October 12, 2014 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

†Masses and Intentions†

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Oct 11, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Catherine Schaffer by Eileen Molnar Sun Oct 12, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude The sick of both of our Parishes

Sun Oct 12, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Amalia Zaicek by The Family † Thomas Surowka by His Parents

Mon No Mass Tues Oct 14, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Tues Oct 14, 6:00 pm Mass at St. Philip Wed Oct 15, 8:00 am Mass at St. Jude Fri Oct 17, 8:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine Schaffer by Peter & Jean Piecyk † Alfred Prairie by Emile Heroux Richard & Lois Mindek, Happy Couple married 55 yrs

Adoration following Mass until 2:00 pm 1:50 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet & Benediction

Sat Confession prior to 4:30 Mass Sat Oct 18, 4:30 pm Mass at St. Philip † Eugenie & Harry MacWay by Bill, Eileen & Debbie Molnar Sun Oct 19, 9:00 am Mass at St. Jude † Josephine L. Mozzicato by the Family

(would have been 103 years old) Sun Oct 19, 11:00 am Mass at St. Philip † Catherine H. Schaffer by St. Philip’s Choir † Fred & Catherine Schaffer by Frances Tatro & Family

OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO GOD LAST WEEK

St. Philip Weekly Offering $3,734.00 St. Philip Cradle Fund $ 652.25 St. Philip Add’l Coun. Catholic Women $ 25.00 St. Jude Weekly Offering $1,255.00 St. Jude Cradle Fund $ 117.00 St. Jude Council of Catholic Women $ 14.00

MEMORIAL FUND TOTAL DONATIONS St. Philip Memorial Fund Donated $54,831.02 St. Philip Fund Balance $0 St. Philip Cemetery Loan Donated $10,228.36 St. Philip Cemetery Loan Balance $ 7,635.97 St. Jude Memorial Fund Donated $14,975.00 St. Jude Fund Balance $ 8,775.00

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND

Saturday 4:30 pm St. Philip 10/04/14 94 Sunday 9:00 am St. Jude 10/05/14 106 Sunday 11:00 am St. Philip 10/05/14 191 Total: 391

The Blessed Mother candle is lit for Thomas Surowka by his Parents.

Parish office is closed Columbus Day, Mon, Oct 13.

STEWARDSHIP: “And my God will supply every need of yours…” - Philippians 4:19. God does not promise that He will supply all our desires or wishes. He promises that He will supply and fulfill all our needs. If we seek God in earnest with our hearts and minds on Him we can be encouraged, and comforted that our God will supply all our needs.

PRAYER LIST: Denise Beaudoin, Marie (Beaudoin) Chace, Gus Aiello, Elaine Fisher, Addie Specyalski, Robert Blain, Wesley Berg, Marty & Michelle Jones, Claudette Gagne, Renee Delisle, Edward Sullivan, Mary Manning, John Ference, Victoria and Richard Santi, John Marcisin, Mikayla Wilcox, Rita Fogarty, Robert Olivera, Brian Racicot, Marion Ogden, Rev. Paul Murdock, Robert Tamsin, Kenny Botting, Carol Davidge, Jacob Fletcher. Please let us know how people are doing so we can update our list.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: (NO CLASSES OCT 12). ST. PHILIP CCD Classes 9:30 am, Sunday, in the Church. Confirmation: Sun, 6pm in Church.

ST. JUDE classes Wednesdays: Grades 1-4 from 3:45-4:45 pm Grades 5-7 from 7:00-8:00 pm Confirmation: Grades 8 & 9, 7:00-8:00 pm

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY with Fr. Kennedy meets Wed, 10 am, St. Philip Rectory.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY with Ed Conlan meets Sat, 11:00 am in St. Jude’s Rectory to study St. Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians. Oct 18: The Time of the Return Unknown. All are Welcome.

PARISH MEETINGS: Prayer Shawl: Tues, Oct 14, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Knights of Columbus: Tues Oct 14, 7 pm, Parish Ctr. Liturgy Committee: Mon, Oct 20, 6:30 pm, Rectory. Women’s Bible Study: Tues, Oct 21, 10 am Rectory. “Sharing the Faith that You Love”. All are welcome. Parish Council: Tues, Oct 21, 7 pm, Rectory.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN: St. Philip & St. Jude have adopted Fri, Oct 24th for the vigil. We will cover from Midnight to Midnight on the 24th. Please sign up for at least one hour. It is important to have at least two people per hour and men are especially requested to cover the nighttime hours. The mission is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting and peaceful activism with the purpose of repentance to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, bringing an end to abortion.

Sheila Taylor is our 40 Days for Life contact. Phone: 860-423-5735. Email: mishe423@gmail.com.

ST. PHILIP GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER Do your holiday Gift Card shopping with us. More than a hundred different gift cards to choose from. It’s that simple with absolutely no extra cost to you. The gift card companies will pay St. Philips a percentage for each card we sell. You get the gift cards you need AND support your church at the same time!

SPAGHETTI DINNER ST. PHILIP CENTER

SATURDAY NOV. 8TH @ 5:30 PM

ST. JUDE GARDEN COMPOSTING AND WATERING SYSTEM PROJECT

Nye Deskus would like to thank everyone that donated during his recent bake sale to raise funds for his Eagle Scout project. Your donations helped to purchase the necessary supplies to complete the composting and watering system for St. Jude's Garden. On Monday, Oct 13th from 10-2, we will finish installing the watering system and will build the compost bin. Please feel free to stop by.

EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS: Thurs, Oct 16, 6-7 pm at St. Francis of Assisi, Lebanon. Join Bishop Cote in praying for those called to priestly or consecrated life. Website: god-calls.com.

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. We are collecting food for Thanksgiving baskets

for needy families in Ashford. Please donate non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner foods. We cannot distribute out of date food. There will be a sign-up sheet

for frozen turkey donations and we will also collect money for purchasing fresh foods. Last year we provided dinners and additional food to 21 families.

THE MISSION COMBINED COLLECTION supports missionary works in Latin America, Asia, Africa and parts of the United States. Generous gifts made to today’s Collection will fund evangelization, formation and catechesis projects for the Church in Latin America, provide essential pastoral outreach in poor home mission dioceses with the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, help “Build our Church” in poverty stricken countries through the World Mission Appeal, and provide grants to dioceses to operate schools, parishes and other missionary services that build the Body of Christ in African American, Native American, and Alaska Native communities. Please help strengthen the church at home and abroad. Your support will truly make a difference.

7TH

ANNUAL CT CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE

Sat, Oct 25, 8am - 5pm. Goodwin College, E. Hartford, CT $35 advance, $40 at door, $25 for teens. “I Thirst for justice, compassion, forgiveness, salvation, truth, wisdom for you”. Keynote speaker: Jon Leonetti, Also Bryan Mercier, Peter Freissle, Br. Bob Moriarty,S.M. and Music by Upper Room. www.ctcatholicmen.org.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHFORD CELEBRATING ITS

300TH ANNIVERSARY.

ST. PHILIP ANNUAL TAG SALE / HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Sat, Oct 25th, 9 am to 2 pm, $15.00 per table. Sign

up with Rose Bergeron or Theresa Salisbury. You may set up indoors or outside. We will also accept donated items for the St. Philip table and proceeds will go to the church. If you're

doing your fall cleaning and have items that you'd like to get rid of, why not donate them? This year after the sale Habitat for Humanity will coordinate with us to pick up leftover items such as gently used furniture, building materials and appliances in good working condition. We will supply a list of acceptable items on the table in the back of the church. That means you may donate furniture such as chairs and tables, appliances in good working order, etc. because if they don't sell they can be donated. Habitat does not accept household items like dishes or Tupperware, mattresses or clothing. It would be a great help to our volunteers if you could price the items that you donate to the St. Philip table.

BIRTHRIGHT OF WINDHAM: serves over 1,600 women each year. Some are in a crisis pregnancy, others with children are caught in poverty. Babies

have expensive needs and BirthRight has always relied on the Church community to help maintain supplies for Moms who come for help. Your donations are a witness to our Catholic faith and our commitment to

life as we continue to provide baby wash, lotion, shampoo, pampers (size 1-4), baby wipes, receiving blankets, newborn gowns and clothing. Please bring these items to church. Through our donations, St. Philip and St. Jude make a major impact on this ministry for local mothers and their babies. God Bless and Thank You on behalf of the women you help.

Please mark your Calendars! St. Philip and St. Jude Confirmation date is Tuesday, May 12, 2015.

15TH ANNUAL RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE Sat, Oct 18, 9 am – 3 pm, $25/person 203-235-3822 Holy Angels Parish Center, 585 Main Street, South Meriden, CT 06451. Keynote speakers: Abby Johnson, Gianna Jessen. Guest speakers, Christopher DeSanctis, Leticia Velasquez, Peter Wolfgang. Mass by Rev. Robert Rousseau, Dir. of Pro-Life for the Archdiocese of Hartford and Pastor of Holy Family Church, Enfield.

ASHFORD 300TH ANNIVERSARY Boy Scout Troop 92 will host a breakfast 7:00 - 10:00 am in St. Philip’s Parish Center before the Parade. $6 per person for eggs, home fries, muffins, coffee, tea, hot cocoa and juice.

PARADE: Sat, Oct 11th starts at 10 am at Ashford Memorial Park and ends at Pompey Park/Senior Center. Please be there early as Rt. 44 will be closed at 9:30. After the parade there will be exhibits at the Sr. Center, festivities at Pompey Park and a quilt show at Knowlton Hall. The parade day program is in the Citizen newsletter that goes to all homes. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The Connecticut Catholic

Conference welcomes the decision of the United States Supreme Court which upholds the position of the Hobby-Lobby Stores and the Conestoga Wood Specialties in their prolonged battle with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Court’s ruling supports the convictions of the two business owners who refused to abide by the HSS mandate based upon their religious beliefs. This ruling applies only to closely controlled businesses that object to the mandate based upon religious grounds, as the Court found that this mandate violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. Numerous court cases filed by religiously affiliated non-profits are yet to be determined. Therefore our efforts to protect our First Amendment right must continue. If you haven’t done so already, please voice your opposition to the mandate by calling President Obama at the White House at 202-456-1111 or U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell at 202-205-5445. Let them know that the mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right to religious freedom.

ENCOURAGE SUPPORT GROUP ~ is a Catholic spiritual support group for family members of loved ones struggling with same-sex attraction. For more information on the monthly support group meetings held the first Tuesday each month, beginning in October, please call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext.283.

WE CAN HELP To report inappropriate contact of any kind by a representative of the Diocese of Norwich or for assistance to victims, please call: 1-800-624-7407

PODEMOS AYUDAR Para reportar cualquier contacto inapropiado por un/a representante de la Diócesis de Norwich, o para buscar ayuda para víctimas, favor de llamar: 1-800-624-7407

SUPREME KNIGHT CARL ANDERSON IS ASKING FOR HELP FOR CHRISTIAN AND MINORITY REFUGEES IN IRAQ. To support this effort checks may be sent to the Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Fund, Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. The text of a prayer written by Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq, His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako is: Lord, the plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening. Therefore, we ask you Lord to spare our lives, and to grant us patience and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope. Lord, peace is the foundation of life; Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy. Glory be to you forever.

Where are our shut-ins? Please call the rectory if you have a loved one in the hospital or in a nursing home so we can visit, bring the Eucharist and keep in touch.

“CATHOLICUNDERGROUNDCT” College age and young adults gather at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell every 3rd Saturday, September through May. The night begins at 7:30 pm with Adoration, vespers and praise. At 8:30 pm the social begins with live music, entertainment and refreshments. For more information: www.catholicundergroundct.com.

One Day Life in the Spirit Seminar – Sat, Oct 18, 2014, 9:00 – 3:00 at the Spiritual Renewal Services, 11 Bath St., Norwich, CT. Register (860)887-0702.

ST. PHILIP CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Last week we sent out vendor applications and already a dozen vendors have applied. If you hope to participate in our Christmas

Craft Fair – don’t wait till the last minute.

ST. PHILIP AND ST. JUDE MEMORIAL FUNDS For easy access, Memorial Donation forms are now available on the parish website, and can be downloaded and printed on your home printer.

REGISTRATION: If you are new to our parish or your registration is not current, please fill in a form with up-to-date information. Also, your pledge and use of the parish envelopes helps us plan our budget and provides you with a tax record.

REMEMBER THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY. Food is collected all year, not just at the holidays. Please bring non-perishable foods to the church. We cannot distribute opened or out-of-date food.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Distribution is always on a Friday morning, usually the 4th Friday of the month, from 7-9 am at the Living Proof Church of Ashford. We have applications and food distribution schedules in our office or you may visit the website: http://www.ashfordchurch.org/COMMUNITY_OUTREACH/Ashford_Food_Bank/. The WILLINGTON FOOD PANTRY is open 2 days weekly: Mon, 4 pm - 6 pm, and Wed, 10 - Noon. Patrons must be Willington residents and be screened by the social worker. Customers can come once monthly (on the day of their choice) to select shelf-stable food for their household. To apply, contact: Director, Youth, Family & Social Serv., Town of Willington, 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279. Phone: 860-487-3118; FAX: 860.487-3125 Email: wyfss@willingtonct.org.

GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED Please consider donating gas cards from Cumberland Farms, and food cards from Big Y for requests that come from the needy in our community. Put them in an envelope marked "office" and place them in the collection basket. Thank you.

LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC CDS: There are NEW CDs with orthodox Catholic teaching and some excellent testimonies of individuals and their faith walk.

Thank you for all your donations, they help to keep the program going. If

you have questions or requests contact Donna Vertefeuille at 860-429-4508 or email donna@vertefeuille.org. Eucharistic Adoration: two adorers are needed

each hour after Mass on Fridays at St. Philip 9am to 2pm. Please call Sandra Mullarkey: 860-429-0322. We need people who can commit to one hour, as well as people able to substitute when

necessary. All are invited.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT ADOPTION? Catholic Charities provides services for all members of the adoption triad: Infant adoption placements, domestic and international home studies and adoption searches. 860-889-8346 ext.282 or susansedensky@ccfsn.org for more info. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will be holding monthly meetings for couples who are waiting to adopt or who are interested in learning about adoption. Meetings will be held on October 22 and November 19 at 7 pm at the Catholic Charities Office, 331 Main St., Norwich. Catholic Charities Adoption Program will also be holding weekly Birth Mother Support Group meetings every Tuesday, beginning on September 16, at 9:30 am at the Catholic Charities Office, 331 Main St., Norwich. For more information on both meetings please call our Adoption Program at 860-889-8346 ext. 282.

MEMORIAL MASSES: To remember your loved ones in Masses once or yearly, please call the office or stop in MTW&F 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Do you or someone you know need a Prayer Shawl? Contact: Carolann Hernberg: 860- 487-0449, chernberg01@snet.net.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT WEEKENDS If you are silently grieving after an abortion; healing, forgiveness and peace can begin with a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. “Project Rachel” is also a Diocesan outreach for anyone in need of healing. Priests in “Project Rachel” can help you through healing and forgiveness. Retreat Oct. 17-19 in RI and Spanish Retreat Oct. 24-26 in RI call 401-421-7833 ext.118. Retreat Nov. 7-9 in Stockbridge, MA call 413-452-0661. Retreat Nov.14-16 in CT call 203-631-9030. Priests in Project Rachel ministry are there for you with God’s Grace and Mercy. For info call 860-889-8346 ext. 283 or 800-554-5173. Confidential. www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Natural Family Planning Classes ~ For Married and Engaged. (NFP) is the safe and loving alternative to the dangerous chemical and synthetic hormonal side-effects of contraception and birth control. NFP is scientific and 99% effective for conceiving or responsibly postponing your baby. NFP can also help with fertility problems. Home Study and online are available. Classes are ongoing in our diocese, you also have the opportunity, if taking the CCLI Home Study course, to call our instructors with any questions or attend a class for free. Call the Schantz’s at 860-464-1184 or the Collison’s 860-399-8625. A class begins on Monday, October 20th 6:30pm at St. John’s in Old Saybrook. www.ccli.org.

Marriage Encounter Weekend~ “We thought we had a great marriage, but now our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined!” Rediscover each other with a heart-to-heart Marriage Encounter. November 7-9, 2014, Manchester, CT. For info call 860-376-0440. Email: meweekend@gmail.com. Website: www.wwme.org.

MARRIAGE BUILDING AND REPAIR: Is your marriage tearing you apart, little or no communication, considering separation or divorce? Retrouvaille is a lifeline. A Retrouvaille weekend provides tools to heal, re-establish communication, and gain new insight into your marriage. A series of 6 sessions follows the weekend phase. Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin but open to all, helps to repair and build a stable, loving marriage. For information 413-525-1634. www.retrouvaille.org. MARRIAGE PREP CLASS FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

“God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage”. To register for a 3-session class call the Family Life Office at: 860-889-8346 ext. 283.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LIFE! “Choose Life” License Plates with smiling faces are promoting adoptions and traveling everywhere

as a witness to Life and Love. Give a gift that keeps on giving, it’s so easy! Go to www.fund-adoption.org for info or to download an application form. This helps fund agencies such as Catholic Charities.

“Donation Angel” ~ Donate any type of vehicle: cars, boats, etc. running or not. Donation Angel raises funds to support our Catholic of Norwich and its mission to respond to Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing services for individuals and families. Click or call now for free quick removal of your unwanted vehicle and receive a tax deduction. For info call Ray at: 866-434-1131 or www.donationangel.org/ccfsn.

SHARE YOUR JOY! If you or a loved one are celebrating a special event let us know so we can celebrate with you.

Home Buyers and Foreclosure Prevention Classes: For help with purchasing a home, fallen behind on mortgage payments or help with budgeting or filling out applications for EMAP. All services are provided free at Catholic Charities, a HUD approved Counseling Agency. The Free ongoing Foreclosure Prevention and 8 hour Home Buyers Education Classes are offered by Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Plainfield locations. Info: 860-889-8346 ext. 271.

PARENTS DIVORCING AND/OR RESOLVING CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES – participate in the court suggested Parent Education Program. Are you concerned about the effects of divorce, separation or family disruption on your children? Catholic Charities offers ongoing, monthly one day Parenting Education Classes in Norwich, Rockville and Middletown. A monthly 2- part Spanish/bilingual parenting education class is held in Willimantic. Attendance at both sessions in the Willimantic class is required for the certificate of completion. Fees apply and are determined by the State of CT. Please call 1-860-889-8346 ext. 260 for registration and monthly class locations and dates. Pregnant? Need help? CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pregnancy and Adoption Programs provide concrete help & answers. Call 1-800-BABYDUE, even if you simply want to talk.

Love one another as I have loved you. As you do unto the least of your brothers, you do unto me. Familiar words – How can we put

them into action? Ministering to the sick and elderly is a good beginning. St. Joseph’s Living Center, The ONLY Catholic healthcare facility in the Norwich Diocese, is seeking volunteers to join our chapel team assisting during 11 am daily Mass ESPECIALLY on the weekends. We also need volunteers to join our Vigil Team as we accompany our residents on their journey to eternal rest. If you hear God beckoning you, please call Sarah Perry at 860-465-1107 ext. 124.

Please join Bishop Cote at the 5th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner honoring the recipients of the Most Rev Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education to be held at 4 pm on Sun, Oct 26 at The Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT. This year’s honorees are Ms. Marianne Cote, Reverend Gregory Galvin and Dr. Jeremiah Lowney and Mrs. Virginia Lowney. Tickets are $150/person. All proceeds benefit Catholic Schools within the Diocese. Opportunities for sponsorship, program advertising and raffle donations are available. For tickets and info, please contact Kathy Gaito at 860-886-1928 ext. 15 or kgaito@norwichdiocese.net.

WORKSHOP ON LITURGY AND MUSIC For parishioners, catechists, music ministers Sat, Oct 18, 9 to 12:30. Tom Kendzia – Keynote speaker Program and registration information at www.norwichdiocese.org/office-of-worship Or call: 860-848-2237.

2ND ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER FOR THE ACADEMY

OF THE HOLY FAMILY Sat, Oct 18, 2014 sponsored by the Baltic Council of the Knights of Columbus. Please visit the Academy at 54 W. Main St., Baltic CT and help to be part of the new AHFforward Initiative. Enjoy the evening while supporting this worthwhile cause. Tickets are $100 per plate and can be purchased by contacting Sister Stella Maria at 860-822-9272. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Academy of the Holy Family. We appreciate your support of Catholic

Education.

"DAY OF RECOLLECTION" at The Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich, CT on Sat, Nov 8, 2014, featuring Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR speaking on Fatima: A message of Hope in the midst of the world crisis and Padre Pio - The Living Crucifix. Father Andrew is a member and co-founder of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a well-known author and speaker, as seen on EWTN. For info or tickets ($20/person or $10/students, Religious free w/ pre-registration) - Lunch included, please contact Karen at (860) 303-0513. Thank you.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. St Matthew Parish in Tolland will recite this beautiful devotion every Wednesday after the 9:00AM Mass and Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. Join us at either time or both. If either time is not possible for you, please consider praying privately at home with your family.

ST. EDWARD SCHOOL FUNDRAISING DINNER at Basil's Italian American Grill, Tues, Oct 21st. Stop by for a delicious meal between 4 and 9 P.M., and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Edward School, now celebrating its 140th year of academic excellence! Visit Basil's beautifully renovated facility at 64 West Stafford Rd. (Rt. 190) in Stafford Springs.

COME VISIT EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL during our Open House on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 6:45 p.m. The entrance exam for eighth graders will be given on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 8 a.m. at East Catholic High School. Pre-registration for the exam is advised but not required. Visit www.echs.com or call our Admissions office at 860-649-5336 x6456 for more information!

St. Edward school is hosting our first Halloween Quarter Auction on Friday October 24th. Trick or treat with a twist!! Trick or treat to our awesome vendor tables that night and then sit down and bid in the Quarter Auction. DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM- QUARTER AUCTION STARTS AT 7 PM: Visit all our vendor tables for a special treat before the auction. Children are welcome and need to be seated during auction and supervised. Sorry, childcare not provided. All adults/kids that come in their costume will get in for free (must be in complete costume), NON COSTUME guest admission is one non perishable food item for Safe Net Ministries per adult/child. Forgot your item? Cash donations would be greatly appreciated. Pizza, Drinks and desserts will be available for purchase. Paddles will be $1 each. Stop by our raffle table for a chance to win other great vendor items and support St. Edward School. During the Quarter Auction bid with quarters or dollars on wonderful products from all of our vendors. Product values range from $25.00 - $100.00 and bids will NOT exceed $1.00! You could go home with $100.00 worth of products for just quarters!!! It will be a scary good time!!!

IMMEDIATE OPENING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A part-time (20 hours per week) position is available for an assistant at the Office of Faith Events, Diocese of Norwich. Major responsibilities include assisting with the coordination of seminars, workshops, retreats, etc. Call 860-848-2237 Ext. 312. or email faithevents@norwichdiocese.net for the complete job description and qualifications. All applications due by October 24th. DIOCESAN PRO-LIFE MASS at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Saturday, November 1st ~ 8:30 a.m. Please join us at Mass as we pray to end abortion and for the healing for those who have had an abortion. Following the Mass, the Rosary will be prayed both at the Cathedral and Planned Parenthood. A brunch in the Cathedral Hall will follow the Rosary this month.

UPCOMING MASSES AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PATRICK

22nd ANNUAL MASS FOR FIREFIGHTERS/EMS PERSONNEL

Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass for all Firefighters/EMS personnel, in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Assembly at Chelsea Parade for the line-up and the procession (to the Cathedral) of all personnel and apparatus will begin at 3:00 p.m. Heather Mislivets-Ahern, Emergency Manager, Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department, and Robert Ziegler, President, Emergency Resource Management, are the Mass Committee Co-Chairs. The Homilist will be Father Walter Riley, Pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester, MA and Chaplain for the Worcester Fire Department. All companies, departments, and personnel and their families are cordially invited to participate. For more information call, Monsignor Brown 860-887-9294, x232, or Mrs. Terri Zampini extension 265.

THE SILVER AND GOLD JUBILEE ANNIV. MASS

Sunday, October 19, 2014 -- 2:00p.m. Cathedral of St. Patrick

Inviting all couples married 25 & 50 years and any significant anniversary in renewal of your wedding vows at the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael R. Cote at the Cathedral of St. Patrick. Refreshments follow the Mass. For information: 860-889-8346 ext.283.

Twenty-Third Annual Red, White and Blue Mass Sunday, November 16, 2014, at 10:15 a.m.

On Sunday, November 16, 2014, at 10:15 a.m., Bishop Cote will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick for all military personnel, those who are active, in the reserves and Veterans. The purpose of this celebration is to honor our service men and women as we recognize the many sacrifices made by the families and loved ones of our military. The theme for the 2014, Red, White and Blue Mass is U.S. Air Force. The Homilist will be Reverend Raymond Introvigne. The Mass Committee Chairs are BG CT Edward J. Waitte, (Ret.) and Mr. David K. Harding, U.S. Merchant Marine. For more information call, Monsignor Brown or Mrs. Rebecca McDougal at 860-887-9294.

Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway

Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.

September 17, 2014

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, The theme for this year’s Respect Life Sunday is “Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s Creation.”

This theme echoes Psalm 139:13-14 which states: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!” This psalm echoes what the Catholic Church has consistently taught from its very beginning. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral life.” (#2271) It cites as evidence one of the earliest church documents, the Didache, which notes: “You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.” All of us have been distraught by the recent wave of violence in the world, we celebrate the Prince of Peace and yet, peace seems to elude us. How can we expect to have peace in the world if we cannot protect the lives of the most vulnerable, the unborn, the elderly?

For each of us to live this year’s theme we must also be vigilant to see “Each of us as a masterpiece

of God’s Creation at the end of life.” Certain initiatives here in Connecticut and neighboring states have sought to introduce Physician Assisted Suicide. The argument is made that one should have the choice to end one’s life, even if it means falsifying documents indicating the exact cause of death and keeping the information private from family members. Again the teaching of the Church is clear: “Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.” The Catechism elaborates: “Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable. Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.” There have been tremendous advances in hospice care and we acknowledge the heroic work of nurses and volunteers who maintain the dignity and quality of life of our loved ones.

If we are to acknowledge that “Each of us is a masterpiece of God’s creation” it is important to first acknowledge it in ourselves. Respect life Sunday is also a moment to thank those who work in the mental health field, to thank those who work in our homeless shelters and soup kitchens, in short, all who work to build a more just society. St. Paul reminds us in scripture “when I am weak, then I am strong.” Pope Francis in a meeting last year with the Apostolic Movement for the Blind and the Little Mission for the Deaf, called for a “new attitude” which may be called a culture of encounter. For each of us to recognize in one another the “masterpiece of God’s creation” we are encouraged to follow Our Lord in Pope Francis’ words: “The sick or disabled person, properly starting from his fragility, from his limitations, can become a witness to encounter: The encounter with Jesus which opens to life and faith; and the encounter with the other, with the community. In fact, only those who recognize their own fragility and their own limitations can build fraternal relations and solidarity, in the Church and in Society.”

To build a culture of encounter we need to recognize the most vulnerable in our midst.

With every best wish, I am Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop of Norwich

Diocese of Norwich

Office of the Bishop 201 Broadway

Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 887-9294

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. MEMO To: Pastors and Pro-life Representatives rom: Bishop Michael R. Cote, D.D. Date: July 28, 2014 RE: 40 Days for Life – Nationwide Pro-life Program, A Program of Prayer, Fasting Peaceful

Vigils and Outreach Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014; September 24 through November 2, 2014

This will be the eighth year of our participation in this prayerful and informative program to unite over 500 locations in the United States and Worldwide to end abortion and promote the sanctity of human life. This initiative has been undertaken by individuals and local Pro-life organizations throughout the United States and throughout the world. The Program will begin on Wednesday September 24, 2014, and run through Sunday, November 2, 2014. There will be a “40 Days for Life” Vigil Mass on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 7:00 P.M. at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. I will be the principal celebrant and homilist at this Mass. For these forty days, the focus will be to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity with prayer, fasting and peaceful activism. The major strength of the campaign is its simplicity. The three key components are:

Prayer and Fasting: Inviting people of all faiths throughout the area to join together for 40 Days of fervent prayer and fasting to end abortion;

Peaceful Vigil: Standing for life through a peaceful public witness outside a local facility; Community Outreach: Taking positive and upbeat pro-life message to all areas. Each participant will be asked to sign a statement of Peace to keep the key components

of prayer, fasting and community outreach during the campaign. I am encouraging each pastor and pro-life representative to adopt a day and involve their parish in this initiative. Over the last year, there continues to be a great deal of judicial activism over human life issues and strong national media attempts at quieting pro-life efforts. This positive peaceful activity can raise the level of awareness for the sanctity of human life. Please contact Brian Daly for more information, to reserve a day and for materials to promote the effort: Norwich Campaign Coordinator - Brian Daly, BJDALY@aol.com or call 860-822-1788. I commend this program of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach to you and ask God’s blessings on your efforts to preserve life at all stages of its existence.

Immaculata Retreat House 289 Windham Road Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 423-8484

SENIOR RENEWAL DAY: Father Roger Couture, OMI invites all seniors to join us for this year’s series, entitled “The Parables of Jesus – Guides for Faith Pilgrims.” Call (860) 423-8484 to register. The next session – “The Parable of the Talents” - is on Wednesday, October 15 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

GARDENERS’ RETREAT: “Autumn Harvest” is the theme for this day of retreat on Tuesday, October 7 from 9-4. Thanksgiving for the harvest and a seed exchange will be part of the day. The retreat fee is $20 and includes lunch. 11th STEP RECOVERY RETREAT: This weekend (November 7-9) is for men and women in recovery, and for those who accompany them on the journey of recovery. This retreat offers a safe environment where you will meet others on your journey and who share your feelings and frustrations and learn a better way of life. Call (860) 423-8484 to register.

HOLY FAMILY PASSIONIST RETREAT CENTER 303 Tunxis Rd, W. Hartford, CT 06107-3119

860-760-9705 www.holyfamilyretreat.org

OCTOBER Wednesday, Oct 15, 6-9 p.m. Incorporating Prayer into the Classroom Setting: An Evening Workshop for Parish Catechists with Liza Peters and Lisa Orchen. If you teach religious education, plan and lead youth ministry, or help prepare people for Sacramental Initiation, this evening is for you. Includes dinner, presentation, discussion, and prayer. $40. Friday-Sunday, Oct 31-Nov 2. From Control to Compassion, with Fr. Michael Crosby. This weekend retreat for men and women will explore the causes and consequences of conflict and violence and examine how life might be lived more caringly and non-violently in order to find compassion. $325.

NOVEMBER

Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 5 and 6 (same program both days), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Holiday Bread-Baking Retreat Day, with Sister Elaine Betoncourt, C.S.J. Bake and take home a holiday stollen, while prayerfully reflecting on the symbolism of the ingredients and the process of bread baking as they relate to our daily lives. $65, includes lunch. Saturday, Nov 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Care for the Care Giver: A Day of Spiritual and Physical Renewal for Those in Health Care Professions, with Fr. Chris Cleary, C.P. Explore the delicate balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves. $65, includes lunch. Thursday, Nov 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Leading from Within: Reimagining Christian Leadership for the 21st Century, with John Roberto. How can we center our leadership in a personal mission, informed by our faith in Jesus Christ and his mission and ministry? Bring your own Bible. $40, includes meal. Friday-Sunday, Nov 21-23. Women’s Weekend Retreat: Know Greater Joy. Explore how we can discover deep and enduring joy in God’s presence no matter the situation. Includes home-cooked meals, inspirational liturgies, original music, healing arts therapies (additional cost), and free time to rest and walk the labyrinth. $295, more if you can; less if you can’t. Friday-Sunday, Nov 21-23. Matt Talbot Women’s Recovery Retreat. Women in recovery are invited into a peaceful atmosphere where they can rest, renew their spiritual life, and deepen their sobriety. $150. Scholarships available. Call Gail Wells at 203-804-8406. www.holyfamilyretreat.org