utilities
collection
Thank you for your charity. God bless you,
Fr. Tom
Our parish now offers Online Giving, a web-based electronic application that allows
you to start, stop and change your contributions at any time. We are providing this
service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online, view reports
on your contribution history and generate tax statements at each year’s end. This
service is safe and secure. Sign up for Online Giving by visiting our parish website at
www.assumption-westport.org and selecting the Online Giving link.
•
•
If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please
have checks payable to Assumption Church.
Please remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated
stock to the Parish, you may do so by crediting UBS DTC # 0221 for further credit to Church of the Assumption,
Westport, CT Acct. UN R5454-17.
New PLS Fund replaces Roncalli House Fund: The Roncalli Fund is now closed but you
are most welcome to designate our new PLS FUND as recipient of your charity. This new fund will help us cover the
cost to paint (P) the interior of the Church, to put in place 14 micro spot lights (L) on the 14 Stations of the Cross as
well as update/upgrade our Sound System (S). Thank you.
Coming soon . . .
NEW DIOCESE OF
BRIDGEPORT PHONE APP
being launched in early
February 2015!!! Details on
Diocese of Bridgeport website
and in January 17 edition
of the Fairfield County
Catholic Newspaper!!
All things about our diocese will
be available on your phone!
Page 4
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FR. TOM
I started playing Christmas Carols on Dec. 1st as there still is the little child alive in me that anticipates such a wonderful feast
day! Many feel Christmas ends on Christmas day. Technically, as far as holy mother Church is concerned, the holy season ends
with the Epiphany, Jan. 4th. However, I prefer to extend it until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan 11th. Therefore...we light
our outdoor Nativity on the First Sunday of Advent, or Dec. 1st, whichever comes first, and turn them off after the last Mass on the
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
This marks my 15th Christmas with you. If my plans unfold as I prefer, I have 9 more years before I retire. I know what you are
thinking, the Lord lovingly laughs when he hears "our" plans. He always has better ones if we trust in His wisdom. Each year,
Christmas at 98 Riverside Avenue, which I now simply refer to as "98", brings Christmas surprises, challenges and refreshment. I
always loved Christmas and have happy memories of getting up early on Christmas morning. I was always the first one awake and
would wake up my 4 brothers to get downstairs to see all those beautifully wrapped gifts beneath the tree! Where did they all come
from? Oh, the innocence and the wonder. It still lives on in the little minds and hearts of our parish children. My parents worked so
hard to make Christmas a happy memory for us. I couldn't wait to unwrap the gifts. One year we were so excited that we opened
up every gift before my parents even woke up. It was and remains magical and mystical. God gives us the best gift of all: life,
love, faith, family, friends, all of these are ways of...how do you spell baby Jesus. Our theology of the birth of Christ makes that
connection for us between heaven and earth. All those disconnects are overcome.
The birth of Christ ends the dualistic way of living with either/or distinctions. Earth is joined to heaven and heaven to earth.
God has become human. It is a recreation...a new Adam (Christ) and new Eve (Mary) have replaced the old. We have a second
chance...God has not given up on us...for too long we felt worthless and now as the Christmas Carol "O Holy Night" says… “the
soul felt it's worth”. I know we pray at Mass, “Lord I am not worthy”... but God in the incarnation, the nativity, the Christmas
story does not believe that for one second. He sent his best because God believes in us, holds us worthy and wants us, perhaps for
the first time, children and full blown adults with our sin, hypocrisy, brokenness to humbly accept, to feel our worth.
Imagine how our lives would change if we really felt our worth? So much of our behavior reveals how worthless we feel. I am
deeply aware as I anticipate my retirement the challenge presented to many retired priests who feel worthless...our work becomes
our worth and not to work is not to live, not to be happy, not to live a meaningful life. So here is my Christmas message for you this
year...FEEL YOUR WORTH! If children could learn this in their youth, how differently the experience of applying to College
would be. If the parents could learn this, how differently their social lives would be and for the elders, and I happily include myself,
it is never too late to learn, to change, to grow young again in wisdom.
The fool learns in the end what the wise person learned in the beginning. What is it all about? Which Gospel is worth
attaching our wagon to? Is it me first or me last? Is it the one who dies with the most toys wins? How do I live a meaningful
life? Where is the inner peace every human heart longs for? Can't I just believe and not belong? What gets me out of bed each
day and keeps me going?
Christianity is a way...the way and if centered and balanced, it leaves room for everyone to live other ways and patiently awaits
them to come to their senses even if they go to their graves clinging to what they can never take with them. Unhealthy fear is no
motive to cultivate a love relationship with God or others. We have to be free. It has to be an attraction and an openness to
interiorize a learned wisdom that seldom comes from academic degrees or titles. More than a few of our "distinguished" University
Professors, Royalty, Church, Local, State, Federal and World Leaders are clueless! I think of the line in Amadeus..."those
distinguished who are so incapable of distinguishing!"
Why has Pope Francis done more in less than 2 years then prior religious leaders have done since John XXIII? It has nothing
to do with his being a Jesuit, a PhD, well educated...it never has anything to do with being liberal or conservative. Such labels are
smoke screens keeping one from doing the painful, necessary work of honestly taking the inner journey, that difficult yet avoidable
interwork…removing the plank from one's own eye first before removing the speck from everyone else's eye. Francis is humble, he
does not hunger to be infallible but prefers instead to be faithful and he preaches less with words and more with deeds, and like
Jesus, he merits a prophets reward loved by most Catholics and more non-Catholics.
In salvation history, the hallmark, is the Birth of Christ, which divided on earth the way we date the world as we attempt to
understand time...before and after Christ. Christianity, which too often fails to reflect its liberating philosophy affirms the material,
the human body, the earth, creation...the word became flesh...the flesh is not evil... it mirrors the Divine Artist...and only when we
slow down, be still, stop running after and running away, only when we make the effort do we get it...OMG...I am worthy! God
became like me in everything but sin, and even better news, he takes away my sin, forgives my sin, and better yet... even if I prefer
sin and sinning...God still loves me.
Christmas, for me, began so mysteriously...where did all those gifts come from and why? Why would I be gifted? When we
start practicing the theory of Christianity there will be more peace on earth and less terror. In the meantime, there is always hope
because, in the midst of all the brokenness, we can imagine, when the world/we “feel our worth” we will feel the worth of those who
love us and even those who don't. May the Christ child gift you with childlike Christmas wisdom to grow young, live meaningful
lives and find what every beating human heart desires. Fr. Tom
Page 5
In winter, many of our sisters and brothers must
sleep outside or in crowded shelters.
Please help by donating
NEW OR GENTLY USED CLEAN
sweaters, coats, hats gloves, mittens and scarves.
During the month of January, there will be boxes at the doors
of the church for your donations. The items will be
distributed as they are received.
Thank you for your continued generosity.
The Social Concerns Ministry
Page 6
SANTA HAS GIFTED OUR
FAITHFUL USHERS
High Blood Pressure
Screening . . . this weekend,
January 3 & 4
One out of every four adults over the age of
60 in the U.S. is diagnosed and treated for
high blood pressure. High blood pressure
or hypertension is considered a silent condition
because it often has no symptoms. If not diagnosed
and treated, over time it can lead to heart disease,
kidney disease and damage to other organs. Stroke is
probably the best-known complication of untreated
high blood pressure.
Thank you and Merry Christmas
to our faithful Ushers.
Fr. Tom
Next Weekends Priest Mass Schedule
Saturday, January 10
Vigil 5:00pm Fr. Tom
Sunday, January 11
7:30am
Fr. Rob
9:00am
Fr. Rob
10:30am Fr. Tom
12:00pm Fr. Larry
5:00pm Fr. Larry
— Subject to change —
Knights of Columbus
- Council 3688 Meeting Information: The Knights
of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of
the month at Assumption Church at
7:30pm in McGrath Hall, beneath the church. The
next meeting will be held on January 6. For more
information, please contact Walter Avitabile at
(203) 981-3083 or by email [email protected]
New members are always welcome!
Risk factors linked to hypertension are smoking, age
(50 years and older) obesity, diabetes, kidney disease
and a family history- hypertension in either one or
both parents.
Treatment is usually medication
prescribed by your Doctor.
Additionally, there are some steps you can take to
lower your pressure and keep it down:
• Exercise - even if it’s just walking 15 minutes a
day,
• Stop smoking,
• Eat less salt - read food labels - try to stay within
1500 mgm of sodium per day,
• If you are overweight, lose those extra pounds and
try to follow a healthy diet,
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly,
• Take your medication every day and see your
doctor regularly.
The Social Concerns Ministry here at Assumption
Parish is pleased to offer blood pressure screenings
the first weekend of each month.
This service is available to all our parishioners and,
through the St Vincent's Medical Center Parish Nurse
Program, we can provide you with wallet cards to
record your blood pressure as well as pocket
medication cards.
Please take a few minutes for a quick blood
pressure check by a Parish Nurse at the back of
the Church after the Saturday 5:00pm Mass
and the Sunday 7:30am and 10:30am Masses.
It's good for your health!
Nancy Engel, RN CRNI
Member, Social Concerns Ministry
January
Family Life Outreach
Children’s Toy
Collection
Please drop off New or Gently
Used Children’s Toys in the
designated bins outside on the front
porch of the Religious Ed. Office
anytime or in the school when you
come to religion classes.
The Missionaries of Charity
(Mother Teresa’s Nuns)
care for children of low-income families.
They provide education and food as well
as clothing, furniture and other common
household items to the children and
families through the year.
Thank you for your continued generosity.
If you have any questions, please contact
the Rel. Ed. office at (203)226-5448.
Page 7
Christmas Card Collection
During the month of January the Assumption High
School Youth Group will be collecting 2014
Christmas cards. We will send them to the St.
Jude Ranch for Children where they recycle our
Christmas cards and create new cards for any
occasion. This program has been in existence for
over 30 years and folks around the country can
purchase the “new” recycled cards from the St. Jude
Ranch’s website. It is beneficial to everyone.
Customers receive fun, recycled holiday cards and
can feel good sending them to their friends and
loved ones, and the children at St. Jude’s Ranch
learn about basic job skills and the importance of
recycling.
Please put together your 2014 Christmas cards and
drop off your donation in the basket on the front
porch of the Roncalli House or in the basket under
the Youth Groups’ bulletin board near the back door
of the church. You can also drop off your cards in
our basket in the school when your child(ren)
attends religious education classes during the
month of January on either Sundays or Tuesdays.
Thanks to everyone in advance for your support!
Michele Modugno
Youth Minister
The Epiphany of the Lord
Reflecting on God’s Word . . .
What are the major attractions in your area? Are they
natural wonders, spectacular buildings, engaging
activities, powerful people, works of art? We expect
people to stream to see rock stars and queens, the Eiffel
Tower and the Grand Canyon. In today’s scriptures,
however, we see “tourists” attracted to two very lowly
and humble “sights.” Jerusalem was a sorry sight when
the scripture from Isaiah was written. The prophet’s
vision must have seemed impossible to those who heard
this message. And yet, today Jerusalem is a major
tourist attraction. We also know that through the Jews
many other people—Christians and Muslims—have
been attracted to the one Lord.
Jesus himself must have seemed very weak and
insignificant in comparison to the rich and powerful
King Herod, and later on compared to the priests and
Pharisees. Yet, even from his birth, people streamed to
him. Like the “tourists” in today’s Gospel, people saw
something in him that led them to worship and serve the
Lord. And through him they came to understand what
God intended for their life journeys.
- Virginia Stillwell -
Page 8
“All Saints Catholic
School: A Community of
Faith, Knowledge and
Service.”
Why Choose All Saints Catholic School?
“All Saints has been a part of our family for the
last fifteen years. My children have found a caring,
warm, friendly place to learn and grow into
respectful and responsible young adults. Each year
it gets better and better. So happy to have found
such a great school for our children!”
- Kathy and Jeff Rohr At the end of the month, we’ll begin our Catholic
Schools Week observance, the annual celebration
of what makes Catholic schools stand out from
other educational options. The theme for the
National Catholic Schools Week 2015 is “Catholic
Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and
Service.” This theme expresses our school’s focus
on learning about faith, striving for high academic
standards, and serving our community. Come see
what makes All Saints Catholic School exceptional
at one of our open houses: Sunday January 25th 122pm, and Monday Jan. 26 from 8:30am-10am 139
West Rocks Road, Norwalk. For more information,
visit www.allsaintsnorwalk.com.
JANUARY 13 - OPEN TO ALL! “FORMING
INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: The Path to
Knowing & Following Jesus" with Sherry Weddell
from 9am-5pm at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 200
Shelton Rd. in Trumbull. How can we transmit a
living, personal Catholic faith to future generations?
By coming to know Jesus Christ, and following him
as his disciples. We must make a conscious choice to
know and follow Jesus before we can draw others to
him. This work of discipleship lies at the heart of
Forming Intentional Disciples, which was designed to
help Church leaders, parish staff and all Catholics
transform parish life from within. Continental
Breakfast and Lunch will be served. To register click
here. For info contact Angela Mantero, Dir. of
Marriage and Family at (203) 416-1627 or email .
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email
address).
High School Youth Group:
The next High School Youth Group gathering is set for
Sunday, January 11 from 6PM to 7:30PM in
McGrath Hall. We are still celebrating Christmas in our
faith through January and on Sunday, January 11, we as
Catholics celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. Also, the
Middle School Youth Group will be meeting on the same
day from 3:30PM to 4:45PM and we need high schoolers
to help out with that event too! So, here is the schedule
for Sunday, January 11:
• 3:30PM – 4:45PM – We need high schoolers to
volunteer to help with the Middle School Youth
Group gathering!
And then our high school schedule:
• 5:00PM – 6:00PM – Youth Mass
• 6:00PM – 7:30PM – High School Youth Group
Christmas Party
Please contact the Youth Ministry Office either via
email: [email protected] or via
phone: (203) 222-8486 to let us know you will be
attending!
Middle School Youth Group:
The Middle School Youth Group gathering has been
moved to Sunday, January 11. We as Catholics still
celebrate Christmas during the month of January, and
Sunday, January 11 is a special day as that is the Baptism
of the Lord. Unfortunately, the December schedules for
our middle schoolers is quite busy, so we are moving our
event to January. Our gathering will include making
items for your outdoor trees from bird seed to help feed
the birds during the cold winter months. It is important
that we take care of all God’s creatures, so Sunday,
January 11 will be the day to do just that. If your middle
schooler is interested in attending, please do not hesitate
t o c o nt a ct t he Yo u t h Mi ni st r y Of f ic e:
[email protected] or by calling:
(203) 222-8486.
Youth Musicians
Our next youth mass is set for the 5:00 pm mass on
Sunday, January 11, 2015! Don’t forget that rehearsal
for mass will be on that day and will begin at 4:15PM
sharp in the choir loft, so please be prompt. If you are in
grades 8-11, and would like to add your musical talents
to our youth musicians’ group, please contact us via
email at: [email protected] or call the
Youth Ministry Office (203) 222-8486.
Michele Modugno, Youth Minister
Page 9
Hospital & Nursing Home Visitations
Due to current privacy rights of patients, the priests do
not have any way of knowing if and
when parishioners are hospitalized. Therefore, if you
wish to be visited by one of our priests while in the
hospital, please have a family member notify the parish
office and Father Tom or Father Larry will be happy to
visit, bring you Holy Communion and share with you the
Anointing of the Sacrament of the Sick. Thank you.
Religious Education News &
Information
Sunday 9:00am Confirmation
Class Schedule
January 4 - no class
January 11 - no morning class, 5:30pm Gifts of the
Holy Spirit Workshop with parents and
students in School Gym (Required)
January 18 - no class, Souper Bowl of Caring
Soup Can Drive Service Project in the
church (during all masses)
January 25 - Class, Saint Papers Due
Grades K-7 Sunday & Tuesday
Class Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 4 - no class
Tuesday, Jan. 6 - class
Sunday, Jan. 11 - class
Tuesday, Jan. 13 - class
Sunday, Jan. 18 - no class (Martin Luther King holiday)
Tuesday, Jan. 20 - class
Sunday Jan. 25 - class
Tuesday, Jan. 27 - class
Assumption Parish
Bereavement Group
Come, share and heal with others.
We will begin our gatherings on Wednesday,
January 7, 2015 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in the
Roncalli House. Have a Blessed New Year!
Helen Thiemann
(203) 227-6318
[email protected]
Assumption Parish
Social Concerns Ministry
Social Concerns is an active ministry formed to
respond to the problems of social justice, the
physical and spiritual needs of the Assumption
parish family, and to those in need in the
neighboring communities. Some of the projects we
are involved with are:
Christmas Angels
Collection, Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty, Towels
Collection, Lenten Alms, Blankets/Winter Warmup Collection, and Easter Food Baskets. The
Prayer Network and A.C.T.S. are additional
services to our parishioners. The Ministry meets
on the third Monday of the month (September
through June) at 7:00pm in Roncalli House. If
you wish to contact us, please call (203) 227– 5161
ext. 125.
New members are needed and
always appreciated. We would be delighted
to have you join our team!
Parish Prayer Network is
a network of
over 70 members.
When someone needs pray or a special intention,
please call the Social Concerns Ministry at (203)
227-5161 ext. 125 and leave the request,
intention and first name of the person to be
prayed for. Intentions are forwarded via
the telephone and email to the network.
Members respond by praying in their
homes. The network is always open to
new members.
Assumption Cares Through Service
The purpose of A.C.T.S. is to build a more
caring and comforting community within
the parish. It is designed to hear and
answer simple requests for – a ride to
church, to a doctor’s or other
appointments; to do grocery shopping or other
errands. A.C.T.S. can also offer a simple meal to
aid in recuperation or for a family with a new baby.
A phone call or a visit to a shut-in can also be
arranged.
To request or offer help, please call
(203) 227-5161 ext. 125
Page 10
Devotions
Holy Hour, Exposition and Sung Chaplet of
Mercy: is every month on the Thursday before the
first Friday from 7:15pm to 8:00pm in the Church.
Dian J. Mayo (203) 938-2113.
Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays
following the 7:30am Mass.
Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily
Mass
First Saturday Holy Hour: following the 7:30am
Mass.
Adoration: Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm and
Wednesday 8:00am thru Thursday 7:25am (24 hrs.)
Please call Andrea Remlin (203) 227-5477 if you
would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration.
Holy Hour and Exposition: Third Thursday of the
month 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Parish Council
Maureen Belford
Parish Council Chair
Joe Malaterra
Parish Council Vice Chair, Rel. Ed. Board Chair
Ronnie Estony
Parish Council Secretary, Adult Formation
Nancy Axthelm
Finance Council Chair
Cathy Romano, DRE
Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Funeral Coordinator
Randy Miller
Serra Club Rep.
Frank Matto
Director of Music & Organist
James Meehan
Knights of Columbus Rep., Serra Club Rep.
Merton House Co-Facilitator
Dolores Bacharach
Interfaith Council & RCIA
Baptismal Prep Class
Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first
time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class.
Classes are held in the new parish center at 1:30pm
once a month. The next Pre-Baptismal Class
will be held on Sunday, February 8 in the
Roncalli House, Oscar Romero Room. Please
call the Parish Office at (203) 227–5161 to register
for the class. Please note, Godparents must be
practicing, Confirmed Catholics and age 16 and
over.
Juany Fumai
Altar Server Training/Scheduling
Carol Gabriel
Altar Guild Chair, Liturgical Decorating Chair &
Book Nook Ministry
Connie Luppino
Social Concerns Chair, Merton House Co-Facilitator
Dian J. Mayo
Divine Mercy Devotion
Michele Modugno
Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12)
Michael O’Loughlin
Youth Ministry Board Chair
Marilyn Moran
RCIA & WHCC Ministry
Sacramental Information
Marriage: Arrangements are to be made a
minimum of six months prior to the wedding date.
Please call the Parish Office.
Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to make
arrangements for your child’s Baptism. Baptisms
are on Sundays at 1:15pm, one to four children.
Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Communion: We welcome the opportunity to visit
our homebound parishioners. Please call the Parish
Office.
Anointing of the Sick: Please call the Rectory prior
to surgery or at the onset of an illness.
RCIA: The process by which an adult joins our
Catholic Faith Community. Contact Marilyn Moran
at (203) 286-6939.
Rose Odell
Parish Food Closet
Barbara Murray
Ministry to Parish Seniors
Helen Thiemann
Bereavement Ministry & Book Club Chair,
Coordinator for: Homebound, Sick & Elderly Visitations,
Parish Council Chair Emeritus
Gracemary Avitabile
3rd Thursday Holy Hour, Serra Club Rep.
Tom Leyden
Trustee & Parish Webmaster
Tess Perry
Trustee & Catholic Daughters Rep.
Ed Capasse, Esq.
Trustee Emeritus
Fr. Tom Thorne, Pastor
Page 11
News Around The Diocese & Beyond
SHARE WINTER/SPRING 2015 PROGRAM (a certificate program in Catholic Studies)
intended to assist adult Catholics and help them understand their faith and empower them to put it into
action. Classes include four disciplines: Scripture, Church History, Theology, and Pastoral Theology. For
information contact: Gina at 203-416-1446 or email: [email protected] . To register, mail check, made
payable to: “Office of Faith Formation”, Attn: Gina Donnarummo, 238 Jewett Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606
•
CHURCH HISTORY (Part I): From Pentecost to the 1400s! Dr. Joan Kelly will explore key people
and events in the Church beginning with the zeal of Peter at Pentecost up through the turbulent times
when the church has three popes in the early 1400s! The course will also explore the life of St
Augustine, the founding of monasticism, the Inquisition, and much more. This course is a great
opportunity to increase your knowledge of the Church’s peaks and valleys through the ages! Dates:
Mondays January 26, February 2, 9, 23. Time: 7-9pm, Location: Trinity Catholic High School, 926
Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Instructor: Dr. Joan Kelly, Cost: $140
•
CHURCH HISTORY (Part II): From the Protestant Revolt (16th c.) through Vatican II and into the
21st century! Dr. Joan Kelly will explore the cast of characters and events of this time period including
Martin Luther and the splintering of Western Christianity, the Council of Trent, Ignatius of Loyola and
the founding of the Jesuits, the French Revolution, the aftermath of Vatican II and so much more. Don’t
miss this opportunity to learn about these exciting centuries and their enduring influence on today’s
church! Dates: Mondays April 20, 27, May 4 and 11, Time: 7-9pm, Location: Trinity Catholic High
School, 926 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Instructor: Dr. Joan Kelly, Cost: $140
•
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH: Special attention will be given in this course to the lives of four holy
women who contributed much to the life of the Catholic Church in its rich 2,000 year history. They are:
St. Hildegard of Bingen; St. Catherine of Siena; St. Teresa of Avila; Dorothy Day. Dates: Tuesdays
March 3, 10, 17, 24 (snow day 31), Time: 7-9pm, Location: Notre Dame Catholic High School, 220
Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT, Instructor: Dr. June-Ann Greeley, Cost: $140
•
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES: Acts is one of the most interesting, and probably one of the most
neglected books in the New Testament. It is an account of what happened to the Church between Jesus’
ascension and Paul’s arrival in Rome, that is, roughly between 30 A.D. and 60 A.D. The book tells of the
wonderful expansion of Christianity despite all obstacles. The word of God gets by every barrier. We are
told how “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily” (Acts 19:20). The Church grew from a
small group of frightened disciples gathered in an upper room into a Message that spread to the “ends of
the earth.” This took place under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Acts also shows the gradual
transformation of Christianity from originally being a Jewish sect into a distinct religion. The Acts of
Apostles qualifies as one of the great adventure stories of all time, and Luke, its author, shows
considerable literary talent. The stories of Acts are interesting and exciting. Dates: Saturday April 11,
18, 15, and May 2, Time: 10am to 12noon, Location: Notre Dame Catholic High School, 220 Jefferson
Street, Fairfield, CT. Instructor: Dr. Thomas Hicks - Cost: $140