Saint Peter Claver • West Hartford, Connecticut

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CHURCH OF SAINT PETER CLAVER WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT April 5, 2015

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, April 4 8:00 PM Easter Vigil Sunday, April 5 - Easter 8:30 AM For the Parishioners of St. Peter Claver 10:30 AM For the Parishioners of St. Peter Claver

Monday, April 6 6:30 AM NO MASS Tuesday, April 7 6:30 AM Anniversary: Lucy Sinatro

Wednesday, April 8 6:30 AM Memorial: Richard Mahoney Thursday, April 9 6:30 AM Memorial: Harold Sedlik Saturday, April 11 4:30 PM Memorial: Mona Pons Sunday, April 12 8:30 AM Memorial: Erin Maloney Keily 10:30 AM Memorial: Jane Maccarone

THE WEEK AHEAD AT ST PETER CLAVER

Tuesday, April 7 7:30 PM Knights of Columbus Mtg ~ Hall

Wednesday, April 8 2:30 PM Gr. 2 ~ 1st Eucharist Retreat ~ Hall

CHILDREN’S LITURGY UPDATE!! Please note: The next Children’s Liturgy of the Word will take place on Sunday, April 12th during the 10:30 am Mass. We thank you for sharing your children with us.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!! In observance of the Easter Holiday the Parish Office

will be closed beginning Friday, April 3rd. Office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 7th.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE That first Easter morning was confusing. Jesus was missing and Mary Magdalene, Peter and John “did not know” what to do. In family life there are confusing moments when “we don’t know” what to do. Like the apostles we are Easter people when we believe and trust in each other even when all seems lost.

EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Peter discusses Jesus’ life of preaching and healing. Jesus was crucified, then he rose up and was seen by his chosen witnesses. Peter also mentions the importance of all the disciples bearing witness to what they saw, so that many people would believe in Jesus, and have their sins forgiven through him.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 Paul asserts that we must pay attention to higher realms rather than earthly concerns. Our life is not yet completely known to us, until Christ appears and we are raised to glory in him.

Gospel: John 20:1-9 When Mary Magdalene discovered Jesus’ tomb was open, she told Simon Peter and another disciple. They ran to the tomb and Peter went inside. He found the burial wrappings on the ground, with the head covering separate from the rest. The other disciple came in and they believed what they saw, although until then they had not understood the Scripture’s message of Jesus’ resurrection.

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READINGS FOR THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 12

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35 Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On behalf of Fr. Leary, Deacon Hickey and our St. Peter Claver Parish Staff, we wish each and everyone a happy and blessed Easter. We also would like to extend a warm thank you to all who helped in any way to make our celebration today and each celebration of Holy Week so special. Thank You to all who contributed in any way in support of our annual Lenten Corporal Works of Mercy Project.

We Also Extend A Warm Welcome To All

Visitors Sharing These Easter Celebrations With Us!

EASTER SUNDAY

2015 ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports many important ministries and programs. Gifts are allocated towards religious education programs, youth ministries, local charities, the education of our seminarians, our retired clergy, our Catholic schools, and all of the services provided by the Archdiocese, far too many to list here. If you have not yet made your gift or pledge, please pray about your decision and consider making a pledge or one-time gift. Join us, your Catholic community as we share our blessings and join in Living the Joy of the Gospel.

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION Next week our diocese will take up the Peter’s Pence Collection, which provides Pope Francis with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works around the world. The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, and disasters. Join our Holy Father as a witness of charity to those who are suffering.

PRAYER CHAIN

Looking to have someone pray for you, a family member or a friend? Contact our parish office to let us know and we will get our prayer chain going!

SAVE THE DATE CT WALKS FOR HAITI

FUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE Please join us at the sixth CT Walks for Haiti on Saturday, April 25th. Proceeds will directly support MATH and four other charities. There will be plenty of food, crafts, music and fun! Festivities begin at 10:30 am. The Walk starts at noon. Meet emcee Joe Furey of FOX CT News. Like us on Facebook. Donate via CrowdRise from our website www.ctwalksforhaiti.org.

BAKERS NEEDED!! CT Walks For Haiti is looking for cupcake bakers for our festival and walk on April 25. Last year the cupcakes were a big hit. Cupcakes may be brought to the parish center kitchen on Saturday morning, April 25th or on Friday, April 24th. Festivities begin at 10:30 am and walk begins at 12:00 noon. If the drop off time is not convenient for you, we can arrange a different time or a pick up. Any amount of cupcakes is welcomed. Please contact Dorothy Mazaitis at mazaitisd@gmail.com or 860- 561 2640.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

“Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb. They were saying to one another, ‘Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large….He said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised up, he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go and tell the disciples and Peter… There you will see him as he told you.”

What a wonderful discovery, an empty tomb. How important the witness of the young man, and the women. Imagine the conversation as they were walking to the tomb, grieving, feeling sad, and not ready to meet the young man. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, they walked and talked. The Jesus who had spent his ministry with them, is now not only deceased, but His body is missing. They had a right to be saddened and disappointed. The reassuring word of the young man still left them wondering. The message of Easter joy would gradually replace doubt, fear, bewilderment. That word is meant for us. We roll back the stone which blinds us to the person of Jesus. The deep joy which the Easter mystery generates is to raise us up. The full meaning of the Easter mystery is sometimes slow to move our hearts, yet it is the center of our faith, Jesus died to save us and lives to accompany us each and every day. Our faith tells us to go and tell others of the great victory Christ has won for us today. Others are seeking Jesus and we are the bearers of His good news.

EASTER FLOWERS Thank you to all who have honored and remembered their loved ones in a special way with memorial contributions for our Easter flowers. We will remember your family members and friends at Mass throughout the Easter season.

YOUTH GROUP TEAM TO WALK IN CT WALKS FOR HAITI

SPC Youth Group is registering a group to participate in the 6th Annual, CT Walks for Haiti on Saturday, April 25th. Teens interested in joining should RSVP to spcyouthgrp@gmail.com to join the group. The donor form is available online and printed at: http://ctwalksforhaiti.org/docs/donor_form.pdf. Teens are encouraged to invite their friends.

Today is Resurrection Day because Jesus was raised from the dead to bring New Life to us! When Jesus died on the cross, everyone who loved Him was sad because they didn't know about this new life yet. They thought that Jesus would never be with them again. They took His body down from the cross and buried it in a tomb. Then something very surprising hap-pened! On Easter morning the disciples found Jesus' tomb empty! Jesus had been raised from the dead, and those who love Him will have newness of life - here and hereafter - be-cause Jesus is with us always! Let us rejoice in the Gift of Eternal Life that Jesus gives to us!

Contact the Faith Formation Office with any questions at 860-521-2904 or email at spcreled@sbcglobal.net.

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING CLASSES

GRADES 3 - 6 Sunday Students: Sunday, April 26, 9:30-10:30am

There are NO CLASSES on the following dates: Sun-day, April 5 as we celebrate Easter, as well as April 12 and 19 due to the Spring School Vacation. Sunday Stu-dents return on April 26 for their final class session.

GRADE 7 Students meet Sunday, April 26, 11:45am-12:45pm

GRADE 8 Students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday, April 7, from 6:30-8pm. We begin with a brief Penance Service, individual confessions, and view the Gospel of John DVD in the Parish Hall.

ADAPTIVE PROGRAM Families are asked to submit all necessary forms by Sunday, April 12th for those students who wish to be confirmed at our May Ceremony. Our next session will take place on Tuesday, April 21 from 6:30-7:30pm.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

GRADE 9: Students will meet on Sunday, April 26 at 11:45am-12:45pm. Confirmation Readiness Reports were sent to all families. Parents are asked to sign the Reports and have students return them at this class.

GRADE 10: Confirmation Candidates will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the following Mondays, beginning at 6:30pm: May 4 - Mrs. Chapman’s and Mr. Kneidel’s Students May 11 - Mrs. Clement’s and Mrs. LeBlanc’s Students Practices - Thursday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30pm. Confirmation takes place on Friday, May 15.

FAMILY & CHURCH CLASSES

GRADE 1 Grade 1 Students are invited to take part in the May Crowning of our Blessed Mother Mary on Sunday, May 3 during the 10:30am Mass. Completion Certificates will be distributed in the Parish Hall after Mass.

GRADE 2 All Grade 2 Students meet on Wednesday, April 8, from 2:30-5pm for their Communion Retreat.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”

Psalm 118:24

Today we begin the Easter Season, which continues for 50 days. Today’s Gospel tells us about the disciples' discovery of the empty tomb. It concludes by telling us that they did not yet understand that Jesus had risen from the dead. The details invite us to reflect upon a most amazing gift, that is faith in Jesus and his Resurrection.

Mary of Magdala meets Jesus, but mistakes Him for the gardener. In the weeks ahead, the Gospel Readings from our Liturgy will show us how the disciples came to believe in Jesus' Resurrection through His appearances to them. Our Easter faith is based on their witness to both the empty tomb and their continuing relationship with Jesus.

The Ascension of Our Lord occurred 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead. On this day, the Risen Christ ascended into Heaven in the sight of His apostles.

Pentecost Sunday celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the power to be witnesses - and He con-tinues to empower each of us to share our faith with others!

Just a Reminder: Rice Bowl boxes may be brought to your next class or dropped off at the Faith Formation Office. All dona-tions are sent to Catholic Relief Services to help the needy. Thank You so much!

Let us pray…

Jesus, you have overcome death and conquered every fear.

Help us to live each day remembering that You are alive and that Your strength gives us courage in any situation we may encounter.

Jesus, stay with us on our life’s journey and fill us with Your joy each day. Thank You Jesus! We ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.

Congratulations and Welcome to our newest Catholics (From left to right) Sheila Garilli, Glenn Smith, Drew Iacovazzi, and David Guerino.

Many thanks to their sponsors: Alda Smith, Jackie Iacovazzi, Katie O’Gorman, and Mark Garilli. A special thank you to all the RCIA team members. This spirited group came together every Sunday morning for several months to help prepare our inquirers for the Easter Sacraments. Together our faith was enriched and renewed. Many thanks to Peggy Daleas, Vinny Farrell, Fred LaRose, Maria Roja, Alda Smith and Gigi Frailey.

Are you, or is someone you know, interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?

People are drawn to explore the Catholic faith for many different reasons. Perhaps they experienced a Catholic Mass at the time of a wedding or funeral and were attracted by the prayer and ritual. They may have witnessed the source of hope and comfort a Catholic relative, friend or co-worker found in their faith at a time of difficulty or crisis. God invites us into a deeper relationship in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. You may be experiencing the first stirrings of interest in the Catholic faith or you may have thought about becoming a Catholic for a very long time. Whatever led you to this moment, our hope is that you will respond to God’s call and learn more about the Christian initiation process of becoming a Catholic know as RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This process takes place within a welcoming setting where people share their faith experiences and help one another identify how God is at work in everyday life.

St. Peter Claver Parish offers RCIA to anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, for those who are not baptized and wish to become members of the Catholic faith, and for individu-als who never completed the Sacraments of Holy Communion and/or Confirmation.

For more information please contact Gigi Frailey at (860) 561-4235 x3 or by email ggfrailey@gmail.com

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