• Celebrating 141 Years 1876-2017 • Phone: (203) 227-5161 98 Riverside Avenue • Westport, Connecticut 06880 Fax: (203) 227-1206

CLERGY (203) 227-5161 Fr. Thomas P. Thorne, VF, Dean, Pastor Fr. Augustine Nguyen, Parochial Vicar Msgr. Richard Shea (weekend help) Fr. Denis Donoghue, S.J. (weekend help) EMERGENCY 203-505 5224

PARISH STAFF

Michelle P. Hankey, Parish Business Manager (mhankey@assumption-westport.org) Nancy Wright, Parish Assistant Business Manager

Judy Barro, Parish Secretary Bulletin Editor (jbarro@assumption-westport.org) Dennis Stypinski, Custodian

Christopher Mulliken, Volunteer Property Manager RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Office: (203) 226-5448 Cell: (203) 939-8910

Catherine J. Romano, Director (cathy.romano@parishmail.com) Nhur Klasky, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) Ann Perce, Rel. Ed. Assistant (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Joseph Malaterra, Rel. Ed. Board Chair

YOUTH MINISTRY (203) 222-8486

Michele Harding, Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12) Elizabeth Brower, High School Youth Ministry Board Chair

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS Fr. Augustine Nguyen

R C I A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) (203) 286-6939 Marilyn Moran, Parish Director Dolores Bacharach, RCIA Catechist

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:45pm

LAY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION Nancy Axthelm, Trustee George Bory, Trustee Thomas P. Leyden, Trustee Emeritus Edward J. Capasse, Esq., Trustee Emeritus

FINANCE COUNCIL Joseph Cardello, Chair Michael O’Loughlin, Vice-Chair Carol McClatchie Mark Addessi Dan Kiely Stephen O’Shea Maria Onorato, Esq. Emeritus PARISH COUNCIL Maureen Belford, Chair Joseph Malaterra, Vice-Chair Ronnie Estony, Secretary Helen C. Thiemann, Chair Emeritus PARISH PASTORAL PLANNING COUNCIL Jim Meehan, Chair Maureen Belford, Secretary SACRED MUSIC MINISTRY (203) 335-0894 Frank Matto, Director & Organist

Donna Gambino, Flutist Aidan Andrews, Cantor

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 WEDDING COORDINATOR (203) 227-5161 Michelle P. Hankey FUNERAL COORDINATOR (203) 226-5448 Catherine J. Romano EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00am - 5:00pm (in silence)

We welcome all new parishioners and those who wish to return to the Church or to learn more of what

we Catholic Christians believe.

C H U R C H O F T H E

THE MOTHER CHURCH OF WESTPORT

17 December 2017 Third Sunday of Advent

O N S A U G A T U C K

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Pray for our men and women currently serving our country Sgt. Randy Ackerman, US Army

L.Cpl. Durry Becker, USMC Matthew Bradstock, US Army

James Branson, USN Tony Cuseo, USMC Ryan J. David, USN

2nd Lt. Alex Deep, US Army Sgt. Christopher Dietl, US Army Pvt. Auriane de Sousa, US Army

Sgt. Kimberly Gendreau, US Army Sgt. Stephanie Gilbertie, US Army

Sgt. Trevor Gilbertie, US Army Pvt. William Gilbertie, USMC

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

M/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.

Mass Intentions for the Week

Saturday, December 16 7:30 am The Bell Family 5:00 pm Rev. Philip T. Morrissey Sunday, December 17 7:30 am Family of Assumption 9:00 am Joan & Chris Neylon 10:30 am Joseph Cabral 12:00 pm Fr. Stephen Barret 5:00 pm Bob Austin Monday, December 18 7:30 am Nick Thiemann Tuesday, December 19 7:30 am Ruth and James Thorne Wednesday, December 20 7:30 am Marian Arciola Thursday, December 21 7:30 am Patricia Sabatino Friday, December 22 7:30 am Americo Renzulli Saturday, December 23 7:30 am John Lener 5:00 pm Frank DeMace Sunday, December 24 7:30 am Meduri Family 9:00 am Anthony Saponare 4:00 pm (Church) John and Rose Palmer 4:00 pm (Gym) William Surette 6:30 pm Phil Palmer 10:00 pm James and Katherine White

Catherine Alter, Mary Ann Andronaco, Noelle Anastasia, Joan Bailey, Bob Barker, Henry Baker, Fr. John Baran, Ryan Brewster, Mary Bulakites, Cornelia Buono, Victoria Callas, Sr. Lucy Caporaso, Bill Chadwell, Aida Ciferri, Tonino Covatta, Andrea Charboneau, James Cordia, Susan Creevy, Connie & Howard Danner, Nicholas DeMatteo, Marie Devine, Matt Dudzik, Colette Dunham, Gail Eichinger, Angela Farricielli, Marge Gabriele, Guy Giordano, Katarina Hale, Julie Halka, Jane Hawley, Bob Helfenstein, Logan Howard, Susan Izzo, Geraldine Jackman, Marie James, Michael Jeary, Bernadette Juoan, Robert Kaps, Nancy Kelly, Bernadette Kenney, Laura Kesling, Dan Kiely, Sr., Frank Kropf, Mary-Ellen Kuhn, Abigail Lamb, Michelle Lombardi, Michael Loshuk, Cara MacDonald, Frank Machi, Helen Maggio, Dorothy Matto, Gabriella McCrae, Rhoda Miller, Clarissa Moore, Danielle Murrugarra, Denise Murtha, Lisa O’Connor, Declan O’Keefe, Donna Olsen, Ginny O’Neill, Kevin Palaez, Frank Palmieri, Tom Pellicano, Stephanie Philo, Kim Preston, Alexa Prosnitz, CJ. Rice, Deanne Ryan, Sandra Ryan, Teresa Sacouto, Adrian Sandiford, Kerry Schroeder, Charlene Surette, Carmela Tornatore, Cheri Travis, Nicholas Valas, Carl Viesti, Ron & Pat Viesti, Phyllis & Bob Wentworth, Janusz Zwolinski,

Pray For Our Recently Deceased

Linda Cervero, Josephine Labbruzzo, Bertha D. Rosenbush, Patrick J. Cullen,

May Monteiro, Tess Perry, Salvatore Bennette, Olivia M. Sylvia

May they rest in peace

In Loving Memory

Flowers at Mary’s Statue are in loving memory of Donald J. Rully

The candles at Mary’s Statue burn in loving memory of Andrew Accardi

The Sanctuary candle burns in loving memory of Carmen Joseph Tornatore

The candles at the Tabernacle burn in loving memory of John Lener

The candles at the Altar burn in loving memory of Linda Cervero

Please help us update our prayers for the sick list. If there is anyone you would like to add/remove, please call the Parish office, 203-227-5161. Thank you.

Pray for the Sick

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STEWARDSHIP REPORT

December 10 Sunday Offertory $ 9,641.00 Second Collection: Retirement Fund for Religious $ 1,315.00

God bless you for your charity. Thank you! Fr. Tom

If you wish to support the Parish by having your bank mail a check directly, you are welcome to do so. Please have the checks made payable to Assumption Church. Remember Assumption Church in your estate planning. If you wish to make a donation of appreciated stock to the Parish, please call the Parish Office at 203-227-5161.

Priest Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 23 5:00 pm Vigil Fr. Tom Sunday, December 24 7:30am Fr. Tom 9:00am Fr. Augustine 4:00pm (Church) Fr. Tom 4:00pm (Gym) Fr. Denis 6:30pm Fr. Tom 10:00pm Fr. Augustine Subject to change

UCP FUND (Upkeep of Church Property)

This fund is used to help the parish pay for maintenance of the property. We now have several projects that require our attention. When giving to the UCP Fund, please make checks payable to ASSUMPTION CHURCH and designate “UCP” on the memo line. Thank you for your support.

Our Online Giving system provides you the opportunity to give to our special collections in addition to regular offerings. You can choose to do a One Time Gift, a special remembrance, or your end of the year contribution. The system allows you to schedule contributions to be withdrawn on the date you specify. Even if you typically use your offering envelopes, you may wish to contribute online to a particular collection. It is easy and convenient!

Go to our parish website at www.assumption-westport.org and select Online Giving.

SCHEDULE FOR RECONCILIATION DURING ADVENT

SATURDAYS: DEC. 2, 9, 16 AND 23—

4:00 PM TO 4:30 PM

TUESDAY, DEC. 19—5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

THURSDAY, DEC. 21—5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

Estate Planning and Obituary Remembrance

A framed memorial is displayed in the vestibule of the church that lists the names of the Faithful Departed who either remembered Assumption in their Estate Planning and/or requested that in place of flowers a donation be made to the Parish in their memory. We are very grateful for their charity and the charity of all who love and memorialize them. May they rest in peace enjoying eternal life. Fr. Tom

Assumption Christmas Concert

December 24th, 9:30pm

Once again, Assumption Choir will be presenting a

concert of seasonal favorites on Christmas Eve beginning

at 9:30pm. Mass will follow at

10:00pm. Please come and enjoy!

Reflecting on God’s Word

Certain watchwords are associated with each season of the church year, almost becoming a motto. Advent’s is “Wake up.” It then leads to other words like “Watch,” “Wait,” and “Witness.” But every Third Sunday of Advent, we anticipated the coming Christmas season, whose key word is “Rejoice.” This Sunday was traditionally called Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday. Priests continue to wear rose-colored vestments today, signaling joy. Joy is not only for Christmastime and the occasional Sunday. I remember as an altar boy, before Vatican II, Mass began with the “prayers at the foot of the altar.” The priest would begin: “I will go up to the altar of God.” The server responded: “To God who gives joy to my youth,” or as some translations had it, “To God, my exceeding joy.” It was a reminder that God is the source of all joy and that joy is one of the great gifts of God, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul reminds us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Now there is a good list for Christmas giving. Tell your loved ones your Christmas gift this year will be to pray throughout the coming year that the Spirit will bring them one of these gifts. John’s gift to the people who came out into the wilderness was to call them to prepare for the Lord, to give them a sense of heightened anticipation that the One coming to them would fill them with joy. —James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

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PARISH OFFICES

WILL BE CLOSED

DECEMBER 26

Page 5

Truth is Known by Its Fruits

If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective.—Martin Luther King Jr. Different religious traditions can engage in dialogue with one another in a true spirit of ecumenism. Dialogue can be fruitful and enriching if both sides are truly open… Peace will be a beautiful flower blooming on this field of practice.—Thich Nhat Hanh. The Perennial Tradition includes truths within Catholic, Franciscan, Episcopalian, Calvinist, Lutheran, and other Christian denominations and orders. It also embraces wisdom within Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam. In fact, if we’re honest, each of these faith traditions share something in all its forms. If it’s true, it’s true everywhere. That should make us happy—not defensive or aggressive. In discerning truth, our first question should not be, “Who said it? Did a Catholic, Methodist, or Hindu say it?” That should be of little concern. Of greater importance is, “Is it true?” Thomas Aquinas (1223-1274), a Doctor of the Church, held that if it was true, it was always from the one Holy Spirit. Notice that two-thirds of the Christian Bible are comprised of the Hebrew Scriptures; and the Old Testament writers themselves built upon stories, traditions, names of God, and practices that existed before Israelite history. Scripture gathers together cumulative visions of the divine. Jesus befriended and affirmed Samaritans, Roman citizens, pagans, and Syrophoenicians, which was shocking to many of his Jewish compatriots. But what’s even more shocking is that, in the name of this entirely inclusive Jewish man, Jesus, we created an exclusionary religion that ended up repeating what he condemned in his lifetime. It is the non-argumentative, contemplative mind that can easily see this. Cistercian monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) helped Christianity recover its contemplative foundations, which quickly opened the doors to interfaith dialogue. Most Catholics were not ready for Merton before the reforms of Vatican II (1962-1965). Prophets are always ahead of their times. Merton corresponded and met with spiritual leaders from many traditions: Abraham Heschel (1907-1972, a Jewish rabbi and scholar; Sufi Muslims from the mystical vein of Islam; Bede Griffiths (1906-1993), a Benedictine monk and yogi from an ashram in India; and Zen Buddhist Thick Nhat Hanh (b. 1926). CAC core teacher James Finley learned from Merton while living at the Abbey of Gethsemani from 1961-1967. He reflects that Merton believed the world could not survive if religion remained at the clannish level. This false competition doesn’t serve anyone. On the other hand, openness to other traditions can and should deepen our commitment to our own faith and practice. This is one of the primary fruits of obeying Jesus’ simple command to “love our neighbor.” I presume loving others means listening to them and respecting them as brothers and sisters.

Page 6

2017 Christmas Mass Schedule

New Year’s Mass Schedule

New Year’s Eve Sunday, December 31st

7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 5:00 pm

New Year’s Day Monday, January 1st

7:30am

Sunday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:30 am, 9:00am (No 10:30 or 12:00 noon Mass)

Christmas Eve Vigil Mass

4:00pm Mass in Church (Christmas Pageant) 4:00pm Mass in School Gym

6:30pm Mass in Church 9:30pm Concert with the Assumption Choir &

10:00pm Mass in Church

Monday, December 25 Christmas Day

8:00am, 10:00am & 12:00pm Masses (No 5pm Mass)

(in the church)

Lessons and Carols

Please join us on Sunday, December 17th at 7:00 pm

St. Philip Church 1 Fr. Conlon Pl., Norwalk, CT

for

An evening of scripture, music & caroling—celebrating the birth of our Lord.

Presented by the combined choirs and instrumentalists of St. Philip Church and Assumption Church of Westport. Call Maria O’Kelly for information 203-847-4549. Admission is free and a reception will follow in the mansion.

THREE PARISH YOUTH RECEIVE THE FIRST JEAN DONOVAN SERVICE AWARD

Sunday at the 5 PM Mass, L to R: Matt Boehmer, Danielle Miller, and David Kalinowski were awarded the Jean Donovan Youth Service Award. Shown here with Michele Harding, Youth Minister and Cathy Romano, DRE. We are very proud of them, grateful for their service and confident our Church will enjoy their faithful participation throughout their lives. Congratulations! Fr. Tom, Pastor

ATTENTION ASSUMPTION

VOLUNTEERS

Our Diocese requires all adult parish volunteers to complete the Virtus – Protecting God’s Children training. We are in the process of completing a compliance review for the Diocese ensuring that all our volunteers are up-to-date with their training. If you are not sure if your certification is current or if you have questions, please contact Nhur Klasky at 203/226-5448. Your cooperation is much appreciated!

DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT - ONLINE SAFETY TRAINING

FOR PARENTS

The Diocese of Bridgeport provides parents with a wealth of useful resources to keep our children safe. We encourage you to visit the new CMG Connect: Parents website, which has resources and a free video A Safe Haven Starts at Home. The purpose of CMG Connect: Parents is to help educate parents, teachers and other adults in risk factors and unhealthy internet usage. We hope that through this free platform, parents and other caring adults can learn dangerous behaviors to watch for, set realistic computer/internet usage time, and establish open communication with their children or other young people. To utilize these valuable resources, please create a free account at: www.CMGparent.org, watch the 18 minute video, and take the short quiz. If you have questions or problems, please contact Nhur Klasky at 203/226-5448.

ADULT ALTAR SERVERS FOR FUNERAL MASSES

NEEDED

In the good old days, when Assumption had a funeral, the Pastor would tell Sister Superior to send over 4 altar boys from Assumption School to serve the funeral. Well there are no more Sisters and no more School therefore no more altar boys who like minute men were ready and all too willing to get out of school to serve. Assumption has been blessed in the past 18 years to have ADULT servers to help with the funeral Mass serving as cross bearer, alcolytes (carrying the two candles) and thurifer (helping with the incense). Over the years some of our Adult Servers for Funerals have moved to Florida and some have died (Tess Perry most recently) We need help. Please call Cathy Romano in the Religious Education Office as she coordinates the Parish Funerals and she will train you. We have teams so that you are NOT on for every funeral. It is not rocket science and your presence truly adds to the solemnity of the Holy Mass. Thank you for not ignoring this call for help.

God bless, Fr. Tom

Religious Education

Our office hours are Monday - Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

(Closed Fridays)

203-226-5448 (office) 203-939-8910 (cell)

cathy.romano@parishmail.com

Roncalli House

Cathy Romano, DRE

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Page 8

2017 Christmas Fair Thank You

A Big Thank You to All

Our Annual Christmas Fair was a great success because of all who were involved! This event could not take place without the many hard-working volunteers who helped in so many ways: Our Religious Ed. families who donated items for our silent auction baskets; Filomena Carusone, Dolly Perce, Nhur Klasky, Brenda Todd, Madeline Fitzgerald, Judy York who helped me by setting up and preparing for the day non-stop for the whole week previous to the fair. Michele Harding and the Youth Ministry worked the day of the fair and manning the tables, selling raffle tickets. June Richardson endlessly sorted jewelry and displayed it beautifully. Jenna Cohan who owns a small events company donated her time to make crafts with the children. Our thanks to the vendors who brought their hand crafted items to sell, and all the families who baked such delicious goodies. Maria Rincon and her family provided our free coffee and goodies. And a special thank you to Santa who visited on Saturday and Sunday spreading his Christmas cheer to all.

A Big Thank You to our fair sponsors - Karen Como, The Modugno Family, The Copersino Family, Carlo & Marcelline Palmer, Maria Carusone, M. Bonnie Axthlem Charitable Foundation, John & Judy Barry, Social Concerns Ministry, David Sullivan Family, Shaugnessey Banks Funeral Home LLC, The Fording Family, The Massoud Family, Kris & Kevin Jandora, Benebone Dog Treats, LLC, Peter Toolan, Galia & Adam Clemens & Family, Tom & Michele Harding, Mary Ellen Guzewicz, Commons Management—Joe Carpenteri, Nancy Engel, The Cardello’s, John & Annie Shaw, Imperial Dental Associates, Joann and Charlie French, Tom Saviano, Helen Theimann, Betty Cabral, John & Elizabeth Peloso, Harding Funeral Home, Ann Rully, Tim & Kathy Fording, Thomas, Mary & Tom McCarthy, and Maureen Belford.

To our merchants who donated Gift Certificates - Westport Community Theatre, The Dionne Family, The Little Barn Restaurant, The Spotted Horse Restaurant, The Grey Goose Restaurant, Saugatuck Sweets. Thank you to Jerry and Dennis, our custodians, for cleaning everything up and putting the hall back together. We especially thank all those who came and supported the fair by stopping by our many amazing tables. The profit generated is blessing which supports our Religious Ed program.

Cathy Romano, Christmas Fair Coordinator

Assumption Bereavement Group Next Meeting will be Wed., Jan. 3, 2018 We meet every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in the Beard Room at Roncalli House (the parish center at the Lincoln Street end of the parking lot). All are welcome. It is especially wonderful to witness the comfort, acceptance, support and strength shared by those who gather. Helen Thiemann (203) 227-6318

The Knights of Columbus meet the first Tuesday of the month at Assumption Church at 7:30pm in McGrath Hall. Next meeting will be January 8. For more information, please contact Walter Avitabile at (203)981-3083 or by email wavit@optonline.net.

New members are always welcome!

Knights of Columbus Council 3688

Meeting Information

Explore your Catholic Faith

Each Saturday morning from 6:30-8:00 am, men gather to hit the “pause button” on life. As one week ends and before another begins we meet for a brief 90 minutes to pray, listen to the word of God and discuss how it speaks to our daily lives. The men who currently attend these meetings receive perspective, insight and guidance for becoming better husbands, fathers, sons, workers and members of the faith community. If you would like to meet other men facing the challenges of being Catholic in today’s world, come join us and see what we’re all about.

The Assumption Men’s Ministry meets every Saturday morning

For more information please contact Jim Meehan cell: (860) 209-4793

All men over 18 are encouraged to attend.

Social Concerns Ministry Christmas Dinner 2017

Each year in Advent between the Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty and the Advent Angel acts of Parish Love...the Social Concerns Ministry gathers for a brief "time out" to celebrate the anticipation of Christmas and the charity of our Parishioners. They treat me to dinner which is always appreciated. Thank you SCM of Assumption. Fr. Tom

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Our Mary’s Mantle Ministry are joining volunteers from around the country for American Heart Month by knitting and crocheting red hats for babies born in February at participating hospitals. Little Hats, Big HeartsTM, honors babies, moms, and heart healthy lives in a very special way. Supporters are knitting and crocheting red hats to be given out to thousands of babies during American Heart Month in order to empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same.

Together, we are working to raise awareness, provide resources and inspire moms to take their family’s heart health to heart while also raising awareness about Congenital Heart Defects.

If you would like to knit or crochet a red hat please contact Cathy Romano, cat.j.rom6@gmail.com for more information.

Page 10 Sick and Homebound Visitation

Hospital Visitations

With today’s HIPPA regulations...that is, the right of privacy for hospital patients, clergy have difficulty knowing if/when parishioners are hospitalized. Even, if when registering you identify yourself as a Catholic, it does not guarantee you will be visited by a priest or Eucharistic Minister from Assumption because we are not informed by the hospital.

Please call the rectory if you wish a priest or Eucharistic Minister to visit you. All parishes provide for the salary of priests on duty in our Fairfield County hospitals—hospital chaplains. While in the hospital you or a family member are able to ask for the Hospital Catholic Chaplain to visit and provide the sacraments.

We are a parish family. The priests and laity who bring Holy Communion are delighted to share with you the Body of Christ. If one of the priests visits, he can also share Sacramental Absolution and the Sacrament of the Anointing of Sick (Holy Oils). We need your help. When you or a family member are sick at home, whether for a short period, home with a chronic illness, or simply homebound, we are happy to visit. You can help us by calling the rectory, so we can set a time to visit at your convenience. The Anointing of the Sick is not just for life threatening illness but for any illness—cancer, pre-surgery, depression… The sacrament is for the sick and prays for healing. It is not Last Rites or Extreme Unction. (These terms were deleted 50 years ago as a result of Vatican II.) We look forward to visiting you.

Thank You

We want to thank the advertisers whose businesses are listed on the back

page of the bulletin.

Please patronize their local establishments.

If you would like to place an ad in our weekly bulletin, please contact J.S.Paluch, Co., Inc.

1-800-524-0263

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

The Prayer Ministry is a network of over 70 members. If you or someone is in need of prayer or a special intention, please email Liz, lizlazarou@optonline.net or call Betty, 203-226-6702 and leave the request, intention and first name of the person to be prayed for. Intentions are forwarded to the network. Members respond by praying in their homes. The network is always open to new members.

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 A n g e l s C o l l e c t i o n ,

Thanksgiving Gifts of Plenty, Towels Collection, Lenten Alms, Blankets/Winter Warm-up Collection, and Easter Food Baskets, Summer Food Collection, Blood Pressure Screening, Sock Collection and Merton House Breakfast. 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 Connie at 203-852-9937. New members are always welcome.

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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 the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 1:00 pm, one to four families.

Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00pm – 4:45pm

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.

Mothers and Fathers who are parents for the first time are required to attend a Pre-Baptism class. The next Pre-Baptismal Class will be held on Thursday, December 7 at 7pm in the Oscar Romero Room at Roncalli House (the Parish Center at the end of the parking lot.)

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.

Miraculous Medal Novena: Wednesdays following the 7:30am Mass.

Daily Rosary of Peace - at 7:00am before daily Mass.

Silent Adoration: Monday and Wednesdays 8:00am – 5:00pm. Please call Andrea Remlin 203-227-5477 if you would like to take ½ - 1 hour of Adoration.

Devotions

Baptismal Prep Class

Sacramental Information

Maureen Belford Parish Council Chair

Parish Pastoral Planning Council Secretary Joe Malaterra

Parish Council Vice Chair Religious Education Board Chair

Ronnie Estony Parish Council Secretary, Adult Formation

Joe Cardello Finance Council Chair

Cathy Romano Director of Religious Education

Funeral Coordinator Frank Matto

Director of Music & Organist Michelle Hankey

Wedding Coordinator Jim Meehan

Parish Pastoral Planning Council Chair, Eucharistic Minister and Lector Coordinator Knights of Columbus Rep., Merton House

Dolores Bacharach Interfaith Council & RCIA

Juany Fumai Altar Server Training/Scheduling

Carol Gabriel Altar Guild Chair, Liturgical Decorating Chair &

Book Nook Ministry Connie Luppino

Social Concerns Ministry Chair Michele Harding

Youth Minister (Grade 6 - 12) Elizabeth Brower

High School Youth Ministry Board Chair Marilyn Moran

RCIA & WHCC Ministry Rose Odell

Parish Food Closet Helen Thiemann

Bereavement Ministry, Book Club Chair & Homebound Visitation

Parish Council Chair Emeritus Gracemary Avitabile

Parish Adoration/Devotions, Serra Club Tom Leyden

Parish Webmaster Nancy Axthelm & George Bory

Trustees Fr. Augustine Nguyen

Parochial Vicar Fr. Tom Thorne

Pastor

Meet The Parish Council

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