St . Francis Xavier Parish

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday at 7:30, 10:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. (NOTE: there will be NO 5:00 p.m. Mass during June, July & August)

Wednesday, Friday at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

SACRAMENTS CONFESSIONS

Saturdays 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. *Additional Confessions on the First Saturday of the month

from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.

BAPTISMS Call Parish Office - 860-354-2202.

MARRIAGES

Contact the priest 1 year in advance.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK The parish clergy and Ministers of Holy Communion visit New Milford Hospital, Candlewood Valley Health & Rehab, Village Crest Center for

Health & Rehab and some homebound regularly. For other specific visits, please contact the Parish Office.

WELCOME

We are glad you are here. If you would like to join the parish, please call the parish office.

26 CHESTNUT LAND ROAD NEW MILFORD, CT 06776

860-354-2202 Web Site: www.sfxnewmilford.org

Email: sfxparish@sfxnewmilford.org Office Hours: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Mon. - Thurs. (Closed on Friday)

PASTORAL TEAM Rev. Gerald Dziedzic, Pastor

PapaGer621@att.net Rectory Phone: 860-799-7449

Rev. Chacko Kumplam

Parochial Vicar

Deacon Alfred “Al” Gambone Deacon.al.sfx@gmail.com

SUPPORT STAFF Chris Grenier,

Administrative Assistant Parish Office & Faith Formation

CGrenier@sfxnewmilford.org 860-354-2202

Jocelyne Verrastro

St. Francis Cemetery/Finance Office JVerrastro@sfxnewmilford.org

860-350-6753

FAITH FORMATION 860-354-5372 Jessica Higgins, Coordinator Gr. K - 5

JHiggins@sfxnewmilford.org

Sue Pullen, Coordinator Gr. 6 - 12 TRIBE (Jr. Youth Group) (Gr. 6 - 8),

Teen (Gr. 9-12) & Confirmation

SPullen@sfxnewmilford.org

HOLY INFANT NURSERY SCHOOL Marge Cooper, Director

HolyInfant@sfxnewmilford.org 860-354-7284

Mailing Address & Office Location 1 Elm Street

New Milford, CT 06776

Fax # 860-355-9485

Page Two May 19, 2019

SATURDAY VIGIL - May 18 5:00 P.M. Eucharistic Communal Prayer Service Fifth Sunday of Easter SUNDAY - May 19 7:30 A.M. For the living & deceased members of the Shugrue & Brennan families Requested by the Shugrue family 10:00 A.M. + Michela Dispensa Requested by Rosa, Theresa & family 5:00 P.M. + Catherine & Raymond Rebholz Requested by Dorothy Stewart MONDAY - No scheduled Mass TUESDAY - May 21 6:30 P.M. For the living & deceased members of the DeAlessio & Martin families Requested by the DeAlessio family WEDNESDAY - May 22 8:00 A.M. For the special intentions of the Carusillo family & peace & prosperity in the U.S.A. Requested by Lori Carusillo THURSDAY - May 23 6:30 P.M. + Neil Gray Requested by A.V. Gray FRIDAY - May 24 8:00 A.M. + Amedeo Babore (80th birthday) Requested by Claudia, Michael, Tyler & Isabella Pilch SATURDAY VIGIL - May 25 5:00 P.M. For the deceased members of the Mullane & Heelan families Requested by Dan & Ellen Mullane Sixth Sunday of Easter SUNDAY - May 26 7:30 A.M. + Mr. & Mrs. William Gervickas Requested by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Samoska, Jr. 10:00 A.M. + Thomas & Margaret Jennings Requested by the Maguire family 5:00 P.M. + Lt. Col. Timothy P. Brooks (15th anniversary) Requested by the Dennis Brooks family

St. Francis sends a final farewell

to our dearly departed: Nicole S. Lindberg

Maria Alice DeBrito Diane M. (Cyr) Castro

Jennifer “Jenni” L. (Mellen) Thome

The Sanctuary Lamp for the week burns in memory of

Segundo H. Obregon (7th anniversary) and his parents Requested by

Maria & Maria J. (his sisters) and their daughters and their daughters

The St. Francis Xavier Memorial Window is illuminated this week for William & Alice Krusky Requested by their daughter, Gail Gold & family

Ascension of the Lord

Holy Day Mass Schedule: Thursday, May 30

8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

First Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Will be held at St. Francis Xavier on the odd months (January, March, May, July, September and November), following the Friday 8:00 am Mass. And it will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes on the even months (February, April, June, August, October and December), following the Friday 9:00 am Mass.

NOTE: Please contact the ushers at the back of the Church; if the Mass is being said for your loved one

and you wish to bring up the gifts. Thank you and God bless.

The Knights of Columbus Council #40 will hold it’s business meeting on the 1st THURSDAY of every month at St. Francis Xavier Church Hall at 7:30 p.m. and it’s social meeting on the 3rd THURSDAY of every month, same time, same place.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will be holding it’s next meeting on Monday, May 20th instead of Tuesday.

All are invited and welcome to come join the ladies in the Parish Center library at 1:00 p.m.

Page Three May 19, 2019

OFFERTORY - = $4,916.00

BEQUESTS We appreciate the thoughtfulness of parishioners who have made a bequest to St. Francis Xavier Parish. These charitable gifts build our parish endowment to help pass on our Catholic faith to future generations.

SOCIETIES/MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS

Parish Pastoral Council President - Christine Zona 860-210-7892

Liturgical Ministries: Altar Servers - Peter Tagley 860-868-7821 Children’s Liturgy - Julie Pokrinchak 860-354-2202 Eucharistic Ministers - Deacon Al Gambone 860-946-9776 Greeters - Noreen Fanella - nafanella@att.net 860-355-2625 Lectors - Barbara Mullen 860-354-6436 Music Ministers - Tina Oviatt 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, *Christian Martirano 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass Michael Fitch & Matt Williams 5:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Masses Ushers - Herman Izzard 860-354-0430 Prayer/Catechetical/Service Ministries: Confraternity of the Rosary - First Monday - Noon, Church Hall Knit for Life - please contact the office for further information Knights of Columbus - For info call Dan Sullivan 860-354-4913 Lay Missionaries of Charity - Joan Kick 860-354-1323 Maintenance Ministry - Tom and Cathy Valedes 914-912-1432 or 860-488-3126 Our Lady Queen of Peace Prayer Group - Thurs., 2:00 p.m. Church Hall Parish Prayer Line - Terri Lucente 860-355-8143; Debbie McLachlan debhmcl@gmail.com Prayer Shawl Ministry - Jo DeCosa 860-355-0342 Pro-Life Ministry - R.C.I.A. - Robert & Barbara Mullen 860-354-6436 Women’s Guild - Second Tuesday of Month - 7 p.m., Church Hall Youth Ministry - Sue Pullen 860-354-5372 TEEN (High School Youth) (Gr. 9-12) TRIBE (Jr. Youth Group) (Gr. 6 - 8) Outreach Ministries: Beautification Committee - Joe Caruso 860-355-0670 Community Garden Ministry - Steve Pullen 860-354-2202 Mass Taxi - need a free ride to Mass? Mark Speede 860-210-0289 Martha & Mary Community Care - Chris Grenier 860-354-2202 Meals Ministry - Chris Grenier 860-354-2202 Affiliated Groups: Recovery Anonymous - 8 pm, Thursday, 3rd Floor Parish Center Boy Scout Troop 66 - Darrin Thorndike 860-799-0730 Cub Scout Pack 66 - Steve Morris 203-526-6254

The Memorial Day Mass will be held on Monday, May 27th at 8:00 a.m. in the

St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 86 Fort Hill Rd. New Milford

We will remember in a special way all of our deceased family and friends, especially those who have died this past year. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. (In the event of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in the Church.

FYI:

THE PARISH OFFICE, THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE, THE BOOKKEEPING OFFICE AND HOLY INFANT NURSERY

SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 27TH.

EVERYONE WILL REOPEN FOR BUSINESS ON TUESDAY, MAY 28TH AT 9:00 A.M.

Archbishop’s Annual Appeal As the 2019 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal “Sharing the Joy of the Gospel for Generations” enters Commitment weekend, I’d like to thank all of our parish families for your continued support. Our efforts as a family of faith provide a wonderful opportunity to touch and improve the lives of thousands. “Through the generosity of our parish community, $$ has been pledged to this year’s effort; this is just a percentage of our financial target. I encourage everyone to consider a gift that is appropriate for them; let’s work together to exceed our parish goal. Every gift make a difference and has an incredible impact. Thank you for your consideration. All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal l i terature, which can be found at ht tps: / /archdioceseofhartford.org/aaa-2019-last-years-appeal-impact/. No appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements”

St. Francis Xavier Annual Dinner Dance Please join us for an evening of fellowship, fun & frivolity! Sat., June 8th from 6-10 pm at Candlewood Valley Country Club Pre-sale ticket cost $35/person ($40/person after May 26). Our evening includes: dancing, trivia games and 50/50 raffle. We will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, fresh spring salad, buffet, dessert and coffee. Soft drinks and juice are also included (cash bar available). Tickets will be sold after all the Masses and at the office.

Items for the Missions: If you have any of the following items: rosaries, prayer cards, medals, small religious books, Bibles, etc. to send to the missions, please contact Judy at 860-354-7254.

Page Four May 19, 2019

Faith Formation 860-354-5372 Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9:00am - 5:00pm

We are closed for lunch (12:30-1:30pm) The offices are closed on Fridays.

Congratulations and Blessings to all our children receiving the Eucharist for the first time on

Saturday, May 4

Tierney Atherton Camryn Basher Mackenzie Basher Mason Basile Kaitlyn Bohrman Brooke Buccieri Jared Chimborazo Lydia Collins Madalena Dell’Orso Matthew DeRoberts Claire Federle Charles Fergason Jacob Fesh Danna Gallegos Kellan Ginty Jocelyn Guaillazaca Thomas Jakus Samantha Leonard Emme Lim Lucey Lunnie Caden Lyons Krista Manka Joseph McCaffrey Shea Perrault Gabrielle Pfeifer Ryann Ramery Nicholas Rodriguez Isabella Saunders Michael Saunders Kenneth Staller Cole Tierney Luke Tomasello Owen Ward Andrea Beaudoin Padraig Boland Rhyan Cudney Sigge Dahl Brittany Flores Meghan Flores Joseph Georgoulis Alexander Gonch Emma Heydet Devon Luchsinger McKayla Luchsinger Leighton Lupke Fiona MacKessy Landon Mason Kyler McLean Alex Mendes Jennifer Montesdeoca Leah Morataya Leila Navarrete Daniel Nichols, Jr. Curran Palancia Asher Profeta Crystal Rojas Brooke Roussel Evan Ruppert Rian Sousa Molly Thomas We also offer our heartfelt thanks to the Catechists who helped prepare the children: Aida Morataya, Rebecca Rigdon, Jessica Higgins, Carla Campoverde, Carey Atherton, Beverly Ryan, Cynthia Lyons, Caralyn Malarkey, Matt McCaffrey and Katie LaCava. Thanks also go out to our talented music ministry, Eucharistic Ministers, altar servers, the Women’s Guild for their donations and hosting, and to the bakers and buyers for the receptions. Most of all we thank the families for their love, help and support in our faith journey with their children. May God bless us all! Fr. Gerry, Deacon Al, Jessica and Chris

CONFIRMATION: The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered on Sat., June 1st, at 10 a.m., by Bishop Juan M. Betancourt, SEMV, with Mass. We ask that you arrive by 9:30 a.m. as the ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m. with or without you. Confirmation practice will take place at the Church on Wednesday, May 29th at 6:30 p.m. All candidates MUST attend with your sponsor or someone to fill in for them. Please be prompt. We regret to inform you that you may only have two guests with guaranteed seating in the Church. Our numbers have grown with the inclusion of other Confirmation candidates from our area. The candidates and their sponsors will have reserved seating and you of course may invite others, but as stated only 2 will be seated in the Church proper. You will be given 2 tickets at the rehearsal, please do not lose them, as they cannot be replaced. Our Knights of Columbus will be on hand to help us with seating. Thank you for your understanding.

2019-2020 Registration for the Faith Formation year 2019-2020 was held, at the Parish Center (school building) 1 Elm St., for all grades Kindergarten through grade 10 (Confirmation). We are still accepting registrations, please come to the office during regular hours to do so. We cannot guarantee class choices or bussing, so please come in asap, to avoid problems.

SUMMER SPIRIT 2019 Registration for the July 8-12 week of Summer Spirit also took place. If you missed registration you may register during office hours (see above). *The cost is: $20/one child, $30/two children and $35/three or more. All counselors must pay $10 each. *PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT REGISTRATION. Campers and counselors enrolled in Faith Formation or having completed Faith Formation will be given preference for placement. NEW: Summer Spirit is open to children entering Pre-K 4s through and including grade 6. Any questions please call the office.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 30TH

Page Five May 19, 2019

Sponsored by our Knights of Columbus Every Monday night

VFW Hall (Avery Road, New Milford) Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

BINGO begins at 6:30 p.m.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Jesus says “I give you a new commandment: love one another.” Learn how to love your spouse more by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The nest weekends are July 12-14 in Manchester and Nov. 1-3 in Manchester. For more information, call Pat & Mary Jo McLaughlin at 860-315-2127 or visit them at https://wwmectw.org/.

Pope to Pro-Life Movement: Protect Life with Courage!

Pope Francis said the following to the Italian Pro-Life Movement: “I remember once, a long time ago. I participated in a conference with doctors. After the conference I greeted them and while I spoke to them, one of them called me to one side. He had a package and he said to me, ‘Father, I want to leave this with you. These are the instruments I have used to carry out abortions. I have encountered the Lord and repented, and now I fight for life’. He gave me all those instruments. Let us pray for this good man...Every Christian has the responsibility of this witness to the Gospel: to protect life with courage and love in all its phases. I encourage you to do this, always with an attitude of closeness and proximity, so that every woman feels considered as a person, listened to, welcomed and accompanied”. (April 22, 2014)

Community Culinary School 7 Whittlesey Ave. (in the St. John’s Parish Hall)

We would like to thank all of you who have donated in some way over the past few months, whether it was through our Gala, Give Local or volunteering your time, it is your generosity that allows us to continue to do what we do! Please join us for our next Community Dinner! This is one of the ways we like to thank you for your support, this is not a fundraiser, but a way to bring us all together over a shared meal. What a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the school year, or to keep your refrigerator empty when preparing for a July 4th vacation! Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm. Please join us. We do the prep, cooking and the clean up, while you enjoy your family and neighbors! Roast chicken dinner with all the fixings. Menu available on our website. Cost is $15. per person - $7.50 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets online by June 24 at communityculinaryschool.org or call the school at 203-512-5791. Please consider donating the cost of a ticket to our Community Fund, so that someone who could not attend otherwise, will be able to!

A REMINDER PLEASE: If you have NOT done so, sign up for the Parish App. This works on

all iPhone and Android smart phones. This will allow us to better communicate with you throughout the week and keep you updated

with relevant parish news and important updates. So be sure to download the app today by visiting myparishapp.com or searching for myparish on your phone’s app store or text App to 88202 to download the app and then select St. Francis after opening. Stay connected with us. Thanks and God bless. If you have any questions or need help call

the office.

The Graduation Mass and Scholarship awards: will take place on Saturday, June 8 following the 5:00 p.m. Mass. All

High School seniors and their families are invited to attend this special Mass where they will be recognized for all their hard work and dedication. A reception will follow in the Church hall. Please call 860-354-2202 to RSVP with you name and

number attending with you. Thanks.

Vocation Reflection Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love! Send forth workers into your vineyard. May some of our parishioners choose to serve you by becoming priests, brothers and sisters. If you wish to serve as a priest or religious, call Fr. Michael Casey, Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, 860-761-7456, email v o c a t i o n s @ a o h c t . o r g o r v i s i t t h e w e b a t www.hartfordpriest.com.

BABY BOTTLE DRIVE St. Francis Xavier’s annual Baby Bottle fund raiser has begun we started with Mothers Day weekend and will go through Fathers Day weekend. This fund raiser is in support of Carolyn’s Place in Waterbury. They are a charity run group who assist any woman who becomes pregnant and needs support. Each family is asked to take a bottle home and put whatever loose change that has accumulated during the day into the bottle. The bottles will be collected in the Church hall or you may drop them off in the Parish office. Thank you in advance for your loving support. Any questions please feel free to call the office.

Nominations for Parish Pastoral Council If you have a desire to serve your parish or know of someone who you think can make a difference, we’re accepting nominations, from May 18th - June 2nd. The parish council is an opportunity for its members to be active in shaping the future of our Parish. The candidate needs a desire for spiritual growth, be enthusiastic about the future of the Parish, and eager to participate in discussions that shape our Parish’s future. The individual should be willing to speak up for what they believe, but be willing to listen to others and work together to build a consensus. As a council member you should be willing to encourage and empower others to take an active role in our parish community. To be nominated you must have made all your sacraments and be a practicing Catholic of at least 18 years of age. You must also be an active and registered member of St. Francis Xavier.

Confraternity of the Rosary The St. Francis Xavier Confraternity of the Rosary monthly meeting will be held on Monday, June 3rd at 12 noon in the Church Hall. We are honored to have as our guest speaker Dr. Joan Kelly, a professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. She will present a lecture titled “Marian Veneration Through the Ages”. Her presentation will explore the peeks and valleys of Marian veneration through the centuries and will include the Scriptural roots of the Rosary as well as an introduction to the various saints known for their Marian piety. All members of the parish are most welcome and invited to attend. If you wish to attend, please call Maura McPartland @ 860-355-4054 or Kathy Hyland @ 860-354-3395 to reserve. Lunch will be served. A goodwill offering from non Confraternity members would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing many of you. Thank you and may God bless us all.