Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church 613 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790

stmaronchurch@yahoo.com Phone: (860) 489 9015

www.saintmaronchurch.org

Luke 1:57-66 The Birth of John the Baptist The Evangelist said: Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown His great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said,

“No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. This is the truth. Peace be with you.

The Birth of John the Baptist

Dec. 09, 2018

Office hours Please contact the office to make an

appointment

860-489 9015

Liturgy Schedule Saturday 4:30PM Sunday 10:00AM

Bingo Nights Monday and Friday Starting at 6:00pm

Meet your Pastoral Team!

Father Tony Saab Pastor 860-725-2924 Steven P. Marcus Deacon David Leard Deacon Paul Comeau Subdeacon

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Please email the office stmaronchurch@yahoo.com

Sacraments

Baptism and Confirmation: Please contact the priest ASAP after the birth of your child.

Reconciliation: Before or after Liturgy or by appointment.

Marriage: Couples must contact the Priest six months before the wedding.

12/8 Joseph (Papa Joe) Adante, requested by the Comeau family Michael Zuffelato, requested by his family

12/9 Lester and Doretta Fleet, requested by Jack and Hayat Comporesi Lisa Leard, requested by Adla Keywan

12/15 Philip Theeb, Sr. and Francis Motuzick anniversary memorial, requested by the Zabbara and Motuzick families.

12/16 Emilio Delgrande and Giovanna Matrascia, requested by Sam Slaiby

12/22 Paolo and Maria D’Addona, requested by Sal and Linda Rinaldi Lola Keywan, requested by Sal and Linda Rinaldi

12/23 Miguel, Juana, and “Lito” Nejaime, requested by Tony and Rosita Abou Arrage

12/24 CHRISTMAS EVE

12/25 BIRTH OF OUR LORD

Liturgical Intentions

Upcoming Special Collection Dec. 16: Monthly offering Dec. 25: Christmas Pastor Offering Dec. 30: Utility fund (Heating fuel)

Weekly Collections

Saturday 1st Collection: $740.00 2nd collection. $70.00

Sun Collection $670.00 2nd collection. $75.00

Monday Bingo: $389.50 Sealed Tickets: $90 Friday Bingo: $257.00 Sealed Tickets: $110.00

Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

This is the last weekend to drop off presents for the An-gel Tree. IF YOU TAKE AN ANGEL, WE DEPEND UPON YOU TO BRING THE GIFT RE-QUESTED ON THAT ANGEL.

We need your gifts by December 9, 2018 so that we can distribute them this week. Thank you for your abundant generosity. Your colorfully wrapped presents add a festive look to our beautifully decorated church. Enjoy the many blessings of family and friends during this holiday season and throughout the year ahead. The Angel Tree team

Annual Collection Appeal

(to date)

$4,910.00 Marian Dubiel Albert & Marion Royer Jeffrey & Michele Burgess George & Joseph Nichols Steven & Susan Zuffelato Jason & Kristen Appruzzese Richard A. Borla Paul & Chris Comeau Addo Bonetti Jack & Hayat Comporesi Lucy & Carmen Lamanna Michael & Stephanie Fowler Angelo & Mireille Silano Nicholas & Dona Spino Lee Lamanna Kenneth Kazlauskas Catherine Mannion Michael & Julie Nejaime Steven & Marthe Hemsen Joseph & Carmela Savopolos Marc & Mirlinda Abou Arrage Richard & Annesa Borla Robert & Cynthia Hart

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Please Join our Christmas Food Drive

-Non Perishable food -Gift cards to Supermarkets/or Department stores CHRISTMAS HELPING HAND Please drop off in box at the church entrance during liturgies. Thank you!

Congratulations to our Confirmation Young Adult class 2018-2019 Blanca Chimbo Godmother: Laura Rangel Joshua Ulloa Godfather: Diego Chimbo Damara Borja Godmother: Eloisa Molina Ives Orellana Godfather: Jorge Mauricio Castro Wesley Orellana Godfather: lauro Alipio Quituizaca Mailey Ulloa Godmother: Blanca Borja Emily Ulloa Godmother: Cristina Toalongo Jonathan Chimbo Godfather: Jayro Chimbo Christopher Chimbo Godfather: Cristian Chimbo

10 things every Catholic should know about the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was declared a dogma of the Catholic Church Pius IX in 1854. 1. The feast commemorates the conception of Mary in the

womb of Ann. 2. Mary was conceived in perfect holiness, without stain be-

cause she was to receive the Word of God. 3. Some of the debate has centred around the different under-

standing of original sin. The Immaculate Conception is linked to the tainting of humanity by the fall of Adam. (Romans 12:18 and Ephesians 2:3). As a result of the fall of Adam and Eve all humanity was tainted by sin.

4. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception recognises that Mary was born without the stain of sin. That is because she would be the vessel of salvation. The temple which would carry Christ in his humanity.

5. The origin of the feast is ancient. In the Eastern Church the commemoration of the birth of Mary has existed since at least the fifth century. 6. The Syriac Father St Ephrem as early as the fourth century proclaimed: ‘There is in you, Lord, no stain, nor any spot in your mother.’ 7. The context of the meaning of St Ephrem’s last quote is ex-plained by the Catechism of the Catholic Church and should not be taken to mean that Mary was purified after conception: 8. Like Jesus who is the New Adam, Mary is the New Eve. 9. There is a scriptural basis for the dogma. In the gospel Mary is greeted as “highly favored,” “The Lord is with you,” “blessed among women.” (Luke 1: 28) “You have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30). 10. Mary is the Mother of God and part of God’s plan of salva-tion. We should not be surprised that as part of that plan, Mary would be conceived free from sin.